Tala's POV

Tala's POV

All too soon, I found myself training on the last day before our departure for Russia. I hadn't stopped thinking about Kai's father, whose name I was still unaware of, not that I should let it bother me, Kai would tell me when he was ready, and if all else fails I'm sure we'll all be introduced when we arrive.

Strangely though, I think it is just Bryan, Spencer and myself that know of Kai's 'accommodation' upon arrival in Russia. I suppose it was just that he didn't particularly need to bother of the others worrying about him. As Wolborg stopped spinning, I glanced up at Kai, he was leaning against the wall, his head slightly downcast to the ground, but I was well aware that he was watching his team through his slate bangs.

Kai's been totally off in his own world these past few days, and can you really blame him? Sure everyone knows something's bothering him, however not a single person has yet asked him what's wrong. They're gonna get a shock when we arrive in Russia. I smirked imagining Tyson staring, totally bewildered at Kai's father when the story is explained. I did feel slightly guilty that his team was none-the-wiser to the happenings, they should have been the first to know, but I can't exactly force him to explain.

I looked over at Kai again, he had stopped watching his team and was well and truly in his own world, his eyes were wide as he thought carefully about, at a guess, his father. I couldn't imagine what was going through his head. I had never known my father, my mother I only knew at a very young age, until I was about 4, and then I was sent to the abbey, Kai however, never knew either of his parents, his father left when he was young, and Kai's mother….well, I don't really know much about her, Kai's never thought to tell me and I daren't pry into his past. I do however know that he was alone at the age of one, when Mr. Dickenson had him sent to an orphanage. Kai stayed at the run-down shit-hole until his fifth birthday, following which he was sent to the abbey.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard scuffing feet. Training was over for lunch. I joined the group of people heading inside, Kai was trailing behind still lost in thought, so I left him to it.

We sat at the table and Ray brought out some light food for lunch, everyone began to tuck in, while Kai continued to stare at the table. I exchanged an uneasy glance with Bryan; He's beginning to cope with this less.

"Yo dude!" I turned to look at Tyson, who was trying to get Kai's attention "Earth to Kai!" He laughed as Kai continued to stare at his plate

"Kai?" Max asked rather loudly

Suddenly Kai's head whipped up to look at the teens that disturbed him. "Hn?"

"Dude, you gonna eat anything?" Tyson asked, Kai shook his head in response

"Are we still training this afternoon?" Max asked

"Do whatever you want; I'm not your babysitter!" Kai snapped. Max looked at the bluenette in disbelief with wide eyes

"There's no need to be like that Kai!" Ray scolded; Kai just looked at him, before looking back down at his empty plate. Ray watched him for a few long seconds with a concerned expression plastered onto his feline features; Kai however seemed totally unaware that most occupants of the table were now watching him.

"Kai" Ray spoke again "You are not leaving this table until you eat something." I heard Johnny snicker as Kai looked over at Ray with an icy glare, the anti-social teen, very suddenly stood up and left the Dojo, not giving Ray or anyone else a chance to tell him to do anything.

I looked again at Bryan who watched out the window as Kai presumably began training again.

"I swear he does it JUST to annoy me!" Ray growled as he shoved the remainder of his sandwich on his plate. Johnny snickered again and shoved some food into his mouth.

"I'm sure Kai has his reasons Ray, other than to annoy you" Max reassured with a wide grin "And besides, we don't have to train for the afternoon!"

Ray smiled and began to clear the table. As we stood up, I glanced out of the window, to see Kai sitting in the blossom tree thinking. I had thought about going out to talk to him, but decided it best to leave him to it.

XXX

Much to Max and Tyson's dismay, getting the afternoon off, just meant that they had to spend their free afternoon packing for Russia tomorrow. Most of us other's were living out of our suitcases anyways; there wasn't much storage space for all of us. So it was only really Max, Tyson, Ray and Kai who had to pack, but by the looks of things, Kai was well ahead, probably used it as a way to take his mind off things. So, while Max, Tyson and Ray packed their items, we watched films, and sat outside in the sun, it was the last warm weather we'd see for a while, in Russia the sun shines, but most of the time is lost behind grey clouds.

As the evening finally came in, Kai could STILL be found sitting in the tree in the back garden. We were all sat inside as it began to rain, and Kai had to be told to come inside after sitting outside dripping for ten minutes.

He dried himself off and sat down next to me in the living room as we watched Tyson and Max call out all the different types of pizzas we could order.

After almost half an hour of discussing we came to a decision on the pizzas we wanted and Tyson ran off to order them. Kai spent the entire exchange silently staring out the rain-splattered window.

XXX

After half an hour of Tyson's constant whining the pizzas eventually arrived. Tyson and Max almost launched themselves at the delivery man, who looked petrified to say the very least. He quickly shoved the boxes in Tyson's arms and took the money from Max and left hurriedly. I smirked as the two bounced back with the pizzas. We all grabbed slices and slowly ate, all of us, not including Kai. He sat staring out the window again, he hadn't eaten for a long while and I was beginning to worry at the state he was driving himself into, he'd lost a fair amount of weight for just a few days. Bryan looked at me, then down at his own slice of pizza, thinking something along the same lines as I was. Before I could utter a word, Bryan stood up, another slice of pizza in hand, he walked over to Kai. He stood next the daydreaming bluenette until he noticed, upon which Bryan shoved the pizza under his nose. Kai flinched back with the sudden movement, expecting some form of pain. He looked at the food for a few long moments before taking it slowly from Bryan, who nodded and returned to his seat.

Most of the occupants of the room were watching Kai at this point, He slowly took a bite and the teens looked away to continue their conversations.

Kai slowly made his way through the slice of pizza, it took him an age and he struggled to finish it, but eventually managed it. We made eye contact and I smiled letting him know that I was happier now he'd eaten. He looked back outside the window without giving me a smile or even just a look of acknowledgement. I sighed and took another bite of my pizza.

XXX

The evening finally came to a close and at about 11:00pm the group began to thin as people headed for bed.

Tyson yawned loudly and headed off, leaving Ray, Kai, Bryan and myself sat in the living room, the TV flickering silently in the background. The room fell silent, it was unbearably awkward. Kai suddenly stood up and scanned the room

"Bed" He stated, a single word and Ray got up with a yawn and began to walk to the bedroom

"Night" He replied, yawning. He closed the bedroom door and I looked at him sternly.

"You're not dealing with this Kai. Stop running" I snarled as he looked out the window, he looked back at me, but again said nothing. "You can't ignore this Kai!" I snapped, he continued to stare at me angrily, after a few more moments I looked away from his icy gaze, he heard him "hmph" In satisfaction before he crossed the room and left through the back door. I glanced at Bryan, who shrugged

"I guess we leave him to it?" he asked

"Yeah, let's get some sleep, we'll hear him when he get's back" I nodded and we headed off to bed.

XXX

I groaned and stretched. The first few rays of sunlight we're just creeping through the tiny gap between the curtains, I looked at the clock 5:52am. I smiled and looked over to Bryan, who was still blissfully unaware of anything going on around him. I looked over to Kai…who wasn't there, his futon was still neatly rolled up, and he definitely hadn't been to sleep last night. I sat up suddenly, my vision went for a few moments from the sudden movement, but in no time I was stood up looking around. I stepped over the sleeping teens and made my way to the door, quietly sliding it open and shut behind myself, I crept along the hallway, my feet were cold on the wooden floor, but I wasn't too bothered. I crept into the living room, where I found Ray sitting up with a coffee in hand.

"He didn't come home last night" Ray spoke into his coffee mug, I nodded

"Yeah, I know" He looked at me, his eyes filled with concern. "He's probably just training up for the tournament; you know what he's like" I assured Ray who nodded

"Yeah that must be it" I smiled as Ray took another sip of his coffee

"There's more in the kitchen" He smiled, meaning coffee. I slowly poured myself a coffee and went back to join Ray.

As I sat down, Ray spoke "I think there's something he's not telling us" I looked at him, mid-sip of coffee

"Really?" I lied easily.

"Yeah. Well he'll tell us eventually" I smiled that Ray wasn't going to go on and on about it.

After 20 or so minutes of talking about the upcoming tournament I turned to face Ray again "Fancy a little training before everyone wakes up?" he smiled and nodded.

XXX

At 9:00am we headed back into the Dojo, the rest of the teens were slowly making and eating their breakfast…all, except for Tyson, who was cramming all kinds of foods into his mouth. I cringed as he took a mouthful of cereal, followed by a forkful of bacon. Ray chuckled and sat down

"Where's the sourpuss?" Tyson asked through his mouthful of food

Ray gave him a disapproving look at the nickname but replied all the same "Not sure, he didn't come home last night" Tyson swallowed his mouthful with difficulty and spoke loudly

"Really?! Are you being serious? He actually stayed out all night? I thought it was raining!" Tyson looked at Max for a moment

"It was, but Kai's Kai" Ray chuckled. The room fell silent; the only sounds that could be heard were the cutlery 'clinking' on the plates and bowls. The relative silence was broken moments later by the sliding back door opening and closing. Kai walked into the kitchen moments later, he glanced around the room before spotting the coffee and walking over and pouring himself a mug. His hair was messy from the weather, he looked pale and tired and his eyes had dark rings under them. He drank his coffee quickly, with no milk and no sugar, just straight. And then he poured himself another mug. He sat at the table and everyone continued as they were before.

"Morning Kai" Max smiled

Kai glanced over, "Hn" Max's smile faltered for a few moments but was soon back.

"What time do we leave?" Mariah looked at Kai who didn't say anything for a few moments

"11:30" he looked down at his coffee mug and back up again "Which mean's we'll be leaving here at 10:30" I looked at the clock, it was only 9:42, so we still had a little time left

Kai stood up and left the room, I sighed and took a sip of my coffee.

XXX

Soon we were sat in the airport…waiting for our call to our flight, we were running late, mainly Tyson's fault, however we did make it to the airport with a little time to spare.

Kai was sat a few seats away from us, but no-one seemed too bothered. Eventually our call came over the loud-speaker

"Flight to Moscow Russia is departing from gate three shortly, I repeat flight to Moscow is departing from gate three shortly. Would all passengers please board the airship. Thank you" Kai was the first up, he picked up his bag and wandered off to the right gate, we all followed behind and found Kai handing over ALL our tickets to the air hostess. She nodded and allowed us all through.

The plane was small, small to a point that there were only a few other passengers on board. Kai was sat at the window seat, I was next to him, and Bryan and Spencer finished our row.

As the flight prepared to take off, and began to speed up along the runway, I noticed Kai tense up and grip the arms of his seat. I never knew he was scared of flying!

Kai's POV

I gripped the handle of my chair as we began to move, realizing there really was no going back now. I would have to stay with Susumu, whether or not I liked it…I sighed as the plane began to leave the ground.

XXX

Tala's POV

As we were nearing the end of the first hour of the flight, I glanced over at Kai, who was staring out the window, not that there was much to see, clouds, sky, the occasional glimpse of the sea. I left him alone when I heard Tyson complaining to a hostess.

"I'm hungry!" He stated loudly, so the few occupants of the plane who weren't associated with us looked over

"I'm afraid the food won't be served for another half hour sir" She replied commandingly, Tyson grumbled and was a bout to retaliate when the ice cold voice of the captain and my friend floated over my shoulder

"Enough Tyson" he began, not angrily, but the authority in his voice kept Tyson from speaking "You can wait just like every other passenger on this plane" Tyson glanced at Kai before scowling and replying, just as calmly:

"Just because you don't feel the need to eat, the rest of us aren't robots" Kai kept his icy mask in place, but everyone could tell Tyson had struck a nerve

"Will you just shut up and wait like everyone else?!" He snapped angrily. Proving the point that what Tyson said affected him.

"And if I don't?" Tyson taunted, Kai gritted his teeth

"If you don't you'll be on the first flight back to Japan when we arrive" he snarled

"Like you can make THAT happen?" Tyson teased Kai

"Either that or you'll be on a stretcher heading for hospital, now SHUT UP!" Kai shouted. Tyson looked taken-aback by Kai's words, and he smirked, thinking Kai was just messing about, but Spencer, Bryan and I knew that Kai was being deadly serious. He really would end Tyson up in hospital if said teen carried on in the fashion he was.

Tyson just sat back down and began to whine to Ray and Max about starvation and food. Ray just laughed it off, while Max giggled at Tyson's pained expression. Thankfully, after just 10 minutes the hostesses began handing out the meals. I noticed Emily mouth a 'thank you' to one of the hostesses who nodded in return; she had obviously asked them to feed us early to shut Tyson up.

As I put Kai's tray of food in front of him, he looked back out the window. He gave the food a very quick glance but that was it. "You really should eat" I whispered, just so as not to catch Tyson's attention.

Kai looked at me for a moment before pushing his plate away from himself "I'm not hungry" he mumbled

"But you've hardly eaten in days Kai!" I hissed, He glared at me icily, the dark rings still present under his eyes and pulled open the little foil container of food before stabbing it with the plastic fork and putting a tiny piece of meat in his mouth. I sighed knowing he was, in his own individual way, teasing me and decided to eat my food instead of letting it get cold. Surprisingly, Kai did eat a decent portion of his meal. Even though it was like chewing on cardboard. Tyson however was desperate for seconds, to a point that Ray gave the hostess some more money for another meal. Kai sighed angrily next to me and I just smiled at the happenings.

XXX

Another half hour into the journey, Kai was fast asleep next to me, having had no sleep last night, I decided it best to let him at least get some rest. Tyson looked over his chair and almost choked seeing Kai fast asleep, his head was gently leaning against the window, his arms wrapped loosely around himself. I gave Tyson a "Don't you even dare" look. He looked at me and nodded, I smiled, and suddenly Tyson began:

"KAI!" He shouted loudly. Said bluenette jumped in fright and sat up, his cold mask falling back into position moments after

"What?!" he hissed angrily

"Oh nothing" Tyson yawned "Man, I'm tired" he grinned as Kai glared at him. "What?" Tyson asked innocently. Kai glared again and stood up angrily, Tyson did the same, facing his captain.

"Just what is your problem Kai?!" Tyson asked agitatedly "You've been weird all week and it's about time you told us all why!" Kai looked like a deer caught in the headlights just for a split second; he pulled his mask back into place and replied

"It's none of your business Tyson" He snarled, Tyson look darkly at his captain

"I think you'll find it is!" he snapped back

Kai looked at him for a second, before turning and wandering to the back of the plane, presumably just to get away from the questions and prying eyes.

"You know don't you?" Tyson looked at me. My eyes widened for a moment "You do! If you didn't you'd have asked with me!" I looked at Tyson emotionlessly for a second before replying calmly

"You're right, I do know. But it isn't any of your business; Kai's trusted me not to tell anyone, so I'll keep it to myself." Tyson scowled and sat back in his seat and Kai headed back towards his seat. He flopped down next to me and said nothing…I decided to leave him alone, so pulled out my music player, found a magazine and began to read with my earphones keeping me blissfully unaware of the surrounding conversations.

I became so engrossed in my magazine, that it took Bryan giving me a nudge to realize that we had to put our seatbelts on for landing.

I smiled and pulled the small contraption around myself, before pulling out my headphones and folding my magazine and shoving them both into my bag. As the plane began to descend, Kai again gripped the chair; I guess it was in fear of what awaited him. I smiled and put my hand comfortingly over his, he smiled genuinely in reply and I moved my hand back to the arm of my chair.

XXX

The plane finally stopped and we all began to make our way into the Russian airport, Kai smiled as we waked in and heard someone speaking in rapid Russian over the loudspeaker. Kai's smile remained as he looked around at all the Russian adverts; the writing on the signs, there was a Russian song playing quietly in the background. And as we walked to collect our bags, we passed a small stall selling Russian food. Even I had to admit it was nice to be back home again, after so long.

Eventually our bags arrived and we all picked up our own suitcases, and headed for the exit of the airport. As we left, I remember just how cold it was out here. Kai walked off suddenly, seeing 3 taxi drivers, one holding a sign with the name "Hiwatari" printed on it. We all piled into 3 large Taxi's and arrived within minutes at a large hotel. Kai paid the drivers and we went inside, to get out of the cold weather.

As we walked in, sitting in the lobby was Mr. Dickenson, Judy, Bruce, and the stranger…Kai's father. Kai glanced awkwardly at me before walking over to the four adults.

"Ah, there you are!" Mr. Dickenson jumped up, and walked over with a huge grin plastered on his face "Now here are all your keys" Mr. Dickenson handed, Lee, Michael, Me, Robert and Ray the keys.

"Why doesn't Kai get the key?" Ray asked with a puzzled expression

Mr. Dickenson gave Kai an ashamed look "You didn't tell them? Did you?" Kai looked on expressionlessly.

"Fine, then I'll explain" Mr. Dickenson began, Kai remained motionless. "This is Susumu" he began

"Hi!" Max smiled, Susumu smiled in reply

"Susumu, is Kai's father, and Kai will be staying under his care from now on" Gasps filled the large lobby

"And you didn't think to tell us?!" Tyson shouted, throwing his hands in the air for effect.

"He will still be taking part in the tournament; however he won't be attending training with you." Mr. Dickenson continued "You will see him occasionally during the week, and Ray, you are in charge of training. We expect no less than what Kai would have you doing"

Ray nodded in reply and Kai spoke up "I expect to see an improvement"

"Why didn't you tell us dude?" Tyson interrupted with a sad quiet voice

"It wasn't your concern." Was Kai's emotionless reply; however it didn't contain the harsh tone as it usually would

"The tournament has been moved as well" Mr. Dickenson continued "It will be held in 4 weeks tomorrow. The reason you are here so early, is that the flights are fully booked, making it near impossible to get you all here on time otherwise"

Finally, Susumu spoke to Kai "Well, son, shall we head home?" Kai glanced at him angrily before speaking coldly

"I may be your biological son, but that doesn't mean you have the privilege of calling me that" He snarled, Susumu looked taken aback

"That's the tone your mother used often" He smiled, only it just made Kai angrier

"What did I say about bringing her into this?!" He growled icily, Susumu just smiled sadly at his son's stubbornness before leading Kai outside to a large black car. The chauffeur opened the door for the pair who climbed in without even a goodbye and soon the car drove away. Leaving us all stood in the lobby gazing at nothing out the window.

Everyone headed to their rooms, The Bladebreakers remained silent, trying to get their heads around what had just happened.

Tyson's POV

Ray closed the door to the room and I turned to face the rest of the team "I can't believe he would keep something like that from us!" I said waving my arms in the air angrily.

"Tyson, just calm down. I'm sure he had his reasons" Max replied, Ray nodded

"Kai is Kai after all" Ray smiled softly and I sighed

"But that's still no excuse" Kenny supplied, his glasses flashing in the light

"Well, ask him next time you see him!" Ray stated, with a slightly angered tone "You're going to achieve nothing sitting here discussing it"

I nodded and smiled "Well, since Kai isn't here, and we do have the entire afternoon to kill…" Ray looked over me

"We'll be training" Ray supplied, Max's face fell

"But RAAAYYYYY!" Max whined "We've only just got here, and I'm kinda jet lagged" Max lied, fairly well, but Ray saw straight through it.

"No you're not" he laughed as Max sighed

"Well I TRIED!" the blonde laughed

"Fine, we'll train this evening then. You can relax this afternoon" Max jumped and punched the air, we all knew Ray wouldn't make us train this evening, so we had the rest of the day off. I grinned and picked up the TV remote.

As I flicked the channel on to what would usually be a quiz show, I was shocked to find a news channel with a woman speaking rapid Russian "WHAT?! They don't have English TV?!" I spluttered. Ray burst into loud laughter and Max giggled

"Well, we ARE in Russia" Kenny chuckled "I'll have a look in the manual" Said genius stood up and began to flick through the book, before fiddling around a bit with the remote and, thankfully the usual quiz show came onto the screen, in English. I smiled sheepishly; the thought of reading the manual hadn't even crossed my mind.

Kai's POV

I sat silently staring out the window, vaguely aware that Susumu was talking to either myself or the chauffeur. I continued to look out the window as the car eventually came to a halt outside a huge mansion. Definitely an inherited 'Hiwatari' mansion, probably from my Grandfather. Although, saying that I didn't know if Susumu WAS Voltaire's son or if my mother was Voltaire's daughter. I'd never thought to ask.

The mansion was made of a light sandy colored stone, with large ceiling height windows, there was ivy creeping up the front of the house, but that only made it look nicer. There were stone steps leading to the front door, the steps were the same sandy colour as the walls, and at the top, either side of the main doors, we're two white stone pillars which were almost holding the roof of the large porch up.

I stepped out the car before Susumu and we headed up the large stone steps to the main doors, which were at least twice as tall as me, and made of dark wood with black handles. A butler pulled the door open for us as we reached the top step, Susumu nodded in thanks and we headed inside. The inside was just as magnificent as the mansion looked from the outside. The entire floor was black stone, and the large entrance hall was lined with white pillars, which we're the same width as the stairs, which were at the far end of the hall. The grand staircase had one small flight and a half landing and then split off in opposite directions, each stone step was covered by a dark, rich red carpet. A black railing lined the edges of the staircase. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, dripping with red and clear crystals. Even though the lights were not on, I could tell how magnificent it would look, and also how expensive it was.

I looked around the grand hallway we were stood in. it was about the size of a decent ball room, between each pillar, was a light colored wooden door, presumably leading to the living room and the dining room etc.

Susumu walked ahead and began to walk up the stairs, I followed closely, he took the stairs to the left and we entered the hallway at the top. This hallway was a lot narrower than the entrance hall, but it was no less impressive. No pillars lined this hallway, presumably because it was on the second floor, but the floor was still black stone, the dark red carpet had stopped on the top step of the stairs. The walls were a perfect white, as was the ceiling, grand chandeliers also hung in this hallway, although they were not nearly as large as the ones before. As we walked passed multiple rooms, Susumu spoke:

"These are guest rooms" he said with a smile as we walked passed more rooms

"You're room is at the end here" he indicated as we began to reach the end of the hallway, which held another flight of stairs. He pushed open the door

"This is your room Kai" he let me step inside and have a quick look around:

The walls were a deep blue, almost the black colour, the same as the back of my hair. The floor was still black stone and was not covered with any carpets or rugs. The bed was a king size double, with dark red sheets placed on top, perfectly, without a single crease. The curtains on the large ceiling high window matched the bed sheets. Small light wooden colour bed-side-tables were either side of the bed and each held a small silver light with a deep red lampshade. There was a large bathroom to the side of the room, and on the wall next to it was the large window, with a large window seat, lined with Red cushions.

The butler put my bags down for me and left, as Susumu spoke again "I'll show you some more of the house" he smiled and left the room, with me following. We walked up the next flight of stair, higher into the mansion; these steps were left without carpet. As we reached the next floor, I realized how alike it looked to the floor below. We passed many more rooms, a few of which were guest rooms, the others held large sofas and TV's, games consoles and other various activities. Susumu only walked half way along the corridor and he stopped

"These rooms are just for storage" He explained, indicating to the last few rooms on either side of the corridor "And that leads to the attic, though, there's no reason for you to be there" I nodded

"We've got training facilities for you as well" He began walking back, down the stone stairs and down the next flight until we were back in the entrance hall. He pushed open a small light wood colored door and revealed a set of stairs leading down into the cellar. Susumu walked down first, I followed closely behind. This area of the mansion was surprisingly just as well furbished as the other areas. The walls were white, as were the stairs, there was only artificial light in the cellar, so this helped keep the cellar looking bright. The steps were white stone as well, and the ceiling matched. As the stairs finally stopped, we came into a large white room, with a red bey-dish in the center. Various training machines lined the walls, from weights to treadmills. I gazed around the room in awe. Not even the BBA had supplied us with such an extensive collection of training equipment.

Susumu smiled "I'm sure you'll want some time to rest" We headed back out of the basement and Susumu stopped in the grand hallway "You're more than welcome to have a look around and get used to this house, after all it is your new home. However, the right wing of this house" he indicated to where the stairway split into two and the stairs went to the right "Is strictly off limits. You are not to go into that side of the house…understand?" He gave me a stern look, I could only nod in reply, I had no idea what to say. He swiftly left and I was suddenly alone in the large entrance hall.

I decided to start by just looking inside all the rooms which led off the hallway. There was a living room, and dining room, and the kitchen, but there was also a large corridor…I allowed my curiosity to get the better of me, and I walked down the long corridor. The black stone floor continued, as did the white walls and small chandeliers hung every 15 meters or so. As I made it to the end of the corridor, I pushed open the door and found a library. But it was huge, bigger than ANY library I had ever seen! Books lined each and every wall, and there were stand alone bookshelves everywhere. The room was like a maze to navigate. After I had looked through some of the books, I came across a shelf of older looking books, about beyblading. I smiled and picked one of them up, it had some fairly useful tips in it and I made a note to myself that I should look at this book again I picked up another book and it had some useful tips on building better beyblades I decided to take this book with me, it looked like it would come in handy. I wandered out of the library and back along the corridor. I decided to look in the rooms above the floor my room was on, so I headed upstairs.

I wandered along the corridor and pushed open various doors along the way, as I pushed open another door I realized I had come to the storage rooms, which were piled with cardboard boxes. I decide to leave these rooms be, and headed up into the attic. The attic was entirely made of wood, it was also piled with boxes, only these were open. And full of beyblade parts. I glanced down at the book under my arm and then decided I had nothing to lose and decided to have a look for some parts for my blade. I used the book from the library to pick out some good pieces and took them all down to my room along with some tools I found in another box.

Using the book I remodeled my blade, making the defense a lot stronger, and Dranzer was a lot faster and stronger. In theory. Now all I had to do was go and see if it would all work. As I walked down to the basement, I took note of how jumbled my blade looked. I couldn't find any pieces of the same colour, so at present, she had a green attack ring, and a purple base and a blue bit chip, bits of metal made up the other parts of the blade, along with Dranzer's original features.

As I stepped up to the red bey-dish in the center of the room, I readied Dranzer. I heard a whirring and a blade shot from the wall and into the dish, I smiled and launched Dranzer, who shot round the dish at an alarmingly fast rate, she smashed into the other blade, completely destroying it in one blow. Another two blades shot from the wall and began to attack my blade, Dranzer, however remained perfectly still, the attacks didn't even nudge her, it was slightly unnerving as I could feel control slipping from my grip, I definitely needed to practice with her new blade before the championships. I smiled as I called her back to my hand and left the training room. Deciding she looked too jumbled for my liking, I headed back up into the attack, and after a good rummage I found some bey-paint. I wandered back own into my room, the book lay open on my bed. As I sat down I noticed there was a little more tweaking that I could do, just for a tiny bit more improvement. I tightened little parts of my blade here and there and then began to paint her royal blue again. With red and orange around the attack ring. I smiled as I sat her to dry on the window seat. I lay back on my bed and sighed as I felt myself sink into the fluffy duvet. I glanced at the clock and realized that I had spent almost the entire afternoon and evening working on my blade; it was 8:17pm. After the time changes from the flight, I decided to get some sleep early, and so moved Dranzer to my bed-side-table and found my pajamas in my suitcase. Before climbing under the heavy duvet and drifting off into a peaceful sleep. Not having to worry about waking up before Tyson and Max, and even Ray, or going to sleep later than them. For once I felt totally relaxed.

XXX

I woke up later than usual in the morning, at 8:22am. I smiled and rolled over in the huge bed to look out the equally impressive window. The sun was just shining through the clouds, yet snow was still falling. I smiled and got out of bed, got changed and wandered out of my room.

As I walked down the long corridor I could hear Mr. Dickenson's voice. As well as Susumu's

"They just want to see him, they have questions" Mr. Dickenson reasoned

"Yes, but Kai's fine here. Give him some space!" Susumu argued. I blinked, why would he not want me to leave?

I walked down the stairs and the argument stopped instantly. An awkward silence filled the large entrance hall

"Kai m'boy!" Mr. Dickenson smiled "You're friends want to see you" he smiled at me.

I nodded as Susumu scowled "I think you should get properly settled here first"

"I can settle later." I replied icily as Mr. Dickenson began to walk to the BBA car waiting to take us both back to the hotel.

I climbed in the back of the car and I knew Mr. Dickenson was going to bombard me with questions.

"So, how do you like living with your father?" He asked, I shrugged

"Hn." Was all I replied with. Mr. Dickenson scratched the back of his head

"Well, how are you finding the house then?" he continued to look at me

"Fine" I replied with a sigh as I gazed out the window at the trees and snow as we sped to the hotel

"It's a lot bigger than you're used to. I would imagine it's difficult to remember where every room is?" Mr. Dickenson smiled. I looked at him expressionlessly

"Not really" I replied

"Why must you be so stubborn?!" Mr. Dickenson said exasperatedly.

I glanced at him, but decided not to stoop so low as to argue with an old man. I continued to look out the window and I heard Mr. Dickenson sigh in utter defeat.

We drove around the final bend and the car came to a halt, I climbed out and entered the large lobby of the hotel. Mr. Dickenson walked in behind me, but I paid him no attention.

Heading for the stairs I walked up quickly, leaving Mr. D far behind.

As I arrived on the floor of the other teams I smiled hearing Tyson whining loudly

I stepped up to the door and knocked loudly, the door swung open and I was greeted by Tyson yelling

"FINALLY!" assumingly he thought I was room service

"Kai!" he smiled and stepped aside so I could walk in.

He closed the door after me and I looked around the room, it was a far cry from the mansion I was currently living in. The floor was covered by a deep blue carpet, there were small wooden beds lining the walls, with matching bedside tables. A large light hung in the center of the ceiling, and the window was almost as big as the one in my room. They had a bathroom joined to the bedroom, and in the corner a small kitchen area with a mini fridge, filled with goodness knows what. Quite why there was a small kitchen I didn't know, after all, every meal was served down in the large dining hall, used by all guests of the hotel.

Ray smiled at me from across the room, which, although was not expensively furnished, was large. "You alright?" Ray asked, I nodded slightly and he smiled

"Dude!" Tyson interrupted "Why didn't you tell us you were staying with your dad?!"

I looked at him "You never asked"

Tyson sighed angrily "Dude, you should have just told us" I smirked at Tyson's calling me 'dude'

"Come on guys, it doesn't matter now!" Max smiled "Besides, Kai, what's you're dad's place like?" I smirked at their questions

"Huge" Mr. Dickenson replied from the doorway

"Mr. Dickenson!" Tyson smiled, Stanley smiled and nodded in greeting

"I'm going to go and check on the others. I'll see you boys soon" Ray glanced at Tyson confusedly, wondering why Mr. D left so suddenly

"I guess he was only dropping round to check on everyone?" Max smiled

"Training" I stated without any chance for more questions to be fired at me. I didn't need to be dealing with their worrying and questions.

Ray laughed "Ever practical aye Kai?" I just gave him a 'don't mess with me' look. We headed outside and began to train….about 10 minutes later Tyson's whining began

"But it's SNOWING Kai!" He yelled loudly from across the large lawn area to the back of the hotel "And Dragoon keeps getting snow and ice stuck in his blade!" I sighed as Tyson's whining continued

"And I don't have any gloves on, I can't feel my fingers!" I growled quietly, Ray however heard

"Come on Tyson, it won't be for much longer!" Ray smiled optimistically

"Stop lying, we all know Kai's gunna keep us out here until like tea-time!" Tyson stamped his foot childishly and I sighed angrily.

"Fine, do what you want" I snapped angrily, Tyson 'whooped' and ran inside, Max, Ray and Kenny however hung back

"We should keep on training. We do want to win after all" Max smiled as he placed Draciel back into the launcher. I kept my expression blank; however, I was proud at their determination…Tyson on the other hand…..

"Tyson better not let us down!" Ray looked over to the door to the hotel, where Tyson had previously run inside

"If he loses his matches because he doesn't train…" Max trailed off, just imagining how I would make him suffer.

"Right. Ray you take on Max. Kenny, record the battle and get their stats. We need a direction for this training" Kenny nodded and settled on the rug which lay over the snowy grass opening up Dizzi, I leant against the nearby wall and watched as the battle began.

I only watched the two of them for a few moments, before I began to watch Dizzi's screen, with each clash of Ray's and Max's blades, information popped up. Ray needed to work on defense, while Max needed to work on attack….it fitted together perfectly.

The match came to an end and I walked over.

"Ray, your defense needs work, and Max you need to get your attacks stronger. You may as well battle against each other working on those fields, while I go find Tyson" Ray and Max nodded

"Chief" I used Kenny's nick-name for the first in a long time, The genius looked up at me, glasses flashing in the light "I've done some work on my blade" Kenny's mouth hung open slightly, and Max and Ray came over

"How? I Thought chief had all the bey-parts?" Max asked perplexed

"I found some in the mansion." I supplied them with a short explanation.

"Sure thing Kai" Kenny smiled and pulled up my stats and a picture of my blade the last time they saw it…I pulled out Dranzer in her new blade, and realized her appearance had hardly changed, if at all.

"It looks the same to me?" Max tilted his head in confusion.

"Wow Kai!" Kenny exclaimed as he looked over my blade "How did you manage this?" He looked at me in awe

"Found some books in the library" I replied as I crossed my arms

"Uh…Kai?" Kenny looked at me

"Hn?" I replied

"Could you bring me one of those books? I could upgrade everyone's blades before the tournament that way. After all we do have a little while before it starts, and that way they could practice before." I looked at him for a moment before nodding

"Do you still want us to train with our old blades? Or did you want to take them now?" Kenny looked at me for a second

"Could you go back and get some books Kai?" I nodded and left to find Mr. Dickenson.

Speak of the man; just as I walked into the hotel, I spotted him talking to Tyson

"Kai!" he smiled

"Can you take me back?" he looked at me for a moment before nodding "I need to pick something up" I gave as my explanation.

XXX

I jumped out the car and jogged up to the mansion, before shooting down the hallway and grabbing some Beyblade books from the huge library, leaving the old book I had previously used. Before I gave him that I wanted to read over some other things first. I grabbed a couple of books and jogged back down the corridor and straight back out to the car.

We were back at the hotel moments later. I handed Kenny the books, he smiled and said "thanks" before settling down with the books, Ray and Max sat with him, so I decided to stand nearby.

Just at that moment, Tyson wandered out of the hotel, holding a dohnut and another slice of some type of sugary, unhealthy, fattening cake. I sighed as he plonked down by the group and stuffed over half the cake into his mouth. I cringed as he chewed it, dropping crumbs all over the books, Dizzi and the rug.

"Do you mind?!" Dizzi's mechanical voice sounded loudly

"Oh, sorry Diz" Tyson grinned sheepishly and swept the crumbs off the books, Dizzi and himself.

"Hey, what you doing chief?" Tyson asked

"Upgrading Max and Ray's blades" Kenny replied

"What about mine and Kai's?!" Tyson crossed his arms, cakes still in hand.

"If you gave me yours I would happily upgrade it. And Kai's already upgraded his himself" Tyson nodded and shoved the other half of his cake into his mouth

"How much better is your blade then Kai?" Max looked at me…inwardly I cringed, I hadn't had another chance to practice, so the chances of me losing control were high…

"Hn" I turned my head. I heard Max chuckle and I decided that he had dropped the subject.

I walked over to the group, picked up my blade and decided to leave. I left the garden area of the large hotel and headed down into the town, where there was a nearby park I had seen previously

I began to train…it took a long time, I found Dranzer spinning off in all directions when I tried to command a move. And just as I thought I had the hang of it, she shot of and ploughed into a tree…I sighed in anger and yanked the dark blue blade from the hole in the splintered wood of the tree.

'How the others will handle these new blades, I have no idea' I sighed angrily and re launched Dranzer, and seeming to notice my anger, she began to obey me…I blinked in confusion…..all I had to do was lose my temper? I had spent the entire day trying to keep my cool and all I had to do was the opposite?! I growled in anger and in response Dranzer shot around the park, exactly as I wished her to…'maybe just emotions make everything work' I contemplated

I called her back and wandered back into the hotel garden, the bladebreakers were still sat working on their blades. Tyson grinned and held his upgraded Dragoon in his hand. I just rolled my eyes and leant against the nearby wall. Max smiled as Kenny handed his blade back.

"We're all done Kai" Kenny smiled and sighed tiredly

"Let's try these out then!" Tyson jumped up and without another thought yanked the rip-cord from the launcher. Sending his silver blade flying off and smashing straight into the wall by my head. I growled and took Tyson's smoking blade from the wall

"Concentrate" I shoved the blade back into his hand, deciding not to give him the answer he needed, as a team they should work it out. It'll only serve to make them stronger.

Tyson launched Dragoon again, trying desperately to concentrate; you could see it by the look on his face. And, in all fairness, he did manage to get his blade to launch in the right direction, but it soon shot off again, hitting a tree and stopping. "It's SO fast!" Tyson picked his blade up again "I can't control him!" I just sighed and closed my eyes.

I stayed against the wall for the best part of the afternoon, and slowly, the group began to gain, SOME control of their new increased power. Ray, the most, although he was the better blader before, he seemed to understand the most.

All too soon, Mr. Dickenson arrived and walked over

"Kai, you should go back now" he smiled

"Aw, but Mr. Dickenson, can't he stay for dinner?" Max whined. Mr. Dickenson chuckled and replied:

"Well, if Kai doesn't mind" Mr. Dickenson looked at me, I shook my head

"Whatever" I replied, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips

XXX

As we sat around for dinner, I heard Tyson, who was sitting a seat away from me, heading towards the subject of our new blades; very suddenly I sent him a sharp kick, effectively telling him to shut up

He clenched his shin for a minute or two before changing the subject. I shoved the untouched food around my plate for a good few minutes. Ray looked at me "You not hungry?" I shook my head and placed my knife and fork down, pushing the plate away from myself.

"Kai, m'boy, we should take you back now, Susumu will be wondering where you are" Mr. Dickenson smiled, I scowled however I stood up and headed for the door

"See you tomorrow buddy!" Tyson and Max smiled, I nodded, although, I knew the chances were slim of me seeing them, I wanted to train alone.

XXX

I wandered back into the mansion, and watched briefly as the black BBA car drove away

"A maid said she saw you take a few books from the library?" He asked calmly

I nodded in reply

"The books are NOT to leave this house, do I make myself clear?" I nodded, slightly bewildered as to why it bothered him so much.

I wandered up the stairs and along the corridor to my room. The first thing I did is lean against my door, before sitting on the large window seat and admire the garden and the hundreds of stars that now twinkled in the cloudless sky. I sighed and decided to get some rest, as Susumu seemed to be in a particularly unfavorable mood.

XXX

I woke up early, as usual. I had had my lie in the previous day.

'Train' was the first thought that entered my sleep-fogged mind. After quickly getting changed I made my way to the large garden and began to train alone; I could make a lot more progress when not hindered by other bladers.

I continued to train for hours. Until Susumu came out to see me. Instantly I stopped, not really trusting him.

"Morning Kai" He smiled, I nodded in reply. Susumu scratched the back of his head at the awkwardness "Sleep well?" he asked politely

"Yes" I replied bluntly. He again scratched his head and looked away from me

"Did you want any help training?" I looked at him for a long moment before replying

"No" I readied Dranzer in her launcher. He watched me for a few moments before deciding to leave me in peace.

'I don't know what it is about him…but I don't like it' I thought to myself as I launched Dranzer.

XXX

After spending nearly the entire day training I wandered back into the mansion. A maid greeted me as I walked in, which was slightly strange, but I left it at that I wandered up to the rooms with huge televisions and sofas with beanbags and other things. I flicked through the channels for a while, and eventually turned the TV off. I sighed and glanced out the window

Flashback

"Look at the stars" a young voice whispered

"Yeah" my equally young voice replied

"I can't remember when I last saw them" I looked over and into ice blue eyes

"Too long ago" I replied sadly, my red-headed best friend nodded and turned to look out the window again

"We should sleep soon, but I don't wanna stop seeing them" I smiled sadly

"Come on Tala, let's get some sleep, training tomorrow" I climbed into my bed and Tala climbed into his, the other side of the dark cell

End Flashback

I gasped as I came back to reality, I held my head for moment 'That's the first flashback you've had in almost a year' I thought to myself

I glanced back at the window, and decided to head for bed early. I used to get flashbacks, but they were never anything important, that I NEEDED to remember. I remembered so many things about Tala, Bryan and Spencer. But never anything of the Abbey's training or facilities. I only had what I saw back at the Russian tournament. I growled in frustration and pulled my covers over myself. And slowly drifted into a light sleep, hoping I would not be plagued by nightmares…

XXX

That's another really long chapter! 21 pages. Excuse any mistakes, it was way too much effort to read all the pages and check it all over. Please review or no next chapter.

Thanks for reading

xflightofthephoenix