Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade or any of its characters. Anywho, all unrecognized characters are mine!

Heyo! I had a great turnout for OCs in the last chapter and would like to tell you all that this is the last chance for you to submit those amazing creations! For future reference, to all you people out there whose characters I will be selecting, an email will be sent to you before the next chapter! YEA! Thanks a bunch and you all rock!

A big booya to all those who reviewed! (You all make me sooo happy!)


"" For speaking

'' For thinking

Italics just for the fun of it!

On with the story!


She's Going Where?!

Chapter 15- Reunion

Written by Euphrosyne


"Yeah, okay, maybe I'll catch up with you guys afterwards. Mom's going to be out in about five minutes anyways…" There was a pause on the other line. "Alright, I'll call you later. Bye."

Snapping his cell phone shut, Kai sighed before slowing making his way up the school's set of cement stairs. Sitting on the top step, the blue-haired boy fiddled impatiently with his cell phone as if waiting for a sign.

Two weeks had passed and still no sign of Riley. The raven-haired girl hadn't showed up at school after their fight and no matter how much the other boys tried to nag Mariah into giving them a little info, the Chinese girl just wouldn't crack.

"Come on Ray, do you know anything about Riley? We're really worried, when is she coming back?" Tala rushed after the amber-eyed boy, hoping for a few answers.

Ray stopped in his tracks and stared at his friend, an indecisive expression on his face. "I'm sorry Tala, but I promised Mariah and Riley I wouldn't say anything."

Tala's shoulders dropped a little at the reply.

Resting a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, Ray continued. "Just call her, Tala. You or Kai, seriously, just call Riley. It's the right thing to do…"

Slowly, the redhead nodded.

"Do stop following Enrique around though, he's about to explode from your interrogations!" With a small smile, the Chinese boy took off.

It wasn't like Kai didn't want to call Riley, it just wasn't that easy. He had never experienced a situation like this, and to be honest, this time, his pride was getting in the way.

"Excuse me lad, would you happen to know the directions to Ms. Kettleton's room?"

Snapping out of his reverie, the blue-haired boy looked up to see a handsome man with glasses wearing a crisp suit, a leather briefcase in hand.

Standing to his feet and brushing his hands off, Kai nodded before speaking. "It's just through these doors, take a left, down the hall, the first door to your right…"

Registering the directions in his mind, the man nodded a thanks before turning to instruct the men who were making their way out of the fancy car at the bottom of the stairs.

"It's alright, I think I will be fine. This shouldn't take too long. Why don't you guys just wait out here and enjoy the fresh breeze."

Unsure of the man's request at first, the two large men finally nodded a reply, adjusting their black shades as they made their way towards the car, standing on either side like tin soldiers.

Slightly taken back at the whole scene, Kai truly did not know what got into him when the words slipped out of his mouth.

"I'm heading towards that direction myself. If you like, I can lead you there."

Pondering the option, the man smiled at Kai's offer before offering his hand in a shake. "That would be of great help young man. The name is James by the way."

Kai took James's hand and introduced himself.

"I'm Kai, Kai Hiwatari."

:::::

Guiding the man down the hall, Kai discovered James to be almost a head taller than himself, which was remarkably tall considering Kai was almost six feet.

"So, um, you're here for parents interview too?"

Yup, that was Kai's lame attempt of starting a conversation.

See why he had so much trouble calling Riley?!

James switched his black leather briefcase into his other hand before turning towards the blue-haired boy. "I guess if you considering sitting next to my wife nodding and smiling as she does all the chatting, then yes, I am indeed here for parents interview!"

Kai smiled. Just as he was about to ask the man another question, he was cut short.

Walking down the other end of the hall was a very tall sultry looking young woman dressed in a formal knee-lengthed skirt topped with a form-fitting black turtleneck. Two women, both dressed in a similar attire, were madly scribbling down notes, typing into a handheld palm pilot as the young woman in the centre recited several instructions, waving her fingers to recall her schedule.

All the three women wore black shades.

'Damn! Hot older business woman with her two hot secretaries. It was like a twisted scene from some erotic fantasy…'

Too bad Tala wasn't here!

Before Kai could finish his thought, James picked up his pace, walking over to embrace the stunning woman with open arms, kissing her lightly on the lips.

The woman smiled before breaking the embrace to check her watch.

A very expensive, classy diamond watch.

"Seven o'clock, we are exactly on schedule." Finally noticing the blue-haired boy, the woman squeezed her husband's hands, James noting the signal.

"Oh! I apologize for my inconsiderate behaviour. Let me introduce you to each other. Kai, this is my wife Raven, and honey, this is Kai."

As if on cue, the young woman took off her glasses, smiling as she tossed her hair to move the stray strands from her face. She offered her hand in a shake.

'…Oh my fucking goodness! It couldn't be…'

The two shook hands, Kai completely astonished that the young woman before him was a mother, a mother of a child his age…

Riley's mother to be exact!

Oh yes, let's erase that erotic fantasy out of his head…

Riley was a splitting image of her mother. Both tall, slim, with long black hair. What instantly gave it away however, were the identical piercing ruby eyes; both gentle in nature yet mysterious in their hue.

"So Kai, are you a friend of our daughter Riley? Funny she never mentioned you…"

Ouch! If Kai didn't know any better he would have thought Mrs. Lovett was testing him. Thankgod his mother had always told him never to underestimate a woman dressed all in black, supporting four-inched stiletto heels…

And those eyes. She was mocking him…waiting for his answer.

"Really? I wouldn't be surprised. Riley's such an easy person to talk to and makes friends so quickly. She's quite popular around the school…"

Raven smiled. This boy had calibre…

"Unless," Interrupted Mrs. Lovett, "You're thee Kai Hiwatari whose captain of this amazing beyblading team I've been hearing so much about?"

Kai was definitely taken back. Riley spoke about him to his parents? Oh man, this woman was good, too good…"

At the sight of Kai's embarrassed expression and awkward stance, James decided to intervene. His wife always enjoyed toying with the minds of others, especially friends of their precious little daughter. You could almost call it an initiation, well at least, her version. Personally, he would have given Kai an A for effort, but an F for standing ground.

"You're right honey, we are right on schedule. We should knock to indicate Ms. Kettleton of our presence, don't want her entire schedule to be pushed back now." He winked at the blue-haired boy before gently guiding his wife towards the classroom.

Kai let out a deep breathe. Note to self: Thank Mr. Lovett.

"…Kai has been doing exceptionally well this year. This is the mark from his last group project. These diagrams are amazing! He even seems to be opening up a little and enjoying class presentations…"

Claire picked up a chunk of the project, running her fingers across the bottom in which four names were scribed.

'Kai Hiwatari, Tala Valkov, Mariah Wong, and Riley Lovett.'

"Oh my, you're here! I must be running behind schedule" Ms. Kettleton picked up a clipboard and flipped a few pages before nodding. "Mr. and Mrs. Lovett, come in and sit down. There really isn't much to say about your daughter aside from the fact that she is an outstanding student and just pleasant to have as a part of the class. She really brings out the best in everyone!"

But Mrs. Lovett had already stopped listening after the first sentence. She slowly began making her way towards the other woman in the room.

"Claire, is that you?!"

The navy haired woman turned around before placing the project down, a hand over her mouth in shock. "Raven?"

And so it began.

Instantly the two women wrapped each other with hugs and kisses, barely believing that they were reunited after twenty years.

Immediately, a conversation heated between the two friends. James insisted the two catch up on old times at the back of the class while he took a seat next to Ms. Kettleton.

Kai stood awkwardly against the classroom door, not really taking in the whole scene before him.

"I knew something was familiar about Riley when she and the others came over! She's a splitting image of you, Rave! Your alluring beauty and James's captivating personality!"

Modestly, Raven shook her head in laughter. "Well, look at Kai, he's grown to be such a handsome young man!" There was a pause, unsure of her next phrase. "He looks just like his father…"

Kai saw his mother's eyes soften at the comment, but slowly, a small smile formed.

"Thank you, Raven." The navy-haired woman laid her hands over her friend's. "That means a lot to me."

Seeing her friend's reaction at the memory, she was uncertain whether she should continue. Slowly, a hand rose, resting assuringly on Claire's.

"Did they ever find his body?"

The question was simple and straightforward, the tone definitely from the heart, but Claire didn't know how to answer.

"I don't know Rave… I remember begging Voltaire after the accident, just a glimpse of information about Calvin, but…" She paused painfully at the recollection. "…But he would just turn and throw his anger back at me, screaming about how he had enough problems without my constant bickering, that he had lost a son too…" Claire tried to hold back the tears.

"You have a right to know."

"I know. But I was scared, Raven. My husband had died; I was a single mother raising a ten-year-old child. If I could somehow change one decision in my life, it would have been leaving that damned estate and allowing Kai to grow up the way everyone should... No child should ever have to grow up in a business environment, an environment where the wealthy made the rules and…"

Raven brushed a strand of hair away from her friend's tear-stained face. "No honey…"

"No! I was weak and vulnerable, Raven, and Voltaire saw that. I depended so much on Calvin, trusting that he would always be there and when he…" Claire took a deep breath, closing her eyes at her thoughts. "I feel like I have failed as a mother."

It tore Kai's heart to see his mother like this.

"No, Claire. You are a wonderful mother, don't you ever think that about yourself. Remember when we were young?" She smiled assuringly into those brown eyes before realizing where they were and who were in the room. "No, this isn't the time to talk about this." There was a pause. "Claire, how about you and Kai come to dinner at our place?"

Claire shook her head. "Oh no, I can't, not today-"

"Then next Friday. I won't take no for an answer. Besides, Katherine would never forgive me!"

The navy-haired woman laughed, drying the tears from her face. She finally nodded.

"And remember to bring Kai along. Robert and the others will all be there, he shouldn't feel too awkward. After dinner, we can all go watch Gen-X's charity show."

"Oh, wow! Now you've gotten me all excited." Claire laughed, wiping her tears. How she use to love those shows.

Raven smiled. "The kids are putting on their own production of Disney's Hercules. I hear it is amazing! Tai's directing and our little Riley is conducting!"

More than one pair of eyes widened in the room.

"Riley? She's back at Gen-X?"

Raven nodded slowly to herself. "Well, her father and I had originally sent her to Middleton for the experience, but after Christmas break, with her school results, we offered her the option of returning home to Gen-X. It wasn't until recently when she took up on that offer…"

Claire shook her head in disbelief. "How did you raise such an amazing child?"

The red-eyed woman tilted her head and shrugged. "Well, James helped out…But let's just say there's more of me in Riley then you think."

The two women laughed and slowly calmed down. Claire smiled, resting her chin on her palm.

"Raven, do you ever wonder how your life would be if you had chosen the other…?"

Raven was caught off guard with the question, but answered it anyways.

"I rarely ever doubt my decisions…and I think you should have the same faith in yours." She smiled. "James has always been there for me. His family and his background might not have been as appealing as his, but he was willing to work hard for what he has. I feel protected when I am with him, his undying protection for me, Riley, and the rest of the family. He never had things served to him on a silver platter, and for that, we feel so much more for what we have today-"

Suddenly, a wave of knocking sounded the door as several teachers lead by Principal Gonsalvis stepped in.

"Oh my sir, are you thee Mr. James Lovett?!" A dash of orange coloured hair ran across the room, grabbing James's hand and taking it into his own.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your class Ms. Kettleton, but we were just informed that Riley has transferred back to her old school?"

Mrs. Lovett walked over to her husband's side. "Yes, I'm Riley's mother and it is indeed true. My daughter is no doubt returning to Gen-X."

Instantly there was a roar of chatter in the background at the mention of the prestigious school.

One of the teachers in the back broke through the noise.

"Will she be returning to Middleton at all? She's gotten our school into so many competitions, leading the teams to the worlds. She can't just quit!"

There was a rambling of agreement.

"Where will I find another Juliet within this little time?!" Mr. Charminpants leaned his head against Mr. Lovett's shoulder dramatically. "The play is next week!"

More racket.

"I know my daughter's leave was abrupt, but as her parents, we did what we thought would be best for her…" James's voice was strong and compliant.

"-But we have already prepared and mailed out all the preparation costs-!"

"If it is money we are talking about, we will gladly cover the school's expenses. We have heard many wonderful things about this school from Riley, and we would love to support Middleton fully in costs for the World Tournaments." Mrs Lovett signalled one of her secretaries over. "If you could so kindly write a cheque for Mr. Gonsalvis here."

At the sight of the piece of paper, the teachers were completely speechless at the number of digits. James quickly ushered his wife and friends out of the class, few faculty members smiling foolishly while nodding their thanks.

Kai's eyes were wide with disbelief. Sure he had seen his grandfather and his associates at work, but the Lovetts…It wasn't even about being persuasive, but their timing!

"Wow, can you just do that?"

Mr. Lovett chuckled at the blue-haired boy's questions, before resting a hand on his shoulder. "My boy, nothing is illegal when a hundred business men do it."


"Alright, so Ian will be meeting us at the Worlds. Doesn't that sound a little risky?"

Lee gave a side-grin from his comfortable position on the leather chair. The dorm was dimly lit, but he could hear the worry in his team mate's voice.

"Don't worry about Ian. Beyblading is his life. He'll remember not to knock himself up before the day of the flight."

The burly boy grunted, obviously not convinced.

"Besides, if he screws up my chance of kicking Kon's girl-stealing ass, I will make it my personal task to rid him of sight…"

Bryan raised an eyebrow. "Not still helping DeCourte's daughter in her twisted little games are you?"

The Chinese boy stood, making his way over to a table of beyblading trophies. "Nah. Besides, she called me yesterday all giddy and flushed, mumbling something about 'a slap for a slap'." Lee shrugged. "That crazy crack hoe."

The other boy rolled his eyes at his dorm mate before questioning his own concerns, "Hey, when will I get to meet this new beyblading friend of yours? Have you found the forth member for our team yet?"

Leaning against the desk with his arms crossed, Lee replied. "Actually, now that you mention it, I invited our little friend over to our dorm. He should be making an appearance any minute now."

Uncertain of his captain's answer, he questioned the new member's history.

"Well, he just transferred here from Middleton…"

Bryan raised another eyebrow. Lee wasn't planning to play dirty was he?

"But seriously, he's not bad compared to all the other snotty rich boys at this school." He paused, taking off the maroon uniform jacket and loosening his tie.

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Lee grinned at his friend before walking over to answer it.

At the sight, Bryan instantly gave his pal a 'you've-got-to-be-kiddin' look.

The short boy stepped into the carpeted room, ruffling his green hair with one hand while sticking the other into his pocket.

He looked around the room, seemingly satisfied.

"Hey, nice to meet you all, I'm Kevin Fam."


Bwahaha! Did that throw you off? How about the title? Hmm, any guesses to who the other man Raven and Claire were talking about could be? Stay tooned for the next chapter. Some good ol'William S. to come!

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