Well, here it is the final installment to my very first ever Beyblade fic … gosh it took me a while to finish this ^^; Hope you guys enjoyed and thanks for reading and sticking with me with this.
Epilogue
Kai glanced around with a relived sigh. Things were finally over with. Boris and his Grandfather were jailed and the rest of Biovolt was falling apart with ease. The newer 'recruits' Boris had been training were found and returned to families or put under care, Alex and Celia included. Others whose lives Biovolt had destroyed were taken care of without fear of retaliation. It was quite amazing how fast the BBA was working to set things right.
The sun was setting over the white expanse of mountaintops and Kai sighed at the sight, feeling quite exhausted. He and the Demolition Boys had all played their parts for two days straight to bring everything together and only now did they find themselves with some time to rest.
"I just saw Ian and Spencer off." Kai looked to the side to see Tala taking a seat beside him on the broken wall of the Abbey. "It took a long time and quite a few officials to get them to believe the story and our assurances that nothing of this severity would happen again."
"And what will the two of you do?" Kai asked quietly, referring to Bryan as well, who was in the hospital, rejuvenating from his attack in the Abbey.
Tala shrugged. "Wait and see I guess. Mr. Dickinson still has a lot of work for us and I've volunteered for the job. I refused to let Ian and Spence help out, they've still got too much to deal with right now, setting things right with their families. Bryan will probably join me once he's well enough. I'm actually not starting until he is. I want to make sure nothing happens."
"Still looking out for others then," Kai commented with a smirk.
"As usual." Tala looked at him sideways. "Like you," he added softly, knowing Kai heard.
"Maybe."
They sat for a while, watching the night settle in and reveling in the silence and peace surrounding them for the moment.
"How's Max?" Tala asked finally.
"Better. Takao's still being an overprotective pain, which I think Max doesn't really mind. It shows how much he cares at least."
"What about the other teams? How are they dealing with things?"
"Better than expected. The Majestics seem fine with everything, they're helping out with the BBA after all. The All-Stars and White Tigers are not as accepting of the situation, but they're dealing well. They'll all be leaving within the next few days."
"Right."
There was another long silence.
"And you?" Tala finally asked, his voice quiet and hesitant.
"You actually care what I feel?" Kai retorted, though his voice was not as cold as it would have been over a year ago. He had changed quite a bit and the situation now had changed him further.
Tala looked away. "I'm sorry for how I acted before. But when you're mind is as messed up as mine … well, what else was I supposed to think for all those years?"
Kai shrugged. "I never blamed you for thinking so badly of me. Hell, I thought badly about myself as well." Tala chuckled at the slight joke, knowing that this was Kai's way of making everything right again. They settled into a more comfortable silence before Kai broke it again, asking, "Do you ever think we could possibly … get along sometime in the near future?"
Tala looked at him seriously. "I don't know, he replied honestly. "There's bad blood there, but maybe sometime things will be better." He got up then and started to walk away. "For now," he called out, "I think you'd best work on the relationships you already have. There's someone who needs you more than I do right now."
Kai watched his old friend walk away wistfully. /Guess it was too much to hope for right away. But things are better now, which is more than I should have hoped for./
Kai got up himself and headed back to his hotel, determined to get some rest and to check up on the person who needed him the most right now.
* * *
It was completely dark and cold by the time he arrived back at the hotel room he was sharing with Rei. The lights were out and the curtain drawn. Kai walked slowly toward the bed, thinking Rei asleep already. However, as he sat on the edge of the bed to remove his sweater, he heard the rustling of sheets behind him and turned to see Rei glancing up through lidded eyes.
"You're back," he mumbled sleepily, leaning back down again.
"Yeah." Kai decided not to resist the temptation to smile and was glad when he saw Rei's eyes light up at the action. "Feeling better?" he inquired, running his fingers through Rei's long fringe momentarily.
"A bit." Rei closed his eyes and leaned into the touch sleepily. "I can remember a lot more though. They really messed with our minds back then." He shuddered slightly and Kai moved closer, letting him lean against his side.
"I know. I'm just glad nothing worse happened. Some of the subjects went insane and a few others died from the treatments Boris and the scientists thought up." Kai unconsciously moved closer. "When I saw you there," he whispered, "I'd thought the worst. I didn't care that it could be a trap, I just needed to make sure you were safe."
"Thanks," Rei murmured. "I'm glad you came."
"We all thought you were dead." Kai gently traced the bandages around Rei's chest and shoulder. "I couldn't function for a while there, but Tala pulled me out." Rei stiffened slightly, but Kai ignored it. "He's such a pain in the ass," he growled. "No wonder I didn't like him for so long, he's too much like me."
"A pain in the ass you mean?" Rei asked, teasing him. He was a bit relieved that there obviously wasn't something between Tala and Kai, but then, it seemed stupid now after what Kai said to him two days ago …"Hey Kai?"
"Yeah?"
Rei looked up and the question he was about to ask died on his lips as he saw how tenderly Kai was watching him. He smiled and shook his head. "Nothing, don't worry."
Kai frowned but nodded, then he tried to stifle a yawn.
"That boring am I?" Rei asked mildly.
"Hardly. Even I have my limits you know. Two days straight with hardly any sleep would affect anyone."
"So Kai's not as perfect as he seems. Still, I guess that's why I like you so much, imperfections and all."
Kai looked down at Rei with a smile. "You look as tired as I am. We should get some sleep."
"Sure." Rei moved away so Kai could get into bed properly. Kai stripped off his sweater and socks and slid in beside Rei, moving closer to his warmth as he did so. "Goodnight Kai," Rei whispered softly as he leaned back into the pillows and closed his eyes.
In response though, he felt the fleeting touch of Kai's lips on his. Opening his eyes in shock, he saw Kai leaning over him with a faint smile on his face. "Goodnight Rei," he replied softly, leaning back himself.
Rei smiled at him and wrapped his arms around Kai, snuggling in closer and making himself quite comfortable with his bedmate. It was much easier and far more relaxing to sleep this way, safe in the embrace of a loved one and safe in the knowledge that everything tomorrow would look even brighter than it ever had. Not everything was perfect, but it would get better, like all wounds and people. It was a start.
AN: Yay! The end *throws various celebratory things* I'm so happy I could cry ;_; … see?
Once again, I wish to thank every single person who read this, it really means a lot to me that you enjoyed reading my work and a very big thank you to those who managed to inspire me enough to get off my lazy butt and finish writing this (aka everyone who reviewed … luv you all! I managed 100+ which is so cool thanks) I don't really do thank you lists, but I want you all to know that you all helped me so much with this, keeping me motivated and on track.
Thank you all once again and I hoped you enjoyed Cage of Thought
Laters.