Epilogue:
Tyson and Ashlene were officially a newlywed couple. The vague distances between them had abolished, just to be replaced with intimate closeness, a sense of protection and togetherness. Marriage was a relation stronger than their friendship and courtship. It was firm, definite and protected from all sorts of illicit acts. He assured her love and protection in her all times, she gave him support and trust. Ashlene knew she had to trust him and he deserved her trust. He never left her, never accused her, never made her feel disgusted or low. He respected her however she was. He didn't look for perfection in her. He just looked for trust for him in her. She tried her best not to disappoint him. Ashlene always strived for perfection, to be a best partner for him, keep his needs filled by her just so that he never felt deprived because he had been deprived a lot through the years. She was filling those gaps and caverns, and keeping him satisfied with her. And he was grateful to have her. She perfected herself, be it was to become a Surgeon or his wife or a mother or a grand-daughter in law. Because she believed Tyson himself was a perfection. Even though Ellie had Tyson, Ashlene knew her rights and duties as a mother. She spend time to know her more, keep her satisfied, motivate her for studies, while Tyson promoted her for blading. Both Tyson and Ashlene worked hard not just to meet their needs but also to give the best life they can to Ellie. Tyson believed that Ashlene and Ellie have been deprived a lot when the family should have stayed together. To compensate for all the lost years, he worked hard to give them a better life filled with warmth, love, protection and securities...
Sometimes Tyson and Ashlene had their little arguments too. Grandpa took care of all their arguments whensoever, and Ellie joined in sometimes.
Tyson continued with his fine job and Ashlene pursued for post-graduation studies along with taking care of house work.
She hired Mischa when things got cramped and work was overloaded. Grandpa got better with his health and he was properly taken care of by them. At least, now his only wish was fulfilled and he was seeing Tyson with his family, happy and settled.
Ellie was doing fine, waiting for a time if she will find a bit beast of her own soon. Much of her optimism and determination was just like Tyson. She practiced for hours, took breaks, battled against her dad, but by the end of the day, if she was lucky, she got a ride on Dragoon, sometimes Tyson joined too. The girl has finally found her father whom she always thought who that person would have been. Even though Ellie met him once and bet him in a random bey-battle and also met him in hospital prior to few days of Ashlene's encounter with Tyson, it was all a tragic coincidence that she couldn't know him who he was- her father.
Grandpa taught kendo to Ellie and both the parents would be amused to see fiery and determined learning and fighting with kendo sticks. At times, they would hide behind the door, watch her secretly, and giggle and talk about their daughter. Looking into Ash's eyes, Tyson would admire Ellie's eyes. Smirking, Ashlene would caress his hair and admire Ellie's hair.
Tyson was preparing for the next championship under the scrutiny of his wife and daughter, and sometimes Gramps joined too. The next world championship wasn't too far and he wouldn't give up this time. He had his beautiful wife, his precious daughter and his beloved Grandpa. Nothing would stop him. His life after all these years of tortures and breakthroughs have been perfecting now and he had finally managed to lose his pessimism.
Ashlene's life was lot better and happier. Tyson considered life to be smoother, relieved. After all their struggles and emotional maelstroms, they had each other eventually by their side, just the way they had wanted, resolute and loyal. There was nothing she needed more; there was nothing else he has asked for.
The distances of the years had brought us closer than we ever could have been.
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Julia continued to look over her brother, Raul. She had nothing much to do except her job which she was undertaking. She continued with her jobs and according to her, one of her biggest treasure and success was Ashlene- letting her have a peaceful and contended life with the guy she has wanted. They still live in that house with memories of Ashlene and Ellie.
Raul and Zane worked together in restaurants and they had built a fine bond through time. Julia guessed he'd be just fine. Unlike years before where Raul didn't want to work at Circus; now, he had finally found a fine job at restaurant since few years. And neither he had been fired nor he was despising it. He was satisfied. To add, Zane was there, that was the reason, probably? Raul had been procrastinating Julia from letting her meet Zane again. Julia had seen Zane just once and Raul was too shy to talk about Zane in front of his sister. At least, Raul did not miss Ashlene like how he did when she shifted at Tyson's place.
Few years back, Ashlene and Zane used to spend too much time at weekends, watching new movies in theaters and getting drunk after working at restaurants. Now it was a tad hard for Ashlene seeing her busy life with Tyson, that she couldn't keep a good and frequent contact with Zane. Still she tried to catch up with everyone when she could. Raul always loved his deep friendship he had with Ash, and took care of her and Ellie. There were times when he felt that their friendship has superseded beyond that limit, but he soon knew what he felt precisely. Just like Hilary, Raul had a strong intuition that something must have been wrong or some misunderstanding must be the reason for Ash's and Tyson's breakup, and he always doubted if Tyson was the culprit and was at fault. And that's why Raul never agreed when Ash proposed him on her birthday, because he truly didn't love her. All he cared was for Ash's betterment. He had consoled in her tough and emotional times. If it was Ash, then her love was Tyson, but her best friend was Raul. If it was Raul, then probably his love would be Zane, but his best friend was Ash, and he couldn't forget moments he had spend with her through the years. She, had left some sweet nostalgia for him to reminisce about her presence and Ellie's she had left in their lives.
That was there... Their life seemed sometimes empty at home without Ashlene and Ellie whom they had for five years; but they were trying hard to get accustomed. Ashlene met them at weekends, texted them now and then, but still, she was actually busy with Tyson most of the times. Julia didn't mind. To add to her new routine, she met Tala often at her school's workplace after she would be returning. She still continued her job as the teacher and that added to their income as well. They lived comfortably and a well deserved life. Things definitely changed after Ash left from their life. Soon enough, Julia and Tala had started a new institute for beyblade sport, just to keep the spirit of sport alive in them, and gave free lessons to kids who were interested. It was just a small opening and few kids joined in before. Often, the elder duo got hot and ended up battling fiercely, with either a tie or one of them winning finally. But by the end, the two opponents had become better friends, ending up with sharing thoughts on blading, life and so on. Much like Raul, Julia liked walks too, but Tala loved gym more. Finally they would end up for both walk and gym, just passing time in each others' company. Tala was looking ahead for this friendship to bloom more and strengthen, just so he could finally admit his feelings. He was sure that Julia looked him as a friend and he perfectly agreed that she needed time before this little friendship went to an another level.
So yep, he has been trying his hard and being patient for working on this. To add, Raul never failed to give a leash on teasing his soon-to-be-gonna-brother-in-law, which Julia never managed to catch Raul with. Tala would often fluster and get embarrassed, but he liked Raul. Tala regarded him as tender and cheerful version of Julia. Raul himself gave Julia and Tala enough chances to spend time together, just so they could know each other well and find their good sides one way. Julia was clueless of both Tala's and her brother's intentions because her day would be just busy, but still... she admired her time with Tala. Still...not even Tala could fulfill how much she missed Ellie and Ashlene... She just wished if she could time travel to those beautiful days with Ashlene and Ellie.
Some days I wish I could go back in life to live those moments with you twice.
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Mistakes should be corrected and not regretted, and that's what exactly Kai learned. He had a huge burden relived off his shoulders after he had sought forgiveness from everyone, and Tyson being just himself, couldn't have been angry and discontented with him for so long. People make mistakes but that doesn't mean they should never be forgiven or that they don't deserve it ever. The greatest courage lies not in moving on, but making peace with the past and forgiving and there's no bigger revenge than forgiving. Kai visited grandpa when he missed him and Tyson and Kai had battles at time- just the friendly ones because Ash and Rose became to hyped up when these two battled, so for the sake of peace, they had friendly battles whenever Ash and Rose were around,
"You know Tyson, it was depressing those days when the guilt of my mistakes crashed on me, but I've killed my demon which was crazy for this title." Kai smiled once battling against Tyson, "Beybattling is for fun, and there is nothing beyond more supreme than that,"
"Everything you've done, no matter how hard and bitter, it eventually had the best impact on my life," Tyson commented casually once. Kai guessed that it had brought him and Ashlene more together. He gave a soft smile.
"You're still my favorite rival, Kai." Tyson smirked.
Max and Daichi would also show up and the team would have good time, sometimes with Kenny showed up at times. Ashlene didn't minded the guests or say Tyson's teammates having a revival back of their sweet friendship. She would welcome them all and serve them. Ellie would be gobsmacked seeing all her uncles. She was their darling nephew.
"Watch out! Max Uncle, you're going down!" Ellie said as her blade clashed fiercely against Draceil.
"Oh I'll show you, Ellie. I'm not easy like you dad," Max smirked, teasing her and preventing his laughter, thinking that Ellie was just a version of Tyson.
"No way M-dawg! My great granddaughter is gonna win! Go for it Ell!" Grandpa squealed, grinning at the duo.
"Are they still battling?" Tyson blinked, scratching his head,
"She's just like you, Tyson. Nothing changed, " Ashlene sighed, watching her husband marching towards the match to start his humorous commentary.
It wasn't quite open and declared or official, but Rose and Kai started working better together and started dating after few months of the incident where Kai was in hospital and that just ensured Rose's feelings for him after that. A undefined attraction and comfort held them together. Kai found someone new with him, someone who could stay by his side more often and provide him the friendship he never had before. It was beautiful to have that sensation, where there would be no separation like before, no egos to break the distances if ever, no hard feelings, just the connection and talks that held the both together. Hilary was gone for her own and his better. Rose was the one for him now and ever.
"Might be we can meet Tyson's Grandpa someday, I wanted to see him," Rose said thinking as they sat beside each other,
Kai stared at her calmly and nodded with a tiny smile, "Let us date for few more days; Grandpa and his consent for us is going nowhere, Rose. He will bless us." Kai got to her. Did he mean he wanted to marry me in future? Rose nodded, trying her best not to blush.
"I was just thinking about a name since few days... Gou. How is it, Rose?"
"Its cool. Is he one of your close friends, Kai?"
"Might be...someday." Kai smirked gently, "A friend for both of us,"
We should not regret our mistakes, but learn from them even though we couldn't change them, but we should take care never to repeat them.
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Nyhan was guilty of what he did but he reasoned why he began to hate Ryan so much.
"You know what Ryan, mom missed you every day. She used to miss you how you got lazy from getting up from bed in morning, how you were willful at occasions to eat things, how silent you were for years, how you tried your best always but never got admired, how you cried silently at nights, how you probably lived as an underdog and in fears... She was guilty, Ryan, she was!" Nyhan said with smile and in nostalgic tone.
"I miss mom too..." Ryan said with a heavy heart, realizing that he was finally understood- that her mom at least finally realized of what she did to him. He never knew she did.
"Your heart can never be peaceful knowing that you were one of the causes of mom's sadness before she passed," Nyhan said. Nyhan looked at Hilary and said, "Hilary, I'm sorry I'd to lie to you but I'd to protect myself to hide the truth. I didn't want to go behind the bars. I'm sorry I accused you of Ryan's death." Nyhan held her hands, "I truly apologize," he said sincerely. Hilary was still angry but she felt bad for their mom.
"I know I was wrong. I ignored you guys, didn't visit even in holidays, and ignored your texts and calls even in free time. I was busy in my college life so much that I forgot you guys and God did punish me," Ryan admitted fearfully accepting. "But I never wanted to turn back. I've left and that was for my better, I couldn't forget how I lived and was treated at home, Nyhan. That drove me away, those fears and accusations, that still haunted me," Ryan reasoned, wondering why he still didn't visit his mom the last time he got texts. It was his mistake probably, but he never knew how serious the things went there.
"Nyhan, still!" Hilary shot, "YOU can't kill your brother!"
"I was wrong, but I was alone. I'd Julyan and Lyan with me and they went through the gloomy days of mother's departure too. I was alone still..." Nyhan shivered in sudden loneliness, "When I called you repeatedly once in January, when you ignored my calls and called me later and scolded me for disturbing the next day, it was the day mother was suffering before her death and was shouting your name. She was guilty and needed your forgiveness and... you didn't give her. Her throat cracked calling your name. You didn't lift my call. I lied to you that mom passed through suicide because of dad's loss grief, because I wanted to protect you from this guilt that the reason was you." Nyhan said with grieved accusation, "But the truth was that… mom wasn't well and she missed you so much and she died missing you, in her expiation."
Ryan was frozen and traumatized. He felt as if a big boulder had been dropped on his heart. He mumbled incoherently.
"Sorry Hilary, I lied to you too about my mom's death," Nyhan looked at her,
"No..." Ryan's eyes filled and pictures of his mom and how she used to request him to visit them on calls and texts came drifting in his mind, but those were the few times and the last times.
"I didn't say or reveal to Julyan or Lyan that I had killed you… but strangely I felt guilty for their sadness. They missed you so much, especially Lyan… I love them so please do me a favor and don't tell them I tried killing you. Please…" Nyhan said imploringly in maelstrom.
"Don't you worry, I will definitely tell them the each detail," Hilary cursed,
"Hilary!" Ryan held her hand to stop her from telling anything further offensive,
Nyhan eased slightly but he wasn't sure if Hilary would remain quiet. She was likely to reveal up the things secretly later.
"Mom loved you too, but I loved mom more. Couldn't live without her. Had to ease her soul by punishing you. You got lupus soon and I thought it was your punishment but I wanted mom to meet you, so I'd to send you there."
Ryan was breath-struck at the tragedy.
"I know it sounds so crazy and completely wrong, but I've placed my reasons clearly in front of you, now, Ryan," Nyhan admitted,
Hilary held Ryan who was shaking and losing his equilibrium. "Ryan, get back." Hilary shook him.
"This is the truth Hilary, and the truth is always bitter. What I've done might be wrong but I've reason ... but what reasons you've for ignoring us, Ryan? You could have just come and met, burying the past for sometime" Nyhan pointed. Hilary gulped in nausea and strange guilt.
Ryan gasped in horror. "Mom died because of you. I regretted after I tried killing you even though I was sure that though mom would hate me, but I thought that she can at least meet you in heaven," Nyhan said holding Ryan.
"I'm sorry Ryan, I'm really sorry for what I did. Don't forgive me for this, but neither I'm gonna forgive you for mom,"
"I just want to ask you the reason why you did this to me, Nyhan?" Ryan mumbled subconsciously,
"I always thought that your distances from us, took mom away. She died missing you and craving for your forgiveness. I wanted to avenge you. At the same time, I wanted mom to meet you. I know it sounds crazy and ridiculous but you've no idea what I've gone through…" Nyhan looked in Ryan's eyes, "Ryan, you were away…But I… I saw mom dying right in front of me, you've no idea how I've felt. I wasn't jealous of your anything. I was just angry that you weren't with us," Nyhan said reproachfully, "I'm sorry, I was wrong."
Hilary was stunned at each word Nyhan spoke. He wasn't lying and it was clear.
Ryan was still when the police officers took Nyhan locking him in handcuffs.
Nyhan was put behind the bars after Hilary filed a case on him with proofs. Nyhan was guilty and he couldn't meet Ryan's eyes when he was taken.
Ryan felt dejected at the thought of his mother. He was just a step away from meeting his mother till Tala took him with him. He would have died and met his mother in skies. Nyhan got a bail nonetheless after a month when Ryan couldn't take the grief any longer. Hilary accepted.
The brothers re-united and Nyhan started working again in the hospital. Remember, Nyhan was actually a Surgeon and elder than Ryan.
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Margot and Delia never knew about Nyhan and his role in Ryan's death. When Hilary told them that Ryan was alive, she just made some story but didn't say anything about Nyhan because she really didn't want to hurt Delia. Delia confessed Nyhan just after few days when Hilary told about Ryan- that he was alive. Nyhan told Delia that he had a vague idea about her crush on him and he had liked her too, and that's the reasons he showed up in hospitals pretending to have some stupid anorexia or sleeplessness, just to meet her. He would spend nights texting her and exchanging chats. He wasn't lying or cheating at her. He liked Delia genuinely and subconsciously from start but he had so many other things to live for first. He nonetheless accepted Delia. Delia was slightly embarrassed at this revelation but he covered the moment with a grin and hug.
"I haven't said anything about Nyhan to Delia. Your brother is a good person, might be like you said." Hilary said to Ryan one night as they lied on the bed.
"You don't want Delia to be hurt, do you?" Ryan asked,
"No. I made some story for your case. Delia is gonna confess him tomorrow. I just hope he reciprocates," Hilary sighed. Ryan placed an arm on her chest and pulled her closer, "They will be fine, trust me,"
"Hope so," Hilary dug her head into his chest, snuggling close.
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"I'm not sure if you feel the same way but I'd liked you for quite some time now," Delia said rubbing her fingers against each other. Nyhan gave an infectious smile.
"Its fine. So you just like me?" Nyhan asked in honesty.
"Nope, I love you, just like how Hilary loves Ryan," Delia said meeting his eyes, her nerves shooting adrenaline in her veins.
Nyhan rolled his eyes, "I guess we urgently need to fix some time to go out together, then." Nyhan winked.
"Really?" Delia blushed and she couldn't believe her ears. Her heart leapt in joy. She smiled fully.
"You look cute when you smile," Nyhan scratched his head. Delia looked away bushing harder.
"Um where are you going?" Delia asked,
"To take keys of my car from Ryan so that I could take you somewhere,"
"I take that as you love me back?" Delia mumbled but Nyhan heard. He suddenly kissed her on forehead, "Must have got your answer now, sweetheart," Nyhan chuckled before he disappeared.
"Damn," Delia mumbled.
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Ryan and Hilary worked in Florida in the same hospital of their Medical university and both lived in Tala's old house initially. Later they had shifted to one of their hostel's rooms. They had planned for their wedding next year. Till then, they thought to sum up cash for their future and make some career first. Hilary didn't object. She was fine. They dated for almost one year and Ryan never ever did anything to upset Hilary. Their relationship has gradually smoothened. He was glad he had chosen the perfect girl for him and Hilary eventually got him. There was nothing more she'd asked for. Fate played with her, maybe, but in the end, it was just perfect and sufficient. She forgot Kai with time and focused her new life with Ryan.
I've fought with death to be with you, don't you ever leave me.
A/N:
Sorry, I think the epilogue should have been more detailed and better written, I'm not satisfied with this but just here it is, whatever. I'm DONE. I still believe the epilogue of 'Hold me in the rain' was much better written and in a more precise and conclusive way. Anyway, everything is fine and clear with TyAsh part, and as for Raul, yep he ended up with Zane, Kai with Rose like hinted. I've left Ray's part just simply to have readers to think about it.
There's a long A/N below, so you might skip it if you want to.
As for Ryan's part, I hope the reasons and things have been clearly laid now and there's not much of confusion here. Ryan's mom didn't die of suicide, it was just her health issues and the woes of being harsh with her son and missing him. Ryan was unaware and much like narrated in Flashbacks, he lived in fears in his childhood and late age in Austin, thus his reasons were valid for rarely leaving Florida for Austin during his college life. Nyhan's crime was based on his emotional storm of anger and loss of mother. Oh yes, I wouldn't disagree that he was wrong, of course. Anyway, they are brothers, they had to eventually forgive each other and unite back, that's how blood-relations usually work. Right? Also Nyhan ended up with Delia like hinted.
That's all for the conclusion and summary I guess. This story is officially over. I will be anyway posting series of one-shots extensions for BTTY soon, so you can see more of RyanHil aftermath, like how it worked out after proper confession, because we didn't see that quite properly, right? I'd few ideas like shots for Raul, Julia and Zane's part; Ellie's point of views as a growing kid; Delia and Nyhan's part; Kai and Rose's aftermath; some team reunions as well and battles probably? And maybe some TyAsh shots, even though there was enough of them in the story. I've quite of RyanHil shots already written and I absolutely loved writing them so I might post them soon.
Author's personal thoughts on the story and behind the scenes: My most favorite pairing as you can, was TyAsh throughout this story followed by RyanHil. To be honest, when I first started writing this story in back in 2018, I had planned a TyHil ending by/due to worsening TyAsh relationship in late chapters (You Changed, A fragile Relationship) Remember those chapters? There was supposed to be some incompatibility between TyAsh due to friendship of TyHil. Plus, there was supposed to be strong hatred for Hilary by Ryan and slight negative role of him after his second appearance in twist. This was because of him believing Hilary leaving him in his final days of his supposed demise years back. Because remember Hilary went to Japan in emergency those days due to Grandpa's unstable health. Both these things would have eventually led Tyson to be alone once again and Hilary as well to be separated and hurt by Ryan. Therefore it would have brought their friendship to another level, and they would have ended together. On the other side, Ash would have gone back to Raul and Raul would have accepted her seeing her alone and disappointed once again in life.
But as I felt in the flow, these ideas seemed useless to me, and I genuinely wrote what I felt true. I paired Ryan with Hilary after I wrote Flashbacks for them. They sounded to be sweet and were meant to be. And Ryan wasn't the type of person to 'hate' Hilary for long just because of that little thing. I always had intuition while writing that Kai would never be paired but as I wrote of Rose in initials I had some instincts that Rose should appear once again in story and fulfil Kai's empty life with some deserved happiness and mold him to a better being. Oh, but I never thought of pairing Kai with Hils ahmn.
These were the things which I thought once and would have written. I don't know if any of you believe in those ideas or anything. I just wanted to share this because often authors doesn't get a chance to express their back thoughts and alternatives of the story in front of the audience, especially when its a a long tale and novel. I feel so open now when I've shared my thoughts with you. One more thing, in my actual plot, Kai never apologized Tyson or realized his mistakes ever. The changes made in his role is attributed to my flow and writing late chapters.
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If you'd like to see anything else or if you've any ideas for me to write in the sequel-shots, do tell me in reviews or PMs! I will give it a try!
AND FINALLY, thanks SO much to all the readers for reading and reviewers for telling their thoughts and views! That definitely have meant a lot throughout my journey of BTTY! I do have my favorite reviewers in my mind, but I will just shut up for the sake of equality in love for all of you, XD
Bye,
~Simy.