{Author's Note: I'm sorry this has been so long in the making, so forgive
me if it resembles other fics out there, but most of this was written three
months ago, before the other fics existed. You can ask Akuma and Kurumi,
they knew about this fic months ago. As some of you know, I've been in
college for the summer and also was recently asked to create the website
for the voice actor that plays Krillin in DBZ. Now that I have some time, I
can work on my beloved fic series again. Every chapter of this fic is a
different song and is for the character the chapter talks most about. It's
going to have a weird way I wrote it, because each character is seeing most
of the same series of events but from different POVs, meaning some of the
chapters may appear to have holes, but when read all together, it'll make
perfect sense, like a puzzle being put together. Bear with me as I try to
get back into the swing of writing Tricky characters again. First song up
is "Epiphany" by Staind. It's one of my favorite songs and couldn't fit the
character better. I hope you like it.}
----
Your words to me just a whisper
Your faces so unclear
----
"Earth to Brodi, hello."
Brodi looked up at the smiling face of Zoe in front of him. He smiled back, letting his eyes focus after a long period of meditation. With a soft grunt, he unfolded his legs from the lotus position and settled back against the wall, studying the woman before him. Zoe's pregnancy was in full bloom now, she couldn't have hidden it even if she wanted to. Yes, motherhood certainly became the woman, Brodi thought.
"Hello to you was well, little mother," the surfer answered. "How have you and the little one been?"
"Pretty good. I think when it's time to have the baby, it's just gonna walk out with all the kicking it's been doing," Zoe chuckled, easing down onto a zabuton next to Brodi. He smiled softly and put an arm around her, letting her lean against him. The woman sighed softly. "It's Psymon I'm worried about though. Ever since Garibaldi, he's been distant. It's like he doesn't want to be around me, or anyone for that matter. He's acting like he did back before he and I got together."
"He took the pregnancy news pretty well, but he may still be having a hard time dealing with the paternity of your baby. Give him some time and let him come around on his own. You know it'll just drive him away if you push the issue," Brodi advised.
"I know. So, anyhow, I thought you might like to know the newest gossip," Zoe said and proceeded to go on about all the rumors and gossip floating around the league. Brodi smiled and nodded politely, but his mind was already drifting to other thoughts.
----
I try to pay attention
Your words just disappear
----
After Zoe had left, Brodi went back to his medatative state, trying to focus on the root of what was troubling him these days. He carried a rather weighty secret with the knowledge of Raven's true identity, but it went beyond that, didn't it? He'd taken off from getting his doctarate in marine biology to travel and put in some serious time surfing the waves and snow. Needless to say, his father had not been pleased. He intended to go back and finish his schooling, but for now, he needed to travel. He needed the wind at his back, the waves and snow under his boards, and good friends to talk with. He'd found all of that now, but the depression of letting his father down was getting to him just a little more every day. He'd had a fight with his father the day he joined the SSX league, which hadn't helped matters at all. Now he just wish he'd apologized or, at the very least, not said some of the things he had.
----
'Cause its always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said
----
Brodi walked through the airport with the rest of the team. He really wasn't fond of flying and nothing upset him more than being on a plane for great lengths of time with his league-mates. It was bad enough living with them with the arguments and general gossip, but being in an enclosed space was too much. Besides, where was he suppose to go if he wanted to get away? He checked his luggage at the counter and picked up his ticket, then followed Tenkai and the rest of the league to their gate. Once there, he plunked down in one of the chairs and sighed, looking around at the rest of the league.
"Brodi? Are you okay?" a small voice asked. Brodi opened his eyes and smiled up at Kaori.
"Hey, kid, how's it going?" he asked back, watching her sit down. She just smiled cutely at him.
"I was wondering if you could help me with a problem," she said softly. Brodi shifted so he could look at the girl. She was biting her lip in that way she did when she was troubled. The surefer just sighed.
"Sure, Kaori," he replied. "What's on your mind?"
"It's about Raven. He's been acting...how do you say rabbity?" Kaori sighed.
"I think you mean squirrely, and I've noticed it, too. I think he's just nervous about leaving home for the first time. He's never been out of the area, let alone across the ocean. Why not go snuggle up to him and give him some support? He seems to like you the most of all of us," Brodi answered. Kaori giggled and got up, then bounced (literally, she bounced) over to Raven and hugged him, surprising the young man. Brodi just smiled. It was good to see some of the league getting along, especially Raven. He just didn't fit in, and probably never would. The poor kid was still dealing with the knowledge that he wasn't suppose to exist in this timeline, but he wasn't going back, not till he made sure the mistakes of his time weren't repeated here. Brodi commended him for that. He rather liked the boy, even if he gave him a creepy feeling. He wasn't alone with his thought's long before their flight was called for boarding. He got up and shouldered his carry-on bag, then followed the rest onto the plane. He moved back towards his seat, listening to the others.
"Come sit with me, Seeiah," Marisol called from her seat.
"Luther, move your ass over. I'm not climbing over to you get to the bathroom," Moby snapped at the larger boarder, motioning to a window seat.
"Why am I not surprised that Tenkai couldn't get first class seats for us?" Elise sighed, stowing her bag overhead.
Brodi put his own bag in an overhead compartment, then settled into a window seat. Zoe plunked down next to him, yawning. She laid her head on Brodi's shoulder, making him chuckle a bit. Psymon sat across the aisle and stretched. Brodi nodded to him, smiling.
"You want to switch seats?" the surfer asked. Psymon shook his head.
"Nah, I'm good. I don't care much for window seats anyway, " the Canadian replied. Brodi just laughed and settled back in his seat. He looked over at Psymon, then down at Zoe and smiled. He liked the idea of them wanting to include him in their little "family." At least it was one family that would approve of him. He looked out the window and watched as the plane left the ground.
----
So I speak to you in riddles
Because my words get in my way.
----
Brodi heard the footsteps coming up behind him and sighed. So much for meditation. He turned and looked over his shoulder, see Psymon there. He smiled at the man and shifted so he could face him more. The Canadian sat down and looked down at his hands. Brodi could tell something was wrong, and it was more than just Zoe's baby. He knew he'd never force it out of the man, but he could at least see what was on his mind at the moment.
"What's wrong, grasshopper?" he asked softly.
"Other than a little air sickness? Not much. I heard Hiro was going to be at the Alps course. I'm really worried about what this is going to do to Zoe. I think she's scare of him, Brodi," Psymon answered, sighing. He got more comfortable on the spare zabuton that Brodi had brought along on the trip for visitors.
"I don't think I can help you until we meet up with him. Also, I think this is going to be something Zoe's going to have to do on her own," the older man answered. Psymon just sighed, looking down.
"She shouldn't have to do this on her own," he said softly, barely above a whisper. Brodi blinked. This was not like the Psymon he knew at all. True, the erratic young man tended to show a softer side around the surfer, but nowhere near like the way he was acting now.
"Psymon, is something else bothering you?" Brodi asked.
"Read me like a book, Zen Master. I'm not going to tell you all of it, not right now, but.." the young man sighed softly again. "I did something I shouldn't have. Part of me regrets it, but most of me doesn't. I don't know why I don't feel worse."
"Remorse is often replaced by false justification," Brodi answered. Psymon just nodded.
"That actually makes sense," the Canadian said, getting up. "Thanks, Brodi. I'm gonna go, um, meditate on that or something. See you around."
"Peace be with you, Psymon," Brodi replied, watching the young man leave. He sighed as the door shut and looked down, closing his eyes. "You'll need it, grasshopper."
Brodi leaned over to his incense burner and lit a stick of incense, hoping that it would help him relax. He breathed the heady aroma in, letting it relax him as he chanted softly to the music playing on the CD player. He tried to ignore the party going on in Marisol's room next door and the action film blaring in Moby's room on the other side. He was happy to have his own room for once. The league had actually offered to get a hotel, but JP would have no of it and had everyone stay with him at his chateau near the course. He sighed and tried to let the chanting and incense carry him away.
----
I smoke the whole thing to my head
And feel it wash away
----
His meditation was interrupted, not by the usual league-mate coming for advice, but by the phone. JP had been gracious and given everyone a private line, provided they pay him back for the calls made. He sighed and got up, walking over to the phone. He held the reciever to his ear.
"Hello?" he asked, listening for a reply.
"Hello, Broderick," a man said on the other side. Brodi sait down in the nearest chair with a sigh.
"Hello, Father," he answered, not thrilled.
"Are you well? Eating right and all that?" his father asked.
"Yes, sir," Brodi replied, not really wanting to talk to his father. He'd rather be out trying to figure out what was bothering Psymon or maybe see if Raven needed any help. The last thing he wanted to do was deal with his over-bearing father.
"So, when are you going to give up this 'extreme sport' nonsense and finish school?" his father asked. Brodi gritted his teeth, biting back the sharp-witted reply. It would solve nothing to fight with the man. "I'm going to see this season through, Dad. It's only a couple more months," Brodi said calmly. "I might go down and do a bit of surfing before the spring semester picks up, as well."
"When are you going to get your life together, son, and start being a man?" his father asked.
----
'cause I can't take anymore or this
I want to come apart
----
"I am a man and, furthermore, I'm doing what I feel is best for me," Brodi answered, becoming agitated with his father. "I don't need to have my hand held."
"Apparently you do," the man on the other end replied harshly. "I don't want to sit by and watch you screw your life up with your little hobbies."
"They're not hobbies," Brodi argued back. "Besides, this makes me happy, I thought that would be enough to you."
"Well, it's not. You finish school and get your doctorate, then we'll talk about me being proud of you," his father replied. "Right now, though, you are a disappointment to me and to your mother. I don't know why you want to waste your life on these games."
"Because they mean something to me," the surfer answered.
"Likfe that Zen nonsense? Honestly, Broderick, that stuff is for the birds. You know it breaks your mother's heart that you don't want to go to church anymore," the older man answered. Brodi just sighed.
"I like the Zen way of life, Dad. It's calm and peaceful," he answered.
"Son, are you on drugs?" his father asked.
"What? No," Brodi snapped. "I just like the tranquility. I'm sorry if my lifestyle no longer matches up to your standards."
"No surprise there," the man answered. "You never were quite up to our standards."
"I'm sorry that I'm such a failure," Brodi replied weakly.
"You should be. Come to your senses and come home soon. Good-bye," the man said, followed by a click. Brodi held the phone to his ear a few seconds longer, hoping for a kind word from his father that would never come, then eventually hung up the phone. He rested his elbows on his knees, putting his face in his palms and sobbed softly.
----
Or dig myself a little hole
Inside your precious heart
----
Brodi stood on the small balcony of his room, looking out towards the Elysium Alps. Tomorrow things would be different. He'd be gliding down the slopes fast as the wind, but tonight...tonight, he was alone with his thoughts. He hated feeling worthless and conversations with his father always brought that on. He knew he was doing something worthwhile with his life and he could always go back to college later. Besides, was the doctorate really important? He had a masters already. He sighed softly and leaned on the rail.
----
'Cause its always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said
----
----
I am nothing more than
A little boy inside
----
Brodi sat on the floor in the dressing room, leaned back agains the wall and hugging his knees to his chest. He had his forehead resting on the tops of his knees and was quietly chanting "omm" to himself. He wanted perfect balance for the race, but his coversations from the night before still were fresh in his mind. He didn't want to be a faliure in his father's eyes and, more importantly, what could Psymon have done to feel justification for? He had a feeling, deep inside, he didn't really want to know, but his friend was haunted by it and he did want to help him. He looked up hearing voices and scooted further back along the lockers not wanting to be seen. He knew he should share his problems with them, they were his friends afterall, but it always ended up with him being the listener.
----
That cries out for attention
Though I always try to hide
----
Standing out on the platform later, Brodi looked around at his league- mates. They were doing their usual pre-race stuff: teasing each other, stretching out, and fighting. The surfer just sighed and walked over to the two fighting and got them apart. The boarders were still trying to take a few swings at each other, one blow almost connecting with Brodi's jaw. He shoved hard at Moby, nearly knocking him to the ground, but still managing to keep JP back.
"Enough!" Brodi shouted. "I have had enough. Can't you people act like adults?"
----
'Cause I talk to you like children
Though I don't know how I feel
----
Brodi stormed off, not caring that Moby and JP looked incredibly shocked by his outburst. He sat on the bench and doubled over, resting his forehead on his thighs and covering his head with his arms. He just couldn't deal with the league's problems right now, not with his own guilt and stress gnawing at him. Breathe, count the heartbeats, breathe. He looked up at his name being called and walked over to the starting gate, then crouched to strap his board on. Standing up, he stretched a little and said a small inner prayer to Buddha. He placed his hands on the rails and rocked back and forth, watching the count-down lights. At the "go" signal, he and the rest of the boarders shot out of their gates like wild horese running a dervy for the first time. They glided effortlessly down the hill, yelling banter and encouragement among themselves. Brodi smiled to himself, gliding past Marisol. He enjoyed the races, but was a little sad that his "family" had both not been able to be in the race. Zoe was out on maternity leave and Psymon, well he didn't want to think about Psymon right now.
Flying down the course, he pulled off stunning tricks, totally enjoying the ride. He felt the tremors long before the rumbling started. He looked around and saw the other boarders doing the same. Raven was the only one that didn't scared or surprised. Brodi's blood went cold. What if this was what he had been sent back to stop? He headed towards the boy, who had now stopped and was looking back up the mountaint. Brodi noticed a few other boarders had stopped as well. He followed the boy's gaze and stared. A huge flow of ice and powder was on it's way down.
"That can't be good," Luther commented.
"As opposed to good?" Marisol yelled. "Why are we standing here? Let's go!"
"There was, well, it sounded like an explosion or something," Raven said. He looked at Brodi. "Marisol's right, we're all okay and we should go."
"Karasu, I'm frightened," Kaori whimpered. Raven looked down at her, then back up the mountain. Brodi also looked up. He felt oddly at peace as white death was rushing towards them.
----
But I know I'll do the right thing
If the right thing is revealed
----
"Go, people! Get down the mountain fast as you can!" Brodi shouted, snapping back to reality. The roar of the avalanche was getting louder now and he new that his shouting would soon be lost to the deafening thunder of the coming snow. He pushed at the boarders to get them out of their stupor and the group began racing downhill with the avalanche approaching fast. He was making sure not to get too far ahead in case anyone needed help. He looked back and saw the snow was almost upon them. For the first time in his life, he could see Death around the corner. Over his shoulder, he saw Raven knock Kaori down out of the way of some rocks and trees that had come crashing down with the snow. He ducked for cover behind a rock, pulling Marisol with him. He ducked down, trying to cover her with his body as the flood of snow and ice hit the rock and flew overhead and all around them. He was dimmly aware of Marisol screaming against his stomach, but could only hear the roar of nature's fury. Odd, it was almost like being in a pipeline while surfing.
A strange peace came over Brodi at that moment and he wasn't afraid anymore. He'd get through this, and he'd make sure the other four did, too. So what if his father thought he was useless. He'd prove he had a use and he'd see his family again, not the ones that had bore him and raised him, but his real family: Psymon, Zoe, and the baby. He'd come back to them even if it was on his last breath. He looked up and watched the snow and ice shooting overhead, then curled into a protective ball around Marisol as it fell on top of them, cutting them off from the world. His last thought was an apology.
----
'Cause its always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said
----
----
Your words to me just a whisper
Your faces so unclear
----
"Earth to Brodi, hello."
Brodi looked up at the smiling face of Zoe in front of him. He smiled back, letting his eyes focus after a long period of meditation. With a soft grunt, he unfolded his legs from the lotus position and settled back against the wall, studying the woman before him. Zoe's pregnancy was in full bloom now, she couldn't have hidden it even if she wanted to. Yes, motherhood certainly became the woman, Brodi thought.
"Hello to you was well, little mother," the surfer answered. "How have you and the little one been?"
"Pretty good. I think when it's time to have the baby, it's just gonna walk out with all the kicking it's been doing," Zoe chuckled, easing down onto a zabuton next to Brodi. He smiled softly and put an arm around her, letting her lean against him. The woman sighed softly. "It's Psymon I'm worried about though. Ever since Garibaldi, he's been distant. It's like he doesn't want to be around me, or anyone for that matter. He's acting like he did back before he and I got together."
"He took the pregnancy news pretty well, but he may still be having a hard time dealing with the paternity of your baby. Give him some time and let him come around on his own. You know it'll just drive him away if you push the issue," Brodi advised.
"I know. So, anyhow, I thought you might like to know the newest gossip," Zoe said and proceeded to go on about all the rumors and gossip floating around the league. Brodi smiled and nodded politely, but his mind was already drifting to other thoughts.
----
I try to pay attention
Your words just disappear
----
After Zoe had left, Brodi went back to his medatative state, trying to focus on the root of what was troubling him these days. He carried a rather weighty secret with the knowledge of Raven's true identity, but it went beyond that, didn't it? He'd taken off from getting his doctarate in marine biology to travel and put in some serious time surfing the waves and snow. Needless to say, his father had not been pleased. He intended to go back and finish his schooling, but for now, he needed to travel. He needed the wind at his back, the waves and snow under his boards, and good friends to talk with. He'd found all of that now, but the depression of letting his father down was getting to him just a little more every day. He'd had a fight with his father the day he joined the SSX league, which hadn't helped matters at all. Now he just wish he'd apologized or, at the very least, not said some of the things he had.
----
'Cause its always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said
----
Brodi walked through the airport with the rest of the team. He really wasn't fond of flying and nothing upset him more than being on a plane for great lengths of time with his league-mates. It was bad enough living with them with the arguments and general gossip, but being in an enclosed space was too much. Besides, where was he suppose to go if he wanted to get away? He checked his luggage at the counter and picked up his ticket, then followed Tenkai and the rest of the league to their gate. Once there, he plunked down in one of the chairs and sighed, looking around at the rest of the league.
"Brodi? Are you okay?" a small voice asked. Brodi opened his eyes and smiled up at Kaori.
"Hey, kid, how's it going?" he asked back, watching her sit down. She just smiled cutely at him.
"I was wondering if you could help me with a problem," she said softly. Brodi shifted so he could look at the girl. She was biting her lip in that way she did when she was troubled. The surefer just sighed.
"Sure, Kaori," he replied. "What's on your mind?"
"It's about Raven. He's been acting...how do you say rabbity?" Kaori sighed.
"I think you mean squirrely, and I've noticed it, too. I think he's just nervous about leaving home for the first time. He's never been out of the area, let alone across the ocean. Why not go snuggle up to him and give him some support? He seems to like you the most of all of us," Brodi answered. Kaori giggled and got up, then bounced (literally, she bounced) over to Raven and hugged him, surprising the young man. Brodi just smiled. It was good to see some of the league getting along, especially Raven. He just didn't fit in, and probably never would. The poor kid was still dealing with the knowledge that he wasn't suppose to exist in this timeline, but he wasn't going back, not till he made sure the mistakes of his time weren't repeated here. Brodi commended him for that. He rather liked the boy, even if he gave him a creepy feeling. He wasn't alone with his thought's long before their flight was called for boarding. He got up and shouldered his carry-on bag, then followed the rest onto the plane. He moved back towards his seat, listening to the others.
"Come sit with me, Seeiah," Marisol called from her seat.
"Luther, move your ass over. I'm not climbing over to you get to the bathroom," Moby snapped at the larger boarder, motioning to a window seat.
"Why am I not surprised that Tenkai couldn't get first class seats for us?" Elise sighed, stowing her bag overhead.
Brodi put his own bag in an overhead compartment, then settled into a window seat. Zoe plunked down next to him, yawning. She laid her head on Brodi's shoulder, making him chuckle a bit. Psymon sat across the aisle and stretched. Brodi nodded to him, smiling.
"You want to switch seats?" the surfer asked. Psymon shook his head.
"Nah, I'm good. I don't care much for window seats anyway, " the Canadian replied. Brodi just laughed and settled back in his seat. He looked over at Psymon, then down at Zoe and smiled. He liked the idea of them wanting to include him in their little "family." At least it was one family that would approve of him. He looked out the window and watched as the plane left the ground.
----
So I speak to you in riddles
Because my words get in my way.
----
Brodi heard the footsteps coming up behind him and sighed. So much for meditation. He turned and looked over his shoulder, see Psymon there. He smiled at the man and shifted so he could face him more. The Canadian sat down and looked down at his hands. Brodi could tell something was wrong, and it was more than just Zoe's baby. He knew he'd never force it out of the man, but he could at least see what was on his mind at the moment.
"What's wrong, grasshopper?" he asked softly.
"Other than a little air sickness? Not much. I heard Hiro was going to be at the Alps course. I'm really worried about what this is going to do to Zoe. I think she's scare of him, Brodi," Psymon answered, sighing. He got more comfortable on the spare zabuton that Brodi had brought along on the trip for visitors.
"I don't think I can help you until we meet up with him. Also, I think this is going to be something Zoe's going to have to do on her own," the older man answered. Psymon just sighed, looking down.
"She shouldn't have to do this on her own," he said softly, barely above a whisper. Brodi blinked. This was not like the Psymon he knew at all. True, the erratic young man tended to show a softer side around the surfer, but nowhere near like the way he was acting now.
"Psymon, is something else bothering you?" Brodi asked.
"Read me like a book, Zen Master. I'm not going to tell you all of it, not right now, but.." the young man sighed softly again. "I did something I shouldn't have. Part of me regrets it, but most of me doesn't. I don't know why I don't feel worse."
"Remorse is often replaced by false justification," Brodi answered. Psymon just nodded.
"That actually makes sense," the Canadian said, getting up. "Thanks, Brodi. I'm gonna go, um, meditate on that or something. See you around."
"Peace be with you, Psymon," Brodi replied, watching the young man leave. He sighed as the door shut and looked down, closing his eyes. "You'll need it, grasshopper."
Brodi leaned over to his incense burner and lit a stick of incense, hoping that it would help him relax. He breathed the heady aroma in, letting it relax him as he chanted softly to the music playing on the CD player. He tried to ignore the party going on in Marisol's room next door and the action film blaring in Moby's room on the other side. He was happy to have his own room for once. The league had actually offered to get a hotel, but JP would have no of it and had everyone stay with him at his chateau near the course. He sighed and tried to let the chanting and incense carry him away.
----
I smoke the whole thing to my head
And feel it wash away
----
His meditation was interrupted, not by the usual league-mate coming for advice, but by the phone. JP had been gracious and given everyone a private line, provided they pay him back for the calls made. He sighed and got up, walking over to the phone. He held the reciever to his ear.
"Hello?" he asked, listening for a reply.
"Hello, Broderick," a man said on the other side. Brodi sait down in the nearest chair with a sigh.
"Hello, Father," he answered, not thrilled.
"Are you well? Eating right and all that?" his father asked.
"Yes, sir," Brodi replied, not really wanting to talk to his father. He'd rather be out trying to figure out what was bothering Psymon or maybe see if Raven needed any help. The last thing he wanted to do was deal with his over-bearing father.
"So, when are you going to give up this 'extreme sport' nonsense and finish school?" his father asked. Brodi gritted his teeth, biting back the sharp-witted reply. It would solve nothing to fight with the man. "I'm going to see this season through, Dad. It's only a couple more months," Brodi said calmly. "I might go down and do a bit of surfing before the spring semester picks up, as well."
"When are you going to get your life together, son, and start being a man?" his father asked.
----
'cause I can't take anymore or this
I want to come apart
----
"I am a man and, furthermore, I'm doing what I feel is best for me," Brodi answered, becoming agitated with his father. "I don't need to have my hand held."
"Apparently you do," the man on the other end replied harshly. "I don't want to sit by and watch you screw your life up with your little hobbies."
"They're not hobbies," Brodi argued back. "Besides, this makes me happy, I thought that would be enough to you."
"Well, it's not. You finish school and get your doctorate, then we'll talk about me being proud of you," his father replied. "Right now, though, you are a disappointment to me and to your mother. I don't know why you want to waste your life on these games."
"Because they mean something to me," the surfer answered.
"Likfe that Zen nonsense? Honestly, Broderick, that stuff is for the birds. You know it breaks your mother's heart that you don't want to go to church anymore," the older man answered. Brodi just sighed.
"I like the Zen way of life, Dad. It's calm and peaceful," he answered.
"Son, are you on drugs?" his father asked.
"What? No," Brodi snapped. "I just like the tranquility. I'm sorry if my lifestyle no longer matches up to your standards."
"No surprise there," the man answered. "You never were quite up to our standards."
"I'm sorry that I'm such a failure," Brodi replied weakly.
"You should be. Come to your senses and come home soon. Good-bye," the man said, followed by a click. Brodi held the phone to his ear a few seconds longer, hoping for a kind word from his father that would never come, then eventually hung up the phone. He rested his elbows on his knees, putting his face in his palms and sobbed softly.
----
Or dig myself a little hole
Inside your precious heart
----
Brodi stood on the small balcony of his room, looking out towards the Elysium Alps. Tomorrow things would be different. He'd be gliding down the slopes fast as the wind, but tonight...tonight, he was alone with his thoughts. He hated feeling worthless and conversations with his father always brought that on. He knew he was doing something worthwhile with his life and he could always go back to college later. Besides, was the doctorate really important? He had a masters already. He sighed softly and leaned on the rail.
----
'Cause its always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said
----
----
I am nothing more than
A little boy inside
----
Brodi sat on the floor in the dressing room, leaned back agains the wall and hugging his knees to his chest. He had his forehead resting on the tops of his knees and was quietly chanting "omm" to himself. He wanted perfect balance for the race, but his coversations from the night before still were fresh in his mind. He didn't want to be a faliure in his father's eyes and, more importantly, what could Psymon have done to feel justification for? He had a feeling, deep inside, he didn't really want to know, but his friend was haunted by it and he did want to help him. He looked up hearing voices and scooted further back along the lockers not wanting to be seen. He knew he should share his problems with them, they were his friends afterall, but it always ended up with him being the listener.
----
That cries out for attention
Though I always try to hide
----
Standing out on the platform later, Brodi looked around at his league- mates. They were doing their usual pre-race stuff: teasing each other, stretching out, and fighting. The surfer just sighed and walked over to the two fighting and got them apart. The boarders were still trying to take a few swings at each other, one blow almost connecting with Brodi's jaw. He shoved hard at Moby, nearly knocking him to the ground, but still managing to keep JP back.
"Enough!" Brodi shouted. "I have had enough. Can't you people act like adults?"
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'Cause I talk to you like children
Though I don't know how I feel
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Brodi stormed off, not caring that Moby and JP looked incredibly shocked by his outburst. He sat on the bench and doubled over, resting his forehead on his thighs and covering his head with his arms. He just couldn't deal with the league's problems right now, not with his own guilt and stress gnawing at him. Breathe, count the heartbeats, breathe. He looked up at his name being called and walked over to the starting gate, then crouched to strap his board on. Standing up, he stretched a little and said a small inner prayer to Buddha. He placed his hands on the rails and rocked back and forth, watching the count-down lights. At the "go" signal, he and the rest of the boarders shot out of their gates like wild horese running a dervy for the first time. They glided effortlessly down the hill, yelling banter and encouragement among themselves. Brodi smiled to himself, gliding past Marisol. He enjoyed the races, but was a little sad that his "family" had both not been able to be in the race. Zoe was out on maternity leave and Psymon, well he didn't want to think about Psymon right now.
Flying down the course, he pulled off stunning tricks, totally enjoying the ride. He felt the tremors long before the rumbling started. He looked around and saw the other boarders doing the same. Raven was the only one that didn't scared or surprised. Brodi's blood went cold. What if this was what he had been sent back to stop? He headed towards the boy, who had now stopped and was looking back up the mountaint. Brodi noticed a few other boarders had stopped as well. He followed the boy's gaze and stared. A huge flow of ice and powder was on it's way down.
"That can't be good," Luther commented.
"As opposed to good?" Marisol yelled. "Why are we standing here? Let's go!"
"There was, well, it sounded like an explosion or something," Raven said. He looked at Brodi. "Marisol's right, we're all okay and we should go."
"Karasu, I'm frightened," Kaori whimpered. Raven looked down at her, then back up the mountain. Brodi also looked up. He felt oddly at peace as white death was rushing towards them.
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But I know I'll do the right thing
If the right thing is revealed
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"Go, people! Get down the mountain fast as you can!" Brodi shouted, snapping back to reality. The roar of the avalanche was getting louder now and he new that his shouting would soon be lost to the deafening thunder of the coming snow. He pushed at the boarders to get them out of their stupor and the group began racing downhill with the avalanche approaching fast. He was making sure not to get too far ahead in case anyone needed help. He looked back and saw the snow was almost upon them. For the first time in his life, he could see Death around the corner. Over his shoulder, he saw Raven knock Kaori down out of the way of some rocks and trees that had come crashing down with the snow. He ducked for cover behind a rock, pulling Marisol with him. He ducked down, trying to cover her with his body as the flood of snow and ice hit the rock and flew overhead and all around them. He was dimmly aware of Marisol screaming against his stomach, but could only hear the roar of nature's fury. Odd, it was almost like being in a pipeline while surfing.
A strange peace came over Brodi at that moment and he wasn't afraid anymore. He'd get through this, and he'd make sure the other four did, too. So what if his father thought he was useless. He'd prove he had a use and he'd see his family again, not the ones that had bore him and raised him, but his real family: Psymon, Zoe, and the baby. He'd come back to them even if it was on his last breath. He looked up and watched the snow and ice shooting overhead, then curled into a protective ball around Marisol as it fell on top of them, cutting them off from the world. His last thought was an apology.
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'Cause its always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said
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