By: Lady Sapphire
Author's notes: Well, I'm glad that most of you thought that Kai's character was still intact, but I know you won't be saying that after you read this chapter! *nervous laugh* What can I say? I TRIED! (and probably failed...)
Chapter 14: Tears of a Phoenix
The instant those words filled Kai's eardrums, a powerful and relieving warmth, similar to that of when he had kissed her for the first time, flooded his senses. It brought him joy, happiness, and solace to know that he was loved, and loved by the same girl whom he cared for as well. Call him a coward, but he knew he could never admit to his own feelings. He was just glad that she admitted to it first. His pulse sped up; he couldn't control himself. He needed to show her how he felt. He needed to taste her warm lips once again.
Mariah tensed, eyes growing wide at first, but then relaxed. She closed her eyes, tasting the tender kiss. She didn't struggle, nor did she protest. Gathering herself against his chest, she closed her eyes and returned the kiss with her own, savouring each moment. It was one she would remember for always.
After the kiss had broken off, she stared at him, surprised. "Kai? W-what?" she stammered in an attempt to ask for an explanation. Her heart raced and her breathing, a rapid and wild pace. Her head spun with thoughts, as she sought for reason and truth, but being in the fervent, dazed state she was in, her brain seemed to fail her.
"Thank you, Mariah…for telling me how you feel," he said, flashing her a rare smile, "I know that I could never have said it first…"
Mariah was stunned. What did he mean 'he could never have said it'? Did…did that mean he felt the same? That he loved her as much as she loved him? Her furrowed brow mixed with her shock expression clearly showed her confusion and uncertainty. She opened her mouth to ask him again, but before she could speak again, her lips were captured once again in Kai's, removing all doubt.
Kai had noticed the stoned expression that emerged across her face and knew that it was probably pretty hard to believe what he was trying to say. It completely contradicted the reputation he had set out to make for himself, a reputation that he had formed for himself a long time ago, the day his grandfather came into his life. He believed he was never loved and never will experience such weak emotions. Thus, making himself cold, transforming his very nature into a cruel, heartless soul. Alas, everything has changed now. He was loved and now that he knew, there was no need for him to keep up this masquerade. He could shed his outer skin and finally show his true colours.
Instead of repeating what he said or waiting for her to question him, he leaned forward to capture her tender lips once again, and Mariah finally understood it wasn't a lie. Nor was it a reverie. Kai meant what he said…he had told her he loved her too. Closing her eyes, she deepened the kiss, which lasted a few minutes before it ended.
Embraced in his safe, warm arms, Mariah leaned her head back against his chest and sighed blissfully. It was all too perfect. She wished it would never end. The forlorn old cave seemed so much more welcoming now that she had Kai. They knew they had to set out on the climb sooner or later, but for now, they chose to stay in the peaceful tranquility, just enjoying the presence of the other.
"Do you know when I started loving you?" asked Mariah, looking up at the man who held her. Looking thoughtful, she continued, "I think it was when you first bandaged up my ankle. I always that you were an insolent, self-centred jerk who didn't care about anyone or anything except for yourself," she giggled at the sight of Kai screwing up his face at the thought of his image. "But that day when you came back to help me, my image of you shattered…and I grew to love you even more every time you did something kindly."
She chuckled, "Of course, I refused to believe that I would fall for someone like you, but that feeling wouldn't go away. The instant I saw that you had taken the bite from the snake, I gave up trying to shun what I felt for you. Something in me just clicked, and I knew I loved you and had to save you, no matter the cost," she declared, snuggling close to him.
Kai smiled. So that was her story. Oddly, it seemed as if she shared the same uncertain and denying emotions he did at the start. It was strange hearing her side of the story, and yet it reassured him to know that he wasn't the only one who felt like that.
A moment's silence elapsed as Kai tried to think of something to say. He finally decided to tell her about how he felt when they first encountered each other.
"Remember that day when we first met in that alley a few years back where Tyson beybattled Kevin?" he paused and Mariah nodded. "Since that day, I always felt as if there was a bond between you and I. I felt connected to you somehow. You were strong, I have to admit, Galux startled me a bit.... A BIT," he accentuated, noticing her triumphant grin.
"Tyson wouldn't stop pestering me after that. He claimed that I had a thing for you. Ha! Like I'd ever give him the satisfaction that he was right, that annoying little pinhead...GRRR...I had to threaten to stuff a bowling ball down his throat if he didn't shut up…" he recalled with a scowl. Mariah laughed heartily. It was true that those two got along like fire and water. "He did shut up, by the way," Kai added, matter-of-factly.
She giggled even more by his last remark. When her laughter finally died down, and silence had reigned once again, she asked a question that had been bothering her for some time, "Kai? I want to ask you, why? Why did you choose me?" It was not that she didn't want to be loved by Kai, no, she loved him with all her heart and was absolutely thrilled to be loved in return, but she had to know. It was just something that was nagging at the back of her head.
"Hmm…" he murmured, carefully selecting his words. "I guess you reminded me a little of myself - proud, haughty, arrogant...all except for one difference, and that was innocence. You still retained your innocence. While we were unconscious the day we fell, you had recalled a memory of your mother. The innocence I experienced through your memory, I could not forget. I had no memories of my own parents; no memory of a pleasant childhood and innocence has long been demolished, although there was a time when it did exist. But I wanted to protect yours. I guess I wanted, in a way, to learn to regain my own." It was hard trying to explain.
"What do you mean?" asked Mariah curiously.
Kai thought for a moment, then answered, "I believed that if I protected you and all that was good in you, maybe some of it would come back to me, or perhaps I can recuperate that knowledge, the innocence…"
She shook her head. "No, Kai. You haven't lost your innocence, you never have. You just need a reminder of how wonderful life could be if you just released all your pain, all your anger and hatred…just let it go. And as long as you have something to live for each day, some happy, blissful memory that you can hang on to, innocence will always be within you no matter what happens," she told him, gently caressing his cheek. She could never imagine this side of Kai: soft and warm, innocent and gentle…just like a kitten.
"And now I have you…" he smirked, leaning into her hand, enjoying the feel of her gentle touch.
Mariah flushed, suddenly feeling shy by his tone of voice.
He continued to further strengthen his explanation. "In these past few days, you have shown me so much: how to love, and to be loved in return…and for the first time in many years, I tasted innocence. You showed me your strength, your compassion, your gentleness…I suppose it was what drew me to you, besides the fact that you are the first girl I have ever met that had superior blading skills," he said. Mariah was blushing by now. She had never received so many compliments all at once like that before. She beamed, her face aglow. But, in another instant, her glee died down and a sombre expression overtook her features.
"How come you never said anything before, or at least showed it? You were so rude and mean sometimes…I thought you despised me…" she whispered, in a hurt tone, lowering her head.
Kai sighed, and lifted her chin to meet her bright golden eyes, "I…I was afraid...afraid of what I felt, for I did not know what it was. Most of the times, I would use anger to cover up my confused or embarrassing moments. I denied my feelings for you. I tried to avoid you, but seeing how much it hurt you, something inside of me wouldn't let me keep that façade up for long. I told myself that I was only protecting you for Ray, who is a friend. I was only doing him a favour by taking care of you." He hoped she would understand how he felt back then. "But as time passed, even I didn't believe myself anymore. I could not lie to myself anymore…when the snake pounced on you, I knew I loved you, and always have from the very start. "
A small smile widened on her face and the beginnings of tears started to form in her eyes. "Kai…" she whispered and fell into his embrace once again.
Who would have thought that that hotheaded, insulting jerk would now be holding her protectively in his arms? She wouldn't have, not in a million years, and certainly not three days ago, when all she wanted to do was give him a great big smack for being such a rude moron. Now that she had seen the kinder, softer side of him, she couldn't go back to picturing the cold, hard demeanour. And personally, she liked this side of him much better.
Rocking back and forth steadily, the new couple remained in the cave for a while enjoying the serene ambiance and each other. The sky guaranteed a day of calm fair weather. Sunlight infiltrated the gloominess of the dank cavern and brightened up the area. Even the birds seemed to agree that the day was going to be delightful, as cheerful melodies filled the air. As for Kai and Mariah, all the happiness to last them a lifetime was fulfilled that very morning.
Yet, something was still incomplete in this scenario. Something that Kai had forgotten as of late, but was suddenly forced to remember as it was too important a thought to be relinquished from his memory. It sprung back into his mind like new fuel to a burning fire. Yes, it was his 'mission', the horrid thing that started it all.
He grew nervous all over again. Telling her that he loved her was one thing, but to jump to the next step, marriage? It was too far, and too fast. She would never agree to it. However, it wasn't like she was a total stranger, he had known her for two years now. As well, she understood him better than anyone else, since he had dropped his defences and let her read his soul. She knew about his past, his life, and the treachery of his grandfather's mission…things he didn't normally reveal to other people. Most of all, he wanted her. He wanted her to be the one he shared his life with. He was sure of that.
Taking a breath, he started, "Mariah?"
She looked up and waited for what he had to say.
"When Grandfather assigned me my mission the other day, my head was so clouded with worry and spite that I did not notice that the answer to my dilemma was by my side this whole time," he smiled.
A dazed look appeared across her face. "You mean...you...I..." she mumbled and as a blush slowly stretched across her face.
"Will you, Mariah? Will you help me complete this mission and help me retain Dranzer?" he interrupted, anxiously. He looked deep into her eyes, unwavering, and hoping that she would understand that he was sincere and that his heart was true.
Face still flushed, she smiled gently and took his hand in hers. "Oh Kai, you know I would do anything in my power to help you. I know how much Dranzer means to you, and I, myself, would be devastated if my Galux was stripped from me. So you needn't ask, for I already agree."
But that wasn't enough for Kai. He felt guilty, almost as if he were forcing her into this. He didn't want this to be all about the stupid mission, he wanted it to be about love. He shook his head slowly, "No…no, not only that. I don't want you to think that I want you to marry me just because of my bit beast. Mariah, I want you to marry me because I love you."
Tears erupted and she threw her arms around his neck in a joyful sob. "Kai…as I've already said, I will marry you. I do want to help you out, but also because I love you too," she said softly.
And with that vow, the promise was sealed with a kiss.
*~*~*
The couple spent most of the morning in that cave. By the time noon had arrived, Mariah decided that she was hungry and the two of them wandered out to collect food. It seemed as if their energy was recovered and they could both stand on two feet. Kai decided that if they started the climb now, perhaps they could reach the top by late afternoon or early evening. With that prediction, it was decided that it was best that the sooner they got out, the better. As much as nature was appreciated, a change of scenery was what they both needed.
Mariah climbed first, Kai following close behind, prepared to catch her in case she fell. Her ankle was still not healed to a hundred percent, so there was a slight wobble in her step. He kept a close eye on how she was holding out and steadied her balance every now and then. Once in a while, he would ask if she was all right, and if she wanted to turn back, but each time, she refused. She insisted that she could still climb and that it would be a waste of time if they went back down.
Nevertheless, although she claimed to be all right, what she really felt was clearly otherwise. Her headache had returned, and she was beginning to feel faint. Her ankle was throbbing by now from all the climbing, and the heat wasn't helping much either. But she wouldn't let Kai know. He would worry, and she didn't want him to worry about her right now. Besides, they were almost there…just a few more steps and they'd have reached the top. She could almost feel the paved road once again…
She lifted her foot off the final ridge of the cliff and stepped onto the solid, hard ground. Finally they had made it! After what seemed like years of isolation from civilization, they had at long last made their way back. Panting, she slid to the ground to rest and silently celebrate this moment of triumph.
"I never thought it'd feel so great to see roads again…" mused Kai, as he just reached the top as well. He knelt beside her and smirked.
"Yeah, it feels so great to be back…" she agreed, smiling, but then flinched as she felt a twinge in her head.
Kai noticed this. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he asked worriedly, "Are you sure you're okay? I can carry you, if you want. We still have to travel until we find a phone, so I can call my Grandfather to send someone for us."
She smiled at him, but shook her head. "No, I can manage. I'm fine; it's just a slight headache, that's all. Nothing too big." She didn't want to be a burden to him. It would slow down their progress if he had to carry her. She got up to her feet, as if proving to him that she was fine. "Come on, let's not waste anymore time then. Let's go."
Still uncertain of her word, he arose slowly. His instincts told him that she was simply lying in order to not worry him, but if she wasn't going to tell him, then what else could he do? He shrugged, and led the way, Mariah following closely behind. Every now and then, he would check over his shoulder to see how she was doing.
Just like how it was unbelievably rainy two nights ago, it was as equally sunny today. The relentless sun glared down on them, as they trekked down the road. This was not a pleasant thing for Mariah. The heat just weakened her condition, adding an even greater load for her. She tried her best to keep up, but now her vision had become blurred. Her headache intensified, and her dizziness had returned. Her whole body ached now, feeling as if her insides were made of lead weight. She desperately wanted to fall to the ground and sink into a long, deep slumber.
"Kai…" she murmured softly.
The world around her spun, as her eyelids drooped and her vision faded. Whether it had been from the poison, the exhaustion, the heat, or perhaps from a combination, but she finally gave way, losing all consciousness. It had been too much for her. She collapsed weakly towards the ground; her flaccid form motionless and almost…lifeless.
Kai had turned when he heard his name, only to see her numbly faint. A feeling of terror overtook his body, as he rushed to her side, catching her limp body just before it hit the ground.
"Mariah!" he yelled, shaking her fiercely in an attempt to wake her. "You said you were all right, you lied!" he cried, panic and fear apparent in his eyes.
Guilt slowly crept its way in. "This is all my fault…I shouldn't have suggested we climb today, I shouldn't have listened to you when you said you were fine, I should have persevered to carry you when you refused, I should have…" he rambled on in systematic tone, embracing her tightly in his arms. Closing his eyes to keep away tears, he mentally punished himself.
"Mariah…no…please don't go…I'm sorry…just hang on…for me…" he whispered into her ear. He knew that he was accomplishing nothing by sitting there, grieving. He needed to get her to a hospital quickly, and his best bet was to reach a phone and contact his grandfather. Determinedly, he picked up her unconscious body and continued their journey, but this time at a much quicker pace.
He found a payphone not too far away. Carefully he set her down, leaning her against a rock, while he went back to the phone to dial the number.
He hadn't brought any change with him, but that didn't matter for he could use call collect. Hastily, he dialled the number, which brought him to an operator who transferred his call to the Hiwatari manor.
*~*~*
"Hello?" said the old butler into the receiver when he picked up the phone.
"Is this the Hiwatari residence? There is a Kai Hiwatari calling, would you like to accept the call?" said the operator.
"Master Kai?! Yes! Quick, put him on!" he shouted, and quickly placed the receiver aside to inform the Master. "Master Voltaire! The phone! It's Master Kai!" he shouted up the stairs.
"Very well..." murmured the operator.
A few seconds later, grandfather was reunited with grandson.
The moment they were connected Voltaire yelled, "Kai?! Where in the hell have you been??? Come home this instant!"
"Grandfather," said Kai, too frantic to pay any attention to him, "Trace this call, find me, send over a limo. I'm calling from a payphone. Hurry, and send a doctor, a nurse, a surgeon…everything! Just hurry…" he pleaded. He was starting to get hysterical.
"What?! What happened? Are you hurt? Kai-" but before he could finish, he heard a click and then a dial tone. The line had been disconnected. Kai had hung up.
Staring blankly at the phone, Voltaire had no other choice but to do as his grandson had said. Silently, he hoped that nothing was wrong with Kai. Quickly he sent out orders to hunt down his location.
Kai hung up the phone and knelt down beside Mariah. Caressing her head, he leaned her body against himself in an embrace. Closing his eyes, he rested his head atop hers and stroked her tenderly, whispering over and over, "It's going to be okay, Mariah, it's going to be okay…"
Without realizing, he did something he hadn't done for a long time. He let himself cry. A single, glistening tear rolled off his cheek and glided on to her pale complexion.
*~*~*
Note: Hehehe I love being evil! First, I have them admit love, and then I separate them again! Oh this is so much fun! What do you think will happen? Actually, I've already told you, if you noticed it and made the connection ^_^...Should I say? Hmm...hehe ok, notice the title of this chapter? The phoenix refers to Kai because of his Dranzer. Anyone know the myth of the phoenix and what its tears do? *nods* don't tell anyone, if you know! For those who don't, a little research for ya!
And I'm sorry if I totally desecrated Kai...I didn't mean to. I just couldn't think of another way to do it...so, yeah. There's, I think, three more chapters left to wrap up this story. But I have many new ideas for stories I want to start!
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To £wan421: Tu ne dois pas écrire en anglais si tu ne veux pas ^_^ Mais ton anglais est très bien! Tu peux m'écrire en français, j'ai une connaissance raisonnable de cela. (Peut-être mon français est plus mauvais...-_-) Merci beaucoup pour tes revues! J'espère que tu as aimé ce chapitre!
Oh. My. Gosh. I finished Harry Potter OotP...and I still can't believe Rowling did that!!! I knew someone was going to die, but never in a million years did I imagine Him! Noooo....I don't want him to die! *cries* Bring him back! Rowling better have a good reason for killing him... Anyway, sorry about that, just needed to get that off my chest...I don't want to spoil the book for any of those who haven't read it yet, so I'll go now...so long! *goes off mumbling about the injustice, 'Why, I ask you, WHY?!'*