Legend of Apocalypse

Disclaimer: Trueangel does not own Beyblade or Leon.

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Alright, reviewers, this time I've got you people Kai action figures! Pose him in any way you like... heh heh heh. This is just part one of an entire set of action figures, so watch out for the rest... but meanwhile, enjoy!

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Rumi-chan: Wow! *hugs VS800* Heh... Volten, you are gonna die horribly... *laughs evilly* (Volten: O_O!!) Uh, was my evil side showing again? Anyway, enjoy this chapter!

Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus: You're gonna cry? Sorry, V.K. beat you to it... *hands V.K. another box of tissues* But if this story is another cliched romantic story, Rei and Kai will get together in the end. If...

SoulSister: Yeah, I admit, the story is in a mess now. Don't worry, I promise to settle everything by the end of the story. This chapter might provide some links or it might make things worse, I dunno. Let's wait and see...

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Trueangel: Gosh... is it the sixth chapter already?

Leon: Yup.

Trueangel: Oh no, this is gonna be a VERY long story... six chapters and the real action hasn't started yet.

V.K.: Not to mention your especially long chapters. Longer than previous chapters, anyway.

Leon: In that case we'd better rush into the story... don't wanna keep your fans waiting, do we?

Trueangel: Yeah, I guess not... well, let's begin.

~~~

Chapter 6 The Story of Zeta

Tyson ran after Hui and Max, his muscles pumping with every move of his legs. Soon, his training as a beyblader paid off as he caught up with Hui. Max, though, was still far ahead.

"Hui... why is Max acting like this?" asked Tyson, between huffs.

"He's assumed that you were dead for 20 years. What other reaction would you expect?"

"Well, if he'd yelled 'Ghost!' before he bolted, I might have understood better..."

"You don't understand. Max loves you a lot, so much so that he can tell that you are real. I know because I've seen it in him all these years."

"Yeah, he's been living with you, right? Kai told-"

"Don't bring him in, I haven't even started on him yet. Suddenly returning after two decades..."

"You mean Kai's been missing these few years? Boy, there's a lot I've been missing out on... Rei and Kai breaking up as well..."

"Rei and Kai broke up? They're the last couple I'd expect to see separated..."

"Me too. I was so surprised when Rei told me."

"But then again, Rei's changed a lot. He would never forget Kai, but his love might have waned."

At that point, Max swerved into a playground. Tyson and Hui turned as well, to see Max ascending the stairs of a slide. Tyson stood at the bottom of the slide and shouted to Max.

"Max, please, come down!"

"Why do you keep haunting me? Go away!"

"What do you mean? I'm Tyson, Max. I know you still love me, so why are you running away from me?"

"I've been trying so hard to forget Tyson... forget that I ever killed him... forget that I ever knew him... but he just keeps haunting me! I can't forget... go away!"

"No, you didn't kill me. Volten did! Now, come down, and we'll get rid of Volten together."

"Volten! Are you making Tyson haunt me? Stop messing with us! Please, I beg of you, stop..."

"Yes, we're going to get rid of Volten, all of us. You, me, Rei, and Kai."

"Kai... Kai died too to save me! Everybody is dying for me... I don't deserve it! Why, why must everybody die... and why can't I forget? Why do they still keep haunting me? You, Tyson, why do you haunt me?"

"Because I love you. And because you love me too."

"I... love... you?"

Tyson saw Hui appear behind Max. Apparently he had climbed the steps as well. Hui put his arm around Max's shoulder as he spoke in a soothing voice into Max's ear.

"It's ok. Max... this is the real Tyson, not a figment of your conscience. Tyson has really returned."

"Tyson... returned?"

"Yes, he has come back. Remember how much you used to love him? You still do, don't you? And so does he."

"I love Tyson."

"Yes. No Volten, no deaths... just you, Tyson, and your love for each other."

"Tyson... Tyson, you've really come back?"

"Yes, Max. I'm real and alive," said Tyson.

Max slid down, and looked into the beautiful midnight eyes of Tyson. Tyson...

"Max, I love you."

Max stood up, and Tyson held him close in a tight embrace, even as Max choked on his own tears.

"I'm back now, Max... I'm not going away again..."

"Tyson... why did you leave so many years ago?"

'Because of Volten. And now, we're all going to fight Volten. We'll settle our scores with him once and for all."

Max reached up with his one hand and brushed Tyson's navy blue locks aside, to gaze into those stormy orbs once more.

"Tyson, I don't want to lose you again."

"I won't leave you. Never."

+++

"Hello, Rei? We were attacked by Sylphie, Phoenix's trying to hold her off now. ...We're somewhere along Black Street. ...Yeah, get here soon."

Xaleon put down the phone and walked back to where Phoenix and Sylphie were battling. With her bit beast, Phoenix's power matched Sylphie, and The two of them were not holding back as they fought with all their might. Xaleon had initially wanted to get rid of Sylphie himself, but Phoenix had insisted that she fight Sylphie, and Xaleon understood that Phoenix had a score to settle with Sylphie after the tournament. But Phoenix had said nothing about calling Rei, and Xaleon didn't see anything wrong in getting some help.

"Sylphie... why are you attacking us?" asked Xaleon.

"Shut up, stupid kitten. This battle is between me and Phoenix. You stay out of this."

"Yeah, Xaleon, please. Now, Drymid, attack Soul Dragon at full force!"

"Just because you have a bit beast doesn't mean you're gonna beat me! Soul Dragon, counter it with your own attack!"

The two beyblades crashed into each other, and the impact threw both backwards, cracking the pavement at the same time.

"Golden Trinity!"

Drymid's triangle slowly closed in on Soul Dragon, but Sylphie had prepared for that.

"Torpedo Twist!"

Soul Dragon spun on the spot at an incredible speed, and as Drymid approached, it was thrown back by the force of the spin.

"Now, Soul Dragon, attack Drymid!"

Soul Dragon made a beeline for Drymid, who was still shaken after its last attack. However, it recovered in time to avoid the possibly devastating attack.

"Soul Dragon, attack again!"

Soul Dragon again flew at Drymid, but this time it was a clear miss.

"Xaleon! Phoenix! What happened?"

Xaleon turned around to see Val and Zeta running towards them.

"Rei told us you two were in trouble, and since we both live nearby..." explained Val.

"Sylphie. We were walking when all of a sudden she attacked us."

"Sylphie, huh?" Zeta took a step forward. "Sylphie, stop it!"

"Oh, how nice of you to come watch, Zee..."

"Sylphie, what do you want?"

"You know what I want."

"If you're referring to what Tala said, then forget it!"

"Then that's a pity... we'll just have to resort to other means."

Suddenly, Zeta heard two cries from behind him, one of pain and one of shock. Turning around, he saw Xaleon on the floor, his leg bleeding. Val was held around the neck by Tala. When Zeta turned again, Sylphie's beyblade was back in her hand.

"It's a trap!"

"Bingo, genius," said Tala.

"Let Val go!" shouted Zeta.

"You'll find your precious friend beside you as soon as you fufill your task. But if you take too long... I can't guarantee his safety."

"What are going to do with him?" screamed Zeta, his tone turning hysterical.

"I don't think you want to find out... well, we're leaving now. You know what to do."

Tala leapt onto the roof of the nearest house and ran off, with Sylphie following right behind. Not long after they were gone, the sound of Rei's car came tearing down the street.

"What happened?" asked Rei as he jumped out of the car.

"It was a trap! Tala kidnapped Val," explained Zeta.

"Xaleon's injured! Can you help him, Dad?"

Rei frowned as he looked at Xaleon's leg.

"It's broken. We need to send him to the hospital. Phoenix, help me get him into the car."

Phoenix supported the left arm of Xaleon while Rei supported the right, and they both managed to get Xaleon into the back seat.

"Phoenix, Zee, the two of you wait at my place. I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Dad, I-"

"No, Phoenix, go home. I'm afraid that they might go after Kai next, and it's better to have more people helping him."

"Alright. You take care of yourself too, ok?"

"Yeah, I will, so don't worry. Once I'm sure Xaleon is safe I'll go back."

"Ok. Bye, Dad."

"See you later."

Phoenix and Zeta walked off in one direction, as Rei drove off in the other.

+++

The four Bladebreakers, Hui, Phoenix, and Zeta all gathered in Rei's house. Rei and Kai had explained the situation they were in to all of them, especially to those who didn't know anything about what had happened yet. However, one thing still puzzled all of them. If Volten was after the astro bit beasts, why did he kidnap Val but leave Phoenix alone?

"I just don't get it," admitted Kai, after thinking for what seemed like forever."With his skills, Volten in the body of Tala could easily defeat and capture Phoenix. Why would he instead ask Sylphie to battle Phoenix to lure Val out, them capture him instead? If I were Volten, I would rather use myself or Phoenix to force Rei to give up Leo, especially since me and Phoenix could be captured easily."

"He probably didn't go after you because he didn't know you were weakened and didn't want to risk losing to you," explained Rei. "But Phoenix... you're right, there's no reason why he captured Val instead."

"I think I know why," said Zeta suddenly.

"I remember him talking to you about something you had to do... what is it?" asked Phoenix.

"Tala is the coach of the Soulblades," said Zeta.

"well, I guessed as much, seeing him at the tournament that day," said Rei. "But still, why would he go after you?"

"That's not all... Tala is my father."

"What?!" exclaimed Tyson.

"I think I should start from the start. Since I was young, Tala trained me to become the best beyblader. I didn't mind, since I loved beyblading. But when I was five, Tala and BioVolt created a new bit beast. Soul Dragon. Since I was the best blader they knew at that time, I immediately became the one to test Soul Dragon. Unfortunately, Soul Dragon was so powerful that I couldn't control it at all, and it caused serious damage to the BioVolt facility. Tala left my mum and I. Later, he genetically created Sylphie, such that she could easily control Soul Dragon. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to tap into Soul Dragon's full potential... only 20% of Soul Dragon's power."

"Only 20% and it's already so powerful?" exclaimed Phoenix.

"Yeah... we've got to be careful of Sylphie," conceded Rei. "But why didn't BioVolt create someone wo could maximise Soul Dragon's power?"

"After that, Tala was transferred to another project, the Wolf Project or something. There was no one left to follow-up, so it was left as that."

"Why didn't you say anything when Sylphie joined us?" asked Phoenix.

"I didn't know why she was there... maybe Tala was using her to spy on us. Maybe Tala just wanted to know how I was doing. I decided to leave her alone as long as she did nothing against us."

"But why did he kidnap Val?" asked Kai.

"Recently, after the tournament, I saw Tala. He wanted me to persuade the team to forfeit our victory. He might be using Val to force me to do so."

"If we forfeited the match, then the Soulblades will get to go for the World Championships..." said Phoenix.

"But that doesn't help Volten get the astro bit beasts," added Tyson.

"Unless..." Kai began.

"There is an astro bit beast existing in the present," Hui guessed.

"Yes, that's it. Then, by using the team's status as Japan champion or World champion, he could find the blader who has the astro bit beast," finished Kai.

"We can't let Volten get the astro bit beast," said Rei.

"But we can't leave Val alone either! Val... he's my friend," said Zeta.

"I know, Zeta... Val is my friend as well," said Phoenix.

"No, you don't understand... Val is the only person I ever trusted, after what happened with Tala. Moreover, he's the only one I can look upon as an equal," Zeta cried desperately.

"But how can we save Val and yet at the same time not let Volten get any astro bit beasts?" asked Tyson.

"We trick Volten," said Hui.

"What do you mean?" asked Kai.

"Look, Volten's objective is to get the astro bit beasts, right? So it doesn't matter which bit beast he gets, as long as he get's an astro bit beast, he'll let Val go," said Hui.

"That's brilliant! But of course, we're assuming that Volten doesn't fully understand the power of the astro bit beasts, and that he's a devil of his word," said Kai.

"Yeah. But it's the best chance we've got."

"Excuse me, can someone fill me in on what's happening here?" asked Tyson.

Aries, the lamb, and Capricorn, the ram. The two bit beasts are connected to each other. You can use one to summon the other, and even if it was previously attached to someone else it immediately belongs to the person who summoned it," explained Kai.

"Alright, anyone knows any legends involving sheep?" asked Hui.

"No, Kai's still weak. We need to let him rest before we search for Aries and Capricorn," said Rei.

"Rei's right, I can't work any more magic right now. Moreover I'm waiting for something from Chief," agreed Kai.

"Well, just don't wait too long," said Zeta. "I can't bear to think of what will happen to Val..."

+++

Xaleon lay on his bed in the hospital, staring at the ceiling. It had been a couple of days since the attack. His leg was better, but it still was a long time before it recovered fully. Phoenix had visited him everyday, but she didn't tell him anything about what they were doing about Val. Xaleon didn't want to ask; he was just glad that Phoenix was safe. Moreover, Phoenix was probably still pretty upset about the whole incident.

Xaleon moved himself into an upright position, but winced as a sting shot up his leg. It still hurt whenever he tried to move it. For a moment, Xaleon missed the healing powers he had as an angel. But that was behind him. He was a human now. Yes, he would fight Volten, but as a human, as a beyblader. He wouldn't use his powers unless forced to in a life-threatening situation.

There was a knock at the door.

"Phoenix? Come in."

"No, it's me," said Kai was he walked into the ward.

"Oh, it's you, Kai."

"Would you rather it have been someone else? Phoenix, perhaps?"

"Er... I..."

"You love her, don't you?"

"Well, maybe a little bit..."

Kai snickered.

"'A little bit'? Who are you trying to kid, yourself?"

"I don't know... I'm just afraid that she might get involved with this fight against Volten. I don't want to put her in danger."

"She's already involved, Xaleon. With her being Rei's daughter, the attack on Val, and her existing feud with Sylphie... she can't escape. The least you could do is to admit to yourself that you do love her, then protect her in a way that is worthy of your love."

"I'm already looking out for her, Kai, but I'm not strong enough. Look at what just happened with Sylphie. And now that I'm injured..."

"Maybe she needs an astro bit beast to protect herself."

"No! I don't want her to be in any more danger than she already is."

"Would you rather have an astro bit beast yourself?"

"I don't know... but if it'll help me protect Phoenix..."

"Well, I'll see what I can do."

"Oh yes, what about Val?"

Kai told Xaleon everything the rest of them had discussed about the other day.

"It'll be risky trying to trick Volten," said Xaleon at last.

"Yes, but like I told the rest, it's the best plan we have."

"Let's just hope Volten doesn't know about Aries' and Capricorn's abilities."

"You know, I wonder if Volten knows the special powers of all the astro bit beasts..."

"Yeah. First there's Leo's Pride ability which increases attack power based on the blader's courage. And there's Scorpio's Poison ability which increases the damage dealt by attacks as time goes by."

"Aries and Capricorn work as a pair and they have other abilities besides the summoning ability. Aries has 'Guardian' where the blader sacrifices himself to boost Capricorn, while Capricorn has 'Knight' where it takes damage for Aries."

"There's that archer one... oh yeah, Sagittarius. Its Sniper ability gives perfect accuracy to all attacks. And Taurus has Rush, increasing the speed and power of attacks."

"Pisces has the unusual Dive ability, right? It allows the beyblade to disappear while attacked. And Aquarius uses Drown, where both bladers are damaged."

"Gemini has an interesting ability as well, Twin. The beyblade can turn into two beyblades. And Libra has Balance which drastically improves the endurance of a beyblade."

"There's Cancer's Clamp which allows it to attach itself to a beyblade and attack continuously. And last but not least is Virgo's Virgin. Even though it can only be used by a virgin maiden, the ability sacrifices the blader to launch a devastating attack."

"And besides that, the bit beasts' power can be increased further by using it to boost another bit beast's attack. For example, Twin used on Phoenix's Golden Trinity creates what, Golden Hexagon?"

Kai laughed.

"Maybe. But anyway, now Rei has Leo, and Volten has Scorpio. If this trap works out, we'll have Aries and Capricorn. That leaves us with eight more bit beasts to find."

"I just want to recover as soon as possible, so that I can help you guys."

"You sure about that?"

"Why?"

Kai put his hand on Xaleon's leg. Immediately Xaleon could feel magical energy flow into him. It was just a little, though, not much."

"What did you do?"

"Just a simple regeneration spell, not much. It'll help your leg heal faster, but not so fast that people begin suspecting things."

'Thanks. And about your training..."

Kai smiled.

"I was wondering when you'd remember."

"Before I left, you managed to tap into 30% of Crystallis' energy. How far are you now?"

"The same. I tried tapping into more of Crystallis once, but I nearly lost control. It's far too dangerous using Crystallis without safety precautions. Even now I avoid using Crystallis as far as possible."

"I guessed as much. Your breathing is irregular and belaboured. It must be tiring manipulating time to collect the astro bit beasts, and to revive Tyson. But Crystallis is probably the only power that can defeat Volten, especially now that he's after the astro bit beasts, and you're probably the only person who can even use Crystallis without losing control."

"I guess so. But it's really difficult trying to control Crystallis. Too bad there isn't another way."

"Listen, before I came to Japan, I was in China for a while. I went to the place where you had your last fight with Volten, and judging from the damage, oyu probably used about 50% of Crystallis' power. That's why I think..."

"That under the right conditions, I can safely tap into 50% or more of Crystallis' power?"

"Bingo."

"Well, I don't know... We won't be able to tell until such conditions appear."

"Yeah... we'll just have to train the old way."

"So we resume training once you've recovered?"

"I don't know. Now that I've relinquished my powers, I won't be strong enough to keep you in check. But don't worry, I'll find a way out somehow."

Kai glanced at his watch.

"I've gotta leave now... I'll see you again sometime, okay?"

"Yeah."

"And maybe next time I'll bring Phoenix along."

Xaleon blushed, and Kai laughed as he walked out of the ward.

+++

The four former Bladebreakers sat in Rei's car as he drove to Kenny's shop. Kenny had just called some time ago, telling Kai that he had finished work on the two beyblades. With the two adults sitting at the front and Tyson and Kai, who looked like teenagers, at the back, they looked like a gay couple with two children, as Rei had noticed.

"Remember, if anyone asks, we're a family. That's our disguise whenever we're travelling together outdoors," he had said.

"Why do I have to be the child?" grumbled Kai.

"That's because you look like one," Rei replied. "While the rest of us were growing up, you were frozen in time in your Neverland."

"That's not true. Angels grow too, just much slower. And Tyson doesn't look grown-up to me."

"But I'm not complaining about it, unlike you, sourpuss."

"Stuff yourself with food, fat slob."

"Freeze to death, ice king."

"They haven't grown up physically, and I doubt if they've matured mentally either," Rei remarked to Max.

Max smiled.

"Pig-for-brains."

"Loner."

"Food-crazy zombie."

Tyson paused. Yeah, he could get the 'food-crazy' part, but was 'zombie' necessary?

"Kai... that was a bit under the belt," said Rei, as he noticed Max turn away.

"I know. I'm sorry," admitted Kai.

"Nah, it's okay. Can't blame you since you're a cold bastard," replied Tyson, smiling.

"Speak for yourself, fat slob."

"You lose! You've called me that already."

"Oh man... have I?"

"Alright, cut it, kids. We're here," said Rei.

The four bladers stepped out of the car and walked into Kenny's shop. Kenny looked up from the counter.

"Hi Chief!" greeted Tyson. "Gosh, you've grown."

"Tyson? How..." Kenny asked incredulously.

"Told you I'd handle it. You finished the beyblades?" asked Kai.

"Yeah. I couldn't resist making some improvements, though," replied Kenny.

"Still the same old Chief," said Tyson, smiling.

Kenny took out the two beyblades he had made and passed them to Kai. Holding Draciel in his hand, Kai walked over to Max.

"Max, I don't want to foce you to fight, so I'm asking you first. Are you willing to fight with us against Volten?"

Max nodded. Smiling briefly, Kai grasped Max's hand and placed the green beyblade in Max's palm.

"Thanks, Chief. Thanks, Kai," Max said softly.

"That's not all," said Kai.

Kai held out his two hands and started muttering an incantation. Magical energy built up at his fists. The light they gave off gradually grew more and more intense, spreading out from within Kai's clenched hands. The white light slowly turned red on one hand, and purple in the other. Finally, the light started fading. After a while more, when the magical energy has dissapated, Kai opened his hands to reveal the bit chip of Dranzer in one hand, and Draciel in the other. Kai passed Draciel to Max.

"Wow..." Max murmured.

"Oh yes, in my spare time I created a single-hand shooter. I want you to use it, Max," said Kenny as he passed his creation to Max.

"Right, now you can fight back and defend yourself if you run into any trouble," said Kai to Max.

"Now we've gotta find Aries and Capricorn," said Tyson.

"I'll go with Tyson and Max. Rei, you stay here to look after Phoenix and Zeta. We'll-" Kai noticed the frown on Rei's face. "Don't worry, Rei, I still have enough energy. Moreover I have two of your best friends looking after me, so you can relax."

"Yeah... I guess so," conceded Rei.

"Okay. Tyson, Max, hold on to my hands."

The two beybladers obeyed.

"Alright, this might feel a bit weird, because we're going back in ti..."

Kai's last words faded off together with him, Tyson, and Max, as they disappeared.

~~~

V.K.: The hospital scene looks so staged.

Trueangel: No one asked for your opinion.

V.K.: O_O

Leon: I... got injured?

Trueangel: Not you, Xaleon.

Leon: It means the same thing.

V.K.: Why do you have to keep throwing plot complications in?

Trueangel: That's the only way to write a long story.

Leon: Weren't we complaining that this story was too long?

V.K.: Yeah, I distinctly remember that.

Trueangel: Um... ^_^"

Leon: Oh well... just review the story.