Hi everyone! What's up?

Thanks to CuteTyHil, MagicalPhoenix12, Scarlet Witch of Terra, LadyPeach7, KaneXSally and KaiHilnator for reviewing. You're the best! :D

So, let me inform you: Charlotte Tate isn't an OC at all. She's a cannon character. To know more about her, read "Bakuten Shoot Beyblade: Rising" manga. Thank you. :)

So...enjoy! :D

The paths of the jungle were craggy as usual, pebbles and pieces of rocks scattering here and there. Impenetrable bushes were hindering the rays of sunshine to enlighten the obscure woods. Mountain-like trees were rolling their eyes at the sole star of daylight, warning him, "Halt! Nobody is allowed here!"

Be anyone, or anything, permitted or not, without caring or bothering of approval, six equestrians were passing through the uneven lanes of the forest. They were sluggish. Obvious it was, they didn't want to get into another accident like the previous one. They cared for their dear lives, not for the speed. From the higher twigs, nightingales and doves were watching them silently and secretly, not cheeping.

"Oni-chan, I'm feeling scared," The purplette whispered in the ears of her elder sister, almost curling into a ball.

"Dew is right, Hil," The blonde came near, "The jungle is seeming eerie!"

"Huh!" The female blunette narrowed her eyes, "Such a coward you're, Maxie. Which prince on the earth behaves in this way?"

"You'll understand when a demon appears and takes you away from us, Mari-chan," Max mocked, "Too much bravery, too much danger."

"Max, bravery is meant for overcoming the dangerous situations, not for calling them," Hilary smiled, looking at her cousin, "Besides, in order to achieve something glorious, we need to struggle sometimes, don't we?"

"You're right, sis," The American nodded, "But aren't you feeling afraid? I mean…. just glance around the area. How quiet it is!"

"It isn't quiet at all, Maxie," The brunette shook her head, "It's still filled with sounds. We human beings don't have the ability of hearing them. If you close your eyes and offer your hearing power to the nature, they'll chime in your ears…. sorry, heart."

"Really?"

"Really," The Japanese princess stroked the back of her mare, "When eyes, ears, nostrils, tongue and skin-these five senses fail to work, then it works. Some call it sixth sense, some call it feeling. Now, this is telling me not to be afraid at all. There's nothing for which we should be anxious."

"Not even these ghostly trees, Oni-chan?" Dew stared at her with her tearful eyes.

Everyone looked above. Yes, the purple-haired princess was right. Those green-heads were more noiseless than usual. Even, blowing wind couldn't move their huddling tops a bit.

"Hehe…." Hilary scratched her head, "Look, they are not ghostly. They're just…lonely."

"What? Lonely?" Everyone sweatdropped.

"Yeah," The brunette didn't heed, "You're frightened of them but I'm not. Just try to feel what they're feeling at this moment. Why're they standing here in this dense forest, isolated from every material thing of the world? Ever thought about that?"

Right then, a whispering breeze blew around them, caressing the leafy figures. A sudden throb rose in them as a few burgeons of some unknown flowers became showered on the hair of the brunette. She looked above, leering.

"Told ya," She smoothly brushed her hair with her fingers, trying to remove the buds, "Don't be panicked, okay?"

"Okay…." Everyone got convinced but the purple-haired girl was still tensed. Biting her lower lip, she was trying her best to calm down. However, someone poured dry leaves in the fire of her apprehensions.

"Boo!"

"Ouch!" The 18-year old princess was about to fall from the back of her horse. Somehow, holding the rein firmly, she saved herself. Yet, her heart was walloping madly. Gasping, she turned back.

"Hahahaha!" The navy-haired boy burst out laughter, almost lying on his mount, "You're such a chicken, princess Dew!"

"Tyson!" Everyone blurted in unison.

"Yes, it's Tyson Granger, the best archer and warrior of the world," His teeth flashed, "Why're you looking at me in this way like looking at a ghost or a charming prince? I feel embarrassed, please don't do this. Hehehe…."

"You can never be the second one, Tyson," Hilary screwed his nose, "On the first option, yeah, I agree with you."

"C'mon Hil," Tyson approached them, "Since when did you all become so selfish, huh? Didn't your hearts throb at the thought of leaving your bosom friend alone in the castle?"

"For which should we have brought you here with us, Tyson?" Max rolled his eyes, "For getting your ankle sprained and head smashed once again?"

"Has Tyson Granger ever repeated any mistake?" The dragoon-wielder winked, "Never has he! So, don't worry about me, guys, I'm coming with you. Besides…I haven't come here alone, you know."

"Not alone?" Hilary raised an eyebrow, "With whom are you here, Tyson?"

"Just wait and watch," Tyson got down. Then, turning to the bushes, he called out, "You may come out, princess."

Behind the condensed scrubs, a slim young lady came out. Her braided hair was brown-colored, just like Hilary's. Her complexion was yellowish and orbs were ocean blue. She was wearing a puffy-sleeved gown, touching her ankles. Everyone became shocked seeing her here. She wasn't unfamiliar at all, at least not to the hyperactive American.

"Charlotte!" Alighting from his steed, the blonde rushed to her. The 16-year old girl also hurried towards her brother. Both hugged each other firmly. Not unusual it was, after all, the siblings met after a long period. Others just smirked at that.

"I missed you a lot, big brother!" Tears formed inside her round sapphire orbs, "Cannot believe that I've finally met you!"

"Oh Charlotte, my sweet little sister!" Max let out a teary leer, "I missed you too. By the way, how have you come here?"

"Hehehe…I reached Japan in the very morning," She showed a glitzy grin, "Aunt Sayoko and uncle Hayashi told me that you'd left for the hermitage of sage Dickenson. I couldn't resist my temptation to meet him and you guys. That's why, I came here with Tyson. Thank you so much, Tyson."

"Charlotte, you didn't have to come to us through this dense forest," Max didn't forget to play the role of a typical big brother, "It's dangerous. You're young and Tyson's injured. What if something happened to you?"

"I'm not injured, Maxie!" Tyson retorted, "I was wounded but right now, I'm alright. Look, how perfectly I am horse-riding! Thanks to princess Dew. She really makes a great nurse."

The ears of the purplette turned pink and heated. Blushing and smiling softly, she gazed below. Her violet bangs almost concealed her turquoise eyes which were glazing in love at that moment.

"Besides, our little Charlotte-chan should stay with us sometimes," Mariam suggested, "If she doesn't want to be a scared kitten like her big brother."

"Hey! I'm not a scared kitten!"

"Surely you're, Max," The female blunette chucked, "Cannot you remember that you lost the swimming duel with me in the last week?"

"That was the incident of the past, Mari-chan," Max remonstrated, "During this period, I've grown stronger. If you don't want to believe, you may test me."

"Sure, I'll test you later," Mariam smirked, "At present, we have to go to the abbey as soon as possible. Otherwise, sage Dickenson will be angry with us. Come on, Charlotte, sit behind me."

"Thank you so much, Miss Mariam," Charlotte's moon-like face beamed up as she rode the mount of the royal blue-haired girl.

"Aww…you may call me only Mariam, my dear," The blunette affectionately spoke, "No need to be so formal."

"You're really very nice, Mariam," The younger brunette wondered, "I don't know why brother Max is afraid of you."

"When have I told you it, Charlotte?" Max's face got reddened, "Why should I be afraid of her?"

"Because he's stupid," Not paying any heed to him, Mariam replied, "Anyways, we're getting late. Let's move!"

"Wait!"

Everyone looked back at the dragoon-wielder who was still standing there beside his stallion.

"What's going on now, Tyson?" Hilary placed her hands on her waist, "Don't say that you're feeling sick."

"No, not that thing, Hilary," The navy-haired boy sheepishly chuckled, "Actually….in the morning, I left the palace so hastily that I forgot to have breakfast. Well…can you guys give me something to eat?"

Everyone almost stumbled from their chargers dramatically as the beasts neighed.

"TYSON!"

The chamber was vast and well-furnished. There was a king-sized bed at the heart of it. Beside it, a metal cupboard was placed. By its another side, a flower vase was on a round silver table having two bouquets of yellow and white gladiolas. Leaning against the velvety cover of a golden deck-chair, the sage kept his hands on its handles. The southern summer zephyr from the open windows gain its entry inside the compartment, cooling his soul.

"May I come in, Sir?"

He looked at the doorway. In front of it, he could see the violet-haired queen of Russia. Standing up, he nodded, "Sure, your Majesty."

Smiling, Apraxia entered the room. Greeting him by bowing, she spoke, "I'm extremely sorry, Sir, I've been late."

"No problem, your Majesty," Dickenson asked, "How is everything going?"

"Perfect by the grace of Almighty," The empress of Russia replied with a bright smile all over her face, "My son has grown up and completed his education. He has already proven his worth. Now, it's high time he took the responsibilities of the throne and the kingdom. Save it, how can I serve you, Sir?"

"I don't want your service, your Majesty," Dickenson crossed his arms on his chest, "I just need your help."

"I promise you, Sir," Humbleness overflowed in the jargons and attitude of the Russian woman, "I'll help you. I'll give you whatever you need."

"Well, danger is lurking in my kingdom at present," Dickenson rubbed his palms against each other, "Demons have attacked there. They have killed a lot of innocent people including women and children, deflowered chaste ladies, destroyed the serenity of religious institutes, plants, animals, birds and what not? For protecting my motherland, I have to get them defeated. You know, I have taken the oath not of using any weapon and shedding blood anymore."

"What?" Her jaw dropped, "Oh my goodness! I'm feeling so sorry for those poor people. Sir, you can count upon me. I'm ordering our soldiers to accompany you. I'm also letting you go to our treasury. From it, you may pick up whatever you want."

"Your Majesty, I'm a sage," The bald man chortled, "I don't need your wealth. Besides, if I take so many people there, the demons will be cautious. We won't be successful then. So, I want only one man. I want the one who is equal to thousands of fierce warriors of Russia."

"Then, let me make my troops meet you once," Apraxia proudly offered, "You may test my royal guards if you want. They're very strong and brave."

"I want no of them," The sage didn't seem to melt that easily, "I want prince Kai."

An imaginary bolt of thunder sparkled above the head of the queen as she could clearly hear its rumbling. She gasped, stepping back. Her breaths went unstable a bit. Her fingers curled into grips. She felt the ground crumbling underneath her feet.

"What happened, your Majesty?" Dickenson screwed his eyebrows, "Have I demanded something unfair?"

"No…I mean…" Apraxia stuttered, trying to manage herself, "Kai's still young. How can he fight against those ferocious creatures? You…. you may take my full battalion. But…why Kai?"

"Is it your way of fulfilling your promise, your Majesty?" Stanley cocked an eyebrow, "I thought you wouldn't be like your late father-in-law. I thought you would know how to respect a sage. Is it a sample?"

"No…please…" The queen burst into tears, kneeling down on the floor, "Spare my son. I have already lost my parents, husband and guardians. Kai's my only hope, he's the only boat of me in the sea of disasters and uncertainties."

"Enough!" Boiling blood left its reflection in his face, "I don't want to listen to you anymore. I'm leaving."

Not waiting for the reply or response of the empress, he headed towards the door, only for getting hindered by a certain slate-haired young man.

"Oh great sage, pardon me," He bowed, "But nobody returns from this kingdom with empty hands."

Rapt, Stanley Dickenson kept staring at his appearance. The young guy was about 20. His complexion was fair, mostly like the inner portion of a ripe and fresh apple. His glinting purple orbs reminded him of fully blossomed lotuses, floating in a clear pond. His dual-toned hair was slightly blowing. A strange, yet mesmerizing scent was coming from his body. Semicircular eyebrows were puckered a bit as the shadow of worries inside his heart fell on his face. Yet, his body was radiating a peculiar gleam, being a source of endless light. The silvery scarf hanging round his neck showed his maturity and boldness.

"Prince Kai Alexander Hiwatari," Dickenson cleared his throat as his expression lightened, "I requested your mother to lend his son for a few days. But she didn't respond to my call."

"She will."

"Kai!" Apraxia rushed to her son, "You…you cannot go there. Sage Dickenson wants you alone. How can you battle those demons without any company?"

"Do you have no faith on the capabilities of your son, mother?"

Apraxia bent down her head though her son was present before her. Yes, it wasn't like she didn't have firm belief regarding the abilities and skills of her son, the prince of Russia. Then again, which mother sends her son to walk on burning cinders?

"You've promised sage Stanley Dickenson, mother," Kai gently squeezed her shoulders, "A promise is a promise. I've to go with him."

"But…"

"If I delay a bit, the demons will destroy a kingdom," He turned his face away, "I cannot let it happen. It's time I went with this great sage."

"Oh Kai…" She murmured. Tears started glittering in her eyes.

"Son…...I…." Somehow, she uttered, "I'm proud of you. Now, I cannot be the obstacle on your way. Go and be victorious, my child. But...…for keeping the heads of your clan and kingdom erected, you're sacrificing everything bit by bit. Is it fair?"

"Hmmm…..." He didn't answer, just reaching a column, he leaned his head against it.

'Why not, mother?' He whispered, 'After all, a real king is meant to….is born to sacrifice….'

The steeds were ready, flapping their tails. On their backs, pieces of sackcloth were placed. The empress had wanted to position royal velvet seats there but once again, the sage had refused. Only inside a horse carriage, the Japanese widow who had just survived from a grave mishap was there. She couldn't believe that she was going to return home so soon. However, she was gloomy a bit, hearing the bad news.

"Oh God…." She silently prayed, not letting the walls of the wagon listen to her almost, "Please, save my motherland. Protect prince Hiwatari too. He has not only saved my life, but also banned a malpractice from Russia. He deserves to be alive for millenniums. Please God, do any miracle."

From the gate of the fort, the phoenix-prince came out, shielding his torso with metal armor and covering his lower body with his typical baggy trousers. His signature scarf was still blowing from his neck. Wrists and knees were concealed behind iron girdles, looking behind once, he bowed down before his mother.

"May God bless you, my child…" She sobbed, waving her hand.

Somehow smiling back, the prince rode his horse. Suddenly…

"Wait, Kai!"

All of the persons mustering in front of the manor turned back. There was the redhead, standing in the armors of a warrior. Descending the marble-covered staircases, he landed before his cousin.

"Tala!" Apraxia rushed to him, "You're in these outfits? Why?"

"Aunt!" He smirked, "Look, how selfish your son has been! He started for Japan without me."

"It's not the time for kidding, Tala," Reluctantly, Kai spoke, "Besides, I'm not going there for marriage."

"Who knows your inner intention?" The wolf winked.

"Tala!"

"Hehehe…...just joking," Tala scratched his head, "Kai, how could you think that I would leave you alone? You're not going anywhere without me. Got it?"

"But…"

"Too late, Hiwatarian," The scarlet-haired prince got on another stallion, "Two are better than one is, you know."

Turning to the sage, he bowed, "Pardon me, Sir. But…I can never leave my cousin alone. Can you afford the necessary arrangements of two, please?"

"Hmmm…." For a few moments, the sage kept his eyes closed, thinking something. Then, opening them, he smiled which indirectly manifested his consent.

"Thank you so much, Sir." Tala patted Kai's shoulders, "So…you've to bear me, Lord Surpass. I think you can do it, cannot you?"

Though the dual-haired Russian heaved a sigh, deep inside, he felt relieved.

Not everyone gets a cousin like Tala, I guess….

"Stop!"

The teenage brunette yelled. Others were a bit ahead of her mount. Moving behind, they frowned.

"What happened, Charlotte?" Hilary worriedly asked, "Are you alright?"

"Sister Hilary, I was passing by this tree," She pointed her index finger at a high oak tree, "I felt…...I felt that a few droplets of water fell on me."

"She's right," Mariam acknowledged, "I also felt them falling on my hair."

"I see…..." The elder brunette approached them. Touching their heads, she tried to feel something.

"Hmm…." She spoke, "Both your heads are a bit wet. Besides, the weather is sunny. It's not raining at all. Then…..."

"Move away from the crying tree, children!"

A sudden outburst could be heard by them as they wheezed, somewhat decreasing the distance among them. Soon, a bearded guy came out. His crimson eyes were illuminating like fireflies.

"What? Crying tree?" Tyson was the first one to gather courage, "What does it mean?"

"The tree under which you all are standing is not an ordinary tree, folk," The mysterious man answered, "Before ages, it was a beautiful woman."

"What?"

Everyone's jaws dropped. They stared at one another, not able to believe what the man was saying.

"Yes," He continued, "The woman was not only beautiful, but also very intelligent. She was a great scholar at that time. The circumference of her knowledge was infinite. Everyone knew her as lady Kincaid."

"Lady Kincaid?"

"Hmm, despite being only 20, her actions and behavior were so matured," The guy carried on, "One day, the creepy and notorious ruler of underground, Boris Balkov proposed her."

Everyone shivered hearing the name. Yes, it wasn't their first time. Before it, they had heard the name countless times. Who didn't know the tarnished monarch of Satan? Who didn't know the devil of the devils?

"But she refused. Quite certain it was, nobody wants to marry that moron. With overflowing wrath, the stupid, uncultured violet-head turned her into this tree. Thus, she always laments in this way."

"Oww…...poor woman…..."

"Sir…." The princess of Japan pronounced as her eyes started brimming with tears, "Will she have to remain like this forever? Can no one free her from this curse?"

"It's not impossible, girl," His attitude mellowed, "But it's tough."

"What's the way?"

"The one who possesses the power of the sacred vermillion bird of the south can destroy the spell," He replied, "For that, he has to use the power once in his lifetime at least. Now, just leave the place."

"Oh okay….." Somehow avoiding him, they mounted their steeds and left the place. Soon, they forgot about the incident. But one didn't. The unexpected encounter had left a long-lasting and harsh impact on her blameless soul.

"Boris Balkov!" She tightly clutched the bridle, "I….I really hate him. How could he curse such a righteous and talented woman in this way? In this world, every woman has the right of choosing her life-partner. No one can violate it."

"Shush!" Charlotte put a finger on her lips, "What if he hears you?"

"I don't care," Hilary rotated her face away, "I want his destruction. That's it!"

"He can turn you into a non-living object if he wants, sis," The sweet sixteen enlarged her eyes, "He's so powerful."

"So what?" Hilary grinned, looking at the sky where white vapors were floating like boats. Crickets were humming, birds started chirping in the forest. Fresh leaves were dancing with the tempo of blowing gall.

'I'll also wait for the possessor of the power of the sacred vermillion bird of the south then. He'll make me free of the curse…...' She dreamily pondered as the hovering wind made her hair blow a bit.

So...how was it? Good or bad? :P

Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and the spelling errors, along with the OOCness. Take care :D

-Misty ^_^