Loooong delay. Yes, I know. My teachers seem to have developing a liking for stuffing me with 'responsibilities'. Can you believe it? I spent the last couple of weeks preparing miniature models of Snow White, Cinderella and whatnots for the kindergarteners! Don't get me wrong. I love kids. But sitting there continuously for six (!) hours, trying to explain five-year-olds(!!) how to perform Macbeth (!!!)… That's just suffocating! I felt like screaming and ripping my head off! They could've at least put someone of my own age there!

But do I get extra marks for my labor? No! Why not? Because according to my teachers, I'm doing all that for enjoyment(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)!

This is a disgrace, I tell you! I'll complain! I'll complain to the authorities! And to the… Ahem.

Anyway, now back to the story.

As you will soon find out, most of this chapter is from Ray's P.O.V. Ray's secret is finally revealed!

My sincere thanks to Samstar1990, tifafenrir09, allie oops, FlamingIce94, A Scribble-chan and Bokmal14.


Chapter 18

'There are so many times in your life, that make you want to turn back and undo the past. So many incidents that make you wish, 'If only…' Right now, that is exactly what I wish for— If only. If only I hadn't been born…'


"What is wrong with him?!" Tyson slammed his fist on the table, again. "What was he thinking?"

"Tyson, calm—"

"Calm down?! Give me a break, Michael! That's the last thing on my mind! Ray… Damn it! That idiot! We were so close to solving this case… So close! A-and… he…Oh God!"

Tyson buried his face in his hands, his body trembling with anger and disbelief. Max placed a hand on his shoulder, before looking up at Hiro.

"Where are you keeping him?"

"BBA Isolation Ward. It's the best we could come up with. Ray wouldn't talk to any one. He just answered the question regarding Mariah… He… turned himself in."

"For what?!" Tyson growled. "Tell me, Hiro! What did he turn himself in for? For losing his mind and becoming a psychopath? For having sudden suicidal urges? If that's the case, then why didn't you just put him in an asylum?"

"Tyson!"

"You could've at least kept him here till we'd arrived. Or at least tried to knock some sense into him!"

"We did everything we could." Hiro retorted sharply.

"And that's why he's in the Isolation Ward?"

"Would you've preferred if it were a jail cell?"

"…"

"Try and understand the situation, Tyson." Hiro spoke firmly. "Just because Ray's our friend, it doesn't make him an exception in the eyes of the BBA. What if it was someone else instead of Ray? What if it were Lee or Kevin or Mariam? Would you've made such a big deal about it then? Sometimes, a simple faith, no matter how strong it is, isn't enough. Sometimes, you have to put your duty before your emotions. That's exactly what we did. Do you think it was easy for Mr. Dickenson to send Ray to the isolation ward? Despite of being the Head, he tried everything he could to persuade Ray… But Ray wouldn't budge."

"But why?" Tyson spoke slowly. "Why did he do it?"

"What if…" Max said frowning. "What if he was forced? Maybe, someone threatened to harm any of us…"

"It is possible," Hiro replied thoughtfully. "The way Ray confessed… it seemed, like he was determined to prove himself guilty."

Just then, the door opened, to let in the grave looking BBA head. Every stood up immediately.

"Mr. Dickenson!" Tyson and Max rushed towards the old man.

"How's Ray?" Max asked.

"We need to see him!" Tyson added desperately.

"I'm sorry, Tyson."

"But—"

"Don't worry. You will get to see him. But not just now."

"Why not?"

"Because he already has a visitor."


"How could you?!" A beautiful woman screamed at her husband. Her clenched fists shook as she tried to hold back the tears that trickled down from her exotic golden eyes.

"Leah, please…" A tall man with almost the same feline features as his wife, cried desperately. "Just listen to me."

"What more is there to listen, Rai?! What? Will you tell me what I want to hear? Will you tell me that what they say is a lie? Will you, Rai? Will you?" her voice quivered into a whisper as she spoke the next words, "Will you tell me that you actually love me? That Ray is our child?"

"Leah!" The man, called Rai, widened his eyes in horror. He took his wife by the shoulders. "Of course Ray is our child! He is as much mine as he is yours! Nothing can change that, Leah. Nothing! I love him more than any thing in the world… Just like I love you."

"Lies!" Leah jerked away from his touch. "All lies! You never loved me! Never! You… you… (She clenched her pointed teeth) You weren't even interested in me."

"Leah… I was drunk… I-I had no idea what I was doing…"

"But, a man?" Leah looked at him in utter disgust. "Even if you were drunk… But—but with a man? Another male?"

"So what you mean to say is that, it would've been alright if it was another woman? You would've forgiven me then?" Rai's voice was sharp this time.

"There has to be a reason to forgive!" Leah retorted. "Forgiveness is meant for accidents and misunderstandings; mistakes even… but not for sins!"

"Sins?" Rai narrowed his eyes. "Oh please! Don't give that crap!"

"That 'crap' is the condition of being denied God's grace. A sinner has no mercy! That is how God made his laws!"

"Wrong! That is how a bunch of uneducated villagers play God!"

"Rai!"

"Snap out of it, Leah! Open your eyes! Look around you! The world is not limited to the boundaries of this village! I can say, because I have crossed that boundary. I've seen more than that crackpot old fool you that worship!"

"Don't you dare insult Master Kon! How could say that about your own ancestor?! You ought to have been proud—"

"I am. He was a brave warrior. He saved our tribe. He protected his people… Fine! I am proud of that! He was a good leader… but he wasn't God! He was a human being, just like you and me! And that's exactly why he made those pathetic laws! Because he's imperfect. The same sexes aren't allowed to be together… ordinary people aren't allowed to leave this village… women cannot be educated… human sacrifice! These are nothing but superstitions! Meaningless rites and rituals! What you call 'human purification' here is termed as 'murder' all over the world! It's a criminal offence!"

"What is wrong with you! What has that journey done to you?"

"It has opened my eyes. The existence of God is not only believed by our tribe, Leah. Millions of others have faith in God. And I'm not talking about my ancestor, who thought himself to be God. I've seen people helping the poor, taking care of children and animals, educating the uneducated… all in order to please God—the real God."

"Think about it Leah…" Rai spoke gently. "I am ashamed of what I did. But not because it was another man. I am ashamed because it was another human… someone who was not you. I'm sorry."

He took a step forward and opened his arms to embrace his wife.

"We'll go away. All of us—you, me and Ray. I'll take you to the city, where we'll make a new beginning. Ray'll get the best—"

"Don't touch me! You… you fag!" Leah slapped his arms away.

"Leah…"

"You've committed a sin and now you're running away! You want to go, Rai? Then go! Go wherever you want! Do whatever you wish! J-just stay away! Stay away from me and my son!"

"Ray's my son! He's my life! Don't do this to me, please… I-I'll die without him!"

"And he'll die with you!" Leah screamed, tears flowing freely. "Face it, Rai! You will die! The elders will know soon… and then…"

Leah choked. Without another word, she turned and ran up the stairs. Rai watched his beloved's long raven hair disappear round the corner. He sighed and walked out of the house, with a heavy heart.

However, during their fight, neither Rai nor Leah had noticed the small figure of their five-year-old son huddled beneath the staircase. Now, when the room was isolated, young Raymond Kon finally released all the emotion he had been holding in for the past few minutes. His soft sniffs filled the room, as tears flowed freely down his face.


Ray opened his eyes and sighed. He stared blankly at the ceiling.

'It's ironic how certain events always tend to repeat themselves in life, like some unpleasant déjà vu. Fate, sometime, can be very satire. How else would you explain the current circumstances? After so many years, the once independent Ray Kon has once again crawled back to his five-year-old self—weak and pathetic. Then again, maybe my life was just too unpredictable. One moment, I was watching my father leave the house; and the next moment, I was watching the very same house burst into flames… along with him inside.'

'I was seven when my mother passed away. But I was mature enough to realize what she meant when she spoke her last words: "Ray! Ray, listen to me! It's a curse! Do you understand? A curse! It'll bring nothing but misery in your life. You cannot let your desires control you! Don't try to go against God's law… you won't succeed. One way or the other you will suffer! Trust me Ray; you don't want to face that ordeal…" Those words and my father's death—ordeal rather—had left a permanent mark in my life. Ever since that day, I had dedicated myself to become and remain pure—do anything to escape that ordeal…'

'I moved into the Japanese countryside when I was ten. That's where I met some of my dearest friends—Lee, Mariah, Gary and Kevin. After completing my basic education, I had this determined urge to prove myself. To show that I could stand up on my own. I left the White Tigers and journeyed to Tokyo. My aim was to get a part time job somewhere, and join the university. I suppose I underestimated one fact—the fees. I worked as hard as I could to collect sufficient money, but it wasn't enough. Just when I decided to give up, my life got another twist. This one came in the form of a friendly old man, with a white puffy moustache, a well-polished walking stick and a neat bowler hat. He was the first person in the whole city, who had shown any interest in me. And as luck would have it, I was admitted in the BBA, and made two new friends—Tyson and Max. I spent a happy year at the BBA with my new friends.'

'The funny thing was, the more time I spent there, the more superficial my childhood fears became. Of course, I never got over them completely. But I began to realize the truth in his words. His death was no longer a punishment to me. It was cold-blooded murder.'

'Everything was going alright. Lee and the rest moved into the city, and we were reacquainted once again. And then…


Flashback


"Er… Raymond?"

Ray looked up from his drink to see a petite young lady with short, pale pink hair, and matching eyes. The girl lowered her eyes shyly before speaking again.

"M-my name is Matilda. Matilda Alster. I don't know whether you've noticed me or not… but… I work at the café next to this club."

"The café…" Ray frowned slightly as he tried to remember. He had been at the café many times with Tyson and Max, but had never paid any special attention. "Well, I go there a lot. But I'm afraid I can't recall your face. Sorry…"

"Oh!" Matilda looked a bit disappointed.

"So I there any thing I can do for you, Matilda?" Ray offered a friendly smile.

"Well," Matilda blushed slightly. "Raymond, I—"

"Please. Call me Ray."

"Okay then, Ray. I was… wondering… are you free tonight?"

"Huh? Well, not exactly… You see, I'm here because of my friend, Lee. He just got engaged… and I doubt he'll let me go before two. But why do you need me, anyway? Is there a problem?"

"Uh…Nothing serious…" Her blush seemed to deepen, which made Ray raise an eyebrow. "I—It's rather personal… so…"

"…I see… Well, it's not possible tonight. But if you want, I can hear you out tomorrow."

"Really?" Matilda eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Yeah. I'm free tomorrow. So, maybe we can meet somewhere … Anywhere that's convenient to you, is fine with me."

"Well, how about the park? My shift isn't over until seven. So maybe eight o' clock?"

"Alright."

"Thanks so much, Ray! I'll see you tomorrow!" Matilda giggled a bit before running off.

Ray stared confusedly after her.

'That was weird,' he thought. 'I wonder what she's up to… It couldn't be related to the BBA, could it?'

"You don't have a clue, do you?" An amused voice spoke behind him.

Ray turned to find himself face to face with a fairly good-looking young man, with blond hair and blue eyes. The blonde smiled as he took a seat next to Ray.

"You're Ray Kon, right? Lee's friend?"

"Yeah… and you're his new neighbor…"

"Miguel Lavaliere. I'm from Spain." Miguel introduced himself. "Nice to finally meet you."

"Same here. So tell me, Miguel. What is it that I'm so clueless about?"

"O that," Miguel laughed. "That girl—Matilda, is it?"

"What about her?"

"Why do you think she wanted to meet you so badly?"

"I dunno. Maybe she's in trouble or something…"

The Spaniard laughed again. "Trouble? Ray, she was asking you for a date!"

"A date?" Ray's eyes widened. "Well, why didn't she just say so? And how could you be so sure?"

"You ought to pay more attention to your surroundings. She'd been eyeing you for two weeks!"

"Oh… I didn't notice…"

"You never do, actually."

"Huh?"

"She's not the only one."

"Y-you mean there's more?!"

"A lot more."

A short silence fell between the two, as Ray tried to digest all the information.

"You're a neko-jin, aren't you?" Miguel said suddenly.

"Huh? Well that's what some people like to say… I suppose our tribe is quiet ancient and we do have some distinct features…"

"What about all those stories?"

"Stories?"

"You know… Like are neko-jins really humanoid cats? Can you talk to cats or see in the dark… and those wired rituals that you perform…"

"My folks were a bit superstitious, and I do have a good sense of sight… but…" Ray grinned. "Talking to cats? That's gotta be a rumor, or else, the cats just decide to ignore me."

"What about the partner mating thing?"

"The what?"

"You know… when you get really attracted to someone for seemingly no reason. Kind of like imprinting."

"Definitely a rumor."

"Oh… I mean the way you seem so obvious to women and all…"

The two soon found themselves liking each other's company. And before long, they were laughing together happily.

"So tell me, are you dating someone?" Ray asked.

"No… not yet."

"You have someone in mind?"

"Sort of…"

The sudden seriousness in Miguel's voice made Ray look up. There was something in his eyes that both confused and scared Ray. "Miguel?"

Ray froze, as Miguel's face inched closer to him. There was barely an inch between their lips, and Ray could feel the others' breath on his face. Slowly their lips brushed together when…

'Trust me Ray; you don't want to face that ordeal…'

"No!" Ray sprang apart from Miguel, his heart beating wildly. "No…"

"Ray?" Miguel looked confused.

"Th-this isn't right! I-I'm not gay!"

"What? But—"

"No… I- it was an accident! Forget it!"

Ray stood up, but was stopped by Miguel.

"Ray, what's wrong with you?"

"Miguel please! Just because you're gay doesn't mean that I am too!"

"I'm a bi. And if you're not gay, then that exactly what you are too. What happened wasn't wrong, Ray! Why're you being so… so superstitious?"

"I… I… need some time…"


End Flashback


'That night, I stayed awake, debating on my inner turmoil. A part of my mind was still terrified at the consequences I might have to face; yet, another rebellious part seemed to think otherwise. Why was I afraid? And of whom? All my studies and researches had been enough to prove that what happened to my father was just because of some illogical beliefs and wishes. And by compelling to those wishes, I'd be no better that the people who took my father away from me…'

'I met Miguel the next day and told him that I had decided not to run away from my feelings, anymore. I wasn't sure whether I was bisexual or gay, but wanted to give it a shot. My life took yet another turn, and this time I was ready for it. But that night…'


Flashback


"Raymond Kon?"

"Yes?" Ray answered, somewhat surprised, at seeing two police officers at his doorstep

"You were present at the Venus Hotel last night?"

"I was."

"And you spoke with Ms Alster, didn't you?"

"Alster…" Ray frowned. 'Sounds familiar. Where did I…?'

"Perhaps this would help," the man said taking out a picture from his pocket.

"M-Matilda!" Ray exclaimed, recognizing the pale pink hair and eyes. "Yeah, I spoke to her for a while."

"Your relationship with the lady was?"

"Nothing much… We just met. But why? Did something happen to her?"

"I'm afraid she is dead."

"What! H-how did she—?"

"Murdered."

"No way!"

"It's true. She was poisoned. We found her corpse this morning… along with this."

Ray's eyes widened as he stared at the small glittering object in the officer's hand.

"Th-that's my mother's!" he gasped.

"Excuse me?"

"That ring! It belongs to me… but I'd lost it a couple of days ago! I-I have no idea how it was in Matilda's possession… I don't…"


End Flashback


'My mother had given me that ring just before she died… just before she gave me that warning… It scared me. I dared to break out of my fears, only be dragged back painfully. It could've been an accident. A mare coincidence. But I was too scared to venture into unknown again. I never contacted Miguel after that, and put an end to whatever relationship we had. Luckily, I did not have much difficulty getting over him, and for a moment everything was fine.'

'Then, a few months ago, Mariah confessed her feelings to me. I was caught off guard. Mariah had been one of my closest friends, but I never considered her that way. Then again, what did I know about love? No girl had ever attracted my attention. And somehow, that scared me even more. Was I even interested in the opposite sex? Was I… gay? No. I wasn't. I had my mind set on that, and I was determined to prove it! I accepted Mariah without a second thought, hoping against hope that in time, I would be able to return her feelings. But I was wrong…'

'Mariah was deeply in love with me, almost blindly so. Her naïve mind was sure that I felt the same for her. She never noticed the way my body seemed to flinch at her touches; the way I was always eager to end our kissed as quickly as possible. However not everyone shared her blindness…'


Flashback


"Why are you so determined to ruin that girl's life?"

Ray whipped back at the chillingly familiar voice. "Miguel!"

"I asked you a question." Unlike the last time, the Spaniard's face cold, his blue eyes vivid with accusation.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Ignoring the guilt at the back of his mind, Ray turned and prepared to storm off.

"So that's it then! You're going to hang on your superstitions, regardless of others' feelings." Ray stopped in his tracks. Miguel went on. "Who are you trying to fool, Ray? It doesn't take a generous to figure out that you don't feel that way about Mariah. If you think time will be able to change anything between you, then you're dead wrong. You can't force yourself to fall in love with Mariah. You're only playing her feelings!"

Miguel stopped for a breath, before continuing softly.

"Ray, I can understand situation. I know your past still haunts you. But surrendering yourself to your fears won't solve anything. It'll only hurt you even more. Try to be reasonable. You've already proved yourself capable of breaking out of your barriers, once before. So don't stop now. Think about it. Would you've ended up like this if that girl hadn't died, or if you hadn't lost that ring? It was nothing but a coincidence. I'm not asking you to come back to me. Actually, I've fallen in love with someone else. I'm sure you will find someone you really love, one day. If only you'd stop being so blind…"

"What do you suggest I do?" Ray spoke in a whisper.

"Tell her the truth. I know it'll be heard for her, but it's for her own good. You can do it Ray…"


End Flashback


'That night…'


Flashback


"Ray?" He looked up to see a shade of concern across her eyes. "What's wrong, baby? You seem so… quiet. Is everything okay? Did you have a fight with Lee, Mariam or any of the others? Or was it those two friends of yours? What happened?"

What happened? That's not the question. It's 'what will happen?'

"Ray? Speak to me. Say something…"

"Mariah…" Was that his own voice? So emotionless? So cold?

"What is it?"

"I…" He could almost hear his own voice shouting at him, 'Don't!' But he was no longer in control of his words or his actions.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

Mariah's eyes widened as he pulled out his hand from within his pocket.

"Ray… is that…?

A simple gold ring glinted, from where it lay on Ray's palm.

"This belonged to my mother. She gave it to me just before she passed away. She told me that if I ever fell in love and wanted to marry, I was to give it to the person I loved."

"Oh! Ray!" Mariah's eyes glistened with happiness. "I… I… I love you!"

She launched herself at Ray and threw her arms around him. She smiled as she felt a hand on her waist… only to push her away.

"Ray?"

"I'm sorry Mariah… but I can't."

"What do you—?"

"Over the last few months, I've tried my best to return your feelings… to see you as a lover… But it just didn't work. Mariah, I love you. I really do. But as a friend. I know you'll hate me doing this, you have every right to, but it's for the best. We can't go on like this. It doesn't seem right. I don't want to toy with your feelings, Mariah. I'm being honest. I can't—"

Ray was caught off guard, as he felt a sudden sting of pain on his right cheek. He stared at Mariah in somewhat disbelief.

The once bright honey eyes were reduced to enraged slits. Mariah's face was hardened in anger and betrayal.

"So that's it then." Mariah's voice dripped with venom. "I'm nothing but a toy, am I? Now that you've had all the fun, you're ready to throw me away!"

"Mari—"

"SHUT UP! I was devoted to you! I loved you more than anything else! And this is how you return the favor, Raymond Kon?"

"Just—"

"All this time you were playing with my feelings! I was nothing but a plaything that you used and—"

"Enough! Mariah! How could you even say such a thing? Did I ever use you? Ever?"

"Then why—?"

"Because I was scared!"

A heavy silence fell between, broken only by Ray's harsh breathing.

"I was scared…"


End Flashback


'And then, within an hour, I told her everything. My past, my fears, my feelings… everything.'


Flashback


"… That's why I've made this decision." Ray finished. "If you still think I am wrong, then I'm ready to take what ever punishment you'll give me."

When Mariah did not speak, he turned to leave. He was at the door, when two hands clutched onto his back.

"Ray! Please!" Mariah's voice hysteric, now. "D-don't do this! Don't leave me! We'll find a way out… We-we'll see a doctor! You'll be cured!"

"Mariah… Try to understand. This isn't a disease… There's nothing you can do about it…"

"NO! There has to be!"

"I'm sorry."

"NO! RAY DON'T! I-I NEED YOU! Ray! Come back! Don't go! Please! Please… I'm going to die…"


End Flashback


'That was the last time I saw Mariah alive. When I heard of her next, she was no longer in this world. She was dead… killed… murdered. And who was man believed to kill her? Me. Ray Kon, the person who had left her side on that very night she breathed her last.'

'I didn't know why, but Mariah's death reawakened my childhood phobia. A part of me knew I was being unreasonable. That her death was just another accident… but…'


Flashback


("She loved you! She loved you so much… And you… Why? Why, Ray? Why? I want an answer! WHY?")

("You want an answer?") Ray's voice was barely above a whisper, but there was something in his tone that surprised the other.

("Yea…") Gary's voice was suddenly a bit unsure.

("You really want to know? Do you really want to hear what happened that night? Do you, Gary?!") Ray's voice was quivering, but not with fear… He jumped up, and fixed the huge neko-jin with such a determined glare, that later had to take a step back.

("Er…Ray…?")

("Then listen!")


End Flashback


'"Then listen"—that was what I said to Gary, right before letting him in on the greatest secret of my life. After hearing my story, he didn't reply. He couldn't. Whether he was disgusted or whether he understood, I'll never know.'

'I realize my sexuality for the first time, Matilda, whose obvious attraction I failed to see, dies… I confess the truth to Mariah, before breaking her heart, and she is killed… Then I tell everything to Gary only to have him murdered as well…And right before the attack on Mariam, I realized that I was a sinner… Ironic isn't it? That leaves only one person… the only person who knows my secret and is still breathing… the person who made me realize that I was a born sinner… the one who is destined for the same fate as the rest of them… the one I will protect... the one I have just saved…'


Flashback


Ray sat on the bed, his face buried in his hands.

'Gary… Forgive me.'

Beside him, the phone rang up for the seventh time that night. But this time, he decided to answer it.

"Hello?" Ray spoke lifelessly.

"Is that you, Ray?"

"J-Julia?"

"It's me."

"What is it?" Despite himself, Ray couldn't help but notice the tremor in her voice.

"Miguel… he called me a few minutes ago. He said that… that… he was going t-to the BBA."

"What! But… But why?"

"T-to confess."

"For what?"

"I don't know! I don't!" Julia wailed. "H-he just said that he was going to the BBA to tell the truth… H-he said, "I'm sorry for everything I've put you through Jul. But now, I'm going to make things right." And then the line went dead. I tried to call him, but he won't pick up!"

"… Why would he do that? I-I don't understand…"

"Oh please!" Ray was taken aback by the sudden outburst. "Just how blind are you?! Can't you see why he's doing all this?"

"I don't—"

"He's doing this to save you! He's taking the blame on himself… because—because… (Julia choked)… he still feels for you…"

"…"

"Ray… please! I'm begging you. Don't let him do it… please… stop him. You're the only one who can… Save him! I beg of you…!"

"…"

"Look I don't know who killed Mariah… but I know Miguel's innocent! He only went to her house to convince her that you weren't a cheat… He just wanted to help you by consoling her! Please Ray! Do something! If you really killed them then turn yourself in! Or do anything to stop all this. It's obvious that whoever's behind this just wants to make you suffer… be it any human or God himself. Turn yourself in… it's the only way. It will save both of us from the agony of losing our loved ones! Miguel and I… we're going to have a baby. Don't let my child grow up with his father… I beg of you. Have mercy on my child! Save us, Ray. Turn yourself in…"


End Flashback


'That's exactly what I have done, Julia… I turned myself in. Not only to save you baby from losing his father… but also to punish a sinner. You were right. Whoever's behind this just wants to make me suffer— be it any human or God himself.'

'After Matilda and Mariah's death, I did my best to convince myself that I was innocent… that I didn't break any of God's laws… But after Mariam's attack and Gary's death… I didn't even have that excuse left. It was God himself who showed me what I really was…'

Ray gave a hollow laugh.

"It's a shame… for a moment back there; I really had myself convinced that I was pure… that I wasn't a sinner… or so I thought…"

"Raymond Kon," a mechanical voice spoke up somewhere from the intercoms. "Please step outside into the hall. You have a visitor."

Ray heaved a sigh, before making his way down the deserted corridor. He knew what was about to come. It would be the same as last time. Soon he would be confronted by his two best friends—the ones who had supported him all through the ordeal. Their faces would be marked with disbelief and betrayal. Tyson would probably try to make him confess who was threatening or blackmailing him. Then he would lose his temper and tell him that he was being stupid. And this time, Max wouldn't tell him to calm down.

But what would be his own role throughout the confrontation? Same as before. He'd just have to say the same words over and again—"It was me."


Ray entered the desolate and slightly chilly visiting hall. He looked up, expecting to see the shocked faces of Tyson and Max. But as soon as he lifted his head, he felt his heart stop.

Leaning against the wall, arms crossed and face unreadable, was the last person he had expected. Kai showed no intention of changing his posture, as he remained perfectly immobile. He could've passed for the sculpture of a Greek God, if not for his eyes. His eyes were ablaze with an intense flame that sent shivers down the other's spine.

Ray averted his gaze, to the floor, feeling the blazing irises pierce his skin, straight into his soul. Minutes, which seemed more like years to Ray, passed but the phoenix neither had uttered a single syllable nor moved an inch. He just continued to stare unblinkingly at the neko-jin.

The silence grew intense, and Ray found himself choking in it. He wanted to run as far away as he could from those gleaming eyes, but his body was completely paralyzed. No longer able to stand the suffocating silence, he decided to speak.

"I…" Ray tried his best to suppress the evident quiver in his voice. "I was the one. I killed her."

No response.

"It was me. I… I murdered Mariah… on my own free will…It's true…"

Kai didn't even blink.

"I… I kn-know what you're trying to do… It's not going to work. I'm not changing my mind! You can't make me!"

Ray was beginning to get unnerved, by the other lack of enthusiasm. His mind was screaming out desperately.

"Say something!" he finally burst out.

He whipped his head up to glare at his tormentor, and found himself inches away from the hypnotizing face. Whatever Ray had wanted to say died in his throat as felt cold sweat run down his back. He didn't know what to think since his mind had gone numb a long time back.

Unfathomable scarlet orbs bore down into his golden ones. Kai's eyes were darker than ever as he parted his lips, and began to speak slowly but firmly.

"You know something? Every case, I've worked so far in, has always had one thing in common. Each and every person I've met or seen in my entire life has given him or herself away to me. Either through the truth or through a lie; but they always give themselves away. Always. Every single one of them."

Kai took a step closer, as his voice dropped dangerously low into a whisper.

"And just so you know…" Ray shivered as hot breath brushed over his pointed ear. "You're no different."

The sudden lack of warmth hit Ray like a blizzard. He slumped against the wall, before sliding down to the floor, his body shivering more violently than it ever had. He curled himself onto the floor of the deserted room, eyes clenched shut.

The reason why he had never been able to stare into those blazing eyes… why he could never stand the sound of that alluring voice… why he felt suffocated in that scent…

No matter how much he had tried to deny that, he couldn't… Not anymore…

He was addicted… Addicted to the need of staring into those captivating eyes… to hear that enchanting voice… to inhale that intoxicating scent… Addicted to the desire of feeling the unblemished skin… to taste those flawless lips… addicted to the irrevocable want of being with that perfection…

He knew it. There was no escape…

He had fallen. Fallen for the only person he knew he could never have… The person who had turned him into a sinner in the eyes of his mother. He had fallen for Kai Hiwatari…


The phone had barely rung for a second, when Tyson grabbed it.

"Kai!" he spoke desperately. "Did you see him? Did he say—"

"Meet me at the Wong residence."

"But what about—"

"Now."

"Kai…"

"Like I said, Tyson. This is just the beginning… of the end."


Took me ages to finish this one.

Well, looks like Ray's innocent after all! (As if, you didn't already know that already!) What's going happen next? Only Kai knows…

Now, if my calculations are correct, I think there will probably be three more chapters to go before I wrap up this fic! I hope we stick together till the end!

Till then, Read and Review!

Yours truly,

KPR.