Well, here I am talking again after a long silence. So, I just wanted to say that I'm not updating the next chapter unless I get a review! And I mean that! I'm not continuing unless you people REALLY want to know the outcome of the final battle. Don't know why you wouldn't...if you're that interested in my story, then it would make sense, wouldn't it? Besides, why should I keep wasting my J. K. Rowling-calibre skills if they are not being recognized?

18. The Beginning of the End

Telesto woke the next morning to the sound of silent, muffled sobs. Whoever was crying was drawing in quick, sharp, high-pitched breaths, as if they were female. He sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes before getting out from under the covers. He stepped out into the hallway, since no one shared the room with him.

Glancing around groggily, he heard the whimpering coming from the left, so he turned that way. The first room to the left was Spica's. On the right was Kuiper's room, and then the staircase that led to the main level. He came to the doorway of Spica's room and paused, looking in.

Spica was facedown in her bed, seemingly crying into the pillow. She was quivering slightly, and if she wasn't crying, she was doing a good job of faking it. Telesto rubbed his eyes again and stepped inside. "Spica?" he asked lethargically.

She immediately turned over and scowled at him. She rubbed the tears from her eyes hastily and sat up. "What? What do you want?" she demanded.

Telesto could see that her eyes were red and puffy and her pillow was set where her face had been. "Nothing, really. I was just wondering if you could keep it down-you woke me up with your crying."

"I wasn't crying!" Spica retorted angrily.

"Uh-huh, sure. Look..." He sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Get out of my room, you-"

"Spica-hear me out," Telesto said firmly, laying his hand on her shoulder to calm her. "I can understand why you're crying. I saw that look in your eyes when I shot Hans, but it had to be done. They were Gilepse's and Commander Brandez's orders. You were heartbroken and you were feigning your apathy. It's okay to show your emotion, just not in front of Gilepse. Kuiper and I will accept if, though."

Spica turned away violently, pulling from his grasp. "Shut up. What would you know about my feelings? You don't even know your own."

"You're faking your apathy again. It's so obvious you liked him, and I respect that. But he didn't have the will to live, and you have to accept that. He probably felt that way for a good reason, so it would be unfair to make him endure whatever was troubling him any longer."

Spica turned back around, her eyes watery. She paused a moment before replying. "But what if what was troubling him could have been fixed? Then what?"

"It's too late to judge that, now. Say, I have something for you. Wait here," Telesto said as he stood up and left the room. He came back a few seconds later and sat on the edge of her bed again. He opened his clenched fist before her, handing her a brown spin gear. "Goadbwa made clones of Hans' soul and implanted one of them into this spin gear. Gilepse gave one to Deneb in the form of a Beyblade bit piece. It's unbelievable what they can do with human souls-this one is supposed to improve spin time length and velocity. As a bonus, you've got the memory of Hans with you. Gilepse would have given you one last night but you left the testing facilities in a hurry. Take it."

Spica reached out hesitantly and took the spin gear from his hand. She analyzed it in the palm of hers for a moment before taking her black Beyblade from the night table. She unassembled it and replaced the existing spin gear with the one that had Hans' soul. She smiled at it in her hands a moment and then drew it to her chest, looking up at Telesto. "Thank you, Telesto. I'm sorry-you do understand me."

Telesto stood up and headed for the door. "No problem," he replied with a smile. Come on, we'd better get changed and downstairs. The final battle's today and Biovolt expects to be prompt. They're going down!"

Spica gave a curt nod and her sad smile widened as he left. She looked back down at her Beyblade and held it to her forehead, closing her eyes to stop the tears from flowing again. "Hans...your sacrifice will not go to waste," she whispered in anger. "I'll slaughter those idiotic Hilanovs if it's the last thing I do...This is the day when it's finally over-when evil will take its grip-the end of those Hilanovs-never again- forever apocalypse."

*

One by one, helicopter after helicopter landed in the Abbey courtyard. Each had either that Biovolt or BBA logo on the side and space was minimal as the twelfth one finally descended. Boris, Irina and Mr. Dickenson stood outside watching the display from the main entrance while Leon was directing the air traffic.

"They're all here, Boris. We had been waiting for six Biovolt copters and six BBA ones, which are all accounted for. What should I do with the guests?" Irina questioned, looking up from her clipboard.

Boris didn't turn to her, keeping his eyes on the commanders and superintendents now emerging from the copters along with trainees. "Take them inside. You should go inside, too, Stanley. It's getting cooler and I hope you wouldn't mind explaining the plan to them?"

"That's no problem. I'll see to it that they understand," Mr. Dickenson said as he opened the door swiftly and swept himself inside.

Boris observed as his younger sister head out for the nearest copter and spoke to the commander-Cedric Graham of Canada. She motioned to the entrance of the Abbey where Boris was standing and turned back to the brown- haired man. The man nodded and began to lead his trainees off the helicopter's ramp towards the Abbey's entrance. Irina did the same to the other eleven helicopters.

"Has everyone finished getting changed?" Lutka inquired Nigel as they headed down the main hall to the main hall.

"You're asking me? How should I know? There's Kenny-he should. He's been assigned to keeping a close eye on the deploys."

"I was asking you because I thought you would know," Lutka replied with mock annoyance in her voice as she approached Kenny.

Nigel gave a shrug and continued towards the main doors where guests were now pouring in as Lutka stepped up to Kenny, who was typing something furiously on his laptop and glancing at the doorway.

"Kenny, do you know if the deploys are ready yet?"

Kenny paused and looked up, and then continued with his hectic flurry of fingers. "Not quite. We're still waiting on a few-Emily, Kieran, Ray and Gary."

"Hang on-did you say Emily?"

Kenny paused again and lowered his laptop. "Yes, that's right. She said she wants to join in on the battle. She doesn't want to stay cooped up in these Abbey walls just giving orders, and that she has to help her team."

Lutka folded her arms and glanced at Boris, who was greeting people in the doorway. She turned back to Kenny. "Where did she get the uniform?"

"While helping you and the others make them, she made one for herself of main turquoise and secondary orange. It's of the same style as the others."

Lutka gave him a quizzical look. "'Others'?"

"Yes-not the Hilanovs or Blade Sovereign but those of the soul supports-like Eva, Tyson, and Bryan," he replied.

Lutka bit her lip and glanced at Boris again. "Okay, then. Thank you, Kenny. You're staying here for the final battle, right?"

"Why? Are you saying that I can go?" he asked eagerly.

She lowered her head to him. "No, I was just wondering. Do you want to go?"

"Yes!"

"Sorry-Boris' orders strictly forbid that," she said as she walked away from him.

Kenny stared at her in bewilderment for a moment before turning back to Dizzi. He typed some more, but was interrupted once again as Samson rounded the corner with the other deploys. He looked up. "Samson!"

The brown-haired boy turned to face him. "Yeah? What is it, Kenny?"

"Where is your sister?"

Samson cast a quick glance at the ceiling, trying to think as he fiddled with his glove. "Dunno... I think I last saw her with Kai and Tala in their room." He turned to the hallway. "Oh-here they come now. Whoa- who are those guys?"

Kenny looked down the hall where Samson had-the direction opposite of where the deploys were pouring out of. His eyes widened and he leapt behind Samson fearfully, jerking Dizzi rather uncomfortably.

"Ah! Hey, Kenny! What was that for?" she cried.

He ignored her. "Don't let them see me, Samson, I beg of you!"

Samson looked down at the boy cowering with a dumbfounded expression. "Euh...sure, I guess..." Samson lifted his head to see the Hilanovs and the four unidentified figures approaching him.

"Are you sure you guys really want to fight in the final battle? It's a precarious location, Dark Bladers," Sarah was asking with cheer in her voice.

"Yes, of course we are. We may be humanly challenged, but that doesn't mean we don't have human souls. In fact, I feel that Goadbwa will be out for us even more eagerly," the black and red haired one replied. He reminded Samson very much of a vampire.

Sarah turned away from the vampire-like being and to her confused brother. "Oh, Samson. You don't know these guys, do you?"

Samson could now see why Kenny had jumped behind him and he felt like doing the same thing. Being in such close proximity with these abnormal beings was anything but comforting. "Uh...no...I don't."

"Ooh! Who are they? Say, are you like, a mummy or something? 'Cause if you aren't, let me be the first to tell you that Halloween has come and gone," Anya said as she pointed oddly at the mummy-like one.

He turned and scowled at her. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am a mummy, little girl and my name is Cenotaph."

Anya pulled back, a look of disgust on her face. "No kidding? Then I suppose that you're a vampire and your name is Sanguinex, you're a werewolf and your name is Lupinex, and you're a zombie and your name is Zom? Hah! What am I thinking? Me and my wild imagination."

Sarah turned to Tala in amazement and then began to scratch her head as she turned back to Anya. "Uh, actually, Anya-you're right about that."

Anya stared blankly ahead at the Dark Bladers a moment longer before taking her eyes away and fiddling with the radio transmitters in her hair. She sauntered away muttering something about, "Creeps...they implanted that into my mind..."

"Boris, these are the Savage Slammers, Tall-Boys, Blade Hunters, Renegades, Charming Princes and Spintensity. They're all teams formed by the BBA and are willing to assist in the final battle on behalf of the Association. That is, if you want them on the field. You're splitting the group in half, aren't you?" Mr. Dickenson asked as he motioned to the teams standing before him.

Boris scrutinized each of the children carefully. "Yes, that's right, but I'll be sending the older deploys to the alternate location. I feel that they're more adept to the job I want them to complete there. On the battlefield, it's less risky as we'll know what to expect."

"You're not forgetting the other two teams, are you, Boris?"

The two men looked up to see Kai standing beside a group of tough, yet unidentified males.

"Ah, yes," Mr. Dickenson exclaimed, giving Boris a confident look. "I forgot about them-the Blade Sharks and Dark Bladers. I can assure you that they'll be valuable assets. They're in Rank A, am I correct?"

Boris nodded slightly. "I want you to organize the BBA deploy recruits, or at least get the presidents to do so." He then turned to the Biovolt Commanders who had been standing a few feet away from him. "I would like you each to sort your trainees into either Rank A or B, depending on the specifications I explained to you." When the Commanders each nodded and turned to their trainees, Boris turned to Irina. "Make sure that the Rank B deploys are ready and bring them here." Irina nodded and left the crowded room.

"Rank B is now boarding helicopters, sir," Leon informed.

"They know of their mission?" Boris asked as he watched them board from the steps of the main entrance.

"Yes, sir," replied Leon. "Rank A is inside and is awaiting their orders."

"Very well, then," said Boris as he turned and opened the door behind him. He stepped inside and made a slight gasp at the hundreds of trainees standing solemnly in neat rows. He regained his composure and stood as erect as them. "Now, we all know that today is the final battle, judgement day, or, the beginning of the end. Today holds the grandest battle that most of you will probably consider as such in your entire lifetime. Therefore, you should fight as you think appropriate.

"If Genesis of Apocalyptic Defeat Beyblading Weapon Artillery Enterprises wins, they shall steal the souls of many innocents and utilize them to create stronger Bit Beasts for Beyblades. If the Beybladers Intent on Victory Over Lawless Tyranny Corporation wins, Goadbwa will be thrown out of business and the world will be safe," he announced, starting to pace back and forth. "We shall be departing for the battlefield shortly, which you have all been given maps to. It is within walking distance, though we will be taking helicopters there so that you don't waste your energy.

"When you become in a position that you are unable to battle any longer, you come back to the Abbey immediately to seek medical attention. If you see a dead Biovolt body or soul-less one, bring it back to Biovolt with you. Once you are healed, do not go back to the battlefield. You are to stay here for technical support, medics, and guards.

"I believe that's it, so now we shall be departing. Today, my children, is the day that Biovolt and the BBA will succeed in overcoming Goadbwa! Make our companies proud and make yourselves heroes!" he exclaimed, raising his arms in the air. There arose a cheer from the crowd before him. He motioned for everyone to follow Leon out the door and to the nearest helicopter as he stood in the doorway and watched them pour out.

Samson cast a sympathetic glance at his sullen sister. He placed a hand under her chin and raised it to meet his eyes. "Are you okay? I wish that Boris would let you come, but..."

"That's okay, Samson," she replied with a smile.

Samson returned the sad smile. "You know what to do, right?"

Sarah nodded. "Don't worry about me. I'll see you there."

Samson took his hand away and cast a meaningful glance at Irina and Nigel standing a few feet away. They both nodded their approval and Samson headed for the door.

"Oh, poor yittle Taya has to stay 'ere. You're too young to participate in dis battle, yittle brother!" Anya taunted as she tugged Tala's cheek. He cast her a murderous scowl and rubbed his cheek ruefully as she took her hand away and placed it akimbo. "Don't you worry, Tal." She gave him a thumbs up. "I won't let Biovolt down and I'll fight for the both of us! I won't let myself get killed by those stupid Goadbwa deploys!" She smiled brightly at Lutka before turning and heading after Samson.

"That's what I'm afraid of..." Tala muttered once she was out of earshot.

"When I die or lose my soul, don't take it as an invitation to wherever I am, Kai. You deserve to live even if the rest of the Hiwataris don't. You're one of the prophesied ones and therefore your life is essential to the whole world," Rhea said solemnly as she stepped away from the blue-haired boy.

Kai watched her depart, eyes wide with astonishment. "Good-bye, Rhea..." he managed to mumble.

Samson had come to the door when he was stopped by Boris. He stepped to the side and looked up at the man. Boris extended his palm to reveal the brown Beyblade with blue Bit Beast. "Here, nephew. Take this Beyblade and use it instead of your Moark."

Samson analyzed the blade quickly and then looked back up at Boris. "Why? I work just fine with Moark, Uncle Boris."

"That may be, but this Beyblade's Bit Beast is more powerful, and I want you to use it."

Samson reached out and relieved it from Boris' hand. "Okay, then, if you say so. But I'm keeping Moark with me, just in case."

Boris moved away and descended the steps towards the copter. "Very well, then. Suit yourself. Come on, Samson, we'd better board."

The Hilanovs moved to the doors along with the others as the last trainee left the hall. They watched as the helicopters rose into the air and headed north. Kai heard Tala sigh and turned to him. "What is it?"

"What now? After all this-we tried so hard and got so far but in the end it doesn't even matter? We don't get to participate in the final battle," he replied quietly.

"It does seem pretty pointless, but then again, I never trusted Boris," Kai answered in the same tone.

The others began to leave but the three Hilanovs remained positioned on the top step. "Get inside, you three or you'll catch your death of cold," Judy called as she left the room.

Kai glanced back at her and put a hand on Sarah's shoulder, who was slightly ahead of them and hiding her face. "Judy's right. Let's go inside." When Sarah didn't move, Kai jerked her shoulder. "Sarah? What's wrong?"

All of a sudden, she whipped around, making the two jump. "Are the others gone?" she grilled authoritatively.

Tala turned and saw that they had all left. He turned back. "Yes, I assume that they're in the control room by now."

Sarah rushed past them, the same determined and serious look on her face. The two caught up to her and were almost jogging to keep up with her rapid pace. "Where are you going and what's the hurry?" Kai asked.

She didn't answer but kept walking.

"Aren't you going to answer us?" Tala demanded. "I realize that you're angry, but that's no need to give us the silent treatment. We weren't the ones that said you couldn't battle."

"I know that," she replied curtly as she hastened up the staircase to the second level and turned in the direction of their room.

"Why are we going to our room?" queried Kai.

She remained silent and reached under the covers of her bed. She tossed Kai black fabric and Tala white. The two looked at the suits in their arms for a moment. "These are the jumpsuits from our uniforms," Tala clarified.

Sarah pulled out a silver jumpsuit and took her gloves off. "No kidding."

"But what do you want us to do with them?" Kai interrogated. "We can't go to the battle, and that's what these uniforms were made for."

Sarah undid her belt and took her black and white vest off. "Put them on and we'll play dress up."

Kai and Tala gave each other disgusted looks. "Excuse me?" they asked in unison.

She turned and faced them with an annoyed expression. "What do you think? We're fighting, no questions asked. Is it that hard to comprehend?"

Kai nodded and took off his gloves. Tala was still quite dumbfounded. "But I thought that Kenny was watching us. He'll tell the elders and then we'll be locked in the dungeon or something to prevent an escape attempt. Besides, Boris probably doesn't want us there for a good reason. We should appreciate that he considers our lives and should listen to him."

Kai untied his scarf. "Poor Tala. He's grown up to trust Boris too much. He has to learn to think for himself sometimes, like now."

"I concur." Sarah answered Kai as if Tala wasn't even in the room. "Boris is my uncle, and so I know him well. He doesn't want us there because he doesn't think we can do it and he wants our older siblings to risk their lives-he cares for them less. Besides, Kenny's on our side. There is a small group of them that believe we should participate and they're going to help us get out of here."

Tala turned away from the two but continued to stare apprehensively at his jumpsuit. "Who are they?"

"Kenny, Lutka, Irina, Nigel, Emily, Mr. Dickenson, Leon and Samson," Sarah responded. "Come on, Tala. The two of us aren't going to be able to save the world without the Romanov. We'd just be the Hilans, then."

Tala smiled, but didn't turn around, respecting their privacy. He undid his orange belts.

"Are you guys ready?" Irina asked intently as Kai, Tala and Sarah ran down the corridor towards her and the rest of the group.

"Yes, mother. Thank you for your help. We won't let you down," Sarah said as she adjusted her glove.

"Hurry, now. Nigel says that both Goadbwa and Biovolt has arrived at the field and that they're ready to commence their attacks," explained Lutka, rushing them to the door.

Kai hurried down the steps and motioned for Tala and Sarah to follow. "Come on, we don't have much time!"

Tala and Sarah took a step forward when Kenny grabbed Sarah's shoulder. "Wait! You need a map! Here," he handed a folded piece of paper to her. "Good luck, you guys. I just know that Biovolt and the BBA will win with you on their side!"

"Thanks, Chief. We'll try to live up to that standard," Sarah answered thankfully as she hurried after Kai and Tala.

"Try? You will do that, my daughter!" Irina called after them.

"Do you father and I proud, Tala!" yelled Lutka.

The three waved and slipped out the wooden front gate. Lutka deflated and sighed once they were out of sight. Irina and Kenny turned to her. "Anya and Tala are all I have left. I can only hope that they succeed and that no one will feel the pain I do," she informed.

Irina put her arm around Lutka's shoulder. "Don't worry. If I know them, they won't give up easily. Gilepse and Vitality Extortion will wish they had never been born once the Hilanovs are done with them."

"Mrs. Langley's right," added Kenny. "If your son fights half as well as he did when he battled Tyson, they'll have no need for all those other trainees!"

Lutka smiled sadly and glanced longingly at the sky. 'Sergei, if you're watching us, protect our son. Xenia and Kaji, if you are still watching over your children, they'll be drawing their strength from you, too.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hm...a rather short chapter but a cliffhanger. Do you want to know what happens in the final battle? Will Kai, Tala, and Sarah succeed in defeating Goadbwa or will it be the apocalypse as Spica suggests? How did Voltaire get a copy of the Hans Beyblade and will the human soul inside of it really help Samson to defeat Goadbwa by using their own weapon against them? Will Rhea die as she says she will and will you review? Find out soon (if you review, that is).