Disclaimer: Nope. Still don't own the rights to Beyblade. I don't think it's ever gonna happen.

A/N: Hi all!

Two reasons for the delay! One: moving abroad takes up an insane amount of time. Two: I'm stuck. And that's frustrating. So any kick in the butt is welcome.

Now, before we begin I'd like to thank LittleAGranger and unaisa memon for their sweet words and Julia Fernandez Hiwatari, Rainbow-Winged Phoenix and FlamingIce94 for their favs/follows. You are awesome and make this story happen - thank you!

Now, here's a chapter that I've been waiting a long time to share with you: Old and New!

Chapter 16

One Kai

It was Monday morning. With the deepest sigh humanly possible Tyson dropped his head on his desk.

"Cheer up Tyson," Kenny next to him said. "Christmas break is only four days away."

That was true. Still...

"But Kenny," he whined. "That's four more days of getting up in the middle of the night... This is gonna kill me,"

"I'm pretty sure you'll survive that," Kenny said matter-of-factly and turned to his books.

That was Tyson's signal to do what he did best in school: to think about something else. It was only homeroom anyways.

Tyson thoughts wandered back to the last night, which had been a bit of a deja-vu, really.

He'd been in the kitchen, minding his own business and raiding the fridge, when Kai had called him from the living room. He had found Kai lying on his back, staring at his phone and before Tyson knew it, he was back on the couch with Kai, feet dangling of the armrests. This seemed to become a thing.

It turned out Tala had messaged Kai an old photo of the Blitzkrieg Boys. It was a selfie Spencer had taken and showed half of Spencer's grinning face, Bryan trying to pull a prank on the photographer and Tala in the midst of hitting him over the head for it. And next to them was Kai, arms crossed and wearing a sour expression. Tyson had had to stifle a laugh. The little snapshot summed Kai up so well. He also got a feeling that it summed up who the Blitzkrieg Boys were behind the wall they'd built up around them.

"Funny photo, that," he said.

Kai didn't comment on that. He got straight to the point.

"Tyson, why do I have blue paint on my face?"

"Oh. That. You know I have been wondering that ever since I met you?"

"Wait, what? I wear that all the time?" Kai had called out with a mixture of surprise, puzzlement and pure horror.

"Err yeah."

"But I look ridiculous!"

"I always thought it works quite well for you in Beybattles. Look at it as war paint!"

Kai had sighed. A very deep sigh.

"Mh... Okay yes, that makes me feel less of an idiot. Thank you."

"Sure."

"... Are there any other weird habits I have?"

"Um... wow this is gonna be awkward once you get your memory back. ..."

"How so?"

"You might kill me."

"I doubt that."

"I know you better."

"That is actually true. How about I grant you full immunity."

"Deal. You know, it's actually not that weird. It's just weird for me. For example, you always get up insanely early. Like crack-of-dawn early. I sometimes wondered if you did that just to annoy us, but you genuinely seem to be an early riser. And you work out so much. I don't know how that is humanly possible."

"Oh yeah, I was really buff wasn't I. Look at my arms!" Kai had said and zoomed in on his old self.

Tyson had just thought that he'd been very well aware of that fact. He had spent a good amount of time daydreaming about those biceps... And he was so glad that Kai could not see his face right now. This whole lying-on-their-backs thing was working well for him.

"Maybe I should exercise," Kai had then mused.

"You just woke up from a coma."

"I know. I'm already a lot stronger though."

"That's so you."

From there their conversation had turned to turned to Beyblade and everything and anything.

Tyson sighed and let his gaze wonder out of the window. He really enjoyed these talks with Kai. He felt like he got to know Kai better with every minute they spent on that couch. At the same time, he felt like it showed him all the things he didn't know about Kai.

Tyson paused drawing circles with his finger and sighed. He knew Kai needed to fill in the blanks. To do that he needed to talk to people that knew him. So far he only had Tala and him, maybe Spencer - certainly not Bryan. Kai needed someone else... And that's when he got the idea, an idea so obvious he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it before: Ray! Kai needed Ray! As in Kai needed to talk to Ray. Ray, who always seemed to get what was going on inside Kai's head; Ray, who wouldn't say anything stupid and trigger bad memories; Ray who was simply soothing to have around. He truly was an idiot for not thinking of this sooner. He would write to Ray tonight and ask him to visit them over the holidays.

Tyson's idea during homeroom to invite Ray to the dojo had by second period developed into inviting Max as well. By the time it was lunch, Tyson, in holiday spirit, thought he might as well invite everybody for a big Christmas party - the season to be jolly and all. That would probably overwhelm Kai a bit, but he'd also have loads of people to fill in the blanks. Of course, that would also mean loads of people that might tell him something extraordinarily stupid... but Tyson figured he'd cross that bridge once he got there.

Giddily he waited for the last class to end and before the bell stopped ringing he was already out the door. Tyson simply couldn't wait to present his idea to Kai. As quickly as he could he made his way home. Without bothering to go inside Tyson went around the house to the spot in the engawa where Kai liked to sit, hoping to find him there.

No Kai.

Okay, probably inside then. It was December and getting pretty cold after all.

Tyson was about to go back when he heard a commotion from the dojo. He sighed. Gramps again. He shook his head and went to check on his grandfather.

"I'm home!" he called out as he stepped into the dojo. "Gramps what are you-..."

Tyson stopped dead in his tracks.

"Kai, why are you holding a shinai?"

"Welcome home! Ryuu offered to train me," Kai said happily.

Tyson huffed.

"Oh did he now. Okay, where is he? Where is that old nutter?"

Kai pointed his sword towards the far end of the dojo.

"He's checking if he has an armor that fits me."

Tyson shook his head and muttered, "Crazy, both of you. Absolutely batshit crazy!"

"Oh will ya stop bein' such a mother hen, Tyson?" Gramps said as he emerged from the storage room with a change of Kendo clothing and a light training armor. "Since when has a good ol' kendo practice become bad for ya health?"

He conveniently ignored Tyson's disapproving glare as he handed everything to Kai. Kai at least had the decency to look a bit guilty. He still accepted the armor from Gramps, so his feeling of guilt couldn't be all that great.

"I'm taking it slow Tyson," Kai said, trying to ease his concerns. "You know, I was just doing... well nothing really. I don't have much to do during the day. And when Ryuu asked if I wanted to join him for a kendo practice... It gives me something to do. Something but wondering who the heck I am. Tyson, it felt so good!

I was just there, in the moment, concentrating on the movements. It didn't matter who I was or wasn't. I was just there. Didn't worry about my amnesia once!"

"Ye hear that Tyson? That's called concentrating and it's what yer seriously lackin'! K-man, training resumes tomorrow at nine," Ryuu said. "And you be good, Tyson."

Oh and of course Gramps had to jump at the chance to criticize Tyson's kendo abilities - or lack thereof. Dropping a comment like that and then strolling out the door with such a self-satisfied expression. Tyson puffed his cheeks. Robbing him of a chance to get in a witty retort - not that he had one. But still.

Then Kai nodded his chin at the pile of clothing in his arms.

With a disarming smile he said, "So, would you teach me how to put these on... senpai?"
Tyson crossed his arms and did his very best to keep up the disapproving glare. It seemed like one of the hardest things he'd ever done. How could he possibly keep glaring at this utterly adorable boy in front of him. That happy smile... and he had called him senpai, too. Wasn't that the cutest thing! Oh it was no use... He surrendered.

"Fine," Tyson said and threw his hands in the air. "Fine. But promise me you'll talk about this with the Doc."

"I promise."

Tyson nodded. He took the clothing from Kai and spread them out on the floor.

"This is actually fairly easy. You first put on the keikogi, that's the shirt, and the hakama, those are your pants, and then the pieces of the armor. Helmet and gloves I'm sure you already figured out for yourself, and this thing here is a trunk protector and the one that kinda looks like an apron is your waist protector. I don't think you'll be needing the armor any time soon though. Gramps will have you do the basics for hundreds of hours first."

Kai nodded and put on the keikogi.

"That's fine. I liked it. It really did take my mind off things. Tyson, it was so amazing! My memory loss didn't matter. It was just me, focusing on my body and my movements. For a short while I felt like ... I guess I just felt like me?"

If Tyson hadn't already given up, he'd have caved now. How could he not, if it made Kai happy. And maybe this was a good thing in general, Tyson thought. It gave Kai something to do besides sitting in a corner and brooding about his lost memories. Kendo would also help strengthen his body. And if he took things slow... that didn't sound so bad, did it.

Tyson sighed. He helped Kai into the hakama and showed him how to tie it properly.

He then took a step back and said, "There. Now you are a real kendoka."

Kai looked down on himself, then grinned at Tyson.

He looked so happy and carefree that moment that Tyson felt bad for ever opposing this idea. He suddenly felt the urge to pull Kai into his arms and hold him and protect that smile. Of course, the hug itself might end up being the thing to wipe this joyful expression of Kai's face. And so he fought that urge with all he had.

Tyson then remembered what he originally came here for.

"Hey Kai?"

"Hn?"

"How would you like to have a Christmas party here? I thought I'd invite... well, everyone. That way you'd have a bunch of people around that you can ask questions. I totally understand if that would be too much for you - I mean, they are kind of strangers to you. In that case, we could just invite Ray here, or... I don't know. You don't need to decide now - you can sleep on it if you like. Once, maybe twice. But then I'd really have to send out the invites because Christmas is getting awfully close, and... and I'm rambling again."
Tyson sighed.

"That-..." Kai began.

He was cut off by a familiar redhead who burst into the dojo.

"Yo, Ryuu said you guys were back here and-... Why is Kai cosplaying?"

Tyson wasn't surprised with this sudden appearance. He knew Tala well enough to not expect him to announce himself anymore. What did surprise him was the fact that the Russian was familiar with the concept of cosplaying. Who'd have thought.

"I am learning Kendo!" Kai beamed.

"You what now?" Tala said incredulously.

"I am learning Kendo," Kai repeated, still smiling happily.

Tala slowly turned to face Tyson.

"I leave you alone for a few days and this is what happens," he said, gesturing at Kai. "What the fuck, Granger?"

Tyson crossed his arms.

"Oh hey, don't blame me for this, he was already holding a sword when I came home."

"And you didn't tell him to put it down? Prime parenting!"

"I can hear you," Kai pointed out. "Loud and clear."

"Of course I did," Tyson said. "But he said it felt good and that he'd take it slow, so let him."

"Slowly drinking half a bottle of vodka feels good too, doesn't mean you should fucking let him right?"

"Still here," Kai said.

"That comparison is wrong on so many levels!" Tyson said.

"Okay, I'm going to take this to my room." Kai said and gathered the pieces of armor. "I am also taking the sword, just in case."

And he slipped out the door.

"Good job, you scared him off," Tala said and crossed his arms.

"Me? Be a bit more self-aware, will you?" Tyson huffed. "What are you doing here anyway, all by yourself?"

"Bryan wanted to go to this mixed martial arts event and Spencer went with him."

"Spencer went to see a mixed martial arts event?" Tyson said incredulously.

Tala smirked.

"He lost the rock-paper-scissors."

Tyson rolled his eyes.

"Let me guess, you chose fountain."

Tala's grin widened. Tyson took that as a yes. Cheap cheat.

"So how's our boy been doing?"

"We're not his parents, y'know?"

"What, you got a problem with gay parents?"

"Of course not, I-... Would you stop twisting everything I say?"

Tala grinned.

"Just messing with you, Tyson."

Indeed he was. That gay-thing again. Was Tala trying to tell him something?

Tyson shook his head. This had to wait. There was something else he'd wanted to ask Tala about, and now, with Kai gone, it was the perfect opportunity.

"Hey Tala?"

"Hn?"

"Do you... do you think they are two different persons, ...the old Kai and the new Kai?"

Tala hesitated. Then he shook his head.

"No."

"What makes you so sure?"

Tala took a moment to think about his answer - a trait Tyson really should try to adopt.

He finally said, "He didn't lose who he is, he simply can't access his personal memories. Kai has... many dark memories. They shaped him; made him hide his feelings and keep people at arms length for self-preservation. Without those memories, Kai doesn't feel like he has to protect himself. That's why he's acting differently. This is who Kai would have been, if it weren't for his grandfather."

Tala's words echoed inside Tyson's head: who he would have been. Who he would have been if it weren't for his grandfather.

What Tala had said was brutal. It also made perfect sense. It explained everything. Why Kai had become the way he was, and why he was acting like he was right now.

Tyson gritted his teeth. He knew Kai's childhood hadn't been all sunshine and rainbows, but he got a feeling it was much, much darker than he'd thought.

He didn't dare ask. Whatever Kai had gone through, Tala had as well. And Tyson didn't think this was the right moment to touch on a sore spot like that.

When he looked up he found blue eyes watching him closely. When a small, almost undetectable smile appeared on Tala's lips, Tyson knew his face must have been like an open book again. For Tala at least, who'd become so very good at reading him. The smile was Tala saying thank you; thank you for not asking.

The little smile then made way for a typical Tala-smirk.

"So, does this help your love-sick little heart, knowing there's only one Kai?"

L-l-l-love-sick?!

"I-... Wha-... That-... You know?!" Tyson finally managed to say.

Oh no, he hadn't admitted to being in love with Kai, had he? What if Tala had been taking a random guess? He'd just given himself away. Oh freaking fabulous!

Tala rolled his eyes.

"Anyone who doesn't is a complete idiot."

Oh okay, so Tala had known already. Not that this made things any better. Worse, really.

"I-... I-... I dunno what to say..." Tyson murmured and stared at his feet.

"That's alright. Just tell me one thing: what's you opinion on a threesome?"

"I-... what?!"

Tyson's head shot up. He stared at Tala with wide eyes, who looked back at him calm as could be.

"A threesome?! Why-... Wait, are you saying that you are ... You're in love with Kai?"

"Of course I love Kai!" Tala said earnestly.

Tyson's facial expressions derailed. This couldn't be happening. He'd been found out and had gotten himself a rival in less than three minutes. What could he have possibly done to deserve this much bad karma?

Then Tala burst into laughter. Tyson had no idea why. He did not think this was funny. At all. In fact, this was so much the opposite of funny that probably a funeral would have been more entertaining. Tala, on the other hand, seemed to find this hilarious. He was laughing and laughing until he had to lean against a wall for support. When he finally calmed down, he wiped tears of laughter from his eyes.

"I love him like a brother, Tyson!" Tala said.

"Brother?" Tyson echoed. "But I thought you were-..."

"I'm not."

"But what was with all the gay-comments?"

"I was just messing with you," Tala replied lightly.

Oh had he, now. Oh this-... this-...!

"You're such a..." he began.

His brain seemed to still process the news. It was unable to come up with a suitable insult for this blasted redhead.

"Go on, I can take it," Tala said and grinned.

Oh just you wait Tala, Tyson thought, I will wipe this smug expression off your face.

"You're such a... such a..." he tried again.

"That is truly pathetic, you know."

"Argh rats, I tried to come up with something extra mean and totally blanked. What a fail."

"Bryan could teach you a thing or two, or a hundred, really."

Tyson sighed.

"I'm not sure I could handle that," he said.

"...true."

Tyson aimed a punch at Tala's stomach, which Tala, as anticipated, avoided easily.

"Shut up," Tyson huffed. "Let's go find Kai and talk Christmas party."

"Oh no, what did you do this time?"

"Let's just find Kai, okay?"

Kai was easy to find. He was sitting in the lounge, going through a pile of books Tyson and Gramps had turned up. Admittedly, it was a pitiful attempt to keep Kai busy, as they didn't have much of a library. Tyson's grandfather had a thing for cheesy romance novels and Tyson himself didn't own a single book that didn't have pictures in it. Technically that meant Tyson didn't own a single book, only manga. It was a bit embarrassing, now that he thought about it.

"Yo."

Without looking up Kai replied, "Oh, did Dad and Daddy stop fighting?"

Feisty. Tala was right, there was just one Kai.

"Just for the record, you'd be Daddy," Tala said to Tyson.

Tyson glared at Tala. You red headed pest, Tyson thought and made sure his thoughts would be easy to read from his face. Tala's shrug told him he'd understood, but didn't give a damn. Well, whatever. Tyson rolled his eyes at him, then turned to Kai.

"Sorry about that, Kai," he said. "Um, about the Christmas party-..."

"Okay, what exactly are you up to Tyson?" Tala interrupted. And directed at Kai he added, "What the hell is he talking about?"

"I thought we could invite everyone for Christmas and Kai would have some people to talk to and-..."

"And stop right there!" Tala said and flicked his finger against Tyson's forehead.

Which hurt! A lot!

"Ouch! Hey! What was that for?"

Tyson rubbed his throbbing forehead. How could this hurt so much?

"Stupidity! So, so much of it!"

"What's wrong with a Christmas party?"

Tala flicked his finger against Tyson's forehead once more.

Ouch, dammit!

"Fucking everything. Way too many idiots who run their mouths off without thinking, all off them strangers to Kai, who are coming from all around the world and would have to stay here since hotels are likely to be booked out this time of year and would hence be fucking killing him because they'd stay for at least a week to make it worth the trip!"

"Oh," Tyson said. "I haden't thought of that."

"Of course you haven't."

Tyson glanced at Kai, who'd been silently watching the scene. He felt bad for putting this out there without having properly thought it through. Tala was right, this would have been too overwhelming for him. What had he been thinking?!

"What about the cook with the superior hearing?" Kai spoke up.

Tala shot him a glance that clearly asked what the hell he was talking about, but Tyson knew exactly what - or rather who!

"I'm sure Ray would love to come!" he said and smiled at Kai. "I'll ask him right away."

Tala shrugged.

"I guess cat-boy is fine," he said. "If you can reach him, that is. Doesn't he live in the wilderness? Are you gonna send smoke signals?"

Without another look at Tala he went into his room to give Ray a call. Because he did own a cellphone. A smartphone, even.

As Tyson had predicted, Ray was super excited to see Kai and promised to book a flight straight away. Tyson couldn't hide a smug grin when he told Tala, who genuinely seemed surprised that he'd actually reached Ray. Now who was the idiot.

The rest of the afternoon passed somewhat peaceful: they watched a movie, had dinner together with Gramps and then Tala returned home to check on his team and everyone else retired to their rooms.

A/N: I know some of you (and in all honesty, me too) have been wondering if this would be a love triangle. Believe me, I spent hours thinking this through. I even wrote a scene where Tala gets turned down by Kai... I wonder if I still have this somewhere... if yes, I'll post it along with my other "outtakes" on tumblr once this story is finished... Anyways, finally decided Kai is more a brother to Tala. At least in this story. I hope you can live with that ;)

Any thoughts on it? If yes, tell me, I'd love to hear.

Well, thanks for reading and have a good weekend everyone! Hope to see you soon. ~Bird