Maxwell: Okay, its been over a year since I've updated this. I went back and fixed up the disclaimer and the way it was posted so it doesn't look so…horrible. Um, the first chapter has no changes to the story so, if you've read and are re-reading….then don't worry, all the same lameness from last year.

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade. I don't want to be told I'm cliché cause, you've may read this type of story, but not from me so….screw off. The title, plot, and lameness are mine. I stole it from no one so don't hype on it.

(This first chapter may be Kai centric. I did not intend on having it this way, but, that's how it worked out. And I'm not playing favorites being that I am a major Kai fan, so don't get all pissed about it, or don't read the story.)

Despite Appearances

Chapter One

The rain beat down hard on the limo which pulled in front of the mansion. The driver stepped out and opened an umbrella to shield himself from the rain. He walked to the other side of the car and opened the door for the passenger.

"We're here, Master Hiwatari." He announced with a bow.

The boy inside had grey/midnight blue hair. His eyes were a blood red and stood out brightly against his milky complexion and black clothing. He wore black, baggy pants, covered with zippers, chains, and safety pins. He wore a black tank-top with a skull on the front; underneath he wore a torn, long sleeved, fishnet shirt. His nails were painted black and he wore black eyeliner to complete his appearance. (Since I couldn't come up with a way to describe them; those blue marks he has on his face are still there, just black. And if this is a problem, don't read the story.)

"Master Hiwatari!" The driver exclaimed. "Why are you still dressed like a hooligan!"

The boy did not respond. Instead, he got out of the car, and into the pouring rain. Doing so caused his black eyeliner to run down his face like black tears. His hair lost all of its gel (1), and spiked in a downward style. His loose clothing suddenly tightened against his curved body (2) as he made his way up the steps to the house. He opened the door and stepped inside. It was amazing. Everything looked as if it cost thousands of dollars (and it did), with all of the gold and marble statues, the expensive furniture. Before he could take his first step, he was stopped.

"Master Hiwatari!" The driver yelled as he ran into the house. "Do not even think of stepping on the rug as of now!" He pulled the boy back to the doorway. "Please remove your shoes this instant Master Kai, as you have already tracked in enough mud as it is!"

"Fine, Barker, don't have a cow." Kai replied. He kicked off his dirty sneakers and proceeded to the living room. As he went to take a step onto the carpet, he was stopped again. "What is it now?" He asked impatiently.

"Do you plan on meeting your Grandfather dressed like that?" Barker asked.

"Is there a problem with that?" Kai asked.

"Yes, there is." Barker told him. He handed Kai a small pile of folded clothing. "You are to shower and change into these."

Kai looked at the clothes with dismay. "You've got to be kidding me." He said mockingly.

"I'm sorry to disagree, Master Kai." Barker told him. "Now please hurry." He stressed on the word hurry.

-----

Kai toweled his hair dry as he checked himself out in the mirror. He glared at his reflection. 'I can't believe I have to dress like some preppy freak.' He complained to himself. 'I didn't even want to come meet the old bastard.'

There was a knock at his door. A young girl opened it and poked her head inside. "Master Kai? Are you decent?" She asked.

"Shouldn't you have asked that before entering?" He asked her bitterly.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She apologized. "Your grandfather is waiting for you in the dining room when you are ready." She informed him.

"Whatever." He replied before throwing his towel on the ground and leaving the room.

The young maid watched him walk down the hall, and head into the dining room. She sighed heavily and leaned against the wall. "I hope he doesn't stay. What a stuck up little fu-" She began. "Oh, Barker-san!"

Barker smiled at her, gently. "He's not as bad as he seems. Normally he's a nice child, but he recently lost his parents. Please give him a chance."

"Well, if under those circumstances…" She trailed off.

"Thank you." Barker said before heading into the dining room. Upon entering, Barker overheard Kai and his grandfather speaking.

"So, Kai," Voltare began. "How have you been? It's been ages since I've last seen you."

"So I should answer you?" Kai asked bitterly.

Voltare laughed. "Boy, you're stubborn, just like your father." He shifted in his seat. "But I guess you would be a little nervous, I mean-"

"Who said I was nervous?" Kai asked. "I last seen you when I was four; I don't want to start any relationships now."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Voltare said sincerely. "I was just hoping to help you during your time of need, being that your parents are gone."

"They died, that was a month ago." Kai, bitterly, replied. "And I don't recall seeing you at the funeral."

"I'm sorry about that." He told the teen. "I tried to make it, but I was out of country at the time."

"Well I don't need anyone now, my mourning period has passed." Kai explained. "So what else do you want?"

"Well, now that your parents are gone, and you have no other relatives available to take you in, you'll be living with me." Voltare told him, cheerfully.

"They weren't available? I heard they didn't want me." Kai told him, his tone quite smug. "They didn't want a freak in their households, didn't want another pain in the ass kid."

Voltare let out a laugh. "You sure are a spunky one!" He told the teen. "I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

"Sure, whatever." Kai told.

"Now, about school," Voltare started, but Kai didn't allow him to finish.

"Don't plan on sending me back to that all-boys prep school." Kai told him. "Not if you want a happy life."

"Ah, yes, the boys academy." Voltare said. "Well, since that school is out of the picture, how about one of these other fine academies?" He asked. He handed Kai some pamphlets. "Do any of these schools suit you?"

"No." Kai replied.

"You didn't even look at them." Voltare said.

"Because I don't want to go to another one of those all-boy, puppet master, schools." Kai told him.

"Kai, you are a Hiwatari, and having one of these academies on your records will look good." Voltare argued. "People expect to see your name at one of these elite schools!"

"That's why." Kai explained. "I'd rather go to one of these local schools. I'll still get an education there. Plus, it'll cost you hell of a lot less." He pushed his seat back and stood. "And if you have a problem with that, I'll just move into my own place."

"So you do plan on staying?" Voltare asked, quite surprised.

"I'll stay, but only, if I don't get stuck at one of those academies." Kai told him.

Voltare sighed heavily. "Fine, as long as you stay, why should I argue with you?"

"You won't." Kai told him. "Now that that has been decided, I'm going to sleep. Good night, grandfather." Kai said before leaving the room.

-Despite Appearances-

Maxwell: Looking back….horrible! I re-read for a laugh and ended up mortified….but yeah.

Okay, again, I know as an anime boy his hair comes naturally spiky but…that seems lame for this.

Boys have to have nice bodies, not muscled up, but not….ecks?...ya know?