AN: My readers sorry for taking so long to write this i was trying to make it as perfect as i could.

Read and enjoy, don't forget to review!

Enjoy!

Arty x

How To Save A Life

Chapter four

Cowering falcon, fleeing tiger...

The room was silent.

Robert sighed as he looked over the teenagers, they sat in huddles around the family room, Mr. D had managed to get them it after using his influents along with Oliver and Enrique. The trip to the cafeteria was a flop, none of them felt like eating much, and hardly wanted to be ogled at my the other people in the cafeteria.

Still they bought enough snacks for them to survive for a while, and slowly headed back to where they left their coaches, their arms full of sandwiches, chocolate bars, a variety of different cans of drink and an assortment of muffins.

The adults were still talking quietly amongst themselves and Judy quickly showed them the room for the large group and left them to talk amongst themselves. Robert hung back long enough for him to give them the coffees he had bought.

That was half an hour ago and the teenagers were beginning to get restless. Max and Rei were trying and failing to calm Tyson down. The Japanese boy had been affected worse than most of the other bladers. Out of a small pile of snacks sat next to him he had only managed a packet of crisp and a muffin, before he suddenly pushed the rest of his pile away looking sick.

"I can't do this!" he yelled making several of the other bladers jump.

"Tyson calm down" Rei said gently, taking a sip of his coffee. He sighed inwardly as he

swallowed. After today he seriously needed the caffeine. Seeing Tala, Bryan and the other Demo' Boy's like that... and Kai breaking down like that… he knew he wasn't going to get much sleep tonight if any. And looking around at the faces of the others in the room he doubted if any of them would.

"But Rei, I can't stand it!" Tyson yelled angrily, pulling Rei from his thoughts.

"I can't just act like normal after what happened to those guys'! That—that Teme beat the crap out of them and Kai... Kai acted like it was a normal thing..." The others blinked, now they thought about it Kai was dealing with the situation pretty well… Until he heard about their condition… then he just… he just broke down...

"Kai was terrified when we went into the abbey... if this... if this happened to the demolition boy's when they lost a Beyblade match... what happened to Kai while he was at the abbey for two weeks!…he ran away from them, he ran away from Boris!"

The group fell into a horrified silence.

What did happen to Kai? What if Boris…

"Does that mean… does that mean Boris-teme hurt Kai as well…? Is that why he's so cold all the time? And the others? Is he the reason Kai has those nightmares you mentioned Rei?"

Tyson suddenly slumped in his chair all the anger disappearing. Leaving the others to think.

Rei stared at his coffee feeling guilt welling in him. He was supposed to be Kai's friend—Rei considered him his best friend even—yet he didn't think to ask about what happened at the abbey. Kai's nightmares seemed to get worse right after the abbey and even worse when Kai returned from it. He should have connected the dots, there were enough of them!

"Oh god..." he whispered, It hit him suddenly like a bucket of ice cold water, the blood drained from his face, drawing the attention of the rest of the gang.

"Rei what's wrong?" Max asked, looking slightly panicked at the paleness of his friend.

Rei pushed his half eaten sandwich away from him, looking kinda sick "Oh god…Kai I totally forgot... how could I forget that… poor Kai…" Rei muttered, gripping his coffee, with shaking hands.

"Rei! Just spit it out already man! What did you forget!" Johnny finally yelled annoyed, making the boy jerk from his thoughts.

"A few days after Kai got back from the abbey..." He trailed off, "What Rei? What happened?" inquired Robert, trying not to let his worry show on his face.

"I woke up in the middle of the night... I could hear Kai moving around… it was a nightmare, I was going to wake him up like I always do but..."

(FLASH BACK)

Two golden eyes flashed open, almost glowing in the darkness.

He stared blankly up at the ceiling of the hotel room, wondering why he was awake.

Then he heard it a scream.

He jolted up right, his eyes flying to the origin of the scream "Kai!" he half gasped half yelped. Kai seemed to be fighting someone in his dreams, while tears leaked down sweat covered cheeks. He whimpered slightly snapping Rei out of his shock. "Kai wake up!" he whispered loudly, as he jumped out of his bed and rushed towards the others bed.

He reached out to shake Kai's shoulder… when he heard it... quiet and terrified… a small voice… Kai's voice!

It was a strange mix of Russian and English, also a small amount of Japanese. He couldn't hear it to well at first, and then it became more of a cry...

"неt...I'll be good… please don't… onigai!" Rei swallowed, what was Kai dreaming about to actually make him beg? He bit his lip wondering whether to wake him, his hand hovered over his shoulder then withdrew, he would wait and see what these dreams were finally about. If it got to bad he would wake him, he promised himself.

"Let me out…stop it! I'm sorry!" Kai suddenly let out a sob and curled into a ball. His hands covering his ears, "простите мне! I'm sorry! I'M SORRY! I won't leave! I promise! Just let me out, please Boris! Let me out!"

Rei suddenly grabbed Kai's shoulder the hair on his arms and neck standing on end at the fear in his voice. He had nightmares before but this one seemed to be far worse than they usually were.

"Kai? KAI! Kai wake up! Please!"

Rei fell back as Kai shot up, a terrified scream tearing from his throat.

"нет!"

Rei stared up at Kai as he gazed fearfully at the wall breathing heavily, he was shaking violently tears still dripping from his eyes.

"Kai…"

The boy jerked, flinching horribly. Wide tear-filled crimson eyes looked down at Rei's equally wide golden ones. Rei was suddenly struck by how young the leader of the BladeBreakers seemed at that moment.

"…Rei...?" He asked confused.

Rei suddenly found himself able to move again. He was on his feet almost instantly, staring at Kai anxiously. "Kai, are you alright? What the hell were you dreaming about!" he asked, almost hysterically.

Kai flinched, and suddenly got out of bed and headed for the bathroom door.

"Kai!" Rei snapped racing after him, he was tired of hearing his friend trapped in hellish nightmares. "Kai Hiwatari! Tell me what you were dreaming about!" He snarled. Kai ignored him.

Just before Kai made it to the door, Rei reached out and almost angrily grabbed the boy's shoulder.

The result was instantaneous; Kai flinched violently, letting out a pained hiss. He slapped Rei's hand away and Rei suddenly found himself facing the bathroom door.

Rei stood there staring at the door in shock, listening to the sound of the shower starting.

"Fine." He growled his eyes turning to slits as he shook off his shock. He stalked back to his bed and climbed in, he was reaching for his cover—which had fallen to the floor—when he finally noticed it, something wet and dark sliding down his hand…

…Blood…

(FLASH BACK END.)

"… It was horrible... once I realized what it was... I could smell it everywhere… I had been smelling the coppery smell since Kai came back, I just didn't realize what it was with everything that had happened—that is happening—but as soon as I recognized the smell I must have passed out 'cause suddenly I was waking up, the weird thing was my hand had no blood on it anymore… Kai was asleep, but I noticed his hair was slightly wet…and I could still smell the blood..."

He swallowed nervously.

"I think, he thought, I would think it was a dream... and I would have but he couldn't get rid of the smell. I seriously don't know how I forgot something like that..."

"It's not your fault you forgot Rei. You had a lot on your mind." Judy said softly from behind him, causing them all to jump.

Rei looked up at her guiltily "But I should have done something…" he whispered setting the cup down gently on the small coffee table besides him "Maybe if I had none of this would have happened…"

"You couldn't have foreseen this Rei…no one could have." Judy said in a voice that clearly said 'don't blame yourself for this' Rei fell silent staring at the cup. His hands tightened on it for a split second before he stood up abruptly, heading towards the door "Where are you going Rei?" Robert called after him worriedly.

He stopped for a second and answered without turning round "I gotta do something, I'll be back later" Then he left.

Judy smiled softly before heading after him, quickly followed by Lee. Biting his lip, Max stood up as well, shooting a look at Tyson and the chief, who both stood up with a nod.

"We need to do something too"

"What? Why is everyone leaving!" Michael asked exasperated.

"We're going to see the demolition boys, you heard that nurse, when Kai left, she said Ian and Spencer could wake up any second…would you want to wake up alone?"

The table fell silent "Oh…okay we're coming too then" Oliver said quietly as she and Robert stood up along with a few other bladers.

Rei stood outside the door nervously, reaching into his pocket and touching the cold metal inside. He sighed and reached out for the door handle, hesitating as his hand rested on it.

"Best to just get it over with Rei"

Rei jumped and spun breathing heavily, Judy stood behind him smiling softly "Would you please stop doing that Mrs. Tate!" He yelped, gripping his chest "Sorry Rei, and call me Judy please" she said apologetically.

"How did you know?" He asked when his breathing returned to normal "I saw you pick it up when the paramedics took him away, that was nice of you" Judy replied kindly. Rei pulled Falborg from his pocket.

"I never told anyone…but when I was fighting Bryan I noticed something...Every time he attacked me, he would flinch like he had hit himself not me…and just before I passed out, I could have sworn he apologized"

"I did see him say something" Lee said, appearing from round the corner. Rei jumped again "What is it with you people and appearing out of nowhere! Are you trying to make me have a nervous breakdown or something!" He asked exasperated.

"Not my fault your hyped up on four cups of coffee" Lee muttered, causing Rei to huff in annoyance. He turned back to the door, and hesitated slightly before opening the door.

"Shit" Lee muttered from behind him.

The boy on the bed didn't seem like the one that had almost killed Rei. His arm was being held up by a pulley, along with both his legs. His face was so pale, though he was already pale but now his skin was paper white.

Rei approached cautiously, his hand tightening on Falborg as he reached Bryans bedside. He thought back to what the doctor had said earlier…

"Bryan is pretty bad… two broken ribs, his arm is broken in two places, his leg… his right leg is broken in four different places, while his lefts ankle is also broken. He will have to use wheelchair for a few months but should leave around same time as Spencer."

Judy had moved to the other side of his bed, studying the boy with a sad expression. She reached out and gently moved some of the light greyish purple hair away from his eyes. She was surprised when he seemed to lean into her hand.

Rei saw something flicker in the woman's eyes, as she let her hand rest on his face for a few more seconds.

"What's going to happen to them?"

Judy glanced up at Rei and noted the worried frown on his face "Are they going to have to go back to Boris? To the abbey?" he asked worriedly, glancing down at Falborg.

"Not if I can help it" she said her eyes hardening. Rei breathed a sigh of relief "Good"

Judy stayed for a few more minutes before leaving. Rei sighed again as Lee nodded to him and went to wait outside, saying he'll make sure he wasn't disturbed. Now he was alone with Bryan. He pulled over a chair and sat besides him.

"Um…hi Bryan, I know your probably out cold and that's totally understandable, but I'm gonna talk anyway, I found Falborg for you. Somehow I know he means a lot to you" he said softly, setting the blade on the pillow next to the boys head.

He jerked slightly in surprise as Bryan stirred slightly, frowning in his sleep. He let out a weak moan, before falling silent again. Rei sat completely still in his chair staring at Bryan with wide eyes.

"Um, Bryan, can you hear me?" He asked carefully. The boy remained still. Rei got up quietly and moved to the door, Lee was leaning against the wall outside "Lee, can you find Judy for me?" he asked "Yeah why?"

"He's moving around a lot… I think he's waking up…get Kai too"

Lee nodded once and shot off.

Rei turned back into the room and froze.

Bryan froze too.

It looked like he was trying to get up. He stared at Rei for a few seconds, before frantically trying to pull his arm out of its pulley. This snapped Rei from his shock and he bolted forward "Bryan, calm down!" He yelped, only to be forced to move back as Bryan swung blindly at him.

A pain filled gasp followed the swing, and Bryan hunched over holding his chest, Rei remember what the doctor had said once more "Bryan is pretty bad… two broken ribs..."

"Bryan you have to stop! You have two broken ribs! I don't think trying to knock my head off will help much!"

Bryan glared coldly at him and began pulling the wires out of his arms. Rei bit his lip worriedly, he couldn't stop him. He might cause more harm than good.

He was saved from making a decision by two male nurses entering. Rei found himself pushed back as the nurses moved to Bryan. Rei instantly knew they had made a mistake. Bryan's eyes widened as one of the nurses tried to push him gently back down.

Rei saw what was about to happen seconds before it did.

"Look out!"

Bryan let out an animal like roar and slammed his fist into the mans stomach "Stay away from me!" He screamed, the nurses were forced to back away as he managed to swing his IV's metal stand next to him and narrowly miss the head of the closest nurse.

Rei flinched as the stand clattered against the wall, if he didn't stop Bryan someone was going to get seriously hurt. He dashed forward, ducking a swing from the stand he managed to get close enough to grip the stand and twisting it managed to force Bryan to drop it.

"Bryan seriously you need to stop, your safe! Its me, Rei, you know? We fought in the tournament, remember?" He asked, catching the boys fist as he swung at him. A flash of recognition appeared in the boys eyes, so Rei continued to speak "Remember? You almost kicked my ass?"

Rei slowly let go of the boy's wrist the fight seeming to drain out of him "I remember…I didn't…where am i?" he asked nervously.

"Your in the hospital…Boris attacked you, remember? You're in pretty bad shape right now so you need to lay back." he said gently but firmly, he watched as countless emotions flashed through the boys eyes before settling on fear. He began trying to get up again, pulling at the wires connected to him and tugging at his casts.

Rei grabbed the boys hands this time "Bryan stop." The boy shook his head "No, I have to get back to Boris! I'll get in trouble! I can't get in trouble again! I have to go back and apologize for failing him!" Rei watched, concerned as the boy began to shake so violently his teeth started to chatter.

"Bryan…he can't hurt you anymore." he said calmly, over the boy who had begun to mutter under his breath. Unnaturally bright purple eyes met his "Yes he can. Yes he can, he can! He'll kill me or worse now!" The boy began to try to tug his hands free violently, Rei felt the nurses closing in behind him, and making a decision he let go of Bryans hands making him fall back into the pillows in surprise, and turned to the nurses planting himself firmly between the nurses and Bryan.

"Don't come any closer! Can't you see you're terrifying him! If you want to help get Judy Tate and tell her to bring Kai!" He snarled, and by the way they recoiled Rei guessed his eyes must have become slitted in anger.

They quickly left.

With a calming breath he turned back to Bryan, who was watching him confused "Bryan, I meant it when I said he cannot hurt you! He is in jail!"

His words did not have the effect he was hoping for.

Horror flashed across the boys face, and Bryan gripped his hair beginning to rock back and forth as the muttering became worse "No nonononononononono…he's going to hurt me so bad! I should have done what he said. I don't want them to get me again…please no…"

The boys mutterings turned into whines as rei stood rooted to the spot, watching as the boy rocked. Rei found tears beginning to slid down his face. He couldn't handle this…he just couldn't. He heard the door open and watched silently as Judy Tate rushed by with Kai.

"Bryan? Bryan can you hear me? I'm Judy Tate, the coach of the american team? I need you to calm down sweetie" Judy spoke calmly, but Rei's hearing could still pick up the slightest shake in her voice as she addressed the broken boy.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I'm sorry…Please don't hurt me!"

"STOP IT BRYAN! Boris is not here. I will not let him or any of them get you every again. I will not let them get you ever again. You're safe here okay, I will protect you" Kai spoke firmly in Russian, his burning red eyes staring into Bryans surprised purple ones.

"No one can protect us… we are the abandoned ones remember" Bryan suddenly said robotically "No one will come, because no one truly cares about us, we are forsaken" Kai looked as sick as Rei felt, Judy Tate unexpectedly broke in, in Russian "You are not forsakened and Boris will never get you back, he'll have to get past me, because I care!" she said sharply, causing both boys to stare at her.

"Now Bryan, will you please calm down and lay back so the nurses can do their job." She continued, pushing the boy back gently, Bryan let her, looking exhausted. Judy smiled gently at him "Thank you Bryan" Rei watched as the boy just stared at his hands. Judy started to signal to the nurses that they could enter when Kai broke in quietly.

"Mrs. Tate…Only let the female nurses deal with Bryan…Okay?"

Judy looked stricken for a second and unnoticed by both so did Rei.

The woman swallowed and nodded "Kai, watch Bryan while I go get them, okay?" She asked quietly, her voice shaking slightly. Kai nodded his eyes never leaving the hunched form of Bryan.

And as Rei watched them both, he felt a rising urge to run "I should go help" he said quietly, before heading quickly out after Judy. He kept going as he exited the room, he felt his pace quickening until he was running down the corridor.

He heard Judy call out to him, along with a nurse but ignored them. He didn't know how long he ran until he came across a restroom. He was thankful, when he found all cubicals empty and promptly emptied the contence of his stomach into the sink, gripping the edges so tight his knuckles went white. When he was done, he collapsed against the wall and slid to the ground in a heap, his shoulders shaking with barely muffled sobs.

Chapter End.

AN: once again sorry for such a long wait, review please and tell me what you think, remember they inspire me to write,

Thanks for reading,

Arty x