Hiya All! and mainly Jasmin! Sorry its been a while. Life has been HECTIC! I've got the next Chapter drafted so hopefully wont be months before you get another Chapter. I hope you enjoy this one as unusually short as it is. Lotsa love!
Oh and please please review if you can :)
Chapter 45
Day 15 of the Granger Lockdown.
Less than 24 hours had passed since Tyson and Co broke free of the dojo for a few hours' rest bite to Hiwatari Enterprises head office...and again the Granger household was at war. Upon returning from their much needed micro-trip and breath of fresh air from the claustrophobic confines and overbearing security presence, the team bickered more than ever and tempers were lava hot. Their excursion had given them a glimpse of past normality; human interaction with people who weren't each other, to walk and see as far as they liked without the physical barriers of a brick and stone wall, served food not produced from a box or the Granger kitchen...all the freedoms they took for granted in their pre-Shadow Vale lives and they craved more like crack addicts. They'd tasted a morsel of what they desperately missed and after 2 weeks of growing cabin fever and boredom, most were at breaking point. It was even worse for those who'd attended the horror of the Charity beyblade tournament, Emily too, whom had spent days prior to their dojo incarceration rattling around samey white painted wards, and maze-like corridors of a hospital whilst Kai fought for his life in the ICU, and the short days he was bed-bound thereafter.
Many felt they were going mad and like a dark joke fantasised about killing each other in their sleep. Petty arguments were often a hairs' width away from escalating into full blown punch ups and hair ripping cat-fights.
Tyson scruffed Daichi's collar after the shorter red-head blader argued it wasn't his chore to replace the toilet roll after he was accused of emptying the last one. The young Granger answered the call of nature to discover there was no tissue to clean himself and seeing as Daichi was the last to vacate the bathroom... all blame fell on him. The Dragoon bladers quarrel rapidly turned into a comically violent wrestling match. The noisily grunting and gasping pair was discovered by Grandpa Granger as they rolled around the living room floor red faced, kicking and strangling each other with elbow locks and hands. The disgruntled elder who fretted for the safety of his homes' irreplaceable vintage shoji paper walls swiftly pulled them apart and delivered a stern bollocking for fighting without honour. He scolded, if they had to settle a score it should be with a beyblade or a kendo sword. In truth it was Bryan who used the last of the toilet roll on the hanger and was too lazy to replace it. The grey haired Russian got away with his crime scot-free and Daichi was never exonerated from Tyson's wrongful conviction.
Emily and Mariah were just as volatile as the boys...perhaps worse. Ray and Max, or whoever happened to be physically nearest had to step in several times to prevent the professional female bladers from clawing each others' eyes out, all over who used the last of their hair products in the bathroom, drunken milk, misplaced beyblade oil cans and simply for a misconstrued smirk that one assumed was aimed at her. Mariah was a terrible wind up merchant in her bored and frustrated state, and Emily snapped back at her like an alligator every single time the pink-loving neko-jin taunted. The ginger American was at the end of her tether with the isolation, late nights, and pressure to complete beyblade upgrades to her excessively high BBA standards. The Trygator blader threatened to sabotage Galux when her irritating blader was next asleep if she carried on...however; her threat was an empty one. She wouldn't dare destroy the beyblade she'd spent too long designing to perfection; the new and improved Galux weapon would no doubt be instrumental in taking down Shadow Vale when the time comes.
Max and Kenny quickly grew tired of the taunting pinkette and with snappy tones and fed-up scowls both ordered her to "cut it out" and go amuse herself elsewhere. Ray argued back with blind loyalty that she had nowhere to go and claimed Mariah was doing nothing wrong, he furthermore jabbed it was Emily with the attitude problem, not his girlfriend. A limp argument for arguments sake which only caused further friction between Ray, Max and Kenny in defence of their female team mates. At times all adult reason and maturity was reduced to zero, and in its place behaviour presented by pre-school children in the form of tongue poking and slit-eyed glares from across the room.
Petty theft was already rife and had been for some day now. Food in the fridge and freezer, snacks despite name labels on packets, beyblade parts, aftershave and razors, deodorants and shower products. As time rolled by and resources grew scarce, bickering was incessant and sometimes all out disputes erupted over what remained in the cupboards and on bathroom shelves. The thinner the stock in the pantry, cupboards and fridge freezer...the hotter the competition for food and the more selfish thinking they became. Some even took to secretly hoarding things in their suitcases. Emily hid her beloved Colombian coffee grounds, Tala locked away his Russian brand toothpaste, Kenny guarded his beyblade tool kit like it contained the Queens jewels, and Ray bizarrely hid oranges in his carry bag. Tyson squirreled away his favourite paprika potato chips at the bottom of his backpack. Daichi and Max knew all about their host's stash and the sneaky duo would steal a chip or two when the beychamp amateur crisp connoisseur wasn't in the room. Bryan cottoned on to what they were doing and without invite joined in the carbohydrate thievery. It wasn't long before Tyson discovered his precious chips were being raided from under his nose and he kicked off big time with a man-hunt for those responsible. None of the three owned up to their crime, leaving Tyson to find another place to hide his delectables and move on with his life as best he could.
Home deliveries from supermarkets were the highlight of the week. Groceries and toiletries for Grandpa Granger, Tyson, Daichi, Max, Emily, Kenny, Kai, Ray, Mariah, Hilary, Tala, Bryan and not forgetting the four Saint Shields Ozuma, Dunga, Mariam and Josef who too needed to eat and shower. 16 adults who needed 3 square meals and body care in one humble Japanese residence was stifling and super tense to live in. Weekly supplies always ran out quicker than expected requiring a new order every 4-5 days that they hoped would last 7, not to mention the sheer expense of it all too and dividing the costs was a headache as multiple guests would use the same can of shaving foam, bag of rice, packet of noodles, punnet of grapes, shower gel, soap bars and more. Disputes would occur over who used what and who should pay a higher portion of the cost for certain items over those who use less of it. Communal living for so many in such a small abode was never going to work long term and they all longed for home whether that place be Californian or Tokyo apartments, a house in Moscow, a neighbourhood away with parents, or obscure hidden rural villages in the jungles and mountains of China.
Other sparks for contention were silly things like someone forgetting to empty and hang the contents of the washing machine, resulting in multiple peoples' wet washing to turn musty and crumpled in the drum. Tyson's worn and smelly socks lying dotted around all corners of the house, and multiple boys' dirty underwear discarded BESIDE the laundry bin instead of INSIDE it.
Washing up and mess at the breakfast table was repeatedly left for others to clean...the perpetrators were almost always Max, Tyson, Daichi and Bryan whilst the same bodies always picked up after them. With bitterness the "nannies" were namely Hilary, Tala, Kenny and Grandpa Granger. The latter four grew royally cheesed off with the former, threatened to go on cleaning strike, but their need for a hygienic and tidy habitat was too strong and wouldn't allow the filth to pile up and so, with gritted teeth and passive-aggressive wiping and scrubbing...cleared up after them anyway.
Victor had pooped on the lawn in the darkness of the previous night which his usually so diligent owner missed to pick up. Regrettably, early the following morning Ray stepped in the doggie-doo-doo whilst retrieving his Driger beyblade from under a bush nearby. This sparked a heated feud between the dog lover and cat-man. Kai refused to say sorry and was unusually plucky given his recent melancholy and stressed out demeanour, and the disgruntled White Tiger male was in the mood for a fight even if that squall was a verbal one. In the end, both bladers departed to separate ends of the dojo to cool off.
And then there was Hiwatari security staff... the noisy, heavy booted protection detail that patrolled day and night. Although paramount for the vulnerable guests' safety, most of the residents HATED their leering and populous presence and wanted nothing more than to tell them to go away and never come back. Grandpa Granger especially, who now had no garden flowers to enjoy due to the patrolmen and women stomping all over his flowerbeds and knocking over his plant pots. He had no more flowers to cry and rant over and so begrudgingly accepted his beloved gardening hobby was on pause until further notice. He could return to planting seeds and bulbs and feeding his birds the very day Kai's guards evacuate, but that would only happen when the Shadow Vale threat was over...whenever that would be! Ryu Granger was not a happy soul about it but what could he do other than wait and grumble in silence. He would have to try to fill his time completing crossword puzzles, and clipping and watering the few surviving bonsai trees he had sprinkled around the house on windowsills and on shelves.
It was late morning and breakfast had just been devoured. All bodies were busy getting themselves ready for the day and were dispersed all throughout the home. Supermarket supplies had arrived the evening prior and so a hearty meal of eggs, bacon, crumpets, toast, various cereals and even smoked salmon would serve well as much needed belly fuel for another hot, humid and sticky day's beyblade training.
Kenny sat alone on the veranda overlooking the dusty beyblade ground the team favoured for training. This spot was also where the bladers gathered for their morning warm up, before commencing stricter drills of control slaloms between tin cans and "sharing" the beydish nearby the pond...as much as the hot head residents could share anything nowadays. The one and only Chief was oddly alone as usually Emily would be at his side, booting up her laptop in unison with his whilst sipping a cup of her strongest iced tea. He wondered where she was but didn't fret, he was sure she'd join him before long. She was probably still doing her hair or screeching at one of the boys for hogging the bathroom for too long.
"Good morning Chief" Hilary chirped as she joined the brainy goggle wearer. She sat to dangle her long dainty legs off the edge of the yellow wooden deck and quietly enjoyed a cup of warm berry fruit tea whilst she waited for the guys and Mariah to arrive.
Two became four as Tyson and Daichi noisily burst onto the scene.
Without prompting and with too much energy, the beyblade champ and his mini-me runner up started performing their morning stretches giving something for Hilary to giggle at, and Kenny to shake his head at how hap-hazard their attempts to exercise.
"One, Two, Three, One, Two, Three." The bonkers pair bent their knees a few times, pathetically reached for the sky and then delivered an array of half-hearted star jumps. In unison, they then plucked Dragoon and Strata Dragoon out of their pockets, produced launchers, drove rip cords through slots, and then clicked the spinning tops into mechanisms. Finally, they were ready to let rip. This morning was a rare sight though...Ty/Dai were the first to the training area and first to be battle-ready. The White Tigers were nearly always first to the beydish and Mariah would smarmily jibe how on time they were and how late the others. It was gone 10:30am and the Chinese early risers were nowhere to be seen, for them to be tardy for training was most unusual.
The Blitzkrieg Boys too...were AWOL but this was nothing to be too bewildered about. The weather forecast was another scorcher of 32c and it was no secret the Blitzkrieg Boys weren't lovers of the heat. A lazy half-morning in bed under fans, hugging the air conditioning unit, and wearing an attire of sunglasses and loose summer wear in a shady patch of decking hiding from the sun's rays was to be expected.
"Where's Maxie? Anyone seen Max?! Is he joining us today or what? And has anyone seen Ray or Mariah yet." Cried Tyson with complaint, eager to hit the beydish.
Hilary quipped with a giggle. "Oh you know him Tyson. Dousing himself in cologne and fluffing up his hair no doubt."
Daichi smarmed. "He's such a preener! I swear he's part girl! The last I saw, Pinky and lover boy were headin' to the dojo. They'd better hurry up. I'm getting tired of waitin already! Its gunna be real boring just kickin' Tyson's butt all day so I hope the others show up soon! HEHEHEHE."
Tyson scoffed in reply with a challenging gaze and playful lips. "Say what Daichi! We'll see who kicks whose butt today. I hope you're ready to put your beyblade where your mouth is!"
Kai was also missing from the group but that was nothing new. He needed space and as much peace as he could find to plan his next moves in life. He picked a shaded area of veranda for his dog at risk of heat stroke to stay a degree of cool in, and gently threw a ball for him to retrieve in a relaxed game of fetch. He figured he'd try to wear Victor out before the dangerous warmth of the day kicked in. He threw the tennis ball designed for dogs to bounce softly down a stretch of decking and the grey and white pup bolted after it, caught up with it, clamped his jaws around it and dashed back with his prize so that his master could throw it over, and over, and over again. Playing with his pooch like this gave Kai something positive to focus on, his furry companion improved his mood and ball throwing became a form of physiotherapy for his deflated arm muscles and fatigued ligaments. Victors' arrival really was good medicine and the born-to-be CEO was glad he was there. As lovely as the pup was to have around, something bugged Kai's mind like a tick. Like a parasite sucking attention away from everything else, was that thing...the ebony feathered beast of destruction he pledged as a teen never to use again...Black Dranzer. He'd made his choice. Then there was what to do about his work life. The maimed blader had 6 days left to figure that out and the burden of what to do and how to do it weigh heavily on his mind and heart. The future of his career was so very uncertain and he despised his lack of control in any of it. He kept reflecting on one thing...he could gain control of...but that too served no promises and was highly dangerous if it went wrong.
Meanwhile in the dojo...
Mariah firmly grasped Ray's arm to stop him packing another of his white tunics into his carry bag. Her feline yellow eyes gazed seriously into his. "Ray...You know I'm 100% behind you and I agree going back to White Tiger Hills is what we really need right now. I've been ready to go back home for days! I'm so sick and tired of being cramped up in this place! But you know how upset the others are going to get when we tell them, Tyson especially. And then there's your promise to Kai to help him get his Dranzer back. Are you sure you won't regret leaving, right when your friends need you?"
Ray gently teased his arm out of his girlfriends grip and carried on packing. His voice was flat and unemotional. "We've been over this Mariah. I can't stay here anymore." His voice then upped a notch to speak passionately and turned to meet her stare. "We need to go back to White Tiger Hills. I need to run, and climb, and swim and have some space to myself again...or I'm going to go crazy. Living cooped up like this, on-top of everyone else...it's just too hard. Tyson's dojo has become our cage and I'm suffocating. If I have one more stand-off over who drank the last of the orange juice or hear another moan about my hair in the shower drain I'm going to put hands on somebody...and that's not like me. I'm losing myself and I have to get out before I become someone I don't recognise. The Saint Shields will have a word to say but we are going back home and that's final. Driger will be safe back at the village like he has for generations before us, and as for Kai's Dranzer... I don't know what to do. All I know is...we have to go, at least for a while and then we can figure things out with a clear mind. Maybe Master Tao or the elders will know what to do. They could have ancient knowledge about the Shadow Vale Clan and bitbeasts we don't know about yet."
In the laundry area hidden away from those in the dojo...
The Trygator blader finished zipping up her turquoise shell suitcase on wheels and pushed it over to a corner whilst Max stood nearby looking very forlorn and fatigued. He was wracked with guilt but was steadfast that what they had planned was the right thing for everyone. The two felt like traitors as the blonde broke out of his stupor to finish packing the last of his dry underwear into his Mutant Ninja Turtle backpack and promptly zipped it up shut. He then placed his bag on top of his fellow PPB Allstarz suitcase and leant against the wall with his head bowed absorbing the situation. In an attempt to relax himself Draciels' guardian took a deep breath through his nose and released the lungful slowly and with complete control out of his mouth. Emily jumped up to sit atop a white washing machine and too looked sheepish dreading what they were about to do.
The BBA tech queen nursed a dark patch of skin under the right side of her glasses with two fingers before pricking her head back with stoicism. "Don't think too much about it Max. This is for the best. It's too crowded here. All we're doing right now is fighting with each other and I'm not talking about in the beydish. Your training isn't showing any improvement; in fact your skills are regressing at an alarming rate. I'm struggling to concentrate and my best work the last couple of days needs deleting and starting again. We aren't progressing with our training or design work and something has to change, and I think you know this, I can see it written all over your face. We both need some decent rest to move forward and we aren't getting that here with Kai's goons marching day and night, and squabbling with the team 24/7. Trust me; going back to California is the best situation for us right now. Try not to look so glum about it Max. Look forward to your own bed, proper American food and you'll see your Mom at the airport. And don't worry about the Saint Shields, just let me do all the talking. We have enough of our own BBA security to keep you and Draciel safe, Judy has seen to that."
The blonde blader picked up his head with a sorry looking handsome freckled face. "It's Tyson I'm worrying about. He's not gunna take this news well. He's so sensitive right now. And Kai...I told him I'd help him get Dranzer back."
Emily quipped back. "This doesn't have to be forever Max. We can come back once we've had some rest, and I've had a chance to rendezvous with my underlings back at the research lab. You can go to the beach, go surfing, train with Draciel in peace, sleep in late, eat what you want, get back to being healthy again. The last few of weeks have taken their toll on you, I can tell as a scientist. You've lost weight and your skin looks terrible. You were witness to Shadow Vale's attack on Kai and that must have been beyond traumatic, then there's what Darcel did to you in the hospital basement, Hilary's nightmare at knifepoint and the pressure to give up Draciel...you need to get well Max, take some time out for yourself; I'm sure your Mom will agree with me."
At the other end of the dojo...dubbed the "cool end" due to the amount of fans and the air conditioning unit installed for two particular guests.
Bryan muttered as he folded a burgundy vest, then squidged it inside a military style grey duffel bag. "I can't wait to get on that plane. Air conditioning. Russian food. Goodbye Japan. No more Kai's goons. No more fisty-cuffs over who ate the last cookie. No more wars over the XBOX controller. Our own rooms...some privacy at last. And I'm getting real bored of Ray and his Mrs giving me the sly eye all the time. We should have done this two weeks ago Tala. I'm glad you finally agreed. Let's go home already."
Tala snapped with attitude as he shoved his black toiletry bag into his silver and orange duffel bag. "You've nagged enough Bryan. I'm done hearing it. Were packing aren't we?!"
The thicker boned of the Russians ceased his shirt folding to harp back abruptly in his natural robotic tone. "What bee's buzzing around your bonnet? Huh?"
The Wolborg blader rammed a folded pair of jeans into his bag unceremoniously before rapidly pricking up his head to face is comrade. "We came here to help Tyson. To help him eliminate his threat and we haven't had the chance to do that yet. I feel like we're bailing before we've earned our keep. All we've done is treat his house like a holiday camp and eat his food."
The Falborg blader was quick to set him right. "Tyson never asked us to come here. We...meaning you... volunteered us to come here off your own back. We helped him out pretty good at the hospital remember. You saved his life, and I saved Ray's girl and his Driger from those silver haired, caped bozos and in the nick of time too. We've more than earned our little sabbatical here. It could be days, weeks, months or longer before we get another sniff of those Shadow Vale stooges. They ain't gunna come anywhere near with Kai's security smothering the place. Tyson don't need us and neither do the others. There's too many people living here and were all suffering for it. We're growing in hate for one another and it's only a matter of time before one of us throws a punch. I came close with Ray, Tyson, Dick-head Dunga and Ozuma needs a fat-lip too. It's time to go home, back to Russia where we belong. You have work to go back to remember, the institute must need you back pretty soon and I bet Ian's ripping his hair out with Elsa. I need to go back to work too if we want the money to pay the rent this month."
Tala frowned before lowering his blue eyed gaze and returned to packing his things. "I know Bry. I know all that. Still. It's not sitting well with me. Kai's not right too. I know we don't owe him anything and we're hardly close and all...but he needs help getting his Bitbeast back. How any of us are going to do that...ask a crystal ball, because I have no answers."
Dizzi harboured Kenny's full attention as he busily tapped away on his keyboard and on his glasses reflected re-runs of beyblade simulations on his screen.
Tyson and Daichi were locked in a heated bey-battle in the blue beydish, and familiar metallic grinding noises only colliding beyblades sung filled the air. Strata Dragoon and Dragoon hammered viciously away at each other thanks to impressive and rare focus delivered from both bladers. The G-Revolution boys were oblivious to all goings on around them. The duo were lost on their own little planet of whirling weapons and both were determined to boot the others' blade savagely out of the dish at comet speed...
Until...
Hilary exclaimed aloud. "There you guys are! Finally! Ughhhh but...what are you doing with your bags?" Alarm filled her heart as she jumped off the edge of the high decking and made with haste for the group heading towards them at the training ground. She knew right away. The 6 guilty faces, Emily dragging her suitcase and the other 5 with heavy bags hooked over their shoulders told her everything she needed to know. They were leaving.
"Urghhhhh say what?!" Cried Tyson with half a brain on his match and half startled by Hilary's sudden movement in his peripheral.
The super-host swung his stare to follow her motion and then he too saw. Without a word he rigidly recalled Dragoon to his sticky palm and stomped rapid behind her. His heart thud wild in his chest and his mind raced. His hazel eyes were bolt wide as adrenaline began to secrete from his organs. He tried to reel in his emotions to avoid sounding angry but edgy anxiety wouldn't allow him to ask calmly. His arms gestured furiously. "What's going on guys?! You leaving? Why?! Have you forgotten about Shadow Vale?! They're still out there ya know! Answer me! How could you do this to me?!"
The male White Tiger X blader was the bravest to speak up first. Tyson's reaction was exactly how he'd imagined. Mariah stood at his side clutching his arm for support for both herself and her mate. "Tyson. I'm sorry but Mariah and I have decided we're going home to White Tiger Hills. It's a struggle living here in these cramped conditions. We feel like we are living in a cage. There's too many of us living in such a small space and we are tired of all the tension. We've had our fair share of arguments lately and I think we could all do with some space from one another. I don't want to lose friendship with you guys but if we keep living like this it's only a matter of time before we fall out and maybe for good."
Kenny and Daichi rushed to join the scene behind Tyson. The new arrivals were both flabbergasted and absorbed what everyone needed to say before firing their own questions.
The ginger American brain-box added her piece. "I concur with Ray. We've been at each other's throats here lately. There simply isn't enough space for all of us and it's too stressful to cohabitate like this. Kai's security hasn't made the situation easier. This is not a snub on you or your home. It's nothing personal. Max and I need a break, and that's what we're going to do."
Mariah added and then briefly bowed with respect. "Yes, please let your Grandfather know how grateful we all are for taking us in. It's been one hell of an experience and we've had some good times here, really, it's been fun for the most part. But it's time for us to go now. We miss our home. Surely you can understand that."
Tyson growled hurt and fretting about the possibility of being alone again. "And what about you Max? Tala? What do you have to say?! You had enough of my home too? It not good enough for you here?"
The red-haired Russian was taken aback by how upset his host was clearly feeling at the thought of their departure. "Only what's already been said. It's been fun Tyson but it's not fun anymore. The constant friction is uncomfortable and we've had enough. You don't have enough facilities for so many of us here and you must have known this couldn't go on forever. Shadow Vale or not, this situation couldn't work long term. We warned you when we arrived we couldn't stay in Japan for weeks and weeks and we have to go home now. We have responsibilities. I'm sorry we couldn't help you take down your foes. I really am. They are unlike any other opponent we've ever faced and I really don't envy you. But we can't help you anymore, not here anyway. If you ever need a place to crash in Moscow, hit me up. We have a cab on the way to take us to the airport. It should be here any minute. I'd like to say goodbye to Victor before we go though, and I guess Kai too. If we can find them."
Bryan quipped in addition. He couldn't help but have a sly whinge about the Japanese heat. "Cheers for having us Tyson. Really. It's been...warm. Too warm. But yeah like Tala said. It's been a hoot and if you need another pair of hands later down the line, count us in."
Hilary, Kenny and Daichi knew not what to say, they were too stunned to react. Things were tough at the moment but they didn't expect half the household to just pack up and leave without any notice or discussion. The Dragoon blader however, had words aplenty.
Tyson's anger diminished as desperacy took over. The bluenette who loved having his friends around him working up frantic. He edged towards his blonde bestie. "But! You can't. I need you. We need to all stay together! Max?! Maxie. What do you say? Please stay. I want all of you to stay! Please!"
Max choked and swallowed a glub of guilt. "I'm sorry Tyson. I've gotta get out of here. I need to take care of myself for a little while. I feel run down all the time and the constant training isn't improving my skills, I don't sleep well and I'm super cranky all the time. I'm tired of fighting and bickering with everyone over stupid things like who didn't drain the bathtub and cleaning rotas and...and...urghhhhh Tyson I just need to have a break from this life here. I'll be back though. I don't know when but I promise you I'll come back and we'll fight Shadow Vale together. Emily too. We've both agreed...and we all promised to help Kai get his Dranzer back...and we will. But right now I have to go. My Mom will be waiting for me at LAX when I land."
The Saint Shield's leader, Dunga, Mariam and Josef had been listening to the fresh drama intently from behind a corner of the house. They silently emerged and without announcement formed a human wall to prevent anyone escaping through the wooden gates. The quad physically blocked the pairs of Blitzkrieg Boys, White Tigers and PPB Allstarz bladers exit and it was now up to their mouths to remind them why leaving was a suicide mission.
Ozuma bellowed from behind causing all heads to spin. He was fuming with blood the temperature of molten lava. With arms swinging he lunged towards the packed travellers, spitting his words. "And what about Driger and Draciel? You think you're just going to stroll back home and Shadow Vale will leave you in peace because you're...tired? Because you need some...space? Shadow Vale are waiting for this...for you to disperse with no protection! DONT BE SO STUPID! PUT YOUR BAGS DOWN...OR SURRENDER YOUR SACRED SPIRITS RIGHT HERE AND NOW!"
Kenny begged to the 6 holding their luggage, his hands flailed with panic. "But guys! What if something happens to you in your home countries? What if Shadow Vale ambushes you on the way to the airport? Is Kai lending you his security staff? I'm seriously worried! And Emily...how could you not tell me what you were thinking? Please don't go. I need you for important analysis work and I'll...miss you."
Dunga started with muscled crossed arms. He was as serious and booming as his leader. "Listen to your geeky little friend. What are you gunna do if Garnetta hunts you down in the airport lobby Ray? And what if Darcel breaks into your house in America Max and finds your Mom instead of you? What ya gunna do then guys? Where's your back up? Where's your protection? Because we won't be there. We'll be right here keeping Dragoon safe. Unless Mariam goes back to America with you Max? And Josef tags along with you White Tigers? But here's a scenario for ya...the whole Shadow Vale team go after just one of ya...to pick you off one at a time. You'll be out numbered and in serious trouble. Face it...leaving here the way you plan to is nothing short of suicide. Put down your bags already...and best start unpacking!"
Like a true feisty ginger-red head, Emily snapped with fury at the Saint Shields blocking her exit. She wasn't one to hold her tongue in any situation as she paced a couple of daring steps towards the threatening four. "You can't trap us here! You're not the boss of us. What are you going to do? Stop us from leaving? I'd like to see you try. Kai's staff are watching so I have witnesses. I'll have you arrested for kidnap quicker than you can say the word criminal."
Josef smarmed with a hint of mockery at the tennis star quick to flout her legal rights. "That's right. If it means keeping Driger and Draciel and their Guardians safe from certain death, you betcha we'll do it. The Russians can go, you're spare parts anyway. You girls too if you want, but I don't like your chances of being taken hostage...just don't come crying to us if you do. Ray and Max...seriously guys...you know the drill and our mission by now. We'll do what we have to do."
Max growled hot under the collar with the newest threat to his freedom. "Yeah and what's that? You going to tie us up? Handcuff us to a radiator? You can't be serious."
The Flash Leopard blader delivered a stern ultimatum. His eyes were aflame. The gravity of his next words would be very sobering. "We'll battle you right here right now for guardianship of Draciel and Driger, just like we did when we first met, all those years ago. You may have been worthy of your Sacred Spirits back then but that doesn't mean you still deserve them now. You clearly aren't taking your Guardianship seriously and your Bitbeasts need worthy protectors...now more than ever. Mariam, Josef...get your blades ready."
Dunga chortled with danger. "Or you can just hand them over. Relinquish guardianship and maybe you'll make your flights on time! Pahahaha."
Ray allowed his bag to slump off his shoulder and to the floor with a dead weight thud. Wild slit pupils dominated his golden eyes and a snarling facial expression hid behind his long black bangs. He silently pulled out Driger from a draw string bag, then a rip cord and then his launcher from a side pocket of his trousers. Wordless, he set to lock his spinning weapon into the launch device with a hard metallic.*CLINK* He was ready to fight tooth and claw for Driger and for his freedom without a moment's hesitation. "So this is how it's gunna be. Fine. Driger. Get ready for a fight the Saint Shields are sorely going to regret."
Josef saw his adversary prepare for battle and immediately set to weaponize his own bladed toy. War had been waged. The Vanishing Moot blader's adrenaline spiked his blood and his body quivered in excitement and anticipation both. His elephant Bitbeast emitted an animalistic trumpet sound only his master could hear.
Tyson begged further and tried desperately to bargain. The tense humid air was thick enough to slice with a knife and breathing became hard work. "See guys! It's too risky for you to leave. Please! Guys put your blades away! Everyone just stay. I'll do allllll the chores okay. We'll order more food and have less to fight over; I'll even pay for it! We can have designated bathroom rotas too! Come on guys we don't have to fight like this."
Hilary scolded for all to rethink their decisions with hands bossily hooked on her hips. "You think I don't want to go home and sleep in my own bed too?! You don't think I miss my Mum and Dad? I miss shopping and movies and my other friends too! I miss my freedom to come and go as I please just as much as you do but I'm not running away. We have to stick this out like the true friends we are. We stick together okay guys. Please stay and we'll work something out. We'll figure out other living arrangements...somehow. It won't be like this forever. Ray, Josef, put your beyblades down now before someone gets hurt!"
The tall White Tiger with red fingerless gloves enclosing his knuckles, and the green haired Saint Shield with a golden pendant hanging from his earlobe ignored the multitude of pleas to put their arsenal away. They proceeded to square off for battle.
The frantic Dragoon blader dashed directly for the middle of Ray and Josef's makeshift battle arena and rooted his feet to the spot. His body was in the firing line and in real danger of serious harm should the two bladers release their slicing spinning tops as they intended. "Guys! Stop. You don't have to do this!"
Ray took his battle stance with Driger raised high. His pointed white fangs were on show as he warned. "Yes I do Tyson! Shadow Vale are one clan after my Driger, and there's another standing right in front of me. If they want my Bitbeast so badly then they're gunna have to defeat me for him. Im going to teach them what happens when they corner a tiger and I promise it's going to be a painful lesson they won't forget. I won't be held prisoner to anyone. I'm fighting for my Bitbeast and my freedom now, so I suggest you move out of the way and quick Tyson before you catch a claw I don't intend for you."
Josef mirrored his opponent and raised his Vanishing Moot cocked and loaded. "This is for the best. Once Driger is safely in my possession my clan will keep Driger safe for all time Ray. Only then will Shadow Vale will leave you alone and you can have all the freedom you want. For as long as you have Driger, Shadow Vale will hunt you, you'll never be safe, and you'll never have peace. I'll be doing you a favour Ray. I hope you're grateful when I do."
Grandpa Granger wearing white slippers and his usual Hawaiian attire just so happened to be walking down the veranda past the duo, moments away from exacting carnage on each other and their residential and horticultural surroundings. "If those two amigos let rip that's the rest of my garden trashed for the year. Oh well...I guess there's always next year I can plant my begonias." He flatly whined to himself before disappearing inside the house carrying a mug of tea to drown his sorrows.
Mariah, Tala, Bryan, Max and Emily all took a sharp number of steps backwards to give the raven haired neko-jin space to fight and for their own safety. Sweat drops decorated their warming foreheads under the rising heat of the day and everyone was straight lipped with the tension. They didn't expect news of their departure to be taken well...but an all out beybattle was not part of the plan. The old Demolition Boys were free to go by all accounts but stayed to watch.
Max felt sick and nauseous. He wasn't feeling his best and should Ray win or lose...it would be him battling next to keep Draciel ,and versus the girl he liked and maybe even a little in love with, Mariam. In the turtle lovers current state he was 99% sure he'd lose given how amazing and sharp skilled Sharkrash's blader was, and how off kilter he felt and had felt for many days.
"Go Ray. You've got this! We both know you do!" Mariah yelled with unfaltering confidence as the devoted pink-haired cheerleader and girlfriend. "You're the strongest beyblader of our entire village. Even Lee isn't a scratch on you now and even I'm no true match. You are a formidable blader Ray, and Josef has no idea what a mistake he's made crossing blades with you."
Dunga, Mariam and Ozuma gave Josef his space too and lined up behind him eager to see his victory. To gain Driger would mean one less Sacred Spirit to lose sleep over at night, and one less Shadow Vale could potentially get their hands on to wreak havoc on the planet and humanity.
Tyson begged aloud again as he refused to move from the centre of the dusty garden arena. He held two arms out wide; one flat palm faced the Chinese Ex-Bladebreaker, and the other Josef like a traffic conductor. Sweat tickled down his back beneath his shirt and cascaded his forehead with the pressure and danger. "GUYS! STOP! PLEASE HELP ME GUYS YOU HAVE TO STOP THIS MATCH! NOBODY WINS HERE! TALA! MAX! KENNY! ANYONE! HELP ME STOP THIS MATCH! If Ray loses he loses Driger! If Ray wins then you all leave and your lives are at risk! I DONT WANT ANY OF YOU TO DIE! PLEASE!"
Hilary implored from the safety of the side-lines. "Tyson! Get out of the way! Those two aren't going to back down. You have to let them sort things out themselves. There's nothing you can do!"
Then...from seemingly nowhere...silently...and without a word of announcement of his arrival, the one and only Kai casually appeared from the edges of the group. He calmly strode past Hilary at his left...and into the middle of the battle area to join distressed Tyson's one man protest.
Granger Junior's lip trembled momentarily before pulling himself together. "KAI!" His eyes were bulbous with astonishment. The ex-phoenix blader had answered his call for help and arrived like a super-hero at the last second before a disaster struck.
Kai's amethyst eyes glowered powerfully and stared Ray down, enough to make the White Tiger ease the tension on the rip-cord he was pulling threateningly tight ready for Driger's unleashing the second Tyson had the sense to move out of the way. The CEO then turned his head 180 degrees to deliver the same optical warning to the quad of Saint Shields bladers. Before washing his gaze over Kenny, Daichi, Hilary and then the cluster of those with their bags packed. He had a curious proposal.
The brave and stoic beyblader casually asked with a raised tone. "Who wants another day trip?"
Confusion painted the faces of all and the spiky toxic tension in the atmosphere blew away like a white puffy cloud in a soft summer breeze. The surprising and outright random question caused duffel bags to drop to the floor, jaws fell slack, single eyebrows raised, Emily's suitcase fell over, Kenny's knees buckled and Tyson fell sideways narrowly escaping falling over completely. Ray and Josef softened their battle stances but upheld their battle glares; and readied to re-convene their warfare with any fresh antagonising from either side.
The stressed-out bluenette fanned his face with his cap and quizzed in a relaxed tone. He was beyond relieved his old opponent turned up when he did and actually backing him up for once. "Care to tell us more Kai? I don't think another trip back to your office is going to make everyone best buddies again, no matter how many posh Sicilian lemon waters and expensive bento boxes your employees treat us to."
Victor suddenly ran out from between two dark rhododendron bushes and stopped abruptly to sit at Kai's white slippered feet. The grey and white pooch looked up at his human pal with unbridled excitement and love before barking twice cutely. *BARK* *BARK*
The dog owner shot his Granger host a playful smirk before announcing loud and clear for all to hear, his demeanour was bright and enchanting. "It's a surprise. You wanna come or not?" The cool CEO then abandoned Tyson's side to make for the Genkan to claim his socks and shoes. With one hand guarding his fresh scar and the other hooked casually on his right hip he added authoritatively. "I'm leaving in 10 minutes. Make your choice."
The Dragoon blader jumped in the air and punched the clouds with glee. He begged excited and encouragingly. "Yeah I'm in! I don't care where we go. Come on guys?! Why don't we give each other another couple of days? What dya say?! Then if you're not happy we'll think of something. We'll find a way to keep us all SAFE and TOGETHER. Come on guys, you don't really wanna split up do ya?"
Max was content to stay another couple of days or longer even. He wasn't feeling up to the long haul flight anyway, and after Tyson's heart-breaking begs for him to stay he wasn't upset at all about curtailing his trip back to California; besides Max was half and half about the idea of leaving in the first place and Emily somewhat pressured him into agreeing...she could be super manipulative when she wanted to be. The female American grumbled that she would now have to cancel their flights and made everyone know how lucky they were their refund policy was a lenient one. A couple of emails to the office and Judy and that was that...they were staying in Japan...for now.
The White Tigers needed a little more convincing. Mariah nor Ray didn't care much for wherever Kai's little excursion was, but seeing Tyson so hopeful they would stay was too emotionally difficult to scupper. The Chinese pair hadn't booked their flights yet and so, had no real flight to catch. They agreed to give the dojo another couple of days and then see how they felt. At least Tyson now knew they weren't happy and when they eventually decide to leave, it won't be such a huge shock to him. Ray begrudgingly lowered his silver spinning weapon with the growling Giant White Tiger spirit inside it. He darkly scowled at Josef and delivered a loud harsh warning. "Hey Saint Shields. Mariah and I haven't decided we're staying and if we do go, it will be on our terms, not yours. Get in my way again and Driger and I will show you no mercy. I'll show you just how worthy I am of Driger."
Josef lowered Vanishing Moot and smirked back toothily with a scrunched nose. His reply was lime tasting with sarcasm. "Fine Ray. Whatever you say." The green haired blader then sharply turned his back causing the fabric of his tunic to waver and circled back to his team. All four; Ozuma, Dunga, Mariam and Josef were seething from the White Tiger altercation and now...had something else on their plate. Another dangerous outing courtesy of Mr Hiwatari to keep them on their toes, another trip to fret about every second they were outside the safety of Tyson's abode and familiar stone walls. They snorted smoke as they stomped off to see what vehicles would be transporting who. Short straws would be drawn for those escorting the neko-jin pair on the car-ride, a duty none of them wanted at this present time. At the moment, The Saint Shields and White Tiger X couldn't stand the sight of each other and a wide berth would be advised to avoid World War 3.
Tala was the last to give the super-host his reply. He etched towards the bluenette as he re-hooked his orange duffel bag strap onto the bone of his right shoulder. "Sorry Tyson. Bryan and I have made up our minds. We really do have things to take care of back home. Work and ya know...boring adult stuff. But I meant what I said. If you need us again you have my cell number now. It could be weeks or longer before you even sniff those Shadow Vale morons again. You catch a whiff of them; you know how to get me."
Bryan coolly wide chin smirked as he too propped his grey duffel bag onto his frame. "Just don't call us during a heat wave okay. Call us when the weather isn't like a wet Sahara. Winter Tyson...call us then. For now. See ya."
Tyson couldn't help but squeeze out a couple of regretful tears from the sides of his orbs before wiping them away as quick as he could with his chubby paws. "Oh maaaannn! I'm gunna miss you guys. Hey...thanks for everything. I owe you Tala, you hear. I owe you BIG TIME. You can come back anytime you want! You're always welcome here bud. You too Bryan. I need someone to thrash at Need for Speed and Daichi's too easy. HAHAHAH."
Upon hearing the Blitzkrieg Boys really were heading home, the soviet duo were rapidly encircled by their dojo housemates for manly handshake goodbyes and many "hope to see you again one day" and "safe flight" wishes. Even the White Tigers made the effort to say "fare well" politely, despite the lack of friendliness between the teams for various historic reasons. Grandpa Granger too came to see them off and rapped some sort of farewell in funny slang which neither of the Slavic bladers understood a word of. Hilary gave Tala an uncomfortable hug and whispered "Thank-you" into his ear for saving Tyson's life at the hospital, not that he needed or wanting thanking further.
The Russian pair's goodbye with the past Blitzkrieg Boy team mate was a brief one.
"Bye bye Victor. There's a good boy." Tala said softly as he smiled tussling Victor's fuzzy grey and white head. He then straightened with his luggage at the ready. The old soviet comrades locked ice blue with amethyst coloured stares. "Take care of yourself Kai...and your dog. Get well. I hope you get your Dranzer back. If you need help, you know how to find us."
With steely half-open eyes Bryan quipped sarcastically as he turned to leave. "See ya Kai. Pleasure as always."
Kai afforded them a cool smile with crossed arms and a stoic nod from the doorway in reply, and that was all they'd get. Tala, nor Bryan expected anything more and internally scoffed with how predictable and frosty he was with them.
Having said all farewells the pair headed for the heavy wooden dojo doors, of which guards opened for them from the outside. Tyson and Co waved vigorously goodbye with up stretched arms and flailing hands as the Blitzkrieg Boys walked through the threshold and out onto the street. With a touch of sadness they watched the lovable and sometimes funny and outrageously sarcastic at times Russian bladers crawl into the back seats of awaiting Hiwatari Enterprises cars. The doors to the jet black cars slammed shut and the duo were softly driven away. Gone...and who knew when Tyson and Co would ever see them again.
Mr Hiwatari suggested Tala and Bryan take his cars and a pair of security officers to ensure they made it to the airport safely, to which Tyson, Hilary, Kenny and Emily nagged they accept. The highly trained personnel were to also stay with the ex-Demolition Boys right up until security and baggage check so Shadow Vale had no chance to ambush them. The Boys tried to argue with Kai their taxi journey would be safe enough, but upon hearing they wouldn't have to pay for their journey to Haneda Airport they comically jumped at the chance of a free ride.
"Good riddance! I hope we don't see them any time soon. Waste of space they were huh Ozuma?!" Dunga gleefully grouched at the sight of the Blitzkrieg Boy officially leaving the premises.
Ozuma quietly smirked with relish as he watched the car containing the guy he grated on, i.e. Tala was driven down the road and out of sight from his rooftop perch. "Finally. Yeah, good riddance. They were nothing more than in the way and a thorn in our side."
"No time to celebrate guys. Looks like were off on a fun-filled mystery adventure." Mariam exclaimed with dry humour as she and her team watched Tyson and the others rush like an excited herd of goats to the gates of the dojo...where, awaiting them was a newly arrived line of glossy black Humvees owned and delivered by Hiwatari Enterprises parked out front and taking over the street. "I wonder what magical amusement Mr Money-bags is whisking us off to this time. Another office building? A warehouse? A factory?" She rolled her emerald eyes comically. "The suspense is killlllllling me."