Chapter 12: Tolls Taken
Slowly you walked down the hall, Rika limply hanging on your back. {Where is the damn medical room...} you thought flustered as you just passed by unmarked rooms. Suddenly a low cough came from the left or your ear. Turning your head you could see that Rika was still passed out. Sighing you continued your walk down the deserted hall. {She's getting heavy..} you thought completely bored. Just then you felt something soak into the back of your shirt. Again you looked back to Rika. A line of blood was stream down her face starting at her nose. {Shit} you thought as you gripped Rika tighter and sprinted down the hall. As you came to the end you found that still none of the doors were marked. {This must not be the right hall. SHIT!} you shouted as you quickly turned around. Again you sprinted down the hall. As you reached the doors of the stadium you saw someone slowly walking out them. Taking a closer look you found that it was Ray. [Ray!] you screamed as your ran faster to meet up with him. He quickly turned his head in your direction. Shock took him over as he saw Rika on your back. You slowed in front of him. [Where is the medical room?] you asked panting as you tried desperately to regain your breath, strength, and composure. [Ill... Ill show you] he stammered as he quickly took off down a hall to your right. You quickly followed him almost on his heals. [Here it is] he panted next to a room with a huge red cross on the door. [Thanks] you gasped as you quickly opened the door and sprinted in. Silence fell over the room as everyone turned to look at you and Rika. [She... Needs help] you panted your breath still short. Everyone stayed frozen just staring at you two. [Please...] you whispered as you fell down on one knee. Quickly a nurse ran over to you and took Rika off your back. For a while you just stayed on the floor gasping. The two battles had taken their tolls on you as well. Slowly your breathing returned to normal. After a couple more minutes you stood up and looked around the room. In a bed to your left was Sarah. Next to her bed was Chris in a chair. He looked to be asleep. Quietly you walked over towards him. For a minute you just stood there watching him. Debating on whether or not you should wake him. After going back and forth in your mind you decided not to wake him up. Slowly you started to walk away. [I'm awake you know] came a voice behind your back. Looking over your shoulder you found Chris staring at you. His gray eyes were staring at you intently. They were begging you to come back. A smirk slowly found its way to your lips as you walked back towards your cousin. [What happened here] you asked softly as you took a seat on the arm of the chair. Chris moved over to give you some room. [She just passed out. Then I looked for you and Rika, I had no clue where this room was!] he said putting his head in his hands. Side glancing him, you could tell that he was truly upset about this. You just chuckled under your breath as you turned back to Sarah. [What! You think that's funny!] Chris screamed as he glared at you through his fingers. You shook your head. [Not at all. It took me forever to get Rika here] you stated looking down to the floor. {And now she could be bleeding to death...} you thought looking back towards the door they had just rushed her through. Chris could see that you were worried. [She's going to be just fine] he whispered as brought a hand up and rubbed your back. [I hope so] you muttered still staring at the floor. [Miss Granger] a nurse called as she came rushing out Rika's room. Quickly you stood up and walked over towards her. [Yes?] you asked calmly even though you were about to freak on the inside. [Would you please come in? The doctor would like to talk to you] she quickly said as she started to pull you towards the room. {So much for a choice...} you thought as she pushed you in the room and closed the over to the centre of the room you could see Rika in a completely white bed. A window was behind the head board letting in a the sun light. But nothing else was in the room. It made the place seem even less inviting the most of the hospital rooms. You slowly walked over towards the doctor who was on Rika's left. A stream of blood was still slowly pouring from her nose. As it dripped down her face, a pool was collecting on the white sheet. [Do you know what's wrong with her?] the doctor asked gravely never taking his eyes off Rika. [No] you said lowly. But it was a lie. Even if told this doctor though, nothing could be done to help her. A sigh escaped the doctors lips. [Do you know a way to help her] he asked bringing his hand up to his face and pinching the bridge of his nose. [Yes] you said as you looked out the window. A giant tree was outside and hills could be seen in the distance. He quickly brought his hand back down to his side. [Is there anything you need to do it? How fast can you do it? Do you need a professionals help?] he asked looking at you with hope in his eyes. For minute you just looked at him trying to remember all his questions. [I just need you to go outside, and make sure I'm the only one in the room.] you stated calmly looking him in the eyes. He looked at you in question, but walked out of the room all the same. As the clicking of the door met your ears you walked over towards Rika. [I know you wanted your victory... But you really shouldn't push yourself] you muttered to her unconscious body as you reached into her pockets. It only took you a minute to find what you were looking for. {Good. You did pick it up} Quickly you pulled out her light blue blade. Reaching into your own pocket you pulled out your black and silver launcher. Snapping on Makaze you took a step away from the bed. With one hard pull on the rip cord, Makaze was sent spinning towards the floor. [Makaze, I know I am not your owner, but I ask you to help Rika] you called to the blade. The blade continued to spin steadily showing you that he was listening to you. Now all you had to do was call him out. [Makaze, come out] you said lowly making sure that no one heard you outside the door. In a bright white light, Makaze emerged from the centre of the blade. With his golden eyes he looked at you intently. You just nodded your head over to Rika's bed. Makaze quickly turned and saw Rika lying hurt and bleeding on the bed. With a might roar only Makaze's spirit rushed over to her. For a minute he hovered over her body before slowly fading into her body. With a loud clank, her blade stopped spinning. Rika glowed a white light as the spirit of her beast resided within her. [Now back to waiting...] you grumbled as you walked over to the corner and slid down resting your back on the wall.{Ok maybe this isn't going to work...} you thought as worry started to grow in your heart. This had always worked before. It just had never taken this long. She must really be hurt bad this time. But just as the thoughts of doubt crept into your mind, the blood stopped running down Rika's face. A blinding white light exploded from her chest as her back arched as if out of pain. You just stared at her body unfazed. It was finally working. In another flash, Makaze was expelled from her body. He quickly returned to his rightful place inside his blade. You smirked as you slowly stood up and walked towards the motionless blade. Gripping the cold metal of Rika's blade you looked down at the centre. The picture of Makaze was very different from anyone else's blade. Rika is next to him with her hand on his back. No one could ever deny that this blade is hers. Gently you opened Rika's hand and placed Makaze safely in it. It was still going to be a couple of hours before she woke up. Sighing you took one last look at Rika and walked out the door. She had really done a number on herself this time. {I should have gone easy on her} you yelled at yourself as you quietly closed her right outside the door was Luke and Sully. [How is she] asked Sully as he jumped up. Luke soon followed him, but more calmly. [She's doing just fine] you whispered as you started to walk away. But before you got to far someone grabbed your shoulder. [But you don't look fine] came Luke's voice from behind you. [I'm not] you whispered as you walked back to the front of the room with Sarah and Chris. In the bed across from her was Tyson. {He must have had a hard match} you thought as you looked towards the other two beds in front of his and Sarah's. Max was in one and Hilary was in the other. Slowly you walked out of the medical room completely. They didn't need the extra person taking up space. [How's Rika?] came a cold voice from outside the door. [Just fine Tala] you stated as you continued to walk down the hall not even looking back at him. You needed to find a place where you could lie down. And fast. The sound of following foot steps told you that Tala was following you. [Did you get any rest?] Tala asked once he had caught up to you. [No] you stated keeping your eyes straight in front of you. A feeling of light-headedness' was started to consume you. But you didn't want Tala to know that. [What were you doing then?] he asked looking at you. But you refused to look at him. Tala knew you too well, and one look into your eyes would tell him just how exhausted you really were. [Helping your sister] you whispered now back to looking at the floor. She was going to be just fine, but you still couldn't help feeling like it was you fault that she was hurt that bad. [Meg!] screamed someone from behind you. Quickly you halted and turned to see who it was. Adam quickly rushed towards you. [I need to talk to you.] Adam stated looking at you. You just nodded, but he looked over towards Tala. [Alone] Adam said lowly. Tala glared at Adam, but walked away none the less. You just stared at the two in suspicion. What was going on with the two? [What happened between you two?] you asked Adam once Tala was out of sight. Adam just walked over to your side. [You're going to have to ask Chris about that one] he stated as he grabbed your right arm and placed it over his shoulder. He then wrapped his left arm around your waste and helped you to walk. [I don't need you passing out on me before I get you somewhere to rest] he stated after you looked at him in wonder. Nodding you both started on your journey out of the stadium.[And here we are] Adam stated as he opened his hotel room. Which just happened to be two doors away from yours. Looking around it was set up the exact same as yours. Except instead of black, it was a medium gray. Adam slowly walked you over towards the couch in front of the TV. Carefully he placed you down and walked into the kitchen. [Ice tea?] he called. [Please] you answered closing your eyes. It felt great to be lying down. Your muscles were tight from the strain put on you from the battle. Then your legs were sore from the constant standing. And then your arms felt like crap after launching a blade after the major battles you had just finished. [Here] Adam stated as he held out an offering of ice tea to you. You nodded your head in thanks as you gripped the ice cold can. Greedily you gulped the sweet drink down. [So... How's Rika doing?] Adam asked as he took a sip from his Coke can. [Shell be fine after a few more hours of rest.] you replied catching the remote that Adam had just thrown at you. [Rest should be good for you too.] Adam called as he stood up and finished off his can. [Ill be back later and I expect you to get some rest] he called as he walked out the door. [Whatever] you muttered as you started to flip through the channels. After finding that Chinese TV did not interest at all, you decided that Adams advice wasn't too bad. After only a couple of minutes you felt the strong pull of sleep.A few hours later you awake to the strange feeling that someone was brushing your hair. Slowly you opened your eyes. Looking up you found that your head was resting on a very deep in thought Russians lap. Tala was staring at the TV, but he sure as heck wasn't watching it. [I'm guessing that Rika didn't wake up yet] you whispered not moving an inch being very comfortable. Tala quickly pulled his hand away from your hair and looked down at you. His eyes were still cold, but they did hold shock in them. All though only people who truly knew him would ever know that. [No] he answered after a couple of minutes. [But the doctors did say that you had worked a miracle] he continued not looking you in the eye. But that changed as he asked his next question. [What is wrong with her?] he asked true concern in his voice. [I cannot tell you that. You'll have to ask her] you stated as you slowly sat up. Once in a sitting position a yawn escaped your mouth. {What time is it?} you asked yourself as you looked at your watch. {5:15... I've been asleep for most of the day...} you thought as you sighed. [I guess I should be getting back to see how Sarah and Rika are] you said mostly to yourself as you prepared to stand. Next to you Tala opened his mouth but your ringing phone caught your attention first. As you pulled it out the number on the screen wasn't one you knew. [Lo?] you called in it as you stood up and headed towards the door. [Meg I congratulate you on your victory today] came a happy girls voice into the phone. You just stared at the door in front of you in wonder. [Do I know you?] you questioned as you reached for the handle. [Nope] the girl giggled making you freeze in mid air only inches away from the handle. [But we know you. All about you.] came a boys voice over the phone. [How?] you asked totally confused. Behind you, you could hear Tala stand and walk towards you. [Just make sure you keep your friends in sight] the girl stated. [They just might get hurt.] the boy called. Quickly you snapped your phone shut as you flung the door open. Rika, Sarah you had to get to them. You sprinted down the hall. Tala was smart enough to stay behind and not follow you. Horns blasted at you as you sprinted across the street and towards the stadium. It was eighteen blocks away from the hotel you were staying at. A bike horn blasted your way as they almost ran into you. Quickly at the last moment you made a shape turn to just barley miss them. You had to get to Rika and Sarah quickly though. They could be in trouble. Panting you finally made you way up to the front doors of the stadium. Without hesitation you flung them open and rushed inside. {Now... Just where was that room!} you screamed to yourself as you ran aimlessly down hall after hall. Then finally you found someone else. And just your luck it was Mariah. [Where's the medical room?] you asked out of breath as you stopped right in front of the totally pink girl. Mariah turned to look at you with tears glistening in her eyes. [I... Ill take you there] she stated wiping away a stray tear that had escaped her eye. Slowly she started to walk back down the way you had came. {I have to get there faster then this!} you screamed to yourself, but for some reason you didn't want to push the upset girl. [What's wrong?] you asked after a couple of minutes in silence. She sniffled as she wiped away yet another tear. [I... I lost for me team] she gasped as she fell to the floor in a full sob. You just looked at her a what-the-heck-is-wrong-with-you look spread across your face. You looked down the hall both ways and realized that you had no clue where you were. You needed this sobbing little pink pouf to show you were your friends were. Sighing you crouched down to be at eye level with Mariah. [Its ok. You'll get them next time] you said lowly in a calming voice. Sharply she inhaled air before saying, [But... I let them down now!]. Her voice was broken and pain filled. You just rolled your eyes as you sat down on the wall next to her. Slowly you brought your arm up and rubbed her back. {Someone needs to hurt me} you thought as you stared up at the ceiling. Five minutes had passed and still Mariah sat there sobbing into her hands. Taking in a deep breath you looked over and said [I'm sure your one loss wont harm your team in the long run.]. She sniffed as if trying to stop crying, but she just broke into a bigger sob. You rolled your eyes again and looked back up at the ceiling. Your arm was now growing numb from rubber her back. {Why do I always get stuck with the criers!} you screamed in your head as you banged it on the wall. After a few more minutes Mariah pulled her head out of her hands. A pool of tears had collected in her lap. [I'm sorry] she whispered as she took the back of her hand and wiped away the stream of tears that were going down her face. You stopped rubbing her back and looked at her in confused. What was she apologizing to you for? For a couple more minutes everything was silent as she continued to rub the tears away. [I was suppose to be taking you to the medical room] she stated as she stood up a fake smile spread across her face. You looked at her and stayed in place as she stared to walk. Sure you didn't like her. Well no, you hated her and all her happy pinkness. But that is no reason why she should be suffering. In the long run beybladeing is just a sport, and nothing to cry over. Slowly she turned to look at you. Her eyes were still a little red, but with that smile on her face, no one would ever know if she was hurting inside or not. Or even think to question anything other then happy from Mariah. Taking in a deep breath you looked her in the eye and said, [A fake smile is more hurtful then tears]. Her eyes grew wider as she just stared at you. [Your smile may make everyone else feel better, but does it make you?] you asked after she didn't answer you. Slowly she shook her head no. [Its hurting you more then you think] you said lowly as you casually walked over towards her. But she just stood there looking down at the ground. You sighed as she began to cry again. [That wasn't suppose to make you cry] you muttered as you shook your head and leaned on the wall. It looked like you weren't going to get to the medical room any time soon. Not that Rika and Sarah would mind. They're probably still knocked out. And nothing should be wrong with them. But you never know... [Oh Meg I'm so sorry!] she gasped as she quickly flung up her hands and tried to rid her face of the flowing tears. Again you just looked at her. [You might feel better if you tell someone what's wrong] you stated trying your hardest to keep the boredom out of your voice. She sniffed and look at you with tear glistened eyes. [Will... Will you listen?] she asked hope in her voice and eyes. [Why not] you muttered as you slowly slid down the wall and held up your chin with your knees. [I... I just feel as if I let Lee down] she said as she took a seat right next to you. {I'm not the person to talk to about family issues...} you thought sadly as you closed your eyes and just listened to her pour out her story. Or more like pretending to listen. [I mean I he tries so hard to make it the farthest he can. Pushing himself to always do the best he can. Getting the team as far as we can go. And now I'm the one holding him back. I'm the one that lost! The only one that lost the first round!] she sniffed and took in a deep breath. [But I guess what truly feels the worse is that I lost to Hilary.]. Your ears perked up at that statement. You hadn't paid much attention as to who had qualified for each team. But you sure as heck didn't remember that Hilary had made it. [Sure she lost to Emily, but I lost to her! And I know its so wrong to be thinking that way. Hilary is one of my best friends. But she is just a beginner. And a bad one at that! A couple of months ago she couldn't even launch her blade right!]. {Ya and I showed her how to launch her blade right. That was the night Devin beat the shit out of Tyson for pushing me down the stairs} you thought a small smirk forming on your lips. Next to you, Mariah just kept going on and on. It seemed as if she had bottled everything up inside for a year and was deciding to tell you now. But at this point you had to tune her out.[I feel better now] Mariah stated breaking you from your trance. Quickly she jumped back up a huge smile crossing her face. [You know, you're a great listener.] she said as she started to happily skip down the hall. {Damn... I like the depressed Mariah better..} you thought as you slowly walked behind her. A yawn escaped your mouth as you shoved your hands in your large pockets. [Meg?] she questioned halfway down the hall as she stopped to walk in step with you. [Huh?] you asked not hiding your boredom in the least. [I never knew you could be this nice] she said as she stopped you and hugged you. You stiffened as you looked down at her wondering what the heck she was doing. After a minute or two and her not budging, you pushed her off. [Don't get use to it] you growled as you just continued to walk down the hall. She stared as your back with a hurt expression. But she quickly got over it and skipped back towards you. [Now to the medical room!] she shouted happily as she gripped your arm and ran with you down the hall. {Definitely like the depressed Mariah better}... The sound of silence shattered as Mariah burst through the door at the medical room. Everyone's heads shot in your direction. Looking around you could see that the same people were still in the beds. Max and Hilary were right next to the door. Then in the back was Sarah and Tyson. Chris was still by Sarah's bedside. But Seth, Eric, and Mark were also standing there. All the battles must be over with. Slowly you made your way to the bunch. Eric was the first one to notice your presence. [Seems all three of you don't know when to quite] he said with a smirk. This caught the attention of the other boys. They all just stood there waiting for your answer. [I do. They don't] you replied looking at Sarah with sad eyes. You didn't think it had been that bad for Sarah. She seemed fine as she grabbed her blade and walked over to the edge with the other bladers. But Rika seemed fine for awhile after the battle too... [Meg?] came Marks questioning voice from next to you. [Ya?] you asked your eyes never leaving Sarah's pale face. [Did Rika fight Sarah?] he asked lowly, but everyone had heard. A pin could be heard dropping in the silence of the room. [No she just fought me] you replied lowly. And just as you expected a fist was sent your way. Quickly you jumped back and landed in the middle of the room on one knee. But Seth didn't stop there. He charged at you with another fist held high in the air. At the last moment you dodged to the left and swung your leg up to collide with his rubs. He collapsed on the floor, the wind knocked out of him. [I don't know why I'm not the one lying in the bed instead of her] you whispered in his ear as you stood up. You then turned around and held out your hand. He glared at you with hatred in his eyes, but grabbed your hand none the less. [Shell be just fine. She just needs to rest] you said to all of them as you headed towards Rika's room. They nodded in understanding as they turned back to look at their fallen team-mate. (Why did Seth freak out! *Ok I'm giving you and answer here -Everyone claps- Seth is Sarah's boyfriend so that's why they're always together and he's so protective of her* )
Luke and Sully were still sitting outsider her door. But both of the boneheads were asleep. Slowly and quietly you sat down next to Sully. [I guess you haven't seen her yet] you said casually. Next to you both boys jumped out of shock. Quickly they turned to look at you with wide eyes. [No.] Luke stated as he looked down towards the floor. [I don't know if I could stand seeing her in that condition.] Sully muttered as he did the exact opposite of Luke and looked up at the ceiling. [Would you go in and check on her?] Sully asked as he turned back to look at you. [That's why I'm here] you said as you stood up and reached for the door. [If... She's awake tell her... WHAT THE HELL WAS SHE THINKING!] Sully shouted. Everyone looked at him annoyed that he would disturb whoever they were watching over. You just smirked down at him. [Can do] you said as you opened the door and walked low beeping of the life supporting machines filled your ears as you walked into the room. Instead of looking ahead at Rika, you watched the floor as you walked. You weren't exactly ready to see her yet either. Each step you took made a definite sound sent echoing throughout the room. It was almost as if bombs were going off. You were wondering why a nurse hadn't rushed in and yelled at you for making all this nose. Taking in a deep breath you slowly tilted your head up to face your fears and look at one of your best friends in their most fragile state. But your eyes froze on something next to her bed. Well someone to be more specific. Fire raged in your eyes and they stared back at you. A huge smile crossing their face. {That bitch better get away from her} you hissed in your mind as you took another step closer to Rika's bed. [Meg] came a sweet yet menacing voice from the other side of the room. [Grandmother...]