Thank you for the reviews! Lol Mrs.Sumpter I especially liked yours :P
Note from last chapter I just felt I had to comment on:
Hilary: Calm, yes. Too calm? Not exactly. Hilary has already realised that she's made a mistake. It's just not right to have two guys at once. She knew she would have to make the decision anyway. Plus, she has no time to panic.
ooooo
Twisted Fate
Chapter 22: Broken Triangle
"How about this one, Kai?" Hilary asked. She twirled around in a short, flirty light yellow skirt. She flashed a pretty smile. Her tight-fitting top revealed her midriff just enough. He couldn't help but stare.
He had agreed to take her to the gigantic mall. This city seemed bizarre to Kai – it was tiny, but had these huge attractions right in the middle of it. But, even if there was some suspicion, it really didn't make any difference. There was nothing he could do.
"It's a bit short," he smirked.
"Is that a bad thing?" she asked innocently. She twirled her chocolate brown locks with her fingers playfully. Her scarlet orbs sparkled framed by dark, long lashes.
"Of course not." She laughed, and walked back into the change room. He stood outside, waiting. He traced the cuts that lay beneath his sleeves in his mind. The rain had stopped; the storm had cleared. His grey eyes flickered with a newfound fire.
She pranced out again, this time wearing a slim, silver halter dress. "Well?"
"Yeah."
"'Yeah'? You've said that for most of these outfits," she remarked, her ruby eyes staring into his. "You don't really care, I guess…?"
"It's just that you make them all look spectacular," he said, staring straight back at her. She shivered with delight… she was amazed how he could look at her in the eyes like that. He spoke so calmly and confidently. "Done here?"
"Yep," she grinned, and thrust into his arms a pile of clothes. "Thank you." Expensive, stylish and gorgeous clothes… in a giant, beautiful mall. Her eyes literally glittered with delight. "Kai… you make me feel beautiful," she beamed. "Self-conscious around you… but beautiful."
"I apologise if my intimidating exterior is making you feel slightly self-conscious," he said with a smirk. "Because there's no way you should ever feel that way. You're a pretty girl, Hil, with even more to you."
"Stop it!" Hilary laughed, blushing. His eyes were looking right through her again. "Would you like to catch some lunch now, Kai?"
They paid for the clothes and arranged, with a handy dandy pass, for them to be taken directly to the hotel. They then proceeded towards the food court. Hilary got a milkshake, fries, two slices of pizza and a brownie; she was slightly embarrassed as Kai proceeded to get a salad entrée and water. His calm stare was killing her. It was giving her butterflies in her stomach. "I can explain," she laughed nervously.
"So can I," he stated. "You have a healthy confidence about yourself. With good reason, for sure." They sat down at a table, sitting beside each other.
They started to eat, silence filling the empty food court. "Why don't you eat more?" Hilary blurted out. Nice going, Hilary. He shifted slightly with discomfort. His eyes were closed, and she knew she had accidentally struck a nerve. "I mean—"
"I won't lie to you. I don't particularly enjoy it. Well I have more, lately, I suppose. Just… before…" he trailed off in an extremely un-Kai like fashion.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, Kai," she said in her soft, comforting voice. He opened his eyes and glanced at her face. Her ruby eyes were full of compassion – this was what he had fallen for in the first place.
"No, it's okay, really," he said, staring down at the table. He couldn't hide anything from her. He didn't want to anymore. "I haven't ever told anyone before… but he used to slip poison sometimes into my food," he said just above a whisper. "Just, you know, to test and strengthen me," he added hastily. "Never with bad intention."
Kai's defending his grandfather? Hilary narrowed her eyes slightly. "Really? Never?"
"No," he said defensively. "He only did it to see if I could handle it. To make me stronger…" He sighed at her disbelieving face. "That, or when he was angry. He would often take it out on me… Only when he was really angry, though. I deserved it all of those times." She shook her head vigorously. "It was better, though, when he was angry," he said below a whisper. "I actually had some purpose then."
"Kai…!"
"Forget it," he said quickly. I'm so weak. "But yeah… only a few times." She glared at him again. Why was he being so defensive? "Okay, it wasn't fun, I'll give you that. It would last for days… I was locked away, those days. He would yell at me for being so weak. I couldn't fight the poison off…" He shook his head. "Disgrace to the family," he mouthed to himself.
"Kai! Don't think like that. I suppose that's enough to turn anyone off of eating, with the thought of poison…" Poison. Kiss of venom. Decide… "I'm so sorry, Kai." Her eyes threatened to spill and leak tears.
"Don't be. I don't need sympathy," he said somewhat harshly. "Forget anything I've said." He stared into her eyes, and his expression softened. "I'm fine," he whispered.
"Okay," she nodded. "I'm glad." I have to make a decision… "Kai… I have a question for you."
"Then I have an answer for you." He had slipped out of his weak and dependent state and was back to his normal self.
"Well… what do you see in me?" she asked, shyly. She was surprised he responded right away.
"I see beneath your exterior everything I'm not. Sensitive to emotions and always trying to help others… Encouraging, reliable, dependable. Happiness… I see everything I wish I could be." He spoke so sincerely and freely.
She pondered a bit, looking into his deep eyes, suddenly aware of his strong hands on her shoulders. Her heart was racing. "I wish you could see yourself the way I see you," she said, glancing at the dark sleeves that concealed deep red gashes.
"You'd become narcissistic though," she laughed. "Because I think I'm so in love with you…"
She stared briefly into those gorgeous eyes before shutting out the rest of the world. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he cradled her waist, and every problem in the world melted and dissolved. Their lips met and locked tightly, embracing their souls as a whole.
The taste lingered in her mouth; his hold was searing hot yet sent her shivering. Passion and emotion flowed, lust overwhelming. It was no use trying to hold back… she had given in, as had he. That uncontrollable craving; it was dangerous and had taken over. Unrequited love and a long held back desire erupted as the two embraced and kissed.
ooooo
Amber eyes opened slowly, and Rei dazedly looked at his surroundings. 'Where am I?' he wondered. 'A hospital… are we home?'
"Not quite," a voice said. It was not the voice he remembered the scientist's to be. "Surprised? Dr D… he's dead. And now I'm in control. And don't you worry… I'm not going to be any more sympathetic towards you pathetic fools." Rei already knew this from the instability in his voice – it wavered slightly with a maniacal feel. "Not to worry. Nobody misses you. You've become unknown to the face of the world."
'Kenny…' Rei remembered his dream.
"Is dead," he confirmed with a twisted laugh. "Ironic, isn't it? Funny, really. Twisted fate…"
"Shut up," Rei growled in a whisper. "You ba—"
"Rei!" the doctors cried. "You're awake! How are you feeling?" They snapped him out of a trance-like state and the maniacal voice was indubitably gone.
Rei looked at them weakly. "Where am I?" he whispered. "What is this place?"
The men in white looked at the innocent boy, then looked at each other. "Please, tell me. Don't lie…" Rei whispered. "I want to know. This… isn't real, is it? This city is-"
"An island," one of them finished. "A city in a bubble, sky painted overhead. I can say no more… all I can say is there is no way to escape, Rei." A trace of sympathy showed on his plain, unmemorable face.
"Don't worry yourself," the other doctor said. "You need rest…"
"Are the others okay?" Rei asked in a whisper. "Kai?"
"He's fine," the doctor said. "You should know he was waiting all day here yesterday for results with Max."
"How do you know our names…? And what about Tyson and Hilary?"
"Sleep now," the doctor hushed. "It's miraculous you're still here. You need every bit of energy you have to fight this."
"It is safe," the doctor said in a hushed voice below a whisper. "Under your pillow," he mouthed. His eyes showed a slight urgency. With the remainder of his strength, he lifted his arm to feel under his pillow and felt the familiar cold metal of Driger.
Rei nodded slightly; his eyes were already struggling to stay open. A slight smile formed on his lips, and he drifted off into better dreams.
ooooo
Emotions were soaring as they sat in the cool grass. The sky was clear and a sliver of silver moon was sharp yet had a soft aura. Evening had fallen to night as Kai and Hilary lay in the park together. Glowing moonlight fell upon their features. Their confident personalities shone radiantly, and amour fluttered around, delicate yet powerful.
She lay with her head softly on his chest, fingers intertwined with his. Mmm… Kai… They had spent the day at the mall, and had just come back from an exquisite Japanese restaurant. Hilary smiled sweetly at him as his hands caressed her pale, smooth skin. She yawned – shopping and kissing took a lot out of one. It had been one of the best days a girl could ever dream of: all-expenses-paid-for shopping in the gigantic mega-mall with Kai, shopping bags shipped back to the hotel for free so you can hold hands with Kai, kissing and having Kai confide in you, eating an expensive dinner with Kai, lying in the grass with Kai…
"The night's beautiful, don't you think?" Hilary asked.
"I don't know. I wasn't paying attention. Something even more beautiful has been distracting me…"
"Kai, stop with the cheesy lines."
"You stop giving me excuses to use them." Hilary rolled her eyes, though inside was soaring high. It was so unlike his normal self… as confident and cocky as ever, but more open and less pessimistic. She absentmindedly felt the white material of the scarf around his neck.
"Why do you like scarves?" Hilary asked, trying conversation again.
"Why not? Why do you like skirts?"
"It's weird, you know. Talking to you and you actually are responding," she teased. She had never actually been alone with him for a whole day. She hoped it would happen more often.
"I'm sorry. I'll stop."
Hilary shook her head. "Stop it!" she laughed, referring to his constant teasing and sarcastic manner. He cocked an eyebrow, holding a finger to his lips that remained sealed. "…You can talk, you know."
Silence. She crossed her arms and stared away in (somewhat) mock frustration. She waited for about 5 minutes – the two of them both being rather stubborn. Kai then stood up from the grass. "Where are you going?" Hilary questioned.
Kai sighed inwardly, having to give up his silence. "Hospital, then hotel. You coming?" Hilary nodded; it was time to go.
They walked in silence towards the white building. It wasn't an awkward silence, however. It was calm and serene. They entered through the glass doors, and they were led to Rei's room.
He lay in the white room, pale and sick. His eyebrows furrowed slightly and his eyelids struggled to open at the sound of footsteps. "Hey Rei," Hilary said softly. "It's me and Kai. How are you doing? We're in a city… maybe close to home…"
"It's not," Rei whispered. His eyes finally opened, revealing brilliant golden orbs. "It's an island in a bubble."
Kai nodded, suspicions of falsity confirmed. He stared gravely at his friend, inwardly angry with himself for allowing Rei to get into such a state. However, all things considered, Rei seemed miraculously well. "You know this how," he asked.
"The doctors," he said hoarsely. "Sorry, my voice— hey are you two…" Kai was suddenly aware of Hilary's hand in his own. He winced slightly as Hilary immediately let go.
"No, no," Hilary laughed slightly. "Uh… Kai, do you mind—" But she didn't need to finish her sentence, for his white scarf tails were already flicking her in the face. He knew she wanted to talk privately with Rei, about him no doubt. It didn't matter to him anymore… There was nothing left to hide from them, no reputation to keep.
"So what's the situation," Rei asked in a whisper, partially because Kai could be right outside the door and partially because his throat was extremely sore.
"Well, we were brought into this city-island thing because, well, of my relationships with Tyson and Kai. The scientist guy gave us a ton of coupons and vouchers to spend on certain things. There was a letter… and basically he gave me two days to choose between Kai or Tyson."
"I see… so he's using the mess you've already got yourself in for his own selfish pleasures, which would be watching us in a twisted soap opera type of thing. He's just resurfacing it and helping it along; it was an inevitable decision you would have to make. So how did he make you?"
"He said something to the effect of me never being able to change my mind or whatever. Kiss of venom, he called it."
"Man, he's bad at this," Rei smirked. "First, he used a scenario we had already been through. Now, he sends us to a nice place and just ensures you make the decision you would have to make anyway. You really suck at this," he smirked, knowing the scientist was likely watching. Hilary looked slightly quizzical. "The old guy died," he said, explaining. Her eyes widened slightly.
'Okay,' she mouthed. "So yesterday I spent the entire day with Tyson, and today with Kai. I need to decide before the day ends."
"Sure. And have you made a decision?"
Hilary pondered, before looking him straight in the eyes. "Yes, I have," she said seriously. "How have you been!"
"Not bad at all," Rei said with as much of a smile as he could manage. "Had a bad dream, though…" He looked at her in the eyes, and decided against telling her. "No worries; it was only a dream. I wish we could have had a bit longer here; I would assume we're leaving after today is over? I really want an opportunity to just rest and get better." Hilary nodded gravely.
"We should get going, then. Sleep well tonight, Rei. Hope your dreams are better. You're strong; you can fight this. Good night!" She gently planted a gentle kiss out of friendship and concern on his forehead, seeing he was already asleep.
ooooo
(Hilary's POV)
We had gathered in the hotel room, sitting around the couch that was in the middle. They all bore serious expressions, staring expectantly at me. I glanced at the clock. It read 11:48 P.M. I had explained my situation… and now was the time to choose.
I took a deep breath, butterflies rapidly fluttering in my stomach. My heart was racing… I didn't want to do this. Not now…
The 8 turned to a 9 on the clock. 11:49… Time was not on my side. "I…" I was suddenly aware of how loud her voice seemed amongst the silence. I cleared my throat slightly, mustering up courage. They were still staring at me, making me feel incredibly self-conscious. I didn't want to look up, but forced myself to look at him in the eyes. "I choose Kai," I said simply.
Relief flooded through me, and I smiled at him. He stared straight back, smiling back at me. I loved him... he was everything to me. Tyson was fun and immature, more of a brother or something, now that I thought about it. Kai was gorgeous and kind; and quite honestly, I thought he needed my love more than Tyson.
Kai was the type of person I would get along with in the end. Me, being a natural extrovert, would have clashed with Tyson anyway. Kai was nearly perfect. And I could help him…
(Kai's POV)
He had stood up, not looking at Hilary. He, of course, referring to Tyson. I caught a glimpse of his face. It was devastating. He rushed out of the room, tears indubitably forming but not wanting to fall. "Tyson!" she shouted, and ran after him. This wasn't right…
I couldn't just let this happen. The life behind those eyes had deadened. Betrayal was evident, leading to deep hurt and pain. He didn't deserve this. He was more worthy of love than I. What did I have to offer? After all, Tyson had helped show me friendship, therefore was even more deserving of love. Right? Then again, I remembered, I had helped teach him to work hard and consequently beyblade…
I would beat him. I could never be him; he was the type of person I envied. He had everything, and didn't have to try. I worked my entire life… No, I wouldn't think these thoughts of jealousy. I shoved them to the back of my mind. He was one of the most deserving people I know. He was hard working. Dedicated and determined… and, obviously, just had natural talent. He wasn't forced into anything; it came from within.
She should have chosen him. People shouldn't get too close to me. They only end up hurt. I will hurt them. I don't have anything she would want anyways. Beneath the cold exterior lies nothing. Pieces to a puzzle that I can never put together. I would mention how that relates to a childhood story that I don't remember being read to me, although I clearly remember a curious monkey and a puzzle piece, however…
I clued in. She was talking to his back, obviously unaware of my silent presence around the corner. "Tyson… I'm sorry. I had thought you would understand," she pleaded. "It's just… it's just…" It's just what? "Kai needs me," she finished.
Excuse me? "I don't think so," I said rather coldly (minus the rather), causing her to jump and Tyson to turn around.
"Kai…?" Hilary stared at me, confusion in her eyes. Those brilliant ruby orbs looked at me… her face one of shock. I didn't want to do this. But I had to.
"You're sadly mistaken if you think you can do this," I said indifferently, staring straight at her. "Obviously, you've made the wrong decision here." I spoke coldly and harshly, not allowing myself to show any more emotion. Inside, it hurt me to say it. I loved her… but the look in Tyson's eyes as she had spoken his own name…
(Tyson's POV)
"Kai?" I said, staring at him in disbelief. "Are you… serious?" I was shocked and overwhelmed by this sudden act of… kindness? Kindness in a Kai-like fashion. To salvage our friendship… to be even, I suppose, with no hard feelings. He's doing this for me?
Hilary stared at him, crushed. I stared with a guilty sense of satisfaction at the look in her eyes. She had been subjected to Kai-ness once again. With any remaining dignity, she turned to me. Any last hopes of hers were about to be shattered. "Sorry, Hil. Not interested," I said coolly.
"Oh… okay," she whispered. "I'll… just be getting to bed," she said, voice choking. She tried a smile, but it wouldn't work, and she ran to her room. How sappy could this situation get? Honestly.
"Kai?" I stared at him, after she had gone. Kai was looking at the carpet beneath. His grey eyes suddenly flickered up, looking me in the eyes, and he smiled. Not a smirk of laughter; not a smirk of evilness; not even a smirk of triumph or 'I'm better than you'. It was one of the rare real smiles one would ever see from him. It was small and still grim, but over-ridden by an inward happiness even one as dense as I could see. Which, might I add, I am less so than when I had first met him. By far. Even he would agree.
"Kai…" I was completely moved, overcome by emotion. One of my best friends in the entire world… stood right here in front of me. I gave him a hug, before I knew what I was doing. Awkward? I don't know. I didn't look at his face. I grinned, though. "You're the best."
"I know."
ooooo
(Normal POV)
Hilary heard a knock at the door. She didn't answer. She lay there, hiding under her blankets and buried in her pillow. The knock grew louder and more constant, but she made no effort to respond. "Come on, Hilary, it's only me."
Max.
He finally pried open the door. "Hilary?" A muffled sound came from under the covers, sounding remotely like 'go away'. "Hilary…"
"Get lost, Max!" she suddenly shouted. "Can't you see I've been through enough already?"
"Whoa, easy there," he said, backing off slightly. "Look. Why don't we go visit Rei and get your mind off things," he offered.
"Go away, will you? Rei doesn't need to be bothered anymore by my petty affairs. I just talked to him before coming back here."
"Uh… okay. Mind sharing with me how he's doing?"
"Uh, yes. You're in my personal space and I want you out! Go ask Kai if you need to know."
"Hilary—"
"Max! Do you not understand? I want to be alone!" With that, she threw the covers aside and stormed out of the room. She started for the door, but was stopped by a familiar set of hands.
"And where do you think you're going, drama queen," his cool voice asked. She spun around and glared at him with full-force ferocity.
"Kai, get your hands OFF of me!" she growled. "I don't want you close to me. I don't want you to touch me. Get away from me!"
"You're taking this too seriously," he said serenely.
"A joke, then, was it? It was all just a game? Of course. My emotions are nothing to you. Fool around, a bit, delude me, use me!"
"Don't be stupid," Tyson intervened, coming forward towards her. "And it's not as if you weren't doing the same to us. You can't say you don't deserve it." He was about to add a joke about her, uh, moodiness, but decided against it. Now wasn't the time.
She stared at him, at loss for words. He was right… She had done the exact same, if not worse, to them. She was now on the verge of tears; her anger had melted away. She opened her mouth, gaping, but no words came out. Tyson noted looked like a dying fish.
"Hilary," Kai said softly now. "It wasn't a lie. I loved you." Tears streamed down her face. "But I know that Tyson did too. And I couldn't let it happen. Do you understand?"
She stared at him, then at Tyson (who now bore a serious expression) and nodded once. He gently put his hand to her face to wipe her tears, and she let him. 12:00 A.M., the clock read. A sudden pain shot through Kai's hand and he pulled away, wincing.
He stared deeply into her ruby eyes, trying to block all emotions from flooding past and escaping, but it was difficult. With one last glance, Kai swiftly turned and walked away. If anyone had seen the look in his eyes, which he shadowed with slate hair, they would have seen remorse and sadness, yet a confidence that still burned brightly.
His scarf trailed behind him then came to a halt as his pace slowed. Alone he stood, outside the room, missing her already.
ooooo
END OF CHAPTERYeah, maybe a bit of a sappy romance there. But it had to be done. It seemed the only logical thing to do. Have to feel bad for them.
I'm experimenting with chapter lengths. Obviously shorter chapters are more frequent. I'm finding they're nicer when divided a bit. However, this chapter seemed somewhat of a filler despite it containing an issue of great importance.
Please leave me a review – a couple words is all it takes. Thanks!
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