Reviews: my sincerest thanks to; Dranza, Amongst-Azarath, Blaze Queenie, Painted Ys, Tenshi of Freedom, or-chan, OnlyNotReally, Anime Girl23, Rapunzelle, glitteredvixen06, Nameless Little Girl, pheonix80, chrono-contract, PhoenixTears25, vlissan, the Light Shadow and kit572 for taking the time to review! Loves hearing from every one of you X3
Sorry for taking so long to get this chapter out, I have writers block with this story. So annoying!
Chapter 21
Never Realized Until Now
The atmosphere in the dojo has never been so tense before. No loud voices booming to be heard, no complaints and fights raging over the smallest thing. No, the only source of life comes from the light in the lounge room, the sight of five teens littering the floor in various sitting positions.
"Finally, the charity match is tomorrow," Ray mutters softly, more so to himself than to anyone else.
On the opposite side of the room, Hilary nods. "Yeah, it's strange that it's only been about three weeks, huh?" she comments, referring to the hectic few weeks they've all been through.
"Yeah…" Ray trails off, a look of guilt appearing on his face as he too recalls the last few weeks, weeks he hopes he will never have to go through again.
A sigh passes Kenny's lips as he adjusts the glasses on his head, finally taking his eyes away from his laptop. "With everything that's been happening, if feels like a year has been and gone."
Once again, Hilary nods, her brown hair swaying with the movements. "That's true…"
"Do you think Tala and Bryan will find the guy who attacked Kai?" Ray suddenly asks, knowing that Kai's condition, laying in the hospital, is on each and every one's mind. He knows for certain that they are all wondering the same thing.
"I hope so," Max mutters, uncharacteristically bitter as his blue eyes shimmer with a feeling of uselessness and frustration. "I can't believe how anyone would do something like that to Kai."
Murmurs of agreement follow, but Ray suddenly frowns, a sense of self-loathing appearing on his expression. Yes, it's hard to believe that anyone out there would want to hurt Kai physically, but a lot of people hurt him mentally and emotionally with their harsh words and low expectations of him, most without meaning too. But, nevertheless, they still abuse him.
And when he means 'they' he means everyone in this room, including himself and a certain world champion.
"Then again," he mutters bitterly. "It's kinda hard to believe that anyone would take advantage of Kai like we do."
A heavy and uncomfortable silence fills the room as everyone winces at the words and bows their heads in shame. What could have possibly came over them to use Kai the way they did? Not only did they use him when it was convenient to them, they verbally abused him and was generally disrespectful of them. He didn't ask for much, only that they train at least once a week, but they couldn't even indulge Kai with that.
Despite Kai's best efforts to keep their feet planted sorely on the ground, they grew arrogant and obnoxious. Just generally full of themselves, believing that they are the champions and they don't need to train.
When did that happen? When did they become so full of themselves and turn their back on something they love? Was it because the defeat of BEGA, or was it because the battles that came afterwards, battles that were hardly a challenge?
Ray might not be able to pinpoint the exact time and date where they became like those obnoxious celebrities in the gossip magazines, but he can tell you the exact time and date to the second where that arrogance fled him; the moment he found out that Kai was sick and the two badass bladers from Russia were going to be his coaches until Kai recovers.
One look of disgust from not only Tala and Bryan, but from Hiro and Gramps himself made him realize what he had done and how he was going to pay for it.
That fact was driven home when Miguel stopped by during their training and verbally lashed out at them. Patient and friendly Miguel threatening bodily harm while he face was screwed up in an uncharacteristic glare? Pretty scary stuff.
Ray had grown a whole new type of respect for Kai during those weeks. And if Kai tells him to jump off a cliff, he's going to jump off that cliff to keep him happy.
And looking around at everyone else in this room, he can safely say they would do the same thing.
"…We're just as guilty as the one who attacked him, aren't we?" Hilary finally whispers, her eyes prickling with tears at the realization.
"Yeah…"
Max has been silent the entire time, keeping his hands folded in his lap as he stares down at them. He's has been hit the hardest by Kai's condition. Kai is like an older brother to him, but lately Max realizes he has been acting like an obnoxious little brother.
Well, it's time to make up for that!
"We'll win the charity match tomorrow," Max suddenly announces with determination in his voice and expression, startling those around him. "We can do this, you guys."
Ray stares at Max for a moment, but then a smile appears on his face. Max's optimism and enthusiasm is contagious. "Yeah, we have to," he agrees, turning to face everyone else in the room and noting that they too are looking brighter, knowing that they have a chance to make up for their past mistakes. "For Kai."
"For Kai!" Everyone cheers, smiling brightly for the first time in ages.
Suddenly, Hilary's smile falters and looks around the room, noting that there is someone missing. "Hey, where's Tyson?" she asks and looks of confusion greets her.
"I haven't seen him since we found out about Kai…" Ray says, trailing off as he presses his lips together tightly to ward off the images of Kai laying in his hospital bed.
"You don't…" Max trails off, a sense of sadness in his blue eyes. "You don't think he's still trying to skip out on training?"
Ray would be lying to say that thought didn't cross his mind at some point. "I…don't know," he says. "He looked devastated at the hospital, though."
"Yeah," Max says as he taps his chin in thought. "He looked as if he was going to pass out. Maybe he's training by himself?"
"That could be possible," Ray says as he shrugs. Normally, Tyson avoids training like the plague, but lately anything is possible.
Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening and closing pulls everyone out of their thoughts as they listen to the sound of feet approaching them. A moment later a certain older Granger brother appears, looking weary and let a sense of happiness shimmers in his eyes. He steps into the room, and in doing so, reveals that he is carrying something that appears to be snoring loudly on his back.
Everyone jumps to their feet when they realize they Hiro is carrying a sore and sorry Tyson on his back, who in turns appears to be in a deep sleep of exhaustion.
"Ah, Hiro!" Kenny says in surprise at seeing the older male.
"Shhh!" Hiro quickly scowls the small brunette as he indicates to the sleeping bundle on his back. "He's asleep."
Max tiptoes to his way over to him and peers into Tyson's face, noting that he is indeed a asleep, and that he is covered in scrapes and bruises. "What happened?" he asks, looking up at Hiro with a sense of alarm.
"It's been a long day of training," Hiro says as a warm smile appears on his face. "He's just tired."
"So, he has been training," Ray mutters, unable to hide the surprise in his voice completely.
"That's right," Hiro confirms. "He even let Tala and Bryan give him a few tips."
Max's eyes widen so much in surprise, they nearly fell out of his head. "Wow, really?"
"Yes," Hiro chuckles as he walks out of the lounge room and into Tyson's bedroom, carefully placing his little brother on his bed, laying him on top of the covers as it's a warm night outside. He gazes down at his little brother and tenderly pats his head.
"He's growing up."
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"Welcome Beyblade fans to this special beybattle!" DJ Jazzman yells into his microphone as cheers and screams of joy echoes around the arena.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Kai draws in a deep breath. Even in the official's private viewing area, the noise of the flamboyant announcer and the screams of the fans in the seats below still makes his ears ring from pain.
Maybe this isn't such a good idea.
But he wants to see first hand whether if Grev have improve in their skills, talents and personalities. Tala and Bryan have forced them to train, but whether any of the teens actually took anything in is yet to be seen. They appeared genuine when they visited him while he was in hospital, but he has to know for sure.
Looking down at his hands folded on his lap, Kai can't help but feel a bit nervous. He hasn't had a decent conversation or moment spent with his teammates in ages. He can't help but think that some of them might actually be happy that he isn't around, but then again, his mind takes him back to the hospital where Max was crying for him.
He doesn't ask for much. All he wants is a bit of respect and appreciation.
Is that really so wrong?
Next to him, Miguel wraps an arm around his shoulders, his other hand moving up to feel his forehead, his brow furrow in concern. "I told you it wasn't a good idea to come."
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Kai simply nods instead. Miguel did say that this event was going to prove to be rather noisy. "I didn't think they would be this loud," he confesses, visibly wincing when another cheer goes up. "Are they announcing the teams?"
"Yeah," Miguel replies, helping Kai to his feet and over to the windows. "They just announced the other team. The BeyStrikers or something."
Rolling his eyes at the originality, Kai presses his hands against the glass and peers down at the beydish. Soon, the familiar name of his team rings out and a deafening roar soon follows. He ignores the noise the best he can and focuses his gaze as a group of familiar teens as they appear.
Stepping out first, cutting a tall and proud figure, is Hiro, and behind him appears the others, one by one. First, a certain neko-jin, striding into the arena with his usual catlike grace. He gives a polite nod and smile to the cameras and the cheering fans, but he doesn't falter in his steps.
Next, Max walks in, appearing as his usually bright and happy self. He too gives a wave to the audience, but keeps his steps in time with Ray's as they walk over to the side of the beydish.
Next, Daichi, Kenny and Hilary follow, Daichi jumping and hooting around like the little bundle of energy he is while Hilary tries to keep him under control somewhat.
And then…Tyson appears. He walks in, his head bowed, his long bangs covering his eyes in a dark shadow. Defying everyone's expectations, he ignores the mass of media personnel and walks over to the bench, taking a seat next to his brother. No enthused waving of the arms, no declarations of love for his fans, no boasting of being the best blader ever, nothing of the sort.
Kai would have dropped to the ground in disbelief if Miguel didn't have an arms securely around his waist. Then, a small smile appears on his lips as he watches his teammates gather around Hiro, listening to his advice and game plan.
"They've changed," Miguel mutters, a sense of disbelief in his voice and expression.
"No," Kai shakes his head, the smile still lingering. "They're back to the way they used to be."
"Are you ok?" Miguel asks gently, his arms still holding Kai close to him.
"I'm fine," he whispers, momentarily realizing that others have enter the viewing box as well, all of them wearing the same look of disbelief as Miguel.
Bryan, Tala, King, Garland and Claude. They all press themselves to the glass as well, wanting to see how things will play out. The Russians, no doubt, watching with critical gazes, ready to jump on anything they do wrong with words of criticism.
This will prove to be an interesting battle.
"First up from G Revolution is none other than Tyson and his bitbeast Dragoon!" DJ announces and a chorus of cheers erupts from the stands. "And his opponent from the BeyStrikers is-!"
"Hang on a sec," Tyson suddenly interrupts, walking up to the beydish but pausing to stand near DJ. "I want to say something."
The brown-haired announcer looks at Tyson for a moment, blinking his hazel eyes with confusion. "Er," he says as he gazes over to the stands, seeing a certain short and stout official amongst the masses of murmuring fans.
Mr. Dickinson nods his head in approval, the ever understanding smile on his lips. Next to him sits the oldest Granger, Grandpa, he too smiling brightly.
"Sure," DJ says as he hands Tyson his microphone to take. "What is it?"
Tyson takes the microphone and stares at it for a moment, seemingly fighting to find the words he needs to express himself. "I just want to say…," he says as the murmuring quiets down. "This match is going to be dedicated to Kai. I'm doing this for him. I've done some…very stupid things in my life. Very stupid things. And Kai, well, he's the one who has always paid the price for my…behavior."
Once again, Kai has to cling onto Miguel to keep himself from falling back in shock. Around him, he hears gasps of astonishment echo through the silent official's box. It appears that Tyson's admission is completely unexpected.
"And this is to prove how sorry I am," Tyson continues, ignoring the gasps from his teammates and the audience members around him. "And how grateful I am for everything he's done. I just hope it's not to late…" he murmurs the last part, the microphone only just picking it up.
Back in the official's box, a stun silence still reigns supreme as everyone stares down with blatant looks of surprises on their faces. "Did he just apologize?" King murmurs, blinking his visible eye slowly.
"I must admit," Tala murmurs as he continues to stare down at the navy-haired blader. "That took some guts."
"We're not allowed to kill him now, are we?" Bryan asks with only a small hint of disappointment in his tone.
Slowly, Kai shakes head as his eyes soften, watching as Tyson gives DJ back his microphone and moves to stand on his side of the dish again. He certainly has come a long way since they last meet. The arrogant boy claiming to be the best is no longer present it would appear.
"I think he's learnt his lesson," he whispers but then turns to face Miguel when he feels his lover tighten his arms around him and remembers the ultimatum he gave Tyson back at the hospital. "Miguel?"
"I guess that means I can't take you to Spain, can I?" He murmurs with blatant disappointment in his voice.
"Not yet," Kai says as he nuzzles his head under his chin, silently reassuring him. "But you will one day, I promise."
"That's ok," Miguel suddenly says as he places a kiss to the top of his head. "I guess that means I'll just have to move here."
Kai blinks his eyes a few times before pulling back to look into his lover's stunning blue eyes. "Miguel?"
Miguel simply smiles warmly down at him as he moves forward and places another kiss upon him, this time on the lips. "I'm not letting you out of my sight."
A warm smile appears on Kai's lips when he sees that his boyfriend is being serous and leans into his chest, once again nestling his head under his chin. "You're going to be my protective bodyguard, aren't you?"
"Absolutely," Miguel says with a chuckle.
"Hey," King suddenly says, gaining everyone's attention. "The battle is going to start!"
X3 End! Mawhahahaha! Like the cliffy? Yeah? -dodges a chair- Eep!
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