Disclaimer: The good thing is that this story only has two or three more
chapters to go, so I only need to come up with two or three more
disclaimers. Anyway, I don't own.
The next morning came bleak and grey again. The Blade Breakers sat in their change room, discussing their game.
Kenny scanned his computer and said, "From the line-up the Demolition Boys submitted, you will playing against Peter, who holds the bit-beast Black Dranzer."
"Is it a really strong?" Shea asked.
Kenny grimaced, "Let's just say it's nearly invincible. We did manage to defeat it once, but only with the combined power of Dranzer, Dragoon, Drigger and Draciel."
Shea's eyes went wide, "Sweet lord! That must be one heck of a bit-beast."
Kenny nodded and said, "It is. Do you have any strategies?"
Shea shook her head slowly, "You know my bit-beast, Chief. I can only come up with something once I see how my opponent works."
"But you have seen Black Dranzer before." Kenny pressed, "You should be able to think of something."
Shea quickly ran through all the music pieces she knew in her head and answered doubtfully, "I am thinking using water. Perhaps a storm song."
Before Kenny could reply, the voice of AJ Topper boomed outside, and the team was called to the stadium. They walked outside and were welcomed by frantic cheering from the fans.
"Welcome to the second match of the world championship final!" AJ shouted, "Yesterday's match was exhilarating, and today's shall be no less!"
"Let's meet our players." Brad introduced, "From Blade Breakers we have Shea Willington. She was undefeated since she got her bit- beast, Descant."
AJ butted in here, "Talking about that bit-beast Descant, it is one amazing bird. It can turn into anything and everything! Let her opponent beware!"
Brad continued, "And from the Demolition Boys we have Peter. He may not look much, but he controls the most power bit-beast there is, the infamous Black Dranzer. Can Shea possibly defeat him?"
"We shall see that!" AJ shouted, "And let the match begin! Players ready. Three, two, one, let it rip!"
Two black blades sailed and landed in the dish together, circling each other. Both players called their bit-beast immediately.
"Black Dranzer! Come out and play!" The dark-haired boy shouted.
Shea commanded, "Descant, let's bring up a storm!"
The black and white bird rose at the same time. Black Dranzer shrieked shrilly, while Descant sang Isolde's storm verse with a voice trembling with power. Darkness spread, and dark, turbulent water roared. The song grew stronger and louder still, emitting more power. The white bird was no longer white, but a shade of stormy dark grey. Yet the storm did not seem to trouble Black Dranzer at all. The red flame around it distinguished, while the darkness grew. It was no longer composed of darkness and fire, now it was a figure of shadows only, looming ever so terrible.
"Why is it not working?" Tyson shouted with frustration.
"Because it is a storm." Ray suddenly spoke up, "Black Dranzer takes delight in what is chaotic and troublesome. The storm only complements its power."
Around the dish the struggle seemed to grow even more intense, but if one was observant he could see it was no struggle at all. Black Dranzer was wielding the storm like a great weapon, and the other blade was shaking along the waves. It did not take long for the match to finish. Shea's blade flew out of the dish and landed, registering defeat.
The raven-haired girl picked up her blade quietly and went back to her team. Her head was bowed and she looked crestfallen.
"I am sorry, guys." She said quietly.
"Don't worry, Shea." Tyson said, "There are still two rounds left. You can beat him, we believe in you."
Kenny continued, "You do need a new strategy, how ever."
"I can't seem to find a weakness in that Black Dranzer!" Shea said with frustration, "Not even a storm can distinguish its fire."
"The fire was distinguished." Ray said quietly.
Shea turned and looked at him was puzzlement.
Ray continued in a calm voice, "But the shadows was even more terrible than the fire. You cannot fight darkness with darkness. You will lose definitely.
Shea nodded, and another plan formed in her head. Shea walked up to the dish and readied herself. Round two began. Black Dranzer emerged again, a horrifying sight.
"Come on, Descant." Shea commanded quietly, "You know what to do."
The white bird rose and began to sing, though it was a strange and new voice. It did not sound like a human voice; instead it was the simple, leaping notes of a horn that formed Handel's Water Music. The notes were clear and pure, like silver streams from a water fountain leaping into the sunlight. In the background the faint murmur of Debussy's La Mer could be heard. Not a raging, storming sea; but a calm shore with mild waves breaking upon the rocks.
Water began to flow from the white bird's beak and tips of its wings. They were glistening with a serene silver light. Soon there was nothing but a flash of silver, composed of swinging ropes of water. One could barely distinguish the form of a long-winged bird caught in between. The silver water gently but firmly trapped Black Dranzer. The black bird shrieked and struggled in vain. Soon Black Dranzer retreated back to the blade, and the match was over.
"Impressive." The dark-haired boy across the dish smiled at her, mildly amused, "I guess I will have to show you more of my tricks."
"Keep them coming, then." Shea replied with determination.
The third round began anew. This time when Black Dranzer emerged, and it was greater than before. Darkness radiated from it and soon covered the entire stadium. There was a sea of shadows, and Shea's blade was like a small vessel tumbling in the furious water. For the first time, Shea tasted fear. In all of the matches she had, she may be downhearted at times, but never afraid. It changed now. The terrible bird before her looked like a demi-god of ancient time, a fallen angel from the depth of hell. She despaired. There is no triumph against such a power.
Suddenly Descant's silvery voice spoke to her, "You can not cower back now. Think about what you are doing this for."
Shea gasped and awoke from her despair. Images flashed. She saw the fleeting smiles of her friends sparkle like jewels before her eyes. A sudden determination and boldness came to her.
"I will do this with you, Descant. Show me a way." She said.
"Sing then. Sing with me of the light." Replied the ancient enchantress.
"Sing of the light." Shea murmured quietly, and the song came to her, new, fresh, never been sung before.
Slowly she began, at first more of a chanting.
"From gnashing of the Narrow Ice
where shadows lies on frozen hills,
from nether heats and burning waste
he turned in haste, and roving still
on starless waters far astray."
Then bit by bit the flowing melody emerged, clear and light like pearls falling on plates of jade.
"There flying Elwing came to him,
and flame was in the darkness lit;
more bright than light of diamond
the fire upon her carcanet."
From the sea of shadows a sudden light came. A long winged silver bird crowned with a fierce light emerged, as if suddenly breaking out of the dark water. It flew with such vigour that threatened to shatter the darkness. The song continued, and the melody rose higher and higher. Like the first burst of water that broke the ice in spring, like the first star that pierced the cloak of night, like the first ray of sunlight that heralded the dawn, it came now with great brilliance.
"A ship then new they built for him
of mithril and of elven-glass
the Silmaril as lantern light
and banner bright with living flame
to gleam thereon by Elbereth
herself was set, who thither came
and wings immortal made for him.
From Evereven's lofty hills
where softly silver fountains fall
his wings him bore, a wandering light
beyond the mighty mountains wall."
The light grew, and the silver bird was slowly changed. Then, the form of a vessel emerged, with shinning prows and shaven oar, though no sails she bore on silver mast. A tall man stood upon the vessel; his hair was white like star-lit snow, and upon his brow there was a gem brighter than the sun itself. The vessel charged into the black bird, the furious glare making it shriek and retreat. The man upon the ship raised a slender sword. The gleaming weapon was burning with a silver fire. The man thrust the sword and plunged it into the might black bird. The bird's shriek turned into a raged scream. It cried, stirring the sea of shadows. But its shrill sound could not cover the song still. The song had just changed. Now it was a hymn sung by a chorus of voices. It was solemn and majestic, bearing great power.
"A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
silivren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath!
na-chaered palan-diriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
Nef aear, sinef aearon!"
There was an explosion of light, shattering the dome of darkness. With an undignified shriek Black Dranzer retreated back to the blade, which wobbled and finally stopped spinning. There was a dead silence. Then finally AJ awoke and performed his duty as the announcer with unusual enthusiasm.
"Shea is the winner! The Blade Breakers takes the second match!" He shouted.
As soon as he said those words Shea's still spinning blade began to disintegrate. It slowly turned to dust. There was a light, bursting from the pile of ash. A long winged bird emerged from the light and flew towards the raven-haired girl. She landed on the girl's out- stretched arm gently.
Shea stroked the bird's silver plumes and smiled, "You are wonderful, Descant."
The bird bowed its head. There was another flash of light and she was gone. In the girl's hand there was a black stone with the image of a bird carved in silver. Shea stowed the stone in her pocket and went to join her friends. It was another hard-earned victory that brought them one step closer to defeat the scheming evil, and it called for celebration.
Additional disclaimer: That piece of little poetry was by J.R.R.Tolkien. You LOTR fans will know that it is the poem about Earendil the mariner, composed by Bilbo. It's from Many Meeting, The Fellowship of the Ring. That poem of weird language is also by Tolkien. It was in Sindarian, a language spoken by elves. I do not have the translation for that piece, but it's a hymn to Elbereth, the star-kindler. Since this story is for fun and posted in fanfiction.net, you can't really sue me for using Tolkien's verse.
A/N: Well, here is a new chapter. We are nearing the end, my friends! Oh and I just watched the episode A Wicked Wind Blows again today. It was absolutely brilliant, my favourite anime episode of all times. It's breath taking!
Gotta love Ray, and his chapter is coming up!
The next morning came bleak and grey again. The Blade Breakers sat in their change room, discussing their game.
Kenny scanned his computer and said, "From the line-up the Demolition Boys submitted, you will playing against Peter, who holds the bit-beast Black Dranzer."
"Is it a really strong?" Shea asked.
Kenny grimaced, "Let's just say it's nearly invincible. We did manage to defeat it once, but only with the combined power of Dranzer, Dragoon, Drigger and Draciel."
Shea's eyes went wide, "Sweet lord! That must be one heck of a bit-beast."
Kenny nodded and said, "It is. Do you have any strategies?"
Shea shook her head slowly, "You know my bit-beast, Chief. I can only come up with something once I see how my opponent works."
"But you have seen Black Dranzer before." Kenny pressed, "You should be able to think of something."
Shea quickly ran through all the music pieces she knew in her head and answered doubtfully, "I am thinking using water. Perhaps a storm song."
Before Kenny could reply, the voice of AJ Topper boomed outside, and the team was called to the stadium. They walked outside and were welcomed by frantic cheering from the fans.
"Welcome to the second match of the world championship final!" AJ shouted, "Yesterday's match was exhilarating, and today's shall be no less!"
"Let's meet our players." Brad introduced, "From Blade Breakers we have Shea Willington. She was undefeated since she got her bit- beast, Descant."
AJ butted in here, "Talking about that bit-beast Descant, it is one amazing bird. It can turn into anything and everything! Let her opponent beware!"
Brad continued, "And from the Demolition Boys we have Peter. He may not look much, but he controls the most power bit-beast there is, the infamous Black Dranzer. Can Shea possibly defeat him?"
"We shall see that!" AJ shouted, "And let the match begin! Players ready. Three, two, one, let it rip!"
Two black blades sailed and landed in the dish together, circling each other. Both players called their bit-beast immediately.
"Black Dranzer! Come out and play!" The dark-haired boy shouted.
Shea commanded, "Descant, let's bring up a storm!"
The black and white bird rose at the same time. Black Dranzer shrieked shrilly, while Descant sang Isolde's storm verse with a voice trembling with power. Darkness spread, and dark, turbulent water roared. The song grew stronger and louder still, emitting more power. The white bird was no longer white, but a shade of stormy dark grey. Yet the storm did not seem to trouble Black Dranzer at all. The red flame around it distinguished, while the darkness grew. It was no longer composed of darkness and fire, now it was a figure of shadows only, looming ever so terrible.
"Why is it not working?" Tyson shouted with frustration.
"Because it is a storm." Ray suddenly spoke up, "Black Dranzer takes delight in what is chaotic and troublesome. The storm only complements its power."
Around the dish the struggle seemed to grow even more intense, but if one was observant he could see it was no struggle at all. Black Dranzer was wielding the storm like a great weapon, and the other blade was shaking along the waves. It did not take long for the match to finish. Shea's blade flew out of the dish and landed, registering defeat.
The raven-haired girl picked up her blade quietly and went back to her team. Her head was bowed and she looked crestfallen.
"I am sorry, guys." She said quietly.
"Don't worry, Shea." Tyson said, "There are still two rounds left. You can beat him, we believe in you."
Kenny continued, "You do need a new strategy, how ever."
"I can't seem to find a weakness in that Black Dranzer!" Shea said with frustration, "Not even a storm can distinguish its fire."
"The fire was distinguished." Ray said quietly.
Shea turned and looked at him was puzzlement.
Ray continued in a calm voice, "But the shadows was even more terrible than the fire. You cannot fight darkness with darkness. You will lose definitely.
Shea nodded, and another plan formed in her head. Shea walked up to the dish and readied herself. Round two began. Black Dranzer emerged again, a horrifying sight.
"Come on, Descant." Shea commanded quietly, "You know what to do."
The white bird rose and began to sing, though it was a strange and new voice. It did not sound like a human voice; instead it was the simple, leaping notes of a horn that formed Handel's Water Music. The notes were clear and pure, like silver streams from a water fountain leaping into the sunlight. In the background the faint murmur of Debussy's La Mer could be heard. Not a raging, storming sea; but a calm shore with mild waves breaking upon the rocks.
Water began to flow from the white bird's beak and tips of its wings. They were glistening with a serene silver light. Soon there was nothing but a flash of silver, composed of swinging ropes of water. One could barely distinguish the form of a long-winged bird caught in between. The silver water gently but firmly trapped Black Dranzer. The black bird shrieked and struggled in vain. Soon Black Dranzer retreated back to the blade, and the match was over.
"Impressive." The dark-haired boy across the dish smiled at her, mildly amused, "I guess I will have to show you more of my tricks."
"Keep them coming, then." Shea replied with determination.
The third round began anew. This time when Black Dranzer emerged, and it was greater than before. Darkness radiated from it and soon covered the entire stadium. There was a sea of shadows, and Shea's blade was like a small vessel tumbling in the furious water. For the first time, Shea tasted fear. In all of the matches she had, she may be downhearted at times, but never afraid. It changed now. The terrible bird before her looked like a demi-god of ancient time, a fallen angel from the depth of hell. She despaired. There is no triumph against such a power.
Suddenly Descant's silvery voice spoke to her, "You can not cower back now. Think about what you are doing this for."
Shea gasped and awoke from her despair. Images flashed. She saw the fleeting smiles of her friends sparkle like jewels before her eyes. A sudden determination and boldness came to her.
"I will do this with you, Descant. Show me a way." She said.
"Sing then. Sing with me of the light." Replied the ancient enchantress.
"Sing of the light." Shea murmured quietly, and the song came to her, new, fresh, never been sung before.
Slowly she began, at first more of a chanting.
"From gnashing of the Narrow Ice
where shadows lies on frozen hills,
from nether heats and burning waste
he turned in haste, and roving still
on starless waters far astray."
Then bit by bit the flowing melody emerged, clear and light like pearls falling on plates of jade.
"There flying Elwing came to him,
and flame was in the darkness lit;
more bright than light of diamond
the fire upon her carcanet."
From the sea of shadows a sudden light came. A long winged silver bird crowned with a fierce light emerged, as if suddenly breaking out of the dark water. It flew with such vigour that threatened to shatter the darkness. The song continued, and the melody rose higher and higher. Like the first burst of water that broke the ice in spring, like the first star that pierced the cloak of night, like the first ray of sunlight that heralded the dawn, it came now with great brilliance.
"A ship then new they built for him
of mithril and of elven-glass
the Silmaril as lantern light
and banner bright with living flame
to gleam thereon by Elbereth
herself was set, who thither came
and wings immortal made for him.
From Evereven's lofty hills
where softly silver fountains fall
his wings him bore, a wandering light
beyond the mighty mountains wall."
The light grew, and the silver bird was slowly changed. Then, the form of a vessel emerged, with shinning prows and shaven oar, though no sails she bore on silver mast. A tall man stood upon the vessel; his hair was white like star-lit snow, and upon his brow there was a gem brighter than the sun itself. The vessel charged into the black bird, the furious glare making it shriek and retreat. The man upon the ship raised a slender sword. The gleaming weapon was burning with a silver fire. The man thrust the sword and plunged it into the might black bird. The bird's shriek turned into a raged scream. It cried, stirring the sea of shadows. But its shrill sound could not cover the song still. The song had just changed. Now it was a hymn sung by a chorus of voices. It was solemn and majestic, bearing great power.
"A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
silivren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath!
na-chaered palan-diriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
Nef aear, sinef aearon!"
There was an explosion of light, shattering the dome of darkness. With an undignified shriek Black Dranzer retreated back to the blade, which wobbled and finally stopped spinning. There was a dead silence. Then finally AJ awoke and performed his duty as the announcer with unusual enthusiasm.
"Shea is the winner! The Blade Breakers takes the second match!" He shouted.
As soon as he said those words Shea's still spinning blade began to disintegrate. It slowly turned to dust. There was a light, bursting from the pile of ash. A long winged bird emerged from the light and flew towards the raven-haired girl. She landed on the girl's out- stretched arm gently.
Shea stroked the bird's silver plumes and smiled, "You are wonderful, Descant."
The bird bowed its head. There was another flash of light and she was gone. In the girl's hand there was a black stone with the image of a bird carved in silver. Shea stowed the stone in her pocket and went to join her friends. It was another hard-earned victory that brought them one step closer to defeat the scheming evil, and it called for celebration.
Additional disclaimer: That piece of little poetry was by J.R.R.Tolkien. You LOTR fans will know that it is the poem about Earendil the mariner, composed by Bilbo. It's from Many Meeting, The Fellowship of the Ring. That poem of weird language is also by Tolkien. It was in Sindarian, a language spoken by elves. I do not have the translation for that piece, but it's a hymn to Elbereth, the star-kindler. Since this story is for fun and posted in fanfiction.net, you can't really sue me for using Tolkien's verse.
A/N: Well, here is a new chapter. We are nearing the end, my friends! Oh and I just watched the episode A Wicked Wind Blows again today. It was absolutely brilliant, my favourite anime episode of all times. It's breath taking!
Gotta love Ray, and his chapter is coming up!