Old Memories & Hard Choices:

Hey everyone. Thanks for those who have reviewed. As for the little crossover I mentioned before in my first...I made a little slight mistake on the information. For those who have been trying to keep up to date on Yu-gi-oh! The new season is called "Waking the Dragons". In Japanese it is called the "Doom Orihalcos" season. According to the creators, it is said...that this new evil, Orihalcos, can only be revived by using a magic card that takes away your soul & gives it to this ancient creature of destruction. Only the 3 Knights called "Timaeus, Critias, & Helmos" can stop this plan from reaching it completion. Anyway...this battle between the main antagonists in this season against Yugi, will happen sooner or later in the series. My guess...for those of you who understand the Japanese version, I'm sure some might have seen it. THAT is where I got the name of one of the Knights. Just a little note here...the 3 knights mentioned earlier are actually dragons. They can only be revived by using a special card that few 'chosen' heroes posses. I'm not going any further than that. If you want to find out later on...I suggest you watch & wait as the season progresses. Oh...and a little note...for those that are not sure about the small symbol that resembles a star...it's known as the 'Oracle Curse'.

Disclaimer: Yami Kero doesn't own Beyblade or Yu-gi-oh! Or any of its characters. Except Taiyou Akari.

Enjoy!

"We are our own worst judges, even on one as personal as love. But in order to find out how you really feel about that one special person, you must look within yourself to find the answer."

Tomoyo Daidouji, Card Captor Sakura.

Card Captor Sakura: Master of the Clow. Manga #6

Chapter 2: Personal Girl Talk & Some Personal Advice

As Salima and the other two girls went to a certain spot to have their personal chit-chat...Tyson was telling the others about Taiyou's strange technique and how she used it on him. He couldn't figure out how or why...but Kai of course...knew well on why she did what she did.

"Its like I tried to tell him, let your whole guard down, you lose control and the match," said Kai.

"I'd have to agree with Kai on this one, 100," said Kane.

"Same here," said Goki.

"Ditto on that," replied Jim.

"Geez! Whose side are you on anyway?" asked Tyson.

"Kai's right Tyson. If you hadn't let your guard down & focused more on the match, you would've gotten a chance. But...you always let your pride take over & you easily zone out," answered Ray.

"That's it! I don't have to take anymore of this," said Tyson, and went out the door.

Max tried to follow, but Kai held him back...saying, "Let him be. He needs some time to himself."

Meanwhile, back to where the girls were...Salima was still having a hard time trying to get her story straight, but to Taiyou...it seemed obvious to her.

"I think I can already figure out your little dilemma," said Taiyou.

"Really?" asked Salima

"I think it was very evident from the start," said Hilary

Salima was suddenly confused about this whole thing and had a little ? On her head.

"There's no need to be confused. I already knew about this whole thing anyway," said Hilary.

"It's not that. It's just...I don't know why the others knew or even asked me," said Salima.

"Salima...............sometimes...some things are best kept hidden. But personal ones...shouldn't always be kept hidden," said Taiyou.

"Guess you're right," said Salima.

"She's got a point though. Salima...if you're really sure on how you really feel about Ray, then you should go tell him," said Hilary.

"But what if...he doesn't feel the same?" asked Salima, in concern.

"When it comes to things like this...the important thing is that you show that you really care about him and also that you let him know how you feel, isn't that right...Hilary?" asked Taiyou.

"Yeah. Very true indeed," said Hilary.

"We've got your back. I'm sure he'll understand," said Taiyou.

Salima...comforted by their support, suppressed a smile & said, "Thanks."

"No problem," said Taiyou.

As Salima headed back to the group, Hilary turned to Taiyou and asked, "How exactly did you know about this?"

"Let's just say...lucky guess...or...as I would put it...by instinct," said Taiyou. "My mother was studying mysticism when I was a little girl from my grandmother. She then passed it on to me when I was 14. So basically...it runs in the family."

"I see," said Hilary. Then she added, "You think Ray will understand her feelings?"

"All will be revealed in due time," said Taiyou.

"Oookaayy," said Hilary, as if to say 'What do you mean?'

When Salima got back with the group, she asked, "Where's Tyson?"

"He just needed some time to himself to clear his head," answered Max.

"I see," said Salima.

"How long have they known each other?" Taiyou asked curiously.

"Ever since we first met them, we could see how hard they practiced, and how devoted they were to the game. Tyson was quite surprised at how much determination they displayed. Even Ray was impressed. But ever since Battle Tower, Ray showed a lot of sympathy on Salima's position and understood well on what she was trying to tell him. He really cared for her and wanted to try to help her any way possible. But...it also seemed quite evident that sooner or later...that those two would eventually fall in love," explained Hilary.

"Something like love at first sight, right?" guessed Taiyou.

"You ...could say that," said Hilary.

By the time they went back to the group, Tyson's grandpa was already serving some snacks. Of course...Tyson was still getting annoyed with those remarks about his blading skills. As the group ate, Ray was still eying Salima, as if he knew something was wrong with her, but just wouldn't tell him. Salima suddenly noticed the way Ray was looking at him with concern, and couldn't help but blush and tried to hide it. Kane too, also noticed the way she was acting and started to wonder what was wrong with her.

Taiyou...suddenly starting to notice that it was starting to become very evident on Salima's feelings for Ray, stood up and asked, "Salima...can I talk to you privately...alone?"

Salima was starting to feel a bit insecure around the rest of the group, and decided that she could trust Taiyou. "Sure. Um...guys...can I be excused for a while?" she asked.

"Sure......just do what you have to Salima. I understand," answered Ray.

"Thanks Ray," answered Salima, suddenly trying to hide her blushing again.

As they went to a separate room while the rest of the group was eating, Salima was starting to have some doubts on the way Ray was feeling for her. Taiyou knew it was very evident that she loved him, but the only problem for her was that her fear...was stopping her from telling. Taiyou decided to talk to her to at least try and get this fear out of her.

"I know what's bothering you Salima. I had a friend who used to be in that same position once. Her name was Rei," said Taiyou.

"Really? What happened?" asked Salima.

"Well......it was very difficult for her. You see... Rei was......actually.........I don't know if I should say it," said Taiyou, feeling a bit insecure of telling Salima about her friend's secret.

"No. I understand if you don't want to tell me," said Salima.

"But...if you really want to know......she......liked other girls," said Taiyou, suddenly turning red.

Salima gasped at what she had just heard. She was also quite surprised about Taiyou's friend ACTUALLY being that way. "S-she was......a l..." Salima struggled to get the words out.

"Lesbian? Yes...I'm afraid so. She found it so hard to tell her parents or me. But even though she felt that way...I still supported her, even through those hard times when she had to tell her parents. Turns out that her parents were very supportive of her and her decision," said Taiyou.

"Wow...that's so sweet," said Salima, feeling a bit more comfortable.

"Hey...that's what friends are for, right?" asked Taiyou.

"Yes...that's true," answered Salima.

"How long have you had these feelings for Ray anyway, Salima?" asked Taiyou.

"Well...I don't know how to explain it but......ever since I was with Kane and the others, we always learned from other bladders, learned cool strategies, and always had fun blading. When we went against the Bladebreakers...Kane's battle against Tyson nearly ended with a draw. But ever since Battle Tower, our lives were changed forever. I tried to tell Ray the truth about my true motives by giving him proof about the cyber Bit-beasts," explained Salima.

"Tell me...what exactly were these...so called cyber Bit-beasts?" asked Taiyou, curiously.

"The cyber Bit-beasts were computer copies of the Bladebreakers 4 Bit-beasts. Dragoon, Draciel, Driger, and Dranzer. We were just used like lab rats in those battles. They wanted nothing more than to capture their Bit-beasts and use them for their evil purposes. When I tried to get the proof from a certain chamber in the Battle Tower, I thought I was all clear. But I wasn't. Kane had spotted me and told me not to even try. I wanted to try to help them, especially Ray," said Salima.

"I see," answered Taiyou, completely understanding their situation.

"But...now that we're all together again...sometimes...whenever I'm with Kane and the others...I can't stop thinking about him. He's always in my mind and in my dreams. I sometimes even whisper his name in my sleep," said Salima.

"And I think you shouldn't stop thinking of him. What kind of friend would you have been.........if you forgot about him?" asked Taiyou.

When Salima heard her question, she knew quite well that she was right. She shouldn't stop thinking about him. He was her best friend. He cared about her so much, just like she did about him.

"It's just......sometimes......I worry," said Salima.

Taiyou's expression softened and began to feel the girl's pain. "What is it that you worry about?"

"Ever since Ray helped me after Battle Tower, I couldn't help but worry that...I might not be able to see him again. I couldn't bear the thought of losing him. I just couldn't," said Salima, her voice starting to break.

"If anything ever happened to him...I just......I just wouldn't be able to live with myself."

And just as those words were said...Salima suddenly broke down, crying in Taiyou's arms. Feeling sorry for herself as well as for Ray. All her pains and sorrow were just pouring out of her like an endless torrent. Taiyou could see that she really did feel that way for Ray and tried comforting her by stroking her hair gently and held her close, like a mother comforting her hurting child.

"You shouldn't blame yourself that way. Ray cares for you just like you care for him. Do you even know how he would have felt if he saw you this way? He also wouldn't be able to live with himself if something happened to you. I just think...that he loves you, just as much as you love him," answered Taiyou.

Salima sniffled and asked, "Really?"

"Of course he does. If he hadn't helped you in the Battle Tower, what kind of friend would he have been then? If you're really sure that's how you feel about him...then go ahead and tell him. Even if you did tell him how you really feel...I'm sure he'll answer in a way that is most like him. Caring and kind," answered Taiyou.

Salima couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Taiyou."

"You're very welcome, Salima," answered Taiyou, wiping away her tears. "Just remember...if you need my advice on anything or if you need any help...on anything at all...just come to me and I'll help you any way I can."

"Thanks. I will," answered Salima, and went back to join the others.

As soon as Salima left...one thought began to drift in Taiyou's mind.

'I'm sure you'll find the one you love the most, Salima. Good luck.'

As soon as Salima rejoined the group, Kai began to explain to Kane and the others on how Taiyou's technique outlasted Tyson's. Taiyou had a sudden guess that it didn't take long for Kai to figure out part of her technique. But to Taiyou...who actually came up with the technique knew that it was just the tip of the iceberg.

"So you're saying...that Taiyou has a secret technique that very few can master?" asked Max.

"Techniques like that take a few years to practice, but to her...it seems like she's practiced all her life," said Ray.

"Very good, Ray. Sounds like someone has been doing their homework," said Taiyou, from behind a corner, just a few inches away from the group, leaning on a corner of the room that they were in.

"You heard all that?" asked Max.

"I was just a few feet away from where you guys were," answered Taiyou.

"That win of hers was just luck," retorted Tyson. "There's no way she could've gotten a win just by using some magic trick."

"Humph. Since you're SO sure that my win was just a fluke, let's see how you fare against 2," answered Taiyou.

"What do you mean?" asked Tyson, confused.

"You idiot. She means...a tag-team battle," answered Ray.

"Yeah but...who's the second person playing?" asked Tyson.

That was when Salima stepped in. Ray of course was surprised, but Taiyou could sense a hint of worry and fear in Ray's eyes. She knew quite well that he really liked her and didn't want to do any harm to her.

"It's all right Ray. I won't be too much of a challenge," said Salima.

"It's not that. It's just......" Ray struggled to get the words out.

"You don't want to see her get hurt. I understand. I would've felt the same," answered Taiyou.

"You're little psychic tactics don't scare me," said Tyson, taking out his launcher and blade.

"Who said I was psychic?" shot back Taiyou, also taking out her launcher and blade.

"So...how is this going to work out?" wondered Ray.

"It's pretty simple really. This tag-team is almost like it would be in a preliminary round. Only thing is...if one of the player's blade gets knocked out of the stadium...then that team loses," explained Taiyou.

"This should be interesting," said Hilary.

"I'll be the one judging this one," said Kai, as he stepped in to monitor the match.

"This battle is going to be a tag-team battle. Whoever has 2 out of 3 wins gets the match."

Taiyou could easily sense that Ray didn't want to hurt Salima's feelings and understood the whole situation. Ray could easily see how nervous Salima was and knew she would soon be on the verge of breaking down.

"Salima...you don't have to force yourself to do this you know," answered Ray.

"No Ray. I want to do this. It has been quite a while since we last battled. And I wanted to thank you for helping me. You taught me a lot about blading. So I just wanted to see how much I've learned by doing this," said Salima.

"Hmm...you've got a good point Salima," answered Taiyou. "Just because it has been a few battles, doesn't mean that it is necessarily is over. There's always going to be something new learnt and always someone stronger. So you have to always keep yourself prepared for any new challenges."

"Well said Taiyou," said Kai.

"Thanks," answered Taiyou.

'Don't worry Salima. I'll try my best to help you out any way I can,' thought Ray.

'Ray...even though you're my friend, it doesn't mean that I still won't go easy on you. I really care about you...and just wanted to let you know... win or lose......that I love you,' thought Salima.

"All right then...let's do this," said Tyson, getting ready to launch his blade.

"IN 3......2......1......"

"LET IT RIP!!!"

Done with this chapter. I tried my best to portray the emotions as well as the sayings. That one saying I had near the end of the chapter really is true of course. (I'm almost starting to sound weird). Anyway...sorry for the cliffhanger. I sometimes like to keep people guessing on what is going to happen next. It'll take me a while to finish the last chapter, as soon as I can get my thoughts straight. I'm also currently working on my very own Yu-gi-oh! Website. It'll take a while for me to finish and...who knows...possibly I might add a little Beyblade page to it and add this fic in it. Anyways...hope you guys enjoyed reading this. My final chapter is going to be called: "A Matter of the Heart: Salima's Decision".

Until then...

LET IT RIP!!!!

R/R please.