Surprise? Surprise! This book is alive again.

Annd I'm thinking about changing the title of the book to 'Back Home and Far'. Please comment your opinions down here or suggest something else. Every suggestion and/or opinion will be considered and appreciated. Thank you!

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Rantaro Kiyama ~

"Alright," Hanami started. The final matches of the C and D blocks of Regional Tournaments were coming up and that was exactly why we were here today. Whoever advances, affects the type of training Valt gotta do next. Though I'm not sure if he's brilliant enough to get the whole idea. "Next up we're moving on to the C block finals!"

"Wild Wyvron is a defence type bey that uses impeccable defence and a powerful counter Shield Crash. Introducing its handler, the boy with fire in his veins, Wakiya Murasaki!" The door of the red corner opened to reveal Goldilocks with his usual arrogant expression. Oh, how I wished I could just walk up and slap that smirk off of his face.

"Wvyron is up against Yugen Yegdrion, a stamina type. Its owner is the embodiment of a samurai and will take out everyone that threatens to stand in his way," Hanami continued. "Introducing Yugo Nansui!" The other door opened to reveal a calm and collected Yugo who actually looked in the mood of a battle.

Look at that, Wakiya! This is how you do it! Not with an annoying, idiotic, stupid, arrogant, trashy face like yours.

Actually just cut off that head and we'll be okay. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR THE EGOTISTICAL WORDS THAT COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH. YOU DESERVE TO BE WRAPPED IN A CLOTH AND PLACED SOMEWHERE LIKE A MUMMY. ALL YOU DO IS MAKE OTHERS ANGRY BY TALKING TO THEM AND SPOIL THEIR MOOD BY SHOWING OFF THAT FACE. MIGHT AS WELL DO WORLD A FAVOUR AND YEET YOURSELF FROM THIS UNIVERSE. ASKVJHQYENSOPVCX!

"STUPID BLONDE," I accidentally shouted out loud.

Valt, Daigo, Nika, Toko and Shu-all of them turned their heads at me in confusion. I quickly covered my mouth with both hands, but the words had already been said.

Imagine your friend randomly screaming 'stupid blonde' when you go watching a beybattle together.

I wouldn't know about that. All I know is that I don't wanna hear how they'd be trying to connect my words with me right now. Especially Valt's imaginations. He might as well be thinking I'm cursing my own hair.

Please somebody hide me.

"What...was that, Honcho?" Valt sweatdropped.

"Uhh," I don't really have any excuses?? "Ta-ta-ta..." Ta-what, Honcho? Ta-what? Why did I have to choose letter T? "Ta-ta-tr-TRYING-" Yes, trying! Trying what? "Trying to...KILL..uhhh," Kill? Kill? I could've come up with a better verb. "...ka-ka..CARS! YES."

Trying to kill cars by screaming "STUPID BLONDE" doesn't really make that much sense but that's all I could come up with. I had less time to think, you know. Compromises.

Shu raised an eyebrow, no doubt even more suspicious now. Valt looked like he wanted to tell the twins to not to learn anything from me. The twins glanced at each other, clearly confused how that works. And Daigo just indifferently looked away.

Woah, what was that?

I don't know about Daigo's emotions most of time, but I do know that he doesn't do anything like this. What's up with him now? Maybe he's not over the recent battle he had with Yugo? And Yugo is up there right now.

Possibly he's thinking he should be the one battling? Or wait...that can't be the case. He's probably thinking about how he could've been battling instead.

If only he'd done better training and trusted himself more.

The summer was shining high in the sky and the wind was warm as usual. The weather didn't actually match what Daigo was going through. It was pure and fresh. The more I thought about it, the more suffocating did the atmosphere became. There was no sign of the cliché dark clouds but the air was intolerably getting to my head.

I hate this nervousness. What the hell is suddenly wrong with me? Did thinking about Daigo's emotions did this to me? It's frightening me. Fear is scary. But I don't even know what I'm suddenly afraid of.

I quickly glanced back at Daigo again. He seemed to be deep in thought. I'm not sure if I ever looked at his face in such detail, but he's actually cute for someone who's emo all the time. I took my time to notice everything that I could lay my eyes on, trying to find any sign of familiarity.

At some point, my focus went to his hair. Now that I think about it, I never saw him without that bandana. I've seen Valt without his band. I've seen (Y/n) with her hair open. Hell I've seen Goldilocks with loose hair that day when he lost to Valt in the Districts. But not Daigo yet.

It had turned oddly silent, even between all this crowd. The Beyclub questioning me about killing cars by shouting 'Stupid Blonde' wasn't anywhere either. Did they feel the tension too? Is it mutual? Or is it my imagination? No, they're still talking. But me thinking about Daigo doesn't feel good, that's for sure. I almost wished (Y/n) was there for him right now. I heard a flying rumour they became close friends?

My secret spies in school. Don't ask.

Seems legit enough though. Both emo, scary, ready-to-bite, calm, cat-lover dudes. Not to mention this suffocating dark aura. Friends made in heaven.

Wow. Claps for my wonderful description.

As Wakiya's battle went on, I urged myself to not to worry to death. Daigo's not Valt. He can take care of himself. Though that assurance didn't last long. I soon found something else to worry about. Somewhere around the second battle, I noticed a person who suspiciously looked like (Y/n), go around the stage and to the Officials area. Mind you, that corner is reserved for the approved wbba staff.

Is that really (Y/n) or just my imagination? Can also be someone else with similar clothes.

And why the hell would (Y/n) be here today? It wasn't her battle and everyone knew she doesn't come just to watch others' battles-especially when the said 'other' is Wakiya Murasaki.

Besides, why would she go to the officials? It doesn't make sense.

I spent a little too much of my time in understanding the relationship between (Y/n) and the officials and reached to the conclusion that it probably ain't her. Or even if she is, I shouldn't be interfering with her business. Hint: high chance I might get killed. I wouldn't be surprised if she's related to some dangerous mafia group.

"Wild Wyvron with a burst finish. Wakiya Murasaki wins by a score of two to nothing!" Turned out the battle was one-sided. Yugo couldn't grab a single point, or even a draw for that matter. Wakiya was hard on him and it went pretty easily for Goldilocks. Good at blading stupid bastard!

Let's pretend that made sense.

"To the Nationals," Wakiya celebrated. "Right where I belong!" Of course he smirked cockily, but then pointed his finger at Shu. "Hear that Shu? Game on."

"Hm," Shu nodded, maintaining that straight expression. If I were him, I would've screamed a bunch of curses at Goldilocks. No idea how this statue of boredom Shu Kurenai controls himself.

"I'm gonna be Shu's last opponent," Valt challenged no one in particular. Obviously he felt the need to speak up.

"Aw yeah?" Xander showed off his zigzag, totally normal teeth. "Not if I can help it."

"Woah-oh," Hanami highlighted the little talk. I swear this man never slips a chance at exaggerating things. "Valt Aoi and Wakiya Murasaki have directly challenged the Supreme Four!"

"Pathetic how you still think you can win," just when I thought everything was normal -- the all too familiar voice of none other than (Y/n) (l/n) entered my ears, messing with the gears in my head.

Huh?! It was really her that went to the Officials' area? Run that by me again.

"Trust me, I can defeat all four of you without even giving it all," she added like it was obvious. Though something told me that her target was only Shu. It's definitely the way she glared at him... Valt, Wakiya and Xander might as well look like extras between them. I mean, she did defeat them at some point. Only Shu had escaped yet.

"What is she doing here?!" Wakiya cried from his place at the stage, not even trying to mask his surprise. (Y/n) threw him a quick uninterested glace before returning her cold gaze towards Shu. Shu stared back with an equal determined face. Y'know...the usual Shu face. You can't tell if he's about to kill you or hug you. I think that guy should start making use of his facial expressions a little more. Like if you have lips and eyes, make use of them? Smile, scowl, glare, blink, laugh?? Do something, dude. Don't just stand there like a statue.

"Is it me or (Y/n) seems like she lost her way home?" Daigo put his astonishment in words. "'Cause I sure as hell see no reason for that girl to be here today."

"(Y/NNN)!" Valt waved like a bird with a broken wing desperately trying to fly. (Y/n) gave him a look that seemed to either say 'I do not know you, mortal' or 'Bow before me, mortal.'

I think it's the latter one. But whatever it was, one thing's for sure: she considers herself some god of power.

AS IF!

"HOLD UP, (Y/N) (L/N)??!" Hanami screeched in a shrill voice. About ninety percent of the audience looked up at the announcement box probably wondering what the heck happened to him. Those who didn't look, simply facepalmed or sweatdropped. Does he have to be so dramatic at everything?

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After that little commotion filled with little surprises, we all moved out of the arena. People couldn't stop talking about how there were finally four qualifiers and they couldn't wait to watch the Nationals take place and how (Y/n) was so cool and awesome with the epic show up and a rattling statement... blah blah. I didn't wanna hear it.

For them, it's too easy talking about the coming tournament and already predicting the output, but imagine being actually up there and the whole nation is watching you. No idea how Valt will be able to stand straight. I can actually imagine him tripping a few hundred times and then telling the poor referee something along, "AAHHH! DUDE, MY KNEES HURT FROM FALLING TOO MUCH. PLEASE GET THE DOCTOR. Please. Please... Please. CAN'T YOU HEAR ME?! I SAID PLEASE. You're so nice. I CAN'T SEE PROPERLY, oh my god, what's happening? PLEASE, I'LL GIVE YOU BEYBREAD. Switch off the spotlight while you're at it. PLEASE, KIND PERSON. ASKVJKSDRNCZUV. I promise I'll battle if you remove that audience."

Then the referee passes out because the guy couldn't take that much stress. News flash can be along: "Breaking News! Referee appointed for conducting the National Beybattles faints on his second day! Know how a little child manages to panic a trained guy! Stay tuned to know more! In the meantime, be safe. Be away from eleven year olds."

Glad I'm not eleven.

"Woah woah, easy there," (Y/n) suddenly hurried in front of us, blocking our way -- Hold up, not our way. She blocked Daigo's way. No idea why the rest of us decided to stop with him. Probably an instinct to stay and save innocent creatures from the cannibal (Y/n). Though I'm not sure what good we'll be able to do if she actually decides to cook Daigo.

I try not to be too pessimistic.

I mean, it's difficult with (Y/n) but I try.

"Hi, (Y/n)!" Valt greeted happily. If you ask me, 'What are you doing here, (Y/n)?' would've been better to say. I don't understand why he's so nice to her. I'll never be able to like anyone who doesn't talk to me respectfully. And I never even gave her a reason to be annoyed with me. Like, you have no right to project your anger at others everytime? I don't like that habit of hers.

"And why, on this lively and fresh day, (Y/n) (l/n) herself decided to bless us with her kindly presence?" Daigo taunted, his voice saturated with sarcasm.

I mentally laughed at that insult. Daigo's amazing at handling her. Pfft, fire against fire.

"Because (Y/n) (l/n) thought that your unkind existence could use some reverse from her side," she shot back. Ah, almost forgot about the comebacks. If someone ever leaves (Y/n) speechless, I'll personally reward them with whatever they ask for.

"And ungrateful," she added with emphasis. Wow, don't you think that's a bit out of the line?

"Unnecessary!" Daigo gritted his teeth, looking more that just offended. What the hell was that?

(Y/n) sighed and rubbed her forehead, clearly annoyed but probably trying hard to not to lose it. If I didn't witness it myself, I wouldn't believe that this vampire -- No, cannibal -- called (Y/n) (L/n) was going as far as forcing herself to be calm just so that she doesn't go all out on Daigo. Seems like the friendship is deeper than I thought, huh?

Makes me wanna fly away and turn into an airplane, though. I can't witness such an emotional moment.

"Alright, Daigo," she grabbed his shoulders. "Come with me."

"What's happening?" Valt asked curiously. He was the only one who dared to interrupt. The twins were staring in awe. Shu was busy analyzing, probably trying to make something out of the situation. Me, I was smart enough to keep my mouth shut.

"Um...you're kinda scaring me now?" Daigo leaned closer to her. "What's up?"

She put an arm around his shoulder, dragging him away. "Ahh, what is it?!" He whined. I guess it's probably about what I felt with Daigo earlier.

That means my wishes were heard?! I wished (Y/n) to deal with Daigo's situation and the gods listened to me and sent her here?

But hey, god. How did you even manage to get a demon like her? I thought gods and demons were enemies.

"YOU GUYS CAN GO BACK HOME," she shouted at us from a distance, then muttered something that sounded like, "Daigo will be safe with me. Don't worry."

I doubted that.

But nobody protested.

And nobody walked away to go either.

We just stood there awkwardly, watching (Y/n) take Daigo far enough from us. It hung like an unsaid agreement around us and I automatically knew we all were staying to watch their conversation take place. After a while, (Y/n) stopped and left Daigo, crossing her arms. Then she said something which was impossible to be heard from this far but their position looked very suspiciously like she was asking a question and he, clearly, wasn't very comfortable to answer.

I didn't see Daigo's lips move. Whatever it was, Daigo didn't want to reply to her. He just stared with something akin to almost, almost anger. (Y/n) said something again. And this time Daigo snapped, saying out some nice words even if (Y/n) didn't seem fazed by it at all. I couldn't hear anything but I didn't need rocket science to figure out the nature of conversation by their facial expressions and body posture.

"Seems like that's an interesting exchange going on," Shu noted. "Right there."

"Sounds about right," Toko muttered. "Didn't she tell us to go home? Why are we still here?"

"Because we're curious," Nika whispered back to him.

Toko hid half his face behind his iPad. "No, I don't think we'll ever get to know what's happening there."

Now (Y/n) was holding out her fist to Daigo and Daigo stepped back, raising up his hands in surrender. He said something sheepishly that made (Y/n) laugh and she dropped her hand to her side; though the poor guy's face still looked like 'Somebody save me from this monstrous girl'. I can't blame him.

"Well I don't think Daigo or (Y/n) will ever share anything about it," I stated the obvious. They both were secretive as hell.

I think two more seconds passed in awkwardness. "So...then why are we still here?" Valt asked. Not like I had the answer to it. I looked at Shu, Shu looked at Valt, Valt looked at Shu and then me. Toko exchanged a look with Nika. Nobody said anything and we went back to staring at their conversation again.

I swear this can't get any weirder. We had no idea what we were doing, but we were doing and silently agreeing with doing it.

(Y/n) and Daigo exchanged a few more sentences normally. Just when I almost started to believe that they were not crazy afterall, (Y/n) punched Daigo's arm. Daigo looked bored as he returned the punch with a punch. She kicked his foot. He kicked it back. Then she smacked his back. He returned the favour with the same. And this went on till (Y/n) was chasing her with a knife. How she produced it out of thin air, was beyond me.

"Definitely a very serious conversation going on," Shu confirmed. I blinked, my eyes big like saucers. Toko, Nika and Valt were in the same situation.

I definitely wanna know what Daigo and (Y/n) talked about.

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"Your attention please, Beyclub. I've just received an urgent letter."

"What is it, Principal Shinoda?" Valt asked.

The Principal smiled a little too happily. Me and Valt looked at each other, clearly creeped out.

"I've been informed that the lucky bladers who've qualified for the National Tournament have been given a pass to enter the National Team Battles!" He announced joyfully.

"Team Battles?" Valt asked.

"That's right!" he replied. "You'll fight in teams of six."

"That's...kinda awkward seeing there's only three of us," Valt chuckled, throwing a look at me and Daigo. We shared a similar knowing look. The team battles seemed like a very good opportunity to get the idea what bladers will be there in the actual tournaments. It can improve our game a lot and qualifiers like Valt can get to analyze the game of other players and strategize before facing them in the Nationals. But the problem was, there were six members needed. And we were only three.

Ken left. Shu and (Y/n) disapproved a long time ago. Other bladers in school like Hoji or Goldilocks would never. Even the bladers who never made it to the spotlights, denied. Why else do you think our club is still so low? Nobody just dares to join! Valt went as far as separately asking people in our early days, but he got replies like "I don't have time for it" or "Sorry I'm already in another club."

Like, dude? What are we? Telling you to fight a war? I don't understand how staying in two clubs will affect performance. And 'not having time' is straight crap. I get enough time for all my hobbies. I'm also a part of the Literary Club and Piano Club other than this. Anything else you wanna say? Freaking excuses!

But they do what they want. We'll see.

"Not so fast," somebody's all too amiliar voice popped from the front, almost startling me. "Count me in," Shu stated, walking over and standing beside the Principal.

"It's Shu!" Valt exclaimed, but then calmed down a little. "But I thought you said--" I was also shocked seeing this statue of boredom here. He said a blunt 'no' earlier: something about training alone is better, I think.

"If you let me join, we'll be four," he said, cutting off Valt.

"Seriously?" Valt mumbled, still in daze. I stood silent, wondering if he's mocking us. But I don't think that's in Shu's nature. Hopefully.

"I've decided I wanna join the club," he repeated himself, using more precise words.

"Same goes for me," another voice said from behind.

Hold up--
This can't be possible.

Why didn't the earth swallow me before my ears had to hear this? Why didn't the skies thunder and blast me with it? Why didn't the winds blew me away with them?! I might as well run from here. I can't let this happen. Not till I'm alive.

"WAKIYA?!" Valt screamed out his astonishment.

Please, end me. I hate this guy so much that I can't explain. I don't want him here. AT ALL.

"Sign me up," Goldilocks said, coming closer and standing beside Shu. "I'll join the club."

No! Wasn't Shu, but I'm sure this dumb thing came here just to mock us.

"YOU BETTER NOT BE MESSING WITH MY HEAD. ARE YOU FOR REAL?" I yelled, expressing my anger, doubt and trying to make sure he's being honest-all in two sentences. Even if he's being real, we still don't want him around! I can't forget how he treated Valt that day when he asked him to join. He can't be allowed now, NO.

"It's your lucky day," Goldilocks said in an annoying voice, completely ignoring me. "You guys will be able to battle me all the time. There's no other way to bring yourselves up to my level till the National Tournament."

I wanted to protest again, but Daigo stepped forward. "No arguments here."

No, no, no, this can't happen. I'M NOT ALLOWING GOLDILOCKS AROUND HERE AT THE BEYCLUB. AND THAT'S FINAL.

"You guys better make this worth my while," he mocked. "'Cause the only reason I'm doing this is so that I can dominate in the Nationals."

I rolled my eyes. "And that smug face is about to--"

"You're on, Wakiya!" Valt suddenly said.

"Huh?" I'm not sure if I heard that right.

"New people always make practice better!" Valt continued like the naïve kid he is. "Honcho, there was only two of us when we started the Beyclub, remember? Now we've got all these great friends standing up to join us! You should be happy about it!"

"I guess, that's right?" I muttered. BUT I DON'T LIKE GOLDEN HAIR. WE CAN GET SOMEONE ELSE, PLEASE.

"Just give it a shot," Valt kept speaking. "Trust me, 'kay Honcho?"

"Like he said, we need six of us to get into the Team Battles," Daigo interjected. "We need him."

WHAT ABOUT HOJI? HE'S BETTER THAN THIS BAG OF DIRT.

"Mmm..." A crease appeared on my forehead. We need recruits for the Nationals. As much as I don't want him here, I might or might not have to compromise because we need members. Ahh, I hate being in such situations. But I don't think I can do much about it. Oh god. Next milestone: National Team Battles. "Fine, have it your way."

"Yayy!" Valt cheered.

"Cool," I sighed.

"Hold on," Goldilocks suddenly said, ruining our celebration moment. Practically, his job is to just ruin everything. "We're still five though."

Valt's face fell. I groaned in annoyance. Why the hell is it so hard finding members for a simple club? And that too when the main perk is to be a part of the National Tournament. If we go around just like that advertising "Come join our Beyclub and get to show off your skills in front of whole Japan!" then I'm sure many, many people would pop up. Why aren't we doing this?!

"HEY I KNOW SOMEONE!" Valt screamed like a loudspeaker.

"Oh yeah?" I growled, covering my ears with my hands. "If you hadn't screamed, we wouldn't've heard you? Think my hearing is that bad? I'm not even fifteen properly."

"You're about my great-grandpa's age," Daigo said like it was a fact.

"Never!" I protested, embarrassed at the joke concerning my age. I wouldn't be surprised if my cheeks were red. I'm not old!

Daigo and Valt laughed hard, holding their stomach. Shu dropped down his head but failed to control his laughter as the corners of his lips turned into a smile. Goldilocks had his arms crossed, annoyingly smirking at me. Principal Shinoda made a very weird "Ha! ha! ha!" with his mouth. I wonder if that's how old people normally laugh.

Someone kill me please.

The Principal quickly recomposed himself and cleared his throat, patting Valt's shoulder once. "It pleases my heart to see how much you've achieved. I've seen you grow with my very own eyes. Since that day when you asked me to make a Beyblade Club to this day when you're off training for the National Tournaments. I wish you lots of good luck and," he lowered his voice. "I'm quite positive that (Y/n) (l/n) would be a great sixth recruit for your unorganized team. Believe me, that child already has a flawless plan to take your team to the top: if you're willing understand her ways.." He laughed again and we all found ourselves shocked at the mention of her name and at the same time, actually wondering about it.

Principal, on the other hand, thinking his job is done here, left the rooftop. It felt like he knows something about her nature that we didn't. Like a piece of her personality is missing from us: the better piece. Either she's not willing to show it, or we're not willing to understand. Even then, there's a long way to go with all the secrets hanging around her. She's like a star having everything revolving around and we all know gravity is never repulsive. Magnetic or electric doesn't even come close. There's no case for attraction and repulsion. There's just the one-sided pull. No way back. Talk about talent for having everybody wrapped around her fingers.

Even the Principal?

This long moment of silence would've continued but Wakiya had to break it. Like I said, he only ruins everything. "You're actually considering it?!" He held up his hands incredulously. "The person we're talking about is (Y/n) (l/n). She can't joi--"

"You make it sound like she's inhuman or something," Valt sighed.

"Well that's because she probably is!"

There was another series of silence among us. We need a sixth. And Principal Shinoda must have a good enough reason why he took her name. He isn't stupid. Maybe strange, but not stupid for sure.

"Forgetting so soon we need six?" Daigo asked. If he raised his eyebrows, they weren't visible. Of course he doesn't have a problem inviting (Y/n). He's the one on good terms with her.

"I'm counting on the Principal here," Shu shrugged carelessly. Annnd obviously he's nonchalant about it. He doesn't have to worry about getting along with (Y/n) either. Him and her will just stay silent and two could keep up the pace.

Am I the only one who has issues putting up with her?

Oh wait, Goldilocks isn't too enthusiastic either. I agree with that golden hair for once. Not that I'll ever admit it out loud.

"Let's go get her," Valt broke the silence, already halfway to the stairs, dragging Shu along and gesturing the rest of us with his right hand. Why we need to take Shu again?

Daigo followed and I forced my feet against my will.

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In 4595 words.

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