Chapter 14
In the depths of Rai's mind, was a miniature copy of himself. The figure looked and thought just like his physical form, except this one, only lived in the mind. In essence, it was his mind. It was Raimundo's subconscious astral form, and right now, it was unmoving.
Surrounded by clouded darkness, Rai was bound from neck to ankle, by crimson cords that dug into his skin! They were anchored to the floor, and were sucking away the life within him, like blood leaches! Rai could feel the agony of the lashes on his body, but he was too weak to do anything—and didn't know if he wanted to.
The Four Dragons' Soul had taken a lot of his own power, and it was still drawing more! It was a gift that came with a price: it gave you its power to do with as you will, but asked for some of your life force in return. Yet, it expected its user to have enough power to compensate the power loss; if not (as in cases with mortals) it either took away all of your life force, or severely crippled your mind.
Raimundo had done enough research to know full well of this effect, but he had used it nonetheless; for, what was his one life, if through it, he could save the ones he loved?
Now that Wuya was dead, and everything had been explained to his friends…and to Kimiko…there was no reason to fight the power of the FDS, he simply let it take over.
'Rai, you fight it…'
The words had been whispered through the darkness. Rai opened his eyes at the mention of his name. Who was that?
'Don't give up now, partner…'
"Clay? Is that you?"
'Don't give up… I told Kimiko that you'd make it.'
Rai started at the mention of her name, like a he'd been hit by a spark. "But Clay, I can't fight it anymore. It doesn't work that way."
'Don't make me a liar.'
He was stunned by that statement. He knew Clay valued his honesty more than he valued his family. To make him a liar would be to cut him at his very soul! "Clay! I don't mean to hurt you! This is just me! It's my problem!" But Clay's voice went on to say something worse.
'Don't break her heart.'
He jerked forward, as if in a seizure. The external pain was great, but nothing compared to the internal pain that one statement caused. Break her heart! He called in anger, "I would never do that! Not after what she's been through! How dare you say that? I LOVE HER!"
Then the voice changed.
'Don't do this to me, please!'
"Kimiko? Kimiko!" He could hear the hurt in her voice. Was she injured? Why did she speak like that? "Don't do what, my love? Whatever you ask, I'll do it!"
'We need you Raimundo…I need you…'
"Need me? You were okay without me for two years. Clay and Omi will take care of you." He didn't understand his friends, why were they so upset? He was the one in pain, not them.
Clay, Kimiko, and Omi's voices came through the darkness as one: 'We're in this together, and we'll always be there for you.'
"What do you mean?" He was so confused.
Kimiko's soft whisper echoed in his ears, 'I love you…'
That was when something clicked inside him. He finally understood what was hurting his friends—the only family he had ever had. It was him…
He had it all wrong! His death wouldn't just affect him. It would affect them too! Clay was right!
He was unaware that the red cords had intensified. The Four Dragons' Soul was about to give the coup de grâce. It struck with vast swiftness, as a red cord lashed up from the ground and wound itself around his neck! He was pulled forward as the scarlet garrote sunk into his windpipe. He gasped for air as his vision began to fade in the effort!
That was when he felt warm moisture on his face. He couldn't touch it, (for his wrists had already been tied down in unbreakable binds) but he knew it was a tear. Not his tear, but…Kimiko's.
That was the last straw.
One thing he could never endure—was to see her cry. Much less, feel her tears! How dare he hurt her? He couldn't let her down! How DARE he break her heart!
He felt that old feeling of rebellion rise up in him. He began to struggle against his restraints. He was not going to give up.
The cords strung tighter as they felt resistance, causing Rai to scream in anguish. However, this only caused him to struggle all the more.
"I will not give up."
The crimson glow increased…
"I will not give up!"
Raimundo felt the red flood of light engulf him…
"I WILL NOT give up!"
The ruby radiance filled the entire room…
"I WILL NOT GIVE UP!"