Heads up. I just wanted to let the people who read this story know that I do realize that none of the actual characters from Beyblade are in the Story YET. Chapter 3 will have two minor ones in it for sure. But Tala or Kai won't be put in the story until the real stuff gets kickin! w00t! Which will probably be like chapter 4 or 5.

Chapter Two: Conflicts

The central garden of the palace was a sacred place; well kept and cherished. The grass was a healthy green and the various plants grew tall and plentiful. Flowers bloomed decorating the sanctuary in reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and purples. Colorful song birds of various species flew about the place and sang their own melodious tune.

Aradia stood in the center of the little garden, a long sword in hand. It was a finely crafted weapon with a leather hilt and a string with one of her silvery white feathers attached to the end with 3 silver beads. Engraved onto the metal blade was an intricate design of what appeared to be water.

And then she began. With the sword in her hands she began a dance; The Dance of Swords. Some people didn't think it was a real dance but the people of Maren disagreed. It was an easy way to learn how to effectively use the weapon. The more steps and swings added the more accurate one could become. The female community actually used it as a dance while some of the males used it to become better swordsmen. In Aradia's case, she did both. Her graceful steps were in rhythm with her swings and blocks against her imaginary opponent. Moving like water, her flexibility made it more complicated than it looked.

From one of the doors, hazel blue eyes watched with interest and conflicting disapproval. He disliked the fact that Lady Aradia fought with not only her hands but weapons as well. He believed women should learn the history, do household work, and practice foreign affairs. Never should they step out on to the battlefield.

He debated whether to take up her challenge and he shuddered at the thought of her approach the Night before. She was something to fight for, but to fight against? He didn't think so. Sighing he pulled out his own sword and quietly approached. He did want to see what skills she had; whether or not they could compare. He watched her movements before suddenly stepping in. His arm wrapped around her waist from behind and his sword blocked a side swing. At his touch and the clang of metal, her honey brown eyes flashed open and her body tensed.

"I decided to take up your challenge," He whispered huskily in her ear. She knew who it was without and second thought; Donovan. And with his body so firmly pressed behind her she could tell he was turned on from just watching her.

A smirk graced her lips, "Alright," she spun out his arms and took a slight defensive stance, "Let's see what you can dish out."

He grinned, bowing, "As you wish milady," he gazed over her body and her stance. She wore loose flowing cream colored pants and a halter that tied in the back around her neck and with a string around her back. The bottom half of the halter hung loosely, flowing gently with her movements.

She made the first move, taking a few quick steps and swinging with a fast swipe diagonally. He blocked, but was taken aback with her force, but made up for it with a sideswipe. Blocking, she spun inward and jabbed her elbow which connected with his chest. He gasped as the air left his lungs and stumbled back. He was stunned at how powerful and precise she was with her weapon. He suddenly smirked and dashed at her with speed unseen by the normal human eyes. She deflected his powerful blow that sent her back and she grinned. She was starting to think of him as a weakling. He slashed at her again and again, and each of them she blocked with her own sword.

The clang of metal went on for a half an hour. Her other guests had begun to arrive and were drawn to their spar but she paid no heed to them; solely focused on Donavan and his movements. They were both breathing heavily but neither was quite tired. But she decided it was time to end this and prove exactly what she meant to show him. With a fast side sweep of the sword, which he blocked, left him off guard to her shoulder slamming into his chest, knocking him to the ground. He blinked up at her, confused, and then stunned. Aradia held the sword a couple of inches from his neck and a playful smirk danced on her lips. There was an around of applause, whistles, and cheers.

"Never underestimate a woman or you just might be in for an ass kicking," Aradia said and held out her hand. He blinked again and a small grin made its way to his face.

"I'll keep that in mind I guess," he said as he grabbed a hold of her extended hand. She helped pull him up and glanced around at the people with sad look. He notice and frowned, "What's wrong?"

"All these people, more precisely the young men," she answered as she sheathed her sword, "They are all here to hopefully gain my hand in marriage," she gave him a slightly sad smile.

He was about to tell her to keep her chin up when her worst nightmare showed up, "Lady Aradia! Wonderful performance at kicking that loser's ass!" Tyrone came up behind her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder which she immediately shrugged off and moved away.

"Keep your filthy hands off me," she warned in a low voice, the little pendent around her neck glowed an angry blood red. She instantly smirked at his face, "Looks like the bruise is going to be there for awhile," she said smugly.

"Why you little bitch, wait until your father hears about your attitude towards your guests," he growled angrily at her. She merely shrugged.

"You shouldn't be rude to the Lady of Maren. If I am correct, I'm pretty sure you could be hung for such a disgrace to this country," Donovan spoke up, disliking the fact he was insulted and that the man was rude to Aradia.

"You have no right to speak. Besides, Lord Pondro favors me and will chose me to rule this place and have Lady Aradia as mine," he said darkly to the black spiky haired boy and grabbing Aradia around the waist. She growled and if she were a cat her hair would have bristle; she spun around in his arms and back-handed him right where she had punched him the day before.

"Do. Not. Touch. Me," she hissed, venom coating her voice. "You will not rule Maren and you will never claim me. You can go to hell and burn alive you scum bag," she snapped. She spun on her heel, looping her arm through Donovan's arm, and taking him with her. He glanced over his shoulder with a smirk on his face making Tyrone's blood boil.

When they made it out into the hall, Aradia let go of Donovan's arm and sighed, rubbing her temples. His hazel blue eyes looked at her sympathetically.

"Men like those I wish to avoid," she said quietly as she leaned against the stone wall. "People like him only look for wealth, fame, power, and sex. And he wouldn't be with just me, but with many other women behind my back. It's like I can almost see the outcome of each individual with the more I learn about them," she said glancing over at him.

"What do you think of me?" he asked in quiet voice. He knew she wouldn't choose him but for the reason he wasn't sure of. She was silent for several moments and then looked him straight in the eyes.

"You aren't power hungry nor crave for wealth. You'd be faithful but you'd be too soft to rule the Kingdom. It would fall under your reign," she answered hesitantly. "I'm not sure how I know this and it doesn't feel like it's my thoughts either. It's a weird sense that I have that isn't mine alone," she added, a small smile dancing on her lips, "It's odd I know."

He smiled back at her. It made sense in more ways than one. But the fact that they weren't hers was puzzling. He only heard of this with twins that had different magical attributes, but Aradia didn't have a twin, or was it something else? He didn't know and didn't think it was wise to bring it up, "Why don't we go back to the main hall? If you like, I'll go with you?"

She grinned at his kindness, "Sure thing. Let me change into something nicer and then we'll go. It'll at least make my mother proud that I'm trying to find someone even though it's obvious the one that'll be perfect isn't here," she said with a shrug and walked down the hall with Donovan at her side to her room.

The Hall was filled with people, all of which were Maren's people. A few had their wings out while others kept them away. They chatted amongst themselves in scattered groups. Most of the adults stood near Lady and Lord of Maren while the young men as well as a few young women hung out in their own groups. When Aradia entered the room with Donovan standing a foot behind on her right, the room hushed to silence. Dressed in a Dark blue skirt with a slit up the side and a loose dark blue long-sleeved shirt that hung slightly off the shoulders, she took one glance around the room before approaching her mother and stepfather. When she stood before them, she bowed.

"It's nice of you to finally join us, Aradia," her stepfather greeted her. She gave him a sickly sweet smile. He raised an eyebrow, "Care to explain the commotion in the garden?"

"Lord Donovan Maurice and I were merely sparring, and I won the challenge," there was rush of whispers before everything went silent again, "Lord Tyrone Vonze insulted Lord Donovan and said few rude words, boasted about how you favor him, and touched me twice," their was another sweep of hushed voices, which Aradia fought not to roll her eyes. "I slapped him and left with Lord Donovan," she finished casually.

"Is this true young Lord Donovan?" Lord Pondro asked, frowning at the eighteen year old. He was trying to find some fault in Aradia's actions and it made her irritated.

"That is correct, Lord," he answered firmly and clearly. Aradia glanced at him and gave him a small smile. At least there would be some people to stick up for her.

"Very well then," he gave them a smile, which was a fake in Aradia's terms. "I would like to welcome you all to the party. As you all know, Aradia will be turning eighteen in eleven months and she will be married by then," he said with a proud smile, "She'll be given the choice until then and if she has not decided we will choose one for her," he finished with a slight bow. There was applause and then voices amongst the adults. Music began to play and a few of the females that were there grabbed a young man to dance with. She assumed they would also be turning eighteen within the next few months or so.

Donovan bowed to her and held out his hand, "Shall we dance?" he asked as a smile played out on his cute face.

"That would be nice," she grinned, placing her hand in his. He led her out to floor and placed a hand on her hip while her other hand went to his shoulder. She was glad that they came to an understanding that they'd be better off as just friends. As they moved to the music other couples joined in, following their lead. She would enjoy the night as much as possible.

It was close to midnight by the time most of the guests had gone to their rooms. Aradia glided down the hall to her mother's chamber. One thing that she was happy about was that her mother and stepfather no longer slept together because there was no point when she couldn't produce another child. Lord Pondro could sleep with whomever but any child born would be unable to become a Lord or Lady since they were not given the birthright to the Palace.

She knocked softly on a set of wooden doors, when she heard a quiet 'come in' she entered. The room was decorated in soft blues and browns and held many antique looking decorations. Her mother was sitting in front of the mirror brushing her slightly light brown, curly hair.

"What's wrong, Aradia?" Her mother asked noticing her daughter's distant look. Aradia sighed and took a seat next to her mother on the bench in front of the mirror.

"I was just thinking. You know why I don't want to marry any of the guys that I have met so far?" she asked quietly. Her mother frowned, shaking her head.

"No, actually you really haven't said exactly why you won't. I figured that you just weren't ready for the burden," she admitted putting her brush down and glancing at her daughter.

"Well, that's part of it. This is going to sound odd, but the more I know about the person the more vivid I can see how they'll rule Maren. For example, Tyrone Vonze is a spoiled, self-centered brat. All he wants is power, money, and my body. Not only that, but he won't be faithful and the kingdom will fall under his poor choices," she said with a frown. "Donovan Maurice is a kind and caring young man, but he's too soft and his indecisiveness will cause Maren to fall as well," she said with a slight shrug and looked up at her mother with confused brown eyes, "I feel like these thoughts aren't mine. I know for a fact that I can't foresee the future."

Her mother Frowned, "The only thing I've heard of is twins being able to tap into one another's power, but…" she looked into the mirror, chewing on her bottom lip in hesitation.

"What is it, mother?" she asked, curiosity dancing on her face.

"I probably should have told you sooner but it's too late now. Your biological father is the Lord of Thuraya and the last I heard, was that he had twins, a boy and a girl who are about a month younger than you," her mother watched as shock crossed her daughter's features. "I believe that the girl has the ability to foresee fragments of the future and the boy has a rapid healing attribute for others. You are probably tapping into her powers without even realizing it since you are close in age," her mother said watching Aradia closely.

"I have siblings?" she asked, still stunned that she actually had a brother and a sister. Her mother nodded.

"And if I'm not mistaken, we'll be seeing them sometime in the next two weeks to make a treaty with your real father so that the Kingdoms can work together in this war," her mother said thoughtfully.

"I'll actually be able to meet them?" she asked still in shock. She couldn't believe it. After all these years, the visions were connected to someone of family. "How come you didn't say sooner?" she asked, a little hurt that she only found out now.

"It was for the safety of the Kingdoms. If there was a known relation between them, all hell would have broken loose at that time. But since we are already at war and we will be signing a treaty, I think you have the right to know," her answered with a small smile. Aradia smiled back and hugged her mother.

"I suppose I can live with it. It's just kind of a big surprise really," Aradia smiled at her mother before standing. "I think I best be off to bed. I'm sure no one will let me sleep in with our guests still here," She gave her mother a hug before heading towards the doors.

"Night, Aradia," her mother called as she resumed combing her hair. Aradia smiled and left, shutting the door quietly behind her. She honestly felt exhausted as the reality of siblings hadn't quite settled in.

Aradia awoke earlier than normal and dressed in flowing white silk skirt and a simple white halter. Her dewdrop necklace hung just above the valley of her breasts; its normal light blue color reflecting Aradia's mood. Her phoenix, Lilith was perched on her shoulder as she left her chambers and made her way down the halls and stairs to the main room where most of the people would be gathering one last time before they would leave for home.

As she turned the corner, Aradia was shoved up against the wall and Lilith took to the air from being startled. She struggled, "Let me go!" but her body was being crushed between her captor and the wall.

"How dare you make a fool out of me yesterday!" he growled and Aradia spat in Tyrone's face.

"You had it coming. Now put me down!" she hissed. The dew drop pendant flared up in a deep red color as she struggled against his hold.

He looked down at her with an evil smirk as he leaned down, his lips lightly brushing her ear, "I'll get what I want one way or other. And I'll kill to do it," he said as dark chuckle came from his throat. His teeth snagged her ear lobe and he roughly sucked on it causing an animalistic growl to come out of her. She managed to get one of her legs free and jerked it upwards into his groin causing a howl of pain from him. He fell to the floor, rolling and wailing, asking for the pain to stop.

"You bastard, don't think you'll get away with this," she growled as Lilith returned to her shoulder. The bird was obviously not happy with the young man, and the way her feathers were ruffled just made it seem more that way. Aradia quickly spun on her heel, storming down the hall unaware of his threat.

"Oh, Lady Aradia, you don't know what's in store for you," he whispered darkly as he struggled to stand. Once on his feet he slowly limped down the opposite hall, leaning against the wall for support.

Aradia was still fuming by the time she reached the hall. But it mostly vanished when Donovan waved at her from where he stood with his parents. She smiled and waved back before gracefully walking over to them.

"We'll be leaving here shortly," Donovan said as she approached. A sad smile came to her face as she hugged him.

"So soon?" she asked as they separated. He nodded and glanced to his parents.

"They both have work to do in Nami. So we have to leave soon in order to get back there within the next two or three days," he answered her unspoken question.

"Ah, I see. Well, I wish you all a safe trip home. May the Gods and Goddesses be with you," she told them as she gave Donovan one last hug and bowed to his parents.

"We will and hopefully we'll see each other soon," he said as him and his parents left. Aradia waved to them before they vanished down the hall to where the front entry way was. She sighed and her bird gently rubbed her feathered crown against Aradia's ear, attempting to comfort her. She smiled and ran her hand down the bird's back before entering the hall to finish her farewells.

I don't like to ask but it'd be nice to get some feedback! Especially with all the hits and visitors! XD

Feel Free to Review!