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Chapter 34
The next morning... The hospital canteen was alive and bustling. Glorious golden morning light streamed through the hall causing cutlery and silver table trays to sparkle like diamonds. Chinks of mugs and glass tumblers and scratching of knives and forks against porcelain chorused the air. Pancakes were on special today. Their scent caramelised the air as fresh batches were cooked, and assorted fruit toppings waited in trays aside flavoured sauce dispensers with sticky hand pumps.
"Oh maaaan look at these pancakes! SNIFFFFFFFFFFFFF!" Cried Tyson as his brown eyes twinkled and his mouth salivated. His nostrils flared wide as he nasally ingested the aroma of the pancake breakfast in front of him. He'd drizzled maple syrup in zig-zags atop the seven pile high breakfast items and in his chubby gloved fists were a poised knife and fork. Sliced bananas and blueberries slid around in the pooling syrup runoff like a moat around the amber pancake castle.
Daichis' pile had to be just as tall with seven of his own pancakes, but cascading over his was runny chocolate sauce and halved strawberries aplenty.
Hilary too graced her plate with two of the flat delicacies with raspberry sauce and a thin coating of melted butter beneath. A glass of apple juice waited nearby.
Kenny opted for jam on toast with a side of black coffee in a tiny espresso mug. The brunette needed a strong caffeine hit to remedy the sleepless nights worrying about the next Shadow Vale attack; and if he had the parts and supply to fix his friends beyblades in order to arm them.
Next to the Chief, was a female with just as much nerdiness and tendency to tweak her spectacles. She had opted for two pancakes with a small sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar, and aside her plate was a glass tumbler with orange juice.
In the next seat over and populating the table end was Mariah, and opposite the American girl brooded Ray with his elbows on the table looking less than social with a glum face, and his red gloved hands cupped beneath his chin.
Emily took a glug of her tangerine coloured juice and replaced it to the table before interrupting the noise of Tyson and Daichi inhaling their breakfast and their series of "Ouuummmmmm yummy!" "Hmmmmohhhhhh that's gooooddddd.""I WANNT MORE!"
"How you doing today Mariah?" Started Emily, as she began cutting into her pancake delicately with a knife.
Hilarys' ear twitched from a couple of seats over and joined in the sisterly inquisition. "Yeah, how are you feeling?"
The feisty Galux blader looked like she'd just left a kids party half dressed as an Egyptian mummy with the amount of bandages wrapped around her skin, and with choppy pink hair that looked like a 5 year old had cut it. She'd opted for a liquid breakfast of orange juice and promised herself warm soup later as her throat protested anything solid. "Oh I'm alright. We didn't sleep too well and I'm really sore. I have to change the bandages often and no baths for a while but I'll be healed in no time. I'm walking at least now and the nurse says I can leave anytime I want."
Tyson overheard and extended a chubby tanned thumbs' up in the White Tigers direction. He spouted words as mushed as the food in his mouth. "Thaaatttttssss greaaatt newchhhhhhhh Mariah!" He then returned to shovelling more pancake and sticky sweet liquid down his gullet to childishly keep up with Daichi. He wasn't about to let Monkey Boy finish before him, no way.
Ozuma watched the world champion Tyson for a moment as he gobbled. The green eyed bladers' eye twitched with mild disgust at the man engulfing his breakfast without breath or rest... was in charge of one of the most powerful bit beasts, Dragoon, that had ever graced the planet. With dignity and poise, the Saint Shields' leader began eating his own pancakes with chopped strawberries and strawberry sauce.
Kenny piped up after replacing his coffee mug to the white canteen table top. "That's great news Mariah...right Ray? And how are you holding up?"
Ray muttered a reply though seemed a little distracted. He tried to appear fine but the beyblade brainiac had been around Ray long enough to know he was faking it. Plus, the male White Tiger had picked up nothing for breakfast and barely sipped his half glass of milk. "Ohhh Umm. I'm okay Chief."
Josef peered to his right out the corner of his eye to examine Rays' demeanour. The White Tiger blader looked heavy and tired with grey bags formed under his eyes. "Poor guy barely looks like he's slept a wink. I guess what happened with Garnetta has really rattled him."
Emilys' short ginger hair swished as she glanced back and forth around the table. "Has anyone seen the Blitzkrieg Boys this morning?"
Kenny cocked his head to think and then gripped his chin. "Come to think of it. No I haven't seen them. I hope they haven't gone home already and left without even saying goodbye."
Emily smarted. "That would be typical of them though. They disappeared after the garden meet yesterday and haven't called in since. We even invited them to dinner last night and they turned us down. It's a shame; they came along way to so called assist us and then won't even hang out. What is with them guys...I'd love to crawl into their brains and figure out what makes them tick."
Cat eyed Mariah winced as she poked an arm out to point. The others hadn't looked behind them but the pinkette was in perfect eye view. "I see them. Behind you. There they are!"
Sure enough, a few tables away, Talas' scarlet hair poked out high from the crowd, Bryan sat opposite him with empty plates and used cutlery piled neatly in the centre of their table. The duo had risen early, hit breakfast just as the canteen opened and had finished eating already. They were deep in private conversation speaking in Russian tongue.
Tyson ceased his pigging out to stand, wave and shouted for attention. His excited voice carried well over the busy and loud hall of breakfast goers. "Hey Tala! Bryan! Why dontcha join us over here huh?!"
The table of Tyson and friends peered behind them to witness Tala and Bryan cease talking, turn their heads with blank expressions, turn their heads back... and carried on talking. Their body language gave no indication they were going to join. In fact, Tala turned his back squarer to block his front from view.
Tyson retook his seat. "What's up with them?! Oh well." Before shrugging and digging back into the last surviving pancake on his plate. In seconds he was mopping up the last of the syrup with a chunk of cake at the end of his fork.
Kenny replied as he adjusted his goggles. "You know these guys by now Tyson, they are a bit...how shall I put this... exclusive. Let's just be glad they're here at all. I'm sure they'll warm up to us eventually. Give them time guys."
Josef and Ozuma exchanged a momentary glance. The Vanishing Moot blader added whilst locking his fingers together behind his head and sitting back. "Just leave em to it. They're doing their own thing."
Things were still abrasive between the Saint Shields and Blitzkrieg Boys with not only battle rivalry, but distrust too.
Bryans' grey irises appeared almost white in the light flooded hall. He ran a cool fingered hand through his fluffy grey hair and hung one chunky arm over the back of his chair. "I dunno Tala, what are we really doing here? We should do some quick sightseeing then head back home. You have course-work for your degree to get on with remember? And what about Elsa? Ian's never baby-sat her before. And the kids? Spencer can handle things for a while but you know he can get called back into service anytime. Kai and the others can look after themselves. They've got security guards and those Saint somethings. We should just leave them to it; we don't need to get involved."
Tala was less relaxed in stature and crossed his arm tightly. He swung his head to the right, allowing the sun to illuminate his orbs and warm his near white skin, his scarlet antennae-like hair jutted with the motion. His face conveyed how he felt with a low grade snarl. "There's something about the Saint Shields I don't like. I don't trust them Bryan and I don't think Kai trusts them either. Yesterday, Kai said to Ray that they may not get their Bitbeasts back if things don't go the way the Saint Shields planned. It sounds like Kai's sceptical of their motives."
Bryan expressed an un-amused face as he sat up straight. "You're reading too much into it Tala."
Talas voice riled a notch. "Yeah maybe I am. Or maybe the Saint Shields are after the Bladebreakers' Bitbeasts for themselves. Oh and as you're asking, I've almost finished my thesis. Ian will call if he needs me and Spencer can handle things at home and at the Abbey.
Tyson and the others have foes out there who aren't playing around, they are dangerous, perhaps more dangerous than Boris. We need to stay Bryan, at least until we've worked out Saint Shields' true motives and help take out this Shadow Vale clan. We owe Tyson and his team that much for their help taking down BEGA."
Bryan sighed. "I won't argue with you Tala, you always win anyway." The greynette crouched forward to rest his elbows on the table and leaned forward to stare his comrade squarely in the eyes. He produced a stern finger and warned. "Two weeks Tala, and unless its life and death for Tyson and the others...we're heading back to Moscow."
"Boy are you gunna save any waffles for us?!" Smarted Mariam, as she strolled a wheelchair towards the table and breakfast feasting friends.
"Hey guys!" Chirped Max who was now easily holding his head up, a feat which only the evening before was a difficult task. He sat upright, was dressed in washed and clean loose khaki ¾ length cargo pants, white ankle socks, and a loose light green over sized shirt with a large yellow star on it. The cannula on the back of his hand from yesterday was absent and decorating his wrist was a white hospital band complete with barcode and basic medical information.
The Sharkrash blader pulled an uninhabited chair away to empty a space at the table where it was cleanest from dripped syrups and residue from tumblers and mugs. Like a car into a bay, she gently wheeled Max into the gap and applied the brakes to his wheels. To his right were Ozuma and Josef...the two spots to his left however were currently vacant. Daichi and Tyson had finished their second round of pancakes and were up at the counter hoofing more onto their round white plates, much to the surprise of the chef who was sure he served them twice over that same morning. The Dragon spirit masters soon headed back to their eating bench. One of which would make one hell of a noise with Max's arrival, so much so that other diners turned heads with the commotion and embarrassed those closest to him.
"Maxie! MAXIE!" Yelled Tyson, as he slammed his plate down on the table to free his hands as quick as possible and staggered excitedly around to the blondes' side. The beyblade champ had forgotten his age when he pulled at the scruff of Max's green t-shirt shoulder fabric playfully and with a little too much excitement. The bucket load of flavoured syrup and e-numbers had clearly gone to his head.
"Hahahah. Alright alright Tyson, enough. Hahaha" laughed Max who was looking a hundred times perkier than an evening ago.
Tyson released his playful tugging and stole Daichis' seat to be next to the Draciel blader, leaving Daichi no option but to adopt Tysons' seat in a trade. "Oh Max! It's so good to see you looking...well, more like you! I've been worrying about you all night buddy!"
Daichi was half chewing a mouthful of chopped banana doused in syrup whilst talking. "Yeahhhhh man you really...*slurp* had us worried! *slurp* You were like a zombie yesterday!"
Hilary added in a delighted tone. "You look like you have some colour back today Max. Now eat up, if you want a nap just say and well make sure you get plenty of rest. Give it a few days and you will be back to your old self Maxie."
Emily chimed in. "It's a relief to see you looking so much better Max. What a turn around after a good night sleep. I came to check on you last night in your ward room but you were out cold. Your Dad said you slept the whole evening and night through."
Max beamed to everyone around the table offering warm greets and well wishing. He thought how lucky he was to have such good friends and how he'd missed them after moving back to California.
Mariah and Max locked eyes. Both had dark bags under their eyes from fatigue, both victims of Shadow Vale who suffered near-death experiences. "Mariah smiled sweetly at him and he returned the favour despite how dark the reality of their situation. Here they were eating pancakes and chuckling whilst just outside the protective hospital walls were people...watching and waiting to kill them.
Maxs' soft plush blonde fringe bounced as he beamed. "It's good to you see you doing better Mariah."
The plaster on her cheek pulled as Mariah smiled back. "You too Max!" Her friendly features dropped as a stronger tone took over and her inner wildling seeped out. "Shadow Vale won't get away with this Max."
Max sweat-dropped as he felt the warning in her voice. He wasn't ready to deal with anything heavy or serious right now. His avoidant nature steered him to a lighter subject. "Yeah you're right but right now...I'm STARRRVVVINNNGGG!"
The king of eating, Tyson, was right on the money as he slid to Max his plate towering high with at least five pancakes, a rainbow coloured assortment of all the fruit on offer, swimming in a thick sludge of syrup and honey, and some clean cutlery rolled in a red tissue napkin. "Here ya go Maxie! Dig in! Were gunna get you better in no time! You gotta eat okay! You gotta eat at least three plates if you want to be as big n' strong like me hahahah!"
Emily added with a sweat-drop of concern. "I wouldn't eat three plates Max, or you might get sick. That's the last thing you need!"
There was no stopping Draciels' master as he ravenously tucked into the first plate of pancakes Tyson had delivered and there was more where that came from. The half American with cute freckles smiled with delight as he chewed the warm, soft, carbohydrate fuelled delight and slurped sugary syrup to wash down each mouthful bursting with calories, and promising to replenish what Zap Arachnid had cruelly sucked away leaving him moments from death just the day before.
Mariam added as she placed a hand on his shoulder and gently tapped up and down as if she was petting a horse. "Max doesn't have the strength to walk yet but the doctors are happy to let him go home whenever he's ready. He just needs to eat truck loads, sleep like a winter bear and avoid any stress. Do all that and the doctors say he'll make a full recovery."
Kenny sniffled as he wiped tears of happiness away from the inside rim of his glasses with one finger. "Ohhhh Max! I'm so glad you're gunna be okay. I can't tell you how much I've been worried about you. I thought I was gunna lose you Max!"
Tyson watched as his pal engulfed his meal like a champ and chuffed as he had more good news to share. "Oh and I finally got Daichi seen by a doctor last night. All he has is bruising so a few days of rest and he will be right as rain too. Ain't that right pal!"
The short statured red-head with a scar on his forehead was too busy easing and scoffing his third plate of pancakes to hear a word Tyson said.
Emily commented after wiping her glasses clean with a cloth. "All we need now is to wait for Kai to be allowed to go home too and then we can arrange transport to Tyson's house. Given the extent of his injury though, I predict we'll be here for a couple more days at the very least. I can tell, he's still in a lot of pain and after what Blake put him through yesterday...I don't think we'll see Kai out of bed anytime soon."
*SLAMMMMMMMMMM* The canteen doors swung open causing a loud slamming sound that shook the windows. Some diners were so startled they involuntarily threw cutlery into the air and a couple choked on their breakfast. Dunga with all his might and muscle had burst through regardless of the commotion and rampaged through the mass of people and tables like someone's life depended on it.
Ozuma, Josef and Mariam instantly jumped to alert with hackles raised. Their emerald coloured eyes were wide with in trepidation. Dunga's boots squeaked as his bulky frame careered to a halt in front of them.
Ozuma cried with urgency and furrowed grey eyebrows. "Dunga! What is it? What's happened!"
The Vortex Ape blader struggled to catch his breath from the long distance running through multiple corridors to reach them. "It..*pant*...it's...*pant*...Kai *Pant*"
Tysons' body flooded with adrenaline, his knife and fork were abandoned immediately beside yet another plate of fresh pancakes; this batch however would be going cold.
Emily snapped. "Tell us Dunga! What's going on with Kai?!"
All members of the table ceased eating, drinking and talking of any kind. Multiple coloured eyes and varying shaped ears bore into Dunga's sweaty person.
The most muscled Saint Shield heaved in air in a half bent over position with his hands on his knees to support his upper torso. "Kai...is discharging himself!"
Tyson quipped as he fell to his seat with relief. "Phewwwwwwww I thought it was going to be something bad. Well that's great news right guys? We can all get packed after breakfast and ask Mr Dickenson to send us his bus."
Dunga snorted and shook his head. "He's... in the lobby...Kai's leaving...RIGHT NOW! I tried to talk some sense into him but he won't listen to me!"
Ozuma kicked his chair back in anger, causing it to topple backwards and crash to the floor causing more diners nearby to jump again in surprise."Grrrrrrrr! Did Kai not listen to a single thing I said about staying together under one roof?! Doesn't he understand going out on his own is potential suicide?!"
Hilary quipped in a bereft tone as she massaged an eyebrow with her dainty fingers. "Urghhhhh unbelievable but that's Kai for ya. He does what he wants, when he wants."
Dunga's facts were correct. Kai indeed was in the main lobby of the hospital having asked for the papers to formally discharge himself. His request however, was met with opposition from the doctor charged with his wellbeing from the minute Kai was first wheeled into the resuscitation bay. The discharge forms would detail the end of that responsibility and Patient 12 would be free to leave.
A tug O War was in play as Dr Temeda, Kai's Grandmother Izumi and Hiwatari Enterprises' C.O.O Markus Gottlieb vied for Kai to take them up on offers of alternative care, offers which fell on stubborn ears. Kai's steel framed mind was already made up.
Dr Temeda, a tall well-spoken man in his mid 50s, balding at the top of his head, wearing a white lab coat was stern and professional, although slightly flustered at the pig headedness of his patient who in his mind was in no condition to leave hospital yet. "Mr Hiwatari, I strongly suggest you remain here for another night or two for monitoring. You suffered a life threatening injury mere days ago and endured another trauma just yesterday which caused you to fall unconscious. I can discharge you into the care of someone else. A parent or a partner? If neither of these is an option or another care facility is in order; I will need to arrange nurse visits to your home for welfare checks. You need to be monitored for the next 72 hours at least, for your own safety."
Kai replied without any waver in his decision with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. "Yes, I understand doctor. Bring me the relevant paperwork and I'll sign it. I intend to leave as soon as that's done."
Doctor Temeda was sceptical with a half raised eyebrow and hands on his hips. "So you have someone who will be watching you? I will need to record their name and address for legal purposes."
Before Patient 12 could say anything further, Grandmother Izumi rushed in and gently placed a withered reassuring hand on the good doctors' arm. "My grandson will be staying with me at my home in Hiroshima. Won't you my darling? I'll make sure he takes his medicine and make him nice and comfortable." She turned to gleam like a Cheshire cat over the thought of her beloved grandson coming to stay for what would be days or even weeks. "Now go pack your things dear, you're coming home with me. Oh and I think you have something to tell me about that mark on your neck? Hmmm?" She arched her view from below Kais' tall stature and pointed at the large long white plaster concealing a fresh blade wound; another hostage souvenir courteously of Blake.
The grey-haired young man was less than impressed at her interference and fought with his face not to scowl at her. He loved his doting grandmother but detested her somewhat possessiveness. Voltaire treated him like an object and in some ways Izumi did too but for different reasons and in different ways. To Voltaire, Kai was a tool, a weapon, a prised horse to gloat over when he won beybattles and stole bitbeasts. To his grandmother, he was a pedigree animal too, just one she liked to show off photos of at her crochet and book club, and beam with pride over his very existence for being so handsome and successful.
Before the skilled beyblader could give the devastating news to his Grandmother that he had other plans, Mr Gottlieb, Kais' close confidant and co-worker approached close and pulled a colourful floppy brochure out of his briefcase, forwarding it promisingly to his superior.
Kai scowled as he was forced to unravel his arms to accept the limp laminated magazine. He hid a wince well as he flicked through a few pages. It appeared to be a holiday brochure filled with destinations across the world. These weren't just any package holidays, no, these were luxury care resorts for celebrities, politicians, royalty and other stinking rich people to go for some rest and relaxation after surgeries, physical and mental trauma, emotional breakdowns, drug rehab or just because they had a nurse fetish. The resorts were beach, alpine or wilderness settings, each with gold standard facilities, highly private and mind-blowingly expensive.
Mr Gottlieb looked rather proud of himself as he clutched his brown hat to his white shirted chest, clamping his long dark blue tie beneath it. His German accent was goading like he himself was the booking agent. "I took the liberty of having rooms reserved at the Golden Eagle lodge in Austria, see page 21. And one Cocohana Drift Bay in the Bahamas, that one's page 45. But I can cancel and move around any booking you like. They are top of the range care facilities where you will have a nurse on hand for anything you need, all your medication will be dispensed at an onsite pharmacy and you will have access to breath-taking views of mountains, lakes, beaches, coves or forests in a penthouse of your choice. All you need to do is pick one and I can get you delivered to a private air-strip in less than an hour. The cost will come out of the company budget so we needn't think about expense."
For a moment, Kai pondered over the idea of the Austrian resort. He loved the European backdrop of hills and for most of the year...snow. He was a confident snowboarder and Austria was one of his favourite places to hit the slopes, not that he would be embarking on any snow sports anytime soon. Still, whatever the destination, this was going to be no relaxing getaway. The resorts Gottlieb had lined up were just luxury care facilities filled with doctors and nurses all the same that would be required to check in on him, then there would be the butlers and maids too. Patient 12 wanted nothing more than to be left alone to lick his wounds and brood in peace over a plan to rescue Dranzer.
The young CEO slapped the covers shut and handed the catalogue of private hospitals marketed as plush holidays back to Gottlieb without eye contact or an approving expression. Kai had neither the patience nor energy to deal with anything other than getting into a car and driving away to his private refuge. The stab wound to his flank burned from thrashing around in Blakes' clutches the day before and the muscles surrounding irked terribly with every move he made, despite the morphine numbing his system.
The grandson-CEO-patient strolled quietly away without a word to let the three pit it out. He refolded his arms across his chest, making sure not to press down on his side in any way. His torso wound still pained him greatly but he needed to keep up the appearance that it didn't in order to appear healthy and well enough to leave. His body language was guarded and statuesque so not to aggravate his wound and let everyone know he was in no mood for being toyed with. He faced the crystal clear sliding double doors where, just on the other side of them was a car lay-by and his ride would be pulling up any minute. He closed his tired eyes to help stave off a headache caused by the invading Summer light burning through the window panes.
Dr Temeda ran his hand through his hair twice to calm himself as his blood pressure rose. His voice was bereft yet begging. "Mrs Uchiha, It's important that Mr Hiwatari is looked after by qualified professionals. He's still in a delicate condition and should either stay here or another respected care facility."
Mr Gottlieb was "team Doctor". "I agree. That's why I've arranged for him to go to one of these in-house care resorts for a luxury respite. He will be monitored by some of the best private physicians in the industry."
Izumi pouted as her frayed temper made her face physically red and an angry pointed finger was produced and waved around like a weapon. "Utter rubbish! All my Grandson needs is some TLC and a loving peaceful environment. I was a nurse for 30 years; I'm more qualified than most hospital staff I assure you!"
Whilst the trio of well wishers bickered amongst themselves; with a squelch of his military style boots, Mr Cooper stepped close in line with his much smaller and meeker built boss. He peered down to take stock of his employer's condition...the dark circles around his closed eyes, his cross expression and rigid yet slightly swaying posture. A ripple of care prompted him to add some humour to Patient 12s' day. "How about a trip to the Bermuda triangle sir? I've heard it's quiet. I'll order the helicopter and I'll sneak you to the roof. We'll be out of here before anyone knows a thing."
Kai opened his sore eyes; the sun streaming through the panes ached his contracting pupils as he slowly turned his head to greet his body guards' gaze. "Hmmmph. Don't tempt me Theodore. I might just take you up on that." The two smirked, relishing a quiet joke between guard and client.
"KAI!" Barked Tyson, a high level of irritation pickled his voice. He stormed out from the mouth of a corridor and stomped to the middle of the lobby. His face was unusually serious and his tanned skin was hot to the touch with fluster. "What's this about you leaving the hospital without us huh?!"
Dunga was just as peeved and melting from all the running. He swung his arms aggressively, and his palms wrapped tight like clubs as he joined in a battle line next to the bluenette beychamp. "We had a plan remember. You Bladebreakers have to stay together and that includes you!"
Ozuma spearheaded Kai's bollocking by approaching him the closest. He sneered and spat his inquisition with no holds barred and fists raised too. "We agreed just last night that we will all be going to stay at Tysons' home. You were going to leave now and without telling us? Just where were you going to go?! And how do you intend on keeping yourself safe from Blake and Shadow Vale? Assuming you want to stay alive and get Dranzer back. Please, I really need enlightening."
Hilary, Kenny, Daichi and Emily rushed in behind Dunga, Tyson and Ozuma. They too were up in arms at the thought of Kai leaving on his own and were all ears for the gate runner's answer. Cross expressions and worry for his state of mind littered the group.
The phoenix master knew this was coming and cursed Dunga for ratting on him. He long blinked and gingerly turned 45 degrees on the spot to face them. He held his arms rigidly crossed tight, his stance was as iron as his conviction, and his tone was peeved but calm. "If you must know, I'm going home to my apartment to heal in peace. And as for Shadow Vale, I'm appointing my own security detail. And...when I'm ready I'll be putting together a task force to hunt down Blake and return my Dranzer back to me."
Grandma Izumi was heartbroken as she shuffled towards him to stop in line with Ozuma. "But Kai, darling I've plumped your pillows up and I've ironed out your pyjamas all ready for you."
Tyson wittered desperately as he jutted forward, breaking formation line with the two livid Saint Shields. "But Kai! I thought you were coming back to my place. It's all arranged with Grandpa."
Dunga growled and waved a pointed finger angrily. "We had a plan Kai. A plan to keep you safe. Your security grunts don't know what they're dealing with and as we explained yesterday, we can't protect you if you flake off on your own."
Ozumas' temper ran away with him as he spelled out the danger of the situation again. "If your security team make one misstep, a third run in with Blake will end in the morgue for you. He won't be letting you leave with your life again Kai. I promise you that. Is that what you want? To kill yourself? Because that's what's gunna happen if you give Shadow Vale the tinniest window to get to you. Your security team don't know beyblades, bitbeasts or dark magic, we...the Saint Shields do and have trained for centuries to keep their advances at bay. By staying at Tysons' in a group, all in one place and with us watching you... I can almost guarantee your safety. Without us you are putting yourself at huge risk Kai and an unnecessary one at that."
Kai scowled, he was not in the mood for arguing but had been poked so hard into a corner that he had no choice but to bite back. His eyes were glinted as his chance to verbally snap back came his way. "My apartment is 30 stories high. It's a penthouse fortress in the sky. I have double steel front doors, a panic room and security cameras covering all entrances, exits and in all elevators. And if it pleases you to know...I will have my head of security, Mr Cooper, staying with me and the rest of my security detail will be watching the entire block. There...all parties satisfied? I know what I'm doing."
Dr Temeda approached Patient 12 with a brown paper bag in one hand and in the other, a pen and clipboard with papers lodged underneath a metal clasp. On the top of the first page underlined were the words 'Tokyo Metropolitan University Hospital - Patient Discharge Form'. The white coated physician handed Kai the clipboard and everything with it, he said with acceptance and calm. "If you're still adamant on leaving then please sign and date this form to agree you discharged yourself of your own free will and take this bag of medication. Painkillers, antibiotics, iron supplements...your doses are printed on the bottle labels. "
Kai swiftly and without hesitation scanned over the small print and with a few digits and a scribbled signature in the relevant box, he inked the end of his medical incarceration; free to leave the hospital and everything he couldn't wait to escape from. No more nurses and doctors fluttering around him, no more strong smells of antiseptic, no more daily blood and urine tests and best of all...a real bed to sleep in and not a foam lined elevated gurney with metal rails at the edges.
Tyson dropped all madness in favour of excitement and pleaded, forgetting how pissed at Kai he was and slipped into full fan boy mode. "Kai your place sounds super cool! You have to invite me over one day!"
Ozumas' demeanour took a 180 turn as he smirked, cocked his neck back and folded his toned arms. His words were playful yet dangerously serious. "Fine, if that's how its gunna be Kai then have it your way. Looks you'll get to see Kais' place sooner than you think Tyson. If Kai is so determined to go home, I guess we're all moving in with you...Kai."
Dunga chortled as he too crossed his bulky tanned arms. "Ha! Yeah that's perfect! We'll all move into Kais' swanky penthouse. I hope you got enough beds Kai! Cus your apartment is gunna be packed once we all move in. And I hope you have Amazon Prime because I've got my soaps to catch up on."
"Oh I don't think so." Kais' stance loosened as a ripple of anxiety took hold despite his well trained poker face maintaining cockiness. He wasn't about to have any of them find out where he lived let alone crash there. His crisp, clean, quiet apartment with expensive artwork and luxury furnishings would be used as a high-end boy-scout den. He imagined it...Tysons' greasy pizza fingers and Daichi jumping on his clean black upholstered designer sofa that hadn't a mark on it. Sweet wrappers and junk food littering his kitchen and the decor mocked for how abstract the artist intended, and not to mention the evidence of female visitors in the form of their hair caught in his shower drain, that detectives Hilary and Emily would sniff out and quiz him relentlessly over.
Grandma Izumi shuffled a couple of steps forward with purple slippers scraping across the pristine tile lobby floor. Her lilac eyes were pleading. "Kai, are you sure you don't want to come home with me? I want to look after you."
Before Kai had a chance to answer...
Dunga turned to his right where the desperate elder had travelled past his and Ozumas' side. He cut in before the Dranzer blader had a chance to answer and deviously smirked. Dunga boomed his next words loud for all, the elder, and especially her bull-headed progeny to hear. His taunt was a serious request despite how feasibly ridiculous. "Well Grandma I hope you have enough bedrooms because if Kai wants to go home to Ol'Grannys house, we're coming too. By the way there will be at least 12, maybe 15 of us coming to stay... plus any security Kai wants to bring along. I hope you have enough bed sheets, breakfast bowls and bog roll."
The welcoming senior in the lilac cardigan went giddy with the prospect of hosting so much company. Her amethyst eyes so similar to her grandsons' lit up with excitement. Her soft-hearted voice croaked. "Urhh 15? I'm happy for Kai to have some friends over but 15 of you?! I only have a little house you see. I have two spare bedrooms, one is Kais' for when he stays over but one of you can bunk up with him, he has a king size after all, I'm sure he won't mind. I could lay three futons out in the living room and maybe two in the kitchen but we will have to go shopping for them as I only have a few in my storage cupboard." She held wrinkled fingers in front of her face, counting how many bodies she could host in her tiny little suburban Hiroshiman home.
The space beneath Kais' left eye twitched. "Whaaaaa? Wait a minute! Just hold on!" He cried as he broke out of his stern composure. He felt a little voice inside of him scream as he watched his dear grandmother work out how many of his past foes and ex team members would be coming to live in his family home. Add to that the impending embarrassment of his Grandmother smothering and mollycoddling him as she does and in front of everyone. His baby photos on the walls in full display...the photos of his graduation on the mantelpiece...photos of his late parents in the living room shrine...his private life plastered on his grandparent's walls for them all to see. His tough guy image would be shattered beyond repair and the thought of it made him feel physically sicker than any dose of opiate based pain killers.
Old lady Izumi carried on counting. "Two in two bedrooms, that's four people plus two in the kitchen and three in the living room." She beats her fist into a palm as she had worked it all out and her crows' feet lined face to light up. "That's nine of you that can stay. The rest of you could stay in nearby hotels? Or I do know a lovely B&B my friends' daughters' boyfriend owns for the rest of you?"
Dunga rubbed the back of his head, humbled the elder had taken his request so seriously. "That's a real sweet offer Granny but we all need to be under one roof." Then he got down back to business scowling intently at the phoenix blader. "There are people that want to kill your grandson. Think of us as his special security guards. The ones better qualified to keep your grandson safe from the guys who want him dead. His goons in black look flashy but we're much better suited for the job."
Gottlieb shuffled forward. He could see how stressed out Kai was by the heaving of his chest and sought to offer him an escape hatch and appease his bullies, the Saint Shields with one sentence. "Mr H, you say the word and you can be in the Bahamas by tomorrow morning...and that's with your security detail."
Dunga was quick to quash the suited mans' offer in an instant as he invited himself again. "The Bahamas?! Oh yeah nice! Sign us up pal. We're gunna need 12 guests booked at least and three more if the Allstarz girl and the Russians wanna tag along too. Mannn that's gunna be expensive! HAHAHA."
Ozuma sneered at the tall blue eyed Caucasian in the well tailored black suit with a briefcase in one hand. "If you want Kai properly protected, we all need to go with him. You have no idea what Shadow Vale have been trained to do and what nasty tricks they have up their sleeves. They evaded your security personnel before and they'll do it again. Are you really willing to put Kai at risk so that he can put his feet up at the beach?!"
Gottlieb closed his eyes and buried his hands in his face momentarily before swiping his palm down his face with exhaustion, wishing black coffee was inject-able. Work as acting CEO of Hiwatari Enterprises was draining his days and ruining his nights with the crushing responsibility and workload. He sighed. "They have no idea how much money it would cost to put 15 of them up in what is an exclusive luxury medical facility for what could be days or weeks until the threat is brought to justice. It's just not realistic or economical. It could be done for a couple of weeks at most but it would destroy this quarters' budget."
Mr Cooper placed a padded dark skinned hand on the seething dual haired greynettes' shoulder. His was voice deep and rolling like a panther cats' purr. "Ready when you are Boss. The humvee is out front."
Kais' purpled tinted eyes glowered as his face scowled at each of the jury in the line up from left to right.
Tired but determined well-wishing Markus Gottlieb, the brochure of luxury hospital care-homes flapped in his extended hand.
His grandmother, begged with familiar amethyst eyes and hands clutched together as if she was literally praying with hope he would come home to be babied.
Ozuma...wrathful. With an arrow-head like stare, bore into Kai's soul for even thinking about deviating from their safeguarding plan.
Dunga... next to his shorter team leader, ready to physically kidnap Dranzers' master by thrusting him over his shoulder to abduct him back to Tyson's dojo as planned...Unless... the man known as Gottlieb of Hiwatari Enterprises agreed to cough up and he would just as happily jump onto the first plane to the Caribbean.
Tyson in the forefront mentally crossed his fingers that his old G-Revolution pal would open his sick penthouse for a high rise sleepover. The idea of staying at Kais' Grandmothers was also appealing for the chance to meet his other Grandfather, the one that wasn't a megalomaniac and World domination enthusiast. And equally...the Bahamas was appealing as a nice treat for how long he and the others had suffered endless white painted walls, antiseptic hand wash by the hour, vending machine food and learning ward directions. Or if nothing else, just to go home to see Grandpa Granger and sleep in his own bed surrounded by his friends and sit in his garden near the fish pond would be just as idyllic.
Daichi, Hilary, Kenny and Emily watched from behind with eyes oogling, they daren't say a word as they held their breaths with anticipation. Kai's apartment in Tokyo? Kais' Grannys' house in Hiroshima? The luxury care resort Cocohana Drift Bay?
Mr Cooper joined the tirade of family, friends and associates looking to Kai Hiwatari for a heading. His voice bellowed down to the shorter man whose wound was screaming at his nerves and tugging at his sore flesh to make a decision and find a seat for urgent rest.
Mr Cooper bent low to Kais' ear. "I have your bags ready to go. Where shall I tell the driver we're going Boss?"
With a scowling pale face, Patient 12 snapped off his white hospital band and huffed with vexation.
*Squueeaakkkkkkk* Cried the breaks of a 16 seater minibus as it drew to a planned stop, sandy debris from the dry summer atmosphere disturbed in clouds as the wheels hissed like a snake. Pistons creaked as the door opposite the drivers' seat popped outward and slid aside scraping on a metal runner. Hired out from the man himself, Mr Dickenson, the letters "BBA" in bold shiny yellow, with a red emblem of a beyblade within a blue stripe border decorated the sides of the white people carrier. Within, were products of his making too...the legendary Bladebreakers among friends.
Within seconds of the bus drawing to a soft halt, the scene should have been a party bus of excitement and joy, yet the air was eerily uneasy and wordless as the only sound gracing the air were the clicks of rapidly released seat belts, and the friction of fabric bags roughly pulled out of over-head racks. The quad of Saint Shields were on high alert as they exited the bus first to scan the area for threats like warriors taking their first steps into enemy territory. The beybladers plus Hilary peered anxiously from inside bus windows as Ozuma ushered all to wait with a flat hand gesture and a steely face.
Tyson and Daichi held onto the straps of their backpacks like nervous schoolchildren with zipped lips. Max whose' pancake sugar rush had worn off an hour ago was too fatigued and sedate to feel anything other than wanting to nap, remained seated until they were ready to go... his legs needed to conserve their energy for the journey inside. Emily waited with one hand hooked on her hip next to her American team-mate, ready to take an arm in support to help him to the door and beyond. Ray watched the goings on outside like a hawk as he stood close in front of Mariah protectively with a puffed out chest, he readied his arm muscles to queen carry the pinkette princess when it was safe to embark. Hilarys' dainty hands clutched the handles of her pink overnight bag tightly and Kenny too but with his laptop case. The cool kids at the back of the bus, Tala and Bryan, both hooked duffel bags over a shoulder each and smarmed with amusement at how serious and cautious the Saint Shields performance.
Sharp emerald eyed members in grey, orange and red coloured ethnic clothing scanned the nearby rooftops for any snipers in the form of their centuries old adversaries. For all they knew, Garnetta was crouched behind a bush, Blake hidden behind a chimney up high, Darcel concealed inside an innocent cardboard box by a neighbour's garage, and Harkan ready to charge like a knife wielding bull from behind the milk van across the street...each brainwashed assassin waiting for a sliver of a chance to pounce on their prey... the Bladebreakers... and to finally take three of the four unattained Sacred Spirits for their own sinister means, regardless of how much blood they needed to spill to get them.
All travellers held their breath and even jabber mouth Tyson held his tongue with the high tension...until...finally... Ozuma dropped his halting palm and replaced it with an approving nod. Declared safe, the pilgrims sneaked one by one quietly out of the stuffy moving carrier; wordless and wary like some covert spy operation. Yellow, blue, grey and brown eyes looked from left to right suspiciously looking for anything their protectors may have missed as the Saint Shields stood in a chain with crossed arms and alert gazes like imperial guards from the bus door to a high entrance with a slate blue tile roof and thick heavy wooden doors all the way open against the internal wall.
Mere moments passed as all beyblading bodies of varying heights and gender snuck through the archway without a hitch. Finally within the sanctity of their safe house they could at last...relax.
*BANG* *BANG*
With the yank of short white strings, a duo of party poppers blew out coloured confetti in the shape of stars and thin curly paper tissue streamers danced and twirled in the breeze. The attack was then succeeded by blows of party horns from the puckered lips of two elderly ambushers.
"SURPRISE MI HOMIES!" Burst Grandpa Granger in a pink Hawaiian shirt with coconut trees on it. It was his actions as much as his half buttoned garish shirt that had stunned his nervous arrivals dead in their tracks. He pulled out another party popper and pulled its string.*BANG* Then blowing hard a lung full into his yellow and green glittery party horn to make maximum noise and fuss.
"WELCOME BACK! Oh kids it's so good to see you back safe and sound." Cried Mr Dickenson in his classic bowler hat and clean black suit, as he too let rip another party popper in unison with the overexcited moustached Granger.
*BANG* More rainbow confetti and puffs of glitter shimmered in the light warm wind before settling in bushes and littered the nearby lawn.
Ozuma, Dunga, Mariam and Josef were each aghast with hearts popping out of their chests like cartoon characters as blue streaks of fright etched their faces. Their nerves were shot to pieces with the loud welcoming trap. The female of their team voiced what they all felt as they panted, trying to regain composure after realising the comical cause of their terror-struck reaction.
"What's the big idea huh? Are you trying to give us a heart attack?! I almost jumped out of my skin!" Mariam yelled with a stamped booted foot.
The junior Granger however, was used to his grandfather launching himself out of places after years of dodging the lightning fast crack of his seniors' kendo stick and surprise drills at the drop of a hat for forgetting to chop wood or empty the dish washer.
Upon seeing his beloved Grandpa, cinnamon coloured eyes swelled with emotion. The beychamp dropped his backpack to the broomed-clean slab pathway with a thud and launched himself with open arms towards his beloved Grandpa. Sharp short flashbacks pricked his memory of his time spent kneeling before Harkan, waiting for him to deliver a blow to take his life and recanted some of the words he believed to be his last. "I love you Grandpa and I wish I told you that more often." He remembered the feeling of hopelessness and regret he wasn't going to be able to tell him he loved him one last time, to the man who'd raised him singlehandedly since the death of his mother, and who stepped in when his father so often prioritised work over raising his son. But thanks to Tala and Hilary, he was going to be able to live out that wish... just not when all his friends are watching.
"GRANDPA!" Cried Tyson as the two Granger men banged chest to chest and eloped hard around the kendo kings' shoulders. Grey hair mixed with blue as they hugged ear to ear at similar heights. Dragoons' master held back tears and the lump in his throat made his words nasal sounding as if he had a cold. "Oh it's good to be home at last! I was beginning to forget what you and this place looked like!" He bore his neck down harder onto Grandpa's shoulder and squeezed with his muscled arms so hard the elders' vertebrae clicked.
Ryu's parental senses kicked in, his grandson hadn't embraced him that hard since his Dad left on a long term project to the Andes when Tyson was 7. "Whoahh lil dude. What's got you so upset. This aint like you T-meister."
The kendo teacher jokingly jibbed to lighten the mood. "Whoah Tyson, not so tight. You're gunna snap me in two! Huhhh you okay Lil man?" Tyson was mushy at times but this was something else. "This whole thing with those murderous Shadow maniacs has got T-Dawg rattled big time. After that day at the beystadium...I've not slept right maself. Watching what happened to K-man...that was hard to bear for any of us and Tysons' the most sensitive kiddo I know."
The beyblading Granger peeled himself away and quickly wiped sparkly dew from both eyes with the back of his black gloved fist. "I'm okay Grandpa. I'm just glad to be outta that hospital ya know and back home at last. Better put ya apron on cus I'm ready for some home cooked food tonight!"
Grandpa's lip wobbled as he wiped two watery blobs from the corner of his eyes with a stiff thumb. "Glad to have ya back ma home-boy! Now quit it with the mushy stuff ya'll make me all soft!"
The bluenette, hot and puffy faced with the charged emotion took off his cap to fan himself cooler for a moment before turning his attention to the BBA chairman. "And Mr D! It's so good to finally see you again too. What are you doing here?!"
Mr Dickenson was bubbling warm to the touch after seeing the gushy Granger reunion and cursed wearing his black suit on such a warm day as he fingered his shirt neckline. "Oh I'm just here to welcome back my favourite beybladers after such a dreadful situation. I can't tell you how it warms my heart to see you all back, although I can't say you all look in one piece." His eyes focused on the sight of Max supported by Emily and Kenny, and Mariah looking white wrapped and pained in Rays' arms.
Unlike the Saint Shields, Daichi also remained composed having been used to years of Grandpa Grangers' surprise attacks for impromptu kendo or karate lessons. "I missed you too Grandpa! Woooohhhhhh yeahhhhhh! Finally outta that crabby hospital! I'm sick to death of vending machines feeding me." He stretched arms up to the sky, releasing any tension in his body and crossed them behind his head. Then with closed relaxed eyes he strolled through the gathering and towards the sliding front door to the Granger residence as if he too owned the place. He muttered heading for the kitchen. "Time for some real food! I wonder what's for lunch?!"
Daichis' carefree behaviour made Mr Dickenson giggle before returning his attention to the injured bladers. "Now, I heard what happened to you Max and Mariah. I'm sorry I was unable to visit but I'm here for you now. Anything either of you need, you just pick up the phone okay. I'm no spring chicken anymore but I still have my uses. The BBA is at your disposal."
Mariah smiled as she fidgeted with discomfort in her boyfriends' firm arms. "It's good to see you again too Mr Dickenson. I don't mean to be rude but we're gunna head on in, my bandages need changing and I could use a cat nap. See you around okay." Rays' arm muscles were taught with the strain of the female white Tigers weight and said nothing to the man who's first name is Stanley. The male White Tigers' face was lightless as his black bangs swayed with the warm summer wind carrying his woman away down the path after Daichi. He too knew Tysons' dojo like the back of his hand; their destination was the bathroom for bandage replacement then...bed.
Mr Dickenson tweaked Rays' demeanour as he watched the broken White Tigers pass. "Oh my dear boy Ray. It looks like you've been through the mill too. Just how much more pain do these cloaked beybladers want to cause?"
Skinny pinned Kenny and meek framed Emily winced under Max's cumbersome weight as his jellied legs trembled trying to stay erect. The PPB Allstarz blader smiled with all the energy his freckled face would allow with half opened cerulean eyes to acknowledge the BBA Chairman. Any calories he'd consumed at breakfast were long burnt after the busy morning struggling to quickly pack his overnight clothes after Kai catapulted their hospital eviction sharply ahead of schedule. Add to that the friction of arguing on the phone with his Mom, trying to convince her that he was indeed safe with Tyson, Emily, Mariam and the others, and needn't to go back home to the USA right that instant. Judy even offered to send a BBA appointed security team to escort him from Tysons', to the airport and all the way to her front door in Beverly Hills. To which, Max refused. He needed to be with Tyson, and to figure out as a team how to stop Shadow Vale, and to protect Draciel once and for all.
A sweat-drop drizzled down Emily's' temple as she fought with both the heat and weight of her teammate draped around her petite shoulders and rectangular suitcase in her free hand. "We may well need your services Mr Dickenson. Kenny and I have our work cut out for us. Everyone's beyblades need serious tuning, most need replacement parts and in Mariah's' case...a brand new beyblade reconstructed."
Kenny sweated just as much and struggled to get the words out. "Yeah... some new beyblade parts on the double please... I can get parts shipped from my lab... in California but parts from here within Japan would arrive far quicker... Max's Dad can help us out with the basic stuff but the high end spin core systems are a little harder to get."
Mr Dickenson glowed with seriousness and his voice carried sternly. "You say the word Kenny and I'll get you anything you need and my branch of the BBA will foot the bill."
"Thank you Mr Dickenson. You are a true friend." Kenny smiled and nodded despite his knees about to give out. "Well Max it's time we get you in before I need to go to the hospital for leg realignment surgery. How are you so heavy now?!"
Emily concurred with her mint-green Lacoste suitcase pulling at her fingers. "Yep Max, you heard the doctor. It's lunchtime and then a long nap for you mister. I promised your Mom I would take care of you and that's what I'm gunna do."
And with that, Emily and Kenny with the blonde blader hooked over their shoulders in the middle, like in an uncoordinated three legged race staggered to the dojo's front door... where the White Tiger pair had disappeared through moments earlier.
Mr Dickenson turned next to the only female G-Revolution member. "And you Hilary, no doubt keeping everyone in check. I see you have some extra help." He gleamed as he peered at the Wolborg and Falborg bladers behind her, whom were distracted, bright eyed and bewildered like children, taking in their first view of inside a real Japanese garden.
Hilary nattered on. "Oh yes you can rely on me Mr D. I'll be keeping everyone in line around here. Especially as we're all moving in together for a while. Tyson had better pick his dirty socks up off the floor or there will be trouble. I'll have a cleaning rota drawn up by the end of tomorrow. We can't have these boys turning Grandpas house into a hovel."
Grandpa Granger passionately and energetically added. "Right on lil Miss! It's not like I've got a buncha kids crashin at my digs anymore. Ya'll longa in the tooth now and gunna have-ta pitch in with the chores. Oh and Kendo drills at 7am sharp." He yelled as he produced a kendo stick from thin air and whacked it to the floor; gaining him the immediate attention of the Blitzkrieg Boys. The crack of a whip or a beat stick was difficult to ignore given their brutal upbringing at BIOVOLT...that noise...was ingrained into their psyche.
Tyson whined as he playfully shoved an elbow softly into his Grandfathers' side and winked. "Come on Grandpa give us a break! We need rest after what we've been through!" The friendly blader then strode confidently to Talas' left flank and placed a heavy hand onto the ice princes' shoulder. "Besides. Tala doesn't want to practise Kendo. He's got training with Wolborg to do and my Dragoon wants a piece of the action. Whatdya say huh Tala? A rematch after dinner?"
Bryan raised an eyebrow with a clueless face as he tried to remember what Kendo was.
The blue eyed red-head in the open orange check shirt felt instantly uncomfortable with how close the over-chummy Tyson; and was quick to voice it as he took the bluenettes paw off his body and stood his ground. He looked the Japanese blader directly in the eye and tried not to sound too offensive. "I respect you Tyson, sure, I'm here to help you with the threat you face, sure, I owe you that. But best buddies? Too soon. Way too soon Tyson."
Tyson shuffled back a couple of steps back to give the wolf spirit blader back his space. Dragoons' master rubbed the back of his head with embarrassment and smiled non-threateningly. He'd overstepped his mark in the friendship department with the frosty ex-Demolition Boy. "Sure Tala, whatever you need. I'm just glad you're here is all."
Grandpa Granger sought to break the ice with his newest guests. "Well Tala and Bryan my homies. It's been a while huh since the first world Championships. That was one hell of a match you Tala, and ma Tyson pulled with your time space continuum iglu thingy. You two..." He glanced at his red faced grandson too. "...keep the beyspinnin' to a limit alrighty? You make a blizzard like that here and ya'll kill all my bonsai! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Mr Dickenson humbly stepped closer to the boys from across the continent. "It really is a treat to see you here Tala and of course you too Bryan. Kenny tells me you travelled all the way from Moscow to help Tyson and the others. Are you here for long?"
Tala was used to doing all the talking as team leader. "Just long enough. We're checking out the level of danger before we decide how long were staying. We have things to take care of back home so we won't be here any longer than we're needed."
Tyson interjected with a pumped fist. "Well in that case we need to get some serious training in before you go. I can't wait for a rematch with you Tala. Its gunna be awesome! Oh and my Grandpa was only joking about his silly bonsai by the way. He likes to think he's a gardener and yet makes me do all the yard work."
Hilary sweat dropped with how quickly Tyson got ahead of himself and aimed a question at the soviet duo. "Why don't we start with giving them a tour of the house first Tyson. Have either of you stayed in a Japanese home before?"
Tala and Bryan glanced at each other, blinked, and then shook their heads to give Hilary her answer.
Bryan stuck his hands in his pockets. "Nope never have. It's just a house right."
"Not quite Bryan. There are a few rules to follow. Don't you worry I'll teach you the ways of the Japanese." Hilary then winked.
The owner of the Granger residence shouted as he gestured with open arms towards his lifelong home. "Well! Welcome to ya new digs. Tyson and Hilary will give ya the grand tour and sortya out some home comforts. You're both welcome guests. Make ya self at home. You need anything gimme a shout ya hear. Oh and call me Grandpa, everyone else does."
Tyson jibbed with a cheeky wink. "Or just call him Mr Granger. Or haha, he answers to Old Man too but he might just throw a broom at ya for it."
Grandpa Granger growled. "Say what? Whyd you say home-boy?! You want to sweep the whole garden every day for a month come rain or shine?"
Mr Dickenson chuckled with the silliness of the senior and junior Grangers then turned to a more pressing topic. "Ummm Tyson. I can't help but notice Kai isn't with you. I thought he was travelling with you in my minibus. I do hope he's alright."
Tyson sighed from the hot water his mouth got him into. Cleaning the whole backyard would take hours if not for his quick feign begging for forgiveness. His playfulness died down somewhat to answer the chairman's question. "Oh Kai decided to travel in style, besides there wasn't enough space for all of his goons inside the bus too. Mr Cooper couldn't fit in the overhead rack."
As if by fate... a shiny jet-black Humvee pulled up where the minibus was last stationed. Had the domestic people carrier still been parked there, it would have likely gotten crushed by the tank-like bulk and huge puncture proof tyres of the militia carriage. The engine rumbled like the throat of a thousand lions until the ignition was turned off. The windows were blacked out but it didn't take a genius to work out who was inside with the silver lettering "Hiwatari Enterprises" and chrome phoenix shaped logo emblazoning the sides and bonnet so hot you could cook an egg on it.
Hilary chirped whilst crossing her arms. "Well look at that. Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
Tala glowered. "Tstt Kai. It's clear you're very well off. Just how many kids at the abbey could I feed with just one week of your diesel fuel bill?"
Mr Cooper with all his 6ft 4" mighty muscled frame, battle-scarred yet beautiful black skin and bald-headed glory emerged from the opposite side of the armoured car. He swaggered with hefty arms around past the boot and stopped at the side of the vehicle facing the entrance to the dojo archway. With great but gentle hands he lifted a small handle. The car door unlocked and was pulled wide open to reveal the man who owned everything to do with Hiwatari Enterprises...Kai. Mr Cooper stood bolt straight whilst holding the door firmly open and peering all around like a falcon. The quad of Saint Shields had quickly joined him and were watching for any person or movement nearby. Meanwhile...Kai started his tortoise-fast journey from his armoured ride to the haven of safety of the Granger dojo.
Tyson was quick to react with a friendly wave and playful taunt. "Hey Kai! Glad to see you finally made it. What happened? You get stuck in traffic?!"
The dual toned greynette was in no mood for small talk as he took in a deep breath through his nose, readying to make the dreaded excursion out of the high stepped car and traverse the length of Tysons' path and beyond to a bed. He struggled to hide a wince as he jutted his left leg first out into the ground and successfully landed it with a stretching his waist did not agree with. He then carefully twisted his abdomen and skooched his butt along the seat to extend his right leg to achieve touchdown on the dusty beige floor to mirror its twin. The usually so fit beyblade athlete detested being this frail, and grunted with anger as he righted himself using the frame of the car door as support. His paler than normal complexion made him look ill, and the truth was, he wasn't feeling well at all. After being interrogated by his grandmother, grovelled at by Gottlieb and inquisitioned by the rest of the gang... he'd long burnt out of fire. He, like Max and Mariah needed days of long rest, stress free living, mental and physical healing and intensive self care.
Mr Cooper watched his employer struggle with each step, wishing to simply scoop him up and carry him or afford him a wheelchair... but he knew... making any suggestion of the like, would only advance him a verbal lashing and another threat of shopping mall car park duty if he did.
Ex-patient 12 placed a guarding left hand over his throbbing wound and the other in a fist as he tried not to drag his grey slippered feet like a frail pensioner across the dry dirt path, travelling the arduous journey from the street to enter the dojo grounds. Like a wounded animal he simpered and fought not to make noises from the tugging pain of each step. Thanks to the painkilling medication he begrudgingly swallowed he wasn't entirely shuffling his feet anymore and could stand somewhat straight.
Mr Cooper tread one boot to every three of Kais' beside him, his great arms were lumpy with twitching muscle, his body ready to burst forward and catch his injured and fragile employer should he stagger or fall. Mr Cooper's body acted as a fleshy, bullet-proof humanoid screen, protecting Kai from the full burning view of the sun and a visual deterrent should any hostiles be watching nearby.
Mr Dickenson merrily quoted. "It's wonderful to see you back on your feet Kai."
Grandpa Granger added with the same tenacious kindness and kept his voice at a normal level. He could tell Kai was not in the mood to be yelled at. "K-Man. Just make yaself at home. K! Don't you worry about a thing dude. We gotcha!"
Tyson daren't say to Kais' face as he kept his words inside. "Kai...you might be down for the count now but it won't be long until you and I are gunna give hell to Shadow Vale. We'll make em pay for what they've done to you, to all of us. We'll get Dranzer back, I promise!"
Kai scowled darkly as he felt eyes watching him as he skulked like a tired whipped dog to its kennel. He barely acknowledged Mr Dickenson, the Grangers, Hilary and his ex-team mates Tala and Bryan... his entire goal was to get to a bed in as quickly as possible without collapsing or tripping up. He hated being weak, even more so being observed and in his mind pitied for his unfortunate state. He didn't have the strength or resolve to speak to anyone as his body etched with pain and nausea in his fight to reach the front door. Dread knotted his belly as he remembered the steps inside the dojo he needed to traverse and hoped that at least some bedding was already out of the wardrobes ready for use.
The Saint Shields gathered from various spots surrounding the Southern entrance to Tysons' garden wall. An important team meeting was about to take place.
Ozumas' golden pendant twinkled in the strong summer sunshine. He held his arms crossed with a serious stance. "Now that Kai's in with Tyson and the others safely, we should all get to work in mapping out the property. Look for any vantage points and possible hiding spots within the dojo grounds. Then we can figure out where best to stand guard. As irritating as we previously thought Kai's security...they're actually going to be a huge help. Kais' goons can watch outside the dojo, whilst we can be the eyes inside."
Kai's security operatives, clad in smart, clean and professional black military attire had gravitated from the hospital in their own Humvee fleet and needed no instruction to surround the high walls of Tysons' residence as if it were the Queen of England's' palace. A sharp eyed operative wearing black shimmering sunglasses stood guard on each corner, another guard at each entrance with the wooden gates barred closed, two personnel constantly patrolled the parameter on a rota. The mini army plus Mr Cooper... had a lot of ground covered and was one hell of a back up team should the Saint Shields falter or need a toilet break.
Josef smarmed. "Yeah, they're flashy but that's all they are. They have no clue on how to fight Shadow Vale and their dark magic."
Dunga added. "We should still be on guard at all times. Let's just hope Shadow Vale need some time to lick their wounds. We need time to come up with an offensive plan. We can't guard Kai and the others forever."
Josef added with a serious face as he thought of Driger and how close Ray had come to giving him up. "We can't let down our guard for a second. They're out there...and the longer they take to complete their mission the more desperate Shadow Vale are gunna get."
Mariams' suspicious mind suggested. "One of us should take it in turns to mingle with them inside. That way we can spy on them to hear if anyone's thinking of sneaking out. I wouldn't put it past Tyson or Daichi to try to nip to the store if they run out of snacks. Always thinking of their bellies those two."
Dunga added with an etch of danger in his voice. "I wouldn't put it past Kai to go out looking for Dranzer and Blake for revenge when he gets back to his feet."
Ozuma growled and sighed with the tension. "Grrrrrr. Huhhhhhh. Unfortunately, you're right Dunga. Dranzer and Kais' bond has been severed but that doesn't mean Dranzer isn't fighting against Shadow Vales' will and call for his master to save him. We need to keep a close eye on Kai. The emotional and spiritual drive to be reunited with his Bitbeast is going to hit him some time and when it does... it's not going to be pretty."
Josef massaged the back of his neck. "We'll deal with that when it comes down to it. I guess we just need to play things day by day. Shadow Vale may come for them tomorrow...or they maybe gone with the wind and have run back home crying with their tails between their legs. Who knows."
Mariam flicked her long shark tail shaped pony tail behind her shoulder. "Wishful thinking little brother. They'll be back...They are like us. They have a mission and they're gunna see it through even if it kills em."
Ozuma ordered. "Okay enough talk. Let's get to work. Look for any signs of them camping out in Tysons' yard and search any hidey spots. I want this garden cleared in 20 minutes."
The ninja-like Saint Shields effortlessly leapt onto the well fixed blue tiles of Tysons' square shaped garden wall, vaulted onto the lawn and scattered in four directions. The dojo garden had plenty of dark spots under bushes, up trees and behind wood sheds...every inch needed to be searched and secured.
Mr Dickenson turned to his martial arts master friend of many years despite how different they were in character. "Well Ryu. I hope you're ready for this. You're not going to get a lot of peace around here for a while."
Grandpa Granger threw his hands into a cross and took an unusual serious tone. "This house has been too quiet for too long. Tyson has become a recluse these last few months; I dare say even years and having all his pals around him right now is gunna do him the world of good. I'm glad for the company too."
Mr Dickenson readied to take his leave as he straightened his bowler hat. "I just hope you have a well stocked fridge! Those kids are going to eat you out of house and home in no time at all."
Ryu Granger laughed whilst slapping the BBA chairmans' back. "HAHAHHAHAA! Tyson and Daichi alone eat me into poverty! I'm gunna need a fleet of refrigerated trucks to feed this bunch!"
Mr Dickenson chuckled "Hahah. I think you will my dear friend. I think you will."