I think my sister is really starting to enjoy writing this, and I'm enjoying reading it. Enjoy!
"Mr. D," I said in greeting. I shut the door to his office behind me and sat down on one of the couches in the room. My thoughts wandered as I stared around the cream-colored room, returning to my practice session on the beach. There were still several flaws in my technique I would need to work out. The elderly man looked up from his paperwork as I walked in.
"I'm glad you're back, but…you've returned earlier than normal. Is everything all right?" Mr. D asked.
"Yeah," I said automatically. There was never a point in answering no. It just made people worry about things they couldn't do anything about. Mr. D waited for me to explain further, but eventually gave up when I was silent.
"Well, perhaps this will cheer you up. The BBA is hosting an event today to officially announce when the finals will be held. All beybladers are invited to use the BBA's arenas and some of our big beyblading teams will be interviewed. I'd like you to come with me."
"What? Why?" I asked, jerking around to face him. My attention was now fully locked on Mr. D. "I'm not even in the finals anymore."
"I think it would be good for you to do something fun. You've been sulking around my office for days," Mr. D said. "Besides, I have to supervise the event. I can't just leave you here by yourself."
"But I like being by myself," I argued feebly.
"You said you would go yesterday."
"I guess I did…fine. When are we going?" I said, giving in. Mr. D smiled and grabbed his suit jacket from the coat hanger.
"Now," Mr. D said.
I stared at the town's beyblade stadium. The building almost seemed to be bigger than I remembered. No, buildings didn't grow. I glanced up at the towering pillars and the double doors. Did they?
"Come on, Sandy," Mr. D called, strolling through one of the doorways. I quickly jumped up the stairs to follow him.
People swarmed the building and filed across the marble floor, all talking excitedly. I reverted to using my crowd weaving skills to avoid losing sight of Mr. D. If I did, I probably wouldn't find my way out of here. I suddenly slammed to a halt, nearly causing several accidents behind me when I saw what was ahead. Little more than a few feet from us were the Bladebreakers.
I groaned inwardly. Of course they would be here; the Bladebreakers were the lead beyblading team. Why did I have to come? I should have pushed Mr. D harder to let me stay at the office. A jolt of panic struck me as Mr. D headed toward them. I felt heat rise to my face as I slunk next to his side like a shadow, feeling self-conscious.
"It's nice to see you could make it, Bladebreakers," Mr. D said smiling.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Tyson said, grinning. "There's so many 'bladers here. I'm going to beat them all!"
"Not if I get there first," Daichi said, butting in. Both of their eyes shone excitedly, only emphasizing the glint of competition.
"We aren't here to 'blade, Tyson," Hilary said, giving him an irritated look.
"Of course we are. Or I am," Tyson exclaimed. "The BBA said all 'bladers could join, right?" Before the argument could continue, a group of reporters pushed their way to the team.
"Tyson!"
"Tyson Granger! Can I ask you a few questions?"
"How does it feel to be the two-time World Champ?"
"Max, tell us what advice you'd give to all the beybladers out there." I ducked away in alarm at the sudden crowd of people. I tapped Mr. D's arm and murmured that I would see him later. He nodded and gave me directions to our seats in the stadium.
I walked into the stadium and a smile twitched the corners of my mouth. There were beybladers everywhere, ranging from beginners to the more experienced 'bladers. Out of curiosity, I walked up to one of the arenas with two young boys 'blading in it. Their blades clacked together with low power and slightly clumsy moves. I smiled remembering my first few times wielding a Beyblade.
"Try to move with your bey," I called. The boys jumped in surprise and looked at me uncertainly. I added, "Trust me, it will put more power behind your attacks and build a stronger bond between you and your beyblade." I moved away to avoid worrying parents about strange teenagers talking to their kids, but not before I glimpsed the boys attempting to follow my advice. If they kept practicing, they would become good 'bladers someday.
I made my way to our appointed seats and waited for Mr. D. Folding my arms in resignation, I watched people move about on the stadium floor. I thought back to the reporters and exhaled softly.
I didn't know why, but for as long as I could remember, I never really liked talking to people. Especially when it came to large groups. I was torn between thinking it was some kind of weird fear and just a serious aversion to being the center of attention. I didn't even think I was that shy, I was just…antisocial?
"So there you are." I was jerked out of my thoughts at the sound of Rei's voice. My eyes widened as the Bladebreakers filed in next to me. "You vanished for a while there."
"Oh," I said, still staring at them in confusion. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Mr. Dickenson invited us to sit with him," Max said. I nodded slowly. Of course he did.
"Do you really hate talking to people that much?" Daichi asked. "You are kind of quiet."
"W-what?" I stammered, the question catching me a bit off guard.
"Mr. Dickenson said that's why you left earlier," Daichi said. I felt my face turn bright red and willed it to return to normal. I was wishing more and more that I hadn't come. I apologized almost inaudibly, but Hilary stepped up to my defense.
"Don't be so tactless, Daichi," she retorted. "Lots of people don't like talking to others." Daichi shrugged, though he didn't look convinced. He placed his hands behind his head and leaned back in the seat, looking bored.
"Even Kai stayed when the reporters came and–" Tyson started, but then he paused. "Wait, where is Kai?" The Bladebreakers glanced around, but the spikey-haired lone wolf had disappeared. Mr. D and Coach Granger walked towards the group.
"Sandy, I've held off telling you the second reason I brought you here. I was waiting to see if the board would approve and it seems they have," Mr. D said. My eyebrows knit together uncertainly and I waited for him to continue. "Would you like to start off the event and participate in the opening match?"