Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ The Price of the Past ❯ Slowly Progressing ( Chapter 6 )

 

Warnings: Language, Lime

 

Disclaimer: I checked, and no, it's still not mine.

 

 

Internal Dialogue

 

Chapter 6

 

“He's putting me in the tank tomorrow,” the redhead spoke quietly to his lover in the dark room. Bryan and Tala were sitting on the falcon master's bed in the dead of the night, trying to make the most of their time together before the neko-jin was sent to lab. They couldn't even begin to guess what kind of painful `enhancements' that bastard had ordered for the blue-eyed teen. Not only that, but Bryan was scheduled for the same type of treatment once Tala's was completed. They wouldn't be seeing each other after tonight, not until the day of the finals.

 

“At least Spencer and Ian aren't here,” the lilac haired teen tried to lighten the mood. “Lord knows we wouldn't have a moment's peace if those two were here to nag us about it.” His words had the desired effect as Tala snorted in amusement.

 

“What did you do to get them out of here anyway?” he asked, obviously knowing that Bryan was somehow responsible for their friends' absence. The only reply he received was a wicked smirk; a look that clearly stated that threats of bodily harm had been involved. Not that he would ever actually hurt the other two, but they had seemed to understand the plea hidden in violet eyes as they were well aware of Boris' plans.

 

“Anyway,” Bryan drew out the word. “Are we going to sit here and talk all night?” he whispered the question as he leaned forward, barely brushing the lips of his lover as the words left his mouth. Blue eyes closed as he took the other's lips with his own, giving into the desire that was coursing through both of them. They wanted, needed, this time together. It would be what would keep them sane during whatever tortures lay in store for them.

 

As the kiss deepened, tongues fiercely clashed in a battle that neither could ever really win. Strong arms wrapped around a thin waste even as Tala place his hands on broad shoulders, gently pushing Bryan onto his back, the redhead atop him. Breaking the kiss, the neko-jin pressed his forehead to his lover's and gazed deeply into lavender orbs full of love, the emotion reflected in his own, ice-blue eyes. They stayed this way for a length of time before resuming the passionate embrace and allowing their hands to roam freely over one another's clothed bodies, the only sound in the room the heavy breathing of the young lovers.

 

The night progressed slowly, though much too quickly in their opinions. Eventually, Tala felt a warm, calloused hand slip beneath his shirt, bunching the material until he was forced to lift up so the material could be lifted over his head. He remained straddling his lover so that the lilac haired teen could run his desire-filled gaze over the newly exposed, pale flesh. Hands gently tugged at arms, lowering the redhead once more so that their mouths could meet in another, fiery kiss. It wasn't long before Bryan, too, lost his shirt, and the two were soon reveling in the feeling of being flesh to flesh. Trailing kisses along his lover's neck, down across his chest and abdomen, Tala soon began working at unbuttoning his lover's pants with long fingers. Once completing the task, he slipped the hand underneath the garment, unsurprised when he encountered no further obstacle to his ultimate goal.

 

“Tala…” the redhead's name whispered from those thin lips was like an aphrodisiac encouraging him to continue. Not one to deny his love, he gave a light, erotic stroke along the sensitive flesh and proceeded to completely remove the last of Bryan's clothing. Glancing up to the lilac haired teen's face, he caught the glazed, impassioned look. So beautiful… he thought as he unabashedly took in the strong, aroused form below him. Before he could begin what he had started, though, his lover's large hands moved to divest him of his own, remaining clothing. Within seconds, they once again connected, nothing separating their heated bodies from the other.

 

It wasn't long before Bryan flipped his red haired lover over, switching their positions so that he could begin his own, pleasurable administrations on what he truly believed to be the most perfect body, scars and all. He ran his tongue over every bit of imperfect flesh he encountered, worshiping his lover as he writhed beneath him. His mouth trailed lower to graze across where his pants would have covered him before returning to capture the already kiss-swollen lips once more, rubbing their throbbing erections together and causing moans of ecstasy that were swallowed as they refused to separate. The slow, subtle teasing of one another continued for a long time until they were both willing to beg for completion. An hour before sunrise, muted grunts were the only sound to echo through the room as the lovers trembled in one another's arms, their bodies glistening with the afterglow of their passionate night.

 

“I love you,” the words were barely above a whisper and spoken simultaneously by both before they drifted off to sleep, spending their last hour together in an undisturbed bliss until the new day would bring back the harsh reality that would separate them for several days.

 

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The late morning sun shone brightly through the window in the White Tiger's hotel suite, its golden rays making the ebony hair of its two occupants almost glow. The moment his teammates had left - Gary and Kevin to breakfast and Mariah to only the gods knew where - he had called Rei and asked him to come over. He needed to find out what had happened to his adoptive brother, find out if his suspicions from the previous day's conversation were unfounded or not. It hadn't taken any time at all for the golden-eyed teen to tell him what had happened at the abbey, what he hadn't mentioned in front of all the others. Lee's suspicions were confirmed; Rei had been raped, and brutally if he understood correctly.

 

“The worst part is,” the younger blader was saying from spot on the floor where they were sitting. “Is that a couple of nights ago… well, Kai and I were getting pretty intimate.” The orange eyed teen nodded for Rei to continue when he paused. “He was going to prepare me, and then I just froze. All I could see was that cell,” a shiver ran down his spine as the memory of all the pain he had endured resurfaced. “And it wasn't that I didn't want to be with Kai, because I really wanted to,” he went on without any further prompting; he needed to get this out. “It was just that I got stuck in mind; all I could see and feel at that moment was what had happened to me. It didn't matter how much I tried to get away from it and back to Kai.” He ran one of his hands along the long wrapping that encased his hair. “I felt so guilty about it once Kai brought me out of it. And I'm so angry that it can affect the both of us so much.”

 

“I can't say that I understand how you feel,” Lee began. “And I really don't think that I want to imagine what that would be like, but have you tried telling Kai about this?” The tiger master shook his head.

 

“He already feels guilty enough,” Rei sighed. “He thinks he pushed me too far, too fast, but that's not it at all. There was nothing either of us could have done to change what happened. Shit like this happens to people every day; hell, it's happened to Kai and all the other Demolition Boys.”

 

“Then, it would stand to reason that if you told Kai what you're telling me, he would understand completely.” He looked directly into the golden eyes of his friend.

 

“I know,” was the reply. “I guess I'm just afraid to re-open old scars for him.” Another sigh escaped his lips. “The thing is, I also feel ashamed about what happened, even though I know it wasn't anything I did. It's just so hard to separate what I'm feeling from the reality of the situation.”

 

“Maybe you just need time to let yourself figure that out,” the orange-eyed neko-jin suggested. “I mean, you obviously have no problem with the act of sex itself. It sounds more like you have a problem with, like you said, keeping yourself grounded in reality.”

 

“I hadn't really looked at it that way,” Rei's voice was thoughtful as he looked down. “But it makes sense. It wasn't what Kai was doing that scared me, it was the memory of what had happened… the pain from it… that had me frightened out of my mind.” He looked back up and smiled at Lee. “Thanks. I'm glad you made me talk about this. I can't say that things will get better immediately, but it helps now that I realize.”

 

“Anytime, little brother,” Lee returned the smile before smirking at the petulant look that settled onto Rei's face.

 

“I may be younger,” he started indignantly. “But I'm taller, and we both know I'm the stronger fighter, so watch what you say.” The words were true but spoken playfully. Lee had used that particular term purposely so as to change the subject, something for which they were both grateful, not wanting to dwell on such a topic any longer, especially as some resolution had been reached.

 

“If you say so,” the elder teased, earning a mock glare from the `affronted' tiger. The banter continued for nearly half an hour until Gary and Kevin returned from breakfast.

 

“Rei,” the green haired teen greeted as he settled on the floor next to Lee. “Where's your better half?” the monkey wielder teased, though he was curious as the two were rarely found without the other nearby. Rei ignored the playful insult.

 

“He's talking to Michael,” the golden eyed youth responded. “Kai wants to make sure he understands exactly what kind of organization BioVolt is before he decides whether or not he really wants to get himself involved as deeply as he'll be by agreeing to help us.”

 

“I'd like to help,” Gary spoke up from where he was seated on the couch. Before Rei could answer, Lee shot him a look that said he didn't want him involved. He was already worried enough that Kevin would be in the middle of it simply because it was futile to keep his lover away from him in such a dangerous situation. Rei hadn't planned on getting Gary too involved anyway, as he, Kai and the Demolition Boys had already selected the few bladers who they thought would be able handle the situation they were going to be in.

 

“I appreciate the offer, Gary,” his voice was soft. “But we'll need you in more of a secondary role with Takao, Max and anyone else who wants to help. We can't have everyone on the front lines, so to speak.” The large teen nodded his acceptance of the decision. He understood what wasn't being said, but he wasn't taking offense to it, either because he knew he wasn't weak. He just wasn't as strong a blader as some others. He was also aware that while several of the bladers would be deep in the middle of whatever was going to happen, others would be needed as back up. That role was just as important, and he was glad that he would be able to help in such a crucial manner.

 

“So when are we going to get the details of this plan of yours?” Kevin questioned.

 

“I was actually wondering that, myself,” Lee put in.

 

“We still have a few more people to talk to,” Rei replied. “Once we're sure of our supporters, then we'll explain everything relevant.”

 

“What do you mean by `relevant'?” the lion master asked.

 

“I know it sounds distrustful,” the golden eyed neko-jin began, an apologetic look crossing his features. “But only those of us who are going to be directly involved will know all the details. It's too much of a risk to everyone else if they know what we're planning.” The three nodded their understanding.

 

“How many people will be involved, then?” Now Kevin was just curious. He instinctually knew that he and Lee would be `in the know', but he couldn't deny that he wanted to know how many others there would be; it was in his nature.

 

“Ten,” Rei answered. “Assuming everything works out as we're hoping.”

 

“So,” Lee began. “That's you, Kai, the Demolition Boys, Kevin, myself… Michael?” Driger's master nodded at the questioning tone. “That's nine,” he continued. “Who's the tenth…” he questioned aloud, though he was already running through all the bladers he knew, as well as a few that Kai and Rei and met and told them about. “Robert or Johnny?” the orange eyed teen guessed after a few moments.

 

“Robert,” Kevin gave his opinion. At his lover's questioning glance, he elaborated. “From what Kai and Rei told us of the Majestics, Johnny's a bit too short tempered to really use the power he has properly. Robert, on the other hand, they described as calm and collected, even in the heat of battle.” Rei smiled at his young friend's assessment.

 

“You're right,” he stated. “Who knew you were such the strategist.” The underhanded compliment set Lee and Gary into a fit of laughter and even Kevin had to smile. They all knew he often advised Lee on the team's battle strategy, but that fact was generally kept between the four of them as they didn't need to hear Mariah's complaints. She wouldn't have liked the fact that someone younger than her had more say over matters than she did. Good times, Rei thought as he remembered to when he was still with the White Tigers and the secret team meetings that she had been left out of so they could go over Kevin's ideas.

 

“You did,” the short neko-jin quipped after some of the laughter had died down. “If I recall correctly, you were the one who made Lee listen to me in the first place.”

 

“That I did,” Rei conceded, smirk firmly set on his face. “Of course,” he continued with mirth. “I didn't realize what would come of it at the time, what with you two working so closely together.”

 

“Sure you didn't,” Gary joined in on the conversation. “That's why you told me you hoped their working together would ease some of the tension between them.” The tiger wielder shrugged nonchalantly.

 

“I have no idea what you're talking about,” his tone was anything but innocent, even if that was what his face read.

 

“So you did set us up…” Lee spoke up. “I had always wondered about why you hadn't been the least bit surprised when I finally told you we were together.”

 

“Well, it wasn't like either of you were doing anything about it,” Rei was suddenly serious. “I knew I was leaving in a few weeks, and I wanted to make sure that you two would be happy before I left. Gary would have tried, but I really don't think his idea to lock you into a room together until you admitted your feelings for one another was the right way to go.”

 

“I still say it would have worked,” the bear master muttered, though he was smiling.

 

“Anyway,” the golden eyed blader continued. “I also knew Mariah would never have helped, even if she had figured it out. She has too much of a crush on you, Lee.” At those words, the three other neko-jin snorted.

 

“Whatever, Rei,” it was Gary who spoke what they were all thinking. “You know it's you she wants.”

 

“I know,” Rei retorted, disgust at the thought evident in his voice. “But I also know that she wants Lee, too.”

 

“I have to take Rei's side on this,” the green haired teen put in. “The day after we found out you were gone, she turned all her attention to Lee.” The possessive growl the left his throat didn't go unnoticed.

 

“I take it she pissed you off in trying to throw herself at him?” Rei wryly asked, not really needing confirmation as he already knew the answer.

 

“I don't know why you get so mad about it,” Lee added. “It's not like I would ever consider her as anything more than a sister… even if I were straight.”

 

“I know that,” Kevin pouted at the slight reprimand. “But you know it's in our nature to be possessive with our partners.”

 

“Yeah,” the lion master conceded. “I know if anyone ever made a pass at you I would be hard pressed not to hit them for trying to take you away from me.”

 

“Well,” serious violet eyes gazed into orange as he spoke. “You don't ever have to worry about that.” Even as Lee nodded, Kevin closed the distance between them and kissed him with every ounce of love he could out into it.

 

“I think,” Rei whispered as he stood, knowing Gary would hear him. “That we should leave them alone.” The larger teen nodded his agreement and rose as well. Together, the two exited the suite, leaving the lovers to themselves.

 

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“So basically, the abbey is a glorified prison with activities behind the scenes that would have made Hitler drool with envy,” Michael summed up what Kai had just told him. He was thoroughly and rightfully disgusted at what the bluenette had just told him. Those BioVolt bastards…he thought, slumping in his seat on the couch. There's no way I can stay out of this, no matter how dangerous it is. After hearing the kind of things they do to people, I have to be involved.

 

“Yes,” Kai responded from his perch against the wall. “And now that you know exactly what kind organization it is, I want to know if you're still willing to be involved.”

 

“I am,” the auburn haired teen's voice was even, serious. “They have to be stopped, and if you think I can help, then I'll more than gladly launch Trygle down someone's throat if that's what you say I need to do.”

 

“Good,” the crimson eyed teen nodded. “Now that that's settled, do you have anything you want to know?” Michael kept his mouth shut for a moment, thinking over everything he had learned over the last couple of days. Only one thing stood out in his mind.

 

“You said you're grandfather backs BioVolt, right?” he asked to which Kai grunted an affirmative. “Then why haven't we seen him anywhere?” the eagle master continued. “I mean, he hasn't shown his face, and unless you left something out, he wasn't around at the abbey when you guys were there.” Michael's line of reasoning kept Kai from answering straight away. Why hasn't he been around… Come to think of it, the only reason I know he's even involved with BioVolt is because of the financial records Boris keeps. In fact, he wasn't even with me in Japan when Boris showed up saying that Voltaire sent him to take me to Russia.

 

“I'm not sure,” the phoenix holder answered truthfully. He went on to explain what he had just realized to the All Stars' captain. Once he finished, Michael considered what he'd just been told and offered an alternate opinion on Hiwatari Voltaire's connection to BioVolt.

 

“Is it possible that he doesn't even know what his money is being used for?” he questioned rhetorically as neither teen could offer an answer to that. “You yourself said that he had been gone for months before Boris ever showed up. You only have that psycho's word that Voltaire wanted him to take you.”

 

“That and documentation with his signature saying that Boris had custody over me,” Kai nodded. “But a signature doesn't mean anything. It could have just as easily been forged or forced as it could have been real.”

 

“So things are more complicated than even any of you thought,” the auburn haired blader sighed as he removed his hat to run a frustrated hand through his hair. Setting the cap down on the couch, he stood and moved to look out the window. “This is going to get really ugly, isn't it?” he asked without turning back to Kai.

 

“Yes,” the dual-tone haired teen answered. Pushing away from the wall, he walked to stand next to Michael, catching sight of what the other captain was staring so intently at. “And kids like them are the reason we need to do this.” He didn't have to point at the dozens of children blading in the park below for the simple joy of the sport; Michael knew exactly who he was referring to.

 

“I know,” the eagle holder confirmed, conviction in his voice. “Because if we don't go after BioVolt, any one of those kids or hundreds of others like them could end up in a place like the abbey. That can't be allowed.” The two captains remained by the window watching the children enjoy match after match until a knock sounded at the door, causing them to turn. As Kai walked to answer the knock, Michael returned to the couch, sitting and replacing his hat. The sound of an annoyed sigh drew his attention to the older teen, who was looking back and rolling his crimson orbs.

 

“What?” Michael mouthed, not wanting to alert the party outside the door to their presence if Kai was that annoyed.

 

“Pink bitch,” the reply was given just as silently even as another knock came. The eagle master dropped his head back on the couch and shook his head. She won't leave until someone opens the door or someone shows up to let her in. Persistent bitch needs to get it through her head that Rei isn't interested and Kai isn't some evil bastard warping his mind.

 

“I know someone is in there,” Mariah's voice was muffled by the wooden door. “I heard someone moving around a minute ago. Let me in!” she demanded. “I'm not leaving until I've talked to Rei,” she added, knocking once again, and continued to do so until Kai threw the door open.

 

“What,” his tone was cold and his glare was deadly as the Galux wielder stumbled into the room, having not expected the door to be opened so abruptly. She gave a cursory glance around the room until her amber eyes landed on the All Stars' captain.

 

“I want to talk to Rei,” her calculating gaze never left Michael even as she spoke to Kai.

 

“Rei's not here,” the reply was given in the monotone typical of the phoenix master. “Leave.”

 

“I think I'll just wait for him to get back,” she stated, acid lacing her tone. “Unless you want to tell me where he is.” Kai ignored the girl and shut the door before retaking his position against the wall as Mariah moved to sit on the couch next to Michael.

 

“It's rude to stay when you're neither invited nor welcomed,” the auburn haired teen voiced his thoughts, though he would have preferred to say something a little less polite.

 

“What are you doing here?” she asked choosing to disregard his rather obvious disdain of her presence by the other occupants of the room. “Going behind Rei's back with Kai?” she continued. “I knew you were bad for him,” she turned her amber gaze to the Bladebreaker's captain. “And now you're betraying him. I wonder what he'll say when I tell him about this.” A single, pale blue eyebrow rose as if to say `You're delusional'.

 

“Does it look like anything is going on?” Michael was the one to speak up as he knew Kai wouldn't lower himself to a conversation with Mariah, especially not this one. “Rei knows I'm here anyway.” A slight smirk graced his lips as an idea formed. “He was the one that asked me over in the first place. He had to step out a little while ago, though. We're just waiting for him to get back so that we can continue what we were doing when he left.” That actually wasn't so much a lie. Initially, both Rei and Kai were going to tell him about BioVolt when Lee had called, asking the neko-jin to come over. The inflection in his voice when he spoke to Mariah, however, was more than enough to shock her into silence. The capped teen glanced to Kai and saw the amusement shining in his wine-colored eyes though is face held its annoyed look at the continuing presence of the pink teen.

 

“I don't believe you,” she finally found her voice as she trained a glare on the smug teen next to her. Said teen simply shrugged as if to say `Believe what you want'. “He would never do something so immoral,” she continued, using the same arguments she had when she had first discovered the relationship between Rei and Kai.

 

“Just like he would never be with me, right?” Kai's sarcastic voice finally made itself known. Before she could think of a way to respond, the door to the suite opened, admitting Rei and Gary, who stopped their light chatter upon seeing who was in the room. Both teens groaned internally as no doubt the female neko-jin had barged in looking for Rei.

 

“Do you know what there two were doing while you were gone, Rei?” Mariah spoke up as the door shut behind the newcomers.

 

“Of course,” he replied, moving to stand next Kai while Gary sat down in armchair. “It was my idea. If Lee hadn't called, I would have been here, too.” Michael couldn't hold back the laughter that was bubbling in his chest, and even Kai was snickering. This was just too perfect. Rei's innocent answer to her question was fully supporting his earlier suggestiveness.

 

“Someone is going to have to clue me in on what's so funny,” the golden eyed teen stated as Mariah fumed.

 

“She didn't believe us when we told her you were the one who called me,” Michael informed him. “And that we were waiting for you to get back until we finished.” Rei quirked a fine, ebony eyebrow at that.

 

“You didn't need to wait on me,” he responded turning his head to see Mariah gaping like a fish out of water.

 

“You…” she nearly screamed while pointing a finger at Kai. “You've completely corrupted him.” He face was tinged red with anger.

 

“I have no idea what you're talking about,” the bluenette was certainly having fun with this, even if his face didn't show it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw realization dawn on Rei's face. Good, he's caught on… Apparently Gary has, too, he thought as he glanced at the large neko-jin on the other side of the room. The bear master seemed to be having a fit trying to keep a straight face.

 

“Well,” Rei spoke up, his tone completely serious though his eyes betrayed the fact that he was greatly amused. “I don't see how Kai could have anything to do with it,” the innocence he managed to convey was a work of art as he continued on, responding to Mariah's earlier accusation. “Since I was the one who wanted Michael to join us this morning.” If anything, the lynx master was growing redder as she sputtered in indignation.

 

“You can't be serious,” she cried out. “You're telling me that you, of all people, initiated a threesome? With two other men?” Gary couldn't keep it in any more, and neither could Michael, for that matter. As the auburn haired teen clutched his side in laughter, tears rolled down the neko-jin's face at the hilarity of the situation.

 

“You seemed to have jumped to some rather interesting conclusions, Mariah,” Kai smirked as the girl looked on, confused.

 

“But…” she started. “But he said that… and then Rei said…”

 

“I believe,” Michael gasped for breath. “That what I said was that Rei had been the one to call me over, but that he had to step out for awhile and that we were waiting for him to get back.”

 

“I don't know how you could have come up with a threesome from that,” Rei shook his head at the utter foolishness of his former teammate. “What were you doing here anyway?” he asked knowing very well what the answer would be, but he wanted her gone so he could find out why Michael and Kai were really waiting on him. Mariah huffed at being made to look stupid in front of Rei but answered anyway.

 

“I wanted to see what you were doing today,” she answered. “I thought that maybe we could go grab lunch this afternoon and catch up with each other.” The smile on her face was sickeningly sweet.

 

“She really doesn't get it, does she?” Michael muttered, the words directed to Gary who had moved to join him on the couch. He'd forgotten how sensitive neko-jin hearing was as Rei was the one who responded while Mariah glared at him over her shoulder.

 

“No, she doesn't,” he stated before turning his attention to the rose haired girl. “Look, Mariah,” he began. “You need to stop this. I'm with Kai. I'm 100% gay, as well, which means that even if I weren't with Kai, I still wouldn't think of you as anything more than a sister.” He sighed as he prepared to say something, possibly the only thing that might penetrate her stubborn mind. “If you keep up the way you are, I'm not going even be able to think of you as a friendly acquaintance.” If the stunned look on her face was anything to go by, the words had gotten through, and for a moment, she looked as though she would agree to stop pestering him. Unfortunately, that moment passed and her face hardened in determination.

 

“I won't lose you to him,” she hissed, baring her fangs. Stepping around Rei, she sent one last glare in Kai's direction before storming out of the suite.

 

“That was fun,” Kai muttered sarcastically as he moved to place an arm the golden eyed teen's tense shoulder. It was clear that her continual refusal to understand had angered him to the point that he no longer considered her a friend; he could also see the hurt in the tiger's eyes before it was quickly pushed back.

 

“So,” the raven haired neko-jin smiled in an attempt to lighten the mood. “You two made Mariah think we were going have a threesome.” At the mention of the earlier deception, Michael grinned.

 

“I hadn't planned on it,” he admitted. “But she implied that Kai was cheating on you with me.” Kai snorted at that. “After that, I just couldn't help myself.”

 

“I can see why,” Gary joined in; he too had grown weary of the pink haired teen's attitude and was no longer sympathetic towards her as he had been only two days ago. “The look on her face when Rei caught on and started playing along was priceless.”

 

“Yeah,” Rei agreed. “By the way,” he began. “Why were you waiting on me to get back? I know I couldn't add anything new to the conversation.”

 

“Michael came up with something,” Kai was the one to answer. “It wasn't so much a big deal that he be here when you were told, but as it was his reasoning that worked it out, I thought that he might be able to add more insight as we told you about it.”

 

“Fresh perspective?” the tiger master questioned.

 

“Exactly,” the bluenette confirmed. “Since he's more on the outside of things right now, he has a unique point of view on certain details.”

 

“So what is it?” Gary asked. “Or is this one of the things that I can't know about?” There was no contempt in his voice as he asked whether or not he should stick around for the upcoming conversation.

 

“No, it's fine if you know,” the phoenix replied. “It's the plan of attack that some of you won't know the full details of.” The large blader nodded, relief flooding his system for the simple fact that he wouldn't have to go back to his own suite, knowing full well what Kevin and Lee were up to. The next twenty minutes or so were spent with Michael and Kai explaining the conclusions they had drawn concerning the extent of Voltaire's involvement in BioVolt. Not long after that, the four decided that now would be a good time to grab something to eat and left the suite.

 

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“This is impossible!” Takao yelled out in frustration as his blade sailed out of the dish for the third time in a row. “There's no way I can beat either one of you.” The dragon master had long since given up the arrogant idea that he was the best blader to be found, but he hadn't realized how truly powerful Kai was. He hadn't faced Rei, yet, but the navy haired blader had a fair idea the results would be more of the same.

 

“Not if you keep with that attitude, you won't,” Kai snapped. “You're so busy focusing on the fact that you haven't won, that you've completely missed the progress you've made.” Takao blinked as he heard the compliment, albeit harshly given, from his captain. Replaying each match in his mind, he realized that Kai was right; he had improved.

 

“Kai is right,” Rei spoke up from where he, Max and Kenny were looking over the data Dizzy had compiled. “You're speed has nearly tripled, and you're attack power has increased six times over.”

 

“The only thing you haven't improved much with is defense,” Kenny added as he glanced up to look at the capped teen. “You should try concentrating on that for the next several rounds,” he advised. Takao nodded his understanding and turned back to Kai.

 

“Try to stay in the dish for as long as possible,” the two-tone bluenette instructed as they readied their launchers. “Concentrate on endurance and evasion. Don't worrying about attacking this time.”

 

“Right,” the navy haired blader acknowledged. As the two began the battle, the three other Bladebreakers looked on.

 

“Do you think he'll be ready in time for the finals?” Max asked, his blue eyes never leaving the dish. Rei turned his head to slightly face the blonde.

 

“If he keeps training the way he is,” the tiger responded thoughtfully. “Then I'd say he has a good chance of being able to really compete with either Spencer or Ian.”

 

“But not Tala or Bryan?” the Chief questioned. Both he and Max were now fully focused on the neko-jin. There was no need for them to watch as the laptop's camera was recording the battle.

 

“No,” he answered truthfully. “Not unless he improves to the point where he can at least draw with Kai or myself.”

 

“You don't think that will happen, then,” Max stated more than asked.

 

“Not in the short amount of time we have left before the finals,” the raven haired teen stated. “He has the potential, just as you do, to be at the same level as us. There just isn't enough time right now.”

 

“Ok,” the blonde paused before continuing. “So if we both have the potential to be that strong, why exactly was Takao the one you guys decided should fight?” He wasn't exactly upset that his best friend had been chosen over him to blade in the finals, but he was still fairly depressed at not having Draciel even though he knew he would get her back.

 

“He was further along than you at the time,” Kenny was the one to answer. “His battle at the abbey gave him an edge you didn't have.” Rei nodded his agreement with the analyst.

 

“I'm sorry about what happened,” the neko-jin once again apologized to the blue eyed teen having instinctually known where the question had really come from. “I know it doesn't make up for what we did, and I know it doesn't help that it was the only thing we could come up with to protect the Demolition boys from Boris, but we're both sorry that you're going through this.” The blonde sighed as he listened to Rei speak.

 

“It's okay,” his tone was somewhat subdued. “I know you did the only thing you thought you could do. I just don't think I can really understand how them having Draciel helped things.” He fell silent momentarily before going on. “Intellectually, you're explanation makes perfect sense to me. Dragoon is stronger and would have given Boris the edge he needed to basically forego the formalities of the tournament, so it had to be Draciel for that reason. I guess I just have a hard time accepting the fact that any of us would have had to give up our bit beast in the first place.”

 

“Like Lee said the other night,” Kenny began. “You probably don't want to know.” The neko-jin gave the computer genius a side-long glance. Apparently the computer genius had inferred more from their vague reference about keeping Boris off the Demolition Boys' backs than he and Kai had originally assumed. He's not as naïve as he lets us think he is.

 

“Maybe not,” the blonde conceded. “But I would like to be told something… something that would justify it.” Rei nodded and thought a moment about how much he could tell his friend. He settled for being vague; if Max couldn't figure it from what he was about to say, then that was fine because it meant he was really as innocent as his demeanor showed, and he wouldn't do anything to shatter that.

 

“If they had gone back to the abbey down two bladers and empty handed,” Rei spoke in low tone so that there was no chance Takao could hear him from the dish. It wouldn't do to disrupt his concentration. “Then they would have had to face a rather harsh reprimand. I'm not going to elaborate any further than that.” The haunted look that he had seen in their eyes the night Rei and Kai returned finally clicked, and everything fell into place.

 

“You understand, now, don't you?” the brunette asked quietly. Max turned his ocean-blue gaze to Kenny.

 

“Am I the only one who didn't pick up on that?” he questioned. The chief shook his head.

 

“I don't think either the girls or Eddie figured it out,” Rei answered. “They were too focused on other issues to realize what we were saying. I'm also pretty sure Takao didn't see it, either. I am curious, though,” he turned to Kenny. “How it is that you seemed to figure it out so easily. You've always seemed the most innocent of us all.” The inquiry wasn't meant to insult the brunette, and it wasn't taken that way either. Kenny hadn't wanted them to think anything other than what they did about them.

 

“There's a reason why I don't let anyone see my eyes,” was the only thing he would say, but Rei understood. The eyes could show the world everything you didn't want people to see. Whatever ghosts haunted Kenny's nightmares, pieces of his own past, would reflect in his eyes, and he hadn't wanted to let anyone know that his childhood wasn't as perfect as he let them believe it to be.

 

“If you ever want to talk…” Rei let the offer hang in the air before completing it. “Kai and I both would listen.” Kenny nodded his acknowledgement as the three returned their attention to the battle. I knew they both had bad things in their pasts, the brunette thought as he looked out at the dish. I just never thought that it might be as screwed up as mine. It wouldn't be so bad if someone knew about me, and who better to talk about to than two people who would understand. As Kenny watched Takao's blade fly from the dish for what Dizzy reported to be the third time since beginning to work on defense, he smiled. Maybe they can even find a way to help me, find a way to keep me from having to go back.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------

 

“I assume you're here to inform us about what has transpired over the last few days?” Robert inquired to the two All Stars that were at his team's door. Emily nodded.

 

“The Majestics is the only remaining team that has not been attacked in some way by the Demolition Boys,” she began as the German gestured for her and Eddie to enter. “We think you need to know what's going on, and we're hoping that you would all be willing to help us with our own plans.” Both Americans missed the raised eyebrows from the four members of the Majestics as they took the offered seats in the suite's common room.

 

“Maybe you should tell us everything from the beginning,” Johnny spoke up from his perch against the window. “Then we can decide whether we should help you or not.” The redhead was fairly skeptical about their motives. He may have been hotheaded, and he certainly admitted to having had a heated rivalry with Kai - only his team was aware of the unadulterated respect he held for the phoenix wielder - but he also realized there was a certain tension between the Bladebreakers and the All Stars, specifically between Rei, Kai, Eddie and Emily. He had his suspicions about what it was, and he wasn't about to trust what these two would be saying, but he was also more than willing to play along until he got a clearer picture of the situation. It seems Robert is thinking along the same lines, he noted as he glanced to his team's captain. Enrique and Oliver look as though their playing it neutral as well.

 

“That's perfectly reasonable,” the girl agreed. “By now you all know that both Rei and Kai have returned to the Bladebreakers.” No one missed the utter disdain with which she spoke the neko-jin's name.

 

“We're aware of that, yes,” Robert answered for them.

 

“We've also been given the general overview of things by Mr. Dickenson,” Oliver spoke up. Next to him, Enrique nodded his head.

 

“We're under the impression that neither had much of a choice in their actions,” the blonde added.

 

“That's not exactly true,” Eddie informed them. “We were given a somewhat more detailed explanation a couple of nights ago, and while it may be true enough that Rei had no choice, Kai willingly changed teams.”

 

“There's more to it than that,” Robert interrupted as Emily opened her mouth to speak. “We are not as uninformed about the situation as you seem to believe,” he continued, masking his smug satisfaction at the surprised look on her face. Of course, he was telling a bald faced lie, but she didn't need to know that; they really were only given an extremely insufficient summary of what had occurred. The fact of the matter was that he had come to respect Hiwatari Kai during their brief encounter in Europe as the bluenette had more than proven himself to be an honorable man. He hadn't had much interaction with Rei, but given the high regard with which Kai held the raven haired teen, he felt that he also deserved his respect.

 

“I'm interested in hearing what you think about all of this,” Johnny put in. So he's going to play on the fact that everyone thinks he hates Kai, Robert mused. It might be worth it if they try to cause trouble for the plans they've made with Dickenson to put a stop to this BioVolt.

 

“Personally,” Eddie wasn't doing a very good job at masking his pleased expression at finding someone who might sympathize with his and Emily's views. “We think that they weren't forced into anything. We think it was a flat out lie that Rei was caught, considering the fact that he went back to the abbey to meet with Tala.”

 

“Why wouldn't he?” It was Oliver who raised the question. “If I understood what happened correctly, they're brothers. It wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility that they were both so overwhelmed at seeing one another again that neither took into consideration all the consequences of meeting.” They had at least been given enough information to know that Rei was related to the Demolition Boys' captain, the story being that hadn't remembered one another until being face-to-face.

 

“Then you would also have to agree that it's possible that Rei and Tala never forgot one another in the first place,” Emily responded, though she was looking to the Scotsman, observing his reactions to what was being said. “In fact, both Kai and Rei could have been conspiring with BioVolt since the beginning.” She was much better at hiding her satisfaction when Johnny nodded, appearing to agree with her assessment.

 

“You can't fake the pleasure Rei got out of beating me so harshly during our match,” Eddie added. “You also can't fake the pleasure Kai got out of trashing our blades.”

 

“That's true,” the redhead conceded. Though I think that had nothing to do with the reasons you're giving, he added silently. He had overheard Rei's half of a phone conversation with someone he could only presume to be from the White Tigers, and from what he had picked up, neither Emily nor Eddie had been very friendly with him when the Bladebreakers were in America. If his assumption was correct, it would also follow that Kai would be none-too-pleased with the two All Stars.

 

“I can't say that I agree with you,” Enrique gave his opinion. “If Stanley Dickenson believes that whatever they're doing is what needs to be done, then I'm willing to leave things as they are.” He didn't bother to acknowledge the weak glare the basketball player gave him; it was nothing compared to some of the looks Johnny was capable of giving. Apparently, Oliver was in complete agreement with him.

 

“If you're here for no other reason than to beg for trouble, then I think I have better things to do,” Unicolyon's master said as stood, the blonde joining him. The green haired teen may have been known for being fairly easy going, but he wasn't about to play that role if they were going to badmouth someone he considered a friend, Rei being said friend. The others remained silent as the two Majestics exited the suite. Once the door closed behind them, Robert spoke up.

 

“I have to agree with Oliver and Enrique on this matter,” he informed their guests. “I believe you're wasting your time trying to persuade us into helping you with your own agenda. Perhaps it would be better if you left.” His mask of politeness never once left his face, but the undertone was quite clear. As the two scowling All Stars moved to the door, though, they were intercepted by the red haired Scotsman under the guise of escorting them to the door.

 

“I think my teammates acted too rashly,” he told them quietly; Robert had no trouble acting as if he couldn't hear the words. “If the two of you are available later this evening, I would like to continue this discussion.” Emily smiled.

 

“Of course,” she replied easily. “We can meet for dinner at, say, seven?”

 

“That would be fine,” Johnny answered as he opened the door for them. Once they were gone, he moved to join Robert on the couch.

 

“I'll try to speak with Kai tonight while you're with those two,” the German finally spoke. “I have a feeling that we're going to need to keep them from interfering with the Bladebreakers, and we'll need to know some of the more specific details if we want to help things go smoothly.”

 

“It won't be difficult getting information out of Emily or Eddie,” the redhead put in. “Everyone has already heard of my not-so-friendly rivalry with Kai thanks to Takao's mouth. They see me as sharing a grudge, even if it's not for the same reasons.”

 

“What do they have against them, anyway?” Robert was genuinely curious as Johnny had never spoken of the conversation he had overheard.

 

“I'm not entirely certain,” he began. “But I think it has something to do with Rei's heritage and some sort of confrontation between all of them in America.” At Robert's raised eyebrow, he continued. “I overheard Rei on the phone when we were all at your home in Germany. From what I could tell, Eddie and Emily tried to start something based on the sole fact that Rei is a neko-jin.” The frown on his face clearly told Robert what Johnny thought about that; he was glad to see that his teammate was disinclined towards such prejudices.

 

“I'll let Rei and Kai know not to take anything you might say to them seriously, then,” Robert stated. “I am assuming correctly that you're going to try to `befriend' Emily and Eddie?”

 

“Of course,” Johnny smirked. “I'll have them eating out of my hand by the end of the night. The only problem I have with it is the bad taste it will leave in my mouth to have to put on such an act until this is over.” He let out a sigh before continuing. “You guys are going to have to make it seem as though you're not happy with my choice of `friends' considering how clearly you and the others showed your contempt towards them.”

 

“I'll tell Oliver and Enrique when they return,” the lavender haired teen. “We'll make sure that they think we're at odds over this.” He placed a comforting hand on the shorter teen's shoulder. “I know it will be hard, pretending that you're against us, but you're doing what is necessary. I get the feeling that whatever the Bladebreakers are doing, it's a very fragile situation, and they need all the support they can get in any form. We'll make sure they're aware of your deception. You won't lose their respect.” Johnny gave his friend and captain a grateful smile. He may not have been close with any of the members of the other team, but given the chance, he would like to form a friendship with Kai, the teen who had unknowingly shown him the heart of the sport he so loved. Robert's assurances were greatly appreciated as he was almost definitely going to be `shunned' until the tournament's end.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------

 

Adept fingers swiftly flew over the keys of the laptop. Kenny wasn't even sure what he was working on at the moment as his mind was swirling with things he had tried to never think about. He had even gone so far as to take out the computer chip Dizzy was fused to so as to avoid any unwanted questions due to his distraction. He only needed a small portion of his brain focusing on whatever task he was performing at the moment, and since it was useless to try and not think about certain things at this point, the setup up was working out rather nicely. Then Kai and Rei entered the suite.

 

“What are you working on?” the neko-jin asked. He honestly didn't want to know what the Chief was doing with his computer, but he had seen Dizzy sitting next the computer and noticed the distracted air surrounding the teen. Once glance at Kai and he knew his boyfriend wanted to know what had their computer analyst so preoccupied, as well.

 

“I don't know,” the brunette sighed as he closed the laptop without bothering to figure out what he had been doing. Both the answer and the depressed tone coloring the teen's voice earned a rare, confused look from the captain. Rei wasn't as surprised as he would have been only a day ago, but this afternoon's conversation with Kenny had clued him in that the brunette had more problems than he ever let on.

 

“Are you thinking about whatever you were talking about earlier today?” the raven haired teen questioned as he dropped onto the couch nearest to the table where Kenny was sitting. Kai moved to examine the chip that contained dizzy with no protest from the shorter teen.

 

“You picked up on that, huh,” Kenny responded dryly. He wasn't in the least surprised that Rei had caught onto the fact that he was leaving out just as much as was saying. “Yeah, that's what I'm thinking about.” As he answered, the bluenette, still studying the fused bit beast, joined his lover on the couch.

 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Rei asked. The bespectacled teen shook his head.

 

“Not yet,” he replied. “I really don't even want to think about it, but since I am, I want to sort everything out before I say anything.” The three sat in silence for several minutes before Kai spoke up, taking the conversation in a completely different direction. He was concerned about the brunette's uncharacteristic behavior, but he recognized the younger teen's need to avoid whatever the issue was, for now. Right now, though, he had something he needed to propose to the Chief.

 

“I can remove Dizzy from this computer chip,” he offered while holding the bit beast out to its owner, knowing that one of the younger's desires was to be able to do more than just computer analysis for his team. If his hair wasn't so fully covering his eyes, the other two occupants of the room would have seen the wide, shocked look they contained.

 

“How?” Kenny wanted to know. “Everything I've come up with would damage her.” He was obviously interested in the prospect of being able to put Dizzy in a blade.

 

“I have a few `mementos' from the abbey,” the bluenette responded, typical smirk plastered to his face. “One of the pieces of equipment I liberated happens to be a laser cutting tool. The beam can be focused enough that it could easily be used for such a delicate job.”

 

“That's incredible!” the Chief commented enthusiastically. “I had only heard of something that sensitive to be in the developmental stages at this point.” The phoenix holder just shrugged; BioVolt, for all its terrible deeds, was one of the most scientifically advanced organizations on the planet, so he wasn't surprised that some of the things he had stolen were unavailable to the general public.

 

“I can do it now, if you want,” he stated. “It probably won't take more than an hour to finish.”

 

“Give me a few minutes to let her know what you've suggested,” Kenny requested. “After all, she deserves a say in this.” Both Kai and Rei could see the barely concealed hope that Dizzy would agree; the excitement at the thought of it was thrumming through his body. As the troubled teen grabbed his laptop and moved to another room, the lovers exchanged knowing looks.

 

“This is only a temporary fix to whatever is bothering him,” the tiger master stated. The bluenette only nodded thoughtfully. They both recognized the fact that Kenny was practically screaming abuse with his body language, and it was something to which both of them could relate. How the young man could feign innocence so well was beyond them, but it was clear that he would no longer be able to deal with his problems that way anymore, not with everything that was happening to remind him of whatever secrets he was hiding.

 

“She's agreed,” Kenny broke into their musings as he stepped back into the room. Kai nodded and held his hand out for the chip, and less than an hour later, the youngest member of their team was in possession of a powerful bit beast. They would spend the next several hours finding the appropriate blade components to build into something that could rival Takao's Beyblade, given the proper training. Some slightly sadistic part of all three of them couldn't wait to see the looks on the others' faces when they revealed this to their teammates the next day.

 

TBC