Mizu_Tenshi: Sorry! I know I forgot to change the summery for the last
chapter but I changed it in the end!
"." Speech '..' Thought *..* Implied words
Disclaimer: I do not own this anime
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Chapter 6: Roskovi incorporated
It was morning when Kai was roughly shaken awake by one of the men and then almost dragged out of the car by strong muscled hands.
Emerging from the car Kai found himself faced with the choir of birds and the bright morning sun. The light hurt Kai's eyes and he lifted a hand to shield himself from the sun.
Roskovi inc. was a tall skyscraper, it looked totally innocent from the outside, it looked just like any other large business firm but Kai knew better than to judge it by its looks.
On the other side of the car Ryo had just gotten out as well. Kai presumed he must have slept as well and, considering his posture hadn't enjoyed it.
Boris and the other man escorted them into the building. It was very different from Biovolt abbey and yet it still felt the same, it still had that aura that told you that not everything was as it seemed.
Men and women in business suits walked around the main marble floor with brief cases or leant against the white walls with mobile phones.
'Just like a normal large business,' Kai noted grudgingly. Mr. Roskovi had to be given credit for such an excellent front.
"This way, brats," the large muscular man pushed them into a large metal elevator. They stood in silence, Kai could hear Ryo's heavy breaths until the man pushed the very top button and the elevator began to slowly ascend with a deep roaring noise.
'I wonder which would be better: the orphanage or Roskovi inc. Why does the brat have to be with me, anyway?' Kai wanted to choke someone whenever he thought of it.
The elevator stopped with a sudden jolt and the sound of a bell going 'bing.' They waited a moment and the door of the elevator slid open to reveal a beautifully furnished office.
Kai stepped off of the metal elevator and onto a rich, wine red carpet. He strode confidently up to a large oak desk and leather chair.
Looking round, he took in the sheer spaciousness of the office, the distant threads of classical music in the background and the large set of windows lined with leafy green plants where the back wall should have been.
The leather chair spun round and a man, who Kai presumed to be Mr. Roskovi, got off his chair and came round the desk to greet him.
"Ah, there you are! How are you?" Mr. Roskovi smiled warmly as if they had known each other through years of friendship.
"Peachy," Kai replied with contempt.
"Now, there's no need for that tone, you should be grateful that I'm hiring you and taking you out of that orphanage."
"Whoopee," Kai answered dryly.
Mr Roskovi frowned and then hissed; "you better watch your tongue, young man! This is not Biovolt abbey and my punishments are much worse than Voltaire's methods."
"Try me," Kai said defiantly.
Much to Kai's surprise, Mr Roskovi didn't go red with rage but instead tilted his head to the ceiling and laughed. "You're a hard one, good, that's always a pleasure to see."
Kai tried to analyse Mr Roskovi's behaviour but he was just too random, it was quite amazing, actually to see his mood alter so drastically.
"Now, who is this," Mr Roskovi indicated Ryo.
"We found him with Kai and I thought it would be best to bring him here," Boris informed the head of Roskovi inc.
"Yes, now let's see," Mr Roskovi looked at Ryo searchingly, observing him like a dog at a pet show. "Do you beyblade?"
"Yes."
"How good are you?"
"Better than Mr. No-name over there," Ryo seemed to have gained his former cockiness over night.
"Let me see your blade," Mr Roskovi held out an expectant hand.
Ryo dug into his pocket and retrieved a red beyblade and placed it in Mr Roskovi's hand.
"No bit-beast? Well you can't be very good if you don't have a bit-beast," Mr Roskovi frowned and clicked his tongue. "This is most.inconvenient."
"I can dispose of him now if you like," the muscular man offered.
"No, not yet, never throw away what you may still be able to use," Roskovi held up a hand and then turned to Boris. "Go back to Lord Voltaire, I have no more use for you, I'll be over in a few days to give you the rest of your pay."
Boris nodded silently, turned on his heels and left the way they had came.
"Now my new bit-beast thief - "
"Who said I'd work for you?" Kai spat.
"Being difficult, are you? Well I enjoy breaking little boys," Mr Roskovi leaned down so they were face to face. They were so close Kai could see his reflection in Mr Roskovi's eyes. The closeness was uncomfortable but Kai did his best to mask it.
"There's nothing to break," Kai retorted.
"Oh, I'll find something," Roskovi seethed. "I'll have you at my command by the time the tournament in on."
Dangerous silence hung over the office. In the corner Ryo shuffled around uncomfortably, wishing that he were somewhere else.
Finally, Mr Roskovi rose up to his former height. "Guards, take him to one of the cells! Take this one too."
The muscular man took out his gun and led them into the elevator. Kai leaned back against the cold metal as the elevator plunged underground. From one hell to another, what would he do now?
The elevator door opened. The levels below the ground floor of Roskovi inc. were not as glamorous as the levels above ground. The walls and floor of the corridors were made of grimy stone lit by naphtha lamps. It looked like a dungeon from the middle ages.
The three walked through the corridor in silence, only their footsteps echoed on the stone floor.
"Stop here," the man halted in front of a large bolted door. He waved his gun impatiently, indicating them to get in.
Kai growled but complied, entering a dark cell with Ryo.
The door slammed shut and the blot slid into place. It was hard to see in the gloom but Kai managed to find a corner and settled himself onto the stone floor.
'Just like old times,' Kai thought bitterly.
"Y.You silver-haired freak!" Ryo pointed an accusing finger at Kai. "Why did you get me into this?"
"You got yourself into this," Kai replied calmly.
"Ever since you've come you've ruined my life! You're a curse!"
Kai leaned against the stone and closed his eyes, hoping to shut out Ryo's annoying voice as well.
"Why do I have to be in God knows where with this monster?" Ryo began to pace around the cell. "I bet you're gonna try and eat me at night."
"If I wanted to eat you I would have done it days ago," Kai snapped, this was ridiculous. What had he ever done to give this idiotic Neanderthal the impression that he was a cannibal?
"And who are these men?" Ryo continued. "What the hell are they talking about? Why do they know you? Is this some alien convention?"
"Did they look like aliens to you?"
"Ugh! I can't believe I'm stuck hear with some silver-haired reject from the science fair!"
That was it. Kai was tired of Ryo's stupidity "You? What about me? I'm stuck here with an annoying, lying, childish, rat!" Kai almost yelled.
"Oh shut up, demon! Just leave me alone, okay?" Ryo finally settled into he opposite corner, glaring furiously at Kai.
'Demon, that's a new one,' Kai observed with a small smile.
"Just get me outta here! Can't you rot on your own? I bet you dragged your parents into this kind of this, you walking, talking curse!"
Kai grabbed Ryo by the collar and rammed his back into the wall, in a slow, dangerous voice he said. "Don't...ever...mention...my parents...again!"
The door to the cell swung open and Kai had to release Ryo. The brown haired boy collapsed in a heap on the floor, panting heavily.
"You, boy," the same muscled man that had escorted them to the cell pointed a finger at Kai. Roskovi wants you. Come with me."
~ Training facility ~
Kai walked into an almost exact replica of a stadium. There were rows of raised seats for spectators, the large screens at either end of the stadium, a large dish to fight in and the benches for the teams on both sides of the dish, there was even the little commentating box where Brad best would talk.
However, unlike the real stadium, the lights were dim and there were no cheering crowds or whistling fans that added to the thrill of blading.
"Looks familiar, doesn't it?" Mr Roskovi's voice whispered into Kai's ear.
"It looks just like the Glitter dome stadium," Kai murmured.
"Correct, Kai," Roskovi nodded as he walked away with his back turned to the crimson eyed boy. He raised his hands up like a minister proclaiming something joyous. "This is the greatest training facility in the world!"
"Hn," Kai grunted, clearly not impressed.
Mr. Roskovi spun round with a smile on his face and asked all too sweetly, "would you like to try it? I want to see the level of your skill."
Kai glared at Roskovi but made his slow and deliberate way to the very edge of the dish. He had Dranzer and his launcher on him since they had not been bothered to take any of his things off of him.
Just as he adjusted his beloved blade onto the launcher metal camps rose and bound his feet to the floor and a helmet attached with a wire fell from the ceiling and onto Kai's head, covering his eyes.
"What the?" Kai growled at Roskovi. That Bastard! What did he think he was doing? He tried to struggle but he couldn't break free, even the helmet would not come off.
"Blade," Roskovi ordered, his voice came hard and stern.
"I can't see!" Kai protested.
"Blade!" Roskovi yelled.
Kai gave one last growl at Roskovi to show the man just what he would do once he was free and then turned and launched his blade into the dish.
A panel in the side of the dish opened and five small black blades came out to meet Dranzer, greeting the larger blue blade with their sharp edges.
Kai felt it. He felt those sharp blades pierce his skin and he was pretty sure he could feel warm blood trickle down his pale skin.
They continued the onslaught, each time the gashes grew deeper and longer. Kai couldn't help but scream in pain, it was as if his skin was on fire and acid had been injected into his veins.
"Dranzer, spin fire!" Kai yelled. The red phoenix rose with a screech from the blade and attacked but the blades were able to dodge it with ease.
'How can I fight if I can't even see?' Kai thought desperately. He squeezed his eyes tightly and tried to listen, tried to hear the whizzing sound of the blades.
"Get this thing off me!" Kai yelled as he tugged hysterically at the helmet.
The five black blades closed in on Dranzer, one circled it and then tore into Dranzer chipping the surface of the once flawless blade.
Kai felt something in his arm click and suddenly he was greeted with a whole new pain. He couldn't more his left arm at all, he knew it was broken. Kai's breathing accelerated, he had to stay calm he told himself.
"Stop flailing blindly and attack!" Roskovi yelled somewhere close by.
Kai wanted to snap at him, he wanted to say "Well then you try doing what I'm doing!" but just as he opened his mouth he felt more sharp blades pierce his chest and then his back.
He wanted to do something but he couldn't it was as if he had lost all his talent in blading. He was helpless, a feeling he never wanted to experience again.
"Stop!" Roskovi said and Kai could hear the blades retreating back into the little panel at the side. The next thing he knew the clamps had released his legs and the helmet disappeared into the ceiling again.
Kai fell to the floor, breathing heavily. He felt disgusted, so he really wasn't as strong as he thought he was.
"Look at yourself," Roskovi growled, obviously displeased at Kai's appalling performance.
Kai got up, swaying on his feet like a fragile tree in the wind. Wearily, he looked down at himself and let out a strangled cry of distress.
His skin was a dark red colour from all the dried blood that caked his arms, chest and legs and he could hardly see his creamy skin. His clothes were tattered and slashed and large scars had formed across his body.
He swayed on the spot for a moment longer and then he felt himself fall, he felt himself hit the floor and a jolt of pain run through his head and then the world melted away.
~ Crossroads Orphanage ~
Trish crept tentatively into Ryo and Kai's room quickly closing the door behind her. She didn't want Miss Berry or any of the other kids finding her snooping around.
She quickly surveyed the lifeless room, making her way to Kai's bed.
"Kai leavin' I can understand but Ryo as well? Why'd dey leave on der same day? Dey couldn't have gone off together, dey hated each other!" Trish muttered to herself. "Huh, dey didn't even take their stuff!" She kicked Kai's luggage angrily and it snapped open.
"What der - " Trish's fingers closed around a piece of white paper.
It was definitely Kai's writing; she could recognise those spiky strokes anywhere. Her eyes drank the words in their thirst for knowledge but it contained nothing on Kai's whereabouts
'Dis doesn't even say anythin' about Ryo. What could've happened?'
~ Bladebreakers ~
"Okay, so where to next?" Max asked Kenny expectantly.
"Crossroads Orphanage," Kenny replied behind a large map, "right here."
They stopped in front of a crumbling building.
"Whoa, what a dump!"
"Takao!"
"Sorry, chief," Takao apologised.
"You guys just stay around out there, this will only take a second," Rei ordered and ran into the building.
He knocked on the door and waited patiently for someone to answer.
Eventually, the door opened and a thin yet cheerful woman ushered him in before Rei could say anything.
"Ah! Hello there! Welcome! Welcome! I'm Miss Berry! What can I do for you, young man?" Her voice squeaked with optimism and excitement. It was really quite shocking and Rei felt he had to take a step back for fear of being overwhelmed by her hyper personality.
"Um...I'm looking for my friend, I think he was admitted to this orphanage a few days back," Rei said uncertainly.
"Okay, what's the name?" Miss Berry smiled like the sun.
"Err...Kai Hiwatari."
"Excuse me?" Miss Berry raised an eyebrow
"Kai Hiwatari," Rei repeated slowly.
"Kai..Hiwatari?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Oh dear," the woman held a hand to her mouth.
"Huh?" Rei looked even more confused than ever.
"I've made a mistake on the records!"
"Um.."
"This boy came in, he looked like the person you're looking for, he said his name was Kai but I didn't believe him," Miss Berry explained. "I thought Kai was really rich and with a grandfather, why would he be here?"
"He is rich but he was disowned and most of his money is what he would have inherited," Rei said gravely but then brightened up. Kai had to be here!
"The police came round a while ago but it's not uncommon for orphans to run away so they are not taking this seriously," Miss Berry seemed close to tears.
"Run-away orphans?"
"Yes, St.Kai.and his room-mate disappeared yesterday."
"What!?"
~ Orphanage grounds ~
Trish had decided to try and kill the time gazing up at the clouds as they flew by. She didn't feel like playing or talking to anyone right now.
"Dat one looks like a...a...cloud," Trish sighed. She was never good at seeing shapes in wisps of water vapour. You needed a good imagination for that and her imagination had been taken over by TV.
"Hey, did you here? Rei Kon is in the orphanage!" Trish sat up as a small group passed them.
"Rei Kon from the Bladebreakers?" One of the girls in the groups asked.
"The very same."
"What? No way! Rei Kon would never come to this dump!" The group began to argue.
"That's what they said about Kai Hiwatari."
"You don't honestly believe that Stray was really the famous leader of the Bladebreakers, do you? I mean, he sure looked the part but - "
"Where's Rei?" Trish stood up so suddenly she surprised the whole group.
"He's talking to Miss Berry at the front of the orphanage."
Trish nodded, new determination in her eyes. She maybe stuck in a dump but she could still help her friend.
She ran down the grounds and into the building. It was much warmer inside and she stopped for a while to adjust to the temperature before proceeding to the front of the orphanage.
A boy about Kai's age she guessed was standing there talking to Miss Berry. His back was turned to her so she could only see his long ebony hair yet she knew that this must be the famous Rei Kon.
"S'cuse me," Trish tugged at his sleeve. "Rei Kon?"
"Yes, that's me," Rei nodded, wondering what a little girl wanted with him.
"I'm Trish, I knew Kai when 'e was here. Here, 'e left dis," Trish handed Kai's letter to the amber eyed boy.
Rei glanced at the note and then at Miss Berry. "Excuse me, Miss Berry," Rei said politely, "would you mind if I talked to Trish privately?"
"Privately? Oh, of course not!" she beamed and walked away.
"If Boris comes back don't tell him anything." Rei muttered as he read more carefully this time. "Boris was here?"
"Is Boris dat purple-haired man?"
"Yes, he used to be Kai's tutor. He came here? What did he want?"
"I don't know. Kai wouldn't talk to me 'bout it," Trish shrugged.
"Well, thanks anyway," Rei turned to leave.
"Hey!" Trish called him back. "'E left some stuff here, do ya want it? Ya can give it to Kai when ya see 'im."
'When not if,' Rei observed faintly as he watched Trish race down the corridors.
She was only gone a few minutes before she speared again hauling a small suitcase along the floor.
"When ya meet 'im tell 'im I said hello!" She smiled cheerily as she handed Rei Kai's luggage.
"Not here either!? This is like looking for a needle in a haystack!" Max sighed as Rei emerged alone.
"This is hard! If he wanted us he would phone us, trust the ice lord to make things difficult!" Takao pouted.
"Not now, Takao!" Rei interrupted. "We've got bigger problems now."
~ Roskovi inc. ~
Silence could sometimes be the loudest noise there was and right now silence was sitting on its throne above the cell probably leering down upon the hapless boy inside. Ryo was scraping his nails against the old stone walls but even then silence seemed louder.
Silence made things boring.
That was fine by Ryo, boring things didn't try to kill you or hold a gun to your head, however, he observed as he looked at the empty cell, there were always exceptions.
Where was that stupid boy? Had he gone of without him? Why hadn't he returned?
'Just like him to go off and do enjoy himself while he leaves me rotting here!' Ryo crossed his arms against his chest in a sign of angry indignation.
Just then the door opened again and light flooded in the way it always did.
It was not Kai but a person from Roskovi inc.
"Come with me, boy."
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Mizu_Tenshi: Action and Kai torture is on its way! I'm sure I've mentioned everybody but I can't help but shake the feeling I've forgotten someone. Well if you did and you're not here then thanks anyway maybe your review didn't come up.
queen_galux - Yeah Tyson, how can you watch TV at a time like this? Thanks for your review.
MidnightMidlight - Thanks and sorry for the late update. Hey, that rhymed! Anyway, R&R!
ChibiKai(UL is amazing - Yeah, we all feel sorry for him but that's life when you have an evil, insane, world-dominating grandfather. Thanks for your review!
kai baby-girl - If only. No, he's not going to do that, Boris will appear later but for now the evil man is Mr Roskovi.
Tenma Koneko - Looks like that 2 got to you, huh? I'm glad, mine didn't change but you've got a nice new, shiny pen name! ^_^
Wise wolf - Thanks, sorry I'm so late on the update.
Sighing Siren - Thanks a bunch but I won't be killing Ryo. Give the people something to hate! J/k
Akash - Hi CC, I see you've changed your name. Yes Ryo is stupid and he will hopefully get hurt.
Sakura-Hiwatari - Thanks! Glad you liked it. R&R!
SquirrelOfShadows - Yes, you may kill Boris! Thanks for reviewing
whisper*2*imaginary - Yes he is an idiot. Kai torture coming soon!
"." Speech '..' Thought *..* Implied words
Disclaimer: I do not own this anime
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Chapter 6: Roskovi incorporated
It was morning when Kai was roughly shaken awake by one of the men and then almost dragged out of the car by strong muscled hands.
Emerging from the car Kai found himself faced with the choir of birds and the bright morning sun. The light hurt Kai's eyes and he lifted a hand to shield himself from the sun.
Roskovi inc. was a tall skyscraper, it looked totally innocent from the outside, it looked just like any other large business firm but Kai knew better than to judge it by its looks.
On the other side of the car Ryo had just gotten out as well. Kai presumed he must have slept as well and, considering his posture hadn't enjoyed it.
Boris and the other man escorted them into the building. It was very different from Biovolt abbey and yet it still felt the same, it still had that aura that told you that not everything was as it seemed.
Men and women in business suits walked around the main marble floor with brief cases or leant against the white walls with mobile phones.
'Just like a normal large business,' Kai noted grudgingly. Mr. Roskovi had to be given credit for such an excellent front.
"This way, brats," the large muscular man pushed them into a large metal elevator. They stood in silence, Kai could hear Ryo's heavy breaths until the man pushed the very top button and the elevator began to slowly ascend with a deep roaring noise.
'I wonder which would be better: the orphanage or Roskovi inc. Why does the brat have to be with me, anyway?' Kai wanted to choke someone whenever he thought of it.
The elevator stopped with a sudden jolt and the sound of a bell going 'bing.' They waited a moment and the door of the elevator slid open to reveal a beautifully furnished office.
Kai stepped off of the metal elevator and onto a rich, wine red carpet. He strode confidently up to a large oak desk and leather chair.
Looking round, he took in the sheer spaciousness of the office, the distant threads of classical music in the background and the large set of windows lined with leafy green plants where the back wall should have been.
The leather chair spun round and a man, who Kai presumed to be Mr. Roskovi, got off his chair and came round the desk to greet him.
"Ah, there you are! How are you?" Mr. Roskovi smiled warmly as if they had known each other through years of friendship.
"Peachy," Kai replied with contempt.
"Now, there's no need for that tone, you should be grateful that I'm hiring you and taking you out of that orphanage."
"Whoopee," Kai answered dryly.
Mr Roskovi frowned and then hissed; "you better watch your tongue, young man! This is not Biovolt abbey and my punishments are much worse than Voltaire's methods."
"Try me," Kai said defiantly.
Much to Kai's surprise, Mr Roskovi didn't go red with rage but instead tilted his head to the ceiling and laughed. "You're a hard one, good, that's always a pleasure to see."
Kai tried to analyse Mr Roskovi's behaviour but he was just too random, it was quite amazing, actually to see his mood alter so drastically.
"Now, who is this," Mr Roskovi indicated Ryo.
"We found him with Kai and I thought it would be best to bring him here," Boris informed the head of Roskovi inc.
"Yes, now let's see," Mr Roskovi looked at Ryo searchingly, observing him like a dog at a pet show. "Do you beyblade?"
"Yes."
"How good are you?"
"Better than Mr. No-name over there," Ryo seemed to have gained his former cockiness over night.
"Let me see your blade," Mr Roskovi held out an expectant hand.
Ryo dug into his pocket and retrieved a red beyblade and placed it in Mr Roskovi's hand.
"No bit-beast? Well you can't be very good if you don't have a bit-beast," Mr Roskovi frowned and clicked his tongue. "This is most.inconvenient."
"I can dispose of him now if you like," the muscular man offered.
"No, not yet, never throw away what you may still be able to use," Roskovi held up a hand and then turned to Boris. "Go back to Lord Voltaire, I have no more use for you, I'll be over in a few days to give you the rest of your pay."
Boris nodded silently, turned on his heels and left the way they had came.
"Now my new bit-beast thief - "
"Who said I'd work for you?" Kai spat.
"Being difficult, are you? Well I enjoy breaking little boys," Mr Roskovi leaned down so they were face to face. They were so close Kai could see his reflection in Mr Roskovi's eyes. The closeness was uncomfortable but Kai did his best to mask it.
"There's nothing to break," Kai retorted.
"Oh, I'll find something," Roskovi seethed. "I'll have you at my command by the time the tournament in on."
Dangerous silence hung over the office. In the corner Ryo shuffled around uncomfortably, wishing that he were somewhere else.
Finally, Mr Roskovi rose up to his former height. "Guards, take him to one of the cells! Take this one too."
The muscular man took out his gun and led them into the elevator. Kai leaned back against the cold metal as the elevator plunged underground. From one hell to another, what would he do now?
The elevator door opened. The levels below the ground floor of Roskovi inc. were not as glamorous as the levels above ground. The walls and floor of the corridors were made of grimy stone lit by naphtha lamps. It looked like a dungeon from the middle ages.
The three walked through the corridor in silence, only their footsteps echoed on the stone floor.
"Stop here," the man halted in front of a large bolted door. He waved his gun impatiently, indicating them to get in.
Kai growled but complied, entering a dark cell with Ryo.
The door slammed shut and the blot slid into place. It was hard to see in the gloom but Kai managed to find a corner and settled himself onto the stone floor.
'Just like old times,' Kai thought bitterly.
"Y.You silver-haired freak!" Ryo pointed an accusing finger at Kai. "Why did you get me into this?"
"You got yourself into this," Kai replied calmly.
"Ever since you've come you've ruined my life! You're a curse!"
Kai leaned against the stone and closed his eyes, hoping to shut out Ryo's annoying voice as well.
"Why do I have to be in God knows where with this monster?" Ryo began to pace around the cell. "I bet you're gonna try and eat me at night."
"If I wanted to eat you I would have done it days ago," Kai snapped, this was ridiculous. What had he ever done to give this idiotic Neanderthal the impression that he was a cannibal?
"And who are these men?" Ryo continued. "What the hell are they talking about? Why do they know you? Is this some alien convention?"
"Did they look like aliens to you?"
"Ugh! I can't believe I'm stuck hear with some silver-haired reject from the science fair!"
That was it. Kai was tired of Ryo's stupidity "You? What about me? I'm stuck here with an annoying, lying, childish, rat!" Kai almost yelled.
"Oh shut up, demon! Just leave me alone, okay?" Ryo finally settled into he opposite corner, glaring furiously at Kai.
'Demon, that's a new one,' Kai observed with a small smile.
"Just get me outta here! Can't you rot on your own? I bet you dragged your parents into this kind of this, you walking, talking curse!"
Kai grabbed Ryo by the collar and rammed his back into the wall, in a slow, dangerous voice he said. "Don't...ever...mention...my parents...again!"
The door to the cell swung open and Kai had to release Ryo. The brown haired boy collapsed in a heap on the floor, panting heavily.
"You, boy," the same muscled man that had escorted them to the cell pointed a finger at Kai. Roskovi wants you. Come with me."
~ Training facility ~
Kai walked into an almost exact replica of a stadium. There were rows of raised seats for spectators, the large screens at either end of the stadium, a large dish to fight in and the benches for the teams on both sides of the dish, there was even the little commentating box where Brad best would talk.
However, unlike the real stadium, the lights were dim and there were no cheering crowds or whistling fans that added to the thrill of blading.
"Looks familiar, doesn't it?" Mr Roskovi's voice whispered into Kai's ear.
"It looks just like the Glitter dome stadium," Kai murmured.
"Correct, Kai," Roskovi nodded as he walked away with his back turned to the crimson eyed boy. He raised his hands up like a minister proclaiming something joyous. "This is the greatest training facility in the world!"
"Hn," Kai grunted, clearly not impressed.
Mr. Roskovi spun round with a smile on his face and asked all too sweetly, "would you like to try it? I want to see the level of your skill."
Kai glared at Roskovi but made his slow and deliberate way to the very edge of the dish. He had Dranzer and his launcher on him since they had not been bothered to take any of his things off of him.
Just as he adjusted his beloved blade onto the launcher metal camps rose and bound his feet to the floor and a helmet attached with a wire fell from the ceiling and onto Kai's head, covering his eyes.
"What the?" Kai growled at Roskovi. That Bastard! What did he think he was doing? He tried to struggle but he couldn't break free, even the helmet would not come off.
"Blade," Roskovi ordered, his voice came hard and stern.
"I can't see!" Kai protested.
"Blade!" Roskovi yelled.
Kai gave one last growl at Roskovi to show the man just what he would do once he was free and then turned and launched his blade into the dish.
A panel in the side of the dish opened and five small black blades came out to meet Dranzer, greeting the larger blue blade with their sharp edges.
Kai felt it. He felt those sharp blades pierce his skin and he was pretty sure he could feel warm blood trickle down his pale skin.
They continued the onslaught, each time the gashes grew deeper and longer. Kai couldn't help but scream in pain, it was as if his skin was on fire and acid had been injected into his veins.
"Dranzer, spin fire!" Kai yelled. The red phoenix rose with a screech from the blade and attacked but the blades were able to dodge it with ease.
'How can I fight if I can't even see?' Kai thought desperately. He squeezed his eyes tightly and tried to listen, tried to hear the whizzing sound of the blades.
"Get this thing off me!" Kai yelled as he tugged hysterically at the helmet.
The five black blades closed in on Dranzer, one circled it and then tore into Dranzer chipping the surface of the once flawless blade.
Kai felt something in his arm click and suddenly he was greeted with a whole new pain. He couldn't more his left arm at all, he knew it was broken. Kai's breathing accelerated, he had to stay calm he told himself.
"Stop flailing blindly and attack!" Roskovi yelled somewhere close by.
Kai wanted to snap at him, he wanted to say "Well then you try doing what I'm doing!" but just as he opened his mouth he felt more sharp blades pierce his chest and then his back.
He wanted to do something but he couldn't it was as if he had lost all his talent in blading. He was helpless, a feeling he never wanted to experience again.
"Stop!" Roskovi said and Kai could hear the blades retreating back into the little panel at the side. The next thing he knew the clamps had released his legs and the helmet disappeared into the ceiling again.
Kai fell to the floor, breathing heavily. He felt disgusted, so he really wasn't as strong as he thought he was.
"Look at yourself," Roskovi growled, obviously displeased at Kai's appalling performance.
Kai got up, swaying on his feet like a fragile tree in the wind. Wearily, he looked down at himself and let out a strangled cry of distress.
His skin was a dark red colour from all the dried blood that caked his arms, chest and legs and he could hardly see his creamy skin. His clothes were tattered and slashed and large scars had formed across his body.
He swayed on the spot for a moment longer and then he felt himself fall, he felt himself hit the floor and a jolt of pain run through his head and then the world melted away.
~ Crossroads Orphanage ~
Trish crept tentatively into Ryo and Kai's room quickly closing the door behind her. She didn't want Miss Berry or any of the other kids finding her snooping around.
She quickly surveyed the lifeless room, making her way to Kai's bed.
"Kai leavin' I can understand but Ryo as well? Why'd dey leave on der same day? Dey couldn't have gone off together, dey hated each other!" Trish muttered to herself. "Huh, dey didn't even take their stuff!" She kicked Kai's luggage angrily and it snapped open.
"What der - " Trish's fingers closed around a piece of white paper.
It was definitely Kai's writing; she could recognise those spiky strokes anywhere. Her eyes drank the words in their thirst for knowledge but it contained nothing on Kai's whereabouts
'Dis doesn't even say anythin' about Ryo. What could've happened?'
~ Bladebreakers ~
"Okay, so where to next?" Max asked Kenny expectantly.
"Crossroads Orphanage," Kenny replied behind a large map, "right here."
They stopped in front of a crumbling building.
"Whoa, what a dump!"
"Takao!"
"Sorry, chief," Takao apologised.
"You guys just stay around out there, this will only take a second," Rei ordered and ran into the building.
He knocked on the door and waited patiently for someone to answer.
Eventually, the door opened and a thin yet cheerful woman ushered him in before Rei could say anything.
"Ah! Hello there! Welcome! Welcome! I'm Miss Berry! What can I do for you, young man?" Her voice squeaked with optimism and excitement. It was really quite shocking and Rei felt he had to take a step back for fear of being overwhelmed by her hyper personality.
"Um...I'm looking for my friend, I think he was admitted to this orphanage a few days back," Rei said uncertainly.
"Okay, what's the name?" Miss Berry smiled like the sun.
"Err...Kai Hiwatari."
"Excuse me?" Miss Berry raised an eyebrow
"Kai Hiwatari," Rei repeated slowly.
"Kai..Hiwatari?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Oh dear," the woman held a hand to her mouth.
"Huh?" Rei looked even more confused than ever.
"I've made a mistake on the records!"
"Um.."
"This boy came in, he looked like the person you're looking for, he said his name was Kai but I didn't believe him," Miss Berry explained. "I thought Kai was really rich and with a grandfather, why would he be here?"
"He is rich but he was disowned and most of his money is what he would have inherited," Rei said gravely but then brightened up. Kai had to be here!
"The police came round a while ago but it's not uncommon for orphans to run away so they are not taking this seriously," Miss Berry seemed close to tears.
"Run-away orphans?"
"Yes, St.Kai.and his room-mate disappeared yesterday."
"What!?"
~ Orphanage grounds ~
Trish had decided to try and kill the time gazing up at the clouds as they flew by. She didn't feel like playing or talking to anyone right now.
"Dat one looks like a...a...cloud," Trish sighed. She was never good at seeing shapes in wisps of water vapour. You needed a good imagination for that and her imagination had been taken over by TV.
"Hey, did you here? Rei Kon is in the orphanage!" Trish sat up as a small group passed them.
"Rei Kon from the Bladebreakers?" One of the girls in the groups asked.
"The very same."
"What? No way! Rei Kon would never come to this dump!" The group began to argue.
"That's what they said about Kai Hiwatari."
"You don't honestly believe that Stray was really the famous leader of the Bladebreakers, do you? I mean, he sure looked the part but - "
"Where's Rei?" Trish stood up so suddenly she surprised the whole group.
"He's talking to Miss Berry at the front of the orphanage."
Trish nodded, new determination in her eyes. She maybe stuck in a dump but she could still help her friend.
She ran down the grounds and into the building. It was much warmer inside and she stopped for a while to adjust to the temperature before proceeding to the front of the orphanage.
A boy about Kai's age she guessed was standing there talking to Miss Berry. His back was turned to her so she could only see his long ebony hair yet she knew that this must be the famous Rei Kon.
"S'cuse me," Trish tugged at his sleeve. "Rei Kon?"
"Yes, that's me," Rei nodded, wondering what a little girl wanted with him.
"I'm Trish, I knew Kai when 'e was here. Here, 'e left dis," Trish handed Kai's letter to the amber eyed boy.
Rei glanced at the note and then at Miss Berry. "Excuse me, Miss Berry," Rei said politely, "would you mind if I talked to Trish privately?"
"Privately? Oh, of course not!" she beamed and walked away.
"If Boris comes back don't tell him anything." Rei muttered as he read more carefully this time. "Boris was here?"
"Is Boris dat purple-haired man?"
"Yes, he used to be Kai's tutor. He came here? What did he want?"
"I don't know. Kai wouldn't talk to me 'bout it," Trish shrugged.
"Well, thanks anyway," Rei turned to leave.
"Hey!" Trish called him back. "'E left some stuff here, do ya want it? Ya can give it to Kai when ya see 'im."
'When not if,' Rei observed faintly as he watched Trish race down the corridors.
She was only gone a few minutes before she speared again hauling a small suitcase along the floor.
"When ya meet 'im tell 'im I said hello!" She smiled cheerily as she handed Rei Kai's luggage.
"Not here either!? This is like looking for a needle in a haystack!" Max sighed as Rei emerged alone.
"This is hard! If he wanted us he would phone us, trust the ice lord to make things difficult!" Takao pouted.
"Not now, Takao!" Rei interrupted. "We've got bigger problems now."
~ Roskovi inc. ~
Silence could sometimes be the loudest noise there was and right now silence was sitting on its throne above the cell probably leering down upon the hapless boy inside. Ryo was scraping his nails against the old stone walls but even then silence seemed louder.
Silence made things boring.
That was fine by Ryo, boring things didn't try to kill you or hold a gun to your head, however, he observed as he looked at the empty cell, there were always exceptions.
Where was that stupid boy? Had he gone of without him? Why hadn't he returned?
'Just like him to go off and do enjoy himself while he leaves me rotting here!' Ryo crossed his arms against his chest in a sign of angry indignation.
Just then the door opened again and light flooded in the way it always did.
It was not Kai but a person from Roskovi inc.
"Come with me, boy."
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Mizu_Tenshi: Action and Kai torture is on its way! I'm sure I've mentioned everybody but I can't help but shake the feeling I've forgotten someone. Well if you did and you're not here then thanks anyway maybe your review didn't come up.
queen_galux - Yeah Tyson, how can you watch TV at a time like this? Thanks for your review.
MidnightMidlight - Thanks and sorry for the late update. Hey, that rhymed! Anyway, R&R!
ChibiKai(UL is amazing - Yeah, we all feel sorry for him but that's life when you have an evil, insane, world-dominating grandfather. Thanks for your review!
kai baby-girl - If only. No, he's not going to do that, Boris will appear later but for now the evil man is Mr Roskovi.
Tenma Koneko - Looks like that 2 got to you, huh? I'm glad, mine didn't change but you've got a nice new, shiny pen name! ^_^
Wise wolf - Thanks, sorry I'm so late on the update.
Sighing Siren - Thanks a bunch but I won't be killing Ryo. Give the people something to hate! J/k
Akash - Hi CC, I see you've changed your name. Yes Ryo is stupid and he will hopefully get hurt.
Sakura-Hiwatari - Thanks! Glad you liked it. R&R!
SquirrelOfShadows - Yes, you may kill Boris! Thanks for reviewing
whisper*2*imaginary - Yes he is an idiot. Kai torture coming soon!
