Hi lovelies! I've added a couple of minor details to Chapter 14 so you might wanna just re-read chappy 14. its nothing major, just a couple of little Kai bits.

Chapter 15.

It was 4am and the White Tiger male couldn't sleep. He stood out on the balcony in the blue moonlight; hunched over with his bare elbows resting on the terracotta brick wall. His veiny muscled arms and hands lolled over the side as his fingers felt the wind tickle around them. His freshly changed Chinese style trousers and tunic swayed in the cool summer night time breeze. His untamed long black hair swished where he had brushed it through and hadn't plaited it yet after his earlier shower. He had left Mariah fast asleep in one of the bunk-beds and felt pleased at least she... was getting some rest. He looked up at the moon and cursed how defeated he felt. He had flashbacks of Kais' lifeless body on the stadium floor scarred into his brain like an unwanted tattoo. Their in-vain attempts to break through Blakes' force field rehearsed over and over in his mind. "Oh Kai. We tried so hard to get to you. We really did. We couldn't get to you when you needed us. I failed to protect one friend, how can I be confident I can protect my whole village?" Tears began pricking his yellow eyes and his pulse rate quickened. "Maybe I'm not the blader I thought I was. Maybe I'm not fit to be the leader of White Tiger X."The Chinese mans' breath became hard to draw as he gazed sorrowfully to the moon for answers.

"You can't sleep too huh?" Tysons' words caught Ray off guard causing him to jump and turn round like a scared cat. The bluenettes' intrusion instantly snapped Ray out of his depressive train of thought and was grateful for it. The Neko-jins' tears receded into his lower eyelids and his heart rate returned to steadiness.

Dragoons' master slid the balcony door shut behind him and joined his former team mate. He too leaned on the wall with his elbows in a red pyjama wrapped body and arched his tanned neck up to the luna planet.

Tyson murmured. "I got a couple of hours but that's it. D'ya know I haven't eaten since breakfast and I'm not even hungry. All I can think about is...you know..."

Ray answered lowly. "Yeah I know what you mean. I have no appetite either."He let out a breathy sigh. The Chinese mans' hands locked into a double fist and his voice took a darker tone.

The White Tiger gritted his teeth and knew what he said next would not go down well. "What are we gunna do if he doesn't make it?"

Tysons' eyebrows furrowed and shot his team mate a semi-disgusted look. "We can't think like that Ray. Kai is the strongest, toughest, most stubborn person I know. He's gotta make it. We can't give up on him. I REFUSE to give up on him."

Ray became agitated with Tysons' answer and cursed asking the question in the first place. "Just because we wish it doesn't make it true Tyson. That's not the way the world works."

Tyson edged away and took a couple of steps back to gain some space from Rays' side. His features displayed confusion and hurt. "What's got into you?"

Rays' fists clenched and he could feel his heart thud as he turned to face his companion. "The truth is Tyson; you heard what the doctors said. His chances of survival is 10% and if he does pull through...he may not be the Kai we know."

Tyson pouted, returned his elbows to the wall and gazed at the plentiful stars. "Fine, be like that Ray. But Kai's gunna pull through. You watch."

The tension was rising between the 2 former Bladebreakers and they began to feel at odds with each other. Ray was sick of hearing Tysons' unrealistic expectations of Kais' future and Tyson detested Rays' sudden lack of faith. The balcony door squeaked on its runners and they were joined with a 3rd.

Max rubbed his tired bloodshot eyes. "I thought I heard your big mouth Tyson."

Tyson spun his head round and said casually. "Oh hey Max. I see you managed to get some shut-eye."

The blonde youth, dressed in green pyjama shorts and t-shirt took a leaning position against the wall next to Tyson. He whispered so as not to disturb the others inside. "Not much though. I was tossing and turning mostly. I just can't get today out of my mind."

Tyson could feel a tendril of his normal self seep back despite the trauma of the day. "Whatever happens Max we will get through this together. Kais' gunna have us lot pulling him through no matter what."

Max nodded in agreement and a tired smile stretched his lips. "Uhh huhh he sure is... right Ray?"

Rays' face was transfixed on the moon and gave no reply. His aura was different. The usually chilled out and friendly White Tiger was on a knife edge.

Max cocked his head to the side. "Ray?"

Concern painted the American and Japanese boys faces.

Rays' voice bubbled with danger. His fists began to shake and his eyes turned to slits. "Blake... whoever he is... wherever he is...had better start running. Cus when I catch him..."

Rays' sudden aggressive demeanour stoked Tysons' flame. "I'm with you there Ray. He'll pay for what he did to Kai. If it's the last thing we do, he's gunna pay BIG TIME."

Max gulped. "Make that 3 of us." His words did not match his feelings. In truth; he hoped never to see Blake again. His confidence was at an all time low and was terrified of Kais' attacker returning. The blonde had only begun to feel remotely safe since the arrival of Team Halo and the familiar protective arms of his father.

Soon after...the 3 ex-Bladebreakers returned to their bunk beds and attempted to get some rest; a new emotional rollercoaster loomed ahead.

It's 7 am and Izumi watched as another blue clad nurse drew blood from the cannula embedded in the back of Kais' left hand and walk away with the red-filled vial. They had been taking blood for testing almost on the dot every hour. She had been informed that these tests were going to indicate how organ damaged her grandson was and looking for indicators of infection. She was warned that if Kai picked up an infection, his chances of fighting it were next to none; therefore early detection was vitally important. Izumi felt her stiff elderly back click as she adjusted herself on her seat; she had been awake for most of the night. She was sat on Kais' left side, her soft wrinkled arm and hand lay on Kais' blue blanket as she gently held his hand. His hands were cool, blue tipped and pale but youthful against her small warm liver spotted ones. She gripped carefully and delicate so as not to disturb the cannula and deeply wished he would squeeze her back. Nurses offered her hot drinks throughout the night, wrapped a blue hospital blanket around her shoulders, brought her fresh tissues when she wept and many told her their names; not that she remembered any of them. She watched her grandson like a hawk and only left his bedside for toilet breaks... and only if Mr Gottlieb was there to take over.

The protective granny glanced over at Kais' Chief of Operations Officer as he slept awkwardly twisted in his chair. His grey suit clad arms and chest was hidden beneath his black trench coat which he used as a make shift blanket. His long crossed over legs poked out and his white neck was cricked to his left side. His oblong head was almost at a 90 degree angle and his moustached mouth was partially agape which contracted and relaxed with each breath. He too had been awake for most of the night but had succumbed an hour ago.

"He's going to have some serious neck ache when he wakes up." Izumi thought as she glanced at his sleeping form on the opposite side of Kais' bed.

Her motherly mind and lilac eyes returned to her "baby". Izumi tenderly fingered Kais' light grey hair away from falling across his dark encircled eyes. She lovingly brushed her thumb across his dark-grey left eyebrow, all the while her other hand never un-gripping his. She felt grateful for every breath the machine pushed into his lungs and sadness; for he wasn't drawing breath of his own.

The hospital canteen was like an upmarket school dinner hall. The canteen was well lit with natural light from the large windows; their blinds were drawn in and tied in line with the pale yellow walls. Strong sunlight streamed in; Japans' summer was in full swing. The view outside was at ground level of a heavily flowered and bushy peace garden with benches for patients and relatives to relax. Birds chirped and butterflies danced in the caressing breeze.

Inside the hall; wooden-topped square shaped tables with metal legs accompanied by white plastic and metal chairs dominated the room. The food was served buffet style on large heavy stainless steel trolleys. Self serve trays, plates and silver cutlery waited adjacent to metal hoods with various hot metal trays containing food. It was just past 8am and the canteen was almost full with the breakfast time rush. Omelettes, rice, sausages, eggs, hams, dry cereals, fruit cocktails and many other typical breakfast items were going fast and quickly replaced by caterers in white hats and aprons.

In the centre of the room sat 7 gloomy looking young men and women. Tyson, Max, Daichi, Ray, Mariah, Hilary and Kenny pushed 3 tables together to create a seating area big enough for all of them. The night had not been kind and most only got 3-4 hours sleep. Their heads felt heavy and had varying degrees of headache. Dark circles had formed under their swollen eyes from the fatigue and heavy crying multiple times the day before.

Kenny sat at the head of the table, his fingers dancing away on his laptop keyboard. Tyson sat to his left, then Daichi, then Ray, Mariah opposite Ray, Hilary next to Mariah and Max in between Hilary and Kenny. Grandpa Granger had peeled himself away to see to the dojo and get a change of clothes for he and Tyson. Maxs' Dad also returned home. He figured Max had enough support around him as well as plenty of hospital security to keep him safe. He apologised to Max for not being able to stay, he had a mortgage to pay and a Beyblade shop to open after all.

The old bey-champ was picking at an assortment of cooked breakfast pieces on the large white plate in front of him. He had started the day with an aggressively growling stomach and had eaten 2 slices of toast, a handful of beans and one slice of bacon. The other 3 rashers of bacon, 2 sausages, half a ladle of beans, 3 fried eggs and 4 slices of toast were being poked and mashed by his fork, he had eaten enough to kill the hunger but his appetite was far from its normal ferocity. His plate wasn't alone...Daichis' plate was in a similar state which had far less to begin with. Mariahs' plate was half eaten too and Max had successfully eaten one slice of buttered toast. Ray had opted for orange juice and couldn't stomach any food. Hilary had a cup of tea and managed to eat a corner of her jam on toast. Sat beside Kennys' laptop was a steaming cup of black coffee and he hadn't touched his cornflake cereal and milk; his fingers were far busier with other things.

"Whatcha doing Chief" Quizzed Tyson who frustratingly stabbed another sausage for the hundredth time with one hand, whilst the other was bent on the table holding his head up.

Kenny continued typing and didn't advert his eyes, not even whilst talking. "I'm emailing back people who have asked about Kai. Would you believe I've been inundated with emails from our old friends? Some of them don't even beyblade anymore but wanna know how Kai's doing. What happened at the dome yesterday has shocked the world. Thanks to TV and social media...everybody knows what happened and that Kai was attacked. The beyblade world has been rocked sideways. All major Beyblade tournaments have been cancelled worldwide in case this is not an isolated incident. I'm sure Mr Dickenson had something to do with that."

Maxs' head perked up and his blue eyes were wide with intrigue. "What old friends Chief?"

Kenny was multitasking brilliantly. "Robert from the Majestics sends his best and wishes Kai a speedy recovery on behalf of the whole team. Kane from Team Psychic says he's thinking of all of us; they still travel and beyblade by the way. I had a text from Rick last night from the PPB Allstarz saying he and the rest of them are here for us if we need them. Annnd... Emily has emailed to say she will be here by the end of the day and to keep our chins up.

And... interestingly... Tala of the Blitzkrieg Boys emailed to say he and Bryan are fixing it with work to join us in Japan. He can't say for sure but it looks like we may have 2 more guests coming our way."

Tyson became very animated and slammed his cutlery down causing a noise loud enough to turn heads from the tables nearest. "No way! Blast from the past or what! Hearing their names again...Robert , Rick, Tala... Kane."

Daichi pouted remembering Talas' comment about his flies being undone once. "Oh no not that Tala guy again. He's rude."

Ray grunted with his face turning sour. "Bryan huhh."

Despite the fatigue on her face; Mariahs' feisty spirit re-surfaced. "Tala huh...I've wanted to face him for a loooooong time. I wonder if he still beyblades too."

Max quipped. "I know Rick doesn't beyblade anymore, he got sick of beating all the street kids and not having any healthy competition. He's in the music scene now. Emily barely beyblades either as she's so busy in the research department at the California facility.. Michael, Eddie and Steve are in the big leagues now in Football, Baseball and Basketball."

Mariah sighed. "How time flies."

Kenny finally stopped typing and folded his laptop shut. "Speaking of time flying. It won't be long until the ICU allows extra visitations. Its 08:36 now. It won't be long until we trade places with Kais' grandmother."

Hilary – "That poor woman. I can't imagine what she's going through. I'd like to get to know her. I bet she's got loads to tell us about Kai."

Max – "I'm glad and all that we got a call from the ICU with an update that Kai is doing ok but I'll feel much better after seeing him."

"10% survival rate. Pehhh. Kai is gunna knock that statistic right out the back door." Tyson retorted and swiped his thumb across his nose.

Ray could feel a vein pop on his forehead at Tysons' comment and turned his head to the side to disguise it.

Kenny – "Let's not get too carried away guys. They said to keep in mind that Kai is still very weak and not to get ahead of ourselves."

Tysons' facial expression became glum.

Max – "Yeah he's still got a long way to go."

Kenny – "Guys I didn't want to bring this up so soon but I think we should discuss it. What are we gunna do about getting Dranzer back?"

Before another word could be said; a stern feminine voice blurted out over the tannoy. "We have a CODE WHITE. I repeat. A CODE WHITE at door 6 level 2. Repeat CODE WHITE at Door 6 level 2."

Tyson, Max , Ray and Daichi jolted from their seats like lightening. Tysons' chair flung back and fell on its side and Daichi rocked the table so hard that Kennys' coffee spilt. The dark warm beverage trailed across the table and streamed onto the floor by Tysons and Rays' feet, not that any of them cared to notice. Hackles were up and all 7 friends cried in unison. "WHATS A CODE WHITE?!"

Kenny pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose."Code white in hospitals generally means a security issue."

"THUD THUD THUD THUD" stampeded heavy military boots as 3 male Team Halo officers tore around tables and through the canteen like black gazelles padded in Kevlar. One was the unmistakable Mr Cooper who despite his muscled 6ft something body; was a fast runner with powerful legs. Tyson and Co watched as they battled their way through the sea of tables and darted towards the canteen entrance leading to the inner maze of the hospital.

A radio from one of their hips was un-clipped from its ear piece, allowing the voice on the other end to be heard by all. "We have an adult male, late 20s early 30s, dark skin, light hair, wearing a cloak. Back up requested immediately!"

Tysons' voice was urgent as adrenaline ripped though him. His brown eyes glazed. "Come on guys we gotta go!"

Hilary rose from her seat. Panicked and flabbergast with Tyson. "Whatdya mean we gotta go?!"

Mariah jumped from her seat as her hot blood rushed; her eyes painfully wide and her lips grimaced at Ray. "It's gotta be HIM right?"

"I'm with Tyson on this one."Scowled Ray as he instantly turned on his feet and took flight. Without prompting; Mariah shot off too and hot on his tail. The White Tigers were athletic and bolted around the tables even quicker than the Team Halo trio.

Maxs' heart began to thump. Fear rippled through him and his voice quivered. "I don't think it's a good idea. Let's let security handle it."

Daichi snorted. "No Max. If it is him...that son of a bitch has gotta pay."

Hilary slammed her delicate palms on the table with frustration. "Wait guys what makes you think you can handle him this time?"

"Forget talking, Come on Daichi. Let's go." Tyson had no time to waste and began wading through the obstacles of tables, chairs and people. His chubbiness prevented him from doing so elegantly.

Kenny begged as loud as he could. His voice desperate. "Tyson, Ray! Come back don't be so reckless. Let the security teams do their job!"

Daichi vaulted over the table without any regard for Kennys' words or the plates of half eaten food in his way. "Wait for me guys!"

Hilary grunted angrily. "Oh for goodness sake! Oh I wish they'd use their heads for once."

Max turned to an exasperated Hilary and The Chief. He had a sweatdrop and a concerned face."Come on guys, let's go to the ICU and make sure Kai and his Grandma are ok."

Ray and Mariah tore through the canteen like a couple of ninjas and were soon hot on Team Halos' heels.

"Whatever happens Ray, we will fight him together. He's not getting away this time." said the pinkette. Her cat-like teeth glinted in the lit hallway as she effortlessly sprinted beside her Ray-Ray. He gave no reply. He only gritted tight his similar feline teeth and growled internally, his attitude was jacked up and ready to unsheathe Drigers' claws.

Despite Tysons' early running start, the nimbler red head over took Tysons' lead in 2 seconds flat. Daichis' active lifestyle back home was an asset in keeping him trim, a far cry from Tysons' daily routine of snacking and dodging chores. Monkey boy by name and Monkey Boy by nature, he was as agile and nifty as an ape as he frog leapt over tables and unsuspecting diners. He received a "Hey, whatdya think you're doing?!" with a raised fist from an angry Dad whose daughters' cereal bowl had been sent flying. Daichi yelled back an insincere "Sorrrrrrry" as he exited the hall to chase the White Tigers.

"Wait! Wait for me guys!" Yelled Tyson desperately as he squidged himself through the outer circle of breakfast dinners. As his belly trapped between the last of the tables and chairs he made a mental note to go on a diet...one day.

He finally made it to the corridor. But which way? His head turned frantically from left to right. Sweat pearled on his forehead as panic set in.

"You comin or what?!" Screeched Daichi as his head popped round the corner on Tysons' right side.

"You lead the way pal!" He exclaimed in reply, relieved that his teammate had come back to get him.

Dragoons' wielder belted after his younger, shorter team mate as fast as his unaccustomed legs could go. The bluenette was panting, sweating and his pulse thumped. The warmth of the canteen, the arrival of a fresh danger and running made him feel hot and mildly dizzy. Ray and Mariah were well out of sight but thankfully for Tyson, Daichi...the mid runner acted as a pebble stone for him to follow. The quartet of beybladers and trio of security personnel sprinted in convoy down corridor past corridor and up a flight of stairs to level 2. Then down another long hallway past medical professionals and public who threw their backs to the wall to let the human stampede pass. Ray and Mariah were mere steps behind Mr Cooper and colleagues, Daichi was keeping up close enough not to lose sight of them; and Tyson heaved for air whilst his legs protested and lungs threatened to collapse.

Up ahead, a blockade of Team Halo staff, hospital security staff and undercover police officers had created a mob... and behind them; an intense scuffle was in progress as they overpowered the intruder to the floor. Boots squelched on the tile floor and the sound of a body smacked to the ground. Officers piled ontop and wrestled their captive into submission.

Mr Cooper and his entourage disappeared into the mass leaving Ray, Mariah, Daichi and eventually...Tyson; to stand by.

"Let me see!" Demanded Ray fiercely as a 6ft something bald Caucasian Team Halo operative held an arm out to block him from entering the human cordon. Rays' claws were out and they bayed for blood. Mariah telepathically called to her Galux. "Get ready girl!"

Daichi was equally as riled. Strata Dragoon glowed angrily in his pocket. "Yeah come onnn what's happening?"

Tyson fought for oxygen. "Is...*gasp*...it...*gasp*...Blake?" His lungs and wind pipe were on fire. He placed one hand on the wall to steady himself and cursed not being fitter.

"Let me go! This is all one big misunderstanding!" Yelled a tempestuous male voice from within the scuffling mound as a police officer snapped metal handcuffs around his wrists.

Tysons' head instantly pricked up and regained some posture. "I know that voice!"

The sea of security officers parted to allow Tyson and Co to see their captive... he had yellow hair, dark skin, early 30s, wearing a cape but definitely... not Blake.

Rays' claws were instantly retracted. "Not you guys again!" He said as he massaged a thick black eyebrow.

Mariahs' hands thrust outwards and gestured as if to say "I don't know what's going on" and shrieked. "What Ray? Do you know this guy?"

Daichi cackled with his hands on his hips. "HAHAHA you've got yourself into trouble ain't ya big guy!"

Green eyes and a really pissed-off face glared back at Tyson as he fought against the handcuffs round his back. Team Halo operatives wrapped around each of his densely muscled arms and anchored him to the spot.

Tyson had regained his composure and walked straight up to the "assailant." Brown and green eyes met and a broad smug grin decorated Tysons' face. "Hey Dunga. How's it goin?"

Meanwhile.

"It's just down the hall." Directed Kenny as he, Hilary and Max were almost back at the ICU. The strong antiseptic must have seeped through the walls as they could smell the ward from feet away.

Max pushed the ICU swinging doors open to let Hilary and The Chief through and then entered himself. He became startled as Hilary drew a harsh gasp.

Hilary – "Huhhhhhhh. Oh my god look at all the security in here!"

The trio were impressed if not a little intimidated by the 2 hospital security staff who guarded the inside of the ICU doors. To add to them were Hiwatari Enterprises security stood like soldiers down the hall. In total 6 lined the corridor standing roughly 10ft apart. The staff in black military gear with holstered guns stood to attention, their hands clasped together in front and eagle eyeing anyone that passed them. This included Max, Hilary and Kenny as they entered into the wing Kai was in, the officers had strict instruction not to let anyone in who wasn't previously approved. Nurses shuffled around nervously and were clearly on edge with the heightened security risk that had been announced just minutes before. They had good reason to be. A man matching the description of the guy who put Kai in his condition was assumed to be back to finish the job. Izumi was naturally glued to Kais' bed side and terrified.

"Hello Mrs Uchiha. How is Kai today?" Said Kenny in an uber friendly tone as he approached the foot of Kais' bed.

The grieving Grandmother gave no reply.

Kenny, Hilary and Max watched Izumi as she thumb stroked Kais' dark-grey left eye brow and had embedded her fingers into the hair just above his left ear. Kai looked as gaunt and white as the night before. He hadn't moved or changed since they saw him the previous day.

Max leaned forward in case she was hard of hearing. "Where's Mr Gottlieb Maam?"

Another soft stroke of her thumb... and another... and another. Kai lay lifeless; apart from his chest rising and falling in tune with the ventilator. He didn't even twitch. Kai hated people touching him and they'd half expected him to wake up and brush his grandmothers' hand away...only he lay still and fighting for every heartbeat.

Nurse Sakura appeared. She had been watching the small group and decided to step in and be of help. Mrs Uchiha was clearly struggling and not up for any questions.

"Hi guys. Mr Gottlieb had gone to rendezvous with his head of security to deal with the situation. We're very safe up here with all this added security. It's all a bit exciting." She chirped. "Kais condition hasn't got much better but he hasn't got any worse. He's still fighting which is something. We took him for some scans early this morning and he's been having regular blood tests. We'll have the results by lunch time. You're welcome to sit and wait with Mrs Uchiha until Mr Gottlieb returns. She could do with some different company."

Hilary uncomfortably glanced over at Izumi, careful not to stare. "Yeah sure I'll stay and keep Mrs Uchiha and Kai company."

Kenny – "Yeah me too. We've been waiting for a chance to sit with Kai. Isn't that right Max?"

Max had something on his mind. "I'm gunna go and see how Tyson and the others are doing. They may need my help." And with those words, the blonde spun on his toes and made for the exit. "I'm sorry guys I was just too afraid to face Blake earlier. I regret that now. Hold on Tyson, Ray, I'm coming."

Meanwhile...

"And that's what I'm trying to tell you!" Exclaimed Tyson as Mr Gottlieb stood towering over him with a stern sceptical look. His brown-grey eyebrows furrowed as he analysed whether the chubby young Japanese man before him was telling the truth.

Tysons' voice was raised and he was starting to get agitated from repeating himself.

"His name is Dunga. We've known Dunga and his beyblade team for years. We weren't exactly friends at first because they tried taking our bitbeasts but that's all forgiven now and were life-long friends." Tyson nervously laughed as he fanned himself with his baseball cap. His yellow t-shirt stuck to his chest from the sweat and heat.

Ray piped up and joined the prisoners' defence. "Dunga is a part of a beyblade team that we are FRIENDS with. Dunga and his team are not our enemies. I promise you, this guy is nothing to do with the guy who attacked Kai."

Dunga grumped as he fought against the men restraining him. "There ya hear it straight from the horses' mouth. Now un-cuff me before I get real angry!"

"Yes please un-cuff my friend."Demanded a voice from behind Tyson and Co. Ozuma had his arms crossed and sported an unimpressed scowl.

The 4 beybladers jerked round at another familiar voice from the past.

Tyson -"OZUMA?!"

Ray -"Ozuma I wondered when you were gunna show up."

Mariah – "Ozzzzz-who?"

Daichi whined. "Oh great... more of ya!"

Gottlieb was not amused. "Another one of your FRIENDS?" He looked the newcomer up and down and noted key features. The gold dangling ear pendant in his left ear, the dark grey and red hair, the same tunic, hooded cape and brown shorts as the one "called Dunga."

Gottlieb turned his head from Tysons' exasperated form and strode over to within 2ft of Dunga. He placed his arms tightly across his chest and locked eyes with the growling ape man. Dunga wanted to rip Gottliebs' moustache off and ram it somewhere the sun doesn't shine.

Gottlieb bellowed for all to hear. "Release him. These are Kais' friends and allowed access like the rest of them."

An operative instantly retrieved a key from his breast pocket and unlocked each side of Dungas' handcuffs.

"At last I'm free" Dunga said as he massaged his wrists and analysed the red marks caused by the tight circular metal.

Ray and Tyson let out sigh of relief in unison and hi-fived each other with toothy grins. Mariah was still scratching her head over who these two new men were and Daichi looked Ozuma up and down. "All these years and he aint changed a bit." He thought as he tried to work out who had grown more. Daichi was a little height obsessed and his mind worked in funny ways.

Gottliebs' attention snapped back to Dunga. "I apologise for the mistake in identity. You were spotted skulking around the hospital without having checked in and you have similar ethnic wear to the man who attacked my employer."

"Screw your sorry! You or your goons touch me again and I'm taking you to the cleaners for assault. You got dat buddy!" Dungas' fists were in the air and his face was bright red.

"Whats' that...you want to be ejected from the hospital or detained for aggressive behaviour. Take your pick. My field of expertise is Law and believe me when I say I can do both of those things."

Dunga was about to explode with profanities when Tyson leapt to Dungas' side and vacuum sealed his sweaty salty left hand over the Saint Shields members' mouth, causing him to writhe and feel disgusted with how moist Tysons' hand was.

"That won't be necessary. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA." Tysons' nervous laugh was on top form today.

The German lawyers' eyes hawked over Tyson, then Dunga, Ray, Mariah, then Daichi and lastly Ozuma. He thought to himself what a strange bunch of people Kais' friends were. He muttered under his breath. "Yes Sir. They are quite idiotic indeed."

Gottlieb whispered into Mr Coopers' ear. The ex militant put his finger on a button on the ear piece and gave the Germans' order over to all radios. "Stand down all units. False alarm. I'll be sending descriptions over of new authorised visitors in due course. Return to your posts and keep alert."

"I'm heading back to the ICU to check on Izumi and Kai." Said Gottlieb as he lofted past the growing clan of beybladers and side eye-balled Dunga. "I trust you'll behave yourselves."

Like a volcano on the cusp of eruption... Dunga drew a deep inward breath and was about to yell something back. A millisecond later he was pinned again; only this time by Tyson and Ray. Both of them plastered their hands over his mouth and wallpapered him against the corridor wall. A friendly scuffle broke out as Ray and Tyson fought to keep quiet whatever was bubbling in Dungas' gob.

The mixture of security personnel dispersed in no time leaving the 2 Saint Shields, 2 White Tigers and 2 ex G-Revolution to talk.

Tyson – "What an entrance guys. Hehe I'm glad to see you and all but what are you doing here?"

Ozumas' voice was deep and serious. "We heard about what happened to Kai and we need to have a long conversation Tyson, but before we do, where's Max?"

Daichi – "He's gone back to the ward Kai is in with Kenny and Hilary. He'll be around somewhere."

Dunga stepped in with urgency on his face. "We need to find him... AND QUICK."

Rays' voice dripped with worry. "Why? Is he in danger or something?"

Ozumas face and tone was serious. His arms crossed. "Let's just find Max and I'll tell you everything."

Meanwhile...

Max trailed alone down the florescent tube lit tunnels of the maze-like hospital. He figured if he ran around enough of Level 2 and read the fire exit maps on security doors that he would find them... eventually. "Hold on guys I'm coming! I shouldn't have let them go without me. I'm such a coward. There's something about seeing Blake again that terrifies me. I had nightmares about him last night and what he did to Kai. I can't stand how scared I am. This isn't like me. Every bump in the night I jump out of my skin. No, I have to face my fears. I'll be fine with Ray and Tyson and Daichi at my side. I hope."

Max ran down one hallway, round a bend, turned a corner at a cross section of more corridors and took a right towards another exit door he hadn't tried yet. Only ahead was a problem. There were no windows in this section of corridor and 5 or so florescent tubes were out leaving a shadowed area and further down...pitch black. Max stopped in his tracks in the semi darkness. His hair stood on end as he felt sweat trickle down his lean back and he lightly heaved for breath. "It's only *pant* the dark. I need to get a grip." The blonde hafu took a step forward until something other than the dark caused his blood to turn cold and his blue eyes bolted wide with anxiety. There was someone in the darkness watching him. The figure walked slowly closer, their outline becoming clearer as his eyes adjusted to the dark; they were wearing a hooded cape.

Maxs' tender heart beat so hard and fast he thought it was going to crack out of his chest cavity like in the alien movies. He held his breath as his cyan eyes scanned the black, waiting for the figure to come into view. He felt like he wanted to pee himself, run, scream and cry for his Mom all at once. His sweat ran cold as he felt his heart palpitate harder causing him to feel actual pain. Draciels' master was literally paralysed. "It's him...it's gotta be Blake. He back for Kai...or me. What if he wants Draciel too? What do I do?!" He clenched his eyes shut and awaited his fate. His petrified body wouldn't allow him to run.

"Hey Max. Long time no see buddy." Beamed Mariam as she entered the light.

"Hey, what's wrong with you Max. You ok? You look like you're having a panic attack or something." Said Josef as he propped his hands on his hips and raised an eyebrow.

"MARIAM! JOSEF!" Max immediately ran for the pair and hooked both of them into a vice-lock. His blonde fuzzy head wedged in between Josefs' dark green and Mariams; long blue pony-tailed hair. Maxs' pale freckled arms coiled around their necks tightly as he tried to squeeze his fear away.

Josef was not the huggy type. "GEEEEZ MAX LAY OFF WILL YA. YOU'RE CHOKING ME!"

Mariam gladly received the hug. She had missed Max and definitely had a thing for him. Sharkrash liked hanging out with Draciel too. Her enjoyment was only momentary as she realised the usually happy-go-lucky American was shaking. "Hey Max, Ummm are you ok?" She asked as she tried to angle herself to breathe better in his snake like grip.

Max was rippling with relief and sniffled as he fought back tears, he had never been so pleased to see Mariam or her spunky brother. "Yeah...I'm ok I guess. It's been a tough couple of days."

Marium – "Ummm Max, as nice as this is...maybe we can save the hugs for later. We've got stuff to tell you.

"HEY MAXY!" Yelled Tyson who had just turned the corner from the other end of the corridor.

Max released the brother and sister beybladers and did a 180 twist. "TYSON!There you are! I've been looking all over for you! Look who I've found!"

The 2 groups became 1 and with pleasantries aside they made their way back to the dining hall. Like at breakfast, they pushed tables and chairs together in the now much quieter canteen. The breakfast rush was over and the beybladers and friends had some serious chat to commence with. Ozuma sat at the head of the table. Dunga to his right, then Josef, then Mariam, then Kenny, then Daichi. Tyson was at the opposite end of the table mirroring Ozuma. To Tysons' right sat Max, then Hilary, then Mariah, then Ray, an empty seat and then Ozuma. The Saint Shields were stern and wound up tight; their faces serious. Tyson and Co listened intently; they figured the Saint Shields were here for a very important reason. All eyes were on the Saint Shields' leader.

Ozuma – "Ok what I have to say is important so listen up. Some of it is not going to be easy to swallow. We know everything about the guy who attacked Kai. His name is Blake from a clan called Shadow Vale. I once told you about an evil brotherhood whose life's mission was to harness the power of the Four Legendary bitbeasts and use their destructive power to reshape the world. Shadow Vale is that brotherhood. The leader of the clan is a powerful Arch Mage named Rochimaru. He has been training members of the clan from a young age to become warriors in his bid to rule the world. He wants to cleanse the earth and start anew with him as a new messiah."

Josef quipped. "He's a complete nut job with a god complex."

Ozuma – "My clan, the Saint Shields as you know were tasked with sealing your bitbeasts away so that they would never be used for malevolent purposes. Once we learned that you Tyson, Ray, Max and Kai were worthy of guarding the Sacred Spirits yourselves; we returned to our village. For years we have been keeping watch over Shadow Vales hideouts and 3 days ago they went missing. They are a secretive clan and unfortunately slipped under our radar. Elders in my village sent out scouts to track them but have come up empty. We lost them and we are forever sorry for that. Every able bodied scout and beyblader from my village is out looking for their lair and we will not stop until we find them.

Shadow Vale are trained in the dark arts and use magic as well as bitbeasts in their fighting style. They are dangerous. DO NOT approach them alone. They all have the same tattoos on their bodies; all have red eyes, silver hair and dark skin. They are very recognisable and wear capes and long sleeved clothes to conceal their identities.

Blake is a brainwashed pawn. He has been raised from the cradle by the Arch Mage to become one of four destined to become new guardians of the Sacred spirits. Failure is not an option for these guys. It's how they operate that make them so dangerous. To gain control quickly and completely with the sacred spirits; they forge a bond with them using magic. The magic cements a spiritual connection to the bitbeast. You and your bitbeasts can communicate telepathically and there's love between you. This bond is special and took time to achieve. With this bond; you and your sacred spirits are more powerful and you work as one. Think back to when you first got your bitbeasts. It took time right...to be in sync..."

Ray nodded. He remembered how flighty Driger used to be.

Max- "Uhhh huh."

Tyson – "Definately. My relationship with Dragoon is solid now but we sure had a rocky start."

Ozuma continued. "The way they gain complete control of a sacred bitbeast is by forging a new bond by using magic and... by severing the old bond with the previous guardian."

Ozumas' voice went dark and dangerous. "The previous guardian has to die by their hand."

Tysons' voice became rushed and angry. "So they did this to Kai to take Dranzer?!"

Dunga – "Yeah, pretty much Champ."

Hilary was brimming with questions. "So these guys were raised to be assassins as well as bitbeast thieves?!"

Josef – "Yup, they are not to be messed with."

Ray – "I see now. Blake entered the match which we can all assume was rigged and set out to steal our bitbeasts."

Mariah – "Set out to take YOU out Tyson. You were penned for the first match."

Dunga – "It's just luck that Kai went up at the beydish and not you Tyson."

The whole mood of the table of beybladers shifted to a blanket of uneasiness. The Saint Shields picked up on the sore and pained vibes of their old friends sat around them. Tyson and friends shuffled on their seats, their faces became sullen and eye contact drew downwards and fiddled with their hands.

Daichis' voice became unnaturally soft. "Although not so lucky for Kai."

Ozumas' voice mirrored Daichis' This was an uncomfortable question but one he had to ask. "How is Kai doing?"

Rays' cat eyes glanced down to look at the empty space on the table. His voice was melancholic and his teeth gritted. "He's alive. For now."

Dunga – "How bad is he? For real?"

Kenny – "He's hooked up to machines and had to have emergency surgery. There's the possibility he's got brain and organ damage."

Hilarys' pretty auburn eyes side glanced to Tyson knowing that her words would pick him up. "I've spent some time with Kais' Grandmother today and a nurse told me he's doing ok for someone with his injuries. He's not giving up that's for sure. A nurse told me he had some tests this morning and it won't be long until we get the results.

Tysons' tanned Japanese face ignited with defiance. His brown eyes fought back tears. "He's gunna make it." His voice began to break as he made fists with his hands. "He's... gunna pull through."

Ozuma – "I hope you're right Tyson I really do. If Kai doesn't, then we have lost Dranzer to Shadow Vale forever. Once a new bond has been forged with magic it cannot be broken. Their magic turns the bitbeast into mindless weapons that cannot be reasoned with, controlled or stopped. Dranzer is a particularly destructive bitbeast because of his fire element and in the wrong hands; we are all in danger. Once they have Dranzer on their side, they will use him against you as well their own arsenal to take your bitbeasts too. For as long as Kai is alive and has a bond with Dranzer then they cannot take full control of him and we have a chance to get Dranzer back.

Either way...they will be coming for Driger, Draciel and Dragoon. They are probably already here in Japan... looking for you."

The mood of the table changed like the wind. A tumble weed of fear brushed past Tyson and Co. Conversation halted and they nervously glanced around the room and over shoulders. They took moments to analyse the doorways and the last diners around them, looking for anyone with silver hair or dark skin. Paranoid ripped through them and hung around them like a black mist.

Maxs' voice dripped with panic and a large sweat drop hung from his forehead. "You mean they are coming for us... now?"

Mariam – "They could be anywhere Max. Remember these guys have been mind fucked into believing their entire life's work is to capture your bitbeasts. Now Blake has Dranzer... the rest will be hungry for the same glory."

Josef – "That's why we're here. To warn you about Shadow Vale and keep you safe until our clan hunts down those who are after you. We are here as your guardians now."

Ozuma closed his fingers together and laid them on the table in front of him. His voice became deadly stern. "Listen to me very carefully. You need to do exactly as we say. You need to stay close, all together in this hospital until we know what is happening with Kai. Thanks to your camera buddies outside, the whole world will know what hospital you are in. They COULD be waiting outside in the streets, in nearby buildings, watching your houses, Tysons' dojo, Maxs' Dads' beyblade shop, Kennys' parents noodle bar. They have chosen now to strike and they will not stop until they get the other Sacred spirits. If they get you on your own, they will do to you what they did to Kai. They mean to kill you and take your bitbeasts. This is fact. Take one look at Kai and get to grips with the danger you are in. But unlike some miracle... you won't end up in a hospital bed... you will end up in the morgue."

Mariam sweat dropped and sought to lighten the tone, noting how heavy Ozuma can be sometimes. "We are going to be with you constantly until the threat is neutralised. You need to stay vigilant and above all... you do NOT leave this hospital without us escorting you. With us here they will have a harder job getting you on your own."

Dunga – "Yeah with us with ya those punks are gunna keep their distance. They know better than to mess with us."

Josef – "Our clan has kept Shadow Vale at bay all these years. We know their tricks. Stick with us. You'll be alright."

Daichi – "What about the rest of us. They only want Driger, Draciel and Dragoon...right? Will they take my Strata Dragoon too?

Dunga – "No they only want the Sacred Spirits; although give them the chance and they'll hurt you because they can."

Hilary – What about Kenny and me? We don't even beyblade. Are we safe?"

Mariam – "You still need to be vigilant. Shadow Vale will seek to use you as a hostage to draw Tyson, Ray and Max out. They will use any methods necessary to get the 3 remaining sacred spirits. Just stick with the group. You'll be fine."

Tyson – "No way are they getting Dragoon. Never! They caught us by surprise but not again. Dragoon and I will be ready for them."

Kenny – "What about our parents. Could they use our parents as hostages?"

Ozuma – "I don't think so. They may watch places that you guys live but right now...they know you are here in this hospital. They will try here first. They are no doubt watching and waiting for you guys to leave the safety of this hospital and then they will strike."

Ozumas' words were harsh but necessary. Tyson, Max and Ray finally understood how much danger they were in and clutched their beyblades tightly in their palms under the table. Dragon, turtle and tiger cries echoed through their guardians bodies. Tyson, Max and Ray made silent pacts never to let them be taken. Mariah, Hilary, Daichi and Kenny understood that they could be collateral damage if they didn't heed Ozumas' warning and secretly worried for their families. The Saint Shields told Tyson and friends everything they knew about Shadow Vale, they sat for hours absorbing the history, fighting methods and clan rivalry stories. These ancient foes had surfaced from the darkness and threatened the safety of everything they knew.

Meanwhile Kais' life and his spiritual bond with Dranzer were as thin as a strand of dark grey hair. Time would only tell if it was going to break.