The Trials Of Love And Life

I do not own Beyblade of any of it’s characters. Any side character belongs solely to me and will not be touched or used by another.

Summary: Review to chapter 1.

Writing Style: Review to chapter1.

A/N: So yea, went mad crazy on the last chapter and added a tone of shit that might have cleared up a few things, or made you even more confused than before. But, know this, if you are confused, everything does get figured out as the chapters go on.


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Chapter 12.


Fall drew nearer, the leaves purpling and falling thickly across the grounds of Mandarin. People were still talking about the party, laughing and cheering about, sharing a few stray drinks that never got finished or opened. People laughed, hanging out in the grounds, chatting happily, acting upon their normal lives. Everyone was happy, people screaming and tossing around the large beach balls, kicking soccer balls or just chatting idly ...

Or, at least, most were happy. Monday arrived thick and muggy, the clouds hanging low and grey, wind cold enough to make a second standing outside sting. The chill brought forth the winter winds and more fallen leaves as students filed to their classes with friends. Ray, from a different standard, felt like life had dropped a bomb on him. He sat down in Professor Vectors Premeditation’s Class and pulled out his books, keeping his eyes from everyone.

Slow, boring, and having fallen asleep at least twice, Ray woke up just as Professor Vector released the class, his drowning voice rising over the clatter and ample volume as the class shuffled to the doors.

“Don’t forget to read pages 215 to 295 and turn it into a four page essay. You must also hand in a application if you plan on going home over the Christmas break.”

Ray shuffled out into the hall with everyone else. He had twenty minutes before his next class. Well, he had twenty extra minutes, and he hadn’t seen a specific someone since Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Maybe I’ll go visit him, Ray thought.

He walked across the ground and down into the Defense’s room, knocking on the door. He knew either Professor Hiwatari would be here or in his office in the main building. He just hoped he was here rather than all the way up four flights of stairs and down six hallways. The door clicked and creaked open and his heart leapt.

“Professor Ivanov,” Ray said, surprised.

“Mr Kon – am I right?” Tala said.

“Yes – um – is Ka – Professor Hiwatari here?” he asked, slapping himself mentally for almost saying Kai’s name as if he knew him personally.

Tala gave him a thoughtful smile and nodded. “Come in.”

He stepped through the door and looked around. The room was bare of almost everything except for the usual blue mats on the floor and the single, brand new, hanging punching bag. Kai was standing next to it, his back to the other two, one fist against the wall, a very dangerous and feral look on his face.

In Ray’s view he looked much pale and lanker, like he was suffering something. His eyes were closed, hair matted with sweat. His upper body – nude completely – was glistening with sweat and Ray, for the first time, saw two of the three gun shot wounds he was inflicted long ago that scarred his skin.

“Kai, you have a visitor,” Tala said, turning to the training bag near the floor.

As if stunned out of a deep sleep, Kai turned swiftly and looked upon Ray as if he barely knew him at all. He glanced at Tala, who was hunched over the large duffle bag, sucking back on a bottle of water.

“Toss me a towel,” Kai said.

Tala didn’t even look up as he chucked Kai a white towel. The slate haired man wiped his brow, draping the towel over his shoulders and walked forward, a water bottle in hand. His bangs fell handsomely in his flushed face, his eyes looking more tired and sleepier than ever.

“Um – ” Ray said stupidly.

“Let me shower then we can go to my office,” Kai said in a business-like tone. “Meet me there, will you.”

Ray nodded and fled the room quickly. Kai watched him out and turned to Tala, glaring angrily at him. The redhead stood and glared back. They sized each other up and Kai walked toward Tala, standing a good two inches above the other.

“If he heard anything – ” Kai snapped.

“He didn’t hear a thing,” Tala bit back.

Kai looked away, glaring at the floor mats. Tala softened his gaze and rubbed Kai’s shoulder comfortingly.

“Kai, this is serious,” Tala whispered.

“I’ll be fine,” Kai muttered.

“You were coughing up blood, Kai,” Tala snapped, getting angry again. “That’s not fine.”

“Drop it, Tal,” Kai hissed dangerously. “Your case is more important, so let’s not worry about my problems. When every things done and you’ve won, we can worry about me, okay.”

“Promise,” Tala whispered, exasperated.

Kai smiled at him and pinched his cheek, smirking when Tala batted his hand away and glared at him.

“I promise.”

*~*~*

“Mr Kon,” Kai said, approaching Ray where he stood shifting from foot to foot. “Please, enter my office.”

Ray nodded and walked in before Kai who was holding the door open. He looked around at the large classroom that stood below him, the large arched blackboard and long black desks stretching in a semicircle around the room. At the right side in the far corner was a spacious office. Kai passed Ray wordlessly and walked down the stairs toward the office.

“Follow me,” he said seriously.

Ray took each step two at a time, following Kai through the door into the large office. It was dim but handsomely decorated. A long painting of a sunset over the Giza Pyramid stood erect behind the leather backed chair in the middle of the office. A long row books shelved neatly along the left wall and three black filing cabinets were the other occupants of the room.

The door clicked shut and Ray was sure he heard the lock clink into place. He turned and Kai’s lips were on his almost at once, pressing him back into the large mahogany desk. He moaned, grabbing at Kai’s suede jacket and pulling it away from his body. Ray panted, their mouths inching away from one another as their tongue slid out and danced together.

“Nnnhn, Kai,” Ray moaned.

“I’ve missed you,” Kai growled, lifting Ray to sit on the desk surface.

He blushed as Kai attacked his neck with nips and bites. A hot mouth and tongue licked and kissed down his collar onto his chest. He stiffened and groaned as a hand massaged his inner thigh, making his blood rush to his groin. With a gasping pant, he pulled Kai onto the desk with him and laid back, crushing their lips together again.

Suddenly, it was gone. The heat, the pleasure, was gone. Ray sat up, breathless and shaking as he wiped his brow of the gathering sweat. He looked around and saw Kai clutching a white cloth to his mouth, glaring at the floor. He patted his chest and uncovered his mouth, breathing heavily.

“Kai,” Ray whispered worriedly.

“In school it’s Professor,” Kai said, but smirked all the same.

“What’s wrong, Professor,” Ray asked, sliding off the desk and cupped one of Kai’s cheeks, searching his eyes.

With glaring realization he noticed just how much older Kai was looking. It was as if he had aged more than ten years over night. His face, not just pale, was thin and lank. The small form of wrinkles were suddenly appearing under his eyes and he seemed to be less energetic and powerful. He still held his authority, but it was waning slowly.

“It’s nothing,” Kai said, sighing heavily and walking around the desk to fall into the leather chair. “Just feeling a little off colour today.”

He tossed the tissue into the wastepaper basket beside his desk and leaned back into his chair, looking over Ray slowly with his mysterious crimson eyes. Kai knew he hadn’t fully relieved the neko of his suddenly risen worry. His eyes were still glowing softly and enlargened like that of a small puppies.

Ray could tell he was lying. He walked around the desk and knelt before Kai, staring into his downcast eyes. Something was swimming within them ... a fear. It was gone in a flash and Kai stared back at Ray, brushing his knuckles softly over the neko’s soft tanned cheek. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on Kai’s thighs and brushed his Professors lips with his fingers.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he whispered.

Kai kissed his palm gently and said softly, “it’s nothing.”

“You’re lying to me,” Ray sighed, looking away.

Kai cupped his cheeks and turned him so he was staring deeply into crimson eyes. Slowly, they leaned in together and kissed, slow and soft. The phone rang and Ray sprang to his feet and dove behind the desk, staring with shock down at the electronic instrument. He heard Kai chuckle and glared none to threateningly in the slate haired mans direction.

/Professor Hiwatari/ Kai said, into the phone. /Oh, Headmaster ... yes, I got your message ... no, not today .../

Ray looked over the office and his eyes suddenly fell upon the wastepaper basket. He leaned forward in his seat, staring around the edge of the desk into the small wire trash bin and saw the white tissue paper. It was splotched red, some of the blood still shining and wet. Ray looked back up quickly when the phone was placed noisily back onto it’s hook.

“So, Mr Kon, what can I do for you?” Kai asked, smirking suggestively. “Or maybe – ” he added in a silky tone, “ – to you?”

Ray smirked and tilted his head to the side, leaning forward in his chair to prop his elbows on the front of Kai’s large mahogany desk. The latter did the same, his fingers together, resting his chin on the back of his hands. Ray glanced back to the wastepaper basket and sighed.

“Why is their blood on that rag?” Ray asked, his tone serious.

Kai glared at him momentarily and Ray felt he was invading the others privacy. Who was he to order Kai into telling him what was wrong with him. They had been together for three days and already he was barking orders to the older man and wondering about his health. Kai was twenty nine, he could take care of himself.

“It’s nothing of importance,” Kai said, sitting back in his chair again. “I’m going to see a doctor first thing tomorrow afternoon.”

He boldly stared at ray with his lying eyes, but the other did not see that deep into him. Sighing, Ray smiled and leaned forward even more into the desk, smirking just as suggestively as Kai had done. Giving Ray a mysterious smirk, he too, leaned forward.

RIIIIIIIIIIIING!

Ray jumped ten feet in his chair, staring around the room as the bell rang loudly in the closed office. Students began milling into Kai’s class, chatting loudly and taking their respected seats around the room. Kai was focused on the class as their moved in, his back rigid. He looked to Ray again and stood, walking around the desk to block the people outside from view.

“Come here at lunch,” Kai whispered, leaving a gently peck on the others cheek.

Nodding, the neko stood and left, the class turning to the pair as Kai closed the door. Kai walked briskly to his desk and pulled out a random essay and looked at Ray, who immediately got the hint and joined him.

“You’re essay needs a bit of work, but it’s still good,” Kai said loudly, the class losing their interest in them and going back to their chatting.

Ray looked round at them before facing Kai again.

“Get to class,” Kai whispered.

*~*~*

“And in the process ... ” the bell rung in Professor Tetra’s class, the elderly old woman looking up rather forlornly. “Oh dear, class is over. Well, this discussion shall continue tomorrow class. Remember your essays due on Wednesday.”

Everyone stood noisily (like in every class) and filed toward the door. They laughed and pointed at their friends as everyone split up for lunch that afternoon. He had seen Tyson and Miguel talking and laughing down the hall. They had hailed to him to join their conversation, but he said he was busy and fled for Kai’s classroom office.

He carried his way up the stairs and turned the corner just as Kai and Professor Ivanov appeared from within, Tala looking rather sullen and angry, Kai more exasperated and tired. Tala eyed Kai before touching his shoulder and walking off in the opposite direction, taking the near staircase and descending out of sight.

Smiling, Ray moved nearer, Kai still having not noticed him. He snuck in behind the taller man and snaked his arms gently around his waist, propping his head on Kai’s shoulder to stare in the same direction as him. The slate haired man did not flinch in shock at the touch; merely he smiled and looked sideways at Ray.

“Ready to go?” Kai asked.

“Hm, what do you mean?” Ray asked, slipping in front of Kai. “Where are we going?”

“I’m bloody tired and need coffee. Oh, and I never stay in the school at lunch, not matter how long a break is,” Kai said, walking the way in which Tala had disappeared.

“But I always see you in the cafeteria,” Ray said. “Usually with Professor Ivanov.”

“That would be Professor Ivanov’s doing,” Kai said in mock gloominess.

“But what about that time you saved Tyson from ... ” he shuddered as he said the name, “Michael.”

“I got a tipoff from a student that someone was being harassed, so I went to investigate. As a Professor it is my duty to not only teach, but to also protect my students and the students of other teachers,” Kai said importantly. “And I am not much a fan of Mr Parker. He was a student of mine twp years ago and was always acting like he was to be treated like someone special.”

“Let me guess, you treated him very special,” Ray said, smirking as they made their way across the grounds.

Kai smirked. “You bet. Gave the bratty kid an F and chucked him from my class.”

“Like me,” Ray said, staring at a girl who was giving Kai dreamy eyes.

“Yea, kind of like you,” his Professor said, not noticing the girl one bit.

Ray glared at him, though not to angrily, and made across the parking lot, stopping and looked around. There was no SUV, just a line of cars and some vans or some old rustic beater from the late 70\'s or 80\'s. All the lots were filled but one, which housed a very sexy looking black motorcycle with red, blue and silver flames running along it.

“Like it,” Kai said, also staring.

“Yea, it’s ... awesome.”

And it was true, Ray definitely thought it was awesome. The paint job looked fresh and glistened gorgeously in the sunlight that was moving through the thick clouds. The wheels were shimmering on their large axles, the leather seat blending perfectly with the blackened background of the bike itself.

“Is it yours?”

“Just finished fixing it up,” Kai said, stroking a hand over the polished surface. His face held a look of sadness as he stroked the bike gently. “It was my sisters.”

Ray stared sympathetically at him.

“Oh, well it’s beautiful.”

“Here.”

Kai held out a black helmet for Ray, one tucked under his own arm. The neko blanched, reaching out uncertainly for the helmet and staring at it almost stupidly. He looked up at Kai, how was smirking at him, one hand tapping at his hip, giving him a not so innocent look. Ray shook his head vigorously.

“No. No way. I’m not getting on this thing,” he said despairingly.

“And why not?” Kai asked with mock innocents.

“Oh, like you don’t know,” Ray hissed quietly as a group of ogling girls passed them.

“What don’t want to ride with me,” Kai whispered haughtily.

Ray blushed at his warm tone and looked around at the girls quickly as they passed, short skirts flying in the wind, giggling madly as they glanced at Kai every so often, more giggles following. Ray scowled at them and forced the helmet onto his head, turning his glare on Kai who smiled and placed his own helmet on.

Ray gripped tightly to Kai’s waist as the elder male revved the engine, the bike vibrating below them. Ray felt himself rub against Kai and blushed horribly pink, hiding his face from sight as they pulled from the space and out onto the road, cars and trucks whizzing by as he and Kai sped through the streets.

Ray gasped as they passed close to a large truck and he wrapped his arms tightly around Kai’s waist, hiding his head in the slate haired mans shoulder. He chanced a peek as they slowed down and entered the small parking lot of a dingy looking old coffee shop, the sign hanging over the door creaking and groaning as it swung on it’s single rusty hook, the other broken and dangling threateningly above the door.

“Um,” Ray said.

“I know it looks bad,” Kai said, pulling off his helmet and shaking his hair from his face, “but trust me, this place makes the best coffee around. Professor Ivanov and I found it a few years back.”

Ray followed Kai through the door, which squeaked and clanged shut, the bell above chiming. The place was musty and dark, small lights hanging over the odd table, people hunched together in whispered conversation. It was like out of an old movie, many people turning to stare at them. Ray reached out and grabbed Kai’s hand, gliding behind the older male for protection.

Kai squeezed Ray’s hand reassuringly from behind his back where the neko stood and led him to a table near the far end of the shop. Ray expected Kai to round the table and sit opposite him, but instead slid in beside him and placed a hand gently on his thigh.

“What can I get you two today?” said a curly haired woman, who’s hair flew in al directions, a few pencils in her puffy hair. She looked at Kai and smiled. “Oh, Professor, didn’t expect to see you today.”

“Just two of the usual, Ellie,” Kai said, staring up at the woman. “Decided to show a new addition your wonderful little place here.”

She snorted, but smiled kindly all the same and shuffled away, the few people in their booths having gone back to their whispering. Kai looked around at Ray, who, in turn, was staring around at the dusty old walls, waterlogged windows and cobwebbed till. The neko instinctively moved closer to the larger body. Cups clattered and sipping ensued as the usual whisper grew slightly louder over the grinding coffee machine.

“So ... so what’s the usual?” Ray asked, turning away from the old shop.

Kai watched him briefly. “You’ll like it.”

Not much of an answer, Ray thought glumly.

He felt Kai’s had sneak into his and hold it, the pad of his Professors thumb running gently over the back of his hand. The woman – Ellie – returned with their drinks, a cigarette positioned between her ruby lipsticked lips and placed two large, dirty looking cups on the table and left with a smile to Kai and a nod.

Ray eyed the cups suspiciously.

“Their fine,” Kai said with a heavy sigh.

Ray watched Kai pick his own cup up and sip it before it was placed back down and his beau looked around at the other people. Ray lifted his cup slowly, still unsure, and tipped it to his lips. He was halfway there when Kai’s hand appeared on his glass and it was lowered away from his mouth. He turned a wondering look on Kai, but his Professor wasn’t looking at him.

Kai took a large sip from his cup and placed it back down before turning to Ray. He grabbed his chin very gently between his thumb and forefinger and pulled their lips together. Their mouths opened and Ray felt hot liquid drizzle into his mouth, the sweet aroma and taste enveloping him. He swallowed as Kai’s tongue slid out and touched his upper lip and they drew apart.

“Good, huh,” Kai said, taking another drink from his cup and swallowing.

“Yea,” Ray said in a rushed breath. “Very ... very ... VERY good.”

Kai gave him a sideways smirk and pecked him on the lips gently before pulling up a paper and began reading it. Ray smiled at him and picked up his cup, lifting his legs and leaning against Kai to read over his shoulder. They sat in comfortable silence, both reading tidbits of the paper and having short discussions on some of the articles and stories.

“Look at this one,” Ray said, reading the caption and staring at the picture. “‘Man arrested under suspicion of the death of his wife. He suffers short term memory loss.’ Are they stupid. If he has short term memory loss do they think he’ll know if he killed her.”

“Quite observant,” Kai said, nodding his head. “Yes, they will have their hands rather tied with this one.”

Kai’s cell phone rang and he sighed, handing the paper over to ray, who took it, and watched as his Professor dug out his cellular and flipped it open. He spoke in mutters and whispers, glaring at the clock on the wall. He clicked it shut forcefully and jammed it back in his pocket aggressively.

“What’s wrong?” Ray asked, placing the paper down and massaging Kai’s inner most thigh.

“A court hearing was just set for next week,” Kai sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. “Professor Ivanov will be having his trials books soon.”

“How’s the case going, any ways?” Ray asked softly.

Kai gave him a serene look and brushed a thumb over his bottom lip. Ray smiled softly and they stood, Kai dropping a bill on the table and waving to Ellie as they left. Ray slammed the helmet back onto his head and sat down on the bike behind Kai again. They rode off down the street and back to the school, pulling into the parking lot five minutes before the end lunch bell rang.

“Don’t forget your essay on marshal status for tomorrow,” Kai said, watching as the same group fo girls walked by them toward the school, each one as giggly as the last time. “I swear, girls giggling should be illegal.”

Ray laughed silently at this one and turned to Kai, looking up at him with his head tilted serenely to the right. He took a step forward and placed his hands on Kai’s shoulders, standing on tiptoe and kissing him chastely.

“When can we do this again?” Ray asked. “I like that place. A little strange, but it was nice.”

“I’ll be doing a lot of work with the case for a few days with Professor Ivanov,” Kai said, staring at Ray with calm eyes, “and you’ll be busy with homework. So ... ”

“We can’t for a while then, can we,” Ray sighed as the bell rang.

“You have a break tomorrow at eleven before lunch, correct,” Kai said, staring at the mound of students moving to their classes.

Ray nodded.

“Well, I don’t have a class then,” Kai said, smirking suggestively. “Come by again at half past, okay.”

Ray nodded again and Kai swiftly kissed him on the cheek before Ray set off for the lawn. He turned, but Kai was already gone. He walked up the stairs toward the Chief’s class and sighed, knowing it would be a long time before he was able to see his Professor again.

How wrong he was ...

Sirens exploded just outside the Chief’s class, making everyone near the open frame jump, gasp and scream in surprise. A large group of paramedics jostled from the ambulance that had bounded over the barricade and up to the doors of the school. The Chief had gotten up from his desk and ran tot he doors, throwing them open just as two of the many paramedics ran by, students and Professors alike poking their heads from classes.

“What’s going on?” he asked quickly to one of the other Professors.

“Don’t know, but the Headmaster seems frantic,” the young lady Professor said, looking slightly shaken.

Ray squeezed between his Professor and the other one to look out into the hall, focusing on the hallway as a group of students came hobbling down the stairs, one with his hands smeared with blood was shaking the worst. A paramedic was talking to him in whisper, the boy just shaking his head or nodding it to the questions.

After what felt like hours, a stretcher was ushered through the crowd, many people moving aside hastily as the bed was ran down the long stretch of hall. Everyone gasped as a paramedic came bursting through the open doors, blood staining his white lab coat, the Headmaster at his side.

“He doesn’t look good,” the paramedic was saying as he passed Ray. “Whatever’s causing the bleeding is eating at him. He’s taken medication, but he’s still coughing up a lot of fluid and phlegm.”

Ray felt a rush of cold hit his blood stream. He had seen blood in Professor Hiwatari’s handkerchief but didn’t think much of it when Kai had told him it was nothing and not to worry. Well, he was worrying now, wasn’t he.

The stretcher was carried down the stairs and everyone turned in the general direction. Ray saw a shock of red hair and disheveled blue eyes stained red with tears. On the bed, with gasping horror, Ray saw the pale, pained expression of the slate haired Professor, his mouth covered with a ventilator that was fogged heavily with his breath.

But ...

Ray watched with rising horror as Kai’s breathing was very erratic and laboured, coming out in panting gasps and struggling breaths. His eyes were shut tightly, his hands clenched tightly into the single white blanket that was covering him ... or ... at least, the blanket was mostly white, save for the many splotches of thick blood and hand prints.

“Has this happened before?” one of the four paramedics carrying Professor Hiwatari asked the hysteric looking Tala running along side them.

“Yes, years ago, but it hasn’t happened since then,” Tala said quickly, passing Ray without a glance. “I don’t know what could have triggered it, but it hasn’t been this serious since ... ”

Their voices died away as the doors on the far side of the room slammed shut, drowning out Professor Ivanov’s final words. Ray felt numb. He backed into the wall and ran a hand shakily through his bangs, feeling the thick sweat across it. Many students, and even the Professors, had broken out into discussion that reverberated in the halls.

“What happened?”

“He started coughing ... ”

“I don’t believe ...”

“He collapsed onto the floor and started throwing up blood ... ”

“Professor Hiwatari, of all people ...”

“Someone in class called 911, but he was already having trouble breathing ... ”

“Someone ran to get Professor Ivanov ... ”

“He gave Professor Hiwatari some sort of pill and then he just passed out ... ”

Ray was only gripping part of these conversations as he staggered back into the classroom and picked up his bag. He left just as the bell rang and the groups of people split up and started walking along the halls or entering their respected classes to get their bags. The conversations went on until the end of the day, when classes ended, and everyone had went back to their own dorm rooms.

Ray, on the other hand, collapsed onto a bench just outside his dorm and stared up at the purpling sky, his eyes shocked wide with fear. He breathed heavily. So much blood. There had been so much blood.

“Kai ... ”

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A/N: *Yawns* I’m tired ... I want a cookie ... I’m horny ... *coughs at that last one* ... sorry about that. Well anyways *ducks out of the way of knives* ALRIGHT, so your angry with me. Yes, AHAHAHA, what will happen to Kai... MUWHAHAHAHA!