I just found out something that I think is amazing as of last chapter (Excluding all AN and review responses) this story broke 72,000 words. I don't know whether I should be proud or what but I think it is worth something, so to all my reviewers/alerters/favoriters thanks so much!

Also for those who don't know, I am revamping all earlier chapters. Chapter one is already done.

Disclaimer: So after much deliberation, and arguing with My Own Demise, I have decided that I need to stop my ban on disclaimers and so I do not own Beyblade never have never will. Wow, that is much more painful now then it was before.

Lights flickered around the arena. No one was willing to be the first to speak. Even the loudmouth had muted himself, and it was all thanks to the over shadowing presences that was my father. After our little 'chat' in the hall I had forced myself to not speak to him. Of course however he was making that one heck of a challenge. I was determined though, he wasn't going to get to me.

Ray might have had a touching reunion with his father but that didn't mean I was planning on trying to create my own. Shun also hadn't spoken to my father. Then again Shun had spoken very little to anyone aside from Ray, and myself to some extent, but even then it wasn't much.

There was one other reason though that practice was so unbearable silent, even for me, and that was none other then my own baby brother. Kagen had changed and not for the better. When he had finally woken up Tala and I had both known it wasn't our Kagen, his eyes would attest to that.

He was that other thing. The thing that Kagen had openly admitted to fearing that, thanks to our father, lived deep inside him. Tala said that I shouldn't worry to much, that it happened often and Kagen always regained control. If that were the case though I doubt Tala would be so worried. I know part of Tala's problem was that Wolborg was still missing. Which I will admit that if it were Dranzer I would be worried as well, but something about this was different.

This was all on top of the fact that at times it was almost as if Kagen, or whatever that thing living inside him was, was in pain. Like he was fighting something on the inside that was stronger then even his virus. "Kai! Pay attention to the battle!" I looked up for one second to send a glare at my father.

"Hm," It's one thing for him to tell me how to live my life, it's another thing completely for him to try and tell me what to do in a Bey-battle. Even Tyson wasn't that stupid . . . most times. "Alright that's enough. Let's wrap it up for the day." I recalled Dranzer from her spin against what was once Wolborg.

One glance at Shun told me that he didn't like what he was seeing in his team and who could blame him? It was glaringly obvious that his team was still divided, more so now then ever before. Mystel and Brooklyn kept to themselves, Tala stayed on his own and now Kagen was something else entirely.

It was times like this that made me actually understand and appreciate just what the Bladebreakers were. We were four very different people, from different areas and backgrounds, that somehow managed to come together and create the most unstoppable team to date. "Kai, Ray, would you two stay for a moment?" I looked over at my cousin . . . I still can't get use to that. Both of us were on the same page at this point. We stood there as all the others filed out. Kagen lingering slightly longer then the rest. His dead blue eyes locking with mine before he smirked and walked out. "What's going on dad?" Ray asked, slightly to cherry for my taste. "I've been thinking a lot lately, maybe to much, but I think that I can't wait any longer."

I tried to listen to what Shun was saying, but I honestly hadn't been paying much attention to anything lately. "Wait any longer for what?" Shun looked at the door, obviously trying to gauge whether someone was at the door or not. "To save Kagen. I didn't think that things would go this fast but I can't hold off any longer and wait for Kagen to regain control." Now I really cared about what was being said.

"What are you talking about saving Kagen?" I asked, more then a little eager to find out what the elder Chinese man was talking about. Once again Shun glanced to the door. "The reason that I was brought here was for the purpose of me preforming an advanced surgery on Kagen. It's called Bio-gating. The process is simple enough but it would block the virus from spreading inside Kagen for quiet some time. I have advanced medical training and with the resources that Alexei can get a hold of it wouldn't have been a problem."

I saw Ray nodding. He obviously knew about his fathers background in the medical field. "So whats the big deal?" Shun sighed and I could tell that what he was going to say next was not something I was going to like. "Alexei came to me when I was first chosen for this job with something I didn't expect. He told me about the condition that Kagen recently acquired due to his actions and I was . . ." Shun broke off, his hands clinching into fist as he shook his head.

"I was mad to say the lest. At the same time however what he told me could not be overlooked. He said that it would be possible to fix Kagen if we were able to reconnect his mind. Due to Alexei's prior involvement with the problem he didn't think it would be safe for him to preform such an operation but that while I was doing the Bio-gates that I could simply do this as well."

I crossed my arms and let my disgust show. How could I ever be related to a coward like my father? He was willing to let his friend take a huge risk to fix a problem that he caused and save his son. It's times like this that I hate remembering that I ever cared about him, that I ever respected that man. "Will it work?" Ray asked, being as eager to save my brother as the rest of us. Shun however didn't look convinced.

"There is of course the possibility that this will not work but that isn't what I am worried about. I wanted to wait and do this once I could ask Kagen for his permission, but I can't wait for that now. The virus is getting worse and the bio-gates only work if the virus hasn't infected all the vital organs. As such, Kai," He said turning his full attention to me.

"Hm," I said, I figured it was safer to give short answers at the time. "I want your permission to go ahead with theses surgeries on Kagen. Your father has given his consent but I don't trust his judgment in the matter. You however still care deeply for your brother and I know you will only do what you think is best for him. I can give you more details about both procedures but I will need an answer soon."

I thought about what he was saying for a few moments. I was glad he wasn't just taking my fathers word for everything, and that he was telling me what would happen before hand but I wasn't sure I liked the idea of anyone cutting into my brother or messing with his mind anymore. "Dad, not that I care but why did you need me in here?" For a moment I had all but forgotten about Ray standing in the room. Shun seemed to remember at the same time that his son was in the room and nodded his head. "Right sorry, almost forgot. I need to talk to you about something different. First off however I need you to go talk to Tala."

"Say what now?" Ray asked blinking a few times in confusion. Even I couldn't believe he was serious. "You heard me. I don't like this tension that is going on between you boys. I don't know what happened in the past but you both need to understand that it is in the past. The two of you have a lot to be thankful for and a lot in common, you need to let go of the past and get along or so help me I will remind you why I am your father."

The tone of Shuns voice left no room for questions, both me and Ray realized that. So even as I was thinking over things Ray left with a sigh. "Whatever you say dad." I looked to Shun again after Ray had left only to see that he didn't look any happier. "Problem?" I figured it wouldn't be good form not to at least ask, after all we were related. "Leonid and Boris should have been back two days ago, yet neither of them have shown their ugly faces. It bothers me because it means that they are planning something, something big."

I nodded my head, leaning against the wall. "What do you think they are plotting." Shun shook his head. Before he turned again to look at the door. "Brooklyn, what are you doing here?" I tensed up as I heard Shun address the white-clad blader. "Kon, Mystel and myself were wanting to speak to you about the order of battles for the competition." Shun nodded his head once again before turning to face me. "We'll talk later, alright?" I made no sign of hearing him, I was to concerned about watching the white blader.

After a few moments the two had left the beyblade training room. So I decided to focus on something else. I pulled out a dark blue blade, the blades painted with deep red spirals and a dark fire bird shown in the middle. I walked to the corner of the training room. Sliding down so that the shadows concealed me from view. 'Dranzer I need to speak with you for a moment.' I let out a deep breath, slowing down my heart beat some. I had learned long ago that the calmer one was the easier it was for one to connect with their partner. 'You called my child?' I almost smiled as I felt the warmth in my blood.

'Yes, I did. I need your help in making a decision.' I waited a second trying to think of how I was going to pose my thoughts.'Is this about what Shun said?' I smiled this time. Dranzer did always know what was going on. 'What do you think Dranzer, should I trust him?' 'Shun wishes no ill will on you or your brother. I trust him but I would not put all my faith in his words. Learn what you can, be involved in as much as you can, if ever my feelings towards him change I will gladly let you know."

Ray's PoV

Make friends with Tala? I'm not sure what my father is thinking but if he really wants me to I guess I can always try. Besides when Tala acts like the jerk he is I can always put him in his place. I looked around the break room at the training center. He had to be lurking around somewhere. It was just a matter of finding him.

After about ten minutes of searching I finally did. He was slinking around the back halls. It took me all of five seconds to realize that he wasn't just walking around though, he was following someone. After a few seconds more I saw who he was following. Kagen.

For a second I thought about the old saying that my father had drilled into my brain. 'Curiosity killed the cat.' I shrugged though, that saying was a lot more effective before I learned the rest of it. 'but satisfaction brought it back.' with my mind made up I went after Tala and Kagen.

It was like some weird train. I was tailing Tala, who was tailing Kagen, who looked to be trying to find someone himself. Who could he be looking for out here though? After a few more seconds Kagen stopped, causing me to lunge into the nearest hallway, which also happened to be the one Tala was closest to. "What are you doing here." He hissed out in a harsh whisper. So much for staying incognito. "Would you believe me if I said I was looking for the bathroom?"

Tala quickly gave me a look that read disbelief. "No, didn't think so." I said before he slapped his hand over my mouth. I have to say I was half tempted to lick it but I avoided the childish action. "Stay quiet. I need to here what Kagen is talking about." It was then that I noticed the almost silent sound of the 'Kagen-look-a-like' talking to someone.

"You said that the boy would be nothing more then a setback.- No! He's a total nuisance! The boy and that irritating Zodia . . . no . . . yes I said I could handle them but- Oh would you just shut up and listen!" I have to admit that it would have been much easier to understand what the thing was talking about if we could hear both sides of the conversation, but you take what you can get.

Then I saw Tala perk up, his blue eyes glinting with a excited edge as he moved his hand away and leaned forward. It was then that I had heard what had got his attention. "If I knew how that stupid wolf had joined Zodia I wouldn't be having as much trouble removing her. . . No, Wolborg is to strong for something like that." The thing let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine, I will deal with this myself you useless humans."

Tala looked at me with a grin that matched the wolf he held as a bit. "Guess I know what happened to Wolborg now." He said, his voice low and even I couldn't help but smile. I knew first hand what it was like to lose a Bitbeast and the fact that he had more or less just found his again made me glad. "Tala-" I started suddenly remembering why I was after him in the first place.

He tilted his head to me slightly, no doubt a sign to go ahead. "I think maybe its time we start working on the same team. For real, not just because we have to. I mean the past is the past and we were both just scared little kids." He gave me a look that said he was about to protest that last point but I held up my hands in a hold on gesture. "You know what I mean. If we let all this resentment go I think that maybe there is a chance that we could have a friendship of some form. At least it would be better then this constant hatred."

The redhead looked at me for a few moments. No doubt trying to judge if I was being honest in my offer, and to my own surprise I found that I was. I was tired of this built up hate, I didn't like anger or bitterness and truthfully there wasn't a real reason for us to hate one another anymore. After all Kai didn't have to chose one or the other, and even if he did us killing one another wouldn't go over well with him. "Why the change in heart?" He asked and for half a second I was tempted to lie to him. "My dad told me to get over it."

He looked slightly surprised for a second and who could blame him. It's not like I gave the most noble of answers. "That doesn't change the fact that I mean it. Besides its not like we wont get to bet one another up in the tournament anyways." When he smiled I knew that all was forgiven and I was thankful. Like everything though all good things must come to an end.

"Aw, how cute the puppy and the kitty have made friends. How sweet." I turned around to face the venom soaked voice. Kagen was standing over us, a smirk on his face. "What feeling jealous?" I heard Tala taunt behind me. For a second I thought the lookalike was going to lose it as his eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Jealous? What do I have to be jealous of? A pathetic friendship that will be crushed in a matter of seconds as reality catches you again? No, I think I am fine without such things." I bit the inside of my lip.

I didn't know who this guy was but I hated him. "Who are you?" I yelled, knowing that it was pointless. The lookalike smirked. "I have a lot of names. I've been called Demon, monster, god, Kagen, but the name that the labs gave me was Novikov." I paused. I had heard that name before. He had introduced himself with that name back in Italy, but it was more then that. Someone had that name, someone real. I just couldn't think of who. Then it clicked. It was Justin's real name.[1]

The name that he had when Voltaire had killed him. "Funny," I said being the only one to see the irony. "Even the name they gave you isn't yours. It belonged to someone else and they simply stole it. All you get is hand me downs I'm afraid." Once again there was that flash of anger as 'Novikov's' eyes, but like before as soon as it was there it faded. The dead blue eyes switching from anger to amusement in moment. "Petty anger will get you no where."

I felt a hand grip around my upper arm and yank me from the ground and to my feet. "We'll keep that in mind. If you don't mind however there is things that need to be done before the tournament." Before I could say anything I was being pulled away down the hallway. If it wasn't for the fact that I was naturally well balanced, I would have ended up smartly on my backside.

"Tala, what the heck are you doing?" I asked finally getting my feet under me and turning around so that I was at least facing the correct direction. "Getting away from that freak." He almost spat out the words. It was then that I realized that even though I had known Kagen as a child Tala had spent almost his whole life with the other boy. "Tala I think you should know something."

The read head looked at me for a few seconds, not once slowing in his pace. "What is it?" I pulled my arm away from him. I didn't want to be rude but after a while that started to hurt. "Look can we go back to the break room. Grab something to eat and talk there? Oh are you to cool for stuff like that?" I saw the smirk on Tala's face and knew his was thinking of something. "I think I have a better place in mind to talk." I let myself smile slightly before I I felt the light heat in my pocket. Guess Drigger likes where this is heading as well.

Kai's PoV

I was still sitting by myself when I heard the door slid open and saw two people walk in. It took me a few minutes from my vantage point to see who they were, but after a few minutes both were standing in the light and I had one more reason to stay in the shadows.

"Are things coming along as planned, Brooklyn?" I tried to keep my breath as quiet as I could. The last thing I needed was for either of these two to hear me. "I'm not sure I agree with this." Brooklyn said after a moment of silence. It only took a second for the other to reply. "You already let me down once during the finals Brooklyn. You aren't in a position to let me down again. All you are required to do is keep your head down and when the time comes make sure that Kai and Ray are weak enough that Black Dranzer can absorb their power."

I felt a surge of panic as I heard what was being planned. That was the purpose of this tournament, but why use a little nothing tournament out in China. It made no sense, at least not logically. If they were trying to trap them into a battle it would make more sense to chose a battle that they couldn't easily back-out of. Something like that worlds, or a major city tournament, it just wasn't adding up. "I am not so easily controlled." I heard the words but I wasn't sure where they came from. I was sure that Brooklyn hadn't said them, but still somehow I had heard them. "Just remember, nothing can go wrong this time, and if something does go wrong, or even worse you betray me again, I will not hesitate in taking from you everything. That includes that pathetic team of yours." The words were spoken so casually that I almost couldn't believe that it was a threat, it was almost as if he was just stating a fact.

From where I sat I could barely see the two that were conversing, but I didn't need to see them to know what was being said. Brooklyn, and most likely Mystel as well were being blackmailed into doing this 'favor' for Leonid and Boris because they had betrayed them during the finals and went all out in there matches. I allowed myself a brief moment to feel pity for the two BEGA bladers before remembering what they had done.

I waited a little longer. They had yet to move but they also had yet to began speaking again and I was starting to wonder what was going on. Then I heard what had no doubt made them stop talking. There was a slight buzz filling the room. It was almost unnoticeable at first but once one was listening for it the sound was obvious. "We should go, if you are gone for to long your coach will notice your absence." "I doubt it, I told him I was going to train again. He seems to think I have turned a corner in my training for the better." I heard the other man scoff. "The idealist at work as always, sometimes I wonder what purpose that man is really suppose to serve here. It's blatantly obvious that he doesn't know the first thing about coaching."

It was then that it clicked. No one aside form my father knew the real reason behind Shun's being named Coach of the new team, and something told me that would be an advantage we shouldn't give up easily. Once again my mind was alerted of the buzzing noise. It seemed to have grown louder as time had went on until it had become an almost murmur. It was at that point that I realized that it was talking from somewhere outside the training room.

"I believe we should continue this conversation another time. It appears that we are about to gain unwanted company." Finally the two intruders began to move off in the opposite direction of the new voices. How long was I going to be hiding in this freaking shadow?

"Lets see if you can really hold your own, what do you say?" I narrowed my eyes. I knew that voice no doubt. "You really want to challenge me? Fine, but you better be ready to lose." Alright I knew that voice too. I pushed myself to a new position, down on my hands and knees so that I could move in the shadows without revealing my position. If my guess for the voices were right there was no reason to hide, but I was curious now.

Turns out I was right. Two figures stood on either side of the dish. One with blazing red hair and and wolf like smirk, the other with black hair and cat split gold eyes. This was their version of making friends? Still part of me wondered what this was all about. I slide into a more comfortable position and waited for the two to launch, or at least to spell out the terms of the battle. "So Ray, whats the game for?" Ray narrowed his eyes, taking his Drigger from his pocket. "How should I know, your the one that wanted to battle." Tala smirked again, taking out his own plain blade. "True, true, but you my friend are the one that wanted to talk as I recall."

Understanding dawned in Ray's eyes as the two held out their launchers. "You're right, this is a better place then the break room." This time Tala smiled, not smirked, before letting out the smallest of laughs. "Of course it is, I never lie." Ray returned the smile and I realized just how much I obviously had missed. "Yeah right, you never lie. Come on and let's get this started."

Both gripped their ripcords tightly and I couldn't just stay out of it. "I don't think so." I almost growled. Both of my friends about jumped from their spots by the dish. "Where the hell did you come from?" Tala demanded, his eyes narrowing in a glare that I knew was faked, and apparently Ray did as well because all this action did was cause him to burst out laughing. "You've been sitting there the whole time haven't you? Oh well, come on sourpuss, no point in you sitting on the sideline. What we were going to talk about consern you too."

I glared slightly at Ray, how long had it been since we had just battled for fun? How long had it been since someone had called me sourpuss, wait why was I even noticing that. . . you have to be kidding, I actually notice that stupid name now. Just great. "Don't expect any mercy." I said retrieving Dranzer's launcher and ripcord. "Mercy? What on earth does that word mean?" Tala asked in mock confusion.

Again I glared at him. "Remember you said that after I've wiped the floor with you funny man." Ray just shook his head as I took my spot at the dish. "Alright let's get down to business."

Wow, what a dull ending for this chapter . . . oh well better dull then not typed right?

[1] Not sure how many of you remember Justin (The pilot of the plane that blew up), much less remember hearing his real name, but I revealed it when Justin checked them into the hotel while Ray was out-cold.

Reviews but first! I don't know why I find this achievement of reaching 72,000+ words, or even reaching chapter 20 so worth wild, but I do so in honor of that I want to honor my most faithful reviewers.

If I list your name please PM me because I would like to give you something special!

Chaseha-Wing

Mimi 007

Racerabbit

My Own Demise

and finally Suzanne (I'll have to find a special way to get in contact with you. ^.^)

If I did not mention your name please know that all your support is still loved and appreciated! Along with all the alerts and faves!

Onto reply's!

Eltoro: Thanks so much. Hope you keep on enjoying!

Black wolf-kot: I am glad that you have enjoyed it, and it is so nice to hear that it has gotten better as it continued, so many stories loss their steam so fast. Also I am glad you like the family connection, and to hear that you still like even though it isn't your normal!

Mimi 007: Where to began with you dear, how much your reviews mean to me? No, you already know that. Maybe just that I am so happy that you take the time to read what I write no matter how dull it is! I hope that you still think that everything is connected well enough together, and I know this chapter was more or less filler, but it's something right? But for our evil laugh talk which sometimes is the best part about writing chapters. Us trying to write humor? Hahaha, that would be humorous right there! On the other hand if we could pull it off that would be one freaking hilarious fic. You could have everyone trying to teach him of course! Haha I would love to see Bryan trying to teach him how to evil laugh! I would never see them the same way again. Now I can't stop smiling . . great! Anyways Never apologize for reviewing regardless of the length it is better then nothing right?

Suzanne: I am so glad that you have stuck with this story. I know sometimes it seems a little hopeless. Much love always. (Oh and please let me know if there is a way I can get a hold of you to give you your special prize!)