Title: Resurfacing
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: R
Summary: see chapter one
Warnings: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. Any and all unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I write with the sole intention to entertain.
*************
Ray liked to read. The book he was now engrossed in had been very hard to get but that had made it even more worth while. He had read the four previous books three years ago and was one of the first in line to order it when word got out that it had been completed.
Now he wanted nothing better to do than lay there on his bed and read. Tyson had bet that he would never be able to finish the 870 page book while they were still in Russia but he begged to differ. He had started a couple of hours ago and was currently on page 159.
The door to the bedroom opened and Ray looked up from where he laid on his stomach. The page he had previously been so engrossed in was quickly forgotten as Kai entered. Momentary surprise flickered in the red orbs but Kai looked away and headed for his duffle bag.
"Um...hey, Kai..." Uncertain at what to say he sat up, marking the page and closing the heavy volume.
"Hey."
The response was quiet but not cold.
Ray guessed that he should feel honoured that he was the one of the few bladers, or beings on this earth, who Kai saw as a worthy conversation partner.
Kai hadn't counted on Ray being here. Yeah, they shared a room but Mr Dickenson had told him that the guys had gone to a movie which was the only reason why he decided it safe to return to their suite. However, he preferred the golden-eyed teen above the rest since Ray was more calm and understanding.
"Why aren't you with the others?" he asked softly, sorting through his things.
"I didn't want to watch the movie. Not my taste." He moved to stand, playing with the end of his long ponytail, "We were worried about you. You didn't come back last night and we thought that maybe you were still mad at us."
"I am still mad at you." Kai pulled out loose, black jeans and searched for the top that went with it. He winced and mentally cursed himself when he stretched his arm too far, aggravating the bruise that covered his side. Luckily his back was turned to Ray and his pain went unnoticed.
"Tyson is very sorry for what he said and he wants to apologise."
Pulling out the elusive shirt, Kai turned to face Ray who had not moved from where he stood. His peer was worrying his lower lip with a pointed canine so much that Kai was afraid the sharp tooth would tear the skin. Running a hand through his hair he regarded his team mate.
"You're right. I should be used to Tyson and his stupid jokes. And...I am sorry that I punched him. And I'm not mad at the rest of you."
Ray sighed with relief and sat back down.
"I'm glad that you are okay with all this. Tyson can be annoying at times but he is a good guy once you look pass that dopey grin." He himself smiled as he thought it through, "And the lame sense of humour, and the total lack of discipline, and the bottomless pit known as his stomach, and his hibernation-like sleeping habits, and his whining."
Kai smiled slightly as he sat down on his side of the bed to remove his shoes.
Seeing that the phoenix was more at ease, Ray flopped over to lie on his stomach next to Kai. He opened his book to use as a distraction as he asked in an indifferent voice.
"So, why did you punch Tyson? Other than that he is annoying?"
Kai stopped what he was doing and held his breath. Should he even answer that? Looking over at Ray the tiger seemed to be deep into whatever it was he was reading but Kai noted that the gold eyes would shift to look side- ways up at him, waiting for an answer.
"The Demolition Boys deserve respect; they are no longer the champions but they are excellent bladers."
"I don't think that that is the real reason, Kai. It hadn't been until Tyson started about Tala that you reacted. What's going on?" Seeing that his decoy reading wasn't working he propped himself up on his elbows as he looked at the bluenette.
"It's nothing that involves you." The conversation was getting too personal for his liking.
"You don't trust me, do you?"
The question was so soft and sincere that Kai found himself halting in his actions. Ray was staring at him with a mixed look of sadness and understanding.
"I know you like your privacy, Kai, and I respect that. But...sometimes I feel as if you see me as one of the bad guys."
"Do I make you feel that way?" he asked, pondering the question.
"Yeah." Sitting up to meet the phoenix eye-to-eye, he said, "I'm not asking you to tell me your secrets, Kai, or to open up everything to me. Not if you don't want to. But don't shut me out like I'm some stranger. I'm your friend, Kai. We all are. And we all worry about you because we never know what's going on with you. You say that everything's alright but I know it isn't. I'm no mind reader but I know when a friend is troubled, and you are."
Kai studied the neko-jin, weighing the words in his mind. Ray by all means was not asking too much. What he asked for was more than fair since he had shared with Kai many of his past and secrets and has never given the phoenix any moment to doubt it faithfulness as a friend.
"I'm sorry, Ray," he finally admitted. "Things are...they're just really messed up right now. I need some head space to think them through. And you're right; I'm not okay. But I told Mr Dickenson everything and he's going to help me, alright?"
The news brought a smile to the raven-haired blader's face and Ray nodded.
"That's all I wanted to know. Thanks."
Such trust and offered friendship...
Before he could think it through, Kai pulled his fellow blader into a hug, needing the feel of embrace of a friend before he broke down again.
Ray was surprised; Kai wasn't a big fan of hugs, but he returned it, holding onto the bluenette for a long while until he felt Kai ease out of the embrace.
"Thanks, Ray. You're a good friend," Kai confessed, eyes down.
"Anytime, Kai, anytime."
Kai rose to go get ready for the ceremony that would start within an hour and Ray, already half-dressed, had his nose buried in his book once more.
"And what are you reading?" Kai asked; the question had been haunting him ever since he had stepped into the room.
Ray laughed and lifted the book for Kai to read the title. A brow rose as the red eyes took in the cover. A disbelieving smirk formed on the well formed lips.
"What?" Ray asked defensively, "I happen to like it."
"Whatever." Shaking his head with a soft smile Kai stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
*************
"Hey, Kai!"
Kai turned when he heard his name to see Tyson running towards him, dressed in long blue pants and a, what Tyson considered, formal dress-shirt. His hair was as always in the short ponytail and the Dragoon blader had made it quite clear that he wasn't going to give up wearing his baseball cap, ceremony or no ceremony. His eye wasn't that badly swollen anymore but was darker in colour than yesterday.
"You don't have to yell, Tyson," he admonished as the boy skidded to a stop before him, doubled over and breathing hard. "What did you do? Run all the way down from the suite?"
"*Pant**pant*....yeah...*pant*" Taking a deep breath he straightened to face his captain. "I *pant* I saw you from the window. I have to *pant* talk to you."
"Why didn't you just take the elevator?"
Tyson blinked. Yeah, why hadn't he taken the elevator? It wasn't like Kai would have gone anywhere. The red-eyed teen had been leaning against the wall in his custom trademark manner for the past 45 minutes.
"Never mind that. The reason I'm here is because...." Boy it sure was hard to apologise when you still believed yourself the innocent victim, "I just wanted to..."
"Spit it out, Tyson; you're using up my oxygen."
"IjustwantedtosaythatIamsorryandthatInevermeanttoupsetyouandItakebackeveryth ingIsaid."
Kai raised a brow.
"Let's translate that into English then. You are sorry?"
"Yeah."
"And you never meant to upset me?"
"No."
"And you take back everything you said."
"I do." Tyson shuffled the ground with a foot. "I guess that this whole championship thing just went to my head."
"You guess?"
"Okay, okay! It did. But I mean...we were just starting to become...friends?" He glanced up to see if the phoenix thought that too. An 'I-guess-so' nod from Kai confirmed it and he continued, "I just don't want to blow it over something so stupid."
"You were asking for it," Kai pointed out as he studied his handy work on Tyson's face. "But I was also wrong to hit you. I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" Even Tyson's black eye widened at that. "You, Kai Hiwatari, you are apologising to me?"
"Yeah. But I don't make mistakes often so don't expect to hear it again."
"As long as you don't punch me you can call it even." Tyson held out his hand which Kai accepted. "So...are you still going to be the one to accept the trophy?"
"What's it with you wanting me to take the trophy?" Kai pushed himself off the wall and started to where the limousine had just pulled up, the gravel crunching beneath the black tires.
"You're the one who kept talking and talking and talking about defending your title as world champion. I thought you would want to be the first to hold the trophy..."
Tyson stopped walking and Kai halted as well, giving the younger teen a questioning look.
"What now?"
"I just realised something," Tyson's eyes narrowed with confusion, "Since day one you've been talking about defending *your* world champion title... How is that possible since the Demolition Boys were the world champions when we came here?"
'Oh. Shit.'
True, he had mentioned that on several occasions but only because he had doubted that this team would ever make it to the world championship. He had expected them to reach no further than the American tournaments and had counted on returning to Russia by himself to defend his title alongside his four Russian team mates.
"I...uh..."
"Hey, guys!!"
A blond blur flew towards them and collided with Tyson and both went down. It seemed as if this was the only way Max could ever greet the navy-haired teen. Laughing, the ever-cheerful boy stood up, wiping away some gravel from the front of his green shirt and white pants. His hair was wild as always but no one had expected him to bother to brush it anyway.
"Is this too cool or what?! Check out the ride!" Grabbing Tyson's hand he dragged the boy towards the limo, giving Kai a belated wave. "Come on! Kenny is waiting for us at the arena already!!"
Kai let out a sigh of relief. He was going to let Max eat as much sugar as he wanted from now on.
Tyson had hit the nail on the head big time with that observation. Kai didn't know how but Mr Dickenson had made sure that not a single word had leaked out to anyone outside of Russia that Kai had still been a member from the Demolition Boys even though he was now captain of the Bladebreakers. The old man certainly had very high resources to pull off a stunt like that.
"Pondering on whether or not you should get into the limo?" Ray walked up to stand beside him as he buttoned the cuffs of his long-sleeved red shirt. He was referring to Max who was now standing on the limo seat with his upper body through the sunroof, waving and hooting though the limo was at a complete standstill.
"Now that you mention it, the arena isn't *that* far...should we walk it?"
"Too late for that now," Ray snickered as Max came bounding towards them.
"Come on, you two! You're gonna make us miss the trophy hand-over!!"
"Max, they can't give away the trophy without us! Who would they give it to?!"
Ray's words didn't seem to ring through as the blond grabbed him by the wrist and hauled him towards the white, spotless limo. He reached out for Kai too but the bluenette held up his hand.
"I can walk by myself, thank you. I need to talk to Mr Dickenson."
"You lose your spot on the sun-roof then!" Max ran off with Ray who shot Kai a 'help me' look.
"My heart bleeds for my loss." Kai rolled his eyes.
Voices came from behind as Mr. Dickenson and Bruce descended from the hotel's front steps. Both were dressed in tuxedos and ties, which was nothing new as far as Mr. Dickenson was concerned but it did look kinda strange to see Bruce dressed so formal since the man always preferred his khaki shorts and yellow vest with safety boots.
"Can I speak with you for a moment, sir?" Kai asked the eldest of the two who nodded, face turning serious.
"I will go see if I can keep the limo intact until you are ready."
Bruce walked off to where Max and Tyson had thought that they could both fit through the sunroof. Two Max's could have but one Max and one Tyson not and now they wriggled to free themselves; those buffets had finally caught up to them. Ray would've helped if it wasn't for the fact that he was leaning against the car, weak with laugher. He had warned them but of course they hadn't listened.
"I have alerted the officials," the old manager held up his hand when Kai opened his mouth to protest. "Not the Russian police but my own people from the BBA. They are on the alert and will only move in when I give them the signal."
"That's good." He couldn't help the small tremble that ran through him.
"You are afraid, aren't you?"
"Of what?" As if to counterclaim his aloof words another more intense shiver hit him.
"That you are going to see Boris again."
Kai didn't answer immediately and looked at his feet, arms once more crossing each other in a defensive mode. Every time he heard that name he would feel vulnerable.
"You need not worry, Kai. The man is not going to come within twenty feet of you. I promise you that. We can easily have Tyson accept the trophy. That way you would have no need to be near Boris."
"I know. But...Tala; I need to see him. I need to see him face-to-face."
"Your friendship with Tala is very strong indeed for you risk yourself for him."
"He risked himself for me a lot of times already. He has never abandoned me like I have him. I refuse to leave him behind again."
"You won't. Everything will work out, Kai. Everything Boris and his followers have ever done to you will end tonight."
The elder man placed a comforting hand on his bare shoulder as they started for the car.
"I don't think it will ever end, Mr. Dickenson. It will always be in my head. As long as I live I will relive every rape and beating I and all the others suffered." He turned hopeless red eyes to his manager. "And that's what scares me the most."
*************
Tala stood still, allowing the scientists and workers to mob him. One kept on readjusting his shirt while the other never seemed satisfied with his belt and kept on replacing it, unknowingly adjusting the buckle too tight which squeezed his bruised and lacerated waist. He hoped that the bandages would hold up.
They were trying to cover up as much skin as possible to hide his injuries. The clothes were all very dark colours to camouflage any blood should a wound start to leak. His dark-navy green pants were baggy, again a precaution for bleeding, and his turtle neck sweater was black with a dark blue striped running down the left shoulder till his waist and two more at the ends of the wrist-length sleeves. The inner sides off his shirt were padded with a cotton layer to give the appearance that he wasn't as thin as he had become.
The injuries on his face were treated and more serious ones had been healed with laser surgery. More minor cuts and scraped were covered with make-up powder. Only one thing was being quite a problem.
"Boris, sir, what shall we do about his eyes?" a man asked as the director walked over, having been checking up on the progress with the others.
"What do you mean?" He leaned in to study the said orbs and smirked when Tala moved back, almost leaning on the person behind him who was busy with removing the tangles from his hair.
"The lack of nutrition and sunlight, not to mention the psychical and mental abuse," the man kept his words strictly observant; they all knew what had become of their female colleague who had talked badly of Boris in his face. "All these things have led to a drastic dimming of the iris pigments. People will notice the paler hues."
Boris hadn't spent much time studying the boy's eyes, not when there were more interesting places to explore, but now that it had been brought up Tala's eyes were many shades lighter then they once were. His irises were a ghostly, almost white colour.
"Have contacts put in. Nothing must give him away."
He wasn't planning on allowing Tala to be present during the hand-over of the trophy but anything could happen and should the boy be discovered he should look presentable.
The man ran off to obtain the cosmetic lenses but his absence was barely missed as the mob moved back in to continue. It was done in an eerie silence for such a busy operation. Everyone knew their task and so there was no need for communication.
Peeking through the many bodies Tala could see where Spencer was being attended to. He couldn't help cringing as he watched the scientists inject needle after needle into the blank eyes.
Spencer had been tied down to a metal table but with each injection his body rebelled and his arm and leg muscles were fighting to break free from the metal clasps that held him down. When the needles finally finished they came with a laser which was shone again into the blonde's eyes. Spencer cursed loudly and tried to turn his head away but it too was held fast by restrains.
A scientist moved to do something and Tala lost sight of his team mate.
He hadn't seen either Ian or Bryan since they came into the facility. Both had been sent to another section since both had broken bones that needed to be set back. Tala could practically hear the sounds of bones being snapped into place in his mind and he gritted his teeth.
Someone pushed his way through the throng and his chin was captured by bony fingers which forced his head up. Another pair of hands came from the back to hold his head in place as the first person held his eyelids open and dropped in a lens. The recently made lens burned his eye and he felt the water start to stream down his face as his eyes tried to protect itself by ridding itself of the foreign object. The tears made the make-up powder run and the people moved in even more to repair the damage. No one cared about his discomfort.
His vision was blurred by the unwanted extra layer and by the tears that wanted it out. If he went blind right there and then he would not haven been surprised.
"You seem to have everything under control, Boris," a familiar voice spoke up and Tala ignored his current state to try and find the speaker who was no doubt right there with the director.
"My lord, it is a surprise to see you here," Boris really sounded surprise. Whoever it was it was someone he had not been expecting to see at the moment.
"Save your words for they mean nothing. I am here only to protect my properties. I do not particularly enjoy associating with failures."
"I understand, Voltaire. I feel the same also."
His eyes were still clouded but he could feel Boris glare at him. Blinking furiously he felt his eyes slowly grow accustomed to the alien lenses and the tears lessened. Through the haze he could indeed make out Voltaire's broad features.
"You certainly have no regards for what cost me millions of dollars, Boris." Voltaire took in the red-head's appearance with a small smirk.
"A waste of your money indeed, my lord. He has been sold to an American for a mere 90 thousand dollars. Though if you wish you are free to have him for tonight. He is as tight as the day he was born."
Tala held his breath as Boris so carelessly offered him to the senior Hiwatari. If there was one person who was more sadistic in bed than Boris it was this supposedly regal business tycoon. He himself had never been penetrated by Voltaire. Groped yes, but taken, thankfully no. However he knew of others who had been and the tales were gut wrenching.
"A very generous offer, however I shall decline."
"Are you sure?"
"Quite. At least I decline this one. My reasons for going to the ceremony differ." There was a sly tone in the voice that made the hairs on the back of Tala's neck stand on end.
"Oh? What else could possibly interest you at a ceremony where Biovolt's failure will be flaunted in our face by a group of rowdy youngsters?"
"Why, I want to congratulate them...especially my grandson."
Tala gasped at the words. His knees suddenly gave way and several hands shot out to catch him. He was pulled back to his feet but everything else was shut out as the conversation continued, neither man really caring that they had a third listener.
"It is not everyday that one's traitorous grandchild wins a championship. I personally will give him my best wishes." A predatory gleam glistened in the stone cold eyes. Whatever was running through his head was no where near pure.
"You think that Kai will voluntarily walk up to you?"
"My grandson is a beautiful but not foolish boy. He will not give himself up unless it is for a very good reason. And I know exactly what that is."
"And what is this reason you speak of?"
Voltaire grinned at the taller man before sliding his eyes onto Tala.
tbc.......
************
P.S: For those of you who are still at a lost of what Ray is reading, it's 'Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix'. As weird as it sound you have that book to thank for this chapter. Why?
That damn book is everywhere!! I was getting so stressed with seeing it repeatedly on TV that I turned off the television and started to write. So it is only fair that I mention in now.
Read & Review, please.
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: R
Summary: see chapter one
Warnings: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. Any and all unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I write with the sole intention to entertain.
*************
Ray liked to read. The book he was now engrossed in had been very hard to get but that had made it even more worth while. He had read the four previous books three years ago and was one of the first in line to order it when word got out that it had been completed.
Now he wanted nothing better to do than lay there on his bed and read. Tyson had bet that he would never be able to finish the 870 page book while they were still in Russia but he begged to differ. He had started a couple of hours ago and was currently on page 159.
The door to the bedroom opened and Ray looked up from where he laid on his stomach. The page he had previously been so engrossed in was quickly forgotten as Kai entered. Momentary surprise flickered in the red orbs but Kai looked away and headed for his duffle bag.
"Um...hey, Kai..." Uncertain at what to say he sat up, marking the page and closing the heavy volume.
"Hey."
The response was quiet but not cold.
Ray guessed that he should feel honoured that he was the one of the few bladers, or beings on this earth, who Kai saw as a worthy conversation partner.
Kai hadn't counted on Ray being here. Yeah, they shared a room but Mr Dickenson had told him that the guys had gone to a movie which was the only reason why he decided it safe to return to their suite. However, he preferred the golden-eyed teen above the rest since Ray was more calm and understanding.
"Why aren't you with the others?" he asked softly, sorting through his things.
"I didn't want to watch the movie. Not my taste." He moved to stand, playing with the end of his long ponytail, "We were worried about you. You didn't come back last night and we thought that maybe you were still mad at us."
"I am still mad at you." Kai pulled out loose, black jeans and searched for the top that went with it. He winced and mentally cursed himself when he stretched his arm too far, aggravating the bruise that covered his side. Luckily his back was turned to Ray and his pain went unnoticed.
"Tyson is very sorry for what he said and he wants to apologise."
Pulling out the elusive shirt, Kai turned to face Ray who had not moved from where he stood. His peer was worrying his lower lip with a pointed canine so much that Kai was afraid the sharp tooth would tear the skin. Running a hand through his hair he regarded his team mate.
"You're right. I should be used to Tyson and his stupid jokes. And...I am sorry that I punched him. And I'm not mad at the rest of you."
Ray sighed with relief and sat back down.
"I'm glad that you are okay with all this. Tyson can be annoying at times but he is a good guy once you look pass that dopey grin." He himself smiled as he thought it through, "And the lame sense of humour, and the total lack of discipline, and the bottomless pit known as his stomach, and his hibernation-like sleeping habits, and his whining."
Kai smiled slightly as he sat down on his side of the bed to remove his shoes.
Seeing that the phoenix was more at ease, Ray flopped over to lie on his stomach next to Kai. He opened his book to use as a distraction as he asked in an indifferent voice.
"So, why did you punch Tyson? Other than that he is annoying?"
Kai stopped what he was doing and held his breath. Should he even answer that? Looking over at Ray the tiger seemed to be deep into whatever it was he was reading but Kai noted that the gold eyes would shift to look side- ways up at him, waiting for an answer.
"The Demolition Boys deserve respect; they are no longer the champions but they are excellent bladers."
"I don't think that that is the real reason, Kai. It hadn't been until Tyson started about Tala that you reacted. What's going on?" Seeing that his decoy reading wasn't working he propped himself up on his elbows as he looked at the bluenette.
"It's nothing that involves you." The conversation was getting too personal for his liking.
"You don't trust me, do you?"
The question was so soft and sincere that Kai found himself halting in his actions. Ray was staring at him with a mixed look of sadness and understanding.
"I know you like your privacy, Kai, and I respect that. But...sometimes I feel as if you see me as one of the bad guys."
"Do I make you feel that way?" he asked, pondering the question.
"Yeah." Sitting up to meet the phoenix eye-to-eye, he said, "I'm not asking you to tell me your secrets, Kai, or to open up everything to me. Not if you don't want to. But don't shut me out like I'm some stranger. I'm your friend, Kai. We all are. And we all worry about you because we never know what's going on with you. You say that everything's alright but I know it isn't. I'm no mind reader but I know when a friend is troubled, and you are."
Kai studied the neko-jin, weighing the words in his mind. Ray by all means was not asking too much. What he asked for was more than fair since he had shared with Kai many of his past and secrets and has never given the phoenix any moment to doubt it faithfulness as a friend.
"I'm sorry, Ray," he finally admitted. "Things are...they're just really messed up right now. I need some head space to think them through. And you're right; I'm not okay. But I told Mr Dickenson everything and he's going to help me, alright?"
The news brought a smile to the raven-haired blader's face and Ray nodded.
"That's all I wanted to know. Thanks."
Such trust and offered friendship...
Before he could think it through, Kai pulled his fellow blader into a hug, needing the feel of embrace of a friend before he broke down again.
Ray was surprised; Kai wasn't a big fan of hugs, but he returned it, holding onto the bluenette for a long while until he felt Kai ease out of the embrace.
"Thanks, Ray. You're a good friend," Kai confessed, eyes down.
"Anytime, Kai, anytime."
Kai rose to go get ready for the ceremony that would start within an hour and Ray, already half-dressed, had his nose buried in his book once more.
"And what are you reading?" Kai asked; the question had been haunting him ever since he had stepped into the room.
Ray laughed and lifted the book for Kai to read the title. A brow rose as the red eyes took in the cover. A disbelieving smirk formed on the well formed lips.
"What?" Ray asked defensively, "I happen to like it."
"Whatever." Shaking his head with a soft smile Kai stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
*************
"Hey, Kai!"
Kai turned when he heard his name to see Tyson running towards him, dressed in long blue pants and a, what Tyson considered, formal dress-shirt. His hair was as always in the short ponytail and the Dragoon blader had made it quite clear that he wasn't going to give up wearing his baseball cap, ceremony or no ceremony. His eye wasn't that badly swollen anymore but was darker in colour than yesterday.
"You don't have to yell, Tyson," he admonished as the boy skidded to a stop before him, doubled over and breathing hard. "What did you do? Run all the way down from the suite?"
"*Pant**pant*....yeah...*pant*" Taking a deep breath he straightened to face his captain. "I *pant* I saw you from the window. I have to *pant* talk to you."
"Why didn't you just take the elevator?"
Tyson blinked. Yeah, why hadn't he taken the elevator? It wasn't like Kai would have gone anywhere. The red-eyed teen had been leaning against the wall in his custom trademark manner for the past 45 minutes.
"Never mind that. The reason I'm here is because...." Boy it sure was hard to apologise when you still believed yourself the innocent victim, "I just wanted to..."
"Spit it out, Tyson; you're using up my oxygen."
"IjustwantedtosaythatIamsorryandthatInevermeanttoupsetyouandItakebackeveryth ingIsaid."
Kai raised a brow.
"Let's translate that into English then. You are sorry?"
"Yeah."
"And you never meant to upset me?"
"No."
"And you take back everything you said."
"I do." Tyson shuffled the ground with a foot. "I guess that this whole championship thing just went to my head."
"You guess?"
"Okay, okay! It did. But I mean...we were just starting to become...friends?" He glanced up to see if the phoenix thought that too. An 'I-guess-so' nod from Kai confirmed it and he continued, "I just don't want to blow it over something so stupid."
"You were asking for it," Kai pointed out as he studied his handy work on Tyson's face. "But I was also wrong to hit you. I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" Even Tyson's black eye widened at that. "You, Kai Hiwatari, you are apologising to me?"
"Yeah. But I don't make mistakes often so don't expect to hear it again."
"As long as you don't punch me you can call it even." Tyson held out his hand which Kai accepted. "So...are you still going to be the one to accept the trophy?"
"What's it with you wanting me to take the trophy?" Kai pushed himself off the wall and started to where the limousine had just pulled up, the gravel crunching beneath the black tires.
"You're the one who kept talking and talking and talking about defending your title as world champion. I thought you would want to be the first to hold the trophy..."
Tyson stopped walking and Kai halted as well, giving the younger teen a questioning look.
"What now?"
"I just realised something," Tyson's eyes narrowed with confusion, "Since day one you've been talking about defending *your* world champion title... How is that possible since the Demolition Boys were the world champions when we came here?"
'Oh. Shit.'
True, he had mentioned that on several occasions but only because he had doubted that this team would ever make it to the world championship. He had expected them to reach no further than the American tournaments and had counted on returning to Russia by himself to defend his title alongside his four Russian team mates.
"I...uh..."
"Hey, guys!!"
A blond blur flew towards them and collided with Tyson and both went down. It seemed as if this was the only way Max could ever greet the navy-haired teen. Laughing, the ever-cheerful boy stood up, wiping away some gravel from the front of his green shirt and white pants. His hair was wild as always but no one had expected him to bother to brush it anyway.
"Is this too cool or what?! Check out the ride!" Grabbing Tyson's hand he dragged the boy towards the limo, giving Kai a belated wave. "Come on! Kenny is waiting for us at the arena already!!"
Kai let out a sigh of relief. He was going to let Max eat as much sugar as he wanted from now on.
Tyson had hit the nail on the head big time with that observation. Kai didn't know how but Mr Dickenson had made sure that not a single word had leaked out to anyone outside of Russia that Kai had still been a member from the Demolition Boys even though he was now captain of the Bladebreakers. The old man certainly had very high resources to pull off a stunt like that.
"Pondering on whether or not you should get into the limo?" Ray walked up to stand beside him as he buttoned the cuffs of his long-sleeved red shirt. He was referring to Max who was now standing on the limo seat with his upper body through the sunroof, waving and hooting though the limo was at a complete standstill.
"Now that you mention it, the arena isn't *that* far...should we walk it?"
"Too late for that now," Ray snickered as Max came bounding towards them.
"Come on, you two! You're gonna make us miss the trophy hand-over!!"
"Max, they can't give away the trophy without us! Who would they give it to?!"
Ray's words didn't seem to ring through as the blond grabbed him by the wrist and hauled him towards the white, spotless limo. He reached out for Kai too but the bluenette held up his hand.
"I can walk by myself, thank you. I need to talk to Mr Dickenson."
"You lose your spot on the sun-roof then!" Max ran off with Ray who shot Kai a 'help me' look.
"My heart bleeds for my loss." Kai rolled his eyes.
Voices came from behind as Mr. Dickenson and Bruce descended from the hotel's front steps. Both were dressed in tuxedos and ties, which was nothing new as far as Mr. Dickenson was concerned but it did look kinda strange to see Bruce dressed so formal since the man always preferred his khaki shorts and yellow vest with safety boots.
"Can I speak with you for a moment, sir?" Kai asked the eldest of the two who nodded, face turning serious.
"I will go see if I can keep the limo intact until you are ready."
Bruce walked off to where Max and Tyson had thought that they could both fit through the sunroof. Two Max's could have but one Max and one Tyson not and now they wriggled to free themselves; those buffets had finally caught up to them. Ray would've helped if it wasn't for the fact that he was leaning against the car, weak with laugher. He had warned them but of course they hadn't listened.
"I have alerted the officials," the old manager held up his hand when Kai opened his mouth to protest. "Not the Russian police but my own people from the BBA. They are on the alert and will only move in when I give them the signal."
"That's good." He couldn't help the small tremble that ran through him.
"You are afraid, aren't you?"
"Of what?" As if to counterclaim his aloof words another more intense shiver hit him.
"That you are going to see Boris again."
Kai didn't answer immediately and looked at his feet, arms once more crossing each other in a defensive mode. Every time he heard that name he would feel vulnerable.
"You need not worry, Kai. The man is not going to come within twenty feet of you. I promise you that. We can easily have Tyson accept the trophy. That way you would have no need to be near Boris."
"I know. But...Tala; I need to see him. I need to see him face-to-face."
"Your friendship with Tala is very strong indeed for you risk yourself for him."
"He risked himself for me a lot of times already. He has never abandoned me like I have him. I refuse to leave him behind again."
"You won't. Everything will work out, Kai. Everything Boris and his followers have ever done to you will end tonight."
The elder man placed a comforting hand on his bare shoulder as they started for the car.
"I don't think it will ever end, Mr. Dickenson. It will always be in my head. As long as I live I will relive every rape and beating I and all the others suffered." He turned hopeless red eyes to his manager. "And that's what scares me the most."
*************
Tala stood still, allowing the scientists and workers to mob him. One kept on readjusting his shirt while the other never seemed satisfied with his belt and kept on replacing it, unknowingly adjusting the buckle too tight which squeezed his bruised and lacerated waist. He hoped that the bandages would hold up.
They were trying to cover up as much skin as possible to hide his injuries. The clothes were all very dark colours to camouflage any blood should a wound start to leak. His dark-navy green pants were baggy, again a precaution for bleeding, and his turtle neck sweater was black with a dark blue striped running down the left shoulder till his waist and two more at the ends of the wrist-length sleeves. The inner sides off his shirt were padded with a cotton layer to give the appearance that he wasn't as thin as he had become.
The injuries on his face were treated and more serious ones had been healed with laser surgery. More minor cuts and scraped were covered with make-up powder. Only one thing was being quite a problem.
"Boris, sir, what shall we do about his eyes?" a man asked as the director walked over, having been checking up on the progress with the others.
"What do you mean?" He leaned in to study the said orbs and smirked when Tala moved back, almost leaning on the person behind him who was busy with removing the tangles from his hair.
"The lack of nutrition and sunlight, not to mention the psychical and mental abuse," the man kept his words strictly observant; they all knew what had become of their female colleague who had talked badly of Boris in his face. "All these things have led to a drastic dimming of the iris pigments. People will notice the paler hues."
Boris hadn't spent much time studying the boy's eyes, not when there were more interesting places to explore, but now that it had been brought up Tala's eyes were many shades lighter then they once were. His irises were a ghostly, almost white colour.
"Have contacts put in. Nothing must give him away."
He wasn't planning on allowing Tala to be present during the hand-over of the trophy but anything could happen and should the boy be discovered he should look presentable.
The man ran off to obtain the cosmetic lenses but his absence was barely missed as the mob moved back in to continue. It was done in an eerie silence for such a busy operation. Everyone knew their task and so there was no need for communication.
Peeking through the many bodies Tala could see where Spencer was being attended to. He couldn't help cringing as he watched the scientists inject needle after needle into the blank eyes.
Spencer had been tied down to a metal table but with each injection his body rebelled and his arm and leg muscles were fighting to break free from the metal clasps that held him down. When the needles finally finished they came with a laser which was shone again into the blonde's eyes. Spencer cursed loudly and tried to turn his head away but it too was held fast by restrains.
A scientist moved to do something and Tala lost sight of his team mate.
He hadn't seen either Ian or Bryan since they came into the facility. Both had been sent to another section since both had broken bones that needed to be set back. Tala could practically hear the sounds of bones being snapped into place in his mind and he gritted his teeth.
Someone pushed his way through the throng and his chin was captured by bony fingers which forced his head up. Another pair of hands came from the back to hold his head in place as the first person held his eyelids open and dropped in a lens. The recently made lens burned his eye and he felt the water start to stream down his face as his eyes tried to protect itself by ridding itself of the foreign object. The tears made the make-up powder run and the people moved in even more to repair the damage. No one cared about his discomfort.
His vision was blurred by the unwanted extra layer and by the tears that wanted it out. If he went blind right there and then he would not haven been surprised.
"You seem to have everything under control, Boris," a familiar voice spoke up and Tala ignored his current state to try and find the speaker who was no doubt right there with the director.
"My lord, it is a surprise to see you here," Boris really sounded surprise. Whoever it was it was someone he had not been expecting to see at the moment.
"Save your words for they mean nothing. I am here only to protect my properties. I do not particularly enjoy associating with failures."
"I understand, Voltaire. I feel the same also."
His eyes were still clouded but he could feel Boris glare at him. Blinking furiously he felt his eyes slowly grow accustomed to the alien lenses and the tears lessened. Through the haze he could indeed make out Voltaire's broad features.
"You certainly have no regards for what cost me millions of dollars, Boris." Voltaire took in the red-head's appearance with a small smirk.
"A waste of your money indeed, my lord. He has been sold to an American for a mere 90 thousand dollars. Though if you wish you are free to have him for tonight. He is as tight as the day he was born."
Tala held his breath as Boris so carelessly offered him to the senior Hiwatari. If there was one person who was more sadistic in bed than Boris it was this supposedly regal business tycoon. He himself had never been penetrated by Voltaire. Groped yes, but taken, thankfully no. However he knew of others who had been and the tales were gut wrenching.
"A very generous offer, however I shall decline."
"Are you sure?"
"Quite. At least I decline this one. My reasons for going to the ceremony differ." There was a sly tone in the voice that made the hairs on the back of Tala's neck stand on end.
"Oh? What else could possibly interest you at a ceremony where Biovolt's failure will be flaunted in our face by a group of rowdy youngsters?"
"Why, I want to congratulate them...especially my grandson."
Tala gasped at the words. His knees suddenly gave way and several hands shot out to catch him. He was pulled back to his feet but everything else was shut out as the conversation continued, neither man really caring that they had a third listener.
"It is not everyday that one's traitorous grandchild wins a championship. I personally will give him my best wishes." A predatory gleam glistened in the stone cold eyes. Whatever was running through his head was no where near pure.
"You think that Kai will voluntarily walk up to you?"
"My grandson is a beautiful but not foolish boy. He will not give himself up unless it is for a very good reason. And I know exactly what that is."
"And what is this reason you speak of?"
Voltaire grinned at the taller man before sliding his eyes onto Tala.
tbc.......
************
P.S: For those of you who are still at a lost of what Ray is reading, it's 'Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix'. As weird as it sound you have that book to thank for this chapter. Why?
That damn book is everywhere!! I was getting so stressed with seeing it repeatedly on TV that I turned off the television and started to write. So it is only fair that I mention in now.
Read & Review, please.