Beyblade: A Metal Fanfiction

Chapter 30

As the last of the sun's rays disappeared, Zukira let out a sullen sigh and turned towards the staircase with a much heavy heart.

She didn't feel like doing anything. She didn't even want to do her usual training. Entering the cafeteria, she just grabbed some cold coffee from the vending machine, letting Dan's remarks fade into the background. Eventually, she flipped out not-so-nice gesture with her finger and Dan fell silent.

Exiting the cafeteria, she found herself in the corridor and took a sip of the cold coffee. Well, isn't this just great? My most trustworthy friend is leaving for good. She took a sip, her footsteps echoing melancholy-like. At least I have Yu and Teresa, but Ryuga is simply out of the—

"Moui, Miss Zukira!" Merci's voice came through the speaker, causing the poor girl to choke on her coffee.

"What- cough the heck, Merci?!" she scowled, clutching the bottle furiously.

"I apologise for scaring you, but ze Master has summoned you to his office."

Oh for GOODNESS SAKE! Why does that man have to be so freaking insensitive?! Zukira let out a groan and changed her route, dropping her shoulders. She put on her mask and straightened her posture, shoulders pulled back and chin held high.

She stood in front of the door, staring at it intently and brought her hand up, knocking ever so slowly.

"Come in," she heard Doji's voice from the other end and entered, immediately spotting him by his desk, chin resting on his palms. By now, even he became used to this 'hidden' pattern of knocking: Two knocks meant it's Zukira, no knock meant it's Ryuga and banging meant Yu.

"Ah, there you are, my friend," Doji began, "Merci informed me that you weren't doing so well. If I may ask, what is there which is bothering you?"

She let out a huff, "Nothing major. Just that Dan & Reiki can't seem to mind their own business."

"I see now," Doji pulled his glasses up his nose, "such a matter shouldn't concern you, Ms.Zukira."

"What do you mean?"

Doji leaned back against his seat, looking at her, "After all, you are one of the Dark Nebula's most valuable member. They're just salty that they weren't able to be as high as you. Such a pity."

For the first time, Zukira actually agreed with him. Why were they so salty? Was it because of this 'favouritism'? Or was it because she was the only girl in the place and they got an absolute kick out of it? Nevertheless, Zukira did make sure to place a dead rat under one of their pillows the other day after they had made an attempt to steal DragonKnight from her room.

"And what about their attempted theft at stealing one of my beys?" Zukira raised a brow (which was obscured by her mask).

"Don't you worry," Doji reassured, "I'll have Master Ryuga deal with them personally."

Okay, there was no need for him to take THAT extra length to involving Ryuga in such a trivial matter, but Zukira knew best not to argue or retaliate.

"Understood," she nodded and approached his desk, standing next to him, "is there anything else you'd like to say or do?" she stole a quick glance behind her shoulder, spotting the dark blue sky painted with dark, unfriendly clouds.

"Not much. You've actually been doing really well, my friend," Doji swivelled his seat just a bit so see her face.

The brunette tucked her hands behind her back and gave a nod, standing ever so stiffly.