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I don't know if this is good news or bad news, but I've found my reason for writer's block. Don't worry, I'm working hard on curing it, but it may take a while. Up to a few months. But since I've only got ten days of school left *cheers* I'll have more written soon. However, I'm also looking for a job, so that'll take up more time. *sighs* I'm trying, though! I would update really quickly if I just left things the way they are the first time I write them, but I don't think you'd like that much since those chapters really suck.
Tala: They came to this to read your story, not your reasons as to why you haven't updated.
*opens her mouth to snap at him and sighs* Okay, okay, Tala. You're right. *brightens* Here's the chapter! I hope you like it! And as always, please, please, please review!
Kai: Purra doesn't own Beyblade or its characters, but she does own the tournament, her characters, and the situation.
Champion, in More Ways than One
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllll right, folks! It's the moment you've all been waiting for! The match that determines who's going to be the tournament winner, the rookie team the Bladebreakers or the old champions, the Shadow Team!" the announcer - whose name was actually Alex, the bladers had found out - shouted emphatically. "You already know all this, but I'm going to repeat it again anyway because it's more professional that way," he continued as the other teams came to find their seats in the stadium. They whispered excitedly to each other as they saw that both boxes were still empty and that the teams were going to make a grander entrance for this match. "These two teams have been competing for the past two weeks with all the others to see who would come out on top. They've clawed their way up and now they'll battle to see who's the best! Now may I introduce to you, the rookie team, the Bladebreakers!" He waved his hand with dramatic flair toward a large door behind one of the boxes, the entrance shielded from sight by a large crimson curtain. The first to appear, surprisingly enough, was Kai Hiwatari. He ducked under the curtain and strode forward, ignoring the enormous amount of applause his entrance created. His teammates soon followed after, first Ray, then Max, Kenny, and finally Tyson, who looked put out to be the last one. However, this all changed when he heard the roaring of the crowd and he bowed gracefully (how surprising) to the other teams and observers in the stands.
The Bladebreakers took their seats in one of the boxes, Max and Ray exchanging grins of excitement while Kai sat back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest with his usual impassive expression. Tyson bowed one more time before he took his seat beside Kenny, who already had his laptop out. "What can we expect, Dizzi?"
"A whole lot of surprises, Chief," the trapped bitbeast replied cheerfully.
"And now, let's give a warm welcome for the defending champions, the Shadow Team!" Alex jumped up and down in excitement as his voice echoed throughout the stadium, nearly drowned out by the applause as the Shadow Team emerged one-by-one from behind the curtain.
Draco Lance stepped out first, wearing his usual baggy black cargo pants and a navy blue T-shirt, his silver hair glinting in the lights from the ceiling, catching the light blue streaks so they stood out more than ever. His silver-blue eyes found the opposing team and he gave them a slight smile, directing his gaze on their leader. Kai met his gaze, but did nothing. Draco shrugged and took his seat on the bench and waited for his teammates to arrive.
Next to emerge was Melody Krista, who was wearing a pair of form-fitting black pants that hung low on her hips and a tight red spaghetti strap shirt. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, although her bangs still hung down to frame her face, touching her full lips. She flashed a grin, her brown eyes sparkling as she lifted her hand and waved to the crowd, her grin broadening when their applause only grew louder. She sat beside Draco and he gave her hand a squeeze and she gave him one of her secret smiles, their eyes shining.
And lastly came Tasha Reeves, walking straight toward the box with her usual impassive face. Her attire was entirely different compared to what she usually wore, but it was nonetheless an interesting outfit. Black cargo pants hung belted in black and silver from her hips, loosely outlining her long, slender legs and she wore a deep purple tank top that hugged her upper body, leaving nothing to the imagination with the trim collar and the two silver straps on her arms that hung just where her shoulder and arm began. Covering her hands were black gloves with cut off fingers, strapped around her wrist and outlined in silver and a silver chain hung around her neck. Her black hair had been pulled back into an untidy bun, strands already having come loose to frame her pretty face. It was her original team outfit, the one she had gotten upon first becoming a part of the Shadow Team. It had been in her closet since the attacks had begun and only now did she dare wear them again. To show her true colors as a part of the Shadow Team.
The applause finally seemed to catch up with her and she halted a moment, gazing at the crowd before her full lips quirked into a slight, arrogant smile and she lifted her black and purple blade, the bit chip flashing in the stadium lights. Now that she had given the crowd at least a little attention, she walked to the box and sat beside her teammates, ignoring them for a moment before she tilted her head and cast her ocean blue eyes on them, the corner of her lips tilting upward in a slight smile. Draco and Melody grinned back and the older girl gave her a nudge with her shoulder. "Glad to have you back, Tash."
Tasha tilted her head further, her blue eyes sparkling. "Glad to be back."
"And now before we begin, let's have the two team captains step forward and shake hands before the traditional switching of the boxes," Alex called, nodding to the two teams.
As one Draco and Kai rose from their seats and came to one side of the closed dish, standing only a foot apart. From behind them their teams stood, almost like they were there to back them up. Melody had one hand on her hip and her weight was resting on one foot as she and Tasha watched Draco hold out his hand for the slate-haired teen to shake. Kai looked at the offered hand a moment before he clasped it in his and the two team captains shook once. Draco smiled at the younger blader and Kai gave him an indifferent look, a small grunt escaping his throat and that was all. "May the best team win," Draco said softly, nodding to the Bladebreakers as he and Kai dropped their hands.
"I'm sure we will," Ray said with a confident smile, standing behind his team captain with the other Bladebreakers.
Kai's mahogany eyes left Draco to settle on Tasha and she gazed quietly back, keeping up her impassive expression even when his eyes on her made her heart race and her breath catch in her throat. "Don't be so sure," she said in an attempt to distract herself from Kai's gaze, her switchblade smile reaching her eyes and giving them a teasing light. "This will be the toughest match of your life, Ray."
Ray grinned at her. His teammates exchanged looks - with the exception of Kai, of course - of amusement while Draco and Melody both lifted surprised brows. "We'll see."
"I'm sure." But Tasha's heart wasn't in it. Her mind was far from her exchange with Ray. God, I feel like a schoolgirl with a crush! Although she appeared outwardly calm, Tasha was trembling. Ever since she had discovered how she felt about him, even being anywhere near him made her lose her self-control. She shook her head as she felt Keturah stirring in her mind and realized how silly she was being. I've slept with him, for Christ's sake! "Good luck." She had to tell herself to act normally before she was able to form her old slightly smug smirk. The tug on the back of her mind from her past made her hesitate and she felt her old self stirring. It felt like an old suit of armor, chipped and dented, cracked and rusting, but familiar and cool as ice. She shook her head again, refusing it. She wasn't like that anymore. She had changed. "You'll need it."
Draco gave a businesslike nod to the Bladebreakers before he led the way to the box they had just vacated. Melody followed after and Tasha took up the rear, keeping her chin up and shoulders straight as she passed by the opposing team captain. As the teams passed a tension could be felt between them, the anticipation for battle, the rivalry and chance for recognition, and the underlying jumbled feelings of the last two bladers. Tasha tried to keep her gaze from him but she found that she could not. Her gaze strayed from the other box and she caught his eye, realizing that he had been gazing at her as well. Or perhaps he had chosen that same time to turn his head, whatever the matter, their eyes were locked and her heart skipped a beat, her legs turning to jelly and she feared that she would fall to her knees at that very spot. She feared she would run into his arms and hug him for all eternity, tell him everything that she felt deep within her heart, all of her hopes and dreams. But she didn't. Their eyes met and then she turned her head, in a time that seemed an eternity but was no more than a split second, following her teammates to the box.
"Ahem," Alex coughed, drawing the attention of both teams and the audience. "And now that the introductions are over, let's get started!"
"First up for the Bladebreakers we have Ray, who is well known for his blading skills, but if he were to be backed up into a corner, his bitbeast Driger will be more than a match for it," Alex yelled, waving to the raven-haired teen as he stepped up to the dish. His blade and launcher were ready in his hand and he flexed his grip on it before he cast a confident smile over his shoulder to his teammates. "And for the Shadow Team is their team leader Draco! Draco has been blading his entire life and it shows with his style, and if anything challenges him there's nothing his bitbeast Kryl can't handle!" He cleared his throat again and swept his arm upward in a grand gesture, yelling into the headset he wore. "Let's get this started! Bladers ready? Three... Two... One!"
"Go, Driger!"
"Kryl!"
The two blades clashed instantly, pushing against each other, battling for dominance. The playful attitude was gone and both bladers' faces were set with determination, oblivious to the deafening cheers of the crowd around them. Sparks flew as the blades came together again and again, circling, bashing, chasing, trying to find a weakness.
It was Draco who made the first move, which immediately gave him the upper hand. "Kryl, Wolf Claw!" The silver wolf emerged from the glowing blade and howled to the sky, spreading his vast wings and leaping left and right as he chased after the glowing silver blade.
Ray clenched his teeth, his entire body tensed as he watched his blade racing around the dish, so far avoiding the wolf's attacks. Come on, Driger! Just evade him for as long as you can while I think of something.
The tiger bitbeast growled deep within his master's mind. As you wish, young kit. The creature's words radiated affection toward the boy and he felt himself begin to relax, knowing that his bitbeast wouldn't let him down.
"Come on, Ray!" a voice yelled from behind him. Ray looked over his shoulder to see Mariah standing near the box that contained his team, punching the air with her fist, her golden eyes becoming slitted like a cat's. "Remember what you promised me!"
A faint stirring in his mind brought his attention back to the battle and he felt a female presence, although it still felt somewhat like Driger. There was a soft purring sound before the creature spoke. Knock them dead, kitten.
Galux! Ray almost started laughing at the wildcat's bold intrusion on his mind. Thank you. The bitbeast purred in response as she withdrew from his mind until he could no longer feel her touch. All right then, Driger. Let's show them what we've got. Tiger Claw Attack!
There was a loud roar and a flash of blinding light and then it was over. One silver blade lay motionless in the dish while the other continued spinning, although it was wobbling slightly. "And Ray takes the win!" Alex screamed, ecstatic.
Draco stepped into the dish to retrieve his blade and he stared at it for a long time before he looked up and locked gazes with Ray. The two boys watched each other for a moment before they both grinned and Ray held out his hand for the other to take. He pulled Draco out of the dish and stooped to pick up his own blade, gazing at it fondly. The bit chip flashed up at him in triumph. "Great match, Draco. You almost had me."
"I have to admit I never expected you to be so good," Draco confessed, giving him an easy grin. "Congratulations."
Ray returned to his team only to be tackled by Mariah, who immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tight, ignoring the whistles coming from the crowd. "You did it!" she exclaimed excitedly, rubbing her nose in his shoulder. "You did it! You won! You won!"
Tasha sighed and walked up to the dish, vaguely aware of the fact that she was facing Tyson in this match. Alex's praise for her battles and for Tyson's stubborn style went unheard by her and she lifted her launcher when he began the countdown, her gaze locked on the navy-haired teen standing opposite her. Keturah, I want this match over quickly.
Of course. The dragon stirred in her mind as both blades were launched and immediately the great creature erupted from the beyblade, roaring her defiance. Tyson took a startled step backward, staring as the enormous bitbeast reared back, gazing down at him with her large, intelligent purple eyes. "All right, two can play that game. Dragoon, Phantom Hurricane!"
"Keturah, counterattack!" Tasha pushed her feet further apart to increase her balance as she made a forceful motion with her arm, indicating the silver and blue blade as the blue dragon rose from the beyblade, a whirlwind rising with him. The great black dragon rose into the air, beating her wings with even, powerful strokes. The winds surrounding Dragoon were shaking and they gradually began to disband against the opposite whirling of Keturah's wings. The blue dragon roared angrily and rose higher to ready another attack, but the black dragon beat her wings and dove forward, driving the her head into the other creature's chest, knocking him to the ground with a crash. "Now, Firebolt!" Keturah answered with a cry and turned her body, angling it downward, the black blade creating a whirlwind of flame that Dragoon barely avoided. The two dragons parried back and forth, necks arched, heads held high, studying the other to find an advantage. The blue dragon shot forward and lashed out with his head, only to swivel around and hit her with his tail instead, catching the black dragon off guard. Infuriated, Keturah roared and rose up on her haunches, wings and claws spread for balance and intimidation. "Keturah!" No other words needed to pass between the two and the black dragon beat her wings, shrieking as the wingless dragon shot forward and hit her tail, knocking her off-balance. Keturah regained her balance and swiveled in the air, the flames beginning to form once again, creating a fiery shield around her before she dove downward again and finally hit the other dragon dead on. The blades crashed, pushing and shoving, the two dragons locked in combat. Dragoon whipped his tail to hit Keturah, but her own tail met his and she used her wings to her advantage, pushing them back and then beating them forward, shoving the blue dragon to the ground. "Finish him off!" The black blade lunged and hit the bottom of the silver, sending it flying toward its owner to land with a crash on the ground.
You fought well. No hard feelings, Lord Dragoon, Keturah said gently, gazing down at the defeated blue bitbeast.
No matter, Lady Keturah, Dragoon replied dismissively. The kitling will discover his power soon enough. Perhaps he will learn something from his adventures here.
The black dragon chuckled and shook her head, however pleased by Dragoon's comment. Let us hope it is soon. I mean you no offense, Lord Dragoon, but your little one does you no justice.
He is a good boy, he really is, the blue dragon said with affection, gazing down at his master. Although at times I feel as though I should be a mule to better serve his obstinacy.
At this both dragons began to laugh and they dissolved back into their respective beyblades. Tasha lifted her hand to catch the blade as it flew back to her and she turned it in her hand, watching the bit chip flash up at her and she closed her eyes, placing it against her chest, sensing to the great dragon's soothing presence in the back of her mind. With that she turned and walked back to her team, smiling again. The sounds of the crowd was a distant roar in her ears, her attention resting solely on something else. She had won her team their old pride back with her win, which would make the next battle even more intense. She watched as Melody walked up to the dish, her stance every bit as confident as her teammates' had been. Tasha shook her head and leaned against the wall, preferring to stand, her arms crossed over her chest. I'm sorry, Melody, but even with your skills you're no match for Kai.
"And for the final battle, we have Kai for the Bladebreakers! Kai's a bit of a loner, but with power like his, it doesn't really matter, does it? And with his bitbeast partner Dranzer, he's as close to unstoppable as you can get," Alex shouted to the cheering crowd. "And then from the Shadow Team is Melody Krista! She may seem sweet and innocent now, but once the match starts she is no pushover! And with the help of her bitbeast Keziah, there's no telling what she'll do next."
"I've been waiting for this day for a long time," Melody said conversationally, grinning at her opponent. "Hope you don't mind." She placed her blade on the launcher and heard its click as it connected. Ripcord in place, she was ready for battle. "It'll be a shame to see your winning streak break."
Kai chose to ignore her, his stormy mahogany eyes locked on her as he lifted his launcher. The instant the blades were launched they clashed in the dish and then the blue blade pulled away, circling the other before he backed off again. Melody never spoke, but her bitbeast rose anyway and the flame-colored cat roared at the offending blade, lunging forward in a fashion similar to Draco's wolf bitbeast Kryl. Dranzer, take her down quickly.
As you wish, youngling. The great phoenix rose with a cry from the blade and flew into the air, wings spread as he hovered high above, watching the red tiger lift a claw and slash threateningly.
"Keziah, Nine Lives Attack!" Melody called, making a forceful sweep with her arm to emphasize her words, watching as the phoenix dove and the blades clashed, sending one of them into the air. Her lips pulled into a smile when she saw that it was the blue one. "Finish him off! Cat-Claw!"
"Dranzer, Fire Arrow!" The usual fire in his eyes accompanying a match was flickering, flaring and then becoming dull, listless mahogany orbs that darkened around the edges, becoming mere shadows of what they had once been. His mind wasn't on the match at all, but straying far, far away. To an old woman's words, a plate of freshly baked cookies, his mother's rings, and a small slip of paper hidden inside a cookie.
Flames began swirling around the base of his blade and it shot downward with increasing speed, a whirlwind of flame in its wake. Dranzer dipped downward and dove, following the blade's movements, wings spread, tail streaming behind him, looking like the very essence of the phoenix in all of its flaming glory. The blue blade landed on top of the red, catching its side and sending it flying out of the dish to land with a crash at its blader's feet. Keziah's shriek of indignation was the last sound heard before Dranzer lifted his head and with a cry of triumph, vanished back into the blue blade before it shot into its owner's hand. He began to turn away when he caught sight of Tasha leaning against the side of her team's box, her arms crossed over her chest, her ocean blue eyes locked on his. Her unwavering gaze unnerved him and he unconsciously took a step back before his gaze hardened and he stared straight back. Her lips quirked into a small smile, not a smirk, or a mocking grin or leer, but a genuine smile. She uncrossed her arms and began to clap, her eyes never leaving his. Her gaze unraveled his downward spiraling thoughts and his eyes snapped back into complete focus, shimmering with color. But...she lost. Why is she...? Doesn't she care?
I would have to say that she does not, Dranzer mused, seeing the girl through the boy's eyes. Perhaps she has won something more important than the match?
Finally aware of his stunned expression, Kai closed his mouth and his mahogany eyes turned to ice before he turned on his heel and strode down the steps, joining his team. He sat in his place, arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed and chin touching his chest, determined not to meet her gaze again. His mind drew inward when he closed his eyes and he would remain that way for a long time, oblivious to his teammates' words of congratulations.
Tasha sighed, her smile turning bittersweet as she shook her head and let her hands drop to her sides. I thought so. He doesn't feel the same. Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter anyway. Melody walked toward her and gave her teammates a sort of helpless lift of the shoulders. "We tried," Tasha said simply, giving them a small shrug.
Draco and Melody exchanged looks before they both went on either side of her and they walked out of the stadium, oblivious to the cheering crowd. "By the way, Tasha," Draco said, grinning at her. "Happy birthday."
The raven-haired girl smiled back up at him and rested her head against his shoulder for a moment, glad that the touch no longer made her jump. "Thanks." You're the champions, Bladebreakers. Kai, you're where you belong. At the top. And that's the way it's supposed to be.
The Bladebreakers celebrated their win just outside the mansion, sharing a bottle of Pepsi amongst themselves. "A toast," Ray said, lifting his glass with his free hand, his other arm wrapped around Mariah's waist. "To us!"
"Bladebreakers!" the team added, lifting their glasses and drinking to it. All of them except Kai, of course. His mahogany eyes were gazing somewhere off in the distance, and after a while he turned and left his celebrating teammates altogether.
The team congratulated each other on their win, laughing and joking, not even seeming to notice the fact that their leader had left their midst long ago, his eyes clouded and even more unreadable than usual. The forest seemed to be celebrating with his teammates nevertheless, and his absence was soon forgotten. It wasn't that unusual, anyway. Birds sang their songs in the canopy of dark leaves above them, shadows and beams of light dancing on the patches of ground in which they stood, dark tree roots rising from the ground to provide convenient chairs and benches. A light wind swirled around them, creating a comforting atmosphere coupled with the warm sun and clear skies.
Gradually the party began to wind down and thoughts of returning to the mansion ran through their minds until Tyson decided he wanted more substantial food and began walking, soon followed by the others. Their laughter carried through the forest like bells on the wind and Kenny turned his head to see Ray and Mariah walking behind the others, arms wrapped around the other's waist, their heads bent together as they walked, talking quietly amongst themselves. He smiled as he realized just how much Mariah meant to his teammate and just how much he had changed because of her. Ray had grown stronger.
The peace of the group was suddenly disturbed when a black limousine pulled slowly up to the front of the mansion and stopped. The driver walked around the front and made his way to the back to open the door, but it had already been opened and a familiar ginger head appeared, soon followed by the form of a girl their age. Max followed the girl's every movement until she turned and saw him, a smile spreading across her face. "Max!"
"Emily! What are you doing here?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Bit of a cliffie, I know, I know. *snickers evilly* Mwahahahahaha! I just had to, I'm sorry.
Ha! You thought I'd let the Shadow Team win, didn't you? *cackles and dances around* Weehee! I was going to, but I changed my mind. Besides, I just couldn't let Kai lose, and I couldn't bear to let Ray lose either. But I let Tyson lose. ^.~
Next chapter: Tasha takes out the black box and reveals her secret. Max and Emily have a long chat, some Ray/Mariah fluff, Melody and Tasha have a woman-to-woman talk, and Dranzer tries to talk some more sense into a very quiet Kai.
Okay, there we go! So please review! Challenge! Let's see if you guys can break 425 reviews before I post again! Mwahahaha! So start reviewing! *points to the pretty periwinkle (can't spell that word) button* Push..... Or I'll send both Tala and Kai after you!
Tala: *rolls his eyes upward* As much as you drive me crazy, I think I'd rather stay here.
Kai: *grumbles* You'll be singing a different tune soon enough.
Purra: *sniffs* I'm not that bad!
Tala and Kai: *look at each other and shake their heads*
*glares*