Disclaimer: I don't own Cain or Joshua.

So…my first fic! I wrote this one cos I couldn only find one JoshuaXCain fic! Yes, this is a Shounen-ai/boy love fic, so read the warning. Not all the pairings are Shounen-ai.

WARNING: This fic contains Shounen-ai so if you don't like, don't read.

Pairings: GrayXJoshuaXCain WenXLeann Others may be added.

Prologue: New Beginnings

Joshua stood next to the wheelchair, staring at his former master, Cain. The once ambitious b-da player now sat slumped in the mechanical chair with no sign of life whatsoever, his deep violet orbs lifeless.

'At least…at least he's free from Marta B.' the young butler tried to convince himself, though he couldn't really tell if this Cain was any better than the one under Marta B's control.

'At least that one had life…No. I can't think that way, now Cain's got a real chance a life, with true morals and friends.' But the secret hatred of himself for letting it happen in the first place burned on, deep inside him.

He had asked Gray to take Cain down because…because then Cain wouldn't have broken down completely. Tat's what he wanted to believe but he knew that the real reason was that he was too cowardly to do it. Too scared of hurting his friend, to scar him, to break the imaginary bubble of protection around Cain that had been placed there since his birth. That's why he'd asked Gray – the strongest of Yamato's group mentally.

He'd thought about Yamato, but Yamato was much too unpredictable and the boy took pleasure in everything he did from eating to sleeping to b-da battling. Maybe it helped his attitude and game, making him a great b-da player. But Cain would not see it as Yamato's positive outlook but mockery and arrogance.

Terry would be too weak-minded for the job. The young ninja was naturally warm-hearted and a kind soul who couldn't resist helping anyone. He would not be able to do much at all as his conscience wouldn't allow it.

Wen was a different person all together. He was cocky, arrogant, slightly empty-headed but an amazing b-da player altogether. He knew the boy would take all to much pleasure in crushing Cain – there still were bits of his Shadow days left in him, the bit where winning was the sweetest pleasure of them all and crushing a opponent mercilessly just proved to be icing on the cake. Not to mention Cain had been a member of the NeoShadow Alliance, the very same alliance that had taken his brother away with him.

Leaving only one, Gray. The blonde was cool, calm and collected and was not easily affected by emotion, letting it show only around people he truly trusted like his friends and his sisters. Because of the way he worked, he'd been chosen.

In a way he just didn't understand he hated and admired the blonde at the same time. Watching Cain's defeat had been hard, one of the hardest things to do at that time, letting his master down. It was something that had taken him a long time to forgive himself for, he still slightly resented himself for now. Seeing that look of utter helplessness on his comrade's face had been heartbreaking. He knew that he would never have been able to do that.

Gray had just done it. But then, he had no attachments to his opponent, not the deep bond Joshua had shared. Gray had pulled down his hat and then he'd simply shot straight at Cain. Just like that.

'I'll never let you down again.' He remembered whispering against Cain's ear, his hand tightly grasping onto the limp one situated on the armrest.

Then he'd stood up, let go of the ice-cold hand and had prepared to move on when it had started snowing. Or so he thought. But it wasn't snow, they where like little spheres of light that slowly floated down then dissolved at touch. At least that was what happened to him when he touched them.

Cain however, made the first movement in hours. He slowly stretched his hand out and watched emotionlessly as one dropped into his palm. It had dissolved and then, something had just happened.

Like his soul had returned, the butler had stood up to help his master but then stopped and watched in utter amazement. The violet eyes lit up slowly and the boy made his way up until he stood up, just standing there.

Joshua remembered kneeling there proudly, watching his master make his first step towards recovery. He remembered standing up and clutching his master's hand tightly, as if he'd never let go, never ever.

'It's all going to be okay. Yamato and the others have done it.' He said comfortingly, and slowly pulled the other's arm around his neck.

"Come on, Master Cain," he took the first step forward but found Cain holding back. Turning around he looked worriedly upon his friend.

The boy shook his head and stood firm. No words were spoken.

"Did I do something to displease you Master Cain?" He'd asked formally, it was his job after all to make sure that his master was happy at all times. Not that had been happening much.

Cain shook his head again but still didn't say anything. Joshua had stared at the blonde, perplexed. If he hadn't done anything wrong, then what was the matter?

"Master Cain?" He asked questioningly, wishing his friend would just tell him the problem.

"Maste-" He was cut off by Cain placing both arms around him and giving him a secure hug. A sign of friendship? Then the blonde had released both arms and looked straight at him. Joshua had finally got it. Cain didn't want to be Master Cain anymore.

"Maste-, Cain?" The blonde nodded and a small smile appeared on his face, lighting it up.

"M-Cain? Why aren't you speaking to me?"

Cain looked directly at him for a minute and then opened his mouth and moved it. No sound. Then he'd mimicked a scream. Not a single sound.

Joshua finally understood. Cain had lost his ability to speak. Now it was his turn to move towards Cain and embrace him tightly. Pulling him slightly closer Joshua could only utter one phrase, "Please forgive me Cain."

Please review, cos you know what? Reviews make me happy!