The Weight of Fate

By Bester Death

Key

((Dreams))

/Light talking telepathy/

//Yami talking telepathy//

[Flash backs]

Notes: This chapter is placed in the episode "New and Cyber-Improved…" Please note these episodes are my version of things, but I will try and keep it as close to the series as possible. I will also use lines from the show! Another small note for those who do not know Yugioh, Seto Kaiba is recantation of Seth the High Priest.

Also Yami Malik is known as Ishtar in this fic, and Heart crush is one of Maxim's attacks with the Millennium Pendent, I hope that clears all confusion. 

Chapter Four

Max sat on his bed, wrapped in the bed sheets feeling cold. Or more to the truth, empty. Ray was lying cold and unconscious in hospital and Maxim had passed out and was gone. Not even their link thought the Millennium pendent was cold, no longer the warm tinkering feeling that shivered up Max's spine whenever Maxim was close by or thinking of him. What was he going to do? He had to clear his head and think. He could not have two lovers could he? Ray has been with him though thick and thin on their journey helping him with his Beyblade and against the dark bladers. Maxim gave his life and then willingly spent five thousand years waiting for him in limbo. Both were kind and passionate lovers. They were willing to guard him and bend over backwards to please him in everyway possible. Max's heart ached as sliver tears spilled down his face. He loved them both, and it hurt!

"Max! Max will you get up!" shouted Kenny as he shook the blond boy who was hiding under the covers."

Max crawled from under the blankets and stared red eyed at Kenny. He had only slept a few hours and was still tried from crying.

"What's up Kenny?" he moaned

"Max your mum going to be here soon and you have got to meet her, remember?"

"Oh yeah!" said Max as he got up from his bed. He stared hopefully at Kenny. "Has there been any word about Ray?"

"No sorry Max. The doctors said there has been no change. Mariah said she will stay with him and call the moment there is any change" said Kenny sympathetically

Max sighed as he got dressed, he knew Mariah had deep feelings for Ray and would stay with him. Max could not help but feel that it should be him staying with Ray, not her.

"There was another call for you Max but it was about Maxim" said Kenny

Max's head shot up "Maxim called?"

"No! But the one name Bester did. She asked if Maxim was with you and I told her no, she asked if we did to send him back home, because he was sick"

"Maxim is sick?" cried Max

"Yeah, she didn't say with what other then he should not be up and about"

"Oh man this can not get any worse"

"Don't worry Max; your mum said she has found a way to make Dragoon more powerful, so Tyson has a good shot of winning."

"That wasn't what I meant" thought Max as he followed Kenny to the meeting place.

"Nothing seems right about The Demolition boys. We know their cheating and its time to put an end to it now" said Judy

"So what are we suppose to do?" cried Kenny

"The Computer has given us Dragoon's upgraded performance stats. All we need now is for someone to rebuild Tyson's Beyblade according to the computer. That's where your dad comes in Max. With his Beyblade know how." Said Judy

"Alright; there is no way we can lose" shouted Max

"Max…is something wrong?" asked Judy as she touched her son forehead.

"Um…nothing Mum nothing I can't handle" Max lied

"Is it something to do with that Maxim kid?" asked George (Max's dad)

"Kind of"

"It also has to do with Ray as well huh"

"Yeah, I don't know what to do! When I am with Ray it has always felt as if something was missing and now that Maxim I feel complete. Yet Ray is unhappy and jealous of Maxim and Maxim…I don't know!"

Both parents looked at each other for a moment before consoling their son.

"Max we know that Maxim loves you dearly as does Ray. You can and have talked to Ray about Maxim and your feelings but you have yet to speak to Maxim." said George placing his hand on his son shoulder.

"Maxim has waited for you Max for a long time; he deserves the truth of your feeling" said Judy

Max brushed away his tears and embraced his parents. They always knew what too do and this time he could not thank them enough.

The forest was the perfect place to beybattle. It was away from everything and was peaceful. Kai was surprised that Tyson had been training since the sun raise and had even missed breakfast. Kai watched the blue haired boy let rip his blade, using different lunches and different attacks.  Tyson was completely forces and in the zone and seemed to be a different person all together. Kai leaned against the tree with his arms crossed his eyes fixed on Tyson. Tyson's blade returned and he let out a sigh.

"Still not good enough" he muttered

"Want to try out against me Tyson?" asked Kai making his presence known.

"Huh? Kai! What are you doing up so early?"

"That is my line Tyson!"

"Maybe, I just couldn't sleep, you know the big match"

"Yeah but you won't get any where if you don't rest up as well as train"

"Wow you suggesting rest?"

"Do you want to be tried for the match? I'm sure Tala would apposite you yawning in his face"

Tyson blow a raspberry and smiled at Kai. Kai felt his heart flutter and resisted the urge to blush. Tyson replaced Dragoon on his launcher.

"Ok Kai let it rip"

They battle for what seemed like hours, but for Kai it was only minutes. He loved matching Tyson battle; he could see the fierce passion and focus in the blue boy's eyes. Tyson let out a laugh as his blade bashed against Kai's.

"Stop laughing, you only have one day left" shouted Kai.

Tyson gave Kai's blade another hit before both blades returned to they masters.

"Man that was sweet" said Tyson

"Those were some sweet moves shrimp"

"To cool; there is no way those Demolition bozos are going to squash me"

"That's right, they'll be to busy laughing at your lame jokes"

"Right; Let it rip!" shouted Tyson as he let lose his blade.

Thought Kai was now with out Dranzer, Kai was still the best Tyson had ever faced. He loved how Kai seemed to be a wall of confidence and strength, and with Kai behind him he could do anything. Suddenly the sound of ripping blades filled the air and a tree fell almost on top of Tyson. The blades returned to their masters who turned out to be Robert, Michael and Lee. 

"What do you want?" asked Kai who was severely pissed off! All he wanted was some time alone with Tyson. Was that to much to ask for?

"Chill out Kai; all we want is to help Tyson beat those Biovolt dudes, that's all" smirked Michael

"We here to give you a serious work out" said Lee

Kai started to laugh. These freaks wanted to battle his Tyson? "Try your best"

Lee stepped forward "I'll go easy on you, I swear!"

"Wait a minute! You guys are the best in the world but guess what I beat each and every one of you! I need a serious work out and if you experts really want to give me a work out, then I'll take all three of you at the same time! Unless you guys are a bunch of chickens"

All four leaders unleashed they beyblades as Tyson unleashed Dragoon. Dragoon and Tyson quickly knocked down the captains one by one, with ease and skill. 

Tyson was about to recall his beyblade when another appeared from no where. It was blue and purple with a bit beast. The mysteries blade attacked Tyson's, its attack ring sliced in to it leaving a horrible chip. Suddenly the blade retreated and returned to it master. Tyson grabbed his blade and was glad to see no real damage was done and turn to see the mystery blader who stood in the shadows.

"Max?" Tyson called seeing a glimpse of golden hair.

"No, it is I, Maxim" said the ancient sprite as he came in to the light. Tyson notice there was something wrong with the sprite; he was paler then usual and did not seem to glow with power as he once did. He seemed to be tried and weak.

"I have come to aid you Tyson. I have an ancient and powerful bit beast named Amalthea. She is older then Seaborg so she is your best chance of defeating the Demolition boys."

"If you say so Maxim; So Let it rip" shouted Tyson as he and Maxim unleashed they bit beasts. Although Maxim had been trapped for five thousand years, he had lost none of his skill and was quickly teaching Tyson a thing or two.

"Who is this?" asked Robert as he stared at Maxim

"His name is Maxim, he is an old friend of Max's" answered Kai as he watched the battle with growing interest.

"Is he as good as he looks?" asked Michael as he leered over Maxim's body.

"He is good but I wouldn't get attached to him, his heart belongs to Max"

The three leaders decided it would be better for them to leave and wait for the others at base, while Kai remained behind and watched Tyson. The battle soon ended with Tyson not winning a single round to Maxim and yet he never felt stronger in his life.  

"You really are one of the original beybladers Maxim" smiled Tyson

"You will do well tomorrow Tyson. I am certain that you will beat Tala"

"I just wish Ray would be there instead of being in the hospital and Max misses him something awful. He was up all night crying" 

"Of course it would have been a lot worse hadn't you interfered" said Kai

"I don't know what you mean" said Maxim who took a step back.

"You know what I mean so don't play dumb. You used your magic to protect Ray and also give Drigger the need strength to win that match."

Tyson gasped "Why Maxim? I though you and Ray hated each other"

"I do not hold any bad feelings for Ray. I respect him for he is a fellow blader but also because Max sees him fit enough to be his new lover."

"You really would do anything for Max wouldn't you? Even give him up" said Kai his voice was deep with respect.

"Max is the only thing I live for. My life's work is to make sure he is happy"

"But at such a price…" started Tyson but Maxim raised his hand.

 "There is no price Tyson. I belong to Max heart, body and soul there is nothing I won't do for him"

Maxim walked with Tyson and Kai back to the hotel where they were staying. It was then he saw Max sitting on the steps waiting for them. He stopped in his tracks and waited. Tyson was about to stop and ask what was up but Kai grabbed his arm and shook his head.

"They need to talk Tyson" he whispered.

Tyson reluctantly nodded and continued to walk towards the hotel with Kai. Max stood up and quickly greeted his friends before running over to Maxim. Both golden haired boys stared at each other for what seemed like minutes. In Max's eyes Maxim was every inch the powerful but kind guard he loved five thousand years ago, the same one that died for him.

"You should be wearing a coat Max, it would be unwise to get a cold the day before the match." said Maxim breaking the eerie silence.

"I'm ok but I know your not. Your friend Bester called and said you were sick and if we saw you, we were to send you straight home"

Maxim chuckled "Bester is a kind and concerned soul she suites Bez well, but I am fine little one"

Max looked down and touched his Millennium Pendent "No your not. We linked though this, so I know your lying to me" 

Maxim looked away and stared at the snow while Max came closer.

"Something happened that day when Ray battled Brain. I'm not sure what though. Ray was going to die wasn't he?"

"He was"

"You saved him. You saved the man who is my lover, even though…"

"I only want to see you happy Max. Your past was a pitiful thing in the temple and your beautiful life was stolen because of our love. I swore then what I hold to my heart now that I would see you happy with or with out me"

"You didn't have too, but thank you. Ray means so much to me"

"You…love him" Maxim felt as if he was speaking as if he had broken glass in his mouth.

"Yeah…and I care for you also" Max whispered as a little blush come to his face.

Maxim allowed a single tear to fall from his eye "I love you so much Max, but I will stand aside for Ray if you asked me too."

"I…can't ask you to do that and yet I want Ray so much it hurts to be apart from him"

"I know how you feel. I thought the sheer loneliness of the time we were apart would drive me mad. I would not wish that kind of grief on another" and with that Maxim turned away and started to walk back to the forest.

"Wait! Where are you going?" shouted Max

"I'm going to make you happy Max!" Maxim shouted back as he disappeared among the trees.

 "Good Morning and welcome fans to the craziest beyblade match ever" shouted Jazz to the coward.

"Are you ready Tyson?" asked Kai as Tyson straightened his cap.

"Sure am! I'm going to win this Kai!"

"Just don't get overconfident and…be careful Tyson" said Kai as he quickly kissed Tyson's cheek.

"Kai"

"Good Luck Tyson" said Kai as he walked to the bench where Max and Kenny were sitting.

"Ladies and gentleman, are you ready? Bladers take your positions!" shouted Jazzman as Tyson and Tala approached the dish. "Our Challenger is a champion the world over but today he faces his greatest test! Will Biovolts bit beasts be too much for Tyson?"

At the hospital Mariah watched the TV before turning to the sleeping Ray. 

"Ray? Their about to start! Ray?"

Slowly Ray's golden eyes opened and he turned to the TV. "Be careful Tyson, be careful"

"It's time to take a look at our new dish…The Blizzard Bowl" cried Jazzman as the white wonderland dish was revealed. Tyson set up his beyblade and quickly glanced at Kai.

"Come on! You can do it Tyson" Kai whispered

The match started and Tala was quick to show Tyson and the world his disregard for the safety rules, as he knocked down a tree that almost hit Tyson.

"Tyson is in serious trouble" cried Max "Watch your back!"

"Come on! I'm not wrong about much and I know I'm not wrong about you" though Kai.

The battle continued and Tala once again showed his under-handiness when he showed Tyson that he was also battling with Dranzer and Draciel.

"Oh all the nerve; fighting me with my friends bit beasts!" shouted Tyson

Kai could see that Tyson was losing forces and jumped to his feet.

"Concentrate Tyson; quit the noble act!" 

"Kai"

"Come on! You know our bit beasts' moves better then he does! Don't just stand there!"

"Kai's right! I do know them better then Tala does. I won't let you down Kai! I promise!" Tyson swore to himself as he cried out to Dragoon to attack. Dragoon shone with splendour as he zoomed down on to Tala's blade knocking it out of the dish. Everything was silent for a moment as everyone stared in disbelief at the sight before backing in to a roar of cheers.

"And Tyson takes the first round" shouted Jazzman

"He actually pulled it off" gasped Kai

At the hospital Mariah let out a cry of joy for Tyson, as Ray watched on. The camera showed Max cheering Tyson, his eyes shining bright.  

"Max" he whispered. Simply saying his lovers name bought him great joy. The pain in his body became numb when he thought about his love. Yet now when ever he thought about Max a shadow appeared. A shadow with a pendent; Maxim.

"Isn't this great Ray!" cried Mariah "Tyson is sure to win!"

"Yeah"

There was a knock at the blue door that caused both Mariah and Ray to turn around. The knock came again and shortly afterwards the door opened. Maxim stepped in to the room holding a barque of white Tiger lilies. Mariah simply started at him for a moment before getting up glaring at him.

"Who are you? Are you some massager with flowers? Or a spy for BioVolt"

"I am neither; I am a friend of Ray and Max, Ms Mariah. I must thank you for taking care of Ray but I must ask you to leave for a moment. I need to speak to Ray in private"

Mariah clenched her fists "How stupid do you think I am? I'm not about…"

"Mariah! Please leave us for a moment" said Ray as he too glared at Maxim. "Maxim is on the level you can trust him"   

"Well…if you say so Ray" said Mariah as she slowly left the room.

Maxim took the lilies over to Ray's table and placed them in one of the jars. His movements were slow and deliberate and Ray wondered why

"What do you want Maxim?" he asked

Maxim looked up at the TV and saw Max on the screen smiling and cheering on Tyson.

"He looks happy there doesn't he? It's an act though. His heart is breaking Ray because he misses you"

"You think so?"

"I know so! He misses you greatly Ray. He loves you deeply and that is why I am here"

Maxim reached down and tucked his Millennium pendent in to his shirt. He then grabbed the ends of his top and pulled it over his head. Ray let out a gasp as he looked upon the hideous scars that marinated Maxim's skin. The scars were deep and red, and they crossed each other leaving very little pink flesh left.

"What happened?" Ray whispered as he reached out and touched one of the scars.

"I told you. I was stabbed to death while trying to save Max. Unlike Max I am still tainted by the past. But that is not why I am here"

Ray's eyes widened as Maxim climbed on the bed and saddled him lap.

"What? What are you doing?" Ray stuttered as he tried to get up but Maxim held him down. Maxim started to undo Ray's shirt and then his bandages until Ray's bare chest was showing.

"For Max" Maxim whispered as he leaned in and rested his chest as well as the pendent on Ray's as he leaned in and kissed Ray softly on the lips. Ray suddenly felt sleepy and a warm comforting feeling surrounded him as Maxim's lips opened and his tongue licked Ray's lips.  Ray allowed Maxim's tongue to enter his mouth. He felt the warm tongue slid against his own. Ray fell deeper and deeper in to darkness, as his hands slid up and took a hold of the rope that held the Millennium pendent. Suddenly Ray felt a sharp pain in his chest and let out a scream.

To be continued…