DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN BEYBLADE OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS. THIS IS JUST A FAN-MADE STORY!

That evening, Tsukino waited eagerly in the gardens near Kai's mansion, restless and anxious to hear about her beloved. Her darling Kai, if only he was alright! If only he was alive!

She fidgeted impatiently with her skirt, listening for any approaching footsteps and searching for any sign of her. After about 20 minutes, at 10:30 exactly, she saw her coming.

Tsukino sprang up from the bench she was sitting on and dashed towards Kasumi, who was already smiling reassuringly.

"He's alive!" she said.

"Yeah! He's alive! Oh my gosh I just can't believe it!" Tsukino's extreme joy was infectious, and Kasumi grinned at the excited teen.

"Is he alright? How is he?" she asked quickly.

"Well, he's a bit hurt but nothing serious. Um, he's being held tied up in a cell, and released only to be trained vigorously. Mitsuhide and Balkov are planning to rule the world and they need him to do it since he's brave, powerful and of promising talent," Kasumi explained.

"Oh my...I hope he'll be okay, poor Kai. We'll save him Kasumi, we'll get him out of there! Tell him that I love him with all my heart and to not give up hope," said Tsukino.

"Sure thing. I must go to report all this to my masters. Please tell no one of the information I am entrusting with you. It is top secret and should it get into the wrong hands, well, the situation will most definitely worsen," said Kasumi.

"I swear I won't tell a soul, but, can't I at least tell my family that Kai is alive?" asked Tsukino.

"I'm afraid not. Best to play it safe for now. After all, the important thing is that you know, that's what truly matters," said Kasumi.

"Very well, and thanks again Kasumi, you're a ray of hope for us," said Tsukino.

Kasumi smiled and ruffled the girl's hair, then made her way to her headquarters, in preparation for reporting.

Tsukino immediately made her way towards Zaku's house, bracing herself for his reaction. Now that she knew that Kai was alive, she could not be with Zaku anymore. She was sorry that she was going to hurt his feelings, truly, but compared to the pain which she had been forced to suffer, it was nothing at all.

She knocked on the door and waited, and a moment later Zaku himself opened the door.

"Tsukino?" he said: "Hey man, I was worried about you."

"I know, but Zaku, there's something you and I must talk about, and I'm afraid that it's not something pleasant either," said Tsukino.

"It's about this Kai, isn't it?" said Zaku glumly, stepping aside to allow Tsukino in.

"Yes, but it's nothing like you're probably thinking. You deserve an explanation and I'll give it to you," said Tsukino.

The pair went inside the small living room and sat down. For about 5 minutes, Tsukino explained in detail about what she had been through, and about her and Kai. Zaku listened attentively, amazed at the horrid experience Tsukino had endured. When she finished, he was left speechless, and could not help but gaze sadly down at his hands.

"That was...truly shocking, I'm sorry you had to suffer so much," he said.

"Thank you for understanding Zaku. I want you to know that you've been an excellent boyfriend to me, and I appreciate how well you've treated me. But I'm afraid that we can't be together anymore, not now I know that Kai is alive," she said slowly.

"I understand. I'm sorry, I did love you Tsukino, really. But I can never hope to match what Kai was to you," he said: "I hope that you'll be able to rescue him and have a happy life from now on."

Tsukino hugged him thankfully, glad that he had accepted.

"You're a very kindhearted person, Zaku. And I know that many girls like you. Perhaps, you will be able to find someone to return your love better than I have," she said.

"Yeah, huh, who knows," he said.

With a final warm goodbye, Tsukino left his house and began walking towards hers, feeling free and hopeful for the future that lay before her.