Hello everyone,

People who have read my profile will be thinking "hey you're a day early", I know, but I finished writing this chapter today, and well I wanted to get it up as I left the last chapter on a cliffhanger... so anyway this is the LAST CHAPTER.

Be warned this chapter is pretty long... er yeah sorry about that, I think it's mainly due to all of the falshbacks. But it's very action packed too, mainly because once I started writing I couldn't stop as I kept coming up with ideas.

Anyway BIG THANK YOUs to Tala Is Shining, horseworld5, KINGofURcastle, lilbee17 and Lightnig Wings for reviweing the last chapter!! And thank you to anyone who just read it!!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own Beyblade or its characters in any shape or form, BUT I DO own my OC Tari and I own THIS story plot. The idea of Tyson's dad being called Bruce belongs to FlamingIce94.

Also the flashbacks that are Tala's memories I made up, and I also made up Brayn, Spencer and Ian's past. Just thought I'd say encase someone reads this story and think that that's the truth!

I've talked enough, enjoy!!

Chapter 18: A Fresh Start

Different coloured streaks of light broke free from the glowing mass as Dragoon pierced it, and flew around the stadium. The light streaks turned back into their bit beast forms as each one returned to their own beyblade.

“Galeon!” “Trygator!” “Trygle!” “Galzzy!” “Tryhorn!” “Trypio!” came shouts from the All Starz and the White Tigers who were still stood in the corridor leading to the locker rooms behind the BladeBreakers bench.

“Draciel! You’re back!” the blonde American teen exclaimed as he looked happily at the turtle safely nestled inside his bey chip.

‘Spiked Tiger?’ the duel brunette teen asked in her mind, unsure of whether the golden tiger would return to her after everything that they had been through.

She heard a low growl in the back of her mind ‘yes Tari’ it answered as the tiger became more visible, and looking stronger and more powerful than ever.

Tari couldn’t help but smile at the return of her loyal friend and companion. ‘You came back! I’ve missed you so much, I promise I’ll never let anyone take you from me again’ she stated.

Spiked Tiger nodded, also feeling happy for being returned to her mistress. ‘I shall never abandon you Tari, we are a strong team’ she mused and let out a slight purr. Tari laughed inside, as she had never seen the tiger act this way before, but she felt complete now that they were reunited.

As she placed her blade back in her pocket she looked over towards the three teens stood near the bench. The American teen was overjoyed about the return of his bit beast, and the dual bluenette had a small smile on his face, obviously due to the return of Dranzer.

“But who won the match?” the brown haired teen on the bench asked, bringing everyone’s attention back to the two boys who stood opposite each other with the dish between them.

DJ Jazzman surveyed the scene in the dish below him. The white, blue and red blade was still spinning furiously, but the gray and blue blade was lying there lifelessly.

“We have a new World Champion! Tyson has defeated Tala!! The BladeBreakers have won!!” DJ shouted. The crowd erupted in a series of shouts, cheers and applause as Tyson stooped down to pick up his blade.

He held it in his hand and looked at the blue dragoon in the bit chip ‘we did it Dragoon, but I know I never would have beaten him if it wasn’t for you. We really are a good team my friend’ he thought as he placed the blade back in his pocket and smiled.

Tala was in shock as he retrieved his beyblade. “How could this happen? I was supposed to be invincible” he muttered as he clutched his blade tightly making his knuckles turn white due to the pressure. ‘I’m a failure’ he thought as he lowered his head in shame.

Tyson chuckled as he walked over to the older Russian red head. “That was an awesome match Tala! Put ‘er there!” he said as he held out his hand. Tala looked at it for a moment, before he reluctantly shook the navy teen’s hand.

When he let go Tyson ran back to his friends on the bench “I did it!!!” he shouted as he lunged at the American and Japanese teen as he roped them into a hug and jumped up and down laughing. The dual bluenette shook his head as he left the trio and stood next to his sister.

“Yeah Tyson, you did us all proud” a new voice said. The gang looked round in the direction of the voice to see…

“Ray!!” Tyson, Max and Kenny shouted as they ran to hug the bandaged neko-jin, causing him to wobble and become off balanced for a few moments before straightening up regaining his balance thanks to the help of the pink haired neko-jin who he was leaning on for support.

The dual bluenette shook his head at the display, though he was glad to see that the Raven haired teen was recovering well. He then looked down at his sister, who was looking at something else; he followed her gaze and watched the scene happening on the Demolition Boys bench.

“And what was that?! That was pathetic! You have brought about the downfall of years of hard work and research! You are a failure to yourself and to the whole of the Biovolt organisation!” Boris snapped at the teen as he walked back towards the team bench.

Tala didn’t answer the purple haired man as he was eating himself up inside ‘how could I lose, I was supposed to be the ultimate fighting weapon. But I lost and to a weakling. That has to big the biggest mistake I could make, I have let my team and Biovolt down, there is no longer a need for my existence’ he thought over andover until he was brought out his thoughts by being backhanded to the ground by the man in front of him.

Tala blinked and looked up at the man in front of him shouting his head off, he wasn’t listening to what was being said, but from the look on Boris’ face it wasn’t good. “You just wait until we get back to the Abbey, I’ll punish you so hard you’d wish you were dead!” Boris snapped, raising his hand ready to strike the red head again.

Before he could strike another hand grabbed his, Boris looked down and came face to face with two men, both dressed in a navy uniform. “Boris Balkov you are under arrest for the creation of mutant bit beasts, threats of World domination and for being in charge of a child labour facility” one of the officers said.

“You can’t do this to me! I was working for Voltaire Hiwatari, surly he should be the one you arrest!” Boris shouted as he tried to struggle out of the police officers grip.

One of the officers gripped his arms tighter as the other placed Boris in handcuffs. “I wouldn’t worry about your friend, as he will be joining you” he said as they both lead the purple haired man away, even though he was still shouting his head off in protest.

Tari’s eyes wandered up into the stands to where her Grandfather was sat; sure enough he was in a similar predicament to the purple haired man. “Don’t you know who I am?! I am Voltaire Hiwatari, head of Hiwatari Industries, one of the top ten businesses in Russia!” the senior Hiwatari snapped.

“Sorry Voltaire, but this time you went too far. With the proof and evidence gathered by the detectives and agents working undercover for the BBA as well as crimes already against your name. The BBA has the power to conduct a warrant for both the arrest of you and Boris” Mr Dickinson said.

Voltaire growled “you haven’t seen the last of me Dickinson!” he exclaimed. His eyes then darted down to the dish area and locked with the dual brunettes’. “This is all your doing Tari! You and your brother, you were in this together weren’t you?! Well you’ve not only betrayed me, but you’ve turned your back on the whole family! You’re a disgrace! Just wait, I’ll get my revenge!!” he shouted as he was taken away.

“We won’t be seeing him again” the older of the Hiwatari siblings said with a small smirk as he turned to face his sister expecting to see a similar look on her face, but to his surprise she looked slightly worried and scared.

Tari nearly jumped out of her skin when a hand slotted itself into hers and squeezed tightly. She looked over and up meeting a pair of identical violet eyes.

“Don’t worry Tari, Voltaire and Boris aren’t in charge of us anymore, they can’t do anything to us, we’re free” he said in a disbelieving tone as he couldn’t believe that they wouldn’t have to deal with their Grandfather or Boris again.

These words sounded strange to Tari as well ‘free’ she thought, that was the one thing she thought she would never be, especially as she had been so worthless and had betrayed her Grandfather, which reminded her of something he said. And it frightened her a lot.

“But he said he would come back and get his revenge…” she started in a worried tone as she lowered her head but she was cut off.

Kai used his free hand a raised her chin “I promise you Tari, he won’t come anywhere near you ever again. We’re safe now, I’ll make sure that he never lays a hand on you again” he said as he pulled her into a hug.

They broke apart when the navy haired teen tried to gain the younger Hiwatari’s attention. “Hey Tari!” he shouted as he ran up to the Russian siblings. Kai released his grip on his sister and she turned to face the Japanese blader.

“I just wanted to thank you for all of your help. Without you we might not have made it, so er thanks” Tyson said extending his hand out towards the dual brunette who was staring at him with a blank look on her face.

Tari took hold of hand and shook it “you’re welcome Tyson, but I didn’t do anything really. You and Dragoon are the ones who beat Tala, with pure determination and the power from within. Nothing I helped you with. Oh and thank you for getting Spiked Tiger back for me” she said and gave the navy haired teen a small smile.

This caught Tyson off guard as he had never seen a Hiwatari act like this before. He recovered quickly by giving her a lopsided grin “you’re welcome Tari” he said. He then left the siblings to join the celebrations with the other bladers.

Tari giggled at the navy haired bladers actions whilst Kai just sighed and shook his head.

Tari suddenly felt a light tap on her shoulder, she turned and came face to face with three people she hadn’t seen or talked to in a while. She began to feel panicked as she wasn’t sure what to say or do; she feared that they would want to do something similar to their red haired captain.

‘Kai obviously had a similar thought’ she mused as she heard a low growl come from the dual bluenette next to her; she also heard his knuckles click as her clutched his fists.

This made the three teens slightly scared, but the grey haired teen still had the courage to speak first trying to concentrate more on the younger sibling rather than her overprotective brother. “Er Tari, I’m not really sure how to say this but…. We are truly sorry for all the things that we said and did to you” he stated.

“If we were aware of what we were doing, we wouldn’t have done any of it. You know we wouldn’t. But Boris brainwashed us and had us under his control” the taller blonde teen bellowed.

“So we were er, wondering. Can you ever forgive us? And can we go back to being friends?” the shortest teen asked as he rubbed the back of his neck showing he was nervous.

Tari stayed silent as she thought about what they had said and done to her over the last few weeks in contrast to what they had said now. ‘You’ll forgive them won’t you Tari, after all they were the people who helped you through the hard times. They are almost like another family to you’ Spiked Tiger said wondering why her mistress was taking so long to answer the boy’s questions.

‘Yes Spiked Tiger, I will. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun with them first’ she replied as she watched the boys lower their heads thinking that because of their thirst for power they had lost a great friend.

Kai raised an eyebrow at his sister who had a small smirk on her face. “We never stopped being friends’ shortie” she stated in a serious tone, though it was difficult as she was smiling. The trio didn’t move or say anything until what Tari said had registered with their minds.

“Hey wait a minute you called me shortie!” the indigo haired teen stated happily with a small smirk on his face as he looked up at the younger Hiwatari.

Tari rolled her eyes and nodded “yes I did, is there a problem with you hearing shrimp?” she asked in a joking tone as she smiled. Spiked Tiger rolled her eyes at her mistress’ childish behaviour, but she was glad of the company of the other three bit beasts who were fighting against her last time they met.

The indigo haired teen ran up to the dual brunette and hugged her tightly nearly knocking her over. “So we are friends?” the grey haired teen asked, though he already had a smile on his face from watching the scene in front of him.

Tari struggled out of the shorter teens’ grip and nodded “yeah Bryan we are” she said. Bryan nodded and then turned his attention to the older Hiwatari “what about you Kai, are we friends?” he asked.

Kai crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes “we’ll see” he stated though he had a smirk on his face showing that he was joking. But he confused the others, except Tari who giggled and pulled Bryan into a hug before he said anything to upset Kai’s good mood.

When they broke apart the younger Hiwatari was pulled into a bear hug “I’m sorry the most Tari, after all I was the one who battled you and took Spiked Tiger away from you” he muttered into her ear.

Tari shook her head as he released his grip on her “don’t worry about it Spencer. I mean you guys forgave me after I treated you like dirt when I was under the control of Black Spiked Tiger” she replied.

“So I guess that makes us even then” Bryan stated, meaning that the subject was closed. They were all friends again and there was no need to bring the subject up again.

The red head clambered to his feet, his eyes and face still showed no sign of emotion, he didn’t come and join the others instead he walked over to the bench and sat down. He lowered his head so his bangs covered his eyes. The younger Hiwatari watched him with sad eyes. ‘If the others are back to normal, how come Tala isn’t?’ she thought.

‘Maybe Boris did something else to him’ Spiked Tiger mused, feeling her mistress was sad. She could read Tala’s aura, but it was still odd, Tala didn’t seem like himself and neither did Wolborg.

The dual brunette turned and tapped the shoulder of the blonde teen standing next to her. He looked down at her locking eye contact “what did Boris do to Tala?” she asked, her tone was mixed with anger and sadness.

“To be honest Tari, I’m not sure. Bryan’s the one who knows more as he shares a room with Tala” the older teen said as he and the brunette turned to face the grey haired teen.

Bryan sighed before he looked up and spoke “you see Tari, he was fine. Well like we used to be until two days ago, when Boris kept him behind after practice. We all left thinking that he was being punished for my loss, but there was nothing we could do about that. Though later I changed my mind…

--FLASHBACK: Tala and Bryan’s room after Tala’s programming--

The door slammed shut as the red head stomped into the room, “Sssh! No need to take your anger out on the door Tala!” the grey haired teen called from his bed, he was busy bandaging his arm.

“Be quite!! You’re lucky you’re alive and still in one piece!” Tala snapped as he took off his jacket and boots and sat down on his bed on the opposite side of the room.

The older teen sat up in shock of his friends’ voice. “What’s up with you all of a sudden?” he asked looking at the red head with raised eyebrows.

“I have to share a room with a failure, you’re lucky Boris didn’t do more to you. That was only a small punishment, one that beginners usually receive. For losing a championship final match I would have expected him to have nearly killed you. But I guess he still has some use for you, whatever it may be” Tala muttered.

Bryan was now completely confused “what are you on about Tala. Did you not notice that I crawled into the training room earlier, or that my first three launches were super weak? Do you think I’m wearing these bandages for fun?! Boris did punish me and I know I made a big mistake, but I thought at least my friends would stick by me” he snapped.

Tala hn’d “who said we were friends, I am team captain, you are lower than me. And let me tell you that if it were up to me to dish out your punishment you wouldn’t be able to move and you’d wish that you’d never been born” he stated.

He looked up and saw the terrified look on the other teens face. “Winning is the only thing that matters Bryan. That’s why we’re here at the Abbey, if we lose then we don’t disserve to be here. Now enough chit chat, my match is tomorrow and if I lose due to being tired, you’ll be in big trouble!” Tala snapped as he turned off the light and settled down in his bed.

Bryan gulped. He then winced and hissed as he lay down and got settled in his own bed. ‘What has Boris done to you Tala?’ was his last thought before he drifted off to sleep.

--END OF FLASHBACK--

“So it was like a sudden change?” Kai said, also thinking that it was weird that the red head changed so dramatically in such a sort amount of time.

Bryan nodded. “There wasn’t any sort of programme Boris could have put him through is there Tar? We tried to think, but came up short and since you were his assistant, we thought we’d ask you” the indigo haired teen asked.

Tari shook her head “not that I can think off…” she began as she searched her memories looking for anything that could help her; then it suddenly hit her. “No, he wouldn’t” she muttered, but the boys heard her.

“Wouldn’t what?” Spencer asked, he and the others looked at her face and saw the look on her face, and it didn’t look good. ‘This can’t be good news then’ he thought as he waited patiently for the younger Russian to speak.

Tari bit her lip, before she took a deep breath and spoke. “Well a few years ago, Boris came up with an idea for a programme to create the ultimate cyber beyblader. His plan was to re-programme the mind and body of the subject so that their only thoughts were of winning, no matter what the cost”

“But that’s brutal, having your mind programmed so that all your thoughts are focused on winning. It could only be Boris who would come up with an idea like that” Kai stated.

Tari nodded “but the last I heard about it, he was having major faults in the calculations and the design, it was totally unstable and the test subjects didn’t have a good outcome either” she continued.

“Well I think he worked out the kinks and used it on a new subject. And I’d say that the results were positive this time” Bryan said as the group looked over to where the red head was sat.

Ian looked up at Tari “was there any way to reverse the programme?” he asked, the others looked at her as well in hope that they could save their friend. But Tari shook her head and closed her eyes thinking that it would be hopeless.

“So Tala’s a lost cause then, what do we do now? I mean if his minds only thinking about one thing, it will be pretty hard for him to do normal stuff” Spencer said, though he was also thinking about what was going to happen to them, as with Boris gone they were homeless.

Kai shook his head “Tala’s not a lost cause, there has to be something we can do to bring him back to normal. We might not be able to think of it now, but we will in time, I mean the programme can’t be irreversible” he stated, Tari opened her eyes and nodded at her brother’s statement

“But what do we do now? Go back to the Abbey?” Ian asked, thinking it would be hell if they went back as they lost, the other boys would be sure to make them pay for their failure.

“No you boys are coming back to the BBA hotel with me and the BladeBreakers” a new voice said. The group turned to see Mr Dickinson walking towards them. “I have sent BBA agents to close the Abbey and place all of its occupants in temporary living places until proper ones can be allocated to them” he continued.

The old man looked up and saw the confused looks on all of the teen’s faces, he chuckled to himself. “How about we all head back to the BBA hotel and talk about this more there?” he asked as he began to walk away with the group following slowly behind him.

The Demolition Boys, BladeBreakers, Bruce and Mr Dickinson were all sat around the living room of the BladeBreakers hotel room. They had all just come in and settled as the navy haired teen was still over the moon about becoming the new world champion, but eventually they all settled down.

Mr Dickinson cleared his throat and the room fell silent. “Right, let’s get down to business. Me and my fellow BBA agents will do a background check on all of the boys at the Abbey as I have been informed that some of them have families whilst the others don’t. Is that correct?” he asked.

The Russian teens nodded. “In that case, we will re-unite those with families and we will provide foster families for those without. But before they leave our care they will go through a medical exam just to make sure that Boris hasn’t done anything to them” Mr Dickinson continued.

Bruce then stood up “now before we get you boys set, we really need to know your story from the beginning. If you don’t want to share it with everyone, we will give you some privacy” he said gesturing to the BladeBreakers as he spoke.

The Russians nodded again. “I think that would be best” Bryan stated. He personally didn’t want people like Tyson feeling sorry for him and he knew that the others would feel the same way.

Bruce ushered Ray, Max, Kenny and Tyson out of the room. The navy haired teen was really hard to get rid off “this isn’t fair, how come Kai gets to stay?!” he argued as the door was literally shut in his face. Kai shook his head at the navy haired teen’s actions thinking how pathetic he was.

“Right now, let’s start with Spencer, as I was informed that you have been at the Abbey the longest” Mr Dickinson said looking over at the teen sat in the corner.

Spencer looked up. “I was six when I was taken from my family and brought to the Abbey; I met the others when I was eight, apart from Ian who joined us later. And I think my Grandmother is my only family alive as that’s where my sister was sent when my mother couldn’t cope” he stated.

Bryan looked up next “I was also six when I was brought to the Abbey, but I was seven when I met Tala and then we were put in a group with Spencer and Ian later on. My younger siblings were staying at my Uncle’s when I was taken, so I guess they’re my family” he said.

Ian then spoke “I was ten when I as chosen to join the Abbey. My brother was nearly chosen as well, but Boris changed his mind. He probably lives with my parents still” he said. Mr Dickinson nodded “I know Tari and Kai’s stories, but what about Tala?” he asked

Spencer, Ian and Kai looked at Bryan. “Tala was six when he came to the Abbey and seven when he met me. I don’t think he has any family. I know his parents were killed when Boris took him, that’s all he told me” he said.

“Okay, we’ll find him a foster home near to the rest of you so can still be a team” Mr Dickinson said.

“But wouldn’t that be a bad thing to do in his condition?” Ian asked, fearing that the red head might try to destroy wherever he goes, or do something worse. “Wouldn’t you agree, Tar?” he asked, turning to where the dual haired brunette was sat, but she wasn’t there.

“Where did Tari go? She came in with us because she gave Kenny that disc” Bryan said, beginning to worry.

Kai then had a horrible thought “What time is it? Has it been more than three hours since Tyson and Tala’s match finished?” he asked, in a worried tone.

“Err yeah, Kai. I think it has been. Why do you ask?” Mr Dickinson asked the dual haired teen – but he paled and began to look very worried all of a sudden.

“A few minutes before the final match, Tala threatened Tari, by challenging her to a bey battle which is to take place three hours after the finals end” Kai said.

Bryan, Spencer and Ian all went wide-eyed. “She didn’t accept did she? In his current state of mind he could do some real damage to her” Bryan said.

Kai now felt horrible. ‘she wouldn’t go, would she? When I asked her earlier she didn’t answer, so maybe …… oh no!’ he thought as he imagined the worst thing possible happening to his sister.

He was brought out of his thoughts as Spencer got up. “We have to find them. Did Tala say where they were having the battle, Kai?" Spencer asked, as Bryan and Ian got to their feet.

Kai nodded “On the hill in the middle of the forest” he stated as he also stood. All four of them left the room bumping into the navy haired teen who had been trying to listen to what was being said.

“What’s up?” he asked, as the door to the room shut. “Tala challenged Tari to a Beybattle and she’s accepted. The boys have gone to try and stop it before she gets hurt” Mr Dickinson said as he came into the room.

Tyson started walking towards the door. “Come on then, let’s go and help them” he said, but someone grabbed hold of him. “No, Tyson, this is between them. They need to work it out themselves” Ray said. Max and Kenny nodded.

Tyson sat down and pouted. “Kai gets to have all the fun” he complained.

Tala sat on the snow covered hill with his beyblade clutched tightly in his hand ‘how could I care, it’s just impossible. I was the perfect blader. My attacks and defences were all perfect but …’ the sound of crunching footsteps in the snow brought him out of his thoughts.

He turned round to see who or what it was that was bothering him “What do you want, Hiwatari?” he snapped, his tone fierce with anger, obviously due to his loss.

Tari brought out her launcher and beyblade “It’s been three hours Tala, so are we going to battle or not?” she asked, her own tone sounding quite stern.

Tala raised an eyebrow at her “Leave me alone!” he stated as he go up and began to walk away. Tari reached out and grabbed his sleeve, making him stop,

“What’s up? Earlier you were all fired up for beating me. Did losing to a weakling like Tyson knock you off your high horse?” she said in a taunting manner.

He jerked his wrist out of her grip and kept walking. “Oh I see, you’re afraid to battle a girl” Tari said. ‘don’t you think that’s going a bit too far, Tari?' Spiked Tiger asked.

Tari shook her head. ‘don’t worry, Spiked Tiger, this is all part of the plan' she said, but the tiger still seemed unsure, especially as Tala turned to face her with a burning desire to win present in his eyes.

He pulled out his own blade and ‘launcher. “I’ll show you who’s afraid and weak, and I’ll tell you one thing Tari, it won’t be me!” he snapped.

“So you can talk tough, but do you have the power to back it up?” she asked as she assumed her launch position. Tala just hn’d as he readied himself.

After a stare-down between the two, they both shouted “Let it rip!” in unison, and launched their blades. Both blades slammed into each other before bouncing back into the snow.

Tala wanted to finish this quickly. “Wolborg, tear her blade to pieces!” he commanded. His grey blade slammed Tari’s purple one mercilessly, causing her to slow down due to the build up of snow.

“I’m not going down yet. Spiked Tiger, come on!” Tari shouted. Spiked Tiger increased her speed and with a lot of force pushed Wolborg back.

Tala growled. “I’ve had enough of this! Wolborg, finish her off!” he ordered. The ice wolf immerged from his bit chip with an icy howl. He charged and slammed Spiked Tiger out into the open.

“Two can play at that, Spiked Tiger!” Tari countered. The golden tiger rose from her chip and roared a challenge to her opponent. Both bit beasts clashed and fought fiercely as they each tried to gain dominance as their beyblades were dead-locked. After another slam, both beyblades repelled each other and circled the battle area.

‘Don’t you see what you’ve become, Wolborg? Your heart and eyes are clouded by hatred, as are Tala’s. You weren’t always like this’ Spike Tiger said.

‘I don’t know what you’re on about, all that matters is beating you and your mistress’ Wolborg snarled as he charged towards the tiger who narrowly dodged him.

‘Looks like we’re going to have to do this the hard way, Tari’ Spiked Tiger said.

Tari nodded “Spiked Tiger!” she shouted. Spiked Tiger spun faster and trapped Wolborg in a twister of ice, snow and earth.

‘What are you doing? Let me out!’ Wolborg snarled as he struggled to get free, but failed. He could feel his energy being drained but he couldn’t escape. A yellow aura covered the wolf as Spiked Tiger searched his mind for certain memories

--FLASHBACK: Tala’s house before he was taken to the Abbey--

“Come on Wolborg, you can do it!” a five year old Tala shouted as he watched his blade slam against a red one.

“Nice attack Tala. I see that you and Wolborg have been practising hard” a red haired man said.

Tala smiled. “thanks, Dad” he cheered as both blades stopped spinning. Tala retained his blade. ‘that was awesome, Wolborg. We made a pretty good team. Don’t we?’ he asked the white and blue wolf in his bit chip.

‘Yes, Tala, we are’ the wolf replied. He had become somewhat attached to the child in the time they had been together.

--END OF FLASHBACK--

Tala shook his head to remove the images. He had seen everything Wolborg had. “What kind of trick are you trying to pull?!” he asked, glaring at Tari, who remained silent.

Wolborg broke free from the twister and snarled viciously at Spiked Tiger ‘that just proves that emotion makes you weak!’ he growled.

‘No it doesn’t. Me and Tari always fight side by side and encourage each other as well as feel each other’s pain. We are partners and more and nothing can change that! You and Tala used to be like that too!’ Spiked Tiger replied as she slammed into his side and forced his deepest memories to reveal themselves

--FLASHBACK: In the Biovolt dungeons--

Seven year old Tala huddled up against the bars of the cell he had been thrown into. Boris had left him there after beating him mercilessly after he tied a Beybattle with Bryan.

He pulled his knees into his chest and curled up into a ball to try and block out the pain. In his hand was his grey beyblade. He looked at the bit and saw his loyal friend ‘why did Boris do that to me? We tried our hardest. I thought it was our best match ever’ he thought.

Wolborg growled as he subconsciously comforted his master. ‘I know Tala, they seem to have strange customs here’ he replied sadly ‘I can’t help but feel responsible ….’ he began.

“No Wolborg, it’s not your fault. They just weren’t pleased with a tie. Why did I get brought here anyway, I hate it I wanna go home” Tala mumbled as tears fell down his cheeks.

‘I wish the same thing Tala’ Wolborg said as he carried on comforting his master

--END FLASHBACK--

Tala gripped his head in his hands. “Stop it! That’s in the past, when I was weak and worthless, those moments don’t matter anymore!!” he yelled through gritted teeth.

Wolborg howled as he felt his masters’ anger flow through him. He then charged at Spiked Tiger and slammed into her with more power than last time.

“Ah!” Tari gasped as she gripped her side, sharing in her bit beast’s pain. Spiked Tiger roared and pushed Wolborg off of her and was about to attack him when she noticed something.

Tears were trickling down Wolborg’s muzzle as all of his memories came flooding back to him. ‘What happened to me?’ he growled, he looked up and saw the golden tiger in a crouching position ready to pounce. ‘Spiked Tiger, why are we fighting?’ he asked confused as he thought that his master and the tiger’s mistress were friends and had no need to fight

‘Boris clouded yours and Tala’s minds with hate, Tari is fighting to bring him back to normal’ Spiked Tiger said. Wolborg growled as his most recent memories resurfaced, he charged towards Spiked Tiger who met him head on.

‘I’ll help you, as it pains me to see my master in such pain and suffering’ he said as a blue aura covered him and joined with the yellow one, together they slowly covered Tala. Both bit beasts worked together as they were determund to make the red head remember.

--FLASHBACK: After Boris’ first training session--

Tala walked down one of the many corridors on his way back to the room that he shared with Bryan, he wasn’t really concentrating on his surroundings. “Hi Tala” a voice in front of him said. He looked up and glared at the dual brunette who stood there, he didn’t stop he just kept walking.

“Can you tell me what I’ve done, if I’ve done anything wrong!” the girl stated. Tala stopped and faced her “you got in the way” he stated in an emotionless tone.

“Got in the way of what?” she asked.

“You got in the way of me and my team-mates getting stronger and getting further with our training. You were holding us back, not allowing us to reach our full potential” he stated.

Her eyes widened a little. “But Tala, strength and power aren’t everything when it comes to beyblading. What about heart and spirit?” she asked.

Tala hn’d “you see, it was attitude that held us back. But you didn’t used to be like this, you changed and not for the better, you’ve become weak” he said and then turned to walk away.

She grabbed hold of his sleeve forcing him to look at her again. “I’m not the one who’s changed Tala, you are. What happened to the guy who was my friend? The guy who laughed and joked about with his team-mates? You’ve all changed, it’s as if I don’t know you anymore” she stressed.

He shook his arm making her release her grip, and then pushed her against the wall. “You’re pathetic and not worthy to be associated with the name of Biovolt. I’m just praying that you do your job right and make sure that our blades are up to scratch. Now I suggest that you leave me and my team-mates alone, we don’t need any more distractions” he said and then left her.

--END OF FLASHBACK--

“That never happened! You made that up!” Tala shouted. He felt like his head was going to explode, but he knew that the memory couldn’t be true as the girl was Tari and she was the enemy.

“That did happen Tala, you and I used to be friends until you changed!” Tari shouted. Tala growled and commanded Wolborg to slam into Spiked Tiger causing Tari to grip her other side.

‘Tari are you alright?’ Spiked Tiger asked her mistress in a worried tone, Tari nodded though she wasn’t sure herself. ‘Your brother and the others are near by’ the tiger continued as she sensed the group of boys heading their way.

An idea suddenly hit Tari and she silently talked her plan over with the two bit beasts, as Wolborg uncovered another of Tala’s memories.

--FLASHBACK: Down in the Biovolt dungeons--

Tala walked across the room and knelt down next to the figure, he placed a hand on her cheek. “Tari? Are you awake?” he asked.

Her eyes opened slightly “T…Tala?” she asked in a weak tone. Tala nodded “now stay still whilst I tend to your wounds” he said in a kind of commanding tone

The girl nodded and watched as he opened a first aid kit and applied antiseptic to all her cuts. She winced slightly, as the medicine stung. “Sorry. It will sting a bit.” He said, he then pulled out a roll of bandages and bound her wounds.

“Here, try to eat something, as you need to get your strength back” Tala said, putting a small plate of food in front of her. “Tala, why are you doing this?” she asked.

Tala looked into her eyes “Boris said to come and make sure you were still alive as he says you still have a job to do” he said. The girl’s expression saddened, he lifted her chin “plus I wanted to make sure you were ok, as I was worried after seeing what Black Spiked Tiger did to you” he concluded.

“Please don’t cry Tari” he said as he pulled her into an embrace, she rested her head against his chest and he rested his head on top of hers. “I’m sorry Tala, it’s just I can’t believe I did something like that. How can you still talk to me after what I did?” she asked.

Tala made soothing circles on her back “that’s easy; I knew that it wasn’t you” he said. She smiled, Tala then broke the embrace “I almost forgot” he said as he put his hand into his pocket and brought something out “here, I think this belongs to you” he said placing something in the girl’s hand.

She looked down “Spiked Tiger” she said in a thrilled tone, she looked up at Tala and grinned “thank you Tala, you’re a really good friend and I’m sorry if I hurt you in any way” she said. “That’s ok, I’m just glad you’re back to yourself” Tala said.

“Tala, can I ask you something?” she asked, he faced her and nodded “why didn’t you, Spencer, Bryan and Ian try to escape?” she asked. “Truth is, we did. Well we thought about it anyway, Bryan, Spencer and Ian wanted to get back to their families, or what was left of them” he stopped and took a deep breath.

“What about you Tala? Didn’t you have a family to get back to?” she asked. “No. It was always me, mum and dad. But Boris killed my parents. So it’s just me alone in the world” Tala felt a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re not alone Tala, you have me. As I’m the only one left in my family too. My dad left and my mum and Kai are dead. I don’t consider my Grandfather as real family after he treated me like this. So I guess you and me will just have to be alone together” she said.

Tala smirked “thanks, now you’d better get some rest. I’ll see you soon as I have to go” he said as he got up and headed to the door and closed it quietly behind him.

--END OF FLASHBACK--

“That’s enough! Get out of my head!” Tala shouted, he was now sick of this girl messing with his mind. He thought it was time she learnt her lesson “Wolborg destroy her with Blizzalog!” he ordered.

Wolborg howled as he called up a powerful blizzard that made it hard for Tari to see. Once the battle area was covered by the storm, Wolborg attacked the tiger in several places under the command of his master.

“Tala stop this right now!” a voice shouted. The red head looked up to see the four Russians run up to them; he scowled “stay out of this! She wanted to fight me, it’s not my fault if she’s too weak!” he snapped.

The blizzard stopped and the boys gasped at Tari’s condition. She was knackered, but she had managed to keep herself on her feet, though she knew she couldn’t last much longer. “Tari, just give up!! Tala’s too strong!!” Kai shouted.

Tari shook her head “Poison Needle Claw!” she shouted, Spiked Tiger charged towards the wolf with her claws out ready to attack.

Ian watched the two fight as the other boys talked about how they were going to stop them. “So it’s agreed we’ll knock out their blades with ours” Bryan said, Spencer and Kai nodded and reached for their blades and launchers.

“Guys wait!” the indigo haired teen shouted, the trio looked at him with questioning looks on their faces. “Look at the way Tari’s fighting, she’s got a plan. If we interfere we could lose the Tala we knew forever” he said. The boys watched, they saw a new sort of determination that they had never seen in Tari before.

‘You are correct Ian, my mistress does have a plan, but she needs your help’ a voice said as a yellow glow appeared in front of the boys as the golden tiger materialized.

The boys looked at each other before nodding “just tell us what we have to do Spiked Tiger” Bryan said.

“Ok Wolborg one more attack should do it. Attack!!” Tala shouted. The Wolf charged again as a blizzard grew around him, he was stopped in his tracks by the tiger who met him head on.

But this time there was something different, she seemed stronger. Wolborg looked behind her and saw the rest of the Demolition Boys’ bit beasts. They were giving energy to the tiger was once again covered the red head in a yellow aura.

Tala clutched his head as all sorts of memories flashed through his mind; some were good whilst others were bad. One thing that was consistent was that Tari was in everyone with him and his team-mates.

He growled “enough! Wolborg attack!” he commanded. Wolborg howled as he charged towards Spiked Tiger, focusing all of his energy into one final attack.

“Spiked Tiger, attack!” Tari shouted putting all her remaining strength into her last attack. The two beyblades collided in a massive explosion of ice and earth as each one battled for dominance. Tari and Tala raised their arms to shield themselves from the impact of the attacks. As did the other Demolition Boys who were still watching.

When the snow and earth settled and the smoke cleared, both beyblades were lying lifeless next to each other. Tari and Tala were both sat in the snow breathing heavily.

Tari watched Tala, she was still unsure of whether he was still in his emotionless state. Though she hoped that her plan had worked, as she wanted her best friend back.

Tala on the other hand was searching his mind for answers to what had happened over the past few days as he couldn’t remember. ‘You were under Boris’ control but Tari battled to bring you back, even after you treated her badly’ Wolborg said, Tala’s memories of him pushing Tari around and hurting her flashed through his mind.

“T-Tari” he stuttered unsurely as he stared out into space. The dual brunette looked up at him “yeah Tala?” she asked sounding nervous, though she could feel that Spiked Tiger was ready to protect her if the red head tried anything.

He grasped her hand and locked eyes with her. “I’m sorry, for everything…” he said, Tari smiled as she looked into his blue/violet eyes. They were no longer empty and emotionless, they were back to their normal state.

Then to her surprise he pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry Tari, can you ever forgive me?” he whispered into her ear as he tightened his grip.

Tari felt tears in her eyes; she nodded “yeah Tala, I forgive you. I’m just really glad you’re back to normal” she said as she used her sleeve to wipe her tears away before they could fall.

Tala released his grip on her and they broke apart, they still kept eye contact with other. “It was all Boris’ fault, you know I would never do anything like that to you…” he started, but Tari put her finger to his lips. Tala gasped slightly as her skin was so soft.

“Ssh, no need to explain Tala, we’re friends again and that’s all that matters” she said as she removed her hand from lips. He smiled at her as she truly was an awesome friend; he felt new feelings towards her.

He was about to say something else to her when they heard several pairs of footsteps crunch up behind them. “Are you two ok?” Spencer asked looking down at the dual brunette and the red head. The duo nodded as they were helped up by Bryan and Kai.

“You sure you’re ok?” The dual bluenette asked his sister, who didn’t look like herself. He wrapped an arm round her as she leant her head against his shoulder.

She nodded “yeah Kai, I’m fine, just a little drained” she said as she struggled out of her brother’s grip. But he stayed close to her just in case she did collapse or faint.

Tala brushed himself down “I guess I have to say sorry to you guys as well” he said turning to his team-mates as the Hiwatari siblings joined the group.

“No you don’t Tala; we were the same, well apart from the whole cyber blader thing. But we’ve all forgiven each other and classed it as a closed subject” Bryan stated.

Tala raised his eyebrows “really?” he asked. The rest of the teens nodded and smiled or smirked at him. “So er, what happens now?” he asked.

“Mr Dickinson, sent his agents to close the Abbey and take the other kids into care, until their backgrounds have been checked and then they will either be re-united with their families or sent into a foster family” Ian said.

“Oh, so I guess you guys will be going back to your families’ right?” Tala asked, in a slightly sad tone thinking that his only friends were leaving him.

Spencer nodded “yeah we are, but Mr Dickinson said he’d find you a foster family near us” he said, hoping to cheer the red head up. Tala sensed this and smirked slightly just to reassure his friends.

“Come on we ought to get back before we freeze” Kai said as he started to head back through the forest, with the gang following slowly. Tari noticed that Tala was dawdling at the back; she stopped and waited for him to catch up to her.

She slotted her hand into his as he came past her, the sudden contact of soft skin made Tala look up into her dark violet eyes. “What’s wrong Tala?” she asked as she walked alongside him.

“I thought we were all going to be together, you know as a group. But if you guys are all going back to your families, I’ll be all alone with a strange family I’ve never met” he said as he tightened his grip on her hand.

Tari stopped and grabbed hold of his other hand. Tala looked at her with a confused look on his face. “Tala, have you forgotten the promise I made to you. I said that I’d always be with you” she said.

“But I thought that changed when you found out that Kai was still alive…” he started.

“So, I don’t think Mr Dickinson is going to let two 13 year olds live on their own. And if he is I’m sure that one more person wouldn’t hurt” she said.

Tala smiled “thanks Tari” he said as they ran to catch the others up still holding hands.

“Well I guess this is goodbye from us” the navy haired teen said, to the group of Russians. All of the teens were at the airport, to say goodbye to the new championship team as they headed back to their homelands.

Tyson stepped forward to shake the red head’s hand “your team put up an awesome fight, we’ll definitely gonna have to do it again at the next championships” he said.

Tala nodded and shook the Japanese teen’s hand.

Tyson then turned to the younger Hiwatari “and Tari I just want to thank you once again for all of your help” he said and gave her a cheesy lopsided grin.

Tari smiled “no problem Tyson” she said. Tyson then turned to the older Hiwatari “so your really not coming back to Japan Kai?” he asked.

Kai shook his head “there’s no way I’m leaving Tari here on her own” he sated. Tari rolled her eyes and shook her head at her brother ‘I have a horrible feeling that Kai’s going to be like this all of the time’ she thought to herself.

Once the championship team had gone, the Russians said goodbye to each other. The boys only patted each other on the back or shook hands, but when it came to saying goodbye to Tari they hugged the dual brunette.

“Don’t worry Tari, it’s not the end” Bryan said after releasing her from their hug. Spencer nodded “yeah, we’ll be coming to visit you three all the time” he stated.

“That way you can never miss us” Ian said. The group shared a laugh as the three boys left and got into their separate cars taking them back to their families.

“So I guess, it’s just us three then” Tala said looking over at the Hiwatari siblings who nodded. Mr Dickinson had allowed the three to live together on their own, but he said that he would be checking up on them every now and again.

Tari sighed as the three of them left the airport and headed for the car. “Isn’t this great. After everything bad that’s happened to us, something good happens” she said as they got into the car.

“What do you mean Tar?” Kai asked thinking that his sister had gone crazy.

“We finally got a fresh start” she said, as Tala started the car and they drove off towards their new home.

Woohoo!! I've completed it (dances happily) It feels so good to put an end to this story as I've been writing it since March - so that's 7 months right?

I would like to thank all of my readers and reviewers, I might of not carried on with this story without you. I would espically like to thank Kieno, Lightning Wings, Tala Is Shining and KINGofURcastle as they reviewed almost every chapter!!

Most of you know that there will be a sequel, well I can't just leave the story there now can I? Anyway those who have read my profile hey would have seen the title and summary of the sequel, due to come out later this mounth. If you haven't here it is:

"VOLTAIRE'S REVENGE - Sequel to 'Return To The Past'. There's a new tournament, with new rules insisting that every team should have one girl blader. Who will the BladeBreakers choose? And what will happen when they here that Voltaire's escaped from jail?"

The date that's on my profile may change as I uploaded this chapter early. But the sequel will probably be out during Half Term, so WATCH THIS SPACE!!

please R&R

thanks again everybody!!

SMIFFY