Title: Crimson's Child

Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine

Rating: M

Summary: see chapter one

Warnings: see chapter one

Disclaimers: I do not own Beyblade or any of her characters. All any and unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not be used without my permission. I am not making any money off of this and write with the sole purpose to entertain.

A/N: I am NO expert when it comes to drugs and their prices. I can honestly (and proudly) say that I am completely clueless. I just invent prices for the drugs in my fic.

"Hn, Matilda's a fucking furnace. I just supplied her with five pounds of weed two days ago. Bitch breathes more smoke than she does oxygen."

He didn't say anything, choosing to simply stand there and pretend to take interest in the hazy shop. The air was choked with smoke, smelling of essences and drugs. To many it looked like a harmless pawn shop, normally devoid of customers as the items there were broken and useless.

But that was Jacob's cover-up, one of his many hide-outs where drug trades was done under the counter. His costumers here were all well-to-do people with successful jobs and nice houses but also a craving for a sniff of coke or a joint rolled by Jacob himself, who was a professional in this field.

"Give me the cash." He held out a broad hand, heavy gold and silver rings wrapped around the thick fingers.

As a side-job the thirty-five year old former road construction worker now sparred in underground fights. His frame was towering and the muscles rippled with a mere flex of his wrist. His blond hair was cut military short and his eyes were of a eerie silver. Or at least one of them was; the other was hidden by an eye patch after having been torn out during a fight.

Tearing his eyes away from the scowling face, he dug into the pocket of the relatively new jeans, grabbing some of the crinkled money. He was about to place it in the man's waiting palm but then his better judgement told him not to. It was risky to make physical contact with the fighter, especially for him. Acting as natural as possible, he stood on his toes to drop the coins and paper money on the counter top.

A pierced brow rose but the man said nothing and started to count the money, eyes shifting to the child as he fished out more loose money from the pockets. Soon he was done and stood waiting for the man to finish counting.

"300."

"That's what she gave me, sir." Avoiding the stone cold eye, he fiddled with the bottom of his sweater.

"The price is 301."

He blinked his blue eyes.

"I don't have any more money, sir."

"The full price is 301. If you can't pay it, you can't have it." Leaning on his arms, he grinned at the child who fidgeted before the counter. The large blue eyes darted nervously around as if the money would magically appear in thin air.

"I swear, sir, that's all the money she gave me."

"I suspect that you are going to receive quite a beating when you get home."

"She said the package was worth 300!" His back still burned from the belt lashes and the mere thought of more was nauseating. His voice was shaking with desperation. "Please, sir, she is having guests over tonight and wants the package. I will give you the rest of the money next time."

"Cash up front, or it is as good as gone." He enjoyed making the boy beg; it was very arousing. Right now the blue eyes were starting to fill with tears and the full lower lip quivered. Faking pity, he walked around the tall counter and crouched before the young red-head, lifting the chin gently. The movement caused a tear to lose its balance on the eyelid and it slid down the smooth face. He followed it with hungry eyes, wishing to lick it off.

"Mr. Jacob, sir, please...I can't go home without that package." He stiffened when a hand ran down his back, placing slight pressure to the wounds. "She gets very angry when I don't get what she wants."

"Then I will bargain with you; I will forget about the remaining money," A small smile of gratitude formed on the boy's lips, "In return for two hours of your body." The smile quickly evaporated and the blue eyes widened.

Two hours? With Jacob? Compared to the fighter Fritz was caring.

Before he could say anything else, Jacob grabbed hold of his chin forcefully and pressed a bruising kiss to it, the man's stubble face prickling his skin. After forcing him tongue in for a many seconds, the man withdrew.

"Do we have a deal?"

Two hours of terrible pain, or many days of his mother shouting and beating him? Neither sounded very well and he felt his breath speed up in fear. What was he going to do?

The small bell above the door chimed as someone entered the shop. Jacob immediately released the slim shoulders as a man wearing a very expensive looking mink coat strutted in. Heavy gold chains hung around his neck and a large cigar was clenched between his teeth. Removing black shades the man settled dark brown eyes on Jacob.

"Mr. Dimitri, always a pleasure. Can I help you?" Jacob adopted a pretty polite tone; this must have been a very important client.

"Actually, I am here to help you." Dimitri pulled a flat box from beneath his coat and placed it on the counter. He hadn't even noticed the small child that had backed away when he had neared. "That was a good match last night. I had placed all my money on you and you have never let me down."

"It is and honour to fight for you. What do you have there?"

"A few things I wish to sell. Some items from my wife's jewellery box." Opening the case, he removed a long diamond studded necklace, twirling it between his fingers with disinterest.

"I thought your wife was fond of her jewellery."

"She is." Dimitri grinned slyly. "But when one's wife shags another man, one must take action."

The two adults laughed and began sorting through the box, removing and judging rings and bracelets, carelessly throwing away those they found unworthy. He had been standing in the dark corner, trying to blend in with the shadows. For now he was safe, Jacob seemed to have forgotten about him.

As he watched the two men talk he noticed that the package meant for his mother still stood at the edge of the counter where Jacob had left it. A thought sprung to mind and at first he was hesitant; if Jacob caught him...

'But if I don't he will still hurt me. This is my only chance.'

Sending a quiet prayer to whoever could hear him, he slowly began to inch towards the counter, eyes never leaving the men who were now writing down the prices. Luckily, the package was closer to him than them.

He felt something beneath his feet and froze when a soft scratching sound came as his shoe accidentally scraped it across the floor. His lungs burned from lack of air as he held his breath for several moments but neither adults took notice. Lifting his foot, he saw it to be one of the jewellery that must have fallen from the counter; a simple, silver ring that had been engraved with golden bolts of lightning.

His fingers itched and he bit his lip, casting a glance up at the men. Kneeling slowly, he picked it up and pocketed it. He stood and took a few more cautious steps over. The package was now in arm's reach. In his chest his heart beat so loud that he was sure the men could hear it but they remained unaware of him. He raised his hands until his fingertips brushed the brown paper that was wrapped around the package. Tightening his hold, he gripped it and slowly pulled it off the counter. The weight settled in his arms and he bit back a sigh of relief.

There was no celebrating yet, he still had to get out of the shop. Steeling himself, he moved as quick as he dared on tip-toes. The shop's door was just a few feet away. Behind him he heard Jacob close the deal with the man. The doorknob was cool against his palm when he touched it.

"Hey! Where's the runt?" Jacob's asked angrily.

That was all he needed. He yanked the door open, the wood hitting the small bell, loudly alerting the two. Jacob's enraged growl was muffled as he ran out, the door closing slowly behind him. For a moment he pondered on which direction to take; the busy street to his left which was crawling with police men, or the unknown alley to his right that he had never been through before.

Heavy footsteps pounded from inside the shop and he simply ran, down the alley. Behind him the door was flung open, slamming loudly on the wall.

"Come back here!!" Jacob bellowed and gave chase.

He didn't know where he was going as he madly turned off left and right in the maze that was the alleys of Russia. Gripping the package against his chest, he scanned the area frantically for some sign of escape. He could hear Jacob's loud curses and thundering footsteps behind him and he whimpered in complete fear. It was like a nightmare; some evil creature was chasing him and no matter how fast he ran he felt like he was going no where. And the creature was gaining.

Jacob's long and muscled legs gave him a distinct advantage and the distance between him and his prey was closing steadily. He grinned to himself; he was going to enjoy making the boy pay for his actions. Spurred faster by excitement, he could almost taste the fear that radiated off the child.

'I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!' was all he could think as he turned off again. His legs burned from the running and his back stung as the welts stretched with each stride. He couldn't keep this up for much longer. 'I don't wanna die! God, please don't let me die!'

"You won't get away, runt!"

The man's enraged voice tripled his fears and his vision blurred with tears of horror. Why had he done it?! Now he was surely going to get it badly! The longer he waited, the longer the man would hurt him once he caught him. Maybe, if he surrendered now Jacob would at least let him live.

Having ran out of any other option, he slowed his steps, falling into a shuffled walk. He could hear the man's breathing as he caught up with him. Preparing himself for the abuse that was guaranteed, he started to turn to face his punisher when all of a sudden he felt his left foot slip out from beneath him. With a startled cry, he caught his balance just in time. His hand touched solid coldness and he realised that he had unknowingly stopped right before a large patch of ice.

Jacob, having been so intent on the boy's surrender, failed to notice it too until it was too late. Having reached where the boy had obviously stumbled from weariness, he lunged forward to grab a slender arm when his foot landed on the ice. His speed worked against him and he went down, sliding across the slick surface. Unable to stop, he could only stare at the pile of wood and metal that grew nearer with every second.

"Shit!"

He looked away when the man collided with the pile, causing the unsteady stack to tumble down upon him. For many seconds the only sound in the alley was the clattering and ringing of wood and steel as it crashed down, burying the man beneath its great weight. Then, all was silent.

Breathing heavily, he shakily rose to his feet, watching the pile with apprehension. Brushing the wild strands of red locks from his eyes, he slowly inched forward, mindful of the ice, blinking against the settling dust. Wooden beams laid intermingled with steel in a grotesque work of art and nothing stirred.

'I killed him! I killed someone!' He covered his mouth in shock and disbelief. He was a murderer! The police were going to throw him in jail!

'What am I going to do?! This can't be happening to me!'

A shrill shriek was torn from his throat when a hand smashed through the wooden board near his legs, its thick fingers covered with heavy rings and blood. A loud snarl sounded from within the pile as the hand grappled wildly. Shaken beyond belief, he stepped back when the hand withdrew and a pair of horrendous eyes glared through the opening. One was an eerie silver while the other had a white film covering it.

"Thought you were safe, weren't you?" Jacob growled from within his temporary prison. "Prepare to die a very slow and painful death, boy." He then started to smash his way out, calloused hands and knuckles breaking through the wood and shoving aside the metal as he began to free himself.

He didn't stay around until the man was out. Spinning on his heals, he ran past the slowly diminishing pile. In the distance he could see an end to the alley as light appeared from between the two building. Crying tears of relief, he forced himself forward. Back in the alley he heard Jacob almost fully free himself.

Reaching the end of the alley, he blinked at the sudden light though it was late afternoon and the sun was setting. Before him was a road that was open and bare on either sides. Beyond the road were trees. A roar of rage was all he needed to hear to know that Jacob was free and hunting him. He had to hide and the trees were his only shelter; Jacob would easily catch him if he attempted to out run him.

Taking a deep breath, he sprinted across the road, still clutching the precious package close to him. Luckily, there was no traffic and he made it across safely and bounded into the trees. His legs ached to rest and his breath was coming out in short gasps. Truly too exhausted to continue, he slumped against a tree and slid down, panting like a dog as he tried to calm his racing heart. Looking around he realised that he must have ran through the entire city of Moscow since there were the woods that ran just outside the city limits. The trees grew close together and there were many small bushes.

CRASH

He snapped to attention at the sound of underbrush being torn apart. A enraged growl drifted and he pressed his eyes shut.

'Please, give me a bit more time.'

He edged to peak around the thick tree trunk. Though he couldn't get a clear view, he could clearly see someone rapidly making their way in his direction, tearing at anything that was in his way.

'God, make this end!'

He forced himself to his feet and randomly choosing a path, he stumbled deeper into the trees. Behind him he could hear Jacob in pursuit and he gritted his teeth and broke out into a run. This time his body didn't even wait five second to object; a stabbing pain struck him from both sides and his legs felt like they were on fire. Despite the cool air he was sweating and the salty water stung the welts and cuts on his body which trembled with exhaustion.

God had probably heard his pleas as the underbrush grew thicker with each step he took. He was small enough to crawl through, only slightly unhindered, but Jacob's large body was restrained by the bushes and the man's shouts of frustration soon faded as he fell further and further behind.

He pushed himself to go on, wanting to put as much distance between him and the drug-dealer as possible. He didn't know how long or how far he ran but soon the skies were turning a shade of purple and a few stars were appearing above his head. Around him the forest was completely silent with the exception of his ragged breathing.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, he collapsed. His legs simply gave way and he fell to his knees, allowing the package to drop to the moss covered ground as he braced himself on his arms. Sitting back on his heels, he wrapped his arms around his waist, trying to dampen the throbbing pain in his side. His head ached and he was cold. The fact that he hadn't eaten anything all day was brought back up when his stomach growled.

'I have to get home. Momma is going to be so angry with me.'

After several minutes he was able to get his breathing somewhat under control and the aches in his side had lessened a bit though everything else hurt all the same. Biting his tongue to prevent himself from groaning in distress, he gathered the brown package and stood, swaying slightly as he tried to find some way out of there.

Through his blurry tears, he saw many bright lights shining through the trees somewhere to his right. Maybe it was a house where he could seek shelter in the shed. His feet, that had earlier burned him, were now numb with cold and he could barely feel them with each step he took.

Finally reaching close enough, he wiped away the tears with his sweater's sleeve and peered beyond the trees. His mouth fell open.

A large complex stood proudly before him. A high black fence ran around the open grounds and the entrance was of a stone arch that was guarded by two vicious looking gargoyles. The main building looked like a palace and it was surrounded by smaller rows of buildings. Lights shone from carved windows and bright spotlights shone upon the dew covered grounds. People in long black robes and hoods walked around in eerie silence, like ghosts.

He was awed yet at the same time the building held a sense of foreboding mystery. Something drew him to it yet pushed him back at the same time.

He was shaken from his reverie when he heard a distant rustling of someone making their way towards him from behind. Jacob! He was still after him!

Abandoning his cover, he ran towards the steel fence. Sharp tops made it impossible for him to climb over it but a higher power seemed to have been on his side once again; a bar was missing, giving him enough room to slip his thin body through. Falling into a crouch, he watched for any movement before making towards the building, careful to avoid the spotlights.

'This place is like a prison.' The thought cam to mind though he wished it hadn't. There was no comfort in knowing that he was in a prison that was hidden deep in the woods. What type of people are kept here? Those mentally disturbed ones who hacked people up into pieces and then ate them?

Swallowing his nervousness, he decided the safest course of action was to simply lay low for the night and leave the first thing in the morning. Jacob would have to be gone by then. His mother would no doubt be infuriated with him once he got back home but he had no other choice.

He spotted a high wall that ran around an open ground that was poorly lit. It was pretty isolated from everything else and he could easily hide in its shadows for now. Keeping low to the ground, something that was easier than expected since he was almost dragging himself in exhaustion, he rubbed his eyes to relieve the burn and crept alongside it till he reached the archway.

His ears perked when at a faint whizzing sound. It was barely audible but in the silence of the compound it was detectable. And it was coming from within the walls. Stepping into the archway, he saw nothing on the large open field. Nothing, that is, except a small object spinning on the ground.

'A beyblade!'

Of course he knew of these. All the kids in the neighbourhood had one and he had spent many hours watching them pull the ripcord, making the small but powerful blades cut through the air before taking their opponents out. He had none, they were very expensive, but if he could he would trade everything he had just to hold one in his hands. Something about the blades mesmerized him.

Momentarily forgetting his tiredness, he walked over, stopping a few feet away from the blade which spun effortlessly despite the fact that it was on top of a pile of snow, slowly levelling the dome down as it slung the white substance in all directions. He moved a few more steps until he was standing right over it, his blue eyes glittering.

He crouched down gingerly, afraid to disturb its momentum. Despite himself his hands twitched to simply touch the smooth surface. The fact that the blade was apparently spinning alone did not occur to him. All he could do was watch. Somehow, he felt at peace watching the small object. He felt comforted to hear the high speeding twirling. It felt as if it was a part of me; like this was what he had been missing all his life.

Unable to stop himself, he reached out his hand.

Something moved in the shadows and before he could even react his wrist was caught in a strong grip. He jumped with a small cry and tried to pull away but the gloved hand had a tight hold on his slender wrist. He raised his eyes and the first thing he saw were an intense pair glaring back at him. They were narrowed dangerously and glowed a fiery red in the dark night.

Tbc…

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