Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade. It would be too glamorous a thing for me.

Messages to the readers: Thanks for everyone reviewed so far! You made my writing experiences much more enjoyable. Thanks to Sellona and Toni, your reviews are so encouraging. Thanks to Blackout12, I love your review system! And Kan, thank you again. Thanks for all the encouragement and praises.

I found a few typos here and there sometimes. I don't really want to replace the chapters because such minute mistakes, so I hope every critic can understand and excuse me there. I do proofread, but sometimes I still miss those small typos. I don't have a beta reader yet. If anyone is interested in helping me out please email me at silverwings_fiery@hotmail.com.

The next week passed quickly. The Blade Breakers devoted much of their time in training. Even the little free time they had they did not spend on leisurely activities. Tyson, Max and Kenny would sit for hours in front of Kenny's laptop and search for information on Bio-volt and the Demolition boys. Though not much came of it; it seems their arch-nemesis had hidden their tracks well. Ray and Shea promptly buried themselves in mountains of books and papers when they were free, mumbling difficult calculations to themselves. Kai often disappeared, despite the warnings from his team mates about not to wander alone.

So when the opening ceremony of the World Championship Tournament finally arrived all of them were excited. It was a moderately good day. They took a bus to the appointed gathering place, which is a small park in the middle of the city. A crowd had gathered there, making it very difficult to move about. After they signed in at the reception booth they retrieved to a quiet corner of the park. Kenny had a schedule sheet in his hands.

"Yes! Our first game is the day after tomorrow! I can't wait!" Tyson exclaimed excitedly, peering at the schedule over Kenny's shoulders.

"That doesn't leave much time to search up data on our opponents." Kenny complained, "And we are playing the Australian team first, who is totally unknown to us."

Shea looked a little dazed, "It leaves more than enough time for me to get nervous though. I have never actually envisioned this before."

Max laughed, "You know, this tournament will be broadcast worldwide! So those people who are not lucky enough to see it for real will be sitting on their couch and swallowing it down with chips and coke!"

Shea groaned, "Max! That's not helping!"

Tyson padded the girl on the back, "No sweat, Shea. You will get used to be a TV star soon enough."

Kai rolled his eyes, "No more fooling around, we need to get back and prepare for our first game."

Tyson stuck out his tongue, "You worry too much, Mr. Sourpuss."

The Blade Breakers walked down the street together, with Tyson and Max chattering endlessly about the upcoming game.

Suddenly Ray said in a low voice, "Someone is following us."

Shea put a firm hand on Tyson's shoulder before he could leap and hissed, "Pretend he said nothing."

Kai turned his head ever so slightly to catch some signs.
Ray said quietly, "A tall male in a overcoat with a hood. Two blocks behind us across the street."

This seemed to confirm what Kai had in mind, he said commandingly, "Follow me."

They followed him down the street and turned into a dark, narrow alley. The stranger followed them still, though his footsteps were so light and his figure lay concealed in the shadows that they can barely notice him even if they were careful.

Max asked worriedly, "Kai, are you sure this is a good place to go when someone is following us?"

Kai replied quietly, "It will be a good place to confront him."

As soon as he spoke, the figure following them halted and shouted to them in a loud voice, "You can stop pretending now, I know you guys noticed me."

Kai whirled around, "And you should be answering a few questions now."

The stranger walked up to them and flung back his hood. Standing before them was one of their old acquaintances.

Tyson's eyes bulged, "Tala?"

The red haired teen answered wryly, "I believe that is my name,"

Kai narrowed his eyes dangerously, "Why are you following us? Do you work for my grandfather?"

Tala paused, "Yes and no."

Tyson waved his fist angrily, "What do you mean yes and no? You are here to spy on us, aren't you!"

Tala replied calmly, "I was ordered to shadow you and learn about your movements, but I didn't take that order to heart entirely."

Ray asked softly, "How long have you been following us?"

Tala sent him a wary glance, "Not very long, only today. You senses are sharp and you noticed me earlier than I imagined."

He stared at the silent Blade Breakers, and then he continued slowly, "Do not look onto me with such animosity. I do not agree with Boris and Voltaire and their doings. But I have to obey them, it is not a matter of choice."

Kai glared at him, "How much will you tell Boris then?"

Tala answered smoothly, "As little as possible, and nothing that can cause you harm. Rest assured about that. But I have something else to tell you."

Receiving silence from everyone he went on in a lower tone, "You must be really careful. Boris has found a new beyblader for our team. He can control the bit-beast Black Dranzer."

This had some impact on them. Both Tyson and Max gasped out loud, Kai jerked violently, and Ray's eyes narrowed.

Tala continued, "That's not it. Voltaire had found a new partner. I don't exactly know who or even what this stranger is, but I know he is dangerous. He pocesse dark powers I don't know how to describe. And I must warn you to be careful again. If Boris think you a threat in the world championships despite everything, he will take you out the easy way."

Ray looked hard at Tala, "Kindly explain that."

Tala said casually, "What I mean is, if Boris is not sure he can win against you in the world championships, he will just kill you. He will not have anyone foil his plans this time."

There was a deadly silence. Finally Ray laughed, "That's very kind of you to tell us all the information."

Tala replied, "That's because I like you guys better than I like him. If you would excuse me now, I have to go. I don't want Boris suspecting anything."

"Wait!" Max suddenly shouted, "Do you have to go back to them? If you don't approve of them, why don't you leave?"

For the first time, Tala looked pained, "I can't. I am an orphan under their custody. I have nothing that can help me in the outside world. I have to stay with them whether I wish it or not."

Max looked crestfallen. He muttered, "I am sorry."

Tala laughed, "Don't be. But you must know that none of us follow Boris's order too willingly. If you ever meet us, in the tournament or outside it, bear that in mind and have some pity."

Ray looked right into the other's blue eyes. He asked with a low voice, "Do you think any of your team mates would have shown pity if we are at their mercy?"

Tala avoided the Ray's piercing gaze. He laughed mirthlessly, "I don't wonder since it was you who asked the question. The answer is no. They don't like Boris, but that doesn't mean they are fond of you. Especially Bryan. He would gladly slit your throat if given the chance, Ray. His loss made his life hell in the abbey, and he blames you entirely."

Ray sighed, "I think I am starting to understand your position. I can't promise for the others, but you have a deal with me at least."

Tala looked at the others hopefully, they all nodded, silently and grimly. Tala's reaction was hard to read. Something akin to disbelieve and admiration flitted across his blue eyes, but only for a second, soon he was back to his normal self.

"See you all at the tournament then." With that he turned vanished into the shadows.

A/N: Yeah! It's Tala! I really want to something about him. I mean, he is stuck with Boris and Voltaire, but he is still a good guy. I thought about putting him in the Majestics actually. But then I seriously doubt that Robert would approve. As in Bryan, I hate him, and I still pity him. A one and only combination, I would say. Oh and I know this chapter is a little boring too. All talking and such. I beg you to have patience, because the match is coming up in next chapter! And I will update really fast to make up for all the short and action-less chapters.