Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ Haunted ❯ Chapter 02 ( Chapter 2 )

Kali Notes: Can we all say “Kali's done classes for the summer!”? Yes! It's true! And I'm back from vacation, too! So…updating…here we go. I know a few people have been eagerly awaiting this one. So I hope I don't disappoint… And by the way, there is going to be at least one character who is going to be OOC. It's deliberate, this time. So please don't get on my case about how it's so not like that character to do or say or think whatever I happen to make them.

 

Disclaimer: No, we don't own Beyblade or its characters.

 

Warnings: Ah…weirdness, general insanity… and the usual (yaoi, language, action/violence, etc.) excepting the fido-friendly version on ffnet. Sorry, folks. You know where to find it elsewhere…

 

Pairings: TyKa, Rei/Mariah, Max/Hilary, hinted Tala/Bryan & Kenny/Emily, others to be decided.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Chapter 02

 

“Master Kai, your friends have arrived.”

The Hiwatari butler showed the three young teens into the room and closed the door behind them. Kai came out from a huge walk-in closet, dressed partially in his costume, and nodded at the group of boys.

“Wow, Kai. I can't believe your parents allowed you to convert the entire third floor into your own…apartment.” Ozuma, another of those kids whom Kai went to school with for most of his life, was also from one of the richest families around. The difference was that his family was old - real old - and so was their money. Kai's family wasn't quite as old as Ozuma's and the Hiwatari fortune had been made on industry and international markets in the last few generations. When Kai had learned this about Ozuma, he had also discovered there was only one other family in town that could rival his in age - the Kinomiya clan.

They had money, too, but not in the way Kai or Ozuma had. The Kinomiya wealth was tied up in their land, in the what was for modern-day Japan a vast spread of real estate upon which their family dojo still stood after hundreds of years. Kai had been somewhat shocked because Tyson did not act or see to even care that he was one of the rich folk. In fact he had always appeared an acted as one of the other typical, middle-class citizens they went to school with. Hence, his popularity, Kai had concluded. Tyson could get along well enough with all his peers, and he usually did.

It was only one of many things Kai admired (silently of course - never aloud) about the bluenette.

“Yeah, man. If you tried convincing your parents that giving you a floor to yourself and converting it was a good idea, they'd ship you off to that military school again.” Tala laughed at the expression on Ozuma's face.

“Shut up, Tala. That private school in Russia you and Bryan were at was practically a military school, too.” The shorter, red-haired teen grumbled.

“Yeah, but…it's Russia.” Bryan shrugged. “It's what wealthy families do with their only sons, most of the time.”

“Enough, you guys.” Kai broke up the conversation and gestured at the clothing bags they carried. “Don't you think you had better be changing?”

“Speaking of costumes…” Tala eyed his friend's incomplete one. “That looks suspiciously like you're trying to attract attention - or maybe a specific someone's attention?”

“What are you going to be, Kai?” Bryan asked curiously, pulling out his own costume and draping it over the back of Kai's couch. “I don't think you ever told us.”

“Didn't I?” Kai's mouth kicked up in a mysterious smirk and without answering he walked back into his closet to finish getting ready.

“I'm so right, aren't I?” Tala said in a not-so-quiet whisper to Ozuma. “Any idea which girl he's trying to pick up?”

“Girl? Why not a guy?” Ozuma snickered. “He's got nearly as many guys trailing after him at school as there are girls.” Ozuma pulled his shirt off over his head and began buttoning up his costume shirt. “Ooohhhh…for instance that Kinomiya guy, Tyson.”

“Are you on crack?” Tala rolled his eyes, sitting on an ottoman to rummage through his bag. “Tyson doesn't follow Kai around. Not like those freaky fangirls and guys, anyway. And come on! Kinomiya? No way would that happen.”

Would you two gossips put a sock in it and stop talking like I can't hear you?” Kai growled in annoyance from the closet. It wasn't so much the topic of the conversation that bothered him as much as what they were saying about Tyson. Hitting a little too close to home, albeit unknowingly, their conversation just made the butterflies in Kai's stomach flutter more anxiously than they already were. He was, in a way, doing most of this Halloween thing for the purpose of getting closer to the bluenette without seeming to, after all.

Fully dressed but for his boots - knee high, black leather boots that laced up the side of the leg - Kai emerged from the closet again, running a hand through his hair. He glanced around at the others, taking in their costumes with a raised eyebrow.

Ozuma was looking extremely exotic in his gypsy boy costume. The silken red sash at his waist matched the bandana wrapped around his head, and the golden bangles adorning his wrists, along with the small golden hoop-earrings at his left ear (five of them) glinted in the light as he moved.

Bryan was the opposite of exotic, dressed in the plain brown, woolen robes of a Catholic monk - a friar, or some such lowly, pious priest. He was trying to wrap his rope belt around his waist but had difficulty avoiding the huge sleeves that hung over his arms and kept getting in the way.

And Tala was typically dressed all in white. But that was where `typical' ended with his costume. The pants were white suede, the jacket was white suede, and even his dress shoes (and socks) were white. The only splash of colour he wore was the flame of his hair and the shock of his bold, sapphire blue silk dress-shirt under the jacket. It was the rather realistic-looking wings, however, attached to his back somehow, that gave away his costume.

“That is a totally inappropriate costume for you, don't you think, Tala?” Kai couldn't help commenting. “You're the least angelic person I know.”

“A demon outfit would have made more sense.” Ozuma agreed, smirking. Tala just scowled at them both, then leered at Bryan.

“I'm no more an angel than Bryan is a monk.” He grinned at the snort his boyfriend gave and winked at him. “Which was the point of our costumes. Where's the fun in dressing up if you can't be something that you're not any other day of the year?”

Kai rolled his eyes and sat on the couch to put on his boots - having to shove Tala's pile of normal clothes off onto the floor to make room for himself first. He grumbled a little bit to himself about the mess, as his bedroom was already a disaster with all their clothes and accessories all over the place.

“So who all is staying over?” Ozuma wanted to know. “I wish I didn't have to go to visit my grandparents in Kyoto tomorrow, or I'd stay, too.”

“Tala and I are staying.” Bryan huffed as he finally got the belt tied. “I don't know who else Kai invited.”

“Rei, Max, Tyson, Kenny,” Kai started listing off people. “Kane, Michael, and you, Ozuma. And a few of the girls that were worth inviting along, too. But if you're not staying, then it'll be just us three and the brat pack - well, Rei, Max, and Tyson, anyway.”

“Kenny's smart not to stick around.” Bryan gave his boyfriend a side glance. “I don't think he could handle spending the night around this lech.”

“Just what are you implying?” Tala scowled at him indignantly. “I've never tried hitting on him ever!”

“No, but he's not used to your blatant sexuality and your hentai sense of humour.” Kai pointed out. “I invited him out of politeness, since I was inviting the others and didn't want to leave him out.”

“How…kind of you.” Ozuma blinked, mildly surprised. “That's not the usual Kai-thing to do.”

Kai's glare would have melted rubber. “Is that so?”

“Hey, I don't mean you're an insensitive prick, Kai.” Ozuma hastily held up a hand. “I just mean you wouldn't normally care about little things like that. You hardly interact with any of those guys - except Rei, of course. It's just a little weird that you're suddenly making an effort to get to know them better.”

“What's wrong with it?” Kai grumbled self-consciously. “They aren't that bad or anything.”

“I didn't say that either…”

“I'd noticed the extra effort you've been making lately, too.” Tala put in. “We're just curious what you see in them.” His ice-blue eyes widened. “Unless you're interested in one of them….that's it, isn't it!? You've got a thing for someone!”

All three of his friends stared at him with surprised, considering, curious wide eyes, and Kai stood up to walk to the door uncomfortably.

“If you three lunatics are done getting ready, then you can help me finish setting up in the great room.” He stated gruffly, hiding his red face from them as he marched out the door.

Ozuma, Tala, and Bryan exchanged glances.

“Well, this party will no doubt turn out to be vastly entertaining.” Ozuma commented.

Tala nodded. “Fifty bucks says its Kinomiya.”

“Ha. That's not a bet worth taking.” Bryan scoffed. “We all have a pretty good idea that it's true.” A sly look crossed his face. “However, a hundred says he doesn't confess anything or try asking the kid out by tomorrow before he leaves.”

“You're on. I say he at least kisses him by tomorrow.” Ozuma took the bet, shaking Bryan's hand firmly. “If Tyson's too naïve to understand what that means…”

“And I say he'll just stare at him from the sidelines all night.” Tala rolled his shoulder, trying to adjust his jacket and the wings at his back. “I've known Kai the longest, and if he went to all this trouble with the party just to get Tyson to be around, then he's probably got other plans as well.” A slow smile formed. “And Kai's plans require time and patience.”

“Maybe.” Ozuma headed for the door. “We'll just have to wait and see, won't we?” The other two teens followed him, closing the bedroom door behind them.

In the silence of the room, a shadowy figure popped out from the open closet and stared at the door consideringly. He'd heard the entire conversation, and he'd heard the things the dual-haired teen whom he shared this floor of the house with had often said to himself when no one else was around - so he thought. After all, no one expects a ghost to be eavesdropping on their private conversations, even if it was just talking to one's self on occasion.

Hmm…this sounds like fun. A party! And a chance to maybe help Kai get what he wants most! The little spirit rubbed his hands together eagerly in anticipation. But I want to see what this `Tyson' person is like, first. He may not be good for Kai.

Why did this spectre even care? Because of all the people who had ever lived in his house, Kai was one of the few who wasn't afraid of him, who didn't try to `exorcise' him from the premises - not that that had ever worked before, as many had tried - and because Kai didn't seem to mind much when he played pranks on him. It wasn't that Kai ignored him or anything, just that he didn't treat the ghost like he was a fearsome thing nor did he pretend he didn't exist.

They lived in this house peacefully, and that was good enough for this little spirit. So whenever Kai seemed sad or upset, or when he needed something, the ghost did what he could - even though it was usually nothing more than bringing him a glass of water or a handkerchief, as there was little a ghost could do without a corporeal body.

Except on days like today - Halloween. On this day in particular, ghosts had much, much more that they could do. And the little spirit intended to use the opportunity to his advantage.

Tonight is going to be a howl! The spirit thought gleefully, already making plans as he headed for the great room to observe the festivities.

~*~*~*~

Tyson re-adjusted his hat on his head as he stepped up to the door of the huge house with Kenny and Max.

“Stop fiddling with it, Tyson.” Kenny scolded, pulling his arm to take his hand from his head. “Keep that up and it won't stay on your head. It'll fall off - again - and you'll probably lose it.”

“Aren't the pins holding it in place well?” Max studied the hat critically.

“No. It's just too small.” Tyson pouted at Kenny. “Can't I just leave it off? I mean, people can't miss guessing what my costume is even without it…”

“No you may not. If I have to wear this…outfit, then you have to wear the hat.” Kenny was apparently in a stubborn mood. Tyson sighed and Max shrugged, raising his hand to push the doorbell button.

“Just put up with it for a few hours, guys. Kenny looks good in his costume and so does Tyson. It won't kill either of you so have some fun tonight, okay?” The blonde admonished, effectively ending the budding argument.

The door opened to reveal a smartly dressed older man in a suit. Tyson blinked at him momentarily, thinking, I didn't know Kai had a butler! as he smiled in greeting.

“Hi! Um…is this the Hiwatari residence?” Max asked, half afraid they'd gotten the wrong address.

“It is. Are you here for Master Kai's Halloween party? Or are you trick-or-treaters?” The man responded, kindly. Max grinned in relief and nodded eagerly.

“The party! I'm Mizuhara Max, that's Tyson, and this is Kenny.” He introduced the other two boys.

“Welcome. Please come inside and follow me. I am Gregory.” The butler allowed them to come inside and closed the door before leading them through the foyer and up a grand staircase. The three boys marveled quietly at their surroundings, mildly awed.

“Geez. I knew he was rich, but this is quite the house.” Max whispered to Tyson. Kenny elbowed the blonde none to gently and gave him a small glare.

“Quit drooling over everything and stop acting like a peasant in the presence of royalty. You're going to embarrass yourself.”

“Come on, Chief! You can't tell me you aren't impressed by all this.” Max returned, gesturing at the hallway and the works of art that lined it on the wall.

“It doesn't mean anything, guys. So he has money. Big deal. That's not who Kai is.” Tyson said sagely, feeling an inexplicable need to defend the older teen. “He doesn't make a big deal about it, so neither should we.”

Max and Kenny exchanged a glance, both wondering at Tyson's words. They didn't have time to ask him about it, however, because Gregory stopped before another staircase and gestured for them to continue upward as a doorbell rang through the house once more.

“Just continue up these stairs and go through the doors at the top. The party is in Master Kai's great room. Please excuse me.” He gave a short bow and went back the way they'd come to answer the front door.

“Well, you heard the man.” Tyson turned and started up the last set of steps, Max and Kenny following close behind. As they neared the doors, they could hear the pulsing of music and the low hum of voices. The party had obviously already begun.

“We're late.” Kenny gave his friends a stony stare, and the blonde and bluenette smiled sheepishly at him.

“We're fashionably late.” Max stated blithely, while Tyson snickered.

“Besides, we can make an entrance this way, right?” Tyson added, adjusting his hat one last time until Kenny slapped at his arm in admonishment.

“Quit playing with it!”

“Let's go, guys!” Max grinned and pushed open the door. They were greeted with the full volume of the music and voices, and the elaborately decorated great room where many people they knew (and many they didn't) were gathered to enjoy the Halloween party.

“Whoa.” Tyson let out a soft breath and gazed around at the decorations. “This is way cooler than anything I've ever pulled off…”

“Hey, guys!” Rei's voice rose above the noise and the raven-haired teen himself appeared to greet them. “You made it! We were beginning to wonder if you got lost!”

“No. These two just couldn't stop…” Kenny started to say, but Max clamped a hand over his mouth and grinned, cutting him off.

“It's our fault. Tyson and I were taking a long time getting into our costumes.” He said in explanation. Rei rolled his eyes and studied the trio curiously.

“Well, it was worth it! You all look cool!”

“Not as cool as you! Check out the super-slick spy costume!” Tyson grinned and gestured at Rei, who was dressed smartly in a black suit with a white dress shirt and shiny black dress shoes. His hair hung unwrapped in a braid down his back, and a pair of sunglasses were folded and tucked into the pocket of his suit jacket. “Do you have the gadgets and all that, too?”

Rei laughed. “No, but I have the girl…” he winked and looked around the room for his girlfriend. “Wait until you see Mariah.”

Max shook his head. “Man, you have all the luck. Is Hilary here yet?” He tried not to blush at the looks his friends gave him. “What? I told her I'd go with her to this thing, didn't I?”

“Ooooh! Maxie's got a cru~sh!” Tyson teased, earning a swat from Max and a smirk from Rei. Kenny just sweatdropped and tried to stay out of their usual good-natured squabbles.

“Cut it out guys!” Max laughed, blushing harder.

“Well, well. They finally showed.” A new voice broke through and gained their attention. Tala and Bryan came up behind Rei and gave their costumes a once-over. “And they have decent costumes, too. Amazing.” Tala drawled, smirking.

Bryan hummed and nudged him aside. “At least they aren't making fun of themselves, unlike you.” He taunted, tugging on a white wing. “You're no angel.”

“And you're no monk.” Tala retorted. The two stared hard at each other.

“Get out of the doorway!” Kai suddenly appeared, shoving Tala and Bryan off to the side and giving the others a look that said they'd better follow, too. “Geez. You can all come in and mingle, you know. You don't have to stand around the door waiting for a chance to escape. No one's going to bite.”

“Hard.” Tala snickered and Kai drove an arm into his ribs in warning.

“Ignore the blasphemer.” Kai looked each of the new arrival's costumes over but stopped on Tyson's, with thinly veiled interest. “Interesting…a sailor. What made you choose that?”

Tyson blushed and tried not to dislodge his hat when he scratched his head in a sheepish way. “It was the only thing left that fit - kind of.” He couldn't help staring at Kai's outfit. “But gee, Kai…a pirate? That costume…really suits you.”

Kai blinked once and nodded in acknowledgement. “Thank you.” He said, managing to sound quite modest. Inside, he was fiercely blushing at the compliment and doing mental cheering for having made the right choice of costume to gain Tyson's interest.

Both teens were oblivious to the nudges and knowing looks their friends were exchanging outside of their notice at the pair's apparent budding romance.

~*~*~*~

Off to the side, unseen or sensed by any of the living, a little spirit observed the group - but particularly Kai and Tyson - with great interest.

So that's him. Kinomiya Tyson. The spirit sniffed, unimpressed, really. He doesn't seem all that special. But Kai obviously sees something in him. I'll have to watch a little longer to see if I can spot whatever it is that makes him so special.

Following along as Kai led the group farther into the room to mingle with the rest of the party-goers, the spirit glanced briefly at the grandfather clock that stood off to one corner of the room. It was only 8 pm. Good. That will give me plenty of time to put my plan into action. He decided. Let the festivities begin!

~*~*~*~

Kali Notes: ^_^ I love a mischievous spirit. And once you all know who he is, I'm hoping you'll see that while he is OOC, in some ways, he's not. ~_^ I'm trying to use his personality accurately even if it doesn't match his actions…ah, forget it. Just read it and enjoy it for what it is, please? @_@ Let me know what you think so far! Please R/R!!!!