No preamble from me today! On with the story! Of course, after I've replied
to all those nice reviews, that is:
Mizu-Tenshi: Hi you! Yes, yes, it's been a while, (AGAIN, but that's not the point..) but I'm so busy, you know? Oh! I've got lots of our story planned out already, how about I e-mail them to you? Or you can..eh, I don't know. Anyways, I have a lot of catching up to do. You update so fast! Yay! That's good, you know? Unlike me! XP *hem.*
kai baby-girl: Glad that you didn't find that chappie confusing! Thx for reading, and of course, reviewing also.
kai-luva: Erm...sorry I didn't update the day after you reviewed! But, I will try and update at a more consistent pace from now on. But school's just so frustrating! I've got tons of exams and stuff...Thank you for reading!
Jessie: *rolls eyes* you know how hectic my schedule is! Update now...psh! Lol~ thx for being such an avid reader, Jess!
Illusion11: What's up with your name again? Why's the 11 added there now? Anyways..I'm not a torturer...right? It's not my fault if I can't update quickly. *grins innocently* And yes, I'm mad at Tenchi for not telling Kai too. Oh wait! I made her do that, didn't I???? *ducks tomatoes*
Silvertiger88: Wonderful! A new reader ~ YAY ~ Thank you for your comment and for reading!
Black Dranzer: Demolition Boys? I'll add more of them just for you, my friend! But not this chapter...I had it mostly typed up already when I uploaded the 11th chapter, but didn't go around to uploading it until..now. Lol. Thanks for your review!
Carrie: Wow! A new reader! Great!! I converted you to liking Beyblade AND Kai? Thanks, really. That's a big accomplishment for an author. *bows*
Chapter 12: Is this the end?
Kai closed his eyes against the early morning breeze, and he breathed against the cold fingers that gently caressed his face. His serene expression and demeanor was but a shell to the tumult of emotions that churned inside him.
He cursed, running his hand through his hair.
"I..have to let you go." Her soft voice echoed in his mind for the umpteenth time that hour. And her touch...where her fingers barely whisked his face last night, burned with fire still.
The heavy sadness that settled within his mind then was torturous, and he had to use all his will to keep himself from chasing after her. He didn't want her to leave. He didn't want her to go.
His previous suspicions that she belonged in his past resurfaced once again, and no matter how many times he tried to deny it, it came back like a wave lapping hungrily against the shore. She knew him. And he knew her too. But why couldn't he remember?
With his arm folded and resting on the thin railing of the balcony, Kai leaned forward to press his forehead on his arm. She was beautiful, yes, and he thought first that it was infatuation that brought her into his mind. But he knew that it wasn't so: he was never the one to linger on such a useless topic.
There was some connection, something deeper than the physical pull and more of..the heart. She filled the empty hollow that plagued his mind for as long as he could recollect. Only she...and wasn't it funny? They had only met.
Yet, it seemed as if he had known her for a lifetime.
~*~
Andrew paced impatiently in his hotel suite, unaware of the many pairs of eyes that followed his proceedings around the room. When was Tenchi coming to collect them for the tournament? He veered sharply to avoid collision with a cabinet and continued on his route in between the beds. The tournament started in 3 hours, he reasoned with himself, calm yourself!
"Eh..buddy? Mind slowing down for a sec? We're kind of dizzy watching you pace like that."
Andrew blinked, his eyes focusing. "What?"
"You've been pacing for nearly 15 minutes." Carl raised an eyebrow in question, walking toward the stupefied boy to steer him in the direction of a bed. "Sit."
Their captain nodded blankly and sat obediently as he was told.
"So what's got you all worked up?"
"It's only the international junior championship, Jordan." Andrew retorted sarcastically, gulping down a glass of lemonade. "We have to win this." He reached for the pitcher full of the sour drink and drew himself another glass. We HAVE to.
"Um, you in there?" The boys shared bewildered looks as they watched Andrew's face harden. "We know we have to win, Andrew." Eric said reassuringly, "We WILL win - for Tenchi. She'll be so proud of us!"
Andrew looked up, examining his teammates with a shrewd stare. "Yes." He confirmed softly, "We're going to do great."
"So where is Tenchi anyways?"
As if called by Carl's remark, their trainer appeared by the door, having silently entered during their conversation. "Ready boys?"
"You bet! Andrew here was just being a soggy rag and trying to dampen our spirits! We've got the trophy already packed and shipping back home. No need to worry!"
She smiled, and gestured for the boys to huddle closer. "Okay, so I'm not going to give you guys prep talk or anything like that: I'm sure Boris gave you enough of those already." She paused briefly, frowning with distaste. "But, I wanted to wish you all good luck. Don't forget what you learned over the passed few years. I have full confidence in you and your abilities - I just hope that you guys believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. Have fun! That's what beyblading is all about."
"Thanks, coach! You're the best." Jordan came forward for an embrace, and she gave it gladly.
"Aww...you're not gonna start crying on us are you, Tench?" Carl teased, rolling his eyes as Eric too joined the cluster of wrapped arms.
"Drop the tough act, Carl. Come over here and get it over with!"
She beckoned for the boy to come closer, and he did, grudgingly. "Alright, alright. Just a tiny little hug - "
Grinning, Jordan and Eric pulled Carl in between them, squishing him in the middle. "Hey! Now I can't get out."
Tenchi laughed, ducking quickly to avoid Carl's flailing arms in his attempt to free himself from the group. Her gaze averted from the commotion at hand and to the background where Andrew sat, gazing at them with a smile. "Why so quiet, Andrew? Come on, join us!"
No more prompting needed, Andrew slowly advanced his laughing teammates and trainer. His eyes jerked open widely as he was suddenly dragged under in a hug, and he halfheartedly swatted away Jordan's arm that reached for his.
They cringed at the volume of Eric's sudden and loud exclamation that all of Korea doubtlessly heard:
"WHOA! JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE WE COME!!!"
The room burst out into peals of fresh laughter, but they all agreed: they were coming, and the unsuspecting crowd at the tournament this year was going to have to watch out!
~*~
Tenchi lounged patiently in the private box, the seats in the stadium that allowed her to have a bird's eye view of everything that went on in the many arenas. Two of the walls that faced each other were showing battles from another arena in the stadium, and the one in the most northern direction was made entirely of glass. Through it, she could see her brother in his first match with the captain of another team...what were they called?
Tala took the first round with ease before she could even breach the topic of the other team's name from the cluster of thoughts in her mind.
It was the first glimpse of him and the rest of the Demolition boys that she had since the night before, and she drank in their sight with fervor.
She was concerned, to say the least, and pained, after she had parted with Kai. But when she had seen the bright faces of her trainees in the morning, it had given her strength to at least remain standing and smile.
Tala appeared to be in good condition, but he was strained, she could see. Bryan, Spencer, and Ian were pale, too. Tenchi tore her gaze away quickly, feeling the ache in her chest build to see such meek expressions on their faces.
With a shuddering breath, she scanned the monitors for the junior's arenas, and was startled to see that Eric's beybattle was already starting. His stance was good, she noted, and his grip on the ripcord was firm. Tenchi relieved a passing smile, and when he took the round swiftly as well, she couldn't help but glow with pride.
Something white flashed in the corner of her eye, and she turned toward the screen that had caught her attention. It was focusing on the VIP stands, where the Blade Breakers were waving benevolently to their fans - Tyson with more enthusiasm than the rest - but no surprises there: he was reputed for immensely enjoying attention.
It was Kai's oh so famous scarf, she realized, that had made her turn. She sighed, and closed her eyes wearily. You are everywhere. Leave me be, Kai, I have already let go.
A resounding cheer echoed in her ears, and she stared down at where the Demolition boys were shaking hands with the other team. Judging by the half smirk on Ian's face, they had won. Of course, she hadn't expected any less from them.
Grinning also, she turned her attention to where Andrew was beyblading now, standing confidently by the dish. Tenchi turned away briefly, her smile turning bitter. Andrew is looking more like Kai as the day passes..or is it just me? The fire that burns in his eyes as he beyblades, the passion and power that flares from him like an aura...indeed, Andrew was just like his older brother.
She leaned further in her chair, feeling weak and tired. Letting go was harder than she ever imagined it to be - especially since she *didn't want* to let go in the first place.
~*~
"The Qualification rounds was soooo boring!" Kesumi whined, happily jumping onto the curb where their limo awaited them. Lining the red carpet were camera men and photographers, hoping to glimpse the famous Blade Breakers and Demolition Boys.
Fans were cheering and whistling as the cameras started clicking madly in their faces, and Ray, Max, Kenny, and Kai hid behind the bulky shadows of their security guards as they made for the limo. Kesumi and Tyson were waving and posing dramatically as they could in the sidelines.
A fan that slipped passed the security came running toward them at full speed, in the hopes of getting an autograph from one of the celebrities before she got caught. Not seeing Kesumi until the last minute, she accidentally knocked her aside and onto the street.
A loud honk bellowed in their ears as a truck came down the road. Kesumi stared, mouth agape as the heavy truck strained to pull to a stop in front of her. The brakes were grating against the ground, and sparks were hissing from the tires. She squeezed her eyes shut. ...oh...no...
Suddenly she was being picked up and thrown, and once more did she land on the cold gravel. She winced, an angry gash appearing through the rip on her sleeve. What the...?
Screams and cries finally registered themselves into her befuddled mind, and she looked up in confusion to see what the commotion was. The truck had stopped, and the front was covered with dark crimson stains - she clamped her mouth shut with her hands: was that blood?
Heavy fumes and exhaust were being exhaled from the massive truck's engine, and it obscured her vision to the point where she could barely see. But through the thick rising gas, she could make out a limp body lying a few meters away from the truck; the same red stains marred his form as well. Kesumi choked suddenly on her breath, watching Ray, Max, Kenny, and Tyson bolt towards the crumpled figure. Is that..please...no...
"KAI!"
~*~
Well..that's the end of the chapter, and I'm not sure when I'm planning to update next. I have most the next chapter typed up, but you know, I still need to edit it... yup yupz! Am I evil? It's not too much of a cliffie, is it? Lol! Read and review please - I'm keeping the next chapter as hostage!! *sticks out tongue*
Mizu-Tenshi: Hi you! Yes, yes, it's been a while, (AGAIN, but that's not the point..) but I'm so busy, you know? Oh! I've got lots of our story planned out already, how about I e-mail them to you? Or you can..eh, I don't know. Anyways, I have a lot of catching up to do. You update so fast! Yay! That's good, you know? Unlike me! XP *hem.*
kai baby-girl: Glad that you didn't find that chappie confusing! Thx for reading, and of course, reviewing also.
kai-luva: Erm...sorry I didn't update the day after you reviewed! But, I will try and update at a more consistent pace from now on. But school's just so frustrating! I've got tons of exams and stuff...Thank you for reading!
Jessie: *rolls eyes* you know how hectic my schedule is! Update now...psh! Lol~ thx for being such an avid reader, Jess!
Illusion11: What's up with your name again? Why's the 11 added there now? Anyways..I'm not a torturer...right? It's not my fault if I can't update quickly. *grins innocently* And yes, I'm mad at Tenchi for not telling Kai too. Oh wait! I made her do that, didn't I???? *ducks tomatoes*
Silvertiger88: Wonderful! A new reader ~ YAY ~ Thank you for your comment and for reading!
Black Dranzer: Demolition Boys? I'll add more of them just for you, my friend! But not this chapter...I had it mostly typed up already when I uploaded the 11th chapter, but didn't go around to uploading it until..now. Lol. Thanks for your review!
Carrie: Wow! A new reader! Great!! I converted you to liking Beyblade AND Kai? Thanks, really. That's a big accomplishment for an author. *bows*
Chapter 12: Is this the end?
Kai closed his eyes against the early morning breeze, and he breathed against the cold fingers that gently caressed his face. His serene expression and demeanor was but a shell to the tumult of emotions that churned inside him.
He cursed, running his hand through his hair.
"I..have to let you go." Her soft voice echoed in his mind for the umpteenth time that hour. And her touch...where her fingers barely whisked his face last night, burned with fire still.
The heavy sadness that settled within his mind then was torturous, and he had to use all his will to keep himself from chasing after her. He didn't want her to leave. He didn't want her to go.
His previous suspicions that she belonged in his past resurfaced once again, and no matter how many times he tried to deny it, it came back like a wave lapping hungrily against the shore. She knew him. And he knew her too. But why couldn't he remember?
With his arm folded and resting on the thin railing of the balcony, Kai leaned forward to press his forehead on his arm. She was beautiful, yes, and he thought first that it was infatuation that brought her into his mind. But he knew that it wasn't so: he was never the one to linger on such a useless topic.
There was some connection, something deeper than the physical pull and more of..the heart. She filled the empty hollow that plagued his mind for as long as he could recollect. Only she...and wasn't it funny? They had only met.
Yet, it seemed as if he had known her for a lifetime.
~*~
Andrew paced impatiently in his hotel suite, unaware of the many pairs of eyes that followed his proceedings around the room. When was Tenchi coming to collect them for the tournament? He veered sharply to avoid collision with a cabinet and continued on his route in between the beds. The tournament started in 3 hours, he reasoned with himself, calm yourself!
"Eh..buddy? Mind slowing down for a sec? We're kind of dizzy watching you pace like that."
Andrew blinked, his eyes focusing. "What?"
"You've been pacing for nearly 15 minutes." Carl raised an eyebrow in question, walking toward the stupefied boy to steer him in the direction of a bed. "Sit."
Their captain nodded blankly and sat obediently as he was told.
"So what's got you all worked up?"
"It's only the international junior championship, Jordan." Andrew retorted sarcastically, gulping down a glass of lemonade. "We have to win this." He reached for the pitcher full of the sour drink and drew himself another glass. We HAVE to.
"Um, you in there?" The boys shared bewildered looks as they watched Andrew's face harden. "We know we have to win, Andrew." Eric said reassuringly, "We WILL win - for Tenchi. She'll be so proud of us!"
Andrew looked up, examining his teammates with a shrewd stare. "Yes." He confirmed softly, "We're going to do great."
"So where is Tenchi anyways?"
As if called by Carl's remark, their trainer appeared by the door, having silently entered during their conversation. "Ready boys?"
"You bet! Andrew here was just being a soggy rag and trying to dampen our spirits! We've got the trophy already packed and shipping back home. No need to worry!"
She smiled, and gestured for the boys to huddle closer. "Okay, so I'm not going to give you guys prep talk or anything like that: I'm sure Boris gave you enough of those already." She paused briefly, frowning with distaste. "But, I wanted to wish you all good luck. Don't forget what you learned over the passed few years. I have full confidence in you and your abilities - I just hope that you guys believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. Have fun! That's what beyblading is all about."
"Thanks, coach! You're the best." Jordan came forward for an embrace, and she gave it gladly.
"Aww...you're not gonna start crying on us are you, Tench?" Carl teased, rolling his eyes as Eric too joined the cluster of wrapped arms.
"Drop the tough act, Carl. Come over here and get it over with!"
She beckoned for the boy to come closer, and he did, grudgingly. "Alright, alright. Just a tiny little hug - "
Grinning, Jordan and Eric pulled Carl in between them, squishing him in the middle. "Hey! Now I can't get out."
Tenchi laughed, ducking quickly to avoid Carl's flailing arms in his attempt to free himself from the group. Her gaze averted from the commotion at hand and to the background where Andrew sat, gazing at them with a smile. "Why so quiet, Andrew? Come on, join us!"
No more prompting needed, Andrew slowly advanced his laughing teammates and trainer. His eyes jerked open widely as he was suddenly dragged under in a hug, and he halfheartedly swatted away Jordan's arm that reached for his.
They cringed at the volume of Eric's sudden and loud exclamation that all of Korea doubtlessly heard:
"WHOA! JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE WE COME!!!"
The room burst out into peals of fresh laughter, but they all agreed: they were coming, and the unsuspecting crowd at the tournament this year was going to have to watch out!
~*~
Tenchi lounged patiently in the private box, the seats in the stadium that allowed her to have a bird's eye view of everything that went on in the many arenas. Two of the walls that faced each other were showing battles from another arena in the stadium, and the one in the most northern direction was made entirely of glass. Through it, she could see her brother in his first match with the captain of another team...what were they called?
Tala took the first round with ease before she could even breach the topic of the other team's name from the cluster of thoughts in her mind.
It was the first glimpse of him and the rest of the Demolition boys that she had since the night before, and she drank in their sight with fervor.
She was concerned, to say the least, and pained, after she had parted with Kai. But when she had seen the bright faces of her trainees in the morning, it had given her strength to at least remain standing and smile.
Tala appeared to be in good condition, but he was strained, she could see. Bryan, Spencer, and Ian were pale, too. Tenchi tore her gaze away quickly, feeling the ache in her chest build to see such meek expressions on their faces.
With a shuddering breath, she scanned the monitors for the junior's arenas, and was startled to see that Eric's beybattle was already starting. His stance was good, she noted, and his grip on the ripcord was firm. Tenchi relieved a passing smile, and when he took the round swiftly as well, she couldn't help but glow with pride.
Something white flashed in the corner of her eye, and she turned toward the screen that had caught her attention. It was focusing on the VIP stands, where the Blade Breakers were waving benevolently to their fans - Tyson with more enthusiasm than the rest - but no surprises there: he was reputed for immensely enjoying attention.
It was Kai's oh so famous scarf, she realized, that had made her turn. She sighed, and closed her eyes wearily. You are everywhere. Leave me be, Kai, I have already let go.
A resounding cheer echoed in her ears, and she stared down at where the Demolition boys were shaking hands with the other team. Judging by the half smirk on Ian's face, they had won. Of course, she hadn't expected any less from them.
Grinning also, she turned her attention to where Andrew was beyblading now, standing confidently by the dish. Tenchi turned away briefly, her smile turning bitter. Andrew is looking more like Kai as the day passes..or is it just me? The fire that burns in his eyes as he beyblades, the passion and power that flares from him like an aura...indeed, Andrew was just like his older brother.
She leaned further in her chair, feeling weak and tired. Letting go was harder than she ever imagined it to be - especially since she *didn't want* to let go in the first place.
~*~
"The Qualification rounds was soooo boring!" Kesumi whined, happily jumping onto the curb where their limo awaited them. Lining the red carpet were camera men and photographers, hoping to glimpse the famous Blade Breakers and Demolition Boys.
Fans were cheering and whistling as the cameras started clicking madly in their faces, and Ray, Max, Kenny, and Kai hid behind the bulky shadows of their security guards as they made for the limo. Kesumi and Tyson were waving and posing dramatically as they could in the sidelines.
A fan that slipped passed the security came running toward them at full speed, in the hopes of getting an autograph from one of the celebrities before she got caught. Not seeing Kesumi until the last minute, she accidentally knocked her aside and onto the street.
A loud honk bellowed in their ears as a truck came down the road. Kesumi stared, mouth agape as the heavy truck strained to pull to a stop in front of her. The brakes were grating against the ground, and sparks were hissing from the tires. She squeezed her eyes shut. ...oh...no...
Suddenly she was being picked up and thrown, and once more did she land on the cold gravel. She winced, an angry gash appearing through the rip on her sleeve. What the...?
Screams and cries finally registered themselves into her befuddled mind, and she looked up in confusion to see what the commotion was. The truck had stopped, and the front was covered with dark crimson stains - she clamped her mouth shut with her hands: was that blood?
Heavy fumes and exhaust were being exhaled from the massive truck's engine, and it obscured her vision to the point where she could barely see. But through the thick rising gas, she could make out a limp body lying a few meters away from the truck; the same red stains marred his form as well. Kesumi choked suddenly on her breath, watching Ray, Max, Kenny, and Tyson bolt towards the crumpled figure. Is that..please...no...
"KAI!"
~*~
Well..that's the end of the chapter, and I'm not sure when I'm planning to update next. I have most the next chapter typed up, but you know, I still need to edit it... yup yupz! Am I evil? It's not too much of a cliffie, is it? Lol! Read and review please - I'm keeping the next chapter as hostage!! *sticks out tongue*
