Thanks for reviewing!
Haha, had some of you scared there! Okay, I admit it. I'm evil!! Talk about cutting it close. But really, I couldn't let them die just yet.
Okay Mariah haters: I know, I left the wrong impression there. But, see in one of my earlier chapters I said how Rei and Mariah knew they couldn't have a relationship. So, my point is they are good friends. There's nothing wrong with friends, right? Here Mariah still likes Rei (who wouldn't?), and just maybe he still has feelings for her but he told her it wouldn't happen, got it? I have to include Mariah for this to work. Okay?
Mariah fans (if there IS any!!): Personally, I have nothing against Mariah. So why isn't she with Rei even though it was so obvious in the first series? My excuse is the second series. Was it not obvious Rei had a crush on Salima? Anyhow, high school relationships don't last, let alone not even in high school yet! (In this fic, it's summer and he's going into grade 9). Well, dare to prove me wrong.
This is a Bladebreakers centred fic. Even though others make an appearance and such, it will remain that way. The other parts with other people sort of seem more... dull, and harder to write.
Okay, just clarifying that was not just Rei's imagination. That was Dr D's doing, but it was real. So, he saw reality in his dreams, to put it simply.
PAIRINGS: There are hints of both Kai/Hil and Ty/Hil, which you've most definitely picked up on and if you haven't you're dense -_-". I won't be TELLING you, but I will tell you that: Hilary thinks Kai is cute when he smiles. Tyson and Hilary refuse to admit they like each other, but it's quite obvious they do. And Kai has found the feeling of being cared for from Hilary. That's all I'm saying!
Kai-lovr: I think it's so cute when Kai sleeps too! ^_^ He does sleep lots!
Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade. Darn it all.
Warning: Rei torture ahead!! This is a pretty angst-y chapter. You have been warned... one chappy chock-full of Rei torturing goodness ^_~
^^^^^
Twisted Fate
Chapter 16: For You
Her golden eyes had lost all signs of life and passion, emotions leaking from them in the form of tears. Her normally bright, shiny hair was messy and dishevelled, but she didn't seem to care. She was bleeding, as was her soul...
Fresh self-inflicted wounds showed on her arms. They were bleeding mercilessly, crying tears of blood. But these wounds hurt Rei more than they hurt Mariah herself. And then she whispered in a lost, distant voice... "I loved you, Rei, more than life itself. And now that you're gone... I'm gone too." She slashed her wrists with the sharp blade, left to die alone.
"You demented freak!" Rei shouted to Dr D, as he was forced to watch this. He couldn't close his eyes or look away: it was all in his head. She collapsed on the floor, blade still in hand. "How could you," he whispered, barely audibly. He wanted so badly to scream at her, comfort her, convince her, hold her in his arms...
Rei woke up with a jolt, but he knew it was all too real. 'This is sickening,' he said to himself. 'And this is my fault... nothing ever would have happened if it weren't for me. Does she still have feelings for me? I thought I made it clear... that I couldn't love her like that. I love her as a friend. I remember the look in her eyes when we talked, but she knew as well as I... didn't she?"
"I don't know what to do, Driger," he said to the comforting beyblade in his hand. "Help me sort this mess out, I want so badly to help her..."
The beyblade glowed, and he felt Driger's soothing presence. He closed his eyes and was once again lost into a subconscious realm. He could see the golden light swirling around his mind, making his hair flow in the 'wind'.
And then he saw her. He reached out to Mariah. She had lost consciousness after cutting her wrists, and was now in a painful darkness.
"Mariah," he called. His voice was so gentle and strange in the darkness of her bitter mind.
"Rei?!" Her eyes shot open, revealing tear-filled golden orbs. She held out her hand and reached out to touch him, then embraced him in a hug. She stared up at his face, and saw he looked confused and hurt.
"Rei, I-I'm sorry... I know if you were still here, you wouldn't have wanted me to take my life. But it's just so painful without you, Rei. First you leave us, then you tell me you love me and now-"
"Mariah..." Rei's face fell. "I thought you understood..."
"Understood what, Rei?" She asked, lightly parting the bangs that were shadowing his eyes.
"That..." he couldn't bring himself to say it. He sighed heavily. "That I'll always be your friend. I'll forever be there for you, Mariah, as I promised."
"Yes, Rei, I remember..."
"So why did you do it?" he demanded.
"Because... the promise was broken, Rei. You left me, when you... died..."
"Mariah, since when does that break a promise? You know that friendship is forever. It goes beyond death, and it lives on in memories. I think it's you that broke our promise, Mariah. You gave up."
She hung her head, trying to hide the still-falling tears with no success. "I'm so sorry... and now it's too late."
"No, it's not, Mariah. Besides, I never did leave you like you accused of me. I am still living. Wake up and live... and see me again," he smiled.
"What do you mean, Rei?" she asked, curiosity filling her amber eyes.
"What I mean, Mariah... is that we aren't dead yet." Her empty eyes seemed confused.
"Let me help you, Mariah." With that, her darkness whipped around in ribbons and streams, and Rei seemed to grab them. Taking her sorrows and pain for her. "I believe these were meant for me... save your tears, because we haven't left you yet."
His image started to fade into the distance. "Goodbye, Rei," she said, reaching out to him.
"No, Mariah. I believe it's see you soon," he smiled, and with that vanished from her mind.
Golden eyes shot open, now in a hospital room. Well, if you could call it a hospital. It was pretty unsophisticated and had practically no technology, being so isolated. "Hey, Mariah," Gary's deep voice grumbled. "I'm happy you are still here."
"Yeah, Mariah. You had us worried," Kevin admitted.
"We're glad you're awake," Lee said. They all still looked shaken from her attempted suicide, not to mention just days ago finding out about Rei's death.
"Yes, Lee," she said softly. "I'm awake. I've been dead inside since I found out he left a couple days ago. And just now, he brought me to life..."
"How so, Mariah?" Kevin asked.
"He gave me the will to live... and he told me not to mourn his death..." The other White Tigers looked confused.
With this, she smiled. "Because Rei Kon is still alive."
^^^^^
Kai walked into the bedroom. He had finished reading his novel and done his book report, and was going to go take a shower. But before he could get his clothes from the closet, he saw something startling. "Rei!"
His friend lay on the bed, motionless. His skin was a pale blue all over, and his entire body was covered with frost. Kai ran over, not sure if he was even breathing. He could faintly hear his scarce breathing, which was somewhat relieving. He was alive and had been laying unconscious for maybe an hour.
Rei struggled to open his eyes, as they were frozen shut. Ice crystals scattered as he forced them open. He moaned without moving his lips - they were still frozen together. Rei wished he could move his mouth to speak as he saw Kai, who looked petrified with shock and worry.
Kai slowly put a hand to his face, and recoiled - KAI flinched- as he felt the temperature drop to subzero. Rei narrowed his eyes in frustration of not being able to explain himself. In doing so, more ice crystals fell, and he could feel the numbing pain of the cold.
"What did you do, Rei," Kai asked but knew Rei couldn't even answer and he knew the answer himself all to well.
'What do you think you're doing, Rei,' he said mentally. 'I know what you're doing, but what are you trying to prove, and why?' "Rei," he finally said aloud. "Don't endanger yourself."
Sounds of frustrated grumbles got louder and louder as they got closer. "Urgh why don't they get it... I think he's purposely trying not to understand... now I know how Ms Kincade feels..."
Rei flashed a warning sign at Kai that clearly read "don't let her see me". His eyes seemed to plead. Kai rolled his eyes.
He sighed as he quickly covered him with the pile of blankets that had been somehow tossed onto the floor, and casually walked over to the closet.
"Oh Kai," Hilary said, entering the bedroom. "Could you potentially help me explain to Tyson and Max why you have to eliminate one of the variables?"
"I could potentially," he said coolly.
"Would you please help me- hey, weren't you going to take a shower?" she asked, suspiciously.
"Yes. Still am," he replied bluntly.
"Umm, okay... does it really take that long to pick out some clothes?" She was on to him now.
"No. I was checking on Rei," he answered. Rei's eyes narrowed as he heard their conversation.
"Oh, and...?" she waited expectantly.
"And he was asleep," he finished, truthfully.
"Oh. Well I did tell him he should get some rest," Hilary said cheerfully. A burden seemed to lift on Rei's heart, but he knew he couldn't hide it forever. Just until he could move again... right now he was too cold to shiver.
He knew he had maybe overdone it, gone too far. But it was for Mariah... and he couldn't have waited until he was well; she would have died. Besides, he couldn't control it... but no, he knew better than that. It was his entire doing.
"If you don't mind, Hilary, I'd like to take a shower," Kai somewhat interrupted her ramblings.
She blushed, and muttered a "sorry", and quickly left. Rei exhaled, not knowing he was holding his breath. He pried his lips apart, and tasted the blood after they had been frozen together.
They both knew how Hilary would react. Kai knew it, and that was the only reason why he had hidden the truth. He was always up front and honest. But this time, it was better for her not to know. It would crush her.
"Thanks, Kai," he said quietly from under the pile of blankets. Kai lifted back the covers, and saw he was still in the same frigid state. His cool grey eyes narrowed with concern.
"Well, my lips are no longer sealed," he said lightly to himself. "So let me explain..."
"Rei, you should rest. You're in no condition to talk right now," Kai said although he knew he couldn't convince Rei. Actually, when he had his mind set, Rei was more stubborn than Tyson.
"Kai, just hear me out, okay? I'm fine!" he protested, although rather weakly.
"How about I get you some tea, and then after you've finished that you can explain everything," Kai offered. Wow, Kai was offering to get him a drink? Will wonders never cease...?
"Thanks," Rei mumbled, still surprised at the kind gesture. "Hey wait a minute! Not fair... I can't even lift my arms from the pain. Or maybe their frozen stiff..." his voice cracked from the strain. Kai was already walking into the bathroom to take a shower, with a triumphant, all-knowing smirk.
Rei glared after him, annoyed, but couldn't help smiling. Well, smiling as best he could with frozen lips that were still blue. The cold was excruciatingly painful now, after the numbness was starting to wear off. He gritted his teeth, leaving his lips just barely apart so they wouldn't freeze together again. He couldn't help closing his eyes, though. He needed desperately to concentrate.
He focused on happy, warm things. It was the only way he would stay conscious. He had incredible concentration powers. He filled his mind with thoughts of his strongest friendships - Kai, Max, Tyson, Hilary, Kenny, Lee, Kenny, Gary, and Mariah filled his mind. Thoughts of beyblading with Driger wove their way through his head.
The thoughts, feelings and memories swam through his mind in a giant rush of warmth. His eyes shot open suddenly, as he regained feeling in his body. It burned like hell. He bit his tongue so he wouldn't cry out in pain. He sat up, able to shift slightly now, and stayed in that tense position for a long while.
"What's taking him?" Rei wondered. It had probably been half an hour already, with him focusing so deeply and waiting. "Surely it doesn't take that long to-"
"Rei!" Hilary cried, running into the room. Max and Tyson, and lastly Kai, who was carrying a mug of hot tea, came into the room following her.
Rei opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, his eyes narrowed and glared at Kai.
"Rei, I merely told them that you had something to say. I also told them not to react. Look, you know they have to hear this too." Rei frowned. Why did Kai have to be so logical?
He sighed, showing defeat. "Okay. I-"
"Hey," Kai interrupted, and carefully handed him the mug of hot tea. Rei smiled at the consideration of his friend. He took a small sip, and felt the burning sensation of warmth as it ran down his throat. It was a wonderful feeling.
He slowly took another sip, and told them what had happened.
^^^^^
"Excuse me," Mariah said to a nurse that was attending her. "Could I use a phone? I need to make a call..."
"Phone?" the nurse asked. Mariah rolled her eyes and slumped forward, nodding. "I'm terribly sorry," she said. "But we do not have-"
"Yeah, okay," Mariah interrupted, rolling her eyes.
The nurse sighed and walked away, muttering to herself in Chinese. "Irritable suicidal teens... always wanting so much." Kevin couldn't stifle his laughter.
"Shut up, Kevin," Lee scowled. He instantly stopped and turned away, frowning.
"This is bad," Lee said, talking to nobody in particular. "We're stuck in this not even hospital in China, without any access to the outside world. There's not a phone to make a long distance call... or a computer to email. We have to tell them, if you're telling the truth, Mariah. You're positive it's not just wishful thinking."
"For the last time, NO!" Mariah practically screamed. "I don't see why you can't believe me! It's very possible Kenny was sent a false email!"
"Wait a minute," Kevin said. "Then how did you find out he was dead in the first place, Lee?"
Lee sighed. "By letter, Kevin. Remember? That's the only way we stay in touch with ANYONE."
"So, then, why don't we just write a letter back?" Kevin asked.
"Because, Kevin," Lee said, annoyed, "it'll take way too long."
"Don't be stupid Lee. It'll take longer if we don't do anything, and we need it as soon as possible before..." Mariah glanced down at her scarred up arms. The others were silent; they understood.
"Sure, Mariah. But it could get lost." Lee was stubborn and didn't want to lose his argument.
"Well it's better to try than not to. There's nothing to lose by trying," Gary said logically.
"Yeah, Lee! How can you argue with that?" Kevin exclaimed.
Lee sighed. "Get some paper."
^^^^^
"So, Rei, you reckon Mariah will tell everyone that we're still, well, here?" Tyson asked, after Rei had finished explaining everything. Well as best he could, anyway.
"I know so, Tyson," Rei smiled. He shuddered - at least none of the others had bonds that deep with any of them... right? But then the flash of a suicidal Kenny struck his mind. His frown deepened. "I only hope she does soon."
A silence came upon them, as Rei's words sunk in.
"Yeah," Max said, breaking the silence after minutes.
"A little slow, Maxie?" Tyson nudged playfully.
"Hey, I wouldn't be talking, Tyson," Max said. The silence returned, after Tyson didn't retort.
"So," Hilary said awkwardly. "Let's have some lunch! I'm starved," she admitted. It was lunchtime, after all. "What does everyone want?"
"Pizza!" Max yelled.
"Fish, potatoes, corn, roast beef, ham, turkey, bread, sandwiches, cake, pie, hamburgers, fries, milkshakes, macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, dumplings, soup, sushi, pastries-"Tyson recited, extremely fast but was cut off.
"LET me rephrase that," Hilary yelled over his ramblings. "What should I make for lunch? That is POSSIBLE."
"T-Tyson, how can you want m-macaroni and cheese," Rei sighed. Tyson shrugged and grinned.
"How can you NOT, Rei?" Max winked. "My KD was killer!"
"I'll say," Hilary sweat-dropped. "Killed my appetite eternally for macaroni."
"Hey... oh well, I used all the boxes anyway," Max shrugged. "I can't believe there were only five boxes..."
"So, no preferences? I guess I'm making-"
"I'll make sandwiches!" Tyson shouted.
"Yeah! And I'll make soup!" Max grinned. Hilary and Rei sweat-dropped.
"NO, Max," Hilary sighed. "Wait a minute... guys, back to class! Yes, you too, Kai... Max and Tyson finish your algebra. Kai keep reading your novel and do the report," she said, and ushered them out the door. Hilary stopped for a minute, and glanced back at Rei.
He looked rather sad and lonely, his eyes still watching her. "Rei, sleep!" she commanded.
He shook his head, slowly. It was rather cute. "I don't want to... oh, um, can you get me some more tea?" he asked. The nearly full cup was being held out to her.
"Sure, okay... why?" she asked curiously. He just held his cup out and waited for her to take it, which she did. Her eyebrows raised. "Oh..."
"Iced tea," Rei laughed. "Thanks, Hil."
Hilary smiled, and left the room. She quickly came back with another mug of hot tea. "Here you go, Rei," she said, handing it to him. She turned to leave, but stopped. She walked back to give him a hug.
She felt her skin prickle as she made contact with his frigid body, but endured all the same for the brief embrace. He smiled, feeling her warmth magnified against his icy skin. "Now I'm ordering you to stay in bed for the next few days," she said. "Don't you get out of this bed, Rei Kon," she said teasingly but meant it.
"Fine," he sighed. "Can I read? Or draw? Or do some other productive thing lying around this house left by Mr Dickenson?"
"No. Rest," she argued.
"Do my homework?" he asked hopefully.
"No, you're exempt from class and homework for the week. Sleep."
He sighed. "You mean I can't do ANYTHING for the next few days? I've already been lying here bored for so long... and honestly, right now, I'm not tired in the slightest."
Hilary sighed. She knew Rei. "Okay, Rei. I'll strike you a deal. You can read your novel when your hair defrosts. Which, I think will probably be a few hours. Got it?" he nodded, smiling.
"Good. I'll check on you in a few hours. I expect you'll be asleep, though," she said, walking out the door. Rei smirked, and his eyes traced her path out the door.
"Stupid hair, taking that long to defrost? Unfortunately, yeah, it's not a normal type of coldness... I guess it's because it comes from deep inside Mariah and Max's hearts. But I'll be asleep? As if." He sat up stiffly, and began to slowly move. It really hurt, but he could endure pain. It already was painful, so he could take more. Anyway, it would be rewarding in the end.
He ended up spending an hour stretching and flexing, numb but painful at the same time. Finally, he tossed the covers aside.
He slowly got out of bed, swinging his legs over the edge. He took a few steps, but then collapsed. "Shoot," he said quietly to himself. He got back up again and walked slowly but steadily to the bathroom. Then he started filling up the bathtub for a gigantic hot bubble bath.
Hilary was in the kitchen, attempting a stir-fry. "Okay... I don't have a recipe. So, I guess I'll just have to ad-lib it!" She walked to the kitchen and began pulling out an assortment of vegetables and meat.
"Okie doke then... Broccoli! And... cabbage, corn, and um... what else is in a stir-fry? Snowpeas, and oh chicken, of course, and carrots, and beef? And heck why not add some pork too! Mushrooms, onions, celery, fish, peppers! Ooh, and- what are these?"
She continued to pull out anything that might potentially be used in a stir- fry. She then heated the frying pan and put the random assortment of food in. She went to the cupboard and grabbed about ten bottles of sauces.
"Okay, hmm oyster sauce sounds good. And so does teriyaki sauce, and Soya sauce, and sesame oil... how about corn syrup?"
"HILARY don't put that in the stir-fry!" Rei shouted, after just coming from his quick bubble bath. He had only had a chance to have a quick one since the water got cold after a few minutes. Still, it felt nice.
"Rei you're supposed to be in bed," Hilary scolded. "And why shouldn't I put it in the stir-fry? I mean, corn..."
"I'm not in bed because I don't think I can leave you guys to cook," he said, making an excuse since he just didn't want to be in bed. "And why don't you just taste a spoonful of corn syrup and see?"
"Fine, she said. She poured a little corn syrup into a small spoon and tasted it. Her eyes widened.
"See? It's definitely not something you want to put in your sti- Hilary!" Hilary was pouring herself more of the sweet sticky substance, her eyes glittering.
Rei slapped his hand to his forehead. "Wow, it's so sweet," she murmured, still licking off the spoon and then eating some more.
Rei confiscated the sweet substance from her, much to her annoyance. "Why NOT, Rei?" she pleaded, trying to reach the corn syrup bottle so close yet so far from her grasp.
"Because, Hilary, you're getting addicted and sugar-high, and you're scaring me," he said mockingly slow, emphasising the last few words.
"Feh," she shrugged, and ran to the fridge and grabbed some maple syrup. She grinned and began to taste it.
Rei rolled his eyes, and walked towards the classroom. "Hey Rei!" Tyson and Max yelled simultaneously.
"Hey!" he smiled. "How's the work going?"
"I don't like algebra," Max said.
"Then finish up, Maxie!" Tyson said. Tyson was writing his book report, and Kai was doing his history essay. Max was still doing algebra problem 48.
"That's a dull book," Rei muttered, gesturing to Tyson's novel.
"Ssh, don't say that," Tyson said. "We want Max to finish up and have this book to look FORWARD to..."
"Oh, sorry," he sighed. He suddenly cocked his head, as he had faintly heard a slight shriek and then a giddy laugh from the kitchen. "Oh no..."
"What is it?" Tyson asked. Only Rei's supersensitive ears had picked up the sound.
"Uh... I'll be back later," he said, sighing and hurrying to the kitchen to prevent disaster. Too late.
"Hilary!!" Rei scolded.
"Sorry, Rei, it spilled," Hilary said, her grin deceiving her. She was lying with maple syrup drenched all over her. It was in her hair, all over her face, sticking to her clothes and the remainder of the bottle on the floor.
"And thus endeth your sugar-high, Hilary," he said, sweat-dropping. "Go clean yourself up." She nodded, and walked to the bathroom, leaving a trail of syrup behind her not unlike a slug.
Rei sighed, and got the mop out. Again. He cleaned up the sickeningly sweet mess with some difficulty, having to scrub the sticky substance hard to get it off.
He put away the mop and bucket, to realise her stir-fry ingredients were still out. He sighed as he separated the ingredients into a pile that was actually used in a stir-fry and a pile of ingredients that he wouldn't use and cringed at the thought of them being in the stir-fry.
He put the assortment of things he wouldn't use back where they belonged, and began to cut up the vegetables and meat for the stir-fry. He set the table and started to make the actual stir-fry, and a delightful aroma wafted through the house.
Max and Tyson could no longer concentrate on reading the dull novel with the delicious smells filling the air. They were all ravenous.
"Lunch is ready," Rei called. Max and Tyson dropped their books, Kai put down his pen and Hilary stopped blow-drying her hair to come and eat.
"Wow, this looks AWESOME!" Max grinned. Tyson and Hilary nodded vigorously.
"Wow, thanks!" Hilary said. "This is amazing. Oh, um thanks for cleaning up," she said, a blush spreading across her face.
Rei sighed. "Don't mention it," he muttered. The kitchen was pretty much sparkling now, due to his efforts.
Rei just now realised how tired and unwell he actually was. Kai looked at him, noticing his fatigue. Rei nodded reluctantly. "I'm gonna get some rest now," he said, yawning. "Enjoy the stir-fry." He shivered in his deep red sweatshirt despite his efforts not to.
He walked to the bedroom, and lay down in the soft bed, smothered in the blankets and pillow. A smile crept upon his face, and warmth spread inside his frigid body. He fell deep into the abyss of his mind.
^^^^^
A voice interrupted Rei's dreams. If he had had any, that is: he was so deeply unconscious his mind was almost empty. The chilling voice of Dr D filled his dreams of nothingness with cold and malice.
"I know where you are," the voice whispered in his head. "I've found you, and now I'll come to get you. Your friend was clever, hiding you in Dickenson's education centre. Too bad he wasn't clever enough," he whispered menacingly.
Rei bit his lip. "So what are you gonna do now?" he asked, brow furrowed. "Still trying to take Driger? Because you'll never win."
Dr D laughed harshly. "Don't worry, Rei... I'll get Driger from you. You'll be begging for me to take him. But I want to see you suffer first."
"You're demented, Dr D," Rei spat. His fists were clenched so tightly it left his hands white. The name left a sour taste in his mouth, for it was the adopted name of a psychopath. So lost and caught up in his megalomania he had forgotten himself. Rei's eyes narrowed. His fists shook with fury, as Dr D seemed to get a disgusting pleasure from his pain. "What do you mean?"
Dr D grinned evilly. "It's delightfully touching to see how upset your friends are, and how much you go through for them. I see the deep bond you share. It's been fun, toying with you. But just how much are you willing to endure?"
"What are you talking about?" Rei asked, eyes glaring.
"Oh, you'll see, Rei," the scientist laughed. "Let's see just how deep your friendship is... You know, Rei, your friends aren't all like you. You know they could deceive you in a flash, and leave you to die alone..."
Rei said nothing, shaking with fury. The scientist's cold laugh filled his mind. He couldn't take it anymore. "Shut up!"
"Now, now," his voice was poisonously sweet. It reminded Rei of a Disney villain. "A little hot-tempered, are we, Rei? To match that fevered state of yours. You know as well as I that you Bladebreakers are full of betrayal and insults..."
"Think again. If you're trying to blind me with lies, you should know better because it won't work on me. I can see through it."
"Maybe so, Rei, but deep down you know they aren't lies. They are truths you can't bring yourself to believe..."
Rei glared angrily ahead. "Why won't you leave us alone?" he shouted angrily.
"You know perfectly well, Rei," Dr D spoke. "You have what I want. That sheer power of the holy beasts... and--"
"You enjoy seeing us suffer," Rei finished. "That is disgusting."
Again, cruel, soft laughter filled his mind. "You're right, Rei. And now, you're about to go through a world of hell, and your friends can only watch until you surrender Driger. Say hello to your living nightmare."
^^^^^
Kai's eyes snapped open as he saw his friend stir in his fevered sleep. He had been deeply unconscious for almost two full days. "Rei?"
"Kai..." he opened his eyes wide. He threw the multiple covers onto the ground hastily.
"What? How are you feeling?" Kai's voice seemed cold and uncaring, but Rei knew better.
"Not good at all," he admitted. Kai put his own cool hand to the boy's forehead and frowned. He was burning from an extremely high fever.
"He's found us," Rei whispered. Kai stared at him intently, waiting for him to continue. "Dr D appeared in my mind... you know, the deranged scientist that's trying to kill us."
"Kai, you should get some rest," Rei said wearily. "How long have you been up?"
Kai didn't answer. He, Tyson, Max and Hilary had scarcely had any sleep since Rei didn't wake that afternoon. It was now early morning... two days later. They had watched over him, making sure he was okay.
"Rei, you should eat. You haven't had food for three days now," he said matter-of-factly.
Rei shook his head. "No, can't..." he didn't want to worry his teammates but it was true. He didn't think he physically could right now.
Kai nodded, understandingly. He knew how it felt to feel so hungry yet couldn't eat.
Rei felt his head starting to hurt, and instinctively clutched his head with his hands. "Are you okay?" he heard Kai say, but his words were slurred and drowned in his mind.
"Uh..." his mind was swimming. He sat up and stumbled out of bed. He walked over to the washroom dizzily. His vision was blurred and his head was throbbing. He clumsily shut the door before a wave of heat and nausea overcame him.
Kai's eyes followed him until the door shut. Then he closed his eyes, trying to sort things out.
Kai vaguely wondered how the whole dream-walking thing had happened. Rei could reach out and take Max and Mariah's depression, and turn it into a physical thing. He understood that. But why could he enter their dreams and physically take feelings for them? And how was he able to do it?
It had to do with Draciel and Driger. First, Draciel called to Rei. But why Rei? Maybe because Rei wanted to help, and Draciel knew that. Of course the others wanted to, but Rei was special, with his extremely sensitive and caring personality, and had so much determination and concentration he could take it. And then with Driger, Rei had called upon him to help him, and Driger offered him a way to Mariah.
Surely Draciel and Driger didn't foresee the outcome. But Rei knew what could have happened the second time... why did he do it again? 'Because he's a loyal friend,' Kai answered himself. Was Kai a loyal friend? Would he do anything for them? Yes, he would... wouldn't he?
He hoped so. He hoped he hadn't inherited his grandfather's selfishness. He cared for others unlike his grandfather, and was unlike him in so many ways. But that thought dragged him down, almost scaring him. Like Black Dranzer's terrifying power... that he had craved so much...
Kai snapped himself out of it, and glanced into the kitchen. He saw Hilary and Tyson sleeping with their heads down on the table, and he knew Max was still lying on the couch in the other room. They had attempted to stay awake to make sure Rei was okay, but couldn't last going another night without sleep.
Then there was still how Rei had become so sick. He had fallen asleep for nearly 2 full days, and when he had waken he was like this. 'It must have something to do with the scientist; 'Dr D', Rei called him,' Kai said to himself.
He closed his eyes and instantly felt fatigue trying to take over. He resisted for a few minutes, then hastily opened his eyes to avert the temptation of sleep. He blinked a few times and glanced back at the washroom door. It had been a while now... too long.
He walked to the washroom door. "Rei," he called from outside. He tried again a little louder, still with no answer. He kicked open the door, to find Rei lying on the cold floor, sweating terribly.
"Rei!" he ran over and helped his friend to a sitting position. His eyes opened slowly, dazed and unfocused.
He groaned and clutched his stomach in agony. He would have thrown up, but had already emptied the entire contents of his stomach violently. His clothes lay thrown in a pile on the floor, and he was in his boxers yet still burning.
Kai could feel him trembling uncontrollably. He looked at him with fear, not knowing what he could do. There was fear in his cold grey eyes as he stared at the boy lying tense yet limp, only his arms kept him from hitting the cold floor.
"Rei, what's going on," he asked worriedly.
"It... won't stop!" he said, pain burning through him. He cried out as it struck again, and he clutched his head. Tears of pain came uncontrollably, and he collapsed in a shaking mess.
"It won't stop until I surrender Driger," he said barely audibly. He started to cough violently, and his throat burned like acid. He clutched his stomach as the pain continued.
Suddenly, Kai felt Rei's trembling cease and he fell to a limp position. His light brown eyes partially opened after being screwed tightly shut with pain. He shuddered, and gasped.
"Hey, are you alright?" Kai asked. Rei nodded slightly. Those actions were spontaneous, and were not true. It was one of those things where you don't think about it, you just do it for the sake of it. Like when someone says 'what's up', you immediately say 'not much, you?' They both knew it was false.
"Better than moments ago," he said hoarsely. Kai nodded. He helped Rei shakily to his feet, and gave him the support he needed to get back to bed. Rei lay down, sweating and panting.
He lay still for about 15 minutes, feeling the disgusting state of sickness. It was miserable and extremely unpleasant. He was tired but couldn't sleep, things seemed unclear but the pain was sharp and piercing.
Kai watched over him, but his eyes were failing to stay open. Soon, in the silence, he drifted off into a much-needed sleep. Rei opened his eyes slightly and shifted his gaze towards the slate-haired blader. He saw he was fast asleep, still in the same sitting position.
Rei almost smiled but was interrupted by a coughing fit. It burned and hurt every time and after. It was then that he realised he was completely desiccated and needed water now.
Rei slowly got up to get some water and drank it slowly. Unfortunately, it wouldn't stay down and came back a lot more painfully and violently moments later into the white porcelain bowl. He was breathing heavily and sweating even worse than before.
Pain exploded inside him again, and he fell to the cool floor tiles of the bathroom in a crumpled heap. He opened his eyes for just a fraction of a second to see the slightest sliver of the early sunrise, before closing them tightly as the pain overcame him.
^^^^^
Wow, I'm evil! REVIEW PLEASE!!!
Kai-lovr, I put the Kai sleepy part in just for you!! ^_~
Okay, I know you may think Kai's sort of acting OOC being so nice and such, but he's not really. He does care for them; it's just that there's so much Rei torture going on at once that it seems like he's changed drastically! :P And he is less ignoring and more caring with time. I know, Tyson, Max and Hilary would be the ones to be helping out and such, but they would WAY overreact! That's my excuse.
Anyway, enough explanations. Got any suggestions? Send 'em in the form of reviews. Thankies!
Penguin Pop ^_^
Haha, had some of you scared there! Okay, I admit it. I'm evil!! Talk about cutting it close. But really, I couldn't let them die just yet.
Okay Mariah haters: I know, I left the wrong impression there. But, see in one of my earlier chapters I said how Rei and Mariah knew they couldn't have a relationship. So, my point is they are good friends. There's nothing wrong with friends, right? Here Mariah still likes Rei (who wouldn't?), and just maybe he still has feelings for her but he told her it wouldn't happen, got it? I have to include Mariah for this to work. Okay?
Mariah fans (if there IS any!!): Personally, I have nothing against Mariah. So why isn't she with Rei even though it was so obvious in the first series? My excuse is the second series. Was it not obvious Rei had a crush on Salima? Anyhow, high school relationships don't last, let alone not even in high school yet! (In this fic, it's summer and he's going into grade 9). Well, dare to prove me wrong.
This is a Bladebreakers centred fic. Even though others make an appearance and such, it will remain that way. The other parts with other people sort of seem more... dull, and harder to write.
Okay, just clarifying that was not just Rei's imagination. That was Dr D's doing, but it was real. So, he saw reality in his dreams, to put it simply.
PAIRINGS: There are hints of both Kai/Hil and Ty/Hil, which you've most definitely picked up on and if you haven't you're dense -_-". I won't be TELLING you, but I will tell you that: Hilary thinks Kai is cute when he smiles. Tyson and Hilary refuse to admit they like each other, but it's quite obvious they do. And Kai has found the feeling of being cared for from Hilary. That's all I'm saying!
Kai-lovr: I think it's so cute when Kai sleeps too! ^_^ He does sleep lots!
Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade. Darn it all.
Warning: Rei torture ahead!! This is a pretty angst-y chapter. You have been warned... one chappy chock-full of Rei torturing goodness ^_~
^^^^^
Twisted Fate
Chapter 16: For You
Her golden eyes had lost all signs of life and passion, emotions leaking from them in the form of tears. Her normally bright, shiny hair was messy and dishevelled, but she didn't seem to care. She was bleeding, as was her soul...
Fresh self-inflicted wounds showed on her arms. They were bleeding mercilessly, crying tears of blood. But these wounds hurt Rei more than they hurt Mariah herself. And then she whispered in a lost, distant voice... "I loved you, Rei, more than life itself. And now that you're gone... I'm gone too." She slashed her wrists with the sharp blade, left to die alone.
"You demented freak!" Rei shouted to Dr D, as he was forced to watch this. He couldn't close his eyes or look away: it was all in his head. She collapsed on the floor, blade still in hand. "How could you," he whispered, barely audibly. He wanted so badly to scream at her, comfort her, convince her, hold her in his arms...
Rei woke up with a jolt, but he knew it was all too real. 'This is sickening,' he said to himself. 'And this is my fault... nothing ever would have happened if it weren't for me. Does she still have feelings for me? I thought I made it clear... that I couldn't love her like that. I love her as a friend. I remember the look in her eyes when we talked, but she knew as well as I... didn't she?"
"I don't know what to do, Driger," he said to the comforting beyblade in his hand. "Help me sort this mess out, I want so badly to help her..."
The beyblade glowed, and he felt Driger's soothing presence. He closed his eyes and was once again lost into a subconscious realm. He could see the golden light swirling around his mind, making his hair flow in the 'wind'.
And then he saw her. He reached out to Mariah. She had lost consciousness after cutting her wrists, and was now in a painful darkness.
"Mariah," he called. His voice was so gentle and strange in the darkness of her bitter mind.
"Rei?!" Her eyes shot open, revealing tear-filled golden orbs. She held out her hand and reached out to touch him, then embraced him in a hug. She stared up at his face, and saw he looked confused and hurt.
"Rei, I-I'm sorry... I know if you were still here, you wouldn't have wanted me to take my life. But it's just so painful without you, Rei. First you leave us, then you tell me you love me and now-"
"Mariah..." Rei's face fell. "I thought you understood..."
"Understood what, Rei?" She asked, lightly parting the bangs that were shadowing his eyes.
"That..." he couldn't bring himself to say it. He sighed heavily. "That I'll always be your friend. I'll forever be there for you, Mariah, as I promised."
"Yes, Rei, I remember..."
"So why did you do it?" he demanded.
"Because... the promise was broken, Rei. You left me, when you... died..."
"Mariah, since when does that break a promise? You know that friendship is forever. It goes beyond death, and it lives on in memories. I think it's you that broke our promise, Mariah. You gave up."
She hung her head, trying to hide the still-falling tears with no success. "I'm so sorry... and now it's too late."
"No, it's not, Mariah. Besides, I never did leave you like you accused of me. I am still living. Wake up and live... and see me again," he smiled.
"What do you mean, Rei?" she asked, curiosity filling her amber eyes.
"What I mean, Mariah... is that we aren't dead yet." Her empty eyes seemed confused.
"Let me help you, Mariah." With that, her darkness whipped around in ribbons and streams, and Rei seemed to grab them. Taking her sorrows and pain for her. "I believe these were meant for me... save your tears, because we haven't left you yet."
His image started to fade into the distance. "Goodbye, Rei," she said, reaching out to him.
"No, Mariah. I believe it's see you soon," he smiled, and with that vanished from her mind.
Golden eyes shot open, now in a hospital room. Well, if you could call it a hospital. It was pretty unsophisticated and had practically no technology, being so isolated. "Hey, Mariah," Gary's deep voice grumbled. "I'm happy you are still here."
"Yeah, Mariah. You had us worried," Kevin admitted.
"We're glad you're awake," Lee said. They all still looked shaken from her attempted suicide, not to mention just days ago finding out about Rei's death.
"Yes, Lee," she said softly. "I'm awake. I've been dead inside since I found out he left a couple days ago. And just now, he brought me to life..."
"How so, Mariah?" Kevin asked.
"He gave me the will to live... and he told me not to mourn his death..." The other White Tigers looked confused.
With this, she smiled. "Because Rei Kon is still alive."
^^^^^
Kai walked into the bedroom. He had finished reading his novel and done his book report, and was going to go take a shower. But before he could get his clothes from the closet, he saw something startling. "Rei!"
His friend lay on the bed, motionless. His skin was a pale blue all over, and his entire body was covered with frost. Kai ran over, not sure if he was even breathing. He could faintly hear his scarce breathing, which was somewhat relieving. He was alive and had been laying unconscious for maybe an hour.
Rei struggled to open his eyes, as they were frozen shut. Ice crystals scattered as he forced them open. He moaned without moving his lips - they were still frozen together. Rei wished he could move his mouth to speak as he saw Kai, who looked petrified with shock and worry.
Kai slowly put a hand to his face, and recoiled - KAI flinched- as he felt the temperature drop to subzero. Rei narrowed his eyes in frustration of not being able to explain himself. In doing so, more ice crystals fell, and he could feel the numbing pain of the cold.
"What did you do, Rei," Kai asked but knew Rei couldn't even answer and he knew the answer himself all to well.
'What do you think you're doing, Rei,' he said mentally. 'I know what you're doing, but what are you trying to prove, and why?' "Rei," he finally said aloud. "Don't endanger yourself."
Sounds of frustrated grumbles got louder and louder as they got closer. "Urgh why don't they get it... I think he's purposely trying not to understand... now I know how Ms Kincade feels..."
Rei flashed a warning sign at Kai that clearly read "don't let her see me". His eyes seemed to plead. Kai rolled his eyes.
He sighed as he quickly covered him with the pile of blankets that had been somehow tossed onto the floor, and casually walked over to the closet.
"Oh Kai," Hilary said, entering the bedroom. "Could you potentially help me explain to Tyson and Max why you have to eliminate one of the variables?"
"I could potentially," he said coolly.
"Would you please help me- hey, weren't you going to take a shower?" she asked, suspiciously.
"Yes. Still am," he replied bluntly.
"Umm, okay... does it really take that long to pick out some clothes?" She was on to him now.
"No. I was checking on Rei," he answered. Rei's eyes narrowed as he heard their conversation.
"Oh, and...?" she waited expectantly.
"And he was asleep," he finished, truthfully.
"Oh. Well I did tell him he should get some rest," Hilary said cheerfully. A burden seemed to lift on Rei's heart, but he knew he couldn't hide it forever. Just until he could move again... right now he was too cold to shiver.
He knew he had maybe overdone it, gone too far. But it was for Mariah... and he couldn't have waited until he was well; she would have died. Besides, he couldn't control it... but no, he knew better than that. It was his entire doing.
"If you don't mind, Hilary, I'd like to take a shower," Kai somewhat interrupted her ramblings.
She blushed, and muttered a "sorry", and quickly left. Rei exhaled, not knowing he was holding his breath. He pried his lips apart, and tasted the blood after they had been frozen together.
They both knew how Hilary would react. Kai knew it, and that was the only reason why he had hidden the truth. He was always up front and honest. But this time, it was better for her not to know. It would crush her.
"Thanks, Kai," he said quietly from under the pile of blankets. Kai lifted back the covers, and saw he was still in the same frigid state. His cool grey eyes narrowed with concern.
"Well, my lips are no longer sealed," he said lightly to himself. "So let me explain..."
"Rei, you should rest. You're in no condition to talk right now," Kai said although he knew he couldn't convince Rei. Actually, when he had his mind set, Rei was more stubborn than Tyson.
"Kai, just hear me out, okay? I'm fine!" he protested, although rather weakly.
"How about I get you some tea, and then after you've finished that you can explain everything," Kai offered. Wow, Kai was offering to get him a drink? Will wonders never cease...?
"Thanks," Rei mumbled, still surprised at the kind gesture. "Hey wait a minute! Not fair... I can't even lift my arms from the pain. Or maybe their frozen stiff..." his voice cracked from the strain. Kai was already walking into the bathroom to take a shower, with a triumphant, all-knowing smirk.
Rei glared after him, annoyed, but couldn't help smiling. Well, smiling as best he could with frozen lips that were still blue. The cold was excruciatingly painful now, after the numbness was starting to wear off. He gritted his teeth, leaving his lips just barely apart so they wouldn't freeze together again. He couldn't help closing his eyes, though. He needed desperately to concentrate.
He focused on happy, warm things. It was the only way he would stay conscious. He had incredible concentration powers. He filled his mind with thoughts of his strongest friendships - Kai, Max, Tyson, Hilary, Kenny, Lee, Kenny, Gary, and Mariah filled his mind. Thoughts of beyblading with Driger wove their way through his head.
The thoughts, feelings and memories swam through his mind in a giant rush of warmth. His eyes shot open suddenly, as he regained feeling in his body. It burned like hell. He bit his tongue so he wouldn't cry out in pain. He sat up, able to shift slightly now, and stayed in that tense position for a long while.
"What's taking him?" Rei wondered. It had probably been half an hour already, with him focusing so deeply and waiting. "Surely it doesn't take that long to-"
"Rei!" Hilary cried, running into the room. Max and Tyson, and lastly Kai, who was carrying a mug of hot tea, came into the room following her.
Rei opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, his eyes narrowed and glared at Kai.
"Rei, I merely told them that you had something to say. I also told them not to react. Look, you know they have to hear this too." Rei frowned. Why did Kai have to be so logical?
He sighed, showing defeat. "Okay. I-"
"Hey," Kai interrupted, and carefully handed him the mug of hot tea. Rei smiled at the consideration of his friend. He took a small sip, and felt the burning sensation of warmth as it ran down his throat. It was a wonderful feeling.
He slowly took another sip, and told them what had happened.
^^^^^
"Excuse me," Mariah said to a nurse that was attending her. "Could I use a phone? I need to make a call..."
"Phone?" the nurse asked. Mariah rolled her eyes and slumped forward, nodding. "I'm terribly sorry," she said. "But we do not have-"
"Yeah, okay," Mariah interrupted, rolling her eyes.
The nurse sighed and walked away, muttering to herself in Chinese. "Irritable suicidal teens... always wanting so much." Kevin couldn't stifle his laughter.
"Shut up, Kevin," Lee scowled. He instantly stopped and turned away, frowning.
"This is bad," Lee said, talking to nobody in particular. "We're stuck in this not even hospital in China, without any access to the outside world. There's not a phone to make a long distance call... or a computer to email. We have to tell them, if you're telling the truth, Mariah. You're positive it's not just wishful thinking."
"For the last time, NO!" Mariah practically screamed. "I don't see why you can't believe me! It's very possible Kenny was sent a false email!"
"Wait a minute," Kevin said. "Then how did you find out he was dead in the first place, Lee?"
Lee sighed. "By letter, Kevin. Remember? That's the only way we stay in touch with ANYONE."
"So, then, why don't we just write a letter back?" Kevin asked.
"Because, Kevin," Lee said, annoyed, "it'll take way too long."
"Don't be stupid Lee. It'll take longer if we don't do anything, and we need it as soon as possible before..." Mariah glanced down at her scarred up arms. The others were silent; they understood.
"Sure, Mariah. But it could get lost." Lee was stubborn and didn't want to lose his argument.
"Well it's better to try than not to. There's nothing to lose by trying," Gary said logically.
"Yeah, Lee! How can you argue with that?" Kevin exclaimed.
Lee sighed. "Get some paper."
^^^^^
"So, Rei, you reckon Mariah will tell everyone that we're still, well, here?" Tyson asked, after Rei had finished explaining everything. Well as best he could, anyway.
"I know so, Tyson," Rei smiled. He shuddered - at least none of the others had bonds that deep with any of them... right? But then the flash of a suicidal Kenny struck his mind. His frown deepened. "I only hope she does soon."
A silence came upon them, as Rei's words sunk in.
"Yeah," Max said, breaking the silence after minutes.
"A little slow, Maxie?" Tyson nudged playfully.
"Hey, I wouldn't be talking, Tyson," Max said. The silence returned, after Tyson didn't retort.
"So," Hilary said awkwardly. "Let's have some lunch! I'm starved," she admitted. It was lunchtime, after all. "What does everyone want?"
"Pizza!" Max yelled.
"Fish, potatoes, corn, roast beef, ham, turkey, bread, sandwiches, cake, pie, hamburgers, fries, milkshakes, macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, dumplings, soup, sushi, pastries-"Tyson recited, extremely fast but was cut off.
"LET me rephrase that," Hilary yelled over his ramblings. "What should I make for lunch? That is POSSIBLE."
"T-Tyson, how can you want m-macaroni and cheese," Rei sighed. Tyson shrugged and grinned.
"How can you NOT, Rei?" Max winked. "My KD was killer!"
"I'll say," Hilary sweat-dropped. "Killed my appetite eternally for macaroni."
"Hey... oh well, I used all the boxes anyway," Max shrugged. "I can't believe there were only five boxes..."
"So, no preferences? I guess I'm making-"
"I'll make sandwiches!" Tyson shouted.
"Yeah! And I'll make soup!" Max grinned. Hilary and Rei sweat-dropped.
"NO, Max," Hilary sighed. "Wait a minute... guys, back to class! Yes, you too, Kai... Max and Tyson finish your algebra. Kai keep reading your novel and do the report," she said, and ushered them out the door. Hilary stopped for a minute, and glanced back at Rei.
He looked rather sad and lonely, his eyes still watching her. "Rei, sleep!" she commanded.
He shook his head, slowly. It was rather cute. "I don't want to... oh, um, can you get me some more tea?" he asked. The nearly full cup was being held out to her.
"Sure, okay... why?" she asked curiously. He just held his cup out and waited for her to take it, which she did. Her eyebrows raised. "Oh..."
"Iced tea," Rei laughed. "Thanks, Hil."
Hilary smiled, and left the room. She quickly came back with another mug of hot tea. "Here you go, Rei," she said, handing it to him. She turned to leave, but stopped. She walked back to give him a hug.
She felt her skin prickle as she made contact with his frigid body, but endured all the same for the brief embrace. He smiled, feeling her warmth magnified against his icy skin. "Now I'm ordering you to stay in bed for the next few days," she said. "Don't you get out of this bed, Rei Kon," she said teasingly but meant it.
"Fine," he sighed. "Can I read? Or draw? Or do some other productive thing lying around this house left by Mr Dickenson?"
"No. Rest," she argued.
"Do my homework?" he asked hopefully.
"No, you're exempt from class and homework for the week. Sleep."
He sighed. "You mean I can't do ANYTHING for the next few days? I've already been lying here bored for so long... and honestly, right now, I'm not tired in the slightest."
Hilary sighed. She knew Rei. "Okay, Rei. I'll strike you a deal. You can read your novel when your hair defrosts. Which, I think will probably be a few hours. Got it?" he nodded, smiling.
"Good. I'll check on you in a few hours. I expect you'll be asleep, though," she said, walking out the door. Rei smirked, and his eyes traced her path out the door.
"Stupid hair, taking that long to defrost? Unfortunately, yeah, it's not a normal type of coldness... I guess it's because it comes from deep inside Mariah and Max's hearts. But I'll be asleep? As if." He sat up stiffly, and began to slowly move. It really hurt, but he could endure pain. It already was painful, so he could take more. Anyway, it would be rewarding in the end.
He ended up spending an hour stretching and flexing, numb but painful at the same time. Finally, he tossed the covers aside.
He slowly got out of bed, swinging his legs over the edge. He took a few steps, but then collapsed. "Shoot," he said quietly to himself. He got back up again and walked slowly but steadily to the bathroom. Then he started filling up the bathtub for a gigantic hot bubble bath.
Hilary was in the kitchen, attempting a stir-fry. "Okay... I don't have a recipe. So, I guess I'll just have to ad-lib it!" She walked to the kitchen and began pulling out an assortment of vegetables and meat.
"Okie doke then... Broccoli! And... cabbage, corn, and um... what else is in a stir-fry? Snowpeas, and oh chicken, of course, and carrots, and beef? And heck why not add some pork too! Mushrooms, onions, celery, fish, peppers! Ooh, and- what are these?"
She continued to pull out anything that might potentially be used in a stir- fry. She then heated the frying pan and put the random assortment of food in. She went to the cupboard and grabbed about ten bottles of sauces.
"Okay, hmm oyster sauce sounds good. And so does teriyaki sauce, and Soya sauce, and sesame oil... how about corn syrup?"
"HILARY don't put that in the stir-fry!" Rei shouted, after just coming from his quick bubble bath. He had only had a chance to have a quick one since the water got cold after a few minutes. Still, it felt nice.
"Rei you're supposed to be in bed," Hilary scolded. "And why shouldn't I put it in the stir-fry? I mean, corn..."
"I'm not in bed because I don't think I can leave you guys to cook," he said, making an excuse since he just didn't want to be in bed. "And why don't you just taste a spoonful of corn syrup and see?"
"Fine, she said. She poured a little corn syrup into a small spoon and tasted it. Her eyes widened.
"See? It's definitely not something you want to put in your sti- Hilary!" Hilary was pouring herself more of the sweet sticky substance, her eyes glittering.
Rei slapped his hand to his forehead. "Wow, it's so sweet," she murmured, still licking off the spoon and then eating some more.
Rei confiscated the sweet substance from her, much to her annoyance. "Why NOT, Rei?" she pleaded, trying to reach the corn syrup bottle so close yet so far from her grasp.
"Because, Hilary, you're getting addicted and sugar-high, and you're scaring me," he said mockingly slow, emphasising the last few words.
"Feh," she shrugged, and ran to the fridge and grabbed some maple syrup. She grinned and began to taste it.
Rei rolled his eyes, and walked towards the classroom. "Hey Rei!" Tyson and Max yelled simultaneously.
"Hey!" he smiled. "How's the work going?"
"I don't like algebra," Max said.
"Then finish up, Maxie!" Tyson said. Tyson was writing his book report, and Kai was doing his history essay. Max was still doing algebra problem 48.
"That's a dull book," Rei muttered, gesturing to Tyson's novel.
"Ssh, don't say that," Tyson said. "We want Max to finish up and have this book to look FORWARD to..."
"Oh, sorry," he sighed. He suddenly cocked his head, as he had faintly heard a slight shriek and then a giddy laugh from the kitchen. "Oh no..."
"What is it?" Tyson asked. Only Rei's supersensitive ears had picked up the sound.
"Uh... I'll be back later," he said, sighing and hurrying to the kitchen to prevent disaster. Too late.
"Hilary!!" Rei scolded.
"Sorry, Rei, it spilled," Hilary said, her grin deceiving her. She was lying with maple syrup drenched all over her. It was in her hair, all over her face, sticking to her clothes and the remainder of the bottle on the floor.
"And thus endeth your sugar-high, Hilary," he said, sweat-dropping. "Go clean yourself up." She nodded, and walked to the bathroom, leaving a trail of syrup behind her not unlike a slug.
Rei sighed, and got the mop out. Again. He cleaned up the sickeningly sweet mess with some difficulty, having to scrub the sticky substance hard to get it off.
He put away the mop and bucket, to realise her stir-fry ingredients were still out. He sighed as he separated the ingredients into a pile that was actually used in a stir-fry and a pile of ingredients that he wouldn't use and cringed at the thought of them being in the stir-fry.
He put the assortment of things he wouldn't use back where they belonged, and began to cut up the vegetables and meat for the stir-fry. He set the table and started to make the actual stir-fry, and a delightful aroma wafted through the house.
Max and Tyson could no longer concentrate on reading the dull novel with the delicious smells filling the air. They were all ravenous.
"Lunch is ready," Rei called. Max and Tyson dropped their books, Kai put down his pen and Hilary stopped blow-drying her hair to come and eat.
"Wow, this looks AWESOME!" Max grinned. Tyson and Hilary nodded vigorously.
"Wow, thanks!" Hilary said. "This is amazing. Oh, um thanks for cleaning up," she said, a blush spreading across her face.
Rei sighed. "Don't mention it," he muttered. The kitchen was pretty much sparkling now, due to his efforts.
Rei just now realised how tired and unwell he actually was. Kai looked at him, noticing his fatigue. Rei nodded reluctantly. "I'm gonna get some rest now," he said, yawning. "Enjoy the stir-fry." He shivered in his deep red sweatshirt despite his efforts not to.
He walked to the bedroom, and lay down in the soft bed, smothered in the blankets and pillow. A smile crept upon his face, and warmth spread inside his frigid body. He fell deep into the abyss of his mind.
^^^^^
A voice interrupted Rei's dreams. If he had had any, that is: he was so deeply unconscious his mind was almost empty. The chilling voice of Dr D filled his dreams of nothingness with cold and malice.
"I know where you are," the voice whispered in his head. "I've found you, and now I'll come to get you. Your friend was clever, hiding you in Dickenson's education centre. Too bad he wasn't clever enough," he whispered menacingly.
Rei bit his lip. "So what are you gonna do now?" he asked, brow furrowed. "Still trying to take Driger? Because you'll never win."
Dr D laughed harshly. "Don't worry, Rei... I'll get Driger from you. You'll be begging for me to take him. But I want to see you suffer first."
"You're demented, Dr D," Rei spat. His fists were clenched so tightly it left his hands white. The name left a sour taste in his mouth, for it was the adopted name of a psychopath. So lost and caught up in his megalomania he had forgotten himself. Rei's eyes narrowed. His fists shook with fury, as Dr D seemed to get a disgusting pleasure from his pain. "What do you mean?"
Dr D grinned evilly. "It's delightfully touching to see how upset your friends are, and how much you go through for them. I see the deep bond you share. It's been fun, toying with you. But just how much are you willing to endure?"
"What are you talking about?" Rei asked, eyes glaring.
"Oh, you'll see, Rei," the scientist laughed. "Let's see just how deep your friendship is... You know, Rei, your friends aren't all like you. You know they could deceive you in a flash, and leave you to die alone..."
Rei said nothing, shaking with fury. The scientist's cold laugh filled his mind. He couldn't take it anymore. "Shut up!"
"Now, now," his voice was poisonously sweet. It reminded Rei of a Disney villain. "A little hot-tempered, are we, Rei? To match that fevered state of yours. You know as well as I that you Bladebreakers are full of betrayal and insults..."
"Think again. If you're trying to blind me with lies, you should know better because it won't work on me. I can see through it."
"Maybe so, Rei, but deep down you know they aren't lies. They are truths you can't bring yourself to believe..."
Rei glared angrily ahead. "Why won't you leave us alone?" he shouted angrily.
"You know perfectly well, Rei," Dr D spoke. "You have what I want. That sheer power of the holy beasts... and--"
"You enjoy seeing us suffer," Rei finished. "That is disgusting."
Again, cruel, soft laughter filled his mind. "You're right, Rei. And now, you're about to go through a world of hell, and your friends can only watch until you surrender Driger. Say hello to your living nightmare."
^^^^^
Kai's eyes snapped open as he saw his friend stir in his fevered sleep. He had been deeply unconscious for almost two full days. "Rei?"
"Kai..." he opened his eyes wide. He threw the multiple covers onto the ground hastily.
"What? How are you feeling?" Kai's voice seemed cold and uncaring, but Rei knew better.
"Not good at all," he admitted. Kai put his own cool hand to the boy's forehead and frowned. He was burning from an extremely high fever.
"He's found us," Rei whispered. Kai stared at him intently, waiting for him to continue. "Dr D appeared in my mind... you know, the deranged scientist that's trying to kill us."
"Kai, you should get some rest," Rei said wearily. "How long have you been up?"
Kai didn't answer. He, Tyson, Max and Hilary had scarcely had any sleep since Rei didn't wake that afternoon. It was now early morning... two days later. They had watched over him, making sure he was okay.
"Rei, you should eat. You haven't had food for three days now," he said matter-of-factly.
Rei shook his head. "No, can't..." he didn't want to worry his teammates but it was true. He didn't think he physically could right now.
Kai nodded, understandingly. He knew how it felt to feel so hungry yet couldn't eat.
Rei felt his head starting to hurt, and instinctively clutched his head with his hands. "Are you okay?" he heard Kai say, but his words were slurred and drowned in his mind.
"Uh..." his mind was swimming. He sat up and stumbled out of bed. He walked over to the washroom dizzily. His vision was blurred and his head was throbbing. He clumsily shut the door before a wave of heat and nausea overcame him.
Kai's eyes followed him until the door shut. Then he closed his eyes, trying to sort things out.
Kai vaguely wondered how the whole dream-walking thing had happened. Rei could reach out and take Max and Mariah's depression, and turn it into a physical thing. He understood that. But why could he enter their dreams and physically take feelings for them? And how was he able to do it?
It had to do with Draciel and Driger. First, Draciel called to Rei. But why Rei? Maybe because Rei wanted to help, and Draciel knew that. Of course the others wanted to, but Rei was special, with his extremely sensitive and caring personality, and had so much determination and concentration he could take it. And then with Driger, Rei had called upon him to help him, and Driger offered him a way to Mariah.
Surely Draciel and Driger didn't foresee the outcome. But Rei knew what could have happened the second time... why did he do it again? 'Because he's a loyal friend,' Kai answered himself. Was Kai a loyal friend? Would he do anything for them? Yes, he would... wouldn't he?
He hoped so. He hoped he hadn't inherited his grandfather's selfishness. He cared for others unlike his grandfather, and was unlike him in so many ways. But that thought dragged him down, almost scaring him. Like Black Dranzer's terrifying power... that he had craved so much...
Kai snapped himself out of it, and glanced into the kitchen. He saw Hilary and Tyson sleeping with their heads down on the table, and he knew Max was still lying on the couch in the other room. They had attempted to stay awake to make sure Rei was okay, but couldn't last going another night without sleep.
Then there was still how Rei had become so sick. He had fallen asleep for nearly 2 full days, and when he had waken he was like this. 'It must have something to do with the scientist; 'Dr D', Rei called him,' Kai said to himself.
He closed his eyes and instantly felt fatigue trying to take over. He resisted for a few minutes, then hastily opened his eyes to avert the temptation of sleep. He blinked a few times and glanced back at the washroom door. It had been a while now... too long.
He walked to the washroom door. "Rei," he called from outside. He tried again a little louder, still with no answer. He kicked open the door, to find Rei lying on the cold floor, sweating terribly.
"Rei!" he ran over and helped his friend to a sitting position. His eyes opened slowly, dazed and unfocused.
He groaned and clutched his stomach in agony. He would have thrown up, but had already emptied the entire contents of his stomach violently. His clothes lay thrown in a pile on the floor, and he was in his boxers yet still burning.
Kai could feel him trembling uncontrollably. He looked at him with fear, not knowing what he could do. There was fear in his cold grey eyes as he stared at the boy lying tense yet limp, only his arms kept him from hitting the cold floor.
"Rei, what's going on," he asked worriedly.
"It... won't stop!" he said, pain burning through him. He cried out as it struck again, and he clutched his head. Tears of pain came uncontrollably, and he collapsed in a shaking mess.
"It won't stop until I surrender Driger," he said barely audibly. He started to cough violently, and his throat burned like acid. He clutched his stomach as the pain continued.
Suddenly, Kai felt Rei's trembling cease and he fell to a limp position. His light brown eyes partially opened after being screwed tightly shut with pain. He shuddered, and gasped.
"Hey, are you alright?" Kai asked. Rei nodded slightly. Those actions were spontaneous, and were not true. It was one of those things where you don't think about it, you just do it for the sake of it. Like when someone says 'what's up', you immediately say 'not much, you?' They both knew it was false.
"Better than moments ago," he said hoarsely. Kai nodded. He helped Rei shakily to his feet, and gave him the support he needed to get back to bed. Rei lay down, sweating and panting.
He lay still for about 15 minutes, feeling the disgusting state of sickness. It was miserable and extremely unpleasant. He was tired but couldn't sleep, things seemed unclear but the pain was sharp and piercing.
Kai watched over him, but his eyes were failing to stay open. Soon, in the silence, he drifted off into a much-needed sleep. Rei opened his eyes slightly and shifted his gaze towards the slate-haired blader. He saw he was fast asleep, still in the same sitting position.
Rei almost smiled but was interrupted by a coughing fit. It burned and hurt every time and after. It was then that he realised he was completely desiccated and needed water now.
Rei slowly got up to get some water and drank it slowly. Unfortunately, it wouldn't stay down and came back a lot more painfully and violently moments later into the white porcelain bowl. He was breathing heavily and sweating even worse than before.
Pain exploded inside him again, and he fell to the cool floor tiles of the bathroom in a crumpled heap. He opened his eyes for just a fraction of a second to see the slightest sliver of the early sunrise, before closing them tightly as the pain overcame him.
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Wow, I'm evil! REVIEW PLEASE!!!
Kai-lovr, I put the Kai sleepy part in just for you!! ^_~
Okay, I know you may think Kai's sort of acting OOC being so nice and such, but he's not really. He does care for them; it's just that there's so much Rei torture going on at once that it seems like he's changed drastically! :P And he is less ignoring and more caring with time. I know, Tyson, Max and Hilary would be the ones to be helping out and such, but they would WAY overreact! That's my excuse.
Anyway, enough explanations. Got any suggestions? Send 'em in the form of reviews. Thankies!
Penguin Pop ^_^