Chapter 5

"KAAIII!"

Time stood still for Tyson. His captain and friend towered above him through the torrential storm. Slate grey hair plastered wet to his face, eyes hidden, mouth slightly open as though he was about to scream. Tyson flinched away, eyes screwed up, face hugging the soaking floor boards. Tensing up as though it was he about to be hit, the world champion clawed at the splintering wood; the ship jerked suddenly underneath him. A sickening crunch was heard as the metal of the pole jarred horribly against flesh and bone. "No…" he let a sob escape his lips, still staring at the dripping wooden planks that made the floor of the boat, unable to look round. Unable to face what was behind him. "Kai…" Tyson balled his hands into fists "how could I be so stupid!" Minutes passed, Tyson didn't move. The worst of the rain passed. Thunder ceased to paw the air. Shuddering suddenly, pale as though awaking from the dead, Tyson forced himself onto his feet.

Hauling himself up as though one second lasted forever, the 3rd time worldchampion blader turned slowly, taking a deep breath, and stared horrified at the scene before him. It was worse than anything he could have imagined. Deep crimson splashes stained the wooden floor, shimmering in the rain, now beginning to ease off. The white side of the boat was alive with veins of red being hastily washed away by the drops of water and Kai…Kai was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly a figure appeared in the doorway of the cabin. Tyson didn't even blink. Water dripped slowly off his midnight blue hair as he stood in the watery sunlight now filtering through the porridge grey clouds. The boat was moving away from the storm at a fast pace through the now mild drizzle, caught in a strong wind, the rudder had been tangled in ropes, keeping to boat in the same direction. "Tyson?" He didn't move. The figure strode forwards "Helloo? Anybody home?" A hand waved infront of his face. Tousled, warm blond hair gently tickled his face as the figure leaned in closer. "Boo!" Max yelled in his ear erupting into a fit of giggles "and I'm fine, thanks for asking by the way" he said sarcastically. Tyson turned slowly to face him, eyes hollow, and body numb. The American picked up on the mood instantly.

"So what's bothering you?" he grinned. Tyson just stared at him, rouge drops of water still sliding down his face from the storm. Max could have almost sworn they looked like tears. But Tyson barely ever cried…not unless something was really wrong. Sobering slightly Max's voice now held an alert edge of concern. "What's wrong…Tyson?" Watching his blue haired friend's features carefully the blond asked. Tyson's eyes flicked towards him, almost as though he didn't even recognise him. Max came closer "what's up? You can tell me anything…you know that" Max whispered, his warm breath tickled Tyson's ear, his body radiating heat. "Kai…" Tyson's voice shook uncontrollably. "Yes?" max looked straight into those normally sparkling brown eyes, his own pools holding ripples of inquisition. 'Something is definitely wrong, very very wrong...' Max's musings were cut short as Tyson muttered something under his breath. The blond leaned closer "What? Didn't quite catch that Ty." Those chocolate orbs fixed themselves on him again. "He's gone…"

"What? Who's gone?" Max was on full alert, afraid he already knew the answer.

Such a change came over Tyson, Max leapt away as he yelled suddenly "KAI! KAI'S GONE!" He fixed the startled blond with eyes now bright with hopeless tears "Max…Kai fell into the sea…"

"What!" A loud voice shouted behind them. Ray had just come out of the cabin. "Where? When! We need to find him!" Firing up in an instantaneous rage of worry the Neko-jin strode forward, golden eyes glittering in anger, jet hair lashing around him in the chilled wind. "Tyson! Tell me what happened!"

"I… I th… the storm…" He couldn't breath, his chest constricted, throat refusing to swallow. Max intervened. "We need to go back!" Rays eyes flashed to him "and I suppose you know how to sail?"

"Yeah… actually I do"

All eyes were on Max, the furious Ray seeming incapable of speech. Tyson gazed at the blond, through his tears, as though he was sent from the heavens. A small voice spoke, from the door way of the cabin. "Why didn't you tell us this before?" Hilary stepped cautiously forwards. Ray glared at Max, obviously thinking the same thing. Max smiled uncertainly"…well you never asked…" A stunned silence settled for a moment.

"Max…"Ray glanced at him, face taunt, mouth in a thin line of worry, golden eyes now shining with a determined light "turn this boat around."

Right… now the bladebreakers can actually sail how will they find Kai? Is he even alive ? ooo find out in the next chappie…or the one after that…dunno…depends what mood I'm in… I hope none of the characters seemed too OOC (out of character) Ray was only angry cos he was worried by the way…I guess he must feel partly responsible cos he seems like one of the more mature members of the team…just my interpretation..

O and thanks 2 all who reviewed! And to all the people who will review…because you all love to review my fics don't you? And next tiem I look I expect 2 see 1000's of reviews! Mwahahah!

…ok no really…just say anything u wanna…don't really mind ;p