I don't own Beyblade, or any of its characters, please do not sue me.

Fate

Chapter 3

""Talking

''Thoughts

This cruel life taught me how to imagine,

But all these beautiful dreams that I have webbed out,

Have all been broken by reality.

So, did I go in a circle?

And in the end, I'm still the only one that's hurt?

Flashback

"You know who I saw just a minute ago?" Aeris set down her bag and looked at her friends quickly.

Her friends consist of the people she met at the Talent Day, Ray and the others. They all have different personalities, yet they somehow managed to be friends, even with Celestia.

"Who?" Jamice asked immediately, she's always interesting in everything.

"I just saw Kai and Celestia walking together." She paused, taking in everyone's surprised face before continuing on. "And they were holding hands also!"

That was the bomb, Ray set down his cup, having trouble drinking down anything, and Aeris glanced at him and looked down. Jamice's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open as big as possible. Max and Tyson choked on their food orderly, Kenny nearly flipped over Dizzi; even Lianna closed her book and looked at her as well.

"You're joking!" Tyson confessed first, having Lianna wiping his mouth for him.

"I'm not! Seriously! You can grill Kai about it while we girls grill Celestia." Aeris snapped her fingers and said seriously. "I bet Kai likes Celestia!"

"Then... what about Celestia?" Ray asked instinctively, everyone agreed on that question and looked at Aeris eagerly, she blinked.

"Why are you looking at me?"

"You're her best friend!" Max said evidently.

"I... guess so, or it could just be the fact that Kai's forcing her." Aeris shrugged and took a sip of her iced tea.

"Why would he force her?" Jamice asked, and then smiled goofily. "After all, he is very good looking." She then blinked and licked her lips. Max gave her a look, she returned the look and both of them laughed.

"However, you do raise an interesting point, we'll definitely grill Kai about it later, and he won't be able to get away from us." Tyson said with an evil smile playing around his lips.

Kenny sighed and glanced up from his computer screen lazily. "I'm just afraid that Kai will literally grill us once he knows the conversation topic."

"That reminds me... do not mention that I told you this in front of Kai, I'm really scared of Kai coming after me and grilling me."

The crowd laughed and proceeds on to make up questions for Kai, and with a few jokes thrown into the midst of it as well. Ray just looked outside of the window, totally oblivious to his friends. Just like that, he missed the regular glances thrown at his way form a pair of emerald eyes.

End of Flashback

"Who is she?"

Kai frowned and looked at the picture in her hand, his frown deepened as he walked closer to her. "Who gave you permission to enter my office?

"Mr. Kai Hiwatari, I don't believe this is me, considering I've never had brown hair before." Celle commented and stood up from his leather chair. "So, who is she?"

"None of your business!" Kai said sternly and put on his infamous glare. That picture has been in his drawer since Celle came, how dare she bring it out.

They starred at each other across his large desk, each pair of eyes filled with different emotions. Finally, Celle dropped her stance and sighed, shifting her gaze towards the picture in her hands, her eyes darkened with emotion.

"What do you like about her anyways? Whatever she's go, I have too." Celle said impatiently.

"Personality." Kai spoke icily. "You don't have a personality like she does."

"She did!" Celle spoke quickly and looked up at Kai sharply. "Kai, admit it, you know she's dead, everyone knows she's dead! Stop living in a world of denial."

"She is not dead."

"Kai, it's no use denying the truth, if she isn't dead, then why hasn't she contacted you? If she loved you like you loved her, then why did she choose to disappear?"

Kai didn't say anything. He just starred at Celle unwaveringly, not breaking eye contact. A part of him knows that she probably is telling the truth, but a part of him feels that she's still here on Earth. Between the two options, he wants to go with the latter one.

"Kai, there's no harm in accepting me, after all, I look exactly like her." Celle started and walked around the desk to get to him. "Why don't you consider it? I can be a good girlfriend like she was, if someone as plain as her can make you happy, then I can make you happy as well."

Kai starred at Celle as she grew closer, then slowly a corner of his mouth rose up into a mocking smile. "I'm sorry, I don't think you'll ever have the qualities she possessed, and after all, she was an artist, not someone who sells her flesh on a national level." He hinted while glancing at her wardrobe.

She's wearing a tank top that hugs her every skin, the hem stopping at her rib cage, her mini skirt leaves nothing for anyone to imagine. So what if she likes to dress a bit openly, there's no law against it, and besides... if she has the body to dress this way, then why shouldn't she? Women look up to her and envy her because of this, and men love her.

Celle stopped in front of Kai and suddenly, she raised a smile, a smile that you give someone to sense you've understood something. "Basically, you're telling me that you'll never look at me as long as she is still in front of your eyes, huh?"

Kai didn't say anything, his silence answered her question.

Celle smiled sweetly and titled her head. "Well now, that can be changed, can't it?" Celle raised her arm and rose up the picture.

Then, right in front of Kai's eyes, she tore up the picture slowly. She ripped it from side to side with a few, quick movements. Then she opened her hands, the shards of the picture floated down in between them like glitters coming down from high above a stage. The entire office was silent, no one said anything. No one dares to break this silence, this unsettling atmosphere.

Then Celle sighed and dusted her hands off before looking up into Kai's eyes again. "Do remember to call me sometime to plan our first date." With that, she side stepped Kai and walked towards the door, her high heel clicking on the ground.

After who knows how long, Kai broke out of his trance and slowly, almost memorized, he lowered his head and looked at the torn picture beside his feet. Just as slowly, he bent down and over the fragments of the picture and his eyes darkened. The office door opened and his secretary walked in with an alerted face.

"Mr. Hiwatari, I am sorry I wasn't here earlier to stop Miss Ran from entering." She apologized with a frown on her face.

Kai waved his hand to signal her that it's okay then put his jacket down beside him on the floor. "Cancel all my schedules for today."

"Yes sir." She nodded politely and turned to walk out, pausing at the door, she turned and looked back at Kai's kneeling back view. From her position, she can see the pieces of what used to be a picture on the ground. Sighing, she shook her head and walked out. Miss Ran definitely doesn't take 'no' for an answer.

Kai reached out a hand and fingered the pieces of the picture on the ground, his finger lingering over her every feature.

Outside

Celle almost ran outside after she got out of Kai's office, the air in her chest became tight and she tried to breath. She could feel warmth in her eyes as tears wanted to rise up.

Why?

Why wouldn't he even look at her?

Gritting her teeth and holding back a frustrated yell, she breathed heavily. Opening her eyes again, she realized that she is out of the casino building with people passing by looking at her strangely. Sighing, she looked ahead of her, where is she going to go now?

Slowly, a black car pulled into her view and stopped beside the curb. The back door facing her opened and stepped out an elegant woman with a gentle smile. "Miss Ran, it's a pleasure meeting you again." She said and bowed gently.

Celle raised an eyebrow, her face bringing back memories from last night.

"Miss Quintella. Miss Malarin Quintella, am I right?"

Mansion

"Quite a beautiful mansion you've got, you live here by yourself?" Celle said as she looked inside the grand mansion that Malarin had led her into. The entire place is like something out of a movie, beautiful and elegant, like a Victorian castle.

Malarin smiled and looked at her over her shoulder as they walked up the stairs. "Thank you, I live here with my family." She said with a final tone in her voice.

Celle raised her eyebrows and shrugged, not asking anymore about Malarin's personal life. Malarin led her into a sun-lit room on the second floor, the entire room is surrounded by glasses, and the sun peeked in with no resistance. "Please, sit down."

Celle sat down on a sofa and immediately noticed the piles of photo albums on the table, she smiled but chose to say nothing. Malarin followed her lead and sat on the other sofa, facing her directly. Soon, maids carried up tea and snacks, laying them out on the table in front of them and leaving just as quietly.

"Please, have some thing to eat and drink." Malarin offered warmly.

Celle looked at the older woman in front of her, she knows nothing about Malarin, she's never heard about her. However, it appears that she is wealthy, extremely wealthy. What does she live on?

"No, thank you. Why did you invite me here?"

Malarin smiled and picked up a tea cup in front of her. Celle watched as she took in sips of the tea with the most exquisite lady like manners and put the tea cup down slowly, as if not wanting to hurt it. Then she looked up at Celle, and Celle didn't fail to notice the wise and calculating look in her eyes.

"I just wanted to get to know you better; do I need a reason for that too?"

Celle smiled and leaned back, many possibilities running through her mind. A stranger that she has just met yesterday and didn't even talk for more than 5 sentences is suddenly so interested in her. She leaned forward again, only one question formed on her brain. "Are you a lesbian?"

They looked at each other before Malarin laughed softly and ran a hand through her long curly hair. "No, I can assure you that I am not."

"Then, why?"

Malarin smiled and titled her head towards the pile of photo albums, Celle looked towards them as well. "Would you like to take a look at them?"

Celle raised an eyebrow and sighed, grabbing the one on top out of sheer boredom she opened it up, the first page had a picture of a delicate pale pink rose and with the words.

'To Celestia,

Hope you'll always have these many expressions on your face.

From: everyone.'

She flipped over to the next page, the first picture that entered her eyes was a picture of her... no, the girl that looks like her. Celle's eyes dimmed down, she lost her smile. She continued on flipping through the photo album with patience. Every page was filled with that other girl, her every expression. Malarin just sat and drank her tea, glancing up at Celle occasionally.

Celle continued on flipping through the pages, the latter half of the book consisted of pictures of Kai and that girl together, their every look, every movement showed their love. Closing the album abruptly, she glared up at Malarin coldly.

"So, her name was Celestia."

"Her name still is Celestia." Malarin said shortly and looked up at her as well.

They looked at each other before Celle stood up quickly, shaking the table, tea cups clattering. Maids ran in from outside, alerted. Malarin rose up a hand and silenced them. Slowly, gracefully, Malarin stood up to face Celle as well.

"What's wrong Miss Ran?"

"What was your reason for letting me look at the photo album?" Celle asked, her eyes shooting daggers at the older woman.

Malarin smiled and glanced down, her curled hair framing her face, making her look like an innocent doll. "I just wanted to let you see who you're up against, and perhaps." Malarin looked up at Celle again, her smile never wavering from her face. "And perhaps you'll see that stealing someone's boyfriend isn't exactly the best thing there is."

"You bitch!" Celle spat out angrily.

"Actually Miss Ran, bitch means female dog, wolf, or fox. In eastern legends, foxes are those that steal one's husband or boyfriend... so, shouldn't that title fit you better? Bitch." Malarin said calmly.

Celle reached up, and in one swift movement, slapped Malarin across the face. The ring on Celle's finger left a mark at the corner of Malarin's mouth. The maids gasped and ran up to her immediately, a handkerchief already pressed up against the corner of her mouth.

Celle took one last look at them before turning and walking out of the room, her steps still confident even after the entire ordeal. Malarin dabbed at her mouth gently, then looked up at the retreating form of Celle, a smile appeared on her face.

Little by little, she'll crack this woman called Celle Ran.

Computer Company

"What? She slapped Malarin?" Aeris exclaimed as she and Ray entered Kenny's office, a light of surprise shone through Ray's eyes. Kenny glanced at them from over his computer and went back to his work. Malarin smiled at them from her place on the sofa with a pack of ice pressed up to the corner of her mouth. "Malarin, are you all right?"

"I'm fine, don't worry about it."

"What did you do to her anyways?" Ray asked, leaning against the wall beside the sofa.

"I didn't do anything to her." Malarin stated and rolled her eyes slowly. "I only had her look at Celestia's album."

"What?" Ray nearly jumped in surprise. Pushing away from the wall, he looked down at Malarin incredulously. "Why did you do that?"

"Why can't she do that?" Kenny jumped to her defense immediately.

"Celle hates to be compared with anyone else." Ray said a frown clearly visible on his face.

"And how do you know her so well?" Malarin asked quietly. Ray was silent, he can't say that they've been seeing each other everyday, whether for business or not.

"Guys, it doesn't really matter what Celle thinks. Malarin, where did you find her?"

"I dropped off Kai and picked her up."

Immediately, an idea about Kai and Celle arguing came into her mind, she grabbed her purse and stood up abruptly. "Ray, do you mind if we get going now?"

Ray nodded and headed to the door, Aeris turned to Kenny and Malarin to wave good-bye. The door clicked shut behind them, returning the room to silence. Kenny stopped typing and went around his desk and then knelt down before Malarin to touch her face. "Does it still hurt?"

"Don't worry about it." Malarin smiled and patted the hand on her face.

"Are you doing anything on Saturday?" Kenny asked.

Malarin raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Kenny sighed and dropped his hands to grab onto hers. "Malarin, we've known each other since forever and..."

"It doesn't matter how long we've known each other, some things just may not work out at all."

"Why do you always reject me when I ask you out?" Kenny asked with a frown.

Malarin looked at him and bit her bottom lip. With a sigh, she glanced down. She can't tell him, it'll... he'll hate her for it. Looking up and into Kenny's eyes, with a ghost of a smile, she hugged him tightly.

Ray's apartment

Finally picking up his car from the bar they were in, he drove back to his apartment rather than taking a taxi. Humming to himself softly, he stepped out of the elevator and headed for his home. In front of his door, he met Celle, waiting for him. He paused and then raised a warm smile immediately. "Hey, what are you doing here this late?"

Celle smiled and ran a hand through her hair carelessly. "I don't want to be alone tonight."

"I see." Ray nodded with a serious look on his face. They looked at each other with serious expressions, when finally Celle blinked and laughed, infecting Ray with laughter as well.

"Come on in." Ray motioned as he unlocked the door and held it open for her. Celle nodded at him and stepped into his apartment slowly.

From behind her, Ray turned on the lights and illuminated the foyer before shutting the door behind him. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll make some tea."

"I want something to wear for the night." Celle said after him and slipped out of her jacket. Her body followed him slowly as her eyes wandered around his living room, taking in the surrounding.

"You can wear something of mine. They're all in the closet in my room." Ray said while his hands are busy preparing tea.

"Alright." Celle spun around at the doorway of the kitchen and made her way into his room. Pushing open the door, she turned on the lights. She's afraid of the dark. Slowly walking into the room, she shut the door behind her gently. His room reflects upon him, organized, clean, and very normal with a touch of grace. Opening his closet, she found racks filled with clothing, her nose filled with his scent. Fingering the fabric, she slid every article of clothing past her eyes until she can find something that's suitable for the night.

"Celle, can I come in?" Ray asked after knocking on the door softly.

The door opened and Celle walked out with a large T-shirt on. It covered her from neck to knee. "It's perfect! Extremely comfortable." She commented and pulled at the sleeve of the T-shirt playfully.

"Come on, tea is ready." Celle nodded and followed after him into the kitchen.

"Hey Ray, how long have you known Kai?" She asked as she sat down on one of the chairs around the counter and looked at Ray's back as he is pouring tea.

"A very long time." Ray answered and turned around with 2 cups. Placing one in front of her, he sat down across from her with his. "Why?"

"I was just wondering what kind of girl he likes." Celle said, stirring her tea slowly.

"Why? You like him?" Ray asked. He took a sip from the cup, hoping that it'd hide his emotions.

"It was love at first sight." She then laughed mockingly and shook her head. "Nah, starting with like is perfectly fine with me."

"I see." Ray commented shortly, and he was quiet. After a moment, he felt Celle's curious eyes on him, only then he remembered that he still hasn't answered her question. "He likes... anyone that has the same personality as Celestia."

Celle dropped her stare immediately and formed a small smile. "You heard about what happened today, huh?"

"Celestia was never like that. She wouldn't have slapped Malarin; she would have held back her tears and ran off." Ray continued on with a smile, looking into his tea cup.

Celle frowned, this Celestia sounds like a weakling. She has to change her entire attitude just to get Kai toe even look at her? Ray looked up at her and licked his lips. "Celle, you already have an advantage over most girls." Celle looked up at him with question in her eyes. "No matter you like it or not, your face gives you a clear advantage over everyone else."

Celle looked down immediately, seeing her reflection in her tea cup, a face that's so familiar to her and everyone else. Ray reached out and cupped her face in his hands, she lifted her eyes and head willingly. "Celle, sometimes, to love one means loving everything and everyone around that person."

Celle raised an eyebrow skeptically, she has to love everyone as well?

Casino Heaven

"Kai, are you in here?" Aeris asked as she peered into the dark room, her eyes scanning the room. It seems as if he's not here.

"I'm here."

Aeris yelped and jumped around, almost knocking Kai backwards. Her chest heaving up and down, her eyes wide open. "Where, where were you?"

"Getting coffee." Kai said calmly and led her into the office, turning on a lamp beside his computer, the light giving the room a dull glow. Kai walked around and dropped into his large leather chair, his head tilted back.

Aeris looked at him and went over to him quietly, pushing some things away on his desk to make room for her sitting, she noticed a familiar picture. Pausing, she reached out and hesitantly picked it up. "What happened?"

Kai cracked open an eye and looked at it, frowning, he went back to resting with his eyes closed. Aeris raised an eyebrow and nodded with a fond look in her eyes for the picture. "Celle, huh?"

The picture was torn up by Celle, and it seems like Kai has taped all the pieces back together carefully. Every crack met with each other, as if the picture wasn't ever torn up, except for the lines running through it.

"Kai, you can't keep this up forever, what do you have planned for Celle? You do have to work with her for at least half a year." Aeris started as she dropped the picture on the table again.

"I don't know, seeing Celestia's face, and Celle's attitude, it's just..." Kai trailed off, and with a sigh, he whirled around in his chair and looked out the large windows at the lightened city below him.

"I know what you're saying, but maybe, just for her face; give her a bit of sympathy. Give her a chance, and maybe you'll find her attitude changing." Aeris said patiently. Even though she doesn't like Celle at all, but she understands her feelings. And besides, Ray and her...

"Her attitude changing? I doubt what happened to Malarin is a change of attitude." Kai stated mockingly.

Kenny! That idiot!

Aeris rolled her eyes and mentally cursed Kenny over and over again. Here she is, trying to restore some peace back to their lives. After so many years, when they're finally able to at least put Celestia at the back of their head, she appears. What is this?

"Yeah, but she was pissed at you." Aeris said quietly.

"So, you're saying it's my fault?"

Aeris looked around and shook her head, this is harder than she thought. Looking at Celle's face, she sees her best friend, and even though she barely knows her, but she would still like to be her friend. And thus, she is defending her against everyone, but sometimes, she seriously wonders if it's worth it.

Without thinking, she went around and knelt down in front of Kai. Touching his hands softly, Kai looked down at her. "Kai, I'm not trying to do anything that'll make you bend your rules. However, giving Celle a chance may be the best thing for everyone at this time." Aeris gave him a sympathetic smile and looked at him pleadingly.

Kai didn't say anything, he just reached into one of his drawers and took out a box to give to Aeris. "Here's that necklace that you wanted me to order."

Aeris dropped her hands and stood up slowly. Stupid Kai and his ability to change the topic. "Thanks." Aeris took it and grabbed her purse, opening it up, she gasped. "Oh no… Ray's recipe!"

Kai looked up at her questioningly, Aeris grabbed her purse and the box then gave Kai a smile. "Sorry, got to return this. I'll see you some time." Aeris turned and walked out of the room quickly.

Kai looked after her retreating form, slowly; he turned his head to face the windows again.

Give Celle a chance huh?

Ray's Apartment Building

Aeris stepped out of the elevator quickly and hurried to Ray's apartment. Ringing the door bell twice and she waited. Soon, the door swung open, Aeris put on a smile immediately. "Ray..." She trailed off and her eyes widened. A frown appeared on her face as she starred at the person in front of her unbelievably.

"What are you doing here?"

TBC...

Thanks for reading, please R&R.