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"…" talking

("…") Russian

'…' thoughts

Bold Italics Bitbeasts talking

Last time:

"Mr. Dickinson, do you know what Michael told me? He said that most of Kai's injuries weren't due to the beybattle, but in fact were inflicted by…Voltaire himself."

Chapter 26: Waking and Waiting

The BBA chairman peered through his glasses at the younger man across from him. His thick hands grasped at the table's edge and a million and one thoughts ran through his head, all trying to justify that what Bruce had just said was completely ridiculous.

"That's preposterous! Completely impossible!" Then, with a softer tone, "I've known Voltaire half my life, Bruce. I know how carried away he can get with his work, but he's a man of stature. He would never stoop so low as to harm his own grandson."

Bruce looked at the man, urging himself to accept the man's words and move on with his life, but the more he thought about it, the more Mr. Dickinson seemed wrong.

"Stanley, the man's been arrested for inhumane experimentation and for running an operation that puts children's lives at risk. Just look at what he did at the Russian championships, and think back to just yesterday. He put Kai and the rest of us at risk right in front of us. I know you do not want to hear this, but I have been thinking, and it all makes sense." Mr. Dickinson shook his head stubbornly.

"He has made poor choices when it comes to business and science, but the laws are different in Russian than we are used to in Japan. Maybe things just got out of hand. He has always been obsessive, but that doesn't mean he's…"

Bruce closed his eyes and took a breath, wondering why Mr. Dickinson was so adamant about defending this man. Sure they were colleagues at one time, but the more the man tried to justify, the more Bruce became sure that what Michael had said was the truth.

"Listen to me, Stanley. We have talked about Kai's behavior before. We thought it was just some reputation he was trying to keep up, but now I think it's more than that." Pausing for a moment he let the words sink in. Then struck by an epiphany of examples, he leaned in closer to Mr. Dickinson.

"Have you ever tried to touch the boy? Just set a finger on his shoulder or something. Even if you come within a meter's distance he will either glare at you until you back away or move away himself. If he was abused, then of course he's going to be afraid of contact! And didn't you notice the way he shrunk away from Voltaire at the championships? The two definitely do not have a very love-filled relationship." His voice began trailing off as he realized that although this was a magnificent puzzle to solve that did not mean it's solution was something you wanted to know.

"Why are you so sure, Bruce? You were the one always telling me the boy had an attitude problem. Why the sudden change of heart?" Looking at the man right in the eyes, Bruce finally found the answer to what he had been trying to figure out himself for the last few hours.

"Because when he was fighting Tala I saw his mask fall, and those eyes…they are desperately calling out for help."

"The one thing Spencer hated most about hospitals was the lack of color. White walls, white sheets, white floors-heck, even the smell was white (an over abundance of sanitizers)! The color was bleak and empty, exactly how their situation seemed.

As the tall blonde stared at his friend lying unmoving in the bed, he could barely bring himself to envision Kai ever waking. After everything the teen had gone through, how could they really expect him to ever find the strength to keep fighting? Why would he even want to?

But that was one thing about Kai that Spencer should have known by now: Never count him out.

At first it was just a slight twitch of the finger. Then the hand Tala was holding began moving.

Tala, who had been resting his head on the bed, shot up straight, not daring to breathe. Gently squeezing the bandaged hand in his, he nearly laughed when he felt a slight pressure back.

"Kai? Kai can you hear me?" Spencer went over to stand behind Tala, eager for something to happen.

"Mmhhh." With a groan, Kai's eyes scrunched down, and then shot open, only to be closed a second later due to the bright light. The next few moments he spent blinking, trying to readjust.

As soon as the dark, crimson orbs opened fully though, Kai's breathing and the heart monitor began going sporadic. Tala watched as his friend's eyes darted around the room in fear, and he immediately stuck his head in Kai's line of vision, blocking the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Kai calm down, okay? Listen, to me. I'm here." It took a moment for Tala to force Kai to forget his paranoia and look at him. "I'm here and I'm not leaving you. You are safe, I promise. You are just in hospital. A safe, certified hospital far away from Boris and Voltaire. Now you need to calm down." He spoke slow and steadily for assurance.

Kai closed his eyes and tried to calm his breathing. It pained Spencer to see how difficult of a task it was for the teen. As for Tala, although he was ecstatic that Kai was actually awake, he knew how critical his condition was and that he had to be ready for anything. He reminded himself of the lung damage Kai was suffering from.

"Is… everyone okay?" The whisper was hoarse, and so soft it was barely above a breath. Whether it was because he found the irony funny or just needed to relieve the tension, Tala let out a loud laugh.

"Same old Kai. Here you are lying in a hospital bed and you're wondering whether everyone else is alright. "

Kai only frowned at the red-head's comment though. He stared guiltily at his best friend.

"My fault." He did not seem to have enough strength to say anything else, but those two words were all Tala needed to understand what Kai meant.

Feeling a strong prickling in his throat, the teen leaned over and as gently as possible enveloped his brother in a hug. Moments later he felt Spencer join the embrace.

"It's never your fault, Kai. Never." Although he knew the words would fall on deaf ears, he yearned for Kai to listen to him this time.

Whenever life went wrong, Kai always blamed himself. In the abbey, if one of them got punished, Kai would always find a way that it was his fault and apologize for weeks afterwards. If their team lost a match, it automatically was because he did not train them enough and failed them as a captain. Whenever Boris and Voltaire gained the upper hand, the teen always believed he was the one to blame. Although arrogantly confident on the outside, Tala knew just how insecure he really is. And for that Tala blamed Voltaire.

Kai had grown up being verbally abused daily by that man. Sure, they had all suffered under Boris, but Voltaire was reserved specifically for Kai. Everyday he would degrade Kai. The worst part about it, was that Kai valued the man's opinion. So of course he believed all that the man said. For years, if Voltaire told Kai he was a "worthless piece of filth", Kai would believe it. It was not until he got out of the abbey and met the Bladebreakers that he actually started believing otherwise. And now here they are, back to square one.

Sitting back up to make sure he was not hurting Kai in any way, he locked eyes with crimson pools, and he knew him and his brothers were going to have a lot of work ahead of them to help rebuild the old Kai.

Hearing footsteps outside, Tala's thoughts were interrupted as he turned around just in time to see Ray opening the door.

Glancing at Kai, he saw alarm flash through his eyes. Spencer must have seen it too, because he immediately rose, blocking the neko-jin's path.

"Get out."

"What? No, I want to see Kai," said Ray, slightly surprised at Spencer's behavior. Of course by now he should have known to expect anything from the Blitzkrieg Boys.

"Kai isn't ready to see anyone," asserted Spencer, using his large body to corner Ray in the door.

"But-"

"Spence, s'okay." The words surprised everyone in the room, but Kai looked steadily at his large friend, showing he meant what he said.

Sighing, Spencer sat himself back into his seat, allowing Ray full view and access of the room.

Tala had to give the boy some credit. Despite the shock Kai's state must have caused, Ray's only reaction was a slight widening of the eyes-a reaction tons better than Mr. Dickinson's.

Glancing back to Kai, Tala saw his eyes were anxious, as if waiting for something. For what, the red-head was unsure.

Because Kai was lying on his back and Ray stayed in the doorway, Kai was not in a position to make eye contact with Ray, and for that Ray was secretly grateful.

"Um…Hey, Kai." He gave a faltering grin. As social and friendly as he was, Ray had no idea what to say to his captain. He was practically shaking with nerves. He didn't want to see Kai like this, but he knew it was something he had to do. He owed it as friend. However, just like that, in a span of about five seconds, everything seemed to fall apart.

As soon as the words left Ray's mouth, Kai had found what he was searching for, and he closed his eyes angrily.

"Finally had it right." He whispered, but the room was quiet enough for the other three to hear.

"For once life was getting better and now it's back to pieces!" His voice rose with each word, and his breathing became rapid. His voice sounded as if it was tearing.

"Kai, shhh. Calm down," attempted Tala.

"Can't go back. 'll never take me back!…Never the same!" Suddenly, the teen went into a coughing attack, and his heart rate went crazy as the teen struggled for air.

"Kai! Kai, listen to me! Breath!" Tala was stroking the teen's forehead, trying anything to calm him. Ray looked on helplessly, unsure of what exactly just happened. Within seconds though he was pushed out of the way as doctors rushed through the door, alerted by the shrieking heart monitor.

Kai's eyes went wild. Still unable to breath, he became panicked upon the sight of the doctors, only making him hyperventilate more. He tried sitting up, only to futilely cause himself more pain.

"Stop it! Back off!" Tala shouted at the doctors, but none of them listened and the wolf was quickly pushed away.

As Tala was thrust aside Kai struggled more to get up, only to be pinned down by the doctors. One of them covered his face with a breathing mask, but it seemed to do little.

"We need to relax him. Get a sedative!" ordered one doctor.

"No!" At the end of his fuse, Tala connected a solid punch right into the jaw of the closest doctor.

Before he even realized what was happening he was grabbed and dragged out of the room by none other than Spencer.

He never saw Kai's terrified eyes as he sat suffocating, watching the doctors bring out a long needle.

He never saw the silent plea on Kai's lips as his skin was pierced by the instrument he was so afraid of.

And he never saw Kai succumb to the sedative, helpless and alone.

He never saw any of it, but he knew that it was happening, just as it had happened so many times before in the abbey. The only difference: he could - no he should have been able to prevent it this time.

Gritting his teeth, anger welled up inside of him, and he turned on Spencer. Completely lost in rage, he began throwing hard punches at the larger teen.

"You traitor! How could you! How could you leave him there when he needed us!" He swung again and again. Spencer dodged most, but a few connected. Stomach, arm, shoulder. Each hit Spencer grimaced, but he didn't stop Tala.

Ray, who had followed the two out of the room, watched on in dismay, unsure of whether to become involved.

"I promised him I'd be there for him! I promised him!" With a sudden quickness, Tala landed a clean punch to his friend's face exactly as he had done inside moments before.

Spencer bit down on his lip and felt blood accumulate inside his mouth. Tala froze.

As if awaking from a trance, his eyes widened in horror at what he had just done. And then, just like that, Tala crumbled.

Whether it was because of the lack of almost three days sleep, or because his emotional state had finally broken, the teen passed out, only to be caught by the same person he had just been beating.

Ray looked on in wonder as Spencer caught Tala, almost as if he had anticipated his fall. Then, scooping him up, Spencer held him bridal-style and started wordlessly down the hall. The blood that was falling from his mouth, dripped rhythmically onto Tala's shirt.

The hospital lobby was awkwardly silent. There was no other way to describe it. Although Max, Tyson, and Michael (the three most talkative members of the motley crew) sat side by side, none of them could think of anything to talk about. Well, they all knew what they should talk about, but no one really wanted to talk about it.

Finally Michael sat up as if ready to say something important, but all he asked was, "Do either of you know when the next tournament might be?"

"No." answered Max and Tyson simultaneously. Both seemed irritated.

"Do you think it will be teams or singles?" The two looked at him as if he had grown a second head. "I personally hope singles. I love the All Starz and all, but man, Emily sure drives me crazy sometimes. Do you know-"

"Just shut up, Michael! What's your problem!?" Tyson sighed in exasperation.

"Excuse me?" asked Michael, as if he were offended by the tone.

"No! We have been excusing you enough! All you have been doing is complaining and looking out for yourself. Michael, our friend is practically dying! Dying because he risked his life to save ours, and all you can talk about is the next tournament? You don't even have the decency to act like you are worried!" Tyson seethed through his teeth, breathing heavily.

"You don't think I'm worried?!" Michael's voice was disbelieving. "Of course I'm worried, you idiot." Then lower, "I'm terrified." His hair fell into his eyes as his head turned towards the ground. "All I ever did was cause trouble for the guy. And then, I go and find out that his life is crap. His grandfather beats him!" He looked back at Max and Tyson helplessly, as if praying for them to deny what he said. Neither did though and Tyson's anger seemed to visibly deflate out of him. "His grandfather beats him," he repeated, as if he could not grasp the idea. "Why? And then, even after everything I pulled he still tried to protect me. I wasn't one of you guys. I wasn't his teammate or someone he should've felt obligated to protect, but he did anyway. Why!" He threw his head into his hands as tears of guilt spilled out of his eyes.

In all honesty, Michael had never felt worse. He could not bare the thought that someone he had been completely horrible to may die before he got the chance to apologize. The worst part? He had only become a bigger pain the last few days because he had become so petrified with the whole situation. He had no idea how to act. He thought he was being brave by remaining nonchalant, but now he could see that he was just being cold and inconsiderate. Funny, that was always how he had thought of Hiwatari. Turns out he had been the villain all along.

For a while, the only sound that filled the lobby were that of a few sniffs. It took a while for Michael to realize though that they didn't just belong to him. Turns out the others needed a good cry as well. So for about twenty minutes the three sat sobbing, letting the horrors of the last few days spill out of them. Finally, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, Tyson stopped himself.

"Sorry I yelled at ya, Bud. Guess the stress has just been a bit thick." Wiping his own face, Michael looked up.

"Nahhh. I'm sorry, Man. I never meant to be such a jerk." The three then ended up in an awkward sort of hug, and when they pulled apart each one felt better. Although the situation wasn't any brighter, it was refreshing to know you weren't the only one going through it. They had been reassured that they had each other.

Then, as if afraid to be caught not acting like big, tough guys, they all began throwing play punches at each other.

"Look, here comes Spencer." Max pointed down the hall. "That means Kai's room is open, right? One of us can visit then. You mind, Tyson?"

"Aww, Max. I've been waiting sooo long though."

"Hey. Who's the cute ginger in Spencer's arms. Does he have a girlfriend?" Michael's question immediately sparked the other two's attention, and they practically dove over each other to look. As the Russian got closer though, it soon became clear exactly who it was in Spencer's arms. At first, Tyson wanted to laugh because Tala was certainly not a girl and the fact that Michael had called him cute was definitely worth some type of blackmail; however, he then became serious and realized there had to be an important reason why Tala was being carried.

Not even glancing at the them, Spencer entered the lobby and laid Tala across one of the couches, crashing in a chair beside him. Then pulling out a slick, black phone he dialed a number, and spoke tiredly in Russian.

The three failed to notice Ray, who had been behind the burly blonde the whole time.

"Hey guys." His greeting was halfhearted.

"Ray! Dude, what happened?" asked Tyson, indicating towards Tala.

"Not exactly sure, actually. I was up in Kai's room and-"

"Is he okay? How does he look?" Max practically bounced out of his seat, making Ray feel worse about the news.

"Well he was awake and talking, but then he started yelling and he couldn't breathe properly so the doctors had to come in and sedate him. I think they stabled him though." Ray looked at the ground as he spoke.

"What was he yelling about?"

Ray bit at his lip. "I'm not completely sure. I think I did something, but all I did was say 'hi', I swear. I don't know why he got so upset." Max noticed that his friend's hands were shaking badly.

"It's okay, Ray. He probably was just out of it. You know, after everything that happened he has to be shaken up." Ray just nodded.

"So what happened to Tala?" asked Tyson again, whispering so Spencer would not hear. The blonde had now put away his phone and was sitting with his eyes closed. However, Tyson had spent enough time with Kai to know that didn't mean he was asleep.

At that question Ray leaned in closer. "When the doctors came in to sedate Kai, Tala went crazy. He punched one of the doctors right in the face!" At that, the others' eyes widened. "So then Spencer pulls him out in the hall and Tala starts screaming at him, punching him and everything! Then, just like that he passes out." Ray sighed and shook his head. "I am so confused right now," he stated. The others nodded. That seemed to be the general feeling when dealing with any of the Russians.

Well, I know the plot hasn't gone anywhere in a while, but it may take me a few chapters for things to pick up again. Hopefully none of you are getting too bored.

Awww, sweet man-love between Max, Tyson, and Michael. I must admit, I struggled writing Michael as someone with feelings. I don't know why, but he's such a fun bad-guy to write.

Anyways, I'm on spring break now, but sadly that ends in two days. So, as much as I'd like to say I could sneak in another chapter soon, the earliest will most likely be two months. The good news? That's summer break, so I won't have to plan updates around holidays!

I really hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Please drop a review and let me know how I'm doing!

Thanks for reading!

-FlamingIce94