Stand My Ground
Summary: What if the Garland vs. Tala battle hadn't gone the way it did? My own idea of what could have happened. No pairings. Song lyrics from a song by Within Temptation.
Having never seen this episode, it will be hugely AU… anyway; it's my own version, so I can do what I want!
Oh yeah, italic song lyrics, Bold thoughts, "blah" speech.
Stand My Ground
I can see
His eyes… The first thing Garland noticed about him was his eyes; so similar to the wolf bit chip.
When you stay low nothing happens
"What's happening? Why aren't you attacking?" Tala sounded panicked.
Does it feel right?
What's happening here? Why does this feel so wrong? The silence began to deafen Garland.
Late at night
Steadying his breathing, like his brothers had taught him to, Garland ordered Apollon to attack.
Things I thought I put behind me
Tala gasped as Apollon sliced past his cheek. He'd thought that the age of violence in the elegant game had ended when Bryan took to the bench. It appeared not.
Haunt my mind
Keep your game up. The thought tracked through both bladers' minds, though one was remembering a team mate's casual encouragement, the other an order.
I just know there's no escape
Tala was getting worried now. His team mates were little more than ghosts; memories.
Now once it sets its eyes on you
Garland wiped his forehead anxiously. He really needed to get more sleep.
But I won't run, have to stare it in the eye
"Why are you doing this?" Tala asked, his voice, usually so strong, barely more than a whisper.
Stand my ground, I won't give in
"APOLLON! Attack!" Tala cried out in pain as Apollon struck him again, cutting through one of his sleeves and into the pale flesh beneath.
No more denying, I got to face it
Garland blinked as the image of Tala in pain merged with one of Brooklyn. He left out a strangled gasp.
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
Tala closed his eyes. This was so much more than a match. It was a war, a battle, which had to be won. Time to bring out the heavy artillery.
If I don't make it, someone else will
When he opened his cerulean eyes, they weren't the same. They kept changing colour; silver, purple, azure, cobalt.
Stand my ground
"Blitzkrieg Attack!" He yelled. Garland froze. Tala has a new attack?
It's all around
Garland felt a tap on the shoulder. There was a deep laugh in his ear. And four bit beasts were attacking Apollon.
Getting stronger, coming closer
Garland felt the wind begin to whip around him and more beyblades began to encircle the dish.
Into my world
"Hey! That's cheating!" Tala furrowed his brow as Tyson shouted. He needed to pick them off… And he'd lost the temporary power his friends had given him.
I can feel
Tala flinched as Apollon zipped past his cheek again.
That it's time for me to face it
"Why are you doing this, Garland?" He pressed forward again, urging Wolborg to attack.
Can I take it?
"You wouldn't understand…" Garland trailed off. Tala looked perturbed. What was wrong with Garland?
Though this might just be the ending
"Try me. 'Cause, tell me Garland. If you were the sportsman you say you are, you wouldn't let Boris cheat. But then, who am I to talk?"
Of the life I held so dear
Garland shook his head. This is so much more than a game now. If I lose… If I lose, he'll kill me. He'll take Apollon. Forever.
But I won't run, there's no turning back from here
"No turning back, huh Garland? I felt the same when I was cyber Tala."
Stand my ground, I won't give in
"You… you wouldn't know… Attack APOLLON!" Tala brought up his arms to shield his face.
No more denying, I got to face it
"I wanted to battle you Garland. Not Boris. You." He flicked his bangs out of the way casually.
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
You're scared, Garland. Why won't you admit it? What's he said to you?
If I don't make it, someone else will
"That's it! APOLLON! RADIANT THUNDER!" Tala flinched for an attack that never came.
Stand my ground
Garland's silver eyes watched as his beyblade began to pick off the other blades in the dish.
All I know for sure is I'm trying
"You wanted a battle, Tala? You got yourself a deal!" Tala quirked an eyebrow thoughtfully, assessing the situation.
I will always stand my ground
"Wolborg! Novae Rog!" Tala's cerulean eyes shimmered in the wake of his bit beasts attack.
Stand my ground, I won't give in
The beyblades clashed together as the bladers screamed.
No more denying, I got to face it
Garland's eyes narrowed as Wolborg seemed to let up, sensing an opening to attack.
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
"APOLLON! FINAL ATTACK!"
If I don't make it, someone else will
The beyblade catapulted into the ground. Tears stung the corners of Garland's eyes, but he kept them there.
Stand my ground
That's it. It's the best I can do Boris. If you aren't pleased with that, then fine.
Stand my ground
Hey guys, I hope you liked it!