This story was written by Yuki-Obsidian and Mixe, over AIM. It is an ongoing rpg, which contains, or will contain in the future: yaoi, nudity, violence, angst, coarse language, pointless fluff, love triangles, insane humour...all that fun stuff! *wink*
Mixe plays Kai, Max, Kenny, Dizzi, Lei, and Kevin.
Yuki_Obsidian plays Rei, Tyson, Gary, Mariah, and Mr Dickenson.
Additional characters will be alotted out as we get to them. As mentioned, this is a work in progress, and we're nice people on our good days, so any requests will most likely be incorporated, unless they really suck. *grin*
Disclaimer: We don't own 'em, and we don't have anything valuable, so don't bother suing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 5: Mints & Cons Make Kai... Something...Something
Kids gather round to watch the match, expecting to see the local beyblade champion wipe the floor with these two new challengers. The large boy smirked, playing it up for the crowd. "We'll just see who goes home crying! I'll take both of you at once!!" His laughed cruelly. "Make it a little more fair, since you both look so pathetic!"
Rei glanced over at Kai from the corner of his eye, and noticing that the bluenette was looking away, he stopped licking the cone. He could already feel his tongue begin to swell and he didn't want to make it worse by eating more ice cream. He looked up when he saw a bunch of kids run down the street to where the beyblading alley was and he immediately knew that it had to do with Max and Tyson. Those two always seemed to draw a crowd. Hopefully it wouldn't get out of hand like it usually did.
"Pathetic? You'll be the pathetic one in just a minute, buddy!" Tyson said as he loaded his beyblade then held it out. After the countdown, he pulled the cord and watched as his blade shot into the dish. "Let 'errrrrrrr rrrrrip! Let's take this guy down, Max!"
"Right with ya, buddy!!" Max laughed, before yelling, "LET ERRRRRR RRRRIIIPPPP!!!!!" and launching his Draciel into the dish as well. Remembering they were supposed to lose at first he bit back his impulse to yell an attack order to his bit beast and instead shouted, "OH YEAH!!! Gonna take you down now! Go.....Greeny!" Confused, his Draciel began wobbling and spinning irratically around the rim of the dish. "Oh no..." Max said, in a very fake, sad voice. "What's happening? My beyblade is spinning out of control! Darn!" He flashed a quick grin and victory sign at Tyson before adding, "I think I'm going to lose!"
"Of course you're gonna lose!" their opponent sneered. "You're no match for me, little boys! Go back to your daycare before I break your little toys to pieces!"
The yelling increased, and Kai rose to his feet. "Damnit!" he hissed. "I'm going to kill those two.."he muttered, before turning to face Rei. "We better go bail them out before they get in trouble, or worse, ruin the reputation of the BladeBreakers. Are you coming?" he asked, shifting form one foot to the other, anxious to beat some sense into the less mature members of his team. Again. "Or" he suddenly asked less harshly, with an attempt at a kind smile, "do you want to finish you ice cream first?"
"C'mon Beyblade! Bash that other one and knock him out!" Tyson called out, as his Dragoon shot towards the other Beyblade, but ended up missing and shooting right out of the dish. "Oh no!" he cried out as he grabbed his hat and tossed it onto the ground. "I lost! This sucks! I thought I was really good too! I think I'm gonna cry!"
Rei looked up at Kai then back to his ice cream which was melting onto his hand right now. He made a small face before getting to his feet and pointing in the direction of the fighting. His tongue was fairly swollen now, so he couldn't talk without sounding like a complete fool, so he opted for not talking at all.
Kai nodded and headed towards the gathering crowd, not even noticing his companion's silence. His growing anger was distracting him, as he heard Tyson's voice calling loudly that he had lost. "You better not have..." he growled, as he began pushing other kids aside so he and Rei could get through to the dish and the idiots surrounding it. He followed Max's hyper voice like a lion on the hunt.
"Don't cry! I might still beat him!" Max said, rubbing Tyson's back. "Oh no!" he exclaimed as his blade shot itself out of the dish and flew through the crowd to strike a large, angry looking boy in the forehead. "Uh oh....." Max's voice lost it's usual laughing edge as he easily recognized Draciel's victim. "Kai?" he gulped.
"Arrrrr......MAAAXXXXX!!!!!!!" Kai's angry shout sent the younger children around him scattering, as he grabbed his forehead and, charging foreward, used his other hand to grab the smaller boy by his overall straps. "You're dead! What do you think you're doing?!?! Huh?! Losing to this idiot??!!!"
"Calm down Kai! We lost on purpose! Honestly! We were going to try and win some money to buy some new blade pieces in town! So you wouldn't have to give us money again."
Kai blinked, his jaw hanging open "What?" he finally sputtered. "WHAT?!?! YOU LOST ON PURPOSE!!!!??!?!?!!!"
"Uhh... Kai! Rei! What are you two doing here?" Tyson asked as he put his hat back on his head then went over to retrieve his beyblade, immediately putting it back in his pocket before going to Max's side to try and pull him away from Kai. "C'mon Kai! It was a real good idea. We were gonna lose some battles so that these kids thought we sucked, then bet a whole lot of money then win. I don't see why you're so uptight 'bout it. We're saving you money, right Rei?"
Rei looked at him and crossed his arms against his chest before shaking his head no. He knew that Kai didn't like the idea because it made them look bad, like they were untrustworthy pieces of dirt... it didn't matter if they were making money or not.
"C'mon Rei! Say something! Don't tell me you're so mad that you're giving us the silent treatment. That's just not cool. You're supposed to protect us from Kai, that's why we keep you around!" Tyson exclaimed without thinking again.
Rei frowned before looking away from them. He knew that wasn't true but still... it was a mean thing to say.
Kai's eyes narrowed and he threw Max aside and into the dish to stalk towards Tyson with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "There is nothing 'cool' about conning people like that! You give the whole team a bad name by doing so! And don't EVER speak to Rei like that again! He's a more vital part of the team then you are, and a lot more honourable and respectable too! If he feels too sickened to speak to you, then you should be mad at yourself, not him! You should have more pride in your team and yourself than to behave like that! I expect a certain degree of stupidity from Max, but you really have to grow up Tyson! Or else I might have to consider replacing you." Turning he shot a glance at where Max lay half dazed in the dish. "Both of you!"
Turning sharply on his heels, he walked back to Rei, placed a hand on his shoulder to squeeze it gently, then continued back towards the road. He was actually fond of those two, as a big brother would be attached to his younger brothers, and felt bad when he knew he had hurt or upset them, but deep in his heart, he knew how dangerous the world could be. If they were going to make it on thier own, they would have to toughen up, and he knew he was the best person to do it. As bad as he felt, he would only feel worse if they got hurt by someone else.
Even if Tyson wanted to, there was no way he'd be able to reply to anything Kai said because by the time the bluenette was finally done talking, he was heading down the road again. Tyson clenched his fists tightly by his sides, eyes staring at the older boy's retreating back. That Kai! Why'd he have to make sure a big deal over everything! Who cares if he was their captain. Why couldn't he take a lil joke? He hadn't meant what he said about Rei.... and why was Kai so upset about it anyways? Did he like Rei or something?
Tyson stuck his tongue out before hopping into the dish and offering Max his hand. "You okay, buddy?"
Rei smiled a little when Kai squeezed his shoulder then turned to watch as Kai walked away. He wasn't sure if Kai wanted company or if he wanted to be alone right now... maybe it would be best to leave him alone, then he wouldn't have to worry about talking with his swollen tongue.
Max grabbed Tyson hand and pulled himself out of the dish, rubbing his head slowly. "Why does he always have to get so upset....." he whined quietly. "That really hurt." Pouting, the blonde stared in the direction Kai had went, before shaking his head, and turning his attention to the remaining BladeBreakers.
"You ok Tyson? Rei?" he asked quietly, turning his gaze to the Chinese youth. "Why did he get so upset? We were just having a little fun.... I wish he would let us explain for once instead of just hitting us," he said, rubbing his messy hair with a frown. "Why don't you ever take our side? You know we didn't mean to make you guys look bad! We were just fooling around. Maybe you could talk to him, Rei? Explain for us?"
"Yeah Rei! How come you always side with Kai now? What's with that? You were always on our side before, protecting us from him and stopping all the fights but now... you're always with Kai! Stick up for us Rei and tell us what's going on!" Tyson exclaimed, not even realizing that he hadn't let go of Max's hand yet.
Rei was quiet. How was he supposed to explain anything when he couldn't talk. He put a hand over his mouth, then shook his head no before pointing to his mouth, trying to tell them that he couldn't talk right now.
"Huh?" Max cocked his head to the side. "What's wrong Rei? You feel sick?" Max edged closer, dragging Tyson with him by the hand. When he was only a few steps from the Chinese blader he looked him over curiously. "Tell us what's wrong Rei, so we can help! Are you going to be sick? Are..." Max paused a moment, mouth open, before his eyes dropped and he said quietly, "We're making you sick? Is that what you're trying to say? Just like Kai said? Rei....." The blonde turned his face away and bit his lip. It was bad enough being insulted by Kai everyday, but now even Rei was ashamed of him?
Rei's eyes widened and he waved his hands, trying to say that it wasn't true. Since Max was looking away, he reached out, hand going beneath his chin and moving it so they were looking at eachother again. He shook his head no again before tapping him playfully on the nose and smiling.
"Okay..." Tyson said, obviously confused with what was going on. "If you ain't feelin' sick, Rei, then why aren't you talking? This reminds me of the time Max shoved that mint into your mouth and you couldn't talk for a couple of hours cuz your tongue was so swollen! That was too funny!"
Rei frowned before crossing his arms against his chest again and looking away. It hadn't been -that- funny... least not at the time.
Max smiled, wiped at his face quickly just in case a few tears had slipped free, then laughed at the memory. "Yeah...that was pretty funny. Well, at least me and Tyson thought so. Remember how mad you were once you were able to talk, Rei? And Kai was all panicked, but trying not to show it." Max grinned, then suddenly gasped. "Hey!! Is that why you're not talking??" His eyes light up. "You're trying to make Kai worry about you so he'll stop picking on us! Wow Rei! Thanks!!!" Dropping Tyson's hand. Max impulsively hugged the older boy. "Hey, you sorta smell like mint. You really think of everything when you play pranks, don't you?"
Rei mentally sighed but patted Max's back when he was hugged. If they thought he was just acting this, then that would be okay because they'd have to reason to tease or laugh at him. He snapped his fingers, pretending to be upset that the two of them had been able to figure his plan out before flashing them the victory sign. Maybe this plan could work... if Kai were still around.
"That is so cool, Rei! Kai will totally forget about us once he hears about you! He'll be all worried and fussing over you so he won't even care what we do! Thanks Rei!" Tyson grinned as he smacked him on the back. "You're a good friend!"
Max laughed, then began running after Kai. "C'mon guys! Let's go find Kai before Rei's pants air out. We need him to smell like mint so that Kai'll buy the story!" Grinning, he disappeared into the slowly dispersing crowd.
Nearby, Kai was staring listlessly off into space, trying to think of a way to go back and get Rei without having to deal with Tyson's temper and Max's sad face. He already felt guilty enough, he didn't want to risk apologizing and losing his reputation as a tough guy. Sighing, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the bridge railing over looking the river that cut through the town. Why did being team captain have to be so hard?!
Rei showed no signs of going anywhere because he didn't want Kai to be reminded of his mint allergy, it would only make the blunette feel bad since it was his ice cream in the first place.
Tyson looked back at Rei when he noticed that the chinese boy wasn't behind him anymore. "Rei? Aren't ya coming?" he asked before grinning. "Oh! I get it! You're gonna stay back here so that it will make ya look like you're real sick and don't feel good enough to walk! Good idea! We'll go get Kai, you stay here!" he said before running after Max as they went in search of Kai.
"KAI!!!!" Kai looked up and blinked when he saw Max running towards him with Tyson right behind him. "They sure got over being mad fast," he muttered to himself, before pushing himself off the railing and stepping forward to block their path, arms crossed across his chest. Max was running too fast to curb his momentum, and Kai saw this and braced himself just as the hyper blonde crashed into him. Max began to fall backwards, but Kai reached out to grab his overall straps and tug him back onto his feet. "What's going on?" he said, eyeing both boys, without releasing the younger one. "And where's Rei?" he added, noting the Chinese boy's absence with a frown.
"Rei's sick! You gotta come quick!" Max exclaimed, throwing a glance behind him. "Isn't that right, Tyson?" he added, with a playful smirk only the other boy could see.
Tyson came to a stop just behind Max, and pressed his hands against his knees as he fought to regain his breath. Once he did, he looked up at Kai and nodded. "Yeah! Rei's real sick! That's why he was so quiet back there. He ain't looking too good, Kai, so me and Max knew that we hadta come and get you since you're the captain and all..."
Kai blanched, and let go of Max, only to grab Tyson. "What?!!? What happened?! What's wrong?!? Where is he?! Take me there!!!" He shook the smaller boy roughly as he barraged him with questions, not even waiting long enough for Tyson to answer any of them, and growing more franctic as the seconds passed. "WHERE?!?!"
Max spoke up. "Calm down, Kai! We'll take you! That's why we came! C'mon," he said, tugging at the boy's scarf. "He's back at the dish you pushed me in." Max began to run back there, but was pushed aside as Kai darted ahead, running full out back to the beyblade alley. Max sat up slowly and frowned. "I think I scraped my knee," he pouted, fingering the torn material of his orange overalls. "These are my favorite pants too..." he sighed, then grinned, "but at least Kai bought the story, right Tyson? Let's hurry before we miss the good stuff!"
Tyson had to fight back the urge to yell at Kai as he was shook, but he was glad that their plan was going off without a hitch. As Kai ran off, he went over and crouched down beside Max, gently rubbing the blonde's scrapped knee as he smiled at him. "Kai totally bought it and I gotta admit, I think it worked better then we planned. Kai's real worried 'bout Rei, kinda weird since he doesn't really like anyone, but he likes Rei... aww well." Tyson got back to his feet and pulled Max up too. "Let's go! I wanna see what happens!"
Rei had moved away from the dish since some of the children had returned to Beyblade again. The chinese boy went over and sat against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest and resting his forehead on his knees. How did he get wrapped into this? Once Kai found out that it was his fault then he'd probably try to push himself away again, and Rei didn't want to lose Kai now that he seemed to have him.
Kai scanned the bladers in the alley quickly before spotting Rei against the wall with his head buried in his arms. He felt a stab of fear in his chest, and ran towards the boy, shoving anyone nearby out of his way without even thinking. All he could concentrate on was the fact that Rei was hurt, he needed his help.
"REI!" he screamed as he drew near. "Rei! Are you ok?" he asked in a worried voice, and he dropped to his knees next to the Chinese boy and grabbed his face in his hands to gently tilt it up. His eyes caught Rei's and he peered at him intently, trying to discern if his friend was in pain or not. "What happened?" he asked quickly, eyes wide with concern, and voice full of emotion. He didn't care who heard, all he cared about was Rei. His reputation was nothing compared to the other boy's welfare. "What can I do? Do you need me to carry you to a hospital? Please tell me, Rei! What's wrong? What hurts? I'm so worried!"
Max caught the boy's words and gasped, shocked to see Kai exhibiting such raw and powerful feelings. He hadn't even thought Kai -knew- how to care about anyone besides himself. He shot Tyson a worried look, beginning to feel guilty for tricking Kai. The older boy was so worried! What would happen when he found out they were all just trying to fool him?
Rei's eyes met Kai's and you could tell that something was wrong. Whenever this happened before, he had to go to the doctor's to get a shot, just to help speed the process along and since Kai was so worried about him, then maybe he'd go and get that done this time too. He brought his hand up, pointed to his neck then shook his head , trying to tell Kai that he couldn't speak. He knew the bluenette would get it sooner then Max and Tyson had and at least he wouldn't make jokes about it. Rei then reached out and took one of Kai's hands to give it a squeeze, letting him know that he didn't have to worry so much... even though it did feel awful nice.
Tyson glanced over at Max before looking back at Kai and Rei. For some reason, it almost seemed like Rei wasn't acting... it seemed too much like the last time for it to be a prank. His eyes widened when he realized that and he looked up at Max. "I don't think Rei is acting, Maxie..."
Max blinked. "You think...he really is sick?" The blonde grew paler, and edged closer to Tyson. "But why would he have eaten another mint though, if he knew how his body would react? It doesn't make any sense."
Kai immediately understood Rei's body language and gestures. "You can't talk," he translated aloud, as he squeezed the other boy's hand back as much to comfort himself as his friend. "Ok, let me guess then. You hurt your throat? You can't be choking..." His mind quickly raced through the other possible reasons for Rei's silence, and his eyes suddenly widened with realization. "The mint!! I gave you mint ice cream!! Oh CRAP!!"
Max gasped as Kai cursed, and the older boy threw a dirty look over his shoulder. "Don't just stand there!" he exclaimed, as he reached into his pocket, withdrew his wallet, and threw it to the smaller boy. "Go get Rei some water, so he can rinse his mouth." Max fumbled for the wallet, then quickly ran to the nearest foodstand. While he waited, Kai pressed Rei with more questions.
"Do you need any medicine? Back in the hotel maybe? Or do you need me to take you to a hospital? Just nod ok?" Max returned then and Kai impatiently grabbed the bottle, tore off the cap, and held it to Rei's lips. "Here, try to drink some. Maybe if you rinse your mouth a few times it will help. I'm so sorry Rei. I didn't remember...I didn't even think! This is all my fault. I'm so sorry," he repeated, avoiding the other boy's gaze. He felt terrible. Even worse then when he knew he had hurt Tyson, or Kenny, or Max. He cared about Rei more then anything, and the knowledge that he had risked the other boy's health so carelessly tore at his heart and consicious. He would never escape the guilt if anything happened to any of them that he could have prevented, but to have caused it himself........
Kai blinked quickly, ashamed in himself, more than by the tears beginning to gather in the corners of his eyes. He gripped Rei's hand tightly and said again, voice cracking, "I'm sorry, Rei."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, it looks like some of you actually like this fic! We've got nothing but good reviews so far but we want more cuz we're greedy Canadians who feed of good reviews! So keep on reviewing! We love reading them ^_^ The more you review, the faster the next chapter gets up!
Mixe plays Kai, Max, Kenny, Dizzi, Lei, and Kevin.
Yuki_Obsidian plays Rei, Tyson, Gary, Mariah, and Mr Dickenson.
Additional characters will be alotted out as we get to them. As mentioned, this is a work in progress, and we're nice people on our good days, so any requests will most likely be incorporated, unless they really suck. *grin*
Disclaimer: We don't own 'em, and we don't have anything valuable, so don't bother suing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 5: Mints & Cons Make Kai... Something...Something
Kids gather round to watch the match, expecting to see the local beyblade champion wipe the floor with these two new challengers. The large boy smirked, playing it up for the crowd. "We'll just see who goes home crying! I'll take both of you at once!!" His laughed cruelly. "Make it a little more fair, since you both look so pathetic!"
Rei glanced over at Kai from the corner of his eye, and noticing that the bluenette was looking away, he stopped licking the cone. He could already feel his tongue begin to swell and he didn't want to make it worse by eating more ice cream. He looked up when he saw a bunch of kids run down the street to where the beyblading alley was and he immediately knew that it had to do with Max and Tyson. Those two always seemed to draw a crowd. Hopefully it wouldn't get out of hand like it usually did.
"Pathetic? You'll be the pathetic one in just a minute, buddy!" Tyson said as he loaded his beyblade then held it out. After the countdown, he pulled the cord and watched as his blade shot into the dish. "Let 'errrrrrrr rrrrrip! Let's take this guy down, Max!"
"Right with ya, buddy!!" Max laughed, before yelling, "LET ERRRRRR RRRRIIIPPPP!!!!!" and launching his Draciel into the dish as well. Remembering they were supposed to lose at first he bit back his impulse to yell an attack order to his bit beast and instead shouted, "OH YEAH!!! Gonna take you down now! Go.....Greeny!" Confused, his Draciel began wobbling and spinning irratically around the rim of the dish. "Oh no..." Max said, in a very fake, sad voice. "What's happening? My beyblade is spinning out of control! Darn!" He flashed a quick grin and victory sign at Tyson before adding, "I think I'm going to lose!"
"Of course you're gonna lose!" their opponent sneered. "You're no match for me, little boys! Go back to your daycare before I break your little toys to pieces!"
The yelling increased, and Kai rose to his feet. "Damnit!" he hissed. "I'm going to kill those two.."he muttered, before turning to face Rei. "We better go bail them out before they get in trouble, or worse, ruin the reputation of the BladeBreakers. Are you coming?" he asked, shifting form one foot to the other, anxious to beat some sense into the less mature members of his team. Again. "Or" he suddenly asked less harshly, with an attempt at a kind smile, "do you want to finish you ice cream first?"
"C'mon Beyblade! Bash that other one and knock him out!" Tyson called out, as his Dragoon shot towards the other Beyblade, but ended up missing and shooting right out of the dish. "Oh no!" he cried out as he grabbed his hat and tossed it onto the ground. "I lost! This sucks! I thought I was really good too! I think I'm gonna cry!"
Rei looked up at Kai then back to his ice cream which was melting onto his hand right now. He made a small face before getting to his feet and pointing in the direction of the fighting. His tongue was fairly swollen now, so he couldn't talk without sounding like a complete fool, so he opted for not talking at all.
Kai nodded and headed towards the gathering crowd, not even noticing his companion's silence. His growing anger was distracting him, as he heard Tyson's voice calling loudly that he had lost. "You better not have..." he growled, as he began pushing other kids aside so he and Rei could get through to the dish and the idiots surrounding it. He followed Max's hyper voice like a lion on the hunt.
"Don't cry! I might still beat him!" Max said, rubbing Tyson's back. "Oh no!" he exclaimed as his blade shot itself out of the dish and flew through the crowd to strike a large, angry looking boy in the forehead. "Uh oh....." Max's voice lost it's usual laughing edge as he easily recognized Draciel's victim. "Kai?" he gulped.
"Arrrrr......MAAAXXXXX!!!!!!!" Kai's angry shout sent the younger children around him scattering, as he grabbed his forehead and, charging foreward, used his other hand to grab the smaller boy by his overall straps. "You're dead! What do you think you're doing?!?! Huh?! Losing to this idiot??!!!"
"Calm down Kai! We lost on purpose! Honestly! We were going to try and win some money to buy some new blade pieces in town! So you wouldn't have to give us money again."
Kai blinked, his jaw hanging open "What?" he finally sputtered. "WHAT?!?! YOU LOST ON PURPOSE!!!!??!?!?!!!"
"Uhh... Kai! Rei! What are you two doing here?" Tyson asked as he put his hat back on his head then went over to retrieve his beyblade, immediately putting it back in his pocket before going to Max's side to try and pull him away from Kai. "C'mon Kai! It was a real good idea. We were gonna lose some battles so that these kids thought we sucked, then bet a whole lot of money then win. I don't see why you're so uptight 'bout it. We're saving you money, right Rei?"
Rei looked at him and crossed his arms against his chest before shaking his head no. He knew that Kai didn't like the idea because it made them look bad, like they were untrustworthy pieces of dirt... it didn't matter if they were making money or not.
"C'mon Rei! Say something! Don't tell me you're so mad that you're giving us the silent treatment. That's just not cool. You're supposed to protect us from Kai, that's why we keep you around!" Tyson exclaimed without thinking again.
Rei frowned before looking away from them. He knew that wasn't true but still... it was a mean thing to say.
Kai's eyes narrowed and he threw Max aside and into the dish to stalk towards Tyson with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "There is nothing 'cool' about conning people like that! You give the whole team a bad name by doing so! And don't EVER speak to Rei like that again! He's a more vital part of the team then you are, and a lot more honourable and respectable too! If he feels too sickened to speak to you, then you should be mad at yourself, not him! You should have more pride in your team and yourself than to behave like that! I expect a certain degree of stupidity from Max, but you really have to grow up Tyson! Or else I might have to consider replacing you." Turning he shot a glance at where Max lay half dazed in the dish. "Both of you!"
Turning sharply on his heels, he walked back to Rei, placed a hand on his shoulder to squeeze it gently, then continued back towards the road. He was actually fond of those two, as a big brother would be attached to his younger brothers, and felt bad when he knew he had hurt or upset them, but deep in his heart, he knew how dangerous the world could be. If they were going to make it on thier own, they would have to toughen up, and he knew he was the best person to do it. As bad as he felt, he would only feel worse if they got hurt by someone else.
Even if Tyson wanted to, there was no way he'd be able to reply to anything Kai said because by the time the bluenette was finally done talking, he was heading down the road again. Tyson clenched his fists tightly by his sides, eyes staring at the older boy's retreating back. That Kai! Why'd he have to make sure a big deal over everything! Who cares if he was their captain. Why couldn't he take a lil joke? He hadn't meant what he said about Rei.... and why was Kai so upset about it anyways? Did he like Rei or something?
Tyson stuck his tongue out before hopping into the dish and offering Max his hand. "You okay, buddy?"
Rei smiled a little when Kai squeezed his shoulder then turned to watch as Kai walked away. He wasn't sure if Kai wanted company or if he wanted to be alone right now... maybe it would be best to leave him alone, then he wouldn't have to worry about talking with his swollen tongue.
Max grabbed Tyson hand and pulled himself out of the dish, rubbing his head slowly. "Why does he always have to get so upset....." he whined quietly. "That really hurt." Pouting, the blonde stared in the direction Kai had went, before shaking his head, and turning his attention to the remaining BladeBreakers.
"You ok Tyson? Rei?" he asked quietly, turning his gaze to the Chinese youth. "Why did he get so upset? We were just having a little fun.... I wish he would let us explain for once instead of just hitting us," he said, rubbing his messy hair with a frown. "Why don't you ever take our side? You know we didn't mean to make you guys look bad! We were just fooling around. Maybe you could talk to him, Rei? Explain for us?"
"Yeah Rei! How come you always side with Kai now? What's with that? You were always on our side before, protecting us from him and stopping all the fights but now... you're always with Kai! Stick up for us Rei and tell us what's going on!" Tyson exclaimed, not even realizing that he hadn't let go of Max's hand yet.
Rei was quiet. How was he supposed to explain anything when he couldn't talk. He put a hand over his mouth, then shook his head no before pointing to his mouth, trying to tell them that he couldn't talk right now.
"Huh?" Max cocked his head to the side. "What's wrong Rei? You feel sick?" Max edged closer, dragging Tyson with him by the hand. When he was only a few steps from the Chinese blader he looked him over curiously. "Tell us what's wrong Rei, so we can help! Are you going to be sick? Are..." Max paused a moment, mouth open, before his eyes dropped and he said quietly, "We're making you sick? Is that what you're trying to say? Just like Kai said? Rei....." The blonde turned his face away and bit his lip. It was bad enough being insulted by Kai everyday, but now even Rei was ashamed of him?
Rei's eyes widened and he waved his hands, trying to say that it wasn't true. Since Max was looking away, he reached out, hand going beneath his chin and moving it so they were looking at eachother again. He shook his head no again before tapping him playfully on the nose and smiling.
"Okay..." Tyson said, obviously confused with what was going on. "If you ain't feelin' sick, Rei, then why aren't you talking? This reminds me of the time Max shoved that mint into your mouth and you couldn't talk for a couple of hours cuz your tongue was so swollen! That was too funny!"
Rei frowned before crossing his arms against his chest again and looking away. It hadn't been -that- funny... least not at the time.
Max smiled, wiped at his face quickly just in case a few tears had slipped free, then laughed at the memory. "Yeah...that was pretty funny. Well, at least me and Tyson thought so. Remember how mad you were once you were able to talk, Rei? And Kai was all panicked, but trying not to show it." Max grinned, then suddenly gasped. "Hey!! Is that why you're not talking??" His eyes light up. "You're trying to make Kai worry about you so he'll stop picking on us! Wow Rei! Thanks!!!" Dropping Tyson's hand. Max impulsively hugged the older boy. "Hey, you sorta smell like mint. You really think of everything when you play pranks, don't you?"
Rei mentally sighed but patted Max's back when he was hugged. If they thought he was just acting this, then that would be okay because they'd have to reason to tease or laugh at him. He snapped his fingers, pretending to be upset that the two of them had been able to figure his plan out before flashing them the victory sign. Maybe this plan could work... if Kai were still around.
"That is so cool, Rei! Kai will totally forget about us once he hears about you! He'll be all worried and fussing over you so he won't even care what we do! Thanks Rei!" Tyson grinned as he smacked him on the back. "You're a good friend!"
Max laughed, then began running after Kai. "C'mon guys! Let's go find Kai before Rei's pants air out. We need him to smell like mint so that Kai'll buy the story!" Grinning, he disappeared into the slowly dispersing crowd.
Nearby, Kai was staring listlessly off into space, trying to think of a way to go back and get Rei without having to deal with Tyson's temper and Max's sad face. He already felt guilty enough, he didn't want to risk apologizing and losing his reputation as a tough guy. Sighing, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the bridge railing over looking the river that cut through the town. Why did being team captain have to be so hard?!
Rei showed no signs of going anywhere because he didn't want Kai to be reminded of his mint allergy, it would only make the blunette feel bad since it was his ice cream in the first place.
Tyson looked back at Rei when he noticed that the chinese boy wasn't behind him anymore. "Rei? Aren't ya coming?" he asked before grinning. "Oh! I get it! You're gonna stay back here so that it will make ya look like you're real sick and don't feel good enough to walk! Good idea! We'll go get Kai, you stay here!" he said before running after Max as they went in search of Kai.
"KAI!!!!" Kai looked up and blinked when he saw Max running towards him with Tyson right behind him. "They sure got over being mad fast," he muttered to himself, before pushing himself off the railing and stepping forward to block their path, arms crossed across his chest. Max was running too fast to curb his momentum, and Kai saw this and braced himself just as the hyper blonde crashed into him. Max began to fall backwards, but Kai reached out to grab his overall straps and tug him back onto his feet. "What's going on?" he said, eyeing both boys, without releasing the younger one. "And where's Rei?" he added, noting the Chinese boy's absence with a frown.
"Rei's sick! You gotta come quick!" Max exclaimed, throwing a glance behind him. "Isn't that right, Tyson?" he added, with a playful smirk only the other boy could see.
Tyson came to a stop just behind Max, and pressed his hands against his knees as he fought to regain his breath. Once he did, he looked up at Kai and nodded. "Yeah! Rei's real sick! That's why he was so quiet back there. He ain't looking too good, Kai, so me and Max knew that we hadta come and get you since you're the captain and all..."
Kai blanched, and let go of Max, only to grab Tyson. "What?!!? What happened?! What's wrong?!? Where is he?! Take me there!!!" He shook the smaller boy roughly as he barraged him with questions, not even waiting long enough for Tyson to answer any of them, and growing more franctic as the seconds passed. "WHERE?!?!"
Max spoke up. "Calm down, Kai! We'll take you! That's why we came! C'mon," he said, tugging at the boy's scarf. "He's back at the dish you pushed me in." Max began to run back there, but was pushed aside as Kai darted ahead, running full out back to the beyblade alley. Max sat up slowly and frowned. "I think I scraped my knee," he pouted, fingering the torn material of his orange overalls. "These are my favorite pants too..." he sighed, then grinned, "but at least Kai bought the story, right Tyson? Let's hurry before we miss the good stuff!"
Tyson had to fight back the urge to yell at Kai as he was shook, but he was glad that their plan was going off without a hitch. As Kai ran off, he went over and crouched down beside Max, gently rubbing the blonde's scrapped knee as he smiled at him. "Kai totally bought it and I gotta admit, I think it worked better then we planned. Kai's real worried 'bout Rei, kinda weird since he doesn't really like anyone, but he likes Rei... aww well." Tyson got back to his feet and pulled Max up too. "Let's go! I wanna see what happens!"
Rei had moved away from the dish since some of the children had returned to Beyblade again. The chinese boy went over and sat against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest and resting his forehead on his knees. How did he get wrapped into this? Once Kai found out that it was his fault then he'd probably try to push himself away again, and Rei didn't want to lose Kai now that he seemed to have him.
Kai scanned the bladers in the alley quickly before spotting Rei against the wall with his head buried in his arms. He felt a stab of fear in his chest, and ran towards the boy, shoving anyone nearby out of his way without even thinking. All he could concentrate on was the fact that Rei was hurt, he needed his help.
"REI!" he screamed as he drew near. "Rei! Are you ok?" he asked in a worried voice, and he dropped to his knees next to the Chinese boy and grabbed his face in his hands to gently tilt it up. His eyes caught Rei's and he peered at him intently, trying to discern if his friend was in pain or not. "What happened?" he asked quickly, eyes wide with concern, and voice full of emotion. He didn't care who heard, all he cared about was Rei. His reputation was nothing compared to the other boy's welfare. "What can I do? Do you need me to carry you to a hospital? Please tell me, Rei! What's wrong? What hurts? I'm so worried!"
Max caught the boy's words and gasped, shocked to see Kai exhibiting such raw and powerful feelings. He hadn't even thought Kai -knew- how to care about anyone besides himself. He shot Tyson a worried look, beginning to feel guilty for tricking Kai. The older boy was so worried! What would happen when he found out they were all just trying to fool him?
Rei's eyes met Kai's and you could tell that something was wrong. Whenever this happened before, he had to go to the doctor's to get a shot, just to help speed the process along and since Kai was so worried about him, then maybe he'd go and get that done this time too. He brought his hand up, pointed to his neck then shook his head , trying to tell Kai that he couldn't speak. He knew the bluenette would get it sooner then Max and Tyson had and at least he wouldn't make jokes about it. Rei then reached out and took one of Kai's hands to give it a squeeze, letting him know that he didn't have to worry so much... even though it did feel awful nice.
Tyson glanced over at Max before looking back at Kai and Rei. For some reason, it almost seemed like Rei wasn't acting... it seemed too much like the last time for it to be a prank. His eyes widened when he realized that and he looked up at Max. "I don't think Rei is acting, Maxie..."
Max blinked. "You think...he really is sick?" The blonde grew paler, and edged closer to Tyson. "But why would he have eaten another mint though, if he knew how his body would react? It doesn't make any sense."
Kai immediately understood Rei's body language and gestures. "You can't talk," he translated aloud, as he squeezed the other boy's hand back as much to comfort himself as his friend. "Ok, let me guess then. You hurt your throat? You can't be choking..." His mind quickly raced through the other possible reasons for Rei's silence, and his eyes suddenly widened with realization. "The mint!! I gave you mint ice cream!! Oh CRAP!!"
Max gasped as Kai cursed, and the older boy threw a dirty look over his shoulder. "Don't just stand there!" he exclaimed, as he reached into his pocket, withdrew his wallet, and threw it to the smaller boy. "Go get Rei some water, so he can rinse his mouth." Max fumbled for the wallet, then quickly ran to the nearest foodstand. While he waited, Kai pressed Rei with more questions.
"Do you need any medicine? Back in the hotel maybe? Or do you need me to take you to a hospital? Just nod ok?" Max returned then and Kai impatiently grabbed the bottle, tore off the cap, and held it to Rei's lips. "Here, try to drink some. Maybe if you rinse your mouth a few times it will help. I'm so sorry Rei. I didn't remember...I didn't even think! This is all my fault. I'm so sorry," he repeated, avoiding the other boy's gaze. He felt terrible. Even worse then when he knew he had hurt Tyson, or Kenny, or Max. He cared about Rei more then anything, and the knowledge that he had risked the other boy's health so carelessly tore at his heart and consicious. He would never escape the guilt if anything happened to any of them that he could have prevented, but to have caused it himself........
Kai blinked quickly, ashamed in himself, more than by the tears beginning to gather in the corners of his eyes. He gripped Rei's hand tightly and said again, voice cracking, "I'm sorry, Rei."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, it looks like some of you actually like this fic! We've got nothing but good reviews so far but we want more cuz we're greedy Canadians who feed of good reviews! So keep on reviewing! We love reading them ^_^ The more you review, the faster the next chapter gets up!