I worked hard to finish typing this chapter on sunday but appearantly it took the site too long to update... ah well, here it is, I hope you enjoy it.

REVIEWS WHAPTER 12

YuriyTalaIvanov glad you thought it interesting, have I finally updated at a reasonable time? Anyway, thanx for the review, they always cheer me up (and encourage me to write the next chapter ) Master Franny I always enjoy your reviews, as do I enjoy your stories. You are an example to me. Yes the BladeBreakers start to figure out what is going on with Kai but if they'll ever find out the full extent of it? Tala and Ran were revived, well Tala for sure but Ran is still held in the tube. Kai has never been dead but after Ran had died he was vulnerable and Boris and Voltaire had no problem in putting him voluntarily in one as well in another room so he didn't see his friend. I hope you didn't have to wait too long this timie, I really tried to hurry. (I'm not as fast as you far from it, but I did try) I was amazed you thought they were in character, I did try to make them a bit believable but I never thought I succeeded well enough in it. Anyway, thanks for the review and the flattering comments (blushes) WindStar Yep, I'll keep writing… I can't imagine leaving this fic without at least a proper ending… don't worry, it won't be too soon: I still have a lot of ideas for this story. BTW Thanks for the review. Sayoran-Lover She punished me even before I could fail I hope you don't think this is a failure? Beside you haven't died I hope in the time that was between these two chapters? Oo' When the others will find out what is going on I'm not sure yet… I really don't. I'm sorry for the spelling and grammar mistakes, I try very much to avoid them but English is not my native language and… well I often look over my mistakes. Thanx for the review, I value your comments tremendously Amber Kitten yay you thought it good More Ran in this chapter, thanx for the review Kristen Hiwatari ehm Rei doesn't know what will happen to him… I do, but that is for some later chapters. I hope I updated soon enough this time? NapoleonDaGreat Don't attack my with your rusty sporks of Doom please! I beg you! I really tried very hard to get this chapter finished in a reasonable time. Apart from the threat, thanks for the review starfiredevil I'm really flattered you like the story even though it is yaoi. I hope you'll enjoy next chapter, it contains lots of the beloved Kai-angst (hint hint) anyway, thanks a lot for your review, it was a huge compliment! Kiko cat freaky it is as am I and Kana… but freakyness is fun right? Thanx for the review. Miako6 thanks, updated soon enough? Though I choose death inste… If you felt sorry for Kai previous chapter, you'll be terrified what he has to go through this one I think… thanks for the review! Hikata same to you (about the Christmas and new-year thingy ') I tried to update sooner this time and I'm really flattered you like my writing (blushes –I seem to blush a lot these days -) LaLeLiLoLuLy I kept writing as you wished (I only stopped momentarily to study and fulfill my exams) Tha following chapter shows a part of what will happen next thanx for the review Queenofgoths Kai and Tala are my favorites too, as is Rei… Add Brooklyn to them for G-revolution I updated as soon as I could. Thanks for the review anyway, I value them very much!

Lhune: I know it'll be February but… but at least it is the beginning of February right?

Kai: it still is too late. (Crosses his arms, glaring)

Lhune: But I said it could be the beginning of February and I really worked hard to get it ready. (looks helplessly)

Kai: Hn (closes his eyes in distaste)

Lhune: No really, I'm serious. And you don't have to punish me, Suzaku did already last Saturday.

Kai: … (Looks up inquiringly)

Lhune: I slipped and almost fell down the stairs at my grandmother's…

Kai: Ah (closes his eyes again)

Lhune: And on top of that I fell with my bike after that because I couldn't properly back up on my right foot.

Kai: (smirks ever so slightly)

Lhune: Suzaku forgot one thing, Kai. I still had three, almost four days left till February. It might be her fault I couldn't update in time. (glares accusingly)

Kai: Pitiful excuse and you know it.

Lhune: Aah, no use in 'talking' with you. I wonder why I even try. (sighs defeated)

Kai: Because you are a masochist (still with eyes closed, matter of factly)

Lhune: Iie, I do not like hurting myself… even though it's seems sometimes otherwise. (smiles sheepishly)

But I Do like a challenge.

Enough of the small talk, here's the next chapter.

Freezing Fire

By Kana and Lhune

Chapter 13

Indeed, history is nothing more than a tableau of crimes and misfortunes

Voltaire (French author, humanist, rationalist, & satirist 1694 - 1778)

« Ran ! Ran ! »

A slate-haired boy about 4 years old ran towards the person standing at the end of the dank corridor.

"Look what I've got for my birthday Ran!" the enthusiast boy exclaimed, holding up a shiny blade in its black sheath. The crimson-eyed boy could barely carry the sword even though it was smaller than the common katana which his friend Ran used.

He had almost stumbled but he was caught in the toned arms of a seventeen-year old.

"Easy Kai." The black-haired teen said caringly and put the slate-haired boy back on his feet.

"That's a very nice blade Kai," Ran said after studying the wakizachi intently and gave it back to the much younger child, "It's a royal gift."

Kai proudly accepted the blade back and looked at Ran who had knelt down. "I got it from grandfather"

The black-haired teen grimaced hearing that name. Kai noticed and his smile faltered a bit.

"You don't like grandfather do you?" the crimson-eyed boy asked not understanding. "Why? Grandfather has given me a Beh-Blate –"

"A Beyblade." Ran corrected him smiling.

"Hai, that's it." Kai said a bit flustered "Hasn't he given you one? He asked looking at bit dismayed.

The black-haired blader picked up his friend and laughed softly. "He has given me one, he even gave me a bit beast to go with it." Ran told the crimson-eyed boy. At this Kai's face lit up by a smile.

"Sugoi! (cool)I got one as well, mother gave her you see. It's a female but she really is very strong! She defeated a lot of the male ones some of the other boys here have. I like her a lot." The enthusiast boy declared "She's a – a fire-bird, called Dranzer and yours?" he asked curiously.

Ran's smile had broadened during Kai's speech and he had almost burst out in laughter. He had held back because he knew Kai would've felt insecure and he loved the child when he was so open. Since he had come with the family to Moscow and started his training in Balcov Abbey, he had seldom seen a happy face other than Kai's face.

When he noticed the slate-haired boy was patiently but still questioningly staring at him with those warm, fiery eyes he directed his attention back to Kai.

"Your mother has chosen well with Dranzer. She's a phoenix right?" he asked already guessing the answer.

He was proven right as the crimson-eyes teen nodded.

"Your eyes are just as fiery as your bitbeast I guess. But you wanted to know about mine didn't you?"

Again the slate-haired child nodded. Ran couldn't help but think how cute Kai was with his innocent face.

"Well this is my bitbeast, Yama." The black-haired teen said as he took a blade out of his pocket. Kai peered curiously at the dark red blade. It shiny and almost resembled a ruby with the proper amount of imagination, which Kai had of course.

"A ruby?" he exclaimed surprised in awe.

Ran laughed, this time aloud. "Iie Kai, I'm flattered it looks like one but it's just a blade."

The slate-haired boy looked at bit closer, studying the image of Yama in the center. "But a horse hasn't got wings?" Kai said puzzled after he had stared a couple minutes at the black horse with a silver mane and tail. It had magnificent wings of shiny black feathers.

"Indeed a horse doesn't have wings," Ran agreed "But a unicorn has."

"Oh" Kai gasped and stared at the bit with even more appreciation than before. "Can I fight you one day?" he asked hesitantly, gazing at the black-haired teen.

"Of course, I look forward to our battle." The teen said, his amethyst orbs twinkling with mirth.

A smile lightened Kai's face with the prospect of a battle against a professional blader as Kai thought of Ran. He wanted to take Dranzer out of his pocket when he came across the black wakizachi he had almost forgotten about.

"Ne, Ran…" He said softly while fingering the brand new sword at his side.

The black-haired blader looked curiously at Kai, waiting for what the crimson-eyed boy had to say.

"You have a katana and you can fight with it right?" Kai asked suddenly shy with a blush on his sheeks.

"Aa, I've learned kendo in Tokyo and I've taken my katana with me when we moved to Moscow. Why do you ask?" Ran inquired gently not fully understanding the boy's sudden change in behavior.

"Will you teach me how to use my new blade, please?" The slate-haired boy asked softly, obviously hoping the amethyst-eyed blader would satisfy his request.

"Of course I'd like to teach you Kai! How could you even doubt that?" Ran replied faking ludicrous while putting Kai back on his feet after giving him a tender hug.

"You are always so busy since we got here and I thought you probably wouldn't have time for me now." Kai explained hesitantly and directing his gaze to the floor.

"I have always time for you Kai." Ran said, lifting up Kai cheek with his finger so that they looked each other in the eyes. "You're my brother, remember? At least that's what I think of you."

"Really?" the slate-haired boy asked hopefully.

"Really."

"It's nice to think of you like my brother too." Kai said happily and hurried to give the amethyst-eyed blader a quick kiss.

Ran hadn't expected it from the crimson-eyed boy since Kai usually reserved such affectionate touches only for his father and mother… though he had to say Kai's father hadn't received so many the previous weeks as far as he could tell….

Then again he was more here in Balcov Abbey than at home with Kai. He gave the boy a kiss on the cheek in return and looked at his watch.

"It's noon, you're mother must be wondering where you are." Ran announced gently.

The crimson-eyed boy looked a bit down that he had to leave his black-haired friend. Ran noticed.

"We can always see each other after lunch and then I'll give you your first lesson if you like." He reassured the slate-haired boy whose face instantly lit up at hearing those words. "But first you'll have to do something." The black-haired blader announced seriously.

"What do I have to do?" Kai asked doubtful not sure he would be able to do whatever the Japanese teen wanted him to do.

"I want you to…" Ran whispered dramatically and the crimson-eyed boy looked even more doubtful than before, "I want you to battle me first with Dranzer." The amethyst-eyed blader declared smiling. "It'll be the first time we fight against a female bitbeast and if she's as you told me, Yama and I will have to work hard."

The doubtful look had disappeared instantly from Kai's face. "Hai, she really is very good. I look forward to our battle."

"Me too Kai, me too." Ran assured, enjoying the happy look on the slate-haired boy's face. "I will pick you up at three, okay?" He asked.

"Hai Ran." The crimson-eyed boy answered eagerly.

"Well then, off you go to your mother. Say hi to her from my part will you?" Ran urged Kai since the boy made no movement to go home.

"Hai Ran, Ja mata!" Kai said and he ran off as good as he could with the wakizachi at his side.

"Ja mata Kai." Ran called after him as he was about to disappear behind the corner.

He hadn't lied when he told he was looking forward to their first training. He loved his little brother deeply and would make certain the boy knew how to handle his new sword. He had the idea it might come in handy in this environment.

It was true he liked to blade, the same way he liked kendo. Never mind that he knew how to handle his katana with lethal precision.

But here in Balcov Abbey they took beyblading far too serious, training as if their life depended on it.

Little did Ran know it did…

Though he had a faint suspicion.

o-0-o

"Dame! Please stop it!"

"What's the matter young one? Can't stand the blood?" a bulky guard taunted and pulled back his bloody whip, tearing a soft cry from his victim's lips.

"You were not so affected by the blood when you killed your father though, have I heard."

Another whiplash, another soft cry.

"You know, you're the youngest murderer I've ever heard of." The sultry voice taunted cruelly, enjoying the stricken look on the boy's face.

"Please, I beg you, stop." The young six-year old Kai pleaded to the head of the guards. "Hit me instead, it was my fault."

"That much is true young Kai, but it is too late to regret your stubbornness." A malicious voice said. "By begging you only made it worse. You must realize you are not allowed to out such weakness as begging." Boris had watched his guards silently, from time to time giving them some orders.

But now he had decided it was the moment to enjoy the One's distress. It only added to the innocent beauty his young pupil radiated…

Innocent beauty, his older Japanese friend too had noticed, as had the black-haired teen remarked his interest in this elusive being.

o-0-o

-X-

""Leave Kai alone! Don't you dare touch him with your despicable paws or else…"

"Or else what?"

"Or else I'll kill you!"

"Ouch, possessive aren't we?"

-X-

Only a week later Kai killed his father after the older man had murdered his wife in a fit of drunk rage.

Kai's smile had been lost after that, only to be replaced by a haunted look in his crimson eyes. Ran sometimes thought they were the colour of the blood Kai had seen spilled on the floor, the walls,… on his hands.

Often Ran had cursed himself for not have been there when his little brother had needed him the most. But he had been glad Kai had known how to handle his wakizachi. They had put a lot of time in the training but it had been worth it. He didn't dare to think what could've happened if Kai hadn't been able to defend himself properly.

Ever since that day, Ran never left the slate-haired boy's side anymore. If he wasn't just walking beside Kai in the open, he was observing the boy from a distance. Far enough not to be seen but close enough to react in time when needed.

As he was with the crimson-eyed boy today, exactly 2months after the death of Kai's parents.

o-0-o

Kai hadn't used his sword anymore after that fatal day but it had never left his side. Ran knew that it even accompanied the slate-haired boy when he went to bed.

The amethyst-eyed blader respected this choice thus he never addressed Kai about the matter and instead spend a lot of his time blading with the crimson-eyed child. He had to admit, he had never thought a female bitbeast could be that powerful.

"Dranzer, don't let him get you!" the boy shouted to his loyal bitbeast. The majestic phoenix evaded graciously the attack of the ruby blade.

"Yama, don't give up!" Ran encouraged his bitbeast that had narrowly avoided a sudden attack from Dranzer. It almost seemed that Kai needn't words to communicate with her.

The black-haired blader reckoned blader and bitbeast didn't always need words when thoroughly connected. Only the better bladers could do such a thing and apparently Kai was one of them.

The match continued, both Ran and Kai blading fervently.

So fervently they hadn't noticed their odious mentor approaching with several of his burly guards. It was Ran who noticed the foul presence first. Because of that he lost his concentration on the currant beybattle resulting in the crimson-eyed boy's victory.

"We Won! We won Dranzer!" Kai exclaimed overjoyed when Yama was knocked out of the beydish after a determinate attack of the phoenix.

He fell silent when he noticed his black-haired opponent wasn't reacting to his words, that Ran didn't even seem to notice his defeat. Only then he noticed Boris standing at the entrance of the training hall, smirking maliciously.

"Well, well, training hard I see. Good." The vile elder commented dryly, "at least one training you don't ignore… though it is most of the time with your Japanese friend." He added with a clear hint of disapproval.

The slate-haired boy remained silent and let his gaze wander between Boris and Ran. The latter one looked at the loathsome elder with disgust and a certain amount of mistrust.

"What do you mean by at least one training and what is wrong with battling me?" Ran asked coldly, glaring at the elder. Boris smirked pleased by the reaction he got.

"Oh noting Ran, nothing at all." He slurred sarcastically, "It's just that he should confront other bladers as well and learn to analyze their bitbeasts and their tactics but most of all he should learn that beyblading is a hard sport."

The black-haired teen glared viciously at Boris but before he could retort, the foul mentor continued his speech.

"And as for your first question, that was the reason I originally came for."

Kai stared at the loathsome man, not understanding what he was getting at. Balcov Abbey was solely meant for beybladers as far as he knew. Sure it included physical training as well as beyblading but he spent time at both of these activities, so what was he referring at?

"Your wakizachi," Boris explained after having seen the puzzled look on the crimson-eyed boy's face, "Your grandfather wants you to continue your training with it, you haven't used it since… since the unfortunate death of your parents.

Kai stiffened and held the wakizachi close to his chest, casting a terrified look at the purple-haired mentor.

"You can't be serious! Can't you see Kai isn't ready for training with it again? For all we know he might as well never be able to use it once more." Ran hissed outraged, moving closer to his slate-haired friend-brother.

"But I do mean it," Boris said determinately with a taunting edge in his tone, "Voltaire insists Kai trains till he excels in it at all points. Blading, physically,… but also at fighting with his sword… and mental resilience. My Liege hasn't spent so much money on this wakizachi to have it not used, to have it forgotten." He told the two bladers, enjoying the stricken look on their faces.

"I won't allow anyone to force Kai into doing such a thing." The amethyst-eyed teen claimed angrily. The guards present hadn't stopped smirking sinisterly during the meeting.

"You won't allow anyone-" Boris started laughing evilly, "It is not your place to decide, why don't we ask young Kai himself?" the vile elder asked mockingly.

All heads turned to watch the silent crimson-eyed boy, even the guards looked at Kai.

"What do you say, Kai?" Boris inquired pleasantly but only Kai noticed the dangerous glint in his mentor's beady eyes, threatening the slate-haired child to do whatever he wanted to do with the boy.

The crimson-eyed boy hesitated to speak under such pressure and he was startled when Ran wanted to hold him in a comforting embrace and recoiled.

"I…" he started but still not sure what to say.

"Da, you-" Boris repeated impatiently.

"I can't…" the slate-haired boy swallowed, "I can't train anymore with my wakizachi." Kai said rather determinately and unfastened the black sword from his side. "Please give it back to grandfather so that it might be useful to somebody else."

He offered the blade to the loathsome man…

But Boris didn't accept it. With a violent move of his hand he threw the wakizachi and Kai to the floor.

Ran was outraged but only spared Boris a hateful glare before hurrying to his little brother. Slowly Kai sat up again, supported by the strong arms of the black-haired teen. "But-" he started not understanding when Boris interrupted him.

"Giving up is not an option. You started your training with 'your' wakizachi and you will continue it." The purple-haired elder stated coldly, his foul gaze never leaving the two bladers.

"Why you… I warned you not to hurt Kai in any way!" Ran hissed venomously and sprang forward to attack the loathsome man but was held back by several sturdy guards who had sprung into action at the amethyst-eyed blader's outburst.

"Tsk, tsk young Kai. Your grandfather would be very disappointed if you didn't continue your training." Boris addressed the crimson-eyed child maliciously, ignoring the angry seventeen-year old at his side.

"But-… really, I can't." Kai said apologetically but still determinate, "I'm sorry."

"Good Kai, don't let them intimidate you." Ran called, proud of his brother's strong will. He was rewarded with a vicious kick, shutting him up at once.

"Ran!" Kai shouted concerned seeing this and wanted to rush to his friend's side to help but was held back by the massive hand of Boris.

"Leave him be." He whispered in the crimson-eyed boy's ear so that the Japanese teen wouldn't be able to hear it, "Agree to train again or else…"

Crimson orbs widened in fear for his older friend.

"Please, leave Ran alone… I've would've trained with it but I can't…Believe me." Kai tried to reason but without the hoped result.

"Then I'm sorry." Boris said mocking.

o-0-o

And that was how they had end up in the following situation. Ran being beaten, whipped,… in front of young Kai's crimson eyes. It was one of the worst tortures he had received so far as his last bond to his childhood was punished because of him…

And he couldn't do anything about it.

"I'll train with it! I do everything you want me to do but- stop this!" the slate-haired boy called desperately, addressing his loathsome mentor.

The guards stopped their activities for a second and turned to the purple-haired elder for further instructions. The despicable man smiled, or rather smirked, evilly and strolled up to Kai… a dangerous glint in his dark eyes.

"It's too late Young Kai, you'll have to bear the consequences of your actions." Boris slurred slowly, faking compassion, "Though I must say you made a rather attractive offer. This time he looked provocatively at the severely injured Ran, instantly getting the reaction he had hoped for.

The seventeen-year old struggled against the guards holding him despite his numerous injuries he put up a good fight. He glared lethally at the purple-haired mentor but chose not to address him, instead he spoke to Kai.

"Don't worry about me Kai, I'll manage."

At once one of the guards punched him hard in the stomach, another one hit his face. They stopped their beating momentarily to fetch some irons.

Crimson orbs swirled with emotions like despair, helplessness,… and fear for his Japanese friend-brother. Tears brimmed in them but he didn't let them fall.

"Don't do anything you don't want to do and always think of yourself in the first place." Ran instructed the crimson-eyed boy when he got the chance.

After that the guards fastened the amethyst-eyed teen in the heavy shackles and started beating him even more violently than before. While the agonized sound rang through the training hall, Boris took the young beautiful blader apart to speak.

"You should've given in right away, then maybe this shouldn't have to happen."

The crimson-eyed boy looked distressed as he saw his friend cough up blood… blood like the blood of his father, of his mother.

o-0-o

Back in the present the older Kai was still staring at his lifeless friend in the tube in front of him. He had seen him collapse in a pool of blood… Ran's own crimson blood.

Only then they had allowed him to run to his brother's side…

Only to find out the black-haired teen wasn't reacting to his calls…

To find out he wasn't breathing anymore…

To find out he was death.

"Ah, I see you have found your precious friend."

o-0-o

"Yay! We did it!" Takao celebrated cheerfully, "Well you did it of course, but my last match against Michael shouldn't be a problem. We already won two matches against them." Takao corrected himself as he looked his blonde teammate and friend.

"Takao's right Max, you did a wonderful job against Eddy." Rei agreed smiling, thinking back to the huge wave of water that swept the blade out the beydish…

And swept the American off his feet.

"You were not too bad either Rei! You definitely showed Emily what you are worth." Max chirped happily, smiling broadly.

"Arigatou Max," Rei said feeling flattered, "I'm curious how their battle against the White Tigers will be."

"How so?" the blonde asked not quite understanding.

"Well, while I battled Emily I sort of imagined what it would give if she had to battle Mariah…" The raven-haired neko-jin explained "they both have a lot of feminine temperament and I guess that might give a interesting battle don't you think?

"Ah I see what you mean!" Max answered happily, "Aa, knowing Emily the sparks will fly. She holds no sympathy for her adversary, be it feminine or masculine. I even think that a female opponent may even suffer more."

"Gu-uys! That battle isn't for the next hours. Please can't you focus on the coming battle." Takao uttered ludicrously, "I still have to battle Michael in a few minutes!"

"Ah you're right Takao, Gomen." Max apologized "But I'm sure you will win, I assumed your victory was already guaranteed."

"I'm flattered you have such a high opinion of my skills Maxie, but still…" The navy-haired blader said blushing… Yes Takao was blushing.

"Ah, Come on Takao. You know I will be with you all the time from here…"

The two bladers continued their chatter as good friends… As two friends that were very fond of each other.

Rei on the other hand was observing the Demolition boys that had just come in and took their seats in front of the public. He immediately noticed there were only three of them.

'I wonder where Kai is… Surely he will come to the first important match of the Demolition Boys?' Rei thought quizzically and a bit disappointed that the slate-haired teen wasn't there.

He didn't think much of it that the red-haired Russian wasn't there either, he didn't care about that teen.

However he did notice the hateful glare the lilac-haired Russian was sending him.

'What's wrong with him? I didn't do anything to him as far as I know. Hell I see him for only the second time now.' Rei shivered slightly, 'that glare is really unnerving.'

Through the next match between the BladeBreakers and the All Stars, though his two teammates were intently observing Takao and Michael, the pale eyes never stopped glaring threateningly at the ebony-haired neko-jin.

o-0-o

"Ah, I see you have found your precious friend."

Kai whirled around to face his hated grandfather alarmed.

"Ho ho, eager to see me my dearest grandson?" Voltaire taunted maliciously,

Kai found his calm again and looked at the grey-haired man indifferently and didn't say a word.

"You are so silent young Kai, something wrong?" The man didn't wait for an answer as he knew he wouldn't receive one anyway, "Yes, your Japanese friend is still alive thanks to the highly technological medical equipment we have here in Balcov Abbey."

Still the crimson-eyed teen gave no sign of response as Voltaire circled him.

"'Why didn't they tell me?' you ask yourself. It suited us very well that you believed Ran was dead. He was the last remaining thing that kept you from excluding your emotions and becoming a perfect soldier." Voltaire stopped to examine the slate-haired blader standing in front of him.

"At least that is what we thought back then… and when we we're proven wrong it was too late to bring you to Ran, beside this way he could finally be us of some use we thought." The grey-haired man continued, reaching out to touch Kai but the crimson-eyed teen recoiled out of his reach.

The ancient man smiled gruesomely and the reaction and turned to study the body in the tube.

"Your beloved Ran is still alive but he doesn't react the way we hoped to our medical adjustments. He refuses to let his mind be altered, nor can we upgrade his strength as we've achieved doing with your body." Voltaire said grimly before turning back to study the crimson-eyed teen's face.

But still Kai didn't react visibly, he had known all along that they had modificated his body. Hell they had even tried to mess with his mind.

And the scary thing was that they had almost succeeded.

Almost.

If it hadn't been for Tala who he had met a few months after Ran's death, he had lived the following years in despair and would probably eventually become his grandfather's puppet after all.

"You know Kai, all that happened was necessary to achieve a greater purpose that is still to come."

This time crimson orbs shone with curiosity to what his crazy grandfather was up to. The man, pleased he finally managed to evoke a reaction from the stoic blader smirked.

"Beyblading is to be seen as a battle, a battle with a valuable price. Together we can rule the world as I told you before and although you didn't believe me back then I'm sure you changed your mind." The grey-haired man explained "God is always on the side of the big battalions. And that is what we are going to do. And who knows, after we won we might manage to bring Ran back to this world." He tried to blackmail the crimson-eyed teen what-he-thought-to-be-subtle.

"What is your answer my dearest grandson? His destiny as well as the destiny of many other lies in your hands."

The slate-haired teen remained silent for a couple more minutes, his face betraying nothing of the thoughts that swirled through his mind, before he looked up to answer his anticipating grandfather.

"Da, I will do as you please."

-x-o-XTX-o-x

Kai: WHAT! I would never say THAT! (stares incredulously at the sentence above)

Tala: Well, it seems you did though. (also finding it hard to believe)

Lhune: Aa, you did say that Kai. (says it matter of factly)

Kai: YOU! You made me say that! (deathglare 3rd degree)

Lhune: I would never do such a thing… beside who am I to force you? (holds up hands in innocence)

Kai: You lie! You're the one that tortures me, that makes me do things I'd never do in reality (looks threateningly)

Tala: relax Kai, you can't change it anymore.

Kai: It's easy for you to say, you're not the one who said such a ridiculous thing! (can't believe his friend said that)

Tala: It might turn out to be good after all. (turns to look expectantly at Lhune) right Lhune?

Lhune: I'm not sure Tala, after all he's under a lot of pressure.

Tala and Kai: You can't be serious! (Incredulous)

Lhune: I'll see next chapter, everything still is possible. (looking ponderously)

Kai: You- I'll kill you (outraged, launches at Lhune)

Tala: Kai! (holds him back from attacking the authoress) You don't the readers to see this as the end. If you kill her now you will end up as brainwashed in this story.

Lhune: Tala is right Kai (recoils to a save distance of the angry slate-haired teen)

Kai: I'll never forgive you this (still glaring lethally)

Tala: come on Kai, will go before you get a heart attack.(guides Kai off the set)

Kai: (sighs relieved) next time more explanation about Kai's words whatever the explanation might be… I'm still not sure. (bits her lip in thought)

And Kana will provide us with the BIO of Kai and Tala… perhaps of Rei as well.

But that will be for Mid-March or even the end as I will be going to Egypt in the beginning (I'm serious, it's no joke of mine)

Please tell me what you thought of this chapter, critics are welcome.

Positive as well as negative ones, all that can help me (us) to improve our writing.

See you next time!

(oh and I'll try to use the review answer your questions/remarks if you post one when logged in…. that way you hopefully don't have to wait ages for an answer )