Ah, me. An update.

Chapter Six- Looking Puzzled

"Get up," an amused voice came above him. Kai Hiwatari blinked, his eyes adjusting to the light of his lamp which was so rudely turned on. What time was it? He only barely remembered getting into bed after Aya went home last night.

He looked at his clock. Two AM. Two in the fucking, goddamn morning. Who the heck is up at this indecent hour? "What the hell. Did you get any sleep last night?" He mumbled, half-hoping that this was all just a nice dream, and that nobody would answer, and that he could go right back to his rest very, very soon.

"Oh come on, Kai, you can at least do me the courtesy of wishing me a good morning. I've come to greet you." He turned to the sound of the voice, recognizing its mocking tone and style immediately. Aya. He should have known not to be so optimistic in the morning.

"For the love of…" Kai swore under his breath. "What the hell are you doing up so early?"

"Getting ready for the flight. It is an early flight after all." Aya was standing serenely above him, apparently amused at his irritation. She was fully dressed, parka and all, as if she was ready to dive into the cold Russian weather any moment now. She did tell him that she was packed the night before, but he didn't think that she'd be over so early. And wait a minute, how'd she get into the house?

"I stole your key." He glared at her for reading his mind. He prided himself on being aloof and unreadable, but she saw through all of that. Though, he supposed that the early wake up call did nothing for his image. "I thought I'd play rooster and get everyone up."

"That's exactly what I mean. I'm usually the first one up. If I'm not up, it's much too early. Stop ruining my reputation, bloody wench." She was such a damnable female. If Bryan wasn't so fond of her, and willing to kill those who hurt her, Kai would have loved to toss her out into the Japanese fog surrounding Tyson's house.

"Well, there's a first time for everything. And I missed getting you guys up. Spencer was the most fun to wake up, don't you think? I remember the time he nearly threw me out of his room after I snuck a squirrel into his room one morning and told him it was rabid," she said cheerfully.

"Mmmph." Kai threw his pillow over his head, clearly uncharacteristic, but hey, as long as the rest of the team didn't know this side of him, he was free to act like a child. Aya fully deserved this treatment—he was in no mood to wake his team up.

"You didn't tell your team that your 'cold image' is probably due to the fact that you're not a morning person, did you? You only get up early out of force of habit." Yep, she really was a damnable woman. Imagine what would happen if she started telling his team all these tidbits. Mass chaos, that's what. He'd never hear the end of it from those idiots again.

"I hate you." Avoidance of that topic didn't seem smart, but he was still tired.

"Yes, well, I still remember the time you and Tala gave me a dead rat for Valentine's Day that one year, so let's call it even." She tossed her lavender hair behind her smirking at the memory.

"Completely Tala's idea." Well, no not really, I was the one who suggested wrapping it up and giving it to her. He's the one who found it. But I wouldn't have had any ideas if he hadn't brought the thing over for me to see in the first place.

"Oh just get up, you liar. Mr. Dickenson is coming to pick us up in an hour and half." She tugged on his pillow, trying to extract it from his iron grip. "You know, you really are difficult. I pity the woman who will be your wife. I expect she'll have to be nearly neurotic to deal with someone like you."

He groaned into his pillow. "Why me?"

She laughed. "You're my favorite, that's why. Now get up, before I dump this cup of water over you. Besides, you don't want me to deprive you of your fun of waking Tyson and Kenny, do you?"

He sat up in his bed grouchily. "Did you go to sleep at all last night, or," he asked mischievously, "were you just eager to see me in bed?"

"Hah. You wish. Don't let that comment get out to Bryan. He'd rip your heart out. And I'd enjoy watching every moment." She wasn't even fazed by his suggestive comment.

"Sadist," he grumbled. He got up and put on the robe she handed him. "I'm going, I'm going."

"The good thing about early plane rides is that Kenny is finally off his laptop, so we finally know what he looks like," Ray told Aya.

Chief was sleeping soundly, glasses askew, and blankets wrapped up to his chin. The worry lines that usually 'adorned' his face were gone, and he looked happy, finally. He was quite adorable when he was relaxed; it was just that he was hardly ever relaxed during waking hours.

"He looks like he hasn't slept in ages," she said, looking at the snoring boy in front of her and noting the dark rings around his eyes.

"When Kenny is up, he's a bundle of anxiety. It's better if he sleeps anyway," Kai grunted.
"After his yelling and complaining getting into the car, it's a nice change," Aya agreed, rubbing her temples. Her head was resting on Kai's shoulder, which amazingly he didn't seem to mind too much. "He does have a severe case of anxiety attacks, though," she added absently. "He really should see a doctor for those kinds of things."

"Or get a girlfriend that doesn't need an internet connection to keep him occupied," Max cut in grinning.

"That too," she smiled. She shifted her position so that resting on Kai's shoulder would be easier. "I hate trying to sleep on planes. They're so uncomfortable."

Ray raised an eyebrow. "Ah. I thought you were trying to get closer to Kai."

Kai snorted. "Are you kidding? She stole my pillow just so she could get comfortable. Now I've become her pillow so that she won't complain of a sore neck tomorrow. I've never felt so used in my life."

She sat back up and punched his shoulder before resuming her position. "Shut up, I can't sleep when you move so much."

Kai smirked and moved his shoulder to hit her ear. "Stop complaining."

"Whatever. Ray, I'm going to use you as a pillow. This one is retarded." Ray looked at her in startled surprise as she took up residence on his shoulder. She relaxed and closed her eyes, the only sign that she was exhausted.

"Is it okay?" he asked Kai.

"Of course it is. You didn't seriously think we were dating, did you?" his captain shook his head.

Max and Ray watched Aya fall asleep on Ray's shoulder.

"So…" Max started with a hint of a smile beginning to take over his face, "I take it you're not dating then?"

"Don't be stupid. She's interested in someone else. Someone who'd probably kill me if he knew that she was using me as a pillow." He smiled at the Chinese blader. "Or you, for that matter, Ray."

Max grinned. "Ah, what's a few shoulder sharing moments between friends?" he joked.

Ray quirked an eyebrow. "Possessive boyfriend, then?"

Kai rolled his eyes. "Big time."

"Did they have to make the damn invitational in the dead of winter?" Max chattered as the Bladebreakers arrived in Russia. "I appreciate the fact that this is their home… but it's freezing!"

Hilary laughed at Max's face. "Don't worry, Maxie. And stop scowling otherwise the cold will freeze your face like that permanently! Then we'll be forced to deal with another grumpy looking Kai." He made another face. "Och!" Hilary said, "it's already beginning to become permanent!" Aya grinned as well and tossed Max a coat.

"Max, you've been to Russia before. Don't you know that if you get off the plane without a coat, you might never make it to the luggage terminal?" she teased.

True to her words, Aya and Hilary became fast friends, and Hilary was more than happy to be Aya's charge. The two girls could often be found laughing together or silently spending an afternoon in the comfort of each other's company. Tyson was originally less than thrilled with this arrangement, however.

"Why can't you be her charge?" he argued with Kai when Aya was first introduced to them. Kai had rolled his eyes, he probably should have anticipated all the stupid questions, but before he could shoot another retort at Tyson, Aya stepped in.

"Because I can't afford getting close to any of the Bladebreakers," she explained. "If BioVolt feels that I am important enough to any of you, they could easily kidnap me and use me as leverage against the team. If I'm with Hiliary, it won't matter as much, and you guys are safe." She looked at Tyson, who still looked unhappy. "All right. I solemnly swear to keep Hilary safe no matter what the consequences."

Tyson sighed. Hilary squeezed his hand reassuringly and said, "You've never had to worry about me before. And now there's two of us to keep a look out on you guys. We'll be fine." His eyes had softened and agreed. "Deal." And that was the end of that.

Kai had a silent respect for her, Hilary loved her, Tyson tolerated her, Max was kind to her, Ray was polite to her and Kenny adored her. Well, adored her knowledge of beyblades to be exact. There was very little that she did not know, and she often helped Kenny interpret his computer data about the Bladebreaker's blades.

She was after all, a BioVolt scientist. That's how she was raised. Kai was surprised just how many BioVolt files were online. He expected them to be under some heavily guarded chest. But if anyone even knew these files existed, it had to be her.

The team had arrived in Russia a few weeks early to get themselves used to the conditions, to get themselves acquainted with their surroundings, and because most teams would be attending the Pre-Invitational ball the week before the tournament, to meet old friends, make new ones, and makes sure everyone knew who Aya was even before the beybattles began. Aya had told Kai which hotel to book rooms in, she knew which hotels BioVolt had a close eye on, and she wanted to avoid those places at all costs.

One thing did bother him about that. She had added, "But I doubt they have enough staff to cover all the hotels they want to. Still, we can't be too careful. Besides, all the ones I chose all have nice courtyards where you can practice. So don't go lax on your team."

Was there ever a time when she wasn't aware of BioVolt's activities? Just how long had she been watching?

She was a child genius, Kai reminded himself. She's extremely sharp. This shouldn't surprise you at all.

She also knew too much. BioVolt would kill her if she slipped. Bryan would have to kill her if it turned out that her timing was even a little off. If her calculations held only one mistake. If she took one too many risks.

If Boris ever knew she survived.

That's how Boris worked. That's how BioVolt always worked. BioVolt ran in her veins.

Could she really kill that monster without killing the Demolition boys?

Kai knew that BioVolt wasn't afraid of committing murder. What frightened him more was that Aya didn't seem to be afraid either.

Aya Miyamoto wasn't afraid to kill any one who stood in her way. To kill BioVolt would mean to avenge herself. And every single person who wasn't strong enough to avenge themselves.

Kai included.

Kai had really deluded himself in thinking she hadn't changed. The two really had more in common than he thought. She knew it, but she didn't care to tell him, of course.

Aya knew his style had changed over the years. He wielded Dranzer as if it were a dangerous weapon (which it was), and the look in his eye when he did launch his beyblade spoke of pain.

They were no assassins, but the children of BioVolt were trained to be familiar with death. They did live a living one.

She, on top of her prior BioVolt training and experience, was gifted and cursed with abilities that would probably make his head spin. And she was going to put them to good use, even if it killed her.

Aya wasn't cold-hearted, but there was one person she would love to send to the bottom of hell to given the chance. Boris. And she knew she would see him at the tournament. Why she had ever feared this man, or even listened to him, she'd never forgive herself for.

But that didn't mean she had to forgive him for any of his crimes. Or forget them. That would be a sin.

Aya flipped her lavender ponytail onto her back. I'm back, she told the gray sky silently. She turned and saw Kai watching her.

"Ready to go?" he questioned. She nodded and fell in line behind Hilary.

The rest of team grinned and said in unison, "Let's go!" Armed with their luggage, the Bladebreakers turned to find a cab to take to their hotel.

Kai stopped when he saw a limo outside of the terminal. Waiting, it seemed, for him and his team. The driver, he recognized, was from BioVolt.

He stole a glance at Aya. Her face was placid, and she didn't even flinch. Damn her and her omnipotent attitude.

"Master Kai," the driver bowed, "Master Boris would like to see you and your team now. Won't you accept?"

No, thought Kai, I wouldn't.

But he couldn't say that. Boris had been counting on that, and he knew it.

"All right," Kai said coldly, "For now. But any abnormalities during the trip, and you can be sure that you won't be any condition to tell your master what happened."

He only looked at the driver when answering.

The rest of the Bladebreakers stared at Kai. Hilary said softly, "I'll call a cab for our things. I'll be right back." She turned and left, with Tyson following her. The others got into the limo. Tyson and Hilary raced back in a few minutes.

As the automobile pulled away from the airport, Aya exchanged a glance with Kai before looking out her window.

Tala unhappily followed Boris to the entrance way of BioVolt. "… And my boy, it will be brilliant! Showing Kai Hiwatari that I got the better portion of the will!" he howled with laughter. "Riches? How much richer I shall be with their bitbeasts!"

And on, and on… Tala repressed a sigh. Why Boris chose him to help welcome the Bladebreakers was a mystery to him. He couldn't say he was very happy about his role.

Kai and Tala had grown up together, and he knew that Kai would hate him for going along with this entire thing. He just couldn't help himself. BioVolt was the only thing he really had in the world, and if he lost his team, where would he be?

Thank god Ian, Spencer and Bryan didn't hate him. At least he hoped so. It was hard to think that when was he was so busy hating himself… for betraying himself.

He hated how he envied Kai for joining the Bladebreakers. That could have just as easily been him, right?

No, no you couldn't. The rest of the team would have never forgiven you. Kai could afford to betray—they unleashed Black Dranzer onto him. If he stayed any longer, he would have died.

At least they didn't try to kill him by giving him Wolborg. His bitbeast was his best friend. And besides, giving him cyborg qualities did seem to be enough for Boris.

Obviously, there were days when Tala despised being part cyborg. Today just happened to be one of them.

"They're here!" Boris shrieked with almost inhumane glee. As the Bladebreakers walked in, Boris' usually immovable face was glazed over with an unearthly smile. Tala felt a touch of fear. He had never seen Boris so excited in his life.

Kai shuffled in first, glaring at Boris. Tala had never seen him so furious at anyone before. He kind of wished he could have afforded the luxury of glaring at Boris as well. He and the other Boys would probably reduce the man to ash if they could.

"Welcome Bladebreakers!" Boris cackled. "Come in! Do take a look around at the new and improved BioVolt!" He threw his hands up in a sloppy fashion. "Come and meet your hosts! Tala, I trust you remember these people well?"

Tala acknowledged Kai with a small nod, which Kai returned. He really didn't dare say anything to the Bladebreakers. Boris continued, "Ah, but it seems we are missing one from our group? Miss Tachibana, where is your friend, Miss Miyamoto? Tala and I were looking forward to meeting a newcomer to the BioVolt facility!"

Hilary quietly regarded him while answering. "Outside. Aya was rather impressed with the walls of BioVolt, so she's taking time to study the architecture of this building. They looked like pieces of art she had seen in Paris, she said. She told us to go ahead of her."

Boris frowned. "Well, that will certainly not do! I must meet her as well! Tala!" he snapped at his second-in-command, "Go find the girl."

The redhead looked confused but did not question the order. "Did she say which building she was going to take a look at, Miss Tachibana?" he politely questioned Hilary.

"Oh she's right outside. I don't think she moved." Tala nodded and bowed out.

Kai looked at Boris coldly. "Why did you bring me here?" he asked icily.

"A quick tour, Kai, surely you do not object? I wanted you to see the improvements we've been making since your grandfather left BioVolt in my hands."

"We're not interested, Boris. We had no desire to see you again. Forever, if I could help it."

The man smiled again. "Ah, but I think you will be. At least pretend to be cordial, my boy, at least before your bitbeasts become a part of my collection."

"Go to hell," Tyson cut off his captain before Kai could respond, glaring at the pale man.

"Ah, temper, temper."

Kai watched Tala walk out of the complex with some apprehension. He knew that Tala probably wouldn't do anything to Aya… but how would she react to seeing one of their old friends again?

Or worse, what would happen when she saw Bryan?

Whatever happens, Kai thought, she better play it safe…we're in their territory now.

On their grounds.