Yu ran down the corridor with a bright smile on his face. He flapped his little arms as he went to his new favourite person's room.

"ZUKIIII!!!" Yu began to bang on her door, "ZUKI, ARE YOU THERE?! OPEN UP!"

A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal Zukira who looked like she had just run a marathon.

"Oh!...Yu!...It's so...good to...see you again!" Zukira said breathless.

"Sheesh, where did you come from, Zuki? You're a total mess!" Yu commented, scanning her head to toe.

It was true. She was a mess:  messy hair, a dishevelled shirt, a dusty trench coat and sweat covering her face.

"Aha...you see, I was...gone for...another-"

"No, no, it's alright. You don't have to explain," Yu put his hands on his hips, "After all, you are a pretty strong Blader, so your training must be difficult too."

Zukira wiped the sweat off of her forehead and stood straight.

"Now then," she beamed, "mind telling me why you came here in the first place?"

"OOH, YEAH!! Tsubasa and I wanted you to join us!"

"Join you? For what?"

Yu grabbed her hand.

"Our pizza party!" He looked up at her with his big, green eyes.

My goodness, who could say no to such an adorable kid? Zukira tugged the collar of her shirt. I might as well go. I have nothing better to do.

"Alright, I'll come with you."

Zukira sat on one knee, motioning Yu to hop on her back.

Yu gasped and giggled, hopping on her back and wrapping his small hands around her.

Zukira smiled to herself and began walking down the corridor. As Yu talked, she was back in her thoughts once again.

I can't get Ryuga's words out of my head. Doji's watching me? Why? She narrowed her eyes and kept looking straight. And what if he tries to make an analysis of Blazer and extract information about its abilities? I don't trust this guy a single bi-

"GO NOW, BLAZER!"

Zukira stopped and froze in her spot. Her eyes widened at the sound of her voice, her hands turning cold. She peered over her shoulder and noticed that the door to Doji's office was ajar. She stared at it for a while and sat down again.

"Yu, you go on ahead. I'll be there, okay?" She grinned a bit and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Awww, okay! See you, Zuki!"

She watched as Yu disappeared out of sight, and she stood outside Doji's office, peeking through the gap. She put on her mask. With swift movements, Zukira made her way into the room. She stood at a distance from his desk.

What battle of mine is he watching so intently?

She looked up and saw the screen playing a battle, but it wasn't just any battle. It was her battle with Ryuga. Whenever Blazer came on screen, Doji muttered something under his breath, followed by a sigh.

He switched the screen off and swivelled his seat. He jumped in surprise at Zukira's sudden appearance.

"My goodness, dear friend!" Doji put a hand on his chest, "You enter the room like the wind."

"Erm- that's because I just got here." Zukira folded her arms behind her back.

So he was watching my battle with Ryuga. I wonder what he finds so intriguing about Blazer. Whatever this guy wants- She clenched her fist. It's making my blood boil.

"Aha, I see..." He trailed off, avoiding eye contact with her for a few seconds, trying to form an excuse to cover up his sneaky actions, "Ah yes, I was actually about to call you here myself to assign you a task."

Zukira raised her brows, "A task?"

"Yes," Doji placed his chin on his palms, "a task. A task which requires you to pay a visit to where Gingka Hagane is present."

Metal Bey City. Zukira thought immediately.

The idea of visiting Metal Bey City made Zukira excited. She had been working restlessly during her time in the Organisation that she barely went out for herself, so she took this as an opportunity to give some time to herself too.

"Metal City?" Zukira kept her voice firm, trying to control the excitement of going.

"Mhm. I need you to get close to one of Gingka Hagane's friends and get some inside information. It is primarily for Ryuga's sake. Are you up for it?" Doji stared at her.

Zukira nodded.

"Anything for Ryuga." She replied, not caring about the task she was assigned.

"Excellent. You may leave once the preparations have finished. Merci!"

"Bonjour, Master!" Merci responded.

"Do we have any updates?"

"Yes, Master. One of the copter's maintenance will be completed soon."

"Very good. Let Miss Zukira know when it'll be ready so she can visit Metal Bey City." Doji pushed his glasses up his nose.

"Understood."

"I'll be on my way now," Zukira turned around, "or Yu will throw a tantrum about me not making it to his pizza party."

"Oh, and one more thing. Do let me know if you find any strong Bladers," Doji smirked.

Zukira nodded, "Will do."

🍕

"Wait, so Doji's making you go to Metal Bey City for that?" Tsubasa whispered as he picked up another pizza slice and placed it on his plate.

Zukira nodded and leaned her head inwards, "Yeah. I find it rather peculiar that he told me to go. Do you think...he's suspicious?"

"Uh, hello? What are you guys talking about that you cannot tell me?!" Yu began flapping his arms, making it seem like he was doing a funny dance.

Tsubasa and Zukira fell silent, staring at the little guy while questioning their existence. Zukira let out a sigh and smiled.

"I was just telling Tsubasa about my visit to Metal Bey City," explained Zukira as she grabbed Yu's hand and placed him on her lap.

"Metal Bey City?! THAT'S SO AWESOME!!" Yu eyed the lock of purple hair and began playing with it, "Say, what are you going there for?"

Zukira hesitated for a moment, but Tsubasa covered her up.

"She has to go for a practice match, Yu."

"Awww..." He pouted, "I wish I could come with you!"

The brunette hugged him and then let go, "Next time, you can come with me, okay?"

Yu did a salute and giggled.

"Miss Zukira, your copter for Metal Bey City is ready. Please proceed to the helipad as quickly as possible." Merci informed through the speakers.

"Well," She got up and pulled down her coat, "That's my call. I should get going,"

"Alrighty, bye-bye, Zuki! Have fun!" Yu waved at her.

"Take care and don't forget what I told you." Tsubasa grinned.

"Huh?" Yu looked at Tsubasa and then Zukira, hoping to get an answer.

Zukira gave a thumbs up and winked, walking out of the room and dashing down the corridor.

Reaching the nearby helipad, Zukira saw Ryuga entering with a smug look.

Ryuga.

He walked further and stood beside her as kept looking straight, "Going on a little vacation all by yourself?" He taunted with a smirk.

"Yeah, and I'll make sure to enjoy it since you won't be around." The brunette brushed past him, ignoring his death glare.

Zukira wore her mask once again and stepped out. This time, she did not have to worry about someone tagging along with her. She could finally spend some time away from this wretched place.

She spotted Doji standing next to her copter, immersed in a conversation with the pilot and turning around when Zukira approached him.

"Zukira, my friend," Doji greeted with open arms, "I wish you a safe journey." He did a bow and moved out of the way, extending his hand towards the open door of the copter.

"Thank you, Mr.Doji." She replied with a nod and quickly went inside, feeling the cool blast of air touching her skin.

She sat down and took off her mask, leaning against the chair. She stared at the ceiling, placing her hands on her lap.

Befriend one of Gingka Hagane's buddies. I wonder how that will turn out.

🚁

The copter landed a few miles from Metal Bey City near flat land.

Zukira hopped out of the plane, waving the pilot goodbye and heading off into the city. She clutched Blazer in her gloved hand and took in a deep breath.

Once the helicopter took off, Zukira took off her mask and looked at the city. As she walked, people moved animatedly. Little kids ran through the streets, carrying their beys and battling one another.

Zukira's eyes darted left and right, taking in the majestic city. She then reached a place where she saw a slanted green belt, with steps leading downwards, touching the stone pavement.

"Woah..."

She hopped over the green railing and slid down the green belt, walking towards the other railing and staring at the sparkling body of blue. It glistened under the sun like pearls upon the ocean.

"Metal Bey City is so beautiful," Zukira faced Blazer towards the water, "Don't you think so too?"

Laughter rose nearby, and Zukira whipped her head around, only to see Gingka Hagane with his friend Kenta heading in her direction.

Zukira let out a gasp, and she dashed towards the metal bridge, running away to get out of sight. She hid behind a building and peeked out. Thankfully, those two kept talking and were lying on the grass. But deep down inside, one part of Zukira wanted to go to them and introduce herself as a Blader, not as a member of the Dark Nebula Organisation.

Realising her situation, she let out a disappointed sigh and noticed the line of warehouses guarded by a chain mail barrier.

Curiosity got the best of her, and she headed towards the warehouses, exploring them separately. She observed that there were cardboard boxes and nothing else, but she noticed some dishevelled ones.

Huh, maybe somebody stays here.

She hid behind the wall and peeked inside, only to see random Bladers talking to each other. They were standing so close to one another that it seemed like they were in a group.

Who are those guys? Wait, I think I know them. They're the FaceHunters, and their supposed leader was Kyoya. That's what Yu told me.

Zukira looked up at the sky. The afternoon sun was still going strong. She turned back and dipped away before the FaceHunters could see her.

She stuffed her hands in her pockets and lowered her head, only for her to bring it back up when she heard commotion. She saw a bey stadium in front of her, and she stopped in her tracks, observing the excited Bladers rushing past her.

I would've gone inside, but then again. She shook her head. I must fulfil the task at hand.

Zukira reached an underpass and crossed it. She heard a pair of running footsteps approaching her from behind.

"Hey, you! Stop right there!" An unfamiliar voice demanded.

Oh no. Please don't tell me she's one of the FaceHunters.

Zukira sighed and put on her mask, confidently turning around. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. 

Wait, Hikaru?! What's she doing there?

They stared at each other as the wind blew in the background.

"What do you want?" Zukira asked, her tone becoming cold and stern.

"You're not from here, right? And," Hikaru looked at the clutched Beyblade in Zukira's hand, "you're a Blader too."

The brunette narrowed her eyes.

"Yes, I am. So what?" She replied rather hostile.

"Hmph, it looks like you're not from here," Hikaru smirked, "Well then, let's see how much of a great Blader you are!"

She took out her own Beyblade and showed it to Zukira.

"This is my most trustworthy friend, Story Aquario!" Hikaru announced.

Storm Aquario. I have seen it before during one of the matches for Battle Bladers, and I know about its abilities.

Zukira slowly took out her launcher and attached Blazer to it.

As for its special move, Infinite Assault, I just have to find the real Aquario and attack accordingly.

"Alright then, let's do this, stranger!" Hikaru announced, "3!"

"2!" Zukira exclaimed.

"1!"

"LET IT RIP!"

Both Bladers released their beys and raced towards each other, clashing into one another with a hit. One strike and Blazer was able to push back Aquario with no problem.

"Huh, so you're just an ordinary Blader then, interesting." Hikaru, "Either way, that's not going to affect me. I'll make sure to win this! AQUARIO!"

Aquario disappeared, taking Zukira by surprise, and she looked around frantically. She had a plan in mind.

After a few seconds, Aquario reappeared again and threw Blazer to the side who recoiled and bounced back.

"Hmph, this battle is pretty disappointing, so I'll end it!"

Aquario then stood in the middle.

"SPECIAL MOVE! Aquario: INFINITE ASSAULT!"

Then, Aquario multiplied and formed a circle around Blazer to confuse the other Blader. A ring of water surrounded the two beys.

Zukira stayed silent, and she crossed her arms, observing Aquario's move.

The Aqurios struck into Blazer one by one until the real Aquario was left standing. Blazer pushed it back and stood in the centre.

Hikaru gasped and took a step back, "WHAT?!"

"That's right," Zukira said as a purple fiery aura covered her, "I'm no ordinary Blader."

Zukira snapped her fingers, and Blazer began to circle Aquario, leaving behind a purple trail until the trail lit up. Purple flames erupted, trapping Aquario with no way out.

"Now then, allow me to show you my power. GO NOW, BLAZER!"

Blazer used Aquario as a launchpad and jumped into the air. It stopped midway for a few seconds before switching to reverse rotation.

"HUH?! REVERSE ROTATION?!" Hikaru exclaimed, her eyes as wide as saucers.

Zukira said nothing. Instead, she put her hand in the air and quickly brought it down.

Blazer understood the command and picked up its speed. It began to dive down into Aquario covered in its fiery aura. It struck into Aquario, and a bright light emitted which blinded the two Bladers.

Once the smoke cleared, Aquario had stopped spinning. Blazer had won.

"AQUARIO!" Hikaru ran towards her bey and squatted down, only for her to look back up at Blazer.

This- bey. Hikaru then looked at Zukira. Where did she come from? And how is she so strong that she did not even have to use her special move to knock out Aquario?

Zukira raised her hand to retrieve Blazer who took half a round and jumped into her hand. She put it back in her pocket and sighed.

She walked past Hikaru and was about to proceed further when...

"H-HEY! Wait a minute!" Hikaru called out and ran to her, "Hey, I uh...I'm sorry for my attitude earlier. I just got too competitive."

The brunette tilted her head and looked at her with a blank look. Hikaru gulped, not knowing what kind of expression Zukira would have on her face under that face, but she did know that she would have one look: anger.

"Whatever. This was a waste of my time anyways," Zukira commented and turned around to walk.

"Wait a second! I don't know who you are, or where you're from!"

"My name is Zukira, Zukira Akarein, and that bey was my partner, Shadow Blazer."

She took Blazer from her pocket and showed it to Hikaru before stuffing it back.

"If you'll excuse me, I should be on my way now," Zukira requested with a sigh.

"Can- can we be friends?!"

Zukira stopped. Hikaru wanted to be her friend. But why?

She peered over her shoulder and stared at her with a blank look. After much thought, she sighed and walked back to Hikaru. She stared at her before extending her hand out.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hikaru."

Hikaru stepped forward and smiled.

"It's nice to meet you, Zukira."

And so, the two Bladers shook their hands and went off on a walk.

🌅

"Thank you for sticking by and putting up with my reckless attitude back then." Hikaru thanked, with Zukira sitting next to her at a distance.

Zukira had her arms crossed as she looked at the orange-red sky. She had her mask off. Hikaru stared at her in admiration. Her brown hair, those hazel eyes glistening under the last rays, and her trench coat flowing with the wind.

"You're welcome. It feels nice having someone to talk to, heh." Zukira looked away for a split moment, "Anyways, Hikaru. Would you like to hang out some other time?"

Hikaru nodded, "I would love to. It's so nice to see another powerful female Blader around this place."

Zukira's cheeks warmed up at the compliment, "Gee, thanks..." she rubbed her neck, "anyways-"

"Thank you for battling me, Gingka!"

Zukira gasped and took a step back. She looked up to see Gingka and Kenta heading this way.

She looked at Hikaru with a desperate look, "Hikaru, listen. No matter what happens, do not tell anyone about me or our interaction, alright?"

Hikaru's eyes widened, and she reached out her hand to stop her.

"Zukira! What happened?!" She expressed worriedly.

Gingka and Kenta were coming closer, and Zukira's anxiety rose the longer she stood there. She shook her head and clenched her fist.

"I'm sorry." She whispered and took off.

Hikaru reached her hand out in the direction where Zukira ran but lowered it down once the brunette was out of sight.

Gingka and Kenta approached the blue-haired girl.

"Hey, Hikaru! What's up?" Gingka greeted with his mouth full, "I saw you talking to someone earlier."

"Oh! It was um....one of The FaceHunters again, but I was able to chase them away." Hikaru smiled proudly.

But deep down inside, Hikaru felt hurt. She had just met someone who could relate to her in a way, but they ran away before they could even exchange their goodbyes. Worry clouded Hikaru's heart as numerous questions formed in her mind.

Just who was Zukira? Where did she come from? And most of all,

Why did she run away?