Warnings: AU; OOC-ness; abuse; angst; violence; torture; language; KaRe and BryTal yaoi; limes and lemons might be included.

Disclaimer: I solemnly swear and officially declare that I do not own Bey Blade nor I'm making a public use of this fiction. I write solely for entertainment and enjoyment of the readers, though the story belongs to me and is not to be touched. Any new and unknown characters belong to me only.

A/N: This is yet another angst fiction, mainly Ray torturing. Man, I'm too bad with him (evil cackle). Also, in this fiction, Kai's 16 years old. This is not typical AU but has nothing to do with real Bey Blade seasons. And yeah it's yaoi; definitely yaoi.

The first and second chapters have been combined and hopefully this would be the last time I would have to re-edit this story. It's really getting on my nerves. R&R

Just for information;

For dialogues I always use "".
For thoughts, it's only italic.
And if there is some phone conversation it would be italic and in "".
For some announcement or any other news caster or any such thing '' are used.

And oh yeah, the flashbacks, if they do not have the headings and endings with Flashback and End Flashback, then the whole part/scene would be in italics.

Despite the fact I hate mentioning the aforementioned and that it might seem confusing, I thought this might help.

Enjoy!

Chapter No.1
New lass in town

"Why…why didn't you ever tell me?"

He stayed quiet, eyes hidden behind those wild raven bangs.

Crimson eyes tried to discern some answers before slowly raising his hand towards the tanned face as no reply was given, "…Ray…"

Why the hell do I even bother with this?

Two sets of blood red eyes yet again peeked at the clock hanging above the wearisome white board which was filled with mathematics formulas, procedures and other such gibberish while revolving a fountain pen in between his fingers. He once more noted a few pointers on his rough text book; the page filled with more incoherent drawings and shapes then the real lesson actually.

Kai internally sighed.

For the lack of better understanding, he was simply bored. He knew of the exercise they were going through now like the back of his hand. He could be doing anything else like wandering, away from the daft lecture given by the obtuse teacher.

But when the litigation finally did end and the bell rang, he was still the last person to leave the somewhat dreary confinement while others stampeded towards the café for recess. The enigma made his way down the hallway towards his locker, hands casually in pockets and eyes closed, aware that no one would dare interrupt his usual stroll. Reaching his destination, he looked up and found something he was not expecting to find there.

What is she doing here?

The freshman he saw in the morning. She had knee long black raven hair with the exception of two thick pink strands that added a bizarre contrast to the perfect braid, sun kissed skin and cat-like amber eyes, which he had yet to encounter in his scanty sixteen years of life. For one, her attire, unlike most of what her species wore, was baggy with a loose white shirt beneath a blue denim jacket and black pants. But of course those meager details did not register in Kai's mind by a long shot; he was more intrigued by her highly suspicious actions.

The newbie was standing in front of his locker, trying a key into the lock while pulling the handle now and then to open it, at which she was understandably not succeeding. At last she punched the locker, frustration doing its toll and then sighed.

Sensing it was high time to drop the spectator's act, Kai tapped her on the shoulder. Dull yellow clashed crimson as she turned about in surprise, her gaze meeting a very bitter glare. She blinked, obviously puzzled at the sudden predicament but not quite intimidated, "Uh…Is there a problem?"

Kai frowned at the innocent facade, "Perhaps. What are you doing?"

The perplexity in her eyes grew, "Um…I'm trying to open my locker? Don't tell that's also considered to be some crime here?"

Kai stared at her candid response, trying to detect any flicker of dishonesty, "I don't think I came across any such notion in Criminology and Punishment Volume I, II or III in that case. But there might be a vague penalty for trying to barge into someone else's locker, especially on the very first day."

She raised her brows, "Surprisingly, I was told this was my locker" Pulling a folded slip from her pocket and she showed it to him, "Unless of course your name is unregistered in the school's records, see for yourself. It says 36 here."

A look on the given parchment told him she was right but mistaken, he spoke, "Unless of course your eyes need a medical check up, this is 35. This one," he pointed to the next one, "It is 36"

"Then would you be a gentleman and explain why your locker is marked 36?"

The Russian, bemused, saw that somebody, probably a prankster, had altered the number five into six. Not bothering with the elucidation, he suggested, "Just try the key"

The girl gave him a rather critical gaze before doing so. Upon hearing a click, her frown changed as she smiled, "Hey thanks." But that tell tale curve was replaced by a groan when she tugged at the handle. Instead of opening, the door remained as it was, obviously jammed. Sighing, she gave up the effort, wearily shaking her head, "This really isn't my day…"

Crimson eyes, rummaging through the stuff, scrutinized when his neighbor cursed. Taking in the condition of the hinges he said, "Move"

When the girl took a step backward, Kai laid pressure on a corner by both of his hand before pulling back the handle altogether. A dull loud creak came before the locker door flew opened.

She grinned in a cattish way, "Nice, I'll try to remember that."

Not bothering to grace her with a reply, Kai continued depositing his textbooks.

Noting the indifference, the girl cautiously spoke, "Hey, I apologize. I didn't mean to, as you so nicely put it, 'barge' into your locker or anything. I haven't been around here for too long to start staging like the goons you find in this place." After a while she spoke, "So…thanks again"

Turning sideways, the duo head only nodded, not revealing any concern.

She smiled and continued the introduction while adjusting her books in the shelf, "I think I've seen you in a few classes. My name is Roya Komodo by the way. I just moved to Tokyo"

"Kai Hiwatari"

"Oh, I've heard about you. Famous Kai Hiwatari, one of the best bladers you'll ever meet." She stated silently.

Kai gazed at Roya, endeavoring to guess the literal meaning of the statement, before he suddenly felt a shadow creeping on them from behind. From the corner of his eyes, he cursed the deities internally when the vast form of Alex Steno, one of the wildest school tyrants, a hell lot of handsome features and an evenly good record of studies compared to his usual intolerable conduct.

With long blonde hair held back in a loose pony tail except for a few stray bangs at the front, dangerous hazel eyes, tall and lean yet muscular and a built like an athlete, there were only few who were able to get out of his hands, unscathed that is. Nonetheless, though, it was well known for the school female clan to go giddy around him. The Russian, of course, did not spare a single feeling of apprehension for anything let alone him. But that only made him more tempting for the thug, who wanted nothing more than to conquer this great enigma.

But this time, he did not even acknowledge Kai's presence and went to stand next to Roya who was currently dusting off the dirt on the base of her locker. Probably smelling the strong cologne, the raven haired girl looked up inquiringly at the boy whose gaze was not leaving her features.

"You're the new Chinese girl in town, aren't you?" She nodded, standing up, only reaching his neck, "So how about if I take you out to look at the city lights at Saturday?"

"No thanks but I don't date."

"Hey come on, I'm not a bad guy" he said defensively.

"The answer is still no. I already have a boyfriend so…"

"I never dreamt that Hiwatari would care to take the prettiest girl in school for himself, especially when she had spent only 4 periods here"

Not sparing a single glance at him, the said teen said, "Wouldn't it be better to pick up your sorry ass and leave now Steno?"

"Oh seems like I've touched a nerve."

"Hey take a hike," Surprisingly for the two males, it was Roya who had bristled.

The bully narrowed his eyes; getting insulted in the face was not something he could easily take and in this scenario, it was just a newbie. He suddenly grabbed the girl's wrist and brought his face near to hers, "You know what? I don't take a 'no' for an answer. So let's just save the hassle and give me your number and address."

Despite the fact that there was very less public, the loud SMACK did catch the alienated interest of the whole corridor.

"Don't ever touch me again!"

Roya had slapped, call it: punched, Alex hard on the face. Kai closed the locker door and looked amusingly, with a sudden new yet brief respect for the girl, over at the scene with some white leaves in one hand, "Now wouldn't this be something for the weekly news gossip"

Alex regained his composure and was close to retaliate, when Kai held his hand up, "That can easily send you to another suspension and I'm sure your father or the principal will not be too willing to compromise this time, don't you think?" He was a Hiwatari; he knew how to handle bulls.

However, even he could not always be correct.

The guy, instead, raged at him, tearing away the notes from his hands and ripping them in half. He threw the pages in the air before storming down the corridor with newly created torrents of an inclement typhoon, meant to be poured out at any naïve innocent creature who accidentally trudged up his path.

A long moment of silence enveloped the two which was broken by Roya,

"What an obnoxious bastard!"

Returning back from his short stupor, Kai slowly prodded the torn leaves on the floor with his sneakers.

Seeing the Chinese asked, "Was this an assignment?"

The two-toned head nodded, "Took two days research to compile this. Mr. Izumi won't be happy."

"So what will you do?"

Shrugging off, Kai simply resumed closing his locker but before he could walk away for his regular musing charade, Roya stopped him,

"I know I've said it many times already but really, thanks"

Kai turned a little and tilted his head to make an eye contact, "Consider it my good deed for the week. And although I'm not this much socialized with anyone, which includes freshmen, but here's an advice," he looked straight in those amber hues, trying to clearly deliver his perception, "Keep your distance from Alex Steno."

"I'll remember that" She smiled.

Nodding curtly, he went outside.

I'm glad that she's not someone who has nothing more than to drool.

Kai mused while waiting for the students to get in the room. His train of thoughts suddenly went over to the newbie once he saw her walking in with another girl who had greeted him in a flirty manner with the usual batting of eyes of which they never seemed to get tire of. One might even think they have something stuck under their eyelids. Now that he pondered about it, he noted that, as strange as it might seem, Roya did not act like every other of her kind.

When Kai was new here, sometimes it was hard to walk through the corridor without getting a 'yoo-hoo', 'hey Kai' or 'oh he's so dreamy' likewise greeting. Even now, girls went berserk around him. That was also one of the reasons that Alex hated him and always tried his best to bully him. He never seemed to have more fan girls than Kai. Then again, who possibly could?

Though, now his mind went over to one thing that had been nagging him since recess; what the heck was he supposed to tell Mr. Izumi about that damn History assignment?

After the passing of few minutes, the teacher; a robust yet a stern brunette in early forties stepped in. Half of the period went as usual; the teacher gave a lecture about something to do with the Second World War and Mount Fuji. How the two themes affiliate together in any such rational link was beyond Kai but the students continued taking notes. He just sat there, now and then writing a simple line in the textbook on his table and then thinking over the excuse he was going to give but nothing crossed his mind.

The two-toned head did not seem to concentrate and with the ludicrous topic going, it was even tough. Even though history being in the good books of Kai, he had yet to uncover the uncanny ability to spend a whole period in the said teacher's presence and ranting without zoning out which was also why he never was all that good in it. And that could really affect his reputation and honor for being overall the best

"And this is how the historians concluded the much significant past of those native tribes." To Kai's dismay, the teacher finished his talk and turned to the learners, "Which now brings us to yet another interestingmatter. So please take out the assignments I handed you three days ago. I believe I explained why no excuse of any kind will be accepted this time?

"So Yume" he directed himself at the girl sitting in the front most seats, "May I see your work?"

He just went to desks to collect and see if they had done what they were assigned while making short, mostly unnecessary, comments. When he arrived at Kai's seat and demanded his work, the teen just looked up into those lights brown eyes and was about to open his mouth to tell the man off, when another voice was heard, "Excuse me sir?"

Every head turned to the raven haired girl sitting near the window. "Yes, Ms. Komodo isn't it?"

Roya nodded, "Yes. Actually, I took Mr. Hiwatari's notes including this homework of yours in the break to check them out. They are currently in my locker which is jammed really badly. I've already complained; they say it'll be done till tomorrow. So…" she finished with a long trail off.

The teacher considered it for quiet a long time, in which Kai became somehow edgy. A Hiwatari helping someone, especially a freshman on the first day, was more than a bit intriguing. At the end, Mr. Izumi, after sparing a glance in his direction, exceeded to next student but not before mentioning, "I intend to see that assignment first thing in the morning Mr. Hiwatari or it might affect your grading a little, I must say."

Kai bit back a groan at the limited time provided but gave a curt nod nonetheless.

With the bell finally signaling its awaiting freedom, the Russian went where his locker was situated and waited there. Now it was even weirder for him. Helping a newbie was something but the vice versa part was mildly disturbing.

"So"

Kai turned to stare at the smug Chinese who had appeared quietly at his side before training his eyes forward, "I appreciate the help if that's what you want to know."

Roya's smirk changed to a genuine smile even at the somewhat sulking response, "Hey, no big but what now?"

The bluenette once more turned back to the girl and raised his eyebrows knowingly, "I sense that you have a plan B."

"Are you psychic?"

Kai internally smirked and shrugged, "Call it that if you want"

Stuffing her things in the locker and closing it immediately to avoid any one from History class noticing her, she continued, "That topic's a pest I know but I might have some notes that can help you. You can take them if you want to"

Kai's brows rose again.

"What? Fortunately I don't have such a cold heart and I think I owe you some from our first meeting. Besides, why are you complaining?"

"No one's complaining; I was just… surprised"

"You can take them right after school"

"At your place?"

"Yeah, sorry but I was certainly not prepared to encounter a guy who'll get his work pulverized into bits by a bully and thought that I would be kind enough to help him out on my very first day. If only I had psychic powers too" she feigned at which Kai could not resist rolling his eyes.

"Just one thing; when have you done that assignment?" When things do get boring, Kai did tend to intrigue himself in mindless vagueness and this just came to his mind.

"Nobody said I'm illiterate"

"And nor did I, mind you. I'll meet you at the gate" The enigma replied nonchalantly before turning to make his way to the gym.

This day was getting weirder then he had thought.

Crimson eyes looked up once again from where he had been leaning next to the tree to spot a raven head in the mass of students exiting the Tokyo International School building. The bell had rung minutes ago, declaring their inevitable freedom. He was now waiting near the ivy covered fence around the institution with his bag on one shoulder, arms crossed and face set. However, Roya was not in sight.

The last of dry autumn leaves fluttered as the harsh wind toyed with them near his sneakers. What was keeping the freshman cooped up was getting to him. He might just try to retrieve the assignment some other unworldly way.

As he was about to head home, Kai felt a shadow closing in on him and spoke turning only sideways, "You sure took your time."

Roya stepped forward and Kai noticed that her cheeks were a bit flushed. Nonetheless, she replied calmly, "Something came up."

"Let me guess. You met Steno."

"Man you are psychic. Yeah and two of his cronies, I think."

Kai did not reply and straightened up. Adjusting her own bag and books, she started walking with him beside.

"First day and trouble once again had me relocated. I don't remember wearing any advertisement for it with my name on it," she muttered under breath. When no response was given, she tuned to silent mode as well.

Personally, Kai really had no trouble with her talking but right then, he could not trust himself to reply rightly since a weird thought was playing with his mind. From the corner of his eyes, he peeked at the raven head. Her attitude towards him had left him a bit baffled but grateful nonetheless. What really disturbed him was the fact how easily he had accepted a total stranger's help when he would rather get a detention. Roya really seemed to know her way with different people.

After walking another couple of blocks, they crossed a traffic signal before Roya halted before what seemed like a not so huge apartments building. By the looks of it, it did not seem bad at all. Presenting him with a petite smile, she entered with Kai following through the glass doors. She stopped at the wooden reception where an old lady with wiry grey hair and spectacled eyes was sitting comfortably reading an animals' magazine.

While Roya went to get the keys or whatsoever, Kai looked around. It was not one of those posh places where he usually had to visit or to stay. The lobby was small with a comfortable seating arrangement at one side while the other side had two cubical lifts situated there. A sideway, however, led to restrooms and a small snack bar. At the current hour though, not many resident people were present.

Roya returned and made her way towards the elevators. Once inside, she pressed the button of 14th floor.

Feeling that they had been silent for quiet long, Kai surprisingly said, "This is a nice place."

"…Yeah…"

"You don't like it here" it seemed more a statement than a question.

Roya simply shrugged and stepped outside when the door opened. A maid in white and black uniform pushed the trolley in the cabin after giving them a small smile and a good morning greeting, "Your stuff has arrived Ms. Komodo."

Roya simply nodded and walked in the corridor.

Following her, the bluenette stated, "You're underage and you have your own apartment?"

"I came here on a full scholarship so they are basically accommodating me here"

"It's still isn't allowed legally."

"Oh don't worry. I'm no drug dealer or illegitimate emigrant running from communist aggression." Was the amused reply

On the seventh door, she stopped to unlock it before entering. Kai remained out for a second and then followed her into what seemed like a one person apartment.

The hallway was small and carpeted, leading to the lounge where a soft purple couch and two floor cushions with a coffee table and a small TV were placed. There was a small four feet partition wall and beyond it was a diminutive kitchen with a miniature ice-box, a stove and three cabinets. In the front, there was a bay window that led to a small terrace and beside that was a doorway that opened to Roya's bedroom with attached bath.

Red orbs went over few of the cartons that were placed on the wooden floor near the wall.

"It's not much." Roya said, putting her bag down and pulling off her shoes and coat.

"You live all alone?"

"Kind of"

"I was under the impression that you have to have a room partner with you under such accommodations."

Roya scrutinized him with raised brows, "Aren't you a bit too suspicious too early? Don't be so uptight. And besides, I've got relatives in Tokyo so it's an overall okay."

Kai shrugged, not meeting her gaze and stepping out of his shoes at the entrance, "You said you moved to Tokyo, where did you come from?"

"China," With that Roya went to the petite kitchenette.

He had meant the answer to be in a more comprehensive way since he already knew she was Chinese but did not dwell on it. While she fidgeted in the side place, Kai peeked in her room which likewise was small like the whole place. There was one bed with a lamp and clock on the side and a desk on which a black old suitcase laid opened. It was a very comfortable holding overall and he could not detect any viable reason to despise the place.

"Hey, I'll be right over." Roya brushed past him only to return just as quickly, "Check that box with the red tape. My books are in there."

Nodding in respond, he placed his bag near the aforementioned box and started on the task at hand just as the main door snapped shut rapidly.

Deeming upon what to look through and what not to, he picked the first folder containing some Chinese essays. Going for the next one, he found it full of science lab work. He went through a couple of books and was surprised to find most of them as Japanese syllabus book while some other being written on different topics. He paused to muse over a few; Katakana Literature; WWII; Chinese Medieval History; Works on T'ai Chi Ch'uan; The Universal Theory of Yin-Yang. Surely, his new classmate's taste was intriguing.

Digging even deeper, he pulled out some note copies and a leather covered book. Giving it a glance, he knew it wasn't meant for him so he placed it aside and continued. He picked a certain dark blue looking copy and flipped it open. A leaf fell out and landed faced down in his lap. Picking it slowly, Kai realized it was a photo.

His crimson hues went over the group, observing them shortly. In the right side, a pink haired ponytail girl stood with a petite graceful smile, showing a peace sign with two fingers. Next to her was a short green haired kid, crouched on the ground as if ready to pounce off. Behind those two was the tallest and biggest of them all with bushy eyebrows, chewing on an apple, his eyes not visible at all. Right beside him was a short guy with jet black hair and a yellow jacket which hung loosely over his bare well toned chest as he smirked at the camera.

And in the left corner stood another raven hair guy with the most amazing golden shaded eyes he had ever seen. He was swathed in white Chinese shirt and black tight trousers with a red sash around his waist and a yin-yang bandana holding back his raven locks from his slightly tanned face.

Kai stared, for that was all he could do for seconds, eyes slightly narrowed in concentration. He had never ever seen such clear eyes of pure gold water. They captivated him for moments and he did not even endeavor to pull out from his momentary trance.

A sound of a door opening came behind him as the actual occupant of the apartment came in, "Sorry it took so long…" but Roya stopped as her orbs fell on the photo in Kai's lap. She opened her mouth and closed it before rolling her eyes and smiling. She came to sit beside him and handed him a soda can, "Fridge's empty"

Kai nodded in thanks and handed her the snap back. The moment she touched, Kai felt a realization hit him. He took it back to give the group another glance.

"I'll take that" Roya said, amused.

"They are?" Kai asked finally giving her back

"Some people of my tribe" she answered, picking up the leather book Kai had placed aside before and unbuckling the brown belt from it.

"That guy…" Kai stopped wondering whether he should step forward from the line. He never ever had poked his nose in others business and never before anything had led him in such a position. Come to think about it, hadn't he been snooping around more than he ever had before?

"What about him?" Roya looked up and Kai saw the duller shade of the beforehand golden color, almost yellow.

He opened his mouth, thinking if he should inquire, "He looks…like you"

A small smile graced her lips and she looked back at the snapshot, "Yeah, I know. Freaky, isn't it?"

"You mean you're not related?"

"Heck no" Roya grinned, "But that's what everyone think." She turned away almost immediately.

He stepped back and let her dig into the carton. After a few minutes of searching, Roya pulled a white file. "Here it is" she handed it to Kai, "You would probably have to write it again but strangely, it's the same exercise."

"You've studied in Japan before then"

"I spent a year with an aunt of mine, yeah"

"Thanks"

They both sat there for some time before Roya spoke, hesitating a bit "Um…want to grab some lunch?

Kai who had started flipping the leaves, answered without looking up, "No, I better return as well. Thank you. I appreciate this"

Roya was silent before saying, "No problem"

Not one of my best efforts compared to my newest works that is, but it will do for now. I used to like the plot but it's been very long and with the current stories stuffed in my brain, I can't seem to concentrate on this.

Do R&R because Reviews make me a happy girl!

Till next time
Neena