Star-shimmered-dragon: Hiya all! I'm sorry that i haven't posted for a while, but it's nice to see that so many people like me!

Aura: We like you...

Stormy: Yeah. Don't believe us, do you?

SSD: Fine...I believe you...So, i might as well get on with it.

Thanks to Samsam-aka-sam, Viper-Vegeta, Sokkazukofan, and Tammy. I love hearing from you people! Bigger thanks to VV, who spent most of her time typing up my stories, and correcting me when my spelling and grammar go for a holiday, and giving me a rather intellegent conversation (and i'm not being sarcastic). She's a great friend.

Stormy: Better do the disclaimer: Star doesn't own Beyblade, or any of the related characters. If she did, she would be doing this on a really smart laptop away from another computer that gives horrible problem messages (ie, things like the Windows "Blue screen of Death" as her boyfriend calls it)

SSD: Well...anyway, onto the story! >throws chocolates to all readers, and doulbe to reviewers

Chapter 12 – Hidden Friends

"Why would he do that?" Max asked.

"Because she knows something about Voltaire that could have him thrown away for a lifetime, giving control of the family fortune to herself and Kai." Ray said in a murmur. Everyone who heard turned and looked at him, and at Kai for confirmation. Kai nodded.

"It's true. As Tala knows, I helped Shiri to escape the Abbey once she found out. I don't even know what it is she knows, though." He explained.

"Wow." Lee said. "Bummer and a half, that is."

"Yeah." Hilary added. "She doesn't even realize how many friends she really has. We may never see her again."

At this, Ray broke down, and cried openly for the first time in his life.

Shiri's POV

With a painful thud, I was thrown down the stairs into the darkness.

"Now, be a good girl, and we won't hurt you…much." The hooded figure said, and laughed as he slammed the door shut. Whimpering, I crept into a corner.

"Oh God, why now?" I wept, wrapping my arms around my knees and crying softly, like I used to do when Kai would bandage my injuries.

!Time Passes.!

"Now that I feel better, maybe I can get out of here…" I thought to myself, struggling to stand up. One of the heels of my shoes snapped, and as I fell I felt a sudden pain shoot through my ankle.

"Damn it!" I shouted, picking up a rock or something and throwing it out of frustration. I screamed about it, then I cried again. "Why does this have to happen to me?" I sobbed. Using my teeth, I tore a few strips of material from my dress and wrap my ankle up, rather snugly.

"What did I do to deserve this?" I asked myself, feeling drowsy as sleep threatened to overcome me. "What did I do wrong?" I yawned, drifting off…

!Flashback!

7-year-old Shiri crawled silently through the ducting ventilation shafts, searching for the elusive Black Dranzer Beyblade for Kai, who yearned for its power. She heard a vicious roar as she passed a grate, and doubled back to it.

"Hu?" She muttered, looking down. Her heart thudded in absolute fear at what she saw…

!BANG!

Shiri shot upright. The heavy door opened and a large shadow threw a bundle at her. It landed at her feet.

"Eat." The hoarse voice snapped. "The boss doesn't want you dying on him."

The door clunked as the locking bolt slid into its place again, and Shiri grabbed at the bag, pulling out a brittle, hard ball. She took a bite, and smiled as the sauce dripped over her tongue…

!Flashback!

"Here, hvala." Nora said, placing a plate of pasta balls down. "I tried to make pizza into pasta balls. Try one!"

Picking one up, Shiri bit into it, then gasped. "Nora, this is so good!" She exclaimed. "The sauce is so tangy, and I can taste the cheese! It's delicious! May I have more? Please?" She asked. Nora smiled and nodded.

"Of course, but I have to talk to you, my Shiri." She said, her smile fading. Shiri swallowed nervously.

"Yes, Nora?"

"I am dying, Shiri." Nora said with a sigh.

"What! You can't!"

"I have tried everything, but nothing works, Shiri. I am sorry." Nora placed a hand over her chest sadly. "The cancer spreads ever closer to my heart –they dare not operate. I do not know how long I have." Nora's hand went to the small box on the table, and she picked it up, admiring the carvings. She smiled.

"Nora, why are you smiling?" Shiri asked. "You're dying, there's nothing to smile about!"

"Do you see these engravings, Shiri?" Nora pointed out the symbols, and Shiri nodded. "They are from an ancient language, they are text, and when the true bearer learns the text and performs the rite, the box will open, and it's secrets will be revealed." Nora handed the box to Shiri. "For years, I have tried to open that box, but nothing worked. I am passing it to you, and this." Nora passed over a silken bag, which Shiri opened.

"Wow, a Beyblade!" Shiri exclaimed, smiling.

"She is yours, now. I called her Skylark, and if you believe in her power, she will always protect you."

!End Flashback!

"…And protect me, she did…" Shiri murmured, pulling her blade from a secret pocket in her dress. "You're my only friend, Sky, my only true friend."

There was a low, tiger-like growl, then a flash of light came from the Beyblade. The tiger/dragon bitbeast emerged, head bowed low, and she growled.

"It's true, Skylark!" Shiri exclaimed. "I have no other friend! I never have!" She added.

Skylark whined, pulling her wings back, tight to her body, then she shimmered to green for a few seconds and roared like a tiger.

"Ray…"

!Flashback!

"Take this." Ray whispered, ignoring the cheers of other, watching dancers. "Don't open it yet, it's a surprise. Maybe it will prove how much I care for you." Shiri looked down to see a small silver box clasped in her hands.

!End Flashback!

"The box!"

Shiri ripped her shoes off and struggled to her feet. "Where's the box gone?"

Skylark extended her left wing, pointing in the direction Shiri had thrown something before, then she disappeared back into the Beyblade. Shiri rushed over to the corner, favoring her sore ankle until she found the small box. In the dim light, she gasped when she opened it.

What's in the box? You will have to wait and see! Thanks for reading! Now, if you'll just press the little blue button down here please...