Yay! 100+ reviews! ^_^ Thank you so much to everyone that reviews, and to
take the time to read my story! It's much appreciated.
Sorry it took so long to update. I've been working on this one for a long time, so enjoy!
I don't own anything.
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Twisted Fate
Chapter 12: Feelings
(Kai's POV)
Sitting in the darkness, on my knees, teeth clenched in frustration. Trying so hard not to let the tears fall... the only ones I cared about in the whole world, and I had to decide. I couldn't possibly. Without one, the other was lost as well.
Without Dranzer, there would be no point to sticking with the Bladebreakers. They would drop me in a split second for someone else... anyone else. If I didn't beyblade, I don't see how anyone would want me around. Of course, even if I do they still don't want me around.
I would easily be replaced by someone trusting, supportive and considerate, someone like Rei. Kind, sweet and caring like Hilary. Helpful, sensitive and friendly like Kenny. Charismatic, outgoing, tolerant like Tyson or cheerful, happy and optimistic, like Max. Those qualities are missing in me. They wouldn't have a disturbing past, filled with danger, such as myself. I put them in danger when I'm with them.
That was part of the reason I refused to rejoin the Bladebreakers. I was putting them in danger, and thought if I kept my cold barrier they would leave me alone. Of course, I gave in, for my own selfish desires. If you got too close to me, you got hurt. I got hurt. The only way was to prevent it. It wasn't as bad as it sounds; I've dealt with it most of my life. Alone, solitary, lonely... the way it had to be.
Being the accepting friends they are, they convinced me to come back and I don't know what I would do without them. Bringing me to my second option.
Without the Bladebreakers, there would be no point to beyblading. Yes, it's true. Without Dranzer, there would be no point to beyblading either. I suppose I would go back to that prep school. I would rather be there than with Voltaire, mind you. Of course at school I wouldn't exactly be welcomed.
Of course that's understandable. The only supposed "friend" I had was Wyatt, and he was out of the picture. Back to school, they would hate me for what I did to Wyatt, and think it was my fault. It is.
My heart felt as if it was being torn in half. Grandfather was right; emotions were making me weak. Desperate, hopeless and sad, I would sacrifice myself for them. 'They will only lead to your downfall,' Voltaire's voice echoed in my head.
"I'm so sorry..." I whisper, eyes glistening. I stand alone in the darkness.
^^^^^
(Normal POV)
Kai's eyes snapped open as he immediately sat up. His heart was racing so fast he could feel the rush. Sweat was beaded on his forehead, and his breaths were shallow and scared. Tears still glistened in his eyes so full of emotion.
"Thank goodness you're okay," a voice penetrated his thoughts. He looked and saw Hilary holding his hand; he hadn't noticed. He then realised Rei, Tyson and Max were staring at him intently. He noticed tears stained their faces.
"What happened?" Rei asked gently.
"You were unconscious for a really long time!" Max exclaimed.
"We were scared," Hilary whispered.
"You okay?" Tyson asked. Kai stared each one of them in the eyes in turn, before turning distant and lost.
"I... I'll tell you what happened later," Kai managed to stammer between ragged breaths. He immediately checked that his Dranzer was safely in his pocket, and mentally sighed with slight relief.
"Yeah," Rei said, nodding. He knew Kai would tell them when he was ready. It had to be something bad to shake Kai up like that. "Come on, let's go look for a way out of this freak nightmare," he said, walking away, Tyson and Max following his lead.
Hilary released her grip from his hand, getting up to go but Kai grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Wait. What... happened?" Kai asked her. He wondered what they had seen.
"Well, you just sort of collapsed and lost consciousness. I think it was just as Voltaire was leaving. We couldn't wake you up!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered her fear. She couldn't bear to think of his face so deathly pale, and the lack of response from his always alert senses. Her grasp tightened on his hand.
Kai looked deep into her eyes. He could sense the true, honest concern for him. She really did care for him; he smiled inside. Maybe she... no, she liked Tyson. It was too obvious. Of course, he knew it all along. He nearly laughed and mentally slapped himself for thinking anything of the sort. He felt the heaviness of reality and sighed... as if anyone would like him.
"What happened to you?" Hilary questioned nervously. With one look in his hurt eyes, she immediately apologised. He obviously didn't want to tell her. "I'm sorry. But you will tell me when you're ready, right?"
He merely sighed, and began to walk away, with Hilary at his side. He was so relieved it had stopped, but how long until his nightmare became reality?
He walked away with his arms folded, eyes closed and shadowed by his hair, away from the cell his broken younger self was being held in. Empty grey eyes of a young, hopeless boy struggled open, just as his future left him.
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"So, Mr. D, anything?" Kenny panted after tearing through the building in search of him.
"I'm sorry, Kenny," the old man bowed his head. "We haven't been able to locate them or their bit-beasts."
"Oh," was all Kenny could say, miserably. "We haven't either."
"Come inside," Mr. Dickenson said, motioning inside the office again.
Kenny sighed exasperated, having to continue explaining their story. He stared at the man who was looking at him intently, for him to start talking. "So where was I? Okay, well after we were out of the snow..."
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'What am I doing? There's no use running from it. I'll have to tell them sooner or later,' Kai thought to himself, walking in silence through the dimly lit corridors of the abbey. 'You can tell us anything! That's what friends are for, right?' his friend's voice echoed in his mind.
"Listen to me Hilary." His voice broke the glum silence that Hilary wasn't used to, but Kai had adjusted to his entire life. "Believe me, you won't like what I have to say, but I need to tell you."
^^^^^
"So tell me again, Rei, why did we just leave without them?" Tyson asked, confused.
"Look, Tyson. I think Kai needs some alone time; he isn't ready to tell all of us what happened just yet," Rei responded.
"So... he's okay with Hilary, but not us?" Max asked, sounding a little dejected.
Rei smiled. "No, not at all, Max. It's just that I think he would be more apt to tell just one of us, as opposed to all of us. Anyways, Hilary seemed really upset."
"Oh, okay." Max's voice perked up again. Hilary had seemed completely distraught when they hadn't been able to wake Kai. Well, they all had, but Hilary had shown it the most.
Tyson raised his eyebrows at Rei's last comment, then started laughing.
"What's so funny, Ty?" Max asked his laughing friend.
"Hilary... get through to Kai? Ahahah..." Tyson continued to laugh, although it hurt inside just to think about it.
Max and Rei looked at their friend oddly until he stopped his fake laugh that had actually sounded quite real. "You don't think..."
"I didn't mean that, Tyson," Rei said; both he and Max knowing Tyson had a crush on Hilary that he refused to admit.
"Hahah, of course not. I was just kidding there!" Tyson said, putting his hand on the back of his neck.
Max and Rei rolled their eyes and smirked. "Whatever you say, buddy," Max laughed.
"No, really! I don't like Hilary!"
"Who said anything about you liking Hilary?" Rei smirked, faking innocence.
"But now we know..." Max grinned deviously.
"Hey! Yeah right," Tyson said, crossing his arms defensively and pouting like a toddler. "Give it up, will you? I don't-"
"We know," Rei interrupted, smiling. Tyson grumbled.
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"Basically, I was in darkness, and he gave me a choice. I either surrender Dranzer..." Hilary gasped as Kai spoke with anger in his calm voice. "Or I lose you, Rei, Max and Tyson... forever."
Hilary paled drastically, and felt nauseous. Tears started to spill from her eyes, and before she knew it she found herself crying into Kai's arms.
(Hilary's POV)
I felt like I was going to die. Maybe throw up, faint, then die. Yeah, that was the plan. Okay, before all that I would cry like a complete loser in front of Kai. I didn't want to, but found myself sobbing hysterically. Wait, there's no need to have die on my list. Kai would have me killed, along with the rest of them.
My panicked mind was going crazy. I think I was delirious, and I had no idea what was happening. I found myself sobbing into Kai's arms, not knowing how I got there. I don't know how long I cried, but it was a long time. My eyes stung, and I knew I had far overdone the limits of my tear ducts.
After choking back my stupid blubbering, I managed to say the stupidest thing ever. "So how long until you let us die?" I must have still been completely light-headed and deranged. How could I say something like that, I still don't know.
A look of horror spread on his face. The embrace broke apart, just as his soul appeared to. I saw it as if it were in slow motion: first shock, then a hurt look I hadn't seen before. I wish I hadn't, it tore me to pieces.
"How could you even think that?" he whispered hoarsely. His voice was agonised and had lost its cold, frosty tone. He sounded angry, but not with me, rather with himself. I would have preferred if he were angry with me.
"I would never let that happen! And... I can't believe you thought..." his voice cracked. "I'm sorry," he barely whispered. "I guess I'm just not good enough."
"No!" I shouted. "Oh, I'm so sorry. What was I thinking? Of course you wouldn't... but Dranzer!"
He gave me a look that was hard to determine his exact emotions. I could definitely sense pain, regret and remorse. "I won't let that happen," he said, determinedly.
My teary eyes looked up into his own. He was staring at me with his fixed, cool eyes. I let out a slight sigh of relief, as I realised he would keep true to his word. "Yeah," I smiled. I gave him a quick hug, then pulled away quickly as his gaze quickly broke and looked to the side.
I blushed as I realised what I had just done. Maybe I had embarrassed him, but that wasn't very likely. His composition remained completely cool, although maybe slightly uncomfortable, as he wasn't used to hugs. Maybe he turned away because he didn't like physical contact? No, he was fine with that...
The blush completely drained from my cheeks as I realised why he had looked away. He had sensed something, and that something was standing right before my eyes: Rei, Max and Tyson.
They were staring at me, wide-eyed with shock. Kai slipped away down the abbey corridor and turned a corner, disappearing out of our sight. He hadn't said anything, but we all knew he needed some time alone. We let him go; knowing it was the right thing to do.
"So what was that all about?" Max asked, as soon as Kai disappeared from sight.
"What?" I asked innocently, although I'm sure my reddening cheeks betrayed me. I desperately didn't want to tell them of my stupid, stupid mistake.
Rei looked at me with raised eyebrows. "There's something you aren't telling us, Hilary. What happened?"
I sighed. Those golden eyes could see right through you, down to your very thoughts and feelings.
"Yeah," Tyson joined in. "You wouldn't do that without a reason. A big one, I'll wager."
I took a deep breath, and got it over with as fast I could. "Kai told me that he was given a choice to sacrifice either his Dranzer or our lives and I asked when we would die because I thought he would choose Dranzer over us- "
"Breathe, Hilary." I obeyed Max.
"So he got upset and then said that he wouldn't let anything ever happen to us or Dranzer, so... yeah..." my voice trailed off, but they got the idea.
There was a long silence as they digested everything I had just said. It is pretty hard to swallow when someone tells you that you could die with a snap of his fingers. "...I see," Rei said after a while, shock still apparent in his face.
"That's... disturbing," Max said. Another pause followed.
"Well that was a pretty stupid thing to say," Tyson said bluntly. I couldn't help it; I broke into tears once again. Rei gave him a glare and a hard nudge.
"She knows that already," Max said, as I continued to bawl.
"So, that doesn't make it okay," he pointed out. I think I lost a few pounds in tears today.
"Okay, she made a mistake," Max sighed. "Even though damage was probably done; I mean I can't imagine how I would feel if you thought I would betray -"My sobs became even louder, and Max stopped in mid-sentence.
"Look, I'm sure Kai can handle it," Rei said above my weeping. "I mean, he probably just shrugged it off like it was nothing-"
"No..." I said through choked sobs. "He... he said..." I couldn't continue, and broke down. 'I guess I'm just not good enough,' his broken voice echoed in my mind. "He said that he wasn't good enough," I said through strangled sobs.
Through bleary, tear-filled eyes, I could see the shock once again on their faces. I covered my face with my hands, in an attempt to hide my face and stifle my cries.
"Way to go, Hilary," Tyson said, with malice. "How ever do you do it. It must be a super power or something; I mean you hurt Kai! How many people can do that? You should get an award: stupid airhead of the year." Silence filled the area for too long, and my tears turned to rage. I could feel it burning within me; I'd had enough.
"What is your problem?" My voice seethed with anger. "Can't you let it go?! I know I completely screwed up, no need to rub it in my face! You have all made mistakes, and ESPECIALLY YOU!" I screamed at Tyson. "You've hurt me too many times to count, and I overlook it! So why can't you just this one time? Answer me! Why can't you?"
Their faces looked stunned once again. I wasn't done yet; oh no. "I'm sorry! Can't you get that through your thick skulls? Why is it that Kai can forgive me, but you won't? I don't need to take this. In fact, I refuse to be constantly treated like a total loser that can't do anything right. No matter how much I do, I can't get any respect! I might as well be dead!" I cry, shrieking as loud as I can to prove my point.
Deathly silence fills the air. "I... I'm sorry-"Tyson started, but I interrupt.
"Sorry just isn't good enough, Tyson," I say coldly, before running away as fast as my legs will take me.
^^^^^
(Kai's POV)
I wandered through the stone passages, searching for a way out. No matter how much I hated it, the sooner I found an exit the sooner I could leave my past behind. It was completely silent, just as I remembered it to be when I was still a prisoner in the place I suppose was my home.
Stifled sobs were heard in the distance, and I immediately was drawn towards them. I soon found none other than Hilary, crying against a stone wall. "What are you doing?" I asked rather harshly. She should NOT be alone.
"What does it look like?" her anger surprised me slightly. "I was enjoying my privacy until you came along." I could detect a trace of sorrow in her bitter words.
"You didn't appear to be enjoying yourself," I remarked. She looked up at me with a glare, obviously irritated at my last comment.
"Just leave me alone," she said, turning her back to me. She wasn't one to say that.
"I will, once you tell me what happened," I persisted. She sniffled, and started talking, all the while avoiding eye contact.
"I... we had an argument, okay? They continuously put me down, until I'd had enough and ran away." She shot me an icy glare, which didn't match her soft, ruby eyes.
"Did you do anything to deserve it?" I said calmly. I'm sure my cool attitude was disturbing her.
"...Yes," she said meekly. "But that doesn't mean they had to insult me!"
"Was it intentional?" I felt like some kind of psychologist. It's amusing, proving people wrong. I watched as Hilary's face struggled to find a way to contradict me.
"Well, I guess it wasn't completely... but Tyson's was downright mean!" She defended the remainder of her argument; I had destroyed most of it.
"And do you think Tyson really meant it," I said, rather than asked.
She sighed, defeated. "Probably not. You're right; I'll go back."
"I never suggested anything," I pointed out. I had done that intentionally. I always make sure they choose their own path. If you have control of anything in this world, it's your own decisions. "You found that within yourself, because you never really did ditch them."
She blinked a couple times, taking in what I had said. I can always tell when the light turns on, and they understand. Usually, a smile follows. This time was no exception, and a sweet little smile appeared on her delicate face.
"Thanks, Kai," she uttered softly. Her tone was completely different from just moments ago. You have to admit; friends are easy to convince.
We walked down the hideous stone halls, iron-barred cells completing the torture chamber. Well, at least they didn't completely sugarcoat the truth. Other than the name "Balkov Abbey", of course, the place pretty much reflected what went on inside, even if to a greatly diluted degree.
"I hope she comes back soon," I heard a faint voice in the distance.
"Yeah, but I doubt she'll forgive us for a while," a second said.
"Come on, guys. We've been talking about this for like, ever!" That was definitely Tyson's loud voice.
"Because it's so obvious that we hurt her! I feel badly, although she MUST know it wasn't intentional." I could distinguish Rei's voice, as our paths were coming closer to crossing.
"Yeah. I would never say something upsetting deliberately," Max's innocent voice rang out.
"Of course not; she knows I wouldn't either," Rei answered. I bet they both turned to stare at Tyson. I was right.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I don't TRY to make her feel low, it just, sorta, happens... I tried to apologise, honest. She didn't take it, though."
"We know, Ty," Max sighed.
"I feel pretty lousy," Tyson groaned. "Man, I'm so sorry..."
"Apology accepted," Hilary declared. The three swung around to see our faces.
"Hilary! Kai!" They shouted, and started running towards us.
"Yeah, I'm sorry too," Hilary said, throwing her arms around Tyson. "So I hope you'll accept my apology. I should've known better."
"Forget about it," Rei smiled.
"So what made you, you know, come to your senses?" Tyson questioned, a little muffled by Hilary's tight clutches.
"I guess, with some help, I realised you guys are my true friends," she smiled. Her eyes sparkled in Tyson's arms with life. Her empty, sad face became pretty once again. I hoped it would stay that way.
As we were united once again, we were transported out of the horrid abbey that haunted me. This time, I knew it was no dream.
^^^^^
(Normal POV)
The Bladebreakers were out of the dark tunnel and into the blinding array of artificial lights. They landed with a sickening "thud", unconscious on the clean floor tiles.
Anyone who had seen them would have been terrified by their sudden appearance, as they seemed to come from nowhere. But nobody seemed to notice the five teens that fell, and didn't catch themselves.
They all seemed to rouse at the same time, and as they opened their eyes they saw a gigantic screen in front of them. Waking to deranged laughter was highly unpleasant, as they found out.
Groans were emitted, and the laughter grew. "Good morning, Bladebreakers," a cool voice taunted. "Enjoy your break while you can."
"Wha?" Tyson mumbled, clutching his head. "Next time, can you at least give us some padding so we don't get concussions?"
"Oh, but that takes away from my fun," the mocking voice laughed, getting growls.
"What now," a weary Max complained.
"Look, you're merely getting a vacation, a break, whatever. Don't make me change my mind," he said viciously. Getting suspicious glares from the teens, he continued. "I decided to let you have some time to think over your decision, Kai."
Kai gave a deathly glare, with his fists clenched tightly. The scientist went on. "I'm sure you've told your – friends – about it. If you don't decide within a week, I'll just have to take both. Deal?" He laughed cruelly, and then the screen went blank.
"Okay... so we're on vacation!" Tyson smiled. "Let's forget about that stupid decision for now, and enjoy ourselves!"
"Yeah. You know, for once Tyson's right," Max laughed. 'It could be the last week of our lives,' he thought grimly to himself, although he didn't dare say it aloud.
"So, do we have rooms or something?" Hilary wondered. Kai reached into his pocket and pulled out five keys. "Oh?" Hilary looked around suspiciously.
"Dude, that's so cool!" Tyson grinned. Kai tossed him one of the hotel keys, and they walked to where their rooms were located. Tyson hurriedly opened the hotel door to the room he and Max would share which was between two other rooms for Hilary, and Rei and Kai. Stepping inside, they were astounded.
"Wow, this looks like something Mr. Dickenson would provide for us," Rei commented.
"Yeah, you're right! Just like that boat! Maybe he-"Max was cut off.
"But that scientist dude sent us here," Tyson puzzled.
"Maybe this was set up by Mr. Dickenson before the scientist took over," Kai mused.
"Hey, that's probably it," Hilary smiled. "So I doubt there's gonna be any unpleasant surprises." The others nodded, delighted.
"Rei, you should get your arm looked at," Kai stated.
"Oh, yeah. That didn't occur to me," he smiled, and walked away towards the lobby.
"LET'S EAT!!!" Tyson shouted, and the others fell over.
"Sorry, I didn't quite hear you," Max muttered sarcastically, covering his ears.
"I SAID-"
"We know!" Hilary interrupted quickly.
"So let's go!" Tyson started running towards the restaurant, followed by the others. They were starving.
^^^^^
"Oh, if it had only worked out the way it was planned, they'd be enjoying themselves at a luxurious resort..." Mr. Dickenson sighed to himself. "Let's keep trying to locate them, Kenny."
"Of course, sir," Kenny continued to type into his beloved laptop. "We've been trying since dawn without success," he said miserably. Kenny's stomach growled, reminding both him and Mr. Dickenson that they hadn't eaten since breakfast.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I completely forgot about lunch!" the old man left and came back in minutes later with a tray full of food for both him and the boy.
"I do hope they're getting enough to eat," Mr. Dickenson said to himself.
^^^^^
"Yum! Man, this meal is killer!" Tyson grinned, holding up his gigantic plate of a triple burger, extra large fry and giant chocolate milkshake.
"No doubt, Tyson, it WILL kill you. It'll clog your arteries and you'll get a heart attack," Hilary smirked. "But this restaurant is so cool," she smiled. She hadn't eaten at a proper restaurant in so long. "They've got food from all over the world!" She took another bite of her Mexican taco and savoured the spicy flavour.
"So do they really eat like this all the time in America, Maxie?" Tyson wondered in amazement.
"Eheh... you really like it? I think it's kind of greasy," Max laughed. "But yeah, I guess they do," he smiled, remembering all the restaurants he went to with his mom last summer.
"Tyson!" Hilary laughed, as Tyson swiped some of Max's Chinese food. Max was in a daydream state, and only noticed his food was decreasing when Tyson had shovelled a mound of rice onto his plate, along with a pile of noodles and a few egg rolls.
"Hahah you snooze you lose!" Tyson laughed, and began devouring Max's food.
"Hey! No fair... oh well, I'll just take some of Rei's!" Max grabbed a French pastry from Rei, who had just come back with a fresh bandage on his arm, over the stitches that ran all the way down.
"Hey, take my pastry will you? Well I'll just have to take Tyson's milkshake!" Rei laughed. Tyson immediately tried to guard his own milkshake, but couldn't find it. Tyson sulked as he realised Rei had already taken it, and was drinking from it.
The three burst out into laughter. Hilary slapped her forehead; but was laughing as well. Kai got up to go back to his and Rei's room to take a shower, leaving his half eaten pasta.
"Hey, do you wanna go use the pool?" Rei suddenly asked.
"Yeah, okay," the others agreed.
"How about you, Kai?" Rei invited.
"I guess... so long as you can swim on your own," Kai smirked. He felt obliged to go; he didn't want to worry his friends. Plus, it would be relaxing, and he needed to take his mind off things.
"Meet you there at 7:00, okay?" Rei asked everyone, and they nodded acknowledging his suggestion before leaving.
^^^^^
Kai walked back to the room, and slipped into the shower. He relished the feeling of hot water hitting his skin. He hadn't had a shower in the longest time. He savoured the feeling of cleanliness.
Feeling refreshed, he walked out of the bathroom and headed to the closet, and pulled out a simple pair of black swim trunks. 'Mr. Dickenson must have planned this,' Kai thought to himself; everything was carefully planned to their taste and style, to the very last detail.
The stay at the hotel was thoroughly refreshing. It suddenly struck him that that was exactly what the ex-scientist wanted them to feel, so they would want more than ever to go back home. It would make any deal he offered all the more tempting.
"It doesn't matter. I will never give in," Kai said aloud.
^^^^^
Rei wandered around the hotel. Kai was in their room, and he was sure Kai wanted some privacy. After exploring and going in circles, nearly half an hour later, Rei came to a sudden realisation, stopping dead in his tracks.
"This hotel doesn't have an entrance, or exit! That means... we're trapped!" A startled Rei wandered about aimlessly; searching for evidence that he was wrong although he knew it was true.
^^^^^
Max pulled on his cerulean blue swim trunks. They exactly matched the deep blue of his eyes, making them appear even brighter than usual. Max looked exceptionally cute right now. "Not bad," he laughed aloud, looking into the full-length mirror.
He grabbed a towel, and headed out the door to the pool, Draciel at his side. He felt happier than he had in so long. They didn't need to worry about anything, he thought.
He suddenly realised he was running, and nobody had said anything. 'That's strange...' he mused. 'Cool! I wonder...'
"Excuse me," he started talking to a lady at a counter. "I was wondering... where exactly are we?" The lady just stared blankly at him. "Uh, bye then," he just walked away. 'Man, that was weird.'
^^^^^
"Hi, can I use your phone?" Hilary politely asked a man working at a desk.
"No," was the blunt reply she really wasn't expecting.
"Huh?" She was surprised. "Well why not?" The man just grunted, making her feel even more awkward, as she was already in a red two-piece swimsuit.
"Uh... okay, then," she said, leaving. "Rude much?" she muttered under her breath.
"Hi, can I use your phone?" she asked another person, getting the same response. She asked a number of employees, getting the same reply every time. She was getting strange looks as they passed this frantic girl flailing her arms in frustration, dressed in only a red swimsuit.
^^^^^
Tyson had been watching TV for a while. He loved being able to kick back and relax. He was already in his navy swim trunks, ready to spend some relaxing time in the pool. It surprised him, how they all wanted to go swimming, even after the dangerous encounters with water. Heck, he even surprised himself; he really was looking forward to a nice swim in the pool.
He flipped through the channels, looking for something good. He kept going until – "Grandpa!" Tyson stared intently at the screen in front of him.
"- Yeah, they've been missin' for two weeks now," Grandpa nodded grimly. Tyson noticed he was so serious and solemn. He hadn't noticed how much he missed his grandfather, until now. He stared helplessly at the screen before him, his face almost as grave as his grandpa's.
"So you say he was on his way to a beyblade tournament," the reporter asked, or rather stated.
"Yeah, that's what they said to me, but I was told otherwise. Stanley Dickenson informed me that they were actually off on a vacation. They were gonna have the time of their lives, while working on their beyblading skills: they're world champions, ya know."
"Yes. The kidnapped teens were part of the Bladebreakers, the world champions in the sport of beyblading. Tyson,"
Tyson watched as his own picture flashed on the screen, as his name was called. It was actually a good picture of him, taken after he had won the second world championships.
"Max," Max was flashing his trademark grin in the picture, winking. His hand formed a peace sign. He looked so happy in the picture.
"Rei," A smiling Rei stepped up to the bey-dish. Tyson's mouth twitched upward as he saw in the background an unusually large amount of girls in the crowd there to see Rei. He laughed aloud; he didn't have any fan girls. He had Zeo.
"Kai," Kai was actually smiling very slightly. 'Wow, Kai's not frowning, glaring or scowling." Tyson mused.
"Hilary," Hilary's school picture popped up. Tyson was so glad they hadn't shown his school picture; he hated fake smiles. Hilary had an empty smile, Tyson noticed. She was so much prettier with a real one, and she actually hadn't shown Tyson a real smile until she started hanging out with them. Maybe that's when he had actually started to think differently about her.
"And Kenny," the reporter finished. Kenny's less-than-flattering picture appeared on the screen. Tyson knew Kenny often felt overshadowed by his friends. 'After all, how couldn't he while hanging out with us?' he joked, although he knew it was true.
"Kenny was returned safely days ago," the reporter said in their monotonous voice. Tyson grinned and gave a huge sigh of relief. "He had no information as to where they were being held hostage, except that they were completely isolated, and living under atrocious conditions." 'Oh, that's a lot of help,' Tyson scoffed.
"These popular young teens have fans from around the world, waiting anxiously for their return.' This completely surprised Tyson. The camera showed enormous crowds, all of who were worried about them.
"Here are the Saint Shields, some friends of the Bladebreakers," the screen showed the four teens standing outside. It was absolutely gorgeous weather where they were. Tyson absentmindedly got up to check the weather where he was.
"What?!" Tyson stood dumbfounded. The TV continued to blare in the background; the familiar voices of the Saint Shields filling the room.
"If the sacred bit-beasts fall into the wrong hands, they could destroy everything," Ozuma's piercing green eyes flashed on the screen.
"So you four are friends of the Bladebreakers?" The reporter questioned.
"Yeah," Mariam smiled sadly. "Don't you worry, Maxie. We'll hunt those losers down and-"
"Destroy them," Joseph finished with a glint in his eyes.
"There's no way we're letting our mission just fall apart like this," Ozuma scowled.
Click. Tyson shut off the TV with a sigh. "This is so weird!" Tyson said aloud. "So why didn't I realise there weren't any windows before...?" He stared at the ceiling with blinding fluorescent lights. The artificial light completely filled the rooms, so it seemed completely natural.
"Whoa... Well it's time to go to the pool," he spoke to himself. He grabbed his towel and Dragoon, and headed out the door of the windowless room.
Tyson walked to the indoor pool, noting that it was indoors. The whole way he found no windows, or glimpse at the outside world. 'Ironic, really. The TV is our window to the outside world.'
"Hey! There's nobody here!" Tyson exclaimed.
"Hey, watch who you call nobody!" Rei laughed, approaching his friend. Rei was wearing deep red swim trunks. "But, I know what you mean. It's really gorgeous for an indoor pool, isn't it," he commented.
"Yeah..." Tyson looked at the artificial light that, if he hadn't known, would have mistook for sunlight. There were lots of trees and a waterfall, and a ton of plants.
"You know these can't be real, right," Tyson stated.
"Huh?" The fakes sure were good, they fooled Rei who was incredibly perceptive.
"Plants need sunlight to grow. They get food from natural sunlight; not artificial lights," he said, pointing to the source of the light. "There's no windows."
"Hey, you're right! I didn't catch that," Rei said, still wondering how he hadn't noticed the lack of windows.
"Good job, Tyson. I see you were actually paying attention in class," Hilary's voice came.
"Heheheh," Tyson grinned, putting his hand on the back of his head, blushing. It may have been the sudden appearance of Hilary in a two-piece swimsuit.
Max and Kai appeared, and they were set to swim. They got in the water and let the soothing water calm them.
"This is too weird," Max's voice echoed. "This place is gigantic, and it's only us!"
"Yeah," Rei agreed. "Did you guys notice there are no doors?"
"Yeah, sort of," Tyson agreed. Max and Hilary nodded. "There aren't any windows either."
"The phones are out of use," Hilary added. "There aren't any in the rooms, and the people at the desk wouldn't let me use one!"
"Yeah," Max concurred. "I asked a lady where we were, and she just-"
"Stared at you?" Hilary finished.
"Yeah! That happen to you too?" Max asked. Hilary nodded.
"Hey, Kai. Did you notice anything weird?" Rei asked. Kai didn't reply, causing everyone to stare at him. Usually he noticed everything slightly suspicious, but he hadn't even noticed the lack of windows and doors.
"That's... weird," Tyson said before submerging.
"Got something on your mind, Kai? Maybe a girl?" Hilary teased.
"Yeah, actually," Kai spoke, causing the others to choke. Tyson came back up and started coughing. "A girl and three other guys whose fate lies entirely in my hands." The others stared at him, the heaviness of his decision upon them once again.
"Uh, right... sorry," Rei mumbled.
'I can feel something else is going to happen if I don't give in soon,' he thought to himself.
"So... splash fight!" Tyson said, sending a huge wave towards Max.
Spluttering, Max sent back a series of splashes, and pretty soon they were all absorbed in a water war; all except for one distant boy.
Kai emerged from the water, and went back to his room. The others didn't even notice he was gone, and he was glad. He dressed in his regular attire, and sat down in his bed.
Grey eyes stared deep into his Dranzer bit; he might never see her again. He fell into a realm of memories, of Dranzer and himself. Dranzer had always been there for him, even when he hadn't returned the favour. There was no way Dranzer would slip through his fingers... again.
^^^^^
"So I'll see you guys at breakfast!" Rei called to the others, going into his room. They had just spent a great 3 hours at the pool. Artificial or not, it was amazing. They had only realised Kai had left maybe 2 hours ago.
'Where'd Kai go?' Hilary had questioned; a slight disappointed look on her face. They had all known Kai had gone back to his room.
'What, miss the opportunity to see him in swim trunks?' Max had joked as he saw her fallen face. Rei sighed; that would be driving Tyson absolutely insane.
'No!' Hilary defended, although blushed furiously. 'Just that he has so much to worry about; it's not fair.'
'Yeah,' Tyson's glower had faded.
Rei walked into the hotel room to see Kai asleep; clutching his Dranzer blade. His face looked grim even in sleep. Rei turned out the artificial lights and felt the overwhelming darkness; there were no windows to soften the black. He climbed into his own comfortable bed, and lay awake.
Rei knew how Tyson felt, although it was pretty obvious to him that Hilary liked Tyson back; he had nothing to worry about.
Rei had thought he liked Salima. That is, he did but he realised that there wasn't a chance. Salima liked Kane, and it was so obvious. She had left without even saying goodbye.
Rei liked Mariah, but they both knew it would never be the same. It crushed him, but he knew it was true. He also knew Mariah desperately wanted their close friendship to be something more, but Rei accepted the fact that it wouldn't work out.
Rei sighed. The only way a relationship with Mariah was possible would be if he were to actually join the White Tigers. So, there wasn't a chance. 'Sorry, Mariah,' he mentally said. It was just a crush, he reminded himself; after all he was only 14. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, waiting for tomorrow to come.
^^^^^
Kai woke up, and glanced wearily at the clock. He dragged himself out of bed, and turned on the blinding lights. After a few seconds he adjusted to the brightness and checked Dranzer, to make sure she was still there.
He hadn't had a good sleep at all. Nightmares of his past haunted him the whole night. All to make him give in, he supposed, but it wouldn't work. He supposed it could be from lack of sleep, but he really wasn't feeling well at all...
^^^^^
END OF CHAPTER. Please review! Thanks!
~ Penguin Pop ^_^
Sorry it took so long to update. I've been working on this one for a long time, so enjoy!
I don't own anything.
^^^^^
Twisted Fate
Chapter 12: Feelings
(Kai's POV)
Sitting in the darkness, on my knees, teeth clenched in frustration. Trying so hard not to let the tears fall... the only ones I cared about in the whole world, and I had to decide. I couldn't possibly. Without one, the other was lost as well.
Without Dranzer, there would be no point to sticking with the Bladebreakers. They would drop me in a split second for someone else... anyone else. If I didn't beyblade, I don't see how anyone would want me around. Of course, even if I do they still don't want me around.
I would easily be replaced by someone trusting, supportive and considerate, someone like Rei. Kind, sweet and caring like Hilary. Helpful, sensitive and friendly like Kenny. Charismatic, outgoing, tolerant like Tyson or cheerful, happy and optimistic, like Max. Those qualities are missing in me. They wouldn't have a disturbing past, filled with danger, such as myself. I put them in danger when I'm with them.
That was part of the reason I refused to rejoin the Bladebreakers. I was putting them in danger, and thought if I kept my cold barrier they would leave me alone. Of course, I gave in, for my own selfish desires. If you got too close to me, you got hurt. I got hurt. The only way was to prevent it. It wasn't as bad as it sounds; I've dealt with it most of my life. Alone, solitary, lonely... the way it had to be.
Being the accepting friends they are, they convinced me to come back and I don't know what I would do without them. Bringing me to my second option.
Without the Bladebreakers, there would be no point to beyblading. Yes, it's true. Without Dranzer, there would be no point to beyblading either. I suppose I would go back to that prep school. I would rather be there than with Voltaire, mind you. Of course at school I wouldn't exactly be welcomed.
Of course that's understandable. The only supposed "friend" I had was Wyatt, and he was out of the picture. Back to school, they would hate me for what I did to Wyatt, and think it was my fault. It is.
My heart felt as if it was being torn in half. Grandfather was right; emotions were making me weak. Desperate, hopeless and sad, I would sacrifice myself for them. 'They will only lead to your downfall,' Voltaire's voice echoed in my head.
"I'm so sorry..." I whisper, eyes glistening. I stand alone in the darkness.
^^^^^
(Normal POV)
Kai's eyes snapped open as he immediately sat up. His heart was racing so fast he could feel the rush. Sweat was beaded on his forehead, and his breaths were shallow and scared. Tears still glistened in his eyes so full of emotion.
"Thank goodness you're okay," a voice penetrated his thoughts. He looked and saw Hilary holding his hand; he hadn't noticed. He then realised Rei, Tyson and Max were staring at him intently. He noticed tears stained their faces.
"What happened?" Rei asked gently.
"You were unconscious for a really long time!" Max exclaimed.
"We were scared," Hilary whispered.
"You okay?" Tyson asked. Kai stared each one of them in the eyes in turn, before turning distant and lost.
"I... I'll tell you what happened later," Kai managed to stammer between ragged breaths. He immediately checked that his Dranzer was safely in his pocket, and mentally sighed with slight relief.
"Yeah," Rei said, nodding. He knew Kai would tell them when he was ready. It had to be something bad to shake Kai up like that. "Come on, let's go look for a way out of this freak nightmare," he said, walking away, Tyson and Max following his lead.
Hilary released her grip from his hand, getting up to go but Kai grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Wait. What... happened?" Kai asked her. He wondered what they had seen.
"Well, you just sort of collapsed and lost consciousness. I think it was just as Voltaire was leaving. We couldn't wake you up!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered her fear. She couldn't bear to think of his face so deathly pale, and the lack of response from his always alert senses. Her grasp tightened on his hand.
Kai looked deep into her eyes. He could sense the true, honest concern for him. She really did care for him; he smiled inside. Maybe she... no, she liked Tyson. It was too obvious. Of course, he knew it all along. He nearly laughed and mentally slapped himself for thinking anything of the sort. He felt the heaviness of reality and sighed... as if anyone would like him.
"What happened to you?" Hilary questioned nervously. With one look in his hurt eyes, she immediately apologised. He obviously didn't want to tell her. "I'm sorry. But you will tell me when you're ready, right?"
He merely sighed, and began to walk away, with Hilary at his side. He was so relieved it had stopped, but how long until his nightmare became reality?
He walked away with his arms folded, eyes closed and shadowed by his hair, away from the cell his broken younger self was being held in. Empty grey eyes of a young, hopeless boy struggled open, just as his future left him.
^^^^^
"So, Mr. D, anything?" Kenny panted after tearing through the building in search of him.
"I'm sorry, Kenny," the old man bowed his head. "We haven't been able to locate them or their bit-beasts."
"Oh," was all Kenny could say, miserably. "We haven't either."
"Come inside," Mr. Dickenson said, motioning inside the office again.
Kenny sighed exasperated, having to continue explaining their story. He stared at the man who was looking at him intently, for him to start talking. "So where was I? Okay, well after we were out of the snow..."
^^^^^
'What am I doing? There's no use running from it. I'll have to tell them sooner or later,' Kai thought to himself, walking in silence through the dimly lit corridors of the abbey. 'You can tell us anything! That's what friends are for, right?' his friend's voice echoed in his mind.
"Listen to me Hilary." His voice broke the glum silence that Hilary wasn't used to, but Kai had adjusted to his entire life. "Believe me, you won't like what I have to say, but I need to tell you."
^^^^^
"So tell me again, Rei, why did we just leave without them?" Tyson asked, confused.
"Look, Tyson. I think Kai needs some alone time; he isn't ready to tell all of us what happened just yet," Rei responded.
"So... he's okay with Hilary, but not us?" Max asked, sounding a little dejected.
Rei smiled. "No, not at all, Max. It's just that I think he would be more apt to tell just one of us, as opposed to all of us. Anyways, Hilary seemed really upset."
"Oh, okay." Max's voice perked up again. Hilary had seemed completely distraught when they hadn't been able to wake Kai. Well, they all had, but Hilary had shown it the most.
Tyson raised his eyebrows at Rei's last comment, then started laughing.
"What's so funny, Ty?" Max asked his laughing friend.
"Hilary... get through to Kai? Ahahah..." Tyson continued to laugh, although it hurt inside just to think about it.
Max and Rei looked at their friend oddly until he stopped his fake laugh that had actually sounded quite real. "You don't think..."
"I didn't mean that, Tyson," Rei said; both he and Max knowing Tyson had a crush on Hilary that he refused to admit.
"Hahah, of course not. I was just kidding there!" Tyson said, putting his hand on the back of his neck.
Max and Rei rolled their eyes and smirked. "Whatever you say, buddy," Max laughed.
"No, really! I don't like Hilary!"
"Who said anything about you liking Hilary?" Rei smirked, faking innocence.
"But now we know..." Max grinned deviously.
"Hey! Yeah right," Tyson said, crossing his arms defensively and pouting like a toddler. "Give it up, will you? I don't-"
"We know," Rei interrupted, smiling. Tyson grumbled.
^^^^^
"Basically, I was in darkness, and he gave me a choice. I either surrender Dranzer..." Hilary gasped as Kai spoke with anger in his calm voice. "Or I lose you, Rei, Max and Tyson... forever."
Hilary paled drastically, and felt nauseous. Tears started to spill from her eyes, and before she knew it she found herself crying into Kai's arms.
(Hilary's POV)
I felt like I was going to die. Maybe throw up, faint, then die. Yeah, that was the plan. Okay, before all that I would cry like a complete loser in front of Kai. I didn't want to, but found myself sobbing hysterically. Wait, there's no need to have die on my list. Kai would have me killed, along with the rest of them.
My panicked mind was going crazy. I think I was delirious, and I had no idea what was happening. I found myself sobbing into Kai's arms, not knowing how I got there. I don't know how long I cried, but it was a long time. My eyes stung, and I knew I had far overdone the limits of my tear ducts.
After choking back my stupid blubbering, I managed to say the stupidest thing ever. "So how long until you let us die?" I must have still been completely light-headed and deranged. How could I say something like that, I still don't know.
A look of horror spread on his face. The embrace broke apart, just as his soul appeared to. I saw it as if it were in slow motion: first shock, then a hurt look I hadn't seen before. I wish I hadn't, it tore me to pieces.
"How could you even think that?" he whispered hoarsely. His voice was agonised and had lost its cold, frosty tone. He sounded angry, but not with me, rather with himself. I would have preferred if he were angry with me.
"I would never let that happen! And... I can't believe you thought..." his voice cracked. "I'm sorry," he barely whispered. "I guess I'm just not good enough."
"No!" I shouted. "Oh, I'm so sorry. What was I thinking? Of course you wouldn't... but Dranzer!"
He gave me a look that was hard to determine his exact emotions. I could definitely sense pain, regret and remorse. "I won't let that happen," he said, determinedly.
My teary eyes looked up into his own. He was staring at me with his fixed, cool eyes. I let out a slight sigh of relief, as I realised he would keep true to his word. "Yeah," I smiled. I gave him a quick hug, then pulled away quickly as his gaze quickly broke and looked to the side.
I blushed as I realised what I had just done. Maybe I had embarrassed him, but that wasn't very likely. His composition remained completely cool, although maybe slightly uncomfortable, as he wasn't used to hugs. Maybe he turned away because he didn't like physical contact? No, he was fine with that...
The blush completely drained from my cheeks as I realised why he had looked away. He had sensed something, and that something was standing right before my eyes: Rei, Max and Tyson.
They were staring at me, wide-eyed with shock. Kai slipped away down the abbey corridor and turned a corner, disappearing out of our sight. He hadn't said anything, but we all knew he needed some time alone. We let him go; knowing it was the right thing to do.
"So what was that all about?" Max asked, as soon as Kai disappeared from sight.
"What?" I asked innocently, although I'm sure my reddening cheeks betrayed me. I desperately didn't want to tell them of my stupid, stupid mistake.
Rei looked at me with raised eyebrows. "There's something you aren't telling us, Hilary. What happened?"
I sighed. Those golden eyes could see right through you, down to your very thoughts and feelings.
"Yeah," Tyson joined in. "You wouldn't do that without a reason. A big one, I'll wager."
I took a deep breath, and got it over with as fast I could. "Kai told me that he was given a choice to sacrifice either his Dranzer or our lives and I asked when we would die because I thought he would choose Dranzer over us- "
"Breathe, Hilary." I obeyed Max.
"So he got upset and then said that he wouldn't let anything ever happen to us or Dranzer, so... yeah..." my voice trailed off, but they got the idea.
There was a long silence as they digested everything I had just said. It is pretty hard to swallow when someone tells you that you could die with a snap of his fingers. "...I see," Rei said after a while, shock still apparent in his face.
"That's... disturbing," Max said. Another pause followed.
"Well that was a pretty stupid thing to say," Tyson said bluntly. I couldn't help it; I broke into tears once again. Rei gave him a glare and a hard nudge.
"She knows that already," Max said, as I continued to bawl.
"So, that doesn't make it okay," he pointed out. I think I lost a few pounds in tears today.
"Okay, she made a mistake," Max sighed. "Even though damage was probably done; I mean I can't imagine how I would feel if you thought I would betray -"My sobs became even louder, and Max stopped in mid-sentence.
"Look, I'm sure Kai can handle it," Rei said above my weeping. "I mean, he probably just shrugged it off like it was nothing-"
"No..." I said through choked sobs. "He... he said..." I couldn't continue, and broke down. 'I guess I'm just not good enough,' his broken voice echoed in my mind. "He said that he wasn't good enough," I said through strangled sobs.
Through bleary, tear-filled eyes, I could see the shock once again on their faces. I covered my face with my hands, in an attempt to hide my face and stifle my cries.
"Way to go, Hilary," Tyson said, with malice. "How ever do you do it. It must be a super power or something; I mean you hurt Kai! How many people can do that? You should get an award: stupid airhead of the year." Silence filled the area for too long, and my tears turned to rage. I could feel it burning within me; I'd had enough.
"What is your problem?" My voice seethed with anger. "Can't you let it go?! I know I completely screwed up, no need to rub it in my face! You have all made mistakes, and ESPECIALLY YOU!" I screamed at Tyson. "You've hurt me too many times to count, and I overlook it! So why can't you just this one time? Answer me! Why can't you?"
Their faces looked stunned once again. I wasn't done yet; oh no. "I'm sorry! Can't you get that through your thick skulls? Why is it that Kai can forgive me, but you won't? I don't need to take this. In fact, I refuse to be constantly treated like a total loser that can't do anything right. No matter how much I do, I can't get any respect! I might as well be dead!" I cry, shrieking as loud as I can to prove my point.
Deathly silence fills the air. "I... I'm sorry-"Tyson started, but I interrupt.
"Sorry just isn't good enough, Tyson," I say coldly, before running away as fast as my legs will take me.
^^^^^
(Kai's POV)
I wandered through the stone passages, searching for a way out. No matter how much I hated it, the sooner I found an exit the sooner I could leave my past behind. It was completely silent, just as I remembered it to be when I was still a prisoner in the place I suppose was my home.
Stifled sobs were heard in the distance, and I immediately was drawn towards them. I soon found none other than Hilary, crying against a stone wall. "What are you doing?" I asked rather harshly. She should NOT be alone.
"What does it look like?" her anger surprised me slightly. "I was enjoying my privacy until you came along." I could detect a trace of sorrow in her bitter words.
"You didn't appear to be enjoying yourself," I remarked. She looked up at me with a glare, obviously irritated at my last comment.
"Just leave me alone," she said, turning her back to me. She wasn't one to say that.
"I will, once you tell me what happened," I persisted. She sniffled, and started talking, all the while avoiding eye contact.
"I... we had an argument, okay? They continuously put me down, until I'd had enough and ran away." She shot me an icy glare, which didn't match her soft, ruby eyes.
"Did you do anything to deserve it?" I said calmly. I'm sure my cool attitude was disturbing her.
"...Yes," she said meekly. "But that doesn't mean they had to insult me!"
"Was it intentional?" I felt like some kind of psychologist. It's amusing, proving people wrong. I watched as Hilary's face struggled to find a way to contradict me.
"Well, I guess it wasn't completely... but Tyson's was downright mean!" She defended the remainder of her argument; I had destroyed most of it.
"And do you think Tyson really meant it," I said, rather than asked.
She sighed, defeated. "Probably not. You're right; I'll go back."
"I never suggested anything," I pointed out. I had done that intentionally. I always make sure they choose their own path. If you have control of anything in this world, it's your own decisions. "You found that within yourself, because you never really did ditch them."
She blinked a couple times, taking in what I had said. I can always tell when the light turns on, and they understand. Usually, a smile follows. This time was no exception, and a sweet little smile appeared on her delicate face.
"Thanks, Kai," she uttered softly. Her tone was completely different from just moments ago. You have to admit; friends are easy to convince.
We walked down the hideous stone halls, iron-barred cells completing the torture chamber. Well, at least they didn't completely sugarcoat the truth. Other than the name "Balkov Abbey", of course, the place pretty much reflected what went on inside, even if to a greatly diluted degree.
"I hope she comes back soon," I heard a faint voice in the distance.
"Yeah, but I doubt she'll forgive us for a while," a second said.
"Come on, guys. We've been talking about this for like, ever!" That was definitely Tyson's loud voice.
"Because it's so obvious that we hurt her! I feel badly, although she MUST know it wasn't intentional." I could distinguish Rei's voice, as our paths were coming closer to crossing.
"Yeah. I would never say something upsetting deliberately," Max's innocent voice rang out.
"Of course not; she knows I wouldn't either," Rei answered. I bet they both turned to stare at Tyson. I was right.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I don't TRY to make her feel low, it just, sorta, happens... I tried to apologise, honest. She didn't take it, though."
"We know, Ty," Max sighed.
"I feel pretty lousy," Tyson groaned. "Man, I'm so sorry..."
"Apology accepted," Hilary declared. The three swung around to see our faces.
"Hilary! Kai!" They shouted, and started running towards us.
"Yeah, I'm sorry too," Hilary said, throwing her arms around Tyson. "So I hope you'll accept my apology. I should've known better."
"Forget about it," Rei smiled.
"So what made you, you know, come to your senses?" Tyson questioned, a little muffled by Hilary's tight clutches.
"I guess, with some help, I realised you guys are my true friends," she smiled. Her eyes sparkled in Tyson's arms with life. Her empty, sad face became pretty once again. I hoped it would stay that way.
As we were united once again, we were transported out of the horrid abbey that haunted me. This time, I knew it was no dream.
^^^^^
(Normal POV)
The Bladebreakers were out of the dark tunnel and into the blinding array of artificial lights. They landed with a sickening "thud", unconscious on the clean floor tiles.
Anyone who had seen them would have been terrified by their sudden appearance, as they seemed to come from nowhere. But nobody seemed to notice the five teens that fell, and didn't catch themselves.
They all seemed to rouse at the same time, and as they opened their eyes they saw a gigantic screen in front of them. Waking to deranged laughter was highly unpleasant, as they found out.
Groans were emitted, and the laughter grew. "Good morning, Bladebreakers," a cool voice taunted. "Enjoy your break while you can."
"Wha?" Tyson mumbled, clutching his head. "Next time, can you at least give us some padding so we don't get concussions?"
"Oh, but that takes away from my fun," the mocking voice laughed, getting growls.
"What now," a weary Max complained.
"Look, you're merely getting a vacation, a break, whatever. Don't make me change my mind," he said viciously. Getting suspicious glares from the teens, he continued. "I decided to let you have some time to think over your decision, Kai."
Kai gave a deathly glare, with his fists clenched tightly. The scientist went on. "I'm sure you've told your – friends – about it. If you don't decide within a week, I'll just have to take both. Deal?" He laughed cruelly, and then the screen went blank.
"Okay... so we're on vacation!" Tyson smiled. "Let's forget about that stupid decision for now, and enjoy ourselves!"
"Yeah. You know, for once Tyson's right," Max laughed. 'It could be the last week of our lives,' he thought grimly to himself, although he didn't dare say it aloud.
"So, do we have rooms or something?" Hilary wondered. Kai reached into his pocket and pulled out five keys. "Oh?" Hilary looked around suspiciously.
"Dude, that's so cool!" Tyson grinned. Kai tossed him one of the hotel keys, and they walked to where their rooms were located. Tyson hurriedly opened the hotel door to the room he and Max would share which was between two other rooms for Hilary, and Rei and Kai. Stepping inside, they were astounded.
"Wow, this looks like something Mr. Dickenson would provide for us," Rei commented.
"Yeah, you're right! Just like that boat! Maybe he-"Max was cut off.
"But that scientist dude sent us here," Tyson puzzled.
"Maybe this was set up by Mr. Dickenson before the scientist took over," Kai mused.
"Hey, that's probably it," Hilary smiled. "So I doubt there's gonna be any unpleasant surprises." The others nodded, delighted.
"Rei, you should get your arm looked at," Kai stated.
"Oh, yeah. That didn't occur to me," he smiled, and walked away towards the lobby.
"LET'S EAT!!!" Tyson shouted, and the others fell over.
"Sorry, I didn't quite hear you," Max muttered sarcastically, covering his ears.
"I SAID-"
"We know!" Hilary interrupted quickly.
"So let's go!" Tyson started running towards the restaurant, followed by the others. They were starving.
^^^^^
"Oh, if it had only worked out the way it was planned, they'd be enjoying themselves at a luxurious resort..." Mr. Dickenson sighed to himself. "Let's keep trying to locate them, Kenny."
"Of course, sir," Kenny continued to type into his beloved laptop. "We've been trying since dawn without success," he said miserably. Kenny's stomach growled, reminding both him and Mr. Dickenson that they hadn't eaten since breakfast.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I completely forgot about lunch!" the old man left and came back in minutes later with a tray full of food for both him and the boy.
"I do hope they're getting enough to eat," Mr. Dickenson said to himself.
^^^^^
"Yum! Man, this meal is killer!" Tyson grinned, holding up his gigantic plate of a triple burger, extra large fry and giant chocolate milkshake.
"No doubt, Tyson, it WILL kill you. It'll clog your arteries and you'll get a heart attack," Hilary smirked. "But this restaurant is so cool," she smiled. She hadn't eaten at a proper restaurant in so long. "They've got food from all over the world!" She took another bite of her Mexican taco and savoured the spicy flavour.
"So do they really eat like this all the time in America, Maxie?" Tyson wondered in amazement.
"Eheh... you really like it? I think it's kind of greasy," Max laughed. "But yeah, I guess they do," he smiled, remembering all the restaurants he went to with his mom last summer.
"Tyson!" Hilary laughed, as Tyson swiped some of Max's Chinese food. Max was in a daydream state, and only noticed his food was decreasing when Tyson had shovelled a mound of rice onto his plate, along with a pile of noodles and a few egg rolls.
"Hahah you snooze you lose!" Tyson laughed, and began devouring Max's food.
"Hey! No fair... oh well, I'll just take some of Rei's!" Max grabbed a French pastry from Rei, who had just come back with a fresh bandage on his arm, over the stitches that ran all the way down.
"Hey, take my pastry will you? Well I'll just have to take Tyson's milkshake!" Rei laughed. Tyson immediately tried to guard his own milkshake, but couldn't find it. Tyson sulked as he realised Rei had already taken it, and was drinking from it.
The three burst out into laughter. Hilary slapped her forehead; but was laughing as well. Kai got up to go back to his and Rei's room to take a shower, leaving his half eaten pasta.
"Hey, do you wanna go use the pool?" Rei suddenly asked.
"Yeah, okay," the others agreed.
"How about you, Kai?" Rei invited.
"I guess... so long as you can swim on your own," Kai smirked. He felt obliged to go; he didn't want to worry his friends. Plus, it would be relaxing, and he needed to take his mind off things.
"Meet you there at 7:00, okay?" Rei asked everyone, and they nodded acknowledging his suggestion before leaving.
^^^^^
Kai walked back to the room, and slipped into the shower. He relished the feeling of hot water hitting his skin. He hadn't had a shower in the longest time. He savoured the feeling of cleanliness.
Feeling refreshed, he walked out of the bathroom and headed to the closet, and pulled out a simple pair of black swim trunks. 'Mr. Dickenson must have planned this,' Kai thought to himself; everything was carefully planned to their taste and style, to the very last detail.
The stay at the hotel was thoroughly refreshing. It suddenly struck him that that was exactly what the ex-scientist wanted them to feel, so they would want more than ever to go back home. It would make any deal he offered all the more tempting.
"It doesn't matter. I will never give in," Kai said aloud.
^^^^^
Rei wandered around the hotel. Kai was in their room, and he was sure Kai wanted some privacy. After exploring and going in circles, nearly half an hour later, Rei came to a sudden realisation, stopping dead in his tracks.
"This hotel doesn't have an entrance, or exit! That means... we're trapped!" A startled Rei wandered about aimlessly; searching for evidence that he was wrong although he knew it was true.
^^^^^
Max pulled on his cerulean blue swim trunks. They exactly matched the deep blue of his eyes, making them appear even brighter than usual. Max looked exceptionally cute right now. "Not bad," he laughed aloud, looking into the full-length mirror.
He grabbed a towel, and headed out the door to the pool, Draciel at his side. He felt happier than he had in so long. They didn't need to worry about anything, he thought.
He suddenly realised he was running, and nobody had said anything. 'That's strange...' he mused. 'Cool! I wonder...'
"Excuse me," he started talking to a lady at a counter. "I was wondering... where exactly are we?" The lady just stared blankly at him. "Uh, bye then," he just walked away. 'Man, that was weird.'
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"Hi, can I use your phone?" Hilary politely asked a man working at a desk.
"No," was the blunt reply she really wasn't expecting.
"Huh?" She was surprised. "Well why not?" The man just grunted, making her feel even more awkward, as she was already in a red two-piece swimsuit.
"Uh... okay, then," she said, leaving. "Rude much?" she muttered under her breath.
"Hi, can I use your phone?" she asked another person, getting the same response. She asked a number of employees, getting the same reply every time. She was getting strange looks as they passed this frantic girl flailing her arms in frustration, dressed in only a red swimsuit.
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Tyson had been watching TV for a while. He loved being able to kick back and relax. He was already in his navy swim trunks, ready to spend some relaxing time in the pool. It surprised him, how they all wanted to go swimming, even after the dangerous encounters with water. Heck, he even surprised himself; he really was looking forward to a nice swim in the pool.
He flipped through the channels, looking for something good. He kept going until – "Grandpa!" Tyson stared intently at the screen in front of him.
"- Yeah, they've been missin' for two weeks now," Grandpa nodded grimly. Tyson noticed he was so serious and solemn. He hadn't noticed how much he missed his grandfather, until now. He stared helplessly at the screen before him, his face almost as grave as his grandpa's.
"So you say he was on his way to a beyblade tournament," the reporter asked, or rather stated.
"Yeah, that's what they said to me, but I was told otherwise. Stanley Dickenson informed me that they were actually off on a vacation. They were gonna have the time of their lives, while working on their beyblading skills: they're world champions, ya know."
"Yes. The kidnapped teens were part of the Bladebreakers, the world champions in the sport of beyblading. Tyson,"
Tyson watched as his own picture flashed on the screen, as his name was called. It was actually a good picture of him, taken after he had won the second world championships.
"Max," Max was flashing his trademark grin in the picture, winking. His hand formed a peace sign. He looked so happy in the picture.
"Rei," A smiling Rei stepped up to the bey-dish. Tyson's mouth twitched upward as he saw in the background an unusually large amount of girls in the crowd there to see Rei. He laughed aloud; he didn't have any fan girls. He had Zeo.
"Kai," Kai was actually smiling very slightly. 'Wow, Kai's not frowning, glaring or scowling." Tyson mused.
"Hilary," Hilary's school picture popped up. Tyson was so glad they hadn't shown his school picture; he hated fake smiles. Hilary had an empty smile, Tyson noticed. She was so much prettier with a real one, and she actually hadn't shown Tyson a real smile until she started hanging out with them. Maybe that's when he had actually started to think differently about her.
"And Kenny," the reporter finished. Kenny's less-than-flattering picture appeared on the screen. Tyson knew Kenny often felt overshadowed by his friends. 'After all, how couldn't he while hanging out with us?' he joked, although he knew it was true.
"Kenny was returned safely days ago," the reporter said in their monotonous voice. Tyson grinned and gave a huge sigh of relief. "He had no information as to where they were being held hostage, except that they were completely isolated, and living under atrocious conditions." 'Oh, that's a lot of help,' Tyson scoffed.
"These popular young teens have fans from around the world, waiting anxiously for their return.' This completely surprised Tyson. The camera showed enormous crowds, all of who were worried about them.
"Here are the Saint Shields, some friends of the Bladebreakers," the screen showed the four teens standing outside. It was absolutely gorgeous weather where they were. Tyson absentmindedly got up to check the weather where he was.
"What?!" Tyson stood dumbfounded. The TV continued to blare in the background; the familiar voices of the Saint Shields filling the room.
"If the sacred bit-beasts fall into the wrong hands, they could destroy everything," Ozuma's piercing green eyes flashed on the screen.
"So you four are friends of the Bladebreakers?" The reporter questioned.
"Yeah," Mariam smiled sadly. "Don't you worry, Maxie. We'll hunt those losers down and-"
"Destroy them," Joseph finished with a glint in his eyes.
"There's no way we're letting our mission just fall apart like this," Ozuma scowled.
Click. Tyson shut off the TV with a sigh. "This is so weird!" Tyson said aloud. "So why didn't I realise there weren't any windows before...?" He stared at the ceiling with blinding fluorescent lights. The artificial light completely filled the rooms, so it seemed completely natural.
"Whoa... Well it's time to go to the pool," he spoke to himself. He grabbed his towel and Dragoon, and headed out the door of the windowless room.
Tyson walked to the indoor pool, noting that it was indoors. The whole way he found no windows, or glimpse at the outside world. 'Ironic, really. The TV is our window to the outside world.'
"Hey! There's nobody here!" Tyson exclaimed.
"Hey, watch who you call nobody!" Rei laughed, approaching his friend. Rei was wearing deep red swim trunks. "But, I know what you mean. It's really gorgeous for an indoor pool, isn't it," he commented.
"Yeah..." Tyson looked at the artificial light that, if he hadn't known, would have mistook for sunlight. There were lots of trees and a waterfall, and a ton of plants.
"You know these can't be real, right," Tyson stated.
"Huh?" The fakes sure were good, they fooled Rei who was incredibly perceptive.
"Plants need sunlight to grow. They get food from natural sunlight; not artificial lights," he said, pointing to the source of the light. "There's no windows."
"Hey, you're right! I didn't catch that," Rei said, still wondering how he hadn't noticed the lack of windows.
"Good job, Tyson. I see you were actually paying attention in class," Hilary's voice came.
"Heheheh," Tyson grinned, putting his hand on the back of his head, blushing. It may have been the sudden appearance of Hilary in a two-piece swimsuit.
Max and Kai appeared, and they were set to swim. They got in the water and let the soothing water calm them.
"This is too weird," Max's voice echoed. "This place is gigantic, and it's only us!"
"Yeah," Rei agreed. "Did you guys notice there are no doors?"
"Yeah, sort of," Tyson agreed. Max and Hilary nodded. "There aren't any windows either."
"The phones are out of use," Hilary added. "There aren't any in the rooms, and the people at the desk wouldn't let me use one!"
"Yeah," Max concurred. "I asked a lady where we were, and she just-"
"Stared at you?" Hilary finished.
"Yeah! That happen to you too?" Max asked. Hilary nodded.
"Hey, Kai. Did you notice anything weird?" Rei asked. Kai didn't reply, causing everyone to stare at him. Usually he noticed everything slightly suspicious, but he hadn't even noticed the lack of windows and doors.
"That's... weird," Tyson said before submerging.
"Got something on your mind, Kai? Maybe a girl?" Hilary teased.
"Yeah, actually," Kai spoke, causing the others to choke. Tyson came back up and started coughing. "A girl and three other guys whose fate lies entirely in my hands." The others stared at him, the heaviness of his decision upon them once again.
"Uh, right... sorry," Rei mumbled.
'I can feel something else is going to happen if I don't give in soon,' he thought to himself.
"So... splash fight!" Tyson said, sending a huge wave towards Max.
Spluttering, Max sent back a series of splashes, and pretty soon they were all absorbed in a water war; all except for one distant boy.
Kai emerged from the water, and went back to his room. The others didn't even notice he was gone, and he was glad. He dressed in his regular attire, and sat down in his bed.
Grey eyes stared deep into his Dranzer bit; he might never see her again. He fell into a realm of memories, of Dranzer and himself. Dranzer had always been there for him, even when he hadn't returned the favour. There was no way Dranzer would slip through his fingers... again.
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"So I'll see you guys at breakfast!" Rei called to the others, going into his room. They had just spent a great 3 hours at the pool. Artificial or not, it was amazing. They had only realised Kai had left maybe 2 hours ago.
'Where'd Kai go?' Hilary had questioned; a slight disappointed look on her face. They had all known Kai had gone back to his room.
'What, miss the opportunity to see him in swim trunks?' Max had joked as he saw her fallen face. Rei sighed; that would be driving Tyson absolutely insane.
'No!' Hilary defended, although blushed furiously. 'Just that he has so much to worry about; it's not fair.'
'Yeah,' Tyson's glower had faded.
Rei walked into the hotel room to see Kai asleep; clutching his Dranzer blade. His face looked grim even in sleep. Rei turned out the artificial lights and felt the overwhelming darkness; there were no windows to soften the black. He climbed into his own comfortable bed, and lay awake.
Rei knew how Tyson felt, although it was pretty obvious to him that Hilary liked Tyson back; he had nothing to worry about.
Rei had thought he liked Salima. That is, he did but he realised that there wasn't a chance. Salima liked Kane, and it was so obvious. She had left without even saying goodbye.
Rei liked Mariah, but they both knew it would never be the same. It crushed him, but he knew it was true. He also knew Mariah desperately wanted their close friendship to be something more, but Rei accepted the fact that it wouldn't work out.
Rei sighed. The only way a relationship with Mariah was possible would be if he were to actually join the White Tigers. So, there wasn't a chance. 'Sorry, Mariah,' he mentally said. It was just a crush, he reminded himself; after all he was only 14. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, waiting for tomorrow to come.
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Kai woke up, and glanced wearily at the clock. He dragged himself out of bed, and turned on the blinding lights. After a few seconds he adjusted to the brightness and checked Dranzer, to make sure she was still there.
He hadn't had a good sleep at all. Nightmares of his past haunted him the whole night. All to make him give in, he supposed, but it wouldn't work. He supposed it could be from lack of sleep, but he really wasn't feeling well at all...
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END OF CHAPTER. Please review! Thanks!
~ Penguin Pop ^_^