The beginning and the end were always there.
Before the beginning
And after the end
T.S Elliot

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. I write for the purpose of entertaining, and do not profit from these writings.

Chapter 40 – Long Hard Road Out of Hell

The blunettes restraint broke. He fell forward, his hand reaching out to cradle the red head gently against his chest. Tala rested his cheek on the blunettes damp shirt, hearing and feeling his heart beat rapidly. He shook with tremors and tiny sobs, and Tala gripped him as tightly as he dared.

"I love you too, Tala, and I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

He pulled away slightly, their eyes meeting again as he spoke.

"I could see what I was doing but couldn't stop myself! I had no control over who I was. By the Arch Angels," he lowered his eyes, shame brimming in their fiery radiance, "I beg your forgiveness."

Tala shook his head. For a second, it looked as though a dagger had been driven through the blunettes heart, before the red head spoke.

"There is nothing to forgive, my love. I don't blame you."

Though the regret and the shame still lingered there, hope kindled like a spark in his eyes.

"Tala! Kai!"

Rei's voice punctured the moment, and Kai rose swiftly, turning to face the teen. The golden eyes lit up at the sight of him, returned to his normal self, and he slowed as he drew near. In his hand was a sword encrusted with ichors, while his cheek was marred by a long gash. He appeared unaffected by all of it. Kai sensed a new diamond hard centre in the neko; a light that would not die.

"Come, you must help us fight! The battle is not over!" He did not reach for Kai, nor touch him in anyway. He seemed satisfied that the dark angel was once again an angel, but that was it. There was no rush; no love-lust in his golden eyes. Kai felt something inside him release and he breathed so much deeper at the sensation.

"Kai, you must release the energies of our Beasts, so we can rejoin the battle. The demons are not taking that monster birds defeat well."

Kai nodded. His crimson eyes burned brightly at the thought of wreaking his vengeance now he was free of Black Dranzer's claws. He closed his eyes, concentrating only a moment, before Tala and Rei felt the return of their Guardians. Tala's whole body chilled for a moment, as Wolborg sought to ease the pain of his broken ribs and nose, before he found he had the energy to stand. He wobbled slightly, but Kai's hand shot out, steadying him as he bent to retrieve a blade from the ground.

Before them the battlefield stretched forever. The cries of dying angels drove needles into their hearts, and the savagery of the demons had not abated with their loss. With Black Dranzer defeated and half the Warlocks dead they seemed almost insane as they fought to reach the gate. This frenzied attack was stymieing the Angels capabilities, and they were losing ground. Tyson and Max had already run to help, the Blue and Green lights of their Guardians flashing as they dispatched their foe.

"We cannot defeat them like this!" Rei cried, his teeth clicking. "They have the advantage! They can take to the air! We cannot!"

Kai snarled. "No, but I can."

Spreading his wings, he launched himself into the air. His sable feathers seemed to light with a crimson glow, and with a shriek worthy of the Phoenix he carried he set a rain of fire against the first wave heading for the Gates. The demons staggered and fell, screeching and thrashing, but as they rolled through the blood and rain, the fires were extinguished and they got back to their feet. Several took to the air and a vicious mid air battle ensued as Kai mercilessly destroyed his former soldiers.

"If the rain is the problem…we need to turn it into a solution…" Tala muttered, eyes fixed on Kai as he fought. Rei glanced over at him, concerned and confused. His fingers itched to return to the battle, but the red head was looking like a small gust of wind would knock him down.

The blunette tried to unleash another rain of fire, but was stopped before he could start. Rain of fire, Tala thought, distracted. The idea crashed on top of him, and he almost staggered. His voice came out strangled as he forced it out in a rush.

"Kon, quick, get Kai! And Bryan! I have an idea!"

The teen didn't hesitate, turning to run back to the battle. Bryan stood amongst a pile of the dead, trying to protect the young angel's one handed. His right arm was tucked at his side with a long gash down its length. Rei grabbed the teen from behind, and began to drag him back.

"Bryan, Tala wants you now! I will take over here!" he shouted over the clash of metal. Bryan nodded, turning and running toward the red head. Kai dropped from the sky, landing next to the teen as he reached the Wolf.

"Tala what is it?" Kai asked, looking the teen over for a sign of injury he hadn't seen.

The red head was staring up at the thunder clouds over head, the rain soaking his face and pulling his bangs over his eyes. He knew what he wanted to do, but whether it would work was another matter. The power it would take… could kill him. But he needed to protect his home, his friends, his lover. The Wolf within howled his consent, bristling with nervous anticipation.

"I know how to win," he whispered, closing his eyes to enjoy the final drops. "But I can't do it alone. Kai, you must help me."

"Anything," the blunette murmured, and Bryan heard the devotion in his voice, the conviction that he would die right now if the red head decreed it necessary.

"Can you still feel the army?"

The question surprised the teen, but he concentrated, reaching out with his darker self. Finally, he felt the faint traces before he was hit with the complicated flurry of vicious thoughts. He winced as though struck with a lash, before nodding slightly.

"Yes, I can still sense them all."

"Good. I'm going to freeze the rain into shards. It will drain me, so when I am finished, you must direct the shards into their hearts."

Bryan felt his breath leave him in a rush. "You can do that?"

Tala smirked and it was a grim twist of his lips. There was doubt in his eyes. "I can try."

"No," Kai growled softly. "That much energy could kill you. I'm not going to lose you, not after I just got you back."

"Do you think I want to stand here and lose this War? You know I'm a sore loser."

"So not the point, Tal."

Tala glanced away, discreetly dashing away the tears he felt forming. When he looked back at Kai, he made his face resolute.

"What if we do not win, despite all we have done? What if they get through; killing the others/ Max, Tyson, Rei, Kenny… and what about you and Bryan? Do you think, even for one minute, that I would not do everything in my power to make sure that wouldn't happen? I just got 'you' back too, and I'm not going to let 'them' get you again!"

Kai gripped each side of his face roughly, turning his whole body to face him as he did and pressing them together. Scant centimeters kept their mouths apart, and Tala wished he would close the distance and kiss him one more time.

"Tala Ivanov, I will not let you die. I cannot, because to think of myself living out some life without you to hold, to kiss, to love, is not a life at all. The thought of this day ending without you beside me physically hurts, and I can't live like that, Tala. I could not live unless it was with you! So I will help you with your idea, because as usual for you, it's brilliant, but if you come close to stepping into any light that leads away from me I will follow. I swear it."

Tala let the tears run now. The words flooded his heart and it pumped so fiercely in his chest it hurt. He wrapped his arms around the blunette and was rewarded with a kiss. Fire kindled through him, giving him strength. His lips tingled, his mind melted, and his heart continued to pound. A kiss worth living for, he decided.

When they broke apart Tala stepped back slightly, breathing deeply. His cerulean eyes almost glowed with contentment, regardless of the battle zone they stood in.

"Are you ready?"

Kai nodded, his eyes fixed on the red head.

"Bryan, watch our backs?"

Lavender eyes met blue. "Need you even ask," he retorted, brandishing his sword.

Tala nodded, and closed his eyes. He felt the frost inside him build as he summoned the Wolf. He felt the magic rising like a wave within him. It made its crescendo and the Wolf within howled, the sound echoing out to every fighter in range. His eyes snapped open, and they glowed with icy brilliance.

"Wolborg!" he cried, flinging his arms wide, his wings stretching. "Unleash Hell!"

At first there was no obvious change. The wind picked up, and the rain continued to fall. Then it was as though the clouds shuddered. The rain stopped, the last tiny drops falling, before a clap of thunder made the ground shake, and small, dagger like pieces of rain began to fall. Tala shook with the effort, his eyes rolling back in his head as he fought the creep of unconsciousness.

Kai stepped up next to the teen, throwing his hands out as he concentrated. He gripped the red head's right hand, and allowed himself to become submerged in the darkness of the Demons thoughts. His eyes glazed over totally black, even the white of his eye becoming darkest ebony. His mind easily attached itself to every demon within a mile of him, and gripping the red heads hand tightly, he directed the ice.

Screams ripped the air apart as demons fell to their knees, clutching at their heads or their hearts. Some staggered to their feet, turning and trying to take flight blind; icicles protruding from their eyes. Others grabbed at their heads as the shards continued to fall, plunging deep into their skin. Those that had been flying fell, their wings shredding beyond repair, and crashed into their ilk.

The Angels gazed in shocked awe, before many turned to face the pair. At first anger sparked in their eyes as they surveyed the dark angel, yet slowly comprehension dawned. He was destroying the army he had brought before them, not only stopping them, but leaving them incapable of returning to battle. He was making sure that no War could be fought by Hell for decades in the process. Grim smiles of satisfaction graced the faces of angel warriors.

Those demons at the back of the Company saw the devastation and began to back away. Warlocks screamed orders at them, but the screams of the dead or the dying drowned out their commands, and almost as one the remaining demons began to flee.

The Angels screamed their victory to the clouds, waving their weapons and spreading their wings high. With a grin, Rei looked at the sky, and used his clawed hand to swipe away some of the clouds. The late afternoon sunlight spilled down onto the battlefield, and Angels everywhere cheered as the final remnants of Hell's army fled, chased by the constant barrage of frozen daggers. The Guardians turned from the sight, their faces split by identical grins of relief, to watch as both Tala, and Kai, regained awareness of their surroundings.

The red head staggered slightly as he lowered his hands, his body feeling drained as though someone had sucked the strength from him. The only thing he was certain of was that Kai still held onto his hand, and from the way he held it, he wasn't about to let go. He met the crimson eyes with a smile, delighting in the way they lit up, before he closed his eyes, and collapsed into oblivion.

The Rights of the Dead took weeks to finish. As every soldier that had fallen was laid to rest, their bodies burned so that their spirits could continue to their final rest, the Guardians attended. It was their duty to guide them, the elders said, from this life to the next.

Creating a circle nearby, each of the Guardians sat and meditated. At first they had felt nothing, unsure of what they were looking for. Mr. Dickenson sat a small way from them, his gentle voice coaxing.

"You must relax, and let your own souls free of the guarded walls you have built around them. You must feel with your soul, hear with it and see with it. They will find you this way, and with your soul and your Guardian, you can lead them home…"

To everyone's astonishment it had been Kai that felt the presence of the slain angels. The shock of them choosing him to lead had not lasted long, but his regret that they had fallen to the demons under his command gnawed at his soul. All he felt from the spirits was forgiveness, despite his grief, and though he kept his eyes closed and his body still, he felt the hot wetness of tears on his cheeks. Once they gathered around him, waiting, he had asked Dranzer what to do. Her sweet refrain had echoed out to all those present, bringing tears to the eyes of many, before she had led them away, beyond his level of perception. There were days he wondered where they had gone, and if he would follow them there.

As the days progressed, and the funeral pyres burned, Kai explained what he had felt, and what he had been looking for to find the lost spirits. By the end of the week, all five of the Guardians had led those angels that had died to their resting place, and each one had been brought to tears because of it.

After a particularly mournful funeral, Tyson, realizing they had not seen their young brunette friend for several days, panicked. After a frantic search of the mansion, he mentioned his fears to the others, and was reassured by Rei. Kenny had asked after them while they had been with the Healers, but upon hearing they were all fine, he had retreated to the Libraries to write. During the battle, he had been forced to remain with the other women and children. Once his fears were laid to rest, Tyson slipped back in to his tired state.

The week exhausted them though, and when the final pyres were extinguished they were ushered to the mansion where they slept for days.

Two weeks after the battle, Tala awoke to find the bed empty.

A frown settled on his lips as he blinked the sleep from his eyes. His body was slow to wake, after so much rest, but he made himself rise. He spread his wings, stretching the sleeping muscles until he groaned with pleasure at the sweet burn that told him they were awake.

Pulling on a pair of grey sweatpants, he tucked his wings down his back, and walked for the door.

As he stepped into the hallway, pulling the door shut behind him, he heard the thunderous snores of Tyson. What intrigued him was that the sound was coming from Max's room. He didn't pause to consider, instead just smiling and walking past. The door to the Tiger's room was ajar, and shooting a quick glance in he found it empty.

Heading to the stairs, he took them down two at a time, landing lightly and as silently as possible in the living room. A fire burned in the grate, its embers glowing a white hot gold and red. He let the warmth wash over him for a minute, before grasping the silver Talisman hanging around his throat, and moving on. The Wolf's sense of smell aided him, and he sniffed at the air lightly. Kai and Rei had been here, but Kai had left through the main hall, and Rei was in the kitchen.

Moving as silently as possible, he approached the kitchen, almost trying to prick his ears forward and listen for any signs of life. As he got closer, he prepared to leap in, only to have Rei leap out. He staggered backward, knocking the back of his legs against a couch and almost teetering over it. Rei chuckled from where he stood by the door, arms crossed, eyes alight. As Tala stood, feeling the faint warmth of a light blush, he saw that the teen's eyes were slit, and his ears looked more pointed that usual. Tala growled.

Rei laughed again. "Please Ivanov, I have held my Talisman longer than you. Give me a little credit."

The red head maintained his glare for a few seconds, before relaxing into a smirk. "Sleep well, kitten?"

The neko didn't bite at him, as he used to. "As well as can be expected, pup. You?"

"Can't complain, but I woke and Kai was gone. Where did he go?"

Rei cocked his head to one side, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're not going ask what we were doing in the living room? I know you can smell us there."

Tala glanced back at the chairs by the fire, the ones that smelt of the two Guardians, before looking back, his blue eyes guarded.

"No, I was not going to ask. I trust you both."

Rei felt a new kind of warmth in his chest, one that had nothing to do with the fire. He smiled, a true smile filled with kindness. "Likewise. Besides," he glanced down, speaking casually as he inspected his tunic, "we were discussing how I was going to ask Bryan out."

The red head froze for a second, before breaking into a genuine smile. "Finally. I wondered if you'd ever realize."

The neko glanced up. "You knew?"

"I saw," Tala responded, thinking back to those looks he had seen. "In Hell."

Those two words were enough to bring about a silence as both fell in their own memories and reveries, trying not to get too consumed in the darker ones. Finally, Tala looked up and spoke.

"Did Kai say where he was going?"

Rei blinked out of his stupor, before pointing to the door. "He left to see Dom. The Commander wanted a word."

"Do you think he'd mind if I went to?"

Rei frowned softly, thinking, before speaking. "I think this is something they need to work out. I know that Dom was… hurt by Kai's surrender to the darkness. The Healers, however, have helped his testimony."

Tala frowned. "What do you mean?"

Rei shrugged, turning to head back to the kitchen. "They said they healed the marks on his body that they could, but many of the…instruments used on his body, for torture," his voice broke slightly on the word, "were spelled with dark energies. They can only heal as Kai heals. He will be scarred forever as a result."

Tala nodded, the bandages covering his lover's arms, neck and torso flashing through his mind. "Yes. Well, I'm glad someone believes him other than us."

Rei nodded too, glancing back over his shoulder. "Did he ever mention what they used to…to break him?"

Tala looked at the floor. Kai had mentioned it. In a moment of soul purging, Kai had told the red head how they had manipulated his affection for both himself, and the Guardians; using them and his own insecurities to convince him to accept Black Dranzer. He felt weak for having succumbed to the insecurities in his own mind, but there was nothing for it now. He had pledged that he would conquer them, and repent for those lives lost because of his weakness. He had not been planning to tell the others, but Rei was special. Since returning, the teen had been different; changed. His whole demeanor had gone from naïve kitten to proud Tiger. He was totally in control of his emotions now, and he carried himself not arrogantly, but with the knowledge that his actions were for the best. Tala was proud of him, though he'd never say as much.

"Yes. He said it was us." He looked up, cerulean eyes shadowed. "They used us against him; manipulating the dark thoughts he had about himself, concerning us, until he was too weak to resist."

Rei swallowed, his eyes constricting with an inner horror, before nodding again, and walking away. As Tala turned, deciding to head back to the room, the hall doors burst open. He turned to the doors, inwardly bracing himself, only to see Bryan walk in.

His wings were tucked against his back, and his hair was starting to get long and shaggy. He had more than five o'clock shadow, the beard giving him a sort of rugged look Tala knew Rei would really go for. Lavender eyes lit up at the sight of the red head, even as Tala looked him over. His arm, the one that had been injured by the Warlock, had healed, but the Healers had not been able to do anything about the scar. It stretched from the top of his shoulder, down his arm, through the crease and to his wrist. Apparently, it had barely missed the main artery in his wrist, and the scar remained as a Warlock's blade was always infused with black magic, or dark runes.

"I see you're all healed up," the red head said lightly, putting a hand on his hip. His own injuries had been healed rapidly, what with the Healers, Wolborg and Kai.

Bryan grinned, the crooked smile encouraging the red head to return one. "Yeah. They've only just let me out. The final few spots healed up today."

Tala nodded, still smiling. "So, what can I do you for? I'm afraid Kai isn't here."

Bryan nodded, not looking bothered. "That's fine; there'll be plenty of time to catch up with him. I was actually wondering…" he paused, looking unsure of how to phrase his question without sounding foolish. Tala chuckled, making him blush.

"Go to the kitchen, and get yourself a cup of something. Trust me. You'll feel better for it."

The angel paused for a minute, slightly confused, before nodding and walking toward the kitchen. Tala didn't wait for the result. He turned, heading back up the stairs. As he reached the bedroom door, he heard the unmistakable sound of breaking china, and smiled to himself. Entering the room, he flung himself on the bed, buried himself in the pillows, and let sleep claim him.

"You can't still expect me to lead."

Dom's green eyes met his evenly. There was no trace of malice, or distrust in them, but grief still hung about him like a cloud, choking the life from him.

"You know I do Kai. You're stronger than you thought."

The blunette shook his head, his crimson eyes still dull with guilt. "No, I wasn't. It was Dranzer, and even then, I would not have succeeded without the help of the other Guardians."

Dom smiled weakly. "My point. You're only as strong as the people you surround yourself with. You are still a Guardian. Though some Angels have condemned you, Dranzer has still defended you. So have I."

Kai looked up sharply. Dom's support of his character made his heart clench sharply, and he wished he knew the words to say to convey his unending gratitude. The blunette hoped Dom could see it in his eyes.

"I know this. Yet you can't expect the remnants of the Army to follow me. I betrayed them."

"You were tortured. The wounds of your body testified to that. And you were subjected to Black Dranzer! I had never thought that vile buzzard would survive the last War, yet there it was. You should be proud you did what you did. You ensured their defeat, and ended the War."

"With Tala's help."

Dom nodded, green eyes flashing as they caught the light of the fading sun. Sitting atop the building, the wind pulled at their hair and feathers. Dom's normally jet black hair was brown with the signs of being unwashed, and it hung limply around his face, much like Nic's had.

"You did everything you could with the help of others. It wasn't until you released the fear of not being good enough, on your own, that you could accept the help of those who loved you. And you succeeded."

"Barely."

Dom sighed, now exasperated. "Come on Kai. I've never seen you this despondent! You're a fighter, a warrior! How can you lose your spirit so?"

Kai stood, his slate bangs brushing before his eyes. "How? By being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of angels, that's how! When they needed me to lead them I was standing on the wrong side of the fucking battlefield!"

He paced away, sable wings high and twitching in his agitated state. His anger did not abate as he moved, and he found his voice even though he wanted to be silent.

"I've done things I never wanted to do; never dreamed of doing! I led an army of those I hate the most against those I love, I nearly killed Tala, which would have destroyed my soul, and I was not there to save Nic!" Dom flinched at the mention of his brother's name. "Those angels that came to me, when we burned them, spoke of forgiveness, and I wanted to know how they could forgive me. What I did was unforgivable! Kimura was right! I am a monster! Yet they wanted me to lead them free of this plane; they came to me, and I saw the faces of every angel I helped kill!"

He spun back to face Dom. His crimson eyes were bright with tears that had already begun to run down his face, which was haggard with grief and lack of sleep. "How can I go on, knowing what I've done? How can anyone trust me or want me when they remember me standing on the other side of the fight?"

Dom stood, his wings rustling softly. He walked forward slowly, gently, until he was centimeters from the teen, before opening his arms, and drawing the teen into a tight embrace. The dark angel resisted for a moment, before letting his face rest on the older man's shoulder, trying to share the burden of his grief on the extra pair of shoulders being offered.

"Kai," he heard him whisper, "they came to you because they felt your compassion; your dedication and kindness. You say you're a monster, but a monster does not grieve over those he has killed. You did not kill those angels. If anything, you set them free. And you want to know how you can make it right?"

The blunette nodded, lifting one hand to wipe the tears from his eyes. Ever since Black Dranzer, his emotions had been raw, and perfectly visible - a fact he 'hated' passionately.

"You dedicate the rest of your life to helping those that need it, to preserving Heaven's way of life, and protecting your fellow Guardians."

He released Kai, stepping back to grip his shoulders, and meet his gaze. "I never said it would be easy, and you won't be taking the Army for many years, but slowly, you will prove yourself. Only time, and your desire to do good, will show everyone they are wrong. Besides, I have spoken with my men."

The red eyes widened.

"After conveying your grief and remorse, the knowledge that both you and Tala ended the war, as well as the testimony of the Healers, they are convinced you should join the army for training. I will still train you personally, but we feel, once everything settles back into order, that training with the men will soften them toward you."

Kai looked to the ground, before nodding. Dom was right. It was a long hard road out of Hell, but he would walk it barefoot if it meant he could redeem himself, and honor the angels that had fallen.

"You're right." He looked up again, and Dom was relieved to see the fire burning in his gaze. "It won't be easy, but I am strong enough. I have the other Guardians, and I have Dranzer." The Talisman around his throat glowed warmly at his words, and he smiled down at her. "Yes, together we can do it. Right Dom?"

Dominic smiled, his emerald eyes warming for the first time in weeks. "Yes, little brother."

When Kai returned it was to find Rei's bed room door locked and a number of… unusual noises coming from within. He couldn't help his smirk, and hurriedly walked to his own door to escape the illicit sounds. Upon entering his room, he found the red head on his bed, his mouth slightly open in sleep. His wings, now their usual pure white radiance, were resting comfortably down his back. He stared at them for several minutes, still amazed at the strength and power of Wolborg, as well as its devotion to the red head. The fact that Tala was a Guardian still left him numb with joy and relief.

Smirking, he walked over to the bed, leaning down to rest a hand on the white cushions. Holding one feather between his fingers, he enjoyed its lustrous feel for a moment, before plucking it free. Tala jumped up, tumbling to one side as he cursed the blunettes name. He landed on his feet on the floor, and lunged at the dark angel, tackling him backward with a few more oaths. Kai responded with vigor, keeping the white feather clutched in his hand as they grappled one another. Though Tala was in better condition to fight, Kai was still the stronger of the two, and his muscled arms picked the teen up, despite his squirming, and threw him back on the bed.

As the red head made to bound back up, Kai launched himself at the bed, tackling him onto it and holding him there. As Tala bucked and squirmed, the blunette draped his body down the teen, being careful not to crush his wings. With the warmth of Kai's body seeping into him, his attempts to escape were becoming weaker, and weaker. Finally, he succumbed, going still before lifting his head, and placing a tender kiss on the dark angel's cheek. Though the light was kindled in the crimson eyes, he could not entirely banish the haunted look and the grief that lingered there.

"Why did you pluck my feather?"

Kai smirked again. "To make sure you remember that even little twinges, or pain, are a brilliant feeling if it's in your wings."

Tala's eyes sparkled. "Thank you for reminding me; as if I need reminding." He paused. "Would you like to go flying?"

Kai considered it, before nodding. It had been many months since he and Tala had flown anywhere together, and even though he was bound to get looks that were not friendly, he could not deny the red head this request.

He got off the bed, moving toward the balcony door. He opened it, watching the red head dress as he did. Tala was a flurry of activity, his hands scooping up a fresh pair of black jeans (which were Kai's) and a white singlet (also Kai's). He hurriedly pulled the pants on over his boxers, and proceeded to drag the singlet on over his head, and strap it under his wings. Turning back to the door, he stopped at the sight.

The blunette held the feather to his cheek, feeling the softness and inhaling the smell. He smiled slightly, as though enjoying a private joke, and the red head felt himself blush.

"What's so funny?" he challenged, striding up to the door and putting his hands on his hips. His eyes glinted with a hint of cold, and as Kai released a breath of air it frosted before him. His smirk widened.

"Your smell has changed, as a matter of fact. You smell a bit more like… dog."

Wolborg let out a low growl, loud enough for Kai to hear. Dranzer chirped an inquiry, but otherwise stayed out of it.

"What do you mean, my smell has changed?"

The blunette tilted his head to one side, the fading sun, now slipping over the horizon, adding depths to his garnet eyes. Wordlessly his left hand slipped into his blue cargos, and from it he extracted a single feather. It was dirty; flecks of blood contrasting sharply with the few patches of white, and it's spine was broken, while most of the delicate strands had clumped together. However there was no mistaking it; it was Tala's feather.

He lifted it to his face, and drew a deep breath, his eyes half closing as he absorbed the different scents. Tala remained perfectly still, his eyes the only things that moved as he followed the path of Kai's hand. His heart was racing inside his chest, and his mind boggled at the idea that that was his feather; the token he had left for Kai to remember him, so long ago. He had presumed Kai lost it, or rid himself of it when he met Rei. To see it…made his heart ache.

Kai opened his eyes again, and smiled. "You thought I had lost it?"

The red head nodded slowly, not trusting himself to speak. The dark angel chuckled softly as he reached out with the feather, and stroked the pale angels face with it.

"As if I could part with such a gift," he murmured softly, crimson eyes still fixed on the younger angels face.

Tala closed his eyes, unable to bear the adoring look any longer, fearing his heart would burst with his emotions. A single tear managed to escape his closed lids, and as he lifted his hand to brush it away, felt it captured by the stray feather.

He opened his eyes as Kai moved back, taking both feathers and tucking them back in his pocket. At last, the red head found his voice.

"Why do you need them now? You have me; I'm not going anywhere."

The blunette spread his wings slightly as he backed onto the balcony, encouraging the teen after him. His eyes shone with the final rays of the setting sun, and as Tala drew closer, he leaned in to whisper.

"They are for every moment you are not at my side; so that no matter where we are, you are 'always' with me."

Tala reached out, wrapping his arms around the teen as he buried his face in the crook of his arm. He felt Kai's wings close around them, creating a cocoon as they always had done, and shielding them in their own little world. He breathed in the scent of the dark angel, savoring it along with all his other memories. He realized, with an exhilarating rush, that they would not be his only ones. He had a lifetime at the blunettes side to make more, and he would delight in every second of it. He released Kai slowly, smirking slightly.

"You're stalling," he accused blithely, "because you know I can out fly you any day."

Kai smirked, the sight making him catch his breath. "You caught me. But can you do it twice in one day?" He chuckled, taking a step back before leaping from the ledge.

Tala ran to the ledge, peering over to watch the blunette soar. "You can't out run the Wolf!" he called tauntingly, preparing to leap.

"No, but can you out fly the Phoenix?" Kai called back.

"We'll soon find out," Tala murmured, spreading his wings.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me throughout this entire story. It's been an interesting journey, and you have no idea how happy I am that I finished it. So many fics are left without an ending, and every time I read one it just feels wrong. I'm thrilled I finished this, and I hope you enjoyed every sentence as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.