Several weeks passed, Tori doing everything he could to cover his sister, thankful for Yelan's help whenever a call had to be made to her place regarding the girl.
But he knew only so many calls can be made, can cover his sister for so long, knowing their parent is already getting suspicious, scared even.
He wished he could tell him what was going on, but he can't betray his sister, knowing she'd want to be here. And he overheard Julian's words; their father is safer staying in the dark. If he knew now, he could end up putting himself in harm's way trying to protect them.
Sakura would never forgive herself if that happened…
As he waited for her and the other two's eventual return, Tori would work on strategies, Kero stuck with him much to his annoyance.
Whatever kind of training Suicune and the others are putting the kids through, the guardian couldn't come. Even Yue was forbidden to follow when he tried to interject, leaving the pair to basically drive the teen insane.
The only time he ever got peace was whenever Julian took over and Kero was pigging out on snacks or playing videogames.
How that little stuffed animal could easily eat and play games without worry amazed the teen. However, his friend did tell him that it might've been his way of coping as it was for Yue to constantly pop up, bugging nonstop on Sakura's whereabouts.
They were all worried for her as well as the others, Rita most of all, as she's a target of some psychotic, mutated Pokémon.
Hell, they didn't even know what the damned thing looked like, though it might not be that hard…
"Hey, Tori-kun," Julian greeted, startling the other into nearly falling out off a wall he was lying on. "Still no calls?"
"No, I would've thought she'd at least call to let us know… I'm starting to get really worried," the teen sighed as he sat up, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Have faith, Yue-kun and Kero-kun can still sense Sakura-chan, so in a sense, so can I, and she's safe. She's either out of range or Suicune-san really has her working to control her powers, so has no time to take a break to call."
"Even so, I would've though if she didn't call, that brat or Meilin-chan might've instead. You know, give us an indication on how they're doing to know what Sakura might be doing."
"Same thing could be going on with them. From how I'm guessing, those three were probably taken to locations that fit their element."
"So you're saying Sakura might actually be underwater?"
"Possibly, she did admit she was able to breathe under it…still a shocker since I remember saving her from drowning when Watery got loose."
"You actually remember that?"
"Yeah, and now I'm really not going to forget it knowing she basically faked drowning. It kinda made me feel stupid."
"She only did it because she was scared of being seen a freak or worse, having some nutcase of a scientist or doctor take her away for who knows what."
"That sounds more like your fear."
"Maybe…" the raven haired teen sighed. "I wish I knew a way to help, but from how it looks…argh! How can I be so useless?"
"You're not useless, whether you actually protect Sakura-chan or not, you've always been a huge motivator in her life. You've always looked out for her, protected her when she needed it, helped her grow into fine young lady."
"Even so, I just don't want to risk losing her to this freak of nature. This time…this time her life is on the line. It isn't some test, some stupid cards pulling dangerous pranks. It's life or death and I don't know what to do!"
At this point, tears began to form in the young man's eyes, causing him to frantically wipe at his eyes, trying to hide them from the other.
Hopping down from the wall, intending on walking away, he was shocked when a hand grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn around and stare at the other.
He could see his best friend looked worried, not just for his sister and her friends, but for him as well.
"Don't beat yourself up, please?" the teen begged, eyes misting over a little before blinking them away with a smile. "Why don't we go over to Eli-kun and see if they know anything?"
"You think so?"
"Can't hurt to try, right? We might even try asking how to use spells or how I could use Yue-kun's magic in case he's unable to take over. Even if it isn't anything to really use for offense, we could be a shield instead. That way Sakura-chan and the others won't have to worry over us getting hurt whether we're there or not."
"Makes some sense… Alright, let's go."
Seeing the other appearing to cheer up, even slightly, was enough to put a big smile on Julian's face.
The two were soon making their way towards the building Yelan stayed in, the two kids staying with her as well.
Before leaving, Tori left a note for his father that he was out with friends, leaving his cell number in case he needed to call him for any reason at all.
Upon reaching the estate, the silver haired teen was the first to hit the buzzer, having a servant open the door.
Leading them inside, they were eventually taken to a room where they found Yelan dressed out of her normal garb and into something suitable for a martial artist.
Rita was also dressed the same, the two sparring, though the older woman was far more experienced, easily taking the child down constantly.
From the looks of it, they were working on the child's endurance than teaching any real moves, likely to help her block potential assaults and take such hits.
"Tori-kun? Julian-san?" Eli piped up, surprised to see the two.
On his lap sat Zo-chan munching on an apple slice, though stopped when seeing the teenagers walking over.
"Gomen, but we wanted to ask you something," the silver haired youth spoke up.
He knew he had to make the first move, the other was a bit reluctant about asking for help, a typical trait for him.
"What is it?" Yelan asked.
She and Rita paused in their training, the younger girl appearing grateful for the break by how hard she panted.
"We were sort of hoping one of you could show us how to use spells, maybe even help me use some of Yue-kun's in case he can't take over. We really don't care what it is so long as it may have a chance to help Sakura-chan and the others."
"That's actually not a bad idea," Eli muttered, cupping his chin in his hand as he thought it over briefly. "We don't know what Eevee is capable of. He could somehow block Yue-kun from appearing as well as Ruby-san using her full power."
"That's what I was thinking too," the be-speckled teen agreed.
"Alright then, I'll help you two with what I can," Eli offered with a small smile as he got up, letting the fox hop down. "Follow me; Yelan-san has a study we could use to do some research to fully awaken your magic."
"Domo arigatō, Eli-kun," Julian yipped happily as he practically skipped after him, his friend trailing behind, giving a look at the young girl.
He could see she was trying hard, but it almost seemed as if the woman's really pushing the kid's limit. He has enough spiritual sense so if things got out of hand, he could go to her aid.
In some ways, she reminded him of Sakura, so maybe his need to protect her is his lack of not being able to protect his sister?
Either way, they're going to need everyone's help as much as everyone needs theirs, he knew that much.
He just hoped that wherever Sakura is, she's fine…
Another few weeks passed by, hospitals still jam packed with patients, human and animal alike.
Rumors spread of there being a possible quarantine happening if no signs of improvement happened soon.
Reading the newspaper, Sakura let out a sad sigh, tossing it in a nearby recycling bin, looking at the dreary sky.
Stuffing hands in her pockets, she walked down the street, aiming for the beach, taking a path that would lead her there without trouble.
Making her way, she heard laughter of children, grabbing her attention immediately, drawing her over than where she was going.
Leaning over the railing, she watched a couple of boys play some game, an inverted dome on the ground with objects dancing around inside.
She didn't recognize it right away before the toys they played with began to slow down, recognizing the shapes.
"Beyblades?" she wondered out loud, unknowingly grabbing the boys' attention, having them look up at her, surprised to see someone else here.
"Hey, wanna play a round?" one of the boys offered.
"Gomen, I'm afraid I don't have one," she called back, seeing them look almost horrified at her answer.
"What kind of kid doesn't have a Beyblade?" the other boy gasped as they retrieved their toys, both running up to her. "Where do you live?"
"Readington."
"That's quite a long way you came."
"I'm visiting family, got out before the flu epidemic occurred. So for now, my family's waiting it out until people start getting better," the girl lied, hoping that they'll buy it without question.
"Talk about lucky, I'm Tao, this is my best buddy, Freddie," one boy introduced; a huge smile on his face.
"I'm Sakura," she answered with a small laugh as they shook hands.
"Hey, we should get you a Beyblade or two, they're really awesome. You won't believe how you killed boredom without one," Freddie laughed as he and his friend grabbed the girl's arms, dragging her off to a shop.
"Tate-san, we got a new customer for you!" Tao laughed as they dragged her inside the store.
Upon entering, the girl stared in awe at all the unique trinkets related to the toys decorated around.
"Whoa…" she murmured, wondering what she should do.
She really can't freely spend her money nor let these guys spend theirs on her.
Plus, she needs to get back to Suicune and resume training.
Yet, something in this place was drawing her in, as if begging her to stay…
"I'll be out soon, I just got a new order of Beyblades," a man's voice called out before a crash was heard followed by mutters and curses. "I'm okay!"
"So what do you know about Beyblades?" Freddie asked as the three searched through the store, looking at different models on display.
"Beyblade never really took off in my town, so I almost know nothing about them," the girl admitted, hearing one of them making a 'tsking' noise as if he was ashamed of her.
"Ease up, dude," Tao scolded before slapping his hand on the girl's back, starling her a bit from the gesture. "Beyblading, guess you could say on a general sense, is just spinning tops. However, unlike tops, they're much more complicated. Some actually have spirits living inside them."
"Sp-spirits?"
"Hai, a huge amount do, any other blades out there are usually copies and rarely have another spirit that's the same to another blader's."
"So they in a sense have a personality?"
"Hai, some are more offensive, others more defensive. Some are like their bladers. Few that don't are usually those stolen or forced onto a kid by a parent or friend to use than letting them connect with their own Beyblade."
"I didn't think something that looks so innocent could be so complicated," Sakura whispered with mixed emotions.
She looked at one of the blades, a picture of a lion with a gladiator's sword in his mouth, eyes well detailed to show its pride.
Staring at the toy, she could almost feel energy pouring out of it, but it was threatening, as if daring her to even try purchasing and using it.
She shook it off, following the two around the store some more, listening to them talk about the game in greater detail.
They even mentioned that there are tournaments, something she has mentioned hearing about briefly, but that was about it.
What surprised her though was that one of the members of the champion team lives here in Japan, others often visiting. What more, the store owner is related to one of the champion's friends.
Hearing shuffling from the back of the room, she stood straight along with the other two. They watched as a man walk up front, appearing winded from whatever he was just doing.
"Hey there, Tate-san, we're trying to find a cool Beyblade for our new friend," Tao chirped happily, guiding the girl over towards the man.
"So you're new to Beyblading?" the man asked with a chuckle. "Guessing you came from a town that doesn't have much of it, huh?"
"H-hai," the girl chuckled nervously. "But I really don't know what I'd want."
"That's alright, just look around; I can even let you be the first to take a peek at the new Beyblades I just got in."
"Really?"
"You seem like a nice kid."
"D-domo arigatō," she thanked, giving a polite bow, though felt her face heat up some. "My name is Sakura by the way."
Following the man to the back room, she could barely hold back a laugh while the other two boys burst into a fit of giggles at how messy it looked.
Carefully, the older man pulled out different Beyblades, some fully assembled, others in the process of being put together.
As he did so, the girl looked about, staring at different ones set up, before laying eyes on a white Beyblade.
As she took in its details, she could clearly tell that any metal parts that showed were almost platinum by how it shined.
On the center top rested what she had been told is a bit chip, most of which contain a Bit Beast inside.
Staring at it, she could make out enough detail to see it looked like a woman dressed in a white kimono. Any other details on it she couldn't see, the image too small unless she leaned in or used a magnifying glass.
"That's Yuki Hime, it's considered a collector's special. There are even some rumors it's connected to the artificial Bit Beast, Wolborg," the man explained as he gave the girl on the pat on the shoulder. "I'm actually surprised to see one in my store, pretty lucky, huh?"
"She does look pretty," the girl spoke softly, mesmerized by the details on the toy.
But it wasn't solely its looks that drew her in, she felt something emanating off of the toy, as if beckoning her.
"If you'd like, I can sell it to you," the man offered, startling the girl.
"But if she's rare… I don't think I have enough money to even make such a purchase," the brunette prattled, standing straight up, shock written into her features.
"That's true…" he started before an idea popped into his head. "How about this, why not test it out? Probably would do some good to spin around in a dish, make sure everything's in working order."
"Wh-what?"
"And if you two have a real bond, you can gave Yuki Hime for free, if not but still want it, we'll work out a price," he joked, seeing the girl almost pale.
"But…" she started before getting dragged out to the front of the store by the boys, standing her at a dish.
Before she could argue further, she had the pristine launcher as well as the Beyblade set into her hands, leaving her to stare.
"Just hook her up to the launcher and let it rip," he smiled warmly.
"This is so cool. We get to see a really rare Beyblade in action!" Freddie practically squealed in excitement.
Still unsure, Sakura was able to attach the Beyblade to the launcher, feeling a swell of energy coming from it, knowing it was the spirit inside.
It felt like it was encouraging her to launch, having her ready herself before pulling the cord with all her strength.
Hearing the gears twist and turn, she watched as the white Beyblade launched itself into the ground, spinning with such strength.
As it traveled about the dish, a trail of frost was left behind, shocking the others, the girl most of all.
They nearly jumped out of their skin when the older man suddenly let out a hearty laugh, clearly impressed.
"Guess that's Yuki Hime's way of saying she likes you to even show her power," he explained between laughs, wiping his eye.
Just as he said that, the white blade launched itself out of the dish, landing into the girl's hand when she shot it out to defend herself, surprised she caught it.
"So she can just have it?" Tao asked.
"Hai."
"Are you sure? I mean…is it really a good business decision?" Sakura asked as she looked at what seems to be her new Beyblade.
"It's no problem at all. Giving one Beyblade away isn't the end of my shop. I still get plenty of customers coming in for advice, purchasing parts, dishes, and what not."
"So…do Beyblades have different types, I mean she seemed really fast."
"Good eye," the man chuckled.
He pulled out a couple different Beyblades, some looking alike, others completely different from the rest. Even the sizes range, some large and bulky, others very small, hers being one of them.
From there, he had her hold them, finding they were heavier, some not by much, others much heavier.
He explained as much as he could about different types and how they work for some, while failing in regards to others.
"So what kind of Beyblade do I have then?" Sakura wondered as she looked at her new blade in awe.
"If you give me a moment, I can take it apart to check the gears. I'll even write the model numbers down of each one including any substitutes you might need. You know, just in case a particular gear isn't being made anymore now or later in the years."
"Sure."
She handed her Beyblade over, watching as the man carefully took it apart, careful not to scratch or bend the parts.
"This is odd," he muttered, his look beginning to sour.
"What is it?" Tao asked as he walked up, his friend looking around the store, appearing to be looking for parts.
"The parts are mostly for an attack based Beyblade, but these parts here are specific to increase stamina. Even parts here that are needed for some weight to keep the blade from just firing out of a stadium, they're replaced with a thin coat of rubber lining, making it difficult for another blade to attack with full strength."
"But wouldn't the frost ruin the rubber?"
"Exactly, meaning someone got to her first and basically stole some of the parts, thankfully not the Bit Beast herself."
"What are you going to do then?"
"I'll have to hold onto Yuki Hime for the time being and contact authorities to track down where she's been while on delivery. If there's a chance I can get all the correct parts back or find out what they were originally, I'll get her looking good as new. How long are you here for?"
"I don't really know maybe another week or two."
"Do you have a cell phone?"
"Hai."
The brunette pulled out a notepad, writing her number down for him, adding her full name as well.
She wasn't sure about adding her house number, but decided against it, she could always add it later when she returns home if she hasn't gotten any calls.
"Avalon? Is your father Avalon Aiden by any chance?"
"You know him?"
"Not personally, but I remember going to a college with a guy with that name, he's a very intelligent man."
"He's a college professor now, he specializes in archeology."
"That sounds great, I have a friend who studies archeology too, but more in the history relating to Beyblades, particularly the Bit Beasts."
"I didn't Beyblades had a deeper history," the girl gasped as she listened.
"They do, it's really interesting. You know, I think I have a copy Granger-san wrote if you're interested."
As he was talking, he shuffled through a few things before pulling out a book, handing it to the girl.
Looking at its price, she saw it wasn't too expensive, so pulled out some money, despite the other's attempts to tell her it was okay.
"Please at least let me pay for this, you've done so much already. First you gave me Yuki Hime, for free no less, and now you're even willing to repair her. It's the least I can do without feeling completely guilty."
Seeing he wasn't going to get her to listen, he let her pay for the book, the girl also writing down her address.
She'll just have to try and call Tori fast and let him know to look for a package before their father would find it and get curious.
"Hmm?"
"I don't know how long I'll be here, so if for some reason I'm unable to get back here to pick Yuki Hime up. You can at least mail her to my house."
"Alright then."
Looking at the time, Sakura paled at how much had passed.
"G-gomen'nasai, but I gotta get going, it was great meeting you guys," she cried out, bowing quickly before darting out, hoping Suicune won't be mad at her.
"Interesting kid," the older man chuckled as he looked at the Beyblade with a smile. "Seems you made quite an interesting friend, huh?"
Note:
There is a reason why I threw Beyblade in, you're welcome to come up with your own ideas of why though.
Who knows, if you're right or close enough, I might give a hint/small spoiler, or you can throw in an idea for one of my other fanfics I'm working on.
Please read and review