Chapter 1
"This is going to be great; getting everyone together was a brilliant idea."
Entering the vast shopping centre of Heathrow airport Tyson looked in amazement at the area around him; it definitely wasn't what he expected. When he'd been told England would be a lot different than Japan he'd thought Mr Dickinson had been kidding him, now he saw he hadn't.
"Wait up Tyson!"
Remembering where he was Tyson could only grin as he turned to those behind him; seeing he wasn't the only one who was excited. Waiting for the others Tyson could see they shared his awe as they looked over all that was around them. A few moments later his travelling companions joined him; with Max, Kenny, Hilary and himself the reunion was already under way.
"So this is England, it's a lot different from what I expected."
Seeing the others nod their head in agreement at Max's words Tyson was more than ready to see what this new country had to others. However, before any plans could form a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts; glancing around it wasn't hard to spot the owner.
"Hey Rei, good to see you again buddy."
Giving a wave towards his Chinese friend Tyson soon saw the others that made up Rei's own group as the White Tigers came into view. Taking the time he had to take them in Tyson was surprised at the changes a year could make to people. Despites a growth spurt both Lee and Rei remained the same however, it was Kevin and Mariah that caught everyone's attention.
Having lost some of her childish figure Mariah had blossomed into a promising young woman, a form of grace and beauty in one. Kevin on the other hand had under gone the biggest change, no longer the squirt of the group. Having experienced a major growth spurt in the last year the neko-jin had settled at a respectable 5ft 11ins. Although his green bangs still fell in his face Kevin's remaining hair now hung in a loose braid down his back.
"Tyson, guys it's great to see you."
"Yeah it's been to long."
Besides the initial formal greeting the two groups quickly busted into laughter as they greeted one another. As old friends do the past year was forgotten as embraces were exchanged all around, each adding their own piece to the growing conversion. Caught up with their reunion the small group of excited teens were startled by the question directed at them.
"Is this a private party or can anyone join in?"
Following everyone else Tyson turned his attention to this new speaker only to break out in a grin as he saw who it was.
"Well Parker seems you haven't changed abit."
"Why change what doesn't need to be change?"
Smirking at Lee and Michael's exchange Tyson saw he wasn't the only one amused with them. Giving his own greeting to the baseball star Tyson soon went on to greet Eddy and Emily however, upon doing so he couldn't help but wonder what was different.
"Hey Emily, what happened to your glasses?"
"Contacts thought I'd give them a try."
"Well it suits you."
Letting the two girls finish their exchange the gathered lads still found it surprising that the two were now such good friends, considering they couldn't stand each other at first. Realizing they still had time to spare before Mr Dickinson came to meet them the growing group decided to explore what English culture had to offer.
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"I didn't think England would be so different, it's so much unlike China."
"Don't worry to much, just think of it as new opportunity."
Taking in Emily's words into account Mariah realized what the other had said was true. Deciding to give in to the lull of shopping the three girls had ventured off from the boys to investigate the wonders of English fashion.
Although Emily and Hilary themselves were quite comfortable in these type of surroundings Mariah had been a little weary about it all. However, with a little pushing from the others they had finally convinced the neko-jin to purchase an outfit she liked. Even doing go far as to get her to exchange her traditional look for the new one.
So it that the pink haired teen was showing off pale cropped jeans, white trainers and a pink T-shirt; its kitty kat logo highlighting the winking cat.
"So how are things with you and Rei? Anything we should know?"
"No, not really."
"What's that mean?"
"After the Championships Rei and I had a good talk, and well we came to realize that nothing would ever happen between us. When it came down to it, it was like caring about a brother."
"I'm sorry."
"It's ok, besides it made me rethink things and if I hadn't I wouldn't be were I was now. I came to realize who it was I really cared about."
Seeing the questioning looks Emily and Hilary send her Mariah couldn't help but laugh as she looked upon her friends. Knowing the two would be surprised at her boyfriend's identity Mariah was just about to reveal it when she was suddenly stopped.
"Stop stalling already and tell us."
Whipping round Mariah instantly calmed and broke into a smile as she saw none other than Julia and Mathilda. Quickly exchanging embraces each of the girls couldn't express how happy they were to see each other.
"So who is he?"
Remembering where she was Mariah could see each of her friends were eager to know who her boyfriend was.
"It's Lee."
"Lee, are you serious? When did that happen?"
Unable to contain her grin Mariah looked over those before her; although she was grateful to have the White Tiger and everyone else behind her sometimes she missed having her female friends around. It was one of the reasons she'd been so looking forward to this reunion, so that she could meet up with those before her.
"Well, it happened like this….."
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Enjoying the cuisine of fast food the large group of mixed teens gathered together in the open area of the airports dinning area. Since their gathering the group had spend the last hour and an half waiting for the one who had arranged this reunion in the first place. Although they had kept busy they were beginning to wonder if Mr Dickinson had remembered.
"Sorry I'm late everyone, but the flight was late coming in."
"Flight? What do you mean Mr Dickinson?"
"Why that of Kai and the others."
Turning their attention in the direction Mr Dickinson indicated everyone quickly picked up their dropped jaws as they lay eyes on the famous Russian bladers. Not only have their entire changed, but in some cases their physical appearance had also changed.
The first to get everyone's attention was the famous couple of the group, fire and ice united together.
No longer dressed in his familiar white clothing Tala now stood before them glad in dark jeans and a dark red tank top, a black jacket covering him. However, it was the dark tinned glasses which covered his eyes that surprised everyone when they looked upon the red haired teen. Physically Tala hadn't changed much in the last year, despites from growing which everyone had seemed to do.
As for his partner, like Mariah Anaya had really come into her own and become even more of a beauty than before. Although coldness still remained about her there was a sense of liveliness about her that wasn't there a few years ago. No longer confined to its normal ponytail Anaya's white hair hung loosely around her, while three thin braids of red hung on each side of her head. Although white still remained her chose of colour for clothing her attire had changed. An off the shoulder top the navy blue colour contrasted against the white skirt she wore, white knee high boots matching the look. Long white sleeves covered the most of her arms.
Seeing the closeness the two Russian's had anyone watching could see they were an item however, what shocked everyone more than the fact that they were still going strong was the item Anaya wore. Placed on her wedding ring finger was a stunning yet simple engagement ring, showing to all the commitment they wanted to make with each other.
In Bryan's case the elder had chosen to let his close cropped hair to grow into long strands that fell to his shoulders. Attired in dark pants and lilac shirt the tall blader was framed by a long black jacket. Never expecting the Russian to appear so casual everyone had to admit the teen looked very dashing, obliviously the years spends away from Boris had allowed Bryan to come out of his shell.
However, it was Kai himself that surprised everyone; although a welcome change to the teen they were still shocked to see the first steps towards regaining a new lease on life. Still wearing his familiar black cargo pants Kai had decided on a dark crimson halter styled top; his usual silk scarf enclosing his neck. While his slate bangs still shadowed his eyes, his remaining blue stands had grown even longer now hanging in a thick ponytail to his lower back.
Taking in what they saw everyone was surprised at the major change the Russians had gone through. Yet, despites their surprise everyone had to admit that the new looks were very stunning; especially the girls who had to say the boys looked quite dashing, while the boys found Anaya quite stunning. Glad to see the change within the bladers everyone present hoped they were coming out of their shells. Having learnt some details about their past after the Russian Championships they found they couldn't hold grudges against them. Instead becoming more patient with them, realizing how strange it must be for them to embrace the knowledge that they didn't have to answer to anyone.
"Hey Kai, guys, didn't think you'd show."
"And miss the look on your faces I don't think so."
Seeing the grin Kai wore Tyson made the first move into welcoming the group into their mists, everyone soon following suit as they reacquainted themselves.
"Well now everyone shall we be going? We have a long journey ahead of us."
Voicing their agreement everyone quickly gathered their belongings together before following Mr Dickinson's form, each curious about their destination and what this reunion would bring.
To Be Continued.