Shattered Past

By Kitty-Kris

Chapter 15: The Reawakening Ritual

Previously on Shattered Past:

"Yay! Mel'dy won! She won Robbey!" Minxes' clouded voice could be heard coming from somewhere around her, but where? She felt so dizzy… everything was spinning and there were so many voices. So many damn voices… why wouldn't they shut up? She looked down at Kai, who was walking her way with a concerned frown and smiled, moaning as she rubbed her forehead and felt her vision turn white, all her strength suddenly disappearing as her knees buckled under her weight, causing her form to fall down from the few steps those stairs still had ahead of her. Kai's desperate voice echoed through her head as he caught her falling form just as she was about to hit the cold, hard floor "Melody! Someone get the paramedics!"

Again she could hear so many voices… everything was going so fast… there were a couple of white dressed men approaching her. She dropped her top on Kai's lap and clutched his shirt with all the little strength she still had, consciousness slipping fast "No- doctors… get- Deenix-" she moaned before everything faded to black.

n-n On to today's Chappy! n-n:

Kai looked down at his girlfriend in shock, shaking her gently. "Melody?" No reaction. "Mel wake up! Mel please!" a hand fell on his shoulder, making him whip his head up immediately. Ray smiled down at him as he showed him Deenixes' robotic suit "She brought her body along too in case we had to party… she didn't want to bother going back to the Hotel for this so…" he took the bit-chip from the top in Kai's lap and inserted it on the robot, flinching back as it jumped out of his grasp and hugged Melody tightly "Melly-Chan! I'll heal you right away and you'll be ok, I promise! Excuse me Kai-Chan!"

Kai looked at her dumbfounded and stood up after gently lying Melody's body down. He watched as Deenix healed her wounds, making them disappear in no time, collapsing from lack of energy in the process. He gently shook Melody once again, but he still got no response. Panic took over his mind "What's wrong? Why- why won't she wake up?"

Deenix croaked out an answer before disconnecting from lack of power "I- can only heal her- wounds… can't restore- energy… she's very tired and- weak…"

"You mean… even without the wounds she- she could-"

"Yes…" Deenixes' eyes lost it's sheen and her head jerked suddenly, indicating she was off.

The slate haired teen turned his head to the paramedics, who had been watching the whole scene in amazement. She was gonna hate him for this, but it was for her own good. "Take her to the Hospital… please try waking her up or- something… Hell! I don't care! Just- just wake her up…" he ran his hands through his unruly hair in nervousness, his teeth clenching as an uncontrollable rage took over his senses.

Ray watched as Melody's unconscious form was taken away in a stretcher, his brow quirking as he heard Kai stepping away. He turned around to find him menacingly stomping his way to the other side of the beydish, where the Demolition Boys still were, some paramedics attending to Greg's wounds. "Oh shit! Guys! Help me out here!"

Greg moaned in pain as the medic got some bandages around his burns, suddenly hearing a loud enraged scream, followed by a sharp pain on his left cheek that sent him crashing down to the floor, the medic sent flying away in the process.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU BETTER PRAY SHE'LL BE ALRIGHT OR YOU'LL WISH YOU WERE DEAD WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!" Kai grabbed him by his collar and ran to a wall, crashing Greg's back against it, causing him to choke out a whimper "You better pray I never catch sight of you ever again… you better pray- Oh Hell, I'll just kick your ass right here, right now!"

Greg coughed out blood and watched in horror as the boy pinning him to the wall jerked his arm back. He shut his eyes tightly waiting for the impact, but instead all he got from him was a frustrated, angry shout "LET ME GO RIGHT NOW YOU BUNCH OF RETARDS!" He opened one eye to find that the other Bladebreakers were holding Kai back and pulling the rampaging boy away from him. He sighed in relief and was about to let himself fall to the ground when another hand went clawing tightly around his neck. This time, it was Spencer. "You know what? For once I'm with Hiwatari… How dare you hurt our little girl…" he sneered.

Ian quickly appeared from behind him clicking his fists "You are so dead man…" he looked back and smirked as Bryan came in Greg's view as well, a huge death glare directed to the terrified boy "Tala, wanna take the first hit?"

The red-head appeared as well nodding, his face twisted in a hateful glare, almost as deadly as the one Kai had shown and was still showing. He clicked his tongue as he slowly advanced on the pinned boy "So, you like beating up little girls, do ya? You like it when they scream, hmm?" he paused "Well, ain't that so nice… and I- I really couldn't care less about that honestly… it's just that… well…" he got his hand on the wall beside Greg casually supporting him as he passed his tongue through his front teeth and nodded as if considering something "You- happened to hurt the wrong girl… my girl… my sis… and that…" his shoulders shook in a snicker as he got in front of him "…that makes me really, really angry." He watched as Greg's face went pure white and finished his speech "So er…" in no time Greg was on the floor, Tala on top of him and literally beating him into a pulp. "YOU SON OF A BITCH! TOUCH HER AGAIN, GO ANYWHERE NEAR HER AGAIN, AND I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL KILL YOU!"

Kenny meeped as Kai got free from his grip and ran to Tala "HEY! Get off him Ivanov! I'm kicking his ass!"

Tala rose an eyebrow at him but still moved back a bit to allow Kai to get his share. "Fine… I'll hold him for you!" He couldn't hold back a snicker as Greg screamed for mercy, Kai's fists repeatedly sending huge jolts of pain across his whole body.

Ray had merely taken a step to try to stop that when he caught the "stop-it-and-die" glare Bryan and Spencer were sending at him. Ian was laughing his head off along with Tyson, Max and Minx, who had just jumped down from the balconies to see if she could get a piece of the boy too. As for the audience and the Announcer, well… they weren't exactly feeling like stopping them so… meh, they were enjoying the show. Even Robert was coming down from the balconies to get his share!

He approached Kai and shoved him off the "beaten-into-a-pulp" boy, sneering at him as he lifted him off the floor by his collar "You're going to regret the day you started stalking my sister you-" he punched his side hard and was about to do it again when a loud voice finally interrupted everything. "WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON HERE!" Boris' terrifying figure made the Demolition Boys cringe in fear and move away from Greg immediately, while Robert dropped his body roughly and got his arm around Minxes' shoulders protectively, glaring daggers at the demented, stupid, lousy, perverted, pig, mean- er, demented man.

Boris had merely opened his mouth to sneer at them all when Kai's fist once again got into action "YOU SON OF A BITCH! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" unfortunately, before he could hit him,(aw… -…….-) he was once again held back, this time by Robert, who was finally able to control him.

Boris gave Kai a mocking grin, which made the boy's insides boil "Aw… isn't that sad… did your girlfriend get hurt? Poor little thing… I can go visit her and apologize if you want…"

Kai lunged at him, Robert's grip keeping him back "YOU STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER! HAVEN'T YOU DONE ENOUGH ALREADY YOU LOUSY EXCUSE OF ASS WIPE!"

The older man laughed demonically and turned to his team, apparently unaffected. "Get packing and get in the bus… no use in having another battle… I have everything I need… hehe…" he then turned to the medics "And you! Get him decently healed will you? Why didn't you stop them anyways?"

The Demolition Boys left without another word after exchanging a few glances with the other team, retreating into their corridor afterwards.

"Let . me . go…" Kai sneered

Robert tightened his grip on Kai and whispered in his ear, so only he could hear him "I'm sorry, but I don't trust you… and even though I want to see him dead as much as you do, I'll wait for a better chance… which is something I cannot call to the present one… so calm down…" he then turned his glare to Boris, who smirked at him "Well, tell me son, how do you feel?"

Robert narrowed his eyes at him "What do you mean?"

"After all these years you finally found your little sister… I suppose you feel great now, no?" he snickered as Robert's glare intensified and his grip on Kai diminished a bit "Too bad she won't be around for long… hope you've enjoyed your time together…" then, with another maniac laugh he turned around and left the stadium, the teens left behind wishing the ceiling would fall on his head. Or better yet, the whole building! n-n;;

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

Ray yawned and rubbed his eyes, tired from that day's events. He looked down at his wrist watch. It read 1 AM. The neko-jin sighed as he watched Kai pacing back and forth in front of him, his face taken over by a concerned frown. "Kai… come on, sit down…"

He merely grunted and sped up his pace, his mind twirling around with pessimistic thoughts and what ifs-. Yes, he was worried sick about what the doctors might be about to tell him, just like the rest of them were. Only difference was he was worried as a father and as a… husband… sorta… It felt extremely weird.

"Ah- Ah hope Melly's gonna be alrigh'… I dunno wha' Ah'll do if shey- shey-" Minx let out a loud sob, tears streaming from her eyes.

"I- I'm sure she's going to be alright…" Robert clutched his girlfriend's hand tightly, trying to calm her down "Robbey… when are they cumin' tah tell us how's shey?" her lower lip was trembling and her eyes were really shiny and teary as she awaited for an answer. She jerked her head as he simply shook his head slowly and jerked it down as well, whipping it up again when he heard footsteps approaching them.

Kai stopped his pacing and stared up at the man approaching them "Is she-"

"She'll be fine… she's just extremely exhausted and needs to rest… now er…" he looked around the group of teens currently sighing in relief "Which of you three is her boyfriend?"

Kai felt his heart rise up to his throat. Was- something wrong? "I- I am…" he croaked

The young man looked him up "Huh-huh… can I have a word with you… in my office?" he signaled to a close by door, motioning inside as the boy nodded slowly and followed him into the office, closing the door behind him. The slate haired teen sat down by a desk, his head jerked down, expecting the worst.

The doctor cleared his throat and sat down in front of him, biting his lower lip in awkwardness "Well, er… first of all… how old are you, and- how old is er-" he took a look at his notes "Miss- Jurgen?"

Kai swallowed audibly "17 and 15 respectively…"

"I see…" he slouched back, the same awkwardness still filling the air around them "Er, I- suppose you knew that she was… pregnant… right?"

He nodded "Yes… just- get to the point already and spare me the lecture… I know that too-young-to-have-a-baby crap already…" he said through gritted teeth.

The doctor sighed and rubbed his tired eyes "Well it doesn't look like it, does it now? But it's like they say, no use crying over spilled milk… right?"

Kai narrowed his eyes at him, holding back an immense urge to jump on the man and punch his face into a bloody pulp "Just- tell me whatever it is already… is my kid gonna be ok or not?" he bit his lower lip and jerked his head, his eyes tightly shut as he awaited the verdict.

The doctor sighed "We can't tell yet… but unfortunately… most probably- not, since the mother went through such a physical trauma, but like I said… we can't be sure yet…"

Kai felt like the world had crumbled around him. No… please God no… "I- I see… and when will you- know for sure?"

"In short… the tests are being run at this moment, and in a few hours I- I shall inform you…"

The boy nodded "Can I- see her?"

"Yes… but first… I- er… well I wonder if you could explain something to me…"

"Yeah?"

The doctor took a look at his notes, a frown covering his features "Why are her arms, back and neck covered in scars, burns and… bite marks?" he eyed him suspiciously.

"Well she… I mean…" Kai jerked his head "I- I can't say she's had an easy childhood… she didn't really explain them to me neither and honestly, I don't want to think about it… can I please see her now?" he said feeling extremely nervous and worried.

The doctor nodded and stood up "Of course… right this way… she should be waking up soon…"

He nodded absently and followed the doctor out of the room, ignoring his friends' desperate questions as he went past them.

"She's in here. But I must warn you… do not mention this to her… not yet… she's in a bad state already, don't make it worse… and you better not let your friends in… too many people, too much noise, you understand, don't you?" he gave him a meaningful look.

"I- won't…" he turned the door's knob and went into the room, his eyes immediately locking on the bed closest to the window. There she was, her eyes lightly closed and her chest heaving up and down slowly, her purple hair spread about the pillow. She was now wearing some white hospital clothes that revealed her marked neck and arms. But even with those scars, she managed to look like an angel… his angel… and he had let her get to that state… he cursed at himself inwardly and took a seat by her bed stroking her jaw gently "Mel? Can you- can you hear me?" he asked softly.

"Huh?" The girl twitched and fluttered her eyes open, everything blurry around herself. She blinked a few times and felt alarm bells ringing as she took in the scenery around her. White as death walls, white as death sheets, white as death clothes, white as death ceiling, white as death friggin' everyth- wait a minute! White as death- dressed man- standing by a- a- hospital ma- ma- A HOSPITAL MACHINE! "EEK!" she sat up abruptly and whipped her head in every direction, terrified "What- what- WHAT AM I DOING HERE? LET ME OU! ACK! LET ME GO!" she squirmed as someone held her down on the bed, only calming down when she finally noticed it was Kai.

"CALM DOWN!" he grabbed her legs and made her stay on the bed, his face marked with an authoritarian frown.

She stared at his crimson eyes in disbelief "Ka- Kai-Zer? YOU TRAITOR! I told you I hated hospitals why did you have to bring me here you big-"

"Melody, shut . UP!" he breathed

She was about to retort, but instead she simply moaned and leaned back against her pillows feeling extremely exhausted, her hand clutching her throbbing forehead "Please let me get out of here…" she whimpered.

Kai sighed "I'm sorry but I can't… now please calm down, no one's going to hurt you… good, now tell me, how… how do you feel?"

She snickered "Like a billion bucks! Can't you tell just by looking at me? HOW THE HELL DO YOU THINK I FEEL? LET ME GET OUT OF THIS HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW KAI HIWATARI BEFORE I DO SOMETHING WE'LL BOTH REGRET!" she started struggling again, much to Kai's annoyance who just turned to the doctor and waved for him to leave.

That didn't seem to calm her down much, since as soon as the man was out she had her arms tightly wrapped around Kai's neck "Please get me out of here! They'll kill me! PLEASE!"

He sighed in exasperation and gently pushed her off him, looking her in the eyes "Melody, no one's gonna hurt you! Now calm down!"

She finally settled down a bit and looked back into his crimson eyes "Promise?"

"Promise…" he sighed and stroked her cheek, gently planting a little kiss on her ruby lips "Now lay down… you need to rest… good… Now tell me… what the Hell was that thing?"

Melody blinked at him "Uh, what thing?"

"You know, that er… guy coming out of Black Dranzer's bit? After you sang that- chant thing…"

She gave it a thought "Huh… sorry… I remember the guy yeah… creepy… but singing? Why would I sing? I was in a battle, not on some freakin' concert!"

He sighed "Never mind… just- rest… I'll go tell them you're ok so they can go back to the Hotel and-"

"WHAT? DON'T LEAVE HERE ALONE!" she literally jumped on him, terrified once again.

"I'll only be gone for a minute and I'll be right outsid-"

"NO! Please take me with you!" she whined

Kai sighed and picked her up bridal style, motioning out of the room "You better pray the doc doesn't see me taking you out…" he said through clenched teeth. That girl was a headache!

Her eyes shone with joy "What? You're- you're getting me out of this place?"

But a damn cute headache… He smiled down at her, sweatdropping a bit "Er, no. I'm just showing you to your bro since you don't wanna be left alone for one single second and all… and he can't come in neither so…"

"But you'll spend the night with me… won't you?" she tightened her grip around his neck.

He sighed as he opened the door "Of course I will…"

"MELLY!" Minx jumped on him.

"MINXY!" Melody giggled happily at her friend's relieved and happy expression.

Kai flinched "SSH! I'm not supposed to be doing this!" he muttered.

"Then why are you? Luna! Oh my God, are you alright?"

Melody smiled up at her brother and his girlfriend "Huh huh… just a bit tired… that's all…" she yawned for effect "Who else's here with you?"

"Just Ray, but he's asleep. Everyone else is back at the Hotel. My and Kai's orders."

"Juh-huh…" she lazily leaned her head against Kai's shoulder. It felt so good to be there… so cozy, warm and… safe… "Good… send them hugs from me ok?" she yawned again, barely able to keep her eyes open. 'Damn… why am I so tired all of a sudden? Did those turkey-killers drug me?'

Robert smiled fondly at her and kissed her forehead lovingly "We shall go now then. You get well soon alright? We'll come back tomorrow morning, but Kai will stay with you so don't worry about some doctor "hurting" you… though where you got that idea from I don't know…" he sighed and turned to Ray, nudging him a bit "Ray? We're going now…"

The neko-jin opened his eyes lazily and smiled up at Melody's now sleeping form "Hey! She ok?"

Kai nodded "I'll get her back to bed now. It's freezing out he-"

"Oh mah gawd! Wha' ar' those?"

Kai looked down at where she was pointing at to find Melody's exposed neck, which meant her bite and whip marks were exposed as well. He bit his lower lip and turned around "Nothing… see you guys tomorrow…"

"Bu-"

"Look, I can't tell you ok? She- she'd kill me… just don't worry about it…" and without another word, he disappeared into the room.

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

Kai shot awake as a hand tapped his shoulder "WHA!" he whipped around to find himself staring up at the same doctor as before "Oh it's you… er, have the results come out yet?"

The man nodded, his expression blank. "Please, outside. We must not awake her as she needs to rest badly…"

Kai nodded as well and followed him outside, his head jerked down, not sure if he wanted to know the results. He sat down on the bench Ray had been sleeping on just a few hours ago, his head resting on his hands. "Well?" he croaked.

The doctor sighed "I- I don't know how this is possible but…"

Kai rose his head to look at him, a tiny glint of hope shining in his eyes "But?" he urged for him to continue.

He smiled at him "Your child is alive and fine… as well as your girlfriend… it's a miracle actually… considering her age, size and what she was through… I'm surprised she is alive to begin with…"

Kai's eyes were wide and his jaw dropped "You- are you- a- are you- are you sure?" the doctor nodded, to which he jumped off the bench and ran into the room Melody was in, oblivious to her need to rest "Mel! The kid's ok! The kid's ok!"

The girl sat up abruptly, breathing hard, her eyes wide with fear "WHA! What kid?"

He hugged her tightly laughing heartedly "Our kid, who else?" he sighed in relief and tightened his grip around her limp body, while she just shot an inquisitive look at the doctor, cringing in fear when she realized he was a doctor "Er, who gave him the sugar?"

The tall man just shook his head and left them alone as Kai drew back to look into Melody's tired eyes "They- they ran a few tests to make sure our kid was still alive… 'cause of all that you went through and all… and I was just told everything's fine…"

She frowned at him "Ok… and if you knew there was a risk of our kid not being alright, why didn't you tell me Kai Hiwatari, hmm?" her eyes narrowed.

Kai chuckled and kissed her forehead, gently lying her down "I was told not to 'cause it could make you go berserk or whatever. Now er, sorry I woke you up and all so… go back to sleep, ok?"

"No."

"Why?"

She gave him an innocent sugary sweet puppy dog eyes "'Cause I'm not sleepy anymore now…" she grinned sheepishly at his fed up look. "Pff! Liar… your eyes betray you… so get to sleep Twiggy…" he yawned.

Melody snickered "You should get to sleep… look at you! You're a mess! Your hair's actually unrulier than usual (if that's possible), you're really pale, you got dark circles around your eyes,… Hell, you look like a vampire!" she giggled "You're not gonna suck my blood now, are you?"

"Har har…" -………-

She laughed heartedly at his pouting face, making him sigh and shake his head "You should take a look at yourself then… at least I don't look like an old creaky twig…" he grinned mischievously.

"Meh, shut it Blue-Boyo! Nye!" Melody shot her tongue out at him and leaned back against the wall, pouting at him. Kai smiled fondly at her and yawned as he sat at the chair beside her bed again, resting his head on her lap and closing his eyes, smiling absently as she ran her fingers through his unruly bangs soothingly. He was about to fall asleep while he heard her humming a pretty tune when she suddenly stopped it and yelped at someone's entrance in the room.

Kai immediately stood and turned to the door, relaxing as he saw two white dressed men staring back at him dumbfounded… they were simply- doctors… He rolled his eyes "I'm sorry… she's a bit paranoid about hospitals…" he turned back to her with a fed-up look "Melody please calm down! I told you no one's gonna hurt you…"

She shook her head vigorously "NO! Tell them to go away!" she hugged her knees and dragged herself as far away from the white-dressed men as she could, sitting just at the edge of the bed, her back against the wall.

Kai sighed and approached them "Fine… Er, may I ask why you're here at this hour? I though all she needed now was rest…"

One of the men thought a bit and grinned sheepishly at him, sweating a little "Oh, we know… er, that's exactly why we're here! We er, we were told she wasn't falling asleep so… er, since she needs to we came to… get her to- sleep…" he said, taking a step in her direction. Melody yelped at him and glued herself further against the wall, her breathing getting erratic "N- no… stay away from me!" the doctor merely ignored her and kept approaching her, causing her to yelp again and cover her head as she shook uncontrollably "NO! Please leave me alone! PLEASE! Ge- get away! I- I can't- breathe…" she clutched her neck, gasping for air, her whole body quaking with fear. "K-Kai help- me! I can't breathe!"

"Melody!" She was having a panic attack… 'Damn…' Kai quickly got his hand on the man's shoulder. What was he thinking? "Stop! Can't you see you're scaring her? Just wait a while longer! She'll eventually fall asleep in a few minutes! But not with you scaring the life out of her like tha-" he whipped around as he heard the door locking and someone else going in. 'Oh shit…'

"I'm sorry… but we don't have a few minutes… now excuse me…" he took a needle from his pocked and uncapped it approaching the terrified girl.

"Get away from her!" Kai made a move to stop him but was stopped by the other two men "LET ME GO! HELP! SOMEONE!"

The men currently approaching Melody turned to the other two "Shut him up, will you?"

The tallest of the other two nodded and took a piece of cloth he had ready, covering Kai's mouth with it.

"K- Ka-" Melody was too terrified to move, too terrified to speak, she couldn't even breath anymore, all that escaped her lips was a small whimper when Kai's body fell to the ground and she felt a sting on her neck, right before everything went completely black.

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

Kai moaned lightly as he slowly regained consciousness. He felt like he had a load of weights on top of his head, and he couldn't move his arms and legs. He slowly opened his eyes to find himself staring at someone's back. That someone was staring up at several screens, some of them with graphs and others with images he couldn't make out well. But he could make out who that person was… and he didn't like it one bit… "Gra- Grandfather…?" he croaked.

Voltaire turned around to face him, a smirk plastered all across his features "So good to see you're awake… Your little bitch woke up way before you so, since there was time for a little… let's say…fun, she was taken elsewhere…"

Kai growled and tried lunging at him, only to realize he was tied to a chair and couldn't move an inch. He growled in frustration and started screaming his lungs out "WHERE IS SHE YOU- YOU BASTARD? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER YOU BIG-"

"RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!" Voltaire's hand smacked Kai right across his face, effectively quieting him down. He then chuckled lightly "Why do you care anyways? I don't think you'd like to know where she is… nor who she is with…" his chuckle turned to an evil laugh.

"What- what do you mean? Where is she?" Kai's eyes were wide, he had a theory, and he hoped he was wrong…

"I'll tell you in a minute… first, I believe you'd like to know why we need your little wench… wouldn't you?"

Kai growled in frustration as his "elder" calmly took a seat in front of him, eyeing him with mild amusement "I thought you did… I'll try making it short, but still, don't worry if it sounds long… we have plenty of time now we have everything we need…" Voltaire cleared his throat and started talking "Over ten years ago, a German research company, pretty similar to BioVolt, discovered a new Bitbeast, an extremely powerful bitbeast, different from anything they had ever seen…"

"You mean Black Dranzer…" he mumbled absently.

"Very good… you've always been a perceptive child…" he chuckled "Anyways, two researchers were sent to take care of that Bitbeast's lab work, that is, to run a few experiments to test the Bitbeast's capabilities… those researchers were Ralf and Nastasha Jurgen, that girl's parents…"

'Ok, that explains why Melody and her parents were in a lab in the first place… but still, it doesn't explain why they need her so badly…' Kai snorted "Whatever, that doesn't explain why you need her! What does that got to do with her?"

"Nothing, really… it just happened to be a coincidence that her parents were the ones that discovered Black Dranzer…an extremely useful coincidence…" he chuckled lightly "One day… they decided to take their children for a… field trip around the labs… though Luna, the youngest one, ran off on her own and ended up on Black Dranzer's research lab… where his form was currently being studied. The Bitbeast was already set on it's Beyblade, and Luna was a blader herself, so she, like you, took the top and launched it. However she, unlike you, didn't get a huge energy explosion… in fact… it turned out quite well…"

Kai narrowed his eyes at him "What do you mean by that? That thing killed her parents damnit!"

Voltaire shot an eyebrow at him "How did you- No, wait… How does she know? Our doctors tried everything they could to get her to remember what had happened in that room and nothing worked!"

"Guess you should fire them then… all she needed was some sleep…" he chuckled dryly, suddenly remembering something he had been wondering about "Hey… why didn't she remember her brother neither? Nor where she had come from? What did you do to her?" he glared deeply at him.

Voltaire grinned evilly "Patience… Continuing… we got a hold of that room's security camera video tape, so we saw exactly what happened… and I must say it amazed us… Well… after the lab event, which as I said I found out about pretty soon, I sent Boris to check her out closely… he went to her parents' funeral, and since he was family, no one thought it was strange… Robert Jurgen was too shocked to notice he was there at all, otherwise he would have said something since he had seen him and his father arguing several times… even though he didn't really know him or his relation to himself…"

"Wait a minute… Boris is related to them?"

"Yes… he was Ralf's step-brother… though none of the children knew that."

Kai's eyes were as wide as plates. To be related with what you hate the most… Melody was not going to like that…

"Anyways…" Voltaire continued "He went to check out his… niece and came back with a report I wasn't exactly expecting… hehe… tell me Kai, how does a small child normally react to their parents deaths?"

That caught him "I- I-" he jerked his head down "They- they panic… completely… normally they- cry for days and- refuse to- to believe their parents are- dead…" he averted his grandfather's gaze, glaring down at the floor. He was playing a mind game… he loved to do that… he just loved to take advantage on his weaknesses… 'Son of a bitch… you won't break me… so stop trying… I got over their deaths years ago…'

Voltaire chuckled and stood up, pacing around the small room "Yes, you'd know that, wouldn't you? But that's not… exactly what happened in her case…" Kai rose his head to look at him, an inquisitive expression spread about his features as his Grandfather continued "Boris told me he was shocked… but at the same time, very pleased… imagine this: Her brother was crying, everyone in that graveyard was practically crying… except for one of them… except for her… one apparently insignificant little girl that simply stared down at the coffins like they were the most natural thing in the world… one little girl that didn't even pour one single tear… one tiny little girl that just… didn't seem to care at all… as Boris confirmed when he talked to her…" he snickered at Kai's widened eyes "He- he asked her if she missed her parents, and you know what she told him?" he chuckled lightly again "She told him they could be in Hell for all she cared… that if they were dead it was their fault and she just wanted to go home and forget about them… that if they were dead it was because they were useless, pathetic, weak… yes, these same words… from what apparently was nothing more than a simple little girl… After that, Boris merely turned around and left, coming back a few weeks later to finally bring her to me…"

Kai swallowed audibly and tried changing the subject "You're not- answering my- question… Why did you kidnap her? Why do you need her?"

Voltaire ignored him "We interrogated her, we tortured her, we even hypnotized her, but she couldn't remember anything about her parents' deaths nor about anything else that had happened in that room… she had blocked that memory deep in the back of her mind… so we had no choice but to delete the rest of her memories and give her a new name, a new backstory, a new identity, a new life, as we waited for her to be old enough… old enough to be useful to our needs… and that time has come now… she's ready…"

"What the Hell are you talking about? Old enough for what?"

He grinned "Haven't you ever wondered why we called her Melody out of all possibilities? Why we took an interest in her in the first place?"

He sighed in exasperation "That's what I've been asking you about you-" Kai froze and gave it a thought. Now he mentioned it… why were they so interested in the captivating purple haired girl? Besides Boris' disgusting obsession with her, he didn't see why his Grandfather might want her, he didn't have that kind of tendencies… unless… He whipped his head up as he remembered something "Her- her voice… that's what caused Black Dranzer to come out of it's Beyblade and then kill her parents… and when she sang yesterday… something weird came out of the bit too-"

"-Thus showing us that she's ready now… Very good… So there you have it, she was called Melody because that's the name of her project… Project Melody… You see Kai, back at the time when Black Dranzer was found, we too found important archeological data saying that there was something that could awake it in more than one way… something that could turn it… human… a certain chant… a certain… voice her voice…"

"What?" he whispered.

"Yes… now think: Black Dranzer as a Bitbeast is powerful as it is, and it is able to absorb other Bitbeasts… now think what humans with such powers could do… What a wonderful army that would be… indestructible, invincible… perfect…"

Kai snorted "Yeah, that's really cool and all… but you're forgetting something… there's only one Black Dranzer… even if you turn it into a human-"

"Yes… there also was only one sheep before Dolly was born…" he said with a mischievous glint "My company is far more advanced than you think Kai… I can clone Black Dranzer as many times as I wish… in a fast, effective way. In less than two years, I shall have my army and I shall rule the World. Thanks to that useless little slut… and there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it…" he let out a maniac laugh.

Kai growled and struggled against the ropes keeping him back against the chair "AND HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU PLANNING TO CONTROL YOUR "PERFECT" ARMY, HUH? Black Dranzer is uncontrollable and you know it! It doesn't obey to anyone! It turns against it's own Master like it did to me… as it will do to you!"

"To it's Master yes… but not to it's Mistress… not to… Melody… it'll do anything she asks it to do, as you will see…"

"You're an idiot…" Kai muttered, receiving another slap from his grandfather,("Respect your elders boy!") who turned around to his panel and pressed a button, speaking into a microphone afterwards. "Soldier, go get the girl. And make sure she's not too harmed. If she is… bring Boris to my presence as well, he was warned to be careful…"

Kai suddenly panicked. Melody. "Wha- Hey! You never told me where Melody was! Where is she?"

"Oh, she's fine… don't worry… she'll be here in a minute…" Voltaire gave him a lopsided grin and turned back to his monitors, sending a few messages to God knows where. Kai didn't care… all he wanted was to check if Melody was ok… but since he had said she had been with Boris all that time, he wasn't sure of what to expect.

The door suddenly slid open, three men and a girl going in. The front man made his way to Voltaire after pushing the girl in roughly, making her go crashing to the floor, her short purple hair covering her face. "MEL! WATCH IT YOU GOON! Mel! Are you ok? Melody!" Kai struggled again, trying to get rid of those ropes, but it was no use. "She's a good lay that little slut of yours…" Kai froze at that voice 'No…' he grimaced as Melody's whole body quaked from a sob that escaped her lips. He watched as she curled into a ball and simply rocked back and forth, shaking her head in denial, whispering repeatedly "I- I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

'No…' he turned his head to the snickering man. Boris. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER YOU- YOU- ARGH! UNTIE ME THIS INSTANT!" he struggled madly trying to get rid of those blasted ropes, trying to get to Melody so he could comfort her, help her, whatever! He just couldn't stand being like that. One of the men finally cut his ropes at Voltaire's order, allowing him to run to her and wrap his arms around her quaking form "It's ok… I- I'm here now…" he soothed and kissed the top of her head "Mel? C'mon say something… you- you're stronger than that…"

She whimpered softly and shook her head again "I'm sorry Kai… I- I had no choice… he found out… he- he said he'd-" she sobbed loudly and clutched his shirt tightly. "he- he said he'd kill our- our-" Kai's eyes widened as he rose his head up to look at Boris' face. He had a triumphant grin upon his face. That wasn't good… He watched as he turned to his Grandfather, who was sending disgusted looks their way. "Voltaire… I have reasons to believe you'd like to know something I discovered…"

Voltaire's eyes finally left Kai's hurt and angry ones to look back at Boris with an interested quirk of an eyebrow "Yes?"

Boris grinned as he approached the two teens and pushed Kai away from the girl roughly. Before he could do anything else, the other two men grabbed him, keeping him from helping her. Boris then grabbed Melody by her arm and pulled her up roughly so she'd stand "Ok, you little slut… tell him what you told me…" he sneered at her.

Melody shook her head slowly and hugged herself, waiting for a beating that came in no time just as she expected. She fell to the floor with a moan and clutching her throbbing cheek. A huge rage wave was starting to fill her as Boris voice echoed through her ears "Now listen here you little slut… you're nothing but a tool… a tool that will be discarded as soon as it's purpose is fulfilled… this will keep you alive for a few more months after that… so start . talking…"

She bit her lower lip and rose her head to finally face Kai's shocked expression "I'm sorry…" she gasped as Boris clutched her hair and pulled her up again, sneering at her "Listen here bitch… there's nothing you can do, no one's coming to save you, no one can… only you can save yourself now… so do it…"

She sobbed "Why?"

Boris rose an eyebrow, his face gradually gaining a frown as she continued, sending him an expression of pure disgust "Why do you care? Why are you so eager to… "save" me? So you can rape me again anytime you want? So I have to live the rest of my life putting up with you and your freakin' orders? So I have to watch my child being raised and beaten by people like you!" she grimaced at her latest bad memory and glared directly into his… er, weird eyes… "Well sorry… but I think death, or even Hell is better than that… far better… so do me a favor and kill me already… I don't care…" she spat at him and struggled out of his grasp "And I'm not some tool you can just use…"

"Oh really?" she whipped back and gasped at what was before her. Voltaire was currently pointing a gun at Kai's head, the other two men keeping him still and quiet "Let him go…" she sneered.

Voltaire grinned "I will as soon as you tell me what that was all about and you do as you're told…" he gave her a meaningful look.

She glared at him "Fuck you! You- you wouldn't- you wouldn't shoot him… he's… he's your- grandson- isn't he?"

"Oh I would… trust me…"

She gasped as Boris grabbed her from behind, his arm around her neck, suffocating her "This reminds me, I never really repaid you for knocking me out… did I? How… uncouth of me…" he tightened his grip around her neck, smirking at her struggling form "Now tell him already and quit being such a bitch… or do you want your… "boyfriend" to become an ex-boyfriend?"

She gasped and looked over at Kai's struggling form, noticing his bruised face for the first time. That was it. She had no choice but to give in or they would hurt him… or even… kill him… "I-"

"Yes?" Voltaire asked.

She lowered her head down in embarrassment "I- I'm pregnant…" she mumbled.

Boris hit her face hard as Voltaire merely huffed at her in indignation "Finish your sentence…" he sneered.

She moaned lightly "… from- from Kai…" she said through gritted teeth, those memories from not too long ago flooding back to her.

:Flashback:

Melody choked out a sob as a heavy body finally got off her small frame, breathing hard. She felt dirty and used, her whole body was bruised and throbbed like Hell, especially between her legs from the more than forceful entry. She felt like throwing up, she felt like killing him, herself… she felt so scared, so ashamed… so used… She flinched as Boris' hand ran over her slim waist, stopping on her toned abdomen, feeling for something. He soon found a small, almost imperceptible bulge, grinning triumphantly "You haven't told me who was it yet… whose spawn is it, hmm?" he asked, nipping at her ear lobe, reveling in her sweet, ever so addictive scent. He dug his nails into her bare skin when she didn't answer immediately, making her panic. He had threatened her he'd kill her baby if she didn't go along with what he told her, and she knew he wasn't kidding… "K- Kai… It was- Kai…" she shut her eyes tightly as his grip on her tightened, his breathing getting heavier "Hiwatari…" he sneered "That brat shall never touch you again… you're mine… MINE!" he let out a feral growl and crushed her against him, biting down hard on her neck, smirking at her pain filled gasp. So she still refused to scream in pain in his presence… not for long… he licked her neck where he had bit her, reveling once again, this time on the metallic taste of her blood. "Mine…"

:End of Flashback:

Voltaire let out a laugh "Oh really? Is this true Kai?"

Kai looked at the girl in front of him. She looked like she was about to have a mental breakdown. He was so going to kill them all for doing that to her… but for now… he had to take the cowards' route and play along with them… "Yes… the kid- the kid's- mine…"

Voltaire smirked as he held Melody's face in his hand, intently staring into her eyes. Eyes that despite of everything they had seen, everything they had gone through, still managed to look back at him in defiance. He snorted "Guess I'll have to keep her alive until the brat's born… then I'll just kill her since she'll be of no use for me anymore… that kid shall be raised to be your heir Kai, he cannot be raised by some…" he gave Melody a disgusted look "…some slimy money grabbing bitch…" he grinned at her death glare "You . shall never . EVER . go anywhere near my child, you- you-"

The older man huffed at her and slapped her face hard "Shut it you worthless whore… I'll enjoy watching as you plead me for mercy when I cut you into little tiny pieces… useless, worthless bitch… you're nothing but dirt, dirt I'm glad I step on…"

"HOW DARE YOU!" Kai snapped "TAKE IT BACK!"

Voltaire ignored him and signaled over to Boris "Meh, get her in the test room already… we have lost enough time… is Black Dranzer ready yet?"

"Yes sir…"

"Good… take her in then…"

"NO! Let her go!" Kai struggled once again, and once again there was nothing he could do. Both the men holding him were way too strong for him, so all he could do was watch as Boris took the struggling girl out of that room, closing the metallic door behind him. "No…" he let himself fall to his knees while his grandfather snorted at him "You're pathetic… after all I taught you, you went falling for some poor pathetic little slut? Tch…" Kai rose his eyes to glare at him "Don't . call her . that…"

Voltaire merely sighed and pointed at the wall behind him. "Look at what's about to happen and tell me she's not pathetic." Kai turned around and in no time, his jaw was dropping. It was that room… that white room from his dream… the one where he had seen Luna's- corpse… "OH NO!" he ran to the glass surface and started knocking on it as he watched Boris going in and dropping her down on the floor as if she was some object "MELODY! DON'T DO THIS! DON'T!"

"QUIET! She can't hear you so you might as well stop that yelling… one more of those screams out of you and she won't live to tell what happened…"

"YOU IDIOT! YOU'RE GONNA GET HER KILLED!"

"SHUT UP! RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!" Voltaire smacked him across the face once again and nodded to a few scientists that had just gone in "Be quiet or I will kill her once she's done… and no, I don't give a damn about your brat… anything with her dirty blood on it can't be good… Now do as you're told and watch as the World's most powerful weapon is born…" he grinned and pressed a small button, speaking through a microphone "Can you hear me, "my dear"? I hope you do, my grandson's life depends on it…"

Melody jumped a bit at the sound of his voice. She wasn't liking that room one bit… it was white… she had grown considering white the color of death… and years of watching as pale ghosts constantly haunted her bedroom and soul was the major cause for that belief. White meant death and that was that. She gulped and nodded, to which the man made an approving sound "Very good… now, do you see that small object over there?"

She slowly turned around, her eyes stopping at a black Beyblade and launcher lying on the floor "Yes…" she muttered

"Good… I want you to pick it up and launch it on my command…"

She nodded again and picked up the top, flinching a bit as it started glowing oddly on her hand "Black- Dranzer?"

"I see you recognize it… good… now listen carefully…" he took in a deep breath "When you launch that top… I want you to sing something…"

Melody rose her head to the ceiling with an inquisitive frown "Ok er… wherever you are…" she looked back at the top "Why do you want me to sing and what the Hell's supposed to happen when I do?"

"Don't ask questions and do as you're told… I want you to sing a specific chant… the same you sang in your last battle…"

"Here we go again… What chant? I don't remember singing anything!"

"Well you better… Launch that top at my command… then I'm giving you ten seconds to start singing… and if you don't… you'll know where the gun shot you'll hear was directed to…"

She shut her eyes tightly as a funny noise indicated the microphone was off. If only she could remember… she was trying hard but… 'I have no idea! How can I sing something I don't know? Damn… might as well try anyways…' She got into her launching pose and prayed to all Gods she knew to remember that music. "You know it Mistress… you were born knowing it… think a bit…" she snapped her eyes open and launched Black Dranzer at the clear sound indicating she was supposed to launch it, staring down at it with wide eyes "What?" she mumbled.

"You . know . it…" his voice repeated slowly.

"I- know- it…" she started feeling strange, as if something was taking over her… it was that feeling she had when she was being possessed.

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

Kai watched in shock as a weird mist started surrounding Melody's feet, her eyes getting glossy and her expression changing a bit into an entranced frown. She opened her mouth, starting to sing the strange chant "No…" he moaned as his head softly hit the glass surface, his Grandfather's approving sounds ringing in his ears together with the disturbing music.

"Kai… I think you should see this… it is a once in a life-time opportunity…"

He reluctantly rose his eyes and widened them as he saw the black top spinning impossibly fast, it's bit glowing intensely, Melody's chant suddenly stopping. He turned back to look at the girl to find her on her knees breathing hard, a tall form shadowing her. He whipped his head to see what it could be. Black Dranzer…

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

(italic/bold: Black Dranzer

italic: Melody

when like this: both)

Black Dranzer's dark form rose from the black Beyblade, his wrists shackled, bounding him to his bit and his odd eyes fixed on the girl in front of him. He absently fixed her for a while and started advancing on her afterwards, his voice echoing through the room like thunder when he realized his shackles kept him back. The Reawakening Ritual had just started, and no one could stop it now…

"Bound at every limb by my shackles of fear,

Sealed with lies and all of her tears…

Lost from within, pursuing the end,

I fight for the chance to be lied to AGAIN!"

Melody looked up at him during his speech, standing and singing again as he finished it, his inhuman voice speaking along with her.

"You will never be strong enough,

You will never be good enough…

You were never conceived in love,

You will not rise above…"

She turned away from his form and looked directly at the mirrored surface, deep inside knowing who was behind it. The reason why she was in that trance… the reason why she was going against the mysterious voices she kept hearing, calling themselves The Elders.

"They'll never see,

I'll never be…

I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger

Burning deep inside of me…"

Black Dranzer watched as she approached him and touched his face lightly, never breaking eye contact as she walked around him like a lion around it's prey, her eyes glossy and absent. He smirked and kept going, ignoring the desperate voices around him, the voices that told him to stop and go back to his exile… To Hell with them all!

"But through my tears breaks her blinding light,

Birthing a dawn to my endless night

Her arms outstretched, awaiting me

Such open embrace upon a bleeding tree…"

He circled her shoulders with his arms and sang along with her, his eyes closing gradually for some reason… entranced by her voice, by who he thought she was, by the true meaning of those words… 'Blue…'

"Rest in me and I'll comfort you…

I have lived and I died for you.

Abide in me and I vow to you,

I will never forsake you…"

Melody's eyes shot open in realization and she quickly got free from his grip, singing again as she backed away from him slowly, intensifying her voice and it's volume.

"They'll never see,

I'll never be…

I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger

Burning deep inside of me…


They'll never see,

I'll never be…

I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger

Burning deep inside of me!"

'No… why do you run? Blue… no…' Black Dranzer was getting impatient… those blasted Elders had made the ritual far too long… his wait, his exile, everything… far too long… he need to break free now! He clenched his teeth and tried breaking free from his shackles, most of his strength now flooding back to him. Yes… the time for freedom had come… he was free from his prison… he swiftly broke free from his shackles, whipping his head up as Melody lost control of her actions and voice and restarted singing the same chant again. He gave a feral growl and quieted her down, pinning her to the wall by her neck, his eyebrows furrowed, his voice extremely harsh, inhuman even, as he repeated the vows they had proclaimed a few seconds ago.

"Rest in me and I'll comfort you!

I have lived yet DIED for you!

Abide in me and I vow to you,

I will never forsake you!"

The girl clutched his wrist and repeated her part, throwing him back with all her might in the end, much to his and everyone else watching the scene's surprise. Wasn't Black Dranzer supposed to be invincible?


"They'll never see,

I'll never be…

I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger

BURNING deep inside of me!"

Black Dranzer was thrown back to the white hard floor, his top stopped spinning and he gradually started losing the strange black shadow he had around him as Melody chanted again, gradually stopping when all her strength vanished, making her collapse to her knees, all of the strange and desperate, hopeless voices fading away. All of them but the creature sitting right in front of her rubbing his eyes furiously that is…

She gulped as she looked him over. He looked like he was in his early twenties at least. He was pretty tall, and completely unlike her, he had tanned, golden skin, his hair black as night with his bangs falling into his face in a messy fashion. He had what looked like a small onyx stone adorning his forehead, matching his golden earrings, a small onyx stone showing on each one as well. He wore what looked like an Egyptian wrap, only it was black instead of white as they normally were, a golden belt keeping it in his hips. His built upper body was bare except for some gold foil bands (where his shackles had previously been) that covered his forearms and a snake-like gold armlet on his left upper arm. He looked extremely handsome, but also extremely dangerous. He actually managed to look more menacing than usual in his human form… his true form… his most powerful form, and all she could do was watch as he stood and looked down at her, his red eyes oddly glossy. He shook his hand in front of his own face, his expression turning into one of anger "Cannot see? Why?" he muttered.

Melody stood up, backing away from him, her breathing getting ragged 'Wha- what happened?'

Black Dranzer turned his head in her direction sharply, his arm outstretched, searching for her "Beloved? Is that- you?"

She froze, her whole body quaking with fear. She glued herself against the wall and hoped he'd forget about her presence or at least give up on trying to find her or whatever. She just hoped he thought he was hallucinating and left her alone, anything sounded good as long as it meant he'd leave her alone. But alas, he called again, completely turning to her "I know you are present here… I can- feel you…" he sniffed the air, his eyes closed "I can… smell you, sense you… come to me… beloved…"

She shook her head "Get- get away from me…" she all but whispered.

Black Dranzer growled and rose his hand in a calling movement, making Melody suddenly get lifted in the air and sent to right in front of him in a flash. She struggled, trying to get loose from whatever it was that kept her there, hovering at his mercy. He smirked "I am sorry but… I cannot see- you… but I- know you are here… and I am glad… beloved…" he whispered stroking her cheek, his face dangerously approaching hers "N- no…"

"Do not fear me… I shall not hurt you… never…" before she could say anything else, his lips crashed down on hers, her head suddenly filling with screaming, the air surrounding her seeming a lot colder, and all the little energy she still had left abandoning her.

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

Kai watched in helplessness as his girlfriend collapsed to the floor lifeless after what had looked like a slow motion film. He had watched, unable to do anything at all as Black Dranzer stood up and said those strange words to her and then, somehow, lifted her up and made her hover to just in front of him in a blink of an eye. Then… he had kissed her… and the minute his lips left hers… she had collapsed to the floor, lifeless. "No… Melody no… No please…" he watched as Black Dranzer stretched his head back, a strange white light surrounding him and her as he opened his eyes, vivid red showing in them, no longer the glossy worn out color they used to have. He could see again. And all because he had taken the energy he needed for it from her… bastard… how could he be so cruel… how could he- probably- kill her…? "No…" he had seen how he absorbed other bit-beasts… how he had savagely devoured their souls… now he had done it to her…

Black Dranzer looked down at Melody's unconscious form "Mis- tress?" he narrowed his eyes and knelt down beside her, nudging her gently. 'Oh no…'

Kai fisted the glassy surface "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER YOU MONSTER!"

Black Dranzer's head jerked up at his barely audible voice, turning to look at the large mirror the sound had come from. He could hear more voices now, muffled by the thick material. "Be quiet! Argh! Now he heard you! It's your fault if he gets us all killed!" he glared at the mirror and advanced on it quickly "Blasted humans… disgusting creatures, you- you- I shall kill you all!" he muttered.

"I DON'T CARE! I'M KILLING THAT-" Kai was interrupted as a young man head butted the glass from the other side, rolling to his feet gracefully and quickly.

One of the scientists panicked as Black Dranzer looked around the room, his eyes landing on him, the closest one. "WHAT THE HELL? THAT WAS A TEN INCH GLASS! HOW DID HE?" he was interrupted as the human bit-beast clutched his neck and growled low in his throat, absorbing all his energy in less than a second, dropping his lifeless body afterwards, a huge smirk plastered all across his features.

Voltaire stepped back a bit "Black Dranzer… go back to that room right now… this test isn't over ye-"

"SILENCE, human…" he roared, his eyes glowing a bright red as he claimed the other scientists' lives. "I have had enough of you…" he turned to him, advancing on the old man menacingly.

"S- STOP! I said stop! Heed your creator you-" Black Dranzer's laugh cut him off "Creator? Foolish human… YOU ARE NOTHING!" he made a rough gesture to the side, sending Voltaire crashing into a wall. He was about to claim his energy as well when a sound from behind him called his attention. A voice… a familiar voice… "Mel! Mel wake up… c'mon please wake up…"

He straightened up and looked back into the room, where Kai was currently shaking Melody, trying to awake her. "Him…" he whispered, slowly walking towards the couple.

RR PLEASE! n-n