I do not own Beyblade or even this story's cover image.
...
Rain dropped on the mud. Lines of rain exposed a dark figure sitting in the midst of it. Sitting on a large boulder wedged in the mud - the sound of the rain was deafening. Thunder blasted across the sky but the figure remained unmoved. White poncho cloak soaked clung on his back. Lightening struck the sky, brightening the outline of the man as he looked at the blackened clouds. His dark brown hair reached past his waist and dripped unmercifully with rainwater. His foot was perched on the boulder with an arm lazily resting on his knee. He wore black with red lining fingerless gloves, with four small circular and solid protrusions where his knuckles were, imprinted with the letters 'ZEKE' on them.
'Zeke.' The man turned his head slight to the visitor with his deep set brown eyes.
'The humans have found 80 per cent of our memories are determined by what we see.'He looked back at the clouds, paused and slowly stood up. He wore a pair of dark red baggy pants with a set of three straps on each leg. His pants were fastened loosely with a black belt embedded with a golden 12-point star insignia. He stepped forward. His black boots, which had two studs protruding from the toes, had become entrenched in the soggy dark mud. 'It's a shame. Because we have a field of view of 200 degrees horizontally.' He smiled, cheerfully. 'And we can't see colours any better, especially in dim lighting, than say a,' He tilted his head 'Gecko'
'Master Zeke, that is all fascinating and all, but we should probably leave. There is nothing left here.' The man was tall and quite muscular. His eyes focused solely on the younger man in front of him. In his left hand he held his pointy cowboy hat with a feather in it. He positioned his hat over his torso and sighed jadedly bowing his head slightly. He had a short bowl cut black hair, a short thick black beard around his chin and hollow cheeks, and a black scar beneath his chin. He wore a black long cloak, which reached well beyond his knees.
'I want to remember every bit of this, Luchist.' Flicking a final glance behind him, the man named Zeke starting walking away from the boulder and past his friend. The older man coolly took a few steps forwards, he walked past the boulder previously occupied. His cloak flapped against the warm wind as he edged the cliff. His finely chiselled face glowed amber as his green eyes swept down casually. Below, Luchist was confronted by the carnage of a town in ruins. Rows upon rows of buildings were on fire; surrounded by debris of rock, wood and glass, which littered the wet ground. But there wasn't a soul in sight. Loud roaring, cracking noises, and crashing trees are heard from the destroyed town. The rain did little to dampen the fire as it raged wildly against the ashen walls of the remaining buildings. A thick column of black smoke asphyxiated in air beyond the village. It was scene of utter devastation.
My eyes blinked open. Letting out a soft, throaty moan, I stretched my limbs across my single bed. I turned to my head to the left side and stared at the grey clouds gathering slowly in the sky. I smiled at the sight, and pulled the cover off myself to peer outside at the street beside her dojo. It was quiet and clean, not a soul in sight. The rain clouds may have hindered many people from venturing outside. I quickly left my bed and rushed into the hallway. When I didn't hear or see anyone, I ran into the bathroom down the hallway. I closed the door with a sigh of relief. Surprisingly, there was usually a mad scuttle for the bathroom in the morning, preceded by door banging and dry threats.
'Aww, come on! Hurry up, will ya! I need the bathroom!' Tyson's voice came through the wooden door as I stared it, annoyed. Great.
'I just got inside! Go away!'
'No, I need the bathroom!
'Well, I'm using it, you'll just have to wait!'
'Faith! I swear if you don't come outta there, I'll use Dragoon to blast the door open!'
'Shut up Ty! Just be patient!'
'It'll take you forever to do your girly business -' Tyson let a sharp yell, when something hit the bathroom with a thud, startling the boy. 'Don't get grouchy at me just because you have to fix yourself every morning.' He grinned, smugly, 'some of us don't have to try as hard to look good.'
...
Downstairs, Kai sat at the dining table, getting more irritated by the nonsense remarks between the siblings. He had already finished his breakfast and was patiently waiting for his team to be briefed by Mister Dickenson at the dinning table. Max, Kenny, Gramps, Mr Dickenson and Ray were already seated at the table looking embarrassed. Gramps coughed, and getting up from his position he slowly made his way to the bathroom. It was quiet at first, soon Grampa's yells could be heard, followed by the sounds of a scuffle. Gramps returned with a huge smirk. Dusting his hands, he sat down.
'Both ma gran-babies aren't morning peeps, y'all. We need some rough love sometime, you hear wha I'm sayin.' Mr Dickenson, chuckled. His eyes shut, his hands planted firmly on his cane and his white moustache oscillated as he laughed.
'I couldn't agree with you more Grandpa.' Kai glanced at the hallway, where Tyson and Faith had emerged from.
...
'Good morning everyone!' Tyson cheerfully announced before he hopped into his place at the table between Ray and Max. The replies were received from around the table, except by Kai. Tyson started to serve himself to the breakfast Grandpa and Ray had prepared. Max laughed out loud at his friend's habits, patting his friend's back.
'Slow down there Tyson. You'll hurt yourself.'
'Good morning everyone.' I sat the table, less excitedly as Tyson and changed my attention to Mr Dickenson, 'Mr Dickenson, Gramps said that you came here with some important news. Does this have anything to do with Daichi?' It had been 7 months since the BEGA's takedown and the former Bladebreakers had been residing in Bay city, helping Mr Dickenson run the new BBA (Beyblade Battle Association) as trainers. Since then the small centre had grown into a sizeable building. Despite growing fears and controversial events associated with blading in the recent years, blading was still a hugely popular sport and was expected to grow. This also meant that other sport companies were also attempting to enter the world of Beyblading. And even though the BBA was by comparison a very small company, it had a big advantage. The all-time favourite blading team in the world (the Bladebreakers) openly supported and volunteered for the company. It was an enormous boost for the BBA to have the heroes on their side. During holidays and day-offs, the former Bladebreakers chose to go their own ways to their respective homes. Therefore Mr Dickenson requested that while the Bladebreakers were away Hiro and Faith, Tyson's older siblings would substitute. As an immediate-level blader, Faith and Hiro (along with Kenny, Hilary and Tyson) would take over training while the team was away. Faith was called in Bay city again a few months ago as Daichi needed to travel home to visit his mother.
'Well, you see kids, I have spoken to Daichi and it seems he'll be staying at Demon Rock Island for a few extra days. It seems he is not ready to return as of yet.'
'He probably realised he can't beat the world champ.' Tyson grinned, rubbing his nose arrogantly.
'And while I was talking to him, I realized (and Hiro agrees with me) it's time to make the BBA an international company.'
'Woah! Are you serious Mr D?' Max's eyes shone, his face displayed a bright smile as he leaned toward Mr Dickenson.
'Yes Max, I'm quite serious.'
'That would be a great opportunity to spread the true meaning of beyblading to the rest the world. I mean, think about it, people have seen blading as a means of destruction! When really it is about friendship, determination and fun.' Ray spoke eagerly.
'I agree Ray, and who better to show this than the original Breakbladers.' They looked at Mr Dickenson confused. Mr Dickenson sighed, looked at the young adults in front of him. They had grown up so much since their first tournament in Bay city. 'I would like each of you to head up a BBA division in our own city. This is your decision. You would get to return home to your family and friends, and teach blading for the BBA.' After a brief silence, in which Grampa's eyes flicked to each of them, Tyson was the first one to speak.
'Wait, that would mean the –' Tyson stood up, struggling for words, 'Argh! Forget it! I already know your answers!' Tyson stormed off before Max or Ray could lay a hand on him, disappearing behind the sliding screen door. Max and Ray looked dejectedly at each other. Grandpa eyeballed at me as he silently sipped his tea. I had caught the look and moaned in frustration and stood up.
...
'I'll try talking to him.' The tension that rested amongst the occupants in the wooden room was as thick as a winter blanket. They cared about Tyson, but he entertained unrealistic expectations; they wouldn't stay at the dojo till they grew old and bald. Ray was receiving pressure from the White Tigers asking him when, or if he was going to return to their quaint little village. The small village of Báihǔ needed the white tiger as their protector and teacher as much as Tyson needed him as a friend. But still, he couldn't leave his dearest friends without a thought.
'Tyson will be OK, he just needs time to adjust to the news.' Kenny softly sighed
'I know this is unexpected and big news for you, so take as much time, boys. Operations have already started in Hong Kong, New York and Moscow. I have already contacted the other teams to ask for their help to spread the BBA around the world. In Spain, Egypt and Australia.' Mr Dickensons frowned slightly as he stared at them. Mr Dickenson's visit had come to an end. He had done what he had come to the Granger dojo to do, the decision lay in the boys' hands. Whatever their decision, he would respect it and support them.
'I accept your offer.' Mr Dickenson was slightly startled by the sudden statement from Kai no less. Kenny, Ray and Max were speechless as Kai came to life; his eyes opened and he unfolded his arms. Their eyes flicked between Mr Dickenson and Kai, confusion deeply etched on their faces. It seemed like Kai didn't need time to think about how this was going to affect Tyson or the rest of the team.
'Are you sure Kai my boy? You can-'
'I have made my decision, Mr Dickenson.' Kai's eyes bore sternly into Mr Dickenson, confirming his decision.
'Alright then,' Mr Dickenson tiredly, 'Please come to the centre tomorrow morning, before training.' He stood up and gazed at Kai, before he turned his attention to Grandpa. 'Grandpa, could you let Faith know to come to the centre at 3 today?'
'Sure will, Mr D!' Mr Dickenson nervously chuckled. Max's baby blue eyes gazed at the buttered toasts, miso soup and yogurt pot in Tyson's plate. This was hard on all of them, but he really missed his mom and he really wanted to see her again soon. Tyson had become like a brother to him, and he knew if he said 'yes' to the opportunity, that there was a chance they wouldn't see each other anymore. With Boris in jail on various criminal charges and their third international tournament wrapped up nicely, it was time to retire. There was no need for the Bladebreakers to train together. May be that was something Kai had realized as well?
...
Tyson felt the thick, smooth strands of grass under his fingers tips. The Bay city river was mucky with dirt as it wildly flowed past Tyson, pulling and pushing the occasional the bundle of moss and tree branch. Just as a cargo train jerked its way through the iron bridge beside Tyson a single drop of rain landed on Tyson's sun-kissed nose. He roughly it wiped away and looked above him. The clouds continued to come together like torn pieces of cloth sewn seamlessly as one. It would rain soon. But Tyson didn't care. There was no one near the banks of the river on this depressing Sunday afternoon. Usually there would be children's laughter, parents yelling and the clashing of metal from Beyblades. But not today, today the sounds came from the distant sharp screeches of a train, and ghostly howling of the wind as it pushed Tyson's hair across his face. It was dead lonely, not a soul in sight.
Tyson sighed, today reflected his mood perfectly. He couldn't believe they would be leaving soon, just when they were a team again. The last 7 months had been hard-work, but they had enjoyed themselves immensely and become closer as friends. Heck! Even Kai had started smiling more than usual. Defeating BEGA had shown him that even through their rivalry, they were unstoppable and inseparable: Just him, Kenny, Ray, Max, Kai, even Daichi and Hilary.
No doubt that once they got home, they would forget about him like he was a distant fleeting memory. They'll never write, visit or try to contact him. Just like his dad, sister and brother had done; they left as soon they could without considering taking him along. And just like his family, his friends would leave too. They would try at first to talk to him on the phone or through emails, but in due time the calls and writings would cease. He would be alone again. Sure, he had grandpa, and grandpa worked incessantly to provide for him as much as possible. But even grandpa's spunky attitude could not fill the void left by his family and now friends.
He saw Faith ungracefully land on the grass and watch the clouds with concern. He looked away from her. When they leave, Kenny and Hilary will not come around to the dojo as often. They would meet during school hours, exchange smiles and nods in the corridors before turning their attention to their school friends. Tyson released an unsteady sigh. Faith bit her lip and looked at Tyson, concern contoured my face. Then it would be him, Hiro, Faith and Grandpa. Hiro, having felt he had helped Mr Dickenson would leave to attend other 'important' businesses that needed him. Faith would stay for an additional month, before Hiro would call for her. Like a lighthouse, Tyson would so happy to follow their light, before their interest changed and he was left to crash on the rocky headland.
The last 3 years he didn't feel so lonely, his friends were always around for the next tournament or next antagonist to beat. He was grateful for the time they had spent together, and grown familiar to each other: Him, Kenny, Ray, Max, Kai, Daichi and Hilary. Faith would stay with Tyson and the team during Tyson's birthday weekend, major holidays and festivals. She would be at the dojo to help Tyson and Grandpa prepare for their mother's and grandmother's death anniversary. Having her around, especially during his grandmother's death anniversary which made grandpa less energetic and weird, was always good. Hiro and dad didn't come as often. His friends had taken a likening to Faith (just as they had enjoyed grandpa's company) over the years, and he was grateful for that. Even with all the problems, life could not get any better for the world champion. A fat drop exploded on Tyson's forehead and soon after the drops came as a downpour. It mercilessly showered the river, the grass, the bridge and silent siblings sitting by the banks. Tyson clutched his eyes shut, his lower lip trembled violently and he lowered his head. He cried, as the rainwater framed his round face and mixed with his salty tears cascading from his eyes. Faith hurried nearer to his side and pulled him towards her. Laying her hand on the crown of his head and wrapping her arms around his shaking shoulders, she received no resistance or encouragement from him as he cried.
...
I was walking out of my bedroom after I tried to comfort a distraught Tyson. I had only managed to convince him that he was being incredibly selfish and he needed to talk to Max, Ray and Kai. At that moment, I was ready to meet Mr Dickenson at the BBA centre. I closed the door behind me and adjusted the bag on my shoulder. I caught a movement in the corner of my eyes and looked up, slightly startled. I found Kai walking on the opposite side of the polished narrow hallway.
'Hi Kai!' I smiled at him, and when I didn't receive any response from him, I scoffed at him. I continued to walk undeterred. When we were less than a foot away, Kai stopped, his gaze flicked to me. As a result, I halted in my tracks looked up at him, quizzically.
'Will Tyson be alright?' Kai asked coldly, but the question in itself was endearing – coming out of Kai's mouth.
'Yeah. He is a fighter!' I smiled optimistically. Kai turned towards me, eying me suspiciously.
'Will you?' He drawled stepping forward. My eyes widened and my mouth hung open marginally, Kai was invading my personal space. Instinctively, I took a step back.
'Um... will I what?' I blinked staring up at Kai. Kai took another daring step forward, forcing me into the wooden wall behind. I was startled by the sudden contact of the cold wood against my forearms. I looked down the hallway, uncertainty written across my round face, before I stared at him again. His hand slowly made its way to my cheeks. His lip twitched into a minute smile when I balked from the sudden warmth from his hands. Kai frowned slightly; my cheeks were as cold as ice, no doubt the consequence of being outside during the downpour earlier.
'Will you be alright?' Kai leaned in bit by bit. My gaze was averted from his purple eyes to his thin pink lips, as they approached. I bit my lip, embarrassingly smiling, until I felt his lips gently touch mine. Instantly, I grabbed a handful of Kai's purple shirt and pulled him closer. Kai reached his hand out to steady himself, but didn't challenge the idea to break the kiss. His pale rough hand combed my tanned cheek travelling to my scalp, and down my long midnight-blue hair. He closed his eyes and pulled my head towards him, squashing me and himself into an intimate position. We broke away breathing heavily. Kai laid his forehead against mine; he opened and closed his eyes again.
'Well?' He blew hot air on my face.
'Um... Oh, I'll be alright too.' I spoke, desperately gasping for air. My hand uncurled and released his shirt. 'We'll be alright. Besides, it can't be helped.' My eyes stared at Kai, who was trying to regain control of his breathing. Having pondered the statement itself, I had come to recognise that I knew very little about Kai. Why did he need to go back to Russia was beyond her? It was not like he had family and friends in Russia anymore anyway, did he? She knew that Kai wouldn't divulge his 'secret' life in Russia presently and when the time came, he may choose to tell her everything about him. 'Do you enjoy making people uncomfortable in their own home? What if someone had walked-' But Kai smirked and leaned down for another kiss, to which I did not complain about further.
'Everyone is in the training room with Tyson.'
'Why aren't you there?' My eyes narrowed as I tilted my head towards him. Kai shrugged, dismissively.
'I said what needed to be said.' I looked at him unimpressed with my arms crossed over my chest. Kai could be brusque when he had a point to make, which also meant that he would (knowingly or unknowingly) offend people. In this case, he may have hurt Tyson with his words. Despite Kai's tactlessness, Tyson and the team always found his advice invaluable and strengthening. I smiled, unfolded my arms and was about to speak when we heard footsteps against the glossed wood. Kai straightened up and let his arms drop by his sides.
'Oh no!' I jolted when I realized I had a meeting with Mr Dickenson. 'Aww! I'm gonna be late!' I sprinted down the hallway. But before I rounded the corner, I threw Kai a smile. Kai lightly shook his head, his wild grey bangs shuffled from side to side. Grandpa came around the corner, boldly marching with his kendo stick.
While Faith was meeting Mr Dickenson, Tyson had reconciled with his friends and their decisions. Kenny promised that even without Beyblades, they would remain lifelong friends. Max and Ray had finally made their decision and contacted Mr Dickenson, who had directed them to meet him tomorrow with Kai. By the time morning had arrived the next day and the Sun was once again hanging undisturbed in the sky, Tyson was feeling less low-spirited. When Faith and Tyson journeyed to the BBA centre, they had found the boys filing out of the centre.
'Hey guys! How was your meeting? Did they say who was replacing you?' Tyson jumped down the bank and ran to Max fanatically waving at them. Max smiled sadly, and threw a glance at Ray and Kai.
'Hey Tyson! It was good-' Tyson dropped his arm on Max's shoulder and gave him a huge grin. Max smiled back at Tyson, less enthusiastically.
'We leave tomorrow.' Tyson was startled, almost withdrawing his arm off Max, who appeared as downcast as Tyson. Kai threw a quick glance at Faith, who beamed at him.
'So, instead of being gloomy about it, why don't you make the most of today,?' Faith appeared behind Tyson and elbowed his side. Max instantly brightened up at the idea, his eyes twinkled as they widened and his cheeky grin grew tenfold.
'Yeah! Let's up finish here fast so we can head to the pool later.' Ray stepped toward with a sided-grin, holding his palm out. Max grinned, slapped his hand on Ray's, followed by Tyson's. They stared at Kai, who scowled at their grinning faces. They leaned forward eagerly. Kai folded his arm and turned away, refusing to partake in such childish behaviour by young adults. They stubbornly shuffled closer to him. Faith watched the exchange with uncertainty. She saw Mr Dickenson from the second floor window in the centre and quickly excused herself from the friends. As she entered the doors of the centre, she saw Kai growl at his team, before placing his hand on Tyson's.
...
After they had completed coaching all of the beginners present, they (along with Hillary and Kenny) headed to the swimming pool at the Bay City recreation centre. They spend the day splashing, running and eating under the Sun's blasting glare. Throughout the day, they didn't notice the exchanges between their captain and Faith: subtle touches, elusive talks, and numerous glances.
As Faith was folding her towel, Kai quietly stood beside her. Faith stopped, and looked at Kai.
'Does this mean we are breaking up today?' Faith picked at the treads on her purple towel, unable to sneak a peek at Kai. The team had left to buy ice cream from the restaurant inside the centre. Faith had offered to clean up if Tyson brought her an ice cream too. Kai frowned at her, unsure of her question. He was under the assumption that they were going to be alright in spite of the distance. He gently grabbed her arm and lifted her head to him. He leaned down and nuzzled his face against her neck. As did he so, he softly planted kisses on her skin.
'You're tickling me.' She giggled, trying to push him away playfully. But he held her in place with both his hands on her hips.
'Why? I see no reason for that. Unless there is something wrong.' His voice reached her ears slightly muffled.
'Kai-'
'We can call and I'll visit you every three months.' He straightened up and looked into her big brown eyes. He spoke with finality and his eyes never wandered from hers.
'Promise?' She shot forward slightly; revealing her eagerness at the notion with widened eyes, raised eyebrows and a cheerful smile. She looked as innocent as young child receiving candy. Kai nodded and patted her wet hair, affectionately. She launched at him and hugged him tightly. Her swimming skort swirled to the sides and her towel was discarded on the white tiled floor. Kai was caught off guard for a few seconds, but regained his poise and put an arm around her tightly. He smiled burying one side of his face in her hair. They were going to be alright.
...
Two weeks and three days later
Faith hunched as she entered an extremely narrow tunnel. One hand pressed against the sides of the tunnel loosening the dirt, while the other held a flame torch to guide her. Faith could hear Hiro shuffling and peeved behind her to see a warm glow approaching her in the distance. She gulped when she saw the endless darkness in front of her. But she kept toddling through tunnel. Mr Dickenson had entreated that Hiro and Faith explore an ancient cave in South-eastern Peru. The cave, which was more 500 kilometres from the any seismic fault and rumoured to contain powerful spirits, was emitting shaking. They were asked to excavate the cave, care for and protect any spirits from questionable characters seeking to exploit them. The tunnels released a low rumble and loosened dirt from the ceiling and the sides drifting on Faith. Faith gasped and blinked rapidly as the she tried to clear her vision, she felt her hands loose contact with the walls beside her. Before Faith could push the dirt from her eyes, the stone wall cracked and crumbled.
Hiro coughed as thick dirt tightened his throat. He could feel the vibration underneath his fingertips and frowned. The shaking was the longest he had experienced since they arrived at the site.
'Ahhh!' His head shot up when he heard a sharp scream from the narrow tunnel ahead. Hiro ran into the tunnel, only to be visited by the sight of the walls collapsing. A plume of dirt came rushing out of the rubble. The light ginger glow from the flame framed his shock. The tunnel had collapsed with Faith inside of it. His handsome face contoured against the torch, sculpted from shock and panic to clear determination. He set his flame down on the sandy grounds of the passageway. He held Metal Drigger's chip tightly in his calloused hands and closed his eyes.
'Go Metal Drigger!' Electricity frizzled and shot from his chip up his arm, and across his chest and thighs. Electricity searched for exits in his hands, feet and head, and overwhelmed his entire body. He held his hand out and parted his feet into a wide fighting stance. Hiro could hear Faith's inaudible screams in the distance and chose to ignore them. He swiftly moved forward, thrusting the palms of his other hand frontward. He jumped back lightly and the heaps of debris were pulled from the tunnel entrance. Bit by bit he moved debris alone till he heard reinforcements behind him.
...