Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade in any way. Anything I use in this FanFiction is purely coincedental
The Enemy Within
Chapter 1: All Things Start Peacefully
Only a year has passed since Carlyle's defeat and the four teams: Bladebreakers, White Tigers, All-Starz and Majestics have been meeting more than they used to, at the moment, they were visiting the White Tigers' village.
"It's a shame the Majestics can't make this catch-up." said Kiri to Kai as they entered the village.
"I wish the All-Starz could make it. They couldn't because my mum wanted to practice a new technique. She said it couldn't wait." said Max.
"I'm looking forward to meeting everyone again." said Ray.
"Ray, it's great to see you again." said Lee.
"Lee, how's your grandfather?" asked Ray.
"He's not well, I'm afraid, he's getting old now. He was already quite old when you left here." said Lee.
Lee led Ray and the others to the elder's temple.
"Grandfather, Ray has come for a visit and these are his team-mates." said Lee.
"Ray, I am happy how far you've come. I know why you left. Lee explained it to me." said the old man.
"I am happy to be back, even if it is for a visit." said Ray.
"I'm sure Lee's told you that I'm close to death. Would you honour my last wish and let me see the White Tiger again."
"Of course." said Ray and he went outside. The Elder was taken out by his chair.
"Well, Ray. Let it rip." said Lee.
"Go, Driger." and the people gasped as the white tiger came out of the beyblade.
"Just the same as always. I see the extra strength." said the Elder smiling.
Ray called his beyblade back and looked past Lee.
"Ray?" asked Lee turning around.
Mariah was being cornered by some bullies.
"Mariah, what's going on?" asked Ray.
"Ray? Welcome back to our little village." said Mariah.
"Ray's come back. He should know better, he betrayed his team." said one of the boys.
"Ray didn't betray anyone. Why are you bothering Mariah?" asked Kevin.
"We just wanted to challenge her? As a team, we would have beaten her." said a boy.
"Get lost, will ya." said Tyson and the boys scattered in surprise.
"Thanks, Tyson. That was the quick way of getting rid of them." said Mariah and she gave Ray a welcome back hug.
"I think your team should join us for dinner, Ray. Then perhaps I can learn more that Lee didn't mention because I know he's not told me everything. And I don't think I've ever met a lad who will tell his old grandpa everything." said the Elder.
Ray smiled at Lee and followed the Elder back inside to the main room.
"This is great food." said Tyson, who for once was eating with manners.
"I'm glad you enjoy it. Lee forewarned us that one of Ray's friends liked his food." laughed the Elder.
Ray and the other Bladebreakers then explained every single detail of what had happened over the past year.
"Well, you have had a lot of fun. And Kai, Captain of the Bladebreakers, you are one lucky young man." said the Elder.
"What do you mean?" asked Kai, but the Elder did not say.
"My grandfather tends to speak more in riddles as he gets older." said Lee.
"How long are you staying, Ray?" asked Mariah.
"Two weeks. That's what I've planned, anyway." said Ray.
After the meal, the Elder announced that the next day there would be a party, an annual event in the village and the Bladebreakers were invited.
"That'll be nice. I can't remember the last village party I've seen." said Ray.
"Yeah, it'll be fun." said Mariah.
Kai left the room without anyone noticing and Kiri followed.
"Kai, you all right?"
"I want to know what he meant. Why am I a lucky person?"
"Kai, he probably means you're lucky to have me." said Kiri.
"I wish he meant that, but it doesn't seem likely, so there's something about me that is different." said Kai.
"Maybe it's something that is about to happen." said Kiri.
Kai put his arm around her and they looked at the stars.