I'm sorry for being so shit.

So save your scissors for someone else's skin,

My surface is so tough, I don't think the blade will dig in.

Save your strength, save your wasted time,

There's no way that I want you to be left behind.

Save Your Scissors by City And Colour

Chapter 37 - Breathe In Breathe Out

The wind howled violently through the open warehouse, lashing at the walls and shaking the construction. Darkness had reined over the sky and the clouds hid the moon so the only visible lights were those that flickered - artificial and vibrant - in the distance. Rain still poured and thunder still roared. Nature was making a powerful stand tonight.

Tyson could only gulp and gasp for air; his chest stinging with every shuddering breath. His eyes were wide and frantically scanning whatever he could see in the warehouse; his panic only rising as daunting shadows were cast across the walls and ceilings and lightening illuminated the open space for brief seconds and Tyson swore the walls were closing in on him. Through the numbness, Tyson felt his fingertips desperately grating against the concrete he lay upon although he wasn't physically aware of the movement in his body nor could he grasp any messages being sent from his brain. All he knew is that he was very cold and his face felt… wrong. No longer painful, just unnatural, like it was too big and his features were all messed up and out of place. He was also aware that underneath his skin, in his skull and around his facial construction, there was a throbbing…? Pounding?… sensation; like his head was furiously pulsing along with his heartbeat. It wasn't painful so to say, but it certainly wasn't comfortable or pleasant. Tyson knew his face was swelling. He could already tell that he had taken on a grotesque form.

From where he lay on the ground, Tyson had a good view on the entrance the warehouse and whenever the lighting in the sky would flash granting him sight in the otherwise dark room he would stare with pitifully wretched eyes praying against all odds that Kai would come back! His mind simply could not comprehend that Kai had left him here. Here. Exhausted and incapacitated. Wanting to cause him harm was one thing, but Tyson was struck with the terrifying notion that Kai had left him to - what? - die! Maybe it's because he has be known to be irrational from time to time and maybe because of the dread and fear he was currently experiencing; either way Tyson honestly felt as though he was slipping away… or at least a part of him was.

His blue eyes began to water and silvery tears slipped slowly down his marred face in jagged lines. The last thing he wanted to believe is that Kai had sought to kill him. But, right now, he was so damn scared. Why would Kai have ran? Tyson needed Kai to come back - to reassure himself that the captain wasn't the same man as his Grandfather. He knew that Kai was pushing them - him - away and it hurt so much knowing that Kai was still chasing after Voltaire's approval; even though the man didn't seem to treat Kai with a shred of respect or decency. Was is possible that Kai was simply destined to follow in Voltaire's footsteps? Is that what Kai really wanted?

Clenching his fists, Tyson felt something coarse through him. Strength? Determination? Whatever it was, Dragoon's bit began to glow a white light tinted slightly blue as Tyson forced his arms to push himself up. It was slow and his face twisted as the pressure in his muscles built until he felt like his arms my snap but eventually Tyson was sat up, ultimately more exhausted and in need of a few minutes deep breathing. His vision dived back and forth from darkness to a strange white light, but through the fuzziness - and with a lot of squinting - Tyson took in his position. Lying some ten feet from where he sat was his bag. Tyson didn't quite remember when he had dropped it. The first time Kai hit him? Or one of the last punches?

Tyson knew his new cell phone was sat in the pocket of his bag and he suddenly felt beyond grateful to his brother and father for buying the gift despite it being given out of guilt. He prayed it had not been damaged during the fight.

Tyson closed his eyes and inhaled sharply. His body ached to the point where movement seemed impossible and Tyson played with the idea of just lying down and letting unconsciousness take over. It was tempting. But even as the thought entered his mind it was forced out by the strength of his bit-beast. It was hard to described Dragoon's power but it somehow felt like Tyson could feel a warm wind passing through his mind; feeding him and blowing away all negative thoughts and distractions leaving him with nothing but the dominate and undeterred will he was known for. His eyelid slipped open to reveal midnight orbs that shone with a new determination.

'I'll save Kai. I won't give up now.'

That was his biggest goal. But for that to happen he needed to focus. Mission one: just get out of this damn warehouse. Alive, hopefully. He wasn't stupid enough to try and stand yet; he knew he would hit the concrete again. So, he did the next best thing he could manage. Tossing all his weight to left, Tyson rolled over onto his stomach, hissing as the ache in his body increased sharply to an agonizing level. He took a few seconds to breathe deeply and the pain subsided to a discomforting throb. Tyson focused his eyes on his back-pack that lay ahead of him and gritted his teeth together in determination. Slowly and shakily, he began to drag himself across the floor. Surprisingly, the pain didn't blind him the way he expected and Tyson felt stronger and his willpower increased rapidly. The distance between himself and his back-pack decreased until his shaky hand grasped the strap and Tyson let out a wavering sigh. Pulling the bulky bag towards his body, he began fiddling with the zip that opened the front compartment where he had previously thrown in a bit of spare change and…

… his new cell phone.

Letting go off his bag, Tyson rolled onto his back and held the new shiny phone above his face with an aching arm. His thumb trembled as he pushed the buttons directing him to his contact list. There weren't many but the he still paused as he looked through the numbers. He had originally intended to ring his Grandpa, but, shit, what was his dad going to say? Hiro will go mental when he finds out what has happened! Tyson drew his bloody bottom lips into his mouth and trapped it between his teeth. He couldn't guarantee that it would be his Grandpa who would pick up, and it's not like he could hide the bruises that were already forming over his tanned skin. He was going to have to come up with one hell of a good excuse for his dad and brother and for that he needed some time. So, skipping past his home phone number, Tyson found Max's number and pressed 'call.'

Tyson swallowed nervously as he pressed the phone to his ear and heard the monotone ringing. He thanked the stars that the storm was not effecting his signal and waited impatiently for someone to answer. After about five rings, there was a click.

"Hello! Tate reside - Sshhh, Chief! I'm on the phone!"

A part of Tyson wanted to laugh, but his abdomen hurt to much and besides, this really wasn't the time. Pink tongue hastily flickering over his bloodied lips, Tyson opened his mouth and forced his strained voice box to make some noise.

"Mhhcs…" Tyson's eyes watered uncontrollably as his throat burned. He placed his other hand over the speaker while he made a strange coughing/gagging sound.

"Huh? Hello?" The cheerfulness in Max's voice became less apparent while a confused tone took over. Tyson swallowed hard, trying to get a little moisture around his rather dry throat.

"Maacs." It came out as barely anything more than a whisper, so he tried again. "Max."

"Tyson?" Forgetting that Max could not see him, Tyson nodded feeling profoundly relieved. "Dude! Where are you? We've been waiting ages! We've started watching a movie already, though Chief is freaking out cause it's really gory. Ray said you were probably waiting to see if Kai was going to come, but dude, it's like… half nine already!"

Tyson breathed raggedly down the receiver trying to force his voice to work. He could tell Max was waiting for him to speak but the long pause was enough indication that something was very wrong.

"Tyson…? Are you there?" Max asked after a while and Tyson shook his head desperately hoping Max would somehow understand him.

"Is he okay, Max?" Ray's concerned voice drifted down the line into Tyson's ear.

"I dunno." There was another pause. "Are you okay, Tyson?"

"No," Tyson finally managed to croak. He licked his bloodied lips nervously. "…I n-need help."

Max's breathing suddenly picked up speed as the blonde began to panic slightly.

"What's wrong? Where are you?"

Tyson squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to think. He knew where he was, but Max had never been to or even seen the warehouses that the Blade Sharks used to occupy. It was close to the harbour not far from Max's house but the land was technically private property; owned by none other than Voltaire Hiwatari. Tyson didn't have the strength nor was he in the right state of mind to give directions.

"Chief.. Put Chief on," Tyson rasped. Max did argue, and Tyson heard tumbling as the phone was quickly and harshly passed over.

"Tyson! Where are you?" Kenny's panic stricken voice was the next thing Tyson heard.

"Chief… Ware-warehouse… near the harbour…"

"Warehouse?" Kenny repeated in a confused voice. There was another pause before he timidly continued, "do you mean where Kai and the Blade Sharks used to train?"

"Yeah."

"Why are you - ?" The question trailed off as Kenny realised it was unimportant at the moment. "We'll be there as soon as possible!"

Tyson gave a half sob of relief. "Please hurry!"

The phone line went dead and Tyson felt tears rise to his eyes again. He moved his hand away from his ear and dropped his arm onto his chest. Roughly, it would take his friends about fifteen minutes to reach him and Tyson feared knowing that these fifteen minutes were going to be the longest of his life. He grew terrified again, wishing for their support but also dreading the looks upon their faces and hearing their questions which he was reluctant to answer.

Would they hate Kai if they knew the truth? Sure, they had forgiven their slate haired captain many a times for his rudeness and cold attitude and even forgiven him after his betrayal in Russia. But… this was on a whole new level. Kai had beaten Tyson senseless and left him to what could possibly have been his death. It wouldn't be surprising if Tyson had hypothermia at this rate. And although Tyson knew - or at least he hoped - that Kai had other motives for doing what he had done… Tyson wasn't sure the rest of his team would see this as anything but a merciless act of a traitor.

The storm was still raging heavily outside, all Tyson could hear was the rain pounding the roof of the warehouse and the clap of thunder every few minutes. It was impossible to know if anyone was approaching and Tyson felt like it had been hours since his phone call for help. Tyson rolled onto his side so he could get a better view of the main entrance to the warehouse. The concrete was cool on the side of his face and Tyson struggled to keep his eyes open. It was nearly pitch black, only the lightning illuminated the sky for brief seconds at a time. Strangely, Tyson found the storm rather comforting. Or maybe it was because he knew his friends were on their way…

"Tyson!"

Tyson stirred in his slumber; his eyelids flickering but not fully opening. God, he felt so tired.

"Tyson! Are you in here?"

The voice sounded closer this time and Tyson was able to detect the panic and worry which it held. His face scrunched up and he tried desperately to open his eyes as something in his mind screamed at his uncooperative body urgently. It was harder than Tyson ever imagined - and this if coming from the boy who despised getting up in the morning - but eventually he managed the crack open one eye, the other following slowly. A flash of lightning lit up the world outside and through his blurry vision Tyson saw three silhouettes racing towards him blindly.

"Is that him? Tyson!"

The weakest of smiles tugged Tyson's lips as his saviours dashed closer to his defeated form. Ray was the first to skid onto his knees closely followed by Max. The Chief was lagging behind but even Tyson was able to note that the tiny brunette was running at a speed they had never seen him move at before.

"Tyson!" Max cried, placing a hand on his friends shoulder gently. They knew that it was him but his injuries were currently hidden in the darkness. Dropping beside the others, Chief swung a backpack off his shoulders, unzipped it and dove his hands inside, fumbling with the contents.

"Guess I should thank my mum for packing this," he mumbled to no one in particular as he pulled out a flashlight. Pointing it up at the ceiling, there was a quiet click! and a beam of light shone upwards. Ray and Max watched with racing hearts as Kenny directed the beam to their fallen friend.

All three of them gasped.

"Holy fuck!"

The curse slipped from Ray's mouth before he had time to stopped himself.

Tyson squinted as the light hit - bullseye - his pupils. He couldn't make out anything apart from the blinding whiteness however, Tyson found himself grateful that he did not have to see the looks of horror that his friends wore as they took in his unsightly appearance. He heard their gasps and Ray's slip of tongue - which Tyson found slightly amusing as the Neko-jin was always reprehending others for using foul language - but from then on it was silence. Whether they didn't dare to speak - because that would mean they are accepting the situation - or because their hearts were lodged in their throats: it was anyone's guess really. But for what seems like years, Tyson remained blinded while his friends left their eyes wide and jaws on the ground; frozen with appalled and sickened expressions on their faces.

Maxx swallowed hard, "what happened to you?" He breathed, an obvious tremble in his voice. Tyson's face was scrunched up into a deep frown and he seemed to be having difficulty opening in his eyes. It wasn't until the he raised a hand - clutching his cell phone - to shield his eyes from the light that Kenny directed the beam away from Tyson's face, allowing him to use his eyes again. He could see the outline of his friends as he moved his hand away from his face but was glad that he could not make out their expressions anymore.

"I-I got into a fight…" Tyson mumbled eventually.

"A fight?" Kenny gasped in shock. Sure Tyson might be rather hard-headed and sometimes his mouth could get him into a spot of trouble, but he wasn't the type of guy to get into a fist fight. "That's not like you, Tyson!"

Tyson gave a weak smile. He knew that. In fact the only person he'd ever had a proper fight with was Kai, and even then Ray and Max were usually around to pull the pair of them apart.

Slowly, Tyson placed his weight onto his elbows and began to push himself up. It hurts like hell, however Max was quick to lend assistance and wrapped an arm around his friends shoulders, offering his body as something to support him. When he was at up and relatively comfortable, Kenny positioned the flash light on the ground so the light illuminated Tyson and Max's figures without blinding them.

"Who were you fighting with?" Max asked suddenly, tilting his head to the side to get a better look at his friends injuries. "They sure did a number on you, you look like the elephant man!"

Tyson didn't know whether he wanted to hit Max for the insult and kiss him for trying to lighten the mood. Pointedly ignoring the question Max asked, Tyson opened his mouth to give a sarcastic retort, however Ray beat him to it.

"It was Kai, wasn't it?"

Tyson's eyes widened. It wasn't the fact that Ray had guessed correctly considering Tyson had eventually planned to tell them exactly what had happened, but only when he physically ready and in control - which was definitely not now. No, what caused Tyson's heart to skip a beat was the anger in Ray's voice and the deathly silence that followed afterwards. Out of the corner of his eye, Tyson caught the playful look on Max's face fall away and replaced by something that could be described as dread. He knew Max wouldn't want to believe that Kai had done something like this, not after everything they had been through together recently.

Kenny, who had been checking Tyson's injuries for the past few minutes, chose to speak next, "lets leave the details 'til later, guys. I think we should get Tyson to the hospital as soon as possible; looks like he's go concussion and I really don't like the look of some of these - !"

"That son of a bitch."

"Ray!" Max cried as he watched the raven-haired teen throw his hands up in frustration. "Leave it, please!"

"I can't believe that guy!" Ray hissed angrily, spinning on the spot so his back was to his friends who could see - even in the dark light - that he was seething all over. Tyson stared with a growing sense of panic; this was exactly the reaction he had feared the most.

"Ray, listen the Max," Kenny demanded suddenly, taking charge of the situation. "Drop it. The most important thing right now it getting Tyson some medical attention. So help me!"

Kenny motioned for Max to help him lift Tyson, the blonde jumped immediately into action, gently wrapping his arm around Tyson's torso and draping his friends arm over his shoulder. Together, Max and Kenny heaved Tyson to his feet - not without some pained cries of protest. Max glared harshly at the fourth member of the group.

"Ray?"

Ray's shoulders hunched together as he exhaled heavily, before spinning around on the spot to face his friends.

"I'm not dropping this completely," he warned and marched over to where Kenny was stood holding up Tyson from his right. "Here, give him to me," and the pair awkwardly swapped places so Kenny was hands free and Ray was supporting Tyson's weight - with much more success as well. "You ring for an ambulance -"

"No!" Tyson suddenly yelled, taking everyone by surprise and almost causing Max and Ray to drop him. Kenny froze as he grasped Tyson's cell phone that had fallen to the ground when they lifted him to his feet. "I can't go to the hospital; they'll ring my dad! And… I really don't want to explain this to him!"

Ray scoffed. "I don't think you're going to be able to hide this, Tyson."

Glancing hesitantly at his friend, Kenny scooped up Tyson's backpack as well before turning his back on them. "I know you want to protect Kai -" Tyson's face saddened as he detected the same angry tone in Kenny's voice that he's heard in Ray's. "- But I'm more concerned about you at the moment."

"He's right, Tyson," Max grunted as they began forwards in an awkward shuffle, Tyson's weight balanced between his friends. "I don't think my dads first-aid kit is going to sort you out." The blonde offered a weak smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Tyson could only offer a groan in return. Truthfully he knew he needed to go to the hospital. Half an hour ago he felt like every bone in his body was broken; although now - despite the fact that he was still in absolute agony - he believed his bones might have been spared. However, the possibility of concussion… well it wasn't even a possibility; it was a fact.

Edging closer to the entrance of the warehouse, Tyson focused on breathing. In and out. His legs felt like overcooked noodles and keeping himself from collapsing even with his friends support was a physical challenge. Somewhere above the thunderstorm, he heard Kenny's frantic voice.

" - Yes, we need an ambulance. My friend. He… well. He got into a fight…?"

"A gang," Tyson murmured. "Tell them it was a street gang."

"We're at a warehouse… it's - um - near… where are we?"

Tyson barely heard any more. He rolled his head backwards and stared at the dark sky; pouring rain and flashing white. He really, really loved storms.

The next sounds he heard were sirens.

Sat on a medical table with a doctor shining a small torch in his eyes; Tyson finally took a moment to wonder just when he had got to the hospital and when the doctor had started treating him. A wad of cotton was shoved up each nostril which miraculously wasn't broke although the doctor had still had to crack it back into place with eye watering results. He was going to have some beautiful black eyes in the morning. His ankle was sprained and he was in need of stitches for a gash near his temple but, surprisingly, they were the worst of his injuries.

"You have concussion." The doctor stated finally and Tyson tried to blink away the white dots that remained in his vision even after the flashlight was removed.

"I know," the bluenette slurred, feeling fatigue creeping over him once again. Well what did one expect? After such a night he thought he damn well deserved a good sleep.

"Unfortunately I can't administer any painkillers at this point in time although -"

"TYSON!"

The doctor jumped out of his skin although Tyson - due to his delayed reactions - lazily turned to the towards the door like a drunk where his three immediate family members were forcing themselves through. He caught a slight glimpse of Kenny, Max and Ray before the door to the examining room was slid shut.

Tyson offered a dopey grin and wondered if somebody had secretly injected him with morphine. Maybe it was just the blood loss…

"Tyson are you okay?" Bruce asked hurriedly approaching his son with a agonised look upon his face.

Oh, I'm just splendid father! Was what Tyson wished to say but bit his tongue after fully processing the worry and distress on his dads face. Hiro looked equally pained and rushed to his side asking question after question that Tyson could barely hear let alone understand and answer. Grandpa, however, hung back leaning on his kendo sword (how he managed to just waltz into a hospital with that thing was a mystery) with a furrow in his brow that suggested he was contemplating something.

"Doctor.. Is he… Is he going to be alright?" Bruce swallowed harshly.

The doctor offered a kind smile. "He's going to be in some pain and in need of a lot of rest, but he'll make a full recovery. I'm going to give him a sick-note for one week - possibly two -"

"I won't have to go to school?" Tyson asked with a grin while swinging his legs. "Awesome."

Bruce and Hiro exchanged a worried look over Tyson's shoulders; both completely nonplussed at the youngsters untroubled attitude. The Doctor however seemed pleased with Tyson's behaviour and offered them a smile.

"You won't be allowed to do much of anything for the next week or so; that ankle can't take any pressure for the next few days without resulting in further damage but I think you'll make it out without any battle scars." The Doctor picked up his clipboard and thumbed through a couple of papers attached to it, his smile dropping and a slight frown appearing on his face. "I'll need to speak with Tyson's guardian…?"

Bruce made to step forward but Grandpa beat him to it.

"That's me!"

The Doctor nodded. "I'll have a nurse come clean Tyson up and we can step somewhere more private." He slid the door open and motioned for Grandpa to follow whilst Bruce fidgeted awkwardly.

"Wait…!" Grandpa and the Doctor paused in the doorway and acknowledge the conflicted man, torn between wanting to stay by his sons side and feeling it was his duty to speak with the Doctor as the patients parent. "Maybe I should come too? Hiro can stay with Tyson…"

The Doctor glanced at Grandpa - deciding it was his call to make - who simply nodded his head. The pair followed the Doctor - passing the three other Bladebreakers and giving them reassuring smiles - to a small office three doors down the corridor.

"Please take a seat… I'm Doctor Hanosama by the way."

"Ryuu Granger," Grandpa gave a polite bow. "Tyson is my Grandson, and this is his father - my son - Bruce." Bruce tilted his head forward for only a second; he was in no mood for pleasantries. He only wanted to know what had happened to his son. They took a seat opposite Hanosama with a desk separating them. "Is there a problem with Tyson's condition?"

Hanosame shook his head. "Oh no, nothing like that. Tyson is a very healthy young man so he should make a speedy recovery. The issue is how Tyson came to be in this condition. His friends who arrived with him said he told them he'd been in a fight and Tyson has confirmed that himself…"

"A fight…?" Bruce breathed disbelievingly. Surely not his son? He was a good lad. He didn't get into fights…

"Well, Tyson can be a little hot-headed at times," Grandpa admitted and Bruce looked taken aback by the revelation. "But this can't be the result of a little playground squabble."

"No, it certainly isn't," Hanosame continued looking over the list of Tyson's injuries. "Tyson has been subjected to serious battery; consequently it is a matter that can be handed over to the police. However, because Tyson is underage it is a decision that is left to you as his guardian and as of yet your Grandson has been unable to tell us what happened."

"I want to press charges!" Bruce interjected sharply.

"Whoa whoa whoa! Hang on there, sonny!" Grandpa forgo his polite speech and slipped back into his usual lingo. "I think it would be best to talk this through with Tyson, don'tcha think? Like the Doctor here says; we don't know the whole shindig yet."

"What's to know?" Bruce said, anger lacing his tone. "Someone has obviously beat him up - pretty mercilessly too - and they should have to pay for doing that!"

Hanasame shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Bruce glowered at his father and Ryuu simply closed his eyes and looked seriously like he was trying to contain his own frustration.

"I'll let the two of you talk it over," the Doctor finally sighed realizing that this silent argument wasn't leading them anywhere. He stood from his seat and brushed down his scrubs. "Feel free to speak with Tyson about the matter although he may be a little unresponsive. We'll need to keep him here for a couple of hours to keep an eye on his concussion but then he'll be free to go. Please excuse me."

Ryuu stood from his seat too, bowed and thanked the young Doctor for his hard work before Hanasame left the two alone.

"What are you thinking, Dad?" Bruce spoke coldly.

"I'm thinking we should talk to Tyson."

Despite the Doctors warnings; Tyson appeared very responsive and cooperative upon their return to the medical room. Plus a hell of a lot healthier without dried blood crusted around his face. Bruce relayed what the Doctor had told them to his two sons and Hiro immediately agreed that they should hand the case over to the police. Tyson, on the other hand, lowered his eyes to the ground and his hands gripped his knees.

"Don't worry about it, Tyson," Bruce attempted to reassure. "The police will find this person or people and get them locked up." He gently laid a hand over his sons shoulder. "You just need to tell us what you remember. Did you know the person…? Or can you tell us what they looked like? Hair? Height?"

Bruce continued to prattle on completely oblivious that the words spewing from his mouth were unsettling Tyson more and more. And Tyson wasn't entirely sure how he was going to halt his dads tirade long enough to explain what is was that he wanted. If he told them what had happened; Tyson wouldn't completely be surprised if his dad and brother marched up to Kai's house and declared war on the Hiwataris. Bruce and Hiro already had something of a grudge against the other family and although Tyson doubted that Voltaire would really care that Kai had beaten him up; if this was going to bring any more negative public attention to the Hiwatari name after everything that happened in Russia… then Kai was going to be much, much worse trouble with his Grandfather than he would be with the police.

He couldn't do that to Kai. It would contradict everything he'd worked for since stepping into Kai's shoes.

"I want to speak to Grandpa in private!"

Bruce and Hiro instantaneously fell silent.

"Tyson…"

Tyson shook his head. "Please."

Glancing at each other unsurely, neither moved nor spoke for at least a minute and Tyson utterly refused to make eye contact with anyone.

"Why don't you take Max, Ray and the Chief home?" Grandpa suggested after the hesitation carried on for too long and Bruce jerked out of his stupor. Giving Hiro a nudge he directed them both to the door, not without throwing a truly infuriated and disgusted look to his own father.

"He's going to be so angry with me," Tyson mumbled when the door clicked shut.

"You leave your dad to me," Grandpa insisted grabbing a chair and positioning it in front of Tyson. "Gettin' all pissy ain't gonna help anyone." Ryuu sat himself down and placed the tip of his kendo sword on the floor and leaned onto it whilst trying to catch Tyson's eyes with his own. Those midnight orbs looked scared and unsure but Grandpa didn't need Tyson to speak.

"You don't wanna get the cops involved do ya?"

Tyson swallowed nervously and shook his head.

"You and Kai sure got yourselves into a nasty scrap this time."

And for once Tyson wasn't surprised at his Grandpa intuition. He really should know by now that no matter how embarrassing and crazy his Grandpa may be - trying to be hip or cool or attacking his friends with his kendo sword at random interventions - the old guy was as perceptive as they came. And better yet, he loved him and valued his opinion. Tyson couldn't stop the tiny smile that graced his lips.

"The question is Tyson: what are you going to do now? You know that I'll always support you, but I hate seeing yourself get beat up like this."

Tyson sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. Despite everything he had learned and gained recently; he was now further away from Kai physically. The slate-haired captain had quit - he didn't want anything to do with them and Tyson would bet that Voltaire was probably overjoyed about this turn of events. He couldn't just march up to Kai's house and demand to see him. Words didn't seem to work with Kai and now would no doubt end in another fist-fight that Tyson was so not ready to repeat. And Tyson wasn't a strategist or an even slightly organized person so it was like he could whip up any kind of scheme even if he tried to.

"I don't really have a plan," Tyson admitted eventually meeting his Grandpa's gaze levelly. "But I'll make everything right… I promise you that much."

Grandpa's face broke into a dazzling smile and he pulled Tyson into a one armed hug. "You know, you remind me so much of your mother," he said as Tyson wound his own arms around his thin frame and buried his face into his chest -

"ARGH! Crap!" Tyson screeched, yanking himself backwards; his eyes watering uncontrollably. "My nose~!" He whimpered whilst flailing his hands in the air.

Grandpa couldn't help but laugh although he did attempt to cover it up with his hand. Tyson threw him a reproachful look. "Man, K-man did a real number on you," Grandpa commented, eyeing up Tyson's nose that had begun to bruise.

Tyson sniffed and gently dabbed at his wet eyes. "Would you believe me if I said I think he went easy on me?"

He got a gentle smile in return. "Yeah, I would. Deep down I don't think that kid is all that bad…"

So… Hi everyone… Is anyone still here…?

The reason -if anyone cares- for the outrageous delay on this chapter is simple: I fell out of love with Beyblade. With Kai. And with Tyson. I never thought that would happen. And I don't just mean I lost interest in writing Beyblade fan fiction; I stop reading it as well. I haven't checked back here for months. There are a ton of stories I need to catch up on and if anyone has any suggestions for any new fics that have been posted; please tell me! I need inspiration!

I will NOT give up on this story. But my attention is, however, currently focused on a different fandom. I'm only working on one story for this new fandom but it's got me excited the same way I was when started writing for Beyblade. All I can say is I'm terribly sorry to all those who have been waiting and even contacting me DeviantArt and Tumblr. And if you're still here then… thank you so much.

Cherry