Through Broken Tears
"KAI!" A little girl darted through the crowd, pushing as hard as possible towards a small boy, lying on the ground, "Oh Kai... What happened?" She seemed terror stricken by the scene. The place was a wreck, things were on fire, things where destroyed. The boy was barely moving on the ground, coughing from the smoke. Once more, she cried, "KAI!" Through broken tears.
At last, the crowd parted, letting the little girl through. She slumped next to the boy, her ankle length light blue hair falling on his face. He had silver and blue spiked hair and normally, his eyes were a mellow tone of gray, non-telling, non-caring. But they were different today... The pupils seemed lost... Like his soul was absent. The shark-like fins on his arms had completely broken off, much like the shape of his pants and black boots. All of his clothing was ripped in several places and covered in dirt. His body twitched uncontrollably.
She gently put his head on her lap and looked down at him. Tears seemed to overflow.... From her purple eyes... As they fell onto his face, he began to wake up. She sighed, "Welcome back to the world Kai.... You moron...."
She sat with him for who knows how long. He twitched and looked at her, "Sorry... Kaika..."
She smiled at him, brushing away her tears, "I don't mind.... But this will postpone our rematch. And Boris will probably murder you."
He moaned, "Don't be like that..." He sighed, rubbing his forehead gently, "I'm.... Sorry... For forgetting out promise... " He gently let his hand fall next to him as he drifted into an unconscience state. Kaika held his head tightly, but the world seemed to fade around her as she was pulled away from him.
The Truth
She awoke in an office, overlooking the entire estate. Pushing off the blanket that had been placed over her, she gently rubbed her head and looked around. Suddenly, she gasped, "KAI!" She grabbed a chain from her pocket and started to whisper something to it when a voice stopped her dead in her tracks, "Don't even think about it. He's not here. He's gone."
She turned, startled at the sound of the voice. Looking up, she quickly lowered her gaze, her face blushing a beat red shade, "Boris! I'm... Sorry... Didn't see you..." She shoved the chain into her pocket and looked down at her white toed boots. Her attire was simple. Just a white tunic over a navy long sleeved shirt. Her pants where think, but slimming and they were the same color as her tunic, with navy stripes down the side. Her face didn't match her outfit. Boris was just your average freaky old guy with half a head of hair, colored purple and gray. He wore a dark purple suit with red beady goggles that seemed to look right through you. He was the headmaster and all- powerful person on the abbey grounds and like a master to the children. Kaika, Kai, and Tala, (A young boy with fiery red hair) hated Boris deeply, but they also fear him.
"Tala! Get in here! IMMEDIATELY!" yelled Boris, tossing his hand at the door. A young boy meekly opened the door and stepped inside, scruffing the orange tip of his white shoes on the carpet, "What?" His hair was fiery and it stuck out in several different places. Two strands hung down in his eyes, but he blew them away as they fell in his eyes. He walked over and stood next to Kaika, gently squeezing her hand and placing something unseen into it before he looked up at Boris through the fire in his eyes.
Boris paced in front of the two for several minutes, rambling about several different things that meant absolutely nothing to what had just happened. It seemed like forever before something caught the duo's attention. ".... And with Kai gone, you'll have to use Black Dranzer.... I guess he couldn't handle it...." Kaika gasped and looked over at Tala, who shook his head and mouthed, "Not yet. Talk to me later, after he shuts up." She stifled a giggled and looked back down.
A few minutes later, he tossed the Beyblade that contained Black Dranzer at Kaika, "Use it well. I want a progress report every now and then..."
Kaika nodded fiercely and snatched the chain from her pocket. Quietly, she began to chant, "Light of Darkness, Darkness of Light. Oath to the Darkness, become my key staff, and my light!"
A brush of a mixture of darkness and light energy swirled around the chain, transforming it into a blob of a swirl of white and blue metal. Soon, it became solid and resembled a key, with a staff attached to the bottom of it. A large blue-green gem was encrypted into the top, surrounded by white metal. She attached the red and black blade to the gem and stood up. Bowing lightly, she exited the room, a nagging feeling on her heart.
What must be done, Must be done
Kaika walked slowly down the hallways stretching from place to place, reaching to the far corners of the abbey. A hand reached out and pulled her around a corner. When Kaika saw who it was, she snarled lightly, "TALA! Gosh, you seem to pop out from places that I don't expect..."
Tala sighed and gently grabbed Kaika's hand, "You.... You..." He stammered, almost unwilling to finish the sentence, "We.... Have to... Stop..."
Kaika's happy face suddenly vanished. Something wasn't right. She kneeled down next to him and looked at him deeply, "Tala! What the heck is wrong? You aren't usually this serious!"
Tala sighed, "You have to seal it... You have to... seal Black Dranzer...." He hesitated to add anything more, feeling he had already screwed up enough.
He gently led Kaika through the tunnels, to a small chamber in the bottomless depths of the abbey. Kaika was dazed and let him drag her about, her hand fumbling for her chain. She looked at Tala and ran up, setting her head on his shoulder, "Okay.... But... Only if you stay with me..."
He gasped, not used to Kaika showing emotion. He closed his eyes and squeezed her hand, "If that is what you wish..."
As the two found themselves inches away from the platform, Kaika stopped. She swung the chain out, releasing her staff. When she saw the platform, she hesitated.
Sealing Black Dranzer
"I can't go through with this Tala! What if I'm not strong enough? What if I can't.... Fully..." Kaika clenched the staff in her hand, turning her knuckles a pure white shade. Her purple eyes seemed to overfill with tears.
Tala gently set his hand on her shoulder and smiled at her, "Trust in me Kaika! You can defeat anything you need to!"
"But you know what will happen if I seal it!" The tears flowed freely now, falling onto the edge of her key-like staff. "If I seal it, we'll be separated! And I won't ever see you...."
Tala shook his head fiercely, "Talking like that makes you sound a lot like Kai and look at what happened! Because of this out-of-control bit beast, he's left us! Boris blew a gasket, Voltaire.... Is Voltaire and... and...." His eyes seemed to glow like a fierce burn Kaika hadn't seen in the longest time, "I won't let us be separated forever! Kai wouldn't want that. I know that."
Kaika slapped Tala on the face, leaving it a smarting red color, "How do you know?" She slumped downward, falling onto her knees, "How do you know?"
Tala touched the mark she left tenderly and closed his eyes, kneeling down to meet Kaika's eyes. He looked at her for a moment and said, "How about we do it together?" She sighed, "Alright."
He gently helped her to her feet and placed his hand on her own, "Do it."
She nodded, fighting back every tear, every sorrow, and every fear. Lifting her arm, with Tala's hand giving her strength, she began to chant, "In the name of the Progentor of Air! I seal the Sacred Spirit of Darkness and Flame! Reside here, so that your evil may never reappear on this planet!"
The spirit hissed loudly and shot into the air, in a rush of fire and up most darkness. It fell with a crash inside its red and black beyblade, chained to the center pole of the deepest depths of the abbey. Then, all was silent.
Tala gently set his head on Kaika's shoulder and sighed, "We did it....."
She smiled and fell back into his arms, "That took a lot..."
The ground beneath them shattered into two pieces. Kaika and Tala held onto each other as tightly as possible, but to no avail. Even the strongest grip wouldn't survive....
Tala yelled, grasping for her fingers, "Kaika! I'll be in your heart that's something our friendship can never divide! Hold onto my memories and then... Someday... I'll find you..."
She smiled and left go, slumping to the ground, "How can I?" She gently brought her hand to the side of her face and waved slowly at Tala, "I fulfilled my duty. But... I will become stronger and I will return to you..."
Tala cupped his mouth in his hands; "Kaika! Hold onto that charm we made together with Kai! Don't lose it, and I'll find you! I promise!"
She nodded, cupping her mouth in her hands, "I know you will, Tala. You've never lied before! Don't EVER forget me!"
A New Beginning
Kaika slumped, reaching out at Tala as he faded away. She grasped at the air and whispered, "Please... Don't go!" But her cries fell away into the night, hitting nothing but wind.
"You're all I needed, and I blew it.... Man... I'm stupid for a ten year old..." Tala rubbed his head, "No.... You're right.. Life isn't that simple...."
Kaika dropped her staff, letting it dissolve into a single black heart. Her blade fell in front of her, her bit beast seemingly staring up at her. She could withhold them no longer. She covered her eyes with her hands and cried.
Tala gently fell to his knees; the magical fog completely eclipsed Kaika... She was only a shadow now.... "NO! I won't... I can't... I promised!"
As the snow began to fall around her a single tear or two escaped her grasp and gently pattered on the bit beast emblem on her beyblade. It began to glow. A translucent white that filled the sky, that is what came from within it.
Tala slammed his fists into the ground, "I couldn't keep you!" As he reached out, to snag her back, he felt arms pull him away and drag him away. With a final glance, he shed a single tear that faded into the night, "I... Does this mean.... What I think it means?"
As Kaika continued to weep, the bit beast summoned itself and covered her from the snow. She gently lifted her head and looked up at her bit beast. She clutched the small charm around her waist and stood up, leaning on her only remaining friend, "We'll get stronger! We'll get STRONGER! Tala! I WILL RETURN!"
The courage through the pain made the bit beast behind her disappear into the blade, but it reappeared, dragging every sacred spirit Kaika had ever seen around her. A smile crept onto her face as the translucent colors spun around her, blowing through her hair and resting in the sky. She closed her eyes and managed a small smile, "Regardless of your warning... The Future doesn't scare me anymore...." She clenched her fists and screamed at the top of her lungs, "I am not afraid! Tala! I WILL return! I will find you!" She quieted down and looked into the fading fog, "I must.... For you.... Are the key... to...."
The bit beasts flew around her and granted her sleep.
Alone
When she awoke, Kaika found herself on a beach, washed up on shore. She staggered to her feet, clutching her blade in one hand, her staff in the other. Her hair had fallen from its tight pigtails and was severely messed up. She gently tugged the white coat off and tucked it inside her parcel. Tidying up as best she could, she walked into town.
She found a small inn, just inside the harbor she'd washed up on. The kind innkeeper rushed the girl into a room and supplied her with a wash basin for cleaning up, refusing any payment.
Kaika sighed and slipped into a pair of white shorts and a light blue tunic and let her hair drop to her waist. She gently tucked the light blue cloak around her shoulders and as she brushed the dust from her eyes, she stared at her reflection. She pushed on the gem in the center of her staff, returning it to a simple chain and charm. With a final look, she slid out of the room and slipped out onto the desert road, holding her blade in her hand.
As she walked along, the sun began to set, leaving a sky full of stars. Normally, she would have stopped to gaze at them, but tonight.... She couldn't even look at them. Tears filled her eyes and seeped out, pattering on the simple charm tied to the belt of her shorts. Inside, it held a picture of Kai, Tala and Kaika. She gently pushed it open and stared at the picture. She managed a tiny smile, as she looked deeper at it. Tala was hogging the camera as always, Kai was leaning against the backdrop and Kaika was laughing at the both of them, happy just as she was.
"I miss you guys so much.... I wish... You were still here..." She held it to her heart and looked up at the stars, "Are you still waiting for me?" Tears slid down her face, passing by the innocence of her smile.
She reattached it to her belt and wiped the tears from her face. With a final glance, she continued to walk down the road, holding her head up as best she could. Before Tala and Kai, she had just been a child blader who found a bit beast in her blade one sunny morning, "But enough of this!" she thought to herself, "I should get going!" Picking up herself, she began to walk towards the mountains...
Kaika traveled for around three days, stopping here and there at the public stops along the way. She had not ripped her cord since she had sealed Black Dranzer four days earlier.... But this was soon to change.
One day, as she was walking, a little boy stumbled into her path. He looked to be six or seven, a few years younger than herself. He was crying, so Kaika walked over to him to check on him. She held out her hand, "You alright? That was a nasty fall you took!"
He whimpered lightly, taking her hand, "No.... These mean kids from the village over destroyed my beyblade!" He held up the shattered remains of a primitive, yet obviously treasured, beyblade. Kaika clenched her teeth and helped the little one to his feet. "Where are they?
. The little boy led the angered Kaika to a small Bey Dish just inside a thick forest. Kaika grinned and unhooked the chain. Slashing it outward, it morphed into the Oath of Darkness. She hooked her blade to the tip of it and glared at the trees, "Whoever destroyed this kid's blade had better show up in front of me and they had better do it RIGHT NOW."
Dunga Appears
A boy about the same age as Kaika dropped from the tree. His hair was blonde, but most of it was hidden under the red bandana on his head. He wore a pair of yellow pants and a red tunic with fancy embroidery around the collar. He smirked some what evilly. The little boy behind Kaika peeped and hid behind her. Kaika nodded. The boy in front of her was rather large for his age and he didn't look like a push over.
The boy smirked, "I'm Dunga! Whoever you are, you can't beat me!" He laughed heartily, nearly driving Kaika nuts.
She stuck her wand in his face, "Put your blade where your mouth is and let's determine who's stronger. I win, you apologize to this poor kid."
He chuckled, "I never lose!" He attached his blade to a standard launcher, "LET IT RIP!" He ripped it hard and the red blade he used spun around, taunting Kaika, "Vortex Ape!"
Kaika twirled her staff and slammed it into the ground, sending her blade into the center of the dish, "Go. Make this short and sweet."
Almost immediately, Kaika's white and silver blade began to overpower Vortex Ape. It swung behind him each time he made an attack. Kaika stuck her staff under her arm and looked at Dunga, "Please. This isn't even a challenge."
"Grr...." Dunga was feeling it now, he was losing, and badly, "VORTEX APE! GET A GRIP! WE CAN STILL WIN!" The center of his blade reacted and in a flash of white, an ape-like bit beast sprung into action. It raced over and started to
Kaika smiled, "Go on. Try! I won't work!" She shook her head at Dunga and refocused on her blade, "Let's go! AERO STRIKE!" The whole of her blade began to glow an angry shade of light blue. It sprung into the air and continually hammered the bit beast, shredding it with each strike.
Finally, Dunga threw in the towel, "Hey! Don't screw my blade! I give up!"
Kaika grinned, recalling her blade to her hand, "Good. Now, be a good boy and apologize. Also offer to repair his blade." Seeing his reluctant gaze, she ordered, "NOW." When he still didn't move, she stalked over and smacked him hard with her staff, "I SAID NOW!"
"Ouch!!" He rubbed his head and reluctantly apologized, "Sorry kid..."
Kaika tapped her foot, "AND?!?!?! What else?"
He sighed, "And.... If I could, I'll repair your blade."
The little boy smirked and ran off, "Thanks, but I just wanted you to be sorry!"
Dunga turned around, incredibly irritated, "WHO THE HECK ARE YOU AND WHY THE HECK ARE YOU HERE AND WHY THE HECK DID YOU FIGHT AND WHY THE HECK DID YOU WIN!?!?!?!?!"
Kaika laughed, returning her staff to its chain form. After she reclipped it on her belt, she looked at him, "You have anger issues. Why don't you chill and start over?"
He steamed, stomping over to her, " FINE! I"LL SIT RIGHT HERE!" He sat down on the ground. He glared at her, arms across his chest.
Kaika stuck her hands on her hips and sat down, "Kaika Misaki and I washed up on shore a few days ago. I fought you because you destroyed something important and I won because I've been blading since I was little."
The Clan of the Saint Shields
He gasped, "You do look like her, the girl from the elder's prophecy!" Excitedly, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into a camp, filled with people looking like Dunga. They all stopped what they were doing and stared at her. Small children ran up to her and laughed, hugging her tightly. Kaika was thrilled
The village was small, but the life it had to it was amazing. It felt so much like the rows of bunk beds back at the abbey that Kaika couldn't help but smile. Kids were Bey Blading in homemade dishes, yelling at each other. Kaika smiled and hurried to catch up with Dunga.
People tended to their crops, singing happily in the sunlight. All though Kaika did not know where the heck she was, something about this place made her smile and strangely enough, it made her think of Kai and Tala. She thought about them deeply as the duo walked along the dirt path.
Dunga whistled happily, bringing out three other children. One seemed barely out of diapers. His hair was a cute dark green color and was spiked in several directions. His eyes were light brown and he wore the same thing as Dunga. Kaika bowed politely and turned to look at the others.
The second child was around Kaika's age, maybe a little younger. He had big scary gray eyebrows and deep red eyes. They seemed so much like Tala's that she almost broke down crying. His hair was mostly gray, with a fiery red spike down the center.
The third child was female and she seemed to want to hurt Dunga badly. Her hair was blue, like Kaika's, but it was a darker shade and it wasn't as long.
Kaika slowly moved away from the four, a little bit lost, "Um... Hi?"
The girl glared evilly at Dunga and grabbed Kaika by the wrist, dragging her away from the boys. Smiling at Kaika, she said, "I'm Miriam." She pointed at the little boy, "That's Joseph, my little brother," she pointed at the boy with the bushy eyebrows, "That's Ozuma, he's kinda like our leader." And finally, she glared at Dunga, "And that's Dunga. He's really mean and a hot head."
Kaika laughed, "Sounds like someone else I know."
Miriam laughed and dragged her into a hut on the edge of town. A middle aged couple sat on one side of the hut, talking with the elderly, but fit, village leader. He wore an outfit more suited for an elder's position. It was the same color as the other villagers, but it was much more fancy. He was almost bald, with a long white beard. He turned in surprise as the four children entered. Smiling, he motioned for Kaika to move closer.
Kaika hesitated lightly. Miriam helped her along a little by gently pushing her towards the others, nodding her head in approval.
Kaika sighed and kneeled down on the empty cushion between the two other people. Looking at her travel stained clothing, she waited for him to speak.
The elder laughed, "Child, there is no reason to fear me, although I see you have much respect. I am Elder Tenakazu, leader of the tiny village. What is your name?"
"I'm... Kaika..." she sighed heavily and tried to force a smile. She was still trembling, but not as fiercely.
Elder Tenakazu nodded at the woman next to Kaika knowingly. The woman had the same hair color as the spike on Ozuma's haircut. It was long, reaching to the back of her knees. Smiling gently, she placed her hand on Kaika's shoulder, "I am Ozuma's mother. You two seem to have met. You are the child of legend. We would like you to stay here and train. You seem to have no home, so you are welcome at my house, as a part of our family."
Kaika looked at her, slightly confused, "You mean.... Like... You'd be.. My mother?" Her face lit up slightly, "I like that idea... Maybe..." She clenched the fabric of her white tunic in her hands.
The lady smiled, "My name is Takine, but I have no other children besides Ozuma... You may be my little girl. If you'd wish so."
The elder smiled, leaning back, "Then it is decided! Kaika, please come to the bonfire tonight. I will explain a little more to you then. Takine will help you get some new clothing and some food into you."
The Bonfire
Later that night, as the fire crackled, shooting embers into the sky, the entire village seemed to be gathered around the flames. People laughed gaily, recounting the day's events. Kaika felt rather uncomfortable, barely knowing the language spoken. The new clothes she had been given were nice, but she longed for her white tunic. She sighed and placed her hands under her chin.
Suddenly, Elder Tenakazu stood over Kaika. Chuckling softly, he looked at the startled girl and with a gentle wave from his walking stick, he began to sing, "A single thread on the tapestry, though its color brightly shines, can never see its purpose in the pattern of the grand design! And the stone that sits on the very top of the mountain's mighty face, doesn't think it's more important than the stones that form the base!"
Kaika looked at him puzzled slightly, "Huh?" She was completely lost.
Dunga chuckled, nudging Miriam in the ribs. She turned and smacked him, "Freak!"
He continued, smiling broadly "So how can you see what your life is worth? Or where your value lies? You can never see, through the eyes of man. You must look at your life, look at your life through heaven's eyes!"
Miriam and Ozuma gently grabbed her by the arms and began to circle around the fire with the other villagers. They danced merrily, singing, " Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!"
Kaika thought she would explode, "Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!" Suddenly, they stopped and looked at the elder, who stood in the center.
" A lake of gold in the desert sand is less than a cool fresh spring. And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy is greater than the richest king! If a man loses everything he owns, has he really lost his worth? Or is it a beginning of a new and brighter birth?"
"So how can you measure the worth of a man, in wealth, or strength or size? In how much he gained, or how much he gave. The answer will come, The answer will come to him who tries, to look at his life through Heaven's Eyes?"
"And that's why we share all we have with you, though there's little to be found. When all you've got is nothing, there's a lot to go around!"
"Though life can escape and be blown about by the winds of change and time. And although you'll never know all the steps, you must learn to join the dance! You must learn to join the dance!"
Kaika giggled as the circle dancing began again starting slow and picking up the pace, " Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!"
Dunga tripped over Miriam, tripping to both of them, "AH!"
The elder joined, sending the circle into frenzy, "Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!"
He stopped momentarily, slowing the circle, "So how do you judge what a man is worth, by what he builds or buys? You can never see with your eyes on earth! Look at your life through Heaven's Eyes!"
With that final word, the circle spun around and party continued until dawn broke through the sky. Sleepily, Kaika fumbled back to her new home and flopped down on her cot next to Ozuma. Kaika laughed. Just like Tala and Kai, he fell asleep as soon as he touched the cot. She whispered lightly "Good night, my little brother..." Smiling, she fell into a deep sleep.......
Memories
"This dream again...
It's a nightmare...
Oh, please don't make me see it again!"
The Triforce of Light...
The source of ultimate power...
It stands on the pedestal of time...
A flash of light, takes you back... You cannot escape from me...
Kaika: "KAI! You aren't supposed to touch that!"
Kai: But Kaika, it's so, it's just so... Powerful... I must have it... - reaches for the black and green blade-
Tala: -tackles Kai out of the way- No! None of us can touch the dark bit beast!
Kaika: -looks at the blade- Tala... Something... About that blade...Is drawing me in... -reaches for it-
Tala: -shoves Kai on the ground- No! Kaika! -holds her back-
"No... No... Don't touch it... Don't..."
Kaika woke up, sweating horribly. Fumbling, she held the crystal charm to her heart and slipped out into the night and walked to the outskirts of town, sitting down on a stump, hold onto a bit of hope that she might see the boys again...
Losing False Hope
"Be brave Kaika... Come on... Get a grip!" As tears began to tumble over, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her left hand, still clutching her charm. Sliding off of the stump, she half kneeled on the ground, "I'm so sorry..."
"Wow... The stars... Are so beautiful... Oh..." The tears seemed to take control of her body. On the path, leading to Russia, she cried bitterly, dropping the charm and gripping her temples.
The sadness was overwhelming. It bore into the depths of her soul, tearing at the memories. Each picture, each memory, each remembrance, flashed through her mind, tearing at her emotions. She trembled as she pushed herself up, off the ground and leaned against the stump. As she looked at the sky, shedding a few final tears, a different female voice gently spoke, "Are you alright?"
She turned towards the voice, half expecting to see her new mother behind her. Brushing away the last drops of her tears, she looked at the voice and was deeply startled by who she saw. It was Ozuma, Miriam, Dunga and Joseph that had poked out into the cold to try and find out where she had gone. All were wrapped in blankets, except for Dunga, who was shivering in the cold. Miriam dipped down and gently hugged Kaika; "I'll ask you again, you alright?"
Ozuma hesitated lightly before kneeling down; "I heard you get up and leave... If you're upset, you should say something, you know?"
Kaika sighed and closed her eyes, slowly falling asleep in Miriam's arms. Miriam smiled and giggled softly. Looking at Ozuma, she nodded, "She's coming around... Just like you said."
He nodded grimly, "If she is the one, we'll be leaving sooner than I expected..."
The Test
The following morning and many mornings after were filled with training. Ozuma and Dunga complained a lot, but Kaika just laughed and did as she was told. To her, this was nothing. But one day, around two months after she arrived, something happened...
She woke up at dawn one morning and after eating a small breakfast, she slipped outside with Ozuma. Mid-way, they joined Joseph, Miriam, and Dunga. A man from the tribe approached the five. Immediately, Ozuma, Miriam and Dunga bowed deeply. Joseph and Kaika looked at each other and dipped down, copying their siblings. The man gently tapped Kaika's shoulder, "Show us what you can do."
Kaika nodded seriously, but inside, she was thrilled. It seemed that although the clan excepted her, they believed that she wasn't as strong as the others in Beyblading skills. She stood up and began to pull the charm from her pocket. She stopped and pulled out a beginner's shooter instead. Dunga looked at, slightly confused. Kaika shook her head and looked back at the man, "What am I to address you as?"
The man stepped backwards, startled by Kaika's politeness; "You may call me Jesse. Formalities are not necessary." He pointed at a series of grassy hills, with a short gap in-between, "Can you jump that?"
Kaika smirked, "Oh yeah..." She tapped the toe of her foot against the ground and took off like a bullet, kicking up the dust. Her speed seemed almost impossible to a normal human.... Ozuma shielded his eyes and stood in front of Miriam, shielding her completely from the blast. Looking up, he almost died laughing. Jesse was covered in dirt and as he peeled it off of his face, his jaw dropped.
Kaika took the jump perfectly, landing on the next hill over. Waving, she stepped a few feet back and leapt back over to village road. Walking, she returned to Jesse, "Sorry about that.... Didn't mean to hurt ya. Really, ya got to know that."
He laughed and gently took Kaika by the wrist. Almost running into an old lady, he half-dragged Kaika into the elder's tent. Panting, he said to the startled elder, "Kaika.... Has.... More... Talent... than I've... ever... seen."
The elder laughed, "Slow down Jesse. What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's the most powerful person and blader I've ever seen!"
"WHAT!?!?!?!?!"
"Yup. I think she is the one from the legend. She fits the profile!"
Kaika sighed, "Drec ec cu luhvicehk... E's kuehk du ced rana yht fyed dem drao crid ib....."
The elder gasped, "What did you just say!?!?!"
Kaika looked at him quizzically, "This is so confusing... I'm going to sit here and wait til they shut up....."
The elder fell backwards, "NO! I mean, what tongue are you speaking?"
"I can't tell you that. It's for me to know and you to never know."
He stood up and gently pushed Kaika into a small room outside the town limits. Ozuma and the others followed. Nodding at the dish he said, "Summon."
The Summoning
Kaika nodded and pulled the chain from her pocket. She thrust it outward, releasing the Keystaff. She spun it round and round, above her head, to the sides and finally, she threw it into the air, releasing her beyblade. It spun fiercely in the center of the dish, following the path of her Keystaff. Kaika closed her eyes and shouted, "LUGIA! Go!"
A shrill shriek was followed by a shot of white light. The white shadow of a bird appeared. It stretched its white wings, bringing the full image of the bit beast to life. It was a white bird with a mirror row of blue feathers on its back. It tail was white, but the tip there were three blue spikes, streaking outwards, shooting into the night. They seemed to be able to pierce anything... The eyes, though normally a steel blue, were a yellow color, glowing in the dimly lit arena. It swooped to Kaika, touching her cheek with it beak. She tapped it gently before pointing at the brick wall, "Aeroblast! Aim, Prepare, DESTRUCTION! CRUSH THEM ALL!"
Lugia shrieked and dove at the wall, shattering it into many pieces. It roared at Kaika before returning to its blade. The people standing by applauded. Even Dunga had something nice to say, "WOW! I'm so glad you kicked my butt before that thing showed up!"
Miriam sighed, "Yes, you might have lost Vortex Ape for good!"
Kaika laughed along with the others and look at Jesse and the Elders, "Did... I do a good job?"
Jesse burst out laughing, "You did better than that! Kaika, you have the right to stay with our clan and you will join Ozuma to capture the four evil spirits!"
"Huh?" Kaika sighed, "I have no clue what you're talking about!"
Suddenly, a boy darted into the tent, gasping for air. Looking at Jesse, he said, "Stranger... Outside the village... He knows Kaika..."
Kaika took a step back, squeezing her charm, "Tala... Is it you?" She ran from the room and raced through the streets. As she did, thoughts pushed through her mind...
The Nightmare Revived
"KAI!" A little girl darted through the crowd, pushing as hard as possible towards a small boy, lying on the ground, "Oh Kai... What happened?"
"...his eyes were a mellow tone of gray, non-telling, non-caring. But they were different today... The pupils seemed lost... Like his soul was absent..."
....She sat with him for who knows how long. He twitched and looked at her, "Sorry... Kaika..."
Kaika fell to her knees, ramming her head into the ground, "No, no no! I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THESE THINGS AGAIN! Oh... Kai... Tala..."
The boy "captured" outside the city limits was indeed Tala. He heard Kaika screaming and broke from his captors. His courage activated more strength and speed and it pushed him to Kaika, letting him get there first. He bent down and held her gently, "Kaika... Calm down... Shush... It's all right..."
Kaika blinked and slowly, things came into focus. She looked up at Tala and slowly lowered her arms, "Tala? Is that you? My gosh... Is it really?"
He hugged her gently, "Yup. Told you I'd find you..."
She smiled and gently closed her eyes, "I had to summon again..."
He nodded, "I know, that's how I found ya. Lugia guided me to you."
"GET YOUR GRIMMY OUTSIDER HANDS OFFA MY SISTER AND DO IT RIGHT THIS INSTANT!"
Tala turned, startled, "Sister!?!?! What the heck?"
A Bitter-Sweet Reunion
Kaika tried to sit up, "Ozuma... Don't..." She couldn't finish her sentence because she started coughing. She clutched her chest and breathed heavily. Tala looked down at her in alarm, "Kaika! I knew this would happen!"
She tried to smile, but her chest erupted in a fit of coughs, "Sorry..."
He gently set her down in front of him and reached into his parcel. He nearly ripped the thing apart, trying to find something. Pulling out a green-caped vial, he popped it open and reached for his canteen. Pouring the contents inside, he handed it to Kaika, "Stupid me, forgeting you had no vials."
Kaika snickered and began to drink the liquid, "That's...your...fault...buddy..." It seemed to take an effect on her quickly. Slipping down, she began to sleep.
Tala sighed heavily when Kaika slipped into a peaceful sleep. Setting her gently on the ground, he turned around and looked at Ozuma and the others, "Who the heck are you all?"
Ozuma was so angry, his eyes seemed to burn with rage. He clenched his fists and stomped over to Tala. Raising his hand, he brought it down with a swoop and slapped Tala across the face. Hard.
Tala chuckled, rubbing his smarting cheek, "You know, just before we were separated, Kaika hit me. But you hit me harder."
A look down at Kaika pushed Tala forward, "Before you say it, I'm not leaving. Kaika means a bit more to me than you do. Her immune system... She's not... Oh why do I bother?" He pushed up a silver and blue blade, "You see, you're just in the way."
Ozuma's face tightened, "Fine. We'll do it your way."
Tala sighed and gently helped Kaika to her feet. As weak as she was, she managed to hobble along side him to the battle stage. She looked up at him and murmured, "Don't lose... Please... Don't lose... I want to see... You around me more..."
The Abandoned Church
The corridor that Ozuma and the others lead them to was dark and spooky. Kaika felt a presence there as they walked through the battered doors. It was an old cathedral, worn and abandoned. Kaika grimaced, "Tala won't... have... it... easy..."
Tala gently set Kaika into on the pews and covered her with his jacket. True concern shot through his system when he touched her burning forehead. Hesitantly, he left her side and walked towards the "altar" and the beydish that awaited him.
A clash of frustrated claws!
For a few long moments after the duo faced each other, the only sound heard was the wind. The feelings Tala had for Kaika were pushed into his fury, into his blade. He slammed the silver and navy blade onto the end of his gun-like launcher and pointed it at Ozuma.
Ozuma narrowed his eyes, smacking his red and black blade onto the Shield Launcher. He lost all sense of space and emotion and was filled with rage. Nothing could stop him, or so he thought.
Dunga stepped in between the two of them and slashed his arm down, "Let it rip!"
Tala shot his wrist upward, releasing his blade with a powerful oomph. He stuck the pistol revolver in its sheath and stared at Ozuma, a blank expression shown on his face.
Ozuma also released his blade and became wrapped in the battle. "Flash Leopard! FULL THROTLE ATTACK!" The blade reacted and charged towards Tala.
Tala responded with a quick pass to the right, just barely avoiding Flash Leopard. He raised an eyebrow, "So... You think just attacks will work.... No... They won't."
Tala raised his arm into the air, "Sorry. But Kaika is mine. WOLFBORG! Winter Warning Blizzard!" The spirit of Tala's blade, Wolfborg, howlled at the sound of his master's request and shot up into the air. It looked like a white wolf with a silver and blue double-tail. Snarling, it leapt into the air and blew a breathe of cold whiteness that covered all.
Ozuma became uncomfortable in the chilling frost. He wrapped his arms around his chest, bending down on one knee. He couldn't understand why that guy, Tala, wasn't cold. He had only a white tee shirt on underneath that jacket he'd given to Kaika, yet Tala didn't seem bothered.
Tala's eyes turned a pure shade of white. Thrusting his hand out, he said, "Finish it..." Snarling a final time, the wolf shot straight at FL and knocked him away. Tala reclaimed his blade and walked over to Kaika. Kneeling down, he didn't seem to notice Ozuma and Dunga creeping up on him until it was too late.
All he saw... Was absolute darkness....
Kaika
Kaika's eyes flashed open as Tala was being dragged away. Shocked and startled, she tried to get to her feet, but nothing would listen to her. It was as if her body was being controlled by something else. Her head darted side to side and as her eyes landed on Ozuma, she began to understand. She was being held back by Dunga.
"No more. Not now, not ever." Forcefully shoving herself up, she said, "I AM NOT A PAWN!"
Ozuma cackled, not noticing Kaika, "She is mine Tala... She is MINE!"
Tala laughed, spotting Kaika with her staff, a few feet behind Ozuma, "Then control her!" He stared at her and winked, "Return when ya can. World Championship starts soon.... Come for our final battle?"
"I wouldn't miss it!" Kaika winked back, "Nope! You're the only one with that privilege!"
Ozuma hissed and stepped back, "Where the heck did you come from?"
Kaika rolled her eyes, "I WAS unconscious, but now I'm not. And you... Are toast."
Ozuma backed off. He was pretty much screwed from his last battle. He couldn't handle another one. Snapping his fingers, Dunga grabbed her arms and held her slightly above the ground. Ozuma laughed cynically, "Stupid girl.... You belong to me. Your destiny is mine alone."
Kaika huffed, struggling as best she could, "Hey! I don't belong to anyone, specifically not you!"
Ozuma crossed his arms across his chest and laughed, "We'll see... Dunga! Take her to our tree house in the back of the woods and lock her up for a few days or until she does as I say."
"Woods? Fine with me! But eh. Don't get your hopes up!" Kaika closed her eyes and the Oath to Darkness snapped on the chain around her neck, "But my Key-Staff stays with me. Besides, if you touched it, you might not survive."
After tying her hands together, Dunga led the rather impudent Kaika through the woods. As they neared the exit, a familiar sight caught their glance. Her old stuff from the abbey! Inside that stash, hidden amongst the open trunk trees, was her old equipment she'd hidden right before she challenged Dunga. Her Abbey ID was there and so was her hoverboard. If she waited, she might just be able to escape the twisted Saint Shield Clan
But... Not today...
Captivity and Release
And so, Kaika's two month long captivity began. The room itself was rather large. Perfect for pacing. The floor was made of wood and the simple windows were boarded up. A small futon sat on the floor in the middle of the room. Miriam had brought some fresh blankets for the futon, but Kaika just nodded and continued to lean against the wall.
Miriam and Takine would bring her a jug of water and a loaf of bread every other day. Again, Kaika would just nod or completely ignore it. Although Miriam felt the same feelings as Ozuma, Takine knew better. She was... Beginning to understand.
Everyday, Kaika pounded on the floors and practiced simple turns with her blade. Ozuma had indeed tried to steal her Key-Staff. Each time they touched it or grabbed it, it would teleport back into Kaika's hand. Finally, they gave up and left her alone.
As she looked at the moon every night, she thought of the promise she had made, "I wouldn't miss it!" She sighed and smiled softly, a tear escaping down her cheek, "But I did.... Sorry Tala.... I.. I couldn't help you...."
Takine had had enough. She had been delivering bread and water when she had heard her daughter's pitiful cry. Slowly opening the door, she smiled at Kaika, " You may be the one of destiny.... But your heart isn't with us... Go home Kaika... But please... I like being your mom... So write sometime?"
Kaika smiled, tears of joy filling her eyes, "Mom! I couldn't forget you if I wanted... Thanks..." She hugged Takine tightly, a few tears bleeding into Takine's dress, "I... really.. Like you.... I'll miss you.. But I'll write... Okay?"
Takine kneeled down and hugged Kaika tightly, "My little Thunderbolt.... You've brought me laughter, but I cannot see you cry. Bring that boy home sometime... I'll talk Ozuma out of this nonsense soon enough. And I'll just say you escaped after I brought this food..." She quickly wrapped the bread loaf up, "Take it with you.. As a final gift."
Kaika smiled and hugged her mom tightly one last time, "I will Mom! I WILL!"
Kaika dropped down the ladder and pulled out her old knapsack, filled with a strange bottle, a blanket, and now it held a water jug and a loaf of bread. With a little help from Takine, she pulled on her bag and stepped onto her board. As she drifted into the moonlight, she heard her mother smiling... Somehow...
"KAI!" A little girl darted through the crowd, pushing as hard as possible towards a small boy, lying on the ground, "Oh Kai... What happened?" She seemed terror stricken by the scene. The place was a wreck, things were on fire, things where destroyed. The boy was barely moving on the ground, coughing from the smoke. Once more, she cried, "KAI!" Through broken tears.
At last, the crowd parted, letting the little girl through. She slumped next to the boy, her ankle length light blue hair falling on his face. He had silver and blue spiked hair and normally, his eyes were a mellow tone of gray, non-telling, non-caring. But they were different today... The pupils seemed lost... Like his soul was absent. The shark-like fins on his arms had completely broken off, much like the shape of his pants and black boots. All of his clothing was ripped in several places and covered in dirt. His body twitched uncontrollably.
She gently put his head on her lap and looked down at him. Tears seemed to overflow.... From her purple eyes... As they fell onto his face, he began to wake up. She sighed, "Welcome back to the world Kai.... You moron...."
She sat with him for who knows how long. He twitched and looked at her, "Sorry... Kaika..."
She smiled at him, brushing away her tears, "I don't mind.... But this will postpone our rematch. And Boris will probably murder you."
He moaned, "Don't be like that..." He sighed, rubbing his forehead gently, "I'm.... Sorry... For forgetting out promise... " He gently let his hand fall next to him as he drifted into an unconscience state. Kaika held his head tightly, but the world seemed to fade around her as she was pulled away from him.
The Truth
She awoke in an office, overlooking the entire estate. Pushing off the blanket that had been placed over her, she gently rubbed her head and looked around. Suddenly, she gasped, "KAI!" She grabbed a chain from her pocket and started to whisper something to it when a voice stopped her dead in her tracks, "Don't even think about it. He's not here. He's gone."
She turned, startled at the sound of the voice. Looking up, she quickly lowered her gaze, her face blushing a beat red shade, "Boris! I'm... Sorry... Didn't see you..." She shoved the chain into her pocket and looked down at her white toed boots. Her attire was simple. Just a white tunic over a navy long sleeved shirt. Her pants where think, but slimming and they were the same color as her tunic, with navy stripes down the side. Her face didn't match her outfit. Boris was just your average freaky old guy with half a head of hair, colored purple and gray. He wore a dark purple suit with red beady goggles that seemed to look right through you. He was the headmaster and all- powerful person on the abbey grounds and like a master to the children. Kaika, Kai, and Tala, (A young boy with fiery red hair) hated Boris deeply, but they also fear him.
"Tala! Get in here! IMMEDIATELY!" yelled Boris, tossing his hand at the door. A young boy meekly opened the door and stepped inside, scruffing the orange tip of his white shoes on the carpet, "What?" His hair was fiery and it stuck out in several different places. Two strands hung down in his eyes, but he blew them away as they fell in his eyes. He walked over and stood next to Kaika, gently squeezing her hand and placing something unseen into it before he looked up at Boris through the fire in his eyes.
Boris paced in front of the two for several minutes, rambling about several different things that meant absolutely nothing to what had just happened. It seemed like forever before something caught the duo's attention. ".... And with Kai gone, you'll have to use Black Dranzer.... I guess he couldn't handle it...." Kaika gasped and looked over at Tala, who shook his head and mouthed, "Not yet. Talk to me later, after he shuts up." She stifled a giggled and looked back down.
A few minutes later, he tossed the Beyblade that contained Black Dranzer at Kaika, "Use it well. I want a progress report every now and then..."
Kaika nodded fiercely and snatched the chain from her pocket. Quietly, she began to chant, "Light of Darkness, Darkness of Light. Oath to the Darkness, become my key staff, and my light!"
A brush of a mixture of darkness and light energy swirled around the chain, transforming it into a blob of a swirl of white and blue metal. Soon, it became solid and resembled a key, with a staff attached to the bottom of it. A large blue-green gem was encrypted into the top, surrounded by white metal. She attached the red and black blade to the gem and stood up. Bowing lightly, she exited the room, a nagging feeling on her heart.
What must be done, Must be done
Kaika walked slowly down the hallways stretching from place to place, reaching to the far corners of the abbey. A hand reached out and pulled her around a corner. When Kaika saw who it was, she snarled lightly, "TALA! Gosh, you seem to pop out from places that I don't expect..."
Tala sighed and gently grabbed Kaika's hand, "You.... You..." He stammered, almost unwilling to finish the sentence, "We.... Have to... Stop..."
Kaika's happy face suddenly vanished. Something wasn't right. She kneeled down next to him and looked at him deeply, "Tala! What the heck is wrong? You aren't usually this serious!"
Tala sighed, "You have to seal it... You have to... seal Black Dranzer...." He hesitated to add anything more, feeling he had already screwed up enough.
He gently led Kaika through the tunnels, to a small chamber in the bottomless depths of the abbey. Kaika was dazed and let him drag her about, her hand fumbling for her chain. She looked at Tala and ran up, setting her head on his shoulder, "Okay.... But... Only if you stay with me..."
He gasped, not used to Kaika showing emotion. He closed his eyes and squeezed her hand, "If that is what you wish..."
As the two found themselves inches away from the platform, Kaika stopped. She swung the chain out, releasing her staff. When she saw the platform, she hesitated.
Sealing Black Dranzer
"I can't go through with this Tala! What if I'm not strong enough? What if I can't.... Fully..." Kaika clenched the staff in her hand, turning her knuckles a pure white shade. Her purple eyes seemed to overfill with tears.
Tala gently set his hand on her shoulder and smiled at her, "Trust in me Kaika! You can defeat anything you need to!"
"But you know what will happen if I seal it!" The tears flowed freely now, falling onto the edge of her key-like staff. "If I seal it, we'll be separated! And I won't ever see you...."
Tala shook his head fiercely, "Talking like that makes you sound a lot like Kai and look at what happened! Because of this out-of-control bit beast, he's left us! Boris blew a gasket, Voltaire.... Is Voltaire and... and...." His eyes seemed to glow like a fierce burn Kaika hadn't seen in the longest time, "I won't let us be separated forever! Kai wouldn't want that. I know that."
Kaika slapped Tala on the face, leaving it a smarting red color, "How do you know?" She slumped downward, falling onto her knees, "How do you know?"
Tala touched the mark she left tenderly and closed his eyes, kneeling down to meet Kaika's eyes. He looked at her for a moment and said, "How about we do it together?" She sighed, "Alright."
He gently helped her to her feet and placed his hand on her own, "Do it."
She nodded, fighting back every tear, every sorrow, and every fear. Lifting her arm, with Tala's hand giving her strength, she began to chant, "In the name of the Progentor of Air! I seal the Sacred Spirit of Darkness and Flame! Reside here, so that your evil may never reappear on this planet!"
The spirit hissed loudly and shot into the air, in a rush of fire and up most darkness. It fell with a crash inside its red and black beyblade, chained to the center pole of the deepest depths of the abbey. Then, all was silent.
Tala gently set his head on Kaika's shoulder and sighed, "We did it....."
She smiled and fell back into his arms, "That took a lot..."
The ground beneath them shattered into two pieces. Kaika and Tala held onto each other as tightly as possible, but to no avail. Even the strongest grip wouldn't survive....
Tala yelled, grasping for her fingers, "Kaika! I'll be in your heart that's something our friendship can never divide! Hold onto my memories and then... Someday... I'll find you..."
She smiled and left go, slumping to the ground, "How can I?" She gently brought her hand to the side of her face and waved slowly at Tala, "I fulfilled my duty. But... I will become stronger and I will return to you..."
Tala cupped his mouth in his hands; "Kaika! Hold onto that charm we made together with Kai! Don't lose it, and I'll find you! I promise!"
She nodded, cupping her mouth in her hands, "I know you will, Tala. You've never lied before! Don't EVER forget me!"
A New Beginning
Kaika slumped, reaching out at Tala as he faded away. She grasped at the air and whispered, "Please... Don't go!" But her cries fell away into the night, hitting nothing but wind.
"You're all I needed, and I blew it.... Man... I'm stupid for a ten year old..." Tala rubbed his head, "No.... You're right.. Life isn't that simple...."
Kaika dropped her staff, letting it dissolve into a single black heart. Her blade fell in front of her, her bit beast seemingly staring up at her. She could withhold them no longer. She covered her eyes with her hands and cried.
Tala gently fell to his knees; the magical fog completely eclipsed Kaika... She was only a shadow now.... "NO! I won't... I can't... I promised!"
As the snow began to fall around her a single tear or two escaped her grasp and gently pattered on the bit beast emblem on her beyblade. It began to glow. A translucent white that filled the sky, that is what came from within it.
Tala slammed his fists into the ground, "I couldn't keep you!" As he reached out, to snag her back, he felt arms pull him away and drag him away. With a final glance, he shed a single tear that faded into the night, "I... Does this mean.... What I think it means?"
As Kaika continued to weep, the bit beast summoned itself and covered her from the snow. She gently lifted her head and looked up at her bit beast. She clutched the small charm around her waist and stood up, leaning on her only remaining friend, "We'll get stronger! We'll get STRONGER! Tala! I WILL RETURN!"
The courage through the pain made the bit beast behind her disappear into the blade, but it reappeared, dragging every sacred spirit Kaika had ever seen around her. A smile crept onto her face as the translucent colors spun around her, blowing through her hair and resting in the sky. She closed her eyes and managed a small smile, "Regardless of your warning... The Future doesn't scare me anymore...." She clenched her fists and screamed at the top of her lungs, "I am not afraid! Tala! I WILL return! I will find you!" She quieted down and looked into the fading fog, "I must.... For you.... Are the key... to...."
The bit beasts flew around her and granted her sleep.
Alone
When she awoke, Kaika found herself on a beach, washed up on shore. She staggered to her feet, clutching her blade in one hand, her staff in the other. Her hair had fallen from its tight pigtails and was severely messed up. She gently tugged the white coat off and tucked it inside her parcel. Tidying up as best she could, she walked into town.
She found a small inn, just inside the harbor she'd washed up on. The kind innkeeper rushed the girl into a room and supplied her with a wash basin for cleaning up, refusing any payment.
Kaika sighed and slipped into a pair of white shorts and a light blue tunic and let her hair drop to her waist. She gently tucked the light blue cloak around her shoulders and as she brushed the dust from her eyes, she stared at her reflection. She pushed on the gem in the center of her staff, returning it to a simple chain and charm. With a final look, she slid out of the room and slipped out onto the desert road, holding her blade in her hand.
As she walked along, the sun began to set, leaving a sky full of stars. Normally, she would have stopped to gaze at them, but tonight.... She couldn't even look at them. Tears filled her eyes and seeped out, pattering on the simple charm tied to the belt of her shorts. Inside, it held a picture of Kai, Tala and Kaika. She gently pushed it open and stared at the picture. She managed a tiny smile, as she looked deeper at it. Tala was hogging the camera as always, Kai was leaning against the backdrop and Kaika was laughing at the both of them, happy just as she was.
"I miss you guys so much.... I wish... You were still here..." She held it to her heart and looked up at the stars, "Are you still waiting for me?" Tears slid down her face, passing by the innocence of her smile.
She reattached it to her belt and wiped the tears from her face. With a final glance, she continued to walk down the road, holding her head up as best she could. Before Tala and Kai, she had just been a child blader who found a bit beast in her blade one sunny morning, "But enough of this!" she thought to herself, "I should get going!" Picking up herself, she began to walk towards the mountains...
Kaika traveled for around three days, stopping here and there at the public stops along the way. She had not ripped her cord since she had sealed Black Dranzer four days earlier.... But this was soon to change.
One day, as she was walking, a little boy stumbled into her path. He looked to be six or seven, a few years younger than herself. He was crying, so Kaika walked over to him to check on him. She held out her hand, "You alright? That was a nasty fall you took!"
He whimpered lightly, taking her hand, "No.... These mean kids from the village over destroyed my beyblade!" He held up the shattered remains of a primitive, yet obviously treasured, beyblade. Kaika clenched her teeth and helped the little one to his feet. "Where are they?
. The little boy led the angered Kaika to a small Bey Dish just inside a thick forest. Kaika grinned and unhooked the chain. Slashing it outward, it morphed into the Oath of Darkness. She hooked her blade to the tip of it and glared at the trees, "Whoever destroyed this kid's blade had better show up in front of me and they had better do it RIGHT NOW."
Dunga Appears
A boy about the same age as Kaika dropped from the tree. His hair was blonde, but most of it was hidden under the red bandana on his head. He wore a pair of yellow pants and a red tunic with fancy embroidery around the collar. He smirked some what evilly. The little boy behind Kaika peeped and hid behind her. Kaika nodded. The boy in front of her was rather large for his age and he didn't look like a push over.
The boy smirked, "I'm Dunga! Whoever you are, you can't beat me!" He laughed heartily, nearly driving Kaika nuts.
She stuck her wand in his face, "Put your blade where your mouth is and let's determine who's stronger. I win, you apologize to this poor kid."
He chuckled, "I never lose!" He attached his blade to a standard launcher, "LET IT RIP!" He ripped it hard and the red blade he used spun around, taunting Kaika, "Vortex Ape!"
Kaika twirled her staff and slammed it into the ground, sending her blade into the center of the dish, "Go. Make this short and sweet."
Almost immediately, Kaika's white and silver blade began to overpower Vortex Ape. It swung behind him each time he made an attack. Kaika stuck her staff under her arm and looked at Dunga, "Please. This isn't even a challenge."
"Grr...." Dunga was feeling it now, he was losing, and badly, "VORTEX APE! GET A GRIP! WE CAN STILL WIN!" The center of his blade reacted and in a flash of white, an ape-like bit beast sprung into action. It raced over and started to
Kaika smiled, "Go on. Try! I won't work!" She shook her head at Dunga and refocused on her blade, "Let's go! AERO STRIKE!" The whole of her blade began to glow an angry shade of light blue. It sprung into the air and continually hammered the bit beast, shredding it with each strike.
Finally, Dunga threw in the towel, "Hey! Don't screw my blade! I give up!"
Kaika grinned, recalling her blade to her hand, "Good. Now, be a good boy and apologize. Also offer to repair his blade." Seeing his reluctant gaze, she ordered, "NOW." When he still didn't move, she stalked over and smacked him hard with her staff, "I SAID NOW!"
"Ouch!!" He rubbed his head and reluctantly apologized, "Sorry kid..."
Kaika tapped her foot, "AND?!?!?! What else?"
He sighed, "And.... If I could, I'll repair your blade."
The little boy smirked and ran off, "Thanks, but I just wanted you to be sorry!"
Dunga turned around, incredibly irritated, "WHO THE HECK ARE YOU AND WHY THE HECK ARE YOU HERE AND WHY THE HECK DID YOU FIGHT AND WHY THE HECK DID YOU WIN!?!?!?!?!"
Kaika laughed, returning her staff to its chain form. After she reclipped it on her belt, she looked at him, "You have anger issues. Why don't you chill and start over?"
He steamed, stomping over to her, " FINE! I"LL SIT RIGHT HERE!" He sat down on the ground. He glared at her, arms across his chest.
Kaika stuck her hands on her hips and sat down, "Kaika Misaki and I washed up on shore a few days ago. I fought you because you destroyed something important and I won because I've been blading since I was little."
The Clan of the Saint Shields
He gasped, "You do look like her, the girl from the elder's prophecy!" Excitedly, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into a camp, filled with people looking like Dunga. They all stopped what they were doing and stared at her. Small children ran up to her and laughed, hugging her tightly. Kaika was thrilled
The village was small, but the life it had to it was amazing. It felt so much like the rows of bunk beds back at the abbey that Kaika couldn't help but smile. Kids were Bey Blading in homemade dishes, yelling at each other. Kaika smiled and hurried to catch up with Dunga.
People tended to their crops, singing happily in the sunlight. All though Kaika did not know where the heck she was, something about this place made her smile and strangely enough, it made her think of Kai and Tala. She thought about them deeply as the duo walked along the dirt path.
Dunga whistled happily, bringing out three other children. One seemed barely out of diapers. His hair was a cute dark green color and was spiked in several directions. His eyes were light brown and he wore the same thing as Dunga. Kaika bowed politely and turned to look at the others.
The second child was around Kaika's age, maybe a little younger. He had big scary gray eyebrows and deep red eyes. They seemed so much like Tala's that she almost broke down crying. His hair was mostly gray, with a fiery red spike down the center.
The third child was female and she seemed to want to hurt Dunga badly. Her hair was blue, like Kaika's, but it was a darker shade and it wasn't as long.
Kaika slowly moved away from the four, a little bit lost, "Um... Hi?"
The girl glared evilly at Dunga and grabbed Kaika by the wrist, dragging her away from the boys. Smiling at Kaika, she said, "I'm Miriam." She pointed at the little boy, "That's Joseph, my little brother," she pointed at the boy with the bushy eyebrows, "That's Ozuma, he's kinda like our leader." And finally, she glared at Dunga, "And that's Dunga. He's really mean and a hot head."
Kaika laughed, "Sounds like someone else I know."
Miriam laughed and dragged her into a hut on the edge of town. A middle aged couple sat on one side of the hut, talking with the elderly, but fit, village leader. He wore an outfit more suited for an elder's position. It was the same color as the other villagers, but it was much more fancy. He was almost bald, with a long white beard. He turned in surprise as the four children entered. Smiling, he motioned for Kaika to move closer.
Kaika hesitated lightly. Miriam helped her along a little by gently pushing her towards the others, nodding her head in approval.
Kaika sighed and kneeled down on the empty cushion between the two other people. Looking at her travel stained clothing, she waited for him to speak.
The elder laughed, "Child, there is no reason to fear me, although I see you have much respect. I am Elder Tenakazu, leader of the tiny village. What is your name?"
"I'm... Kaika..." she sighed heavily and tried to force a smile. She was still trembling, but not as fiercely.
Elder Tenakazu nodded at the woman next to Kaika knowingly. The woman had the same hair color as the spike on Ozuma's haircut. It was long, reaching to the back of her knees. Smiling gently, she placed her hand on Kaika's shoulder, "I am Ozuma's mother. You two seem to have met. You are the child of legend. We would like you to stay here and train. You seem to have no home, so you are welcome at my house, as a part of our family."
Kaika looked at her, slightly confused, "You mean.... Like... You'd be.. My mother?" Her face lit up slightly, "I like that idea... Maybe..." She clenched the fabric of her white tunic in her hands.
The lady smiled, "My name is Takine, but I have no other children besides Ozuma... You may be my little girl. If you'd wish so."
The elder smiled, leaning back, "Then it is decided! Kaika, please come to the bonfire tonight. I will explain a little more to you then. Takine will help you get some new clothing and some food into you."
The Bonfire
Later that night, as the fire crackled, shooting embers into the sky, the entire village seemed to be gathered around the flames. People laughed gaily, recounting the day's events. Kaika felt rather uncomfortable, barely knowing the language spoken. The new clothes she had been given were nice, but she longed for her white tunic. She sighed and placed her hands under her chin.
Suddenly, Elder Tenakazu stood over Kaika. Chuckling softly, he looked at the startled girl and with a gentle wave from his walking stick, he began to sing, "A single thread on the tapestry, though its color brightly shines, can never see its purpose in the pattern of the grand design! And the stone that sits on the very top of the mountain's mighty face, doesn't think it's more important than the stones that form the base!"
Kaika looked at him puzzled slightly, "Huh?" She was completely lost.
Dunga chuckled, nudging Miriam in the ribs. She turned and smacked him, "Freak!"
He continued, smiling broadly "So how can you see what your life is worth? Or where your value lies? You can never see, through the eyes of man. You must look at your life, look at your life through heaven's eyes!"
Miriam and Ozuma gently grabbed her by the arms and began to circle around the fire with the other villagers. They danced merrily, singing, " Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!"
Kaika thought she would explode, "Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!" Suddenly, they stopped and looked at the elder, who stood in the center.
" A lake of gold in the desert sand is less than a cool fresh spring. And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy is greater than the richest king! If a man loses everything he owns, has he really lost his worth? Or is it a beginning of a new and brighter birth?"
"So how can you measure the worth of a man, in wealth, or strength or size? In how much he gained, or how much he gave. The answer will come, The answer will come to him who tries, to look at his life through Heaven's Eyes?"
"And that's why we share all we have with you, though there's little to be found. When all you've got is nothing, there's a lot to go around!"
"Though life can escape and be blown about by the winds of change and time. And although you'll never know all the steps, you must learn to join the dance! You must learn to join the dance!"
Kaika giggled as the circle dancing began again starting slow and picking up the pace, " Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!"
Dunga tripped over Miriam, tripping to both of them, "AH!"
The elder joined, sending the circle into frenzy, "Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai! Lai, lai, lai, lai, little lai, lai!!"
He stopped momentarily, slowing the circle, "So how do you judge what a man is worth, by what he builds or buys? You can never see with your eyes on earth! Look at your life through Heaven's Eyes!"
With that final word, the circle spun around and party continued until dawn broke through the sky. Sleepily, Kaika fumbled back to her new home and flopped down on her cot next to Ozuma. Kaika laughed. Just like Tala and Kai, he fell asleep as soon as he touched the cot. She whispered lightly "Good night, my little brother..." Smiling, she fell into a deep sleep.......
Memories
"This dream again...
It's a nightmare...
Oh, please don't make me see it again!"
The Triforce of Light...
The source of ultimate power...
It stands on the pedestal of time...
A flash of light, takes you back... You cannot escape from me...
Kaika: "KAI! You aren't supposed to touch that!"
Kai: But Kaika, it's so, it's just so... Powerful... I must have it... - reaches for the black and green blade-
Tala: -tackles Kai out of the way- No! None of us can touch the dark bit beast!
Kaika: -looks at the blade- Tala... Something... About that blade...Is drawing me in... -reaches for it-
Tala: -shoves Kai on the ground- No! Kaika! -holds her back-
"No... No... Don't touch it... Don't..."
Kaika woke up, sweating horribly. Fumbling, she held the crystal charm to her heart and slipped out into the night and walked to the outskirts of town, sitting down on a stump, hold onto a bit of hope that she might see the boys again...
Losing False Hope
"Be brave Kaika... Come on... Get a grip!" As tears began to tumble over, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her left hand, still clutching her charm. Sliding off of the stump, she half kneeled on the ground, "I'm so sorry..."
"Wow... The stars... Are so beautiful... Oh..." The tears seemed to take control of her body. On the path, leading to Russia, she cried bitterly, dropping the charm and gripping her temples.
The sadness was overwhelming. It bore into the depths of her soul, tearing at the memories. Each picture, each memory, each remembrance, flashed through her mind, tearing at her emotions. She trembled as she pushed herself up, off the ground and leaned against the stump. As she looked at the sky, shedding a few final tears, a different female voice gently spoke, "Are you alright?"
She turned towards the voice, half expecting to see her new mother behind her. Brushing away the last drops of her tears, she looked at the voice and was deeply startled by who she saw. It was Ozuma, Miriam, Dunga and Joseph that had poked out into the cold to try and find out where she had gone. All were wrapped in blankets, except for Dunga, who was shivering in the cold. Miriam dipped down and gently hugged Kaika; "I'll ask you again, you alright?"
Ozuma hesitated lightly before kneeling down; "I heard you get up and leave... If you're upset, you should say something, you know?"
Kaika sighed and closed her eyes, slowly falling asleep in Miriam's arms. Miriam smiled and giggled softly. Looking at Ozuma, she nodded, "She's coming around... Just like you said."
He nodded grimly, "If she is the one, we'll be leaving sooner than I expected..."
The Test
The following morning and many mornings after were filled with training. Ozuma and Dunga complained a lot, but Kaika just laughed and did as she was told. To her, this was nothing. But one day, around two months after she arrived, something happened...
She woke up at dawn one morning and after eating a small breakfast, she slipped outside with Ozuma. Mid-way, they joined Joseph, Miriam, and Dunga. A man from the tribe approached the five. Immediately, Ozuma, Miriam and Dunga bowed deeply. Joseph and Kaika looked at each other and dipped down, copying their siblings. The man gently tapped Kaika's shoulder, "Show us what you can do."
Kaika nodded seriously, but inside, she was thrilled. It seemed that although the clan excepted her, they believed that she wasn't as strong as the others in Beyblading skills. She stood up and began to pull the charm from her pocket. She stopped and pulled out a beginner's shooter instead. Dunga looked at, slightly confused. Kaika shook her head and looked back at the man, "What am I to address you as?"
The man stepped backwards, startled by Kaika's politeness; "You may call me Jesse. Formalities are not necessary." He pointed at a series of grassy hills, with a short gap in-between, "Can you jump that?"
Kaika smirked, "Oh yeah..." She tapped the toe of her foot against the ground and took off like a bullet, kicking up the dust. Her speed seemed almost impossible to a normal human.... Ozuma shielded his eyes and stood in front of Miriam, shielding her completely from the blast. Looking up, he almost died laughing. Jesse was covered in dirt and as he peeled it off of his face, his jaw dropped.
Kaika took the jump perfectly, landing on the next hill over. Waving, she stepped a few feet back and leapt back over to village road. Walking, she returned to Jesse, "Sorry about that.... Didn't mean to hurt ya. Really, ya got to know that."
He laughed and gently took Kaika by the wrist. Almost running into an old lady, he half-dragged Kaika into the elder's tent. Panting, he said to the startled elder, "Kaika.... Has.... More... Talent... than I've... ever... seen."
The elder laughed, "Slow down Jesse. What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's the most powerful person and blader I've ever seen!"
"WHAT!?!?!?!?!"
"Yup. I think she is the one from the legend. She fits the profile!"
Kaika sighed, "Drec ec cu luhvicehk... E's kuehk du ced rana yht fyed dem drao crid ib....."
The elder gasped, "What did you just say!?!?!"
Kaika looked at him quizzically, "This is so confusing... I'm going to sit here and wait til they shut up....."
The elder fell backwards, "NO! I mean, what tongue are you speaking?"
"I can't tell you that. It's for me to know and you to never know."
He stood up and gently pushed Kaika into a small room outside the town limits. Ozuma and the others followed. Nodding at the dish he said, "Summon."
The Summoning
Kaika nodded and pulled the chain from her pocket. She thrust it outward, releasing the Keystaff. She spun it round and round, above her head, to the sides and finally, she threw it into the air, releasing her beyblade. It spun fiercely in the center of the dish, following the path of her Keystaff. Kaika closed her eyes and shouted, "LUGIA! Go!"
A shrill shriek was followed by a shot of white light. The white shadow of a bird appeared. It stretched its white wings, bringing the full image of the bit beast to life. It was a white bird with a mirror row of blue feathers on its back. It tail was white, but the tip there were three blue spikes, streaking outwards, shooting into the night. They seemed to be able to pierce anything... The eyes, though normally a steel blue, were a yellow color, glowing in the dimly lit arena. It swooped to Kaika, touching her cheek with it beak. She tapped it gently before pointing at the brick wall, "Aeroblast! Aim, Prepare, DESTRUCTION! CRUSH THEM ALL!"
Lugia shrieked and dove at the wall, shattering it into many pieces. It roared at Kaika before returning to its blade. The people standing by applauded. Even Dunga had something nice to say, "WOW! I'm so glad you kicked my butt before that thing showed up!"
Miriam sighed, "Yes, you might have lost Vortex Ape for good!"
Kaika laughed along with the others and look at Jesse and the Elders, "Did... I do a good job?"
Jesse burst out laughing, "You did better than that! Kaika, you have the right to stay with our clan and you will join Ozuma to capture the four evil spirits!"
"Huh?" Kaika sighed, "I have no clue what you're talking about!"
Suddenly, a boy darted into the tent, gasping for air. Looking at Jesse, he said, "Stranger... Outside the village... He knows Kaika..."
Kaika took a step back, squeezing her charm, "Tala... Is it you?" She ran from the room and raced through the streets. As she did, thoughts pushed through her mind...
The Nightmare Revived
"KAI!" A little girl darted through the crowd, pushing as hard as possible towards a small boy, lying on the ground, "Oh Kai... What happened?"
"...his eyes were a mellow tone of gray, non-telling, non-caring. But they were different today... The pupils seemed lost... Like his soul was absent..."
....She sat with him for who knows how long. He twitched and looked at her, "Sorry... Kaika..."
Kaika fell to her knees, ramming her head into the ground, "No, no no! I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THESE THINGS AGAIN! Oh... Kai... Tala..."
The boy "captured" outside the city limits was indeed Tala. He heard Kaika screaming and broke from his captors. His courage activated more strength and speed and it pushed him to Kaika, letting him get there first. He bent down and held her gently, "Kaika... Calm down... Shush... It's all right..."
Kaika blinked and slowly, things came into focus. She looked up at Tala and slowly lowered her arms, "Tala? Is that you? My gosh... Is it really?"
He hugged her gently, "Yup. Told you I'd find you..."
She smiled and gently closed her eyes, "I had to summon again..."
He nodded, "I know, that's how I found ya. Lugia guided me to you."
"GET YOUR GRIMMY OUTSIDER HANDS OFFA MY SISTER AND DO IT RIGHT THIS INSTANT!"
Tala turned, startled, "Sister!?!?! What the heck?"
A Bitter-Sweet Reunion
Kaika tried to sit up, "Ozuma... Don't..." She couldn't finish her sentence because she started coughing. She clutched her chest and breathed heavily. Tala looked down at her in alarm, "Kaika! I knew this would happen!"
She tried to smile, but her chest erupted in a fit of coughs, "Sorry..."
He gently set her down in front of him and reached into his parcel. He nearly ripped the thing apart, trying to find something. Pulling out a green-caped vial, he popped it open and reached for his canteen. Pouring the contents inside, he handed it to Kaika, "Stupid me, forgeting you had no vials."
Kaika snickered and began to drink the liquid, "That's...your...fault...buddy..." It seemed to take an effect on her quickly. Slipping down, she began to sleep.
Tala sighed heavily when Kaika slipped into a peaceful sleep. Setting her gently on the ground, he turned around and looked at Ozuma and the others, "Who the heck are you all?"
Ozuma was so angry, his eyes seemed to burn with rage. He clenched his fists and stomped over to Tala. Raising his hand, he brought it down with a swoop and slapped Tala across the face. Hard.
Tala chuckled, rubbing his smarting cheek, "You know, just before we were separated, Kaika hit me. But you hit me harder."
A look down at Kaika pushed Tala forward, "Before you say it, I'm not leaving. Kaika means a bit more to me than you do. Her immune system... She's not... Oh why do I bother?" He pushed up a silver and blue blade, "You see, you're just in the way."
Ozuma's face tightened, "Fine. We'll do it your way."
Tala sighed and gently helped Kaika to her feet. As weak as she was, she managed to hobble along side him to the battle stage. She looked up at him and murmured, "Don't lose... Please... Don't lose... I want to see... You around me more..."
The Abandoned Church
The corridor that Ozuma and the others lead them to was dark and spooky. Kaika felt a presence there as they walked through the battered doors. It was an old cathedral, worn and abandoned. Kaika grimaced, "Tala won't... have... it... easy..."
Tala gently set Kaika into on the pews and covered her with his jacket. True concern shot through his system when he touched her burning forehead. Hesitantly, he left her side and walked towards the "altar" and the beydish that awaited him.
A clash of frustrated claws!
For a few long moments after the duo faced each other, the only sound heard was the wind. The feelings Tala had for Kaika were pushed into his fury, into his blade. He slammed the silver and navy blade onto the end of his gun-like launcher and pointed it at Ozuma.
Ozuma narrowed his eyes, smacking his red and black blade onto the Shield Launcher. He lost all sense of space and emotion and was filled with rage. Nothing could stop him, or so he thought.
Dunga stepped in between the two of them and slashed his arm down, "Let it rip!"
Tala shot his wrist upward, releasing his blade with a powerful oomph. He stuck the pistol revolver in its sheath and stared at Ozuma, a blank expression shown on his face.
Ozuma also released his blade and became wrapped in the battle. "Flash Leopard! FULL THROTLE ATTACK!" The blade reacted and charged towards Tala.
Tala responded with a quick pass to the right, just barely avoiding Flash Leopard. He raised an eyebrow, "So... You think just attacks will work.... No... They won't."
Tala raised his arm into the air, "Sorry. But Kaika is mine. WOLFBORG! Winter Warning Blizzard!" The spirit of Tala's blade, Wolfborg, howlled at the sound of his master's request and shot up into the air. It looked like a white wolf with a silver and blue double-tail. Snarling, it leapt into the air and blew a breathe of cold whiteness that covered all.
Ozuma became uncomfortable in the chilling frost. He wrapped his arms around his chest, bending down on one knee. He couldn't understand why that guy, Tala, wasn't cold. He had only a white tee shirt on underneath that jacket he'd given to Kaika, yet Tala didn't seem bothered.
Tala's eyes turned a pure shade of white. Thrusting his hand out, he said, "Finish it..." Snarling a final time, the wolf shot straight at FL and knocked him away. Tala reclaimed his blade and walked over to Kaika. Kneeling down, he didn't seem to notice Ozuma and Dunga creeping up on him until it was too late.
All he saw... Was absolute darkness....
Kaika
Kaika's eyes flashed open as Tala was being dragged away. Shocked and startled, she tried to get to her feet, but nothing would listen to her. It was as if her body was being controlled by something else. Her head darted side to side and as her eyes landed on Ozuma, she began to understand. She was being held back by Dunga.
"No more. Not now, not ever." Forcefully shoving herself up, she said, "I AM NOT A PAWN!"
Ozuma cackled, not noticing Kaika, "She is mine Tala... She is MINE!"
Tala laughed, spotting Kaika with her staff, a few feet behind Ozuma, "Then control her!" He stared at her and winked, "Return when ya can. World Championship starts soon.... Come for our final battle?"
"I wouldn't miss it!" Kaika winked back, "Nope! You're the only one with that privilege!"
Ozuma hissed and stepped back, "Where the heck did you come from?"
Kaika rolled her eyes, "I WAS unconscious, but now I'm not. And you... Are toast."
Ozuma backed off. He was pretty much screwed from his last battle. He couldn't handle another one. Snapping his fingers, Dunga grabbed her arms and held her slightly above the ground. Ozuma laughed cynically, "Stupid girl.... You belong to me. Your destiny is mine alone."
Kaika huffed, struggling as best she could, "Hey! I don't belong to anyone, specifically not you!"
Ozuma crossed his arms across his chest and laughed, "We'll see... Dunga! Take her to our tree house in the back of the woods and lock her up for a few days or until she does as I say."
"Woods? Fine with me! But eh. Don't get your hopes up!" Kaika closed her eyes and the Oath to Darkness snapped on the chain around her neck, "But my Key-Staff stays with me. Besides, if you touched it, you might not survive."
After tying her hands together, Dunga led the rather impudent Kaika through the woods. As they neared the exit, a familiar sight caught their glance. Her old stuff from the abbey! Inside that stash, hidden amongst the open trunk trees, was her old equipment she'd hidden right before she challenged Dunga. Her Abbey ID was there and so was her hoverboard. If she waited, she might just be able to escape the twisted Saint Shield Clan
But... Not today...
Captivity and Release
And so, Kaika's two month long captivity began. The room itself was rather large. Perfect for pacing. The floor was made of wood and the simple windows were boarded up. A small futon sat on the floor in the middle of the room. Miriam had brought some fresh blankets for the futon, but Kaika just nodded and continued to lean against the wall.
Miriam and Takine would bring her a jug of water and a loaf of bread every other day. Again, Kaika would just nod or completely ignore it. Although Miriam felt the same feelings as Ozuma, Takine knew better. She was... Beginning to understand.
Everyday, Kaika pounded on the floors and practiced simple turns with her blade. Ozuma had indeed tried to steal her Key-Staff. Each time they touched it or grabbed it, it would teleport back into Kaika's hand. Finally, they gave up and left her alone.
As she looked at the moon every night, she thought of the promise she had made, "I wouldn't miss it!" She sighed and smiled softly, a tear escaping down her cheek, "But I did.... Sorry Tala.... I.. I couldn't help you...."
Takine had had enough. She had been delivering bread and water when she had heard her daughter's pitiful cry. Slowly opening the door, she smiled at Kaika, " You may be the one of destiny.... But your heart isn't with us... Go home Kaika... But please... I like being your mom... So write sometime?"
Kaika smiled, tears of joy filling her eyes, "Mom! I couldn't forget you if I wanted... Thanks..." She hugged Takine tightly, a few tears bleeding into Takine's dress, "I... really.. Like you.... I'll miss you.. But I'll write... Okay?"
Takine kneeled down and hugged Kaika tightly, "My little Thunderbolt.... You've brought me laughter, but I cannot see you cry. Bring that boy home sometime... I'll talk Ozuma out of this nonsense soon enough. And I'll just say you escaped after I brought this food..." She quickly wrapped the bread loaf up, "Take it with you.. As a final gift."
Kaika smiled and hugged her mom tightly one last time, "I will Mom! I WILL!"
Kaika dropped down the ladder and pulled out her old knapsack, filled with a strange bottle, a blanket, and now it held a water jug and a loaf of bread. With a little help from Takine, she pulled on her bag and stepped onto her board. As she drifted into the moonlight, she heard her mother smiling... Somehow...