Hey guys! This is actually my sister's story. I think she's a great writer, but she refuses to believe me. She's really nervous about posting this, so please be nice! Enjoy! I know I did!
I walked up the gray stone walkway. Green bushes and trimmed short trees filled the small courtyard; potted plants of many colors and sizes reigned free. I stared gloomily at Mr. D as we crossed into the yard. Buzzing, whooshing noises filled the air, occasionally stopped by sharp clanks of metal. I listened for a moment and a small smile almost reached my lips. The effort became too much, however, and I settled back into my frown. Beyblades whizzed around the small plastic arena, the miniature tops spinning so quickly that they became flashes of light. The Bladebreakers – who had formerly been practicing – looked up in surprise and curiosity.
"Oh hi, Mr. Dickenson. What's up?" Tyson asked, recalling his Dragoon beyblade back to his hand. Hiro, Tyson's older brother and coach, walked toward us inquiringly.
"Is there a problem?" Hiro asked. "We're in the middle of training for the finals."
"About that…We have a favor to ask of you and your team. May we speak to them for a moment?" Mr. Dickenson said.
There wasn't much of a need for the question, because all seven of the Bladebreakers team had gathered in a line and were listening intently. After initial interest, Kai merely brushed a strand of spikey gray hair out of his eyes, crossed his arms, and looked bored.
Their eyes drifted to me and my stomach twisted as it usually did in front of people. My shoulders rounded and my arms pressed into my sides, an attempt to make myself smaller. In the back of my mind, though, I knew it wouldn't work. As an unfamiliar face, I wouldn't be able to avoid attention. I crossed my arms defensively and waited for Mr. D to start the all too familiar introduction.
"We would – " Mr. D began.
"We would like to ask you to take another 'blader on your team," I interrupted, on an impulse. Mr. D glanced at me in surprise, but I ignored him and continued.
"As you may have heard, there was a large fire that burned down one of the hotels in the area this week. The Daredevils, one of the teams participating in the tournament finals, were caught inside. Only two survived." At this information, Hilary gasped and the rest of the team looked stunned. Even Kai, who was normally straight-faced, looked away from me with what might have been a hint of remorse. I tried to keep my voice steady and emotionless, but my hands clenched.
"One of the surviving 'bladers is in a coma, but the other survived with minor injuries. Because the team would have participated in the finals if the fire hadn't happened, the BBA saw fit to find a temporary team for the 'blader. However, because the beyblader is a short, American, teenage girl with little experience and a burned arm, the seven other teams we've talked to so far have said no.
"We know it's late in the season and a lot to ask of an experienced, fully-formed team, but…would you be willing to take her?" I finished. I watched carefully for their reactions and my heart began to pound as the silence stretched on.
"We're being asked to take a 'blader we don't even know?" Daichi asked, dumbfounded. Mr. D, who had been listening quietly up until this point, spoke up.
"Actually, that's why we're here. I'd like you to meet Sandy Hayes, one of the remaining team members of the Daredevil team."
Rei and Kai didn't act like this was news to them, but Daichi and Tyson's mouths dropped open. Hilary gave a soft 'oh' and gave me a sympathetic look.
"You mean you're one of the Daredevils?" Tyson asked.
"You were in a fire? What was it like?" Daichi blurted out. My eyes shot up to meet his in surprise. I flinched at his question and the memories that flashed through my mind.
"Daichi! Don't ask questions like that!" Hilary snapped, giving me an anxious glance. Before she could launch into a rant, I quietly answered.
"Hot and surprisingly dark." A part of me cringed at reliving the scene, but I knew that it was a question I would have wanted to ask too, if I was bold enough. The rest of me wanted to prove that I could face what had happened. "The flames flickered on the walls and air was sucked into the fire, making it sound like the hotel was breathing. And, of course, there was lots of – "
Screams pierced my thoughts, almost causing my knees to buckle. The sounds replayed in my head, loud and tormenting. I gasped softly and my hands jerked toward my ears in an attempt to block the noise, but I quickly stopped myself. The sounds were only in my mind. Only in my imagination.
"L-lots of smoke," I ended lamely. I came back into focus with the Bladebreakers staring at me. My breath was a little quicker than normal and I glared at my shoes to steady myself. My face hardened to mask my fear.
"What's so scary about smoke?" I heard Daichi mutter. Tyson shrugged while Hilary and Kenny looked exasperated. I noticed Hiro watching me as if debating something in his head.
"Do you like beyblading?" He asked. I blinked at his question and stammered in surprise.
"O-of course. I wouldn't be here if I didn't."
"Are you a good 'blader?"
"I…" I whispered, thinking frantically. Applying for a team was a lot like applying for a job; there was no room for humility. I shrugged noncommittally and said, "I…think I'm pretty good."
"Are you a good 'blader?" Hiro asked again, eyes narrowing.
"Yes," I said instinctively, but frowned at my lie. I really wasn't that good as a new 'blader and probably shouldn't be claiming anything. "Well..." Before I could take back my answer, Mr. D quickly stepped in.
"She's good, I've seen her work. You can hardly see her beyblade when she gets up to speed. Sandy has a very unique style as well." I blushed under Hiro's searching gaze, suddenly feeling like I was on trial.
"Hmm," Hiro said, folding his arms. "Why do you want to participate in the tournament, Sandy? There's always next year."
"Because…my team wouldn't have wanted me to quit – "
"You're doing this for your team." It wasn't a question. Hiro watched my reaction. A sinking sensation grew in my chest. I tried to push it away, but it returned persistently. Hiro sighed softly and began.
"Sandy, I wish I could – "
"You're turning me down." My voice came out cold and there was a small catch in the back of my throat. I felt numb. Tears built up in my eyes, but I forced them back, determined not to show weakness.
Without another word – not that I could have spoken one at that point – I marched toward the doorway.
"Sandy, where are you going?" I was a bit surprised to hear Mr. D's voice.
"Falcon's Peak. Four hours," I said, falling back into the Daredevils' habit of stating their destination and when they would be back. I didn't turn around. I didn't think I could look the Bladebreakers' in the eyes.
"Umm…" Mr. D said.
"Where's that?" Tyson asked in confusion. I froze, realizing I'd used my team's name for the mountain.
"I…don't know what it's actually called. It's the tallest peak just north of here. The Daredevils used it for training whe –" I cut my sentence off abruptly, refusing to add 'when they were still here.'
"Training?" Hiro asked. I could almost see his arms folding in question. My jaw clenched and I whipped around, a fierce, proud smile on my face.
"I'm not a quitter, Hiro," I said. The statement rang through the clearing, powerful with a deadly edge to it. "I'm not in the finals and I'm not naïve enough to think I'm guaranteed to make it back next year. But I love 'blading and my pride won't let me walk away. I 'blade for my family, for my team, and for me." I let the words sink in, before turning and leaving the courtyard.
