A/N: 12 reviews! Not that bad I guess… There is a little Kai/Aeris in this chapter, and a few cuss words, (depending on my mood). I would also like to thank one reviewer for telling me Aeris' surname, I'll think about it if I should use it. Thanks, anyway. Disclaimer first chapter.
-
A Mask Of Dignity
By Artiris
-
Chapter 3: Exhilarated
-
The first reaction was undoubtedly by Tyson. He gasped, staring at the same girl who defeated him just fifteen minutes ago.
"You're… joking," Tyson muttered. His teammates shared almost the same reactions as him. Shock and disbelief. Except their leader, who was leaning against the wall almost lazily, eyes closed.
"No, I am not," Mr. Dickinson said pleasantly, walking up to the counter to discuss if there was another room available. Aeris simply crossed her arms, leaned against a nearby couch and put on her headphones calmly, oblivious to her now teammates.
"I can't believe it!" Tyson practically shouted. Kenny hushed him, aware that everyone in the lobby was looking at them.
"HER?! As our teammate!" Tyson said, "I merely underestimated her and there she is, thinking she's the best blader from heaven! That arrogant little bi - "
"Watch what you're saying," Aeris removed her headphones, shooting Tyson a glare. "I only join this pathetic team because all expenses are paid. Not because I wanted to." With that, she put on her headphones again.
"Why you – " Before Tyson could say anymore, Mr. Dickinson
walked to them.
"I'm afraid there are no more rooms are available," he said, "One of you have to share with Aeris,"
"Definitely not me," Tyson said stubbornly, "I'm already with Max." Max nodded in agreement.
"I'm with Kenny," Ray said.
"Kai?" Mr. Dickinson averted his gaze to the tall, spiky-haired boy. He opened his eyes.
"Do I have any choice?" he asked, glancing at his new teammate. She met his gaze without flinching, before turning away.
This day was about to become worse.
-
Aeris walked silently behind him, still listening to Linkin Park. The rest of them already arrived in their separate rooms. Including that sycophant Tyson.
Finally they reached a room, on the door printed clearly three numbers, "205". Kai took a key out of his pocket and inserted it, causing the door to swing open. He entered without a word, and Aeris followed him. The room was quite small, and the room's decorations were simple. But that wasn't all she noticed. In the middle of the room was a bed. A king size one. Not two single sized beds. And to add with it, there was not any couch, but two huge armchairs.
"Damn it," she muttered. Removing her headphones, she switched off her Discman and stuffed her bag into a drawer beside the bed. She watched as Kai picked up the hotel phone, and dialed a certain number. He spoke to whoever was on the other line and slammed the phone down to the receiver.
"You sleep this side, and I'll sleep on that side." Kai spoke for the first time, a scowl on his face, "They don't have any extra two single-sized beds. And don't touch my stuff."
Her temper flared.
"Like I would," Aeris retorted, "I wouldn't even LAY a damned finger on your PRECIOUS items, HAPPY?"
Kai glared at her. "Exhilarated," he growled. With that, they turned away, without another glance at each other.
-
At 7.00pm exactly, the Bladebreakers met at the lobby again. Tyson was back to his usual self, his anger about the defeat vanished. They were hanging out at their usual spot, waiting for Mr. Dickinson to arrive.
"I'm starving!" Tyson exclaimed, his stomach growling hungrily. "I can't wait for Mr. D to arrive!"
"Just do us a favor and shut up. Right after this, no more fooling around. We're training the first thing after dinner." Kai snapped, leaning against the wall.
"Well, Mr. Sourpuss, my skills are perfectly fine. I don't see a need to train until next week!" Tyson shot back.
"I see all of you are ready!" Mr. Dickinson cheerful voice interrupted, leading them to a buffet restaurant. Tyson drooled, staring at all the food, which seemed to be calling his name. The Bladebreakers took their seats, in their usual order, Tyson, Kenny, Max, Ray and Kai. Aeris sat beside Kai, she rather sit with him and sit with Tyson, though both of them didn't look too happy about it.
Tyson immediately jumped out of his seat and grabbed a plate. The rest followed, and dinner continued rather peacefully.
-
"Fun's over, time for training!" Kai barked at Tyson, who stuffed the remains of desert into his mouth. The rest sweat dropped, except for Aeris, whose emotions on her face were blank. Tyson glared at Kai, before standing up with the rest of the Bladebreakers and walked briskly to the training room, Kai leading. He pushed open the doors, switched on the lights, revealing classic beyblading bowls. Each of them began training, while Kenny busily recorded how he should modify his teammates' beyblades.
At 10:30pm, after a session of vigorous training, the Bladebreakers returned to their respective rooms, able the rest at last. Kai changed into a black T-shirt and baggy blue pants. Aeris came out of the bathroom, wearing a similar outfit, and instead of short sleeved, she wore a long sleeved T-shirt.
Turning on the dim light, she removed her band, letting her silvery brown hair flow down to her back. She lay on the very side of the bed, before covering herself with the blanket. Her head was crammed full of what had happened that day, but soon fell into a deep sleep, not knowing Kai did exactly the same.
-
A/N: Finally a bit of Kai/Aeris there, but not much, this was just the slight beginning of their hatred. I was thinking, if all teams participating in the Asian Tournament must have 5 members, who is going to be the White Tigers' fifth member? I need a name, and should it be a boy or girl? Review to tell me what you think! The more reviews I get, the more longer my chapter will be, I promise.
-Artiris
-
:::To Be Continued:::
-