Hey everybody!

Sorry it took me so long to update this story...I was busy writing the later chapters of this story and then when I had to write this one...I wasn't quite sure what to do...so it's mainly a "talking" chapter...with a very OOC Kai I'm sure...

But oh well...I could care less right now. I like the later chapters and that's really all that matters to me...

So without further delay...here's the next horrible chapter!

Thank you for all the WONDERFUL reviews!

Chapter 12 - Still Apart of the Team

Kai gasped at the object inside the box. "It's..."

"We all thought you would like it..." Tyson started.

Wide-eyed, Kai reached in and pulled out a brand new beyblade, it's metallic blue finish shimmering it the natural light.

He looked back over toward his friends, not understanding this act of kindness.

"But...Dranzer ...I can't..."

"Bitbeast or not...you're still a BladeBreaker! The team's nothing without you Kai!"

The blue haired teen closed his eyes and smirked, squeezing his new beyblade tightly.

"Thank you."

"Hey Kai! Why don't you and me have a battle later on?" Tyson proudly showed Dragoon, smiling brightly.

"Heh...sure Tyson...but you better not have gotten any weaker."

Kai's "welcome back" party lasted on into the night. Hilary had left to retrieve a sleeping bag and other necessities to spend the night, and Kai had decided to sit outside and enjoy the stars that he hadn't clearly seen in years.

After a while, he stood up and went inside to see what Tyson, Max and Rei were up to. He found them inside the training area, all seated in a circle and talking.

Kai stopped at the cracked door and listened in silence.

"I'm really glad we were able to get Kai back!" Tyson started.

"Yeah...everyone was so sure that he was dead!" Max replied.

"I was surprised...where ever he was these past years, it has certainly changed him." Rei began.

"Yeah. I always thought that those tattoos were face paint or something...to make him look all tough!"

"Yeah! Who knew that Kai's life was this bad?"

"How did Boris get those on him though? I doubt Kai would've taken it without a fight...did they knock him out?"

"Aw who cares?" Tyson stated. "All that matters is that he's back, and safe."

"But still! Aren't you just a little curious as to why he has those tattoos!" Max exclaimed.

Kai had had enough. He slammed open the door and took a step inside.

"You want to know!" Kai nearly yelled, his eyes dark with frustration. He usually didn't care what was said behind his back, but knowing the truth behind those stripes, he couldn't take the pity from everyone, especially from his team.

"Kai..."

"He marked me this way to intimidate my opponents...each stripe represents a life...I'm a murderer! I took my first life when I was seven...and now I have the blood of eight on my hands! Now do you understand?"

The rest of the team was too shocked to speak...shocked at what their captain had just revealed, and how upset he was. They had never seen him like this before.

"Kai..." Rei stood up, reaching out to him.

"Don't touch me!" He slapped the raven haired teen's hand away from him.

He spun to his right and ran out of the room, the front door slamming soon after.

"Kai!" Tyson yelled after him, getting up to follow.

"No!" Rei stopped him. "Let him go...all we can do now is let him calm down."

Tyson sighed heavily.

"Man...why did this have to happen to him?"
----------
Yeah...sorry this chapter was so bad. The action REALLY kicks up next chapter!

Please review!