Salutations! ^_^ Thanks for all the great comments, your reviews mean so
much to me! THANK YOU!! Everyone's wondering about Tyson. *-_- (--- smug
look* Only I know what has become of him! Muhuahuahuahuahua!! Have I been
putting disclaimers on this fic? I don't think so. ^^;; Well, if I ever
forget again, which I definitely will, lemme tell you now!
Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade, but I wish I owned Kai!!
~~~
Chapter Three
~~~
By the time they had stopped walking, Kai's limp was largely noticeable. His ankle burned with pain, and he was positive it was sprained. He grimaced and took another step.
"Kai."
Kai turned his head and saw Rei's worried expression.
"I think we should take a break now. By walking on that ankle, you're probably tearing tissues as we speak," Rei said.
"Well I don't really have a choice now do I?" Kai snapped in annoyance. The pain was getting to him.
"Let me help you," Rei pleaded. Kai turned away.
"I don't--"
"I know, I know. You don't need my help," Rei sighed, eyes downcast. He wanted so much to be a part of Kai's life, other than just another member of his team. Rei stared bitterly at the ground. Curse you, Kai! Why do you have to be so damn stubborn? Don't you see how much you're hurting yourself? How much you're hurting me?
A painful grunt snapped Rei out of his thoughts. He looked up at Kai and saw that the slate haired blader had stopped in his tracks, trying to collect his wits to take another step.
That's it, Rei thought. I don't care how hard you push me away, you are not taking another step alone!
Rei walked over to Kai and took his arm, placing it over his shoulder. Then he put his own arm around Kai's shoulders. Kai closed his eyes, seemingly thankful for the help.
"Lean on me," Rei instructed. Kai hesitated for a moment, but eventually gave in. He leaned against Rei's shoulder, taking much of his weight off of his injured ankle.
"There now. Was that so bad?" Rei asked with a smile. Kai said nothing.
"How's your wrist?" Rei attempted again to get through to Kai. No luck.
"It takes two to have a conversation, you know." Rei stopped at that, helping Kai walk along. If Kai didn't want to talk, that was fine with him. He'd get his chance. Hopefully.
The sky slowly began to turn a light pink color. Silence fell again. Rei had never realized that Tyson was the one who kept the atmosphere light, the mood good. He always had something to say, and now that he was gone, everything just seemed so off.
Kai turned around to check on Max and Kenny. Max was walking silently behind, his eyes bloodshot and shoulders sagging. It was obvious he had cried most of the way. Kenny was beside him, completely emotionless. Under his arm he clutched Dizzi.
"Hey guys...it'll be alright," Rei said softly.
Max shook his head and drew a deep shuddering breath. "Tyson's dead."
"But there's always a chance..." Rei whispered to himself. He'd never believe Tyson was really gone until he saw his dead body. He heard Kai sigh beside him, somewhat annoyed.
Tears began to well up in Max's eyes again, and soon the sniffling started.
"Don't cry buddy," Rei said, hoping he sounded supportive. In truth, he wanted to break down and cry too. Who was he fooling? If Tyson was really dead, nothing would ever be okay again.
They continued along their path, the only sound now being Kai's labored breathing. Rei felt him weakening, and held him tighter. Kai didn't seem to mind.
Near nightfall, they stopped and unpacked their supplies. Rei went off to find firewood, and Max attempted to set up a tent.
"Now let's see here..." Max said thoughtfully as he ripped open the package and squinted at the directions. He pushed all thoughts of Tyson out of his mind. He was determined to help his friends. They were grieving too, and Max had decided he was being way too much of a burden to the others. With Kai injured, he had to take responsibility and help out in any way he could.
Kai was resting with his back against a tree, staring off in the direction Rei had left. Kenny sat a few feet away, still not speaking to anyone.
"Darn!" Max said in frustration. Kai's eyes shifted to the blonde boy. The tent had fallen apart in Max's hands right when it was almost complete. Max made a face and picked it up again. Kai watched Max make the same mistake he had made before. The tent fell again.
"Ugh! What am I doing wrong?"
Kai pushed himself off of the ground and made his way gingerly over to Max.
"Here. It goes like this," Kai said, taking the tent out of Max's hands and fitting the parts together correctly. Max watched the tent fall into place and broke into a delighted smile. Kai was actually glad to see Max smile again. All that crying before had him worried.
"Thanks Kai! I was never very good with this nature stuff. I've never even been camping before," Max said as he pulled the other tent out. He paused for a moment.
"There're only two tents," Max observed. He looked up at Kenny. "Hey, Chief," Max called out somewhat uncertainly. "Are you okay?"
Kai glanced at Kenny. "He hasn't spoken a word since we left," he said to Max. Kenny's eyes were listless and dull, staring off into space.
"Hey buddy-ah!" Max jumped suddenly. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Kai asked, looking at Max.
"Something just went over my foot," Max replied as he scanned the ground. Kai looked down as well, and caught a slight movement in the dry leaves. Something in his mind clicked.
"Max. Don't move," Kai commanded. Max saw Kai's intense expression and grew fearful.
"Why? What's wrong?" Max asked, his voice trembling. Kai clamped a hand over Max's mouth and put his face close to his ear.
"It's a snake."
Max suddenly felt something moving in the leaves by his foot, then a hissing sound. Max's breathing accelerated, and he wanted to scream. Kai's hand stayed over his mouth.
"If you make one move, it'll strike. Stay...completely...motionless," Kai said, breathing slowly. He followed the snake with his eyes. It was snugly beside Max's sneaker, getting ready to climb on it.
"It's going to crawl on you. Just stay still. It'll only hurt you if it thinks you'll hurt it," Kai whispered. Max's blue eyes were wide, fear prominent.
Max felt the snake on his leg, slowly wrapping itself around, climbing up. He whimpered slightly. Kai watched it closely.
"Don't move...just let it pass," Kai spoke softly.
Max soon felt the snake on his arm. He shut his eyes tightly for a moment, but couldn't keep them closed. He had to watch the snake.
All during this time, Kai was slowly moving closer to Max without the snake noticing. He knew that Max could only stay calm for so long, so he had to get that snake off of him. Kai finally got his arm against Max's, and the snake stopped for a moment, pondering its surroundings.
Slowly, it slid over onto Kai. It wrapped around his stomach, crawling up his chest.
Kai stopped breathing as the snake went around his neck, resting on his shoulders. The head was right next to his cheek, and it hissed into his ear. Kai knew that if it bit him now, he would die.
Rei...come on. The one time I need your help, you're not here!
"Oh my God..." Max breathed as he watched the snake. It slithered down Kai's neck, and Kai gritted his teeth, standing motionless.
~~~
Rei was walking back to the others with a bundle of sticks in his arms adequate enough to start a fire. Night had quickly fallen, and he hurried back.
On his way, he thought of their predicament. They had no idea where they were, and had no means of communication. Tyson was gone, who knows where. (Rei still wouldn't admit he could be dead) They were stranded in the woods with limited supplies. Kenny was sinking fast into depression, and had stopped talking altogether. Max was devastated. Kai was injured, and they were all in low spirits.
Rei picked up his pace as a gust of cold wind blasted through the trees. Wherever they were, it was cold.
Rei finally reached the clearing they had unpacked at. He was about to walk over to them, when he noticed something was wrong. His mind suddenly clicked.
Kai. Max. A snake. The snake was on Kai. Max was about to hyperventilate. Kai was struggling to keep his composure. If the snake bit him, he was as good as dead.
Oh boy. Rei's mind was frantic. He dropped the sticks and ran silently to his friends.
"Kai...Rei's here," Max said, his voice shaking. Kai motioned with his lips for Max to be quiet, his mahogany eyes shifting to Rei.
"Don't worry, I think I know how to handle this," Rei whispered, desperately trying to remember the past training he had received from the White Tigers. They had trained outdoors in the wilderness a lot; surely they had to have encountered this situation before.
The snake wound itself fully around Kai's neck, it's scaly head against Kai's cheek. It's tongue suddenly lashed put momentarily, then flicked itself back in. Kai nearly flinched and held his breath.
The snake did not bite. But it did slip down from Kai's shoulders and into his sling.
Kai gasped. "Oh fuck..."
Rei was behind Kai in a flash, undoing his sling. He heard Kai let his breath out through clenched teeth in pain as the snake rubbed against his broken wrist. Rei finally untied the knot and let the sling fall. Kai stumbled backwards quickly. The snake landed on the ground with a thud.
Max was ready with a large stone. He aimed, and dropped it right on the snake's head. The skull crunched under the weight, and the body began to thrash violently.
"Kai, are you alright?" Rei asked breathlessly.
"Fine." Kai turned away, clutching his injured arm. Rei picked up the sling and went to Kai's side.
"Here, let me help you," Rei said gently. Kai pulled the sling out of his fingers.
"I told you, I'm fine. I don't need any help."
"But-"
"Go help Max or something," Kai muttered as he tied the sling and slipped it over his head.
Rei stared at him, then sighed resignedly. Kai was fine. He turned to Max.
"Are you okay?" Rei inquired.
"Yeah...I'll be fine," Max said bravely, although anyone could see he was scared to death. Rei nodded.
"Uh, I dropped the firewood," Rei said sheepishly, and smiled when he heard Kai sigh and shake his head.
"I'll help you get it," Max offered.
"Thanks."
The snake stopped moving.
~~~
TBC
~~~
Arrgh! I know the ending of this chapter is incredibly dorky, and I'm sorry!! ^^;; Please review. Oh, and I'm kinda rethinking the whole yaoi thing. I don't know how I'm going to tie romance into this story! I've got most of it planned out in my head. So I might scrap the yaoi pairing simply because I can't fit it in. This story is not romance, as you can tell. I think the best I can do is portraying them as a close group of friends! Please don't be mad at me!! *runs away screaming* But do keep in mind that this might not have the Rei/Kai romance some of you might be looking for. I'm kind of iffy about it. And if I do get it in, it'll be a very small part of the story! Nothing serious at all. Okay, I'll shut up now! Review please! Toodles.
Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade, but I wish I owned Kai!!
~~~
Chapter Three
~~~
By the time they had stopped walking, Kai's limp was largely noticeable. His ankle burned with pain, and he was positive it was sprained. He grimaced and took another step.
"Kai."
Kai turned his head and saw Rei's worried expression.
"I think we should take a break now. By walking on that ankle, you're probably tearing tissues as we speak," Rei said.
"Well I don't really have a choice now do I?" Kai snapped in annoyance. The pain was getting to him.
"Let me help you," Rei pleaded. Kai turned away.
"I don't--"
"I know, I know. You don't need my help," Rei sighed, eyes downcast. He wanted so much to be a part of Kai's life, other than just another member of his team. Rei stared bitterly at the ground. Curse you, Kai! Why do you have to be so damn stubborn? Don't you see how much you're hurting yourself? How much you're hurting me?
A painful grunt snapped Rei out of his thoughts. He looked up at Kai and saw that the slate haired blader had stopped in his tracks, trying to collect his wits to take another step.
That's it, Rei thought. I don't care how hard you push me away, you are not taking another step alone!
Rei walked over to Kai and took his arm, placing it over his shoulder. Then he put his own arm around Kai's shoulders. Kai closed his eyes, seemingly thankful for the help.
"Lean on me," Rei instructed. Kai hesitated for a moment, but eventually gave in. He leaned against Rei's shoulder, taking much of his weight off of his injured ankle.
"There now. Was that so bad?" Rei asked with a smile. Kai said nothing.
"How's your wrist?" Rei attempted again to get through to Kai. No luck.
"It takes two to have a conversation, you know." Rei stopped at that, helping Kai walk along. If Kai didn't want to talk, that was fine with him. He'd get his chance. Hopefully.
The sky slowly began to turn a light pink color. Silence fell again. Rei had never realized that Tyson was the one who kept the atmosphere light, the mood good. He always had something to say, and now that he was gone, everything just seemed so off.
Kai turned around to check on Max and Kenny. Max was walking silently behind, his eyes bloodshot and shoulders sagging. It was obvious he had cried most of the way. Kenny was beside him, completely emotionless. Under his arm he clutched Dizzi.
"Hey guys...it'll be alright," Rei said softly.
Max shook his head and drew a deep shuddering breath. "Tyson's dead."
"But there's always a chance..." Rei whispered to himself. He'd never believe Tyson was really gone until he saw his dead body. He heard Kai sigh beside him, somewhat annoyed.
Tears began to well up in Max's eyes again, and soon the sniffling started.
"Don't cry buddy," Rei said, hoping he sounded supportive. In truth, he wanted to break down and cry too. Who was he fooling? If Tyson was really dead, nothing would ever be okay again.
They continued along their path, the only sound now being Kai's labored breathing. Rei felt him weakening, and held him tighter. Kai didn't seem to mind.
Near nightfall, they stopped and unpacked their supplies. Rei went off to find firewood, and Max attempted to set up a tent.
"Now let's see here..." Max said thoughtfully as he ripped open the package and squinted at the directions. He pushed all thoughts of Tyson out of his mind. He was determined to help his friends. They were grieving too, and Max had decided he was being way too much of a burden to the others. With Kai injured, he had to take responsibility and help out in any way he could.
Kai was resting with his back against a tree, staring off in the direction Rei had left. Kenny sat a few feet away, still not speaking to anyone.
"Darn!" Max said in frustration. Kai's eyes shifted to the blonde boy. The tent had fallen apart in Max's hands right when it was almost complete. Max made a face and picked it up again. Kai watched Max make the same mistake he had made before. The tent fell again.
"Ugh! What am I doing wrong?"
Kai pushed himself off of the ground and made his way gingerly over to Max.
"Here. It goes like this," Kai said, taking the tent out of Max's hands and fitting the parts together correctly. Max watched the tent fall into place and broke into a delighted smile. Kai was actually glad to see Max smile again. All that crying before had him worried.
"Thanks Kai! I was never very good with this nature stuff. I've never even been camping before," Max said as he pulled the other tent out. He paused for a moment.
"There're only two tents," Max observed. He looked up at Kenny. "Hey, Chief," Max called out somewhat uncertainly. "Are you okay?"
Kai glanced at Kenny. "He hasn't spoken a word since we left," he said to Max. Kenny's eyes were listless and dull, staring off into space.
"Hey buddy-ah!" Max jumped suddenly. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Kai asked, looking at Max.
"Something just went over my foot," Max replied as he scanned the ground. Kai looked down as well, and caught a slight movement in the dry leaves. Something in his mind clicked.
"Max. Don't move," Kai commanded. Max saw Kai's intense expression and grew fearful.
"Why? What's wrong?" Max asked, his voice trembling. Kai clamped a hand over Max's mouth and put his face close to his ear.
"It's a snake."
Max suddenly felt something moving in the leaves by his foot, then a hissing sound. Max's breathing accelerated, and he wanted to scream. Kai's hand stayed over his mouth.
"If you make one move, it'll strike. Stay...completely...motionless," Kai said, breathing slowly. He followed the snake with his eyes. It was snugly beside Max's sneaker, getting ready to climb on it.
"It's going to crawl on you. Just stay still. It'll only hurt you if it thinks you'll hurt it," Kai whispered. Max's blue eyes were wide, fear prominent.
Max felt the snake on his leg, slowly wrapping itself around, climbing up. He whimpered slightly. Kai watched it closely.
"Don't move...just let it pass," Kai spoke softly.
Max soon felt the snake on his arm. He shut his eyes tightly for a moment, but couldn't keep them closed. He had to watch the snake.
All during this time, Kai was slowly moving closer to Max without the snake noticing. He knew that Max could only stay calm for so long, so he had to get that snake off of him. Kai finally got his arm against Max's, and the snake stopped for a moment, pondering its surroundings.
Slowly, it slid over onto Kai. It wrapped around his stomach, crawling up his chest.
Kai stopped breathing as the snake went around his neck, resting on his shoulders. The head was right next to his cheek, and it hissed into his ear. Kai knew that if it bit him now, he would die.
Rei...come on. The one time I need your help, you're not here!
"Oh my God..." Max breathed as he watched the snake. It slithered down Kai's neck, and Kai gritted his teeth, standing motionless.
~~~
Rei was walking back to the others with a bundle of sticks in his arms adequate enough to start a fire. Night had quickly fallen, and he hurried back.
On his way, he thought of their predicament. They had no idea where they were, and had no means of communication. Tyson was gone, who knows where. (Rei still wouldn't admit he could be dead) They were stranded in the woods with limited supplies. Kenny was sinking fast into depression, and had stopped talking altogether. Max was devastated. Kai was injured, and they were all in low spirits.
Rei picked up his pace as a gust of cold wind blasted through the trees. Wherever they were, it was cold.
Rei finally reached the clearing they had unpacked at. He was about to walk over to them, when he noticed something was wrong. His mind suddenly clicked.
Kai. Max. A snake. The snake was on Kai. Max was about to hyperventilate. Kai was struggling to keep his composure. If the snake bit him, he was as good as dead.
Oh boy. Rei's mind was frantic. He dropped the sticks and ran silently to his friends.
"Kai...Rei's here," Max said, his voice shaking. Kai motioned with his lips for Max to be quiet, his mahogany eyes shifting to Rei.
"Don't worry, I think I know how to handle this," Rei whispered, desperately trying to remember the past training he had received from the White Tigers. They had trained outdoors in the wilderness a lot; surely they had to have encountered this situation before.
The snake wound itself fully around Kai's neck, it's scaly head against Kai's cheek. It's tongue suddenly lashed put momentarily, then flicked itself back in. Kai nearly flinched and held his breath.
The snake did not bite. But it did slip down from Kai's shoulders and into his sling.
Kai gasped. "Oh fuck..."
Rei was behind Kai in a flash, undoing his sling. He heard Kai let his breath out through clenched teeth in pain as the snake rubbed against his broken wrist. Rei finally untied the knot and let the sling fall. Kai stumbled backwards quickly. The snake landed on the ground with a thud.
Max was ready with a large stone. He aimed, and dropped it right on the snake's head. The skull crunched under the weight, and the body began to thrash violently.
"Kai, are you alright?" Rei asked breathlessly.
"Fine." Kai turned away, clutching his injured arm. Rei picked up the sling and went to Kai's side.
"Here, let me help you," Rei said gently. Kai pulled the sling out of his fingers.
"I told you, I'm fine. I don't need any help."
"But-"
"Go help Max or something," Kai muttered as he tied the sling and slipped it over his head.
Rei stared at him, then sighed resignedly. Kai was fine. He turned to Max.
"Are you okay?" Rei inquired.
"Yeah...I'll be fine," Max said bravely, although anyone could see he was scared to death. Rei nodded.
"Uh, I dropped the firewood," Rei said sheepishly, and smiled when he heard Kai sigh and shake his head.
"I'll help you get it," Max offered.
"Thanks."
The snake stopped moving.
~~~
TBC
~~~
Arrgh! I know the ending of this chapter is incredibly dorky, and I'm sorry!! ^^;; Please review. Oh, and I'm kinda rethinking the whole yaoi thing. I don't know how I'm going to tie romance into this story! I've got most of it planned out in my head. So I might scrap the yaoi pairing simply because I can't fit it in. This story is not romance, as you can tell. I think the best I can do is portraying them as a close group of friends! Please don't be mad at me!! *runs away screaming* But do keep in mind that this might not have the Rei/Kai romance some of you might be looking for. I'm kind of iffy about it. And if I do get it in, it'll be a very small part of the story! Nothing serious at all. Okay, I'll shut up now! Review please! Toodles.