I obviously don't own Redakai. If I did there would be more dang romance.

Lokar was her grandfather. Maya stared at her reflection in the mirror, alone in her room. She traced the dark circles under her eyes slowly, studying the product of her nightmares and fears. Her fingers moved down to her tattoos, which she came to despise more with each passing day. When she was little they made her unique, they made her special. Now she would give anything to not be unique, and to consider herself special was a sick joke.

She sighed, picking up a small container of concealer and began her transformation of her appearance and mind. It's not your fault. You never chose this. They're still your friends, your family. A predetermined, endless loop of self assurances played through her mind. They helped. At least, that's what she told herself.

She couldn't let her friends know, fearing that it might destroy any happiness she might have in her life. So she put on the facade of Maya before her world was turned upside down. Training, missions, hanging out, putting up with Ky's slightly inflated ego after being named Kairu Champion. Although in all honesty it was nice to have something to be happy about, and to see Ky smile. It was one of the only things that truly made her happy anymore.

Maya set down the concealer, critically looking over her appearance to ensure nothing was out of place. After running a hand through her hair, she steeled herself, and marched through the doors. She made her way to the training grounds, not stopping to see if Ky and Boomer were already up. They were probably sleeping in, and even if they weren't, she slept so little now that it was too early for them anyways.

Her hand slid along the sturdy brick of the monastery, feeling out the texture and imperfections. It was an anchor to what was real, and it would hopefully stay the same for years to come. If only everything in life was constant and unwavering.

Maya picked up the pace as she approached the old stone doors, feeling the tension leaving her body as she threw them open to reveal a fair sized clearing on the side of the cliff. It was perfect, overlooking the water with a beautiful view, accented by a few trees and foliage. The sun was low in the sky, illuminating the world in the golden glow.

Maya sat down in the center, and began her traditional morning meditation. She did her best to sense the Kairu in balance around her, although it took her much longer than it used to. Finally reaching that serene sense of peace, she emptied her mind and relished the moment.

Her concentration faltered after a short time, and Maya sighed, knowing that was all she was capable of accomplishing at the moment.

"To truly master the Kairu, one must master her emotions," Maya mumbled to herself. She waited a few moments to compose herself, then held out a hand and attempted to summon the Kairu. To her horror, she was successful. Eyes widening, she clenched her hand into a fist, cutting off the energy.

Not your fault, she reminded herself. Her thoughts were cut short as she sensed someone behind her.

"Hey Maya," Ky greeted, surprisingly awake considering how early it was and the fact that he and Boomer had stayed up late training.

A small, somewhat forced smile made it's way onto Maya's face. She wasn't mentally prepared to see anyone yet. "Hey Ky. You're up early."

Ky plopped down beside Maya. "I could say the same about you." Maya didn't respond, simply closing her eyes in an attempt to gather her thoughts. "What? No adoration or ridicule for your favorite Kairu Champion?" Ky teased, elbowing Maya in the ribs.

Maya wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. "I'm surprised your ego fit through that door Ky." Unused to the silence, she opened one of her eyes and saw Ky studying her suspiciously. "Yes?"

"Just wondering if you had breakfast this morning," He said nonchalantly.

"Yes," It was an automatic response, and a blatant lie. It was also obvious Ky wasn't totally convinced. "I grabbed an apple before I came out here," She defended. "I always make sure to leave before being guilt tripped into trying Mookees cooking."

Ky laughed, falling backwards and using his arms to rest his head. "Can't say I blame you. But I never see you eat much now, so I was just wondering." He squinted against the rays of the sun. He stayed that way for several moments, and the longer he was silent the most anxious Maya became.

"Maya?"

"Mhm?"

"You're not mad at me, are you? For winning the tournament?"

Maya jerked her head towards Ky, shocked. "What? No! Of course not!"

The look on Ky's face said that he, once again, was not convinced. Someone's skeptical today.

She flopped backwards, facing the sky like Ky was. "I'm not. Really. I hope that it doesn't seem like I am. I'm just..." She paused, thinking about her words. "How would you feel if I won the tournament?"

Now it was Ky's turn to be surprised. "I...I would be happy for you, totally. But I would also be...sad? Disappointed I guess, in myself."

"Exactly. Completely happy for you. Yet a little sad, fairly disappointed. But," She added, smiling, "I would be a better sport than you cause you hate losing."

"What! No way, I'm the better sport!" Ky exclaimed, bolting upright. The look on his face dared Maya to challenge him.

Maya stayed on her back, smile growing. "That's a lie. You remember when we were little, and we were practicing. Then I took you down in practice and you started crying?"

Ky frowned, but he was trying to suppress a smile. "You always use that against me. I was little, and I had a perfect record and you ruined it."

"You were just upset you got beaten by a girl," Maya stated matter of factly.

Suddenly Ky bent over Maya, placing his hands next to her head, bringing his face down to hers. Maya's eyes widened, blue hair splayed out around her.

"No, I was upset that I got beaten by you. You were smart, fast, could sense Kairu, and then suddenly you were stronger than me too." Ky grinned, partially to show Maya that he was kidding, yet also because the blush creeping across Maya's face was nothing short of adorable. "Kid's don't like being upstaged, especially when they're good at something."

Maya shoved Ky away lightly. "Get off me you weirdo." She gave Ky a simmering glare, but they both quickly broke down laughing. It was the kind of laughter that made your lungs ache for air and your face hurt from smiling. The kind of laughter that only you and your best friend could share.

Ky pushed some of his jet black hair out of his eyes. "I think I need a haircut," he mumbled.

Everything was so normal. It hurt to keep her secret, and she knew the guilt would only get worse with time. Ky turned to see Maya, slightly pale, with her fists clenched. "Hey, are you okay?"

Just tell him, she thought. Then shook the idea out of her head, scolding herself for ever thinking that everything was fine, and that confessing to Ky would make things better. If anything, it would totally destroy their friendship. Any hope she ever had at being normal, joking around, laughing. Being happy. She loved just being herself with Ky.

Maya gave him her most convincing smile, which was so painfully fake she was surprised Ky didn't call her out on the spot. "I'm fine, just thinking of how badly it would turn out if you let Mookee cut your hair," She said rather weakly.

This took me way longer than I had planned to post. Although it was about time I posted another story, so better late than never I suppose.

It may be slow going when it comes to updating for a little while. I need to get myself motivated to write now. Since it's Christmas break I'll hopefully have a fair amount of time to work on this story.

Anyways, reviews are appreciated ^^