Full Summary: All their lives, Kai and Tala believed that the entire world revolved around the Abbey, and all those people who lived outside of the Abbey were destined to be punished by God. But when the Abbey children start to claim they're seeing angels, the children are sent away to be "cured" and then they are never seen again. Rei, a young, adventurous boy, who had heard rumors of what goes on inside the Abbey, goes to discover whether the rumors were indeed correct, only to find out more than he bargained for. Yaoi.

Rating: M…yes, that'll work.

Warning: Yaoi. Course language. Whatever…

Disclaimer: I own nothing but unrecognizable characters and the plot. Do NOT steal it. Or else…

A/N: I'm all of a sudden struck by inspiration and all these ideas for new stories are popping up randomly in my head. It's amazing. I just thought up a new story before, and now look at me, I got another one. Man, I'm on a roll. But I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to manage all of my stories. God, I have 6 unfinished stories now, and not nearly enough time to update them all. Oh well…

Hm. Think of this fic as a story similar to 'The Island'. Has anyone seen that? If you have, you'd probably understand this better.

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Freedom

Prologue

...BlooD MasCarA...

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Kai's POV

Boris calls all of us to the hall in the north wing, where he talks to us about God and about the impending doom that calls for us outside of these walls. But he doesn't have to remind us of the terrors of the outside world. We wouldn't go outside anyways, not with God's promise to punish those that leave. The doors are never watch, we could leave whenever we wanted to, but no one would. No one. Except Tala, I suppose.

All my life, all I wanted was freedom. Just to be able to do what I want, within God's law, of course. I'm sick of this place. It's so depressing, and sometimes I really wonder whether they would fix the dim lights that hang over my head, like they said they would, or pay attention to our empty stomachs as they growl for attention. Then maybe life would be a little brighter. Just a little. I would be able to sleep at night, knowing that for once in my life, my tummy is satisfied, not wrestles from the one meal a day schedule.

All his life, all Tala wanted was me. He wants freedom. He's sick of the early mornings when we pray. He's sick of the threats that Boris gives us in the name of the Lord. He's sick of the punishments that God has chosen for us for disobeying. And most of all, he's sick of God.

I wonder sometimes, if maybe God even exists. Tala surely believes he doesn't. But how can Tala think so recklessly? If Boris ever found out, Tala would be sent down to the south wing, where no students go. It's not permitted. Down there is where Boris sends the children to be cured. Tala's not the only one who disbelieves in God. Those like him are taken to the south wing and are cured, then transferred to another location. We never see them again…

I fear for Tala's life. Tala is like a brother to me, no, not a brother, he's more than that. He's my other half. He's everything I'm not. He's perfection. I know Tala has his eyes set on me, because he finds me the most beautiful creature in the Abbey. Often I catch his azure eyes wonder down my body, but never has he tried to touch me, or force himself on me – even though he is more than strong enough to do so. And he knows he is. But he's not like that, and besides, it would be against God's will. He may not believe, but he knows that even that is wrong.

I don't care whether Tala likes to check me out, and honestly, I wouldn't care if he did try to touch me. I'd probably just play right back. But he wouldn't. He wouldn't let anyone touch me, or let anyone try to harm me. He's my guardian angel, my savior, and would die trying to protect me.

A knock on my door shakes me from my thoughts. Silently, I open the door. Tala waits for me on the other side, a bored expression upon his pale features. His crimson locks are standing in their usual position and his ice blue eyes are gazing expectantly at my crimson ones.

I know Tala had confessed his love to me when I had turned 16, but I had told him no. Plain and simple. I was cold and insensitive, and I hated myself afterwards for being like that. I was stunned, and I didn't know how to react, so I reacted the only way I knew how; coldly and cruelly.

Now, almost four months later, we are still best friends and there is no love-loss between us, but sometimes I can tell Tala is trying hard not to feel love towards me. He tries not to get so close to me. He's worried that he may do something he'd regret.

After his confession I had noticed certain things about the way I acted around him. I had noticed that maybe I was feeling the same way towards him. Sure, in the beginning I felt uncomfortable being around him, unsure of whether he was going to try to kiss me, or maybe more. Honest, I was scared. I am scared. I know the bible says that love is a beautiful thing, but Boris had informed us quite clearly that these days, those who love were punished severely. That was another reason why I haven't confessed my love to Tala yet, even though I know he still loves me and wouldn't reject me. He was taking a chance, telling me he felt for me. But I am not foolish like that. I would not put Tala in harms way because of emotions. Emotions made you week. Grandfather said so.

Tala catches my eye. His crystal eyes are wondering again, down my body. I can sense his hand twitch. He's trying to resist the temptation before him. I almost smile at the thought. Knowing Tala loved me so much made me feel so appreciated and welcomed. He is my guardian angel.

I sigh. "Tala, my face is up here." His eyes snap back up to mine. He doesn't blush or feel embarrassed. He just apologizes and stands back to let me through the door. More children are walking past us, heading towards the north wing.

"Thanks," I mumble, letting Tala close the door behind us and catch up to me. We walk in silence for a while. Little children run past us; laughing, smiling, and playing. So innocent. I smile at them as one of them smiles back at me with cherry lips and pretty blue eyes. Her brown curls bounce as she runs with her friends.

"At least they're still pure," Tala said softly, watching as the children fled down another corridor to the north wing.

"Hn." Another pair of children walked past then, both of them acting like mindless drones. My smile faded. How sad.

"Hm…they've been brainwashed," I mutter. It's true. Some children are brainwashed into being obedient because they were so rebellious. It's sad, knowing that they will no nothing more than what the Lord tells them.

Tala stays silent, but I know he's thinking the same thing. I was never like that. Tala, on the other hand, was always tempted to pick a fight with someone, or complain about our lives here. And now I'm glad that I had stopped him every time. Or else, he could have ended up like them, like Spencer is now.

Spencer was a great friend. He's older that us, tall and broad. His blonde hair stands up, much like Tala's but with a different style. He was such a great guy to us, always watched our backs and taught us things that Boris doesn't. And I thank him for that, and for his sacrifice to save Tala.

He had sacrificed himself to protect us. We were in trouble; there was no doubt. Boris was leering down at us, screaming at our disloyalty to God. I couldn't save Tala that time, and he was caught red handed. If only Tala hadn't opened his big mouth, then maybe we wouldn't have been in the predicament. I remember the words so clearly.

'Guards. Send TI667 to the south wing,' Boris had ordered, glaring at Tala. We all had our own identity label. Our names were branded on our wrists and the back of our necks. Tala is TI667, and I am KH421.

Tala was standing proudly, refusing to let the alarm show on his young features. Boris hadn't noticed that small flicker of fear that flashed within his cerulean orbs, but I had. And it had frightened me. Tala was so strong and had such a brightness about him. It took a lot to scare my friend. But we both knew the consequences of his actions. I was scarred too, because I would never see him again. That's what happened. They got cured, and were taken away. I didn't want that to happen to Tala, I didn't.

Spencer, the man who I admire even now, had intervened. He was standing beside us, a witness to Tala's foul mouthing of God. 'Sir, I had told Tala to say those things.'

We were both stunned, and I think that even Spencer couldn't believe his own words. His words sounded so convincing, and if I hadn't been a witness, I would have believed him without a moment's hesitation. Boris seemed to agree with me on that one.

'I see. And why?' he had asked with obvious distaste is his voice. Boris despises anyone who opposes his rules within the high walls. Spencer stood tall, but at his age then, the old man was still looming over him. Not like nowadays. Spencer was a giant.

'I was afraid, sir.'

'Oh really? Of what?'

'T-that, if I were to oppose a guard and get caught, that I would get in trouble, sir.'

'I see, so you let TI667 take the blame?'

'Yes sir.'

Stillness followed subsequently, and even as Spencer was taken away towards the darkness of the South Wing, silence reigned supreme. At that moment, I would have given anything to be free from that place, to believe all of Tala's nonsense and seen the outside world. It was when the promise of freedom first beckoned me over…

X

"Tala?" I ask, almost fearing that my voice was going to sound shaky from the memory. It didn't and calm washed over me once more. The glass eyes followed us like a hawk as we rounded the corner. Sometimes, it seemed like the well-hidden cameras were following us constantly. Paranoia was common in this place, and all students had a tad of it inside of themselves somewhere, even if they wouldn't admit it. I acknowledge it; I am a little paranoid. So maybe the cameras aren't always following us like hawks, but it just feels like…it is.

"Yeah, Kai."

"…It's nothing."

"You sure. You know you can talk to me," he said. He's not stupid and knows something's up. I suppose something has been bothering me a little. Tala is older and wiser than me, so I do consider his support valuable to me. Without him, I wouldn't be half the guy I am today.

"I know…thanks."

A small smile trails on his lips, his eyes are kind and suddenly this place doesn't depress me as much as it did. Tala always had that effect on me. Bastard. I kick myself inside. I didn't just think bastard! Mentally, I pray to God for forgiveness. Some thoughts just weren't meant to be had.

Silence follows us the rest of the way. More children and teenagers walk past us, conversing animatedly. Looking at the children running, it makes me realize how quickly life has gone by. In less than two more years, it'll be the end. I'll be dead from old age. And what's worst, Tala will be dead before me, being four months older. Somehow, four months seems like forever, much too long to be separated from him.

I remember vaguely when I was younger, Boris had explained to Tala and me about the old days. The days when people lived to be older than he was. He was old, a grown up, like the guards. They are the only adults I've ever met and am likely to meet. Nowadays, we die at the age of 18. Spencer is so close, 17 and nine months. So close.

Boris had survived death for many decades, so I am determined to do the same. Hopefully, Tala and me can both make it. I know we can.

The density of children increased significantly as we entered the chapel together. The walls were lit with torches and candles, lighting the room with a dim, ginger light. The stonewall was decorated with paintings of Jesus and his Disciples. Boris stood at the center of the setting, waiting for students to gather in their respected seats and quieted down. The mass was about to begin.

We walked with everyone else, passing a few rows before coming across our usual seats. On the back of the wood was written the label names of all the children. TI667 was written beside mine, KH421. We sat and waited patiently in our comfortable silence. Our silence was all we needed.

I think Tala knows I like him too, but its hard to tell the with red head. He can be so unreadable and unpredictable. But then again, we have to be.

"Excuse me." I glance up to look into impatient lilac orb. Typical Bryan. Tala and me scrunch up our knees to our chests to give the tall teen passage through. He passes through with little difficulty before settling himself down beside me. Bryan on my left and Tala on my right. Great.

Bryan Kutnetzov, the resident bully, brand BK131, as written clearly at the back of his seat. We are great friends, but Bryan has some sort of thing against Tala. They're still friends, but not really good friends. At least they can tolerate each other, not like Bryan and Ian.

I think I already know why it is that Bryan doesn't particularly like Tala. I suppose somehow he knows that Tala loves me, and that, naturally, that isn't a good thing, because our resident bully has a little thing for me. And as conceited as that may sound, it is true, and both Bryan and Tala know it. Bryan's attraction towards me is not as big as Tala's, but enough to let jealousy get involved. Bryan's jealous because Tala and me are the best of friends, and Bryan and me aren't. But I can't exactly help that. I'm not attracted to Bryan. Sure, he's tall, well built, nice eyes and lavender hair, but it's just not the same. Tala is my love, my life. Tala is perfection in my eyes. Too perfect. Sometimes, I think I might wake up and discover that Tala's love for me was just a dream, a nice, pleasant dream, and knowing that perfect isn't in love with me makes me feel…empty…incomplete…

But when the entire room has settles and Boris' beady grey eyes have examined each and every one of us, he begins reading the opening prayer preformed every week. This is the only time Tala ever shows his attraction to me in public. And it's pretty much the same for Bryan. Sitting in the middle does have its advantages.

Tala's slim hand slides from across his chest to his thigh. I sit quietly, watching from the corner of my eye. Tala is a bad influence on me, I've decided. Never, ever in my life would I ever have believed that I'd disobey God's will and let another person love me. But now, I think I've gone over that sacred line. Not only is it love, but also it's with two different people, both males, which wouldn't make God any happier, and it's in the house of God. His house, for goodness sake!

But I try to redeem my disloyalty in his house by being extra good and pray for forgiveness. It's the only way as I see it.

Tala's hand slips casually from his leg, to my thigh. He squeezes slightly, as if asking for permission to touch me. That's what I love about Tala. He would never do anything to me that would possibly hurt me, or make me uncomfortable.

I gladly place my hand on top of his with as much caution as possible. Neither Boris, nor the guards are allowed to see this, or else we're all in trouble. The students sitting beside us wont tell. In the Abbey, we don't get involved in other peoples business. That's how you get yourself into substantially bigger problems.

I squeeze his hand back. A small smile crosses my lips. Tala's hand has a nasty habit of wandering, but I know that very well. Well enough to know that if I give him permission to touch, I give him permission to wonder. His mind works in mysterious ways.

His hand travels to the inside of my thigh and further up. I don't stop him; I'm too preoccupied by the other hand that has found it's way to my left thigh. Bryan has a habit of touching me too; only he believes that permission isn't necessary. I on the other hand, think it's better to ask.

I remain silent, letting the hand wander up. It rests itself nicely just below the hip, not daring to move to the right slightly and get into my pants. But I'm not complaining. I don't think I could let Bryan's hand wander that way anyways. But if I were planning on complaining, Tala's slim hands would have disrupted me before any instigating on a dispute began. His hands had traveled up north while I was engaged with the other hand on my left thigh. I almost let out shocked, pleasurable moan as his hand held on to me possessively.

I can sense him leaning over closer to me so he could whisper softly in my ear. My mind races through the possibilities of things he could say. I have to say; Tala has never grabbed me before, and especially not with such possessiveness. It was as if he owned me.

"Kai…It's so hard to resist," he whispered softly, no lust, but with almost an apologetic tone. I closed my eyes momentarily, before opening them to face off against azure. They were filled with apology, but they were pleading. Pleading for me to be his. Deep in my mind, I wondered whether Bryan heard what Tala had said, or what he thought of the situation, or whether he had even noticed any of it at all.

"I…" I didn't know what to say. I could just let Tala continue, but then I'd be leading him on, and it's against God's will. I couldn't. I am breaking enough rules already.

"Tala…" I say softly, with my own apologetic tone encircled within my voice. Immediately he notices my decision and shies away. His hand leaves and a rush of coldness fills me. So empty…

His azure eyes look back to the front as Boris finishes reading he Beginning of the Mass prayer. Not another word or action was had between us for the rest of the ceremony. Just silence…

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A/N: What do ya think? Any good? Worth continuing? Please, do tell. Interesting plot, I reckon. This is gonna be fun to write! I enjoyed writing this one!

Anybody reckon it's kind of like 'The Island', you know, how they've never been to the outside world, and they question their existence, and get taken way to be "cured" on the island? Anybody? Didn't think so…

Please Read and Review

…BlooD MasCarA…