A/N: This is something I came up with during the break, it'll be short about 2-3 chapters. Enjoy!
Spring the season of rebirth and celebration, where nature is ever changing and rejuvenated, but some things remain for all eternity. The sunny, warm day was perfect for a picnic or just a nice stroll, the Bladebreakers were training in Japan at a large park close to Tyson's dojo. Kai practiced alone, the frustration of not being able to find his rhythm or strength further eroded his patience and concentration. He watched as Dranzer spun out of control whizzing further away, sparks flew as the phoenix hit the trees and rocks.
It lead him further away from the group as he tried to stop the wild bit beast which suddenly came to a halt. Bending down Kai collected his beyblade, inspecting it thoroughly, a shiver went down his spine and he sensed a strong, eerie power nearby. Then he found himself in an orchard of sakura, blossoming in their height of glory as it was that time of year again. He walked slowly listening to the song of the birds, soft pink and white petals fell from the tree branches like rain from the clouds.
In such beautiful surroundings a person could be at peace and contentment however there was also a feeling of great sorrow. Kai came across a grand cherry tree that stood above the rest its almost perfect petals were a deep, rich pink, he rested against the trunk and instantly wanted to cry. Taking a step forward he held back the tears which formed for no particular reason and he inhaled deeply to contain new found emotions.
Up ahead he saw a young lady in a patterned white kimono, her head and face was hidden by a long scarf of the same color. Bathed in sunlight the mysterious woman twirled round a few times and laughed joyfully. Kai couldn't even get a glimpse of her face, he wanted to go closer but couldn't move as if a there was a force holding him there momentarily, now he was free.
"Wait!" Kai yelled and began to chase after her.
No matter how fast he ran she always seemed out of reach and grew more distant. A gust of wind blew a stream of blossoms into Kai's view, he madly swatted them away. Even though he had lost sight of her, Kai still continued to search until he realised that it was hopeless and started to question whether that was real or just fatigue setting in. His mind was willing but his body was tired, so he wandered out of the orchard stumbling along the way. Kai stood still as the world began to spin around him and then it was dark.
Startled, he awoke sitting up very straight and stared at the person who was beside him.
"Its ok your at the dojo, you should rest now." said Max at once, in a calm, soothing tone.
Kai grabbed him by the sleeve. "Did you see her? Where is she?"
"What are you talking about," Tyson said dryly, as Kai released his grip on his friend. "We found you laying on the grass there wasn't anyone else there."
"All that hard training has really worn you out," Grandpa said firmly. "You were probably just dreaming or maybe-"
"Maybe what?" Kai asked soberly and rose.
'Didn't you know a ghost haunts the sakura,' said Grandpa, stroking his small, neatly kept beard.
"No." Kai replied in earnest and sat down.
"You telling another one of your ghost stories gramps," Tyson plopped down next to the blonde.
"Alright boys gather round to hear a tale of a tragic romance," Grandpa began before taking a deep breath. "This is set in the Muromachi era during a period of unrest there were two lovers one a noble samurai of a powerful clan who was in love with a beautiful peasant girl. The day before he left to fight he vowed to come back and she would wait for him in the sakura orchard, where they had first met. Unfortunately as fate drew them together it tore them apart, he died during a battle and the poor girl was heart broken eventually she passed away. Some say that she still waits there and the spirit of the samurai wanders until he can finally return to her."
"That's sad I hope he finds her one day," Rei said from the doorway.
Tyson asked quizzically, "Where'd you guys go?"
"When I took a break from training I gave Kenny my Driger, he made some adjustments and did a good job too." Rei told them.
"Hey its nothing," Kenny said, flushing he looked away.
There was no further talk about that story or ghosts, but it still lingered, fresh in Kai's mind. After dinner and a beyblade discussion they rolled out their futons and prepared for sleep. A huge yawn split Kai's face, reminding him of his own weariness. He was about to lay down when he noticed that the Chinese boy was gazing at him. Rei leaned in, his fingers almost brushing Kai's cheek as he gently picked something out from his pale blue hair.
"This sakura petal was stuck in your hair." Rei said, showing it to him before placing the delicate pink petal onto the palm of his hand.
Unexpectedly Kai asked, "Do you have a favourite flower?"
"Hmm actually I like peonies," he replied in brief. "Good night." Rei pulled the blanket over himself and got settled into a comfortable position.
He looked at the almond shaped petal which was a striking shade of pink before putting it under his pillow. Kai slept soundly through a dreamless night.