The Last leaf of Autumn

Disclaimer: As obvious, I don't own Beyblade or anything else recognizable except the plot and OCs. I don't make any kind of money from this and don't give anyone the right to use my characters.

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1

Planning the Surprise

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Stanley Dickinson awoke to the crimson autumn morning of this outstanding October month. It was just the breaking of the dawn and here he was strolling in his garden in his casual attire. He let out a deep sigh. As deep as the weight of the guilt he carried.

He had very well convinced himself – he had to bear it all alone. Not that there wasn't anyone to care for him, but... Why should he force people into his problems?

The whole trio of Biovolt, Team Psykick (Gideon, Dr. B and Dr. Zagart) and the BEGA over the past years had somehow crumpled many things. They pulled those teenagers in bitter struggles of life who were actually entitled to something else. And now after 3 years, when life has been stable, who was he to stir it again?

And why the hell was he feeling so glum? Death is not a new thing; Death is inevitable. Isn't it something which everyone knows? Thousands of people die every year and he would also be just another person to die. It was as simple as that.

Yes, there was no need to tell anyone. A new tournament was approaching; he would finish the announcements and paper-works as soon as possible. Just a few weeks more and he would gladly walk to his grave himself.

But still, it didn't feel right. Somehow, somewhere deep inside, it didn't. Maybe because he already knew what fate was awaiting him and he wanted to run away from it as far as he could. Or because... because this thing was just eating him from inside?

He didn't know. Neither did he want to know.

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"—Mark Mr. Frank, he's coming."

"—No, no absolutely not... Yes, yes it's a resort... of course there'll be a shower –"

"—I'm glad that you agreed Ms. Akiyami... yes, yes the vehicle will be sent on Thursday—"

"—Come on Sir! Can't you just alter your schedules? It's just a matter of few days and that too with all your old classmates—"

This was what going on in the Granger dojo ever since the afternoon today. Kai and Kenny were coordinating everyone by finding and giving them as many phone numbers as they could manage and keeping track of the progress made.

At about 11:30 pm, Hiro exclaimed – "So with that we've covered most of the people. As for the rest, I guess we'll have to go and inform them personally—"

"Tomorrow." Kai interrupted, his arms crossed and eyes closed, as all the heads turned to him.

"The sooner, the better." He replied to their gazes.

Some sighed, some shrugged. Judging by the tone of finality in his voice, it was a common conclusion that there was no use of arguing further – which implies, they had to get up early tomorrow.

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Tyson watched as everyone crept in their rooms. Hilary too was staying over tonight.

Honestly, he hadn't expected everyone to turn up so soon on such a short notice. Just a day before, Hiro had broken the news to everyone that Mr. Dickinson was suffering from last stage liver cancer – an information which he accidentally stumbled upon somehow being a close associative of his in the BBA – and that he only had a little more than a month with him. He had to be admitted in the hospital soon.

3 years had passed since the BEGA incident and there was very little conversation between the team – all were busy in their own lives. But this news... It was a big blow to everyone – something which they didn't even had the time to cope with. Tyson wasn't sure what they were all supposed to do with it but the next day, everyone turned up at his dojo as clueless as he was and soon, whole team was ready – Ready to make Mr. Dickinson's last days the most memorable. And yeah, it was going to be a surprise for him.

Even Tala came. He hadn't been notified initially by Hiro but -

'Since he stayed by my side when I was in coma regardless of the git I was in the first championship, I do owe him something and therefore, I don't think I will be comfortable with him going forever without me being able to repay it.'

This was what he said and no one had anything to say after this.

Tyson entered his room to find Hiro sitting on the bed and on the other – which was Tyson's – was a girl sleeping.

"Slept already?" he asked gesturing towards her.

"Yeah. Pretty tired our little sister is." Hiro pushed blanket over her. "The couch's waiting for you."

Tyson laughed lightly and changing into his pajamas, sat beside the girl patting her head lightly. "Under the circumstances you guys left to Australia, I wasn't expecting this sudden return."

"Same here." The elder lad yawned. "But then I realized that the best way to deal with our problems is to face them. And secondly, there are very less chances of them tracing her here to the Granger Dojo."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely not."

Tyson looked up at his brother who was gazing intently to the starry sky outside. Times like this, Tyson could easily tell that presently, a million things were running through Hiro's brain. And somehow, he was able to grasp some of them.

"You will look around the whole world to find a treasure but never on your own doorstep." He said.

A smile slowly found its way on Hiro's mouth and he nodded, because here was finally a day when his brother was able to read his thoughts. Something which had become history lately. A cool gust of wind circled around them, rustling past their ears.

Tyson stroke his sister's hairs as he asked, "Do you reckon they know she's with us?"

"They might suspect on Mr. Dickinson for a while, but I think - no." And with that Hiro lay down on his bed, pulling the covers up to his head signalling the end of the discussion.

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The next morning Kai got up early and went to the kitchen to have some food.

He had just opened the refrigerator and was peering over the eatables when sensing someone was behind him; he turned his head and then –

SMACK!

A tight punch – square on the face – by whomever the person was. Pain surged through him but before he could pull himself back, that "someone" pulled him up by his collar and yelled in his ears –

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU AND HOW DARE YOU STEAL FOOD FROM HERE?"

A female voice, but not Hilary.

Frustrated and angered, his eyes snapped open and almost as a reflex action, he pulled her forward, twisted her free hand, freed himself and trapped her.

He analysed her – black hairs, two messy braids, dark eyes, still clad in night robes and height about 5'2-3" – yes, he had never met her before.

"Same question goes to you."

"This is my house you're standing in so my question is more valid." She snapped back. Now that he looked more closely, she had deep purple eyes.

He raised an eyebrow at her; she narrowed her eyes to him and the next instant, both had their hands on each other's throat – glaring daggers into each other.

"What is this noise so early in the morning homies?" Grandpa Granger entered the kitchen, still yawning.

"This dirty dog was sniffing the food in our kitchen!" She exclaimed loudly and Kai suddenly felt the urge to tighten the grip and bury her right then and there.

"Language dear." He pointed towards the girl. "Whatever it is, first leave each other both of you." He commanded and reluctantly they both backed away.

"You both didn't meet yesterday so I guess a little introduction should solve this issue." Grandpa Granger turned towards Kai, "Son, this is June Granger, my grand-daughter and Tyson and Hiro's sister..."

Kai snorted. Considering the jerk he analysed her to be, he should've known this. But since when did Tyson have a third sibling?

"And June," he turned towards the girl, "This is Kai Hiwatari. I'm sure Tyson must've told you about him."

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"You have to leave me at 14 New Street, north of here."

"Me at Narukami road."

"Town Circle."

Ray, Max and Tala said as Kai drove off the vehicle. They were all in the going to different addresses to invite those people personally whom they couldn't contact via phone. Since there was no more space, Tyson and Hilary rode the motorbike. He was waiting for June also to say something but she didn't and he was also not bothered enough. He would be glad to leave her somewhere in the middle of a forest.

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"See you soon dude," Tala said and left.

Kai looked at the only living creature left in the car through the rear view mirror.

"Don't glare at me like that," She frowned and crossed her arms. So if she's not going to say anything, he was also not going to move at all.

1 minute passed...

10 minutes passed...

20 minutes passed...

"Fine!" she threw her arms in disgust. "Tokyo University!"

That was kilometers and kilometers away that too in the opposite direction. And leaving her there would mean wasting another 2 hours in the journey. Bloody hell! She was going to stick with him till Hogshead village where he had to go!

Cursing under his breath, he started the car.

"Hn. Tyson was right," she spoke soon, "You're as stubborn as a mule. And now I have to stick with you for another 3 hours till Hogshead Village–"

Honestly, it should've been him to be complaining not her.

"What? Don't cock an eyebrow at me. Tell me, what I will do with a cold, always-alienating-himself, Hard-heartened, frown-laden-always, harsh, ignorant, indifferent, lone-wolf, arrogant, always-giving-death-like-glares, dark, egoist, mysterious, sarcastic, smart, unkind – okay not unkind maybe, wise, tough, ruthless captain like you?"

Where are rifles when you need them the most?

She kept on talking and listening to the chats of an idiotic girl was not the way he had planned this to go.

The scenes on their journey track began changing as they neared their destination. Forests, rivers and crop fields dotted with small wooden houses and people working tirelessly. Kai was glad that she had ceased talking and was busy watching the scene outside and pointing at several things which you could only find in village life excitedly. But that didn't mean she wasn't annoying.

"Did you see that sloping roof? Do you think I can slide on it?" What was she? 5?

After a journey of about 3 hours, they reached the place and got off the car. Fresh air and pale sunlight of the autumn month greeted them.

"Hey aunt!" She shouted and waved energetically at some random elderly women working in the field, " I'm in too! Should I?" the ladies smiled and beamed at her and surely she would've splashed herself in the field if Kai wouldn't have grabbed and held her back.

"We have more important stuff to do than that Granger." He glared at her.

"Then can we eat in there? Those dumplings are calling me on a date with them..."

"No."

"Let's climb on that tree then! There's even a nest up there... Ooh! It has bird chicks also!"

"No."

"You're such a boring bear Kai." She pouted and moved away. "No wonder why people always walk out on you."

Fucking. Hell.

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A/N: I know the chapter shifted on the OC as it neared the end but it was important because she has little time with her. so I wanted you all you give an insight in her character. That's it. Not telling anymore about her - not that she's an interesting figure but still :P

Do tell me how you felt about this chapter, your reviews matter a lot :)

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