Actually, I didn't want to do this chapter. It was a last minute decision. So you guys will just have to live with it. But seriously I hope you guys enjoy it. Before we get to the tale proper . . .
I luv Kai, I still love your name and your three muses. Anywayz I hope you like this chapter, not much action but the plot gets a great deal stickier. grins maliciously
Devlinn Reiko, I didn't realise that Bryan is your favourite character, that certainly changes things for him in the story. I guess I'll have to give him a bigger role. Looks at script and starts searching for parts to edit
LDyFiCtIoN, The plot should coagulate even further and you probably won't believe half of it but you got it right for this chapter . . . I hope you enjoy it!
Sleepy Sheep Guardian, hehe . . . Hey I hope you read my review for your fic. I think your fic was great. Anywayz, the person who gave me the bad habit is none other than DNA 18 although that accusation is probably unfair since somebody noted that I have a perverse mind. Eyes wide in disbelief Well, million dollar question, how did I end this chapter?
Red Countess, I hope I cleared all doubts. Anywayz, don't worry White I don't intend to let the characters suffer for too long. I'd also like to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your new fic "The Wolf in the Window" and your new chapter for "Evermind".
AznWhiteTigerGrl, As I've said before, nothing's set in stone but your input would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy my little dilemma in this chapter!
devilburns , Well, I could only give more but the soon party was a problem. Grins sheepishly Hope you enjoy the chapter!
Android 71, Thanks for the review and for responding to my request! As for how close you are . . . you're close but not quite close enough. I'm sorry for being so obscure but you'll see why next chapter.
JuliTina, It's okay wraps a comforting arm around JuliTina I've got used to it although I absolutely do not like being called a girl there's no way I'd actually get angry with my friends and you are my friend. Your analysis is rather interesting and I can' say they're not accurate. Most of today's stuff is explicit but I'm sure you'll have LOTS of fun next chapter. Anywayz let's just say that this chapter establishes more than one tension in the chapter. By the way, I totally enjoy your analysis.
. . . Choked Off . . .
"Kai can I talk to you for a moment." Rei murmured his golden eyes subdued.
Kai looked up from the training schedule he was planning on the dining table.
"What is it? Morning practice starts in two hours." Kai replied, his ruby eyes staring flatly at the Chinese youth.
Rei balked before that stare but he shook off his hesitation.
"About the other day . . . I'm sorry for getting mad at you." Rei said very quickly, his fair skin flushing to a rose- hued crimson.
Kai stared steadily at Rei who shuffled uncomfortably.
"You don't have to apologise, I had no right to ask." The Russian youth answered blandly.
Rei flinched his golden eyes winced in a pained expression. Then before he could stop himself, Rei grasped the Russian's firm hand and gazed intently into the brilliant ruby eyes.
"You do have a right. You have every right." Rei whispered earnestly.
The Chinese youth's flushed skin warmed Kai's own flesh, their lips barely a hair's breadth apart.
Kai barely suppressed a gasp.
Sincerity turned to horror as Rei realised what he had just done.
"I'm . . . I'm sorry!" Rei apologised quickly leaping away from the pale- faced youth.
Kai growled uncomfortably.
Rei made to escape the dining room but he stopped suddenly in mid- stride. Kai's surprised eyes widened in fearful weariness.
"I just . . . I just thought that you might want to take a look at this." Rei murmured and shyly revealed a sheaf of papers in his cat- like hand.
Kai glanced at the papers, his ruby eyes uncomprehending.
"It explains my recent . . . depression." Rei explained in a bare whisper and gently lay the sheaf of papers by Kai's training schedule.
Kai watched Rei's fluid grace wordlessly.
"You don't have to read it if you're busy." Rei added quickly stealing a glance at the crimson eyes.
Kai grunted his acknowledgement.
Rei spun about and all but fled the dining room.
Kai stared after Rei. The feline form melted into the sunlight streaming in from the front door. Turning to the table, Kai set his pen aside and reached for the papers Rei had left behind . . .
===============================
Tala dreamt.
In his dream he saw a greyish- green cloak and a black mask with gleaming ruby eyes. Purple hair shone beneath the painful, white surgical lights. The hint of a cruel smile.
"Tala my boy, you have much to learn." The sinister figure leered.
Tala was too terrified to speak. The scent of Borris' cloak smothered him just as his own fear choked off any cries of help. Tala opened his mouth to plead for mercy, in vain. All he could do was scream as his world erupted in a cruel agony of black and red. Amidst the excruciating torment Tala heard the chilling laughter of someone highly amused. Even as he screamed Tala despaired with the memory that Borris loved nothing more than to see him in pain . . .
Tala awoke, his body searing with pain. It was as if his veins were filled with venom. Tala tried to scream but choked on the coppery taste of his own blood instead.
"Tala my boy, you're awake."
Suddenly, the pain stopped. Tala opened his blood shot eyes and froze before the image of his old teacher.
"What's the matter Tala, you don't look all that happy to see me." Borris sneered at his one time pupil and took a step towards the Russian youth.
Tala quickly drew himself away and leapt off the operation table. Borris' mouth twitched once. Then he smiled bringing a chill down Tala's spine.
"Before you decide to do anything that might irritate me, allow me to show you a new toy I've made for you." Borris murmured almost dreamily.
Tala shrank back, his cerulean eyes intent upon Borris' gloved hand.
Cruel fingers wrapped in black unfurled to reveal a thin square of metal crowned by a single red button. For some reason Tala could not contain the fear growing in his heart.
Borris' smile broadened. Behind his mask, vicious eyes glinted excitedly. He allowed his thumb to hover for a moment before he stabbed the button.
Tala's body exploded in pain. He sank to the floor, his blood rising to his throat. His veins bulged from beneath his pale flesh seeming to writhe in agony even as the torture became too much for Tala's frame to bear.
Then it stopped.
Weakly, Tala gazed at his torturer with bloodshot eyes. The smile was gruesome to behold and the maniacal laughter that followed . . .
"As you can see dear Tala . . . you'll be begging to serve me to avoid my displeasure!" Borris exalted, his insane mirth echoing in the ruins of Tala's hope.
===============================
Rei went over the message he had typed on Kenny's laptop.
"Dear WhiteWolf,
You haven't replied my latest message and I'm more than a little worried. Is everything all right? Remember that I am your friend, if you're experiencing any difficulties I am more than ready to help you. Please trust me. Something must have happened for you to remain so silent. I really need to know what it is. It really hurts me so much not to hear from you.
Aside from that . . . I have something more personal to say to you . . .
Riding on a cart
A horse- drawn open carriage jostling through sun- baked roads
An iron clop, a stallions trot
Through little furrows of rock crumbs and bright harvest oats
Like gold bronze work in sunlight wrought
Across from me you gaze ahead. A breath exhales
That stirs the golden speckled air.
Some dance about your eyes and swiftly pale
Some motes nestle in your hair.
You turn the reins and gently nudge to tuck the carriage
Into a path. I wait a while.
Then treetops peek beneath the evening sky, its plumage
Bright but fainter than your smile.
"Almost there." you whisper beneath the starry throng
And tilt your head to catch my eye,
That even now does not stray as crickets sing their song,
And gaze met gaze and questioned why.
"Were we heading somewhere?" I asked sad that we would part
And tilt my head, arched brows frowning.
You grin that unchanging grin you gave me from the start
Coaxing love from everything.
But I do worry for the coming night and new day
Though your hand now cradles my own.
Was this a journey ending with the parting of ways?
Would I continue all alone?
You snuck up to me and stole a kiss 'ere I could hide
And whispered, "Don't worry luv you're staying for the ride."
Before us two the passage winds,
Neither of us the end did find.
Can it ever be like this between us? It's been hard for me to admit it but now that I feel that I've lost you I'll confess that . . . that I've fallen in love with you. Through your words and through your poetry I have read and understood a beauty and a heart that my own mind yearns to open up to. You mean so much to me. Please don't leave me in silence.
Love, SnowTiger"
Rei sighed as he reached the last line of his message. Should he send it? It might ruin everything he had with WhiteWolf, yet Rei felt a desperate need to express the emotions he had kept hidden within himself for so long, too long.
"Can I read it now?" Dizzi asked suddenly over the speakers.
"No Dizzi you can't." Rei replied for the millionth time.
"Why not?" Dizzi demanded yet again.
"It's personal." Rei replied.
"You make it sound like it's a love letter or something." Dizzi grumbled.
Rei blushed at that. It was wasn't it? This e- mail he had just typed was in effect a love letter. Should he send it? Rei moved the cursor over the send button, his heart beating fast with painful indecision. "Training starts in five minutes!" Rei heard Kai yell from inside Max's house.
The sudden proclamation surprised Rei and his fingers clicked the right mouse button. Rei looked on in horror as the message was sent right before his eyes to WhiteWolf's mailbox.
"No!" Rei gasped.
===============================
Oh yes Rei, oh yes . . . So guys how is it? Did you like this chapter? Remember that nothing is what it seems. smiles cryptically
Till next time.
I luv Kai, I still love your name and your three muses. Anywayz I hope you like this chapter, not much action but the plot gets a great deal stickier. grins maliciously
Devlinn Reiko, I didn't realise that Bryan is your favourite character, that certainly changes things for him in the story. I guess I'll have to give him a bigger role. Looks at script and starts searching for parts to edit
LDyFiCtIoN, The plot should coagulate even further and you probably won't believe half of it but you got it right for this chapter . . . I hope you enjoy it!
Sleepy Sheep Guardian, hehe . . . Hey I hope you read my review for your fic. I think your fic was great. Anywayz, the person who gave me the bad habit is none other than DNA 18 although that accusation is probably unfair since somebody noted that I have a perverse mind. Eyes wide in disbelief Well, million dollar question, how did I end this chapter?
Red Countess, I hope I cleared all doubts. Anywayz, don't worry White I don't intend to let the characters suffer for too long. I'd also like to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your new fic "The Wolf in the Window" and your new chapter for "Evermind".
AznWhiteTigerGrl, As I've said before, nothing's set in stone but your input would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy my little dilemma in this chapter!
devilburns , Well, I could only give more but the soon party was a problem. Grins sheepishly Hope you enjoy the chapter!
Android 71, Thanks for the review and for responding to my request! As for how close you are . . . you're close but not quite close enough. I'm sorry for being so obscure but you'll see why next chapter.
JuliTina, It's okay wraps a comforting arm around JuliTina I've got used to it although I absolutely do not like being called a girl there's no way I'd actually get angry with my friends and you are my friend. Your analysis is rather interesting and I can' say they're not accurate. Most of today's stuff is explicit but I'm sure you'll have LOTS of fun next chapter. Anywayz let's just say that this chapter establishes more than one tension in the chapter. By the way, I totally enjoy your analysis.
. . . Choked Off . . .
"Kai can I talk to you for a moment." Rei murmured his golden eyes subdued.
Kai looked up from the training schedule he was planning on the dining table.
"What is it? Morning practice starts in two hours." Kai replied, his ruby eyes staring flatly at the Chinese youth.
Rei balked before that stare but he shook off his hesitation.
"About the other day . . . I'm sorry for getting mad at you." Rei said very quickly, his fair skin flushing to a rose- hued crimson.
Kai stared steadily at Rei who shuffled uncomfortably.
"You don't have to apologise, I had no right to ask." The Russian youth answered blandly.
Rei flinched his golden eyes winced in a pained expression. Then before he could stop himself, Rei grasped the Russian's firm hand and gazed intently into the brilliant ruby eyes.
"You do have a right. You have every right." Rei whispered earnestly.
The Chinese youth's flushed skin warmed Kai's own flesh, their lips barely a hair's breadth apart.
Kai barely suppressed a gasp.
Sincerity turned to horror as Rei realised what he had just done.
"I'm . . . I'm sorry!" Rei apologised quickly leaping away from the pale- faced youth.
Kai growled uncomfortably.
Rei made to escape the dining room but he stopped suddenly in mid- stride. Kai's surprised eyes widened in fearful weariness.
"I just . . . I just thought that you might want to take a look at this." Rei murmured and shyly revealed a sheaf of papers in his cat- like hand.
Kai glanced at the papers, his ruby eyes uncomprehending.
"It explains my recent . . . depression." Rei explained in a bare whisper and gently lay the sheaf of papers by Kai's training schedule.
Kai watched Rei's fluid grace wordlessly.
"You don't have to read it if you're busy." Rei added quickly stealing a glance at the crimson eyes.
Kai grunted his acknowledgement.
Rei spun about and all but fled the dining room.
Kai stared after Rei. The feline form melted into the sunlight streaming in from the front door. Turning to the table, Kai set his pen aside and reached for the papers Rei had left behind . . .
===============================
Tala dreamt.
In his dream he saw a greyish- green cloak and a black mask with gleaming ruby eyes. Purple hair shone beneath the painful, white surgical lights. The hint of a cruel smile.
"Tala my boy, you have much to learn." The sinister figure leered.
Tala was too terrified to speak. The scent of Borris' cloak smothered him just as his own fear choked off any cries of help. Tala opened his mouth to plead for mercy, in vain. All he could do was scream as his world erupted in a cruel agony of black and red. Amidst the excruciating torment Tala heard the chilling laughter of someone highly amused. Even as he screamed Tala despaired with the memory that Borris loved nothing more than to see him in pain . . .
Tala awoke, his body searing with pain. It was as if his veins were filled with venom. Tala tried to scream but choked on the coppery taste of his own blood instead.
"Tala my boy, you're awake."
Suddenly, the pain stopped. Tala opened his blood shot eyes and froze before the image of his old teacher.
"What's the matter Tala, you don't look all that happy to see me." Borris sneered at his one time pupil and took a step towards the Russian youth.
Tala quickly drew himself away and leapt off the operation table. Borris' mouth twitched once. Then he smiled bringing a chill down Tala's spine.
"Before you decide to do anything that might irritate me, allow me to show you a new toy I've made for you." Borris murmured almost dreamily.
Tala shrank back, his cerulean eyes intent upon Borris' gloved hand.
Cruel fingers wrapped in black unfurled to reveal a thin square of metal crowned by a single red button. For some reason Tala could not contain the fear growing in his heart.
Borris' smile broadened. Behind his mask, vicious eyes glinted excitedly. He allowed his thumb to hover for a moment before he stabbed the button.
Tala's body exploded in pain. He sank to the floor, his blood rising to his throat. His veins bulged from beneath his pale flesh seeming to writhe in agony even as the torture became too much for Tala's frame to bear.
Then it stopped.
Weakly, Tala gazed at his torturer with bloodshot eyes. The smile was gruesome to behold and the maniacal laughter that followed . . .
"As you can see dear Tala . . . you'll be begging to serve me to avoid my displeasure!" Borris exalted, his insane mirth echoing in the ruins of Tala's hope.
===============================
Rei went over the message he had typed on Kenny's laptop.
"Dear WhiteWolf,
You haven't replied my latest message and I'm more than a little worried. Is everything all right? Remember that I am your friend, if you're experiencing any difficulties I am more than ready to help you. Please trust me. Something must have happened for you to remain so silent. I really need to know what it is. It really hurts me so much not to hear from you.
Aside from that . . . I have something more personal to say to you . . .
Riding on a cart
A horse- drawn open carriage jostling through sun- baked roads
An iron clop, a stallions trot
Through little furrows of rock crumbs and bright harvest oats
Like gold bronze work in sunlight wrought
Across from me you gaze ahead. A breath exhales
That stirs the golden speckled air.
Some dance about your eyes and swiftly pale
Some motes nestle in your hair.
You turn the reins and gently nudge to tuck the carriage
Into a path. I wait a while.
Then treetops peek beneath the evening sky, its plumage
Bright but fainter than your smile.
"Almost there." you whisper beneath the starry throng
And tilt your head to catch my eye,
That even now does not stray as crickets sing their song,
And gaze met gaze and questioned why.
"Were we heading somewhere?" I asked sad that we would part
And tilt my head, arched brows frowning.
You grin that unchanging grin you gave me from the start
Coaxing love from everything.
But I do worry for the coming night and new day
Though your hand now cradles my own.
Was this a journey ending with the parting of ways?
Would I continue all alone?
You snuck up to me and stole a kiss 'ere I could hide
And whispered, "Don't worry luv you're staying for the ride."
Before us two the passage winds,
Neither of us the end did find.
Can it ever be like this between us? It's been hard for me to admit it but now that I feel that I've lost you I'll confess that . . . that I've fallen in love with you. Through your words and through your poetry I have read and understood a beauty and a heart that my own mind yearns to open up to. You mean so much to me. Please don't leave me in silence.
Love, SnowTiger"
Rei sighed as he reached the last line of his message. Should he send it? It might ruin everything he had with WhiteWolf, yet Rei felt a desperate need to express the emotions he had kept hidden within himself for so long, too long.
"Can I read it now?" Dizzi asked suddenly over the speakers.
"No Dizzi you can't." Rei replied for the millionth time.
"Why not?" Dizzi demanded yet again.
"It's personal." Rei replied.
"You make it sound like it's a love letter or something." Dizzi grumbled.
Rei blushed at that. It was wasn't it? This e- mail he had just typed was in effect a love letter. Should he send it? Rei moved the cursor over the send button, his heart beating fast with painful indecision. "Training starts in five minutes!" Rei heard Kai yell from inside Max's house.
The sudden proclamation surprised Rei and his fingers clicked the right mouse button. Rei looked on in horror as the message was sent right before his eyes to WhiteWolf's mailbox.
"No!" Rei gasped.
===============================
Oh yes Rei, oh yes . . . So guys how is it? Did you like this chapter? Remember that nothing is what it seems. smiles cryptically
Till next time.