It had been few months after the episode at the river bank. Beyblade Worldchampionships were going on so I didn't get to see Bryan so often. Today was the day Bryan was supposed to battle against Ray from the Bladebreakers. Boris had allowed me to come and see the match. Also I was priviledged to see Bryan before the battle.
Boris led me to Demolition Boys's lockerroom and left me with the four guys.
"Chastity", Bryan sounded surprised, "what are you doing here?"
"I came to wish you good luck", I said.
I had thought of taking him by the hand to show affection. We hadn't kissed yet and I was way too shy and introverted to kiss him first. But since there was three pairs of curious eyes fixed on us my plan was flushed down the toilet. I settled to give Bryan a genuine smile. When I was leaving he stopped me.
"I want to talk to you in private", he whispered.
His warm breath tickled my neck. I nodded looking up at him and allowed him to lead the way. Once he was sure we were out of sight of any possible curious eyes and out of hearing range he pulled me closer. His lips crashed mine, assaulting them.
"Meet me Friday night before Tala's match at the Patriarshy Bridge", he said looking at me with the most serious look on his face I had ever seen.
Then he turned and went back to lockerroom not giving me a chance to say anything. When I was left alone I touched my lips absentmindedly. I could still feel the ghost of his kiss lingering on them.
"Chastity", I heard Boris calling me out.
"I'm here", I answered.
The purple haired man found me from the same spot where Bryan left me.
"The battle starts soon", he said, "are you ready?"
"Yeah", I said and followed him like a sleepwalker.
Bryan did well on the first round. But Ray was a tough nut to crack. On the second round it was his turn to sweep the floor with Bryan. I started to feel anxious. Falborg was getting restless too. I wanted to shout and let Bryan know what I senced but Boris's glare kept my butt glued tightly on the chair and my mouth shut. The result would be ugly. I couldn't bare watch any longer. I turned my gaze away and started observing the carpet on the balcony floor like it would have been the most interesting thing in the world. The battle ended in Ray's victory. But it cost both of the boys. They were swept off the arena, unconscious. And Bryan's blade was shredded into pieces.
Few days afterwards Tala lost his battle against Tyson. We heard it on the radio as we were once again sitting on the river bank.
"We should leave", Bryan said, right out of blue.
I turned to look at him.
"What?"
"You know, escape", he said, "Ian escaped with Cagey last night."
I was about to contradict but he shut me up with his lips.
"So, it's settled then", Bryan said looking smug, "we'll leave at midnight."
He kissed me roughly again.
"I love you Chastity."
It was all I needed to hear in order to make up my mind. I smiled at him.
"I love you too Bryan", I said.
Just then a loud boom was heard and within seconds the abbey that could be seen to the river was engulfed in flames. My mouth went dry and the least colour on my face drained.
"Destiny and Hasty", I said.
Without a second to think I started to run towards the abbey not giving a fuck of Bryan calling me to go back to him. I couldn't, I had to find my sisters.