Chapter 1- Votes.
"Guys! There's a notification from Mr. D!" Kenny exclaimed.
"What's up Chief?" Tyson asked as he was removing his jacket for loosening the muscles.
"The pattern this year has a choice. It goes by voting of the teams!" Kenny said exuberantly.
"You mean there will be a voting if we want to battle as teams or as tag-team partners?" Max asked in American assent.
"Really?" Daichi shouted, his eyes popping- trying to read the notification though he didn't understand even a word that was texted.
"Yeah!"
"When does the voting starts?" Ray questioned.
"It says that this voting will exclusively occur on 23rd in morning hours, from six to twelve online! The results will be declared a week later on most." Kenny read quickly. He almost seemed panicked.
"Wow! This is a first time that voting is occurring online all across the world, and that's for beyblading, haha." Tyson said cheerily.
"Yeah, you can say that Tyson." Chief said rolling his eyes.
"Well, let's see the voting results of our team right now, first." Max sighed.
"Yeah, good idea." Daichi said buoyantly.
Everyone looked at Kai who was staring at the grass, acknowledging everything clearly.
"Will you guys start voting or just stare at Mr. Sourpuss?" Daichi said looking confused at them.
"I want to leave." Ray declared. Tyson's heart plummeted but he calmly nodded.
Kai gave thumbs up to Ray very briefly, but it was enough for everyone to get his answer.
"Wait a sec, guys. This voting is not actually counted." Kenny interjected, "The final results of online voting will tell you what you've to do without your individual consent."
"Kenny, it means the normal bladers who don't have a proper recognition as a team or bladers will have to register first?" Tyson asked softly.
"Yeah Tyson, the rules says that too, over here" Kenny sighed.
"Hmm"
"I want to battle by staying in the team." Max said suddenly and determined.
"Of course. Me too." Tyson smirked.
Everyone now looked at Daichi. "Oh." He sweat-dropped, suddenly feeling claustrophobic.
" Sorry, Tyson and Maxie, I want to battle as tag-team partner with you, Tyson." Daichi chuckled.
"Phew." The younger teens sighed.
"Wait! Still, chief is left!" Tyson said sheepishly.
"WHAT!" Kenny hyperventilated.
"Of course,"
"Fine. I'm with you, Champ." Kenny smirked.
"This is a tie!" Daichi yelled.
"C'mon. This doesn't really even count." Kenny said jadedly, "It's just so we know, Daichi. Anyway, I will be registering this on the allotted date as per your choices, guys."
"Yeah, we skip the bladers' registration formalities." Max winked.
"Obviously." Kenny smiled.
"Hmm." Kai sighed.
"Could have contacted Grandma to break this tie, ya know, Chief!" Daichi said boisterously.
"She is not even the blader, Daichi." Tyson sighed.
"Whatever!"
His thoughts drifted to last year, a few memories occupying his mind quickly. He smiled at the whatsoever thoughts tersely but let it go quickly as he saw everyone starting to loose their muscles. He still misses that he had lost, he still don't understands his mistakes and most of all he wishes if the things could be back as they used to be. It was so good.
The beydish was small one but well-built and he saw how the blades were fiercely attacking each other with all the vigor.
Kai and Max weren't the best combination of partners in his thoughts. Though he didn't admit but Max was the weakest among them, yet no-one could stand against him. The mighty creatures emerged out and started soaring in the skywards touching the limitless and flawless firament. The streams of fire started blazing through the phoenix's wings streaming in a wind and rolling as it speeded in spiral fashion mocking the water turtle. It was pushed back but regained its composure quickly by retorting and splashing water in a brisk-trotting speed. The phoenix fluttered its wings swaying the water streams but quickly lost and was knocked down.
"Do it!" the blonde commanded and the turtle in one quick smack defeated the phoenix.
Unexpected victory. The blunette gasped but smirked softly. He turned from the dish, giving thumbs up to Max and removing his jacket in the process. The blonde smiled cheerfully and gave thumbs up back.
"Well, that's the end of the match finally." Daichi said with a quizzical eyebrow not really able to digest that this match ended in lesser time than he had thought.
"Hey there champion chimpanzee, are you ready?" Daichi said lively.
Tyson laughed mirthfully but headed towards the free dish as the two previous bladers backed off handing their blades to the spectacled blader and getting themselves comfortable for listening the info that was going to be spelled out by the small computer.
"You ready Tyson?" Ray asked with stern expressions.
"Yeah," Tyson replied.
"Hey! It was my turn." The small guy cried.
"Later Daichi." Tyson said coolly, impervious to the fire above Daichi's angry head.
The dragoon wielder held his launcher and glanced at the ripcord with persistent fierce eyes digging daggers at his opponent for a short moment. Ray smirked back shortly but launched his blade with equal rapidity.
"It's been a long time since we have seriously battled. Isn't it Ty?"
"Whatever yeah,"
"So, shall we stop playing like kids and get into the real fight?"
"Anytime you wish, Ray."
Tyson, you are the champion. You will not loose, I'm sure no matter how much unsure you are. Trust me, you are bound to get the victory! A sudden voice echoed in his mind and the flashback hit him like thunder striking him directly. He gasped in horrific aura but continued concentrating all the way he could.
What wrong did I do that day? Why did you leave me….
"Let's finish him Drigger!" Ray roared as he launched the final attack, his blade rushing with rapidity and green light glistening its edges bordered with jittery light.
Tyson broke from his trance and gasped, yet his eyes fixed deeply at his blade that was till spinning unfalteringly and loyally,
"Done with second guessing, Ray? But not now," Tyson whispered huskily, "'Cause champions always win," he smirked before Dragoon charged spinning in the same position but gathering an enigmatic aura around it, "I've to win," Tyson smiled softly but sincerely. Ray gasped in confusion shortly but quickly focused in gathering all his strength,
"Dragoon! Aahhhhhhrr!" he roared with all his might, his features shaking in the process,
"You two aren't practicing," Daichi interrupted his brows fully raised in shock, "This is a BATTLE!"
"This is awesome!" Max said staring at the blades with wide eyes.
"Go!" Tyson furiously roared and his blade disappeared quickly just a second before Ray's blade was about to hit Dragoon. Ray gasped and looked around only to find Dragoon clashing Drigger within nanoseconds from back. There was no turning back and within no time Drigger was out.
"That was…"The short red-head was left speechless, "That was so unexpected…"
"Didn't think that either." Kai marked before leaving silently.
"Well done." Ray smiled straightly; it was more like he wasn't happy with the outcome, of course.
"Yeah." Tyson sighed softly but wore a forced up smile quickly.
"Well, good job Ty!" Max smiled and they shared the fists cheering.
"That was so different. You are improving Tyson."
"Thanks Chief!" Tyson smiled and Max, Tyson along with Daichi following them like he is left alone ran behind them as they visited an ice-cream parlor for a brief break.
"Want Chocolate Hazel!" Max said too quickly while Tyson gave thumbs up, "I will take a willy wonka."
"What about me?" Daichi complained, "I will take one too!"
"Sure monkey boy!" Tyson smiled before both Max and Tyson playfully picked Diachi and placed him on their shoulders between them,
"Ah! Put me down!" Daichi said with horror.
"Nah nah!" They sank playfully.
.
.
.
Raul still remembers that day they had brought her.
(Flashback)…
They brought her to their home from an empty park where she was lying in damped rain unconsciously and helplessly. Julia got a hint that something was wrong with her. Ashlene was wearing some old clothes at that time and it seemed all filled with grim and dirt. Julia changed her into some warm clothes, dried her and they made efforts to wake her. She woke up stunned and frightened. Julia comforted her and told her about how she got there.
"So, why were you lying like that on such a horrible rainy day?" Raul asked.
"Shush Raul? What's your name?" Julia asked, clearly worried.
"Ashlene," she replied weakly and tears fell from her eyes.
"Don't cry Ashlene, we are there for you. Please tell us what happened?" Julia asked in extreme worry.
"I don't want to remember and say it!" she cried, "I'm all alone in this world!" she sobbed,
"We are there, Ash!" Raul ensured.
"I-I" she hesitated,
"What is it?" Julia gave a soft squeeze on her shoulder.
"I'm pregnant." She replied and it was followed by more rushing of tears.
Julia didn't ask any more questions sensing her anxiety and discomfort at the question, she let it go and said, "Ash, no matter what, we don't know anything about you but we are not forcing you to tell anything. You just need to calm down first in these condition and sleep. We will take care of you. You are with us. You have us." Her eyes suddenly got filled and she hugged Ashlene. Ashlene sobbed bitterly and hugged her back.
"Ash, no matter if anyone is there or not for you- you are safe with us," Raul smiled.
Ashlene nodded. Raul left the room giving the girls some privacy. "Thanks for clothing me, Julia." Ashlene mumbled before she felt in a slumber.
Julia placed her head from her chest on a soft pillow covering her in many blankets and closing the windows. It was so cold outside, freezing almost. The next hour, Julia was ready with hot vegetable soup and coffee. She gently woke Ashlene,
"C'mon, eat this." Julia said softly.
The brunette woke slowly, struggling to sit. She smiled at Julia and started eating. Julia smiled back sweetly.
She helped the pregnant girl eating her dish.
"So, it is tasty?"
"Yeah." Ashlene nodded.
"I prepared!" Julia said with sudden shining eyes.
"Nice!" Ashlene replied feebly.
"So," Julia began, "You can tell me your story. I will hear and kill that bastard who left you in this condition." Julia smirked.
Ashlene gulped and her face drifted in flashback, she looked sad and expressionless suddenly.
"Hmm, coming to that, I have a quite different history. I grew up in rich family till I was twelve." She began slowly. Julia fed her another spoon and gave a firm and satisfying nod that made Ashlene to continue without hesitation. "My parents were engaged in pharmacy business and earned luxuriously. They had saved money for my future needs and that was currently helping me a lot."
Julia stopped as the soup finished and kept the bowl aside on a small table.
"However, after my 12th birthday, both of them passed in an airplane crash that killed many of the passengers. That was because of my uncle. He had planned that. I heard it through eaves dropping later. I lived in the hands of my aunt and uncle who treated me badly." Julia flinched inwardly at the sudden change.
Ashlene continued, "I was very cheerful as a girl since I was a small kid. I loved my parents and always obeyed them. I got my bit-beast… Fulva- when I was seven. I was an awesome Beyblader and defeated everyone. I barely lost and I didn't mind those defeats. I simply learnt from my mistakes and honed my skills. My bit-beats became very strong in just one year and I almost never lost even if I wasn't concentrating. Fulva used to save me; she gave me all victories and made me happy. She used to smile when I was proud of her. But one day, I met a guy and he challenged me. He was very powerful and I battled very hard to defeat him. He was cruel and arrogant. It was raining at that time and Fulva liked rain. I thought I was gonna win but something terrible happened. His bit-beast hit Fulva very fiercely injuring her fins. Her wings bled but still she fought. That moment I was almost crying at her injury and that was where I was wrong… Fulva became very angry and attacked with harsh rapidity. His bit-beast was stronger and was defeating us almost." Ashlene stopped, a tear dropping from her eye.
"Then?" Julia asked anxiously.
"Then we won…" Ashlene sighed, "But…Fulva died in that battle."
There was a sudden cryptic and dead silence. A bit-beast dying was not something Julia had ever heard of. How can a bit-beast be so sacrificing and attached to her mastress that it lost its live just for a victory!
"Fulva disintegrated mercilessly…She left me. But…" Ashlene tried to put a smile, "She gave me this power. I can see in darkness. If you switch off the lights and tell me find you, I will, I can." Ashlene smiled, "I can see through all the darkest darknesses!"
"Wow!" Julia whispered,
"I still bladed whenever I was free, it relieved me and reminded me of my beautiful friend. From then, I had barely lost any battles. The battles remind me of her and I always try to win thinking that just for one victory, she had lost herself…"
Ashlene stopped. She looked at Julia who was full with sympathy. Ashlene smiled sadly, like there was more to it.
"My parents were upset at Fulva's loss. I was their only daughter." Julia noted the softness and smile in her words as she spoke of her parents. She might have missed them a lot.
Julia observed that she had dark brown curly hairs till the midway of her back and dark blue eyes. "After my parent's death, I was the only legal heir of my parents' property and that added to the anxiety of my uncle. He somehow managed to transfer the entire will to his son which I got to know only after I was fifteen. Later I discovered that some money was still there for me and I tried to keep that it was concealed which my parents left for me which uncle and aunt didn't bother to dig in yet."
"Oh my…" Julia looked worried but gave a soft squeeze on her shoulder. "I was send to hostel when I was in ninth grade and I completed 12th while I stayed in the hostel. I sometimes wondered if that they really educated me and didn't deprive me of that, at least. I remember the horrible memories at uncle's house where I was tortured almost for everything mentally. My cousin wasn't a good guy at all. He always attempted to scare me with his presence and didn't treat me well." Ashlene stopped and took few sips of water,
"I became hostile with almost all guys after such experiences but my life took a better turn when I was sent to hostel and I met wonderful people and made friends who re-optimized my perceptions. I began to stay happy and made friends. I realized the importance of education, elites, thoughts and the way we deal things in those four years. Though I wasn't very comfortable like I used to be at my own house, but having better people around proved it better and covered my problems. I had chosen Medical Sciences after completing 12th. I missed my friends over there and cried that I will have to go to uncle's place once again."
Julia nodded in anxiety and held her hands comforting her and giving her the courage to continue.
"However when I returned, the things were different. My house was sold out and uncle along with his family shifted somewhere. I had no idea where I was gonna go." Ashlene smiled sadly. It was 2014, as far as I remember. I stayed at my friend's place for few months and my times were cramped. I tried contacting my custodian who knew all about the property papers. I came to know that all the business, bungalows; my own house was taken by them and claimed rightfully. There was just one small villa that they left for me and I thought to shift there but it was too far, on the outskirts almost, so I just visited there once, took the keys and stayed with my friend at her place. The only thing that left me for survival was the money my parents had left in my account- enough for me to eat, meet the education expenses for few years. I could have purchased a small house for myself but I saved that money for education. My parents had saved it for that purpose and I won't change it." Ashlene said remembering all the things,
"I still wasn't sure if I was going to stay at my friend's place all time. I faced discomfort and reluctance of my presence. We weren't close. Her mother seemed tired. I said her I would leave soon I started working as waitress for earning extra and things were not going fine, at least, worse. Then one day, I was going to my college when I saw my friend's brother crossing the road with his phone in his hands, browsing it. The car was gonna hit him before which I saved him and we both fell on the footpath. He thanked me. Since then, things luckily changed and my friend and her parents always treated me like their daughter. I lived peacefully; I wasn't a burden but a blessing in their eyes."
"A little deed changed your life." Julia smiled.
"Yeah." Ashlene said, "Things were fine until I met him…"
"Huh," Julia's lower lip moved down in curiosity.
"He was awesome. I saw him when I was in college and he came with his friend to put a bandage on his foot. His face was in little cuts, not too deep, his clothes were torn." Ashlene smiled brightly, her blue eyes shone, "I bandaged him but he didn't notice me. His friend made him busy in his jokes. And that instant, I instantly fell in love with him…"
"Really?" Julia asked with endeared expressions.
"Yeah, my first love. We met again. Destiny made us meet. We became friends soon. I was with him all time- in his house. He didn't mind at all. His friends liked me too. After a year, we just couldn't force to stay apart. We slept in gardens, talked in mornings and…and after a month, I confessed him. He was so cheerful and friendly. He had a pure heart and he cared so much for his friends; he was just so lively and nothing else could be compared. I loved him…" She said the last part slowly.
"Did he reciprocate back your feelings?" Julia asked
"Yeah, he did. He loved me more. He kinda became addicted to me, or maybe that's what I felt…" Ashlene smirked painfully, "Soon after one and a half year almost, I became pregnant. I didn't say him."
"And that's a month back, right!" Julia said astonishingly.
"Yeah. We had some party that night and I was searching for him to tell that. But…" Ashlene stopped like her mind was re-registering something horrible, "He cheated me… He had a friend, she was cute. We were close as well. I didn't know that he loved her!" Ashlene suddenly broke from her calm tone of story and sobbed.
Julia hugged her, Ashlene shivered in hiccups as she said, "I saw them together in that dark room!"
"That dog-loving bastard!" Julia shrieked.
"I broke out emotionally, snapped in front of everyone in that party after those two came back. I accused him but he denied. He was very much shocked and lied me again and again that he bloody, loves me still!" Ashlene wept more, "I told him to leave but he continued his defense so innocently. I left him in rage and hurt."
"That's enough, Ash." Julia whispered as she hugged her softly, "I understand…"
"It took me a month to calm down and I re-settled in my old friend's house. They accepted me gladly. I was relieved. Today when I was returning, I sat in a park as I was tired. That's when you found me after few hours of rain…" Ashlene sighed peacefully at the end of her statement like she was ready to forget everything and sleep.
…(Flash-forward)
Ashlene worked as the waitress at weekends. She was reviving. She became busier with her daughter and medical career. She made new friends at her college and she almost forgot him. Julia and Raul were always there for her. They celebrated birthdays, brought gifts occasionally for Ellie and Ashlene. Raul was still on his break. Often Julia snapped at for not doing anything. The guy made lunches and dinners whenever he was at home. Though Julia often complained that his cooking was terrible, Ashlene always praised and encouraged him. Whenever Raul was at circus, if he was, Ashlene prepares the lunch and they have it together after Julia return till half past five usually. After an hour of playing and cleaning Ellie, Ashlene takes her to a walk, accompanied by Raul. Julia often sleeps till seven or eight, telling her that she's tired. The two smiles but often let her sleep, bringing her favorite ice-cream on the way back to home after the walk.
Though Ellie is just one and a half year old, the little girl squeals seeing the cloudless sky and flowers in the park. The walk is really meant for Ash and Raul. They have known each other well during those walks and have become close. Raul often snaps at Julia for sleeping so much asking Ash pretentiously to side him. The brunette often smirks and tells Julia that she's being lazy. Julia prepares the dinner while Ellie and Raul watches TV in the evening hours. Usually it so happens that both the girls forget Raul and eats dinner and Raul growls later. Their usual routine went someway like this.
.
.
.
The mediocre rays of sunlight swept across the dojo, passing through the glass doors. Max mumbled in his sleep as the rays hit him but turned to the other side and wrapped the blanket over his head before calming down. Tyson, Daichi and Ray were still sleeping. Kai as usual, had gone over the riverside to loosen some muscles. Grandpa was a little unwell so the boys were a little worried. Kai prepared himself a sandwich and also for Kenny and the duo devoured it before heading to the riverside. Kai wasn't perfect in sandwiches but Hiromi's usual made sandwiches and Tyson's complaints and pickings gave Kai an idea of what she put and he had learn to make descent sandwiches- edible.
"Hmm," Kenny breathed in vibrantly, "I'm registering our team members' choices. Perfect. Kai you wanna see?" Kenny asked glancing at the blader who was currently doing some push-ups.
"Hn." He replied before standing beside Kenny, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Here we go." Kenny clicked the respective choices and their voting was done.
Kai gave a bare nod before he took his Dranzer from Chief and started launching.
"I don't think Tyson and others will get up before ten. Last night's practice was almost tedious and torturous." Kenny said.
"They better do, or else I don't think they will stand a chance against me." Kai said coldly with loose jaw as is blade spun vivaciously.
"Oh, I don't think so!"
A voice rang as a blade crashed at Dranzer from the top. Kai and Kenny looked at the top of the grass hill to see his teammate standing and glaring at the blades.
"Hm, you're late, Ray." Kai said without any expression. The neko-jin sprung down flawlessly and the battle continued. Drigger kept on knocking Dranzer but Dranzer only either dodged or escaped. It was almost impervious to the tiger's attack.
"Done with playing, Ray?" Kai asked bored.
"Hn?"
"Ray, be careful!" Kenny exclaimed, he started recording the battle.
"Go after him, Dranzer!" Kai growled.
Dranzer spun lividly as it chased Drigger. Both the blades clashed while Dranzer had an upper hand in the battle. The turf was uprooted as the blades swept across it.
Drigger tried fighting back but was pushed back all the times, "Grhh!" Ray groaned.
"Drigger, don't leave him!" Ray's jaw tightened as he commanded his tiger.
Kai sniggered as he eyed Ray, "Well,"
With one last powerful clash, one of the blades was knocked out, landing just beside it's owner.
"Wow!" Kenny said incredibly. "This was j-just stupendous!"
Ray leaned down to take his blade while Kai caught his with a good catch.
"Give me your blade, Ray." Kenny said in daze.
Ray nodded and handed while the two bladers exchanged a former smile.
"Chief, the others will be coming. Have you planned a schedule for us yet or not?" Ray asked taking a seat beside him.
"Yeah, nice to hear that." Kenny showed the registration page, "I've done it a few minutes back. The result will be coming tonight."
"Oh," Ray's eyes motioned Kenny towards Kai who was gazing at the sky while sitting a few feet from them,
"Yeah, we saw it." Kenny answered as he quickly typed something.
"What's up guys!" Tyson showed up along with a yawning Daichi and half-sleepy Max.
"Oh Tyson, please give me your blade. I need to have a final check before you start practicing."
"Uh, sure, Chief." Tyson handed Dragoon without hesitation.
"Hey, Chief," Max cheered, "Today was the voting, right?"
"Yeah, I'm done with that."
"Cool!" Daichi laughed involuntarily.
"This year's tournament is a surprise to me. This gives everyone an equal chance to express their opinion. I'm sure the other teams might have also done that." Kenny lectured
"When are the results?"
"Tonight, at five P.M I guess." Kenny smiled, "Max, did you had a talk with your mom?"
"Mom?" Max blinked, "Yeah, she called me last night asking me about my choice and well, she wasn't happy with it. She wants me to join their team. But I tried refusing and that's when-" he paused.
"The phone hung up." Kai completed. Everyone looked at him.
"Uh yeah," Max sighed.
Tyson looked at Ray with almost an unfriendly look, "I've contacted Lee in the morning and he's ready to welcome me back in case the result favors our choice." Ray said defensibly.
Tyson gave an unsure nod but motioned Max towards the uprooted turf, asking him for a battle,
Both the bladers smirked amiably and started launching their blades.
It seemed a usual friendly match.
Kenny replayed the battle of Ray and Kai while Daichi watched with some interest, "Anything Chief?" Ray asked.
"Yeah, I've replaced Tyson's gear with a Turbo engine gear that suits him appropriately and Kai's with new Reverse gear and Daichi's with Gyro engine gear. In this case Daichi will not need a launcher as the ripcord can directly be inserted into his blade."
"Really Kenny?" Daichi asked incredulously as he examined his blade with curiosity.
"Yeah. I've inserted Reverse gear again for Max because the other gears are somehow not enhancing its purpose as compared to Maxie's old gear, so I hope Max cope up with this!"
"What!" Tyson exclaimed with a bomb-shell expression. He pointed in incredulity at Max's blade that was reverse spinning while trying to knock Dragoon, "I-I, don't know-" Max stuttered, half surprised and had contended at its blade moved.
"Ugh, let's go Dragoon! Attack!" Tyson groaned in frustration. Max held back and continued knocking Dragoon which was a little difficult. The battle ended quickly with Max as the victor.
"Yeah, Max can do it! The Reverse gear is working in Draceil!" Kenny cheered, happy that the Reverse gear was hand-able by Max.
"You did that Chief?" Tyson and Max asked in unison.
"Yeah."
"But, what about my gear?" Tyson moaned.
"Tyson, I've replaced your gear with a new Turbo engine gear. You've to hone and practice more for defeating other blades. Because Max is used to your gear, he didn't lose at you. On the other hand, you never faced Maxie with a Reverse gear in his blade, so that explains!" Kenny explained contently.
"Pretty unfair." Tyson said sarcastically pissed off.
"C'mon, you've bet Kai with Reverse gears. The thing is you guys know each other's tactics." Ray added.
"Yeah, right." Tyson nodded like he understood.
"Ray, Engine gear is kinda new or say different. I've tried a combo of Gyro and Reverse Engine gear and this is something called Pirouette Engine gear I could say."
Ray nodded. "Like I showed you, you've battled well and your gear matched your blade type. So, no need to worry in case you lost to Kai." Kenny encouraged.
"Daichi, you can try with Ray?" Tyson suggested unsurely.
"Great!" Kenny hyped.
"Sure." Ray and Daichi launched their blades.
"Let's check this, Kenny," Tyson was hyped, "I'm excited to see Daichi's gyro and Ray's Pirouette!"
"Yeah, me too! Tyson, I've edited your attack ring. It was terribly destroyed in your battle last night. Kai's survived and was unaffected. I've edited his Running core."
"Thanks, Chief!" Tyson gave a bone crushing hug to Kenny briefly.
"T-Tyson! I can't b-breathe!"
"No problem!" Tyson mingled, "I'm sure we will win this years' tournament."
"Not we Tyson." Kai said snidely.
"Huh?" Tyson looked at him…
"Hmm we will see that tonight." Tyson's voice was hurt but it was caked with anger right now.
"Don't be hurt, just chill out that you can win this year too, that is, if you can." Kai said confidently, knowing Tyson was shaking.
"Oh, this year huh?" Tyson said achingly, "Well, it was me who bladed, no matter who taught or was with me." Tyson said defensively.
"I thought that mattered, Tyson. I really thought." Kai said in sarcasm.
Tyson looked him with murderous look but tried to calm down. There was no use yelling right now. He has to prove his words. He shifted his gaze to the battle in which Max seemed to be winning; his blade was persistently knocking Drigger. He tried to distract but those words echoed inside him a little too much. If he wants to save his title, he must practice well and defeat him again. Last night, he lost to Kai and this will happen if he forgets what Kai intends to the same thing.
He can't concentrate right now. He's too much thinking of what happened. For now, he has to let go. It's basically over!
Kai was noticing how hard Tyson was trying to ignore his words and calm his throbbing feelings. That was something he wished to see- his rival- breaking. Tyson spend at least few hours simply sitting, pretending to listen Chief and the modifications, occasionally smiling and telling 'wow', 'thanks', 'cool, etc. He watched them battle and speak about the new strategies. He just couldn't let those things completely sink in his mind. He pretended to hear them. His mind was somewhere, lost in the memories of past, his friends leaving him the past two years. He sighed.
I just can't loose and I won't lose. There is no reason for me to be worried. I'm the six times World Champion. This year is just the same. Kai is that same opponent who I've defeated three times in a row! Stop thinking Tyson! Stop!
He headed to dojo saying he's hungry and went back. Others shrugged and continued practicing. Tyson launched himself on his bed, crashing his front and digging his head in his soft pillow. He wasn't feeling good right now. Why did Kai have to remind me of that? He knows right- he knows how much that had unsettled me those days…He is just like my brother, more than Hiro, so why is he doing this? Why is he reminding me of those things? Doesn't he know that it hurts me? Is he too naïve about it? C'mon, that's not possible. Is he j-jealous of me? He is too good. Why does he compare himself to me?
Their colleges would soon start after this month. Thank God, the championships will be over by the end of this month. He was doing Masters in accounting and there were just two more years and he was hoping to find a good job. Ray and Kai were doing Bachelors in Business management, while Max was doing Masters in Arts. Daichi however didn't anything. He returned to his village in their college days. He would be bored and they would be busy. He wondered what Hilary would be doing right now?
He took out his phone and texted, 'Hey Hils, watcha doing?'
She was not online, perhaps busy in her college. Her medical interests were something nobody would ever imagine. He slammed softly his phone on the table and plugged his hands in his pockets before climbing down.
"Hey T-man!" Tyson immediately flinched back as the kendo stick was gonna hit him.
"Grandpa! You scared the crap out me! When did you get well?" Tyson said almost like he was seeing stars in the early morning.
"I'm not old dude! I was a little sick, but now, I'm fresh as always!" Grandpa said proud-fully. Tyson sighed.
"Can we practice later?" Tyson asked imploringly.
"Nah! Now!" The kendo master launched at his grandson once again.
Tyson charged back and tried blowing away the attacks. He was still good like the day he honed kendo-ing. After a fight of fifteen minutes, the duo stopped while Tyson was breathing heavily, yet his face showed no signs like he was giving up.
"Good'cha!" Grandpa gave him thumbs up. The old man turned to go out but hissed in pain thinking he wasn't seen. Tyson immediately saw his Grandpa, and moaned, "Grandpa!"
Tyson ran to hold him, "Are you okay? I told you to stay in bed." Tyson scolded softly, his voice scared and worried.
"I'm okay, T-man." Grandpa tried to say cheerfully.
"No you are not," Tyson said stiffly, "Come inside," Tyson took the old man in his room.
"Did you drink the soup I had made for you?" he asked.
"Yeah, but it was not better than your-" Ryu immediately stopped realizing what he was about to say. Tyson ignored like he didn't hear him but the sudden memory made him jump out of his skin internally. He was not expecting to hear it from Grandpa. Well, it wasn't his fault. The poor man didn't intend to hurt him.
"Here, drink this water, I will make some steak for you," Tyson ran out of the room after handing a glass of water.
Tyson had some idea of how to make that edible dish. His mind was not at its good mood. What's wrong with me? Grandpa… he is sick, why did Doctors looked worried? But they said that nothing was serious. He just needs rest and good diet. I HAVE to take care of him no matter what.
Tyson prepared in thirty minutes and brought the hot dish in the room. His Grandfather was sleeping so peacefully. There was no voice. Everything was dead. He quietly placed the dish on the small table. He stood and gazed at the figure lying.
~"Tyson, will you ever take care of your Grandfather! One day you will regret it!"
"He is really younger than me with that Kendo-ing. Stop worrying me and yourself!"
"Tyson, grandpa was little sick today!"
"Tyson concentrate! I taught you the trick! You've to beat Kai this time!"
"Tyson stop day-dreaming!"
"Tyson, you are being lazy, really."
"I'm leaving you Tyson, I won't come again!"
"You changed."
Tyson could remember everything. It was no longer the same. There was just Kenny and his Grandpa by his side. Hiro left him too. His brother wouldn't be there whenever he needed him. But now he has a new life, he won't bother.
Tyson sighed; the painful and uneasy breaking feeling was tearing him. He sat beside his Grandpa and sensually breathed in; trying his best to get rid of the uncomfortable aura he was building himself inside him.
"Grandpa, will everything will be fine?" he whispered softly.
Knowing that the old man was sleeping, he shortly regretted that the steak was turning cold any minute. "Eat it when you are up, don't waste it," he chuckled softly at the last part and left.
He went to his room intending to take a siesta to revive. He checked his phone,
'I'm doing great! How's your blading going? Wish positive greetings to Grandpa and Dragoon!'
Tyson smiled and tucked his cell under the pillow. The day passed and he woke up only when it was seven in evening.
There seemed to be some pandemonium downstairs. Tyson rubbed his eyes as he got up from the bed and went downstairs trying hard to keep his eyes open.
"This can't be possible!" Daichi groaned. Kai's expression was gloriously ever-cold. The dual haired captain was staring hard at the brunette like he had stolen his thunder.
"What's up guys?" Tyson asked.
"T-Tyson!" Max glomped at his friend, "Tyson! We won! The voting declaration is here!"
"What!" Tyson's jaw dropped in shock, "Are we having team-wise championships?" Tyson asked barely making sense in his words.
"Yeah!" Max smiled with his corners of lips fully lifted.
"Yayy!" Tyson high-fived with Max, "I want a party, Chief!" Tyson roared exhilaratingly, making sure Kai heard him.
"Well, I'm not in this party anyway," Ray said with a smug look.
"No problem Ray," Tyson winked, "C'mon Maxie, I am gonna give you a big treat and I'm gonna defeat you all in my glorious battles tomorrow 'cause I'm once again quite revived and all in my might," Tyson said indicating his words shot through his current vote-opponents.
"I am ready, Tyson!" Max smiled amiably. Tyson draped an arm around the American's shoulder before heading for some Pizzas.
"Pizzas with mustard buddy, only for ya!" He chorused playfully.
"Hahaha, thanks,"
A/N: Thanks so much for the previous reviews. :D Hope you liked this chapter. Please review if you're reading this. The italics are flashbacks in Tyson's part and while in Julia's part, I've clearly demarcated the Flashback. There aren't many flashbacks, just occasionally.
REVIEW!