Chapter 12:  The Party

DISCLAIMER:  I do not own Beyblade!  Nor do I own the song I put in this chapter.

Alex's P.O.V.

"Are you listening, Alex!?"  Abby's voice asked peevishly.

Once again, I answered with my most intelligent reply, "Huh?"

"That answers that question!"  Kera spat.

We were visiting the parliament buildings.  Abby had insisted on going sight-seeing today.  I was quickly learning that she was a major history freak.  Imagine my joy.

Whoopee!  The parliament buildings…wow.  We all got to listen to Abby as she bubbled about how much of our glorious history took place in these old decaying structures.  The only one who seemed vaguely interested was Conner.  Abby went on and on, and she insisted on showing us everything!  She was especially bent on 'educating' Kera, since Kera had been smart enough to say she didn't know any history; of course, Abby didn't listen to the part Kera said right after that, which was that she did not want to know anything about our stupid history.  We had been sight seeing for three hours which was a hell of a lot more then any of us could stand.

"Conner, get me the hell out of here!"  I whispered.

Conner sighed, "I'm getting sick of this myself, but I don't want to hurt her feelings…"

"Screw it Conner!  Kera can't take much more."  I hissed.

Kera and Abby were standing beside some huge statue of some famous dead guy.  Indeed, Kera looked like she was going to brutally beat Abby.  She was grinding her teeth, and her fist was clenched.  Her face was plastered with an expression beyond fury.  She looked as if she were going to go mentally insane any minute.  Of course, Abby was so wrapped up in imparting her beloved history knowledge that she didn't even notice.

"Yeah…you're right."  Conner stated with one glance at the situation.

I nodded my head triumphantly.  Conner and I quickly approached the scene. 

"I will not kill her, I will NOT kill her!"  Kera mumbled over and over again.

"You should've called the number I gave you.  Remember?  Just call 666-6666 – Anger management for the in-"

"SHUT UP, GODDAMNIT!  I do NOT have the patience to deal with you, ALEX!!"  Kera screamed full throttle, interrupting Abby's history lesson.

Abby frowned, "Aren't you guys paying attention?"

Conner gulped, "Yeah, but Abby…there are a few things we need to take care of."

"Like what?"  She asked.

"Well, there's supposed to be a big party tonight."

"A party!?"  Kera and I yelped.

Abby tilted her head, "What do you mean?"

"A party for all the bladers competing in the worlds.  Every major competitor is going to be there."  Conner answered.

"Why now?  They didn't do this last year, did they?"  Abby inquired.

Conner nodded, "No, they didn't do this last year.  All I know is that this is a golden opportunity to scope out the competition."

"Will the BladeBreakers be there?!"  I questioned hopefully.

"Yup, bu-"

"OH YA!"  I rejoiced at the top of my voice.

Conner sighed, "As I was saying, we're not going to beyblade with them."

"WHAT!  Why not!?"  I whined, already knowing the answer.

Conner smiled faintly, "It's strategy."

"Ya, ya, we know the rest."  I sighed.

"I don't know if I'm really up to going to a party…"  Abby said hesitantly.

I gulped. If it was a party, it was going to be at night.  It was still early in the morning; Abby could keep us here for another hour.  On second thought, no.  Kera would kill her in five seconds if she even started to drone on about history.

Conner simply shrugged, "Well, lots of people will be going.  There'll be lots of food and dancing."

Abby's eyes sparkled, "Dancing?"

Conner nodded, while Kera scowled darkly.  Once again, I was the only one who didn't know what the hell was going on.  Kera and Abby stared long and hard at each other; almost as if they were in some sort of a competition. 

"I need to get ready then!"  Abby cried excitedly.

"Me too!"  Kera yelled.

I wasn't about to point out that it was still early in the morning.  No way I could stand another minute of a history lecture.  They both sprinted down the uneven pavement of Parliament hill, quickly consumed by the crowds of people.

"What the hell was that about?"  I asked Conner.

Conner stared at me in disbelief, "Haven't you noticed?!"

I took a step backwards, "Noticed what?"

"Kera and Abby…"

"Ya….what about them?"

"The way they act…"

"They're both really weird, especially Kera."

"How can you not notice!?"  Conner gaped.

"Well tell me!"  I replied.

An exasperated sigh came out of Conner's mouth, "You're unbelievable."

Now I was really confused, "WHAT?"

"Never mind."  Conner sighed.

"No!  Tell me! What is it?!  WHAT!?"  I insisted, but to no avail.  Conner wasn't about to tell me anything anytime soon.  I hate being left in the dark.  It's so annoying.  I hung out with Conner until it was time to get to the party.  I didn't see Kera or Abby for the remainder of the day.

*********
LATER THAT DAY….

Conner and I sat quietly at one of the many tables.  The room was big and luxurious.  The walls were an elegant tan colour, and the floor was a sophisticated red.  Huge crimson curtains hid the windows and roman paintings were suspended on the walls; not to mention a couple odd sculptures that were placed here and there.  A stylish chandelier with crystal-shaped spheres hung from the ceiling, emitting a dim glow.  Everyone was dressed up in some sort of refined tuxedo or long dress with puffy sleeves.  That is, everyone except us.

I groaned, "Conner, I didn't know this party was so…"

"Formal?"  He asked, finishing my sentence.

"Ya."  I replied.

"Well, to tell the truth, neither did I."  He admitted.

"Damn! And no sign of the BladeBreakers!  That's the only reason I came!  I feel so out of place."

"Me too. Don't worry about it.  I'm sure the BladeBreakers will show up sooner or later."

"I thought Kera and Abby were at least going to come.  You sure you told them the right place?"

"Yup, they called me on a payphone.  I gave them the right information."

"If you say so."

We sat there, drinking fruit punch.  It was surprising how many people got all fancy.  I hate dressing up.  Dressing up is boring and pointless.  I sighed.

"Hey guys!  Sorry I'm late!"  Abby's voice came from behind me.

"I almost thought you weren't going to…"

I stopped in mid sentence.  Abby seemed to radiate.  She was dressed in a beautiful cherry gown that stretched down to her ankles.  The light red beads that were scattered elegantly on the dress sparkled and glittered as the dim light reflected in different angles.  Cream pieces of cloth trailed down on either side of the garment.  The aristocratic dress didn't have any puffy sleeves, frills, or laces.  It was beautifully simplistic.  That wasn't the only thing that was different about her though.  Abby's short hair was done up in a bun with odd pieces that lay in front of her face.  Her roan hair also had stunning light brown highlights in it that complemented her dark blue eyes.  Her face was lightly furnished with traces of blush and red lipstick.  She wore plain silver coloured rings and a ruby necklace.  For the finishing touch, she wore plain crimson pumps. 

I felt a hand grab my open jaw to close it shut.  I shook myself out of the trance I had been in to look at Conner, who simply smiled at me.  I was blushing now. I felt like a moron.  Abby seemed more amused than anything though.  She giggled. 

"Want to dance?"  She asked me, staring at me expectantly.

Me, in the same plain clothes I always wore, dancing with her?! She looked like she was way out of my class.  I gulped.  How could I say no?

"Sure…"  I shrugged; I felt the colours in my face getting brighter.

"Great!"  She squealed in delight, grabbing my hand and dragging me towards the dance floor.  I glanced at Conner; he just sat there and smiled.

"I'll watch for the BladeBreakers. Have fun!"  He shouted.

I felt stupid and clumsy.  I don't think I've ever felt so stupid in my whole life.  I was dressed plainly; she was dressed up like some sort of royalty.  I stumbled over my own feet, while she danced perfectly.  If I weren't me right now, I'd be laughing my ass off cause this has got to be one of the most ridiculous scenes ever, I thought dismally.

I sighed, "Um, Abby?"

"Yes Alex?"  She answered, gazing up at me.  There was that sparkle in her eyes again.

"I suck at dancing."  I admitted.

"You're doing fine."  She smiled.

That was a blatant lie.  Though she still seemed perfectly content; her arms were wrapped around my waist as we did what I call the classic 'penguin waddle.'  It was just kind of stepping slowly back and fourth, barely moving.  I couldn't even do that!

I was starting to feel uncomfortable now, so I decided to try and talk a bit.

"…Where's Kera?"

"You're thinking about her?"  Abby said, raising her head.  Her voice sounded a bit surprised, not to mention a bit hurt.  I suddenly had the feeling that I shouldn't have said that.  I also had the feeling that there was a right answer to this question.

"Um, I was…just wondering.  I just thought, she was, er, going to come to and I'm kind of worried…"

"Would you be worried about me if I weren't here and you were dancing with her?"

Yes!  An easy question!  "Of course!"

Abby smiled again. She seemed satisfied with my answer, resuming her former position.  I sighed.  I looked around the aristocratic room.  No sign of the BladeBreakers…what if they weren't coming?  Coming to the party would be pointless in terms of checking out the competition, but it was kinda fun to dance with Abby.  I smiled, my cheeks rosy red.  I was actually enjoying this moment with Abby.  It was so simplistic and beautiful; just as I wished it could last a little longer, it ended.

"You SUCK at dancing Alex!"

I grinned, recognizing that bitchy voice.  A witty retort was already forming in my mind as I whirled around.  This time, I managed not to stare or gape for too long. 

It was Kera, obviously.  She also had dressed for the occasion.  She wore an icy blue dress that reached down to her knees.  The gown clung tightly to her thin figure.  Silver and pure white sparkles covered the complex garb.  It had thin tracings of lilac designs, and seemed to change hues as she took a few steps forward.  Her sandy hair was done up in a ponytail with a couple alternating strands of silver and different hues of blue beads.  She didn't have any makeup or jewellery on; save for the golden earrings she always wears.  She had crystal-like high heeled shoes on.  Hazel eyes danced as she smirked slyly at me.

"What are YOU staring at!?"  She yelled, but it wasn't in the pissed off bitchy tone she usually used.  She sounded mildly amused, and the sly smirk remained on her face.  Her eyes danced mischievously.

"How the hell did you and Abby know it was a formal!?  Everybody knows but us!"  I cried, pointing at Conner.

She snickered, "That's because you're a dumb-ass.  Besides, even if you knew, would it really make a difference in how you dress?"

I hadn't really thought about that.

"…No."

"Well, there you go."

Silence followed.

"You suck at dancing."  Kera repeated.

"Like you can do any better!"  I retorted.

Her grin widened, "I can!"

I didn't even think as the words came rushing out of my mouth. 

"Ya right!  If you can do so much better, then why don't you try dancing!?"

"Then I will!  Get over here!"

Shit, now I'm screwed.  Abby gaped and attempted to grab my hand.  Too late, I was being dragged across the dance floor at surprising speed.  I felt the impact of being thrown into various people; I also heard them cursing me as I whirled past them.  Finally, we came to a halt.  Kera spoke to a long haired DJ.  As the DJ nodded, it occurred to me she was requesting a song.  She smirked dangerously, quickly running back to me.  It wasn't like I was far away, but before she could reach me; she tripped over her high-heeled shoes.

"FUCK THESE FUCKING SHOES!"  She screamed angrily.

I couldn't help but burst out into laughter, collapsing on the ground trying to inhale air.  Other people were quietly snickering in the background.  After one look from Kera, they all shut up.  All except me, that is.  Kera kicked off her shoes, nailing me in the face.

"Ouch…"  I mumbled.  I never knew being hit with high heels could hurt so much.  I could feel the throbbing sensation of my nose and I was sure that clear imprints of the shoes could be seen in my face.  Now Kera was laughing her ass off.

"Shut up!"  I shouted.

Still laughing, Kera stumbled to her feet. 

"Okay, now we dance…you BETTER not step on my feet, Alex!"  She threatened.

I nodded nervously.  The music started.  She grabbed my hands as we bounced around energetically.  Kera and I both looked like a couple of idiots.  She ignored everybody, not giving a single damn about all the pairs of eyes that were staring at us.  I began to relax. Kera didn't care; why should I?  She was yelling out the lyrics at the top of her lungs. It would actually be hard not to stare or ignore Kera's voice yelling out the lyrics:           

I don't want to wonder

If this is a blunder
I don't want to worry whether 
We're gonna stay together
'Till we die
 
(Chorus)
I want to love you madly
I want to love you now
I want to love you madly, way
I want to love you, love you
Love you madly
 
I don't want to think about it
I don't want to talk about it
When I kiss your lips
I want to sink down to the bottom
Of the sea
(Back to chorus)
 
I don't want to hold back
I don't want to slip down
I don't want to think back to the one thing that I know I 
Should have done
 
I don't want to doubt you
Know everything about you
I don't want to sit across the table from you 
Wishing I could run
(Back to chorus)

The song ended.  Kera and I panted, exhausted from the dance.

She grinned, "THAT is how you dance, Alex."

"Sure...Maybe all the people staring at us want lessons, Kera."  I said, sarcasm dripping from my voice.

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!"  Kera snapped angrily at all the eyes that were staring at us.  Simultaneously, everybody looked away. 

I smiled, "That was cool."

"It was, wasn't it?"  Kera admitted.

I gaped, "Wow…"

"What!?"  Kera asked, sounding mildly annoyed.

"You agreed with me!"  I pointed out.

"So!?"

"You never agree with me!"

"…"

"I say no, you say yes.  I say BeyShadows, you say RazorBlades."

She shrugged, "Well, that's because you never agree with me!"

"That's because you're always such a bitch!"

"Well, that's because you can never be nice to me or give me one compliment!"

"I can never be nice to you!?"

"YEAH!"

"I can if I want to!"

"Prove it!"

"Why should I!?  You're always bitching at me!"

"FINE!  I'll give you a goddamn compliment if you'll shut up!"

"You're the one bitching abo-"

"You aren't so sucky at dancing, and I actually managed to semi-enjoy dancing with you!"

I stared, unable to believe what I had just heard.

"Thank you…"

"You're welcome!"  She snapped.

Now I felt like I owed her.

I gulped, "Well, you're not all that bitchy most of the time…"

"Really?"  She inquired.

I beamed, "You got your compliment so shut up about it!"

"Fine!"  She said happily.

We both stared at each other for a minute, until Abby came to talk to us that is.

"Hey guys, gue-"

"What do you want?"  Kera sneered dangerously, grabbing onto my arm.  I shifted my feet uncomfortably.

Abby glared, "The BladeBreakers are here!"

"They are?!"  I cried out.

"Yup."  Conner said, walking up calmly.

"YES!  Where!?"  I asked, scanning the room.  I answered my own question.  They weren't hard to spot.  They wore the same clothes they always wore.  Maybe they didn't know it'd be a formal, or maybe they didn't care.  Either way, it didn't really matter.  Tyson was attacking the buffet, while his other teammates sat quietly at one of the small wooden tables on the opposite side of the room than us.  All his teammates except…

"Hey…where's Kai?"  I turned to Conner.

"Don't know, but he is a really mysterious guy.  A big part of the reason why I wanted to talk to the BladeBreakers was to get a more accurate picture of what had happened at the last World's Championship.  The media isn't exactly the most reliable source.  Kai switched sides, and then switched back.  You guys all saw what happened."

"Yeah, with the psycho bit beast Black Dranzer."  Kera commented.

I felt a warm glow in my pocket.

"Huh?"  I said aloud.

"What is it Alex?  Don't tell me you didn't see it?!"  Abby asked.

"No…it's not that."  I admitted.

Conner stared; there were those eyes again.  Those eerie all-knowing eyes saw right through me.  They told me I was lying to myself, and all of my comrades.  "Then what?"

Conner's eyes narrowed.  I felt the judgmental watch of my teammates.  Whoa, no pressure now.

I shrugged, trying desperately to smile, "It's nothing."

Conner's stare didn't cease, "Are you sure?"

"Yes!"  I snapped, feeling my temper flare up.

Conner knew I was lying.  He just knew, just like that.  I silently pleaded he wouldn't persist. 

"…Okay."  He said, sounding disappointed.

Can you say, 'guilt trip'?  But there was no time to worry about that now.  The suspicious pupils of my friends were off me. That was a major relief.  We were all walking towards the BladeBreakers.  I pushed the thought of Dark Wing out of my mind.  I didn't mean to overhear them talking.  It's one of those things you just kind of walk into when you don't expect it.

********

"I can't believe Kai decided not to come!  He doesn't know what he's missing!"  Tyson mumbled as he gorged himself with a plate full of delicious onion rings and roasted chicken.

"That's Kai for ya!"  Max laughed cheerfully, shaking his head.

Ray frowned, "Hey guys, didn't you notice?"

"Notice what?"  Max asked.

Ray sighed, "Kai, he looked kind of worn.  Like he had a lot on his mind."

"Well, the Worlds Championship is fast approaching."  Kenny pointed out.

"It's more than that."  Ray persisted.

Tyson managed to stop eating as he turned his attention to Ray.

"What do you mean, 'more than that'?" 

"He looked like he was…hurt.  I mean, he was kind of staggering a bit.  When I asked him about it, he got really defensive."  Ray explained.

Max tilted his chin thoughtfully, "I wonder what's up."

"Come on guys!  If Kai's hurt, we gotta find him and help him," Tyson hesitated, "right after I finish eating, of course."

Tyson's teammates sighed.

"Tyson, you're never finished eating."  Kenny groaned.

Ray shook his head, "Besides, even if we do talk to him about it, I doubt he'll tell us.  You know how Kai is."

"Well I don't care!  If something affects one of us, it affects us all!  Kai'll have to tell us what's bugging him whether he likes it or not!"  Tyson stated matter of factly.

Ray slumped down in his seat, "I don't know Tyson…"

Tyson grinned, "Hey, c'mon!  We're a team aren't we?"

"Tyson's right, we'll all sort this out together."  Max smiled.

Kenny smiled, "As a team."

"You guys are right."  Ray stated, nodding his head.

"All for one and one for all!" cried Tyson.

"YEAH!"  The BladeBreakers cheered.

********

After witnessing that pep talk, I turned to Conner.

"What do you think Kai's up to?  Do you really think he's in trouble?" 

It's not that I was being nosy, I was generally concerned.  Kai obviously wasn't my friend or teammate, but if there was something I could do to help, I was sure as hell going to help.

Conner tilted his head in thought, "Let's not talk about it now."

"Yeah…"  I agreed.  Then, regaining my confidence I quickly bounded up to the table.

Max was the first to notice my existence.

"Can we help you?"

"Just thought I'd come and say hello.  My name's Alex."  I said, extending my hand.

"Kera's the name."

"Hi!  I'm Abby."

"Nice to meet you.  My name's Conner."

"I'm Max.  And this is Tyson, Ray, and Kenny."  He said cheerfully, shaking my hand and indicating his teammates.

"I know you!  You guys are the BeyShadows!"  Kenny cried.

Sweet!  They've already heard of us!  We are famous!  I thought, hardly able to contain my excitement.

"Yup!  And you guys are the BladeBreakers!"  I pointed out.

Kera snickered, "Brilliant deduction, Sherlock."

"Shut up, Kera!"  I hissed.

"Mind if we sit with you?"  Conner asked, bowing politely.

"Not at all."  Ray smiled.  He quickly got up from his cushy chair and pulled up some extra seats from a deserted table nearby.

"Thanks!"  Abby bubbled excitedly.  She was blushing and was really hyped.

Tyson didn't talk much; he was too busy shoveling food into his open mouth.  I could feel a small spray of food particles hit my face.  Great…I have to sit beside the glutton I thought dismally.  A disgusting site lay in front of me, and I had all the sudden lost my appetite.  Not very many things in this holy earth can make me lose my appetite.  I was a bit impressed that Tyson's eating habits had accomplished the impossible.  Abby was chatting non-stop to Ray, asking him for tips about how to handle the pressure of the competition.  Kera was talking about beyblading to Max, apparently trying to find out some of the new strategies the BladeBreakers planned on using.  Conner dove straight into a conversation with Kenny, asking him a variety of questions about the mechanics of different beyblades, and inquiring about the facts of the Russian tournament.  I listened closely as Kenny explained about the creepy abbey and training grounds of the Russian beybladers.  The story made my skin crawl.  A bunch of kids being mutated into zombies as they were convinced the only purpose of their god forsaken lives were to fight and win.  I once again felt the hot glow of my beyblade.  What the hell?  I started to panic, going over the different reasons why my beyblade was glowing.  Did it respond strongly to my emotions?  Was it because of the BladeBreakers?  Maybe it was restless because it wanted to fight.  I couldn't be sure.

"Dude, didn't you hear what I just said?"  Tyson's voice inquired, snapping me out of my trance.

"Let's go beyblade!"  He cried.

I grinned.  I didn't really know how long I'd been drowning in my own thoughts, but a match seemed fine to me.  I had been waiting for this.

"YEAH!  I'm gonna take you down!"  I yelled, making gestures with my hands.

"NO!" 

"W-what do you mean 'no'!?"  I asked angrily, turning to Conner.

"We're saving our moves for the competition!"  He insisted.

Tyson looked disappointed, "Oh, I get it.  You're afraid to fight us!"

The old, 'you're afraid to fight us' thing.  I crossed my fingers, praying it would work.

"Call me what you want, but we'll be saving our moves for the Worlds!"  Conner retorted.

Damn it!  This sucks.

"Conner!  You suck!"  Kera snapped.  Abby didn't say anything, she actually looked rather relieved.

"I'm team captain for a reason-"

"You're team captain!?"  Tyson shouted.

Conner, looking insulted, frowned, "Yes, I'm team captain and I say that we are not going to beyblade you.  See you at the finals, though."

I growled, "Obsessive strategy paranoid-"

"Are you done yet?"  Conner said emotionlessly in a dangerously calm voice.

"Almost…"  I retorted, taking no notice of Conner's steely-eyed stare.

"Good.  Nice meeting you guys.  We'll see you again soon."  Conner bowed politely, and we once again headed to our hotel.

Great.  We finally met the BladeBreakers and what happened?  A big fat nothing!  The most boring, disappointing, degrading moment of my life!  Conner and Abby were quite a way ahead of us, probably already at the hotel.  Kera had also voiced her complaints, and walked behind with me.  Abby was the only one pleased with Conner's decision.  What the hell was he so afraid of?  Conner, with all of his almighty strategies!?  This was a complete waste of time.  Or so I thought.  I heard the echo of running foot steps behind me.  Kera also noticed.

"Who is tha-" Kera was abruptly shoved aside before she could finish her sentence.  I winced as I heard her hit the pavement with a sickening thud.

"Kera!  Are you okay!?"  I cried.

Kera didn't pay the slightest attention to my concern.

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING, YOU BASTARD!!  I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR SORRY ASS!!"  Kera screeched at the top of her lungs.  Unfortunately, Kera had just made an idle threat as I observed the running figure disappearing into the distance.  Kera cursed quietly as she staggered to her feet. 

"I don't think you could beat that guy up if you tried."  I stated calmly.

"And why not!?"  Kera snapped.

I grimaced, "Because that was Kai!"

"He sure looks like he's in a hurry."  Kera pondered suspiciously.

I nodded, "Let's follow him!"

"I'm agreeing with you for the second time today."  Kera grinned, sounding bemused.

I didn't care though.  The two of us sprinted down the street after the elusive Kai.  I felt my blade hum faintly in my pocket.  Kai, what the hell's going on now?

Phantom Phoenix's Note:  YEAH!  Cliffhanger!  Don't you hate those?  *snickers evilly* 

Easter is a great four day weekend!  Gotta love it!  Oh YEAH!  Okay, the song I put in this chapter, just in case anybody who doesn't know it's not my song, okay?  I'm so uncreative when it comes to that kind of stuff.  Well, READ and REVIEW ppls, I'll try and update as soon as I can.