Chapter 1

'Tyson Granger'

'Here'

'Max Tate'

'Here'

'Ray Kon'

'Here'

'Kai Hiwatari'

Kai looked over at the instructor. He had always hated being 'Hiwatari'. He knew it was necessary, but he hated it all the same. Why did he have to be the one that was kept away from the world.

'Kai Hiwatari!'

'Yeah'

The Bladebreakers were spending the day at a local sports centre. They had spent most of the day showing off their skills to the crowd of fans. However, their instructor and supervisor had insisted on taking a register before they departed for their hotel. As they left the building, Tyson ran over towards his captain.

'Oi, Kai, you deaf or something. Why didn't you answer the guy?'

Kai's only response was the glare that seemed to come naturally. Tyson, however, didn't give up. He was used to Kai's attitude, and never let it put him off.

'What is your problem, you seem even more of a prick than usual, if that's possible.'

Kai wondered if he could use this chance to put his training to good use, but thought better than it. Tyson just wasn't worth the effort. Turning away, he walked down the nearest alley, away from the team.

'You have no idea how lucky you are Tyson. If you had said that to me, I would have punched you.'

'Max is right Tyson, you would have deserved it.'

'Oh come on you two, give me a break. Anyway, we need to get back to the hotel and meet Kenny. He'll nag us if we're late.

Kai walked away into the night, darkness steadily swallowing him. He didn't stop until he reached the river, where he sat down and allowed his thoughts to wash over him. He stared down at the water. The moon's reflection, broken only by dusk's gentle breeze. Kai liked the night more than any other. Darkness kept him hidden, from friends, from family. It was the only time he was at peace.

His whole life, he had been running from his past, whilst shielding those he knew. His greatest fear, was that he would return, and the past would follow. Kai had been running from him for nearly five years, yet he seemed far behind. But now, the signs were clear. He was coming back, and nothing Kai could do, would stop him.

'Tyson,' yelled Kenny. 'What did you have to go that for?'

'Oh, come on Chief, you know it's true. I mean, he always was a jerk, but lately he's just been a total twat. He's supposed to be our captain, yet he won't even talk to us.'

'Kai was a loner when he joined the team, we all knew that. Just give him a break.'

'It's funny, I never hear you telling him to give us a break. You're only sticking up for him because you're scared of him.'

'I am not. Anyway, this isn't getting us anywhere. Tyson, as you started this, you can go and find him.'

'What! But I…'

'That's enough Tyson.' Hissed Ray. 'We'll all go. At least this way you can't complain.'

'Fine, but hurry up. I'm not wasting my whole evening looking for Kai.