Guess what? I'm BACK! Audience rolls eyes Heh.

Anyway, on a more important note, this is the last chapter for this fic. -" Sorry for not informing you people earlier. I forgot… Don't throw anything at me, 'kay? That's the bad news. But… the good news is that I'm planning to do a one-chapter prologue (meaning a one-shot) on how they got together. It'll also be a behind-the-scenes thing. It'll be called To Be With You. Happy now?

Only 4 people reviewed the previous chapter. Wails and pouts Have the rest of you lost interest in my fics? My standards must be dropping. O.O Anyway, this chapter is for the following people, who bore with me through the second chapter grins: Galux Kitty, Bloody Mary, Mystique Rain, and kiephra. -

Ooh. I didn't do the disclaimer for the last chappie. Blames my memory. Memory cowers in a corner Here it is: I DO NOT own Beyblade or I won't be sitting here writing fanfiction. I'd be putting lots of Ray/Mariah fluff in. About time the owner(s) did so. Don't they know how much profit they're losing? Never mind. It's their problem if they don't want more money.

Okay. That's all I have to say for now. Go on, start reading!

As Long As I'm With You

Part 3

By Aquarius Galuxy

-First beybattle, Episode 49, "A Wicked Wind Blows"-

Ray stepped up onto the platform, hearing the blare of the crowd and the pumping of blood it caused in his ears. He swiftly shut the colour and noise of the stands out of his mind, all except the pinkish figure that was gazing back at him, her facial features clear and beautiful. He remembered how she'd looked when he held her in his arms… He remembered his promise to her… He remembered the hope in her eyes when he told her that he would get Galux back for her…

His sharp ears caught the slight sound of his opponent's footsteps when the latter trod up the steps to face him. Ray glanced at the new addition to the shiny platform surface. Pale, purple-haired, hunched and relatively muscled, a Demolition Boy he knew only as Bryan stared back at him with empty eyes. He shivered slightly, imagining what life would be like without any emotions at all. Who was he to say that this would be an easy battle?

He looked back at the girl momentarily, matching her gaze with his. Hope was in her eyes… and also worry… worry that he would lose the battle… worry that he would lose his beyblade… worry that he would lose his bit beast… and worry that he would get badly hurt. Was there any reason to say that Bryan looked the type who would spare his opponents on acts of mercy? No way.

Mariah gave him a thumbs-up, and he nodded gravely in return, allowing himself a little time to think back a few hours ago…

Flashback

He caught Driger in his hand, after another practice beybattle with Kai, feeling his bit beast's warmth radiate into his skin. There was a soft knock on the door, almost missed by a normal person's ears, before it opened. Mariah poked her head in. She had obviously not expected the presence of Kai – maybe Tyson or Max – judging by the way her eyes widened and she nearly took a step back.

She glanced at him, then fixed her golden orbs on the leader of the Bladebreakers. "May I speak to Ray… for a moment?"

There was a slight pleading to her voice, and it stood out clearly in the otherwise silent room. Ray's eyebrows drew together slightly in a frown. Mariah didn't usually beg for something she wanted, unless she needed it badly. What did she come for? Kai gave him a look of warning, then pushed past her and left the room, leaving the unspoken words of "You'd better keep this short," hanging in the air.

The pink-haired girl heaved a sigh of relief, then slipped into the room and shut the door, silently locking it. No interruptions were needed. She crossed the room, stopping right in front of him. Ray could not help but feel his heart race as she suddenly pounced on him in a hug. The slight tremble of her body betrayed her emotions.

"Good luck, Ray. I won't be able to wish you good luck like this later," the girl whispered, smiling a little as he hugged her back. He buried his face in her silky hair, revelling in the fact that he was alone with her; that she was in his arms; that she was nuzzling his neck in a feline way; that she was pressing her body against his… that she just felt so… right in his embrace.

"Promise me that you won't put yourself in danger, Ray… I don't want you hurt because of me…"

Ray nodded, but she knew that he would still try his best, and would utterly spend himself trying to succeed. She sighed against his shoulder, then lifted her head to face him. He leant in, brushing his lips against hers, causing her to gasp softly. Her golden eyes shimmered, and his lips quirked up in a smile, pushing forward to deepen the kiss. She could feel him starting to probe… until two sharp knocks on the door drove them slowly apart.

"Be careful alright, Ray? And… please don't risk your life…" she let herself fall into his gaze. Swiftly, she tiptoed and pressed her lips against his. "Good luck."

The slight longing in his eyes must have remained after he'd watched her leave, from the way Kai barked, "You have an important match later on, Ray. Are you going to let everyone down?"

It stung, and he muttered an embarrassed "Sorry," realising that "everyone" included Mariah… And she was the last person he'd ever want to let down. Silently, he clicked Driger back onto his launcher, preparing to sharpen his skills for the upcoming beybattles, so that he would be able to wield them more easily.

End flashback

Focusing on the scene in front of him, he brought his senses back to the dish in which the fate of other lives in the world would be partially decided.

Kai had fought and lost. If he lost too… the Bladebreakers would not triumph, even if Tyson won. Biovolt would set its evil ways to the world…

-In the middle of the first beybattle in Episode 49-

Mariah gasped as Ray doubled up in pain, clutching his stomach. The piece of metal that was hurled at him now lay to one side, forgotten. Questions spun around in her mind. How could that brute hurt Ray like that? Shouldn't that be against the rules? How was Ray feeling now? Would the pain subside quickly? Oh, how she wanted to go down to the battling arena to see of he was alright, and to try and reduce his pain! But she knew that it was too soon to speak. But every moment she spent up there were like gashes to her heart….

Still, he put on a brave face, continuing to fight, regardless of what the cost was… She couldn't bear to watch… but she had to know what he was going through… how he was taking it, and to try and share his pain. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't take her eyes off him…

'Oh, Ray… Please hang in there…'

-Second beybattle, Episode 49-

Ray stood his ground, watching as his blade clashed against the lavender one. Parts of his clothes were ripped, and small cuts were sprinkled over his body. He was breathing deeply, after another round of inhumane attacks on his flesh. The feel of being thrown back during the first match was still fresh in his mind, and he wanted no repeat of that. Tyson and the rest had tried to dissuade him from going again, but…

He'd lost… and he was disappointed in himself. They were on to the second round now, and if he lost this match… They were all counting on him! He had to tie with Bryan, so that they would have a chance of winning the tournament…

The encouraging shouts of his teammates reached his ears, and he was grateful for this. They gave him strength, and they helped him to hold his confidence, but above all, the higher pitch of a voice outstood the rest in his ears, and it was from this voice that he drew the most strength – her faith in him never shook. He had to defeat Bryan, no matter what. There was no knowing what the Biovolt organisation would do otherwise. And he had to win… for her…

Bryan was a strong competitor. There was no doubt about that. But everyone had weaknesses… If only he could find Bryan's… His mind searched desperately for the answer, starting to whirl as he vaguely heard the lavender-haired teen command his blade to attack his opponent's. Falborg's attack would be strong… but its defence would be weak.

'That's it!'

"Driger Tiger Claw!"

Hope seared in him, and Ray watched with bated breath as his grey blade flew up to clash with Bryan's… In a blinding flash of light, the results became apparent when the glare subsided. He was pushed back by the force produced, although he stood his ground. Driger was the only one left spinning in the dish.

The crowd exploded, and Ray, thought feeling a little worn out, smiled. Then everything became black and he collapsed.

-Third beybattle, Episode 49-

White flashes of light circled his body, inflicting cuts and abrasions on his skin, and ripping his clothes. Ray tried not to make too much noise, although the cuts were not as shallow as they seemed. They stung, distracting him from the ongoing beybattle. He gave a small cry of pain as his head was tugged backwards, splitting the white cloth that held his hair together.

The hurt was more than he could bear… but he tried to push it out of his mind – the beybattle was at stake… He and Bryan were currently tied, and it wouldn't do to let Bryan win. But the purple-haired teen seemed determined not to lose to his Chinese opponent this time. Falborg's attacks were more powerful, and there were no holes left in its defence. There was no time to find another weakness now.

Ray watched as Driger suffered yet another heavy blow, wincing. He leaned back from the energy produced, greatly weakened, as flashbacks played in his mind. He had to win. Yet… his attacks were not having much effect on Falborg… But he could not give up. If he did… So many people were counting on him. The Majestics, the Dark Bladers, the All-Starz, the White Tigers, and the Bladebreakers. Especially Mariah… Galux had been seized from her, and he knew how much her bit beast meant to her…

A surge of anger flooded his being. He was going to avenge her, as well as the rest who had their bit beasts taken. Her cries of "Stop the match!" betrayed the tears budding in her eyes, putting her image vividly in his mind. She was crying for him…

His strength was seeping away, drained by the various assaults that Bryan dealt on him. He- still- had- to- fight! As if on cue, the white tiger before him turned back, looking him in the eye knowingly.

Then – the great being started to shield him, stopping the white light from slashing him further. Driger was protecting him, lending him its power. He knew it was time.

"Driger! Tiger Claw Attack!"

Mariah frowned. Her heart ached for Ray… He seemed none the worse for wear, and the beybattle had taken its toll on him, draining his energy… Each cut had brought her worry up a few notches, and now… She didn't want him to die… She couldn't even bear to see him hurt, much less…

It happened so quickly that she had no time to control her feelings. The bright light faded, and her spirit broke free, soaring up to the skies… until it was cruelly yanked back to reality when she noticed his limp form on the floor. Her heart rose to her throat. She couldn't see the rise and fall of his chest that indicated his intake of breath. Perhaps she was too far away… or perhaps…

Mariah shook her head roughly. It wasn't time to think of such things. Flipping herself over the railings, she landed softly on the floor of the arena and began to run towards him. The body on the other side of the dish deserved to be ignored.

The girl knelt beside the Bladebreaker, afraid to touch him, for fear of causing him pain. "Ray?" she whispered, nearly choking as she waited for him to respond. She received none. She stayed by him, conscious of the gathering people around him only as a vague haze.

The low purr of the engine of an ambulance shook her from her foggy thoughts, which haunted her by threatening his death, his loss of memory, anything that would take him away from her. Mariah watched as he was placed on the orange stretcher, a dull ache throbbing in her heart. Should he fail to awake…

Warm tears started to fill her eyes… Stop crying, she told herself. Ray would be brought to the hospital – he would be alright. But how could she stop worrying? Bryan had hurt him so badly… She clung to the stretcher, watching his face, wishing that his eyelids would at least flutter…

'Ray…'

It was as if he heard her prayers, her wishes, and her thoughts. His eyes opened, revealing dimmed golden orbs. Her heart leaped for joy. He was alive! She raised her hands to brush the tears away.

As soon as they were out of the Biovolt Stadium, Mariah turned to face her brother.

"Lee – can we go to the… hospital?" She forced the last word out. The building reminded her of people who were not well, and she did not want to know exactly how unwell Ray was. She only wanted him to recover.

The captain of the White Tigers looked at her. Something flickered in his eyes, before disappearing. He'd heard the worry in her voice. Anyone would have sensed it.

"Sure."

The short trip there, as well as the wait outside the emergency room, seemed like an eternity to her. Loud, rhythmic ticks emerged from the wall clock incessantly, making the seconds stretch on as the doctor tended to Ray. Would he really be alright?

She sat on the plastic seat, staring straight before her, thinking back to all the precious times that she had shared with a particular teenager who had golden eyes and raven-black hair. Around her, Gary sat in front of a food vending machine, watching it somewhat distractedly; Kevin was crouched on a seat a few chairs down; and Lee settled on a bench directly opposite the girl, constantly keeping an eye on her, but occasionally looking around. She appreciated their company, but at that time, she would have preferred being alone.

The click of the doorknob resounded through the passageway as the doctor stepped out. The four teens jumped up and crowded around him.

"How is he?" The words tumbled form her lips. She had to know how he was now.

They listened as the man reassured them, saying that the teenager needed plenty of rest, and that he could be up and about in a few days. The group around him sighed in relief, none being as comforted as the girl, whose eyes brightened considerably.

Ray was wheeled into his room – a medium-sized one with a single bed in the middle – and they followed behind, the speechless silence almost bearable.

Mariah took a seat next to his bed, content with just watching his peaceful expression. Her hands ached to clasp his, hut she kept them firmly at her side, afraid that she would wake him, and deprive him of the rest that he needed.

His team – the Bladebreakers – had come soon afterwards, and she was partially aware of their presence, although at points in time, she was only conscious of the two of them alone – him sleeping, and her keeping vigil.

After what seemed to be a long time, the two teams left, and Lee had the kindness to let her stay. She was glad for that, although she couldn't help wondering how long it would be until Ray woke.

-On the morning of Episode 50, "New and Cyber-Improved"-

He lay on the mattress, his mind blank, drifting in and out of consciousness. His body had a dull ache to it, although he felt as if he were floating on a cloud. Was he awake? A soft light shone through his eyelids, so that the black darkness in his eyes lightened to a shade of reddish-brown. There was the irritating sting of a needle taped into his arm. Where was he, anyway?

Ray opened his eyes, allowing his vision to focus, before glancing around the room he was in. There was a small television in the corner, as well as some pieces of furniture in the room – the distinct smell of disinfectant rendered it a hospital immediately, but what caught his attention – and liking – most was the figure beside him, her head rested on her folded arms, which were placed on the bed. She was still in slumber, considering the slight, regular rise and fall of her shoulders.

The pink hair cascaded from the curtain that had fallen to the side of her right shoulder. He could not help but raise his hand to touch it, running his fingers through the silken threads. His fingers brushed against her skin, and she sprang up, almost instantaneously.

"Ray? You're awake! I'll get you some water. You must be thirsty."

The teenager watched as she gave him a glass of the clear liquid. He propped himself up with a little difficulty.

"Thanks," he said as he received the smooth, transparent container. His fingers closed over hers, causing both their skins to tingle upon contact. The touch itself rekindled a flicker of longing, together with the ever-present desire that was like the dry grass in the summer, constantly in danger of being set ablaze.

"You're welcome." She beamed at him, relief etched over her features. Now all she had to worry about was his recovery, apart from the budding yearn for him…

Taking another glass, she filled it with water to quench her own thirst. There was a soft 'clink' as Ray put his own glass down on the bedside table. She went back to his bedside, sitting down.

"How are you feeling now?" Mariah took his hand in both of hers, hoping that he wasn't in pain.

He knew her too well to mistake the concern in her voice, laced with a hint of longing… "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" She frowned slightly, brushing his hair away from his face. "You had so many injuries…"

Ray could feel her intense gaze on his cuts. He watched as her eyes moved up to lock with his. Some worry had crept back into her beautiful golden eyes, clouding them.

"You'd better have more rest. It'll do you good."

"But I've just woken! Surely I'm allowed to stay up for a little longer at least…" he protested.

The pink-haired girl caught herself torn between the two options, wanting him to recover soon, yet plagued by the desire to be in his arms again… Why did choices have to be so difficult? Yet… it couldn't take much to be a little closer, could it?

He watched her expression shift to one of mounting hunger, until she shook her head slightly to put the emotions off, so that they were replaced by a doleful pout, although it was clear that she was trying not to let him know.

The Chinese boy sighed, tugging softly on her wrist to make her sit on the bed beside him. He was so warm that she couldn't help snuggling closer…

"Yeah, Ray?" She looked at him curiously, the previous emotions still fixed in her eyes.

"Is there anything wrong?"

She hesitated, then hugged him gingerly, afraid that she would worsen his injuries and irritate the small tube that was connected to his arm by a needle. "I love you."

He smiled, stroking her hair. The bubbling feeling in his heart rose, threatening to spill over. The bubbles did overflow, and they burst, filling him with joy and ecstasy when his eyes locked with a pair of identical golden orbs that practically glowed with love for him. They felt as if they hadn't been near each other for ages… At that point in time, Ray wanted nothing more than to gather Mariah in his arms and kiss her like there was no tomorrow.

She gasped softly as he pulled her tight against his warm body, ignoring his cuts and scratches as he captured her lips with his, in just the way he knew she liked, so that she moaned slightly, eagerly responding to his kiss.

Together, they drifted up to the clouds on the hot pocket of air that was passion, until a soft, sudden knock froze the atmosphere and brought them sharply back to reality, their desire painfully extinguished.

They broke apart, dazed, before their senses returned. Mariah slipped off the bed and onto the padded chair, freezing her face into a worried frown. It wasn't lying – she was worried. Ray slid back under the covers, wincing slightly as his raw skin rubbed against the threads of the bed sheet. (Apparently the doctor had dismissed them as slight injuries that did not need to be bandaged.) He pretended to be asleep. 'Please don't let whoever it is notice…'

A second later, the White Tigers came in, unsuspecting of the previous happenings of a few seconds ago. The couple breathed mental sighs of relief.

"How is Ray?" Lee spoke quietly.

"He's recovering," she replied in a choked voice. How could she not, especially since they spoilt her and Ray's special moment?

The three male White Tigers remained for quite some time, until they felt it was time to go.

"Go to sleep, Ray. You need to have rest." Her whisper barely reached his ears, and he gave a small nod, before letting his tired body drift back to dreamland. With a guilty prick, she realised that he looked more worn than when he woke up. It was her fault that he looked worse… She buried her face in her hands, praying that it would not affect his recovery.

-That afternoon, Episode 50 and 51, "Final Showdown!" combined-

Mariah glanced at the clock on the wall. Two o'clock. Lee had told her that it was when the final set of beybattles started – the crucial one to determine if Biovolt would rule… She rummaged in the bedside drawer, pulling the remote control out to switch the television on. The screen displayed a dish, with Tyson and Tala standing at opposite ends. The drone of the crowd formed a buzzing background sound, and she could feel the tension in the air. She turned to the dozing teenager.

"Ray – they're about to start… Ray?"

He stirred, opening his eyes. His gaze was attracted to the TV like iron to a magnet, where he couldn't help becoming anxious…

The pink-haired girl gave his hand a squeeze to show that he wasn't in it alone. He managed a small smile at her.

Ray sat up, although his head was a little groggy. Tyson was in that other dimension – how could he just sit there and watch? They were tied at one apiece. Their fates all lay in the Japanese teen's hands… His heart strained for him to go to the stadium, so that he could at least give Tyson some moral support. It wouldn't do to just watch from the sidelines, when he was also a Bladebreaker. He pulled the needle from his arm, laying it to one side.

"We're going to the stadium. There's no way I'm giving up on Tyson. I believe Dragoon can pull us out somehow."

"But Ray… You've not recovered yet! I don't want you to get further hurt!" Mariah said as she laid her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to calm him down. His skin tickled under her touch, but he shook his head.

"I have to go." Why did she have sit so close behind him? He could feel her warmth spread to him, and if she did not move away soon, he wasn't going to be able to stop himself from succumbing to temptation… something he didn't want to fall prey to now, especially since the third beybattle was going to start anytime soon.

Ray swung his legs off the bed, attempting to stand, although his knees were a little weak, due to the antibodies they'd fed him earlier. He wobbled, and sat down again. The girl gave up the task of dissuading him, handing him a fresh set of clothes instead.

"There. You can change on the bed if you want, Ray. I won't look." She stepped over to the window, fixing her eyes on a distant object.

He began to change out of his shirt and shorts. Would it take long to reach the stadium? He shook his head slightly. His mind was clearer now, and he could stand on his own.

"Hey, Mariah – how long does take to walk to the stadium?"

"About fifteen minutes or so, I think," she replied, absent-mindedly turning around to look at him, forgetting what he was in the midst of doing. Her cheeks flushed, albeit her eyes rebelled against her efforts to avert them. She'd rarely (come to think of it, never,) seen him in only his boxers, and she wasn't any superwoman to prevent her breath from catching in her throat, as well as stop her heart from racing. Curse those hormones!

'But he isn't that bad to look at, is he?' a small voice said in her mind.

Quite the opposite. She wanted to run her hands across his chest, feel his smooth, hard muscles ripple under her fingers…

Ray noticed her silence, turning to look at her for the reason. He, too, coloured as he found the girl watching him intently.

"Uh… Mariah?"

She snapped her head up to meet his eyes, reddening further. Oh, why did he have to have such a gorgeous body?

'That's one of the reasons why you love him, girl,' the voice shot back.

There was a mischievous glint in the raven-haired teen's eyes as he stepped towards her, slipping his arms around her waist. Mariah shivered under the contact of his skin against hers, holding her breath as he drew her closer. Subconsciously, she ran a hand down his arm, causing him to shiver and his pupils to dilate. She was igniting the temptation again…

Without warning, Ray snatched Mariah to himself, ducking his head so that his lips swooped down on hers. A passion-filled kiss ensued, with the girl tiptoeing to wind her arms around his neck, so that even when they were pressed tightly against each other, the bonds that fastened them together would be stronger. This caused her body to rest lightly on his, and Ray couldn't help but be aroused by the way she pushed against his bare skin, as well as the way her chest rubbed against him when she shifted her position to get nearer…

It was only when they broke apart that they noticed the television showing the start of the third match. Ray slipped into his clothes hurriedly, allowing Mariah to tie his hair for him. It was half the torture to feel her fingers brushing against the back of his neck, knowing that he had to resist any enticement, and the other half to know that Tyson was fighting to save the condition of their lives in the future, and yet they couldn't do anything to help.

With his right arm slung over Mariah's shoulders and his left arm hanging on a crutch for balance, Ray made his way to the Biovolt Stadium. The trip there wasn't exactly pleasant, but with the smaller form by his side the whole time, he rather enjoyed the hurried walk, made intimate by how her left arm was around his waist and her right hand comfortably placed on his chest. One could give the excuse that she was supporting him, though, as was her original reason.

The stadium was filled with the quiet buzzing of the crowd, until it suddenly exploded when the spiky block of ice in the middle of the arena shattered, revealing the unmistakeable forms of Tyson and Tala. The screen above the crowd showed one beyblade down for the count, the other still spinning. Tyson won. Spurts of light emerged from Tala's blade.

Wide smiles spread across their faces as Mariah tightened her arm around his waist. They moved to the Bladebreakers' dugout, where a red beam shot into Kai's bit-less beyblade. A familiar pink light flew towards them, and Mariah held her blade out with a trembling hand. Galux returned to its rightful owner. She buried her face in his chest for a while, then drew away, her face in a bright smile. A sudden warmth from the reassuring weight in his pocket told him that Driger, too, had returned, although not from the evil clutches of Biovolt. Ray and Mariah went forward to congratulate Tyson, along with the rest of the crowd.

They followed Tyson out into the open air, where the weather was crisp and fresh. A thin layer of snow was spread over the ground, crunching slightly as they stepped on it.

The Bladebreakers were now officially split up, and Kai started to challenge Tyson to a beybattle. Max followed swiftly, showing Draciel off. Ray brushed his lips across Mariah's cheek. "I'll be back for you."

He joined the crowd, challenging Tyson to a beybattle together with the other two Bladebreakers. Mariah smiled, moving beside Emily as she, too, asked for a beybattle. There was nothing to worry about now.

Their futures had once again held the promising bright glow, and for now, they were all contented to pit their skills as the world champion beyblader. After all, there was always tomorrow…

The End

How was that? Anyway, you people had better review if you liked it hint and don't forget to look out for the prologue, To Be With You, okay? Now, just click on that little button on the bottom left-hand corner and leave a review! -