Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ Hybrid Theory ❯ Hybrid Theory ( Chapter 2 )

A/N: Hey guys! We hope you like this chapter.

JC: Everything is getting REALLY interesting.

Kathrine: Yeah, we've also made a few changes to how we're working things.

JC: You just won't notice until later.

Kathrine: Now let's just get this over with.

JC: Oh and for anyone who is confused. This is a TalaxReixKai fic.

Kathrine: Don't think we won't try to work it out. ~_^

Disclaimer: Don't own. Unfortunately. !_!

Warnings: Dark themes, YAOI/Shounen Ai, Implied NCS/incest (or is it?), anything else we can think of but don't remember to mention.

Hybrid Theory

By JC and Kathrine

Chapter 2

The sky was dark and cloudy, no doubt awaiting the rains due to fall. Everyone else was doing their evening chores, it being almost ten o'clock and time for the entire village to close. People would remain awake in their cottages, but the town kitchen was closed and so was any other public area. Women were closing up their homes and gathering the children while the men prepared the village for a storm alert. It was possible that the upcoming rains were the beginnings of the storms that usually flooded much of the mountainside. They had to be prepared.

An unknown figure hurried through the shadowed corridors of the cottages, trying not to seen or heard by any of villagers. If he were to accomplish his mission he couldn't be found out by anyone, too many questions would be asked. He turned down on corner, lowering his head so that he could crawl underneath a windowsill unnoticed. Just as he was about to make off towards his destination a happy voice caught him.

" Hello Rei!" Mai exclaimed, hurrying to catch up with him. The raven-haired boy stopped dead in his tracks and spun around, eyes searching to see if anyone else was around. His hand tightened on the bag he carried over his shoulder, the sack carrying a change of clothes and some food in case he would be staying overnight. Kai might need the clothes as well if he was indeed running from his grandfather.

" Rei? Where are you going?" Mai asked, her eyes staring at the bag he held. This seemed very familiar, just like when… " You're not leaving are you?!"

The neko-jin instantly put a hand over her mouth, silencing her exclamation. " It's okay," he told her. " Just be quieter."

She nodded to him and he moved his hand, noticing the sad look in her eyes. " Why are you running away again?" she asked in a downed tone, her voice lower like he'd requested.

" I'm not," he assured her, the words alone making her smile in relief. " But remember that letter I got today?"

" Yeah, what about it?" she titled her head questioningly to the side.

" It was from a friend of mine that might need help," he explained. " I'm just going to meet him and make sure he's all right."

" Friend?" she repeated before her eyes became hopeful. " You mean like the Bladebreakers?!"

" Yeah, Kai actually," he smiled. She almost squealed. Rei knew of her slight 'crush' on Kai. She'd sworn that she was going to marry him one day (right after she married Rei of course).

" Cool!" she beamed. " Are you gonna bring him here to the village? Please ask him to come to the village!"

" Well, I don't know," he placed a thoughtful hand to his chin. Mai gave a sadden look and he smiled. " I'll ask him."

" Yeah!" she jumped up and down before quickly quieting down again.

" But he might not be able to come," he warned her. " He's probably very busy."

" Oh okay," she seemed to calm down. " But you'll try to convince him right?"

" Of course I will," he replied. " But you have to keep this a secret all right? You can't tell anyone about me going somewhere. I don't want anyone to get worried because of me. I'll be back in the morning and they won't even know I was gone."

" You sure?" she gave him a wondering look, not sure whether or not to believe him. " You'll be careful and won't get hurt?"

" Tiger's honor," he swore, placing his hand over his heart. " I'll be back when you get up in the morning."

" Okay!" she gave him an encouraging hug. " Have fun! Tell Kai I said 'hi'!"

" You bet I will," he hugged her in return before stepping back. He picked up the bag again and turned towards the woods. " Don't worry about me Mai, you'll end up looking like Aunt Faun, with wrinkles."

" Ewww," she crinkled her nose. " I don't want to look old. I won't worry at all."

" That's my girl," he waved to her before rushing off into the woods, heading towards the main road. He had an hour to get to the RT Guide building and couldn't be late. He knew of a truck that drove down the road at ten-thirty practically every night, a really nice man who worked out a ways, but lived in the city. He knew he could get a ride from him and certainly reach his destination on time. He just hoped that Kai was fine when he got there.

*****

" Turn in now," Boris commanded, the three boys in front of him bowing respectfully. " Training will commence at 0530 tomorrow morning as usual."

" Yes Boris," they nodded before each turned to go his own way. Tala followed in the back before a harsh hand grabbed his shoulder.

" Tala…" Boris halted him.

" Yes?" he stood straight and stared ahead of him like he had been trained to do.

" Your skill seemed to have improved greatly today, but your concentration was off," the lavender-haired scientist frowned. " Voltaire will not be pleased."

" I have no excuse for my lack of attention," the red-haired boy stated. " I accept my punishment. You may report to Voltaire of my misconduct." Inside he was on the verge of reeling in disgust. That was the way he felt whenever Boris touched him, even if just the slightest brush of a hand. He couldn't stand the older man's hands near him. But he remained stoic, his expression blank and awaited the final decision.

" No need," the other waved it off, something he'd never done before. " Voltaire has been in a rather 'understanding' mood as of late and so have I. But be warned that I will not let this go by twice."

" I understand," he nodded and turned to leave. Something was wrong, never before had the man let him off the hook. 'Punishment' was one of his favorite pass times.

" Oh Tala," the other called to him, his smirk still on his thin lips. " I do not give away leniency freely."

The red-haired boy's back stiffened and his heart stopped. He had spoken far too soon. He knew exactly what that meant. " I understand sir," he continued to walk away once again. He would have preferred the punishment. Tala traveled the familiar passageways, heading down one hall after the next. He turned down the hall where all five boys had their rooms and kept going. Spencer's and Ian's were the first two doors while Kai's, Bryan's, and his were the final three at the far end.

Bryan… he thought. Where are you? It had been almost three weeks since he'd seen even a glimpse of his white-haired teammate. It was just like he'd disappeared one night and hadn't returned. And even though he wasn't supposed to, he was worried about him. No matter what Kai had told him just a week before he did consider Bryan his friend. He was the only one that the red-haired blader could count on after Kai had mysteriously disappeared that disastrous night almost nine years before.

Did Boris get rid of him? he wondered. No, he wouldn't, even if he did lose at the World Championships, Bryan is too valuable to BioVolt for that bastard to just up and dispose of him. Something else must have happened to him. The question was what had Boris done? None of the boys knew what could have happened because Bryan had simply disappeared while he was training alone one night.

He only wished that the other boy were there so that he could talk to him. Bryan's indifference to most things allowed him to think rather clearly, when he wasn't compelled to destroy something. That was just one of the things that had changed in him since they were children. Bryan had been overprotective, honorable, and at times rebellious. But years of genetic enhancements and chemical treatments had turned him into a destructive machine that was 'mostly' obedient to his master. 'Mostly' only because it seemed that the treatments couldn't undo what years of bonding has forged between them.

If Boris did something to Bryan I am going to kill him, he swore. He refused to let him get away with harming one of the only people he actually cared about. He stopped at his own door and opened it, about to go in when Kai's door opened from across the hall. His eyes widened when he saw the one and only Voltaire exit the room. Oh no… he thought. He knew that Kai wasn't going to be in very good shape if he'd just had a 'meeting' with his grandfather.

" Tala," the almost elderly man gave him a smirk. The red-haired boy was silent, saying and doing nothing besides staring at the gray-haired man. Voltaire looked rather agreeable, an aura of completion around him.

" I haven't seen you in quite a time," the man stated. " I take it your training has improved?" Tala merely nodded, his body in the stiff military position he'd been taught since he could remember.

" Good," his smirk deepened. " I'll have to speak to Balcov about a 'reward' for you improvements. Something that will increase your abilities."

The fire-haired boy didn't speak. He didn't like where this was leading. Last time Voltaire had offered something to him, a chip was put in his brain and he was trapped in a tube for almost two days. What was going on? Voltaire usually let him be, not trying to push himself towards the young boy. What had changed?

" You may go, but I will speak to Boris," the old man turned away and departed down the hall.

Tala almost gave a deep sigh of relief, but kept his emotions down, knowing better than release them while in a hall filled with glassy eyes. He looked out of the corners of his eyes and saw that none of the cameras were actually on his right then. He then looked towards Kai's door, his instincts telling him to check on the blue-haired boy. Who knew what had transpired in that room? He knew, but even so, he ignored the voice inside of him and entered his room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

*****

It was soo going to rain. He could tell just by the feel of the near freezing wind on his skin and the way that the trees were battling for their very roots. The man, Mr. Kamilo, was very kind and understanding. He'd smiled at him and immediately told him to get into the truck. He'd even offered to let him sit in the driver's car, which he'd declined. This way he could jump out while he was still driving and not hold Mr. Kamilo up anymore than he already had.

He looked out into the darkness, not seeing much due to the clouds covering the sky, but he still could tell where he was. Another mile and he would have to get out so he could take the off road to the tour service. He grabbed his sack and kept his eyes trained on the road, waiting for his stop. He saw the road coming up swiftly and he tightened his hold on the strap of his bag, leaping into the air.

He hit the ground, let go of his bag and rolled in the grass, curling in on himself to make sure he wasn't harmed. He got up and watched the truck drive away. He waving to it smiling, " Thanks a lot!" Then he looked towards the road and found his bag only a few feet from where he had come to a halt. He immediately picked it up and walked through the field to the back road that led to his destination.

It's probably about 10:40, he thought. I can be there in fifteen minutes. He picked up his pace, wanting to get there early in case Kai was already waiting for him. He hiked down the road, staring a head of him so he could keep an eye out for the building. I hope Kai is all right, he thought. But if he is running from his grandfather chances are that something really bad happened. Maybe I should call Mr. Dickinson and the BBA. They would know what to do about Voltaire.

He was so occupied with the various options and situations that might be awaiting him that the time passed by quite rapidly. Before he knew it that RT Guide was in his sights and he was closing in quickly. He looked around didn't see anyone or anything, the entire area silent and deserted. I hope I'm not too early, he prayed. He walked up the graveled driveway and looked about the guidepost.

There was no one there. The lights were out and the building lock up tight for the night. It didn't look like anyone had been there since the business had closed around nine that night. But where could he be? he wondered to himself. He took another look about the surrounding area and found no trace of his blue-haired teammate or anyone for that matter.

" Kai!" he called out into the night, listening to the echo ringing in the air. Just as he spoke he heard the thunder boom from the sky overhead. He looked up immediately and was struck in the face by something wet and cold. Then he was struck again, the drops increasing in quantity and force. Lightning flashed, thunder screamed again. " Damn," he frowned. " I knew this was coming."

He searched instantly for a place to shield himself from the worsening storm, his eyes falling on the jutted roof that was above the garage. He rushed over to it and listened to the sound of the storm becoming closer. He sighed and dropped his bag next to him before plopping down on the ground. He's not here, he realized with a feeling of concern. What if something happened to him before he could get here? What if his grandfather found out he was coming?

" Oh Kai…" he murmured worriedly. He continued to watch the rain falling, listening to its serene voice as it landed on the roof and the earth. He would have to wait the storm out before attempting to find a way back home.

Silently, a dark shadow appeared behind him, hidden by the darkness in the doorway of the garage. It stared down at Rei with concealing eyes, scheming ones that hid their mission. Slowly it took a step forward, quiet enough that its footsteps were barely heard. But seeing as neko-jin had acute hearing Rei still caught the noise. His head spun around and stared in shock at the shadow towering over him.

" Who are…?" his question was silenced by a kick that connected with the side of his head. Pain exploded in his temple as he was knocked into the side of the building. His eyes were somewhat blurred but he knew that it would clear if he could hold out long enough. What's going on? he asked. Why didn't I notice him before? He tried to stand, but he was too unbalanced to even get to his knees. The shadow merely stood over him stoically.

He could tell by his height that the person was definitely not Kai. " Wh-What are you…doing here?" he asked, his mind somewhat thrown off by the ambush.

" Orders kid," the person answered just as he felt something prick him in the back of the neck. He winced at the slight pain, but it was pushed to the side by the overwhelming fatigue the flooded his body. His eyes darkened and his mind began to shut down. He couldn't think, couldn't feel, everything was numb. He was barely conscious when he heard the person in front of him talking to someone.

" Call Voltaire, tell him mission's done."

It was then that the last shred of his mind was pulled into darkness.

*****

Something was going on. Kai could tell by the activity going on outside his door. He slowly slid along his bed, ignoring the pain that ran through his body. He'd managed to actually survive the latest 'meeting' with his 'grandfather' the night before, but still felt too weak to do anything after fighting to clean up and get dressed. A tainted scent hung in the air, a permanent stain on his existence since he'd been a small child.

He forced himself to his feet, forced himself to deal with the pain he was feeling. It wasn't something he could just push to the back of his mind anymore, it was too new and yet so old at the same time. He could act like it didn't mean anything to him, like he felt nothing, but indifference, only the pain was still there and not only physical. I have to put that behind me, he told himself. I've dealt with this since I can remember, this shouldn't mean anything to me.

He almost stumbled when he tried to walk to the door, his bare feet slapping against the chilled stone floor. More noise was coming from outside, the sound of people moving around and someone shouting out orders. He was able to get a few feet before the door to his room was thrown open and a dark silhouette blocked the doorway. " Come with me," he ordered and grabbed the blue-haired boy by the arm, practically dragging him from the room.

To his confusion he watched as Tala was dragged from his room and well and the hall was flooded by guards. To his right he found Boris standing with a smirk on his lips. He cut his eyes into slits and held the growl that wanted to escape his throat. " Oh Kai," the lavender-haired man greeted him. " It's so good of you to join us."

" What do you want Boris?" he demanded.

" Well we have a new recruit," the old scientist replied. " Seeing as Tala is captain he needs to meet him and you…well, let's just call it a surprise." The guard clenched his arm and proceeded to pull him down the hall, Tala being forced right behind him. Now he was sure that something was going on. But he still didn't know what they could they have found to use against him.

He could feel the blood seeping from the wounds he'd bandaged and even the ones he couldn't reach. It was more than just a slightly unpleasant feeling, but one he had become accustomed to; his mind was too preoccupied with other things as it was anyway. He caught sight of Ian peeking out from behind his barely open chamber door, but the smaller boy immediately shut it when Boris turned towards his direction. It wouldn't bode well for him to get caught being nosy.

They were taken down the halls and even down a few staircases, leading to the underground dungeon and reeducation centers. Who would they keep down here? He wondered. Normally new recruits would be kept in the above ground section of the Abbey until their initiations were complete and they had proved themselves worthy of being Balcov's new students. Twisted that kids would actually want to taught by him. But why would he keep a new blader down in the Cells?

They reached the bottom floor and Kai was forced to taking slower breaths due the dampness of the walls and the stale air. He ignored the memories that wanted to rear their treacherous faces about all of the days, weeks, that he'd been confined to these mildewed and scarred walls. He had to keep himself on alert. He had no idea what Boris was up to and that put him at a disadvantage, a disadvantage he couldn't afford to let get the best of him.

It became obvious that he and Tala were being led to the farthest cubicle at the far end of the hall. It was sometimes known as the Dark Chamber because, even though none of the cells had any form of illumination, the events that went on behind those walls were nothing that should ever be spoken (or even thought of) in the light of day. He wished he could look back and see Tala, see how he was taking this or if he'd even been taken down he at all. It was possible that Boris had lied and shipped the redhead to somewhere else, that being what he was best at.

They did come to a halt at the final door, one made of pure iron and steel, four feet thick, and only a small barred hole that could be seen through into the small and filthy room. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, the pit of his stomach was filled with rocks, and his lungs felt like they were being pushed against by a semi-truck. Each one of these warnings were usually enough to put him at guard, but all of them at once was proof enough that whatever was being that door wasn't going to be something he would take with indifference.

" Well?" Boris turned to them, his eyes full of malice behind his goggles. " Don't you want to meet him?" Kai glared at him, not saying anything. " I'll take that as a 'yes'." He turned a motioned for one of the guards the open the cell. Kai listened to the sounds of the many different locks being opened, his eyes trained onto the door itself. His entire body was tense and it was opened, the hinges creaking from lack of use.

Tala was confused. If this is a new recruit he wouldn't be down here, he knew that. But then what was this about? Are they trying to find a new way to get to Kai? That seemed like the most obvious and understandable answer, but then why was he here? What would he be needed for? He watched Kai in front of him, the blue-haired being forced to remain on his feet. He knew it would be very difficult for him to do so on his own.

The younger boy had just dealt with his grandfather a little over twenty-four hours ago and still didn't seem very well. But that's what happens when they only feed you once a day, keep you locked in your room, and torture you for the fun of it three-fourths of the day, his thoughts held complete sarcasm. His attention was grabbed when the door was finally opened, the smell of decay and the cold from within the room flooding the hall. He stared into the darkness, the light from the hall filling up the small area it was permitted. What he saw caused him to stare in shock.

Kai's eyes widened in disbelief, his chest constricting and his breath caught in his throat. He could see the form that was chained to the wall, his head lowered, raven hair unbound, tangled, and falling around him. His white clothes were torn and his shirt was only partially on his body, the left sleeve even missing. He wasn't moving and it barely even looked like he was breathing. God no, not this…Rei…

" I knew you would be surprised," Boris seemed quite pleased with himself. " The boy was just dying to see you again. Wasn't very cooperative though."

" How could you?" Kai asked, his voice still filled with disbelief. " He has nothing to do with this! Why the hell bring him into this hellhole?"

" I do seem to recall a letter written not to long ago," Boris spoke, enjoying the child's reaction. " I guess after reading it he just had to check on you."

" Letter?" Kai was confused for a moment. What letter? I never wrote a letter to… Oh no… " You bastard…"

" So now you remember?" the lavender-haired man raised a brow. " Maybe this will give you a new 'incentive' during your stay."

It's all my fault, Kai told himself. They brought him here because of me. " You've gone to an all new low, Balcov," the blue-haired boy snarled at him.

" You're angry, good," he leaned down so that his face was a mere breath away from the boy. " It would be so unfortunate if something should 'happen' to him though…" He let the threat hang in the air.

He wouldn't…yes he would and he would enjoy every second of it, Kai realized. He let his gaze fall back on the unconscious boy who was hanging from the wall in the cell. He looked like he'd been beaten, or at least fought back when they'd kidnapped him. The question was how far it would go if he didn't give in. What if they already…? He couldn't even finish the thought. He lowered his head, his eyes closing in submission. He just couldn't risk it.

" I knew you would see things my way," Boris smirked. " Take him back to his room…and you may take Mr. Kon with him."

The guard holding Kai pulled him back immediately, forcing him back down the hall. Tala was silent the entire time. This was his scheme…to get Kai to follow his commands, he wanted to shake his head at how easily Kai had given in. His team means so much to him, he'd do anything for them. And Boris knew it and used it against him.

" Oh Tala, don't think I've forgotten you," the man stood before him, eyes boring into him. " I fully expect you to head up on your new teammate's training."

" What?" he was confused. " But Rei wouldn't…"

" I believe I know how to work around that," he replied. " All you have to do is follow my orders and you won't have to feel my wrath. You're good at following orders, aren't you Tala?"

The red-haired blader lowered his eyes and nodded. " Yes sir," he stated.

" Good boy," Boris ran a hand down his cheek, ignoring how stiff the teenager became. " Now return to your room. You have a lot to do later on."

Tala said nothing. He turned around as the guard released his arm and walked down the hall. This is wrong, he told himself. Boris has gone to a whole new low. But what am I supposed to do about it? Kai's all ready given in and Rei…Does he even know what he's in for?

A/N: What did ya think?

Kathrine: It's getting deeper too. And where's Bryan?

JC: Will anyone notice Rei is missing? What's going to happen?

Kathrine: And how are Kai and Tala going to deal with this?

JC: What will Rei do when he wakes up? Or will a shocker be waiting for him?

Kathrine: We're trying to update one of our stories every week so expect another chapter by the middle or end of November.

JC: Please review and tell us what ya think. ^_^