Chapter 1 - Mason's Diary 1

The Secret Diaries of Mason



Day 1: I remember it was the third day since the Bladebreakers had arrived in Beijing for the China

Tournament. I had been hyped up about it all week and my uncle had even mentioned getting

tickets to see the finals! That same week on Wednesday morning I woke up with nothing but

beyblade on my mind, so I decided to stop by the town beydish for a morning practice. When I

got there, there was a huge crowd gathered around my favorite dish. I tried to squeeze through

the crowd to see what all the commotion was. And there, to my surprise, I saw the member of the

Bladebreakers, Tyson Granger, and a young boy having a battle! It was really cool! After he won,

Tyson turned to me and said,” Hey, you! How about a bey-battle?” Everyone stared at me awaiting

my answer. Finally, I said yes. The crowd roared as I approached the beydish. Excitement pulsed

through me like an electric surge. I was ready for anything! “Here we go, Pegasus”, I thought.

“3 . .2 . .1 Let It Rip!”, we both shouted. Our blades clashed together with such force I almost

fell over. Suddenly, Tyson called out his bit-beast to attack. Luckily I dodged it at the last second.

Then I called out Pegasus for a counterattack. “Blinding Assault”, I cried. Then, in a flash of light,

the match was over. I couldn't tell who had one at first. But then I caught sight of my blade, still

spinning in the dish. While Tyson's blade. . . was out! I had won! I couldn't believe it! I looked up to

see Tyson walking towards me. “Awesome match dude! You've got some real talent. What's your

name?” I introduced myself, humbly thanked him for the match, and turned to leave. Then he said,

”Hey Mason! We're having a practice tomorrow at the Emporium bey-gym at 10. Will you be there?”

We? Did he mean the rest of the Bladebreakers? I whirled around in disbelief. “You want me to come?”

I asked. He nodded. I gratefully accepted the invitation. So, I guess I'll have a lot to write about

tomorrow. I can't wait!



Day 2: This was the coolest day of my life!! I actually met and trained with the Bladebreaker

team! When I arrived, everyone was already there. They all seemed really eager to meet me.

I guess it was because of my match with Tyson the day before. It turns out they all have

their own bit-beasts too! Anyway, before practice Tyson introduced me to everyone. Ray Kon: 13

year-old Chinese blader. A white tiger named Drigger is his bit-beast. He's definitely the brains of

the bunch. Max Tate: Cheerful blonde kid. Has a turtle named Draciel for a bit-beast. Kai Hiwatari:

Definitely the loner. He doesn't talk much, and when he does he's usually yelling at Tyson. He has a

firey phoenix named Dranzer. Sora: Pretty much the same as Kai, except she's not at all hesitant

about her anger . . . I hear she's also half demon or something. Her bit-beast is an ice phoenix

named Articuno. Kaori: Nice and playful. I guess she's as normal as any of the other's get personality-

wise, except for the part about being half demon . . . no. I take that back about the “normal”

part. Her bit-beast is a fox-like creature named Sakuya. And of course, Tyson: Loud, outgoing guy.

I assumed that he and Kai weren't the best of friends. His bit-beast is a powerful dragon named

Dragoon. They all seem like great guys. About the training session though; it was hard work! First,

we did some obstacle drills, (hard). Then, we matched up against each other for some one-on-one

matches. I battled Kaori. I guess because she's new and they wanted it to be fair and all. It ended

up in a tie. Next, we all lifted some weights and ran the tread-mill; Something about both the blade

and the blader being in good, working order. (No offense, but how does TYSON contribute to that

factor?!) Finally, they had Kenny, their strategist, analyze our blades. When he looked at mine,

he asked me if it was a home-made blade. I said yes, which was a lie. I had actually found it while

walking in the mountains one day, so I really had no idea where it came from. I guess Kenny suspected

something, because he asked if he could keep my blade until tomorrow. I wonder what he's going to

do with it?



Day 3: I was asked to meet Kenny and Tyson near the subway the next morning at eight, so I got up

Earlier than usual. When I got there, I found Kenny and Tyson waiting for me on a bench. We

immediately boarded the train and took our seats. Once the train started moving, Kenny reached

into his pocket and presented me with a new blade! “I up-graded your blade a little,” he said.

“Now you'll probably have more speed as well as stamina with the new attack ring. Do you like it?”

I was speechless. It was like a brand new blade! I repeatedly thanked him until he asked me to stop.

Finally, I asked,” Hey guys, where are we going anyway?” They both smiled. “You'll see,” said

Tyson. Well, we rode for about a half-hour to the next stop. When we departed the subway,

I noticed a guy standing next to a limo, looking at us. “Granger Party?,” the limo driver shouted.

Tyson waved for the driver and we all hopped in the limo. I was starting to get suspicious. We rode

for nearly twenty minutes when we stopped at a fancy restaurant. When we got out, I stopped.

“Guys, what is going on? Where are we?,” I said. Kenny motioned for me to follow them. “Don't worry.

Just come on,” he replied. I sighed and went in after them. It was the fanciest place I've ever seen;

mahogany tables and silk, crimson-red carpets. Suddenly, an old man from across the room waved to

us. Tyson grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the table. As soon as I sat down the old, rather

husky man stretched out his hand to me. “Nice to meet you, Mason,” he said. I shook his hand,

trying not to be rude. Then Tyson said,” This is Mr. Dickinson, head of the BBA and number one

sponsor for the Bladebreakers.” I was still confused. “But, what does this have to do with me?”

Mr. Dickinson leaned towards me. “Well,” he whispered,” a few days ago, Tyson contacted me about

a tough new blader he uncovered while at a blading park in China. So I said `I must meet this

blader and propose that he join the Bladebreakers in this year's Beyblade World Tournament!'”

This week was just getting more exciting by the minute. I found myself wide-eyed and gaping at

the other three. “I think we could really use a blader of your technique and character,” said Kenny.

I was without words. “So, what do you think?,” asked Tyson. I wasn't sure at first. I mean, what about

my uncle and little brother? I couldn't just go off to join the world tournament without saying anything.

After I said that, Mr. Dickinson said that he would notify my guardian tonight about the tournament.

After considering it, I happily accepted. Tyson practically leaped for joy as well as Kenny. So before I

knew it, I was headed for the Beyblade World Tournament in China!



After we left the restaurant, instead of heading back toward the subway station, Kenny and Tyson

invited me to stay at their hotel in Beijing. I really couldn't say no to that. So the limo took us to

the hotel where we found our way back to the team's room. I guess the others must have not known

I would be there because once I stepped into the room, everyone was staring at me, then at Tyson, and

back at me. Kai scowled. “What's he doing here? Fans aren't allowed in this room,” he said in a cold voice.

Tyson commented back and said,” FYI, Kai, Mason is the newest member of this team! So be nice!” Kai

glared at me with his firey eyes. Then, Max stood up and offered to show me my bed. The last thing I heard

Kai say was,” Tyson, we need to talk.” I had a bad feeling I was not welcome.



Day 5: I was right. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard Tyson and Kai talking about me last night.

I guess Kai was really angry with Tyson for not telling him about me joining the team on such short notice.

He also said,” He doesn't belong here, Tyson. He's too weak. He won't last a minute in his first match,

much less against the White Tigers. I don't know what you see in him Tyson, but whatever it is, it's not

worth the tournament.” I have to admit, that hurt. I was just about to leave when Tyson said,” You're

wrong, Kai! Sure he's new and it'll take time for him to get used to all the pressure, but he's got what

it takes! You may not see it, but I do! Just give him a chance and I know he'll do incredible things in

this tournament!” I couldn't believe it. No one had ever stood up for me like that before. From that

moment on I had a greater respect for Tyson than anyone. I would not forget what he did that night.

I knew what I had to do to return the favor. “Tyson, I will make you proud,” I thought,” and I'll prove

Kai wrong! I will win the Beyblade World Tournament in China!”



Day 6: Following the previous night, I decided to do a little night training for the tournament. Every evening I

would sneak out of the room and go to the rooftop. I figured it was the best place to sneak away to

while not wandering too far. I'd practice and practice all night long. By morning I was pretty tired, but

I had to prove myself to Kai and the others. I knew my exhaustion would be worth it in the end. At last,

the first day of the Beyblade World Tournament in China had arrived. The others were waiting for me in the

lobby as I finished packing. But just as I was heading out the door, Sora walked in. She strode up to

me, and said,” Look, Mason, I know what you've been doing for the past several nights. What's going on?”

I just turned away, not wanting to explain my reasons to her. “Mason,” she said,” If you want to be

considered a member of this team, you have to show me that I can trust you.” I gave a deep sigh, and

turned to face her. I said,” I just want to show everyone that I can be just as good as them. That I'm

not just dead weight.” She looked at me intently. Then she said,” Mason, I know Kai was a little cold

towards you at first, but he has his reasons. He just wants what's best for the team. Give it time and

he'll warm up to you.” Her words gave me a significant feeling of pride and relief. “And another thing,”

she said,” if you want consideration and respect, you have to assert yourself and demand it. No one is

going to respect someone who is so vulnerable to other people's opinion.” I smiled. I thanked her for

the advice and we both headed out the door. “Oh yeah, if you tell anyone about this, I'll make sure you

regret it,” she said. That made me laugh. “I promise I won't tell,” I said as I gave her the scout's honor

salute. I then realized something about Sora; that underneath the cold exterior of her words and actions

was a warm, reassuring essence to her.



Once Sora and I reached the lobby, the bus was ready to leave. So we hurried over and boarded the bus.

It was a nice, big bus. One I never had the experience of riding in. Sora took her seat behind Kai, and I

sat down in an empty seat behind Max. The bus gave a gentle lurch and began to move. As I glanced out

the window, I was overcome with adrenaline. “My first real tournament,” I thought to myself. Then I

glanced down at my trusty, new blade, with the small depiction of Pegasus on its chip. “Well, I hope you're

ready buddy.” I could've sworn I had heard Pegasus give a thundering cry of excitement. Then, I looked

over at Kai, just sitting there, deep in thought. “Sora's right,” I told myself. “I shouldn't let Kai

get to me, especially now.” Suddenly, I noticed Max looking down at me from his seat. “What's that?”

he said. I looked back out the window. “Nothing,” I said. Then Max whispered,” I bet you don't know

who Kenny's placed in our second match today.” I looked at him curiously. “No. Who?,” I asked.

Max just turned his head and laughed. Then, he pointed at me. “You!” he exclaimed. That seemed to

catch Kai's attention. I was completely dumb-struck. “But why me?,” I exclaimed. “I mean, I-,“ Max

held up his hand. “Don't sweat it, Mason. You can do it,” he assured me. Kai gave a sigh of annoyance

and shook his head. I couldn't conceal my nervousness. But then I looked at Sora, and all my anxiety

evaporated. “I can do this,” I thought. “I can . . .”



I must have dozed off during the ride because the next thing I knew, we were just pulling up to the front of

the China Bey-Tower. I'll never forget that place: Towering up so high it seemed to touch the clouds.

In the back of my mind, I wished to be up there. To be looking down at the world with no worries or

worldly concerns. It looked like heaven. But returning to the events at hand, I tried to focus on what

strategy I would use for my first match as we departed the bus and strode up the steps towards the

entrance. But something was in our way. A group of people was standing at the entrance, smirking at us.

Their leader, one with rather unusual sideburns, started toward us. Suddenly, I realized that Tyson and Ray

had been missing the whole trip! “Hey, where's Ray and Tyson?,” Sideburns asked. Just at that second,

we heard a far off shouting from behind us. We all turned to see, and sure enough, it was Tyson and Ray.

However, for some reason, Tyson was carrying Ray on his back. We helped Ray into the building and into

the First Aid room to tend to his apparently broken ankle.



Once inside our meeting room, Kenny explained to us the line-up of matches and the strategies we would

be applying: Ray would go first, then me, and then Tyson. Although we weren't quite sure about Ray's

ankle and if it would be better for him to sit it out. But he insisted that he could and would fight. So

finally, we all agreed to let him battle. That being settled, we discussed strategy. Apparently, the

opposing team, the White Tigers, had once been close companions of Ray's, so we had Ray fill us in on

their strategy. Basic, evasive defense, but their attacks could be completely unpredictable. So, the game

plan was basically just to improvise. After everything was set, we heard the MC announce the start of

the next round. I guess all my anxiety had worn off by then. I wasn't the least bit nervous. I knew we

could do it; that we would do it. All I had to do was to go out there and to my best. Hopefully, that would

be enough . . . .



As we stepped out onto the stadium, I found myself surrounded by millions of cheering spectators. This

changed everything. I wasn't used to so many people watching me. I actually started to feel the

butterflies in my stomach. But I wasn't going to back out now. Suddenly, the MC started to make an

announcement. “Alright! Let's get this tournament rolling! The next match will be . . .Bladebreakers vs.

the White Tigers!” The crowd erupted into a tidal wave of excitement as their cheering filled the stadium.

I looked to Ray. “I guess that means I'm up,” he declared. “Good luck!” I shouted. I watched Ray step

up to the bey-dish to face his first opponent; A pink-haired girl with what looked like cat ears and fangs!

“What is this? A bey-battle or some carnie freak-show?,” I thought to myself. “3 . .2 . .1 Let It Rip!,”

the MC shouted. Both bladers launched the blades and the match was underway. It seemed that Ray had

seized the upper hand almost instantly, but he looked somehow . . .dazed, as if he was off in his own world.

Just then, the pink-haired girl, Mariah, launched a combination of furious attacks and gained the advantage.

Suddenly, Ray started to say something to Mariah. “I don't want to win like this, Mariah. Not until I know

there are no hard feelings between us,” he said pleadingly. I didn't understand. Had they been enemies?

Or, perhaps, close friends turned against each other by the tides of fate. I wasn't sure at first. But then,

Mariah spoke up. “Ray, I've never had any hard feelings toward you. It's just difficult, you know . . .

having your best friend abandon you.” She looked near close to tears. “Mariah,” Ray said,” I didn't abandon

you. I just felt it was time for me to test my skills in the outside world.” They looked at each other

longingly. “I've missed you Mariah.” Mariah grinned happily. “I've missed you too, Ray!” I finally understood.

It was strange, but I started to feel confident, knowing their friendship was restored. Then, Ray said,” Ok,

Mariah! Let's finish this as friends!” They both nodded, and their blades began to glow. It was amazing.

It was like two friends and their bit-beast dancing in celebration of their reunion. Then, the two blades

reared up for a final attack. At the second the blades clashed, the stadium was overcome by a cloud of

smoke. Once it cleared, both blades just lay there, motionless. “Uh, both blades have stopped spinning!

Therefore, the first match is declared a tie!” announced the MC. “Woo! Way to go, Ray,” Tyson and Max

shouted. As Ray stepped down from the bey-dish, I noticed that he had a somewhat somber look on his face.

He walked up to me and said, ”Don't be nervous. Just block out everything but the match in order to focus.”

I nodded my head and took a deep breath. I walked up to the bey-dish, trying not to tremble. My

opponent, Gary, stepped up to face me. He was HUGE!! He towered over me like a brick wall! I

prepared to launch, trying to ignore the massive appearance of my opponent. “3 . . .2 . . .1 Let It Rip!,”

the MC exclaimed. Gary and I launched our blades into the dish. I quickly took the offensive and charged at

the other blade. But once Pegasus made contact, it just bounced right back, as if Gary's blade was made of

steel or something. Then, I attempted to throw him off guard by zig-zagging around the dish. I slowly

zeroed in on him, making only brief contact with the blade. He still wouldn't budge. I was beginning to get

frustrated. Nothing could shake this guy! I had to find a weakness and fast because my blade was beginning

to lose momentum. Just then, I had an idea. If grounded attacks were no good, then maybe an aerial attack

would do it! I commanded Pegasus to leap into the air. Once high enough, I called out, ”Blinding Assault!”

Pegasus made a direct nose dive for Gary's blade as it began to give off a brilliant light. Blinded by the flash

of light, I could only hear the sound of a brief clanging, then silence. It was a while before my eyesight

returned to normal. I glanced at the dish. Gary's blade was drilled right into the ground, while my

blade . . . .was still spinning! “Gary's blade has stopped spinning! Therefore, this match goes to the

Bladebreakers!,” exclaimed the MC. I took a deep sigh of relief. My teammates whooped and cheered for joy.

I called Pegasus back to my hand, and offered a handshake to Gary. But he just recoiled and slapped my hand

away. I just shrugged. It didn't matter. I had won! Only my first tournament match, and I had won!

As I stepped down from the dish, Kai approached me. He stared at me with the same cold eyes. Then, his

face broke into what seemed like a half-smile. “Not bad, for a beginner,” he said. My face lit up as the

others ran up to congratulate me. Honestly, that moment couldn't have been any more rewarding, knowing I

had gained Kai's approval. But then again, Sora was right when she said I hadn't needed it. From then on, I

would have to earn and demand my respect. That much was certain.



Well, one more win was all we needed. We cheered as loud as we could for Tyson as he raced up the steps

toward the dish. I could tell he was ready and anxious to win. But this Lee person didn't seem like the type

that was going to go down easily. “3 . . 2 . . 1 Let It Rip!,” the two bladers cried. Their blades sped head-

strong right towards each other. Then came a clash of such a mighty force, it sent the spectators reeling on

the edge of their seats; literally. After the two blades recovered from the blow, Lee's blade began to emit

an ultra-violet glow as he called out his bit-beast. “Galleon!,” he cried. All of the sudden, Lee's blade began

moving at such speed I could barely follow it. Tyson was taking heavy damage and was completely immobilized

by Lee's assaults. But just when all seemed lost, Tyson called out Dragoon for a counterattack. A violent

wind began to pick up, which rendered Lee's blade off-balance. Tyson quickly took advantage of the moment

and delivered several damaging blows to Lee's blade. Well, by now, both bladers were pretty worn out, as

were their blades. I was overflowing with tension as Tyson and Lee called out for their final attacks. The

force of their collision resulted in a huge explosion and bits of the bey-dish were sent flying in all directions.

We were all on the edge of our seats as we waited for the dust to settle. Once the smoked cleared, there

was nothing left of the bey dish and both Tyson and Lee had been sent backwards from force of the

explosion. We all stared. Lee's blade lay still beside him, while Tyson's blade . . . . was still barely spinning!

We all leaped of the bench and shouted for joy. The MC declared Tyson the winner and Kenny, Max, Ray,

Kaori, Sora, Kai and I all ran up to congratulate our teammate.



Later, the team held a huge party in one of the China Tower conference rooms to celebrate our victory.

There was cake, pizza, games, and awards. Everything you would want after such a feat. But I still felt

empty, somehow, as if there was something missing. Suddenly, I realized what it was. I crept over

to the door, trying not to draw any attention. After I had slipped out unnoticed, I made my way toward

one of the stairwells.



Once I had reached the top floor, I opened the door leading out onto the roof. When I stepped through,

I could feel the warm sunshine across my face and a gentle breeze blowing by. I hurried over to the edge

of the rooftop. The second I looked down, I was blown away. You could see everything for miles and miles;

grassy hills, beautiful mountains, and the sparkling river. It was amazing. Funny, though. When we first

arrived, I had wondered what it would be like up here. Now, way up high in the clouds with such a scenic

view, I wished to stay there forever. I would always remember this place; this moment. Just like they say,

there is no place like home. I kept that in mind as I headed toward the stairwell and back to the party.



After the party, we all took the bus back to the hotel. Everyone was exhausted, especially me. I guess it

was because I had never been in a tournament like this before and wasn't used to all the traveling yet. But it

sure was exciting. Anyway, once we arrived back at the hotel we all tucked in for a good night's sleep. I

kept thinking about my match as I dozed off into a gentle slumber.





. . . The sun is bright and the day is hot. I am standing in a beautiful garden. There are birds nesting in the oak

trees overhead, their branches swaying in the breeze. There is a fountain up ahead, the crystal water shimmering in the

sunlight. The air is filled with the scent of spice and flowers. Where am I? I don't remember this place, but I have the

surest feeling that I've been here before. Suddenly, I feel my hand in another's grasp. I turn to look up; a flash of

light; a face; nothing . . .





I sat up in my bed in the middle of the night, panting hard. “What a weird dream!” I thought to myself

as I got up and headed toward the door. It looked like everyone was still sleeping, so I tried to be as quiet

as possible. I slipped through the door and silently closed it behind me. Suddenly, I heard foot steps. I

looked up to see, and drew a sigh of relief when I saw it was only Sora. “Can't sleep?” I asked her. She

turned to face me. “Just jet-lag, you know,” she replied. I nodded my head. We both just stood silent for a

while. Then she said, “You did well in your match today.” I was glad it was dark, because that made me blush

a little. “Yeah,” I answered. “Well, you were right before; about the whole earning respect thing.” She

nodded, as if to say “you're welcome”. Then she crossed her arms and looked away. “How are things between

you and Kai?” she asked. “A lot better, thanks,” I replied. I could tell she had something else on her mind.

“Sora, I just want to thank you for helping me get through this first day. Without you I-“ I stopped. She

turned back to me with a stern expression. “Listen,” she said,” I can't give you advice all the time. You're

going to have to learn to figure things out for yourself from now on. Clear?” Of course, she was right. We

both nodded in agreement. Then, we said good night as Sora headed back to her room. “Sora, wait!” I

called out. She stopped and turned around. “I just need one more favor. Can we sit down?” She motioned me

over to a couch in the front room. I took a deep breath. “I need someone to hear my story, about when I

was little. I haven't really been able to cope with it ever since, but lately . .” She leaned forward on her

elbows, fixing her icy-blue eyes on me. “I'm listening,” she said.



Eight Years Ago



“C'mon Mason! You'll have to run faster than that!” father shouted. I was running as fast as I could as the wet grass

slipped through my toes and the afternoon sun streamed across my face. Once close enough, I jumped onto my father's

back. He lost his balance, and we both went tumbling down the hill. Once at the bottom, we laughed and laughed

for what seemed like forever. Then, we both laid our heads down in the soft, green grass. “You know I'm leaving for

America tomorrow, don't you Mason?” my father asked. I nodded my head. “Why do you have to go without me?” I

asked. My father sighed with somberness. “Because,” he explained,” I have to meet with the BBA about an important

matter.” I turned on my side to face him. “Will you write me?” I asked. He turned to me and smiled. “Of course,” he

replied. I turned back, looking up at the baby-blue sky. “Daddy, do you promise that you'll take me with you one day,

to America?” He nodded. “Yes, Mason. I promise.” We picked ourselves up, and father and I headed home for supper.



The Next Day

I had come to see father off at the airport. It was a sad day for me as I gave my father one last hug and watched him

board the plane. I stood by the window, watching my father's plane as it took off into the sky and disappeared into

the clouds. My uncle called to me, for it was time to leave. All through the ride home, I sat in lonely silence. I don't

know why, but I began to feel very angry and bitter towards my father for leaving me behind. When we got home, I ran

to my room, locked the door, and lay on my bed for hours, until at last I fell asleep..



I woke up the next morning feeling so crummy I wanted to just stay in bed and rot there. But after I had remained in

my room for the next half-hour, my uncle came in and urged me to get up. “I can't uncle. I just can't,” I groaned. He

shook me gently and said,” Sure you can. It's a beautiful day outside. Go play in the park; make some friends.” I just

shook my head, but uncle would not settle for that. He shook me harder and harder and danced around the room shouting

at the top of his lungs until I started getting a headache. Finally, I let up. I put on my clothes, grabbed my favorite

baseball cap, and set out for the park.



It was a beautiful day. The blossoms were in full bloom and it seemed everyone had given in to spring fever. As I

strolled through the park, I saw children walking their dogs, and mothers, fathers, and their children carrying picnic

gear. I badly wanted a friend to play with. Being an only child, the only real friend I ever had had been my father. He

would bring me here and we'd spend hours on end running and laughing. Suddenly, as I was strolling along, *Whomph*

Something struck the back of my head and I fell forward right on my face. “Ow,” I groaned. I looked around to see

what had hit me. There, beside me, lay a bright red Frisbee. Suddenly, someone came running up to me, shouting,” Hey!

Hey! Are you okay?” I turned around and saw a young girl, about my age, in a silky, white dress with fair, light skin,

hazel eyes, and long, shiny black hair. She knelt beside me, checking the back of my head with a frantic expression.

I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! It was an accident! Are you hurt?” she exclaimed. I stood up and brushed myself off. “It's ok.

No harm done,” I replied. She gave a deep sigh of relief. I leaned down to pick up her Frisbee and at the exact same

time, our hands met. She blushed slightly as I handed her the disc. “Thank you,” she murmured. Then, she stuck out her

hand. “My name is Heather Lee.” I kindly returned her handshake. “Mason Owens,” I replied. She turned away timidly.

Then she asked,” Would you. . .like to play with me?” I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I said yes. We played

frisbee for quite a while. Right on through the afternoon until the sun began to set. By that time, we were both

laughing and having a wonderful time. After a while, though, she announced that she had to leave. I had this crazy

feeling inside. I didn't want her to go. I just needed a few more minutes with her; that was all. I ran after her and

shouted,” Wait! Heather, wait!” She turned around with a bewildered look on her face. “I want to show you something,”

I said. I grabbed her hand and took off through the park and into the city. The streets were lined with fruit stands,

antique shops, and butcheries. I led her down the lane and stopped at a huge, white gate. I pushed open the gate

to Memorial Garden, and led Heather through a labyrinth of flowery hedges and stopped in the center of the

gardens, where a magnificent fountain with stone statues of child-like angels squirting glistening water from their

mouths. Birds sat in the oak trees overhead, singing. Heather looked around in astonishment. “Oh, Mason! It's

beautiful!” she exclaimed. I turned to her, smiling. “I thought you'd like it,” I said. But already, the sky had grown

dark. As Heather and I turned to leave, we both smiled at each other. I knew then that I had made a true friend that

day. After walking her home and saying good-night, I strode home with so many happy thoughts and feelings I thought I

was going nuts. I remembered a song that my father used to sing to my mother, when I was three or so. It went on in

my head the whole walk home under the moonlit, starry sky. “ . . .Fly me to the moon . . .and let me play among the stars

. . . let me see what spring is like on . . .Jupiter and Mars . . “



The Next Day



The next day, I awoke to the bright sunlight, shining through my window. I sat up in bed, trying to recollect all of

yesterday. After I was dressed, I walked into the kitchen, where I saw my uncle sitting at the table. But something

was wrong. My uncle was sulking with his face in his hands. He looked up at me, startled. “Uncle, what's wrong?” I

asked, worriedly. He motioned for me to come and sit on his lap. As I did, he said,” Mason, I'm so sorry.” He had a

serious and somber look on is face. Then, he said,” Your father, last night he . . . his plane . . . it crashed in the middle

of the ocean. . .it hasn't been recovered yet.” I had never seen him like this. I still didn't understand. I was so

frightened that I had to gather all the courage I had into one question. “Uncle, where is daddy?” He looked me

straight in the eye, and he said,” He's not coming back Mason. He's dead.” The words hit me like a slap in the face. I

stared at the floor, shocked and mortified. I couldn't stand it. I pushed off my uncle's knee and bolted out the

kitchen door.





My mind was a blur. My uncle's words blared loudly in my mind as ran past the gate, through the park, and down

the city street. I caught a brief glimpse of Heather as I rushed past her, and headed towards a place where I knew I

could be alone; A place where my father had often enjoyed moonlit walks with mother Memorial Garden. I made my

way through the labyrinth, and stopped in the center of the garden, where the beautiful fountain of angels spouted

water from their mouths. I collapsed. There I lay, sobbing and racking with grief. Suddenly, I heard a faint shouting

coming from the labyrinth. I turned to see Heather rushing towards me; her long, raven-black hair streaming behind

her. She embraced me, and hugged me tightly. I told her what had happened, and we both sat there, crying and holding

each other for hours. It could have been an eternity, but I didn't care. I was glad to have Heather there with me. I

needed someone to hold and to share my sorrow with.





“. . and that's what happened.” Sora just stared at the floor. “They gave the announcement two weeks

later that the plane had been found thirty miles off the coast of Maine. They concluded that there were no

survivors.” Sora turned to me and said “I lost my parents too, when I was very young.” I shook my head.

“It's strange,” I said. No matter how bad the situation, somehow, you always manage to get something good

out of it. For instance, if I had gone with my father, I wouldn't be here with you guys.” She nodded. “I

understand just how you feel,” she said. She sat up and looked at the clock. It was almost three-o-clock. I

gave a deep yawn. “Well, we better get some sleep, huh?” I said to her. We both stood up and headed

quietly back to our rooms. I whispered a thank-you to her as I shut the door. Then I settled down in my

bed and tried desperately to get back to sleep.



Day 7: I had barely slept a wink when I felt someone shaking me and yelling, “Hey! Mason! Wake up!” I gave a

deep groan. “C'mon, uncle! Five more minutes.” “What are you talking about, Mason?” the voice exclaimed.

I rolled over and, to my surprise, saw Tyson kneeling over me. “About time dude! I was beginning to think

you were dead!” Tyson said jokingly. “Tyson!” I groaned. Finally, he stopped shaking me and stood up. “C'mon!

Kenny made pancakes!” I grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “Ow!” he exclaimed, and we both started

throwing pillows at each other. By the time we were finished, we were both covered in white, downy

feathers. We walked out of the room laughing and still brushing the feathers off. Everyone at the table

started laughing too. “What happened to you guys?” Kaori giggled. Tyson pointed at me and said, “Don't

ever give this guy trouble, or you'll end up looking like this.” Everyone laughed at that one, except for Kai

and Sora, who were just sitting broodily with their arms crossed. “Okay! Who wants pancakes?” Kenny

shouted. We all pounded on the table and chanted, “Pancakes! Pancakes! We want Pancakes!” I had no idea

Kenny was such a good cook. I swear I will have never tasted more delicious pancakes for the rest of my

life. Anyway, after breakfast, we all packed up and headed downstairs for the lobby, where our bus would

be waiting to take us to the airport. Once we boarded the bus, Tyson exclaimed, “American Tournament,

here we come!” I froze and stared at Tyson. “You mean, we're going to America?!” I asked. Tyson nodded

enthusiastically. “Yeah! We're going to take on the All-Stars!” he shouted. I just stood there. My dream

was finally coming true. I was finally going to America! But as I realized this, a deep sadness came over me.

Here I was, headed for America when my father. . . had never lived to see it. This same thought kept

going through my mind as we headed for the airport.

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