Lady obsessed: Oh my word! I now have 18 reviews. Wow. Thank you so so
much...ahem...sorry I get worked up when people praise my word. Wow wow
wow! Okay, I'm done. Once again Kai is going to do my disclaimer.
Kai: Why do you always pick on me?
Lady obsessed: Because you're my favourite character. Please!
Kai: No!
Lady obsessed: *sniffs* Fine. Don't. *clears throat* I don't own Beyblade. Only Appolene and the other new characters are mine.
Blue Feathers
"...LET IT RIP!"
Tyson sent Dragoon into the dish with perfect accuracy. He smirked and then stared as Katrina's blade, Kar, mimicked his launch. He frowned.
"Okay Dragoon, lets show her what we've got!"
The white beyblade shot forward, straight at Kar. Kar did the same. They hit with equal force and were knocked away. Tyson's frown deepened and dodged left. Again, Kar copied. He dodged right. So did Kar. A growl now echoing in his throat, he ordered Dragoon to circle around and attack from behind but as soon as Dragoon moved, Kar imitated him.
"What's going on?!" Hilary cried as she watched Kar continue to mimic Dragoon's every move. "All she's doing is doing whatever Dragoon does!"
"That's the point. It's confusing the opponent," Kenny said. "But I wish I knew how she did it."
The door to the VIP box opened and everyone turned. Kai raised his eyes and felt his stomach squirm slightly. Appolene didn't even look at him but crossed to the window.
"Did I miss anything?" She asked.
"Only the beginning of the match."
"Okay. Who's he battling?" She glanced up at the giant screen. "Ah. Katrina."
"You know her?" the Bladebreakers enquired.
"I know of her, and her bit-beast. Their pretty famous and well known for their use of mimicry to confuse the opponent."
"But how do they know what Dragoon's next move will be?"
Appolene cocked her head slightly as she watched.
"It's the bit-beast. It's a creature that mimics by nature though originally it only mimicked sound. Katrina's bit-beast has been trained to mimic movement."
"Ahhh!"
Tyson was getting more and more worked up. He needed to calm down or he'd lose but it was difficult because no matter what he did, Kar always did the exact same thing.
"Will you cut it out?! Why don't you use your own moves instead of always copying mine!" He yelled at Katrina.
She stood there, smiling.
"But Tyson, this is my move."
"Liar! Why are you doing it?!"
"Because it distracts the blader, just like it's doing to you. Kar! Mirror shatter attack!"
The bit-chip on top of Kar glowed and light burst out. The golden bit- beast rose into the air and spread its wings.
"What is it?!" Max asked, pressing his face to the glass for a better look.
"It's a mocking bird!" Kenny cried.
"A mocking bird?"
"Yes. A bird that is known for being able to mimic all different kinds of sounds! Even ones that are man-made."
The wings of the golden mocking-bird smashed together and sent shards of glass hurtling at Dragoon. Kar had stopped mimicking by now and had changed to a full frontal attack.
Dragoon burst from the bit-chip of Tyson's blade. The blue dragon was ready for the attack. Tyson shielded his eyes from the glass that was flying about but was able to command Dragoon to use his Storm Attack. The tornado spun up from the blade and swept the glass sky high. Katrina scowled.
"MIMIC!"
Kar began to copy Dragoon's movements again. No matter which way the dragon dodged, the mocking-bird followed.
"She's started it again!" Ray exclaimed.
"Yes, she's trying to wear Dragoon down as well as confusing Tyson," Kenny nodded. He considered for a moment and then his face lit up. "He needs to get her to attack! When Kar attacks, it stops mimicking so Tyson will be able to get at her!"
"So Tyson? What do you think of my bit-beast?" Katrina smirked.
Tyson grinned. "Not half bad but if you continue to copy me, how will you win? You'll get nowhere."
Katrina's face contorted. "Oh yeah?! Kar! You know what to do! I'm gonna wipe that grin from your face," she added to Tyson.
Kar spread its wings again, preparing to use the Mirror Shatter Attack again. Tyson grinned.
"Excellent. Dragoon, Final Attack!"
The white beyblade and blue dragon shot forward and rammed straight into Kar who was immobilized because it was still preparing to attack.
"No!" Katrina's eyes followed her blade as it flew out of the dish to the ground. "You beat me!"
The golden bit-beast dissolved as did Dragoon and Tyson picked up his blade.
"What else would you expect from the World Champion?"
"AAAAAAAAAAND Tyson is the WINNER!" Jazzman declared.
"He did it!" Kenny cheered.
"He figured it out!"
"Way ta go Tyson!"
"Tyson qualifies for the quarter finals whilst Katrina is eliminated!"
Tyson waved to the crowd before disappearing into the stands.
Everyone in the VIP box, minus Kai, was waiting to congratulate Tyson. Even Appolene seemed to have cheered up considerably.
"That was really good Tyson," she beamed before she hit him and walked back to the window laughing.
Tyson winced at the blow he'd taken to his shoulder. So she had heard him earlier in the lobby. He would have to learn to keep his mouth shut.
The next two beybattles were played and won.
Jazzman raised his microphone as he enthusiastically announced the winner of the third battle. "Up next," he continued, just as enthusiastically, "we have our second battle featuring a world champion! Max of the Bladebreakers will face off against Appolene Waters!"
"Looks like we're up," Max grinned, pulling on his red gloves. "Let's go!"
Appolene nodded. "I'm coming." She picked up Dalcyn and her launcher. "Okay."
She and Max left together but before she shut the door she paused. She was sure she felt someone watching her but she didn't turn. As she hurried after Max, she heard Dalcyn whisper in her head.
It was Kai.
"I know," she muttered.
Don't let him distract you in this match. You need to win to qualify for the quarter finals.
"I know!"
Max stopped and turned.
"You okay?"
"Fine. Come on."
The blonde beyblader looked slightly confused but shrugged it aside.
"And here they are! Max and Appolene! Please take up your positions bladers!"
Appolene and Max exchanged one last grin before they moved to opposite sides of the dish. Both raised their shooters and prepared to launch. Briefly, each blader's stats flashed onto the screen. The stadium was silent with anticipation.
"Three..."
Each blader tightened their grip on the shooter.
"Two..."
Kai's gaze fell on Appolene, whose face was full of determination.
"One!"
Appolene glanced up at the VIP box, straight at Kai. I'll show you, she thought, I'll show you!
"LET IT RIP!"
"Go Dalcyn!"
"Let's give it our best Draciel!"
The blue beyblade and the green beyblade hit the dish at the same time and headed straight for one another. Sparks flew. The two bladers stood resolute. Dalcyn and Draciel pulled away and came at each other again. Once more sparks flew. It continued like this for a couple more minutes then Dalcyn withdrew and began to circle Draciel. Max smiled, knowing Appolene was getting ready for her Water Harpoon. He watched as the blue beyblade spun up the side of the dish into the air and begun to hurtle downwards.
"Okay Draciel, Fortress Defence!"
A wind formed around the green blade as it spun and the dish shook a little. Appolene gritted her teeth. Fortress Defence was almost impenetrable and her blade was knocked away but not out. She frowned and tried just a head on attack. Again she was knocked back. Again and then again she tried to get at Draciel and each time she was knocked away but never out. This was getting nowhere. She had to stop it somehow. She smiled.
"Okay, time to take it up a notch," she said.
Kai watched. Appolene didn't appear daunted by Max's defences. She was being foolish and soon she'd lose and she'd deserve it for not listening to his warning. He then noticed that Appolene was staring directly up at him. She was making sure he was paying attention. He scowled and she returned her attention the dish. Good, she thought. He's looking.
"Max!" She called.
"Yeah?"
"I'm going to break down your Fortress Defence!" She yelled. "Get ready!"
Max grinned. "Bring it on! Let's go Draciel!"
Appolene nodded and her brow furrowed in concentration. She watched as Draceil rose out of the bit-chip. The black turtle was still hidden inside its fortress of wind, arms crossed over its face. She glanced up at the VIP box once more.
"It's only fair I bring out my bit-beast, seeing as you brought out Draciel so attack Dalcyn!"
The Bladebreakers eagerly leapt forward to the window to see. Their eyes widened but Kai already knew what he would see.
Max gaped with the rest as the glowing bit-chip shot a blue streak of light into the sky. From the light, a creature emerged, majestic blue wings spread about it. The feathers of the colossal bird were like water and they rippled and ruffled as it let a shrill cry echo from it sharp beak. It soared and turned, floating above Appolene.
"Wow! This is a treat ladies and gentlemen! It looks like Appolene has called upon Dalcyn to take down the amazing defences of Draciel!"
"What is it?" Tyson asked, awe-struck by the bird.
Appolene chuckled.
"Have you ever seen a Halcyon before Max?" She enquired.
"A what?" Tyson asked, turning to Kenny but he looked just as confused as the others.
"A Halcyon," Kai said. "It's a bird from Greek myth -"
" - and a phoenix of the water. They have a ferocious temper and Dalcyn is no different," Appolene told Max.
Max blinked then grinned. "Sounds like a challenge. Let's see if she can penetrate Draciel's Fortress Defence."
"I don't doubt her for a second. Okay Dalcyn, you ready?!"
The halcyon let out another shrill cry and its pupiless eyes blazed.
"Alright then." She shot Max another look and winked. "You're going down!"
She raised her hands and Dalcyn took flight, soaring over the dish. It began to circle as did the blue blade below. Once more it was preparing for the Water Harpoon Attack. Max chuckled.
"You've tried this attack already. It didn't have any affect before so what makes you think it'll be different this time?"
"It isn't the same," Appolene replied as Dalcyn rose higher. "This is an upgraded version of the Water Harpoon. Triple X Harpoon!" A wide smile crossed her face. "Let's do it Dalcyn!"
"Triple X Harpoon?!"
The Halcyon had reached the height it wanted. The blade soared into the air, spinning gradually faster. Dalcyn turned, and so did the blade. They hung momentarily in mid-air before they shot down. The immense blue bird began to spin as it dived, faster and faster and the blade did the same.
"What's going on?" Hilary cried, watching as blade and bird plummeted towards Draciel. "Why's it spinning like that?"
"It's increasing the power of the attack by rotating as it falls," Kenny explained.
Down in the dish, Draciel was ready for the blow, his defences raised high. Max was confident that nothing would breach his shield of gales. On the opposite side, Appolene watched jubilantly as the halcyon accelerated. Its wings pulled close to its body, it shot straight for Draciel, its sharp beak ready to piece the bit-beast's shell.
The Bladebreakers watched anxiously as it drew closer and finally hit the turtle. At the same moment the blue blade hit the green. A triumphant shriek echoed around the stadium as Dalcyn flew straight into Draciel.
"Direct hit!" Jazzman cried.
Draciel was knocked out of its defences and Dalcyn immediately began to attack it, swiftly and mercilessly. Draciel only took a few seconds to recover and was soon fighting back. It hit Dalcyn over and over and sparks flew. Everyone waited on baited breath. It seemed that the two blades were quite evenly matched.
Above the dish, the Halcyon and the turtle charged again and got caught in a struggle. First it appeared that Draciel was winning then Dalcyn. They pushed each other back and forth, each trying to knock the other out of the dish.
Appolene's eyes darted to and fro as they followed the two bit-beasts. "Come on Dalcyn," she murmured. "We wanna win!"
The Halcyon's eyes flashed and a loud screech burst from its throat. The blue blade began to rotate faster and faster as it hurtled straight at Draciel once more.
"DALCYN!"
"DRACIEL!"
The two blades connected with such force that a flash of light filled the entire stadium, blinding everyone momentarily.
Appolene narrowed her eyes. She heard Dalcyn shriek again and Draciel's bellow. The light began to recede. The crowd stared, waiting to see the result. The Bladebreakers gazed urgently down at the field. Max bit his lip. The light diminished completely. He stared in dismay. Draciel lay on its side, not moving whilst beside it, Dalcyn was spinning triumphantly. The blue Halcyon let out a final cry before dissolving and returning to the blade. Appolene scooped it up and held it triumphantely over her head.
The crowd cheered wildly.
"Unbelievable! Appolene was able to defeat the World Champion beyblader Max!" Jazzman hollered. "She proceeds to the quarter finals!"
Appolene glowed and glanced up at Kai but he looked away. She shrugged and turned back to Max.
"That was great! I don't think I've ever had so much fun!" she said.
Max couldn't help laughing.
"Me either. You're really good. I think I must have under-estimated you!"
"Or I just got lucky," she nodded, laughing too.
They both waved to the crowd and then hurried up the box, eager to watch the next battle.
Both were attacked when they appeared in the door to the VIP box.
"That was an awesome match!" Tyson said.
"Such power and skill. It was incredible," Kenny nodded in agreement.
"And you're bit-beasty thing is so cool, Appolene!" Hilary squealed.
"Thanks Hilary. I think she's pretty wicked too."
She squeezed her blue blade tight. Nice job Dalcyn.
Thank you Mistress. We are another step closer to winning this tournament.
Appolene smiled.
Ray pulled Max away from the others.
"That was really well fought," he said.
"Thanks Ray. And you know what's weird? I lost but I'm not disappointed. She won fair and square."
The raven-haired boy nodded.
"It really looked like you were enjoying yourself."
"I was. It was terrific fun!"
Ray chortled.
"I hope I get a chance to take her on too but I've got to get through this round first."
He glanced up at Kai who had not joined the others in their congratulations of the two bladers. He was watching from the window, no expression in particular on his face.
"What about you Kai? Do you want to battle her?"
Kai shot Ray a menacing look. He turned his back on him and did not answer. Ray shook his head.
Kai scowled down at the stadium, teeth gritted and fists clenched.
Master?
What?! Kai thought irritably.
I was just curious Master. Do you or do you not want to battle her?
Why?!
You ignored Ray's question, Master. Surely you would have said 'no' outright if you really didn't.
Kai's frown intensified and he felt the urge to smash the glass in front of him.
Master?
WHAT?!
The phoenix cowered under the tone of the boy's thoughts.
Do you?
Kai raised his eyes to the glass directly in front of his face, about to snap at the phoenix again, when he caught sight of something. A reflection. Appolene was standing a few feet behind him, staring at him. Though she didn't know it, the eyes of her reflection went straight through him.
"Uh..."
He stared; transfixed by her gaze until she sighed and turned away. His head dropped to his chest. What was that? Why were there butterflies in his stomach all of a sudden? What was it about that girl? What? In his mind, Ray's words echoed distantly.
"Are you saying you don't feel anything for her?" "...you must have had some sort of feeling for her, if you hugged her." "She is very fond of you Kai..." "...reconsider what you think you are feeling or aren't feeling..."
Master?
Kai didn't snap or shout for the phoenix to leave him alone or, as a matter of fact, anything else at all. He was still going over what Ray had said.
Master?
"I do..." he said, almost inaudibly.
You do?
I do want to battle her, he thought straightening up and watching her reflection move about in the glass as she talked to the other Bladebreakers. I do want to battle her. I do...
Lady obsessed: And so ends chapter 7. What do you think of Dalcyn? Yes I seem to have a thing for bird bit-beasts don't I? I hope Kai wasn't too out of character in the last part. Lemme know if you think he was. I also gave Kenny more to say, I seem to have neglected him in the other chapters. Anyway, Chapter 8 up soon.
Kai: Why do you always pick on me?
Lady obsessed: Because you're my favourite character. Please!
Kai: No!
Lady obsessed: *sniffs* Fine. Don't. *clears throat* I don't own Beyblade. Only Appolene and the other new characters are mine.
Blue Feathers
"...LET IT RIP!"
Tyson sent Dragoon into the dish with perfect accuracy. He smirked and then stared as Katrina's blade, Kar, mimicked his launch. He frowned.
"Okay Dragoon, lets show her what we've got!"
The white beyblade shot forward, straight at Kar. Kar did the same. They hit with equal force and were knocked away. Tyson's frown deepened and dodged left. Again, Kar copied. He dodged right. So did Kar. A growl now echoing in his throat, he ordered Dragoon to circle around and attack from behind but as soon as Dragoon moved, Kar imitated him.
"What's going on?!" Hilary cried as she watched Kar continue to mimic Dragoon's every move. "All she's doing is doing whatever Dragoon does!"
"That's the point. It's confusing the opponent," Kenny said. "But I wish I knew how she did it."
The door to the VIP box opened and everyone turned. Kai raised his eyes and felt his stomach squirm slightly. Appolene didn't even look at him but crossed to the window.
"Did I miss anything?" She asked.
"Only the beginning of the match."
"Okay. Who's he battling?" She glanced up at the giant screen. "Ah. Katrina."
"You know her?" the Bladebreakers enquired.
"I know of her, and her bit-beast. Their pretty famous and well known for their use of mimicry to confuse the opponent."
"But how do they know what Dragoon's next move will be?"
Appolene cocked her head slightly as she watched.
"It's the bit-beast. It's a creature that mimics by nature though originally it only mimicked sound. Katrina's bit-beast has been trained to mimic movement."
"Ahhh!"
Tyson was getting more and more worked up. He needed to calm down or he'd lose but it was difficult because no matter what he did, Kar always did the exact same thing.
"Will you cut it out?! Why don't you use your own moves instead of always copying mine!" He yelled at Katrina.
She stood there, smiling.
"But Tyson, this is my move."
"Liar! Why are you doing it?!"
"Because it distracts the blader, just like it's doing to you. Kar! Mirror shatter attack!"
The bit-chip on top of Kar glowed and light burst out. The golden bit- beast rose into the air and spread its wings.
"What is it?!" Max asked, pressing his face to the glass for a better look.
"It's a mocking bird!" Kenny cried.
"A mocking bird?"
"Yes. A bird that is known for being able to mimic all different kinds of sounds! Even ones that are man-made."
The wings of the golden mocking-bird smashed together and sent shards of glass hurtling at Dragoon. Kar had stopped mimicking by now and had changed to a full frontal attack.
Dragoon burst from the bit-chip of Tyson's blade. The blue dragon was ready for the attack. Tyson shielded his eyes from the glass that was flying about but was able to command Dragoon to use his Storm Attack. The tornado spun up from the blade and swept the glass sky high. Katrina scowled.
"MIMIC!"
Kar began to copy Dragoon's movements again. No matter which way the dragon dodged, the mocking-bird followed.
"She's started it again!" Ray exclaimed.
"Yes, she's trying to wear Dragoon down as well as confusing Tyson," Kenny nodded. He considered for a moment and then his face lit up. "He needs to get her to attack! When Kar attacks, it stops mimicking so Tyson will be able to get at her!"
"So Tyson? What do you think of my bit-beast?" Katrina smirked.
Tyson grinned. "Not half bad but if you continue to copy me, how will you win? You'll get nowhere."
Katrina's face contorted. "Oh yeah?! Kar! You know what to do! I'm gonna wipe that grin from your face," she added to Tyson.
Kar spread its wings again, preparing to use the Mirror Shatter Attack again. Tyson grinned.
"Excellent. Dragoon, Final Attack!"
The white beyblade and blue dragon shot forward and rammed straight into Kar who was immobilized because it was still preparing to attack.
"No!" Katrina's eyes followed her blade as it flew out of the dish to the ground. "You beat me!"
The golden bit-beast dissolved as did Dragoon and Tyson picked up his blade.
"What else would you expect from the World Champion?"
"AAAAAAAAAAND Tyson is the WINNER!" Jazzman declared.
"He did it!" Kenny cheered.
"He figured it out!"
"Way ta go Tyson!"
"Tyson qualifies for the quarter finals whilst Katrina is eliminated!"
Tyson waved to the crowd before disappearing into the stands.
Everyone in the VIP box, minus Kai, was waiting to congratulate Tyson. Even Appolene seemed to have cheered up considerably.
"That was really good Tyson," she beamed before she hit him and walked back to the window laughing.
Tyson winced at the blow he'd taken to his shoulder. So she had heard him earlier in the lobby. He would have to learn to keep his mouth shut.
The next two beybattles were played and won.
Jazzman raised his microphone as he enthusiastically announced the winner of the third battle. "Up next," he continued, just as enthusiastically, "we have our second battle featuring a world champion! Max of the Bladebreakers will face off against Appolene Waters!"
"Looks like we're up," Max grinned, pulling on his red gloves. "Let's go!"
Appolene nodded. "I'm coming." She picked up Dalcyn and her launcher. "Okay."
She and Max left together but before she shut the door she paused. She was sure she felt someone watching her but she didn't turn. As she hurried after Max, she heard Dalcyn whisper in her head.
It was Kai.
"I know," she muttered.
Don't let him distract you in this match. You need to win to qualify for the quarter finals.
"I know!"
Max stopped and turned.
"You okay?"
"Fine. Come on."
The blonde beyblader looked slightly confused but shrugged it aside.
"And here they are! Max and Appolene! Please take up your positions bladers!"
Appolene and Max exchanged one last grin before they moved to opposite sides of the dish. Both raised their shooters and prepared to launch. Briefly, each blader's stats flashed onto the screen. The stadium was silent with anticipation.
"Three..."
Each blader tightened their grip on the shooter.
"Two..."
Kai's gaze fell on Appolene, whose face was full of determination.
"One!"
Appolene glanced up at the VIP box, straight at Kai. I'll show you, she thought, I'll show you!
"LET IT RIP!"
"Go Dalcyn!"
"Let's give it our best Draciel!"
The blue beyblade and the green beyblade hit the dish at the same time and headed straight for one another. Sparks flew. The two bladers stood resolute. Dalcyn and Draciel pulled away and came at each other again. Once more sparks flew. It continued like this for a couple more minutes then Dalcyn withdrew and began to circle Draciel. Max smiled, knowing Appolene was getting ready for her Water Harpoon. He watched as the blue beyblade spun up the side of the dish into the air and begun to hurtle downwards.
"Okay Draciel, Fortress Defence!"
A wind formed around the green blade as it spun and the dish shook a little. Appolene gritted her teeth. Fortress Defence was almost impenetrable and her blade was knocked away but not out. She frowned and tried just a head on attack. Again she was knocked back. Again and then again she tried to get at Draciel and each time she was knocked away but never out. This was getting nowhere. She had to stop it somehow. She smiled.
"Okay, time to take it up a notch," she said.
Kai watched. Appolene didn't appear daunted by Max's defences. She was being foolish and soon she'd lose and she'd deserve it for not listening to his warning. He then noticed that Appolene was staring directly up at him. She was making sure he was paying attention. He scowled and she returned her attention the dish. Good, she thought. He's looking.
"Max!" She called.
"Yeah?"
"I'm going to break down your Fortress Defence!" She yelled. "Get ready!"
Max grinned. "Bring it on! Let's go Draciel!"
Appolene nodded and her brow furrowed in concentration. She watched as Draceil rose out of the bit-chip. The black turtle was still hidden inside its fortress of wind, arms crossed over its face. She glanced up at the VIP box once more.
"It's only fair I bring out my bit-beast, seeing as you brought out Draciel so attack Dalcyn!"
The Bladebreakers eagerly leapt forward to the window to see. Their eyes widened but Kai already knew what he would see.
Max gaped with the rest as the glowing bit-chip shot a blue streak of light into the sky. From the light, a creature emerged, majestic blue wings spread about it. The feathers of the colossal bird were like water and they rippled and ruffled as it let a shrill cry echo from it sharp beak. It soared and turned, floating above Appolene.
"Wow! This is a treat ladies and gentlemen! It looks like Appolene has called upon Dalcyn to take down the amazing defences of Draciel!"
"What is it?" Tyson asked, awe-struck by the bird.
Appolene chuckled.
"Have you ever seen a Halcyon before Max?" She enquired.
"A what?" Tyson asked, turning to Kenny but he looked just as confused as the others.
"A Halcyon," Kai said. "It's a bird from Greek myth -"
" - and a phoenix of the water. They have a ferocious temper and Dalcyn is no different," Appolene told Max.
Max blinked then grinned. "Sounds like a challenge. Let's see if she can penetrate Draciel's Fortress Defence."
"I don't doubt her for a second. Okay Dalcyn, you ready?!"
The halcyon let out another shrill cry and its pupiless eyes blazed.
"Alright then." She shot Max another look and winked. "You're going down!"
She raised her hands and Dalcyn took flight, soaring over the dish. It began to circle as did the blue blade below. Once more it was preparing for the Water Harpoon Attack. Max chuckled.
"You've tried this attack already. It didn't have any affect before so what makes you think it'll be different this time?"
"It isn't the same," Appolene replied as Dalcyn rose higher. "This is an upgraded version of the Water Harpoon. Triple X Harpoon!" A wide smile crossed her face. "Let's do it Dalcyn!"
"Triple X Harpoon?!"
The Halcyon had reached the height it wanted. The blade soared into the air, spinning gradually faster. Dalcyn turned, and so did the blade. They hung momentarily in mid-air before they shot down. The immense blue bird began to spin as it dived, faster and faster and the blade did the same.
"What's going on?" Hilary cried, watching as blade and bird plummeted towards Draciel. "Why's it spinning like that?"
"It's increasing the power of the attack by rotating as it falls," Kenny explained.
Down in the dish, Draciel was ready for the blow, his defences raised high. Max was confident that nothing would breach his shield of gales. On the opposite side, Appolene watched jubilantly as the halcyon accelerated. Its wings pulled close to its body, it shot straight for Draciel, its sharp beak ready to piece the bit-beast's shell.
The Bladebreakers watched anxiously as it drew closer and finally hit the turtle. At the same moment the blue blade hit the green. A triumphant shriek echoed around the stadium as Dalcyn flew straight into Draciel.
"Direct hit!" Jazzman cried.
Draciel was knocked out of its defences and Dalcyn immediately began to attack it, swiftly and mercilessly. Draciel only took a few seconds to recover and was soon fighting back. It hit Dalcyn over and over and sparks flew. Everyone waited on baited breath. It seemed that the two blades were quite evenly matched.
Above the dish, the Halcyon and the turtle charged again and got caught in a struggle. First it appeared that Draciel was winning then Dalcyn. They pushed each other back and forth, each trying to knock the other out of the dish.
Appolene's eyes darted to and fro as they followed the two bit-beasts. "Come on Dalcyn," she murmured. "We wanna win!"
The Halcyon's eyes flashed and a loud screech burst from its throat. The blue blade began to rotate faster and faster as it hurtled straight at Draciel once more.
"DALCYN!"
"DRACIEL!"
The two blades connected with such force that a flash of light filled the entire stadium, blinding everyone momentarily.
Appolene narrowed her eyes. She heard Dalcyn shriek again and Draciel's bellow. The light began to recede. The crowd stared, waiting to see the result. The Bladebreakers gazed urgently down at the field. Max bit his lip. The light diminished completely. He stared in dismay. Draciel lay on its side, not moving whilst beside it, Dalcyn was spinning triumphantly. The blue Halcyon let out a final cry before dissolving and returning to the blade. Appolene scooped it up and held it triumphantely over her head.
The crowd cheered wildly.
"Unbelievable! Appolene was able to defeat the World Champion beyblader Max!" Jazzman hollered. "She proceeds to the quarter finals!"
Appolene glowed and glanced up at Kai but he looked away. She shrugged and turned back to Max.
"That was great! I don't think I've ever had so much fun!" she said.
Max couldn't help laughing.
"Me either. You're really good. I think I must have under-estimated you!"
"Or I just got lucky," she nodded, laughing too.
They both waved to the crowd and then hurried up the box, eager to watch the next battle.
Both were attacked when they appeared in the door to the VIP box.
"That was an awesome match!" Tyson said.
"Such power and skill. It was incredible," Kenny nodded in agreement.
"And you're bit-beasty thing is so cool, Appolene!" Hilary squealed.
"Thanks Hilary. I think she's pretty wicked too."
She squeezed her blue blade tight. Nice job Dalcyn.
Thank you Mistress. We are another step closer to winning this tournament.
Appolene smiled.
Ray pulled Max away from the others.
"That was really well fought," he said.
"Thanks Ray. And you know what's weird? I lost but I'm not disappointed. She won fair and square."
The raven-haired boy nodded.
"It really looked like you were enjoying yourself."
"I was. It was terrific fun!"
Ray chortled.
"I hope I get a chance to take her on too but I've got to get through this round first."
He glanced up at Kai who had not joined the others in their congratulations of the two bladers. He was watching from the window, no expression in particular on his face.
"What about you Kai? Do you want to battle her?"
Kai shot Ray a menacing look. He turned his back on him and did not answer. Ray shook his head.
Kai scowled down at the stadium, teeth gritted and fists clenched.
Master?
What?! Kai thought irritably.
I was just curious Master. Do you or do you not want to battle her?
Why?!
You ignored Ray's question, Master. Surely you would have said 'no' outright if you really didn't.
Kai's frown intensified and he felt the urge to smash the glass in front of him.
Master?
WHAT?!
The phoenix cowered under the tone of the boy's thoughts.
Do you?
Kai raised his eyes to the glass directly in front of his face, about to snap at the phoenix again, when he caught sight of something. A reflection. Appolene was standing a few feet behind him, staring at him. Though she didn't know it, the eyes of her reflection went straight through him.
"Uh..."
He stared; transfixed by her gaze until she sighed and turned away. His head dropped to his chest. What was that? Why were there butterflies in his stomach all of a sudden? What was it about that girl? What? In his mind, Ray's words echoed distantly.
"Are you saying you don't feel anything for her?" "...you must have had some sort of feeling for her, if you hugged her." "She is very fond of you Kai..." "...reconsider what you think you are feeling or aren't feeling..."
Master?
Kai didn't snap or shout for the phoenix to leave him alone or, as a matter of fact, anything else at all. He was still going over what Ray had said.
Master?
"I do..." he said, almost inaudibly.
You do?
I do want to battle her, he thought straightening up and watching her reflection move about in the glass as she talked to the other Bladebreakers. I do want to battle her. I do...
Lady obsessed: And so ends chapter 7. What do you think of Dalcyn? Yes I seem to have a thing for bird bit-beasts don't I? I hope Kai wasn't too out of character in the last part. Lemme know if you think he was. I also gave Kenny more to say, I seem to have neglected him in the other chapters. Anyway, Chapter 8 up soon.
