A/N: Same as before
Disclaimer: You know the drill, don't own a thing
Chapter 10
Paris, France
The Following Day
"I can't believe you made us miss breakfast Tyson." Kenny grumbled. When the two had woken up in their lucius resort rooms, everyone else was already gone for the day. "Where are the others anyway?" He continued.
"Let's see, Max said he was gonna go shopping and Rei and the other White Tigers said something about getting a real home cooked meal." Kenny was surprised. "Their loss. What about Kai?" At this, Tyson scowled and pulled out a note to read it out loud. "'I've gone ahead to do some training. Go ahead without me.'" Tyson growled. Kenny sighed. Sometimes Tyson was a little too childish for his tastes. Besides, they all agreed to meet at the Eiffel Tower that very same afternoon.
...
Actually, Tyson had been mistaken. Only the four White Tigers went to get a home cooked meal. Not Rei. Instead, Rei chose to do a little sightseeing.
Rei frowned. Something didn't feel right. He activated Scan and the black visor appeared over his eyes. He scanned his surroundings and froze. For some strange reason, Riku's, Donald's and Goofy's energy was still in the air. Meaning they were nearby. They're here in this world. I don't believe it, Rei thought in shock as he deactivated Scan.
Hm?
Rei glanced down to see the ground trembling. What was going on? Curious, he looked up and froze. Even though he saw dust in the distance, Rei could make out a number of those shield welding Defender's coming his way. They're eyes each glowing an eerie red or blue. Panicking, he started to run as if his life depended on it.
He jumped into the air to avoid being hit by a blast of fire. Although it missed him, it crashed into a building, effectively sending it to the ground in pieces. By jumping into the air, Rei managed to grab a hold of a ledge of a roof. Barely clinging on. "Someone help!" He cried. "Hang on Sora!" Yelled a familiar voice. Out of the corner of his eyes, Rei made out the form of a pale Riku. Riku was the one who called out to him. Even when he looked completely different, Riku was still able to recognize him.
A Defender slammed into the building that Rei was clinging to. It started to crack. Rei cried out, and clung only tighter. Donald and Goofy quickly appeared behind Riku. "We can't get anywhere near him." Donald said angrily. Another Defender slammed into the building and the building caved in. Rei yelled out as he began to plunge for the ground.
"WIND!" Donald screamed out, waving up his staff. White mist caught Rei and Donald strained as he struggled to put Rei to safety. But, just as Rei was placed gently onto one of the high railings of the Eiffel Tower, the Defender Heartless were all over his three friends. "No!" Rei cried, peering over. Come on, where are they? Rei was panicking, his friends hadn't emerged from the growing pile of Heartless.
Finally, the three leapt for the railings where Rei was, only to be swiped away by a Solider. They screamed as they fell to the ground and into the hungry Heartless.
...
The others, minus Kai and Rei had finally joined up with Tyson and Kenny. "Isn't this a great view Lee?" Mariah asked dreamily. "Hey, what's going on down there?" Kevin asked suddenly. "What are you talking about?" Max asked. "Something's happening down at the bottom of the tower." Kevin pointed down below where only a sea of black seemed to cover the rocky ground.
"N-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!!!!"
At the sound of the anguished wail, they stiffened. "That sounded like Rei." Gary said uneasily.
...
"N-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!!!!" Rei shrieked. The second the three bodies crashed sickeningly into the ground, the Heartless disappeared and the neko-jin quickly jumped down gracefully. The Heartless had left behind a bunch of dust. Rei coughed heavily. "Riku!" He called out, choking. "Donald! Goofy!" He ignored the strange looks he was getting from the people. Apparently, they didn't see anything happening.
That itself was odd.
"Guys?" Rei called hopefully. He turned around and paled. Lying in broken heaps underneath the tower was Riku, Donald and Goofy. He padded up to them and kneeled down. Rei brushed a lock of silver hair from Riku's peaceful face. "Guys? You have to wake up." He pleaded, shaking them, his voice was beginning to crack. "This isn't funny." He stood up. "Help!" He cried. "Somebody!" Silence. "Anybody." His voice fell into a whisper. "Help." Thick pearly white tears started to flow down his face as he once more kneeled next to his dead friends.
He cried softly into his knees, trembling. Rei?Rei looked up to see Driger in a spirit form, although human, sitting next to him. He basically looked like Rei, only with white hair and green eyes. /They're gone Driger and it's all my fault!/ Rei sobbed. Driger simply hugged the poor teen, letting Rei cry out his sorrows. That was when something strange happened.
Ruby crystallized hearts left their bodies, which were digitized instantly. Rei stopped crying and looked up with curious red rimmed eyes. What was going on? Before Rei could blink, all three crystal hearts flew into him, sending warmth coursing through him. It seems they want to be apart of you even when they're gone. They must've truly cared for you Rei.Driger said softly. /I guess.../
Rei stood up shakily. /We better leave before someone asks questions./ Driger nodded and returned to his bit. Very much like the Dark Bladers, Rei vanished from the stunned passerby's sights.
...
Ten minutes had passed since they heard the wail from down below and with Gary saying that it was Rei who made that painful cry, the others couldn't help but be worried for the elder neko-jin.
No one noticed Rei appearing in the shadows. Rei, still getting use to the fact that his heart was now merged with Riku', Donald's and Goofy's hearts, he missed sensing the Dark Bladers stepping from the shadows to challenge the two teams. He also failed to see Kai showing up and also taking on the Dark Bladers. After all, it was Dranzer who landed the winning move to send the Dark Bladers running.
What did catch Rei's attention was the overwhelming power of a bit-beast. He looked up to see a boy about his own current age stepping out. Wavy bright green hair and cheerful blue eyes. He wore a red shirt, a sleeveless bright blue trench coat, off white pants, brown ankle high boots and a bright blue French burette on his head.
The boy introduced himself as Oliver, the French beyblade champion. /What is it with mythical bit beasts showing up?/ Rei grumbled. What do you mean?Driger questioned. /First was Robert and Gryfolion who is a griffin, the Dark Bladers had monsters for their bit beasts. And now Oliver has a unicorn for a bit beast./ Driger was impressed. How do you know all that?He asked. Rei grinned. /I guess my magic is getting stronger. That's how I knew./
The Next Day
Once again, Rei chose to slip away from the others so he could relax without having to worry about the World Championships in Russia in a few weeks. At least he got rid of Maleficent's demon goons. At least, he hope so.
"Ouch!" Cried a female voice. Oops. He had accidently ran into someone. "Sorry about that." Rei said sheepishly, helping a pretty brunette woman who was in her early twenties to stand up. She was wearing a stylish pale lavender dress suit. "Seems we found our main attraction." Mused a warm female voice. Rei blinked and looked up to see two more identical women in similar dress suits. Only one wore a rosy red suit and the other an pearl white one. "My name is Lily." Said the one in the white dress. "And I'm Rose." Said the one in red. "And I'm Lavender." This came from the woman he had bumped into. Rei raised an eyebrow. Lily saw this and sighed. "Our mother had a fetish for flowers." She explained.
Oh.
Recalling what one of them said before, he spoke up. "I'm sorry. But did you say main attraction?" He asked slowly. Rose grinned slyly. "We host a fashion show here every year. And you my dear friend are going to be our main star." She said happily. Rei turned a light red. The triplet sisters dragged a blushing Rei down towards a building that was already gathering a large crowd outside.
Shrugging off Lily's grip, Rei explained his little situation. "Little problem." They looked at him in curiosity. "What?" Lavender questioned. Rei sighed. "I can't be in your show as someone will recognize me." He gestured to his long black and red hair as well as his unusual blue eyes. Lavender held up a couple of bottled hair dye and Rose held out some colored contacts. "No problem. Leave it to us!" They said together. "However, you'll need to use a false name." Lily warned. Rei paused and then he smiled as he decided on what name he'll use.
"Sora."
...
Oliver had invited the two teams to the fashion show he was hosting. That is, right after he and Tyson had a tie in a beyblade match. For some odd reason, Mariah couldn't find Rei anywhere. And the boys thought Rei was lucky that he didn't have to see some stupid show. So far, the show had been going on for about two hours and nothing exciting happened. That is, until it came down to the last act.
A smiling Lily in a simple white sun dress and white heeled shoes came up to the mike and gave a cheerful smile to everyone. "I'm sure you people have heard of the old tales of warriors fighting demons and other beings?" The audience members nodded, confused. "Well, we have a very special treat!" Lily squealed. "We have a real live warrior here!"
FWIP
Suddenly, a pure crystallized black arrow was quivering in the wall right next to Kevin's ear. Silently, a very tall, menacing figure slithered out of the shadows. Lee frowned. Something about this didn't feel right.
The figure had a height of seven feet and was cloaked in pure darkness. All the people could see was a pair of glowing, red eyes glaring out from underneath the hood. Lily began to back up in fear, showing signs that this was not supposed to be happening. "What is that thing?" Max asked shakily, looking at the demonic creature with fear.
Suddenly, the creature screeched out in pain and was clawing at its chest where a shiny handle could be seen. "You're fight is with me. Not with them." Purred a rich, deep voice. The terrified audience watched in awe as a tall teenager stepped out of the shadows. A blue green covered silver sword was being gripped tightly in his right hand. "Rei?!" Tyson yelped. Lee shook his head.
No.
Not Rei.
Soft, golden brown spikes framed the delicate face, high cheekbones, and rosy pink lips. Cold aquamarine eyes watched the demon with pure hatred. The teen wore a shimmering blood red shirt, black silk pants, black knee high boots, and a sleeveless black trench coat. {"Sora..."} It rasped, reaching a rotting grey hand towards the emotionless teenager. "Look out!" Mariah screamed.
Slowly, and quiet suddenly, a dangerous grin appeared on Sora's delicate and sweet face. "Feh, it's time to end this." A bright blue aura rose up around him, and seemed to stretch out for the demon. Pillars of bright blue light rising from the ground. "HYAA!" Sora lunged with the sword held in an offense position. He blurred for a second and reappeared behind the demon on the other side of the stage.
For a second, nothing happened. Then everyone gasped as the demon gave a gurgle before slumping to the ground, dead.
Sora stood over the demon's dead body and before anyone could blink, he plunged his right hand deep into its chest. With a grunt, Sora ripped his hand back out. Soaked in thick bluish green liquid, was a pulsing black crystallized heart. "Now you die." He said coldly. This confused the people. Wasn't the demon dead already?
Sora then threw the crystal heart into the air and held out his right hand. Instantly bright red gold flames burned there. "FIRAGA!" He roared out. A fire ball about the size of a basketball slammed into the crystal which promptly turned into dust. Sora snorted and before their very eyes, he vanished in the same manner as the Dark Bladers. When it was over, the two teams sunk into their seats.
"Do you think he's working with the Dark Bladers?" Gary asked worriedly. "I don't know." Kenny admitted weakly. What he just saw would scare anyone to death. Even the bravest of fighters.
...
'Sora' then reappeared in the very same room that Rei and Kai shared. Slowly, aquamarine eyes became pale blue and golden brown hair melted into pure rich black with red high lights. Rei grinned to himself. For once Donald's shape shifting magic came in handy.
/One demon down. Eight more to go./ He muttered to Driger. They are going to figure out sooner or later that you're not normal.Driger pointed out. Rei sighed. /I know I should tell them. But, if I tell them, then chaos and destruction will surely follow./ Rei said sadly.
Suddenly, Kai came in. "Where were you?" He asked sharply. A bit annoyed by Kai's attitude, Rei answered just as sharply. "Out. I just got back. Why?" Kai frowned. "Nothing. Be ready. For tomorrow we head to Italy."
Rei blinked and watched Kai leave. Rei sighed. Seems things were getting harder and harder to hide with each passing day. Only time would tell when the Heartless would come and allow this world to fall into darkness like so many have before.
Chapter 11
"Wake up you lazy bum!" Called a sweet and very familiar voice. Rei groaned and his eyes fluttered open as he regained consciousness. The neko-jin bolted up as he finally knew where he had heard the voice before. Kairi! He glanced down, recognizing the right red jumpsuit, yellow shoes one size too big, fingerless white gloves, white tee-shirt jacket and the dangling three pointed crown necklace. He then realized he was sitting on a sandy beach with warm water lapping at his feet.
Looking up, he was met with a shocking sight. Somehow, the Kairi in front of him was only fourteen years old! He looked around wildly and soon spotted a fifteen year old Riku. Both even wore their old outfits. For Kairi it was a black skin tight tank top with a white spaghetti strap tank top over it, a purple mini skirt and white tennis shoes. For Riku it was a skin tight sleeveless yellow tee-shirt, skin tight black shorts, black belts holding up bright blue pants up to the knees, black tennis shoes and black gloves.
He turned around to see a girl and two boys. The girl had wavy dark hair and dreamy emerald eyes and always wore a yellow sun dress. The eldest boy had wild orange hair and laughing dark blue eyes and pretty much wore an off white sleeveless shirt and puffy orange pants. And the youngest boy had messy dark blond hair and friendly sapphire eyes. He always chose to wear one pant leg shorter than the other, and a yellow and blue vest. They were Selphie, Wakka and Tidus.
This wasn't happening!
"You okay Sora? You look a little pale." Selphie said worriedly. "I'm fine." Rei said shakily, waving his hands wildly. But, was everything with the Heartless and the Beyblade world merely a dream? And nothing more? Recalling his fondest memories of his loyal friends, the Keymaster knew that his friends counted on him and would not let him down. Besides, it didn't do well to dwell on the past.
The neko-jin looked up to see the skies growing dark as if a storm was brewing. The winds picked up and Rei shivered. His tee-shirt jacket did not do well on stormy nights. The once clear blue skies was now an ugly purplish black with a huge black ball glowing in the skies. Red lightning cackled all around it, sending a chill down his spine. The Islanders began to laugh cruelly as he frantically dodged lightning bolts. It almost appeared that Rei was dancing.
"Now, why do you have to keep acting like an idiot Sora? We all know you are one." Tidus said, mockingly. Rei did not have a chance to answer as he was hit by a lightning bolt. And the only thing Rei knew was pain.
And a lot of it.
Rei let out an inhuman howl of agony as he felt his whole body burn with hot molten fire. And through the hazy mist of pain, Rei could make out his creamy pale skin turning a pure ebony black.
Heartless.
As his eyes drifted shut for one last time, he heard a very familiar voice hiss softly into his ear before darkness could claim him.
"Soon."
...
Rei bolted up in his bed, his sweaty body making his night clothes cling to him. Apparently during the night, his hair had come undone, so silky black and red hair fell around him as he drew in shaky breaths. That did not just happen, he thought uneasily, still shivering. He glanced to the clock on his bedside table. A little after six in the morning. Just great.
Groaning, Rei took a quick shower and chose to change into something else entirely since he did not feel up to his usual outfit. He pulled on a sleeveless black tee-shirt, dark blue silk tunic pants that were tied around the ankles, black fighting slippers, instead of a red headband he made sure it was black with a silver yin-yang on the front, and fingerless silver trimmed black gloves. He also left a note behind before he took off for the park to relax from his vicious nightmare.
The gang had arrived in Italy the afternoon before and had found Enrique, the boy Oliver sent them too. All they found was a selfish blond haired blue eyes brat. Rei snickered as he recalled Enrique's choice of clothing. A long sleeved yellow shirt, a red tee-shirt vest, green cloth pants and brown ankle high boots. Major fashion disaster.
And Tyson, being the stubborn mule he is, challenged the more experienced blader to a match and soon lost to the mystical bit beast. Luckily, there would be a rematch this very afternoon.
Rei sighed heavily as he sat underneath a huge oak tree. Each day he knew Kai was getting more suspicious of him. So it was getting that much harder to hide the knowledge of the other worlds and the Heartless. You sure you're okay?Driger asked softly. He had never seen Rei like this before. Of course, he only knew Rei for a few short months.
The White Tiger spirit appeared in human form and kneeled next to Rei. Is it about the friends you lost in Paris?He asked gently. Rei's eyes watered slightly, but he did not cry. It would seem the war against the darkness was now beginning to take its toll on him. His golden brown skin was rapidly losing its sheen, and black circles were beginning to appear under his wary blue eyes. "I just don't know anymore Driger." He whispered. Driger sighed and hugged him gently. Rei smiled at the affection the tiger was showing him.
Hm?
Both Rei and Driger looked up sharply. A feeling of dread settling deep within their souls, leaving the two shivering slightly. This time, Driger did not remain see-through. He became solid. At the sounds of terrible screeching, Rei stood up fast. Eyes flashing furiously. "It's those demons Maleficent created." He growled.
What the-?!
Rei looked about wildly as people were screaming in fear and panicking, and it hit him like a tone of bricks. "Oh man, don't tell me they can see and hear them now!" He groaned. Looks like it.Driger said dryly. "You better transform now." Rei said shakily as the remaining demons slithered out of the shadows, welding five foot black swords. Driger nodded hastily.
Bright, neon green light lit up the park, and a massive white tiger stood there. Its glittering white fur was covered by an eerie green glow. The elder neko-jin hopped onto its back, clung tightly to its mane, and the dynamic duo took off for the roof tops.
The second they landed on a brick building, Rei glanced around and swore in Chinese. Apparently, Maleficent made them very powerful as they were right behind the two. I just hope they don't go after my friends, he prayed.
...
Meanwhile, while Rei and Driger were running for their lives from Maleficent's demonic creatures, Oliver had shown up in Italy to talk to Enrique about the two competing Beyblade teams. The White Tigers and the Bladebreakers.. The two sat at a café, drinking and talking.
"There seems to be something quiet different about these Bladebreakers. Separating them from ordinary Beyblade teams." Oliver mused. Enrique nodded as he took a sip of his latté. "Although that Rei character gives me the creeps. I swear he's not even human."
Oliver frowned. "I am afraid I never met him while they were in Paris. I think he mainly stays to himself." He said quietly. "Why does Rei scare you? I thought nothing could frighten you." Enrique sighed. "I think it's his eyes. Something about them makes you feel like he can see into your soul." He explained. Oliver was silent before he spoke up once more.
"Isn't your rematch with Tyson coming up? I mean, that boy could surprise you." And walked away, leaving a stunned Italian champion behind. "What's that supposed to mean anyway?" He mumbled, paying for their drinks and went to get ready for his rematch.
...
Rei and the white tiger had been dodging and running from the demons for some time now and Driger was beginning to tire out. In fact, they had been running all morning and well into the afternoon. Now, the two were heading back towards the resort the two Beyblade teams were staying at. "Oof!" Rei grunted in pain as he had a three hundred pound tiger thrown on top of him. Somehow, one of the demons managed to throw knock him off, and toss Driger onto him.
CRASH
They fell through the roof and into an empty room. Rei coughed heavily as he choked on the dust. Sensing his distress, Driger quickly returned to his bit. Now Rei could breathe once more. Heal, he thought and gave a thin smile as he felt his healing magic kick in and healed his broken ribs from the impact. Rei stood up slowly and brushed off the dust from his clothes.
He looked around frantically for a way to stop the demons from completing their mission in killing him. Spotting the three inch thick glass window, he grinned nastily to the demons and held out his right hand. Bright red gold flames cackled there, swirling lazily. "Goodbye." He said a little too cheerfully. And fired the blast of magic that was waiting to be released from his hand. "FIRAGA!"
Rei leapt back as the eight demonic creatures shrieked with pain as their seven foot bodies burst into bright red flames. His grin faded when one of the dying demons lurched forward and shoved him through the glass window. The second his body went through the window, shattered glass flew everywhere and the room proceeded to explode.
...
Down below, Max and Kenny were congratulating Tyson on his victory against Enrique. The two foreign bladers were also along for the ride. "By the way, what happened to Rei?" Tyson asked Lee. The White Tiger captain shrugged. "He left a note that he was going to take a walk. Hasn't been back since." Lee explained.
CRASH! BOOM!
The ground shook as an explosion could be heard within the air. "What was that?!" Max yelped fearfully. "It's coming from above us." Tyson said slowly. "Look out!" Oliver cried, see shards of glass raining down. They dove to safety just in time. The glass clattered onto the ground, shattering even more.
And something else, something big crashed into the ground, leaving a shallow crater behind. When the gang crawled out, someone clad in black, stumbled out of the hole, cursing softly in Chinese.
Pale blue eyes met their's.
"R-Rei?!" The neko-jin froze before slowly turning around to see all ten teenagers looking at him in awe and in concern.
Damn it.
"What happened?!" Mariah demanded shrilly. Rei winced. But, silence was all she received. Growling, she stormed up and to everyone's shock, slapped Rei across the face. Rei rubbed his stinging cheek, blue eyes wide. "Damn it Rei! You can't keep your emotions locked up!" She cried. "We're your friends! You can tell us anything!" She pleaded. Oliver and Enrique exchanged looks. "Have you guys met Robert yet?" Oliver questioned.
Robert?
"Isn't that the same guy we met on the ship in London?" Kevin asked curiously. Defiantly. Rei winced again and rubbed his chest, right where his heart was. From within his bit, Driger tensed, sensing the darkness within Rei's heart growing. Would there be any light left?
And hope for the other worlds?