Taiy-Chan: Alright, it took me a while but here's the next chapter of Because of You. Sorry for the wait, guys, I really am. I was kinda stuck on where to go from the last chapter. Don't worry; I don't have writer's block. I was just too lazy to think it out. Anyways, thanks for all the reviews! We're at/over 200!!!! You guys rock.

Disclaimer: Don't own so don't sue.


Chapter 8

"I lose my way and it's not too long before you point it out."


Time seemed to stop as we held each other silently. But it made me happy, for I wanted this moment to last forever.

But forever is a powerful word and, finally, we pulled apart, our eyes still locked. Our arms slowly left each other, as if they didn't want to let go. When our fingers brushed at the very last second, I felt the comfort and happiness slip away, and an empty feeling settled in my stomach.

I thought about what just went through my mind and nearly chuckled. Since when had I become such an emotional teenager? I mentally sighed. There was an obvious answer to that and I knew it.

When I came back to myself, Kai was frowning, deep in thought. I waited for him to say something and realized that I always would be. Waiting, that is. Because when it came right down to it, no one ever waited for me.

"We can't let you go with him." Kai finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I felt the beginning of a sarcastic remark make its way to my mouth, but I pushed it down, nodding instead. It wouldn't do if we started to fight.

Kai sighed heavily and brought a pale hand up to brush through his blue locks. I watched as his mind turned inward again and I knew that I should be trying to figure this whole situation out too, but was there really any point? With everyone on his side, my father would…

"You know what's been bothering me?" Kai said suddenly, snapping me out of my daze. I gave the other teen a blank look. "When Shen arrived," Kai went on. "Your reaction was terrible, but only the Demolition Boys and I seemed to notice."

I nodded in understanding, Kai had mentioned this before.

"I thought that it was might have been because we were taught to read people," Kai looked up and his crimson eyes met mine. ", but it wasn't like you were trying to hide it."

I shrugged.

"Most of them probably passed it off as shock." I paused and frowned. A thought suddenly occurred to me. "Or maybe they took an instant liking to Shen; he has that affect on people."

Kai raised a brow at this. "Because he's not human?"

I shook my head.

"Not necessarily. Any human can have that kind of talent with people. It's their personality and their aura. Others are drawn to them. Take Tyson, for example. When we first met, we all felt a strong pull towards him."

Kai nodded, agreeing.

"So, when Mr. Dickenson introduced Shen, our first impression of him was of a smiling, handsome man who looked open and friendly. It was just a bonus that he was your father." The crimson eyed boy concluded.

"Yes."

Kai sighed in exasperation.

"That's going to make this much harder than it was at first. How are we going to convince them that Shen…." He trailed off and we both knew that he didn't have to finish that sentence.

"You don't have to do this." I said quietly, meeting his deep gaze. Kai stared questionly at me. "Help me, I mean." I explained. "I never wanted to push this on anyone, and I don't want you to get involved."

Kai glared at me.

"Do you really believe that I'm going to just let you go home with that man after what you just told me?" he demanded coldly.

I frowned at him, not backing down.

"It's not your problem to deal with; it's mine." When Kai continued to shoot daggers at me with his eyes, I rolled my own. "Look, if you try to help me, you're just going to be putting yourself in danger and, no matter how cliché this sounds, I don't want that to happen." I stared at him determinedly. "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I did."

Kai's eyes softened, a sad look passing through them, confusing me. After a moment of silence, he shook his head.

"I can't Rei. I can't just overlook this."

I glared hard at him. "Why not?"

I sounded childish and I knew it. I hated how selfish I sounded. Kai really did have a point here; I did tell him what Shen did to me. I knew that if I was in his position, I would do the same, but still, if he was in mine, I know he'd do the same as well.

I knew that I was not the only one in the world that has been abused or raped and maybe that's why I didn't want anyone helping me. No one was going to get hurt if I had a say in it. It was my problem and I was not going to let anyone else solve it for me. As a wise man once said, I have a good, strong pair of legs; I should get up and use them. 1

"Because, Rei," Kai said, bringing me back to the present. "I'm your captain, I'm your friend and, believe it or not, I care about you, alright?" He looked away, obviously flustered, a small blush covering his cheeks. "All of you- Tyson, Kenny and Max…- you guys are family and didn't you once say that family was supposed to look out for one another?" he turned back to face me, embarrassed by his uncharacteristic confession, but sure of his words.

I bit my lip to stop any angry words from falling out. This whole situation already seemed like it was taken straight out of a soap opera, so why should I make it worse by fighting with Kai? It wouldn't get us anywhere in the end.

"Fine, it's a free country after all." I muttered grumpily.

Kai smirked. "That's what I thought." He said smugly, the mood abruptly lightening.

I glared at him but his smirk just grew wider. I found myself unable to overcome the strong urge to smile as well and felt warmth flow into me. So, Kai finally admitted that we were his friends; I always knew that he was, but hearing him say it made the victory all the sweeter.

Comfort. That's what I felt right now. And I knew I'd need it because I couldn't help but feel that all of this was just the calm before the storm.

Kai sighed and rose to his feet.

"We better get going then; we've already taken a long time."

I determinedly set my jaw and nodded. As I followed my captain out the door, I couldn't help but latch on to the small feeling of hope that whispered: maybe it will be alright. I wasn't alone anymore. But should I really trust it? Hope had let me down before.

As we entered the meeting room again, the loud voices that had been talking came to an abrupt halt. All eyes were on Kai and me as we stepped through the door. Mr. Dickenson smiled at us.

"Did you get those papers signed?" he asked.

I froze, we never did pick up any papers. But I saw Kai nod out of the corner of my eye.

"Yes, we left them with your secretary."

Mr. Dickenson nodded as well, falling for the lie as easily as a mouse would fall for a trap.

"Good, good. Thank you, Kai."

My captain nodded before moving to take his seat. He raised an eyebrow at me when I didn't move. I snapped out of my daze and quickly sat beside him.

One person's burning gaze pierced through all the others. I looked up without thinking and my golden eyes met deep amber. My body froze and my muscles tensed.

Shen's dark pools narrowed and his eyes flickered over to Kai for an instant before settling back on me. I felt a chill run up my spine and I couldn't do anything but sit there.

Our eyes broke apart when Mr. Dickenson cleared his throat, bringing everyone's attention back to him.

"As I was saying," he said. "Rei will be staying with Shen for a couple of weeks in a small house on the edge of the city."

I frowned. I didn't like how everything was being decided for me. Why didn't they even ask me first? Did my opinion not matter? Kai must have been thinking along the same lines; for I saw his eyes narrow a fraction at the elder's words.

Mr. Dickenson clapped his hands together, silencing the small whispers and dregs of conversations that had started up again when he paused.

"It's been a long day for all of you, I'm sure." He smiled.

"It's only eleven o'clock in the morning." I heard someone mutter sarcastically.

I turned my head slightly to find the owner of the voice. Spencer was rolling his blue eyes in exasperation but Bryan and Tala were smirking. I felt my lips twitch up in a faint trace of a smile.

"Rei can come with me and we'll stop by the dojo to pick his things up, if that's all right." My head whipped back to the front as a low, tenor voice broke the momentary silence. Shen's eyes were on me and I had to resist the urge to look down. That would be giving in. I can't cave yet. I can't. My hands clenched tightly into fists.

I didn't notice Kai's crimson eyes dart over to me nor did I notice him stand until he spoke.

"I'm afraid that it's not all right, Mr. Kon." He said firmly. I heard someone gasp and saw Shen's eyes narrow dangerously, but Kai ignored their reactions and glared back.

Mr. Dickenson was patting his forehead with that handkerchief again, a nervous reaction that had developed over the years we had known him.

"And why is that, Kai?" He asked.

Kai's dark eyes met mine for a brief moment before he turned back to the front. His hands were tense at his side.

"Because no one has even stopped to ask what Rei wanted to do." Kai said, his voice suddenly angry. "You made all these plans without even asking his consent."

Mr. Dickenson nodded hastily, but not everyone agreed with my captain.

"What is your problem, Kai?" Enrique demanded, standing up to face the other teen. "You act like you care and you sound like you care, but you're only doing this for yourself!"

I felt anger swell in me at the blonde's words. Kai was doing this for me and all he got was it slapped right back in his face. It was unfair. I looked around the table, my rage only growing when I saw my supposed friends nodding and agreeing with Enrique. My golden gaze fell on the Demolition Boys, who were watching the Italian with narrowed eyes.

My eyes widened when Lee stood up also, drawing himself up to his full height in an effort to look imposing. With his slitted eyes and pointed fangs, the Chinese blader had the desired effect.

"He hasn't seen his father for seven years, Kai!" The White Tiger hissed. "Why in all hells would Rei not want to go live with him?"

Kai's cool gaze settled on the black haired blader.

"You know the answer to that, Lee." He said monotonously.

Lee choked on his retort and his breath left him in a harsh gasp. He sputtered, searching for the right words, but they were eluding him.

"Well, Rei?" Kai's eyes were on me again. "What do you want to do?"

'I want to stay with you guys, I don't ever want to see that man again.' The words were on the tip of my tongue, but they wouldn't come out, it was as if they were stuck in my throat.

"Let's just go back to the dojo, for now." I muttered instead.

Kai looked like he was going to argue the subject further, but I sent him a pleading look. He bit his lip and nodded stiffly.

"Very well."


We were driven back to the dojo in the BBA bus and Shen tagged along behind us in his car. When we got there, the beyblade teams crowded around the front yard, all ready to say their goodbyes, convinced that I would be leaving with my father.

Kai walked with me inside the dojo, his eyes guarded as he stared at the polished wood walls. I paused as I headed up the stairs and turned to see that he hadn't followed me.

When I raised a questioning brow he shook his head.

"I'm sure you want some time alone. I'll wait down here." He said gloomily.

I nodded and climbed to the second floor. I was just about to go to my room when I heard voices below me. Retracing my steps silently, I peered over the banister, watching the figures below.

Shen was towering over Kai, his deep amber eyes narrowed dangerously. Kai didn't seem affected though; he stood his ground with his arms crossed over his chest. I stiffened. Not good.

"You really should listen to what Rei says. It wouldn't be very nice if you got involved." Shen said.

Kai's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before his indifferent mask slipped back into place.

I gasped silently. How did Shen know?

I saw my father sneer.

"Wouldn't want to wreck that pretty little face of yours, would we, Kai?" he hissed through pointed teeth.

My hands clenched tightly over the wooden railing in anger. How dare he attack my friends?

Kai didn't bother to grace Shen with an answer and shot him a flat look instead. Shen's grin just grew wider, as he reached a large hand up to stroke Kai's painted cheek. It never reached its target, though.

Kai's pale hand held my father's in a death like grip, like iron around skin. His burning crimson eyes bore into Shen's.

"Don't you touch me you sick pedophile." He spat.

I nearly stopped breathing as I saw my father's eyes slit dangerously. I pushed myself away from the banister. My heart raced as I flew down the stairs. I had to stop this before it went too far. What had I been doing, just watching as Kai was forced to face my father alone. Wasn't I the one who said that this was my problem to solve?

I reacted a little too late, though. For an instant later, Shen had Kai by the collar and was growling something into his ear. I saw Kai's blood red pools widen as he stared at my father in shock. I had no time to pause to puzzle over what he might have said, for a second later Kai was sent flying down the hall by Shen's inhuman strength. With quick reflexes that I didn't know he had, Kai flipped himself over and landed on his feet, skidding across the floor. He straightened and glared hard at Shen, his hands balling at his sides.

"Stop!" I shouted, running between them. It occurred to me how useless this all was. We were fighting against someone who was so much stronger than us. I whipped around to face my father, my golden eyes slitted in rage. "I don't care what you do to me," I said lowly. "But don't you dare… Don't you dare ever touch my friends."

Shen just laughed and the sound was harsh and biting.

"I'm the one that gives the orders, boy." He said, that sick smile ever present on his face. "I can do whatever I please."

I met his gaze and clenched my teeth together. Fine. We'll play it your way.

"I'll go with you." I said stiffly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kai move to say something, but I shot him a look that silenced him instantly. I turned back to Shen. "I'll go with you…" I repeated, relieved that my voice was unwavering when my mind was spinning so fast. "But you have to leave my friends alone."

Shen's smug smile never left his face. "I don't make promises, Rei."

My eyes narrowed but I didn't push the matter more.

"When are we leaving?" I demanded instead.

"As soon as you say goodbye." Was my answer.

I nodded, heading for the door. I didn't look back at Kai once.

The goodbyes took longer than I had expected. All the girls were hugging me and telling me that they were all so happy for me. I just smiled back at them, hiding behind the mask that had been perfected over years of pretending. It was nearly four o'clock when the teams finally left us to head back to their hotels. Shen talked to Mr. Dickenson, who had shown up an hour before, as I got my stuff from my room. I hadn't seen Kai since the incident by the stairs.

I tried to ignore the dread that crept into me as I walked through the front yard, bag in hand. Things were just going to go back to the way they used to be. I'd be alone again and maybe this time I wouldn't be so lucky, maybe this time I wouldn't make it out in one peace. But right now, death seemed like a blessing in disguise. I felt even more trapped than I had back when I was a child. This time, I had no where to run to, no one to go to for help.

My thoughts drifted to my captain and I felt a great loneliness envelop me. Tears gathered behind my golden eyes but I refused to cry. Not yet. It was too early, too-

"Rei…"

I turned at the quiet call.

Kai stood before me, his blue hair ruffling in the light breeze. He was looking down, not meeting my gaze. Finally, his crimson eyes rose to meet mine.

"You don't have to go, Rei." He said, and there was some sort of apology hidden in his words, his eyes looked guilty but I didn't know why. "You don't…"

I felt desperation and fear crawl over my skin. Kai cared too much. He cared too much for me when my life wasn't worth any of it.

"Look, Kai." I snapped. My sudden outburst startled him and he stared at me with wide eyes. I mentally winced and tried to ignore how my heart was aching. "I don't need your pity. Save it for someone else."

Kai's red pools narrowed at the accusation.

"Rei, I'm not saying that!" He was confused and angry and his words were jumbled as if he were rambling. "Rei, Shen's going to hurt you," my eyes slitted. "he's-" I hated this. I hated him caring about me. I hated how happy it made me feel. He wasn't supposed to care… He had to be kept safe! I had to protect him because no one else would.

My teeth clenched together as I backhanded him across the face. Kai's head whipped to the side from the impact and he froze. I ignored the obvious hurt that pooled in his eyes as he met my gaze. I ignored how my heart clenched as he slowly brought a pale hand up to cup his reddening cheek. I ignored how inside I was screaming as I dimly noticed how his eyes seemed to glisten with something that I had never seen in them before. Tears.

I ignored it all. I had to. I'm sorry Kai…

"Don't talk as if you know everything." I spat.

Why do you care so much? My mind screamed.

"Because you know what, Kai? You're not king of the world and you're not perfect."

Don't you understand? I can't let you get involved with this... with me... Shen is a powerful person, he can do more than you can even dream of. I have to… I have to protect you.

"You just hide behind a mask like everyone else."

I hide behind a mask, Kai. But you're breaking it.

I turned on my heel and left him there, not looking back once. Self hatred consumed me as I tried to convince myself that it was for the best. I blinked back tears. I didn't even say goodbye.

Kai... I….

Shen was waiting for me and he smiled in a sickeningly sweet way. I didn't meet his eyes as I climbed in the passenger seat, throwing my bag in the back. After I closed the door, Shen leant over to me, his breath tickling my ear.

"It's nice to have you back, my little Rei." He purred as one of his hands came up to rest on my thigh.

I hated myself for knowing that that hand was a little too high and stayed a little too long to be innocent. I hated myself for not slapping it off.

Shen smirked at me, as if he knew what just went through my head. Maybe he did. I wouldn't know. He started the car and drove out of the dojo's driveway and I watched with hollow eyes as the house, and my home disappeared from sight.

My thoughts drifted back to Kai, and how hurt he had looked when I left him. But it was better this way, right? If he hated me, then it wouldn't be as hard for him to forget me. If he didn't care, he wouldn't get hurt. In the end, everyone would be okay. I sighed heavily. Except me, that is. But, as they say, sacrifice one for the many.

I felt tears well up in my empty golden eyes, but I refused to let them fall. My gaze travelled up to the window and I watched silently as the scenery passed. The car drove over the long, wooden bridge that left the city and I imagined myself coming back here. I imagined myself finding a way out of this big mess and running over this very bridge, my team and my friends waiting on the other side. My eyes dropped and I lowered my head as I realized that only I would be. Waiting, that is. Because when it came right down to it, no one would be waiting for me.

TBC
Taiy-Chan: Holy… For some reason, that chapter really hard to write, I don't know why, but it was. I tried not to make Rei seem like a push over, like he does in some fics. It's harder than it looks.

Wow, was that chapter long or what? And here I was thinking that it'd be too short!

1 Stolen from Fullmetal Alchemist (don't own) "You've got a good, strong pair of legs, Rose. You should get up and use them." line from the second episode of the series.

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this. See ya!