Il Ladro Matrice

Chapter 3:

Dark Places and Scarishly Bright Places

Someone said they were confused about the time and setting and the forest. Well I can't tell you about the forest but it is in modern day but its like the forest is protected. I can't tell you how it is protected yet. It isn't a huge forest and it's like one of those places nears towns over hills that no one goes to but bigger and people been their but are frightened. Yeah that should be good enough.

Disclaimer: I hate these things. I don't own. There. Happy? Damn Lawyers let me go!

Rei was in utter shock. How did he, Il Ladro Matrice, become known of his identity with such ease? This wasn't suppose to happen. Maybe Drigger should have some along then he wouldn't be in this predicament. No, this was his stage of maturity he would solve his own problems. But that annoying face of accomplishment and superiority shown on Tala's face. He was just proud of his little action. The nerve of that Tala! Calling him 'handsome' with a smile on his face in the process. This definitely wasn't good. "What do you want?" Rei asked firmly as he snatched the mask from Tala and placed it back on his face.

"What do you mean?" he asked all too innocently as he stared wide-eyed at Rei, but a smile still plastered his face.

"You know exactly what I mean! What do you want me to steal for you so you won't tell anyone?" Rei lost all sense of patience that he stopped accenting his voice.

"Well…"

Kai looked at his watch and saw that the time was one-thirty. Why hadn't Il Ladro Matrice been seen by Dranzer yet? Maybe he wouldn't strike today. They'll have to try again tomorrow. Just as Kai brought his fingers to his lips to whistle for Dranzer, when a shadowy figure brushed past on the balcony of someone's home. He saw ebony strands of hair that went beneath the light of the balcony. As he begun skating to follow him the call button was being pressed rapidly by Dranzer. She had spotted him too. So now the chase began.

Kai clicked a button on the side of each of him shoes so they will become flat. He jumped on to the rooftops as well and began to follow Rei. Dranzer soared above Il Ladro Matrice so Kai wouldn't lose his location. Tyson was a little behind him. All Kai could do was hope he didn't catch up. He always messes something up some how.

Rei had successfully stolen the picture and was having some difficulty carrying it around his back since it was a little more than half his sides. That stupid Tala was practically using him or, dare he say, attracted to him. Just thinking that way with him and Tala sent bad shivers down is spine. That red head's piercing blue eyes. Watching his every movement and smiling his oh-so-mighty smile.

Kai saw that Il Ladro Matrice was in deep thought because he would run under lampposts without a care. Just when he was about to jump in to the forest in the outskirts of town, Kai had him right where he wanted him. He whistled his bird call making Dranzer soaring downwards towards Il Ladro Matrice stopping him in his tracks as he looked from where he heard the whistle. Then, he noticed Dranzer diving towards him. With that moment of distraction Kai leapt forward grabbed the thief's waist. He had caught the famous thief.

"What!" Rei felt something grab him and he was so surprised by it and the bird that he began to lose his balances and started tumbling down. The person was Kai and he fell tight on top of him and was pressing to hard on his back that he couldn't get up. His claws dug into the sides of the Kai accidentally. He hissed in pain and was able to stop Rei who was in shock and didn't realize what he had done.

Kai got up from the Il Ladro Matrice, stood and looked down at him. He could only see his back but the mask had fallen off from his face. Kai got a pretty good look at him. I thought he wore a mask because his face was hideous but apparently not. Maybe because he hides it because he isn't hideous? Ouch! He put some deep cuts on the sides of my hips with some thing sharp. Was it his nails? Impossible! Nails can't be that sharp. Kai stopped thinking as the thief got up moaning in pain. He tried to stand but fell in his butt (A/N: Or bottom to people who find 'butt' offensive. Butt) so he moaned in pain again. He hand was on top of his forehead with his eyes closed. He silently cursed as he tried to open his eyes and look at Kai. He golden eyes finally focused and made contact with emotionless blood ruby. Rei's eyes went wide from fright as he tried to get up again hut only fell on his back.

"Hey Kai!" Tyson yelled as he finally caught up with them and was panting for breath. "Is it that hard to wait for me? God I'm hungry. Who's that? That's Il Ladro Matrice! I didn't really think you'd catch him…" Tyson kept rambling about various things that popped into his head.

Kai was ignoring Tyson's complaints and looked at Rei. "Idiot. We need medical help. Stop making your condition worse then it already is," Kai said sternly as he whistled for Dranzer. He picked the mask unnoticeably to the owner. Rei recognized the bird and knew that they were working together. The bird used his talons to help Kai balance as he walked over to Rei. The crimson eyed fellow handed him the mask while inspecting his face more. Rei was surprised by the look he was giving him.

Great three people in one day found out my identity. One is emotionless and ready to kill me, while the other has too much emotion and looks like he lustful for me. The third seems kind of slow. Mentally. This day is going horribly. I'm going to get in so much trouble with Driger and Max will get hyper and probably try to become friends with them. At least the painting is safe. Rei sighed in annoyance. "Great. What do you want? What have I done to you? You want to reveal my identity to the world to become famous and rich for capturing me?" Rei was shouting at Kai and Tyson who kept staring. Then, he gasped. "You're trying to molest me! You child molesters! I'll fight or kill myself if I get molested by you." Rei got in a fighting stance as he prepared to defend his body and virginity. Yes, he was sixteen and still a virgin and was proud of it. (A/N: No lemons. You could assume there is a lemony scene between chapters. I don't care.)

Kai's eyebrow twitched in annoyance at the stupidity of this guy. What kind of person makes a quick assumption like that? Tyson seemed to disgusted and was pretending to gag at the thought. "Of course not," Tyson said as cheerful as possible. "We just wanted to see the famous thief and become friends with him maybe comrades. Right Kai?" Tyson saw the way Kai wanted to destroy himself and Rei at the thought of "friends."

"Yes. I'm Kai and this is Tyson Granger. Lets get these wounds tended to." Kai extended his hand as he waited for Rei to shake it.

Rei looked quizzically at Kai's hand but decided to go along if he wanted his identity safe. He pulled himself up from the support of Kai and shook his hand and Tyson as well. "Rei Kon. Why don't we head to somewhere we can get our wounds checked?" Rei said as he turned around and began walking. He was embarrassed to look at Kai because he got caught and he thought he was cute.

Rei led them and Draciel to Max's home. He knew Driger and Draciel wouldn't be back for about three days since they were looking for Dragoon who likes to hide from them. Especially Driger. He starting to act too much like Max. Rei walked to the from of the waterfall and stopped. Kai stopped a few feet in front of him as they waited for something to happen. Rei walked behind the waterfall and began to uncover a hole. The hole was about the size a of six foot man, and was so much camouflaged by the dirt Kai and Tyson probably could never find it if they searched forever.

Rei went through the hole and landed with a thump! Then, he sat the painting on the side so no one could see it. He'll tell Max to get it laterKai and Tyson look at the high with doubts about entering. They sure didn't know how long that hole was and wasn't about to die because of a hole. They crouched down and looked at the endless pit of darkness. Only a fool would go down that.

"What are you waiting for?" Rei screamed from the pit of the hole as he echoed to their ears. "The bottom has mats placed at the bottom so do not worry. You won't die." Rei silently snickered as the thought of putting bugs on the mats, but stopped as he remembered they were humans.

"I'm not going first Kai. You're older so go." Tyson stood and crossed. He turned his head away and stuck his bottom lip out in a pout.

"No. I'm older and I command you to go down. Respect your elders," Kai stood as well and spoke with as much stubbornness as Tyson. He commanded Tyson to go down not tell him, command him.

"There is only one way to solve this." Tyson stuck one of his hands out, balled into a fist. Kai did the same as well. "Rock, paper, scissors. Whoever wins goes down first. (A/N: I do that to my friends. It makes them feel bad about winning.) Sadly enough, Kai did win did make him feel bad about it. Damn that Tyson and his extreme luck.

Kai strode over to the hole, swept his feet over the edge and prepared to dive in. Everything was dark and the fall may have been about five seconds long. That was almost the darkest five seconds of his life. Almost but not quite. Just as he landed at the bottom, he lost his balance from the mats and was about to hit the hard floor when he fell into someone arms. (A/N: Betcha all know he it is) Kai looked up and saw a torch being carried by the person who saved him. He had was smiling at Kai. "You okay, Sir Clumsy one?"

Kai saw his savior was blonde and blue eyes (A/N: Surprise, surprise. If you thought it was Rei slap yourself.) Just when he was about to stand he heard a yell coming from the only person who would say something like it. Tyson. "Here I come so get out the way!" Rei saw that he was going to land on them so he pushed Max out of the way but before he got to Kai they both got smashed. "These are some uncomfortable mats." Kai was beneath Rei and Tyson, the fat one, was on top of Rei making the weight unbearable. If it was only Rei, fine, but Tyson included, no way.

"Get off before I kick you Tyson." Kai barked as he tried to squeeze out.

"Oh, sorry." Tyson was able to get up with some assistance from Max. "Hey I remember you! Max right? I didn't think we would meet again." Tyson saw him look baffle but eventually smiled and greeted him with as much enthusiasm. Dranzer flew down and pecked on Kai headed. That was her way of making sure he was alive. Kai lifted the phoenix and told her to head home so he wouldn't get hurt.

After all four were introduced by Rei and Max, Kai being cold about it of course, they headed through the tunnel of the cave. As they walked more they saw a small light at the end. The light was hidden behind a door and behind the door was a unusual room. The couches were curvy, the bed were shaped like animals, the curtains had vibrate colors with designs of dots, stripes, triangles. The television was shaped like a monkey. The carpet was gold and blue. The dishes were wavy and weird. It seemed as though some mad artist had gone crazy in their house or room or cave or whatever you want to call it.

"This. Is. The. Coolest. House. Every!" Tyson ran around the room examine things asking questions like crazy while dragging Max with him so he could answer them.

This was the most creepiest room Kai had ever been in. It felt like a playground. The bright, vibrate, pretty colors was poisons to his eyes. The color were melting his senses of darkness. God this was torture. This seemed like the perfect room for Max and Tyson not so much of Rei though. He looked at Rei's smiling face. Good they were getting close to gaining his trust.

Rei looked at Kai and saw how cold he looked. This room didn't seem to fit his personality. He smiled, maybe Kai would like his room. This one was Max. "Okay come we need to get our wounds treated. Also, we need sleep. It's almost three o'clock in the morning." Rei led them into a room where all of their injuries got treated by Max and they slept. There wasn't any extra beds, and Kai refused to sleep in the same bad as any of them so Rei slept on the couch, Max shared a bed with Tyson and Kai in Rei's.

In the morning, or afternoon really since it was twelve o'clock in the afternoon. Everyone rose thanks to Rei who cooked a breakfast. Kai was already awake before everyone and was leaning in the dark area, which wasn't really dark, and leaned on the wall. He didn't try to converse with Rei but was interested in what he was cooking. It seemed to be pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast. There wasn't a stove, microwave or any kind of electronics so he cooked over a fire with a pot and skillet above it. Rei sung and danced as he cooked as though cooking brought joy and excitement. What was so special about cooking? Why would someone be so happy about it? Sure Kai cooked before but he never danced and sung. He would naturally hate and want to stop the person for doing such ridiculous things but for Rei it was different. If he didn't do these things then it would seem weird. Rei even talked to Kai but he would give a small response or "hmphed" at him.

"How did you get a phoenix Kai?" Rei wanted to be sure he didn't kidnap it or torture it. He would try to talk to it later. Kai didn't seem like the type to care for anything beside him self.

"That's none of your business." Kai said as he turned away from Rei. Rei just shrugged and continued to cook. He will just speak to the bird to find out.

"Yes breakfast!" Tyson came running down the hall and jumped into a chair in front of a table. Max slowly dragged his feet behind him and flopped onto the chair then, yawned a "good morning."

"It should be ready in two minutes," Rei looked at Kai as he spoke. "Care to join us Kai?" Kai was about to refuse until he smiled as he asked the question.

"Sure," Kai strolled to the table and sat far away from Tyson. He knew his eating habits. "Tyson we will be leaving after we eat."

Tyson looked at Kai and shock but finally spoke, "We just got here. Are we going to visit again?" Tyson eyes were pleading for him to say yes. Rei didn't seem to care since the guy was so mean. The way he looked gave him weird vibes and feelings. Max thought they should come. Even though he acted cold he had a good heart. He had a knack for telling this kind of things. I wondered if Rei could tell or if he will eventually like Kai. Kai got a little softer when you asked him to join. Oh well. Max began to look at Tyson and Kai again.

"Fine, whatever I don't care," Kai rolled his eyes than began eating his food. Tyson doesn't even realize he was using him to gain their trust.

When they finally finished eating they departed. Kai had to drag Tyson behind him. He was acting solemn when he just told him he could visit later. No appreciation.

Rei got dressed in his all black outfit again and prepared to met Tala at the fountain in the square of town. This time he tied his mask on extra tight. That Tala better not plan to do something to him. He sat down on the ledge of the fountain and looked up into the sky. The sky was dark and full of stars. The moon would soon be full and shine brighter than it already is.

"Ah… so you came Il Ladro Matrice. This is indeed a welcoming pleasure to me." Tala was dressed in fancy, rich clothing and smiling all to nicely. He sat next to Rei and began dazing as well. "What I need from you is really simple. We will get to know each other in the this month so I can escort you to a ball."

Rei seemed disgusted at the idea of getting close to Tala like that. He could be a nice guy to be friends with but not the other way. If he wanted to be safe then he would have to agree sadly. "Okay but there is a catch to this isn't there?"

Tala grinned at Rei then said, "Why yes there is. It isn't that hard to do. I hope you will agree to that as well."

Rei looked at the him and knew it was going to be terrible. Especially since he was doing his triumphant smile and having a look in his eyes exclaiming "I rule you!"

Moonlight: Yes I updated. I bet someone was prepared to kill me. I like this title but scarishly sounds so stupidly, funnily, proper. In my opinion of course. So they finally met. What's the catch? It is nasty? Why is my cliffy involving Tala so much? God that sucks!

Rei: Why is Tala so… creepy?

Kai: Why does Tyson have to live with me?

Tala: Why are you people stupid? Except Rei of course.

Moonlight: Shut up Tala you're making Rei hid behind Kai! Hopefully, the next update shall be sooner. Chapter 4 is called: The Light Within the Phantom See ya!