Comrades

Epilogue

From Plan In Action…

So amidst teasing and ribbing directed mainly at Ray and Mariah, the G Revolutions team bid their goodbyes to the White Tigers X. Half way through, Mystel had popped out of nowhere (he was getting increasingly good at that) and announced that he would be going to China along with the White Tigers X. Apparently, the platinum blond youth liked the White Tiger Village from the last time he went there. So he wanted to visit the village once more.

As the final goodbyes were exchanged, nobody noticed that someone was missing from the G Revolutions team. Until, Mystel suddenly asked…

"Hey, where's Kai?"

Kai headed towards the other side of the airport terminal, trying to keep as inconspicuous as he could in an airport jammed with potential fans. Nobody missed an opportunity to be sighted with a world famous Beyblader. He had learnt that after spending three years in the international Beyblading scene. Kai had slipped off halfway through the goodbyes being exchanged and was now finding another team. And it turned out to be an easy job, as fans or reporters had not mobbed him. Spotting red, he smiled to himself and headed off in that direction. Sure enough, the Blitzkrieg Boys team was standing there, waiting to enter the departure hall.

At that moment, Tala happened to turn around and thus his slate-haired friend approaching, still looking as stoic as ever. But if one knew Kai like Tala did, they could see that he had a miniscule smile on his face and was actually glad to see them.

"Hello, Kai," Tala greeted as Bryan and Spencer simply nodded to acknowledge the new arrival.

"Hello," Kai replied as his eyes took a quick survey of the surrounding area, "I take it nobody has mobbed you yet." He smirked.

Tala shook his head as he replied, "Nope. Not a single fan has appeared."

"You must be losing your touch then."

"I am not!" Tala protested and mock-glared at Kai, as if shocked that the other youth could even suggest something like that. "Besides, getting past fans so we can reach the departure gate is not what I want to do any time soon too."

"That's what you say…"

Tala just chuckled softly, glad that there was no tension amongst them. They were now a lot more comfortable with each other. It wasn't just only him; Bryan too had lessened his hostility to a new low. Which was a big improvement. Spencer was also rather cordial to Kai now. Tala supposed that in reality, there never was a very big gap to bridge between Kai and them. There was a saying about being bonded through hardships, and it was true in their case. They all had certainly been through a lot of things in the past; there was always this underlying connection between all of them. They just didn't show it a lot. That was all.

Well, as for himself, he had spent the past few days simply catching up with Kai (or just being in companionable silence) and having an enjoyable time listening to what Kai had to say about Tyson's antics, which Tala found most amusing. It was obvious that those actions were annoying, sometimes even exasperating, when it occurred, but to hear the consequence was generally funny as they usually meant Tyson ending up in a very compromising situation.

So, having felt much rapport building between them, Tala was surprised when he found out that Kai would not be going to Russia along with them. Yes, he knew that they had never really talked about returning to Russia… but for some reason, Tala had assumed that Kai would go back to Russia. It was, after all, the country he was born in although his parents were Japanese. He had asked Kai for an explanation, but the youth had changed the topic. Now, Tala was going to try again though he wondered if he really wanted to hear the reason.

"Uh Kai?"

"Hn?"

"I know that I've asked you before… But, you're sure you don't want to return to Russia with us?"

"That, I'm very sure, Tala," Kai answered quietly. He read the questioning look, which seemed to be hiding some other emotion, in Tala's eyes and decided to elaborate a little. "I'm… not ready to accept Russia as my home. I may have been born there, but Japan is more of a home to me than Russia is… and it will probably stay that way… at least, for now…"

The redhead nodded, showing his understanding of where his friend was coming from. Kai belonged in Japan… just like he belonged back in Russia, back in Moscow, where Ian was currently waiting (probably impatiently as he never had much patience to begin with) for him, Bryan and Spencer. Nobody could force Kai to return to Russia, and he wouldn't be the first one. He would respect Kai's choice.

An awkward silence descended upon the four youths. However, it wasn't long before the G Revolutions team found them. This inevitably brought about a lot of chatter that came mainly from the newly arrived team.

"Yo! There they are! The Blitzkrieg Boys!" Tyson announced as he set off on a sprint to where the Russian team and Kai were standing. Following closely behind him were Ray, Max, Daichi, Hilary and Kenny in respective order. Tyson skidded to a stop before the four teenage boys. Then the other five stopped beside Tyson too, with Kenny panting as he was the least in shape amongst them.

"Kai, why did you just disappear like that?" Daichi asked, huffing with indignation and slight breathlessness. "You could've told us you were leaving, you know. You don't have to be such a prick all the time!"

Ray chuckled at the little redhead's choice of words and then answered him, "That's just Kai, Daichi. You've got to get used to it. No matter how annoying it might be sometimes."

"Even the way he seems to ignore all of us all the time?"

This time, Max and Tyson joined Ray in laughing at the somewhat clueless and pouting Daichi. Daichi seemed even more nonplussed by the reactions of his teammates, folding his arms in front of his torso in annoyance and confusion. Even Kenny wasn't of much help – the said boy was trying his best not to giggle and starting to fail miserably. Hilary too was smiling at Daichi and his rather indignantly stated question. Even the Blitzkrieg Boys were feeling somewhat amused although none of it showed prominently on their features.

"Yes, Daichi. That too," Ray finally gasped out, a wide grin on his face.

Just then, a female voice came on via the speakers to announce the opening of a gate, which cut short the chatter from the Beybladers. "Gate 34 is now open. Passengers of Flight No. 719 to Moscow, Russia please proceed to Gate 34. Thank you."

There was a few seconds of silence before Tala broke it. "That's our flight," he announced to the G Revolutions team, "See you around, I guess." To a trained ear, one would've picked up a hint of reluctance. Japan had become almost like a second home to him during the World Tournament and the incidents following it. However, there would never be a place like his real home – Russia.

Leading the group, Tyson moved forwards to shake hands with Tala. The two teams, for once, interacted rather freely. The friendship that had been forged by Kai and Tala had helped to bridge the remaining part of the gap that had previously existed.

"You know, I'm looking forward to battling you again one day," Tyson said enthusiastically as he and Tala shook hands.

"That makes two of us," Tala replied. Battling Tyson was an experience he hadn't quite forgotten despite their last battle being two years ago. It had been one of the most intense battles he had in his life as a Beyblader. Daichi came in close too; the younger boy had the same passion and fire for Beyblading that was immensely similar to Tyson.

Having overheard them, Max joined in the conversation. "Hey, perhaps we could visit you guys in Russia then! I'd really like to visit Moscow again."

"Then you'd better make sure Tyson wears his coat this time," Tala replied calmly, though his eyes held a twinkle of something.

"Wah!" Tyson exclaimed in surprise, not quite sure if he had heard the Russian correctly.

"If memory serves me right…" Tala drawled, pretending to look thoughtful though there was a smirk threatening to break out soon, "Two years ago, someone jumped off the train at Moscow without his coat and then got a slight flu in the process." Now, the redhead smirked as he asked, "Am I right?"

"H-How…?" Tyson sputtered, his eyes widening.

Kai found himself smirking at Tyson's reaction. There was frankly nothing wrong with what Tyson had done then. Unless you counted him being utterly stupid and unbelievably ignorant. But the Tyson then was like that (though one could say Tyson hadn't changed much in that aspect). It was considered normal, although very vexing. But Kai supposed that Tyson was currently overcome by shock instead of embarrassment. Kai exchanged a knowing look with Tala from behind the others and signaled for him to continue.

"I did some catching up, that's all," Tala said in an innocent voice that would have been convincing if his smirk weren't ruining the effect.

"Catching up…? Kai! You didn't!"

"Hn? Did what?" Kai asked smoothly, his face belying none of the amusement he felt.

"You did!"

"Tyson, I have no idea what you're babbling about," Kai replied coolly. Then as a smirk curled his lips, he added, "And there's nothing wrong with catching up with an old friend."

"You didn't have to tell everything?" the navy-haired teen yelled in mortification. Tyson looked close to hyperventilating any moment and the others felt it was going to be highly likely at the rate and direction Kai was heading to. It certainly seemed like Kai still had more to say judging by the sly look, as much as Kai would show, on his face.

"I didn't tell everything. It doesn't take a genius to be able to see and know that you like Hilary."

Yep. Kai certainly had things to say.

"KAI!" This came from both Tyson and Hilary. The said duo, perhaps soon-to-be couple if things went right, were having some similar reactions to Kai's carelessly, or perhaps not exactly carelessly, given statement: red faces (from probably both anger and embarrassment, though most were betting their lives on the latter) and shocked expressions, which soon turned indignant. Even their thoughts were running mostly along the same lines, though that was unknown to everyone including themselves.

Kai raised an eyebrow nonchalantly at the exclamations, as if to say innocently: "Did I say something wrong?" The others either sniggered or smirked at the red-faced duo. Hmm… embarrassing Tyson is quite… interesting, Kai noted silently. Especially when it concerns Hilary. It could become future blackmail material if other usual content didn't work. Kai stored that away for future reference.

And it seemed that Kai wasn't the only one who had clued into what Kai had noticed. With a sly feline smile that spoke solely of mischief, Ray said in a casual manner, "Hey Tala, I assure you that the next time you see us, Tyson won't forget his coat, or anything for the matter…"

Tala, having already noted the look on Ray's face, decided to play along and raised a crimson eyebrow in a seemingly inquiring gesture. Oh, he was sure that Ray had some trick he was going to pull at any moment. At the expense of both Tyson and Hilary of course. Heh. He never knew that a simple goodbye at the airport could turn into a rather memorable event. Being around the G Revolutions had its perks.

"Yeah, I wo-"

"Cause Hilary will make sure of that," Ray added, cutting through Tyson's words. His smile widened into a large grin and his golden eyes twinkled suggestively.

"Ray! Not you too!" Tyson groaned in despair. Now he was sure that everyone was ganging up on him. He had thought that Ray wouldn't join in but stand up for him instead. Seemed like he was wrong. Tyson took a quick look at Max and knew at once, with a sinking heart, that Max wouldn't back him up either. His blond friend was too busy trying to contain his laughter. Tyson wondered if there was a wall near enough for him to bang his head against. Or perhaps a hole in the ground for him to hide in. Kami, why are you doing this to me? Tyson moaned in his head.

Hilary, on the other hand, was red from embarrassment, which she tried to turn into anger instead. She crossed her arms and scowled but her mind was racing to find out why this was happening to her. First it was Kai, and now Ray was trying to play 'matchmaker' or something too? How in the world did they even get the idea that she liked Tyson? Hilary noted that everyone else in the group seemed to agree with what Kai and Ray were implying! Even Kenny was half-snickering and half-laughing. Hmph. She did not like the goofball called Tyson Kinomiya!

"You know Hilary, you and Tyson should get together soon. There's no point in denying any further," Tala commented offhandedly. Prior to this, he had already noticed something going on between the navy-haired, three-time World Champion and this girl who was part of the G Revolutions although she didn't officially blade with them. But from the little he saw, he could tell that neither of them were doing anything to let each other know about their feelings and they seemed to be denying those feelings from themselves too. Even this push, no, shove, in the 'right' direction wasn't doing much to help. Both were too stubborn for their own good.

"I don't like him that way!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air. "How many times do I have to say it?"

Tala smirked and shook his head in amusement and slight exasperation at the brunette's stubbornness. "Right. And I'll gladly proclaim to the world that Boris Balkov is a father figure to me…"

"We all know that isn't true," Bryan commented, more to himself but audible all the same.

"Which means that you do like Tyson!" Kenny concluded with a flourish of his hand, braving the possible consequence of having Hilary's wrath raining down hard on him later. For now, he contented himself with watching his two good friends in this embarrassing situation. But really, they are so blind, the small-sized brunet thought.

Then, the PA system abruptly cut off the loud, merry laughter that was ringing out from the G Revolutions team. "Will the passengers of Flight No. 719 to Moscow, Russia please board the plane now. The plane will take off in 5 minutes."

"Wasn't the gate only opened like just 10 minutes ago?" Daichi asked as he tilted his head in a gesture of confusion. He wasn't an expert on airplanes, but he knew that it was far too soon for the plane to be taking off. The last time he had sat on an airplane, the gate was definitely open for more than 10 minutes! Unfortunately for the little redhead, nobody bothered to answer him.

The G Revolutions team had become considerably quieter and were now watching Kai and Tala in a, hopefully, non-obtrusive manner. Currently, the two teens were just looking at each other with unreadable expressions, neither speaking. But they knew that the two friends had to have something to say to each other.

"I guess this is farewell then," Tala said slowly to Kai, his azure eyes fixed keenly on his friend.

"Nyet," Kai corrected quietly, "It's 'see you soon'." They would see each other again, and he'd rather it be sooner than later. He extended a hand.

Tala smiled as he too extended a hand, comprehending. Their hands closed on each other together. It was much like that symbolic day on the bridge, except that he knew that Kai was sealing their friendship. No lies, nothing would come between them and destroy their bond. Thanks to Kai, he had relearned the meaning of having true friends. This, he would hold dear and remember. Which made leaving a difficult thing to do.

Surprising everyone, including himself, Tala abruptly pulled Kai into a one-armed, brotherly hug. He could tell that Kai was stunned too as the youth had stiffened before relaxing. "Don't sue me for being sappy, but… but I'm going to actually miss you," Tala half-mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed about saying such things. It would take much longer for him to be even a bit more sentimental and openly show his feelings.

At any usual time, Kai would've wondered if aliens had captured Tala and they had tweaked his mind. But he had to agree with Tala. After talking to him for the past few days, they had grown closer once more. Almost like when they were still young children. Kai would miss their sarcasm-filled jibes at each other, which was their form of bantering. He'd miss having someone who could understand him without him needing to speak a word. In the short space of these last few days, they were almost able to read each other's mind. Which Kai thought was because of their connection during their Abbey days. He wondered fleetingly how Tala had felt when he had disappeared from the Abbey, only seen five years later with no memory of having known Balkov Abbey and in a rival team.

"Me too," Kai admitted sincerely. He returned the hug a little awkwardly before they moved apart. "You'd better go now. Don't want to keep your fans waiting."

Tala smiled at Kai's comment though the slate-haired young man kept a straight face. Well, as straight as it could get since Kai was actually smiling slightly. "See you soon," Tala answered in Russian instead with a slight nod of his head.

"See you soon, my friend," Kai replied, also in Russian.

After a long flight, the pilot finally announced that the plane would be touching down in Moscow in fifteen minutes. Upon hearing the announcement, Tala let out a relieved sigh. Sitting down for hours wasn't his idea of fun. And his legs were getting cramped up due to the lack of movement. There weren't many places to go in the plane and it would seem odd to be walking aimlessly up and down the narrow aisle. Tala did not want to attract attention. He would be getting enough when he, Bryan and Spencer exited the airport.

Fifteen minutes later, the plane successfully landed in the airport and the Blitzkrieg Boys were one of the first to depart from the aircraft. It helped that they were sitting in the Business Class seats, and were thus nearer to the doors. Upon their arrival, the three youths were whisked away by some men in suits, telling the team that the luggage was being taken care of. Oh and they were also given an explanation on why their flight left so early – their fans were getting too hyped up and impatient. Now, they had to meet Ian… and then the Russian crowd.

"So you've finally arrived!" a familiar but disgruntled voice greeted the three Russians' ears as they turned a corner towards the arrival hall. "Did you know how long I had been waiting here?"

Looking downwards simultaneously, the three newly arrived youths smirked at their diminutive teammate. Although Ian had sounded most displeased, his expression soon changed into a rather cheerful smile as he welcomed back his friends. It had been a long time since they last saw each other face to face.

"Well, we're back now aren't we?" Bryan replied. "Missed us, didn't you, little one?"

Ian glared. "Do not call me 'little one', Bry."

"Sure, your Shortness."

"Why y-"

Tala chose that moment to step in, cutting off whatever Ian was about to throw back at Bryan. It was a natural thing for Bryan to start teasing Ian about his height and Ian would start getting defensive about it. Tala and Spencer often let them go on with whatever they wanted to do or say to each other, only stopping them when necessary. Like right now. They had to get ready to face the Russian crowd, their home crowd.

"Alright. Stop this now," he ordered in his usual authoritative voice.

"Jeez… Tala! We just saw each other after four months! Loosen up!" Ian mock-protested.

Tala returned the comment with a enigmatic smile and said, "Oh… Believe me, I have." He then walked away, towards the doors of the airport, expecting his teammates to follow.

Ian blinked at his team captain's retreating back. "What does he mean by that?"

Spencer chuckled and gave a reply that was just about as cryptic as Tala's statement. "Nobody expects Ice and Fire to mix, don't you think so?"

Ian stared.

"Oh, we'll explain next time," Bryan answered, starting to walk after Tala. "We have our home crowd to meet."

Ian shrugged his shoulders and jogged to catch up with his three other taller teammates, who were quite a distance away from him in such a short amount of time. Sometimes, he really wished he were taller. It'd save him from being teased mercilessly by Bryan although he could hold his own against the Falcon bearer. He slotted himself in the space between Tala and Spencer as the brunet and Bryan flanked their team captain on either side.

As the team stepped out of the airport and into the cool Russian air, a rousing cheer from the huge and vast crowd that had congregated greeted them. The warm sunrays shone down on the foursome as they moved forwards, Tala in the lead as always. The loud and joyous cheers were acknowledged with smiles, even some waving too.

It's good to be home, Tala thought as a smile graced his features.

"I can't believe that I'd see the day that Bryan actually smiled genuinely and openly," Tyson commented in wonder as he watched the TV screen that was currently showing the Blitzkrieg Boys' return to Russia on the news channel. Previously, it had shown the other competing teams return to their home countries too. All the teams had received rousing welcomes from their home crowd.

"Well, they aren't total icebergs," Hilary chided, "You should've known that long before I did!"

"Yes, ma'am," Tyson responded in a monotone and then rolled his eyes.

A tinkle of laughter alerted the duo – ahem couple ahem – that their conversation had been overheard. Which wasn't too surprising at all. Kenny, Max, Daichi, Ray and Kai were all currently at Tyson's dojo too. The person who had laughed was Max and he had a huge mischievous grin on his face. "At this rate Tyson, you and Hilary are sure to be together."

"Like Tala said, you two needn't deny it anymore," Ray added with a wink. "It'd only bring you more woes that benefits you know."

Laughter and groans were heard all at the same time and then the mentioned couple started protesting violently. Perhaps openly acknowledging that he and Tala were friends had loosened up Kai a bit more for he was openly chuckling along with the rest of his friends. If any stranger looked in from the outside at this cheery scene, never would he have thought that this group of seven friends had, at one time, never imagined this would happen.

But as they say, Time changes all.

Comrades is finally completed... NOT! I've added a short "sequel" kind of thing. No, I won't make a full length sequel. No time! School's been hellabunga busy. Right, where did that word come from? Never mind... If you're wondering, italized words spoken by the Blitzkrieg Boys are in Russian. But since I don't know much Russian, I can't put it in the real language. One last thing, I hope the airport scene between Tala and Kai wasn't too OOC. I was trying to reduce thesentimentalness in it. But hey, they did feel embarassed.Does it make up for theslight OOCness?

Anyway, without furthur ado, presenting...

Few Months Later…

"Yes, I'm coming!" Tala called out in a barely suppressed annoyed tone towards the door somebody was pounding on. He privately felt that if the person pounded any harder, there would be a dent in the door.

Although he lived with his four friends, it just happened that he was the only one remotely free to open the door. Bryan was out; Spencer was busy cooking in the kitchen (they took turns) and Ian… Well, he wasn't exactly sure where the little bugger was, but a safe bet would be locked in the computer room, playing some strategy game. So it was left to him to go open the door. Whoever's at the door sure is impatient. Who could it be? Tala thought none too happily.

He reached the door of their apartment and swung it open with a vengeance, having in mind to glare at the person at the door and perhaps to shoot some remark at him too. However, once he saw the person, or persons, standing in the doorway, the remark and need to glare in annoyance vaporized in his utmost surprise.

"Kai?"

"No, I'm his evil twin. Of course it's me," the slate-haired, amethyst-eyed young man leaning casually against the doorway in front of the group said dryly. "Hope you didn't miss me too much. You should recognize those fellows behind me… I hope."

"Miss you? Right… in your dreams, maybe. Of course, I recognize them," Tala replied with a smirk, getting over his initial surprise quickly and regaining his composure. Then noticing a particularly interesting thing before him, he added in a faked confused voice, "Though I must say I don't exactly know who those two are." He gestured towards a certain couple standing next to Max.

Kai smirked at Tala's statement, taking in the intention of the words. Ray, Max and Daichi broke out into identical grins. Kenny smiled widely too. The momentary silence was cut short as Daichi hurriedly and rather gleefully sought to clarify the 'identity' of the couple Tala was gesturing towards.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten what Ray said?" the younger redhead exclaimed in mock surprise, having learnt the "art" of acting after much observation during those the months after the departure of the other teams. "He said that the next time you see us, Tyson and Hilary would be together!"

"Not exactly in Daichi's words," Ray corrected, "But I'm sure you get the idea, Tala."

"Oh, now I remember. They finally admitted. I wonder how long it took for them to realize that… Anyway, come in," Tala replied in a tone that spoke of exaggerated realization. "So what brings all of you here?" he then asked as he stepped aside to allow the seven Japanese teenagers into the apartment.

"Can't I even visit my dear old friend?" Kai asked. At the eye roll he received from Tala, the young man chuckled slightly before stating the other reasons. "Well, they wanted to visit Russia and see all of you again. Ian too. So we came."

"Tala, who's that?" Spencer's voice floated out of the kitchen.

Before Tala could reply, Daichi suddenly jumped up from the chair he was sitting on and started sniffing the air. Like a dog following a scent, Daichi sniffed the air and traveled all the way towards the kitchen door. Then with a loud whoop of glees, he leapt into the kitchen. The next thing the occupants of the living room heard was a startled yell from Spencer, "Where the hell did you come from!"

"FOOD!" was the only response Spencer obtained from Daichi.

The seven in the living room got up and entered the kitchen to see Daichi staring hungrily and loving at the food that was on the table. Spencer was staring openly at Daichi with a plain look of shock on his face. Then the burly teenager turned to the doorway to be greeted with the sight of the rest of the G Revolutions team and Tala standing there. It was then when he realized that the Japanese team was visiting them. He then noticed that Tyson was starting to develop the same expression on Daichi's face and looked about to join his counterpart if not for a hand holding on to his arm. Upon closer inspection, Spencer realized that the hand belonged to Hilary.

Another voice floated through to their ears, "Spence, is lunch ready?"

Moments later, Ian appeared, stopping just short of crashing headlong into Kai, who gave Ian a "watch it" look. Ian just glared at Kai who then smirked. Following that, all eyes turned to the still rather diminutive teenager, who looked back at all of them with a bemused stare as if to say: "What? Can't I be here?" The purple-haired teenager looked from one face to another, before turning to Tala and saying, "I didn't know we had visitors."

"You would've if you weren't stuck in the room playing god-knows-what kind of computer games," Tala retorted, sounding as if this was a daily occurrence. Which in this case, it was. "Need any introductions, Ian?" This came out loaded with rich sarcasm.

Ian pointedly ignored Tala's comment on his daily habits and asked casually, "Yeah, who's the twerp drooling all over the food and that girl over there?"

"What twerp?" Daichi exclaimed in fury as he barreled through the others to stand right in front of Ian, trying to stare him down. It didn't have much effect as they were both around the same height and Ian had received far deadlier glares before. "I'll have you know I was-"

"Ah shut your trap and cool your jets. You're Daichi Sumeragi, right? Tyson's partner in the World Championships," Ian said with a dismissing wave in the Daichi's direction, which only served to anger Daichi even more. "So, who's the girl? That I really don't know."

"Hilary. Otherwise known as Tyson's girlfriend," Spencer supplied as he took the opportunity to change the position of the now very precious food before Daichi got over his anger at Ian and resumed his drooling. None of the Blitzkrieg Boys had eaten, and he hadn't prepared enough for either Tyson or Daichi, much less both of them. Spencer did not plan to cook another round, or a few more rounds for the matter.

Then the sound of the main door opening was heard and soon afterwards, heavy footfalls were heard heading towards the kitchen too. "Spencer, is…" Bryan trailed off as he looked at the unusually huge crowd gathered in the apartment's kitchen doorway. After a few more glances at the large group, Bryan asked cynically, "What's the big occasion? Tyson and Hilary finally admitted their undying love for one another?"

"They've admitted that before we arrived here," Kai answered coolly, nodding in Bryan's to acknowledge the gray-haired boy. Then to Tala he said, "I think you should save your food right now before it de-materializes in seconds. Hilary is not going to be able to hold Tyson back much longer… as for Daichi…"

"I get the picture." Tala smirked as he grabbed the smaller redhead by the back of his shirt and pulled him backwards. "That, Daichi, is not for you. Or you, Tyson."

"Oh c'mon! We're hungry!" both Daichi and Tyson moaned at the same time.

"You just had lunch ten minutes ago," Hilary chided. "Food only completely digests in two hours!"

"When are they ever full?" Bryan muttered and Ian snorted at the comment.

"I just have a higher metabolism rate, that's all!" Tyson protested.

"Oh don't you give me this crap, Tyson! You are not some mutant with over-active gastric juices! And you are getting out of this kitchen right now!" Then Hilary latched onto Tyson's arm and forcibly dragged him out of the kitchen successfully despite Tyson's resistance. But before the couple disappeared round the bend to the living room, Ian snorted softly though somewhat audibly, "Pussy-whipped!" To which, Tyson gave the small purple-haired youth a death glare that still had no effect.

Laughter burst out from most of those gathered while the others smirked nastily. At the scene, the residents of the apartment knew that their lives would certainly be much livelier and event-filled from now onwards.

No, the story hasn't completely ended. There's still a short poem for you, summarizing Tala and Kai's friendship and their journey to patching up again. I'm not as good as writing poems than at prose, so don't mind this if it sounds... weird. I don't know. I like prose more than poetry.

ENDING POEM

Built through laughter
Pain and tears
Torn by departure
Lies and betrayal

Years ago
The pact was made
None too soon
The promise crumbled

No more
Will the lies be seen
The fort has crumbled
And the truth reveals

Invisible threads
Strengthen and grow
The ties that bind
Will never break again

And finally, we have come to the end of Comrades. The real end of this wonderful, beautiful and (rather) heartwarming story between two childhood friends. Ahem. Enough of the formalness. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed Comrades! Thanks to those who read but didn't review. Ah, it doesn't matter. I know it can be a chore to some.

Lazy to reply to reviews. Hey, it's the last chapter! Give me a break, okay? A last word: I LOVE MY STORY! XD

carzla