Your POV 

White. 

Pure white surrounded me. I instantly relaxed when I saw this colour. I was no stranger to this place. This was the place where blader and bey connected. Where Xcalius and I connect.

The familiar aura of Xcalius filled up the space immediately, and I felt a smile cross onto my face. "Xcalius!"

I started running towards the beast, just stopping a few feet away when I realized that the bey never responded. My face collapsed into a look of worry, concern and panic seeping through my brain. "Xcalius?"

"(y/n)," it replied quietly, the voice hoarse as if in pain. "We're not safe."

My frowned deepened even more. "What do you me-"

Then I saw it. The tiny reins of fire that bound Xcalius tight and in pain. Now anger was beginning to bubble away. Why would someone do this? To my companion? My face twitched in anger as I put on a deathly glare. "Who-who did this?"

"I did."

The voice that spoke up made me freeze. It was tainted with evil, no, it sounded like evil itself. Those two words were enough the change the white into dark purple swirls. Fear replaced the anger quickly. 

Another beast emerged, the one who had spoken. It was a large dragon with wings of fire and a body of silver and scarlet. A golden crest with a blue gem sat upon the head. I'm not going to lie, this terrified me a hundred more times. 

The deathliest aura I had ever felt hung around the dragon. It was worse than Shu's when he was possessed. Evil embodied into a beast. 

"After I demolish everyone's beys, including Xcalius," the dragon smirked arrogantly. I balled my hand into a fist, my heart pounding a million times a minute. I wanted to fight back. Like I've done before. But, for some reason, I only took a step backwards. "I'm coming after the beyblade word. And I'm going to destroy each person. One by one. Starting with you!"

Evil laughter echoed throughout the area. My instincts told my to run, but my feet was stuck to the floor as my fear only increased. The dragon opened its mouth, and three brilliant torrents of flames fled towards their target. 

Me. 

"AH!" I screamed, sitting up and panting with fear. Then I realized that that was just a nightmare. A oddly terrifying one. 

It just felt so real. Like I was actually going to be singed to death. But no, I was in Shu's luxurious plane tucked underneath some covers. 

It was different from my other nightmares, however. This one...felt too real. And it was so strange as well. I'm pretty sure I have never seen that second beast in my life. 

Subconsciously, I reached out towards my bedside table, where Xcalius had been resting the whole night. Weirdly enough, it was glowing a soft crimson. As if it had experienced the nightmare as well. 

But that was impossible.

Wasn't it?

I stared at Xcalius, a frown dawning onto my face. 

What could that nightmare be about? 

-----------------------------

New York. 

The Empire State. Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps.

Skyscrapers loomed tall, towering over the other million other buildings. Activity was steadily picking up pace as the sun began to rise higher and higher into the pale blue morning sky. 

Colours and shades of all kinds could be seen, on billboards, cars, buildings. It was only eight in the morning, but the whole city seemed to be alive. Yellow taxis were dotted across the city, zipping around with many different types of passengers in the backseats. Men and women were bustling around, some holding briefcases as they scurried off to work. 

I leaned against the window even more, pressing my hands against the glass that was the only thing that kept me from falling. The window fogged up as I let out an amazed breath. 

New York was absolutely beautiful from up here. 

It was the very definition of the word 'city'. My eyes scanned the whole landscape, trying to take everything at once. I'm from one of the most populated country in the world, but Beigoma was a small city compared to Tokyo or Osaka. Besides, New York was a big upgrade compared to a lonely cave. 

I heard Shu chuckled from behind me at my amazement and walked off to talk to the pilot. A small smile grew on my lips. The nightmare I had last night didn't bother me at all now. I'm in New York, one of the most famous and populated cities. I'm going to have a ridiculous amount of fun. 

With all of my friends.

I thought about Valt and his food, Honcho and his fan, Xander with his height, and everyone else. I realized just how much I had missed them. Excitement started to grow in my stomach as I realized I was going to meet some of them today. 

Well, I don't know if they are actually going to be here in New York for certain, but they wouldn't miss the arrival of their friend which they haven't seen in years? Would they?

Stupid overthinking mind, I grumbled silently as I started to feel my nerves increasing. You've ruined my whole day. 

"Mr. Kurenai, Ms. (l/n)," the pilot began to address us over the speakers. Shu appeared in the room again, a smile on his face. I frowned slightly, wondering what he was happy about. I remembered that he was single, and the frown instantly disappeared. "We've arrived in New York. The local time is eight fourteen. I hope you enjoyed the flight, and have fun in New York."

The speaker crackled, and then the pilots voice vanished. Shu turned to me, grinning. "Ready to explore New York?"

"Born ready," I replied, grinning as well. "Oh, and the paparazzi-" 

Shu shook his head. "I'm sorry. We couldn't evade them. One of the staff leaked it out to one of her friend, and you know what most women do."

"How nosy," I rolled my eyes and slung a backpack onto my back. My luggage was to be delivered straight to the Raging Bulls apartment I was staying in. We simultaneously began walking to the exit, Shu putting on some sunglasses. "Well, I kinda want to make my announcement big. You know, to get back at Glass. I'm the champion and he can't take that away from me. No one can!"

"Just you wait, (y/n)," Shu said cockily. "I'm having that title."

I let out a laugh. "Keep dreaming!"

"We'll see," he smirked, stopping and turning to face me, his pinky outstretched. "Promise to battle me?"

"Absolutely," I smiled, intertwining his pinky with mine. I gestured to the exit. "I guess we should probably start going."

"Yeah," agreed Shu. "You wanna go first?"

I hesitated before answering this question. My cheeks heated up a little from my silliness. "Uh, actually, I'm not sure if I'm ready to face all the cameras first. Can you, uh-"

"Sure," he nodded, smiling. Reaching out towards the handle, he unlocked it and started descending down the metal stairs. 

As soon as Shu opened the door, the New York heat hit me. It was so much more nicer than Antarctica's weather. I peered carefully, watching as Shu walked down into the small crowd of paparazzi. He was answering some questions and not stopping for pictures at all. I let out an exhale. It's been a while since I've done this. 

Putting on a bright smile, I followed Shu down the stairs. On the first ledge, the coolness of the plane left me and the brightness of New York engulfed me. I winced a little from the sun. Should've worn sunglasses.

As soon as I stepped outside, I heard the sound of cameras taking pictures intensify, as well as the voices throwing out questions. I waved at all of them, wanting to look my best as this was obviously going to make headlines. "Hey, world! I'm back!"

More flashes went off, and I paused as I saw Shu turn his head towards me.  A small, tender smile graced his lips, reminding me of the days where we dated. This itself made my heart skip a beat and my cheeks heat up. I mentally thanked the heat for being a good excuse as to why I was red. I shook the thoughts off. I am not falling in love with Shu Kurenai. Again.  

"(y/n) (l/n), over here!"

"(y/n), is it true that you're the champion in the beyblade world?"

"What are your thoughts about newcomer Aiga Akabane?"

I held my hand up, patiently waiting for the questions to half before I gave my speech to clear everything up. I saw cameras get ready, prepared to air this to the world. "Listen up here! You can tell everyone, print it on every magazine, show-cast it onto TV! Years ago, I won the God Blader's cup, thus becoming the best blader in the world. I left civilization to train even more, and in that period of time, the world forgot about me.

"Now that I've thought it over, I'm not that surprised," I continued, making sure my voice was loud and clear. "The same thing happened with Kurtz Baratier. Initially, I thought that I'm still the best blader in the world. Heh, I was being a little obnoxious. But I'm not the only one who has gotten stronger in the past few years. Valt's the champion! He came fifth in the God Blader's Cup, but now he's first in the world! I'm really proud of him. He's like a brother to me.

"However, Shu did place above Valt in the God Blader's Cup. And Shu himself told me that while he's still into blading, he hasn't participated in much official tournaments because of his duties as the owner and manager of Raging Bulls. So, Valt. I challenge you for the title! What do you say, Shu. You in as well?"

All cameras swung to face the albino. He only smirked. "Of course."

The cameras looked back to face me, and I stared directly into the camera for the Beyblade Channel and displayed my newly evolved Xcalius. "Get excited, Valt! I know that this battle is gonna be epic!

"Let's battle!"

---------------------

"(y/n), this is your room."

I nodded, scanning the neat apartment room. It was on the highest floor, next to Shu's dorm and Fubuki's. A single bed with the Raging Bulls crest imprinted on the quilt and pillow as pushed against the side, a window that boasted the New York landscape above it. 

Opposite from that, a bookshelf was placed and a display cabinet.  In the middle of the room was a classic stadium. On the left of the room was a TV with a small scarlet couch near it. I spotted some fitness mats and weights in a corner, no doubt for training. 

Another door lead to a bathroom and a wardrobe. I was shocked to see all of my belongings in their place, including my world championship trophy in the display cabinet.

Shu handed me my suitcase. "All your clothes in here. As you can see, my team has put everything in their place."

"Thank you so much, Shu," I smiled, eternally grateful towards him. I dragged my suitcase and plonked down on my bed. "You make my life so much easier."

Shu smiled back. "No problem. If you have any problems, give me a call. Alright, I'll be goi-"

"Wait!" my voice halted him in his steps. He walked back into the room. "Uh, is anybody around? Not like the training newbies we saw downstairs, but like, Valt, Xander, Fubuki? Anyone? Even Wakiya?"

Shu shook his head. "I'm sorry, (y/n), but all of them are busy."

"Oh. Ok," I said, feeling a little bummed out. "Is there any food?"

"You can have lunch in the cafeteria with the other trainers at around twelve. Come up to the rooftop, we have lunch there," Shu answered. "I would like you to have it with me and Fubuki, but we have...business to do. I'm really sorry."

Great. 

Shu, the only person I knew that was here, is leaving me. "Oh, um. Okay.  Anyways, I'm really tired-"

"Oh yeah," the owner of the Raging Bulls began leaving my room. "I'll leave you to it."

The door closed, leaving me alone in my room. Sadness began to engulf me as I laid down on my bed. I know all my friends are busy but...I was expecting a warmer welcome.

After years of leaving them, I thought maybe at least Valt or Xander will come to see me. Fubuki's not even here. The least they can do is give me a call, but...nobody has contacted me. My first day back, and I'm waiting to have lunch with people I've never met before, in a room by myself. 

My first day back and I feel completely alone. 

---------------------

11:40am.

It's going to be lunch soon. I swung my feet out of bed and started getting ready, making sure my hair was secure in the two panda buns. By the time I had finished, only five minutes had passed. 

Might as well start walking there. I exited my room and turned to the right, walking down the long corridor. Shu mentioned the cafeteria's on the rooftop, so it will probably take ten minutes or so to get there. I'm on the highest floor, but the furthest place away from the rooftop, width wise. 

That's a weird place for a cafeteria. The rooftop. I'm sure I saw what looked like the cafeteria on the way to my room with Shu, but that must not have been it. Shu can't be wrong, he's the owner of the place, after all. 

My stomach grumbled, and I wondered what the food would taste like. I smelt some food passing down the corridor to the rooftop before, and it smelt superb. Hopefully it tasted that way to. 

Jabbing the button for the lift, I began ascending to the rooftop. I heard laughter and a few voice, but too muffled to hear what they were saying. I reached into my pocket and clutched Xcalius, only letting go when the lift doors opened. 

I was getting used to the New York sun. The weather was lovely today, the clear blue sky complimenting the scene set out in front of me. 

A nice, long wooden table that seated about twenty-two people was laid out before me. Silver cutlery lined the table, and glasses ready to be filled were placed across the table. The food was amazing, reminding me of Ange's mouthwatering dishes. The classic bey bread, spring rolls, sushi, pasta, pan-fried dumplings, burgers were just some. It felt like all my favorite food was there. 

Cushioned stools of different bright colours outlined the table. Green plants and succulents were scattered across the grey floor, making the sight seem more natural. A classic stadium was placed in a corner, and a DJ booth in another. 

The whole thing was so nice and perfect. There was just something off... My eyebrows furrowed. This was supposed to be a cafeteria, but I doubt it could cater for even quarter of the trainees are the Raging Bulls. It looked more like an outdoor restaurant.

Second, where were the people? It's twelve o'clock exactly, so why aren't people here? I heard laughter and talking from inside the elevator. The sounded of people talking and laughing together still felt so familiar, even though I had been away for so long. It reminded me so much of my friends from beyblading...

Wait. 

No, that can't be. 

Unless...

"SURPRISE!"

I watched in a mix of happiness and amazement as a chorus of voices, the majority I hadn't heard from in ages, shouted the word. 

A bright grin made its way onto my face as I watched about thirteen very familiar people climb out from plants, the table, the DJ Booth, practically every thing on the rooftop. 

They didn't forget about me. 

Instead, they had just put a large reunion together from all over the world, just for me. Everyone was here. Valt, Shu, Daigo, Wakiya, Ken, Honcho, Xander, Zac, Lui, Renwu, Free, Toko, Nika, Fubuki, Sasha, Honey, Kit, Chris, Cuza, Silas and even Hanami was here, in the DJ Booth.Tears of joy sprang up, threatening to spill at any moment. "Y-You guys! No way!"

"Heck way," I heard the signature, loud laughter from my favorite cousin as he wrapped me into a hug, which I gladly did back to him. "Wouldn't miss your arrival for the world."

"Move!" A voice loud with excitement rang out, pushing Xander to the side with a yelp. Chocolate brown eyes sparkled as I immediately hugged him tightly. "(y/n)! I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed my little brother as well," I gave a close-eyed grinned, letting go and ruffling his hair. I opened my eyes and scanned him. "Wow, you've matured. You're nearly taller than me!"

"Whaaat?" he pouted in disappointment. "I thought for sure I would be taller than you!"

"Hah, you wish, kiddo," I smirked. Then a trio of kids caught my attention. I ran up to them, hugging all three in a giant bear hug. "My children, you've grown so much! Toko, Nika, you've shot up! You too Fubuki!"

"Thanks, (y/n)!" Nika said happily. Toko gave me a close-eyed smile, reminding me of Valt. Fubuki merely looked out to the New York skyscrapers, his only sign of happiness a small smile on his face. 

I let go of them, wondering how beyblade was going for them. "How's blading going?"

"Well, Nika prefers to collect data on her iPad," Toko began explaining, his eyes lighting up. "I started blading, with a Turbo bey called Screw Trident. Ah, but I don't think I'm as good as Valt-"

"Toko," I bent down, placing my hands on his shoulders. I knew this problem was going to come up. Being siblings with the world champion would only lead to constant comparison. "You don't have to be as good as Valt. You are not Valt, okay? You are an entirely different person. Those people that compare you, they know nothing. Ignore them. Alright?"

"Alright," he gave me an energetic smile. I turned to Fubuki, who still had a cold façade on. To be honest, I wasn't surprised at all. 

"Since we're dorm neighbors, we'll talk later on, okay?" I proposed the idea to the blonde. He merely shrugged, but I could see his smile grow. 

Before I could anything else, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Straightening up, I turned around to be met with a pair of dull eyes framed by dark yellow bangs. "Free. How are you?"

"Same as always," he shrugged. "Training and stuff. But I guess I don't value winning as much anymore."

I grinned in relief, recalling the days where Free was literally lifting boulders of victory. "That's good. I look forward to battling you."

"I look forward to beating you," he smirked smugly. "Watch me."

Not waiting for an answer, he spun of his heel and immediately left me. My grinned widened, even more excited for the battle. 

"Hey, (y/n)!" 

The elder Guten sister approached me, grinning widely. "Sasha! Honey!"

"I've missed having a girl blader my age with me," Sasha squeezed me gently. "The boys drive me absolute nuts sometimes."

"Damn, that must suck," I bit my lip, feeling sorry for Sasha. They were all my good friends, but sometimes the boys could get a little...a lot rowdy. "But that's changing now! I'm coming back to BC Sol!"

"And the beyblade industry, hopefully!" My attention turned to the person in front of me. Hanami grinned widely, capturing me in a quick embrace. Sasha quickly dashed off when Kit and Honey called her to look at the view.  "The Beyblade Empress herself makes a comeback! Looking forward to using that line during a battle, eh?"

I grinned back at the commentator. "You know it. I'll make sure my first match is commentated by you. Oh, and the WBBA organized this, right? I send my thanks."

"Actually, you should be thanking Shu," Hanami corrected me. "He told us the idea about two days ago and planned. Really, all we did was invite people and fly them in."

Shu arranged this whole thing, just for me? Wow. I tried to ignore the heat flooding my face. "Oh, really? I'll be sure to thank him then."

Hanami's phone buzzed, and he pulled it out with a frown on his face. When he saw the message, Hanami instantly relaxed and clapped me on the back. "We better get going with the lunch, I have to DJ this party and Ange is going to blow a fuse if this food isn't eaten soon!"

"Oh, yeah! The food!" I dashed to the table, taking a seat at the chair at the head of the table labelled with my name. With the excitement of all my friends here, I had forgotten about the amount of delicious food placed on the table. Hanami got ready in his DJ Booth, and announced for everyone to get seated. 

Valt and Xander were seated next to me, and Shu was on the other side of the table. I quickly mouthed a 'thank you' to him. Shu nodded briefly and smiled. At this, I couldn't help but smile back. A blush started rising on his cheeks, soon mirrored onto mine. Xander let out a laugh from my right side. "(y/n), we all see those smiles and blushes you two are exchanging. We didn't come here to see some romance!"

The whole table laughed, including Shu and I. "Alright then. Let's eat!"

Everyone immediately dug into the mouth-watering heap of food. I looked around at each one of them, everyone smiling and laughing and happy. Even though years will pass, some things will never change. Including the bond everyone shares. Especially that. 

I smiled softly at everyone's expressions of joy. Everyone was happy. It made my heart swell with joy, and I wondered how I had managed to survive so long without this feeling of content. 

I may have arrived back in civilization a few hours ago, but that wasn't home. Home is where the heart is. Home for me, is where my happiness lies, and that is with all of the people seated at the table. 

I'm finally home. 

-----------------------

sorry for the long wait

REMEMBER...VOTE...COMMENT...SHARE!!!

Word count: 3747