Change of Heart
By: Silver Moon Dreamer
Chapter 7 – Hearts Surprise
GOMEN NASAI MINNA-CHAN!! GOMEN!!! I know that I haven't updated in a long time, but a lot has come up and I was distracted from writing. Like one of my closest relatives died and I wasn't able to concentrate on writing. My studies had also gotten in the way and I forgot where my priorities were.
I can come up with as much excuses as I can, but it can't excuse the fact that I have not updated in... 6 months... ouch... that's pretty bad!! If it wasn't for my friend, I wouldn't be able to update for a while. It seems that I have started to lose faith in this fic because my inspiration has dried up. But not to worry folks!! I have found a new muse, and decide to write as much as I can!
Just bear with the mistakes Minna-chan. I didn't have enough time to have this check by my beta reader, unless you guys could wait for me to update for another week... nah that would take to long... I also tried to vary the spacing this time since my other chapters were to close together...
Well, not to delay anymore... hope you guys like what I wrote out of writer's block!! Hehehehe.... On with the fic!
"..." = Someone talking
'...' = Someone thinking
...Telepathically Speaking
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_Last Time_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
'And that was the last day that I ever saw her. Wait a minute, why am I remembering Tenshi after all these years. Unless. Oh no. It can't be.' Kai thought as he replayed the events of that day over and over in his head. He was so into his realization that he was barely paying attention to the battle that he was in, or what had happened.
Kai didn't even acknowledge his beyblade as it flew right past his head. Gasps were heard throughout the room and the one thought that was on everyone's mind was 'Kai had lost.'
Even though he had lost, all Kai could focus on was Usa as she picked up her blade from the middle of the arena where it was still spinning. Kai hurriedly grabbed his blade before he stood right in front of Usa and spoke the one word that he never thought he would say again.
"Tenshi?"
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ Present_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_
"Tenshi?"
"That... name." Usa could barely get the words out of her mouth because the exhaustion of using Hikari had taken such a large toll that she could scarcely stand. "How do... you know... that name?"
"It can't be." Whispered Kai as he saw her holding onto a rail for support. Kai hardly acknowledged the others as they came running to help her. 'This is just to much.'
After realizing that Usa and Tenshi were the one and the same, Kai fled the room with only Usa watching him with sad eyes.
'Where is he going?' Thought Usa as she saw Kai run out of the room. 'I have some many questions to ask him, especially how he knew that name...'
Usa was shocked out of her thoughts when her friends had gathered around her and started to call her name.
"Usa!"
"That was a great game!"
"You sure gave Kai a run for his money!"
"Even after all these years, you still got it!"
More compliments about the battle were said, but Usa only cared about the young man who had just awakened lost memories with one word.
After a few minutes, the others had finally realized that Usa had yet to say anything. Are you alright Usa-chan? You seem kinda out of it." Ami asked as she saw Usa turn a pale color. It was rare that her friend did not celebrate after winning a tough battle in anything, and she was sure it that it was the same for dueling. "Usa?"
The others had also begun to worry, seeing as how Usa was staring at the door that led to the outdoor gardens. (AN- I am not sure that any hotels in the US have gardens, but for later purposes, lets just say that there are.)
"Usa, are you ok? You don't look so good." Observed Minako, putting her hand on Usa's forehead.
Usa was finally brought back to reality once Minako had used her hand to feel her temperature. "Huh? Oh, sorry guys. I didn't mean to ignore you but I feel really tired." When she had tried to stand on her own, she had only succeeded to fall back. "I guess trying to sustain Hikari without getting used to dueling in a long time, takes more energy than I thought it originally would." With that Usa had fallen into unconsciousness with Tyson there ready to catch his cousin.
The question "What in the world just happened" all reflected in the eyes of the others as they saw Tyson cradle Usa into his arms and walked towards the elevator. His aura definitely said "I'll tell you guys once I get her tucked into bed."
No one said anything as they silently rode up the elevator into the girl's room, where Tyson had placed Usa on the bed. Everyone finally realized that one person was missing, and simultaneously, "Where did Kai get to?"
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_With Usa and Tyson_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
"Oh Usa! What am I going to do with you?" Tyson asked to himself as he placed Usa on the bed. "I knew deep down that it was to early for you to use Hikari. You don't have the same experience you had when we were kids."
******************Flashback***************************
"Usa! You really have a handle on that new beyblade of yours." Chibi-Tyson said as him and chibi-Usa had just finished their daily training.
"Hmm? Oh you mean this beyblade? It isn't really new; I mean I had a couple part modified for a greater energy output, but other than that, I am using the same beyblade." Chibi-Usa said, watching chibi-Tyson look at her blade. (AN – Usa seems smart as a kid ne?)
"Maybe, but you really seemed focus today, almost as if you were just learning how to use your blade for the first time.
Chibi-Usa could see where chibi-Tyson was coming from but she decided to tell him what she was doing in a way that chibi-Tyson could learn from. "Well, you could say that I am just learning how to use Hikari for the first time."
"Hikari?' What's a Hikari?"
"Hikari is the name of my beyblade."
"Oh. I see! But Usa, you have had Hikari for a long time already Usa-chan."
"That's true, but there is so many things that you can learn from your blade. You can't just look on the outside of it, you need to know your blade both in and out because you will come to rely on it heavily as you start to go into more serious battles." (AN – OOC I know...)
For just a moment Usa looked like a genius to Tyson, but he understood what she was saying. "I get it Usa! I shouldn't look at my blade for what it is on the outside, but I should look at the inner power it has."
Chibi-Usa was startled at chibi-Tyson because she hadn't told him about the inner power of a beyblade. "Wow Ty-chan! You got it!!"
"Thanks Usa-chan! By the by, you seem really smart about beyblades, I guess you could say that this is one of your favorite hobbies."
"Not really. I mean I am not really smart when it comes to beyblades. I still have a lot to learn, but 'tousan gave me the "beyblade lecture" this morning, so it is still fresh in my mind." Chibi-Usa giggled as she saw chibi-Tyson fall over anime style. (AN – I had you guys going for a minute! Hee hee hee!!)
******************End of Flashback**********************
'And to think I fell for that! Well, Usa did teach me a valuable lesson, even if she recited it from her father's speech.' Tyson chuckled as he remembered the days back when him and Usa were just learning about the game of beyblade.
"Its funny, you seemed to have a lot more experience as a five-year-old than as a 15-year-old. Look at what time does to our brain cells." Tyson said, moving a lock of hair from Usa's face. (AN – Tyson does not like her as a girlfriend!!! They are just cousins! He looks at her as a brother.) "I really wish that I hadn't urged you to battle Kai with Hikari, knowing full and well the consequences if you were to call her out."
"Hmmm...." Usa moaned as she felt someone touch her face. "Ty-chan?"
Tyson was surprised, relieved, and angry as he saw his cousin's eyes flicker, getting accustomed to the light in the room. He didn't know if he should hug her or yell at her first, but he did the first thing he could think of.
"USA! You're up!" Yelled Tyson, while hugging his cousin in a great big hug that made her blush from his concern.
"I'm fine Tyson. You didn't have to worry that much about me." Usa gently said as she pushed Tyson at arm's length so she could fix his cap that seemed to fall off as he went to her.
"I don't have to worry? ARE YOU JOKING? Well, sorry to inform you Ms. Tuskino, but seeing as you feel unconscious right after using Hikari, it gets a guy to thinking... Sorry for caring." Tyson mock yelled as he saw Usa starting to laugh.
"I am just kidding Ty-chan. I am glad that you care."
"Yeah well, you are my favorite cousin!" Tyson said as he gave Usa a light push.
"Of course I am! Remember all those times we went through as kids. Not to mention hiding all those times when we messed up grandpa when he was meditating." Usa giggled as she remembered.
"Yeah, it was pretty funny. You know, I still think grandpa runs pretty fast for an old geezer." Joked Tyson but then became serious. "Back to business, what happened out there Usa? That was the first time I had ever seen you faint after calling Hikari. You used to be able to hold her up for at least 35 minutes, and you couldn't barely summon her for 7 minutes."
Surprised by the question, Usa wasn't really sure if she would answer Tyson's question because if she told him, he would forbid her from using Hikari permanently... 'But he looks so concerned. Maybe I will tell him, just not all of it.' Usa thought as she turned to face him in a more comfortable position on the bed.
"Well, I can't explain it. I mean I have been out of the game for a while. I guess that my stamina isn't what it was." 'Yeah Usa, keep saying that and you might actually believe it.'
Luckily, Tyson had no idea that she was lying so he bought it. "Ok... well then, I guess we know that we should get you to practicing before you involve yourself in another duel, more so using Hikari in battle."
"I guess so. Hey Ty-chan. Can you tell the others that I am fine. I don't want them to worry so much, takes to much energy!" Joked Usa as Tyson took the hint that she wanted to be alone.
"Yeah yeah yeah. I know when I am not wanted. Just kidding Usa. I'll send in the girls in about, say 10 minutes?" Asked Tyson, while watching Tyson shoo him out of the room.
"That sounds good. See ya later!" Usa waved as she saw Tyson out the door, before softly closing it. 'Tyson asked a good question. To bad even I don't know the answer to it. I need to do more research on my blade. It seems that as time passes, Hikari gets harder and harder to control. It took almost all of my soul energy to keep her under control. It's almost like trying to control... Oh no. It can't be.' Usa was horrified as came to a possible conclusion. 'Please Selene, I hope that I am wrong.'
Usa walked up to her dresser where Tyson had placed Hikari when he had placed her into bed. As she reached her blade, she examined it. Finding nothing that would help her, she activated her hidden powers and tried to find something that would give her a clue to unlock the mystery known as Hikari.
A bright light was emitted from the blade and Usa was shocked out of her trance. A horrified expression replaced Usa's shocked one as she realized the true meaning of her bit beast and its power. She was only able to utter a couple of words before darkness overtook her vision.
"It's just as I thought. It is C...."
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ With Tyson and the others_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
Just as Tyson had closed the door that linked Usa's room to the living room, he was quickly bombarded with questions from the others; especially from the girls.
"How is she?"
"What happened to her?"
"Is she ok?"
"Tyson!! How is Usa?"
":... QUIET!!!"
Everyone was taken aback when they heard Tyson yell at them. The could all see that he wasn't joking around this time, so they all decided to not agitate Tyson any more than he already was, so they all took a seat.
Tyson was shocked when he saw his friends immediately sat and he could tell without looking in a mirror that he was pissed. Regaining his composure, Tyson regained his normal face and began to apologize to the others. "I am really sorry guys. I guess after Usa's collapse... I am not really myself at the moment."
"We understand Tyson. I mean after seeing your cousin collapse right in front of your eyes can be quite a shock, especially at the end of the duel." Kenny replied, trying to help his friend calm down. It wasn't very often that you see Tyson in a mood that specifically said 'not to go against my orders.' But then again, it wasn't very often Tyson's cousin came around to visit either.
"I know. I guess I tend to get a little overprotective of my family members... well grandpa doesn't count."
"Hey guys, I know that we are all worried about Usa, but I don't think that staying up all night will help her at all." Ami said as she looked at the clock in the kitchen. Everyone turns to look at the clock and decides that Ami was right, even though they wanted to see Usa as she regained consciousness. They all decided to meet the next morning downstairs for breakfast in the lobby once again, and this time to take it slow, rather than rushing into explanations. (AN – But that doesn't mean that they couldn't try!)
Once everyone had vacated the room, silence greeted the two girls, giving them time to elaborate on the situation at hand.
"Minako, don't you think that it was weird when Usa fainted right after the duel?" Asked Ami, drawing the blinds so the lights from the other buildings wouldn't come into their room.
"You're right. I mean she has used more energy wielding the Crystal than powering her blade, it almost seemed like the blade was sucking more energy that the Crystal." A thought struck the both of them at once, and they immediately looked towards one another before looking towards Usa's door. "You don't suppose that..."
"Well, it is plausible. During Usa's battle, I had my computer out because I wanted to research more into her hobbies. But the strange thing was that the blade emitted tremendous amounts of energy and I was able to identify a sort of energy wave radiated off of the blade when the 'Bit Beast' was summoned." Ami explained as she was starting up her computer. Beside her, Minako just stared at Ami with a blank look in her eyes before she was shaken into reality.
"... Once again Ami-chan, I barely understood what you said, but I think what you were trying to say was that the blade and the Crystal are very similar."
"Precisely, well it's a theory anyways. Energy wise, their patterns are very distinct and coincide with each other almost perfectly, too perfect if you ask me...."
Minako was surprised as Ami started rambling on about her findings, so much so that Ami had seemed like she forgot about Minako as she began typing furiously on her computer. "A simple yes was all that was needed." Minako mumbled under her breath.
"Did you say something Mina-chan?"
"Huh?" 'Wow, I didn't think that she had THAT good a hearing.' "Its nothing. Is it safe to assume that we will be spending all night trying to prove your theory?"
"You know me so well Mina-chan. Lets get to work." Ami immediately started analyzing the data between the duel and their previous fight.
"I was afraid you were going to say that...."
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~In the garden~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
'How could I have lost? I had the entire thing won! What went wrong?' Kai asked himself, looking towards the full moon as it situated itself in the sky above his head.
'Because you care for her.'
'Huh? Who's that?' Kai looked around frantically, trying to find who was talking to him.
'In here! I am your conscious and I am in your head!' Chuckiling could be heard as Kai tuned into his head.
'I must be losing it. I guess losing to a girl takes its toll...'
'Ah shut up! Just because you lost to a girl, it doesn't mean that you should beat yourself up over it. Sure you lost, but it only gives yourself the more reason to try harder the next time you face her.'
'I really must be losing it now because I am actually having a one-sided argument with myself. It was nice meeting you, but I think I can think for myself.'
'You are thinking for yourself. I happen to be a part of you that you locked away when Tenshi disappeared. I guess you can call me your emotions that you locked away when you were a child.... I know you are ignoring me, but the more you ignore me, the more I will keep coming back.' Kai was really getting agitated with his "human side" until he started to think of something.
'You are right, you are a part of me. And you are in my mind... Which gives me the power to silence you.' Another Kai dressed in black appeared and started to drag away humanity Kai.
'You can't get rid of me forever!! YOU ARE JUST ANGRY ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU SAW TENSHI AND SHE HASN'T EVEN SAID ANYTHING TO YOU YET! ... HEY WATCH IT!' Kai was smirking once the chibi Kai was finally gone and he could get to thinking about Usa and Tenshi in peace.
"I really need to talk to her. I need to know what really happened, and how she has Hikari. She couldn't be Tenshi, could she?" Kai asked himself as he began to deliberate on his next move. A few seconds passed until he realized something. "OH NO!! I AM STARTING TO TALK TO MYSELF!"
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ At the Time Gates_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
"Hmm, young Kai seems to have some inner conflicts... But don't worry young one, everything will reveal itself in due course." Whispered a figure shrouded in fog.
"Setsuna, when will be able to help Koneko? We need to be there with her unless the 'traitors' decide to attack her." Another figure said, stressing the word 'traitors.'
"Calm down Haruka. We will be able to help Usa-hime when the Fates allow us to. Luna and Artemis assured us that the Hime is being taken care of by Mercury and Venus. We will get our chance when the time comes." Another figure said.
"Michiru-mama is right Haruka-papa. We will be able to help Usa-mama when we are able to... But right now the Queen needs us to protect the Time Gates until we are called." Said Hotaru as the fog began to disappear, leaving 4 figures in its wake. The figures are also known as the Outer Senshi, sworn to protect their Princess from afar.
"Only time will tell when the Princess is ready to confront her past. Besides, the future isn't set in stone." Setsuna smiled as the looks her comrades sent her.
"Could you try to be a little more specific?" Complained the Senshi of the Skies.
"Hmm, I could. But where would the fun be in that?" 3 thuds could be heard in the Time Gates, and 1 Senshi stood smiling at her friends.
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ Back in Usa's Room_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
"This can't be... It's impossible!!" Cried Usa as she tried to think of another solution to why her blade was coming up with the image of a Tenshi. 'Masaka, it can't be!!' Just as she was about to run to her friends, a knock on her window made her stop in mid stride. Just as she was about to scream bloody murder, she was able to see the face of the intruder.
Usa slowly walked towards her window, letting the cold air envelope the once heated air. One word, one single word spilled from her lips and it was enough.
"Kai??"
That's the end of this chapter! Now, all you guys have to do is press that little button and review!! Before I forget, I want to say my thanks to those of you who reviewed! Your reviews (and threats) finally got me to start writing again. See ya next chapter... which will hopefully be up in the next 2 months... hahaha!
My thanks –
ChibiChaos, S, Delete.the.stars., Sugarpony, Moon Smurf, Zachana16, Candy, Saris Yui, Crystalstorm21, cami524, Kitsune-sama7, Senshi's Tenshi, Serenity Komoshiro, MidnightDragonShadow, Fire, and Kagome-1990.
Sorry!! I would make it personalized, but then again, I wanted to update as soon as I finished! But there are reviewers that I want to address personally.
Moon Smurf – Here is the update that you have been begging for me to write!! Gomen Nasai for not adding you to my list from the last chapter. I swear I added you to it before I posted, but I guess not!! Well, I am now!!
cami524 – I know you asked for me to incorporate more of the other couples in the incoming chapters, and I will. But for some reason, all I can focus is on Usa and Kai... But not to worry, I will add more of the other couples in future updates!
By: Silver Moon Dreamer
Chapter 7 – Hearts Surprise
GOMEN NASAI MINNA-CHAN!! GOMEN!!! I know that I haven't updated in a long time, but a lot has come up and I was distracted from writing. Like one of my closest relatives died and I wasn't able to concentrate on writing. My studies had also gotten in the way and I forgot where my priorities were.
I can come up with as much excuses as I can, but it can't excuse the fact that I have not updated in... 6 months... ouch... that's pretty bad!! If it wasn't for my friend, I wouldn't be able to update for a while. It seems that I have started to lose faith in this fic because my inspiration has dried up. But not to worry folks!! I have found a new muse, and decide to write as much as I can!
Just bear with the mistakes Minna-chan. I didn't have enough time to have this check by my beta reader, unless you guys could wait for me to update for another week... nah that would take to long... I also tried to vary the spacing this time since my other chapters were to close together...
Well, not to delay anymore... hope you guys like what I wrote out of writer's block!! Hehehehe.... On with the fic!
"..." = Someone talking
'...' = Someone thinking
...Telepathically Speaking
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_Last Time_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
'And that was the last day that I ever saw her. Wait a minute, why am I remembering Tenshi after all these years. Unless. Oh no. It can't be.' Kai thought as he replayed the events of that day over and over in his head. He was so into his realization that he was barely paying attention to the battle that he was in, or what had happened.
Kai didn't even acknowledge his beyblade as it flew right past his head. Gasps were heard throughout the room and the one thought that was on everyone's mind was 'Kai had lost.'
Even though he had lost, all Kai could focus on was Usa as she picked up her blade from the middle of the arena where it was still spinning. Kai hurriedly grabbed his blade before he stood right in front of Usa and spoke the one word that he never thought he would say again.
"Tenshi?"
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ Present_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_
"Tenshi?"
"That... name." Usa could barely get the words out of her mouth because the exhaustion of using Hikari had taken such a large toll that she could scarcely stand. "How do... you know... that name?"
"It can't be." Whispered Kai as he saw her holding onto a rail for support. Kai hardly acknowledged the others as they came running to help her. 'This is just to much.'
After realizing that Usa and Tenshi were the one and the same, Kai fled the room with only Usa watching him with sad eyes.
'Where is he going?' Thought Usa as she saw Kai run out of the room. 'I have some many questions to ask him, especially how he knew that name...'
Usa was shocked out of her thoughts when her friends had gathered around her and started to call her name.
"Usa!"
"That was a great game!"
"You sure gave Kai a run for his money!"
"Even after all these years, you still got it!"
More compliments about the battle were said, but Usa only cared about the young man who had just awakened lost memories with one word.
After a few minutes, the others had finally realized that Usa had yet to say anything. Are you alright Usa-chan? You seem kinda out of it." Ami asked as she saw Usa turn a pale color. It was rare that her friend did not celebrate after winning a tough battle in anything, and she was sure it that it was the same for dueling. "Usa?"
The others had also begun to worry, seeing as how Usa was staring at the door that led to the outdoor gardens. (AN- I am not sure that any hotels in the US have gardens, but for later purposes, lets just say that there are.)
"Usa, are you ok? You don't look so good." Observed Minako, putting her hand on Usa's forehead.
Usa was finally brought back to reality once Minako had used her hand to feel her temperature. "Huh? Oh, sorry guys. I didn't mean to ignore you but I feel really tired." When she had tried to stand on her own, she had only succeeded to fall back. "I guess trying to sustain Hikari without getting used to dueling in a long time, takes more energy than I thought it originally would." With that Usa had fallen into unconsciousness with Tyson there ready to catch his cousin.
The question "What in the world just happened" all reflected in the eyes of the others as they saw Tyson cradle Usa into his arms and walked towards the elevator. His aura definitely said "I'll tell you guys once I get her tucked into bed."
No one said anything as they silently rode up the elevator into the girl's room, where Tyson had placed Usa on the bed. Everyone finally realized that one person was missing, and simultaneously, "Where did Kai get to?"
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_With Usa and Tyson_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
"Oh Usa! What am I going to do with you?" Tyson asked to himself as he placed Usa on the bed. "I knew deep down that it was to early for you to use Hikari. You don't have the same experience you had when we were kids."
******************Flashback***************************
"Usa! You really have a handle on that new beyblade of yours." Chibi-Tyson said as him and chibi-Usa had just finished their daily training.
"Hmm? Oh you mean this beyblade? It isn't really new; I mean I had a couple part modified for a greater energy output, but other than that, I am using the same beyblade." Chibi-Usa said, watching chibi-Tyson look at her blade. (AN – Usa seems smart as a kid ne?)
"Maybe, but you really seemed focus today, almost as if you were just learning how to use your blade for the first time.
Chibi-Usa could see where chibi-Tyson was coming from but she decided to tell him what she was doing in a way that chibi-Tyson could learn from. "Well, you could say that I am just learning how to use Hikari for the first time."
"Hikari?' What's a Hikari?"
"Hikari is the name of my beyblade."
"Oh. I see! But Usa, you have had Hikari for a long time already Usa-chan."
"That's true, but there is so many things that you can learn from your blade. You can't just look on the outside of it, you need to know your blade both in and out because you will come to rely on it heavily as you start to go into more serious battles." (AN – OOC I know...)
For just a moment Usa looked like a genius to Tyson, but he understood what she was saying. "I get it Usa! I shouldn't look at my blade for what it is on the outside, but I should look at the inner power it has."
Chibi-Usa was startled at chibi-Tyson because she hadn't told him about the inner power of a beyblade. "Wow Ty-chan! You got it!!"
"Thanks Usa-chan! By the by, you seem really smart about beyblades, I guess you could say that this is one of your favorite hobbies."
"Not really. I mean I am not really smart when it comes to beyblades. I still have a lot to learn, but 'tousan gave me the "beyblade lecture" this morning, so it is still fresh in my mind." Chibi-Usa giggled as she saw chibi-Tyson fall over anime style. (AN – I had you guys going for a minute! Hee hee hee!!)
******************End of Flashback**********************
'And to think I fell for that! Well, Usa did teach me a valuable lesson, even if she recited it from her father's speech.' Tyson chuckled as he remembered the days back when him and Usa were just learning about the game of beyblade.
"Its funny, you seemed to have a lot more experience as a five-year-old than as a 15-year-old. Look at what time does to our brain cells." Tyson said, moving a lock of hair from Usa's face. (AN – Tyson does not like her as a girlfriend!!! They are just cousins! He looks at her as a brother.) "I really wish that I hadn't urged you to battle Kai with Hikari, knowing full and well the consequences if you were to call her out."
"Hmmm...." Usa moaned as she felt someone touch her face. "Ty-chan?"
Tyson was surprised, relieved, and angry as he saw his cousin's eyes flicker, getting accustomed to the light in the room. He didn't know if he should hug her or yell at her first, but he did the first thing he could think of.
"USA! You're up!" Yelled Tyson, while hugging his cousin in a great big hug that made her blush from his concern.
"I'm fine Tyson. You didn't have to worry that much about me." Usa gently said as she pushed Tyson at arm's length so she could fix his cap that seemed to fall off as he went to her.
"I don't have to worry? ARE YOU JOKING? Well, sorry to inform you Ms. Tuskino, but seeing as you feel unconscious right after using Hikari, it gets a guy to thinking... Sorry for caring." Tyson mock yelled as he saw Usa starting to laugh.
"I am just kidding Ty-chan. I am glad that you care."
"Yeah well, you are my favorite cousin!" Tyson said as he gave Usa a light push.
"Of course I am! Remember all those times we went through as kids. Not to mention hiding all those times when we messed up grandpa when he was meditating." Usa giggled as she remembered.
"Yeah, it was pretty funny. You know, I still think grandpa runs pretty fast for an old geezer." Joked Tyson but then became serious. "Back to business, what happened out there Usa? That was the first time I had ever seen you faint after calling Hikari. You used to be able to hold her up for at least 35 minutes, and you couldn't barely summon her for 7 minutes."
Surprised by the question, Usa wasn't really sure if she would answer Tyson's question because if she told him, he would forbid her from using Hikari permanently... 'But he looks so concerned. Maybe I will tell him, just not all of it.' Usa thought as she turned to face him in a more comfortable position on the bed.
"Well, I can't explain it. I mean I have been out of the game for a while. I guess that my stamina isn't what it was." 'Yeah Usa, keep saying that and you might actually believe it.'
Luckily, Tyson had no idea that she was lying so he bought it. "Ok... well then, I guess we know that we should get you to practicing before you involve yourself in another duel, more so using Hikari in battle."
"I guess so. Hey Ty-chan. Can you tell the others that I am fine. I don't want them to worry so much, takes to much energy!" Joked Usa as Tyson took the hint that she wanted to be alone.
"Yeah yeah yeah. I know when I am not wanted. Just kidding Usa. I'll send in the girls in about, say 10 minutes?" Asked Tyson, while watching Tyson shoo him out of the room.
"That sounds good. See ya later!" Usa waved as she saw Tyson out the door, before softly closing it. 'Tyson asked a good question. To bad even I don't know the answer to it. I need to do more research on my blade. It seems that as time passes, Hikari gets harder and harder to control. It took almost all of my soul energy to keep her under control. It's almost like trying to control... Oh no. It can't be.' Usa was horrified as came to a possible conclusion. 'Please Selene, I hope that I am wrong.'
Usa walked up to her dresser where Tyson had placed Hikari when he had placed her into bed. As she reached her blade, she examined it. Finding nothing that would help her, she activated her hidden powers and tried to find something that would give her a clue to unlock the mystery known as Hikari.
A bright light was emitted from the blade and Usa was shocked out of her trance. A horrified expression replaced Usa's shocked one as she realized the true meaning of her bit beast and its power. She was only able to utter a couple of words before darkness overtook her vision.
"It's just as I thought. It is C...."
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ With Tyson and the others_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
Just as Tyson had closed the door that linked Usa's room to the living room, he was quickly bombarded with questions from the others; especially from the girls.
"How is she?"
"What happened to her?"
"Is she ok?"
"Tyson!! How is Usa?"
":... QUIET!!!"
Everyone was taken aback when they heard Tyson yell at them. The could all see that he wasn't joking around this time, so they all decided to not agitate Tyson any more than he already was, so they all took a seat.
Tyson was shocked when he saw his friends immediately sat and he could tell without looking in a mirror that he was pissed. Regaining his composure, Tyson regained his normal face and began to apologize to the others. "I am really sorry guys. I guess after Usa's collapse... I am not really myself at the moment."
"We understand Tyson. I mean after seeing your cousin collapse right in front of your eyes can be quite a shock, especially at the end of the duel." Kenny replied, trying to help his friend calm down. It wasn't very often that you see Tyson in a mood that specifically said 'not to go against my orders.' But then again, it wasn't very often Tyson's cousin came around to visit either.
"I know. I guess I tend to get a little overprotective of my family members... well grandpa doesn't count."
"Hey guys, I know that we are all worried about Usa, but I don't think that staying up all night will help her at all." Ami said as she looked at the clock in the kitchen. Everyone turns to look at the clock and decides that Ami was right, even though they wanted to see Usa as she regained consciousness. They all decided to meet the next morning downstairs for breakfast in the lobby once again, and this time to take it slow, rather than rushing into explanations. (AN – But that doesn't mean that they couldn't try!)
Once everyone had vacated the room, silence greeted the two girls, giving them time to elaborate on the situation at hand.
"Minako, don't you think that it was weird when Usa fainted right after the duel?" Asked Ami, drawing the blinds so the lights from the other buildings wouldn't come into their room.
"You're right. I mean she has used more energy wielding the Crystal than powering her blade, it almost seemed like the blade was sucking more energy that the Crystal." A thought struck the both of them at once, and they immediately looked towards one another before looking towards Usa's door. "You don't suppose that..."
"Well, it is plausible. During Usa's battle, I had my computer out because I wanted to research more into her hobbies. But the strange thing was that the blade emitted tremendous amounts of energy and I was able to identify a sort of energy wave radiated off of the blade when the 'Bit Beast' was summoned." Ami explained as she was starting up her computer. Beside her, Minako just stared at Ami with a blank look in her eyes before she was shaken into reality.
"... Once again Ami-chan, I barely understood what you said, but I think what you were trying to say was that the blade and the Crystal are very similar."
"Precisely, well it's a theory anyways. Energy wise, their patterns are very distinct and coincide with each other almost perfectly, too perfect if you ask me...."
Minako was surprised as Ami started rambling on about her findings, so much so that Ami had seemed like she forgot about Minako as she began typing furiously on her computer. "A simple yes was all that was needed." Minako mumbled under her breath.
"Did you say something Mina-chan?"
"Huh?" 'Wow, I didn't think that she had THAT good a hearing.' "Its nothing. Is it safe to assume that we will be spending all night trying to prove your theory?"
"You know me so well Mina-chan. Lets get to work." Ami immediately started analyzing the data between the duel and their previous fight.
"I was afraid you were going to say that...."
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~In the garden~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
'How could I have lost? I had the entire thing won! What went wrong?' Kai asked himself, looking towards the full moon as it situated itself in the sky above his head.
'Because you care for her.'
'Huh? Who's that?' Kai looked around frantically, trying to find who was talking to him.
'In here! I am your conscious and I am in your head!' Chuckiling could be heard as Kai tuned into his head.
'I must be losing it. I guess losing to a girl takes its toll...'
'Ah shut up! Just because you lost to a girl, it doesn't mean that you should beat yourself up over it. Sure you lost, but it only gives yourself the more reason to try harder the next time you face her.'
'I really must be losing it now because I am actually having a one-sided argument with myself. It was nice meeting you, but I think I can think for myself.'
'You are thinking for yourself. I happen to be a part of you that you locked away when Tenshi disappeared. I guess you can call me your emotions that you locked away when you were a child.... I know you are ignoring me, but the more you ignore me, the more I will keep coming back.' Kai was really getting agitated with his "human side" until he started to think of something.
'You are right, you are a part of me. And you are in my mind... Which gives me the power to silence you.' Another Kai dressed in black appeared and started to drag away humanity Kai.
'You can't get rid of me forever!! YOU ARE JUST ANGRY ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU SAW TENSHI AND SHE HASN'T EVEN SAID ANYTHING TO YOU YET! ... HEY WATCH IT!' Kai was smirking once the chibi Kai was finally gone and he could get to thinking about Usa and Tenshi in peace.
"I really need to talk to her. I need to know what really happened, and how she has Hikari. She couldn't be Tenshi, could she?" Kai asked himself as he began to deliberate on his next move. A few seconds passed until he realized something. "OH NO!! I AM STARTING TO TALK TO MYSELF!"
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ At the Time Gates_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
"Hmm, young Kai seems to have some inner conflicts... But don't worry young one, everything will reveal itself in due course." Whispered a figure shrouded in fog.
"Setsuna, when will be able to help Koneko? We need to be there with her unless the 'traitors' decide to attack her." Another figure said, stressing the word 'traitors.'
"Calm down Haruka. We will be able to help Usa-hime when the Fates allow us to. Luna and Artemis assured us that the Hime is being taken care of by Mercury and Venus. We will get our chance when the time comes." Another figure said.
"Michiru-mama is right Haruka-papa. We will be able to help Usa-mama when we are able to... But right now the Queen needs us to protect the Time Gates until we are called." Said Hotaru as the fog began to disappear, leaving 4 figures in its wake. The figures are also known as the Outer Senshi, sworn to protect their Princess from afar.
"Only time will tell when the Princess is ready to confront her past. Besides, the future isn't set in stone." Setsuna smiled as the looks her comrades sent her.
"Could you try to be a little more specific?" Complained the Senshi of the Skies.
"Hmm, I could. But where would the fun be in that?" 3 thuds could be heard in the Time Gates, and 1 Senshi stood smiling at her friends.
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ Back in Usa's Room_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
"This can't be... It's impossible!!" Cried Usa as she tried to think of another solution to why her blade was coming up with the image of a Tenshi. 'Masaka, it can't be!!' Just as she was about to run to her friends, a knock on her window made her stop in mid stride. Just as she was about to scream bloody murder, she was able to see the face of the intruder.
Usa slowly walked towards her window, letting the cold air envelope the once heated air. One word, one single word spilled from her lips and it was enough.
"Kai??"
That's the end of this chapter! Now, all you guys have to do is press that little button and review!! Before I forget, I want to say my thanks to those of you who reviewed! Your reviews (and threats) finally got me to start writing again. See ya next chapter... which will hopefully be up in the next 2 months... hahaha!
My thanks –
ChibiChaos, S, Delete.the.stars., Sugarpony, Moon Smurf, Zachana16, Candy, Saris Yui, Crystalstorm21, cami524, Kitsune-sama7, Senshi's Tenshi, Serenity Komoshiro, MidnightDragonShadow, Fire, and Kagome-1990.
Sorry!! I would make it personalized, but then again, I wanted to update as soon as I finished! But there are reviewers that I want to address personally.
Moon Smurf – Here is the update that you have been begging for me to write!! Gomen Nasai for not adding you to my list from the last chapter. I swear I added you to it before I posted, but I guess not!! Well, I am now!!
cami524 – I know you asked for me to incorporate more of the other couples in the incoming chapters, and I will. But for some reason, all I can focus is on Usa and Kai... But not to worry, I will add more of the other couples in future updates!