Heya everyone. Ok I lied, at the end of the last chapter I said there wouldn't a the battle in this one… however it was only after I posted it, that I realised I was a chapter ahead of myself and this one would need to be the match between Team Twilight and the White Tigers. Therefore this particular chapter won't be the one I have been waiting to write about for a while… which is part of the reason why its taken so long to update this one. You see I lost inspiration for this chapter half way through, then realised it had to fit in with then next chapter and partially re-write this one again! Silly me, I know!
Anyways it's here now and it's longer than ever! So I hope you like it. This story was a year old yesterday (gasp) doesn't time fly? So as a special treat this chapter is like uber, uber long, then I hope you can all forgive me for not updating sooner! Now to my loyal reviewers, who I love to pieces.
Luna-chan - A MaSk Of LiEs: Your right, I do enjoy writing my stories. I must say I'm impressed you always managed to review my story even when you don't have an alert from it. I'm hopeless, I reply highly on the alert system as I always forget which stories I've actually read lol.
Silent Storm 2000: I'm glad you like this story, Thanks for the review!
CrimsonSkye06: I'm glad you liked finding out what happned to Kai. From now on it will be mostly based on him – though not directly if that makes sense? You'll see what I mean.
Kimkizna: Heya sorry for the long wait. Thanks for being patient!
Bladebreakers: All these questions lol! It's a shame a I can't answer them… well I could but that would spoil the story :P Aww your review was really sweet, I did have fun on my bio trip actually… my operation was not so fun – but its all over now. Thanks for being patient with me!
Wind Archer: I know what you mean, Kai rarely wins in the series even though he supposedly more powerful than Tyson. It's a shame really.
lil' angelgrl: Aww don't be too sad. Here have a chocolate bar – that should cheer you up!
EvilTwinKae: Thanks for bearing with me, sorry it's taken so long to update, hope you like it.
HeartlessDevil: Glad you liked it, hope you can say the same for this chapter too.
Ms.SoUrPuSs: Heya, glad you still like the story. Oh by the way will you be updating your story any time soon? Sorry to nag, I just wondered that's all… I hope you are.
SpiritualEnergy: Yup I'm back for good now… You'll never get rid of me Muhahaha! Ahem, random stroke of madness over now. Thanks for reviewing!
Keiara Rutherford: Ooo two reviews from you, you must like the story! Well here's the update you wanted!
angelfromynightmare33: Wow I like your name. Thanks for the review.
Diamond Core: Yay your back! (glomps DC) I was afraid you'd stopped reading! Of course I forgive you for not reviewing – after all you certainly made up by reviewing all the chapters you missed. I loved reading all your reviews Diamond Core, because they're really constructive and you give a lot of positive feedback which eases my mind to know that people do enjoy reading what I write. I would appreciate it if you could review Twincharm's story, no one has so far and that got me kinda down. After all I know how it felt to have no one read my story at the beginning… but you were the one who got others to read it, which I've always been grateful for! I can never thank you enough! Thanks for all your support!
Ilovecake2: Yay you're back from camp! Hope you had fun. Ah let me explain about what Kai said. He told Tyson he was sorry not because he won as such, but mainly because he battled in a ruthless, no mercy style, if that makes sense? Cool you have an account now, about time :P Yes I do live in merry old England, its not bad, its been nice and warm recently so that's good. I didn't go to Live8 but I got to watch some of it one TV; I was annoyed because I had a party on that night so I couldn't watch it all! Yeah I'll add you my MSN but I don't use it often, plus cause of time differences I don't know if we'll ever be able to chat lol but emails sound good. Thanks for reviewing.
Ok so that's everyone mentioned I think. Ah Diamond Core reminded me of something in her last review. Last time I mentioned about Twincharm's story "What you don't know can't hurt you". Well I was sorta disappointed that no one at all reviewed her story after my plea. I don't want to nag at anyone, but if at least one person could read and review it, I'd be extremely grateful and I know she would too. Well that's all I have to say… on with the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade, I only own my OC's and their bitbeats.
Chapter 40: Attack of the Cats
The White Tigers sat anxiously in their team room. Today was the day they'd be facing Team Twilight in the semi-finals, it all boiled down to this… whoever won would go on to face the Demolition boys, the looser would gain nothing.
"Well today's the day Rei, you think we're ready?"
"I hope so Lee… We've all improved immensely since you last faced Cassie."
"I know its wrong guys, but I don't feel so confident - she managed to fight all of us last time – and she would have beaten us if she hadn't been injured…"
"That's true Mariah, but you won't be the one to face her – that's my job, I just hope I'm strong enough." Replied Rei
"You've battled her before right?" asked Kevin
"Yes…"
"Did you win?"
"Well that's not really the point Kevin… The point is I know how Cassie attacks, so at least I'll have an idea about what to expect from her."
"So you lost then" muttered the small boy
"Is all her team as strong as her?" Questioned Mariah
"They are strong; I lost to Tariq last time…"
Rei glanced at the disheartened faces of his team.
"… But as I keep saying we've all improved since then. Hey guys don't worry – we'll be fine!"
"Rei's right," agreed Lee "We can't enter these battles in a negative mood – otherwise we'll have no chance in winning. A positive outlook will surely end in a positive outcome!"
Meanwhile, Team Twilight sat in a circle on their team room floor. The male members were busy discussing their line up; nonetheless Cassie sat to the side of the room, her mind elsewhere as she gazed out of the window.
"So its agreed then? Mika will go first against Mariah, then myself against Lee and finally – if needed in case of a draw – Cassie can play the deciding match against Rei."
"Yeah that's fine with me. It'll be easy to beat a girl!"
"Mika, when was the last time you beat Cassie again?"
"Err… well, ermm…"
Tariq smirked as his lavender haired friend tried to recall this fact.
"I believe the answer is never Mika – You've never beaten Cassie – no one ever has." Answered Tariq
"Why'd you ask me then? I mean that was a trick question!"
"My point, is you shouldn't be so cocky you'll beat Mariah just because she's a girl, not all girls are weak…"
Mika shrugged and scowled at his friend.
"Know it all." He muttered.
Daren rolled his eyes
"Now that you two have sorted out that little debate, is everyone agreed on today's battle plan?"
The two boys nodded, but no answer came from their female captain. Daren cleared his throat before speaking.
"Cassie? Do you think our line up is ok?"
The girl's concentration snapped back to reality, as she looked at the concerned faces of her team.
"Huh? What were you saying Daren?"
"I asked if the line up for today was alright with you."
"Oh, yeah, sounds good…"
The boys glanced worryingly at each other.
"Cassie, are you ok?" questioned Mika
"I'm fine..." she replied distantly as her attention turned back to looking out of the window.
"It's just you seem a little distracted," added Tariq
"I'm thinking…"
"Oh,"
Daren gave the other two boys a look indicating "let's give her some peace". As they made their way to exit the room, Cassie began to speak again.
"Did you see the way Kai looked at us?"
The three boys stopped at the doorway.
"What?" Asked Daren
"Yesterday, just after he beat Tyson he looked at us… did you see?"
Mika and Tariq decided it was best to let Daren deal with this, so they continued on making their way out. Daren closed the door and made his way to sit beside the lilac eyed girl.
"Erm sorta,"
"He looked so sad…" replied the girl softly
"What makes you say that?"
"His eyes – he looked like he was apologising to me,"
"Well he should do really, I mean you did nothing wrong, yet he still accused you…"
"Do you think he found out the truth? That Boris had tricked him?"
"Possibly, if that's what happened… He did make that speech on how he wasn't listening to Boris' instructions."
"I hope so, but I'm not the only one Kai should apologise to. How's your jaw now?"
"Still a bit sore." Admitted the boy as he rubbed his jaw line.
"The bruising's gone down."
"Yeah… one thing's for sure, Kai can certainly pack a punch… was definitely the most painful one I've received…"
"It's the only one you've ever received" smirked Cassie
"It's not!" protested the boy
"Daren, don't try and trick me, I've known you all my life and never once have I seen you in a fight – you always said violence wasn't the answer…"
"Well… I err… You know that makes me sound like a wimp right?"
"No it doesn't. It makes you sound sensible."
"Same thing."
The girl scowled at her friend.
'Men!' she thought 'Always worried about their male egos…'
"Well I guess we'd better be making our way to the stadium now, our match is soon."
As the blonde boy began to make his way to the door, he felt a hand grab firmly onto his wrist.
"Daren…"
Puzzled green eyes met soft lilac ones.
"Don't underestimate the White Tigers. When I last battled them… they were strong and I'm pretty sure with Rei back on their team their will have improved even more so. It's likely that Rei's warned them you use ambush attacks, so Lee will be waiting for you. He's not one to be messed with… He'll take full advantage of any mistakes you make…"
For a split second Daren processed all of the advice his friend had told him. His face concealed a serious expression as he stood up straight.
"Then I won't make a mistake," he replied simply. "Jelena I know how much this match means to you. I know you want us to be the ones who face Kai's team, but now it's my turn to dish out advice; don't let your emotions cloud your judgement. Your determination to face Kai in the finals may lead you to make rash decisions which could risk your victory. Focus on today's match, and deal with Kai's when the time comes."
Cassie stared wide-eyed at her friend as he walked confidently away.
"You called me Jelena…" she began, but was cut off when her friend met her with a deep gaze.
"I know I did. To me you always will be Jelena - my shining light…"
He left without saying another word, just missing the solemn girl whisper,
"But I'm not yours…"
A tense yet excitable crowd cheered as Jazzman entered the ring.
"Good evening ladies and gentle – boys and girls! Do we have a treat for you tonight! As scheduled, Team Twilight and the White Tigers will battle head to head for the last chance to be in the final match against the deadly Demolition Boys. Can the Koreans pull yet another victory? Or will Rei Kon's team break their winning streak? Only time will tell… Now let's bring out the teams!"
Both team entered on cue, welcomed by an accompaniment of deafening screams and applause. This would have been intimidating sight at the best of times for any competitor, but the fact that it was the deciding match for the finals, just added to the pressure each one of them was feeling.
"Just stay relaxed," reassured Cassie. "You'll all do fine as long as you don't panic,"
"This must be the biggest crowd I've ever battled in front of," gasped Mika
"It's a good job you don't get stage fright then," smirked Tariq
The lilac eyed girl smirked at her friends. She gazed casually to her opposition's side, noticing that Rei too was examining the amount of spectators. He stopped when he met her gaze. They smiled in their usual friendly way; which almost seemed wrong for both of them, considering the current circumstances. Soon enough they would have to temporarily discard their friendship for the sake of their teams, but it had to be done.
'Then again,' thought Cassie. 'I won't have to battle if Mika and Daren both win their matches,'
The thought seemed appealing; mainly because she always hated having to abandon friendships for the sake of a game, even if the game was one she loved dearly. Memories of her lecturing Kai, explaining how Tyson's friendship out valued winning their last tournament, flooded her mind. The prospect of becoming such a hypocrite made her disgusted with herself. It was only a game… but then she remembered the reason why she'd become so passionate to win – Kai.
In her heart of hearts she wanted to prove to Boris, and herself, that her team could beat those cheating Demolition Boys. Once that was over with, then things could go back to the way they were; but then again, was that possible? She didn't even know where she stood with Kai anymore. Did he still think she'd cheated one him? It was impossible to tell without confronting him, but that too seemed highly unlikely to happen any time soon.
Either way, these thoughts continually floated around in Cassie's mind. Blocking all other matters away from her reach; all she could concentrate on was the issue of Kai. It consumed her, withdrawing her from reality. In some ways it was a release from everything that was happening around her, but in another sense her thoughts were slowly able to run wild; all of her fears and doubts surrounding Kai became questions she could not answer. She loved him more than anything in the world, but confusion over the tape incident made her doubt his feelings towards her, and that in itself tore her apart.
Daren was right when he suggested emotions could cloud her judgement. Cassie knew it was possible, but initially refused to acknowledge they could affect her. Now she wasn't so confident, and that in turn lead to her questioning her own abilities and strength. It was a vicious circle which gradually surrounded Cassie in negative aura. Sadly for her though, she suffered in silence, never voicing her thoughts for fear that her team too may think less of her. Everyone saw her as their strong leader, their unbeatable captain who always knew what to do; but now she was at a loss with Kai, and that troubled her.
Did even Daren doubt her now? His last lecture implied it… but was it intentional? Maybe he was just trying to help…
"Err, Cassie?"
The girl jumped slightly as Tariq gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey you ok?" his voice hinting concern
Cassie mentally cursed to herself as she realised she'd once again got lost in her own thoughts.
"I'm fine. Are we starting yet?"
"Mika's just setting up now. You sure you're ok? You seemed to have zoned out for a second, and you look awfully pale…"
A thought suddenly struck Cassie, she'd made a mistake last time she'd zoned out.
"Mika shouldn't battle," she blurted out
"What!" Now he was completely confused
"You should take his place. Mika's blade – it's too slow for Galux. Your Nuray will be far better suited for this battle."
"But isn't it too late to swap?"
"Not if Mika hasn't already walked up to the dish,"
She gasped as she saw Mika approaching the stadium, without a moment passing she bolted towards him.
"Mika! Wait!"
"Huh?" the boy stood confused as he captain raced towards him
He waited patiently as she caught her breathe again.
"You shouldn't battle," she panted
"What?"
"Trust me, Chandra will loose… Galux is too fast, she'll overwhelm you."
"What going on?" demanded Daren as he strode up to the two, closely followed by Tariq.
"Cassie thinks Tariq should replace me,"
"What? But you agreed on our line up…"
"I've changed my mind. Please just trust me," she pleaded. "Tariq will stand a better chance against Mariah – Nuray's agility can match hers."
"But I haven't prepared for this match,"
"Tariq you'll be fine. Just remember what you did when you battled Rei last time."
"Are you sure you'll be ok?" asked Daren
"Well I guess so… I'll give it my best shot. Is that alright with you though Mika? I know you were looking forward to this battle…"
"I was," admitted the boy. "But on the other hand I want us to win this tournament. I trust Cassie's judgement,"
"So it's settled then, I best go tell Jazz Man of the change."
The petite girl made her way to the stadium and whispered the news to Jazz Man. A startled expression was his first reaction, before talking to someone via his head set – presumably to confirm that it was possible to change who was playing in the match this late on. With a nod, Cassie made her back to her friends.
"It's done" she said simply
"Ladies and Gentlemen! In a change to tonight's schedule, Team Twilight have requested to swap their first blader Mika for their reserve Tariq."
From the mumbles of the crowds, it was clear that everyone was surprised by this decision, especially the White Tigers.
"They what!" exclaimed Lee
"Why would they do that?" asked Kevin
"I don't know…" replied Rei. "Unless…"
"Unless what?" questioned Lee
"Unless Cassie's believes that Mariah's speed would over power Mika's blade… In which case, Tariq would be better suited to battling in this match. He's much more nimble plus she must have remembered how he beat me last time…"
"Well what do I do now Rei?" asked an anxious Mariah. "I'd been preparing to battle Mika – my whole strategy was moulded around what you told me about him… I don't know much about Tariq's blade."
"Don't worry Mariah, it'll be ok. Just remember the time I explained my match with Tariq… Do you remember?"
"Well, yes… I guess."
She felt an encouraging hand lay upon her shoulder. Slowly she looked up to meet the smiling face of her friend, Rei's smile always managed to reassure her.
"You'll be fine,"
"I hope so,"
"3…2…1… Let It Rip!"
"Go Nuray!"
"Attack Galux!" screamed Mariah
The pink blade began its quick assault on Tariq's midnight blue blade. Unfortunately for Mariah, Tariq was able to dodge, each time she attacked. This mimicked Galux desperately trying to catch the bat Bitbeast with its claws; but Nuray simply flew out of the way each time.
"Hmm this scenario seems familiar," pondered Tariq with a smirk.
- Flashback -
Driger was now deep into a battle with a bat bitbeast named Nuray. However the match was not going quite to plan as far as Rei was concerned. Each time Driger went to attack Nuray, the bat would fly out of Driger's reach.
"Kitty can't get me can he?" teased Rei's opponent.
"Batty can't battle can he?" retorted the neiko jin.
The hooded figure grit his teeth.
"Nuray Vampire Bite!"
The bat zoned in on the tiger and sunk its fangs into Driger.
"No Driger! Shake him off!"
Driger efforts were in vain, Rei's silver blade began to slow as the bat drained Driger of his energy. Eventually it was all over as the silver blade lay on its side, motionless.
- End Flashback -
"That maybe so but this outcome will be different." Retorted the pink haired girl.
"Oh really? We'll just see who can last the longest like this shall we?"
"Can Tariq keep this up for much longer?" asked Daren
"He should be able to – if he concentrates enough," replied Cassie but even she seemed doubtful, her eyes were fixed on his blade, watching every move intently."
"But even if he does, he still needs to have enough energy to finish her off," added a concerned Mika
"He still has his moonstone," stated Cassie "…There's still hope."
It seemed to everyone that Galux was being overwhelmed by the swift Nuray, who was able to avoid every move she made.
"Rei was right, you can't fight." stated Mariah
"What do mean?" asked an angered Tariq
"Well all you do is fly away – you don't fight. I bet you can't even attack, either that or you're scared to…"
"We'll see! Nuray you know what to do! Vampire Bite!"
Mariah prepared to be attacked once again, however this time as Nuray swooped in, Galux made a quick turn and knocked the bat with a clean blow from its massive paw.
The teal haired boy winced as his blade smashed into the side of the dish. When she wanted to, Mariah could have a mighty powerful counter attack. But she was not fished there. Taking full advantage of the stunned bat she ordered her final assault on the blue blade.
"Galux, Cat Scratch Attack!"
It all happened in a blink of an eye. One second Nuray was fine and then the next he was practically cut to pieces but the swift mountain cat.
"No!" yelled Tariq as he blade slowly came to halt.
"And the winner is Mariah!"
A solemn Tariq stepped forward to reclaim his blade from the dish, before returning to his team bench.
After close inspection he could tell his blade had severe damage from his opponents attack. So much so, that part of the attack ring had been broken off, causing it to lose all balance thus resulting in his loss.
"She's completely trashed my blade!" complained Tariq
"And you were the one who warned me that girls aren't weak,"
"Oh shut up Mika, I wasn't prepared for her little tricks! She probably intended for me to attack her like that. Girl's are too sneaky."
"Ha! Tariq we always are," replied Cassie smugly. "Its one of our grate traits."
Her remark was only met by an inaudible grumble causing her to grin.
"I shouldn't haven't lost," he growled
"No, you shouldn't have." Stated Daren
All light heartiness that had previously surrounded the team disappeared immediately.
"Give him a break Daren he tried his best…" reasoned Cassie
"He didn't concentrate though… If he'd thought about it he would have used his moonstone – that would have certainly guaranteed him victory."
"Not necessarily, they give us more power yes, but power alone won't lead to victory. Mariah's attack happened so quickly, he wouldn't have had time to use it even if he'd wanted to."
"As captain, I thought you would have minded at a defeat."
"Daren, we haven't lost yet… you still have your battle and then there could be a final deciding match – it's still possible to win."
"We may have won though if you'd let Mika play,"
"Daren, as captain I made the decision I felt best. If it was the wrong choice, I apologise, but I think the outcome would have been the same, if not worse, even if Mika had been the one to battle."
"Yeah, I have to side with Cassie on that. Personally I don't think Chandra would have stood a chance, he'd have been slow to even challenge Galux." Added Mika. "Either way there's no point in lingering on what's already done. Daren just make sure you win your battle and we'll be fine. When it comes to the deciding match, Cassie's bound to win, she always does!"
"You'd better go," smiled Cassie. "Lee's already waiting for you… remember what I warned you of though…"
"Likewise," replied the boy darkly
Cassie's smile immediately faltered as she remembered his words. Momentarily, her eyes skimmed the crowd searching for someone in particular. Sure enough he was there, surrounded by his team. Kai's face was unreadable, his closed eyes and crossed arms however indicated he was extremely bored, either that or tense.
He must have sensed someone was watching him, because his eyes instantly shot open. Somehow he'd managed to pinprick exactly where the person was so he was staring directly at Cassie almost instantaneously. She gasped slightly in surprise, his powerful gaze causing her to do nothing but return the stare.
Unbeknown to them, Boris had noticed this connection between the two and immediately went over to Kai. As his tall figure loomed over Kai, the boy broke eye contact from Cassie.
She observed how the man said something to her boyfriend, to which Kai protested greatly to. She continued to watch as the man bet down and whispered something to the boy, this time resulting in a different response from him – he seemed growl and challenge whatever Boris had said to him. It appeared that Boris had replied to Kai's comment, because suddenly the boy's eyes went wide in terror. He looked desperately at Cassie once last time before turning away, shaking his head in defeat.
Her eyes followed Kai as he got up and silently walked out of the stadium. She stood there confused for a second, before her gaze returned to where Kai had been. Next to his empty seat sat a smirking Tala. His icy eyes met hers instantaneously in a penetrating gaze. She shivered and quickly turned away as his smile developed into a menacing grin. It was one that defiantly gave her the creeps; refusing to let him get the better of her, she concentrated solely on Daren's match from then on.
"Right then folks the White Tigers are one nil up, so if they win this match they will be the ones to face the deadly Demolition Boys…. Now, to make things more interesting Mr Dickenson has requested a specialist dish be used for the remaining matches."
"What!" cried Lee
"Afraid you'll lose now?" smirked Daren
It was at that point that the 'Amazon Jungle' stadium was revealed. The once tense Lee, relaxed.
"Oh far from it," he boasted. "I think you'll find I'm right at home here."
"As am I" replied the calm blonde
"3…2…1…Let It Rip."
"Go Galeon!"
"Go Kamaria!"
Both boys got stuck in straight away and called out their Bitbeasts as they weaved between the dense forest. They attacked each other several times but neither seemed to gain an advantage over the other.
Lee's strength seemed to be draining away from him, whereas Daren had barely broken out in a sweat.
"This is beginning to get tiresome," he yawned. "Are you even attacking me?"
"How dare you insult me!" yelled Lee
'No!' screamed the voice inside Cassie's head. 'I told you not to anger him!'
"Galeon Spiral Lightening!"
The lion bitbeast came in for the kill, but the Tasmanian Devil quickly dodged the attack by climbing up one of the nearby trees. From there it jumped further into the forest, disappearing from view.
"What the- where'd he go?" asked a shocked Lee
"Kamaria Ambush Assault!"
Out from no where the black and white blade slammed into Lee's black one. The force was immense and sent Galeon crashing into several trees, causing the Chinese boy to gasp in shock.
"Oh that's nothing," replied a smug Daren. "In fact, I've barely started. Kamaria attack!"
Once, twice, three times it struck Galeon, each move lethal in its own right. Soon it was all over, and Lee's blade lay motionless on the ground.
"Nice battle," said Daren in an airy term that emitted his cockiness.
He caught his blade with ease before walking back to his team.
"I thought you said he'd be hard to beat," stated Daren making sure Lee was able to hear him.
Cassie scowled at her friend, he could be so arrogant it was unbelievable!
"He's a powerful blader." She replied through gritted teeth
"Not compared to me."
"Then you're lucky," she relied flatly before making her way to her match.
So now it came down to this. The teams were at a draw so everything depended on the two captains. Cassie made here way confidently towards her place, her long black hair swaying loosely as she walked. Her knee high boots clinked along the hard floor echoing around the stadium. A few guys whistled as she walked by but she ignored them. Her mind was focused entirely on this match.
Rei gave her a welcoming smile as they faced each other, which she returned politely. As they prepared their blades, Rei called out to her.
"Hey Cassie?"
"Yeah Rei?"
"Remember the pact we all made on the first day?"
"Of course," she replied smiling
"Forever Friends yeah? No matter what?"
"Forever Friends," she agreed
"3…2…1…Let It Rip!"
It was far harder to navigate their blades around the forest dish than both bladers had initially anticipated. On a few occasion both had to make a last minute change of direction to avoid colliding with a tree.
The match was a challenge, but an enjoyable one all the same.
"Hey Rei, this is kinda fun."
"I agree, it reminds me of training in my village."
"Me too."
As the match progressed it was clear that the two blades were closely matched in skill. There was never a point where one seemed to be winning. It was Rei that first summoned Driger from his bit piece. This was soon followed by Cassie calling out Patiere.
For ages the two big cats attacked one another, but to spectators it seemed they were doing so in a playful manner. Exactly like how domestic cats play fight with one another.
After a while Rei began laughing softly.
"What's wrong?" asked the girl
"I've just realised your toying with me… you're not even trying to attack me."
"I could say the same for you,"
"I'm enjoying the moment… I haven't had this much fun in a battle for ages. I think Driger is enjoying it too, he's in full control at the moment and not even wanting to fight with Patiere."
"Yeah I know what you mean, I'm just letting Patiere do whatever she wants to…"
"It's a shame this has to end." Added the boy sadly
"I know… but one of us has to win. Our teams are counting on us to go to the finals."
"And face Kai,"
For some reason Cassie flinched when Rei said Kai's name. She looked sad for a second but quickly regained her composure.
"Play times over now…" she smiled. "Think ya can beat me?"
Rei smirked at his friend
"I'll give you a run for you money. Driger Tiger Claw!"
"Patiere dodge it quickly!" cried Cassie
The black panther was just a second to slow to clear Driger's attack, and the tigers claws just caught its back left leg, causing the beast to roar in pain. Cassie winced as the wound appeared on her left leg too. Rei looked concerned and was about to say something but she interrupted him.
"Don't worry, it's just a scratch. I won't let you get me next time. Patiere, Midnight Pounce!"
On command the panther leapt and pinned Driger to the floor. What followed next was a competition between the two cats rolling around trying to see who could pin the other down for the longest. It was a real attack of the cats.
"Patiere pull back, Jungle Jump!"
"Driger don't let her escape!"
The tiger jumped onto the retreating panther, sinking in its claws to halt it. Three claw shaped wounds appeared on Cassie back, causing her to grimace in pain. Blood seeped through the cuts staining her white dress, but Rei was unable to see this… However her team could, they looked at one another anxiously.
"Patiere you have to get free!" cried Cassie
Obediently Patirer somehow managed to get free of Driger's grasp. The two beats stood aggressively at each side of the stadium.
"I have to finish this now," she whispered. "Anymore wounds and I'll be too weak to fight."
In a last attempt Cassie reach to her dress pocket and pulled out her precious moonstone. Her mind focused she began chanting the sacred words of her village.
"Quen-quailo nee-gano, cu-rundey naythai…"
The small stone began to glow until it surrounded her body. At the last moment she cried.
"Patiere! Moonlight Furry!"
A blinding white light surrounded Patiere as it made her last assault on Driger. The same light flooded the stadium as the two blade crashed together, making everyone shield their eyes from its brightness.
As the light subsided Rei's blade lay immobile on the ground… Patiere stopped moments after.
"Cassie wins!" yelled Jazz Man
The crowd went wild.
Cassie picked up Patiere and turned to Rei who was inspecting his blade.
"I guess a congratulations is in order," he smiled
Cassie nodded gratefully
"Thanks for the great battle,"
"Same to you… Sorry about your leg."
"No need to apologise. That's attack always seems to get me," replied the girl half heartedly.
"Good luck in the finals Cass."
Rei put his hand supportively on her shoulder, but quicky pulled it back when she winced at his touch. He stood confused for a moment until he felt something cold on his hand.
Bringing his hand up, his eyes went wide with shock as he saw blood cover his finger tips. Guilt consumed him.
"I- I did that?" he asked in a whisper
"It's nothing," she replied with a shrug. "Just a scratch,"
She smiled one last time before walking back to her team. Not noticing Rei's face pale as he saw the full extend of her injury. As Cassie approached her team, she suddenly felt light headed. Her knees suddenly gave way andshe collapsed on the ground with a thud.
Confused and dizzy she heard Daren call out her name. Her last memory was seeing a pair of feet running towards her before she blacked out… then darkness.
Woohoo I finished that chapter now. Yay! About time too! Well I hoped you liked it, it's definitely the longest I've even wrote. I hope some of you managed to spot the references to various other chapters within it – I tried my best to incorporate a lot of previous information in it, just to refresh your memories etc.
Hopefully the next chapter will be up a lot sooner than this one… after all it is the one I've been looking forward to writing for some time! Please review if you can, I appreciate all the comments you make. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Until next time…
Wreckless Spirit