I\'m a father?

Title: I\'m a father?

Subtitle: The phoenix and the falcon.

Author: Lady Snowblossom

Rating: PG-13

Pairs: Rei/Bryan, Kai/Tala, Spencer/Ian, Tyson/Max and various others

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Bryan locked eyes with Rei and pointed to the entryway of the arena. His lilac eyes were grim. There was no way, he was going to allow Rei to continue to duck the issue of the upcoming matches, not now that it would be his team against Rei\'s.

\"Looks like Bryan wants to talk to you,\" Lee commented dryly, as he gazed down at the Russian.

\"Shout at me, you mean.\" Rei replied, as he poked Kai in the back. The bluenette had stood as soon as the match was over and was scowling down at the determined falcon. \"Move, Kai. I\'m hungry. You can incinerate Bryan with your infamous \'death glare\' later!\"

Kevin giggled and quickly hid his laughter behind a hand, when Kai swiveled his head to fix that deadly look on him. Gary rumbled quietly behind the green haired imp, not even trying to look intimidated.

\"Humph!\" Kai snorted, but he moved out into the center aisle and hauled Rei out to join him. The three White Tigers quickly joined them and they left to seek out some food.

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Bryan scowled, as Rei vanished through an exit. He knew Rei had seen his message; was his kitten ignoring him?

\"I don\'t think Rei is going to come down here.\" Tala murmured as he came to the falcon\'s side. \"So stop scowling like that, what if your face froze that way?\"

\"We could rent him out at Halloween as Frankenstein\'s Monster and make some extra cash.\" Ian snickered.

Bryan spun and lunged for the snake. \"THAT\'S IT! I\'VE HAD IT! NOW YOU DIE!\"

\"SSSPPPEEENNNCCCEEERRR!\" Ian squalled as he sprinted towards the dish platform in a desperate effort to outrun the taller boy, who raced after him with murder in his eye.

Spencer and Tala both sighed and decided to ignore the situation as the pair began to run a lap around the dish.

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\"Where do you want to eat?\" Lee asked Rei, \"In the cafeteria or one of the stands?\"

\"I\'m going to the International stand.\" Rei replied, as he dodged a couple of arguing fans. The group came to a halt outside a bank of elevators. \"The sign says they have Greek cuisine among others, and I\'ve always wanted to try a gyro.\" He flicked a glance to the slate haired boy, who stood lazily watching people go past. \"Kai?\"

The Russian straightened and drifted over to the neko-jin\'s; stopped in front of Rei and turned to push the \'down\' button. \"I\'m going to lunch with Tala, and check on Wyborg.\"

\"Do you really think anyone could get Wyborg fixed in two hours?\" Kevin was incredulous; \"Nobody could fix that hunk of junk that quick!\"

\"We\'ll never know until we check, now will we?\' Kai tossed over his shoulder and entered the newly arrived elevator, the rest piled in. Kai pressed \'G\', while Rei reached in front of him and pressed one.

The golden-eyed boy then looked up at his friend and frowned, \"just don\'t forget to take Tala to lunch, all right.\"

\"I won\'t, I promise.\" Kai replied, wanting to soothe the worried look on his friend\'s face. Rei nodded. Behind them, Kevin murmured softly, \"you could always HAVE Tala for lunch.\"

\"KEVIN!\" Lee and Rei sweatdropped: while Kai stared at them, bewildered by the sudden outburst. \"Wha?\" He began, just as the doors opened. Grateful that he could escape, before having to explain, why he and Lee were yelling at Kevin, which would have been just to EMBARRASSING, Rei shot out the door - taking the other neko-jin\'s with him; leaving a perplexed Russian behind.

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\"You didn\'t have to kick me!\" Ian whined; the long-nosed boy limped after his teammates pausing every now and then to rub at his abused rear end.

Bryan looked over his shoulder at the complaining youth and smiled nastily. \"If you had kept your big mouth shut, you wouldn\'t have gotten kicked, now would you?\" Turning back, the falcon glared around at the ocean of fans that had descended upon him and his companions as soon as they had exited the arena. A veritable forest of paper, pens and pencils were being shoved at them, accompanied by shouts, demands and polite requests for autographs, while a host of cameras flashed at them.

The lilac-haired Russian growled and a few of the autograph hounds shied away, suddenly nervous about the expression of cold anger on the boy\'s face. Bryan wanted out of this mess, so he could hunt his kitten down and make him see sense, and \'he will\', Bryan thought, \'if I have to lock him in a locker until the tournament is over!\'

\'Where are the security guards!\' Tala fumed as he tried to make a path for him and his team, he was only too aware of the smoldering Bryan at his shoulder. \'God, help us, if Bryan loses it!\' The redhead thought, as he scowled at a woman, who wanted him to sign her breast. \'Oh, like I\'d touch that! What is it with some of these people!\'

Concerned that Ian might get swallowed up by the enthusiastic crowd; Spencer reached down and pulled his lover forward and placed the snake firmly between himself and Bryan. All four of the Demo Boys were beginning to get antsy, this crush of bodies they found themselves in, wasn\'t something they were used to dealing with, and it was making them nervous. Back in their Abbey days, there was always guards between them and the crowd and Boris would only allow a select few to get close enough for them to give out their autographs, or have a picture taken.

“Make way! Come on! Move!”

“Finally!” Tala exclaimed as a half dozen security guards forced their way to the engulfed quartet. The leader, a tall gray haired dark skinned man reached the Russians and quickly apologized for the breakdown in protection. The rest of the guards formed a flying wedge with the Demo Boys in the middle. And they quickly found themselves at the bank of elevators, where the guards formed a wall between them, their escape route and the few fans, which had followed, still hoping for a picture or autograph. When the blue doors of the elevator opened, the four wasted no time in getting inside and riding down to the lower levels where the locker rooms were located.

The halls were brightly lit and the lights glinted on the glass that covered the posters of several big name basketball and hockey players that competed in the arena. The light reflected off the polished diamonds of the mosaic tiles that formed pictures of older arenas from the past. The halls themselves were painted blue and white. The flooring was black and white alternating marble tiles.

Reaching the door of their locker room, Tala reached out and opened it, when he stepped inside, Emily immediately descended on him.

“Well, where is . . . Oh, there you are!” She snapped at Ian, who stared at her blankly. Emily held out her hand, Ian blinked at it and Emily snorted. “Give me Wyborg! We can’t try to fix him, if we can’t examine him!”

Ian blinked again and looked beyond her to where Judy, Kai, Max, Tyson and Kenny stood behind and around a massage table that had been set up as a temporary repair bay. “Oh.” Ian said somewhat stupidly, but he handed over Wyborg and Emily hurried back and laid the shattered bits of the blade on the table and poked at the cracked core.

“This will definitely have to be replaced.” She murmured, mentally running a list of replacement parts through her head.

Meanwhile, Tyson was eyeing Ian. “Hey, man! Why are you limping? You didn’t get hurt during the match, did you?”

“No,” Ian whined, jerking a thumb toward Bryan, who scowled. “He kicked me! And I didn’t do anything!”

“Lair!” Bryan growled. Ian flinched at the cold tone and quickly darted around the reassuring bulk of his lover; putting the blonde between him and the deadly glare being directed at him. Spencer reached down and gave his mate a pat on the shoulder, while giving Bryan a mild look.

Bryan snorted and redirected his attention to where Judy Tate stood showing Kai and Tala something in her hand.

Storming up to where the trio stood, he grabbed Kai by the shoulder and pulled the bluenette around to face him. “Where’s Rei?” He demanded.

Kai gazed coldly at the hand that still gripped his shoulder. “Move it or lose it, Kuznetsov!”

“Bryan, let go!” Tala snapped as he glared at his teammate over Kai’s shoulder.

Snarling, the falcon obeyed and let go, but he continued to glower. “Well?”

“Rei is eating lunch with the White Tigers.” Kai replied, “he’ll be down later.”

“What’s he doing eating with them?” Bryan demanded, “I swear Kai, if that bitch upsets . . .”

“Mariah isn’t here.” Kai said coolly, “she remained at the hotel.”

“Boys,” Judy’s calm voice broke in, “if you are going to argue, please do it outside. It’s very hard to concentrate when people are yelling around you.” She looked down at the table before continuing. “And its’ going to require a lot of concentration to repair Wyborg.”

The trio nodded and wordlessly headed for the door and exited. When the door closed, Ian whistled softly, “I hope this place has good insurance, because they’re gonna need it!”

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Rei and the White Tigers entered the small cafe and as they crossed the white and black flooring, a familiar voice called to them. “Lee! Rei!” The lion and tiger turned their heads and spotted Michael waving at them. “Why don’t you, Kevin and Gary join us!” He indicated the surrounding tables with a wave.

The cafe’s walls were white and decorated with flags of the countries whose food, the establishment served: there was Greek, French, Spanish and English. The tables were wrought iron with a round glass top. Each table had three chairs, also wrought iron and padded on the seat and back with red cushions. On the surface of each glass top was to be found a small square container of sugar and sweetener packets; a flag shape salt and peppershaker and a napkin dispenser.

Seated with Michael, was Johnny, as well as Robert. Oliver and Enrique sat at the next table. “We’ll hold this table.” Michael went on, as he pointed at the table next to Robert, “and someone can sit with Oliver and Enrique.”

“Fine.” Rei called back, “we’ll be over in a moment!” Turning back, the tiger quickly grabbed a tray and collected silverware from a bin with gray perforated containers. He chose green tea as his drink, and when his turn in the queue came, he ordered two gyros and a side of scalloped potatoes, along with a slice of honey cake. As he received his meal, behind him he could hear Lee quietly request fish and chips with a side of coleslaw.

Rei made his way toward the group, deciding as he went to sit with Oliver and Enrique, so that Lee, Kevin and Gary could sit together. So, he was surprised when Michael signaled for him to sit in the chair next to Johnny. He was even more surprised, when Johnny leaned over and whispered urgently, “Please get Lee to sit next to Robert! It’s important, trust me!”

He had no time to ask what Johnny meant, because Lee was already within earshot. So, he just motioned for Lee to join him and he pointed at the seat next to Robert. “Sit there, Lee.”

The lion looked at the indicated seat and flushed. “I think I’ll sit here, if you . . .” he started, but just then a young man wearing a name tag that read, “George” hurried up and looking at Rei said quickly, “If you’re not going to be using this chair.” He indicated the chair nearest to Rei, “you won’t mind if I take it, will you? We’ve a party of nine wanting to sit together.”

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Kevin watched bemused, ‘We need that seat, surely Rei won’t give . . .’ He was rudely dragged from his thoughts, when he was pulled by Oliver into a seat at his and Enrique’s table. The pair smiled smugly and Enrique said, “I nabbed an extra empty chair from another table, so you and Gary can sit with us.”

“But . . .” Oliver put a finger to his lips and Kevin subsided, but then the Frenchman leaned in close and said softly, “We have our reasons for the two of you not sitting with Rei and Lee. Important reasons.” As Kevin and Gary sat down, the Frenchman muttered-sotto voce, “I just wish I knew what the reason was.”

Kevin didn’t understand, but he’d play along, besides he was more interested in his chicken burritos, rice and refried beans; then in where someone was sitting.

Gary ignored all of them, as he worked his way through his lunch of roast beef in horseradish sauce, parsley sprinkled new potatoes and green beans.

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“No.” Rei said cheerfully, ignoring the frantic shaking of Lee’s head, “my friend and I will make do with the other chair.” Lee sighed and giving George a slightly sardonic smile said, “go ahead.”

“Thank you.” George picked up the chair and carried it off. Glumly, Lee sat down and tried to ignore the youth sitting mere inches from his shoulder. As he tried to concentrate on his meal, the smell of the fish, fries and the tang of the cabbage were steadily being overpowered by the scent of deep, dark woods, mountain air, and leather - a scent that was uniquely Robert.

Rei sat bemused at the sight of his boyhood friend sitting rigid in his seat, studiously staring at his strips of fish and potatoes, as if he expected them to move at any moment. And Robert, he had never seen the German looking, well, nervous was the word that came to mind, and he, for one would never have guessed that the frosty nobleman would fall prey to such an emotion.

Trying to distract Lee, Rei tapped him on the hand and when Lee looked at him. The tiger waved his gyro at him. “I think I’ll get Bryan one of these for his lunch, they’re delicious! And besides, I know him, he’ll never think of getting anything to eat. You want to try it?” He reached for his knife to cut Lee a piece off, but Lee shook his head, no.

Lee stared at the combination of spiced lamb, onions, lettuce, cucumber and dill sauce. He had to admit it did look good, but . . . “You might be right, Rei, but I think I’ll stick to fish.”

“Ah, where’s your sense of adventure?” Rei teased, getting up from the table, “I’ll be right back.” And he walked off.

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Johnny sat watching Robert and Lee with amusement, the pair put him in mind of a couple of toms encountering each other on a picket fence; if one twitched; the other flinched. “Lee,” Johnny smirked as the lion jerked his head up to stare at him. “While I am certainly glad to see you and the others, why are you not on the way to China? I thought that was the plan.”

“It was,” Lee sighed and put down his fork. “But, our interviews with Mr. Dickenson took longer than expected, so we are-at his request-remaining in town, until after the tournament. Then we will go home.”

“Interviews?” Oliver cocked his head and gazed guilelessly at the dark neko-jin.

Lee sighed again. He just knew if he didn’t tell them, they’d pester him until he did. “I met with Mr. Dickenson . . .” He began.

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As soon as the locker room door was closed, Bryan turned on Kai. “Why haven’t you forfeited?” he demanded, voice hoarse with anger: his concern for his family shining from his eyes.

“Because there may not be a need, too. I’ve been thinking about this for the past couple of days and I think I have a solution.” Kai scowled as he turned his head and looked at his silent lover; who was leaning against the wall – watching. “Tala, what do you say to pairing Spencer with Rei, if it goes to a third match?”

The redhead straightened and nodded, “and how would we pair off for the others?”

Kai flicked a look at the stony faced falcon, “well, as much as I would love to battle against you. I think you’d better take Tyson.”

“Makes sense, that way no one can accuse us of throwing a match in favor of the other.” Tala said approvingly. Then, he frowned and looked from lover to friend, “but that would mean . . .”

“It would mean that Kai and I will take the other.” Bryan smirked at the thought.

Tala shivered, it was never a good thing when Bryan smirked, because the falcon was at his most brutal when he gave someone his twisted version of a smile; only Rei was privileged to see the real thing.

“I like the sound of that.” the falcon continued, glowering at the bluenette, “and once, Tala and I kick your and Tyson’s sorry asses, there won’t be any reason for Rei to compete. And I like that even better.”

Kai crossed his arms and looked down his nose at the other Russian, which was quite a feat as they were of a height. “Don’t be so sure of yourself, Kuznetsov! The last time my team and yours tangled, we won – remember?”

Tala decided it was time to intervene before things got out of hand and as he stepped away from the wall, he saw a white faced Rei standing in the corridor; just a few feet away.

“Ah, Kai. Bryan.” He began, but the glaring pair took no notice of him and continued their argument.

“I remember.” Bryan snarled: his eyes stormy. “But, you had Rei to help and this time, he’s not in the picture!” The falcon thrust his face close to Kai’s and growled, “All it takes is two wins, Hiwatari and your crippled team is finished!”

Kai’s lips twisted into a sneer; “We’ll see who’s finished, Falcon! And as for Rei, if he decides to try and compete, how are you going to stop him? Slap him; like you did the last time he defied you?”

Tala groaned. ‘Now, you’ve done it, love. Why did you have to throw that in Bryan’s face?’

Bryan blanched and he trembled in shock as Kai’s words burned into his mind. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times before the shock gave way to rage. “How dare you! How dare you say that to me! You have no idea how much I hated myself for doing that to Rei!” He hissed and clenched his fists: shivering with the effort to not launch himself at the coldly staring phoenix and pound him into the ground.

“And what about YOU!” The furious Russian spat, “you’re the one, who’s playing fast and loose with Rei’s health! Just so, you can satisfy your ego!”

“That’s it! Stop it right now!” A furious voice shouted and Bryan and Kai whipped their heads in the direction of the cry. Their eyes widened in horror and shock, as a furious Rei stormed towards them. In his anger, Rei flung the first thing that came to hand – Bryan’s lunch.

“Hit the dirt!” Tala shouted and the trio fell to the floor: allowing the food to strike the wall behind them, the contents of the cardboard box spraying all over them.

\"What the hell do you two think you\'re doing!\" Rei demanded angrily.

Bryan scrambled to his feet and rushed forward to intercept his raging lover.

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\"So, Mariah decided to stay at the hotel. She says, she can’t bear to face anyone.\" He glanced at Rei, whose golden eyes had dulled to topaz. His unspoken message was clearly understood; it was Rei, she couldn\'t bear to face. Reaching out to touch Rei\'s hand in understanding, Lee\'s thigh brushed against Robert\'s and he jerked away from the German as if he\'d been burned; flushing as he did so.

Robert flinched, \'Gott in Himmel! Does he dislike me so much, he can\'t bear to touch me?\" The proud German\'s heart slowly shattered; his hopes and dreams scattering like dust in a high wind. Abruptly, the nobleman stood and bowed to everyone. \"I need to attend to a personal matter.\" He said coolly, at everyone\'s startled look. He bowed to Rei; \"Good luck and please, be careful! We don\'t want you getting hurt.\" Then he was gone.

Lee stared after him, he had felt Robert tense when he had accidentally touched him. \'Am I that repulsive?\' He wondered, an icy pit forming in his belly.

Johnny frowned, what was the matter with Robert? He\'s never acted like that before. Leaning over, he whispered in Michael\'s ear. \"Love, I\'m going after Robert, something’s wrong.\"

\"All right, I\'ll meet you in the box.\" Michael knew better than to offer to accompany his lover, there were times, he simply wasn\'t needed, and this looked to be one of them. The Scot smiled and rose, nodding to Rei. \"Good luck!\" He said and departed.

Rei sighed and picked up his drink and set it down without tasting it. Thinking about Mariah hurt, in more ways than one. Glancing at the clock on the wall, Rei was startled to note the time; pushing back his chair, he stood and grabbed the box containing the gyro and drink, he\'d bought for Bryan. \"I\'ve got to go,\" he told Lee, who blinked at his sudden movement. \"I\'ll see you after the matches.\"

\"Good luck to you and your team; Rei.\" Michael said quietly. The others quickly added their best wishes, and Rei hurried off. Outside the cafe, the crowd wasn\'t nearly as large as it had been earlier, and Rei quickly made it to the nearest bank of elevators.

He pushed the \'down\' button and waited impatiently for the car to arrive. When it did he got in and pushed the button for the ground level with his elbow, as the box containing Bryan\'s lunch was too unwieldy to handle without using both hands.

Once the car reached its destination, he was out the door like a shot and hurried down the corridor. There was only thirty-five minutes before the start of the finals, and he was anxious to get Bryan fed and to find out what Kai had decided about the matches.

Rounding the last corner between him and the Demolition Boys locker room, Rei scented anger in the air and there in front of him was the reason, Bryan and Kai were practically toe-to-toe, glaring at each other. He slowed his steps and stopped several feet from the pair; as he listened, he paled, then . . .

\" . . .Slap him, like you did the last time, he defied you?\"

Rei saw red and deep inside the slumbering great cat woke with a roar. He matched the roar with one of his own. \"That\'s it! Stop it, right now!\" The blazing neko-jin was aware of Tala, but he dismissed the redhead as unimportant; his prey was the friend, who had just landed a low blow to his mate.

Rei flung the box, as hard as he could toward the pair. He was vaguely aware of Tala\'s cry, as he stormed forward, snarling. \"What the hell do you two think you\'re doing?\" And was intercepted by his lover.

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Robert stood leaning against a windowsill, staring out over the horizon with unseeing eyes; so wrapped up in his misery; he failed to hear the footsteps that slowly approached.

\"Why did you leave?\"

Robert groaned; the burr of Johnny\'s accent spoke volumes, the Scot was angry. He sighed and laid his forehead against the window, \'God must hate me.\' He decided before straightening and turning to face the shorter youth. \"Go away, Jonathan.\"

\"No way, Robert! Not until I get an answer!\"

Robert frowned, defiance was ever Johnny\'s way, but right now; he didn\'t need it. \"I don\'t answer to you, Jonathan, so there is no reason to justify myself to you!\" He began to turn back to the window.

\"No,\" the Scot hissed, \"you\'re right, you don\'t have to answer to me, but what of Lee? I was watching his face, when you left and he was devastated. Stop playing the fool, Robert and wake up, he\'s as in love with you, as you are him.\"

\"You\'re wrong, he doesn\'t love me!\" Robert snapped, \"if he did, why\'d he jerk away from me, when our thighs touched?\"

\"God, you are so blind! Did it ever occur to you, that maybe he acted the way he did, because he was afraid of offending you!?\" The fiery Scot pointed an accusing finger at his captain and friend. At the look of astonishment on the German\'s face, the redhead softened his tone. \"Robert, remember how I used to act around Michael? Remember how I fought the attraction because I was so sure he wasn\'t good enough for me? That he would never fit in with us?\"

\"Yes.\" Robert whispered, his red eyes widening, as he began to see where Johnny was going with his tirade.

\"Well, look in the mirror.\" Johnny growled, \"whether you want to admit it or not, you\'re acting in exactly the same manner. And it took Michael\'s nearly drowning in that damn loch for me to realize that I could have lost the best thing that ever happened to me, simply because I was afraid to take a chance and tell him what was in my heart. So, what kind of wake-up call do you need, a plane crash, or how about an avalanche? They have them in China and he lives in the mountains.\"

\"Enough!\" Robert shouted; then he lowered his voice. \"You\'ve made your point.\"

\"Good.\"

The duo fell silent, as Robert pondered his friend\'s words. Johnny was right, if he remained silent, there might never be a chance for Lee and himself: provided, of course, that Johnny was right about Lee\'s feelings toward him. So, how was he to approach this? Would Lee prefer the straight approach, or should he woo him in time-honored fashion? One thing was certain, Johnny would never let up until he did do something.

\"I think,\" he broke the silence, \"I owe Lee an apology for my behavior.\"

Johnny grinned with delight, \"yes, and I think the perfect way to apologize would be to ask him out to dinner; just the two of you. I\'ll make the arrangements.\"

Robert smiled, \"very well, but please don\'t let Michael get involved, his idea of romance is different to say the least.\"

\"What?\" Johnny teased, \"you don\'t think spending the day in an arcade eating chili dogs and nachos is romantic?\"

The grimace of distaste on Robert\'s face said it all, and Johnny burst out laughing.

\"FIFTEEN MINUTES TO THE START OF THE FINALS!\"

\"We should go, the others will be waiting.\" Robert said quietly, as he half-turned to head for the elevators, then he stopped and turned back, \"Johnny.\"

\"Yes?\" The Scot replied as he stuck his hands in his short\'s pockets and began to stroll pass his friend.

\"Thank you.\"

The redhead shrugged, \"no problem, big guy. Oh, just so you know, I\'ve invited the White Tigers to share our box, along with the All-Starz\'s.\"

\"You did what?\" Robert demanded, \"no, never mind!\" He shook his head, \"I suppose you planned to invite them all along?\"

\"Not really,\" Johnny replied, turning his head and looking at Robert over his left shoulder. \"It just occurred to me, when I overheard you say something at the ambassador\'s that confirmed my suspicions of what Lee meant to you. And I decided that you\'d probably never do anything about it on your own. So, I thought I\'d just give you a nudge in the right direction, now and then.\" He smirked and facing forward jogged off to the elevators.

Robert glared at the back of Johnny\'s head, before sighing in defeat and following the shorter youth.

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Bryan rushed to meet Rei, as Driger\'s companion stormed towards the trio. He wrapped his arms around the Chinese and pinned the angry youth\'s arms to his sides.

\"Rei, listen to me!\" Tala cried, \"They didn\'t mean it! They\'re just angry! Rei!\"

Bryan fought to keep his arms wrapped around his tiger: who was struggling viscously to escape. The longhaired blader had his eyes locked on Kai; their depths held rage and disappointment. \"Let go, Bry!\" He demanded.

The Russian clung tighter and looking over at Tala jerked his head toward the locker room, and Tala nodded. He helped Kai to his feet and tried to steer his lover away.

\"Rei, baby, please calm down and let\'s talk.\" Bryan murmured desperately, trying to get through the murderous haze in his lover\'s mind. He had seen Rei mad, even furious; but never had he seen his tiger in such a state. And since he hadn\'t witnessed Rei\'s assault on Kai and Tala at the house: he wasn\'t prepared for the depth of Rei\'s need to attack anything that threatened his mate, either verbally or physically.

Kai shook off Tala\'s restraining hand and approached the pair, his crimson eyes locked with the burning gold of Rei\'s own. He stopped, when Rei bared his fangs at him.

\"Why, Kai, why?\" Rei snarled, \"of all the things, you could have said, why? You know that Bryan sometimes slips back into abbey behavior.\" He glared, \"damn you, answer me!\"

Kai closed his eyes against the pain in his dearest friend\'s voice. \'Why had he tried to hurt Bryan like that?\' He just didn\'t know.

\"Come on, Kai. Let Bryan calm Rei down, then you can talk to him.\" Tala slipped an arm around his lover, only to have Kai shake him off again. Kai stared sadly at his panting friend, who continued to glare at him.

Bryan could feel Rei\'s racing heart against his arm, and he nuzzled the side of his love\'s head, gently murmuring soothing nothings. Rei struggled to calm down, fought to control the rage in his soul.

Neither Kai, nor Tala moved or spoke as they watched Rei wage his internal battle. Finally the anger drained away and he sagged, his head coming to rest on Bryan\'s chest. Slowly, he turned his head and gazed at his friend.

\"Go with Tala, Kai. I\'ll see you in our locker room. I want to be alone with Bryan, now.\" Rei\'s voice was weary. Looking at Tala, Rei used his eyes to beg the redhead to take Kai away. Tala nodded and took Kai by the arm. With a pained look in his dulling eyes, Kai allowed his lover to lead him away.

While Kai and Tala returned to the locker room, Rei turned in Bryan\'s arms, seeking comfort. Bryan began to stroke the back of Rei\'s head and rocked his upset lover. \"Shh, Rei.\" The Russian murmured, \"I\'m as much to blame for what happened as Kai is.\" He could feel Rei\'s heart rate slowing down and he sighed, \"we both just lost our heads, so don\'t take it so hard.\"

Rei raised his head; \"he didn\'t have any right to say that.\"

Bryan shrugged and bent his head to press a kiss to Rei\'s forehead. \"We\'re just human, love, and sometimes humans lash out.\" A sardonic smile twisted his lips, \"I\'m not so sure, that if I were in his shoes, I wouldn\'t have done the same.\"

\"Bryan!\"

\"COMPETITORS, PLEASE REPORT TO THE ARENA!\"

The locker room door flew open and Max and Tyson, with Kenny at their heels, raced outside.

\"Come on, Rei!\" Tyson cried, \"time to go!\"

Kai came out and without looking at Rei, announced, \"Bryan, I\'ll see you in the arena.\"

Rei looked up at his lover, who nodded, \"very well, phoenix.\" Bryan looked down at his mate and gently kissed him, then he released him and gave Rei a gentle push. \"Go on, love. We\'ll see each other shortly.\"

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\"Where are they?\" Oliver kept turning in his seat, watching for a pair of familiar faces. The green haired Frenchman was worried that Johnny and Robert wouldn\'t make it to the arena for the opening of the finals.

\"Will you stop twisting like that,\" Enrique teased, \"you\'re going to turn into a pretzel!\" The Italian shot his own glance toward the nearest entryway. \"They\'ll get here. There\'s still five minutes before they begin.\"

\"I know, but what if Johnny hasn\'t found Robert!\" A scowl twisted the soft features of the pretty Frenchman; \"you know how Robert is, when he gets moody.\"

Enrique nodded.

Oliver settled his right elbow in his left hand and curled his forefinger under his bottom lip, \"what do you suppose set him off this time?\"

\"I have no idea.\" His lover told him. \"But he has been acting strangely for awhile, if it wasn\'t for the fact, we\'re talking about Robert here, I\'d swear he was acting lovesick.\"

Oliver stared at him and blinked, then he laughed, \"Robert? Amour?\"

The Italian shrugged, \"stranger things have happened.\"

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The door to the locker room flew open, and the hyper-trio burst into the room, trailed by Rei, who immediately went and sat down in front of the red painted lockers. Kai slowly entered and leaned against the wall next to the door.

Kenny set Dizzi down on the nearest bench and flipping his laptop open, began to advise Tyson on how he should handle his match against Tala, since Kai had informed them that that was who Tyson would be facing.

As usual, the bluenette wasn\'t listening. \"Aww, come on, Chief! I beat him once, and Dragoon and I can do it, again!\" The chunky boy boasted, \"I\'ll even bet you a triple scoop ice cream cone on me, we could do it with one hand, or claw tied behind our backs!\"

\"Tyson! Get real!\" Kenny bounced in place, his glasses bobbing up and down on his nose in his agitation. \"You saw how strong Ian and Spencer were, and they aren\'t even the best bladers on the team!\" The little genius tucked his finger under Tyson\'s nose, causing the other to flinch. \"Unlike some people, I was watching the matches and the Demolition Boys blades have been upgraded! And that means they\'re stronger than ever!\" He glared at the dragon: who had a blank look on his face. \"Are you listening?\"

\"Save your breath, Chief.\" Kai said coolly. \"We\'re just going to be treated to another of Tyson\'s make-up-my-strategy-as-I-go matches.\"

\"Hey!\" Tyson yelped and spun to face the Russian. \"I think out my strategies!\"

\"You could have fooled me.\"

Max sighed and ignored the beginning argument, there had been so many like it in the past. Spotting Rei sitting alone, he wandered over and sat down by the neko-jin.

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Max wasn’t the only one ignoring the argument. Rei rubbed at his pounding temples; he’d give a lot for some aspirin right now. ‘When this is over, I’m going straight to bed and sleep for a week,’ he thought. A familiar scent tickled his nose and he opened his eyes to look at Max. The blonde was staring at him with concern.

“Rei, are you all right?”

The Chinese smiled and straightened up. “I’m fine, just annoyed with Kai and Bryan. Bryan’s after me to forfeit if we go to a third match and Kai,” he paused, sighing, “probably wants the same thing.”

Max nodded, “It’s just because they really care about you. None of us wants to see you or the baby hurt.”

“I know,” Rei sighed, “I just wish they’d stop trying to make my decisions for me.”

Max smiled, reaching out to pat Rei’s hand. “Well, I won’t try to force you to do anything. I just want you to know I’ll support you, no matter what you decide.”

Rei smiled back and covered Max’s hand with his other one and squeezed. “Thanks, Max, that means a lot.”

The blonde smiled back, “no problem.”

“BLADEBREAKERS AND DEMOLITION BOYS TO THE ARENA!”

“Well,” Max said and rose, “looks like its show time!” He headed for the door, Rei obediently rising to follow.

Reaching the door, Rei stopped when an arm wearing a shark fin arm guard blocked his path. “Rei,” the bluenette said quietly, “I won’t try to force you to drop out, but remember, even I know there are some things that are more important than a mere tournament.”

Rei blinked, surprised, the Kai he knew from a year ago would never have said something like that. He stared at his friend – speechless.

“And Rei,” Kai continued, “I was wrong to say what I said to Bryan. You were right, the abbey will always be a part of him, just as its’ a part of me.” The phoenix gazed earnestly into the somber golden eyes that held him in thrall. “Forgive me?”

Rei sighed, “It hurt, Kai; hearing you say that to Bryan, but I understand, so I’ll forgive you this time; just don’t do it again.”

A slight smile curved the phoenix’s lips, as he gently touched the golden cheek of his best friend. “I promise, besides I don’t want a repeat of your temper anytime soon.”

“Humph!” Rei snorted.

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Lee sat staring down at the empty dugout that would hold the Bladebreakers, he’d been half expecting them to announce that to some reason or the other, the ‘breakers’ had had to withdraw, making the Demolition Boys the winners by default.

Robert and Johnny hurried onto the walkway where the private boxes reserved for the teams were. Looking over their box, they noted that everyone was present, except for Emily and Judy, who no doubt were still laboring over Wyborg. As Oliver waved frantically at them, Johnny gave Robert an encouraging smile and sauntered off to join a broadly smiling Michael.

Robert squared his shoulders and headed for the far side of the box, where Lee and his teammates sat. Kevin looked up-surprised, when the nobleman went past him, then he grinned, when he realized where the German was heading.

“Hmm, looks like someone’s on the prowl,” the green haired imp smirked, as he settled back in his seat and prepared to watch the show, and he only partially meant the upcoming battle.

“Mind if I sit here?”

Lee looked up startled at the deep voice that spoke quietly at his shoulder. His eyes widen, as Robert indicated the empty seat at his side.

“P-p-please,” the dark neko-jin was confused, why was Robert bothering to sit with him, when he’d all but ran away earlier. But before he could ask anything, Robert beat him to it.

“Lee, I owe you an apology for my earlier behavior and I was wondering if you would go to dinner with me this evening, so I might explain why I acted in such an unbecoming manner.\"

Lee blinked, now he was even more confused – dinner? Have dinner with Robert? He opened his mouth to ask Robert what the hell was going on, but he was really surprised, when he heard himself say, “I would be honored.”

His stupefaction was complete when the normally cold red eyes of the German warmed, as Robert smiled and said, “no, I’m the one who is honored.”

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Johnny smiled triumphantly, as he turned in his seat. “Finally,” he exclaimed as he leaned back in his seat. Michael regarded his meddling boyfriend with an amused quirk of his lips.

“I take it, something went the way you wanted it too?”

“Yes,” Johnny said as he reached into his short’s left pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He rose and headed out into the center aisle.

Surprised, Michael called after him, “Where are you going?”

“To call Wallse!”

“Now what?” the American sighed.

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“Man, the fans are really stoked!” Tyson exclaimed as the Bladebreakers approached the entryway to the arena. They could hear the crowd buzzing like a hornet’s nest, and A.J. and Brad were doing their best to really make the place rock with a commentary about the World Championship in Russia late last year. “And just think, they’re all here to see me!”

Max sweatdropped and smacked his boyfriend up side the head; “Tyson, you had a little help, remember?”

“Heh, well, yeah.” Tyson flushed and looked at Max, with a dopey look on his face.

“Try not to embarrass us.” Kai growled.

Rei smirked, at the flush that bloomed on Tyson’s cheeks, ‘trust Tyson to think he’s the center of attention.’

“Good luck, boys!” A cheerful voice called and the four looked to the left to see Mr. Dickenson and Grandpa Granger walking towards them. Mr. D. settled his cane on the floor and folded his hands on top of it.

He beamed at the boys, “ready?”

“You bet!” Tyson enthused, “the Demolition Boys won’t know what hit ‘em!”

The portly gentleman laughed, “well, its’ nice to know you’re confident, Tyson.”

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Rei rubbed at his temples again, his tension headache was really getting bad, and the noise from the crowd wasn’t helping. Lowering his hand, he sensed someone looking at him and he turned his head to find Mr. Granger staring thoughtfully at him.

Gold meet brown as Gramps Granger eyed the neko-jin, his face grave. The old man stepped forward, his mouth opening, when Mr. Dickenson said, “you best be going in. They’ll be introducing you soon.”

Rei gratefully made his escape.

‘Rei, you better tell Kai, you’re not well.’ The old martial artist thought as the boy vanished down the entryway.

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As the Bladebreakers lined up halfway down the entryway, the arena was plunged into darkness. Gasps and cries of surprise and alarm came from the stands. But spotlights of red, yellow and blue came on and began to swing back and forth and around, before finally coming to rest on a figure on a platform. Dressed in a dazzling white suit, accented with a red bow tie and red piping on the lapel and down the legs, the figure stepped forward and spread out his arms as if he were embracing the entire audience.

“ALL RIGHT! BEYBLADING FANS! WELCOME TO THE FINALS!”

The crowd roared.

Jazzman smiled and continued his introduction, “We had a very exciting semi-final; now get ready for more fireworks! The two teams you’re about to see have meet before and if any of you were in Moscow for the Worlds, you’ll remember it was a real show! So, without further ado, please give a warm welcome to the Demolition Boys!”

Two golden spotlights hit the square of grim-faced boys, who stared stonily out into the darkness in the direction of where their competition was waiting barely seen in the shadows. The crowd howled, whistled, jeered and cheered.

“Right!” Jazzman cried, “now give a New York welcome to your world champions: the Bladebreakers!”

As their own spotlight lit up the line of boys: the crowd went nuts. Tyson, Max and Rei smiled and waved. Kai ignored the crowd, focusing instead on Tala and his team. The two captains stared at each other; then they pivoted and lead their warriors to their respective dugouts.

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Kenny settled down on the bench and got busy setting up Dizzi to record the matches. Rei and Max stared over his shoulder watching him type in some data.

Tyson stood up and come over to lean over the monitor, trying to see upside down. “Well, Chief?” He asked, when he gave up trying to understand the graphs Dizzi was displaying.

“Just do as we discussed, let Wolborg chase you.” Kenny adjusted his glasses, “since we haven’t really seen Wolborg in action, except in a few practice sessions and Tala was careful to keep his full potential hidden, we’ll just have to play it by ear. Let Wolborg wear himself down, before you strike.”

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The arena held its collective breath, as Jazzman threw his arms wide and cried, “all right, New York! So, let’s get ready to rock! First up in a repeat of the World’s final match, the Demolition Boys will be sending out the always dangerous – Tala!”

The lithe redhead stepped out of his dugout and walked out to the raised platform where the dish, he and Tyson would do battle laid concealed, with a loose hipped walk that had the girls screaming and not a few fanboys drooling. Sauntering up the steps to the platform, Tala settled into his place and coolly raked the stands with his glittering sapphire eyes: the very image of unattainable superstar.

Kai smirked slightly, as he watched his boyfriend play the crowd, using his sensuality to draw them in. ‘Sex definitely sells,’ he thought, the smirk deepening.

Jazz gave them a moment to appreciate the picture in front of them; then he whooped, “the other half of that awesome match-up was our next competitor! Give it up for – Tyson!”

Tyson popped out and began to wave at the crowd with both hands, shouting, “Thank you! Thank you!”

Eyeing his showboating teammate’s lover, Rei shook his aching head slowly, “Max, I thought you were going to break him of that.”

“When did I say that?” Max asked puzzled, “I know he goes overboard sometimes, but that’s just Tyson.”

“Try all the time.” Kenny said dryly. As Max sputtered and Rei giggled, the brunette tapped at a couple of keys, then inquired quietly, “ready to go, Dizzi?”

“Always.”

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Tyson hopped up the steps to the platform and grinned at his Russian friend, “hey, Tala! This sure looks familiar! I just hope you don’t plan to freeze us in an ice tower this time!”

The redhead smiled dangerously, “Ice tower? Not this time, Tyson, but there is definitely something cold in your future.”

Tyson grinned, “bring it on! Dragoon and I can handle it.”

“We’ll see,” Tala smirked, “we’ll see.”

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Overhead, Jazzman flashed his dazzling smile and said, “now for the dish, our competitors will be using!” The cover split in two and the halves drew back to reveal the dish rising from concealment. Everyone gasped at the revealed dish – it was Niagara Falls! There was a two-foot wide bridge spanning the width of a rushing, tumbling torrent of water that fell into the second level of the dish.

“Ok, everyone, our competitors will have to stay on the bridge, because if they topple over, their blade will be swept over the edge and will be lost in the depths of the pool below!”

Tyson’s eyes grew wide and he drew in a sharp breath.

“Worried?” Tala asked calmly, as his eyes raked the bridge: his mind already forming a plan to use the spray to his advantage.

Tyson ignored the question as he studied the surface, which was glittering with water. ‘Hmm, the surface is wet, which means, Tala could use Wolborg to freeze the surface to turn this into an ice rink.’ “Aww, man!” he blurted, “and I forgot my skates!”

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“Are you ready?” Jazzman yowled, “three, two, one! Let . . . it . . . rip!”

Tyson and Tala launched at the same time and sent their blades on a head-on collision course, but Tyson, remembering Kenny’s advice, shouted at the last second, “dodge ‘im, Dragoon!” The blue bade swerved, barely avoiding the red blade, just squeezing pass to come up behind the wolf.

“Man,” Max breathed, “there’s not a lot of room for maneuvering-is there?”

“No,” Kenny agreed, his fingers flying on the keyboard, “and Tyson is going to have to adjust his tactics accordingly.

“Yeah, but will he?” Rei wondered aloud, his hand straying to his temple.

“Who knows?” Kenny sighed, “Tyson’s always been a loose cannon.”

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Tala wasn’t happy. Tyson was refusing to make contact and that was annoying the Russian. He’d realized early on, what Tyson was trying to do and he wasn’t going to let the twerp get away with it. ‘Time to end this,’ he thought.

His right arm shot up and he folded his left leg under himself, as he shouted his command, “Wolborg! ICICLE RAZOR STORM!” His arm slashed downward. The red blade responded as the mighty wolf bitbeast blasted from confinement showering the dish with razor sharp needles of ice.

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On the Bladebreaker’s bench, eyes widened and Kenny gasped, “a new attack! That’s what he wasn’t showing us! He’s developed a new attack!”

“Hmm, time for a talk, lover.” Kai muttered, even as he tried to analyze the attack and find a counter.

Thrown off balance by the ice, Dragoon spun wildly and hit the bridge wall and skidded to a halt.

Overhead, D. J. shouted, “AND THE FIRST ROUND GOES TO – TALA!”

“Humph!” Tyson snorted, as the blades were retrieved and the pair got ready for the next round. He pointed at Tala and growled, “you got lucky that time! This time, Dragoon and I won’t do down so easy!”

“Promises. Promises.” Tala purred, his eyes burning with determination.

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As the pair launched for the second round; Max, Kenny, Rei and Dizzi were hurriedly consulting with each other, trying to find a way for Tyson to counter this new attack.

“If Dragoon only had a flame-thrower.” Dizzi sighed, “he’d do a lot better.”

“Very funny, Dizzi. Now, can you come up with anything?” Kenny asked. The laptop was silent for a moment, then in a quiet tone; Dizzi delivered her analysis. “With the ice on the bridge, Wolborg has the advantage, he’s been modified to act like a skate, so he skims over the surface, while Dragoon can only skid. Chief, I’m afraid that unless Tyson and Dragoon figure out how to skate real fast, they’re done for.”

At that moment, her words came true. Wolborg slammed into the skittering Dragoon and sent him flying.

“Dragoon!” Tyson shouted desperately. The blue blade was skidding all over the bridge, unable to find purchase on the icy surface. As the Japanese youth stared in horror, his beloved Dragoon went over the edge of the bridge and disappeared into the rushing water. “Noooo!” and Tyson fell to his knees.

“AND THE WINNER OF THE FIRST MATCH IS – TALA!”

“I lost.” Tyson whispered, “Rei was counting on me to win and I lost.” He thumped the platform with a fist. “Aww, man, he’s going to be so disappointed.” Slowly, the chunky boy rose and turned to leave.

“Tyson, good match.”

“Huh?” He turned back at the soft words. “Oh, hey, Tala. Congrats and all that.” Tyson said quietly.

Tala smiled widely, his blade in one hand. “Now, we’re even. We’ll have to see who wins the next time.”

“Yeah,” Tyson brightened, “and next time, no new attack is going to get me.”

Tala laughed.

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Michael stared puzzled at Johnny, who was scribbling on the back of a program. The Scot had reappeared in the middle of Tyson and Tala’s match with a thousand-watt smirk on his face, and since then he’d been scribbling away. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him. “What are you writing?”

“A note to Robert.” Johnny said as he clicked his pen shut and put it back in his pocket. “Be a love and pass this on.” Michael shrugged, took the note and handed it to Enrique. “Pass it to Robert.”

The blonde Italian handed it to Eddy, who gave it to Steve, who handed it to Kevin, who grinned-read the note, made a face and took it down to where Lee and Robert were sitting. “Mail!” the imp cried and dropped the note in Robert’s lap and took off, before either could question him.

“What’s that?” Lee asked curiously, as he watched Robert unfold the note.

Robert quickly read,

“Robert,

I made reservations for two at Wallse for eight o’clock. Try not to balls it up. And I want a full report in the morning!

Johnny”

With a smile twitching at his lips, Robert folded the note and said quietly, “just a note from Johnny. It seems he was so certain you’d agree to go out with me, that he went ahead and made reservations for us at my favorite German restaurant.”

Lee laughed, “confident, isn’t he?”

“Just trying to help a friend out.”

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Tyson gave Rei a hangdog look. “I’m sorry, Rei. I wanted to win, so you wouldn’t have to compete and I let you down.”

Rei took Tyson by the shoulders and smiled, “hey, buddy! You did the best you could, so don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, but now – unless Kai loses, you’ll have to go against Spencer.” The bluenette said with concern.

Rei shook his head. “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,” he said firmly. “Now, you had better go retrieve Dragoon. They just pulled him from the water.”

“Oh, right,” Tyson said and hurried off to reclaim his blade. Max gave Rei a worried smile, then followed his boyfriend.

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“Are you really going to wait to decide at the last moment?” A cold voice said and Rei looked to the left to where Kai stood looking out at the empty platform.

“No,” the tiger said, “I’ve already decided.”

“And.”

“And it can wait until the match is over.” Rei said firmly, “Kai, don’t you and Bryan kill each other, or I swear, neither Tala or I will forgive either of you.”

The ghost of a smile curled Kai’s lip and he nodded, “and we wouldn’t want that, now would we?”

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“Wow! Was that a match, or what! We promised fireworks and we’ve delivered! Now the next match-up! The Demolition Boys are going to send out their most enigmatic member – Bryan!”

The cold-featured boy walked out and went immediately to the platform; he didn’t have time to waste on meaningless gestures; like wooing the fans. He was there to win and that was all!

The crowd was equally contemptuous of Bryan and showed it, by hissing and booing, although there were a few cheers.

“And representing the Bladebreakers is their captain – Kai!”

Like Bryan, Kai didn’t waste time with the fans, he too walked out to the platform and quickly ascended the steps.

Bryan stared across at the bluenette. “Well, Hiwatari, time to settle this.”

“I agree, Kuznetsov.” Kai replied coolly, “it’s time.”

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Lee stared gloomily down at the two antagonists. ‘Things are going to get ugly real fast.’ He thought, as he shifted in his seat. he shot a look at Rei; his little brother’s hands were clasping his knees in a death grip and he had a faked look of confidence on his face.

He dimly heard Jazzman describe the new dish, a mock up of the Black Forest with trails and unexpected glades for setting up ambushes and all-out attacks. He flinched as the blades flew at the start of round one.

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Robert was worried, both Russians were dueling with the skill of fine swordsmen, both were probing, seeking a weak spot to attack and savage their opponent and he had no doubt that should one or the other falter, the end would be vicious. While he could appreciate the beauty of their duel, this had to be tearing Rei and Tala apart. A low growl from the youth next to him widened his eyes and he shot a glance at Lee.

The lion was gripping the back of the seat in front of him with a white-knuckled grip that threatened to crack it. As Robert placed a concerned hand on Lee’s shoulder, the lion growled, “Are those two fools trying to kill each other?”

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Dranzer dodged a blow by Falborg and fled down a trail, the falcon charging after the fleeing blade. Bryan looked up to snarl at Kai, when he heard a ‘crack’ and looked down, Dranzer had reversed direction and slammed Falborg, who was off balance into the air and out of the dish.

“AND ROUND ONE GOES TO – KAI!”

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Falborg returned to Bryan’s welcoming grip and the two warriors stared at each other, communicating with their eyes. Each nodded, quickly loaded their blades and barely waiting for the command – launched.

The second round was a stunning display of hair trigger thinking and lightening fast reflexes. The pair of proud fighters gave and demanded no quarter, as their bitbeasts tore into each other. While they fought, they were steadily turning the Black Forest into a war zone. A momentary falter by Dranzer had Falborg coming in for the kill, by grinding the blade against the dish wall. Dranzer lost its momentum and stopped spinning.

“AND ROUND TWO GOES TO – BRYAN!”

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Rei growled and half-rose from his seat, only to have Tyson and Max both step in front of him and push him back down. Max opened his mouth only to be interrupted.

“Don’t count Kai out just yet.” Gramps Granger said calmly, looking out at the platform. “Legend has it, phoenix’s are born from ashes, you know. The falcon may have lit the fire, but he hasn’t blown away the ashes.”

“So, you mean Kai is gonna win this?” Tyson asked.

His grandfather shook his head, “nope, just that you shouldn’t count him out yet. And Rei, you can’t change ‘em, so there’s no need to go tying yourself in knots. Just let what’s gonna happen, happen.”

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“This is it.” Lee told Robert, who nodded. Elsewhere in the box; the other Majestics were watching transfixed, while Michael held Johnny’s hand and thank all the deities that it wasn’t him facing the maelstrom of power. Judy, who had along with Emily had finally joined them, was talking non-stop to her technicians, while Emily recorded the match. Steve and Eddy were both sitting on the edge of their seats, excitedly discussing which would win. Kevin was white-faced, while even Gary had stopped eating.

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“Just one more, Bryan.” Ian whispered as he sat frozen by Spencer’s side. His eyes riveted on the youth whose shoulders heaved as he fought for breath.

Leaning against the side of their dugout, Tala unclenched his fists and wiped his sweaty palms on his pants legs. “One more,” he murmured, “please, Kai, Bryan don’t destroy yourselves.”

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“Bryan.” Rei whispered miserably, his temples throbbing in time with his heartbeat. He watched as Bryan gathered himself together for one last effort. He knew from experience how draining this intense a battle could be. But would Falborg or Dranzer protect their companions, the way Driger had protected him? Only time and circumstance would tell.

Down the bench, a plaintive electronic voice pleaded, “Chief, close me! I don’t want to watch this! This is going to be ugly!”

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Even Jazzman, who remembered Moscow-vividly, was worried, but he called the countdown anyway. “Three . . . two . . . one! Let it rip!”

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Bryan and Kai wasted no time in calling out their bitbeasts, as blades hit the remains of the forested dish. They poured everything they had left to give in a final vicious head-on collision. There was a brilliant flash of light that blinded everyone in the arena. And when the light faded.

Falborg and Dranzer lay unmoving in the bottom of the dish and their companions laid motionless on the platform.

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Tala and Rei erupted from their dugouts and each raced to their lover’s side. Rei, headache forgotten, and his heart in his mouth tore up the steps and fell to his knees by Bryan, who laid face down on the carpet.

“Bryan?” Rei rolled his lover over and lifted him to cradle the Russian against his breast. “Bry, love, speak to me!” He cried in soul wrenching demand for an answer.

Closed eyelids fluttered and Bryan opened his eyes for a second. “No,” he whispered, then his eyes slid closed and he went limp.

“BRYAN!” Rei’s agonized scream echoed in the silence of the vast arena.

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Tala flew up the steps to Kai and like Rei, fell to his knees and gathered his battered lover to his chest. “Kai?” Crimson eyes slid closed, as a weary voice murmured, “don’t let him.”

“I won’t.” And it was a promise.