Kai was sipping his coffee later that night as he perused Asaya's files.

Name: Asaya Ninomiya

Age: 16

Birthdate: December 24th

Height: 150 cm

Weight: 41 kg

Data: Her past life is a complete mystery. She didn't appear in Japan until 8 years ago; prior to that, her life is a complete blur. Sources say that she was born in France 16 years ago, to a top scientist and his wife, who happens to be the daughter of one of Japan's top industrialists. Connections vague, but she might be an –Auran- of top caliber. Challenge with extreme caution.

An –Auran-, eh? This was the 1st time he would be seeing one in action. If what his colleagues say are true, then he has to be extra careful not to get her pissed off. And if she happens to BE an –Auran-, he would VERY much like to SEE what –Holy Beast- she possesses.

That was why he vouched for her to come along to China.

Besides, he'd feel much better if they have an –Auran- on the team. An assassin, an –Auran-, and 4 misfits.

Oh, he almost forgot the MICROBE.

Why the microbe was so dead set on coming with Takao to China and the World Bey Blading Championships is beyond him. He'd have understood it better if she stayed behind. She doesn't know a thing about Bey Blading, besides, she'd only bore herself to tears listening to guy talk.

***But isn't she ONE of the GUYS?***

Yeah, Takao said so.

Kai blinked. Wait a minute, this wasn't ABOUT the microbe, it's about the –Auran-!

Oh whatever. Kai reached out then pushed the lamp off. He'd better get some serious shut-eye, they have a VERY long strenuous (is the spelling CORRECT?) and in Lei's case, EMOTIONAL, flight to China tomorrow afternoon.

Starting with Hong Kong.

Tsukiyo was very happy next morning as she and Takao and Lei set off for school.

"I'm really glad I could come along, Takao, it would be really BORING without any of you guys to talk to around here!"

"Of COURSE. Besides, you'd strangle and asphyxiate me until I agree," Takao said, with a huge sweatdrop on his head.

"HEY!"

"…" Lei was just quiet.

"Hey, Lei? You alright?" Takao asked him just as Tsukiyo swung her bag at him and missed.

"I-I'm fine." Lei bit his lip. "I'm just scared…"

"Scared of what?"

"Of what I would find." Lei took a deep breath. "But it is my duty to return and avenge them, as the lone survivor of the White Tiger Clan, and I also happen to be the leader. I don't think I would be able to sleep very well if I don't go on with it."

"I know how you feel." Takao nodded. "Don't worry, we're ALL right behind you. Even if you have to faint or something, we're all here. But seriously…Lei…you're not in this ALONE. Let's not make Mao's death be in VAIN. And Rai's. And the rest of all your friends and all those who believed in your return."

"…"

"Besides, we also want to know why those bastards did it. And because you're OUR friend." Takao grinned. "So don't get too scared now, OK? We're right behind you."

"Yes. Thanks, Takao, you don't know how much this MEANS to me," Lei told him, smiling faintly.

"Heh heh! What are friends FOR, Lei?" Takao nodded. "Don't worry. Everything would be just fine."

"Everything all accounted for, Miss Asaya?"

"Yes, everything ready for my 1 month sojourn away from home." Asaya locked her silver luggage bag then looked over at her butler. "The Guild has sent the necessary documents to the school, excusing me from classes."

"…" The butler was quiet. "Miss Asaya, you really don't have to do this if you don't want to…"

"But I HAVE to. I promised them, if something of 'that' sort happens, I will come back." Asaya bit her lip. "Besides, the Guild would be very happy to KNOW I would be back."

"Is it because of the murders?"

"Yes." She then went over to the floor to ceiling windows then stared outside at the dying sun, which was slowly sinking to the west. Her eyes became sad. "To think of all the people who had to die just for them to be able to get to me…I wouldn't want the same thing happen to anybody else. I know this is a trap, but this is a trap I would willingly ensnare myself in. It seems after 8 years they still have me held at knife point."

"Miss Asaya…"

"…" Asaya nodded, then smiled gently at the butler. "Well, I guess I should be leaving. They're all waiting for me…I can't keep them waiting."

"…"

"I'll send you a postcard." Asaya took a deep breath. "Oh, and could you help me with my luggage?"