Chapter 6: Party for the Bladers
I landed on something surprisingly soft. I looked down to see a large amount of silky sheets and a bed covering. I started to get up, but not before Enrique landed next to me.
"Where are we?" He asked, getting up.
"I'm not sure," I said, staring around. The room was covered in gold and silver ornaments of all sorts. The bed itself was a large canopy with red and gold linings. The carpet was the same color. In the corner was a gold-plated fireplace, "It beautiful though."
I got up and walked over to the corner of the room where I found a small gold box with all sorts of gems in it. I opened it to reveal a long silver necklace with a strange kind of crest on it that was in a circle. It showed a wolf that was divided into two parts. One side was white and the wolf had an angel wing on it. But when it turned black, the wing became pointed and jagged. It was like a mixture of both light and darkness, it was like the two were enemies, but meant to be together.
I picked up the box and put it in my pocket. I walked back over to the bed and sat down.
"Look at this," I said, holding up the necklace, "I found it in here."
"Maybe there's more around here." He said as we started to pillage through the small room, looking for anything to bring back to the guys.
"Look at this," Enrique said, holding up a small metal bracelet with the engraving, spirit of power, on it. It had four amethyst gems in it and the depiction of a dragon on the back buckle.
I walked over to a small pedestal to see a silver circlet with sapphires in it. I lightly placed it on my head. It looked really familiar.
I still looked through the room. There wasn't much more, but the room itself was still stunning. I spied a French-style glass door. Outside, I could see a bit, but it was blurred. I raced to the door and flung it open. Enrique noticed me open it and we walked out onto a small balcony. I walked to the edge and looked out. Suddenly, a flock of doves flew upward, revealing the outside scene. I saw the whole backyard covered in soft snow. Below us was a small garden, all of it frozen in motion. Even the fountain; it's cascading water frozen in midair. On the far side was what looked like a small tennis court and the rest was covered in fluffy pillows of white.
"Wow." I said, breathing in the winter air, "It's beautiful."
"Our backyard, beautiful?" Enrique said, "You're starting to sound like Oliver."
I laughed a bit, "Anything can be beautiful," I said, "If you see it in the right way.
Suddenly, I saw him walk around me, and about every foot or so, stop, and then keep moving until he stood in front of me again.
"Well I've seen you in every way," He said, "and you still look beautiful."
He slid his arms around me.
"Enrique," I said with a laugh, "flattery will get you nowhere."
"Well, it's helping me now, isn't it?" He said.
"Enrique," I said, "The Finals--"
"Can wait." He said.
"No," I said, fighting off my feelings, "I---er---I mean we have to focus on the finals."
"But--" He started.
"Finals." I said sternly.
"Fine." He said.
"Who do we face first anyway?" I asked.
"It was called last night." Enrique said, "We face the White Tigers first."
The White Tigers were from China, and had a lot of power to their name.
"They've got a lot of power on their side." I said, "Especially Lee and his lion Bit Beast Galeon."
"That's why you'll be facing him." He said, "I'll be facing Gary, Oliver will be facing Kevin, Robert will battle Mariah, and Johnny will be a substitute."
"They may have a new teammate too." I said.
"That's true." He said.
"For your battle, I know that Gary has a lot, and I mean a lot of power with his bear Bit Beast Galazzy. What you should do is feel his strategy out first. If he relies too much on power, use Oliver's tactic he used in the battle against you today. But, if he's going on the defensive, try spreading out the dish a little more, since he's bulked up with weight disks, he can't move as fast as you can. But, spread your energy, counter his attacks, and most of all, play smart."
"You should give more strategies to the guys!" Enrique said.
"Speaking of which," I said, "we have to get back."
"Oh yeah!" Enrique said, "They'll be looking for us!"
We ran back into the room and out the door to find ourselves in a large room with a piano in the center and the walls were lined with books, the door we went through was disguised as a bookshelf.
"Wait," Enrique said, "I know where we are!"
He ran out into another hallway as I followed. We took a sharp left and ended up where we started.
"Let's get up to the top room where the others are." He said as we ran up the stairs and down the same path we had before. We ran to about the twentieth door and walked inside. We saw all of them sitting at a table, Oliver and Johnny had fallen asleep and Robert was busy talking.
"So that's when my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great--" He was saying. We sat down in a chair.
"Oh--" Robert said as he saw us sit down, "Where were you two?"
I thought of the only excuse I could.
"We got lost." I said, lowering my head, "Sorry."
"I'm disappointed in you Enrique!" Robert said, "You should know most of this place."
"Sorry." He said.
"That's alright." He said, "By the way, I found this today, it's from the BBA."
Robert handed me a letter with the words Beyblade battle Association written on it in silver. I opened it and read it aloud.
"Dear Majestics, we are pleased to inform you that there will be a get-together for all the teams competing in this year's Finals. It will be on December 13, 2004, that's tonight, at the Dickinson Mansion. Prepare yourself for a night of fun, teams, and battles, and its hosted Mr. Dickinson, President of the BBA."
"Well let's get ready then, we haven't got much time!" Robert said.
Robert got up and walked out.
"I'd better get these two up, and you'd better keep an eye on Robert," I said to Enrique, "Get yourself ready too."
"Got it." He said as he left.
I shook Johnny's shoulder
"Wake up," I said. I tapped Oliver on the shoulder, "you too, sleepyhead, Robert's family history again?"
"Yeah." Johnny said with sleepy eyes.
"Again." Oliver said.
"Guys we have to get ready," I said, "there's going to be a get-together tonight, at Mr. Dickinson's Mansion."
"Let's get ready then!' Oliver said, immediately getting up and leaving.
"Come on Johnny," I said, "You too."
"I don't have to wear a tux, do I?" He asked.
"Now that you mention it," I said, "Yes because I have to wear a dress, you'll suffer the embarrassment with me."
"Come on!' He said.
"Yes!" I said.
"Fine," He said, "But you owe me a rematch."
"Fine," I said, "I wouldn't mind to beat you twice."
"What?" He asked angrily.
"Nothing! Nothing!" I said, "Now go get ready!"
I pushed him out the door and followed him down the stairs. I walked down the hallway and into my own room. I grabbed the bags I had put there earlier and dumped them out on my bed. I dug through the large pile until I found a long dress. It was a dark blue glittery color and fit me tightly. I put blue shoes and my circlet on. I realized my necklace was uncovered, but it matched, and I had never taken it off.
I grabbed a blue ribbon out of one of the bags and tied my hair into a ponytail and then tucked it under forming a loose bun I called a fox hawk.
"This should be fine." I said. I looked at the clock; it was almost four thirty. The party started in half an hour.
I grabbed Orelin and my launcher and put them both in a drawstring bag. I walked out of my room and sat in a chair in the main room and waited.
"Where are they?" I said to no one in particular as I tapped my fingers on the chair.
"Right here." I heard from across the room. I looked up to see the guys; each dressed in a different color tux. Enrique was wearing a deep red, Oliver in rich green, Robert in dark purple, and Johnny in black. All of them didn't look too bad, Enrique especially.
"Wow!" Enrique said, "You look nice."
He started to walk towards me, but Johnny grabbed his collar and held him back.
"Down boy." Johnny said.
I laughed as I got up. I walked over to them and stopped in front of Johnny,
"You
know," I said, "you don't look too bad in a tux."
"Could
say the same of you." He said.
I skipped to the chase; "Our battle will be tomorrow after our battle with the White Tigers."
"Okay!" He said, "I wouldn't mind to beat you!"
"You don't even stand a chance!" I said as I started to advance on him, but not before Robert grabbed our collars and dragged us apart.
"I'm going to make you two hug if you don't stop fighting!" He said.
"Fine!" We both said as we turned away form each other.
"Let's get going." Oliver said as we walked outside. I saw a large white limousine waiting in the driveway.
"Are you serious?" I asked to them, staring wide-mouthed at the car.
"Yeah." Johnny said, "ever seen a limousine before?"
"Yes!" I answered angrily, "I've just never rode in one before!"
"Let's just go." Robert said as we all squeezed inside the backseat. The back was rounded, with a small drink bar near the front and color-changing lights in a small line strip across the top. We all sat quietly as the car drove through the town and into the countryside. The sky started to turn dark with the shadows of night. I saw Enrique stare out the window, his face covered in boredom. He turned back towards the driver.
"Excuse me," He said, "but do you have any idea when we may be there?"
"Right about now." He said. Suddenly the scenery was cleared and a mansion, about the size of the Majestics' base, was seen. The limousine pulled up into the driveway. All of us got out, but Enrique leaned into the driver's window. I saw him pull about forty dollars out of his pocket.
"I'll pay you if you 'accidentally' get here late, say around midnight?" He whispered.
The driver tipped his cap and took the money, "Yes sir." He said as he drove off.
Enrique walked back to see me with my arms crossed and a frown on my face.
"What?" He asked.
"Midnight, huh?" I said with a grin.
"Oh, forget about it." He said as he latched onto my arm and tugged me towards the mansion, "Let's go!"
"Fine," I said, "but Enrique?"
"Yeah?" He asked.
"Can I have my arm back?" I said, gesturing towards my arm. He quickly let go.
"Sorry." He said.
"I was only kidding." I said, "Just don't cut off my circulation next time."
"Sure!" He said. We all walked towards the mansion. I tapped on the door. The door opened to reveal an older plump man of about sixty. He had on a black suit and had a long black cane that he balanced himself on.
"Oh, the Majestics, nice to see you." He said, I finally caught his eye, "Ah, I see you guys have a new teammate."
"The name's Ayia." I said, shaking his hand.
"Come in, come in." He said, gesturing us inside.
We walked into the main room. It was very large, almost twice the size of the main room of the training base. The walls were a bleach white and crème color, with brandy wine colored carpet and marble floors, and a large double staircase winding to some top rooms, easily taking its time. On the ceiling, a lit glassy chandelier hung. There were tons of people mingling in the center of the floor, and some dancing to a soft music that flowed through out the room. I looked to see the Bladebreakers. Max was sitting at a table, wearing the same thing Oliver was, comforting Tyson who was mumbling something about not being let back to the buffet table. He wore a dark blue tux that was smudged with food stains. Ray was wearing a pearly white suit and was talking to a young girl who looked about her age. She had long pink hair and hazel eyes and was wearing a long pink dress; she was Mariah, one of the members of the White Tigers. Kai was leaned up against a wall; his eyes scanning for something that he seemed concerned about. I realized who, the Demolition Boys. I wondered about them too.
I spotted the other White Tigers. Lee, who was dressed in a full black tuxedo; who had long black hair and dark hazel eyes. Next to him I saw two people. One had dark green hair and purple eyes, and wore a dark purple tux. The other one was large and had a line of dark black hair across his head. He was very muscular and was wearing a tan tux; they were Kevin and Gary.
I also noticed one other team, the All-stars. They consisted of four people. One was very tall. He was dark skinned and had black hair with a streak of blond down the center, one had short brown hair and was wearing a white tux like Ray, the one next to him was a young girl who had short red hair and large glasses on. She was wearing a frilly red dress that reached her knees, and the last one was powerfully built with short black hair. He wore a black tux. I recognized their team leader, the brown haired boy, Michel. The girl was Emily, the tall boy was Eddy, and the shorter one was Steve.
I walked next to Kai.
"Looking for the--" I started.
"Yes." He said sternly.
"Why are you so concerned?" I asked.
"One, I do not want them getting their hands on my Bit Beast, and two," He said, "I don't want them getting their hands on you and taking you back."
"Kai." I said, "If I'm going to see them, I'll see them myself."
"What?" He asked.
"I need to find something out for myself." I said, "now, let's forget that and get into the party, come on."
"Not right now." He said.
"Whatever you say." I said, I then imitated Tyson, "Sourpuss."
He gave me a glare that could have shattered a window, but then his face turned into a smile, "Go have fun."
I gave Kai a hug, "Thanks Kai." I said. I walked out onto the dance floor and found the White Tigers. I solemnly walked up to Lee.
"Hello Lee." I said, "You're the leader of the White Tigers, right?"
"That's me." He said, "How do you know?"
"I'm Ayia," I said, "and I'm the newest member of the Majestics, and we battle tomorrow."
"Oh really?" He said, "Well, even though you are my opponent, I'm pleased to meet you."
"Likewise." I said, "I'm your opponent, so I can't wait to see you and Galeon in action."
"Same with you," He said, "You own a Bit Beast, right?"
"Yes." I said, "Orelin, the wolf of light."
He looked to be in a state of shock.
"What is it?" I asked.
"You Bit Beast is legendary." He said, "Do you even know the origin of Orelin?"
"No." I said.
"A long time ago," Lee started, "There was a war between the Bit Beasts on a small continent where they all roamed, until one day, three Celestial bit beasts came to reign over the Bit Beasts and keep them in harmony, they were Orelin, Seraphis, and Motoki."
I froze in shock.
"But," He continued, "that harmony didn't last for long. Motoki used to be a very angelic and pure Bit Beast, but he thought Seraphis and Orelin had plotted against him and turned evil. The two had no other choice but to fight him. They sealed him away into a blade and stored him away, and peace reigned until humans arrived, and captured them all, but Orelin was said to wander, looking for a pure heart to guide it, a pure heart that will change the world."
"Me?" I asked.
"It seems so." He said.
"Well," He said, "It's just a legend, so it may not be real."
"I may have to look into that." I said, "Thanks."
"You're welcome." He said, shaking my hand again, "I'll see you at tomorrow's match."
"Thanks Lee." I said.
I walked over to where all the Majestics were standing.
"What are you all standing around for, music's playing," I said, "Let's go! I'm not waiting forever."
I grabbed Enrique's arm and dragged him out onto the floor with me. I grabbed one of his hands as one of his arms slid around my waist. I had never really danced before, but I had always been told to follow the other person's step, needless to say, I didn't get the hang of it right away.
"Ouch!" I heard Enrique murmur as my foot hit his for about the seventh time.
"Sorry." I said, "Maybe I should just--"
"Don't worry about it." He said, "I'm sure that this is one of your first times dancing, am I right?"
"Yeah." I said sheepishly.
"So, you can't have it right the first time." He said, "Now just follow my lead for a few steps, and if your still confused, just tell me."
"If I don't break your foot first." I said.
"Just follow me." He said as he led me across the floor.
After a few steps, I recognized the pattern, back, left, up, and across. My steps suddenly became easier.
"You're starting to relax a little more." He said.
"Why do you say that?" I asked.
"Because," He said lifting up his hand that I had been holding. It looked to be a tint of flourished red, "I can feel the circulation in my hand again."
I blushed, "Sorry." I said.
"It's alright." He said.
He spun me around on my heel and dipped me close to the floor. My head snapped up to come so close to his, my nose barley brushed his.
"You know," He said, "You should dance more, you catch on real quick."
I could feel his breath lightly brush my nose and wisp across my lips. Everything froze for about half a second, but I realized there was other people here and kept in step again.
I suddenly heard the music pick up to a faster pace.
"This is a two partner dance." Enrique said, "It's when you'll be danced with by two different partners, and--"
"You just found yourself another partner!" Max said, running out onto the floor.
"That'll work." I said.
"You know how to do a two partner dance, right?" Enrique said.
"Pretty much." Max said.
"Then let's go!" Enrique said.
Max grabbed me by the hand and spun me around the floor a few times before turning me over to Enrique, who did the same. I saw the room spin around me in a blur of colors before slowing down when I was passed between the two, I almost confused one for the other. This went on until I almost couldn't see. The music finally stopped. I regained my vision to see each one of the boy's arms locked with mine.
"That was great, Max!" I said, "Thanks for helping us out!"
"Anytime!" He said, going back to his team.
I started to fell a little dizzy, maybe some fresh air would help me focus a little more.
"I think there's a balcony at the top of those stairs." I said to Enrique, "I think I'll go get some air."
"I'll go with you," He said, "I could use a little myself."
We both walked up the long flight of stairs, finding a long hallway that led to a doorway that must lead to outside. We started to walk down the hallway, when suddenly, I felt a chill run up my back. It felt very familiar. We turned around, and then looked back the way we were going. I gasped and took a step back, seeing the people I thought I'd never see, my former team, the Demolition Boys.
