MasterFranny: Don't hate me for what you will be reading in this chapter. Don't freak out, it's not so bad.

This wicked idea wasn't going to come out my head if not for Kammyh, which is also a writer in this site and devoted herself to TalaKai goodness. She listened to my babbling, gasped and freaked out at the right moments, and somehow forced me into writing this.

This is NOT going to be depressing! It's just the prologue; the rest is quite disturbing but not depressing, ok? Bear with me! –Sighs-

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Rating: M!

Summary: A stranger came. He has to save them before it's too late -just like it had been for him. But it isn't gonna be easy. Will be Tala/Kai.

Warning: YAOI inside. Flames will be used to work fireplace and not even looked at if about YAOI. Not just yaoi but disturbing scenes as well.

Disclaimer: If my name was Aoki Takao, then maybe but since it's not:-P

"Talking"

'Thinking'

"(Talking into other languages)"

–Dreams sequences, flashbacks, memories–

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Chains of Love

PROLOGUE

The building stood against the darkening sky almost threateningly, as if daring anyone to enter. Drops of rain started to fall from the sky, adding to the already sober mood the sight of the building caused.

Around, there wasn't any human structure that could be seen, only trees and trees for miles, wildness, nothingness; the perfect place to hide something.

The building was of an ugly murky greyish colour, and it may have once been a real imposing place, but now all that remained was a tall, scary rectangular structure, surrounded by a tall wire netting, with climbers growing onto it, some of them creeping in–between the bricks.

Inside, it was almost a maze of corridors and intricate alleys, with no lights. The corridors were empty and shadowed, and the silence was almost deafening. It looked like the place had been abandoned for along time, by the way it looked like –dirt in every corner, a disgusting stench of decomposition and litter, dust, a crumpled wall– but it was mere appearance.

Not even the filth and the dirt could hide the faint traces of human's passage –footprints on the floor were visible above the dust, together with abandoned objects that were not covered with grime as the rest was. Few evidence, but obvious if searched for.

Every few corners, up high in the ceiling, hidden by dirt and cobwebs, cameras were moving soundlessly, controlling the corridors incessantly.

Then, something broke the silence.

At first it was faint, the sound of footsteps through the corridors, coming from the distance but becoming more and more distinct, echoing clearly in the empty place.

It was almost a sinister noise, more so because someone was running fast, uncaring of the noise he made, uncaring of the developing sense of dread the building was filled with.

Soon another strange noise joined the first; it was unexpected and high–pitched, especially in such a place, just as it was startling and full of life, contrasting with the evident deathly aura.

A baby's cry.

A soft hush came to try and cover the baby's wails, with no much avail, as two figures appeared from behind a corner, both panting heavily; they were both covered with a dark, sticky substance, it could be easily recognized as blood. Some was old; most of it was fresh, still pouring out from small cuts and deep wounds, the coppery smell almost intoxicating.

Clothes and hoods were soaked with the substance, the crimson colour clashing terribly against the pale complexion of their skin, which was visible underneath the material.

The figure holding the baby was slightly limping behind, turning to look at the empty corridor at his back every few steps, as if afraid someone might appear. Even with the urgency, he was holding the bundle of sheets with the baby inside with as much care as he could. The other figure mimicked his continuous turning, making it clear enough they were both afraid of being followed.

Deeply afraid, eyes filled with despair. Urgency, pain.

Running fast, escaping from…

The taller shape, the one leading the way, tightened his grip on the other's arm, eyes darting around from under the hood to stare at the surroundings almost in panic, searching for a way out of this maze. The corridors were all alike, all dark and empty, but there was a way out, as they had planned on using it in the first place.

The hood concealing the figure's face slowly fell over his shoulders, revealing wide, clear azure bloodshot eyes; one of them was dull and glazed over, unmoving and clouded, with a trace of blood right underneath it –one of the blows he received hit a nerve and caused the blindness. He doubted that, even assuming they managed to get out, he would be able to see with it ever again.

A trail of blood was slowly pouring out of a corner of his mouth, but he seemed not to realize it as he urged his mate to a faster pace; he knew the one behind him was in much pain as he was, but none of them could stop.

They would not stop, for their determination was too strong even if their bodies were not anymore. Life was at stake, and not only theirs.

They had to keep going until they had the baby secure.

The other shape was staggering behind, his consciousness wavering as his sight sliding in and out of focus, weariness clear on his face as he tried with all his remaining strength to keep up with the fast pace of the older red haired teen.

In his arms, wrapped securely in a warm blanket, a little baby, not older than five months, was crying with all his breath, tears streaking down his cheeks, flushed for the strain. The salty tears were mixing with the droplets of blood falling from the teen's face above him, who was trying desperately to calm him down.

"(Sssh…)" the teen whispered, forcing a warm tone and a weak smile despite the pain he was in, "(don't cry, little one… you're gonna be fine…)"

The hood on the figure's face fell back on his shoulders when he faltered the next step, a searing pain flaring through his left leg, his lips pressing together to stifle a cry of pain that was about to come out; two toned blue hair fell messily on his face, sticky with blood and sweat that were now trickling down his brow.

His whole body was in sheer pain, he felt like he was going to collapse anytime now, but he nonetheless willed his tired legs to keep on moving, not allowing himself to fall into oblivious –not now, not yet, not until the baby was safe…

Step after step, he continued running.

Red eyes, as red as the blood covering them all, turned to look at the person running in front of him, the fierce pools warming up with burning emotions, knowing he was there, he was safe, and he was still with him.

Azure eyes spun to look at him, and met with red. For a split moment, as crimson stared at azure, the pain was forgotten, the desolation, the grief, the despair, all was gone, and all that was left was the pure love the two of them shared.

Both knew they were meant to live only because of the other.

Only with the other.

The moment was broken too soon as their footsteps and the heartbreaking voice of the baby were not anymore the only noises that could be heard.

Sounds behind them, voices screaming in hatred and rage, coming faintly to them, more footsteps as the guards were drawing near each second.

Searching for them.

Hunting them.

They had been so near escaping, but all the same, too far away from salvation… how could be life now, even if they managed to save themselves from this?

The guards were coming near, both the panicking teens could hear it, but even if they tried, none could quicken up their pace more than they were already. They reached their limits.

The crimson eyed teen felt despair slowly creep him from the inside. What could he do? There was no hope left for them…

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, he doubled over and collapsed on his knees, coughing hard through clenched teeth, blood seeping through them and rolling down his chin. He was aware of his internal bleeding –he would not last much more now.

Pain filled crimson eyes returned to the bundle cuddled in his arms, a different kind of pain flaring in his chest at the sight of the distressed infant pulling his thumb in his mouth, sucking on it as if his life depended on it, calming himself down.

Time was running short.

There was no chance for him, even if he succeeded in escaping, he was going to die, either for the internal bleeding or for the loss of blood; he could feel his life being slowly drained away from him.

But… he had to save the baby. And…

"(Kai!)" The red head was at his side in a flash as he let go completely, slumping on the hard floor, the baby still held close to his chest. "(Don't give up Kai! We're almost there… look, the secret passage is around the corner… Bryan and Rei are there waiting for us!)"

His voice was just as desperate as he was feeling now.

Kai slowly shook his head, feeling dizzy and cold, and stared up at the azure eyes he loved so much. He couldn't force himself to look away, entranced by the warmth and the worry reflected in the icy orbs. Memorizing for the last the last time every curve, every detail of his love, the meaning of his life, his hope, and his happiness.

He wouldn't reach the door. His left leg was as good as paralyzed and the coldness was reaching every part of his body; he knew the baby was surely colder than he was now.

"(I can't, Tala,)" he whispered. His voice echoed with resignation. "(And you know it. I can't… I can't feel my legs anymore, and it's so cold…)" he couldn't suppress a shudder to wrack his frame, but he continued, a small, sad smile that didn't reach his eyes gracing his frozen bloody lips. He knew what was to come. "(I won't make it, Tala)".

He had to say it aloud. There was no time to lose, and the baby needed to disappear. Now.

Tala's eyes widened as he grabbed one of Kai's trembling hands, shaking his head in denial, panic on his face, "(No! Don't say that! Come on Kai! Please!)" The red haired teen shook his head gritting his teeth, pulling Kai by his arm, "(You can't seriously think to stay here!)"

Kai merely looked at him.

"(No, no, no, no!)" Tala kneeled down and tried against his rapidly disappearing strength to scoop Kai up in his arms, but the slate haired stopped him, eyes filled with sadness.

"(We both know you have no energy left to do this, Tala…)" he whispered quietly. "(You'll end up hurting yourself, and I can't allow that)".

Kai let out a shuddering sigh and again his eyes returned to the baby in his arms, who despite the situation he was caught in-between, and unaware of the pain the two were in, was now dozing off.

Unaware of what Kai was going to do.

"(Take him)" he said, his voice low but determined. "(Take him and run away, out of here, safe)" and Kai looked up at Tala, eyes burning with despair, urging him to understand.

"(I won't! I won't let you here whilst I run away to safety! Don't even ask me something like this, Kai!)" Tala was on the verge of crying now, eyes burning with determination, for once ignoring the pain, the weariness and the blood, staring at his love, a dull ache throbbing in his chest, where his heart was.

"(Tala, you have to save him… you have to do this for him! Take him away! Save him!)" Kai stared hard at his lover's eyes, forcing all his remaining strength not to lose his consciousness. This was important. "(Do that for him, Tala. Do that for me)".

Tala and Kai stared at each other for a moment, the pain and the present forgotten as they shared something deep within them, the azure of the ice clashing against the crimson of the fire, the situation becoming more desperate each second passing by as the voices started to get near.

Time was out. It was a matter of minutes before they were found.

"(Kai…)" Tala started, but was silenced by Kai's trembling fingers on his lips.

"(Just go,)" Kai leaned with difficulty over the baby, moving away the blanket to place a kiss on the small forehead, a single tear finding its way towards the sleeping beauty's face. "(I love you, little one,)" he breathed softly, before handing him to Tala, who took him with shaking hands and hugged him closely to his chest, biting back a sob in order to lean down and kiss his love on the lips, intensely and passionately. "(I love you as well, my Tala,)" Kai added.

"(I… I love you too, Kai)".

Tala stood up again, shakily, tears blinding his vision as he stumbled away from the fallen form of his Phoenix, who looked in resignation and pain as the red head disappeared behind the corner. For a second he stood still, silently crying, his whole form trembling from suppressed sobs. Then he lifted one hand and wiped away the tears, and willing the darkness away he stood up again, unsteady on his feet, ignoring the pain. His strong will was still with him.

He lifted his head up, defiantly, blocking away the pain, the sorrow, the grief and the regret, waiting his end tall and proud.

He would never let them the satisfaction of seeing him on his knees, as if begging for mercy, bending down in front of them. He wasn't going to go down without a fight, even if his strength would not allow him any struggle.

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Tala knew his energy would sustain him for nothing more than a few minutes now; it was already fading, and he couldn't think straight. But… he had to save the baby. He couldn't let them take him away; he knew what they would be doing to him.

Lifting a trembling hand he pushed on the wall where he knew the secret passage was, and the door slowly opened, fresh air hitting his face, the cold of the night enveloping him like a comfortable blanket, the sweet smell of rain flooding his senses.

Though he cared nothing at all.

It was a beautiful night, the rain stopped falling some time before, and now the clouds were slowly being pushed away by the breeze. Stars were shining up above on the dark blue, so many stars, so bright it was breathtaking; he wind was making the trees dance at its rhythm.

A nice night, just like the one Tala and Kai passed together, in each other's arms, only a few days before, but it looked so far away now. Nothing would ever go back the way it was before, it was too late.

They had to accept that…

The beauty of the landscape was all around him, surrounding him, welcoming him with its peacefulness, almost mocking him because of its calm contrasting with the awful Hell that was inside the structure.

Azure eyes did not see any of it. They were searching frantically around, for the car, Bryan's car, that was somewhere around, waiting. There had to be Bryan and Rei there, with…

There it was, the car.

When the baby had been captured again, Rei and Bryan had offered to go as well to rescue him, and were left waiting in the car for Tala and Kai to come back. Only that it took them more time than they believed it would, not to mention they had been discovered, and punished.

But now, nothing mattered anymore.

The car was a brown, resistant one, Bryan bought it when he realized he would never own a motorbike –Rei would never allow him to ride one, much less to have one.

As soon as his eyes set on the car, he forced his tired body to run, more stumbling than effectively running; Bryan was in the driver's seat, smoking –he seemed calm but on a closer look one could see his hands were trembling slightly and his eyes held a haunted look. Rei was in the front seat next to the lilac haired blader, and he was clutching his shirt in worry.

Making a small noise that alerted the two bladers, Tala continued stumbling towards the two, who turned to him in a flash.

Two pair of eyes widened, two faces paled at the sight of the Russian blader with ragged clothes, dried blood and fresh one, tear stained face, and a blanket in his arms as he faltered in his pace, and Rei opened the door to rush to him.

He was stopped by Tala's heavy weight leaning against it for support, as he tried to take a shuddering breath, the cold air making his lungs ache.

All of him ached, his heart in the first place.

"Tala! Oh, my God! What happened! Where… where is Kai!" Rei's voice faltered but Tala's eyes flashed with determination as he pointed with his head at the hidden door.

"I am going back in," he rasped, eyes glazed over.

Bryan snapped out of his shock and opened his door, "we are coming as well, Tala! We have to save Kai!"

One more time Tala intervened, stopping him with a shaking raised hand and a glance. It wasn't even necessary to glare at him. Bryan could understand with a mere glance.

The lilac haired teen and Rei stared at his battered form, eyes trailing over the deep wounds, the blood, the shattered expression in his eyes, then with more shock as Tala handed the baby to Rei, after having placed a warm, lovely kiss on the little boy's forehead. His orbs shone with so much despair and sadness that the Chinese blader felt his heart break, refusing to take the boy.

"You will take him away, you will save him," the red headed Wolf coughed roughly, covering his mouth with his right hand, the kid safely placed against his chest as his body was rocked by trembles. Rei paled even more when blood seeped through Tala's fingers. There was so much already on him that it was a miracle he was still standing. "Don't speak. They will come after you and they will be here in no time, they will get him and I can't allow this! Go, save him… please".

Tala started crying again, gritting his teeth to stop the despair from taking the control of him, "I can't save Kai, and I can't save myself, but… I can save him," he smiled at the baby, and then stared up again at the two.

"I can't live without him" this time, he wasn't speaking about the baby. "You understand, right? I won't let him die alone".

It hurt. He had to leave his love inside that place, knowing he couldn't save him, and he was now saying goodbye forever to his other reason of life.

Rei's amber eyes filled with tears that soon started to flow on his cheeks, while Bryan just stood sat there, speechless. Both Russians stared at each other for a long moment, then the lilac haired one broke the gaze and looked away.

"I am going back to Kai, we will try to slow them so you can escape," Tala smiled when Rei took the baby from his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thanks, guys. I… I wish it could have been different…"

Tala dried his tears with a red stained hand, but as he turned his back to his friends, walking towards the hellhole he came from, he couldn't stop more tears to fall.

"Tala!" he didn't stop but he was listening. "I can't ask you not to go but…" Bryan's voice faded in what sounded suspiciously like a sob, before continuing, "Tala!"

"Take care of our little one," he whispered, loud enough to be heard, before shutting the door close behind his back.

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Short, strained gasps could be heard as he fought against the pain in his throat. He was in pain but now, at least he knew they were safe.

He heard the voices; they found the traces of their passage and were coming. He knew what he had to do; he had to keep them busy so the others would be able to leave undisturbed.

Using the wall as support, Kai dragged his numb body through the corridor, placing as much space between himself and the secret door, his hand tightening against his broken arm in a vain attempt to block away the pain, tears filling his eyes once again.

Seconds left. Mere seconds.

He hoped with all his heart Tala and the baby were safe, away from here. Heh, he was already missing them –how selfish.

"(Kai…)"

He turned sharply, staring stunned as Tala limped back to him. The red head encircled Kai's hips with his right arm, supporting Kai's weight against his body as much as Kai himself was supporting him, staring deeply into his lover's eyes with love.

How soft the Wolf's voice sounded, how loving, how serene, all the same filled with despair. If he hadn't been able to feel the body pressed against his own, breath mixing with breath, the Phoenix would have thought he was a ghost, or a mirage of his tired mind.

"(Why did you come back?)" Kai chocked down a sob.

Why! He had to be safe, away from… him…

Tala didn't reply, but let a smile reach his lips, as if daring Kai to send him back away, then he leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on the other's lips.

None of them was enough strong to do something more than brushing their lips together, tenderly, warmly, sweetly, lovingly. No words were required, no explanations, no nothing…

They were together. It was enough.

"(With you, forever…)" the red headed blader admired the slate haired teen's beauty, leaning over him, "(until the end, Kai)".

Lost in the embrace, blue bangs hiding his eyes, the Phoenix lifted his arms slowly, circling Tala's neck with care, parting his lips so Tala could kiss him better, tongues caressing each other with passion that couldn't be tamed, couldn't be suppressed. Couldn't die.

Situation forgotten, danger forgotten, all but themselves, oblivious to the pain, to the sufferance, to the sorrow, they were ready to face their fate.

"(I love you, Tala,)" Kai breathed, bloody tears streaking his already dirtied face. More blood, just more blood.

"(I love you too, my beautiful Kai…)" was the red head's reply, tears in his eyes as well.

And so they stood, in each other's arms; a dozen guards appeared from behind the corner, guns pointed at them, ready to fire.

They were not aware of the men surrounding them, shouting and screaming obscenities, they were not aware of the sadistic and sick smirks addressed at them by the men Voltaire hired to kill them; they were aware of nothing but each other's presence, and that was enough.

Until the end, sharing a deep love and a deep passion.

Nothing could touch them, as they shared their last moments together, before the end came, before death claimed them, before darkness approached. But at least, they were together, and feared nothing because, they could never be separated.

Not even in death.

BANG

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MasterFranny: end of the prologue. If you want more, then review!

This is not going to be depressing. This is not going to be AU. Nor a Mpregnancy fic.

Plainly my sick mind working its way to you.

PS I hope no one lost interest!