Kai wandered down the alleyway. It looked almost identical to the last one, but that hadn't really registered. He was confused, and the cold crisp air helped clear his thoughts. He was almost certain she was the same girl. It might not even be her, he reminded himself. And if it is, will she remember. His first, and only, friend. At least until the Bladebreakers came along.

He sighed. He knew Tyson hadn't meant to be so abrasive. But he had let it get to him, and snapped. Now he didn't much feel like company.

He stopped, finally, and looked around. Tall, grey buildings surrounded him, and in the fading light everything seemed monotonous. He felt suddenly claustrophobic, and resolved to find somewhere more peaceful to spend the night.

*****

Rei Kon prided himself on his ability to stay calm. He could be the voice of reason on the team. He tried his best not to get involved in the bickering. He could block things out, like a switch. Not this, though. Kai hadn't returned last night, and Max had explained his argument with Tyson. It was lunch time now, and still no sign. Even at the first half of the wildcard trials. Tyson, of course, was taking no responsibility.

'I was joking! He shouldn't take everything so seriously!'

'I don't know. You were pretty rude, Tyson,' Kenny said, without looking away from Dizzy.

'He can take care of himself,' Max resolved. 'It isn't like this is the first time he's left without warning.'

'You're right, Max,' Rei said, deciding it was better not to worry about it. 'How's that analysis coming on, Chief?'

'Well, Max's favourite was knocked out this morning, but both Tyson and Kai's made it through. The redhead's name is Dwayne and he's got a pretty solid style…'

'Lets it get to his head too much, though,' interrupted Dizzy. 'He gets cocky.'

'And the girl?' Tyson asked.

'Zhaila. I… uh…'

'What's up, chief?' Rei asked, moving closer to Dizzy.

'What he's trying to say is… He doesn't know,' Dizzy answered.

'What!? You know everything!' Tyson shouted.

'She's too good, Tyson,' Kenny finally said. 'She's had eight matches so far, and not one has lasted longer than 60 seconds. Whatever she does, she does it fast.'

For a moment there was only a stunned silence. To finish a battle in less than a minute! That took a massive amount of starting power. It was difficult to comprehend. Tyson was the first to snap out of it.

'Well, we'd better get back down to the arena then, or we'll miss all the action!'

'Yeah, I guess you're right,' Rei replied, and they headed down to the arena.

*****

Zhaila brushed her fringe from her face as she stepped towards the dish. She didn't look her opponent in the eye, knowing it would make him nervous. Instead, she looked over the crowd. It was busier now than this morning, she supposed people were interested to see who would compete against the big boys. Well, now they've seen her, she thought.

Finally, she looked at boy standing opposite her. He was short and blonde, and had pale green eyes that looked terrified. Clearly he had never been in a tourney this big before. This would be easier than she thought.

'Ready…' Shouted the BBA official to her left.

She loaded her blade, and clicked the launcher into place.

'Steady…'

She took her position, and held up her arm.

'Let it rip!'

The boy was nervous and let rip too early. Rather than their blades meeting in the middle in unison, his blade bounced to the centre of the dish first. Seconds later, Zhaila's crashed down on top of it, sending it spinning into the air.

The crowd gasped, and the boy recoiled, but the blade managed to land on the rim of the dish.

'Finish this,' Zhai said aloud.

Her blade shot forward, and before the impact even happened, she turned away from the dish. She listened to the clash, and the sound of his blade smashing to the ground by his feet. Her own obediently flew into her palm.

She walked away, satisfied. Somewhere behind her she heard the official announce her victory, and advancement to the final round. As she walked back to the waiting room, she felt as though somebody was watching her.

She stopped still, suddenly, and waiting for an echoed footfall. It didn't come. Maybe she was imagining it. She continued down the hallway, but the feeling didn't go away. When she reached the door, she turned and looked back up the corridor. She could see nobody, but she still felt uneasy.

'You can follow me all you like,' she called into the emptiness, 'I'm still going to win.'

As she turned back into the room, she almost heard a whisper.

'I'm almost certain of it.'