Chapter Twenty-Seven – The Finals Begins!
Normal POV
Zarine began to stir as the sunshine shone into the room. That was best sleep she had in the last three days. She felt cozy and safe. Opening her eyes sleepily, she discovered that her face was really close to Ray's. She was about to move away, but once again, Ray had a tight grasp on her. Studying his face suspiciously, Zarine wondered if it was another trick. He looked like he was sleeping, but who knows? At the end, she decided to just go back to sleep, or at least pretend to.
She felt Ray stirring by her side after a while. Still pretending to be asleep, she shifted her head, and a few locks of her hair slid over her face. Ray woke up. He removed his arm around Zarine so he could rub the sleep out of his eyes. Propping himself on his elbow, he watched her. Unknown to the fact that she was awake, he brushed her silky strands of hair out of her face. He fought the temptation to stroke her angelic face, but he couldn't resist it.
Zarine was surprised to feel Ray's light touch on her face. She felt a tingle going up her spine...She couldn't believe she was actually allowing someone to do this. But then again, she loved having Ray so close to her. Whenever she is close to him, she felt safe.
Reluctantly, Ray removed his finger, fearing that she might wake up. His eyes caught the sight of Zarine's lips. Not for the first time (or the last time, actually.) he wondered what it would be like to kiss her.
Meanwhile, Zarine decided that she better pretend to wake up before she gives herself away. Rubbing her eyes and yawning, she looked at Ray groggily. She was bursting with the compulsion to ask him what that was all about, but instead she asked, "What time is it?"
Glancing at the clock, he replied, "It's only seven."
She faked a groan and threw the covers over her head. "Wake me later!" she said, grumpily, her voice muffled.
Pulling the blankets away from her head, Ray said seriously, "We need to talk."
"About what?" she asked, opening her eyes a crack to look at him.
"About your dreams," he answered.
Zarine caught her breath, her pulse quickened at the unpleasant reminder.
Ray noticed and said soothingly, "Come on, it's daytime now, and besides, I'm here. You can tell me."
At last, she sighed and nodded in resignation.
"So why did you say that they were no dream last night?" Ray questioned the petite girl.
She shrugged, "It just felt too real. I don't know how I know. I just know it."
"Do you know what kind of danger it means?"
"If I knew, I would've told you already," Zarine answered, a hint of impatience was in her voice. She was getting annoyed. As if she'd sit here and answer his stupid questions if she knew what it meant!
"Is that all you know?" he pressed on. He heard the irritation, but chose ignored it. It turned out to be, let's just say, unfortunate, decision.
"I already told you everything I know!!" she snapped crossly. Man! Is he dumb or what?
Ray looked hurt and said, "I was only trying to help."
Zarine saw the hurt on his face, and immediately regretted losing her temper. He was graciously helping her, but here, she was refusing his help like an ungrateful child.
"Sorry," she said, ashamed of her behavior.
"It's alright," he said.
She looked at him thoughtfully, loving the fact that he always forgave her.
"What does your bit-beast look like?" Ray asked suddenly.
Zarine hesitated, only she knew what Xeora's true form is...remembering the night when she got her bit-beast.
Flashback
That night she dreamt of standing on the edge of a waterfall. She looked down, admiring the grace of the flowing water as it slipped continuously over the edge. She watched it for a long time, mesmerized. Then, a bright glow attracted her attention. She looked at it. A woman merged from the glow. The woman had silver hair just like her. Her eyes were wise and her face was exquisite, however, she was naked. Some people considered Zarine to be a girl who is a rare beauty, but compared to this woman, she was way out of her league. Zarine could just stare at her, and for the first time in her life, she wished for an even more beautiful face.
"Zarine..." the naked woman said. A smile came to her as she looked at the girl.
"Who are you?" Zarine managed to say.
"Can you not tell from my presence?" the woman asked, her eyes intent.
Zarine frowned, and tried to find the answer. Her presence? What does that mean? Finally it hit her, the presence that she had felt since receiving her bit-beast, it was the same one! "You...you are my bit-beast?" she gasped in surprise.
"Yes, I'm Xeora. Remember my true form, for you are the chosen one," Xeora told Zarine in a soft voice. She turned and started walking away.
Zarine called after her, "Wait! I still have a lot of questions! Like, what are you? Are you a fairy or what?"
"I'm a spirit..." her voice floated softly in her head.
End of Flashback
'Just show him,' Xeora said lazily.
'You sure?' Zarine asked silently.
'Yeah, of course,'
'How do I do it though?'
'Hold your blade in your hand, and become one with me. I'll take care of the rest.'
"Okay, I'll show you," Zarine said finally. "You HAVE to promise that you won't tell anyone else about this. If you tell, well, let's just say the consequences aren't what you call fun."
"I swear I won't tell anyone about this," Ray promised.
Holding the beyblade in her hands, she let Xeora's presence fill her, that always felt wonderful. She held her blade out for him to see. Ray saw a bit- beast that was a woman, and had looks to make every guy in the world to want to die for her. She had silvery hair like Zarine's. Her eyes were wise and ageless. Ray studied her features closer, her face actually faintly resembled Zarine's.
"Impressive," was all Ray managed to say.
"Why, thank you," Zarine stood up and curtsied mockingly. Despite her efforts to keep her face straight, she cracked a smile.
"Were you born with silver hair?" Ray asked.
"Yeah, why do you think I have it?" Zarine answered. She couldn't believe Ray asked her such a ridiculous question. "There's no dye that will make someone's hair turn silver."
"Who did you get it from?"
"No one. Not a single person in my family has hair like mine."
"Then how did you get it?" Ray asked. He couldn't understand it. It was so frustrating. He suspected it had something to do with her bit-beast, but what?
"Isn't it simple?" Zarine said, rolling her eyes.
Ray looked at her blankly. "I have it because I'm special!" she said, with feigned seriousness.
"You're impossible!" he said, throwing his hands up in the air in defeat and exasperation.
"I know!" she said, laughing.
Nobody talked much during breakfast. They were all wondering how things will be by the end of the finals.
As the Bladebreakers made their way to the stadium, the Dark Force came out into the hallway.
"Ha, if it isn't the losers," Jordan sneered.
"I wouldn't be talking if I were you, we won the last time, remember?" Tyson said.
"This time it would be different," Wilson said, with confident grin on his face. "If we win this, then the girl comes with us."
"If you lose, then her brother comes with us," Ray said, glaring at them.
"Deal. It's not like you'd win anyways. Not when, well, that's going to be a surprise. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you," Fred grinned evilly.
"Come on, let's just go, the sight of them make me sick," Jordan said, and turned away. The rest of the team followed him.
"I don't like this," Kenny said, worry plain in his voice.
"Don't worry, Chief! We brought them down once before, we can do it again!" Tyson said confidently.
"I'm Brad Best, along with my best bud here, A.J. Topper," Brad announced.
"Thanks Brad! That touched my heart," A.J. said, sounding like he was on the verge of tears. Clearing his throat, he continued, "We are in Hong Kong. The finals of this tournament is about to start. The World Champs, The Bladebreakers will be going up against the mysterious team, the Dark Force! This is bound to be one wild ride!"
"So A.J. got any ideas on who the winner will be?"
"Well, the Dark Force is a powerful team with phenomenal bladers. The Bladebeakers better watch out, or their reign as World Champions will soon be a memory."
D.J. Jazzman's voice rang out through the stadium, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finals! Are you ready to get this started?"
The crowd cheered loudly.
"Will the first bladers step up to the dish?" Jazzman. said.
"The fist up from the World Champion team will be Zarine!" Brad announced.
"Good luck," Max said, flashing Zarine a smile.
"Thanks," she said quietly. She was nervous, but she was determined to get those annoying pests off her back for good.
She just turned to walk up to the dish when Ray grabbed her wrist. She turned back to look at him.
"Zarine, I believe in you," he said softly.
The silver haired girl just smiled before walking to the dish. She looked around for her opponent. No one was there yet. She looked searchingly at the Dark Force, none of them made a move to the dish.
"The blader from the Dark Force will be the newest member..." Jazzman yelled excitedly into his microphone.
Zarine didn't hear the rest. She was staring at the guy who had just appeared in the entry way. She couldn't believe her eyes...it was............................................................ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................ (I couldn't resist, alright?) IT WAS HER BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"It can't be!" she whispered.
"Give a warm welcome to Will!"
The Bladebreakers gasped, and so did the Saint Shields, who had came to watch the match.
The girls in the audience were all clapping and cheering, for Will was an extremely hot and good-looking guy.
"3...2...1...LET IT RIP!" Jazzman yelled.
Zarine quickly launched her blade.
"So, ready to go down?" Will asked. There was a sinister look in his eyes.
"Don't you remember me?" Zarine asked. "I'm Zarine, your sister!"
"The Zarine I once knew is dead!" he said angrily. "The old Zarine wouldn't have abandoned me to the mercy of my enemies!"
"I didn't!" she cried, wringing her hands.
Will insisted, "Yes you did! Now your loyalties lie with your new team! Enough talk! Attack her!"
Will attacked Zarine aggressively. Zarine could barely defend herself, but she didn't care. The battle was the last thing on her mind.
"I tried to get you back! Will, I really did!" she said desperately.
Her brother covered his ears, refusing to listen to her. "Lies! All lies! My teammates had told me how everything you did had been an act from the beginning!"
Zarine turned to Jordan, her face filled with rage. "You've brainwashed him!" A multitude of different blues clashed with each other, making her eyes look stormy.
Jordan just smirked at her. Tearing her eyes off of him in disgust, she asked her beloved brother, "What will prove my loyalty to you?"
"If you join us," Will replied simply.
Seeing how lost Zarine looked only made Jordan smirk even more. The battle was almost won.
Zarine was torn. She wanted more than anything to probe her loyalty to her brother, the sole survivor of her family. (Her parents didn't have any siblings.) On the other hand, how could she leave her team? They had been so good to her. She can't just turn her back on them now.
The Bladebreakers looked at Zarine in apprehension, wondering what she would say. They all sighed in relieve as they heard her say, "No, I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Fine then, Shadow! Come and show your true power!" Will cried as he summoned his bit-beast.
Zarine couldn't believe that he would do this to her. She wondered where he got his bit-beast. Probably another one from the Dark Force. She didn't even try to fight back as Will's blade continued to assault hers. Shadow came out and darkness threatened to cover the beydish and around the two bladesr. Suddenly, Zarine's blade glowed and Xeora came out, on her own to fight the darkness. The clash was titanic, as light fought against dark for dominance...
Normal POV
Zarine began to stir as the sunshine shone into the room. That was best sleep she had in the last three days. She felt cozy and safe. Opening her eyes sleepily, she discovered that her face was really close to Ray's. She was about to move away, but once again, Ray had a tight grasp on her. Studying his face suspiciously, Zarine wondered if it was another trick. He looked like he was sleeping, but who knows? At the end, she decided to just go back to sleep, or at least pretend to.
She felt Ray stirring by her side after a while. Still pretending to be asleep, she shifted her head, and a few locks of her hair slid over her face. Ray woke up. He removed his arm around Zarine so he could rub the sleep out of his eyes. Propping himself on his elbow, he watched her. Unknown to the fact that she was awake, he brushed her silky strands of hair out of her face. He fought the temptation to stroke her angelic face, but he couldn't resist it.
Zarine was surprised to feel Ray's light touch on her face. She felt a tingle going up her spine...She couldn't believe she was actually allowing someone to do this. But then again, she loved having Ray so close to her. Whenever she is close to him, she felt safe.
Reluctantly, Ray removed his finger, fearing that she might wake up. His eyes caught the sight of Zarine's lips. Not for the first time (or the last time, actually.) he wondered what it would be like to kiss her.
Meanwhile, Zarine decided that she better pretend to wake up before she gives herself away. Rubbing her eyes and yawning, she looked at Ray groggily. She was bursting with the compulsion to ask him what that was all about, but instead she asked, "What time is it?"
Glancing at the clock, he replied, "It's only seven."
She faked a groan and threw the covers over her head. "Wake me later!" she said, grumpily, her voice muffled.
Pulling the blankets away from her head, Ray said seriously, "We need to talk."
"About what?" she asked, opening her eyes a crack to look at him.
"About your dreams," he answered.
Zarine caught her breath, her pulse quickened at the unpleasant reminder.
Ray noticed and said soothingly, "Come on, it's daytime now, and besides, I'm here. You can tell me."
At last, she sighed and nodded in resignation.
"So why did you say that they were no dream last night?" Ray questioned the petite girl.
She shrugged, "It just felt too real. I don't know how I know. I just know it."
"Do you know what kind of danger it means?"
"If I knew, I would've told you already," Zarine answered, a hint of impatience was in her voice. She was getting annoyed. As if she'd sit here and answer his stupid questions if she knew what it meant!
"Is that all you know?" he pressed on. He heard the irritation, but chose ignored it. It turned out to be, let's just say, unfortunate, decision.
"I already told you everything I know!!" she snapped crossly. Man! Is he dumb or what?
Ray looked hurt and said, "I was only trying to help."
Zarine saw the hurt on his face, and immediately regretted losing her temper. He was graciously helping her, but here, she was refusing his help like an ungrateful child.
"Sorry," she said, ashamed of her behavior.
"It's alright," he said.
She looked at him thoughtfully, loving the fact that he always forgave her.
"What does your bit-beast look like?" Ray asked suddenly.
Zarine hesitated, only she knew what Xeora's true form is...remembering the night when she got her bit-beast.
Flashback
That night she dreamt of standing on the edge of a waterfall. She looked down, admiring the grace of the flowing water as it slipped continuously over the edge. She watched it for a long time, mesmerized. Then, a bright glow attracted her attention. She looked at it. A woman merged from the glow. The woman had silver hair just like her. Her eyes were wise and her face was exquisite, however, she was naked. Some people considered Zarine to be a girl who is a rare beauty, but compared to this woman, she was way out of her league. Zarine could just stare at her, and for the first time in her life, she wished for an even more beautiful face.
"Zarine..." the naked woman said. A smile came to her as she looked at the girl.
"Who are you?" Zarine managed to say.
"Can you not tell from my presence?" the woman asked, her eyes intent.
Zarine frowned, and tried to find the answer. Her presence? What does that mean? Finally it hit her, the presence that she had felt since receiving her bit-beast, it was the same one! "You...you are my bit-beast?" she gasped in surprise.
"Yes, I'm Xeora. Remember my true form, for you are the chosen one," Xeora told Zarine in a soft voice. She turned and started walking away.
Zarine called after her, "Wait! I still have a lot of questions! Like, what are you? Are you a fairy or what?"
"I'm a spirit..." her voice floated softly in her head.
End of Flashback
'Just show him,' Xeora said lazily.
'You sure?' Zarine asked silently.
'Yeah, of course,'
'How do I do it though?'
'Hold your blade in your hand, and become one with me. I'll take care of the rest.'
"Okay, I'll show you," Zarine said finally. "You HAVE to promise that you won't tell anyone else about this. If you tell, well, let's just say the consequences aren't what you call fun."
"I swear I won't tell anyone about this," Ray promised.
Holding the beyblade in her hands, she let Xeora's presence fill her, that always felt wonderful. She held her blade out for him to see. Ray saw a bit- beast that was a woman, and had looks to make every guy in the world to want to die for her. She had silvery hair like Zarine's. Her eyes were wise and ageless. Ray studied her features closer, her face actually faintly resembled Zarine's.
"Impressive," was all Ray managed to say.
"Why, thank you," Zarine stood up and curtsied mockingly. Despite her efforts to keep her face straight, she cracked a smile.
"Were you born with silver hair?" Ray asked.
"Yeah, why do you think I have it?" Zarine answered. She couldn't believe Ray asked her such a ridiculous question. "There's no dye that will make someone's hair turn silver."
"Who did you get it from?"
"No one. Not a single person in my family has hair like mine."
"Then how did you get it?" Ray asked. He couldn't understand it. It was so frustrating. He suspected it had something to do with her bit-beast, but what?
"Isn't it simple?" Zarine said, rolling her eyes.
Ray looked at her blankly. "I have it because I'm special!" she said, with feigned seriousness.
"You're impossible!" he said, throwing his hands up in the air in defeat and exasperation.
"I know!" she said, laughing.
Nobody talked much during breakfast. They were all wondering how things will be by the end of the finals.
As the Bladebreakers made their way to the stadium, the Dark Force came out into the hallway.
"Ha, if it isn't the losers," Jordan sneered.
"I wouldn't be talking if I were you, we won the last time, remember?" Tyson said.
"This time it would be different," Wilson said, with confident grin on his face. "If we win this, then the girl comes with us."
"If you lose, then her brother comes with us," Ray said, glaring at them.
"Deal. It's not like you'd win anyways. Not when, well, that's going to be a surprise. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you," Fred grinned evilly.
"Come on, let's just go, the sight of them make me sick," Jordan said, and turned away. The rest of the team followed him.
"I don't like this," Kenny said, worry plain in his voice.
"Don't worry, Chief! We brought them down once before, we can do it again!" Tyson said confidently.
"I'm Brad Best, along with my best bud here, A.J. Topper," Brad announced.
"Thanks Brad! That touched my heart," A.J. said, sounding like he was on the verge of tears. Clearing his throat, he continued, "We are in Hong Kong. The finals of this tournament is about to start. The World Champs, The Bladebreakers will be going up against the mysterious team, the Dark Force! This is bound to be one wild ride!"
"So A.J. got any ideas on who the winner will be?"
"Well, the Dark Force is a powerful team with phenomenal bladers. The Bladebeakers better watch out, or their reign as World Champions will soon be a memory."
D.J. Jazzman's voice rang out through the stadium, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finals! Are you ready to get this started?"
The crowd cheered loudly.
"Will the first bladers step up to the dish?" Jazzman. said.
"The fist up from the World Champion team will be Zarine!" Brad announced.
"Good luck," Max said, flashing Zarine a smile.
"Thanks," she said quietly. She was nervous, but she was determined to get those annoying pests off her back for good.
She just turned to walk up to the dish when Ray grabbed her wrist. She turned back to look at him.
"Zarine, I believe in you," he said softly.
The silver haired girl just smiled before walking to the dish. She looked around for her opponent. No one was there yet. She looked searchingly at the Dark Force, none of them made a move to the dish.
"The blader from the Dark Force will be the newest member..." Jazzman yelled excitedly into his microphone.
Zarine didn't hear the rest. She was staring at the guy who had just appeared in the entry way. She couldn't believe her eyes...it was............................................................ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................ (I couldn't resist, alright?) IT WAS HER BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"It can't be!" she whispered.
"Give a warm welcome to Will!"
The Bladebreakers gasped, and so did the Saint Shields, who had came to watch the match.
The girls in the audience were all clapping and cheering, for Will was an extremely hot and good-looking guy.
"3...2...1...LET IT RIP!" Jazzman yelled.
Zarine quickly launched her blade.
"So, ready to go down?" Will asked. There was a sinister look in his eyes.
"Don't you remember me?" Zarine asked. "I'm Zarine, your sister!"
"The Zarine I once knew is dead!" he said angrily. "The old Zarine wouldn't have abandoned me to the mercy of my enemies!"
"I didn't!" she cried, wringing her hands.
Will insisted, "Yes you did! Now your loyalties lie with your new team! Enough talk! Attack her!"
Will attacked Zarine aggressively. Zarine could barely defend herself, but she didn't care. The battle was the last thing on her mind.
"I tried to get you back! Will, I really did!" she said desperately.
Her brother covered his ears, refusing to listen to her. "Lies! All lies! My teammates had told me how everything you did had been an act from the beginning!"
Zarine turned to Jordan, her face filled with rage. "You've brainwashed him!" A multitude of different blues clashed with each other, making her eyes look stormy.
Jordan just smirked at her. Tearing her eyes off of him in disgust, she asked her beloved brother, "What will prove my loyalty to you?"
"If you join us," Will replied simply.
Seeing how lost Zarine looked only made Jordan smirk even more. The battle was almost won.
Zarine was torn. She wanted more than anything to probe her loyalty to her brother, the sole survivor of her family. (Her parents didn't have any siblings.) On the other hand, how could she leave her team? They had been so good to her. She can't just turn her back on them now.
The Bladebreakers looked at Zarine in apprehension, wondering what she would say. They all sighed in relieve as they heard her say, "No, I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Fine then, Shadow! Come and show your true power!" Will cried as he summoned his bit-beast.
Zarine couldn't believe that he would do this to her. She wondered where he got his bit-beast. Probably another one from the Dark Force. She didn't even try to fight back as Will's blade continued to assault hers. Shadow came out and darkness threatened to cover the beydish and around the two bladesr. Suddenly, Zarine's blade glowed and Xeora came out, on her own to fight the darkness. The clash was titanic, as light fought against dark for dominance...