Fighting the Fears
Sacred Phoenix
SP: Hi everyone! I've made a wee adjustment in the plot, that's why I changed the summary and the title. But don't worry, it's going to be pretty much the same as before, I've just decided to lengthen part of it.
Kai: People reviewed, are you happy now?
SP: I am really, really happy. 50 REVIEWS!!! Phew, breathe. I can hardly believe it. Keep up the reviewing guys! You're all really, really, really appreciated! And I'm really really sorry I haven't updated in like a month. I was really stuck at the end. Sorry.
Max: Sacred Phoenix doesn't own Beyblades because if she did… SHE'D BE FILTHY RICH!!!
- Thinking
"" – Talking
- Bit beast talking
Chapter 5: Unwilling Partners
The Bladebreakers were happy to announce that they had just made four new friends. In fact, Tyson typically ran off to tell Mr Dickenson.
In the rest room, the other team members (minus Kai and Ally) were chatting away happily about anything and everything. The door swung open and Tyson bounced in followed closely by Mr Dickenson,
"GUYS!!! YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE THIS!!!"
"Tyson, stop shouting! We're not deaf you know," said Kenny, rubbing his ear.
"We're not, but maybe he is," scowled Ally, glaring at the blue haired boy.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Tyson had stopped shouting.
"Exactly what it sounds like," snapped Ally.
"Arguing with a fool proves that there are two," quoted Kai in his monotonous tone. That caught Ally's attention. She turned to glare at the slate haired boy who was leaning against the wall casually, arms folded and looking extremely bored.
"A sharp tongue can slit its own throat," she shot back.
"That's quite enough arguing for one day," intervened Mr Dickenson, "Tyson, weren't you going to tell them the news?"
"I was until they started biting my head off," he said crossly. Mr Dickenson sighed,
"Ok, listen up. I have just been informed that there is going to be another tournament coming up. This is a private one and only those invited can enter. As winners of this tournament, you both automatically qualify," he paused to let this sink in,
"However, to compete, two teams need to join up and work as one. So I was thinking, since you are both winners of this tournament, if you join up as partners, I think you will be the inevitable winners," he finished, waiting for the reaction.
The tournament is to my liking, but if we have to pair up with them? I don't think so. Thought Kai.
How can you be so sure Kai?Teased Dranzer, It's so obvious you want to spend more time with a certain black haired girl.
Shut it Dranzer! Kai retorted How many times do I have to tell you to get out of my head! Besides, maybe you just want to spend time with Black Dranzer, He added icily.
Don't go there Kai! You did not just imply that I'm gay,Dranzer sweatdropped.
Score one for me, thought Kai triumphantly.
Actually, it's not, because I'm not giving up,replied Dranzer calmly.
What does it take for you to stop talking in my head? Kai groaned mentally.
Would you rather I talked out loud?Mused the phoenix playfully.
No, answered Kai shortly.
Then say yes to the tournament!Exclaimed Dranzer.
Ok! Ok! Anything to shut you up. Seriously Dranzer, it's really hard to think that you are centuries old! Kai gave in.
Ha! I win,it was the phoenix's turn to be triumphant.
With that, Kai firmly shut the phoenix out of his head and Dranzer didn't object. But now that he thought about it, Dranzer was right, he did want to spend more time with the mysterious raven haired leader of the Shadow Rangers. She was unlike any girl he had ever encountered before. She was a skilled blader, but that wasn't it… she… she seemed to blade with a passion, a passion so different from everyone else's.
It seemed as though she was struggling through life with a deep dark secret, that only she could bear, as though this weight was chained to her heart, tugging hard at it. It seemed like she was close to breaking, yet something made her hold on, grasp desperately onto the edge of her broken world. He didn't know how much longer she could hang on. Ally had triggered so many memories. She had to be part of Kai's past, the past he was painfully piecing together. He felt as though she would be the missing piece of the puzzle, the last piece, the piece that would make his past clear. He simply had to know, even if the answers are far from what he expected.
Kai could almost hear his bit beast's mocking voice, "I told you so!" He shuddered and moved away from that thought. Still, although Dranzer annoyed him a lot at times, Kai knew that he could always put his trust in his phoenix, that he could always tell Dranzer everything. He knew that he would always be there for him, like he always had been. He knew that Dranzer would stick by him, even when the rest of the world walked out. Why? Because Dranzer was his friend.
Glad to hear that you're appreciating me,a voice chirped.
Actually, you need to get your ears checked, Kai retorted. On the other side of the room, something along those lines was being argued about too.
I want to battle in the tournament… but that means spending more time with Kai! Ally thought, feeling all the strength drain from her body.
But that's what you want isn't it? To spend time with Kai?A voice asked.
It's not and you know it! Snapped Ally.
I'm not trying to provoke you, little one. All I'm saying is that, maybe you need time with him to figure out what you want,Black Dranzer replied calmly.
I know what I want! And that's for him to get out of my life… and stay out! Ally was confused again.
No, you don't. You want to know why he hurt you so deeply. You want all the answers, but above all, you want him to love you again,Black Dranzer seemed to know Ally better than she did herself.
You… you're right. But my mind is in chaos. Why did he break his promise? Why doesn't he remember me? I thought he cared, but now, I'm not sure he did, Ally admitted, a frown appearing on her pretty face.
That's what you have to find out, little one,the black phoenix replied.
But… he doesn't remember me! Not at all. Maybe… maybe it's better this way. Maybe I should just let go of the past and forget that there was ever anything between us, Ally was so unsure.
You would throw away something so precious?Black Dranzer asked, concern evident in his voice.
I know, I can't. I can't forget how much he cared for me, how much I still care for him, Ally sighed, fighting away the tears that swam around in her eyes.
You can't give up hope, little one. You never have before, so why now?Black Dranzer questioned.
I had a goal before, that was to see Kai again, because I had held a thin ray of hope, that if I did, everything would be the same again. But now that I have, seen he's still as far away as ever. I don't have a goal to work towards, so everything is in turmoil, and there is nothing left to hope for, Ally answered, sounding thoroughly rejected.
You have to make him remember little one! At least give it some time. If you leave now, you may never get the chance again, and you will regret your choice for the rest of your life. Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. After all, what have you got to lose?The black phoenix coaxed.
I've got everything to lose! My pride, my honour! I will not beg at his feet! If he doesn't love me anymore, so be it! Ally was losing control.
Would you give away your love for pride and honour, as you put it? You're just scared that he truly doesn't remember you, that you really hold no place in his heart. But it's time you faced up to your fears,Black Dranzer chastised.
Stop it! I'm… I'm not scared! I not afraid of anything! Fears are for the weak, and I'm NOT weak! Ally defended fiercely.
Stop kidding yourself girl! Your life is in your own hands, whether you make it better or worse is your own choice, but I know which one I would choose,Black Dranzer answered back.
It's not as simple as that! What if he doesn't love me anymore? Ally panicked, letting the truth flow out.
It's the risk you'll have to take. Noting ventured, nothing gained. If that's what you find out, then you'll be no worse off than when you started. Anything is better than drifting here and there like a ghost, with no purpose, no meaning,The black phoenix replied, as calm as ever.
How did someone like him love someone like me anyway? It was like a dream. Maybe it was. I'll treat it like a dream, nothing more. Ally was in a trance of self-pity.
You will not feel sorry for yourself young lady! You have to give it a chance! You can't assume everything will go wrong before you've even tried! Love comes to those who still hope although they've been disappointed, to those who still believe although they've been betrayed, to those who still love although they've been hurt before. You know you'll always be in pain, always feel as though your heart is torn in two if you don't sort this out now. And it pains me to see you like that. Just give it a try,The black Phoenix reasoned.
Those words burned into Ally like red hot iron. She finally realised the enormity of her decision and what was at stake.
I… I thank you Black Dranzer, thank you for finally making me realise something so obvious, something I didn't comprehend because I was so wrapped up in my own feelings! I know what I have to do now. I have a purpose, a meaning, a goal. I will no longer linger, unsure, in no-man's-land, wondering about life and drowning in self-pity. Thank you Black Dranzer, for helping me in a way no one else could have, thank you for everything, Ally finally came to her senses.
You more than welcome, young mistress. I'm glad to have been of service,the black phoenix replied, feeling quite pleased with himself.
"So…" mouthed Mr Dickenson, "team leaders, what is your decision?"
"Whatever, we're in," muttered Kai, finally opening his eyes.
"Yeah, we… we'll do it too," replied Ally, fighting for a calm face. Her heart skipped a beat when Kai agreed to the tournament. Now her spirits were high, soaring through the air like an albatross suddenly breaking through its cage. The rest of her team saw the relieved look on her face and exchanged knowing smiles. They would have fun playing match maker.
"Right then," Mr Dickenson beamed, "excellent. Before we start training, I am proud to inform you that the participants of certain training camp that you will be attending, has decided to throw a formal party in your honour."
Everyone gaped at this announcement.
"Tell me it's not compulsory," Ally said weakly.
"It is," Mr Dickenson replied shortly.
"We don't have to wear dresses do we?" Asked Sharon, the tomboy.
"I'm afraid you will," answered Mr Dickenson sympathetically.
Everyone groaned.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll help one another choose their outfits, after all, you have all day tomorrow," Mr Dickenson smiled encouragingly and left the room.
"Oh my God! I HATE dresses!" Exclaimed Sharon.
"Everyone be looking at us won't they?" Sighed Cori, who hated attention.
"Come on guys! It'll be fun!" Winked Leila.
"Only coz Tala might be there," retorted Sharon irritably.
"Don't be silly," said Leila light-heartedly, but Ally did not miss the rosy tinge that had appeared on Leila's cheeks. She grinned and suddenly realised how tired she was.
"I'm gonna go get some rest," she announced to her team, and headed towards a bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her.
Dream
The back door of the police car opened and 5-year-old Ally stepped out, eyes red and swollen.
"Now Dawn, this is your new home. Everyone will look after you here," a policeman said kindly. Ally nodded dully, not really hearing anything. It was the morning after the murder of her parents and she had screamed and cried until there was no more screams or tears left. She was only 5, but she felt like she was 50. Over that fateful night, she had grown, faster than anyone thought possible.
"Thank you, sir," she said monotonously. Her voice cracked, the screams hadn't been too good for it. As she walked through the door, a gothic looking lady greeted her,
"Dawn Himana I take it?"
"Yes Mam," Ally responded automatically.
"There will be no crying and screaming at this orphanage, do we understand each other?" She questioned sternly.
"Yes Mam," answered Ally,
I understand you, I can see right through you because you're so shallow, but you don't understand me, in fact, you don't know the first thing about me.
"Good, see to that you know the rules by the end of the day," she seemed satisfied.
Ally sat down glumly on a spare bed, a single tear rolled down her cheek. The other children just ignored her. Except for one. A wave of blonde hair swept past and Ally felt the bed sink lower. She looked up and saw a pair of caring sea blue eyes. They seemed to radiate kindness and hope.
"Hi, I'm Cori, what's your name?" She asked.
"I'm Dawn," answered Ally.
"Dawn, that's a pretty name. You're pretty. Just not when you cry, so don't do that anymore," Cori comforted as well as her 5-year-old self could.
Ally smiled through her tears and wiped them away with a certainty she had not felt for what seemed like eternity. Although neither said it, both knew they would be friends till the end of time.
A year passes
"Dawn Himana and Cori Kinara! Mr Boris Balkov has agreed to adopt you both. Was that not kind of him?" Asked the gothic lady, in an all too familiar sickening false sweet tone.
"Yes Ms Tussock," chorused Ally and Cori. With that, they happily skipped out the door of that loathed orphanage, hand in hand, into what they thought was a happy new life. They could not have been more wrong.
Outside, a tall, purple haired man leaned against a jet black limousine, warmly clothed for the harsh Russian winter. The two girls, however, were not so lucky. Cori shivered, and clutched Ally's arm, not that she was any warmer than Cori was.
"Get in," were the only words Boris told them.
The two skinny figures did as they were told and climbed into the back seat of the limo. It was absolute bliss inside. The seats were lined with fur and the rest of the seat was covered with crimson velvet. The gentle air conditioning made it seem like summer. Yet Ally didn't like it; not one measly bit. Sure the air conditioning was on, but instead of warming her, she felt cold, colder than ever. She stretched her hand out and felt warm air rush at her, but still she felt cold. It was as though nothing could penetrate the cold that this limo, this atmosphere produced, it was chilling her from the inside. Cori giggled and rubbed the fur against her face, enjoying the silky warmth it emitted. Ally smiled down at her friend; she could be so naïve sometimes, naïve, but cute all the same.
"Back to headquarters," commanded the purple haired man, as he stepped in the front.
"Yes sir," answered the chauffeur submissively.
"Headquarters?" Asked Cori curiously, "Is that what our house is called, Boris?"
"Be silent, brat, if you know what's good for you," spat Boris, not even turning to look at her. Cori blinked, not sure of what she just heard. Ally glared daggers at Boris' back and looked towards Cori, who just shrugged and went back to cuddling the fur.
Ally sighed and turned to stare out of the window at the winter Russian landscape. The sight in front of her was breathtaking. The snow capped mountains looked so pure, as though man-kind had never fouled its perfection. The landscape around them was also covered in snow and the trees looked magical, with sparkling white decorations all through its branches. How Ally longed to breathe in that crisp morning air, to make footprints in that snow, maybe even to climb those towering trees. At least she could be warm then.
She shivered again and glanced at Cori, who had almost fallen asleep on the seat. Everyone else seemed warm enough, so why was she so cold? Finally she figured it out. She wasn't cold, she was unnerved, and downright scared of the man who had adopted them The truth crept in on her and sent a shiver down her spine, the perfect haven that Cori and her had dreamed of so many times at the orphanage was not going to happen; not from this purple haired man to say the least.
The limo jolted to a halt. Ally opened her eyes and saw Cori do the same. They must have fallen asleep. Suddenly, Ally realised that she had absolutely no idea where they were, and if circumstances were going to be bad at their new 'home' there would be no chance of escape. The Russian landscape is harsh one, in winter, everything looks the same, if you do not know the way, then you are as good as dead.
"Get out, both of you," commanded Boris gruffly, stepping out himself. Ally and Cori followed suit. Ally breathed in deeply. The limo had become so stuffy that she could have suffocated! As she adapted to the biting cold around her, she inspected her surroundings, all of which were unfamiliar and strange from every angle. A huge platinum dome stood in the middle of the snow, with four tunnels, leading into it. This was 'Headquarters' she guessed. Ally felt her heart sink, the reality of the situation hit her hard in the face. She had finally awakened from her fantasies, this was real, and reality hated her.
Cori did not comprehend the situation half as well, "Boris? Is this our home?"
A hand struck her face with so much force that Cori fell onto the snow, a hand slowly raising to touch the cheek that was starting to redden. Her sea blue eyes showed so much fear, confusion and hurt that Ally forgot her fear of this cruel man. She lashed out and punched him in the stomach, and kicked him in the shin, hard. She had surprising force, for a six year old. Boris smirked and easily held her an arm's length away from him.
"Not bad Himana, at least you're not as weak and pathetic as your friend," he spat, "You will both address me as sir from now on. You have been warned. Let me enlighten you. This is Balkov Abbey, or Biovolt. Master Voltaire Hiwatari is our unquestioned leader and I am his right hand - "
Ally sniggered, even then she was fiery, "Right hand, Sir? Only a right hand Sir? Are you not good enough to be the leader Sir?"
This set Boris off, he struck her once but Ally was ready, she staggered but retained her balance and stayed on her feet. He back handed her and she staggered again. Each time she remained standing Boris' fury increased and so did the force in his slap. Finally, he decided that he had had enough of this nonsense and started heading towards one of the tunnels, motioning for the two girls to follow.
The glare Ally gave Boris could have scorched metal. He simply ignored it and walked on. Ally turned back to Cori, who was still lying on the snow, looking dazed. Ally forced a brave smile and pulled Cori to her feet. They followed Boris towards the darkness, and into the place that they would call home for the next six years.
End of Dream
Ally woke with a start, and found the three other beds in the room occupied.
"You're finally awake," whispered a voice.
Ally jumped and turned to find Cori, in the bed beside her.
"Wha…" She trailed off.
"Well, you were sleeping so soundly and after your battle, we couldn't bear to wake you so…" Cori shrugged, "We decided to stay here for the night."
Ally smiled weakly, "Thanks, we had best get some sleep. Tomorrow we go shopping," she shuddered at the thought, "Horrors of horrors. Really."
Cori chuckled and replied, "I'll help you. It's not that bad."
"Speak for yourself," muttered Ally darkly before falling back onto her pillow and slowly drifted to sleep again.
SP: Jeesh, you know how much that last part annoyed me? Ah well, it's done now. God! It's exactly a month since I last updated! Sorry about that, I'll update faster next chappie.
Kai: No one cares.
SP: Shut up! Guys, see that pretty little button down there? The bluish-purple one. It's beckoning, it's calling… press it!
