A/N: Hello! I managed to get this done in the midst of my mid-year exams (applaude) so if there are spelling mistakes and yadda yadda yadda, you know why...
Sarah M.G: Wow. I really appreciate the time you take to review all my chapters. That would explain the increase in reviews and thanks to you, I have achieve 300 reviews! Thank you!
Roni: I double-checked my resources and discovered that Tala's Bitbeast is called Wolborg. Thank you for pointing out my mistake. I have already corrected my mistakes in the previous two chappies. Thanks again!
faith: I wish I own Beyblade too but oh well...until I'm old enough and rich enoughto buy over the company of the show (haha), it'll still belong to Nevana (damn...) The flashback is to show how Tala and Kai close were as kids.It's also to remind the readers that they were once children and boys at that (you know, the teasing part...)
Thanks to : baby angel, princessmoi, dark angel, ZaniteZanitiy, Setsuna-chan, moi, brat-always-day-and-night, Hikari, FenixPhoenix and those who read but don't review(how much energy does it take to review?)
Chapter 39
"Alexis's missing."
The cold realization washed over Jade's body, rendering her numb on the inside. It felt as though someone threw a bucket of freezing cold water on her. Through the numbness threatening to overwhelm her, she forced herself to listen to the conversation going on between the two adults behind her. Ahead her where her eyes were on, her team the reigning World Champions celebrated the cause of their victory.
"There were no signs of a struggle. No one saw no one." the officer said. "We think she ran away."
"But that's impossible!" Mr. Dickenson sputtered. "The girl was just admitted yesterday. There's no way she would recover so soon. Never mind the fact she could leave the hospital without anyone seeing her."
"May I remind you, sir, we are not exactly sure what are the side effects of the drug that was used on her." the officer said seriously. "For all we know it could have given her unnatural strength. Enough to get up and leave the hospital undetected. You have to admit, that's a possibility."
"Oh, dear." Mr. Dickenson sighed softly almost as if in defeat. "Of all times for this to happen…"
"We are doing everything we can to find her, Mr. Dickenson." the man assured him. "We have our best men on the case."
"I appreciated that, officer." the chairman said. "Thank you."
Then the man hesitated before he beckoned at the teens still caught up the victorious mood. "What should we tell them?"
Like him, the chairman hesitated. "I…I think it's best that we do not tell them anything yet. The time…is not right."
The officer nodded. "Of course, sir."
She heard no more after that. Stunned, her eyes darted across the dish to the-now-empty benches. Boris and his team were long gone. Her heart went out to Tala, knowing well of the punishments he as captain shall receive. Unless she did something.
A similar scenario crossed her mind, pulling her back to four years ago when she had watched the Bladebreakers from the shadows above, unknowing then that they would be her future teammates and friends in future. She could have gone to the abbey then, could have save Tala and the others, could have probably stopped this from happening but no.
She wasn't ready then.
She was now.
Three days…I'll wait that long…just to be sure…
"Hey, Jade! Come on!" Tyson hollered as he grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards the hallways where reporters and camera crews flocked, awaiting to greet the reigning champions. Their friends, the Majestics, the White Tigers and the All Starz waited for them as well with proud grins and smiles on their faces.
"I think Tyson hears a buffet table calling him." Max laughed.
"Dinner's on Kenny!" Tyson announced gaily.
"WHAT!" the Chief squeaked. "I never said that! TYSON!"
Ray was laughing much to Mariah's annoyance. The pink-haired scolded him lightly, reminding him that too much movement could open his stitches. Ray couldn't care less. It was a glorious day for them and he intended to enjoy it to its fullest even if it meant a second visit to the hospital. As Mariah started helping him limp after the rest of his team, Ray paused and glanced back.
"Kai, you coming?"
Kai looked at him and nodded. As he watched Ray and Mariah walk away, he cast one final glance in direction of the Demolition Boys' waiting room.
Ian, Bryan, Spencer…Tala …I'm sorry…
Then he too turned and followed his team to their own waiting room.
"First of all, I would like to thank my family and all my friends out there for their awesome support. The same goes to my all my loyal fans for cheering me on."
"TYSON, GET OFF THE COFFEE TABLE!"
The navy-haired blader chose to ignore Ray and continued with his so-called-well prepared speech that he had put together for the prize-giving ceremony. Draped in a table cloth over his shoulders and a make-shift microphone from a fork in his hand, Tyson blew flying kisses at his 'audience' which were mainly furniture in their suite and waved at his imaginary fans. "Of course, how could I forget my grandpa? I know he can be a wacko at times but he's still the best geezer I could ever ask for. Love you, gramps!"
It has been two days since Kai's final battle against Tala. On that last night of the championship itself, the other teams had gathered to congratulate them and thanks to Mr. Dickenson and Grandpa Granger, a party issued. The party carried on until late at night with Tyson, Max, Kevin, Lee and Johnny getting drunk in a Vodka drinking competition. In his drunken state, Johnny had tried to put the moves on Jade regardless whether Kai was there or not, only to be pressed to the floor in a painful elbow-lock by his pursued girl. He passed out soon after.
The second day was less eventful as Dragoon and Draciel's keepers woke up with hangovers. Their moans and groans could be heard as they dragged themselves from bed to join the rest of the team for lunch. The Majestics were there as well and Kai secretly took pleasure in listening to Enrique's story about how Johnny fell head over heels literally when he was getting out of bed due to his massive migraine. The remains of the day were spent with photo shoots, tons of fan mail and bragging interviews.
"How does it feel to be world champion for the fourth time running?"
"Is it true that Kai Hiwatari and Jade Raven is officially a couple?"
"What are the odds of world peace?"
So as Tyson would put it, he wanted to be ready for the reporters at the prize-giving ceremony in two days. So here he was, practicing on the third day.
More like making a fool of himself, Ray thought. He checked the clock on the wall, silently wishing Mariah and the rest of the White Tigers would hurry up with the pizza. Max and Kenny were sitting on the floor of their pent-house, sorting out the mails they have gotten from their fans. That is if they could ever pull themselves together and stop laughing hysterically at Tyson. And Kai…
Ray spared a glance at his captain. Anyone would have thought the bluenette was merely ignoring the navy-haired blader at just a glance but the neko-jinn couldn't help but notice the troubled look that clouded Kai's stoic face. He wondered what was Kai thinking of.
"God, will somebody please turn me off!" Dizzy complained from the table stand next to the sofa Ray sat on. "Any more of that and I think I'm gonna self-destruct!"
"Come on, Dizzy." Tyson said jovially. "Just a little bit more. I wanna see myself at my best."
"Right. Use the Bitbeast trapped in the laptop to record your self. The horror." she said dryly.
"Okay, let's see. Where was I?" Tyson said thoughtfully as he raked his brain trying to recall the rest of the speech. "Oh, yes. And to answer the question whether Kai and Jade are together, I would have to say yes even though they refused to enlighten me-."
Without warning Kai shot him one of his infamous trademark-glares. "That's enough, Tyson." he said tightly.
"I haven't gotten to the part about world peace yet." Tyson whined in protest.
"God help me." Dizzi wailed.
Kenny glanced up momentarily at the wide glass doors that led to the balcony and remarked with a hint for anxiety in his voice. "Looks like it's gonna rain."
"Say…" Max spoke up suddenly, upon realizing the absence of one member of the Bladebreakers. "Have anybody seen Jade?"
Three days were almost up and still there was no news of Alexis's whereabouts according to the police. They concluded that she had run away based on the evidences given by the hospital. In the beginning, she had allowed herself to hope, to pray that Alexis did run away. Anything was better than what she suspected. But now she knew better. It was time. Time to stop hiding. Time to face her fears. Time to go back to where it all started.
I can see
When you stay low
Nothing happens
Does it feel right?
Knelt on the floor of the training room, dressed in a black top and slacks, her long hair loosely plaited behind herwith her hands poised by her sides, she prepared. Not for a Beybattle but for a fight. Her fight. For herself and others like her. For Alexis, the Demolition Boys, Tala and…Kai. Outside the darkened room, a storm was brewing. Light rain drops were starting to fall from the dark skies outside, drenching the city of Moscow.
Late at night
Things I thought I'd put behind me
Haunt my mind.
Muscles flexed like ice melting away to liquid. Her long slender fingers grasped the weapons that laid by her sides, waiting to be used. Her breathing was calm, collected as her mental concentration flowed through her body. Slowly she rosed from her kneeling position, head still bowed and eyes still closed.
I just know there's no escape now
Once it sets its eyes on you
But I wont run
Have to stare it in the eyes
Without warning, lightning flashed across the sky and she moved with the silent stealth of a shadow and the deadliness of a predator. Her weapons, three-pointed blades flashed under the light illuminated by the lightning as she spun them skillfully in her hands. The blades were known as sais, effective for attacking and killing. They originated from ancient Japan during the samurai days and has found a place in her hands after she left the Abbey. She was trained to use them and had mastered them well. It has been so long since she used them in battle but right now they fitted her hands as if they were made for her, destined to fight by her side. The same way she was destined to do this.
Stand my ground
I won't give in
No more denying
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
Sandbags dropped down from the ceiling, dangling from ropes all around her. With admirable precision, she stabbed at them viciously, slicing through them neatly before she moved on. Sand spilling to the floor was left in her awake. In one fluid motion, she pivoted and kicked a sandbag coming at her from front, out of her way. Two more sandbags from down on both sides of her.
It's all around
Getting stronger, coming closer into my world
I can feel that it's time for me to face it
Can I take it?
Gracefully as if she was doing a perfectly choreographed dance instead of a training sequence, she hooked the pointed blades of her sais unto the ropes of the sandbags that hung on each of her sides and used their leverage to flip herself up. Her feet kicked the returning sandbag that was swinging down in her direction, throwing it back. As she landed, she grasped the hilts of her weapons and one swift clean movement, slashed the sandbags simultaneously.
Of the life I held so dear
But I won't run
There's no turning back from here
As sand explored from the bags, leaking to the floor, she nailed another bag behind her. The bag in front of her swung back into place, greedy for punishment. Easily, she flipped a sai in her hand and tossed it at the bag with enough force to pin it to the wall.
Stand my ground
I won't give in
No more denying
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
Outside lightning flashed, illumining the darken room momentarily. Jade caught glimpse of her pale reflection on the window panes, outlined by the now-pouring rain outside. Her chest heaved with silent pants, a result of the adrenaline leaving her body. Sweat dipped down her skin. Her hair had came loose from its braid, cascading mid-way down her back and past her shoulders to frame the face of a young woman who was tired and exhausted of the life that she had lived. Haunted green eyes that have seen so many things stared back her.
All I know for sure is that I'm trying
I will always stand my ground…
Without warning, she spun and flung the last sai at the last sandbag hanging at the other end of the room. Purple paint decorated the sandbag, a mockery of the man who made her life a living hell. The deadly weapon pierced the bag right down the middle with keen accuracy that would have ended that man's life.
Stand my ground
I won't give in
No more denying
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
The clock on the wall showed that the time was nine o'clock. It was pouring cats and dogs outside, adding to the already cold weather of Russia. It was a blessing that the suite came with a heat generator. If not, the team would have froze to death.
"And I would personally like to thank the genius who named their awesome discoveries after me."
Actually freezing to death was much more preferable than listening to Tyson as Kai would put it nicely. The bluenette had long left the room after being consistently pestered by Tyson to shed some light on his relationship with Jade. Dragoon's keeper had then returned to reconfiguring his speech much to his teammates' dismay. Max and Kenny had returned to their work of sorting out their fan mails and Ray was reading his mail with Mariah peeking over his shoulder with open curiosity. The rest of the White Tigers had returned to their rooms to get some sleep after cleaning up the mess Tyson made with the pizzas. According to Kevin, it was better to clean up Tyson's mess than listen to him.
"I think it's kinda cute the way this kid thinks that you remind her of a kitten." Mariah commented as she read the letter. "Which I think it's true too."
Ray's face turned red. "I'm not a kitten." he protested defiantly. She laughed and he couldn't help but think how pretty she looked with her long pink hair knotted in a bun.
"Man, I think we could be up all night." Max complained. He breathed out a heavy tired sigh. "Look at all this mail!"
True enough, piled up around him and Kenny were five piles of mails, all divided to their respective bladers. So far the highest pile was between Kai and Jade's piles. Once in a while Kenny would let out a squeal in delight to receive mail from someone who knew how to appreciate his role in the team.
"You think that's bad?" Dizzi remarked irritably. "You haven't seen all the emails I've been getting. It's never-ending! Not only I have to open and read them but I have to scan them too to make sure they aren't virus-infected! Hey! Is anybody listening to me here!"
"We all hear you, Dizzi." Tyson said, breaking off from his speech. "Why don't you just turn yourself off so that I could get on with my speech in peace?" he said to her nicely.
"Why don't you turn your self off yourself?" she shot back.
Kenny grinned. "Shot down by a computer. That's new."
Max was absently tossing one mail after another over his shoulder into their respective piles after reading who is was titled to. "Jade. Kai. Kai. Jade. Yes! Found mine!" he smiled triumphantly as he neatly arranged his letter in its stack.
Mariah shook her head at him. "I think he's been eating sugar again."
"Who has?"
Everyone looked up as Jade sauntered into the room, all freshen up. No outer signs of a tenuous workout. After cleaning up the training room, she had taken a shower and changed her clothes back into her usual. Her eyes gazed about the room for a moment, searching for someone and when she realized he wasn't there, she focused on the group once more. When she saw Mariah and Ray sitting comfortably close to each other, she smiled inwardly. They did look good together.
"Max." Mariah said in answer. "He's going hyper just sorting out the mail."
Jade lifted an eyebrow. "Tell me something new and what in the world is Tyson doing on the coffee table?"
Tyson hopped down from the table, apparently frustrated of having people tell him to get off the table. As if he was a kid. "I was just practicing my speech for the prize-giving ceremony." he said defensively.
"Hey, Jade." Max called, beaming. "Here's your mail and there's still more to come."
She smiled kindly at the boy whom she saw as a little brother. "Thanks, Maxie. But I think I'll read them later."
"Oooh. Can I open one?" before she could stop him if she wanted to, Tyson grabbed a white envelope from the top of the pile and opened it. Then he began to read it aloud. "Hey, this one is from a guy. 'Dear Jade, I think you're the best female blader I have ever seen. I like your style of blading. Vicious and aggressive. In fact, I think we have a lot in common.'" Ray and Mariah laughed to this while Jade could barely suppress a grin. "'Your battle against the Demolition Boys's Alexis was awesome. It inspired me to train harder so that one day we could meet in battle. I look forward to that day. Overall, the Bladebreakers deserve to win the championship and not the Demolition Boys because the whole world knows that your team is the best while the Demolition Boys's just a bunch of wannabes who uses cheats and violence to win.'" Tyson shook his head as he looked up. "Wow. Harsh. This kid must really hate Tala's team."
Ray was watching Jade from the corner of his eye. He had noticed the flinch that crossed her face when the other team was mention and suddenly, she seemed distant, almost angry. The letter must have hurt her. After all, she did come from the abbey. She must have known Tala and the others as Kai did. But it didn't explain the determine look that followed after.
"Hey, this is fun! Let's open another one." Tyson announced, reaching for another letter.
"I think that's enough." Jade said lightly. Then she smiled. To Ray, the smile seemed forced. "I'm hungry. I feel like going out and getting a burger."
Kenny perked up. "Are you insane? It's raining out there. Besides, even if it wasn't raining, you would still have to get through the crowd of fans waiting down in the lobby. You'll never get out alive."
Her trained mind processed the information, making connections for her plan. A crowd of fans downstairs would mean tight security. Guess I can't leave that way.
"Gee, thanks for the heads-up." she said dryly. "Suddenly I lost all will to eat. Hey, has anybody seen Kai?"
"He left when Tyson started getting on his nerves. Again." Mariah said flatly.
Ray frowned. He recognized the casual way she had asked the question as a disguise for something else. There was something odd about her. Different yet same.
"I think he went to his room." Max said pleasantly. "He couldn't stand Tyson's constant questions about you two. You know how Kai is."
"Yes, I do." she muttered, mostly to herself. "I think I'll go look for him and if possible, create havoc in his life."
"I think you already done that long ago from the moment you joined this team." Kenny jested.
Tyson leapt onto the table again, striking a dramatic pose with his chest puffed out proudly. "Why don't you stick around to hear my speech?"
While the others groaned, Jade smirked. "Sorry, Tyson. I value my sanity."
"Hey!"
Jade flounced from the room, leaving the navy-haired teen fuming after her, positively insulted and Ray with puzzlement. Mariah looked at him after she had calmed her laughter and noticed the perplexed look on Ray's face. "What's wrong, Ray?"
"Is it just me or is Jade acting a bit strange today?" he asked slowly.
"What do you mean?" Mariah asked. She wasn't jealous. She knew about Jade and Kai being together and understood Ray treated the dark-haired girl as a sister and a friend and nothing more.
He shrugged, frowning slightly. "I don't know. She seems kinda…different. I don't know how to explain it."
"Hm, let's see." Tyson started ticking off with his fingers. "She insulted me, teased me and made fun of me…nope. There's nothing wrong with her. The same old sarcastic Jade we all know and love. It must be just you, Ray."
Ray smiled weakly, pushing away all his doubts. "Yeah. It must be…"
"Now! Where was I? Oh, yes." Tyson said loudly. He plucked another letter from Jade's mail pile and tore it open. He scanned it for a moment. "A marriage proposal? That girl got a marriage proposal!"
Tala…
Since the championships came to an end, he was all Kai could think about. He was worried. Very worried and although he didn't want to admit it, he was afraid for his friend. He of all people, apart from Jade, knew the kind of punishments Boris will inflict upon his own team for failure. Knew the pain and horror they would be facing now. And there was nothing he could do about it. Kai Hiwatari was a lot of things but helpless he was not. It was a foreign feeling to him and he hated it.
Outside, the storm raged, very much like the emotional one he faced within him right now. The room was casted in darkness, the only light coming from the lamp by his bedside but he was fine with that. Standing by the closed windows, he stared into nothing, deep in thought. It was peaceful and he needed to think.
To think about his victory…as well as his lost…
He had lost his bestfriend. He had left his bestfriend in the clutches of the very man who threw away their childhood. He had let Tala down when the red-haired blader needed him the most.
But I'll make up to you, Tala. I'll get you out of there somehow…Just hang on…
The door opened and closed softly. He need not turn around to know who had just entered. The chilly air around him shifted as she filled his space. She smelt good, he noted. Fresh, laced with the scent of vanilla. It was her new scent. She started wearing it the day the tournament came to an end. He didn't understand why females made such a fuss over what they smelt like and he didn't care. But the scent she carried filled his nostrils with the smell of sunshine and warmth. And he found himself liking it.
"Hey." Jade said. She moved so that she was standing in front of him.
"You're blocking my view." he grunted.
She gave him a smirk. "It's not like you're really looking at anything. So suck it up."
He sighed, breathing in her scent as he did. Damn, she smelt good… "What are you doing here? Couldn't stand Tyson's dramatic speech?"
"Dramatic is an understatement." she said. "I'm willing to bet by now Tyson would be going through my fan-mail. The temptation is just too great for him to resist."
A corner of his lips curved slightly upwards.
Her expression and eyes softened as she paused, shifting her eyes to the black sky outside. After a moment, she broke the silence between them.
"Are you thinking about…him?" she asked softly.
"Yeah."
She nibbled her lower lip, hesitatingly. "Do you think…he'll be alright? I mean…" she trailed off.
He turned his gaze to her. Her eyes filled with wariness gazed back at him. "He'll be fine. Tala's tough." he said, knowing well that was a lie.
She knew it too but all she did was smile softly. "I know. I'm just worried of what Boris will do to them." she muttered.
"Me too." he replied. If he dare hurt them in any way, God have mercy on him because I won't.
"Kai…"
He looked back at the raven-haired girl, acknowledging the pained glint in her eyes. She spoke softly, her voice holding concern. "Promise me you won't do anything stupid like go after Boris."
Kai stared at her, wondering how she knew what was going on in his head. "Jade…" he started to say.
"Please, Kai" she pleaded. "If you love me, you could at least promise me that much."
Inwardly he groaned. He hated it when she used that against him. He tried again. "Jade, I can't pro-"
This time she stilled his words with a firm passionate kiss to his mouth. Her mouth moved against his, tempting him with their sweet sensation of soft flesh of her lips. His lips sought hers desperately as their tongues dueled for supremacy. He moaned in protest when she pulled away.
"Kai…" she said, pleading with her eyes. Her lovely emerald green eyes. So soulful… "Please…?"
He sighed as he lowered his lips to her neck and kissed the soft flesh there lightly. "Alright. I promise." he murmured as he held her.
"Thank you." she whispered as she moved her lips to the side of his face and nuzzled him softly. This felt right. Everything felt right here in his arms. But it can't last. She has to do what she has to do and she knew he would never allow it.
I wish I don't have to do this but…I have to…
"Kai…"
He hushed her gently. "Jade, I…"
Head cocked slightly, she moved to face him. Her eyes were wide with curiosity.
"I love you." he breathed against her lips, his voice caressing her like a lover's hand.
"I know." she muttered. She brushed her lips against his lightly. "I love you too."
A rare genuine smile lifted his lips and he tangled his hand in her hair and brought their mouths together. His lips kissed the corners of her mouth, begging for entrance. Sensations and emotions swirled through her as she obligated but only for a moment. She grinned at the scowl that crossed his face when she nibbled his lower lip and without warning pulled away. Muttering something incoherent, he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him, holding her close. Soft yielding flesh against well-toned muscles, fitting perfectly as if they were made for each other.
I wish we could always be like this forever…together…
As their lips met again, she found herself thinking, if wishes were stardust, we would sparkle together side by side…for all eternity…
Forever…
Every muscle in his body screamed in pain as he hung there, held by his chained wrists. Dried blood crusted the tender flesh the chains held. His feet were chained to the ground by heavy shackles. It was almost impossible to breath. Blood seep from every inch of his wounded body mixed with his sweat and tears. His head swam due to the lack of proper nourishment and loss of blood. It has only been three days since the tournament yet it seemed like eternity. Since their lost, the team was beaten everyday, deprived of food and water as ordered by Boris. They were subjected to strenuous training every waking hour.
But of all, Tala suffered the worst. He had lost the championships and this was the prize. He received the worst of the beatings and the most painful of the whippings. His back was laced with cruel slashes made by metal-tip whips while his arms and legs were marred with black and blue bruises. But none of that hurt as much as the fact he had failed his team. He had failed his friends, the only people he called family. He had failed Alexis. Boris had her once more in his hold and he knew whatever experiments she was undergoing at the moment can't be good.
Dammit…if only I could just see them…even for a moment…
His eyes started to drift close, welcoming the endless oblivion that will follow. They flew open when the sound of footsteps echoed through the stone-cold cells.
"Hello, Tala. I was wondering how have you been holding up." Boris said sinisterly. "Not too well by the looks of it."
The red-haired teen could barely lift his head to glare murderously at the man. "Piss off." he hissed.
Boris only smirked in amusement. "Ah, it seems you still have some spirit left within you. I shall enjoy breaking it personally."
"What do you want?" Tala snapped.
"I have something to show you, boy. I think you might find it…rather…incredible." Boris said slowly.
Tala frowned but well aware of the lives that are still at stake here if he disobeyed, he didn't fight when the guards removed the chains from his arms and legs and dragged him from the small cell.
He was taken to a room with nothing save for a clear glass pane that made up the wall at the other end of the room. Boris strolled purposefully into the room to stand in front of the glass pane. He was looking down at something in the laboratory below. The look on his face told Tala whatever it was, it pleased the purpled-haired man.
"Amazing, isn't it." Boris muttered.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Tala staggered forward. Even walking was becoming a task. It took every bit of his will-power to not collapse there and then in front of Boris. He'll not allow the man the pleasure of seeing him do so. He peered down and horror crept through him at what he saw.
"No…" he muttered in horror, in denial. Bile rose within him. The scene made him want to curl up and retch. "Oh, god, no…"
For down in the lab below, strapped to a table was Alexis. The blonde-haired girl was trashing and snarling like a wild animal. If it wasn't for the straps holding her down, controlling her would be impossible. Scientists moved around her, working fast to meet their employer's requirements. Tala found himself unable to breath, unable to do anything as he watched in pure horror.
"What do you think, Tala?" Boris asked triumphantly. "Isn't it incredible?"
Finally Tala found his voice but it came out a hoarse whisper. "What did you do?" he demanded.
"A simple genetic configuration. Alexis's Bitbeast was destroyed in the match but thanks to the serum we had injected into her as part of her preparations, we are able to revive Rashka within her." Boris gloated all too willingly.
"Why?" Tala choked out, eyes still on his teammate below. Oh, Alexis…
"Think of it as a step to achieving the fusion Jade had achieved with her Bitbeast during the tournament. A simple experiment in comparison to hers." the abbey director answered.
Bitbeast fusion, Tala thought. He recalled Boris and Voltaire talking about it since the match between Alexis and Jade ended. He didn't think they could get the formula so soon or even go to such length to duplicate the transformation Jade had done during the battle. And there also another factor he was sure they have yet to consider. One that only a blader who have a Bitbeast would know.
When Jade became one with Draizer, it had been done willingly from both parts of Bitbeast and human. If Alexis fought her fusion with the demonic Bitbeast, it could kill her!
"Boris, you have to stop this." he looked at the man, almost pleadingly. "It'll kill her!"
Biovolt's director shrugged. "A mere setback. Nothing that will ruin Biovolt's plans."
"What?" the teen spat. "How could you?"
"Because I could." Boris sneered at him with a distaste look. "Take him back to his cell."
As the guards took him by his arms, Tala fought them weakly, struggling. His wounds reopened, blooming blood through his dirty white shirt. Pain shot through his body as his muscles and limbs refused to move. "No! Alexis!" he yelled hoarsely.
I'm sorry, Lex. I'm sorry I was so weak…I couldn't do anything to help you…I have failed you and the others.
In his mind, he saw Alexis on the day Boris had brought her to the abbey. Young, naïve, innocent…just like Jade was when she first set foot in this God-forsaken place.
Jade…Kai…I'm sorry, you guys…I am not strong enough to stop him…I'm sorry…
The last thing he heard as the pain started to overwhelm him and before darkness started to sweep in was Alexis's snarl of madness as well as something else. In a far distance, he could hear a soulful howl. The call of the wild.
Wolborg…
Then Tala was lost in welcoming dark oblivion, free of all pain and emotions.
A/N: The bold italic words in the part where she was training with the sais and sandbags are lyrics to a wonderful song sang by Within Temptation. It's called 'Stand My Ground' (duh) and I think it fitted that part perfectly, don't you think? You should download it or buy the cd. It's really good.
Btw I need your opinion. I already posted this up on 'A Walk to Remember' but this is just for reviewers who read this story and not the other. I was thinking of doing a crossover story. BeybladexNaruto. Lately I've been caught up in the Naruto-craze (don't worry. I am still faithful to Beyblade and Kai and always will be) and I just thought it would be interesting to see what happens when Naruto meets Tyson and especially when Sasuke meets our dearly beloved Kai! Think gloomy meets gloomier. It'll be AU. I won't wanna start this story yet because updating it will take up a lot of my time as it is. So let me know whether my time is worth it and that I should do it or not. Ideas/storylines and OCsare welcome but I can't promise I'll use them so it's up to you. Thanks and before I go(and you won't see me for another month or so... Joking!) R&R!
