Running Into The Light

By: Dreiser

-Prologue-

	A year had passed since she had last seen Kanzaki Akari. To 
the girl known as Kris Christopher that one year seemed like an entire 
millennium.  And watching her as she competed in the Ultra 
Competition Kris felt the same sharp pain of longing that arose every 
time she thought of Akari.
	It had been like that ever since she had to leave the Sports 
Academy to return home and serve her people as a Priestess. Kris 
knew that being a Priestess was her sacred duty to both her family 
and her people but sometimes she missed Akari so much that she felt 
she might die from it. She knew it was selfish but more than anything 
Kris wanted to return to Akari and finish what she had started on the 
day she left.
	Tradition! That's what she told Akari. That it was a tradition 
of her people to give good-bye kisses. Right. There was no such 
tradition amongst her people. That passionate kiss was a result of the 
deep love Kris felt for Akari finally surfacing, and fearing Akari's 
reaction about another girl being in love with her Kris lied, saying that 
the kiss was a tradition and nothing else. Dismissing a perfect moment 
of love so it would make it easier for her to leave Akari.
	Kris knew how much Akari cared for her as a friend and 
looked up to her as a mentor but could she ever return the love that 
she felt for her? Kris thought that having a final kiss before leaving 
would help her let go of Akari... that so long as she had that ideal 
moment in her mind she could stand the separation. It simply wasn't 
so. The memory of the kiss was a constant torment for Kris. 
Sometimes she would wake from dreams so vivid that she thought she 
was back on the University Satellite with Akari.
	And why wasn't she with Akari? Because of the duty her 
parents had placed upon her to become a Priestess. Once it was a 
task she would have gladly taken on... but that was before she met 
Akari. Turquoise eyes teared up slightly as she watched the petite 
brunette excitedly congratulating Lahrri who had just won the Ultra 
Competition. It hurt so very much to not be a part of it. To not be a 
part of Akari's life anymore. Casting a look towards the solemn 
figures of her parents Kris rose to her feet. Rigidly walking out of the 
small living room to their home she said quietly, "I'm going back. God 
is everywhere and I can teach his divine ways just as well at Sports 
Academy." Pausing in the doorway Kris wore a tortured expression 
as she said, "I'm sorry for bringing dishonor to you by abandoning my 
duties as Priestess but I... I..." Turquoise eyes lifted to meet her 
parents steady gazes. "I love her."
	Thus finished, Kris turned stiffly on her heel and proceeded to 
once again walk out of her parents house for the University Satellite. 
Only this time she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to return.

-One-

	"It's not fair," said Kanzaki Akari in frustration. She released a 
puff of air from her lips, causing her oak brown bangs to fly upwards, 
then glared at her two friends. "How come you guys and Ayla are still 
rooming together while I'm stuck with a pair of complete strangers 
again?" As she said this Akari waved around her new room 
assignment in the wing of the dorm for the Sophomore class.
	Smiling widely and revealing her cute pair of fangs in the 
process Tanya Natdhipytadd rocked back on the heels of her bare 
feet and offered, "Maybe because the big wigs feel sorry for me since 
I'm always placed on supply detail for the Upperclassmen?" Ceasing 
her rocking Tanya paused to frown slightly as she said, "I just wanna 
know why we have to room with people from our own grade level. I 
think it's a stupid rule... I'd rather room with Lahrri any day."
	"Right," drawled Jessie Gurtland humorously as she raised an 
eyebrow. "You just want to room with Lahrri because you have a 
crush on her."
	Immediately Tanya turned beet red and shouted at the top of 
her lungs, "I do not have a crush on Lahrri! Stop spreading rumors!"
	Although it was the first day of the United Systems Sports 
Academy's new year of classes several hundred students found time 
to take a break from their harried schedules to stare at Tanya in 
curious wonder as they heard her loud protest. At this attention the 
redhead began laughing nervously, especially after she heard some of 
the nearby Seniors discussing her relationship with Lahrri in detail.
	Akari ducked her head, giggled, and said, "You should 
consider yourself lucky Tanya... Lahrri wasn't even around to hear 
you. What if she had been, huh?"
	At this suggestion Tanya looked sickly while next to her Jessie 
snickered and said, "What do you mean 'if' Akari? Even though she 
isn't here I bet Lahrri will hear it anyway. You know how fast gossip 
travels around this place."
	"Lahrri doesn't listen to gossip," Tanya sniffed in superior 
tones as she folded her arms across her chest. "It's beneath her. She's 
too busy training to ever bother with that sorta juvenile stuff."
	"Is that so?" murmured Jessie thoughtfully. Her blue eyes 
twinkling she questioned, "Tell me... is that because Lahrri is the 
woman?"
	Narrowing her cobalt eyes Tanya whirled around to face 
Jessie who was already making a dash for it. Chasing after the blonde 
Tanya shouted, "Get back here you spaz!"
	Her long blonde hair flying behind her Jessie laughed and 
called over her shoulder, "But that's what you always say! To quote 
Tanya, 'Lahrri is the woman'!"
	Watching her friends departure Akari giggled again then 
murmured, "Maybe I'm lucky to not be rooming with them. If they're 
like this all the time living with them would just exhaust me..."
	Strolling down the winding hallways that led towards the 
Sophomore dorms Akari tried to ignore the gaping looks several of 
the Freshman students were giving her. It had been like that ever since 
she won the title of Cosmos Beauty. She couldn't go anywhere 
without being stared at and asked for autographs. Although she found 
it flattering Akari really found the attention trying at best. For her the 
joy of competition was in the self-improvement an athlete could make. 
The constant attention from the public was wearing at times and often 
she yearned to escape it.
	Lost in thought Akari barely noticed when she bumped into a 
lost looking girl with short spiky blonde hair. The girl toppled 
backwards to fall on her butt as she released a high pitched cry of 
surprise. Blinking her tawny eyes Akari took in the fallen girl and said, 
"Oh gosh! I'm sorry... I didn't see you there. Are you all right?" 
Kneeling down next to the girl Akari looked over her lithe figure and 
said, "You look okay but you can never be too careful around here. 
Want me to take you to the infirmary?"
	Wide scarlet eyes gazed at Akari in certain awe and the girl 
mutely nodded her head no. Observing the girl's reaction with humor 
Akari rose to her feet while pulling the blonde girl with her. Smiling 
she said, "I'm Kanzaki Akari, a Sophomore."
	"I know!" replied the girl instantly before she blushed deep 
red. "I mean... I know who you are Kanzaki-san. Who doesn't? 
You're famous."
	"Yeah," said Akari with a sigh. Blinking she looked more 
closely at the other girl and said, "Hey. You're Phoebe Masters right? 
You spoke for the Freshman class at the welcoming ceremony. I 
guess we could call you famous then too. Everyone on campus knows 
you now."
	"I suppose," said Phoebe sheepishly.
	"Well Phoebe," said Akari, smiling wide. "Let me be the first 
to welcome you to University Satellite."
	"Thanks..." Phoebe said slow wonder.
	Beaming Akari patted Phoebe's shoulder in assurance then 
said, "I know how you feel. The first few days are tough but once you 
get past them and get to really know your new teammates... well. It 
makes all the difference. But now," she said looking up at the 
holoclock. "I've got to get going and find my dorm room or I won't 
have time to train later." Quickly turning on her heel Akari dashed 
down the hallway while calling, "I'll see you around Phoebe! Good 
luck!"
	Watching Akari exit in certain wonder Phoebe cursed herself 
for not asking her for directions. At this rate she was going to be lost 
for most of her stay at the Satellite. But none of that mattered now. 
Her idol had personally welcomed her to the school and regarded her 
as a potential friend. Phoebe whooped loudly at the top of her lungs 
then ran down the hallway leaving only a cloud of dust in her wake. 
As far as she was concerned life couldn't get any better.

	"C-838," said Akari thoughtfully as she looked from her room 
assignment to the shiny plaque in front of her that had the same 
number on it. Her tawny eyes ran downwards to read the names of 
her new roommates that were emblazoned on the plaque beside the 
door. "Wong Ling-pha," Akari read the first name. "I know her. She's 
a friend of Tanya's. Well, at least I know one of my roommates. 
Okay, who's next? Kris Christopher..." Stopping abruptly Akari 
rubbed her eyes then read it again. "Kris Christopher? It couldn't be... 
but if it is then..." Quickly pressing the command for the doors to open 
Akari dashed inside the dorm room. "Kris?!" she cried out. "Are you 
really here?"
	"Akari," pronounced the gentle lilt that she missed so 
desperately coming from the living room. Seconds later the svelte 
figure of Kris Christopher emerged before her and Akari drank in the 
sight of her in astonishment. Her long pale blue hair was no longer 
pulled back in it's bindings, now allowed to run free and she wore an 
elegant layered dress that made her look every inch a Priestess. 
Observing Akari's wide eyed disbelief Kris smiled and said in 
assurance, "I'm really here."
	"Kris," said Akari in a barely distinguishable whisper before 
she barreled forward to hug the Beginner who almost fell over from 
the sheer force of her embrace. 
	"Oh Kris!" Akari exclaimed as she buried her face in sweet 
smelling pale blue hair. "I missed you so much!"
	"I missed you too Akari," murmured Kris, tears forming in her 
turquoise eyes. The embrace ended too soon and as Akari pulled 
away Kris smiled, seeing that the brunette had shed tears of her own. 
Gently tracing a high cheekbone as to wipe the tears away Kris said, 
"I watched you at the Ultra Competition. You did well."
	"I did my best," said Akari smiling. "Just like you said I always 
should. Kris," she began in excitement. "Is it true? Are you really my 
teammate again? I thought you went back to the Moon because of 
your family duties."
	"Not anymore," said Kris. Walking towards the high windows 
that granted an amazing view of the Moon she was raised on Kris 
looked strained as she said, "My parents and I had a... disagreement 
of sorts. I have now been freed of my status as the Priestess for our 
Church. Instead I shall be conducting my services here on the Satellite 
while I continue my education here." Raising her hand she traced the 
surface of the window and said, "I regret the disgrace I caused in not 
obediently complying to their wishes as every child should, but when I 
would truly listen to the will of my heart it always lead me back here." 
Looking back at Akari to smile wanly she finished, "It seems that only 
the spirits and myself support my recent decision. My parents have all 
but banished me... we have not spoken in weeks."
	"Banished you?" Akari repeated in disbelief. Taking a slow 
step forward she said, "Oh Kris... why?"
	"Because..." began Kris tightly as she tilted her head back to 
stare at the ceiling. "I have cast aside my duty to them. I am a 
disgrace."
	"No!" cried Akari strongly, running forward she grabbed the 
other girl by her shoulders. "You're not a disgrace Kris. You're the 
best friend I've ever had and the best person I've ever known. They're 
the disgrace, not you. Kris..." Akari said tenderly as she cupped the 
Beginner's cheek. "Don't you see? It's your right to follow your own 
path. Just because they're your parents doesn't mean they have 
permission to run your life. It's your life Kris. Yours! Don't let them 
take that away from you..." Ducking her head so their eyes would 
meet Akari said, "Please."
	Releasing a shuddering sigh Kris said, "I will not Akari... I 
promise."
	"Good," Akari quietly said. Wrapping an arm around the taller 
girl's waist she led Kris to the couch. Sitting down with her legs folded 
under her she said, "Want to tell me the whole story now? Are you 
really back... for good?"
	"Yes," said Kris, smiling at this question. "I'm back. For good 
or ill, I am back. For good..." Trailing off turquoise eyes met tawny 
ones and she added, "And forever."
	Akari let loose a happy cry then moving forward across the 
couch pulled Kris into another tight hug that surprised the Beginner at 
first but eventually she adjusted to the feeling. And smiling softly Kris 
gently touched the small of Akari's back while reveling at the sensation 
of the embrace. This is was the epitome of why she had returned. To 
be able to talk to and touch Akari once more. Pulling away Akari 
said, "Oh Kris... I know I shouldn't be this happy about having you 
back. Especially under these circumstances but I can't help it... I am. 
I'm so happy..."
	"Akari," said Kris reverently, touching Akari's arm lightly. "Do 
not feel guilty. I am just as happy to be here as you are to have me 
here. All right?"
	"All right," mimicked Akari, nodding her head. Noting the 
suddenly sad look that her friend had gained she asked, "What's 
wrong? Are you thinking of your parents?"
	"No..." said Kris distantly. Lifting her gaze she said in quiet 
determination, "Akari. I need to tell you something."
	"Oh?" asked Akari puzzled. "What's that?"
	Fighting the rising nervousness in her stomach Kris said, "The 
day I left, the k--"
	The Beginner abruptly ceased talking and Akari blinked at this 
and questioned, "Kris? What's the matter?"
	Not answering Kris formed a somewhat forced smile and 
looking past Akari said, "Hello. You must be the last member of our 
team. I'm Kris Christopher," she paused to gesture towards Akari. 
"And this is Kanzaki Akari."
	Turning around Akari followed Kris' gaze to look at the trim 
figure of a girl with short sea green hair pulled back in an odd odango 
styling on the top of her head. Sparkling emerald eyes covered by 
wire rim glasses took in their surroundings with a quick inspection 
before they rested on the forms of Akari and Kris.
	"Nihao," she said warmly. "They call me Ling-pha."
	
	At that exact same moment three longtime teammates were 
going about their daily routine. Nonstop training on the highly 
advanced tracks of the United Systems Sports Academy.	
	"Y'all," drawled Sally Weatherstone as she tossed her gym 
bag on the nearest bench. "Where d'ya think Akari is? Usually that 
filly is never late for training."
	Keeping her brown eyes on the track controls, where she was 
adjusting the various gravity levels, Ozama Umi replied, "Beats me. 
Last time I saw her she was with Tanya in the main lobby."
	"Checking out the newbies I bet," snorted Elena Midori as she 
did her leg stretches on the track.
	"I thought that was your job Lena," said Umi with a slight 
smirk. "After all, you were the woman who was chosen by last year's 
Freshman class as the 'coolest Upperclassmen ever'."
	"Ha-ha," said Elena dryly, her sapphire eyes narrowing. Lifting 
her jet black head she said, "That poll was a goof and you know it 
Umi. Stop bringing it up already."
	Chuckling despite herself Sally ran lithe fingers through her 
wavy light brown hair that reached her chin and pronounced in her 
thick Texan drawl, "Why should we hon? It's awfully funny to talk 
about. 'Sides, everybody who knows ya can see your bark is worse 
than your bite. Every time a new sprout toddles around these parts 
y'all is the first one to start yappin' away at them." Shifting twinkling 
hazel eyes to Umi she said, "Dontcha agree?"
	"Definitely," Umi said smiling. Forming a face of exaggerated 
contemplation she said, "Lets see if we can list all your Freshman fans. 
First there was Akari. Then came Ling-pha and Tanya..."
	"Don't y'all forget Haley," said Sally helpfully. "She's not even 
a little tot and she still seems to show up the most at Lena's side, 
lookin' like a love sick puppy. Seems that the fan club is expandin' to 
take in the Seniors too."
	"Oh yes," said Umi sardonically. "How could I have ever 
forgot about the heiress Haley?" Directing her brown eyes to Elena 
who was now on her feet and tapping the toes of her right foot on the 
track in a steady rhythm Umi asked in caustic tones, "Didn't the girl 
genius' family corporation design those fancy shoes?"
	Sapphire eyes locked on brown ones and holding the stare for 
several seconds Elena said stiffly, "I really wouldn't know." Walking to 
the start line of the track Elena got into position and a click sounded 
as her feet went into place. She kept her gaze steadily facing forward 
as she stated, "Sally. Keep time."
	"Sure hon," said Sally, a bit subdued at the chilly tones in the 
atheistic Greek's voice. Leaning over Umi, who was frozen in place, 
Sally pressed the button that sounded the starting bell while also 
activating both the timer and gravity controls they had adjusted for 
their track lanes.
	Like a shot Elena took off down the track and keeping her 
hazel eyes focused on the timer Sally said, "Don't y'all fret... she's 
grumpy. That's all. I'm sure she didn't mean nothin' by it. Lena's 
always been the secretive sort. She ain't the type to take questions 
very well."
	Not replying Umi simply walked away from the track controls 
and towards the bench where they had deposited all their things. 
Leaving Sally to sigh and mutter under her breath, "Damn stubborn 
fillies. All of y'all. Need to get a little sense shook into you. Least 
that's what Momma would say if she was here."
	"Talking to yourself Sally?" questioned a sensuously throaty 
voice in humorous tones.
	Jumping Sally whirled around and took in the muscular frame 
of Lahrri who towered well over her by a good foot or so. "Girl!" 
exclaimed Sally dramatically as she touched her chest. "You scared 
the life outta me."
	"Sorry," said Lahrri, a mirth filled gleam surfacing in her 
magnetic teal eyes. "I heard you talking to yourself and got curious. 
What's up?"
	"Nothin' much," said Sally bemused, watching as Elena 
finished her race and toweled off. "The usual mess of my two partners 
gettin' into their spats over silliness. I swear to the heavens above 
Lahrri... I wish they'd jump on each other and just get it over with. All 
this sexual tension is messin' with our training, y'know?"
	"Yes," Lahrri chuckled, forming a wry smile. "I could see how 
something like that would affect your team training. Lucky for me I 
share no such problems with my teammates. Haley and Zoe think of 
me as a sister."
	"Sweetie pie," Sally drawled while her hazel eyes roved over 
Lahrri's muscular form in a lazy inspection. "I wouldn't be so sure 
about that. If I had a filly like you runnin' around in my stable I sure 
wouldn't think of her as a sister. Less you meant to say sister of 
Sappho." Smiling wickedly Sally continued, "I could definitely think of 
ya that way."
	Abruptly coughing Lahrri colored slightly and rubbing the 
back of her thick golden head of hair she reversed her walk and said, 
"I really ought to be going. I'm supposed to be at a workout for the 
high bar. I'll see you around."
	"Whatever you say sugar," said Sally, certain mischief shining 
in her hazel eyes. She watched with some amusement as the golden 
haired giant and record breaking queen that was Lahrri nervously ran 
away from her flirting attempts like a frightened child. "Tch," Sally 
clucked with some regret. "Figures that a pretty thing like her would 
either be skittish like a wild mare or already fixin' to place her brand 
on some other filly." Sighing she turned her hazel eyes to Elena who 
was almost upon her and said, "Sometimes it just don't pay to be a 
flirt. It's such hard work, y'know?"
	
	Hanging upside down from the high light processed gymnasts 
bar Zoe MacNamara looked on anxiously as her teammate, Haley 
Prince, programmed her workout sequence.
	It wasn't that Zoe didn't trust Haley. She trusted both Lahrri 
and Haley implicitly as teammates and friends. No, her anxiousness 
more had to do with the fact that when Haley worked with any type 
of advanced technology she was drawn by an unknown force to fiddle 
with it. Often times making drastic changes to their systems solely 
because she considered them improvements. And right about now 
Zoe didn't feel like dealing with any of the 'improvements' Haley was 
likely to throw her way.
	"Haley," called Zoe crisply. The other girl's head rose and 
seeing this she continued, "Don't do it."
	"But I was merely rerouting the--" Haley began in quick 
protest.
	"Don't do it," repeated Zoe firmly. Still hanging upside down 
she crossed her arms across her chest and said in slow deliberate 
tones, "Just program my usual sequence."
	"The new calculations are--" said Haley before she stopped 
herself at the reprimanding look from her teammate. "Very well," she 
said with a sigh. Focusing blazing green eyes on the control panel she 
mumbled, "A genius is never truly appreciated in their own time. The 
new program I invented would've challenged her reflexes much 
better." Her eyes were glued to the panel that she was working on at 
such a fast pace that her hands were a blur Haley distractedly said, 
"Greetings Lahrri. Did you have a premium workout?"
	"You could say that," said Lahrri, moving to stand next to 
Haley who was still focused on the panel controls. Teal eyes observed 
Zoe's quick flight from each bar high above their heads. "She's getting 
faster every day, isn't she?"
	"Mmm," murmured Haley quietly in concession as she 
programmed the next sequence. "Her reflexes are what she had best 
focus her training on next. While Zoe now possesses an optimum 
speed level she needs to have the balance to match it. What good is 
speed if you cannot utilize it in a precise manner in which to win your 
event?"
	"That's true," Lahrri agreed in thoughtful tones. "If it's balance 
Zoe needs maybe we should invite Tanya to train with us. She's 
ranked number four in that regard and has an impressive speed level."
	"Indeed," said Haley in quiet amusement. "As you mention so 
often, Tanya is surely a woman of many talents. You are quite fond of 
her aren't you Lahrri?"
	Blushing a bit Lahrri was about to reply when a soft tapping 
sound caught her attention. Shifting teal eyes to the long glass panels 
to the training room they were in Lahrri gazed at the figure of Kris 
Christopher with some shock. Standing next to her was Kanzaki 
Akari who was smiling widely as she gestured for Lahrri to come join 
them. "Be back later," said Lahrri in wonder while walking out the 
door.
	Tilting her head Haley observed the reunion going on outside 
the training room and smiled. "Ah," she said with a trace of 
fascination. "The prodigal returns. Intriguing."

	"I don't believe it," said Lahrri, her throaty voice laced with 
surprise. "When did you arrive?"
	"Just today," replied Kris smiling. "It's good to see you. 
Congratulations on winning the Ultra Competition."
	Forming her usual assured face Lahrri smiled rakishly and 
said, "Thanks. I tried my hardest. I even managed to break three 
records and you know how I..."
	"Love breaking records," finished Kris smiling. "I'm pleased 
for you Lahrri. I saw your winning race... I could tell that you were 
running for something greater than glory."
	"Yes," said Lahrri softly. "I was... I now know my true reason 
for existing." There was a slight pause as Lahrri smiled then turning to 
Akari clasped her shoulder and said, "I bet you're happy to have her 
back, huh?"
	At this Akari beamed and exclaimed, "Of course!"
	Still smiling Lahrri shifted her eyes to Kris and informed, "It 
wasn't the same without you. It felt like something was missing from 
this place. Anyway," she paused for a moment. "I'm glad you're here."
	"Thank you," said Kris with quiet emotion. "You don't know 
how much that means to me."
	"I can guess," said Lahrri. Hoping to lighten the mood she 
smiled playfully and turning to Akari said, "What's this I hear about a 
big scene in the lobby involving Tanya? She was shouting my name 
about something?"
	"Scene?" repeated Kris. "Sounds serious." Turning her 
turquoise eyes to Akari she asked, "What happened?"
	"Errr..." said Akari nervously. "I think both of you should ask 
Tanya or Jessie about this. I was merely an innocent bystander. They 
know the whole story."
	Looking thoughtful at this Lahrri murmured, "I know where 
Tanya is. It's almost noon so she's..."
	There was a visible pause then all three mimicked Tanya's 
voice and cried out, "Scarfing down lunch!" They then broke out into 
a common chuckle.
	Lahrri was the first to stop chuckling as she said, "I have no 
idea where Jessie could be."
	"Ayla's at the pool," said Akari thoughtfully. "So that's the best 
bet on where Jessie is. You know how those two are together..."
	"Still the friendly rivals?" questioned Kris smiling. "I thought 
they would have gotten over that by now."
	"You would think," said Akari humorously. "But it hasn't 
happened yet and I doubt it'll happen anytime soon." Suddenly her 
stomach growled loudly and turning beet red she said, "I think all that 
talk of lunch and Tanya made me a little hungry myself." Looking to 
Kris she said, "Want to grab a bite to eat with me?"
	"Certainly," said Kris. Shifting her gaze to Lahrri she asked, 
"Will you join us?"
	Opening her mouth to reply Lahrri was suddenly cut off by a 
loud explosion from the training room her teammates were in. Whirling 
around Lahrri groaned softly when she saw billowing clouds of smoke 
filling the room. When the smoke finally cleared the figures of Zoe and 
Haley could be seen. Zoe was currently attempting to throttle Haley, 
who was occupied with declaring that her perfect calculations weren't 
to blame for the explosion.
	"Thanks for the offer," said Lahrri wearily as she walked 
inside the smoking room. "But it looks like I have some things to take 
care of here."
	A moment of silence passed before Akari and Kris giggled 
then exchanged a look of definite amusement. It seemed that some 
things would never change.

	Cutting through the clear cool water like a knife was the lean 
muscular form of Ayla V. Roznovsky. She was practicing her greatest 
joy... swimming. When Ayla was submerged in the depths of the 
water and swimming it was the only time that she felt at peace with the 
world. It was a feeling that she longed to possess always. This desire 
led to Ayla spending more time training in the pool than anywhere 
else. Reaching the edge of the pool she was swimming in Ayla burst to 
the surface. The artificial light from the ceiling shone upon her sharp 
defined features while miniscule droplets of water hit smooth planes of 
her face. A scene which made her look like the water goddess she 
was.
	At least that's what Jessie Gurtland thought as she observed 
her teammate and friend finishing her swim. Deciding to announce her 
presence she started to clap at a steady pace and was rewarded with 
Ayla turning steel gray eyes her way. Leaning against the far wall 
Jessie wore a small smile. "Nice swim," she pronounced. Pushing off 
the wall she observed as Ayla smoothly climbed out of the pool. 
Ceasing her walk in front of the tall Russian she offered her a towel. "I 
just got here. What was your time?"
	"I do not know," said Ayla calmly, taking the offered towel 
and drying off her hair. "That swim, it was for joy."
	"For joy?" Jessie repeated skeptically. She snorted then said 
dryly, "Whatever you say."
	Ayla stopped the quick drying movements of her hands on the 
towel, leaving it on her head hanging slightly over her eyes that 
gleamed slightly. "I take it then that you still refuse to indulge yourself 
in even the smallest of personal pleasures?" she questioned.
	"We're here to train Ayla," reminded Jessie, tugging off the 
shirt she wore to reveal her issued swimsuit. "Not to have fun. 
Consider yourself lucky that your hobby happens to be one that 
improves your athletic skills."
	"Hobby?" questioned Ayla, sounding as if she was analyzing 
the word. "I do not have hobbies Jessie. All I know is that which 
involves competition. It is all that I am."
	Stopping her climb on the ladder into the pool Jessie lifted her 
azure gaze and said, "What're you talking about?"
	"Eh?" said Ayla as she snapped out of her temporary daze. 
"Nothing. My mind, it was wandering. That is all."
	"Yeah?" questioned Jessie, chuckling lowly. "Well your mind 
sure wanders some strange places."
	"Perhaps," conceded Ayla. She paused to arrange the towel 
she was given onto the cold floor then sat cross legged on it. Picking 
up a pair of nearby goggles she said, "You are swimming without your 
goggles?"
	"Yup," said Jessie as she submerged herself to her chin in the 
cool water. "Sometimes I don't need them."
	Blinking Ayla said confused, "Goggles are essential to protect 
the eyes of a swimmer. They are always needed."
	"No..." Jessie argued amiably, smiling as she moved into 
position to begin her swim. "Not always. There are times when I don't 
feel like opening my eyes to the world. And that's when I don't need 
them." Calm azure eyes met puzzled steel gray ones. "Keep my time," 
said Jessie. "Unlike you, I never swim for joy."
	Watching as the well built blonde descended under the water 
to start a rapid swim across the pool Ayla said, "And I think that is 
where your problems begin my friend."
	
	"Love dust? That's way sneaky," Tanya mumbled, her mouth 
full of food. Taking a large bite out of her bread roll she narrowed 
cobalt eyes. "I'd don't want Lahrri only liking me because of some 
dust. That'd be lame."
	Sighing Wong Ling-pha directed emerald eyes to the ceiling of 
the cafeteria and said, "It's not lame, it's clever.  Listen, you wanted 
my honest opinion and there it is. Use this," she waved a small brown 
pouch, that looked similar to the one Tanya wore around her neck, in 
front of the African girl. "And she'll fall madly in love with you."
	"Uh-uh," said Tanya resolutely, shaking her dark red head 
quickly. "Using magics for uncool stuff like that gives you bad karma. 
I'm not messing with my astral aura. It'd get into majorly deep doody 
with my tribe's Shaman." She paused to gulp down her juice then said, 
"C'mon Ling... I need advice, not love dust."
	Seeing that Tanya was not about to buy her patented love 
dust Ling-pha tucked it away into her satchel and said thoughtfully, 
"Perhaps you should try to get involved in her hobbies." Pausing she 
grimaced then looking to Tanya asked, "Does Lahrri even have 
hobbies?"
	"Oh yeah!" Tanya exclaimed, her head bobbing as she smiled 
widely. "She likes to meditate. But I dunno if that's the sorta thing I 
can hang out with her doing... it's kind of solitary don't you think?"
	"I'd say so," murmured Ling-pha, resting her chin on the tops 
of her hands. Sighing she locked emerald eyes with the cobalt ones of 
her friend. "Are you sure you don't want to use the love dust? I'm 
giving my personal guarantee that it's one hundred percent full proof 
and if for some reason it's not affective I'll double your money back."
	"No way," said Tanya as she devoured an apple. "I told you, 
that stuff is bad juju. My big brother told me to stay far away from it." 
She then tossed the core of the apple in a recycle bin as she sadly 
continued, "The only thing I can think of is asking Lahrri if I can train 
with her. The bummer part is that I've used that excuse like a billion 
times before. Plus I'm supposed to be doing most my mondo training 
with Jessie and Ayla since they're my official teammates." Tilting her 
head she looked to Ling-pha and said curiously, "Who'd you get for 
teammates anyway? You never told me."
	"Them," replied Ling-pha calmly as she nodded towards the 
approaching Akari and Kris.
	"Huh?" questioned Tanya. She blinked twice then jumped to 
her feet and dashed towards the pair. "Akari!" she cried out, breaking 
into a wide smile. "I thought you said you were teamed with strangers 
you sneak!"
	Flushing a bit Akari looked quietly to Kris then murmured, 
"Lucky for me, I was mistaken..."
	"Woong-a-ji said you'd be back," declared Tanya as she 
beamed at Kris. "And he knows everything."
	"Does he now?" questioned Kris curiously. "What exactly did 
he tell you Tanya?"
	"Uh-uh blue," said Tanya impishly, wagging her index finger 
back and forth. "I'm not allowed to spill my tribe's secrets. That'd 
make me a louse." Beaming she turned to Akari and said, "I hear 
you're both rooming with Ling-pha. She's majorly cool. Just make 
sure to watch out for her magics. Has the eerie karmic thing going on, 
y'know?" She paused to murmur contemplatively, "Then again it could 
help you out in competition. Well!" Tanya exclaimed suddenly. "I 
gotta split like a banana, so you guys can take care of business." 
Running back to her table with Ling-pha she waved and called, "It's a 
blessed joining!"
	"Blessed joining?" Akari repeated, befuddled. "What do you 
think she meant by that Kris?" Tawny eyes went to her partner who 
had a glazed look on her beautiful features. "Kris?" she questioned in 
concern. "You okay?"
	Blinking her turquoise eyes Kris looked to Akari and 
murmured, "I'm fine. I was thinking."
	"About what?" prodded Akari as they entered the lunch line. 
"You looked pretty out of it."
	"It's nothing," Kris insisted a bit harshly. Sensing her 
companion's shock at this she looked apologetic and gently amended, 
"I'm sorry Akari. I just... don't want to discuss it right now. Perhaps it 
can wait until later?"
	"Yeah," said Akari softly, watching as Kris walked away from 
her while wondering why the other girl refused to talk to her about 
recent events. "Later."

	"So the blue wonder's back is she?" drawled Sally as she 
finished her six hundred and seventy-fourth sit-up. She paused in her 
workout and hanging upside down looked to Akari, who was 
working with free weights, grinned then said slyly, "Since you were 
courtin' a lady friend I'll excuse you this time. Heck, making up for lost 
time with your missus is as good a reason as any to skip out on a 
trainin' session far as I'm concerned. Can't say I blame you neither... 
she's sure is a nice lookin' thang."
	"I..." heaved Akari as she lifted the weight bar over her 
shoulders for the three hundredth time. "Am... not... courting... Kris..." 
Continuing her workout she grimaced then asked rasping, "Why... 
would... you... think... that?"
	"Girl please," said Sally in reprimanding tones as she held her 
six hundred and eighty-first sit-up in the mid crunch position. "Y'all 
eyes start twinklin' when she shows up. And it was pretty plain to see 
how broken up you was when she left last semester. Dontcha recall 
who ya'll came running to way back when? Practically lived in our 
dorm for on two months cause ya didn't wanna be lonesome."
	"She's... my... best... friend..." Akari said stubbornly while 
wheezing for breath. Getting a bit frustrated at the way the 
conversation was going and from the memory of Kris
refusal to share her thoughts she pounded the weight bar in a suddenly 
mammoth pace.
	Observing this covertly Sally whistled a tune that Akari 
vaguely recognized from the musical Oklahoma then finishing her six-
hundred and ninety-ninth sit-up said, "Don't go gettin' your undies in a 
bundle hon. I was just saying how I see thangs, that's all. Don't mean 
nothing by it. If you say she's only yer bosom buddy than I believe 
it..."
	"Good..." breathed Akari as she slammed the weight bar back 
into place while getting off the machine. "Because it's true. Kris is my 
friend, nothing more."
	"If you say so hon," said Sally quietly, wearing the smallest of 
smiles as Akari packed up her things.
	"She's my friend," Akari repeated while zipping up her tote 
bag and tossing it over her shoulder as she made her exit.
	The southern belle watched Akari leave the weight room with 
a cloud of certain frustration looming over her and on the machine 
next to her Umi sighed. "Sally," she said in bemusement. "That wasn't 
nice."
	"Nice schmice," drawled Sally as she went back to doing her 
sit-ups. "Sometimes mean things have to be done for the good of the 
true love. If you ask me, Akari had best buy herself a clue before 
someone goes and snatches the blue wonder away from her." Hazel 
eyes locked with dark brown ones. "Right, Umi?"
	Her gaze filled with sadness Umi turned to look at Elena who 
was doing leg lifts and said softly, "Right."
	
	"Score!" exclaimed Jessie triumphantly as she watched the 
basketball go through the light constructed hoop. The loud sound of 
buzzers was music to her ears and turning to Ayla she smirked. "You 
getting slow? I got right past you that time."
	Silently raising a silver eyebrow Ayla accepted the basketball 
from Jessie and crossed back to the half-court line. "I am as swift as 
ever," she murmured while hunching over slightly. Lifting steel gray 
eyes Ayla smiled and said, "Perhaps you are getting faster?"
	Forming a look of surprise Jessie colored slightly then 
coughed loudly as she moved towards Ayla and prepared for the 
buzzer to sound. "Maybe," she replied quietly, her eyes revealing a 
certain nervousness.
	Ayla observed this closely but when the buzzer sounded the 
tall Russian quickly moved into action. Diverting her path to one side 
she breezed past Jessie then pushed back on her heels to send her 
powerful frame flying through the air and towards the hoop as she 
made a slam dunk. As the end game bell sounded Ayla landed to the 
ground with an audible thump and looked to Jessie who growled, 
"What was that?"
	Shrugging Ayla smiled then offered, "Perhaps we are equal in 
speed."
	Azure eyes narrowed at this and Jessie snorted as she looked 
at the final score. It was a tie. As usual. Slinging her tote bag over her 
shoulder Jessie paused at the bent frame of Ayla who was gathering 
her things. When Ayla finished she looked up at Jessie who offered 
her hand. Taking it in a firm grasp the Russian smiled as Jessie gently 
pulled her up.
	They stood before one another with their eyes locked in an 
steady gaze as their hands remained entwined. A long moment of 
absolute peace passed over the pair before Jessie chuckled and 
swung her hand back to take Ayla's with her.
	"C'mon silver bullet," Jessie teased as she tugged the 
enigmatic Russian behind her and out the door. "Let's see how fast 
you can eat my Grandma's patented lasagna."
	"Lasagna?" repeated Ayla, her attention snapping into place 
as she thought of the delicious meal her friend would sometimes cook 
for them. "Do you truly mean it? I thought you only made it on special 
occasions."
	"Hey," said Jessie as she formed a small smile. "It's the start of 
a new semester and we're still improving at the same pace. Which 
means we'll be able to compete against each other for another year. 
That sounds pretty damn special to me. Especially if you consider 
how we've been competing against each other since we first met in 
training school. Is that a good enough reason?"
	Returning Jessie's smile as she watched the blonde 
authoritatively round a corner while still holding onto her hand Ayla 
murmured, "It certainly is."
	
	Upon entering her dorm Akari was met with the sweet 
melody of a flute being played and the words to a long and droning 
chant she never thought she'd want to hear again. Walking into their 
living room Akari saw the very familiar sight of Kris dancing naked as 
she shouted out the ancient dialect of her people. Now used to her 
teammate's odd religious practices Akari was not surprised to see 
Kris 
immodestly performing this nude ritual in their living room without a 
care as to who saw her. It had taken her awhile but eventually Akari 
adjusted to Kris utter lack of embarrassment about being naked. 
What surprised Akari more was the fact that Ling-pha was perched 
on the edge on the window sill watching Kris dance naked with an 
aura complete calm as she herself played the flute.
	Suddenly Kris released a powerful shout and Akari jumped at 
the sound. Opening her turquoise eyes Kris lifted her gaze and smiled 
upon seeing Akari. "You made it," she said, sounding very pleased. "I 
had hoped that you would be here for the ritual blessing."
	"Yeah," said Akari lamely, quickly turning her fixated gaze 
from Kris naked form to Ling-pha who was still playing the flute. 
"So..." said Akari slowly as she took a step forward. "What's with the 
musical accompaniment Kris?"
	"Hmm?" murmured Kris, she followed Akari's gaze to Ling-
pha then smiled widely. "Oh yes... isn't her playing lovely? Ling-pha 
and I chatted and apparently many of the ancient practices of her 
family are similar to those of my people. I thought her suggestion that 
the spirits would enjoy the sound of music with my ceremonial prayer 
for our team's success was quite a clever one."
	"Similar practices?" questioned Akari warily as she eyed Ling-
pha cautiously. "How similar exactly?"
	Lowering her flute from her lips Ling-pha smiled in soft 
assurance then said, "Many of the old chants and spells that we use 
are known to the Beginners." She jumped off the window sill then 
strode forward to pick up her satchel and tucked her flute into it. 
"Don't worry," Ling-pha said as she formed a distinctively feline smile. 
"I never practice the old ways unless there's something in it for me. It's 
far too exhausting otherwise." She rose to her feet and said, "Well it's 
time for me to collect on some debts. See you later girls."
	"Bye," called Akari and Kris together.
	And as they watched Ling-pha head out the door they were 
unaware of the soft sound of a small brown pouch made as it fell out 
of her satchel and onto the floor to their dorm....
	
To be continued...

Author's Note:
I usually don't like to write these sort of things explaining what I write 
but I feel I need to now. Battle Athletes is hands down one of my 
favorite shows out there and because of this I wanted to write a 
fanfiction series on it. Following what I've seen as a trend in the series 
my fanfiction will be shojo in theme with many female/female romantic 
pairings forming. I have taken a great deal of liberties from both the 
OAV and TV series adaptations by bringing back characters who've 
left the series and altering the outcomes of many episodes. I'm not 
sure what to call this fanfiction category wise. Perhaps an Alternate 
Reality and Continuation Fic melding would be appropriate. Either 
way I hope you enjoyed your read. 

All characters in this fanfiction are from the Battle Athletes OAV and 
Television series which collectively belong to AIC International and 
Pioneer US. This fanfiction is a melding of the two series and came 
about from the help of Jim Robert Bader and many other cool folks. 

Send comments to: Dreiser1@ix.netcom.com

Visit other Altered Destinies at:
www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/attenborough/249/index.htm

Next up: 
Not sure but it will probably have something to do with that love dust 
that's just lying around... 

"It's not all right, but it's okay. I'm going to make it anyway. Close the 
door behind you, leave your key. I'd rather be alone than unhappy."

-Whitney Houston-