Breaking a Promise

Chapter 15

Hilary opened her eyes, sure that it was because she was worried. After all, the finals were tomorrow, with the BladeBreakers, and, more than likely, she'd have to go up against...Kai. She really didn't want to, but then again, she didn't want anyone else to, either. And she was certain that they, too, were not exactly looking forward to sunrise.

She glanced out the open window, the semi-transparent white curtains fluttering gracefully in the evening breeze. She wasn't sure what time it was, but it was dark enough to safely assume that it wasn't about to be daylight.

She slipped out from under the covers, quietly, and pulled on some normal clothes. There was something she felt like she needed to do. She wasn't even sure why she was doing it. It was a little ridiculous, in her opinion, especially since she didn't fully know what she herself was planning anyway.

Stealthily, she snatched up Battle Lynx and climbed in and through the window, being sure to leave a diversion in case she didn't return on time. She had done this kind of thing before, sneaking out in the middle of the night. It only took a few pillows to gain some time. This practice had been perfected after many late-night strolls with...him. She silently thanked him for that, at least.

Yeah, she remembered those days. Evenings. Place a few pillows in a convincing shape with a doll or something as the head, and jump out the window. Show up downstairs in the morning, acting like you had woken up way early and shrug it off. She really did not miss those times.

She hopped, landing as noiselessly as possible on her feet in the wet grass. 'Note to self: Tell Dad he needs to mow the lawn.' Getting one last glimpse of her parents' room, as well as hers, to make sure that no one had noticed, she ran off.

Hilary could feel Battle Lynx in her pocket, shifting around and warming up to her body. It had been so long since she had last snuck out, that she felt like she was new to this. Even pros get like that sometimes, she guessed.

The city lights in the distance were gorgeous, calling her, attracting her like a moth to the flame. But she resisted. She had the urge to go for some private practice in the stadium, it wasn't forbidden, but it wasn't where she needed to be. She knew where she was headed, and nothing would divert her from her path.

Luckily, the hotel was closer to the suburbs area than the city limits itself. Otherwise, she probably wouldn't have entertained the thought of coming. Too much attention. Not a good thing. Kind of like too much chocolate making you sick. Too much attention made you want to hurl. Plus, someone was bound to know who she was and what she was up to. If word got to Kitten...she shuddered. Not good.

Which one was it? She scanned the windows, looking at the shadows moving around behind the curtains. Many of the rooms' lights were out. It was probable that the one she was searching for was, too.

Her hunch was correct. On a balcony on the third (and highest) floor, someone thrust open the curtains and opened the outside door, stepping out soundlessly and closing the sliding door in a similar manner. The figure took the few steps to the rail and leaned his elbows against it, allowing his arms to hang over the side, letting his eyes gaze at the star-filled sky. Hilary would recognize that hair style and manner anywhere. She had come to the right place.

She had never thought much of this hotel in the first place. Not exactly 5-star. But...it wasn't her decision to make. And they probably had a tight budget. Not to mention no reporter ever wandered into this area. This was gang territory. BeyKats territory.

After some short minutes, he went back inside, careful not to wake his teammates. She knew this place like the back of her hand. A former teammate's father owned this place. His daughter had gone away to live with her mother shortly before Hilary herself had left. Kind of like the position Max was in. Max...she admitted it, she kind of missed her team. Kai more than anything else. And she would find a way to get to him.

Softly, she went in the back way, and took the dingy stairs to the third floor. She remembered the position of the room from the outside, so it would be somewhere...here. Room 312.

She debated knocking on the door, and decided better of it. No. It wasn't worth it. She hadn't come here to see the entire team. The enemy. She shouldn't even be here in the first place. She turned to leave, finding herself face to face with none other than Kai.

"I thought you'd come," he answered her unasked question. "I don't know how, but I knew." Hilary smiled. That saved her some trouble...and got her into a lot more.

Kai started toward the stairs to the rooftop, and Hilary, not understanding why she was doing this, followed. This was ludicrous.

When they reached the top, Hilary noticed the beydish that had been placed there when the aforementioned former teammate had arrived here. This had been their favorite practice spot...

"Why are you here?" Kai demanded. His voice wasn't one of suspicion, fury, harshness, regret, or anything for that matter. Just an inquiry.

"To see you," she answered truthfully. It was silent for a moment. Hilary perceived for the first time that they were on opposite sides of the dish. "Look, I don't want to fight."

"And you think I do?" he retaliated. She spent a few seconds pondering this, allowing her eyes to fall. "Why'd you leave us, Hilary?"

She looked up. Why had she left? Because she was afraid. Because she was afraid she was breaking her promise, afraid of loving him, afraid of...love itself. "I don't know."

"Of course you do, or you wouldn't have left," came the response. He was wise beyond his years. That was a quality that many would envy, though not the methods of getting that talent. It takes pain to grow up.

"Look, I don't, okay?!" she threw back at him, keeping her voice down. He didn't say anything, and it made her nervous. "Alright. You want the truth? I ran away because I had to. I had to get away. Away from..." This was going to tear her apart. "Away from you."

Still he maintained his tranquil and silent attitude. "I admit it, I love you," she spit out. "And I don't need to. I can't. Not after what happened last time." She felt tears coming to her eyes. She remembered when she was younger, after she had been hurt by...we all know who...she had cried for a days on end when no one was watching, and Kitten had caught her. 'Never cry. Never shed tears for a boy. They're not worth that. Stay strong. For the team. Understand?' She could be so caring.

"Maybe that's why...I CAN'T!" she hissed at him. Still, he said nothing. It hurt her, in a way. "And I don't want to fight!"

Finally, he spoke. "That's what you really think?"

"Yes," she said hesitantly.

"So you think all men are alike? That we're all out to get you?" How to answer that? "It doesn't matter." He started to walk past her, barely missing her shoulder. When he was almost to the doorway, she called out his name, and he looked back.

"I love you," she whispered. He gave her a slight smile.

"I know." And she was left alone. She fell to her knees and her hair cascaded over her shoulders and hid her face. Her hands covered her eyes, and she cried.