Hi my dear friends! How are you? :D
Tons of thanks to TwilightUniverse018, Scarlet Witch of Terra, LadyPeach7, Cutetyhil, Guest, Emerald Rami, Bahubali, Justafan, TLP, Sohana Sarkar, IshuRock8, Rock the Road and KaiHil for reviewing.
Justafan: Well, you must have remembered the condition put by Zagart. He said that he wouldn't participate in the groom-choosing contest of Hilary if he lost against Kai. Since he was defeated, he had to go back. But...will he stop so easily? As for the ponytail, well, it's not so long; just having the same length of hair which Kai had back in G-rev. Besides, watch any mythological or historical movie or series: Be it Ramayana, Mahabharata, the Mughals (Let the Marathi ones be out of the list xD)...to GOT and all...the male characters have neck-length hair. Maybe to your eyes, Kai is seeming less hot but in medieval ages, having long hair was considered to be a sign of handsomeness of men. Brooklyn will also appear later on in this fic. Anyways, pardon my blabbering. You wanted to know my favorite fictional author in Beyblade, right? Umm...well, I don't have any fixed in this case. Why don't you check the list of my favorite authors on my profile? You'll get to know them. They're highly talented and professional :D Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing.
TLP: Don't worry, soon, Dew's happiness will come back in her life. Thanks a lot for reviewing.
IshuRock8: Yes, surely fasting leads to fatigue :P But you were reading it? No problem, since you've reviewed once, you've to get stuck in reviewing this story...hehehehe...just joking. Thanks a lot for reviewing.
Ahem...let's back to the chapter! Pardon me in advance if you feel that I've made a certain character evil. But believe me, he's way innocent!
Through the sandstone corridors, the brunette was walking. For seeing her once, all the birds from different branches of different trees flew in her direction and sat on the wooden railings. The flower-embellished bushes waved at her. Flamboyant butterflies and kohl bumblebees started flirting with the florets mannerlessly. Some maids were combing her creamy, waist-length, chocolate hair. A few blobs of water were still seeping from it. That's why, underneath her head, another servant was holding an earthen pot from which aromatic steams were being emitted and imbibing the wetness of her hair slowly. Gently, the coco-haired princess entered the dressing room. Her cousins and friends were waiting there for her. But she hadn't thought that she would have had to see them quarrelling with one another.
"Told ya, Dew," The tone of the dual-haired girl was sharper than a blade, "Why did you let her enter this palace? Do you have any idea that a mishap could have happened with our sister last night only because of your idiocy? Do you?"
"I'm sorry, Juli ni-chan..." The purplette sniffed. The pain of the sudden encounter with the masked guy hadn't gone away from her heart fully. Then again, the accusing fingers of her sisters and friends towards her were only adding lemon juice to the sour feeling in her chest. Never had she thought that the sky-blue haired girl could have been dangerous enough to take the attempts of seducing the prince of Russia and murdering her sister. She'd been seeming blameless. She'd been weeping because of her miseries. Her chin had been wobbling from the suppressed pain of her core. Seeing her, how could the purple-haired girl have remembered that appearances can deceive?
"Thank goodness prince Hiwatari was there," Julia huffed, "Our Hil is so lucky that she has fallen in love with such a godlike guy. Only for her, he was awake the whole night and guarded her room. Long live him!"
'Surely Oni-chan,' Dew dully sneered, 'You're very fortunate. I wish... I wish I could have your fate once. But huh... on my forehead, only the letters of rejection are written. The rest is filled with void.'
"Don't chide her, Julie," The brunette approached them, "To err is human, isn't it?"
"Sister Hilary!" The American princess leaped in joy, "You've come here finally. We have been waiting for you since a long time, you know."
"Why?" Hilary rolled her eyes, "Does my Charlotte-chan want another pair of earrings from me?"
"No no," Charlotte furiously shook her head, "Don't you know that today's event is very special for you? On this day, it will be decided who will be lucky enough to be your groom!"
Shyness encircled the Japanese princess from all the north, the south, the east and the west. She stooped her eyes at her feet as her heart missed a beat. A euphoric numbness embraced her firmly; a coy smile got curved by her rose-shaded lips. On the mirror of her heart, there fell the reflection of the phoenix-prince. She could remember where she had seen him for the first time in her life. It had happened in her dreams. There, he had been her savior. Since that day, he was saving her again and again from all the potential dangers and mishaps. How could he not have been able to permanently sit on the throne of the kingdom of her love? How?
The first sight of him was unforgettable for her. So were the other meetings. Each moment spent with the phoenix-prince was very significant to the coco-haired princess. When he would be victorious, she would reach him and whisper to him, "I love you." It was pre-planned. To her, no other time was as auspicious as it for the confession.
In the first glance,
I got a little lost,
Platter-platter dripping from our eyes,
Is it the drizzle of love?
When I got a bit shy,
My eyes turned downward,
There was a breeze of wind,
Which gave me a little torture.
It blew, my hair flew,
In my heart, a storm brewed,
While standing, before understanding,
I got looted, like a shaking tree, I got uprooted...
"Hil!"
The princess cringed, shaken by her cousin. Then, she smiled as though nothing had happened to her.
"Don't disturb her while she is daydreaming, Julie!" Mariam giggled, "She feels sad, doesn't she?"
All the girls in the room burst out laughing while the brunette shot them with her death glares. Yet, it couldn't stop them from being amused. Sighing, the soon-to-be bride approached the metal tool of her dressing table and sat on it. Seeing this, all her companions hurriedly moved towards her.
"This is not fair, sister Hilary!" Charlotte pouted, "At first, you've to put on the dress which has been brought by father and mother from America. Today, you have to adorn yourself in American style.
"No!" Julia cried, "Today, our Hilary will dress-up and makeover in Spanish style. Won't you, Hilary?"
"Huh!" Mariam objected, "She's the princess of Japan. Like yesterday, she'll be traditional today too. Why don't you say anything, Dew-chan?"
Dew wasn't in the mood of talking to the girls at that time. Still, the dampening effect didn't leave her alone. Yet, somehow giving a silent nod, she agreed with the royal-blue haired girl.
"But..." The brunette started, "Aunt Judy, Uncle Taro, Aunt Fumika and Uncle Fernandez love me too. They all are just like my parents. If they have sent gifts to me, I'll surely utilize them."
"How?" Charlotte cocked an eyebrow, "How will you wear all the dresses at a time, sister Hilary?"
"Not all the dresses, Charlotte," Hilary shook her head, "I'll wear the dress sent to me by Uncle Taro and Aunt Judy. Julia will give me a Spanish hairstyle with the Spanish tiara. Finally, I'll put on the earrings and necklace given by Mariam."
"Wow!" All the girls exclaimed, "Let's start then!"
"But before it..." The chocolate-haired girl took the bird-shaped pendant which was hanging from the nearest stand, "I'll start adorning myself with this."
All the girls collided against one another in order to have its glimpse once. The thread was furnished with granules of diamonds and the locket was made of untainted translucent crystal in the shape of a flying bird, expanding its wings. Inside it, a scarlet speck of luster could be observed properly just like the flames of candles. That day, its brightness was seeming to be increased more. Even the rays of sunshine were also becoming embarrassed in front of the refulgence of the locket.
"You all must know it," Hilary placed it on her right palm, "Right?"
"Why not?" Mariam affirmed, "It was given to you by Tyson, wasn't it?"
Hearing the name, the heart of the purplette jolted. Clenching her teeth, she somehow spoke, "Let me bring some flowers for Oni-chan."
Not giving the girls a chance to speak, she stormed off, leaving the room. All the ladies heaved sighs, watching her trajectories.
"Poor Dew," The Spaniard creased her lips inside, "She must be feeling so sad because of Tyson."
"Of course she is," Mariam sat on a nearby chair, "The love between her and Tyson almost started growing. Only then, the glutton had to leave the palace. Guess what he would do if he were here? Glomping on the trays of foods and drinks! Hahaha!"
"He'll return to us, Mari," Hilary spoke, "He has promised us, remember? Then, don't worry about him. Help me wear this locket."
"As your wish, Hil," Julia held the chain, "But...is there any special reason behind wearing it?"
"Yes," The brunette nodded, "I must have told you that I have dreamed several dreams of a phoenix which used to tell me that it wanted to return to its rightful owner."
"So?"
"Yesterday, after prince Kai had left me in my room," The princess asserted, "It...I mean...she again came in my dream."
"What?" Julia raised an eyebrow, "What happened then, Hil?"
"I'm telling you everything..." The brunette started.
Flashback:
The chocolate-haired girl found herself immersed in the ocean of darkness. For a moment, she thought as if she'd gone blind. She was grabbling in the ink-smeared aura. Her breaths were being clogged. Never had she experienced this form of obscurity in her 19-year long life. Her ruby orbs were thirstily searching for a single sparkle of light. Yet, they were failing.
Dumping burdens of tensions on the hump of fears, somewhere, a pair of anklets clinked. Those jingling ornaments were seeming close...closer to her. Someone was wearing them and the person was approaching her slowly. Those jewels were gently tapping on the door of discreetness of the atmosphere. Flinching, the girl turned back. With quivering voice, she asked, "Who's there?"
Right in front of her, a flame rose from the tip of the thread plunged in the oil of a clay lamp. The earthen lantern was placed on the palm of a lady around her age. Her appearance left the eyes of the brunette completely thrilled and speechless. She was the most beautiful lady whom the brunette had ever laid her eyes on. Blood-colored tresses were bouncing on her circular shoulders while the backside hair was blowing in the air like rose petals. Under a pair of arc-shaped, almost entwined eyebrows, her emerald eyes were gleaming in the darkness, trying their best to fulfill the absence of light at that time. Her lips were painted red beneath her 110-degree angled nose. She was wearing a strapless column gown, letting one of her lower knees be displayed. She was adorned with golden jewelries and armors from her head to toes. At last but not at least, a pair of deep cherry wings was attached to her back. She was looking like a warrior princess...nope, a warrior empress. An ethereal luminosity was being radiated from her entire body. Not able to stand before the bright figurine, the brunette knelt down on the ground.
"Who...who're you, my lady?" She raised her face and looked at the woman, "Do I...do I know you?"
"Relax, princess," Soothingly, the winged woman spoke, "You know me, I know you too. I'm the phoenix who used to visit you in your dreams."
"You?" Joining her hands, the princess stood up slowly, "Cannot believe! Can a phoenix turn into a human being ever?"
"Why not?" The human-faced phoenix shook her head up and down tenderly, "We are spiritual beings. We have two avatars. One is our real avatar and the other is our human avatar. Princess, I've come here today for another reason."
"What's it?"
"I've found my master finally," The flash of her shimmering teeth almost blinded Hilary, "But in order to return to him, I need your collaboration."
"You've found him?" Hilary couldn't believe her ears, "And you need my collaboration?"
"Yes," The phoenix nodded, "During these years, a special bond was created between you and me. Without your cooperation, I cannot return to my master."
"But...but who's your master?"
Hearing this question, the vermillion bird faintly giggled. Clearing her throat, she started singing. The brunette felt as though someone had been playing an elated harp near her ears. Before it, she had listened to the chirpings of the nightingales, magpies and other birds. But for the first time, she was listening to the song of a phoenix. Those springing tunes directly flowed through her heart, pulsating all her body, mind and soul.
I worship and worship him,
Who protects everything,
Who wears shining silver scarf around his neck,
Who has a complexion like the full moon,
Whose hair has the blue of the sky,
Who is the angel of death to the evil,
Who has an unstoppable power of stopping illusions,
And who assists the Nipponista always...
'But...' Hilary's heart jolted, 'Nipponista is my name. Then...'
Flash forward:
"Oh my God!" Julia exclaimed, "Why didn't you ask her the name of her master?"
"I couldn't," The brunette shook her head disappointedly, "Before doing this, my sleep broke."
"But..." Mariam asked, "What's the relation of your dream with wearing this locket?"
"Even I don't know this," Hilary chuckled, "But...since I got the locket, only good and positive things have happened to me and my life. It has played an important role building my good luck. I think...if I wear it today, something good will surely happen. That's why, I'll start adorning myself for toady with this pendant."
Smiling and nodding, the Spaniard knotted the threads of the pendant with each other. The bird-shaped locket contentedly rested under the joint of her beauty bones, brightening her complexion more. All her friends started dressing her hair. Raising her eyes, on the round marble mirror, she kept staring at her reflection.
'Today what will happen will be happily accepted by me,' She pondered, 'I won't complain against anything. I'm ready for all the changes that are going to appear in my future life. I'm completely prepared...'
Sitting on the velvet bench, the dual-haired Russian was sharpening the tips of his arrows, rubbing them against a square-shaped stone. He was wearing a steel-made chestplate which was covering only his chest and abdomen. Keeping his arms and back open, a pair of straps were attached to four cleats of the armor, creating a cross-linkage on the center of his spine. He folded the edges of his pants so that they couldn't create a problem while battling. Keeping all the arrows in the quiver, he wrapped the scarf around his neck and adjusted the broad fabric wristbands properly. Going to the mirror, he brushed his hair thoroughly, glancing at his reflection once.
"You've forgotten something, Kai!"
Hearing his cousin, the phoenix-prince looked back. The redhead approached him with a fine headgear that would be encompassing the forehead of the Russian. At its center, an amethyst was glinting. It was placed on a round metal plate. Keeping it on the dressing table, he upturned the forehead-piece and gave it to the dual-haired Russian. Taking it, the candidate placed it around his temple. The wolf-prince snickered a bit. Slowly, they both trudged to the western windows of the room. Through them, their eyes captured the scene of the guests heading for the amphitheater.
"Kai," The wolf-prince spoke, "Look, all the people are going to watch the final round of the groom-choosing ceremony of princess Hilary. Apparently, your victory is seeming quite tough."
"Hmm..." Kai looked at his bow which was placed on the three-legged round table.
'Maybe it's appearing to be tough,' He ruminated, 'But at any cost, I have to win this. I'm not saying that only I'll win this...but I'm saying that gaining victory has been essential for me. It has many reasons. At first, I want to win the hands of princess Hilary. Secondly, the name of Russia is involved with my participation and performances. Thirdly, I have to show the masked ninja how to be the best and who the best is.'
"However, I know that only you'll be the winner," The redhead placed a hand on the shoulder of his cousin, "Because you have been blessed by so many people. Our parents, teachers and Sir Alexandrov blessed you, so did sage Dickenson and lady Kincaid. Besides, when you killed demoness Katherine, the blisses of deities and other sages also reached you. At last not at least, the love of princess Hilary is with you. How cannot the one who is loved and adored by all the three worlds be the winner?"
"Hn..." Kai turned back and trudged to his seat. He drifted to a certain pair of ruby eyes. They were still waving at him. Glittering, they were still pleading to him, 'Oh Hiwatarian, you must come to my groom-choosing ceremony and win me.'
'I'll!' Mentally, the phoenix-prince determined, 'Only for you, Nipponista!'
Almost all the guests had reached the battle arena. Eight Tuscan columns were surrounding a large mandala artwork; consisting a dragon and a phoenix which were progressing towards the earth diagonally from the opposite directions. The third planet of the solar system was painted at the center of the battlefield. The corner of the dragon was tinted with the flurries or air and blowing leaves, presenting woods. Whereas, the portion of the phoenix was shaded with the illuminating crests of flames, presenting the fire. At both the corners, the finalists were standing. Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze was wearing the same armor what was put on by the Russian prince. His tanned arms were visible then. Only a multifunctional fabric headgear was covering his hair and lower face, just like a turban. The veiled ninja was gawking at the phoenix-prince so detestably as if he had been wanting to eat him up. On the other hand, the Russian kept his folded arms on his chest, closing his eyes and ignoring the world.
Over the field, all the spectators were sitting on the chairs in the gallery, crossing their fingers. People from all walks of life had come there. Men, women, little children, old people, black, white, atheist, devotees-all were present. In the first level of the galleria, on his gem-speckled golden throne, the emperor of Japan was sitting with his wife. Seeing the armors of the finalists, the empress frowned.
"Which kind of armors are they?" She whispered in the ear of her husband, "Why are they open-backed?"
"I don't know," The king shook his head, "When Max and Raul went to bring the vests, they found only this type there. All other armors were either ripped, or broken. Strange, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," The queen spoke, "Anyways, I think the ceremony should be started now. People are waiting."
"You're right." Coughing, Hayashi stood up from his seat. Strolling forward, he spoke:
"Dear people of Japan and invited guests throughout the world, I, Hayashi Tachibana, the emperor of Nippon, welcome you to the final round of the groom-choosing ceremony of my daughter, Hilary Tachibana. Today is the day when it will be decided that who will be the future groom of the princess of Japan. For removing the monotony and ending the ceremony as soon as possible, one of the finalists will be given the opportunity to choose weapons for the duel according to his wish. It will be decided from a coin toss. Before it, let me clarify some rules:
The candidates cannot use any kind of supernatural power, be it celestial or demoniac.
They cannot hurt the opponents at their sensitive points like head, chest and abdomen.
So, I wish good luck to both the finalists."
Turning to the prime minister of Japan, the emperor ordered, "Granger-san, have the princess called in the assembly."
"Sure, your Majesty." Bowing, the elder Granger left the stadium.
Within a few moments, timpanists thumped the drums with their sticks. Trumpets whickered, informing all the guests that the princess of Japan was coming. All the guests looked here and there in order to have her glimpse. Most of the people stood up, leaving their chairs.
Two guards who had been standing at the entrance knelt down, tapping their javelins on the floor as a few girls entered the ceremony hall. Obvious it was that the princess of Japan was leading the group, with a lotus-leaf like umbrella unfolded over her head. That day, she was wearing a deep-red kirtle with white damask patterns. Over it, there was a red-white surcoat having quatrefoil designs. The trumpet under-sleeves of the dress were pearl-colored, stitched with cherry-tainted jasmines. The over-sleeves were combinations of puffy and angel sleeves, having the same design of the surcoat. The dress was almost joined to her waist with the support of a silver waistband. Her velvety coco hair was nicely tied into a braid with two curvy tresses bouncing by her cheeks. White and red roses were tucked into the intertwined hair of the princess. A semicircular tiara made of pearls and moonstones was placed on her head. Her pitcher-like neck was hugged by a four-layered pearl necklace, followed by the diamond pendant whose bird-shaped locket was almost invisible because of getting mixed with the red of her attire. A pair of single-chained threader earrings having pearls and moonstones was dangling from her earlobes.
With her friends and sisters, the brunette was coming to the assembly. All were singing songs in elation. There, the ambiance was joyous and full of merriment. Innumerous eyes were watching this daughter of the emperor of Japan. All the invited guests lost their composure having her glimpse.
The descendant of Hiwatari clan, the son of Susumu Hiwatari and Apraxia Hiwatari, with his eyes lowered, was welcoming Hilary. In his dreams, she had already started belonging to him. The righteous princess of Japan had already become the poem of his meditation and knowledge.
Getting the holy glimpse of Nipponista, the masked ninja felt blessed and devoted. Forgetting all the hostilities and rivalry for a moment, he bent his head down before her. When the bald sage saw her, the rays of fatherly affection peeped at his heart. Sitting by him, the redhead smiled, bowing once. In his imagination, she had already sat on the throne of the empress of Russia. Proud of the splendor of his daughter, the Japanese emperor was feeling victorious by her piousness. She was walking ahead splashing the pitcher of beauty, joy and delight. Her sight was beyond words and comparison.
At that time, she was the last word of comeliness in the world. All the metaphors, titles, admirations bestowed on her were seeming literally trivial. There were two aspirants then. Both of them wanted to win the battle. There was a flame and two arthropods. One of them was willing to approach the blaze while another was attempting to eat the former.
But Hilay had only one aim. She wasn't thinking of anyone or anything else. In her heart, the image of the Hiwatarian was formed. He was lying in her life. That's why, the speed of her feet was way different than her heartbeats were. His divinity was out of the understandings of the common people. Only, the bald sage smiled getting the hint. Approaching her seat, she sat on it just like Goddess Kisshoten on her lotus. Soon, her eyes fell on the slate-haired Russian as the blood-pumping organ inside her chest got wobbled a bit while dancing in the monotonous rhythm. It was her wish to see the phoenix-prince as the triumphant.
Kai, Kai and Kai. She was an ardent devotee of that three-lettered name.
As she took her seat, the king left his. Clearing his throat, he announced, "Let all the weapons and the coin be brought."
A few guards entered the battlefield. They were carrying trays on which bows, arrows, scimitars, swords, maces, javelins and shuriken stars were kept. Gaping at one of them, Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze rolled his eyes as the trooper nodded a bit. Getting the green signal, a mischievous smile rose in his lips though it wasn't visible. Being permitted by the ruler body of Japan, the commentator blurted:
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the grand finale of the groom-choosing competition of the princess of Japan. Through the blood-chilling archery rounds of yesterday, two have been selected for the final round. One of them is Kai Alexander Hiwatari, the prince of Russia. Another is Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze, the prince of the kingdom of Gale. Let's have a big hand for them!"
The audience burst out wild applauses as the interpreter continued:
"So, not delaying, let's start the round. At first, a coin will be tossed for the decision of weapon-choosing. Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze is representing the dragon and prince Hiwatari is representing the phoenix. Soldier, fling the coin!"
Nodding, a soldier came to the center. Shaking the specie well, he lobbed it up. Rotating and crossing a little height, it fell on the ground, proudly showing the image of the azure dragon of the east. Seeing it, the smile of victory started glowing all over the face of the masked warrior.
"Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze has won the toss!" The commentator blurted, "It means he has got the opportunity to choose the weapon. Let him decide!"
Smirking, the ninja approached the tray of arms. Taking a straight sword from it, he announced, "Katana!"
The audience beamed up but the princess got scared a bit. Worrying, she bit her lips and gulped. Known it was, the brunette knew that her prince charming was a Russian. He had never moved the Japanese sword in his life. It was tough for him. Then again, the Russian looked at her and slowly nodded, assuring her. The tiny gesture of confidence washed away all her tensions and fears.
Both the warriors took Katana swords from the tray and stood facing each other. Kai saw some strange icy sparkles being radiated from the eyes of his opponent. He had seen those radiations earlier.
"So...are you ready?" The jazzman yelled, "Three...two...one...zero!"
Stepping back, they propped their backs against pillars to gain speed. Then, taking sharp intakes of breaths, they hurriedly progressed towards each other. Almost flying, they landed on the center as their swords collided. Immediately, a strange wave in the shades of blue spread all over the stadium. They both got pushed a bit because of it. The waves were continuously being dispersed. They were trying to step forward but the pulsations were obstructing them.
Again coming back, they started circumambulating each other just like the paintings of dragon and phoenix. They kept moving their weapons crisscrossing, up and down, down and up. Their wrists were being twisted in a fluctuating way. Their blades were coming closer to each other recurrently only for getting away and distanced.
Wrenching his ankle, the masked ninja wheeled. That resulted in the removal of the fabric mask from his face, letting his real appearance be shown in front of the whole world.
All the beholders stood up from their chairs in awe. The jaws of the emperor and his wife dropped. The beats of the heart of the chocolate-haired princess almost ceased. Covering her mouth with her left palm, she left her seat. She couldn't believe her eyes. In front of her, in front of the audiences, the masked ninja revealed his identity.
Yes, he was Tyson Granger, the guardian of the azure dragon of the east. Elevating his weapon-enclosed arm, he dropped the turban and smiled.
"Looks like the long-lost son of Japan has returned to his mother!" The announcer yelled, "But...will he be permitted to battle against prince Hiwatari anymore?"
The emperor felt baffled a bit. Tyson Granger was his most favorite soldier in Japan. For countless times, the dragoon-wielder had let Japan be victorious in countless wars and battles. He could be a deserving one for his daughter. He had the invitation letter of the ceremony, no matter how he had gained it. It would be injustice to him if the ruler stopped the battle there. Then again, he looked at his daughter. She was still perplexed. Never had she imagined in her life that her best friend could have cheated her in this way. Only the purple-haired girl heaved a sigh, not being confused a bit. All her confusions had ended at the previous night.
Flashback:
Gasping, she stepped back, clutching her own mouth in horror. Getting tapped by her toes, a metal flower vase fell down on the ground, producing a loud sound. Having it heard, the rival of prince Hiwatari opened his eyes, fluttering. Rubbing them, he got up on his bed. As he saw the purple-haired princess of Japan standing before his eyes, shocked and filled with disbelief, her expressions reached his face. Quickly, he covered his mien with his blanket.
"No need!" Dew blurted, managing the first wave of the kick in her teeth, "I have got to know your real identity, Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze. Or should I say, Tyson Granger?"
"What are you doing in my room at this moment, princess Dew?" He frowned, standing up, "Don't you know something called manners?"
"Maybe I don't, but what about you, Tyson?" The young noblewoman yelled, "What do you think? Do you have plenty of manners? If yes, why have you entered the groom-choosing ceremony of Oni-chan stealthily? Do you know how Oni-chan will feel if she knows it?"
"I don't care!" Tyson retorted, "Look, I have the invitation letter of the competition to me. Secondly, I didn't hide my identity. Sabanto-No-Doragon-No-Kaze means, 'The servant of the dragon of wind' which is absolutely true. I have come here maintaining all the rules, regulations and justices. You cannot question me regarding my senses."
"But..." Dew cried, "What's the reason? Oni-chan and you are best friends, right? What's your motive of attending the ceremony then?"
"To defeat prince Hiwatari," The navy-haired guy bit back, "Ever since he hurt my ego, I have lost my slumber and appetite for anything except the ambition for revenge. I want to overthrow him at any cost. Even if I need to marry my best friend for it, I'll do it happily. Hilary will also understand that prince Hiwatari isn't worthy of her at all."
"But, I love you, Tyson!" Tears occupied her eyes and streamed across her face, "Why cannot you understand it? You're playing with the feelings of two women! Who has given you the rights to do that?"
"I myself compose my own rights!" He didn't look even at her face properly, "I just want to defeat prince Hiwatari and show him his place. I will never forget that he has insulted me by ripping the string of my bow. He has offended me by taking my place through killing demoness Katherine. I just want to take over him once and that's it!"
"But with your actions and decisions, the future of Oni-chan is also involved," Dew knelt down before him, "Even my life also. I've offered each and every moment of my life beneath your feet, Tyson. You cannot reject them in this way."
"Really?" Tyson cocked an eyebrow, "Who are you to do it? A princess? A noblewoman?"
The short questions of the dragoon-wielder hit the ears of the purplette as if someone had slapped her thrice. Widening her eyes, she stood up. Somehow, she spoke in a quivering tone, "What are you saying...Tyson?"
"You should have known it earlier, Dew," His voice became calm a bit, "You're not a princess. You were born to a soldier's family. During giving birth to you, your mother died. Raged and frustrated, your father wanted to kill you by dumping you in the river. Lucky you were, right at that time, His Majesty noticed it. Being kind, he accepted you and started nourishing you like his own daughter. But it doesn't mean that you have been their daughter! You aren't a royal member. You're the child of a soldier! A mere soldier!"
Dew felt as if the ground had started crumbling underneath her feet. Biting her inner lip, she gritted her fists. The heart inside her chest screamed in heavy pain of being pierced. Only those words delivered by her crush were being chimed in her ears.
"You aren't a royal member."
"You're the child of a soldier!"
"A mere soldier!"
"NO!"
She brokenly fell on the ground, bursting into tears. Her whole body was shaking uncontrollably. Someone was breaking the bones of her chest by beating them with a hammer. In front of her eyes, her own love interest had shattered all the dreams and desires that she had been decorating since her childhood. It couldn't be tolerated at all. All the colors got washed away from her beautiful imaginations. There were only the shades of black and white.
"What are you doing here still?" Yet, Tyson didn't feel pity on her. At that time, his heart got remade itself of stones, "Get off! Otherwise, tomorrow, Japan's people will get to know the news of the suicide of their youngest princess. It won't be so a pleasant news, I guess."
Dew raised her face. Her eyes were bloodshot. Her cheeks became puffy by wailing. Slowly, she stood up.
"Today, you have broken my love, Tyson," Slowly, she wiped her tears, "But you won't be successful to break the love of prince Hiwatari and Oni-chan. I repeat, you will fail. You'll be a failure!"
Sobbing again, the girl quickly left the room, not bothering to look back for the second time.
Flash forward:
She looked at her foster sister who was still dazed a bit. Her father was waiting for her approval. For getting her senses back, the purplette poked at the arm of the brunette. When she looked at her younger sister, the violet-head calmly spoke, "Father is waiting for your opinion, Oni-chan."
Not able to take her decision, the princess looked downward, at the prince of Russia. His gazes met hers. Once again, he slowly nodded. His discreet eyes were pleading, "Princess, let me fight against him. Don't stop me."
Turning to her father, the princess of Japan concurred. As Hayashi raised a hand of approval, the commentator screeched, "His Majesty has permitted Tyson Granger to battle against prince Kai Alexander Hiwatari. Warriors, continue!"
Exhaling, the phoenix-prince took off his scarf and thumped it against the ground. Collapsing, the shawl created two or three cracks on the floor. Nonetheless, his opponent just rolled his eyes at it, smirking a bit.
"Hiyaaa!"
They both again landed on each other, so did their rapiers. Again, the circular blue radiations got discharged all over the gallery. Even the audiences started struggling hard to be safe from them.
"Tung!"
"Ting!"
"Tung!"
"Ting!"
Fireflies jolted as the swords jarred. The navy-haired guy jumped in the air. Reaching one of the pillars, the phoenix-prince placed a straight kick at it. Tumbling, he diagonally stooped on his rival. Stars appeared. Some shards of broken gypsum scattered here and there.
Catching the weapon-held hand of the Russian, the Japanese span him just like a top. Not losing balance, Kai poked at his armor with the tip of his sword. Tyson was almost stumbling but at the last moment, he curved his body back and penetrated the ground with his blade, creating an obtuse angle. Everyone clapped seeing his awesome skill of swords save the brunette and her friends.
Now, it was the turn of the dragoon-wielder to attack. He flounced his sword horizontally in the direction of the negative X-axis. The phoenix-prince eddied. Vertically placing the sword on the floor, he maintained his balance, backing the navy-haired. For the second time, the dragoon-wielder's innocent brown eyes turned icy blue, embodying only hatred and vengeance. He had been waiting for the same position of his rival.
Not wasting much time, Tyson tucked his sword beneath the cross-linkage of the straps of the armor of his opponent. Sliding it a bit, he hauled it up, ripping the strips. As a result, the chestplate of the phoenix-prince fell on the ground, making his chest be uncovered. Startled, he turned to his opponent. Utilizing his shock, the dragoon-wielder drew his sword diagonally on his chest.
"Slatch!"
A cut, having a tiny amount of depth, appeared on the pale chest of the Russian. In pain, he screamed, yet not dropping his sword and knees. Further, the Japanese hit on his arm. Blood gushed out from that wound.
"Aaaaah!"
For another time, in horror, all the audiences stood up. The brunette clasped her fingers. She wished she could have slapped the opponent of the phoenix-prince twice; forgetting the fact that he was her best friend. Her sisters held her wrists firmly in order to control her.
"Tyson!" The red-haired Russian blurted, "Get your hands off! If something happens to my brother, swearing by the deities of ice, I will wage a war against Japan and crush her in such a way that nobody can imagine ever!"
Devilish laughter of the dragoon-wielder echoed throughout the stadium. Shocked, the Russian candidate forgot his pains. The eyes of his opponents were displaying the utmost crudeness of the world, borrowing the color from the sky. With a swing of his sword, he screeched, "It's about time, Dragoon!"
From the Katana, a strange azure gleam was coming out...no, it was scuffling to come out. The beholders felt as if the airstream and the sword had been playing tug of war with the blue dragon. Seeing it, the expression of the dragoon-wielder turned more darkened. Popping out a lash from his waist, he slammed it on the ground.
"I say, go!"
Having the ideas of the outcomes of disobeying the orders of his master, Dragoon emerged from the sword. Elongating its scimitar-like nails, it howled which resonated in the ears of the beholders. In fear, the brunette gulped, shutting her eyes. Even the mighty emperor of Japan felt himself to be at a loss. The elder Granger kept screaming and joining his hands to his grandson, but his pleadings went in vain.
"Good boy!" Tyson chuckled, "Now, the phantom hurricane!"
The wind of the battle arena eddied, rushing in the direction of the mandala artwork. As a result, three pillars got crushed and descended on the floor. Thankfully, the warriors dodged them. The tempest didn't stop despite causing the havoc. It stormed towards the Hiwatarian and smacked him hard. He literally got flung up. Hurled back, he became thumped on a pillar against his spine. A droplet of blood trickled from his nose.
"Enough!"
All the people of the stadium looked at the Japanese princess. She had stood up from her seat. Her teeth were clenched, so were her fingers. Her ruby orbs had already experienced the pain of her lover. She couldn't bear it anymore.
"I was quiet because Tyson is my best friend," She hissed, "But now, what he is doing is clearly against the rules of the battle. He's breaking the disciplines. I would like to request the adjudicators to stop the battle right now and disqualify Tyson Granger!"
"No, princess!"
The countenance of the chocolate-haired girl softened a bit as the voice of the Russian reached her ears. She turned to him. He had already stood up on his feet, still appearing to be stale from the hits and attacks of his opponent. Amethyst flames were burning inside his eyes. His ankles were shaking, not the hand which was seizing the Katana. As he was panting, his eyeballs were fluctuating up and down.
"Princess..." He coughed out blood a bit, "I know that Tyson is going against the...rules. But it is important for me to continue the battle...try to understand..."
Hilary felt as if everything had stopped around her. Shrilled, she obstructed her feet right there. Stammering a bit, she spoke, "But...he's doing injustice with you, prince!"
'He's not doing injustice with me, princess...' Kai mentally spoke, 'Tyson has no fault at what's happening here at present. He's innocent. Only I know the truth of him. But if I disclose it right now, only panic will spread all over the watchers. No no...neither I can let fright capture the aura, nor can I see Tyson in this state. I have to...I have to help him. If I leave the battle, he'll be destroyed. No no, this thing should never happen to a truthful and righteous warrior like Tyson. Never!'
"I must have told you, princess!" He blurted, concealing the actual facts, "A warrior should cope with every situation. He has to stay constant in every position. No matter what life brings for him, he has to stand up and fight!"
I'll fight, I'll fight,
There's a fire burning in my blood,
I'm stubborn and passionate,
Every particle in me saying this
I'll fight, I'll fight...
Broken and baffled, the princess slumped on her seat, holding the handles. Dew kept a hand on her shoulder that could pacify her a bit. Already, her tears had dried. Sniffing, she spoke, "Stay strong, Oni-chan. Being weak doesn't suit you at all."
'I don't know...' She whispered, 'I don't know the outcomes of this battle. I never wanted this to be in front of my eyes. Never. If something happens to prince Kai, Russia will surely wage a war against us. But...but I don't care about the war. I just want prince Hiwatari to be safe and sound. If this battle of today doesn't come out to be in his favor, my existence will be lost forever. Then, I'll immolate myself directly. The culture which has been banned due to prince Hiwatari will be restarted only by me.'
"Really?" A familiar feminine voice questioned, "Never knew that the princess of Japan could be so frail!"
Hilary's ears twitched a bit. She gulped, "Who's that?"
"You know who," The lady spoke, "Therefore, you should feel ashamed of your thoughts. In order to make your love win, you have to return me to my master."
"It means..."
"Yes, princess, our destiny is the same! Now don't waste time. Call me!"
"But..."
She looked at the Russian prince who was barely in the fight. His sword wasn't crisscrossing anymore. Rather, he was leaping, diving and sliding down in order to save himself. The flame of his energy was swinging between its life and death. The stormy gusts of wind were playing with its helplessness. With Dragoon, the navy-haired swordsman was dancing the rampaging dance of destruction on the floor of battle. Amidst all of them, someone's voice knocked at the door of the ears of phoenix-prince.
"Don't need to thank me, prince," The honeyed laughter of the girl was heard by him, "I'll always be for you, right by your side, no matter what happens."
"Consider me as your obedient servant," The voice replied, "Identity isn't important now but accomplishing your task is."
'Oh...my savior!' He mentally screeched, 'Where're you? You promised me that you would be always for me, right by my side. There, you helped me kill the demoness. Then why aren't you appearing today to protect a righteous warrior from the fangs and nails of vices? Why aren't helping me free him from the dungeon of darkness? That day, you showered your kindness on me despite not wanting. Today, I'm begging to you for your assistance. Please, display yourself wherever you are! Kai Hiwatari has never pleaded in this way to anyone in his life. But today, he's beseeching for your mercy. Oh, the holy lady, please help me! Please!'
"Come on," The voice again rang in Hilary's ears, "Or do you still want to see his miseries?"
"NO!"
The brunette shrieked, gritting her grips with sheer force. Right at that time, the locket of the chain hanging round her neck got bright. All the clouds from the sky moved away, letting the vermillion sun enter and witness the drama. The brightness of the pendant increased so much that it exploded at a time.
"Boom!"
Breaking the locket into pieces, a stream of flames ran in the direction of the phoenix-prince, shushing the stadium completely. Wheeling, it entered the sword of Kai. The Russian had already been ready for it. Again, he extended his weapon. From it, a phoenix emerged. Bathed in blood, it was flying, stretching its plumose majestic wings having golden armlets. Its well-built chest was guarded by metal breastplates. Its javelin beak was also made of gold, possessing the silvery gleams of the nocturnal queen of the sky. Its white-specked tails were gliding, almost manifesting the beauty of a dancing peacock. Its screeches deafened the atmosphere. Flittering its...no no, her wings, she cut the air.
"Welcome!" Kai spread his arms widely, "Welcome, Dranzer, the sacred vermillion bird of the south!"
Bowing once, the phoenix stepped inside his sword again. Looking at his opponent, the Russian smirked. Though his lips were curved into a grin, his eyes were showering the glares of demise. Seeing his posture, the legs of the dragoon-wielder started shaking. He felt his throat being like desert Sahara. But he wasn't the one to give up.
For another moment, their swords collided against each other. This time, the velocity of those rapiers increased vastly; up and down, down and up. The slate-haired Russian revolved his sword vertically anticlockwise, keeping it in touch with the weapon of his opponent. Unable to bear the sheerness, Tyson knelt down on the ground. Placing his hand on the shoulder of the navy-haired, the dual-haired leaped, pushing him to the surface.
Yes, he was back to the fight.
He's like a desert, a shore, a jungle, a residence and a garden,
He's a burning lamp of fireballs,
He's like a mountain, water, wind, sky and fire,
He's a burning lamp of fireballs,
He fights with every black night,
He burns and gets enhanced in the process,
He'll keep on moving forward till he's alive...!
"Dranzer!" He roared, "Show him what you have and what you can!"
The stream of fire again got released from the Katana and dashed towards the dragoon-wielder. Not giving him any chance to bite back, the blazing jet hit his sword in which Dragoon was enclosed. Immediately, the metal foil melted and dropped from his hand, burning his palm a bit. From the Katana, cerulean rays went upward, totally losing themselves in the blue of the sky. The dragoon-wielder collapsed against a pillar tiredly. The icy blue vibes were being discharged from his brown eyes. He kept being there like a lifeless figurine.
"And it's been over!" The interpreter blurted, "The winner of the battle is Kai Alexander Hiwatari, the prince of Russia! As well as, the fiancé of princess Hilary Tachibana!"
Following it, the blood-shaded feathers of the phoenix started raining upon the phoenix-prince since the vermillion bird made her permanent residence inside the weapon of the Hiwatarian. He outstretched his armament and pointed it at the blue sky, just like challenging the blue dragon. There were a lot of cuts and scrapes all over his fair body. His amethyst eyes were glittering. So were the ruby eyes of the brunette. Her joys knew no bound then. Hugging the Spaniard tightly, she let her tears flow.
"Shush..." Julia patted her back, "Everything has been alright, Hil. Don't need to cry now. Look, he's won the battle. He's alive."
Yes, he was alive.
The storm inside him is still alive,
The hope inside his heart is still alive,
Even when an ocean is silent, it's an ocean,
It says to the waves that it is still alive,
The storm inside him is still alive,
The hope inside his heart is still alive...
The brunette couldn't stop her feet anymore. Seizing her gown, she started climbing down the stairs. Not caring about embarrassment, not bothering of disgrace, she kept running in the direction of the phoenix-prince. She was like a waterfall then. The pebbles and mountains were glaring at her with the questions of scandals and norms. But she wasn't apt to maintain them anymore. She was flowing down, in her own direction.
Reaching the battleground, she stopped. Before her, her lover was breathing. His eyes were serene as if they had revealed themselves to the world for the first time. With wobbly footsteps, he was coming to her. With gentle trajectories, she was approaching him. There was no shower of flowers but the feathers of the vermillion bird of the south fulfilled its absence. Each time those fluffs were caressing them, they were feeling that they were being bathed in fire. But the warm...no no, the tepid sensations weren't annoying them or burning their skins. Rather, they were feeling relaxed. They were getting closer to each other, their feet were pulling them. Just a step more...
"Thud!"
The head of the phoenix-prince slumped on the shoulder of the brunette unstably all of a sudden. For holding him, she placed one of her hands on his head and wrapped another around his shoulders. Yet, his body was crushing hers. She kowtowed on the ground. Her eyes went widened. When another feather of Dranzer stroked her cheeks, it left its color right there. Her heart was pounding hard. Tightly clutching him, she spoke, "Prince?"
No response. He had already collapsed in the world of bottomless siesta. He had needed it. After all the havocs, he might deserve yet. Then again, a droplet of tears slid across the left cheek of the brunette. Quickly controlling herself, she blurted:
"Soldiers!"
Hearing her, a group of soldiers rushed there with a bamboo-made stretcher. Hooking their arms beneath his back and knees, they lifted the phoenix-prince and placed him on it. His face was still bearing the bruises and other marks that had been given to him by his opponent in the battle. But, they couldn't diminish his serene splendor a bit. He was looking like a warrior angel with his closed eyes. Holding its handles, the guards raised it on their shoulders and marched towards the healing center. Breathing and wiping her tears, the brunette stood up. Turning back, she saw her father. Smiling dimly and going to him, she gently hugged him.
"Congratulations, my girl..." The father cupped her face, "Finally, you've got what you wanted. Now come and have a little rest. You're seeming tired."
"No, father," Releasing the emperor from her embrace, she sniffed, "I cannot rest now. I have to look after prince Hiwatari. He's my soon-to-be husband. I need to perform my responsibilities towards him as a fiancée."
"I'm proud of you, my child," Hayashi kissed on her forehead, "Surely, you'll enlighten the name of Japan and Tachibana clan."
"Another thing, father," Hilary held the hands of her father, "Please, don't say anything to Tyson. Don't take any approach against him."
"But why?"
"Of course, he deserves punishment," The façade of the brunette lost a little brightness, "And none but I'll give him that!"
"As your wish, my daughter," The ruler sighed, "Now go to prince Hiwatari."
"You also go to your chamber, father..." Hilary smiled. Turning back and holding her breaths, she started rushing towards the healing compound. Heaving once, the emperor left the battleground too. Bit by bit, the stadium became empty.
Then, the navy-haired warrior stood up. His eyes weren't being icy blue. They returned to their usual auburn color. Crouching, he looked here and there. His eyes were searching for the Katana sword in the piles of destruction. He tried to lift the shards of broken columns. No, there was no sign of the weapon.
His heart ached. He tried to remember what had been happening to him but couldn't. Only some vague senses of flashbacks remained in his brain; saying to him that Dragoon was no more to him and it had happened only because of the Russian prince.
"DRAGOON!"
Ripping the airstream, he screeched. It reached the sky but no response came back on the earth. Hearing him, the blonde American and the dual-haired Spanish prince sprinted to him. Squeezing his shoulders, the American prince worriedly asked, "Are you alright, Tyson?"
"Leave me!" Scuffling, the dragoon-wielder pushed his friend back. Standing up, he blurted:
"Hiwatarian! You might have won today's battle. You might have been the victorious one! But such a time...such a life... such a birth will surely come with the passage of the flowing moments! There, you may be the best before my arrival. But when you'll face me, you'll lose your title of being the best. Unlike this competition, there, in all the competitions and contests, you'll be very close to your victory. But in the end, no attempts of you will even matter. Be it on my behalf or against me, in the final rounds and the rungs before the finales, you'll always lose. No matter how much you try, no matter how much effort you put, you'll always lose! You'll question yourself again and again but will never find any answer. Despite being skilled, no victory will be written on your fate. Recurrently, you have to bow before me. There, I'll be the victor! I'll be the champion!"
"Oh no..." Raul bit his lips.
"You love your Dranzer a lot, don't you?" The lost warrior continued, "Just like me, you'll suffer for your Dranzer in that era. Today's state of my heart will reach you then. Not only once! Again and again, she'll leave you! You've to rely on my kindness for getting her back! I swear! This is the curse of Tyson Granger!"
All the energy of the dragoon-wielder got smothered. Breathing heavily, he fell on the ground. Both the princes hurried to him to catch him. Though they held him, it went in vain.
He had already gone to the numb universe of slumber...
*Peeps behind my curtains*
So...how was it? I repeat, Tyson has no fault! If you cannot believe my words, go back and reread Kai's words when he was battling Tyson. He easily understood what had happened to our world-champ. But...have you got to understand it? About cursing, it was quite natural for him since he lost dragoon. *Sighs*
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and spelling errors. Pardon the stupid battle also. Take care :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^