An: Wahh It's finally here! I'm sooo sorry about the wait Xx It took me forever to write this chapter because of a lot of things ;;
But it's here now! And it's a very important chapter! It's also very long XD so yeah its two chapters in length lol
Review Responses:
Demdova: Thanks for the comment ) However I don't think one can really compare this fic with Ha! That's what you think! They are two totally different genres, and this fic was meant for a more mature audience. Ha was meant for a younger teen audience, and thus is very adolescent. I actually like this fic better )
Dragon-eyes22 – Wah! I love Nightwish! Actually there is quite a bit of Nightwish on this fic's soundtrack XD which I will release soon )
chikaitou-411: Yes, yes I am cruel. XD
Wild-Roze: Thanks for review every chapter )
Important note! PLEASE READ!!!!
I'm having a Never art contest! So if any of you who read this are artists, no matter what you think of your skill P (I'm sure all good!) I would humbly ask you to draw something for this ficcy XD
I'm making an artbook for this fic and I want contributions! Every entry will be placed in the book, however the winning entry will be used for the back cover! I really hope you guys enter, so far I only have one entry ;;
So enter! It can be anything that pertains to the fic, a scene, a character, anything ) So if you have something you want to draw send it to my email ( insanesenshiofdeath hotmail .com – without the spaces) It's also on my profile So yeah, I hope to see you guys all come out!
Believe it or not most of us
Feel like we're losing ground
Believe it or not everyone
Hated admitting this
Believe it or not most of us
Wanna know why we're here
Could someone deliver us?
And send us some kind of sign
So close to giving up
Cause faith is so hard to find
-Believe it or not, Nickelback
Kai was starting to get very, very impatient. Thoughts of betrayal, and thoughts of capture kept flashing through his head. What if Brooklyn had lied to them? What if they had been intercepted coming out of the Abbey?
Both were fears that haunted him as he, Robert and Oliver sat waiting in a non-descript van, parked in a dark and grungy ally two blocks from the Abbey.
The dark and depressing atmosphere of the ally around them only reaffirmed Kai's hatred for Russia, and Moscow in particular. It seemed that every horrible memory and every bad or terrifying situation he had lived could be tied somehow to his home country. A country he didn't at all consider his 'home'.
"They're late." Kai snapped finally, glancing down at his watch. "Something's gone wrong."
Robert sighed, rubbing a large hand over his eyes. His patience with Kai was running thin. One could only handle so much fretting in such a small space. "We don't know that yet. Even if we don't trust him, what could he possibly do with them?"
"Kidnap, rape and murder comes to mind."
Now it was Oliver's turn to sigh, only his sigh wasn't one of impatience, but one of sympathy. Unlike Robert, Oliver had empathetic qualities, and could understand where Kai was coming from. Robert had obviously never loved someone as much as Kai obviously loved Liika. "Kai, what Robert means is that it is still too early to know if something has gone wrong. He's only two minutes late. Perhaps they got held up somewhere along the way. That doesn't necessarily mean they've been captured or Brooklyn's betrayed us. What could he possibly have to gain by betraying us?"
Just as the words came out of Oliver's mouth the door beside Kai slid open and in a frenzy of chaos Mariah and Liika were pushed in, followed closely by Brooklyn shoving the baby at Kai, slamming the door and jumping into the passenger side beside Oliver.
"Drive Dubois. They aren't far behind us. The baby's screams alerted them to our whereabouts."
Oliver nodded and in seconds had the engine on, and the wheels moving, peeling out of the ally and out of the city.
xx
The chaos of the immediate need for escape only lasted until they had escaped the search lights of the many Biovolt soldiers that were pouring into the city. In the throng of cars and vans and trucks that littered the busy Moscow streets, their van was lost and gone before Biovolt could set up a barricade to stop the traffic from leaving the city.
As soon as the tense atmosphere had calmed some and Nadya had stopped screaming, it began to settle in to everyone that they had escaped, and unharmed.
Liika had not budged from the place she had wedged herself against Kai's chest, Nadya pressed carefully between them. Nor had Kai shifted his arms that were wrapped tightly around the two girls. Silence reigned over the vehicle, interrupted in the end by the quiet hiccups of Mariah's silent sobbing from Robert's arms in the backseat.
"Liika…" Kai murmured, his hand rhythmically stroking her hair. "Oh God… you're ok…aren't you?"
"Yes…" Liika whispered back, sniffling and trying to stop the tears that flooded from her eyes.
"He didn't…?"
"No…"
Oliver shifted uncomfortably in the driver's seat, keeping his sad violet eyes on the road ahead of him. "Um… I'm afraid I must ask… why did you not rescue the others?"
Mariah let out a particularly loud wail and buried her face further into the crook of Robert's neck. Robert rubbed circles over her back in a soothing manner, his head leaned on top of hers. He knew… somehow instinctually knew that most of the others… were no more.
Brooklyn glanced at the green haired driver before returning his gaze to the bleak country side that whirred past them in a blur. "I am not the one to ask. I did what I could." He replied, his voice soft.
"They're dead…" came Mariah's tiny voice, filling the void that Brooklyn's words left. "Wolborg got Johnny… when he attacked Tala… Tyson's almost dead…and Rei…Rei…" The sobbing became louder and choked Mariah so that no more words could leave her throat.
"What happened to Rei…?" Kai's voice was extremely faint, as if afraid of the answer.
"Bryan beat him to death."
Kai and Robert glanced at Liika, who continued to stare at the black material of Kai's turtleneck. Her fingers gripped the material of his sleeve tightly, her eyes glassy, red and puffy. Nadya whimpered a bit then, obviously confused at the depressive atmosphere, and why her mama was crying.
The vehicle fell into a void of silence, filled only by the weeping of the two young women and the baby, and the soft rustling of hands against fabric.
While the other passengers of the vehicle mourned the passing of their friends Brooklyn stared passively out of the passenger side window. What did he care if a few people died? People died all the time, his friends, his family, perfect strangers. Everyone had to die sometime. He just chose to accept it.
His mind was already moving on to his next problem. He couldn't have the Angels at his base, not while Biovolt would be combing Russia in attempt to find its heir. He knew that Tala would be knocking on his doorstep, or rather he'd have someone search his Russian base. Brooklyn needed the Angels and his 'secret' projects away from the base before Tala found them.
But where to send the little Angels until it was time for the final show down? He mused thoughtfully, his brilliant mind turning over potential ideas.
It had to be somewhere safe, where the key to his success would be well hidden and healthy. He couldn't have the little girl getting sick or dying on him. That would be disastrous, so the tropics were out of the question.
Suddenly he remembered something Robert had mentioned the day before. He said something about one of his teammates—if Brooklyn could recall correctly, the dead one…MacGregor or something—having a cousin in Ireland, a Miss Cassiopia Rossemore, that might be willing to house them. A cousin who was married to a priest and who resided just outside a church.
It was perfect. Biovolt wouldn't think to look in some remote parish church in the wilds of Ireland. His key and his interests would be safe.
He was sending them to Ireland, to one Cassiopeia Rossmore.
xxx
The floor moved past in a slight blur, dingy grey surface staring back at him as he strode down the dark halls of the Abbey towards the young woman that had just saved him a whole lot of grief, and put him one step ahead of his enemies.
He wasn't about to show it, yet, but Tala was infinitely grateful for Jade's surprising find. Spencer siring a child, a child that would technically be older than Bryan's Nadya, was a potentially threatening issue. He could only guess what Spencer had planned for the child, but everything was starting to click back into place.
The girl known simply as 'Zero' had always been present as Spencer's shadow from the time she had arrived at the Abbey clutching at her brother's legs. Not many knew her real name, as she chose not to disclose it, and so she was simply known as 'Zero'. She was Spencer's right hand, and did anything the tall blond Russian asked of her. It now made sense why she had been absent from Spencer's side for the last two years.
He had sent her and the child into hiding. And if he could remember correctly, it was America he had sent her.
Tala's lips pursed in thought. Obviously the blond had no intention of bringing the child forward to be the heir to Biovolt, which meant that he knew he was going to be caught eventually. It was irritating. Having one more potentially dangerous enemy was not something that Tala particularly wanted.
He wanted that child. Having the child raised against him was dangerous. Tala knew all about the key to a successful world take over, and that was education. Educate the children to be loyal and the parents will follow.
Spencer's child was dangerous because it had personal reasons to be against him, particularly if he killed its parents, which he had every intention of doing. He wanted the child so that he could brain wash it and turn it into a weapon for his side. With its blood it would be a helpful ally. Of course, it could never be the heir to Biovolt seeing as its father and mother were both traitors, but that didn't mean Tala couldn't use it to his advantage.
Without even realizing it, Tala had reached the small office where Jade was located. He brought himself out of his thoughts and opened the door, closing it almost silently behind him.
She wasn't paying attention, instead was staring at her computer screen, a frown of consternation on her face as she nibbled her bottom lip. He thought it was rather adorable actually, adorable and hot. He shifted slightly as blood rushed to various parts of his body, awakening desires that had been lying just beneath the surface for weeks.
I am a master of self-control, don't let one little woman break you. You are not as weak as Bryan! he reminded himself firmly, frowning. It was difficult sometimes to remind himself that she was his key to finding Brooklyn Kingston and if he moved too early she would disappear and his link to his second greatest enemy would be lost… and his future queen as well.
However, just because he was unable to throw her over his shoulder, take her to his chambers and fuck her senseless, didn't mean he couldn't have some fun with her. Smirking widely, he slunk forward silently, fully intending to surprise her.
Jade was intently looking through the security tapes, looking for any sign of Brooklyn and the two girls' escape. At the moment she was looking at a tape of the generally unwatched hall in the west wing. So intent on the screen was she that she failed to notice the door open and close, or the set of glittering, feral turquoise eyes that watched her from the darkness behind her. It was only when something warm and wet brushed her ear and a dark and husky voice whispered in her ear that she realized that she wasn't as alone as she thought she was.
"I must reemphasize how impressed I am with your work my pretty," the voice whispered softly, its owner skimming his lips over her earlobe, "You have saved me from a lot of grief and annoyance."
Jade shivered violently at the feeling of Tala's mouth on her ear, as well as the feeling of his fingers trailing, feather light, up her arm. He was close, so very close; she could feel his chest against the back of her chair. Her breath caught in the back of her throat, her pulse jumping as his mouth moved to the base of her throat where her heart beat threatened to explode from her skin.
Tala sucked lightly on the sweet skin under his mouth, reveling in both the taste, as well as the fact that she was neither pushing him away, or running away herself. He was on his knees behind her chair, his hands resting gently on hers, rubbing soft circles into the back of them with the pads of his thumbs. Oh yes, she was right where he wanted her. Putty in his hands, and ready to do anything he asked, but at the same time still 'loyal' to Brooklyn. She would go running when Kingston called her, of that Tala was sure. But in the meantime… he would give her something to really feel guilty about.
He pulled back from her neck and with one hand spun her chair around so that her face was only inches from his own. He noted with a fair amount of smug satisfaction, that her face was flushed and her lips parted, her tongue darting out to wet them nervously. He couldn't help himself, in one swift motion he dipped his head forward and caught her lips with his own, engaging in what was their first real kiss.
Jade felt her mind dissolve into a mass of mush. The only thing that penetrated the haze that glazed over her brain was the fact that Tala Valkov, the most dangerous and powerful man in the world, was kissing her, and damn was he good at it.
Of their own volition, her hands came up and slipped themselves in his hair, combing through the blood colored strands and twirling them around her fingers.
He practically purred at the contact, a low rumbling growl echoing from the back of his throat. He could get used to this, and was going to, as soon as he had won the war. He would have fun making heirs with this one.
Reluctantly, he was the first to draw away, allowing them both to take large intakes of air. He remained only inches from his face, their noses barely brushing. "That was quite the welcome Miss Tomei, is there something you'd like to tell me?" he cooed softly, mischief flashing through his eyes.
Jade abruptly pulled back as far as she could, realizing just where she was and what she was doing. Her face flushed bright red, and her eyes darted away from his, her eyebrows furrowing. "I do not know what you are talking about Mr. Valkov. Perhaps there is something you would like to tell me, seeing as you were the one that initiated the said greeting." Her voice was crisp, but there was an underlying nervous, wavering quality to it that did not escape Tala.
His lips tilted upwards as he brought himself gracefully to his feet. "What ever you say Jade." He said softly, in a voice that clearly stated he was merely saying it for her benefit. "Now, I would like to see this video of Spencer, as well as any other evidence you might have found to the two bitches' escape."
The red haired woman was grateful for the change of subject. She was unreasonably flustered, not just from the heated kiss, but also from the lack of guilt she felt from it. Once again her disappearing feelings for Brooklyn amazed her.
"Of course," she replied after a moment, bringing up the file that was minimized on her task bar. "I was just about to go through the video on the hallway you and Bryan were patrolling at the time of the escape, but we can go through that together in a moment. This is the file I mentioned on the phone." With a double click of her mouse the small video window popped up and the video played for Tala.
Tala watched the security video passively, his eyes flashing with a peculiar light. He said nothing when it was over, merely narrowing his eyes in a thoughtful manner.
It was exactly as Jade had described, and there was no doubt in Tala's mind of the girl's identity, nor of her state of pregnancy. The date of the film was from about a month before the fateful World Tournament that won them control of the world, which meant that Spencer had hidden the child from even Voltaire and Boris. An amazing feat. It also meant that the child was about three to five months older than Nadya. He wondered slightly how Zero had managed the tasks Spencer had set for her during the nine months of Liika's pregnancy when she was in such an advanced state of pregnancy herself. Someone else must have been on the inside as well. The question was who. Tala ground his teeth. He was going to find out.
"I think I've found what you're looking for."
Tala blinked, bringing his attention back to the screen. Jade had the video paused, and was pointing to something on the screen.
It was stilled on a shot of the dark hallway, with himself and Bryan walking down the middle. Jade's finger was pinpointed on something off to the side, hidden in the shadow behind one of the large statues that lined that particular corridor.
"Shit!" Tala cursed violently, his fists clenching on the arm of Jade's chair as he realized just what was hidden in the shadows. "We walked right past them!"
Jade wisely kept her mouth shut. He was obviously ready to fly off the handle and didn't' need her making some smart-ass comment, though she was sorely tempted. The two girls had slipped out of the Abbey right under his nose. All the power to them then, she though idly, pressing the play button once more and watching as Bryan and Tala slipped out of the picture and the black shape behind the statue materialize into three shapes, one holding a fourth. They really had walked right past them.
"I want copies. On CD. Bryan's going to fucking flip. Jesus Christ." Tala demanded, turning around and attempting to pace the small room.
Jade didn't look at him, instead continued to watch the screen, freezing it once more at a certain spot.
Familiar eyes stared up at her from the corridor, their dark, obscured depths staring right into the camera, as if they knew someone would find them. Brooklyn was taunting Biovolt, Jade knew this, but she also knew he was sending a silent message to her. It was a reminder. A reminder that he was always watching.
"Here's your proof. There was a man with them." Jade said just loud enough to catch Tala's attention over his muttering.
Tala was by her side in an instant. He hissed, his teeth bared, and his eyes glaring at the man that stared defiantly up at the camera.
Sure enough it was Brooklyn Kingston that appeared on the screen before him. Now it was personal. No one stole from Tala Valkov, flaunted it and then got away with it.
Brooklyn Kingston was now officially on Biovolt's most wanted list.
xxx
Fingers trailed idly over silken skin as a tongue mirrored the actions of the wayward fingers. Brooklyn half-smiled gently, allowing his fingers to come to a rest on the underside of his woman's breasts.
"Perhaps I should walk into the face of danger to rescue damsels in distress more often… if this is the sort of thanks I get," he murmured, his eyes flickering down to the brown and red hair that hovered over his shoulder.
Rhia grinned against the bare skin of his shoulder. "Or perhaps you should stay where I can watch you…and make sure you don't get yourself captured risking yourself needlessly for the enemy." She gently bit down, suckling the damp skin.
Brooklyn suppressed a shudder before tweaking one of her nipples in retaliation, earning a shiver of pleasure out of the brunette. "I told you before, I had everything under control. You needn't worry about me my dear."
"That doesn't stop me from actually doing it." She retorted, giving up her assault on his shoulder to curl up against his side. "Even if you have Biovolt under control, I think you're underestimating the Angels. Esperanza says they shouldn't be trifled with, that Hiwatari and Jagen are smart…and don't trust you."
Brooklyn snorted quietly. "Esperanza is involved with one of the Angels now. She has been corrupted."
"Trust you to think of love as 'corrupting' someone," Rhia snarked dryly, shooting her fiancé a glare. "She's still my second cousin, and that makes us family. Doesn't the saying go: "Blood is thicker than water"?"
"Perhaps, but there is another saying that goes: "Love is no better than deceit"."
"That doesn't make any sense!"
Brooklyn chuckled. "Doesn't it?"
Rhia huffed, scoffing incredulously. Sometimes he made no sense and was so incredibly insufferable she wanted to hurt him. "Whatever. My point is that you shouldn't take the Angels any lighter than you take Tala Valkov." She sighed then, hearing the starting simpers of her infant son from the next room. "Oh hell, he's colicky again." Then without another word, she rose from the bed, wrapped herself in a green satin robe and disappeared into the next room.
Brooklyn meanwhile, laid there for a few moments longer, mulling his woman's words over in his mind. If she held that much dislike for the Angels, she was not going to like his next move very much.
"Garland just came by. He says that it's time. You should get dressed and gather Tomoda and the little one."
Brooklyn nodded, rising from the bed and quickly donning his clothing. Rhia stood watching him, her orange haired Benji in her arms, rocking him back and forth.
"Cease worrying love," Brooklyn murmured, pausing beside her to kiss her softly on the mouth and to run a hand over his son's hair. "They may be a threat, but I will have the best eyes in the world watching them. You, Garland and Ozuma are the best protection I have." With that he was gone, disappearing in a swirl of white cloak and mystery that accompanied Brooklyn James Kingston wherever he went.
Rhia sighed, shaking her head, bobbing the baby a bit as he began to fuss once more. Damn him, just inferring that she'd be going with the Angels to wherever he was sending them, instead of actually telling her. Like she wanted to go traipsing off with the enemy, with a two year old to boot.
She wanted to be angry with him, wanted to scream at him that she had had enough of running around, that their son deserved better than that, but she didn't. She understood his need to do what he had to do, his goal of attaining the world. So she said nothing, and merely went along with him. She would watch the Angels, she would watch them closely.
Nothing and no one was going to harm her Brooklyn. No one.
xxx
Liika was worried, on more than one front. She was worried about them staying with someone that whose motives they didn't know. She was worried that Biovolt would find them. However, what worried her the most was her best friend.
Mariah wasn't doing so well. She moved through phases of crying hysterically to nothing, just dead silence and haunted stares. Liika couldn't honestly say what frightened her more. The hysterical fits, or the lifeless stares. Both were equally as horrible in her view.
It didn't help that Kai was moody, and hovered constantly like a harried mother hen. Now the hovering she could stand—her second experience at the Abbey had taught her to actually appreciate his protectiveness—but the moodiness should couldn't. Everyone that surrounded her was sullen and depressed, as if they had already lost the war.
The deaths had weighed heavily on everyone's minds.
Even Enrique, always happy, and cheerful, easy going Enrique was quiet, his normally shining blue eyes dull, sadness reflecting in the sapphire depths. Though he and Johnny had not always seen eye to eye (they actually fought more often than not), he took Johnny's death the hardest. Oliver cried the most, just because that was the way he was like, but after the tears were done, he moved on, trying to help Enrique cope with the loss of their close friend and teammate.
Robert took the death the best, mostly because it was just in his nature to do so, but also because his time was occupied by taking care of his hysterical pink haired teammate. He spent every moment with her, whether waking or sleeping. She was rarely seen without Robert somewhere nearby.
Though Max and Kenny had been sent back to the states with a lot of the other Angels (some returned to China as well) they too had been informed of the deaths, and impending death. Rei's death had been taken just as hard as Johnny's, and Steve was mourned as well.
The days were dark for the Angels, and though Liika tried to fight the encroaching despair, the hopelessness seemed to flood them when they thought of the future.
How could they beat Tala and Biovolt? He was too strong, he had more money, more technology.
More allies.
As much as the Angels didn't want to admit it, the world was beginning to come around to having Biovolt as its form of government. Fewer countries fought the take over; fewer leaders spoke against Tala…fewer people supported the resistance.
They were losing, and everyone knew it.
Liika sighed heavily, leaning back in the plush reclining chair she was stationed in. Nadie was leaned against the crook of her arm, holding a bottle securely between her hands, her large lavender eyes, wide, moving around the room with shy curiosity. Liika let her own eyes wander down to her ten and a half month old daughter, a small smile spreading across her lips.
Nadya was her anchor, the only thing that was keeping her from joining the others in their depression. She couldn't afford to be depressed around the child, as Nadya was very sensitive and picked up on every one of her mom's emotions.
"Mama!"
Liika blinked, shaking herself out of her reverie to see Nadya grinning up at her, shaking the now empty bottle at her. A full fledged smile broke out over her face as she took the bottle from the baby. "Are you finished sweety?" She asked, placing the bottle on the table beside the chair. Sitting up again, she shifted Nadya so that the baby straddled her legs, sitting up on her own. "I think it's about time we teach you to use a cup hm?" Liika cooed, smoothing down the chaotic lavender hair on Nadya's head.
Nadya giggled, nodding her head vigorously, even though she didn't really understand what her mother was saying. "Mama, go!" She squealed, reaching forward and poking Liika in the cheeks.
The blue haired young woman laughed, covering her eyes then rapidly uncovering them exclaiming, "Peek aboo!" Nadya squealed in laughter, clapping her hands excitedly. She loved the game Peek-a-boo. She was also enamored with the word go. Liika had yet to figure that out.
"Go! Go!"
Liika repeated the game of peak-a-boo once more, much to the delight of the child in her lap. After a few more games, the child began to lose interest and demanded to be set down. Liika obliged, setting the girl on the carpeted floor, before standing up, stretching her arms over her head.
She surveyed the room Brooklyn Kingston had been kind enough to provide for her, Kai and the baby. It was just one room in a suit that the remaining Angels occupied. It was a fair size, the biggest of the suit, and had off white walls and soft blue, obviously expensive carpet. A king size bed occupied one corner, a crib set up beside it, with a single wardrobe, dresser and mirror set and reclining rocker chair also occupying the room. Toys were scattered in a tidy fashion in one corner—Nadya was an incredibly tidy, quiet baby—and an ensuite bathroom was situated at the back of the room, almost directly across from the door that adjoined the room to the rest of the suit. It was a nice room, especially compared to some of the holes they had stayed in on the run.
Her eyes finally fell on the bed, or rather, on the person that occupied it. Her lips curled upwards, her eyes softening.
Kai was sprawled out over the large surface, his head propped up on a pillow, one arm under said pillow supporting it, the other gripping another pillow to his chest for dear life. His chest was bare, while a pair of dark flannel pants hung low on his hips. She giggled.
He looked like a little boy.
Padding lightly to the edge of the bed where Kai faced, Liika hoisted herself up onto the soft surface, scooting back until the small of her back touched Kai's stomach. She reached out and flicked the slate colored bangs out of his closed eyes, her fingers running over the side of his face.
He really was very handsome. And exceedingly hot.
She sighed softly, and found herself wishing things were different. That circumstances were different. Liika wished they could have had normal childhoods; that they could have gone through the dating/courtship ritual normally, instead of being thrust into an adult relationship automatically. Instead of having to immediately become parents.
Although she had to admire Kai for his strength. Not many eighteen-year-old males would adopt another man's child as their own and help raise it. Not many seventeen-year-old males (he was seventeen when Nadya was born, and was eighteen at the current time) would stick around for their own kids. It was a thing about Kai that made her proud. He had a very strong sense of responsibility; at least he had since the take over. Before the take over, while they were traveling the world on the road to the World tournament, he was very much like every other immature sixteen-year-old boy, only cold and callous on top of it.
All of them were forced to grow up so fast. It was scary.
She was once again startled out of her thoughts, only this time by an arm that wrapped around her middle, and a set of lips pressing themselves against the shoulder that was exposed by her spaghetti strap top.
"What time is it?" Kai asked, his voice muffled by his close proximity to her shoulder.
"Around six o'clock I think. You've been sleeping for about seven hours."
He grunted, pulling himself out of the center of the bed, to the edge to sit beside her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him and pressing a kiss into her hair. "What were you thinking about so heavily just now? You were so lost you didn't even notice me sit up." His voice was low, rumbling through the quiet room.
Liika sighed, her eyes drifting shut as she leaned against Kai's shoulder. "You, mostly. About how you were a cold, callous bastard before you lost to Spencer."
Kai's quiet chuckle echoed through the room. "I'm so glad you have such good thoughts of me." He replied dryly.
She smiled to herself, her hand finding his and entwining their fingers. "I was also thinking about how good you are with Nadie…and how most guys in your position would have run screaming in the other direction."
It was silent for a few moments, and Liika wondered if she had said something wrong. Her suspicions rose when Kai unexpectedly stood, unlinking their fingers and crossing the room. She watched, a frown growing on her face as he stooped over one of his bags, and rifled through it, obviously looking for something.
"Kai… what are you doing?"
Kai didn't answer, instead appearing to look harder, until finally he stopped shoveling through his clothes and stilled. Liika couldn't see what he was doing, or looking at, as his back was in the way, however, after a few moments she heard a quiet 'click' like the sound of a box snapping closed, and Kai rose, turning back around to face her, his fists clenched at his sides.
He started back towards her, his face a frowning mask of determination and will that took Liika back. She blinked, not really sure what to make of the sudden serious situation. Her eyes flickered about the room, looking everywhere but him, and settled on the quiet baby that was playing with her toys in the corner, paying no attention to them at all.
Suddenly Kai was in front of her, blocking her view of the baby, and everything else. He sighed audibly, drawing Liika's attention, and fell to his knees directly opposite from her on the floor. Liika looked him over, trying to figure out what he was doing, and why he had gotten serious and moody again. She hadn't said anything that should have bothered him…did she?
"Kai…?" She asked softly, her voice shallow and breathy, unsure of his motives.
"Liika…" he replied, finally looking up so that his anxiety filled auburn eyes met with her own angsty turquoise orbs.
"What are you-" but he cut her off, reaching up with his left hand and cupping her cheek, the pad of his thumb skimming over her lips in effort to silence her.
"Liika…" he murmured, his eyes softening to a degree that she had never seen before. "Liika…you know I'd do anything for Nadya…" he sighed, dropping his hand away from her face and placing it on her knee. He leaned his head forward so that his forehead was touching the back of his hand. "You make life difficult being the way you are. When you were captured…a part of me died. All I could think about is getting you back…I didn't care how; I just wanted you out of there… away from him. Even if it meant my life."
"Kai…"
"No!" He interrupted again, jerking his head back, his eyes now flashing fiercely at her. "Listen, for once please just listen to me."
Liika remained silent.
"It nearly killed me knowing he had you… knowing that he could have you and there was nothing I could do. I had no claim …no claim other than love, which is strong in itself, but not in the eyes of the law. Not in the eyes of God. If there is a God." He let out another sigh, pushing his bangs out of his eyes agitatedly.
Liika had to admit she was confused. She had no idea where he was going with this, or why he was even bringing it up. All his talk of having a 'claim' to her sounded almost like Bryan's talk of her. She shuddered.
"Normally it wouldn't matter," he continued, a scowl crossing his face. She had never seen so many emotions flutter over his features in such a short period of time. "Normally it wouldn't matter what he thought…what he did, but now…now with things the way they are…" He trailed off, looking back up, his eyes locking with hers.
"Marry me Liika."
Liika snapped to attention, her eyes widening dramatically, as Kai's other hand, the one that had remained clenched at his side, rose and opened, revealing a pretty gold ring, with a single sapphire stone set in the middle.
Not waiting for an answer, Kai grasped her left hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger. "I mean it… please."
Liika honestly didn't know what to say. She gazed down at the ring that was amazingly the right size—she figured he must have had it sized or something. "Kai…I… don't know what to say. I…why now?"
For a third time Kai sighed, raking his hand through his bangs. "I wanted to marry you some day… but… with things the way they are. Liika I'm sure it hasn't escaped your attention that we are losing this war. I…I'm not sure how much longer we will be able to fight. Even with Kingston's help. Our time is short…and if I'm going to die, I want to die knowing you were with me till the end. In the eyes of our friends, the law and God."
Her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip as she willed herself not to cry. Part of her wanted to scream at him for talking the way he was. For talking like it was already over. Another part of her wanted to throw the ring in his face just because she had a sneaking suspicion that a big part of why he gave it to her was because he wanted to marry her before Bryan had the chance. As if that mattered if he was dead. Bryan would marry her anyway…or just keep her as a low ranked concubine. She wondered if he realized that.
However, the biggest part of her was jumping up and down squealing in joy. She loved Kai, and to have him want to marry her meant a lot to her. Even if his motives were a little bit backwards. She sighed, already knowing in her heart the answer.
"Of course I'll marry you. But next time you ask a girl to marry you, try to be a bit more romantic and less depressing." Liika laughed quietly, throwing her arms around Kai's neck and hugging him.
Kai smiled into her hair, his arms wrapping around her, and pressing his head to her chest. "Sorry." He murmured. "But I don't plan on their being a next time."
Liika sighed, relaxing against her new fiancé. This was just a perfect example of moving incredibly fast and having an adult relationship. She was seventeen. No one got married at seventeen. Except those that were desperate and afraid of dying. Now she really wished that they had a normal relationship. She never even dreamed, when she was younger, that she would be married and have a child before she was even a legal adult.
She wondered if a guardian had to sign the marriage license, with her being a minor still. Of course, even if one did, she didn't have any guardians left to sign. She doubted her uncle still lived…in fact she was sure he didn't. The last thing she heard was that he was killed in a raiding of Tokyo. He was her last living relative.
What did you do when you had no guardian to sign for you? She wondered if Tala changed that rule to suit himself as well.
"What are you thinking about this time? You've gone an offly long time without talking." Kai quipped, pulling away, but only enough to pull her into his lap and wrap his arms fully around her.
"About who's going to sign the marriage license… I'm still a minor."
"You don't have a guardian. Mr. Dickenson was your last living guardian, and he's dead. You are your own guardian now. You don't need someone to sign for you."
"I guess you're right." Liika said, melting against Kai, staring down at her left hand and twirling the ring on her finger absently. "Where did you get it?"
"Hm?" Kai glanced downwards, trying to figure out what she was talking about. One of his hands then shifted from its position around her waist, to catch her hand in his, thumb straightening the ring then running over the stone slowly. "It was my mother's," he said slowly, his voice rough, "It's all I have left of my mother…it's all I ever knew of her."
Liika was silent for a moment after that, relishing the feel of Kai's rough hands running over her skin. "How…" she was hesitant, fearful that her question might upset him, "How did she…die?"
"Giving birth to me." Kai replied flatly, his hand tightening slightly around hers, his entire body tensing, "I was a genetic experiment. Voltaire never meant for my mother to live. In order to give birth to perfection something had to be sacrificed."
Liika didn't know what to say. What did you say to someone who had to live knowing he was the reason his mother was dead? Sure mothers had died in childbirth before, but it was very rare with all the medical technology that was available. Mothers could generally be spared, and if they died it was a fluke situation that was not at all the child's fault.
But Kai's mother had died because of some genetic experiment to make Kai stronger, perfect. It wasn't Kai's fault, even if he was the reason. No, the fault lay with his evil grandfather and Boris. Those bastards had traded a life for a life without a thought. It made her wonder what they had done to the Demolition Boys' mothers.
However, she was saved from replying when there was a soft knock at the door to their room. Liika sighed, her eyes drifting shut. There was no rest for the good.
"Can you get Nadie? I'll get the door. I have a feeling I know who it is." She said quietly, giving Kai's hand one more squeeze before standing and making her way to the door.
It wasn't overly surprising to Liika that when she opened the door she found the orange haired, smiling Brooklyn Kingston standing on the other side. He looked as he always did, pristine, and proper, dressed in his white trench coat with the navy collars and cuffs and gold buttons.
"Good evening, Miss Tomoda."
Liika looked up and smiled back. "Hello Mr. Kingston, is there something I can do for you?"
His head tilted to the side a bit, but his expression did not change. "Call me Brooklyn, we are all friends here hm?"
The blue haired young woman blinked in surprise, but none the less smiled a bit wider. "Of course," she replied, "Call me Liika then, Miss Tomoda sounds so old."
Brooklyn chuckled lightly, his eyes closing for a moment, before opening and focusing on something behind Liika. Liika looked over her shoulder to see Kai standing behind her, Nadya snuggly in his arms. He was staring at Brooklyn, a suspicious look in his eyes.
"Ahh good, Hiwatari you are awake. That makes things easier." Brooklyn stated, his benign smile never moving. "There is something I must show the both of you. Come along and bring Nadya." With that he turned on his heel and started off down the hall."
Kai and Liika sent each other identical looks before following Brooklyn down the hall.
They followed him a good distance, turning so many times that both knew they would not be able to get back on their own. The Kingston compound/BEGA headquarters was far larger than either had thought.
Eventually the small group came to a stop outside a very large set of heavy metal doors. Brooklyn turned to face them, his normal benign smile flattening out into a serious, but vacant expression.
"What you are about to see will no doubtly surprise you. However, it is of utmost importance to both the resistance, and both of your health that you don't say anything until we say so. Neither of you must utter any sound at all, or we will all be in great trouble." He explained briefly, his tone firm. "All will be explained to you shortly."
The other two teens' expressions became guarded, curious but distrustful of the orange haired man. What was he going to show them that could potentially harm them?
"What about Nadya? You can't tell a baby to not make a sound." Kai stated, his voice clearly distrustful.
The smile returned, Brooklyn moving his eyes from Kai to the fidgety baby in his arms. "Nadya will not be a problem," he replied, turning from the couple. "She does not need to be silent. As I said, all will be explained shortly."
Before Liika or Kai had the chance to say anything else, Brooklyn placed his palm on the metal plate beside the door and spoke two words so quietly neither Liika nor Kai could hear them. Almost instantly there was a muffled beep and the metal doors started to open.
"Remember, not a sound." Brooklyn reminded them then fell silent as the doors opened.
Liika and Kai could hardly contain their suspicion as well as their curiosity. Both wanted to know why Brooklyn had shown up suddenly (even though he was prone to do so) and demand that they follow him into a room where they could not utter a sound. More over, why would he tell them to bring a baby into a room where they were supposed to completely silent? It didn't make a whole lot of sense.
As soon as they entered the room, however, all curiosity and thought fled their minds. The sight before them was both horrible and awe-inspiring. Both their jaws fell open.
The room was obviously a laboratory of sorts, and was filled with the permeating smell of chemicals. But what hit Kai the most was its overwhelming similarity to the bit beast laboratory in the Abbey.
Tall, cylindrical tubs lined one wall, only two of them occupied, though they couldn't tell by what as the distance was too great. Great masses of machinery lined the other wall, leaving a ten foot walk way between them. It was a great deal of black, grey and flashing lights.
Brooklyn motioned them forward then, as well as taking a piece of paper from a faceless scientist. He quickly passed the piece of paper on to Liika, who looked at him for a moment before getting the clue that he wanted her to read it as they walked forward.
And she did, turning her eyes to the paper, she only vaguely watched where she was walking.
It was instructions of some sort, instructions that made her frown.
Miss Tomoda,
You must follow the following instructions exactly. Do not deviate from them and do not delay them. As soon as I give you the signal go through them step by step. Do not fear, they are very simple.
1. Take Nadya—if you must claim her from Hiwatari do so quickly—and then step forward towards the first cylinder.
2. Kneel in front of the cylinder and set Nadya on the ground. I have been informed that she can stand, so have her stand.
3. Grasp her by the wrist and then extend her arm forward towards the silver plate.
4. Flatten her palm on the plate, hold it there for ten seconds.
5. Lastly you must make every effort to get her to speak, or to make any sort of sound. A giggle, a coo, anything. As long as it is loud enough and distinct enough to be recognized as her and only her. Do not make a sound.
I beg of you, you must, must follow these instructions exactly. All will be explained in time. Do not be wary, or hesitate, no matter what you see behind the glass. What is going to happen is for the good of the world, and could be the end of Biovolt's reign of terror. Please keep that in mind. If you will not, I will take the child forcefully and do it myself. Do not make me.
Brooklyn Kingston
If Liika was worried or suspicious before, the short letter of instructions increased her anxious feelings ten fold. She had seen cylinders like the ones in the room before. They were generally an indication of genetic experiments, bit beast genetic experiments. Could that be what Brooklyn was doing in this large compound? Creating genetically altered, alive bit beasts?
However, before she could speculate any further, a low, almost horrified, gasp escaped Kai and caught Liika's attention. She looked up, first at him, taking in his wide, fearful eyes, then turned her head to look in the direction he was staring in.
Her own eyes expanded exponentially as she felt the same fear that reflected from Kai's auburn orbs settle deep within her very soul. What have you done Kingston…?
Behind the glass of the first cylinder was the dormant figure of a large black bird. It's wings touched the bottom of the tank, obscuring its head. Its feathers, while black to the visible eye, were actually reflective upon closer inspection, a dark crimson shone from the black. Yet, probably the most horrifying thing about the animal in the cylindrical tank was the harsh, burning light that emanated from beneath the black feathers and gold and silver ornaments which decorated its wing tips and back. It was if the inner being of the bird was made of harsh, red fire capable of melting anything in an instant.
Brooklyn Kingston had resurrected Black Dranzer.
Liika's blood froze cold in her veins. How could any one be so stupid? Didn't he realize that that creature, that spirit was evil? She couldn't be trusted, couldn't be controlled. Just what did Brooklyn have in mind for her that involved Nadie?
It was then that Liika noticed that besides Brooklyn, herself, Kai, Nadya and the various scientists that lingered about, they were not alone. A tall, lanky woman, about a couple of years older than Liika herself, stood in front of the second cylinder, a orange haired child dozing fitfully in her arms.
Brooklyn Kingston was a father.
There was no mistaking the fact that the child was sired by the BEGA Corporation founder, one look at the boy and it was blatantly obvious. Liika supposed the woman carrying him was his mother, Brooklyn's lover. She was pretty, with long brown hair, pulled back into a pony tail and crimson bangs that shadowed her outlined green eyes. She was watching them, her eyes as emotionless as Brooklyn's always were.
Liika then turned her eyes to the second cylinder, and was not overly surprised to find another bit beast occupying the tank. This one, while obviously not Black Dranzer, was no less impressive or intimidating.
It was significantly smaller, only a baby by animal standards. It appeared to be some sort of cat, a cheetah probably, only there were significant additions. It had spiraled, gargoyle like horns on either side of its small head, and dark pink and green, leathery demon wings on its back. It was almost cute when she thought about it…if you could get past the creepy exterior.
Feeling a gentle tap on her shoulder, Liika looked up into the blank turquoise eyes of Brooklyn Kingston. It was time.
Liika would have protested, would have fled from the room, if it wasn't for the fact that she knew Brooklyn would go through with the 'instructions' no matter what she did. Whatever the actions were going to do, Brooklyn deemed them important enough to use physical force to see them done. Sighing silently, she nodded, turning away from him and towards Kai.
Without a sound she took Nadya from Kai, who looked confused, and suspicious, his lips twitching downwards, and then glanced at the paper once more. She could do this. It was simple. Just go to the tank, put Nadie's hand on the plat, hold it there, then get Nadya to talk. It was easy… right?
Then why were her limbs shaking so badly?
Liika stepped forward, slightly startled to see Brooklyn appear at her side, smiling reassuringly. He led her towards the tank, kneeling down with her when she dropped to her knees.
He wasn't taking any chances.
She followed the instructions exactly, having memorized them in seconds—they really weren't that difficult. After she had knelt down, she placed Nadya on the ground, who protested quietly, but stood anyway. She then guided her daughter's little hand forward and flattened it against the cool silver plate, which began to glow on contact. Nadya was silent, which was not too uncommon, her lavender eyes round with wonder and awe.
The slight touch on her arm was all Liika needed to release the little girls wrist and to lean down and blow against the little girl's cheek. Nadya let out a loud, high pitched giggle, delighted that her mother wanted to play.
"Mama go!" She shouted, twisting in Liika's arms to reach up for her mother.
However, all action or movement halted in that moment as a bright flashing light emitted from the two front cylindrical tanks. Nadya squealed again and buried her face into her mother's chest, obviously frightened by the flashing light.
Liika shielded her eyes, and only when the light began to fade did she pull her hand away to glance up at the tank that had held Black Dranzer.
Only to find an eerie black eye staring back down at her and Nadya.
You hold the heart of the unworthy one, and are chosen of my Gemini child Akala. You are worthy for now. I shall entrust my infant child to you. I shall watch over you both.
And then she was gone. In another flash of light, Black Dranzer disappeared, a small amulet containing burning black fire replacing her in the tank.
Liika let out a loud breath of air, her arms tightening around Nadya.
"You did well Liika," Brooklyn murmured, flicking his hand over Liika's hair, before standing and moving over to the next tank where the other woman was still kneeling.
Kai was beside Liika then, taking both her and the child into his arms, pressing a light kiss to Liika's temple. "Are you alright?" He whispered, looking down at her.
"Yes. A bit shaken, but well enough."
Kai then narrowed his eyes, his head jerking up to face Brooklyn, who had helped the other woman to her feet.
"Kingston, you have five seconds to explain yourself. What the fuck was a living Black Dranzer doing here and what did you do to my daughter?"