( Well, I'm back with another chapter...finally!!! Well, I don't have much
of anything to say...so I'll let you get on with the story. Remember
R&R...It makes me happy!)
Disclaimer: I honestly don't own Beyblade...but all the new characters are mine, so no stealing!(unless you ask me first!)
Chapter 14: Growing Closer
"I'm never going to get this out of my hair!"
Kenny was in a complete frenzy, as he gasped at the image reflecting back at him in the mirror. The ice cream, which Tyson so gracefully dropped on Kenny's head, had now melted. It was incredibly sticky, and it caused Kenny's hair to tangle up into huge mats!
"Chill out Kenny...I'll help you get it out!"
Tyson smiled, as Kenny looked at him with horror.
"No thank you Tyson," he replied instantly before Tyson could say anything else. "I'd like to have some hair left when I'm done!"
Max laughed and Jade smiled, as they heard Kenny's last remark. The four of them had immediately returned back to the hotel, more out of embarrassment then anything else. Naturally, a crowd had formed around their disaster scene and the three of them were not too eager to stick around. Tyson, on the otherhand, didn't seem to acknowledge the crowd as he tried to save every last ice cream scoop that he could!
"Awww...don't be such a poor sport Chief!"
Tyson replied, as he completely ignored everything that Kenny had said(as usual). He immediately began shoving a frantic Kenny into the bathroom, and closed the door behind him. Max and Jade were still able to hear the arguing voices of Kenny and Tyson, although they were rather muffled. Max shrugged, as he picked up a card from the deck. He scanned it over with his eyes, then sighed heavily.
"It's no use...I can't seem to win!"
Max threw the card down in frustration, and fell backwards onto the bed. Jade was laying a couple inches from him, as she cocked one of her eyebrows in curiosity.
"Which card is it?"
Max has started a game of solitaire on the bed, while Jade rested beside him. Max sighed, as he turned his head to face Jade.
"It's a five of spades."
Jade rolled her eyes, as she pushed herself up to a seated position. She too scanned the cards that were scattered on the bed, then slowly began to collect them in her hands.
"You're right...you can't win!" Jade shrugged, while giving Max a small smile. "Now its my turn."
Jade began to shuffle the deck of cards through her fingers, then started to scatter them out on the bed.
"TYSON!"
Max and Jade nearly had a heart attack, as they heard the devastating cry of Kenny. They looked at each other with curiosity, then shrugged as they headed towards the bathroom. Before either of them could grab the doorknob, Tyson suddenly burst out while slamming the door behind him.
"Oh...hey guys...how's it going?" Tyson replied, as he noticed Max and Jade staring at him. He began to scratch the back of his head nervously, hoping they wouldn't ask what happened.
"What just happened in there?" Max asked, as he studied Tyson.
"Uhhh...well...I guess Kenny didn't appreciate my help!"
"Yeah, we kind of assumed that from his screaming," Jade replied getting rather annoyed.
Tyson could only give an innocent sort of smile, as Max eyed him suspiciously.
"Tyson...what did you do!?"
Tyson couldn't handle the suspicious looks that he was getting, as he suddenly spilled out all the information.
"It's not my fault that the hair dye bottle looks so similar to the shampoo!"
Max and Jade stared at Tyson in shock, knowing exactly what he had done.
"Why would they have hair dye in a hotel room anyways!"
Max and Jade immediately burst in the bathroom and stopped dead in their tracks. They couldn't help but laugh...Tyson had definitely done it this time. The dye had worked...Kenny's hair was no longer brown...it was green! Kenny looked like the entire world had come crashing down on him, as he had his head buried in his hands. Max had no idea what to say, as he heard Jade speak up.
"Hey Kenny...it's not that bad." Jade replied, as she tried to be as comforting as she could.
"Yeah, I mean look at it this way...at least it matches your tie!"
Tyson announced, as he carefully peeked around the doorframe. Kenny heard the all too familiar voice of Tyson ring out, instantly causing his face to turn dark red.
"If it wasn't for you...I wouldn't be in this mess!" Kenny shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Ok...I think now would be a good time to leave!"
Jade and Max nodded in agreement, as they watched Tyson race out of the room.
"Tyson," yelled Kenny as he got to his feet. "Get back here!"
It was six o'clock now as Kai waited impatiently in the hotel lobby. He was leaning casually against the wall, and he had his arms crossed over his chest in the usual manner. He didn't look too pleased, as he gave a scowl.
"Where are they!?"
Rei could see the anger reflecting in Kai's eyes, as he leaned back gently on one of the lobby chairs. He had no idea where the others were, but he was praying that they'd show up soon. He knew how much Kai hated it when people were late. Before Rei could say his usual, 'I'm sure they'll be here soon;' he noticed Tyson come charging out of the elevator. Kai acknowledged this too, and quickly grabbed Tyson by the collar as he brushed by. Tyson felt the tug of Kai's arm, as he stumbled backwards onto the floor.
"Hey...what did you do that for Kai!" Tyson yelled from off the floor. This instantly caused the hotel clerk to look up from her desk. Rei smiled and waved innocently at her, as he made his way over to Kai and Tyson.
"Where are the others?!" Kai demanded, as he glared menacingly down at Tyson.
Tyson shrugged, there was no way that he was going to tell Kai that he accidentally dyed Kenny's hair green.
"I haven't seen them!"
Tyson smiled nervously, as Kai continued to stare him down. Rei could sense a fight growing, and decided that he didn't want to around to see it. As Rei turned around to leave, he noticed two familiar faces coming towards him.
"Here they are Kai," Rei replied as he gave out a huge sigh of relief.
Kai took his glare off of Tyson, as he closed his eyes.
"It's about time!"
Jade and Max were having troubles walking, as they each held on to one of Kenny's arms; dragging him behind them.
"Whew...sorry about the delay guys!" Max replied with a smile, as he released his grip on Kenny's arm. Jade did the same thing, causing Kenny to slump forward on the lobby floor. Rei looked at Kenny awkwardly, noticing that Kenny had his entire head covered by a beige bucket hat.
"What happened to you?" Rei asked with extreme curiosity.
Jade and Max tried to signal Rei to stop, but it was too late. Kenny's face turned red with anger yet again, as he shot out his arm.
"Why don't you ask him!" Kenny replied while gritting his teeth.
Rei was rather shocked to see Kenny in such an aggravated state; but he immediately understood why as he noticed Kenny pointing directly at Tyson. Tyson smiled sheepishly, and realized that Kai was staring down at him yet again.
"What did you do this time Tyson!?" Kai shot out.
Tyson looked down at his fidgeting hands, as he whispered quietly.
"I dyed his hair."
"You what!" exclaimed Rei, as he looked back down at Kenny. He watched as Kenny began to clench his fists after hearing the word 'dye.' Rei was so tempted to lift the hat off of Kenny's head, but was stopped as he felt Jade grab his arm.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Jade replied as she pulled back Rei's arm. She knew that Rei was dying to know what color Kenny's hair was; as she leaned in closely to his ear.
"It's green," she whispered soft enough so that Kenny couldn't hear what she was saying. Rei snickered quietly, as Kenny continued to slouch glumly on the floor.
"Enough about the hair...so Tyson screwed up again, what else is new!" Kai replied, as he noticed Tyson sticking out his tongue at him.
"Kai's right," agreed Jade.
"Hey...I resent that!" Tyson yelled, as he jumped to his feet to defend himself.
"I mean, Kai's right about the hair thing...we have a date to watch the Shadow-Cats remember!" Jade answered, then couldn't help but smile. "Although...I also agree with Kai on you screwing up again!"
Kai gave a slight smile, as Max and Rei joined in with laughter. Tyson crossed his arms stubbornly, then began to trudge out the lobby doors. Max laughed, as he took a hold of Kenny's arm again. Rei decided to grab Kenny's other arm, and they began to drag him after Tyson. Kenny didn't look too impressed, as Jade and Kai followed closely behind him.
"Why can't I stay here!" Kenny replied in frustration.
"And let you mope in the bedroom all night...I don't think so!" Max replied with a laugh. "Besides, we need you to record data on Dizzi."
"Fine," Kenny replied as the five of them followed Tyson towards the arena.
The arena was crowded with millions of people, as the Bladebreakers struggled to find empty seats to sit in. They actually managed to find six seats, which some girls generously offered to them after realizing that were actually THE Bladebreakers. Of course, Jade got plenty of glares from them, as the girls mumbled to each other about how 'hot' the Bladebreakers were.
"Ahhh...my adoring fans!" Tyson sighed, as he took a seat beside Jade. "But they weren't to fond of you!"
"Thanks for noticing," replied Jade sarcastically.
Max, Kenny, and Rei sat one row down from Kai, Jade, and Tyson; as they realized that the battle had already begun.
"And the second match goes to Eli and the Shadow-Cats!" yelled DJ Jazzman's voice over the cheering crowd.
"Oh that's just perfect," Tyson replied sarcastically. "We already missed the first two match's, thanks to Ken..."
"Tyson...maybe you should stop talking," Max suggested noticing Kenny's angry face.
"That would be a miracle!" Kai added, as he crossed his arms.
Jade quickly shoved her hand over Tyson's mouth, knowing all to well that he would shout something back at Kai. Tyson shot his eyes towards Jade, as she in turn gave him a glare.
"Be quiet!" Jade hissed, as she took her hand away from Tyson's mouth. "I want to watch the third match!"
Tyson got a pouted look on his face, then focused his own attention towards the centre of the arena.
"And it's time for our third and final match of the evening folks, and I gotta say the Shadow-Cats are one impressive team!" yelled DJ Jazzman with extreme enthusiasm.
"Now let's take a look at our final bladers, shall we Brad," announced A.J. Topper.
"Sure thing A.J., up next for the 'Wind Bladers' is Timmy." Replied Brad over the announcements. "And he hopes to bring in at least one win for his team!"
"And last but definitely not least...is Jessie from the Shadow-Cats!" added A.J. as he began to list her stats. "Jessie's looking to do some final damage to the 'Wind Bladers'; and with the help of her bit beast Tokala...that goal is more than possible!"
The entire Bladebreaker team listened intently, as they noticed the familiar black haired girl from Jade's old team.
"She has a bit beast?" Rei asked, as he turned to face Jade.
Jade only nodded, as she kept her focus directly on Jessie. Rei looked over at Kenny, who in turn looked down at his laptop.
"Got anything Dizzi?" asked Kenny hopefully. The screen of the laptop began to show small wavelengths, as Dizzi spoke up.
"Nothing yet Chief...it seems that there's no information available on the Shadow-Cat team!" Dizzi rang out.
"But...there has to be something," Max insisted.
"Were you not listening Max...there's zip!" Dizzi replied sarcastically.
"They made sure of that," answered Jade, as everyone focused their attention on her. "The Shadow-Cats make sure that their information is kept a secret...they make sure that NO one can acquire it!"
Kai looked over at Jade, then got a smirk on his face. 'That's it...why didn't I see this before,' Kai thought as he closed his eyes to focus. 'We have a complete database on the Shadow-Cats right in front of our eyes...Jade!'
"3...2...1...LET IT RIP!"
The two bladers didn't spare a single secant, as they immediately launched their blades into the dish. Both blades whirled around the dish, neither of them giving up any speed. The rest of the Shadow-Cats sat respectively on their bench, as they watched Jessie intently.
"Come on!" replied Eli in annoyance. He was laying on his back as he took up half the bench. "This is boring...everyone knows she's just toying with him!"
Julian sat close beside Eli, as he rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Shut-up Eli...you're getting on my nerves!"
"What!?" shouted Eli, as he immediately sat up and glared at his younger teammate. "You're one to talk you little twerp!"
"I told you not to call me that!" Julian replied as he clenched his fists. His face was red with anger, and he tried to glare menacingly at Eli.
"Would you two knock it off...you're both getting on MY nerves!"
Eli and Julian immediately stopped their arguing, as they heard Damien's intimidating voice. Damien always stood a couple of inches in front of his bench, and helped his teammates whenever it was possible. He watched as Jessie's orange blade circled around the gray one.
"Ok Jessie," Damien spoke up as he crossed his arms. "Finish him off!"
Jessie bared an evil grin,
"It's about time!...Tokala...attack with whirling wind!"
The orange blade instantly obeyed Jessie's voice, as a huge gust of wind began blowing throughout the arena. People in the stands held on tightly to their hats and waited for the wind to die down. It didn't last long, however, as Tokala's wind blew Timmy's blade out of the dish with no problem at all.
"And Jessie wins the third round...as the Shadow-Cats move on to the semi-finals!" DJ Jazzman announced, as the crowd broke out in a roar of applauds.
Jessie smirked as picked up her orange blade and ran back to her team. Eli and Julian had found themselves in another little argument, while Jessie stood before Damien.
"So...was that a fast enough win for ya?!" Jessie asked, as she placed her hands on her hips.
Damien nodded slowly, barely even acknowledging Jessie's presence. His eyes were focused directly at the stands, and Jessie knew exactly what Damien was looking at...Jade. Jessie sighed, as much as Damien denied it, she knew that he still had feelings for Jade.
"Are you coming?" Jessie asked, as she grabbed Damien's attention by flicking him on the ear.
Damien shook his head to clear his thoughts then looked over at Jessie,
"where?"
Jessie smiled and jerked her thumb towards Eli and Julian.
"The kids are getting restless!"
Damien grinned slightly as he walked over towards Eli, and grabbed him by the arm. Jessie took a hold of Julians arm, as the four of them exited into the arena hall.
"Where are we going?" asked Julian, as he walked closely beside Jessie.
"Back to the hotel," she replied quickly.
Eli moaned, as he trudged along behind them.
"But I'm hungry...we haven't ate since breakfast!"
"We can order room service," announced Damien from the front of the group. "Besides, I don't think I want to take you two anywhere near the public!"
Jessie smiled, she knew exactly what Damien was talking about. Every time they went into a restaurant or any public place for that matter; Eli and Julian would always start an argument. Eli shrugged,
"room service is just as good!"
Suddenly Damien stopped, causing the rest of the Shadow-Cats to do the same.
"Why am I not surprised," Damien spoke up as his eyes scanned the group of six who were standing in front of him. "I knew your team would show up sooner or later!"
"What exactly is that supposed to mean!?" demanded Tyson with frustration.
The Bladebreakers stood facing the Shadow-Cats, as both teams stared each other down. Jade looked from the Bladebreakers to the Shadow-Cats, and sighed. She knew she had to say something before the two teams started a fight, but she was drawing a blank.
"Why are you guys here?" asked Eli, as he cocked one of his eyebrows.
"Well, last time I checked anyone was free to watch a beyblade match!" Rei stated with annoyance.
"Oh please, you don't actually think you can get away with that story!" Jessie replied arrogantly, "obviously you came here to steal information on our incredible beyblades!"
"We wouldn't do that!" Kenny replied defensively. "The Bladebreakers don't work like that."
"Yeah, it sure looks like it," Julian shot out with a roll of his eyes. "What's with the laptop then?"
"That's none of your business kid!" Rei hissed, as his golden eyes narrowed.
"You again!" Tyson replied, as he recognized the small boy who had stolen his Dragoon blade the last time they met. Tyson held up his arms, and looked like he was going to strangle the boy. But, before Tyson could even think about doing anything, Damien stepped in front of Julian defensively. The last thing Jade wanted to witness was an all out war between the two teams, as she slowly stepped forward.
"That's enough Tyson," Jade replied as Tyson looked at her with shock.
"But...they're accusing us of stealing information!" Tyson stuttered defensively.
"I know," Jade replied calmly. "But, just ignore them...ok."
Tyson blinked a couple times, as Jade turned her back on the Shadow-Cats and began to walk away.
"Jade's right Tyson," Max added. "We can settle this when we meet them in the finals!"
"IF...you make it to the finals!" Jessie added obnoxiously.
"Sounds fine to me," Damien answered. "But, next time you want information on my team don't bother asking your little laptop...just ask her!"
Damien pointed directly at Jade, instantly causing her to stop dead in her tracks.
"I'm sure she'd be happy to spill out all the information on us!" Damien shot out harshly.
Kai only gave a slight smirk, as he thought to himself. 'That's exactly what I hope she'll do!'
"Fly Dranzer!"
Kai's demanding voice rang out, as he launched his blue blade into the practice dish. It was eight o'clock by the time the Bladebreakers got back to the hotel. Their encounter with the Shadow-Cats didn't turn out so well, and they decided to stay clear away from them until they met in the finals. Kai had taken this time as an opportunity to train, while the others retired into their rooms. Kai's Dranzer blade was spinning with incredible speed; but by the look plastered on Kai's face...it obviously wasn't spinning fast enough.
"Dranzer...return!"
Kai ordered, as the blue blade launched itself into Kai's open palm. Kai scanned his blade with his eyes, as he turned it around in his hands. He couldn't understand why Dranzer kept losing speed, it made no sense. His blade was perfect, everything was set up in perfect proportion...and yet Dranzer continually seemed to get slower. It was Jade...ever since his last battle against her, Dranzer seemed to act strangely. Kai closed his eyes, as he tried to think up a possible explanation. But, the only thing that his mind seemed to focus on was Jade. Suddenly Dranzer began to glow faintly, as if it knew that Kai was thinking of Jade. The glow quickly vanished, as Kai squinted in pain. He glanced over at his right arm, and noticed the blood seeping through the bandages. Kai sighed, and slowly began to unwrap his bandages arm. The cut glistened, as if it was happy to breathe fresh air.
"What do you want?" asked Kai, as he reached over for the first aid kit (A/N it's in the beyblade room)
Jade stood a couple inches behind Kai, and she looked at him rather shocked. She hadn't made a single sound and yet Kai knew that she was standing behind him. She watched as he took a seat on the floor, and began rummaging through the small kit.
"I came to give Dazzler a practice spin," replied Jade as she took a couple steps closer. "But, I see that you already inhabited the dish."
"I'm done," Kai stated with no emotion.
Jade shrugged, as she pulled out Dazzler from her belt pocket. As the purple blade felt the warmth of Jade's hand, it instantly began to glow as Jade gave a faint smile. She quickly placed Dazzler back in her pocket and sighed. As much as she wanted to practice she couldn't...she couldn't let Kai see her connection with Dazzler, not yet anyways. Kai hadn't even acknowledged the glow coming from Dazzler, he was too busy concentrating on wrapping his arm.
"Need help?" asked Jade, as she cocked on of her eyebrows. She noticed Kai struggling with the Tensor bandage that he found, and she couldn't help but smile at his frustration. Kai eyed Jade then turned his gaze away from her, and held out the bandage.
"I guess that would be a yes."
Jade took the tensor bandage from Kai's hand, and sat down beside him. She glanced at the cut and frowned,
"is that the same cut...from our battle?"
Kai didn't say a word, but simply nodded his head.
"Maybe you should get it checked," offered Jade as she tried to get an answer out of him. "If it hasn't stopped bleeding yet, maybe you need sti..."
"Did I ask you to be a doctor!" Kai interrupted rudely.
Jade shook her head that wasn't the answer she was hoping to get from him. Jade looked at the cut, then began rummaging through the first aid kit. Before long she pulled out a small bottle and began to open it. She dabbed some of the contents of the bottle onto her finger, and began rubbing Kai's injured shoulder gently. Kai could instantly feel the coldness of the cream creep into his cut, but it didn't last long. He felt the soothing warmth of Jade's fingers move delicately over his arm, as he glanced over at her.
"What are you doing?" Kai asked, as he felt his cheeks burn slightly. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt completely relaxed around Jade...the same way he felt when they were both just kids.
"It's 'First Aid Cream'...it'll keep the cut from getting infected." Jade replied calmly, as she gathered up the tensor bandage and began wrapping it around Kai's shoulder.
"Do you know what you're doing?" asked Kai, as he watched Jade fumble with the bandage.
"Of course," answered Jade. "How hard can it be to wrap an arm?"
Kai shook his head, as Jade smiled slightly. Both of them had constant memories of their past flashing through their minds, although neither of them would tell the other. 'Ask her now,' thought Kai as he watched Jade twist the bandage around his arm. 'She'll tell you everything about the Shadow-Cats...ask her!' Kai began to open his mouth to repeat the question racing through his head, as Jade looked up at him. She spoke something to him, although Kai couldn't understand it. His head began racing again, as another memory found its way into his mind.
~~~~~*Flashback*~~~~~
Kai continued to study his Dranzer blade, as it spun rapidly around the small beyblade dish. He smiled with complete pride as Dranzer picked up his speed every so often, and launched itself into the other blade. Soon the battle was over, as the small green blade flew out of the dish and landed inches in front of the owners feet.
"Those are some very impressive Beyblade skills young man!" Jade's grandpa stood facing the young Kai, as he smiled kindly. He bent over slowly and retrieved the green blade from off of the grass.
"Thank-you Mr. Tomei."
Kai replied as he summoned his blade back into his hand. Jade's grandpa nodded, as he made his way back into the house. Kai sighed, as he in turn decided to head back to the house. Just before Kai could reach the large door, he heard a faint sound coming from behind the fence. 'What could that be?' Kai wondered, as curiosity got the best of him. He quickly darted around the fence, and stopped just inches before one of the giant oak trees. He smiled slightly as he recognized a small figure hunched up underneath the tree. Kai walked over slowly, and took a seat on the soft grass.
"Jade...what's wrong?" Kai asked, as he looked as he small friend with concern. "Why are you crying?"
Jade sniffled, as she raised her small head and looked over at Kai.
"Snuffles scratched me," Jade replied as a small tear managed to make its way down her soft cheek.
Kai noticed that Jade was holding her left hand tightly, as he motioned her to let him see it. Jade shook her head,
"it'll hurt."
"No it won't...I promise," Kai replied trying to convince her that she'd be fine. "You know I'd never hurt you."
Jade sniffed and nodded her head, as slowly held out her left hand to Kai. He gently took a hold of her hand, as he noticed a small scratch running along the top of it. He couldn't help but smile, it was the tiniest scratch ever and yet Jade looked like it was life threatening. Jade looked at Kai with tears in her eyes,
"Can you make it better?"
Kai simply nodded, as he slowly lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Jade's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, as she withdrew her hand from Kai's grasp.
"Thank you Kai," Jade replied with her usual cheery smile.
~~~~~*End of Flashback*~~~~~
"Kai?"
Kai blinked a couple times, and finally realized that Jade was talking to him. He turned his gaze, as his eyes met hers.
"I'm done," Jade replied as she slowly stood up on her feet.
Kai glanced over at his shoulder and noticed that it was tightly wrapped up in the tensor bandage.
"Thanks," Kai replied with no emotion.
Before Jade had a chance to say anything, Kai rose to his feet and left. Jade followed him with her eyes until he disappeared. 'That's the second time he's done that,' Jade thought as she remembered when they had first battled. Kai seemed to completely zone out, and she was curious why. Suddenly her eyes shot open as a realization formed in her head.'he remembers!'
(And I'm done with chapter 14.thank god! Well let me know what you think ok..see ya!)
Disclaimer: I honestly don't own Beyblade...but all the new characters are mine, so no stealing!(unless you ask me first!)
Chapter 14: Growing Closer
"I'm never going to get this out of my hair!"
Kenny was in a complete frenzy, as he gasped at the image reflecting back at him in the mirror. The ice cream, which Tyson so gracefully dropped on Kenny's head, had now melted. It was incredibly sticky, and it caused Kenny's hair to tangle up into huge mats!
"Chill out Kenny...I'll help you get it out!"
Tyson smiled, as Kenny looked at him with horror.
"No thank you Tyson," he replied instantly before Tyson could say anything else. "I'd like to have some hair left when I'm done!"
Max laughed and Jade smiled, as they heard Kenny's last remark. The four of them had immediately returned back to the hotel, more out of embarrassment then anything else. Naturally, a crowd had formed around their disaster scene and the three of them were not too eager to stick around. Tyson, on the otherhand, didn't seem to acknowledge the crowd as he tried to save every last ice cream scoop that he could!
"Awww...don't be such a poor sport Chief!"
Tyson replied, as he completely ignored everything that Kenny had said(as usual). He immediately began shoving a frantic Kenny into the bathroom, and closed the door behind him. Max and Jade were still able to hear the arguing voices of Kenny and Tyson, although they were rather muffled. Max shrugged, as he picked up a card from the deck. He scanned it over with his eyes, then sighed heavily.
"It's no use...I can't seem to win!"
Max threw the card down in frustration, and fell backwards onto the bed. Jade was laying a couple inches from him, as she cocked one of her eyebrows in curiosity.
"Which card is it?"
Max has started a game of solitaire on the bed, while Jade rested beside him. Max sighed, as he turned his head to face Jade.
"It's a five of spades."
Jade rolled her eyes, as she pushed herself up to a seated position. She too scanned the cards that were scattered on the bed, then slowly began to collect them in her hands.
"You're right...you can't win!" Jade shrugged, while giving Max a small smile. "Now its my turn."
Jade began to shuffle the deck of cards through her fingers, then started to scatter them out on the bed.
"TYSON!"
Max and Jade nearly had a heart attack, as they heard the devastating cry of Kenny. They looked at each other with curiosity, then shrugged as they headed towards the bathroom. Before either of them could grab the doorknob, Tyson suddenly burst out while slamming the door behind him.
"Oh...hey guys...how's it going?" Tyson replied, as he noticed Max and Jade staring at him. He began to scratch the back of his head nervously, hoping they wouldn't ask what happened.
"What just happened in there?" Max asked, as he studied Tyson.
"Uhhh...well...I guess Kenny didn't appreciate my help!"
"Yeah, we kind of assumed that from his screaming," Jade replied getting rather annoyed.
Tyson could only give an innocent sort of smile, as Max eyed him suspiciously.
"Tyson...what did you do!?"
Tyson couldn't handle the suspicious looks that he was getting, as he suddenly spilled out all the information.
"It's not my fault that the hair dye bottle looks so similar to the shampoo!"
Max and Jade stared at Tyson in shock, knowing exactly what he had done.
"Why would they have hair dye in a hotel room anyways!"
Max and Jade immediately burst in the bathroom and stopped dead in their tracks. They couldn't help but laugh...Tyson had definitely done it this time. The dye had worked...Kenny's hair was no longer brown...it was green! Kenny looked like the entire world had come crashing down on him, as he had his head buried in his hands. Max had no idea what to say, as he heard Jade speak up.
"Hey Kenny...it's not that bad." Jade replied, as she tried to be as comforting as she could.
"Yeah, I mean look at it this way...at least it matches your tie!"
Tyson announced, as he carefully peeked around the doorframe. Kenny heard the all too familiar voice of Tyson ring out, instantly causing his face to turn dark red.
"If it wasn't for you...I wouldn't be in this mess!" Kenny shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Ok...I think now would be a good time to leave!"
Jade and Max nodded in agreement, as they watched Tyson race out of the room.
"Tyson," yelled Kenny as he got to his feet. "Get back here!"
It was six o'clock now as Kai waited impatiently in the hotel lobby. He was leaning casually against the wall, and he had his arms crossed over his chest in the usual manner. He didn't look too pleased, as he gave a scowl.
"Where are they!?"
Rei could see the anger reflecting in Kai's eyes, as he leaned back gently on one of the lobby chairs. He had no idea where the others were, but he was praying that they'd show up soon. He knew how much Kai hated it when people were late. Before Rei could say his usual, 'I'm sure they'll be here soon;' he noticed Tyson come charging out of the elevator. Kai acknowledged this too, and quickly grabbed Tyson by the collar as he brushed by. Tyson felt the tug of Kai's arm, as he stumbled backwards onto the floor.
"Hey...what did you do that for Kai!" Tyson yelled from off the floor. This instantly caused the hotel clerk to look up from her desk. Rei smiled and waved innocently at her, as he made his way over to Kai and Tyson.
"Where are the others?!" Kai demanded, as he glared menacingly down at Tyson.
Tyson shrugged, there was no way that he was going to tell Kai that he accidentally dyed Kenny's hair green.
"I haven't seen them!"
Tyson smiled nervously, as Kai continued to stare him down. Rei could sense a fight growing, and decided that he didn't want to around to see it. As Rei turned around to leave, he noticed two familiar faces coming towards him.
"Here they are Kai," Rei replied as he gave out a huge sigh of relief.
Kai took his glare off of Tyson, as he closed his eyes.
"It's about time!"
Jade and Max were having troubles walking, as they each held on to one of Kenny's arms; dragging him behind them.
"Whew...sorry about the delay guys!" Max replied with a smile, as he released his grip on Kenny's arm. Jade did the same thing, causing Kenny to slump forward on the lobby floor. Rei looked at Kenny awkwardly, noticing that Kenny had his entire head covered by a beige bucket hat.
"What happened to you?" Rei asked with extreme curiosity.
Jade and Max tried to signal Rei to stop, but it was too late. Kenny's face turned red with anger yet again, as he shot out his arm.
"Why don't you ask him!" Kenny replied while gritting his teeth.
Rei was rather shocked to see Kenny in such an aggravated state; but he immediately understood why as he noticed Kenny pointing directly at Tyson. Tyson smiled sheepishly, and realized that Kai was staring down at him yet again.
"What did you do this time Tyson!?" Kai shot out.
Tyson looked down at his fidgeting hands, as he whispered quietly.
"I dyed his hair."
"You what!" exclaimed Rei, as he looked back down at Kenny. He watched as Kenny began to clench his fists after hearing the word 'dye.' Rei was so tempted to lift the hat off of Kenny's head, but was stopped as he felt Jade grab his arm.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Jade replied as she pulled back Rei's arm. She knew that Rei was dying to know what color Kenny's hair was; as she leaned in closely to his ear.
"It's green," she whispered soft enough so that Kenny couldn't hear what she was saying. Rei snickered quietly, as Kenny continued to slouch glumly on the floor.
"Enough about the hair...so Tyson screwed up again, what else is new!" Kai replied, as he noticed Tyson sticking out his tongue at him.
"Kai's right," agreed Jade.
"Hey...I resent that!" Tyson yelled, as he jumped to his feet to defend himself.
"I mean, Kai's right about the hair thing...we have a date to watch the Shadow-Cats remember!" Jade answered, then couldn't help but smile. "Although...I also agree with Kai on you screwing up again!"
Kai gave a slight smile, as Max and Rei joined in with laughter. Tyson crossed his arms stubbornly, then began to trudge out the lobby doors. Max laughed, as he took a hold of Kenny's arm again. Rei decided to grab Kenny's other arm, and they began to drag him after Tyson. Kenny didn't look too impressed, as Jade and Kai followed closely behind him.
"Why can't I stay here!" Kenny replied in frustration.
"And let you mope in the bedroom all night...I don't think so!" Max replied with a laugh. "Besides, we need you to record data on Dizzi."
"Fine," Kenny replied as the five of them followed Tyson towards the arena.
The arena was crowded with millions of people, as the Bladebreakers struggled to find empty seats to sit in. They actually managed to find six seats, which some girls generously offered to them after realizing that were actually THE Bladebreakers. Of course, Jade got plenty of glares from them, as the girls mumbled to each other about how 'hot' the Bladebreakers were.
"Ahhh...my adoring fans!" Tyson sighed, as he took a seat beside Jade. "But they weren't to fond of you!"
"Thanks for noticing," replied Jade sarcastically.
Max, Kenny, and Rei sat one row down from Kai, Jade, and Tyson; as they realized that the battle had already begun.
"And the second match goes to Eli and the Shadow-Cats!" yelled DJ Jazzman's voice over the cheering crowd.
"Oh that's just perfect," Tyson replied sarcastically. "We already missed the first two match's, thanks to Ken..."
"Tyson...maybe you should stop talking," Max suggested noticing Kenny's angry face.
"That would be a miracle!" Kai added, as he crossed his arms.
Jade quickly shoved her hand over Tyson's mouth, knowing all to well that he would shout something back at Kai. Tyson shot his eyes towards Jade, as she in turn gave him a glare.
"Be quiet!" Jade hissed, as she took her hand away from Tyson's mouth. "I want to watch the third match!"
Tyson got a pouted look on his face, then focused his own attention towards the centre of the arena.
"And it's time for our third and final match of the evening folks, and I gotta say the Shadow-Cats are one impressive team!" yelled DJ Jazzman with extreme enthusiasm.
"Now let's take a look at our final bladers, shall we Brad," announced A.J. Topper.
"Sure thing A.J., up next for the 'Wind Bladers' is Timmy." Replied Brad over the announcements. "And he hopes to bring in at least one win for his team!"
"And last but definitely not least...is Jessie from the Shadow-Cats!" added A.J. as he began to list her stats. "Jessie's looking to do some final damage to the 'Wind Bladers'; and with the help of her bit beast Tokala...that goal is more than possible!"
The entire Bladebreaker team listened intently, as they noticed the familiar black haired girl from Jade's old team.
"She has a bit beast?" Rei asked, as he turned to face Jade.
Jade only nodded, as she kept her focus directly on Jessie. Rei looked over at Kenny, who in turn looked down at his laptop.
"Got anything Dizzi?" asked Kenny hopefully. The screen of the laptop began to show small wavelengths, as Dizzi spoke up.
"Nothing yet Chief...it seems that there's no information available on the Shadow-Cat team!" Dizzi rang out.
"But...there has to be something," Max insisted.
"Were you not listening Max...there's zip!" Dizzi replied sarcastically.
"They made sure of that," answered Jade, as everyone focused their attention on her. "The Shadow-Cats make sure that their information is kept a secret...they make sure that NO one can acquire it!"
Kai looked over at Jade, then got a smirk on his face. 'That's it...why didn't I see this before,' Kai thought as he closed his eyes to focus. 'We have a complete database on the Shadow-Cats right in front of our eyes...Jade!'
"3...2...1...LET IT RIP!"
The two bladers didn't spare a single secant, as they immediately launched their blades into the dish. Both blades whirled around the dish, neither of them giving up any speed. The rest of the Shadow-Cats sat respectively on their bench, as they watched Jessie intently.
"Come on!" replied Eli in annoyance. He was laying on his back as he took up half the bench. "This is boring...everyone knows she's just toying with him!"
Julian sat close beside Eli, as he rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Shut-up Eli...you're getting on my nerves!"
"What!?" shouted Eli, as he immediately sat up and glared at his younger teammate. "You're one to talk you little twerp!"
"I told you not to call me that!" Julian replied as he clenched his fists. His face was red with anger, and he tried to glare menacingly at Eli.
"Would you two knock it off...you're both getting on MY nerves!"
Eli and Julian immediately stopped their arguing, as they heard Damien's intimidating voice. Damien always stood a couple of inches in front of his bench, and helped his teammates whenever it was possible. He watched as Jessie's orange blade circled around the gray one.
"Ok Jessie," Damien spoke up as he crossed his arms. "Finish him off!"
Jessie bared an evil grin,
"It's about time!...Tokala...attack with whirling wind!"
The orange blade instantly obeyed Jessie's voice, as a huge gust of wind began blowing throughout the arena. People in the stands held on tightly to their hats and waited for the wind to die down. It didn't last long, however, as Tokala's wind blew Timmy's blade out of the dish with no problem at all.
"And Jessie wins the third round...as the Shadow-Cats move on to the semi-finals!" DJ Jazzman announced, as the crowd broke out in a roar of applauds.
Jessie smirked as picked up her orange blade and ran back to her team. Eli and Julian had found themselves in another little argument, while Jessie stood before Damien.
"So...was that a fast enough win for ya?!" Jessie asked, as she placed her hands on her hips.
Damien nodded slowly, barely even acknowledging Jessie's presence. His eyes were focused directly at the stands, and Jessie knew exactly what Damien was looking at...Jade. Jessie sighed, as much as Damien denied it, she knew that he still had feelings for Jade.
"Are you coming?" Jessie asked, as she grabbed Damien's attention by flicking him on the ear.
Damien shook his head to clear his thoughts then looked over at Jessie,
"where?"
Jessie smiled and jerked her thumb towards Eli and Julian.
"The kids are getting restless!"
Damien grinned slightly as he walked over towards Eli, and grabbed him by the arm. Jessie took a hold of Julians arm, as the four of them exited into the arena hall.
"Where are we going?" asked Julian, as he walked closely beside Jessie.
"Back to the hotel," she replied quickly.
Eli moaned, as he trudged along behind them.
"But I'm hungry...we haven't ate since breakfast!"
"We can order room service," announced Damien from the front of the group. "Besides, I don't think I want to take you two anywhere near the public!"
Jessie smiled, she knew exactly what Damien was talking about. Every time they went into a restaurant or any public place for that matter; Eli and Julian would always start an argument. Eli shrugged,
"room service is just as good!"
Suddenly Damien stopped, causing the rest of the Shadow-Cats to do the same.
"Why am I not surprised," Damien spoke up as his eyes scanned the group of six who were standing in front of him. "I knew your team would show up sooner or later!"
"What exactly is that supposed to mean!?" demanded Tyson with frustration.
The Bladebreakers stood facing the Shadow-Cats, as both teams stared each other down. Jade looked from the Bladebreakers to the Shadow-Cats, and sighed. She knew she had to say something before the two teams started a fight, but she was drawing a blank.
"Why are you guys here?" asked Eli, as he cocked one of his eyebrows.
"Well, last time I checked anyone was free to watch a beyblade match!" Rei stated with annoyance.
"Oh please, you don't actually think you can get away with that story!" Jessie replied arrogantly, "obviously you came here to steal information on our incredible beyblades!"
"We wouldn't do that!" Kenny replied defensively. "The Bladebreakers don't work like that."
"Yeah, it sure looks like it," Julian shot out with a roll of his eyes. "What's with the laptop then?"
"That's none of your business kid!" Rei hissed, as his golden eyes narrowed.
"You again!" Tyson replied, as he recognized the small boy who had stolen his Dragoon blade the last time they met. Tyson held up his arms, and looked like he was going to strangle the boy. But, before Tyson could even think about doing anything, Damien stepped in front of Julian defensively. The last thing Jade wanted to witness was an all out war between the two teams, as she slowly stepped forward.
"That's enough Tyson," Jade replied as Tyson looked at her with shock.
"But...they're accusing us of stealing information!" Tyson stuttered defensively.
"I know," Jade replied calmly. "But, just ignore them...ok."
Tyson blinked a couple times, as Jade turned her back on the Shadow-Cats and began to walk away.
"Jade's right Tyson," Max added. "We can settle this when we meet them in the finals!"
"IF...you make it to the finals!" Jessie added obnoxiously.
"Sounds fine to me," Damien answered. "But, next time you want information on my team don't bother asking your little laptop...just ask her!"
Damien pointed directly at Jade, instantly causing her to stop dead in her tracks.
"I'm sure she'd be happy to spill out all the information on us!" Damien shot out harshly.
Kai only gave a slight smirk, as he thought to himself. 'That's exactly what I hope she'll do!'
"Fly Dranzer!"
Kai's demanding voice rang out, as he launched his blue blade into the practice dish. It was eight o'clock by the time the Bladebreakers got back to the hotel. Their encounter with the Shadow-Cats didn't turn out so well, and they decided to stay clear away from them until they met in the finals. Kai had taken this time as an opportunity to train, while the others retired into their rooms. Kai's Dranzer blade was spinning with incredible speed; but by the look plastered on Kai's face...it obviously wasn't spinning fast enough.
"Dranzer...return!"
Kai ordered, as the blue blade launched itself into Kai's open palm. Kai scanned his blade with his eyes, as he turned it around in his hands. He couldn't understand why Dranzer kept losing speed, it made no sense. His blade was perfect, everything was set up in perfect proportion...and yet Dranzer continually seemed to get slower. It was Jade...ever since his last battle against her, Dranzer seemed to act strangely. Kai closed his eyes, as he tried to think up a possible explanation. But, the only thing that his mind seemed to focus on was Jade. Suddenly Dranzer began to glow faintly, as if it knew that Kai was thinking of Jade. The glow quickly vanished, as Kai squinted in pain. He glanced over at his right arm, and noticed the blood seeping through the bandages. Kai sighed, and slowly began to unwrap his bandages arm. The cut glistened, as if it was happy to breathe fresh air.
"What do you want?" asked Kai, as he reached over for the first aid kit (A/N it's in the beyblade room)
Jade stood a couple inches behind Kai, and she looked at him rather shocked. She hadn't made a single sound and yet Kai knew that she was standing behind him. She watched as he took a seat on the floor, and began rummaging through the small kit.
"I came to give Dazzler a practice spin," replied Jade as she took a couple steps closer. "But, I see that you already inhabited the dish."
"I'm done," Kai stated with no emotion.
Jade shrugged, as she pulled out Dazzler from her belt pocket. As the purple blade felt the warmth of Jade's hand, it instantly began to glow as Jade gave a faint smile. She quickly placed Dazzler back in her pocket and sighed. As much as she wanted to practice she couldn't...she couldn't let Kai see her connection with Dazzler, not yet anyways. Kai hadn't even acknowledged the glow coming from Dazzler, he was too busy concentrating on wrapping his arm.
"Need help?" asked Jade, as she cocked on of her eyebrows. She noticed Kai struggling with the Tensor bandage that he found, and she couldn't help but smile at his frustration. Kai eyed Jade then turned his gaze away from her, and held out the bandage.
"I guess that would be a yes."
Jade took the tensor bandage from Kai's hand, and sat down beside him. She glanced at the cut and frowned,
"is that the same cut...from our battle?"
Kai didn't say a word, but simply nodded his head.
"Maybe you should get it checked," offered Jade as she tried to get an answer out of him. "If it hasn't stopped bleeding yet, maybe you need sti..."
"Did I ask you to be a doctor!" Kai interrupted rudely.
Jade shook her head that wasn't the answer she was hoping to get from him. Jade looked at the cut, then began rummaging through the first aid kit. Before long she pulled out a small bottle and began to open it. She dabbed some of the contents of the bottle onto her finger, and began rubbing Kai's injured shoulder gently. Kai could instantly feel the coldness of the cream creep into his cut, but it didn't last long. He felt the soothing warmth of Jade's fingers move delicately over his arm, as he glanced over at her.
"What are you doing?" Kai asked, as he felt his cheeks burn slightly. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt completely relaxed around Jade...the same way he felt when they were both just kids.
"It's 'First Aid Cream'...it'll keep the cut from getting infected." Jade replied calmly, as she gathered up the tensor bandage and began wrapping it around Kai's shoulder.
"Do you know what you're doing?" asked Kai, as he watched Jade fumble with the bandage.
"Of course," answered Jade. "How hard can it be to wrap an arm?"
Kai shook his head, as Jade smiled slightly. Both of them had constant memories of their past flashing through their minds, although neither of them would tell the other. 'Ask her now,' thought Kai as he watched Jade twist the bandage around his arm. 'She'll tell you everything about the Shadow-Cats...ask her!' Kai began to open his mouth to repeat the question racing through his head, as Jade looked up at him. She spoke something to him, although Kai couldn't understand it. His head began racing again, as another memory found its way into his mind.
~~~~~*Flashback*~~~~~
Kai continued to study his Dranzer blade, as it spun rapidly around the small beyblade dish. He smiled with complete pride as Dranzer picked up his speed every so often, and launched itself into the other blade. Soon the battle was over, as the small green blade flew out of the dish and landed inches in front of the owners feet.
"Those are some very impressive Beyblade skills young man!" Jade's grandpa stood facing the young Kai, as he smiled kindly. He bent over slowly and retrieved the green blade from off of the grass.
"Thank-you Mr. Tomei."
Kai replied as he summoned his blade back into his hand. Jade's grandpa nodded, as he made his way back into the house. Kai sighed, as he in turn decided to head back to the house. Just before Kai could reach the large door, he heard a faint sound coming from behind the fence. 'What could that be?' Kai wondered, as curiosity got the best of him. He quickly darted around the fence, and stopped just inches before one of the giant oak trees. He smiled slightly as he recognized a small figure hunched up underneath the tree. Kai walked over slowly, and took a seat on the soft grass.
"Jade...what's wrong?" Kai asked, as he looked as he small friend with concern. "Why are you crying?"
Jade sniffled, as she raised her small head and looked over at Kai.
"Snuffles scratched me," Jade replied as a small tear managed to make its way down her soft cheek.
Kai noticed that Jade was holding her left hand tightly, as he motioned her to let him see it. Jade shook her head,
"it'll hurt."
"No it won't...I promise," Kai replied trying to convince her that she'd be fine. "You know I'd never hurt you."
Jade sniffed and nodded her head, as slowly held out her left hand to Kai. He gently took a hold of her hand, as he noticed a small scratch running along the top of it. He couldn't help but smile, it was the tiniest scratch ever and yet Jade looked like it was life threatening. Jade looked at Kai with tears in her eyes,
"Can you make it better?"
Kai simply nodded, as he slowly lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Jade's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, as she withdrew her hand from Kai's grasp.
"Thank you Kai," Jade replied with her usual cheery smile.
~~~~~*End of Flashback*~~~~~
"Kai?"
Kai blinked a couple times, and finally realized that Jade was talking to him. He turned his gaze, as his eyes met hers.
"I'm done," Jade replied as she slowly stood up on her feet.
Kai glanced over at his shoulder and noticed that it was tightly wrapped up in the tensor bandage.
"Thanks," Kai replied with no emotion.
Before Jade had a chance to say anything, Kai rose to his feet and left. Jade followed him with her eyes until he disappeared. 'That's the second time he's done that,' Jade thought as she remembered when they had first battled. Kai seemed to completely zone out, and she was curious why. Suddenly her eyes shot open as a realization formed in her head.'he remembers!'
(And I'm done with chapter 14.thank god! Well let me know what you think ok..see ya!)
