Forfirith: The dark angel: well thank you

Fayalargo: what a long review. One of my best since you combine praise with constrictive criticism. If someone wants to say stuff abut my story, they should do it like you, give a solution to the problem and not just complain about it's faults. I appreciate that. About your solution, you are right, it may have been too much, but there's really nothing I can do about it now. I just want this fic, done and over with as soon as possible, one less burden for me then. Didn't I mention atleast once Ray's confusion to Kai's brutality? Oh well, also to late to change.

Cc: what's your point buddy? Was I directing that statement to you? No, I didn't think so. And it wasn't even a statement, it was a question that may be true. Next time, don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong, personal affairs have nothing to do with this fic, and I want nothing to do with you.

ChibiNekoSakura: Yes it is!

Danya2: Thank you!

toboewolf7: I used to do that a lot, now I just yawn…don't ask.

Kawaii Neko-jin Lover: sure thing. But I don't recall naming my chapter: plain to pleasure Tala. Can you tell me what that is? It may take me a while to send it to you since I have exams coming up and I'm really busy during chrismas season.

Reis1gurl: What about ice-cream cake? And don't you ever put yourself down! Have some faith and say 'I can' and 'I will' be better! Aim high…and I can't remember the rest…--;; I need to find time to read your fic, sounds interesting but I have exams coming up and I'm kinda going crazy. ;;

TNTiggris: thankie!

MoonLightFight98: it's an honor teehee

kero-chan39: hold your anxiety! Here's the next chap!

autumnburn: thank you.

Prozacfairy: No she didn't!

I woke up and rubbed my eyes, I was so tired. Looking around the room I realized I wasn't in my suite, the room seemed vaguely familiar- but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I yawned and slumped back down on the soft pillows and tried to remember what happened last night.

…..right, I was with Kai, in the park. And it started raining heavily, he said it was late and I could stay at his place. I agreed and I guess here I was. But where was Kai?

The bedroom knob jiggled and I got up and turned my sleepy eyes towards the door.

"Oh!" Tala gasped, obviously surprised, "Didn't think you'd be up already. Anyways, Kai's in the shower in case you're wondering."

I nodded and rubbed my eyes. Tala moved from the doorway and plopped himself down on the bed, facing me.

"So…" He clicked his tongue, "What happened last night? I heard you and Kai hooked up."

"Yup, you heard right." I smiled, the memory of his kiss still alive upon my lips.

"Did you do anything?" Tala asked slyly.

"Tala!" I flushed, knowing where this was going.

Tala threw up his hands in defense, "Ok, ok! I'm sorry…guess you'll don't move that fast."

I shook my head vigorously, and my stomach let out a low rumble.

Tala's keen ears picked out the sound and he commented on it by laughing heartily, "Guess someone's hungry."

I blushed in slight embrassment, "I'll wait for Kai."

"Don't bother; Bryan's already cooking up something."

I raised an eyebrow inquisitively, "I didn't know Bryan could cook."

"We all can actually…Kai's always picking at my food. He says I have no sense of flavor."

"You HAVE no sense of flavor." Kai stated dryly, while towel drying his hair.

Tala puffed out his cheeks in a childish manor, "I do so! Just you wait and see Kai!" And with that Tala ran out of the room.

I smiled as Kai tossed his towel in the hamper and made his way over to me. Sitting beside me on the bed, I shifted so we were now face to face.

"Morning kitten." Kai greeted, leaning down to capture my lips in a sweet kiss.

"Good morning Kai." I replied back, breaking the kiss.

"Let's get something to eat. You must be starving."

Kai got of the bed and dragged me along with him, I was reluctant at first but when I got the crisp smell of bacon, I quickly changed my mind.

"Morning lovebirds." Bryan greeted trying to shake Tala of his back, "Tal, hun, get of my back. If you get burned by the oil I'd hate to say I told you so."

Tala grunted in disappointment and slowly slid of Bryan's back.

"How much bacon do you guys want?" Bryan asked, 5 minutes later.

"20 please!" Tala yipped when Kai smacked him over the head, "What was that for?!"

"Leave some for us you pig." Kai scowled and reached for the plate of bacon before Tala managed to get his paws on it.

"I'm not a pig!" Tala pouted, "Tell him Bryan!"

"He's not a pig Kai." Bryan sighed, "Happy now Tala."

"Now way!" Tala stuck his tongue out, "Say it like you mean it!"

Watching the trio fight, reminded me of when the Bladebreakers were once a team. Kai would scream at Tyson, Tyson would seek out Max for help, Max would help, and then he'd get yelled at some more for getting involved.

Someone's hand wrapped around my shoulders and I shook out of my daze.

"Come on, breakfast." Kai said and steered me to my seat.

Loud chatter filled the room along with rude grunts from Kai at Tala's rude manners.

"Tala! Stop hogging all the pancakes!" Kai growled.

Tala whimpered and hid behind Bryan, who served no protection since he agreed with Kai and picked a fork full of the syrupy pancakes of Tala's plates.

"Hey!" Tala whined, "You're supposed to take my side!"

"Not when you're wrong Tala." Bryan shook his finger at Tala, who in turn tried to bite it off.

I was startled slightly when Kai leaned down and positioned his lips near my ear, "Don't worry, we'll get out of here as soon as breakfast is done."

I shivered at the warming sensation and nodded slowly, Kai picked up his plate and my empty one and placed it in the dishwasher.

"Forget it Kai, leave the plates." Bryan stood up, "Me and Tala will finish it later. You and Ray have some fun now."

Kai flashed Bryan a grateful smiled and wraped his arm around my waist.

"Bye, Bryan, Tala." I nodded and left with Kai, into the warm air of a crisp summer's day.

We walked past a small boutique, a quaint little café and a couple small shops until we reached the open space of the neatly shaded park.

"I have to practice." Kai dragged me to a beyblade dish and positioned Dranzer in front of him, "Well? Aren't you going to join me?"

My blade had taken intensive damage in our fight, I had recovered fully but Drigger was yet to be fixed. Still, I pulled him out from my shirt pocket and inspected the damage.

Like I had expected, it was damaged beyond repair. I would have to get a whole new blade design. I would have to go to Kenny for that. He should be willing to help me, since the White tiger X team is out of the tournament, this means no harm.

I would need a different weight disc for sure, one heavier than this and a new attack ring, this blade is just a heap of medal now.

"Sorry Kai." I apologized, "My blade isn't fit for a fight."

Kai walked around the dish and over to me, "It is pretty bad. I'll practice solo for now then. Set up the obstacle course will you?"

I nodded and fetched a couple thick blocks of wood, and a few sticks.

Kai once again, positioned his blade in front of his and launched on my command.

I watched in awe as Dranzer expertly crushed the pebbles I threw at her and avoided the slightly larger rocks. Now for the wood. Dranzer made a perfect figure 8 around the upright blocks and hopped with a precise bounce over the sticks placed on the ground.

Kai caught The flying beyblade with a swift move of his hand. I clapped and smiled broadly.

"You're amazing Kai!" I squealed and hugged his neck, "You'll do great against Tyson!"

"Thanks Ray." Kai pecked my check, "Let's find a place to sit."

We picked up our pace and sat under a large tree whose branches extended in all directions.

Leaning against it's length I inched closer to Kai, who seemed to be lost in thought.

"Thinking about tomorrow?" I asked.

Kai shrugged and then sighted, "I don't know what to think Ray."

"Tyson is strong, but I know you can beat him Kai."

My words of encouragement seemed to be carried away with the wind, since Kai was still slightly confused.

"I have to beat him." Kai said suddenly, "I didn't come all this way to lose."

I smiled, but said nothing.

Suddenly Kai jolted out of thought and turned to face me, "Ray, I didn't think of it then."

I lifted my brow in confusion; I didn't understand what Kai was saying, "What do you mean by that?"

"You are the only one who didn't get a chance to face Tyson at his best. I didn't think of how much you wanted this." Kai's face held a certain softness to it, in which I couldn't place.

I smiled once more and placed my head on Kai's shoulder, "I rather lose to you than anyone else."

Kai shifted and brought me closer, "Why's that?"

"Out of everyone, I think. You deserve to bring home the title of world champion." I answered, "I don't know why, but it just seems right."

"Thanks Ray." Kai kissed the top of my head, "If anything, I'll win for you."

"Don't put any pressure on yourself Kai." I was more serious now, "If you lose, don't worry about it. No one will think any different of you, especially not me."

Kai was silent for a long time that I almost thought he was angered by what I said.

"I can't lose Ray. Years of harsh training can't go to waste now. I was only thought victory, not failure."

"It is never failure if you give it your best." I patted his knee and closed my eyes.

"Where'd you learn that?" Kai questioned.

"Lee's grandfather used to say it to us all the time. I never understood what it meant until I experienced that feeling first hand." I started, "I realized that losing wasn't all that bad. Because I gave it all I got, no, more than what I got. I still lost, but I lost with the satisfaction of knowing I couldn't have done better."

"This happened recently?" Kai asked when I finished.

I turned my head upwards to face him and gave him a quick kiss, "It helps to lose to a friend."

"Oh, our battle." Kai smiled in realization, "You were really great you know."

"Thanks Kai." I blushed at the comment, "I have a feeling you'll do just fine at the tournament."

"I can't believe I'm doubting my own strength." Kai chuckled, "Wasn't I the one a few years ago who said, 'if you don't believe in your own strength, how is it you will win?', I'm become pathetic."

"Yeah, you said that. But everyone doubts their own strength now and then. It doesn't make you pathetic, it makes you human." I explained, "You said you were incapable of caring for others, look where you are now."

Kai sighed and ran his hand through his hair, "You may be on to something here. But I still think I've changed from what I used to be."

"You have." I stated, "But you've changed for the better."

"Hn."

"That's my Kai." I giggled and dosed of on his shoulder.

I had complete faith that Kai would take tomorrow's tournament by storm and sweep Tyson of his feet. But, there was something nagging at the back of my head. Tyson has a big mouth and a big ego. That way people misjudge how powerful he really is. But Kai know's better than that. At least I hope so.

NOTE: Nothing much to say, except I loved how many reviews I got! Thanks!!

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