Thanks so much for the awesome reviews!!

Thanks for your suggestions! I did sort of come up with a plot myself, but I'll try and incorporate ideas!

Lol yes, Hilary got sugar-high () it just struck me as the oddest idea, so of course, being compulsive, I just had to get it in...

Disclaimer: see last chapter, and the chapter before, and the one before that one...

Twisted Fate

Chapter 17: Losing Forever

(Rei's POV)

The pain is getting worse. I can't even get up now, off the floor. My head is spinning, exploding and throbbing so badly I can't open my eyes. I can't even think straight...

I can't even crawl over to the toilet to be sick, but that's okay; there's nothing left. I find myself huddled in a ball, shaking involuntarily. The sweat beaded on my forehead sends a chill down my spine. I'm burning up and sickeningly dizzy.

And then it stops again. The pain dulls, and the nausea leaves me. I stop shaking and I can open my eyes again. My vision is blurred and I can't focus on anything. There's still a dull throbbing in my head I just can't shake off.

My thoughts don't gather, and I can't make anything clear. I slowly force myself off the floor and back into bed. Again, I get the feeling I'll throw up but I endure.

I can feel myself slipping. Reality is fading away. I still fight, though. If I lose consciousness I lose it all... So what happens when I lose? I can't win... it just gets worse and worse until I die. Either way, I lose Driger... I'm so sorry, Driger.

Driger, you should go. Run; leave me. You're only in danger with me. I'm not strong enough. I don't deserve you. I don't know how much longer I can take this, so please... just run...

I hear a voice. It's blurred in my head, and I can't make out what it's saying. It gets louder and louder...

I blink, and see him coming into focus. He's gently shaking me, trying to wake me... but I am awake. His voice... "Wake up, Rei..." I know that voice.

Then it hits me full force like a sledgehammer. Ouch. My eyes open, clear and I can see everything. "Kai!" I say, naming the voice. He nods.

"Rei, what's happening," he asks, or rather demands. He has this way of asking as a statement rather than a question.

"It's getting worse," I tell him. I can feel it. I can picture the shadowy figure of Dr D cranking up a giant knob that reads 'pain'.

Sharp pains pierce through my head again, and I instantly put my hands to my head in a futile attempt to stop it. He looks frightened... he never looks afraid for himself, only for others.

"Sorry," I manage to say through the harsh ringing of my mind. He shakes his head, wondering what I mean by the apology. He then utters something and leaves... I don't know what he said.

It's starting to explode again, and it's unbearable. I think I must have cried out in pain, because I heard footsteps amongst the chaos of my head.

"Rei!" the voices cry. Yes, it was definitely plural. They came running into the room, and Kai hands me something. Painkillers and a glass of water, I realise. I swallow them, but immediately feel my stomach contorting and churning with pain and repulsion. This won't be pretty, I think to myself as I shut myself in the bathroom once again.

(Normal POV)

Kai had briefly explained to the Tyson, Max and Hilary Rei's predicament. They looked more than scared - scared would be an understatement. He himself was more than scared.

"How can he get out of it? There must be something..." Tyson pondered shakily. "That's not fair... Rei won't give up Driger."

"And that's why I'm worried," Kai said.

"When was the last time he ate?" Hilary asked.

"Three days ago," Kai responded. The others looked horrified.

"And he hasn't eaten since?! That's awful!" Hilary shouted. "He needs to eat!"

"He can't," Kai replied bluntly. "You saw how he responded to the pills." The others nodded solemnly.

"Then what's going to happen?" Max asked worriedly.

"I don't know, Max," Kai said softly. He could see tears in his cerulean eyes.

The tears that built up behind Tyson's deep brown eyes quickly vanished as it turned to determination.

"Rei's helped all of us so much," Tyson said. "And now it's time to return the favour. I don't know how, but I do know I'll try everything and I'll do anything." He turned and faced the door. 'Don't worry, buddy. We'll get you through this... promise.'

"But how... the only thing that's killing him is his own body," Hilary said sadly. She was trembling as tears wavered at her lashes. She had her hands clasped tightly together with nervousness. She felt Tyson's hand on her own, and she seemed to relax.

Kai's cool eyes flickered at the sudden movement to catch the act of warmth. His gaze instantly shifted back to the washroom door, waiting for Rei. Max caught the sweet gesture too, and smiled.

He noted they dropped their hands to their sides immediately as they fully realised they were holding hands, and he almost laughed. Max also caught a glimpse of the sudden look in Kai's eyes as he glanced at Hilary and Tyson.

Max blinked, and the strangely distant look in Kai's face had disappeared. He nearly laughed again, at the thought - his mistake. But with the amusing thought, it made him think more. Max wondered if Kai had ever liked someone. He himself had started thinking about girls... the last summer? Yes, that was it. That summer, Max had matured drastically. Instead of the clingy, hyperactive kid he was back then, he was now a sweet, charming guy.

Kai must like someone, Max figured: he couldn't imagine anyone not ever having had a crush. Then again, he had thought the same thing about friends...

"What," a harsh voice penetrated his thoughts. He mentally jumped, to see the grey eyes were now staring right into his blue ones. He tried to stare innocently back.

"Just... thinking," Max said. He shrunk under Kai's glare. "I wonder if he's okay in there," he said, trying not to sound hasty in his answer. Now would definitely be a good time for a distraction, he thought to himself. He stepped forward.

"Rei, are you alright in there?" Max asked cautiously, knocking on the door. He waited a few seconds, and with his ear to the door could hear a faint flush of a toilet. He grimaced, moments later hearing the sound of water running.

"Is he okay?" Hilary asked, seeing Max's face. Max gave her a peculiar look she couldn't quite distinguish. "Um..."

"I'm fine," he said from behind the door. He swung the door open, causing Max to fall headfirst onto the floor. "Sorry," he muttered as he heard his head make contact with the floor.

"No, my bad," he moaned, getting back up.

"What are you guys doing?" he asked, noticing them all staring anxiously at him.

"Just making sure you're okay, that's all," Tyson smiled. Rei smiled back meekly, feeling the fever's effects. He nearly collapsed if it hadn't been for Tyson catching him.

Tyson helped him back to the bed. "Thanks, Ty. Now why don't you guys get some rest, or something? I'm fine."

Tyson snorted in disbelief. "Yeah right, Rei. You just came out from rejecting those pills. You just about collapsed a few seconds ago."

"Well I'm not going to get up, okay? I just felt slightly faint back there. I'm fine, honestly!"

"Whatever," Tyson said, rolling his eyes. "Just take care, okay?" he added softly. A true smile spread across Rei's features, as he closed his eyes.

Waking a few hours later, Tyson sat up, worried for his friend. He couldn't sleep if he tried, now. He shoved his blankets into the corner, and crept back to the bedroom.

He heard a soft voice coming from inside the room - comforting and gentle. "Ssh... it's okay..." Hilary's sweet voice murmured. Tyson peered inside the room, and saw Hilary sitting on the bed beside him, gently putting her hand to his forehead in her caring, maternal way.

"Hilary..." Rei asked softly, not able to focus. He suddenly winced as he clutched his stomach and curled up, shaking.

"Rei," Hilary said, trying to soothe and calm her friend. She wiped the sweat that was accumulating quickly on his face. "Just try to relax," she whispered. He still shook uncontrollably, his face contorted with pain.

Tyson watched silently at the door, helplessly as his friend was in obvious pain. Hilary gently tried to ease his pain, to no avail. He slipped away from the doorframe, and laid his head on the kitchen table. He was so frustrated... he felt so helpless as he couldn't help. Or couldn't he...?

"Okay, Dr D. If you've found us like Rei claims, I want to talk," he shouted. Max lazily opened a bright blue eye to see Tyson seemingly shouting to himself. He shrugged and went back to sleep.

"I want to challenge you. That's right. A beybattle, anyone you want. Just get him out of this stinking mess!" he shouted. He waited for a response, then sighed and closed his eyes.

"Why can't I do anything... I feel so helpless in this. I'm such a loser... pathetic, is what I am. Ha, Hilary, I admit it now. I am all those things you said, and so much more. Happy now? Because I'm not. I haven't done anything this whole time. Haven't saved lives, made selfless sacrifices for you, any of that heroic junk."

"I beg to differ, Tyson," Kai's cold voice interrupted his soft murmuring. Tyson nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Oh shoot, I didn't say that out... why can't I ever just keep my mouth shut?! It always ends up getting someone hurt. Myself included-"

"Tyson," Kai repeated. Tyson slapped himself for speaking his mind yet again. Kai frowned - Tyson was most definitely saying more than he intended to.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. It wasn't his loud, overconfident voice. It was quiet and... sad?

"You seem distracted, Tyson," Kai stated the obvious. Tyson merely looked up at him. "Is it Rei?"

Tyson sighed. "Yeah. I guess." Kai cocked an eyebrow.

"What else," he demanded. Tyson opened his mouth slightly, then got up.

"Nothing," he said more harshly than he intended. He glared sullenly at his friend. "Now if you don't mind," he said, slapping his hands down on the table. He shoved the chair roughly aside, and walked out the door. Outside, he muttered to himself under his breath. Something like "Besides everything."

Kai just watched as his friend walked glumly outside. Happy people weren't like that. Kai had a suspicion-- no, Kai KNEW that there was more to Tyson than his happy, cheerful self. Something he didn't want to bring himself to believe.

Tyson sat on the steps of the porch, staring up at the sky. He felt even smaller and insignificant in this world. As if in response, soft laughter filled his ears. Tyson buried his head in his arms. "What do you want," he said softly, muffled by his arms.

"A battle, of course, Tyson," Dr D's voice rang out clear and cold. "Are you up to it?" he asked, his voice was mocking concern, dripping with malice.

"Of course I am," he snapped his head up. "What are your terms," he demanded.

Dr D laughed again. "Hasty, aren't we," he mused. "Tyson, if you win, never again will I try and capture any of the four sacred bit-beasts. Rei will recover, and you will go home."

"And if I lose?"

"Both Dragoon and Driger are mine for the taking." Tyson blinked, not knowing what to do. He sat for a while in silence, contemplating and talking to himself.

"I don't know if I can do this. If I win, we're all saved. No more of this torture - tempting. Everyone would be safe, and there would be no worrying. But if I lose, Driger and Dragoon are his... if I don't do anything, Rei will still be fighting for his life... and he can't win. It's not fair. Driger's his, anyway. I can't let that happen. I have to do this for Rei. I will win for you."

"Good," Dr D's malicious voice came again. "Noble of you, boy, but you will feel sorry when you lose. Come on, the portal is waiting... and your friends will watch you lose."

He solemnly entered the glowing portal, to face his biggest challenge yet.

The Bladebreakers blacked out momentarily, and after waking found themselves in a beyblade stadium. They were sitting in audience - wait, they WERE the audience. No wonder they had front-row seats. Max shook his blonde head to clear his mind. He saw Tyson standing at the beydish, waiting for his challenger. "TYSON! WHAT'S GOING ON?!" he yelled.

Kai sweat-dropped slightly - Max had just yelled in his ear. Unnecessarily too, they were in dead silence and Tyson was directly in front of them. He stared intently at Tyson, waiting for an answer.

Hilary looked up, waiting for a response from Tyson as well. She was supporting Rei, who was limp and unmoving.

"I have to do this, guys," Tyson said. His eyes were shadowed by his bangs, and he spoke quietly. "It's the only way. If I win, Rei'll get better, and we can all go home. Our bit-beasts will be safe from him forever."

They stared at him intently, waiting for him to continue.

"And if I lose, I surrender Dragoon and Driger." The others gasped, but nodded hard. He needed all the encouragement he could get.

"Yeah Tyson!" Max yelled loudly. Kai flinched again at Max's yelling, but smiled encouragingly. In that non-smiling manner. More like, he wasn't frowning.

'Come on, Tyson,' Kai said mentally.

"You can do it, Tyson!" Hilary yelled. She squeezed Rei closer and whispered into his ear. "You hear that, Rei? Tyson'll win, and everything will be alright again."

His amber eyes flickered open slowly. He nodded, and tried to smile. "Come on, Tyson. Please, win it..." Dizziness overcame him, and he let his weight rest upon her shoulder. He stared quietly ahead.

The giant screen that usually displayed to the audience what was happening in the dish flickered on. The shadowy figure of Dr D appeared, this time enlarged. "Hello there," he said dangerously. "Ready to meet your opponent, Tyson?"

Tyson just glared and tightened his grip on his launcher. Dr D took that as a yes. A shadowy cloaked blader made his entrance. He looked almost identical to Dr D's other bladers, cloaked in black.

"This will be a sudden death match. Winner takes all. Are you ready, boys?" Tyson nodded, while the other merely took out his launcher.

"3-2-1 let it rip!" Tyson yelled. The other blader said nothing, but launched his beyblade swiftly and smoothly into the classic red beydish.

The blades clashed, sending sparks. "Go, Dragoon!" Tyson yelled, and Dragoon went on the offence. His opponent just stared darkly ahead, manoeuvring his black beyblade. Tyson would have made some sarcastic remark about how stereotypical the black blade, cloaked figure was but couldn't be distracted from his concentration.

There was a sudden glint in Tyson's opponent's eye, and his beyblade rammed into Dragoon head-on, causing Dragoon to go flying in the air. The others gasped, but sighed with relief as it landed safely still spinning.

"Be careful, Tyson!" Hilary yelled, although knew he was aware of the danger. He merely nodded, and focused even more deeply.

"Tyson, you have to end this quickly. Dragoon can't take much more," Kai commented, and Tyson nodded in agreement.

The black blade started attacking ferociously, giving Dragoon a major beating. Pieces of the white-grey beyblade flew. Tyson stumbled, his face contorted with pain. Hilary gasped and clutched her hand to her heart as she saw him weaken.

"Don't let up, Tyson," Max advised. He didn't want to see his friend hurt further, but knew that it was something Tyson had to do.

"You have to attack now," Kai commanded, and Tyson's eyes flew open.

"You're right. DRAGOON ATTACK NOW!!" he yelled, and the dragon appeared in full glory to fight for its master. Dragoon's opponent appeared - a black shadow.

Its form writhed and twisted, as it had no defined shape. "How am I supposed to fight that?" Tyson mused to himself. Dragoon was clawing at it, trying to slash it with its rake-like claws, but the shadow was to quick for it. Every swipe Dragoon made, the shadow bit-beast evaded with ease.

"Dragoon, phantom hurricane attack!" Tyson yelled, and a great tornado arose from the beydish.

Tyson's opponent spoke for the first time. His voice was harsh and raspy, and spoke with a whisper. "Attack," was all they would ever hear him say.

The two blades collided, and an explosion took place. Light filled the area, their human eyes not allowing them to see anything inside the dish. They all shielded their eyes for protection.

When the light seemed to dim and the wind of the tornado had died, they looked down into the remains of the red plastic, formerly a beydish.

"No way," was the first thing said, by Kai. The others gasped as they peered inside the dish that held their fate.

Black was still spinning, and white lay uselessly on the ground beside its master. Former master.

A disgustingly giddy laugh filled the area. "You lose, Tyson," Dr D's cruel voice mocked. "That makes me the winner. Now watch as your soul is torn in two."

Tyson's heart stopped as the blade did, and he fell to his knees. He looked up, tears forming in his eyes, as he watched helplessly as the black shadow painfully wrapped itself around Dragoon, consuming it and taking it captive into the black blade.

The shadow then reached out, and Driger's golden light was sealed into the black beyblade. Hilary hugged Rei closer, as Driger was taken from him. Tears now fell freely down Tyson's face.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, and collapsed to the ground. His form shuddered with sobs. "I am so sorry." The cloaked blader retrieved his blade, and retreated to the shadows, leaving Tyson standing speechless. Alone in the dark, soul shattered.

"I'm sorry! Forgive me!" Tyson shouted. "No, I understand... really, I do, there IS no point to me being on the team anymore, I completely agree, Max. No, I don't know how I could have lost so badly, Kai. I said I'm sorry... I gave it my best shot. No, you're right, that's no excuse. I'm just not good enough, I know."

"Hilary, I know you hate me. Please, just give me one last chance... no, I don't deserve it. I'm sorry, and I know I'm not worthy of your time. But please... Kenny, I did. I lost. Dragoon and Driger. Yes, I understand... I know that... I'm sorry, I won't talk to you anymore, promise. Just let me try to explain..."

"Rei, I'm so sorry... I know you hate me, with a reason. Yes, two reasons. I shouldn't have taken the challenge. I shouldn't have been so ruthless... I should have known better, I know. I'm so sorry this happened to you... No! Don't leave... Rei..."

"Ozuma, I screwed up big time. I know. I let you down. I've already let down the whole world. No, grandpa, please, I'm so sorry - take me back I don't have anywhere else to go! Grandpa..." Tyson finally ceased his mutterings.

"How is he, Hilary," Max asked grimly, after the girl walked out of the bedroom. Tyson had stayed shut up in the bedroom since the battle, and had finally fallen asleep. Hilary had gone to check on him, to find him in a restless sleep. They knew he was asleep, as Hilary had been in there a few minutes now and hadn't been sent out.

"He's not so good," she replied. "He's still completely grief-stricken and guilt-ridden. He's rambling in his sleep..."

"What about?" Kai asked, leaning against the wall.

"He was shouting things like 'forgive me' and 'I'm sorry', which you must have heard. But in an almost incoherent whisper, he was saying things that I found even more disturbing..."

Kai and Max stared at her, urging her to tell them. "In his nightmare, or dreams or whatever, he believes... that you kicked him off the team, Max. He thinks you don't think he's worthy of the Bladebreakers." Max's face paled a shade, turning a ghastly white.

"That you're disappointed and ashamed of his loss, Kai. That his best isn't good enough," she muttered. Mild surprise momentarily flashed on his face.

"That I hate him, and think him undeserving of my time," she whispered sadly. "That he's failed the whole world. That his grandpa will have kicked him out of the house. That everything... is all his fault."

There was silence that filled the room, only to be interrupted by a ragged, hacking cough belonging to Rei who was lying on the couch in another room.

"How's Rei," Hilary asked suddenly realising the danger Rei was in.

"He's... okay," Max said nervously. "He hasn't gotten any worse."

Hilary frowned, and looked panicked as she heard his painful coughing again.

"He's been able to take a bit of food," Kai said, so she wouldn't panic. "He had some water, and just now was able to stomach a small bowl of soup."

Hilary beamed. "Wait 'til I tell Tyson! He'll feel better knowing that." Max grinned and nodded vigorously. "Hey, wait a minute," Hilary said, feeling her confident, teasing self again. "You DIDN'T make the soup," she pointed at Max.

"Nope. Kai did," he laughed slightly, remembering his soup incident. "Uh, want some?" Hilary's stomach growled in response. She blushed crimson.

She laughed, along with Max, and realised that she hadn't eaten since the fateful battle. It was now around midnight. "Yeah, that would be great," she smiled. "And you didn't tell me earlier?!" she snapped suddenly. Max grinned and sweat-dropped.

"Eheheh... sorry," he muttered, and walked to the stove to get some soup.

"I hope Rei can pull through. It'll be difficult without Driger," Kai mused.

"Huh? What do you mean, Kai?" Hilary questioned. Max turned his head and looked at him as well.

"It's hard to explain. Bit-beasts are a part of us," Kai tried to simplify it for them. "They are a part of who you are, and the two master and bit- beast share feelings. When one is hurt, the other is as well. The same applies with strength - the bit-beast contributes to one's power." He looked up at them, to see if they understood so far. They nodded slowly.

"So now that Driger's been taken away from Rei, he's weakened greatly, as is Tyson. And Rei was already extremely sick even with Driger. Now that he's without--"

"It'll be even harder to recover," Hilary finished. Kai nodded. "Not good..."

"But at least it's not any worse," Max added. "He doesn't seem to be falling even more ill..."

"That's because Dr D has no need to intensify the sickness," Kai explained. "He already has Driger," he said bluntly. Max shut his eyes tightly and Hilary swallowed hard, almost shocked at the openness of it all. But they knew Kai better.

"Right," Max said quietly. "Then why not make him better?"

Kai's face darkened. "Because... well the more obvious point is that the antidote would be more costly and 'not necessary' in the doctor's case. But I doubt that's an issue. I think you know why he hasn't cured him."

Max bit his lip, and Hilary cringed. "Because he enjoys it," Hilary said softly. "He likes to see us suffer." Kai nodded ever so slightly.

Kai had grown up with psychopaths like Dr D. He knew all too well the pleasure they got from seeing people hurt. Children hurt. Him hurt. Kai felt an insuppressible shiver overtake him, as he remembered.

"Hey, um, you okay?" Hilary asked softly. Kai immediately glanced up and stood up sharply.

"Yeah," he said, walking away.

Max set a large bowl of soup and a spoon on the table for Hilary, and walked off as well. She muttered a quick 'thanks', and sat down.

The soup smelled delicious, she found herself thinking, but was more focused on what Kai had just explained to her.

"So they're linked... like one," she murmured to herself. "I think I'm starting to understand... it's that bond that I can see during the beybattles now. It's strange... very cool, but strange. It's like they sacrifice for one another. Yes, that's it. I've seen that in most of the major battles they've had. They share strength... they share a soul," she concluded.

She had a little difficulty grasping the complexity between owner and bit- beast, but she trusted Kai. He was sagacious and wise, and Hilary had complete confidence in him. She sat for a while, absorbed in her soup.

She immersed herself in the aroma, a sudden craving tempting her to indulge. She gave in to the irrepressible temptation, and lifted the sleek metal spoon to her mouth. She swallowed a spoonful, and felt herself relax slightly as it poured down her throat like velvet. Its liquid warmth was comforting and soft. The noodles, vegetables and spices blended together deliciously. The medley of flavours tickled her tongue, as the contrasting textures of the soup combined perfectly.

She indulged in the delicious soup, momentarily drowning her worries for Tyson and Rei.

"How's Tyson?" Rei asked hoarsely, his voice barely there.

"He's..." Max didn't know what to say. "Sleeping," he said truthfully. Rei nodded and shifted again. He started coughing again, shaking his slim frame. Max ran off to get some water for Rei. He came back instantly, handing him the cup of water.

"Thanks," Rei mouthed but no sound came out from his throat. He slowly sipped the cold water, and started to talk again, despite the pain. "How's he taking it? Not very well, I presume," he said, coughing again. Max cringed.

"Not really," Max admitted. He couldn't hide anything from Rei, and he knew it. "I'm sure you can imagine."

Rei nodded. "Not good at all," he whispered as he thought of how Tyson would react.

"Hey, are you okay?" Max asked, and Rei knew it was about Driger.

Rei stared up at his friend, a sad look washed over him. His eyes were downcast and flooded with hurt. He tried extremely hard not to let the pain of the loss show, but couldn't completely conceal it. He felt Max's hand on his shoulder.

"I understand," Max whispered. He got up, leaving Rei to rest in silence. If he'd stayed a minute longer, he would have seen the silent tears falling from sad, ochre eyes.

Tyson woke early the next morning. He couldn't sleep anymore. He walked outside, silently loathing the gorgeous sunrise for being so serene and beautiful. He walked around, realising that the house really WAS in the middle of nowhere.

There was a scattered forest out back, and a trail leading to their house. Tyson walked along the dirt trail, not knowing or caring where it went.

He heard the door open and footsteps approach, but he didn't turn around. He kept walking, as if he hadn't heard at all.

"Tyson, wait up!" Hilary cried, running to catch up. He didn't, of course. She sprinted until she was beside him.

"Hey, how are you?" she asked. He didn't reply. He stared darkly at the ground in front of him. "Hel-lo," she said, exasperated. She annoyingly waved her hand in front of his face.

"What do you want," he muttered.

"Don't you use that on me," she scolded, but her face softened. "I just want for you to be okay," she attempted a smile.

"Look, Hilary. You don't know how it feels. You have no idea, so why don't you just leave me alone?" Tyson snapped. She recoiled.

"What do you mean? I've made mistakes too, Tyson," she said, arguing back. "So why don't you at least give me a chance to understand?"

"Because you would never understand," he uttered. "You just wouldn't..." he trailed off, his voice cracking. He stared down at the earthy path at his shoes, stopping in his tracks.

Hilary stopped too, and placed her hands on his shoulders. She gently tilted his chin up so he looked her in the eyes. "Then let me try," she said ever so softly. "Even if I don't understand, I know it'll make you feel better. Tell me everything on your mind..."

And so he did.

(Kai's POV)

I walked silently down the dirt path, admiring the beauty of the late morning. What was I doing? I didn't really know yet. My intent was to go console Tyson... he had been out for hours now; I had heard him get up. How would I console him? I had no idea. I'm not exactly the comforting type. What would I say?

'Suck it up,' I pictured myself saying. I pictured hurt and tears, and I cringed. Worse yet, they would wave it off nonchalantly, expecting that sort of answer from me. Ouch.

Well I get what I deserve. No, I get more than I deserve. I do learn, though, and try to make up for them. Like betrayal and loyalty, learned through mistakes. Big mistakes. Or one big one; my whole life has been a mistake. But hey.

Also with Wyatt... okay, it's too late now. That was indubitably hard on my conscience... oh, only because I told him to get out of my life, flat out refused to teach him, and led him to insanity. Great. Note my sarcasm. But that incident did lead me to be more accepting of others. Like Zeo.

Okay, I guess I've only been remedied of this mistake-filled life on the account of one thing. Friends. Okay, sounds lame, whatever. But it's true. I see a whole new side of things. A whole different side to me...

Okay, maybe you don't see it. Probably nobody else does. But I think it's an improvement from evil, conscience-free megalomaniac, wouldn't you? As my grandfather told me, that was my destiny. Well, according to him my fate was to be his sidekick, his evil partner in crime. Ha, he's not wrong about much, but he was most definitely wrong that time. Sorry, gramps.

Oh, and there Tyson is, up ahead. I was so caught up in my cynical thoughts I didn't notice he was just ahead, sitting under that tree. And he's with someone. Hilary, no doubt. Yes, that's Hilary.

Well, no need for me. I turned around, set to leave.

There was a final pause in their chatter. Evidently, the conversation had ended. I turned around to face them again, waiting for them to see me. They didn't.

"Thank you, Hilary. You were right, it did help," he said after the long pause.

"And thank you for enlightening me," she said back. "I'm glad I could help, I told you talking to someone always helps. I didn't understand the special bonds before... Kai-"I felt a mild adrenaline rush when she said my name, as I waited once again for them to discover me, "tried to explain it to me." Okay, they didn't notice me. But I didn't even care...

"But you didn't get it then?" Tyson asked.

"No... Kai explained it really... formally. What you told me was really -real- like you actually feel. It came from within. You know?" Hilary said.

"Yeah. Thanks again... you really lifted my spirits. I need to start blading again, even without Dragoon. I can't let the team down. And, like you say, I'm sure I'll see him again." Wow, I missed the whole counselling session.

"Of course you will," Hilary flashed a real, happy smile. "I'm positive." Tyson smiled too.

"Thanks a mil, Hil, for believing in me," he said before hugging her tight. He picked her up, showing his physical strength, spinning her around in a circle, wrapped in his arms.

Hilary squealed as she was spun around in his arms. I figured it was a combination of surprise, anxiety and joy. He slowly let her down, still embracing her in his arms. With a final hug, they parted ways. Hilary headed back to the house, and Tyson went further down the path.

She was so excited she brushed right past me without even noticing.

END OF CHAPPIE!

Lookie, I put MORE KaiHilTy action in. But it's not a romance fic or anything; you know that. Heck, they're in grade 8. I was going to have a first kiss scene this chappie, but... I wasn't so sure whether to have the final pairing yet, so I didn't. --() Tell me which you prefer!

Okay, this was a fairly experimental chapter. I tried to have different perspectives... In parts I used first person and also present tense. Tell me what you think.

Review! Penguin Pop