I was walking down the hall to my first class of the day, minding my own business as usual, when I felt a shoulder collide with mine. I looked up from under the bill of my hat to see a smug grin coming from one of the taller guys in the hall. I kept walking, not ever in the mood to deal with that.

My black jacket was resting on my shoulders over a gray t-shirt, with jeans and tennis shoes to finish my simple look. My hat was angled low to one side, covering my right eye, along with a lock of blond hair beneath it.

"You're the new kid, right? Hey, are you ignoring me?" I stopped when an ego filled voice hit my ears. I half turned to look back at him, seeing his arms folded. A couple of his goons were hanging around him. I sighed quietly and turned to keep walking. "Don't walk away from me, I'm talking to you!" He sounded mad now. Did I care? Probably not, so I kept walking. Of course, jock doesn't like being ignored, so jock gets attention. I heard, no, felt him stomping up to me, so I stopped again, deciding to get this over with sooner rather than later.

"..." I stared at him with one blue eye from under my hat, doing my best to keep my face neutral.

"What? No words to say punk? You think you can just go around and do as you please? Well, that's not how this school works. You gotta follow the rules." My jaw tightened when he leaned in close, just about growling out the last few words. I could feel myself wanting to shrink away. His pure ego hung off him like a wet towel, making my lip curl slightly in disgust.

"Oh, did the little man get called out? What are you gonna do about it, huh?" He punched one hand with the other, his grin only growing bigger. "I think we need to teach you the way this campus works. Don't you think boys?" I mentally rolled my eyes, sighed out loud and started to respond, only to get cut off by another voice.

"That's not a good idea." My eyes snapped over to see a taller girl walking up. Simple jeans with a tee-shirt, I could smell the perfume before she even got close. It wasn't strong enough to make me gag, just a really sharp scent.

"Oh? And why's that? Afraid the new guy might leave before you get to him?" I mentally scoffed.

'Nope. That's never happening.' I thought. The girl continued.

"No, more like you are the main guy on our team, and we don't need you injured before the first game. My scholarship is going to have a bad rep if you can't play."

"Oh really? You think I can't take this guy on?"

"More like all three of you couldn't take him on. You," She pointed to one, "Punch like a girl, and that's coming from a woman. You," She pointed to the other goon, "Need to work out occasionally. Your cardio is sorely lacking, and you won't last five minutes in a real fight. I still don't know how you last an entire game. And you, Jason," She turned her attention to the main jock, "Throw a punch with that fist, you'll break your thumb." She pointed to his clenched fist, which I had noticed earlier. His thumb was curled up inside of his fingers. If he threw a punch, I was just going to deflect it into the wall behind me.

"What do you know about fighting? You're just a cheerleader!" I blinked when she was suddenly behind him, his arm behind his back. "Ow! Hey! Let go!"

"Still think I don't know a thing about fighting?" She hissed out.

"Alright, you proved your point! You dislocate my arm I can't play!"

"At least I'm ruining my college experience on my own terms." I was walking away before anyone could notice, deciding to let them deal with each other. I didn't want to be late to my next class in the first week.

'She moved fast. Faster than a normal person could. Hmm...'

««{{¤}}»»

I had chosen an open seat in the class, one farthest from the window so I wouldn't be distracted by any kids outside. A couple students in the room with me were whispering, but they weren't whispering quietly enough, I could hear every word.

"Who is this kid?"

"I donno, must have just moved here."

"Why is he over there? Doesn't he know Jessyln sits at the desk next to him?"

"Maybe he's nervous around new people and picked the most open seat? I remember when I moved here it was hard, especially when Jason got involved." I heard a small gasp coming from one of the girls.

"You don't think he got to him already? It hasn't even been a week, I saw him checking into the office yesterday." I rolled my eyes. I could have simply ignored the jock or parried any punches he threw at me. Like that chick said earlier, he would have broken his thumb if he punched anything.

"Doubt it. Kid doesn't look like he's got a scratch on him, and he's not cowering at every sound." I looked up when the classroom door opened and mentally deflated when the chick from earlier walked in. She noticed me and flashed a smile, only to walk over and sit down right next to me. I mentally groaned and ducked my head, hiding my eyes so I could actually roll them.

'Of course. Of-freaking-course she sits next to me...probably going to want a thank you or something.'

"Sorry about Jason, he's a giant snob." I lifted my head slightly and looked at her. "He likes picking on the 'weaker fish', if you know what I mean." I snorted.

"Even I could take him." She let out a short laugh.

"Believe me, you could." She sighed, extending a hand. "I never got to introduce myself. The name's Jessyln." I noticed behind her one of the kids was waving at me, shaking his head, and waving his hand back and forth across his neck. I snorted and defiantly shook her hand, watching him facepalm.

"James. And it appears you have a fan." I said the last part low so only she could hear. She sighed and looked to the ceiling.

"Okay, I'm going to tell you right out. I'm not one who goes around seducing boys. Not my style. The other cheerleaders are jealous of me because I don't have half a million lies and boyfriends to keep track of. So they spread rumors about me in spite."

"I see." She looked surprised.

"What? Don't believe me?"

"I'm withholding judgment for now," I waved my hand lazily in the air. "The last girl who told me that was the one spreading rumors about others who actually had standards." I made eye contact with her, making sure I got my point across. Students were beginning to file into the classroom. "I'm not saying you are, but I'm cautious of girls who say that, if you get what I'm saying." She nodded after a few seconds.

"Alright. Fair enough." I nodded and turned forward, crossing one leg over the other. At that moment, the teacher walked in and started the class.

"Good morning class, first off, we have a new student!" My mood tanked faster than an eagle in full dive.

'Oh kill me now.'

««{{¤}}»»

"I thought history was boring, somehow he made it interesting."

"Yeah, Mr. Stevens is a really good teacher. He knows how to keep us involved. I've had him for two years now. What's your next class?"

"Computer Software. Room 3-11 at 10." I read off of my schedule.

"Um...you might want to hurry."

"Why?"

"It's on the opposite end of this building on the third floor, and you've got 5 minutes." My eyes widened a bit.

"Shoot, I'll uh, see you later?"

"Yeah, bye James."

"Bye!" I headed out, taking the stairs first so I could run the last leg if I needed to. I hit the second floor when I hear a familiar voice

"Hey! Punk!" I looked down the stairwell to see Jason at the bottom. "I've got a few words to share with you, and maybe something else too!" I shuddered.

'Why'd you say it like THAT you CREEP!'

"Sorry, got class!" I hurried up the last staircase and let out a sigh of relief. I know I can outpace tubby, especially if he has to get up the stairs first. "Alright, 3-11..."

««{{¤}}»»

I looked around the bustling lunch room, trying to find an empty table that wasn't claimed by any particular group. I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone spoke up behind me.

"Look a little lost there, James." I spun to see Gias standing there. I had met the kid in my second class, and we had hit it off almost immediately. Darker skin with black hair and eyes a bright shade of red, we were almost complete opposites in appearance. Interests though, fairly similar.

"Hey Gias! Yeah, where's the table for the anti-social people? I think I've got a seat with my name on it." He chuckled and jerked his head in one direction.

"Come on, I've got a place with my friends." We walked over and sat down at a table with a few people. After introductions were done, I saw one kid reach into his pocket.

"Hey guys, check this out." He set, of all things, a Beyblade on the table. Gias leaned forward, a light in his eyes.

"Woah, is that a new one?! What is it?"

"Infinity Eagle VA145ES. Its Performance Tip it so sharp it can sit on grains of sand. And its Spin Track can change modes."

"What? That's so cool!"

"When'd you get it?"

"I got it last week, but I wasn't here so I couldn't show you guys." I reached a hand halfway to the Beyblade sitting on the table.

"May I?"

"Yeah, sure. Do you know what Beyblades are?" I studied Eagle for a minute, then absentmindedly answered while looking over its Spin Track. I had never seen it before.

"I do. In fact, I have one myself." All four of them got really excited.

"You do?"

"Show us!" Gias looked shocked as he spoke next.

"I didn't know you had a Beyblade, James that's awesome!" I hesitated, but reached back to pull out my prized Bey.

"This one is a bit touchy, so be careful." I set it on the table and let everyone look it over.

"What is that Fusion Wheel?"

"I've never seen that Spin Track before. It almost looks like a shield."

"It's Phantom Leone SA165BS. It's one of a kind." I picked it up and switched modes on the Spin Track, the teeth on it facing downwards, the swords on the underside of the Fusion Wheel now exposed. "Sadly, I only got it a couple of years ago, and I still can't control it fully."

"Control it fully? What do you mean?"

"It's like a wild lion. I haven't been able to tame it yet."

"So, what does it do that makes it so wild?"

"It won't listen to me at some points, and almost seems to throw a fit."

"Do you think you can make it listen?" I shook my head.

"It only gets harder the more I try to force it." I switched the Spin Track back around and went to put it in my pocket when a voice spoke up.

"Well, well, well. If the punk hasn't joined in on the loser table." I sighed and turned around.

"Hello Jason."

"Hello Punk." He replied in an equally exaggerated tone. "So what are you doing over here? Playing with your friends and their weak Beyblades?" He pulled out a Bey as well. My brain went into analysis mode. Cyclone Orso. Attack/Defense balance. Heavy hitter. Low stamina.

"I doubt any of them are weak. Unlike yours." His face went red.

"What did you say?!"

"You heard me. Now, how about we set aside our differences and go about our lives like we never met." My tone dropped half a note," It'll save me the pain of remembering to avoid you in the halls." His face only got redder as one of the kids behind me snickered. He pointed at him.

"Quiet you!"

"Excuse me," I stood up and moved in between them. "You and I are having a conversation." I felt Leone warm up a bit in my hand. "What do you say? Both of us pretend the other doesn't exist, going about our lives like nothing happened." He leaned in close and stage whispered.

"How about you BEG me to leave you alone. Then maybe I'll think about it." My eyes flashed and I ducked my head a little. My grip tightened on Leone and a spark of rage ignited.

"I don't beg. Especially not to someone like you."

"...Well, we'll see about that." He stood tall and chuckled. "Attention everyone! I have an announcement! This kid here thinks he can beat me, the prized football captain of Johnson U, in a Bey battle! Who thinks he will win?!" I looked around the room as nothing happened. I was the new kid, so I wasn't expecting a standing ovation if any kind. No one knew me, and I didn't care for publicity. "Who thinks I will win?!" A decent group started chanting, and it started growing. Jason grinned and looked around, his own pride smothering his ability to see my anger. "Well punk? It looks like I've got the crowd on my side. Not much going for you, is there?"

"You're wrong."

'Gias, ya stupid, stay out of this! I can literally beat him with my eyes closed.'

"You may have the crowd, but he has friends that will stand by him, no matter what." I heard multiple chairs scrape on the floor as everyone at the table was now standing. I noticed the volume of people cheering dropped a little. I stood tall, ready to fight, when the doors of the room burst open.

*BANG*

"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!" The crowd froze as a grown man in a suit stepped into the room. He didn't look happy.

'Great, President Alberta.' I grimaced.

"Can someone explain to me why, when there is no football game, we have a CHEER going on?"

*Silence*

"Great." I blinked.

'Oh he's ticked.'

"Now, let me ask you this. Is there a fight?" Some people close to him shook their heads. "Okay. Then why, are, you, shouting?!" I saw Jessyln stand up quickly, and the President's eyes snapped over to her. "Yes, young lady? Do you have an answer?"

"Jason from the football team tried starting a fight with some other kids. They were defending themselves verbally, but he wouldn't leave them alone." I squinted at her.

'How did you know that...You're across the room and Jason was the only one standing for a long time…' I saw Jason hold up a fist and start to shout at her.

"Jessyln you wh-!"

"Finish that sentence Jason. I. Dare. You." He froze when I spoke up with venom dripping from my voice. He turned around, and his face went pale white at the haunting purple light coming from under my hat. "You finish that sentence, and no one will be able to fix what I do to you." His face went from pale to ashen. "...Got it?" The light disappeared when I looked over and saw the President walking up.

"Now. I heard there was a bit of a disagreement over here. What can I do to help?" He folded his arms and waited, tapping his foot. I looked at Jason out of the corner of my eye. Useless, he was shaking in his boots.

"President Alberta, my friends and I were having a nice conversation while eating when Jason here rudely interrupted us. I asked him to leave but he wouldn't, and started making rude comments. So I defended us, verbally, of course. But Jason decided to rouse the whole school into a chant to get attention."

"Hmm... Jason, what is your take on this whole situation?" We both turned to the kid, only to see the doors to the cafeteria slamming open and him running out.

"...Looks like he doesn't have one. Mr. Alberta if Jason tries this again, I will report it to your office. Obviously, he doesn't hold much respect for people who aren't apart of his group." He nodded slowly.

"Yes, please do. I've only been the President here for a few years. I must admit I don't know the students as well as I'd like." He turned to address everyone. "Go back to your lunches everyone. And no more chanting. If I hear of such, there will be punishments dealt out." I turned and sat back down to finish my lunch. The other kids at the table did the same, but one of the girls leaned over and stage whispered at me.

"James, what the heck did you do to Jason? He ran out like he was being chased by a ghost!"

"Gave him a piece of my mind."

"I think you did more than that. His face was completely white." I picked up my burger, ready to annihilate it in the 10 minutes left of lunch.

"Well, let's all hope he remembers it." I glanced over my shoulder for half a second, my eyes locking onto Jessyln. She was laughing with some friends at her own table.

'Hmm...'

««{{Dream}}»»

I was in a dream. Obviously. Images flashing past my mind's eye so quickly I could barely keep up. I jumped when one image snapped to center stage and became the only scene. I was standing at the top of an ancient temple surrounded by a large forest.

"So, the fragments have fallen. Johannes." I turned to see a person completely covered by a thick cloak standing in the middle of the temple. I heard something behind me and turned again to see another man, but this one was familiar. He was wearing a ridiculous outfit and had some sort of hat covering one eye. "It's time. Find them."

"Yessir." The second man leaped high, falling out of sight below the temple.

"Soon Nemesis will be released." My eyes widened when I realized what this was.

'This is when the star fragments entered the Beys!'

««{{¤}}»»

I woke up to the sun poking through the curtains. I blinked quickly, trying to get my eyes to adjust to the bright light. I sat up and rubbed my face before rolling out of bed.

Shower, breakfast, out the door to school.

'That was such a weird dream...I wonder if that actually happened...I need to ask Gingka about that Johannes guy. I only met him once, and he was weird. Not that I'm any more normal.' I was biking along when I heard another bike pull up behind me. I turned to see Gias pedaling around to my side.

"Hey James!"

"Hey Gias, how are you?"

"I'm good, you?"

"Same. You ready for class?" He snorted.

"Is anyone ready?"

"True."

'Should I tell him? It's been almost two months since I met him, and he seems like a genuine guy...'

"Hey, do you have some time before class starts?"

"Yeah. Why, what's up?"

"I got something to tell you..."

"Okay."

'He has no idea. That's good, hopefully I can explain it before something bad happens.'

««{{¤}}»»

"Alright, this classroom is empty for the first period, so no one's in here."

"Perfect." We walked in and I locked the door behind us.

"So, what did you want to tell me?" He sat down and threw his feet on the teacher's desk. I leaned against it and sighed.

"Do you remember how I scared Jason a few months ago? I want to show you what I did." He pulled his feet off the desk and sat forward.

"Oh, this should be good."

"You're going to see exactly what he saw. And remember his reaction."

"Do it, I want to see what scared his pants off." I sighed and closed my eyes for a second, taking a breath before drawing on Leone's power. I felt it swirl through my body and into my right eye, a purple light glowing behind my eyelid. I opened it and turned to him, pulling my hat up while a purple fire ignited. "What the heck?! Is your eye on fire?!" I held up a hand in a stop motion and held still while someone walked past the door. I lowered my hand.

"This is what scared Jason." He looked closer, inspecting the flames.

"Well, it's not too scary...that's actually kind of cool...is that a scar?"

'So he noticed.' He was referring to the scar that ran vertically across my right eye. My pupil in that eye was a faded whitish gray, instead of the steel blue in my other one.

"It is. That eye is pretty much done for. There's not a whole lot I can see out of it, as my vision is almost gone." I blinked and my eye stopped glowing. I pulled my hat back down to where it sat normally. "Phantom Leone is so powerful I can use its energy even when it's not spinning. That what makes it so dangerous." He stared at me in awe.

"You really are strong..." He got a big grin on his face. "You could beat Jason without even thinking about it, couldn't you?" I nodded.

"After the battles I've had, he is child's play." Gias got excited.

"Why haven't you pounded him into the dirt yet?"

"Because if I get mad enough I could lose control, and that's a disaster waiting to happen. That's why I don't battle, that's why I said I couldn't control Leone."

"So...You're a ticking time bomb?"

"With a short fuse, sadly. But in all seriousness, I could level this whole building with no problem. I could probably take on everyone here and still have energy to spare." He raised an eyebrow.

"Now that sounds a bit cocky. We have a tournament coming up, why don't you sign up?" I hesitated, knowing the immediate answer. I would love to battle, but it wouldn't even be a fight.

"I don't know Gias. I don't generally battle people unless they're on my level. If I lose control, then there is no one to stop me."

"It sounds like you are actually scared of yourself." I looked up at him with my good eye.

"And that might be part of my problem."

"Well, I'll help you to control it."

"How're you going to do that?"

"I have my sources..."

"Don't grin at me like that. It's creepy."