CHAPTER 11
The next hour became hectic. Rayne rushed up to her room and got changed into her FBI uniform. In the meantime, Kai called Boris and Mr. Dickinson and explained the situation as well as to meet Rayne at school, where she had left her jet.
Anya and Vivien helped with the packing while the rest just sat around worried. Tala even took the chance to go on the Internet to check the news as well as ordered James to do the same on TV.
Message went round that there were major criminals: Ellie and Sapphire. They set off bombs and vicious creatures to turn Russia into hell's playground for themselves. Rayne, as the captain of the Russian FBI, was needed: herself as well as her powers.
"This is worse than expected," muttered the redhead.
"Any information about the citizens?" asked James, small tears twinkling his violet orbs.
"A few are dead, and at least an eighth of the population are wounded. Don't forget, the attacks are only in Moscow."
"And Russia is the largest country in the world," nodded Ten, looking at the computer in the living room.
There was a horn and Vivien took a peak outside. "It's Boris and the limo."
"OK, thanks," a voice said from the entrance. Rayne was in the doorway, zipping up her jacket, with her suitcase by her feet.
"How long are you going to go?"
"I don't know," the FBI sighed, running a finger through her hair. "this could be our last goodbye."
That did not sound good to James' ears. Tears that were already in his eyes increased, some already falling.
"Oh, J." Rayne hugged him tight. "I'm really sorry."
In my hands
A legacy of memories
I can hear you say my name
As soon as the two of them parted, everyone else made their way towards Rayne and hugged her. Boris entered the room and immediately took her suitcase and placed it in the boot and waited for her by the car.
"I'm really sorry," Rayne whispered and then was out of the front entrance and into the limousine.
I can almost see your smile
Feel the warmth of your embrace
The drive from Ten's home to the school was quiet between the godfather and his goddaughter. Neither of said any word, just staring into space, lost in their mind.
The car stopped suddenly and the two of them got out, making their way to the top roof of the school.
"I'm so sorry to hear you have to go, Rayne," cried Mr. Dickinson.
"My country needs me, sir. But I'm glad I get to see you and the others one last time."
"Rayne, what do you mean?"
"I don't know if I'll be able to survive in this battle." And with that, she entered her jet with her luggage in the back seat and head off to Russia at top speed.
But there is nothing but silence now
Around the one I love
Is this our farewell?
Roller blades scraped against the icy street of Russia as Rayne skated towards the commotion as fast as she could, dodging all the obstacles and the citizens who were all making their way home to safety.
There was a belt around her waist, where all her guns and spare bullets were placed, along with her two swords. She retrieved these weapons as soon as she arrived home, going straight into battlefield.
Sweet darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that you are
The gang, back in Japan, were all sitting around in the living room, watching the news James had kept on, feeling worried. Finally, they saw Rayne racing towards the area where it was mostly damaged and let out a sigh of relief that she had arrived just in time and was already helping out the wounded. Ten people had already been dead and the FBI team were all determined not to loose many more.
"Stay alive, Rayne. Stay alive," Kai prayed.
Never thought
This day would come so soon
We had no time to say goodbye
Rayne grunted as she dragged another wounded body to the Ambulance. Gently she passed them over to the doctors before turning to Sam.
"Any idea where the hell they are?"
"The one who did this? No idea, but they left a trail," said trail was purple goo in droplets, making its way towards…
"The warehouse."
How can the world just carry on?
I feel so lost when you are not by my side
Rayne skated her way to the warehouse, following the trails. As she arrived at the atmosphere of the place, her skates changed back into her trainers and she drew her gun, aim at the ready in case she needs to shoot anyone. Silently, she tiptoed to the entrance and using her powers she had developed over the past two years, she entered the place through the door.
Looking around, the place was dark. Not a speck of light can be seen. And then suddenly, white light was everywhere, making the young girl squint.
"Well, well, well. Look who's here," a male voice rang around the room. Sapphire made his appearance, wearing his usual sapphire shirt and white trousers. His sapphire hair was spiked up in al directions, his eyes completing his handsome looks.
"Isn't it, the famous Rayne Hiwatari?" a husky voice called out. Ellie also made her appearance, wearing her usual green attire.
Rayne narrowed her eyes at them. 'So they are the cause of all this destruction.' "What do you want?"
"Russia," that word alone dawned on Rayne and she gripped on her gun.
But there's nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?
The battle between Rayne and the two criminals had long gone and Ellie was already dead, Rayne's sword plunged where her heart is. Sapphire was breathing hard, clothes ripped from various places as well as a long scar from under his eyes to his chin.
Rayne had similar injuries. The biggest scar ran down her back, close to her spine. Every time she moves, she flinches, her back slowing her down. But there was no time to heal. Not when she was in the middle of the battle.
Sweet darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that you are
Moscow has been cleared up after every single wounded was sent to the hospital; the ones that were dead, the police informed their family; and the rest that were safe were sent home.
Reporters now gathered around Sam, questioning him more about Rayne than about the incident.
"Where is she?"
"We had just seen her helping the wound and now she disappeared"
"Look, Where she has gone is private and confidential for your own safety. She had found a trail to the headquarters of the criminal and had just gone to investigate."
"And everything is over," a voice called out. Camera turned to Rayne's tattered body, as she limped towards Sam, one hand holding her upper arm, her free hand holding her broken sword.
"Rayne! What happened?"
"Killed them both. They won't bother us anymore."
And with that she fainted into his arms.
So sorry you world is tumbling down
I will watch you through these nights
"Rayne!" James cried as he saw what happened to her on TV. This caught the others attention and they all ran to the television, gasping at the sight of their friend.
"She's hurt!"
"And she fainted."
"Will she die?"
"No she won't."
They all turned to the heir of Russia.
"To you, Rayne may be human, but she has special powers inherited by my mother. She can heal herself… subconsciously and will be out and about within a few days. Boris will make sure of it too."
Rest you head and go to sleep
Because my child, this is not out farewell.
This is not our farewell.
-00-
Rayne fluttered her eyes open, two days after the battle to find herself in the hospital with a nurse hunching over her.
"How are you veeling?" she asked in English, her accent heavy.
"Been better," Rayne squinted at the bright light.
"You've been out for two days, squirt," a voice said softly. Turning her head to one side, Rayne saw Boris, smiling softly at her, his eyes puffy red from crying overnight.
"Boris, are you ok?" she asked, suddenly sitting up.
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"Better. What happened?"
"You fainted; Sam took you straight to the hospital while the remaining policemen stopped the reporters and the doctors had a look at you from time to time. You're healing eight times faster than average, my girl."
Rayne smiled sheepishly. "My powers. Whenever I'm injured, my healing powers work on the injuries overnight. It takes a while, depending on the size and the deepness of each injury."
"In this case, your back took two nights to heal," said the doctor as he entered, obviously hearing everything she said. "And well, according to the readings, you're free to go anytime you want within twenty-four hours."
"Thank you," Boris nodded. "Rayne. There's someone who wants to meet you but you have to go back to Japan to see him.
"Him?" Who's him?"
"You'll find out when you see him, but I'm sure you have a clue."
Rayne nodded and left, waiting for this certain person at the lake under the bridge.
-00-
Rayne sighed for the umpteenth time as she sat down on the grass beside the bridge. She didn't know when he would come but Boris said he would call the guy up to meet her. It has already been an hour since she returned to Japan and spent all that time, staring into space, lost in her mind and sighing. She looked around, hoping against hope that there was a sign that some guy would be coming. But she didn't know whom.
A shadow caught her eyes. She recognised the figure from anywhere, making her stand up suddenly, looking at the newcomer in surprise.
Tala, looking very serious and wearing his usual attire, walked up to Rayne, feeling slightly nervous but knowing he had to do this. It's the only way to get his memory back. He walked across the green grass towards the FBI, and placing a hand on her nape, he caught her lips swiftly, kissing her, not gently but not harshly either.
Rayne's grey orbs widen at the sudden action but closed it right after, once the familiar feeling returned to her, making her tears brim her eyes. Then suddenly, they felt strong winds around them and then nothing. They broke the kiss in surprise, looking around.
"What's this?" asked the redhead.
"The battle!" Rayne eyes were wide, tears forgotten as she drag Tala to the stadium they were in two years ago.
Yellow beyblade and white beyblade met in mid air before circling each other around the dish like a cat-and-mouse-chase.
"So, I hope you have been training because I might just wanna play for a while," grinned Garland.
The two beyblade clashed against each other before setting down to another round of the cat-and-mouse-chase.
"Come on, Garland. All you ever do is talk," Tala narrowed his eyes. "WOLBORG! ATTACK!" he commanded.
The white beyblade picked up speed and span straight into the yellow beyblade, hitting its attack ring.
"AND we start with a blow, with Tala breaking the wind and headed towards Garland, starting with the offence," announced the Jazz.
White beyblade continued to hit against the yellow beyblade, with sparks flying everywhere.
"This is getting intense!" announced Jazz.
"Atta boy Tala!" cried Hilary.
"Something is not right," said the chief.
"Yeah. It looks like as if it's Tala so far, but something is weird," said Ray. "It's like with each attack, there's a faint mark. If Tala keeps this up, he'll wear himself off."
"I think you are right, Ray," agreed Mystel. "If I know old Garland, he's just waiting till Tala ran out of gas, because when he does, Garland will pounce on him for the win."
"You think?"
"Garland is one of the top bladers. Garland is the kind of blader who hangs back and doesn't waste any energy while his opponent keeps on attacking and wears himself out," said Kenny, analysing the battle through his laptop. "It's very similar to a professional boxer who spends his time on the ropes."
"If Tala keeps this up, he'd be so worn out he doesn't stand a chance of winning!" cried Hilary.
"You've got to admit that is a smart strategy," agreed Max.
"Yeah," breathed Tyson.
"Hey, Tala! Don't say I didn't warn you that this is going to be a long one," chirped Garland.
"You creep!" growled the redhead.
Wolborg attacked its opponent again.
"Garland, why would a guy of your talent, be involved with Voltaire?" asked Tala.
"Oh temper, temper," Garland shook his head. "Maybe it's time I fill you in on what's going on here. Have you ever heard of the Seabrook family? Well for your information, that's my last name!"
"Yeah, sure. I've heard of them," nodded Tala.
"Everyone in my family is a pro athlete. And I planned on continuing my family tradition. Jesse the baseball player; Tad is into soccer, Kylie is into Tennis, Britt's into Golf and Jamie's a racer," said Garland with pride.
"Each one of my brothers and sisters became number one in their sport. Then it was my turn. I decided to make my own name and become the number one beyblader in the world and when Voltaire came along, I knew I could make that chance happen.
"So far, everything is running into place. Now I'm on the verge to greatness in my chosen sport. It's only a matter of time till I'm the new world champ."
"Do you really believe that Voltaire has your best interest at heart?" cried Tala. "He's just a big phoney! And if you think that I don't know what I'm talking about, then you're dead wrong. I've been there!"
"By being one of BEGA I have all the access to all the beyblading environment I could ask for," said Garland coolly. "What were you thinking when he gave you the opportunity yourself?"
"Give me a break. He's just feeding you bug, Garland," snorted Tala. "I can't stand him because he used me, just like he's using you now!"
"I suppose we would never understand each other, which is too bad for you," sighed Garland. Garland's hands turned into fists and were raised at chest level. He's ready to fight back.
"NO!" Tala cried at the sight of Garland fighting back, and pushing Wolborg back.
"You are inferior and it's time for you to lose!" Garland made movements using his arms. Wolborg was pushed back, hitting against the fountain. Then Garland did all sorts of martial arts moves which are all connected with his beyblade as his blade fought back.
"Boy! It looks like the table has turned," gasped Max.
"Rotation intensity speed? Garland's blade waves are completely off the charts!" cried Kenny; sweat beads were pouring down his cheek.
"Come on!" growled Tyson.
Garland made a powerful punch, causing Tala to move back as the yellow beyblade hit the white, since Tala was also connected to his beyblade.
"You're starting to make me sick, Garland," said Tala. "And that's why, when you make your move, it's going to be your last!"
The engine gear inside Wolborg triggered making the beyblade span faster than ever.
"Oh really?" asked Garland. He jumped up in the air, ready to make his move.
Tala's icy orbs glinted as he called out his attack.
"WOLBORG! NOVAE ROGUE!"
Garland gasp as his beyblade was trapped, turning into ice, with Wolborg hitting him through. But Apollo wasn't damaged as he hit the side of the dish and continued to spin inside.
"Good. But not good enough," smirked Garland.
"Huh. You just got lucky," snarled Tala. "But not this time." Tala raised his arm and Wolborg head on for the attack. The engine gear clicked again and Tala called up for his attack for the second time.
"NOVAE ROGUE ATTACK!"
This time, the attack froze the fountain and Wolborg span in mid air. But the yellow beyblade was unseen.
"Where did it go?" asked Tala. Then he looked up above and gasped. Garland had managed to avoid the attack.
"You might wanna watch your attack so that you get to hit the target," growled Garland. Apollo attacked Wolborg and landed back into the dish.
"I've had it!" growled Tala. Feeling it's master's rage, Wolborg tried everything it can to attack Apollo, but every time the white beyblade get closer to the yellow, it wasn't able to hit any of parts of the beyblade.
"Oh no!" gasped Tyson. "Tala's attacked aren't working."
"Oh boy! Tala is lame!" said a kid in the crowd. Anya growled deep in her throat at that.
"Hey chill," soothed Vivien. Soon everyone was all throwing criticism at Tala. Voltaire looked away a bit in disgust. Anya couldn't hold on anymore and she got up from her seat, turning to the boy who started all this commotion.
"HEY KID!"
Everyone turned to the female redhead.
"SHUT UP!" she growled.
"Hey! It's our sisters!" gasped Rei.
"But where's Rayne?" asked Max.
The Blade Angels turned from the crowd and jumped over the railings of the seats, running towards the Bladebreakers.
"Hey guys!" chirped Amber. Tala turned to see his twin behind him, giving him an encouraging wink. He smirked back and turned to the battle.
"Thought you were a tough guy?" asked Garland as Wolborg continued to try and attack Apollo. "Time to take you down!" and with a grunt, Garland made his beyblade contact the white beyblade, throwing it out, what seems to be out of the dish.
"Oh! It looks like Tala's Wolborg might be out of here!" announced the Jazz.
The two teams slowly gasped and gaped at the white beyblade, hoping against hope that it could reach inside of the dish.
"Tala!" cried Anya.
Suddenly bars appeared around the dish, as Wolborg hit one of them, continued spinning INSIDE of the beige stadium.
Garland looked up to Voltaire in surprise.
'This is not what I had envisioned. If I can't entertained a stadium full of beyblade fan, then what's the point of all this? I have to come up with something,' thought Voltaire, in anger. 'My entire career is running on this little enterprise and I simply cannot fail!'
'I could've end this now. But that's not what Voltaire wants,' thought Garland and returned his attention back the match.
"Hey? What's up?" asked Vivien.
"That's what I'd like to know," answered Kenny.
"May I have your attention," spoke Voltaire on the mic. "I have made a decision. This fight will continue, until one of the competitors have stopped spinning."
"This is not good," sniffed Amber.
"Alright. Now I'm confused. I thought this was already over!"
"You heard the man! This match will continue until the last man stands," repeated the Jazz while the crowd cheered.
"Don't blame me!" said Garland coolly. Tala growled at him.
"Ok! Lets settle this once and for all," suggested Tala.
"As you can hear, Tala, my fans want me to win. So there's no way I'm going to disappoint them," he grinned. Wolborg headed towards Apollo in full speed and once again the Garland dodged it. Wolborg went for it for the second time but she missed again. But on the third roll, Apollo hit Wolborg and he was sent flying against the bars. Wolborg stood it's ground and span on its top.
"This is wicked! The kid said.
"This is going to be sweet," said his best friend. "Go Garland!"
Apollo hit Wolborg again, sending shock waves against Tala. Again his beyblade managed to spin on its top after that blow, but wasn't able to recover as Apollo hit Wolborg one after another.
Tala was getting weaker and weaker and he slowly crouched down onto his knees.
"Hey Tala!" called Alexia.
"Just hang in there!" yelled his twin.
"Garland's blade is running on empty!" called Kenny.
"Yeah, but so is Tala," said Max.
"We have to end this and hurry," suggested Hilary.
"Right. So we better tell him," said Tyson.
"Finish him off Tala!" cried Anya.
Apollo continued to mess around and hit Wolborg with every chance he got. But with every hit send a shock wave at Tala and this isn't good as it push Tala away and also injures him.
"You think… if you can beat me… think again!" cried Tala between gasps of breath. He slowly got up from where he was crouched.
"Tala," breathed Hilary.
"But he doesn't have the strength to continue," cried Amber, tears in her eyes already.
"He's too wild. Tala can't keep this going," said Tyson.
"Someone has got to stop him," suggested Max.
"YURIY!" shouted Anya, but Tala didn't listen to any of them as he tried to win the battle with the remaining strength.
"Time to put an end to your misery," smirked Garland as he began to glow red. Tala could do nothing but watch, with his eyes narrowed.
"RADIANT THUNDER ATTACK!" commanded Garland. Sparks were now around Tala as he and his bit beast got hit with the attack. As soon as the brightness covered up the stadium it was soon gone. The bars around the dish were destroyed as Garland collected his beyblade. Wolborg stopped spinning but damaged as Tala was pushed back, landing at the foot of the stairs.
"YURIY!" someone screamed from the top of the area, where the balcony was. The bladebreakers and the Blade Angels all ran to Tala's aid, hoping against all hopes that he was all right.
"Yuriy? Are you all right?" asked Anya, placed a hand on his forehead. Those pair of icy blue orbs that were closed opened gingerly and he replied, "Yeah, I think so," and then was closed.
"Hang in there, bro," whispered Anya. "We'll get to the bottom of this."
"YURIY!" someone screamed. Everyone turned to see Rayne, jumping over rails and running as fast as she could towards her love, with her twin behind her and in seconds, she was kneeling by his side, his redhead laying gently on her lap.
"Are you ok?" she whispered.
Tala let out a sigh, a small smile playing on his lips. His eyes were closed.
"Yuriy?" cracked Rayne. "Come on talk to me please?"
The gang heard footsteps behind them and they all turned to see a group of people in white. At once they knew they were the medic because of the Red Cross band on their arm. One moment, Rayne was clinging to Tala and the next moment, he was out of her arms, the doctors taking him to emergencies.
"No!" cried Rayne, tears falling down, trying to go after them. But she was hold up by her best friend and brother. "Please, no,"
Hurriedly, the doctors entered an empty room, gently placing Tala on a spare bed. They placed the oxygen masked over his mouth and nose as well as doing an operation on him.
Time passed and the doctors continued to work on his body. Everything was in place and all injuries have been attended. The doctor looked over at the x-ray he had done and his orbs widen at the sight. Part of Tala's brain has been damaged.
"Everything alright?" one of the nurse asked.
"I'm afraid not. Part of his brain is damaged. I'm afraid he had amnesia."
Rayne's eyes were wide and teary, some tears falling down her cheek. There was a small thud beside her and she turned to see Tala on his knees, his own orbs wide and scared.
"Tala?" her voice cracked as she knelt in front of him.
"That's why. All those memories of just you and me. We were together since we were little and because of him, I completely forgotten you," his voice cracked, and he stopped, shutting his eyes tight.
Rayne felt her own tears returned and she did the only thing she could do: kiss him harshly. In which he returned just as harsh. There was another breeze and they broke off from lack of air. Looking around, they returned back to the bridge.
"I love you," the soft whisper of those three words made the orbs locked with icy blue.
"I love you too, ever since-" but she was cut off with another kiss because she spoke tearily. Rayne didn't stop him but wrapped her arms around his neck to pull his face closer. They broke the kiss once again.
"What about Ten and James?"
"James was so worried about you, he walked around beach and bumped into a girl called Sandra. And Ten, well I've talked to her and she told me she kinda noticed that we were soul mates since you came in September, so everything's alright."
"For us to be together again?"
"For us to be together again," he smiled.