Author's Notes: I'm not sure on the title of this fic yet. Anyway, here goes.

If you haven't read the prequel, please do. Yes, I know that it's long but I think that it's fast to read (and even reread). The prequel (Safe, In Your Arms) contains info that you need to know to understand this. I'll refer back to it constantly.

Stay awake with the sound of my voice
I'm restless from the silence in the air
I want to be somewhere I can see the roads
A place where every time you breathe a wish comes true
I want to be where love is real
And memories of distant days come to life again

Far past these roads there is a place
Where all of our precious dreams remain
Someday I know
I'll find a way
To keep myself from holding on.

-The Longest Story by Daphne Loves Derby

Go listen to the song. It suits this story and the prequel.

The past doesn't come and haunt you willingly.

It's you to let it haunt you.

Silence of the Air

Memory 1: Twenty-One Candles

The cotton candy tasted bland against his tongue. He flicked it and felt the mildly sweet cloud-like sweet melt slowly. Looking up to the cloudy skies, he half-absently ignored her pouts and whines.

Do you see the same skies right now?

As he felt something press against his chest, he jerked his head down and groaned. That was a bad habit of his. He groaned at everything, even though he wasn't always that annoyed. Sure, he was a grouchy little young man. But he wasn't that little anymore so, somehow, suddenly, everything that he did was justified. It was surprising how when you're over twenty-years old, everyone began to respect you lots better.

"Ow, sorry Kai."

He sighed. His fingers, already sticky from the cotton candy, traced over his wrinkleless white shirt, feeling the diet coke that just spilled on it.

The worst thing was... he wouldn't even be in this situation if he didn't come back. The only reason that he did was because he pitied his past self. He thought that... if he relived some of his life, here, in Bakuten, then maybe his high school life would be forgotten.

The years of beyblading and playing were long gone. He had a job now, something far more serious and important. Something that made others respect him, Kai Hiwatari, not for his beyblading skills, even though he never minded taking his Dranzer for a spin or two, nor his last name, even though he could have just taken a much higher and potentially greater job in his mother's company. He wanted everything to himself. He wanted to rule the world, not with iron fists but just with a wish to survive on his own.

It was so ironic. But yet, he loved it.

He loved the power. How even his old friends, Tyson, Max, Ray, Tala, would all look at him and smile—or in Tala's case, smirk. They were still "the mob" of world-class beybladers. Kai was pretty sure that if they challenged the current world champions, they'd win.

His ego became so much more dominant.

And the sad thing was, he couldn't decide if that was good or bad.

"Kai? You alright there?"

She pulled on his sleeve affectionately and he nodded back. He wasn't lost in his thoughts—he never admitted it—he was just... thinking. Kai Hiwatari would never be lost, now that he had his directions and he knew perfectly where to go.

But in reality, he knew nothing. Nothing at all.

Several arms shot up in the air, waving at him. She nudged him to reply back. Without much contemplating, he did.

It was them.

"Yo, Kai! Where have you been?" the Chinese boy grinned as he spoke.

The truth was, no one changed much. Except for Kai. He was always the different one, even when she was there.

"You see a pretty ex-schoolmate and you just run off!" the red head shook his head in mocking disagreement. "Haven't you been taught better, Kai?"

"Oh, shut up."

"Why, hello, grouchy monster," the former world champ rolled his eyes.

"So was Kai mean to you, Janet?" a young woman with bright orange hair laughed.

It was definitely them. Sitting in front of him was Tyson, the world champion that he always wanted to challenge in battle. On his right was the 'pretty ex-school mate', one that he has never noticed before, one that told him that she liked him many times. It was Janet, the innocent one. Well, it was always the innocent ones.

"No," Janet gave a blush, her cheeks matched her blaze-like hair, "it was fun. I'm so sorry about the spill though—"

"You never change," the orange-haired girl giggled, "it's alright."

It was weird how everything worked out, even though he wasn't in the picture. His friends, yes, friends all settled themselves, even before him. It was so funny... because they all thought that Kai would be the first to lose his virginity (or, well, they called it 'it' back then), to get engaged, to get married, to buy a house and to bet on stocks. But Kai Hiwatari did nothing of that.

The only ones married were Ray and Aurora, like he so didn't see that one coming. They were planning it since she was gone, seeing as they almost lost each other in the final battles. Great shocks helped relationships. But in Kai's case, it was devastating. He almost lost his soul and yearning to live on. It was because of her.

In a way, he hated her.

"You done with all the soul-searching?" Max laughed.

The blonde boy, too, was in a better situation than him. Max Tate was engaged; he happily proposed to the orange haired girl, Emily, just a month before. Sometime Kai would feel consumed by jealousy, while other times, he would laugh at others and enjoy his freedom as a single man while he had it.

Yeah, while he had it. Janet was a pretty girl. She certainly meets his levels.

"Where are the others anyway?" the Chinese flicked his braided hair over his back and sat with Aurora on his lap, admiring the diamond ring on her finger.

"I don't know the others," Tala groaned in response, "I wouldn't want them here anyway."

"Yeah, he's right. I don't remember anyone's name anyway," the red head's girlfriend, Shayna Tanaka added.

They spotted several girls waving at them so they waved back, although they had no clue who they were. The Bladebreakers group was still much known. After she left, Ray had officially quit the team. After all the drama with having a new teammate, they decided to live on with their lives. Beyblading was fun, sure, while they were in high school but carrying on the pressure of playing at world champion level was too hard. Even Tyson was overwhelmed with the everyday workload of school.

For Kai... he just blamed her.

Because personally, he loved beyblading, more than anything in the world. It was his chosen profession, his dream. But now, he isn't Kai Hiwatari, the Bladebreaker, he is Mr. Hiwatari, official government employer, head investigator, captain, whatever they called him.

"Are you guys still up for a party?" the brunette girl Namiko spoke up.

"Hell, yes!"

"Are you kidding me? We're fucking exhausted!" another voice complained.

Kai ignored the wave of whines and cheers, focusing on trying to get the stickiness off of his shirt. That is, until someone pulled on his sleeve.

"I want to go."

He sighed.

"Fine."

"Thanks."

"It's not for you," he retorted, "I want to go." He never wanted to do other favors.

"Hey, Kai, stop being so rude, alright?" Ray cut in, elbowing him. "You're taking Janet there. It's a date."

"And you're deciding for me...because?"

The Chinese boy patted Kai on the shoulder and shook his head. No words were said and the awkward silence hung again. I knew this reunion wasn't a good idea. It was their fifth year reunion after high school. It was surprising that five years had past, but sometimes, he felt like nothing changed at all. He was still the lone wolf, fooling himself with lies.

"It's a quiet party anyway," Namiko continued. She shifted in his seat and clasped her hands together. "I guess that it's time to announce the big secret."

"Secret?" a voice piped in, he couldn't tell who it was... not that he cared.

"I am getting," Namiko paused and winked, "promoted," she grinned, "to head project manager."

There was a round of applause that he "forgot" to join.

"Now I'm definitely going to the party. Who's going to be there? Rich guys?" the pink haired girl, Mariah, smirked.

"Yes, unfortunately," Namiko rolled her eyes. "You better not hog every bachelor."

"Oh... don't worry about it."

Lost between the chatters and murmurs, he closed his eyes, feeling the auras around him. At least he hasn't lost Dranzer yet.

But it felt so different that day, like someone else was there, watching him from behind some bush or thick tree trunk. But the strangest thing was, he didn't mind it. He didn't feel violated, in fact, everything felt just right.

Before he knew it, the sun rolled down the clouds and fell into the faraway sea. They sat on the beach. He couldn't remember how he got there, or why he had Janet in his arms. She fitted perfectly in his arms, her petite form leaning against his chest. It felt different. He let his fingers tangle in her hair and he smelled her scent. It was cherry blossom, probably from some expensive store. Janet sure had a way with makeup. Her flaming hair rested near his chin and her soft breathing could be heard. The sea rolled softly onto the beach and backed away. He wanted to back away too.

Luckily for him, Tala, who sat beside him, tapped on his shoulder and told him to get up.

"Are you going, Janet?" Shayna spoke, her voice singing like always.

The girl shook her head in response. "I've already miss enough work. I need to make some up."

"Oh that's too bad," Shayna held Tala's hand held in hers. "We'll tell you the highlights later then."

"Come on," Tala urged, especially at Kai, already walking away. "you can't wait here forever. One of us needs to celebrate." He looked at the black limo parked on the roadside.

The three trotted to the expensive car. Kai's friendship with Tala lasted longer than he expected. His bond with Ray, however, diminished as the Chinese boy was too preoccupied with his marriage. Things fall apart.

"We're going to be late if you buttheads don't follow along," Emily groaned.

"Butthead?" Max arched an eyebrow.

The car ride was noisy, not like before where he could hear her rant and rant more. It was a chaotic noisy where everyone tried to speak louder than the other. He felt alone. Namiko sat in the front, as person of honor of the day, and the rest of them were all snuggling against each other. Ray's lips couldn't been kept away from Aurora's cheeks for long. Max and Emily were enveloped in a sweet world of fantasy. And Tala, his best friend, was pulling his girlfriend tighter and tighter in his arms. Only Mariah wasn't in anyone's arms. But the pink girl was gossiping loudly on her cellphone.

He felt so ignored.

Well, he was ignored.

He couldn't tell when the door was opened. Slowly, he came out of his world of thoughts and hit himself on the forehead. What is wrong with me? He couldn't even remember what he thought about a second ago. Almost tripping over the stairs, he managed to climb several steps before leaning against a tall column that supported the ceiling. He felt like the world was about to collapse on him. But when he saw his own reflection on the marble floor, he worried about the present first. He looked more than horrible.

His blue sharks remained on his cheeks, untouched and never changed. They were a mark of his past, one that he couldn't let go yet. His slate and blue hair was of the same length, messy and never gelled back. The auburn tie that he wore accented his eyes. He ran his fingers through his hair, catching a glimpse of the diamond studded watch on his wrist. It was almost eight o'clock already.

Finally, the doors opened to the ballroom. A magnificent crystal chandelier came in sight with traditional Western decorations. The room still contained the fresh smell of paint. Light reflected off of the polished tables and the giant black piano that stood in the corner.

"Is this a hotel?" Shayna explained. "This is a palace!"

"Well, thanks," Namiko chuckled, "it's the opening of my new little successful project."

"Little? My ass," Mariah gasped as she twirled around in her sleek and silky white dress. "I can see all the rich guys now."

"Er," Namiko gave a faint blush, "let's... just go."

"No wonder you got promoted...," Aurora murmured.

Ray's wife. Yes, Aurora. She had changed a lot. Going from a frozen solid and quiet girl and slowly melted into a mellow and comfortable woman. Nevertheless, she was still quiet and never lost her shine. At least her final battle brought her something good.

For Kai's long lost girl-friend, however, it wasn't that pleasant.

Some waiters led them to their tables, situated in the middle of the room.

"Why are there so many people?"

But the question was left unanswered as the lights were turned off.

A sudden blinding spotlight shone on the stage that stood beside their tables. A man in his late forties rose to the microphone and smiled towards the crowd.

"Welcome!" he spoke in English with a weakly blended European-American accent. Kai guessed that he was a businessman. "It is our pleasure to announce the opening of this hotel! This is our second project in Japan and it was a great success thanks to Miss Namiko Hunter," he paused as he heard many applaud. "Tonight will be a night of pure enjoyment. Now, all the food's on us. Enjoy yourself!"

A soft music enveloped the room. Everyone went to the side, on a beautifully tiled dance floor, and began to dance away. That is, everyone except for him.

He just sat there, gloomy as always and wondered if any of this would change. Why am I doing this again?

A tap woke him up from his nightmare. He jerked his head up and groaned. "What?" he snapped.

"Why are you alone?"

It was some girl. She looked about the same age as him. Her black gown trailed past her knees, looking chic and playful. A small smirk hung on her face as she extended her arm to him.

"Want to dance?"

"Aren't males supposed to ask females?"

She withdrew her arm immediately and crossed them in front of her chest.

"What?" he snapped.

"Aren't you going to ask me to dance?" she answered back immediately.

"I don't want to dance. So don't hang around me."
"You think that the world revolves around you, don't you? You think that you're some rich guy—with a Rolex watch," she looked down to his black sleeves. "Well, tell you what. Everyone here today is even richer than you. Don't try to argue with me."

"I don't care about money."

"Liar."

He wanted to choke. "You're calling me a liar? You don't even know me!"

"So?" she arched her eyebrows. "You dress fancily and you try to look hot. Well, good job, boy, 'cause you caught my eyes. Now dance with me before I take back my offer."

She began to seriously annoy him.

"I'm not dancing," he repeated.

He expected her to leave, or something. But she didn't. She dragged a chair and sat on it. A smile graced her lips as she looked at him in the eyes. "You're playing hard, aren't you?"

"What are you, a slut?"

She looked horribly hurt. "You're so rude! And there I thought that you just had a major ego."

He turned his back to her, facing his food, hiding his shame. He insulted a girl, again. And this girl sure knew how to make him feel guilty.

"Don't try to hide," she seemed to laugh. "I'm not going anywhere. I hate this place anyway."

"Then why are you here?" he questioned, still deciding which piece of lettuce to eat first.

"Why are you here?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"Because I don't want to answer you," she shrugged.

Her palm crept up to his shoulder and he shivered at her cold touch. "Turn around and let me see your face."

"No," he felt violated. Why did this girl care? They were at a damn party! And besides, he just started feeling comfortable with Janet. She was obviously flirting.

"Fine," she whined. "Guys all act the same. Gabriel was like that too."

He knew it; she wanted to start a conversation with him about her last breakup with Gabby or whatever she'd call her ex-boyfriend. Well, he wouldn't let that happen.

"Can you please, please, go away?"

Before she could answer, the lights went out again. The same man that spoke an hour before stood on stage with a cup of rich red wine.

Lucky me...

"My dear friends," he started, sounding like a perfect gentleman.

"God, he should stop smiling like that .It makes him look absolutely stupid and his expensive tie makes him look like an old wannabe Bill Gates," the girl beside him complained. Kai rolled his eyes.

"Do you even know him? He owns this place. You shouldn't criticize him if you don't know him," he commented. Did she know who he was? How could someone be so rude? Ruder than him? If that was possible.

"You just recognize all the rich ones," the black-haired girl rolled her eyes. "How old are you anyway?"

"Twenty three."

"Sweet."

"And I introduce you to my beautiful daughter!"

But no one was on the stage except for him.

The spotlight moved slowly ...towards him. "What the fuck?" He could hear the drum roll in his heart.

The girl beside him suddenly stood up quickly. She placed her arms on her sides and balanced herself on her high heels. "Guess that's me." And walked innocently to the stage.

She was the daughter? She was insulting her own father?

"She'll sing a song for us," the man on the stage continued, chuckling.

Kai merely sweat dropped. How childish! Is this what rich people call jokes?

She stepped to the microphone and shot her dad a playful glare.

"He was just kidding, you guys," she giggled. "I can't sing. If I did, I bet that you'll live 5 years shorter." A wave of laughter rang through the quiet room. "The night will go on but now the auctions are open. Thanks to the many companies who donated prizes and such. Please do look around and enjoy yourself. Have a great rest of the night!" she grinned, "oh, and the orchestra do take requested songs. Have fun, you folks!"

She gave a courteous wave, suddenly making her look much more sophisticated. He could hear some echo of her voice left in the room, or maybe it was just in his head. He leaned back in his chair, looking for Tala. Within seconds, he found his friend walking towards him. Shayna was at the buffet tables, getting her serving of flaky pastries.

"You could go with her," Tala's eyes indicated the girl on the stage. "She looks like your type. Dark hair, and all."

"No...," he declined. "Fuck, no."

"Are you sure?"

No, I'm not sure. He groaned. But I can't just dump Janet in the river.

The old man was at the microphone again.

"And may I add a happy birthday to my daughter who is officially twenty-one today!"

People cheered and applauded. A prettily dressed blonde woman came to the stage with a big box in her arms, barely able to support it.

"Happy birthday, hon."

"Thanks mom," the girl smiled at the blonde lady. "And dad," she looked back to the stage.

The innocent white box was tied with curly red ribbons, the curls still bouncing. With her perfectly thin fingers, the blonde woman untied the knot. Once the ribbons were gone, the box seemed to have opened itself to reveal a white cake. The circumference was decorated with chocolate roses, beautiful, simple and elegant. Little candles were placed around the cake, the woman lit the candles carefully and slowly, leaving Kai enough time to observe the cake. At the center, red icing spilled in a very creative way.

Red icing that spelled four guilty words:

'Happy Birthday Laura Fan!'

He suffocated.

His head screamed hard.

How?

Why was he blind?

Why didn't he realize?

Why didn't he recognize her?

Why didn't she recognize him?

Why has she changed so much?

He looked at her as she took a knife innocently and cut the white and pure cake up into little pieces. This time, for sure, he was going to eat the cake. It was a part of her. And he was ready to get her back. Even though she stood right beside him, her delicate hair rippling over her naked shoulders, he knew that she wasn't her old self anymore. He could see the change, what the years have done to her. She did far more than just change on the outside.

Now he could see it, her forest green eyes sparkling with happiness and enthusiasm, not with perplexity and apathy like before.

So she did survive the final battle.

And it seemed that she was in a much better shape than he was.

It seemed like his time was done once again in Bakuten. He had seen her again, not able to confront her, but it was enough. But something told him to stay, to watch the drama, to hear her sing, to hear her soft moans, to feel her in his arms, where she belonged and where she should have stayed. He remembered how even though she didn't fit perfectly in his arms like the way Janet did but it felt so right. He felt unbreakable. And she didn't smell like cherry blossom, she never wore the perfume that he gave her. She smelled like herself, fresh with the little taint of sweat. She was a natural, free-spirited person and he was a lonely and conservative one. They belonged together; they balanced each other like yin and yang.

But she was with her family, and she never looked happier. A real smile hung on her face. Her timidity seemed to have disappeared and her free-spirit conquered.

Finally Forrest Fan blew her candles, one by one, one wish after another.

He hoped that, at least in one of those twenty-one candlelight wishes, there was something about him. About them.

Author's Notes: How was it? Sorry, I really had to introduce the characters again as some of them changed. Any questions? Please ask. Once again, if you didn't read the prequel yet, please do. It's just two clicks and a scroll down away :) I'll try to have the next chapter up by sometime in May.

Did you get the symbolism of the white cake? If you did, good job.