Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. All unrecognizable characters however, are mine!
Anyone like DDR?! (Grin) Naoki – B4U (B4 ZA Beat Mix) 1:19 inspired this chapter. (They don't belong to me either, sigh.)
Thanks to all those who reviewed! You people are the best!
On with the story!
"" For speaking
'' For thinking
Italics just for the fun of it!
She's Going Where?!
Chapter 17- 25 Cent Party...?
Written by Euphrosyne
"Happy birthday!"
Confetti and other types of festive décor lavished the pink-haired girl as she leaned over and blew out her candles.
Emily and Max began handing out pieces of cake as Ray kissed her girlfriend on the cheek.
"So, my little princess, what wish did you make for your big seventeen?"
Facing her boyfriend, Mariah smiled ever so playfully before regaining her innocent look.
"If I told you, it wouldn't come true…"
As if on cue, the doorbell rang.
Removing his feet from the coffee table, Tala allowed the birthday girl to pass and answer the door. The redhead picked up a tray of peanuts and popped it into his mouth before leaning over to grab his beer.
The blue-haired boy spoke, "Nice place Mari has here."
And indeed, he was correct.
The small yet homey apartment flat was well decorated with candles and scrolls of Chinese ink paintings. The pink-haired girl grew up with only one parent, a somewhat protective mother.
Kai's thoughts were cut short when Mariah closed the door, grinning as she shook a large gift wrapped box in hopes to discover what it could be.
Instantly, eyebrows raised with curiosity as the gang gathered around the birthday girl and her package.
Ray sat calmly beside his love, attempting his best to hide his curiosity (with a dash of jealousy of course!).
…A special delivery to his girlfriend on her birthday…sounded a little too romantic don't you think…?
Emily did her share of providing feminine support, urging her friend to open the package. The gender ratio was slightly unbalanced, seeing that she was the only other girl at the special gathering.
Mariah tore open the professional wrapped gift to discover a large white box. Two stripes of silver lining edged the lengths of the box while a lacy red heart securely kept its place near the bottom right corner.
'Peculiar box…better not be lingerie…'
Once again, the Chinese boy's thoughts were interrupted by a band of squealing.
"Is that an original Heart design?!"
Pulling the beautiful maroon-coloured dress out of the box, the pink-haired girl couldn't help but giggle with delight as she held the dress against her body, the light sash material swaying in the air as she spun.
"Look, there's a card!"
Both girls jumped eagerly as she held up the envelope addressed to her. Though there was no written information given away the sender, the special symbol in the corner brought a smile to Mariah's face.
A quarter.
:::Flashback:::
"Girl, modeling's not that great!"
The pink-haired girl raised an eyebrow. "You've done it before?"
"With a face and body like mine, what a waste it would be if I didn't!" Chloe snapped her fingers while rolling her eyes.
They all laughed.
"Seriously, I guess modelling is alright. This is how the directors at Gen-X train us: Picture a quarter. It's all the money you have in the world, your only chance of survival." There was a pause. The pink haired girl was completely hypnotized with every word that escaped the blonde's mouth.
"Now, take that quarter, shove it up your ass, and walk!"
:::End Flashback:::
Tala grimaced at the giddy sight. This was scary…
…He didn't see no one jumping and sqealing at his juicer!
Mariah read the card out loud.
Hey girl! Didn't think I would forget about your birthday did you? Well, here it is. I got Sin to specially design this outfit for you! It is an exact replica of that dress you fell in love with the first time you were over at the Haven.
Loving you lots birthday girl!
Rye
PS- Tune into channel four
The girl sighed. It hurt that one of her best friends couldn't make it to her party, but it was for the best, right…?
Emily waved the gang over to the TV, music pounding from the speakers.
"Welcome back to the fifty-third annual Fashion Charity Event! You're just in time for the final rundown, none other than our favourite designers Sincerity Heart!"
The camera flashed to a gorgeous violet-eyed strawberry blonde who was politely waving to the audience from her front row seat.
Tala's eyes widened…so maybe Riley's gown was a little more special than his juice machine…
…He wouldn't mind having Miss. Sincerity Heart measuring him up…!
"So what makes this display more special than Heart's other designs? All her outfits have taken the top bids in the past three years, what guarantees that this year, Brad?"
"Well Topper, we only expect the best from this young designer, but rumour has it, she has a few special models up her sleeves. Very fashionable sleeves by the way…!"
The two MCs laughed at the corny joke when suddenly, the runway lights dimmed, silencing the crowd. A blast of fireworks exploded from stage front, music signally the show.
"Whoa! Tell me I'm seeing things, because that can't be thee Chloe Quinn?! Oh my, Brad, this girl retired form the modeling industry years ago just during the hype of her career! What could have brought her back?"
Chloe sauntered down the runway effortlessly in her shimmering diamond heels. The train of the long silk black corset dress was hooked onto a matching diamond bracelet. She smirked as she reached the end of the walk, turning to place her hand on her hip, a final seducing wink to end her run.
Instantly, the women in the crowd began madly scribbling down the code for the outfit, several angrily rushing their husbands to make the winning bid.
But the show had only started as half a dozen more models electrified down the runway with the crazy designs; a beautiful golden gown was worn by no other then Tashiana Evans herself.
"I don't know what other mysteries our friend has in this performance, Topper, but- wait! The runway lights have just gone down. Was that the end?!"
All was quiet as two beams of light synchronizingly ran up then down the path, slowly shadowing the silhouettes of five women behind a long white curtain.
A wild roar of cheering sounded the hall as explosions went off! The curtains lifted to reveal five sultry women focused almost arrogantly towards the audience.
The woman in the middle, dressed in a sexy black suit, lead the others in a choreographed walk. Her eyes pieced through the crowd as if daring them to purchase this outfit and look this good…
"Riley?!"
Indeed the exotic leader of the pack was their friend Riley, hardly recognizable with a little makeup and her hair tied back, a sophisticated aura radiating the stage.
The four other girls glided pass the screams and cheers of their names. Each wearing a similar yet different outfit to the red eyed girl's, almost teasing expressions on their face.
One powerful, another mockingly innocent, while the other two were flirty and dangerous…
"…Maeve…"
"…Rin…"
"…Sasha…"
"…and Scarlett…"
The names escaped the four European boy's tongues, reminding them of their horrifying defeat in the previous World State Competitions.
Johnny narrowed his eyes at the team.
"The Azn4…"
Sensing his anger, Rob rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. The redhead took in a breath, slowly releasing to calm his nerves. He didn't even know why he got so worked up at every mention of that team. It wasn't as if it had been a dishonourable match…
Scarlett, he'll forever remember those red streaks amongst her long black hair…
"Well, here you have it ladies and gentleman. I don't know how Sin can possibly out do herself next year!"
Sincerity along with her dozen of models gathered on stage hand in hand before closing the show with a group walk.
"I would like to thank all you people and all the other equally hardworking models and designers for coming out here today! This really is for a great cause and what a success it was become over the years…!"
The girl suddenly handed the mic to the old yet newly assigned Gen-X president. "Once again, on behalf of everyone here today and all those watching, a big warm thank you to all! A special shout out goes to a friend who is celebrating her big seventeen today. Sorry I can't be with you, but-" Riley lifted the mic into the air.
"-Happy birthday, Mariah!"
Ray wrapped his arm around his girlfriend tightly as tears of joy streamed down her face. That was definitely one overwhelming sight!
Tala passed her the tissue box.
"Oh wow," she blew her nose, "that was just…wow…"
Emily laughed. "See, what did I tell ya. Riley would never forget something as important as your birthday!"
The pink-haired girl laughed between sobs. "I just wish she could be here though, you know. Am I being selfish…?
She looked around the room for an answer. Everyone jumped in with the same reply.
"Yes."
"We're talking about money for world hunger here…" Enrique scratched his head.
"Hey, if you're feeling guilty, I'll gladly take the burden of that dress...!" offered the orange-haired girl.
"You wish!"
Laughter echoed throughout the room.
'Modeling for world hunger. What couldn't the girl do…?'
To describe the school as being large was an understatement. To describe it as being simply amazing would instantly give away one as being an outsider.
"Who the hell would spend this much money on a school?!"
Large Greek temple pillars supported the towering school, giving Gen-X the classy historical feel. This was deceiving, for the school was barely fifty years of age. Complete with wild vines climbing the school walls and fountains matching the garden's marble statues, this academy definitely lived up to its reputation. Acres of land ran far beyond the eye could see, and everything was kept in tip-top shape. Not a blade of grass untrimmed, a leaf on the ground, or a blossom unkept.
"It's pretty much impossible to get into the school, academically and security-wise." Spoke Robert as he led the others secretively through the bushes.
"Thank god we're tight with the student council," joked Oliver.
None dared to comment on the last statement, almost fearful of the answer.
"Shhh, over there. Did you hear that? If my estimations are correct, they should be preparing for their daily training…"
Ten pairs of eyes scanned the enormous television screen that towered over the lines of students who were all dressed in unified grey khakis and sleeveless white tops. All hands were behinds their backs, feet precisely perpendicular to their shoulders, everyone individually standing on some odd metal plate with arrows.
The students of Gen-X were completely focused on the large talking head of some lady on the screen who was militantly blaring out instructions.
"As you all know, this will be the last meeting before exactly fifty of our students break off to compete in the World State Tournaments…"
"-I still think this is all way too overrated…"
Instantly, Rob and Oliver shot Enrique deadening glares.
"Since regulations permit no more than five percent of the schools students to participate in these events, Gen-X expects no less than fifty medals…"
"Gold medals…." Interrupted Rob and Oliver in unison.
"-Which should be no challenge at all since those who are competing will each be representing Gen-X in a total of three categories." The woman laughed almost arrogantly. "But enough chitchat. Let the physical training begin…"
Catching the trespassers off guard the metal placemats below each individual quickly shifted into position, transferring all competing World State students to the front few rows.
The face on the jumbo-tron scanned the students over, a pleased smile on her face. "Lets see if you lot are actually worthy representing us all in the competition." There was a pause. "Students, are you ready?"
A loud shout of 'yes' echoed throughout the grounds. The projection of the instructor's face disappeared as menus and other option keys appeared.
Simultaneous shuffling of feet tapping against the metal mat sounded the area as everyone set their game to survival mode.
The music began.
"Oh, he missed a step! Back one row he goes!"
"I know. That dude was doing pretty well too."
"Wonder who's at the front?"
No one had any idea what the English or French boy were talking about. Respectively, Rob and Oliver paid no attention to the curious looks they were getting from their so-called analysis.
Tala decided to ask.
"Seriously, what the hell are you talking about?"
A knowing grin tweaked the corners of Johnny's lips but he held it back. Seemed like the secret of their two little perfect Majestics' were about to spill.
"Um…well…"
The Italian blond jumped in. "RobandOliverappliedforGen-Xbutcouldn'tgetinbecauseofthat-!" He laughed as he pointed at the training.
"What?! Are you serious?"
"Why? Is Middleton not advanced enough for you?"
The green-haired boy went rosy in the cheeks, embarrassed at his failure while his friend tried to calm the others down.
"Guys, don't take it the wrong way. It has nothing to do with Middleton." He sighed. "We just wanted to try something new…"
'That and the fact that attending Gen-X had been a dream of yours since childhood…'
The Scottish redhead's thoughts were interrupted.
"-Why don't you just go to Gen-X then? It's obviously more you with all their advance technology, challenging courses and great reputation." Tala's voiced dripped with sarcasm and hurt. He sighed. "Seems like everyone leaves for this place…"
There was silence as everyone took a minute to think over that statement.
"Hey man. You know that's not true."
"Besides, I doubt we would ever meet anyone with a mind as intricate as yours…"
The redhead smilingly shrugged as the supposed compliment.
"Guys, look!"
The gang turned to the pointed direction from Em's outburst to see the students displaced on the screen. From their angle amongst the bushes, no one could really make out what was happening. Now however, the front row of the training-crowd took the limelight, displaced on the jumbo-tron titled 'top tank.'
Kai's stomach twisted uncomfortably at the blown-up image of four familiar faces. Heaving slightly, Tashiana, Sincerity, Chloe, and Riley danced their way to the front row, smiling as they gave each other rhythmic high-fives at their achievement in the game.
The music continued pounding, for the game was not over.
Tala and all the others grinned proudly, silently cheering their friend along both in awe and excitement.
But then it hit him.
Riley was here, truly and surely. It was right before his eyes! The girl had left the regular school life for this hardly realistic surrounding of absolute perfection. Yes, he never built up the courage to call the girl, but dialling Miss Riley Lovett's number didn't exactly get easier over time! This hidden life of hers, the one that he was slowly piecing together…
Her smile, her touch, her kiss. Those times he leaned over to ask her about the board notes in which she politely explained. Did Rye see him as some complete idiotic fool stuck in some mediocre school life studying stupid kid stuff…?!
The blue-haired boy ran his hand through his hair, feeling smothered by his thoughts.
He was being negative, that was it, negativity. He was nervous…nervous for many completely understandable reasons. There was the dinner at the Lovett's coming up, the World Competitions itself in less then a month…
The music came to an end, a rage of relieved cheering from the students. A list of scores slowly calculated themselves then displayed on the screen.
First place- Riley Lovett
Second place- Tashiana Evans
Third pl…
A familiar dark-haired boy draped an arm over Riley's shoulder, his other hand meeting hers with a congratulating high-five. Everyone was laughing out of adrenaline though obviously out of breath.
The blue-haired boy nudged his friends, trying his best to keep a straight face. He cleared his throat. "Come on guys, lets go before someone sees us…"
Though against the suggestions, Enrique was interrupted by a redhead. "He's right, we're lucky we got his far onto the premises already…"
Disappointed, everyone following Johnny's lead as he disappeared into the bushes.
Kai was the last to exit, turning one last time to see Riley being jumped by several of his classmates, happily laughing and smiling away.
He stiffened.
'Who knows? The next time we meet, we might be enemies on the battlefield…'
…
So what did you guys think? Had a mild case of writers block…but I am back on track! Hopefully there wasn't a completely obvious transition from my chirpy writing in the summer to my man-slaughter angst stuff due to school. There was quite a lot of foreshadowing in this chapter, both in pairings and plot.
Oh yes, someone told me that Japan actually hold these large DDR competitions?!
Oiii, 'Modeling for world hunger,' what an oxymoron. And yes! I undeniably used AJ Topper and Brad Best as the MCs, haha!
Please read and review!
