Disclaimer: I...(sniff)...don't own Beyblade.....
The night sky was flooded with evil scarlet. It dulled the usually bright gleam of the glittering stars, which were now murky-looking points of crimson light, dotting the sky.
The moon shone about as bright as a sun, now. Its scarlet rays had extended throughout the entire land and sky. Had completely consumed Ray's will. Had strengthened the white tiger within.
Driger kept running. His former master was still gripped onto his back, ultimately refusing to let go, and claws sinking into the bitbeast's back even further. Driger managed to endure the pain, and keep running.
The trees were a dull scarlet, due to the moon's red glow. It made them take on a more haunting appearance, and it sent a shiver down the bitbeast's spine. He knew he had to remain strong, but his fear reminded him of one thing.
Deep down, he was only human, and even after a millennium, his humanity would remain there.
A yell suddenly rang out behind them, catching the tiger's attention.
Driger felt the claws release from his skin, to at first, his relief, and then, to his horror.
Driger spun around to see the tiger snarling towards three familiar-looking boys, who stood in the distance. Max was frozen in complete fright, and pale with fear. Kai's arms were stretched out both sides, in an attempt to shield his two team mates, a death glare in his eyes. One of his hands were firmly clamped over Tyson's mouth. It was obvious that he was the one who had yelled out.
The tiger let out a loud roar and charged towards Kai, who lowered his arms.
"Run," He whispered out of the corner of his mouth to his team mates, who were more than happy to cooperate and quickly dashed off into the bushes.
The tiger was suddenly alerted to their retreat. Two victims managing to escape from him? He couldn't let that happen again.
It charged faster towards Kai, who held his arms out to his sides again.
"If you really want to kill me, do so now!" He said, with a sharp, firm tone that he hadn't used in some time, now. "It's not like you care, or anything!"
Driger stared as the team captain yelled at his former team mate. Kai was up to something, unless he had decided to brand Ray as a traitor.
The only thing Driger was uncertain of, was that either Kai was trying to help Ray, or test him in some way. There had to be a reason other than turning against him.
The tiger suddenly leapt forward, bloodstained claws outstretched.
Kai didn't brace himself, nor did he flinch away. He didn't need to. The tiger's leap was somehow averted in mid-jump, missing Kai completely, and making the tiger end up sprawled out behind him.
Kai's arms lowered, and he turned around, seeing the tiger slowly getting up, confusion mixing in those glowing, hate filled red eyes.
If it was so determined to take down its prey, why was it so hesitant to do so?
The tiger snarled in frustration towards its prey, but was then surprised as the hard look in Kai's eyes softened and he took a step forward.
"Ray.....it's okay." He whispered. "It's me, Kai."
The red light suddenly started to flicker inside the tiger's eyes. It took a couple steps back, shutting its eyes. It was seemingly struggling with something. Something deep inside its will.....
The eyes reopened, and Kai realized they were no longer glowing red or slitted.
They blinked several times, before their gaze finally settled upon the BladeBreakers' team captain.
K....KAI!
Ray struggled deeply to keep his own will, but the moon didn't give him any time at all. He failed to keep control, and his eyes glowed bright red and slitted.
He let out an outraged roar and leapt forth, determined to strike Kai down. This time, Kai shut his eyes and braced himself, knowing that there was no stopping Ray this time.
He couldn't use Dranzer to attack him, either. One more wound meant lights out for Ray. Permanent lights out. And he couldn't let that happen.
A sudden yowl sounded right in front of Kai's face, and his eyes shot open.
He gasped.
Driger was pinning Ray down, but careful not to sink his sharp claws into his flesh. The tiger beneath his two front feet was struggling like crazy, its eyes glowing brightly.
The bitbeast stared into Kai's eyes.
KAI! RUN! NOW!
The entire sky suddenly seemed to gleam with red. Kai stared upwards, eyes wide. What the hell was happening? Why was the moon glowing so brightly? The moon was something to do with Ray's curse, he knew. But why the moon?
KAI! NO! LOOK AWAY!
A sudden flash of pain in his head was all it took before Kai collapsed to his knees, gripping his head in agony. He hissed in pain, eyes shut.
Kai, don't fall victim to the curse! You need to remember who your friends are, or else you will transform! Try!
Kai's eyes shot open, as a look of horror flooded his eyes. The moon was so strong, that the curse was starting to affect HIM now. If he transformed, than that would be Ray's last hope gone!
He shook his head, and took in a breath, shutting his eyes.
He needed to calm down. Now. He couldn't let his own feelings encourage the transformation. He needed to remember everyone. He had to.
Kai relaxed as the pain in his head seemed to fade away. His arms dropped to his sides, as he let out a sigh of relief.
That was close.
Suddenly, he heard Driger bellow loudly in pain, and he looked up to see the tiger leaping all over the bit beast, slashing him with incredible speed.
Driger couldn't turn to stop him, nor did he have the heart to strike him back. He staggered back. The moon was strengthening the tiger greatly, and there was no stopping it. The bitbeast collapsed, breathing hard.
The tiger leapt off its victim, and started snarling at Kai, its blood red eyes completely focused on its target.
"Ray...." Kai whispered softly.
"Come back to us, Ray...." (A/N: NON YAOI, OKAY?!)
The tiger blinked in confusion, then suddenly froze in complete shock, as some familiar words passed through his mind....
..............
Master Ray, you must hold onto your friendships with the people you know. Then, you shall not harm them. You can win your free will back.
Ray blinked.
'I....I don't understand....'
'You will, young Master....when the time comes.....'
............
Slowly, the white tiger within Ray calmed, releasing its hold on the young neko-jin's will. The red light in the sky slowly faded. Even the moon resumed its pearly white.
The stars glimmered brightly up above the sky. This time, their original white had been restored, and they each sparkled in their own level of brightness, sparkling above the three beings.
Ray – the real Ray – stared up towards the night sky. Towards the pearly white moon. Towards his parent's watchful eyes.
It had been so long. So long since he'd done this. So long since he'd managed to admire the sky's beauty, without the haunting scarlet covering it all.
His amber eyes closed, and he hung his head, facing downwards.
Now.....I understand, Driger......
Ray's eyes reopened, and he slowly looked up, staring at his team captain.
Kai....?
Ray's eyes suddenly slitted.
Are you okay, Kai? Did I hurt you – w-where are the others?!
Kai didn't reply, but his gaze drifted over towards the wounded bit beast, struggling to get up on his own four feet.
Ray gasped when he saw his bitbeast, covered in heavy slashes. He stared down at his own claws and he let out a soft cry of sadness and disbelief. Newly placed blood was dripping from the smooth, already bloodstained claws.
Ray looked back at Driger, horror in his eyes. Driger merely stared back, a calm look in his eyes, and they glowed a soft green.
Master Ray.....
Tears spilled from Ray's eyes.
DRIGER!
Ray rushed forward to his bitbeast's side, and tried desperately to help him up, but weakness was quickly starting to devour him , due to the moon no longer supporting his strength.
He collapsed, breathing hard, and more tears spilling over.
No.....
He moaned, softly. He'd done it again. He'd wounded someone he'd cared for so much....
Master Ray, stay strong....
Driger slowly stood up, staring down into his wounded master's eyes.
You cannot give in, young master. Not yet. I have come to realize something, young Ray. This all refers to the balance of Yin and Yang.
Ray stared at his bitbeast, confused.
How....How are they placed into this curse, Driger?
Driger's eyes seemed to soften, and comforted the agitated Ray.
It is simple. The tiger, of course, is Yin. It is evil, untamed and dark. But even though it is also hate filled and has no pity at all, there is still something positive. It is your heart, young Ray, which is buried within the Yang. That is the small amount of Yang within Yin.
Driger stared up into the sky, where the moon was glowing brightly, pearly white. The stars glimmered beautifully.
Then, there is you, Ray. Your heart remains pure, after all you've witnessed. You are loyal, confident and strong. But, you realize, there is still Yin.
'The tiger.....' Ray realized.
Yes, young Ray. As well as a few other personal faults. No one is perfect.
Ray slowly sat up, facing his bitbeast.
The first half of the curse has been lifted off your shoulders, thanks to your friendship with Kai. You have your own will back.
The cursed neko-jin looked down, sighing
But still, it doesn't really clear up everything.....It'll probably never clear up.....
Young master.....Kevin's death was never your fault.
Never at all....
Ray jumped back in surprise as Driger exploded into golden particles, drifting into Ray's blade which lay upon the slashed and disturbed earth.....
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NG: I updated pretty quickly, uh?
Listen, I've been feeling extremely down today, because my grandpa has just passed away from cancer and troubles with his body. I'd like to thank you all for giving me 100 reviews, it cheered me up a little. And I'd like to dedicate this chapter to him.
Kai:.....For once, I actually feel sorry for you.....
Ray: (Nods)
Thanks, guys. I'll try updating soon, okay?
Ah, man...(sniff)...I'm gonna miss him.....He was only 51.....TT
2BC
The night sky was flooded with evil scarlet. It dulled the usually bright gleam of the glittering stars, which were now murky-looking points of crimson light, dotting the sky.
The moon shone about as bright as a sun, now. Its scarlet rays had extended throughout the entire land and sky. Had completely consumed Ray's will. Had strengthened the white tiger within.
Driger kept running. His former master was still gripped onto his back, ultimately refusing to let go, and claws sinking into the bitbeast's back even further. Driger managed to endure the pain, and keep running.
The trees were a dull scarlet, due to the moon's red glow. It made them take on a more haunting appearance, and it sent a shiver down the bitbeast's spine. He knew he had to remain strong, but his fear reminded him of one thing.
Deep down, he was only human, and even after a millennium, his humanity would remain there.
A yell suddenly rang out behind them, catching the tiger's attention.
Driger felt the claws release from his skin, to at first, his relief, and then, to his horror.
Driger spun around to see the tiger snarling towards three familiar-looking boys, who stood in the distance. Max was frozen in complete fright, and pale with fear. Kai's arms were stretched out both sides, in an attempt to shield his two team mates, a death glare in his eyes. One of his hands were firmly clamped over Tyson's mouth. It was obvious that he was the one who had yelled out.
The tiger let out a loud roar and charged towards Kai, who lowered his arms.
"Run," He whispered out of the corner of his mouth to his team mates, who were more than happy to cooperate and quickly dashed off into the bushes.
The tiger was suddenly alerted to their retreat. Two victims managing to escape from him? He couldn't let that happen again.
It charged faster towards Kai, who held his arms out to his sides again.
"If you really want to kill me, do so now!" He said, with a sharp, firm tone that he hadn't used in some time, now. "It's not like you care, or anything!"
Driger stared as the team captain yelled at his former team mate. Kai was up to something, unless he had decided to brand Ray as a traitor.
The only thing Driger was uncertain of, was that either Kai was trying to help Ray, or test him in some way. There had to be a reason other than turning against him.
The tiger suddenly leapt forward, bloodstained claws outstretched.
Kai didn't brace himself, nor did he flinch away. He didn't need to. The tiger's leap was somehow averted in mid-jump, missing Kai completely, and making the tiger end up sprawled out behind him.
Kai's arms lowered, and he turned around, seeing the tiger slowly getting up, confusion mixing in those glowing, hate filled red eyes.
If it was so determined to take down its prey, why was it so hesitant to do so?
The tiger snarled in frustration towards its prey, but was then surprised as the hard look in Kai's eyes softened and he took a step forward.
"Ray.....it's okay." He whispered. "It's me, Kai."
The red light suddenly started to flicker inside the tiger's eyes. It took a couple steps back, shutting its eyes. It was seemingly struggling with something. Something deep inside its will.....
The eyes reopened, and Kai realized they were no longer glowing red or slitted.
They blinked several times, before their gaze finally settled upon the BladeBreakers' team captain.
K....KAI!
Ray struggled deeply to keep his own will, but the moon didn't give him any time at all. He failed to keep control, and his eyes glowed bright red and slitted.
He let out an outraged roar and leapt forth, determined to strike Kai down. This time, Kai shut his eyes and braced himself, knowing that there was no stopping Ray this time.
He couldn't use Dranzer to attack him, either. One more wound meant lights out for Ray. Permanent lights out. And he couldn't let that happen.
A sudden yowl sounded right in front of Kai's face, and his eyes shot open.
He gasped.
Driger was pinning Ray down, but careful not to sink his sharp claws into his flesh. The tiger beneath his two front feet was struggling like crazy, its eyes glowing brightly.
The bitbeast stared into Kai's eyes.
KAI! RUN! NOW!
The entire sky suddenly seemed to gleam with red. Kai stared upwards, eyes wide. What the hell was happening? Why was the moon glowing so brightly? The moon was something to do with Ray's curse, he knew. But why the moon?
KAI! NO! LOOK AWAY!
A sudden flash of pain in his head was all it took before Kai collapsed to his knees, gripping his head in agony. He hissed in pain, eyes shut.
Kai, don't fall victim to the curse! You need to remember who your friends are, or else you will transform! Try!
Kai's eyes shot open, as a look of horror flooded his eyes. The moon was so strong, that the curse was starting to affect HIM now. If he transformed, than that would be Ray's last hope gone!
He shook his head, and took in a breath, shutting his eyes.
He needed to calm down. Now. He couldn't let his own feelings encourage the transformation. He needed to remember everyone. He had to.
Kai relaxed as the pain in his head seemed to fade away. His arms dropped to his sides, as he let out a sigh of relief.
That was close.
Suddenly, he heard Driger bellow loudly in pain, and he looked up to see the tiger leaping all over the bit beast, slashing him with incredible speed.
Driger couldn't turn to stop him, nor did he have the heart to strike him back. He staggered back. The moon was strengthening the tiger greatly, and there was no stopping it. The bitbeast collapsed, breathing hard.
The tiger leapt off its victim, and started snarling at Kai, its blood red eyes completely focused on its target.
"Ray...." Kai whispered softly.
"Come back to us, Ray...." (A/N: NON YAOI, OKAY?!)
The tiger blinked in confusion, then suddenly froze in complete shock, as some familiar words passed through his mind....
..............
Master Ray, you must hold onto your friendships with the people you know. Then, you shall not harm them. You can win your free will back.
Ray blinked.
'I....I don't understand....'
'You will, young Master....when the time comes.....'
............
Slowly, the white tiger within Ray calmed, releasing its hold on the young neko-jin's will. The red light in the sky slowly faded. Even the moon resumed its pearly white.
The stars glimmered brightly up above the sky. This time, their original white had been restored, and they each sparkled in their own level of brightness, sparkling above the three beings.
Ray – the real Ray – stared up towards the night sky. Towards the pearly white moon. Towards his parent's watchful eyes.
It had been so long. So long since he'd done this. So long since he'd managed to admire the sky's beauty, without the haunting scarlet covering it all.
His amber eyes closed, and he hung his head, facing downwards.
Now.....I understand, Driger......
Ray's eyes reopened, and he slowly looked up, staring at his team captain.
Kai....?
Ray's eyes suddenly slitted.
Are you okay, Kai? Did I hurt you – w-where are the others?!
Kai didn't reply, but his gaze drifted over towards the wounded bit beast, struggling to get up on his own four feet.
Ray gasped when he saw his bitbeast, covered in heavy slashes. He stared down at his own claws and he let out a soft cry of sadness and disbelief. Newly placed blood was dripping from the smooth, already bloodstained claws.
Ray looked back at Driger, horror in his eyes. Driger merely stared back, a calm look in his eyes, and they glowed a soft green.
Master Ray.....
Tears spilled from Ray's eyes.
DRIGER!
Ray rushed forward to his bitbeast's side, and tried desperately to help him up, but weakness was quickly starting to devour him , due to the moon no longer supporting his strength.
He collapsed, breathing hard, and more tears spilling over.
No.....
He moaned, softly. He'd done it again. He'd wounded someone he'd cared for so much....
Master Ray, stay strong....
Driger slowly stood up, staring down into his wounded master's eyes.
You cannot give in, young master. Not yet. I have come to realize something, young Ray. This all refers to the balance of Yin and Yang.
Ray stared at his bitbeast, confused.
How....How are they placed into this curse, Driger?
Driger's eyes seemed to soften, and comforted the agitated Ray.
It is simple. The tiger, of course, is Yin. It is evil, untamed and dark. But even though it is also hate filled and has no pity at all, there is still something positive. It is your heart, young Ray, which is buried within the Yang. That is the small amount of Yang within Yin.
Driger stared up into the sky, where the moon was glowing brightly, pearly white. The stars glimmered beautifully.
Then, there is you, Ray. Your heart remains pure, after all you've witnessed. You are loyal, confident and strong. But, you realize, there is still Yin.
'The tiger.....' Ray realized.
Yes, young Ray. As well as a few other personal faults. No one is perfect.
Ray slowly sat up, facing his bitbeast.
The first half of the curse has been lifted off your shoulders, thanks to your friendship with Kai. You have your own will back.
The cursed neko-jin looked down, sighing
But still, it doesn't really clear up everything.....It'll probably never clear up.....
Young master.....Kevin's death was never your fault.
Never at all....
Ray jumped back in surprise as Driger exploded into golden particles, drifting into Ray's blade which lay upon the slashed and disturbed earth.....
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NG: I updated pretty quickly, uh?
Listen, I've been feeling extremely down today, because my grandpa has just passed away from cancer and troubles with his body. I'd like to thank you all for giving me 100 reviews, it cheered me up a little. And I'd like to dedicate this chapter to him.
Kai:.....For once, I actually feel sorry for you.....
Ray: (Nods)
Thanks, guys. I'll try updating soon, okay?
Ah, man...(sniff)...I'm gonna miss him.....He was only 51.....TT
2BC