Author Note: There wasn't a single review last chapter which is VERY disappointing.
Phoenix: Don't like, don't comment.
Some angst in this chapter and more fallouts.
Disclaimer: Beyblade belongs to Takao Aoki
Cold Competition
Chapter 07
A soft creak from a floorboard was all it took to startle Kai awake and he sat up quietly in his bed. His bedroom door was shut but as he watched he saw a shadow pass at the bottom. There was someone in his flat and Kai just knew that it wasn't one of his friends. Slipping out of bed, he grabbed Dranzer and hooked him to his launcher, placing Black Dranzer in his pocket. He then crept over to the door and opened is silently. All of the lights were off in the flat and the sun had set several hours ago blanketing everything in darkness. Using that to his advantage, Kai stepped out of his room and moved through the hallway towards the living room. As his eyes adjusted to the dark, he managed to make out two figures crouching down in front of his TV. Feeling his blood boil along with both Dranzer and Black Dranzer's anger, Kai flicked on the light and held up his launcher. "What are you doing here?" he growled.
Senga and Nathan straightened up suddenly, each with a startled gasp, and turned to face Kai. "Go," Nathan hissed at Senga and ran for the door. Senga followed.
Kai rushed forward to try and stop them. He just missed Nathan but managed to catch Senga's arm and threw her back against the wall. Kai didn't care if she was a girl. She was still the enemy. He aimed Dranzer at her head, as Black Dranzer started to give off pulses of energy. "Not so fast," he told her. "You're not going anywhere."
Senga was truly alarmed. This wasn't supposed to happen. She wasn't supposed to be caught. The guys would never let her live this down. Provided she escaped. She didn't have time for this. She had to leave. Now. "You should be glad to see the back of us," she pointed out.
Kai frowned. "Just what were you doing in here? And don't think you can lie your way out of this one." There was a dangerous glint in his eyes that hadn't been seen by anyone since Russia. "Choose your words carefully." Senga glared at him, but didn't speak. A high pitched beeping suddenly started from somewhere behind him and Kai glanced back over his shoulder. His eyes widened when he saw a small package placed below the TV. A red light was flashing on it. He looked back at Senga in horror, "You idiot!"
The thunderous explosion that followed sent Kai flying through the air, over the kitchen table and into the units. He yelped as he hit his head on a metal door handle. All of the windows were blown out and smoke quickly started to fill the room. The explosion had been surprisingly big for such a small pack and had blown a hole in the ceiling. As Kai blinked, trying to clear his vision, he pushed himself up into a sitting position. His head was thumping and his ears throbbed painfully. Looking around, he was horrified to realise that the whole flat was already engulfed in flames.
Senga struggled to her knees, having been thrown to the floor. She looked over to where the package had been. The explosion had been far too soon. They must have made a mistake with the timer. She'd hurt her shoulder and it was a struggle to get up. She had to get out. She had to escape. Senga looked around at the blazing inferno that was Hiwatari's flat.
Kai appeared next to her and grabbed her arm. "Get up," he ordered, hauling her to her feet and pushing her towards the door. The flames were growing higher and the smoke was so thick it was almost impossible to breathe. But Kai knew that if they didn't hurry up and move then they would be lucky to get out at all. Steering the girl towards the door he looked up and saw that the ceiling was about to give way. With no time he shoved her forward through the gap in the flames and out the door onto the landing. Then the ceiling caved in and Kai's only escape route was blocked. "Shit!" he cursed, peering through the flames at Senga. There was a fire extinguisher just outside. Surely she would help him, even if they were enemies.
Senga stared at Kai in shock. Why? Why had he helped her? Why had he saved her? After what she and her team had done to him and his friends. It didn't bother them what they'd done. They didn't regret it. Well, they regretted the failures and the white tiger blade's holder could have died on the cliff for all she cared. So why would Kai save her, when she and Nathan had come to kill him. Senga gasped. Nathan. She had to catch up with him. Senga got up and ran away without a second glance.
Kai felt numb with shock. After all that she'd left him to die anyway. Still, he didn't regret saving her. He didn't want to die, but if this was it, at least he'd been able to do something good in the end. Maybe now he could see Wyatt and free himself from the pain of letting his friend down. Stumbling back through the burning flat Kai found his blade and launcher and picked them up. The smoke was messing with his head making it difficult to think straight. Even so, he felt safer with Dranzer. Using the last of his strength Kai crawled under the kitchen table and collapsed. His lungs felt like they were burning and everything was getting fuzzy. Reaching out, he grasped the small photo frame from Wyatt, which had fallen to the floor, and held it close.
As consciousness left him, Dranzer's bit started to glow and the phoenix slowly rose out of the beyblade. He screeched loudly and spread his wings over Kai, as if trying to shield him. It was almost ironic. Kai was about to die from the power that he and Dranzer controlled. A single tear fell from the phoenix's eye as his dark counterpart rushed out with a furious roar and the flames burst out through the ceiling to the top of the building.
000
Ray sat with Kenny doing what he could to help with repairing the two beyblades that were damaged. He sighed and rolled his eyes as he could hear Tyson and Max fighting once again. He would have tried breaking it up, but all his attempts had fallen on deaf ears. Maybe if they were left alone they could get it out their system and just get over it. One could hope.
"OH MY GOSH!" Hilary shrieked in the other room, where she'd gone to watch some TV. She sounded horrified and even Tyson and Max dropped what they were doing to rush through and see what was up with everyone else. Hilary pointed to the screen when she saw the boys. Her lips trembled and she struggled to speak for a moment. "Kai's flat," she finally managed to say. On the screen was a live report about a burning building. The fire crews were battling against the flames and people were being brought out of the building.
Tala and the other Blitzkrieg Boys rushed through just behind Max and Tyson and Tala took in a sharp breath. No... The flames were out of control and smoke had filled the air. Tala couldn't help but take a step back when he saw what looked like the shape of a huge bird in the thick smoke rushing out the building. Black Dranzer... "Blitzkrieg Boys, let's go!" he ordered and the Russians sprinted out of the house.
"I'm coming with you!" Ray called, rushing after them despite the pain in his leg. He'd noticed the bird-like shape as well and he didn't want to think about how bad things were. He just needed his friend to be safe. He wished he hadn't given the blade back.
"Same here!" Tyson and Max shouted, forgetting all argument in their concern. Kenny had already closed Dizzi and was carrying the laptop as he followed the others and Hilary had been out the door before Ray had even reached it.
000
Rushing through the city, it didn't take the two teams long to reach the scene. The entire top section of the block of flats was now alight and fire crews were desperately tackling the flames. Police were also on the scene holding back the crowd of people that had gathered, while an ambulance waited on standby. Spencer pushed his way through the crowd, using his size to his advantage and making sure the others got through. As they made it to the front two firemen hurried out of the building carrying a stretcher. Kai's prone form lay upon it, black from the smoke and covered in various burns. He was transported straight to the paramedics and into the ambulance.
"KAI!" several voices exclaimed, horrified and panic stricken.
"KAI!" Hilary shouted again tearfully and tried getting closer.
Tala reached out and carefully grabbed Hilary's hand, pulling her forward. Moving out from the crowd, they were stopped by a police officer. "Sorry kids, but you can't go any further."
Tala frowned, "Family. Step aside."
The police officer seemed taken aback, but when Tala's expression didn't falter he nodded and allowed the two past. Tala looked back at his team and the other Russians nodded in understanding as a silent message passed between them. Tala then took Hilary forward towards the ambulance.
"How could this happen?" Tyson asked, becoming emotional himself.
Ray watched Tala and Hilary for a moment then looked up to where the bird shape had been. Even here he could feel the warmth from the flames. It was terrifying, knowing his friend had been inside. Even more terrifying was that shape he'd seen. But had it been real? Or had he just imagined it? And if Black Dranzer really had been there, had Kai brought the dark phoenix out? Ray clenched his fists. He promised he wouldn't. Ray looked back towards the ambulance. I have to trust him. And his word. But was I right to return Black Dranzer so soon? No. Stop thinking like that, Ray. You don't even know if he did or didn't use it yet.
Bryan and Spencer watched as Tala and Hilary climbed into the back of the ambulance with Kai and the doors were shut. "Alright," Bryan said, turning to the Bladebreakers. "There's nothing we can do now. Tala will let us know of Kai's condition later. So, we can either head back to Tyson's place and wait, or go to the hospital. It's your choice."
"I don't think the hospital will let us in at this hour," Kenny commented, glancing at his watch.
Bryan nodded. "You're probably right. Certainly not all of us."
"Let's head back then," Spencer said, as the ambulance rushed away with its siren wailing and lights flashing. "It's pointless to stay here now."
"Yeah," Tyson agreed glumly, rubbing his face on his sleeve. He turned and started to walk with Max and Kenny, before glancing back and frowning. "Ray?" he asked, seeing that the Chinese boy hadn't moved, or even shown any sign that he'd heard them. "Ray, come on, we all know how tough Kai is. He'll be fine," Tyson announced, trying to lift their spirits. "We're going back now."
"What?" Ray looked over his shoulder and noticed the distance between himself and the others. "Oh, right. Yeah." He looked up again, before following the group.
"You've been acting really weird today," Tyson commented off handedly as he turned and started for home.
"Yeah," Ray responded quietly, clearly not even paying that much attention to what was actually being said.
000
"Kai," a familiar voice called, stirring Kai from his sleep. "Come on, buddy. Are you just gonna sleep this whole time?"
Wyatt? Kai wondered, frowning slightly. It... It can't be...
"Oh wake up, Kai," the voice came again. "I've been waiting to talk to you." With his curiosity roused enough to bring him round fully, Kai forced his eyes open and blinked slowly. "It's about time," Wyatt smiled. "I was beginning to think you were going to sleep forever."
Kai's eyes shot open fully and he sat up. "Wyatt?" he gasped, staring at his friend who was sitting on the edge of his bed. "H-how... It really is you!"
"Of course it's me," Wyatt replied. "Did you bang your head or something?" Kai couldn't believe his eyes. This had to be a dream, though he desperately hoped it wasn't. Wyatt seemed to read his expression, because his smile suddenly turned sad. "I'm sorry, my friend. But this isn't real." He looked down at his hands in his lap. "I'm really gone."
Kai's heart sank and he hung his head, feeling the pain of Wyatt's loss all over again. "But... Why are you here?" He gave a sudden start. "Am- Am I-?"
"No, you're not dead," Wyatt answered. "But you're very lucky. The fire was a big one and the fire fighters only just managed to get you out in time. You're in hospital and your friends are waiting for you to recover." Wyatt smiled. "I just came to make sure you wouldn't give up."
Kai had to look away to hide the pain in his eyes. "But why?" he asked brokenly. "Why would you do that, after what happened to you? It's my fault, Wyatt. I practically... I might as well have just killed you myself!" Sitting forward, Kai pulled angrily at his hair, feeling his shoulders starting to shake.
Wyatt sighed and caught Kai's wrists, removing the other boy's hands from his hair to save his scalp. "I want you to listen to me, Kai. Okay? What happened to me was not your fault. I don't blame you for any of it and no matter what anyone else might say, my opinion is the one that counts."
"But..." Kai murmured. "It's because of me that you switched sides and used that bit beast. It destroyed you, Wyatt. And I just stood by and watched!"
Grabbing Kai's shoulders, Wyatt shook him hard. "Will you listen to me, please?" he begged. "It was my decision, so I'm the only one to blame. I shouldn't have gone off like that after we fell out. I lost your trust when I stole Dranzer. What you did was perfectly understandable."
"Yeah, well it still got you killed!" Kai exclaimed, utterly distraught.
Wyatt sighed quietly, before smiling again bravely. "I'm okay now. I promise. There's no more pain, no more confusion and I'm free to do anything I want. I'm happy, Kai. And I want you to be too."
A tear slipped down Kai's cheek. "Then why did you have to go?" he whispered. "I-I thought you were getting better. I was planning on taking you back to Russia once you recovered, since you always wanted to go there." He sniffed and rubbed furiously at his face. "You were the one person who never judged me, no matter how I acted towards you. You were my friend, Wyatt."
"And I still am, Kai," Wyatt told him softly. "And I always will be. But I don't want you to go through the rest of your life miserably, blaming yourself for all this. What's meant to happen, will." He leaned forward and hugged Kai gently, smiling when Kai dropped his head onto his shoulder. "It'll be okay. I'm still with you in Dranzer. I'll be there for you, through all your battles. Remember that."
He pulled away and slipped off the bed, releasing Kai's shoulders. Kai looked up, alarmed. "Wait. You can't go yet! Can't you stay longer?"
Wyatt smiled sadly and shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. Just remember that I don't blame you for any of this. I treasure our friendship, and you should too. We'll see each other again."
More tears fell from Kai's eyes, but he somehow found the strength to smile back. "Thank you..."
Wyatt's smile turned happy again and he nodded. "Take care, buddy." And just like that, Wyatt was gone and Kai felt a heavy wave of tiredness wash over him. Falling back against his pillows, he glanced around for Wyatt one more time, before his eyes slid shut and everything went black.
000
Kai woke slowly, becoming aware of his surroundings before he even opened his eyes. He was lying on a soft bed, with something covering his face and what felt like sunlight hitting one of his bare arms. There was a gentle beeping coming from somewhere and he slowly realised that it was a heart monitor, connected to him by wires on his chest. He struggled to open his eyes and when he finally managed, the ceiling above him was blurry. At first he thought that he might be concussed, since he'd hit his head pretty hard in the flat. But realisation slowly dawned on him when he felt something warm and wet running down his cheek. A tear. He was crying. Blinking, he felt it again. His eyes weren't blurry because of a blow to the head. They were brimming with tears. "Wyatt..." he whispered weakly, fogging up the oxygen mask that was over his face.
"Kai," Tala spoke up quietly from the chair at Kai's bedside. It was a relief to see Kai waking up. Hilary had sat by Kai's side for hours and when she finally gave in to the idea of sleeping, Tala took her place. The girl was currently curled up on another chair, fast asleep. Emotionally drained it seemed. Who could blame her? Tala had seen what she was putting up with amongst the team and now this.
Blinking slowly, Kai turned his head and looked at the other boy. "Tala..." he mumbled, ignoring his tears. "What are you-" he broke off with a painful cough, suddenly feeling the effects of having been stuck inside a burning building filled with smoke. It was harder to breathe than usual and painful too. He was grateful for the mask that was giving him a constant supply of pure oxygen, even if the mask itself was a little irritating.
Tala turned his head to glance in Hilary's direction. "The fact that your place was on fire ended up being on the news. We saw the report. All of us." He looked at Kai again. "They were taking you out of the building when we got there. Hilary and I came in the ambulance with you. Everyone's worried. But I'd like to ask you about Black Dranzer and his involvement with the fire."
Lifting a weak hand to rub his tears away, Kai chose to stare past Tala and out the window, "That's gonna be a short conversation then," he answered quietly, "Even by our standards."
"Tell me what happened."
"No."
"Kai," Tala growled. "Tell me, right now."
Kai moved to sit up. "Where are my blades? And the photo frame from Wyatt? I had them when I passed-" Kai hunched over as he started coughing again, taking in deep breaths whenever he could. Everything was spinning.
"Beside you on that unit. Don't change the subject."
"Stop...bugging me," Kai wheezed between breaths. Oh man, I feel awful...
"As soon as you get your breath back, you better start talking, Kai."
Kai lay back against his pillows with another weak cough. "Your bedside manner sucks, you know that," he commented and closed his eyes. "And I could just wind you up by passing out again."
"You're going to have to talk sooner or later. Would you rather wait until she wakes up?" Tala asked, cocking his head towards Hilary.
Kai sent him a glare before sighing, "Fine. Just...don't tell my team... Please..."
"I won't tell them," Tala assured Kai, smirking at his little victory.
Kai ignored the smirk and looked out the window once again. "Black Dranzer had nothing to do with the fire. He didn't start it... I was in my room getting some rest, like I'd been told to, when I heard movement coming from outside my door. I went to check and found two members of The Avalanchers in the living room..." He paused to cough. "They tried to escape when they saw me, but I managed to stop one of them. Then..." He was finding it hard to remember all the details with the way his head was pounding. Thinking about what had happened next didn't make it any better, "Some kind of explosion. A package they'd been trying to plant when I turned up... It went off too soon..."
The smirk was gone and Tala gritted his teeth, "Sounds like they're getting even more desperate. Of their current four targets, you pose the biggest threat. They've probably figured out that if they get you out of the way then the others will be easy pickings. What else do you remember? Is that it?"
Kai's eyes took on a faraway look. "... She left me for dead."
"Did she now?" Tala asked darkly. It didn't take rocket science to work out that Senga had been involved. Next time they met, he'd have to give her a little... reward. "So why did I see Black Dranzer on the news report?"
Kai sighed tiredly. "There was so much smoke... I could barely breathe..." He shrugged. "I guess I just ran out of strength to supress him."
Tala stood up and walked over to the cabinet where the few belongings that had been with Kai when was rescued were sitting. He didn't touch them, just looked at them. Tala turned his head as Hilary stirred. "I'll let the others know that you've woken up," Tala informed Kai.
Kai coughed weakly. "... 'Kay."
"I'll be back later," Tala stated which also notified Hilary that he was leaving, because the girl had now woken up.
"Kai!" Hilary gasped, rushing to the bedside as Tala walked out of the ward. "You're awake! I'm so glad. I was really worried about you."
Kai smiled softly. "Sorry. I'm alright now." He turned his head away to cough, even though he had the mask on. "Well, more or less."
Hilary smiled. "You gave us quite the scare," she commented as she sat at his bedside once again.
"I'll try not to do it again," Kai replied, closing his eyes. He wanted to speak to Hilary, but he knew that he couldn't fight the weariness that was setting in for much longer. He hoped Hilary would understand.
"Just take it easy and rest," Hilary told him as she placed her hand on top of his gently.
000
Tyson and Max were at it again. Fighting. Their nerves were frazzled with all that had been happening. Stupid little things just seemed to set them off and it had become like walking on eggshells around them. Ray had no idea what had caused this particular fight, but had walked in just in time to hear Tyson calling Max a mommy's boy. "You guys! Stop fighting!" Ray told the two growling teens.
"Stay out of this, Ray!" Tyson snapped at Ray angrily. "I'm sure it spoils your plans, but it doesn't concern you!"
"Tyson, I honestly don't know what plans you're on about," Ray told him, surprised and confused by Tyson's outburst. "But I-"
"The plan where you betray us!" Tyson snarled.
"Tyson, you guys are my friends," Ray replied, trying not to let Tyson's accusation bother him. He was just lashing out. "Why would you think that?"
"Yeah, I bet the White Tigers thought the same!" Tyson retorted spitefully.
"Tyson!" Ray exclaimed in shock. He couldn't believe Tyson was bringing up his old team. He wasn't even the one who'd wound Tyson up.
"You're only wanting us to stop fighting so you can spy on us some more!" Tyson accused him.
"What?" Ray gasped. A spy? That's what Tyson thought?
"You just can't wait to go back to your old team and tell them all our secrets, huh?" Tyson continued, loudly, "Once a traitor, always a traitor! How can anyone trust you, Ray? A leopard can't change his spots, or a tiger and his stripes in this case!"
Ray managed to find his voice again, "What? Tyson! It's not like that! I-"
"Don't bother, Ray!" Tyson interrupted him. Was that disgust in his tone?
"Tyson, you're wrong," Ray told him, hanging his head in despair. "I want you guys to stop fighting because you're my friends. And I'm not a traitor. I left home to grow... And you have no idea how incredibly hurtful those comments were to me." Ray's head dipped lower, shadowing his eyes with his bangs. His eyes were burning and it was hard to keep himself from shaking. "I get the point though. I'm going. I'll give you your space." Ray looked up. "You shouldn't talk about things you don't understand!" he stated, fighting back the tears, before he ran past Tyson and Max, heading for the gate, with his head down. Rounding the corner, he crashed into someone. "I'm sorry," he apologised before looking up. "Tala," Ray gasped, seeing who he'd just run into.
The Russian frowned slightly. "What's going on, Ray?" he asked. "What's happened now?"
Ray looked down. "I dunno, they're fighting again," he answered.
"At a time like this?" Tala asked, disgusted. From the sounds of things, the Bladebreakers needed to get their priorities sorted out. Now was not the time to be falling out, when one of their teammates was in the hospital.
"I tried to break it up..."
"I'll sort them out," Tala replied. "But where are you going?"
"I..." Ray paused, thoughtfully. Where was he going? "I dunno... Just... away."
"Well, I can't stop you. But if I were you, I'd stay in busy areas. If The Avalanchers are around, they'll be less likely to attack you then."
"How's Kai?"
"Exhausted," Tala answered. "His doctor told me that he's suffered significant burning to his lungs and if he's not careful, he could easily pick up an infection. He's going to need time to recover and plenty of support." Tala frowned again, "Whether or not he'll get that here is yet to be seen."
Ray looked at Tala, then towards the gate. Beyond the wall he was standing beside, he could hear that the arguments had started again. This time, he could hear his name being mentioned in it as Max and Tyson bickered. Max was telling Tyson he'd been too harsh, but Tyson was insisting that he was right. It then occurred to Ray just how audible the argument was and it was doubtful Tala had missed what had been said. He hung his head again, as Tyson ranted to Max about how Ray had left home to learn more about beyblading, so how could they be sure he wasn't using them for that purpose.
"I'll deal with this," Tala told Ray. "And I think Kai would appreciate having another visitor." Tala knew that Ray and Kai were close friends and that even in the hospital Kai would still want to help his teammate out.
Ray nodded, "I'm wanting to ask him about something I saw anyway," he commented. He glanced at the wall again. He didn't envy Tala for going in there right now. "Thanks, Tala," he said softly, glancing at the Russian. Tala nodded and headed in. Ray walked away, now having a destination in mind.
"You know Ray better than that though!" Max was shouting at Tyson. "And you know he prefers to avoid fights! He was only trying to help. You didn't have to bite his head off like that!"
"Even Kai said his loyalties were torn!" Tyson retorted.
"Alright, that's enough," Tala said sternly, appearing from round the corner. "It's time for you guys to grow up and think about the consequences of your actions."
"Tala?" Tyson asked, surprised. "Hey, if you're here, it's gotta be about Kai, right? Can he have more visitors now?"
"He's wiped out," Tala informed him. "I don't want him overwhelmed until he's recovered some strength. And with the way you're behaving, I wouldn't allow you to see him right now anyway. I heard you long before I saw you and I didn't like what I heard."
"What did you hear?" Max asked before Tyson could start up another rant. The question caught Tyson's attention and he looked at Max before looking at Tala again.
"The two of you fighting and you calling Ray a spy and a traitor." Folding his arms, Tala glared at Tyson. "Tell me something, Tyson. If you consider Ray a traitor, then what do you think of Kai? After all, he betrayed you back in Russia, after meeting Boris."
Tyson looked stunned. "Yeah, but he came back," he pointed out.
"Whereas Ray never left us in the first place," Max told Tyson firmly, "Even when given the chance."
"Yet!" Tyson snapped at Max.
"Now that's what I'm talking about," Tala told them, pointing at Tyson. "This sudden distrust you have towards your teammates is concerning. Not to mention the fact that you've been fighting about every little thing lately, despite all the hard work Kai has been putting into training you guys." Tala lowered his hand and looked between Tyson and Max. "If you guys can't get over this and sort things out, then Kai will not be coming back here when he gets out of hospital. Instead, he'll be returning to Russia with me and the rest of the Blitzkrieg Boys."
"WHAT?" Tyson and Max exclaimed.
"And what does Kai say about that?" Tyson demanded.
"At the moment, he doesn't have a say in the matter. You've all been wearing him down lately and I can tell that he's feeling the strain. I refuse to stand by and allow things to get worse. We look after our own and if we have to take Kai back to Russia in order for him to recover, then we will."
"You can't do that!" Tyson protested.
"I think you'll find we can," Bryan said, coming out of the house with Spencer and Ian. "We're the closest thing Kai has to family and if we feel strongly enough about something, then he'll agree to it."
"We look after our own," Spencer nodded, repeating what Tala had said for emphasis.
"What about what he wants? You guys can't make his decisions for him," Tyson insisted.
"Well you guys can't just use him and then slag him off and attack him when things go wrong," Ian retorted.
"At the end of the day, Kai was one of us before he was one of you," Tala stated. "We're looking out for him."
Tyson opened his mouth to argue, but Max cut him off. "Tyson stop. They've got a point. All we've done since The Avalanchers came on the scene is fight. And it's just getting worse. We've got to do something about this or we're finished!"
"What are you talking about, Max?" Tyson asked.
"I'm talking about the end of the Bladebreakers, 'cause if we don't get this under control, that's what's going to happen," Max answered.
"You've got time to fix things," Tala told them both. "Kai won't be allowed to leave the hospital for another week yet. You need to have a serious think about what's best, not only for the team, but for each individual member." Tyson and Max looked at each other and then nodded to Tala.
000
Having signed in at the visitor register, Ray made his way to Kai's ward and stood by the door for a moment. He knew Hilary was bound to still be in, as her name was signed in, but not out. He sighed and prepared to face his friends. Kai needed rest and he didn't need to know about the troubles with the team. He could worry about his responsibilities as captain when he was better. Ready to pretend that nothing was wrong, besides Kai being in the hospital, Ray knocked on the door and waited a brief moment before looking inside.
Hilary looked round when she heard the door open and smiled warmly. "Hi, Ray," she greeted quietly, keeping her voice down because Kai was sleeping. His hand was resting in one of hers, while her other hand was placed gently over his bandaged forearm.
"Hey, Hilary," Ray greeted her quietly. He looked at Kai, then the bedside cabinet where Kai's belongings had been placed. His eyes focussed on Black Dranzer's blade for a moment and then he faced Hilary again. "You've been in here all night then?" he asked, referring to the ward itself.
The girl nodded. "Yeah, but I got some sleep earlier when Tala was here." She looked back at Kai. "Want me to wake him? I think he'd like to see you."
Ray shook his head. "Let him sleep. He needs it," he answered before asking Hilary a question of his own. "Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet," Hilary replied. "Food isn't allowed in here and I didn't want to leave him. There's a vending machine nearby and a canteen downstairs though."
"Why don't you go get some breakfast then?" Ray suggested. "I'll stay with Kai."
Hilary opened her mouth to ask if Ray would mind, but then closed it again. He wouldn't have offered if he did mind. So, gently pulling her hands away from Kai and standing up, she smiled. "Thanks, Ray. I'll be back in a while."
"No problem," Ray replied, returning the smile. Giving Kai one last glance, Hilary exited the room quietly, shutting the door behind her. Now that she had the opportunity, she was looking forward to something to eat, while also glad that Kai hadn't been left alone in case he woke up again. Ray glanced at the bedside cabinet again. Driger was restless, concerned. The dark phoenix's blade being there was even making Ray nervous. Ray took his beyblade out from his gown. The only reason he had it on him while he was injured was because he hadn't actually planned on leaving Tyson's. He just couldn't bear to be there any longer. He was actually dreading going back. Maybe he should see Mr Dickenson later on. Just as soon as he figured out what he was going to do about this predicament. Ray started and looked at his beyblade as it began to glow, "Driger?"
On the cabinet Dranzer's bit also lit up, shimmering brightly as if in response. A few seconds later Kai took in a shaky breath and opened his eyes. "Dranzer..." he whispered, sensing his beloved bit beast becoming more active. Turning his head he looked over at the cabinet, before his gaze wandered over to Ray, as Kai only just noticed him. "Ray?"
"Oh, Kai. You're awake," Ray observed in surprise. He looked back at his blade. "Was that my fault?" he wondered before facing Kai again. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."
Lifting a hand Kai rubbed at his eyes and forehead. "It's alright, Ray," he told the other boy quietly. "I just sensed Dranzer responding to something... Must've been Driger." He choked back a cough and let his hand rest at his side again, looking at his teammate. Ray seemed normal, but Kai just knew that something was off. "What's wrong?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ray asked, surprised.
Even though he was feeling pretty damn miserable at the moment, Kai rolled his eyes. "What do you... think I mean?" he wheezed. "Something's happened. I can tell."
Ray cocked an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, something happened. You ended up in the hospital."
Kai chuckled. It turned into a nasty cough. "Really?" he asked as he recovered. "I hadn't noticed. Thanks for telling me."
Ray laughed at Kai's wit before turning rather sombre, "Hey, Kai? You... didn't use Black Dranzer did you? I know you promised me you wouldn't, but I saw it on the news, so... I have to be sure. Just tell me you didn't break your promise. Please."
Kai sighed and closed his eyes. "You know, you're the second person to ask me that..." he murmured. Opening his eyes again, he stared up at the ceiling. "No, I didn't. I kept my promise, Ray. Black Dranzer only came out because I was too weak to stop him... He responded to my emotions when I got trapped in the fire. Dranzer protected me."
"He wouldn't have come out if you hadn't had him with you though, would he?" Ray commented after a moment, looking at the floor. He felt Driger shift at the direction of his thoughts. Driger hadn't even liked Ray touching the blade. But holding onto it for any longer than he had? Out of the question. But if Ray had held onto it, would any of this have happened? And what sort of side effects in Kai could they expect to see this time? As if being caught in a fire wasn't bad enough.
"I can handle Black Dranzer, Ray," Kai told him, "As long as I have Dranzer." With some difficulty, Kai forced himself to sit up and lean back against the headboard of the bed. The room spun slightly at his sudden movement, but he was sick of lying down. It was only then that he realised a light stinging pain in his back. Burns. Looked like it wasn't just his arms that had been licked by the flames.
"You should be resting," Ray pointed out, only lifting his head enough to see Kai.
"I've already been stuck in here for too long," Kai grumbled. Pulling off the oxygen mask, having just lost his patience with it, he coughed into his hand. "I've got more important things to be dealing with."
Ray straightened and stepped forward, "Kai. You shouldn't be doing that. The most important thing right now is your recovery." Kai ignored him as he threw the covers back, curling his lip slightly in disgust at the hospital clothes he was wearing. Still, at least it wasn't a gown.
"Kai!" Ray protested, grabbing Kai's shoulders. "You have to rest."
"I have to get out of here," Kai retorted. "This place isn't- Whoa..." The whole room suddenly tilted sideways and Kai had to reach out and catch Ray's shoulders for support. His head dropped forward as he gasped, blinking to clear his suddenly blurry vision and get rid of the black spots. Recovering from the initial dizziness, he had no choice but to lean against Ray to stop himself from slumping over.
Getting over his alarm, Ray urged Kai back to his previous position of lying on the bed. "Please, Kai," he insisted in concern. "You have to rest to recover."
Taking a few breaths, Kai reluctantly pulled the oxygen mask back on. "... I didn't think I was that bad," he murmured to Ray, before wincing. "It hurts if I breathe too deeply." Inside, he was furious with himself. He'd barely moved and now he felt like he could sleep for a week. Just where the hell had all of his strength gone? "Sorry."
Ray shook his head, relieved that Kai was co-operating and lying down once more. "It's alright. Just, don't do that again."
Kai shook his head. "I certainly won't be trying it again," he mused, "Not for a while, anyway."
Ray breathed a slight laugh before sitting down. He wondered how long he could get away with hanging about the hospital before the staff would kick him out. There was also the chance of Tyson turning up to visit Kai. Ray wouldn't hang about in that case. If Tyson did visit, Ray would be able to collect his things without having to face the other teen. Still, he couldn't leave it too late either way if he was going to see Mr Dickenson. He'd had his fill of distrust and accusations of betrayal back with his first team and they'd actually had an excuse. But with Tyson... Ray couldn't suppress the sigh that escaped him.
Turning his head, Kai looked up at him. "You gonna tell me what's wrong now? Or do I have to wait until I'm strong enough to beat it out of you?"
Ray looked at Kai then faced forward. "I'm... thinking about going home..."
Kai just blinked, taking in this piece of news calmly. "Oh? What's brought this on?"
Ray looked down, his shoulders dropping, "Just stuff." Not wanting to stress Kai out, Ray began fishing for excuses. "I'm missing my friends there. And I guess I'm a little homesick. And I got this present for Mariah yesterday which I want to deliver in person. It wouldn't be the same if I posted it to her. It's that sort of gift. And I'll need to speak with her brother too. Rather than going behind his back. You know?"
Smiling slightly, Kai chuckled, "I was wondering when this would happen," he commented. "After you and she sorted out your differences, I figured it was only a matter of time..." He coughed weakly.
Ray mumbled something inaudible before looking up. "You okay?"
Kai frowned as he recovered from his cough. "Tyson?" he asked quietly, having caught a little of what Ray had said. Just enough to know Tyson was involved. "What's Tyson done this time?"
"N-Nothing," Ray looked away.
Kai's frown turned slightly sad. "Please don't lie to me, Ray," he told his teammate. "I've had to go through enough of that in my life already."
Ray dipped his head further feeling guilty. "I had a fight with Tyson."
This was not the news Kai wanted to hear, and he couldn't help but sigh. Why was it so hard to keep his team together these days? "What happened?"
"I dunno, he was arguing with Max again, and I tried to break it up. Should've just stayed out of it..."
"And I take it he turned his anger on you?" Kai guessed. He closed his eyes. Worrying about his team was giving him a headache, but he was so desperate to help.
Ray nodded. The sash tied around his waist was suddenly very interesting, hanging down from the chair he was sitting on. Was that some dirt on it or a stain? Ray began picking at it to check. Just some dirt. It came off easily enough. "He said I couldn't be trusted because I left my old team. And that a tiger can't change its stripes. And that I was spying on you guys. Something about telling the White Tigers all secrets, that sorta thing..."
A snort escaped Kai, which he regretted seconds later when his lungs ached. "He says that about you huh?" he asked, shaking his head. "I wonder what he thinks I am then?"
"I dunno. I left," Ray replied, still fiddling with his clothing, "Ran into Tala. He said he'd sort them out."
"So even Tala's stepped in now, has he..." Kai mused. He closed his eyes. "Listen, Ray. If you really want to go back to your home town, then I think you should. I'm not pushing you either way though. It's your decision."
"You're not worried I'm just gonna tell them all about you?" Ray asked a little bitterly, showing just how hurt he'd been by Tyson's accusations.
"I trust you..." Kai breathed. "I know you'll do what you think is best, even if it's something the others may not agree on."
Ray looked up with a start and stared at Kai for a moment before smiling. "Thank you, Kai."
His eyes opening again slowly, Kai smiled back at his friend. "Don't mention it."
"I do want to go back." Ray reached into his jacket and took out a small bag. "This is the errand I had Hilary help me on," he told Kai, taking two chains from the bag and bringing them closer for Kai to see.
"Very fitting," Kai told him. "I'm sure she'll like it."
Ray's smile brightened. "I thought so too. It was Hilary's idea. Credit where it's due. You... really don't mind me leaving for a while then?"
"Of course not," Kai replied. "You're a part of this team, Ray. But you don't belong to it. Besides..." He turned his head and looked out the window. "You may not be the only one leaving for a while..."
"Oh?" Ray asked, putting away Mariah's present.
"Mm," Kai grunted. "He hasn't said anything yet, but I think Tala is making plans. And if I'm right, then he and the rest of the Blitzkrieg Boys will be taking me back to Russia."
"Do you want to go?" Ray asked, cocking his head to the side.
Kai shrugged tiredly. "Well, with the way things have been lately, it's starting to look more appealing. My main concern is what The Avalanchers might do if they find out we're all going our separate ways." His hands clenched the blanket at each side. "I can't protect you all if I'm in Russia."
"The way things are, they won't even need to try anything. In Hokkaido, they split us up to target when we're alone. The old divide and conquer strategy. And all this fighting is just playing right into their hands. But the tension's just making everything so hard. There's not really that much difference between us going our separate ways, or fighting amongst ourselves here as far as The Avalanchers are concerned. And while I don't want to be around here at the moment I am coming back. And I'm gonna come back stronger."
Kai nodded, pleased that Ray seemed to have cheered up and was sounding like his old self again. "Sounds like a plan. Just be careful."
Ray nodded. "I will. You don't need to worry about me, Kai. You just focus on your recovery. I'm gonna speak to Mr Dickenson about going home. I'll probably need to tell him at least some of what happened. I'd rather not go into details, but I'm sure the fact that we're fighting and that I feel some space from the team would be beneficial is enough. When moving about, I'll stay in busy areas, like Tala told me to." Ray sighed after a moment. "As much as I'm dreading speaking to Tyson again right now, I'm gonna have to talk to him before I go. If I just vanish without a word of explanation... he'll probably hate me. But with what he said about me going back to the White Tigers... I'm sure it'll just add fuel to the flames. What do you think I should say to him, Kai?"
"Just be honest with him," Kai replied. "That way, he can't accuse you of being a liar." He looked up at Ray. "However, I would advise you to wait until Tala makes his decision about whether or not I'm going back to Russia with him. That way, I'll take the brunt of Tyson's wrath, and save you from it."
Ray sighed. "You don't have to stick out your neck for me, Kai. I'd rather not be a bother to you."
"It's fine," Kai said, shaking his head. "Besides, it's about time someone taught Tyson a lesson, and I'll be the one to do it."
"More fighting?" Ray asked.
"Only if he's... looking for one," Kai replied, before his body tensed up and he rolled onto his side. He ripped the oxygen mask off and coughed into his hands, bringing up a mixture of dust and ash from his lungs. The pain was almost unbearable and when the coughing finally died down to a mere splutter, Kai felt absolutely exhausted. He closed his eyes and tried on concentrate on his breathing, which was now in weak gasps.
Ray had stood up quickly in alarm when Kai began coughing and now stood at his side feeling helpless. "Kai?" he asked in concern.
The violent, hacking fit had left Kai's eyes dull and unfocussed and his whole body felt heavy. "... I'm... I'm al-alright..." he whispered. With a look of disgust, he wiped his hands on the edge of the bed sheet, before lying still. He never would have thought that a fire could do this much damage. Light tremors passed over his body as he tried to gather his strength again, while the oxygen mask hung loosely round his neck.
"Are you sure? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Moving his arm, Kai tried to push himself up, only to realise that he didn't have the strength. Feeling somewhat humiliated, he glanced back at Ray. "Can you help me up please?"
"Sure," Ray answered helping Kai to sit up and then fussed with the pillows using one hand, to make sure they were comfortable for Kai, whilst supporting Kai with the other. The frustration at not even being able to sit up on his own made Kai clench his fists, but he was grateful for Ray's help. "How's that?" Ray asked, helping Kai settle back against the pillows, "Comfortable enough?"
Fiddling with the mask and taking several semi deep breaths from it, Kai nodded. He found it a lot easier to breathe sitting up. "Yeah... Thanks." With the pillows the way they were now, if Kai really wanted to, then he could just lean back and go to sleep in this position.
"Glad I could help," Ray responded.
Feeling his breathing starting to get a little easier again, Kai glanced around. He frowned slightly in confusion, only just noticing something. "Where's Hilary? I'm sure she was here earlier."
"I told her to go get some breakfast," Ray answered. "She should be back soon I think."
"Ah, ok," Kai nodded. "I just wondered."
"About Hilary. I noticed you two seem to be growing closer lately," Ray commented, sitting down again.
Kai looked away. "You could say that..." he commented calmly, despite the very faint blush on his cheeks.
"Judging by your reaction, would I be right in guessing that you like her then?"
"Hn," Kai grunted. "What does that matter?"
"So you're not interested in pursuing that?" Ray asked, cocking his head to the side. "'Cause I know she's totally interested in you."
Kai gave him a slightly irritated glance. "It's not that simple and you know it. I'm not prepared to put her at risk like that."
"Okay, let me ask you this. How would she be at risk?" Ray asked. "Who or what would be the danger?"
"Me, my grandfather, Boris and Black Dranzer," Kai answered without hesitating.
"Okay, and as our friend and teammate, isn't she already involved?"
"Yes, she is. So what makes you think I would want to make things any worse?"
"Kai," Ray practically whined. "What makes you think there's gonna be that much of a difference?"
"Because both Voltaire and Boris want revenge against me and would jump at the chance to harm someone like that to me. Plus, with the media, it would be impossible to keep something like that quiet."
"Again, isn't she already involved?"
Kai muttered something under his breath in Russian, before nodding reluctantly. "Yes."
"So would being closer really put her in any more danger?"
"She deserves better than the likes of me," Kai said, avoiding the question. "You all know I'm not exactly good with people. It would be a complete disaster on my part and she'd just end up getting hurt."
Ray slumped suddenly in exasperation. "You sell yourself far too short, you know? I came in here feeling rotten. I really did. But I tried to hide it. I thought it was working. But you knew better. And you really did help me out. Last I checked that was the complete opposite of not being good with people. And regardless of what you think of yourself, it's you she likes."
Leaning back heavily into his pillows, Kai sighed. "I'll see what happens then, alright," he said tiredly, "So long as you understand my hesitance."
"Okay, if anything goes wrong, you can blame me for it."
Kai couldn't help but smirk slightly. "You know I won't, but fine."
Ray laughed, amused then turned his head as the door opened to reveal Hilary. "He woke up," Ray informed the girl, before turning back to Kai. "So you want me to wait until Tala's made his decision, I can do that," Ray stated, returning to the earlier conversation as it was a much less awkward topic for Kai.
Kai was grateful for the change in subject and nodded. "Yeah, it's for the best." Glancing across the room, he smiled hesitantly at Hilary. She looked kinda tired, which made Kai feel guilty. But the fact that she had stayed with him meant a lot, even if he wasn't ready to admit it out loud.
"I'll still need to speak with Mr Dickenson and the others," Ray continued as Hilary returned Kai's smile. "And I should probably apologise to Tala. I mean, I ran right into him, not looking where I was going, and then I dumped this whole mess on him even though it has nothing to do with him. He was totally cool about it, he volunteered to go and sort them out. But I still feel guilty. I mean, I'm part of the team so it was my responsibility not Tala's and I just made things worse."
"An apology won't be necessary," Kai told him. "Tala won't be bothered."
"Did something happen?" Hilary asked, already suspecting that Tyson was being an idiot again.
"Just another quarrel getting out of hand," Ray answered.
"Tyson?" Hilary guessed. Ray nodded. "He's such a pest," Hilary groaned. "What are we going to do with him?"
Kai smirked. "I have an idea, involving a gag, a length of rope and something very high, like a bridge." He shrugged. "Either that or we ship him off to Mexico or something."
Ray and Hilary both laughed. "That's not very nice," Ray commented, trying, unsuccessfully, to stop laughing.
"Never said it would be," Kai replied. "But it would teach him a lesson."
"What lesson would that teach him?" Ray asked.
"That there are consequences for everything."
"So how would you go about shipping him off to Mexico?" Hilary asked, giggling, "Hypothetically."
"I have contacts in Russia," Kai told her. "All I would have to do is pull in a few favours, and I could send Tyson to the moon if I wanted to." Hilary laughed harder.
"And as I've already proved, it really wouldn't be hard to slip something into his food," Ray commented. He wouldn't really. Hot foods, added in secret, was the worst he'd really do. But since they were having a laugh, playing along wouldn't hurt. "He wouldn't know what happened until it was too late." Kai chuckled quietly, before having to hold the mask to his face again and take a few deep breaths. As he watched his two teammates, he couldn't help but wonder what would become of the team if they were to split up. Would they all want to come back? That thought then made Kai wonder how things were going back at Tyson's and what Tala and the others were up to.
