Phoenix

A Beyblade fanfiction

Oi, minna-sama! Here's another chapter for you! Please enjoy it!

I apologize profusely for the delay in time, especially to Raging Phoenix. No I haven't discontinued, I'm just bogged down with tons of classes. (AHHH!! NO....MORE....ESSAYS!! Hee hee...) I hope no one is too upset.

This is the last chapter of Phoenix. But to look on the bright side, the sequal, Red and Black, will be coming as soon as I have time to write it...

Standard disclaimers...blah blah...

-One Week Later-

Kai walked out of the hospital, carrying Kia in his arms. A crowd of well-wishers had gathered outside the hospital, wanting to see for their own eyes the ill-fated girl who had miraculously recovered from a seemingly lethal injury. They cheered when they saw her, some even tossing flowers towards them. Kia smiled and waved as much as her injuries allowed.

Kai brought her over to the open door of the limousine Mr. Dickenson had sent for them. (Kind man that he was, Mr. Dickenson had rented a large house for the Bladebreakers to stay until Kia recovered.) He carefully placed her down on the seat before climbing in himself, allowing the driver to close the door.

Kia sighed, leaning onto the big, fluffy pillows placed in the back specifically for her. A short note wishing her a fast and easy recovery from Mr. Dickenson had been pinned on the top pillow, along with a cuddly brown teddy bear. Hugging the cute bear to her still-bandaged chest she called, "Kai?"

"Yes, Dranzer?" he sought, sitting next to her.

"Why is everyone so concerned about me?" During her stay in the hospital, she had seen various TV reports chronicling her recovery. Kia had been amazed when Judy had handed her the giant boxful of cards and letters wishing her well; touched by the vases of flowers, stuffed animals and balloons in her room; and grateful to the many kind visitors she had. She didn't understand why they cared about the fate of one they had never even met.

"It isn't everyday that someone is willing to sacrifice their life for another's," Kai explained, "People are naturally drawn to extraordinary individuals." He kissed her hand, "I'm really glad that you are safe."

"I would have gladly died if it meant you were safe," she bowed her head, "I can't live without you, Branzer."

"Shh..." he pulled her into a loose embrace, careful of her wounds, "Everything's good now, and that's all that matters." Kai kissed her gently, "We'll always be together, I promise."

"Really?" she looked into his eyes.

"Hai," he captured her lips again, "Forever you and me."

-At the House-

Twenty minutes later found Kia sitting in a big, puffy chair while the boys hovered around her.

"Kia," Max chirped, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Max," the phoenix answered, a small smile gracing her face.

"Do you need anything?" Ray asked.

"No," she said, but paused in finishing her statement. "Actually, I would like a moment to speak with Tyson."

"For what?" Kai asked from his place behind her chair. His eyes narrowed as he regarded the blader.

"Kai," she turned to look at him, "It's okay."

Frowning, Kai reluctantly led the others out, leaving Kia and Tyson alone in the spacious living room.

"What do you want?" Tyson asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Kai was silent for a moment, as if in deep thought. I must...I must do this while I still can... She nodded to herself and stood. "Tyson," she asked, "Can you...commit yourself to another bitbeast?"

"You mean," the black-haired blader's eyes widened, "You're leaving Kai?!"

"No, no!" she shook her head. "I...it's hard to explain." She cupped her hands together, and, after a moment, a blue egg appeared in her hands.

Tyson's eyes grew to the size of saucers, "No way! You and Kai...!!!? A baby?!"

"No," Kia sighed and shook her head again. "When a bitbeast dies, or is destroyed...they're...reborn again." She looked at the large egg in her hands, "This is Dragoon."

"So you mean he's not dead?" Tyson rubbed his head, "I'm lost. I thought you killed him. Does this mean that he'll come back and try to kill you and Kai again?"

"No," the girl thought for a moment. "It's like...like there's a new Dragoon." She sighed heavily, "This one is like a baby- he needs to learn how to be a bitbeast again."

Tyson gasped quietly as he realized what she was asking of him, "You want me to...to train this new Dragoon?"

"Yes," she nodded, "It's a heavy burden. You will have to teach him everything he used to know, but keep him pure in mind. He cannot be allowed to become corrupt as he was again."

"I..." Tyson was, for once in his life, speechless.

"Will you...accept this responsibility?" Kia asked. "I know it is much to ask, but I think...you are the right one for the job."

"I accept," Tyson said, his tone serious. "And I swear to you that Dragoon will be as good as I thought he was- even better!!!"

Kia smiled, "Thank you." She handed him the egg gently. "Take care of him...for he is the future for all bitbeasts."

Tyson nodded and ran off with his new baby, anxious to share his bitbeast with the others. Kia sweat dropped when an argument about scrambled eggs popped up. She turned slightly when she heard Kai approach.

"I... made the right decision, didn't I?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," Kai pulled her against him briefly, "I think so." The bright colors of the sunset beckoned his gaze and he stepped towards the window. The two watched the beautiful scene in silence for a few moments.

"How ironic," Kia said quietly, sadly, "the sun sets as it ends..."

"It's not the end," Kai said, turning to see her, "It's just the beginning for us, for everyone." He stepped closer to draw her into his embrace, and was shocked when she stepped away. "Kia? What's wrong?"

"N-nothing," she shook her head, "Y-you're right. It's just beginning." She retreated when he again stepped closer.

"Dranzer?" he asked, "What's going on?" He backed her up against the wall and reached out, "Why won't you let me touch you?"

A tear slid from Kia's closed eyes as her beloved's hand passed right through her rapidly dissolving physical form. "Because...you can't anymore..."

"No..." he stepped back, staring at his hand. "It can't be...no." He looked up at her, pain darkening his eyes, "Why?"

"Only one of us can be..." she smiled sadly. "The only reason I stayed solid was because I kept Dragoon's egg with me. Now that I have found his new master," she held up her semi-transparent hand, "I must return to your mind."

"No!" Kai reached out to cup her face, the only solid part of her left. "I love you; isn't that reason enough for you to stay?"

Another tear slid to land on his hand, "I wish it was, but Branzer...Kai...we will always be together...I will always love you, no matter what form I take." She wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, "Forever...you and me."

"Forever..." their shared their last kiss. "Forever..." Kai muttered as Kia faded back to his mind, "You and me..." He stared out the window, just in time to watch the sun slip below the horizon. Wisps of brilliant red and vibrant orange blended slowly to the muted blues and violets of the night sky.

Just like us... Kai thought, Red and blue...can be together for too short a time.

Just like us...Dranzer's voice drifted through his mind. They are always together...and always will be.

You're right...Kai reflected a few minutes later as he walked towards the kitchen to break the news to his team. We'll be together...forever...forever you and me.

--

Owari.

--

Don't forget to review! And keep your eyes open for the sequel, Red and Black!! Coming soon to a fanfiction near you!! )

Ja mata, minna-sama!!