A/N: Hey, everybody! Sorry for the long wait for this chapter, but I've got a lot of ideas for GinMado moments running around in my head. (Seriously, I can't think about any other story ideas but ones for these two.) Perhaps I'm a little obsessive. Anyways, on with the story!

The following is a non-profit, fan based based work.

Metal Fight Beyblade is the property of Takara, d-rights, and Nelvana.

Please enjoy, and don't forget to review!

Tales Of The Hagane Family

Chapter 2: On The Right Track

* 15 Years Ago *

As Ginga sat across from Madoka on the train taking them to their next location to do battle in the World Championships, he had a solemn look on his face. He was still upset by the fact the Russian team had used her to obtain data on their team so they could create specialized stadiums to ensure their victory. Luckily, such cheap tactics proved ineffective, and Gan Gan Galaxy was one step closer to winning. But he still wasn't happy, because Madoka had been played for a fool by the Russian team's captain, Aleksi. He grinded his teeth at the mention of his name.

"It wasn't all his doing, I know that. Anton was manipulating them with the promise of continued funding for their space voyage. But I still despise that douche for what he did to her! He played with her heart, like it was a toy! Even now that it's all over, I can still see the sadness in her eyes.", he spoke to himself.

"Ginga?", Madoka said, causing him to come back to reality, "Is something up?"

"Uh…n-no! Why would there be?", he said as his cheeks turned a slight pink.

"Ginga…the last time you stared at me for that long was after my dad got in a plane crash. What's wrong?", she asked, her voice carrying concern.

"You can see right through me, Madoka.", he sighed, "I was just wondering...if you were still upset about what happened back in Russia."

Her facial expression became of one shock. Taken aback, she shifted her gaze to the window. "No, I-I'm okay." Ginga frowned as he saw a small tear come down from her eye.

"I can see that you're crying, Madoka. Please, tell me what's wrong.", he pleaded, "I'm here for you." Upon hearing those words come from his mouth, Madoka looked straight into Ginga's eyes, and began to cry louder. He immediately leapt from the edge of his bunk bed and came over to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. She began bawling her eyes out, the sound muffled in his shirt so no one would wake up. He put an arm over her back and placed a hand on her head, running his fingers through her soft hair. Her tears continued to flow, prompting him to press his lips against her forehead and place a gentle kiss to calm her.

Madoka continued to cry for a good fifteen minutes, and Ginga tightened his grip each time she let out a saddened wail. Finally, she was merely sniffling, but Ginga continued to hold her close to him. They both felt a strange feeling in their hearts, enjoying the warmth their bodies were feeding to one another, the snow falling gracefully out the window. She blushed, her lips curling into a smile, and he did the same. The feeling was indescribable, but felt so familiar and almost like it was meant to happen.

"Ginga?", she asked.

"Yeah?", he responded.

"Thanks for comforting me. I'm sorry if I cost you any sleep.", she said.

"I wasn't even tired.", he chuckled.

"The thing is, Aleksi was the first guy whoever told me he 'liked' me, or so I thought.", she admitted.

"Why would you even be attracted to that douche in the first place?", he scoffed.

"He was the first person who shared my interest in science and technology. We bonded on a mutual level with that.", she continued on, "I was heartbroken during your match when I figured out they had used me to cheat in the tournament. I felt like a two dollar harlet."

"You are in no way a harlet of any kind, my sweet Madoka.", he sternly told her. She turned a deep shade of red, her eyes sparkling.

"You think I'm…sweet?", she asked coyly while tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Not just sweet, but beautiful, full of grace, and brilliant.", he softly spoke to her as he cupped her cheek with his hand. Madoka closed her eyes and leaned in closer to Ginga's face. He met her lips with his own, the two of them melting in a moment of passion. They parted after about a minute, a slight shade of crimson adorning their cheeks as they gazed into each other's eyes. He put his arms around her back, pulling her close in order to massage her, thus increasing her pleasure. She softly moaned as he leaned in and began nibbling on her ear. Madoka began to breath softly as she leaned against her fiery-haired teammate.

"Uh…listen Madoka…", he began, breaking away from her ear and looking into her blue orbs that seemed like vast oceans to him.

"Yeah?", she asked.

"I was…uh…just w-wondering…if you, maybe, wanted to stay close to me tonight?", he stammered nervously. Her face suddenly became extremely flustered, and he was afraid he had suddenly gone too far. But her expression of shock soon turned into one of loving compassion.

"Of course, Ginga. That sounds wonderful.", she swooned. Taking his hand as he offered it, he lead her over to his bed, slowly pulling back the covers and laying Madoka down carefully so they didn't disturb Masamune on the top bunk. Crawling in beside her, she snuggled up to him and laid herself on his chest. In response, he once again brought her into a strong embrace. Closing their eyes, the two began to slowly fall asleep. But there was still one thing Madoka had to tell her impromptu protector.

"Ginga, thank you. For everything.", he whispered.

"Don't worry, from now on I'll protect you.", he said.

"Good night, my love.", she spoke, the last part being almost inaudible. Nevertheless, Ginga still heard it, and smiled warmly at her sleeping figure.

"Good night.", he said. Closing his eyes, he placed a hand on her cheek. And feeling the warmth, he finally got some rest.

* Present Day *

The snow fell much like it did on that night when she realized just how much Ginga meant to her. Looking down at little Mal sleeping in her lap, she admired the fruits of their labour. Motherhood was a wonderful feeling, but a challenge when trying to take care of an energetic four-year-old while running a hugely successful repair shop and being the assistant to the head of the WBBA. But she counted it as a blessing, especially when she had someone like Ginga to help her through it all. She glanced over to the double seater across from theirs, where Zero had fallen asleep on Ren, and vice versa. She leaned over and rested on Ginga's shoulder. He immediately looked over from fiddling with his bey and put his arm around her, a huge smile on his face.

"Thanks.", she said.

"For what?", he asked while raising an eyebrow.

"Protecting me all this time.", she answered.

"Of course, I'll always be here to protect you.", he assured her. She listened to the sound of his heartbeat, lulling her to sleep, with the train's whistle signalling their next stop at the World Tournament would be there in the morning.

A/N: And that's chapter two! Again, sorry for the wait, and as always if there's something you think I need to improve on, never hesitate to say it. Hope you enjoyed, see ya next time for more moments between the Hagane family. Keep it weird.