The days past fairly quickly with both teams doing their training in the morning and afternoon until around 1:30 (sometimes early or later) leaving the rest of the day free. For the Bladebreakers it all depended on when Tyson got up; since training is officially suppose to start at 6:30 in the morning.
Kenny and Dizzi did their searching whenever they could without any of the members from Wingz nearby. They usually could get through a good amount of different searches during the morning trainings. They still had not managed to find anything of significance concerning the family name Rafe.
The BladeBreakers went through a rather rigorous training under Kai's orders. Upon waking they were set for a four mile run, followed by easy weight training, break for breakfast, some basic drills before performance battles, which were followed by lunch, then finally, enhancing techniques and strategies. A few times Kai threw in other things to work on at a whim. Tyson was convinced he was doing it to make his life miserable.
Kai didn't deny a thing.
The Wingz Corp's training program really had no schedule. They basically did whatever they thought they need work on. Many would disagree with their curriculum but they really couldn't argue the fact that Amara and Michelle could still kick their asses no matter how they train.
Truth be told, the Wingz, since Ari, Reno, and Haru decided to train with Michelle and Amara, probably did a harder workout than BladeBreakers, even though they didn't follow a set plan.
It was around 2:00 on Wednesday when Hillary stumbled on the Wingz Corp in the training room. Each member was at a different weight machine. Hillary could only name the bench press, where Haru was, and the leg press, where Ari was. Just the person she was looking for. She felt awkward walking across the room over to Ari, especially when Amara and Michelle turned to regard her when she walked by their stations.
"Um, Ari?" Hillary started.
Ari smiled up at the brunette and stepped away from the machine. "What's up Hillary?"
"I was wondering if you're going to be free tomorrow."
"Oh? What for?" Ari cocked her head to the side inquisitively.
"Well, there's that banquet thing that's coming up on Friday," Hillary started but was interrupted when Amara let go of the bar she had to pull down on to lift the weights (Hillary had no idea what the machine was called) and since there was quite a bit of weight on it, it made a very loud noise when dropped. Amara let out a string of curses.
"I totally forgot about that." Michelle commented.
"We still need to get dresses." Ari remarked. "I take it that's what you wanted to ask about?" She received a nod from Hillary. "I think we can all go out tomorrow. The guys need to get their suits too."
"What is up with this banquet?" Reno asked, walking over to stand behind Ari. Sweat beaded slightly on his forehead that he absently brushed away.
Hillary couldn't help but think that Ari was pretty lucky. Evidently, Reno had a very nice body, lanky but very finely toned, the UnderArmor shirt hugging every contour of his torso left very little to the imagination.
And whoever ended up with Haru had every right to be shot. Hillary mentally slapped herself, now wasn't the time to be drooling. Built very much like Kai (whom Hillary admit having a long standing crush), definitely brawn but not excessively so. It was the thin white tank and the slight sheen of sweat upon his upper body that Hillary decided to blame.
Hillary gave her head a small shake and quickly answered Reno's question. "It is supposedly a place where you can meet the other competitors before the official tournament start. Supposedly to make friends or something like that."
"Or enemies," Amara commented from the bench she was sitting on.
"Only you, Amara," Haru remarked.
Ari ignored the two. "We could leave whenever you're ready tomorrow. Our schedule is rather unpredictable but nonetheless flexible."
"So, are the girls and guys going separate?" Michelle asked.
"Yeah. And the limos that brought us here are still available, in fact they're available to take us anywhere throughout our whole stay." Hillary said.
"Do we have to go?" Amara complained.
"You don't have to Amara." Michelle said.
"Thank God." Amara said, relieved.
"We'll just pick out a nice pink dress for you." Michelle said sweetly. Bahamut started laughing. An image of a pink lacy dress was sent to Michelle, the same one she had imagined a while back. Apparently Bahamut still found it amusing
"Hell no!" Amara jumped to her feet.
Reno, Haru, and Ari shared an amused glance at the exchange.
Hillary honestly didn't see what was so wrong with pink, however she didn't bother to ask. Turning back to Ari, she continued, "I was think about leaving around 12:30 tomorrow. Maybe a little later though."
"That sounds fine." Ari answered. "So I guess we'll see you later."
"Yeah, later." Hillary inclined her head and turned on her heel. Leaving the training room, she allowed herself to blush. She had seen the BladeBreakers work out and the Wingz Corp guys in their swimsuits. But still, Haru and Reno need to show that side of them more often. Hillary thought, and earned herself another blush.
Once Hillary left Ari let out a giggle. "Poor girl. Haru, I don't think she'll be able to look at you without the urge to blush for a while."
Haru glanced down at his attire and gave a small shrug in response.
"So, what's the workout plan for tomorrow?" Reno asked, placing a hand on Ari's shoulder.
"We don't want to do anything too strenuous." Michelle stated thoughtfully. "Or unless we do make sure it's earlier in the morning so we can shower before we leave."
Amara cracked her neck, "Well, I'm up for a run tomorrow morning and I think that will probably be it for me other than a few drills or something."
"For a moment, I would almost accuse you of being lazy, Amara." Reno commented.
"So are we just going to be doing solo workouts for tomorrow before we leave?" Michelle inquired.
"It would appear so." Haru said while stretching.
"Well, I'm heading off to do some training with Bahamut." Michelle headed for the exit. "I'll be back for dinner." She called over her shoulder.
"Wonder what she's up to…" Ari remarked thoughtfully.
"She's probably trying to figure out how to reach that new form that she stumbled upon." Amara remarked absently as Haru pulled back on her upraised arm to stretch out her shoulder.
"Wouldn't it be better if she had someone to fight against?" Reno asked.
"Not necessarily," Haru answered for Amara, stretching out the other arm. "She realizes that she could probably achieve the form if the situation was dire. She wants to access it whenever, not just in trouble."
"Exactly." Amara commented. "And anyway, Michelle probably wouldn't want any of us for a training partner. She would probably want the first person she used it against to train with." She gave a slight nod towards Haru and he released her arm.
Ari was confused for a moment, but she hid it well. The Angel Wing noticed that Haru had let his hand linger on Amara's arm before letting go.
Tension swam through her shoulders and it didn't go unnoticed by Reno, who still had his hand upon her. He would ask about it later.
This isn't good… Ari thought. Someone is bound to get hurt
Michelle was starting to grow frustrated. She had been at this for God knows how long, but not a hint of improvement.
"Damnit!" She cursed and sent her blade careening into the alleyway. It avoided all the trash before ricocheting off the wall to head back to her hand.
She tried focusing all her thoughts on the battle between Rei and herself. What had she felt? What had she done to get Bahamut and her armor to change?
Michelle, this isn't working. Bahamut said wearily in the back of her mind.
I realized that already, Bahamut. Michelle snapped back. Nothing we do works! We could practice for hours on end but it won't do a sliver of good! Damnit all!
Bahamut let out a sigh. Michelle, don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion, it won't do YOU any good. We will find something that works, to access that form. I'm just as frustrated as you are.
Michelle allowed her shoulders to slump. Sorry and you're right, we'll figure out something. We always do.
Good. Now that that's settled, let's head back, I'm famished.
Michelle let out a chuckle before her stomach agreed to Bahamut's statement.
Grabbing a quick shower Michelle headed down to the dining hall and found everyone else seated with their plates of food. Grabbing a plate she went up to the buffet line and grabbed whatever looked appetizing at the moment. Satisfied with her selection, Michelle made her way over to the circular table that seated five and sat down in the space between Amara and Rei.
She glanced around and saw Tyson, Hillary, Kenny, and Max sharing one table but there was no sign of Reno and Ari.
"Where's-?" Michelle started to ask but was effectively cut off by Amara.
"They went out." She an absent wave of her hand, like that explained everything, before taking a sip of her water.
"How did the training go?" Haru asked from Amara's right.
"Nothing." Michelle answered bitterly. She let out a sigh before turning to Rei and Kai who was also at their table. "How's the training with the World Champion going?"
The scoff sounded like it came both Amara and Kai.
Rei let out a small chuckle, glancing over his shoulder to if said World Champion was paying any attention to them. "I wouldn't say they're going great, but it is Tyson. Somehow he improves despite everything."
"Did Hillary talk to you about the plan for tomorrow?" Michelle asked after swallowing a bite of pasta.
"Getting attire for the banquet?" Rei received an affirmative nod from Michelle. "Yeah, she did."
"Stupid banquet…" Amara mumbled next to her.
"It can't be all that bad." Haru remarked indifferently.
Amara scoffed. "For you maybe. It easy to go formal when you're a guy."
"Amara quit complaining." Michelle teased.
"You hate this just as much as I do." She countered.
"Yeah true, but I'm not making as big of a fuss about it."
"Shut up." The disgruntled Death Wing said.
Kai leaned back in his chair, watching everything that went on in the dining hall. He noted that besides the two teams there were only a few other people around, and most were attendants.
Thoughtful? Dranzer inquired.
He sent back a quiet affirmative.
Amara?
Hm? What is it Tiamat?
Have you noticed? Tiamat asked.
Noticed what? Amara suddenly grew worried. Is it Arama?
No. Tiamat responded quickly, not wanting to give Amara the wrong idea. It's about Haru.
What about him? Amara was sincerely curious, she managed a subtle glance out of the corner of her eye.
You haven't noticed? Tiamat reiterated, slightly shocked.
Amara scowled. Stop being so damn cryptic and just tell me!
Never mind, Amara, it is nothing important. The dragon responded and fell silent.
Whatever… Amara kept her scowl set on her face as she pushed the potatoes around her plate.
Those sitting around her noticed her scowl. Michelle couldn't help but ask what was up. "Did the potatoes offend you or something?" She joked lightly.
Amara blinked and seemed to realize that she was scowling. She set down her fork and shook her head. "Tiamat is just being an annoying know-it-all who thinks he's above everyone and will only impart his so-called knowledge on those he deems worthy."
There was an indignant Hey! in the back of her mind that put a small smirk to Amara's lips as she stood up. "I'm heading back to the room. See you later." With that said, she left the dining hall.
Kai's gaze discretely followed her as she left; there was a small chuckle in the back of his consciousness from Dranzer.
Rei went back to his dinner. He wanted to ask Michelle about Amara's parents but he knew it wouldn't be a good idea.
The rest of dinner for that table went by in silence while the table with Tyson and the others ended up echoing the hall with laughter and plain old fun.
Ari and Reno walked hand in hand around the city. They stopped by a restaurant and had a nice dinner. Ari wouldn't call it a date, but she guessed it would be the only way to explain it.
Reno squeezed her hand lightly, breaking her from her thoughts. "Is something the matter? I noticed you've been tense."
Ari put on a small smile for him. "It's not really any of my business, but I can't help it, I'm an observer."
"Haru, Amara, and Kai?" Reno asked suddenly.
Ari was taken aback. "You noticed!"
Reno nodded and gently pulled Ari along, since they had stopped walking. He kept his eyes forward. "I noticed on the plane."
I knew there was a reason why I love him! Ari thought lightheartedly. "I just noticed it today in the weight room." Ari admitted. "You're more observant than I thought." She added teasingly.
Reno put on his trademark smirk. "Is that a compliment, Angel?" He then went serious. "If Amara isn't careful, she'll end hurting both of them. She'll keep pushing everyone away and in the end hurt herself."
Ari nodded. "It's sad…" The two walked in silence, grasping the other's hand. Ari let out a small chuckle. "Then there's Michelle."
"Those two won't have any problems." Reno agreed. "Michelle just has to get over her embarrassment."
"Both of them actually." Ari remarked. She carefully extracted her hand from his and wrapped her arm around his waist. Reno answered by wrapping his own arm about her shoulders, pulled Ari closer to his side.
"I love you."
The next morning found Amara, Ari, and Michelle awake, sitting on the couch. Ari was mindlessly flipping through the television channels, not really looking for anything to watch. She finally stopped on the local news station, which was doing its early morning segment.
Amara stood up and stretched. "I'm gonna go for that run now, maybe do some other training as well. I've got nothing better to do."
"Be back by 11:30." Michelle reminded.
"We'll drag you along if we have to." Ari added.
"I know, I know." Amara waved them off as she quietly slipped back into the bedroom to throw on some running shorts and a tank. When she finished changing, she glanced over at Hillary's sleeping form and a smile found it's way to her face. She's annoying for sure, but she's not that bad. She quickly brushed back her hair and put it up into a ponytail. She grabbed another set of clothes before heading out.
She carefully closed the door behind her and walked past the other two, dropping off the clothes in the bathroom, and continued to the door. Lacing up her shoes, Amara nodded a goodbye to Michelle and Ari and exited.
Navigating the hotel, she made it to the ground floor and was greeted by the smell of the continental breakfast being prepared. She ignored the good morning that one of the personal working at the desk gave her and walked through the revolving doors.
She realized that it was stupid of her to forego the stretching and realized that she would probably regret it later, but at the moment Amara didn't give a damn.
She didn't know how far she ran, or for how long, she didn't even know where she was going, the only thing that there was, was the much-needed isolation.
Of course a good thing only lasts so long.
Turning a corner, she almost collided with the captain of the BladeBreakers himself, wearing a blue tank and shorts for running as well
"Kai!" She started. "I never thought I would run into you."
"Likewise." Kai stated coolly.
Amara brushed away a strand of hair that escaped the tie. "How long have you been out?" She casually glanced him over, trying to pick out if he was tired, anything to hint at how well his endurance can hold up.
"Left around 5:00."
"5:30." Amara answered automatically. "Do you have any idea what time it is now?"
He thought for a moment. "It's probably around 6:30."
The two stood at the corner in silence.
Amara could already feel her leg muscles cramping. She finally decided to break the awkward silence. "Should probably continue." She stated and started to walk past him.
Kai grabbed her arm. She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing in a questioning glare. "Join you?" He asked.
A surprised look erased Amara's glare. She certainly hadn't expected that. "Sure." She smirked. "If you think you can keep up."
"I would say the same to you." Kai remarked.
"You've been out here for a half hour longer, remember?" Amara answered, starting at a walk to loosen the cramps.
"Doesn't matter." Was Kai's reply as he matched Amara's walk.
Amara started to pick up the pace with Kai matching her every stride. The two matched each other every stretch of the way. One would casually up the pace and the other would go along, each of them pushing each other.
They were nearing the last eight hundred meters to the hotel. Both of their bodies glistened with sweat and they were nearing the end of their stamina.
Amara shot Kai a smirk and went into an all out sprint. Kai accepted the unspoken challenge and took off after her.
Amara's breaths came in sharp, but she didn't care. Only four hundred more meters.
She felt more than any other sense Kai's gaining.
Two hundred meters.
They were dead even, that is, until Kai started to pull away.
Hundred meters. Fifty.
Kai ran past the undeclared finish line with Amara right behind him. They slowed to a halt, chests heaving and adrenaline racing.
Amara paced about waited for her adrenaline levels to lower.
Kai watched her from beneath his bangs. He was surprised to find that that was once of the best runs he had in a while. Profitable but enjoyable as well.
"Good run." Amara said at length. She pulled the elastic band from her hair and ran her fingers through the sweaty locks. "If you ever need a runner partner you know where to find me." She said, looking across the street.
"Amara." Kai waited for her to face him.
Amara bit her lip; the seriousness in his voice worried her. She knew Kai as being serious, who didn't? But this tone was different. She, finally, slowly turned to face him. "What?"
"Your parents." He saw how she stiffened at that. "What happened to them?"
Amara's eyes darted about.
She's looking for an escape. Dranzer stated, but Kai already knew that fact.
"Amara, I want to know."
"I- I…"
"Kai! There you are!" Max's shout drew both of their attention as the blonde-haired blader came bursting out of the revolving doors. "The Chief and Dizzi found…" He trailed off seeing Amara there as well. "Umm, sorry?" He offered, drawing the conclusion that he interrupted something.
"Whatever." Amara stated as she brushed by him, heading back into the hotel.
Max turned back to Kai and continued where he broke off. "Dizzi spent all night doing an Internet search where she came across something that look promising. We're just waiting for you to get back."
Kai nodded in understanding and the two headed back to the room.
Amara ignored the cramps in her legs and continued her brisk walk to the elevator. Changing her mind just as the door opened, she headed for the stairs instead.
He threw you off guard with that one. Tiamat remarked.
No kidding. Amara snapped. But why is he so curious?
I take it you won't believe the 'he just wants to know you better' theory.
We understand each other on a certain level, and that's it. What I feel isn't the same as what he feels! Amara felt like driving her fist into the wall of the stairwell.
Are you finally admitting that there is something?
Yes- no! Argh! This time Amara did punch the wall. She sank down to the steps. She had only made it up to the third floor.
You can trust him, Amara. Tiamat assured. He wants your trust and probably hopes that you'll accept his. Trust ME on this. Spending a few days sharing the same soul, you tend to pick up on some things.
Maybe… Amara replied at length. Maybe…
A/N: "Sorry, 'bout any grammatical mistakes... But now Amara is actually admitting that maybe she does like Kai! Amazing! But then there's the problem with Haru now... Anyway, I had to put that little bit with Ari and Reno and I don't know what came over me when I wrote that part in Hillary's point of view... That's new ground for me there. Anyway, next chapter, if I remember correctly, should be the chapter when they go out and get the dresses. I had fun writing that, it should be up in the next week or so
Things have been pretty hectic with Cross Country that's why this chapter came out so late. But the season is almost done and then its the volleyball season, so I'm still going to be busy..." sighs
"Oh, as a warning, I will be participating in NaNoWriMo come November, so I'll try to get as many chapters out for this as I can, because God knows I won't touch this story until the end of November. Reviews make for good motivation!"
Death