A few quick things before I get started:

Telis and Eria: Thanks for the CC. I appreciate it, and I take all tips to heart. ^-^

Telis: I didn't get a chance to check out your suggestions yet. I'm hoping to be able to do that tonight! ^-^

And to everyone else: Thanks for the reviews. I want to list you all and thank you separately, but I'm pressed for time right now! Luv yas! * Gives you all cookies *

On with the story!



Bastet walked down the long, dimly lit hallway toward her room. She was in a pretty good mood after her match with Kai, but was looking forward to having some time alone. It was hard to have peace and quiet when you share a home with some many people; it was hard, no matter how big the house.

"You let him win, didn't you Bastet?"

Bastet sighed, turning to face Meil, who had snuck up behind her. Her good mood was already ruined. "What exactly are you implying, Meil?" she said, her tone icy and her eyes sharp.

Meil stepped forward, an angry look on his face. "You let him win! Threw the match!"

Bastet turned away from him, anger shining through her purple eyes. "I'm hurt that you would think that."

The dim light reflected in Meil's eyes as he stared down at his team leader. "I know you did! You've never been beaten!"

Bastet started to walk away; she didn't want to be bothered with him right then. "There's a first time for everything." She said, stuffing her hands into the deep pockets of her pants.

Meil chased after her, his feet making hardly any sound on the soft, rich carpet. He caught up to her and grabbed her shoulder, making her face him.

Bastet's eyes narrowed dangerously. She was quickly losing her temper with the boy.

"I'm strong than Kai!" Meil yelled. "And I've never beaten you! So it isn't possible!"

Bastet shut her eyes for a moment, trying to control her emotions. "Mail, can I see your Beyblade?" she asked calmly.

"Stop changing the subject!" Meil growled, but he handed her his blade anyway. She took it, and turned it over in her hands.

"Stronger than Kai, are you?" she said. She removed his bitbeast from his blade, before tossing it to the side. "Not anymore." She said, pocketing it, and walking away.



* * *


Bastet sighed as she slumped down on her high, soft bed. She rolled over, snuggling into the soft velvet cover, thinking.

'Meil is only half right.' she thought, replaying the match with Kai in her head. 'I probably could have won the last round, but he really caught me off guard the first time.'

The realization that she had gone easy on the newcomer depressed her. She wasn't anything special, she had just been beyblading her entire life. She had lived in the palace for her whole life, and had been training just that long. Still, she prided herself on giving her all, and when she went a little easy on Kai, it made her feel worthless.

She groped with her hand, finding the pack of cigarettes that had on her nightstand for nearly a year. She hardly ever smoked, only when she was really depressed. She hadn't had any for almost a year. Sticking one in her mouth, she lit it, and took a long drag.

Blowing the smoke up into the air, she continued replaying the match. She wasn't sure why she had held back like she did. She hadn't even held back that much. Kai had a very fair chance of winning.

With a growled, she put out her cigarette, tossing it into the corner. "What the hells wrong with me?" she said out loud to herself. "I just wanted to see what he was capable of. I couldn't have done that if I went all out!"

Sighing to herself, she left the room, opening the sliding glass doors and heading onto the balcony adjacent to her room.



* * *



Kai stared out from the balcony of his room. Form his vantage point, he could see the dark gardens of the palace, and further out, the twinkling lights of the city. The palace was a nice place. Every room had a balcony, which was good for Kai, who like being up high and looking at the stars.

As he stared up at the dark sky, his mind drifted back to Rei. He was surprised how much he missed him. Without him around, Kai felt…somewhat empty. He had never told Rei how he felt, and he regretted that the most.

He knew Rei wouldn't have returned his feelings, but he still hated living with this secret on his chest. He missed Rei, missed him a lot. With a sigh, he put his head down the on the balcony railing.

"Don't smile, Kai-kun. Your face might crack."

Kai lifted his head slowly at the sound of the voice. He wasn't in the mood to socialize. He just wanted to lie down and sleep forever.

Bastet stuck her head out from among the branches of the tree that stood in front of Kai's balcony. Her room was right near his, and it was a easy task for her to jump into the tree and make it to his room. She jumped onto his balcony, perching herself on the rail.

"What's up?" she asked. She was trying to ignore the incredibly sad look on his face. She hoped he was just homesick.

"Nothing. Leave me alone." Kai mumbled, looking back out to the city again.

Bastet smiled, but didn't leave. When he saw she was still there, Kai looked at her. "Can I help you?" he asked, hoping she would get the hint.

"I want to hear about your old team." She said, tilting her head.

"Why do you care?" Kai said coldly. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about them it reminded him of Rei.

"Why do you not want to tell?" Bastet countered. She wished he would just tell her already. She was much to depressed to argue with him.

"Leave me alone!" Kai said, heading back into his room. Bastet stayed where she was, but called after him.

"Why didn't you tell them you were leaving? What was there that you missed too much to stay with?"

Bastet's words hit too close to home for Kai, who flinched. That was the last thing he wanted to hear right then. "Just leave me alone Bastet!" he yelled, slamming the door to his room.

Bastet stared at the closed door. She wasn't sure what he was hiding, or why he wouldn't tell, but it depressed her even more. With a sigh, she jumped down the ground below, heading toward the gardens.



* * *


Rei rolled over on his bed, trying to keep the tears from escaping his eyes. it felt like his soul had been ripped in two.

He had gone to Kai's house that day, having finally gotten the courage to admit how he felt. It had taken so long, but now he was ready to tell the boy that he loved him. Maybe the admission would even soften Kai's hard outer shell. Or it could destroy their friendship forever. Either way, he had to know.

He had reached Kai's house about 3 in the afternoon. He knocked on the door, hoping Kai would answer, but instead, his grandfather did.

A few tears fell to Rei's pillow as he thought about what had happened next. He had asked to see Kai, only to be told that the slate haired boy was gone. He had run away from home, his grandfather had said. But it was the next words that hurt the most.

His grandfather told him he had no idea where Kai was, and that he really didn't care. With that, he had shut the door, shattering Rei's hopes forever.

He buried his face in his pillow. "Why did you leave Kai?"

His heart ached, knowing he may never see him again, and he cried.



* * *


Kai pulled the covers up over his body, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't get Rei off of his mind. The boy had a hold on him. He wished he could have said goodbye.

Turning his head, he could see out the window. The full moon hung in the sky, lighting the sky.

'I wonder if Rei's looking at the same sky…'



Kind of sappy, I know. And sorry, but I had to make Rei cry, for effect. * Sniffles * Poor Rei… * hugs her Rei plushie. * Where is my Kai plushie…