Disclaimer: People, if I owned Beyblade, do you honestly think I would be sitting at my computer writing stories? No. Trust me, I'd have much better things to do.

A/N: This is where the story really begins. Hello everybody who is reading this, and I'm assuming like the story, or else wouldn't be here. Enjoy! Rei is in this chapter; so don't fret! And we meet a lot of people! Not everyone, but some of them! And we meet a kleptomaniac monkey too! Well, that's if you count Daichi as a monkey…O.o

For you people who are extra observant, I did change the summary slightly, but the actually story hasn't altered any. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Chapter 1

...BlooD MasCarA...

Now, it's not everyday you walk into your brothers bedroom to find a naked girl sitting there, especially when that girl is your best friend, Mariah.

Now that I've got your attention, it's not what you think. Granted, the situation sounds bad, but there is a plausible explanation for all of this. We can only hope. Lee, my older brother, is an artist. Well, at least he likes to think of himself as one. My stick figures look better; trust me.

And being the artist he is, Lee prefers the company of naked individuals, instead of inspirational sceneries, as his artwork. What's really freaky is that whenever I walk into his room, the walls are decorated with naked pictures of people that I know, and that I live with. Not cool. It freaks me out. I try to stay away from this room as much as possible.

I cover my eyes with my hands as I feel my way through the mess of Lee's room, without looking at my best fiend's naked body. I stumble over an old canvas, landing face first into the black and white drawing of a naked Tyson Granger. I'm traumatized for life.

"Eh," I mumble, lifting myself from the disturbing picture of one of my best friends. I do regret the action, however, as now I'm facing a very mortified, very exposed Mariah. Somehow, Tyson's nude portrait looks very inviting right now…

"Rei!" she squealed with embarrassment, hugging her knees to her chest, concealing her bare body. Sure, Mariah may have been a lesbian, but that still didn't mean she didn't have any decency when in front of one of her favourite male friends.

"S-sorry," I splutter, hiding my golden eyes with my hands. Standing on shaky feet, I stumble into a chair behind Mariah, a particular portrait of Lee himself staring blankly at me, protecting Mariah's kitten behind from my golden eyes. Nice. Real nice, Lee.

"Very graceful, Rei," Lee said sarcastically, standing up and walking over to Mariah to put her back in the same pose she was in before. She shuffled around, yelling her protests at him. Suddenly, she didn't want to be a part of Lee's artistic hobbies. I wouldn't either.

"But Lee!"

"Just hold still, Mariah! I'm nearly finished!"

Eventually, she calmed down and took her previous position grudgingly. I just watch quietly, but I think I might leave. This place is weirding me out. Silently, I pass by exposed canvases and left the room, my back facing Mariah's naked body. I close the door with a 'click' and stroll along the corridor. I can hear small, quick footsteps coming towards me from behind. I let out a small smile. Kevin, the little scamp.

"Rei! You're up!" he yelled brightly, throwing his small arms around my waist. His dark green hair wasn't in its usual tie, so it hung around his shoulders with defeat. That's the thing about Neko-jin hair; it's a bastard to keep tame. Kevin probably didn't put his hair up after his shower, which means wild hair in the morning, a real drag to untangle.

I think he noticed my staring.

"Broke my brush again trying to take out the tangles," he said, solving my previous statement.

"Again! That's the fifth one, Kevin! I'm not a cash machine. I have to work to pay for stuff, you know?"

His shoulders slump. Damn. I always use that excuse when it comes to money, but what do you expect? Money is an issue. We have to pay to stay in this building. I know Lee tries by selling his paintings, but it's still barely enough, and my karate lessons aren't bringing much in either.

"I'm sorry, Rei. I know it's hard…" He's giving me those kitten eyes. Damn that kid.

"It's okay. Use my brush, just don't break it, okay?"

"Okay! Thanks, Rei!"

And he's gone like a flash, disappearing behind my bedroom door. The little scamp. I shake my head and proceed past my room towards the corridors. Hey, look! There's Matilda! She had a ballet competition up in Hokkaido yesterday, and I didn't get a chance to ask how she went.

"Matilda! How'd you go?" She turned around on her heel, her pink hair flying as she twirled. What is it with girls and pink? Well, at least she's not as bad as Mariah. Mariah - too much pink…almost…too hard…to…look at…

Her bright eyes smile up at me with great excitement. Obviously it went well. I hope so. It would mean less pink in the building.

"It was great! Got a scholarship to the Great Hokkaido Dance Academy!" She's squealing now. Hate that.

"Really?"

"Yes!"

I must say; this is excellent news. Only the best get offered a place in that dance school, it's the best in all of Japan. Matilda deserves it too.

"That's great, Matilda," I say happily, giving her a toothy grin. She giggles happily at that. Most girls give me that reaction when I show my fangs. Weird. I'll never understand girls…

I wave my goodbye to Matilda as I continue down the corridor. I pass a few adults I've never met and never plan to talk to. Unfortunately, I also walk past Hilary and Julia, who were leaning against the wall, talking. Julia is fine and dandy, but Hilary…is a different story. She's boy crazy. And when I say boy crazy, I mean boy crazy.

Every now and then, our dear Hilary finds herself another drop-dead gorgeous guy to drool over. And, coincidently, this time it's me. She pervs, smothers me with affection, and is nice to me, which scares me most of all. Nice is not even in her vocabulary.

"Hey, Rei," she says, a tinge of lust within her voice. Ew…

"Hey Hilary," I reply, just to be nice, although I would much rather kick her and run. She's coming closer to me!

"I've lost my school tie, Rei. Could you take me to your room and let me borrow yours? Please?" she asks in a disgustingly sweet voice. Now, I am no idiot. She just indirectly asked me to have sex with her, which I will not do. Besides, girls aren't my thing.

"Can't you find it?" I ask. I know how to get out of situations like this. Happens to me all the time.

"No."

"Then, ask Daichi. I'm sure he has it." Her smile falters slightly. Ha! Got you now, Hilary! Once again, Daichi has come to my rescue.

"Oh. You're probably right…" her smile fades and her brown eyes are filled with disappointment. She actually thought I'd have sex with her? Please, I'd rather have sex with a cactus.

Ouch…

She slumps in defeat and wanders back to Julia, who had managed to find her twin brother Raul and jump him.

Allow me time to explain. Daichi is a kleptomaniac monkey. Not literally a monkey, but could have been in a past life, I'm sure. For those who do not know what a kleptomaniac is, it is someone who compulsively steals.

Yes, anyways. Daichi compulsively steals, so most things that we lose are found in his room, which he shares with Tyson and Kenny. So these days, instead of complaining to neighbours, we just go to Daichi's room and look inside his closet, because that's where he stashes everything he steals. Lot's of weird things in there, I've been there too many times, I know the place inside out; unfortunately.

I've seen skateboards, Tyson's lucky cap, Matilda's dancing shoes, a plastic pyramid, and of course, the occasional cock ring or porn magazine in there. I wonder whom they belong to…

Our problem here, started a few months ago when our dear Daichi first came to Japan. Sure, I tended to avoid him in the beginning, especially with that big mouth and even bigger appetite, but he grew on me. Kinda like Tyson. It was also around the time when a series of robberies were about, not real robberies, just people losing stuff. But such a thing like losing stuff tends to be interpreted as some big dramatic series of robberies in this place. Especially with all these drama queens in the building.

So, we all had our suspicions. I know Kenny had his suspicions with the girls, because a lot of the girls' stuff was stolen. I, on the other hand, that being the right, seeing the right is more superior, thought it was Kevin. Don't ask me why, but I just knew. He was a master at technology and could easily break into other people's residence.

I must say that I was ashamed to think it was he though, especially when I found out a month later that it was indeed Daichi. I guess I was being all Nancy Drew about it, because I just knew I was going to solve the mystery. But sadly, no. Tyson is the real hero of this fairy-tale. But it doesn't matter. That's another story.

I really love Tokyo. I'm not saying that I don't like China, I do, but I never belonged in the village. I was born free, and no matter how many times my parents persuaded me into staying, I had to leave. I had to get out of White Tiger clan and see the world. I needed independence and release. To be free. With no limits and no one to fuss over me constantly. I love to explore, always. Everyday I leave the apartment blocks and head out towards the parks and out to the forest to explore. Absolute freedom.

"Hey, Rei. Come and play some hoops with us," Steven suggested fleetingly, passing by me, heading towards the basketball courts. The building, despite it's low accommodation cost, is equipped with all sorts of entertainment. Basketball courts outside, along with a swimming pool and spas. It's got tennis courts, gyms, dancing halls, a cinema and a restaurant on the lower level. It's the perfect place for such a multicultural group of people.

I nod my head, content with the opportunity to get some exercise. It's been a while. Since my school exams started, I haven't had anytime to go for my daily walks. So, I guess now is a good time to get myself back into shape, especially with my martial arts lesson coming soon. I don't want to be in poor shape for that. People do not pay for some lazy, unfit wacko to come and teach them how to perform karate.

I walk leisurely to the basketball courts, taking as much time as I feel necessary. Kenny and Emily were seated by the courts, both typing rapidly on their own laptops. It makes me wonder if they ever have typing competitions on who can type the fastest with as little errors as possible. It would be funny to watch, especially because Emily is so competitive and would no doubt lose to Kenny, the wimp. Oh, how her ego would die so dramatically. It almost makes me want to ask them.

Shaking my head and laughing, I scan the area with my golden cat eyes. Michael, Rick and Max were waiting on the basketball courts for Eddie and me, laughing and bouncing the ball playfully.

Brooklyn was sitting in the garden, as per usual, soaking up the rays of this very beautiful day. A small robin was perched on his shoulder, pecking at its feathers every so often. I wish I could do that; maybe I'll get Brooklyn to show me later.

Max smiles at me as I join in with the group. We're great pals. Normally, I wouldn't have agreed to playing basketball with these guys, simply because basketball is not my thing, but I really needed the exercise. I guess Max is just glad that I decided to join in, instead of wondering about the forest like usual.

"Great to see you Rei! Ready for a quick game?" Michael asks, grinning cockily at me. I nod once again. Basketball may not have been Michael's sport, but he sure as hell can play. Athletes that can do anything surround me. Now I just feel inferior.

I smile again, wondering how I managed to convince myself that this was a good idea. They're going to kick my ass.

Have you ever wondered how many people get lost in forests? No? Well, neither have I, but I've heard that over 200 people get lost in this forest every year, which is quite a lot, considering that this forest isn't easy to get to. Probably only 200 people come here once a year anyway. I come here often, but never have I delved too deep, for fear of vanishing like the others.

In fact, I read recently that 4 tourists were camping out here alone and went missing a few days ago. You'd think a thought like that would scare me, but I am fearless…GAG

After being humiliated in a small game of basketball, I had decided on just sticking to wandering aimlessly as usual. It suits me better, don't you think?

I will not reveal the score of our little ball competition, simply because I am not willing to humiliate myself further. So lets just say that I lost by just a hair.

Large, dull-green trees crowded me as I delve into the woods. I tread carefully, watching my feet incase I step on anything, which in turn, makes me run into lots of cobwebs. Buddha, I really need to find a better place to explore.

Grumbling, I stumble onto a small field of grass, satisfied with the chance to stretch my legs and relax for a bit. The sun poked indolently through the trees, casting a steady glow on my basking figure. What a beautiful day.

Smiling to myself, I doze on the borders of dreaming and consciousness, falling gently into oblivion.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

ELSEWHERE:

Normal POV

"Guys, I'm scared. Oh God, what was that noise?"

"Everything is your failing, McGreggor! It's your damn fault, you pejorative jackass!"

"Oh, yes, of course it's my fault your Pain-in-the-ass-ness. Everything is my fault. Nothing is ever your fault."

"Heh. This is the coolest birthday present ever guys!"

Rolling his dark lilac eyes at his friends' infantile antics, Robert proceeded virtuously through the forest wilderness, ducking under cobwebs and treading cautiously around burrows in the earth.

This was, in his opinion, not the cleverest idea they had come up with. This trip to Japan was supposed to be a present to Enrique for his 17th birthday. It was his intention to have a relaxing and entertaining weekend, though relaxing and entertaining weren't exactly the words to relate the situation. Completely frustrated and intolerant of each other were more of the right words to use, except the birthday boy of course, who found the whole experience of being lost for 4 days in an isolated forest highly amusing and cool. To him, this was the best birthday present ever, even better than last year's run with the bulls in Spain.

Johnny glowered jadedly, following the content birthday boy with awfully little interest. Oliver trailed last, fear evident in his blue orbs.

"Robert. We're just venturing deeper into the woods. We should go back," Oliver advised anxiously. Robert shook his head 'no', his pace increasing.

"Can't you hear that, Oliver? It sounds like…children." Oliver looked confused, trying his hardest to concentrate, but he heard nothing.

"No, I can't. Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Robert brushed a tree limb aside and let go, giving Enrique a large slap across the face with the branch. The forced knocked the Italian off his feet, landing square on top of a stunned Johnny.

"Aaaah," the Scottish shrieked, falling hard on his behind. Oliver stood shocked before rushing to their aid. He lifted the blonde nervously from Johnny, relieved to find the red head alive and well, as well as profoundly cursing Robert and Enrique to hell.

"Robert you idiot! What did you do that for?" Johnny shouted furiously, stomping up to the German to give him a piece of his mind. Robert didn't respond. He appeared to be staring at something.

Perplexed, Johnny peeked around a few leaves, trying to get a glimpse of what his German friend found so interesting, only to stare in utter shock and relief. Robert had been right.

There, in front of them, stood a large, ominous building. Its walls were high and it's structure solid. The entire building was grey and bland, as if it had been abandoned centuries ago, but the sound of voices and children from inside brought relief into the 4 boys. Food and shelter, finally.

'The Abbey' was carved out of stone on the large, rusty gate. Robert took a step towards it cautiously, the other three trailing thankfully behind. Robert shoved open the gate, which screeched from lack of use and old age. They entered quietly, content with the promise of assistance. An abbey would surely offer food and shelter.

But the four of them failed to notice a small sign that hung from the gate. And if they had paid attention, they would have noticed it's warning.

'Beware. Those who enter will be exterminated...'

AN/ What did ya think? Sucked? Yeah, I thought so too…

Sorry for lack of updates recently, but things have come up and I've been really busy. So sorry for the inconvenience, but chances of me updating something soon is rather slim. But there is always hope, I s'pose.

Ps. It's my B'day the 28th of September! I'm going to be 14! Wish me Happy Birthday!

Please Read and Review

…BlooD MasCarA…