Journeys
Disclaimer: Don't own the Beyblade characters. Jaco and Kiara are mine, as well as the plot.
"Talking"
"Thinking"
Kai stood in awe. The other boy was sitting in the bed. Amber eyes stared into his crimson ones. He almost frowned as he watched them darken, making it seem like he was staring at a river of burning lava rather than the eyes of his friend. Ray broke eye contact with him, he looked down at his arms. Kai's gaze followed his as it took in the black stripes that made intricate and mystifying patterns on the tanned skin. Kai moved to take a look at his back. It was still there. Kai's eyes took in the design. How could he have missed it all these years. It was so beautiful.
Jaco watched as Kai looked Ray over. He knew what Kai was looking at. He had seen it long ago when he helped the villagers with Ray. His mind easily pulled up the image of the tattoo on the neko-jin's back. A white tiger, beautiful, wild, free. His face softened into a smile as he recalled the first time he saw it.
FLASHBACK
"Ray. What is that on your back" He watched as the raven haired child turned to look at him, his eyes returned to normal after his focus shifted. The blade on the ground slowed it's speed. "What do you mean" Came a soft reply. Soft. A good word to describe the voice, and it's owner. Well atleast when you first met him. Jaco had spent almost a week with them now. His first impression of his hosts son was a little insulting. But none could blame him. The boy was unusual. Raven hair framed a elf-like face. Large amber eyes shone from under those bangs. A white shirt and blue pants hid a thin and almost fragile looking body. The boy was like a forest spirit, Jaco always thought that there would be a day the boy walked into the forest and didn't return. He had spoke to Miriam about this. She had laughed and looked at her son. The same laugh that had greeted him when he had asked about the tattoo on the boy's back. She had told him the meaning. He had to admit the tiger was like Ray. Unnusual and unearthly. She had laughed again.
"He is unnusual. Special."
END OF FLASHBACK
"He is unnusual. Special."
Her words echoed in his head as he was pulled ot of his thoughts. His gaze returned to Ray. He seemed pale, tired. The incident the other night had taken more out of him then he would admit. Kai had not left his side the whole time. Jaco had fought back a smile when he found the Rusian asleep in the chair, his head resting on Ray's hand. He hoped there was something there, but at the same time hoped there wasn't. ' Can Kai still feel like this when he performs the ritual, will he still be there when Ray needs him?' He hoped so. Ray was too important to be lost because of anothers stupidity. Jaco looked up as Kiara called him. She wouldn't enter the room, not with Ray there. Jaco got up and left the two.
" How you feeling" Kai asked as he watched Ray drift off. Ray looked up sharply, blushing at being caught." Fine." Kai frowned at the obvious lie. Changing the subject his mind hooked on a passing thought and he started again." So why did you leave China" He almost kicked himself as he saw the other flinch at the question. Ray took a deep breathe then spoke. Kai moved slightly forward so that he could hear the others words." I didn't belong there anymore." Kai almost laughed. ' Dont belong there! He is more Chinese then the others.' Before he could voice these thoughts Ray continued." I am no longer wanted in the village." Kai frowned. The amber eyes seemed dead, it frightened Kai. "Why" Ray gave a laugh, though it was void of any mirth." They fear me. Ever since that arguement with Lee. I was treated like I was evil, after awhile I got sick of it and left." Kai nodded. "What happened" Ray sighed." We were argueing. It was stupid really. Things got out of hand and he hit me. I dont know why, something snapped. Next thing I knew he was lying on the otherside of the fence. I had thrown or hit him through it. I was so scared I thought I might have killed him. After that everyone acted different. Even Ling treated me as if she feared I would harm Jin." Kai sighed. Ray had told him about Ling, his semi-foster mother and her nine year old son Jin. If she acted that way towards Ray then things were bad. Seeing Ray so hurt made him angry and sad at the same time.
Without thinking he sat on the side of the bed and gave Ray a hug. He felt Ray go stiff in surprise, then return the hug. Kai smiled as he held the other. He had been waiting a long time to do this. Too long for his liking. His attention was pulled back as a sob came from the other. He felt the tremor as another sob wracked the boys frame His anger returned and he hugged Ray with more emotion. Ray just cried softly. Kai sat there and tried his best to help the other. ' I wish I could take this all away Ray. But I can't and I'm sorry.'
' I know you do. Thank you.'
Kai froze, his breathe hitched. He looked down at Ray to see the other was looking down. " How'd you... I mean.." Ray gave a shy grin." I can hear your thought's I never meant to, it just happened. Like I said Kai. Thanks." Kai found himself smiling. The smile was short lived as Kiara walked in." Jaco says we have to leave. Now." Ray nodded. He stood and grabbed his shirt, putting it on he grinned as he heard the rest of his friends enter the room. He turned to meet three bags standing next to them." We're coming with Ray." Ray nodded smiling." Thank you." They all smiled, even Kai. It seemed like another adventure for them. One they would meet together.
But for now they needed their sleep. Tyson's yawn was the biggest clue to this fact.
To be continued
