The small six-year-old sat in her favourite spot, waiting for another to arrive. The sun was just beginning to set, turning the village and surrounding countryside golden. But she didn't care; he was late again; where was he?

A soft voice behind her made her turn. "Mariah?"

She smiled, showing her pointed teeth. "Rei! I knew you'd come!" She frowned, her voice taking on a motherly tone. "You're late again."

Rei looked down and scuffed his shoes, sending small clouds of dust into the air. "Lee challenged me to a Beyblade battle."

"Did you win?" she demanded.

He blushed. "No."

Mariah laughed, tossing her bright pink hair. "Battle me then?" Shepulled out her pink blade.

Rei grinned. "OK."

"3,2,1, LET IT RIP!" they both shouted. And pink blade clashed with grey as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Mariah and Rei picked up their blades, laughing.

"I won, fair and square, Mariah!" Rei chuckled.

They started down the hill, still laughing. Suddenly, Mariah gasped.

"Where's my blade?"

A chuckle from a nearby tree caught Rei's attention. "Looking for this?" A small boy with green hair came into view, casually playing catch with Mariah's blade.

"Kevin you meanie! Give me my blade back!"

Kevin tossed it from hand to hand. "Nope. I think I'll keep it. I like it."

"Kevin that's mean! Give Mariah her blade back, she hasn't done anything to you!" Rei yelled.

"Nah-ah. See you!" Kevin called mockingly, and with that, he sprang away into the distance.

Mariah was almost in tears. "Kevin come back! That was my new blade, and my bestest one too!" And she started to cry.

Rei gave her a hug. "Aww, come on Mariah, it's OK. I'll get you a new one, or I'll get Kevin to give it back," he said, trying to cheer her up.

"Oh. Really?" She seemed slightly happier. "Why is Kevin such a meanie? He doesn't like me." She looked at him sadly.

Rei hugged her closer. "Don't worry Mariah," he whispered. "I'll always love you."