Sorry the update took so long, I just haven't had any time to write. Plus I took a few snow days off. But here's the next chapter. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Roni- a genie? that's cool, I never thought about it that way, but I guess she was kinda acting like one.

EmI-cHaN aNd HeR 3 SpIrItS- well, that took a minute to type out, all those capital and lower cased letters…anyway, no offense was taken! I love her fics too! and that is a huge compliment, thank you!

Kai-Dranzer- thanks for reviewing! Happy New Year to you too! And everybody else!

Shezel- thanks. I do try to update, but the chapters take so long to write, even though I already have a basis for each one, it is time consuming!! I'm sorry this update took so long!

Armith-Greenleaf- yes, yes, Tyson is a bit of a dumbass, at least in my opinion. I'm glad that you liked that chapter! and of course I'll keep reviewing, I like ur fic! thanks!

Princess Fey- o you didn't have to go back to review ch. 47, but thank you. Ack! I hope u didn't check for this one to be update every day, cause I'm sorry the update took so long! Ah, I was wondering why your names were similar (both princesses) and that makes sense. hehe, I like the image. Uh…writers block huh? well, don't get discouraged, and I guess the only way to get rid of it is to try not to think of it as a deadline. Just leave yourself plenty of space and relax (I listen to music) and hopefully inspiration will hit!

Sharishima- thanks! She should be regaining her composure a bit more in later chapters, but it will take a little time to heal over again.

Kazumi Kairi- o thank you. you're so nice! oh, the license thing will be explained a little in this chapter. Enjoy!

Kyuubi no Tai- Oh, don't worry about not updating anytime soon, I can wait. And I can see how writing for other peoples characters must be hard, but you are really doing a good job! Um, Sum 41 is okay I guess, I do like that song, but I don't have their CD.


Ch. 48- Invitations

Marina eyed the old white Honda with one raised eyebrow. There was no way that they would all fit into the tiny car. She looked at it with a professional eye. It wasn't even worth jacking. She tapped the hood with one finger. It clanked back at her hollowly. She shook her head. It would be easy to hotwire, if someone wanted it bad enough. Her fingers itched but she held it back. She was a street girl no longer.

Kai leaned against the wall of the dojo, as he watched her inspect the car. He found it odd that she had offered to drive, but had learned to always expect the unexpected, so he didn't question her abilities. Even though he knew there was something she wasn't saying. He was almost certain that they were the same age, but getting her legal driver's license would be impossible. It took at least three years before you could get your full license, and you had to be at least sixteen years old before you could even try for your 'L'. (AN/ That's how it is here, so lets just say that it is that way in Japan as well.) Where she had learned he didn't want to know. But he knew that it couldn't be legal.

Tyson sprinted around the side of the dojo, almost knocking Kai over in his hurry. The others soon followed.

"Here," he tossed her the keys, "Grandpa only agreed because it's the only way to get there on time."

She caught the keys deftly. "Fine. Get in."

Marina unlocked the car and revved the engine, surprised that the old model was an automatic, and not a stick shift.

The Bladebreakers piled in after her. Somehow they all managed to fit, but it was a tight squeeze. There were seven teens crammed into a small, six-seat car. Kenny, Max, Hilary and Tyson were in the back, after Marina refused to let Tyson sit shotgun. So Ray and Kai were squished together in the front with Marina.

"Does anyone know where we're going?" she asked, adjusting the rearview mirror to her satisfaction.

"There should be a map in the glovebox," Tyson remarked as he tried to get comfortable in the back seat.

Ray opened the glovebox and drew out an old map.

"I'll guide you," he offered. Ray opened the map with difficulty, elbowing Kai a few times accidentally, and causing him to bump into Marina.

"Sorry, Kai," Ray said absently as he studied the red and yellow lines.

"Right or left?" Marina asked as she pulled out of the compound.

"Uh…left," Ray answered uncertainly.

She stepped on the gas and sharply turned to the left. Speeding down the near empty street she had to suddenly slam on the brakes as a dog ran across the road. Everyone jerked forward with the sudden stop.

"Ow…warn us next time," Tyson complained, rubbing his head.

"You should be wearing your seatbelt," Hilary berated firmly. "Then you wouldn't have shot out of the seat."

"Tyson you're sitting on me," Max elbowed the navy-haired teen off of him.

"Well I would have, but you took mine," he complained, ignoring his blonde teammate. "There are only three back here you know."

"Heh, heh. Well, I'm sure you'll be fine," Hilary shook her head, trying to hold back sudden giggles.

"With the way she's driving, we'll be lucky to get there in one piece."

Marina drove fast over a speed bump, causing Tyson to bang his head on the roof.

"Whoops," she said sarcastically.

"Ow!" he rubbed his head. "Where did you learn to drive anyway?"

Marina ignored his comment. "If you want to get there on time, then you'll shut your trap."

Tyson pretended not to hear. He studied her driver's license with interest.

"Marina Chernova?" he looked up. "Is that your real name."

"Probably not," she replied simply as she ran a yellow light. She was going to fast to stop anyway.

"What? You don't know your real name?" Max asked, astonished.

"It wasn't something I needed to know," she replied coldly.

"Then where did you get this?" Tyson asked, waving the card.

Marina reached back with one hand and grabbed her license out of his hands.

"I know a guy," she replied, tossing the license onto the dirty dashboard. "He owed me for saving his sorry ass. So in return he made me a couple of things. They're the best," she added distractedly, scanning other traffic. "His work is untraceable. The numbers are even legit."

"So you have a fake ID?"

"Yep."

Tyson glanced around nervously. "Uh, I think I need to get out. I want to walk."

"Why?" Ray asked. "We're here." Ray had clearly not minded her driving, or Tyson's obvious discomfort. He felt that it was about time someone put him in his place for loud mouth.

Marina pulled the car over to the curb and parked outside a tall, white building. 'BBA' was clearly displayed in large blue letters over the door.

"Aren't you coming?" Ray asked as they piled out of the car.

Marina cocked an eyebrow, rolled her eyes, and stepped out of the car slowly. So much for seeing how fast the car really went. She had enjoyed driving, the exhilaration of speed, and the freedom. But it would have been more enjoyable had she not been answering questions.

/If you didn't want to, then why did you?/ Saphira asked as they entered the air-conditioned facility.

'I don't know,' she admitted slowly. 'But I'm not embarrassed about what I do. Maybe if they get the feeling that I'm not to be trusted, a street rat, then they'll want me to leave.'

The blue dragon emanated frustration. Marina always was stubborn in admitting to her emotions, or something she really wanted, even if the outcome was purely beneficial to her.

"Oh. Bladebreakers, correct?" a pretty, young secretary announced. "Mr. Dickinson is waiting for you on sublevel 2. You'll need this to get down there." She passed Kenny a silver card. "Elevator's on the right." Marina ignored her questioning look at her shabby appearance. So her clothes weren't in the best condition.

"Well, it looks like the BBA upgraded," Max remarked.

"I'll say," Kenny agreed. "They're finally going high-tech. I can't wait to look at their super-computers."

"Now, hold your horses Chief," Tyson cut in. "We came here to battle, not to admire some gizmo."

"Actually, you came to battle," Kenny corrected, "I'm just here to analyze the data."

/Actually, that's my job/ Dizzi corrected her holder.

"Whatever," Tyson groaned as the elevator doors whooshed open. "Let's go."

They walked down a plain corridor to blue double-doors. Kenny inserted the silver card into a slot, and the doors unlocked. Pushing them open Marina hadn't seen such a sophisticated training center. She could hardly call Balkov Abbey a center. It paled in comparison.

They were in a large open room, with many beydishes in the floor for practice, exercise equipment off to the side, and a computer control system for measuring and recording a blader's status. Kenny was practically drooling at the sight of such a sterile room.

"Ah, I'm glad you're here boys," Mr. Dickinson greeted cheerfully. His smile faltered a little when he saw Marina scowling behind the team. "I'd like you to meet Marth," he continued unfazed, "he's our head coach here."

A young man with light brown hair and hazel eyes smiled and bowed his head.

"He'll be the one who'll be watching your matches, and we've set up camera's to record for the demonstration. Now we can see how much you've improved since your last big match. I've set up a special area where you will be blading. Marth will take you there, and you can begin."

The Bladebreakers nodded in understanding and followed the new BBA coach through a metal door. Marina remained behind.

"Ah, I have matters to discuss with you," Mr. Dickinson said.

"So I've heard," she replied dryly. "Why are you asking about the abbey?"

"Oh, please come with me."

Marina followed the chairman of the BBA off to a side room and up a flight of stairs. From there she was led to Mr. Dickinson's office. She glanced around, pictures of the Bladebreakers winning two tournaments were hung on the wall. There was a plant in one corner, and a bookcase in another. Huge windows lined one wall. Mr. Dickinson sat behind the large oak desk and motioned for her to sit down.

She did, grudgingly, and crossed her arms over her chest. "Why are you taking such in interest in the abbey now? What has changed?" Marina was curious to know why the head of the BBA wanted information about Balkov Abbey.

"Nothing has really changed," he admitted, "but people are growing concerned that Voltaire and Boris are amassing new recruits. The fact that they are still at large doesn't help matters any." He rubbed is moustache as Marina listened with narrowed eyes. "I was just hoping to find some sort of proof that Biovolt trained children to be soldiers, and was trying experimental drugs on them. I want to contact any children from the abbey. They may know what Biovolt is up to."

"Oh, they know," Marina sneered coldly. "But I wouldn't suggest looking for them. It's a waste of time. Their minds have been altered, and they won't see reason. They still believe that Boris is their savior. And they are dangerous."

"Then you've seen some of them?" Mr. Dickinson asked. "You know where they are?"

"I can't give you names, and there aren't many of them," Marina replied stonily. "And of course I've met them. I used to train with them. A long time ago. It's in the past."

"But the past is a big influence on the future," he countered swiftly. "Without it you'd be nothing."

"Well, if that's true then I've got a whole life of misery ahead."

"That's not what I meant," he sighed.

"Really? Because that's the impression I got." She stood up. "I can't change who I am, or the past. If I could, I would, but I can't. You just need to accept the fact that I'm not your personal bright light in a land of darkness."

She wandered over to peer out the window. She saw Max preparing for battle against a tall, gothic boy. 'If anything I'm the darkness,' she added in her head.

"Ray mentioned that you wanted proof about those who supposedly attended Balkov Abbey," she said quietly, wishing that she had kept her mouth shut. She would normally never volunteer information. It was an obvious sign to her that she wasn't quite in total control yet.

"Yes, I would like to see some proof very much," he replied, surprised that she was offering it to him.

"Fine," she said, thinking, 'What's one more person?' She turned her back on him and pulled her shirt strap off her shoulder, exposing the initials seared into her shoulder blade.

Mr. Dickinson could find no words to say to her. He knew that they were brutal, but to purposely scar children?

She adjusted her shirt and paused at the door. "Everyone who went there was branded. Is that enough proof for you?" She opened the door. "And just because the Bladebreakers convinced me to stay for now, doesn't mean I'll be staying long."

She left, shutting the door shutting behind her silently, leaving Mr. Dickinson with a lot more to think about. Maybe it was foolish to go after the children trained by the abbey.


The Bladebreakers followed Marth to an open stadium-type room, except there were no seats for spectators. Hilary and Kenny sat on a bench, feeling like they were at the qualifying rounds of the World Championships again.

"Alright, I'll go set up the equipment, and you can decide who goes who goes first," Marth announced calmly.

The young coach left them and joined a group of four other teens at the far side. He conversed with them briefly before pushing a button on a large computer in the far wall.

The ground quaked, and an ultra-shiny beydish rose up from the center of the stadium.

"Sweet," Max whistled appreciatively.

"Wow. It's made to perfection for optimum performance," Kenny explained. "The surface is so smooth that it reduces traction, but watch out because it could also make it harder to control your beyblade."

"It's just a dish, Chief," Tyson sighed, then snickered. "Shall we leave you two along?"

"Very funny Tyson," Kenny remarked dryly. "I just appreciate fine work when I see it."

"Well, it doesn't matter. We'll be fine," Tyson shrugged. "And anyway, it's no big deal. It's just a practice."

"I hope so Tyson," Kenny mumbled.

"I'll go first," Max offered, stepping into the arena.

He walked up to the beydish and waited as his opponent made his way up to the dish slowly.

A tall boy with black hair, wearing slightly torn clothes, spikes, and black makeup stood across from Max.

"Defeat lurks in the shadows," the boy said hollowly, "you just have to know where to look. And I shall bring it for you."

"Okay…" Max said slowly, steadying his launcher.

The gothic teen pulled out his own and they were ready to go.

"3…2…1..Let It Rip!" a simulated announcer began the match.

Both beyblades landed in the dish smoothly, one black with red streaks, the other bright green.

"That's Hector," Kenny announced, scanning his laptop screen. "From the data I've gathered, he specializes in quick, violent attacks and used his bitbeast Nightshade for cover."

"He's got a bitbeast?" Hilary remarked, surprised.

"Watch out Max!" Tyson warned.

"No problem," Max flashed a thumbs up. "Draciel attack!" He immediately switched tactics, hoping for a quick victory.

His green blade rushed forward to slam into Hector's, but it wasn't there.

"Hey, where'd it go?"

All of a sudden his black and red blade appeared behind Max's and slammed into it hard.

"Counter!" Max ordered.

His blade pushed the dark one back. "Is that all you've got? C'mon, you guys are supposed to be the BBA's top training beybladers."

Hector's dark eyes glittered. "Nightshade, use Illusion Shadows!"

The dish turned dark and a black mist enveloped the air, making it impossible to see anything in the arena.

"What's going on?" Tyson asked as the mist set in.

"Hector's about to attack!" Kenny answered, panic in his voice.

"Draciel, Iron Defense!" Max yelled.

"Like that will save you now," the teen remarked in the same hollow voice. "Nightshade, Crimson Claw!"

Red predatory eyes gleamed from the shadows and pounced forward.

The sound of metal colliding screeched and sparks danced like stars in the black arena.

"How can Max fight back?" Ray wondered, "He can't even see."

"He doesn't have to," Kai remarked coldly.

Ray looked at him oddly before it dawned on him.

Fortunately, Max figured it out too.

"Draciel, Tsunami Attack!" 'I don't need to see him to fight back,' he thought triumphantly. 'If I flood the dish with water, then his blade will be swallowed up, or at least knocked off balance. Then the illusion of night should end. At least I hope so.'

Giant waves crashed against all sides of the dish. Hector's blade couldn't dodge such a large attack and was forced off balance. At once his Illusion Shadows defense was gone, and the dish was light again.

"Attack!" Max ordered.

Draciel slammed into the black blade and it was knocked out of the dish and into Hector's hand.

"Way to go Max!" Tyson cheered from the sidelines.

"Wicked," Hector complimented emotionlessly. "I look forward to battling you again."

"Thanks," Max said genuinely as Draciel returned to his hand. "You were pretty good out there."

He walked back to his teammates and was congratulated.

"That guy creeped me out," Tyson remarked. "Defeat lurks behind every corner," he mocked, mimicking Hector's hollow voice.

"Hey, I thought he was pretty good," Max retorted. "Who's next?"

Tyson jumped up and ran to the dish.

"I think he wants to battle next," Ray remarked dryly.

"Really? I couldn't tell," the blonde replied sarcastically before turning his attention to the dish.

A pretty girl with long, blonde hair pulled into two buns on the top of her head faced Tyson. She wore a pink skirt that Mariah would be jealous of, and a white spaghetti-strap tank-top. She smiled innocently at him.

"It's nice to finally meet the World Champ," she teen remarked in a voice coated with sugar. "Hector is too dark, but I prefer the sunlight. It's better for my complexion."

'Are all of these bladers complete wackjobs?' he wondered, raising an eyebrow. 'I think Mr. Dickinson could've picked some better opponents. She'll be a piece of cake.'

They launched their beyblades into the dish, silver immediately colliding with a yellow and pink blade.

"That's Amber," Kenny informed them, "I couldn't get a lot on her, but she's definitely not as innocent as she looks."

"Dragoon Attack!"

Tyson's blade spun towards the pink and yellow beyblade and slammed into it hard. Surprisingly, her blade was barely pushed back.

"Well, I guess you're better than I thought," Tyson admitted. "But no matter, I'll still beat you. Dragoon Attack!"

Tyson continued to attack her beyblade, but each time the hits did barely any damage. And she just seemed to get stronger.

"Alright! I'm done playing games," Amber said, blue eyes glittering mischievously. "Now it's time to see if blondes really do have more fun. Flare Attack!"

Her blade glowed yellow as it powered up.

"Tyson!" Kenny warned," Don't let her attack hit. She only has enough power to attack once, then you can make your move."

The pink and yellow blade zoomed lightning fast towards Dragoon. Just as it was about to hit, the silver blade slid off to the side. Amber's beyblade has too much momentum due to the unused attack, and traveled up the side of the dish and into the air.

"Dragoon Attack! Hurricane Storm!"

His beyblade followed Amber's and sent it flying back to her master's hand. The blonde pouted and turned on her heel, angry that she had lost.

As Ray went up to the dish, Marina slid discreetly into the stadium and leaned against a back wall to watch. Ray's opponent was a heavy-set teen called Crusher. His stony beyblade was powerful, but slow, and that was a dangerous mix when fighting the neko-jin. Soon Ray had the upper hand with his enhanced speed.

"Driger!" Ray yelled, summoning his bitbeast's strength, "Tiger Claw Attack!"

His white blade zigzagged speedily towards the gray one and knocked it out of the beydish with one swipe.

Then it was Kai's turn to battle. Marina had no doubt that he would win as she studied his opponent, it was only a matter of time. His opponent had a huge afro and was decked out in wannabe gangster style. Kai smirked. They let it rip and Kai's dark blue beyblade immediately went offensive. The other teen's blade was only in the dish for a total of five seconds before it was forced out.

"If that's the best this facility has to offer, then I'm glad that I'm not a part of it," Marina voiced quietly. She shook her head and left through the metal door in which they'd came.

Kai turned and narrowed his eyes when he saw her leave.

The coach came over to them, a sheet of paper in one hand.

"The computer just printed out your stats," Marth announced, "and I'm surprised. You've all improved, and your strategies are getting better too. I'm sure Mr. Dickinson would be pleased with these results."

The Bladebreakers talked with Marth until the chairman came down. Mr. Dickinson handed Tyson a piece of paper.

"What's this Mr. D?" he asked curiously.

"It's a special invitation to a semi-formal dinner and dance," he explained as most of their faces fell.

"Dance? Oh no, do we have to go?" the navy-haired teen wailed. The prospect of free food was tempting, but he really didn't want to dance.

"Yes," Mr. Dickinson put his foot down. "It will be good for you to mingle with the other beybladers, and get experience with these types of things. I've invited all of the teams that you've faced in the past, so I expect to see all of you there next week."

Tyson groaned as they left the building. Hilary took the invitation from him excitedly.

"Oh, wow!" she exclaimed. "I've always wanted to go to one of these. It'll be so much fun!"

"Sure, maybe for you," Max sighed. "You probably know to dance."

Hilary beamed proudly. "Sure, it's easy."

Marina leaned against the car, waiting. She wasn't in a good mood, and was angry with herself for knowing that she wasn't hiding it very well. While she had been waiting, three guys who had walked by had hit on her. She grew tired of the lame pick-up lines that would only work on people who had no brains. Obviously it was the type of girl those guys went for. Marina had almost lost control telling off the last one, and had been tempted to permanently rearrange his face.

'Urgh, what took them so long?' she thought irritably as she saw them exit the building.

They all piled into the car once more, Marina slamming her door before turning the keys in the ignition.

"Sheesh, what's her problem?" Tyson mused quietly, his mind still on the dreaded invitation. He didn't even notice the death glare he received from the tired Russian teen.

This day was just not going well for her.


Well, that was that. I was trying to think of a song to add to the end of this one but I came up blank. I'll probably think of one later, but by then it will have been too late. Anyway, I can't believe how close to 300 reviews I am! Please review. And I'll try to update sooner! But finals are coming up, so it might take a little while longer while I concentrate on my studies! Please forgive me for that!