ANSWER REVIEWS CHAPTER 9
First of all... THANK YOU! To all those loyal reviewers!
Vampyre Neko: Yeah sometimes I believe that Bryan deserves that but... He's supposed to be a good guy. I know he doesn't act like it but that will come after some time. Now I just let him hang somewhere between evil and good. The line can still be crossed to the wrong side. - Indeed a very long time but well here's another chapter.
Fiery Kitty: Aye aye! ;)
Shinigami's Voice: Yes this story is full of references to your story... because it was the main reason why we wrote this thingy. You have no idea how honoured we are to have you reviewing Freezing Fire... in a positive way none the less O.o I hope its' good enough since English isn't our natural language. We love to torture Kai... He makes a fantastic tragic hero indeed. I (Lhune) just can't imagine him to be simply happy with his normal life... he attracts such miserable situations. (Which is why we love him so much) Besides, he has many admirer's... even in the anime. Hope you still find the time to read this chappy (it's a long one -) And once more... THANK YOU!
Theoryofangels: I'm still having troubles with letting them all find out. So for now it will be only Tala who finds everything out. I agree Tala/Kai works out fine too... I just like them all too much but I will stay with the original pairing... though there will be some more hints of Tala/Kai (Can't leave it out -) As well as the other couples. The end will still be Kai/Rei... at least I hope that. I have something special in mind for the moment Rei will find out what happens at the Abbey though I'm not yet sure if I'm gonna use the idea.
Trinity of the phoenix now better known as Vrouwe... (couldn't find it anymore.. sorry!) : Yeah Bryan is a meany... Only because he loves Tala that much (And he is jealous of Kai. -) Yep yep, He's going to tell Tala, but you know Bryan when he's angry... Tala will have to find himself the shocking way O.o. I'm afraid you'll still have to wait for Kai and Rei meeting in better situations because the Lake Baikal scene isn't going to be the easiest one. AND He'll still have to wait the find out about just what Boris does to Kai (He'll get some hints, nothing more evil grin)
Artemis347: You can hate Bryan but he isn't that bad... he just doesn't show it. He only love Tala a bit too much and hate Kai for hurting his soon-to- become-boyfriend as he sees it. - It doesn't help that Tala still longs for the traitor And Kai... Well Kai doesn't want anybody to think he's weak (which he isn't of course but you tell him that) And so he doesn't want anyone to know what's going on PLUS he doesn't want somebody to get hurt because of him so he decided to do it all on his own.
Sarcasmcat: I feel honoured. I highly value your opinion (And I think I'm beginning to sound just a bit too formal for my own good) anyway, thanks.
Phoenix of order: Bryan is a good guy... He just doesn't know it and hence doesn't act like a good guy. He will get better... someday. evil smirkFor now he is ideal to torture Kai a bit further.
Trewyn ditto for Lullaby Lily: Hihihi It still amazed me you reviewed me... Thank you very much. It does mean a lot to us... seeing you are a very good writer. I'm not exactly crazy, just eccentric (and weird) but that's all. I can't believe myself that I actually wrote this (especially the rape scene thingie) But ah well, so is life I guess. Good luck with your story, which is a lot faster on updating then I am.
Hails: Hm yeah.. Takao is just the original Japanese name for Tyson. Which I definitely like better. Like Shinigami said in staring into scarlet eyes Tyson reminds me of a dog (I pity that dog)
Rei from the underworld: I loooove Kaiba - I think I'm gonna read your story after I updated this chapter. Torture is always good... well almost always. O.o BTW love your name too!
Inulover28: You should not worry I always update... It might take a long time O.o Okay maybe a very long time... but I will not stop till I finished the story! Glad you're with me... I know I'm sometimes confusing, gomen... I even confuse myself at times (don't ask me how I manage to do that!) I guess the soon didn't really work out for me ne? But it's summer I should have all the time to update sooner from now on.
Bloody eyes: Thank you, I do my best... It is indeed a mess creation of my chaotic mind. Kai isn't likely to actually tell anybody about Boris' treatment but they will find out. Yep Bryan is protective over Tala... Very protective. O.o It doesn't help Kai in any case.
Silens Fletus: Oh but ri can't stay mad at Kai... Not that Kai makes it easy for the neko-jin to forgive him but it'll work out eventually. In the end Bryan and tala will get together... I just haven't figured out yet how but they will. Btw Where comes your name from... I haven't got a clue...
KuronekoHikage: Black cat Hikage right? I'm not Japanese so I'm only trying. Glad it is interesting enough for you to read...Here you have more... You do live by the clock don't you? I don't wear a watch... If I'm late well that's the others' problem thanks for taking the time to review. ;)
KawaiiSanura: Yep there will be some more Kai/Rei yaoi. It's one of my favourites too... but now I like Tala/Kai too. Argh, they're driving me mad. But It is a Kai/Rei story so that will be the outcome. Sorry you had to wait so long.
Dragonphoenix: YES SIR! salutes
Umbby: stares at long reviewWow still staring at the reviewWe shouldn't exist O.o Gomen, oh but we can marry you? I hate to say this, but I don't believe in the marriage... at least not anymore for me. looks at Kanamaybe she would like to, Kana doesn't seem to mind gets wacked on the headOkay you should ask her yourself one day. Yeps Kai/Rei is our favourite too, though I can live with Kai/Tala too (they are cute) If you think this is good, you should read staring into scarlet eyes by shinigami's voice certainly. She is much better than I am. And for writing this story... It was our pleasure, in fact it still is. Indeed Kai and blood is my favourite combination. Hihi I can imagine Rei as a cat too... way too cute. I just try to use different names, otherwise it could get repetitive (hell of a word) And well emotionally torturing Rei I can handle, I just wouldn't want to get him really hurt... That doesn't go with him. You are right, it was the weirdest review we've ever got but we did really love it! If only more people wrote such reviews...sigh
TyKa Forevermore: Doesn't matter, I didn't update for... way too long (doesn't dare to say it) It is just strange you review. I'm very gratefull don't get me wrong... But I'm not that friendly to Takao all the time (points at your name)
CRaZy NeKO-JiN: Another Rei-lover...- I hated the rape-scene but if you liked it... Lots of emotional torture for Rei... poor Rei but he'll need to go through it. Kai's been through enough? But but... but there is still more to come. O.o Yey Tala/Bryan worked! Good still more to come of that too!
Kaisuke: Takao can think indeed... On very few occasions but he is capable to. At least that's what I think... if you only base on the anime I would start to doubt even that.
Yamisammy: I'll keep it up... till it is finished - And yes, I live to make Kai suffer. My inspiration? Hm my chaotic and (mildly) disturbed mind comes up with most of it. As does my obsession to read as much stories as I can. The main reason why I write however is staring into scarlet eyes by shinigami's voice. It was her fic that brought me the love for Kai/Rei so I guess that would be it.
Svart Mirai: I know it is sad... I love torture just way too much O.o At least I'm not the only one who loves it. Sorry it took me so long.
Daaku: Well the Bladebreakers are going to find out some pieces of what is happening to Kai... just not everything yet. I think that would be too soon. Besides, I still got something in mind to let Rei find out that Kai endures a lot more than they think.
Faite: Never ask me to update soon... I can try as much as I want but it never works out... I'm really sorry but it seems I really can't change the habit. Yet I keep trying, never give up the hope. -
Eyriess: Demented people rule! (at least if they resemble you -) Angst is all I need... with a bit of fluff from time to time... Kai will suffer until I think he had enough... no that's not true because then the fic would've ended a long time ago... GO kai-angst! O.o
Tai-writer: YAY whiiiiiiiiii I'm happy! We got you reading Kai/Rei! Great. Never knew I had so much influence! (Don't get too self-assured) Kai is my fav too, that's why I torture him so much (I know that it doesn't sound logic, then again I'm not logical so it is kinda logical for me...) There isn't that much of a difference between straight and yaoi if you get a better look at it. I mean it are just people. It would be a lot worse if you would pair Mr Dickinson and e.g. Kenny... that would scare the hell out of me. Not all straight couples are great... after I read the way things happen by vialana... I really couldn't stand Mariah anymore. Imagine pairing up her with Tala or Kai... it seems weird to me but if it's written okay I can cope with it... So I guess I understand what you mean - And that was a long way to say just that. If you like this story you might want to read staring into scarlet eyes by shinigami's voice... I personally think that is the best! It was the one that got me reading (and liking) Kai/Rei.
Devilburns: As always, I tried but I didn't succeed.
ninjaprincess: I'm a loyal fan of Kai too, but I can't help but torturing him. Gomen. I know, I'm disturbing. (this is the freakiest thing I've said so far) But once it's over, he will have his reward. -
Lhune: Iwannaseeg-revolution!
Rei: Nani? O.o
Kana: She says she wants to see G-revolution. (shrugs)
Rei: And why is that?
Lhune: (calms down but not too much) Because Kai is going to play hero... actually he doesn't play that. He just will finally show everybody who he is. (smiles happily)
Rei: How do you know that when you haven't seen it yet?
Lhune: I found enough information... summaries, clips and descriptions. I crave for more. PLUS there is Brooklyn.
Rei: Brooklyn?
Kana: Oh Brooklyn.
Rei: ...?
Lhune: He resembles Tala a.k.a Yuriy. He has red hair and blue eyes... He smiles constantly... sortof like Soujirou in Rurouni Kenshin. At least in his first battle against Kai...
Rei: Huh?
Kana: Well in his second battle he is just too amazed that Kai stands back up every time and he has become too arrogant. Kai wins the match... though not unscathed.
Rei: Wow... Kai how come you never told me that.
Kai: hn
Lhune: You were there... you saw everything... Almost everything.
Rei: I didn't!
Kana: You will find out some day. (smirks)
Lhune: And there is another thing... From what I saw there is a greater connection between Tala and Kai... I just love that!
Rei: But what about me and Kai... (pouts)
Kana: Well she has it in for Kai and Tala now.
Rei: WHAT! She can't do that! Kai, tell Lhune she can't do that!
Kai: Hn (crosses his arms)
Rei: KAAA-AAI wants to attack Kai
Tala: I like that. (smirks)
Rei: But..
Kana: Hey no fighting in here... Tala where did you come from?
Tala: I-
Kana: Doesn't matter... Out everyone! (pushes them all outside)
Lhune: I guess that leaves me to announce the next chapter.
Kai: hn
Lhune: What is it with you today? You say nothing but hn
Kai: Whatever (shrugs)
Lhune: Forget it (rolls her eyes) Enjoy the chapter... it is the longest so far 10 000 words.
Freezing
Fire
By Kana and Lhune
Chapter
10
(o)Nobody showed me where to run, Nobody showed me
where to hide(o)
« You are Boris Little
pet. »
Kai blocked Bryan's voice out of his
head. The lilac-haired Russian didn't know how hard that comment
had struck. Because that is what he was...
There was no use in denying it. Boris could do whatever he wanted to him, no matter how much he resented it.
Shuddering slightly he hugged the jacket closer to his body, trying to get his frozen frame to warm up as he recalled the latest meetings with his former mentor. He'd rather be beaten to an inch of death that torture but he knew he couldn't escape it.
Not if he wanted to attain his goal.
He snuggled even deeper in the grey jacket. He didn't know why he had taken the jacket to wear. Sure, it was nice to have something warm but...
---------
"Well it's obvious you don't
need us anymore, you never did. Fine be a lonely, asocial freak, I
don't care. I hope you rot in hell!" Rei yelled devastated and
threw the jacket at Kai's feet. After a hateful look he ran
off.
---------
It brought some memories back to his which he rather didn't think of for the moment... Especially since he was meeting them again soon enough.
He cringed slightly as he remembered the hateful glare Rei had thrown him. He looked so angry, furious,... but most of all hurt. The slate-haired teen hated to see his neko-jin in pain. He would do everything to make him happy.
Strangely the worn fabric offered some comfort to his hurting soul, like a warm safety blanket dampening the agony. Suddenly he realized...
'It smells like Rei...' He mused while he breathed the scent in. 'Like a warm autumn breeze after a shower of fresh rain' He had come to love that scent and found peace in it.
... Yet it didn't seem to fit with the grey jacket. Like it didn't belong there, it felt wrong.
A lost snowflake landed on his lips and melted after a second. Surprised he looked up to the stale-grey sky. More white snowflakes whirled down, played by the icy breeze that took a hold of his white scarf too.
"Seems like it started to snow again." He said slowly as if he needed to find the hidden meaning behind his own words but couldn't discover it. The crimson-eyed teen gazed at the pristine landscape before him, lost in thought.
Shaking his head softly a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He really was thinking too much lately, it only served to confuse him even more. The hint of smile faltered when he remembered where he was heading to and his face set back to the indifferent mask, he entered the helicopter.
He wasn't looking forward to it but his mind was set. He would show them the accuracy of his new blade... A warning they would better heed.
o-O-o
On the other side of the darkened building a certain red-head was unaware of the folding of the events... too caught up with his inner demons which all whispered the name of his former friend. The conflicting actions and words of the slate-haired blader were torturing his mind and eating at his sanity.
He calmed his erratic breathing, he felt like he had run too long in the cold Russian winter-weather. The red-head scolded himself for slowly but steadily succumbing to the crimson-eyed blader's aura.
'Damn you Hiwatari for bringing emotions back I thought long banned, forgotten and locked in the unreachable depths of my own soul. Why can't I just hate you like I have done all those years you were gone? Why do you keep haunting my every thought?... Haunting...' Tala's thoughts lingered on that last word. Images of those scarlet mirrors turning crimson, haunted by the blood that had flowed because of them.
When the mask had broken only hours ago, there had been so much pain, so much suffering... It had just been too much. Tala rested his fiery head in his hands. He couldn't deny it any longer.
He didn't hate Kai... He couldn't hate Kai.
He wanted to take away the pain he saw in those crimson depths and sooth the misery... Like he would have done all those years ago. It seemed like the story from life before this life. A mystery, asking to be unravelled.
Sighing he looked up, his ice-blue eyes glittering with hidden emotion.
'Since when has my life become such a mess? As if it wasn't fucked up enough before... Argh Fate must really hate me.' He thought since he didn't wish to utter those words out loud. Here, only his thoughts were his own as long as they hadn't found a way to control them... not that they didn't try.
A distant noise outside, far from his room made him look out over the frozen fields surrounding his odious home for now. A ghost of a smile reached his frozen lips as he was just in time to witness the falling of the first snow in three days.
Acting without reason his pressed his pale hands against the cold surface, trying to feel the white substance through the glass. Closing his eyes he rested his head against the cooling window. Clearing his mind and just listening to the soft sound that only falling snow could emit.
---d---p---
The pristine outside world resembled the scenery of a fairy tale. A white layer covered the dead ground, like a blanket to hide the terror of the nothingness that lied beneath it. Yet now, the deceivingly azure sky told of better times, a frozen sun made the vicinity sparkle like some goddess had scattered millions of diamonds.
Among this gift of nature, a frozen lake could be seen not too far off. Like a mirror, a gateway to another world of dark mysteries... It was a unique silent day...
"Come on Kai! It doesn't even snow anymore, you will love it outside!" A fiery red-head said happily, enjoying the cold breeze that ruffled through his hair. He was clad in warm clothes though he didn't really them anymore, he was used to colder weather. Orange fingerless gloves and a long knitted orange scarf, almost matching his locks, warmed his lithe young body as they added to the jacket underneath them. He turned to look at his companion who still lingered in the doorway.
"Tala it's cold..." The slate-haired boy muttered softly, hugging his black coat tighter to his fragile frame.
"Aw... well if you don't like it, Dranzer definitely will!" Tala tried to persuade his unwilling friend almost to the point of whining. His ice-blue orbs shimmered as much as his surroundings, if not more.
"I don't think she will, she's a fire bitbeast remember? I'm sure Wolborg and you love it out here, you always had weird likings." Kai said more pronouncedly now, giving the white substance a blank stare. He wasn't cold though. As well as the red-haired teen, he too was well wrapped up in warm clothes. Yet his clothing was of a dark black that contrasted violently with the blankness around him, even the sheath of his wakizaki was a deep black. Only his white scarf remained of his usual attire.
"Kai, you know you're being difficult. Come outside and join me... please!" the red-head was positively whining now. "It'll be a good training for the both of us... and Dranzer will become stronger! You need to have some fun...Don't act so-"
SPLAT
He never got to finish that sentence because a large amount of cold snow had collided with the back of his head and was now dripping in his collar. He whirled around and got sight of the crimson-eyed boy he knew was the cause of this incident, grinning mischievously.
"You told me to come out in the snow and have some fun, you should have considered the risk." The slate-haired boy told Tala pointedly.
"You immature..." Tala quickly grabbed his own amount of snow to throw at his assailant but cursed as his friend had already taken off to get out of danger's region.
"You'll never catch me!" The crimson-eyed blader yelled as he looked over his shoulder to look at his fellow blader. Mirth twinkled in his scarlet orbs and Tala was glad when he heard the soft laughter ring over the plain.
It wasn't often he would hear that sound, chuckling he ran after Kai. He didn't mind the cold water that was now dripping down his spine, he had gotten Kai happy. That's what mattered.
"Don't be so sure of that! I'm still older than you." He sped up a little more and was pleased when he was gaining on the slate-haired boy.
"That's not fair!" Kai yelled indignantly while he looked back, no longer looking where he was going. Not noticing he was nearing the end of the snow.
Tala froze inside when he saw the scarlet-eyed boy approaching the frozen lake. "KAI! STOP!" He yelled but it was too late...
Kai almost lost his footing as he ran on the frozen surface but managed to keep his balance. Finally he stopped a several feet from the edge. Crimson eyes looked around uncertainly, searching for any cracks that might have appeared. Noticing there weren't any, his cautiousness left and he looked up to Tala.
"You never get me here!" He said satisfied and grinned.
Tala sighed relieved. "Okay, okay... You win, I give up!" He said defeated but not exactly minding his surrender.
"Yay!" The slate-haired boy exclaimed and almost jumped in victory but instantly reminding the treacherous ground he stood on.
"Now get away from there, will you. Carefully." Tala asked watching every step of the younger boy warily. It seemed safe but he wasn't reassured yet. Something had him on the edge.
Kai shuffled closer to his friend, making sure he didn't make any stupid moves... like slipping and falling. Only a few feet to go...
He would be able to jump the distance now... If he hadn't been standing on a slippery surface that is.
Almost there...
The crimson-eyed boy grinned, already planning what he would do next. He would make Tala regret he had dragged him outside, although he kind of liked it now he was finally outside in the snow.
Tala reached out a hand to grab his smaller friend when...
CRR-CRACK
The ice started to crack rapidly. Ragged lines spread over the frozen water accompanied by a terrifying sound. Kai's scarlet eyes widened in surprise forgetting the red-haired boy only a couple of feet away.
"KAI! Grab my hand!" Tala called out frantically, reaching even farther.
But the younger boy seemed oblivious for his voice and kept staring horrified at the scene that was unfolding beneath his feet. He woke up out of his daze as the crimson-haired Russian managed to grab his coat. Acting fast, his grabbed a hold on Tala's hand and allowed himself to be pulled to safety just in time. Breathing heavily they fell down in the snow, staring at the broken pieces of ice that floated in the freezing water.
"That was close..." Tala sighed and looked at his companion whose gaze was still fixed on the lake. "You alright, Kai?" He asked softly.
"I'm fine..." The slate-haired blader replied uncertainly. They sat in silence for a couple of seconds when said boy spoke again. "Tala?"
"Hm da, what?" Tala answered with a faraway look in his ice-blue eyes.
"Arigatou." The crimson-eyed boy whispered softly, not looking at the boy next to him.
This got Tala to turn his attention to Kai. "What did you say?" He inquired, doubting his hearing. It had been spoken so softly.
The smaller boy lifted his eyes to meat the ice-blue orbs. "I said Thank you" His voice much clearer now.
Tala furrowed his eyebrows. "That isn't what you said before... What did you say before?" He asked genuinely curious.
Kai blushed lightly and Tala couldn't help but think it suited him, though he hadn't seen Kai flustered before.
"What I said, Thank you... In Japanese." Kai explained hesitating, a crimson hue still covering his cheeks.
"And?" Tala asked.
The slate-haired boy's orbs shone in confusion. "How do you mean 'And'?"
Tala chuckled softly. "And... How do you say thank you in Japanese?"
"Ah..." Kai smiled in understanding. "Arigatou." He said, fiddling with the black fabric of his trousers.
"Arigatou" The redhead repeated with a bit of difficulty, getting used to the foreign language.
"NO!" The slate-haired boy next to him suddenly cried and jumped on his feet. Scarlet eyes widened in horror, stared at his thigh.
Tala got up and took a hold of the distressed boy. "What is it Kai?" He asked insistently trying to get his friend to look at him.
"My wakizaki! It's gone!." Kai struggled to get out of his grip. "It must have fallen in the lake! I... I must go after it!" The slate-haired boy rambled desperately.
Tala only got a better hold of the trembling body. "Don't be stupid Kai. The water is far too cold! It's just an object, they'll get you another one. It's not worth risking your life for it!" He spoke earnestly to the crimson-eyed boy.
"You don't understand! I need to get it back! I- I... I'm sorry!" With that Kai pushed the redhead off with the strength of fear and ran for the water.
"KAI! DON'T!" Tala cried but it was too late. Kai dived into the freezing cold water. Defeated, the red-haired boy ran to the edge.
"Kai."
---d---p---
Tala tore his gaze from the window as the door to his room slammed open and a raging Bryan barged in.
"That perverted Bastard!" The lilac-haired boy seethed and slammed the door shut with great force.
'It's only Bryan... angry Bryan.' Tala though before turning back to look out of the window. "Easy on my door Bryan." His soft voice stated coolly and uninterested.
Bryan plopped down on the ground next to the red-haired Russian. His fist were still balled and the hateful look had not disappeared from his face but he rested his head against the wall, eying Tala from the corner of his pale orbs.
"Why do you care so much for him?" He asked softly, almost inaudible.
Tala didn't bother to look at his teammate. "Kai, you mean?" He kept silent for a couple of seconds. He didn't deny his concern anymore, it was useless. Why did he care for Kai? "I suppose I can't help but remembering those years we've spent together..." the redhead hesitated slightly. "And though I know he betrayed us..."
'He betrayed me'
"I still can't believe he did that to us." He concluded ponderously.
'My heart tells me he wouldn't do such a thing.' Of course he couldn't speak openly of matter of the heart. It was supposed to be gone, long forgotten.
-flash-back-
"I SAW YOU DIE BECAUSE OF ME OKAY! I HEARD BORIS SAY YOU WERE DEAD BECAUSE OF MY STUBBORNESS! I left because nothing held me here in the place anymore!
-end Flash-back-
What did he have to believe?
"He uses you..."
Tala looked to his teammate. Icy depths clashing with angry pale orbs.
"I know his secret... I saw his secret." Bryan said disgustedly. He pushed himself off the wall to stand straight in front of the red-haired Russian.
"Do you know why Boris favours him so much?" His voice was steadily rising now.
Tala watched him fascinated.
"Do you know what happens when they're alone?" He asked harshly, his tone shrill. He took Tala by his shoulders in a forceful grip. "They fuck Tala! They FUCK!" Bryan nearly shouted at this point.
He let go of The red-haired blader's shoulders and started pacing.
"I ran after him after he left the room and confronted him. I asked him if he knew what he was doing to you..." The lilac-haired Russian halted and gazed at his struck teammate. "He knew Tala! He bloody knew and he didn't feel sorry for it." He ran his hand through his hair, getting worried by the numb manner Tala was acting.
"We started fighting... He had bruises on his hips, in the form of fingerprints. He didn't feel shamed about it as far as I saw. Do you understand what they were doing after Kai left you?" Bryan hissed, cursing the vacant look in his captain's frozen eyes.
"This is the way almighty Hiwatari Kai climbs up to the top. Screwing the bosses!" Bryan didn't see how Tala flinched. "I wonder would he do it with his grandfather too?" He seethed to no one present.
"You're lying!" the redhead suddenly said dangerously low.
"I don't lie... and you know that as well as I do." Bryan replied unfazed.
"No..." Tala said cursing, standing up swiftly to grab Bryan's collar. "If you lied to me..."
"I didn't and you know that Tala... You know" Bryan's harsh voice resounded in the cold room.
Tears stung The ice-blue pools but he refused to show them. This couldn't be true...
-flash-backs-
Hesitating, he reached out to the distressed boy... the pale form looked so fragile. The ice blue-eyed blader noticed disturbed how Kai almost backed away.
-b-r-e-a-k-
"TALA!"
"Yes sir?" Tala asked coldly.
"Where is Kai?" the purple-haired man commanded harshly.
"I don't know sir, I haven't seen him since he left the training room." Tala answered dutifully.
"That insolent brat!" the elder murmured. "Find him and bring him to my personal quarters... We have some talking to do." The man said maniacally, licking his lips. Tala hadn't been able to derive the underlying emotion he heard in the man's tone back then but know he knew... Lust
-b-r-e-a-k-
"I could have known you treacherous dog!"
o-O-o
"Follow me! I think you need to remember your lesson... my little phoenix."
-end flash-backs-
It all came back
to him. The revolting looks Boris would give Kai, the use of that
absurd nick-name. No one had noticed it but somewhere in his
subconscious he had registered Kai's reaction to those three words.
Tala couldn't believe that Kai would let somebody do that to him
voluntarily But...
If Bryan was right...
He had to know!
o-O-o
"Tomorrow at noon. Don't be late...don't be late... We're here but where is He?" Takao grumbled as he rubbed his hands clad in gloves to get warmer.
"He'll come, he never misses an appointment." Max shushed snuggling deeper into his warm coat. "Beside he still has time... We're early."
"Yeah but look." The blue-haired blader indicated the expanse of ice "I don't see anything coming our way and he shall have to hurry if he wants to be on time."
The blonde sighed. "Oh Takao..."
Kenny who had been typing on his laptop piped up suddenly. "Takao is right... for once... Kai-"
"Hey! What do you mean for once?" Takao exclaimed mock hurt.
"Just what I said: For once you were right." Kenny answered uncaring.
"Why you-!" The blue-haired blader started.
"Sh Takao! You were gonna say something about Kai, Kenny?" Max asked curiously.
"Well yeah, as I said. If Kai still wants to be on time he'll need to do some expensive tricks." The spectacled boy spoke knowingly.
"Huh?" his two listeners chorused uncomprehending.
"What I mean is: He can't possibly come on time by foot, car or sledge... So I get guess there is little chance our former captain will be here at noon."
"Oh... like that." They chorused again and then looked at each other, blushing.
"Hm I know!" Takao spoke up suddenly. "Maybe here in Russia, noon is different from in Japan. You know, Russia being a land that is way behind other countries. For all we know Kai meant by nightfall or something." He declared proudly.
"Takao, do I have to remind you that Kai lived a long time in Japan and that we had to meat him more than once at noon... and he was always on time." Kenny said exasperated.
"Oh yeah... I forgot. Gomen." Takao mumbled flustered.
Max closed his blue eyes in frustration. 'Takao really... Sometimes..." He cared greatly for the boy but some of his utterances were absolutely ridiculous. Yet he couldn't fault him for that, he just loved him too much...
'I didn't mean that! Like him... That's what I meant.' Oh crap! Even that sounded wrong to his own thoughts.
Al of a sudden his eyes feel on the silent neko-jin standing a few meters from the others. He looked so lost...
"Hey Rei!" Maw called out to his Chinese friend.
"What is Max?" the golden-eyed blader asked while turning around.
"Mum called me back in the hotel. You were in your own room so I guess you haven't heard yet. She said I have to drop by after we finished because she had something for me." Max beamed. "I'm getting a new, improved blade! Can you imagine, made by the best technicians!" The blonde turned slightly to watch Kenny. "No offence to Kenny but..." He whispered "I'll have the strongest Draciel ever!" He exclaimed happily.
Rei had the urge to sweatdrop... That was scary, really! Sometimes Max started to resemble Takao just a bit too much to be comfortable with.
"That's great Max. She-"Rei stopped when he heard a rumbling noise coming their way.
"I can't believe it." Takao said dumbstruck "He's coming with a helicopter!"
"And he's right on time." Kenny stated matter-of-factly, checking his watch.
Golden eyes stared at the advancing colossus, trying to see who was inside although he knew well enough.
'So now we'll find out perhaps why you are doing this Kai.'
-b-r-e-a-k-
The Bladebreaker stood back as the descending helicopter created a strong wind and landed cautiously on the ice. None of them spoke a word but waited for their former captain to appear.
Their silent patience was rewarded as ruffled slate bangs made their appearance through the door. Soon the crimson-eyed blader emerged and walked towards them, his white scarf floating on the soft breeze.
Rei noted disturbed that Kai had become thinner since their last meeting and was looking even paler than before... which had seemed to him impossible. His golden eyes came to rest on the crimson orbs that were hidden by the shadows created by the tousled slate locks.
'What are you up to Kai? I really don't get you anymore... not that I ever did. I used to think I knew you better than the others. Now I see that I was wrong... You're always like a stranger to me.' The golden-haired teen thought sadly.
Nobody seemed to notice the long time they stayed in silence... all lost in their own thoughts. They were interrupted though as Takao cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry to say this Kai... But you can't come back like this. You must understand... so much has happened, give us an explanation at least. We-"He stopped startled as Kai laughed shrilly. There was no happiness in the sound. Pure sadness and bitterness reached their ears.
"You think I'm here to come back to you? I have no reason to... All I want is to battle you. YOU, my former team. You, Takao, who took my victory in the championships by pure luck." His words were hard and cut through the air.
The four teens were baffled. Kenny looked like a goldfish, happing for air. Even Dizzy tightly gripped in his arms who for once didn't know what to say.
"I'm going to show you the meaning of real power... One worthy of a bitbeast." The scarlet-eyed teen sneered harshly. He looked up, locking eyes with the neko-jin.
Rei had the urge to take a step back. He was used to the emotionless of the crimson orb but now they resembled bottomless pits of fire. A strong will was all he could derive from those heated pools, a strong will and indifference towards the four people that cared about him.
Kai took out his blade and showed it to his former teammates.
"This is what you're up against. Black Dranzer" He announced coldly.
Rei took in the sight of the Black blade. Shiny material with red streaks on the edges... like the licking thongs of fire...
...Or the stains of fresh blood.
"We know you must have a reason to do this Kai. Why can't you tell us? We can help." Max pleaded softly, Gazing at the stoic ex-captain.
"I told you the reason already. Are you really that thick-headed? I want to become stronger, the best blader... And Biovolt can help me with that. You don't need to care about me. Better start worrying about your own future because I am going to beat you." Kai said strongly. He stepped forward and readied his blade. "Who wants to start... Or even better, I battle the four of you at the same time."
Takao closed his mound and advanced. His lips formed a grim line.
"Alright then Kai. We wanted to give you a chance but this has gone too far. I battle you... And I will win." Takao said determined and readied his own blade. He looked over his shoulder to his blonde friend.
Max sighed. "He's right Kai. I though that somewhere you weren't as bad as you wanted to appear... but I guess I was wrong. We'll show you what you left, a strong team!" Max said as he walked up to Takao and stood next to him. Kenny appeared next to him.
"I might not have a bitbeast or a powerful blade but I want to help. I don't want to watch and do nothing." The spectacled boy stated a bit uncertain. Max shot him a reassuring glance.
"We're glad you're with us." He said thankfully.
Rei didn't avert his eyes during this... they stayed trained on the slate- haired Russian. He didn't see a flicker of emotion on the seemingly stone mask but he knew they must have been there. Finally he gripped his blade.
'Drigger, you shall have to help me.' He mused sadly.
"I still don't believe you Kai. You're not telling the truth." He said convinced and came to stand at the side of his teammates. "I don't want to fight you... But if it is the only way to learn the truth about you I will battle you." He took out Drigger and gazed intently at the silver blade. He needed to defeat Kai.
"Now the small talk is over, let's begin... BLACK DRANZER!" Kai launched his blade.
On cue, the Bladebreakers copied the movement.
-b-r-e-a-k-
It hadn't taken more than a second to wipe Kenny's blade out the match. The moment it came into touch with the black blade, it cracked up and fell dead.
Not that it surprised the Bladebreakers... they had come to expect that from their slate-haired ex-captain.
It wasn't until Max' Blade was down even before he had the chance to call Draciel that the realisation dawned on them just how much trouble they were in.
"You will have to do better if you ever think of defeating me and Black Dranzer..." Kai spoke suddenly. He sounded much like the stoic teen they had know during their trainings and time together as a team.
"Not that I give you a chance of winning." He added maliciously, crushing their hopes as if to make clear that their captain had ceased to exist. "I hope you're ready... BLACK DRANZER ATTACK!" The slate-haired teen commanded strongly.
All except Kai and Rei took a step back in surprise and horror when the darkened counterpart of Dranzer appeared. Terrifying shadow curled around its burning body casting a dark and sinister glow upon his audience. With a shrill shriek the fuming bitbeast launched itself at the unprotected spinning blades on the ice.
Rei shook off his daze when he saw Black Dranzer advancing in horror and turned his attention back to the match.
"DRIGGER!" He called out and saw with relief the majestic Tiger emerging from its bit, protecting his blade as well as Takao's. The Chinese teen winced slightly as the phoenix' sharp talons grazed Drigger's side.
"Get off you filthy chicken, leave him alone! DRAGOON!" Takao yelled and instantly the blue dragon appeared and charged the attacking phoenix.
"Black Dranzer evade. NOW!" Kai ordered his bitbeast and watched icily as the dragon bit in the ice.
"Kai, This is nonsense! Why are we fighting!" the Chinese neko-jin tried to reason his assailant.
The slate-haired teen ignored him, continuing to observe his bitbeast while it continuously attacked Dragoon viciously with flaming arrows.
Rei bit his lip in frustration... Why wouldn't Kai answer him, why did the Russian ignore him.
"Answer me Kai! Do we mean that little to you?" The Chinese shouted almost desperately.
Yet Kai acted like he hadn't heard him.
Like he didn't exist.
'If he doesn't listen to me, doesn't acknowledge me... I will make him notice me!' Rei though determinedly.
"Drigger ATTACK!" he ordered with more conviction in his voice than before.
He didn't know Kai hadn't heard him because he was concentrating hard to keep Black Dranzer in check.
-br-e-a-k-
'Damn Black Dranzer! ' Kai scolded irritated. Since he had launched his blade the beast had done nothing but trying to attack his adversaries mercilessly... Blades and Bladers.
The outcall of Rei warned him just in time to brace him before Drigger collided with the phoenix and sent him riling backwards.
In order to control Black Dranzer he had to connect himself profoundly to the bitbeast, using all his will. He succeeded to keep the bloodthirsty phoenix from hurting anybody but he had to pay his price for it. Every blow the blade took was transmitted to Kai's already battered body.
He gasped inwardly as Drigger hit his black blade again and cursed himself for not paying attention.
"Volcano emission... NOW!" Kai commanded as the black blade had narrowly missed vicious attack from Drigger. The dark phoenix turned towards Dragoon and attacked him, surrounded by fire and tendrils of shadow the powerful blade slammed into Dragoon. The wind-bitbeast didn't stand a chance and released his final attack... but it never reached his target.
Takao watched in horror as his loyal bit-beast was defeated. He fell on his knees disconcerted and picked up the remains of his damaged blade as it rolled over to him. In an instant Max was at his side to comfort him.
"It's alright Takao... You couldn't help it." The blonde offered softly. He grew anxious as the blue-haired boy remained silent. "Kenny will surely be able to fix Dragoon." He added while rubbing soothing circles on Takao's back.
"You don't understand, Max... He's strong..." Takao said sadly while fingering the blade. "We are going to battle Kai and his new team in the finals but I'm afraid for the outcome. If they're all that strong, we don't stand a chance."
"Drigger, don't let that thing come near you... TIGER CLAW!"
The sound of their Chinese teammate drew their attention back to the match. The blades were still clashing violently without any restraints... At least that is what they saw.
The reality was that Kai had a hard time holding the Dark phoenix in line. The more blows it took, the more Kai was wearing down. His injuries were still not fully healed and were now catching up with him.
"Now tell me Kai, WHY are we fighting again?" Rei asked the slate-haired teen angrily. His golden orbs were narrowed to mere slits and bore into the blood-red ones.
Kai heard the neko-jin distinctly but couldn't answer. He didn't trust himself to blurt out the true meaning of this battle.
The silent treatment of the crimson-eyed blader angered Rei even more. Drigger's attacks became more ferocious.
"Answer me Kai! STOP. IGNORING. ME." He shouted seething.
"You shouldn't spend your attention on talking... it's futile." Kai answered so softly Rei had to strain his ears to hear it.
The raven-haired blader let out a gasp as Black Dranzer delivered Drigger a devastating strike and knocked the Tiger down. A rain of fire came down on the injured bit-beast and Rei had to hold himself back not to run to aid his loyal companion.
He turned to the slate-haired teen only to find him lost in thoughts with his eyes closed. The Chinese blader frowned in confusion, how could Kai command Black Dranzer with his eyes closed?
He tore his gaze of the intriguing teen as he knew Drigger was defeated.
Horrified he saw how the phoenix retreated to his chip but seeming attached himself to Drigger, dragging the unconscious tiger with her.
"DRIGGER! IIE!" He screamed at top of his lungs.
The four Bladebreakers watched defeated as they knew there was nothing they could do to save Drigger. Kenny gaped loudly. "He's pulling Drigger with him in the chip... that shouldn't be possible!" He said upset.
Nobody saw how Kai's blood-red eyes fluttered open.
"Black Dranzer... Release him." He ordered his dark bit-beast steely.
The phoenix seemed to hesitate.
"I said release him... NOW!" The slate-haired teen growled dangerously and Black Dranzer obeyed, returning single to Kai's out stretched hand.
"Kai... What happened?" Max asked hesitating.
Nobody noticed the cracks that had appeared on the ice during the battle... concentrated around Kai.
"Hn" the scarlet-eyed teen folded his arms across his chest almost lazily.
"Kai stop being an ass and tell us!" Takao demanded irritated, huffing indignantly.
"Black Dranzer has the ability to absorb other bitbeasts... hence become stronger." The slate-haired Russian explained indifferent.
More cracks appeared but the teens were too concentrated on their own thoughts to notice.
"But then... why didn't you take our bitbeasts?" Rei wondered uncomprehending.
"Simple. Because—"Kai never got to finish his answer. The ice caved in around him and the piece he had been standing on turned over, sending him into the freezing water.
Once under water he struggled to get back to the surface but the current was pulling his down and the cold was numbing his actions. He halted his actions as he faintly thought to recognise another being in the lake. For a second he saw a child, diving deeper into the blackness beneath him. His slate-bangs floated around him...
'It can't be... ' Kai thought frantically as the figment of his imagination disappeared and his memories took over, blocking him from the reality.
---
Flashback---
Cold... He tried to fight it as the water
drenched his clothes and froze his skin.
Determined he dived deeper, unafraid of the darkness that awaited him. He needed to have his wakizachi back... For several reasons.
His actions were becoming sluggish and he forced his lithe body to continue...
A slight glimmer caught his eye, not so far anymore. Though he was running out of oxygen, he gabbed blindly at the glittering.
He missed...
Becoming desperate he tried another time. This time he got hold of the black and silver object. Gripping it tightly, he started his way to return to the surface. Glancing around him, he started to doubt which way was up. He swam towards the light that seemed to come from in front of him.
He felt as if ghosts from the deep were pulling him down, hindering him as much as they could. He could feel their half-decayed hands curling around his feet. No matter how hard he kicked they didn't loosen their grip. He could see their empty sockets in his mind... hollow pits of darkness were should have been eyes. The slimy rags that once had been rich and warm clothes...
Finally daring to look down, he saw nothing. Berating himself for such silliness he swam harder... he was becoming very tired. His vision started to black out and he was giving up hope ever to see the sky again as a pale hand reached out to him.
Believing it another conjuration of his delirious mind he grabbed it none the less and passed out before he could register the strong grip that pulled him up.
o-O-o
Somebody was carrying him... that was the first thing he noticed when he regained consciousness. He snuggled closer in order to receive some of the person's body heat. He was shivering he noted in distaste.
Slowly he opened one crimson eye.
"Tala?" He murmured uncomprehending.
Said teen looked down and sighed relieved. "Finally, you're awake. I was afraid something was wrong." He said caringly.
"How come? What happened?" Kai inquired, wriggling out of the redhead's grasp.
"You jumped in the water to fetch back your wakizachi, remember?" Tala said as he supported the slate-haired boy while they walked back to the Abbey.
The crimson-eyed child nodded in understanding.
"I don't know what happened under water but I saw you approaching so I reached out my hand. Once you grabbed it, I pulled you up. You had fainted but wouldn't release your wakizachi. I was just bringing you to the abbey to warm you up when you woke up." The red-haired boy told him quietly.
They reached the doors of the enormous building in silence. Tala cursed softly when he noticed the heavy gate was locked. Impatiently he knocked on the wooden surface.
They heard the approaching footsteps after a while. The doors opened a chink to reveal a purple-haired man they knew all too well... Boris.
"Please Sir... Can we enter?" Tala asked when their mentor didn't speak.
"I called for you an hour ago for training. Where were you?" the elder man demanded steely.
"We were outside training, Sir" Kai told shivering.
The man watched him with disdain. "You didn't ask for permission." He said harshly and turned to close the doors.
Tala spoke up quickly "Please Sir, Kai is soaked and-"he pleaded.
"Well that's his own fault. He'll survive the night outside...
if not...
He's not worthy of this training" with that final phrase, Boris close the Door.
Kai stared horrified ahead of him.
"Come Kai, I know a place." Tala said and tugged at the younger boy's sleeve to come with him. When Kai didn't respond he pratically dragged the slate-haired blader with him.
He led them to the back of the Abbey and after looking around cautiously he opened a hidden trapdoor. The two Russians entered the dark space. It wasn't exactly warm but it was a lot better then outside. Kai slid down against the wall.
The red-haired blader lit up several candles and Kai could now clearly see his surroundings. They wer in one of the cellars of Biovolt were the heating was located. Clearly Tala had been here before because there were worn and scabby quilts spread over the floor and several cushions lay in a corner.
"Take of your clothes." Tala said while pulling of his own jacket. When Kai didn't comply but regarded him curiously he added "They are soaked and you will only get sick if you keep them on."
Tala sighed and sat down next to Kai. "Here take this" he said offering his own coat to the trembling boy.
"But you must be cold now." Kai said hesitating as he hugged the fabric to his slender body.
Tala chuckled softly. "Not exactly... I brought it with me to give it to you."
Kai eyed him apprehensively. "huh?"
Ice-blue orbs glittered in amusement as they turned to watch Kai. "Happy Birthday Kai!"
The slate-haired teen was startled. "Birthday? But...But how-"he stuttered.
The red-head laughed. "I snuck into Boris room once to get some papers and saw your file lying on the desk... couldn't resist it, mate. I read you were born the 19th of December so I planned this." He said flashing Kai a grin.
"But this is the only thing you have from your past...I can't accept this gift." Kai spoke and took off the jacket. Tala stopped him from doing so, placing his own hand on Kai's smaller one.
"Keep it. It want you to have it... so seal our friendship." He said solemly.
Kai nodded. "Thanks Tala..." He caressed the soft worn fabric... the jacket was too big for him but he didn't care about that. He stared puzzled at the wall ahead. "When is your birthday Tala?" He asked curiously.
"huh? Ah that... January the 14th." Tala said ponderously.
"So you're almost a year older than me?" Kai said incredulous.
"Sorry but I have to disappoint you at that one, little one" the red-head corrected smiling.
"What? I'm older?" Kai said turning to his best friend.
"I'm one year and 230 days older than you." Tala remarked playfully.
"Oh no..." Kai groaned and slumped down. "You got to be kidding.
"Niet."
They talked a bit longer but soon the events of the day and the warmth of the room came down on them and they fell asleep peacefully between the old blankets.
--- end flash-back---
'Ugh
My head' Kai flinched inwardly as he started to wake up. He felt
dizzy and his head was pounding as if he had fallen down three
staircases. On top of that he was shivering though he felt like he
was on fire... One word,
He felt like a wreck.
"Ow Man... Look at those wounds! And I thought last time they were bad... this is just horrendous."
Kai could vaguely hear the annoying voice he was used to and knew to belong to Takao.
"What happens at that place? He looks awful." This time he recognised the concerned and pained sound as Rei who was speaking.
'Kenny has probably fainted already and Max is looking after him' Kai snorted in his thoughts as he felt how his soaked shirt was taken off.
'Soaked?'
'Ah right, I vaguely remember to have fallen in the water... Stupid of me! I wonder, how did they get me out of there? I'm really too tired to think...' He thought sleepily and was slowly drifting off again.
"We need to get him out of these clothes." Again Rei...
He jerked back as a touch came to close his waist. The Bruises! They couldn't see that. He snapped his eyes open and slapped the offending hand away.
Rei jumped back in surprise as those angry red eyes bored into his.
"Don't do that." Kai growled and pushed himself up. He noticed he was lying on the ice.
"KAI! You're awake!" Takao exclaimed surprised.
"Hn" Was the simple reply he received from the slate-haired teen.
Rei couldn't take his eyes of Kai's trembling form... His golden orbs narrowed slightly, trying to discover more flaws on the marble-like skin. How he wished he could take of those soaked, Black pants. Take in the soft creamy skin that was hidden beneath them, touch it... caress it.
'KUSO! This is not the time to think of such!' He scowled, horrified by his own thoughts. 'I don't even know yet whether we can trust him, whether he betrayed me...'
He caught the crimson-eyed teen just in time when he wavered and steadied him. He let his hold linger on the abused skin of Kai's pale arm, marred by bruises. Rei couldn't hide a fervent blush when he felt Kai's penetrating gaze on him. Reluctantly he let go of the slate-haired Russian when Kai feebly tried to shake him of.
"What happened to you Kai?" Rei asked softly yet demanding, observing the soaked Russian's reaction. For the first time since they had rescued Kai he noted how vulnerable the blader looked. Taking in the slender frame he memorised every visible inch of the battered figure.
Kai, feeling Rei's gaze on him, crossed his arm defiantly and covering his exposed chest.
"It's none of your business. Leave it alone." He said coldly.
"But Kai, we want to help you!" Takao uttered dumbstruck. Max and a very pale-looking Kenny had come to rejoin the group.
"I don't need any help!" Kai growled angrily. "You better watch out for yourselves because when I'm done with you at the tournament you will have nothing left." He added threateningly.
"Before the ice cracked... Black Dranzer tried to take Drigger, Is that what you're talking about?" The neko-jin asked already knowing the answer but he had to hear it from Kai.
"Aa." That simple syllable seemed to shock the whole team tremendously yet it was spoken indifferently but the slate-haired teen.
"But why did you held her back... Why wait for the championships." Max inquired, intrigued by the strange actions of Kai.
"Consider this as a warning, you need to become much stronger if you want to stand a chance against me in Moscow." He said dangerously low while walking back to his helicopter... levelling each one of them with his piercing scarlet stare.
"But why do you even bother to come and tell us this... when you claim not to care for us. Why Kai?" Rei inquired determined and slightly bothered by Kai's lack of interest yet again.
He held back a gasp when Kai seemed to look into his very soul when their eyes met. Convinced not to lay down he met those impenetrable blood-red pools of fire. No matter how determined he was, he could not resist the intensity of the gaze and had to avert his golden eyes after several tormenting minutes. He didn't see the slight upturn of the corner of Kai's lip as he turned around to enter his helicopter.
The Bladebreakers had given up hope to get an answer out of Kai when the stoic teen spoke unexpectedly.
"What fun would a competition be if there was no proper resistance from worthy adversaries."
Leaving them pondering about that strange answer he got into the helicopter and flew off without looking back.
o-O-o
'Was it enough? Surely they will understand the profundity of the situation now.' He ran a trembling hand distractedly through his tousled slate bangs and stared non-seeing out of the small window. 'She's become stronger... and more dominating. I had trouble restraining her from devouring Drigger.' He mused, thinking about the dark phoenix that inhabited the black blade in his pocket. 'I shall need to train some more with her... I will not fail. If Rei lost Drigger again he would be devastated, I won't let Black Dranzer anybody.'
Feeling they were descending he fixed his attention on the cold deserted grounds of the Abbey. 'I hope nobody missed me' He wished against knowing better. They knew his every move, that was the curse of being monitored by his grandfather.
He was in no mood for another punishment. He wanted to take a warm shower, warm comfy clothes and sleep. Sighing he stepped outside and walked through the layer of snow that covered the ground. White, pristine flakes of snow tangled in his hair and on his skin...
It still hadn't stopped snowing.
o-O-o
Cautiously, he peered around the corner and was relieved when he couldn't detect a soul. He was headed for his room on the other side of the building. He walked down the empty dim-lit corridor trying to silence his footfalls but failing miserably. His soaked shoes and the water dripping from his clothes left wet trail in his wake and made a soft but noticeable sound.
"So you finally decided to return."
The harsh and too familiar voice nearly made him jump and he cursed himself for not having heard the man approach. He turned slowly around and levelled the disgusting elder with a fiery glare.
"So you figured out where your true loyalty lies in the end, my dear Kai" Boris said amused, hiding his foul eyes beneath a hideous mask of red glasses.
Red glasses that seemed to mock the abnormal colour of Kai's own blood-red gaze. Taunting him for being a murderer. Kai quickly shoved off the unwelcome feeling and forced himself to remain calm.
"Hand Black Dranzer over to me so the scientist can analyse those minor beasts." The purple-haired man coaxed disgustingly and held out his hand expectantly.
Kai didn't make a move to comply.
"Kai." Boris hissed dangerously, all faked friendliness gone in an instant.
"I didn't take them." The crimson-eyed teen stated indifferently.
"What!" The elder man seethed grabbing Kai forcefully by the collar of his soaked grey jacket.
"I said I didn't take them." Kai repeated unflinchingly but rather devoid of any emotion.
"Why did you do that you insolent brat? Do you still pity those fools?" the purple-haired man snarled, tightening his grip on the cloth.
Kai didn't answer him... he had nothing to say. His head snapped to the right as Boris backhanded him ruthlessly.
"Your punishments don't seem enough to make you obey... Let's see if we can fix that. You brought it on yourself Kai... it's your own fault. Now I have to take drastic measures." Boris taunted maliciously.
"If you will follow me..." He said mockingly, dragging the unresisting pale teen away.
o-O-o
The door slammed open to show a panting redhead. Spencer and Ian looked up surprised from their slouched position and stared bewildered at Tala, it was the first time they had seen the blue-eyed Russian loose his cool.
"Have any of you seen Kai?" He asked frantically.
His two teammates stared at him with wide open mouth.
"I need to speak to him." He added as an explanation seeing their shocked faces.
Ian shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was always the first to give in to Tala's requests. "Da, I've seen him." He answered hesitantly.
"Well, Where is he?" The red-haired teen asked impatiently.
"He isn't available at the moment. We saw Boris dragging him away a while ago... "Ian said evasively, fiddling with his hands.
"Another punishment? What for this time?" Tala inquired curiously.
"It seems like Kai has neglected to follow Boris orders once again. He went to meet the Bladebreakers and fetch their bitbeast." Spencer answered in stead of his smaller companion.
"And?" Tala urged him to go on.
"Isn't that obvious. He let his friends off easy. He would never steal their bitbeast... he can't, the weak fool." Another voice drawled from the doorway behind the red-haired Demolition Boy.
"Shut up Bryan!" Tala commanded annoyed.
"But he is right." Ian said feebly.
Bryan snorted smugly behind Tala's back.
"He did meet them and he did fight them. But in the end he held back and won without harming their bitbeast nor the bladers. Unfortunately the ice wasn't strong enough and he fell in the water." Spencer continued, ignoring the lilac-haired blader.
Tala couldn't help but thinking what coincidence it was after the little musing of his past.
"They saved him all right but Boris wasn't too happy when he found out Kai had defied him and is now making Kai pay for his mistake." Spencer told him indifferently.
"Kai didn't even resist as far as I saw." Ian said thoughtfully.
Tala snapped his head up. "Boris didn't even need guards to restrain Kai?"
"No it was just the two of them." Ian answered truthfully.
Tala turned around to see Bryan looking pointedly at him. "Where are they?" He asked insistently, addressing the two Demolition Boys.
"I don't think you should-"Spencer tried.
"Just tell me where the fuck they are!" Tala growled dangerously.
"Lower levels S, room 13" Ian supplied directly earning a scuff on the head from Spencer.
"I'm going, don't follow me!" Tala warned and stormed out.
o-O-o
"Room thirteen.. thirteen... ah there it is." He mumbled under his breath.
Suddenly he wasn't so sure anymore he wanted to see what was happening inside. Boris would be raging, did he really wanted to risk Boris wrath to satisfy his curiosity?
yes...
he realised he needed to know the truth. Strengthened by his resolve, he opened the stale door.
The scene he met made his mouth go dry. Kai was chained to the wall, bloody stripes covered his chest. Tala's ice-blue eyes travelled over the lithe body and he suddenly realised the slate-haired teen was completely naked. Various body parts were marred with deep purple bruises and angry cuts. His abused lips were swollen red and bruised with droplets of blood coating them. The flushed cheeks contrasted vividly with the near white skin around it. For a brief moment he stared into the blood-red orbs that watched him horrified, laced with shame and pleading at the same time. He looked so utterly beaten and abused, so vulnerable.
He turned his attention to Boris who only just had noticed his presence. He was buttoning up his pants hurriedly, but Tala had seen how he had been ready to take them of. Sweat coaxed his hairy upper body and his breath was coming in ragged gasps as if he had been running too long. Revulsion threatened to overwhelm him. He couldn't breath... but he couldn't tore his eyes off the nauseating sight either. Unable to move, he remained frozen as Boris approached him with a malicious sneer on his loathsome face.
"Do you like what you see, Tala?"
--------------
Kana: You are evil!
Lhune: I know smirks
Tala: What the hell was that? O.o
Lhune: What it seemed...
Tala: Eew... Boris wants- eew
Kai: Hn..
Lhune: there he goes again... if you have nothing else to say you better stay silent.
Kai: Hn
Lhune: ... O.o Argh
Kana: Just ignore him...
Lhune: right...
Kana: and Tala stop gagging... nothing happened to you yet.
Tala: But Boris- eew... and Kai! O.o
Kana: Stop it already Tala... and quit the eew it sounds sissy-like
Tala: humpfs
Lhune: Okay... Tell what you think! Was it good enough!
Kana: For once there wasn't major angst in it.
Lhune: Iie, that is for next chapter...
Kana: Which will be...
Lhune: Sooner I hope thank you all for staying with me and not giving up hope during my long absence.
Kai: I knew it!
Lhune and Kana: Huh?
Kai: I knew you would come with your pathetic excuses after all. glares
Kana: What do you mean?
Kai: She's always saying she's sorry but she's always late... hopeless case! I'm off. There's nothing holding me here.
Lhune: er.. okay.
Kana: He's gone...
Lhune: correct
Kana: So should we...
Lhune: you're completely right.
Kana: so why aren't you moving...
Lhune: oh... I forgot I guess.
Kana: You're hopeless.
Lhune: I hate it but I think I have to agree.
Kana: rolls her eyesBye everybody! walks off
Lhune: I'm all alone
Tala: Boris... Eee- ehem –eek
Lhune: Together with a gagging effeminate Tala... I'm off too! Let me know what you thought of it and any ideas are welcome! walks off
Tala: Hey don't leave me alone! Remember to review guys... Lhune wait! I don't wanna be alone... Boo-man-Boris will come after me... WAIT UP!
