Here we are the final chapter. I've had this conclusion planned out ever since I first came up with this story idea, but that was over a year ago and I couldn't manage to remember all the details. I must say Echo in the Dark gave me a lot to think about and almost gave me a new idea, but I thought best to keep up with my original idea. I don't know what else to say here we go.

Desclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

Chapter Eleven
Final Distance

"Flight 182 Leaving Moscow for New York boarding at gate G8." Kai heard the loudspeaker drown emotionlessly. Reaching for his briefcase he reassured himself that this was the right thing to do and set out towards the departure area.

Handing over his ticket he watched with botched vision as others boarded all lost in their own world and so out of tune to what was around them. He had been like that, he reflected in uncharacteristically sagacious way, only focused on business and money what was to be done and foremost and not what the future held. Kai realized now just how empty his life had been; incomplete and purposeless. Everyday he lived for that day and that day alone, he never extended his ambition beyond his next paycheck and even then he only knew how to get there by immersing himself in business. It had never occurred to him that one day something might exist beyond all that, however it also never occurred to him that someone might exist to ease away all of that.

"Rei," he whispered wearily taking his seat in the first class section. Placing his briefcase on the empty seat next to him he stared out the window for a long time, not caring as the ground slipped away from him and then the city and at last his life. He couldn't handle it anymore.

The last few night spent alone were the hardest he had ever had to sleep through. He found himself longing for and constantly reaching for the warmth that should have been Rei but only grasped hold of expensive Egyptian cotton and suffocating air. At work his desire was no better, he spent his hours wasting away by the window lost in though and vacant of all feeling. The company had relied on him until now, and yet he left it to fold in on itself; allowing the employees to make devastating decisions that would consequently bring about and inevitable downfall and still he didn't care. What was life without Rei, he contemplated dully knowing that he didn't even need to think of the answer, it was obvious.

Crimson orbs eyed the world impassively as the enigma behind them rubbed his temples in a bothered manner. It wouldn't be long before he'd be in New York and have to face the neglected neko jin.

The plane touched the runway not long after sunset much to Kai's relief, there would be no reason to track down Rei this evening and he could take still more time to collect himself and prepare for the event tomorrow.

When Kai arrived at his hotel of choice he was disappointed to discover that the penthouse was already reserved as well as most of the upper class rooms. Cursing his luck he satisfied himself with a mid level room on the fifth floor and meant to turn in for the night. This strategy however was not carried out as planned.

"Kai?" A voice called from behind him. "Kai, is that really you? Kai!" The cheerful voice sounded as a flush of navy blue and blonde fell upon him.

"Yo man, we so didn't think you'd be here."

"We were worried that our fearless leader might not show for us." The blonde teased stepping back from their former captain and into the navy blue haired man's arms.

"Tyson? Max?" Kai blinked suddenly as if seeing them for the first time. Both men had dressed up well and showed none of the scruffiness another Tyson and Max he knew had.

"How's Bryan and Kenny?" He asked precariously loosing himself of reality.

"Well Kenny is…" Tyson thought a moment, "doing something for really smart people who have no life but way too much brains." He concluded with a smirk, "but as for Bryan how the hell am I suppose to know." Tyson laughed holding Max close with one arm securely over his shoulders.

Kai could have hit himself for his stupidity. Why the hell would that world be anything like the truth. It seemed that nothing was as he had imagined.

"Right." Kai replied in a short tone.

"Why would you ask about Bryan Kai?" Max asked with one eyebrow raised in a sort of comical expression.

"No reason." Kai sighed and stared away from his two former teammates lost in thought until Tyson brought him back with his objective for this whole ridiculous excursion.

"Have you seen Rei yet?" The navy haired man asked curiously.

"No not yet." Kai replied truthfully though the other two caught on to his reserved and withdrawn gesture.

"Oh." They chorused together taking their turn to look away.

Crimson eyes leered at them suspiciously but immediately dropped the accusation after his thoughts were again transfixed on the neko jin he hoped to track down. Maybe now was a good time to find him. If Tyson and Max had booked a room here than what was the possibilities of Rei doing the same?

Kai contemplated it a moment but again placed the idea aside. Was part of him nervous about confronting Rei? It had technically been ten years, had Rei even waited for him?

"How've you been Kai?" Tyson asked pulling the bluenette away from the thoughts he was all to willing to melancholically dwell on.

"Uh," Kai responded returning from his daze, "Good." He spoke hesitantly his tone proving his words to be a lie.

"You sure bout that?" The navy haired man questioned trying to capture Kai's eye contact.

"How about we go sit down?" The blonde suggested noticing Kai's weariness, he gestured toward a small alcove down the hall where a small sitting area had been devised.

At first Kai was going to decline, but seeing Tyson and Max all of a sudden allowed him to feel secure like the old days when they were team. Although he had always complained about the others and avoided or disregarded them a part of him always needed the Bladebreakers and just the acknowledgment that he "belonged" somewhere always gave him strength. It had just been easier to resent them for he knew if he hid behind his charade of disgust for his teammates, then he wasn't as likely to get attached to them and thus miss them when they were absent. This strategy however failed when he had begun to fall for Rei.

At first their relationship had been nothing more than a mutual agreement. Kai tolerated Rei and Rei understood when Kai needed his silence and when he wanted to talk; even if they were only small conversations that discussed the weather, an up and coming challenge or the idiocy of Tyson and Max. Kai had come to respect Rei and valued his companionship, it seemed to him now that he hadn't even noticed their affections for one another until they kissed. Even then neither was surprised by the action and instead it merely opened another door for them to mutually pass through.

Kai spent most of his time with Rei and when he was away from the neko jin he found himself constantly craving him. This is what had led them to their demise.

Kai had been selfish, he always wanted Rei with him and felt abandoned when Rei announced that he would return to his village in China for some time. Kai had done all but begged him not to leave but Rei declined claiming that he was needed and would return to Russia within a month. After a week though Kai contacted him and insisted that he return for things had taken a turn for the worst with Kai's Grandfather. Upon arrival Kai felt the satisfaction he had longed for and that night had shown Rei how much he meant to him.

It was a blissful experience for both boys but one that had finally claimed their final separation. Kai's grandfather discovered their affair and detested both of them denouncing Kai as his kin and casting Rei out of his house. He demanded that Kai remove himself from the golden eyed youth's presence and denounce Rei as his lover. At first Kai was willing to fight but as Voltaire wore away at Kai's spirit Kai found it would be easier just to let Rei go with promises that after things settled with his Grandfather, he and Rei would rekindle their companionship.

These promises were hollow though, as Kai now recollected. The only honesty that Kai had to offer to Rei at the airport was deceit as he wove a pattern of hopes that would not exist. He made it clear to himself and subtly to Rei that there would be no reason to continue. Kai had eventually fallen victim to what he so hard had tried to protect himself from and the only solution he deemed worthy was to distance himself from the neko jin so he might never have to worry about being hurt by severance again. He had been selfish though part of him had not wanted to hurt Rei anymore by calling to him and pushing him away in the manner he had demonstrated, a greater part of him had been more afraid to be hurt again. In truth the phoenix was nothing more than a coward so afraid of his Grandfather that he was willing to cut ties to what was really important.

He was free now though. He did not have Voltaire to overshadow his decisions anymore.

"Yo man! Have you been listening at all?" A voice jumped at his turmoil disturbing away his thoughts.

"Um…" Kai looked up meeting his crimson dazed orbs with the jubilant pair that watched him intently. "Excuses me I think I'll turn in for the evening." He told them raising to his feet and reaching in his pocket for his key card. "Goodnight."

Kai could not even find the precarious sanctuary he desired within his room as he dropped his suitcase and sat down on the bed rubbing temples nervously. He stomach had managed to form a tight knot ever since he had boarded the plane and had not loosened in the slightest. He warily reached out and fingered the down comforter draped over the bed and sighed not able to bear another night with out the feel of Rei's warm body next to him.

"What have I become?" He asked himself knowing there was no simple answer to this dilemma. Eventually concluding that tomorrow would not come any easier if he stayed up all night he lay back on the bed and slowly fell into an apprehensive sleep.

-----

He was fortunate enough not to be plagued by nightmares but instead shallow hopes and fears over took his mind the minute he rose. What was he so afraid of he wondered, blinking away sleep and vainly reaching out for a comfort that did not exist with him at present.

Groaning softly he rolled over on his back brushing thick slate locks from his eyes, with one last quick surveillance of his he was able to note that this morning like the past few days still stirred little hope. Each morning he thought that perhaps waking to reality was all a dream and soon enough he would awake to the smiling neko jin. Reality was beginning to sink in finally. This was not his dream.

He dressed quickly, wearing casual slacks and a loose buttoned shirt, he felt vulnerable without his usual suit however he wanted to show Rei that he could still be the person he remembered. And then he paced. The event wasn't until that night and thus gave Kai all day to become anxious lost in the feeling of loneliness.

-----

The bluenette opted not to take a taxi and instead enjoy a walk to the auditorium hall where Mr. Dickinson had instructed the reunion would be hosted. Each step took him closer and yet each step weighed him back what would he say to Rei? He had never prepared anything, would he just jump at whim and announce his love for him, or remain subtle about the matter?

The streets he walked reminded him in a way of the night he first encountered Jin, and he found himself wishing that the little shit would appear before him now. Though he had been a brat maybe he would be able to answer these questions or at the very least be the source of an anxious vent, he thought flexing his palms into fist a couple of times.

The sun was setting by the time the bluenette made it to the hall. Laughter and shouts rang out from within beckoning him to enter and encounter the past, and still his body refused to cross the threshold. He leaned against the wall outside the door breathing deeply and finding his confidence. Rei. A life together. A dream. A warm lithe body to protect and hold. The sweet aroma of the cheap coffee Rei had brought him in the mornings. A better life for them both. Rei's warrant of so much more. Memories of the fake reality he had found encircled his thoughts until he discovered that the strength was as easy enough as the crave he felt whenever he thought of his former companion.

Stepping away from the wall he placed his hand on the door handle all at once overtaken by a euphoric sensation that spread through his body. At last he would have the one thing he had ever wanted. Opening the door he was all at once blinded by the vision that clouded his sight. He was immediately greeted by former acquaintances, teams he had defeated, and past friends. His first reaction was to duck out of the room and leave this place forever, why had he come here, all the cheer made him a little ill and yet he knew that is he was to walk out that door now he would never return. Braving the crowds he smiled and greeted them the best he could and set about searching for Rei. Was he not here? As he took a moment to panic he felt a hand grasp his shoulder. The warm gentle feeling the danced around him told him exactly who the person was. Turning around he was greeted by the golden eyed man.

Rei looked amazing, he wore a deep red Chinese styled tunic with black and silver trim, and a simple pair of black pants. His hair was tied back loosely so that his rich ebony hair tumbled over his shoulders and down his back. His amber eyes survey Kai warmly, allowing Kai to loose himself in their golden depths. Rei was truly beautiful, warmth seemed to radiate from him as he called Kai's name claiming him back to reality.

"Kai," the man called again smiling, "I'm glad you could make it." The smile refused to submit as Rei gently reached for Kai's hand and led him away from the epicenter of the party. "I was worried you wouldn't come when you never returned my e-mails." The neko jin told him not wavering at all unlike the emotion that surged through Kai.

They found a quieter place to sit and took a moment to take in one another for a moment before continuing the conversation.

"I'm sorry Rei." Was all Kai could muster as his heart leapt to his throat. How could he have ever disregarded this person that after all this time was still willing to confront him and unconditionally act true to him. "I'm sorry." He said again looking down, scarlet eyes taking a fascination to his hands.

"Kai." Rei whispered softly placing a hand on the man's shoulders. "I'm not sure if you are apologizing for the e-mails or what, but its okay we all have our lives now."

Kai looked up briefly, crimson meeting amber as the phoenix was left for wonder how this man could be so forgiving. How could anyone be so generous and kind. Kai hardly deserved someone like Rei.

"For everything Rei." Kai spoke sullenly finding his voice would not come to him.

Rei looked away for the first time and swallowed deeply as if he had choked, his expression faltered a moment before he looked back to Kai sporting a reconstructed smile. "Is that why you came here?" The man asked his voice not as soft as it had been.

Kai considered this but then slowly shook his head, he had to fight all the desires in his body that begged him to pull the neko jin into his arms and kiss his soft hair. Instead he gripped his hands and swallowed yet another lump that swelled in his throat. "Rei, I…" He faltered a moment and then directly confronted Rei's eyes with his own. "Rei I came to tell you that I- I… I love you."

Rei's smile faded instantly and with it any strength that the neko jin had been reserving to correct it. Rei looked away and then looked at Kai. He looked at his hand and studied the floor and when nothing came to save him he jolted forward so that his head rested in his palms and soft sobs emitted his lithe body.

"Rei?" Kai asked terrified by his reaction, nothing hurt more than this moment and as he watched he realized he should have never come. Why was Rei acting like this didn't he still love Kai? Why the hell was Rei acting like this! That selfish bastard, Kai glared, his pain mutating into anguish and then fury. How could Rei do this to him! Raising to his feet he felt a hand reach for his arms as Rei too dragged himself to a standing position so that he was facing Kai.

"You bastard." Kai growled silently, hating Rei right now with every nerve of his body. " You selfish little shit. Who the hell do you fucking think you are!" Kai snarled possessed by unimaginable rage.

Rei just waited patiently through Kai's outburst, holding on to the enraged phoenix with one hand and wiping away his tears with the other.

A few curses and insults later Kai had begun to weaken until eventually he was drained and lost; staring into Rei's eyes with confusion.

Rei let go of his arm. "You can go now if you want Kai, I just couldn't stand to see you leave with the emotion you just felt. I know how it feels that's the way you made me feel and…" Rei looked away. "I apologize for everything. I- I do love y-"

"Rei!" A voice called out from behind Kai. "There you are I was wondering where you got off to."

Kai spun around and came face to face with bright blue eyes and pale skin. "You!" Kai glared and then submitting knowing he had lost.

"Kai!" The man greeted him with surprise obviously ignoring the searing glare Kai had now given up.

"Tala…" Rei whispered a little startled before stepping out from behind Kai and greeting the new comer warmly.

"Rei?" Tala looked uncertainly at the man and then to Kai. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." Rei replied.

"Alright." Tala doubted, unconvinced by Rei's answer. Shaking his head he looping his arm around the neko jin's waist and pulled him closer to him, kissing away a stray tear that remained.

It was too much for Kai to bear at once and still… Closing his eyes, for a moment Kai felt he could just loose himself in the darkness behind his eyelids and pray for death. He wanted to just disappear, in only a few days his life had gone from stable to chaos. Kai felt as if his inside had been ripped from him and placed on display, he felt naked and empty like at any minute his last breath would come and he could find bliss, but instead when he opened his eyes Tala and Rei were walking away from him, entangled in an embrace.

Rei looked over his shoulder offering Kai one last smile before leaving his life forever, and Kai knew that it would be okay. He wasn't sure how yet but it just had to be.

Fleeing the reunion he ran from the pain. What had ever made him think Rei would wait for him? Rei was too good of a person he didn't deserve to be lonely as Kai spent his life fucking up. They were doomed from the start. How could this happen. How could any of it be alright now? He had lost it all. Placing himself on a limb he had tried and things had not been perfect now that limb was breaking, falling, and dragging Kai into the depths. Rei was too good a person for him anyway. Why should Rei have to wait around for Kai to realize what he should have always known. That the most wonderful person he had ever meant had been there for years by his side and yet…

Kai was numb. It all hurt too much. Nothing could make this right again. Rei had turned his back on him. Kai sunk to his knees in the middle of it all and broke down. Tears could no longer be held back and he dove into his aching silent sobs. Was it over?

"Here you are sir. Have a good flight." The attendant told him with a plastered smile, Kai tore the ticket from her hand and left in search of the departure gate. He was but a shell now; alone and confused, his emotions and feelings had been torn from him and placed in a forbidden place unattainable by him.

Walking through the rows of people he felt nothing. There was nothing left to feel. Rei had what he deserved and if the phoenix really loved him he would see that. It was the only way he could accept what had happened.

Blind to anything he found his gate after clearing security and fell into an awkward terminal chair no longer caring for the executive lounge he would usually claim.

"Kai?" A deep voice question with great uncertainty. "Kai Hiwatari?" The voice was determined.

Kai casually looked up with bleak eyes vacant of the pigment that usually gave them their fiery life.

"Hmmm… I guess fate would have that I did have to actually confront someone." The man spoke slightly amused as he sat down next to Kai. The burnt out phoenix looked to his side and familiarity crept into his mind.

"Bryan?"

"Yea. Long time no see. Where you headed?" The man asked searching his bag for something.

"Russia."

"Me too." Then as if contemplating a reason Bryan smiled at Kai with stormy eyes. "We have a few hours before our plane leaves. Want to get a drink with me?" The Russian asked raising to his feet and offering Kai his hand.

Kai stared Bryan down a moment and was flooded with the memories of the slummed Bryan from his dreams. Maybe that life might have been nice, with and Rei and all but… he had made a decision long ago. A decision he now intended to keep since his loss of Rei would not be in vain. Long ago he decided that he valued success over love and that was it had to be.

Taking Bryan's hand he was able to nod, a spark ignited again softly within his mind. The flicker of Rei smiling over his shoulder one last time caught his attention for a moment before he had to brush it away.

-----

Jade eyes watched the two men walking together with curiosity. Jin was pleased with the revolution that had occurred, it had hurt to see Kai so heartbroken but it had to happen, now that all the pain had been released Rei would be able to move on. Jin sipped his coffee slowly enjoying the brief moment of relaxation. It was hard carrying other's pain, but that was how he lived his life. At least now he was free of Rei's and soon to be Kai's as well.

Well then. Who wants to throw rocks at me? This was really hard to write and I was literally crying as I wrote it though I hate to say this but I am kinda dissapointed with my finale. I feel unsatsified and thus you all probably do so as for some good news ... ... ... there will be an epilogue to follow.

Other than that I hoped you liked this story I appreciate reviews and though its been a long time going I appreciate all of you who continued to read this story and comment. Please read and review and look forward to my epilogue to follow.