Kit: I know… this chapter is late… REALLY LATE. I have no excuse. If you must bestow punishment, I encourage it fully. Enjoy the chapter-
Kai, Rei: hold on, you're not off the hook yet…
Kit: -lower lip trembles as she backs away from them smiling nervously- really… why not?
Kai, Rei: we encourage something called time management… we understand that you were just in your junior year of high school and is entering your senior, but really… it took you an entire school year plus a month to update… your fans will kill you, you do know that right – hey, come back here!
Arigato Gozaimasu to all the lovely reviewers for the lovely reviews! It's your reviews that keep me writing, especially those that have stayed with me from beginning to end! Without your appreciation, I would not be able to go on and get so far, especially since this is technically my first story. Thanks for all your support and I really appreciate it. Now, since there wasn't that many reviews this time around, everyone gets chibi Rei and Kai plushies –hands reviewers said plushies- Remember: they're a set so don't lose any one of them! –whispers- the Kai plushie tends to get violent if kept away from the Rei plushie. Enjoy the plushies and chapter!
A big Arigato Gozaimasu goes to my Kit-Kat buddy and Hikari for attempting to beta-read for me. Thanks a bunch, guys. I'd never be able to do this without ya. Hikari, even though you don't read beyblade fics normally, you still struggle through to (try) beta(ing) for me. That's what I call dedication. To me! Mwhaha! Love ya for it, most def –smiles- one of these days, I will make you write a story on your own. And most likely a Naruto fic, but w/e the case, I will make you write one. Mark my words, Hikari. Yami-Chan has spoken –emphasizes with nod and smirk-
Summary: see chapter 1
Pairings: Kai x Rei, Yuri x OC and Takao x Max
Warnings: a bit OOC. PG-13 for fluff, course language and sexual innuendo/implications
This chapter: … it's the confrontation. There's nothing to say only… just an itsy tiny bit more one-sided Bryan x Kilana (Kit: DON'T KILL ME! I know it's annoying and I have no explanation whatsoever for why I continuously bring it up, I just do! Please don't kill me!) And implied Emily x Kenny.
Disclaimer by Kit: MWAHAHAHA! I OWN BEYBLADE NOW- –looks to see lawyers glaring- Shit -sighs- … FINE! I don't own Beyblade. Never have, never will. … For saying that, can I have Tala? Or at least borrow him? –lawyers look at each other- lawyers: you must return him when you get bored of him… which will probably be never, but return him sometime at least -shoves Tala into Kit's arms- Kit: Mwee! TALA'S MINE! –sulkily adds in- for now. MWAHAHA! –cuddles Tala- Tala: -smiles- Kit: ooh and if I get far enough into the chapter without getting stuck or blocked, I don't own the songs I'm gonna use, okay? Good.
Kit: -from her hiding spot and whispering- last thing few things: thanks to the six people who have put me on their favourite author's lists! You guys rock! Also, a sequel for this story is in the works, as well as a short story inspired by an OC story summary I read somewhere… be on the look out. Alright, I'm done talking. ENJOY!
(A.N. July 19th: because of the editor and how it doesn't like exclamation marks or question marks next to the slashes, punctuation will be missing. Don't review me about it okay? Just imagine they're there.)
Notes: "talking", italics is thinking and master to bit-beast in POV, 'thinking in non POV', x/bit-beast to master (vice versa in non POV)/x:sounds, /song lyrics/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You deserve better: VI
Back at Balcov Abbey in Kai's bedroom (before the note was sent)…
(Kai POV)
Rei…
Why do I continue to still feel bad about this?
Why does this feel… wrong?
What is this feeling!
… Is it guilt?
Sigh. I've had enough guilt already. But I wouldn't be surprised if it really was. Everything I've done lately seems to cause guilt to surge through me.
Remorse?
… Of what? Why would I feel remorse? Why is this frustrating me so much? What the Hell do I have to feel bad for! This wasthe right decision! IT WAS! Leaving Rei's the best thing I could ever have done besides leaving this Kami forsaken abbey the first time! Rei would never have to get hurt by me again… I'd never have to see him in pain because of my own stupidity… This was right! It was… wasn't it!
Why does this feel wrong!
This shouldn't feel wrong…
Because even though I'd be apart from the only person I've ever loved so deeply…
Rei would finally get the happiness he deserves…
And that he couldn't possibly get from me…
When he gets over this… me… and finds someone new…
Someone he deserves, and who deserves him…
And I would never be the cause of his anguish…
Pain…
Torture…
Suffering ever again…
Because it hurts me so deeply when I am…
So…
Why does this hurt more than it relieves!
x/Because, deep down you know you're only hurting Rei and yourself by doing what you've done.
Because, deep down you know he'll never be happy again without you by his side.
In other words, because you know that Kilana was onto something/x
That smug little voice…
Black Dranzer…
x/Think about it Kai…
- Carefully this time.
Has Rei ever blamed you when you've been ignorant/x
… No.
/Has Rei ever been happy when you weren't with him?
When you weren't by his side/x
… No…
x/Kai,
If you know this…
Then why did you go and do that?
Ah, Ah. I know I know. No need to tell me.
You weren't paying attention to what your heart was saying when you came to that decision.
But now that you feel the remorse and know that this was in fact actually wrong,
Accept the truth, Kai
Rei's not better off without you…
And he never will be.
I may not have known you for a very long time, Kai… but as your new bit-beast, I can see what you've seen…
Feel and what you've felt…
And from what I've seen and felt from your memories,
You two are like two halves of one soul…
Yin and Yang, Day and Night, Hot and Cold, Salt and Pepper…
Along with every other metaphor that describes an inseparable pair.
Without each other, you might as well not exist at all.
You know this, Kai.
You know it for a fact.
But you're just lying here,
Contemplating your decision…
Complaining about how much it hurts…
Killing yourself slowly with the immense pain of being apart from him…
And killing Rei along with you…
Instead of going to fix this little complication…
I'm starting to think that you're not as smart as I thought you were/x
… You know, I've never heard you talk like this before. Ever since we became partners, your speech was limited to "yes", "no" and "no fucking way". It's weird coming from you… I didn't even think you were capable of that kind of speech. And, now that I think about it, it's starting to freak me out a bit too.
x/… Ano… People change/x
Heh. Excuse me? You're not a person, Dranzer, so don't go saying you are one. But I do admit you are starting to change. Slowly… Little by Little…
x/Meh…/x You can picture Black Dranzer shrugging right there. x/Don't matter as long as the point got through. … How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Dranzer? I'm not that damn weak red phoenix of yours/x
It's so much easier calling you "Dranzer" though! Saying "Black Dranzer" all the time is annoying.
x/… I hate you. You know that, right/x
Yep! I love you too, Dranzer. I smirk at her mentally and she gags.
x/Gah… get bent, Master Kai/x
Aww! You called me Master! That's so cute! She shivers at the mention of being cute (and me along with her, seeing how I don't call anything cute except you know who), and leaves as fast as she can. But not before shouting profanity and a red streak at me for several minutes straight.
… Then she's gone like the wind. (A.N.: as you can tell, Black Dranzer is a female in this story. Hope you don't mind…) She does make a point though. I made an extremely rash decision. I hadn't thought everything through… I didn't consider the fact that Rei would be even more miserable if I left him than if I stayed. I didn't think of that. … I didn't think at all.
… What does that make me?
Even less worthy and deserving of Rei's love…
What do I do…? Rei would never be happy again unless I go back, but on the other hand, I don't, under absolutely any circumstances, deserve to have him love me this much in the first place…
Kami, what do I do?
What!
: knock, knock :
I glare at the door. Who the Hell would dare disturb me… I get up and walk over to the door. I open it just a crack and white-lavender eyes stare at me through it. I roll my eyes and fully swing open the door to glare at my visitor who in return glares right back. Erg… How dare he come here and bother me after what I've been through today? Doesn't he know I want to be alone? He may be one of my best friends and I hate being mean and cranky to him right now, but because of the fact that he is my friend and knew what went on today, he should know when I want to be alone.
"What do you want, Bryan. I'm in no mood for visitors right now." I say in an angry frustrated tone and with a harsh glare. He simply rolls his eyes at me.
"Boris requests your presence in Kilana and Yuri's room." Bryan replies in a formal tone. I stare at him, blinking repeatedly in complete confusion. Boris usually talks to me first then repeats it to Kilana and Yuri when there's something of utter importance going on.
"Why the fuck is Boris in their room?" I ask, narrowing my eyes. Bryan shrugged.
"Boris heard from Spencer and Ian that Kilana wasn't feeling well when she didn't show up for dinner and went to see her, as well as to discuss something with her and Yuri. I think it best you get over there."
"Why. What is it?" I ask with exasperation. I seriously have no interest whatsoever in whatever Boris wants. Never have, never really will. Just the way it is.
"Boris is commencing phase two." Bryan responds with a pointed look. … Shit. That is so not what I wanted to hear right now. I sigh angrily, motioning for Bryan to start walking back to Yuri and Kilana's room. I follow him after I slam my door closed. Bryan winces at the bang of the door closing, stops walking and looks back at me with a glare over his shoulder.
"What the fuck is wrong with you today, Kai!" He asks me angrily. "Why are you in such a fucking bad mood?" … You'd think he'd know, wouldn't you? I mean, he was there earlier this evening. He knew what our plan was, what it consisted of. How come he doesn't know now? Does he have short term memory? … I'm not telling him. Don't have the patience to at the moment.
"Nothing that concerns you." I snap. He rolls his eyes at me and whips back towards the front with a quiet grumble. I hate this. Why me… Why's it always me. Why do these things always happen to me? It's so fucked. What did I ever do wrong? What did I do to deserve such punishment? Such pain… such torture. It's almost gone past my breaking point where I'm tempted to hurt myself. And everyone knows my breaking point is pretty far from any normal person's breaking point would be. Does everyone honestly see how much this is hurting me now?
Bryan stops in front of the nicely carved door of Kilana and Yuri's room and knocks. A tiny bit of nervousness seeps into me because I know Kilana won't want to see me so soon after what happened. But this can't be helped. Tsh… Stupid Boris, starting phase two already… If it wasn't for my grandfather, I would've smacked that everlasting smirk off his face already. Who does he think he is…! Argh…! Ahem… back to the matter at hand.
After Bryan knocked, shuffling within the room was heard and a tired looking Yuri opened the door. He smiled slightly and let us in by stepping aside. Bryan nodded to Yuri in greeting and walked further into the room. I gave Yuri an apologetic smile for my presence. Yuri shook his head and smiled softly as if to tell me "It's alright. Don't feel bad, Kai. I took care of it." and closed the door as I walked in. … Wonder what he meant by that.
Right when I got into the room, I saw Kilana lying on the bed on her side facing the wall with her hair covering her face, implying that she had been crying. Kilana had always hid her face with her hair when she cried ever since the accident that year because it "showed emotion". Leave it to Boris to implant such heartlessness within us. Yuri and Rei are the only ones who've ever seen her cry. Sigh. No matter how much Yuri tells me not to, I still feel bad about everything I've caused during these past few days.
I took one last look at Kilana and swiftly walked over to the couch with my head down. I plopped down onto the couch unenthusiastically while Boris was already seated in the armchair in front of me (with that annoying smirk still) and Bryan had sat himself down on Kilana's window couch, occasionally sneaking a look over to the bed at Kilana… with a Kami knows what expression. Could it be that Bryan's actually worried and concerned about something? It definitely proves what Yuri and Kilana say about Bryan liking Kilana. Mmph. Bryan cares. The underworld's gone sunny. I stifle my laugh and look over the back of the couch to see Yuri giving Kilana a quick kiss and he brushed away the remainder of tears under her eyes with his thumb. After Yuri murmured something, Kilana sits up nodding and he helps her over to the other couch. As Kilana sat down, she quickly glanced at me with a seemingly emotionless glare, but underneath the look there was confusion… lots of confusion. I guess that's what Yuri meant. Yuri sat down after her in the seat closest to me. Once settled, Yuri put an arm around Kilana. Boris, sensing that everyone was ready to listen, started to talk.
"Do you know why I called you here, Kai?" Boris said, looking at me. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I'm not that dumb, am I? Yeesh.
"Bryan said something about the plan, so I'm assuming that's why you called me here." Boris smirked and nodded.
"Quite correct, Kai. Bryan is indeed correct. Tomorrow, I wish for you to commence Phase Two: Meet with the BladeBreakers, initiate battle and take their bit-beasts so we can finally start Phase Three." Phase Three… He's gotta be kidding me. So early! What is he thinking? We're barely prepared to start that! "Be as ruthless as you possibly can, Kai, do you understand me? I do not want those stupid fools of friends of yours thinking that you're going soft on them and give them the slightest idea about you wishing to go back… especially that Kon Rei. I have a feeling he wants you back more than the others do, so I do not want him getting any ideas at all." I stiffen just slightly at the mention of Rei. "I trust you can accomplish this with no problem?" I shake myself out of my short daze and respond.
"Of course. Piece of cake." … This is the reason? Sheesh. He could've told all of us this over the phone on three-way call or separately. Stupid Boris, wasting everyone's time like this. Kami he's an idiot. He always makes everything way more difficult that it should be. Pssh… and why is Bryan here for this? This doesn't even concern him. Not really anyway.
"That's very good to hear, Kai. But just in case though, Kilana and Yuri will go with you to make sure everything goes according to plan. They will stay inside the helicopter so no one will suspect anything. They will also provide you with any back up should you not be able to take on all of your old team-mates at the same time. I know you can, but this is merely a precaution. Is that understood, Yuri, Kilana?"
"Yes Sir." They chorus.
"Leave it to us." Yuri said with a smirk.
"Sir, don't you think it's a bad idea to reveal Kilana before the final match?" I ask. "They have no idea about her whatsoever, and even though she isn't in the line up, it feels like sort of a waste to reveal her for such an insignificant task after all that time and effort spent to keep her and her abilities under wraps. And also, the match is in a couple of days so we might as well just keep her a secret until then." The 'they have no idea whatsoever' part is a lie of course. But he doesn't know that. Hehehe… I love going behind Boris' back sometimes. Boris thought about it for a moment and then answered.
"No, I do not, Kai. Although keeping her a secret until the finals is a fine idea because it is indeed a waste of our efforts, there is really no possibility that they will find out her. She and Yuri are only there merely as a precaution, if you fail. Also, we've waited too long for an opportunity, so letting them taste what Kilana can bring to the table should she be used in the finals would show them that we're not a force to be messed with. And, as you say, Kilana isn't even in the line-up so it makes no difference to us whatsoever."
"I understand." I'm guessing he doesn't know about the fact that Kenny records all matches and analyzes the moves, then comes up with a way to defeat them when and should they battle that opponent again. Hmm… Is it just me or is Boris not as smart as we all thought he was. Oh well, it's not like Kilana's up tomorrow so I guess it isn't a problem.
"Good. Now, if there are no more questions, I shall take my leave. Kai, take care of sending word to the BladeBreakers you wish to meet with them."
"Yes Sir. No problem." Boris smirked and stood up. However, he didn't start walking and instead looked down at Kilana.
"Kilana." He called. Surprisingly, Kilana didn't move. She just continued to stare ahead, dazed. He grasped her chin, tilting her face up roughly so he could talk to her face to face. Finally noticing Boris, Kilana responded.
"Hn?" … Kilana must not be in a mood to talk. … Why do I feel guilty about that? Right, I caused it. Sigh.
"Feel better soon alright?" Boris hissed. "I do not want you in poor health for tomorrow… or the finals. You know that even though you are not in the line-up, I do not tolerate any person missing from the bench whether they're ill or not in case of emergencies. Any more of this moping around and crying for no good reason shit will be unacceptable the next time it happens. Is that clear?" Boris said coldly to her. He stared straight into her eyes, looking for any signs of emotion. I think he couldn't find any though because Boris isn't smirking. When he is, it usually means that he can see the fear in the eyes of the person he's talking to.
"Crystal, Sir." Kilana said with a thin edge of steel in her voice and a well-hidden glare. Boris released her and Kilana immediately rubbed her jaw hissing, making Boris smirk with satisfaction.
"Good. Come then, Bryan. We're leaving."
"Yes Sir." Bryan said and got up from the window seat, walking past the three of us on the couches towards Boris. When he got to Kilana though, he stopped and leaned in close to her ear. I heard him whisper "Bye Kilana. Feel better soon." and then something happened afterwards as Kilana's already pale complexion went even whiter. It also looked like she was resisting the urge to reach up and slap him (she couldn't have though because Boris was still in the room with us, awaiting Bryan a couple feet behind the couch) as her hand clawed Yuri's thigh so hard, he cringed. Bryan pulled away after a sec and smirked while looking at Yuri. He in return was glaring cold and harsh at the lavender haired blader and pulled Kilana close to him, only to make Bryan smirk even more.
"I'll see you three later." All three of us nodded curtly in return. He turned smirking and walked out with Boris.
"Kai." Yuri said as soon as everyone was gone. I turned to look at him.
"Hn?"
"Are you really going to steal their bit-beasts?" I sigh.
"I have no choice in it, Yuri. Boris wants me to, and I have to obey orders even though I don't want to. I have to try. But, I admit they might be strong enough to beat me, so it might not be a problem." The only problem is how to let them know that this isn't my idea… that I don't really intend to steal their bit-beasts… that I have no choice in the matter. (A.N.: anyone notice that Kai keeps contradicting himself? Heh. He's so confused… -smirks-)
"What are you going to do about Rei?" Kilana's soft voice said suddenly and slightly muffled because of Yuri's shoulder.
"Ki-" I started. Kilana sat up straight and closed her eyes.
"Tell me Kai. You're going to see him face-to-face tomorrow. The Big Confrontation I was talking about. It's here at last, just like I said. And a little warning too: Rei's prepared in all aspects, mentally, verbally and physically, to make you understand him once and for all. What are you going to do? Say? Will you break his heart again? Or will you finally give in to what we've all been saying all along? I'd like to know."
"I…" She's right… What am I going to do? Do I have any idea how big this is? How important? What's involved? What I'm risking? "I… don't know." Kilana whimpered at the unsatisfactory answer.
"Kai, I don't want to start another fight with you as we're both stubborn and we both know it. But please, Kai, tell me. Have you at least considered what I've said?"
"I have…" Hearing this, Kilana crawls onto Yuri's lap so she can see my face clearly.
"And?"
"I get your point, Kilana. But realizing everything late again just gives me more proof to myself that I have never been and never will be worthy of the love Rei has for me." Kilana at this point sighs.
"That's not necessarily true, Kai."
"…?"
"At least you know now, right? That's all that counts, Kai. You realize your errors, you learn from them and you change yourself for the better. I know you can do it. I'm pretty sure you don't want to never be with Rei again, seeing that you're so miserable without him and him without you. Trust yourself, Kai, and you'll be able to start over. And it's not like Rei was ever unhappy with you. That's why I wanted and still want Rei and you to be together. It made me happy knowing that you were able to bring back some happiness and joy to Rei's life after all that's happened to him."
"Kilana…" I say, looking at her with a warm smile.
"Dear Kami, Ki-Chan. Stop it with the happy shit already. It's making me sick." Yuri suddenly said with a shake of his head. Kilana's feline eyes narrowed at him.
"What'd you say?" Kilana threatened up at Yuri calmly.
"Nothing, nothing. I didn't say anything." Yuri said with a quiet laugh.
"Ivanov…" Kilana said, narrowing her eyes at him. "Don't tell me you forgot that I'm only content because I'm with you. That's 'happy shit'."
"Stop, you two… this is ridiculous." I say, laughing. "I will never get why you two fight. You make up three seconds afterwards."
"It gives us reason to make up?" Yuri responded sheepishly. Kilana smacked him upside the head.
"There are a few things that we just can't avoid arguing over." Kilana answered.
"I wonder how you'll survive a life-long relationship together." They glare at me. Heh. What? It's the truth. I get up from the couch. "I should go. Boris told me to send word to them that I want to meet with them and I should get right to it before I forget and get punished for it." Yuri and Kilana nodded agreeably. "Besides, don't wanna get in the way of your 'making up'. Just remember to actually get some sleep this time. We all need to wake up early tomorrow to be ready for this."
"Yeah, yeah, Mr. Bossy Pants." Kilana said with a playful rolling of her eyes. "Go on, get outta here then. And Kai?" I turn back around to look at her.
"Yeah, Ki-Chan?"
"This time, consider everything. All the aspects of your relationship with him. The good, the bad, everything, before you make the final decision. I don't want you to be unsure of what you want when you go into tomorrow." I smiled and nod. "Now, get out." Kilana said with a smile. I roll my eyes smiling and walk out the door. I guess I've got a lot of thinking to do.
Next morning… with the BladeBreakers…
(Normal POV)
Rei was found awake early in the morning on the balcony of the BladeBreakers' hotel suite, sipping on a cup of hot chocolate. Staring out at the snow-covered scenery, he was lost in his thoughts about how today was the day that he'd finally see Kai face to face, and make him understand once and for all how completely idiotic he was being. Rei sighed. What was Kai thinking? Was he really that ignorant to see and realize what he was causing by doing what he's done? Rei shook his head. He refused to believe that quite yet. Until he heard from Kai, he'd continue to have faith and believe in him. Still lost and preoccupied with his thoughts, Rei didn't notice the presence standing in the frame of the balcony door watching him.
A familiar cheery voice broke the silence. "Lost in your thoughts, Rei?" Rei turned around to look at the person with a smile.
"You're up early, Max." Rei said as he turned back towards the sunrise. Max joined him at the balcony rail smiling, which wasn't uncommon for the blonde as he was always smiling, rain or shine, day or night.
"Yeah, I know. My mom called me last night to tell me that she's leaving for America today, so I'm gonna go send her off. That okay?" Rei looked at Max, confused as to why he would ask him for permission.
"'Course it's okay. Why wouldn't it be, Max? I'm sure we'll be fine without you for a little while." Rei assured him.
"Only if you're absolutely sure about this though, okay, Rei? 'Coz I can cancel if you want." Rei shook his head.
"Wouldn't even dream of wanting you to lose precious time with your mom, Max… Trust me; I know what it's like."
"Sorry for bringing it up." Max said apologetically.
"Nah, it's okay." Rei said, patting his shoulder. "But seriously, Max, don't worry about it. I'm sure we'll be fine without you for a while. It's not like we can't hold him off until you get there."
"Okay, but only because you're positive about this, okay?" Rei nodded and Max smiled. "Bring him back, Rei. I know you can do it." Rei smiled.
"I'm not gonna give up on him, that's for sure, Max. He won't get away from me that easily."
"That's the spirit, Rei." Max glanced at the time. "Well, I gotta run now. I'll get there as soon as I can, I promise."
"No worries, Max. We'll be fine. See ya."
"Later." Max said and turned around, walking back into the living room. Rei watched Max over his shoulder for a second before turning back towards the scenery and his hot chocolate. Rei listened to the shuffling of Max pulling on his jacket, and the door closing with a click. Rei sighed and leaned onto the balcony rail with his elbows, hot chocolate in hand. Looking up at the sky, the light morning winter breeze cast Rei's bangs and tail into the air afloat. (A.N.: kawaii image!) Rei stood there for Kami knows how long, slowly sipping at his hot chocolate until he finally caught the time.
"Been out here for three hours… Time passes quickly sometimes when you're lost in thought." Rei said to himself and went back into the living room, sliding the balcony door closed. Once sure that the sliding door was locked, he went to the kitchen sink and washed his cup. As he was putting it away, a door creaked open and Kenny came out of his room.
"Morning, Rei." Kenny said, sitting himself down at the counter.
"Morning, Chief." Rei replied with a tiny smile, shutting the door to the cupboard. "Did you have a good sleep?"
"Yep, sure did. I think it's because last night Max and Takao didn't get up to anything so there were no moaning and groaning of any sorts." Rei chuckled softly.
"Max had to wake up early today to send his mom off at the airport, that's why there weren't any noises." Rei explained with another chuckle. Kenny smiled. "So, what would you like for breakfast?" The brunette looked up in thought.
"Pancakes would be good."
"Pancakes it is then." Rei answered cheerfully and set to work (A.N.: when Rei makes pancakes, he makes them from scratch so it gives Takao plenty of sleep time). While Rei was stirring the batter, he couldn't help but sigh. It just wasn't the same without him. When he was here, he helped with the cooking a lot. It was just something they enjoyed doing together. 'I need him back. I can't let this opportunity go to waste.' Once the pancakes were sizzling in the frying pan, filling the air with a delicious aroma, Takao finally decided to get up and join the two. Or rather, he knew that the pancakes were almost done, so he decided to drag his lazy ass out of bed so he could eat. Slamming the door to his and Max's room open, Takao bounced through the doorway with a huge grin on his face and immediately started to jump and peer over Rei's shoulders to see what the Chinese was cooking.
"MORNING GUYS! What's for breakfast!" Takao asked, as if oblivious to all.
"Kinomiya Takao, you know very well what's for breakfast. If you didn't smell it, you wouldn't have woken up in the first place! Besides, you're staring at it over Rei's shoulder right now." Kenny said. Takao glared at Kenny, but pulled at Rei's sleeve like an excited child nonetheless.
"Is it almost done, Rei!" Takao asked excitedly. "I can't wait to taste your delicious pancakes! I swear they're out of this world!" Takao rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"Tell you what, Takao. If you can set the table for me before these pancakes are done cooking, you get an extra one." Rei bargained.
"Deal!" Takao said without hesitation and proceeded to pull out eating utensils, plates and napkins to set the table as neatly as he possibly could. Kenny watched Takao with complete amazement. What Takao could accomplish when you offer him more food than he's usually allowed. Kenny shook his head smiling and got up to help Rei stack the pancakes onto the plates, remembering to include an extra one for Takao. Once everything was set, they all sat down and ate in silence. No one had anything in particular to say, and Kenny and Takao didn't really want to bother Rei seeing as his mind was preoccupied with the day's coming event. Not long afterwards, everyone had finished so they all cleaned up and prepared to get going. Mr. Dickenson had provided them with a helicopter to get to Lake Baikal and it was going to land on the roof of the hotel in an hour. Realizing this, Rei suddenly felt a whole array of emotions rush their way through his mind and body. He handed Driger to Kenny quickly so the brunette could do a check up for the battle and went into his room for some alone time. He needed to figure these emotions out. Rei entered the room, sat down on the edge of his bed and put his head in his hands. 'Kami… Am I doing the right thing?'
(Rei POV)
/I never could have seen this far
I never could have seen this coming
It seems like my world's falling apart
Why is everything so hard?
I don't think I can deal
With the things you said
It just won't go away/
I never thought it would ever come to this. I never imagined that this would ever happen. I would never in my entire life have perceived that I'd have to battle Kai to get him to come back to me. The mere thought never crossed my mind… and now that it's here I have no idea what to think. Hell, I never even so much as thought that Kai would leave me in the first place. And for such a stupid reason as well. My world fell apart that day…. Everything got harder without him around. And the things he said… did… they wouldn't leave me alone.
/In a perfect world
This could never happen
In a perfect world
You'd still be here
And it makes no sense
I can just pick up the pieces
But to you this means nothing
Nothing at all/
How could this have ever happened? Our lives were perfect the way it was. Our world together was of absolute perfection. I never thought anything could go wrong between the two of us, because it was so happy just being together. All we needed was each other and we were set. It made no sense when that happened. And I could just let it all go. But the question is… did this mean anything to Kai?
/I used to think I was strong
Until the day it all went wrong
I think I need a miracle to make it through
I wish that I could bring you back
I wish that I could turn back time
'Coz I just can't let go
I just can't find my way
Without you I just can't find my way/
Before, I used to think that nothing could ever get me down. That nothing could ever bring me to the point where I just couldn't live anymore. And then… I saw Kai… on their team… ruthlessly taking my friends' bit-beasts. Everything stopped right there. I prayed for a miracle that day to get me through it. The pain was so intense. My whole body was exhausted from it. That entire time in my room for those three days, I only wished for him to come back. I kept wishing that I could turn back time so I could've done something to stop all of this from ever happening. And I just couldn't let it go. I needed him back with me, 'coz only he was the person that could guide me through it.
/In a perfect world
This could never happen
In a perfect world
You'd still be here
And it makes no sense
I can just pick up the pieces
But to you this means nothing
Nothing at all
I don't know what I should do now
I don't know where I should go
I'm still here waiting for you
I'm lost when you're not around
I need to hold onto you
I just can't let you go/
And now… now that I have a chance to bring him back… I don't know what I should do, where I should go because I realize that maybe, just maybe, this is really important to Kai. If it wasn't, he wouldn't be so insistent about it. Then again, just because it's important to him, doesn't mean that it's right. But what if it is? I can't do that to Kai. I can't force him into something he doesn't want to do. I could never do that to him. But here I am, waiting for him endlessly, lost without him, and holding onto him because I love him. So what's the right thing to do? Go with my original plan? Or don't, and live without him… forever in misery?
/In a perfect world
This could never happen
In a perfect world
You'd still be here
And it makes no sense
I can just pick up the pieces
But to you this means nothing
Nothing at all/
Someone help me…
Someone tell me what I should do…
I don't know. I really don't know.
I'm so confused…
This is important to Kai, and I can't ignore how he feels.
But I can't ignore myself and how I feel either!
It doesn't feel right to make Kai do something he doesn't want to do…
But I can't live without him. I've tried and failed. I know I can't. I need him.
I need him back.
What do I do…?
x/Master, please do not do this to yourself. Not again/x
Driger… Oh God, Help me, Driger!
x/Please. Don't cry, Master Rei. I hate seeing you like this/x
I hate seeing myself like this too, Driger. What do I do?
Driger hesitated a bit with his answer, but finally replied.
x/… I know it's hard for you to consider this, but maybe it's best that you go with your original plan/x
But, Driger! I-
x/I know it's extremely hard for you to force the man you love into something he may not want to do, but because you're so miserable without him, just try. If he really doesn't want to come back with you, then so be it. Wait until he gets over it and eventually he'll come back to you anyways. He loves you a lot more than I think you're giving him credit for, so I have faith he'll return eventually if he does not this time around/x
… Thank you, Driger. That seems like the right thing to do. You're the best bit-beast a neko-jin could ever have.
x/As long as you're happy, I'm happy, Rei. Remember, I'm always here for you/x
Thank you… So much, Driger… With a smile and a mental nudge to my hand, Driger leaves. He is right. I have to try. Even though it'll hurt like hell to do this to Kai, I have to. For my own happiness… which is actually really selfish come to think of it, but what am I supposed to do? Live in misery forever? I really don't think I can do that to myself. Actually, I'd never do that to myself. So here goes… for all the marbles… Here I come, Kai.
Again.
(Normal POV)
Finally getting his head straight, Rei stood up. Looking in the mirror that was in front of him, he felt ready… as ready as he possibly could be anyway. After grabbing Kai's Dranzer blade off the bedside table (because you never know when you need it, and he doesn't go anywhere without it) and stuffing it into his pocket, he walked out of his room and closed the door softly. Seeing that Takao and Kenny already had their jackets on and blades in hand, Rei took Driger back and pulled on his jacket. After Rei finished, Takao and Kenny smiled at Rei reassuringly. No words were needed. They knew what their goal was. And nothing was going to stop them now.
"I'm ready." Rei said finally.
"Don't worry, man. We're here for you, 100. We'll get him back, we promise." Takao said with a pat to Rei's shoulder.
"Thanks, Takao. Let's get going." They nodded and made their way onto the roof of the hotel. Sure enough, a helicopter with the BBA logo on it awaited them just 5 feet away from the staircase door. Without any hesitation, they climbed inside. Once inside and starting to settle in their seats, they noticed another person in front of them. Sitting there was none other than Mr. Dickenson, which surprised and confused the three.
"Mr. D, what are you doing here?" Takao asked, blinking at the elder confused.
"Just making sure you three get to Lake Baikal safely, as well as to make sure Boris is not pulling any tricks. I can't let anything go wrong for my little bladers, now can I." The old man said, chuckling quietly.
"Uh… Thanks Sir… That's very kind of you." Rei said with a smile, although sure that if he was an anime character, he'd feel a huge sweatdrop on the side of his head right now. Kenny smiled nervously and buckled his seatbelt. Takao and Rei did the same, and soon enough, the helicopter's engines turned on and they were in the air in mere moments. Looking out over the scenery, Driger helped him calm his nerves. Even though he knew what he wanted now, he couldn't help but be nervous. After so long, he was wondering if Kai changed at all. (A.N.: I know, it's only been around five to six days since they've been apart, but to Rei and Kai it's an eternity already because they're so in love P) Takao, noticing that Rei had dazed off, decided to finally tell him what he knew.
"He's gotten skinnier." Rei looked over at the Japanese who was sitting next to him with confusion.
"Huh?"
"Kai's gotten skinnier. When I saw him, he looked like he hadn't eaten for days. Or bathed and changed for that matter." Takao said, looking down.
"Oh. I see…. Anything else…?"
"… His eyes were a duller shade and bloodshot. There was absolutely no emotion in it except guilt and sadness. He just all around looked miserable… without you."
"I… see." Rei's eyes couldn't help but tear up slightly.
"Rei, don't blame yourself for this, alright? It's his fault that you guys are apart and that he's miserable because of it. You had nothing to do with it." Takao quickly said.
"I guess you're right. But I'm just surprised-"
"… That he looked as miserable as you did?"
"Yeah…"
"We've all said it before, Rei. Kai loves you a lot more than you think he does. Have faith in him that he'll do the right thing when we see and talk to him. All he needs is a bit of convincing and I'm sure it's a done deal." Takao said, patting Rei's shoulder. Rei smiled.
"… You're oddly wise for this time of day without Max, Takao."
"… Hey." Rei let out a laugh and turned back to the scenery.
"Alright boys, that's enough. We'll be landing in five minutes." Mr. Dickenson cut in with a smile to Rei. Rei nodded appreciatively.
"Hey Kenny, where are we? Do you know?" Rei asked the brunette. "I know it's a lake." Rei interrupted Takao before he could open his mouth and say anything wise-assed. With a few taps on Dizzi's keyboard, Kenny responded informatively.
"We're going to a lake in the middle of nowhere as in the mountains and woods that's been frozen over because of the extremely cold weather here in Russia. The lake is pretty deep, more than thirty metres, but we should be safe on it as the ice is at least five inches thick. It gets a lot thicker during nights though, around twelve inches or so."
"Damn… does that mean it's gonna be freezing out there!" Takao exclaimed.
"Yes, Takao… it's going to be extremely cold so I suggest zipping up your coat when we get out of the helicopter."
"But I hate zipping up," Takao pouted. "Especially when it's time to battle!"
"It's only a suggestion, Takao. Don't get so worked up. If you don't want to, that's fine. You can just risk yourself to pneumonia and a nasty cold. I'm sure Max will sleep with you no matter what." Takao pouted even more.
"Argh… What a choice. Get sick or win this damned battle. I wish Max was here." Rei shook his head smiling. Takao hated to zip up because apparently, it limited his abilities to blade (how, they have no idea). However, he hates getting sick just as much as he does losing. Rei sighed and looked out the window, watching the scenery go by. They were almost at their destination, and they were going to land soon. Rei remained calm and collected for six minutes, until something caught his feline eyes on the ice of the lake as they started to descend.
"Guys." The two turned to look at Rei.
"What is it, Rei?" they asked the raven-haired blader, confused.
"Look out there." Rei said, pointing to the dot. Takao and Kenny looked over and gasped.
"It's Kai." Rei simply nodded with a dazed look. It took a few more minutes for the helicopter to fully land properly, but once it had, Rei quickly took off his seatbelt and started for the door. Mr. Dickenson however stopped him before he could jump out.
"Rei, be careful. I know you may still love him, but it's dangerous to get too into this. He could have ulterior motives and you never know if someone else is here with him. Promise me you will keep a level head out there."
"Yes, Sir. I will. Thank you." Rei replied quickly. He pushed the helicopter door open and jumped out, landing on his two feet like the neko he was. Takao and Kenny quickly followed and they watched the helicopter take off again before turning towards Kai who was awaiting them in the middle of the lake, a helicopter waiting behind him, watching their every move. Rei wondered just vaguely if Yuri or Kilana were in that helicopter, but knowing that this was Kai's and only Kai's assignment from Boris, it was unlikely that he would get a chance to talk to his imoto-chan face-to-face.
(A.N.: the next part will have song lyrics going along with the story. To clarify, the song is split into two POV's so /this/ is Rei's POV; /this/ is Kai's/normal POV and /this/ is both their POV's. Hope this helps –smiles-)
"C'mon Rei, let's not keep him waiting." Takao said, putting an arm around his shoulder. "We're right here." Rei nodded smiling and the three of them trudged over slowly. As they reached within clear view of Kai's features, Rei stopped suddenly to take in Kai's appearance. It hadn't hit him how much indeed he would have changed over such a short period of time. Truth to what Takao told him, Kai did in fact look slimmer than usual. His frame used to have a slim yet muscular look to it; now, it was barely muscular. His eyes were a dull shade of its usual bright crimson, bloodshot and there were dark circles around his eyes, telling Rei that he hadn't slept for days now. And his hair, once well-groomed and always of perfection, was now a tangled and un-brushed mess, strands flying everywhere in the wind. Rei couldn't help but tear up at his appearance.
'Kami… he's changed so much. Why did he do this to himself? Oh Kami, I have to put a stop to this. I have to. Not only for myself and my own happiness, but for Kai's as well. He has to see what he's done…! I can't allow him to torture himself over something so irrelevant. I can't allow this to continue. It isn't right for him to be thinking this way. He has to know that it's wrong… that he's killing himself… and me. This can't honestly be what he wants, can it? To be miserable forever? He needs to see, oh God he needs to. I can't let this go on any longer!' Rei hung his head, looking down at the ground. He put a hand to his mouth, pleading with himself not to cry. Takao, sensing Rei's distress, put an arm around his shoulder, quietly telling him that it was alright while throwing Kai an angry look that told him "DO something, you cold bastard."
/I looked away
Then I looked back at you/
Kai on the other hand couldn't bear to look at Rei, yet could not draw himself away no matter how hard he tried. Rei's features had changed as well, and at first it didn't shock Kai. His clothes looked baggier on him than usual, his eyes weren't the bright amber orbs he fell in love with and he was as pale as Kilana was. 'It was to be expected. From what Ki-Chan told me, this was bound to happen. I can not be surprised by this. And yet… I did not expect such a drastic change in such a short amount of time. Oh Kami… What have I done to you, Rei?' Kai tore his eyes away finally, feeling the sting of tears in his eyes.
/You tried to say
Things that you can't undo/
"Kai, tell me what you see." Kenny said suddenly. Kai looked at him strangely.
"What are you talking about?"
"Tell me what you see." Kai looked to the side, ignoring the brunette. "Do you see him, Kai?" Kai looked up, his eyes flashing.
"Of course I see him." Kai hissed angrily. "I'm not blind like you." Kenny's face turned red with anger.
"Then do you see what you've caused with your impulsivity! Your foolish desires! Do you see the heartbroken neko-jin in front of you! Who loves you more than anything and even though he knew the dangers of coming here to see you today, he still did because he wouldn't give up the chance to see you in person! Do you see the two disappointed ex-members of your team who can't believe in a million years that you would ever do such a thing to someone like Rei!"
"I know what I've done, Kenny!" Kai growled. "I don't need the likes of you to tell me I fucked up big time. I know what I did. I know how much it hurt him and it pains me, hurts me, to see him like that. I am the cause of it, and I do NOT need to be reminded by YOU!"
"STOP IT YOU TWO! Can't you see that Rei is in enough pain already! He doesn't need the two of you bickering right now!" shouted Takao. Rei looked up at the blue-haired blader and shook his head.
"I'm fine, Takao. Really… it's okay."
/If I had my way
I'd never get over you/
Kai growled. "Enough of this idle chatter… I didn't come here to talk about what I've done. I came to challenge all of you to a bey-battle and to take your bit-beasts. I'm wondering why Blondie (A.N.: who'd like to guess where that came from? Beta-Reader…?) isn't here yet since it's a waste of my time, but since he isn't, no matter; I'll just get Draciel later when he shows up. Now, let's get this over with already. … I can't stand to be here any longer."
"Why, Kai? Why can't you stand to be here with us… me? Does it hurt you to see me like this?" Rei asked, looking at him straight in the eye.
/Today's the day
I pray that we make it through
Make it through the fall
Make it through it all/
"You know it does, Rei." Kai muttered just loud enough for only him to hear as he locked Black Dranzer into his launcher and got into launching position. "I've said it before." Rei laughed sadly as he, Takao and Kenny prepared to launch as well.
"Then why did you do all those things you did? I have a pretty good idea why, but I'd like to hear it from you."
"Ready… 3… 2… 1… LET IT RIP!" All four blades hit the ice at the same time, heading straight into attack mode.
Meanwhile, at the airport…
"MOM!" Max cried happily as he ran towards his mother and threw his arms around her.
"Maxie! Oh, I can't believe you came! I though you'd be busy with your little friends!" Judy said, hugging him tight.
"There was something important that needed to be attended to… but Rei said it was alright so here I am!"
"I'm so happy to see you, Max. Congratulations on getting to the finals. I knew you could do it and I'm so proud of you."
"It's so exciting, you won't believe it."
"I'd bet! Been practicing hard?"
"Yep… Kenny's been working overtime fixing and modifying our blades to tip top shape."
"Well, I have a surprise for you. Here." Judy took out a silver brief case and opened it revealing a brand new Draciel blade. Max was stunned, staring at it with wide eyes.
"Is that…?"
"Yes, Max. A brand new Draciel blade, perfected to the highest level of performance it could ever possibly be. Do you like it?" Judy smiled down at Max, who continually stared with amazement and wonder.
"It's amazing, Mom. Thank you so much… I can't believe you did this for me. How were you able to…?"
"Emily got Draciel's information for me from Kenny." Max smiled.
'Kenny sure has it bad for Em…' "I'm not surprised." Max said with an impish smile.
"I'm sure you're not, Max." Judy replied with her own all-knowing smile.
"Judy, Max! Look what our satellite just picked up!" Emily yelled, waving a picture in her hand furiously as she ran towards them.
"What is it Emily?" Judy asked, not sure as to why Emily was so worked up.
"It's a picture our satellite picked up… Look!" Emily handed Judy the photo. "It was taken only mere moments ago at Lake Baikal!"
"Oh dear… It's your little friends Maxie. They're in battle with the one who betrayed you and your team… I believe his name was Kai?"
"Damn… I knew that the battle was gonna start without me, but I didn't know that they'd be such a horrible position so fast! I knew Rei was wrong about it… Augh! Mom, can you guys give me a lift there?"
"I'm sure that can be arranged." Judy and Emily said, exchanging glances and smiles.
Meanwhile… back at Lake Baikal…
"Oh no! My blade!" Kenny cried as Kai knocked his beyblade out of the game. "I'm so sorry, guys! I did the best I could…"
"It's fine, Kenny. We'll take him!" Takao said confidently. "KAI!" Takao roared as Dragoon charged at Black Dranzer. "What do you have to say for yourself then, huh! Rei asked you a question! ANSWER HIM ALREADY!"
"I HEARD HIM, YOU NITWIT! I'M NOT FUCKING DEAF!" Kai yelled, commanding Black Dranzer to counter-attack.
"Fucking answer me, Hiwatari." Rei hissed out, getting pissed at Kai's hesitance to answer. "I don't have all fucking day here." Kai stared at Rei with confusion and slight concern. He had never heard Rei out of all people talk like that before, especially to him. 'Though, I shouldn't be surprised, should I. What I did… I must have hurt you very deeply… I'm so sorry, Rei…'
"You must be… very hurt over this to talk like that, huh Kitten." Kai said quietly, looking down at the ice with a sad smile. Rei squeezed his eyes shut.
/I don't wanna fall to pieces/
/I just wanna sit and stare at you
I don't wanna talk about it
I don't want a conversation/
"Don't call me that, Kai… You have no right to after what you've done to me and our team. Just answer me… please." 'Before I cry just standing here in front of you… I can't show you my weakness, Kai… not now… not after what you did.'
/I just wanna cry in front of you/
"What is there to say, Rei? I was a fucking idiot and you know that already."
/I don't wanna talk about it/
"Why can't you answer me, Kai? Stop fucking around already. I need to know."
"You know why!"
"I DON'T!" Rei screamed, Driger attacking Black Dranzer fiercely to express Rei's frustration. "WHY WON'T YOU ANSWER ME! STOP HESITATING! ANSWER ME AND ANSWER ME NOW! I NEED TO HEAR IT FROM YOU, KAI! TELL ME NOW!"
/'Cause I'm in love with you/
"Fine, I'll answer you. Just please, calm down. I hate seeing you like this, Rei!" Kai cried out. "This is exactly what I don't want to happen ever again!" All the beyblades stopped and spun on spot for Kai's explanation. "You know why I left in the first place: because of Black Dranzer. You know that I later realized it wasn't relevant to me anymore."
"I already know that! It's forever embedded in my memory, Kai! Just get on with it! What I need to know is why you lied! Get to why you lied to me and told all that shit to Takao!"
"I DIDN'T LIE, REI! That letter spoke the truth, believe me! But I also told Takao those things because I couldn't blind you. You deserved to know the exact truth! Because it's true, Rei, can't you see! I know you need me with you. I know you feel lost when I'm not there to guide you, and believe me I want to be there for you too because I love you more than I love my own life! But… I can't trust myself to not hurt you again like I did, nor can I ever take that chance! Don't you see it, Rei! I don't want to hurt you anymore, not again. You can't tell me that you weren't hurt even the tiniest bit when I did something selfish! I know you hurt deep down, no matter how deep you hide or deny it! And I just can't do that to you! I can't… which is why I can't and won't come back to you! Even though I may never feel again because I don't have you with me anymore… even if I never see you again… I'm willing to risk my own happiness so you can find someone you deserve. I'm willing to risk everything so you'll be happy! Because you deserve better than someone like me, Rei and you know it!"
/You're the only one
I'd be with until the end
When I come undone
You bring me back again
Back under the stars
Back into your arms/
"Kai, you're such an idiot!" Rei cried, tears falling from his amber eyes, but continued to shine in determination. "I don't see it, Kai! I don't even get why you don't understand why I'm so upset! Are you really that blind! If you really wanted me to be happy, you'd know that I. NEED. YOU!" Rei shouted, Driger attacking Black Dranzer with every word emphasized. "Don't you see, Kai! I will never be happy if you aren't with me. I will never feel again, my body will go numb. You're the only one who can bring me back from the brink of insanity when horrible things happen. Your love… you… without it, I'm nothing, Kai. I NEED YOU! You're the only one who will ever complete me! No one else can and will come close!" Kai's eyes widened as if he'd been punched him in the stomach.
"Rei… I…" Kai started, choking on his words.
"If you didn't see that before, you must be blinder than we thought." Takao cut in. "Rei's loved you more than anything since the beginning. How could you not have seen that?" Suddenly a loud and familiarly cheery "GERINIMO!" interrupted the conversation. Everyone looked above for where the shouting came from and saw a blonde freefalling from a grey airplane. "… Max?" Takao questioned out loud. The parachute came out a second later, and the blonde yelled "LET IT RIP!" launching a green beyblade that joined Rei's Driger and Takao's Dragoon on the ice. Max landed a moment later, stripped off the parachute gear and ran over.
"How's it going, guys? Miss me?" Max said with a huge smile.
"You bet." Takao answered, drawing the blonde in for a quick kiss before getting back down to business. "Let's do this! Dragoon!"
"Draciel!"
"Driger!"
"ATTACK!" All three blades charged for Black Dranzer, landing hard attacks onto the black beyblade who could not defend at the moment seeing as Kai was distracted.
x/Master Kai! Snap out of it already! We're being pulverized/x
I… I… I don't know if I can do this anymore! The more Rei tells me, the more I can't keep fighting! My body is weakening from the emotion!
x/Please Master! For your sake and mine! If Boris finds out we just gave up, we'll get punished worse than we've ever been/x
Oh Kami, I hate this! Please, forget about me already! For your own happiness and mine! "Black Dranzer, ATTACK!" Kai yelled furiously, trying to get this to end as quickly as possible. Black Dranzer charged mercilessly at Takao's Dragoon, catching Takao off guard and knocking his beyblade out of the game.
"Shit! Rei, I'm sorry…!"
"It's okay, Takao! Stop apologizing to me! It's fine! Tiger Claw!" Rei shouted, the White Tiger acknowledging the command and roaring in fury as he charged at Black Dranzer, slamming into her hard and sending her flying. "Kai, I don't need you to protect me! I'm not an invalid, damn it!" Driger swiped its claws at Black Dranzer furiously, Black Dranzer barely being able to recover from the attacks. "How can you possibly think that you're protecting me by leaving anyway!"
/I don't wanna fall to pieces/
/I just wanna sit and stare at you
I don't wanna talk about it
I don't want a conversation/
"Because I'd never hurt you again, Rei! It's the only way I can make it right!" Kai yelled right back, commanding Black Dranzer to recover and attack Rei's Driger blade with such force that she knocked Driger out. Rei stared down at his defeated blade. "I've explained it already, Rei. I really don't want to hurt you anymore. This may seem horrible to you now because it's only been few days since we've been apart, but believe me when I say you'll be fine when you've finally found someone who can love you as much as I do and not hurt you."
/I just wanna cry in front of you/
"Kai… you're… such an idiot." Rei sobbed out as he fell to his knees, picking up Driger. Takao and Kenny ran over and knelt down next to him, expressing concern and worry. Kai immediately looked away.
"Exactly… That's exactly what I'm saying Rei." Kai said with a strained voice.
/I don't wanna talk about it/
"I'm… I'm only doing this because I love you so much." Kai looked up with a pleading expression, tears in his crimson orbs. "Please… try to understand this from my point of view."
/'Cause I'm in love with you/
"I understand, Kai… Really, I do." /Master Rei, Dranzer…/ "But now, you have to understand me." Rei grit out as he pulled out Dranzer from his coat pocket and launched it furiously at Black Dranzer, catching Kai off guard.
'Dranzer…?'
"I can't believe you don't get it yet, Kai!" Max and Rei yelled at him, both their blades attacking Black Dranzer from both sides, locking her in the middle with no way out.
"Rei has tried and tried to make you understand him, and you continue to be blind by your so called devotion to Rei! WHAT is that!" Max shouted, Draciel slamming into Black Dranzer making it fly up into the air and land wobbling horribly.
"If you love me, you'd know I can't live without you. If you love me, you'd know that as long as you're with me, you CAN'T hurt me. I love you, and being with you means taking everything in with no pain and regrets whatsoever!" Rei cried, Dranzer attacking Black Dranzer relentlessly, pushing her back further and further.
/I wanna know who you are
Wanna know where to start/
"What are you saying…?" Kai asked with confusion. 'Is he saying that I could never hurt him?'
/I wanna know what this means/
/Wanna know how you feel
Wanna know what is real
I wanna know everything…
Everything…/
"I want to know you, Hiwatari Kai… everything about you. Likes, dislikes and even hates. I want to wake up every morning beside you and know how you're feeling. I just… I want to know everything there is to do with you, Kai… And know that what we have is real!" With a stroke of luck, Rei's Dranzer caught Kai's Black Dranzer in a moment of vulnerability, Kai taking everything Rei had to say, and sent Black Dranzer flying back to Kai's feet with a crash. "And what we had… what we have… it's real to me, Kai… it really is… Nothing has ever felt more right than being with you. Because it's real, everything I find out about you, everything we go through, it won't hurt me Kai. Nothing you do can hurt me. The only thing that will… is losing you. That would kill me. As long as you're with me, nothing will ever hurt me, not even you… because our love is real and strong. …You can't break me, Kai." Kai's crimson orbs went wide once more
'He said it… He said it. He really said it…' Kai thought amazed.
/I don't wanna fall to pieces/
/I just wanna sit and stare at you
I don't wanna talk about it
I don't want a conversation/
/I just wanna cry in front of you/
/I don't wanna talk about it/
/'Cause I'm in love with you/
"Your only fear going into this relationship was if you would break me, right?" Rei asked while calling Dranzer back to his hand. Kai nodded in response as he bent down to pick up Black Dranzer, his mouth currently not working at his command. Rei smiled. "You won't. You can't. I love you, Kai, and as long as we're together, I'll never know pain, fear or suffering 'coz you make it better just by being by my side… please come back? Please?" Rei pleaded.
/I don't wanna fall to pieces/
/I just wanna sit and stare at you
I don't wanna talk about it
I don't want a conversation/
/I just wanna cry in front of you/
/I don't wanna talk about it/
/'Cause I'm in love with you/
/I'm in love with you/
'How does he do that…? How can he tell me all this even after I've done such horrible things to him? How can he still love me after all of this?'
/ 'Cause I'm in love with you/
/I'm in love with you/
/I'm in love with you/
x/Because your love for one another is strong, Master Kai. He knows that and thus cherishes the relationship, so he cannot give up on you until you understand/x
x/Dranzer…/x Kai sent back to his bit-beast confused.
x/That is correct. I can speak to you now because we are within the same area with no barriers, me being in your lover's hand/x
x/I see…/x Before Dranzer could say anything else to him, the ice below him cracked and formed a circular break in the ice, Kai in the middle. The BladeBreakers' eyes all widened and they yelled out for him.
"KAI!"
x/MASTER KAI/x
Kai looked around him and thoughts started pouring into his mind, none of them good. He realized that if he just stood there and let himself sink, it would solve everyone's trouble – especially Rei's. He smirked. "Well, isn't this just dandy? The answer to all my problems." Kai laughed bitterly. (A.N.: if you're wondering why all of the sudden Kai's gone suicidal, it's because he's found a way out so his thoughts have reverted and he's forgotten all of the BladeBreaker's persuasions.)
"Kai, you don't mean that!" Rei cried.
"What do you think, Rei? I cause you so much heartache, so much suffering, and yet you can still love me. You're hurting yourself Rei, and I can't let you do that. So… I'll end it all now." Kai's weight on the ice was now starting to become too much to stay afloat. The little island along with Kai slowly started to sink into the water. Lake water started washing over the island and froze Kai to his spot. Kai pulled slightly at his feet but he couldn't move. His smirk widened, scaring his former team-mates.
"KAI, NO! DON'T THINK THAT WAY! Please, grab my hand! We can talk, we can do whatever you want, JUST GRAB MY HAND!" Rei reached for him, but Kai made no move.
"Even if I wanted to, Rei, I can't. I'm stuck to the ice."
"PLEASE KAI, NO!"
x/Master Kai, you must realize the truth now before you make a mistake you will regret when it is too late to be saved! Master Kon loves you with his whole heart, mind, soul and body! And you, Master Kai, love him in the same manner, do you not/x
x/Yes, Dranzer, I do… /x Kai replied, not sure as to what Dranzer was getting at.
"HIWATARI, GRAB OUR HANDS, DAMN IT!" Takao yelled, reaching out for him as well.
x/If it is so, why can't he love you now as he has before all of this? If you can love him as you have in the past, why can't he? Your love is strong and nothing could ever tear you apart, except for yourselves! And dare I mention it without Master Rei's consent although this is a matter of life or death, but there is a bond that has formed between the two of you that can't and should not break/x
'Bond…? Could it be the mating ritual? That's impossible though… Rei and I have not performed nor discussed it in the past.'
x/Not everything has an explanation, Master Kai! Even you know this, and you are quite the analyst/x
x/Not as much one as Kilana is…/x
"Kai, don't do this to us!" Kenny cried, on the verge of tears. He outstretched his hand pleadingly. "GRAB OUR HANDS!"
x/I agree with you completely, but that is besides my point, Master. I mean to say, Master Kon has his own reasons for why he still loves you, and in the brief period of time where I was his bit-beast, I saw that he will never love another as he has you! For him and all other neko-jins like Miss Kon and the White Tigers, their first love will be their only love! Master Kon's love for you will never be broken because he has already chosen you as his mate! Even though the ritual is still yet not in place, for him, the bond is already there because he is the one who carries the Tradition! Do you understand now/x
x/You mean to say, for him we are already mates and the conditions are the same as it would be for Kilana and Yuri…/x
x/I am not quite clear on the subject, Master… But know that Master Kon will never be the same if you leave him, just like you have not been the same without him. But yes, I fear that the consequence could be the same as if you were already bonded if you should really actually leave him. … And Master Kai, there is another point I wish to bring up. Do you really want to give him away to another, for an example that you will surely hit me for, Mao/x
x/You've got to be kidding me, Dranzer! Do not bring up the harpy, how many times have I told you that/x
x/But if you go through with this, he is once again single, grieving, vulnerable, and open to others! And what others are there but the Mountain Cat! She loves him as much as you do, possibly even more since they grew up together! Miss Kon would agree with me, as would Driger and Drifang/x
x/Rei is not bisexual, Dranzer/x Kai defended Rei angrily. x/He's gayer than Christmas… seriously… Trust me, I know/x
"Grab our hands!" Max pleaded, dropping to his knees and outstretching his hand with the others. "PLEASE KAI, DON'T DO THIS! YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY MEAN ANYTHING YOU SAID BACK THERE!"
"KAI, PLEASE LISTEN TO US, PLEASE! GRAB OUR HANDS! DON'T DO THIS TO ME, KAI!" Rei yelled, tears of anger and frustration staining his pale cheeks. "KAI, PLEASE DON'T!" Suddenly, the door to Kai's helicopter opened with a bang, causing the BladeBreakers to look away from Kai for a moment. Two shadows appeared in the frame and jumped down from the helicopter. "Kilana…?" Rei whispered to himself. Takao, Kenny and Max all looked at Rei.
"We all know that the guy's Yuri… but Rei, that's your sister, isn't it." Takao commented, pointing to the raven-haired neko-jin running over with Yuri.
"That's her?" Kenny and Max asked with amazement, staring at the female version of Rei as she neared.
"Yeah, she must've been in there all this time." 'No wonder I had an odd feeling that she was here… I thought my mind was messing with me.' Kilana and Yuri came to a stop in front of the BladeBreakers and smiled.
"Hello there. No time to talk or introductions. Let's get Hiwatari out of there before he comes down with extreme pneumonia." Yuri joked.
"Ivanov, this is no time to be joking about that when he could be more than sick if we don't save him." Kilana warned her mate with a glare. Turning to Kai in the water and reaching out, she took a deep breath and shouted "HIWATARI KAI, GRAB OUR HANDS THIS INSTANT! BORIS WILL BE FURIOUS TO HEAR THAT YOU LET YOURSELF GO LIKE THIS!" Kilana yelled. Yuri smirked and reached out as well, shouting to him "C'MON KAI, DO YOU REALLY WANNA DO THIS TO US! TO REI! YOURSELF! YOU'LL BE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE ENTIRE ABBEY, NOT TO MENTION THE ENTIRE BLADING COMMUNITY, YOU KNOW! SUICIDE ISN'T AN OPTION HERE, SO FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GRAB OUR HANDS!"
x/If so Master, why even suggest such a thing, let alone kill yourself and make it a reality! You don't want him to be with another, yet you tell him to find one and are even letting yourself sink into a lake in hopes of dying to "solve his problems"! Why push him to be apart from the only person that he loves so deeply! You can love him just as much as this imaginary perfect figure you've created while you had this idea in that confused mess of a brain of yours! In fact, I feel you are this person, if you promise yourself to change! Go back with him, Master Kai! If you don't, you will regret this decision when you can not be saved anymore! For Kami's sake, Master Kai, see the truth of my words and take his hand! Do not take the coward's way out/x
Kai squeezed his eyes shut, processing everything as quick as his mind could with the freezing cold lake water now soaking through his shoes and halfway up his shins. In mere moments, Kai gasped, realizing the stupidity of his actions. x/… I see it… I really do, Dranzer. Thank you, old friend, for helping me see the errors of my way…/x Kai pet the Red Phoenix in gratitude. Dranzer smiled and nuzzled his hand in return. (A.N.: you guessed it; it happened in the mind)
x/… It is no trouble, Master Kai. You know that I'm always, and I mean this, always here for you. BUT NOT IF YOU DON'T GRAB HIS DAMN HAND/x
x/I don't think it's necessary to call me Master anymore, Dranzer. We're closer than that now… And I'm going to, okay? I'm not sinking that fast. /x Dranzer nods with worried smile, seeing as the water was now up to his knees.
x/Please, off you go then, Kai! Make it right again! Take his hand! Do not hesitate or there will be consequences/x Dranzer teased. Kai mentally laughed and nods. Unbeknownst to him though, everyone was getting more and more worried. The water now reaching halfway up his thighs, Rei was scared shitless that Kai was actually going to let himself do this.
"KAI, NO!"
End chapter six…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kit: … I'm horrible aren't I. This chapter took so long, and then I go and throw in a cliffhanger… I'm horrible T T… You guys must really wanna kill me.
Rei: YOU'RE KILLING KAI OFF! How could you, Imoto!
Kai: you damn ungrateful brat! How dare you, after all that's happened and all I've done for you! –growls-
Kit: does it seem like you're gonna die! And what do you mean "what I've done for you"? You've never done anything for me in your entire life! If you don't believe me when I say you're NOT gonna die, ask Hikari-Chan. Only she and I know.
Emir: there's a definite possibility that Yami-Chan is killing you off, Kai. You know, being that she's evil and all.
Kit: -three pairs of hands close around her neck-
Kat: you're evil, Kit! EVIL INCARNATE! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO POOR REI AND KAI! HAVE YOU NOT DONE ENOUGH!
Kit: -strangled- Kat, when… did you… get here? –gasps for air-
Kat: I'm your Kit Kat buddy; I have my ways –concentrates back on choking Kit-
Kit: -even more strangled- please… review… and… make me happy! –coughs and hacks- 'til… next time… Lates! –tries to smile, gets choked harder-
Kit, Kat, Emir, Kai & Rei: REVIEW!