Lady obsessed: Dunno why but good reviews put me in a good mood and
inspire me to get on with the next chapter. So thanks for the reviews you
guys gave me. Your reward shall be chapter 11 a.k.a this chapter.
Just one note, in answer to Sara's review, I went with the name Appolene because I liked it and it meant 'Sun'. I have a baby names book in my room and whenever I want a name for a character, I sit down and go through all the names. Usually I want a certain meaning and I want it to be different. I hate giving my characters common names. I am partial to names beginning with 'X'.
Hilary: *pushes lady obsessed out of the way* Disclaimer time!
Lady obsessed: Hey, hey, hey! I was thinking of letting Tyson do it today.
Hilary: Yeah, well, he's a little tied up at the moment. *grins evilly*
Lady obsessed: What have you done now?! *goes off in search of Tyson*
Hilary: Ahem! Lady obsessed does not own any aspect of Beyblade. Not even one tiny speck of dust on the set. All she has ownership of are all the original characters that have appeared in her fanfiction. Okay! On with the chapter! *smiles*
Realisations
Kai sat down in an empty chair at the front of the stadium, as far away from the VIP box as possible. He was too annoyed to even be in the same room as Tyson. Honestly! Appolene, his girlfriend! Tyson was seriously twisted.
"Hey...er...excuse me, buddy. Someone is actually sitting there so if you wouldn't mind moving..."
Kai shot the owner of the voice such a menacing glare that they whimpered and shut up immediately. The slate-haired boy returned his gaze back to the field. Ray and Appolene had just raised their launchers and were all set to begin their tie-breaking match. From the looks of things, Ray was all fired up. He even had his trademark angry feline appearance about him. Appolene also wore a determined expression. He could see her hands shaking and her knuckles turning white as she gripped her launcher and ripcord tightly. Kai chuckled silently to himself. Well, even if she was determined to win, with Ray looking the way he was, there would be no chance. This would be over in minutes.
"Alright! Our two semi-finalists are ready!" DJ Jazzman declared. "We'll begin in three...two...one! LET...IT...RIP!!!"
"Heya!"
"Yeow!"
Both blades were released as soon as the last word was out of his mouth and were accompanied by a battle cry from their owners. As soon as she landed, Dalcyn was off, accelerating rapidly as she moved around the dish. Appolene wasn't going to waste any time. Driger was fast, as she had experienced in their last match, and so she'd have to get her speed up as fast as possible, starting now.
Driger crashed into the dish shortly after Dalcyn and immediately began to chase after her. Ray grinned as he watched his blade chase after Appolene's. If he wanted her to concentrate then he'd have to keep her on her toes. If she showed any sign of slipping then he'd pounce.
Appolene gritted her teeth and risked a quick glance at Ray. So he wasn't going to make it easy for her. Well good. It'd have been no fun if he did. She wanted to win because she was the best, not because he felt sorry for her. She was determined to prove she was no amateur at the game. Her attention back on her blade she could see its speed had gone up considerably and was still rising. She'd better be prepared to attack.
"Okay Dalcyn, you know what to do!"
Dalcyn swept up the side of the dish, keeping just out of Driger's range. She began to circle, getting higher and higher. Driger followed closely. Ray wasn't going to let her get into the air.
"Go Driger!"
The grey beyblade paused on the spot for a fraction of a second and then shot off at the blink of an eye. Everyone looked about frantically but it had vanished.
Kai raised an amused eyebrow. Ray was taking no chances.
"Oh no," Appolene muttered, frowning. "Move it Dalcyn! Get up! Up! Fly up!"
Dalcyn stopped circling the dish and darted up the side in a straight line. She was almost at the rim when Driger appeared out of nowhere and knocked her back into the centre. Appolene gritted her teeth.
Come on Dalcyn. Don't let him get the best of us. Try again!
The blue beyblade whirled around and shot straight back up the side again as if nothing had happened. But once more, Driger appeared and sent her flying back down.
A growl rumbled in Appolene's throat. Come on! Keep going!
Dalcyn tried once more to get up into the air but Driger was waiting and she was back down again. Over and over she tried to get into the air but over and over she was sent hurtling back.
This is getting us nowhere, Appolene thought as she watched Driger plough into Dalcyn, preventing her from attacking. What am I going to do? I have to win if I want to face Kai. I have to! Without thinking her eyes raised to the VIP box.
"Huh?"
He wasn't there. Kai wasn't there.
"Tiger Claw Attack!"
"Wha? No!"
Driger was attacking Dalcyn mercilessly. Ray grinned his Cheshire cat grin.
"You lost your focus didn't you? How can you expect to win if your mind wanders so easily?"
"Excuse me?!" Appolene snapped. "I'll blade how I want!"
"Okay but I tell you you're gonna lose. You can't even get into the air." He winked. "Concentrate."
"Grr."
What was with him? He's suddenly acting mean.
I don't think so Mistress, I think he's trying to help.
Well that's a funny way of showing it! Appolene grumbled.
He wants you to concentrate. He knows your mind wanders and your control always lessens when it does. He is aware.
Not this again. Aware of what, Dalcyn?!
You're doing it again. Your mind is not focusing on the match! We aren't going to win if you keep this up! Concentrate!
"Hey, looks like I'm going to win," Ray called.
"What?!"
Appolene's attention snapped back into reality and she gasped. Driger was knocking Dalcyn towards the rim. If she didn't get away now, she'd be out. Well, that wasn't going to happen.
"Right! Dalcyn, go!"
The bit-chip glimmered and the brilliant blue light shot into the air. Feathers flew everywhere as the halcyon burst into life, shrieking, its eyes glinting. As soon as it appeared, the beyblade shot left, way from Driger.
"That's better," Ray purred softly. "After her Driger!"
The majestic white tiger leapt from the glowing bit-chip and chased after the retreating halcyon.
Appolene watched carefully as the grey beyblade chased the blue. She wasn't going to let Driger get her. She was keeping well out of reach but she still needed to get into the air. She couldn't win unless she attacked. She thought for a minute, her brow furrowed.
What am I going to do? I can't go up the rim because Driger always cuts me off, even if I am concentrating harder so there must be something else.
But then again, even if she could get into the air there was no guarantee that she'd actually be able to hit Driger. Both Water Harpoon and Triple X Harpoon required a direct hit to actually cause the maximum damage and defeat the opponent.
"This is getting rather boring," Tyson yawned.
"Neither of them are doing much," Hilary agreed.
"Ray's just chasing Appolene. She's not attacking and neither is he."
"That's because they can't," Kenny said.
"Huh?"
"Well, Appolene's attacks require her to get up into the air. So far, Ray has stopped all her attempts. Ray on the other hand is waiting for the right moment. If he attacks too soon, Appolene is more than likely to dodge and counter. So it's sort of a stalemate really."
"I see. Well one of them had better do something soon or I might fall asleep," Tyson said.
Come on Appolene, you're still not concentrating hard enough, Ray thought as Driger charged after Dalcyn. What are you thinking about? He watched her face as their blades battled. Her eyes kept moving. Most of the time they were fixed on the dish but every so often they darted upwards and then down. And whenever she looked down, she looked disappointed. He frowned. What was it? What was behind him? The VIP box! Of course! She was still looking at Kai but why did she look disappointed?
Kai chuckled. This was quite interesting. Appolene wasn't her usual determined self. She was shifting about, trying to keep Dalcyn away from Driger. She was losing control and very soon it would be over.
"She deserves it if she loses. She is like Tyson. Too confident in her abilities. I thrashed that arrogant blader in no time and Ray will shortly do the same to her."
Ray's ears twitched slightly. He knew that voice. Raising his gaze slightly above and to the left of Appolene he confirmed what he knew. No wonder she had looked so disappointed. Kai wasn't in the VIP box anymore; he was sitting in the stadium. Well, not knowing where he was was putting Appolene off even more than when she knew. So he'd have to show her.
"Go Driger!"
The grey blade shot away from Dalcyn and towards Appolene. The white tiger lunged forwards and as one, both leapt into the air. Ray concentrated as his beyblade and bit-beast soared into the air. As they moved through it, they fell to the left. Appolene watched them, following them with her gaze. The beyblade crashed down onto the rim and rotated there, making sure Appolene was watching. Driger stood above it.
Appolene stared at both of them. What was Ray planning? Her eyes were fixed on Driger. The tiger growled at her.
Ray watched her eyes. Come on, can't you see him?
Driger growled again and then swiped at her. She reacted automatically by covering her face with her arms. But the feel of claws on her skin didn't come.
Kai scowled. What was going on? Driger was just sitting there. He glanced at Ray, and saw he was watching Appolene. She was staring at Driger. Well at least she had the sense to see what it was up to but it wasn't doing anything. Her own blade was just spinning in the centre of the dish. She could have tried to get into the air but then again, Driger would have probably stopped her.
Hang on! Driger had just taken a swipe at Appolene's face. She had moved out of reach but it looked like Driger had not intended to hit her. What was Ray up to? He watched as Driger moved back into the dish and Appolene lowered her arms to stare at the empty spot where Driger had been.
Ray felt a smile grace his lips. Appolene appeared to be looking at where Driger had been but she was looking just beyond. Her eyes widened and then her face brightened. Good, she's seen him. Now that ought to boost her concentration.
Appolene stared in surprise. So he was there! In the stadium behind her. He had moved. She beamed and then turned back to the dish. So he hadn't left. He was still watching. He was still here. She felt a warm glow return to her cheeks and a determined look appeared on her face. He was watching so that was all the more reason to win. And he wasn't in front of her so she wouldn't be forced to look up. Looking left would destroy her chances of winning as she'd have to look right away from the dish.
"Thanks Ray," she whispered quietly.
Ray smiled, having heard her but said nothing.
"Alright! Let's go Dalcyn!"
The blue beyblade accelerated and sped off again. It began to build up speed at a rapid pace. On Ray's command, Driger proceeded to follow.
Appolene smiled. Perfect. She may not be able to get up into the air by running up the side but that didn't mean she wouldn't be able to do it. Just a few more seconds. Three, two, one...
"Okay! Let's do this thing!"
Dalcyn shot around to face Driger and hurtled straight for it. Its speed got faster and faster as it shot forwards. Appolene crossed her fingers. This had better work. The two blades hit each other with great force.
"Now that's more like it!" Ray cried.
Appolene beamed as Dalcyn was sent soaring into the air. Just what she wanted to happen.
"Thanks Ray, you gave me the boost I needed. Now it's time to take the power to the max! You want me to concentrate? Then I'll concentrate. Get ready Ray! Dalcyn! All set?"
The blue halcyon soared high and screeched its reply.
"Good, then you know what to do! Malevolent Tempest!"
"Er...what's a tempest?" Tyson asked.
The others sighed, shaking their heads.
"Honestly Tyson, you should really pay attention in class," Hilary scolded. "A tempest is an extremely severe storm."
"Oh."
"It looks like the weather just took a turn for the worst, beyblade fans!" Jazzman shouted, having donned a rain coat and earmuffs.
He was right. Down in the dish, the halcyon had begun to circle. It flew faster and faster. A gale was flaring up and the people had to squint as the rain settled in. Tyson, Max and the others were all quite dry and well protected in the VIP box and were watching in amazement.
Kai looked mildly impressed. He had not expected such a strong attack. He was not bothered by the rain. He sat there, arms folded, watching and waiting to see how this attack would work.
Appolene had raised a hand to shield her eyes. Lighting was starting to strike from the black clouds that had formed over Driger. A roar of thunder cracked through the stadium, followed by the Halcyon's shriek. Ray urged Driger to keep spinning.
"You can do it buddy. I know you can."
Then the Halcyon dived. Accompanied by the lightning and heavy rain she charged straight for the white tiger. The gale tearing around the dish held it in place so there was no way it could use its speed advantage to get away. Driger was trapped.
"Nothing can escape a tempest Ray, not even Driger," Appolene called through the storm.
Ray narrowed his eyes and watched as the halcyon became nothing but a blue streak of light. The lightning enveloped it and the two shot, right on target, for Driger.
The halcyon's shriek was heard one last time before it hit and the whole stadium shook.
Everyone took cover, except for Kai, until the shaking subsided. When it stopped, the wind and rain disappeared, as quickly as they had come, and Driger lay on its side, defeated. The white tiger gave an almighty roar before retreating back into its blade. Dalcyn circled the dish twice and then dived, dissolving into light and disappearing into its bit-chip. The blue beyblade began to slow down and rolled to a stop beside Driger.
Ray stooped to pick up both of them. He handed one to Appolene and pocketed his own.
"And the winner of our semi-final tie-breaking match is...APPOLENE WATERS!"
The crowd broke out into hysterically cheering. In the VIP box, Appolene's father was swinging Julia around. Both were cheering and crying.
"Oh my gosh! She's in the finals! She's in the finals!" Julia wept.
Appolene felt the tears welling up in her eyes as well and she threw her arms around Ray, crying into his shoulder.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm going to the finals and its all because of you!"
Ray smiled.
"Hey, it was a pleasure. I knew you had it in you and you proved me right. You are a truly amazing blader Appolene."
The brunette sniffed and then laughed.
"Thank you."
Kai was stunned. She had beaten Ray. That meant she was going to be in the finals with him. He couldn't believe it. Around him the crowd was cheering wildly.
"Hey, look at that!" a little boy on the row behind Kai squealed.
"Oh wow! That's so cute!" the little girl he had been talking to cried.
Kai looked down at where they were pointing and shook with anger. Ray was hugging Appolene. How could he?!
He jumped to his feet and stormed out of the stadium. He couldn't take it. Angrily, he headed towards the lodge but halfway there he changed his mind and went off towards the trees. Training would take his mind off of it.
Appolene pulled away from Ray and looked around for Kai but he wasn't there. Her heart sank. He had left before she could even talk to him. In the background she could hear Jazzman reminding the crowd that the final match would take place at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.
"Appolene, honey!"
She turned to see her mother waving at her.
"Come on honey, we're going!"
"Okay!" She called back. She smiled at Ray and then hurried after her waiting parents.
Ray grinned to himself. Nice work Driger, I think we deserve a nice rest now, don't you?
Indeed Master. Indeed we do. Let us go find the others.
Ray nodded and went off to join the rest of the Bladebreakers who were just leaving the VIP box.
Appolene sat on her bed after dinner and stared up at the poster. She wasn't concentrating on it though. Instead she was thinking.
I can't believe it! I'm in the finals with Kai. I finally get to battle him. After nine years I can finally prove I'm not some silly little girl. I can prove I'm not just some amateur blader.
She felt a small smile grace her lips and she fell back onto her pillow, sighing happily. As she laid there, Dalcyn's voice whispered through her mind.
Mistress?
"Mmm..."
Although we won today, I feel that if this continues we won't win tomorrow.
"What do you mean? If what continues?"
The halcyon sighed irritably and ruffled its feathers. You are distracted Mistress. Your mind is clouded.
"I still don't understand."
It is becoming apparent that you are liking this boy Kai more and more. I think you are falling for him.
"W-What?!" She shot up and snatched the blade from the dresser. "Don't be ridiculous, Dalcyn! I just want him to like me as a friend and nothing more!"
So you say, the halcyon cooed, but I sense your emotions Mistress. I know your heart and it is telling me otherwise. You cannot deny that you have feelings for this boy.
Appolene shook her head. But I don't! Why would I? He's cold-hearted and a loner. Even if he is an amazing beyblader and very cute why would I ever like him that much when...when there's no chance he'd feel the same way?
The heart is a very peculiar thing, Dalcyn said. It is so unpredictable and, like water, it does as it wishes. You cannot ignore what it is saying even if you don't want to hear it.
Appolene squeezed the blade in her hand. I'm not ignoring my heart, she thought.
Then tell me, truthfully Mistress, what it is saying.
It says...It says I ...
"...love Kai."
She clapped a hand over her mouth. What had she just said? She didn't love Kai. She didn't.
You do! You know you do, her heart replied.
"I do. I love him. I-I love..." her eyes rose to the poster and rested on the expressionless face of the slate-haired captain, "...Kai."
"I told you so," the halcyon muttered.
Appolene blushed and got up hastily.
"I'm going out to train," she called and hurried out of the lodge.
Kai caught Dranzer as it swooped down from the branches of the tree. The training had done him good and he felt a lot calmer now. He put Dranzer and his shooter away in the brown leather pouch he had attached to his belt and set off back to the lodge.
Evening was drawing in and Kai knew that the Bladebreakers must just be settling down to eat dinner. He wasn't bothered. He wasn't hungry anyway.
The forest seemed so quiet. Just like his first morning exploring it. The morning when he had first heard the shouts of a beybattle and stumbled across Appolene. If she hadn't been here then he wouldn't be in the finals. He wouldn't be getting ready for a big match tomorrow. He probably wouldn't even be in the forest. The only reason he was here was to take his mind off of her. It had worked for a while but now he had stopped blading he had started thinking about her again.
He could even hear her. He could hear her as she shouted at her blade. But he was just imagining it...or was he? Through the trees he could here the crashing of a beyblade.
"Move it Dalcyn!"
There was no mistaking it. That was Appolene and she wasn't inside his head, she was in the forest. She must be training. Without thinking about what he was doing, Kai headed off towards her voice.
"Come on Dalcyn!" Appolene cried as the beyblade ploughed through the wooden boards.
One by one they broke into pieces. Kai watched as Dalcyn charged towards a particularly thick one. He could see her face screwed up in concentration. Dalcyn's speed increased and hit the board with tremendous force. But it remained whole and Dalcyn was sent flying into the air, landing in the grass.
"No..."
Appolene slumped against the tree and sank to the floor. Disappointment poured onto her face. Kai moved out of the shadows and, picking up Dalcyn, he walked over to her. He held it out and she raised her head.
"Kai?"
Though it was dark, Kai was sure she had blushed. She didn't look at him but took her beyblade gratefully. He sat down beside her.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked.
"What does it look like? I'm training. I'm going to beat you."
For a second, a smile graced her face but then it vanished and her head sank onto her arms.
"You think you can?" he said, eyebrows raised.
"I'm sure going to try." She glanced along at Dalcyn and tightened her grip. "We're going to try."
She leant back against the tree and blinked up at the sky, not saying anything. Kai found himself staring at her and quickly turned away. He didn't want to admit how pretty she looked in the moonlight.
She let out a small sigh and glancing over his shoulder he saw her eyes were closed. Something caught the light as it fell down her cheek. She was crying.
"What's the matter?"
Opening her eyes, she looked at him and smiled. Kai had to avert his gaze again in case he blushed.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. I'm just really happy." She yawned. "Really...really...happy..."
Kai felt his heart miss a beat as she fell against him. He stiffened but dared not move. Her head rested on his chest and she was breathing softly. She had fallen asleep. Now what was he supposed to do?
His first instinct was to leap up and shove her away but something held him back. He couldn't do it. Not to her. But he would have to move. He couldn't sit like this for very long. It was rather uncomfortable. Slowly, he moved his arm and tried to find the best position to sit.
In the end he found it, much to his embarrassment. He had slumped down slightly with his arm resting around her.
Though not entirely happy he knew there was nothing else to be done so he settled down and closed his eyes as well. It wasn't long before he fell asleep too.
Lady obsessed: Aw! How sweet! I must say I liked writing this chapter. The very end part and the bit where Appolene realises she loves Kai are scenes that I have had planned for a very long time. They have been drafted and redrafted in my notebook. Dalcyn's new attack, Malevolent Tempest, has also been something that was developed a while ago. I came up with it when I was writing Appolene's battle with Max and it was originally to be used in there but I changed my mind and it has been moved about until I finally put it in here.
Anyways, only one more chapter to go! Will be posting it soon, I hope.
Just one note, in answer to Sara's review, I went with the name Appolene because I liked it and it meant 'Sun'. I have a baby names book in my room and whenever I want a name for a character, I sit down and go through all the names. Usually I want a certain meaning and I want it to be different. I hate giving my characters common names. I am partial to names beginning with 'X'.
Hilary: *pushes lady obsessed out of the way* Disclaimer time!
Lady obsessed: Hey, hey, hey! I was thinking of letting Tyson do it today.
Hilary: Yeah, well, he's a little tied up at the moment. *grins evilly*
Lady obsessed: What have you done now?! *goes off in search of Tyson*
Hilary: Ahem! Lady obsessed does not own any aspect of Beyblade. Not even one tiny speck of dust on the set. All she has ownership of are all the original characters that have appeared in her fanfiction. Okay! On with the chapter! *smiles*
Realisations
Kai sat down in an empty chair at the front of the stadium, as far away from the VIP box as possible. He was too annoyed to even be in the same room as Tyson. Honestly! Appolene, his girlfriend! Tyson was seriously twisted.
"Hey...er...excuse me, buddy. Someone is actually sitting there so if you wouldn't mind moving..."
Kai shot the owner of the voice such a menacing glare that they whimpered and shut up immediately. The slate-haired boy returned his gaze back to the field. Ray and Appolene had just raised their launchers and were all set to begin their tie-breaking match. From the looks of things, Ray was all fired up. He even had his trademark angry feline appearance about him. Appolene also wore a determined expression. He could see her hands shaking and her knuckles turning white as she gripped her launcher and ripcord tightly. Kai chuckled silently to himself. Well, even if she was determined to win, with Ray looking the way he was, there would be no chance. This would be over in minutes.
"Alright! Our two semi-finalists are ready!" DJ Jazzman declared. "We'll begin in three...two...one! LET...IT...RIP!!!"
"Heya!"
"Yeow!"
Both blades were released as soon as the last word was out of his mouth and were accompanied by a battle cry from their owners. As soon as she landed, Dalcyn was off, accelerating rapidly as she moved around the dish. Appolene wasn't going to waste any time. Driger was fast, as she had experienced in their last match, and so she'd have to get her speed up as fast as possible, starting now.
Driger crashed into the dish shortly after Dalcyn and immediately began to chase after her. Ray grinned as he watched his blade chase after Appolene's. If he wanted her to concentrate then he'd have to keep her on her toes. If she showed any sign of slipping then he'd pounce.
Appolene gritted her teeth and risked a quick glance at Ray. So he wasn't going to make it easy for her. Well good. It'd have been no fun if he did. She wanted to win because she was the best, not because he felt sorry for her. She was determined to prove she was no amateur at the game. Her attention back on her blade she could see its speed had gone up considerably and was still rising. She'd better be prepared to attack.
"Okay Dalcyn, you know what to do!"
Dalcyn swept up the side of the dish, keeping just out of Driger's range. She began to circle, getting higher and higher. Driger followed closely. Ray wasn't going to let her get into the air.
"Go Driger!"
The grey beyblade paused on the spot for a fraction of a second and then shot off at the blink of an eye. Everyone looked about frantically but it had vanished.
Kai raised an amused eyebrow. Ray was taking no chances.
"Oh no," Appolene muttered, frowning. "Move it Dalcyn! Get up! Up! Fly up!"
Dalcyn stopped circling the dish and darted up the side in a straight line. She was almost at the rim when Driger appeared out of nowhere and knocked her back into the centre. Appolene gritted her teeth.
Come on Dalcyn. Don't let him get the best of us. Try again!
The blue beyblade whirled around and shot straight back up the side again as if nothing had happened. But once more, Driger appeared and sent her flying back down.
A growl rumbled in Appolene's throat. Come on! Keep going!
Dalcyn tried once more to get up into the air but Driger was waiting and she was back down again. Over and over she tried to get into the air but over and over she was sent hurtling back.
This is getting us nowhere, Appolene thought as she watched Driger plough into Dalcyn, preventing her from attacking. What am I going to do? I have to win if I want to face Kai. I have to! Without thinking her eyes raised to the VIP box.
"Huh?"
He wasn't there. Kai wasn't there.
"Tiger Claw Attack!"
"Wha? No!"
Driger was attacking Dalcyn mercilessly. Ray grinned his Cheshire cat grin.
"You lost your focus didn't you? How can you expect to win if your mind wanders so easily?"
"Excuse me?!" Appolene snapped. "I'll blade how I want!"
"Okay but I tell you you're gonna lose. You can't even get into the air." He winked. "Concentrate."
"Grr."
What was with him? He's suddenly acting mean.
I don't think so Mistress, I think he's trying to help.
Well that's a funny way of showing it! Appolene grumbled.
He wants you to concentrate. He knows your mind wanders and your control always lessens when it does. He is aware.
Not this again. Aware of what, Dalcyn?!
You're doing it again. Your mind is not focusing on the match! We aren't going to win if you keep this up! Concentrate!
"Hey, looks like I'm going to win," Ray called.
"What?!"
Appolene's attention snapped back into reality and she gasped. Driger was knocking Dalcyn towards the rim. If she didn't get away now, she'd be out. Well, that wasn't going to happen.
"Right! Dalcyn, go!"
The bit-chip glimmered and the brilliant blue light shot into the air. Feathers flew everywhere as the halcyon burst into life, shrieking, its eyes glinting. As soon as it appeared, the beyblade shot left, way from Driger.
"That's better," Ray purred softly. "After her Driger!"
The majestic white tiger leapt from the glowing bit-chip and chased after the retreating halcyon.
Appolene watched carefully as the grey beyblade chased the blue. She wasn't going to let Driger get her. She was keeping well out of reach but she still needed to get into the air. She couldn't win unless she attacked. She thought for a minute, her brow furrowed.
What am I going to do? I can't go up the rim because Driger always cuts me off, even if I am concentrating harder so there must be something else.
But then again, even if she could get into the air there was no guarantee that she'd actually be able to hit Driger. Both Water Harpoon and Triple X Harpoon required a direct hit to actually cause the maximum damage and defeat the opponent.
"This is getting rather boring," Tyson yawned.
"Neither of them are doing much," Hilary agreed.
"Ray's just chasing Appolene. She's not attacking and neither is he."
"That's because they can't," Kenny said.
"Huh?"
"Well, Appolene's attacks require her to get up into the air. So far, Ray has stopped all her attempts. Ray on the other hand is waiting for the right moment. If he attacks too soon, Appolene is more than likely to dodge and counter. So it's sort of a stalemate really."
"I see. Well one of them had better do something soon or I might fall asleep," Tyson said.
Come on Appolene, you're still not concentrating hard enough, Ray thought as Driger charged after Dalcyn. What are you thinking about? He watched her face as their blades battled. Her eyes kept moving. Most of the time they were fixed on the dish but every so often they darted upwards and then down. And whenever she looked down, she looked disappointed. He frowned. What was it? What was behind him? The VIP box! Of course! She was still looking at Kai but why did she look disappointed?
Kai chuckled. This was quite interesting. Appolene wasn't her usual determined self. She was shifting about, trying to keep Dalcyn away from Driger. She was losing control and very soon it would be over.
"She deserves it if she loses. She is like Tyson. Too confident in her abilities. I thrashed that arrogant blader in no time and Ray will shortly do the same to her."
Ray's ears twitched slightly. He knew that voice. Raising his gaze slightly above and to the left of Appolene he confirmed what he knew. No wonder she had looked so disappointed. Kai wasn't in the VIP box anymore; he was sitting in the stadium. Well, not knowing where he was was putting Appolene off even more than when she knew. So he'd have to show her.
"Go Driger!"
The grey blade shot away from Dalcyn and towards Appolene. The white tiger lunged forwards and as one, both leapt into the air. Ray concentrated as his beyblade and bit-beast soared into the air. As they moved through it, they fell to the left. Appolene watched them, following them with her gaze. The beyblade crashed down onto the rim and rotated there, making sure Appolene was watching. Driger stood above it.
Appolene stared at both of them. What was Ray planning? Her eyes were fixed on Driger. The tiger growled at her.
Ray watched her eyes. Come on, can't you see him?
Driger growled again and then swiped at her. She reacted automatically by covering her face with her arms. But the feel of claws on her skin didn't come.
Kai scowled. What was going on? Driger was just sitting there. He glanced at Ray, and saw he was watching Appolene. She was staring at Driger. Well at least she had the sense to see what it was up to but it wasn't doing anything. Her own blade was just spinning in the centre of the dish. She could have tried to get into the air but then again, Driger would have probably stopped her.
Hang on! Driger had just taken a swipe at Appolene's face. She had moved out of reach but it looked like Driger had not intended to hit her. What was Ray up to? He watched as Driger moved back into the dish and Appolene lowered her arms to stare at the empty spot where Driger had been.
Ray felt a smile grace his lips. Appolene appeared to be looking at where Driger had been but she was looking just beyond. Her eyes widened and then her face brightened. Good, she's seen him. Now that ought to boost her concentration.
Appolene stared in surprise. So he was there! In the stadium behind her. He had moved. She beamed and then turned back to the dish. So he hadn't left. He was still watching. He was still here. She felt a warm glow return to her cheeks and a determined look appeared on her face. He was watching so that was all the more reason to win. And he wasn't in front of her so she wouldn't be forced to look up. Looking left would destroy her chances of winning as she'd have to look right away from the dish.
"Thanks Ray," she whispered quietly.
Ray smiled, having heard her but said nothing.
"Alright! Let's go Dalcyn!"
The blue beyblade accelerated and sped off again. It began to build up speed at a rapid pace. On Ray's command, Driger proceeded to follow.
Appolene smiled. Perfect. She may not be able to get up into the air by running up the side but that didn't mean she wouldn't be able to do it. Just a few more seconds. Three, two, one...
"Okay! Let's do this thing!"
Dalcyn shot around to face Driger and hurtled straight for it. Its speed got faster and faster as it shot forwards. Appolene crossed her fingers. This had better work. The two blades hit each other with great force.
"Now that's more like it!" Ray cried.
Appolene beamed as Dalcyn was sent soaring into the air. Just what she wanted to happen.
"Thanks Ray, you gave me the boost I needed. Now it's time to take the power to the max! You want me to concentrate? Then I'll concentrate. Get ready Ray! Dalcyn! All set?"
The blue halcyon soared high and screeched its reply.
"Good, then you know what to do! Malevolent Tempest!"
"Er...what's a tempest?" Tyson asked.
The others sighed, shaking their heads.
"Honestly Tyson, you should really pay attention in class," Hilary scolded. "A tempest is an extremely severe storm."
"Oh."
"It looks like the weather just took a turn for the worst, beyblade fans!" Jazzman shouted, having donned a rain coat and earmuffs.
He was right. Down in the dish, the halcyon had begun to circle. It flew faster and faster. A gale was flaring up and the people had to squint as the rain settled in. Tyson, Max and the others were all quite dry and well protected in the VIP box and were watching in amazement.
Kai looked mildly impressed. He had not expected such a strong attack. He was not bothered by the rain. He sat there, arms folded, watching and waiting to see how this attack would work.
Appolene had raised a hand to shield her eyes. Lighting was starting to strike from the black clouds that had formed over Driger. A roar of thunder cracked through the stadium, followed by the Halcyon's shriek. Ray urged Driger to keep spinning.
"You can do it buddy. I know you can."
Then the Halcyon dived. Accompanied by the lightning and heavy rain she charged straight for the white tiger. The gale tearing around the dish held it in place so there was no way it could use its speed advantage to get away. Driger was trapped.
"Nothing can escape a tempest Ray, not even Driger," Appolene called through the storm.
Ray narrowed his eyes and watched as the halcyon became nothing but a blue streak of light. The lightning enveloped it and the two shot, right on target, for Driger.
The halcyon's shriek was heard one last time before it hit and the whole stadium shook.
Everyone took cover, except for Kai, until the shaking subsided. When it stopped, the wind and rain disappeared, as quickly as they had come, and Driger lay on its side, defeated. The white tiger gave an almighty roar before retreating back into its blade. Dalcyn circled the dish twice and then dived, dissolving into light and disappearing into its bit-chip. The blue beyblade began to slow down and rolled to a stop beside Driger.
Ray stooped to pick up both of them. He handed one to Appolene and pocketed his own.
"And the winner of our semi-final tie-breaking match is...APPOLENE WATERS!"
The crowd broke out into hysterically cheering. In the VIP box, Appolene's father was swinging Julia around. Both were cheering and crying.
"Oh my gosh! She's in the finals! She's in the finals!" Julia wept.
Appolene felt the tears welling up in her eyes as well and she threw her arms around Ray, crying into his shoulder.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm going to the finals and its all because of you!"
Ray smiled.
"Hey, it was a pleasure. I knew you had it in you and you proved me right. You are a truly amazing blader Appolene."
The brunette sniffed and then laughed.
"Thank you."
Kai was stunned. She had beaten Ray. That meant she was going to be in the finals with him. He couldn't believe it. Around him the crowd was cheering wildly.
"Hey, look at that!" a little boy on the row behind Kai squealed.
"Oh wow! That's so cute!" the little girl he had been talking to cried.
Kai looked down at where they were pointing and shook with anger. Ray was hugging Appolene. How could he?!
He jumped to his feet and stormed out of the stadium. He couldn't take it. Angrily, he headed towards the lodge but halfway there he changed his mind and went off towards the trees. Training would take his mind off of it.
Appolene pulled away from Ray and looked around for Kai but he wasn't there. Her heart sank. He had left before she could even talk to him. In the background she could hear Jazzman reminding the crowd that the final match would take place at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.
"Appolene, honey!"
She turned to see her mother waving at her.
"Come on honey, we're going!"
"Okay!" She called back. She smiled at Ray and then hurried after her waiting parents.
Ray grinned to himself. Nice work Driger, I think we deserve a nice rest now, don't you?
Indeed Master. Indeed we do. Let us go find the others.
Ray nodded and went off to join the rest of the Bladebreakers who were just leaving the VIP box.
Appolene sat on her bed after dinner and stared up at the poster. She wasn't concentrating on it though. Instead she was thinking.
I can't believe it! I'm in the finals with Kai. I finally get to battle him. After nine years I can finally prove I'm not some silly little girl. I can prove I'm not just some amateur blader.
She felt a small smile grace her lips and she fell back onto her pillow, sighing happily. As she laid there, Dalcyn's voice whispered through her mind.
Mistress?
"Mmm..."
Although we won today, I feel that if this continues we won't win tomorrow.
"What do you mean? If what continues?"
The halcyon sighed irritably and ruffled its feathers. You are distracted Mistress. Your mind is clouded.
"I still don't understand."
It is becoming apparent that you are liking this boy Kai more and more. I think you are falling for him.
"W-What?!" She shot up and snatched the blade from the dresser. "Don't be ridiculous, Dalcyn! I just want him to like me as a friend and nothing more!"
So you say, the halcyon cooed, but I sense your emotions Mistress. I know your heart and it is telling me otherwise. You cannot deny that you have feelings for this boy.
Appolene shook her head. But I don't! Why would I? He's cold-hearted and a loner. Even if he is an amazing beyblader and very cute why would I ever like him that much when...when there's no chance he'd feel the same way?
The heart is a very peculiar thing, Dalcyn said. It is so unpredictable and, like water, it does as it wishes. You cannot ignore what it is saying even if you don't want to hear it.
Appolene squeezed the blade in her hand. I'm not ignoring my heart, she thought.
Then tell me, truthfully Mistress, what it is saying.
It says...It says I ...
"...love Kai."
She clapped a hand over her mouth. What had she just said? She didn't love Kai. She didn't.
You do! You know you do, her heart replied.
"I do. I love him. I-I love..." her eyes rose to the poster and rested on the expressionless face of the slate-haired captain, "...Kai."
"I told you so," the halcyon muttered.
Appolene blushed and got up hastily.
"I'm going out to train," she called and hurried out of the lodge.
Kai caught Dranzer as it swooped down from the branches of the tree. The training had done him good and he felt a lot calmer now. He put Dranzer and his shooter away in the brown leather pouch he had attached to his belt and set off back to the lodge.
Evening was drawing in and Kai knew that the Bladebreakers must just be settling down to eat dinner. He wasn't bothered. He wasn't hungry anyway.
The forest seemed so quiet. Just like his first morning exploring it. The morning when he had first heard the shouts of a beybattle and stumbled across Appolene. If she hadn't been here then he wouldn't be in the finals. He wouldn't be getting ready for a big match tomorrow. He probably wouldn't even be in the forest. The only reason he was here was to take his mind off of her. It had worked for a while but now he had stopped blading he had started thinking about her again.
He could even hear her. He could hear her as she shouted at her blade. But he was just imagining it...or was he? Through the trees he could here the crashing of a beyblade.
"Move it Dalcyn!"
There was no mistaking it. That was Appolene and she wasn't inside his head, she was in the forest. She must be training. Without thinking about what he was doing, Kai headed off towards her voice.
"Come on Dalcyn!" Appolene cried as the beyblade ploughed through the wooden boards.
One by one they broke into pieces. Kai watched as Dalcyn charged towards a particularly thick one. He could see her face screwed up in concentration. Dalcyn's speed increased and hit the board with tremendous force. But it remained whole and Dalcyn was sent flying into the air, landing in the grass.
"No..."
Appolene slumped against the tree and sank to the floor. Disappointment poured onto her face. Kai moved out of the shadows and, picking up Dalcyn, he walked over to her. He held it out and she raised her head.
"Kai?"
Though it was dark, Kai was sure she had blushed. She didn't look at him but took her beyblade gratefully. He sat down beside her.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked.
"What does it look like? I'm training. I'm going to beat you."
For a second, a smile graced her face but then it vanished and her head sank onto her arms.
"You think you can?" he said, eyebrows raised.
"I'm sure going to try." She glanced along at Dalcyn and tightened her grip. "We're going to try."
She leant back against the tree and blinked up at the sky, not saying anything. Kai found himself staring at her and quickly turned away. He didn't want to admit how pretty she looked in the moonlight.
She let out a small sigh and glancing over his shoulder he saw her eyes were closed. Something caught the light as it fell down her cheek. She was crying.
"What's the matter?"
Opening her eyes, she looked at him and smiled. Kai had to avert his gaze again in case he blushed.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. I'm just really happy." She yawned. "Really...really...happy..."
Kai felt his heart miss a beat as she fell against him. He stiffened but dared not move. Her head rested on his chest and she was breathing softly. She had fallen asleep. Now what was he supposed to do?
His first instinct was to leap up and shove her away but something held him back. He couldn't do it. Not to her. But he would have to move. He couldn't sit like this for very long. It was rather uncomfortable. Slowly, he moved his arm and tried to find the best position to sit.
In the end he found it, much to his embarrassment. He had slumped down slightly with his arm resting around her.
Though not entirely happy he knew there was nothing else to be done so he settled down and closed his eyes as well. It wasn't long before he fell asleep too.
Lady obsessed: Aw! How sweet! I must say I liked writing this chapter. The very end part and the bit where Appolene realises she loves Kai are scenes that I have had planned for a very long time. They have been drafted and redrafted in my notebook. Dalcyn's new attack, Malevolent Tempest, has also been something that was developed a while ago. I came up with it when I was writing Appolene's battle with Max and it was originally to be used in there but I changed my mind and it has been moved about until I finally put it in here.
Anyways, only one more chapter to go! Will be posting it soon, I hope.
