Hi everyone. Here's the second chapter. I hope you like it.

First Warning Signs

Hilary and Tyson were sitting at the table eating. Hilary waited until Tyson was finished (which didn't take long) before asking a question she knew she would probably regret asking.

"Tyson, don't you find it a little strange that Marie could best Daichi so easily?" she asked.

"What you mean?" he asked.

"I mean, Daichi is almost as skilled as you when it comes to Beyblading and yet a girl who is supposedly a novice beats him in a match the second time around with almost no effort."

"Since you put it that way, it does seem weird," Tyson admitted. "What do you think the reason is?"

"Either she's supergirl and picked up the game insanely fast, or she's a liar and is an expert in the game, on par with every member of the Bladebreakers," Hilary said.

"But then why did Daichi beat her so quick the first time?" he asked.

"She could've easily thrown that match to make it seem like what she was saying about being a novice was the truth."

"Why would she lie though?"

"I don't know. Maybe she thought that if we believed she was a beginner, we'd be more willing to let her into the group."

Suddenly, Marie came into the kitchen. "Kai asked me to come and check on you," she said.

"We were just getting ready to come back outside," Hilary said.

"Okay. Tyson, could I battle you next?"

"Sure," he replied.

"Hey, since you and Hilary are together, maybe you could do a tag-team battle!" she said cheerfully, her chocolate orbs sparkling in delight. She looked like she was about to squeal in joy.

"Actually Marie, I don't beyblade. I'm just a coach," Hilary told her.

"Oh. Well, if you don't beyblade, how can you be a coach about it?" Marie asked.

"My role is that of a physical trainer, not an instructor, and anyway, you don't have to play the sport in order to know the physics of it," Hilary said in a slightly defensive tone.

Sensing Hilary's temper could flare any second, Tyson decided to diffuse the situation.

"Every member has something important to contribute to the team, Marie. Hilary just happens to do it in a way that doesn't involve actively beyblading. Chief is the same way. He handles the technical stuff and almost never battles."

"Okay, I get it."

"Hey, I'd like to ask you a question. How were you able to beat Daichi so easily in your second match when before you couldn't even get the blade to spin without wobbling?" Hilary asked.

"Hil, don't ask it like that," Tyson told her. He then turned to Marie. "Marie, it does seem strange that you got so good lightning fast."

"Oh…well, I was really nervous the first time since I was going up against one of the world champions and I couldn't think straight. But then you guys encouraged me and I was able believe in myself and pull out a win," she said with a smile.

"Well, that makes sense. I've pulled out wins just from changing my mindset," Tyson said.

If it makes so much sense, then why is my bullshit detector going crazy? Hilary thought.

"Anyway, let's back to training," Marie said.

Marie and Tyson got into their stances.

"Three, two, one, let it rip!" Kenny shouted.

Tyson and Marie were both completely focused and matched each other blow for blow. After about five minutes, Tyson decided he needed to end it.

"Dragoon!" he yelled.

The bit-chip glowed and the fierce dragoon came forth with a mighty roar. Upon seeing his opponent, Dragoon gave an angry roar and the beyblade was engulfed in a whirlwind that quickly grew into a tornado.

"What are you doing Dragoon? I didn't say use Evolution Storm," Tyson said, perplexed at the Bit Beast's behavior.

Dragoon ignored Tyson and the beyblade charged at Marie's beyblade and knocked it out immediately. Tyson recalled Dragoon afterwards and looked at Marie apologetically.

"I'm sorry Marie. I don't know what happened with Dragoon."

I do and it may prove to be a problem.

"It's okay. You beat me fair and square."

"Well, alright."

When Ray, Max, and Kai battled Marie, the same thing happened. They called out their bit-beasts and their beyblades, guided by the spirits, defeated Marie in one hit.

Marie frowned. Okay, that settles it. I'll have to find a way to get their beyblades away from them or my plan will never work.

"Well, that was an…interesting training session," Kenny said.

"I guess I'm not good enough to beat you all yet," Marie said sheepishly.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You're more than good enough to be an official member of the Bladebreakers," Ray said.

Something tells me that that would be a VERY bad idea Hilary thought.

"Really? That would be great!" she said.

"You can be on the team, but there's something the rest of us need to talk about, in private," Kenny said. "Hilary, you stay with Marie while the guys and I sort this out. We'll fill you in later."

Hilary sighed heavily. "Fine," she said.

Once everyone else was inside the dojo, Hilary went and sat on the steps, not looking at Marie at all. The red-haired beauty went over and sat next to Hilary.

"Hilary, I noticed that you don't talk much when I'm around. Why is that?" she asked.

"Because I don't know you and I tend to be very wary of people I don't know," Hilary told her.

"Well, I'm sure you'll warm up to me in time."

"I doubt that highly."

"Why?"

Just as Hilary was about to answer, the door of the dojo slid open and Tyson walked out.

"Alright girls, we're done. You can come in now."

"We'll be there in a minute," Hilary assured him. Tyson nodded and went back inside.

Hilary turned to Marie and her eyes narrowed. "In answer to your question, there's something about you that I don't like. I can't put my finger on it yet, but there's something not right about you and I'm going to find out what it is."

She stood up and walked inside the dojo.

Marie smirked as she watched Hilary's retreating back. Well Hilary, you seem to be more perceptive than I thought. You may very well find out my little secret, but by the time you do, it'll be far too late.