Yeah…I switch to masculine pronouns this chapter. Um…I suppose I can say it's because it's been a long time between this chapter and the last but it's kinda sloppy…perhaps I'll just fix up the previous chapter.

Eh…five chapters was unexpected but oh well…the plot hasn't changed from my plan, just how it was organized.

Chapter Two: Lies Come Undone

'So, could you make it any stronger?' Savoya asked hopefully of the blacksmith.

The Blacksmith sighed as he handed the rebuilt sword back to the young Master. 'Savoya, you already had the best sword I could make you, this one is no better and no worse.'

Savoya's face fell as he examined the sword. It was beautifully made and the blacksmith was a master, but the World Championships… all the top men are from families that focus on swordsmanship, not business like mine. They have access to the best sword smiths, the best material. They even have legendary family swords they pass down!

Savoya forced a smile to his face. 'Well, thanks. This may not last my entire life, but it'll be more than enough for this tournament!'

The blacksmith smiled and Savoya took his leave of him. I think I'm almost as skilled as the world champion this time around. His sword is the stuff of legends, but even if I fail, I'll find another piece of Orichalum for next time. It's not as if this is my last tournament.

Kai picked up Dranzer after a hard days training. Dranzer was definitely stronger now, and he'd gotten used to the change in movement that came from being rebuilt with the Orichalum.

Dranzer was unhappy though. The bitchip glowed red and Kai smiled apologetically at it. I know, buddy, you think we can beat Tyson and Dragoon without relying on special metals, but Tyson's beyblade was built of Orichalum in the last championships, remember? I'm just evening the playing field. This tournament will be all about skill. We won't lose.

'Hey, you!'

Pips looked up mournfully at the sound of the voice and came out from behind his rose bushes.

'Can I be of service?' he asked politely of the warrior.

'Yes, go fetch Savoya will you? He and I have to train.'

'Savoya…?' Pips stared at the warrior and suddenly it clicked and he grinned. 'You are friends with the Master? Perhaps you know how I can win her heart!'

'Er…what?'

'I give her roses and I pay special attention to the flowers under her room, but she never notices me.' He said morosely, his expressional face switching easily from pleased to sad.

'What? Just go fetch Savoya for me, will you? I have no interest in you and his sister's love life, alright?'

'Savoya? I don't think she has a sister…' he said, blinking, confused.

'Wait! You're talking about Savoya?!' the warrior demanded, stalking over to the rather slow gardener.

'Y-yes! I-I'll go fetch her for you!'

'You do that!' the warrior growled and Pips ran off.

The warrior paced angrily around the rose bushes, kicking them a few times. By the time Pips returned with Savoya there were rose petals strewn all over the paths and Pips looked positively heartbroken at the sight of all the broken stems.

'Savoya! This gardener declares you're a woman!' the warrior gritted out fiercely.

'What?' Savoya's face paled. 'Don't be absurd.' And he laughed. 'The gardener's a simpleton, nothing more, Rudolph.'

'You know, I always thought we should introduce testing, just to make sure we don't get any women in the tournament.' Rudolph said sneakily. 'I have no desire to hurt a woman and if you-!'

'Do you really think I'm female?!' Savoya demanded angrily. 'I have beaten you countless times! Could a woman do that?'

'You have a rather feminine face…and you always avoid group showers or bathing. In fact there's a lot about you-'

'Draw your sword or shut your mouth!' Savoya almost screamed at the man.

Rudolph took a step back. 'Calm down. I didn't mean to offend you…all I'm saying is that I dislike hurting women…anyway, Savoya, I must be going.'

'Grr…' Savoya glared moodily at his retreating back and as soon as Rudolph had vanished she spun on Pips. She smacked him across the face, sending the poor boy flying.

'You idiot! You fool! What have you done?!' she screamed at him, obscenities flying from her mouth at Pips, who could do nothing but stare up at his beloved.

'S-Savoya,' he whimpered, close to tears. 'I-I, he was a friend was he not? Master Kai is a friend and he-he, you never complain…I-I thought…I didn't mean to offend you!'

'Offend me? OFFEND me?! And Kai?! I hate you I hate you, I HATE YOU!' she screamed and ran off.

Pips curled up into a ball, his hand pressed against his bruised cheek. Never before had anyone hit him. 'I-I'm sorry.' He whimpered. 'I was just so excited, I thought he would tell me how to…how to get you to love me.'