AN: Oh my god. I'm finally done! *happy dance* It only took…two and a half weeks to write! (that's just to write) Sorry it took so long… this chapter nearly killed me. It was such a bitch to write because of all the descriptions.. oh and its uber long…16 pages O.o
Wellps, this fic is drawing to a close! I estimate I'm going to finish it up with in ten chapters…maybe even less depending…
And warning, from now on things will be speeding up… im hoping it doesn't seem rushed and im going to try my best not to rush it but you know… Liika and Kai's relationship will be speeding up… in two chapters the first climax will happen *cackles* Not telling ya what's gonna happen tho!
Hope you all like it ~enjoy!
"This is so not cool…" Mariah muttered, reclining in her seat.
"I hear you, why'd we have to get we have to get the away game on Halloween?" Enrique chorused, "I mean, why not the high and mighty A team? They have a bus – not that I'm complaining about the van or anything."
The team of eight was on their way to their first match in the small town about a half hour drive west of Bakuten. The eleven seater van was crammed full, Judy driving, Riley beside her in the passenger seat. Behind then was Max, Emily and Jade, then Lee, Enrique and Mariah, and in the very back Liika was crammed between Bryan and Robert.
Liika sighed, scowling a bit. "Because, they got put in the North Division, while we got stuck with the South. Damn coin, I swear it was weighted." She explained, leaning on Robert's shoulder.
"Wait a sec, isn't Abbey in the South Division?" Lee asked, looking back at his team captain.
"Yes."
Emily turned in her seat. "That's not all. The South Division has all the surperior teams in the country, not just Abbey."
"So another words, A gets a free ride to States."
"Exactly."
Enrique moaned. "Now that is so not cool."
"Actually, I believe in the long run it will be more beneficial for us." Robert spoke, pulling Liika closer to his side and ignoring the death glare from Bryan. "Besides, in the split we got the better talent. They have Valkov, Kon, Parker and if he is as good as they say he is, Hiwatari. The rest, while they're good, are beatable. Everyone knows the team, had the ranking tournament been done fairly, would not have looked as Bakuten A looks like."
"Robert's right." Judy interrupted, eying the teenagers through the rearview mirror. "A gains nothing by being in the North Division, we at least gain experience and knowledge. Now Liika, we're almost there, inform us of the line up. Oh and your sponsors will be there so make it look good hm? No pressure though."
Liika sighed and sat up straight. "Me in Singles 1, Robert in Singles 2, Bryan in Singles 3, Mari and Lee Doubles 1 and Em and Jade Doubles 2. Eny's warming the bench."
"Aw man, this day just keeps getting better and better!"
"Mr. Tomoda, will you please sit still!" Kate Hiwatari scolded a wriggling Tyson as she was trying to apply his eye make up.
It was five forty five, and the A team had just finished massacring their opposing in 5 straight games –they didn't lost a single set. The eight of them, plus Kat, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Kon now occupied the school's art room where the finished masks had been stored. The three mothers were applying heavy amounts of black, gold and blue eye paint to the not so thrilled boys.
"Damn it, why'd we have to get the animal gods that wear freaky face paint?!" Ian demanded, scowling as his mother finished off his eye make up. She clucked disapprovingly at his language and swatted his bottom as he stood. He blushed slightly, his scowl deepening.
"Because it was all fixed. Could you imagine B as Egyptian Gods? Half of them are girls!" Johnny grumped, taking Ian's place.
The rest of the boy's snickered, all coming up with some sort of mental picture of the girls in their costumes.
After about five minutes of day dreaming Tala was the first to comment. "Be a pretty good show though," He smirked, his face make up was finished and he was just lounging around until the mothers deemed it time for them to don their garb. "Topless girls, I'm there."
The boys out and out laughed at this comment, the mothers shaking their heads.
"Ahem, I'll remind you Neanderthals that those girls you're talking about all have boyfriends –two of which are amongst you. I mean, how degrading can you get?" A voice from the door to the classroom snarked, a scolding tone evident.
Recognizing the voice almost immediately, Johnny perked up, just about dashing to the doorway and pulling the girl inside. "Lemme see!" He demanded, running his lilac eyes down the girl's long coat clad body.
Amy rolled her eyes and flicked the red head in the forehead, sauntering past him, hips swaying. Johnny followed this with his eyes, his face taking on the 'panting dog' look.
"Make up first, then you see my costume. Besides you need to get dressed!" Amy said smiling at Kate, who winked back, holding a finger to her lips.
Kai watched the exchange suspiciously. How did his mother know Amy? They hadn't met as far as he knew. His eyes narrowed as the pale haired woman sat the girl down and started her make up. His mother was up to something…he could feel it.
"Sooo Amy," Ian cooed, sitting on the table in front of her. "Is it true you're going as Johnny's sex slave? He is after all the God of Fertility." He eyed her suggestively, winking.
Johnny came over and smacked his friend soundly upside the head earning a loud "Ow!".
Amy merely sighed, shooting a glare at her red haired boyfriend. "Not sex slave fool, just a slave –a high ranking slave at that!"
"So a concubine then?"
"Idiot!" Johnny hissed, glowering at the smug looking Ian.
"Boys, instead of thinking degrading thoughts about your female peers –something I realize is irresistible to you anyway- why don't you get changed. The dance starts in fifteen minutes and you're all done your make up. Oliver is already changed, and his make up's done, I'm sure he would like to get going. Now scoot!" Kate motioned at the door, a dismissing aura surrounding her.
The seven boys picked up their designated costumes that were folded neatly in piles on one of the tables and headed out the door towards the bathrooms, muttering to themselves.
Bakuten B shifted uneasily under the giggling eyes of their fellow students. They were occupying a back corner of the gym sitting on the bleachers, to the right of the entrance doors, on the opposite side of the room from the two video screens that filled one of the gym walls. The dance had started merely minutes before, but already the fair sized gym was packed with students. It seemed the whole school had turned out to see the infamous costume showdown between the two beyblade teams.
Liika shifted uncomfortably, pulling at the skirt to her Artemis costume, trying desperately to cover her legs. The forest green skirt fell to her ankles, but had two wide slits up the sides that extended to just above mid thigh. A sleeveless russet brown tunic like shirt draped off her right shoulder, flowing down to her hips and was cinched at her waist by a silver material covered belt. A long silver chain with a crescent pendant was hung around her neck, and a silver armlet (made out of cardboard covered in shiny silver material) around her left arm. A crown made of tinfoil covered cardboard circled her head, leaves sticking up from the very front and then at her temples –the ones at her temples were red- her royal blue hair flowed freely, framing her face. A white cape streamed down her back, connected to a cardboard choker around her neck. On her back was a plastic bow and a cardboard tube that had been turned into a quiver. Three sticks covered with tinfoil to appear silver with grew feathers glued to the end stuck up out of the quiver to represent arrows. She wore sandals on her feet.
"They're late…cowards." Liika muttered, resting her chin in the palm of her hand, her elbow leaning on her knee.
The rest of the team murmured their agreement, all watching the doors anxiously. Robert sat beside his girlfriend, looking fine in his Apollo costume. He wore a sleeveless white Grecian robe that fell to his ankles and was trimmed in gold fabric. His normally slicked back purple hair fell around his ears, bangs brushing his forehead and framing his eyes. A gold foil Greek laurel crown was pinned into his locks so it stuck up outwards on his head. A gold painted cardboard lyre was leaned on the floor at his feet.
Jade, dressed as Athena, sat behind Liika. Her robe was similar to Roberts only was a beige color and was belted at her waist by a scrap of brown material. A Styrofoam helmet covered her head. It had cardboard wings on either side, and a gray broom like brush running down the middle. Her accessories included a double-sided wooden spear, a cardboard shield with a sad depiction of an owl on it and gray material arm guards.
Riley sat between Jade and Enrique. Her Hera costume consisted of a long crimson skirt, with a slightly lighter top which had one sleeve that ran to her elbow, while her other shoulder was bare. Gold foil discs encircled her waist, causing her top to flair out around her hips. A gold foil armlet with plate adorned her bare arm. Her hair was braided then looped around the back of her head, her bangs framing her blue eyes, a gold foil crown pinned to the top of her head. She carried a white pained wood rod with a Styrofoam tulip end as a staff. Enrique had an arm rested on the bleachers behind the pale haired girl. His sky blue Greek robe flowed to his knees, belted by a brown belt at his waist. A gold foil head band with white feather wings was perched in his baby blond hair, matching the white feather wings that were glued to a pair of cheap sandals he wore on his feet. He carried a book with a feather quill sticking out of the top and a gold painted scepter.
Max and Emily cuddled just behind the three. Max wore a Styrofoam helmet with a red brush on the top. A black and red toga was draped over one shoulder and fell to just above his knees, his normal white sling had been switched for a black on and his cast had been painted black to match the arm guard on his opposite forearm. Armored boots encased his calves and with his good arm he carried a wooden spear, the shaft painted black and the tip silvery gray. He made an adorable Ares. Emily, who got Demeter, had a long pleated white skirt with a hoodless poncho like top that fell to her abdomen. A gold chain was hung around her neck and a green nurse-like hat was clipped to her orange hair that was pulled back in a ponytail at the back of her head.
In front of Liika and Robert sat Mariah in her skimpy Aphrodite costume and Lee in his conservative but imposing Zeus costume. Mariah's outfit was made entirely of pink and out of all the Grecian God costumes looked the most modern. Her top was a baby pink, a magenta cardboard collar circled her neck, holding the edge of the top as it fell away, baring her shoulders. Sleeves flowed from mid-bicept down to mid-tricept and the front ended just under her breasts, a diamond shaped hole cut just over her breasts. The same magenta material that covered the cardboard over her collar made her tight, short shorts, which had a flowing see through baby pink chiffon material skirt covering them. The skirt fell to just above her knees and parted in the front. White ribbons crisscrossed her calves attaching to a magenta garter that was apart of her shorts. On her back, attached to her collar were lightweight, sparkly feather covered material wings that hung down to her waist. Gold earrings looped through her ears. Her pink hair was pulled back into a bun on the top of her head -her front bangs left out- and covered with a two-toned pink coronet type hat. Lee, who sat beside her, was clothed in a simple, heavy off white robe with long billowy sleeves that fell to his ankles. His long black hair that was normally pulled back hung freely, a gold foil laurel crown set around his head. Resting on the seat beside him was a bluish white Styrofoam lightning bolt.
Lastly, Bryan as Hades and Spencer as Hephaestus stood on the floor in front of the Golden Pair, arms crossed, leaning on the wall and looking none too happy. Bryan's long, black toga draped off of one shoulder exposing his broad, well-toned chest and muscled arms. His waist was belted with a silver foil belt that matched his silver crown that had spikes sticking up in various places. His pale hair was styled as it usually was, and leaning beside him was his black wooden staff with its crimson ball and sharp looking blades on the end. Spencer was, out of the entire B team males, clad in the least amount of cloths. He merely wore a dark brown, pleated kilt like wrap, belted with a normal leather belt and hanging to his knees. His firm, lean chest was bare and in one of his hands he carried a heavy looking smith's hammer. All in all Bakuten B was looking good, and their fellow students couldn't help but admire the effort that had obviously gone into their costumes.
"Dude, if they don't show up I'm going to kick some ass!" Enrique exclaimed, straightening his winged headband.
Bryan snorted, throwing a glance up at the blond teen. "Like you could kick anyone's ass fag boy." He said.
"Bryan!" Riley reprimanded sharply, glaring at her twin.
"Hn."
"Mariah, explain again why the slits in my skirt had to run up so damn high?" Liika demanded, nudging the pink haired girl with her sandaled foot.
Mariah turned her head and stuck her tongue out at her friend. Personally, she thought Liika looked awesome with her legs bared teasingly, it was a far cry from anything they had ever seen the tomboy captain wear before. Most of the time Liika went as some type of guy costume, this year, she looked very feminine, if the looks guys were throwing her were any indication. Mariah struggled not to smirk as she watched a frown imbed itself in Robert's face, his eyes flashing with irritation as his girlfriend –as well as the other girls on their team- were the subjects of many admiring stares. "It looks good on you, deal with it." Mariah shot back, rolling her eyes.
"But it looks so…so…"
"If you say skanky I'm going to hurt you. Besides," Mariah shot the shorter girl a look, "My costume is way skimpier than yours."
Liika opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off by Lee who sighed, flipping a bit of his hair over his shoulder. "It's a little bit late to be complaining about costumes now you know. We all look good, despite the skimpiness and despite the different hairstyles some of us had to wear." He said, ever the voice of reason. It was a well known fact amongst the group of them that neither Lee nor Robert were thrilled about wearing their hair down, though Robert made a bigger deal about it than Lee did. He really disliked looking like a scruffy hoodlum.
Robert humphed, looking annoyed as he pushed some bangs out of his eyes. He growled as he jarred his laurel crown. Liika giggled, immediately forgetting her skirt and focusing on her fussing boyfriend. He was so cute when he was annoyed! She giggled even more as she took in his facial expression. He was…pouting! He leveled her with a glare and he crossed his arms over his chest sullenly, giving up on trying to fix his crown. Liika's eyes softened, a small smile tilting her lips. Reaching up, she brushed his bangs away from his eyes and straightened his crown so it sat perfectly. "I think you look sexy." She winked, leaning up for a kiss.
Robert looked unamused for a moment, eying her dryly, but nevertheless pressing a small kiss to her lips. "I just bet you do." He muttered grouchily.
"Oh you're no fun!" Liika pouted, tossing her hair.
Gagging sounds from behind them made Liika whirl around and glower at her best friend who was faking a dry heave. She whacked him in the knee, satisfied with the whining "Ow" she earned.
Bryan's teeth began to grind, and one of his eyebrows began to twitch. If he wasn't allowed to leave soon there would be hell to pay. He absolutely loathed dances, and wouldn't even have agreed to the stupid costume competition if it wasn't for the fact that Liika wanted it. He would walk on burning coals for her, why couldn't she see that? He was way better for her that fucking Jagen. Jagen was just a stuck up yuppie whom wouldn't know how to treat an angel if he was instructed by God himself. To say that Bryan was bitter would be a horrific understatement.
It wouldn't be so bad if it was just Jagen he had to deal with, because sooner or later Bryan would figure out how to break them apart, or would wait until it naturally occurred. However, the burly boy knew it wasn't just Jagen that had Liika's attention. Deep inside him burned a feeling that Hiwatari was more to the little blue haired tomboy than just an enemy. He could see something growing… something other than hate and it pissed him off. What did the two have that he didn't? Why couldn't she ever look at him like she looked at them? Anger swelled within him, rage consuming his mind. Why should they have her? They never gave her the time of day before this year… he had worshipped her for six years! Didn't that count for anything? It damn well should! And like hell he was going to give up so easily. No, Jagen and Hiwatari had a fight on their hands, especially if they thought he'd give up his woman so easily.
Just as the thoughts whirled around his head, making him more and more angry, the entire gym hushed, the loud music blaring over the dead silence the students were emitting. Almost as one, Bakuten B turned their heads to see the eight members of Bakuten A, and one extra walk in.
And boy did they look good.
Liika felt her eyes being drawn inexorably to that familiar two-toned blue head. He was leading the team, an aura of complete superiority surrounding him. His face was covered by a brown and white mask of what appeared to be some type of bird –most likely a hawk. His upper body was completely bare save some gold foil bands that covered his forearms, a gold armlet on his right upper arm and a wide gold choker. Painted on his abdomen in gold paint was an ankh, the Egyptian symbol of life. Around his waist hung a red and white wrap with the eye of Ra glued on the edge. In his hand he carried a gold painted scepter with a red glass ball at the end, and around his forehead, pushing back his bangs, he wore a gold foil circlet with a green and gold snake situated in the center.
Liika's eyes ran down his built body, her mouth hanging open in shock. For the second time since she had known him the thought ran through her head that he was the hottest guy alive –the first being in his bedroom when he accused her of 'groping' him. Her face blossomed red, mentally growling at herself for her train of thought.
Robert was becoming extremely annoyed to the point of anger. He could practically see his little girlfriend's train of thoughts cross her flushed face as she stared at the tall blue haired captain. He didn't know why he suddenly felt so threatened by the arrogant teenager. Maybe it was the way Liika was looking at her 'enemy', the glint in her eye that told him that there was something she wasn't telling him. His eyebrows furrowed, did something happen during that project weekend? Outwardly neither captain showed any difference, still competing in everything and throwing insults at each other at every opportunity, but if one looked closer…something was different.
At that moment Kai turned his head and caught sight of the B team sitting in the corner. With a motion of his head, he led his team towards them, walking with a cocky swagger. His eyes drifted over the group of them. Not bad, they had help, he thought raising a blue eyebrow behind his mask.
Coming to a stop a few feet from the bleachers the two teams appraised each other. Kai allowed his gaze to fall on Liika, his heart speeding up slightly as his eyes met hers. He was thankful for the mask that covered his face so that no one could see the pink that now tinged his cheeks. She looked so pretty, and the fact that she was dressed in formal-like feminine clothing made her that much more attractive.
Tala nudged his arm, tearing his attention away from the blue witch long enough to give his head a shake and berate himself for thinking such absurd thoughts. The witch pretty? As if.
The B team surveyed their opponents. Just beside Kai stood Tala –they knew it was him from the blood red bangs that hung over his jackal mask. The rest of his hair was covered by a sky blue and gold pharaohs hood/hat (AN: I have no clue what they're called!) that had black pointed ears sticking up from the top. Each of his upper arms were circled with a corrugated cardboard band, painted gold to match the gold foil rectangle that was 'glued' across his collar bone as well as the wristlets he wore on each wrist. The rest of his chest was bare –like most of the A team- and hung from his waist was a white wrap with a gold belt. The white material parted in the front so to cover the gap a six-inch strip of cloth (the same cloth as his hood) was slung down his front acting as a sort of loincloth. His feet were bare and in one hand he carried a black stack with a bird's head on one end, a fork on the bottom and in the other hand he carried a black ankh.
Beside Tala was Ian who was dressed in a green and brown waist wrap with matching short poncho like piece of cloth that covered his shoulders and collar-bone. Attached to the cloth was a set of wings that were much like Mariah's, only with out the sparkles. His forehead was circled with a crown exactly like Kai's, and in one hand he carried a long Shepard's crook, while in the other a gold ankh –all the Egyptian gods were required to carry or wear an ankh.
Johnny and Amy stood just behind the three. Johnny wore a purple and white waist wrap and various gold foil armlets. His ankh was hung from a cord around his neck. His headgear consisted of a gold band with two palm fronds sticking up on either side of his head. One of his hands was wrapped firmly around Amy's, while the other carried a length of rope that was attached to a hoop in a collar around Amy's neck. Amy's costume was obviously that of an Egyptian slave. Her beige tank top and knee length skirt were both tattered and slightly smudged with dirt. Her eyes –just like all the eyes of the Egyptian 'Gods'- were painted with heavy black, blue and gold lines that made their eyes look smaller.
On Kai's other side, just behind him, stood Michael and Oliver who were murmuring to each other quietly. Michael stood quite a bit taller than the green haired boy, the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt on his head only made it worse. His maroon side burns stuck out the bottom, framing his face. His waist wrap was white with a blue belt. The belt matched the blue of his shoulder cloth which had a black eye of Ra sewed into the middle. His gold foil choker was two tiered and matched his armlet, and ankh that he carried in his right hand. With his right arm he carried a large black paper covered book with the words "Book of the Dead" written on the cover. His face was covered with a black bird mask, its beak thin and curved. Oliver's costume resembled Tala's, only his waist wrap and loincloth were straight blue and white. His shoulder cloth was the most intricate of all the pieces of clothing amongst team A. It had a blue border to match his waist wrap, but the rest of it was dark crimson and black striped. His ankh hung from his neck so that he could carry his crook and flail in his hands. On his head was a pharaoh's hood, like Tala's, but with dark blue rather than sky blue, and with a gold cobra snake in the middle of his forehead. The only jewelry he wore was the three tiered gold foil choker around his neck. And unlike the rest of his team, who only had their eyes painted, his whole face was painted gold, as well as the black lines over his eyes.
The last two members of A stood farther back from the main group (B assumed they were Tyson and Rei as they were the only ones not accounted for, but both wore masks), as if to not associate themselves with their mostly overbearing teammates (Oliver and Michael stood only a bit in front of them, also separating themselves.) Tyson was the only member of Bakuten A that was wearing a full wrap so his chest was covered. It was white, and his shoulder cloth was black and blue. His headgear was a gold band with a black ostrich feather sticking up in the middle of his forehead. He wore gold bands on his upper arms and around his wrists and he carried his gold ankh as well as a gold scepter with the eye of Ra painted on it. His face was covered by a tawny gold lion mask, but his hair gave his identity away, as did Rei's. His messy black hair hung over his black dog mask, which had square tipped ears. His shoulder cloth was significantly smaller than everyone else's and looked more like a wide cloth necklace. It was pattered with red stripes and upside down gold triangles. His armbands and wristlets were red and gold versions of Tala's. His waist wrap had two layers, the bottom layer white with a red belt and the top layer being a stripped gold material. His ankh was carried in one of his hands while a gold short staff with one end pointy the other end a gold ball with wing like projections. The most unique attribute about Rei's costume, which set him apart from the rest of the gods, was the black forked tail that hung down from where it was attached at the back of his belt.
Liika's eyes flashed, while Kai's smirked. Moving his mask up so it sat on the top of his head he allowed her to see his smirking face, his flush long gone.
"I see you're not the coward I thought you were." He baited, crossing his arms over his bare chest.
"The same to you bub." Liika shot back, bringing herself to her feet causing her cape to flutter gracefully behind her. "We'll just see who wins. However, I think it's pretty obvious which team put more effort into their costumes, I mean, you guys are all half naked! Where's the effort in that?"
Kai's smirk grew into a malicious grin and his eyebrows wiggled up and down suggestively. "Checking out the view hm witch? Surely boy toy can't be too thrilled with that." He taunted further, eyes moving from the blue haired girl to the tall boy beside her. He was not disappointed when he found Robert glowering at him, his lips pulled back in a soundless snarl. It was so easy to get under the vice-captain's skin, especially when it concerned his precious little witch. Needless to say it amused Kai to no end when Robert reached out and wrapped his arms around Liika's waist, pulling her back toward him possessively. However, even though he was amused, something in his chest twitched at the protective movements of the other boy. It amused him…but it also irritated him. His grin slipped a bit, why would it irritate him to see the witch being held by her boy toy?
Because it's not you holding her.
His eyes expanded comically at the thought that popped into his head out of nowhere. What the fuck? Why the hell would he want to hold her? Why would he be jealous? He wouldn't that's what! A scowl descended onto his features. She was his enemy, and it would remain that way!
Liika's eyebrows shot up as she watched the different expressions flutter across Kai's face. It was obvious he was less than pleased at where his thoughts had turned to. But just what was he thinking? However, before she could open her mouth and brazenly ask, another voice interrupted from somewhere behind the A team.
"Ah, good. It seems like everyone's here so we can get started!"
Both teams turned to see Mr. Dickenson smiling at them, a tall light haired women standing beside him, her hands clasped in front of her. Kai paled at the sight of his mother and slipped his mask back onto his face to hide it. Did she really have to be here??
Kate caught this action and it caused her smile to grow into a grin. Winking at him she stepped forward, clapping her hands together. "Well I must say, you all look great! This turned out far better than I expected it to! Now, we just need you guys to line up in two horizontal lines along the back wall with all your props so the judges can come and well… judge you! The winner will be announced at the end of the dance." She explained, motioning off to the back wall, which had been cleared of other students.
Muttering the two teams made their way over to the signified area and proceeded to line themselves up against the wall, the A team on the left, B team on the right. Amy stood off to one side smiling, secretly cheering for both teams –her friends were on one, her boyfriend on the other, how could she win? She sent a smile at Johnny and a wink at Liika.
After they had all lined up four teachers, carrying clipboards were ushered over, all eyeing the 19 students. Mr. Amery, the Drama teacher, had a disdainful look on his face, and was scribbling on his clipboard. Beside him was a giggling Ms. Giesinger and a quiet Ms. Haori, and on his other side a smirking Mr. Jazzman stood. Once again Kate clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
Clearing her throat she raised her voice so that she could be heard over the throng –students had gathered to watch and listen. "Alright, let's get started! Starting with Bakuten A, we're going to go down the line and each of you are going to announce your name and what you are affiliated with –that is the name of the God you represent. Oliver, you may start. –Oh and A team please remove your masks."
Oliver, who was at the end farthest away from the first B member, stepped forward slightly and bowed his head, "I am Osiris, the Egyptian god of the Underworld."
As Oliver stepped back, Michael stepped forward. "Thoth, god of wisdom and time."
Next was Rei who smiled charmingly and said, "Set, god of chaos." A few members –mostly meaning Liika and Mariah- snickered at this. Rei shook his head, shooting a wink at his pretty girlfriend.
Tyson stepped forward and sighed dramatically. "I'm Shu, god of air and sky."
"Geb, god of Earth." Ian spoke, not even bothering to step forward.
Johnny paused next, a slight blush crossing his cheeks. He coughed, stepping forward and muttered a quiet, "Min…the god of fertility."
B immediately began snickering quietly, but were silenced by a quick disproving glare from Kate Hiwatari. Tala smirked and stepped forward, sweeping a gallant bow. "Anubis, god of the dead."
Lastly Kai stepped out, turning his head slightly to smirk haughtily at Liika who stood only feet beside him, the first in line for the B team. She met him with a sneer that included a protruding tongue. "Ra, sun god, as well as king of the Egyptian gods." Kai said loudly.
Liika groaned, rolling her eyes. "It figures you know!" She exclaimed, shaking her head with a heavy sigh. Then, knowing she was next, she began the long list of B team participants. "Artemis, moon goddess."
"Apollo, sun god."
"Aphrodite, goddess of love!" There were a few grumbles and covered snickers at Mariah's announcement.
"Zeus, sky god, king of the gods."
"Hermes, messenger god!"
"Hera, goddess of marriage, queen of the gods!"
"Athena, goddess of war and wisdom."
"Demeter, Earth goddess."
"Ares! God of war!" More snickers followed Max's chirp. Who could really picture Max as the god of war?
"Hades. God of Death." Eyebrows raised…now there was a perfect fit.
"Hephaestus, smith god."
The teachers murmured amongst each other, nodding and scribbling on their boards as they studied the teenagers. The said teens shifted in irritation, not really wanting to stand around the whole dance. They were also growing tired of the gawking faces of other students. They were at a dance…they wanted to dance! …or most of them did. Some of them just wanted to leave, but knew that would not be possible.
Kate saw that the teens were getting restless and knew that it was pointless for them to stand around so she waved them away. "Go on, have fun! We'll announce the winners later! Stay out of trouble! And you can leave your props back here if you want." She said, smiling at them all.
Both teams sighed in relief, dumping their props, masks, and some of their head gear then took off towards the dance floor, or bleachers.
Tala growled, looking over his shoulder and catching a glimpse of blond not too far behind him. It was starting to get out of hand. The girl –Riku?- had been tailing him for over an hour and half. He could see her glaring at the various girls he had danced with and now she was about fifteen feet away, hiding in a group of freshman, watching his group with wide blue eyes.
"Yo man, what's the matter?" Ian asked, moving back and forth, his hands planted firmly on Jade's thin hips in front of him.
Tala brought his attention back to his group and noticed that all his friend's attention was on him –except Johnny who's rapt attention was on the girl he was grinding with, a smile on his lips. Tala had to hand it to the other red head…his girlfriend was rather hot, he wasn't sure he'd be paying attention to anything around him if he had someone that hot to hold.
"That stalker is following him again. She's been tailing him all night." Kai supplied from beside Tala. His arms were crossed over his chest and a frown was settled on his face. He seemed distracted, his eyes off somewhere else, watching something.
"Blue's got it. I think it's time to put a stop to this whole stalking thing, I mean she's cramping my style! She glares at any girl I come close to." Tala said with a shake of his head. His eyes followed Kai's and was slightly surprised when they fell on a familiar bluenette (*courtesy of Leina) who was dancing rather innocently with her tall boyfriend who was actually just standing there watching her dance. Tala's amusement grew, it appeared his best friend was more interested in their little Iki than he let on. However, he let it slide and said nothing, not wanting to get the blue haired boy pissed off at him.
"That's a good idea," Amy said over her shoulder, running one of her hands down Johnny's chest. "Stalking can always turn into more dangerous things. Better to stop it now before she gets obsessive!"
Tala nodded, throwing a wink at the strawberry blond girl who winked back, much to Johnny's irritation. Turning on his heel, Tala began to push his way through the crowd, making a b-line for the group of freshman he knew his 'admirer' was hiding in.
As he approached, the freshman began to whisper and giggle amongst themselves, their eyes flickering towards him. He resisted the urge not to roll his eyes, trying desperately to remember that he too was a freshman once and that it wasn't that long ago. He finally reached them, stopping on the outskirts of the large group. He ignored the glares he was getting from the freshman boys in the group that were obviously threatened by his presence.
"Have any of you seen Riku Makino?" He said, flashing his most charming smile.
The girls instantly melted into a puddle of goo. Here was one of the hottest juniors in the school actually talking to them! Their friend was one lucky girl to have the likes of him looking for her! A girl with long black hair, tied up in a ponytail fluttered her eyelashes at him.
"She just left, said she was going to the washroom of something." The girl cooed, attempting to smile coyly at him.
Tala flinched inwardly, knowing very well that he was being hit on by very brave freshman. However, his smile only grew more charming as he winked at them and thanked them, slipping past in search of his query.
He found her shortly, catching sight of her blond hair as she slipped out of one the exterior doors. Bingo, he thought, quickly following her. I got you now. He pushed the door open and stepped out into the chilly October night. A quiet gasp to his right alerted Tala to where she was and he turned to see the blond girl leaning up against the school wall, looking terrified. He decided he better take it easy on her, after all she was only a freshman. Crossing his arms over his chest and rubbing his arms for warmth he spoke, a kind tone in his voice. "Hey."
The girl blinked at him. "He-hey…" she stuttered.
Tala smiled a small smile at her, taking the time to really look at her. She was kinda cute…for a freshman. She was dressed in green shorts with a yellow belt and an orange tank top. Belts crisscrossed her front and goggles hung from her neck. Her blond hair was tied up in a high ponytail with long front bangs clipped back, framing her face. It hit him then that she was dressed like Rikku from Final Fantasy X, and looked exactly like her. Not bad… He thought.
"So…um…" Tala stumbled slightly, not really sure what to say. What did one say to a girl that had been following you for months? "Having fun?" He asked finally, tilting his head to the side.
She blushed, turning her eyes away from him and staring off into the night. "Ye-yes, I guess…"
"Good…" They stood there awkwardly for a few moments before Tala couldn't take it anymore and finally blurted out what he had really come to say. "Look, I know you've been following me around."
The girl turned an even brighter red and started to fidget, looking really embarrassed. Tala took some pity on her after all he was extremely good looking. Who the hell wouldn't want to stalk him?
"And well," he continued, looking straight at her, "I'm really flattered and all, but it's pretty unnerving being stalked you know?"
She was silent for a few moments, and Tala was ready to give it up…she wasn't responding at all. However, out of the blue she blurted, surprising him, "I'm sorry!"
Tala blinked, tilting his head a bit more. "I-it's ju-ust that…I like you a lot!"
At the divulged information her wide blue eyes expanded even more and she slapped a hand over her mouth in clear mortification. Tala found himself chuckling, shaking his head. Smiling good-naturedly at her embarrassment he shivered, the cold seeping into his bones.
"Tell you what," he said winking at her, "You cut out the whole stalking thing and I'll save a slow dance for you. Deal?"
She glowed with happiness and Tala felt strangely good that he could make someone that happy. Nodding her head vigorously she jumped forward, latching her arms around his middle causing him to jump in surprise. "Deal! Thank you so much! I knew you were a complete sweet heart!"
He laughed a bit, a slight blush crossing his cheeks. Who knew he would be an idol of someone? "Alright, alright…I'm glad I could make you happy." He said lightly, pushing her back away from him. "Now, lets go inside before I freeze my fucking ass off out here!"
She giggled and nodded, skipping toward the doors. Tala sighed, hurrying after her. "Oh and Riku? Please don't call me Yuri-senpai anymore!"
"Alright, can we have all the members of Bakuten A and B please come to the front stage?" The DJ called out over the blaring music.
The two teams slowly weaved their way through the crowd, both eager to find out just who beat who so they could rub it in the other teams face. Well actually, only two individuals wanted to know for that reason, but that was a moot point. They got there soon after and sure enough the four judges along with Judy, Kate and Mr. Dickenson were standing on the stage beside the DJ. Kate was glowing, a bright smile on her face as she took the microphone the DJ handed her.
"The judges have come to a decision!" She said loudly, running her eyes over the nineteen teenagers involved, pausing for effect. She knew none of them would be too pleased with the outcome, but it was for the best, Kate was sure. "Their decision is…a tie! It was a stalemate, two judges for A, two for B therefore there can be no winner. But you all did so well I'm going to award a two hundred dollar prize to both teams."
The group of teens stared at the pale haired woman for a few moments, processing the information. When it finally settled in that no one won there were shouts of outrage…from both sides.
"What the hell?!"
"A tie?? Damn it! WE should win! Stupid judges…"
Liika twitched. It wasn't fair…she was so sure she would be that asshole Hiwatari! She was pretty sure which judges picked the other team. Mr. Amery hated her so him… and Ms. G was still smarting over giving her and Kai an A on their project, even if they had fought non-stop. Curse her luck!
Kai was only mildly irritated, and not because he didn't win. He knew his mother well enough to know the whole scheme had been concocted so that there would be no winner. He wasn't overly surprised. It was how his mother worked. But he was slightly curious as to why his mother had even bothered. If there was going to be no winner, wouldn't that just breed more hostility between the two teams? Something told him she was up to something more than a little competition. His suspicions proved correct at her next announcement.
"One last thing before I let you guys go enjoy your last half hour." Kate said, her eyes falling on her son, sparkling with mischief. Kai suddenly dreaded ever being born to the woman. "As we all know, there has been some…friction between the two captains of A and B. Well as a symbol that there are no hard feelings over the competition the two captains are going to dance together to a song of my choice. Don't worry, it's not a slow song." Her grin grew so that it resembled that of the Cheshire cat.
Liika and Kai paled, turning their heads slowly so that their eyes met. After staring a few seconds both exclaimed at once, "Oh hell no!"
Kate merely chuckled lightly, her eyes twinkling. "Tsk, language you two. You are role models, please act like it. Now off you go, DJ, if you please." She motioned to the DJ who winked back and set about setting up the song.
Kai growled under his breath. Damn meddling mother! It was now clear what his mom was up to. It was a not so subtle set up attempt. He knew that when his mother took a liking to the blue witch during the 'marriage' weekend, things did not bode well. If this attempt failed she would try again. He just knew she would. It irritated him. Didn't she know that the witch had a boyfriend? Bah…
Wait a second… since when was the only thing that bothered him about a set up attempt was the fact that the witch had a boyfriend? Shouldn't the fact that it was the witch his mother was trying so desperately to set him up with be what bothers him? He scowled. Suddenly he had a headache.
"Come on ass monkey, let's get this crap over with." Liika muttered, breaking Kai out of his thoughts.
He shot a glare at the back of her head as she led him out on the dance floor, the first few chords of the chosen song. The two recognized it at 'My last breath' by Evanescence, wondering why Kate had chosen that particular song. Liika turned, facing him just as the first lines of the song were sung, her hips swinging into a sensual dance, her eyes flashing with challenge. Kai's eyes answered, clearly meeting her challenge as he stepped closer to her.
"Hold on to me loveYou know I can't stay long
All I wanted to say was I love you and I'm not afraid"Kai watched her move, his own body starting to move back and forth in time with the beat. He actually quite liked the song, his mother had good taste. Of course it never occurred to him that she chose the song for its lyrics…not its beat. She rocked back and forth, her hips moving smoothing, drawing his eyes from her face down her body. She moved very well… Totally losing himself in the moment, Kai stepped even closer and caught her swaying hips between his hands, pulling her flush to him.
"Can you hear me? Can you feel me in your arms?"Liika was surprised when her pulled her towards him but made no move to stop him. If he wanted to play the game that way, then so be it. She didn't stop her dancing, just closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift away into the music, becoming comfortable in his arms.
Unbeknownst to her, Liika's lips began moving as she began to sing along with the song.
"Holding my last breathSafe inside myself
Are all my thoughts of you
Sweet raptured light
It ends here tonight"Kai watched her sing through hooded, cloudy eyes. Somewhere in the back of his mind he registered the significance of the lyrics, but either he didn't care or he ignored it. He was just content to be able to hold her with out fighting with her. He also ignored the incredulous stares that surrounded them, as well as the almost gloating smirk from the direction of the stage. His hands ran from her hips, up her sides and down her arms, lifting them so that they settled on his shoulders before returning his hands to her hips.
"I'll miss the winterA world of fragile things
Look for me in the white forest
Hiding in a hollow tree… come find me"
Liika let her arms be guided to his shoulders. It wasn't really her arms, just her wrists as he was even taller than Robert, and that was saying something. She opened her eyes slowly and found herself drowning in a sea of gleaming auburn. His eyes were dark and reflecting something that she had never seen in anyone else's eyes, including Robert. It was like he was looking at the one thing in the world that meant everything to him. In her haze she ran her tongue over her lips, not really sure what to make of him. Something with in her clicked. The whole world disappeared so that it was just the two of them, moving in sync to the music. One hand trailed down his bare chest as she got lost in his hypnotizing eyes.
"I know you hear me I can taste it in your tears"He could feel her hand straying over his stomach, his eyes flicking down from hers to settle on her lips. Once again he had the bad need to kiss her… kiss her until she couldn't speak anymore. Because if she spoke, the moment would be ruined and he knew he would mourn the loss. He would take this moment with her and cherish it while it lasted, even if his mind was screaming no. His heart screamed yes… and it was his heart he was listening to at the moment.
Leaning his forehead down, it rested gently on hers, the song flying by. They had slowed down to mere swaying by that point, but her lips continued to move as the song flew by. Neither of them thought, just moved. The rest of the world wasn't important at that point in time, it was just them. Just them…
"Closing your eyes to disappearYou pray your dreams will leave you here
But still you wake and know the truth
No one's there"The feeling of drugginess seeped into their bones and both started to feel the loss of control over their actions. What was going on? Liika felt drawn inexorably to Kai. She wanted to lose herself in him… to allow him to take her away from the small world she had known for the last seventeen years. His mouth creeped closer to her own as he lowered his face to hers.
But no… something was wrong with his…he… he…
"Say good nightDon't be afraid
Calling me calling me as you fade to black…"He inched closer and closer until his lips just brushed hers. At the contact she was jolted back to reality. The sounds and smells of the real world came crashing down on her like a bucket of ice water.
What was she doing??
She was in the arms of her arch nemesis and was about to let him kiss her.
What about Robert?
Liika was horrified. She pushed Kai away roughly, backing up in terror, her eyes wide and her hand covering a gasp. What had she done? She stared at Kai, who looked dazed himself before turning and fleeing quickly out of the gym, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.
Kai blinked in confusion, watching the smaller blue haired girl run for her life out of the gym. What was going on? Did he just try…?
He just tried to kiss the witch.
The very girl that had made his life hell from the day he stepped into the small school. He couldn't believe it. What was he thinking?? Now he was going to have to put up with the never ending taunting of his friends, not to mention the glares and death threats from irate boyfriends and wannabe boyfriends. God, the whole situation was fucked up.
"Kai…?"
Tala's voice brought him back to the present. Snarling he shoved his best friend away from him and turned on his heel, stalking out of the gym, the opposite way Liika had.
He was angry. Angry at his mother, and angry at himself. But he couldn't shake the feeling… the question.
Why did it hurt so much when she ran away?