Yes I'm back. And please point those big bad sharp thingies somewhere else. I wanted to publish this after I completed Lonely without you but that damn fiction is no where near to the end. And since I had another new fiction coming, I wasn't able to concentrate on this one. Nonetheless here is the next chapter after such a long delay. Sorry peeps
Enjoy!!
Chapter No. 2
The Battle of the Champs
"Now that you've stopped analyzing me," she spoke in the same blasé voice, catching their divided attention, "I first of will thank you for coming here" she stepped forward and gave them a brief respectful bow, "the name is Kidarakush Lamia; Kida for short"
The air suddenly became somehow chiller while no sound was heard with the exception of the roaring waves as the Blade Breakers waited for the inevitable. The stranger continued once more, "so how about it then?"
Their trance broke and they looked at each other but this time, Tyson took the lead, "We accept your challenge but you should know what you're getting yourself into"
Kidarakush stared at him for a moment before replying, "Of course." She turned away from them and took a silent deep breath as if preparing herself for something preordained. When she spoke, her voice was nonetheless the same, "but what if we make this a bit more daring?"
None of them answered so she went on, "how about a deal?"
Ray turned from where he was standing at the back of the group to look at Kai who was beside him with arms folded and eyes narrowed.
"Well?"
"What do you have in mind?" Ray inquired tearing his gaze away from his captain's expression
She turned to look back at them and took another breath before answering, "I'm quite intrigued by your consecutive past wins, not to mention your successful victory at BEGA. How about it," this time her eyes bore into Ray's golden ones, "if I take on you all one by one and win, you'll consider me joining your team?"
Now that was certainly bewildering and unanticipated and Ray felt a sudden surge of fury with in him. But keeping his cool, he spoke, trying hard not to reveal the growl in the back of his throat, "You came in our town, nearly ripped my head apart by showing off, challenge us to meet you in the most hostile area and expect us to let you in like that?"
"Yeah what was all that fancy ninja stuff?" Hilary asked
"There are better ways of challenging you know" Max muttered disapprovingly
Kida was now facing the slightly infuriated bladers and her mild expression clearly stated that she had not expected that. Once more, golden met crimson and she answered, "And here I thought that being a neko-jin, you'll have competent reflexes. Don't tell me I've overestimated you"
Ray was about to retort but shut up when she shook her head looking somewhat amused. It was the first expression that she had given, "really, no offence but I'm being honest" when she looked up again, her façade had turned back to the blank one. "Though I'm still waiting for your response"
The guys looked at each other for a while before Kenny spoke, "and what if you lose?" Every head turned back towards her.
"Is there anything that you want to state?"
"Give us a sec" Without waiting for a reply, Tyson rounded Hilary and Max to face Ray, Kai and Kenny. "Well?" he whispered now that they formed a small circle
"I knew this was just wastage of time" Kai said without lowering his voice
"I highly doubt that she's bluffing Kai" Max reasoned logically
"What I don't get is that how is she planning to throw all four of you?" Kenny voiced his concern, "she must have something up her sleeve if she's that confident"
"We can't just let her off like that, guys," Tyson spoke, "I think we should go for this. It's not like we've got something to lose right?"
There was a moment of silence but the atmosphere was an approving one. So when nobody said anything else, Ray took his cue and broke the circle, "okay, we accept but here's our part of the deal" Ray turned to gaze at her.
Kida unfolded her arms, "I'm listening"
Before anyone could stop him, Ray replied around a smirk, "If you won, we will consider you becoming our new team member," after a second's pause, he continued slowly, "but if we won," Till now, Ray's grin had become quite unnerving, "if we won, you'll be forced to stick around for three whole weeks and train us all your moves that we ask you to"
There was a stunned silence that enveloped them all. It was broken by Kai who snorted around an amused smirk while the other gave Ray idiosyncratic glances. Kida on the other hand didn't move at all. From her face it was evident that she taking the raven head's demand seriously.
"That's it?" Tyson finally spoke looking bewildered
"I agree with Ray" Max grinned
"Me too" Hilary approved, "you guys have to start your training somehow"
Ray turned to his captain for conformity who also nodded once, "I think we have a deal here"
"Aw man, I was hoping to get a buffet tonight in 7th sky" Tyson muttered under his breath but it did reach all other ears since they all cringed and gradually turned to notice the Dragon Blader who had a finger on his chin in a thinking manner.
7th sky was known for its exquisite luxuries, not to mention its discriminating hospitality and scrumptious menu and thus having the reputation of the most elegant and chic places of all with another eminent and unforgettable factor that it was damn expensive.
"Deal"
The Blade Breakers turned their heads towards their new fellow
"Both terms" Kida stated, "now can we get on with it?"
There was small silence before Ray took lead again, "Alright then, who's first?"
"I am" Tyson jumped forward
"Okay, then?" Hilary asked
"I'll go" Max chirped, giving a smile at his opponent who returned it with a plain look.
"Ray?"
The Drigger master was about to response when a voice interrupted him, "I'll battle her and that will be all" every head turned to their captain to stare at him in bewilderment who was leaning against a rock with his eyes closed.
Ray's mouth felt open and he felt a strange pang trigger inside him; did Kai think that he was incapable of handling her? No of course not. He knows me better to judge my skills like that, right?
"Fine then, a battle each with no time limit. No rules. No disqualification. Bladers are as vulnerable to attacks as their blades. No perimeters."
That literally stunned the blade breakers but Tyson stepped up nonetheless. Walking some feet to get a good distance between his teammates, his hand reached out for the blue pocket on his upper arm to take his blade out. Pulling out the newly designed launcher he fixed his blade in its claw and moved into position, smirking all the while and hoping that the new moderations Chief had done a few days ago really pull off.
Kida, who was now facing him, pulled out a metallic silver blade with a wicked attack ring bulging out from two opposite sides. Her blade was comparatively lean and it was noticeable that instead of a proper defense ring, she had some black lined disk adjusted above the tip. Suddenly she pulled at her chain which came off after a hard tug. Coiling it around herself, she held the ends in her gloved hands with her blade hanging loosely at one ending.
"Alright bladers" Hilary announced, taking upon her self to begin the battle, "ready?"
A click from both adversaries came as a confirmation
"3…"
Tyson narrowed his eyes and stretched out his arms but the smirk did not subside
"2…"
Kida simply gazed at him, face bare with any sign of excitement though her eyes had a little alertness in them.
"1…"
Both bladers took a deep breath and shouted at the same time
"Let it rip!"
Dragoon shot out like an arrow from its launcher and quickly took its position on the ground. Kida had launched her blade by swinging her chain around like nun chucks which had a colossal effect initiatively as the top spin forward to face its enemy with immense ferocity.
Not a second passed and Tyson shouted, "lets go, Dragoon" the blade on the command, spun forward, making a graceful turn and shot forward at the other. Tyson rubbed a finger across his nose bridge indignantly, "get ready to pay a huge bill. Dragoon"
"What's your analysis chief?" At a side, Kenny had his laptop opened with Hilary and max surrounding it.
"Well, her launch was well planned. You see it has increased the velocity of the spins per seconds"
Everyone turned again to the battle in front of them as Tyson took all the heat out. Dragoon had made a great leap and now was aiming straight at Kida who was looking at the incoming assault from behind her bangs. The moment it was a feet away, Kida vanished. The strike caused a slight tremor, forming a cloud of dust
"Wow, did it hit the target?"
As the dirt settled, Dragoon was seen still spinning in a cavity but Kida was no where to be seen. Knowing what this meant, Tyson raised his head to look up and saw Kida standing tiptoe on the peak of a thin mountain top.
Kida descended and so did her blade which met the dragon in a ferocious slam, sending it off. Sparks flew as the white top fought to gain control and to push back.
"The attack intensity is right off the charts. Kida had taken the slope to her advantage" Kenny informed, typing furiously
That attack seems…familiar, Kai thought
"Tyson, don't pull off" Max shouted
The said blader dug his heels in the hard ground and tried to move forward, "stand your ground Dragoon!"
"Retreat"
"What!" Tyson gaped as the silver top backed away, causing the white one to loose its balance for a second.
Kida bent down into a crouch as if readying herself for the next blow.
Tyson smirked, "I'm just getting warmed up"
"Tyson be careful."
"This can't be good" Kenny muttered, "Her attack ring is adjusted at such an angle that it increases her attacks every time with 15"
But Tyson didn't seem to hear him. As another assault went to waste, his expression turned to a sober one and he lowered his eyes so that they were hidden by his blue locks. A strange vibe surrounded his outline and the white top started to glow as it took the offered energy.
Kida who had been the attacker previously halted to see what was happening. Her lips parted for a fraction of second as she whispered something.
Then like a flash, Tyson darted towards her, "Let's end this now Dragoon! Phantom Hurricane Attack"
The crimson orbs widened a bit while preparing to leap off at the precise moment. The dust storm picked up speed as it proceeded towards Kida who was still in her intimating crouch. Her eyes narrowed and she jumped once more. Less than a second later the attack hit the place where her blade had been.
Tyson grinned mischievously, "Oh dragoon won't fall for that one again. Follow"
Kida who was perched on yet another peak jumped again as the blade cut through the air after her. Knowing she wasn't going to get rid of her pursuer that easily, she went for the cliff next. The moment her feet adjusted, Tyson shouted, "Get her Dragoon"
"It's a trap" Max gasped
Ray saw the slight surprising look on the ninja's face as the hurricane hit her. She seemed to block the attack but the force was a bit too much.
Kida's coat bellowed in the current of fast moving air as it eroded the ground below her. The edge broke and she tumbled down along with the boulders and earth. As the dust subsided, Dragoon was seen spinning perfectly while the silver blade wobbled ever so little. Kida had her head bowed while her arms were in a cross. As she pulled them aside to straighten up, Tyson noticed that her lids were fully opened for once.
She tilted her head to one side and spoke monotonously, "is that all?"
Tyson, finally out of his astonishment, grimaced, "you haven't seen anything yet"
"And I don't tend to either" she plunged forward, not providing any chance for her opponent to react. The blow caught Tyson in the chest and he was thrown backwards.
"Check that out" Kenny cried, "that assault was as potent as Dragoon's Fathom Hurricane Attack. I can't believe she simply came through it unscratched"
"Tyson get up" Hilary shouted to the fallen teen. "Don't give up now"
Kai had been watching from the corners of his eyes. Kenny was still telling his results but he didn't need that. Something about the way she attacked triggered him. It was apparent to him that she was maintaining her energy level to a constant but there still was something missing in her assaults. It was as if she was simply playing around with the Dragon.
"Tyson" Kai spoke, "Finish this up quickly"
The said blader was now on his two feet, his attire disheveled but the frown apparent on his façade. His adversary however stood on her spot. Now observing her minutely, Tyson felt a twinge of dread as he gazed into her orbs. They were totally blank
Ray could feel the shiver running down his spinal column at the look Kidarakush was giving. It was a void of nothingness. Till now they have been filled up with at least a small spark of light somewhere. Now they were empty tunnels leading to endless dark pitch.
"What's she doing?" Max stuttered clearly feeling the change in the girl's demeanor.
"Tyson focus" Ray pulled himself out of his reverie to shout
Shaking his head to clear away the sudden fog that had clogged his mind, the Dragoon blader glared back, "this ends here. It's been fun knowing ya. Adios. Dragoon, SUPREME GALAXY TURBO TWISTER!"
"Tyson, no" Ray finally saw what this was leading too but it was too late. His team mate had already begun the attack. The tornado emerged from the surrounding of the blade, sucking in air as a whirlpool.
"Too late" Kida said. Her eyes suddenly lit up with a glint of confidence and power and she let out an attack cry, the very first one till then.
Dragoon roared piercingly as it moved forward for the attack. On the other hand, the metallic top was following suit. They both met in a fierce collision. For a moment, there was nothing, then as if hell broke down. A flash of light followed by deafening sound of the blow came and a cloud of dust rose, taking in both of the players in its midst.
"What happened?" Max shouted over the noise
"TYSON"
As the scene cleared they saw a body crouching on the ground, heaving heavily. The spinning of a blade came next and they saw that out of the two tops, one was wobbling very dangerously.
"Shit! Come on Dragoon" Tyson muttered but his white blade revolved its final round before halting to a stop and falling down.
A silence engulfed them before the left top made a turn and landed into its master's outstretched palm. Nobody else dared to move, they were too preoccupied to digest the change in the outcome. Tyson stood up with his mouth open and eyes wide as saucer plates. He glanced up at the blader who had just defeated him in pure shock.
Kida stood there quietly with no sign of any triumph of victory. However, before anyone else could break up the stillness, Kai spoke,
"You're next Max."
Ray turned to his captain in utmost astonishment. Kai was clearly acting as if nothing out of usual had happen. Well, of course Tyson had his downfalls now and then but the fact that his infamous attack went totally useless was to the least a bit flabbergasting.
Max was looking at his friend and then at the girl as if suddenly confused over the income. Shaking himself out of the trance he stepped forward.
"This is going to be interesting" The neko commented as Max and Kida began the game after shouting the customary catchphrases.
That's for sure, Kai thought staring at Max's blade which landed into the battle field and stationed itself in the centre while Kida's blade circled on the edges, like an eagle eyeing its prey, clearly waiting for the right moment to launch the power on its opponent; let's see how efficient it is against defensive mode.
This time Kida seemed to choose to attack first, "attack now"
"Draciel, defend yourself." Max ordered taking in the pattern of her assaults as well as planning a strategy against her. Her defense ring might be the only weakness. She is quite vulnerable to attacks. He raised his head to see his opponent trying to find a way to smash him to pieces. But then again, she went through Tyson's attacks like nothing…
It seemed obvious that Kidarakush was not pleased that her attacks did not left any remarkable damages on the green blade whose fortitude was quite a strong one. The silver top smashed into Draciel forcefully but left no great affect on the turtle. She attacked again and again from different sides and angles but nothing.
"Looks like he is showing his true color" Tyson told finally uttering the first word after his fateful defeat.
"You go Max." Ray encouraged from the side line. One way or the other, they had to beat this enigmatic ninja person.
"Max can't stay in defense forever." Kenny offered. "He might not stand a chance."
"For once think for the best, chief" Tyson muttered.
"You can do this Draciel." Max shouted as yet another attack from his opponent went in vain. Clearly Kida knew that her attacks won't work, at least not until Draciel moves into action which it wasn't doing.
Kida turned her at Max "You and your tortoise friend should really learn how to fight in the face rather than hide behind a wall."
"Oh? Heavy viper wall attack now Draciel" The waves had already been roaring fiercely as if the tide was nearing. Now with such immense power, like a flood, a tidal wave rose above the bank and proceeded towards the silver blade.
Kida eyed it wearily but didn't react likewise. She seemed to be waiting for Draciel to also come into attacking position and that formed a small smirk appearing on her face which Max noticed. What is she planning? He wondered.
Glaring at her blade, Kida suddenly raised her right arm, moving it in different angles. Her blade immediately started to work upon the directions provided, spinning forward and backwards.
"What the…?" Tyson asked bewildered to see such a method
Kai's eyes narrowed again as he saw the unvoiced orders given. Her partnership with her blade is good. But why do I get the feeling that I know this attack too?
The wave hit Kidarakush with force, engulfing her figure and her blade in the water, seemingly throwing them off limits of sight.
Max grinned victoriously at the adequate effect and waited as the water gushed passed. When the tide subsided, his opponent was seen crouching in a defense mode, drenched in the icy water but her blade was no where to be seen.
"Where is it?"
Kida stood up and straightened her head to give Max another meaningful glance, "you're history. Attack, now!!"
The blonde gasp as the silver blade slashed through the air and banged head on into Draciel, sending it wobbling back.
"Why didn't Max's attack do any damage to her, chief?"
"Actually it did Hilary but only to Kida herself. Her blade simply vanished again, right before the assault took place. Her energy level had dropped though. Look her attack wasn't as ferocious as before"
"Stand your ground Draciel" his attack hadn't left any eminent affect but it had washed away some of her self defense. Her slightly heavy breathing could easily justify that.
The two blades were lodged into a heated deadlock and none was deciding to move away first. It was giving a rise to temperature too as huge red sparks came flying out.
"Oh no, Kida's breaking into Draciel's defense" Kenny spoke
"Max finish this up" Ray shouted
"It's too late" the neko turned to his captain who was speaking in a low voice, "her power is simply proving too much for him to handle."
Ray turned back at the girl. Who is she? And why does she look so prepared for all of this?
"This has gone long enough. It's time we end this!" Kida spoke. Her blade broke apart form the green one to stand steady in front of its master while the other followed suit. Everything fell into some serenity as both bladers glared at each other hard.
Max knew somehow he was going down. But that did not mean he would just lie around like a wounded dog, "GRAVITY CONTROL!" Draciel charged, water surrounding it fuel it up
"NOW" On the other hand, Kida launched a well aimed ninja kick which empowered the silver top as it skidded to meet its challenger.
The Blade Breakers shielded their eyes from the sprayed water and light given off at the contact, tremors causing most of them to loose their footing. In all the mayhem, a small object was seen flying out of the battle zone, dropping right into the debris and boulders at one side. As the water washed away, a wobbling blade was seen, bobbing just over the small patch of dirt surrounded by the water from the giant flood.
Max opened his eyes while lying down and facing skywards and felt the left sea water soak into his attire, chilling his body in the process. Urging himself to sit, his arms shook as he tried to get up. He moaned in exhaustion while taking the offered hand of whosoever and stood up, "My head hurts"
"You okay, Maxie?" his own light hues refocused to stare into Tyson's worried ones
"Man! That was wicked" Ray muttered, silently comprehending his shock and getting up from where he had fallen down. He turned to see Kai already standing and gazing out at the Kida. She was shaking her head to dry off the bangs that now plastered her face while straightening her disheveled and wet clothes. Kenny and Hilary had extracted the green blade from the rocks which signified that the Blade Breakers were down once more. Kida summoned her own back and picked it up from the moist ground.
As the wind blew, Ray felt a bit light headed at the cold. Well now with a drenched body and vulnerable to the winter breeze, let's just conclude, he was near catching a flu right about then. But even in such state, he tried again to get his way into the battle, "Kai…" He now wanted badly to fight against that idiosyncratic person who had shown capable of not even taking up offensive onslaughts but also had handled the entire defense thrown at her.
"Let's wrap this up" Kai said as ignored the other and walked to take up his position. He would have easily permitted Ray to go against her but he had a few valid reasons of his own too. This was not a time to goof around.
Ray felt quiet and did not protest, though he couldn't keep his hands to fist into balls.
Kai turned to look over his adversary and felt a strange impulse from her. There was something highly unsettling about her style of beyblading, not to mention it all seemed too much familiar too.
Nonetheless Kai readied himself as he clasp his faithful Dranzer into place, "you still have to reveal your bit beast you know"
Kida's demeanor had failed to conceal the little nervousness she must had been feeling in facing the most dexterous adroit blader of them all and now at the statement Kai had just proclaimed, her eyes flickered a bit. Still, containing herself to the maximum, she responded, "What makes you think I even have one?"
"The fact that it is almost implausible to beat two sacred spirits in a row" Ray replied
"And that that the intensity of your attacks can not be carried out until and unless an internal energy source is provided." Kenny offered, looking up from his laptop screen. "Your defensive stance is indeed vulnerable but somehow the strength of your offence is…"
"Stop your yapping." Kai only turned to a little to register the little home genius. "I don't need all your analysis to take her down"
"Kai, this is our last chance" Tyson took a step forward, "we're a team remember. She…"
But the Russian dismissed him with a shake of his head and brought his arm to rip the cord.
"Alright then, players ready" Max ultimately said
Silence comprehended their affirmation while the unbreakable yet prepared glare confirmed otherwise.
"3…2…1…Let it rip!"
Kai's blue top landed fiercely on the damp soil, skidded and charged forward to meet its opponent which had once more taken up a swift initiative landing before rushing towards the other promptly.
As the blades battled efficiently, Kai tore his orbs away from the ground to observe the girl. Kida, feeling the sudden sting of staring, raised her fully opened eyes to meet the serene crimson from behind her locks. Seemingly not finding it very comfortable, she relinquished the contact by leaping away.
Kai watched as she jumped to another peak, no doubt waiting to attack. Inwardly he smirked, she's one tough customer but it's high time to put her back into her cage with her leash. But first, he needed to witness the true form of her spirit. And for that, he had to lure her into such danger that eventually, she would be forced to summon it into the clearing.
Obviously taking the capricious cue, Kai attacked randomly, "Dranzer, Blazing Gig!!"
His plan had worked. Kidarakush had perceptibly not thought that Kai would bother to attack first and thus, it took her off guard as the blistering fire made its way towards her. She did what came first into her mind, "Dranzania, Neutralize and Counter Attack, now!!"
"What?" Kai hissed at the replica name
His attack eroded the peak and subsequently, she fell down. The fiery flames subsided as the assault ended and the blue blade spun back near Kai's feet, waiting for further commands. As for the silver one, it had wobbled a bit but had secured its maintenance as it was told. The bit had though glowed and a screeching shrill of a bird had been sounded.
"Dranzania, is that a copy?" Hilary inquired
"That can't be possible" Kenny spoke, "It's too original and powerful to be a copy"
"Then…?"
"It's not a copy" Kida answered with a voice that seemed loud yet tacit. She stood, her façade and attire a bit ashen due to the assault, "In ancient languages and script, the mere word 'Dra' refers to dragons and demons and other such mythical and mighty creatures while it has also some influential orientation from the fire beasts as well." Her eyes bore directly into Kai's angry narrowed one for the very first time, "and as for Dranzer, I'm certain you're aware that it is a vague translation for a numinous phoenix of fire though mainly associated with phoenixes too"
Kai folded his arms but his cold expression did not alter, "and you're phoenix if of…?"
Kida looked up at the question, "She's the phoenix of freezing fire"
Kai smirked at the confirmation, "just as I thought. This won't take long"
"We'll see" Kida retorted, "My turn, Mystics of Hell"
Blue fiery flames erupted around the blade as the shout was delivered with a wicked flick of both arms around her. The blades collided with each other and separated due to the force both gave off.
"Dranzer don't hold back"
"Dranzania"
"Wow! Tough match" Tyson commented, "aren't they trying to finish this up a bit too quickly?"
"Haste makes waste guys," Hilary mumbled
I've seen all that I wanted to, Kai thought. And this time he left his spot as he made his attack. Dranzer followed efficiently and with in a fraction of second, Kai was near Kida to launch a powerful assault.
Knowing what would follow, Kida moved once more though this time jumping to avoid the phoenix and trying to fight from behind. Kai seemingly, turned and leashed his attack, catching her squarely in the chest and throwing her off.
Exclamations of surprise were heard but the two opponents did not give them any value. One stood erect while the other breathed in and out unevenly, totally affected from the force. Running a hand over her face, she used the ground for aid before making a deadly move of her own. It was blocked by Kai who glared back intensely as if clearly showing his displeasure.
Once again, they were back at their initial points, a bit worn out. The Russian took one last breath in before shouting, "This ends here! Volcano Excellent Emission Attack Dranzer"
"Blazing Inferno"
A scorching conflagration exploded at the impact of the two attacks and the heat radiation became almost unbearable for the surrounding. Steam started to sizzle out of the once cold rocks and craters formed on the earth as if during an earth quake. The explosion hit hard and all the company present there fell back due to the blast. All the hell ended with distinctive shrieks of two magical birds crying out before fading into ashes and returning for some rest.
Ray gradually raised his head from where he had been cowering under a rock for protection. A small gasped parted from his lips as he stared wondrously at the outcome. Some disturbing behind him assured that the others had gotten to their feet and more yelps confirmed that they were as much shocked as he was. Out of them all, only one figure was still standing in their spots.
And that was the infamous captain of the Blade Breakers.
After a moment of stunned silence, Tyson boomed, "Oh yeah!! You the man, Kai"
"He won!" Hilary exclaimed the obvious
Ray didn't remember the last time they had been this glad after a simple match. But ostensibly this proved nothing to the simple matches they were used to. His attention was occupied by some coughs and he saw Kidarakush staggering away from the wreckage that had buried her. She blinked few times as she gazed at an immobile silver blade and slowly dropped down to her knees.
Kai acted immune to all the compliments he was receiving from his team mates but he did notice a certain somebody looking in the other direction. His molten orbs turned to see the object of Ray's scrutiny and found his opponent there. However, he motioned his still moving blue top back into his palm before silently walking away.
Everybody crowded around the aloof looking blader who was still on the ground. She just sat there with her blade in her hand as the wind started to blow. It was until Ray tapped her on her shoulder that she was revived from her jolt
"Hey, you ok?" he asked taking his hand off and helping her up. She shook her head lightly trying to wake up and then gave a nod in affirmation.
"Hey, you played great dude" Tyson said, patting her heavily on her back in good sportsmanship
"Yeah I'll say. That was cool despite the fact that you literally had us on the run" Max exclaimed, his cheery voice back in place
Kida didn't respond first but then slowly pocketed her blade and yet again gave a slight nod.
"Why the long face?" Ray asked with raise brows "You did win two out of three"
She opened and closed her mouth several times before replying shortly, "I've never lost before so that was just startling nothing else"
"Oh"
"Umm… does that mean we're not getting the dinner?" Tyson asked timidly with his eyes on his fingers
"Tyson I think she won" Hilary reminded him fiercely.
"Yeah but…" Tyson began
Kidarakush gave them an elongated stare before turning away, "You are welcomed to join me at the buffet tonight" She finally said before staring to walk "But I hope you will consider my demand as well. See you at the restaurant lobby at 7:30"
"Wait…" Max stopped her as Tyson let out a scream of joy "you're still giving us a dinner? I mean you did win most of the battles"
"It will give some time to cope up. Is there any problem?" Kida inquired turning to a side while tilting her head a bit. Her blank expression was back with her eyelids half opened again. The breeze played with the hems of her long coat as she awaited an answer
"No way" Tyson exclaimed
"But Tyson…" Kenny tried to interrupt but Kida was already on her way, not looking back even once. Reaching a corner, she looked skywards before leaping down, vanishing from the view.
"Uh… Tyson wasn't that rude?" Ray asked cautiously after Kida was out of sight
"Heck no, she invited us. Besides, what's better than a good dinner in such a luxurious place?"
"I know that, but don't you think…"
"Come on lets tell Kai before he does his disappearing act" Tyson took off leaving his team mates to mutter and shake their heads before following him as well.
I can't believe she still gave them, or more likely us, dinner. May be she wants to be in the team quite badly. Is this just her way in? I don't think she's the type to bribe her way through? Hmm…am I going to let her in after all?
Kai stared down at his distant reflection in the water below from where he was leaning on both arms on the bridge concrete railing. The others were all in the dojo, no doubt discussing the events of today with a mug of hot cocoa. But he needed fresh air and some silence to think.
Kida had been unexceptionally quite during all the time with them that evening. She had met them in the lobby in her usual long blue coat without a real greeting and had then proceeded towards the buffet hall. She didn't join in the chat or even the dinner.
She didn't even taste anything as far as I can remember. And nor did she answered or questioned any one, just a nod or a short reply. She was definitely giving us a cold shoulder but the others didn't seem to notice. They were too busy galloping food down their throats.
Kai was actually a little stunned at Tyson's bluntness when his team mates had informed him that Kida was sticking to half part of her deal. He had left the beach after his encounter with her immediately because he didn't want her to ask about his decision right then. He indeed needed to think about this strange character.
Should I let her in? I guess I'm impressed by her sharp tactics and skills but something is odd here. If this is her cold gesture towards every one, why is she trying to get along with us like that?
Kai remembered Ray asking her a likewise question but Tyson had interrupted, screaming "SOUP" at the precise moment and afterwards every body was too absorbed in the taste of the delicious eatables to inquire her further.
May be Mr. Dickinson should handle the matter. Yeah, that's right. He can do what ever with her. It's not really my problem, is it? I don't give a damn about her.
But somehow, Kai was not able to bring his mind on that conclusion. Something was not fitting in. Her attacks, her style, her power and her bit beast, all of that kept replaying in front of his eyes. Letting out a sigh, he rubbed his temples to ease himself. As to why he was so tensed, he couldn't figure that out either.
Soft footsteps brought him back and he turned to see Ray walking towards him, this time with a jacket. The first thing the neko did was changing into something warm and dry before he could catch a cold. It was very late and Kai could see that Ray was almost prepared for bed after such a tiring day. The perfect raven plait showed that.
"Still thinking?" he asked when he was a feet away, his hand stuffed into the pockets
Kai turned back to stare in space, "yeah…"
"What a day it had been huh?" Ray spoke, noticing that his captain hadn't changed his attire
"Crazy ninja woman's challenges and freaky bit beasts…don't even start"
Ray grinned as he also looked out nothing in particular, "I thought you were talking about me loosing some of my front hair"
Kai gave him a slight amused glance before rolling his eyes. They were enveloped in comfortable silence again with only the whistle of the wind and rustling of dried leaves as a disturbance.
Ray's gradual sigh triggered Kai's instincts and he waited for the pondering query he had been waiting for after the battles. "Why didn't you let me fight Kai?"
Kai straightened a bit but did not abandon his spot completely, "don't go brooding that I took you as incapable Ray. We needed a win and to play fairly too. You're mostly an offensive blader. We had already tested that. We needed someone with colossal defense to counter her." Finally Kai stood up, "also, it would have been impossible for her to compete"
Ray remained quiet before, "and…?"
Kai finally made an eye contact with his younger team mate, "and the fact that your emotions were quite loose at that time"
Ray blinked, "no they weren't." Kai only raised a fine brow while folding his arms. "Well okay it did trigger my anger a bit. But only a bit"
"Whatever" Kai turned but didn't walk
"Is something troubling you, Kai?" Damn, the neko-jin was good. He had found one way or the other to see past Kai's 'I-don't- give-a-damn' façade and was getting quite good at it.
Kai opened his mouth but thought otherwise and shook his head, "it's getting late. Get back before you catch flu. Sick or not, I'm not letting you off training tomorrow"
Ray wanted to prolong the conversation but he was well aware of Kai's dismissal so nodded. Bidding him good bye, he retraced his footsteps back to the dojo.
Kai watched him go in the darkness of night before wondering whether it was even wise to let such a person near his team.
WOW!! HURRAH!! I completed. Okay believe me, if my mom comes here now, she will rip my head off so I'm not saying anything else than; dudes, this is hell long and it had driven me near to insanity over the past months. So I would really, really appreciate some good comments.
Note: My mid terms are coming so I'll be in my hibernating form for quite a while. Till January to the least
Anyway, R&R
Till next time
Neena
