Disclaimer: Don't own Beyblade, sadly

The Bladebreakers were finally having some time to relax after the hectic schedule of over three months. The tournament in Australia had been a tough battle, but the team had won yet again, and Tyson reigned as the World Champion for the fourth time. The opponents, with the very talented F Dynasty teaming up with the new team Angel Wings had given them a tough fight. In fact, when Daichi tied with young Ryan from Angel Wings and Max lost to his capable team mate Charlie, Tyson had lost all hope. But the young lad had managed to beat Julia, severely damaging his blade to the point he couldn't compete in the next round. Fortunately, Charlie's blade was in no better condition, and they were given time to repair their blades. It was this opportunity Tyson utilized to win the match, although it had been one hard thing to do.

Right now, all the Bladebreakers, who had dropped the name G Revolution after BEGA lost, were chilling at Tyson's dojo.

"Guys, what should we do?" Tyson exclaimed, "It's getting boring!"

"Watch a movie?" Daichi suggested.

"Go to the mall!" Hillary cried out.

"Have a picnic," Ray smiled.

"Play video games?" Kenny added thoughtfully.

Tyson pondered over everyone's suggestions as they were all so good. However, this time he was agreeing with Ray. Picnic was definitely a good idea, especially if they could get pizza and coke. And cookies. And chips. And cake. And... Well.

"I say we go to picnic!" Tyson declared his decision, earning a smile from Ray.

"Can we please go to shopping too?" Hillary said earnestly.

"Sure Hil, we can get ourselves some-" Ray started but was cut off by Tyson, "Oh come on Hillary! Shopping can wait! We're going on a picnic with pizza!"

"Why you, Tyson!"

The captain of the team took a glance at the bickering pair and caught Daichi imitating the world champion. Smirking, Kai noticed that even Ray and Kenny were having a good time watching the fight. However, the Dranzer holder was concerned about the missing member of the team. Nobody seemed to have noticed that he spent lesser and lesser time with them. The Bladebreakers were under the impression that Max was maybe tired after the tournament, but if there was one thing Kai had learnt, it was to study body language. And Max's body language suggested his absence wasn't caused by tiredness but something much deeper than that.

So even as the kids fought and enjoyed themselves, Kai got up silently and went out into the garden to find young Mr Tate, brooding by himself. Kai acknowledged that he had a soft corner for Max, it was impossible not to. The young boy was so innocent, so nice that Hiwatari was involuntarily very fond of him. Of course, he'd never admit it openly, nor would he admit that despite having a deep respect for his blading style, Kai could not consider Max to be in the same league as Tyson or even Ray. He knew if this sentiment was known it might cause a low morale in the boy, so he kept this thought to himself.

However, at the moment, Max was too quiet for Kai to ignore him, and so he silently settled down next to the boy and was shocked to see tears in his eyes.

"Maxie..." he whispered, not knowing what to do. Had it been that he was down, Kai could have done something. But he was crying, literally crying. He didn't know how to handle his usually chirpy teammate's tears.

"Hey Kai," Max said, trying to keep his voice from cracking, furiously wiping away his tears. But then, after a few seconds, they were back again.

"What happened Maxie?" Kaisa asked, surprised at his own extremely gentle tone. He was even more astounded as he put his hand on the younger boy's shoulder.

"N-nothing."

"Max."

"I'm just a little homesick, that's it Kai. I was thinking about visiting mom..."

And Kai knew he was lying. After all, he had visited Judy before coming to Japan, and he was living with his dad right now anyway. There was no reason for homesickness right now.

The older boy squeezed his shoulder gently, perhaps telling Max that he wouldn't go until he told him. And Max, being the emotional guy he was, just let the emotions flow.

"I- I lost again K-Kai. Charlie completely floored me..."

"It happens Maxie, the best of us lose sometimes-"

"But I lose every time," Max whispered almost inaudibly, "Every time Kai. However much I try... I could never beat any of you guys, I could beat no one. Every time, I just end up being defeated. Every time, someone else has to save bit beast. Every time I let everyone down."

"Never doubt your capa-"

"I wonder Kai," Max said and finally turned to look at the captain, tears streaming down his cheeks, "Should I even continue blading any more?"

Hey guys! So this is my first Beyblade story, and I'm delighted to start it. It'll be a very short one, 2-3 chapters more maybe. Please do leave a review and let me know what you think of it! Thanks for reading!