Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Bound Together ❯ Under the Red Tinted Moon ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7

Under the Red Tinted Moon

 

Tai-Li woke early the next morning to the sound of someone knocking on his door. He would have just let the person walk in, but he remember that one, the door was locked, and two, Tai-Shi was curled up next to him. Wait…Tai-Shi was next to him? When did that happen? Tai-Li untangled himself from Tai-Shi's body and threw covers on him to hide the boy's body as he went to unlock the door. As the door opened, he prayed it wasn't anyone that would report to his father if they saw Tai-Shi. Luckily, it was the young maid from the other day, the one that laughed when Tai-Li fell into the bush.

 

“May I help you?” Tai-Li asked softly as he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to make it smoother.

 

“Morning Young Master, your father has sent me to inform you for the party he is hosting later on this evening.” She said blushing slightly as she looked away.

 

Tai-Li didn't understand the reason for her action until he caught a glance of his figure in the mirror. His cheongsam had some how been removed an he only stood with his trousers, one side hanging half way down his left hip.

 

What the- how did that happen?

 

Tai-Li blushed and quickly grabbed his drooping garment.

 

That was smooth Tai-Li…very smooth.

 

Tai-Li quickly recovered, he had to find out about this party she was talking about.

 

Party? When did his father plan a party?

 

“When had father arranged this?” Tai-Li managed to ask, his cheeks still a bit flushed.

 

“Early this morning your father sent out three of the gaurds to the neighboring estates.” She shifted slightly on her feat and held up a folded cloth. “This is what Master wishes for you to wear in awhile.”

 

Tai-Li looked down at the ebony cloth. It appeared there were a few pieces to this. He looked up after examining the cloth. “Exactly what is it?” He slowly unfolded the garment and noted that garment came in three pieces.

 

“It is your Chou-ran Young Master. It was specially made for you tonight.” She said with a smile as she handed him a pair of black boots. “Master expects you before the sun sets. Your father is upset that you had not risen to join him for breakfast and dinner.” She paused, “At the moment, the gaurds that had remained at the castle are searching for the other.” She said softly.

 

The other?

 

She meant Tai-Shi. Tai-Li sighed, “What will happen to him?”

 

“The gaurds are to chain him up in his room. That is what Master wishes.” She slowly bowed. “Please excuse me Young Master, I must tend to my duties for the preparations for the night's party.” She turned on her heal and hurried off down the hall.

 

Tai-Li watched her leave and sighed. Tai-Shi would be restricted to his room again. To top things off, he would be bound. The door creaked as it was closed and latched. He turned back to his bed to see the small mound of covers moving. Tai-Shi had woken up.

 

A muffled yawn came from the pile as a slender blond slowly sat up and stretched. He arched his back and brought his arms down to gently rub his eyes. “What time is it…”

 

“I'm not exactly sure myself. Tai-Shi…why am I not wearing my cheongsam?” Tai-Li picked up a pillow that had fallen to the floor and threw it at Tai-Shi.

 

“Wha!” He caught the pillow and rolled back against the wall. “What do you mean why? You got hot and told me to take it off.” Tai-Shi soon began to pout after that.

 

“Oh really? I don't remember saying that at all. Are you sure you weren't just trying to—” Tai-Li began.

 

“Hey! I'm not a pervert.” Tai-Shi pouted, “You told me last night that you were hot. I left your pants on!”

 

“No need to get fussy Tai-Shi.” Tai-Li sighed as he looked down at the Chou-ran in his arms.

 

“Oooh! What is that?” Tai-Shi jumped out of bed and quickly walked towards Tai-Li.

 

The material fascinated Tai-Shi. It felt so soft to him, just like the rest of Tai-Li's clothing. Tai-Shi smiled and he gently rubbed it against his face.

 

“Hey hey, stop that Tai-Shi. I have to wear this at the party this evening.” He said softly.

 

“Party? Father's having a party? Will there be music?” Tai-Shi smiled as he put his hands together and looked up at Tai-Li with glass eyes.

 

“I don't know. Though, father usually has people entertain the guests.” Tai-Li sighed as he slowly walked over to the edge of his bed and took a seat.

 

“I'll get to dance and sing along!” Tai-Shi hummed softly to himself as he began to wiggle his hips and hop around.

 

“Tai-Shi…father's having you restrained tonight…” Tai-Li said just above a whisper.

 

“What? Why? I can't dance like that.” Tai-Shi pouted.

 

“I know…I don't know why. I guess he really doesn't want you to see the party tonight.” Tai-Li said as he stretched his back and yawned.

 

Tai-Shi walked towards the window and looked out of it, “What time did father want you there?”

 

“Before the sun sets…why?” Tai-Li sat back on his bed. He wanted to sleep more but since he was up, there was no point in it.

 

“The sun is orange…” Tai-Shi said as he moved the curtain to reveal the setting sun.

 

“What! How long did we sleep?” Tai-Li jumped up and ran towards the window. This was no good. Father was expecting him soon. “I have to change!”

 

Tai-Shi watched as Tai-Li ran over to his clothing and stripped off his trousers and threw them onto the bed. He reached for his black ones and hopped on one foot trying to get them on. He hopped back to far and fell back onto his bed. Tai-Shi giggled.

“If you have time to giggle…you have time to help me.” Tai-Li growled as he pulled on a pair of socks and put on his boots. He began strapping one up as Tai-Shi did the other. They tied the boots and Tai-Li stood as Tai-Shi brought Tai-Li his Chou-ran. He pulled on the long cloth and buttoned it up, the rest fell and Tai-Li sighed. “This is going to be a long night.”

 

Tai-Shi had parted with Tai-Li upon leaving the room. Tai-Li sighed as he waved goodnight to Tai-Shi, who would be bound for the remainder of the evening. Before Tai-Shi had left, he had taken off Tai-Li's borrowed shirt, so that no one would know he had it.

 

Tai-Li had to meet his father outside. Upon entering, he saw the familiar family gaurds of three families who owned estates not to far from his. That meant Rei, Allen, and Sei where there. It wasn't that Tai-Li didn't like them; they just were…a little to attached to one another. They were all in the same situation as he was. They were to marry the family daughter so their bloodline would go on, but, unlike Tai-Li, they were all single children, their mothers dieing shortly after each of their births.

 

Allen Path's clan lived in the middle of the forest not to far from the Kay estate. They owned countless acres of land. His family was known for their strong warriors. The Kay clan had wanted to avoid confrontation, so they held parties, such as the one tonight, to keep a friendship between them. Allen was a small boy. He was shy and pale. He had white hair and his face was covered with a few freckles. His white hair pulled back out of his face and laid half way down his back. Tai-Li's hair would have been as long but he had kept his cut for his younger brother. Tonight, Allen wore a red Chou-ran with the second button from the top missing.

 

Sei Mori belonged to a clan of hunters. They were skilled with tracking and had been an ally of the Kay clan long before the Path clan. Though, the Path clan and Mori clan are also on good terms do to trades of furs and animal meat. The trade was of course for protection. Sei's hair was bleach blond. It was lighter then Tai-Shi's, it was almost a white color. His skin was pale and tonight he wore a dark blue Chou-ran. Like Allen's, the second button was missing from his also.

 

That only left Rei Berth. Because of the sound of his name, his father gave him the nickname of a Phoenix, a silly pun on sounds. Rei was the strongest and tallest of them all. He was a good foot taller then Tai-Li. Like Tai-Li, Rei's black hair was cut short. His eyes were brown and always held a hint of mischief in them. Rei's clan was made up of thieves. They had gained the trust of the Path, Mori, and Kay clans by giving their word of never stealing from them, and only stealing for them. Though, the families were keener on the fact that they were good with herbs. With that, they kept their word. Rei wore a dark Chou-ran, matching the ebony color of Tai-Li's down to every shadow. Though, compared to Tai-Li, the Chou-ran fit him better. His skin was tanned. Everyone else looked pale in their Chou-rans…especially Allen. Also, unlike the others, all his buttons on his Chou-ran were still there.

 

Tai-Li mentally sighed as he faced the three and bowed. The three bowed in return and that had signified the festivities had begun. Though, Tai-Li and the three other boys would have to wait until they were dismissed. They had to sit and listen quietly to their fathers speak until nightfall. That, was the only time Tai-Li ever tolerated his father's presence, and that of Rei's.

 

No, he didn't hate Rei; he was just tired of Rei's passes. The man was infatuated with him. Though, Tai-Li never returned his affection. He would push him away and tell Rei over and over again that he didn't like Rei like that. Even if Rei didn't have Tai-Li, he had Allen and Sei. It's clear to Tai-Li that the three had known each other more personally, but Tai-Li didn't fully understand how deep their relationships went. Rei had Sei and Allen wrapped around his finger, and if he barked, they heeled. They followed Rei without question, or just because they didn't want to deal with him either.

 

Though, when the stars soon began to appear overhead, Tai-Li knew what was coming. Master Kay would dismiss them, and that he did. The four men would rise, and bow respectively to their fathers before leaving. Once alone, the three had drug Tai-Li off to the woods, beyond the estate and the music that was now beginning to play.

 

“Finally! I thought that would never end.” Sei stretched as he looped his arm around Allen.

 

Allen could only nod by smiled brightly up at Sei.

 

“The night's so young!” Sei said with a smile as he leaned over and lightly pecked Allen's cheek.

 

Allen blushed and nodded again, though, now grinning from ear to ear.

 

None of them were able to get out much due to getting ready to be handed the title of Master in their own Clans. Even Tai-Li would soon have to get ready. His father was getting older and so was he. Tai-Li was looking forward to the day where he could free Tai-Shi from his horrible life.

 

“It's been so long, hasn't it Tai-Li?” Rei smiled with a toothy grin as he looped his arm around Tai-Li's shoulders.

 

“Not long enough…” Tai-Li rolled his eyes and mumbled as he pulled Rei's arm from around his neck.

 

“Aww, you're saying you didn't miss me?” Rei pretended to pout and look hurt. Though, it didn't work.

 

“Perhaps.” Tai-Li said as he leaned up against an oak tree and crossed his arms over his chest. He looked to the side, already annoyed with Rei.

 

“Aww, but I guess that's what makes you so appealing.” Rei smiled as he advanced on Tai-Li and placed his left arm in the way of Tai-Li's gaze. Tai-Li was then forced to look up at Rei. He watched as he reached down to the second button on his Chou-ran and yanked it from its place. He then held the silver button in his right hand and held it in front of Tai-Li's face. “Do you know what this is?”

 

“A button…” Tai-Li looked down and tried to move to his left but Rei blocked him from moving.

 

“It is more then just a button…it's a confession. You see, they say if you give the second button of your Chou-ran to the one you like, it's a confession of how truly they care for someone.” Rei said as he leaned in close to give Tai-Li's cheek a peck.

 

Tai-Li ignored Rei and sighed as he felt warm lips press against his cheek. “Are you done?”

 

Rei was taken aback, “Excuse me?”

 

“I asked if you were done. I'm tired of you making passes at me, and you never take the hint to lay off. When will you learn I do not have any interests in you?” Tai-Li's words were stern and cold as Rei growled and shoved the button into his pocket and stormed off back towards the party.

 

“Mark my words Tai-Li, you'll die a lonely only child!” Rei disappeared through the bushes.

 

Tai-Li sighed. The words only child echoed inside his head. He wouldn't tell them about Tai-Shi, his younger brother. By his father, he was seen already as an only child, and Tai-Shi was just the family dog, well worse then that.

 

Allen and Sei frowned upon Rei's leave. They have seen Rei make passes at Tai-Li for ages, always turning him down and so forth. It was the same thing every time. Rei would leave with his tail between his legs but he would always come back.

 

Rei marched back towards the estate, his face red from anger. He ducked behind the side of the building when he heard two of the guards chattering, heading out to the party.

 

“Interesting…since no one is inside…I'll just have to take a good look around. I'll find Tai-Li's room and I'll just take something of his. In order for him to get it back, he'll have to accept my confession.” Rei was too determined to realize how stupid his plan was. His mind was set on Tai-Li, and he didn't care if what he was going to do would break the trust between his clan and Tai-Li's. He was going to have Tai-Li.

 

He roamed the halls, looking for any sign of what could be Tai-Li's room. He sighed, latter on realizing that he was lost. He slid down the side of the wall and sat. He had to think of how to get out of there…if any of the gaurds came back and found him. He would be in serious trouble with Master Kay…and his father.

 

“What's the use of fighting it? All you're doing is denying it…” A soft voice singing came from the door he was sitting next to.

 

“What the? Who's in here?” Rei slowly stood as he heard chains rattle and a startled intake of someone's breath.

 

Someone indeed was in the room. Was it a thief? If it was, Rei could maybe take this as a chance to show how strong he was.

 

Yeah, Tai-Li would probably go for the brave type.

 

He opened the door and his eyes widened as he saw a blond hanging from chains around his wrists with his feat barely touching the ground. The young boy…he looked so much like Tai-Li, but he was younger. He was…

 

“…breathtaking.” Rei smiled as he slowly walked into the room and shut the door with a soft click.

 

Tai-Shi jumped and stared at the man who just entered. “Who…who are you?”

 

“So…all this time Tai-Li had a pet.” Rei smiled as he slowly walked over towards Tai-Shi.

 

The sound of chains rattled as Tai-Shi tried to back away, but he couldn't take any steps. “P-pet?”

 

“He never showed interests in any of us, and I wanted to know why.” Rei rubbed his chin in deep though as he slowly walked around Tai-Shi, examining him from all angles.

 

“I…I don't understand.” Tai-Shi swung his head to try and look, but his right side was his blind spot. He couldn't see where Rei was.

 

“Tai-Li picked out a lovely pet.” He looked up and gently touched the chains. As he touched them, Tai-Shi squirmed, and the chains rattled. “I see he likes to play rough with you. Oh, Tai-Li, you had us all fooled. Played the innocent boy who didn't want to join our games.”

 

Tai-Shi didn't like the feeling he had when this stranger was around, but…he couldn't be all that bad if Tai-Li knew him. Right?

 

“I came in here, searching for Tai-Li's room to take something of his…but I found something much…much more thrilling.” Rei couldn't help but chuckle with that being said.

 

Tai-Shi didn't like how he said that. “Wh-What do y-you mean?”

 

“What I mean is that I will use you to get to Tai-Li.” Rei said as he finally appeared around the front of Tai-Shi with a crooked smile.

 

Tai-Shi just looked up at Rei, not sure what to think any more. Rei walked forward some and ran his fingers over the eye patch over Tai-Shi's right eye. “No!” Tai-Shi pulled his head away and tried to back away.

 

Rei smiled as he moved closer and untied the eye patch that was tied around the back of Tai-Shi's head. He held the tiny dark cloth in his hand as he looked up at the scarred eye. “Tsk tsk Tai-Li…this is just too much.” He leaned forward and gently kissed the boy's scarred eye. “What's your name?”

 

Tai-Shi whimpered as he felt the boy's gentle touch. “It…it's Tai-Shi.”

 

“You don't have to be afraid now Tai-Shi.” Rei smiled as he gently placed his left hand on Tai-Shi's face and gently caressed his cheek. “I'll protect you from Tai-Li. I'll take good care of you.” He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to Tai-Shi's.

 

Tai-Shi whimpered more and mumbled “Tai-Li…”

 

“He's not going to hear you from outside. Do you hear it? The music…it's playing our song.” Rei smiled as he gently trailed his fingertips over the boy's body.

 

The song in the background was about possessions. It exactly didn't fit, but Rei believed that Tai-Shi was Tai-Li's toy, so the natural result would be for Rei to steal Tai-Li's toy.

 

“I used to think Tai-Li was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen, but you know. I was very wrong. You, Tai-Shi, are everything Tai-Li does not have that I like. You are so frail. Your body looks so soft, but it's firm. Your skin, delicate with a few nicks and bruises here and there. Your eyes are that of water, clear and mysterious. Tai-Li? He's strong and tough. He forbids anyone to touch him. He is a temple that no one can desecrate.” Rei smiled as he leaned closer into Tai-Shi and gently bit into Tai-Shi's shoulder.

 

Tai-Shi whined as he felt the boy's teeth dig into him, “Tai-Li!” He cried trying to get away.

 

“Tsk tsk, still calling for him? He's not coming for you Tai-Shi. You only have me.” Rei smiled as he took from his pocket the small button he had pulled off his Chou-ran earlier. “Will you take this?”

 

Tai-Shi looked down at the small button. “Why?”

 

“It's to show you I'd be there for you.” Rei smiled as he held the button up where Tai-Shi could take it out of his hand.

 

Tai-Shi gingerly took it, he still didn't understand, but he liked the look of the button. It reminded him of Tai-Li's.

 

“Thank you my pet.” Rei smiled as he placed his hands on Tai-Shi's hips and pulled him closer.

 

“No!” Tai-Shi cried louder as he tried to push away.

 

“Why are you squirming so much? I'm not going to hurt you.” Rei smiled as he leaned up and gently pressed his lips to Tai-Shi's. He tried to lean back but Rei moved forward. Tai-Shi shivered as he felt Rei's warm tongue slowly trail over his lips and press for entrance. “Open up.”

 

Tai-Shi whined as he felt Rei's hand lower and gently caresses the side of his leg. He slowly parted his lips as he felt Rei's tongue slide passed them to explore around in Tai-Shi. He whimpered, closing his eye tightly as he tried to retreat his tongue back away from Rei's. Though, it was useless as Rei found it, and caressed it with his own.

 

Rei smiled as he pulled away. “Simply delicious. Oh what a fun toy Tai-Li has. I won't need Tai-Li anymore…now that I have you to play with.”

 

Tai-Shi looked up and gulped. He closed his eyes again and called again for Tai-Li.

 

“I told you, it's useless.” Rei smiled as he walked behind Tai-Shi.

 

“Wha-what are you doing?” Tai-Shi stuttered as he tried to turn his head around to see what he was doing but soon felt the sting of Rei's fingers running down his spine.

 

“Does it hurt? These scars are fresh.” Rei sighed as he traced Tai-Shi's red scars. “Does he whip you?” He didn't pause though for Tai-Shi to answer, “Tai-Li needs to learn to play nice with his toys.

 

“But Tai-Li—”

 

“Shh pet. I'll make sure he doesn't whip you anymore. When I can make the arrangements…I'll make it so you don't have to be here any longer.” Rei smiled as he traced his fingers down the back of Tai-Shi's legs.

 

Tai-Shi didn't like Rei's touch and tried to move away, but couldn't.

 

“Oh? You don't like it? Does Tai-Li play too rough?” Rei smiled as he leaned his body into Tai-Shi's and lightly licked Tai-Shi's ear with his tongue.

 

Tai-Shi bit his lip and whimpered. He couldn't do anything to protect himself. The chains rattled and he tightened his fists as he felt Rei grab him self from behind.

 

“Average…I thought Tai-Li would want someone bigger…oh well. Maybe it's not the size. You sure can pass on your looks.” Rei smiled and slowly moved his hand up to caress Tai-Shi's ass.

 

“Please don't touch me.” Tai-Shi whined as he bit his lip and felt the man's touch and soon felt bearskin slide into the waist of his trousers. “NO!” He cried.

 

“Shh, I wont hurt you.” He said softly as he leaned forward and lightly kissed Tai-Shi's cheek.

 

Outside, Tai-Li sat on a large cracked rock listening to Allen and Sei chitchat about their daily lives. The two had been sitting below the large oak, Allen having to sit in Sei's lap. The two fit nicely together. If they had been born into a family that didn't forbid outside love, the two would have more time to go out and see one another, but being bound to their homes, they have no way of seeing each other then at parties such as these, or arranged outings.

 

“Father told me that if mother would have lived after giving birth to me…I may have had a sister and been married by now.” Allen said softly.

 

“Ya? My mom died a week or two after I was born. I had a twin…but she died before she was born father said. I don't mind…I wouldn't have been able to like you then if I had a sister or if you had a sister.” Sei smiled as he pulled Allen closer to him.

 

Allen blushed and nodded. “I'm glad too.” He said softly as he leaned back and looked up at Sei.

 

“What about you Tai-Li? Do you not have any interest in Rei? I don't see why you wont give him a chance?” Sei sighed as he leaned back against the oak tree and looked up at the sky. Something in his voice seemed sarcastic.

 

Music echoed in the background and the glow from the bon fire barely could be seen from the woods. The orange glow could only almost light the faces of the three boys. Tai-Li sighed as he looked at Sei.

 

“Why should I have any interest?” Tai-Li said in a sigh as he looked towards the ground.

 

“Because he's head over heals for you Tai-Li. I know you know that. He just fully confessed to you his feelings.” Sei said as he quickly stood up, knocking Allen off his lap.

 

“Hey…” Allen whined as he was so easily tossed aside.

 

Sei didn't take the time to notice what he had done as he marched his way over to Tai-Li and grabbed the collar of his Chou-ran. Why was he being so forceful?

 

“Do you not understand? We are all only children, forbidden to love, but yet we do. We take our comfort within those like ourselves…and I don't know what Rei sees in you besides your good looks. Rei is in love with you Tai-Li. He always has been since we were young. We all thought he would grow out of you and move on to someone else, but no. He still loves you and you don't even give him a second glance. I bet not taking his confession threw it over the edge this time.” Sei would have continued but he was knocked back with a now forming lump on his left cheek.

 

“I have never given him a second glance because I never liked the first.” He growled. “All he cares is about getting what he wants. He wouldn't care about what anyone else wants. You see that right? You see as many times as I tell him no, he doesn't care, he's just a determined bastard that needs to move on to something…or someone who would let them do what he will with them.” Tai-Li turned to leave but stopped. “Where the hell did he run off too? It's been ages since he left.”

 

Sei was being nursed by Allen when he also noticed Rei had been gone a while. “I don't know. He went back towards the party. Maybe he's sitting with our Fathers?”

 

“No…Rei wouldn't hang around with them Sei…” Allen softly spoke up as he gently kissed Sei's cheek.

 

“Yeah, you're right. Maybe we should go look for him?” Sei asked.

 

“Yeah…” Tai-Li hated to admit it…but he should say sorry. Hell if he would take the button, but he knew that he hurt Rei's feelings.

 

Sei and Allen followed Tai-Li around to the entrance of the estate looking for any sign of Rei. Tai-Li didn't want to think that Rei had gone inside, but it was the only place that he could think where Rei could have run off too.

 

“I bet anything he's trying to find something to bargain with…” Tai-Li knew he was being paranoid…but he knew that Rei would try anything.

 

“Don't say that. I'm sure Rei wouldn't go that far. If either your father or his found out, there would be hell to pay. The peace would be broken between the families…” Sei said quietly.

 

“I know that…but it would be his own fault.” Tai-Li growled, as he was about to turn around but spotted a familiar figure walking towards them. “I knew you were in there…what the hell were you doing!”

 

Rei walked passed Tai-Li but could only smirk as he licked the tips of his fingers. Tai-Li turned around quickly to watch as Rei kept walking. Even Sei and Allen watched. Rei had not even given Tai-Li a second glance…why?

 

Something is wrong.

 

“Hey!”

 

I know something is wrong.

 

Tai-Li ran forward and grabbed the back of Rei's right sleeve. He turned and gave Tai-Li a cold glare.

 

Where are Rei's greedy eyes?

 

“Rei?”

 

“What do you want?” Rei slowly turned and placed one hand on his hip and ran the other through his silk black hair.

 

“What do I want? Isn't that what I should be asking you?” Tai-Li growled.

 

“Oh, I see. Now that I'm not giving you my time of day, you want me to hang off of you is that right?” Rei said with a cold voice to match his cold glare.

 

What in the hell?

 

“What's gotten into you!” Tai-Li growled. He knew something was wrong.

 

“What do you mean?” Rei tilted his head up to the side and a crooked smile crossed his face. Allen and Sei even backed away with that look. Something in deed had changed.

 

“I'm over you, I've found someone better.” Rei stressed his last words.

 

“Someone better?” Tai-Li racked his mind trying to think of anyone in the estate. All that came to mind were the servants.

 

“Yes, someone better.” Rei smiled, “He's …how shall I put this… everything you're not.”

 

“What do you mean he?” Tai-Li was beginning to worry. He stumbled backwards after a sudden realization. “No…”

 

Rei couldn't help but grin. “He was breathtaking.”

 

Tai-Li didn't take a second guess as he tore through Allen and Sei, knocking them both to the ground as he ran as fast as his legs could take him through the halls of the estate. He felt he still wasn't moving fast enough.

 

The familiar doors that Tai-Li had come to despise made him halt. Beyond the door was Tai-Shi. Tai-Li slowly placed his hand on the door, holding his breath. He feared the other side. He refused to close his eyes as he slowly opened the door. Tai-Li had never thought the creaking the metal made had ever been this loud…and shattering.

 

Tai-Li's heart stopped as he caught sight of Tai-Shi. He had never looked so frail. Tai-Li's legs felt like water as he tried to keep strength in them so that he could take a few steps forward. He raised his right hand and gently called out to Tai-Shi.

 

“Tai-Shi…” He said losing bits of his voice with in saying his brother's name.

 

Before him, his brother hung limply from the ceiling. The boy's trousers have been tossed clear a crossed the room. Blood stained the floor below him and stains of a small trail of blood had trickled down the backs of his legs and stained his inner thighs. Rei's black Chou-ran button lying close to Tai-Shi's feet, reflecting a light that resembled the moon, except it was red. Though, he still slowly raised his gaze from the floor to meet Tai-Shi's glass eyes.

 

Tai-Li stopped, his chest was numb, which he had never experienced before in his life. This didn't seem real. It was all just a bad dream. It had to be. It was written clearly on Tai-Shi's face. The poor boy's eyes looked drained; there was no sign of emotion in them as he stared into Tai-Li's eyes.

 

Tai-Shi was always happy. He would always smile at Tai-Li. Though, he wasn't smiling. It had to be a dream. Any moment Tai-Li would wake up next to Tai-Shi.

 

“Tai-Shi?”

 

Any moment I'll wake up…

 

“Are you alright?”

 

I know any minute I'll wake up from this nightmare…

 

“Please…”

 

It will all be over in a few minutes…

 

“…answer me!”

 

WHY AM I NOT WAKING UP!

 

Tai-Li was startled slightly as he saw a single tear fall from Tai-Shi's left eye. Though the still emotionless face. He clearly spoke, even if his face was emotionless, his words were shattering.

 

“I hate you…”

 

~ * ~

 

Author's Note: Wow…finally finished. I know a few people are going to hate me for the ending of this chapter. Though…I didn't get to write all I wanted to. I wanted a more detailed event with Tai-Shi and Rei… and I'm posting also on a site where you have to keep things PG 13. Hey…I'm posting for three sites. Now…more on this. After having the incident with Rei…I have more reasons to expand…and more time to think how I will end the story.

 

Oh…I wanted to thank the only person who reviewed! If you are still reading the story…thank you! I'm flattered that you are reading my shonen-based story even if you don't read shonen-based stories usually. It's different because I really haven't hit upon the shonen yet. I do hope you continue to finish reading, and I thank you again, so very much for reviewing. You made my day, really you did.

 

Oh, for those looking for the shonen…I decided to start it from here on out. I may bring back Sei and Allen…they are more of my soft cuddly couple. Rei…there will be more with Tai-Shi later on. I promise…things are changing from here on out!

 

Oh…and all the other people who read…PLEASE REVIEW. You want the writer to be happy don't you? Then all you have to do is hit the review button…and type a few words of criticism. …until next time in Chapter 8!

 

Update: I don't think I can ever get tired of this chapter. Since from this point out…everything takes a turn for a ride.

 

The story and its characters mature from here on out. And a lot more negative feelings are felt then the positive ones.

 

Minor grammar and spelling changes. Some sentences added. I changed Allen's Chou-ran to the color red…just so that everyone would be different from one another…and I thought in my head Allen probably would look better with a brighter color on.