Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ The Truth Behind Demons ❯ Changes ( Chapter 20 )

Chapter 20

His name is CRACK, at least, that's what I started calling him after he jumped me in the woods. It was the only thing he had said to me until I moved to Japan; otherwise he used to just stand around and laugh.... Now.... Now he's been tormenting me about the past, about how he controls my life and always will- and he's right! I don't know what to do to make him stop and leave me alone so what am I supposed to do to silence him? Maybe tell somebody about it- Miki, Kai- maybe even Lee. He would understand better than anybody but.... He already showed me that he isn't real and if I have to tell people that I've been seeing him even after I found out about him, I'm gonna Quack! Back, pack, track...

Climbing out of bed; through aching limbs, Rei walks to the small mirror in his room. His uncle told him to sleep in today, but he wasn't about to leave this thing with Tyson and Ozuma unfinished, he had to explain to them about yesterday and why he hung out with his other friends and not them. He also had other plans. As of today he was going to stop being such a cool guy and just go back to being Rei- whomever he is; since his life had changed at such a young age, the Chinese boy doesn't even know what his own smile looks like! Much less what he likes to eat or do for fun.... Today was going to have many life altering changes whether the people in his life now like it or not.

"Step one, lose the sex appeal." Rei pulls his hair into a quick braid then wraps it in a long white, cloth dressing; squeezing it tight enough to make it look as though he had a rat tail instead of a fluffy cat tail as his normal, unwrapped, ponytails would look. "Check- one last thing." He takes out his headband from the dresser then ties it around his forehead. "Check." He smiles at his reflection in the mirror, although he only gave it a dry loose glance. Rei hated looking at himself, something about his reflection made him angry and he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't break another mirror if he saw himself again.

"Next is...." He snapped his fingers. "...Better get Lee for this part." Exiting his bedroom he searches the upstairs for his brother, hoping that he's still in his bedroom. Last night when he came into his bedroom to talk to him, Rei had spent that entire time crying on his brothers shoulder. When he finally fell asleep he woke up realizing that he owed his brother an explanation as to why he had been crying and chose not to say what for. "Lee?" He glanced into his brothers bedroom; the older boy sits on his bed, back turned from the door, it looks as if he's reading something- and he has his desk light on.

Stepping in closer, he tries to catch a glance at the book. "Lee?"

Startled, he turned around closing the book then drops it onto the floor as quickly as he could. "Hey bro!" He greets cheerfully. "I didn't know you were gonna get up." Noticing his attire, Lee frowned. "You can't be serious, are you going to school today? Didn't uncle tell you to take the day off- you need your rest."

"Nag, nag. I need to go today, I have some things I need to take care of." Stopping when he got up to the bed, he peeked over his brothers shoulder. "What were you reading just now?"

"Uhh... A book." He replied with a lame smile, hoping to get out of saying what type of book it is. Lee had stopped off at the library when he didn't find his brother at school and it didn't take a genius to figure out that he had skipped that day with some of his friends. So Lee took it as a sign and went to the library to check out a book and make some copies from the computer about his brothers condition and from what he was reading there was a good chance that his brother could fight this and get better, but there was also a chance of complete mental disfiguration and Rei wouldn't be able to tell whether or not he's coming or going.

The poor kids speech was already slipping and Lee prayed that anyone who noticed wasn't picking on him for it. According to the books, people with schizophrenia tend to think the whole world is out to get them: conspiracy, mock, teasing, completely hurtful judgment passed off on them because they're different. But he hated to lie to him; the book also said that he needs to keep a close relationship with his brother and let him know that he could trust him completely. That to Lee was an easy do.

He shrugged. "It's just some book I got from the library."

"But you were so serious; I don't even think you heard me calling you."

"Oh! Ahaha, you got me... I was reading a dirty novel. I got hooked on the things when I read over Mia's shoulder one day."

Rei smirked. "That's really pathetic. Why read when you can do the real thing."

"Believe it or not, your brother is a sap for mushy stories."

"Hahaha."

Reaching out a hand to pull his brother over for a sit; the older boy asks. "What did you wanna talk to me about?"

Sitting down on the bed, he fought away his brothers hand that was trying to adjust his headband. "I wanted you to see me smile."

"..........? Huh?"

Smiling, he asked through his teeth. "Does it look nice? Is it friendly?"

"Yeah but... what's this about?"

Turning his smile back into impassive, he shrugged. "Remember when I was a kid, and I asked you why everyone in the village hated me?"

Lee remembered that tearful day very well. Now that he thought about it, he did a lot of ass kicking in his day, he should really try to become a less violence related person.... Well, maybe after he hurts whomever is hurting his brother now. "I do."

"Well, you said something really nice to me afterward- that I should be myself and find that person who likes that in me, let them be my friend."

Shaking his head, he blinked. "I don't... know what that means exactly."

"I'm saying that.... I'm gonna try to sit with other people today at lunch- make them see that, I'm not scary; even though, they think I am."

Lee was beginning to understand now. His shy timid brother wasn't used to all that attention, especially if- to him, it seemed negative. Not to mention his illness must be making those admiring whispers out to be insults and ridicule that he doesn't need. "I think that's a great idea but, what about Tyson and Ozuma- won't they be mad?"

That silenced the younger boy briefly. His brother was starting to paint a picture now as to why his, pride and joy, little brother had spent a majority of the night crying. Him and Tyson are having a fight, which explains why he saw the boy storming out of the hospital the other day.

"Tyson and Ozuma are kind of... Well... I don't know- but it doesn't mean we aren't friends anymore it just means that... I can't be like them: snotty and mean, just because they tell me that people are beneath me and those people actually buy into it. It's not for me- I'm just- some loser-.."

"You're not a loser." He cut into his brothers words to say.

"And I have no right to treat people that way." He went on as if he hadn't heard Lee at all.

Nodding, Lee says. "Okay. I can understand that but... Rei, if they're still afraid of you don't sweat it." He pushed him on the shoulder. "They'll come around."

"Yeah..... Lee?"

"Hm?"

He sucked in a breath and let it out. "There's something else,"

"What?"

"I thought that... I should tell you this now so that you can hace-..."

"Have." He corrected as if it were just any random thing.

"Have a chance to sit with it a while..." his words lower with every one that comes out.

"This sounds serious, what is it?" He thought for sure that his brother was gonna tell him about his illness on his own; he just wasn't sure at how he should approach it. Tell him that he knows already because his therapist brought it to his attention. Or maybe that he was just studying and happened to come across something that should be called to his brothers attention.

"Lee.... Tyson is mad at me for hanging out with Kai, and the reason for this is that... he's more than a best friend, he's... my boyfriend."

Lee's face scrunched in confusion. He's gay?! That's what he wanted to tell me?! So what! I knew that! How the hell am I gonna bring up his condition to him? How can I ask him if he's still taking pills or not? He grabbed the bridge of his nose and gave it a few pinches. "What?" He said on accident.

Rei looked like he were about to have a melt down. He was just waiting for the insults, the disowning, the hatred. He shamed his family with this, just as he shamed them by being mentally ill... in China, if you're homosexual, you're considered to have a sickness that has to be taken care of or else. And now.... He couldn't lose his brother. Tossing his arms around his brother, he felt tears welling. "I'm sorry, Lee. Please don't hate me."

"Huh? Hate you?" He laughed at that. "Rei I could never hate you, it's my greatest strength." He stroked the boys hair. "I only said 'what' because I was thinking that's all. I wasn't sure I had heard you." Rei only made a sound. Lee wasn't quite sure what to make of it, it was between a scoff or shock; so being unsure he went on. "Rei, you have nothing to worry about- I already knew that you were gay."

"Y- you did?" He looked at his lap, releasing his grip around the older male. "How? When did you find out?"

"It wasn't hard..." Says the older sibling. "You and Tyson are always so quiet when you're alone and with two people you're only doing one of two things- watching porn, or acting it out."

Again Rei made that sound, this time Lee was sure it was shock. "How come you never said anything?"

"Because you didn't. I knew you would tell me when you were ready, so I left it alone." He shrugged. "I think it's great that your finding yourself and that you have someone. Tyson is nice and I know he likes you a lot."

This was all a head spin for the younger boy. Lee knew! He knew for- well, he wasn't sure how long he knew but he did and that was all that mattered. Lee doesn't hate him- he never treated him any different. Maybe his uncle would be the same way. "And you're sure you don't mind?"

"Why would I mind? It's refreshing to know that I won't lose any dates to my better looking younger brother."

"....True." He got up from the bed running from his brothers hands that were poised to tickle torture him until he screamed. "Now Lee, I was only agreeing with you- right?"

"Uh huh. I'll see you after school little brother." He tossed a pillow his way, when a thought occurred to him. "Rei,"

He paused in his retreat from the bedroom. "Hm?"

"Uncle isn't as cool about things as I am- he's old and still goes with that whole tradition thing. If we're gonna tell him, we should team up and do it."

Rei walked back into the bedroom and gave the other boy a hug. "I love you. Thank you."

"No problem." Pulling away, he fixed the boys head band at last, then gave him a shove. "You go on or you'll be late."

"Okay. I'll see you after school... and thanks again."

Lee waved him off, then went to the side of his bed to grab the book. He still had a lot more to learn from the thing, and little time to do it. Hey! Rei's going to school- which means, his room will be empty and he can search it for the pills! Perfect. He can say he found them and ask him about them- this day is gonna work out all right.   * * *

Rei walked slowly to the school building. He was crying, it had started when he reached the place where he usually met up with Tyson and Ozuma but the two boys weren't there. He knew it, they were still mad at him and it is eating him up inside.

Why can't I just be honest with them about this? Because they're gonna treat me differently that's why. So I guess, school wise, ditching them first really is the best solution- not to mention, Tyson will kick me out of the A-rank any way for being a retard. He hates them! Seeing the school up ahead, his steps freeze. Maybe I still have time to go home? Shaking his head, he presses on; he had to get this over with.

Classes were boring as usual; people were quietly doing their work or chatting with their friends while working and all Rei could do was lay his head on his desk and stare at Ozuma. Why was he ignoring him? Was forgetting about Tyson really that serious, or was it that he hung out with Kai? He had to know.

"Ozuma?" His voice surprised him at how heavy it sounded, like he may be on the verge of falling into a heavy sleep. The indian boy turned his head but said nothing, so Rei went on. "How come you guys weren't there to walk to school with me? I was gonna show up."

"Yeah well, we weren't so sure of that so we figured why bother."

Rei closed his eyes. "Is Tyson still mad at me?"

"Not entirely, about the thing he was mad at you for in the first place, but since he found out that you cut school with that Kai guy, he's been on the verbal war path." He turned his attention back to the board, which the teacher is writing on.

"I'm such a screw up." Rei mutters to himself. How could he make things right? Sleep with him again? Tyson seems to really enjoy sex and Rei didn't care either way, but if it would make him happy than he will do it. "I'm not gonna be at high school forever.... everything will go back to normal in January."

"Tch. You think it's that simple?"

"Isn't it?"

"Rei, once you've started hanging out with people after school, that's it! You're friends and nothing's gonna change it."

"That's stupid, you guys are my friends first. I should come in first to you too."

"For you too." He snapped. "What's gotten into you lately? Are you drunk now?"

"You're one to talk...." Shaking his head, he opens his eyes. "I'm not gonna fight with you; I'm sorry."

"Yeah."

.....................

The morning sagged on and finally came Gym. He had been rehearsing what to say to Tyson when he saw him but the blunette was nowhere to be found. That was odd. Tyson loves Gym class, it's the one thing he isn't failing in actually. Going over to the high school he felt a huge weight being lifted from his shoulders; Kenny was still treating him like normal, talking as they walked across the street, and the moment he passed through the door he felt Tala place his arm around his shoulders and Kai take his hand.

"Glad you're feeling better." Said the ash haired Russian.

"Yeah," chimes Tala. "You kind of scared me there for a minute- didn't know food poisoning hit so hard."

"Neither did I." He smiled. Uh-oh... When did this become so comfortable? Me being greeted by these guys like this, Kai at my hand Tala using me as a crutch and Spencer and Bryan and Ian picking up the rear... Security... it feels.... nice.

Bryan admired the boys wrapped hair, by touching it for a second, before asking. "You gonna eat lunch with us Rei."

"Of course he is!" Says Tala with all the confidence in their new friend.

"Actually, I can't. I promised to eat at my school today."

"What for?" Says an unseen Spencer.

"Because I have to." His eye winced. "Because I have to."

"You don't sound entirely convinced." Kai comments.

"Stop bullying me, assholes- I can eat where I want!" Pulling away from them he stomps off to his class.

Watching after the boy, Tala shakes his head. "What the hells gotten into him?"

"Must have had a fight with his boyfriend or something." Guessed the solid gray haired Russian.

A fight with his boyfriend? Kai could barely hide his smile. Things were working out perfectly.

.....................

"You said what to him?" Tyson shoved open the heavy double door, entering the lunch room.

"I told him that he's in deep shit for skipping yesterday and that he shouldn't expect us to be nice to him if he's gonna hang around with those high school jerks."

"You said that, really?" He takes a seat at there table.

"Yeah." Ozuma shrugs. "He deserves it! Where does he get off treating us like-... D's or C's?"

"Yeah! Yeah, he does have some nerve. Boy if he were to walk in here right now-..." His voice crapped as he saw the very person he spoke about walk into the lunch room. Everyone was looking actually, because Rei was making his way over to the table- not Tyson and Ozuma's table, but a lower class table. A low whisper filled the room as he did this.

Zeo, who has been invited by Ozuma to sit with them cocked his head at his new friends actions. "Why is Rei going over there?" He asked in a tone loud enough for said person, whom is at the other side of the lunch room, to hear.

"I don't know." Says Tyson and Ozuma in sync.

Rei sat down at a table with the lower half and smiled sweetly at them. All the boys were frozen, some mid-bite, some just about to grab something to eat and others had been frozen since they figured out where he was planning on sitting. "Hi." He greeted. "Can I sit here?"

"Uh... uh..." A boy with short/long green hair stammers. "We- uh...."

Rei opened his lunch. "I brought lots to eat, if you want some I don't mind sharing." Pushing his lunch bag over to them, he nods his head to encourage them. "Go ahead."

A tall, lanky looking spanish boy gulped loudly before saying. "Are you sure you're at the right table- R- rrr," the name, so seductive as sin caught in his throat to the point that he had just let it drop after that.

"I know where I am. I just thought I should come over and introduce myself- I think you're all ok people so," he shrugs. "Why not make friends."

The blond boy speaks again. "But, you're A-rank and... they don't do that- I mean, not to say you're dumb or anything,"

"Enrique!?" Says the feminine looking male with the green hair. "Ssshhh!" He knew better than to pick on the popular kids, he was beaten up pretty bad last year for saying something about Ozuma's scent because of all that smoking.

"I thought I'd shake things up a bit." Says Rei. "So go ahead, dig in.... Really, I don't mind."

The boys are still frozen in fear of him. It was insane. Was he really that bad when he first started hanging out with Tyson and Ozuma? The only thing he could remember clearly was shoving a kid into a locker because he didn't feel like moving around him when the three of them were walking down the hall. He wondered if one these boys was that kid.

A shorter male, with reddish hair piped up and said in a calm, polite voice, "P- please just go."

Rei dropped his jaw. Was this kid serious? Grabbing his things, he shook his head and moved away. Maybe he'd have better luck with the C's. He wasn't so sure about sitting with guys that were just- ok with life. Guys like Max. He still wondered about that boy. He was such a mystery- cute too! How he wasn't an A-class is beyond Rei, he must not have passed that stupid test to get in.

"Hey Rei over here!" Shouts Zeo waving a hand.

Rei waved back but he chose to leave the lunch room rather than sit with his friends. When he got to the bathroom he took out his things and ate slowly, trying to hold back his tears. Lee said not to get discouraged but this was really annoying, trying to figure out who he fit in with. Maybe he should just quit school altogether. That would solve all of his problems right away.

"Rei?" Says a voice he isn't too familiar with. "It is you, isn't it?"

"Can I help you?" He asked without looking up.

"Hey! It's nice to finally meet you!" The boy was standing beside him now. "I'm Max Mizuhara- well, Max Tate, but only when I live in the states."

"Rei Kon." He shook his hand.

"I know. How are things going with you?" He asks, the smile on his face never leaving. "I heard you're with Tyson. He's great isn't he?"

"Yeah... he is."

"Do you know what he's so mad about though? It's not like him to be upset."

Rei shrugged. "Nothing for long. I'm gonna hopefully fix everything later on."

"That's great!" He noticed he has his lunch with him. "Can I join you? I don't usual eat in a bathroom but, for you, I'll make an exception." He laughed a bit.

Rei laughed as well. "Yeah, sure."

"Awesome." He takes half of the boys turkey sandwich, taking a big bite. "Mmmm. You make this? It's really good."

"Yeah. Thanks."

The two boys spoke about nothing really spectacular as they ate. Max is a really nice kid, Rei thought. He could probably be in the same position in this school as he is. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all.