Sorry I've taken so long... WOAH! Has it been THAT long? ... Sorry...

Well I've finished this chapter.. its just been that with moving and a WHOLE lot of assessments i havent been able to write let alone update so now its holidays and heres the chapters I've managed to pull together.

Hope you like them... Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Don't own Beyblades.

Chapter Fourteen: Home Sweet Home

As the sun rose high, so did the group and surprisingly enough they had slept in late. The sun was already shining and most of the group were just getting up. Rubbing his eyes Tyson stood up and walked over to where Tala sat at the fire. He was stirring a pot of food, which smelt really good; the reason Tyson had come over in the first place.

"Mm, that smells good. What is it?"

Tala took a small glance at him before returning his attention to the food. He leant over, eyes never leaving the food, as he whispered in Tyson's ear, "Rat."

"Euck. That's disgusting. I'm not eating that."

He heard a small snicker come from where Michael kneeled, folding his bedroll, "Tyson won't eat something? Oh no! Is it the end of the world?" He laughed before heading over to where Tyson sat, nose screwed up, "So what exactly won't you eat? I mean, you not eating? That's as funny as- as Kai waking up."

"I don't see what's so funny about it. He's the Prince remember? It'll be a good thing if he woke up."

Michael backed down at what Brian said and grabbed the spoon off Tala, "So what exactly is this?" He poked it and watched as bubbles began to burst, "This ain't even fit for me let alone a Prince."

"So you told them I was the Prince. For someone who has to look out for me and inform me of things, you're doing a lousy job of it, thief." Kai walked in from the forestry carrying an armful of sticks. He held a sly smile on his mouth and as he placed the sticks next to the fire he sat down next to Tala and whacked him over the head lightly. "You're getting worse at your job each day, Tala. I bet you didn't even tell them that I woke up."

Tala just shrugged and grabbed the spoon back off Michael to stir the food. "Eh. Well it would explain their surprised faces."

Tyson looked over to where Kai had been asleep and then over to where Kai stood, "How did you do it?"

Eddy frowned, "What happened to it being an 'eternal' sleep? Doesn't that mean a 'never wake up' sleep? How come you woke up?"

Kai shrugged it off and handed his plate to Tala. As Tala began to serve the food, Mariah handed the plates out to everyone else.

"Dude, this doesn't look so appetising anymore, smells good though. But what exactly is it?"

Tyson lent over to Michael and spoke low into his ear, "Rat."

"Ewww! I'm not eating rat!" Michael pushed his plate away, as did most others.

Kai frowned and turned to Tala, "You told them it was rat? Nice, thief, nice."

Tala chuckled and ate a spoonful of the food, "Okay, so I made a mistake for what it was. Don't worry, it's edible."

Tyson downed a spoonful and watched Tala's reaction carefully; "I hope so."

Tala just shook his head and laughed as he ate his fill.

Camp was packed and the group headed North to where Elerrian lay. No matter what they talked about the conversation seemed to always lead back to the 'Sleeping Kai' matter, but Tala and Kai refused to talk of the matter. Instead, they glanced at eachother with sly grins and kept their lips sealed. It annoyed the rest of the group but had kept Tala and Kai amused. At lunchtime they had stopped for a short break before walking for another few hours.

"Are we there yet?"

Sigh. "Tyson, if you say that one more time, even as a joke, I swear I'll snap."

Tyson laughed from atop his horse and smiled, "Brian, you'd snap even if I didn't do it. You'd probably think that I was planning something evil to do to you, like you do every night before you go to bed. I bet you plan all the evil stuff you're going to do the next day just to be prepared. You… party-pooper!"

Enrique let out a small chuckle, before galloping off on his horse. Robert let out a small-annoyed grunt before galloping off after his Prince, "Enrique, slow down."

Enrique stopped at the end of the path and turned around, "Look." He motioned for past the path to where the forest stopped and green meadow formed. From there the meadow dropped into a valley where, on the other side, held the edge of another forest. "We're home."

All the teenagers gathered at the end of the path and looked at the sight in front of them.

"Wow. It's beautiful." Mariah leant on Rei's shoulder to see the view better which, in turn, earnt her a blush from Rei.

"But it doesn't explain where Elerrian is. Is it invisible?"

Oliver laughed, "Well, sort of, but not exactly. It's invisible to the eye of outsiders. Really, only Faeries can see it."

"I don't get it. Invisible?" Oliver turned to Emily and nodded.

"Well it's more of a force field. The Faeries of long ago generated enough magic to create a barrier." Oliver sighed and pointed to where a huge metallic object stood. It looked like a more sophisticated version of Earth's generators. "But that time is lost. I mean, after the war- Well, this barrier is now created by those huge generators."

Tyson frowned and looked towards Enrique, "You mean you lost magic? Like how, back on Earth, we've lost those ancient languages my dad keeps bugging me about."

"I guess. I mean, with the war that followed after the Avarian royal family was lost the Faeries were the first to part from the Alliance. We wanted nothing to do with the war, and so our seven guardians, the wisest and most experienced of the group, formed together. Usually, they look after different sectors of Elerrian but with this, they formed together with their magic to create this barrier. It took all they had and- "

"Basically it took all their life force to save others from losing theirs." Robert stood forward, taking over from what Enrique couldn't say. "And so, with our seven elders lost, so was the magic to keep this barrier sustained. We have to use these generators in order that we can let people in and out. And that's how it has always been since we were young."

Tyson nodded understandingly and looked off towards the forestry, "Right. So- I don't mean to be rude or anything, but, I really want to see Elerrian and- Pleeeease, can we go?"

Enrique nodded and they made their way towards the generator. Before they could reach it a sentry flew down from within the trees and bowed.

"My Prince. Welcome home. I'll inform your mother of your arrival immediately."

He flew off and entered into the surrounding forest only to suddenly disappear. Suddenly a blue haze began to appear in front of them, disappearing right afterwards, until it formed a small hole. The barrier had been opened. And there, right in front of them, stood Elerrian.

The kingdom was just what one would imagine Faeries to live in. The Centre Square was bustling with smiling, happy Faeries, all trading in the market square. Small houses were lining the streets but were covered in bright colours as flowers sprouted everywhere. It made the streets alive, filling them all with excitement as to what the rest of the kingdom could bring forth.

From there, a wide cobble stone path led to a huge set of what looked like golden gates, to which the Castle stood. The whole Palace was surrounded by gardens, which held as many colours as you could imagine. It looked as beautiful as the streets but held a peaceful and serine feel towards it that the streets couldn't give. Tiny birds flew from where they perched in the trees as the group made their way up the path.

Michael looked up and only saw blue sky, "So this barrier is invisible. Is it just that though? I mean, does it keep people out like a force field does?"

Robert nodded and looked around, taking in the familiar sight of home. "The barrier stops all living matter coming in. Living matter of our size, though. The animals that dwell here can sense this barrier and know to stay away from it even if they are unaffected by it."

"Does it hurt Humans? Or- well, people." Emily creased her eyebrows a little and watched as a small bird flew from the branch it had been sitting on and into the sky, "Isn't that cruel? Keeping people caged in here, when there's nothing to be afraid of."

"But there is. Attacking kingdoms, like the Shadow Crawlers; those who would want to harm us. There's always danger. That's why we need the barrier up."

"Yeah, well that's useful and all, but don't you think it would be more useful if it could do little things like keep out the rain?" Michael chuckled at what Max had said and put an arm around his shoulders.

"Of course, Maxie. But they weren't smart enough to think about that back then." Both teens laughed and headed into the Palace.

Inside was even more amazing then the outside. What one could imagine as a magical kingdom; glamorous architecture, tall towers on every corner of every castle, everything as bright as the sun, and all living creatures as bright as everything around them, that was exactly what lay before them.

As they drew closer to the gates, leading towards the royal castle, they found guards positioned on either side, standing up straight and tall as their Prince came closer. None averted their gaze, even as they all walked through, which made everyone feel… almost important.

Tyson, on the other hand, couldn't ignore the temptation of trying to make one of the guards gaze waver and stood right in front of one, staring intently, right into his eyes. The guard didn't react straight away, but after Tyson had stood there for over a minute, the guard began to get uncomfortable. Tyson could see him trying to hold his gaze intently, with little help from Max standing at the entrance giggling.

"Tyson, leave him alone. Come on, we have to catch up with the rest of them, before we lose sight of them and get lost."

Tyson laughed and gave the guard a pat on the back, "You're doing a fine job, my man. Keep up the good work." And with that he ran to catch up with the others who had already made it inside, leaving the guard to give a big sigh of relief as the rest of the guards fell out of line towards their duties.

As they all made their way inside the two huge doors, their breath was taken away once more. The thought that the town outside the palace walls was magical made them all bewildered by what was inside. The roof seemed to never end, standing way above their heads with the walls decorated with tapestries that gave their surroundings a fairy-tale feel. They almost had to pinch themselves to see if they weren't dreaming. It was an amazing experience, and a glorious sight that they would never forget.

And then she came. Slowly. One step at a time, down the staircase. Her straight silver hair came down to her hips and seemed to glisten in the light. She wore a cream coloured dress which, although seemed plain, held many intricate designs woven in. She looked stunning. So elegant with how she walked, and yet she seemed full of life, as she turned her last few steps into a run, jumping into Enriques arms. Her laughter filled the hall, as Enrique returned the gesture.

"I am so glad to see you again. You took your time returning, though." She gave a little pout and put her hands on her hips, "You didn't forget about me, did you?"

Enrique laughed, "How could I forget about you. How could anyone, for that fact."

She just laughed and faced the group smiling, her lilac eyes shining brightly, "Oh. Hello. I am so sorry that Enrique has not yet introduced me." She gave Enrique a cheeky little smile before she continued, "I am Serenity. Princess Serenity."

Tyson's mouth stood agape, "Your Enriques sister?"

Serenity laughed, "Of course. Come. The Enchantress is waiting."

Enrique looked towards Serenity awkwardly, "Why do you call her that? Can't you just call her 'mum' or 'mother'? I mean, it wouldn't hurt, ya know."

Serenity raised an eyebrow, " 'Ya know' it would not hurt for you to use proper diction and proper language. Has that time in the Other world corrupted your speech this much?"

She walked through some open doors leaving Enrique standing in the hall dumbfounded. After a moment he pulled back his shoulders and walked through the doors, chin held high, "I do so have proper diction, and for your information, the Other World just gave me new insights towards other peoples speech. You know, they have over - "

"I am glad that you have returned, my son."

Enrique cringed and turned around, and smiled towards the lady behind him. There standing in the doors was a woman in her thirties, whom didn't look an age of it. Her white gown shone with an air of authority and her smile held a motherly quality from years of watching over her children; her two children standing before her, but also all her other children standing in the halls, playing in the courts, and moving throughout Elerrian. She was Elerrians Queen, and all her subjects were her children.

The Enchantress slowly and gracefully made her way over to the head of the huge table in the middle of the room, and sat down in the throne-like chair.

"Come. Sit. Welcome to Elerrian."

All of them began to find their seats, Enrique and Serenity on either side of their mother. Kai had somehow managed to sit right next to Serenity and gave her a quick smile before looking towards Tala, trying to find an excuse not to talk to her. It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to her, by all means, he wanted to kiss her, but held himself back. She was beautiful, but she was Enriques sister, and a Faerie. Besides. He was only fourteen and she didn't even look thirteen. How old was she then?

"I did not expect to find royalty, especially Avarian royalty, travelling with the group." Kai was pulled out of his thoughts and looked towards the Enchantress. Was she talking to him?

"You are the Prince, are you not?"

Kai looked wearily at her and hesitated before speaking, "Yes. But how did you know?"

The Enchantress gave a graceful smile and spoke, "My powers. It is difficult to explain but putting it simply, I can see status. Well, atleast royalty. I can see the power and authority which only royalty hold. I am also able to see the power which each Faerie holds. That is why I am able to see who is royalty, and also see who is a Faerie. It is quite helpful."

Serenity turned towards Kai her eyes glowed with hope, "You are the missing Avarian Prince? Have you been to Adyndryl? Do they know that you are alive? Are the- "

"Please! Just... calm down. No I haven't yet been to Adyndryl? So no they don't know and- "

"Where have your red eyes gone. You can't be the Prince, you don't have red eyes."

Enrique smirked and mumbled something under his breath. Kai's eyes suddenly turned their crimson red colour as Serenity scowled towards Enrique, "Oh, come on Sery. You of all people should have felt my magic. You're the next in line to be Enchantress. You're supposed to be 'more powerful than me', remember?"

"Where's Adyndryl? Is that the Avarian Kingdom?"

Enrique and Serenity both turned and looked towards Tyson. They both answered the question for him, "Yes, it is." Turning back to eachother they glared at having said it together.

The Enchantress looked towards both her children and sighed, they were just at that age. She had gone through the same thing with her older brother, having taken over being the only daughter, even though she was younger. He had eventually gotten over it. But it had taken a long time. She just hoped Enrique was better than that.

"Children, please. Enrique, you know that that is not true. You are both powerful, and that does not mean that you are any less under her. Now, please, both of you behave. We have guests with us. Your guests, Enrique." Both acknowledged what she had told them, said their apologies and smiled towards eachother saying 'sorry'. "You must be hungry. So I have organised for food to be prepared. Please, eat your fill. Any friend of my son is a friend to the kingdom." She smiled that graceful motherly smile once more and began idle talk, listening to her sons exciting adventures in the Other World.

As the food was brought in they could smell exotic foreign smells which made their stomachs rumble. They were hungry and all began to talk together as they enjoyed the feast of food set before them. Looking back to the first day of their adventure, they had all grown. They had grown more responsible, having to take care of themselves, but had also grown in friendship. They weren't 'The Teams' anymore, they had become, a team. A group of friends, together having an adventure. One which was far from being over.

So yeah... please review, hope you like it so far.