Ok, so there are many Beyblade writers who have inspired me to start my own beyblade fanfic, so I would like to dedicate this story to them (sorry, I know it isn't anywhere as good as your stories). I am dedicating it to Sholay, allconspirer, and blueXXphoenix. These three have inspired me greatly when it comes to beyblade whether they know it or not. Thank you.

Not yiao. Some Mariah/Ray and TyHil, but not much. Mostly friendship stuff. No lemons AT ALL

Disclaimer for WHOLE FIC (just because I hate putting it on every chapter): I do not own beyblade or any of it's characters, just an idea. Original characters inspired by anime pictures.

Warning: some mild language, violence, angst, drama, the works. Later chapters may have more violence, but there will be a special warning. I don't want to scar any young ones.

Please, please, please review!! It's what keeps me going!

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

-Unknown

Two years had passed since the final battle with Brooklyn. They had been years of rebuilding and reform as the BBA was finally getting back tot the empire it used to be without opposition or difficulty.

This, however, was of little consolation for Mr. Dickenson today. Plans were finally coming together for the return of the world championships. He was very excited to bring all of the different teams together again as it had been hard for them to see each other. Plane flights were expensive and the BBA couldn't afford to finance these trips while they were rebuilding. Luckily, both bladders and the public were being very patient with them. Besides, everyone was with their teammates and that was all that mattered at the present time.

Well, almost all of them. At the beginning of this whole process, there was only one team that Stanley was worried about; the Bladebreakers. He knew they didn't go by that name anymore, but he still loved to call them that.

Unfortunately, they were going to be the only team in the league that would not be together during this lull. Each of them had gone their own separate directions after the first few months.

Tyson, who was now the bright age of seventeen, had returned home with his grandfather and continuing his education in both regular school and in kendo. Daichi, now 15, had followed Tyson and was soon legally put under the care of Mr. Granger, giving him a place to finally call home. The two had been working as the face of the BBA along with Hilary and Kenny, both seventeen as well. Kenny was working in the technological advancement division as well as assisting with research on bitbeasts. Hilary, who has also been dating Tyson for about six months, was assisting in the international communications department.

Max, also now seventeen, had returned with his mother to America after three months and started teaching anyone who wished to learn about beyblade. He became one of the top ranked teachers in the nation. He is one of the few that travels to see the others on special holidays.

Ray, also seventeen, returned to China after two months to work in his village. He also taught kids how to beyblade, but he also became a highly thought of advisor to the elders of the village. He continued to live their lifestyle, no electronics, and was very happy, especially when the elders allowed him to bring Max to the village for a while.

Kai, now eighteen, has once again slipped from sight, but not from mind. Two weeks after the final match, Kai received a phone call that he told the others was urgent, and he had to return to Russia and take over for his grandfather who was still at large. He continued to stay in contact, but soon after, all forms of communication stopped other than short letters that were periodically received by his friends and Mr. Dickenson. He never, told them how to find him, however; all they ever knew was he was still in Russia somewhere.

Now, hopefully those boys were going to be brought together again. The stadium on the outskirts of Tokyo had finally been finished thanks to an anonymous benefactor. This individual had given a large sum of money to the BBA to build the stadium and their only request was that there be thick glass installed around the arena so that the spectators would be safe from the clashing blades. Mr. Dickenson of course obliged to this as it was a very small request in the grand scheme of things. What was even better was that there was enough money to bring many of the teams in to participate in the championships.

With all of this grand news, one would think that the chairman of the BBA would be tickled pink, but there was still a factor that weighed heavy on his mind. Though no opposition had appeared yet, Mr. Dickenson was still afraid of what Boris Belkov and Voltair could do. He worried they may use this as an opportunity to strike out again.

Nonetheless, he figured that with enough security, there would be no problem and sealed the last letter containing information on the tournament. Turning it over, he wrote an address on the envelope and smiled. Placing it in his outbox, he got up to leave. On the envelope read the name Tyson Granger.

"Come on, Daichi," yelled Tyson as he willed Dragoon forward, "bring it on!"

"You're going down, Tyson," yelled Daichi, as he followed suit with his blade. The two blades hit each other and rocked the ground around them, causing the birds to take off from their perches in the trees. Tyson was pushed back and he growled in frustration.

"Oh no you don't, monkey boy!"

"Don't call me monkey boy, you big chimpanzee!"

The bickering continued until Hilary exited from the house. "Guys, lunchtime!"

"Alright," yelled Tyson as he called his beyblade to his hand and ran to the house. Only to be stopped by Hilary.

"Tyson!" yelled Daichi. "Come back! We're not finished yet!"

Kenny giggled as he closed his laptop. "Daichi, there's food!" joked Tyson. "How can I train if there is food getting cold on the table? I just can't!"

"You would if Kai was here," he said before he could think about what he was saying. He instantly regretted his words when he saw the expression on Tyson's face turn solemn. Everyone got very quiet. "Tyson, I'm…"

"Don't worry about it, Daichi," said Tyson, sending a weak smile to his friend. "It's ok. I know you didn't mean anything by it."

"Tyson," said Hilary placing a hand on his shoulder.

"No, Hils, it's ok," said Tyson, placing his hand on hers. "I just miss him is all."

"When is the last time you heard from him?" asked Kenny.

"Ten months ago," said Tyson, his face seeming to fall even farther.

There was a long silence among the young individuals. "Yo, dudes," came the voice of Grandpa Granger as he walked outside. "Whoa, what's with the low aura in here, little dudes?"

"It's nothing, Grandpa, really."

"Ok, well, I got some chow ready. Why don't you mosey on in and get some grub?"

"Alright, thanks Grandpa Granger," said Daichi.

The group started to head inside. "Oh, before I forget, homie, I got a letter for ya."

Tyson's face instantly brightened as he ran to the old man. "Really, let me see!"

"Alright, cool your jets, little dude," he said reaching into his pocket and pulling out an envelope. He handed it to Tyson who looked at it and looked sad for a moment.

"It's not from Kai, is it?" said Hilary, replacing her hand on Tyson's shoulder.

Tyson shook his head. "I should know better by now than to hope for that."

"Don't worry, it will come," she said, placing a peck on his cheek.

"Right now, I'm not really holding my breath," he said as he opened the envelope. "It's a letter from Mr. D!" said Tyson.

"What promotion are we doing now?" whined Daichi.

"Oh yeah!" yelled Tyson. "Wow!"

"What is it?" asked Hilary as she took the letter from Tyson. "Oh wow, guys. Listen to this…"

Dear Tyson, Daichi, Hilary, and Kenny,

I would like to formally invite you all to participate in the upcoming World Championship being held by the Beyblading Association. I have contacted all other members of teams that have participated in the past have also been invited.

There have been some changes for this tournament that need to be addressed. All teams must consist of 4-6 bladers, one of which must act as the team captain. We will be following the three-game format in which two games must be won to take the match. The largest change is that competitors can choose their own format for the match: how many competitors play at one time, kind of dish used, what is needed to win, etc. We want the competitors to make this tournament theirs!

All team representatives must report to the BBA Tokyo office at 3:00 pm on June 23rd to discuss these changes in the rules. The tournament will begin on the 25th so those with long flights will have time to rest. We are looking forward to seeing all of you as well as some new faces from across the world! If financial assistance is needed to get teams to Japan, please contact your local BBA office and arrangements will be made.

Sincerely,

Stanley Dickenson

BBA Chairman

"That means we'll get to see Ray!" yelled Hilary.

"And Max!" added Kenny.

"And maybe even Kai!" yelled Tyson. "I gotta go call Max!" With that, Tyson ran into the house and to the phone.

"What about the food?" asked Daichi.

"I think for once, something is more important to Tyson than food," said Kenny with a giggle.

Max had been waiting by the phone for two days, waiting for Tyson to call him. He had gotten the letter early since his mom was an employee of the BBA whereas Tyson would have to wait for the mail. Every time the phone rang, Max would answer in eagerly in hope that it was his best friend.

"A watched pot never boils, Max," said Judy.

"I know, mom," said Max, "but I'm just too excited!"

"Then why don't you call him?"

"And ruin the surprise? No way!"

The phone rang and Max picked it up. "Hello?"

'MAX!!'

"TYSON!!"

'Did you get the letter?'

"Yeah! I was so excited. I got it a few days ago, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise."

'Have you decided what team you're going to play with?' Max hesitated. 'What's wrong?'

Max looked back at his mom who had her back to him, making dinner. Max put his hand over the mouthpiece and whispered into it. "My mom wants me to battle with the All-Starz, but I want to be on your team."

'Well, just tell her that you don't want to be on her time. She's your mom, she'll understand.'

Max let out a sigh. "Ok, I'll talk to her and call you tomorrow, ok?"

'Ok, either way, I'll see you at the tournament.'

"Yeah, talk to you later, Tyson."

He hung up the phone and sighed again. "Hey mom?"

I know it is kind of a slow start, but trust me you will not be disappointed. Also, please be patient with me. Kai will appear, I mean, it's a Kaific for goodness sake. You just have to wait.