Hi everybody! Sorry to those who feel like I've kept them waiting too long! Thanks a bunch for adding me to your author alerts Swifty and Chibi-Kari!

Wreckless Spirit: Yep, you're about to find out! Ehehe, /sweatdrop/ Sorry if my last review did not make any sense! I was worried that in my review of 'Love and Jealousy', I sounded like I was taking the credit, so I just thought I should say sorry! /Catches you staring at me/ I know! I'm a weird one, lol!

/Turns to readers and reviewers/ May I recommend her fic: 'The Spirit of the Black Panther'. It's really packed with action and thrills! You're always welcome to R&R if you like, she'll really appreciate it!

xomi: Hehe! If that's what you want to happen, you might wanna read on! /Taps Tessara on the shoulder/ Hey Tess! Looks like the crowd have already started to like ya!

Tessara: Really? Oh wow /eyes sparkle/!

Thanks a bunch for adding me to your favourites xomi! I really feel special and encouraged by that! Lots of hugz to ya!

shadowgirl/ashleigh: I didn't know I was your greatest reviewer! Aw! Mucho thanks for your support! Glad you like my fic. Okay now that I've updated you don't have to kill me, lol!

Thanks again for the reviews everyone!

Just to let you know, I won't be using the italic font for thoughts but I will be using it when someone's conscience is speaking (and of course when someone puts an emphasis on a word). Don't get confused now!

This chapter's gonna be pretty long so I'm gonna split into two parts. Here's the first part!

Chapter Four - Do I Really Feel...?

(Part One)

"I can't believe this!" groaned the World Champion. "I can't believe that Tess made me walk Hil to the shops today!" Tyson sighed heavily as he dragged his feet down the silent streets. "Sure I can be a real pig at times, but of all bad luck! Why did I have to end up walking with her?"

# Flashback #

"Tyson do you have to act like such a bottomless pit?! No one can eat because of you!"

Tyson raised his head to meet the fiery stare of a brunette standing over him. Undaunted, the boy rolled his eyes and mumbled, " Mmph...you're not the boss of me! Mmph, besides Hilary, I don't remember crowning you queen of this dojo!"

Hilary's face screwed up in disgust as she pressed her pounding temples. "Can't you at least have some table manners? Now I have to go shopping and get more food since you hogged it all!"

"Ack! Whatever!"

"Don't 'Ack! Whatever' me you greedy slob!"

Tyson was about to respond when the sound of laughter slowly seeped through his ears. From the corner of his eye, he spotted his sister smirking slyly. The glint of mischief in her eyes gave Tyson the shivers.

"Rrrrr, that can't be good!" Tyson gulped as he saw his teammates snigger with her. "Tess, what are you up to this time?"

"TYSON! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?"

The boy instantly snapped out of his thoughts as the sound of Hilary's screech struck his eardrums causing a high-pitched ringing.

"Oh of course! You never would! Why do I even bother?! Why don't you ever consider anybody else's feelings Tyson? It's like all you know is that only you exist and nothing else matters!"

Tyson, who was getting tired of Hilary's lectures, felt his inner self sizzle and boil in anger, causing his blood to rise as his fists hardened into iron-like spheres.

Before he knew it, he stood up and grabbed Hilary's wrist twisting it in a rage as his dark eyes narrowed into deadly slits.

"HILARY! WHY DON'T YOU JUST CUT THE CRAP AND LEAVE ME ALONE!" The angry teen spat at the thought of her last comment and growled as his voice grew louder and louder by the second. "Like you're one to talk...what do you think you've been doing for the team all this time? From what I remember, all you have been doing is sitting on your butt all day, pushing us around acting like the whole world belongs to you! There was NEVER A TIME WHEN YOU EVER LAUNCHED A BEYBLADE FOR US! You don't even know the first thing about how to blade! You think you're so vital for this team? Well, guess what. We don't even need you here! We never did, never have and never will!"

Suddenly, he stopped. His eyes locked on to the delicate wrist within his now tightened grasp and as his anger died down, a tiny voice demanded "Tyson what are you doing? Have you completely lost it? Stop it right now!"

Tyson felt his whole body tremble with a new sense of dread as his eyes swam up to Hilary's figure. Her face had grown pale with fear, shock and the ultimate despair. What she did next was something that Tyson would never expect from the girl that she was.

Her voice that was so loud and strong a few seconds ago was now weak and unstable. "H-how could you say such a thing Tyson? W-what's happened to you? I thought that you, that you cared - that you were my friend!" Her voice grew higher and higher and finally broke as she clutched on to her aching wrist. Her once lively eyes had now deepened with anguish and shimmered in the sunlight as tears rose up to the surface and flowed down her rosy cheeks.

"Now you've done it, you stupid baka!" accused the voice in his sub-conscious mind.

Tyson felt a huge lump evolve in his throat as his heart seemed to be weighed down by immense pressure of a millestone of guilt.

"H-Hilary."

# End of Flashback #

#Tyson's POV#

Come to think of it, why did I feel like that! Feeling guilty for a girl with that kinda attitude...it doesn't make any sense!

# Flashback #

"You know Tyson, I think you should apologise to her," Max advised.

"Yeah dude, what you said was pretty harsh," Ray concurred.

"Gimme a break!" I exclaimed. "You're not seriously saying that I have to say sorry to that pesky brat...not going to happen!"

"Oh yes it will!"

I twisted my head to see a stern expression on my sister's face as she stood up straight and tall with her hands on her hips.

"What you did was wrong little brother. Your words were bad enough, but twisting her wrist is completely out of order! You know that you're not supposed to approach a girl like that! You've really hurt her Tyson and now she'll probably leave because of you."

"Sis! You don't even know her!" I pouted. "You have no idea what she's like when it comes to giving orders! She never even gives me room to breathe!"

"That's because she's only looking out for your best interest and is trying to do her part for the team! She may not know how to blade but she's been a great coach from what I've heard from Kenny!"

I couldn't believe this! My first day with everyone together had only just begun and already, I was arguing with my own sister! What a drag!

Taking a deep breath I retorted, "Look Tess, none of this would have happened if she hadn't started nagging me with all those stupid comments! It's her fault that this whole thing started, so if there's anyone who has to apologise, it's her!" With that I crossed my arms and scowled with my eyes closed.

Heaving a deep sigh, my sister shook her head and mused, "Then you leave me no choice."

Curiously, I opened one eye and looked at her. "What exactly are ya planning to do?"

"You really wanna know?" she said with a slight tone of amusement.

At that quote, everyone, except for Kai stared at her with the same puzzled look on their faces.

"You're going to the shops with Hilary."

"What?! What did you say?" Both my eyes snapped wide open to stare at Tess in shock and disbelief.

"You heard me!" she grinned. "I said you're going to the shops with Hilary! Don't even bother to argue cos I ain't gonna listen!"

Raising both of my hands in protest I moaned, "But Tess, I can't! I just can't, I won't! I'm not gonna keep company with the wicked witch of Bakuten High!"

Ignoring my last comment Tessara's grin widened. "Okay! All those in favour of this, say 'aye'!"

"Aye!" I couldn't believe my ears! Max had raised his hand straight away! "Hey! Sorry bud," he flashed one of his cheerful smiles, "but I'm with Tess in this one!"

"Aye!" came Ray's voice.

"Not you too Ray!"

He simply gave a small smile and cast a meaningful look at Kai before nudging him in the arm and whispering, "Come on Kai!"

The team captain just rolled his eyes and mumbled in response, "Pfff! Whatever."

"It's unanimous!" Tess cheered as if she was on a TV show. "I hope you're ready to go Tyson cos it looks like you've got some shopping to do!"

# End of Flashback #

"Can't they understand?" I thought to myself. "Hilary and I will never get along!"

"Oh yes you will! You know you'll have to!"

"Wha? Who's there?"

"You know who!"

"What do you mean by 'you know who'? Who in the hell are ya?" I suddenly clapped my hands over my mouth. What a dumb ass I could be at times! Because of my careless outburst, Hilary was staring at me as if asking, "Tyson? Are you feeling alright?"

"Ack, you really are dense! Duh! I'm your conscience, that's who!"

I immediately bit my tongue in order not to shout again and mentally spoke, "All right, what do you want?"

"Just giving you a chance."

"What the heck? A chance for what?"

"A chance to make up with her and start things over."

"Not even if you'd pay me! Hell, I ain't apologising! It's her fault!"

"No it isn't"

"Yes it is!"

"She's really upset."

"I don't care!"

"Oh yes you do! She's your friend! Why wouldn't you care!"

I paused for a few seconds. "Maybe he is right. Man, what is happening to me? I'm just talking to myself and it's driving me nuts!"

Meanwhile...

Ray stood silently working on the used up dishes in the kitchen sink. "Gee! I wonder how Tyson's getting along in his 'little morning walk'!" He laughed quietly at the memory of how Tyson was forced to go on his 'expedition'.

# Flashback (Ray's POV) #

"It's unanimous!" Tess cheered. "I hope you're ready to go Tyson cos it looks like you've got some shopping to do!"

"Oh no I don't!" Tyson got up and was about to exit the room when Max and I grabbed him by the arms. We couldn't help but plaster huge smiles on our faces as we began to pull him towards the main door, but that stubborn dude wasn't gonna to let himself be dragged around that easily! "Hey! You guys had better let go of me right now or you'll be sorry!"

"Look Ty, it's about time you two should learn to get along! You'd better apologise," Tess warned. "Cos if you don't, I'll just keep sending you until you do!"

The guy desperately struggled as hard as he could to break free but it was no use! Max and I were just too strong for him! We slid the door open and shoved him out into the front yard where Hilary stood a few feet away talking to Kenny.

"Enjoy yourself little brother!"

"Have a nice time!" chanted Max and I as Kenny chortled.

Even Kai slightly smirked as Tyson muttered, "You guys are gonna pay for this! Damn, this sucks!" before reluctantly following Hil through the gateway.

# End of Flashback #

#Ray's POV#

I'd finally washed the dishes and carefully placed them onto the table as I scoured the cupboards in the hope that I'd find something to eat. I grinned gratefully as I found a couple of tinned vegetables in one of the top shelves. "Maybe I could make something like chow mein with stir-fried vegetables" I thought. "Yeah! That would be good!"

"Guys!" I called out to my friends who were cleaning up in the main room.

"What's up Ray?" came Max's reply.

"Would you guys like some chow mein?"

"We don't have any noodles Ray."

"I'm sure Tyson and Hilary will remember to buy them."

"Hold on a sec! I'll ask the others." A few moments later, he responded, "Yep! Chow mein it is! Need any help?"

"Nah it's okay, I'll handle it."

"Right, I'm going to train with Kai."

"All right."

After emtying the tins, I drew a chopping knife from a drawer and got to work. I was about to finish when I heard "Um, hi Ray! Need some help?"

My head was yanked upwards to see Tessara standing in the doorway. For some reason I couldn't stop staring at her though my mind told me to get a grip of myself.

Straightening my back I replied "Hey Tess! I'm fine, there's no need to worry about me! You can enjoy yourself with the others - ouch!"

I flinched as a sharp pain shot through me.

#Tessara's POV#

"Ray!" I cried as I rushed to his side. "Are you all right?"

Ray hid his left hand with his right and said "It's nothing."

I eyed him suspiciously. "Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure!"

I gazed at his amber eyes with doubt as my worries took over me. "Give me your hand."

"You don't have to worry, it's just a little scratch."

I wouldn't believe what I was about to do next. "Will you quit the tough guy act and just lemme see it!"

#Ray's POV#

Before I could stop her, Tess snatched my hand and inspected it with the picture of shock on her face. Etched across my skin was a fine but deep red line that had begun to bring out my deep red blood dripping onto the chopping board.

"You're hurt! What have you done to yourself Ray?" cried the girl. "Just a little scratch you say? Looks more like a battle scar to me! You should really watch yourself!"

"But I-"

"No 'buts'! I'm getting a bandage!" Ty's elder sister pushed me towards the sink and twirled the tap on to bring the cool water pouring down upon my hand that swept the blood away. "Press your wound with this," she instructed while she gave me a white cloth. She quickly marched down the corridor and emerged with another material in her hand. She tore it up and wrapped a piece around my cut.

"What a nice person she is!" I thought. "She really kind and knows how to take care of others! Tyson sure is lucky to have a sister like her!"

"Right, it's all done now." Tessara raised her head to look at me with a small smile. "Ray, please be careful! It would really upset me to see you get hurt again like that! Take care next time will you?" Her usually bright and lively eyes were softened with genuine concern as I gazed into them. I don't know why but for a moment I felt like I was about to sink into them, but she turned away and started to slice some of the carrots. I was ready to bet that she'd be a great cook too!

I forcefully shrugged off that other weird feeling that was nudging me right then - what was it anyway?

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#Hilary's POV#

I was starting to wonder what was causing Tyson to have that lost, almost confused expression on his face. "Sometimes I just can't understand you Granger!" I thought. "Why? Why did you have to say all those things to me? Do you really hate me that much?" I slowly felt myself begin to doubt everything as my self-esteem sank lower and lower. With my head hanging in sadness, I wondered, "Am I really such a brat to you? Maybe he's right. Maybe I don't belong with him and his team, I mean what am I anyway? All I do is coach them and tag along whenever they have their matches."

#Tyson's POV#

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists as the pressure built up inside me. Why did consciences have to exist anyway? They just make you feel more confused!

"I'm waiting for an answer Tyson!" said the impatient voice.

"Yeah, yeah," I grumbled. "Maybe you're right," I confessed with some hesitation as my head drooped. "I want to talk to her, but I just can't."

"And why is that?"

I froze. As the question echoed in my ears, I felt like even my mental voice had got stuck in my mind's throat.

"I..."

"Well?"

"I-I don't know." My shoulders relaxed and slumped forward a little as if part of a burden had been lifted.

My eyes sneaked away to Hilary and I could see her head set low like a wilting rose. I had to admit, I felt a bit bad now that I made her cry like that. I looked at my left hand, the very thing I used to hurt her. What was that heavy feeling I had?

I decided to start from the beginning, maybe it would clear up things in my head. Ever since I met Hilary, things had really gone through quite a change when I'd be around her. At first she really seemed like the type who'd be an annoying teacher's pet that would always scrap a chance to get me into trouble, like the first day back to school after the first World Championship...

# Flashback #

"Y-y-yes? What is it Hilary?"

"I'm getting so sick and tired of this Miss.Kincaid! Tyson has come in late almost every day this week and has disrupted the whole class!"

"Why yes, you bring up a good point", replied our teacher.

"Maybe I'm the only one who cares around here, but this is totally annoying and has got to stop!"

"Mind keeping your voice down?" Miss.Kincaid requested as her voice quivered.

"Ever since Tyson's won that stupid bey-thing he's become a real jerk! If he really wants to play games then why doesn't he stay at home?"

Completely irritated by her attitude I mumbled, "Boy! Who died and made Hilary queen?"

Turning to face me the girl suggested, "As class rep make a suggestion? I think that as punishment we should make him clean up our classroom for one week."

"What?" I piped. "You can't be serious!"

"Why that's an excellent idea!" approved the teacher. "All those in favour say 'aye'."

To my utter dismay, the whole class rooted "Clean up class! Clean up class! Clean up class!"

"Looks like you're gonna be held up next week Tyson!" Hilary smirked at her victory.

"It looks like we'll be spending some quality time together!" Miss.Kincaid concluded.

"No fair!"

# End of Flashback #

#Hilary's POV#

A single tear trickled down my face. "My heart would break if I'd ever have to leave you! Then again, you've already cracked it several times whenever we argue Tyson, it's just that now, I feel that it's not just a crack. I can feel the gashes inside me formed by the tiny fragments of my shattered heart! It's tearing me to pieces!"

My head was really floating around in a vortex of mixed feelings, so I held up a hand inside to halt those rushing thoughts.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted in my mind. "Let's start things over! Kenny did say that everything will work out just like our first problem did earlier when I first met the Bladebreakers!

I remembered what happened that day...it was the argument about a training schedule I made for the team to help them get used to the MG-Core Kenny got for them. Tyson tore it up and sent me away with hurtful comments similar to the ones today, but after a while he apologised and asked me to rejoin the team once more!

I smiled slightly at the memory of the way he looked at me back then at that very moment. He looked so handsome smiling at me like that! I just had to turn away to stop myself falling for his dashing looks!

My anger slowly died away in defeat. "Sometimes you could really drive me to the edge of madness Tyson, but I guess I could give you another chance - it would never feel the same not being able to speak to you. I'd feel so empty inside without you! Even our silly arguments make me want to laugh in the end judging by how silly they are!" I inhaled the fresh morning air and tried to let the tension go away. "Maybe I'll talk when we're done with the shopping, though I would love it if you'd make the first move Tyson."

#Tyson's POV#

Ever since that night, when I rescued Hilary and Kenny from those goons who were after our bit beasts, I guess I did realise that I had some care for her, but those feelings would just never show! I let out a faint laugh as I remembered the arguments we had.

Hilary. The name brings so many memories of the time we all spent together and no matter how much we argued, she would never leave our side and she would always be cheering us on. Even though she never battled in the stadium, she'd always give her support.

I felt myself shrivel up in the heat of shame.

"H-Hilary", I thought. "Your safety would always be in jeopardy because of me and yet you never cared. You'd always stick by us, never abandoning the team in it's worst times. I-I never meant to hurt you but I always would in the end! I guess I have been a total jerk to you."

I couldn't believe all these thoughts were coming out now, but the question was, why did I feel so different next to her...so nervous? Why was I feeling so lost for words right now?

"What kind of spell have you cast on me Hilary? I don't know what to think, but somehow, I've just gotta to make you smile."

#Third Person's POV#

After what seemed like forever, the supermarket finally came into view. Crowds of busy shoppers forked into all directions as the pair approached the shopping centre.

"I've made up my mind", Tyson stated. "I'm gonna make things up to you Hilary, God help those who'll try to stop me!"

Phew! Better end it there! Sorry if that was too long or if it bored you! If you really despise fluff and angst please forgive me! Hope you won't flame me too much, lol!

Please review! Laterz!