Breaking a Promise

Kohari: 8 reviews for chapter 8. That is so cool. Okay, I've looked over the votes and the results are...--hand is clamped over mouth--

Max: Shh! Don't spoil it for them!

Kohari: Oh. Sorry . Max, do the disclaimer for me...please?

Max: Ko no own Beyblade. Thank you!

Kohari: Enjoy the show!

Kai: --muttering-- If it's possible.

Chapter 9

It had been a week since anyone had seen Hilary. Practices were becoming boring, and training had become a little less tough with each passing day. The only good thing about practices nowadays were that the weather was nice and the fights between Kai and Tyson were becoming less frequent.

Eventually, Kai took it upon himself to go see what was up. Was she sick? She hadn't called, written, e-mailed, anything...He was concerned for his girlfriend. Nobody noticed when he left.

The house was a little quiet. A few envelopes were stuffed into the mail slot, but the welcome mat was gone, and no lights were on. 'Duh. It's daytime,' Kai thought to himself, but something just didn't seem right.

He pressed the side of his hand against the glass of one of the windows to help him see. Looking in he saw...nothing. Well, there was a couch, that had a cover over it, and it was a little dusty, but none of the usual things. Like a TV, or a stereo...a table...nothing.

He turned his attention to the treehouse in the backyard. It was still standing. He climbed up the ladder to find a little bed. Hilary slept up here sometimes. The blankets were still there, too. On the pillow was a little piece of paper, folded and placed perfectly square in the middle.

Kai picked it up, unfolding it quietly. It read:

"Dear whichever BladeBreaker reads this,

"I'm going back to my old home. I'm sorry. I should've said something. I hope you weren't too worried about me. Or mad at me. Anyway, I'll miss you guys. You're the best.

"Hilary."

So it was true. She was gone. She had moved, not even bothering to tell them. That was a real blow to Kai. Like a knife in the back. She could've at least said good-bye.

A moving truck pulled up to the curb, interrupting his thoughts. Another thing proving him right. He jumped out of the treehouse and hopped the fence. The last thing he needed was someone reporting him as trespassing.

There was no need to tell the others. They could find out on their own. He went back to the mansion for a nap. Training, though not as intense, was still exhausting when combined with shock.

Tyson was the next to realize that someone needed to go see if she was okay. They had noticed Kai's disappearance, but his little Houdini (did I spell that right?) acts were getting old. They had grown used to them by now.

When Tyson got to Hilary's house, he peered through the dirt-covered window. Everything was different. But out of style. Like a grandmother's house or something (The moving truck had taken Hilary's stuff and another one had replaced it with another person's stuff. The house had been bought.). The treehouse in the backyard was gone.

"What'dya think ya doin', youngin'?" a voice yelled behind him, causing him to jump. He turned around for his eyes to be greeted by an old man, white hair and overalls.

"Oh. Um. My friend lives here," Tyson explained, annoyed. What business was it of his?

"Oh, no, dey don't," the geezer contradicted. "I live here. Got dat? Now scat!"

"But this is Hilary's house! Isn't it?"

The old man's face softened. He put a hand to his beard as though remembering something. "Hilary. Dat was de name o' de daughta o' de peeps dat sold me dis house." He looked at the BladeBreaker. "You one o' her teammates, ain't ya, whipper snapper?"

"Yeah. Did you know her?" Maybe there was hope. But the house was sold?

"Oh. Dat changes everythin'. She left a note in her treehouse. Here ya go. Now get offin my property."

Tyson payed no attention. He took the note and read it right on the doorstep. She was gone alright.

"So, she's gone?" he asked the new owner. He didn't want to believe it. He wanted to break down and cry. Yes, the tough guy wanted to shed some tears.

"Yep. She's gone. Now move it!" Tyson sighed and left.

The next day was hard for everyone. "She's gone?" Max asked, a little heartbroken. No, he hadn't been attached to her, but she was a good friend.

"I can't believe she didn't tell us," Ray complained. All their voices held sadness. They were scattered all over the porch, and thei faces had been littered with frowns as Tyson read the letter.

Kai remained silent. This was old news to him. But he wasn't about to let them know that. Even Kenny was sad.

"We had no idea." (Chief). Dizzi broke in the conversation.

"You may wanna check your mail, Chief," she suggested. Everyone gathered around, placing their hands on his shoulders. Kenny opened the file, and there it was. An e-mail. Sent to them all. By Hilary.

"So read it already," pressed Tyson. He was anxious to hear from her. Kenny read it out loud as the others' eyes scanned the page, following his words.

"Hey guys. What's up? I'm doing fine now. I'm sorry. I should've told you I was leaving. I hope you guys do okay without me. I miss you guys so much. I have my own reasons for moving, and for not telling you. I don't want to discuss them.

"I hope this reaches you. The new Internet connection seems faulty. Kenny, take care of them for me. You're doing great. Don't let them slack off, either. Ray, stay cool, tiger. Max, you lit up our lives with that bright smile of yours, never letting it down for even the worst of times. Tyson, you act cocky and overconfident, and can be a real jerk sometimes, but deep down, you're a great friend. Kai...I love you.

"Good luck in the tournament. Hilary."

"It's official. She's left the team." Everyone sighed. They had hoped it had all been a joke. But it didn't seem that way. All that was left to do now was train for the tournament. They gathered up their blades and went at it, but without the same passion they had had when Hilary had joined them. They would definitely miss her.

Kohari: Okay. I'm sorry for the wait. And I hope this is what you guys wanted. I'm sorry, but I can't update for about another week. Sorry. I'm busy for that time. Review for me. You guys are the best!