Thanks to everyone for the support you've given me along the way.
xxxx
TWISTED FATE
Chapter 27: Home
xxxx
"Mr. Dickenson? It's Tyson calling."
The others waited and listened as Tyson made the phone call. They'd finally reached a small town, and were warmly received by the residents. Some of the town folk recognized them, though in this friendly town, Tyson had the feeling that strangers would be just as well-received.
It had been almost night when they'd reached the town, and the local innkeeper had insisted they stay the night free of charge and allowed them use of his phone. Meanwhile, the owner of the town's diner was preparing them a hot meal, also on the house. Oh, Tyson had missed humanity.
"Yes… Tyson Granger," he said, and couldn't help but smile. "Max, Rei, Hilary and Kai are all right beside me, alive and well.
"Oh… please do," Tyson nodded. "Yes… please tell my Grandpa we're alright. And everyone else too…
Tyson's eyes brightened. "You can trace the call? Okay, great. We're staying at the local inn… Yes, they're preparing something as we speak – they're all very kind. Don't worry, Mr. Dickenson. …Yeah, tomorrow would be great!
"So I guess- what? No way!" Tyson broke out into a huge grin. "Kenny's alive?"
Rei gasped, smiling, and Max seemed to burst with excitement and relief. Hilary smiled and instinctively squeezed Kai's hand. Realizing what she'd done she blushed and instantly let go, but looking into the steel grey of his eyes, she realized letting go hadn't necessarily been necessary.
"No way…" Tyson murmured, smiling as widely as ever. "That's amazing… tell him we'll come visit him as soon as we're back! …Oh yeah? That's awfully nice, but you don't have to… Haha, well alright then! Okay Mr. D, I think I should go now – long distance call and all. …Yes, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow then!"
Tyson hung up the phone and turned back to the others. "They're sending a BBA jet for us tomorrow morning. Mr. Dickenson was, of course, glad to hear from us, and he's going to inform everyone that we're here and well. They're throwing some sort of fancy welcome back party for us, too, and he said he'd do his best to make sure everyone will be there. And Kenny… he's alive!" he grinned.
"So then what I saw…" Rei started.
"Was real," Tyson affirmed. "But you didn't see the whole thing. Just like how the doctor sent those pictures to everyone – they were real, but gave a false impression. Apparently he had been trying to find a way to transfer Dizzi to a beyblade, but his laptop crashed. He was later hit by a car and indeed, his heart stopped beating, however it seems that Dizzi had been freed from the laptop after all, just not contained in the beyblade. She saved Kenny's life with her remaining power. He's in the hospital right now, recovering, and apparently doing pretty well. I told Mr. D that we'd come visit Kenny when we got back."
Rei grinned with relief. "That's pretty devious, messing with people's heads like that. I wonder where he went though," he frowned. "He set the building to self-destruct, so obviously fled…"
"It doesn't matter," Max shrugged. "He's gone. The police will probably find him eventually, and he's done toying with us. And hey, even if he comes after us again, we'll survive again, right guys?" he asked, grinning. They groaned at the thought.
"Sorry to interrupt," a girl said, approaching them. "My mom told me to tell you that dinner's ready."
Rei flashed her a smile. "Thanks," he nodded.
"The diner's just down the street… this way. Follow me," she said, leading them to the diner.
When they arrived, they sat down at a table with food already on the table. The table and chairs had a pleasant wooden scent to them, and the place seemed to radiate with warmth.
"Dig in… you all must be starved," the woman said kindly. "Help yourself to salad, roast beef, potatoes and green beans. Gravy's on the side here… and save some room for the apple pie that's in the oven!"
"Thank you so much!" Max smiled graciously.
"Yes, we really appreciate the hospitality. But you shouldn't trouble yourself," Rei added.
"Oh not at all," the woman smiled, her kind eyes full of warmth. "You kids have had a rough time from the sound of it; my daughter told me you were the missing ones in the news. But in any case, I love to cook, and the restaurant's otherwise empty. Oh, that would be the pie," she said as a timer went off, and walked back to the kitchen. "Eat well, you hear me?"
"Yes'm," Tyson said, already stuffing his face. "Mmm! 'Sgood!"
Hilary sighed, shaking her head before loading up her plate as well. "Hey… this is really good!" she smiled. "Mmm, the potatoes…"
"BEEF," Tyson managed through mouthfuls. "MMMBEEFSOGOOD," he mumbled.
"Mhmm an' gravy," Max said, mouth also stuffed with food. "Mmm beef wif gravy an' potatoes!"
Rei gave a slight smirk, noting Hilary's disgusted face as she watched the other two. "Yes… this certainly is a good meal," he smiled.
He caught Kai's eye though, and detected a trace of… longing? And then Rei felt it too, and could sense it in the others too, buried deep. He spoke up. "I haven't… and I don't think any of us, really… have had this, in a long time."
"No…" Kai agreed softly.
"What… roast beef?" Tyson asked.
Rei shook his head. "More like… a home cooked meal." Everyone could tell from the way he said it just what he meant. Not so much that they were constantly travelling and away from home, but the fact that they didn't really have perfect, complete families to actually go home to. But that was possibly what had brought them together in the first place, as a team.
"Yes… I'm glad I have you guys," Max said at last, with a smile.
"Me too," Kai said quietly.
They smiled. "To the Bladebreakers," Tyson said, raising his glass of soda, and their glasses clinked in merriment.
xxxx
Night had fallen, and most of the team was fast asleep. They all shared a room; the inn was small (though cozy). They wouldn't have wanted it any other way, though.
Kai, however, was awake, as one might guess. He sat outside on the grass in back of the inn, feeling the cool night breeze through his hair.
"Hey," he heard a voice say softly from behind him.
He looked up. "Hey," he greeted, just as softly.
"Can I join you?" she asked. He nodded, and she sat. They sat for a bit in silence, listening to the wind as it rushed through the grass and leaves in the trees.
"So you… forgive me," she said at last, her voice still slightly anxious.
"I already told you, I do," he replied, quietly.
"Okay," she said, trying to smile a little. She still looked troubled.
"What's on your mind?"
"Oh, nothing!" she said, brightly. Too brightly. She always overdid it, and he always caught her. He gave her a sidelong glance, and she knew her façade was done for. "It's just… you know. This whole thing. This mess, with Tyson… and me… and you."
"Do you believe him?" Kai asked. "When he says he's happier this way."
"I… do," she nodded. "I think I can feel it. And I know him well enough to know when he is telling the truth. He's the sort that really is happiest when he can make others happy."
Kai nodded. "I agree."
"But still… I can't help but feel selfish and so undeserving," she admitted, wrapping her arms around her bare knees. "I did something horrible, and hurt both of you… and yet I end up with everything I wanted. It just doesn't feel… right."
"I am just as at fault," Kai said, shaking his head. "And believe me… I've done worse things in my lifetime. And I, too, have ended up with more than I could possibly have desired," he said, gently. She smiled slightly. "I often regret what I've done, but the past can't be changed. I suppose all we can do is hope for redemption through our actions towards the future."
"Yes," she nodded.
"And… even though you hurt him, don't forget that you've also brought him happiness on countless occasions. And… myself… You've changed me in so many ways… I don't even know where to start," he said quietly.
She smiled, appreciatively. The smile, though, turned from sweet to slightly mischievous. "Where to start," she echoed his words. "Well… how about we start with the fact that you're no longer a huge mean jerk?'" she suggested, teasingly.
He raised his eyebrows, amused. "I thought I most definitely was still a mean jerk."
"But not a huge mean jerk," she said, a smile playing on her lips.
"…Fair enough," he conceded. "I am no longer a huge mean jerk; I am now merely an average-sized mean jerk. And so for that, I must thank you."
Her smile broadened into a grin.
"I do have to apologize, though," he said. "For all the huge and slightly-less-huge jerk moves I have made. Notably… for rejecting you so harshly that night." His voice was quieter and more serious now. "In wanting to keep my friendship with Tyson, I didn't even think of how I could have hurt you… I'm sorry."
"No, I… I need to apologize too," she said, quietly. "I've been thinking a lot… about what I said that night. I…" she broke off, unable to find the right words.
But his eyes were gentle and urged her to continue.
"I was wrong. You don't… 'need me,'" she said, recounting her words, looking down at the grass. "I had used that as an excuse to explain to Tyson my decision, but still… I had actually believed it. And it was both conceited and foolish of me to even suggest such a thing," she said, shaking her head.
She paused. "But I do know, Kai… that you need someone." She looked back up, and ruby met steel. "And… Kai…" she whispered.
"I need you."
He smiled slightly, and in response tucked a strand of chocolate-brown hair behind her ear as the wind had blown it astray.
She leaned into him slightly as they gazed up at the stars, and he welcomed the touch. She gently, cautiously, reached for his hands. He realized, though, that she focused not on his hands, but on his wrists.
"You weren't wrong," he spoke at last. "I did… need you," he confessed, choosing his words carefully, emphasized by the quietness. Her fingertips traced over where the marks had healed.
He continued. "I'd closed myself off and I guess I …gave up on myself. Even after everything you and the others taught me," he shook his head.
"It won't happen again," she stated, all the confidence in the world.
"It won't," he agreed with a nod. "But listen. I don't want you to—"
"Kai," she interrupted. "Let me speak. I don't feel any obligation to stay. I am not afraid you'll give up again if I leave you. I'll stay because I love you. I'm here because I am madly, deeply in love with you; nothing more and nothing less."
His grey eyes were fixed upon her, in awe of her honesty and openness.
"As long as you're around to save me from falling off cliffs and being hit by trees… I'm not going anywhere," she finished with a smile.
He nodded and smiled back, enchanted by the way the moon lit up her face so perfectly. She leaned into him a bit closer, and they sat in silence for a while, listening only to wind rustling through grass and soft, rhythmic breathing.
"I really can't believe this is… real," she said softly, breaking the silence in the softest manner possible. "It seems like it wasn't long ago at all that I was just, you know, some fan girl. Just another girl writing your name all over my notebook, never even having spoken to you…"
He cocked an eyebrow. "Writing my name all over your notebook?" he asked, amused.
She flushed crimson. "I… never mind!" she said hastily, staring intently at the grass as if she could sink down into the earth if she stared hard enough. "I didn't say anything!"
"Don't lie now…" he smirked.
"Stop being such a jerk," she frowned, though clearly with affection.
"Forgive me."
Her arms were crossed. "I don't know…"
"Please." Something in his voice made her heart pound.
"…This time," she said, standing up, hoping he hadn't felt the erratic racing of her heart. "We should probably go get some sleep," she suggested, noting it was likely well into the early morning.
"Hm," Kai nodded, and the two walked back inside the inn to their room. Turning a light on, they could see Tyson and Max in their boxers fast asleep atop one of the beds, not having bothered to get under the covers. Rei was also in his boxers, sprawled out across the couch.
She took off her shoes and jacket, then brushed her teeth in the bathroom and washed her face. Re-emerging from the bathroom, she flopped onto the comfortable bed, not bothering with the sheets. It then occurred to her that the bed she was on was the only unoccupied one, with room for two. It also then occurred to her that Kai was also in his boxers.
"Umm… so… looks like we're paired together tonight," she said, slightly flushed again.
"I'll take the floor if you prefer," Kai offered.
"No! No… I don't mind…" she said, burying her face in the pillows. "D-do guys always just sleep in their boxers?" she sighed. "Don't you guys have, I dunno, man-pyjamas or something?"
Kai merely smirked, before turning out the light. He silently got on the other side of Hilary, keeping a respectful distance from her.
"Goodnight, Kai," she whispered. Then, under her breath, muttered something along the lines of "you sure make it hard to fall asleep." She was all too aware of how embarrassingly loud her heart seemed to be pounding yet again.
But although she had thought it would be difficult to fall asleep, he heard her breathing relax as she drifted into a slumber not long after.
He allowed himself to rest at last, closing his eyes. He had almost fallen asleep when he felt her, in her sleep, move closer to his side of the bed and put her arm over him. Feeling her warmth, the fabric of her shirt against his skin, sleep took over and he was sure to dream only good dreams.
xxxx
"Hilary! Wake up!"
"Hnnhh…?" she mumbled sleepily, turning over and hugging her pillow.
"Hilary!" Tyson smacked the dresser loudly, causing her to jump. "The jet's here!"
"Hmm?" She forced her eyes open to see Tyson standing over her. "Ahh… Okay, okay, I'm up already…"
Rei and Max shared a glance and smiled. This exact scene had unfolded the day they'd left Tyson's dojo – but reversed.
"Honestly, Hilary…"
"Mmm…" Hilary didn't want to move – her sleep had been so comfortable. She felt as if maybe last night was all just a dream, and if she woke it could disappear. It felt too good to be real.
Slowly she pried herself from her pillow and stumbled out of bed. The others were all dressed and ready to leave. Including Kai. She caught his eye and saw a subtle warmth in his expression that told her that last night had really happened. They'd really survived, and Tyson had really forgiven her, and Kai really did care for her.
She scrambled to get ready, and soon they were out the door, ready to go home. Boarding the luxurious private jet seemed strange and unusual for them, as they had almost grown accustomed to the brutal conditions they'd been under for so long.
They strapped themselves into the comfortable seats. "You know… I'm almost going to miss it," Tyson said.
"…Y-yeah…" Rei nodded confusedly, surprised that he was agreeing.
"You guys are crazy," Max sighed.
"It's strange, considering what it was we were put through. But I dunno," Rei shrugged. "Well… we spent a lot of time together."
"We became closer because of it," Tyson said. "And well… I'm glad it happened. Wouldn't want to do it again, but I'm happy with where it's brought us. I think we've all become better friends and better people because of it."
"I can't say I'll miss it. But I am happy with where we've ended up because of it," Kai said. Hilary gave a faint smile. "Happy" seemed foreign coming from his lips. She'd work on it.
"Yes, we've had quite a few new experiences… I can't wait to see everyone again," Rei smiled.
"Yeah," Max nodded. "Finally… we're going home."
xxxx
It was a fancy affair. Tables of food and desserts were arranged against the walls, the dance hall glittering with gold and crystal. Everyone was dressed to the nines, never having looked better. But the sense of comfort was not lost – this was home more than ever before. Nearly everyone that was important to them had come to celebrate their return.
"Max!" he heard his name called, and there was no mistaking who it was. He saw Mariam's tall, slim figure walking towards him from the crowd, piercing green eyes sparkling with delight, her dark blue hair framing her face perfectly. She wore a form-fitting red satin dress with a plunging neckline and straps that fell uselessly off of her shoulders. She'd never looked sexier.
"Mariam…" he said softly as he put his arms around her waist, her arms now around his neck. He smiled, and she smiled, and then he kissed her.
It was a mere peck on the lips, nothing more; he hadn't been quite sure how it would be received. But when he opened his eyes to see her reaction, the look in her own emerald ones said it all. She smiled and kissed him back.
"I'm so glad you're back, Max," she said at last. Her eyes were brimming with sincerity.
"I am too. I missed you."
"I swear I was going crazy… I couldn't stop thinking about you," she admitted. "I kept thinking about your face, your voice, everything…" He loved how forthright and confident she was.
Her piercing green eyes looked deep into his. "Max, I… think I love you."
"…I know I love you," he responded with a smile.
She smiled back – no smirk or snarky comment on the tip of her tongue – just a simple smile. There was a time and place for teasing, but it wasn't here or now. Here and now, she was content to just be in his arms, knowing he was safe and alive and hers.
"Dance with me?" he asked, and she grinned.
"Thought you'd never ask."
"Nah… you knew I would."
"I did," she smiled coyly, and took his hand.
xxxx
"Jealous?" Tyson teased as he and Rei not-so-secretly watched Max and Mariam.
"What? No! Well, I mean, yeah, she's kinda—"
Tyson laughed. "No, I just meant in general. With a girl, not Mariam in particular. Although she is…"
Rei laughed. "No. Well… maybe a little. It would be nice," he shrugged.
Tyson saw as Rei stole another glance at a certain couple from the corner of his eye. Kane in his grey suit and tie, and Salima in a backless black dress that ended well above her knees. His hands on the back of her neck, her shoulder blades, her hips.
"Stop watching," Tyson scoffed gently.
"What? Watching who? I'm not…"
"Rei, I'm not blind."
Rei tore his amber eyes from the couple and looked at Tyson. He smiled genuinely. "Alright."
"Yeah. You don't see me watching Kai and Hilary," Tyson shrugged.
"True. Heh, look at us bonding over our single, loveless state..."
"Suck it up, Rei," Tyson laughed. "But hey, if you're so desperate, Mariah's just around the corner. Kinda hard to miss her…" He jerked his thumb in Mariah's direction, where she stood out from the crowd in head-to-toe fuchsia.
"Oh shut it," Rei shook his head. "She's a nice girl…"
"Uh huh."
"But hey, speaking of Kai and Hilary… where'd they get off to?"
xxxx
"Would you look at that," Hilary smiled. "Just out of the hospital and already Kenny's chatting up the ladies!"
Kai looked down from where they stood on the balcony to see the small boy speaking to Emily, face beet-red from blushing. She, too, had a pink tinge to her face, and from the looks of it was flirting back with him. "Strange…" he commented.
"Different, yes. But I'm proud of him," she said.
Kai nodded. "I'm glad that he's alive."
Hilary turned back towards Kai, and he saw the full extent of her beauty. She'd grown since the first time he'd laid eyes on her, no longer a child.
Her hair had grown longer over the duration of their ordeal, and she'd swept it back neatly, accentuating her face and neck. She wore a golden dress, fitted to her hips but flowing elegantly past her thighs. "Hilary…"
"Yes, Kai?" she asked, softly.
He paused. "We should begin training again tomorrow morning," he said.
A smile played on her lips. "Yes… we should. For tonight, though…" she started, and he moved closer towards her.
She gently wrapped her arms around his neck, as he put his hands on her waist. The music from the dance floor below reached their ears, and they listened to it without speaking a word.
Slowly, she moved her hands to his face, and ever so lightly caressed his cheek. She looked into his grey eyes, then watched his lips as they curved ever so slightly in not a smirk, but a hint of what was a genuine smile.
With that, her smile brightened, and she felt him hold her that much tighter. Their faces were so close there was barely two inches between their lips, but she didn't need to bridge that gap just yet. Tonight they would dance, and that would be more than enough.
xxxx
Fin.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over these years. I'm sorry it's taken so long, so thanks for staying with me. I hope you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I have loved writing it.
Maybe there will be an epilogue, but for now I'll consider it finished.
Much love,
Penguin Pop