WOOHOO! Another chapter! and in just 2 days! -bathes in glory of self-praise- And remember I said that I probably lost a few readers? Turns out I didn't lose 'em at all! -sniff- You guys are the best! Special thanks to:
Max-4-ever: Thanks for updating and you continous support! Yup, here ya go, da new chappie!
rebbiegirl: YAY! Boy am I glad you're still my faithful reader! hahaha, it's like you have an alram clock or smthng that keeps you updated everytime I post a new chapter ;p I really appreciate it! Hope you like this chapt! It's the longest so far
Seer Vixion: Heys! Glad youlike my fic! Hahaha -egogetting too big- Well, expect moreweird and crazy stuff to happen in the coming chapters!
Kyogue: No. 9 rawks! and I love the title! its so edgey! Release No. 10 soon alright? Keep up the gd work XD!
Alrighty then, on with da story!
Chapter 17------ Festival
Okay, so after two days, ten hours, twenty-three minutes and forty-three seconds, the bladebreakers and company find themselves waiting at the airport…
"Argh! This is taking too long…!" Mai tapped her fingers impatiently on the metal railing.
"They'll be out soon." Rei darted his eyes around, looking for a familiar face…or should I say, faces.
"You said that an hour ago…" she gave him an irritated look.
-GLOMP- A fist came down on the girl's head. "HEY!"
"Quit you're whining. When Rei says they're coming, they're coming! Be patient will ya?" Hilary snapped at the ashen-haired girl.
Mai turned away, mumbling curses under her breath. 'Since when did she have the guts to hit me…? I must be getting too soft…' Mai thought of all the times Hilary had seen her so helpless… all the times she had comforted her like a big sister…
'Ugh…' she cringed. 'Must stop running to Hilary… makes me feel weak…' she made a mental note in her head.
"REI DARLING!"
-CCRRRAAACCKK- Mai's thoughts were shattered by a high-pitched voice. 'Re— Rei darling?'
She quickly spun around to see a pink-haired prissy clinging onto Rei. She had on a white Chinese blouse with pink trimmings and a pair of denim jeans. Struggling behind her was a slightly shorter guy who was lugging a whole lot of baggage.
"REI! I'VE MISSED YOU SOOO MUCH!" the girl hugged him even tighter, completely oblivious to her suffering companion.
"I've missed you too, Mariah." Rei replied with a weak smile. 'Can't…breathe…' "Uh Mariah, …I…can't breathe…"
"Oh sorry!" and she peeled herself off him. "So? How is everything?"
Mai watched as the two of them broke into a lovely conversation while the rest had gone off to join them. 'Ok I'm being ignored here…' She looked at the other guy 'Heck, might as well go help him…'
She walked up to the boy and grabbed two sets of baggage, "Here, I'll take these." She flashed her friendliest smile at the guy. (note the sarcasm pls… Mai is hardly nice when she's pissed)
"Uh thanks!" He wore a black vest which showed off his abs and a pair of loose-fitting pants held up by a white sash (used as a belt) tied around his waist. "My name's Lee"
"Mai." And the two of them went to join the others.
"Oh hey Mai."
'Oh hey Mai? So finally someone noticed huh? …. Wow...I feelso loved... (sarcasm again XD!)'
"I'd like you to meet Mariah." The bubbly pinkette stepped forward and held out her hand.
Mai took it. "Mariah, this is Mai. She's the new member of the BB (bladebreakers)" Rei finished.
"Nice to meet you" Mai faked a smile. "So, she's your—"
"I'm his girlfriend!" Mariah beamed and wrapped an arm around Rei's.
"Oh!" Mai pretended to sound surprised. "Rei never told me" she said through her fake smile and looked questioningly at Rei.
"Uh yeah. Mariah's my… girlfriend…" His face turned a shade of pink.
"C'mon! Dun need ta get all shy about it Rei!" Tyson ruffled the neko-jin's hair. "Practically EVERYONE knows you guys are an item."
'……………………………………………………………REI…HAS A GIRLFRIEND?' Mai felt something drop inside her.
'Hmm? Do I sense jealousy here?' the white wolf chuckled.
'Shut up Lev! I'm NOT jealous…Just a…a lil' surprised that's all…'
'Then why do I sense that you're not happy about something?'
'Well that's because! ...because…because… because…'
'Because what?' Levian smirked.
'BECAUSE I DUN REALY LIKE THAT MARIAH GIRL OKAY?'
'Hahah, fine, fine. There're plenty more in the sea anyways.' Levian teased and left Mai's mind.
'LEV!' Mai tried to think of a comeback. 'YOU— YOU BALL OF WHITE FUR!'
Mai thought she heard Levian's laughter from somewhere, it was faint but she knew he was laughing at her. 'Okay that was dumb…smartass comeback Mai, real smart…' Mai mentally kicked herself.
And in all that mind conversation, Mai hadn't realised that everyone had gone.
'O.o? Oh shit!' Her head frantically scanned the area; she was relieved when she spotted the group heading towards their private mini van.
"Hey guys! Wait up!"
-Granger residence-
"And this is your room!" Grampa Granger exclaimed as he pulled the sliding doors to reveal a large spacious room…Mai's room…
'WHAT? I HAVE TO SLEEP WITH HER?' Mai looked disbelievingly at Grampa Granger, hoping that he'd get it by the look on her face.
But no, theBLIND youthful rocker proceeded to bring in their things right in, clearing away Mai's stuff to make room for their accommodation.
"But can't I stay with Rei?" Mariah pleaded.
A look of disgust spread across Mai's face.
"Sorry, no can do lil' lady. Don't want no 'funny' stuff happenin' now do we, Rei?" Gramps winked and elbowed a now tomato-faced Rei. Everyone else held back their laughter.
"Okay then." She sounded disappointed. "Thank you for letting us stay here!" She bowed politely.
"Nothin' to it! Dinner's at 6!" Gramps left the room swinging his bokken in the air…
-Living room-
' "Can't I stay with Rei?" she says! Argh!' Mai stomped into the living room and slumped unto the sofa, not caring if anyone paid any attention to her.
Kai cocked an eyebrow, 'What's up with her?' But resumed to watching his tv programme: a replay of the World Beyblading Championships 2004.
Mai felt frustrated…she had to do something! Something she could take her anger out on…'I know!'
-TWINK- The tv screen went blank… Kai was about to shout something—
"Kai! Beyblade. Practice. NOW!" Mai stood in front of him.
He stood up, now HE was the one towering over her. "I'm not gonna waste my time…on someone like you" He stepped aside and headed towards the room when a card came flying in his direction, slicing a bit of his navy-blue hair (hiwatari fangirls: HOW DARE YOU TOUCH KAI-SAMA! DIEEEE BLLLLLLUUU! blu: hey, c'mon, what's a few strands of hair right? Ehhh… right? –fangirls coming closer and closer- I'M SSSSOOOORRRRREEEEEE! –runs for dear life- KKKKKKKYYYYYYAAAAAAA!)
He turned around, his eyes narrowed. She was serious.
A smirk played on Mai's lips; she had gotten his attention.
"Fine. Rules: No backing out" Then, an idea came into his mind, 'Heh, this will be interesting. It's payback time Mai' "And one condition." He raised a finger.
"Your price?"
"You win, you gain my respect."
Mai's eyebrow twitched, 'RESPECT? That's all?' She couldn't believe this guy.
"I win, you'll serve me" Kai paused to make sure the last few words sunk into Mai's head. "For a week."
"Hey, this isn't a battle! It's just practice, like training!" she defended her rights against being enslaved to Kai.
"You should've considered that before you asked. And now you have me, and I don't come cheap."
Mai could tell from his crimson eyes that he was laughing at her. 'Grr…men and their EGOISTIC COMMENTS! Fine, if Kai wants to play, let's play.'
-Few minutes later……The setting sun splashed the sky a bright orange and the chirping of birds could be heard in the distance… Ahh, so peacefu— -
-BAM!- A glass of orange juice slammed onto the table.
"You break it, you pay for it. This is Tyson's house, remember?" Kai had a smug look on his face.
"Forgive me…Master kai" she said through gritted teeth.
How could she have lost? She was winning till Dranzer did that Flame Sabre attack on Levian! 'HOW COULD I HAVE LLLOOOOOOOSSSSSSSTTTTTT?'
'It pointless if you fight because of revenge or anger. You'll end up losing.' Lev commented.
'You could've told me that earlier you know...'
'But it's good practice. Dranzer's not bad!'
'Kai's really good and he himself knows it… Betcha he accepted the challenge knowing that I'd lose so he could make me his slave!' Mai threw a dirty look in Kai's direction.
"Mai."
"Yes…Master Kai?"
"It's hot. Do something."
"Hmmm..."She pretended to think "Well how about I get some ice and pour it down your back so that you can cool that cocky head of yours?" She gave him her sweetest smile.
Kai grinned back at her 'Two can play at this game.' "No, I was thinking more of something to do with those newspapers over there. You do know origami right? And you obviously have potential energy so covert that to kinetic energy and make yourself useful"
Mai's jaw dropped slightly. Was he expecting her to MANUALLY fan him? No way!
"You know what? I don't have to put up with this! I don't have to put up with ANY of this so what you say doesn't matter 'coz I won't do it!" 'Hah! In your face Kai!'
" You can't back out, it's the rules. Or are you saying that you've finally accepted that you're not good enough to beat me?" Kai stood up to confront her.
"Admit it. You're not good enough."
Mai clenched her fists. "One day Kai! One day I'll beat you!" She looked up and blue eyes met with crimson.
She couldn't stand it, that smug look on his face, how she wanted to wipe it off so badly!
She broke eye contact, snatched up a few newspapers and began folding it into a fan.
She waited for Kai to sit down before fanning him, switching the fan once in a while between both hands to prevent them from aching too much.
"What's up with the fanning?" Maxquestioned as he past the living room.
"Beybattle. Lost. Serve Kai. One week…" Mai was in no mood to talk.
"Hahaha, I see. We'll good luck with that!" and he scurried off towards Mai's room.
The hours past…serving Kai, doing his chores…waiting on him…on top of having to help Grampa Granger prepare dinner… By the time everyone was having desert, Mai was pooped.
She nibbled on her piece of konyakku jelly, staring down at the plate as if it was the most interesting thing on the whole planet.
"Hey! Since Mariah and Lee are here, why don't we go to the Autumn Festival later?" Hilary suggested.
Mai dropped her fork, attracting the attention of everyone in the room "Oops, sorry. Umm…Autumn festival …yeah, good idea! Let's all go!" she said with fake enthusiasm. 'Dammit! Me and my big mouth… Sigh, this is what hard work does to me…I get a malfunctioning brain…'
'Yep!'
'NO ONE ASKEDYOU LEV!'
"Sound cool to me!"
"Yeah, let's go."
"Great! I'll drop by my house first and pick up some yukatas (Japanese summer kimono) while the guys can go get ready. I'll be back 'round 7.30 okay? See ya guys later!" With that, Hilary took off…
"Ahh!" Mai collapsed on the sofa, causing Lee to bounce up slightly.
"Sorry, but I really can't help it…"
"It's alright. Tired?" Lee asked.
"Yeah…"
"So, Rei told me that you're also from China."
Mai's tired body suddenly seemed to have a jolt of energy. "YOU'RE FROM CHINA? Finally! Someone other than Rei who knows how to speak Chinese!" she exclaimed, wide-eyed.
"Haha, Shi (means 'yes' in Chinese). I come from the same village as Rei; same goes for Mariah." He turned to look at the pair chatting along the corridor of the dojo.
-Silence….-
"They're pretty close huh?"
"Yeah… been friends since they were little kids, grew up together…Rei and Mariah."
Mai was certain he sounded a tad bit sad. She wanted to know why and debated the question: to ask or not to ask? in her head but finally decided not to. The subject was too personal.
"They umm…make a cute couple." Mai didn't know what else to say, did it make him feel worse? She hoped not… Then again, it didn't make her feel good either… She had admitted defeat…
"Mai!"
"What does he want now!" Mai huffed. "Sorry, but I have to do something which-I-really-hate-but-have-no-choice now…"
"Haha, yeah Kai can be a pain."
"You and I both know it" She rolled her eyes and trudged over to wherever Kai was. "WHAT!"
-Fast forward -
"Oh Oh! Can I wear this one?" Mariah squealed as she held up a pink yukata with cherry blossom imprints on it. The yukata also came with a matching peach-coloured bow which is supposed to be at the back of the outfit.
"Sure. Then Mai can wear this one!" Hilary picked up a dark blue yukata which had white carp designs; it too came with a bow which was green in colour.
Mai barely took a glance at the piece of clothing and said "I'm not wearing it…"
"But it's nice!" Hilary argued.
Mai flipped the tv channels, "Can't run in it…"
The brunette fainted anime-style… "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO RUN IN IT!" She quickly recovered. "A yukata is supposed to be elegant and feminine. It's Japanese tradition for girls to be refined when wearing a yukata." She explained.
Mai continued to stare at the tv…
"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?"
"Not really…"
"Fine! If you're not gonna wear it, we'll make you! Mariah?"
"Already on it Hilary!" the pink-haired neko-jin said as she pulled Mai from her seat.
"He— HEY!" Mai struggled to get free from the two girls' grasp but she was too tired and couldn't muster her full strength to fight back.
"I'M NOT GOING! I'LL RIP THAT YUKATA TOSHREDS! YOU GUYS ARE—"
-SLAM!-
The door closed behind them, muffling Mai's screams…The guys all sweat-dropped…
-Few minutes later-
"TA-DAA!" The two girls opened the door to reveal a frowning Mai. She lookedas thoughshe had given up and let the girls have their way with her…
Mai let out a sigh… She felt funny…she wasn't used to dressing up this nicely… and everyone was looking at her… 'Stop staring dammit! Never seen a girl before?'
Her black hair was up in a bun with a flower hair pin to hold it in place, a few strands of hair had come loose and fallen onto her face. Worst of all, she had to wear traditional Japanese socks and sandals… 'Now I REALLY can't run…'
"KAWAII DESHYO? (ain't she cute?)" Hilary and Mariah gave each other high-fives.
-Fast forward-
Mariah clung unto Rei's arm as the group walked through the colourfully decorated street. Lanterns of every shape, colour and size hung above their heads while game and food stalls lined the street's edge. Children ran around with sparklers, families sat under shady trees enjoying a cup of green tea to go with their moon cakes, boys winning prizes for their girlfriends at the game stalls, elders singing traditional songs to add to the festive atmosphere… There was just so much to see and do.
Mai stayed at the back of the group. She was having a hard time walking with the sandals, occasionally tripping over her own feet. "Stupid things!" she cursed.
"You'll get used to it" Max said.
Mai just nodded her head and walked along, enjoying the different sights that lay before her.
"Rei, could you get me that one over there? Pwwwwuuuueeeaaasssseee?" Mariah pointed to a Kon plushie ( the lion character in the anime Bleach).
"Alright. Hey mister! How many bottles do I havta knock down to get that Kon plushie?" Rei asked.
Mai couldn't stand it… seeing the both of them so happy together was too much for her liking…
She tapped on Max's shoulder, "If anyone's looking for me…I'll just be over there." Mai tilted her head towards the lake.
"Ok!" he gave her a thumbs-up.
The fatigue-stricken teenager made her way to the lake when—
"WWWaaaaaaahhhhhh!"
"Mai-chan, it's alright, dun cry. We'll get one next time ok?" a young boy who looked about six years of age wrapped an arm around a little girl's shoulder.
Somethingcaught Mai's attention. 'Mai-chan? The girl has the same name as me…' Out of curiosity to see who it was thatshared her name,Maiwalked over to see what the commotion was about.
"Datte…Datte… ( but…but…) Tomorrow is mommy's birthday…and…and… I can't -sniff- even get her –sniff- a present." The little girl began tearing up again.
Her words had an impact on Mai. It made her remember her mother; how much she missed her… How her mother used to take care of her when she was young…and the one time she tried to make her happy by making a cake for her using mud and a few twigs…
"Hahaha" Mai chuckled at the memory, she was silly then…
She bent down and placed a hand on the crying child's shoulder; the little girl jerked at the sudden touch.
"Ne, little girls don't look pretty when they cry dakara (so) you mustn't cry ok? Look pretty for you mom." Mai gave her a warm smile.
The boy pulled the girl away slightly, doing his duty as a brother to protect his little sister from strangers.
"It's alright. I only want to help." Mai addressed the chestnut-blonde boy before turning to face the young Mai. "Tell me, what do you want to give your mother?"
"That hair pin! The one with the golden crane!" She pointed to a pink plastic ball which held an elegant black hair pin.
"Mai!" Her brother tugged at her arm as a sign of distaste at her behaviour. "Gomenasai! She's just a kid, she doesn't know what she's saying. Please forgive her!" The boy bowed.
"Tetsu!" the girl pouted in defence.
"Oyaji! (mister) How do I win that black hair pin over there?"
"Knock down seven cans in two shots!" The man replied proudly.
Mai placed some money on the table and took the basket of baseballs. She was given three balls and a whole lot of cans, all stacked up nicely into three-pyramids, to knock down.
'I hope shuriken training helps' Mai picked up a baseball and took aim; a few people had now gathered around to watch. She threw the ball and it knocked down three cans.
'Shit… Can't concentrate with all these people watching…too much pressure…'
She picked up the second ball and fumbled with it for a while, 'Please let me knock down four, please please!'
She was just about to throw it when suddenly! a hand reached out form behind her, took the last ball in the basket and flung it at the cans, knocking down six or seven cansin one shot.
"Woah!" The audience gasped and started clapping.
Mai turned around to see whothe herowas...
"YOU!"
Kai shrugged.
She opened her mouth to say something but got cut off—
"Omedato gozaimasu! (congratulations!) Here's you hair pin!"
Mai took the pink container and handed it to the little girl. "Here. No more crying ok?"
"Hmm!" the girl nodded; a huge smile on her face. "Arigatou! Ne-chan (sis), Ni-chan! (bro)"
"Thank you! Thanks so much!" the boy gave one last final boy before taking off with his sister.
Mai watched as the two siblings disappeared into the crowd. Then she turned to face Kai…
"Why'd you help? I could've won it on my own!"
"I wondered where my servant went…" he started walking.
'SERVANT ?' An anime-vein popped up in Mai's temple as she came up to his side.
"And you were taking too long…" Kai finished.
Mai let a sigh escape her lips, "Thanks anyway"
Mai quickened her pace so she was now in front of Kai; her destination was still the same as before: the lake.
Many people had already gathered to watch the fireworks display and there was hardly any more benches left to sit on, leaving Mai to stand between the hoard of people…
"Why'd you help her?"
"Hmm?"
"Why'd you help that girl? You don't even know her" Kai said.
"Because…"A smile spread across her face as she gazed at the night sky, "She's the same as me…"
Kai didn't understand but kept his questions to himself.
Suddenly, a burst of colour filled the night sky. Fireworks of different patterns splashed against the blanket of night, lighting up peoples' faces with every explosion.
"Ano ko (that kid)…" It was getting chilly so Mai pulled off her hair pin, letting her brownish-black hair fall over her shoulders, "reminded me of my mother…"
She smiled at him, "Happy Autumn Festival, Kai."
KAI'S POV
"Happy Autumn Festival, Kai."
I was shocked. Did she just smile? As in sincerely smile? For the first time?
And I thought I'd never see those blue eyes smiling at me… Could it have been the memory of her mother that made her smile?
It probably was…
But…I want to see those eyes again… I want to see her smile…because of me.
END OF POV
"Yeah, you too." Kai replied in his usual monotone way.
"HEY! Watcha guys doin' huh?" Max slung an arm around each of them.
"Nothing, just a Master making sure that his servant doesn't runaway from his enslavement." Mai answered.
Kai shot a glare in Mai's direction, but couldn't help feeling a little hurt by her comment. 'She's still mad…'
"Hahaha, whatever you say. Oh, Tyson says we need ta go, it's getting late so move along now" Max said as he pushed the two forward to join the rest of the group…
"Enjoy yourselves?" Hilary asked.
"Yeah!" Mariah and Lee replied in unison.
"I bet Kai and Mai did" Tyson winked and nudged Max.
"WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING DUMBASS!" Mai and Kai knocked him on the head.
'Yup, they did something alright.' Tyson rubbed his head, a grin still plastered on his face…
The group headed home, stuffed with food (in particular, Tyson) and loaded with prizes.
"Argh! Screw these damn things!" Mai took off the sandals and socks and loosened the skirt of the yukata when they were about a few metres away from Tyson's house. "I'm walking home bare foot!"
Hilary gave her a what-do-you-think-you're-doing look, but ended up laughing along with everyone else.
"URUSAI! (SHUT UP) IT'S NOT FUNNY! THOSE THINGS HURT!"
The guys just continued laughing.
"IT'S NOT FFFFUUUUUUNNNNNNNYYYYYY!"
Mai's voice rang into the night…
"By living life day by day, you are making someone else's life better worth the living."
Nice quote huh? It originally was in chinese but I thought it was a nice so I decided to translate it ta English and share it with all the world! YES! LET'S ALL MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
readers: -.-''''''
By the way! Good news people! The holidays are starting soon! So that means more time to update! HAPPY? Yes, I bet you are, haha. Oh, and if any of you wanna give me ideas on what to write for the next chapt or some crazy prank or activity the BB and gang do, feel free to tell me, coz' i'm kinda running low on ideas...
Max:blu'sused up all her brain juice, so pls people, be kind and donate your ideas. Your contribution will greatly be appreciated. Terms and conditions apply.
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