Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ Silent Tears ❯ Waiting for the beginning ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: DarkFangs 
Anime/Manga: Beyblade Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.15.2007 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.8K | Visits: 186 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Beyblade Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.15.2007 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.8K | Visits: 186 | Status: Completed
Summary/Disclaimer: check the prologue, I don't repeat myself.
“...” speaking
`Italics' thoughts
:: … :: bit beast talking
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Chapter 7... Waiting for the beginning
Seven teenagers woke up with the sound of fireworks, several screams filling their hotel room because of that.
“Wha...! Who? When? How..? OUCH!” Tyson fell over the bed, smacking his forehead on the floor, his feet dangling in the air.
“Mmmm... Who had the freaking idea of putting firework at... urgh, 7.30am!!!” Max's voice sounded as his arm came from under the covers, taking the watch that was on the floor with him. The device soon fell to the ground again as the blonde tangled himself in his blankets once more. “I wanna sleep!”
Kenny yawned, scratching his head slightly, “I agree with that...”
...In the other room...
“The only day that we actually slept a bit more than usual is when someone has the EXCELLENT idea of putting firework!! Arrgh!” came the Chinese opinion as Ray placed the fluffy pillows over his sensitive ears. The damn noise had just started to get louder.
“For once, I agree with Max.” Kai mumbled as he took a long breath, still with his eyes closed, just turning from his sideways position to be flat on his back. A few moments later, he felt his bed give in to additional weight and one maroon hue cracked open, just to see a feminine form slipping in between the sheets beside him, “You know what all that racket is for?”
“Nation's day. 10th June. Annoying, yes, but usual.” Iris snuggled close to him for warmth; the weather was foggy and cold once more, “Later there will be a party that will last almost all night long...”
“And how exactly do they think we are going to sleep? With giant ear-muffs over our ears?”
Icy silver and emotionless mahogany orbs snapped open at the strange voice, sitting up, and noting for the first time the red-head leaning casually against the door frame. A little smirk and a mischievous glint told the couple the tell-tale peace-treat `you don't speak, I won't too'.
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“Who will I fight today, Chief?” Iris said disinterestedly, eyelashes dropping as drowsiness took its hold on her. The team was eating breakfast, or better saying, they were, for she was just drinking a cup of milk, ignoring the plate of food she had brought while Tyson literally drooled over it. Finally she gave the item over to the navy-eyed boy and his bottomless stomach, rolling her eyes.
Kenny opened Dizzy, typing lightly on the keyboard, “You're going to battle in the pairs only, along with Kai. Your opponents will be Robert and Enrique. Oh yeah, I did this especially for Lugiohan last night. Hope you like the modifications, I did my best.” Kenny showed them a shinny black attack ring, menacing looking. Iris passed him her blade, as usual without her bit-beast; Lugiohan's bit was in her necklace every time she wasn't battling.
Replacing the former for the new one, Chief gave it back to her, while she examined it closely, everyone checking it out also, some more discreetly, some enviously.
“WHY YOU TRAITOR!” Tyson pouted, kicking Kenny not so gently on the shin, “And Dragoon, huh? Doesn't HE need an upgrade too?!”
“Uh, Tyson?” Ray lifted an eyebrow, patting Chief's back as he cradled his sore leg, “He had it two days ago... remember?”
“Oh.” Tyson exclaimed, “You're right! I forgot...” a hand scratched his nape sheepishly.
“What else is new..”
Everyone ignored the naïve boy and continued on their business.
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“WELCOME, YOU CRAZY BEYBLADE FANS! NOW, THESE TWO TEAMS HAVE ALREADY FOUGHT, BUT NOW I'M SURE THEY'RE BETTER! I PRESENT YOU THE ACTUAL CHAMPIONS AGAINST THE EUROPEAN ONES, THE MAJESTIC'S!!”
“There's a coffee called Majestic in this city.” Iris snickered at the name of their rivals. “I dunno any other place where the `garçons' are so snob.”
As Tala snickered along with her, Kai sent her a sideways glance, “Don't underestimate them. They're strong. I've seen worse, but they are worth our time.”
The first combat was Robert against Tyson, and then Kai versus Johnny. The pairs were Enrique and Robert with Kai and Iris, then Ray and Max against Rosemary and Oliver.
The purple haired German leader looked over his team, finally stopping on a certain red-head, who hadn't taken his eyes off his opponent ever since they got here. “Jonathan.”
The Scottish's soft lavender hues turned to the former boy, a disdainful sneer on his lips, “Don't call me that.”
Robert rolled his eyes, not knowing how his `team-mate' was so darn uncouth, when his family was one of the finest he knew about (a/n:. typical Robbie...), “Whatever. Concentrate. I know Kai is your rival, and yes, I also know he defeated you while an enormous multitude was assisting, but don't let those `distractions' get in your way.”
“AAAAAAAAND THAT THE FIRST ROUND BEGIN!”
Gryffolyon attacked as soon as he hit the dish, sending Dragoon to its edge but not off of it, as Tyson breathed out in relief. The first round ended with a deserved tie but in the other two Tyson exceeded every expectation and wan, earning him a high-five from Iris and even a “You did well.” from Kai.
After that, Johnny stood proud in one side of the stadium, looking haughtily over at Kai. “Any last words, Hiwatari?” he narrowed his eyes, frown in place. Only God knew how much he hated the bluenette! `Thinks he's the best, huh? He didn't have that expression the first time we fought...'
Kai crouched into his launching pose, ignoring him for the time being. Deep cinnamon eyes locked with anger-lit light lavender ones, their respective bit-beasts shinning with anticipation and power.
“3................”
“You and your chicken are going down, Kai!”
“2.........................”
R 20;You wish, McGregor...”
“1!!................................̶ 1;
“LET IT RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPP!!!” all stadium chorused along with DJ Jazzman; the two rip cords were pulled harsh and fast, tops circling and grinding together as sparks flew everywhere.
“Salamulyon!”
“Dranzer!R 21;
The two fire bit-beasts rose, sending waves of power to the audience, matching their master's half-respect half-dislike for each other. The salamander wrapped its tail around Dranzer's neck, pinning him heavily to the ground, only to fly as Dranzer shot to the air at Kai's nod.
The battle was balanced; transferring the bladers' anger to their bit beasts was working like a charm. The beyblade's continued grinding together, never slowing down. The bey-stadium was destroyed in some parts by now, some thrown carelessly about towards the players, but they didn't seem to mind or even feel them, their gaze locked even if a fierce combat was being held between them. They both knew this was more than a simple battle.
“Now, Dranzer!”
“Watch it, Salamulyon.”
Dranzer evaded Salamulyon's tail again, screeched loudly once and was bathed by a light brighter than usual. The phoenix attacked boldly against his opponent, while the salamander crossed its arms in a blocking way, but surprisingly, Dranzer managed to push him to the ground, his immense talons cutting through the reptile's scales effortlessly.
“AND DRANZER WOKE UP AND IS CURRENTLY GAINING ON SALAMULYON WITH AN INCREDIBLE POWER!” comments from Jazzman were heard, not that they were really listening.
“McGregor, what the heck do you think you're doing!? Counter-attack quickly before it's too late!” Robert's angry voice snapped Johnny out of his trance-like state. The Scottish boy watched helplessly as Dranzer's talons pierced his bit-beast's skin, until finally, the blue beyblade sent a final jab at the red one's side, not only destroying his attack ring, but also making it tumble over the dish, near his owner's feet, who looked at it unbelievingly.
“WHAT A GREAT MATCH THIS WAS, PEOPLE! AND AS JOHNNY'S BEYBLADE CANNOT BE USED AGAIN WITHOUT REPAIRS, THIS COMBAT GOES TO KAI, FROM THE BLADEBREAKERS!!! NOW WE HAVE ENRIQUE AND ROBERT TRYING TO OVERPOWER THE COUPLE KAI AND IRIS!!!”
Iris glared at him at the last comment, while Kenny gave her back her blade after one last observation.
After a simple check up on Dranzer, Kai picked up the dark blue beyblade once more, hearing Kenny say, “That was an excellent match, Kai!”
“It was good.” Tala said absently, not turning away from the BladeBreakers' opponents, looking at a certain red-haired female. Today, the turquoise-eyed boy managed to elude the security and was sitting with the rest of them as well.
“I agree.” Iris nodded, heading for the bey-dish. As she passed by her captain, their shoulders brushed, unnoticed by the others.
The bluenette turned on his heels to follow her, deep eyes never looking away, except at Tyson's comment.
“Hey Kai! Watch out for Enrique-poo!!”
“Hi there, princess...” Enrique winked as Iris came to a stop in front of him. He lifted an eyebrow suggestively.
“Enrique, please control yourself...” Robert rolled his eyes discreetly.
Iris would give the blond a reply, but Kai soon joined them, stopping beside her, adjusting Dranzer to his launcher, with Iris and the other boys mimicking him right after.
“3....... 2.......... 1!..................... LET IT RIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Four beyblade's shot onto the stadium, grinding together once, before separating and spinning everywhere, sometimes even blinking out of sight, appearing on the other side of the dish, clashing here and there.
“You ready?” Kai asked absently whilst manoeuvring Dranzer out of Gryffolyon's way, just to clash into the hippogriff from behind two times more powerful. He knew the answer just by the look in her eyes.
“You bet I am.” Iris replied, grinning, concentrating in giving power to Lugiohan, who was neck-on-neck with Amphilyon. “You know what to do, Lugiohan!”
“Dranzer!”
The black and the blue beyblade's started spinning faster, sparks flying from one top to another.
“It seems as if they're... sharing their own energy between themselves.. Is that even possible?” Kenny looked over at Dizzy's screen and back to the battle not believing his eyes.
“It sure seems like it, Chief.”
Tyson crossed his arms, nose in the air, pouting, “Hmph, no fair! If I was there, I would've done the same!”
Back at the battle, Lugiohan and Dranzer, side by side, never looked so bright and strong. Their attacks, combined as one, advanced towards Amphilyon and Gryffolyon, sending them clear out of the stadium. The two other combats were identical.
Ray and Max had some problems with Rosemary and Oliver, the first round they lost, the second was a tie and the third they won. They had to have a fourth combat and they won once again. The BladeBreakers were in the semi-finals.
“YEAH!! WE'RE IN THE SEMI-FINALS!!!” Tyson shouted as they went to their locker room, taking their stuff back to return to the hotel. Their next combat was within three days.
“Kai, please tell me we're not gonna train anymore today...” Ray turned to their captain, who was simply leaning against the wall.
“Please, Kai? C'mon...”
The slate-haired teen slowly opened his mahogany orbs and lifted one eyebrow at the navy-blue eyed boy who had spoken. “No, we're not training. At least, not right now.”
“We're not?” Iris grinned happily, “That's great! That way I can go over to my old house! I need to see how it is.”
The two Russian boys locked their stares, turning to the girl in front of them next. She instantly knew they wouldn't let her go alone.
“Aww, c'mon, you guys!” the female narrowed her silver hues, “I'm old enough to take care of myself...” arms crossed over her chest, she promptly pouted.
Tala sighed and took a few steps in her direction, taking her hands in his, “We know that. But I don't know where Boris is, no one does. I don't want to lose you again. Not if I can help it. And right now, I can.”
Iris snorted lightly, “Yuriy, don't be so over reactive... Not to mention protective. Lugiohan's with me. She'll warn me if something goes wrong. Besides, she'll warn you too.”
“We aren't saying she wouldn't.” Kai looked her straight in the eyes, slight concern written in his. Something she just could not ignore, something she never saw in her short life before, “But if we go, you'll be safer. And don't forget that you're feeling.. watched lately.”
The young girl finally rolled her eyes after trying to stare her captain down, which she ended up giving up, “Meh, fine! Okay, you can come. But I'm not happy for it.” She turned around, punching Tala playfully on the stomach, before going through the door, the rest of the team already out.
The red-head shook his head, “She'll never change... stubborn as hell.”
Kai chuckled softly, “Maybe. But we both know we wouldn't want her in any other way.” He started walking towards the door, “You coming, Ivanov?”
Tala nodded and soon followed, but as they were leaving the building he stopped once more, “Wait. I... Need to do something first.” Turning around again, he threw over his shoulder, “I'll meet you in the hotel in half an hour...” and he was out of sight into the dark halls.
“Where is he going in such a hurry?” Iris placed her chin on Kai's shoulder, standing on her tip toes to look at her best friend's shadow disappear completely. The BladeBreakers were already on their way back to the hotel.
“I think I know where he's heading, but that's simply a theory...” Kai smirked at her, “And you?”
She chuckled slyly, looking up at him, “Me too, Phoenix, me too.”
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The Majestic's entered the door to their lockers to retrieve their things, Rosemary trying to soothe her literally explosive brother, while Robert, Oliver and Enrique discussed abut the new techniques and better team-work their adversaries had, being interrupted by Enrique sending a “Man, but the Blanchett girl was hoooooooot!!” once in a while, of course.
“...Well, let's go then. Time to return to the hotel.” Robert stood by the door, one hand on his hip, typically `superior'.
“Mais oui. I need Gustav's tea...” Oliver mumbled, trying to keep away from the overreacting blonde with apprehensive eyes.
“...Love her attitude! And her style! Do you think I still have a chance with her?...” and on and on the Italian blabbed.
With a well aimed kick at the back of the knee, Johnny, still sulking, passed a hopping Enrique as he cradled his pounding knee, the Salamulyon guardian growling and swearing under his breath, eyes narrowed. “Idiot...”
As Rosemary was coming out of the door, the rest of them were already walking away. Suddenly, she felt one strong hand clench around her wrist, and another over her lips, as her captor dragged her to a desert hall that connected to the stadiums, now empty. By now, she knew it was a him, from the soft cologne that she breathed.
Said male turned her around, making her soft lavender eyes meet with vibrant turquoise ones. Shy for nature, completely opposite to her brother, she felt a blush appear over her cheeks at the proximity they were. One of his hands was still around her arm and his other one was now resting gently over the curve of her waist.
“Hey..” the soft whisper caressed her neck, making goose-bumps appear. She felt his lips dangerously close to her earlobe; but she said nothing to make him stop, no words, no move. “Just wanted to say hi in a different way...”
“T'at so? How dif'rent?” her voice was as soft as his own. Just the mere sound of it sent shivers down his spine, and her accent only prickled his senses even more.
Not wanting to lose any more time or other than that, not having the patience to, he let his lips rest against hers ever so gently. So unlike him. After they parted, the girl looked deep into Tala's eyes not knowing what to say and before anything; one finger was placed over her lips. “Don't speak.” This time, lips grinded together in an ageless dance, desperate, rougher; lavender eyes closed, followed swiftly by blue ones. Her soft hands dug into his blood red mane, clenching and unclenching softly but urgently as his own made strange patterns along her back, lips never parting.
The obvious need of oxygen was the only reason why they parted the heated kiss. They didn't pull away from each other's arms, rather the contrary. The Russian teen rested his chin on her shoulder, making their cheeks touch. They both welcomed the warmth that the small gesture created.
“T'at... was tha best kiss... Ah've evah.. had...” she managed to stutter out. Mutually, they both grinned. The boy holding her had yet to move and for once, she decided to be daring. Leaning in, she nipped a spot on his neck once, before parting her lips. For some moments, she sucked on his pale skin mercilessly until she had left a slight red mark. All the while, she had been smirking (not much unlike her brother) as she heard his surprised gasp and then a slight groan from the back of his throat. The girl looked back into his eyes, smiling shyly, “So... Now w'at?”
Tala's lips curved into a slight amused smile, “Now? Now we continue...” he let his lips cover hers again.
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As Kai and Iris started walking down the street, the rest of their team already gone from sight.
“Let's wait for Tala here, grab some lunch and then go over to my house.” Iris suggested, as he sat down in one of the benches.
“Sounds good. As long as I keep an eye on you...” his hand caught hers gently, pulling her towards him.
She sat sideways on his lap, one hand on his shoulder. A dark eyebrow rose, “And whatever do you have in mind?”
“You tell me...” Kai leaned forward, capturing her lips in a dominant kiss, one that neither wanted to submit to. Tongues battling, mouths only parting enough to take enough air and start again. For those who only knew coldness and loneliness through their short lives, this was the blissful contrary.
“Ahem...” or not so blissful. The couple quickly parted, glaring at the Russian intromission. Déjà -vu... “Sorry to interrupt... err, yet again.”
“Indeed.” the phoenix rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest and getting up. Iris did the same, albeit a light blush was upon her cheek bones.
Tala followed. He and Rosemary were interrupted by the girl's over-protective brother. Luckily he didn't catch them together. After a nice lunch, the three friends continued their former walk.
As she turned to look at the redhead, Iris suddenly noticed something. “Tala... Is that a hickie?!” she snickered as she walked up to him and pushed the collar of his shirt down a bit more.
“No! No, it's not!” he pushed her away not so gently, blushing and looking away from her.
“Ah, so you told her! How very sweet of you...” she spoke in a high-pitched voice, making both males flinch. She knew perfectly well he (and now Kai) hated that.
“Knock it off...”
For a bit more than an hour they walked and ever so slowly, the scenery started to change, from large streets with cars everywhere, typical of a big city, to old alleys with the ground so irregular you have to keep looking at it as not to fall. The houses were modest, smaller and some needing repairs.
“This area is slightly different, as you can see. It's not big, but it's what I call home. We're almost there.” After they had walked along an upwards street, they found themselves in an intersection of four roads. Iris turned to the first one at their left, soon followed by both boys.
A hundred feet or so ahead, she stopped and looked to her right, a small smile on her lips. “Just like I remember it...”
A big large house, painted in pastel tinges, stood tall and proud, three floors high. It was big in the standard of the houses around it, but it was quite simple in design and style. It had two gates, one small and one large, obviously to let a car in, for the garage was right on the end of the corridor which led to it. From that gate to the garage door it fit at least two cars, and one inside said garage. The façade presented six windows, two with a small balcony. Beside the two lower ones, there was a wooden door, equal to the one in the middle of the corridor.
“You coming or not?” Iris sprinted to the main gate, opening it with a key she had been carrying. The three of them entered. Walking to the garage door, both males saw that at their right was a passage, leading to a square patio. As they stood in the middle of it, they saw one of the streets of the intersection from before, a market being repaired or maybe even destroyed, and many other houses. Glued to the house they were in, there was a big open space with vibrant green grass and with two bey-stadiums, one on each side.
The patio had flower-pots everywhere and a lemon-tree was in one corner. The house itself was divided in two: the first floor, with a large veranda that led into a kitchen and a corridor beyond, and the two upper floors. To go to the second one, there were stairs, also leading to a long big veranda.
“The first floor was for my grandparents. They left a while before I did. The rest of the house was for my parents, my sister and I.” after climbing up the stairs, she opened the door that would lead them to the second floor.
“What do you want from here anyway?”
“I... wanted to get my sister's diary. I saw her write it, though she would've never let me read it. She used to say that when she was gone, I should do it; that everything was explained there. Now I want to know what big juicy secrets did she hide.” walking along the small kitchen, and from there to the hall, she kept going. Once there, the girl turned left, climbing up a set of wooden spiral stairs. “Up here were the bedrooms.” And with that she was gone from sight. The other two teens soon followed her.
As they reached the end of the stairs, right in front of them was a bathroom, at their left two bedrooms and at the right, other two bedrooms. One of the rooms was obviously for a couple, painted in navy blues and soft beiges. One other bedroom was made out of cherry wood and painted in soft browns and light pinks. The bedrooms to their left were clearly for children.
One had the floor made of a polished mahogany wood, the ceiling black stripped with a sudden soft beige shade. The walls were dark red in colour, a few paintings in them too. One of a white and black tiger, another of a white phoenix and yet another with a black wolf. The last one was of a little girl, not older than her six, maybe seven years... her silky black hair went till just past her shoulders and the very tips of it were an abrupt red. Her eyes were wide, tinged of a very light blue colour. On the picture frame, a single sentence was on it: `Iris Catherine Blanchett'.
“Be brave, little one, and never give up.” Kai and Tala looked back at the door, seeing the black haired girl leaning against its frame, looking at the same picture. “That's what my dad told me once he put that picture there. My uncle, his sister's husband, did it, along with all the other portraits. I still remember just how bored I was while he was painting it. Until my mother decided to take my photo instead.” She chuckled, eyes hazing over as memories appeared.
The last room had a teenage touch to it. A female one. The floor was just the same as the last one, though the ceiling was light blue. The walls were coloured in dark blues and navy ones, a few blacks and silvers here and there, giving a slight sensation of movement and creating a beautiful effect. That was, what could be seen between the posters and portraits covering said walls.
Walking inside, Iris moved to the wooden desk, crouching down next to it. Opening a drawer under it, she took out a completely black note-book. “C'mon, let's get out of here. Our work is done.” She wanted to put as much distance as she could between this place and herself, there were way too many memories returning to her. Some pleasant, but most of them far from that.
Two hours later, they arrived to the hotel. Through all the way back, she had been hugging the black book to her chest. And right now, there was too much in her mind. There's only one thing left to do then. She got up, heading for the Old Meadow once more. A training session sounded excellent right now.
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A black beyblade spun around in the darkening nature, scaring some birds away. Its Mistress was with her eyes closed, eyebrows furrowed, giving away the fact that she was concentrated. Lugiohan continued spinning in front of her, waiting for her commands.
The silver orbs snapped open and her arms motioned for her blade, “Go Lugiohan.” the thunder phoenix moved up a tree, to one of the branches, passing above Iris, landing again and dodging the sticks driven into the ground with such speed that sometimes, it phased out of vision. In her way back, Lugiohan broke every single stick, returning to her mistress undamaged.
The girl turned around and released her blade again on her improvised dish. Soon after, a dark blue top joined hers, clashing together, until both separated, as she caught Lugiohan effortlessly. For a moment, she thought it was Sarabela and Black Dranzer, but the blue beyblade was a dead giveaway. She smiled, “Come out, Kai.”
“So, this is the place you escape to.” the boy appeared from in between the thick trees.
Her eyes lowered, “When I want to think, yes. You don't want to see me in a tantrum, believe me.”
“I'm sure.”
“Yuriy sent you to get me?” clear amusement was in her voice, “That guy cares way too much for his own good...”
Kai shook his head at her, “No, he didn't. And even if he had, he has his own legs to come here by himself. I'm not Ivanov's or anyone's slave to do their bidding.”
“Hu huh... Sad.” She giggled, “I thought you were my slave...”
“Really...” he sweat-dropped, looking slightly annoyed.
“Just kidding. C'mon. We should go back.”
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Like Iris had said earlier, when the BladeBreakers came out of the hotel that night to catch some air after a good dinner, the riverside was completely alive with lights, dancers, traditional music and people walking around having fun.
In their way, they found the White Tigers and the Majestic's. As midnight approached, the three teams were found chatting, while sitting down at an esplanade, traditional dressed dancers dancing to the folklore music all around them.
Tala and Kai suddenly locked narrowed eyes. A few seconds after, Iris moved about uncomfortably. And soon, everyone else also noticed it. A small group of teens looking their way. Emotionless faces, cold stares, a sneer on their lips.
“The Shadowed Blades...” Lee hissed, curling his upper lip back from his teeth in a vicious snarl. His team-mates adopted a similar reaction.
“Damn them all to hell and back. Can't they see they are being used?” The redheaded Russian grumbled, looking away with a sour expression. Realizing they had been seen, said team walked away, leaving them alone for the time being, much to their relief.
When everybody was practically sleeping over one of the seemingly infinite stories of Robert's family, Tala managed to take Rosemary away from the big group. Her brother was snoring away at the time, no problem there. The music had changed to a soft ballade and that was just fine to the couple.
“Ya dance preetty smoot'ly. Not usual fo' a man, ya kno...” the girl broke the comfortable silence between them, resting her head on his chest. Their bodies seemed to mould to each other; each step symmetrical in every way.
“It's not hard. But if you really need to know, I'm just doing what you are doing.” he murmured softly, not opening his eyes. The scent of her hair on his nostrils was something he wanted to memorize forever. She let out a quiet giggle at that.
Tala rested his lips against hers in a soft kiss, arms pulling her close. She responded to it timidly, as she always did, opening her mouth as he nudged her lips apart with his tongue. Her teeth grazed his tongue, not biting, while her own came forward to caress his, not caring about who was there to see. Not now, not like this with him.
Who would've thought that within a week everything could change this perfection between them? Around them?
Iris, after a lot of convincing, finally managed to pull Ray to his feet and make him ask Mariah to dance. She blushed lightly, but accepted his offer, even if Lee was watching.
By the end of the first dance, both neko-jins abandoned the dance floor, running carelessly along the beach, their shoes dangling in their hands; their feet haphazardly diving into the shore, splashing the cold water everywhere.
They found themselves rolling on the sand at some time, Mariah ending to be on top, straddling the tiger. Her shyness took over her slightly, as she turned away from his amber eyes, but two of his fingers at her chin made her look at him again. Her breathing was coming slightly shallow, her heart beating faster.
Ray took a gentle hold of her turtleneck's collar and pulled her closer to him, making her lose her balance and brace her arms on his shoulders. In the process, her lips came in contact with his own. She was surprised, but soon after, their eyes closed.
Who would've thought that within a week their new-found comfort in each other could easily be dismantled? And may change the world they knew of?
Discreetly, Iris and Kai went away to walk on their own. Among them, there was a comfortable silence, and neither seemed to want to break it. She suddenly chuckled.
“What's so funny?”
“Us...” by the tone of her voice, she found them amusing, but there was also a slight bitterness in it too, “All our lives... Fighting to survive, to sleep through the night and be alive in the next morning... Not allowed to feel. And now...”
He stopped, looking at her with a confused look. The other also stopped as she noticed he wasn't following.
“So many years of suppressing our feelings... our so called weaknesses... Just to find out that we love each other. Our lives and thoughts really did a U turn this time, huh?” smiling fallaciously, she leaned against the nearest wall, her chin dropping.
It was the first time she uttered the word `love'... let alone regarding themselves. And it was also the first time she smiled like that. “Think that God finally heard our puny prayers and is now repaying us.” Walking up to her, he stopped just a few inches away from her face. Leaning in, his forehead touched hers. “Leave the past behind. Ignore the future. What matters is the present, nothing else.”
“In that, you're right... For a change.” Her smile was a true one this time, “We all had a dark past... And for that, we'll have a haunted future.”
“Which will come in due time. Right now, we have each other.”
Who would've though that within a week a girl's existence would make such a difference? That her life would change so much once more?
...TBC...
“...” speaking
`Italics' thoughts
:: … :: bit beast talking
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Chapter 7... Waiting for the beginning
Seven teenagers woke up with the sound of fireworks, several screams filling their hotel room because of that.
“Wha...! Who? When? How..? OUCH!” Tyson fell over the bed, smacking his forehead on the floor, his feet dangling in the air.
“Mmmm... Who had the freaking idea of putting firework at... urgh, 7.30am!!!” Max's voice sounded as his arm came from under the covers, taking the watch that was on the floor with him. The device soon fell to the ground again as the blonde tangled himself in his blankets once more. “I wanna sleep!”
Kenny yawned, scratching his head slightly, “I agree with that...”
...In the other room...
“The only day that we actually slept a bit more than usual is when someone has the EXCELLENT idea of putting firework!! Arrgh!” came the Chinese opinion as Ray placed the fluffy pillows over his sensitive ears. The damn noise had just started to get louder.
“For once, I agree with Max.” Kai mumbled as he took a long breath, still with his eyes closed, just turning from his sideways position to be flat on his back. A few moments later, he felt his bed give in to additional weight and one maroon hue cracked open, just to see a feminine form slipping in between the sheets beside him, “You know what all that racket is for?”
“Nation's day. 10th June. Annoying, yes, but usual.” Iris snuggled close to him for warmth; the weather was foggy and cold once more, “Later there will be a party that will last almost all night long...”
“And how exactly do they think we are going to sleep? With giant ear-muffs over our ears?”
Icy silver and emotionless mahogany orbs snapped open at the strange voice, sitting up, and noting for the first time the red-head leaning casually against the door frame. A little smirk and a mischievous glint told the couple the tell-tale peace-treat `you don't speak, I won't too'.
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“Who will I fight today, Chief?” Iris said disinterestedly, eyelashes dropping as drowsiness took its hold on her. The team was eating breakfast, or better saying, they were, for she was just drinking a cup of milk, ignoring the plate of food she had brought while Tyson literally drooled over it. Finally she gave the item over to the navy-eyed boy and his bottomless stomach, rolling her eyes.
Kenny opened Dizzy, typing lightly on the keyboard, “You're going to battle in the pairs only, along with Kai. Your opponents will be Robert and Enrique. Oh yeah, I did this especially for Lugiohan last night. Hope you like the modifications, I did my best.” Kenny showed them a shinny black attack ring, menacing looking. Iris passed him her blade, as usual without her bit-beast; Lugiohan's bit was in her necklace every time she wasn't battling.
Replacing the former for the new one, Chief gave it back to her, while she examined it closely, everyone checking it out also, some more discreetly, some enviously.
“WHY YOU TRAITOR!” Tyson pouted, kicking Kenny not so gently on the shin, “And Dragoon, huh? Doesn't HE need an upgrade too?!”
“Uh, Tyson?” Ray lifted an eyebrow, patting Chief's back as he cradled his sore leg, “He had it two days ago... remember?”
“Oh.” Tyson exclaimed, “You're right! I forgot...” a hand scratched his nape sheepishly.
“What else is new..”
Everyone ignored the naïve boy and continued on their business.
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“WELCOME, YOU CRAZY BEYBLADE FANS! NOW, THESE TWO TEAMS HAVE ALREADY FOUGHT, BUT NOW I'M SURE THEY'RE BETTER! I PRESENT YOU THE ACTUAL CHAMPIONS AGAINST THE EUROPEAN ONES, THE MAJESTIC'S!!”
“There's a coffee called Majestic in this city.” Iris snickered at the name of their rivals. “I dunno any other place where the `garçons' are so snob.”
As Tala snickered along with her, Kai sent her a sideways glance, “Don't underestimate them. They're strong. I've seen worse, but they are worth our time.”
The first combat was Robert against Tyson, and then Kai versus Johnny. The pairs were Enrique and Robert with Kai and Iris, then Ray and Max against Rosemary and Oliver.
The purple haired German leader looked over his team, finally stopping on a certain red-head, who hadn't taken his eyes off his opponent ever since they got here. “Jonathan.”
The Scottish's soft lavender hues turned to the former boy, a disdainful sneer on his lips, “Don't call me that.”
Robert rolled his eyes, not knowing how his `team-mate' was so darn uncouth, when his family was one of the finest he knew about (a/n:. typical Robbie...), “Whatever. Concentrate. I know Kai is your rival, and yes, I also know he defeated you while an enormous multitude was assisting, but don't let those `distractions' get in your way.”
“AAAAAAAAND THAT THE FIRST ROUND BEGIN!”
Gryffolyon attacked as soon as he hit the dish, sending Dragoon to its edge but not off of it, as Tyson breathed out in relief. The first round ended with a deserved tie but in the other two Tyson exceeded every expectation and wan, earning him a high-five from Iris and even a “You did well.” from Kai.
After that, Johnny stood proud in one side of the stadium, looking haughtily over at Kai. “Any last words, Hiwatari?” he narrowed his eyes, frown in place. Only God knew how much he hated the bluenette! `Thinks he's the best, huh? He didn't have that expression the first time we fought...'
Kai crouched into his launching pose, ignoring him for the time being. Deep cinnamon eyes locked with anger-lit light lavender ones, their respective bit-beasts shinning with anticipation and power.
“3................”
“You and your chicken are going down, Kai!”
“2.........................”
R 20;You wish, McGregor...”
“1!!................................̶ 1;
“LET IT RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPP!!!” all stadium chorused along with DJ Jazzman; the two rip cords were pulled harsh and fast, tops circling and grinding together as sparks flew everywhere.
“Salamulyon!”
“Dranzer!R 21;
The two fire bit-beasts rose, sending waves of power to the audience, matching their master's half-respect half-dislike for each other. The salamander wrapped its tail around Dranzer's neck, pinning him heavily to the ground, only to fly as Dranzer shot to the air at Kai's nod.
The battle was balanced; transferring the bladers' anger to their bit beasts was working like a charm. The beyblade's continued grinding together, never slowing down. The bey-stadium was destroyed in some parts by now, some thrown carelessly about towards the players, but they didn't seem to mind or even feel them, their gaze locked even if a fierce combat was being held between them. They both knew this was more than a simple battle.
“Now, Dranzer!”
“Watch it, Salamulyon.”
Dranzer evaded Salamulyon's tail again, screeched loudly once and was bathed by a light brighter than usual. The phoenix attacked boldly against his opponent, while the salamander crossed its arms in a blocking way, but surprisingly, Dranzer managed to push him to the ground, his immense talons cutting through the reptile's scales effortlessly.
“AND DRANZER WOKE UP AND IS CURRENTLY GAINING ON SALAMULYON WITH AN INCREDIBLE POWER!” comments from Jazzman were heard, not that they were really listening.
“McGregor, what the heck do you think you're doing!? Counter-attack quickly before it's too late!” Robert's angry voice snapped Johnny out of his trance-like state. The Scottish boy watched helplessly as Dranzer's talons pierced his bit-beast's skin, until finally, the blue beyblade sent a final jab at the red one's side, not only destroying his attack ring, but also making it tumble over the dish, near his owner's feet, who looked at it unbelievingly.
“WHAT A GREAT MATCH THIS WAS, PEOPLE! AND AS JOHNNY'S BEYBLADE CANNOT BE USED AGAIN WITHOUT REPAIRS, THIS COMBAT GOES TO KAI, FROM THE BLADEBREAKERS!!! NOW WE HAVE ENRIQUE AND ROBERT TRYING TO OVERPOWER THE COUPLE KAI AND IRIS!!!”
Iris glared at him at the last comment, while Kenny gave her back her blade after one last observation.
After a simple check up on Dranzer, Kai picked up the dark blue beyblade once more, hearing Kenny say, “That was an excellent match, Kai!”
“It was good.” Tala said absently, not turning away from the BladeBreakers' opponents, looking at a certain red-haired female. Today, the turquoise-eyed boy managed to elude the security and was sitting with the rest of them as well.
“I agree.” Iris nodded, heading for the bey-dish. As she passed by her captain, their shoulders brushed, unnoticed by the others.
The bluenette turned on his heels to follow her, deep eyes never looking away, except at Tyson's comment.
“Hey Kai! Watch out for Enrique-poo!!”
“Hi there, princess...” Enrique winked as Iris came to a stop in front of him. He lifted an eyebrow suggestively.
“Enrique, please control yourself...” Robert rolled his eyes discreetly.
Iris would give the blond a reply, but Kai soon joined them, stopping beside her, adjusting Dranzer to his launcher, with Iris and the other boys mimicking him right after.
“3....... 2.......... 1!..................... LET IT RIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Four beyblade's shot onto the stadium, grinding together once, before separating and spinning everywhere, sometimes even blinking out of sight, appearing on the other side of the dish, clashing here and there.
“You ready?” Kai asked absently whilst manoeuvring Dranzer out of Gryffolyon's way, just to clash into the hippogriff from behind two times more powerful. He knew the answer just by the look in her eyes.
“You bet I am.” Iris replied, grinning, concentrating in giving power to Lugiohan, who was neck-on-neck with Amphilyon. “You know what to do, Lugiohan!”
“Dranzer!”
The black and the blue beyblade's started spinning faster, sparks flying from one top to another.
“It seems as if they're... sharing their own energy between themselves.. Is that even possible?” Kenny looked over at Dizzy's screen and back to the battle not believing his eyes.
“It sure seems like it, Chief.”
Tyson crossed his arms, nose in the air, pouting, “Hmph, no fair! If I was there, I would've done the same!”
Back at the battle, Lugiohan and Dranzer, side by side, never looked so bright and strong. Their attacks, combined as one, advanced towards Amphilyon and Gryffolyon, sending them clear out of the stadium. The two other combats were identical.
Ray and Max had some problems with Rosemary and Oliver, the first round they lost, the second was a tie and the third they won. They had to have a fourth combat and they won once again. The BladeBreakers were in the semi-finals.
“YEAH!! WE'RE IN THE SEMI-FINALS!!!” Tyson shouted as they went to their locker room, taking their stuff back to return to the hotel. Their next combat was within three days.
“Kai, please tell me we're not gonna train anymore today...” Ray turned to their captain, who was simply leaning against the wall.
“Please, Kai? C'mon...”
The slate-haired teen slowly opened his mahogany orbs and lifted one eyebrow at the navy-blue eyed boy who had spoken. “No, we're not training. At least, not right now.”
“We're not?” Iris grinned happily, “That's great! That way I can go over to my old house! I need to see how it is.”
The two Russian boys locked their stares, turning to the girl in front of them next. She instantly knew they wouldn't let her go alone.
“Aww, c'mon, you guys!” the female narrowed her silver hues, “I'm old enough to take care of myself...” arms crossed over her chest, she promptly pouted.
Tala sighed and took a few steps in her direction, taking her hands in his, “We know that. But I don't know where Boris is, no one does. I don't want to lose you again. Not if I can help it. And right now, I can.”
Iris snorted lightly, “Yuriy, don't be so over reactive... Not to mention protective. Lugiohan's with me. She'll warn me if something goes wrong. Besides, she'll warn you too.”
“We aren't saying she wouldn't.” Kai looked her straight in the eyes, slight concern written in his. Something she just could not ignore, something she never saw in her short life before, “But if we go, you'll be safer. And don't forget that you're feeling.. watched lately.”
The young girl finally rolled her eyes after trying to stare her captain down, which she ended up giving up, “Meh, fine! Okay, you can come. But I'm not happy for it.” She turned around, punching Tala playfully on the stomach, before going through the door, the rest of the team already out.
The red-head shook his head, “She'll never change... stubborn as hell.”
Kai chuckled softly, “Maybe. But we both know we wouldn't want her in any other way.” He started walking towards the door, “You coming, Ivanov?”
Tala nodded and soon followed, but as they were leaving the building he stopped once more, “Wait. I... Need to do something first.” Turning around again, he threw over his shoulder, “I'll meet you in the hotel in half an hour...” and he was out of sight into the dark halls.
“Where is he going in such a hurry?” Iris placed her chin on Kai's shoulder, standing on her tip toes to look at her best friend's shadow disappear completely. The BladeBreakers were already on their way back to the hotel.
“I think I know where he's heading, but that's simply a theory...” Kai smirked at her, “And you?”
She chuckled slyly, looking up at him, “Me too, Phoenix, me too.”
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The Majestic's entered the door to their lockers to retrieve their things, Rosemary trying to soothe her literally explosive brother, while Robert, Oliver and Enrique discussed abut the new techniques and better team-work their adversaries had, being interrupted by Enrique sending a “Man, but the Blanchett girl was hoooooooot!!” once in a while, of course.
“...Well, let's go then. Time to return to the hotel.” Robert stood by the door, one hand on his hip, typically `superior'.
“Mais oui. I need Gustav's tea...” Oliver mumbled, trying to keep away from the overreacting blonde with apprehensive eyes.
“...Love her attitude! And her style! Do you think I still have a chance with her?...” and on and on the Italian blabbed.
With a well aimed kick at the back of the knee, Johnny, still sulking, passed a hopping Enrique as he cradled his pounding knee, the Salamulyon guardian growling and swearing under his breath, eyes narrowed. “Idiot...”
As Rosemary was coming out of the door, the rest of them were already walking away. Suddenly, she felt one strong hand clench around her wrist, and another over her lips, as her captor dragged her to a desert hall that connected to the stadiums, now empty. By now, she knew it was a him, from the soft cologne that she breathed.
Said male turned her around, making her soft lavender eyes meet with vibrant turquoise ones. Shy for nature, completely opposite to her brother, she felt a blush appear over her cheeks at the proximity they were. One of his hands was still around her arm and his other one was now resting gently over the curve of her waist.
“Hey..” the soft whisper caressed her neck, making goose-bumps appear. She felt his lips dangerously close to her earlobe; but she said nothing to make him stop, no words, no move. “Just wanted to say hi in a different way...”
“T'at so? How dif'rent?” her voice was as soft as his own. Just the mere sound of it sent shivers down his spine, and her accent only prickled his senses even more.
Not wanting to lose any more time or other than that, not having the patience to, he let his lips rest against hers ever so gently. So unlike him. After they parted, the girl looked deep into Tala's eyes not knowing what to say and before anything; one finger was placed over her lips. “Don't speak.” This time, lips grinded together in an ageless dance, desperate, rougher; lavender eyes closed, followed swiftly by blue ones. Her soft hands dug into his blood red mane, clenching and unclenching softly but urgently as his own made strange patterns along her back, lips never parting.
The obvious need of oxygen was the only reason why they parted the heated kiss. They didn't pull away from each other's arms, rather the contrary. The Russian teen rested his chin on her shoulder, making their cheeks touch. They both welcomed the warmth that the small gesture created.
“T'at... was tha best kiss... Ah've evah.. had...” she managed to stutter out. Mutually, they both grinned. The boy holding her had yet to move and for once, she decided to be daring. Leaning in, she nipped a spot on his neck once, before parting her lips. For some moments, she sucked on his pale skin mercilessly until she had left a slight red mark. All the while, she had been smirking (not much unlike her brother) as she heard his surprised gasp and then a slight groan from the back of his throat. The girl looked back into his eyes, smiling shyly, “So... Now w'at?”
Tala's lips curved into a slight amused smile, “Now? Now we continue...” he let his lips cover hers again.
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As Kai and Iris started walking down the street, the rest of their team already gone from sight.
“Let's wait for Tala here, grab some lunch and then go over to my house.” Iris suggested, as he sat down in one of the benches.
“Sounds good. As long as I keep an eye on you...” his hand caught hers gently, pulling her towards him.
She sat sideways on his lap, one hand on his shoulder. A dark eyebrow rose, “And whatever do you have in mind?”
“You tell me...” Kai leaned forward, capturing her lips in a dominant kiss, one that neither wanted to submit to. Tongues battling, mouths only parting enough to take enough air and start again. For those who only knew coldness and loneliness through their short lives, this was the blissful contrary.
“Ahem...” or not so blissful. The couple quickly parted, glaring at the Russian intromission. Déjà -vu... “Sorry to interrupt... err, yet again.”
“Indeed.” the phoenix rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest and getting up. Iris did the same, albeit a light blush was upon her cheek bones.
Tala followed. He and Rosemary were interrupted by the girl's over-protective brother. Luckily he didn't catch them together. After a nice lunch, the three friends continued their former walk.
As she turned to look at the redhead, Iris suddenly noticed something. “Tala... Is that a hickie?!” she snickered as she walked up to him and pushed the collar of his shirt down a bit more.
“No! No, it's not!” he pushed her away not so gently, blushing and looking away from her.
“Ah, so you told her! How very sweet of you...” she spoke in a high-pitched voice, making both males flinch. She knew perfectly well he (and now Kai) hated that.
“Knock it off...”
For a bit more than an hour they walked and ever so slowly, the scenery started to change, from large streets with cars everywhere, typical of a big city, to old alleys with the ground so irregular you have to keep looking at it as not to fall. The houses were modest, smaller and some needing repairs.
“This area is slightly different, as you can see. It's not big, but it's what I call home. We're almost there.” After they had walked along an upwards street, they found themselves in an intersection of four roads. Iris turned to the first one at their left, soon followed by both boys.
A hundred feet or so ahead, she stopped and looked to her right, a small smile on her lips. “Just like I remember it...”
A big large house, painted in pastel tinges, stood tall and proud, three floors high. It was big in the standard of the houses around it, but it was quite simple in design and style. It had two gates, one small and one large, obviously to let a car in, for the garage was right on the end of the corridor which led to it. From that gate to the garage door it fit at least two cars, and one inside said garage. The façade presented six windows, two with a small balcony. Beside the two lower ones, there was a wooden door, equal to the one in the middle of the corridor.
“You coming or not?” Iris sprinted to the main gate, opening it with a key she had been carrying. The three of them entered. Walking to the garage door, both males saw that at their right was a passage, leading to a square patio. As they stood in the middle of it, they saw one of the streets of the intersection from before, a market being repaired or maybe even destroyed, and many other houses. Glued to the house they were in, there was a big open space with vibrant green grass and with two bey-stadiums, one on each side.
The patio had flower-pots everywhere and a lemon-tree was in one corner. The house itself was divided in two: the first floor, with a large veranda that led into a kitchen and a corridor beyond, and the two upper floors. To go to the second one, there were stairs, also leading to a long big veranda.
“The first floor was for my grandparents. They left a while before I did. The rest of the house was for my parents, my sister and I.” after climbing up the stairs, she opened the door that would lead them to the second floor.
“What do you want from here anyway?”
“I... wanted to get my sister's diary. I saw her write it, though she would've never let me read it. She used to say that when she was gone, I should do it; that everything was explained there. Now I want to know what big juicy secrets did she hide.” walking along the small kitchen, and from there to the hall, she kept going. Once there, the girl turned left, climbing up a set of wooden spiral stairs. “Up here were the bedrooms.” And with that she was gone from sight. The other two teens soon followed her.
As they reached the end of the stairs, right in front of them was a bathroom, at their left two bedrooms and at the right, other two bedrooms. One of the rooms was obviously for a couple, painted in navy blues and soft beiges. One other bedroom was made out of cherry wood and painted in soft browns and light pinks. The bedrooms to their left were clearly for children.
One had the floor made of a polished mahogany wood, the ceiling black stripped with a sudden soft beige shade. The walls were dark red in colour, a few paintings in them too. One of a white and black tiger, another of a white phoenix and yet another with a black wolf. The last one was of a little girl, not older than her six, maybe seven years... her silky black hair went till just past her shoulders and the very tips of it were an abrupt red. Her eyes were wide, tinged of a very light blue colour. On the picture frame, a single sentence was on it: `Iris Catherine Blanchett'.
“Be brave, little one, and never give up.” Kai and Tala looked back at the door, seeing the black haired girl leaning against its frame, looking at the same picture. “That's what my dad told me once he put that picture there. My uncle, his sister's husband, did it, along with all the other portraits. I still remember just how bored I was while he was painting it. Until my mother decided to take my photo instead.” She chuckled, eyes hazing over as memories appeared.
The last room had a teenage touch to it. A female one. The floor was just the same as the last one, though the ceiling was light blue. The walls were coloured in dark blues and navy ones, a few blacks and silvers here and there, giving a slight sensation of movement and creating a beautiful effect. That was, what could be seen between the posters and portraits covering said walls.
Walking inside, Iris moved to the wooden desk, crouching down next to it. Opening a drawer under it, she took out a completely black note-book. “C'mon, let's get out of here. Our work is done.” She wanted to put as much distance as she could between this place and herself, there were way too many memories returning to her. Some pleasant, but most of them far from that.
Two hours later, they arrived to the hotel. Through all the way back, she had been hugging the black book to her chest. And right now, there was too much in her mind. There's only one thing left to do then. She got up, heading for the Old Meadow once more. A training session sounded excellent right now.
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A black beyblade spun around in the darkening nature, scaring some birds away. Its Mistress was with her eyes closed, eyebrows furrowed, giving away the fact that she was concentrated. Lugiohan continued spinning in front of her, waiting for her commands.
The silver orbs snapped open and her arms motioned for her blade, “Go Lugiohan.” the thunder phoenix moved up a tree, to one of the branches, passing above Iris, landing again and dodging the sticks driven into the ground with such speed that sometimes, it phased out of vision. In her way back, Lugiohan broke every single stick, returning to her mistress undamaged.
The girl turned around and released her blade again on her improvised dish. Soon after, a dark blue top joined hers, clashing together, until both separated, as she caught Lugiohan effortlessly. For a moment, she thought it was Sarabela and Black Dranzer, but the blue beyblade was a dead giveaway. She smiled, “Come out, Kai.”
“So, this is the place you escape to.” the boy appeared from in between the thick trees.
Her eyes lowered, “When I want to think, yes. You don't want to see me in a tantrum, believe me.”
“I'm sure.”
“Yuriy sent you to get me?” clear amusement was in her voice, “That guy cares way too much for his own good...”
Kai shook his head at her, “No, he didn't. And even if he had, he has his own legs to come here by himself. I'm not Ivanov's or anyone's slave to do their bidding.”
“Hu huh... Sad.” She giggled, “I thought you were my slave...”
“Really...” he sweat-dropped, looking slightly annoyed.
“Just kidding. C'mon. We should go back.”
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Like Iris had said earlier, when the BladeBreakers came out of the hotel that night to catch some air after a good dinner, the riverside was completely alive with lights, dancers, traditional music and people walking around having fun.
In their way, they found the White Tigers and the Majestic's. As midnight approached, the three teams were found chatting, while sitting down at an esplanade, traditional dressed dancers dancing to the folklore music all around them.
Tala and Kai suddenly locked narrowed eyes. A few seconds after, Iris moved about uncomfortably. And soon, everyone else also noticed it. A small group of teens looking their way. Emotionless faces, cold stares, a sneer on their lips.
“The Shadowed Blades...” Lee hissed, curling his upper lip back from his teeth in a vicious snarl. His team-mates adopted a similar reaction.
“Damn them all to hell and back. Can't they see they are being used?” The redheaded Russian grumbled, looking away with a sour expression. Realizing they had been seen, said team walked away, leaving them alone for the time being, much to their relief.
When everybody was practically sleeping over one of the seemingly infinite stories of Robert's family, Tala managed to take Rosemary away from the big group. Her brother was snoring away at the time, no problem there. The music had changed to a soft ballade and that was just fine to the couple.
“Ya dance preetty smoot'ly. Not usual fo' a man, ya kno...” the girl broke the comfortable silence between them, resting her head on his chest. Their bodies seemed to mould to each other; each step symmetrical in every way.
“It's not hard. But if you really need to know, I'm just doing what you are doing.” he murmured softly, not opening his eyes. The scent of her hair on his nostrils was something he wanted to memorize forever. She let out a quiet giggle at that.
Tala rested his lips against hers in a soft kiss, arms pulling her close. She responded to it timidly, as she always did, opening her mouth as he nudged her lips apart with his tongue. Her teeth grazed his tongue, not biting, while her own came forward to caress his, not caring about who was there to see. Not now, not like this with him.
Who would've thought that within a week everything could change this perfection between them? Around them?
Iris, after a lot of convincing, finally managed to pull Ray to his feet and make him ask Mariah to dance. She blushed lightly, but accepted his offer, even if Lee was watching.
By the end of the first dance, both neko-jins abandoned the dance floor, running carelessly along the beach, their shoes dangling in their hands; their feet haphazardly diving into the shore, splashing the cold water everywhere.
They found themselves rolling on the sand at some time, Mariah ending to be on top, straddling the tiger. Her shyness took over her slightly, as she turned away from his amber eyes, but two of his fingers at her chin made her look at him again. Her breathing was coming slightly shallow, her heart beating faster.
Ray took a gentle hold of her turtleneck's collar and pulled her closer to him, making her lose her balance and brace her arms on his shoulders. In the process, her lips came in contact with his own. She was surprised, but soon after, their eyes closed.
Who would've thought that within a week their new-found comfort in each other could easily be dismantled? And may change the world they knew of?
Discreetly, Iris and Kai went away to walk on their own. Among them, there was a comfortable silence, and neither seemed to want to break it. She suddenly chuckled.
“What's so funny?”
“Us...” by the tone of her voice, she found them amusing, but there was also a slight bitterness in it too, “All our lives... Fighting to survive, to sleep through the night and be alive in the next morning... Not allowed to feel. And now...”
He stopped, looking at her with a confused look. The other also stopped as she noticed he wasn't following.
“So many years of suppressing our feelings... our so called weaknesses... Just to find out that we love each other. Our lives and thoughts really did a U turn this time, huh?” smiling fallaciously, she leaned against the nearest wall, her chin dropping.
It was the first time she uttered the word `love'... let alone regarding themselves. And it was also the first time she smiled like that. “Think that God finally heard our puny prayers and is now repaying us.” Walking up to her, he stopped just a few inches away from her face. Leaning in, his forehead touched hers. “Leave the past behind. Ignore the future. What matters is the present, nothing else.”
“In that, you're right... For a change.” Her smile was a true one this time, “We all had a dark past... And for that, we'll have a haunted future.”
“Which will come in due time. Right now, we have each other.”
Who would've though that within a week a girl's existence would make such a difference? That her life would change so much once more?
...TBC...