Finally back with another chapter. So sorry that it took so long for me to update. Mid terms are coming up and I am piled with homework from US history. Sucks big time but I'm still alive. But once again enough of me talking and on with the fic!
I don't own BeyBlade, just my own characters.
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Chapter 4: The Dark Shadows
"I've decided that......I want to become a Dark Shadow," Kai replied. Everyone had looks of surprise and astonishment on their faces. Soon their shocked faces broke out into smiles and smirks. Miko, on the other hand, just stood there with the some business look on her face.
"Are you sure?" Miko questioned, making sure that his decision was final.
"Hai, I am," Kai finalized with a firm face.
"All right! Welcome to the Dark Shadows Kai!" Tala exclaimed with a happy look on his face. He patted Kai on the back and Kai just gave them a slight smile. Everyone greeted the new member with smiles and small comments.
"All right, all right. I know we're all excited about getting a new member, but he isn't officially one yet," Miko said, calming everyone down and getting their attention. She turned to Kai directly. "Hiwatari-san, you're gonna have to come to my house after school to speak with my otoo-san and receive your official mark. We will hold a celebration in honor of the new member of our family," Miko stated seriously. Then she broke out into a smile. "Welcome to our family, Hiwatari-san," Miko said more softly with a happy expression on her face.
*RING*
"Okay everyone, get to class. I need to do something real quick so I'll see you in class," Miko said, authority in her voice. Everyone just shrugged their shoulders and headed toward their first period class.
"Tala," Kai called to the redhead.
"Yeah? What's the matter Kai?" Tala questioned, wondering what could be wrong.
"What did Haraguchi-san mean when she said 'official mark?'" Kai asked, curiosity getting the best of him.
"Oh! Well, simply put, it's a tattoo," Tala responded with a shrug.
"I have to get a tattoo?" Kai inquired, not sure what Tala meant.
"Yeah. It symbolizes that you are a member of the Dark Shadows. You get a tattoo of the shadow of an animal of either black with silver or silver with black. Black with silver symbolizes superiority to the others. You get to choose what animal you want," Tala explained briefly.
"Hmm...I think I know what animal I want," Kai replied with a thoughtful look.
"Oh? What animal?" Tala asked, curiosity featured on his face.
"I want a phoenix," Kai responded.
"Uh...I don't know if that's possible," Tala said with an uneasy voice.
"Why not?" Kai questioned, wondering what could be wrong about a phoenix.
"That's something you're gonna have to ask Shadow himself," Tala responded.
"Shadow?" Kai asked, confused at all these new things and people.
"Shadow is Miko-chan's father. He's the leader of the Dark Shadows and is known by Shadow. Most of the time we just call him otoo-san though," Tala once again explained to the confused Kai. Kai just nodded, processing all the new information. From that day onward, his life would be different from beyond what he thought it could have been.
*****
"Finally! Let the party begin!" Tyson exclaimed to the group after school. Everyone just laughed at his enthusiasm. They too were excited about the party but didn't show it as much as Tyson. They were waiting for Kai, Tala, and Miko so that they could head out to her house.
"Gomen nasai for being late!" Miko exclaimed rushing toward the group with Tala and Kai right at her heels.
"Took you long enough," Johnny commented.
"Fuck off Johnny," Miko shot back at him. She then turned toward the whole group. "All right, now that we're all here, let's go," Miko commanded to everyone.
"Hai!" everyone responded and headed toward their cars or SUVs. Kai hesitated, not knowing who to go with since he didn't exactly have his car. He had to get a ride with his mom that morning. She had questioned where his car was but he simply said that it was at Tala's place. Suddenly a hand grabbed his shoulder, shaking him out of his trance. He looked to see that it was Tala who gestured toward a silver Mercedes where Miko was waiting. Kai nodded and headed toward the car. He got into the back seat while Tala got into the passenger seat, Miko in the driver seat. The ride was relatively silent, no one talking, but music was playing. Pretty soon they arrived at the mansion and saw that the others were just arriving as well.
"All right everyone, get ready for the party. Tala and Ozuma, tell Jay to get ready. Hiwatari, come with me," Miko commanded to everyone. Everyone scattered to do what was indirectly told to them. Miko motioned for Kai to follow her. She headed toward her father's study. She opened the door and gestured for him to go in first. Kai looked around and saw that it was a typical office. His attention was drawn to the middle aged man who was sitting patiently behind the desk. Kai was startled a bit when Miko closed the door behind her.
"Konnichiwa otoo-san. Here is Kai Hiwatari who has chosen to become a Dark Shadow," Miko greeted and informed her father.
"Please have a seat Hiwatari-san," Ryo offered to Kai. Kai accepted and took a seat in front of him. Miko stayed back to observe the conversation from afar. "So you have decided to become a part of our family. Why?" Ryo questioned with keen interest.
"I know this may sound lame, but I want to have a more exciting life. I get tired of doing the same thing everyday. Plus, all of my closest friends are Dark Shadows and I don't feel very comfortable when they talk about something and I don't a clue as to what they are talking about," Kai simply stated. Although he was calm looking on the outside, inside he was a nervous wreck. The intense stare Shadow was giving made him feel uneasy. He didn't want to show it on the outside because he wanted to show the leader that he was not intimidated.
"You do realize what you are getting yourself into, right? The danger that is gonna follow you everywhere?" Ryo asked, interested in Kai's responses. He had already accepted him in, he just wanted to see how far he would go for the gang.
"Rather my life than my family's" Kai responded.
"Hmm...all right then. But I sense that there is another reason you want to join," Ryo stated his observation. He saw Kai suddenly become slightly uneasy and saw a slight tinge cross his face. He was looking down and fidgeting. Ryo smirked, knowing exactly why he was suddenly acting this way. He took a quick glance at Miko who was not really paying attention to the conversation. He turned back toward Kai and gave a sly look at him. "But perhaps you would not like to voice all of your reasons. But I want you to trust us because you are part of our family now. Take pride in being a Dark Shadow," Ryo concluded.
Kai looked up when Ryo said that he was a part of their family now. He relaxed greatly at hearing he was accepted to be one of them. He gave a slight smile to Ryo and he returned it. "Arigato, Shadow," Kai said giving a slight bow.
"No need to thank me Kai and please call me Ryo or even otoo-san if you wish. You are now one of us, but not officially yet. You still must get your tattoo to symbolize that you belong to the Dark Shadows and that others should cower away from you," Ryo informed to the new member. Kai nodded in understanding.
"Tala and Ozuma are waiting to take you, Hiwatari," Miko stated, talking for the first time ever since the beginning of the meeting.
"Um...I have a question," Kai replied. Ryo nodded for him to continue. "I was told that I got to choose my tattoo. When I said that I wanted a phoenix, I was told that I might not get a phoenix. Why is that?"
"Oh, well, in time you will find out that a phoenix symbolizes something very special in the Dark Shadows. Usually I let Miko decide. Many times a new member would ask for a certain animal but not all are able to get what they want. Miko is a good judge of character and decides what animal is best suited for that person," Ryo simply said.
"I see," Kai said, slight disappointment in his voice.
"It's time Hiwatari," Miko informed.
"Sayonara Kai and I will see you later at the party," Ryo said with a smirk. Kai stood and exited the room to find Tala and Ozuma waiting for him. He closed the door behind him and followed his friends.
Miko watched him leave and close the door behind him. Ryo watched his daughter with great interest and saw emotions fly across her face. He smiled and chuckled to himself. He decided to fish out the main emotion that flooded her face.
"You care for him, don't you?" Ryo asked simply with a knowing smile. Miko turned to her father and took a seat in front of him.
"I'm not sure otoo-san. He could be another back I have to watch, as if eighteen others aren't enough," Miko commented, exasperated.
"Hoshi, you very well know that everyone looks out for each other, not just you," Ryo reasoned with his daughter.
"Hai, demo, I just don't want anyone to get hurt, especially him," Miko said with a defeated look. Ryo smiled at what she said, confirming his suspicions. 'I will protect him.....no matter what,' Miko thought to herself.
***
"So Kai, are you ready?" Tala asked the new member with a smirk.
"Born ready," Kai said calmly with smirk on his face.
"Pretty confident, but let me tell you something. Jay enjoys seeing people in pain. He enjoys seeing new members squirm and that pained look on their faces. We used to think he was insane but he's cool once you get to know him," Tala informed, trying to see if he could shake the confidence Kai gathered. He was impressed to see that Kai showed no fear in facing Jay. They entered the shop to find Jay, a guy with black hair and silver gray eyes, talking on the phone.
"Are you sure? All right, whatever you say. Later," Jay finished, closing his cell phone. He turned to his fellow Dark Shadows. "Hey Tala, Ozuma. I see you brought me fresh prey."
"Cool it Jay. I tried already, not intimidated at all," Tala said with an impressed look. Jay nodded, semi disappointed. He gestured for Kai to take a seat while he prepared his gun.
"Hey wait. We don't even know what kind he should get," Ozuma stated to Jay.
"Ah don't worry. Its covered," Jay said, shrugging. Tala and Ozuma looked at each other and shrugged. At that, Jay began to work. Every once in a while Kai would flinch and Tala and Ozuma would smirk. None of them were able to see what Jay was dong until he was done.
"There! All done! Once again I have created a masterpiece," Jay exclaimed an hour later. He stood back to let Tala and Ozuma see. Their expression was one of pure shock and amazement.
"Nice!" Tala exclaimed.
"Why?" Ozuma questioned.
"Little Shadow said so," Jay said with a shrug.
"What is it?" Kai asked, anxious to see what it was.
"See for yourself," Tala said, directing him toward a mirror. Kai glanced at the mirror to see his new tattoo on his back. He was surprised to see a majestic black phoenix with silver eyes and touches of silver on its feathers. He admired the fantastic details captured. "You are one lucky guy."
Kai quickly turned toward Tala with a questioning look. "Why?"
"Guess they didn't tell you. You see, only Miko and Shadow have phoenixes. It represents the leader and the future leader of the Dark Shadows. If you received one, that means something big," Tala explained to a shocked Kai.
"Although many have asked to receive a phoenix, nobody has gotten one. Until now that is," Jay replied with a smirk. "No one has been able to catch Miko's attention, until you came around." His smirk grew wider when he noticed the slight blush that crossed Kai's face.
"It's getting late. We have to get going," Ozuma said. "Thanks Jay. Maybe we'll see you soon."
"Hope so, but next time don't try to intimidate the newbies before you come in here," Jay responded with a smile. All three left the small shop after Kai put his shirt on. When they were well on their way back, Kai asked the question that had been on his mind ever since the other day.
"Do you know where my car is?" Kai asked the two older members.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. Well, after the club incident, we had to break into your car cause we didn't have your keys. We then took it to Miko's garage where the Mecha Boys are fixing it up and making a few changes to make it Dark Shadow material," Ozuma explained. Kai just nodded in understanding. The rest of the ride was silent until they finally reached the mansion. They parked the car and entered the mansion. Tala led the way toward another room and Kai was a bit shocked, glancing around the room. He noticed that all the guys were there, hanging around the food table that was set up on the left side of the very large den. On the right side was a big screen TV with a DVD, VCR, and a stereo system with surround sound speakers. Music was currently playing from the stereo. A couch was positioned in front of the TV and there were several bean bags around it. He also noticed several different gaming systems and a small cabinet with several DVDs, videos and games. Kai also noticed black lights and strobe lights hanging on the walls. Glass sliding doors were opposite of him.
"Hey guys! Bout time you guys got here!" Tyson exclaimed noticing the three boys that entered the room.
"You shouldn't have room to talk about time, Tyson," Tala commented with a smirk. Tyson just pouted.
"Where are the girls?" Ozuma asked, noticing they weren't present.
"Getting ready upstairs," Ian simply said. After he said that, the door opened and the girls came filing in. Most of the guys stared at the girls with their jaws hanging wide open. All of the girls were wearing something black and/or silver. Kai noticed that the guys were wearing black and gray.
"So Hiwatari-san, you're finally here. Shall we get this party started or what?!" Naomi exclaimed to everyone.
"Aren't you forgetting someone?" a voice behind the girls asked.
"Now how could we forget you, otoo-san," Salima responded with a smile. Everyone laughed, but Kai noticed someone leaning against the doorway. Now it was Kai's turn to stare as the person was Miko. She too had black and silver on just as everyone else. Everyone stopped laughing as they all turned toward Ryo and Miko.
"Well, tonight we celebrate in honor of our newest edition to the Dark Shadows. Now I know you know everyone Kai, but let me properly introduce you to everyone," Ryo began, looking at everyone. "First we have our computer experts, Kenny Kamachi who has a panther and Sophie Kamisaka who has a siren. Then we have Johnny McGregor, who is from one of our international groups, who has a salamander and Naomi Kawasaki who has the cheetah. Next we have our explosives experts, Ian Doleverich, another one from an international group, who has a snake and Midori Akamatsu who has an owl. Max Mizuhara has a turtle but don't sell him short because of it and Julie Hayami with a wolf. Tyson Kinomiya and Karen Kawaguchi both have a dragon and two of the best snipers we have. Rei Kon who has a tiger and Mariah Qing with a mountain cat are two of the stealthiest cats we have and are also from international groups. Tala Valkyrie, another from an international group, who also has a wolf and Hotaru Tatsuya with a butterfly are our best strategists. Kane Kaodachi with a hawk and Salima Sakai with a fox are our most cunning pair. Ozuma Kaminari with a leopard and Mariam Masaka with a shark are the sharpest shooters around. Of course everyone is only second best to Kumiko Haraguchi, who will be the future leader of the Dark Shadows, holds the phoenix along with myself," Ryo introduced everyone to Kai. "Now Kai Hiwatari, as a new member of our family, you must show us what you shall bear to show everyone where you belong," Ryo concluded.
Everyone turned toward Kai, waiting for him to reveal what kind of tattoo he received. Kai, somewhat nervous from all the staring eyes, hesitantly pulled his shirt up to reveal his phoenix tattoo. Everyone except Tala, Ozuma, and Miko gasped at seeing the majestic bird. Even Ryo was surprised to see the grand phoenix on Kai's back.
"Does that mean?" Tyson whispered aloud.
"It can mean whatever way you want it to mean," Miko stated with an emotionless face but there was amusement hidden in her eyes. "Now that all the proper introductions have been said, shall we get this party started?" Everyone broke out into happy faces and cheered. The music was turned up and some began dancing and some eating and drinking. Although Kai didn't want to, Mariam managed to drag him to the dance floor. Even Ryo decided to let loose and have fun.
Miko on the other hand was standing further away from everyone and observing them with a smile on her face. She overlooked the crowd and saw that everyone was having a good time. Even Kai was letting loose and looked like he was having fun. Either that or he was a terrific actor. She sighed and decided that she needed a bit of air to clear her mind from things. She quickly made her was to the glass sliding door that led to the pool. She wasn't surprised when nobody saw her leave the room, or so she thought. She stopped near the pool and looked up to the moonless night. She stared into the dark sky glittered with stars as she breathed in the fresh air.
Kai just stood a few feet away from her, watching her with curious questioning eyes. He saw her making her way to go outside and was curious as to why. He managed to get away from the crowd and as stealthily as he could, followed her. He was surprised that she hadn't noticed him yet. She was either in deep thought or she just didn't care. He secretly hoped it wasn't the latter.
"Something wrong, Hiwatari-san?" she suddenly asked him, slightly startling him. She didn't even turn around to know that it was him. After a few moments of silence, she looked over her shoulder and gave him a comforting, inviting smile. Kai was somewhat surprised and took the tiny gesture and made his way to stand next to her. He followed her gaze and looked up at that endless star filled night sky.
"I could ask you the same thing," Kai responded, taking a quick glance at her.
"Just getting some fresh air," she responded with a soft smile, still gazing at the stars. A minute later she turned to look at him with the same soft expression which warmed Kai up inside. "So, are you gonna answer my question?"
"Just seeing if you were okay," Kai replied trying not to lose his usual facade. So far he was succeeding. "And to ask you something," he added. Miko just gave him a look that told him to proceed. "Tala told me what the phoenix represents in this gang. I was surprised that told Jay to give me a phoenix. But, why?"
"And here I thought that it would be obvious," Miko commented, a light blush crossing her face, not looking at Kai anymore. Kai couldn't help the slight blush that managed to cross his face. He decided to do something he never thought he'd have the courage to do to Miko. He turned to her and cupped her face with his right hand. Slowly he leaned in, still hesitant and unsure of how she would react. Finally his lips reached hers. She responded slowly at first but then the kiss became a bit more heated. Kai pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and she intensified the kiss by wrapping her arms around his neck. They tore away from each other when they suddenly heard loud cheers and whistles. They turned many shades of red at being caught in an intimate moment by their friends. All of them where crowding the doorway with sly, teasing smiles.
"About time!" Mariam exclaimed to the new found couple.
"Yeah! We were wondering when you two were gonna get together. And it took a tattoo to do it," Mariah teased, winking at them.
"Yeah, yeah. Now that they finally got together, let the real party begin," Tala stated, saving Kai and Miko from anymore embarrassment. Everyone cheered and moved away from the doorway, save for one person. Ryo stood there with an approving smile toward Kai which greatly relieved him. Soon Ryo returned to the party as well leaving Kai and Miko by themselves.
"Have you called your parents about this party that we're having?" Miko suddenly asked, a bit concerned about his family.
"Yeah, I called and said that I would come home a bit late. Kari was a bit disappointed but I promised that you would come over this weekend," Kai simply explained. He earned himself a playful slap.
"Making promises without telling me? What if I have to do something this weekend?" Miko asked with mock anger.
"That's why I told you ahead of time," Kai replied with a smirk. He knew that she couldn't say no to his little sister. Even he had trouble refusing her. Kari had that kind of influence on people. Besides, it gave him an excuse to see her and spend some time with her.
"All right, but I'm only doing it for Kari, not to save you from her," Miko responded in defeat. Kai gave a victorious smirk and earned himself another slap. "Well, come on. Let's go back in before the others will think we left," Miko replied, taking hold of his hand.
"Hmm....that's not a bad idea," Kai said with a thoughtful look on his face. Miko just rolled her eyes and dragged him inside and to where everyone was dancing and joined in. Kai didn't refuse and danced with her. Everyone enjoyed themselves for the rest of the night.
*****
"Did you get into trouble last night Kai-kun?" Miko asked the next day at school.
"At first. They asked me where I was and I told them that I was with my girlfriend and they became all happy and forgave me," Kai responded with a shrug.
"You got off easy man," Tala said with a somewhat unbelievable expression.
"Once again I am used as an excuse to get him out of trouble," Miko stated, exasperated. The small group in their class laughed. Kai just smirked at her. Miko just shook her head. "Oh yeah, your car is done. You can come over and pick it up. Or ride home with us." Kai just nodded in reply. Soon the teacher came in and began class.
*****
"Nick! Chad! Russell! Where are you guys?!" Miko exclaimed in the garage with Kai and Tala following her.
"Ay! What's with all the yelling?!" a voice exclaimed from the far side of the garage amongst the vast number of cars. Miko, Tala, and Kai made their way to the area where they heard the voice. Miko was about to shout out again when she noticed a head that poked out from the side of a silver Mustang.
"What's up Nick?" Miko greeted to the mechanic.
"Nothing much. Just fixing this car up a bit and making a few updates to some of the cars. What are you doing here?" Nick questioned while wiping his hands with a rag.
"We're here to pick up that black BMW we left in your care and give it back to its rightful owner," Miko responded, gesturing toward Kai.
"Oh, you're the new member. Welcome to the Dark Shadows. I'm Nick, one of the three Mecha Boys that take care of the cars and bikes," Nick greeted toward Kai. Kai nodded in response.
"Where are Chad and Russell?" Tala asked curiously, not seeing the other two Mecha Boys.
"They're out, lazy assholes," Nick responded. "They should be back later. Anyway, here are your keys and new remote for your new system. I think your gonna like the new adjustments we've made to it. Just remember one thing: don't push the red button next to your CD player," Nick informed briefly to Kai showing him his adjusted BMW. Kai was impressed with all the new adjustments of the latest car parts. Kai turned toward Nick and smiled a bit.
"Arigato, Nick," Kai said, thanking him for improving his car.
"Not a problem," Nick replied with an equal smile. He turned toward Miko and Tala and smirked. "You wanna test my skills and give it a test run?"
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Well that's it for now. I will try my best to get the next chapter out as soon as possible. But for now please review and maybe give me an idea or two. If you have a character and wanna see he/she in this story......put it in the review and I'll be sure to put them in. Just remember to give me basic info....name, hair and eye color, and stuff like that. Well until next time.
later
hoshi
aka
lonelistar05