Heyy ppls. Okay, I'm deff sorry I didn't update! I was soo crazy busy, but that's what I get for being so obsessed with the Arts :) lol. I finally have a minor break, and I've been eager to update! i almost forgot tho...XD. but, then I abruptly found free time because I just now – bout an hour ago – broke my big toe playing soccer with my brother. It wont bend. And it hurts like hell. And im a wimp :). Lol. But, I'll live. I'm still going on a walk later despite, so yea. Just worried bc I have a performance next week, and I cant bend my toe to stand on it while I perform. XD. Not good. Anyway, I'm not proud of this chapter, it's really lame. And a filler. And lame. And lame. And poorly written. It was written an eternity ago, too, I would say about… oh, before I went on hiatus…it was the last chapter I had written, and never got posted. That was prolly for the better. XD. Well, without further ado, and with my sincerest apologies:

Ray: Moonlight Serenity doesn't own beyblade.

Kai: on with the fic!

Moonlight Serenity: -smiles brightly- next chapter: tala and hil kiss!!

Kai: I said "on with the fic!"

Tyson: just to warn ya, Jess made all the characters really OOC cuzz her writing is pretty crappy.

Kai: ON WITH THE FIC, DAMN YOU!

--------------------------------------

Remembering You

-------------------------------------

"First, Mariah and Daichi will be getting the picnic blanket." Mr. Dickinson continued.

"Wow." Someone commented. Mariah looked up at Ray helplessly. He shrugged and gave her a sympathetic glance; Daichi huffed and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Next, Lee and Max will being going for plastic forks," Max cocked his head to the side, then looked at Lee, who shrugged. "Raul will accompany Kai to find plastic spoons," A look of horror plastered the redheaded circus performer's face, and he sheepishly glanced at Kai. A few people snickered. "Ray will be going with Rick to retrieve plastic cups; Tyson will go with Julia to fetch plastic knives." Randomly after the last pairing, a hand went in the air.

"Question?" It was Bryan. Mr. Dickinson nodded at the request, "Can Julia stab Tyson with the plastic knives?" People snickered, laughed, or giggled.

"…No….Bryan…" Mr. Dickinson muttered, "Aside from that…" He got back to business, "Bryan and Michael will retrieve ham…"

The list went on until everyone but two had been named. Everyone stood slightly clueless on how they would survive with who they'd been paired with to gather supplies in the city.

"Finally, Tala will be with Hilary, and they will get the bread," Multiple people gasped, and the whole area fell silent. Hilary would surely die by Tala's hand, wouldn't she?

Chapter Six:

"Perfect" Material for our School

"Tala?" She gasped in shock, staring up at his ruthless icy eyes. She felt tears of joy welling up, but tears of fear too. She…she finally found him…but this wasn't him. "Tala!" She called, as if it would make a difference. She watched his beloved beyblade, Wolborg, a beyblade she'd come to love, viciously tear at Tala's competitor. "Tala, stop!" She screamed, gripping the television, clutching it within her fingers as if it would bring her to him…all the way to Russia… "I'm in Japan," She whispered, "I can't get to you, Tal-Tal-chan," She watched in horror as her beloved Tala-chan and Wolborg brutally attacked their opponent; her eyes were wide in fear. "What is wrong with you!" She smacked the sides of the television. Tears were now beginning to trail down her face, "Tala-chan?"

It had been so many years. Hilary Tatibana, now age thirteen, was sure Tala Valkov, her best friend, was…dead. She hadn't seen the boy since she was seven or eight years old. Hilary pressed her eyes closed, blocking out burning tears as she remembered her last image of Tala's family, which was Patsy and Julian lying on the ground of Tala's fancy mansion, covered in blood as she was dragged from the scene. She cursed bitterly. He'd been lost at some false "abbey", and her parents worked desperately to find him, but couldn't. He was erased from the Earth it seemed, there was no "Abbey." There was no "Tala".

---------------------------------

"Mr. Dickinson, can I destroy your computer?" Mariah asked, putting her hand in the air.

"Yea, Tala's definitely going to destroy Hilary," Tyson Kinomiya commented genuinely.

"No, he won't, because I'll steal his weapon and destroy you," Julia sneered, pointing at Tyson.

"Don't take Tala's weapon! He'll have no defense against Hilary when she tries to murder him!" Daichi Sumeragi declared, pointing at Tala, "Be careful!" Spencer tilted his head to the side.

"You need help, little dude," Were the words that left his mouth.

"We're all gonna need help if these are our groups," Mathilda commented. A few "yea"s were murmured throughout the group of beybladers. Kenny seemed to shrink back a little bit, "Oh, I'm sorry! No offence, Kenny!" Miguel shook his head in disbelief at his girlfriend. (A/N. Kenny is Mathilda's partner

"Now, now, kids," Mr. Dickinson began, "These groups were chosen completely at random by a computer for good reason. We at the BBA know you children went through a lot with the last tournament, and the BEGA incident as well; we thought you deserved a nice break for socialization and such. I already know there is no way some of you would speak regularly, so this is a way for you to get to know someone who you might never have the opportunity to know."

"Or kill," Somebody commented. Emily took Miguel's earlier actions of shaking his head in disbelief and did so herself.

"Beybladers are morbid," She said, then pushed her glasses up her nose. Mr. Dickinson chose to try his best and ignore the antics, knowing they were only natural.

"You have thirty minutes before I begin to hand out money and send you off," Stanley said, "And please…no murders…okay?" A few people coughed and choked out difficult agreements.

Hilary Tatibana floated over to where Mariah, Emily, Julia, and Mathilda were standing, speaking about random things. Just as Hilary was just about to enter the circle, Mariah attached herself to Hilary's shirt, looking at the brunette pleadingly.

"Oh, Hilary! What am I going to do?!" She cried out, "You can't possibly leave me with…with…" Mariah's eyes trailed over to where Daichi was climbing a tree, grabbing acorns, and chucking them at the back of a very confused Raul's head, laughing, "with…with…"

"That monkey," Emily put in simply, trying to get Mariah to complete her thought.

"That monkey!" Mariah exclaimed as if she'd thought it up herself, "What will I do!?" She wrapped her arms around Hilary's neck like a life-line, clinging.

"Mar…you're kinda…over-reacting…" Mathilda said, sweat-dropping a bit and trying to peel Mariah off of a suffocating Hilary.

"What was your first clue?" Julia added, then the two unanimously mushroom sighed.

"Ma…Mar…Ma…riah… choking me," Hilary fervently tried to unglue Mariah from her neck, her facing turning blue. Mariah finally got the picture and let go of the ruby-eyed girl. The brunette greedily gasped in oxygen. "Thank you."

"Gee, Mariah, he won't kill you," Emily said, covering her throat to keep the female neko-jin from clinging to her as well.

"Yea, we had to promise Mr. Dickinson that we wouldn't murder each other," Mathilda said. Julia scoffed abruptly.

"My fingers were crossed," The two-tone haired Italian girl said. A few of the girls looked at Julia fearfully…Julia sounded pretty damn serious.

Hilary watched quietly as the girls discussed how their partners were insane, and as well listened to boys speaking somewhere nearby about taking their supply money and going back home; Mr. Dickinson intervened with such actions. Hilary Tatibana didn't know what to do with her partner. Would he talk to her? Would she talk to him? Would he tell her he knew her? Or would she have to ask? Would they choose to go along and act as if they'd never met? Would she tell him she loved him? Hilary almost choked on the thought 'LOVE? Did I just think about telling Tala I love him? I don't l-l-lo-' She couldn't seem to get the slimy word out, 'love Tala!' but then she paused, truly perturbed on the matter, star-stunned, fearful to even admit this other option, '…Or do I?' Her mind raced, 'Oh, my God: or do I?...I…I can't possibly love Tala! I don't think he even remembers me! He would never love me! For God's sake, it's Tala! Tala wouldn't love someone like me?' but then she closed her eyes and thought back, still vividly hearing Tal-Tal-chan and Hily-bear's childish laugh intertwined in the stale, sweet air, 'but...Tal-Tal-chan would…Tal-Tal-chan would love me.'

Julia Fernandez growled in annoyance: her brother was so stupid! She crossed her arms, she bit her lip, she tapped her foot, she fidgeted with her shirt sleeves, she twisted her hair, she pulled her hair, she messed with the hem of her skirt, and she chewed the inside of her jaw, yet nothing was enough to calm her and get her mind off of it.

"Raul! For the circus's sake! Daichi is in the tree throwing acorns at you!" Julia yelled, picking up a pebble and chucking it at her brother. Lord, the boy had just been standing there trying to figure out what the hell was coming at his head when they could all audibly hear Daichi laughing "Geez."

"HAHAHAHA!" Daichi Sumeragi howled when Julia threw the rock at Raul, he hung upside down in the tree, laughing, "That was priceless!"

"And you!" Julia huffed, not forgetting the little monkey boy. In a flash, a rock was flying at Daichi's head, which hit dead-on with Julia's supreme acuity, knocking the boy from the tree. CRASH! All eyes glanced in Daichi's direction before deciding their conversations were far more interesting and focusing on them. Julia brushed her hands off.

"That's better," The Italian girl said. Tyson gulped in fear. "Now," Julia sweetly approached the semi-conscious preteen, "remember, Mariah is my friend," Julia's face abruptly turned sour, "You bug her, and I can find boulders to throw," Daichi's eyes widened. Julia smiled then began to stalk off back to the circle of girls. "That monkey isn't going to bother you, Mariah," Mariah nodded hesitantly.

Mr. Dickinson watched happily at the scene. Sure, Daichi had been throwing things and Julia had retaliated, Michael and Tyson had decided to have a competition on who could spit further and more people were joining in as well as people placing bets, and a few people glared at one another, but at least they hadn't tried to murder each other, and that was a supreme accomplishment. He glanced at his watch: time to get the ball rolling…or if you preferred, the beyblade spinning.

"Alright everyone, settle." Mr. Dickinson said, trying to bring attention to himself…it wasn't working too well, only a few people had noticed. "Excuse me, kids," He attempted again, still failing.

"HEY! PAY ATTENTION!" It pierced through the air, instantly quieting everyone. Go, Hilary!

"Um…" Mr. Dickinson glanced around nervously, "Thank you, Hilary," He told the brunette G-Revolution.

"No problem, sir," Hilary said high-fiving Mariah; she'd said it so politely you'd never guess she was the one who'd yelled.

"Now… I have money for each group, so partner up," Mr. Dickinson saw several people who were teammates and not partners join together, "With the partner you were assigned…"

"Nice try, Mariah," Lee patted his sister on the back; Mariah had just tried to join with Ray.

Soon enough, the beybladers had –reluctantly and trying to make as many problems and distractions as possible- filed into two lines. Hilary Tatibana found herself standing behind Mathilda and Kenny and in front of Spencer and Aaron, with Tala –whom she noticed was a lot taller than herself- beside her. She fidgeted nervously, trying to busy herself talking with Mathilda. Tala had found himself conversing –well as much as he ever conversed in public- with Spencer. 'Does she remember me?' Tala thought absentmindedly as he talked about random things with Spencer, 'or is she afraid of me?' his mind wandered to times of their childhood.

"Tala…" Hilary had to try really, really hard to talk to him like he was a normal person, one she'd rarely spoken to before at that. He looked down at her 'Is she really going to talk to me?' he wondered as he looked at the girl, 'Hilary was always brave.' "Tala…"

:Master, answer Hily-bear!: Wolborg reminded the redhead who was too busy with his thoughts of her talking to him to actually talk to her.

"Hn." He finally responded. Hilary could feel the nervous sweat on her brow.

"Um…"

"Yea?" He was getting kind of annoyed.

"We're at the front of the line," She pointed out simply, "Everyone is waiting…" she gestured behind her at cursing beybladers. 'That's it!? DAMMIT!' Tala mentally shouted. Tala watched as Hilary looked away from him and took the money from Mr. Dickinson –which she was not only doing because she had too, but also to distract herself from gazing at the teen.

--------------------------------

Flashback:

"C'mon! GO, TAL-TAL-CHAN!" She fervidly cheered from the sidelines, arms thrown in the air for emphasis. She watched as Tala's Wolborg collided with his opponent's beyblade in total grace, almost as if it was a dance. It was a mini-tournament, for younger kids, ages six to eight, and Tala was in the final match. Hilary herself had gotten out in the third of six rounds, but she didn't mind, she just wanted to see Tala beyblade. It was amazing. Tala and Hilary were seven years-old now, and Tala seemed like he could be a pro-beyblader despite his young age. He took out every opponent in this tournament –as in all other tournaments he'd been in- with utter ease; Hilary even heard the judges talking about permitting the seven year-old boy compete in tournaments for nine to eleven year-olds. Hilary smirked happily: that was her best friend.

Wolborg retaliated for his final knock-out. This guy didn't stand a chance.

"Wolborg! Get him! Plan Delta!" Wolborg easily complied to his master's wishes.

"N-N-No way!" Tala's opponent could only gape in shock. Wolborg spun around Tala's opponent's beyblade at lightning speeds, getting faster, and faster, and faster, before out of nowhere it launched into the air, coming down and colliding head on for a killer blow. The other boy's beyblade shot from the dish, smashing into a wall and indenting itself in said wall.

"GO, TALA!" The little brunette screamed as Wolborg returned his master's hand and Tala stepped down off the platform, smirking. She flew at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and cheering. He smiled brightly and wrapped his arms around her too. They laughed and finally broke apart, arms swung around each others shoulders they gathered Tala's plaque, let him take a few pictures, and then the two went to leave, making sure to gather up both Julian and Patsy; however, they were stopped at the door.

Hilary Tatibana instantly found her star-stunning ruby-eyes narrowed, and her pretty face scrunched up in disgust as soon as she laid eyes on the man, instantaneously filled up with horrible feelings and distrust towards him.

"Hello," He spoke with a fancy accent, "My name is Boris Balkov, and you must be Tala Valkov," He extended his hand. Tala hesitantly shook the man's hand, trying to ignore Hilary's glare. The man was tall, with purple hair and eyes, dressed in a nice green suit. He looked…too formal…too smooth, in Hilary's opinion. "And you must be the boy's family," He extended his hand to Julian and Patsy. He shook Patsy's hand, then kissed pretty Julian Valkov's hand.

"Um…Hi…Yes, I'm his mother, Julian, and this is his grandmother, Patsy Avanova," Mrs. Valkov formed a polite smile. Boris nodded in recognition.

"And the father?" He asked. Julian's eyes instantly saddened, and Patsy squeezed her daughter's shoulders; Tala and Hilary's eyes drooped a bit as well.

"He's…um…I'm a widow; anyway," Julian spoke the first part with caution and a shaking voice, but then fought to morph it into cheer and leave the thought behind.

"Oh, my sincerest apologies, Mrs. Valkov," He bowed a bit in respect, then glanced at Hilary. He'd felt the annoying little brunette's glare on him the second he entered the room… "Young Master Valkov, your performance was simply astounding," He told Tala, "You've got a fine boy here, ma'am; perfect material for our school," The man continued. A look of confusion plastered Julian's face.

"School?" She inquired.

"Yes, school. I work at a Russian Abbey, it is a perfect school. It is run by myself –second in command- and a Master Voltaire Hiwatari," Julian Valkov's auburn eyes instantly widened.

"Hiwatari?" She breathed out the Russian renowned name of fame. Boris smirked lightly.

"Yes, ma'am," He told her proudly. He handed her a pamphlet, which she and Patsy quickly leafed through, marveling at the –now known to be false- beauty.

"Oh, my! It's so surreal…and the money for such a school," Julian glanced at her son. What an opportunity! Tala watched the conversation go on, slightly lost.

"Are you not a Valkov, Madame? Your name is very well-known, as well, I do believe," He told her. She nodded, her purple hair cradling her angelic face.

"I am, and it is. But… I don't know…it is still a lot to take in…I fear…and I am just not sure…We're saving up all our money to send him to the best college and…" She trailed off.

"What if I offered a half-scholarship? Tala would make an excellent addition to our establishment; we can train him, hone his abilities, and work his marvelous talents, molding them into something great, truly harnessing his proper abilities," Boris continued. Hilary gasped.

"I don't…know…" Julian glanced down at Hilary. Suddenly, Mrs. Valkov felt a burly hand on her shoulder.

"Think it over," He smiled with fake sincerity, before tipping his hat and turning to leave. "Contact me shortly. Good day, Madame! Master Valkov, Lady Avanova, and oh, yes, little Miss Tatibana as well…" Hilary glowered pointedly at his retreating back as Patsy and Julian stared, slightly shell-shocked, and Tala watched in minor confusion.

------------------------------

Okay…that was lameeee!! Ah!!! –blushes- shit, shit, shit! Sorry! Next chapter is the kiss though, does that make it better?? Gomen-nasai, lo siento, I'm sorry! I must thank my awesome reviewers for sticking by me! Thanks to (as of now, if I didn't get you, im sorry!): xXxLuna-the-ChosenxXx, Mistress Persephone, Molly Yokunaii, Yuri-Demonica, Kakashi-Chanu, yue-girl, sheila lara, jellybean-kitty, SessKagome1KaiHilary, Angelic Kitsune, and vampireprincessmiyu. Arigatou, everyone! If I didn't respond to your reviews, I'm sorry, I was soo busy beyond belief, truly. I'm sorry this chapter sucked everyone, I hope the next will be better! Please review. Tell me if you: liked, loathed, I need to quit, hated, delete it, pointers, flames, etc. Thanks again!

Luvv ya,

Moonlight Serenity

Aka Jess