Unforeseen Romance
Lady Sapphire

Introduction: Hi, everyone! Is anyone who was following and waiting for this still there? T.T I'm sure all of us have grown up and grown out of Beyblade by now (as I have), but to those who are just getting into it, welcome! I apologize for taking so long to finish up this story, but as always, school comes first! At least it's done now and I hope you guys enjoy this little bonus story for what it is: pure light-hearted fun.

The "surprise" I promised waaaaay back when I completed the final chapter of the main story is an extra side story I wrote just for fun. The idea for this side story originated from a reviewer who asked whether or not the other Beyblade characters were going to make an appearance. At that time, I hadn't planned to include the other characters, since I prefer focusing on one or two characters at a time to allow more room character development. But at the same time, I started thinking of a plot that would include the other characters (namely Ray, as you will see how his role factors in). And so this side chapter was materialized. It's not really a continuation, as this scene is extraneous to the story and I did not plan to include it from the start. But, it's there for those who would like to read more and see the other characters. This story is comedy, especially at the expense of Tyson (sorry, Tyson fans!). This scene takes place some time after the last chapter of Unforeseen Romance and it can be read separately, without reading the main story first. But of course, it would make much more sense to read from the beginning!

Dedication: To all the readers out there who stuck with me through the years. Thank you!

Disclaimers: I do not own Beyblade or its characters nor do I own any part of McDonalds. Also, I am not, in any way, endorsing McDonald's restaurants in this story.

Side Story: The Date

"A date! A date! Kai and Mariah are going on a date!" sang Tyson in a mocking singsong voice. Laughing loudly, he dashed forward ahead of the party, which consisted of an embarrassed looking Ray, Max, and Kenny, and the two aforementioned persons, who were, needless to say, very irritated.

"WHO. THE HELL. INVITED. HIM?!" seethed Kai through gritted teeth. Red-faced and fists clenched, one could almost see the smoke shooting from both ears. The other three uninvited members glanced anxiously from Kai to Mariah to Tyson, who had stopped to turn around and chant a verse of "Kai and Mariah, sitting in a tree." The couple looked as if they were ready to kill.

"Heh heh heh..." laughed Ray nervously, "Now, now, Kai, you know Tyson, he's just joking around. There's no need to take him seriously." He waved his hand to indicate that it was nothing to worry about, but in all reality, he could feel his own imminent doom approaching. After all, he was (supposedly) the only one who knew about the relationship between Kai and Mariah.

Mariah rounded on him, "Ray! How could you?!" she demanded, as she turned around, hands on hips, and faced him with a scowl. "I only told you about Kai because you're my best friend and we grew up together! I trusted you! Maybe it wouldn't be as bad if it were just Kenny and Max, but Tyson of all people?!" The group had stopped walking by now, as Mariah continued to glare at Ray.

It started out as a fine morning: the skies were clear, the sun was shining, and it was neither too chilly nor too humid to be outdoors. Mariah had been staying at Kai's house for two weeks now, and even though they had agreed to stick with being a normal couple and go on dates and such, they had not had a single one as of yet. Thus, with that in mind, the two of them set off to have a perfect first date. However, as it may already seem apparent, this was not how it had turned out to be, for four unexpected as well as unwanted tagalongs had appeared out of nowhere and decided to join in on their special "date".

"Mariah, wait! Let me explain! I didn't mean to say it out loud, but it just slipped out!" said Ray, backing away slowly. If there was one thing he was afraid of, it would have to be an angry Mariah. "And besides, they would have found out eventually anyway, even if I hadn't told them. You can't hide it forever," he remarked, hoping it would get him off the hook.

Mariah blushed slightly as her frown loosened for a fraction of a second before returning back to its original state. "Yeah, well, did you have to tell everyone about our date today too?! And did you all have to come along and ruin it?!"

"I swear, that wasn't me! When you called me yesterday to tell me about it, the gang was at my house. I didn't know that Tyson had picked up the phone on the other end and was listening in on our conversation!" exclaimed Ray. "He then decided that he would come along, because he had nothing else better to do," he leaned in closer to her and placed his hand next to his mouth as if telling a secret, "the three of us came along to make sure that he' doesn't murder him..." he said in a softer voice, pointing his other thumb at Kai, who had not said a word throughout this whole exchange. He simply continued to glare and fume at the still oblivious Tyson of his impending doom, who was now making noisy kissing gestures in the air. Kai's clenched fist tightened and his knuckles became white.

"You might be right..." agreed Mariah, glancing at Kai. Even though she too was irked by Tyson's irritating banter, she had shown it by blatantly taking out her anger. Kai, however, worked a different way. She knew he must have been silently building up his anger, and knowing that he despised Tyson more than anyone else, she could not imagine the damage that would be done if her were to release his anger. Quickly, she acted. Looping her arm around his, she pulled him around the corner, saying, "Kai, let's go this way. There's a new bakery around here and I heard that their cakes are really good! I "

Kai jerked his arm away and began to stomp towards Tyson, bellowing as he did, "TYSON! WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP?!"

Tyson stopped chanting to turn and look at the furious Kai, who was now fast approaching him. Normally, this would indicate that he should run, but surprisingly, he stood still. Not only that he did not flee, there was also no look of fear on his face. Instead, he was smirking smugly.

"Go home, RIGHT NOW," growled Kai, grabbing the collar of Tyson's shirt and raising his fist, "Or else, I'll "

"No, Kai!" shouted the rest of the group, as he was about to lower his fist soundly in Tyson's face. At the same time, however, Tyson had whipped out something from his pocket and held it in front of himself like a barrier between himself and Kai.

Kai stopped his attack to glance at the object curiously. It was the back of an old photograph. What kind of photograph could it be for Tyson to depend his life on it this much?

"If you hurt me, then I won't give you this," said Tyson. He waved the photo back and forth as if testing to see if he had Kai's full attention. "I know you want this, don't you, Kai ol' buddy? It's a picture of Mariah when she was a baby! I nicked it off Ray when we were at his house."

Kai slightly raised an eyebrow. Mariah's jaw dropped and she froze for a moment in disbelief.

"What? When did he-" started a pale-faced Ray, but he was cut off when Mariah turned her face sharply and glared. Ray shrank a little. A puzzled look came over his face, as he started to protest, "Wait, Mariah, that isn't-"

But he did not get a chance to explain as Mariah was already stomping towards Tyson.

"TYSON!! GIVE ME THAT PICTURE!!" yelled Mariah. Tyson chuckled and dashed away, with Mariah right at his heels. "Get back here, you stupid moron!!"

"Mariah!" called out Ray, but she had already run away, "I didn't even bring my old photo albums from China here..." he trailed off quietly.

Everyone who was still there turned to stare at him. And then, at each other. Suddenly, Max and Kenny burst out laughing.

"Oh man, Tyson's going to be in such deep trouble when Mariah finds out that it's fake!" said Max, "We better follow them and make sure that she doesn't kill him!"

"Funny how we came here trying to make sure Kai doesn't hurt anyone," mused Kenny, as the two of them began jogging towards the direction that Tyson and Mariah had darted for.

Kai, who had a slight look of disappointment on his face, turned away from Ray, hoping that he hadn't noticed, and continued to walk in the direction they were originally headed.

Ray was still slightly puzzled at how all the blame ended up on his shoulders when everything was initiated by Tyson. He frowned at the unfairness of the whole situation and then shrugged it off. He'd set that aside for now, since there was another matter on his mind. He hurried after Kai.

"Kai, can I talk to you for a moment?" he called out to his back.

Kai stopped and turned to face his friend curiously. Ray, probably the most mature and understanding member of their team What could he possibly say to him? "Hmm?" he replied, his interest piqued.

Ray caught up to him and stuck out his hand. "I want to...personally congratulate you and Mariah and wish you happiness," he said and Kai shook it instinctively.

They walked on slowly, side by side and Ray continued, "Mariah has always been like a sister to me and we grew up depending and protecting each other." He paused to sigh, "Truthfully, I'm a bit worried about her. She has never been in a relationship before and she knows nothing about this kind of stuff." He glared directly into Kai's eyes, seeking for any trace of malice, "I have to know... Are you really serious about this relationship? You better not just be playing around with her for your own amusement," he warned in a grave tone, "If that is the case, then I would have no choice but to intervene."

Surprised by this sudden question, Kai raised his eyebrows and looked questioningly at his inquirer. To have someone worry about you and look out for you...Mariah was very lucky to have someone like Ray. That's what Kai thought, and for a brief moment, he envied her for having such a kind 'brother.' With a severe expression, he replied, "You have my word that these are my true feelings. I would never 'play' around like this. That would be a disgrace to all of mankind." The corners of his mouth twitched into a frown at his last statement.

Ray smiled to hear that his old friend had not completely changed. He gave his friend a light pat on the back and said, "I've known you for a long time, so I will entrust her to you."

"But I want you to promise," he added quickly, "that you will never take advantage of her, that you will always take care of and protect her, and never hurt her," said Ray sternly.

Kai could tell that he was dead serious. His eyes were piercing into him as if trying to find an ounce of dishonesty. Matching the same seriousness and with absolutely no sign of faltering in spirit or voice, he replied, "I swear it."

Letting out a small chuckle, Ray gave Kai a friendly punch on the back. "That's what I expected from you, Kai!" he said, "But remember, if you ever make her cry, I swear that I won't let you off easily."

Kai nodded. Immediately following, Mariah appeared in their view, running towards them, waving her arms and calling out, "Hey guys!"

"That picture... it was a fake!" she said, trying to catch her breath. She bent forward and clasped her knees and breathed heavily. "I will KILL Tyson... he made me chase him all around town for a picture of himself!"

Kai and Ray looked at each other and then at Mariah. Suddenly, the two of them exploded into laughter, unable to control themselves.

"What?!" demanded Mariah, hands on her hips. "It's not funny, you know!"

"I'm sorry..." blurted out Ray when his laughter had died down a bit. "I tried to tell you as you ran off, but I left my old photo albums back home. There's no way he could have access to your baby photos."

Mariah stared at him blankly. In an instant, her expression changed into a glare. "Ray!! Why didn't you say so earlier?!" she cried and started hitting him rapidly.

Ray smiled as he raised his hands to block her attack while Kai laughed heartily at the spectacle, amused by her irritation of Ray.

Growling, Mariah turned sharply on Kai and glared deviously. "By the way, did you know that Tyson also snagged your wallet and is currently maxing out your credit cards on food?" she asked in a singsong voice.

Kai's laughter died in an instant as he stared, stone-faced at Mariah, hoping that at any moment, she would laugh and blurt out, "Just joking!"

But all Mariah did was cross her arms over her chest and smile smugly.

"... No way...you can't be serious..." whispered Kai, feeling around his jean pockets for his wallet. It was no where to be found. "Damn it, when did that little...!" cursed Kai and bolted in the direction Tyson had taken off earlier. "I'll REALLY kill him this time!!"

Mariah laughed gleefully. "Ha! That's for expecting to see my baby photos!"

"Mariah, does Tyson really have Kai's credit cards?" asked Ray sternly.

"Of course, why would I lie?" Mariah replied rhetorically. "He's at McDonalds' right now pigging out on about a dozen burgers."

"You should have told him that."

"Don't worry, Kai will find them sooner or later," assured Mariah nonchalantly, "Besides this is my revenge for him being hopeful for my baby pictures."

Ray shook his head in disbelief, but he was glad to know that Mariah hadn't changed at all. She was still the same as when they were young: petty over the littlest things.

"In any case, I'm sorry I doubted you, Ray," Mariah apologized.

"That's all right. It was my fault that they overheard our conversation and ruined your date," replied Ray.

The two continued to walk slowly towards the fast food restaurant where Tyson and the others were currently feasting at Kai's expense and where Kai will eventually appear to destroy him. A drawn out silence seemed to befall them as only the sounds of the city could be heard and the soft rhythm of their footsteps.

"So..." said Ray finally, breaking the silence, "Are you going back to tell the Lee and the others?"

"I will...eventually," she replied.

"Does that mean you're quitting the White Tigers?"

Mariah looked shocked. Is that what he was thinking? "No, of course not! Why would you think that?!" she demanded.

"Well... because now that you're with Kai... I thought..."

"No way! What does that have anything to do with Beyblading? I love Beyblading, and I love the White Tigers! Nothing can make me change my mind about that. I will always be a part of the team," explained Mariah.

"But at tournaments, surely the White Tigers will meet the Bladebreakers in the arena once again some day...and what if you were set to battle against Kai?"

"Then I'll kick his butt!" said Mariah determinedly, laughing with triumph. "The White Tigers will definitely win next time!"

Ray laughed too, glad that she really hadn't changed at all. She was still as strong-willed and competitive as ever.

"But seriously Ray," said Mariah, turning to him, "What made you think that I would ever give up blading? You know me better than that."

"Well... it's just that I was worried about you. If the day ever comes when our teams meet again in battle, I don't want you to face the dilemma of choosing sides. That's just too painful," Ray replied quietly. He remembered how much it had hurt when he finally met his old team mates again after so long, only to be called a 'traitor.'

Golden eyes looked up at Ray gently. "Is that what''s bothering you, Ray?"

"As long as you are sure about what you want, then it's fine. I just want you to be happy," said Ray, sighing deeply.

Mariah smiled warmly. "Thank you, Ray. Hearing that from you makes me really happy. Even if Lee and the others were against my relationship with Kai, I wouldn't have minded as long as I had your support," she said softly. "Even if the whole world was against me, it wouldn't matter as long as you were by my side."

"Of course, I will support you!" said Ray quickly, "You can always count on me so come to me whenever you have a problem."

Tears welled up in Mariah's eyes and she brushed them away. Hugging Ray, she whispered, "Thank you for always being there. Even though we're not related by blood, you are more than I could ever ask for in a brother."

Ray smiled and stroked her silky hair. Her small frame felt warm in her arms and it made him feel good to know that she depended on him so much. He had been afraid that she no longer needed him now that she had Kai, but her reaction just now reminded him of how much he cared for her. He had promised himself that no matter the circumstances, he would be the first one to protect her.

"What are you talking about? It doesn't matter if were not related! To me, you are as precious as family," explained Ray kindly, "And if Kai ever hurts you, remember to come to me. I'll make sure he pays dearly." His tone had transformed into a menacing one.

Mariah pulled herself away from Ray and took a good look at his serious face. She burst out laughing, "Oh, don't worry about that. Should that day ever come, there would be nothing left after I'M through with him."

At that moment, Kai, who had discovered the location of the thief and his missing wallet and was dashing madly towards the destination, stopped dead in his tracks. A mysterious cold chill had run down his spine. Not knowing the reason for it, he shrugged it off and continued to run towards the fast food restaurant. He had more important things to worry about: like how to slowly and painfully kill Tyson, for example.

"Come on, we should catch up with the others. I know where they went," said Mariah, chuckling.

Upon approaching the McDonald's, they could clearly see Kai in full pursuit of the chubby, red-capped boy in the parking lot.

"TYSON, GIVE ME BACK MY WALLET, YOU THIEF!" yelled Kai.

"Help!" was the muffled cry from Tyson's stuffed mouth. He hadn't found the time to swallow the burger he was eating when Kai burst into the restaurant and threatened to strangle him. Surprised, he darted for the back door and ended up in a chase around the parking lot, with Kai at his heels.

Then, relief poured over him as he spotted Mariah and Ray approaching. He ran straight for them and jumped behind the pair, using them as a shield.

Swallowing, he gasped, "Save me! He's going to kill me!"

"You should have thought about that before you thought of taking his wallet," reprimanded Mariah, stepping aside for Kai to get a good grasp on his target.

"That's because this idiot doesn't think!" grumbled Kai, lunging towards Tyson, who shrieked in terror and jumped behind Ray.

"Ray, protect me, please!" pleaded Tyson, holding on to Ray's shoulders to prevent him from moving away.

Ray sighed and rolled his eyes. "Come on, Kai, it's okay to share a little. Besides it's only a burger, how much could it have cost?" he reasoned, but Kai only glared at him.

"HE SPENT OVER 200 ON JUNK FOOD!" yelled Kai, "How is that 'only a burger'? That pig ate enough to feed a whole country!"

Ray turned to look at Tyson inquiringly, hoping that he would deny Kai's accusations, but all he received was a sheepish look of guilt.

"Tyson, you idiot, you should know better than to take other people's things and using them without permission," scolded Ray.

"But...but, even if I asked, Kai wouldn't have bought me food..." mumbled Tyson.

"That still doesn't make it right to steal. Besides, you were being a pain. No one would treat an annoying person lunch."

Max and Kenny, who had lost track of Tyson when they were following him, appeared at the corner and ran towards the group, breathing loudly.

"Kai... We're sorry... We couldn't stop Tyson from spending your money..." huffed Kenny.

"By the time we found out that Tyson had your wallet, he had already run ahead..." added Max.

Ray sighed. "It's okay, you guys, it's not your fault." Turning to Tyson, he commanded, "Give Kai's wallet back to him."

Pouting, Tyson obeyed and handed the wallet back to Kai, who snatched it resentfully to check the damage done. As expected, all the cash that had been in there was gone. He glared at Tyson once again.

"S-sorry Kai, I couldn't help myself! I'll make it up to you, I promise!" pleaded Tyson, hands clasped and down on his knees.

Kai said nothing and merely started walking towards the direction of the McDonalds.

Tyson, alarmed at Kai's reaction, continued to persuade him that he regretted his actions. "Please, Kai! I'm sorry for ruining your date today... I won't do it again, I promise!"

Kai gave no reply and continued walking. Mariah, who was just as puzzled as the others, timidly spoke up. "Kai...?"

Kai stopped and the rest of the gang held their breaths in anticipation, bracing themselves for the worse. He turned his head to the side and said softly, "Well? Are you just going to stand there? It's not everyday that I'm going to forgive you. Just this once, on Ray's behalf, I'm going to treat all of you to lunch."

The stoned faces of the rest of the Bladebreakers stared incredulously at Kai. The first one to recover from shock was Tyson, who's mouth slowly spread across his face into a wide, foolish grin. "Woohoo!!" he cheered, "Thanks Kai, you're the greatest!" With a leap in the air, he quickly dashed past Kai and towards the restaurant, shouting over his back, "Last one there's a rotten egg!"

"Hold on, Tyson, how can you STILL eat after eating so many hamburgers?!" yelled Ray, chasing after him. "Just what is his stomach made of?" he asked to no one in particular.

Kenny chuckled, "It would not be illogical if he suddenly told us that he wasn't human."

"Tell them I want extra mustard on my burger," called Max with a grin, as the three of them entered the building after Tyson.

Mariah was still looking at Kai in disbelief. "I can't believe you just did that! Kai, being nice and generous to TYSON?! Now I've seen everything!" she said with a mocking laugh.

Kai shrugged, "I felt like it."

"And even after he totally ruined our date too!"

"I'm used to Tyson's idiocy already."

"And they found out about us!"

"They would have eventually found out anyway. Now we don't have to think about how we should tell them."

Mariah agreed and breathed a sigh of relief. One good thing that came out of today for her was that she got to talk to Ray and they were able to relieve some anxiety off each other's chest. Ray, the gentle and strong big brother figure whom she had always admired as a child, had whole-heartedly given her his support. That meant so much more to her than Ray would ever know. She was smiling contently at the remembrance of the conversation she had with him, when another thought struck her. When she came back from chasing Tyson, Kai and Ray were talking to each other quietly. She had a strange feeling that the subject of their discussion might have been none other than herself. Failing to hold back her curiosity, she asked innocently, "Say Kai, what were you and Ray talking about earlier today?"

Kai raised his eyebrows slightly. He had thought that she hadn't noticed! Yet, this was one of the things he liked about her: the sharpness of a cat. Kai knew that she would press on to know more if he told her the truth and that she would be peeved if he did not.

"Nothing," he told her indifferently.

"Nothing?! How could that be nothing?!" she demanded, frowning.

"It's not important. All that you need to know is that it was a private conversation between two men who respect each other. There is nothing you need to worry about."

"B-but but..." stammered Mariah, but she was cut off as Kai suddenly embraced her, resting his chin on her shoulder. Surprised, Mariah forgot her suspicions and only raised her arms to hug him back.

Kai smiled secretly at the success of his plan. Softly into her ear, he spoke, "I'm sorry today didn't go exactly as planned."

Mariah blushed as his breath brushed past by her ears. With her eyes closed and a soft smile, she replied, "No, it wasn't your fault. If anyone's to blame, it's me for calling Ray."

"In a way, it's a good thing you did. Besides, there will be plenty of opportunities to go out on dates."

"Yeah."

The two stood in embrace, captured in time, as the rays of the setting sun illuminated over them. They broke apart after a few minutes and slowly walked hand in hand towards the restaurant where the others were likely to be eating a hole in Kai's credit card. But, in spite of everything, they felt content with the outcome of today's events. They were happy to know they had such good friends who supported them. And most of all, they were certain that today would only be the start of many more happy days to come.

--THE END--

Final Comments: Well, it's been several years but it's finally finished. I believe my writing style has changed a lot since then. laughs I am ashamed to reread this from beginning to end, as well as some of my older works. As I said before, this was just a bit of pure fun and I hope you've all enjoyed reading this as I had fun writing it! Did I bite off more than I could chew heading down the comedy route? XD But if I made you laugh, even a little, then I have accomplished my goal :D

Since Ray is my all-time favourite character (with Kai at a close second), I really wanted to include him in this story. The norm for non-yaoi pairings is Ray and Mariah. Since I deviated from this norm in this fanfic, I wanted to portray Ray's thoughts and feelings about the KaixMariah pairing. I've always admired Ray's maturity and big-brother like status to Mariah, as well as the Bladebreakers. Thus, I drew on this quality of his to give him a guardian-like status. But that isn't to say that I'm not a fan of the RayxMariah pairing as well! I just wanted to write something that was uncommon at the time I started, and expand the possibilities a bit. It is more interesting and fun to develop an unlikely relationship than to build on one that has been established and predictable in its outcome. I think this pairing is not as rare now than when I started a few years ago. But I have two RayxMariah oneshots if anyone is a fan of that coupling. (Mind you, they are also really old and seemingly outdated XD)

I thank everyone who has stuck with me all the way and supported my efforts, even though I often left you guys waiting with long gaps of no updates... Thank you to all the reviewers who took the time to comment on my work. Reviews are probably the greatest encouragement of all to any writer, as it shows that time has been spent reading what the writer has written, so I hope everyone will continue to read and review.

Just a ittle side note about Beyblade I want to mention: The other day, my brother was randomly surfing the net and he came across the Beyblade manga, which has a definite end to the story. Was I surprised! Not that I didn't already expect this kind of ending, but the fact that it ends, and to see something I watched in my younger days come to a resolution gave me a nostalgic and satisfied feeling. The characters have grown up and matured as have I, so you really do feel a sense of time passing. It's a weird feeling. I won't spoil for you, unless you want me to, which in that case, send me an email. Now, I know my fanfiction is purely fanfiction as the events of this story shall never come to pass! (laughs) Oh well, that's the point of fanfics, isn't it? -- To let your imagination continue the story without knowing how it actually ends.

I will continue to keep writing, but not in the Beyblade fandom. I will concentrate on original pieces and perhaps in fandoms elsewhere. I hope you will continue to support me!