Ok, here's the next chapter which is well overdue! Sorry to all my patient fans - you've been so cool. The next chapter will be updated in two weeks so enjoy this and I'll see you then!
Responses
Kai to Gaara no Koibito: Thanks, I've updated and I hope you like this next chappie!!!
FallenHope-Angel: Thank you for the welcoming committee - it means so much to me!!! I cant wait to finish writing this story - it's gonna be so exciting!!! Hope you like this chapter!!!
Miako06: I agree, it's not nice when someone older tells you something and you know they're right - it's all too patronizing if you ask me!!! Hope you like the next chapter!
Rapunzelle: Tala is super evil I know, but it's so cool to show that he can be that way! Here's the next chapter I hope you like it!
Wolfsong: Justin won't be in this chapter, sorry, but he will definitely be in the next chapter!!! With a bang!!! Lol, bet that got the imagination flowing lol. I'm not sure about max getting kidnapped in this story, or getting hit by a truck, but I might put it in my other story 'nothing but a tool' cause I thought it'd go better there!!! I could just see it happening and everything, so thanks for that - send me more!!!! There should be some more action after this chapter, but this had to come first otherwise it wouldn't make much sense. Anyway, I hope you like the chapter and send me a review. I love to hear from you!!! The longer the better!!!
CleverPhoenix: I know Bryan is awesome and so is Kai and Tala and ALL OF THEM, I LOVE ALL THE CHARACTERS OF BEYBLADE THEY'RE SO COOL!!!! Hope you like the chappie!!!!
Taijiya Mizu: I've updated and I hope you like it.
The keeper of lone wolfs: can I have some of that sugar…? *puppy eyes* please!!! I LOVE SUGAR, IT MAKES ME SOOOOO HAPPY AND EXCITABLE AND I LOVE SUGAR. Ahem…ok…maybe that was a bit too much lol. Hope you like this chappie too!
The Swordsman: omg, hide my head in shame, I looked back on it and first I couldn't believe I had made such a stupid mistake - then I laughed my arse off cause it's so funny! Thanks for pointing that out to me! I hope you like this chapter too!
Dragonlilly1993: ok, no more you'll make me head swell up lol! I loved writing the last chapter too, Max getting attacked and hints of the after effects of the experiment done to Tala!!!! Ohm it's all so exciting!!! Hope you like the next chapter too!!
SchoolBoredom: Thanks, it mean a lot that you have the time to review the last chapter. I love twisting the bey blade story to suit this spin off version. Lol, anyway hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Eleven reviewers that's fantastic: thank you all you make my day and inspire me to write!
Chapter Twenty Four - The Deal Can Change
In the dead of the night, somewhere between three and four in the morning, a lone silhouette made towards the occupied bed thinking just how ironic it was that he was successfully sneaking up on the most vigilant person he knew. A small smirk etched across his lips at the thought, but was gone just as quickly. He couldn't be distracted now.
With every step taken his breath hitched. As his hands skilfully pried the piece of paper from a fist his heart clenched with fear. But as he straightened the paper and his eyes skimmed the contents - he stopped breathing altogether.
It was hard for him to not wake the sleeping figure to demand an explanation, instead taking the paper to the nearest source of light - which happened to be the soft moonlight filtering through the glass doors that lead to the balcony - before reading the contents again. He had hoped that he had misread the words, but they stared back at him with cruelty, along with a very familiar signature.
…But why…? Why would he do such a thing…?
He must have had his reasons, that was for sure, but still.
'…I have put more trust in this team then you'll ever know…'
The voice echoed in his head. The same words repeating themselves over and over again in a painful mantra. It was obvious that he didn't want to go back to them, they had already crossed that bridge.
…He really wants us to win…But to bet his life on it…
It was absurd, but yet there it was in black and white, almost mocking him. And if he was correct, then the prize would be the Demolition Boys. Or more specifically, their freedom.
…But that makes no sense at all. They were there on their own accord, weren't they…?
But that wasn't the crux of the issue, no. He believed in their team as much as the rest of them, but if they lost…
…If they lost…
'…I have put more trust in this team then you'll ever know…'
"…And I believe in you…" His soft voice was barely a ghost of a whisper, "…So you will not go through this alone…"
The idea was insane - he knew it the moment he used the nearest pen to sign his life away before the sleeping phoenix. In that instant the reality of his choice nearly choked him. The paper that was scrunched in his hand was dropped on the bed as if he was burnt by it, before he practically ran away.
888
Kai sat at the back of the bus as always - mostly in a pitiful attempt to escape the energy his team radiated - but also so that he could observe them from a distance. Tyson and Max were literally bouncing off the walls in their excitement. Kai growled under his breath, of course they would not take this seriously. Had they already forgotten who it was they were up against? Snarling in disgust crimson eyes fell onto their strategist Kenny. When it came to Dizzi, Kenny could easily rival him for the title of the most antisocial teen. Even with Tyson and Max's distractions Kenny still typed enthusiastically away - undeterred. For that Kai was mildly impressed, but only mildly, of course. Then his eyes slid only his last team-mate Ray, who was trying to hide his concern. But the quick nervous glances and the fidgety state he was in gave him away completely.
Though what made Ray so nervous Kai could not pin-point. But as the bus slowed to a stop at its destination Kai settled with his mind that Ray was nervous about his battle, after seeing the way they ganged up on Max.
…That must be it…
However something did not feel right about his assumption, but Kai put the unnerving thought to the back of his mind. More pressing matters had to come first, like the flimsy piece of paper clenched in his hand as he made his way off the bus, feeling more and more like an aching dead weight as he followed his team through the crowds to the doors of the looming stadium. He had not checked the paper that morning, already knowing the words that would glare up at him, his life hanging precariously by the outcome of that days match.
They wandered into the large entrance hall subconsciously huddling closer together as if to ward off the impressive but intimidating presence the place held. The crowd outside was still roaring with excitement, egged further on by Tyson's enthusiastic response. But the sudden sound of heavy footsteps alerted the group to another. A very familiar, unwanted group.
"We're so glad you could be here to meet your final defeat." Boris drawled in amusement, flanked by his team the Demolition Boys.
Max physically flinched at their presence, Ray snarled while the adults simply glared silently. Kai clenched his fists and gritted his teeth in an attempt to calm his erratic heart. But Tyson, who had his back to the confrontation at the time, turned on his heel and would have jumped them if not for Ray's interference.
"Oh Yeah--!"
"Tyson!" Ray snapped, arms wide like a barrier, Tyson whined, but Ray silenced him with a glare, "Now is not the time to fight them ok, too many people could get hurt if we beybattle here."
Kai was hardly aware of the malicious banter rising from his team to theirs, once again noticing the horrific change in the Demolition Boys. After yesterdays confrontation Kai had thought he was ready to face them in the ring, but with them standing before him now. He just wasn't so sure anymore. Ian looked ready to spill blood, and Spencer wasn't far behind. The emotionless state of Bryan vividly reminded Kai of a time when they were trying to convince him not to murder with a gun shot. As for Tala, it was as if he had been replaced by a violent clone. From his cold stance to the sadistic curve of his lips.
"They're afraid!" Tala jeered, snapping Kai from his trance like state.
"Afraid!" Tyson repeated incredulously.
"Patience Tala, they are nothing more than an insect to BIOVOLT, an insect we will soon squash in the finals, they are beneath your contempt." The slimy tone of the Abbeys director subconsciously rooted Kai to the spot.
"You're right sir." Tala snapped to attention as if he were a robot with no emotions.
"Once they are defeated the world will bow before us." Boris smirked, devious eyes sliding to Kai's form.
It was quick and subtle - only Kai noticed the sudden hunger aimed directly at him. Then the moment was shattered as Boris turned away from them to walk down a dark corridor with the Demolition Boys in tow.
"Boris, you think you've already won, don't you, well you haven't." Tyson's boisterous cry followed them, "You still have to go through us and we won't let you win. We'll defeat you no matter how powerful you are."
Boris and his group barely paused for a moment, as if considering the words thrown their away, before they disappeared down the corridor.
"Do you hear me, we'll never give up." Tyson yelled, but for some reason a laugh seemed to override his cry in Kai's mind, making the leader of the Bladebreakers look up to find the devil himself standing superiorly on a higher level of the beystadium complex.
A murmur of surprise escaped his lips, brows furrowing further as his grandfather leered at him in a silent threatening vow.
"What Kai?" Max's voice penetrated his silent glaring contest.
"Up there!" He responded without looking at the blond, knowing from experience that the rest of the Bladebreakers would automatically follow his eyes line of sight.
"Who's that?" Max asked, his voice almost hushed by the mere power Voltaire radiated.
"My Grandfather." Kai spat, unable to keep the bitterness from creeping into his voice.
"Grandfather…?" Tyson repeated stupidly, for once at a loss of words.
"That's Voltaire…?" Ray questioned.
"The man behind BIOVOLT." Kenny finished in a frightened squeak.
"The man who used his own grandson as a tool for his ambition." Kai ground out, his disgust and humiliation palpable as he felt his eyes tremor uncontrollably.
…To think I once loved you…
As a child it was a thought he once clung to with great desperation - especially throughout the first year of the Abbey. But it was a naïve hope that was easily trampled, and one Kai thought he had gotten over years ago. However as his grandfather turned a cold shoulder and walked away as an enemy once again, the love he had buried suddenly made itself known and became excruciatingly painful, clenching his heart in a silent, unyielding vice.
…To think I still love you…
"Come on boys, the locker room's this way." Mr. Dickenson said, breaking the tension with his soothing voice, "…Kai…?"
A hand landed on his shoulder with a gentle reassuring squeeze, but it did nothing to stop the quiver in his eyes, the sudden prickling sensation coupled with the flood of tears that threatened to spill forth and portray his vulnerability. With his back to the group, it went mostly unnoticed, but Mr. Dickenson's hesitation before stating quietly that he would give him a few moments alone, was both irritating and somewhat appreciated. The groups footsteps soon died away, and Kai finally let his head drop. His slate bangs hung low, covering half of his blurred vision, while the floor covered the lower half. He tried to focus on it, the monotone layout and the plain greyish design of the tiles, but his body began to tremble against his will as a single salty tear traced a line down his cheek.
"Eager, are we?" A foul voice echoed in the almost deserted hall.
Kai snapped back to reality at the harsh tone, crimson irises rising to meet the scheming eyes of the abbeys director. The Bladebreakers captain wanted to lash out with a spiteful retort, but quelled it the moment he saw what was in Boris's hand. The other half of the contract.
"I assume you have the one Ian brought to you." A sardonic smirk slid into place, "For it to be legit you need to sign mine and I need to sign yours. Turn around."
Kai growled and stubbornly kept his ground. Only a complete imbecile would turn their back on that sadist. Boris only laughed in disdain, clicking a pen to life.
"Don't be stupid I need to lean on something." Boris snarled, "Give me the contract to sign."
In that moment the first ripples of doubt and guilt swirl in the pit of his stomach. What if the Bladebreakers did not defeat the Demolition Boys? Then what? And what about Justin? The boy who made his way into Kai's heart? what about him?
…Master don't do it…Dranzer whispered in his mind, …it's a set-up…!
…If it came down to the worst and we lost the blade breakers would still have each other, and Mr. Dickenson would never let anything bad happen to Justin…Kai thought to his bit beast…the blade breakers have never lost a fight before…
…You know this is different…! Dranzer snapped, …the Demolition Boys are ruthless - you know what they could do to your friends! You have to back out…!
As if Kai was silently disregarding Dranzer's thoughts, Kai thrust the ball of paper at Boris, before turning his back to him. He squared his tense shoulders even as Boris stepped up to him. The cold metallic footsteps approached him with Boris uncharacteristically quiet. Rough hands smoothed out the paper against his back as Boris mumbled something about lack of respect. Then the pen scrawled across the paper, Kai could feel every swirl as it happened, every sharp line and dot. Boris was chuckling to himself all the while, a sinister sound that made Kai think that Dranzer was right about the whole thing. But it was too late now - Kai knew that he wouldn't back out, he was too stubborn and proud.
Boris suddenly stepped away, giving Kai his immaculate contract before turning his own back - indicating that Kai should copy his previous actions. Kai stepped up to the mark, the smooth pen rubbed between thumb and forefinger as he stared down at the contract he had placed on Boris's back. For reasons unknown some of the words began to pop out at him.
Kai Hiwatari … Boris Balkov … hereby agree … Demolition Boys … freedom … Kai's life…
Shaking his head, Kai quickly scribbled his signature. As he tried to back away, Boris's hand clamped onto Kai's wrist, the immaculate version of their contract held in Kai's captured hand.
"The Bladebreakers haven't lost yet Boris!" Kai hissed, twisting his wrist in an attempt to dislodge the vice grip, "Let go of me!"
"I just want to know when that Kon boy will sign it!" Boris snarled, the hunger in his eyes quadrupling in a split second.
"What are you talking about?" Kai snapped, finally wrenching his hand free, "The deal was made between you and me Boris!"
"Deals are changed all the time only this time Kai I'm not responsible for it!" Laughing like a mad man, Boris showed the crumpled version of the contract to Kai, "Take a look!"
Kai let his eyes travel down to the signatures and his stomach lurched violently. There, below his own signature another sat mockingly - a few words and then the familiar signature of his Chinese team mate. It simply said.
'I agree and will join Kai if we lose.'
"…Ray no…" Kai murmured more to himself then anything, shaking his head as if that would dispel the nightmare - only for his traitorous eyes to confirm the worst once more as they slid back to the crumpled paper.
"So when will he sign it?" Boris asked deceitfully sweetly, his dark eyes almost popping out of their sockets in his excitement.
"How about right now!" A confident voice interrupted.
Kai twirled away from Boris only to come face to face with Ray. Ray who smiled in a patronizing kind of way, before walking right passed him to face Boris. Kai, who was frozen in shock, suddenly snapped from his trance.
"You're not signing that!" Kai growled viciously, trying to take the pen from Rays grasp, but the nekojin in Ray was faster.
"Yes I am Kai, because I too have faith that the Bladebreakers will win!" Ray then turned serious as his voice dropped an octave, "Unless you don't want me to sign because you secretly want them to win so you can go back."
Kai froze, Ray's words cutting to the quick. Ray let a smile slip in triumph, turning to the immaculate version of the contract so that he could sign his name and seal the deal.
888
The aftermath of those events had Kai's mind locked in a malicious whirlwind as they walked back to their lockers. Ray tried to strike up a conversation, but what was there to say. The neko jin had taken a stupid risk.
…Not unlike yourself then…Dranzer thought echoed in his mind.
In the locker room the rest of the Bladebreakers tried to discover what had happened, but neither was spilling. Then their topic of discussion went straight to the Demolition Boys. Tyson wanted to go first, as per normal, but Kai found himself cutting into the conversation with conviction.
"No!" He interjected, "Let me beybattle first!"
…But Kai…Dranzer's voice urged.
"I suggest you listen to Kai, Tyson. He know the demolition boys better then any one!" Dizzi continued, thinking her words were wise.
…Boris will be expecting that…! Dranzer continued desperately, only to fall on deaf ears.
"Dizzi's right, Kai is our best chance for an early victory, And then we can study their moves! That will give you guys time to prepare yourselves." Kenny said.
…Kai will you just listen to me…! Dranzer moaned.
"Kai, you're even more quiet then usual today, hey is it because of your grandfather?" Tyson suddenly stated, being more observant then usual.
"Hn, you shouldn't worry about me Tyson." Kai mumbled, a small smile etching across his lips to ease the gluttonous team-mate.
"Right then, Kai will be the first to beybattle." Tyson declared, as if that decided everything.
"I'll go after Kai, and Tyson will go third, ok." Ray concluded.
"Then we're ready to roll!" Max shouted with an excited jump.
"Ok" Tyson agreed, "After everything we've been through it comes down to this. We'll win this match, together!"
"Let it rip!" The team cheered, Kai joining in to drown out the despairing voice of his bit beast.
He knew what he was doing.
He could handle it.
888 END CHAPTER 24 888
All done, well that's a way to put a spin on it, I wonder how many of you knew that was coming!!! Lol, now I'm gonna leave you now, have fun!!!