Crystal Manning- So, that wasn't too much of a wait, was it? I wanted to be sure I had this story planned out a bit before I jumped right into it, despite how excited I was to get this story started. I also wanted to give you all enough time to finish up Crouching Tiger before I started Summer Paradise. I was going to have this up two days ago but family stuff got in the way. I enjoyed your reviews on the last chapter and I'm happy to know that you all enjoyed the story as well. So, without further ado, here's Crouching Tiger: Summer Paradise.
On a different note, I'm mentioning the clothes that they're wearing to go along with how they change clothes per season. Also, for those of you that are new and joining in this story is placed a few weeks after G Revolution. This story follows my previous beyblade story, Crouching Tiger. I suggest you read that before you read this one. You won't be too confused but it would help clear some things up.
To those who avoid stories with OCs, this story isn't running rampant with them. The only "major" OC is Crystal, of course, however there are other OCs included as minor characters needed to push the story forward.
Summary: Summer vacation has finally arrived and BBA Revolution finds themselves in the Bahamas celebrating Ray's seventeenth birthday with the White Tigers. Of course, being the World Champions, they have a constant target on their backs that always attracts trouble. With the return of a supposedly reformed rival their week-long vacation of fun in the sun will be compromised with their duty of protecting the sport of beyblading yet again. OCs
Genres: (Since only lets us pick two) Action/Adventure, Angst, Drama, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, do not own Beyblade. Anything that is related to the Beyblade franchise belongs to Takao Aoki. I, however, do own Crystal, Dricen, and other people/places/bitbeasts belong to me.
Crouching Tiger: Summer Paradise
Chapter 1: Where are They Now?
It's been a few weeks since the fall of BEGA and the history making Justice 5 Tournament. It had a bigger impact on the lives of the children around Tokyo for there were more beybladers in the parks and on the school grounds than before. Ray had gone back to China with the White Tigers and, after a brief stay in Japan, Max left to visit his mother in America. Daichi had all but disappeared, only leaving a note behind stating that he would make Tyson proud of him one day. The note touched Tyson more than he let on.
Kai and Crystal were the only one who decided to stick around in Japan with Tyson, Hilary, and Kenny. They stayed over at the dojo and went out around the two whenever a festival or an event had arrived. It still surprised Tyson that Kai willingly went around the town with them without a big objection to spending time with them. Unbeknownst to him, Hilary and Crystal seemed to have made it their sort of mission to include Kai in on the activities they were doing and tried really hard to get him to crack even the smallest of smiles. It was an ongoing process.
Outside, nature reflected the summer season. The cherry blossoms around the Granger dojo had bloomed and with every gentle breeze a few pink petals gracefully floated in the air before landing on the roof, ground, or the small koi pond in the backyard. Tyson could be found outside on many occasions, watching the petals fall while he cleaned Dragoon. Not that he had much to do between every cleaning session. No one has been around to challenge him to a beybattle as of late.
Normally that would be a good thing. But, for the past two years he and the rest of the BBA Revolution team have been challenge to battle after battle by mysterious bladers that wanted his and his friends' bitbeasts for one reason or another. While Tyson got frustrated with people wanting his Dragoon he missed battling constantly.
Letting out a soft sigh, Tyson turned his eyes up to the bright, cloudless blue sky. As always, his mind went to his previous battles and the adventures that he and his friends had. He couldn't stand sitting around and not getting ready for the next tournament. How long would it be until the next one? Weeks? Months? Years? Tyson wasn't sure he'd survive.
Suddenly, his head jerked in the direction of the dojo. The savory smell of pancakes, chocolate, bacon, and eggs reached his nose. It wasn't a scent that he was used to whenever Grandpa Granger made breakfast. This was a scent brought from the Heavens!
"Happy Summer, Mom," Tyson said in the direction of the lonely flower bed that sat by the dojo's back down. He jumped to his feet and rushed into the dojo, the hood to his new red vest bounced slightly underneath his ponytail. He dashed into the kitchen to see Crystal setting down a tall stack of pancakes on a plate by the stove.
"Morning Tyson," she chirped, turning around and flashing him a big smile. "You're up earlier than I expected," she added, pointing at the clock on the wall.
"My nose got me up," he replied while rubbing his belly. He let out a sigh of content when he saw the food spread out on the table. "Oh yeah! My nose and stomach never lie! Bring it on!"
Crystal watched with an arched eyebrow as he rushed to the table, tucked his napkin into his shirt, and grabbed his fork and knife. "You don't have to rush," Crystal said softly. "Daichi's not here."
"Oh…yeah…" Tyson's face fell slightly before he started shoveling food into his mouth. Crystal sighed and shook her head, turning to the whistling tea pot that sat on the stove.
She poured the tea and paused to look out the window, surveying the neighborhood. The longer she was in Japan the more the culture had an effect on her, she noticed. It reminded her of the Chinese culture but there were vast differences between them, she was careful to realize. She didn't feel too out of place in Japan than she originally thought she would have when she decided to stay but, so far, she's been enjoying her decision. She especially loved the Japanese fashion, not that she could ignore it for Hilary shoved it down her throat whenever she got the chance. It wasn't every day that Hilary had a female friend around, after all.
The two girls spend one entire day in the Harajuku district using the whole day to look at the fashions and try on new clothes. Crystal felt, clothing wise, that she needed a change while in Japan and Hilary was quick to agree. Ditching her old clothes she now went with a white sleeveless hoodie and a light blue cap sleeved shirt underneath, and jean shorts with black knee length leggings underneath. She switched out her black Chinese shoes with boots that Hilary leant her depending on the terrain they were to walk on during the day. The back of her shirt has a yin-yang symbol sewen onto it (thanks to Hilary) so she still had a piece of China with her.
Turning around, Crystal brushed her black and blue braided hair behind her shoulder and carried the tray full of tea over to the table. She paused slightly and lifted her eyes when she heard the very faint sound of a floorboard creak. That had to be Kai. He was the only one who could walk lightly on the floorboards. Not even Ray walked that lightly,
"Good morning, Kai, would you like some tea?" Crystal asked over the sound of Tyson's obnoxious chewing. She made a face and turned away from him, not wanting to toss her cookies over her own breakfast. She threw a cat-like smile in Kai's direction which faltered slightly when she got a good look at him.
"Wha're 'ou 'ookin' a'?" Tyson asked through a full mouth. He looked over his shoulder right at Kai and almost choked on his half-chewed breakfast.
Ever since the Justice 5 Tournament and the fall of BEGA Kai's demeanor noticeably, albeit slowly, started to change. He was still quiet and sort of anti-social when it came to people who bothered him or when he was asked stupid questions and the like. Otherwise he put forth an effort to actually try and talk to his friends. It was still an ongoing process. They were transfixed, however, o how normal he looked while wearing a dark gray shirt with a red phoenix in the middle and dark jeans. While he still wore his normal dark attire it was strange to see a splash of color on him.
Kai's eyes opened and he uncrossed his arms. His violet eyes moved around the table, taking everything in. Then he let out a barely audible sigh. "Please," he finally replied as he sat down. His eyes shifted in Tyson's direction, making a slight face at the dragon's eating habits. "Thanks," he said while accepting the small cup. He closed his eyes and took a sip of the steaming drink, holding it in his mouth briefly before swallowing. He set the cup down and looked at Crystal. "So…what adventure are we going on today?" He asked sarcastically.
"Oh don't pretend that you didn't have fun at the festival," Crystal scolded with a wag of her finger as she sat down.
"You did."
"O'course! Beating Tyson in front of that girl was the best part of the day," she said while shooting Tyson a grin and reaching for a few pancakes off of the stack that was in the middle of the table.
"Hey! I almost had that girl's number!" Tyson cried out. "If it weren't for you butting in—"
"Ha! Ty. You weren't even close."
"I could've been."
"I saved you the trouble," Crystal explained while waving a pancake piece in his direction. She stuck it in her mouthed and chewed and swallowed before continuing her point. "Imagine the rampage Hilary would've been on. She has this…selfish mindset with you boys. She feels like you're hers and no one can interfere with that."
"Hey! I am not selfish!" Hilary's loud voice moved through the room. Crystal let out a laugh as Hilary walked in through the door with her hands on her hips. Staying true to her (self-proclaimed) fashionable style she was now keen on wearing short shorts with suspenders. In this case she was sporting a black midriff baring t-shirt with BBA written on it in yellow, red suspenders, jean short shorts, and her favorite brown boots.
Kenny stood by meekly, his laptop clutched under his arm. He still wore his nice shirts and ties but he changed out the tie colors and now wore jeans instead of nice pants. He also grew a considerable amount in the short amount of time so he was now taller than Crystal and the same height as Max.
"I meant it in a good way, Hil," Crystal reassured her.
"Yeah, yeah," Hilary said with a wave of her hand as she and Kenny sat down around the table. Hilary tucked her legs to the side and placed her hands in her lap. "Where's Grandpa?" She asked after a scan of the room. The others shrugged. "Okay then. What're we doing today?"
"We'll find something," Kenny replied. "There's always something to do around here." He suddenly lifted a finger. "I know! We can check out that new computer exhibit at the museum! It's doing a showcase on Macs and other Apple products through the years."
"We want to do something fun, Chief, not boring," Tyson deadpanned. Kenny grumbled something under his breath but Tyson was seemingly oblivious to it as he took on another helping of pancakes.
"Like the other events you've dragged me to were fun?" Kai asked with a lifted eyebrow. They decided to ignore that comment. Kai had a negative view on everything so it wasn't a surprise to them that he'd have doubts about doing something else with the group.
They, however, was sure it was only a front that he was putting on to keep up with his image. The festivals and parades and other events that they had gone to were fun and they were sure that he had fun as well. Hilary swore she even saw him smile and laugh along at a magic demonstration they had decided to attend. He, of course, denied it and claimed that her eyes were playing tricks on her when she confronted him about it.
It was like pulling teeth with him.
"Well, the Beyblade Showcase was fun, even you have to admit that," Tyson said with shinning eyes. "C'mon, admit it! You have fun beating all of those amateurs with one swoop!" He said while lighting elbowing Kai in the side. Kai let out a grunt, stood, and silently walked off. "Fine, don't answer me!" Tyson said to the Russian's back. "Man! What's a guy gotta do to get a response out of him?"
"Um…not bother him?" Crystal offered. "And not ask stupid questions?" Tyson rolled his eyes and chomped into a sausage link. Next to him Kenny was tapping away on his laptop, no doubt at the website for the museum. "He'll learn."
"That's doubtful," Hilary said with a little giggle. "It always takes Tyson a bit longer to learn things." Once her laughter subsided she wiped away the small tear that was by her eye. "I'm betting Tyson is going to read comics all day so I guess it's just us. Do you want to go to the mall? I need to buy a new bathing suit and I can get Ray's present at the same time—oops." She clapped her hand over her mouth.
Crystal sucked in a breath and let it out very slowly, as if breathing out her annoyance and leaving on patience behind. "You don't need to walk on eggshells around me, Hil, you can say his name y'know," she said while stacking her silverware on her plate and pushed it closer to the center of the table. "But, yes, I'd love to go. I need a bathing suit as well 'cause I'd rather not sit on the beach naked."
Hilary smiled a little. "Only two more days and we'll be relaxing at the beach, not having to worry about creepy beybladers wanting bitbeasts."
"Two long days," Crystal groaned, resting her palm on her cheek. "Remind me to check if Tyson has his passport and everything ready so we're not late to getting to the airport because of him. I don't want to miss a minute of my free vacation."
Just then Grandpa Granger walked into the kitchen, holding onto a stack of envelopes. "Good morning, homies! What're you doing inside on a righteous day like this? I'm surprised you homeslices aren't outside soaking in the sun and spinning your blades."
"We would if there was anyone worthy enough to 'blade around here," Tyson grumbled, lifting his hat and running his fingers through his hair.
"If you didn't have such a closed—is that the mail?" Crystal's head snapped around to look at the stack in Grandpa Granger's hand. No one had time to move or react as she jumped over the table and snatched the mail out of his hands. With a quick glance at each window of the mail she tossed one letter after the other over her shoulder until it all lay in a pile on the ground. "What's a girl gotta do to get an acceptance letter around here?" She wailed, dropping to her knees.
"I think the mall will do her some good," Hilary sighed while shaking her head. "I'm afraid a few more hours here and she'll go crazy."
"You mean she's not already there?" Dizzi quipped from the open laptop.
"Your total is ¥63. Thank you for your patience. Please visit us again."
The ring from the cash register pierced the din of the overcrowded restaurant. Servers moved around the floor, dodging each other as they moved in and out of the pickup and drop off areas of the kitchen. The hosts and hostesses were busy with antsy customers at the front of the shop as well, keeping smiles on their faces while they looked through reservation books and tried to keep those who have been waiting calm.
All and all it was a normal day at The Lucky Dragon.
"I'm surprised you're still standing, Ray." The dark haired male turned to see who had addressed him while tucking his empty tray under his arm. The woman standing behind the cash register smiled at him. She carried herself with such elegance and grace that if he didn't know her he wouldn't think that she was his own age. She gave him a small smile and motioned towards the packed restaurant. "I think this is the busiest we've been since you've come back. Don't overwork yourself. You're the reason we have so much traffic."
Ray gave a light laugh and walked over to the counter, using his free hand to pushing his bangs out of his face. "Mei, you're laying it on a little thick there," he commented. "The place, as always, is evenly split in customers and you have your fair share of admirers."
"Yes, but I actually acknowledge it, Mr. Modest," she teased while shaking her head, her long French braid moved with every twist of her head. "I hope you realize you're our most requested male server. But I should thank you for coming back. The turnover has been amazing. Feng appreciates you helping us little people as well."
"I may be a World Champion beyblader but that doesn't mean I'm going to forget where I'm from," Ray stated while setting his tray down on the counter near the delivery pickup area. "I'm still a village guy at heart. I have a lot of things that are keeping me here. Like…this job, the city, the village, my parents, my friends—"
"Your pink haired girlfriend," Mei interrupted him. She kept her eyes on the money that she was counting, using every amount of self-restraint she had to not look at him. It proved to be a tough challenge for she could feel him burning a hole in the side of her head. The urge got worse the longer time went on but she didn't dare move her eyes in his direction. "How's that going, anyway?"
Ray let out a long sigh and rested his elbows on the counter. He pressed his lips together and let his amber eyes move around the restaurant, studying each customer in turn. He would admit that he as a fairly confident person…when it came to beyblading, cooking, performing tea ceremonies, or any other activity or situation that had nothing to do with girls liking him. His confidence seemed to fly out the window, however, whenever a girl was involved. He hid it very well, it seemed, for he tried to be as polite and nice about it as possible whenever one were to like him (for reasons he couldn't fathom).
In Mariah's case he was aware of her infatuation with him for ages but he ignored it and even pushed it aside to the small recesses of his mind. He told himself that if he didn't believe or think about it it couldn't be true. However, over time, it became more and more apparent that one day, sooner or later, he'd have to talk to her about it and not ignore it anymore.
That day came sooner than he expected when the Ball was announced. Yes, he had asked Mariah to go as his date. Yes, he had fun with her, like he always did whenever they were hanging out but that's all he thought it was at the time. Them hanging out. The next thing he knew she asked to talk to him about something important. His mind hardly wrapped around her words of confession before she had kissed him. Despite knowing that she had very fond feelings for him he was pleasantly surprised by her bold move and felt the only thing he could do at the time was kiss her back.
Since then he's been confused about the feelings that have been bouncing around in his mind so he took up extra shifts at the restaurant to keep himself busy. And busy they have been. It's as if the more people realized he lived in the area the more people came to the restaurant just to see him. It was a very welcomed distraction.
"She's not my girlfriend," Ray finally replied. Mei let out a soft snort but didn't say anything. "She's not," he insisted. "I don't know what we are, really," he admitted, shaking his head a little.
"Friends? More than friends? Friends with benefits? Boyfriend/girlfriend? Significant other? Dating? Engaged? There aren't many categories for you to fall into," Mei said, finally turning her eyes away from the money and at his face. Her eyebrow was raised and a knowing smile graced her lips. "It's either one or none."
"Honestly, I don't know," he replied.
Her eyebrow lowered and she slowly shook her head. "You haven't talked about it, have you?" Mei asked. "You've just let the rumors run rampant around the village not even caring about what it could do to your reputation, let alone hers? Where have your manners gone to, Mr. Kon?"
"Why should I comment on something that's no one else's business but mine and Mariah's?" Ray asked. "The way I see it, they can talk all they want."
Mei gave him a peculiar look before closing the tray of the cash register. She motioned over another worker and quickly said something to him in Chinese. He nodded and took her place behind the counter. She motioned her finger at Ray in a 'follow me' way before disappearing into the backroom. The sound of the restaurant was almost instantly cut off as soon as the door closed behind Ray. She crossed her arms and pursed her lips as she began pacing. She then stopped and stood in front of Ray, a smile of amusement pulling on her lips. "Ray, you're a scared little boy."
Ray's eyebrows furrowed and he crossed his arms over his chest, the sleeves of his uniform tightening slightly over his muscles. "Mei, I hope you realize I don't appreciate laughing at my predicament."
"I can't help it; you act like you're seven and not seventeen," Mei giggled.
"Not all of us have had a perfect relationship since they were a baby."
"My relationship with Feng is hardly perfect, Ray, but I'm going to let that one slide." She clicked her tongue before speaking again. "Ray, do you like Mariah?"
Ray nodded slowly. Where was she going with this? Anyone with eyes could see that she held a special place in his heart and she was a member of the same beyblading team he was on. "Yes, she's a very dear friend."
Mei lifted a finger and wagged it. "Ah, that wasn't what I was asking you. I asked if you like her."
Ray shrugged. "I like her fine." But he knew what she was really asking, if he liked her as more than a friend. If he liked her as a woman. But he didn't know. He loved spending time with her but it was too complicated. Her making him lunch every day didn't make things easier on him.
Mei laughed and covered her mouth with her hand so her shoulders shook. "You're such a boy," she sighed. "If you need any female advice I'm here. I'm a little experienced in the girl department, y'know."
"Speaking of, you have any idea why Crys doesn't want to talk to me?" Ray asked, moving his hands to his pockets. His fingers lightly brushed Driger which sat heavily in his pocket.
Mei shrugged. "I wouldn't know, though you must've done or said something to get the silent treatment from her. She hasn't said anything in her recent letters."
"Letters?" Ray repeated, he perked up as if he were a curious puppy. "What'd they say?"
"Same ol', same ol'," Mei said with wave of her hand. "She's been spending time with Tyson and the others. She's been beyblading whenever she finds a good opponent and she's been waiting for her acceptance letter to that school she really wants to get into."
Ray waited for a few seconds, expecting her to say more but then realized that she didn't have more to say when she pressed her lips together. "That's all?"
"That's it."
"Huh," Ray grunted. His eyes travelled over to the clock that was above Mei's head. "Okay, well, I have to clock out now. Are you staying longer?"
She nodded. "Feng and I are closing up tonight. We're taking over for Bao-Zhi," she replied. Ray nodded and moved to take off his apron when the wall phone started to ring. Mei, being the closest, answered it. "The Lucky Dragon, how may I help you?" She listened for a second before holding out the phone. "It's for you, it's Max."
"Max?" Ray's eyebrows furrowed. "But it's…only five in the morning there." Mei shrugged and handed off the phone, leaving the room entirely. A blast of sound reached Ray's ears as the door swung open and then was cut off when it shut. "Maxie? What's going on? Is everything okay, dude?"
"Yeah, everything's fine over here," Max replied. The blond's voice sounded unusually upbeat for someone being awake at such an early time. But it didn't surprise Ray too much; Max was always a quick riser. "I just wanted to see how you're doing, Birthday Boy."
Ray laughed softly. "It's not my birthday yet. Only a couple more days."
"And then you'll be the big one-seven. Anything special planned?"
"I dunno. Probably just a dinner with the team. I think my parents are trying to come in but I'm not getting my hopes up about them too much," the Chinese blader replied while leaning against the wall. "Why?"
"I'm just asking," Max replied, stifling a yawn on the other end of the line. "Isn't that some big milestone in your village or something? Like your version of coming of age or something."
"Yeah, that's right," Ray said while nodding, remembering a second later that Max couldn't see it. He was happy to know that someone listened to him whenever he talked about his home life. "Whenever a male turns seventeen sometime during the year they have to go on their journey to find themselves. No one knows what it is, it's usually up to the person to decide and the others know about it once—well, if—they return."
"Oh, sounds…interesting." Max's statement was interrupted by another yawn. "What do you think you'll do for your journey?"
"Well, there's this myth that surrounds the village. It's known as the White Tiger Village because, supposedly, a White Tiger has been around long since our ancestors have been around. The White Tiger watches over the village but it is very elusive. No one has seen it but very rare glimpses but even then they were sure their eyes were playing tricks on them. Rumor has it if you find the White Tiger and you're able to get close enough to it to pet it you get a wish."
"Whoa! That sounds really cool!"
"It is. The hard part about it is that, supposedly, he lives on the highest peak of the tallest mountain in China."
"I think it's something that you can do. You can already survive without electricity and technology out there. Climbing a rock can't be too hard."
"Ha ha." Ray rolled his eyes. "So, how's New York?"
"Same as always: loud, busy, and exciting. I just love it so much," Max replied. Ray could practically see the blond's illuminating smile through the line. "Mom has been showing me the new research that she and the PPB have been doing, its amazing stuff. I can't believe beyblading has come this far. She was very impressed with Kenny's and Emily's creation of the Heavy Metal System."
"As they should be, it's very impressive work for teenagers I must say," Ray replied. "Look, Max, not that I don't want to talk to you but I have to do. Dinner is soon and if we don't arrive on time we have to find our own food. Was there anything else you wanted?"
"No, just wanted to talk to a friend," Max replied. "To be honest I was beginning to get a little bored. Nothing exciting happens whenever we're apart, it seems. I actually kind of miss being attacked by random 'bladers."
"I know what you mean, buddy. Get some sleep, okay?"
"Okay. Goodnight Ray."
"Good morning, Max."
Ray hung up the phone and changed out of his gray pants and replaced them with his normal black ones, but these had white Chinese characters going down the right leg which, when translated, read 'ferocious tiger'. He then took off his blue work shirt and replaced it with his sleeveless white top. It was reminiscent of the top he wore just a few weeks ago just without the sleeves. He tied his red sash around his waist before stuffing his work clothes into his locker.
He waved to Mei and her fiancé, Feng, as he left the shop. They waved back and gave him smiles on his way out. Once Ray stepped out onto the crowded streets he was swept up into the sea of citizens moving from shop to shop, in and out of stores, and stopping in front of each merchant stall. The golden glow from the stores and lamps that hung above the street brought together the summer feeling that he loved and looked forward to each year.
He paused by a stall that was selling some dumplings. He placed a hand on his growling stomach and, after a seconds of thinking, gave into his hunger and bought some. He took a bite and smiled at the burst of flavor and spices that seemed to erupt from the doughy delight.
"Ray! Hey, Ray!"
"Hmm?" Ray turned around, halfway into his bite when he heard someone calling his name. His eyes scanned the crowd until, finally, they rested on Lee and Mariah who pushed their way through the crowd and towards him. His stomach did a light flip-flop when his eyes rested on Mariah but he ignored it and did his best to put on a smile. "Hey Lee, Mariah. What're you guys doing in the city?"
"We needed to get some ingredients for dinner," Mariah replied while holding out the bulging brown paper bag that sat in her arms. "We're having Egg Drop Soup."
"Sounds delicious. Do you want some help with that?" He asked, motioning towards the bag. Just because he was (finally) aware of her feelings for him didn't mean that he could stop being a gentleman. His mother would have his head if she were to find out.
"Um, no thank you, I got it," Mariah replied, lowering her eyes as a light blush dusted her cheeks. "But thanks anyway, Ray. It's very sweet of you."
Lee gave a little laugh. "Easy there, Romeo, I think you're going to make her heart explode."
Mariah glared at her older brother and elbowed him in the ribs. "Shut up, Lee," she mumbled.
Ray chuckled. "You two heading back?" They nodded. "Mind if I walk with you?"
"Of course not, buddy," Lee said as he lightly slapped Ray on the shoulder. "So, it's almost the big day. What do you think Hanna's going to get you?"
Ray shrugged. He didn't put too much thought into a gift from his arranged fiancée. He hardly saw her with his training, work, and beyblading around the world. Come to think of it, he was surprised their arrangement hasn't dissolved by now with how much distance was put between them 3/4s of the year.
"I'm not expecting much. I don't want anything, really," Ray replied.
"Ray, you're too modest," Mariah said with a shake of her head. "There has to be something you want."
"Well, yeah, the same thing I want every year but I don't hold my breath about it," Ray replied. "I want my parents to come home but they're very busy so I can't expect a result."
"Maybe they'll come this year," Mariah replied. "You shouldn't give up hope, Ray. This year might be different. Not just for you, for all of us. It's a new start for us, boys. Who knows what the future will hold?"
A/N: So what do you all think of Mei? I mentioned her a lot in Crouching Tiger that I thought it would be a good time to bring her in and give her a personality. Ray's finace's name is also revealed. How will she affect things between him and Mariah? And Crystal even? I hope you guys enjoyed the beginning, it's a little slow but it'll pick up fast.
~C.M.