Chapter 5: Being a Team

Darkness, all I saw was darkness. I suddenly saw a bright orange light before me; then it turned to a blood red. My curious hand reached out to touch it. When my hand collided with it, a burning sensation went through my hand. I suddenly realized what I had touched, fire. I drew my hand back and looked to see where the source came from. I suddenly saw a strange shape take form, It was Kai, but he looked different. His blue bangs cascaded over his face in an eerie shadow. Suddenly his head snapped upward and I saw a smirk on his face. I took a step backward noticing that his eyes were a dark, hollow color. I saw another shape in front of him, it was a Beyblade. It was black and red. I recognized it immediately.

"Black Dranzer.." I said.

"That's right," Kai said with a sneer, "Gaze upon the most powerful blade in the world! It has perfect spin...perfect balance.. perfect everything. I'm mesmerized by it. You've got nowhere to run!"

"You—can't be Kai," I said in disbelief, "You—just can't be."

"Wanna bet?" He asked.

"Kai," I said, "You're not who you think you are."

"I know who I am," He said, "I am the best blader in thew world! I have absolute power, and no one, especially you, is going to stop me!"

"Kai," I said, "you're being controlled!"

"I was meant to wield this kind of power...and more importantly I was destined to do it alone!" Kai said.

"Kai!" I shouted in a last feeble attempt to bring him back to who he used to be.

"There's no time for talk Ayia," He said, "Now I can finally have a taste of what true power is like. And I'll never give up that power, EVER!"

"No!" I yelled.

"I shall have my revenge," He said as a loud cackling came from his mouth, "BLACK DRANZER!"

Suddenly saw the blazing inferno turn into a huge phoenix that resembled Dranzer, only it was colored a deep black with red wings and tails.

The beast swerved upwards and then dove into a downward spiral towards me. Its gleaming talons sparkled with the intention of death. I was too terrified to grab Orelin. I had nowhere to run, nothing I could do.

Suddenly, I felt a chill run up my back. I saw about twenty or so snowflakes float around me. I suddenly saw a glowing white wolf jump in front of the blast. The wolf was partially covered in red and yellow armor around its face. Two icy wings sprout out from its back.

"Wolborg.." I said as I saw the mighty wolf collide with the evil black beast.

'Wait!' I thought, 'I remember this!'

'I loved you more than anything! Then when you started hanging out with Tala, I expected things. I wanted revenge, so I stole and used Black Dranzer to attack him, but it backfired, and I attacked you. I thought you were dead and felt so ashamed and ran away, because I loved you!' I remembered Kai's words from inside the Sleeping Room.

'This must be when he attacked me with Black Dranzer!'

I saw the Wolf and Phoenix grapple and fight. Suddenly Kai barked out an order to the mighty bird.

"I'm tired of this," He said, "Black Dranzer, Final Attack!"

"Kai, no!" I shouted, but it was too late. The mighty bird released a wave of power. The wolf was hit hard. It gave a loud howl of agony and turned into tiny bits of matter that were absorbed into its blade. The blast didn't stop there. It surged through the room, forming a crack in the floor and wall, right towards me. I could only close my eyes and wait.

Suddenly, I didn't feel the pain I thought would come. I looked up to see a familiar face.

"Enrique!" I said. He was blocking the wave, a soft aura around him. What was he doing in my past?

"Ayia." He said, his voice a soft echo, "I promise they won't hurt you."

"Huh?" I asked, "How do you know about any of this?"

"Ayia," He said, "We are a team, we stick together, just like you taught me, your past is mine, and mine is yours, we are one."

Suddenly, I saw Oliver, Johnny, and Robert appear in front of me too.

"That's right!" They said.

"Guys." I said, my eyes welling with tears.

"Don't cry," Enrique said, wiping my tears, "There's nothing to worry about."

"Thanks Enrique," I said, "I'll remember that."

I awoke from my dream.

"Enrique," I whispered to myself, "I need to go home, and tell you what you need to know."

I looked around to see sunlight pouring in through the windows onto the bunk bed. I got up and grabbed my old clothes and stuffed them into one of the boxes full of clothes I had bought and I took out a dark blue sweater and blue jeans. I also grabbed a long light blue scarf. I looked to the top bunk to see Max sleeping. I walked out of the small corner and walked into the bathroom. I started the shower and took a short shower. I got out and dried myself off and put on my other clothes. I walked out to find only Kai and Rei awake.

"Should I wake Max up?" I asked.

"You might as well." Rei said.

I walked over to where Max was sleeping. I lightly shook his shoulder.

"Max," I said, "Time to wake up."

"Five more minutes." Max said, rolling over and pulling the blanket over his head.

"Come on Max." I said, "Up."

"Alright, alright." Max said as he got up and we walked out into the main room.

"I'll go make breakfast." Rei said as he walked out into the front room.

"I think I'll skip breakfast." I said, "I need to get back to my team, they probably miss me."

"Are you sure?" Kai asked, "It's only 7:30!"

"Kai," I said, "I can't keep running away from my past, or keep it from the teammates that care about me."

"Okay," He said, "Just remember, I'll always be here."

"I will Kai," I said, "And I'll see you in the Finals."

"Bye." He said.

"Goodbye guys." I said.

"I'll miss you Ayia!" Max said hugging me.

"I'll miss you too Max." I said.

"Woah!" I suddenly heard a yell from across the room. We looked to see Tyson staring out the window in awe.

"What?" I said as I walked over. I suddenly saw what he was staring at. Snow, mounds of it. All of it glistening across the landscape, cascading fluffy pillows of white untouched by human hands.

"Wow!" I said, "I really better get moving."

I walked to the front door and turned around one last time.

"Bye." I said.

"Bye." They all said.

I walked out and went into the elevator. It lurched to the bottom floor. I ran out the front door and into the snow. I ran as quick as I could across town and to the Majestic's base. I walked through the front door and down the hallway I recognized as mine. I only knew Enrique's room was across from mine. I opened my door and set my bags inside and ran across the hallway to his room.

I lightly opened the door to his room. Small traces of light skipped through the room and onto the bed. I saw the outline of Enrique's figure lying on his side.

I walked over to the bedside, trying to make as little noise as possible. I sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress sagging under my weight. I could lightly make out Enrique's face. His eyes were lightly closed. His chest rose lightly up and down with full breaths. He seemed to look more graceful when he slept. I almost didn't want to wake him, but I had to.

"Enrique." I said softly, brushing stands of loose strands of hair out of his face.

I suddenly saw him stir. His eyes fluttered open and started to adjust to the darkness.

"Who is it?" He asked weakly, "Oliver, I really don't want to get up at this hour!"

I laughed a bit, "Enrique," I said, "It's me, Ayia."

"Ayia." He said as he rose up onto his elbows, "You're back!"

"Yeah." I said, "and boy did I miss you."

I hugged him lightly and let go.

"Ayia," He said, "when did you get back? You look a little damp."

"I just got back a few minutes ago." I said, "It's snowing outside, and the snow just got me a little wet."

"Oh," Enrique said, "If you wanted to get up early then--"

He got up onto his knees. I had to tell him, now.

"Enrique," I said, grabbing his hand, "wait."

"What?" He asked.

"I think it's time you know about my past." I said, "I need to tell you, but, only you, okay?"

"Why me?" He asked.

"Well," I said, "because."

"Because what?" he asked.

"That's all I'm giving you for now on that." I said, "Anyway, I'd better start from when I was sent to Balkov Abbey. I was sent there when I was very young. I was trained to be unbeatable. One of my friends there, Matt, he wanted to be in control of the newest, most powerful Beyblade, with the ancient spirit of the Dark Wolf Motoki. He couldn't pass the tests though, so I was recruited. He became enraged that I was the new recruit, so he stole the blade and tried to kill me, but Orelin was released in that battle because I left mostly all the darkness in my heart behind and Orelin was absorbed into my blade. I had the upper hand in the blade battle, but soon, he couldn't control his own darkness and then—Motoki killed him."

Enrique stared in shock.

"Then when I was older, Kai was with me as my training partner. But then Tala came into the picture. Tala trained me thereafter, and Kai became jealous, so he stole Black Dranzer and tried to attack Tala, but attacked me instead. Kai then ran away, thinking he had killed me. But, I lived. Then I became a part of the Demolition Boys until I learned they were stealing Bit beasts, and I ran away from the organization."

"What about being an artist?" He asked.

"A lie." I said, "All of it. I just didn't want you guys to think I was just a Street Rat, and I thought if you knew, you wouldn't like me anymore, or want me on the team."

Suddenly, Enrique laughed a bit.

"Why are you laughing?" I asked.

"That's why you didn't tell me?" He asked, "Ayia, I don't care what you are."

"What?" I said in shock, "Really?"

"Of course," He said, "I'm willing to accept you for what you are."

"And what is that?" I asked.

"The most intelligent, skilled, supportive, and beautiful Blader I've ever met." He said, "that's exactly what you are."

"Enrique." I said. I lied my head onto his chest and just sat there, he accepted me. He wasn't what I thought he was at all. I felt his heart beat in a lulling rhythm that almost put me to sleep. I felt his arms come around me and pull me close. I nuzzled against him lightly, finally feeling safe. I looked up into his eyes.

"Enrique." I started, "I'm worried about my old team, I mean, they've been sent out to kill me, Tala was against it, but the others punished me because I was a girl. I don't want you getting hurt."

"They won't hurt you anymore." He said, "No more pain, Ayia, absolutely none."

"Enri-" I started.

He bent forward and lightly pressed his lips against my cheek. My heart skipped a beat.

"There's nothing to worry about." He said.

I felt something inside of me again. I found the feeling, love; was I truly in love? But how could I be? I mean, I might have felt it once before, but it ended up in nothing but parting and tears. But this was different, it was as though our meeting and our being together on a team was set up, all planned, but at the same time accidental. But, if I hadn't met him, I wouldn't have been able to deal with my past like I was. I had faced it for once. Sure it hurt, but it felt good to have someone beside you to be there for you. But, I couldn't worry about what I felt, the future of the team was at stake, and I didn't want anyone getting hurt. He bent closer to me. I wanted to kiss him, to give in, so badly.

"Enrique," I said, backing up a bit, "I don't think that this is a good idea."

"Why not?" He asked.

"Enrique," I said, "the Finals are tomorrow. We have to focus on Blading."

"But--" He started.

"Come on." I said, grabbing his ear and pulling him out of bed.

"Ouch!" He said as I pulled him into the main hallway. I saw Oliver and the others waiting for us.

"You're back!" Oliver said.

"Yup." I said, "Come on, we've got training to do."

"Wait a minute." Oliver said, "I made a request to a shop yesterday, after you joined the team, and I have something for you guys."

"What is it?" Johnny asked.

"Here, catch." He said as he threw each of us a white box. I opened mine, and saw a baggy purple jacket. It had gold edges and a symbol of a coat of arms with our Bit Beats on it on the back, with Orelin in the middle. Above the coat of arms was the word 'Majestics' printed in gold and my name above it. All of ours were the same except that each of our Bit Beasts was in the middle, depending on our name. I slid it on.

"It looks awesome," I said, "thanks Oliver!"

"You're welcome!" He said, "Now, come on, we've got training to do!"

We all walked into the Training Room and grabbed our launchers. I noticed the sets of armor were empty.

"Where'd the armor go?" I asked.

"We pitched the armor." Johnny said, "the only armor we'll be wearing are these jackets."
"That's great!" I said.

"But we'll still be using our launchers," Robert said.

"That's fine with me!" I said, "Who's battling first?"

"How about we decide the old-fashion-way?" Robert said as he took out a deck of cards, "the two with the highest cards go first."

We each drew a card. I turned mine over, an ace of hearts; I had one of the highest cards.

"Ready," Robert said, "say your card number in 3, 2, 1, now."

"Ace." I said.

"Jack." Enrique said.

"Ten." Oliver said.

"Two." Robert said.

"Ace." Johnny said.

"That means its Johnny vs. Ayia, me vs. Enrique, and Robert can be a substitute." Oliver said.

"Let's go." I said as I grabbed my launcher and we walked towards the dish.

Johnny and I took our positions. I saw that Johnny's launcher was a large axe.

"Ready?" Oliver said, 3, 2, 1, Let it Rip!"

We swung our launchers and our blades flew out. They clashed together and buzzed around the dish.

"Your worthless dog will be rolling over by the time I'm through with you!" He yelled.

Anger burned beneath my collar.

"We'll show you, Orelin!" I yelled as Orelin buzzed harder against his blade, Johnny only sighed.

"Let's get this over with, Salmlyon!" Johnny yelled as a large salamander arose out of the blade. It was a shining yellow color with a mask of armor covering its face. It gave a loud roar into the air.

"Orelin!" I yelled as Orelin left its blade.

"Attack!" We both yelled at the same time. The beasts clashed together and started to clash and fight.

"Get him Orelin!" I yelled as the wolf pushed the salamander away, "Now, Ancient Power!"

Small balls of light surrounded Orelin, then grew bigger and bigger.

"Now!" I yelled as the balls were fired at Salmlyon. They pinned the beast in midair.

"Now, Howling Star!" I yelled as the gems on its armor started to glow. They formed points and connected together, forming a star. Orelin whipped around, firing the star at Salmlyon. It cut through the beast and it turned into bits and was absorbed back into the blade as it flew out of the dish and between Johnny's feet.

"…" Johnny remained silent for the moment, "good match."

"Same to you." I said.

We stepped off the platform and Enrique and Oliver took our place.

I stepped up to the side of the dish,

"3,2,1," I started, "Let it Rip!"

They launched their blades into the dish. The two blades spun around the outside before charging inward and clashing together. They bounced away from each other for a moment, but kept at it.

"I've never seen those two fight this hard!" I said.

"Well both of them are out to impress." Johnny said.

"Who do they have to impress?" I asked, "we're all teammates here."

"You, duh." Johnny said, "You're new here, they're trying to prove themselves to you, but they know each other better than they know themselves, so their strategies will likely be the same."

I thought over Johnny's words. They were knocked out of my head by a commanding cry.

"Amphilyon!" Enrique yelled as the giant serpent came out of his blade.

"Unicolyon!" Oliver yelled as his blade begun to glow. A large unicorn Bit Beast came out of his blade. It was a glowing light purple with a red mane with blue, green, and gold markings on it, and a large golden-horn on its head. I also saw gems across its body, making it glimmer in the light.

"It's beautiful." I said, in awe of the horse.

"You haven't seen anything yet!" Oliver said, "Unicolyon, Earth Shake!"

The mighty horse reared up onto its back legs and brought its front hooves crashing down onto the dish. A large crack started to sever the dish. It reached Amphilyon and a white light filled the room. When it cleared, Enrique's Beyblade was spinning on a curved level of ground, its attack ring split on one side. Unicolyon was on a small amount of dish, still spinning as strongly as ever.

"You're finished!" Oliver said.

"Not yet," Enrique said, "I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve, now!"

I saw Amphilyon launch itself off the curved part of the dish and on top of Oliver's blade and start to grind on the attack ring.

"No!" Oliver said, "you won't win!"

Enrique's blade jumped off Oliver's.

"Let's go!" Oliver said as Unicolyon charged for Amphilyon.

"Charge!" Enrique yelled as Amphilyon raced forward.

"That's just like those two." Robert said, "Head-strong, and their strategy won't change."

The two inched closer.

"Now!" Oliver said, suddenly his blade disappeared and hit Amphilyon in the side.

"What?" I yelled.

"I changed my strategy." Oliver said, "You'd better be prepared!"

I stood up, "Enrique, remember what I told you!"

"Huh?" he said, taking in my words, "Oh, got it!"

"Charge!" Oliver yelled.

"Amphilyon!" Enrique yelled as his blade moved out of the way, "Go over to the edge of the dish!"

The blade moved over to the edge of the dish.

'What's he planning?' I thought.

Oliver's blade charged for his.

"Now!" Enrique yelled as Amphilyon jumped into the air and landed on Unicolyon.

"It's taking its spin and absorbing it into his blade!" Johnny said.

The two now had even spin.

"Good way to even out the score!" I said, "now Oliver, think! Don't just rely on your Bitbeast; your other strategy was working, but now you need to work it against him, use the elements and your Bitbeast. Together, they'll help you win!"

"Why are you giving them both advice?" Johnny asked, "you're sounding like a cheerleader."

"Because they both need to improve, not just one of them, because then we'll depend upon them," I said. I sat down and came inches from Johnny's nose, "and no, I'm not a cheerleader."

I saw Oliver in thought. Suddenly, I saw his eyes spark with an idea.

"Charge!" Enrique yelled.

"Stand still!" Oliver said.

"I won't fall for that again!" Enrique said, at least he learned something from our last battle, "Amphilyon, 90 degree turn and attack from the side!"

"He's thinking more!" I said.

"Now!" Oliver yelled. Unicolyon jumped over Amphilyon and kicked it from behind. Amphilyon turned around to the attack in anger.

"I'm tired of this!" Enrique said, "Amphilyon, Final Attack!"

"Unicolyon, Attack now!" Oliver said as the two collided and a bright light filled the room. When it cleared, I saw that both blades had stopped spinning.

"It's a tie!" I said as they stepped off the dish, "Great job you guys! I couldn't have asked for a better match!"

"I had to say," Robert said, "I was even surprised by your technique."

"I can't wait until the finals," Johnny said, "Kai's gonna get it!"

"Huh?" I said.

"Kai and I are rivals," Johnny said, "He beat me in the championship, but I'm out for revenge!"

"Well," I said, "I barley beat him, so if you wanna beat him, you have to at least tie against me!"

"Who says I can't?" Johnny said.

"Well, since I just beat your butt just a few minutes ago," I said, "I think I'd beat your butt again."

"You wanna go?" Johnny said.

"Anytime buddy, Anytime!" I said. Suddenly, Robert stepped in between us.

"Now, now," He said, "there's no reason for you two to fight, now, shake hands and make up like teammates."

We both turned away from each other with a 'humph', but lightly shook hands.

"I think we're ready for the finals." Oliver said, "Our only competition should be the Bladebreakers, White Tigers, All-starts, maybe, and the Demolition Boys."

I looked down at the floor for a minute. It was going to be hard to face them, but I had a team to help and look after.

"We not only need to test our Blading ability, but we need to be smart too." Robert said, "I say we play--"

"Chess, no!" Johnny said, "I always lose!"

"Aww come on Johnny." Oliver said, "Besides, we all could use a little game."

"But why not tennis?" He asked.

"Because," Enrique said, "It's all snowy outside, the courts would be covered with it!"

"You guys have tennis courts too?" I said.

"You have no idea." Johnny said.

"I haven't seen the whole place yet." I said.

"Neither have I." Robert said, "There are more rooms than you could imagine, all owned and founded by my great, great, great, great, great, great, great--"

"Robert we have a new teammate," Enrique said, "We don't want to scare her away with your family history."

I laughed.

"That's okay," I said, "I bet it's truly interesting."

"Yeah," Oliver said, "just not after you hear it for the ten millionth time."

"But, I don't even know how to play chess." Enrique said.

"I'll teach you." I said, "I know quite a bit about the game."

"Well then," Robert said, "Let's play."

We walked out into the main room and down the hallway to the front room where I had come in this morning. I really hadn't noticed what was all here. There were a few dressers and about three hallways leading different directions. Near the edge of the room was a large spiral staircase leading upwards: Robert led us up the staircase. I walked along in silence like I was here for the first time.

"You haven't seen this whole place yet, have you?" Enrique asked.

"No." I said.

"Then why don't I give you a grand tour, the whole place, top to bottom. I haven't even seen it all, so there may be more things here than you think."

"But," I said, "What about the others?"

"Come on." He said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me around a stray corner. The others passed by, not noticing.

"Let's go." He said, pulling me down the hallway.

The hallway stretched for about fifty feet or so and then it came to dead end.

"Smooth going, Enrique." I said, scuffing my foot across the carpet, suddenly, the carpet rolled back, revealing a small wooden hatch door. I suddenly became curious.

"Hey Enrique, look." I said, indicating the wooden door.

"Bet there's something down there." He said, reaching down and pulling it up, revealing a set of stairs.

"Let's go." I said.

"But what if--" He started.

"Come on!" I said, pulling him down the stairs. Suddenly, the hatch closed and it became dark. I stopped in my tracks. The darkness, it was back. I was scared, scared of it. It reminded me of Motoki, it's nature, feeding off my darkness. I stepped back a bit.

"What's wrong?" I heard Enrique say.

I inhaled quickly and regained myself.

"Nothing," I said.

We continued down the stairwell until we came to a larger room. I still couldn't see. I stepped back and ran into Enrique.

"I'm sorry." I said, "It's just, I'm a little scared of the dark."

I turned around, but I couldn't see him. I felt alone. I reached out desperately, trying to find something solid. I finally felt something solid.

"Enrique," I said, "Is that you?"

"The one and only." I heard him say.

"Well at least I found you." I said, "We have to make our way through this darkness somehow—wait, I know!"

I grabbed my scarf and gave him one end.

"Hold onto this." I said, "This way, we'll stay together."

"But we can't see." Enrique said.

"There's bound to be a light around here somewhere." I said as we stumbled through the darkness.

I suddenly felt a small indentation in the wall. My hand reached up it and lightly felt the feeling of wood. It must be a wall torch. I wondered if I could light it somehow. I reached into my pocket and pulled out Orelin. Maybe if there was some leftover gunpowder or gas left in it, Orelin's sparks could ignite it.

"Let it rip!" I yelled as I fired Orelin onto the edge of the wall. Orelin buzzed along the side, creating sparks, perfect. I saw the sparks hit the torch and I saw it explode into a lit fire. Orelin flew back into my hand.

"Perfect." I said as I looked around the room. It was a stone walled room with some metal armor. I tried to take step forward when suddenly; a large blade sliced about three inches from my nose. I stepped back quickly only to have another blade inches from my back. I turned to see the scarf cut in half.

"Enrique!" I yelled, "Are you alright?"

"Never better." He said as he peeked out from behind the large guillotine.

He walked around it and leaned up against the wall by me, "Well, at least that's over." He said.

He grabbed the end of the torch by accident. The end pulled down and the floor opened up beneath us.

"Ahhhh!" We screamed as fell into the darkness.