---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm absolutely sorry that I'm so late with this chapter. I'm sadly 3 chapters behind and with me being very highly sick I won't be able to make up the missed 3 chapters. I'm very sick and couldn't get out of the bed for the last 4 or 5 days. I'm sorry if I upset you by being late but it's a hard world to live in when you're body has a hard time defending you from viruses and your own allergies. I didn't have a voice until about 5:30 today Wed. 5/15 so I'm sorry if I'm not in a very happy mode. Don't worry it won't effect the story.

I'm sorry if any of you wanted to know the websites for the names url codes don't show up there. You'll have to type this in yourself without any of the spaces I put in.

www. behindthename .com the other site is www. babynamesworld .com ; don't put in spaces anywhere in the name, capitalize anything or add anything. Type in on your own. I'm sorry to Tara whose story link and profile and website url didn't show up. If you want to see, read or visit her look for Tara- Chan00. I'm still thinking about a sequel if you guys want me to. I'm not sure what I'll do after that.

This is chapter 8 of my many chapter book/story. A story is short and has no chapters. A book has 2 or more chapters. These are my definitions of story and book. Most of the so-called stories on these sites should be called books because of their length and chapters. I enjoy writing these stories and books. Next chapter here we go!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: Setting Plans into Action

Miriam came down the stairs and saw Mariah and Ray sleeping on the couch and she turned around and went into her own room. All that running, jumping and planning had really taken a lot out of Mariah and Ray. This place was so relaxing they were probably getting 12 hours a sleep a day. No one would blame them for sleeping after they stayed up so late the night before. The place was very quiet other than the TV on from the beyblading match. The winner was Kai of course who was waiting for another opponent to challenge before the tournament ended. He had been a bit happier after he stopped his grandfather (Voltair)'s plan from ruling the world.

After a while, Miriam came down to make some dinner for everyone. The fact was it was 7:00 and Mariah and Ray had came home late then fallen asleep. Ray and Mariah started stirring from their sleep when the wonderful fragrance of the meal filled the air.

"Something smells nice Ray. Let's go up and see what Miriam's cooking." Mariah wondered as she tried to sit up but fell back in her seat. Ray helped Mariah get up out of the chair and they walked into the kitchen. Miriam was cooking steak and noodles for them. They're mouths were drooling waiting for the extravagant meal Miriam had cooked them. It looked more wonderful than it spelled.

"So why steak tonight Miriam, I thought you have steak on Thursdays?" Ray asked sitting next to Mariah and Max who was just looking at the wonderful meal his wife Miriam had prepared for them.

"Max just thought steak would be nice to have on a Saturday for once. With you guys here; I think we shouldn't have a schedule. When it was just us two we made all our plans for us two and know there's another couple with us so we will just do everything spontaneously. Right Max?" Miriam sat next to Max and she kissed him on the cheek and the sat down and had dinner.

"Yep, this steak has more flavor then you're normal. What's in it, it's delicious?" Max complemented Miriam. Miriam blushed and Ray and Mariah just smiled seeing their freely married friends happy was enough to make Mariah giggle.

They finished eating and Miriam got up with Mariah and did the dishes for the second time today. "So Mariah, how about we go out shopping tomorrow? It'll be a nice relaxing trip. We can get our hair done, and grab some more snacks while we're out. It'll be fun, what do you think?" Miriam asked hoping that Max would get a chance to talk to Ray while they were gone.

"I don't know, I guess that'll be perfect to do. I need sometime to go shopping and buy some materials for a new outfit or two. Is that okay with you Ray and Max?" Mariah didn't want to leave the boys all alone if she and Miriam were going to have fun without them.

"It's fine Mariah. Max and I can hang out together. It's been a while since we did, hasn't it Max?" Ray had no clue Max's definition of hang out. Ray knew his definition but the two had very little and common.

"Right Ray, we can talk and watch TV and other stuff. It'll be fine for you guys to go into town tomorrow. Miriam make sure you get Mariah whatever materials she needs for getting a few new outfits made." Max went to get his wallet but Ray already had his.

"Here Mariah, this should be enough. It's going to get some good silk for your outfits here but take your time and have fun." Ray handed Mariah about 200 dollars for her silk outfits and waist ties.

"Thanks Ray, I'll be sure to get some extra to make you one too, okay. You're outfits are pretty torn up from all the battles back in the Lintec Tribe grounds. I'll have to get a sewing kit, and special silk thread to fix it." Mariah politely grabbed the money.

"Here's some money for you too Miriam. It should be enough to get yourself a few nice outfits too." Miriam took the money and kissed Max on the cheek. Then Mariah and Miriam walked out the door and they went out for their shopping outing.

The guys watched BeyBlade matches on TV then they turned off the TV to talk. "So Ray, it seems like the BBA is paying you well too. I'm not surprised. We did do a lot for the world by stopping Voltaire. It was horrible watching Mariah cry for you when you left. I know you didn't mean to get hurt that badly. You scared Mariah pretty bad. She was screaming. If she would have had Galax she would have joined in and saved you. I'll guarantee that." Max was good at bringing up a particular subject.

"I know I wished I could have just won easily and not get hurt that bad. I could hear her in my mind saying it over and over. It was scary; her, the Majestics, Kai, Lee, Tyson, you, Kenny, the All Stars, but mostly Mariah. I wished more than anything to get up and be with her at that moment but I just couldn't. I was going to cry; her cry was more painful than the pain of the injuries. It hurt me a lot." Ray was very badly hurt in that match and he was a horrible mess for a while after.

"I don't think I could stand Miriam screaming for me to wake up and no being able to hug her, kiss her, embrace her and show her I'm okay. I got hurt badly a lot in my matches with her but nothing as bad as what you endured during your match." Max said just thinking of how painful it would to be to hear and not be able to move to touch her, see her and make her happy. It would tear anyone apart.

"I remember how sad I was when I had to watch Miriam's trial. She had to go threw all those excruciating punishments and tests. I just wanted to grab her and run away. But it some ways I did. They told me how this could stop; they said that someone had to choose to marry Miriam. I loved her and got down on a knee and asked. I didn't have a ring but it was a pretty good proposal. I think ours is very special." Max said, relaxing in the couch and looking at Ray.

"Your proposal was very special. You heard that then you jumped out of the stands and ran to her who was sitting on her chair. You got down on a knee and asked her to marry you. She agreed and you happily twirled her around. You signed the document and it was over. You've only told me that story once but you described it as if I was there watching you there. You're amazing to do that for her." Ray said thinking about Mariah in all her happiness and perfection.

"So Ray, have you ever thought of proposing to Mariah before the festival so it won't be a big surprise. You get first pick because you'll be the oldest of your tribe people who are going to get married and the leader. I think that would be just perfect. You get 2nd pick after you're captain but he's married so you're going to be first so you'll be free to pick Mariah right." Ray looked as if that had just shot him. He never thought of marrying Mariah. In his dreams he did but never had someone else suggested it.

"You're right. I so should propose to her. How about in a week we go out shopping just us two and you buy the ring then take her to forest again and ask her there. It's perfect for her taste. Don't you think? I'm sure she'll be extremely glad I did. It's funny. It always was a thought to ask her but I never thought to really do it until you brought it up." Ray smiled at the thought of being Mariah's husband. He was perfect for her. He would never work her hard of expect to much of her. He knew what she could do. They're bond was a perfect constant link like a wedding. They just needed time to finally connect the bond forever.

"That does sound perfect to fit Mariah's taste. She loves nature and that's the perfect place to ask her. It's all so perfect. It's a place when she's happy, calm, and with me, alone. It's the perfect time, place, reason, and feeling to do it. You'd make her so happy and protect her from her any problems she might run into. She'll never be up to the Lintec Tribe's expectations but she was born perfect for yours." Max was hit with a problem. It was the puppy problem. Max couldn't let Mariah be held on and completely protected. "But always give her a lot of freedom too. You don't want to treat her like defenseless little pet. I'm sure she wouldn't appreciate that."

"You're right. I'll let her live her own life, make her own decisions and be free to agree and disagree on whatever she wants. I'd never hold her from what she's capable of, Max. She's her own person. I'll just make sure she doesn't ever get as hurt as I have had to deal with. I'm sure she'd have her own dreams. No matter where she goes, I'll be there to protect her." Max was so glad Ray understood something it had taken him so many years to understand. Ray was so overprotective of her he had learn that it was bad and given her a ton of freedom. Ray and Mariah were like him and Miriam. The perfect couple.

It's very simple for Ray to buy the ring but he wanted to get Mariah something different and so rewarding for her. He got it, he'd buy a blade for Galax to be set free in. He bought Mariah her first blade and he'd start all over again.

"Let's go Max, I'm going to buy her a BeyBlade today and give it to her tomorrow. It has been a while since her birthday and I haven't bought her anything either." Max started laughing and rolled over on the couch laughing.

"I think stopping her wedding and her engagement, bringing her here and making her very happy is a pretty good gift for the record. I mean I guess you have a point; everyone does like gifts for her birthday. So why don't we go out while the girls are out. Do you have enough?" Ray nodded, picked up a scrap of paper on it and went out the door; followed by max.

"It's pretty easy shopping for Mariah's beyblade. She's not very picky and she likes pink and so does Galax. I was like 6 when I bought her that blade. She's happy with anything pink. I'm sure she'll like this one just as much." Ray said walking down to the beyblade shop.

"There's another thing you neglected to put on the list of things she liked about her old blade." Max said, trying to play around with Ray's mind.

"What Max? I know that it has to be strong and steady, attack ready; as well as defensive. It has to be made of high allow plastic because of Galax's scratch attacks. I can't think of anything that her new blade needs." Ray said as he looked down the paper that he had listed down everything Mariah needs for her new blade.

"It's something the new one is going to have but it's something that you should have put on the list. It's something that is very high importance to Mariah. It's something that makes her old blade very special. It's something you should have gotten right away." Max said, trying to get Ray to figure it out without telling him.

"No, I can't figure it out. It's something that's very important to Mariah so I need to know. Will you just tell me? I mean Mariah's blade has to be perfect to be reunited with Galax so just tell me." Max shook his head. Max was not going to make this too easy on Ray by telling him but a few more hints wouldn't hurt.

"A blader's blade is the thing closest to it's heart. What were the two things that made the move here bearable for her? Those are the two things closest to her heart. Does the blade have both of them?" Max said trying to give up and just get him to give up.

"All Mariah wanted was Galax and me. The blade will let her use and harness Galax's energy. But how am I going to be used in the blade?" Ray just couldn't figure it out. He was a person and he could be with Mariah in spirit but what else could he do to add something special to the beyblade. "I give up tell me Max."

"Ray, the other blade was bought by you. It meant a lot to her because it was a gift from you. Gift from you're closest friends mean a lot. That's why I said that it's something it had by you buying it. I just said it's something you should know. I didn't say it's something you had to add to the blade. So let's go in." The duo walked into the beyblade store and looked at hundreds of wonderful blades in various colors.

"Can I see all your pink beyblades, sir? I'm buying one for my close friends. I need one very strong with strong attack and defense capabilities. It needs to be very sharp and capable of cutting through a wooden pencil. Cost is no issue for me." Ray said to the man at the counter with Max on his side.

"So you're looking for a very feminine yet very strong and hard beyblade. I think I have a perfect beyblade for you. It's was sent to us by the top builders at the beyblade. It's mainly for bit-beast capabilities but if you think she can handle it than you can buy it." He held out a bright pink beyblade in a case. It didn't have a bit-chip but that didn't matter because the bit-beast would replace the bit-chip position.

'She has a bit-beast bit-chip but her blade was taken away so we need to buy her a new blade. This will do great." Ray held out the money. He didn't need to check what the company rated it because he could feel the strength and power when he was near it. It was the perfect for Mariah.

Ray picked up the case and exited the store with Max on his side. The case was very heavy. It was a wooden case with silk cushioning which the shop owner let him keep because; he felt it was nice to see him buying a gift.

"Wow Mariah is going to be over ecstatic when she sees that blade you bought her Ray. You didn't spend a penny that wasn't completely worth while there. That blades perfect for Mariah. It's everything you put on that list and more." Max said admiring Ray's wonderful and perfect gift for Mariah.

"I hope Galax will be able to adjust really quickly to the new blade. Galax has never changed blades before; it may take time. Drigger and Draciel have been switched and improved on many times by Kenny and the BBA but Galax and Shark Crash haven't. I just can't wait to see Mariah's face when Galax comes out of that blade." Ray was holding the box and looking through his room to find the gift rap he purchased to rap Mariah's gift.

A few hours later Mariah and Miriam came home with shopping bags and shopping bags in hand. The girls look utterly tired so the guys took the bags into their rooms while the girls cleaned up and headed to their rooms for the night.

Everyone awoke to a scream to find Mariah running frantically around the house looking for something or someone in particular. It turned out that Ray had left a few notes around the house for Mariah but Mariah was to shaken not to find Ray to notice that the notes were from Ray. Max and Miriam ran out to see her; the quickly pointed out that the notes were from Ray so she calmed down and followed their direction.

Grab your bag, your bit, and light

And prepare your bit to fight

A present for you, a gift

A simple gift to spirit lift

You on this wondrous occasion

Ray Kon

This occasion works a lure

To lure you into the forest

So follow the notes

And listen to me

And meet me at our favorite tree

Ray Kon

She grabbed her handbag and Galax's bit-chip and a flashlight and went down a tunnel at about 8:00 the same time she got up everyday. She walked down the path to the forest and went to her favorite tree where Ray's note said to meet him and there he was with a gift in hand. She smiled; a gift was great on it's own but a gift from Ray was it's own reward.

"Hey Mariah, this is for you. Take it and open it; it's for you. I just got it yesterday. I perfectly designed it to match you and Galax." Mariah walked over to Ray she took the package and sat down next to him. She slowly unwrapped, the gift. She was being very careful not to break it.

She saw what it was, with a scream of happiness and of joy; she carefully sat the box to the side and tightly hugged Ray. What was screams of joy and happiness became tears of joy and happiness.

"O Ray, thank you so much. It's perfect." She sat there hugging Ray looking at her case for her blade. The case was about as big around as a CD and was cylindrical with a clear glass case on top. It was only about 3 inches tall and was perfect to fit inside her purse to carry her blade. It reminded her of something she had bought yesterday. "I also bought something for you yesterday."

"What it is?" Mariah searched through the bag she brought then her backpack until she found it. It was the same cylindrical container Ray had given her except inside was a blue, black and white beyblade. It was very similar, almost identical to Drigger's old blade.

"Great minds think alike. I brought some money from home too. I saved it up to get you a gift and when we pasted the beyblade store I though it was the perfect gift for you. I found it a lot like Drigger's bit. The store owner said it was created to harness bit-beast's energy. I see mine is also. It had no bit-chip like the beginning ones." She took Galax out of her bag and the blade out of her case. Ray did the same thing. They both had their triggers with them and they let the beyblades go into the area.

The spent hours on end just working on getting their maneuvers back to tip-top shape they picked up their blades and all their stuff. It was about midnight and they were very tired. Neither of their bit-beast had shown up but they knew sometimes things took their time to show their true colors and arrive.

When they got back to the house not to their surprise; Max and Miriam had fallen asleep on the couch. Max was leaning against the couch, while Miriam was snug in Max's arms. They were very comfortable and looked as though they could sleep like that and live like that forever. Mariah and Ray dared not to interrupt them because they had done that a similar few times. They understand how nice it was and knew it was not for their best of interest to sleep to heavily guarded beybladers in the middle of the night.

One might wonder why Max and Miriam didn't share a room but truth holds that only on rare occasions did they ever use their own beds in the first place. They're only 16 for another reason. Max brought her out of hard problems and would never bring her back to that if you've wondered that. Max saved Miriam much as Ray saved Mariah to put it short.

I'm sorry this chapters late but I'm very sick and very tired all the time. Be lucky I tried to go to school and felt up to doing some work on the computer. I love writing these stories but I haven't been able to get out of a bed in 4 or 5 days so sue me, not seriously.

Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade! Not now, Not ever! If I did this would be true.