Title: Untold Truths
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: PG-13
Summary: see chapter one
Warnings: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. All unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not to be used. I am not making any money off of this and I write with the sole purpose to entertain.
"Whoa!"
Kai ignored the exclamation as they walked out of the cold outside air and into the centrally heated lobby, stepping through the gold emblem glass door that was opened for them by a man in a regal red coat and hat. The doorman smiled politely at them though he gave Ray a curious glance.
"Kai, are we really going to be staying here?" Ray was stunned beyond belief. He was no architect or anything but he didn't need a blueprint to know that this place was way bigger than the airport.
There he stood, in a lobby the size of an official Beyblade arena. Men in business suits and ties walked with cell phones to their ears, trading stocks and firing employees. Women wearing top of the line designer clothes whose buttons cost more then his plane ticket walked with their head held high in perfect posture while small white poodles trotted daintily beside them. The staff's uniform were very formal, crisp and looked like they had never seen a wrinkle; speckles white gloves, solid black pants or skirts and a smart red jacket with a white flower on the right breast pocket and their names and status engraved on golden labels pinned on the left.
The lobby itself, as mentioned, was huge and the ceiling was extremely high. Crystal chandeliers, bigger then some of the rooms they had stayed in during the tournaments they had been in so far, hung from the domed ceiling that was decorated with paintings of angels in golden and pearled skies. The carpet beneath his feet was lush and soft and covered a large section of the lobby floor. Uncarpeted areas had ivory marbled tiles that were probably polished every 15 minutes by the way they shone. The hotel's name, Harma Plaza, was proudly spelled out in the center with gold outlining.
In the middle of the lobby, a large section of the floor was about two feet below ground level, forming a comfortable lounge. Very expensive leather couches and chairs and cherry wood tables formed a large circle while others formed smaller groups. In the middle was a large horse-shaped fountain of crystal that glistened in the light. A group of people sat in the lounge, conversing with one another or typing away on their laptops while waiters offered them refreshments. A large, polished to perfection, black piano that stood near a luxurious bar was being played by a man in a tux, the classical melody adding to the high-class atmosphere.
Ray blinked once...Twice...Three times, but the vision didn't fade away. All that changed was the melody as the man started another ballad on the piano. It was like being in a movie or something. Everything was so organized and perfect.
It took the Chinese boy a few seconds to realize that Kai wasn't beside him anymore. The older boy was casually making his way to the receptionist. Walking quickly, Ray dodged another phone-wielding stock holder and caught up with him.
"Kai, how are we going to afford this?"
"That is not your problem."
"Yes it is! Mr Dickinson left me with money to get back to Japan, not to stay in the Czar's palace!" Ray whispered fiercely.
"It is not your problem." Kai said, nodding to an elder woman when she waved at him while still attached to her cell, a fluffy mink boa slung over a shoulder that had to have cost more than her cell phone.
This was an entirely new development. It was one thing they were in this place, but did Kai really know the people in here too?
"How does she know you--" Ray's question was cut off when they were intercepted by a tall man in a grey business suit.
He was about as old as Tyson's grandfather but had a long beard and stern eyes though they seemed to lighten up when they addressed Kai. He placed his briefcase on the floor and extended a large hand, since he held a bunch of files in his other hand, to Kai who shook it. What followed was a formal conversation…at least, Ray could only assume so since the language of choice was one he was not acquainted with.
'What the heck are they speaking? It isn't Russian; I've heard enough of that in the airport to recognize it. No way it's Japanese or Chinese. Maybe German?'
He abandoned his puzzling when he realized that the elderly man had asked him something and was now waiting for him to answer the question. Not knowing what to do he looked to Kai for help. Seeing the confused look on the Drigger owner's face Kai said something to the stranger who laughed deeply, shooting Ray an apologetic look.
"Oh, my excuses," he said in a heavily accented English. "I'm sorry, I tend to forget which country I am in and that not everyone speaks my native tongue."
He gave Ray's hand a firm shake and Ray couldn't help fearing that his fingers would break from the strong hold.
"That's okay. I never heard that language before. What is it?"
"Dutch. I hail from the Netherlands."
"Cool."
"It is. I didn't quite catch your name though."
"Ray Kon."
"Kon? That's a Chinese name, is it not?"
"Yes, sir."
"Now I remember," he snapped his fingers. "Forgive my memory. You are one of the members of Mr Hiwatari's team. That was a stunning performance you put on. I see you are still healing from your wounds."
Ray decided that despite the man's aristocratic appearance, he was a decent person. He hoped there were others like him in this place.
"I shall be fine."
"Glad to hear it. And Mr Hiwatari, congratulations on your court victory."
'Court victory?' Ray glanced over at Kai questionably.
Kai gave the man a clipped answered though he had switched back to Dutch, making it clear that he did not want Ray to know about…whatever it was. He kept his eyes on the elder man, avoiding Ray's.
Mr. Zalm caught on and nodded solemly. Looking at his watch he then picked up his briefcase and nodded to them both.
"Enjoy your stay here, sirs. 'Till we meet again."
He passed them with a small smile on his bearded face and headed down one of the many halls that led out of the lobby.
"He seems nice," Ray commented. He would have asked more about this mysterious court case but felt that now would not be the best time. Maybe when they reached the rooms and Kai wasn't in such an open area he would open up a bit more.
"He's okay. One of the few people you want to get to know in this place."
"Do you know a lot of the people here?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"What's so bad about that?" Ray inquired but stopped when someone suddenly appeared before them. Again.
A girl, probably 14, stood with arms crossed. She was pretty with long blond hair, very curly, and green eyes. She was wearing a ballet outfit, minus the puffy tutu, that showed off her slim figure. Behind her stood another girl with short brown hair in a maid's uniform. She couldn't have been older than 12 and carried a rather large gym bag in one hand and shopping bags in the other and looked to be straining beneath their weigh.
"It has been a while since I last saw you, Kai," the blonde said, British accent so thick and snobby that it could have been cut with a knife. "I saw you on the telly a few weeks ago, but you look much more handsome in person," she added coyly.
'Girlfriend alert?' Ray couldn't hide a bemused smile as he waited for Kai's response.
Resisting the natural urge to simply walk away, he knew she was persistent enough to follow him till his room, Kai decided to simply talking it out.
"Aren't you supposed to be in France?" he asked, in typical 'what-the-hell-do-you-want?' fashion.
She giggled and played with a bouncy lock of hair but a frown formed on her pretty face when she came across a small tangle.
"Claudette!" she barked to the younger girl who snapped to attention. "Brush. Now."
"Yes, mistress."
The shy girl quickly but gently put her load down and searched her frock to remove a fancy looking brush. Stepping up, she began to brush the blonde's hair.
"I have better not feel a pinch of discomfort," the blonde warned.
"I will do my best, Miss Tiffany."
"You'd better," the blonde, Tiffany, said. She turned back to the boys, her eyes halting when they landed on Ray.
"Who are you?" she asked, not hiding her disapproval, as she looked him over.
Having just seemed to notice him too, the maid met his eyes but, unlike Tiffany's scorn, she smiled shyly and nodded a greeting, a slight look of concern in her eyes as she saw the bandaged arm.
"I asked you a question." The blond folded her arms in waiting when he took too long to answer.
'Sheesh, give me raving fan girls any day,' Ray said to himself but said aloud, as politely as possible, "Ray Kon." He smiled.
She didn't return it but her disapproval turned curiosity as she identified the feline characteristics in his features. Apparently one who disregarded others' personal space, she moved closer and studied his eyes, her body brushing up against his. The smell of perfume and bath oils overwhelmed him and he was forced to step back.
'Man, does she go through five perfume shops a day or something?'
"Hm." She didn't move from where she stood, her maid behind her still trying to remove irrelevant knots as gently as possible. "Aren't you the boy who got pummelled during the tournament? I could have won with both hands tied behind my back without receiving so much as a scratch."
Kai looked at Ray, waiting to see how he would take it. He knew this girl and her attitude but, being Kai, he was immune to it. Unfortunately, Ray wasn't.
Ray had to suppress the urge to growl at the statement but he couldn't stop his pupils from slitting in annoyance. A small jolt of victory ran through him when she took a small step back upon seeing this. Not wanting to grant him much time to celebrate, she glared back at him.
"Even if you are a beyblader, you are certainly no gentleman."
"He won the match and that gave us the chance to win the tournament," Kai intervened having grown tired of her company and wanting to go to his room, or at least somewhere where she wasn't.
Her demeanour changed at once as she returned her eyes to Kai. Batting her long lashes flirtingly and puffing up her chest to enlarge her small bosoms, she smiled innocently at him.
"Oh, you're right, Kai. As always. I'm sorry, Ray."
The apology was flat and meaningless, to say the least, as she continued to drool over Kai.
"Ah, there you are princess!" A man walked over wearing a polo shirt and khaki pants. He had golf gloves on and behind him another man logged his bag of golf clubs.
'Don't these people ever carry their own things?' Ray wondered, guessing this to be daddy-dearest.
"Take that to my room, Charles," the man waved the caddy away and then turned to Tiffany.
"Pumpkin, your mother is waiting for you. Your social gathering with the Garden club starts in half an hour. Oh, hello there Mr. Hiwatari and friend," the man said when he noticed the two boys.
"I have still to bathe and fix my hair and my make-up and I haven't even picked out something to wear!" Tiffany protested. "Tell them to delay it for an hour."
"But princess, the ladies also have their own agenda--"
"I don't care! Tell them or the party is called off! I am not ready yet!" She stomped her foot in emphasis, almost crushing Claudette's toes but the maid was quick enough to avoid that painful occurrence.
'A bit too quick,' Ray mused at the perfect reflexes but the brunette simply went on brushing the now shining blond hair.
"Don't fret, princess. Consider it done. I'm sure they will understand. After all, there is nothing more important then a woman's beauty. Not that you aren't beautiful by nature," the man assured her.
Immediately her face lit up, glad to get things her way.
"I'm pleased with this agreement."
The man let out a relieved whoosh of air at this statement.
Tiffany turned sharply to her maid.
"Don't let my luggage sit on the floor so long! Who knows what type of disease there are in here." She said the last sentence while looking pointedly at Ray.
'Breathe in and count to ten...' Ray's mind repeated in an effort to stop him from wiping that smirk off her face. One of the first rules he had learned growing up was to never hit girls, but perhaps that didn't count for bitches...
"Tiffany, why don't you invite your friends to your birthday ball?" the man suggested when the mood got too tense.
"A lovely idea, daddy." She moved closer to Kai who calmly took one step back. She pouted but then smiled. "The reason I am here is because it's my birthday."
"So?" Ray asked. He couldn't hit her but the respectful act had long been thrown out the window.
"Well, seeing that I have money, something you obviously lack," that was thrown in Ray's direction, again, "I celebrate every birthday in a different part of the world. I choose Russia because they say the sights are quite breathtaking this time of year."
'The only sight she is enjoying is Kai,' Ray thought as her eyes still roamed over the blue-haired boy's body. For some reason, seeing her flirt with the phoenix really bugged him. Who did she think she was anyway?
"Claudette," she said sharply and held out her hand. The maid quickly pulled out an envelope from one of the many bags and handed it to her.
"This is my personal invitation. The party will be held tomorrow night in the main banquette hall. Daddy has ordered the best food and all of the most popular singers and groups are going to be there. The dress code is formal," she turned to Ray, "So I supposed you can't come. So sorry."
"I decline." Kai said, not even accepting the envelope.
Tiffany had probably never been denied of anything since her mouth dropped open at a very impressive speed. When she could not form any sentences she decided to go for a sure-fire aid.
"Daddy!" She looked at the man who was nervously wringing his hands.
"Please accept the invitation, Kai. Tiffany would be so thrilled if you do. After all, one's birthday comes but once a year."
"I'm here on business and have no time for pleasantries," Kai replied unmoved.
"But...but...there will be a Beyblade tournament! You can show everyone how good you are!" Tiffany shoved her father out of the way and gripped Kai's jacket. "Please?"
Ray and Claudette exchanged looks. The young maid shook her head and lowered her eyes, obviously thinking that no one could ever refuse her mistress. Boy, was she about to be proven wrong. Big time.
"I don't need to prove myself to anyone." Kai calmly pried her hands of him. He had had similar encounters with her but this time his patience was very thin. The fact that she had so openly disrespected Ray also played a role. "Maybe when you get over yourself and finally grow up."
"Now see here--" the man started but Tiffany held up her hand.
"It's okay, daddy. So I guess I'll see you some other time, right, Kai?" Reaching out, she brushed the long bangs from before his eyes but he, with forced gentleness, caught her wrist and pulled her hand away.
Ray rolled his eyes in exasperation. Kai could shoot, stab and poison her and still she would be smiling at him. He was beginning to believe the popular 'dumb blonde' term.
"Whatever." Kai nodded to the maid, who was the most civilized out of the three, and started to walk away. He didn't get far when the girl caught him in a rather intimate hug.
Ray's grip on his bag strap tightened at her actions.
"I've missed you."
She gave his back a seductive stroke before releasing him. She flashed him another smile, shot Ray a rather deadly glare and turned to her father and her maid.
"Call my make-up people! I want them in my personal salon by the time we reach there!" she ordered her father who quickly fumbled for his phone. He and Claudette followed the blonde as she walked briskly to the elevators, high heels clicking with each step she took.
"I'm beginning to see why you don't like some of these people," Ray said when they disappeared from view around the corner.
"You can't begin imagine."
Kai once again started to head for the front desk. Ray fell in step with the other boy. In his mind he kept picturing the little brat as she held Kai so close to her and his eyes narrowed.
"So who is she?"
Kai noted the dark look on Ray's face but said nothing about it. Instead, he answered, "Tiffany McSnobbe."
"Should have been McBitch but it does go with her. She doesn't look like the type you would hang out with so how do you know her?"
"She was my fiancée."
Ray almost stumbled.
"What!"
"Her mother, Monique McSnobbe, inherited her father's successful oil company. She made millions and married only for the spotlight attention. The whole 'successful-woman-with-a-perfect-family' charade. Voltaire and her were business partners and both wanted to keep their business in the family so it was decided that Tiffany and I would be engaged the moment she was born and we were to marry when she turned 18."
"So what happened?"
"Some kind of accident and all of the McSnobbe's oil wells went up in flames and they lost millions of dollars. They still have millions left plus Mr. McSnobbe is a very rich stockholder, despite his wimpy nature, and they are still making millions each year. But Voltaire called off the arrangements because he didn't want a failure in the family."
"And I guess that Tiffany can't get that through her head?"
"She probably never will."
Kai pulled out a credit card as they neared the front desk.
"She's not good enough," he grumbled under his breath.
"What did you say?" Kai asked distractedly.
Ray almost choked on his own tongue when he realised that he had said that louder than intended. His cheeks flushed crimson and he pretended to be fascinated with the paintings on the wall behind the front desk.
"I said, 'That's tough.'"
If ever he had said something as lame as that he certainly could not remember it.
Raising a brow at Ray's weird behaviour, Kai watched him for a second but then shook his head. The injuries and the cold climate were probably affecting the Chinese blader.
"Do you regret it? Being no longer engaged to such a charming girl?" Ray hoped to dig his way out of this by pretending to find the whole thing amusing. Kai gave him a 'spare-me-or-die' look and he forced a chuckle. "Why do I have the feeling that the guys are going to love hearing this?"
"Why do I have the feeling that you are going to be spending the night outside on the streets?" Kai retorted.
"Fine then, they will never hear it from me. Though you have to admit that she is pretty, despite her…pushy affection."
"Hn," was all Kai said as he stood before the large, polished counter and checked them in.
"Top floor, Hiwatari penthouse," the elevator operator said as they came to a stop.
Ray tore his eyes away from the small television that was mounted on the wall of the elevator. Who the heck stays in an elevator for so long that they would need TV? Maybe it was for the operator. That would also explain the mini-fridge that stood in the corner.
They stepped out, followed by a bellhop who carried their bags in an ornate cart. Also with them was the manager, who had accompanied them when he learned that Kai was here. He informed Kai, in English, about the changes that had occurred while he was gone, though Ray couldn't figure out why such a big fuss was made. Did they do this for all the guests?
"Room service now starts as early as 4 o'clock and ends at 10. The sauna is opened all day and all night and the hot tubs have now been relocated to section C since we got twelve more. The indoor pools are room temperature as always and now all drinks are free if you stay for more than an hour. The bars open at nine p.m. and ID is needed for the stronger drinks though in your case we are happy to make an exception..."
Ray was reeling from what he was hearing. The guys were going to be so freaked out when they found out what they had missed! This place probably had a buffet with more food than Tyson would ever be able to eat.
Probably.
And Kai seemed to be used to it. With his baggy pants, blade-gloves and face markings he should have stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the strictly formal people, but several people had stopped to greet him along the way, appearing to be rather thrilled that he was back,. Greetings had come in many languages, some of which Ray identified as French, Spanish, Dutch (again), German and Swiss.
For someone who barely spoke when he was with the Bladebreakers, Kai sure knew his languages.
Kai walked while reading a few papers that the manager had handed him, going over the long lists of the past year's income and taxes. Endless numbers that made sense to him. By the looks of things the hotel was thriving, a part of which was courtesy of the last championships.
"...beyblade arena is now on the fifth floor."
"There's a Beyblade arena in here?" Ray asked, catching the manager's words.
"The finest in all Russia. Well, next to the stadium, of course. It is opened from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mr. Hiwatari has access to it at any time he wishes so I supposed you will too during your stay here. You can chose from over a hundred different dishes. All come in various levels. Our most popular dish is the Pompeii Volcano dish. Comes equipped with lava and smoke clouds. A true challenge for our more experience guests."
They reached the end of the long hall and now stood before a tall door. The manager removed a key-card from his breast pocket and slid it through. The doors unlocked with a beep and he stepped aside to allow them entrance.
Ray was pretty sure he broke Tiffany's mouth-dropping speed as they entered.
'The guys are so going to hate me.'
He had been in houses smaller than the spacious living room that included practically everything a teenager could want; an expansive, plasma screen T.V. with VCR and DVD player with surround sound, a pool table, and a large stereo system occupied three corners of the room. The floor was carpeted and led to the balcony that surrounded the outside of the building. Glass doors boasted a most magnificent view of the city of Moscow though the blizzard obscured almost everything. The room was warmed comfortably and Ray was so glad that he wasn't going to spend the night outside.
"Is everything in order, sir?" the manager asked Kai, who looked up from the papers to give the room a quick scan.
"It's fine. Take care of Ray while I sign these."
"Please follow me, Mr. Kon. I will show you to your rooms," the bellhop said and Ray followed him, giving Kai one last look though the bluenette was in conversation with the manager.
'…Wait a minute. Rooms? I have rooms! The guys are not going to hate me; they are going to kill me!' Ray smiled to himself as he took in the large penthouse. No way this was a suite; it was a whole mansion on top of the hotel!
The tour consisted of the large kitchen, which held every known appliance to mankind times two, completed with a cappuccino machine and barbecue grill that had its own chimney that led outside. A long bar with at least fifteen barstools divided it from a dining room that could have seated fifty people. The kitchen held a very warm atmosphere; homely and welcoming.
Next came a gym. Several workout machines lined one side of the room while the other side held the benches and the barbells. Before the large windows hung a punching bag. The middle of the room was covered with mats like a fighting platform. A shower room was adjoined to it.
Past the gym was a room whose walls was lined with shelves loaded of books; a personal library. Two large chairs stood on either side of a coffee table before an actual fireplace with a roaring fire. A glass display case held beyblade and kick-boxing trophies, all belonging to Kai!
"Unbelievable! Wait a minute...this place is filled with Kai's personal things. Does the hotel keep this place only for him all the time?" he asked as the bellhop pointed out an indoor Jacuzzi room next to the library.
"No, sir," the man replied, looking almost shocked at the idea. "This penthouse belongs to Mr. Hiwatari. His parents founded this hotel and lived on this floor. When they died he inherited the penthouse."
"This whole hotel belongs to Kai!"
"No, well, not completely. In their will his parents stated that the hotel was to be sold to their best friend, Mr. Rostow. He carried out their wishes but refused to take the penthouse. He said it was young Kai's home and he could not take that away from him. Mr Rostow stayed on as the manager you've just met. Even when Mr Hiwatari disappeared for many years Mr Rostow refused to open the penthouse to other guests and had the room service clean it everyday. Finally, Mr Hiwatari came back about five years ago and has come and gone since then."
"He never mentioned any of this to us," Ray said as they started to climb a wide flight of steps to where he guessed were the bedrooms. He knew where it was Kai had disappeared to all those years ago. The Abbey. At least this explained why they could stay in such a luxurious place: Kai didn't have to pay for it because it was his home.
"Well, Mr. Hiwatari is a very secretive soul. He doesn't like to open up much to others."
"You can say that again," Ray muttered.
"Here we go." They reached the top of the stairs and the bellhop opened the first door to the right though the hall had five more doors. "This is the guestroom that Mr. Hiwatari has assigned to you."
Ray entered and froze.
"Too cool!"
He knew he sounded like Max but how else could he describe it?
A large canopy bed stood against the wall to his left. Leading towards to tall windows whose drapes were drawn was an elevated area of the floor on which were two stuffed chairs. Across the bed was a huge mahogany cupboard that held a big screen TV and a stereo system. A clip note sat on the TV. Walking across the thick carpeting, he picked it up he shook his head disbelievingly.
"I can order CD's?" he asked the bellhop who was checking the room temperature.
"CD's, DVD's, videos, channels, pay-per-view and much more. Simply fill in the form and fax it to us," he pointed to a fax machine that stood next to a high-tech computer near the window, "and it will be delivered to you within less then twenty minutes."
"Do you have connections with the entertainment shops or something?" Ray chuckled as he placed the form back on the TV and continued to explore the room, running his hand over a smooth bedpost.
"Actually, we have an entertainment shop of our own. It has all the newest music and movies. We sometimes get them before they are even in the theatres or music shops."
Ray decided not to ask anymore because he didn't think he could handle anymore. How could Kai not tell them any of this? He had the most modern day technology and comfort at his fingertips yet he lived like a vagabond; simply travelling, never staying put.
Was he ashamed or something? How could he be? Did Mr. Dickenson know about this? Ray wouldn't have been surprised. Their financier knew everything and anything about them. So why hadn't he ever mention this? Why hadn't he even hint towards it that Kai had a multi-million dollar penthouse on the top of his own (partially) hotel?
"Is there anything you need right now?"
"Uh, no thanks. I'm fine."
"If you need anything just use the bell or the intercom. Ivan is momentarily on the first floor doing the shopping but he should be up soon."
"Ivan?"
"Ivan Bezoechow. Mr. Hiwatari's butler-- Are you okay?" he asked worriedly when Ray sat down abruptly in one of the large stuffed chair.
"I'm fine."
Understatement of the year.
A butler!
Kai had a butler!
"Well, enjoy your stay here. Good night, Mr Kon."
The man bowed and exited the room.
Long after his footsteps faded Ray sat in the chair, dazed.
/So I take it the flight went okay/
"I'm alive. You had any luck after I left?"
/Moderately. I've downloaded some useful information but they keep these things pretty tight./
"Find what you can. I'm going to need every help I can get," Kai admitted, running his hand through his hair as he leaned back on the couch, eyes fixed on the fluttering snow outside.
/How much time do you have/
"14 days and counting. But..."
Waiting for him to continue but speaking when he didn't, the calm voice on the other end asked/But what/
"I don't know. Something doesn't make sense in all this. Why now? It's over. They lost. Why start all over again? I won the last case and he has no more use for her."
The voice on the other end was silent in thought for a while.
/I'm afraid I can't agree with you on that, Kai./
He sat up, back and voice rigid.
"What do you mean?"
/I can't tell you over the phone. Too risky. I may be wrong but all I can say of the situation is that now is be the best time for them to try something./
Standing, he walked over to the window, his free hand slipping into his jeans' pocket to grasp Dranzer's blade; one of his two sources of calm and strength. Leaning against the cold window pane, he stared at the passing snowflakes that were collecting into a pile on the outside ledge.
"Any ideas then, Ata?"
/One. I'm coming to Moscow./
"No." His voice was stern but soft. "You won't risk yourself coming here. Stay in St. Petersburg."
/Don't try to protect me, Kai. You are as 'vulnerable' as I am and we both know that we stand a better chance protecting her with the two of us./ Ata left no room for nonsense, as always. He soften his tone as he went on. /I'm not even a hundred percent sure if my suspicion is correct. But if it is then you are going to need my help. You know this./
"I do." Kai paced as he spoke. "But it doesn't mean that you have to be here to help me. You've finally gotten out of all of this. Don't come running back in so blindly."
/Okay, we can do this two ways. Either you agree and we set a date to meet, or I come over anyways, beat some sense into you, and then prove you wrong./
Playing with the cord from the heavy drapes, Kai couldn't help smiling at this. Leave it to Ata to find something to lighten up a dark mood.
"Alright. I need to be in town tomorrow so I'll check what needs to be done. I'll call you the moment I have something."
/Deal. And, what else is new in Moscow/
Kai's eyes strayed towards the stairs that lead to the guestrooms. It had been unusually quiet and he was beginning to wonder if Ray had bolted via a window or something.
/Kai? What's wrong? Blew a fuse/
"No...nothing else worth any attention."
/Have it your way. Watch yourself./
The line went dead and he hung up too, holding onto his cell a bit longer as if hoping to feel some of his friend's calming, though teasing, presence.
'I'll need all of Ata's strength to get through this.'
Putting away his duffle bag in the tall two-door closet, Ray sighed and scratched his head as he looked around his room.
He had finally recovered about half an hour ago and had gone about exploring the room. He was surprised to find that, next to the bathroom, which had a 'tub' that he didn't even dare to guess the value, he had two other rooms adjoining his. A library, similar to the other one downstairs but smaller, and a room that held a simple Beyblade dish where he could train. The walls had lots of shelves that held different launchers and blade models he could experiment with.
'I wonder what type of view I have of the city...'
He walked over to the closed drapes and pushed one of them aside and gasped when he found, instead of windows, doors. Tall wooden glass doors that led to...
'I've got a private patio!'
He could only see about two feet beyond the glass since the snowstorm was still raging on but he could tell that it was a large patio. A big, round...thing...stood close to the glass doors. Its cover was clamped on by metal clasps. He squinted through the hurtling snowflakes and gasped again.
"Kai!"
"Kai!"
'I was wondering when he would find the Jacuzzi,' Kai mused to himself, not looking up from the forms spread out before him on the table. The papers were endless but his patience wasn't and he was getting tired of filling out the same information every time.
'I need a drink.'
Standing, he removed his long, white scarf and headed into the kitchen. Putting on the kettle he took out two mugs and placed them on the counter top. While waiting for the water to boil he drifted off into deep thoughts.
'Ata's right, though I hate to admit it. Now would be the best time for them to carry out the plans. They'll need the chips and will come looking for them. The three of us have to be together if we want to protect one another.'
Another thought came to mind.
'Was it a good idea to bring Ray here then? Yea, the blizzard will probably clear up in a few days. By the time they would begin he'd be long gone and safely back in China. He'll never even know what happened.'
Also, this is the only place where he could quickly get medical help should his injuries play up. It would be too risky to drive him to any of the city's hospital with this weather. The hotel's private hospital is one of the best in Russia. Mr Dickenson had told him that Ray would need to get weekly medication and shots to help him heal.
'One week is all he'll need. Then he'll be out of here. I don't want him to get hurt.'
"Great, now I'm starting to worry about him." He opened the cupboard absentmindedly and removed the tea. Despite that he hadn't been here for some time he knew the place like the back of his hand.
He picked up the kettle when it started whistling and poured the hot water into the two mugs. He heard the approaching footsteps but didn't show it. Returning the kettle to the stove he mixed his tea as Ray entered the room.
"I've got a Jacuzzi on my private patio that is outside my $10.000,-/per night room that comes equipped with a 200 inch TV with VCR and DVD players that are one shelf above a stereo system that can be heard within a thousand mile radius which I can listen to while I lay on my 30 persons' bed after I took a bath in my gold and porcelain bathroom after having driven around the city in a million dollar limo!"
"Would you prefer a pool table instead of the Jacuzzi?" Kai asked while mixing his tea.
"I would prefer to know where the heck all of this came from! The bellhop said you inherited all this. Is that true? Did you have this all along?"
"Yeah. Vanilla or mint?"
"Huh?" Ray gave him a bewildered look.
"Your tea. You have to take your medication." He threw Ray a bottle that was indeed his pills.
"Oh. Vanilla. Hey, how did you know I have to take these? I don't remember telling you about them."
"Mr Dickenson." Kai didn't elaborate. Ray was smart enough to figure out the rest. He didn't have to turn to know that Ray was still standing in the doorway. "Are you going to detain me in here until I answer your questions?"
"Huh? Oh yeah. Sorry." Ray stepped into the spacious kitchen. He had removed his shoes in his bedroom and now walked only on his socks which made his steps even more silent.
'More like a cat,' Kai reminded himself as he added the vanilla flavoured teabag, watching the fluent movement of Ray as he walked over to the bar, golden eyes studying his new surroundings.
"So...how long has it been since you last stayed here?" Ray asked as he sat at the bar, leaning on the marble surface. The kitchen's lighting seemed to make Kai's skin glow and Ray couldn't help admiring at the smooth complexion.
"About a year."
"The guys would have been psyched to see this," Ray commented as he took a sip of his tea that Kai handed him. He trained his eyes on his team captain as he took a seat as well though he sat facing the window on his left, watching the blizzard roar outside while they were safely on the other side.
"Hn."
"Why didn't you ever tell us about...this?" He waved an arm around in emphasis.
"Would it have guaranteed us a place in the World Championships?"
"No--"
"Would it have made us better bladers?"
"I guess not--"
"Then it wasn't necessary. It is just something I don't like people to know about. I have my reasons."
"Are you embarrassed of what we would have thought of you if we knew you were rich? That doesn't matter to us, Kai. All we care about is you as a person."
The tone of words surprised him and he turned to meet Ray's eyes, noticing not for the first time their depthless hue...
Blinking sharply, he turned to look back outside.
"Whatever. Besides, if you guys had known it would have only served as a distraction. I already have a though job getting Tyson to train. If he saw this place you would have to pry him away from the buffet with a crowbar. Max would be glued to the video games and Kenny...well I guess he'd be on Dizzy all the same anyway. There's no way we could have been prepared for the match against the Demolition Boys."
"Good point." He sipped at the rich vanilla tea. Something occurred to him and he couldn't help asking. "What about me?"
"What about you?" Kai asked, nonchalantly, though the question did intrigue him.
"You talked about Tyson, Max and Kenny, but what about me? What do you think could have distracted me in this place?"
Kai looked him in the eye. Directly in the eye. He seemed to be searching for something in Ray's mind.
"The zoo," he concluded.
"Come again?" Ray blinked.
"You would have spent the entire time at the zoo."
"I didn't even know that there was a zoo nearby."
"Of course you didn't. But of the entire team you are the one who is always sight seeing. You would have wandered about, come across the zoo, go to the feline section and spend days simply watching them."
"Oh come on! No way!" Ray shook his head, half disbelieving, half humoured. "Why would I do that?"
"Your bit beast is a tiger. You would be drawn to the cats in the zoo because of your connection with Drigger. It isn't unusual for a blader with a bit beast to do that but if you neglect your training then it is just a waste of time."
That did make a lot of sense. Felines did intrigued him,
"Do you do it?"
"Seen any phoenix's around lately?" Kai asked with a raised brow.
"No," Ray felt a bit foolish of the question since it was obvious that Kai couldn't observe a phoenix. "But you have a very strong connection with Dranzer. One of the strongest I have ever come across. You seem much more comfortable around her than around people. She must be very special to you." Now it was his turn to study Kai but try as he could he could not find anything.
"Aa."
"How long have you had her?"
"Since I was four."
Ray whistled. He himself got Drigger when he turned 12 and he felt that his bond with the tiger was strong. Kai received Dranzer 12 years ago; their bond must be unbreakable.
"It's late. You should get some sleep." Kai said.
Ray was about to protest but Kai was right; he was feeling very tired after the long day and unimaginable findings. Right now his body ached for the comfortable 30 person bed that awaited him in his $10 000,-/per night room with the Jacuzzi patio.
"Hey, Kai," he spoke up when the bluenette stood from his chair.
"Hn?"
"Now that I know of this would you mind if I told the guys about it the next time I call them?"
"The tournament is over so I don't really care. Just don't make too big a deal out of it."
"Oh yeah. A multi million dollar mansion in the sky. Big deal," Ray smirked sarcastically as he got off his seat to follow Kai out of the kitchen.
"Don't make me regret bringing you here," Kai threatened with a raised brow.
"You won't," Ray smiled before turning serious. "Kai."
"Yeah?" The phoenix said while checking the alarm system.
"Thanks."
With a half-curios look, the enigma turned to him. "For what?"
"Letting me stay here. I know you value your privacy a lot."
"Privacy is not something you will get around here very much."
"What do you mean?" Ray caught up with his captain as Kai headed down the hall.
"You'll see tomorrow morning. The others will fill you in when you wake up. Get some rest." The bluenette stopped, his hand on the door handle of a door that Ray remembered led into the study.
"What others? And aren't you going to sleep? You look pretty tired."
Sighing at the teen's persistence, Kai turned to answer but faltered at the genuine worry in Ray's eyes. The hall light reflected in the innocent gold and it took him some time to come back to his senses. Clearing his throat softly, he looked away.
"See you in the morning."
With that the phoenix closed the door, leaving Ray standing in the empty hall.
"Yeah, you too..."
Furrowing his brows slightly, wondering what had just happened, Ray shrugged and softly walked away.
After having left the library three hours ago, Kai decided it would do him good to get some sleep before morning came. Making sure to put away all documents and forms where no one else could find them he had then climbed the staircase to the bedrooms.
As he passed Ray's rooms he had been tempted to check up on his teammate but decided against it. Ray knew how to take care of himself and the last thing he needed was someone mothering him.
Now Kai lay half asleep in his bed, eyes trained on the canopy above him.
'What was that all about? It was like I was seeing him for the first time...'
His sharp hearing picked up the door of his bedroom opening slightly and the sound of small footsteps neared his bed. They came to a stop right next to the bed and he turned his head to one side to look into pretty pink eyes that barely peeked over the mattress though they glittered in the dark with joy.
He gifted the small figure with a smile that was returned. Responding to the unspoken words, he pulled back his sheets to allow the silent visitor to climb in. Once they did they wrapped fragile arms around his torso and pulled themselves close to him, burying their face in his neck.
Kai smiled and returned the embrace, holding the petite body protectively. When the other person's breathing became soft and even he ran his hand through the loose baby-blue hair that reached till the narrow waist, resting his cheek on the silky tresses as their breathing lulled him off to sleep.
'I won't let him take you away from me. I promise.'
With that he too soon drifted off.
Tbc...
Read & Review, please.