Title: A Promise Kept

Authoress: Asuki

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: See chapter one

Summary: See chapter one

Disclaimer: I do not own beyblade or its characters. I simply borrow them from time to time for a bit of fun and return them relatively unharmed.

Status: Unrevised

Enjoy, if possible.

==========

Chapter 3:
There's no turning back

The morning sun ascended high up in the sky and spread her rays down onto the earth, signalling the start of another new day. The city of Kyoto was by now hectic and dynamic, as people went off to their offices in all directions, causing heavy traffic jams. However on the 15th floor of a hotel that situated on the busy streets of the central city, an adolescent boy with lengthy raven hair slept on, peacefully. With every breath he took, the soft tresses on his cheekbones rose and fell to the rhythmic breathing of the boy, while messy strands sprawled over the bed and around him. The sun continued to infiltrated its rays through the closed curtain, determined to awaken the resting boy.

Rei had felt the bright waves of light cascade over him, waking him up considerably. He stirred, not really wanting to get up, then yawned as he stretched his arms up, soon his arms collapsed on top of himself again and the young boy started to purr sleepily again. He was definitely not a morning person, and that was not under the influence of Tyson, although he may not have been entirely truthful about his own judgement. Why would anyone want to leave the warm, comfortable bed? Food? Maybe. Training? Nah. Then back to sleep it is.

Speaking of training... Holy cow! Rei shot up from the bed immediately at the thought of those words, like he had just been shot by an electric current.

" We've got training today, Kai's going to make us practice all day," Rei mumbled to himself as he slowly slipped into further consciousness. " At least he's not up yet, or else that means I'm seriously late, and he's not gonna be happy about that..." speaking of Kai, I better wake him up now, the sun is up after all.

Rei directed his glance sideways, ready to be welcomed by his captain's sleeping form, only to find...

AN EMPTY SPACE!?!?

NO KAI!?!?

OH NO!!!

(Why didn't he wake me up!? I hope training hasn't started yet, I'm not going to do extra work. Oh man... I'm dead meat if I don't hurry up...) Thoughts shot through Rei's head like frantic bullets. He placed his hand on the bed where Kai slept, trying to find out how long exactly the captain has left. (Not good, the sheets are cold, he must have been up for a while.) Rei then fell silent, as if concentrating hard trying to detect any indication of noise. (there's no sound from the bathroom either, so he must be downstairs already.)

Rei swinged his legs down the side of the bed and immediately leaped off, and was now completely awake. While he grabbed his usual attire with one hand, he snatched his head band and hair wrap that lay on the bed-side table with another. He didn't have time to see if he left anything out, all that on his mind was to get dressed and ready as quickly as possible, and without getting Kai mad. (Oh this is going to be easy...)

"Bathroom..." Rei mumbled under his breath.

He glanced backwards at the alarm clock that sat on Kai's bed-side table, it read 8:27. (not too late, but I really ought to hurry up.) Rei hurriedly headed off for the bathroom, he made a sharp turn around the corner (suppose it's a "L" shaped room) and was about to take another step and all of a sudden...

THUD.

"Ouch... my head feels dizzy man," Rei now sat rather ungracefully on his bottom while his belongings were scattered all around him. It was lucky the hotel carpets were soft, or he was going to get more just than a dizzy head. Rei brought his hand up and massaged his forehead gently to relief the slight wincing pain that emitted, while he raised his head up to find out who he had bumped into. Expecting to see either Tyson, Max or Kenny to wake him up, Rei was startled when his orbs met a stoic expression and two tones of blue.

"Kai!" Rei exclaimed.

Kai stood before Rei and was now observing the fallen tiger below him. He obviously was not affected by that little knock but he fixed his gaze on Rei. It didn't show anger or amusement, in fact, it was just an emotionless, impassive gaze that Rei had become familiar with already.

"I'm sorry Kai, I was just about to go to the bathroom," Rei explained, still massaging his forehead slightly, still sitting on the ground. He too observed at his captain, Kai had obviously just came out of the bathroom, his hair was slightly damped but it was still in its distinctive shape. A couple of fallen bangs framed his cheekbones and outlined his face precisely, which was pale and looked very soft without those accustomed azure triangles that brought intimidation and distance upon the stoic captain.

(WHOA! Kai sure looks.. different.. without them..) Rei mused.

Rei got that right. It was the first time he had seen Kai without his face paint, and he wasn't sure what to make of it. He was so use to them already, the compulsion, the impassiveness. And now seeing him like this, it's like he has let his guard off, no longer the distance and emotionless person, but just a normal teenage boy searching for acceptance, and friends. Sure he still looks the same, but there was just something different about him, and Rei liked this Kai better, like it would be easier to befriend him.

"You should just not wear that silly-face-paint of yours Kai, I like it better like this," Rei voiced aloud his thoughts in a very childish manner, then instantly clapped his hands on his mouth, knowing what he had just said.

"Hn."

(Phew.. he took that well..) Rei thought while he interpreted Kai's 'hn' as I don't care or whatever and continued to observe his captain. Rei's gaze travelled down and was instantly met by Kai's well muscled torso. He could clearly see Kai's muscled arm, water droplets trickled off his hair and bounced on his broad shoulders, a small tower also draped over his right shoulder. Kai didn't have his normal lose-fitting washpants on, instead he wore a pair of totally black denim jeans that wasn't tight but still hugged on Kai's legs pretty much, leaving not much to the imagination.

(I see somebody's been working out, nice jeans too.) Rei mused to himself, still quite startled at the state he saw Kai in.

"I see you've decided to wake up." Kai broke the silence.

Noticing that he was still staring at Kai, Rei quickly diverted his gaze and a slight tint of red crept over his cheeks. (Why am I blushing? It's not like I haven't seen a boy like this before, but I gotta say he does look attractive.) Rei lifted himself off the ground and started to gather his fallen belongings.

"You done right?" Rei asked politely, motioning to the bathroom after picking up his clothing.

Kai merely walked off with a simple "Hn."

Rei took that as a 'yes' and proceeded to the bathroom to wash and get ready for the day. Meanwhile Kai strolled into the room, plopped down on to the large bed and started rummaging the towel thoroughly through his hair in an attempt to dry it quickly. (Damn! How does Rei dry his hair after he washes it?) Fed up, Kai ruffled his hair with the towel one last time before he tossed it onto the bed-side table, he'll have to put it back later since Rei occupied the bathroom. He then stood up and started to make the bed. Kai folded the covers neatly and placed them at the end of the bed, he also smoothed the sheets and they now laid on the bed, not a trace of crinkle, in-place and nicely tucked in under the mattress. After that Kai rummaged through his sports bag and soon drew out a black tank top, his usual.

By the time Rei came out from the bathroom all dressed up and ready for the day, Kai was sitting in a comfortable looking recliner and was holding Dranzer close to his eyes, observing it intimately. He didn't even pay any notice as Rei sauntered past him to place his clothes back in his bag and take out the customary arm wrapping.

"You know you can always get Kenny to help you if you want to modify Dranzer," Rei commented while he started to encircle his forearm with the wrappings.

"I am perfectly capable of doing it myself," the slate haired boy responded coolly and continued to observe Dranzer in close range, not even looking up at the person he was speaking to.

"Okay, if you say so. Oh and when is training gonna start?" the younger of the two continued to ask, disappointment clearly showed through his voice.

This time Kai stood up, and proceeded to walk towards the door, however he stopped halfway.

"Training will start in 20 minutes, I will go and set up some metal posts for training now, so you should get some breakfast." the captain spoke impassively, then started to walk again. He stopped when he reached the door, and spoke again while turning the doorknob.

"But if I were you I'd skip breakfast, watching Tyson 'eat' can and will reduce anyone's appetite." With those words, Kai left the bedroom leaving Rei to finish wrapping his forearm on his own.

(Did I just hear Kai crack a joke?)

Rei tightened the grip on the bandages, then proceeded to knotted it before he too, left the bedroom.

========

"Tyson! When would you start listening to me! You can't just go head on for an attack when you battle!" Kenny shouted exasperatedly behind Dizzy, while typing at the same time.

"Well what am I suppose to do? Hide around like a girl? You know I'm only good at attacking Kenny!" Tyson replied impatiently while he launched Dragoon once more towards the metal posts.

"No, that's not what I mean Tyson. All I'm saying is that you need to raise your attack levels and your defence levels at the same time!"

"Dragoon! Let's knock down that post and show' em what we're made of!" Tyson urged his bitbeast. The white blade maneuvered around the metal post for a short time before it charged towards it for a head on collision. A loud bang was heard but Dragoon was simply knocked back and the post did not budge at all. ( The posts are about one metre tall, not like those very tall ones.)

"Tyson!"

"Let me handle this," Kai stepped in front of Kenny and pulled out his launcher simultaneously. He raised his arms above his head, ready to launch.

"If you think you're defences are so good, then let's see you defend against this!" the slate haired boy lowered his arms then launch his beyblade fiercely, letting Dranzer revolve at high speed. Kai then had the azure blade skirt around a couple of metal posts he set up, in a display of speed and power, before headed for the other white blade not far ahead.

Tyson had Dragoon attacking a second time, unwilling to surrender to the metal post. After the first collision, the while blade bounced back a couple of inches then wobbled somewhat unsteadily, but upon hearing his master's voice so full of determination, Dragoon had managed to maintain control and headed for the target once more.

"Dranzer, attack." Kai said almost lazily while he crossing his arms. Instantly, the azure blade sped up and was now heading for the exact metal post that Dragoon was headed. Both blades were getting closer and closer by the second, and it would only be a matter of time before they both collide with the post, perhaps even simultaneously. Everyone now directed their attention upon the two blades, spinning closer to their destination.

"Now!" Kai's voice came moments before both blades hit the post, and instantaneously Dranzer altered its spin direction, twirled left and charged again, this time at the white beyblade. What came next was a surprise to everyone, one moment Dragoon and Dranzer were both headed for the post, then the next second Dragoon was lying on the ground some ten feet away, immobile. Its owner stood, his mouth formed the shape of an 'O' but not a sound was heard, Tyson was speechless.

"Dragoon!" the boy suddenly yelled, regaining his composition. He ran over promptly and picked up his blade to check for any damages.

"What was that for Kai?!" Tyson asked, indignation vaguely amid his tone.

"You needed someone to show you that you lack a proper defence, now go and listen to what Kenny has to say, then you can practice with Max, seeing he has a better defence, and hopefully you'll get the point." Kai scolded.

"Who said I lack in defence, you just caught me off guard, that's all!" Tyson, being the ever so stubborn one, was not going to give in that easily to Kai's lecture.

"We cannot afford to let an opponent catch you off guard, once in the stadium, you only have one chance." Kai continued, his voice relatively cold.

"Kai does have a point Tyson." Draciel's owner chirped in.

"Max is right, you should start listening up more often." the white tiger added.

"All of us, especially you, have to be in top form for our upcoming tournament." Kenny opined, " Oh and I almost forgot, Dizzy & I designed a new launcher for Dragoon, it will add more velocity to your spin when combined with your wrist movements." the small boy reached in his bag and drew out a brand new launcher.

"Cool man! With your help Kenny I'll become the best in no time!" Tyson exclaimed while he grabbed hold of his new launcher.

"Hn."

"Come on Kai! You know how good we are!" the energetic boy continued.

"Just don't come crawling back after your first defeat." Kai retorted, his tone remained impassive.

"Oy oy, captain! Whatever you say!" Tyson burst out and pretended to salute, his actions had the rest of the team in fists of laughter, all except for Kai of course. " So can we take a break and have lunch now? I honestly don't think my stomach can take this any longer."

"Hn. You have an hour before training resumes, and don't say I didn't warn you, there will be no more breaks until dinner." Kai addressed his team mates in a monotone voice, he then turned around and started to walk off in the opposite direction.

"Oh right! Come on Max!" Tyson shouted while pulling his buddy back into the hotel room. Kenny followed, clutching Dizzy tightly under his arm.

Only the observant tiger noticed that their captain was heading elsewhere...

========

Midday in Kyoto was tranquil and silent, if you ignore all the artificial noise of the lively city that is. Few people thought about this once a place of natural exquisiteness and wonders, has now become a frenzied location full of towering structures, numerous vehicles and countless other man-made constructions. Nevertheless, most people nowadays no longer appreciate nature's wonders, they themselves far too busy indulged in their own little egocentric and dismal world. The trees were still green, the sky remained blue, yet the aura of the place would never be the same.

Amid the chaotic city streets, a slate-haired boy hurried past crowds, automobiles and buildings, eager to arrive at his destination. He needed to find a place amongst this busy location where he could acquire peace and serenity, escape from the reality for just a brief second. Kai never liked hectic places, he was so familiar with isolation and seclusion, being the lone wolf. But there was a difference, a quite place in Kyoto was also a serene one, unlike the place where Kai grew up. There was not a moment of peace, none at all.

There was only loneliness, solitude.

--- Flashback ---

"Keep on running! You must obtain strength, and you shall have no weakness!" a voice harsh and ruthless echoed.

They had been running for an extremely long time now, none of the boys knew why, nor did Kai. They would do as they were instructed, or else they would be punished. Kai knew that very well, therefore he obeyed.

"You! Over there! Get up and run, now!" their instructor spoke at a brunette who has fallen on his knees, not being able to keep up with the harsh training physically anymore. The boy was panting hard and sweating bullets, it was obvious that he was dehydrated and exhausted, but the instructor didn't care. No body ever did.

Seeing as the boy didn't obey his commands and get up, the instructor walk over the boy, he then proceeded to give him a kick in the stomach, yelling at him in the meantime.

"You weakling! Get up now! Don't you hear me? GET UP!" the voice showed no mercy or sympathy.

"I... I... can't... too... tired..." the boy managed to utter those words, his breathing rapid and hasty.

"Then you don't deserve to stay here!" the man spoke cruelty, then clapped his hands twice. Instantly, two men dressed in black suits appeared out of nowhere, the other boys could only presume that they were guards. They approached the fallen boy and lifted him up by his arms, then started to walk in the opposite direction. The brunette's attempts to free himself were utterly futile, he could only let the guards take him away.

And the other boys could only watch as another one of their companions disappear behind the tall walls, never to be seen again. No one asked why, no one ever talked about it, but deep inside they knew...

==========

Amber eyes surveyed its surroundings, prying to find a trace of the stoic captain. Rei had let his curiosity get the better of him, after seeing his fellow comrade leave so abruptly from their training session, especially when the break was only for an hour.

(I just know there's something going on with Kai.) The tiger mused silently to himself, while he continued to pursue his captain's route. Anyone else would find it incredibly difficult to follow the slate-haired boy, not only did he walk fairly quickly, he almost blended in with the crowds, letting the people around him form a barrier. But not for this raven-haired boy, Rei had stealth, speed and agility, just a few of his cat-like abilities. He knew that Kai had a very high alert sense and would probably detect him if he went too close, therefore, Rei also used the crowd to his advantage, along with his capabilities. Hoping it would be enough for Kai to not notice him.

After fifteen minutes, the slate haired boy ceased his footsteps and halted in front of a particularly tall building. Kai looked up at the building, observing its height, before he tightened his grip on Dranzer and entered the building with a swift pace. Roughly twenty seconds later, Rei too stopped ahead the building, golden orbs peered inside the building his captain just went in.

(What's Kai doing at a place like this?) Rei pondered, but without a second thought, also stepped inside.

Upon reaching the interior of the structure, Rei could only describe the place with one word, large. The entrance hall was well decorated and appeared very business like. A huge chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its many transparent, crystal like components suspended from larger parts. While as the floor was covered with magnificent marble tiles, and you could hear the sound of black shoes tapping on the even surface. A large information desk was situated on the right hand side of the entrance hall, business men and women passed to and fro, inquiring the administration officers. On the right side were some expensive looking couches, there was even a chaise lounge. Several recliners were also placed there, its occupants busy discussing business matters. Lastly in the centre, was a nicely crafted marble artwork, which lead to a smaller hallway where eight elevators were situated.

Rei however, didn't take note of anything that was around him, all that mattered to him then was to find Kai. His golden irises searched the hall, in an attempt to locate his captain. It was difficult, there were people walking around everywhere, and Rei could hardly keep track of his fellow comrade. The boy was about to renounce his search and return to the hotel, and there it was...

Two tones of blue and a trace of white twinkled just before the elevator door closed.

That was all the tiger needed.

(KAI!)

Sprinting over, the raven-haired boy tried to catch up with his captain, but it was too late. The elevator doors have closed. Rei immediately pushed the buttons nearest to him, trying to catch another elevator, before he lifted his gaze. -2...5...13...- numbers on the black screen located above the elevator continued to increase, an idea sprang to Rei's head.

(If I can note down what levels this elevator stops in, then I'll be able to find Kai! He must be at one of those levels!)

Determination shone on the tiger's golden orbs.

==========

Kai stood with his hands in his pockets, staring into the city of Kyoto below him. The rooftop of a tall building was always a peaceful place in the middle of a big city, even though it wasn't the best, it would do now. His gaze fixed on the capital underneath him, everything and everyone seemed so insignificant up here, so small, so helpless.

Kai snorted (Thousands of people, simple-minded, all of them, just pathetic.)

The slate-haired boy sighed, then directed his gaze away from the city below to the far horizon. The sun was presently clouded, and he had a good view of quite some distance. It was a beautiful vision, even Kai admitted to himself, outlines of several mountains were vaguely distinguishable, even though it was midday already, the crest of the mountains were still hazy and misty, creating an illusion of the eye, it was a heavenly scene. Kai mentally noted to himself that this was a place that he would come back to, who would have thought such a scene could be seen here? Sure it wasn't the most magnificent sight, but it was still breathtaking.

At that moment Kai's ears picked up a faint sound. Nobody would have heard the noise, but Kai could, he was trained to be like that, alert, furtive and on guard at all times.

--- Flashback ---

"To be the best, you need to be strong both physically and mentally." a man instructed, " You are here to become warriors, to be unsurpassable, to test your limits, the stronger you are, the stronger you blade and beast will be. Understand?!"

"YES SIR!"

The boys were taken into a virtual world constructed by computers. Using the latest technologies, they would be placed in a stimulated environment designed for their training needs, places such as jungles, deserts and all sorts of remote locations, where they would face danger and resolve in whatever ways possible. It was a test of physicality and mentality, and not everyone could take it.

"Be aggressive and ruthless to all your obstacles, don't let emotions get in your way, they will make you weak, and you are not allowed to be weak! Remember, you're dangerous, emotionless and you ARE the best!" the cold voice sounded once more before the boys were taken away for their training in locations desired by their instructors.

That was only one of their many training programs.

==========

Kai snapped out of his own pool of thoughts when he heard another minute noise.

(Why do I get the feeling that this is Rei? Strange boy, also a very observant one.) Kai mused silently.

The tiger had tracked his captain down to the last place possible, the rooftop. Slowly opening the door, trying hard not to make any noise, the raven-haired boy stepped out and instantly started to survey the site for any signs of his comrade's whereabouts. Soon enough, Rei spotted the slate-haired boy standing with his back facing him. Not wanting to acknowledge his presence to the other boy, Rei slowly proceeded to close the metal gate noiselessly, then carefully and gradually, tiptoed closer towards Kai.

"Why did yo follow me Rei?" Kai's voice broke the silence the tiger had tried so hard to maintain.

"Kai! How did you know it was me?!" Rei's tone was a mixture of amazement and disappointment.

"Anyone could have guessed," Kai's reply was as icy as ever.

"You're not angry at me, are you?" Rei asked again, hoping his captain wasn't mad at him for following.

"Hn."

"Er... so why did you come here?" the tiger continued.

"Come over here Rei," Kai commanded rather than asking.

The request seemed somewhat random, but Rei complied anyhow. Taking a few strides, Rei stopped when he stood next to Kai, directing his gaze in the direction Kai was staring at.

"Wow!" was the only word that came out of Rei's mouth as soon as he witnessed the spectacular view obtained from his location, " Kai, this is beautiful... is that why you came here for? Just to get away from your busy routine to relax and acquire peace?"

"Yes." Kai mumbled. (Hn, I guess that he might understand better than those airheads do. Or perhaps I could do with some company.)

[You achieve alone, you don't need anybody's aid, you need no one, you're a lone wolf...]

"Kai?"

"Yes?" the slate-haired boy grunted, not liking the disruption of his thoughts at all.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind lately, are you okay?" Rei asked softly, concerned nevertheless.

(Damn, he's good at reading people, well I'll make sure he doesn't do that again. But it's been so long... since I had a friend... maybe... WAIT! What were you thinking Kai?! He's not your friend, you don't have any friends, he's just another blader in your stupid team!)

"I asked if you were okay Kai, Kai?" Rei questioned once again, seeing his captain didn't respond.

"Of course I'm fine! What makes you think that there's something wrong with me?" Kai yelled suddenly, a little louder than he had intended to.

"Oh... nothing really... I just noticed that you seemed a little bothered... so I thought..." Rei's voice dropped, and so did his gaze.

(Oh great Kai, now you just made him upset.) Kai mused, (Humph. Now I care how he feels, just great.)

"Look, I'm fine, there's nothing you should be worried about. And you suppose to be eating lunch right now, you're not going to get another break till dinner and don't think I'll give you extra time just because you followed me here."

(Kai sure cares for us, a lot more than he lets on in fact, even if it is in his own indifferent way.) Rei took another step and was now face to face with the slate haired boy. The two boys were standing barely an inch apart, both could feel each other's body heat radiating. Golden eyes observed scarlet ones as Rei fixed his gaze on Kai, looking intently at the taller boy in front of him.

"I said it before and I'll say it again Kai, you can trust us and tell us what's wrong. We're you're friends and team mates, whether you like to admit it or not, and you know what friends do? They talk and listen to each other, we're here to help you Kai, not hurt you, you'll have to believe in us." Rei's lips barely moved, but Kai could hear every single word due to their proximity.

Kai was confused, for the first time in quite a while actually. Why is it so the more he tries to push these people away from him, the more they keep coming back? It was something that Kai wasn't use to, something new. He could feel the raven-haired boy's hot breath trickle on his neck, he could see clearly the determination shown on the tiger's golden orbs. Somewhere deep down in his heart, if he still had one left, Kai wanted something, he wasn't sure what he wanted, but it was something that he never experienced in his childhood, something his instructors and trainers so desperately tried to crush it out of him. But he wasn't going to let that take over him now, not now. Kai turned away from Rei, he didn't like it when things he could not understand happens, and Rei's actions were such.

"You don't know... you won't understand," Kai stated.

"And how would you know? Try me?" Rei retorted.

"I don't know if you would understand this, but... I was raised to show no emotions at all," Kai spoke in a low tone.

"Well I kinda figured that out, from the way you acted," golden eyes flickered as its owner responded.

"Hn." Kai began to walk slowly, sauntering across the rooftop. Rei mimicked his captain's actions, the two boys just walked, neither one spoke for a while, just enjoying the moment of silence that was granted to them, while many thoughts ran through their heads.

(I always suspected that Kai had been raised up rather unpleasantly, and I don't blame him for trying to distance everybody, but I didn't expect him to actually tell me, it must have been a big step for him.) Rei pondered, (It's a good thing that he's starting to trust me more, I don't want to blow up the friendship I've maintained with him now.)

"Rei..." Kai grunted.

"Uh huh?" Rei was listening closely for anything Kai had to say now.

"Emotions are only another invitation for pain to me."

...

(Kuso! How could I let myself lose control so easily and tell him that?! He doesn't need to know, nor does he want to. My problems are mine and MINE only, and nobody should be burdened with them but me, only me.)

There was no turning back now.

...

Rei stopped in his tracks upon hearing Kai's words, he noticed his captain's tone was still accustomed with impassiveness, yet it sounded sincere, very sincere indeed. Kai mimicked his team mates actions, and stood beside Rei. He fixed his gaze on the younger boy next to him, searching for any signs of astonishment or even disgust, but he found none. Instead, he found a pair of amber eyes showing mixed emotions, and a very concerned Rei. Slowly, the slate haired boy looked away, not anticipating what was going to happen next.

Seeing his captain turn away from him, Rei lifted an arm and gingerly placed it on Kai's shoulder, as if comforting the boy.

Kai suddenly turned around and glared at Rei, hissing at the contact made by the other boy. He didn't like it when people touched him, in all his memories, only his instructors and trainers ever touched him, and they definitely didn't bring any pleasant reminiscences.

The raven haired boy quickly lifted his arm up again seeing Kai's reaction, but his eyes never left Kai's. Amber and scarlet continued to stare into each other's depths silently.

Then the tiger presented a smile, a genuine one, flashing his unmistakable fangs.

"Kai... I might not understand how you feel, but there's something I want to tell you. Emotions are not something we can control, it lays deep within each and everyone of us, some waiting to be discovered, waiting to be lit up. It burns inside us, it consumes us. True, emotions can lead to pain and sorrow, but only if we choose to, the choice is yours." Rei spoke directly to Kai, his gaze never left the older boy in front of him.

The one spoken to decided not to give a response.

"I also know... that this isn't easy for you either," The raven haired boy continued.

"Hn."

"Just start with something small, something trivial, like speaking up more and just try to be more sociable around us, around me."

"I don't get a say in this do I?" Kai arched an eyebrow.

"Nup!" the tiger responded joyfully, " Oh yeah and you should say thank you when people help you."

"Fat chance." Kai smirked.

(I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I guess as long as I maintain control over my actions and emotions, there can be no harm.) Kai mused while the two boys started to head back down, and back to the park for training that afternoon.

Rei had a grin plastered on his face all through their journey back to the hotel, while Kai remained impassive once more.

tbc...

==========

A/N: Please review, I crave your comments.