Stop! Freeze! Halt! Yes folks, before you start reading, let me tell you that you are indeed on the right chapter. The beginning might be confusing, so, let's make it clear. This chapter starts after Ray's trial gets over. In other words, the verdict has already been given! Why did I skip the entire hearing? Well, just keep on reading!
And of course, thanks to my ever so cool readers-- Phoenixfyre101, Samstar1990, Aisha, FlamingIce94, suzanne, xxlivingxdeadxchickxx, Bokmal14 and sonata hirano.
Chapter 20
"It's unreal!"
"… I still can't believe…"
"Who would've thought that…?"
"That Granger's one talented man! The way he…"
"I never thought…"
"I knew Kon wasn't the type to…"
"… I can see tomorrow's headlines…"
Voices… Thousands of excited voices filled the court hall, as people began to clear out.
Amidst the wave of people, Ray stood immobile, in the witness box. His exotic golden orbs were wide and awestruck. Despite of the constant movement around him, Ray's mind felt completely numb, as he tried to digest everything at once. He was stunned beyond belief…
"RAY!"
With his mind still hazy, Ray barely caught a flash of dark hair, before he was knocked off his feet. A pair of arms caught him from behind, as a second pair hugged the life out of him.
"Ray! Bud! Man, I missed ya." Tyson's overjoyed voice spoke next to a pointed ear.
"Take it easy, Ty!" Ray's savior, aka Hiro chuckled, "Don't bowl him over with your emotions."
"Tyson! You'll asphyxiate him." Max cautioned, as he and Kenny joined them.
Still grinning ear to ear, Tyson put his weight off the tiger, but did not let go of him. Hiro, who had been supporting Ray from behind, helped him up on his feet.
"Can you believe it?" Tyson said, "We actually did it! I'll admit that for moment I really thought we were done for, but then… Man! This is just too good to be true! I just gave Boris Balkov his first taste of defeat! He was totally unprepared for this— Ah! I almost forgot. Johnny! Hah! Did you guys get a look at his face? Oh, it was priceless! He looked ready to tear his hair—sorry, his nose off!"
"Who cares about his face?" Max smiled. "It's Ray's face that's worrying me, now. That expression might permanently get etched there, you know?"
"Look at him!" Tyson laughed staring at Ray's still stunned face. "He still can't believe it!"
"Believe it or not," Max said as he pried Tyson off Ray, and took him by the shoulders gently, "But it's true. It's over, Ray. It's finally over. We've won. You're free now, bud."
'It's over… I'm…free…'
Reality finally dawned upon Ray. He was innocent! He had been innocent all along. And now… it was proved. He no longer had to face that ordeal… It really was over!
A pointed canine poked out from the corner of his lips, as a long lost smile graced Ray's features. Breaking into a grin, he pulled the blonde American into a well-needed hug.
"That's the spirit, Tiger!" Tyson beamed, joining in as well.
"Hey, guys…" Ray whispered clutching his two best friends, "Thanks. For being there for me."
"We'll always be there for you, Ray. No matter what." Max spoke, with watering eyes
"Yeah. You're not getting rid of us that easily, pal," Tyson added, before smiling, "It's good to have you back, Ray."
"Things are finally starting to look up, eh?' a cheery and relieved voice said.
The three boys pulled out of their embrace, to see Mr. Dickenson's face, beaming brighter than the sun.
"Welcome back, my boy," the old man said, giving Ray a brief, but warm hug. "It's remarkable how things turned out to be. Almost impossible."
"You've got the impossible part right," Michael agreed. "Boy, this case… it's still confusing me! I bow down before you Sir Tyson."
"Hey, I didn't do anything," Tyson smiled sheepishly. "All the credit goes to the Phoenix Prince. I don't know what we would've done without Kai!"
The mention of that name sent tremors down Ray's spine. Unconsciously, his eyes roamed across the almost vacant hall, looking for a glimpse of slate hair or pale skin. Fighting down the apprehensive feeling in his heart, he turned to the conversation, hoping to get an explanation for the Russian's absence. His prayers were answered as Michael put forward his question for him.
"Speaking of Prince Charming, where is he?"
"Had he even been here before the trial began?" Garland asked.
"Uh, well he did come. But…" Tyson sighed as he recalled his last words with Kai.
Flashback
"WHAT?"
Tyson shot a hasty, apologetic smile to the startled passers-by, before turning his attention towards the cause of his outburst.
"Kai! What hell do you mean that you're leaving? Y-you can't abandon us half-way like this!"
"I joined to help you solve this case, and my job's done."
"But this isn't over!" Max objected. "The jury still had to give its final verdict."
"I've already done what was asked of me. Tyson will be taking over from here on, so you won't be needing me anymore."
"You bet we will!" Tyson said defensively. "Wha-what if Boris brings up some information that we'd overlooked?"
"He won't."
"Why not?"
"Because the outcome of this case has already been decided. Nothing he does can change that."
"And what if I mess up somewhere?"
"You won't."
"Why—"
"Because you're can't. Not for Ray's sake."
Tyson was effectively silenced by that. As much, as he and Max wanted Kai to stay put, he knew that he couldn't doubt himself when fighting for his best friend. Knowing that the conversation was closed, he sighed and continued to follow his most unpredictable best friend, who was going to walk out of their life within a few minutes.
They stopped just before the entrance to the main hall, where the inquest was scheduled to take place.
"Aren't you even going to come inside?" Tyson asked almost dejectedly.
Closing his eyes briefly, Kai turned towards the brooding young man, with an exasperated look.
"Tyson, our lives don't end with this case. You wanted my guidance, and I gave it to you. Now that it's over, I'm moving on. There isn't anything else left for me to do here. There are other things that I need to focus on."
"Kai! Quit that 'Do and Ditch' crap, will ya? We're meeting after, what? Six? Seven years? This is our first case together. It's barely been a whole week, and you're planning on escaping! Who knows when we'll get another chance to meet again? And knowing you, I'll be lucky enough to get a single post card! C'mon, bud! At least stay tuned for the hearing! It'll mean a lot to me if you did. This is my most important case, and it's against Boris Balkov!"
"You don't understand," Kai sighed before continuing. "I need to go away. I need to think something over."
"But—" Tyson began but stopped. With a defeated groan, he glared weakly at Kai. "Can you at least try to keep in touch?"
"I suppose, I can. Try, that is." A ghost of a smirk appeared on Kai's lips, momentarily. "Anyway, the case starts in a few minutes. So, I'll take my leave now."
"See you around, Kai." Max smiled as he shook hands with the Phoenix. Though he had only just come to know Kai. But it was enough for the later to earn both his respect and admiration.
"Sourpuss," Tyson grumbled with a stifled sniff, before throwing his arms round the slate-haired man. Kai sighed, shaking his head, but returned the hug nonetheless.
"Just do it," he said softly, before moving away.
Tyson and Max watched the retreating figure the phoenix. Kai Hiwatari soon disappeared out of their sight… merging into the crowd, but standing out against all.
End Flashback
"I suppose that was to be expected," Mr. Dickenson said solemnly. "He has completed his mission, and now he is gone."
'He's gone…' Ray suddenly felt an unexplainable pang of emptiness.
"Saves the day and rides away into the sunset. The classic Western hero," Michael muttered. "But he made quite an impression, mind you. I'm surprised he doesn't have a mob of reporters stalking his steps."
"He wouldn't be BBA's top undercover agent if he'd let people stalk him, now would he?" a slightly sarcastic voice growled behind the blonde, making him jump.
"Ah, Bryan," Mr. Dickenson greeted the newcomer, "And Tala. Would I be wrong in assuming that you two delivery boys helped Kai escape?"
Despite the cold and impassive exterior, it was clear that both the Russians held the chairman in great respect.
Tala's lip twitched. "It's a new one this time, Sir."
"He made a few modifications," Bryan added.
"Wait a minute. What?" Tyson asked confused.
"It's a Hiwatari thing, Granger." Tala smirked, before extending a hand towards Ray. "I don't think we've been introduced yet. I'm Tala Ivanov. He's Bryan Kuznetsov."
"Ray Kon."
"Well, now that we're all acquainted," the Chairman said, "I think we'd better leave this place before the authorities kick us out."
"And it calls for celebration!" Tyson cheered like his long-forgotten self, putting an arm around Ray. "Man, I missed my cook!"
"Calm down. He needs to rest, first," Max objected, Kenny nodding in agreement.
"Hey, I'm alright Maxie," Ray said. Though he felt somewhat exhausted, but the chance to enjoy with his friends after such a long time, was just too precious to pass. "I know better than to trust Tyson with his cookery skills."
"Hey! I'm not that bad. That omelet was just a bit over-cooked."
"Of course. And your cap was just a bit burnt."
"Hiro!"
"Now, as much I would like to taste Ray's special mochaccino myself; I agree with young Max." Mr. Dickenson spoke warmly. "It has been a long busy period for all of us, especially Ray. He has just been relieved from this turmoil, and it's time for him to get some peace of mind, body and soul. I know there's nothing like a good old reunion with your nearest and dearest ones. But we need to give him some time. So, if it's not too much of a trouble, I would like to escort Ray to his apartment for the time being."
"Mr. Di—"
"It's okay, Ray," Tyson smiled. "We'll meet you later. You go get that peace of mind, first, and then we'll party. Besides, Dr Tate here would cripple me for life, if you collapsed."
"And he's not kidding when he says that!" Max grinned.
"If you insist… Thanks, guys." Ray was about to turn, when Michael suddenly spoke up.
"Hey, Ty! There something that's been bugging me for a long time… What got into our delightful Scotty, back there? Why did he suddenly jump ship and snap at his own client?"
"Yeah… McGregor's behavior confused me as well," Max said, remembering the way Johnny had ordered Ozuma to sit down.
"And when did you issue a search warrant, anyway?" Garland asked skeptically.
"Ah, that…" Tyson grinned mysteriously. "Well… as for the search warrant… We didn't issue one."
"What?! But then how-?"
"I don't need a search warrant to check out the Saint Shields' head quarters," came the somewhat smug reply.
"Why not?"
"Sorry guys! Can't tell you that… It's highly confidential information. Only a handful people—like me—know about it."
A variety of different expressions appeared on the faces of team BBA. Whereas Ray, Max, Michael and Garland were utterly clueless; Tyson's face was over flowing with self-importance; Kenny was shaking his head with a he'll-never-learn expression; Hiro and Mr. Dickenson seemed to be in thinking along the same lines. And much to Ray's surprise even Tala and Bryan looked somewhat amused at Tyson's childish antics.
"Okay, what's going on here?" Michael asked impatiently.
Before Tyson could've opened his mouth, Hiro spoke up:
"Tyson here, just happens to know someone who has some inside information on the Saint Shields—one of the big shots of the company. That's all."
"The biggest shot, as a matter of fact," Tyson corrected, before adding haughtily, "Who happens to have shared a dorm with me."
"Ozuma?!" Max asked with wide eyes.
"Nah! Someone much more powerful."
"Who-?"
Ray felt a hand squeeze his shoulder gently, and looked up to see Mr. Dickenson.
"You'll get enough time to hear the story, afterwards. So right now, let's get you home."
Ray nodded. After being hugged by Tyson and Max for one last time, he turned and followed the chairman out.
The others watched the two of them leave. Then Tala spoke up.
"We'll be off as well, now."
"What? Aren't you guys staying?"
"I told you before, Tate: We're here on a mission. And that's where we need to focus right now."
"If you insist," Max said, "Well then, good luck to both of you."
"It's a good thing that the two of you'll be here for a while," Tyson added with a grin. "'Cause I'm going to need a looong holiday after this!"
"I sure am glad that things turned out the way they did," Mr. Dickenson spoke as he led Ray down through a deserted corridor.
"I'll admit I was really worried there for a while. I almost lost one of my best students! But that does not mean that I suspected you even for a second, m'boy. The same goes for your friends. And that's what I want you to understand, Ray. Throughout the entire session, the person who had the least hope for you, was none other than yourself. I understand how helpless you must've felt when some of the people you once held close to your heart were snatched away from you. But that does not mean that you'll take the blame on yourself. If the case remained unsolved, who knows what you might've done to yourself! Just keep in mind that there are people to whom you mean a lot more than you do to yourself. And it's for these people that you must live and be strong. Sacrificing yourself for someone you love, doesn't necessarily mean that you'll always have to give your life for him or her. Just as you would be willing to die for your friends, you must be ready to live for them too. Look at Tyson, for instance. This was the most important case in his life; not because he was up against people like McGregor and Shane; not because he was facing the undefeated Boris Balkov; not because winning this case would help to uplift his career. But because he was fighting for his best friend. Because he knew he couldn't afford to let you down, Ray."
The chairman took a deep breath, before smiling.
"Ah well, enough of lecture for one, tiresome day. We need a good, refreshing nap and a night to enjoy with friends and family. But there's still a lot to be done, mind you. The media and press needs to be handled. And it's time that we put an end to Balkov's plans once and for all. And— Of course! This case has taken up a lot of your time. Now that it's over, you need to get back to the BBA and finish your training. Don't worry, you'll get time for resting. But after that— Ray?"
Ray had stopped walking, and stood immobile in the middle of the corridor. His head was bowed, long bangs shielding his eyes.
"Ray?" a worried look appeared on Mr. Dickenson's face. "What's the matter? Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry Mr. Dickenson," Ray whispered. "But I'm not going back… I'm quitting the BBA."
"Good heavens! Ray… After all this… what… I-I don't understand…"
"Don't get me wrong, Sir. I'll always be ready to offer you my services, whenever you you'll ask for it. I'll serve you with utmost devotion… but not as a member of the BBA. I-I don't think, I'm fit to be in that institution. Not after all the stunts, I've pulled lately. This case has just shown me that my greatest weakness is myself. Despite the opinion that I had developed about myself, over the last couple of years… I've realized that… I'm still just a naïve villager. A village idiot, who's still caught up in his illogical childhood nightmares. I nearly messed everything up because of my superstitions. I was so absorbed in them, that I completely forgot about the reality, where my friends were fighting for me. I broke the principles of the BBA; proved that I was not worthy of it… that I was weak. I know you have high expectations from me. And I am grateful that you do… But I can't give you what you expect of me, Sir."
A dense silence descended between them, the cloudy atmosphere outside reflecting the tension. Ray chanced a glance at the BBA head, who had a distant look in his face.
"…I can't give you what you expect of me…" the old man repeated slowly. Then, much to Ray's surprise, he smiled, almost fondly.
"You know, Ray," he continued, "Almost ten years ago, someone once told me those very same words. He was, but a young boy back then—only a child. However, it was just his physical appearance that marked him so. For, lying behind those young eyes, was a blaze, so intense, that no man could stand up to them. They held more responsibility, vigilance and fortitude than anyone I had ever met. Even at such a tender age, he was self-motivated and an independent loner."
"I can still remember that day so clearly, when I asked him to join the BBA …"
"I appreciate the offer, Sir. But I decline."
A ten-years-younger, Mr. Dickenson adjusted his full-moon glasses as he studied the young boy, sitting on the bed. Propped up against the headboard, the said boy was staring fixedly at his bandaged forearm that rested atop his bent up knee. Of course, the arm wasn't the only part of his body that had been swathed. The strips of white linen, wrapped around his forehead and across his right eye, were effectively hidden beneath a layer of grayish-blue hair. Bandages wound down his neck, disappearing beneath the material his lose shirt, which covered up the rest of the surgical dressing. Even the exposed skin of his face was discoloured with bruises, burns and scratches, here and there.
Injured, battered and abused, yet that face showed no signs of pain or remorse. There was no yearning for comfort… no want for friends… no need for a shelter. That voice. So hard and emotionless. It could not belong to a child! And whose eyes were those? Who was there beyond that icy layer?
Mr. Dickenson moved his chair closer to the bed, mindful of the dripping IV needle that dangled limply off the side. He knew well enough, that it had been intentionally removed from its proper spot, but decided to ignore it. The good doctor would've probably called it an act of irresponsibility towards a 'critical' patient. But the patient, himself, had already defied all laws of medical expertise, by not slipping into a coma; going into shock; staying unconscious for at least another week or showing any other symptoms of just having a near death experience.
"My boy," the old man said gently, "I respect your decision, and have no intention of forcing or offending you. I don't know what you have planned for your future. But what I do know, is that you won't be going be going back to Voltaire, no matter what. And I give you my word that I won't disclose your whereabouts or the fact that you survived, to such a man. I am aware of your capabilities, but at your age, I cannot abandon you without a proper parentage, either. Any orphanage or foster home would gladly take you in, but such organizations can barely keep your identity confidential as well as the BBA. And let's face the facts: Voltaire Hiwatari knows you're still alive and well. The moment you step outside this building, he'll be hounding for you."
"Of course, from what I have seen, he just might never succeed in his attempts. But why spend such valuable time of your life running away from your own kin? Moreover, why let your talent go to a complete waste? You have a gift, my boy. A gift that can be used for the good of humanity. My institution has certain morals, based on which we try to recruit our students. And you're the finest example of what I have been looking for."
"What makes you so sure that I care about the good of humanity, or your morals?" A red eye looked up challengingly.
Mr. Dickenson smiled. He placed an encouraging hand on the youth's shoulder. Muscles tensed at the contact, but made no serious effort to shake it off.
Still smiling, the BBA head said softly but surely, "Believe me on this one. I've never been surer in my entire life: You are the One… Join the BBA. At least give it a try. It's not an order, but I'll appreciate it if you do."
The visible burgundy eye regarded the portly man suspiciously, for a while, before closing with a sigh.
"I owe you for your helping me, Sir. So, I won't disappoint you."
"That's the spirit, m'boy!"
"But I can't make you proud either. You may be confident about me, but I'm not the one you're looking for. I can't give you what you expect of me…"
"Ah, memories," Mr. Dickenson sighed pleasantly. "It's strange how some of them manage to stay so prominent even after so long. He really believed it, when he said that he couldn't make me proud. Even now, he feels sure that he isn't the one I need. But for once, he is wrong. Not only is he the only student to have ever scored a perfect hundred in the BBA entrance exam, but also today, he is the eternal glory of the BBA. I consider it one of my greatest achievements to have been able to convince him. Ever since his first year, he has been unceasingly making me proud. Regardless of what he thinks, he is my pride. And on this very day, he has taken my admiration for him to yet another level, by proving the innocence of another one of my most prized students—you."
Ray's eyes widened as the pieces started to fall into place.
"Mr. Dickenson… that-that boy… he was—"
"None other than mysterious young man, you now call Kai Hiwatari."
Ray remained silent, thinking over everything he had just heard. He looked up as a warm hand squeezed his shoulder gently.
"Do you see now, Ray? We are far greater than we think we are. There are incidents in our life, which sometimes make us doubt ourselves. But it's at times like these that we need to believe in ourselves the most. I did not recruit you because of your code of conduct or your physical strength and power. The reason I wanted you as my student was because of your spirit. Your spirit is always stronger than your fears. Never forget that. I believe in you, Ray. You have never let me down, not even once; and over the last few days, I've never felt any less proud of you. Your concern for your friends only proves that you are an excellent human being. You are as important to me as Kai. And losing you would be a great blow for the BBA. So what do you say?"
A small smile graced Ray's lips as he nodded. "I won't let you down, Mr. Dickenson."
"I've said this ten years ago, and I'm saying it again: That's the spirit m'boy. And now, we'd better get going, before Mother Nature loses her patience."
As if to prove the old man correct, a deep rumble of thunder echoed through the passageway.
"Um, Mr. Dickenson?" Ray said after they had walked a few paces, "I… I was just wondering—"
"About Kai's past?"
"Just curious." The neko-jin mumbled, bowing his head to hide the slight blush.
"Yes, it's as mysterious and fascinating as the person himself. But it's not my place to disclose the scant knowledge I have on that subject. Nevertheless, I can tell you that Kai's past… his childhood wasn't exactly what you'd call a happy one. The boy has had lot of burden on his young shoulders. And it's a miracle that he didn't collapse. But the past did leave its mark on him. Kai might be considered the closest thing to perfection, when it comes to skill and talent. But he has much to know and realize about himself."
"One of Kai's greatest weapons is to read people. He has this supernatural ability to think like anyone and everyone, be it the killer or the victim. For this, you'll never find him searching for clues or chasing suspects. He knows how his targets think and how to manipulate their thoughts. And eventually, they give themselves away to him. As much as he is skilled in combat techniques and weaponries, he seldom needs to use them. Tyson is right when he says that Kai never seeks the truth. He compels the truth to seek him."
"However…" Mr. Dickenson gave a worried sigh, "Despite of having such a wonderful gift, he fails to understand the one person that needs him the most—himself. Kai is almost furiously dedicated to perfecting his skills and for him failure is inacceptable. But sometimes he seems to forget the fact that he is, after all, a human being. And all human beings have their limitations. Kai's determination is beyond admirable. But it is taking a lot out of him. He treats himself more like a machine than a man. In an attempt to be the strongest, he keeps neglecting his emotions. I may not know much about how his mind works, but I am sure that there is a human being beyond that mask of indifference. But unfortunately, Kai doesn't realize that. It's a shame, really. The boy has a heart of gold… but if only he could just follow it…"
They walked quietly for a while, before Mr. Dickenson's cell phone rang up. He looked at the screen and gave a small sigh before answering.
"What is it this time? Yes, I remember… But I've already told you, it's not possible for me… Yes, yes…I understand but I am currently engaged… Well, I will try, but I cannot make any promises… Yes, please try to handle the situation… Yes… I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Goodbye."
"Is everything alright, Mr. D?" Ray asked once Mr. Dickenson had put away his cell.
"Oh don't worry. I'm sure they'll be able to handle this meeting without me."
"But if it's because of escorting me—"
"Don't worry about it, Ray. It's nothing very important."
"No, really. I could just go with Tyson or—"
Ray was cut off as the chairman's phone came alive once again. However, this time Mr. Dickenson seemed rather surprised at the name of the caller. He held it to his ear, but didn't speak for a while. Ray guessed that the caller must've spoken before he could.
"No. Not at all…" Mr. Dickenson smiled, though he still looked somewhat surprised. "I appreciate it. Yes, so where…? Right… It's very considerate of you."
"Well, Ray," the old man, said after closing the phone, "There has been a change of plans. Looks like, someone else is going to be dropping you off, after all."
"Tyson?"
"No, not him. It's someone else. And I insist that you accompany him, Ray. You'll understand why, later."
Ray frowned but nodded.
"Good. He'll meet you at the parking sector outside the fourth gate. It is a good thing too, seeing, as all the media and press seem to have monopolized the main entrance. Would you like me to escort you to your gate?"
"No it's alright, Mr. D. I've already taken up much of your time."
"Oh, the meeting. I almost forgot. Heading such a big institution can be tiring at times. Young Max often tells me that need to take a few weeks off."
"Maybe you should, Sir."
"Thank you for your concern, Ray. But duty calls. Though I wouldn't say no to a relaxing week near the sea. It's been a long time since I have surfed the waves."
Ray unsuccessfully tried to disguise his laughter with a cough. Mr. Dickenson on the surfboard?
"Ah yes, I'm a bit out of shape now, aren't I?" The old man chuckled, as Ray struggled to maintain a straight face. "I suppose I should be cutting low on the sweets. But don't be fooled by this roundness, mind you. I haven't been making much of an effort on the physique lately, but if I had, I could have given Ryuunosuke* a run for his money. Besides, it's the wit that counts for me and I did manage get one over the all mighty phoenix, didn't I?"
"Huh?"
A mysterious twinkle glinted in the chairman's eyes as looked at Ray over the rim of his spectacles.
"Tyson might not have noticed, but I assigned him to his first mission, the very day he stepped inside the BBA grounds. There is a reason why his initial room had been put under renovation…"
Giving a bemused Ray, one final pat, Mr. Dickenson, still smiling contently, walked off towards the main entrance.
Ray watched the portly man's retreating back, till he took a turn and the bowler hat was out of his sight. Finally blinking out of his confusion, Ray shook his head and smiled.
'Funny old man.'
The clouds gave another impatient roar; making Ray quicken his pace since he was no longer in the safety of the corridors. Mr. Dickenson had been right; no one had flashed a camera in his face so far. And hopefully he would reach the dry parking sector a few yards away, before the press or the rain caught up with him.
After, what seemed like eternity, Ray felt free. It felt great, to be able to hurry away from the rain like a normal person, instead of standing and soaking on some random bridge without even noticing. He had a mad urge to whoop and run aimlessly, like he used to do in the Chinese mountains, when he was younger. Though, he refrained himself, knowing that running around in the court grounds would probably take him to the jail or a mental institution. But still he couldn't help the grin that broke out of his face. Maybe this is what it felt like to be reincarnated… to be granted a second shot at life… to be innocent…
Over the last few weeks, he lost a good number of people whom he had cared for. But the experience had also disillusioned him. He had finally come to the painful realization, that many of those people had never been faithful to him… It was only pretence of a friendship that they never felt towards him. It was harsh, but he wouldn't let it stop him. Not now. He was going to leave the past behind him and make a fresh start, now matter how difficult it might seem. And if he ever stumbled, he knew his true friends would be there to steady him.
Many people have pitied him for being an orphan. But how could he be an orphan when he had such a great family? He recalled the last vacation, which he had spent with Tyson and Max at the Grangers' Dojo… laughing and joking around… watching Tyson and Max fight over the last of his sushis … having sparing matches with Hiro and Bruce… dodging Gramps' sudden kendo attacks… having occasional visits from Mr. D or Max's parents…Sitting outside on the porch and looking at the stars that his parents used to show him… No. He had never been alone. His parents still watched over him; he had a loving family and now, a new beginning. What more could he ask for? He finally had everything he ever wanted!
Then, what was this persistent yearning in his heart? Why could he still feel this emptiness? What was he missing?
'And just so you know…You're no different.'
Nature finally lost her patience, as Ray stopped walking, only a few steps away from shade of the parking sector. With an enraged roar, the rain came down in sheets, drenching the neko-jin, who seemed to have forgotten how to move.
Yes, he was no different. He was just like everyone else; and just like everyone else, he too had given himself away to the treacherous enigma that was Kai Hiwatari!
'But why this sudden addiction?' Ray wondered, 'Why him? I barely know him… I know nothing about him… Then what made me fall for him? How could I fall in lo—'
Love? Was he willing to take his emotions to that level? He was gay. He wasn't afraid to deny it anymore. But still… He remembered his temporary relationship with Miguel. It was more like a new experience for him. He wanted to make sure of his feelings. It wasn't very uncomfortable… but it wasn't intimate either. When they broke up, he had felt a bit guilty for betraying the Spaniard; but he did not feel any pain. And he had been able to get over it without much effort. He had done it once before, and he would be able to do it again… wouldn't he?
His heart throbbed painfully, as he remembered that dream, he had a few days back. Even though it was dream, it was almost as vivid in his mind as reality. He could clearly recall the sharp outline of the silhouette against the flames… the unblemished pale skin… the taunting smirk… the captivating eyes… the deep voice…
No… No matter how much he tried, he knew that, that face and voice would keep on haunting him for as long as he lived. This was nothing like, what he had felt for Miguel. This was no simple crush, or physical attraction. This was something different… stronger… deeper. Was this…? Could it be…?
"Argh!!! Why me? WHY?!"
With a frustrated growl, Ray whipped around, and shot out his clenched fist towards the nearest wall he could find. It was only half way through, when he remembered that he had aimed the very same fist, which he had earlier smashed on the table before McGregor. But there was no turning back now. Hoping that Max would forgive him for ruining his handiwork (no pun intended), he shut his eyes, waiting for the painful impact… which never came.
"I would've probably commented on your irrational desire to contract pneumonia, but it's your sanity that's worrying me at the moment."
The familiar baritone voice and the scent, made Ray's eyes snap open. His bandaged knucklers were posed less than an inch away from the concrete. Long slender fingers gripped his wrist firmly, holding it in position. Heart racing madly, Ray turned to face his savior. And almost immediately, he wished he hadn't; because the sight in front of him was enough to make his heart pound right out of his chest.
Unfathomable amethyst eyes were regarding him with amusement, through dripping, slate locks. The longer strands of dark hair, clung to the sharp jaw line, tracing down the glistening neck, and over the smooth shoulders. And the hair wasn't the only thing that felt like clinging. The drenched white shirt openly flaunted the toned perfection of the lean, sculpted torso that lay beneath it. And didn't help much, that the wetness of the thin fabric had given it a first-rate, high-standard transparency effect, that revealed a generous view of the—
Face burning furiously, Ray tore his eyes away from the dangerous display of physical impeccability, before his mind got the better of him. The fingers released him, living his skin tingling.
"Are you coming, or not?"
"What?" he managed to croak without looking up.
"I'm supposed to take you to your apartment."
Ray blinked a couple of times, trying to grasp what he just heard. 'He's going to…'
However all this thoughts were abruptly switched off when Kai took hold of his upper arm, and directed him into the parking area. Fighting down the sensation in his stomach (and arm), Ray allowed himself to be led past the rows of cars, until they reached the very last segment.
Cars might not have fascinated Ray, as much as they did Tyson, but not even he could help but awe at the hunk of a machine that stood in front of him.. The midnight black surface, of the sleek BMW, glinted off in the dim lights, making even Johnny's precious Volkswagen look laughable. Ray had a good hunch what the 'Hiwatari thing' Tala had mentioned before, actually was. The powerful lights flashed a couple of time, as Kai turned off the alarm, and indicated Ray to get inside.
The interiors were equally impressive, and Ray's sharp smelling sense picked up the intoxicating scent, which he recognized as Kai's. The ignition kicked up noiselessly, as the powerful machine accelerated forward smoothly.
"You can take that off now. The car has central heating." Kai said once they out of the court area.
Ray looked at the towel that was being offered to him, and then at himself. With a jolt, he realized that a black jacket had been draped over his shoulders. When and how it got there, he had no idea. But it did explain why he wasn't cold or drenched as badly as should have been. And the burning sensation on his skin.
"Thanks," he whispered, as he dried himself with the towel after having removed the jacket, "for everything."
He felt the pair of eyes turn towards him, though, Kai didn't comment.
Although it was rush hour, Kai showed remarkable skills in maneuvering his way through the crowd, without ever dropping below 100 mph.
Ray fidgeted in his seat nervously, trying to look anywhere but at the driver. The cityscape raced past his dark tinted window, too fast for his eyes to keep up with. His wondering eyes stopped at the side mirror, which reflected the back seats, where lay the damp jacket and a travel bag. The bag brought a sudden thought to Ray's mind. Swallowing hard, he cleared his throat.
"T-Tyson said that… that… you h-had left before the trial…" He said, without looking at Kai.
"He wasn't lying."
"… And yet, you are here."
"I am."
"… Why did you come back?"
Kai did not respond immediately. He looked straight ahead, but he wasn't paying attention to the road. His hands expertly manipulated the steering wheel, on their own. The expression on his face was indifferent, but his eyes had a mysterious glaze. Just when Ray was starting to worry that, he had somehow offended the phoenix, he finally spoke.
"Why indeed…"
The words were so distant, that Ray had to look up. The glaze still lingered in Kai's eyes, which somehow looked… softened? Ray blinked, but didn't look away from the handsome profile, framed by damp strands of hair. It was then that Ray noticed that there was something different about that face. Something that he had seen before, but was not there any more…
'His paint!'
Indeed, the set of royal blue triangles were no longer there, leaving the alabaster skin devoid of any markings. Although Ray had spent most of his time avoiding that face, but he could help notice how different Kai looked without the paint. He looked somewhat… younger. Kai's personality had always radiated experienced leadership qualities. But when one looked past that exterior… he was quite young. Kai used to study with Tyson. So, he couldn't be much older. Ray suddenly had a strange thought. Could it be that the purpose of wearing that face paint was, actually, to make him look older that he was?
"This case," Ray asked, feeling more and more curious about the Russian. "Why did you take it up in the first place, Mr. Hiwa—"
"Kai."
"…what?"
"I'm not exactly keen on being addressed by my surname. That title belongs to someone else."
"O-okay then… Kai." Ray shivered as he let the name roll off his tongue, almost like a caress. "So, why did you? This case, I mean. Was it because of Mr. Dickenson?"
Surprisingly, Kai laughed. A low enchanting laughter. Ray had to bite down on his tongue, in order to control the fluttering inside his stomach.
"Mr. Dickenson. I suppose you could say that." Kai said. "It was his plan, to bait me in the first place."
"Bait you?"
"Don't underestimate the chubby face behind that cheery mustache. There is a reason why he became the head of the BBA, and why I work under him."
"I don't…" Ray trailed off as he remembered something.
'I did manage get one over the all mighty phoenix didn't I? …Tyson might not have noticed, but I assigned him to his first mission, the very day he stepped inside the BBA grounds.'
"Has it got anything to do with Tyson?"
"Yeah, it was Tyson. I couldn't refuse him. Mr. Dickenson made sure that I couldn't. It was a part of his plan all along. I fell for that very day, when he announced that room G-41 had to be renovated and its occupant was to be moved to H-01, my room, for the time being. Tyson had a natural talent. And Mr. Dickenson used this talent to overpower me… to make sure that I became indebted to Tyson, like so many others were. Tyson without even realizing it himself, had gained a hold over me, so strong that I couldn't bare to let him down."
Ray needed no further explanation. It was friendship. Tyson had bound all of them with his genuine powers of friendship.
"You did it for Tyson." Ray said, suddenly feeling a bit envious.
"And partly for Boris."
"Balkov?" Ray asked bemused, suddenly noticing the way the name was pronounced. It was the first time he heard someone regard the famous lawyer so carelessly, as if he was some sort of a cheap joke.
"To spite him," Kai smirked slightly, which made him look more boyish, "He used to be my—for the lack of a better word—trainer."
The look on neko-jin's face only made him more amused.
"I wasn't exactly his favorite student. Especially since I blew apart his beloved Biovolts, and definitely not now… Close your mouth, by the way."
Ray clamped his jaws shut, his feeling his head swirl with all the information he had received so far. It was almost impossible to believe that the person sitting beside him could be linked to Boris Balkov in any way. Speaking of Boris…
"Is that why Tyson acted like he knew every move that Balkov was going to make? Because you knew it?"
"Perhaps. Boris was as predictable as the case itself."
"You think this case was… predictable?"
"I knew the outcome, if that defines predictable. And that's another reason why agreed to help Tyson, back in Moscow. It wouldn't take up much of my time."
"Moscow? What are to trying to say? That you figured out the whole thing before coming to Japan?! Before you even started investigating?!"
"You wouldn't be sitting here, if I hadn't."
"But… how?"
"You should've paid more attention to your lawyer."
"I know what Tyson said. He just presented the facts that were discovered by you. All I'm asking is how? How did you know?"
"Tyson and Max would be more than happy to tell you later on."
"Why won't you say?"
A pair of amused violet eyes regarded him skeptically.
"You're being rather curious today." Kai spoke slowly but smoothly.
Ray gulped, feeling the heat on his face. He hadn't meant to blurt out the last line so obviously. He was curious all right. But the real reason was that he wanted to keep Kai talking. To hear more of that deep, captivating voice that he couldn't seem to get enough of. Kai had never spoken so much before. And now that he did, it was too good to resist.
"I- I- I wanted to hear it straight from the horse's mouth," he stuttered hastily. "A-and besides, Tyson has a habit of exaggerating. He might keep back some of the information."
'Lame. Extremely lame.'
"And I won't?"
"I trust you."
Ray had good urge to jump right out of the car at that point. He could've sworn that something else (like his treacherous heart) had taken over his mind and intelligence, along with his mouth. Although he didn't look at Kai, he could feel the Russian's eyes still on him. Yet, somewhere, a rebellious part of him seemed reluctant to give up. It was probably that part, which gave him the determination to look up into those eyes and repeat what he had said, more firmly.
"I trust you…"
"You're putting your trust in a spy, Mr. Kon."
"Ray."
A finely shaped eyebrow rose up.
"I don't have anything against my surname. But it's only fair this way."
"Okay then. Ray." Kai smirked as he repeated Ray's earlier words, then added, "You're not giving up on this are you?"
Ray had fight down the tingling sensation, when the husky voice pronounced his name. But he managed to keep up the determined look.
Kai studied the golden orbs for some while, before shaking his head with a sigh, and looking away. For a moment, Ray thought that he had refused. But then he realized that they weren't moving any more. The car was at a standstill within a narrow alleyway, off the road.
Cutting off the ignition, Kai leant back in his seat and closed his eyes. Long, thick lashes fluttered slightly as drop of water trickled down onto them. A single sapphire ear-stud glinted in the lightening that flashed outside.
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything."
// * Tyson's Grandfather //
I'm sure you people realize my intention of skipping the court scene, now. I could've unveiled the mystery in the court through Tyson. But then Kai would've had to spend the entire time on the sidelines (or in the audience's gallery) while Tyson stole HIS glory.
So, instead of letting Tyson get all the attention, I decided to have our sexy Russian do all the narrating. And besides I needed to show some interaction between Kai and Ray. And also, I thought you deserved some info regarding Kai's past. It's almost the same as the one in the original series, but I have my own plots.
Though the mystery is solved, but it still remains unsolved. But fear not, you will get to know all the answers in next chapter, which will also be my last chapter (sniff). May we stick together till the end!
Please keep up with your wonderful reviews!
With Best Wishes,
Yours truly,
KPR.
