A/N: This here is a tripe chapter
Disclaimer: Same as in Prologue
Chapter 4
1 week later
"Grr! Kevin! When I get my hands on you!" Rei growled angrily as he launched his empty beyblade into the handmade dish on the mountains that surrounded the village. All week the Bladebreakers had trouble that went by the name of Kevin. Just last night, Kevin attempted to steal Kenny's data and had challenged Rei to a battle. And tricked the poor neko-jin who lost concentration and the White Tiger took off. Leaving a broken hearted Rei behind.
It was then and there that Rei took off towards the mountain to re-train with his beyblade. Not only that, but re-train his body and soul to except the ancient earth spirit.
The silvery beyblade went dead after a few seconds. "Damn." He cursed. Suddenly, a pink beyblade sent his flying back to him. Rei didn't even need to know who it was. "Mariah." He said neutrally. The pink haired girl landed and picked up her beyblade. She gave Rei a sad look.
"I heard about last night from Kevin." She began. Rei gave her a bitter look. "What? And you came here to yell at me?" He growled. She frowned, brown eyes flashing angrily. "That's not why I ran all the way here!" She snapped. "Why can't thing's just be the way they used to be?" She pleaded. He hesitated and looked away.
What could he tell her?
High above a world, the Gummi ship came to a halt. "I can't believe we're finally here." Riku breathed. The world was mostly covered by water but it had land and clouds. "What's the name of this world Donald?" Goofy questioned as the duck peered over the data computer. "Er-all it says it's a planet called Earth." Donald shrugged. "I'm sure all of us are excited to be here. So let's get down there and find Sora!" He said eagerly.
The glowing black mirror like portal that would lead them to a world, appeared behind them. Then all three quickly jumped through.
Mariah frowned in concern when Rei froze and glanced towards the skies with an unreadable look in his eyes. "I'm sure Lee will forgive you about the past. And don't tell me you don't miss your old team." She pleaded with him to rejoin the White Tigers. His face soften into a gentle look. "I do miss home. And I kinda miss the White Tigers-"
"I can't believe what I'm hearing!" Shouted an angry voice. Startled, both friends whirled around to see a bruised and dirty Tyson and Max stumble forward. Tyson's face was full of rage. "Maybe Kevin was right about you. Maybe you really are a traitor." He growled.
Hearing this broke Rei's heart even more. He glanced down at his feet, black hair shadowing his eyes from view.
{"Let me out..."} Hissed a voice deep within Rei.
Mariah scowled, sensing the troubled emotions from him and glared at Tyson with pure hatred. The dragon blader stepped back, surprised. "How dare you accuse Rei like that you jerk!" She yelled at him.
"I know with all my heart that Rei is no traitor. Not to us nor to you!" She cried. Rei looked up sharply, his yellow eyes wide with shock. "Mariah..." He whispered. She held out her Gaulx beyblade. "I challenge you to a fight Tyson!" She snarled. "You're on." Tyson mocked. Mariah was about to talk when a strong hand placed itself gently on her shoulder. She looked up into Rei's icy slitted eyes. "I'll fight him Mariah." He said quietly. Mariah frowned, something was different about him.
But what?
"Are you sure you wanna do that Rei?" Max asked curiously. For one thing, Rei would be at a disadvantage. For without Driger, there was no way Rei could beat Dragoon. Right? Rei smiled eerily. "Don't worry Mariah, I'll be fine." He assured the worried younger girl, and ignoring Max.
"I'm not gonna take it easy on you Rei." Tyson sneered. Rei just gave a nasty grin, allowing his fangs to be easily seen. "Just the way I like it." He said nastily.
3...2..1...Let er rip!
"Go Dragoon!" Tyson yelled eagerly. Dragoon happily began to launch in his hurricane attack. Rei was calm as the wind picked up, lifting all four teen's hair up wildly. "Finish it." Rei instructed. Tyson gasped as the silver beyblade's attack ring pulsed with a soft golden light. The hurricane was ripped by an invisible creature. Dragoon was sent flying. And the winner was Rei. Max stared in shock.
"H-how?" He stuttered.
"Simple. Before he got Driger, Rei was the best in our entire village." Mariah said gleefully. Rei quietly picked up his still spinning beyblade. Who should he stay with? The White Tigers? Or the Blade Breakers? The White Tigers took Beyblading seriously. But the Bladebreakers saw it as fun and not a way of life. He turned around to see three eagerly awaiting teens, and he gave a small smile. "I've made my decision Mariah. I'm staying with the Bladebreakers." He announced. Mariah felt her heart break.
"Mariah." Growled a low voice. Both Mariah and Rei flinched slightly as they turned around. "Lee." Mariah said uneasily. "What are you doing here with this traitor?" Lee hissed, glaring at Rei with disgust and hatred. "Watch it buddy." Tyson snapped, glaring at Lee with just as much dislike. Rei shifted on his feet, a feeling of unease quickly over came him.
They were being watched.
But, by who?
A gleam coming off of something in the distance, caught Rei's attention. The neko-jin blader looked up sharply.
Yellow eyes met ruby red.
And that was when Rei realized that the red eyes belonged to the beings Maleficent had summoned to kill him. And he also realized that the creature (or was that creatures?) was aiming what he thought was an arrow at Lee. "Lee! Look out!" Rei yelled suddenly.
Lee grunted as strong arms shoved him down to the hard ground. But, just as he was ready to yell at Rei, he heard Rei's sudden cry of pain. Mariah gave a terrified shriek as Rei collapsed to his knees, clutching his right shoulder, hissing in pain. Lee scrambled to his feet just in time to see a pure crystallized black arrow quivering deep in Rei's right shoulder. An eerie thick black liquid dripped from the wound, and down Rei's shoulder in streams. The liquid had the most unusual blue sheen.
Blood.
"Come Mariah." Lee said swallowing thickly, not looking at his wounded former friend. Mariah glanced at Rei but reluctantly followed Lee down the mountain side. "Rei!" Max squeaked in fear. "That's it. I'm calling Kenny." Tyson yelped and yanked out a small white cell phone and dialed their hotel room. Luckily, Kenny picked it up on the first ring.
["Hello?"] Tyson gave a relieved smile. "Hey Chief, we need you and Kai to get out here ASAP." Tyson instructed. ["Why? What happened?"] Kenny asked frantically. Tyson glanced at Rei with a sicken look. "Rei's been hurt real bad and he needs medical attention." ["Hold on. Kai just walked in."] Tyson heard the two talk and then Kenny spoke back into the phone. ["We'll be there as soon as we can. If he's hurt really bad, keep him awake. We don't want him falling asleep."] Kenny ordered and hung up.
Tyson clicked the phone off and faced his friends. "Alright. They should be here soon." He said warily. About half an hour later, Kai and Kenny arrived. Kenny was carrying a first aid kit. Both boy's eyes grew wide with shock.
Kenny knelt at Rei's side and opened the kit to reveal bandages and other things. "This may hurt a bit." He warned. And without warning, yanked the arrow from Rei's shoulder. An inhuman yelp left Rei's lips as it was removed. "Take of your vest." Kenny continued. Rei gingerly removed his stained clothing so Kenny could bandaged the gapping hole. While this was happening, Kai picked up the arrow, inspecting it.
"This kind of arrow shouldn't exist." He said in a dangerous tone. "What do you mean?" Max asked curiously, walking over. "There shouldn't be crystallized arrows. It's impossible." Kai said grimily.
Kai tensed when the arrow burst into dust in his hand. "All done." Kenny announced. They turned around to see Rei slipping his bloodstained clothes over his bandaged shoulder. "I don't know how you're gonna be able to battle tomorrow." Kenny said worriedly. Kai frowned. "He isn't." He said coldly.
Rei blinked. Is it just me, or does Kai actually have a heart? He mused. "Rei, this team mainly functions on honesty. Now, can you tell us what's going on?" Kenny asked slowly. Rei didn't answer. "Well?" Tyson asked.
Silence only greeted them.
Riku blinked as a wave of intense pain washed over his shoulder before briefly fading away. "Is something wrong Riku?" Donald asked, after they exited the ship. They were standing on the roof top of a huge mansion. And in the distance, Goofy could make out the faint outline of a tall tower. "I'm not sure." Riku mumbled.
The trio had landed in Paris France.
Riku looked up towards the afternoon sun. "Don't worry Sora. We'll find you before Ansem does." He whispered. "I promise."
Rei's head snapped up and he looked around, curiously. "What is it Rei?" Tyson asked in concern, about an hour after coming back to the hotel. Rei shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "Don't worry Tyson. It's nothing." The neko-jin promised.
When the dragon blader looked away, Rei's eyes grew misty. Did I really just hear Riku? For a second, he swore he heard his Islander friend's voice. But he couldn't have heard them.
Could he?
Chapter 5
The gang didn't have a match that day, but they had went to see the match that the White Tigers had. Only to see Lee unleash the Tiger Claw attack through Galleon. Much to Rei's anger. "That's Rei's bit beast!" Max yelled, when Lee revealed that he would be getting Driger and not Rei.
"That white tiger should've been mine. Not that filthy traitor!" Lee snarled. Rei's eyes thinned into slits as his rage grew. "I'll make you a deal. Whoever wins the Asian Tournament gets to keep Driger." Lee mocked.
"And it will be me."
"Watch yourself Lee." Rei growled, a venomous tone was detected in his voice.
What was going on between the two?
SNORE
Rei winced and rubbed his sensitive ears. "Jeeze. Does he have to be that loud?" He grumbled, giving the snoring Tyson a dirty look. Kenny glanced at the clock. "We better hurry. Or we'll be disqualified from the match today." He warned.
"Don't worry. I'll stay behind and make sure Tyson wakes up. We'll catch you on the next bus to the arena." Rei assured them. "Good luck!" Max said, waving as the other Bladebreakers left the two behind. Rei was thoughtful. How to wake Tyson? Then he got a wicked grin. Rei ran into the bathroom and filled a bucket full of cold water and put some ice into it. And with a snicker, dumped the contents onto Tyson.
Tyson woke up with a loud yell. "Get up or we'll be late." Rei said, still snickering. Glaring at Rei, Tyson dressed into dry clothes and the two friends headed onto a bus that would take them to the arena.
About halfway there, Rei's eyes flashed a hellish red before settling on their normal yellow hue. "Put your seatbelt on." He whispered. Tyson was confused. But, before he could do anything, the bus gave a tremendous lurch before stopping. "What was that?!" Tyson cried, rubbing his throbbing head. Rei undid his seatbelt and quickly scrambled outside.
Tyson was then treated to a rare sight of Rei leaping onto the bus roof and glanced forward. "Well?" The dragon called.
"It seems it was a landslide." Rei mused and then took a quick look to their right and smiled. Tyson did not like that smile one bit. "What is it?" He asked warily. "There's a shortcut leading over the mountain to the arena that we can take." Rei answered happily. "How long is it?" Tyson asked flatly. "Only ten K."
Cue outburst in 5...4...3...2...1...
"WHAT?!" Tyson shrieked.
Rei gave Tyson a seriously nasty look. "Ow. You mind not screaming? I can hear you perfectly fine." He snapped. "Sorry." Tyson said sheepishly. "Come on." Rei called, leaping from rock to rock. Tyson was panting and he was barely able to keep up!
The older teen stopped and turned to face Tyson in concern. Tyson was wheezing while Rei was hardly breathing heavily at all. "You sure you can keep this up?" He asked. "I'm fine!" Tyson waved him off. The neko-jin froze, hearing a loud rumble coming from above them. "Another landslide!" Tyson cried.
Rei swore loudly in Madrian when he saw a particularly huge boulder heading for his friend. "Look out Tyson!" Rei yelled, and he pushed the smaller boy out of the way. Tyson grunted when some of the rocks slammed into his back. But, the boulders passed over him harmlessly.
However, at the arena, the two Bladebreakers were trying to stall so that Rei and Tyson could arrive. Suddenly, Mr Dickenson ran up to Kai, Max and Kenny, breathing hard. "There's been a landslide..." He wheezed. Kai paled.
Back on the mountains, the dust just settled and Tyson took that as his cue to look up. The blue haired teen paled when he saw that Rei was clutching his right ankle. It was twisted funny and was swollen.
"I shot my ankle." He groaned. "Listen Tyson," he pointed to the path that lead straight. "Just keep going down this path and you'll make it in time for the match." Tyson shook his head. "No way I'm leaving you here man." He told Rei. Tyson then helped Rei to stand and the two limped off for the arena. What they failed to see was a bright green light shooting from the skies and jumping into Rei's body.
Rei?Rei paled. /Driger? Is that you?/ Rei asked slowly. Yes. And I'm sorry for leaving you like that...what happened to you?Driger asked slowly. Rei hesitated.
/There was two landslides. Tyson would've gotten seriously injured by the second one so I pushed him out of the way and I think I sprained my ankle./ Rei answered, bracing for the yell. WHAT?!
In the arena, Max was hesitant to continue battling, but a snarling Kai ordered the blond to finish it and ended in a draw. Kai took round two and won easily. Unfortunately, they were in big trouble for round three.
"Who's next?" Wheezed a familiar voice. The worried Bladebreakers and Mr Dickenson whirled around to see a battered and bruised Rei and Tyson standing there. Rei was limping slightly and both were covered in dirt and grime. Max saw why Rei was limping and helped the older teen to the bench.
"It's your turn Tyson." Kenny told his friend who nodded.
Up in the stands, Mariah noticed that Kevin came back in late. But why? Kevin saw that Tyson and Rei had arrived and scowled. "Damn. I thought those landslides would've worked." He grumbled. "Oops." He looked uneasily at a red faced Mariah who spent the remaining third round yelling at Kevin for such a horrible prank. Even Lee gave Kevin a lecture. Tyson won the round in under three seconds!
"Yes!" Max cheered.
"Still no signs of Driger." Kenny said glumly that very same night. "There's no way we're letting Lee get a hold of Driger." Tyson said angrily. Max looked over to where Rei was. Rei had his ankle propped up on a pillow, and he was looking at his beyblade with an unreadable look. "What is it Rei?" Max asked curiously.
Rei looked up and gave a warm smile. And held up his silvery white beyblade. The gang saw a familiar white tiger in golden armor etched onto the bit. Tyson grinned, realizing what it was.
"Driger's back." Rei announced softly.
"That's great Rei!" Max said happily. He was pleased for his friend that Driger was back to where he belonged. "Anyway, you should turn in early Rei." Kenny advised. Rei chuckled and stood up slowly, making sure not to put weight on his bad ankle. "Alright. I'll see you guys in the morning." He said with a smile. "Night Rei." They called. Rei limped to his futon and before he fell asleep, his ankle was covered in a very soft green light before he closed his eyes for a nice peaceful sleep.
"...so....Kairi's homeworld is out there somewhere, right?" Rei looked around wildly. He was floating in an endless blue sky. He glanced down to see three kids; two boys and a girl, sitting comfortably on a tree branch with unusual fruit on it. Rei recognized them to be the younger versions of him, Kairi and Riku.
"Could be. We'll never know by staying here." Riku mused, arms crossed over his chest. Kairi giggled. "Hee, suppose you get to another world," she giggled. "What would you do there?" She asked. "I haven't really thought about it." Riku said quietly. "But, I've always wondered why we're here on this island. If there are other worlds out there, why did we end up on this one? I mean, we could've easily just as ended up somewhere else right?" Rei saw his younger self shrug. "I dunno."
Riku rolled his eyes. "Exactly." He muttered. "You've been thinking about this a lot lately, haven't you?" Kairi asked gently. Riku smiled at her, the younger soon-to-be Keymaster scowled. "All thanks to you. If you hadn't come here I'd probably never thought of any of this. So thanks Kairi." Kairi grinned. "You're welcome."
Above, Rei saw tendrils of black mists rising from the sand and wrapping itself around Riku's heart, turning it dark. Kairi's heart shone with an inner light, keeping the darkness at bay. But the darkness entered his younger self's heart turning it grey. He was already lost. Neither of the light nor of the darkness. But somewhere in between. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks.
They knew.
The Heartless knew the whole time.
Rei sat up, in a rush. You okay?Driger asked sleepily. Rei brushed a hand over his chest. /I'm not sure Driger./ He said quietly. Sensing trouble in the teen's voice, all sleep left the tiger spirit's voice and he was completely serious.
Nightmare?Rei shook his head. /No. More like a memory./ Came the whispered reply. Rei glanced out to the rising sun.
When the Heartless arrived, he'd be ready for them.
Chapter 6
Bladebreakers vs. White Tigers
Today was the finals. It would be the Japanese Bladebreakers verus the home team the White Tigers. Max stood up to the dish nervously. He would be facing Gary. On the sideline, Rei had his eyes closed and arms crossed, and pretty much keeping silent. "You can do it Max!" Tyson cheered. "Everybody ready?" Jazzman yelled.
3...2...1...Let er rip!
Both beyblades clashed furiously in the handmade beydish. One red and the other a dark forest green. "Do you think Max can win chief?" Tyson asked worriedly. "I'm not sure Tyson." Kenny said softly. "Come on Draciel!" Max yelled as his bit gave off a soft purplish glow. Gary frowned, not wanting to be outdone and called out his own bit beast. "Galzzy!" He rumbled.
Gary's bit began to glow an eerie red as a massive grizzly bear rose from it. Max stared in shock. "That's Gary's bit beast?!" Tyson demanded. Rei opened his eyes, and there was an usual gleam in those yellow orbs. "I'll admit that I'm impressed." Kai admitted, turning to Rei who was frowning.
"Is it as powerful as it seems?" Rei's frown deepened. "Let's just say I'm glad I'm not in Max's shoes right now." Said the ex-White Tiger.
"Finish him off Galzzy!" Gary ordered. No! Max was panicking. He was going to loose the match. The red beyblade leapt into the air and crashed down not only on Max's beyblade, but Gary ended up destroying the entire beydish. Sending it to collapse on Max's beyblade. And even more unfortunate was that Gary's beyblade remained spinning while Draciel had stopped.
Gary won the first round.
Max frantically searched through the rubble and finally picked up his battered beyblade. You did your best Draciel. He thought sadly and blinked as a strong hand was held outward towards him. The younger teen looked up into Gary's grinning face.
"That was a good match Max. I hope we can be friends." Max laughed and shook Gary's hand. Rei shook his head and smiled. /Always like Gary to be so forgiving./ He told Driger with a chuckle. Driger just snickered loudly.
Mariah went up next as the BBA replaced the ruined dish with a brand new one. Silently, Rei stood up and faced her. "Don't you dare hold back Rei." Mariah ordered. Emotionless yellow eyes just watched, but he said nothing.
3...2...1...Let er rip!
One pink and the other a silvery white, clashed and repelled each other in the beydish. Mariah scowled. For some reason, it felt like Rei wasn't even fighting at all. Almost as if he was letting her win. She shook her head angrily. "I don't want to fight like this Rei!" She cried. He glanced at her. Well, at least she caught his attention. "I don't want to deal with this new you, but I want the old Rei back! My friend!" Rei's yellow eyes widen slightly. Mariah... he thought.
For some reason, a tiny smile played on his lips and the White Tigers were reminded of the old Rei. The one who was gentle and always battled fiercely with a smile. "I'm sorry for holding back Mariah. But, I won't do it anymore." He teased. Mariah's eyes widen before she grinned happily. Then his eyes slitted down.
"DRIGER!" He roared out. "GALUX!" Mariah yelled out. From the pink beyblade, a ferocious leopard rose and from the silvery beyblade came a roaring white tiger.
"CAT SCRATCH/TIGER CLAW- "
"ATTACK!"
They both yelled out at the same time. A bright pink and green light lit up the stadium. And when everyone could see again, Mariah's beyblade had gone still while Rei's kept spinning like no tomorrow.
Rei won!
"You did it!" Tyson cheered happily. Rei smiled shyly as he caught his beyblade with fluid grace. Mariah smiled secretly to herself. As long as he's happy, then so am I. She thought, pleased. But she knew in her heart, it would take Lee a long time to forgive Rei for his actions. "Alright Tyson, you're up." Kenny announced. "You did a really good job." Max told Rei as the elder teen sat back down. "Thanks." Rei said shyly.
When Lee and Tyson faced off, the former White Tiger could actually feel Lee's hate and anger from where he was sitting. Rei watched his friend sadly. Oh Lee, why can't things just be the way they used to be? Rei wondered sadly. Even though he appeared calm on the outside, inside was truly another story.
Since Rei was half a Heartless, any dark emotions like hate and greed would arouse the demon within him. And right now, Rei was fighting the urge to destroy. Like it was for all Heartless.
Unfortunately, the lion spirit and the dragon spirit were equal in strength and speed. "I can't believe it ended in a draw." Kenny said angrily. "So, who'll fight in the death session?" Max asked uneasily. Still fighting his urges, Rei stood up with his bangs shadowing his eyes. "I will." Rei said with a growl. "Are you sure?" Tyson questioned. Rei gave an ever so slight nod. "Yes."
Lee scowled when Rei, with his eyes still shadowed, stepped up to the arena. "Don't think you're gonna win traitor." He hissed. Just for a second, Lee caught a glimpse of Rei's eyes. They were glittering like two ruby red jewels. "That is for Fate to decide Lee." Rei said through clenched teeth as the two got into position.
3...2...1...Let er rip!
The black and silver beyblades clashed furiously. "Why did you leave our village Rei?" Lee demanded angrily. If one payed attention, you could hear the hurt and betrayal in his voice.
"Where we not good enough for you?!" Rei sighed and glanced at him with pained yellow eyes. "I didn't have much of a choice." Rei whispered. "I had to leave to keep you all safe." Then his eyes harden. "DRIGER!" He roared in a much deeper than normal voice.
"TIGER VULCAN CLAW ATTACK!" He ordered.
Before Lee could even blink at the announcement of this new attack, a huge beam of green energy shot from the bit within Rei's beyblade, going straight through the roof. People only stared in shock as debris fell and smoke filled the arena.
Coughing, Lee looked around frantically. How the hell did he get so strong? He took a quick look to the stunned Bladebreakers. Could it be because of them? He wondered. "And the winner of this match is Rei!" Came Jazzman's surprised voice.
WHAT?!
Lee looked forward and gasped. His beyblade had gone completely still while Rei's kept spinning. And the spinning beyblade flew into Rei's hand. Lee picked up his own and stared at it. Maybe grandpa was right. I should've been able to control my temper. That's why I wasn't chosen to have Driger. Rei watched Lee with a neutral look, wondering what was going through the fifteen year old's head.
"You did it Rei!" Tyson called out. "We won the Asian Tournament!" Max said eagerly.
Hm?
Rei looked up to see that Lee held out his hand, in an offer of friendship. "I'm sorry for accusing you of being a traitor. I should've trusted you more. Are we still friends?" Rei grinned, showing that he was not upset in the least. "We never stopped being friends." He said warmly, shaking the hand, renewing their friendship. Mariah tackled Rei into a hug, which made Rei's cheeks take on a rosy pink hue. "Glad to have you back Rei." She happily. "I'm sorry for that landslide Rei." Kevin said guiltily. Rei just smiled at Kevin. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean it." Kevin grinned, glad that his idol wasn't too angry. Hearing all this, started to make the four Bladebreakers envy of the friendship that the White Tigers held with their friend and teammate.
Rei tilted his head, an icy cold feeling washing over him and he shivered. "Are you okay?" Mariah asked worriedly, touching his arm. She quickly drew back however when she realized how cold he was. "You're as cold as ice!" She cried. No one else saw the nine pairs of glittering red eyes watching the two teams from the shadows. Rei frowned. It was those demons that Maleficent had created a few weeks ago to destroy him. But, he couldn't let his friends get hurt because of him! What to do?
Swipe
Yikes! Rei swiftly moved to the left, in order to avoid getting hit by a second crystallized arrow. The two teams simply stared at the arrow that was imbedded deep into the rocky beydish, still quivering. Lee had never seen Rei move that fast before. But, Rei did not come out of this unharmed.
A long, thin scratch appeared on his right arm, drawing forth his black blood. Rei's lips curled slightly. "Damn." He swore under his breath. "Are you okay?" Max asked worriedly. Rei waved him off, even though blood was dribbling down his right arm. "I'm fine. Just a scratch." He muttered.
Just what was with Rei?
Chapter 7
Flashback
Rei had been confronted by the other White Tigers before he had headed off to the hotel. "What is it?" Rei asked politely. The four friends shifted nervously. "You, see...uh..." Lee trailed off. "We want to know if we can come with you guys for support!" Kevin blurted out. Rei blinked before breaking out into a full blown grin. "It's alright with me as long as it's alright with Mr Dickenson and the village elder."
It was by some miracle that the White Tigers were given permission to come. Much to the anger of Tyson and Kai.
End Flashback
That of course had been two weeks ago, and now both teams along with Mr Dickenson and Tyson's crazy grandfather, headed to America for the American Tournament. Upon arriving, Mr Dickenson arranged a tour at a BBA faculty in New York City.
However, they ran into a very pretty blond woman with familiar sapphire eyes. She was wearing a purple headband and a purple dress suit and purple shoes while wearing a white jacket. She was Dr Judy Tate.
"Mom!" Max said happily, hugging her tightly. The woman blinked in shock. "Maxie?" She questioned. Mr Dickenson smiled. "There you are Judy. Kids, Dr Judy here trains the American BBA team." The old man explained. Rei raised an eyebrow. Now, who was keeping secrets from who?
"Of course. Follow me." Along the way, they ran into a young girl about fourteen with wavy light orange hair and sharp prussian blue eyes. She wore a yellow and green tee-shirt, a green plated skirt, white tennis shoes. And like Judy, she wore a white lab coat. Judy called her 'Emily'.
"And this is where we train our Bladers to handle any kind of situation." Judy said proudly, letting them enter what appeared to be some sort of lab. All around the room was a number of machines and in front was a very large screen that covered half the wall. An eerie feeling filled Rei and he shifted nervously on his feet. "I got a bad feeling you guys." He muttered. "You're be a little paranoid." Kenny scoffed, drooling over the machinery in the room.
At this, the White Tigers grew tense. Whenever Rei gets one of those feelings, he's usually right, Lee thought uneasily. Mariah placed a calm hand on Rei's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll be careful." She whispered to him.
He gave a slight nod at her words. No one saw the small smile on Judy's face, nor the button that Emily pressed on a nearby console. But, everyone in the lab clearly heard the four Bladebreakers, minus Kenny, and the White Tiger's surprised yells as the ground beneath all eight gave a way, and they fell through a secret shaft. And all eight were instantly knocked unconscious.
Kenny whirled around in shock. "What the-?!" He cried. "What'd you do with them?" Grandpa Granger demanded angrily, all traces of his humor was gone from his voice. Even Mr Dickenson was stunned.
"Please wake up Rei!" Cried Mariah's voice. Rei groaned softly. Why did her voice sound so far away. His eyes slowly fluttered open. For a second, everything was blurry before sharpening into clarity as he stood up in a rush.
Big mistake.
Dizziness washed over him, he shook his head to clear it and looked around carefully. They were standing on a warm tropical beach with crystal clear blue water lapping at their feet. Behind them was a massive tropical forest. "How did we get here?" Asked Kevin. Lee glared murderously at Max. "This is all your mother's fault!" He snarled. Rei frowned. It can't be... he thought, paling slightly.
But it was.
Destiny Islands.
"Well, wherever we are, it sure is beautiful." Mariah whispered, looking around in awe. "I'll say." Tyson agreed.
Hm.
"Say, who's that guy out there in the water?" Gary asked suddenly. Rei looked up and his eyes widen in shock. Standing in knee deep water, was a strangely clad and familiar (only to Rei) teenager. Clad in a sleeveless black tee-shirt with splashes of yellow mixed in, and apparently baggy dark blue pants, stood a silver haired teenager around the age of Mariah and Lee.
Rei took a step forward just as the teenager turned around to greet them with almond shape aquamarine eyes. The teen held out a black gloved hand. "Rei?" Tyson asked fearfully as Rei continued to make his way forward, and that was when everything went to hell.
The water behind the teen rose up and up into the air, before crashing sickeningly onto them. "Rei!" They screamed. Underwater, the teen still held out his hand and Rei struggled to grasp it, only to surface for air. Kai swam out and helped Rei to the shore. Rei shivered violently as they demanded questions. "What the hell were you thinking Kon?" Kai snarled.
Mariah glared at him as she tried to stop Rei's shivers. Still scowling, she glanced towards the skies and paled. "G-guys, l-l-look!" She stuttered. Still shivering, Rei followed her gaze and he froze.
Falling from the skies, it appeared to be falling stars. "A meteor shower?" Max asked in confusion. "Is that even possible in a simulation?" He continued. "Something else is falling..." Lee said fearfully. Also falling from the skies was a rather large and apparently heavy object. And it was falling fast. "My god. It's you Rei..." Mariah squeaked in terror.
It was Rei.
Rei gasped softly as he began to fall backwards. Now, he was the one falling from the skies. His eyes opened and he was looking right up into his friends terrified face. He saw their mouths move but no sound came out as he fell even faster. He reached out, as if to grab their hands, but it was no use.
Rei closed his eyes as his body hit the water and sank to a watery grave.
Outside, Kenny was not very happy with the events. "Where is he?!" He yelled furiously at Judy, who was trying to figure out what had happened. "Emily, end the simulation. Now." She ordered. Emily typed furiously and paled. "I can get the others out, but not Rei." She said weakly. "There's also one more thing." Kenny, Judy, Grandpa Granger and Mr Dickenson looked at her worriedly. "What is it?" Judy asked grimily. Emily swallowed thickly before answering.
"The safety protocol has been turned off."
Lee could only stare in shock as Rei's body plunged into the ocean, never to be seen again. "Rei..." He whispered. Tears streamed down Mariah's face. "No! Rei!" She wailed, sobbing. Suddenly, and without warning, their surroundings faded before being replaced by an empty white room. That was when Judy's voice blared over an intercom.
"Are you kids alright?" She asked worriedly. Max looked into his mothers worried blue ones and he burst into tears.
"Rei's gone."
{"Wake up, key bearer."} Whispered a harsh voice. Rei's eyes flew open and he looked around wildly. He was floating in an endless sea of purplish black mist. "Who's there?!" He demanded.
"Show yourself!"
{"You already know who I am, Sora."} Rei's eyes widen in shock. How could this voice know his real name?! There was a raspy laugh and the voice spoke once more, still inside his head. {"You still haven't figure it out, have you?"} It asked, chuckling. {"Then, I'll show you."}Rei watched in shock as a figure emerged out.
"No..." He whispered, struggling to move back. The being grinned a nasty smile, causing Rei to shiver. "It can't be..." {"Oh, but it is Sora. It is."}
It was him.
His shadow really.
The shadow looked exactly like his true form. Same spiky wild hair, and his old island outfit. The one piece jumpsuit, a thin belt around the waist, fingerless gloves, the same tee-shirt jacket with a hood, the same one size too big shoes, and even his three pointed crown chains.
His shadow laughed cruelly, solid yellow eyes glowing, evilly. {"Don't you even remember, Sora?"} Rei blinked, confused. {"Back in Hallow Bastion when you sacrificed your life for Kairi's,"} Rei's pupils dilated down into nothing. Stunned, soulless yellow eyes watched the Shadow Sora without a trace of emotion.
Shadow Sora laughed again, eyes gleaming. {"Yessss Sora. I was born the moment you inserted the dark Keyblade in to your own heart."} Rei shook his head furiously. Lies. It had to be lies. But, maybe this was why he always felt a strong link to Ansem the moment he had been restored to his human body by Kairi?
A link to the darkness...
Was he really the one meant to destroy the outer worlds? He hoped not. Rei looked up sharply, hearing Shadow Sora's soft cackles and a feeling of dread settled in the white tiger blader. The shadow tilted its head and grinned, revealing a whole set of razor sharp teeth. {"A little something to remember me by..."} Rei didn't say anything, but he jerked back slightly, feeling an overwhelming pain in his chest.
Dumbly, he looked down and his eyes widen. Clawed hand surrounded by black mist, was jammed right through his heart! He looked up with pained eyes. Just as his shadow ripped his clawed hand out, he leaned forward and whispered into Rei's ear;
{"You belong to me..."} He hissed.
It was Max who spotted Rei first. He was simply standing there, in the middle of the simulation room, eyes shadowed by his wildly spiked black hair. He frowned. Something seemed...off about him. He shrugged it off. At least he was okay.
Suddenly, Rei began to sway dangerously on his feet. He lifted his head ever so slightly and looked at them with soulless yellow eyes. They flashed briefly into an unusual color. A strange pale bluish white color. Then he collapsed sickeningly onto the ground. Kai swore he saw eerie purplish black mists rising off Rei's skin as everyone rushed into the room to help him.
Judy checked for a pulse and found one. Weak, albeit alive. "Get a medic in here!" She cried. "Now." Emily nodded and raced out of the room. Soon, she returned with the building's local doctor.
The doctor then told everyone the bitter news. Somehow, Rei's heart had almost given out on him. Not to mention he had slipped into a light coma. He could be in it for a few hours, days or even weeks. The White Tigers then chose to stay with Rei while the other Bladebreakers would work on winning the American Tournament.
It was day five of the Tournament and the finals, when Lee noticed something about Rei. "Say, doesn't he look different to you guys?" He asked suddenly. Mariah blinked and inspected Rei's sleeping form a bit closely and realized that Lee was indeed correct.
Rei's skin was a lot lighter than it used to be. Not to mention his proud ebony hair held some blood red streaks in the spikes. Suddenly, Rei moaned and he stirred. "Hey, I think he's waking up!" Kevin said excitedly. They waited patiently for Rei to open his shimmering yellow orbs. But were stunned to see the shade of his eyes.
They were no longer yellow.
But a pale bluish white.
Next set of chapters is coming up.....