Phew! Finally, I've managed to update this! I know it took longer than usual, but really hard to update when your room is flooded with papers and books!
Anyway, FlamingIce94 (I'm glad that you understand my situation), Hi Kitsune (Great to see you again!)and BBleached (Please don't break your promise!-hugs back-)... Thanks so much!
Chapter 11
"There, it's done. Is it too tight?"
…
"Ray? You hear me, bud? Ray?!"
…
"Ray!"
"Huh? Wh-what?" The neko-jin finally turned to face the irritated but worried doctor. "Max?"
"Ray! I asked you something."
"Huh? Oh… sorry 'bout that, Max. I got carried away… What were asking, again?"
Max sighed. "I asked you, whether the bandage's too tight or not."
Ray inspected his hand, which was now firmly wrapped in white linen. He clenched and unclenched his fists a couple of time. It felt a bit stiff, but not very painful. "It's fine. Thanks, Max." he offered the blonde a small smile, but it faded away when Max continued to look at him worriedly. "Max, I'm fine! Really!"
Max sighed yet again, and got up from the floor, where he had been kneeling for the last fifteen minutes. He sat down on the bed, next to Ray, and spoke in a solemn voice. "Ray, what's wrong?"
"Max! I told you—" Ray began.
"Ray, please. I'm not only a professional doctor but also your friend. I know you better than that." Max's ocean eyes were uncharacteristically serious.
Ray closed his mouth, and averted his eyes to the floor, his raven locks veiling his face.
"Ray, look," Max placed an encouraging hand on his shoulder. "I know what you're going through right now. First Mariah's death and now this… I can understand how hard it is for you face all this together. But, that's why you've got to trust us! We're your friends, Ray. We believe in you! You know we won't let anything happen to you! So just trust us!"
Ray slowly looked up, but did not say anything.
"I've noticed something." Max continued, not noticing the way Ray's back had stiffened. "Ever since yesterday, you seem… so… distant. You barely speak with us and you keep zoning out! Something's bothering you, Ray. I know it… Tell me what's wrong. You can trust me."
Ray's lower lip quivered slightly, as if he was debating on whether to speak or not. Seeing his hesitation, Max decided to urge him a bit further. He spoke softly, but surely.
"Is it about Kai?"
Right on cue, Ray's head jerked up. An unreadable expression came over his features, but it was all Max needed.
"I knew it! You've been in this way ever since he saved you… But why, Ray? Why're you so…so… uncomfortable round him? Don't you trust him? Do you hate him?"
"No!" The unexpected vigor in Ray's voice surprised them both. Ray blinked a couple of time, as if trying to digest his own words. Then he hastily stuttered, "I-I mean, I've got nothing against him. It's just that he always… every time he…I… argh!" Ray shook his head vigorously.
"…Ray?" Max asked bemused, at the sudden change.
Ray finally cleared his head. "Max, listen. I can't explain it to you right now, But believe me, it's nothing to worry about. I'm just getting confused at everything that's happening, right now. Especially since that Scott came here to bug me! But apart from that, I'm fine. I believe in you guys. I know you, Tyson and Hiro are trying hard to help me cope with the situation, and I really appreciate it! Also, I don't have any problem with… with him. He can continue his investigation. Trust me."
"If you say so…" Max still looked unconvinced.
"So tell, me. What happened to Mariam?" Ray asked quickly, in a desperate attempt to change the topic.
"Oh yeah! Well, you see…" Max tailed off suddenly, as if he'd understood Ray's real intention.
"Go on." Ray tried to sound eager.
"I will. But before that… there's just something I want you to listen. And I mean only listen." Max went on rather seriously. "Look, I don't why you're avoiding Kai and I won't force you spill the beans. But what I want you to know is that Kai means no harm to you. It's true that he's not the most readable person around, and neither of us knows much about him. But we do know Tyson, and he trusts Kai more than anything! Ever since Kai's arrival, Tyson has looked more relieved than he did in days. He believes that Kai can help you. And so do I! Trust me, Ray. I've seen Kai work; and he's just brilliant! You know what's the best thing about him? He knows how to study people. He knows how to read your inner emotions, and treat you accordingly. He doesn't resolve to threats or violence, in order to get answers; neither does he fill you up with sympathy and sappy words. He's different, Ray. Very different."
Max paused a bit, before continuing. "You know something, Ray? He cares. He might appear all cold and indifferent from the outside, but he really does care. Back in Moscow, he could've easily refused to help us. But he didn't. He decided to investigate this case, because he knew that Tyson needed more resources. And not only for Tyson. He cares for you as well. I know he does! I was surprised this afternoon, when he left the hospital so abruptly. But now it makes sense. He came here to check on you. From what I've heard, McGregor isn't exactly the most compassionate type. Kai knew that. That's why he came! You've got to trust him, Ray. He will help you prove your innocence. He may not show it, but he cares for you, Ray."
The night was once again hit with a blast of heavy torrential rain. Huge drops of water lashed against Ray's three-storey apartment. The road in front was void of traffic, excluding Tyson's Chevrolet that was parked by the pavement. A nearly inaudible sound of running feet was heard amidst the beat of the rain. A shadowy figure rounded up the corner, and scurried into the dim light of the street lamp. The figure was dressed in a fade brown jacket; the hood pulled up to shadow its face. It panted slightly as it looked around for any witnesses. Once satisfied that the coast was clear, the person darted along the sidewalk, passing the silver vehicle and finally coming to a standstill in front of the apartment. Looking up, the figure let out a satisfied breath when it saw that the window of the top floor was open. Removing a damp lock of hair, from the irritated eyes, it took a step towards the house. "Ray…"
The heavy downpour was not the reason for which he could not sleep. Neither were the occasional roars of thunder nor the scraping of the branches against his bedroom window. The main reasons for Ray's insomnia were the restless pounding of his heart, and the disturbing feeling that he was being watched. The later, he could not explain. But the former one, he was sure, was because of the fact that Tyson had forced a certain someone to spend the night there.
'…he cares for you, Ray.'
Ray buried his face in his hands, muffling the groan that escaped his lips. Max's words had been haunting him all through the evening. He could vaguely recall anything else that had been mentioned later. He remembered that Mariah had been attacked; her sudden behaviour at the hospital; Dunga's violent attack; Lee being suspected; McGregor's nose had been smashed by—"
Ray gritted his teeth. 'Great! Everything I do remember is somehow related to… him.'
'He will help you prove your innocence.'
Innocence? Tyson and Max would readily vouch for that word. But would he, himself? After everything which had taken place that night, did he still qualify as innocent?
An off beat scrapping brought Ray out of his musings. His feline sense of hearing could have picked it up earlier, if not for his dense thinking and the sound of the rain. The noise seemed to be coming from outside his window.
Ray grabbed Tyson's gun, from the table, and cautiously made his way towards the window. He peered out and immediately tightened his grip on the gun. Someone was climbing up the tree towards his window! Ray carefully took aim at the intruder, and was about to about shout out a warning, when the person looked up. Ray's warning died down in his throat as he recognized the face. The gun slipped from his slackened fingers, and fell into the darkness below.
"Ray…" the figured whispered, having almost reached his destination.
"Wh-what are you… doing here?" Ray's voice was hoarse.
"Ray! I need to talk to you!"
Ray finally composed himself. "Not now! Go!"
"Ray, please it's urgent!"
"Now is not the time!" Ray whispered, frustrated. "Just go from here!"
"But—"
"I swear if you don't leave now, I'll raise the alarm! I'm not alone here!"
The figure stopped its ascent, but made no move to climb down.
"Just. Go." Ray hissed and was about to close the window, when—
"Did you kill her, Ray?"
Ray's hand quivered as his breath hitched.
"Did you murder Mariah?"
Ray clenched his teeth, his knuckles turning white, and slammed the window shut.
His legs gave away, as Ray fell to the floor, breathing hungrily. His entire form was drenched in cold sweat and could feel himself shaking. He curled himself onto the floor and closed his eyes, trying to control his nerves.
After a few minutes, his breathing finally calmed down. He lifted himself off the floor, his muscles stiff. Slowly and cautiously, he opened a fraction of the window and looked out. He sighed in relief when he found neighborhood empty. However something else caught his eyes. A few meters below his window, a shiny piece of metal glinted in the lighting. Tyson's gun! It got caught up in some branches after slipping from Ray's hands.
Ray looked down carefully. It wasn't very far away. He could get it if he leaned down from the window, He had to get it! Else it would bring about a lot of questions in the morning.
Ray braced himself onto the window sill. It was slippery from the rain, but he had to risk it. Carefully he leaned downward, hand reaching out towards the gun. The rain slapping his face made it a lot more difficult that he had thought. Ray squinted his eyes. He was almost there… just a little bit further… a bit more… nearly there… almost…
Ray felt a wave of satisfaction hit him as his fingers closed around the weapon. He tugged at it, but it wouldn't come off. 'Damn it! It's stuck!'
The next task would be extremely, risky. But he had no choice. Ray carefully lowered his other arm, which had been holding onto the sill for support, and began to untangle the branches. After a few seconds the gun finally came free. Ray let out a shaky breath and started to lever himself up. Suddenly a violent gust of wind hit his face, making his drenched locks clamp over his eyes. He shook his head trying to clear his vision, but forgot to hold his balance. Or at least he thought so…
Ray blinked a couple of times, trying to grasp the situation. But nothing seemed to make sense. He distinctly remembered losing his footing and feeling his body hover downwards. He had been sure of either waking up in a hospital bed after a week, or not waking up at all. But somehow, that was not the case right now…
Ray found himself lying on the floor of his own room, and he was sure it was still the very same night. His harsh breathing and damp figure were only evidences of his perilous adventure. He turned his head towards the right. The gun was still in his hand. But that still didn't explain how he fell inside his room. Ray closed his eyes, trying to recall scene.
He was leaning down… both hands on the gun… the gun was freed… he was getting up… wind… hair… he couldn't see… feet slipped… head felt heavy… he was going down… everything was falling… going down…
Ray's eyes suddenly snapped open. He was falling… then somehow… he was thrown back… so that he fell inside the room. 'But how…?' His eyes widened as he suddenly remembered something. He didn't fall… something broke his fall. A force… something pulled him up… something… someone…
Ray scrambled up, his pulse racing faster than ever, and groped around for the night lamp. The dim yellow glow lit up the room. Ray looked around, but found nothing out of place. He checked inside the closets, under the bed and even outside his window… but there was no one. He tried the door. It was locked; so none could've gotten in. 'Relax! You're imagining things!' he scolded himself.
Despite that, he couldn't get rid of the cryptic feeling. The feeling that someone… or something (Ray shuddered a bit) had been watching him throughout the night, and was still watching. Ray scanned the room once again—he was alone.
'I need to change.' Ray grabbed some dry clothes and headed out towards the bathroom, doing his best to ignore the constant churning in his stomach. He stopped at the door, and looked back one last time. Shaking his head vigorously, he shut the door and walked away. "Just. My. Imagination."
The door was closed with slightly more force than needed, leaving the room desolation. Outside, the rain continued to pummel down mercilessly, accompanied by bolts of lightening and growls of thunder. The soft glow of the lamp cast huge shadows on the walls. The window near the corner lit up as a particularly bright flash of lightening hit the area. The lightening died down, leaving the corner in darkness once again… But then…
Two flaming orbs of crimson gleamed alive, piercing through the darkness. They glided into light coming from window, where they transformed into blazing amethysts. A flash of lightning lit up the outline of his sharp profile and dripping slate locks, along with the flawless lips, that slowly curved into a small smirk.
Yet another bolt of lightning flashed against the sky… and he was gone. Only a husky whisper lingered across the emptiness of the room.
"Never underestimate your imagination."
I don't think I have to explain who our 'imagination' was. And as for the glowing crimson eyes… it's absolutely true! I didn't make it up. Kai's eyes really do glow in the dark! It was shown in episode 30 of G-Revolution, during Kai and Tyson's battle.
I've already mentioned in the last chapter that I'll be busy for this month. So, the next chapter will probably be updated by the middle of October. But rest assure, it WILL be updated. So please don't leave me.
And the mysterious figure climbing up Ray's window… well…you'll find out as the story progresses! :)
Hoping to see you soon!
With lots of love,
KPR
