Heya, guys! Time for chapter 12! Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I love you guys!!

Tyson: Chapter 12!

Yes, Tyson, now let's start! But first, Disclaimer!

Disclaimer: Don't own Beyblade!

Tala: You use a lot of exclaimation marks. Hey, I rhymed!

Chapter 12

Losing My Mind

(Adriel's POV)

The frozen Russian rain bit at my skin and plastered my hair to my shaking body. My jeans and tank were soaked through providing no warmth against the frigid weather. I rubbed my hands vigorously up and down my arms trying anything to get warm. Still, the Russian's God were to have no sympathy for the likes of me. It had been almost two hours and I was convinced any minute now I was going to drop dead in a frozen heap. The wind chilled me to the bone and whipped at my face, what was left of my braid lashing at my legs. Almost there, I thought to myself, to close to give up now. I could just see the towers of the abbey, coal black against the whitened sky. A flicker of light burned brightly in the top most window, guiding me back.

Tala

Despite everything, a Joker's grin light up my face and I took off in a dead sprint toward the Abbey. I thought of all that was waiting for me. The guys. Tala. Xane. And Kai. I couldn't feel my feet, but I heard the snow crunch beneath them. When I finally reached the door, I fell against brething heavily. Gripping the handle, I put all my weight and left over strength to push it open. What answered me wasn't what I was expecting.

"Where the hell have you been, bitch? It's been almost two hours!" Cold gray eyes glared down at me, a calloused hand connecting with my frost-bitten cheek, knocking me to the floor. Numb skin met stone and I heard myself scream out, though my mind felt clouded. Towering over me, boots grinded into my side. "Well?

"I-I tried. I ran-the rain and-as fast as I could. So cold." Try as I might, I couldn't form a single coherent sentance, and instead continued to mumbled to the floor. My vision was blurry and the my sense of touch all but gone. My head was pounding and every move sent jolts of pain up my spine.

"Get up." His voice was calm, cold, and uncaring. Forcing my hands under my chest, I pushed with all the strength I could muster. Which, I hate to admit, wasn't very much. I barely had myself propped up on my elbows before my face again met the floor. "I said get up!'

"I was working on it." Bad move, I knew, but I was cold, pissed, and annoyed. It's not like I would be able to feel the beating that was coming. Sure enough, I felt my head crack against the floor, and I swear my sight blinked out for almost 3 seconds. When it faded back in, I saw him standing over me, fist clenched and raised, ready to strike, but I could tell his attention wasn't focused on me at all. Someone else was here. I could hear their voice, but I couldn't match it a face. Damn.

"...fuck alone, Boris." Arg, who was it? Boris said something in return to the comment, lowered his arm, and left. Painfully, I raised my head and saw,

"Brian?" I asked, my voice scratchy and weak. The older boy, one of my closest friends, gave me a gentle smile, and picked me up bridal style and started up the stairs. "What're you doing?"

"Taking you to Tala's room. He'll want to see you when he wakes up." I nodded, knowing exactly what he meant.

"Another bad day, huh?" Brian only nodded, face emotionless as ever, but his lavender eyes were hard as steel. Short hair, mimicing his eyes in color, hung down in his face. Whether he knew it or not, I felt his grip tighten on my body, bringing me closer to his chest. Neither of us spoke after that, not until we reached Tala's door and I reached out to grip the handle. Giving it a nudge with his foot, Bria eased the door open then slipped inside. Tala lay on the bed, the thin blanket brought up to his shoulders. I watched his chest rise in fall in as his breath came in shallow gasps. Firery hair was stuck to his forehead with sweat and his face was srunched up in pain. I tugged on Brian's collar, signaling him to let me down. He complied and set me carefully on my feet. I stood for a moment, gaining my balance and clearing my head, before smiling at him.

"Thank you, Bri. I'll stay here tonight. Tell the others I said goodnight, will you?" He hugged me, squeezing just enough for reassurnce, then pulled back, giving me peck on the forehead. I laughed quietly, all of them did that.

"Of course, Drel. Goodnight."

"Night." I whispered at his retreating form. When I heard the door click shut, I took a seat on the edge of Tala's bed. Reaching into the bowl by his bed, I took the cloth and wiped the sweat from his face. Placing my hand on his cheek, I immediatly felt the fever boiling under his skin. I felt him flinch under my touch, and his ice eyes fluttered open.

"Drel?" I smiled, nodding.

"Hey." I couldn't raise my voice above a whisper, a side-effect form spending the last two hours in the harsh Russian winds, but it didn't seem to bother him. "How do you feel?" He gave me throaty forced laugh.

"Like I've aged about 50 years." I chuckled. "What about you?"

"Fine. Nothing a little sleep won't fix." I lied easily to him. To easily it made me sick at my stomach. But he wouldn't notice, he was to out of it.

"Good. Bunch of bullshit what he did to you." I could see the anger flare up under the pain in his eyes, which were now suprisingly clear. Tala always thought clearer when he was angry. I know, he's a freak.

"Just an evening walk in the frozen tundra, no biggie. Seems I got off easier than you though." He didn't say anything back, but his eyes closed and I felt his entire body flinch in pain. Reaching up, I pulled down the thin cover and felt my eyes widen at the sight. Ugly violet brusies covered his exposed neck and chest and a bandaged was wrapped around his lower stomach(courtesy of Kai, I thought, grateful to the crimson-eyed boy). "Oh, Tala." I whispered, tears swelling in my eyes. I blinked them back, running my fingertips gently across his chest. "Im so sorry."

"S'okay. Wasn't your fault anyway." Shaking my head, I wrapped my arms as gently as I could around his neck, and lay down beside him, crying into his shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry." I mumbled, over and over again, body shaking and arms gripping his neck. I heard him grunt, the gasp, and I quickly pulled away, almost causing myself to fall out of the bed. "I'm sorry, I hurt you, I-"

"Drel, calm down, it's okay." I cut him off, mumbling incoherently now. I shook my head and back away from him, hands grabbing for the door handle.

"No. No, it's not, I-I'm sorry." My back hit the door and I jerked around, sweaty hands fumbling with the lock. My fingers kept slipping off the metal and I cursed loudly, beating my fist against it.

"Adriel! It's okay! I'm fine." He began to rise out of bed, gripping his sides and wincing. I swung back around to face him, tears straeming down my face.

"No! Stay! Just, stay there. In bed. I'll hurt you." I turned back again to that cursed lock, and finally managed to click it free. Wrenching the door open, I fled his room. I could hear him calling after me, screaming my name into the dark hallway, but I didn't turn back, instead I ran. Faster and faster through the dark and damp halls, tears no longer threatening to fall. Instead, anger gleamed behind the eyes that mirrored Tala's. I was not going to live like this anymore.

"Not anymore." I muttered to myself, wrenching open the door with a small dagger. Slipping stealthily inside, I stared fondly at my blade resting atop a pedistool in the center of the room. A mad grin spread across my lips as I reached for it. My fingers wrapped around the sleek metal, and I felt the bit-chip glow under my skin. I rubbed my thumb across it listening to the footsteps in the hall. Dropping my blade into my pocket, I twisted the dagger in my fingers before resting it in my palm, fingers wrapped securely around it. The smooth hilt felt warm against my skin. Grinning, I melted in the shadows, whispering to myself as the door opened with a 'creak' and he stepped in.

"Not anymore."

"Adriel! Haul ass, we gotta go!" Melanie's voice broke through my thoughts, shattering the memory. I blinked rapidly, adjusting my eyes to the sun now pouring through the window. Running a hand over my face and sighing deeply, I grabbed my launcer and blade, and jumped off the bed. Stretching my cramped arms, I tucked the launcher into my belt and slipped on my shoes. "Adriel!

"I'm coming! Don't get your undies in a twist!" I could hear Phoenix laugh from in here. I smiled, remembering how her Grandmother used to yell that at us all the time. I left the room and walked out the room, my team beside, behind, and in front of me.

"What the hell were you doing in there anyway?" Mel asked, lacing her arm through mine. I shrugged.

"Nuttin really. Just thinkin'." She shrugged carelesly and began to ramble on about some subject I was faintly intrested in. So, I found my thoughts drift to Tala. Even after talking with him that night in the hospital, which for your info, was about three days ago, I still can't believe that he's here. And I'm here. That we're together. I glanced around at the five girls by my side. I wanted so badly to tell them, but I don't know. Something was just telling me now wasn't the time. I hadn't a clue why, but I guess you gotta trust instinct.

"So, I walk in there and he says, hey, are you even listening to me?" Mel asked, stopping mid-stride, causing me shoudler to jerk backward. I winced slightly, and glared at her.

"No." I smiled when her face turned red with anger. It was so easy to get under her skin you had to love it. But God bless Mel, I couldn't live without her. Wow, that sounded really cheesy, but what the hell. "I love you, Mel." She crossed her arms and glared at me, but a smirk played on her lips.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's just blade already!" She shoved open the doors and the sounds of thousands of cheers burst through. I squinted. I would never get used to that. Raising my hand slightly, I gave a small wave, then hurridly took my seat beside Phoenix. Mai was bust typing away on her laptop, as she always was right before a match. Adjusting order and making last minute changes to our blades. She was such a busy-body. 'Course I'd never say that to her face. No, she'd kick my ass.

"Okay." She said, sighing heavily. "The Majestics are good, and this is their first battle So,-" Lan cut her off.

"So, they've battles already? Really? Who'd they lose to?" I sighed, smacking her on the back of the head.

"No one! This is their first battle, Mai just said that, tard-face!" I scolded her, waving a finger in her face. She snatched hold of it and twisted it hard. I screeched and slapped at her face.

"Children! That's enough!" Mai scolded both of us. We obediently sat when she said. "Now behave."

"Yes, Mother." I said, despite the hell I knew I was going to get later. She smirked at me and continued with, well, whatever she'd been talking about before. Man, she could be so boring sometimes! Half the time I don't even know what she says, I just nod my head and agree with her since most of the time she's right anyway. But, damn, she could bore the ears off a rock. Metaphorically speaking of course. I glanced around the crowd and my eyes immediatly spotted Tala sitting in one of the dark corners at the top of the stadium. God, he was such a loner. Beside him sat, Oh my God, that can't be Bri! But, it was. Arms crossed and eyes narrowed in annoyance, there was no mistaken the young male Russian. Hair the same silvery lavender and eyes to rival it. Yep, that had to be him! And there was Spence! How cool. I haven't seen these guys in forever! I wonder if they remember me? Jesus, Spence must be 7 feet tall! And little Ian is still very little! I caught myself from laughing out loud at Ian's old nick-name. Oh, man, this was to great. They were all here. I have to make it a point to talk to them all later, that is if Mai gave me promission first.

"And, that's the order. That okay with you, Drel?" My head snapped in her direcion. What had she said? I didn't have a clue, but remebmber, Mai was always right.

"Yeah, sounds great! Kick ass whose ever up." I mumbled that last part to myself, hoping she wouldn't hear. Luckily, she didn't. All the better for me. Lan stood and walked the short distance to the beystadium. A guy with green hair and a very, girly appearance mirrored her actions. I laughed to myself. Ha, Oliver the Unicorn. Please, Lani, if you lose this match I am officially disowning you and kicking you off the team! Lan readied her launcher and the countdown started. Everyone leaned forward in their seats. Me? I just sat back and relaxed.

(??? POV)

The platnuim haired-girl, Lan they had called her, started off her match with fierce intensity. Her sky blue blade rammed against Oliver's, knocking it severely off balance. She smiled at him, a confident small grin, that set him off in a bitch-fit. Lan didn't wait any longer. Calling out her cat bitbeast, she took out Oliver in on quick strike. Head held high, she left the dish without even a backwards glance. High-fiving her teammates she sat down between one, whose name I didn't know, and another whom I knew all too well.

Adriel

She had changed so much over these years. Then, a hyper-active immature little girl. Now, from the looks of her, a strong, confident young women. She had certainly grown, atleast from where I was concerned. Though her hair was longer, her body matured, and her atttitude increased, her eyes reamined the same. Ice blue and full of unclouded confidence and strong-will. Eyes I would never forget.

She was beautiful.

Her hair was the same long ebony black, bangs now a darker crimson, falling into her oval shaped face. Rose pink lips were molded into a smirk as she watched the battle play out in front of her. I had kissed those lips once, and God I missed their taste. Perhaps she remembers, but who am I to say? Her sense of style had changed as well. Simple and casual, but on her. Stunning. Jeans that clung to her curves, giving them the justice they deserved, and shirt that left just enough to the imagination. I grudgingly turned my eyes from her when a voice sounded from my right.

"You're staring at her again?" Giving her a glare and grunt, I purposely kept my eyes trained on the battle, but couldn't stop wondering eyes from glancing back to her. I felt his gaze immediatly.Quickly, I tore my eyes away and shut them, leaning back into my seat. This was not right. Not exceptable. It was as if I could feel his eyes boring holes onto the back of my skull. Breathing deep, I reached into my pocket and stroked the blade that lay within it. Against my better judgement, I watched with hard eyes as Adriel walked to the dish for the final match. Confidence spilled into her every step, and I felt a smile tug at my lips.

She will only get in our way, Boy,

Yes, I suppose she would. But, I am sorry to say, I cannot push her from my mind.

Then we will have to fix that, won't we, Boy?

Yes, perhaps we will. Will this hurt her as well?

I recieved no aswer.

(Adriel's POV.)

My turn again. Lani had taken her match, and Mel had had minimul trouble, but still came through with a win. Now, the crowd pleaser. Damn it, this is a waste of time. We've already won, can't we just go home? Or as home as we could get half-way across the world. The Majestic team captain, Robert, eyed me from across the dish. I smirked, and just couldn't bite back the comment that lay on my tongue.

"See something you like?" His eyes narrowed and he shot me an angry glare.

"Not in the likes of you I don't." He answered, in a very snobbish way I might add. Now, it was my eyes that narrowed.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He shrugged, brushing his bangs from his face.

"Nothing, just that someone like me could never find a suitable match in someone like you." Oh, he did not just go there. Now, I was pissed.

"You know what? Go to hell! Let's just get this over with, I gotta go down to the nearest alley and see if I can scrounge up a another cardboard box, seeing as my old one has a slight leak in it." We didn't wait for the countdown. Both of our blades hit the stadium, and almost instantly went at it. Sparks flew and both blades flipped backwards, Aakiro landing gracefully on the outer rim. Perfect.

"Aakiro! Black Shadow Dance!" I watched Aakiro's black wings spring from the blade, followed by his body and finally tail and claws. Wings spread and fangs bared, Aakiro howled as the attack was set in motion. With a quick downward thrust of Aakiro's wings, the blade lifted into the air, speading up to at a blinding rate. I watched it spin and spin, then finally disappear. Robert's eyes widened, and her glared at me.

"Where'd it go?" I smiled, hands on my hips.

"I dunno, why don't we watch and see. Aakiro!" Black fire burst from the center of the staduim, lashing out at Robert's blade. He controlled it well, dodging most of them, but one nicked the corner, throwing it off just enough for me to call the second part of Aakiro's attack.

"Now, Aakiro!" He never saw it coming. Aakrio was on top of his blade in an isntant, grinding into the bitchip. I heard the shrill cry of a griffon as the beast rose from his blade. Gold wings were spread wide and claws were poised and ready. It gave another cry and lashed out at Aakiro, barely nicking his tail.

"Griffolyon, Wing Dagger attack!" I laughed.

"Impressive, but still not good enough. Aakiro, Feather Sheild!" The defense held true, and Aakiro stood without a scratch. "I think we've determined whose the better blader here, so why don't you just give up, huh? No sense continuing this." His red eyes narrowed, and he looked as if he could jump across the dish and strangle me. As if.

"Nothing here as been determined, not until one blade falls."

"Works for me, but you know I-" You're proving quite the distraction. I gasped quietly, glancing around while still holding the battle in my favor. Who said that? I searched the crowd, but no one else seemed to hear. That's because they can't. My eyes widened and I felt the hit Griffolyon delt to Aakiro. Stumbling backwards, I glared at him.

"What was it you were saying?" I growled angrily.

"Piss off, Jurgen, this battle's mine." You must be taken care off, for if not, you will certainly only get in my way. Damn it, what the hell was going on? Despite my best efforts, my breathing quickened and I felt sweat bead on my forehead. What the hell's going on? This won't hurt for too long, my dear Adriel. It was if someone drove a knife right through the center of my forehead. Pain exploded in my skull, and I bit back a scream, clutching my head in my shaking hands. Frantically, I looked around. No on seemed to notice. Could they not see what was happening to me? Humans are so very pathetic. Cannot even what is happening on front of their own eyes. I mean, look at you, out here in so much obvious pain, and do they even notice? No, they simple carry on as if they were blind. But you're not blind, are you Adriel? This is real, isn't it my dear? The pain. My voice. Everything.

What are you doing to me?

Why, my dear, I'm helping you.

I wanted to question him again, whatever he was(the voice was definatly male), but I didn't have the chance.

And me.

This time I couldn't hold back the scream the slipped from my throat. Clutching my head I fell to my knees, screaming like a frightened child. I felt the blood rise up my throat, burn in my mouth, then spill past my trembling lips. I coughed up the rest, the sticky liquid dripping into a puddle on the floor. The pain in my head was sharp as ever, and my entire body shook from it's effect.

Please, stop. I begged, pathetically. I couldn't help it. It was too much. Please.

My dear, I am sorry, I truely am, but I am afraid I cannot stop, not until I've finally removed you.

I heaved again, tightening the grip on my head. I could feel my nails digging into the skin on my skull, but the pain was minimul. God, what the hell was happening to me?

Then, it was over.

Just like that, the battle faded back into view. The sounds of the room flooded back to my ears. Cheers, screams, blades clashing in the heat of battle. Aakiro! I glanced down(It seems I'd been standing the whole time) to see him still in the game. Granted my blade looked like hell, and Aakiro's feathers were a bit ruffled but he was still in one piece. Aakrio?

-Adriel! Has something happened? Are you alright?- I nodded, breath still quivering.

I'm fine. We need to finish this.

-Are you sure you're okay? We can just quite, they'll understand.-

Now! He said nothing more, but turned away from me, eyes gleaming. I knew I'd upset him, but that would have to wait. "Aakiro! Shadow Needles!" I didn't wait to be annouced the winner, instead I retrieved Aakiro and walked ot the nearest exit.

"Hey, Drel, where are you going?" I heard Phoenix yell from behind me. I didn't turn around, but instead quickened my pace.

"Outside." I mumbled in reply. She yelled something again, but I didn't hear. I shoved past anyone in my way, and headed to the nearest set of stairs. I don't know how long I climbed, but I soon reached my destination. Throwing open the doors, I was instantly thrown into sunlight. Warm, welcoming sunlight. I closed my eyes and let it surround me, the August wind runnning it's gentle fingers through my hair. My breath came easier now, steady and strong. I opened my eyes and watched the city below me. People filed out the doors of the arena. I reached up and ran a hand over my head, feeling the marks left behind from my fingernails. I felt my stomach tighten, and swallowed back whatever threatened to rise. What the hell had happened to me back there? Who, or what was that? God, the pain. And no one saw.

No one but me.

How is that possible?

The voice, it was loud and clear. It was there, damn it! I couldn't have been the only one, Someone else-they had to have. I mean-I couldn't. Oh God. I cound't hold it any longer. I fell to my knees, hurling warm crimson liquid into a puddle at my knees.

Does it hurt, my dear, I am terribly sorry.

My head snapped up, and my eyes widened. He was standing there. Right in front of me. Hair as black as the night hung low into his face, skin unhumanly pale. But his eyes, oh God, his eyes. They were blood red, filled with an unfufillable lust for pain. He wore only black, leather jeans that highlighted the muscles in his long legs. Toned chest was visible, for he wore no shirt, only an open leather trench coat that floated in the cold wind that surrounded him. He was tall, a good foot taller than me, and very well built. I would have thought him sexy, if not for that way he looked at me. The way he smirked when I ran for the door. The way his eyes trailed after me. I ran as fast as I could, jumping and skipping steps. Finally, I reached the door and shoved it open. People filled the streets. I turned around and felt my blood run cold. He stood by the door, arms crossed, watching me, smirking darkly.

Come now, don't run form me. After all, you will not get far.

I ran. As fast as I could, down the street, weaving in and out through the crowds of people. I stopped, leaning against the wall, my breath coming in short gasps. I felt tears swell in my eyes as I slid down the wall, my back scraping on the rough brick.

It isn't worth putting yourself through this. I'll always find you.

Crying now, I looked up. No fucking way! He stood in front of me, hands in his pockets, head tilted lazily to the side. People walked by him, arund him, but no one noticed. Why couldn't they see him?! He was right there!

People are blind. They don't see like you do, Adriel. Which is why you've become quite the pain in my ass.

No. No. They had to see him. He was right there for Christ sake's! I stood and caught a women by the arm. now, I wouldn't normally ask for someone's help, but I could make an exception.

"Please, will you help me?" She looked at me with gentle emerald green eyes. She took my hands and spoke softly.

"Of course, sweetheart. What do you need?" Her voice was warm, like the breeze around me, and her words gentle and kind. I raised a hand and pointed at the guy who still watched me with gleaming eyes.

"Right there." I whispered, my voice shaking. "Do you see him?" She gave me a puzzled look, the followed my finger, her brows creasing together.

"See who, honey?" My eyes widened. No.

"That guy, Right there." I jerked my hand for emphasis. She looked again, but only shook her head.

"Sweetheart, there's no one there." I shook my head and started mumbling to myself. She spoke again, rubbing my hands as if to comfort me. My head shook vigorously now.

"Yes there is! I'm telling you, he's right there!" She sighed, but didn't leave. She let go of my hands and pulled a cell phone form her purse.

"Sweeheart, I'm going to call a doctor, okay? I'm going to get you some help." She thought I was crazy! As she talked, the guy moved to stand behind her. He was taller then her as well, so I could easily see his face.

I already told you, dear. They can't see me. Only you, my lovely Adriel.

He put a finger to the woman's throat and quickly brought it across, a sick smiled on his pale rosey lips. Mumbling faster now, I backed up unitl my back hit the wall. He came closer, reaching out a hand to stroke my cheek. He was cold and his touch sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't move. His finger trailed down my face and throat and stopped at the collar of my shirt. A thoughtful look crossed his face and his eyes grew brighter as the seconds pass.

Perhaps, the boy was right. I shouldn't kill you. Atleast not yet. No, perhaps I will toy with you awhile longer. Yes, just awhile.

My heart was beating out of my chest as he studied me with lustful eyes. I felt them tear up and immediatly cursed myself for being so damn emotional. The women was still on her phone, now turned away from me. The poke on my chest brought my attention back the guy in front of me. His hand was now positioned over my heart.

You fear me. Lovely. It will much more fun if you are afraid because, He paused, a sadistic smile spreading on his lips. In the end it will be that much more satisfying.

The women was turned back to me now, but I could't see here. No, my attention was focused soley on him. His body began to fade, but his eyes stayed clear. It was then, with his eyes on mine, that I finally realized where I'd seen them.

My dreams.

"Sweetheart, you need to come with me now." She tugged softly on my arm, but I wrenched away from her, eyes wide with fear. Wrapping my arms around myself, I heard my whispers, though I couldn't feel my lips move.

"Sweety, please, everythings going to be fine."

"I'm not crazy!" I lashed out at her. Unintentially of course, but I couldn't help it. "I'm not." I insisted, mumbling to myself again. Jesus, I was seeing people and hearing voices.

And this wasn't the first time.

Oh God,

I was losing my mind.

Well, there ya go, a look inside Adriel's mind. I thought it's be nice to see how she thinks. Wow, I made her kinda crazy, but all for the story, and just for now. I like this first person thing, a lot easier if you ask me. So, has anyone figured out who the voice is? And, who was the mystery POV during the match.

If you don't know, you'll find out later!

As always, thanks for reading!!!

Please review, it's always nice!

Hugs and Luv,

Calli