A/N: Well, I'm so glad that you guys liked chapter 17...cause I honestly
wasn't really sure what to write!(don't ya just hate writers block!)
Anyway, here is the next installment of 'Beynamite.' Hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 18: Hospital Visits
"Boring...no way...the Discovery Channel?...I don't think so!" Jade sighed in desperation, before she gently pushed the power button on the remote. There was absolutely nothing good on the TV and Jade couldn't believe how bored she was. This was her second day in the hospital and she was thankful that she would be released by tonight. She lightly flopped her head back against the flat pillow, and rustled uncomfortably beneath the sheets. The worst part about being stuck in a hospital, were definitely the beds! You could barely move a single muscle in your body without the fear of falling off. Jade twisted a piece of red hair around her finger, trying to decide the best way to cure boredom. It wouldn't have been so bad if somebody were still here to talk to her, but...Mr.Dickinson insisted that the boy's leave her to rest.
"I don't want rest!" Jade moaned, tilting her head towards the window. From the looks of things it was a beautiful day and Jade wished that she could be out there right now. The sun was filtering its rays throughout the clear blue sky, and Jade could see the giant trees subtly blowing in the gentle breeze. "Why am I so gullible," Jade sighed with a shake of her head. Her red hair rustling slightly with the sudden movement.
"Are you still caught up about that?" asked an all too familiar voice. A huge smile grew upon Jade's pink lips and her eyes shone with a shimmering twinkle. She turned her eyes firmly towards the room door and noticed an older man standing but a couple inches before her. He appeared to be quite old, in the sixties perhaps, although he stood quite tall and erect. His hair was the deepest color of gray, which matched his small mustache perfectly. He looked rather fragile with age, but the smile that he wore made him look like a newborn child. Jade could feel tears forming in her blue eyes and before long, they were steadily flowing down her soft cheeks.
"Grandpa," Jade whispered as she tried to fight back the tears. Her body was shaking as her smiling grandfather took a seat on her bedside, and slowly wrapped his arms around his beloved granddaughter. Tears constantly flowed down the sides of Jade's face, as they landed gently upon her grandfather's shoulder. "What...what are you doing here?" asked Jade, between intervals of tears. Her voice was shaky, as she desperately clung to her comforting grandfather.
"What am I doing here?!" He replied in shock, pulling Jade gently away from him. His chestnut eyes glazed with unshed tears, as he ran a gently finger through Jade's soft hair. "You honestly didn't believe that I wouldn't visit my own granddaughter in the hospital...did you?" He almost looked hurt but Jade shook it away with a spreading smile across her face.
"I know you'd visit me in the hospital grandpa...but, how did you know?" Jade asked questioningly. "I'm...I'm guessing Mr.Dickinson told you." Jade realized after the fact that she asked the question. She studied her grandfather carefully, as he slowly shook his head; indicating that her idea was wrong. "What?!" Jade asked, now feeling incredibly confused. "If Mr. Dickinson didn't tell you...then...who did?" Jade watched her grandfather, as he stroked the side of Jade's cheek carefully.
"Kai did."
"KAI!?" Jade shot out, completely forgetting that she was in a hospital. Her grandfather looked at her rather shocked, trying to figure out how a name could make Jade so loud...almost like it shot her back to reality. Jade could barely believe it, first Kai saves her and now...now he brings her own grandfather back to her. "But how would he know where you live, or...unless..." Jade paused and smiled slowly, she was right. "He does remember."
"Yes, I believe his memory is coming back to him as well." Her grandfather replied, seeing the warmth growing through Jade's body. "It's because of you Jade." Jade cocked one of her red eyebrows at her grandfather's last statement, as she shook her head. She could hardly believe that Kai was changing because of her, although...to some degree it did make sense.
"But, if Kai remembers our past then...why won't he tell me." Jade wondered out loud, trying to make sense of the strange feelings beginning to rush through her body.
"I believe it's the same reason why you won't tell him," he replied speaking the common sense. Jade sighed, her grandfather was right; she didn't do anything to pursue the past feelings as well. Mr.Tomei could see the confused feelings upon his granddaughter's face and he smiled warmly down at her. "Don't fret Jade, I believe that both Kai and yourself are having troubles dealing with these new emotions for each other. But, the time will come." Jade slowly gazed back up at her grandfather's eyes...he was right.
Kai kept up with his steady pace, his hands clenched tightly together in round fists. Anger continued to burn throughout his body and his veins pumped with extreme adrenaline. He had no idea where he was going but for some reason he felt like his feet were guiding him somewhere. Kai honestly didn't care where he was going, just as long as he met up with Carlos and Jose in the end. There was no way that he was going to let them get through with what they did to Jade, he promised himself that. Although deep within the back of his mind was a thought, a thought that Kai himself couldn't really answer.
'Are you doing this because she's your teammate...or do you love her?'
Kai didn't know why he was thinking this way, but for some reason he couldn't get it out of his head. He knew deep down inside that he cared for Jade, even more than a friend. Ever since she first became the 6th member of their team, he had strange feelings towards her. 'But why,' thought Kai, continuing his steady pace along the sidewalk. 'Is it because of the past friendship that we used to have?' Thanks to Jade he remembered everything about his past, and he know knew what his life was like before he was taken to the Abby. The sound of crunching leaves could be heard from beneath Kai's feet, and he realized that he had now entered a park. Trees towered above his head, as the sun's rays danced along his stone cold face. Kai paused for a moment, as he took in the crisp fresh air. Never in his life had he done this before, never had he paused to admire the beauty of life. He was always too caught up in the sport of beyblading, not that it was bad or anything. But, he had taken it too far...no, his grandfather had taken it too far. He had to admit, if Jade never came along he would still be in the mindset of his grandfather...he would still believe that love was a weakness. A gentle breeze brushed past Kai, as he bluish-gray bangs drifted gently before his face. He slowly closed his eyes, his eyebrow twitching for a moment. As the calm air drifted around Kai, he finally understood why he had gone looking for Jade...he did love her. Kai could feel huge relief being lifted off of his shoulders, as he finally admitted his true feelings to himself. His mind still flinched at these strange new emotions as he lifted his eyelids, revealing his maroon eyes. His ears seemed to perk up at the sound of low voices, speaking rather loudly in the distance. Kai's instincts suddenly kicked in and he began to walk towards the echoing voices. He soon found himself in a shaded area, covered entirely by a mass of trees; blocking out all signs of sunlight. Kai instantly found the speakers of the voices, as he narrowed his maroon eyes in fury. Shadows crept along his darkened face and he stepped forward, as he stood a couple of inches from the two boys. Kai didn't know how, but he had finally found them...
"Carlos!" Kai shot out, his teeth gritted together in anger. The two boys before him seemed to jump in surprise, as they turned their two faces towards him. In a matter of seconds terror was passed over the boys faces, and they almost looked as though they were trembling in fear. "And Jose," added Kai, noticing the blue-haired boy standing close beside Carlos.
"Kai..." Jose started, his voice quivering with fear. "Who'd of thought we'd ever meet you here." Kai only sneered back at the boy's remark, causing him to shut-up instantly.
"You know why I'm here," Kai stated, pumping his fists with fury. He couldn't stop the anger flowing through his veins and all he wanted to do was torture the two boys. He wanted to inflict them with the pain that Jade had to go through, but he tried his best to hold himself back. Carlos only stared back at Kai, portraying himself to look as innocent as possible. Kai kept his main focus on Carlos, knowing all to well that he was leader...whereas Jose was the pathetic follower. "Give me a reason Carlos."
"Oh please...suck it up big-shot! What exactly do you think you can do to us?" Carlos smirked, revealing to Kai that they were still in the park. "This is a public place Kai...if you try anything...millions of people will be our witnesses!" Carlos' eyes laughed evilly back at Kai, believing that he had won the fight in the end. "Besides, as much as you try to deny it...you know she deserved it!"
Kai paused, as his mind absorbed the final words stated by Carlos. "I said give me a reason Carlos," Kai retorted, feeling his fury rise to the surface of his body. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill the both of you right now!" His words were like needles jabbing into someone's heart, and Carlos suddenly understood that Kai was serious.
"You wouldn't...you...you couldn't!" Carlos stuttered in terror, his body seemingly shaking with fear. Jose was in the same state, as he stood further behind Carlos; trying to keep a low profile.
"You know, you're lucky...cause I don't feel like stooping down to your level today." Kai answered with a small smirk, as he reached into his pant pocket. Within a few seconds Kai withdrew the same hand as he held out his blue blade. "But, I can't say the same about Dranzer...and you know what...he wants revenge."
Jade sighed, as she still lay cramped up in the tiny bed. Her grandfather had left awhile ago, and he apologized that he couldn't stay with her longer. Jade easily forgave him, knowing all to well that he had things to take care of...plus he promised her that he would be there for the final match of the Hong Kong tournament! Carefully Jade swung her legs over the side of the small hospital bed, trying her best of not stretching the stitches on her knee. The cold of floor swept up through her spine, as she placed both bare feet upon the ground. In a couple more hours she would be out of here and back to the regular routine of beyblading. Jade took one deep breath and was about to stand up, when a voice interrupted her.
"I thought the doctor told you to stay put!" Rei replied, revealing himself in the middle of the open doorframe. He had a broad smile plastered upon his face and he couldn't help but laugh Jade's determination. Jade only the other hand was rather upset that Rei had caught her in the middle of the act, as she stuck her tongue out at him playfully. This caused Rei to laugh even more and he was happy that she was now feeling better.
"I see you gave up your tough exterior!" Rei added, as he walked over to Jade. She continued to sit on the edge of her bed, the white sheets folding gently across her lap. Rei took a seat beside her and ran a finger over her injured knee, causing a bit of pain to run through her leg. "Do you think its OK to walk on yet?" Rei asked with concern.
Jade only gave a small shrug of her shoulders, "I honestly don't care...I'm going to walk on it anyway! Besides, the finals are tomorrow and there is no way that I'm going to miss it!"
"Oh really, well I care to differ!" A man's voice replied, causing both Rei and Jade to look up in surprise. A tall young man stood before them, his arms crossed over his chest. He had dark black hair, which was cut quite short and dark blue eyes. He was wearing a long white jacket and he portrayed himself with great authority. Jade rolled her eyes at the sight of her doctor and shook her head in annoyance.
"Oh please...for the last time Doug, I'm fine!"
The doctor laughed at Jade's feisty attitude and wondered why he was always stuck with the young teenage girls. "I believe you are supposed to call me Dr.Branton...it makes me sound more professional!" Jade sighed in desperation at his comedic remark, while Rei only laughed. "Aww, come on Jade...I bet all those other teenage girls out there wish that they had a doctor as good-looking as me!"
"Yeah right," Jade mumbled under her breath, as Dr.Branton knelt down before her. She eyed him carefully, while he gently unwrapped the bandages across Jade's injured knee. Five stitches were clearly accented across the injured flesh and the skin surrounding it was red in color. Dr.Branton pressed his thumb lightly against Jade's knee, causing her to wince in pain. He continued pressing the surrounding area, before Jade quickly swatted away his pestering hand.
"Would you stop that...can't you see that it hurts!" Both Dr.Branton and Rei laughed, causing Jade to give each of them an angered glare. "Oh shut-up." Jade added as she firmly crossed her arms over her chest. Dr.Branton smiled at Jade, as he patted her leg solemnly.
"I believe your knee is healing just fine...and it is safe for you to walk on it again," Dr.Branton answered with a nod of his head. His black hair rustled slightly, as he rose to his feet and began to examine Jade's shoulders. "Your shoulders on the other hand are a different story...and I suggest that you don..."
"No way!" Jade broke in, knowing all to well what he was about to say. "There is no way that I'm missing out on the final battle...I have to beyblade...its my life!" Jade pleaded, noticing the firm look of Dr.Branton staring back at her.
"Look Jade, I know that beyblading means a lot to you...but, I just can't risk you pulling your stitches out." He replied with a shake of his head, "It'll only make it worse."
"But..." Jade began, before stopping...realizing that his mind was set on his decision. Jade couldn't believe it, the most important match of the Hong Kong tournament and she had to miss it! How would she explain this to her old team the Shadow-Cats, they would definitely think that she was just to cowardly to go up against them. Rei noticed the depression kicking into red-haired girl, as he placed a comforting hand upon the flat of her shoulder.
"Don't worry Jade...it's...it's only one match," Rei replied trying his best to make Jade feel better. Jade simply nodded her head, but refused to make eye contact with either of them. Dr.Branton's chestnut eyes went slightly soft at the girl, as he too patted her shoulder gently.
"Rei's right Jade, you'll be good to go by the time the Beynamite tournament begins." With that, he quickly left the room leaving Rei and Jade alone. Jade sighed heavily, then swung her legs back over onto the flat of the bed. She yanked the sheets up towards her face and tucked them tightly under her chin.
"Hey...the doctor said its OK for you to walk on your left leg...aren't you going to try it out?" asked Rei, trying to get her mind off of the upcoming battle. Jade only shook her head, a look of discourage spread evenly upon her face. Rei's heart sank at the sight of her and he ran his hand across the cushioned bed. He really had no clue what to say and he decided to sit there in silence, allowing Jade to contemplate her thoughts. Jade couldn't believe how much she was hurting right now, and it wasn't even her wounds...it was her heart. Beyblading meant everything to her, ever since she was a little girl. And now, suddenly, it was taken away from her...even if it was for only a few days. Suddenly a small knock could be heard from the doorway, easily interrupting Jade's thoughts. Yet another person stood in the open doorframe and Jade was rather shocked at the amount of visitors that she was receiving today. Although, this one was definitely the biggest surprise of them all. A young girl with deep black hair stood near the door, her fingers twiddling nervously before her. Jade continued to stare in shock, as she slowly waved her hand...beckoning the girl to come in. The girl only smiled sheepishly before taking a few steps forward into the tiny room. Jade on the other hand suddenly felt her spirit being uplifted, and she once again swung her legs over the side of the bed. Rei noticed this sudden gesture and held out an offering Jade, as he helped her to her feet. Jade felt a little wobbly as the pain of her cut ran through her body, but she continued to stand firmly on the ground. Still hanging tightly onto Rei's strong grasp, Jade made her way over to the girl and wrapped her arms softly around her neck. Rei noticed the confused look growing on the other girl's face and he smiled at the familiar face.
"Jessie..." Jade managed to whisper out, as she felt her voice being choked up in happiness. She never imagined her old friend to come visit her, especially after the arguments that the two teams had recently encountered. Jessie had her own arms wrapped around Jade's back and she clung desperately to her old friend. She honestly couldn't remember when the two of them were so close like this, and she missed it with all her heart. Ever since the day when Jade first joined the Shadow-Cats, Jessie and her had become the best of friends. They would do everything together and would often get in trouble, much to the dismay of Damien.
"Jade...I...I miss you so much!" Jessie replied between tears. Her black hair clung to her teary cheeks, as her fingers trembled slightly. Rei could see the close bond between the two girls and it actually reminded him of his own friendship with his old teammates, the White Tigers. Jessie finally managed to pull herself away from Jade, as the two girls locked eyes. Jessie could still feel the tears running down her cheeks, but she still managed to reveal a pretty smile. "Are you ok?"
Jade smiled at her friends concern and nodded her head,
"I'm fine Jess!"
"Well, it looks like she's enjoying our little surprise!" Max spoke up, making his way into the room along with Kenny and Tyson. Jade's faced simply glowed at her fellow teammates arrival.
"You guys did this," Jade asked, glancing upon each of the 3 boys. She then looked over at Jessie who in turn nodded her head.
"I had to come, even if Damien lectures me once I get back," Jessie started with a shrug of her shoulders. "After all, you are my best friend...even if we're not on the same team anymore!" Jade felt her heart beating furiously with joy, and she could feel unimaginable warmth surrounding her.
"Thank-you guys."
A/N: And another chapter down the drain! Yeah I know, this chapter wasn't all that exciting...but, its all I could think of at the time(hehe) I just realized that this story isn't even close to being completed!!! Cause I still need to write about the Beynamite tournament (which will be starting in a few more chapters!) So I hope you guys like long storied, cause I really don't wanna bore ya! Well I guess I'll stop talking now and start typing chapter 19...YAY!
Chapter 18: Hospital Visits
"Boring...no way...the Discovery Channel?...I don't think so!" Jade sighed in desperation, before she gently pushed the power button on the remote. There was absolutely nothing good on the TV and Jade couldn't believe how bored she was. This was her second day in the hospital and she was thankful that she would be released by tonight. She lightly flopped her head back against the flat pillow, and rustled uncomfortably beneath the sheets. The worst part about being stuck in a hospital, were definitely the beds! You could barely move a single muscle in your body without the fear of falling off. Jade twisted a piece of red hair around her finger, trying to decide the best way to cure boredom. It wouldn't have been so bad if somebody were still here to talk to her, but...Mr.Dickinson insisted that the boy's leave her to rest.
"I don't want rest!" Jade moaned, tilting her head towards the window. From the looks of things it was a beautiful day and Jade wished that she could be out there right now. The sun was filtering its rays throughout the clear blue sky, and Jade could see the giant trees subtly blowing in the gentle breeze. "Why am I so gullible," Jade sighed with a shake of her head. Her red hair rustling slightly with the sudden movement.
"Are you still caught up about that?" asked an all too familiar voice. A huge smile grew upon Jade's pink lips and her eyes shone with a shimmering twinkle. She turned her eyes firmly towards the room door and noticed an older man standing but a couple inches before her. He appeared to be quite old, in the sixties perhaps, although he stood quite tall and erect. His hair was the deepest color of gray, which matched his small mustache perfectly. He looked rather fragile with age, but the smile that he wore made him look like a newborn child. Jade could feel tears forming in her blue eyes and before long, they were steadily flowing down her soft cheeks.
"Grandpa," Jade whispered as she tried to fight back the tears. Her body was shaking as her smiling grandfather took a seat on her bedside, and slowly wrapped his arms around his beloved granddaughter. Tears constantly flowed down the sides of Jade's face, as they landed gently upon her grandfather's shoulder. "What...what are you doing here?" asked Jade, between intervals of tears. Her voice was shaky, as she desperately clung to her comforting grandfather.
"What am I doing here?!" He replied in shock, pulling Jade gently away from him. His chestnut eyes glazed with unshed tears, as he ran a gently finger through Jade's soft hair. "You honestly didn't believe that I wouldn't visit my own granddaughter in the hospital...did you?" He almost looked hurt but Jade shook it away with a spreading smile across her face.
"I know you'd visit me in the hospital grandpa...but, how did you know?" Jade asked questioningly. "I'm...I'm guessing Mr.Dickinson told you." Jade realized after the fact that she asked the question. She studied her grandfather carefully, as he slowly shook his head; indicating that her idea was wrong. "What?!" Jade asked, now feeling incredibly confused. "If Mr. Dickinson didn't tell you...then...who did?" Jade watched her grandfather, as he stroked the side of Jade's cheek carefully.
"Kai did."
"KAI!?" Jade shot out, completely forgetting that she was in a hospital. Her grandfather looked at her rather shocked, trying to figure out how a name could make Jade so loud...almost like it shot her back to reality. Jade could barely believe it, first Kai saves her and now...now he brings her own grandfather back to her. "But how would he know where you live, or...unless..." Jade paused and smiled slowly, she was right. "He does remember."
"Yes, I believe his memory is coming back to him as well." Her grandfather replied, seeing the warmth growing through Jade's body. "It's because of you Jade." Jade cocked one of her red eyebrows at her grandfather's last statement, as she shook her head. She could hardly believe that Kai was changing because of her, although...to some degree it did make sense.
"But, if Kai remembers our past then...why won't he tell me." Jade wondered out loud, trying to make sense of the strange feelings beginning to rush through her body.
"I believe it's the same reason why you won't tell him," he replied speaking the common sense. Jade sighed, her grandfather was right; she didn't do anything to pursue the past feelings as well. Mr.Tomei could see the confused feelings upon his granddaughter's face and he smiled warmly down at her. "Don't fret Jade, I believe that both Kai and yourself are having troubles dealing with these new emotions for each other. But, the time will come." Jade slowly gazed back up at her grandfather's eyes...he was right.
Kai kept up with his steady pace, his hands clenched tightly together in round fists. Anger continued to burn throughout his body and his veins pumped with extreme adrenaline. He had no idea where he was going but for some reason he felt like his feet were guiding him somewhere. Kai honestly didn't care where he was going, just as long as he met up with Carlos and Jose in the end. There was no way that he was going to let them get through with what they did to Jade, he promised himself that. Although deep within the back of his mind was a thought, a thought that Kai himself couldn't really answer.
'Are you doing this because she's your teammate...or do you love her?'
Kai didn't know why he was thinking this way, but for some reason he couldn't get it out of his head. He knew deep down inside that he cared for Jade, even more than a friend. Ever since she first became the 6th member of their team, he had strange feelings towards her. 'But why,' thought Kai, continuing his steady pace along the sidewalk. 'Is it because of the past friendship that we used to have?' Thanks to Jade he remembered everything about his past, and he know knew what his life was like before he was taken to the Abby. The sound of crunching leaves could be heard from beneath Kai's feet, and he realized that he had now entered a park. Trees towered above his head, as the sun's rays danced along his stone cold face. Kai paused for a moment, as he took in the crisp fresh air. Never in his life had he done this before, never had he paused to admire the beauty of life. He was always too caught up in the sport of beyblading, not that it was bad or anything. But, he had taken it too far...no, his grandfather had taken it too far. He had to admit, if Jade never came along he would still be in the mindset of his grandfather...he would still believe that love was a weakness. A gentle breeze brushed past Kai, as he bluish-gray bangs drifted gently before his face. He slowly closed his eyes, his eyebrow twitching for a moment. As the calm air drifted around Kai, he finally understood why he had gone looking for Jade...he did love her. Kai could feel huge relief being lifted off of his shoulders, as he finally admitted his true feelings to himself. His mind still flinched at these strange new emotions as he lifted his eyelids, revealing his maroon eyes. His ears seemed to perk up at the sound of low voices, speaking rather loudly in the distance. Kai's instincts suddenly kicked in and he began to walk towards the echoing voices. He soon found himself in a shaded area, covered entirely by a mass of trees; blocking out all signs of sunlight. Kai instantly found the speakers of the voices, as he narrowed his maroon eyes in fury. Shadows crept along his darkened face and he stepped forward, as he stood a couple of inches from the two boys. Kai didn't know how, but he had finally found them...
"Carlos!" Kai shot out, his teeth gritted together in anger. The two boys before him seemed to jump in surprise, as they turned their two faces towards him. In a matter of seconds terror was passed over the boys faces, and they almost looked as though they were trembling in fear. "And Jose," added Kai, noticing the blue-haired boy standing close beside Carlos.
"Kai..." Jose started, his voice quivering with fear. "Who'd of thought we'd ever meet you here." Kai only sneered back at the boy's remark, causing him to shut-up instantly.
"You know why I'm here," Kai stated, pumping his fists with fury. He couldn't stop the anger flowing through his veins and all he wanted to do was torture the two boys. He wanted to inflict them with the pain that Jade had to go through, but he tried his best to hold himself back. Carlos only stared back at Kai, portraying himself to look as innocent as possible. Kai kept his main focus on Carlos, knowing all to well that he was leader...whereas Jose was the pathetic follower. "Give me a reason Carlos."
"Oh please...suck it up big-shot! What exactly do you think you can do to us?" Carlos smirked, revealing to Kai that they were still in the park. "This is a public place Kai...if you try anything...millions of people will be our witnesses!" Carlos' eyes laughed evilly back at Kai, believing that he had won the fight in the end. "Besides, as much as you try to deny it...you know she deserved it!"
Kai paused, as his mind absorbed the final words stated by Carlos. "I said give me a reason Carlos," Kai retorted, feeling his fury rise to the surface of his body. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill the both of you right now!" His words were like needles jabbing into someone's heart, and Carlos suddenly understood that Kai was serious.
"You wouldn't...you...you couldn't!" Carlos stuttered in terror, his body seemingly shaking with fear. Jose was in the same state, as he stood further behind Carlos; trying to keep a low profile.
"You know, you're lucky...cause I don't feel like stooping down to your level today." Kai answered with a small smirk, as he reached into his pant pocket. Within a few seconds Kai withdrew the same hand as he held out his blue blade. "But, I can't say the same about Dranzer...and you know what...he wants revenge."
Jade sighed, as she still lay cramped up in the tiny bed. Her grandfather had left awhile ago, and he apologized that he couldn't stay with her longer. Jade easily forgave him, knowing all to well that he had things to take care of...plus he promised her that he would be there for the final match of the Hong Kong tournament! Carefully Jade swung her legs over the side of the small hospital bed, trying her best of not stretching the stitches on her knee. The cold of floor swept up through her spine, as she placed both bare feet upon the ground. In a couple more hours she would be out of here and back to the regular routine of beyblading. Jade took one deep breath and was about to stand up, when a voice interrupted her.
"I thought the doctor told you to stay put!" Rei replied, revealing himself in the middle of the open doorframe. He had a broad smile plastered upon his face and he couldn't help but laugh Jade's determination. Jade only the other hand was rather upset that Rei had caught her in the middle of the act, as she stuck her tongue out at him playfully. This caused Rei to laugh even more and he was happy that she was now feeling better.
"I see you gave up your tough exterior!" Rei added, as he walked over to Jade. She continued to sit on the edge of her bed, the white sheets folding gently across her lap. Rei took a seat beside her and ran a finger over her injured knee, causing a bit of pain to run through her leg. "Do you think its OK to walk on yet?" Rei asked with concern.
Jade only gave a small shrug of her shoulders, "I honestly don't care...I'm going to walk on it anyway! Besides, the finals are tomorrow and there is no way that I'm going to miss it!"
"Oh really, well I care to differ!" A man's voice replied, causing both Rei and Jade to look up in surprise. A tall young man stood before them, his arms crossed over his chest. He had dark black hair, which was cut quite short and dark blue eyes. He was wearing a long white jacket and he portrayed himself with great authority. Jade rolled her eyes at the sight of her doctor and shook her head in annoyance.
"Oh please...for the last time Doug, I'm fine!"
The doctor laughed at Jade's feisty attitude and wondered why he was always stuck with the young teenage girls. "I believe you are supposed to call me Dr.Branton...it makes me sound more professional!" Jade sighed in desperation at his comedic remark, while Rei only laughed. "Aww, come on Jade...I bet all those other teenage girls out there wish that they had a doctor as good-looking as me!"
"Yeah right," Jade mumbled under her breath, as Dr.Branton knelt down before her. She eyed him carefully, while he gently unwrapped the bandages across Jade's injured knee. Five stitches were clearly accented across the injured flesh and the skin surrounding it was red in color. Dr.Branton pressed his thumb lightly against Jade's knee, causing her to wince in pain. He continued pressing the surrounding area, before Jade quickly swatted away his pestering hand.
"Would you stop that...can't you see that it hurts!" Both Dr.Branton and Rei laughed, causing Jade to give each of them an angered glare. "Oh shut-up." Jade added as she firmly crossed her arms over her chest. Dr.Branton smiled at Jade, as he patted her leg solemnly.
"I believe your knee is healing just fine...and it is safe for you to walk on it again," Dr.Branton answered with a nod of his head. His black hair rustled slightly, as he rose to his feet and began to examine Jade's shoulders. "Your shoulders on the other hand are a different story...and I suggest that you don..."
"No way!" Jade broke in, knowing all to well what he was about to say. "There is no way that I'm missing out on the final battle...I have to beyblade...its my life!" Jade pleaded, noticing the firm look of Dr.Branton staring back at her.
"Look Jade, I know that beyblading means a lot to you...but, I just can't risk you pulling your stitches out." He replied with a shake of his head, "It'll only make it worse."
"But..." Jade began, before stopping...realizing that his mind was set on his decision. Jade couldn't believe it, the most important match of the Hong Kong tournament and she had to miss it! How would she explain this to her old team the Shadow-Cats, they would definitely think that she was just to cowardly to go up against them. Rei noticed the depression kicking into red-haired girl, as he placed a comforting hand upon the flat of her shoulder.
"Don't worry Jade...it's...it's only one match," Rei replied trying his best to make Jade feel better. Jade simply nodded her head, but refused to make eye contact with either of them. Dr.Branton's chestnut eyes went slightly soft at the girl, as he too patted her shoulder gently.
"Rei's right Jade, you'll be good to go by the time the Beynamite tournament begins." With that, he quickly left the room leaving Rei and Jade alone. Jade sighed heavily, then swung her legs back over onto the flat of the bed. She yanked the sheets up towards her face and tucked them tightly under her chin.
"Hey...the doctor said its OK for you to walk on your left leg...aren't you going to try it out?" asked Rei, trying to get her mind off of the upcoming battle. Jade only shook her head, a look of discourage spread evenly upon her face. Rei's heart sank at the sight of her and he ran his hand across the cushioned bed. He really had no clue what to say and he decided to sit there in silence, allowing Jade to contemplate her thoughts. Jade couldn't believe how much she was hurting right now, and it wasn't even her wounds...it was her heart. Beyblading meant everything to her, ever since she was a little girl. And now, suddenly, it was taken away from her...even if it was for only a few days. Suddenly a small knock could be heard from the doorway, easily interrupting Jade's thoughts. Yet another person stood in the open doorframe and Jade was rather shocked at the amount of visitors that she was receiving today. Although, this one was definitely the biggest surprise of them all. A young girl with deep black hair stood near the door, her fingers twiddling nervously before her. Jade continued to stare in shock, as she slowly waved her hand...beckoning the girl to come in. The girl only smiled sheepishly before taking a few steps forward into the tiny room. Jade on the other hand suddenly felt her spirit being uplifted, and she once again swung her legs over the side of the bed. Rei noticed this sudden gesture and held out an offering Jade, as he helped her to her feet. Jade felt a little wobbly as the pain of her cut ran through her body, but she continued to stand firmly on the ground. Still hanging tightly onto Rei's strong grasp, Jade made her way over to the girl and wrapped her arms softly around her neck. Rei noticed the confused look growing on the other girl's face and he smiled at the familiar face.
"Jessie..." Jade managed to whisper out, as she felt her voice being choked up in happiness. She never imagined her old friend to come visit her, especially after the arguments that the two teams had recently encountered. Jessie had her own arms wrapped around Jade's back and she clung desperately to her old friend. She honestly couldn't remember when the two of them were so close like this, and she missed it with all her heart. Ever since the day when Jade first joined the Shadow-Cats, Jessie and her had become the best of friends. They would do everything together and would often get in trouble, much to the dismay of Damien.
"Jade...I...I miss you so much!" Jessie replied between tears. Her black hair clung to her teary cheeks, as her fingers trembled slightly. Rei could see the close bond between the two girls and it actually reminded him of his own friendship with his old teammates, the White Tigers. Jessie finally managed to pull herself away from Jade, as the two girls locked eyes. Jessie could still feel the tears running down her cheeks, but she still managed to reveal a pretty smile. "Are you ok?"
Jade smiled at her friends concern and nodded her head,
"I'm fine Jess!"
"Well, it looks like she's enjoying our little surprise!" Max spoke up, making his way into the room along with Kenny and Tyson. Jade's faced simply glowed at her fellow teammates arrival.
"You guys did this," Jade asked, glancing upon each of the 3 boys. She then looked over at Jessie who in turn nodded her head.
"I had to come, even if Damien lectures me once I get back," Jessie started with a shrug of her shoulders. "After all, you are my best friend...even if we're not on the same team anymore!" Jade felt her heart beating furiously with joy, and she could feel unimaginable warmth surrounding her.
"Thank-you guys."
A/N: And another chapter down the drain! Yeah I know, this chapter wasn't all that exciting...but, its all I could think of at the time(hehe) I just realized that this story isn't even close to being completed!!! Cause I still need to write about the Beynamite tournament (which will be starting in a few more chapters!) So I hope you guys like long storied, cause I really don't wanna bore ya! Well I guess I'll stop talking now and start typing chapter 19...YAY!
