Mrs. Foxx: Hey y'all! I'm back! Hope ya like this joint I got a good feeling about this one here.

Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade!

The empire was burning. They were in the mist of a war and it wasn't looking too good for them. The fight was stupid and pointless. The Emperor knew this, but could do nothing but fight it anyway. Another emperor to the far south had started it half a year ago over a small incident that happened between two of their trading caravans. A couple of lives were lost on both sides. The Emperor tried to apologize, though he wasn't sure if it was their fault, but the other wouldn't take it. He went off about the lack of respect and challenge it was that they would go to his land and, never mind that the caravans met at the border and never crossed to the other side, massacre his people for the fun of it. Emperor Tala tried to calm him, but he refused to listen to reason. When Emperor Brooklyn first began the fighting Tala ignored it for as long as he could hoping Brooklyn would give up. That didn't work out so well. Now Tala is forced to fight this pointless war to protect his people.

He hated it. He just wanted everything to be over. He wanted peace for his empire and his friend Ebony's as well. She had just ended a civil war a year ago and tension was still high. Tala wished he could help, but their was nothing he could do.

He hated feeling so weak and helpless. Well unless it was his lover who was making him feel as such. It was fine with him, because he knew Kai wouldn't use it against him. Kai was his protector. There was never a time when he wasn't there to defend him. That's what he did, protect his love and everything that he cared about. That's why he was out now fighting in those battles.

By everything he shouldn't even know how to hold a sword properly let alone be the greatest swordsman in the empire. He is one of the highest nobles in the realm. But Kai never played by the rules. He didn't want to be some spoiled noble who couldn't take care of himself or those he held dear, so he wasn't. That was probably one of the biggest things that drew Tala to him, his independence. That and Kai was just all around amazing.

Tala let a smile spread across his lips as he thought of his love. "Kai, come home soon." He breathed.

"Missing someone I see."

Tala's smile turned into a smirk. "It's rude to enter someone's room without knocking, Sir Dickenson." Tala was looking out of the glass balcony doors that took up most of his bedroom wall.

"I couldn't imagine how hard is must be to have to send your best friend off to war! It must be hard for you two being separated for so long. You two have been in separable since you were in diapers!"

'You have no idea.' Tala thought. "The knocking issue?"

"My apologies Your Majesty, however the matter that has brought me here is one that I know you would not want delayed by such trivial matters."

Tala was interested. He turned to face the old man before speaking." And to whom or what does this matter pertain to?"

"Her Ladyship Empress Ebony." Tala's most trusted advisor informed him.

"Good news or bad?"

"Bad I'm afraid, sir."

"Let's talk about this in my sitting room."

The pair walked through a door to left of the huge bed. Upon entrance they were in what seemed to be a living room. Their was a fire place in the wall to the left of the room. The fire was lit and the only thing that wasn't white in the room. The sofa, love seat, and armchairs where all a pearl white. The fur rug lying invitingly in the center of the room was not only the whitest article in the room, but Tala's most prized possession. In fact the only other person besides himself ever allowed to touch it was the person who bought it for him.

It was the only thing Kai ever bought him. Though what really made it so special is that it confirms Kai's feelings for him. It showed that he really was on the other's mind when they were apart.

$flashback$

Finally Kai was coming home. Tala was so excited! This was the first time they'd been apart for so long. He had business in the far north of the empire and had been gone along five and a half months. Tala was going insane, and trying not to show it. He was the Emperor, he couldn't lose his cool simply because his friend was absent for a few months.

Kai wasn't just his friend though. He was so much more than that. They'd been lovers since they were fourteen, but could tell no one. Tala needed an heir, something that Kai could never give him. No one would take that too lightly, so the two decided to just keep it a secret until they could figure out just what to do.

Tala was currently making his way to the castle gates where his friend would be just arriving. It wasn't easy with everyone running around getting ready for the big night. It was their Emperor's twenty-first birthday. The throne was completely his now. He however was only happy at the moment that Kai had made it back in time for this event. It wouldn't be his birthday without the slate haired man.

When the huge double doors where opened he was greeted by the sight of his love dismounting a coal colored horse. He walked up to him and held out his arm, Kai gripped the other's forearm as was the proper way to greet a comrade. Tala smiled as he noticed the wrapped box in his koi's other hand.

"What's that?" He indicated the box.

"While I was up north passing a shop I saw this and thought of you." Kai handed him the box.

"Can I open it now?" He was trying his hardest not to look like a child in a candy store, but was failing badly by the look of the smirk on Kai's handsome face.

"If you'd like."

Tala gasped in awe at the soft white material he pulled out of the box. It was by far the best present he'd ever been given.

"I'd take it you like it."

"Kai it's beautiful. Thank you."

Kai looked around quickly to make sure that no one was around before placing a quick kiss on his lips. "No where near as beautiful as you are, though."

$endfb$

Once the two were seated Tala nodded at Sir Dickenson to began.

"Our intelligence has informed us that someone is after the Empress's throne. The culprit plans to marry her and then kill her. Thus gaining all of her power."

"He had better be a good actor, because she won't be fooled that easily."

" Yes, but we have reason to believe that he is not working alone."

"So you're suggesting that we send someone to intervene?" Tala raised a ruby eyebrow.

"Yes." He nodded.

"If she finds out she'll kill me."

"Yes. Perhaps unless…"

"Unless she falls for whomever we send."

"Yes."

"Who do you have in mind?" Tala wasn't too sure that he liked where this was going.

"You know her better than I do. Who do you gather would suit her fancy?" He said that as if he truly had no clue, but his eyes strayed to the beautiful fur rug lying innocently in the center of the room.

"Thank you, Sir . I shall think on it."

The elder man nodded and made his way out of the room.

Tala sat on his bed going over what to do for what seemed like the millionth time. It was useless though. He knew what had to be done and who he had to send to do it, but that knowledge did nothing to ease the pain in his heart. To save one friend he had to give up another. It wasn't fair, but he must do it. It was for the good of both empires.

Yes. It was all for the better. Ebony would fall for Kai and Kai would fall for her. They'd rule her land together and have a lot of kids. They'd be happy. Together. Without him. He would visit of course. They'd communicate, and he'll send presents for their kids birthdays. It will workout.

He'd be ok too. He'll marry a lovely lady that will make him happy and give him an heir. There wouldn't be any problems for any of them. It is going to be ok.

He keeps telling himself that yet he still feels like crying.

$Two weeks later$

The castle was excited. Kai and his men were riding up to the gates. Everyone was running around getting ready for the nights festivities. At the beginning of the war Emperor Tala had ordered all the military squads to report to the castle for a feast and dancing to start off their down time. The castle cooks were kept very busy, but they were happy to do it. These men were fighting to protect them and their families it was the least they could do.

The castle was so alive and excited that no one even realized the absence of their leader. Tala was a mess. He just couldn't do it. He didn't know how to do it. Kai would never go for it. They'd fight, and he just couldn't have Kai mad at him so soon after his return. He wouldn't tell him, at least not tonight. Tonight Tala was going to enjoy what will most likely be the last night they'd spend together God he just hoped that he could hold it together.

Kai was never so glad to see the castle in his life. He had been gone way too long. The battles were bloody and way too damn long. All he wanted to do was shower and curl up with his koi. He missed the red head so much it was unreal. Kai hated it when they were apart he always felt…incomplete. Tala would always be waiting at the palace doors for him when he returned, however, and that sight was always the best part of coming home.

Kai's eyes narrowed as he and the others rode threw the gates. He wasn't there. Everyone else was standing there cheering and what not, but Tala was no where in sight. Kai's mind started racing. Where was he? He should be here unless…unless something happened to him. But no, they wouldn't all be smiling and laughing if he was hurt or worse. Would they? No they loved him just as much as he loved them. But then why wasn't he here? He was always waiting for him, always.

Kai dismounted and shook hands with the men and hugged the women. When he came to Sir Dickenson his frown deepened and he asked, "Where is Tala?"

"Oh goodness! I'm afraid I haven't seen him since it was announced that you were on the horizon!"

Kai's eyes narrowed. He began to ask around for his friend. The answer was constantly the same, no one had seen him for a few hours. Kai was very worried now and close to panicking. The more people he asked the more the people were realizing how dire the situation was getting. Everyone began to panic they ran about the palace searching under and behind everything. No one could find him. They searched for a good half an hour without results.

Kai was trying to hold his composure, but his heart was beating so fast he was sure everyone in the castle could hear it. He was about to turn around and research Tala's private rooms when he saw red out of the corner of his eye. He walked out of the door on his left and walking with his head bowed as he adjusted his white gloves was the Emperor himself.

Kai sighed in relief. Tala stopped and turned around with a surprised look on his face. He blinked confusedly.

"You're here. I was just going to the doors."

Kai walked up to him and pulled him into his arms. "I've been back nearly an hour. The whole castle is searching for you." He kissed Tala's forehead, "I was afraid that something had happened to you."

"Sorry I was just thinking and time got away from me." Tala pulled out of the embrace. "Go to my room, while I inform everyone where I am, I want to be alone with you."

"Don't keep me waiting."

Tala found his favorite advisor a moment later a few rooms down the corridor.

"Ah Your Majesty!"

"Sir Dickenson please inform the castle that I am well, and that I'm sorry to have worried everyone."

"Yes, and have you seen Master Kai yet?"

"Yes. The two of us will be catching up in my rooms. We'll be down in time for the festivities this evening."

"Have you made your decision?"

"Yes, but I'll tell him in the morning. I don't wish him upset with me so soon after his homecoming."

"Very well. They will make a wonderful match and thank you for bringing them together."

'That's what I'm afraid of.' Tala thought before answering aloud. "Yes, but I guess it will take some getting used to, not having Kai around all of the time. He'd make a wonderful emperor though." Tala smiled as he walked away.

Kai wasn't in the bedroom when he arrived so Tala headed straight to his sitting room. Sure enough Kai was lying on the fur rug waiting for him. His coat and shirt had been removed showing off the effects of his daily workouts. His boots, too, had been removed and lying on his coat in a corner of the room.

"What took you so long?" Kai stood and made his way to Tala.

"I wasn't long you're just impatient." Tala smiled.

"If you know that then learn to be swifter."

"But I thought you liked it when I take my time and make it last." His voice held innocence but his eyes did not.

"Well maybe I forgot. Care to remind me?" Kai asked pulling the red head against his bare chest.

"Mmhm. Sounds good to me."

"In that case I have yet to take my shower, and I may need help washing my back."

"Well let's go wash your back."

A few hours later.

Kai and Tala made their way to the ballroom. Tala was not in as great of a mood as he had hoped he would be. He was fidgeting and his companion noticed this. Kai was worried about Tala he was acting strange. He didn't know what to make of it. First he wasn't there to greet him when he came home, then he made love like it was the last time, and now he was practicing his nervous habits. Kai was worried and he was going to get the bottom of the situation as soon as possible. He grabbed Tala's arm and pulled him into the nearest available room.

"Kai?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, love."

"Don't lie to me. Something is bothering you what is it?"

"I'm sorry I didn't want to ruin your night you just got home from war. I'll calm down."

"What has you like this? Let me calm you down. I'll make it better."

"Not tonight. I swear I'll tell you first thing in the morning. Let's just enjoy tonight."

"Dance with me."

"Right now? Kai there's no music."

"No later. In the ballroom."

"In front of everyone?"

"Yes. We'll blame it on the drinks."

"Kai you truly are reckless."

"And you're telling me that you're not?"

"After growing up with you of course not. I'm just saying that I'm a little more reasonable then you are."

"Well let's throw all caution to the wind. Dancing always makes you feel better and I couldn't stand to see you in someone else's arms."

Tala knew that he couldn't stand to be in anyone else's arms. "Then we'll dance."

Kai grinned and planted a gentle kiss on Tala's rosy lips. Then lead him into the ballroom. The huge cream colored room was filled to the max with nobles, commoners, soldiers, and servants. Everyone was dressed in their finest garments. Music echoed their the room as an orchestra played popular music whilst the partiers danced their shoes away. Every face held a smile and every heart held a joyful tune. Even the heart of the Emperor, who must give a heartbreaking order in mere hours. Fore the night was coming to a close and he had yet to make good of his promise to dance with the dual tone haired man on his right.

Said man was getting impatient. True he wanted to make his lover's smile true, but also something was telling him that tonight was the night that he should finally see what exactly about the way his love danced that made the women weak in the next after just one waltz. He hadn't yet had the pleasure of a dance, fore they were always afraid that someone would notice the gleam in their eyes as the stood so close; or that they'd forget themselves, like they often do, and end up giving themselves up. Now, however, he could careless. Let the world know. He is frantically in love with the red headed blue eyed pale skinned mesmerizingly handsome Emperor Tala. The world may have a heart attack, but damn it he didn't care because nothing was going to keep him from loving him.

With this in mind Kai stood up and offered his hand to Tala who was just watching as his people laughed and danced. He and Kai were among the few who were not on the dance floor. Tala looked up at him and laughed at the look in his eye. It was time to dance.

The pair walked into the middle of the dance floor just as the orchestra began a slow tune. Kai placed his hand one the lower back of his partner and gripped one of his hands loosely. He lead them into a slow waltz.

1,2,3

They moved too slowly at first.

1,2,3

Then they picked up just the right rhythm.

1,2,3

Now it feels as if they'd done this a hundred times.

1,2,3

It was just the two of them. No one else mattered.

1,2,3

And they thought," so this is how it feels to fly with an angel."

1,2,3

The music slowed.

1,2,3

One last spin

1,2,3

They stepped apart.

1,2,3

To onlookers their dance was done, but together their hearts were still in rhythm.

1,2,3

"Kai, I love you." Tala whispered in his lovers ear as they lay in bed.

"I love you too. You are so amazing."

"Not nearly half as amazing as you are."

"True." A yawn.

"Goodnight." He rested his head on the solid chest next to him.

"Always as long as I'm sharing it with you."

They slept.

A/N: k wut u think? good? bad? Review and i love u forever!