Heya Guys, now then I'm extraordinarily sorry that it has taken this long to update! There were two main reasons for the wait, one; I had some trouble writing Mika and Brian's battle as I don't know much about Brian's characteristics, and I've only ever seen one of his battle on TV which was short anyway – so I had to find out his moves etc (even though I made them up in the end lol), and two; I was secretly waiting for 20 reviews before updating (cheeky I know).

Anyways I gave up on reason number two, but I did get 19 for the last chapter altogether so can't complain lol.

Now then in this chapter, as promised, you all get to find out what happened to Kai – and why he is no longer captain – oo the suspense! But first a little hello to my lovely reviewers!

I.love.Goku.and.chester: Yup I guess she could make someone else captain if she wanted to… but then again that would kinda indicate to everyone that battling Kai was the only reason she entered the tournament and that just isn't true. Oh don't worry, you're not ruining the story – you're just using some good old common sense lol.

lil' angelgrl: Sorry its taken so long to review. If you have any ideas on a sequel I'd be happy to hear them – I'm kinda stuck on it!

skyblue-tigerangel: In this chapter you'll get to find out what happened to Kai, hope you like it!

Silent Storm 2000: Patience my friend… you'll find out if you're correct very soon, though not necessarily in this chapter…

SpiritualEnergy: Yay I'm glad someone has remembered about their necklaces! All will be revealed very soon – and yes, they do have a major role to play, but I shan't say why….

Junko: Hope you got the email in the end. Good job I told you what it said in my last reply though lol.

Soullesswinds: Heya, glad you liked the last chapter… I hope you will like this one, but I'm a little concerned it get a bit dull towards the end – see what you think.

Kimkizna: Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for reviewing.

Bladebreakers: Lol well you'll find out all about Kai in this chapter. Hope you like it.

CrimsonSkye06: Well this update is sorta soon… ok it isn't, please forgive me!

silent-lucidity: Aww poor Daren, well I'd prefer you didn't shoot him – but I guess you can stick duct tape over his mouth if you want lol.

Ms.SoUrPuSs: Oh wow you went to China! I bet that was cool. Hope you enjoyed yourself. Oh don't worry about your update, I'll wait patiently!

Babylight: Heya glad you like the story so far, hope you like what's gonna happen next.

HeartlessDevil: Hmm I would seem that way doesn't it? I guess you'll have to see what happens next…

AnimeGirl329: Aww lots of people are feeling sorry for Cassie… personally I kinda feel sorry for Daren though, he was only trying to help – and he really didn't know about the Kai/Tala switch.

Luna-chan - A MaSk Of LiEs: Oh dear Boris worse than dial up? He must be bad then lol. Yeah I reckon chapter 45 will be the last one for this story; I don't know about more stories… it depends how much school work I have this year (I started back today grr)

Ilovecake2: Lol your review made me chuckle. Well I won't say how I'm gonna end the story as that would kinda spoil it now lol. But thank you for reviewing, at least someone feels sorry for Daren, I thought I was the only one!

BloodyShadows: Thank you for reviewing even though you were in a rush. Glad you like the story s far.

Kc: Glad you like the story! Thanks for reviewing.

Right then that's everyone I think. Ok… now I know its kinda demanding to ask of you guys but I have another favour to ask you all. I've been reading a story called Future X Bladers and I think its mighty good, however the writer morjonse has declared he's going to discontinue the fic because he isn't getting enough reviewers – now I've kinda bartered with him and he's agreed to continue if he gets more reviews. It a cute romance story based on the Beyblader's kids…. Please IM BEGGING for some of you to R&R it, I'd hate to see a good story go to waste! And my plea still stands about TwinCharm's "What you don't know can't hurt you" this story is truly amazing and no has reviewed it even after I suggested it… if any of you liked Fantasy Dreams by IceArcherGirl them I'm pretty sure you'll love Twincharm's story – I truly can't give it enough praise.

Sorry if me nagging annoys you, its just I don't like to see really good stories not get the credit they deserve – both of these story's are so different from anything else I've seen, I really don't want to see them go to waste!

Now then onto my own story now eh? I hope you like this chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade I only own my OC's and their Bitbeasts.

Chapter 42: Manipulation

Kai sat emotionlessly on his team bench. His eyes never once left the floor in front of him. The cheering crowds did not affect him in the slightest; to him, they were a mere buzzing in his ears. His mind was too well trained to let such a trivial thing interfere with his trail of thought.

He still couldn't believe it was true. How could he have let it happen? It had probably been planned from the beginning, so why didn't he see it coming? Now it was too late. He had given Boris the opportunity he needed – the chance to replace him… Why did he let it happen?

- Flashback -

Kai sat in the eerie silence all alone. The dark cast team room reflected the swirling emotions inside of Kai's mind. He was still fuming from the fact Boris had forbidden him to watch the remainder of the semi-finals.

"You wouldn't want your friend to suffer now, would you Kai?"

The repulsive words echoed in Kai's mind. Boris had always managed to blackmail him effectively. He had suffered such cruelty in his youth; it annoyed Kai that he was still powerless against the evil man.

He focused all of his attention on cleaning Dranzer. An hour had passed when Tala walked in with a smug look upon his face. Kai paused briefly to look at him, before returning to inspect Dranzer.

The red haired Russian rolled his eyes and sat on a chair in front of Kai. He smirked as he watched his captain focus solely on his blade. Tala's gaze was gradually irritating an already annoyed Kai. Soon Kai could no longer stand it. His head snapped up, and glared at his team mate.

"What?" he snapped

Tala's smirk widened.

"Having fun?"

Kai's eyes darkened as he glared at Tala. Ignoring the boy's comment, he went back to attending Dranzer.

Tala raised an eyebrow before getting up, with a sigh.

"You know it's rude not to answer a question Kai."

Kai flinched and forcefully put Dranzer on a nearby table. He took a deep breath in, obviously to try and stay clam.

"What do you want Tala?"

"Nothing…"

Kai raised his eyebrow, not believing a word the boy said.

"Well… I just thought you'd like to who we're facing in the finals."

"Uhuh… and?"

"You could probably guess – Team Twilight won."

"Hnn"

"But I don't know when we'll be playing them."

"How d'you mean? The finals are tomorrow."

"Well, you see there was a little accident concerning your girlfriend…"

Kai's eyes went wide.

'Boris – he didn't hurt her did he? But he promised…'

As if able to read Kai's thoughts Tala smirked

"Oh don't worry, it was nothing to do with Boris. This happened by itself."

"What happened?"

"Hard to say. She got wounded pretty badly in her match - had massive gashes all across that lovely back of hers…"

Kai tried his best to contain his anger; he knew Tala was purposely trying to agitate him.

"Anyway… after she'd used that stone of hers she went all weak. She managed to win her battle, but collapsed soon after – it was quite funny really."

"How the hell is that funny?" demanded Kai. "Is she ok?"

"Dunno, couldn't care really," shrugged the boy. "Though, it would be a waste of that pretty body should she be seriously injured."

That was it! Something snapped inside of Kai. He quickly rose to his feet and pinned Tala to the wall.

"Don't you EVER talk like that about her again!" he bellowed

"My, my you are protective of her, aren't' you? You do realise she's an enemy in this tournament?"

Kai growled

"As far as I'm concerned the only enemies I have in this tournament are in this team! I have no loyalties to people who care only for winning, even if it means they cheat. I care nothing for it! You hear! Nothing! I'm tired of being manipulated by you all! The only reason I'm on this team is because it protects my friends. I wish this team no success, and I will rejoice when the Demolition Boys lose in the finals!"

"Is that so?"

The menacing voice froze Kai to the spot. Briefly the boy looked at Tala – the red head smirked smugly. Slowly he let go his team mate and turned to face his coach. Boris stared deep into Kai's crimson orbs.

"So Kai, you have no loyalties to our team? Is that what you think?"

Kai avoided his gaze and looked at the floor.

"Answer me boy!"

Instantly Kai's head shot up and glared at the man

"What's the point in wasting my breath answering something you already know?"

"Don't act smart with me boy,"

"I have a name,"

"You don't deserve to have one, let alone be called a Hiawatri – your grandfather will be most… disappointed when he hears of what you said about this team."

"I don't care what that old fool thinks."

"Silence!" cried Boris, he backhanded Kai, sending the boy slamming into the left wall.

Kai slid gently to the floor, refusing to let Boris see any hint of pain on his face.

"Don't ever let me hear you insult your grandfather again!" Yelled the man

The sheer volume of his voice caused even Tala to flinch.

"I see there is no changing you Kai… I had hoped you would have been as great as your Voltaire had predicted, sadly he was mistaken. I see no point in keeping you as captain of a team you so righteously announced meant nothing to you."

"What!"

"You have disobeyed me too often Kai to protect your worthless friends. I will not have such a traitor leading my team. From now on your title as captain is removed…. Tala?"

"Yes sir?"

The red haired Russian stepped forward hesitantly

"Congratulations, you're our new leader. I hope you'll be more successful than the previous one."

Tala nodded understandingly, but paused to sneer at Kai. In response, Kai growled. Boris smiled at the little scene before him and started to walk away.

"You can't do this!" yelled Kai

Boris stopped dead. He flinched briefly, tensing his shoulders, but then let them relax.

"In case you haven't noticed – I just did," laughed at the man.

Kai's eyes burned into Boris's back as the evil man exited the room. Out of sheer frustration he punched the nearest wall to him. Ignoring the pain he turned to Tala.

"You…" he began as he strode up to the new captain

Tala smirked in amusement.

"You knew he was there…" continued Kai. "…all the time, you saw him there!"

Tala raised an eyebrow

"Your point?" asked the boy with a glint in his eye

"You could have said something!"

"What, and spoil all the fun? I don't think so Kai."

He walked straight past Kai, taking no notice of the glare he was receiving.

"Personally," continued Tala. "I was rather disappointed with Boris's punishment this time… I'd have thought you'd at least get a beating… In my opinion you were let off easily; but then again I suppose this does mean that I'll be the one to face your girlfriend,"

Tala stopped and faced Kai, who eyes had narrowed considerably.

"Interesting one she is," smirked Tala. "I'd imagine having such a strong connection with a Bitbeast, means that battles are potentially fatal for her…"

"If you hurt her…" started Kai dangerously

"It'll seem like an accident," replied Tala lightly. "After all… very few people know that taking Patiere from Cassie could kill her – and I wouldn't know, would I?"

Tala's sadistic smile sent a shiver down Kai's spine. The blue haired Russian now regretted ever telling Boris about Cassie.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on her," warned Kai

"I don't take orders from you anymore Kai – you're below me. Oh and as captain, I've decided that no one is to go out in public until the finals. Not only will it help everyone concentrate on training, but also at the same time, prevent you from telling your little friends about any plans we have."

All hope in Kai left him that very second… there'd be no way of warning Cassie of Tala's plan to take Patiere. He sank to his knees, he had no strength left in him. Tala observed him with enjoyment; the mighty Kai had finally been broken.

"If it makes you feel better Kai, you'll get to battle that guy that kissed your girl. I'm sure she'd love to watch you two fight over her…"

- End Flashback -

Since then, he had dreaded when this day should come. He was powerless to help Cassie, and now she was in great danger – all because of him.

In the days leading up to the finals Kai had not dared to even try and escape to warn his friends – he did not want to risk getting caught, or a message being intercepted by Boris. It wasn't the consequences of these that scared him; it was more the chance that he'd be banned from even being in the finals – which meant he defiantly wouldn't be able to help Cassie, if something should go wrong.

He'd kept telling himself over the last week, that Cassie was a strong blader and she could look after herself. Indeed she was possibly even stronger than him. If that was the case then there was nothing to worry about, after all, he'd beaten Tala many times before, so she should be able to as well.

That may have been the case before, but after yesterday Kai was worried. Boris had given Tala a new blade - to be more exact, the one Kai had refused to use in his match against Tyson.

This new Wolborg had the capability to shred Patiere into millions of pieces with one swift blow. Not only this, but the blade had been designed to be best when used on ice – however Kai could not quite understand why they had bothered to do this. Yes, Tala could freeze over the dish if he wanted to, but that would waste valuable energy, thus weakening him considerably. There would be no point. Unless Boris had a secret plan that they'd kept from Kai – it wouldn't surprise him.

Either way, Tala was planning to fight dirty no matter the cost. He knew perfectly what could happen to Cassie if he went too far – but that didn't stop him. Somehow, Boris had convinced Tala, that it was a sacrifice that it had to be done in order to achieve victory.

Kai briefly glanced to his right. Tala sat beside him, his eyes fixed upon his new blade. To Kai, it seemed as if Tala was possessed by his new Wolborg, almost like he had been by Dark Dranzer all that time ago. The red head suddenly turned to face the ex captain; the crazy look in Tala's eyes sent a shiver down Kai's spine, but the boy didn't let him know that, instead he simply grunted before turning to where Cassie's team sat.

Team Twilight seemed absorbed in last minutes check of their blades. However Cassie stopped momentarily, obviously sensing she was being watched, but quickly shook off the feeling and continued tending her blade. A sad smile crept onto Kai's features.

"You can't help her," sneered a voice

Kai flinched as soon as he heard those icy words. He turned to see Tala smirking as he too watched Team Twilight.

"You know that, right Kai?"

The blue haired boy returned his vision towards the girl he loved.

"Hnn,"

"Good."

After a short silence Kai crossed his arms and shut his eyes.

"I still don't agree with what you're planning to do though." He stated

"Oh course you wouldn't… But luckily it's not your place to disagree with my orders now."

"Just because you're captain, don't think that means I'm automatically gonna obey you Tala," sighed the boy.

"Maybe so, but I suggest you do."

"And why's that?"

Tala leant in towards Kai, and whispered in a deadly tone.

"Because I have the power to decide if you're little girlfriend lives or dies."

Kai narrowed his eyes.

"Meaning?"

Tala chuckled softly before leaning back.

"Meaning if you attack Daren as I have so thoughtfully planned, and win you battle – then I may just be more forgiving when battling Cassie."

"And if I don't?"

"No. mercy." Replied Tala simply with a smirk.

"That's blackmail." Retorted Kai

Tala raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Yes I believe it is Kai. But don't worry; you have time during Brian's match to think about it…"

"Ready Mika?" asked Cassie

"Yup, as ready as I'll ever be,"

The girl put an encouraging hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Just remember, be prepared for anything they might through at us – we don't know what kinda tricks they might play."

Carefully the two boys made their way to the stadium. While they prepared their blades Jazz man occupied the audience.

"This is it boys and girls! The beginning of the finals! Who will win? Only time will tell… Now then the first match will take place in just a moment."

"I hope you don't mind if I make this quick?" sneered Brian

"Oh I'd like to see you try," retorted Mika.

"3…2…1… Let It Rip!"

"Go Chandra!"

"Attack Falborg!"

Brain's teal blade crashed violently into Mika's orange one, causing sparks to fly. Again and again he attacked, not giving Chandra even the chance to return the blows. To Mika, it seemed that Brian wanted to get this match over as quickly as possible.

Within seconds, Falborg was summoned from its blade, the beautiful falcon graced the air with a sense of superiority, while Mika tried desperately to get away from the green blade. Eventually he succeeded and was able to release the Brown Bear Bitbeast.

What followed next was a serious of attacks, whereby Falborg swooped in at Chandra from the air. Luckily for Mika he specialised in defence strategies, but even so, Chandra was weakened slightly each time Falborg attacked. It's sharp talons grazed the bear's back slightly each time, the fresh wounds looked awfully painful though.

The rest of Team Twilight looked anxiously on as they watched the battle unfold.

"Ermm, I don't mean to be the one to doubt Mika… but can he keep his defence up like this?"

Cassie bit her lip

"I don't know Tariq," she whispered

"He's stronger than he looks, don't worry; Mika won't let us down."

"I hope your right Daren… cause it would really help if we could win the first match."

"Patients Tariq… its not over yet," smiled Cassie.

"Falborg! Attack!... Again!... Again!"

Once, twice, three times the teal blade slammed into the sturdy orange one. By now Mika was panting heavily though he still wore a smirk on his face.

"Is that the best you've got?" he jeered

"Far from it," replied a cool Brian. "Falborg, Talon Torture!"

The Korean gasped in horror as the Falcon brutally attacked the Bear with its vicious claws. Mika winced as he felt even more pain emit from his Bitbeast.

"Argh I've had enough of this! Chandra, Swift Swipe!"

As the Falcon came in once again for an attack, Chandra bashed the bird out of the air with one almighty blow from its paw.

"No! Falborg get up!"

But the bird did not respond immediately. Taking advantage of the dazed Bitbeast, Mika ordered his final attack.

"Now's our chance Chandra! Mountain Fury!"

The crowd went silent as they watched Brian's blade fall to pieces in front of him. The Russian dropped to his knees in disbelief, Mika himself was also in shock. He looked around the stadium, his breath rugged; suddenly everybody began cheering for him.

"Well that settles it folks. The winner of this round is Mika! So now Team Twilight are one nil ahead in this gruelling finale."

"Yay! Go Mika!" cheered Cassie as she greeted her friend back to the bench

"We knew you could do it bud," added Tariq

"You did well,"

"Thanks Daren, thanks to you all… I only hope this helps us win overall…."

Brain slowly made his way back to his own team bench, not daring to make eye contact with his new captain. Kai ignored his team mate, but Tala watched him like a snake, an evil frown spread across his forehead.

As the lilac boy sat down he quickly glanced to the side, and saw Tala staring at him.

"I do not accept failure on my team – your mistake has cost us dearly…" hissed the boy

Brian looked at the floor, and nodded solemnly. Tala then turned his attention to Kai.

"Your up next." He stated with no emotion in his voice.

The blue haired boy clenched Dranzer in his fist before getting to his feet. He began making his way to the stadium when Tala called out;

"Oh and Kai… My offer still stands – not that you really have a choice now. You see if you're defeated too, we lose for good, and the consequences would be… shall we say – unpleasant?"

A low growl escaped Kai's throat as he continued walking towards the dish.

'Like I have a choice in the matter,' he thought bitterly

Yes… so that's another chapter over with. Was it ok? I always get doubtful that they're not very good lol. It took me a while to decide who was actually going to win the battle, first I had Mika, then changed it to Brian, and then back to Mika – I think this will work best in the long run – I hope! Now only about 3 more chapters left!

Please review if you can. I do appreciate any comments you have, and let me know if you have any ideas for the potential sequel. I'll try and update soon, but I've started back at school today so it will all depends on how much work I get. Thanks for reading!

Wreckless Spirit