XP: Someone just reviewed and asked me to continue so I looked through my files and found that I actually completed a chapter like February 2014 but never uploaded it. Oops. Sorry for the long wait and thanks for your interest in the story! Much appreciated.

***Chapter 2:The injured wolf and the phoenix without wings***

(Cue flashback)

"Grandpa!"

A childish smile and bright red eyes.

The child tottered over to the warm fireplace, where his benevolent Grandfather sat on a rocking chair, reading a Russian novel with a cup of coffee on the table beside him, a blanket on his lap. It was the image of a cosy winter night, a warm and quiet scene of a typical family.

"Come here Kai," Voltaire patted his lap with a wrinkled smile. Kai tottered over with giant teddy bear in arm, clambering onto his dear grandfather's lap with a cheeky smile. "So how did you do in your test?"

"Well... Four As and a B..." Kai pouted, playing with the ribbon around the bear's neck. "I'm sorry, I know Japanese is your native language, but I really can't get the Kanji."

"It's alright, I know you did you best," Voltaire ruffled Kai's hair, and Kai closed his eyes to lean into the warm touch with a brilliant smile.

"I'll do better next time Grandpa, promise!" Kai giggled. "Here, I'll pinky promise!"

The wrinkled old hand raised a finger, and a small finger eagerly wrapped around it, and the two people shared a warm smile.

(End flashback)

Kai smiled bitterly after he coughed up blood. He sat on the edge of the bath tub, medicine box in his lap. He stared at the discolored spots along his sides, lightly running his fingers over them without flinching. He shivered at the tingles of pain, breathing out a shuddering breath. Kai winced. Oh right. His right hand had a broken little finger... Voltaire had been relentless in his kicking and punching today. Kai did not know how such an elderly man could pack such a punch. Biting his lip, he wound the bandage tightly around his sore ribs just as Voltaire opened the door to the bathroom.

Kai looked up with desolate red eyes.

Was it time for round two?

Voltaire sobbed loudly and rushed over to his Grandson, hugging him tenderly and whispering apologies over and over.

Pained tears fell as Kai's eyes slid shut, and he leaned into his Grandfather.

Voltaire stepped back after awhile, looking at his damaged Grandson who was looking at him with searching eyes. Trembling, Voltaire took over the roll of bandages and helped to bandage Kai up. Kai watched him silently in contemplation, before leaning his heavy head against the cool tiles of the wall and lightly dozed off.

(Next flashback)

"I bought you cake. It's your birthday isn't it?" Voltaire asked hopefully at the boy opposite him.

They were in the dimly lit dining room of the mansion, and they sat opposite each other on the red satin covered oak table. Candles aflame around them, the fires danced in Kai's dead eyes. A cake sat in the middle of the table, and Kai eyed the knife warily. He hoped it would not come to that. He looked over to the rest of the cutlery. Forks. Forks should be fine... Forks... unless they... no, let's not go there. Kai lightly swung his legs under the table, occupying himself with the most futile things.

Kai looked down with his one unbandaged eye at the chocolate cake. Voltaire was most definitely going senile. Kai was not 6 years old, with the number of candles. Chocolate? Really? Kai nodded slowly, sliding his eye back up to his forcefully smiling Grandfather.

"Why aren't you smiling Kai? Don't you like chocolate?" Voltaire's voice was gaining a hysterical edge.

Kai closed his good eye tiredly. So tired.

"KAI HIWATARI!"

Kai opened his eyes to stare at the infuriated man.

Voltaire stood up angrily, smashing the cake to the ground. Kai looked at it quietly from the corner of his eye and closed his eye again, hanging his head down. Voltaire stalked closer. "Don't you understand how much I love you Kai?"

"Grandfather-" Kai started, and was slapped.

"YOU CALLED ME GRANDPA! GIVE ME BACK MY KAI! YOU IMPOSTER!" Voltaire raged, grabbing Kai's collar and shaking him front and back. Kai flopped about like a rag doll.

"Grandpa, I'm tired," Kai whispered. "Please."

"Oh, my little Kai is tired?" Voltaire smiled again, releasing Kai, who crashed backwards and toppled over his chair painfully. "Well, off to bed you go then. I forgot how kids require naps."

"Yes Grandpa," Kai said softly, picking himself up, hugging his aching ribs. He brought himself back to his room and flopped onto his bed tiredly.

(Now)

A soft bed. Numb arms. Cold metal chains. A warm hand stroking his hair away from his forehead. Kai opened his eyes blearily. His wrists were chained to the bed. He stared at them aghast, then looked towards the smiling old man for answers.

"This way you can never leave me, Kai..." Voltaire whispered lovingly.

"I promise I won't leave again," Kai pleaded, trying to get out of his handcuffs. A kiss was pressed to his forehead, and wrinkled hands held his struggling hands still, eyes dark with warning. Kai breathed out harshly, ceasing all motion at that look. Satisfied, Voltaire let him go.

"Grandpa..." Kai pleaded once more.

"What is it Kai? Are you hungry?"

"Grandpa, the handcuffs are hurting me!" Kai screamed. Yes, it did hurt, not just physically. It made him feel like a worthless animal, a nameless trophy to be kept and looked at. Kai never liked being bound or restricted.

Voltaire flinched as though physically struck, and trembled. "I'm so sorry Kai... But I... I love you, don't you see? You'll stay with me forever, unlike that bastard...I know you'll listen to me, Kai. You're a good boy..." Voltaire half pleaded, half growled, stroking Kai's hair back from his forehead. Kai quelled the twisted joy from the touch, shaking as he twisted his hands in his restraints, cutting his skin against the cold, unforgiving metal. He hissed from the pain, confusion shining clear in his eyes. His grandfather was telling him to be a good boy wasn't he? His only kin left in the world. His grandfather that loved him so much.

Dranzer suddenly screeched in his head, startling him back into his senses.

"No, Grandfather," Kai's head spun quickly. "Do we not have a social gathering tonight? Weren't you going to show me the ropes to the business? Because I'm your only grandson."

"Oh right... right..." Voltaire murmured like a senile man, staring at Kai. Kai forced a smile, and Voltaire started to undo his restraints with shaking hands. Sitting up, Kai rubbed his sore and bruised wrists, biting his lip with indignant self-reproach. He almost gave in. How could he give in?

"Your suit is in the dressing room Kai, you'll look so handsome in it."

Kai hoped it wasn't six year old sized.

It wasn't. Kai smoothed out his suit, it covered his whole body, so no scars or bruises could be seen there. Only, it didn't cover his wrists very well. With no choice, Kai wore a watch on his right wrist and decided to be careful of the left. He had to shake hands. Looking at the mirror, he winced at his oddly colored face and swollen left eye. Hesitating, Kai started to rub the facepaint over the marks, and bandaged his eye with no other choice. He looked at the defeated teen in the mirror, and tried to muster a haughty smirk, failing miserably with a twisted, grim smile. Wearily, he turned away from the mirror, and flinched when he saw his grandfather staring at him.

"You're such a handsome young man now, Kai," Voltaire smiled benevolently, the corners of his eyes crinkling up.

"Thank you, Grandfather," Kai bowed slightly in respect. "Shall we go now? We are slightly late."

"What are you talking about? Hiwataris always show up late," Voltaire chuckled, as Kai slid his hand around Voltaire's elbow. "Silly child, you ought to find a girl soon. Escorting an old man like me..."

Kai coughed uncomfortably, and Voltaire laughed at Kai's blushing face. "You're such a good boy, Kai. I wish I could keep you with me forever."

Kai smiled weakly at that familiar sentence from a more psychotic version of Voltaire, and replied nothing, just leading his Grandfather out.

Grandeur, flashing cameras, classy people in classy costumes. Voltaire proudly walked with Kai down the red carpet, flaunting off his handsome, capable grandson, who carried himself with impeccable poise. Yes, he was so handsome, if not for the subdued fire in that lone uncovered eye, which burned brightly during the last beyblade championships. They were warmly welcomed by the guests, and Kai slipped away from his Grandfather to the wine glasses, downing them bitterly.

"Woah, you might want to lighten up on those," Oliver greeted Kai, lifting a cup of fruit punch. Oliver was dressed all prim and proper, and Kai scorned all those of the higher class society that dressed like him. He worse, Oliver seemed genuinely happy to be here, which made him even worse as a dense fool amongst the greedy wolves.

Kai snorted, and continued downing them.

"What happened to your eye?" Oliver pointed to the bandages.

Kai looked away evasively, and in that moment, saw Tala with Enrique and Robert at the other side. "Tala," He whispered, eye widening as he looked at Tala's new appearance. Looks like he wasn't the only one who sold himself, in completely different ways. Just as he noticed them, the three of them walked over, Tala clearly hesitating when he saw Kai's questioning and upset look. Enrique and Robert pulled Oliver aside and started to talk to him about borrowing money, leaving Tala and Kai to awkwardly stare at each other.

Tala shivered, and Kai immediately shrugged off his coat, covering Tala's thin shoulders with it. Tala smiled lightly in thanks, wearing it and buttoning it up to cover his stomach. Kai looked at Tala sadly, while Tala looked at Kai's bandaged eye knowingly. They held no pretenses with one another, or more like, they could always sees through each other's facade, so they saw no point in pretending.

"I'll get out," Tala whispered, looking pointedly at Enrique and Robert. "Using any means necessary. And why won't you, Kai?" Tala's eyes slid back urgently to Kai.

Kai looked rather conflicted, staring down at his shoes. "I... But he's my..."

"Kai," Voltaire said gravely, staring at his grandson. "What are you doing talking to trash like this? My business partners want to meet you. Come."

"Ah, your coat," Tala started taking it off, ignoring the trash comment.

"No, it's quite alright. Keep it," Kai said quietly, pushing through the crowds to follow his Grandfather. "I'll see you then, Tala."

"Why did you have to dirty your coat by giving it to a whore like him?" Voltaire growled, and Tala easily caught the words, but smiled to dissolve Kai's apologetic glance. Tala went back to his ploy, promiscuously slinking over to Robert and Enrique, who both puzzled over Tala's sudden coat, before linking it to Kai's coatless self.

"Oh lord, I apologise for not thinking of offering my coat," Robert apologised sincerely.

"Oh no, a whore like myself does not deserve a coat, plus only Kai would think of doing so with no fear of upsetting my Master," Tala replied tritely. He shocked himself with his blunt words, it did seem that he was hurt by those insults afterall. Rethinking it rapidly, he realised that his words may have some merit. Just look at that guilty and self-reproaching look on Robert's face, and Enrique biting his lip with his lowered gaze! It just may help build some rivalry so they would gain more courage against his Master.

"Please do not say that about yourself, Tala," Oliver pleaded. "It is not your fault. I'm willing to help you too."

Tala smiled, but he was terribly bitter. Was he so far gone to be reduced to accepting sympathy and handouts from others who felt themselves superior?

"Johnny," Kai greeted amiably, stretching out his hand for a handshake, as his Grandfather greeted Johnny's father.

"Kai," Johnny smirked, shaking Kai's hand very hard, as a show of masculinity. He was surprised by Kai's almost undetectable wince of pain from the light pressure when he had barely started squeezing. Was Kai's hand injured? Wasn't a beyblader's hand his life? Though they had quit playing competitively...

Kai accidentally let Johnny ponder too long, and Johnny lifted Kai's hand to see it. Startled by Johnny's show of perception, Kai drew his hand back hurriedly, but it was too late.

Johnny had at least seen the slightly misshaped little finger, and judging by his horrified look, also saw the terrible cuff marks on his wrists that showed as dark purple patches. Kai quickly put on a show of confidence, levelly a haughty glare at Johnny to make him think it was all an illusion, a mere trick of the mind. "How is the business? I doubt you are succeeding any time soon. I saw your proposal, it was amateur."

Johnny seemed taken aback for a moment, registering the insult along with his sudden notice of Kai's heavily bandaged head. Had Kai been kidnapped and tortured? Did he not have good guards? Oh right, Kai often traveled alone, hating to be followed or babied. Perhaps he had been overwhelmed by the sheer number of kidnappers, and was he kept for many days? Kai seemed so much slimmer than he recalled. "I- Well... Shut the fuck up, Kai! I don't believe you, how would you even get a copy of my proposal?" Johnny bit out, eyes still scanning Kai up and down, making Kai feel rather uncomfortable. Those were not scathing eyes he were used to. Those eyes were curious, concerned.

"I have my ways, McGregor," Kai said cockily, pushing his hands back behind his back, and Johnny caught the action with a frown.

"For fucks sake, Kai. Come with me," Grabbing Kai's wrist, Kai tensed tightly in pain, and Johnny loosened his grip immediately, but continued tugging Kai along into one of the rooms further back. Kai pulled himself free then, glaring at Johnny with a mixture of scorn and curiosity. One would of course, come to a few natural conclusions when suddenly pulled into a room, and Kai was glowering testily at Johnny, ready to fight or flight at any sign.

Johnny opened a drawer, taking out a few medical supplies. Kai recognised some of them immediately, being an unfortunate frequent user. He scowled when Johnny reached for his hands, stepping back.

"Don't be coy, Kai," Johnny rolled his eyes.

"Coy?" Kai snarled. "Don't touch me."

Johnny ignored him, pulling one of Kai's sleeve up to see the full extent of the damage. The wrist had some cuts and dried blood from what seemed with tight abrasion, and purple bruises from thrashing about against unrelenting metal. Eyes softening, Johnny started dabbing the medicine on the wounds, and Kai grudgingly let him, knowing the stubborn as a mule blader would not leave him alone. He'd rather let him do it than run out and have Johnny cause a scene. Kai looked sideways throughout the whole first aid treatment, refusing to look at the beyblader in front of him.

Surprisingly, Johnny asked no questions, merely bandaging his wrists and little finger with uncharacteristic gentleness that conflicted with his rough and generally obnoxious personality.

"What about your head and eye?" Johnny moved his hands up, but Kai shrank back protectively, glaring at him harshly in warning. Johnny stared back, not one to back down from a challenge. Kai sighed heavily and pushed past him, and he grabbed Kai by the arm to stop him.

"Kai, you really should get some good bodyguards. Do you need me to help you find some?" Johnny offered.

"No bodyguard can protect me from this," Kai scoffed with a condescending gaze, twisting himself free and leaving the room hurriedly.

Johnny sighed and laid down on his bed in frustration. What did Kai even mean by that? Complicated asshole. Soft footsteps sounded by the door, and he heard the gossip of the servants.

"Did you see the young master Hiwatari? He's so good looking!"

"Pity about his injuries though... I heard that it's Lord Voltaire acting up again."

"Lord Voltaire? No way! He does look like a stern man but... to his own Grandson?"

"Exactly because he's the grandson! Haven't you heard how eccentric and messed up rich old masters can be? Plus, these past years, the young master has never appeared with such wounds except when he is with his Grandfather! He looks like a broken doll with all those bandages and hopeless eyes, he does. Such a great pity, for that charming young man to be reduced to a lifeless puppet."

Shocked, Johnny sat there taking it all in. Kai Hiwatari, the meanest, take-no-shit-from-anyone beyblader was suffering from domestic abuse. The strongest beyblader who faced all challenges with confidence and the strength of a phoenix, never giving up or backing down, fighting with fire that burned so hotly? He went back out to hear Voltaire boasting about the deal Kai clinched with a uprising business tycoon in China, with Kai dutifully by his side with a charming little smile that must have won the confidence of said businesswoman, and many more, as Voltaire was moving on to a new achievement.

"Such an intelligent son you have, to win over that hardhearted woman," His father praised. "I wish Johnny would learn a thing or two from you. Perhaps it's this charisma Kai exudes."

"You flatter me," Kai replied smoothly, increasing his smile and mysterious fire in his eyes. He seemed to take pride from the praises spoken by his Grandfather and acquaintances.

"I am proud of him. He is the perfect heir to my business," Voltaire said smugly, putting a firm hand on Kai's shoulder. "He would continue my business and make it even better."

Kai's eye lighted up, and a child-like smile touched his lips. It attracted the attention and awe of everyone around him, to see his boyish good looks light up like a sweet angel. Johnny was no exception to this, and the striking contrast of this elated face to the condescending one he knew so well enhanced his wonder at seeing this innocent face. Johnny fumbled for his phone without taking his eyes away, unaware of what he was doing until the picture was snapped, to be remained as a memento of this unbelievable moment.

Oliver sighed to his right, and Johnny flinched, suddenly realising what he just did. He started flusteredly hiding his phone. Oliver smiled at him knowingly, holding out a hand. Johnny stared at it in confusion.

"I want the picture too," Oliver admitted.

"No!" The word bubbled out of Johnny's lips before he could stop himself, shocking both of them. "I mean... it's..." Johnny stared down at the photo. Oliver chuckled at his expense, but dropped his hand nonetheless. "Er, are the rumors true? Do you know what I'm-"

"They're been flying around ever since the last championships 6 months ago," Oliver cut him off. "Whether it's true or not, those wounds are undeniably real."

Johnny frowned. Getting beat up in a gang fight was one thing, being bullied by others was another, and this... being tortured by your own blood kin was on a completely new level. How could Hiwatari stand there smiling with his Grandfather's hand on his shoulder? Seeing the old man stand proud and tall, without any hints of injuries, he could tell Kai didn't fight back.

He saw Kai's eyes searching around, before settling on Tala. His uncovered eye seemed sad, as he looked at Tala grinning with a hand on Enrique's arm. Tala looked back at Kai after feeling his gaze, giving a little smile, which was so bittersweet that Johnny was astounded by the sheer emotion those two conveyed to each other by simple facial expressions. Kai closed his eye and turned away, and Tala folded his arms to hug himself, still in Kai's coat. It seemed those two knew each other's situation.

Why does that Johnny McGregor keep staring at me...! Kai was growing increasingly irritated. He hoped the stupid blader wasn't planning to snitch about his injuries or blackmail him with it, because Kai would make him pay. He forced a smile back on his face, as his Grandfather led him around, introducing him as a capable heir who would take over the business, selling Kai's capability to maintain these partnerships for when Kai took over. Kai was weary of the formalities, but he continued on for his Grandfather. He hated smiling when he didn't want to. It made him feel every bit as pretentious at the people around him.

Finally, with all formalities over, Kai dropped his smile completely and went over to the wine glasses again. Long fingers reached out for a glass of red wine, holding it gracefully.

"I have to say, Kai, I'm very impressed by your formal conduct and business achievements," Oliver chatted amiably, while Kai glared at him for interrupting his solace. "Come now, no need to be so unfriendly. As the same generation, we would surely work together in the future."

"At that time, you will seek my business partnership due to my business capabilities, not for how friendly I am," Kai replied scornfully, sipping his wine.

"True," Oliver laughed. "But you seemed to be doing a pretty good job patronizing around the floor. And you really should lighten up on those before you get drunk."

"What are you, my mother?" Kai replied sarcastically, reaching for another glass.

"Wow, you can really hold your liquor. My father was always perplexed by me being a lightweight, said drinking was a necessity for business functions," Oliver continued chattily.

"I'm part Russian," Kai replied smoothly, as though that answered everything. "And stop fucking staring at me, McGregor."

Shocked by Kai's accusing tone, Johnny realised Kai knew he had been staring at him all this while. Not one for tact, Johnny decided to question Kai. "Kai, why are you letting your Grandfather do this to you?"

The very air seemed to still, as Oliver gasped and stared at Johnny in shock, and a menacing aura surrounded Kai, like a wild animal backed into a corner. "Whatever might you be talking about, McGregor?" There was a hidden warning in that low growl.

"Is he threatening you with something? It's not like you to just take abuse," Johnny argued.

"I'll show you threats," Kai took his iphone from his pocket with dark eyes, scrolling to a photo of Johnny kissing a guy in school. Both were obviously drunk. "What would society think of the young McGregor being homosexual?"

"You!" Johnny snarled, disbelieving. "How did you even-"

"Agitating Johnny to draw his attention away might be a smart technique, Kai, but it doesn't fool me," Oliver piped up. "Johnny was just being concerned. You didn't have to get so defensive."

"Don't think I don't have dirt on you as well, Polanski. I know you had plastic surgery on your nose after you got beaten up by some guys," Kai glowered. "You two better shut your traps and behave like good little boys like you usually do. That's not all the news I've got."

Kai's head suddenly snapped to the side to look at Tala, who was being berated by his Master for wearing another man's coat and covering himself up, when he should be on display for all to see. He heard Tala mention his name, and Tala's master tensed, looking over at Kai and giving a very fake but polite smile. He saw Enrique and Robert rush over to bargain to keep Tala for a little while longer, intent on saving Tala from the man for even just a few days. Kai watched the exchange, reading the lips closely, so worried he didn't notice both Oliver and Johnny staring at him and figuring out a few things.

"Where's the rest of the Blitzkrieg boys?" Oliver asked softly.

Kai snapped his attention back to the two of them, slightly disoriented. "They... well, around, I suppose," Kai said evasively, eyes wandering back to Tala.

"You don't know, do you?" Oliver guessed sadly.

Kai said nothing.

"And your Bladebreakers?" Johnny continued.

"Living their happy little lives," Kai said dismissively. Tala's Master left, the two rich boys fist bumped, and Tala turned his head to look at Kai, smirking slyly to show the deal was successful. A relieved smile crossed Kai's face.

"You ought to care more about yourself!" Oliver whispered sharply, noticing some people pass by.

"I can take care of myself," Kai bristled.

"Sure you can," Johnny replied sarcastically. "Just look at you."

Tala gestured to the back garden. Kai nodded.

"Leave me alone."

Kai strode off hurriedly to meet Tala, trying to lose them in the crowd. But it was useless, they both saw the signs and were going to tail him, like what Enrique and Robert were doing.

Tala was shivering in the chilly night air, looking even more frail in the pale moonlight. He sat on the steps, hugging his knees. Kai rushed over, breath coming out in little white puffs. He put an arm around Tala and pulled him closer to share his naturally warm temperature. Tala smiled, deeply warmed by his friend's presence. This was a touch he welcomed. It was one that warmed his heart, instead of chilling it.

"They said they'll save me and help find the rest of the Blitzkrieg Boys," Tala said softly as he leaned against Kai. He drew a shuddering breath, and Kai knew Tala felt like crying. They've both suffered through a rough 6 months alone. But that was not the only reason Tala wanted to cry. Relief from knowing he could finally reach out to his team mates, that he could finally be saved, that he, as prideful as a wolf, would be depending on other's pity, and the fact that he couldn't help Kai, who didn't want to be helped. All these were added together to cause the glimmering blue eyes. Kai knew it well. He tightened his hold around Tala to reassure the young wolf that everything, as wrong as it was, would be alright.

Quietly, Kai rested his head upon Tala's, drawing comfort from the other as well. He closed his eyes and just focused on his breaths, basking in the moment that would not last. His friend would leave this fucked up side of the world. And Kai would be staying. Staying for his grandfather who needed him. Kai took a shuddering breath as well, as the emotions welled within him. He was weary. Tala nuzzled Kai's nape like a large furry animal upon hearing it, soothing his friend.

"Kai, I want you to help me safekeep Wolborg," Tala reached into his shirt, pulling the bitchip from a secret compartment. "My master auctioned off my beyblade, but I managed to hide him. I'm not confident I can continue doing so, though."

"Are you sure?" Kai said softly.

"Positive. There's no one I trust more," Tala smiled as Kai gingerly took the chip with care. Kai pulled his necklace out from inside his shirt, revealing Dranzer on a golden chain, in a little display pendant. Kai clipped it open, and hid Wolborg behind his Dranzer. Tala tingled with loss, but he knew Kai would take good care of it.

"And one more thing!" Tala chirped, pulling a package from the side of the steps. "Happy belated birthday."

Interested, Kai accepted the gift, and opened it to find a skin tight, thin armor that was newly designed and put onto the black market. It should've cost a bomb. Way beyond Tala's capabilities to buy one.

"You can wear it inside your clothes. You wouldn't be hurt by Voltaire then! Except maybe your face and hands," Tala beamed.

"How..." Kai murmured, looking at the gift in wonder.

"Didn't cost much, except my morals," Tala face betrayed nothing. It was calm, watching Kai with love.

"You shouldn't have..." A tear slid down Kai's face, his face contorting to one of guilt and pain for Tala. Tala wrapped his arms around Kai immediately to hide Kai's crying face, rubbing circles on the boy's back. Kai sobbed, trembling. Tala smiled, feeling that it was worth it.

"Now we'll really both be alright, Kai."

"Y-Yeah..."

"I'll come back for you when Voltaire dies from old age then. Shouldn't be that long. And I'll find the rest of them by then, I'm sure," Tala spoke confidently. "So keep Wolborg and yourself safe till then."

"It's a promise," Kai agreed.

They shared a broken smile in hopes that it would be a full one in the future. Kai left first, going back in to fulfill his obligations as the Grandson. Tala stayed a little longer to enjoy the cold breeze that swept his hair back.

***End of Chapter 2***

XP: Thanks for reading and leave a review if you liked it!