Clash of Alliances (Beyblade Burst/God Fan fiction)

\°~וShu•×~°/

I fight to keep my eyes open while Naoki secures our hologram projection with Xander, Aportkal's (leader, king, etc.). I run my hand through my grimy white hair impatiently while sleep fights to take over. I'm certain I have dark circles under my eyes, but it can't be helped; It's the price of fighting a war.

My body shivers. This room is in the center of the castle, the oldest and most rundown part; Insulation is non-existent, the brick walls are chillingly cold and become colder in the winter. But as uncomfortable as the room is, it's the most secure area in all of Pobeda, making it ideal for meetings and secure battle tactics.

"Sir, our connection is secure," Naoki announces before flipping switches on the control panel. "Projecting in 3, 2, 1."

Xander's tall frame towers over mine even as a hologram. His usually smiling face is grim and serious, a bearer of bad news. The way he anxiously clutches his claymore, Excalibur, only increases the seriousness of the situation.

"Shu, you're not looking so well. The war is taking it's toll on you," he says calmly.

A half-hearted chuckle escapes my lips as I tilt my head to see him eye to eye. "When I began my rule over Vysokaya, I never expected to go to war so soon. Lui has no patience for these things. How's Aportkal doing?"

"You know what they say; stuff that's planned doesn't usually go according to plan. Aportkal is fine, although trade from the north is being stopped by Hvit's navy. We trade enough to stay up and running, but Hviti goods are no longer passing through. What about Vysokaya?"

I let out a heavy sigh. "Nothing has improved. We're still encountering krige in masses. We lost 83 in a skirmish this afternoon. Villages are being raided and my people are still being taken as prisoners to Sokkelskrem. I feel so powerless to protect them."

He looks at me with pity. "I'm sorry about that, Shu, but I'm doing the best I can. I have to keep the Watch here, but anyone who is willing is trained and sent to your cause," he says as his shoulders slump. He suddenly looks far older than he really is. He is only 19; too young to be in charge of so many responsibilities.

"But all isn't lost, my friend. I have something that could change the course of this war."

"Then tell me."

I gesture Naoki to come closer so Xander can see him. "I'll have Naoki fill you in."

He stands next to me and bows in Xander's direction, who nods his head. He adjusts his glasses before beginning his report. "We've received reports of a new fleet of Hviti soldiers coming from our eastern border with Kitrinos. From what we've heard, it's a large group but carrying such a large capacity of people, horses, weapons and rations would be impossible without stopping on Firiyi for supplies."

"Have you checked with Free if any Hviti military vessels have docked there?" Xander interrupted.