The weekend was coming up and I wondered what was going on in Kai's mind. My birthday was to be on the next Saturday coming and he seemed a bit worried about something. Every time he looked at me I could practically hear his mind working. I had an idea of what was going on in his head but he needn't have worried about getting me anything. The best thing I could have was him so there was no reason to be worried. It was a good idea not to voice my thoughts; otherwise he'd just deny it.

KAI

Shit! What the hell could I get Ebony? She didn't seem bothered about her birthday at all and just watched one day go after the next. I swear there isn't enough time in the world sometimes.

The day before her birthday I looked over the shops. I was quick to hide when I saw Ebony coming out of the blading shop. She looked hungrily at a new attack ring. Tyson was with her looking a bit apologetic. I was surprised she was around him. The last time we talked she said he was driving her nuts about a rematch. "Sorry I totalled your attack ring."

"Don't worry about it, I should've checked my blade over our last battle. It's not a good idea to have a rematch with a damaged blade." He looked even more guilty and shifted his feet uneasily. "TYSON! EBONY!" Hilary was running towards them looking angry…maybe she got ditched and they didn't tell her. Tyson and Ebony ran at the speed of light with Hilary coming after them.

I came up to the shop and looked at the ring. It had quite a price on it but nothing I couldn't afford. I went in and bought it without a second thought and wrapped it up at home. I went to sleep without any trouble; I hadn't done that in a while before Ebony's birthday.

EBONY

Today was my birthday…wow…another year has passed. Damn, why do I have to be so sarcastic half the time? I took a look over to my blade, which was currently in pieces unless I bought a new attack ring. Well I'm skint for now so I might as well just keep dreaming until I get the money to afford a cheap one let alone the one I want. I never really wanted anything besides Kai before. Man he's really changed me this past year.

I got the first greeting from Hilary and her mother with a couple of presents in the morning. They weren't bad presents and I thanked them accordingly. I was taken to Tyson's for a party with everyone there who I would consider to be a friend. I got present after present and found them to be very acceptable.

After a while I took refuge on the roof away from everyone after the cutting of the cake ceremony. 'How old did they think I am? Blow out the candles and make a wish? Fuck me!'

"Is there room for one more?" I looked behind me to see Kai on top of the roof looking down at me. "Sure, pull up a tile."

"You don't sound very happy." I shrugged. "I'm not very good at parties, especially if they're my own." Kai smiled and held me close waving a small parcel in my face. I took it out of his hands and slowly opened it. I gasped when I saw it was the attack ring that I always wanted when I first saw it in the shop. "Have you been talking to Tyson?" I asked and he shook his head. "Just call it a boyfriends intuition."

"Yeah right." I took out my blade pieces from my pocket and put it together, the ring was a perfect fit and I couldn't wait to try it out. I hugged Kai and his smile increased. "Thanks." I said before jumping off the roof. "Where are you going?" He called and I turned with a clenched fist in the air containing my blade. "To finish some unfinished business!"

Tyson and I battled outside where Kai watched the battle with great curiosity. We drew again which was getting very annoying now. I thought with my full strength, new attack ring and bit beast connection I might be able to beat him. Ah, well. At least he hasn't beaten me yet.

KAI

Tyson and Ebony were disappointed but satisfied with the match. "Let's do this again sometime."

"Definitely." She showed Tyson her blade and he instantly recognized the attack ring. "But who-" He looked up at me and smiled. "Now that is what I would call a great birthday present Kai."

"Whatever." Tyson smirked. "Same old Kai no matter what." He walked away blade in hand with a smile on his face. "Ebony! Someone's here to see you!" Hilary called making Ebony sigh. "Who is it?" I asked and she looked at me. "Mr. Dickinson to go over the will."

"Want me to come along?" She nodded and looked a little reluctant to go in. "You ok?" She took a deep breath and shrugged. "Yeah, I'm fine…I think."

We went in to see Mr. Dickinson sitting by the table looking up at us. She became distant and annoyed. "So it's true, you've found someone to be with Kai."

EBONY

I saw Kai roll his eyes as Mr. Dickinson laughed. "So what's going on?" I asked and he looked at me. "Yes, well let's get on with it." He took out an official looking document from his bag. "All you have to do is sign this and the money is yours."

"How did my uncle receive this money?" I got a few surprised looks from those who knew how much was to be had. "I-I'm sorry my dear but that's classified. Why on earth would you ask such a thing anyway?" I shrugged. "I think I have the right to know if the money is dirty or clean." They gasped and even Kai gave me a surprised look. "W-what makes you say that my dear?"

"My uncle told me a few dirty secrets when I was a kid with past work involving you." Mr. Dickinson looked troubled whilst I stood my ground. "I can't tell you about my past work just like you can't divulge it."

"Yes my uncle told me that and I'll keep my word even in death."

"All I can tell you is the money was made by a working man with a good cause. Which unfortunately wasn't achieved, but the idea was good and the money was his life insurance. He really was a brilliant man." I felt something and sighed. "I hope this satisfies your questions." I looked at him and everyone around me. "Yes." He gave me a pen and I signed without hesitation. "I can't say I didn't expect some sort of questioning about this."

"What else is new? I question people about most things." I said in a carefree way that mad the old man laugh. "So is that it?"

"Yes my dear you now have a substantial amount in your bank account."

"Thank you buh-bye!" I walked out the door and grabbed my board.

KAI

"My, my she's a lively one." Mr. Dickinson laughed. 'You have no idea.' I thought. "I'm so sorry Mr. Dickinson. Her manners are non-existent." Hilary growled.

"No matter my dear, I've dealt with tougher customers than her." I smirked wondering how many people like Ebony he's actually dealt with. 'I don't think so.' I followed her out to the skate park. As usual she was getting applause from the other skaters from her tricks. And as usual Ebony hated it and ran away form them. I kept following her until she stopped by the sea.

She looked out to sea breathing in deeply. "Oh uncle, I hope I've done the right thing." I heard her sigh.

EBONY

I felt someone put their hands over my eyes taking all my fears away. "Gee, I wonder who this could be? Let me think. Could it be Tyson? Nah, he's too loud to sneak up on me. Could it be…Max? Nope, he'll announce his approach. Could it be Rei? You know he's rather handsome-"

"HEY!" I knew it was Kai but I just loved to tease him sometimes. He turned me around to see me smile. "But not as handsome as you." This made him smile too and we embraced one another by the sea.

I spent my day with the only person I wanted to spend it with. But that didn't stop Kai asking questions. "Why aren't you spending the day with your family?"

"I don't feel like it." Was my reply, although I didn't look in to his eyes. "I thought birthdays were family days." I shrugged and he looked in to my eyes. He could see something was wrong but I wasn't telling. "It's not going to make me run away." I said before I could stop myself. But with that little note Kai nodded and stopped with the questions.