Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. All unrecognizable characters however, are mine!

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On with the story!


"" For speaking

'' For thinking

Italics just for the fun of it!


She's Going Where?!

Chapter 20- Honk, If You Wanna See My Finger

Written by Euphrosyne


Placing the load of laundry on the dresser, Claire leaned over and picked up the ringing phone.

"Hello?"

The person on the other line warned the woman not to panic, to do nothing out of the ordinary but listen closely to the news she was about to hear.

Claire mustered a gasp before nodding at the instructions. She quickly hung up.

Pulling a rather large purse out of her closet, the woman immediately began packing her most important possessions. She grabbed her keys, her cell phone, some cash, but most importantly, the photo of her husband and son on the night table.

Tossing a scarf around her neck, she began heading down the stairs with steady but brisk steps. She turned one last time, mentally questioning whether she had left anything behind, to meet the cold stern eyes of her father-in-law; Voltaire's portrait glooming over the central hall.

Claire's eyes narrowed. There was no doubt on her mind.

She was doing the right thing.

Not bothering to lock the front door, Claire took a deep breath and walked off the Hiwatari estate. She picked up her pace. Her ride was waiting a block away.


"Seriously Ian, you have to lay off the drugs."

Shaking his head a few times in hopes of waking himself up, the said boy grumbled a lazy reply.

"No. Rehab's for quitters."

Lee growled. No shit it was.

"I've warned you about your addictions Ian, and this is the last time I'm saying it. You were lucky to have passed the blood test, but I will not let your fucking problems screw up our team, got it?" Seeing the look on the boy's face, the Chinese captain almost felt guilty. It wasn't like Ian hadn't tried quitting. He sighed. "It will do you well, better for your health."

"I'm telling you Lee, if I resolve to give up smoking, drinking, and all that other stuff. I won't live longer, life will only seem longer." Ian ran a distressed hand through his hair.

The other members, Bryan and Kevin, rolled their eyes as they followed behind.

How many times now, had they gone through this same scenario?

Opening the glass doors to the World's finest restaurant, Lee was surprised to see all the people waiting to be seated.

It was only lunch!

The Chinese boy's eyes narrowed however, when his gaze landed on the familiar faces seated at one of the larger circular booths. He nudged for his team's attention, slowly pushing his way through the crowd towards that direction.

Bryan shook his head when he realized here they were heading.

Here we go again.

"Well hello my shining beauty, looking as lovely as ever." The captain smiled at the pink-haired girl who had been sitting near the end of the table, picking up her hand while planting a kiss on her delicate fingers. He smirked, finally deciding to acknowledge the other members at the setting. "Ray. Viv"

The said boy rose to his feet, standing dangerously close as he stared into the eyes of his long-hated rival.

Michael and Tala quickly pulled their friend back. Lee laughed.

"Fancy seeing the whole crew here this year. Finally ran out of pathetic excuses to getting outta the competition eh?" The boy mockingly continued. "Like seriously? I-couldn't-make-it-cause-my-mom-was-in-the-hospital? Oh puh-leez, I expected better from you lot."

Lee had stepped too far and was now getting personal. Michael shoved him in the chest. "Hey, it wasn't the team's fault alright? Drop it." It was more of a demand than a request.

Surrendering his hands into the air, Lee smiled. "Hey, no need to get defensive, I was only stating the obvious. To let you know, as hard as it is to admit, there are tougher teams out there, even better than myself. You're rumbling with the big boys now." He turned and began leaving.

"Kevin?!"

The seated group turned their attention to the green-haired boy who had somewhat been hiding behind the bulkier members of his team. He waved shyly, an almost ashamed look on his face.

Knowing the boy the best since they were of the same age, Tyson got out of his seat and went over to his pal. "You didn't email me anything about joining a beyblade team."

The small boy shrugged, having no time to answer since his captain was hollering at him from the entrance.

"Look guys, I've gotta run, the team's calling." He smiled at his old schoolmates. "It was nice seeing you all again. Hopefully we'll meet before we battle each other." He nodded at Kai. "Hey! We'll see each other later at the black and white party right? Lee says anyone who is anyone will be there…"

"- I said, Kevin, come on!"

The green-haired boy sighed. "Um, ugh. Sorry, later guys." He ran towards the door.

The four boys who were standing slid back into their seats. Michael spoke in an agitate voice. "I don't like how Lee keeps bringing up mom's hospital incident…"

"I don't like how he looks at my Mariah…"

The Majestics shook their heads at the conversation before them. "Lee's right you know. You all need to lean some self-restraint. All the teams will be aiming to take you down, some through witty and sharp-remarks. Don't let it get to you."

Emily leaned on Max's shoulder. "Still, I didn't like how Lee was messing with love…"

Mariah sighed at the comment. "Well, if love isn't a game, why are there so many players?"

It was Tala's turn to look offended. "Hey, I ain't a playa, I just crush a lot…!"

Viv took that opportunity to snake her arms around Kai. "I'm not a player either, right Kai?" She snuggled up against his side.

Tala grimaced, mumbling under his breath. "You're not a player, you're the game…"

The blonde threw the redhead a dirty look.

"But hey, what's this party Kevin was talking about? Is it that fancy ballroom thing tonight?"

Robert let out at little laugh. These newbies had much to learn. Johnny answered.

"Hell no. The evening ceremony the World throws is a complete joke for the nerds and geeks. The black and white party however, that's where the fun begins."

Enrique interrupted. "VIP only." He wiggled his eyebrows.

The pink-haired girl frowned "Then how are we going to get in?"

The Scottish boy tsked Mariah for underestimating them. "I'm surprised no one has told you about it. We'll come pick you guys up around six. It takes a good hour to drive up there."

"Remember, dress code's in full affect. Black and white only."

"That still doesn't answer my question. How the heck are we going to get in?"

Robert smiled. "Take a wild guess to which school owns the place."

Mariah's jaws dropped "Riley?!"

The English boy laughed. "No silly, but close enough. Mrs. Lovett opened it up back in the day."

"Whoa, a club started by Riley's mom?" The American wasn't too convinced.

"Yeah yeah, just remember, tonight at six." The Majestics stood to leave.

"I'm sooo excited 'bout tonight, Kai." Vivinne tossed her hair and leaned into the crook in Kai's neck. "The black and white party? I've only heard legends…"

"Hey, that's great and all, but you're not invited." The redhead was blunt and straightforward.

Viv was in a state of shock. "Excuse me, Valkov, but that's not your decision to make. I know the Majestics just as well as you do!" She crossed her arms.

Mariah stood to leave the table as well, glancing at the cheer captain before linking hands with Ray. "Obviously, you don't now Riley. I doubt you two are even on first name bases after what you did."

Kai shrugged the girl off, grabbing his jacket as he followed his friends towards the door.

"Hey! Where are you all going? I'm not paying for the bill!" Viv practically threw a fit as she watched everyone depart.

Leading the pack out, the pink-haired girl turned and threw a smile. "Oh don't worry about it Viv. Our stuff is on the house, Ash owns the place. You can wait in line for your bill." She pointed at the huge line-up of people before skipping out the door.

Vivinne sunk into her seat. That was embarrassing. Since when did all these geeks become friends with the right people? Was she losing her touch?

The girl began taking her anger out on the napkins, shredding them into pieces.


Tala drove closely behind the Majestic's car. It was cold, dark, and they were driving on some crazily deserted road, up some insanely steep hill.

A car swooshed by, its honking resonating up the desolate surrounding. Tala stiffened. That was the tenth car that did that. He irritably tightened his grip around the steering wheel. His new motto?

Honk. If. You. Wanna. See. My. Finger.

His sanity was running thin.

Finally parking the car to the side, the guys followed the Majestics through the dark. In the distance, the gang could hear music, screaming, and endless pleading. Michael and the others were completely wide-eyed when they turned the corner. Hundreds of people being pushed to the sides by the bouncers, many shamelessly bribing the burly men with everything they had.

Some groups had given up all together. Having made it this far they coolly swayed to the music outdoors.

Ah, the riff-raft.

Walking up to the large men who were guarding the door, the Majestics were credited with nods. "Robert, Johnny, Enrique and Oliver. These your friends?"

The boys nodded. "Ours and Riley's."

The answer was good enough. The men unhooked the velvet covered chain, allowing the Middleton group access to the experience of their lives.

"…Dude…"

Stepping into what Kenny would have described as a nicely renovated cave (if only he were here) music hit the group as green laser blinded them with disbelief. Huge titanium bars raided the tope of the cave, but none of the people here seemed to fear the threatening structure.

Their thoughts were interrupted by nearing voices.

"Hey baby, you're dad must have been a thief cause he stole the stars from the sky and put them into your eyes."

The girl being followed grunted with disgust. "Well, you father must have been smart, cause he picked up mud and shoved it into your face!!" Her friends giggled from behind at the dismissed boy's expression. "Well, go on, don't embarrass yourself now. Get!"

Johnny recognized that voice anywhere.

Scarlett.

The others finally caught up with the Scottish redhead, Enrique muttering something about being tired from training all day.

"Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now."

That was all that needed to be said to gain the attention of the three Azn4 members.

In a very attractive sliming black dress, Scarlett walked up to the boys, brushing her red streaked bangs from her face. "Now now, Enrique. Procrastination is like masturbation. It's fun in the beginning, but in the end, you're just screwing yourself."

The other two girls, Sasha and Rin smiled innocently at their friend's comment while nodding at the foreigners who passed by.

A male brushed against the Asian beauty, pulling her towards him as he whispered something into her ears.

She smirked, speaking smoothly over the music. "If you're naughty, go to your room, if you want to be naughty, go to mine." She winked before pushing the boy away.

Johnny growled under his breath. "Slut."

Slightly offended, Scarlett quickly brushed it away, "Johnny boy. Virginity is not dignity; it's a lack of opportunity." She smiled at the redhead's reactions. How she loved getting under his skin. "Besides, you know I'm selective like that. It's all about the rich and the beautiful. You would have both if you weren't such a loser."

Johnny's body movements gave her instant satisfaction. She decided to save some of the fun.

"Who are your pretty little friends here?"

Oliver quickly intervened, seeing that both Johnny and Enrique were paralyzed from Scarlett's remarks. "These are our friends Mariah, Ray, Emily, Max, Michael, Kai, and Tala."

The girl nodded at the two females who quickly tightened their grips around their men. Scarlett moved over to the three single males.

She was a girl of honour.

"Ohyes, Tala. Sincerity's stalker, right?"

The boy's sudden blushing answered her question.

"Michael and Kai," she slowly placed a finger on her chin as she scanned the two over. "You two must be beybladers…"

There was a holler of her name. She turned to see Tai and Maeve, the two Gen-X captains, walking towards their direction. She sighed at the ending of her fun.

"Well boys, I've gotta head on over to the winners circle," she threw the last two words at Johnny's way.

Johnny couldn't hold back any longer. "You wait Scarlett. Hold onto those few remaining moments of glory because I'm going to take you down."

Somewhat impressed, the said girl smirked and raised a brow. "A word of advice sweetie. If at first you don't succeed, do try and look astonished." She blew two kisses, "Love ya," and disappeared into the raving crowd.

There was a moment of silence.

"Dude, what did you do to her?" Michael laughed at Johnny's tense and speechless expression.

The Scottish redhead snarled. The girl knew exactly how to work her men, and as much as he hated to admit it, he was part of her manipulated possy.

"Come on Max, let's go dance." The orange-haired girl pulled her boyfriend onto the dance floor, signalling the Chinese pair to join them.

Kai began heading the opposite direction. "I'll be at the bar."

No one bothered to object, seeing it had already been a challenge to drag the boy this far. Kai needed some time alone.

Pfft. He knew what he was doing. Why not get wasted?

"Hiwatari is it? Why aren't you with your friends?"

The boy turned his attention towards the voice, propping himself on one of the stools before tilting the glass to examine his drink. "Charlize?"

The twin smiled. "Good memory."

Kai shrugged. "Why aren't you with your crew?"

The girl smiled before sipping her drink. "I'm not too into this meet-and-greet kinda thing. That's more of Tash's expertise." She laughed. "Guess I'm making an appearance to show my sis my support." There was a pause. "I'm just like her. She and I are here for the same reason."

Tilting his head in the direction Charlize was pointing, he finally noticed the intensity of the surrounding. The place has quieted down, all eyes focussed on the eight podiums that were raising in the middle of the club.

Nek's La Vida Es dance remix was shimmering in the background as the DJ introduced Gen-X's two beyblading teams. The crowd went wild.

"-Official team lead by no other than our own Taylor Leigh, we have Ash, Chloe, and Riley. On the other end, the Azn4 lead by Maeve, we have Sasha, Rin, and Scarlett!"

As if on cue, Scarlett and Riley jumped onto the counter of the centre bar. Several martini glasses were arranged in neat rows, all filled with some mysterious alcoholic liquid. Lighting a match, the two girls dropped it synchronizing into the end glasses, the flame instantly coming to life as it raced towards the middle. The people began cheering.

"Drinks are on the house."

With that, Riley nodded at Scarlett before vanishing into the crowd and out the back entrance.

"Poor Riley. The girl's tired. I would hate to be in her shoes."

The mahogany-eyed boy raised an eyebrow at Charlize's comment. She continued.

"Tash always loved challenges, which was exactly why she went to Gen-X. I on the other hand, wanted to keep my childhood…" She flicked her wrist to check the time.

Kai couldn't decide if Charlize was letting on more than she knew. Was she trying to hint something? If there was anything he learned in the past few months it was to never underestimate anyone.

The girl yawned. "Well, I best be packing. Promised Rye I would drive her back to camp." She stood to leave, "Thanks for listening to my ranting. Can't stop myself. It's the drink talking." She waved. "I'll tell Rye you said hi."

Emptying the drink, Kai placed his glass on the counter. He never liked the club atmosphere. It was too loud, too unpredictable, too drunk.

"Here, have one of these Flamers, they're on the house." The bartender grinned before taking the empty glass.

Letting the drink flicker for awhile, the blue-haired boy finally blew it out and picked it up. The container was surprisingly not too hot, a warm tingling sense raced through his fingers.

He missed that feeling.

He chuckled at his thoughts.

'How symbolic. I just put out my flame…'

The night went on.


DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

(Just had to get that point across)

Don't you all love Scarlett? She's my favourite character of all time, haha. (Dedicated to you, toisanmui!)

Please read and review!