Thank you so much for the reviews and suggestions. I'm glad you like my
fic!
Sara: I actually had the exact same ideas! I was originally going to have them use Hilary's shirt instead of Kenny's tie, but I figured that they would want a reminder of Kenny. And in this chapter, I was going to... well you'll find out. But thank you so much for the suggestions!
Jeweljade: they had to go into the cave because they need food! Which is really infrequent and far apart, so basically if they don't move they die. Good motivation?
Don't own anything.
Twisted Fate
Chapter 11: Past Relived
They were engulfed in darkness as soon as they stepped into the cave. Lost in the shadows as soon as they entered, there was no going back.
"Uh, guys, where'd the entrance go?" Max asked, worriedly.
"That's strange," Hilary remarked. "The light just completely vanished!"
Tyson turned around and put his hand where empty space had been, to find solid rock. "It's... rock?"
"There's no escape. Don't bother," Kai said coolly. The others stared in horror at the direction the voice had come from. They knew he was right.
"We'll have to stick together," Rei's voice was heard. "Always follow a voice. It's real easy to get lost this way."
"Hey, remember when we went into that cave on the island?" Tyson said excitedly. "We could play that game!"
"Tyson, you suck at that game," Max laughed.
"...Hey!"
"It's true," Rei laughed.
Tyson gave the two a pout, although they couldn't see. "Okay, okay. Let's do something else."
"Truth or dare!" Max said happily.
"Yeah right, I'm so not playing that lame game," Tyson said.
"I dare you to play!" The others sweat-dropped.
"Fine!" Tyson said, never one to back out of a challenge.
Max laughed, knowing it would work. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare! Come on, Max, what did you think?"
"Okay... I dare you to pick truth next time!" Groan.
"Right... Hilary, truth or dare?" Tyson said enthusiastically.
"Uh... truth?"
"Okay... who do you like?"
Hilary's face went red. Luckily for her, the others couldn't see. She was an honest person and wasn't afraid of them knowing anything... except the one dreaded question. "I'm not saying," she managed to say.
"So you pass?"
"Yes," she said, embarrassment replaced quickly with annoyance.
"Ha, chicken. I get to ask again! So, Kai! Truth or dare?" Dead silence. "Oh, right, I forgot. You're too good to play truth or dare with us. You're SO much more mature and all..."
"Tyson, if I recall, YOU were the one that didn't want to play 'that lame game'," Kai said icily.
Max, Hilary and Rei started to snicker as Tyson was at loss for a comeback.
Rei stopped laughing abruptly and let out a cry of anguish as a fresh wave of pain overcame him. Stabbing pains shot through his arm with a deep gash that almost went to the bone. His breathing became heavy and harsh.
"Rei? Are you okay?" Hilary asked, hearing him cry out.
"I'm... I'm okay," Rei said between gasps. "Let's keep going."
"But Rei, you're hurt!" Hilary exclaimed. "Stop and rest a moment!"
"I said we're moving on," Rei said harshly. Hilary was silent.
"Dude, she's just looking out for you," Max said. He was shocked at Rei's tone. "No need to snap at her!"
"I... I'm sorry," he said, sincerely.
"It's okay. Now how about we take a short break?" Hilary said.
"No." Rei was stubborn. "The longer we stay here the worse it'll get."
Hilary sighed. "Okay, but you tell us if you need to take a break!"
"Sure," he said, smiling through his pain. He really had great friends.
"It's STILL not working!" Kenny cried, frustrated.
"Chill, chief. So the bit-beast-tracking device isn't working. We'll find a way, don'tcha trust me?" Dizzi's voice came.
"Of course, Dizzi. It's just... AARGH!" he started to pull his hair out nervously.
"Get some shut-eye, chief. You need your rest. Even I need rest; shut me down, will ya? Remember, you're supposed to go back to the BBA first thing tomorrow morning to finish explaining everything to Mr. Dickenson."
"Yeah," he sighed, and collapsed into his bed. 'Don't worry, guys. You can count on me.'
They had been walking in total darkness for quite some time. Time seems to be lost without daylight. At some point, they drifted off in the darkness, losing grip of consciousness. A maniacal laugh echoed in their minds, and a blinding light flashed.
(Kai's POV)
It was like waking up and finding myself somewhere completely different. I felt a little dazed and confused. "Where are we?" Tyson wondered aloud. As the picture came into focus, I felt cold stone and saw prison cells. Shivers ran through me as realisation struck me: we were in the abbey.
"Kai, isn't this..." Rei started to ask softly. I gave a nod, and my fists clenched. My friends had fear in their eyes, especially Tyson.
"What? Where are we?" Hilary was clueless. She knew it was bad, seeing prison cells and dim lighting, and the overall chilling aura of the abbey.
"This is the abbey. Where Kai was raised," Rei said quietly.
I sensed someone was coming, and alerted the others. We saw none other than my grandfather walking down the stone corridor. I felt hatred surge through me, and I tensed. He was heading right for us.
His strong, powerful strides continued, as we stood frozen in fear for moments. "Hide!" Tyson yelped, but there was no point.
"Forget it, he can't see us nor hear us," I said, my calm voice betraying the fear and anger inside. It was a relief that he couldn't sense us, but the mere sight of him made my skin crawl.
He passed right through us, as if we were ghosts. "Let's follow him," Tyson said, as the others followed his lead. Reluctantly, I came along, regretting it. I knew what was coming. My heart raced as the realisation sank in; they would find out.
We followed Voltaire. I closed my eyes tightly, as I knew what would happen within minutes.
"Hey Kai, What's up? You okay?" Rei asked, putting his good hand on my shoulder. Was it that obvious I was afraid? I tried as best I could to shake off any trace of fear or sadness.
I sighed and opened my eyes reluctantly. "No..." I whispered. Voltaire approached the boy on his knees I remember so well. That pleading face haunting my dreams
"Kai," his cruel voice beckoned, and my past stepped out of the shadows. There I stood, maybe five years ago.
"No, I'm sorry Voltaire..." the boy stammered, tears running down his face with fear. He had good reason to be afraid.
"Shut your mouth, boy," Voltaire spat. Next he spoke the words that run through my nightmares. "Kill him," he ordered me.
As I thought, my friends' mouths hung open in sheer horror. "What the heck, Kai?!" Tyson exclaimed.
My younger self walked forward, emotionless, to the boy. Tears streamed down his face as I approached, the dim light gleaming off the blade in my hand. I could see my friends, hands clenched into fists and face glazed over, watching.
"This is what happens when you are weak," Voltaire said, enjoying his torture.
"Please, Kai... don't kill me," the boy pleaded, choking with sobs.
"What are you waiting for, Kai? Don't waste my time," Voltaire said. He then drew out a knife, which made my stomach twist and I felt sick. Hilary screamed. That psychopathic man of a grandfather then drew the blade to his face and blood spilled.
The boy shrieked in pain, as blood mixed with tears. I could see tears flowing from Hilary's eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing... I felt sorry she ever had to witness it. It was my fault, after all. Max looked like he was about to be sick. "You sick-minded freak!" Tyson shouted, although he knew he couldn't hear him.
Voltaire then stabbed the boy. He had skilfully done it so that he wasn't dead, but was suffering beyond imaginable. "Finish him off," he had said to me.
My younger self didn't make a move. "Now, Kai." With this, he delivered a swift punch to my face. This time Max cried out. I could feel the pain, as could my friends. Voltaire continued to deliver punches and kicks to my small body.
"Finish him," he commanded, after he had beaten me.
"No. I won't." I stood defiantly, even though I had just been beaten up. I would never show my weakness. "Never."
With that, Voltaire slit the boy's throat, and no more tears escaped the eyes that would never open again. Gasps escaped my friends' mouths. They had witnessed death.
Now I would be punished severely for defying my grandfather. "Kai. How dare you defy me," Voltaire thundered, beating me even harder. I was surprised how much brute strength the old creep of a grandfather had.
"I'm surprised you had the nerve to resist, young Kai," he said. A cruel laugh escaped his lips, one typical of a psychopath. "Now you'll pay," he said. His voice had become softer and more dangerous, his eyes glinting with malice. He revealed something that scared the daylight out of me. A single needle.
I realised my breathing had become heavy and I was frozen with fear. Just the memory was enough to drag me down into the realm of my nightmares. I was scared, and felt sweat form on my face. My heart was pounding.
I felt a hand take my own. I mentally kicked myself for letting them see I was afraid, but surprisingly it felt good. "Kai..." Hilary whispered, tears gently rolling down her pale, scared face. Her grip told me she was dead scared herself, but also that she was trying to... comfort me.
Tears glistened in their eyes as they looked away from the bleeding carcass of the boy, towards me. The eyes that had just witnessed a murder turned to me full of emotion. Anger, shock, horror, sorrow, disgust... but I saw something else, a look that told me that they would always be there for me... the look of a true friend.
Voltaire injected the poison into my younger self, and I could instantly feel the pain I felt all those years ago. The others could feel it too, and screamed. I would never scream; it only gave my grandfather pleasure. Pain for pleasure.
Hilary's grip on my hand became intensely tight as she screamed in pain. Rei had collapsed onto the stone floor; it was too much for him. Tyson and Max both cried out, tears falling from their faces. They were struggling to keep standing as the pain increased. I, however, knew that this was a diluted version of the pain I had actually felt back then. Just a sample, a taste was enough. Even that was too much for them.
I watched as my younger self started to shake in pain and collapsed to the floor. Luckily for me, I hadn't cried. If I had, I would have ended up like the boy that lay lifeless on the cold stone floor. Eventually, he stopped shaking as he lost consciousness. I watched with hatred as Voltaire emitted a cold, cruel laugh.
Voltaire picked my up and literally threw my limp body against the grimy wall of a prison cell. I could hear the sickening crack as my younger self hit the stone. "That should teach you, my pathetic excuse for a grandson, to defy me," he whispered, with a harsh laugh. The evil glint in his eyes showed his lack of love.
I wondered how a creep like him could ever have a family. The thought of a grandmother was strange... she must have died, or left him. Either was highly likely with Voltaire as her wife. Maybe she never even was married; I couldn't picture anyone loving the cruel freak. There was so much I didn't know.
Then there was the matter of my parents... a pang of sadness came as I thought about them. I didn't know anything about them. Voltaire had never mentioned them. All I know is I will never get a chance to meet them. They're dead.
A cold shiver ran through me as I thought about them. I guess it was obvious, as Hilary immediately tightened her grip. My eyes darted towards her immediately, coming back to reality. Her face showed true concern for me... it was strange. It occurred to me that maybe she actually cared for me.
Tears streamed down each one of their faces. Each of the faces I recognised to be the face of a true friend. Friendship was something the Bladebreakers had taught me, a new experience. An experience that was greater than power, something that psychotic grandfather of mine does not know.
"Kai, you know we'll always be here for you, no matter what. We're your friends, and you know it. That's what friendship is about," Rei said sincerely.
I felt arms wrap around me, and looked down to see Max. I shifted uncomfortably, as I'd never been hugged before. A comforting smile was on his tear-stained face, and the same look was on Tyson's face. Rei had that understanding, kind look in his eyes. It was an awkward position: Max hugging me while Hilary still had my hand in a tight grip.
At first, my face showed slight surprise and shock from the support. Then, everything sort of sank in, and I couldn't help but give a slight smile.
(Tyson's POV)
I couldn't believe what I had just seen. I had witnessed that dream from Kai's past, but it wasn't even close to what had just happened. It gave me a whole new respect for him... how anyone could live through that I shuddered to think.
Well, I'm just glad that we're here for him now. Even Kai needed a friend to hold on to sometimes. Well, I'd known that all along, but now I understood. And to think I had called him all those things... *hits head* way to go, Tyson. Kai's a stronger person than anyone I know.
(Rei's POV)
I had sensed something bad was about to happen. Kai had suddenly become scared as he realised what would happen next. It must have the same nightmare Hilary had sort of heard. However, even preparing for the worst possible, as it was Kai who seemed afraid, it was more horrid than I could ever have imagined.
Tears came to my eyes as I watched it all happen, like a nightmare you can't escape from. I felt sick from all I had just seen. No wonder he didn't trust anyone; those he would have trusted either betrayed him or... died. Except for Dranzer, who's always been by his side. I was starting to finally understand
(Hilary's POV)
I had held his hand, and for once it was I helping him out, instead of vice versa like usual. Tears streamed down my face and everyone else's, but there wasn't a trace of a tear in his face. It scared me, how he had become that way. But, I could see the sadness in his eyes... he wasn't as cold- hearted as he came across.
(Max's POV)
I felt like screaming at Voltaire, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. I couldn't imagine what it would be like without my mom, and dad, and a whole ton of friends. And I couldn't even bear to think about what it would be like with Voltaire and Boris... he was better off alone. That's when it struck me; that was why Kai was so solitary!
Anyway, I gave him a great big hug, not caring that he didn't react. He probably appreciated it deep down, I always feel better after a hug! He didn't pull away, or leave, which probably meant he accepted it.
He accepted us as friends, and looking at his younger self, I realised just how far he had come. We had helped him to become more open, to trust, friendship... I gave him a smile, as did the rest of us, and I saw the slightest smile appear on his grim face.
(Kai's POV)
A blinding flash brought me away from the abbey and into the darkness. Overwhelming dizziness struck, and I felt like I was falling, like when you're in an elevator. Plunging into the unknown, never knowing what's coming.
And out of the darkness came an even darker memory. I preferred shadows and nothingness to this – and I feared my friends would be exposed to even more. The outline of grandfather's mansion started to appear in the black. Panic flashed through me like streaks of lightning.
"Enough..." I soon realised it was my own voice that had spoken, in desperation. My voice was cold and unnaturally clear in the silence of nothingness, but I heard the slightest waver in my voice.
Then, I heard something I hadn't expected – a response. It was a deranged laugh of a madman, to be exact, that continued to grow louder until it filled my head and I couldn't escape. "So you've had enough, Kai," a cold voice finally said.
I narrowed my eyes and shifted my gaze to pinpoint where the sound was coming from, although I knew it was everywhere. I recognised the voice and the laugh as that of none other than the ex-BBA scientist.
"I'm disappointed in you; the high and mighty Kai has finally given in," the voice mocked. I growled under my breath.
"Quit screwing with their minds," I said coldly. They had seen too much... way too much.
"Oh, no, Kai. I've barely scratched the surface of your... memories," he gloated, sneering nastily at the last word.
"How is that possible?" I wondered aloud.
"Do you really want to know, Kai? I can do nearly anything," he gloated, typical evil madman boasting.
With that, I felt flashes of pain of years of abuse, with their coinciding images. All from Boris or my own grandfather, the blows were delivered to my body, as well as their horrid faces in my mind.
Punch, "worthless." Kick, "embarrassment." Slap, "pathetic." Boris abuses with no mercy whatsoever. Just like the soldiers we were trained to be. Show any sign of weakness and you just get more.
Voltaire takes a small blade in his hand and the cool metal slits my skin. I try not to flinch as the knife cuts deep into my flesh. He laughs as if he enjoys it. Because, the truth is, he does. He likes the sight of my blood.
Then, the flow of pain and memories stops. "That was merely 60 seconds, Kai," the cold voice echoes in my head once again. I put my hand to my face and feel the blood still running down my cheek. "Care for more?"
"Never again," I hiss. I feel the blood trickle from my face like tears. "What do you want," I spat.
"Your Dranzer, Kai." My face must have paled. His answer was short and simple, but it was so difficult. It was a lose-lose situation; go through the pain all over again, or lose Dranzer. Well, he proved me wrong. I would go through it all again if it meant keeping Dranzer safe.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he interrupted. "I guess the decision should be made harder, then, Kai." An image of my friends... dead... flashed in my mind.
"NO!" I shouted, and felt as if my heart was being torn apart. I felt completely weak and helpless, and for once had no idea what to do. My eyes shut tightly in frustration, but I could see the images flashing in my mind.
"You're choice, Kai. Your so-called friends or your precious Dranzer..." his disgustingly pleasured voice made me feel sick. My brain was exploding with anger, torment, sorrow and guilt; so much I didn't know what to say. I couldn't retort, nor make a decision.
"No..." I whispered again, my voice choked. My voice NEVER choked. I lowered my head until my eyes were shadowed in defeat. I sank to my knees as my world fell apart.
END OF CHAPTER! Review!
~ Penguin Pop
Sara: I actually had the exact same ideas! I was originally going to have them use Hilary's shirt instead of Kenny's tie, but I figured that they would want a reminder of Kenny. And in this chapter, I was going to... well you'll find out. But thank you so much for the suggestions!
Jeweljade: they had to go into the cave because they need food! Which is really infrequent and far apart, so basically if they don't move they die. Good motivation?
Don't own anything.
Twisted Fate
Chapter 11: Past Relived
They were engulfed in darkness as soon as they stepped into the cave. Lost in the shadows as soon as they entered, there was no going back.
"Uh, guys, where'd the entrance go?" Max asked, worriedly.
"That's strange," Hilary remarked. "The light just completely vanished!"
Tyson turned around and put his hand where empty space had been, to find solid rock. "It's... rock?"
"There's no escape. Don't bother," Kai said coolly. The others stared in horror at the direction the voice had come from. They knew he was right.
"We'll have to stick together," Rei's voice was heard. "Always follow a voice. It's real easy to get lost this way."
"Hey, remember when we went into that cave on the island?" Tyson said excitedly. "We could play that game!"
"Tyson, you suck at that game," Max laughed.
"...Hey!"
"It's true," Rei laughed.
Tyson gave the two a pout, although they couldn't see. "Okay, okay. Let's do something else."
"Truth or dare!" Max said happily.
"Yeah right, I'm so not playing that lame game," Tyson said.
"I dare you to play!" The others sweat-dropped.
"Fine!" Tyson said, never one to back out of a challenge.
Max laughed, knowing it would work. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare! Come on, Max, what did you think?"
"Okay... I dare you to pick truth next time!" Groan.
"Right... Hilary, truth or dare?" Tyson said enthusiastically.
"Uh... truth?"
"Okay... who do you like?"
Hilary's face went red. Luckily for her, the others couldn't see. She was an honest person and wasn't afraid of them knowing anything... except the one dreaded question. "I'm not saying," she managed to say.
"So you pass?"
"Yes," she said, embarrassment replaced quickly with annoyance.
"Ha, chicken. I get to ask again! So, Kai! Truth or dare?" Dead silence. "Oh, right, I forgot. You're too good to play truth or dare with us. You're SO much more mature and all..."
"Tyson, if I recall, YOU were the one that didn't want to play 'that lame game'," Kai said icily.
Max, Hilary and Rei started to snicker as Tyson was at loss for a comeback.
Rei stopped laughing abruptly and let out a cry of anguish as a fresh wave of pain overcame him. Stabbing pains shot through his arm with a deep gash that almost went to the bone. His breathing became heavy and harsh.
"Rei? Are you okay?" Hilary asked, hearing him cry out.
"I'm... I'm okay," Rei said between gasps. "Let's keep going."
"But Rei, you're hurt!" Hilary exclaimed. "Stop and rest a moment!"
"I said we're moving on," Rei said harshly. Hilary was silent.
"Dude, she's just looking out for you," Max said. He was shocked at Rei's tone. "No need to snap at her!"
"I... I'm sorry," he said, sincerely.
"It's okay. Now how about we take a short break?" Hilary said.
"No." Rei was stubborn. "The longer we stay here the worse it'll get."
Hilary sighed. "Okay, but you tell us if you need to take a break!"
"Sure," he said, smiling through his pain. He really had great friends.
"It's STILL not working!" Kenny cried, frustrated.
"Chill, chief. So the bit-beast-tracking device isn't working. We'll find a way, don'tcha trust me?" Dizzi's voice came.
"Of course, Dizzi. It's just... AARGH!" he started to pull his hair out nervously.
"Get some shut-eye, chief. You need your rest. Even I need rest; shut me down, will ya? Remember, you're supposed to go back to the BBA first thing tomorrow morning to finish explaining everything to Mr. Dickenson."
"Yeah," he sighed, and collapsed into his bed. 'Don't worry, guys. You can count on me.'
They had been walking in total darkness for quite some time. Time seems to be lost without daylight. At some point, they drifted off in the darkness, losing grip of consciousness. A maniacal laugh echoed in their minds, and a blinding light flashed.
(Kai's POV)
It was like waking up and finding myself somewhere completely different. I felt a little dazed and confused. "Where are we?" Tyson wondered aloud. As the picture came into focus, I felt cold stone and saw prison cells. Shivers ran through me as realisation struck me: we were in the abbey.
"Kai, isn't this..." Rei started to ask softly. I gave a nod, and my fists clenched. My friends had fear in their eyes, especially Tyson.
"What? Where are we?" Hilary was clueless. She knew it was bad, seeing prison cells and dim lighting, and the overall chilling aura of the abbey.
"This is the abbey. Where Kai was raised," Rei said quietly.
I sensed someone was coming, and alerted the others. We saw none other than my grandfather walking down the stone corridor. I felt hatred surge through me, and I tensed. He was heading right for us.
His strong, powerful strides continued, as we stood frozen in fear for moments. "Hide!" Tyson yelped, but there was no point.
"Forget it, he can't see us nor hear us," I said, my calm voice betraying the fear and anger inside. It was a relief that he couldn't sense us, but the mere sight of him made my skin crawl.
He passed right through us, as if we were ghosts. "Let's follow him," Tyson said, as the others followed his lead. Reluctantly, I came along, regretting it. I knew what was coming. My heart raced as the realisation sank in; they would find out.
We followed Voltaire. I closed my eyes tightly, as I knew what would happen within minutes.
"Hey Kai, What's up? You okay?" Rei asked, putting his good hand on my shoulder. Was it that obvious I was afraid? I tried as best I could to shake off any trace of fear or sadness.
I sighed and opened my eyes reluctantly. "No..." I whispered. Voltaire approached the boy on his knees I remember so well. That pleading face haunting my dreams
"Kai," his cruel voice beckoned, and my past stepped out of the shadows. There I stood, maybe five years ago.
"No, I'm sorry Voltaire..." the boy stammered, tears running down his face with fear. He had good reason to be afraid.
"Shut your mouth, boy," Voltaire spat. Next he spoke the words that run through my nightmares. "Kill him," he ordered me.
As I thought, my friends' mouths hung open in sheer horror. "What the heck, Kai?!" Tyson exclaimed.
My younger self walked forward, emotionless, to the boy. Tears streamed down his face as I approached, the dim light gleaming off the blade in my hand. I could see my friends, hands clenched into fists and face glazed over, watching.
"This is what happens when you are weak," Voltaire said, enjoying his torture.
"Please, Kai... don't kill me," the boy pleaded, choking with sobs.
"What are you waiting for, Kai? Don't waste my time," Voltaire said. He then drew out a knife, which made my stomach twist and I felt sick. Hilary screamed. That psychopathic man of a grandfather then drew the blade to his face and blood spilled.
The boy shrieked in pain, as blood mixed with tears. I could see tears flowing from Hilary's eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing... I felt sorry she ever had to witness it. It was my fault, after all. Max looked like he was about to be sick. "You sick-minded freak!" Tyson shouted, although he knew he couldn't hear him.
Voltaire then stabbed the boy. He had skilfully done it so that he wasn't dead, but was suffering beyond imaginable. "Finish him off," he had said to me.
My younger self didn't make a move. "Now, Kai." With this, he delivered a swift punch to my face. This time Max cried out. I could feel the pain, as could my friends. Voltaire continued to deliver punches and kicks to my small body.
"Finish him," he commanded, after he had beaten me.
"No. I won't." I stood defiantly, even though I had just been beaten up. I would never show my weakness. "Never."
With that, Voltaire slit the boy's throat, and no more tears escaped the eyes that would never open again. Gasps escaped my friends' mouths. They had witnessed death.
Now I would be punished severely for defying my grandfather. "Kai. How dare you defy me," Voltaire thundered, beating me even harder. I was surprised how much brute strength the old creep of a grandfather had.
"I'm surprised you had the nerve to resist, young Kai," he said. A cruel laugh escaped his lips, one typical of a psychopath. "Now you'll pay," he said. His voice had become softer and more dangerous, his eyes glinting with malice. He revealed something that scared the daylight out of me. A single needle.
I realised my breathing had become heavy and I was frozen with fear. Just the memory was enough to drag me down into the realm of my nightmares. I was scared, and felt sweat form on my face. My heart was pounding.
I felt a hand take my own. I mentally kicked myself for letting them see I was afraid, but surprisingly it felt good. "Kai..." Hilary whispered, tears gently rolling down her pale, scared face. Her grip told me she was dead scared herself, but also that she was trying to... comfort me.
Tears glistened in their eyes as they looked away from the bleeding carcass of the boy, towards me. The eyes that had just witnessed a murder turned to me full of emotion. Anger, shock, horror, sorrow, disgust... but I saw something else, a look that told me that they would always be there for me... the look of a true friend.
Voltaire injected the poison into my younger self, and I could instantly feel the pain I felt all those years ago. The others could feel it too, and screamed. I would never scream; it only gave my grandfather pleasure. Pain for pleasure.
Hilary's grip on my hand became intensely tight as she screamed in pain. Rei had collapsed onto the stone floor; it was too much for him. Tyson and Max both cried out, tears falling from their faces. They were struggling to keep standing as the pain increased. I, however, knew that this was a diluted version of the pain I had actually felt back then. Just a sample, a taste was enough. Even that was too much for them.
I watched as my younger self started to shake in pain and collapsed to the floor. Luckily for me, I hadn't cried. If I had, I would have ended up like the boy that lay lifeless on the cold stone floor. Eventually, he stopped shaking as he lost consciousness. I watched with hatred as Voltaire emitted a cold, cruel laugh.
Voltaire picked my up and literally threw my limp body against the grimy wall of a prison cell. I could hear the sickening crack as my younger self hit the stone. "That should teach you, my pathetic excuse for a grandson, to defy me," he whispered, with a harsh laugh. The evil glint in his eyes showed his lack of love.
I wondered how a creep like him could ever have a family. The thought of a grandmother was strange... she must have died, or left him. Either was highly likely with Voltaire as her wife. Maybe she never even was married; I couldn't picture anyone loving the cruel freak. There was so much I didn't know.
Then there was the matter of my parents... a pang of sadness came as I thought about them. I didn't know anything about them. Voltaire had never mentioned them. All I know is I will never get a chance to meet them. They're dead.
A cold shiver ran through me as I thought about them. I guess it was obvious, as Hilary immediately tightened her grip. My eyes darted towards her immediately, coming back to reality. Her face showed true concern for me... it was strange. It occurred to me that maybe she actually cared for me.
Tears streamed down each one of their faces. Each of the faces I recognised to be the face of a true friend. Friendship was something the Bladebreakers had taught me, a new experience. An experience that was greater than power, something that psychotic grandfather of mine does not know.
"Kai, you know we'll always be here for you, no matter what. We're your friends, and you know it. That's what friendship is about," Rei said sincerely.
I felt arms wrap around me, and looked down to see Max. I shifted uncomfortably, as I'd never been hugged before. A comforting smile was on his tear-stained face, and the same look was on Tyson's face. Rei had that understanding, kind look in his eyes. It was an awkward position: Max hugging me while Hilary still had my hand in a tight grip.
At first, my face showed slight surprise and shock from the support. Then, everything sort of sank in, and I couldn't help but give a slight smile.
(Tyson's POV)
I couldn't believe what I had just seen. I had witnessed that dream from Kai's past, but it wasn't even close to what had just happened. It gave me a whole new respect for him... how anyone could live through that I shuddered to think.
Well, I'm just glad that we're here for him now. Even Kai needed a friend to hold on to sometimes. Well, I'd known that all along, but now I understood. And to think I had called him all those things... *hits head* way to go, Tyson. Kai's a stronger person than anyone I know.
(Rei's POV)
I had sensed something bad was about to happen. Kai had suddenly become scared as he realised what would happen next. It must have the same nightmare Hilary had sort of heard. However, even preparing for the worst possible, as it was Kai who seemed afraid, it was more horrid than I could ever have imagined.
Tears came to my eyes as I watched it all happen, like a nightmare you can't escape from. I felt sick from all I had just seen. No wonder he didn't trust anyone; those he would have trusted either betrayed him or... died. Except for Dranzer, who's always been by his side. I was starting to finally understand
(Hilary's POV)
I had held his hand, and for once it was I helping him out, instead of vice versa like usual. Tears streamed down my face and everyone else's, but there wasn't a trace of a tear in his face. It scared me, how he had become that way. But, I could see the sadness in his eyes... he wasn't as cold- hearted as he came across.
(Max's POV)
I felt like screaming at Voltaire, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. I couldn't imagine what it would be like without my mom, and dad, and a whole ton of friends. And I couldn't even bear to think about what it would be like with Voltaire and Boris... he was better off alone. That's when it struck me; that was why Kai was so solitary!
Anyway, I gave him a great big hug, not caring that he didn't react. He probably appreciated it deep down, I always feel better after a hug! He didn't pull away, or leave, which probably meant he accepted it.
He accepted us as friends, and looking at his younger self, I realised just how far he had come. We had helped him to become more open, to trust, friendship... I gave him a smile, as did the rest of us, and I saw the slightest smile appear on his grim face.
(Kai's POV)
A blinding flash brought me away from the abbey and into the darkness. Overwhelming dizziness struck, and I felt like I was falling, like when you're in an elevator. Plunging into the unknown, never knowing what's coming.
And out of the darkness came an even darker memory. I preferred shadows and nothingness to this – and I feared my friends would be exposed to even more. The outline of grandfather's mansion started to appear in the black. Panic flashed through me like streaks of lightning.
"Enough..." I soon realised it was my own voice that had spoken, in desperation. My voice was cold and unnaturally clear in the silence of nothingness, but I heard the slightest waver in my voice.
Then, I heard something I hadn't expected – a response. It was a deranged laugh of a madman, to be exact, that continued to grow louder until it filled my head and I couldn't escape. "So you've had enough, Kai," a cold voice finally said.
I narrowed my eyes and shifted my gaze to pinpoint where the sound was coming from, although I knew it was everywhere. I recognised the voice and the laugh as that of none other than the ex-BBA scientist.
"I'm disappointed in you; the high and mighty Kai has finally given in," the voice mocked. I growled under my breath.
"Quit screwing with their minds," I said coldly. They had seen too much... way too much.
"Oh, no, Kai. I've barely scratched the surface of your... memories," he gloated, sneering nastily at the last word.
"How is that possible?" I wondered aloud.
"Do you really want to know, Kai? I can do nearly anything," he gloated, typical evil madman boasting.
With that, I felt flashes of pain of years of abuse, with their coinciding images. All from Boris or my own grandfather, the blows were delivered to my body, as well as their horrid faces in my mind.
Punch, "worthless." Kick, "embarrassment." Slap, "pathetic." Boris abuses with no mercy whatsoever. Just like the soldiers we were trained to be. Show any sign of weakness and you just get more.
Voltaire takes a small blade in his hand and the cool metal slits my skin. I try not to flinch as the knife cuts deep into my flesh. He laughs as if he enjoys it. Because, the truth is, he does. He likes the sight of my blood.
Then, the flow of pain and memories stops. "That was merely 60 seconds, Kai," the cold voice echoes in my head once again. I put my hand to my face and feel the blood still running down my cheek. "Care for more?"
"Never again," I hiss. I feel the blood trickle from my face like tears. "What do you want," I spat.
"Your Dranzer, Kai." My face must have paled. His answer was short and simple, but it was so difficult. It was a lose-lose situation; go through the pain all over again, or lose Dranzer. Well, he proved me wrong. I would go through it all again if it meant keeping Dranzer safe.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he interrupted. "I guess the decision should be made harder, then, Kai." An image of my friends... dead... flashed in my mind.
"NO!" I shouted, and felt as if my heart was being torn apart. I felt completely weak and helpless, and for once had no idea what to do. My eyes shut tightly in frustration, but I could see the images flashing in my mind.
"You're choice, Kai. Your so-called friends or your precious Dranzer..." his disgustingly pleasured voice made me feel sick. My brain was exploding with anger, torment, sorrow and guilt; so much I didn't know what to say. I couldn't retort, nor make a decision.
"No..." I whispered again, my voice choked. My voice NEVER choked. I lowered my head until my eyes were shadowed in defeat. I sank to my knees as my world fell apart.
END OF CHAPTER! Review!
~ Penguin Pop