CC: Thirty beautiful (and sometimes threatening) reviews! *Sniff* I'm so PROUD! *Sniff*

So who do you think won the bet? *Whistles*

~*~*~

He was gone. Kai awoke the next morning to find the room cleaned; even his clothes had been washed and neatly placed on a chair. Everything but the bed he now sat in was in order, as if at any moment, he could leave and no one would know what had gone on the previous night. He didn't need to search or call out a name. Tala was gone without a trace. Really, what had he been expecting? It had meant nothing right? Just...an escape.

Kai climbed out of bed, the modesty of drawing the curtains forgotten, as he passed by those enormous windows. A shower. A hot shower would help. Then he would go to the match. And everything would be as it always was. Nothing had changed... Nothing at all.

~*~

"Get out." He couldn't say it had been a shock, really. Tyson was being his usual bitchy self as far as he could tell. He had a match to get to and no time for *this. *

"Move."

"Or what? You've already run off to join Biovolt and then you just DISSIPEAR?!?! What the hell happened?"

Kai simply glared at Tyson who was, by now, working himself into a fit. It was amazing how much good a solid night's sleep had done. (Jealous author: Yeah, I'm sure you slept well after all that screwing around with Tala . *grumbles*) For once he was feeling like his old self again, funny how sleeping with the enemy dose that.

"You can bitch at me all you want AFTER the match. I'll," Kai sighed. If it would shut him up... "explain everything later."

The loudspeakers boomed before Tyson could get another word out. It was starting.

~*~

"I'm counting on you to win me this tournament Boris. We need those bit-beasts. I expect nothing but TOTAL ENILATION!"

"Well then, Bryan is perfect for the job. We've taught him to block out every emotion but hate."

"If he's not up to the job it will be YOUR head on a platter Boris."

"He won't fail."

~*~

"Ray...?" Kai had finally managed to catch him while the rest of the team had gone out to enjoy the fanfare.

"Hey!" Ray looked up startled, and halfway through changing in the locker room. "Listen...About last night...I..."

"That's not why I left. I thought you should know...After this match I'm leaving for good." Kai turned to leave, but Ray grabbed his arm stopping him.

"You can't. I l-"

"Don't say anything. You'll regret it later." Kai shook his head. Nothing could exist between them. The truth was he didn't know if he was falling for Ray and if he was...Then all the more reason to leave. He wouldn't risk putting Ray in danger.

Ray glared grabbing Kai's other arm. He wouldn't be put off so easily. He pulled Kai back into the locker room, unfortunately throwing them both off balance. Kai was quick to recover and save him from a nasty fall.

He didn't know what was happening, like his brain had been put on neutral and he was watching the whole thing through someone else's eyes. He leaned forward and their lips pressed together for a moment sending shivers up his spine.

Ray pulled away quite suddenly, as if he'd been slapped, no... It couldn't be... How could... He said nothing at all as Kai left.

~*~ (This was supposed to be another chapter but I figure I might as well continue.)

~ First match! Kai VS Bryan! ~

The crowds were chanting now. The energy was electrifying and spreading like wildfire among the fans. This was a beyblade match. This was what he was born to do.

"Three...Two...One...Let it RIP!"

~*~

"A second round victory goes to Bryan! I can't believe this..." The audience was appalled and afraid. Here was their hometown team winning. They should be happy! Cheering even! But everyone sat in shocked silence. If something wasn't done that kid from the other team was going to die! Killed by a weapon unseen by anyone but the bladers themselves.

~*~

The beyblades clashed again. This time Dranzer nearly knocked Bryan's blade out of the stadium. Some fans jeered and others rejoiced. Kai didn't hear any of it.

He couldn't hear any of it. The wind was defining as it continued to slice at his clothing and skin. He knew he was hurt badly but it didn't matter. He had to win and there was no other option. Not for the glory. Not for the world. Not even for his team. He had to win for a promise... A promise made long ago.

~Flashback~

It was so cold. Kai hated this place.

"Did I say to stop? Keep working! You're lucky Voltaire-sama goes easy on you!"

Kai cringed. One hundred more. His stomach hurt from hunger and however many sit-ups he had done by now. There wasn't much choice though. It was either this or impaled on a spike...The spikes would begin looking really good in a few minutes.

He looked over to the boy working next to him. His older brother would be twelve soon. Nobody else seemed to know or care.

The other boy caught his eye and gave him a weary grin before turning away.

"We'll get out of here soon. We'll become the best in the world and mom and dad will be really proud! Then we can shut down this hellhole for good. It'll be perfect. We'll be perfect. Just like they wanted." The words were just below a whisper. They'd be beaten if they were caught talking, but that was ok, Kai didn't need to hear. He already knew.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I promise. We're bustin' outta' here tonight."

~End flashback~

They both made it out. The next time they had a run-in with Biovolt his brother was shot dead but he managed to escape. There was nothing heroic about it. This was why he had escaped. Now it was over. The blades clashed one last time then shattered. Tiny fragments scattered everywhere and the crowd cheered. As if they had been collectively holding their breath to make one eruption of noise.

Kai dropped to his knees on the ground as his vision began to swim. Someone was pulling him up. Someone was talking to him. He didn't care. It was over now and old ghosts would be laid to rest.

~*~*~

CC: Well when I started writing this I had a certain pairing in mind but now it could go either way depending on my mood... Well review and tell me what you think! Do ye' spy any plot holes? *Holds up a Kai plushie* *moves it back and forth* Review...You want to review...!