A Beginning to an End

By: Brokn Innocence

-Chapter Twelve-

-What's in a Name? -

-Dranzer's POV-

To say it was weird was an understatement—especially when you find yourself carrying an unconscious girl, walking beside your Bit Master and Beyblade Owner. Actually, you can say it was uncomfortable seeing that this was your first time being outside of your Seal and in human form, too, from as long as your can remember, which wasn't much beside being summoned, and communicating with your Master. Okay, not communicating, but it was an awkward silence to say the least.

Of course, being the reliable and loyal Beast I was, I didn't let any discomfort or any emotions surface, taking after my aloof Master and Captain of the BladeBreakers.

Upon entering the mansion, I was confronted with my Master's 'friends' shooting out questions after questions about my presence which only induced my Master's infamous glare and irate silence. It was to be expected, I guess, but I didn't realize how much of a lively bunch of 'friends' my Master had.

He had told me to lay the unconscious violet-haired girl who was still hanging on to her various yellow-colored beyblade, on the couch that was provided in the living room. I had complied obediently without a sound and later stood behind the couch with my arms loosely crossed, feeling slightly like an outcast among my Master's 'friends' who were completely animated and amiable amongst themselves, and occasionally attempted to get me in on their random conversation. I only nodded and shrugged but Tyson seemed to have loudly exclaimed that I had better social skills than my Master. What a shocker. However, with that remark, my Master gave Tyson that glare that I think said something like 'Don't you ever shut up?' Well, after that glower, I guess he did, only later to talk again. Oh, well, can't expect to have all your wishes grant in one day, now can we?

By nature, I only reply or comment when necessary and when I do, it's mostly worth it. Other than that, I guess it's a nod or shrug—beats a death glare and cold silence any day, right?

At any rate, my Master had yet named or called me by names beside Dranzer, and . . . I don't think he called me that, either, from what I can recall—only once, but still. It was weird, though, like I was half-expecting this whole situation to happen.

Glancing over to my brooding Master who was at the kitchen table, seating in one of the vacant stool, I noticed that he was seemingly in deep thoughts with his beyblade in hand; Seal empty of my Beast presence. I think he's still a little shocked from what had transpired in less than an hour and so was I. You'd think he was prepared for this circumstance from what that girl, Raikou—I think that was her name—had said and Rei's telling of the Prophecy as well as the fact that my Master was the one who said that any of the BladeBreakers may have connections to the Prophecy.

You must be wondering how I know all of this given that I was trapped in the Seal. Technically speaking, I wasn't trapped in the Seal but rather roaming the Spiritual World where the other Beasts resided. From what I heard, Drigger was trying to establish a connection with his Master so that they could communicate with each other, much like Raiju and his Mistress. Or was it to inform his Master something? Anyways, Raiju enlighten me to the current affairs to the extent of having two Harbingers being Invoked and a Beast Summoned, whereas I was the only Precursor Invoked. That was not a good sign.

I'd like to see how the others are fairing in the Spiritual World, but it seemed that I can't. I don't understand why. The only other being I'm aware of spiritually was through my Master. Thing was I can't seem to converse with him. It was like he built up glacial walls around his mind just for this. If I can't talk to him mentally, then how are we to fair against the Harbingers? From what Raiju had told me, they were preparing for this Fight since the last time they were sealed in Dragon Mountain and that was five generations ago.

"Nnngh . . . "

Raikou's groan had brought me out of my reverie. Golden orbs blinked for several moments at me, trying to figure out who I was, I assume. Then she smiled—an all knowing smile—at me. For a moment I was startled. I couldn't understand why I was startled, but I was.

"Hello!" She brightly chirped as she careful rose to a sitting position on the couch. "You must be Kai's Guardian, yes? Dranzer, yes?"

Nodding numbly, it was strange for my name to be used beside for summoning.

"You're okay!" Max sighed in relief as he plopped down next to her.

"Yup, Raikou is a-okay!"

"Of course he's Kai's Guardian!" Tyson exclaimed as he stood beside me, a full head shorter. "They both have that 'I'm better than you' aura! But him here" –motioning at me—"is much more preferable than Kai any day."

I suppose my Master deliberately ignored that last statement so I shot Tyson a warning glance, since it was painfully obvious that now was not the best time to poke fun at my Master, given that, if provoke, he won't be liable for the actions he's going to commit on Tyson.

As thick-skinned as he was thick-headed, Tyson did not interpret nor saw the look I gave him. Now I wonder why and how the hell did he became a World Champion Beyblader when he cannot see a fragile situation we are in? Especially when it involved both Worlds.

"Come, sit!" Raikou motioned her hand for me to come around the couch and sit beside her.

Quickly glancing up at my Master, this time, a bit concern seeing as how he had yet to say anything to or about me, aside from my emergence, unsure if I should comply with the girl's kind gesture when it was evident my Master was unsettled. Raikou may have seen my glance and hesitance when she flashed an understanding smile at me.

"Raikou see. Dranzer go, yes?"

I uncertainly nodded my head and carefully made my way towards my Master, still retaining that far-off look in his eyes. I could feel that there were several pairs of eyes were intently trained on my back. Shrugging it off, I strengthen my resolve to somehow console my Master even if it was obvious that he did not want or need it. However, taking after him and serving him loyally and most faithfully throughout the years, I couldn't just do that. I'm his Bit Beast, after all.

Stopping when I was about a foot away, I was about to call out to him when I realized the fact that this would be the first time I, and everyone else, heard my voice.

"Master Kai?" I spoke somewhat tentatively. I was surprised to hear that my voice was fairly smooth and mellow and sounding a lot more confident than what I was feeling at the moment.

Crimson orbs flickered my way for a brief moment before down to Seal. He shook his head as if to clear his cluttered mind and focus at the task at hand, stuffing the blue beyblade away.

"What is it?" He rose from the stool, half a foot shorter than me, though still containing his famous intimidating aura. Master looked about ready to snap anyone's head off should they rub him the wrong way. I guess he was brooding over the thoughts about the Fight...and the Sacrifices that are needed to be made if we can't find the alternative way.

No, wait. I didn't guess but rather...felt it?

Odd, I could've sworn Master put up a mental barrier. Maybe it dissolved when he was lost in thoughts?

"Are you okay?" My brows slightly furrowed.

"Yeah, are you, Kai? You don't look too good." Rei backed me up when my Master was about to blow me off and stalk off to his room.

With a narrowed crimson glare, Master grounded out with finality, "I'm. Fine." You could automatically tell the unsaid words, 'So leave me the hell alone.' He made his way up the stairs and paused when Raikou exclaimed,

"You no name Guardian yet, Kai!"

I wasn't aware of myself anticipating for Master's response when he finally replied after a few moments of silence, "Chrono." Then the sound of a door closing and a click resounded.

"Chrono is nice name!" Raikou bounded over towards me and practically attached herself to me. I stiffen considerably, unsure as to how to respond to such action. She looked up at me, grinning sheepishly once she released me, "Raikou sorry. Raikou is only happy for Chrono! Raikou can't wait 'til Raiju comes!"

I could only numbly nod and glanced around, hesitant as to what to do now since Master appeared to have locked himself in his room.

"Don't worry about Kai, Chrono," Tyson waved dismissively in the direction of Master's last appearance, "You should know by now that he's always grumpy about something."

For a moment, I briefly understood why Master Kai had that unrelenting urge to throttle Tyson out the door throughout the years he worked with the Champ. I have to give my Master an award of sorts to keep that desire in check and on the down-low. The reason why was that Tyson seemed to be a bit of flake—more or less, anyways—and that, well, he just had this aura that was screaming to be scathed at.

However, being the decent person that I am, I merely nodded but pursued my Master anyways.

-End of POV-

Erm, right. I had most of this chapter done since Dec. of 05, but was busy with the others ficcies togive this one much thought. Although I did say that I'll rewrite this whole story so that it'll be different, I wanted to post this chapter up sincehermionegranger965 was dying to see the next chapter, so this one's dedicated to you! Very late thanks to those who've reviewed!

Looking back on previous chapters, I was visibly cringing and embarrassed with a single question running through my head: 'How can anyone read this?'

I'm particularly pleased to see how far I've come.

Cheerio. Mmhmm.