So sorry for the wait! I know I took forever. Please forgive me!
Thank you all for the amazing reviews and suggestions! I can't BELIEVE how many I got for the last chapter!!! I'm ecstatic!! Nope, beyond that! Only hope I can live up to a high expectation now. Thanks all for voting!
Yes! I'm so happy G Rev is finally here! It's sooo amazing!! I love it! I already dislike Daichi though. Ugh... He's like Tyson in the first series but more immature, an uglier voice... and the clothes... do I dare say worse?? Oh, and a strange thing in the middle of his forehead. Okay, sorry to any Daichi lovers out there...
Okay, just clearing some things up. Rei IS most definitely an important part to the Bladebreakers. It was just his feelings at the time. He was left pretty much alone for days, and he can barely do anything. It's only natural for him to think of excuses.
As for the evil doctor, he is a total psychopath, completely out of his mind and insane. He gave Hilary the decision, because he knew that he was guaranteed a bit-beast. He knew that she would decide, and if she hadn't they wouldn't have given up their bit-beasts. It's semi-complicated.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Don't you get that by now? Honestly...
So enough rambling! On with the fic!
Twisted Fate
Chapter 19: Confrontations
Hilary sat awake in the dark, moonlight falling across her face. She was exhausted, but couldn't fall asleep. The others were fast asleep, out like a light after a day of intensity. She, too, had proven herself and had gone through with the training. She would do anything to support her friends.
She blinked, ruby eyes scanning the beds and their occupants. Max's innocent, sound asleep form, rose and fell as he breathed deeply in his slumber. He smiled slightly in his sleep, as he curled up in a ball.
Beside the sweet, gentle blond lay Tyson, who was so deeply asleep one could mistake him for dead. His hands lay by his head, relaxed. The only way one could tell he was only asleep was the gentle sound of snoring. However, it wasn't his normal, obnoxious snoring. It was merely his breathing, softly and deeply. Like a sweet infant.
Beside him slept Kai, his cold demeanour broken, and a different, more innocent side seemed to shine in the moonlight. His slate hair fell in his face. He, like the others, was far off in his own dreams. Hilary knew she couldn't wake them if she tried. But she wouldn't. Instead, she remained watching over them.
She stared at the two intently, content merely to watch them. She longed to hold Tyson's hands in hers - they seemed to reach out to her. She wanted to brush the slate bangs from Kai's face. But she wouldn't. She would remain there, until her exhaustion won over.
There was a slight ring of the alarm clock, as it did every morning at 3:00. The quiet, muted beep was amplified in the silence. Hilary's eyes shifted over to the bright red digital numbers on the face. It was the only other source of light in the room than that from the window, revealing the bright, silver moon.
She walked to the full-length mirror and looked at her reflection. 'Pretty. Pretty average,' she thought to herself, sighing. She admired the new clothes, though. Had Mr Dickenson really done this all for them? These new clothes were rather expensive, much more so than her usual attire. And so were the outfits for the others. They were matched to their own style, up to headbands and shoes, but even more trendy and costly.
Mr Dickenson must have gone to the trendiest teen stores and purchased several outfits for each of them. He had probably got a discount on all the clothes; after all, the Bladebreakers were worldwide celebrities and teen idols. But still, it was such a kind gesture! Along with the entire trip with the cruise boat, hotel, masses of food, and the very house they were staying in! And she wasn't even a beyblader herself, and neither was Kenny. Well, not a very good one, anyway. Yet he still acted so kindly towards them. The Bladebreakers were like his grandchildren.
Hilary continued to stare out the window, toying with her chocolate hair. She twirled a lock of hair absentmindedly, staring out to the starry night sky. She figured Kenny would be looking at the same picture, sharing the same view. She wondered how he was doing now, without them.
Kenny wasn't sharing the vision of the beautiful moon. And not because he was asleep, he had hardly slept at all since the news was broken to him. Though his clock read 3:00, but he didn't look. He hadn't looked, didn't care anymore.
The lights were still on, artificial glare cloaking the soft moonlight. His room was small, yet seemed so big as he sat all alone. He had never really minded being alone - he was a loner. Not like Kai had been, mind you. Kai wasn't a total loser, like himself. Kai had been respected and admired, and who could blame them? Kai was more alone because he was completely independent. Kenny was one of those people that no matter how hard you try, you will never be noticed. Maybe laughed at, stand out because you're such a loser, but that's it.
A little Kai plushie sat on his desk, books and papers having been shoved off messily to make way for the dolls. It was a chibi doll, so incredibly cute and innocent looking. Hard to believe they could make this look like Kai, however they had pulled it off, and well. His deep grey eyes had been captured perfectly in the little representation, looking deep and dark yet filled with fire; and soft slate bangs fell loosely in his face, just as the real Kai's did. Blue triangles were painted delicately yet fiercely on his pale face. Small life-like clothes dressed the little doll, even including his belt and pockets. He was beside a Tyson plushie. Kenny shoved the Kai doll to the side, isolating him. Kai hadn't deserved that spot. He hadn't even tried, yet had become closest friends with Tyson, Rei and Max, and Hilary too. Their circle of friendship that he wasn't considered a part of. Despite how hard Kenny had tried to get into it, he never quite fit in. And Kai was so respected and a part of them, even if he was a total jerk... 'What am I thinking?' Kenny asked himself. 'Sorry Kai, I was being selfish again. You were a great friend... pulling through, saving the day at the last minute, even if I was there from the beginning... You deserved that respect and friendship from the Bladebreakers more than I ever did... How, I only wish I knew...' Kenny had tried so hard... but had Tyson ever really wanted that friendship? No, Kenny was more like a dorky little pest that was only good for when Tyson needed help.
Tyson's little counterpart was just as realistic as Kai's. The chibi doll had giant deep brown eyes, full of a sweet innocence and energy. He had a backwards cap over midnight blue hair. The doll smiled, and happiness almost radiated from the doll. Well, it would for most kids, but it only hurt more as it harshly reminded Kenny he would never see that smile again. He felt he would never be happy again, without them. Tyson was a genuinely nice guy. He was friendly and kind, and would do anything for his friends. Except maybe Kenny... Kenny would always try and ask Tyson to do something, never for Kenny's benefit, but for his own, but Tyson would just laugh it off. Until he realised it would actually help him, which he would realise after Max, Rei or Kai had said so. Why did Kenny even put up with him? Oh, right, because Tyson put up with him. Merely put up with, though. However, it was better than anything else Kenny had ever had.
A little Rei doll sat in white and black; bright curious amber eyes stared back at Kenny. A little red bandanna, raven bangs that framed his pale face. His adorable little Chinese outfit and long wrapped hair just added to the chibi's cuteness. A little smile was on his face, both adorable and daring. That smile had won the hearts of so many girls. Kenny wished he could do that. When Kenny smiled, he just looked even more geeky and loserly than ever. He sighed, as he tried a half-hearted smile in the mirror. The mirror shattered. Kenny gritted his teeth with frustration and anger, knowing he looked just as stupid angry. He wished he could have girls instantly fall in love with him like Kai and Rei, or even Tyson and Max. But no, he was short and scrawny, with huge, thick glasses, and ugly hair. And underneath the bangs and glasses... well, lets say he hid it for a reason. He was quite plain and ugly. They had all laughed whenever Kenny had mentioned anything about a girl – he would never have a chance. When he had complimented Hilary, she had always looked uncomfortable, not in the way she might with Kai mind you, and had this look upon her face... as if she was completely disgusted by it and freaked out, as if a gigantic spider had just crawled in her lap.
Between the Tyson and Rei dolls sat the girl with chocolate brown hair and ruby eyes. The Hilary doll was absolutely adorable, so sweet and cute. She had always been nice to Kenny; maybe his closest friend ever. But he knew she didn't really do it out of friendship... more out of pity than anything else, and the fact that she hadn't really had any real friends before the Bladebreakers. She was just so nice, she couldn't help but be kind to Kenny, poor little nerd in desperate need of friendship. He had also used him to get to Tyson and the others. The Hilary doll was one of the most popular dolls - girls tended to buy dolls, and there were so many beyblade fans, and an increasing number of female beyblade fans. She came with multiple changeable outfits and accessories. Hilary was like an idol - she was strong, sweet and smart. And pretty, to top it all off. And, although Kenny was unaware, she had captured the hearts of two of the best beybladers on Earth.
At the other end sat a blond Max doll with enormous deep blue eyes. They matched his purposely over-sized miniature blue shirt with yellow stars. He was grinning his trademark smile. He had a nice personality, like Rei, which charmed girls too. Kenny didn't have a charming personality... it sort of scared people. First reaction – eww, an ugly nerd! He was awkward and talked a lot. However, others liked Tyson and Hilary, they were loud, opinionated and talkative, but Kenny just rambled about stupid little things. He was a nuisance.
Kenny missed them so much. Though ignored and hurt countless times, they had been his friends. Maybe he wasn't their best friend, but they had been his. He stared at all of the dolls, perfected down to the last detail. They had been extremely expensive, Kenny knew. Hilary's mother had given them to him; they were going to be Hilary's 15th birthday present. But now... She had given him the set of dolls with tears in her eyes, and Kenny knew that there were others grieving just as much as he.
So where was the Kenny doll? The Kenny doll was there, but he seemed invisible. No, he stood out, being the only ugly one of the bunch. It was absolutely hideous and comical at the same time. Yeah, they had gotten the dolls down perfectly. Large, round glasses were stuck on top of a large mass of untidy mousy hair. A classic loser smile was planted on his stupid face, as he held a miniature laptop. His face read 'kick me, I'm a nerd'.
WHUMP. As if to add insult to injury, the doll suddenly fell over on its face, not able to support the immense weight of his own, ugly head. Kenny jumped at the sudden noise, then felt his cheeks grow red with embarrassment and anger for the thing. He could hear their laughter in his head. Tyson, Max and Rei would be on the floor, laughing uncontrollably. Hilary would try to defend, 'Stop laughing you guys, it's not nice!' but soon after she would be joining them in the laughter after Max did an impression, Tyson teasing Kenny more and Rei making witty remarks. Even Kai would crack an amused smile as he holds up Hilary's giant lollipop to the doll, comparing, as the others break out in hysterics.
"Aargh!!" Kenny couldn't take anymore of his demented imagination and grabbed the stupid doll, throwing the stupid plushie in his closet. "That's where you belong, you retarded loner," he said bitterly.
So what about his other friends? He had no other friends. And just today, Zeo had informed Kenny that he was moving away. Well, he had barely. He had bumped into him on his wanderings, and had said to him, "Oh hey, Kenny. Huh? What's the rush? Oh, I'm moving away. Bye!" Yeah, that was it. Not exactly friendly. So who was left? School friends? No, he had no school friends. In fact, he never had had any. He had thought so... when in fact, they were all using him to get to Tyson. Or Hilary, maybe. But the fact was, after the Bladebreakers were gone, Kenny disappeared.
Rei woke to the early rays of dawn. His amber eyes opened lazily, a smile appearing on his face. The first decent sleep he'd had in a long time. Too long a time. After being sick for twelve whole days, he felt he was starting to recover. He blinked away any trace of sleep, and got up. He carelessly threw the blankets off of the sofa he had been sleeping on, realising he had barely been out of bed since they'd been here.
He walked into the main bedroom, noticing they were all seemingly deeply asleep. He slipped past them, careful not to wake them, and went into the closet, selecting some clothes from his wardrobe, and headed to the bathroom.
He inwardly grimaced at the thought that he hadn't bathed in the longest time. He stripped off his clothes, and threw them from him in disgust. He climbed into the shower, letting the water cleanse him.
After a long shower, Rei felt thoroughly refreshed. He got into fresh, clean clothes and stared into the mirror. He realised he had lost a LOT of weight. He had lost over 15 pounds, which was an insanely unhealthy amount for anyone, but especially for someone like Rei, who was already extremely slim.
He felt extremely weak, but he figured hunger was far better than nausea. He tied a red sash around his waist, and had to tie it really tightly. His clothes hung very loosely from his body, the tail ends of his sash were longer than they should be.
His eyes had a sort of hollow, out-of-it look. He splashed water in his face, attempting to wake up... But no, he couldn't just yet. He stifled a yawn, realising just how exhausted he was after... taking a shower? He shook his head, sighing, and walked out of the bathroom and to the kitchen.
He felt fatigued and drained, no matter how much he had slept. He felt like not doing anything at all, like he couldn't do anything. His head was starting to hurt again, a dull throbbing present. He groaned and held his head, wishing it would just go away. He laid his head down on the table, buried in his arms, but immediately sat up straight at the sound of the door opening.
Max entered the kitchen, awakened by the sunlight and feeling hunger in his stomach. He stretched and rubbed sleep from his eyes. He blinked a few times, then his crystal blue eyes shot open seeing Rei. "REI!" he shouted, running up to hug his friend.
Rei smiled, but raised his eyebrows as a mumbled "whuzzuh?" came from the bedroom. He put a finger to his lips, motioning for Max to be a little quieter.
"Nothing, Tyson," Max called back. "Sorry to wake—"he was interrupted by a loud snore. "Never mind," he muttered. "So Rei, what's up? How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling a lot better than I was," Rei answered, resting his head in his arms once again. "Uh... still tired, though." Max nodded.
"That's good, then," he said cheerily. "Hungry? You look famished," Max observed. Rei nodded, sighing slightly. Max held up a box of cereal, and Rei nodded slightly once again; yes, cereal would be okay.
As Max went to the cupboard to find bowls for the cereal, Rei struggled to stay awake. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, opening them immediately as a hand gently prodded him. Bowls of cereal and milk lay in front of him and Max, Max poking him to assure he was still awake. The difference between Rei's bowl and Max's - Rei's was of a neutral – normal – colour, while Max's was disgustingly bright and artificial, sugar caking the round balls of colour. "Here ya go, Rei," Max grinned, handing him a spoon.
Rei muttered a "thanks," and took it. He dipped the spoon in the bowl, watching its face disappear in the milk's opacity. It resurfaced, now with bits of grainy goodness floating in the white liquid. Rei lifted it to his mouth and crushed the cereal with his teeth, swallowing it. It felt strange, the foreign feeling of eating again. He ate slowly, and by the time he had finished half, Max was on his fourth bowl of sugarcoated sugar puffs.
Max mumbled something with his mouth full; Rei only could look at him quizzically, not knowing what the heck he was saying. Max swallowed, then restated his question. "You gonna finish your cereal? Want anything else to eat?" Rei shook his head.
"Thanks... but I think I'll just go back to bed. I'm exhausted," Rei said, emptying the bowl and putting the spoon and bowl in the dishwasher.
"Okie doke," Max said. "Sleep well, you're not looking so good. Sure you don't want any sugar?"
"Yeah, thanks," Rei muttered, leaving a content Max in the kitchen alone with his sugar puff cereal. He dragged himself to the main bedroom, and must have fallen asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Max watched him leave, then walked to the cupboard to grab a candy bar. "Poor Rei," he said to himself, tossing the wrapper in the garbage can and wolfing down the last of the chocolatey goodness. He grabbed twenty pixy stix and some scissors. He cut the tops of the neon straws, then poured their contents in a bowl. Max grinned and grabbed a spoon.
He sat down, and started eating the sugar with a spoon. Spoonful after spoonful, the stuff went down his throat. Halfway through the sugar, his pupils were dilated and a manic grin was on his face. He suddenly saw a flash of light from the main bedroom, but shook it off as an effect of his sugar rush. He resumed eating his sugar; unlike his friends, he wouldn't be sleeping tonight.
Hilary woke with a start, wondering when she had fallen asleep last night. She blinked, realising she wasn't in bed anymore. She was on the ground, grass strewn with dew from moisture that hung in the air. "Tyson!" she said, realising the dark-haired teen was lying beside her.
"Yeah?" he got up, rubbing his eyes. "What..." but he didn't finish his sentence, as they both stared at the scene in front of their eyes.
A small boy stood; tears glistened from his eyes. He had midnight blue hair and big brown eyes, now sad and tearful. "Why... why? Why did mommy leave?" he asked, voice choking. His father stood beside him, tears in his eyes too.
"I don't know, son... I guess it was her time," he said, his voice cracked. He tried to hide his own tears. Another boy stood with them. Silent tears rolled down his face. He had cloudy greyish blue hair, and auburn eyes.
The small boy cried out, reaching forward as crystal tears streamed down his cheeks. "Momma..."
The silent, older boy spoke now. "Don't worry, she's not gone... she's still here with us," he whispered. "In here," he said, pointing to the small boy's heart. The heartbroken boy stared up at the cloudy sky, reflecting the grim moment.
The toddler sniffled. His large brown eyes looked so sad, so full of pain, even if he didn't really understand. He just knew she was gone, he wouldn't see her again. "Bye, mommy... I love you..."
His dad picked up the small boy in his arms, which soon fell limp. He and his other son walked into the distance, tears clouding their vision, with the air of respect and mourning. They seemed to walk so slowly leaving the cold gravestone as the rain began to fall. Hilary just watched them walk away, shaken by the dreadfully sad sight. She shivered; they were in a graveyard. "Tyson?"
The teen was kneeling in front of the gravestone, fingering the petals of the flowers they had laid down. He traced the name etched in the stone with his finger delicately, taking in every last detail. His shoulders trembled; he was weeping. "Mom," he whispered.
The boy cried for what seemed eternity, tears endlessly falling down his pained face. He didn't often cry... but now, he couldn't help it. He was sobbing uncontrollably, letting loose all the pain, his tears of anguish and sorrow he had kept inside him all these years. He cried silently but shook as he felt alone and cold.
The girl, she just watched helplessly as the boy fell apart. She waited for what seemed like hours; she knew he had to let it all out. Finally, his sobbing seemed to subside. He coughed and shivered; the downpour of the rainstorm as well as the cold from the chilly autumn air was getting to him. She couldn't wait any longer. "Tyson," she whispered softly and ran to him.
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him in a tight, caring embrace. He held on and cried into her, tears falling on her already soaked shirt. She gently stroked him, just as... just as a mother might, the one he had lost he and mourned right now. The mother he would never see again.
"What are we doing here," he finally whispered. "This... this is a memory, isn't it. It's like... like when we saw into Kai's past," he observed.
"You're right," she said softly. "Real nightmares... are you... okay?" she asked. 'Of course not,' she thought to herself, mentally punching herself for asking such a stupid question.
He straightened up, still holding onto her. He framed her face with his fingertips and looked deep into her ruby eyes, so wide and worried for him. "I am now," he said quietly, and kissed her gently.
Rei woke suddenly, as if he was being forced to open his eyes. "AH... wha?" he mumbled, recognising the place he was in no longer the bed he had fallen into. No, he was outside, on a dirt pathway now.
"You're up," Kai's familiar voice rang.
"Huh? Kai?" Rei said, confusedly. "What..."
"Yeah, that's me," he said. "You recognise this place? I think you might."
Rei's eyes narrowed as he looked, seeing... "The white tiger village! What? This is China!" he exclaimed, his eyes flashing wide at once. Kai nodded solemnly.
"Sometimes you regret leaving here," Kai said suddenly to Rei.
"Huh? Oh... yeah..." he said quietly, his light brown eyes were sad and distant. To his surprise, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked to see grey eyes, with hints of sympathy. He shook it off, and straightened up, and the two headed to the village guided by the soft moonlight that fell.
They walked up to someone, although they didn't stop when they saw the two teens. "Hello?" Rei called. He shrugged. "Hello?!" he called to another, but they as well did not seem to hear or see them.
Two people walked right past them, talking amongst themselves. "...Gone... yes, Rei Kon went missing this evening..."
"Huh..? This happened 2 years ago," Rei remarked. "This must be..." Kai nodded, confirming his unspoken observation.
"That would be my family," Rei pointed out in the distance. Kai couldn't really see; they were far off and looked the same as everyone else the village. He could sense something in Rei's voice, though.
"Do you ever miss them?" Kai asked. Although his voice showed no concern or enthusiasm, Rei was used to it. Rei knew what he meant; Rei had spent almost the entire past two years away from home, in Japan or competing in tournaments around the world.
"No." Kai cocked an eyebrow; he was surprised at the simple, blunt answer. "I don't... they don't really care about me," Rei said simply. Kai just nodded, understanding entirely what that was like.
"There's the village elder, Lee's grandfather," he said, breaking a silence. "There's the rest of his family." He shrugged. "I guess I got to know Lee and Mariah so well because they were always over... they were like family. Are like family."
Kai knew Rei was thinking about the White Tiger team, missing them and regretting his decision again. Kai just stood silent, letting Rei lose himself in a memory. He vaguely wondered how the whole hair colouring worked; Mariah's parents had a dull sort of black hair, and they surely didn't have hair dye in this village...
"There's Mariah," Rei said, half wishing he wasn't invisible and could stay; then he wouldn't trouble them, he would never have broken hearts and promises. "And Lee..." his voice trailed off. All the children of the village (which were very few) came out, followed by their parents. Soon, the whole village was outside, with torches and candles to guide their search.
Rei watched silently, painfully, as the village began their search for him. They endlessly called his name, searching blindly in the dark. It was pointless; he was gone.
The villagers searched until sunrise, Rei watching them the whole time. Kai sat with his eyes closed, although he was not asleep. He wasn't sure whether to allow Rei to watch this less than pleasant scene unfold; he had a right to, but Kai knew it would only bring hurt. It already had.
Tears welled in Rei's eyes. He watched, taking in all of this, as days passed before his eyes. Now, he watched as Mariah cried, her friends trying in vain to console her.
"I hate him," she sobbed. "I hate Rei!" she screamed, as Rei sat nearly beside her. The village had come to the conclusion that he had left.
"We know, Mariah," Lee said. "We all hate him. For what he's done to us... He left us, he took the White Tiger... he betrayed us."
"Rei... I swear," Mariah choked. "I can't... can't ever forgive you for what you've done," she said, choking and sniffling. "I loved you... and y-you left me... I hate you..."
Any mourning soon turned to anger within the village. The whole village seemed to hate him. Even his parents, they were not upset that he had left. Rather, they were ashamed of him. Talk was no longer of Rei; they all wanted to forget him. Only the whispers among the kids remained, telling stories and reminding each other just how bad he was. How he never WAS that role model, how he never WAS their leader anyway.
They had watched in silence like ghosts as the past fast-forwarded before them. Maybe a week had passed there, but it was only a few hours at most... Rei was silent; he had been focusing on the village, deep in thought and sad with regret. Kai had been silent with respect for Rei. But now, he broke the silence.
"Rei, are you okay?" he asked cautiously. Rei's eyes swiftly made contact with his grey ones. "You realise he's just trying to break you down," he said, referring of course to Dr D.
"Yeah... I'm alright," he said. "I didn't realise just how much pain I had caused... and I'm sorry for it. But they'll be fine... and will forgive me."
"They are, they've already forgiven you. You know that. Lee forgave you at the Asian tournament last year. And Mariah, she seems to have made it through pretty well, despite everything," he reassured. Rei nodded.
"I guess so... thanks. Mariah, she's... strange. Despite all the times I've left her, she keeps coming back for me... She stayed with me in the hospital last year... She put herself in the hospital recently, for me..." he was whispering now. "And I told her, I have told her so many times... that I couldn't love her... yet she keeps coming back. Why doesn't she understand...?"
"Maybe because she doesn't want to," Kai said slowly, looking up at the sky. "Even if she knows she can't have you, she doesn't want to let go..." he stopped, sighing. He didn't want to go any further; the more he thought about Rei's predicament, the more he seemed to understand what Mariah was going through. He knew he could never have Hilary, but... "Come on, we have to get out of here. You're not well."
"I suppose," Rei said, looking up at the sky. "Sorry Dr D; looks like we got through this one too. If you want the usual friend-team-stick-together-help-through lecture, go ask Tyson," he grinned. Kai gave a slight smile; Tyson tended to do that after everything. "I apologise for ruining your plans, but you haven't broken me yet."
"Darn."
Eyes closed, the two stood in the rain for what seemed to be eternity – a beautiful, sweet eternity...
"You got any nightmares?" Tyson asked. "Anything horrific from your past that I can maybe brace myself for? Any deaths, abuse, losses...?"
Hilary smiled and shook her head. "Like I've said before, my life has been completely boring... in fact, I'd say that's the worst thing of all about my life. I've always been alone. Sure, I had a clique and all. But I was alone, even then... I guess it was only when I met you, Tyson... my eyes were opened to a whole different world..."
Tyson smirked to himself as the rain continued to fall. "I'll bet he's searching through your past for something... something so gut-wrenchingly painful and terrifying you'll be crying... and I'll be crying, too... hahah too bad Dr D!" he proceeded to make faces while dance around in a mocking manner.
Hilary rolled her eyes. "You moron."
"Sorry Dr D, Hilary's completely boring, you won't find anything in her head besides a big mess of jumbled smartness... and probably some rocks..." WHAM. Hilary socked him in the face.
Tyson wasn't sure if it was just from the punch but everything started swirling around... soon he knew it wasn't the punch – it was Dr D's work. He became so dizzy he blacked out, and when he finally opened his eyes... "Hey! We're back at the house!" he exclaimed, jumping to his feet.
Hilary smiled, suddenly shouting with surprise as Tyson roughly dragged her inside the house. "Hey guys we're ho—"what he saw made him stop dead in his tracks. His world came crashing down. Hilary's smile faltered.
She swallowed hard, cursing herself mentally. She stared down at the floor, and as she shifted her gaze upwards she could see Tyson's hurt and betrayed expression. It hurt her too.
Standing in the doorframe of the bedroom, the memory that burned in Hilary's mind played... "I... do care about you," Kai told her softly, gently caressing her face and bare shoulders. Then, they kissed... the mere memory sent shivers down Hilary's spine.
It hurt Hilary to see Tyson's face. Anger, hurt, betrayal, sadness... Tears of guilt fell down Hilary's cheeks. Tyson's voice was not his own when he next spoke. "I thought..." he choked, his voice oddly strangled. Silence engulfed them. "Forget it," he said coldly, and ran.
He didn't know where he was going... but he couldn't stay there with her. He noticed the memory melting, dissolving as he ran, but his mind was blurred with many thoughts.
The memory of China started to fade; Rei and Kai found themselves back at the house when they opened their eyes again. Well, not quite at the house, rather they were outside the house and heard a very familiar voice.
"You mean so much to me... I mean, you can still make me smile after all of this! How couldn't I be okay with you here to cheer me up?" Tyson's voice came. They walked to see Tyson and Hilary sitting on a picnic blanket together. Rei looked bewildered, wearing a quizzical look. He never thought Tyson would admit it. And Kai, he just stared down at the grass, letting his bangs shadow his eyes.
Rei watched as the two locked hands, staring into the other's eyes with a sweet passion. They moved closer and closer until their lips met. They stayed like that for a few moments, pleasure and longing flushed across their faces.
Kai glanced up long enough to see the scene and felt a wave of coldness wash through him. Like he was drowning inside, a salty ocean of tears. His heart went cold; he could feel it spread. It hurt.
Why should he even care? He knew it all along, that she liked Tyson better. He couldn't help but hear Voltaire's voice echoing over and over again in his head. But he was right. Kai felt so weak right now, so broken and lost. And he wouldn't be feeling this way if it weren't for them. Crushed, weakened, used... After everything he'd been through, how could he let her destroy him like this? He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the verbal abuse instilled upon him and take his mind off of her.
But he couldn't. No matter how hard he had tried to suppress it, it hurt. Hurt to know that she didn't feel the same way about him, that she felt the same way about Tyson. Because he loved her smile, how she cared about him... or so he had thought. It stung like crazy; he could feel it in his eyes. He felt so cold...
"Are you... okay?" Rei asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Cold?"
"Huh?" Kai looked up, realising he had been shivering, shaking slightly. "Oh..." Kai just looked at him with an expression even Rei couldn't quite read. He looked rather out of it, sort of... helpless.
"Kai, are you feeling okay? You seem sort of... sick or something," Rei said, narrowing his eyes. "What's up?"
Kai just blinked. "Sorry... forget about it," he said, shaking it off. Rei rolled his eyes.
"Honestly, Kai. Something's wrong. Tell me, Kai. Are you okay?" he demanded, gripping both of his shoulders. Kai's eyes clouded over for a split second before he blinked it back and turned away.
Rei sighed. That look had told him, no, he wasn't okay. He hadn't lied and said yes, and he hadn't said out front that he wasn't. But the expression was proof enough. Rei noticed the scene fading, but Kai – he didn't notice a thing.
Next thing Tyson knew, he was in bed. In the very bedroom he had run from. He could still feel his eyes burn with cold tears. He didn't cry. He wouldn't cry. He blinked them back, shook it off. He glanced at her, waking from the dream as well. He shot her a cold glare, then got out of bed.
Tyson decided to have a shower... to wash off any hurt feelings, to take his mind off things, to scrub away her touch that burned in his mind.
Why did he even care? He hadn't even asked her out. He supposed it was because he was afraid of rejection... and she probably would have, wouldn't she? She liked Kai... Tyson clenched the soap and it slipped out of his grasp. He was shaking with sadness and fury. He shouldn't be angry with Kai; it was never his fault. But her, she led him on into thinking that she liked him.
No, he was stupid enough to think that she could ever like him. Actually, he was so conceited as to think that she might even... love him. Love him in the way that he loved her. His eyes burned at this thought. Did he still love her?
"Hey Hilary," Rei mumbled. He had woken up to find himself in bed. He sat up, shaking his head. "Man, all this blacking out and waking up and blurred reality is really getting to me..."
Hilary smiled, but it was hollow. "So... what did you guys see, then?" she asked, as both Kai and Rei sat up.
"Oh, uh... well I saw what happened when I left China years ago," Rei said, wincing. "Just, you know, mind games. He had me second-guessing my choice to join the Bladebreakers and my friends, and killing my self-esteem... I'm totally fine though," he said, seeing Hilary's worried expression. "Yeah, with a bit of help from Kai I saw through it all, realising why I did what I did and appreciating it even more. Oh, yeah, we saw a little... scene," he said, smirking. "Picnic... ring a bell?"
Hilary gasped. "Oh... no..." she paled. "Please, no..."
"Hey, it's okay," Rei grinned. "I mean, it was so obvious, we knew it would happen eventually. Like Max kept saying, you were meant for each other!" Hilary swallowed uncomfortably.
She tried to speak, but words wouldn't come. She only stared at the look in Kai's eyes. They were cold and sad. He glanced at her, flashing a look of regret, betrayal and helplessness. He abruptly stood up and walked towards the kitchen, white scarf trailing behind him.
"That was just completely uncalled for," Hilary snapped. He cocked an eyebrow, still not understanding. Then, it dawned on him like a brilliant flash of light.
Rei's jaw dropped. "Oh... are you serious? Oh man, I never would have guessed—"
"Hey!" Hilary smacked Rei on the head, fist raised to strike again.
"No, I didn't mean that! Heheh I meant about him, not you. But I can't believe I never had thought about... okay, I'll stop before I get into any more trouble," he grinned, sweat-dropping. Hilary rolled her eyes. "But seriously, that's a pretty bad mess," he said in a hushed voice.
"I know," she choked. He could see tears glistening in her eyes. "I feel so bad... I didn't even think about it. It just happened. I feel so selfish. I'm not worthy of either of them."
"Yeah," was all Rei managed to whisper. "Did you and Kai ever—"
"Kiss? Yes," she whispered. "And Tyson saw, just as Kai did Tyson and I. I never meant for any of it..."
"What do you want," Rei asked calmly. "Or who, rather."
"I... I... don't know," she said, on the verge of hysterics. "That's the thing... I loved them both. I'm so shallow. I never even thought about the consequences."
"Obviously not," Rei said, somewhat harsher than he meant. He saw more tears come before she buried her face in a pillow, and his expression softened. "But really, Hilary, you're not shallow. They're both great guys – they're my best friends. Really different, but both awesome friends. Now I think you should immediately go talk to them. They might not want to talk to you, so give them time, but let them know that you're willing – that you want to sort this out. I'm sure whatever happens, all will be forgiven."
Hilary looked up, eyes shining. "Thanks, Rei," she said, giving him a hug. "You're the best."
"I know," he said, as she walked out of the room. "Good luck," he muttered under his breath. This would be difficult.
She had managed to convince the two to sit down at the kitchen table, with some assistance from Rei in Tyson's case. Rei was there to make sure everyone understood everything – reasons, explanations, mistakes. He stood silently against the wall behind Hilary. Tyson sat, looking the other way with an uncharacteristic glare. Kai sat legs crossed, head down with eyes closed. Hilary sat facing them both, teary-eyed.
"Hilary, why don't you explain to them... everything," Rei said, nodding at her.
"I... I'm so sorry," she said, breaking down in tears. The way Kai looked at her from beneath those bangs crushed her. Tyson wasn't looking at her.
"Tyson," Rei whispered. "Just give her a chance." He reluctantly turned to face her, nothing but coldness in his eyes.
"I don't know why. I'm selfish, I know. I... wasn't thinking. The truth is, I liked... I love both of you. I was just confused... a silly little lost girl, lost in this world new to me of blinding feelings. I feel so stupid for saying this to you, but I was even more so when I didn't tell you the truth outright. But... you're the best friends I have ever had. I hoped... I hoped for more. I didn't even think... I just led you on deeper into this tangled web."
"Web of the black widow," Tyson said cruelly. More tears came.
"I'm sorry, okay? I'll never be good enough for you. I know you hate me! Just stop... stop making me think about... about..." she broke down again.
"About what? About how well Kai kisses? About how much you love him?" Tyson's voice was cold.
"Shut up, Tyson," Rei intervened. "Well, Hilary?"
"About how this was all better before I came. About how I've ruined everything," she whispered.
"No, it's my fault," Kai said, speaking for the first time.
"Stop defending her," Tyson cut in. "It's completely her fault. Are you blind? You're stupider than I thought, falling for her. Stupid like me. I can't believe—"
"Enough!" Rei shouted. "Honestly. Now—"
"Hey guys, what's going on?" Max entered the room looking cheerful and sunny.
"Hahaha oh it's nothing, Max! Nothing at all," Tyson grinned.
"Yeah," Rei said, smiling. "Hey, do you want to go outside? We haven't trained in a while. It'll be fun," he smiled.
"Sure," Max grinned lopsidedly. "Uh... I'm not interrupting..."
"It was nothing. Really." Tyson glared, his smile disappeared as fast as it had come as he looked at them. It was a look of icy venom. "Just frivolous things like my own fee—"
"Bye," Rei cut in. "See you later." Rei sent him a warning glance, that Tyson knew meant 'Don't let Max know, it would crush him to see his friends fight.' Tyson nodded. "Alright, Max, jogging or blading first," he could be heard as they left the house.
"I'll... go too," Kai said, leaving Tyson and Hilary to talk. He glanced at her, but Hilary couldn't read his expression. He left the room swiftly, his scarf billowing behind him.
"I guess it's just you and me," Tyson said. Hilary nodded. "Let's just get this over with. Do you want me to tell you how I feel, then? I'll tell you anyway. Hilary, we were friends. I liked you. Really. Ever since you showed your personality, the one under that preppy cover. I've liked you for a long time. The others knew you were always on my mind.
"Anyway, I thought my dreams were coming true when you returned my affections. I had dreamed of that kiss for so long. Just to touch you, hold you. That's how much I loved you. And that fateful day when our lips met, sitting on a picnic blanket, I thought we were meant to be. That I would love you and you would love me, forever. But I guess I thought wrong.
"I was so blind, oblivious. I thought that I would actually have a chance. No, I didn't even think about chance. I thought it was our destiny, our fate to be together. But I guess fate is twisted.
"I was so happy, and I continued to live in this perfect world. Any sadness from losing Dragoon, from being stranded who-knows-where, melted when I was with you. I loved you so much.
"And then I saw it. I saw through that selfish bubble when I saw you loved somebody else. My heart shattered, like ice. You had given me hope, given me dreams and then destroyed them, to fall down deeper into the darkness than I had ever been before."
Hilary was in tears by now. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed. Tyson's face was cold and serious, just as his voice had been. He just watched her cry at his words, emotionlessly.
He just got up and left after a while. 'There's nothing more to say,' he told himself.
She lay on the bed crying her heart out. She was lost, alone, and confused. Heart broken, she was a total mess. She felt cold without anyone beside her – but who could blame them? The only friends she ever had, and she had turned them away with her selfish actions.
And now she was reaching, grasping for them as she drowned in herself, tears and a cold blur of sadness and anger, gasping for forgiveness. The white scarf dangled teasingly, just beyond her reach, as did a familiar blue-gloved hand. The hand reached out to her own and held on, before tearing it away and letting her fall into the darkness.
END OF CHAPTER 19!!Review please!! Extra long chappie for you!
Penguin Pop