What's Been Left to Find
By Touketsu Gekkou
A Beyblade Fanfic

Chapter 1: The Life She Never Knew
The air had a strange taste in it, I thought. Something was a brew, but what I wasn't sure of. The light played through my window but the beams of sunlight were cut off by my dark, navy curtains. They hadn't been closed completely before I'd gone to bed and the blinds were still rolled up at midpoint. The house was quiet though. I couldn't hear a sound. I figured nobody was awake yet, it wasn't yet 8 o'clock. I stood idly, staring out the window past the backyard into the un-gated backyards of our neighbors. Our area was peaceful and calm, a newly built subdivision that hadn't yet finished its expansion.
I took in a deep breath, feeling somewhat suffocated by the depression in my heart. It'd been there many years, though it wasn't evident to those around me. It was a strange sort of sadness. A neglected type, something an unwanted person felt. A lonely person. That was me alright. The last time I could remember having a friend was in grade school. I was now 16 and as hopeless as ever when it came to social situations. Not a conservationist in the least, yet a true Aquarian. Was that not a contradiction all in itself? People at school weren't fond of me. My mysterious aura made them feel uneasy in my presence. Little was known about me, though I could talk openly to those who attempted at all to converse with me. A complicated being in the midst of shallow beings, all trying to find a place where they belonged, all trying hard to be something everybody would like. I tended to stick out. I didn't try to receive anyone's approval. I did what I wanted, what I thought was right, when I wanted, where I wanted. I was independent to the extreme. No one was above me as my commander.
Luckily for me, not many tried to push me, and I wasn't the type to seek trouble going into enemy lines just for the pure struggle of it. I maintained a B average in grades. I wasn't a genius, not better than anyone else, yet still not as good as some. I never saw grades as an interpretation of how smart one was; it merely shows your ability to memorize. I'd never been a great one for memory, as was reflected on my grades. I tried my best, did the necessary work and accepted what I got. The greatest pleasure of this was the fact school had been out what seemed like eternity now. It would start up again soon and I would be in my junior year of high school. What I didn't know at this time was the big changes that would occur in my life between this very minute and the beginning of the school year.

I trotted downstairs, silently. I'd always been known for being quiet, and my footsteps were unheard even against the wooden floors at the bottom of the steps. As I walked into the kitchen, the wooden floor beneath me transitioned immediately into plastic tile floor. I looked around, through the kitchen and into the living room. I was the only one awake. This wasn't unusual, especially when the man of the house was gone due to business. What was unusual, however, was the phone rang. I glimpsed over at it, wondering if it would ring a second time. Once it had, I hurried over to answer before it woke anyone up. I removed the cordless silver and black phone from its receiver and pressed the 'on' button as I put it to my ear.
"Hello?" I answered in the friendliest voice I could butter up first thing in the morning.
"Hello, is this the Katou residence?" A deep, dark and unfamiliar voice from the other end inquired.
My facial expression showed skeptism as I quickly thought how I should answer, "Yes." I replied, politely.
"Excellent. May I speak with the head of the house?"
I didn't like the sound of this. It wasn't what you expected to hear from the people who caused you to register your phone number to the 'Do Not Call' List, "We're not interested, but thanks for calling." I made apparent my irritation.
The voice gave a somewhat dark chuckle, "This is not a sales call, Miss. I wish to speak with the head of the house and relay some important information."
"The head of the house isn't available right now but I can have him call you back later."
"Do not play games with me, you insolent child."
"Hey, you know what? It's not yet 8 o'clock and you're calling first thing in the morning to tell us about a credit card we don't need. Are you sure that's not insolent too?" I was surprised at my clever reply, I wasn't known for being sarcastic to strangers. I didn't hear what he said next. The woman of the house walked through the doorway and greeted me with a good morning and asked who was on the phone. I handed the phone to her, not wanting to hear another word from this persistent stranger.
I took a seat at the table and watched, listening in to what she was saying. Her face suddenly suggested that she was shocked and terrified at the same time. She was silent for a long minute and I began to wonder what the moron on the other end had said to frighten her so.
"I'll have to talk to my husband about it..." She said uneasily. A pause took place, I figured it was the other end talking now, "No, you can't do that. No wait!" She paused again then slowly lowered the phone, turning it off with the sound of a beep.
I arched my eyebrows, my eyes staying ajar and sleepy, "What was that all about?"
She looked like she didn't know how to reply. We both stared a moment, my face was sort've sarcastic while hers was confused and sad.
Before she could say a word there was a knock on the door. It wasn't a friendly, neighbor's knock; it was more like a fist banging against the other side. I watched as she walked through the kitchen to the door and wondered why the beagle in the house, Patch, wasn't barking like he normally did. I looked at the digital clock on the oven at the other end of the room. It read 8:13. My attention was brought back to reality after thinking through what I would do today when a man in what appeared to be an officer uniform stood before me.
"It's time to go." He said sternly, as if I would know what he was talking about.
I raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Another man, slightly taller and dressed very differently, came up behind him, "Well well, so this is the child, is it? Not what I had expected but I'm certain she won't disappoint us."
I stared, confused.
"Well are you coming or not?"
I rolled my eyes and decided I didn't like these people, "Let me think ...... no." I replied simply and got up, walking away.
It seemed the guy who asked didn't like my reply, "You don't have a choice, so you can either come willingly or we'll drag you out of here."
I turned around to look at them, "Well it would be nice if somebody told me what exactly is going on here." I said, calmly but impatiently.
"You haven't figured it out? I thought you were more clever than that."
"Well, if it's any consolation to you, I figured out that I don't like you." I was being rude on purpose, something I could never remember actually doing before.
He wrinkled his nose, frustrated and apparently annoyed, "I'll give you 5 minutes to pack a bag and get a jacket before we drag you out of here."
In all this chaos, I couldn't see where the woman of the house was, so I decided not to cause any trouble and trotted upstairs to do as I was told. I went into my room, thinking over what had just happened. What was it I was supposed to pack again? I looked around my room, figuring I wouldn't be gone long. I grabbed my black handbag (which was surprisingly big for a handbag) decorated on the shoulder strap with red, five-point stars and on the small pocket in front, three, identical stars were lined up vertically down the center of the pocket flap. I stood there a moment, wondering what I should take with me. The first thing I grabbed was my bright red diary, decorated with oriental designs. I gently set it inside the pocket in the front, being careful not to bend any pages or harm it in anyway. The next thing I took was my hairbrush, some hair ties, two favorite hair ribbons: black and red, my cosmetics bag and my bottle of hand sanitizer. I heard an impatient shout from downstairs to hurry up, so I quickly grabbed my CD player and my CD folder (already composed of all my favorite CDs) and stuck them in the bag. I pulled my favorite red hoodie with the name of my high school written across the top in bold, white letters over my head and adjusted the annoying cuffs at the end of the sleeves, tucking them under where they couldn't be seen. I then pulled the bottom of the sweater down past my waist, making it obvious that this sweater was much too big. I ran out the door, yanking the bag off my bed and putting it on my shoulder as I started down the stairs.
"Don't be expected to be granted this much time too often, missy." The stern man said as I slowed my approach down the stairs.
"What're you talking about?"
"There'll be plenty of time to explain later. Hurry up and get outside in the car. Your grandfather is waiting." He said as he watched me start walking out the door.
I stopped a moment and glanced back inside, "Where's--"
"Mrs. Katou had some business to attend to, but she bids you a sincere farewell." He quickly answered before I could even finish asking.
I stared at him, distrustingly. It wasn't like her to do that, but I didn't have any choice to do anything other than what I was told at this point. I walked on, waiting to see how this would all unfold.
I approached a freshly waxed, black limo. I was surprised that it was parked by the mailbox, I'd never been in a limo before. I began to wonder if I had done something wrong and was being sent to juvenile court or something. Or perhaps I'd done something incredibly good, and I was finally being acknowledged for all my efforts. Mixed thoughts ran through my head, but all I really felt was tension. A butler opened the door for me. I should have shooed him away, I was perfectly capable of opening my own doors, but I wasn't thinking of that before he had opened it for me. I stood idly a moment before getting in the car. I hesitated and looked at the man who had been following behind me. "My mom told me never to take rides from strangers."
He gave a sneer, "We're everything but strangers, my dear. Please." He gestured toward the open door.
I gave him a suspicious eye but continued into the car. The door shut behind me as I slid to the other side, setting my bag in the center seat. I pulled the seat belt over my shoulder and searched for the buckle.
"Good morning, my dear." A strange, new voice said from the other side of the car.
I quickly looked up to see an elderly man sitting there. I shoved the seat belt into its buckle and adjusted the seat belt, "Who're you?" I asked, somewhat angrily.
"Voltaire Hiwatari. And don't be angry. I've come to take you back where you belong." He said, calmly.
I made apparent my irritation, "Now that we're on our way, would you please explain to me... what the devil is going on?"
"Certainly. I'll tell you everything you wish to know. Where do you wish for me to begin?"
I didn't expect him to ask, but I blurted out the first thing that came to mind, "Where are we going and why?"
"We're on our way to Russia, my dear. I'm taking you back home where you belong to teach you and take care of you." He answered, simply, but inelaborately.
"Take me home and take care of me? What?"
"Did your foster parents not tell you?"
"Foster parents?"
"I didn't think they would confess. Very well then, I shall explain to you." He began, "When you were just a tender, young baby, your parents both died. Your father's family name was Hiwatari, he was my son. As a result of their death, you were sent to a foster home because this happened so suddenly, none of your relatives knew. You were finally taken in by the Katou family at the age of 2. They eventually changed your last name so you would never know and could be raised as a normal child. When I finally heard about this, I was determined to bring you back to your rightful family and return your name to that of the rich and famous Hiwatari's. It took me 9 years to win my case and get you back, child. And finally, you are back where you belong."
This all sounded very new to me. I'd fantasized about such a complicated and adventurous life but never had I thought it would actually happen to me. I found now that I was stuck in it, I didn't know what to do or even what to think. I sat there, silently.
"When we return, you shall have to begin preparing for school promptly. The school you will be attending with your cousin is a private year-around school. My grandchildren only receive the best education offered." He pointed out.
"Who's my cousin?" I suddenly inquired.
"Kai Hiwatari, first class Beyblader." The tone of his voice and the expression on his face told me his was proud of this kid, who ever he was. "You won't be in the same building with him, but you'll be riding home with him."
"Where's home?" An empty void seemed to take hold of me. Home seemed like such a distant word, used too loosely to describe a building you only lived in for a while, nothing worth real value.
"In the Hiwatari Estate in Japan."
"Japan??" It seemed he was randomly dropping all these countries into my lap. "Then why're we going to Russia?"
"We need to straighten some legal things out before we can send you to Japan." He explained, still calm as ever.
I sat silent again for a moment while all this sank in. "Wait... so are you telling me I come from a rich family?"
"Rich, to put it lightly, yes." He answered.
I sat back in my seat, waiting to wake up from this dream. The end seemed to be so near yet so far out of reach. It never came, and next thing I knew we had stopped at the airport near by a private jet. The butler opened the door and I looked at the man who claimed to be my grandfather.
"Go ahead, my dear." He said.
I unbuckled myself and slid out, grabbing my bag along the way. I looked around, not sure where to go from here. Voltaire got out of the car and talked to the other guy who had pulled me from my house earlier. Voltaire then came over to me and began to explain what the deal was, "Boris has agreed to escort you to the Hiwatari Estate in Japan while I return to Russia to straighten out any remaining legal concerns."
I looked at the guy who I already disliked, "Is that Boris?"
"Yes, this is Boris. Now hurry along. You'll start school tomorrow with your cousin, and you'll need to pick up your uniform on your way home." Voltaire said, his voice still not changing in evenness and collectedness.
"What about enrollment?" I considered.
"You're already enrolled, my dear. That has already been taken care of." He said and hurried me along toward the awaiting jet.
"Please hurry, Miss, the pilot is becoming impatient." One of the butlers informed me.
"Yeah yeah, I'm going." I replied coldly, adjusting the bag on my shoulder and walked to the stairs leading up to the jet. I ascended the stairs and made my way inside. I'd never been in a private jet before, but it was by far nicer than any national or international flight I'd ever taken.
The flight wasn't any more amusing than that of any other national or international flight I'd ever taken either. I looked out the window, slouched in my seat with my headphones on, not listening to anything anybody else said. I watched every now and then as Boris and men in the same uniforms as earlier discussed something or another at a table in the center of the plane, but I never listened in. The worst part of the flight was that it was cloudy. You could see nothing but clouds. The earth wasn't visible at any time during the flight, making it that much more boring and dragged out. I fell asleep sometime toward the middle of the flight and awoke when I was jerked from my seat by Boris.
"It's time to go."
I rubbed my eyes as he walked away. I could've said something about his rude interruption of my sleep but I just woke up and I didn't feel like getting into an argument. I pulled my headphones off my ears and put my things into my bag. I quickly pulled myself out of my seat and followed Boris's lead down the stairs. I stopped a moment at the bottom and looked around. So this is Japan, I thought.
"Right this way, Miss." One of the butlers gestured toward an awaiting limo.
I sauntered over to the limo, half-heartedly. I didn't think I liked this anymore. I stepped inside the car and took a seat. I was the only one in the back; I assumed Boris was sitting up front again. I sighed and watched as the butler closed the door for me. I shrank into my seat, almost falling off. My misery was only growing. I used to think this would be great but at this point I found I preferred an ordinary life over one like this. Now that I was stuck here I couldn't change it though. I let myself slide off the seat and on the floor. There was plenty of room. The back of the car was almost a limo all on its own and there was another bench sitting across from me. I reached my hand into my bag to find my CD player. Perhaps some music would cheer me up, but before I could even find the item I was searching for I was jirked forwards when the car suddenly stopped. I fell flat on my face and was anything but amused by this. I sat up and rubbed my forehead, wondering why we had stopped. I scampered to the dark tinted windows to look outside. It appeared we were stopped in front of a school building and someone was approaching the door. I grabbed my bag and headed for the back corner of the opposing bench, too nervous to keep myself together to meet another person. Maybe if I was lucky I wouldn't be seen.
The door opened and I heard the butler invite the person inside, "Here you are Master Kai."
'Master Kai' didn't reply and soon I saw him settle himself in by the door. He didn't seem surprised to see me. I stared a moment, studying his appearance. He looked like he had an attitude problem with the big frown on his face and his arms crossed, his eyebrows narrow and his eyes looked straight at me.
"You must be Juri."
I didn't say anything for a moment, then it suddenly clicked. This must've been the cousin Voltaire had told me about, the cousin I'd be going to school with. I lifted my head a bit to keep from muffling my voice, "And you must be Kai."
"Hm." He sure wasn't a friendly figure. I should have known.
"Just got back from school, I assume?" I was attempting to break the awkward silence he seemed to enjoy. I wasn't much of a conservationist, but I didn't like awkward silence either. Unfortunately for me, Kai didn't reply. He only looked out the window and ignored me. "Pff, fine then." I sighed as I readjusted my position in my seat.
We drove for a while. It seemed like hours. I hadn't seen a clock of any sort all day and I was beginning to wonder what time it was. I wasn't about to ask my dear cousin sitting across from me. He was too busy counting the specks on the window. When we finally stopped, he sat there as if waiting for something.
"Well?" I asked, getting his attention, "Aren't you gonna open it?" He didn't say anything. "Lazy ass." I mumbled and got on the other side to open the door to Kai's left. I closed it behind me, "He can wait as long as he wants but I ain't opening any stupid doors for him." I was annoyed with him and found it a bad sign since we'd not known each other for even a day. Perhaps it was just me and being thrown into a new life. Maybe that's what was getting to me. I walked around the car and looked up at the mansion we were parked in front of.
"Welcome home." Boris said as he stepped next to me.
"This is 'home'?" I inquired.
"Yes, this is home. Now go on so the maids can show you to your room." Boris hurried me.
I didn't reply and started walking up to the door. The mansion grew bigger as I got closer, finally I reached the door. I was about to knock when a maid opened it.
"Oh Miss! We're so glad you've come back to us!" She greeted me as if she knew me. This frightened me a bit. "Let me take your things to your room."
I looked at the bag hanging off my shoulder, then looked back at her, "It's Ok, I think I've got it."
"Oh but Miss!--"
"I can carry my own things, thanks." I assured her.
"...Well alright." The maid seemed a bit disheartened, "Let me show you to your room."
I stepped inside and looked around as she started up the steps at the entrance. The size of this house was incredible and I couldn't believe I'd be living here. I snapped back into reality and ran after the maid so I wouldn't lose her. Once we were up on the second floor we walked down a long hall, which turned to another hall, and another and another. I lost track of how many turns we made, but I felt like I was on some sort of hike or something. By the time we reached my room, I was beat.
"Here it is, Miss."
"Thanks." I replied, exhausted. I walked inside and nearly fell over backwards. The canopy bed, the lacey curtains, the walk in bathroom. This is where royalty lived!!
"Supper will be ready in about 30 minutes, so please come down and join us in the Solarium." The maid said as she stood by the door.
"The what? Where's--" I turned around, she had already left and shut the door behind her, "...that.." I rolled my eyes and turned to my new room. I still couldn't believe it. The windows were like double-doors lined with gold plating. It was absolutely gorgeous. "How'm I ever gonna get used to this?" I sighed a chuckle to myself. I put my bag on the bed and creaked open the window. I poked my head outside and looked at my surroundings. The backyard was all forest, the mansion was hidden in trees, but there was still actual yard before the trees started. I looked down below. It was a long fall. "Voltaire won't have to worry about me eloping ... that's for sure." I pulled myself back in and shut the window. I trotted over to an armour, I figured it would be empty. I opened it up to see how much room it had. It was full. I opened a second, bigger door on the right side and in it there were dresses. They looked expensive, like prom dresses or dresses you wear to a ball or something. I wrinkled my nose, hoping I would never have to wear them. I closed the door again.
The next thing that caught my attention was the walk in bathroom I had all to myself. There was a hot tub in there, a huge mirror, a corner shower, a sink, a closet ... everything was in here. I might as well have lived in my room. All I needed was a kitchen.
A knock on the door turned my attention away from the bathroom. Somebody walked in, but I was behind a wall and couldn't see who. I pressed myself against the wall, trying to hide. I wasn't in the mood for another encounter with someone I didn't know.
"Hello? Miss?" It sounded like the maid from earlier.
I peeked from around the corner and sighed with relief. It was only the maid.
"Oh, there you are, Miss! We've been waiting for you to come down for supper."
"Has it been 30 minutes already...?" I asked.
She nodded, anxiously.
"Uhm.. Ok, I'll just follow you down there then, shall I?" I walked out of the bathroom and she gave a laugh.
"You can't go to dinner wearing those old clothes!"
I looked at myself then back at her, "This is a new sweater." I replied.
"Oh dear." She walked over to the armour and showed off a dress, "Master Voltaire bought this just for the occasion of your arrival."
"And why are all the other ones in there?" I asked.
"Well ... He thought you might need some." She replied uneasily.
"I'm not gonna change, can we just go please?"
"The Master might not be very pleased with that ..." She replied, hesitantly.
"He's in Russia, he won't even know." I sighed.
"Well... if you insist..." She returned the dress to its place and closed the door.
"Lead the way." I offered.
She nodded and led. She seemed nervous, but I didn't say anything. My cold hands were shoved into the kangaroo pouch in the front of my hoodie as I sauntered down the halls after her. I didn't think I'd ever be able to remember which hall led where. Maybe I should ask for a map, I pondered.
When we finally reached what she had called the 'Solarium', I finally knew why. It was an extension in the back of the mansion, almost like a balcony except it was almost like a room made of glass. The walls were a series of glass windows that peaked at the top to make it pointed. The floor was the only thing not made of glass and the view was great. It was like eating outside without the bugs and other inconveniences.
I stared up through the ceiling windows. It was clear out and the stars were bright. The only lights in the room were the candles sitting at the table. I heard the maid pulled out a chair.
"Miss?" There was a long pause, I hadn't heard her. "Miss?" She repeated, a bit louder. I looked at her and she gestured at the chair.
I didn't say anything as I walked to the chair and made myself comfortable. I was startled to see all the silverware at my place though. Just like in the movies... I thought.
"So glad to see you could join us." Said a man at the head of the table.
I looked at him, I didn't know who this was. I only slightly smiled at him, not sure what else to do.
"Didn't dress up for the occasion I see." He said again.
"Dressing up... isn't my thing." I replied, as I looked at all the goodies sitting at the table.
He laughed, "Well you'll need to get used to it, my dear. When you're rich, it's expected of you."
"I wasn't raised a rich person." I simply replied, trying to decide whether I could start serving myself or not. I hadn't eaten yet today.
"So I've been told. What brings you back all of a sudden?"
I looked at him, "I didn't have a say in the matter. I'm just now figuring out what's going on." I shrugged.
"I see. So I heard you've met my son, Kai, have you?"
I looked at him, then at the person he was gesturing toward. I found Kai sitting across the table from me, "Yeah. We've had our first encounter."
"Splendid. Perhaps you can take some time to try and get to know each other, then."
I didn't say anything, not sure what to say. I sat back in my seat, feeling like I was in the spotlight.
"So, you start school tomorrow do you?" He finally asked as the maids began to serve the meal onto our plates.
"Yeah, I uh... guess so." It just now struck me I hadn't picked up my uniform as Voltaire had told me. Shame on me.
"Looking forward to it?"
I pondered the question a moment. I wasn't sure how to answer. Vacation would have lasted another few weeks back in America but vacation had been boring from the beginning. "I uhm... never thought seriously about it until now." I confessed.
"Good for you. Perhaps you will be spared of the jitters you get at the beginning of the school year then."
His mentioning it made me remember, and I started feeling nervous.
I watched as the maid began serving me. It was an awful lot, but it looked good. I began munching away at it with the closest fork and spoon I could find.
"Is the appetizer appetizing?"
I looked up at the guy who appeared to be Kai's dad, which made him my uncle I guess, "Appetizer?"
"This is only the appetizer. We still have a salad, the main course and dessert to get through." He said as if he was reminding me.
This was unheard of to me. I shoved my plate away, "That's too much. I can't eat all that!"
"You have so much to learn." He chuckled and continued eating.

I left before dessert, claiming I was tired. I had the maid take me back to my room, figuring there was no way I'd find it on my own. When we got into the room, she began fixing the covers on my bed making them ready to climb under.
"Your bed clothes are right here." She said as she handed a long, white and lacey nightgown to me.
I looked at it and wrinkled my nose, this was something a princess wore to bed, a major transition from the usual pajama pants and t-shirt I was accustomed to wearing to bed. I went into the bathroom and tossed it aside. I searched through the closet for more casual wear but found nothing but expensive stuff. "I am never gonna get used to this." I sighed, a bit irritated. I hesitantly put on the silky nightgown. It definitely wasn't me, and the lacey seaming was a bit itchy and uncomfortable.
"Here you are Miss. Already to be slept in." The maid smiled.
"Thanks. You know it isn't necessary. I'm capable of getting myself ready for bed... and the bed itself." I told her, feeling a bit awkward that she was waiting on me.
"No please, it's my job." She replied.
"So then if you let me do it, you'd get paid for doing nothing." I joked, but I don't think she caught on. I sauntered to the bed and climbed in. It was the most comfortable mattress I'd ever been in, not to mention the biggest. "What is this, queen size?"
"King size, Miss." She corrected me.
I nuzzled myself into my big, fluffy pillows stuffed with down, "King. How nice." I sighed, very comfortable.
"Good night, Miss. Sleep well." She said as she prepared to leave.
"You too... um.. I never caught your name." I mentioned.
"My name...?" She sounded surprised, "Maggy." She smiled.
"Maggy... I like that... Well good night Maggy. Sweet dreams."
"Thank you, Miss." She bowed and closed the door behind her.
I pulled the covers up closer to my chin. I thought I would sleep well tonight. I could ask for no more--except a more comfortable sleeping outfit. I figured I'd get used to it though. I rolled around, staying in the middle of the bed where the warm spot seemed to stay. I kicked my legs a little bit. But I couldn't fall asleep. I kicked my covers off and lay with all limbs stretched out in opposing directions as I stared at the ceiling fan. Why am I here? I wondered. This isn't where I belong, I began to think.
I suddenly leaped out of bed and ran into the bathroom, changing my clothes into what I had worn the day before. I decided I didn't like it here. I would never get used to this. I needed out. I grabbed my bag and ran out of my room, careful to be as quiet as possible. I turned some halls, trusting my memory to lead me to the right staircase. I think I took some wrong turns though and next thing I knew I was sitting on the floor staring at the wall, hopelessly lost in the dark.
"This is not my idea of a fun house ..." I said to myself.
"What're you doing here?"
I jumped to my feet, having heard a voice but not having seen anyone, "Who's there?!" I shouted defensively.
"Do you wanna wake everyone up or do you wanna keep it down?"
The voice sounded familiar but I couldn't associate it with a face, "Tell me who's there or I'll scream or... something.."
Kai suddenly walked into the little moonlight shining into the hall from a window.
I sighed with relief, "What're you doing, trying to scare me half to death?"
"I had a feeling you were up and about."
"Huh?"
"What're you doing?" He demanded.
"I'm leaving. Got a problem with that?"
He snorted and looked away, "You won't get very far. This mansion is like a prison camp."
"What am I doing here then? I didn't do anything wrong."
"Belonging to this family must be wrong then."
"Whatta ya mean?" I arched an eyebrow.
"It doesn't matter. Don't wake everyone up with your useless attempts to escape because you won't be going anywhere unless you leave during the day time." He informed me.
"During the day?"
"From school. It'll be the only way out. But, take it from me, they'll find you and drag you back if they have to. Once you're in this family, there's no getting out."
"I didn't wanna be part of this stupid family anyway." I replied, crossly.
"I don't think any of us did, but we don't choose the family we're born into."
I was silent a moment, "How do you know all this? Escaping during the day I mean..."
"I've tried, if you really have to know."
"Don't you have any friends you're allowed hanging out with?"
"That's different from running away." He pointed out.
I rolled my eyes up, feeling stupid for not having considered that.
"I suggest you get back to your room and get some sleep. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day."
"Hey wait a minute, what're you doing up?"
"I don't think that's any of your business to know." He simply replied and walked past me.
I growled under my breath, "Ok then..." I soon felt that he was gone and out of hearing range when I realized I didn't know how to get back to my room.

The next morning I was awoken by Maggy.
"Miss..? Are you alright?" She looked down at me curiously, her arms full with fresh, folded bathroom towels.
I blinked my eyes several times, attempting to get the sleepiness out of them. I was in the middle of the hallway with my bag serving as my pillow. "Ugh ... what time is it...?"
"5:30, Miss. You need to get ready for school. You leave in an hour." She replied.
"An hour?" I was suddenly very awake. I wasn't known for being speedy when it came to preparing for school--especially first thing in the morning. I hopped to my feet, "Quick! I need to get back to my room!"
Maggy hesitated a moment, then decided to lead me back after all.
When I got back to my room, I dropped my bag at the foot of my bed and dashed into the bathroom.
"Your uniform is on your bed, Miss!" Maggy called over the running water of the shower.
"Thanks Maggy!" I hollered back as I struggled to remove my clothes. After finally getting off my sweater, pants, t-shirt and under garments I finally made it in the shower, but the experience was short-lived when I was greeted with icy cold water. I shivered as I hurried to wash myself off. I got out as quickly as I could, not enjoying the uninviting coolness of the water I had just showered in. I peeked outside the door to make sure Maggy had shut the bedroom door on her way out. Thankfully she had and I ran out to get new clothes to put on, grabbing the uniform in between. I went back into the bathroom and hurriedly put the clothing on. I was disappointed to find the school uniform I would be wearing was composed of a formal, long-sleeved shirt and the short skirts Japan was so infamous for. I paused to grumble a comment of bitterness, "I hate this..."
After that, I brushed out my hair and put it into an unorderly bun since there was little else I could do with it. I brushed my teeth real quick and ran out the bathroom door, tripping over a pair of shoes that I hadn't seen were sitting there. "What're these?" I asked, picking them up.
"Your shoes, Miss." Maggy said, standing near the door.
"I already have shoes." I replied, looking up at her.
"They're uniform shoes, Miss." Maggy restated.
"Grr! I hate this!" I lamented and unbuckled the black Mary-Jane-styled shoes. I adjusted my white socks so that they would fit right and then slipped the shoes on, quickly buckling them up again. "Alright, lets go!" I struggled to my feet and raced out the door.
"Miss! The kitchen is down the other way!" Maggy called after me.
I screeched to a halt and growled, stomping back to the room again, "Would you care to take me downstairs, please?" I asked, rather pathetically.
"Of course, Miss." Maggy smiled and led me calmly down the right path.
When I finally reached the kitchen, my uncle was already chowing down on breakfast, as was Kai. I gave Kai a suspicious eye. Where had he gone to last night, I wondered.
"Good morning, Juri. So glad you could join us." Greeted the older man.
I didn't reply as I strolled to my seat, tired and exhausted.
"Ready for the first day of school?"
I looked at him for a few moments before giving my bland response, "No."
He laughed, "Not to worry, my dear. You'll soon be used to this, you'll see." He assured me, though it wasn't very assuring.
I didn't say much and I barely touched my breakfast. I anxiously waited for somebody to tell me it was time to go and all too soon, Maggy informed me, "It's time to go." She said.
"Great..." I sighed and dropped my fork, the plate chiming.
On the way out the door, I took the backpack she offered me, already full of books, notebooks, pencils and what else not. "Have a nice day." She smiled.
"Guess we'll just see." I replied as I walked outside after Kai.
I followed him to the limo but instead of going in the same way he did, which was the side where the butler opened the door, I went around and went in on the other side, opening my own door. I climbed in and shut the door behind me and took a deep breath. My heart was pounding and I was more nervous than I could ever remember being.
"You look nervous." Kai said as we drove down the driveway.
"I feel nervous too." I answered.
"You aren't gonna try anything... are you?" His voice was grave and serious as it always was.
I pondered on how I should answer that question, but I was afraid if I pondered too long I wouldn't be able to answer, "Maybe."
"I don't recommend it. You don't know your way around here and you'll get lost before you get anywhere and by then they'll have found you anyway."
I was silent a moment before answering again, "Fine. I won't then."
The rest of the ride was silent. Kai was dropped off at his school first; he left without saying anything. I looked out the window, the anxiety in me rising. We soon slowed to a stop and I realized we'd arrived.
I opened the door before the butler had a chance to and stepped out, looking over the hood of the limo at the school. "I don't like the looks of this..." I muttered to myself.
With that, I moved on toward my doom. The school was pretty crowded and there were only girls about my age there. I looked around, wondering what to do now that I was actually inside the building. I assumed the main office would know where I should be going, so that's where I went. I walked up to the front desk and waited for one of the women there to come help me. I stood there for 5 minutes while the two that were there gossiped. A third came from the back of the office and walked up to the counter.
"Good morning, can I help you?" She asked, friendly-like.
"Yeah, I just transferred here and I have no idea where I belong." I informed her.
"Ok, what's your name and I'll print you up your schedule." She took a seat behind a computer that sat near the counter.
"Juri Katou." I told her.
"Katou last name, Juri first name, correct?"
"Uh-huh." I stood there and watched her type this in on the computer. She gave an awkward expression.
"There's no enrollment data for a Juri Katou." She said and looked at me.
I wondered why this was for a moment, then hit myself in the head, remembering that wasn't my last name anymore. "Oh wait, try Juri Hiwatari then."
She typed it into the computer and it appeared as if it was successful. "Your schedule will be printed out, hold on just a moment."
"Alright thanks." I answered as I leaned against the counter.
I soon heard her come back over to me, "Here you are."
I turned around and took the paper she handed me, "Thank you."
"Uh-huh." She nodded nicely and left to attend to other business.
I walked back outside the office and looked over my schedule, "Room C7?" I blinked. It appeared as though I had my first two classes in the same room, but I hadn't any idea where this room was. I soon consulted a nearby map. It appeared C stood for the floor, which was the second floor, and 7 stood for the room in the hallway. I made my way to the staircase and walked up until I reached the first floor. It was bustling with life, girls all gathered in their own little groups as if school had just started after summer vacation. I didn't have time to admire the vividness of the school yet though, I had another staircase to climb. When I got to the second floor, it was almost identical to the first and second. I walked down the hall looking for room number 7. I finally found it and walked inside. Girls had already claimed some of the seats in the classroom and the teacher had only been there long enough to drop off her things, it appeared. I took a seat at the desk on the opposite side of the room on the first row. I preferred the front so I could hear and see the board over those who liked to chat in the middle of class. I set my book bag aside and pulled out a notebook and pencil, then curiously looked to see what the girls nearby were so excited about. They had gathered into a group of six, maybe seven, all around one desk, chattering away and squealing. I decided to listen to see what bits I could pick up and see if I could solve the mystery of their excitement.
"So why're they coming to Japan?" One girl asked.
"Duh! Japan is practically the center headquarters of the BBA!" Another replied.
"But don't they have stations set up all over the world?" A different voice inquired.
"Yeah but there's nothing like signing up at the official headquarters of the BBA." Another squealed, causing yet another to giggle.
"Plus, I heard that one of them wants to challenge an old rival!" This girl had already spoken earlier.
"Really? Who?" Someone gasped.
"Kai Hiwatari." Another said, sounding as if she was all knowing.
This caught my attention, and I listened more carefully as they continued.
"What? Who of the Majestics wants to challenge the great Kai Hiwatari, first class Beyblader of Japan?" Another said.
"Johnny MacGregor of course! Don't you remember in the European Tournament Kai really kicked his butt?" One more commented.
"Oh my gosh! You're so right!" Yet another squealed, "He is so cute!"
"I know, he is just so hot." Another said.
"He's not as adorable as Enrique-poo though!" One more chimed in.
"Neither of them beat Oliver's elegance! He is one fine guy." Someone giggled.
"Oh I know!" Their chattering and childish giggles began to melt into one loud racket. I was barely listening anymore. So, somebody was coming to challenge my cousin to a rematch? I was interested in this, though I didn't know what the rematch was in. I decided I would tell Kai after school and ask if I could attend the rematch.

On the way home, I realized school wasn't nearly as bad as it had seemed at first. We drove on our way to Kai's school while I pondered over the idea of him being challenged by someone from another team, it appeared. When Kai climbed into the car, I was anxious to inform him.
"Hey Kai." I began, getting only a short glimpse from Kai, "I overheard at school something that might interest you."
"Like what?" He asked, completely uninterested.
"I heard somebody from the Majestics or something was wanting a rematch."
"I know." He stated, to my surprise.
"Oh? You do?"
Kai didn't say anything.
I decided to take the opportunity to ask, "Mind if I watch the rematch then?"
"You should stay out of other people's affairs." Kai said.
"For being related to me you aren't very nice. Can't you just sort've let me tag along?" I requested. "I won't be any bother."
He didn't reply. I wasn't sure whether that meant I would get to or not.
When we arrived at home, I ran inside. I flew through the door, thinking I would need to open it myself, but Maggy opened it from the other side just before I got there.
"Miss! What's the rush?" Maggy asked, alarmed.
"Oh geez, I didn't expect you to open the door on me like that." I laughed.
Maggy seemed relieved and chuckled a little too, leaving the door open for Kai to come in. She shut it as soon as he entered, "How was your day, Master Kai?"
Kai didn't reply as he walked up the stairs. I decided to follow him, but I didn't say anything until we were beyond the staircase.
"So, Kai, what's all this rematch stuff about?" I asked curiously.
"A long rivalry." Was all he said.
"What kind of rivalry? Is it in a sport or something?"
"Apparently you don't know much about what I'm famous for, do you?"
"No I don't." I confessed.
He seemed sort've annoyed, "You've never heard of Beyblading?"
"I've heard of it, but I don't know much about it." I continued to follow him.
"Well, that's what it is. A Beyblade rivalry." Kai said, stopping in front of his room, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some training to do."
"Ok..." I watched him disappear inside his room and behind the door. I turned around and headed toward my own room, "Beyblading, huh?" I said to myself, faintly interested in the concept.