Comrades

Chapter 1: Coming To Terms

From the Prologue...

Tala barely suppressed a growl of irritation as the door to his ward was pushed open gently. Wait a minute… It was pushed open far too gently. Like the person on the other end didn't want anybody to notice him. It definitely wasn't a nurse or a doctor. Tala tensed, before reprimanding himself that he was being paranoid once again. Not that he could actually blame himself.

The redhead sat up and eyed the door, still cautious though. The last time he had a late night visitor, it had been…

"Kai!"

The young man at the doorway froze for a split second.

"In the flesh."

Tala was surprised. No. He was way over the line of surprise. He didn't quite know how to describe his current feelings. His azure eyes continued to fix themselves on the young man at the door who hadn't moved since his incredulous exclamation. Finally finding his voice, Tala said in a half-inquiring tone, "Are you going to continue standing there?"

Kai didn't reply the question verbally, but moved to close the door gently and stepping further into the ward. If he had any doubts about Tala being asleep, they were fully dispelled now. He was half-surprised to see the redhead awake. From what he knew through his observations during the World Championships, Tala wasn't always an early sleeper but it was past 11pm now. But Kai didn't think Tala was awake by chance.

"So…"

"…"

Kai couldn't help but feel a little uneasy, which was very rare and unusual. He had never been uneasy around anyone in any situation, but there was something about the gaze Tala was giving him. The blue eyes seemed to be looking through him. Something they had not done in ages.

The silence prevailed for a minute or so.

"You can get straight to the point," Tala said, sounding half-resigned. The silence wasn't doing him well either and he could tell that Kai wasn't feeling comfortable. Might as well get the ball rolling and get everything over and done with. He had a feeling that it was going to be a long, though not necessarily literally, and exhausting night for both of them.

"That was an impressive speech."

It was easy to tell what Kai was referring to. And though Tala knew that Kai didn't quite know where to begin, a sort of anger within him resurfaced and started to bubble, rising with the passing seconds. It was unexplainable. He knew Kai was sort of joking or at least trying to get things to sound remotely normal between them, but the sentence… It hurt him.

"Everything in it was true… Unrehearsed… Cliché as it sounds, from the bottom of my heart," he hissed softly, gazing steadily into the amethyst iris, which was pretty much what he could see clearly of Kai as the lights were off. Having good eyesight helped. Tala was stating everything he had said in a less sentimental manner. But it still was considered emotional. To an extent larger than the appearance Tala Ivanov had always been portrayed as.

Kai blinked once. Tala had been hurt by his words… He could hear it and see the pain shimmering behind those eyes. Not that what he had said was a good way to start off such a conversation. But he never expected this reaction, albeit subtle in most views, from Tala. It furthered underlined the rawness of emotion Kai had felt radiating from Tala during his semi-comatose state.

"I didn't mean it that way…" Kai suppressed a frustrated sound from escaping his lips. This was much harder than he had thought it would be. Might as well dive straight in. He had decided about the main thing he wanted to tell Tala.

"I remember those memories too. Is it… is it possible for us to be… to be friends again?" It was difficult to get the question out. Kai was almost sure that Tala would want to be his friend again. The youth had said so. But there was this lingering doubt, probably instilled due to the days after his not quite intended escape from the Abbey. He had been untrusting of the Bladebreakers two years ago too. And he hadn't quite believed them when they wanted to rescue him from the ice. Until they saved him. Putting his body and soul into risky situations was not what he usually did. Kai unconsciously held his breath.

Tala didn't know, but Kai knew he had felt saddened, even hurt to some degree, at Tala's change from two years back. The way Tala acted during the final match against Tyson was appalling and foreign to Kai. It was so different of the Tala he knew from his Abbey days. The Tala he knew then was harsh during battle, ruthless. However the Tala he saw at that time had gone to the brink of homicidal, far more lethal in battle – in the worst possible way. It was not the improvement of the redhead's skills that had somewhat frightened Kai, but the maniacal, demonic look in those ice blue eyes that had turned greenish as the final attack was called out. Then, Kai had lost the hope of ever restoring his friendship with Tala.

Until the recent World Championships.

And his last minute realizations and self-confessions after that battle against Brooklyn.

Kai looked back at Tala, trying not to show his uneasiness and the hope that Tala's answer would be a positive one.

"I, I guess…" Tala replied, trying to sound cool about it. For some reason, the mask he always put on wasn't allowing him to readily agree to such stuff, especially since it came from Kai. He guessed it was something to do with his pride. In truth, however, Tala was startled by the apprehensively asked question. And of course the look in the slate-haired youth's eye. The nerves were thinly veiled and there was a tint of hope in them too. He saw Kai's shadowy form relax a little at his reply.

'I guess…' That's a good enough answer, Kai decided. We're still not quite comfortable with each other. Kai nodded slightly, though wondering if Tala could actually see him without much light. He chided himself afterwards. It was obvious Tala could see him. He'd been looking at him in the eyes since he had entered. Well, most of the time anyway. Both of them had crept round the Abbey together in the dark before too. His lips curved up slightly as his eye lit up with a faintly amused spark.

"What's so interesting?"

"Some memories…" Kai said. If they were to work on being friends, he'd have to be more open… to a certain extent. "About creeping around the Abbey together at night."

Tala's lips mimicked Kai's as he smiled too. Ah, he remembered them too. They had never been caught during their night adventures (thus they knew more about the Abbey than the average recruit). Or if they had been seen, nobody made a big deal out of it. Which meant the first choice was more likely. Boris had never taken lightly to any rule breaking. It was inclusive of his best Beybladers too, which had Tala's and Kai's name right up at the top. "Breaking the rules and defying authority has always been your forte."

Kai smirked at Tala's wryly spoken comment. It always seemed that way, regardless of whether he was with the BBA or the Blitzkrieg Boys. But he had other things he wanted to say too. Things not considered light-hearted, relaxing or just your basic catching-up-with-an-old-friend things. The smirk vanished from his face and the mild amusement in his eye dimmed.

"Shoot. I know you've got something else to say."

Though Kai was slightly surprised, he pretended that it did not bother him that Tala was starting to read him. "You said our friendship degenerated because of your faults… That's, that's not entirely true," he began and gave Tala a warning look to make sure the redhead would let him finish. "After I meddled with Black Dranzer, I think I was so traumatized by the destruction caused that I blocked out the memories. But when I regained them, I chose not to answer to the friendship. That was before I found Black Dranzer. After I returned to the Bladebreakers… I wasn't expecting Cyber-Tala. When I rejoined the team again this time, it was because I simply had to. Or I wouldn't be able to take on Tyson. I hope you can understand that. I guess I'm still as power-hungry like in the past…" The last sentence was directed to himself.

"Power-hungry?" Tala thought of Kai as very ambitious, but never power-hungry. 'Power-hungry' had a negative connotation to it.

Kai evaded the question and continued as if Tala hadn't spoken. "As for that Black Dranzer episode years ago, it was my own foolishness and stubbornness. You couldn't have stopped me. Not in the long run. I'd have fought tooth and nail to get to it. The dark beast was powerful, it's like my other side, but Dranzer's the true soul that would stay by me… and put herself in danger because of me…" his voice trailed away as he once again felt the strange void of inner warmth that used to be Dranzer.

Tala decided not to press on his former question as he noticed Kai's slightly dulled eye. He knew that Kai's mood had gone down a depressing turn at the mentioning of his bit-beast. "You needn't have done that," the flame-haired teen said quietly.

Kai took a moment before comprehending that the statement was about Dranzer. "I wanted to," he replied with a tone of finality, adding a one-eyed glare to be safe.

Tala wanted to tell Kai that it made him feel guilty by sacrificing Dranzer. However he knew it was best to change the subject. So he did one abrupt, but necessary – in more than one way – change in the topic. "So we're friends of sorts… Are you planning to keep this between ourselves?"

Tala wasn't sure which way would turn out better. If they kept their newly formed friendship a secret, there wouldn't be trouble with anyone. However, it didn't feel very right. If they made it known… Tala didn't want to imagine Bryan's first reaction. Bryan had always been rather untrusting of Kai. As for the media, the redhead reckoned that the paparazzi would have a field day. And he wasn't looking forward to answer to the number of microphones thrown into his face or to face the numerous flashing of cameras. The eager media dogs were already on their heels half the time without them being in comas or having their friendship declared worldwide. They did not want any more publicity.

Kai appeared to be having the same dilemma. There was a long silence before he finally answered, "It would be best."

"We're friends… to some degree, but we still have to be ready to jump at each other throats on a whim."

"That'd be really easy to accomplish."

Both youths smirked.

"As long as Bryan and Spencer don't see through it."

"Hmm… yeah."

Suddenly there was a creaking sound and both heads whipped to the door. Damn! It was opening. Kai knew he couldn't be found here for he should be in his own ward and it was way past the bedtime too. He looked frantically around in the darkness for a hiding place.

"In the washroom," Tala hissed as he got out of his bed with a plan in mind. "I'll pretend I got up to go to the washroom and I'm just returning to bed!"

Kai sent a grateful nod, slinked into the washroom and shut the door just as the nurse entered. Tala was already up and seemingly walking, well perhaps limping as the injury on his leg hadn't fully healed, back to his bed.

"You're awake?" the nurse asked.

"Oh, I went to use the washroom…"

The nurse nodded. "All right then. Have a good rest." She then turned to leave. As she opened the door, she added, "Next time, think of something better. Walls have ears." The door closed gently.

Tala gaped at the doorway where the nurse had been standing not too long ago. How did she know? Kai reappeared seconds later, wearing a look of mild surprise too. He had heard the nurse.

"That was… strange," Tala finally said. "Did anyone see you?"

"I don't think so… I'd better go."

"See you soon I guess."

Kai nodded and left. Tala kicked off the slippers he had worn and lay down on to the bed. All in all, his talk with Kai hadn't gone too bad. He and Kai were now friends of sorts… they hadn't opened up to each other much but it was a start… the nurse had probably known that someone was in his ward but didn't make a big deal out of it… so nobody else would probably find out about this…

Yeah. It was a good outcome.

Two days had passed since the talk Tala and Kai had with each other. Kenny had finished reconstructing Dranzer Metal Spiral with Judy and Emily's help. Although Kai was quite happy to have the blade, he secretly felt that it would never feel the same without Dranzer residing in the bit-chip. Not wanting to hurt the bespectacled brunet's feelings, Kai kept the thought to himself. On another note, nobody had noticed anything significantly different about the Tala or Kai. Both young men were in a better mood than before, but this was taken as signs of them recovering from their injuries from both their friends and the medical staff.

Speaking of injuries, Kai was almost fully healed by now although there were some bandages on his chest and neck. The main problem was that his right eye, which was taking a long time to heal. It was obviously bandaged up too. Tala's leg was giving him less problems and the injury to his eye had not left any side effects to his great relief. His forehead was still bandaged and he had Band-Aids stuck over some cuts on his face.

Today was a very important and crucial day. It had finally arrived. The battle between Tyson and Brooklyn. The final showdown. Everything rested on the hands of the two Beybladers. And it was now mid-way into the battle and Brooklyn had been corrupted and brought over to the dark side by his bit-beast, Zeus… the Beast of Darkness. The whole sky was a gloomy and threatening gray that was starting to include a mysterious shade of purple. Unknown to those present, the same event was happening on a world scale and affecting millions. Zeus' dark power was having drastic effects. The stadium in which the battle was supposed to take place in was now a mass of ruins, some fallen pillars and the odd standing pillar here and there. On one of those pillars, Kai Hiwatari stood in a languid pose with his arms crossed, watching the sky intently through one undamaged and un-bandaged amethyst eye.

No, he wasn't interested because of the strange color of the sky that had swirling black holes appearing suddenly and drawing in objects like military jets, but by the two flying Beyblades that were battling fiercely, doing a vicious dance in the air. Somehow, Zeus (the bit-beast) had fused with Brooklyn and the orange-haired youth was in the air, his eyes shadowed undoubtedly due to being corrupted by the dark power. An even bigger somehow was that Tyson and Dragoon too were battling in the air. Everyone else however had their feet firmly on the ground, or on solid objects for Kai's case.

In Kai's opinion, Brooklyn looked like he had gone crazy. Even worse than when the orange-haired youth started to lose it towards the end of the match he had had with Kai. A familiar demonic look was appearing in Brooklyn's once teal-colored eyes, which had now gone a disconcerting shade of green. Anyone would have been really unnerved by Brooklyn's appearance. Luckily, it wasn't having any effect on Tyson or most of the Beybladers watching the battle as far as Kai could see. As Kai observed, seemingly apathetically, he couldn't help but feel the irony as the battle and Brooklyn's past unfolded.

Why was it that it always fell to Tyson to set everything straight?

Why was it that the enemy always had a harsh childhood or some cruel secret?

Why did the enemy's eyes always turn green or was green?

Why did the cause of everything have to boil down to mad scientists or over-ambitious men?

Why was there always something big at stake? Like the safety of the world or their bit-beasts?

And why, why was the enemy never fully human during the final battle?

It was always the same.

Every. Single. Year.

Ever since the Bladebreakers entered the Beyblading scene as a professional team, it became like that. And if everything went according to this pattern Kai saw, Tyson would come out the winner. The fifteen-year-old would win because of his belief in justice, the strong bond he had with Dragoon and, most importantly, the strength of his friendship with his teammates, the other teams and… the whole world.

Still, it was going to be a long and suspenseful ride before the victory… if his predictions were right.

He hoped they were.

A familiar redhead was tossing and turning restlessly in the bed, his face scrunched up in a conflicting mass of emotions. Shock. Horror. Confusion. He was even muttering some incoherent words on the occasion. Tala was definitely not having the most peaceful time in his sleep. Not that he wanted to doze off actually.

Earlier on, he had fancied a chance to leave the dreary hospital ward to watch Tyson's battle against Brooklyn. It was sure to be one hell of a battle… considering how Kai's and Brooklyn's went. But because of his leg injury, the doctor forbade him and so did Mr. Dickinson who actually said he would stay behind to keep an eye on him. So Tala had not much choice but to stay unwillingly in the hospital, muttering obscenities in his native language and in a few other languages too. None that Mr. Dickinson could understand (that was the main point though). But for some reason, the redhead fell asleep not too long after the battle had started.

Tala was currently having a nightmare. He was seeing himself when he was fourteen, during his last battle against Tyson in the icy dimension created when Wolborg and Dragoon collided during battle. He was watching it like a third party this time, helpless to do anything. He could feel the searing cold of the environment and although his younger self was seemingly totally immune to it, his sixteen-year-old self wasn't. Tala shivered slightly as he watched himself battle Tyson, slightly startled by the stone coldness he was showing. If that wasn't bad enough, it soon became the time when he called out the bit-beast army's final attack.

Tala didn't realize that he was like a demon then. He was shocked by the homicidal look in his younger self's turquoise eyes. He never knew he was like that. But at that present moment two years ago, he had undergone cyberization and was, unfortunately, under Boris' control. A sudden, reckless thought crossed his mind: He had to stop the battle. He ran forwards, passing the then thirteen-year-old Tyson, aiming to reach the fourteen-year-old version of himself. But a few steps further, he was sent flying backwards as a gust of icy wind hit him. Tala cursed colorfully under his breath. He made another wild dash but was flung back again.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned his head to look at who it was. Instead of a thirteen-year-old Tyson Kinomiya, he saw the fifteen-year-old teenager looking at him. And that Tyson had ripped blue pants, a damaged jacket and the front of his yellow shirt torn showing three long and dark slashes down his torso. Tala's eyes widened. What happened? He looked back at where his younger self was supposedly standing… only to find Brooklyn there with the identical homicidal look in his eerie green eyes and a pair of black wings protruding from his back.

What was it with green eyes and final battles?

Tala looked back at Tyson, opening his mouth but snapping it shut when words failed him. Suddenly, Dragoon materialized behind Tyson. Driger, Draciel and Strata Dragoon then appeared. The four beasts were looking at him intently with piercing, unfathomable eyes and the redhead held the intense gazes. The more Tala stared into their eyes, the more he got the feeling that they wanted him to do something… to help…

Tala awoke and his hands went to his Wolborg beyblade.

Back at the scene of the battle, Tyson was talking to Brooklyn as the battle between them raged on. The navy-haired teenager was trying to convince Brooklyn to break free from Zeus' control. But it was all in vain. Brooklyn looked like he believed Tyson for a few seconds but a psychotic look replaced the expression on Brooklyn's face and the teenager laughed before launching another attack on Tyson.

"It's useless, Tyson! You won't win!" Brooklyn cried out with a smirk, his expression hauntingly like an insane serial killer's. It was enough to make anyone want to turn and run like the devil was chasing them.

Tyson shook his head sadly. "You still don't understand it, Brooklyn. You won't win with sheer power alone. There is more than that to Beyblading."

"SHUT UP!" Brooklyn roared, not wanting to hear anything Tyson was going to say. He was not going to let Tyson ruin his concentration. He was not going to let Tyson win. He was going to be victorious! "ZEUS! Attack!"

Reflexively, Tyson summoned a large twister between himself and Zeus. It protected him from Zeus' impending assault on him, instead of his Dragoon. Brooklyn blinked, surprise registering on his features. Tyson, however, acted like nothing had happened and continued his speech, hoping fervently that Brooklyn would see the light:

"There's more to Beyblading than power and status, Brooklyn. Beyblading is about friendship and unity. I may be the World Champion, but I wouldn't be here if not for my teammates and my friends, my fellow Beybladers. I may be the only one battling you, but they're all in this together with me. All of them," Tyson said convincingly, his voice passionate, "That's the true spirit of Beyblading."

Daichi, Ray, Max, Hilary and Kenny smiled at Tyson's words, silently supporting and agreeing with him. From where he was standing, Kai let a smile show through on his face too. The BBA Revolutions would always be united in the face of the threat. The community of Beybladers was united against the threat of BEGA and especially Boris. There was no doubt about that.

As the tornado slashed through the air, Brooklyn's expression turned into one of confusion then to that of disbelief. As he watched Tyson's calm, almost serene, expression through the whipping winds, he started to see faces appearing all around the teenage boy, as if offering him support. Teal-green eyes widened as more and more of them appeared…

Barthez Battalion…

All-Starz…

BBA Revolutions…

White Tigers X…

F-Dynasty…

Blitzkrieg Boys…

Brooklyn froze in mid air, his eyes, now totally fearful, fixed on a spot above Tyson's head. No! It… it isn't him! Looking straight back at him was the composed face of Kai Hiwatari, the first ever person to have defeated him… Brooklyn backed away from the face, not comprehending that they were just illusions.

All his friends; all the Beybladers… behind him… No! Stop it Brooklyn! Who gives a damn about friendship now? Without power, he can't win! Brooklyn convinced himself, the fear fading fast from his eyes. His expression turned arrogant and he said to Tyson in a disdainful tone, "I don't care what you say Tyson. It's a moving speech, but nothing more! It won't help you nor will it affect me!" The orange-haired teenager then commanded his bit-beast, "CRUSH HIM!"

"DRAGOON!" Tyson called. His dragon bit-beast appeared from amongst the twister and gave a reverberating roar that echoed across the city. None who heard it could remain unaffected. It was the cry of an enraged beast, determined to crush the dark opponent who had so carelessly thrown away what he and his master strongly believed in.

"It's your loss Brooklyn!" Daichi yelled towards the airborne Brooklyn, angered by the words of the possessed teenager. The young redhead didn't care if Brooklyn was possessed, he knew that friendship made them all stronger. Suddenly, he felt a stirring within his heart…

"How dare you dismiss friendship like that?" Max cried out. His usually gentle ocean blue eyes were now like a stormy sea. The good-natured boy was incensed and determined to prove Brooklyn wrong. He wasn't sure, but after his declaration, he heard a cry in his mind that sounded a lot like Draciel…

"You'll regret ever underestimating that bond we share!" Ray snarled, his fangs flashing dangerously in the little light that was available. He felt almost feral…

Up on the pillar, Kai did not say a word, using his signature death glare to convey the bubbling anger he felt at Brooklyn's statement. The old Kai would've done the same and said the same things as what the orange-haired teenager had, but that Kai was no more. It was just a distant memory from a dusty past that was shoved into the furthest corners of his memories. Kai had experienced the strength and wonders friendship could do… and Brooklyn was seriously going to pay for those words. An old fire lit up in his eyes momentarily…

Dragoon gave another roar of fury and through his bond with the dragon; Tyson understood what he had to do. "We'll show you the power of friendship!" the navy-haired teenager declared. "DRAGOON!" The blue dragon started to glow brilliantly…

"This is what happens when you doubt us!" Max shouted, comprehending Tyson's words, "GO DRACIEL!" From out of nowhere, the Black Turtle materialized along with a giant tidal wave. Draciel gave a cry as it entered Dragoon's bit-chip. Then water started to sprout out from the white Beyblade. The water washed over Zeus, destabilizing it in mid air. An eerie, disembodied wolfish howl was then heard over the rushing sounds of the water. As another wave crashed over Zeus, the black Beyblade became encased in ice.

Soon enough, Strata Dragoon and Driger joined Draciel, disappearing inside Dragoon's bit-chip. The bit-beast himself was glowing brighter and brighter and morphing too. Even the white colored blade was starting to shine with a brilliant incandescence. It became clear that the BBA Revolutions' bit-beasts were responding to Dragoon's call and also, a certain ice wolf spirit…

One more bit-beast was needed to make the transformation of Dragoon complete. Kai knew that it lay in his hands to bring out Dranzer… But Dranzer… she wasn't here anymore, she was gone… Or was she? He felt a pair of eyes on him and looked skywards. Dragoon's amber eyes were boring into him. Then he heard an ethereal voice in his mind, "Look for the fire within…"

The fire within… Fire… Dranzer… His element was fire. He was a fire in his own right, and a phoenix too… He had summoned his inner strength to turn the tables when against Brooklyn. Could he do it now? Could Dranzer be reborn from his inner fire? Kai shut his eye, a look of concentration on his features. He had to make this work.

Dranzer… you've never let me down. You saved my life, and now… now you will revive! Kai's amethyst eye snapped open, but they were now glowing. Like a reddish-gold fire had been lit up in them. His body felt on fire, it was burning hot. But he felt at home with that sensation; it gave him life… the energy to strive on against all odds. The Fire. His Fire. It seemed so long since he felt the comforting presence of flames. "DRANZER!"

A familiar piercing war cry, signature of only the sacred Red Phoenix, echoed throughout the city. Everyone looked around in surprise, wanting to know the source of the cry. Dranzer was gone… right? Then Dranzer herself appeared behind Kai to the pleasant surprise of many and the shocked disbelief of some. The phoenix master himself turned to face his closest friend, a truly joyful smile adorning his face ever since he lost the firebird. Dranzer tenderly caressed her master's cheek with a wing before rising into the air. With a nod from Kai, the reincarnated phoenix sped towards Dragoon and with a flash of red, vanished into the bit-chip. Dragoon's transformation to Ultimate Dragoon was now complete.

Tyson decided not to dwell on how Dranzer came back, instead focusing his remaining energy on defeating Brooklyn. It was time to deal the final attack and await the verdict of this battle. Tyson flew forwards. "DRAGOON! FINAL ATTACK!"

Not missing a beat, Brooklyn commanded, "ZEUS! FINAL ATTACK!"

Both Beyblades spun rapidly, preparing to charge at each other. The two bit-beasts growled at each other. As the Beyblades flew forward in mid-air, the bit-beasts followed at high speeds. Sounds of metal connecting with metal echoed throughout the city as the blades clashed in what would be the decider of the whole battle. White light blinded everyone as an explosion ensued.

If aliens were observing planet Earth right now, they would see a once in a lifetime phenomenon happening: a spear of bright white light was shooting out of the Earth, a gray sphere due to Zeus' powers, in the general area of where Japan lay and then turning into a circular explosion that soon covered the entire planet. The Earth looked like an exploding star – a nova. It meant the end of the old and a beginning of a new age…

Warm, yellow sunlight filtered through an opening in the snow white clouds. It seemed as if angels would descend from the heavens to bless the land. The sky was now a calming shade of sky blue, as if assuring that nothing would ever go wrong again. A new era was beginning.

On the ground, two Beyblades were still spinning, albeit not as strong as before. Brooklyn was sitting on the ground, free from Zeus' clutches. He was now the one in control. Tyson smiled at Brooklyn as the spectator stand, the only part of the stadium that was intact, burst out into cheers. It was no longer a battle for the world's fate. Now, it was just a friendly battle between two passionate Beybladers.

The battle eventually ended in a draw. Which was a first, in Kai's opinion. In all of the past championships, Tyson had never tied in the finals. But then again, everything was becoming a first. Having almost a whole stadium ruined in battle was a first. Being able to fly (in Tyson's case) was a first. Dranzer being reborn was a first. Being friends, well to a certain extent, with Tala again was a definite first. This was definitely the dawning of a new era.

He looked up as Dranzer landed next to him, perching firmly on the little available space on top of the pillar he was still standing on. With a smile, he stroked the phoenix as she nuzzled him on the cheek gently. It seemed so long since Dranzer's presence was near. Kai knew it was only a few days at most… but it just didn't feel right without her.

"I missed you Dranzer," Kai admitted quietly to his bit-beast, as he relished having the phoenix back again.

'I missed you too…' Dranzer cooed gently as she used her wings to form what seemed like a protective barrier around her master. It was a sort of embrace.

After a few moments in the warm embrace, Kai, almost reluctantly, pulled away. Dranzer was quite comfortable, though others might find her too hot to be in such close proximity with the firebird. He reached into the pocket of the black coat he was wearing and pulled out the recreated Dranzer Metal Spiral. Dranzer understood her master's intentions immediately and rose into the air.

Holding the cobalt Beyblade out, Kai whispered, "Welcome home, Dranzer."

The bit-chip glowed red.

"Finally," Tala muttered to himself as he changed out of his hospital wear and into his usual attire. The doctors had decided that he was good enough to be discharged, as long as he didn't get into anything too intense like Beyblading. Which no doubt put Tala off. For once, however, Tala decided not to don his long-sleeved top. Instead, he settled for wearing a plain black shirt and draping his top over his shoulders. The redhead then walked out of the connected washroom and back into the ward where Mr. Dickinson was waiting for him.

"Ah Tala," the portly old man said, "I take it that you're ready to leave."

No shit, Sherlock, Tala thought, but replied with a nod instead. Picking up his Beyblade and stuffing it into his pocket, he followed Mr. Dickinson out of the ward and the hospital. The paperwork was already done.

As Tala walked, he wondered what had happened during Tyson's battle. It was obvious that the Darkness was defeated, but he still wanted to know the on goings. And in detail too. Something told him that Mr. Dickinson was heading towards the stadium where the battle was held. It was something like a gut instinct. But Tala did not question the old man, instead settling for finding out when the time came.

It soon turned out that his gut instinct was right. However, he did not see a stadium in front of him, but a mass of fallen pillars, crumbled walls, the odd standing pillar and the only thing that was intact – the spectators stands. Tala saw a huge crowd of people gathering at the foot of stands and then suddenly, a single figure was lifted high above the crowds. Tyson. From what he could see, Tyson was being bounced up and down by the other Beybladers.

As he and Mr. Dickinson walked past a standing pillar, something, no someone, on the top of the pillar caught his attention. Pausing, he turned his face upwards to look at the person who was on the pillar. It was Kai in his usual folded arms pose. Except that the young man was looking at him directly in the eyes.

A sort of understanding passed through them. Tala gave Kai an imperceptible nod and a tiny smile. Kai responded with a smile of his own too before looking away. Tala too looked away and continued walking alongside Mr. Dickinson.

Neither boy knew that Mr. Dickinson had seen their wordless exchange. The man smiled.

Things were looking up.

"All right dudes and dudettes! It's time for y'all to get into da groove and party!" Grandpa Kinomiya announced into the microphone. His statement was met with cheers and hoots before the music started blasting out of the speakers.

It was now evening on the very same day Tyson's match had happened. There was a celebration party in, ironically, the BEGA HQ's special function room after Boris had been arrested by the police for a second try at world-domination using Beyblading. Of course, nothing was concrete yet. But witnessing the earlier battle changed to mindsets of the authorities.

All the Beyblading teams were present, inclusive of the Blitzkrieg Boys and the BEGA Justice 5 team. The latter team was mixing well with the other Beybladers. Even Garland who was normally very serious, was loosening up and allowing Ming-Ming to drag him to the dance floor. Which was where most of the Beybladers were. Tyson included.

The navy-haired World Champion, for once, was not at the buffet table gobbling down food faster than one could blink. Instead he was partying with Max on the dance floor. They were doing some weird dance to a fast-paced song and their antics had almost everyone laughing. And even if they weren't laughing, half-hidden smiles were seen on the usually serious faces of Garland and the Blitzkrieg Boys.

As the party went on, the Blitzkrieg Boys continued staying in the background. But it was obvious that they were all very relaxed now that Boris was arrested and had a very high chance of being locked away for good. Currently, Bryan was sitting on one of the many soft sofas, his legs propped up on the coffee table. He was watching everyone mingle around while sipping a drink leisurely. Spencer was taking some food from the buffet table for his teammates. He had muttered something that sounded vaguely like, "…before Tyson and Daichi inhale everything…" before going to the table. Tala was lounging on an armchair and Kai was doing the same on an armchair opposite the redhead. All was quiet at the table where the Blitzkrieg Boys had seated themselves. As Spencer returned with food, a change in the music caught their attention as did a commotion at the dance floor.

Instead of the fast-paced dance tracks or rock songs that had been playing, the music was now a slow and soothing ballad. On a cue, everyone cleared the floor and Ray, with a cheeky smile grabbed the microphone from its stand and said loudly to everyone:

"To celebrate, I represent all the Beybladers present to invite our World Champion, Tyson Kinomiya, to have this formal dance!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd and Tyson was pushed onto center stage with the spotlight shinning on him. But the icing on the cake had yet to come.

"And as you'll all know, this dance requires a partner," Ray continued, mischief lighting up his sparkling golden eyes. "Thus, we'd like to invite… Hilary Tatibana to join the World Champion on the stage!"

As the brunette was shoved onto the stage, everyone's attention was focused on a red-faced Hilary and a hapless Tyson who protested, "Ray! This isn't funny at all!"

"It wasn't meant to be, Tyson," Max countered with a laugh, watching his best friend squirm as everyone else started to pressurize the duo to dance. This had even gotten the full attention of the Blitzkrieg Boys who were feeling amused and somewhat delighted at the sight of Tyson in such an awkward position. It had to be the slightly sadistic nature in them.

Watching amusedly at the other Beybladers trying to get Hilary and Tyson dance, Kai got off the comfortable sofa and made his way leisurely towards the drinks table. He was aware that Tala had also left his seat to head for the beverage table too. As Kai poured himself a glass of fruit punch (which he made sure wasn't spiked), he kept his eyes focused on the dance floor and asked the redhead beside him, "Fruit punch too?"

Knowing Kai was being discreetly friendly in such an environment, Tala replied, "Yeah, sure." But Tala was still surprised when Kai passed him his own glass of juice before pouring another glass for himself.

"Um… Thanks."

"Hn."

Although it was a trademark reply from Kai, Tala spotted a tiny but friendly smile from the slate-haired youth. Of course, it could've been a trick his eyes played on him. But Tala decided on the former. Perhaps their friendship was going to work out fine after everything that they'd been through. Tala offered a small smile back as the duo returned back to where their other teammates were.

As inconspicuous as the exchange between Kai and Tala was, it did not go unnoticed. However, as surprising as the former fact was, the observer was someone nobody would actually believe to have seen the exchange. Especially since she was currently still dancing, and to a slow song no less.

Yes, for some inexplicable reason, Hilary had seen, though not heard, Kai and Tala at the beverage table. Well, perhaps the reason was not so inexplicable as she knew she was trying to focus on something else other than the dance she was having with Tyson. She had never been in such an awkward position in her life. Especially with all the teasing and knowing glances that were sent her way… However, upon seeing what happened between two supposedly feuding parties, Hilary's mind was sent into overdrive and a memory flitted back to the front of her mind.

But she knew she'd have to wait before she could start piecing things together.

I'm finally back! Hope you'll like this chapter! The next update will take much longer. Haven't quite started on it yet. Yup. Thanks to all who reviewed! Really appreciated it.

Chibi-Lothlen: Thanks! I personally found Bryan rather cute in that chapter too!

AngeLhearteD: Chasing away your depression... Whoa! Thank you for the high praises. Made my day too.

That's all for now! Have a nice day everyone!

carzla