Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Bound Together ❯ Where It All Turns ( Chapter 16 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tai-Li, being temporarily blind, is led around by Carine. She has plans of her own in mind, but what exactly are they?

Tai-Shi is living back at home, and steals food from every meal before it is served, checking to see if the food is poisoned, though, to his releif, none of it is.

With the date for Tai-Li's succession, and marriage set, there is much to prepare, and Tai-Shi and Tai-Li finally mend their relationship, or is it truly mended?

Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Shounen / Suspense / Romance / Drama | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 10.18.2007 | Pages: 10 | Words: 7.6K | Visits: 201 | Status: Work In Progress

Chapter 16

Where it All Turns

Tai-Shi stood outside the door that led to the dining room. Several voices were heard inside discussing intensively with each other.

“This is your entire fault! You're the one that's been giving him that plant!” Raze yelled.

“Calm down, there's no need to yell. Eventually he would have found it some other way.” Len slowly said, his carefree attitude being carried through his voice.

“Stop it! We all know you're into those plants too. You are probably off kilter now because of one!” Raze yelled.

“You need to chill, life will pass you by if you—”

“Now the lot of you needs to calm down.” Maith sighed. “We're supposed to be discussing what we are going to do about Eliot. As of now, we all know something made him sick, and from what Tai-Li told me, he's been like this since before Siren died. Possibly, when she passed on, it put him over the edge.”

“We know that Maith…but what are we going to do? What if what he has spreads to his children? Tai-Li is next, and we all know that he's just like his father. The two talk and act a like.” Raze sighed.

“I know, there family will end up vanishing from the world…” Maith sighed.

“You seem to be close with the younger Kay boy, what is he like?” Raze asked Len.

“The boy is polite and quiet. Though, he avoids the workers and being around anyone except Sei and your boy Raze. He seems to be more connected with them then with any of us.” Len explained.

“The boy just doesn't know how to interact with people. Who can blame the boy? He has scars all over his body and look at the scars on his face. Eliot really did a number on him.” Maith sighed.

“Scars on his body? How would you know that Maith?” Raze asked.

“Because I took him home.” Rei said slowly.

“Keep quiet Rei.” Maith sighed as he turned to his son.

“No, I took him away from Eliot…I didn't want him to be hurt anymore. At first I thought it was Tai-Li, but now I don't know what it is. He can't see with his right eye, and his back is covered with scars from being whipped.” Rei ground his teeth, “It's…it's horrible…”

The room was silent for a few moments.

“Eliot's not going to give up peacefully…” Len sighed.

“We know…it's going to end badly.” Maith sighed.

“Well Maith…there is one option…” Raze began.

“I know…I know…but that's a little harsh isn't it?” Maith began.

“He's upset the balance, and has committed many wrongs. We must not take this lightly Maith.” Len sighed.

“Then let me do it…” Rei spoke up.

“I can't have you do that.” Maith said quickly.

“Father, I have already killed a man before. I will do it again if it's to protect Tai-Shi.” He said defensively.

“I know…but you know how Tai-Shi will react. He doesn't want anyone to hurt Eliot.” Maith said.

“The boy's sick, he doesn't know what's good for him!” Raze barked.

“I know Raze, but let's remember he's still just a boy at heart. All he wants is for Eliot to see him as his son. We all know that Eliot will never acknowledge him. He's already made up his mind and with him being sick wont help him at all.” Maith explained.

“I know that Maith, but what else can we do?” Raze sighed.

“Then it has to be that…we'll have to…” Maith sighed, hating the idea of killing a childhood friend.

“No!”

Everyone turned to the door as he flung open.

“You can't kill him! You can't kill my father!” Tai-Shi yelled, his left eye tightly shut.

“Tai-Shi…” Maith sighed.

Len and Raze watched the boy, what could they do? They didn't know how to deal with the small boy.

“No! You're planning on killing him! I won't let you! I'll tell him before you do it!” Tai-Shi yelled.

Rei slowly got up and hobbled towards Tai-Shi.

“Everything will be alright Tai-Shi. Don't worry.” Rei said slowly.

“No! You're going to kill him…why do you think you have to kill him?” Tai-Shi cried softly.

“Tai-Shi, we have to…” Maith said quietly.

“No! You can't! I won't let you! You can't kill my father…you can't…” Tai-Shi broke down and collapsed.

Raze placed his hand to his forehead, never understanding how to deal with a child.

Len looked away, beginning to feel guilty for what they were planning.

Rei dropped to the floor slowly next to Tai-Shi, letting his wooden crutch fall to the floor with a crash and pulled the small blond into a gentle hug.

“Tai-Shi…you don't understand this now, but you'll understand one day.” Rei said quietly.

“No, I don't understand. Why? Why? Why?” Tai-Shi repeated, crying into Rei's chest.

“Shh, it will be alright.” Rei continue, calming the boy.

“But I love him…I love father…why do you want to kill him? He hasn't done anything wrong. I killed mother. He has every reason to be mad at me…I kill mom.” Tai-Shi began to cry harder once again.

Len sighed, “Eliot really has done a number on the boy…”

“He's like a beaten dog…he gets tossed around and beaten, but he still always goes back to him. What the hell could cause Eliot to do all of this?” Raze said quietly.

“He's sick. If he was in his right state of mind, maybe this would have never happened.” Maith said, “I'm sad to admit this…but Eliot's illness has caused one good thing to happen.”

“Are you mad? What good can become of this?” Raze snapped.

“Hold your tongue. Look at us. We're actually talking on good terms. We all know that none of us had any means to ever deal with one another before all of this. You can't tell me you didn't hate going to those damn parties, just to show good face. We were never truly friends. We just put up a face to hide it.” Maith said slowly, “But in order to protect the next generation, our children, we are cooperating, with equal concern.”

“You're right…but the Kay children…what if they turn out like him?” Raze asked.

“Sei knows what will happen. Their generation will have to deal with the Kay boys, like it or not. Maybe being as close as they are now will help them come to a decision later on…” Len sighed.

“Then…we're going to stick with the plan?” Raze asked.

“Yes…we have to.” Maith said slowly.

“No…” Tai-Shi yelled through tears, repeating himself, but no one was listening anymore.

~ * ~

Several weeks had passed since Tai-Li had returned home, with that woman always beside him. Tai-Shi had not gone with Tai-Li when he had left because of his father's presence. Maith had still been there, and he had escorted Tai-Shi home before Tai-Li and his father could get there.

Tai-Li hated the treatment he was being given. He hated doctors with a passion. They always poked and prodded at his eyes, despite the pain they were causing Tai-Li himself.

Tai-Li's eye sight hadn't gotten any better, and he cursed his frailty.

Tai-Shi wasn't too fond of the engagement when he heard about it. He yelled at Tai-Li calling him an idiot several times before he was able to be calmed. No one liked the situation, and from what Tai-Shi could see from the girl, she was enjoying the torment all too well.

“Tai-Li my dear, your father has asked to escort you to the dinner room to eat. He says you will no more eat in your room.” Her delicate voice cooed.

“Quiet! I will not leave my room until I can walk without escorts.” He paused, “And I told you you're not to be in my room period!”

“That I can not do for it is my duty to make sure you get the care that you need.” She said.

Tai-Li ground his teeth. He hated her with a passion. Carine Coliwa was the daughter to the city business owner. He owned more then half the land in the city and many small businesses. Though, now deceased, all his wealth had to fall upon his only child, Carine.

Tai-Li hated the fact of marrying her. He had no interest in her, and she knew it, but rubbed it in when ever she could. She made it hard for Tai-Li to even talk to Tai-Shi. He was happy he was home, but had not been able to talk to him because of his constant shadow, that would rat Tai-Shi out if her life depended on her.

A few guard entered the room with a sort of a racket.

“Young Master.” One said.

“What is it now?” Tai-Li said agitatedly.

“He's missing again…” The younger of the two said.

“I don't get why you let that dog roam freely. Why not tie it up outside where it bel—” Carine said before being thrown from the bed.

“You will never speak of Tai-Shi like that! Never!” Tai-Li growled.

Carine was about to retort, but the door flew open.

“What is taking you so long? You are to come to supper now.” The all familiar voice boomed.

Carine smiled to her self, “Oh dearest father, Tai-Li…he refuses to go to dinner. I tried to ask him politely, but all he did was thrown me to the floor.” She started to cry softly.

“Tai-Li!” Eliot quickly walked over to his son and grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him up.

“You're acting up a lot lately, don't make this a habit.” Eliot growled.

Tai-Li could feel the cold glare, even if he couldn't see it.

“You'll never lay a violent hand on her again.” He said firmly.

“You mean throw her around or hit her?” Tai-Li asked, his voice showing no emotion.

“That's exactly right.” Eliot let Tai-Li go and tuned away to walk out of the room.

“Don't be a hypocrite…” Tai-Li growled.

Eliot stopped, “Excuse me?”

“You heard me! Don't be a damn hypocrite! You abuse children, and continue to do so even now!” Tai-Li growled but stopped once he felt a hard crack on the head. He could see blotches of light, and tasted blood in his mouth when he finally could make sense of things.

“You will be out for supper tonight if you like it or not.” Eliot said coldly as he shut the door behind him.

After a few minutes, a soft laughter was heard.

“What do you want? Do you want my heart? There's no way I'll ever give you that.” Tai-Li growled, clenching his fists.

“I don't need your heart. All I need from you is your power.” She smiled.

“Power? What power?” Tai-Li was confused.

“In the town, your family is known for talking your way out of anything. I need that power because there's something I want.” She smiled.

“And what makes you think I'll help you to get it?” Tai-Li growled.

“They say you can tame wild animals.” Carine said slowly as she once again sat on the foot of Tai-Li's bed.

“What does this have to do with anything?” Tai-Li asked.

“When you use the right bait, even the most violent of animals will bend to your whim.” She laughed lightly.

“What are you going on and on about?” Tai-Li asked, getting aggravated.

“My dear Tai-Li, all I have to do is say one word, and I can have your little brother removed.” Carine said coldly.

Tai-Li's breath escaped him.

“Now, you do what I say, and I won't let it slip.” She smiled.

Tai-Li growled, “What do you want me to do…” He said slowly.

“That's more like it. Now we are to go to dinner, and you are to let me feed you.” Carine giggled as she got up and grabbed Tai-Li's arm.

Tai-Li grumbled but slowly got up. He was wearing loose fitting tan pants with a matching short sleeve shirt. Carine looped her arm in his and slowly led him to the kitchen.

In the hallway, Tai-Shi had just avoided a few guards, having been to the kitchen to sneak some food for him. He shoved a biscuit into his mouth and stopped when he saw Carine walking with Tai-Li. She turned and looked at him, and gave him a wicked smile.

“Tai-Li?” Tai-Shi said with a full mouth. He watched them head towards the dining room, and Tai-Shi hurried down the hall, after hearing heavy footsteps from the guards who were still looking for him.

~ * ~

Tai-Shi collapsed Tai-Shi's room. He knew the guards wouldn't look for him there, so he ducked in there to finish eating what he took. He stuffed his face and his cheeks grew redder.

“I hate her…” He said with a mouth full.

“I hate her, I hater her, I hate her! What makes her think Tai-Li will have anything to do with her?” Tai-Shi grumbled as he bit into another biscuit. “At least this isn't poison…”

Tai-Shi had been running around the house, hiding all of Eliot's plants and tasting the food before it got served at the dinner table.

“I should make her go home…what don't girls like?” He thought for a moment to himself. He had never grown up relatively close to a girl, none the less what a girl would or wouldn't like. Tai-Shi knew their mother, and knew more about girls then anyone. The only girls he had been around were the ones that took care of him at Rei's estate.

“They don't like smells…” Tai-Shi thought, remembering how the maids made him take a bath in the women's bath so he wouldn't smell musky. “Perhaps I can make Tai-Li stink…no…Tai-Li hates it when he's sweaty and dirty…no way he'd make himself stink…arg!' Tai-Shi leaned back against the wall. “What am I gonna do?”

“I heard a voice in here, should we check it out?” A guard said outside of Tai-Li's door.

Tai-Shi nearly choked on his next mouth full as he scurried behind the dresser and climbed through the secret hole. He didn't move because he was afraid to make a sound as the guards slowly entered the room.

“I was sure I heard someone in here?” The guard said.

“If the young master finds out we were in here, he'd have our heads for sure.” The other said.

“I know I know…He'll become Master once he married the girl, wont he?” The first asked.

“Yeah, when he marries Lady Carine, everything will be set for the Master to step down.” The second agreed.

“Maybe Tai-Li will be more lenient.” The other joked.

“Probably not, it looks like he's head over heals for the Lady. One of her escorts here was relieved when they handed her over. They said she's wicked and twists people into doing things her way. She even got her father killed that way over there at the Path estate.” He said.

“Didn't Young Master almost lose his life against the man? He's the reason he lost his sight.” He sighed.

“True…but if the young Path boy didn't chop off his head; our Young Master may have been killed.”

“You mean that little fairy actually killed him? You've got to be kidding me.” The first laughed.

“I know...I heard that afterward he went into hysterics and vomited all over himself.” The second laughed.

Tai-Shi gritted his teeth, How dare they talk about Allen like that…Allen never wanted to do that…and he was hurt badly too…that's why he was sick…

“Well the kid still needs to grow a backbone to become a real man. He's never going be able to handle taking over for his father at that rate.” The two continue to laugh as they exited the room.

Tai-Shi growled and stayed in the hole between his room and Tai-Li's room.

“They don't know what they're talking about…not at all.” Tai-Shi grumbled. He hushed down when he heard the door open again, and heard a pair of foot steps.

“Get off.” Tai-Li coldly said.

Tai-Shi smiled, “Tai-Li…” He whispered as he went to crawl out of the hole.

“Not until you're in bed.” Carine said.

“We're not in public, so what do we have to prove now?” Tai-Li snapped as he slowly sat down on his bed.

“You're going to have face facts soon hun. You're mine now, and you're going to have to act like it soon enough.” Carine snapped.

Tai-Li growled, for how he was trapped.

“Get out of my sight…” Tai-Li said quietly.

“How can I be any further out of your sight when you have none?” She smiled coyly.

Tai-Li growled again as he lay back on his bed and turned away from her. Carine smiled as she slowly opened the door and walked out into the hall and closed the door after her. Tai-Li waited until the foot steps were gone before he got up and slowly stumbled towards the door.

“Where's the damn door…” Tai-Li growled, cursing his inability to see. “If only I didn't have these bandages…”

Tai-Li fumbled with the bandages around his eyes as he heard his dressing table shift.

“Who's there?” Tai-Li jumped as he turned around and held up his arms to protect himself instinctively.

“It's me.” Tai-Shi said quietly. “You're not supposed to remove your bandages.”

Tai-Li sighed, “It's only you…”

“That's rude Tai-Li.” Tai-Shi pouted as he walked over towards the door and locked it. “You messed up your bandages…”

Tai-Li laughed lightly, “I'm sorry…but it's so irritating when you can't see…”

“I know…” Tai-Shi said quietly as he walked towards Tai-Li and guided him back towards his bed so he could change the bandages.

“I'm sorry…” Tai-Li said softly. He had completely forgotten that Tai-Shi has lost one eye long ago, and had to adapt to being only able to see out of his left eye.

“No need to say sorry.” Tai-Shi smiled as he looked at his brother and started to unravel the bandages. “Don't open your eyes…”

“I won't.” Tai-Li said as he gingerly reached up and felt Tai-Shi's face. “You're not wearing your eye patch?”

Tai-Shi shook his head, “I don't need it.”

“You usually have it on, why the change?” Tai-Li asked as he took his hand away and leaned his head forward. “Please let me open my eyes…”

“Fine…but hold on.” Tai-Shi said quietly as Tai-Li heard his footsteps run towards the windows and then heard a scratch, and smelt the familiar scent of a match. “You can open your eyes slowly now…”

Tai-Li smiled as he slowly opened his eyes. He winced slightly at the pain but he would withstand it for a little bit if he could only escape his void of darkness.

Everything was fuzzy at first, but there was a small light in the room from the candle next to Tai-Li's bed. Below him he heard a small thud and something moving. When his eyes came into focus, he saw the blurry smile of his younger brother.

“What are you grinning about?” Tai-Li smiled and chuckled slightly.

“I wanted to be the first thing you saw when you opened your eyes.” Tai-Shi said softly.

Tai-Li smiled as he placed his hand on the top of Tai-Shi's head and lightly ruffled his hair.

“You need a bath…” Tai-Li laughed.

“You don't smell very nice yourself.” Tai-Shi pouted and stood up.

“Hey, don't leave.” Tai-Li smiled as he grabbed Tai-Shi's wrist and pulled him a little bit too hard.

Tai-Shi fell forward onto Tai-Shi and the two fell back onto the soft bed.

“Shesh! You don't have to pull on my arm so hard.” Tai-Li whined as he went to lean up.

Tai-Li quickly wrapped his arms around Tai-Shi's middle and pulled him into a tight hug.

“What are you doing?” Tai-Shi yelped from surprised.

“I don't know when the next time we'll be able to be alone together…” Tai-Li said softly as he lightly kissed Tai-Shi's forehead.

“No sex…” Tai-Shi pouted.

“Where did you get the idea I was going to have sex you?” Tai-Li asked, confused by the sudden demand.

“Don't give me that tone! I know what you were thinking. I'm not stupid.” Tai-Shi said as he forced himself up.

“Tai-Shi?” Tai-Li asked.

“Don't deny it…that whole line `I don't know when the next time we'll be alone together'…you don't need to be a genius to know that.” Tai-Shi explained.

Tai-Li listened then burst out laughing.

“What's so funny?” Tai-Shi turned and looked at his older brother.

“It's just…you mistook my thinking, and you're so serious.” Tai-Li finally sat up and wrapped his arms around Tai-Shi once again.

“I am serious!” Tai-Shi said as he pushed away from Tai-Li, not succeeding.

“Really now? You say you're serious…but something else is giving you away.” Tai-Li smiled as he flipped Tai-Shi onto his back and leaned over him.

“Don't confuse me…I know what I don't want that…” Tai-Shi blushed as he looked away.

“Just stay with me tonight, alright?” Tai-Li smiled as he placed his hand on Tai-Shi's cheek and looked into his eye.

“I just…” Tai-Shi blushed as he felt Tai-Li's lips brush against his own and forgot everything else around him.

~ * ~

Author's Note: This chapter seemed to go pretty quickly…but slowly at the same time? I want people to react towards Tai-Shi plea to spare his father…I worked hard on that part. Also…foreshadowing…I did a lot of that in this chapter, but I can't say what I'm foreshadowing yet though.

I was thinking the other day. I'm close to finishing Bound Together…wow…over two years in the making…and it's just…what am I going to do when I finished BT? I have an idea…but just a very simple idea…a possible next story I want to work on is Concrete Angel. No…not like the song…it's just about an angel that had fallen to earth. Before that though I'll completely post up STOTH…I decided I will find someone to team up with and make a manga hopefully one day.

Back to BT…to answer questions…no they didn't have sex… Let's see…next time we see more of Carine's evil side…and how wicked and controlling she can be. Tai-Li's giving Tai-Shi the cold shoulder? And what was in the food Tai-Shi ate? See you next time.