AN: YES IT'S FINALLY FINISHED PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!
The chapter that is.. heh actually I estimate –depending on if I change my mind or not- that this fic may be done in 4-5 chapters! *gasp* Of course.. then there's a sequel ;_;
This chapter nearly killed me.. damn battles gah.. I pray you, don't skip them cause they ARE important.. well Bryan's battle and Liika's battle anyway..
And here comes the end of the first story arc! Waha.. well one of them O.o
Oh last little word.. I got my first flame! Wahaha said this fic was BORING! What do you guys think? ;)
Bah REAL last word… The members of Abbey aren't my own characters! Hehe.. Akito and Broderick are from Beyblade G Revolution.. only those aren't there names.. and Ozuma is from 2002 or Vforce. The other five members which include: Shikamaru, Neji, Gaara, Lee and Shino all belong to the Naruto series! So there we have it!
"So here's the line up for the first match." Liika called out, hopping up and down on a box she had set up to use as a 'stage' of sorts. Her words gained the attention of her team that were all milling around the dressing room that had been appointed theirs for the first match.
Pretty much everyone had moaned or muttered something when they arrived at the arena and found out their first opponents were none other than Abbey. Enrique complained the loudest, while Mariah murmured something about it figuring. Liika wasn't fazed much. She had the outlook that they would have to face them sooner or later, and why not get it over with sooner?
"On with it!" Enrique cried from his position on the floor. He was lying in the middle of the dressing room floor, face down, throwing a small tantrum. It was times like these that Liika wondered how he was her best friend.
"Yeah, yeah." Liika replied, holding up a piece of paper. "First off, since Robert requested to sit this one out, he's the one who's sitting." She said this with reluctance. It was clear that she thought this was a bad move. "And since Emy's not blading this tourney we have a hole in Doubles 2. However, since Jade already has experience I'm pairing her and Enrique for Doubles 2. No complaints…Enrique."
Enrique merely let out another moan and banged his head on the floor, earning chuckles and soothing pats from his girlfriend who was sitting beside him.
"Doubles 1 is of course, Lee and Mari, and I know you'll do us proud!" Liika winked at the pair, who gave thumbs up back. "Spencer, our new arrival, will blade in Singles 3, best of luck. Bryan, who doesn't need luck, will blade Singles 2, while I, your esteemed captain, will blade Singles 1. Everything clear? No complaints I hope, because if there is I'm not listening!" With that the short girl hopped off the box and handed the piece of paper over to Riley.
"You're soooo cruel Iki!" Enrique moaned, finally pulling himself to a sitting position.
"I-" Just as Liika was replying a knock at the door interrupted her words. Sighing she bounced over to the door and jerked it open. "Ya?"
Kenny stood there, coughing nervously and fidgeting. "Um…Kai wanted me to give this to you." He stammered, shoving a folded piece of paper into her hands.
Liika looked surprised, looking down at the paper. "Thanks Kenny." She replied, closing the door as the small teen scurried away. She scowled at the paper. What the hell could he want?? Stupid Kai. Quickly she unfolded the letter to find just what he could want right before their first match.
"Witch,
I know you probably are going to bitch at me after your match for this, but I'm going to tell you anyway. Try and keep an open mind and actually listen to what I have to say hm? I figured it's my duty as a fellow captain from our school –we are technically are on the same team- to inform you about Abbey, so here's the heads up.
Akito Imoraz is their captain. He blades Doubles with his vice-captain Broderick Johanson. Just throw that match away, there's nothing you can do. If I know him, they'll blade Doubles 2, going for the easy win knowing that's your weak point.
I don't know much about most of the rest, however. They were all sophomores that didn't make the team last year, but don't underestimate them, but I'm sure you know that already.
I do know of a couple of them. Neji Hyuga is very strong, my only advice for who ever is blading him is: Don't let his bit beast even touch yours. His bit beast has a strange ability.
The other you should watch out for is Gaara Sanderson. He will blade Singles one, of that I'm sure. Be careful witch. Gaara is dangerous. And I'm not talking about in the dish. I should probably mention that he is the only one to ever beat me. Ever. Think about it.
Now I know you are more than likely thinking some crap about how you want to do this on your own, but at least consider my advice. I know them better than you. Besides, the only person that is allowed to beat you is me. Is that clear? Me.
-Hiwatari"
She growled. Damn it, he was right! She didn't want his help! If she took it then she was just proving she couldn't handle Abbey with out his help! Stupid Hiwatari! He always had to interfere! Her anger peaked, did he think she was that weak? Part of her kind of warmed that he cared enough to try and warn her, but she wrote it off as a command. Mr. Dickenson obviously had told him to tell her. Bastard.
She completely missed the possessive tone at the end.
"Hey Liika, what is it?" Mariah asked, peeking over Liika's shoulder.
Liika snorted, refolding the letter. "Hiwatari. Warning us. Stupid ass."
The team shrugged, resuming their preparation activities. Riley sighed, stroking Enrique's bangs back from his face. "You have to admit, it was nice of him to warn us."
"Bah!"
Robert was silent, intently watching Liika's reactions. He missed nothing.
"Alright guys! Time to go, we all ready to win?" Judy smiled, pushing the door open and stepping into the room.
She was met with rowdy cheers and a stampede out of the room.
Bakuten A took seats in the stands with a good view of the dish. The huge stadium was sold out, filled to the rafters with screaming fans and spectators. The building housed four large Beyblading arena's, each seating at least ten thousand people.
Kai's team's first match wasn't until late afternoon –the last match of the first round-, and it was only ten am, so they had all the time in the world to watch their school's other team blade. Kai told them that it was to get a heads up on rivals for the finals. He was certain it would be one of the two teams in this match that would win the South Division. However, deep inside, the blue haired boy knew it was something more that drew him to the spectator's seats for the Bakuten B vs Abbey Private match.
"Hey Kai, did you really mean all that stuff you said to that Akito guy earlier? You know the stuff about Liika wipin' the floor with him?" Johnny asked, leaning forward.
Kai was silent. He didn't want to answer the question because it meant coming to terms with how his temper snapped earlier that morning. He didn't want to think about it. Didn't want to admit it was because his former friend had insulted the witch.
"Kai?"
"Leave him alone Johnny. We'll see soon enough who comes out the victor. But let me tell you this. If B can't beat them, then the chances are we can't either." Tala replied for Kai. He knew his best friend didn't want to be bothered about his slip. That he wasn't ready to face that yet.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Captains please!" The referee for the matched called out from his perch on a chair attached to a crane way above their heads.
"Well looky what we have here, the State champs, verse an unseeded rookie team! Both the Abbey Shadows and the Bakuten B Phoenixes come from the same county and division, so it's rather strange that they should be meeting in the first round of the State tournament." One of the announcers said conversationally.
"That's correct Andy, it is rather strange, but if you look at the history of these two teams from the regular season you'll see that this match up was destined to happen sometime. Both teams are currently undefeated this year, and Bakuten is only one point behind our champs! Those are some pretty impressive stats." The other announcer replied.
"Right you are, Jay, right you are. This match is gonna be swe-eet!"
Liika stepped up onto the platform, team roster in hand. She eyed the boy that was already waiting in the middle, just beside the dish. He was pretty cute, blond with turquoise eyes. However, he looked eerily familiar…like…Tala! Eww. Shuddering aside, she stepped up to him, holding out her hand. "Good luck to you…Akito right?"
He nodded, taking her hand and squeezing a bit, a smirk planted firmly on his lips. "That is correct. You must be Liika hm? Kai is quite fond of you, you know."
She frowned in confusion, dropping her grip on his hand. He, however, didn't drop his, but kept her hand firmly trapped with in his larger one. "You must be delusional or something, Kai hates me." She said, tugging on her hand.
"Is that so?" Akito parried, tugging her towards him. Lowering his head so that his breath fanned her temple he spoke again. "He told me you were going to mop the floor with me. I'm excited at the prospects, do you come with toys as well?" With that he released her, chuckling.
Liika scrambled back, staring at him incredulously. Her face turned bright red, anger and embarrassment flushing her cheeks. "You-you-"
His chuckle turned into a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with malicious laughter. "Your adorable when you're embarrassed. I see what Kai sees in you. You must be a good fuck, or you wouldn't hold so much of Kai's attention. May I test it out? You could come by my room later on…"
She sputtered, totally shocked. Here was someone worse that Hiwatari! How was that even possible! A sick, demented…
Just then a large body stepped in front of her, blocking Akito's view of the tiny blue haired girl. He raised a blond eyebrow, eyeing the boy who was all but growling at him. "You must be Bryan," He said, noting the similarity to his Broderick. "Don't you know that this is a meeting between captain's only?"
"Touch her again and die."
Both Akito's eyebrows shot up then, his smirk growing. My, my, everyone seemed to be attached to the little captain. "You must really be a good fuck, you even have the Neanderthal bowing at your feet. I'm especially curious now."
That was it. Bryan's fragile hold on his temper snapped and he lunged forward, swinging at the blonde's head. However, before he could come in contact with him a stern voice called out, "Bryan!" He stopped immediately, straightening and taking a step back. "You're lucky." He stated, turning around fully.
Liika sighed in relief. If Bryan had hit him, they would have been disqualified immediately. "It's ok Ryanny. We'll beat him where it counts. In the dish." He said, patting Bryan's arm as he passed. "Oh! Yo asshole," She had started after Bryan, but then remembered that she had to give the other captain their roster. "Here."
Akito smirked, taking the paper from her hand and exchanging it for his own. Somehow he managed to brush her hand with his own, winking as he did so. "Think about tonight hm? I can be a whole lot of fun!"
"Fuck off jackass!"
"I'm glad you reconsidered! See you at my room say, oh, 11?"
"Arg!"
His laughed haunted her steps as she made her way back to the bench.
It was all Kai could do not to storm down there and stomp the arrogant captain's face into the ground. He was playing with her, Kai knew it, but he couldn't do anything about it. Damn. He was just glad Bryan stepped in before Akito got out of hand. Bastard. He couldn't hear what was being said, but he was sure it was lewd.
He also wondered why Robert didn't march up there and protect Liika. She was after all his girlfriend. But as Kai glanced over to the player bench, he saw that Robert hadn't moved an inch. He wasn't even watching, just leaning against the wall of the small covering with his eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to the world. Kai looked up at the jumbotron as the rosters flashed across it.
He's not blading either, he thought, a frown crossing his face.
What the hell?
"Doubles Two: Imoraz-Johanson pair vs. Sattiay-Maxwell pair!"
Both teams readied themselves as the two pairs on the platform loaded their blades into their launchers. Enrique and Jade were extremely nervous. They had never bladed as a pair before, and they were facing the second best pair in their division! The best pair of course, being Lee and Mariah.
As soon as the blades where launched Jade and Enrique called their bit beasts. They figured a direct attack was better than waiting around to see what the two private school snobs had in store for them. Enrique's Amphylyon rose majestically from his bit, glowing a proud orange light. Jade's Dazzler rose also, shedding a beautiful dark purple light. Dazzler had the body of a wolf, and the wings and talons of a phoenix.
"Heh, look Broderick, they're brave ones." Akito laughed, nudging his taller companion.
The pale haired boy smirked in reply. His hair was plastered to his head and clashed horribly with his almost skin tight, black, uniform shirt.
Enrique winced. "Geez, these guy's may be rich, but don't they have any fashion sense? I mean who wears their blading jersey skin tight??" he exclaimed, whispering to Jade who giggled in reply.
"Should they even have the honor of seeing our bit beasts?" Broderick asked, leaning his head towards Akito.
The white blond shrugged. "Why not? It will get his match over with sooner."
"Right. Saeth!" Broderick held a hand out to his blade and summoned his bit beast. A massive hawk rose from the bit, bathed in pale green light.
Akito was right behind him calling out to his bit as well. "Kaeth!" Out of his black blade rose a three-headed wolf. It's light was a blackish red, and flame-like tendrils licked at the beast's paws and collar. Three sets of eyes soon narrowed in on the opposing bit beasts. "So, now that you have seen what you are up against up close, why don't you just forfeit?"
Jade and Enrique took a step back, eyes wide. Those bit beasts were huge! Jade's eyebrows furrowed, her mind whirling. Air and land, they were the perfect combination. Kaeth, the cerebus, was obviously a fire-type. He had the advantage on both Dazzler and Amphylyon on the land. She wasn't sure of the bird, but was sure he was strong in the air. She was almost certain that was their strategy, one from the air above, one from the land below. "Dazzler go!"
The beast reacted immediately, leaping into the air, and diving at the flying bird. Broderick smiled, crossing his arms. "Whirlwind typhoon!" he called.
"Pyro inferno!" Akito joined instantly.
The two attacks converged into one massive swirling mass of fire that quickly caught Dazzler in its center. It soon caught an unprepared Ampylyon as well, ending the match in an instant.
"Well that was a disappointment." Akito spat, smiling smugly. "But not a surprise. How pathetic, how did you even get this far?"
Enrique and Jade ignored the taunts and leaped into the dish to retrieved their blades. They climbed back out and readied for another set. However, before the referee could call to the bladers to ready themselves Liika stepped onto the platform with a white card in her hand. "We forfeit this round." She said, flashing the card. Each team was allowed one forfeited round per match, anymore and they forfeited the whole match.
The Bakuten pair sputtered, staring incredulously at their captain. "But Liika-" Jade started, frowning.
Liika shook her head, smiling. "No Jade, don't worry about it. It's only one round. Beside, what's more important, your bit beast or the round? If you continue to battle with them Dazzler will only get hurt. They're in a whole different league than you and Eny as a pair. If it had been singles, or if it had been Lee and Mari blading, it would have been different. But you can't match them paired together." She explained softly.
Jade still looked disappointed, as did Eny. Enrique actually pouted. Liika sighed, motioning the two back to the bench. "Look at it this way you guys. It would be like you two going against a nasty, uncaring, Lee-Mariah pair!"
At this Enrique stopped pouting and Jade laughed. "So another words, we were just stomped?"
"Sorry, but yes." Liika joined in the laughing.
Akito sneered, watching the three leave the platform. "That's right. I'd be laughing too if I was as pathetic as you are." He called, stopping Liika in her tracks.
She turned her head, a smile playing on her lips. She wouldn't fall for his game again. Liika had come along way since the beginning of the year. And if she could thank Hiwatari for anything it was for training her to not react to assholes taunts. Of course she still reacted to his taunts but that was beside the point. Speaking of Hiwatari, she couldn't believe she actually followed his advice. Bloody hell. "One round isn't the match Imoraz, I advise you to remember that." Was all she said before stepping back to her team bench.
Akito grunted, smirk still in place. "Whatever you say."
"Mari, Lee?" Liika asked, as the two walked up towards the platform.
Both turned, eyebrows raising. Liika's face transformed into an evil smirk. "Fight fire with fire. No mercy."
Mariah smirked back, leaning over and high-fiving her friend. "Revenge?"
"You know it!"
"Doubles One: Rock-Hizashi pair vs. Laan-Low pair!"
Mariah smirked as she loaded her pink launcher. She was fully prepared to make their opponents pay for the embarrassment their teammates caused in the first round by causing a little embarrassment of her own. "What you say we cause a little damage Lee?" She asked, winking at her partner.
Lee smiled a bit, sighing. "You know I don't like that style of blading."
"But-"
"However," He interrupted, his smile turning into a grin. "I believe we need to make up for the humiliation Abbey caused our teammates. Let's do this."
"Yeah!"
"Well Jay, there are a whole lot of rumors surrounding the Laan-Low pair from Bakuten."
"Yes there is, I hear that in their home town they are referred to as the 'Golden Pair' and that they haven't been defeated as a pair in three years!"
The match was over rather quickly. It took two devastating sets for Akito to finally give in and forfeit the round, looking rather pissed about it. True to their word, Mariah and Lee lay an ass kicking on the poor smucks that were stuck paying for their captains' nastiness. By the end of the second set both Abbey blades were in sad disrepair and the pair's bit beasts were injured. Now Lee and Mariah didn't like hurting others bit beasts, but they had to prove a point. And prove it they did.
"Singles Three: Shikamaru Nara vs. Spencer Monroe!"
Akito's eyes were narrowed into mere slits. To say that he was displeased would be a vast understatement. He was beyond displeased, he was down right pissed! The last set had been a disaster! Lee and Ozuma had gotten royally owned in the dish, and their opponents made it look easy. Akito knew, while Lee and Ozuma weren't totally amazing at doubles, they weren't amateurs either! He growled in his head. He had underestimated the talent on this team. After all, how good could a team of Hiwatari-rejects be? Not to mention they were girls. Apparently very.
It made him wonder just how good Hiwatari's team was, if the rejects were this 'good'. Good was thought with a sneer, however, because although Bakuten B had smoked his pair in Doubles One he doubted the rest of the team had that skill. I mean after all, the Lee-Laan pair was reputable to be the best pair in their county. He breathed slightly easier, just a fluke. The puny school didn't have a chance against his superior talent.
"Nara!" He snapped at the boy who was lazily moving up onto the platform.
The dark haired boy rolled his head back to look at his captain. "What?"
"Destroy him."
Shikamaru shrugged. What a hassle. "Whatever."
Akito rolled his eyes. If Nara didn't have the skill he would have nothing. The teen had no ambition, he was so incredibly apathetic and lazy. It annoyed the fair haired captain to no end.
"Yo Spencer!"
The blond senior paused in his stride up the stairs, caulking an ear towards his small captain. "Yes?"
"Good luck!"
He smiled a bit and nodded back, continuing his way towards the dish.
Singles Three lasted quite a bit longer than Doubles One did. Spencer easily took the first round. Bakuten B marveled at how lazy the Abbey boy was. It was incredible. He merely stood there, and watched Spencer's Seaborg completely demolish his gray blade. Hell even the kid's bit beast was lazy! After being knocked around Shikamaru finally called it out, but it was no better than its partner. A glowing gray cat/fox beast named Daray simply yawned and stared at Seaborg with impassive eyes.
However, after Spencer easily took the first round, and was leading the second, Shikamaru's demeanor suddenly changed. His dark eyes seemed to focus and his body became tensed, and as he did so, as did his bit beast's. Spencer, taken by surprise, was knocked out of the arena soon after by some strange shadow attack.
Needless to say Spencer did not make the same mistake in the third round, and, after a long battle, finally managed to knock the lazy boy's blade out of the dish.
Shikamaru's eyebrow's shot up in surprise, a new found respect for his opponent settling over him. Akito was wrong, they weren't as bad as he seemed to think. The last round… he had actually tried and still lost…What a hassle.
"Singles Two: Neji Hyuga vs. Bryan Wakeman!"
Neither captain bothered to make an inspiring speech before the two bladers moved up onto the platform. Liika didn't want to use the information Kai had given her unless absolutely necessary. That's all she would need…Hiwatari rubbing it in her face that the only reason she won was because he helped her. Bah! Like she needed his help!
Bryan eyed his opponent with distaste. The older boy was incredibly too pretty. He was almost Dubois pretty, only more masculine. Also he didn't have the soft, gentle look Oliver Dubois had, no, this boy carried himself confidently and more than a little arrogantly. One look from his milky eyes and one could tell the boy thought himself superior to all things around him. Bryan snorted. At least his uniform wasn't skin tight as some of his other teammates' were.
Neji raised a dark eyebrow at the extremely large teenager situated across the dish from himself. He sneered in distaste. Akito wasn't kidding when he said Bryan Wakeman looked like a Neanderthal. Large, wide shoulders and chest, shaggy lavender hair and matching eyes, all traits he must have picked up from our prehistoric ancestors. Neji smirked at his own joke. Oh well, time to make quick work of the over grown brute.
The match was underway minutes later. Both teens got off to a tremendous start, Bryan summoned Falborg immediately. He wasn't taking chances. Neji merely smirked, eyes hooded, watching the purple bit beast rise from the bit.
"There is no sense in deluding you to think you actually have a chance against me…bit beast or not." Neji spoke finally, raising his eyes to meet Bryan's glaring lavender ones.
Bryan's eyes narrowed. It was suddenly making sense to him why Hiwatari was so arrogant. They must teach the damn trait at that fucking private school. He snickered. Arrogance 101, he could just picture it. "Hn. Just shut up and blade. Falborg!" He commanded his bit beast forward.
The large bird screeched loudly and waved its wings, sending razor sharp air currents towards the dark haired Abbey senior and his beyblade. Neji didn't move, merely tilted his head to the side with his arms crossed over his chest. "Keahi." He said quietly, staring directly at Bryan. "Rise."
Suddenly there was a flash of bright yellow light and instantly the razor wind was blocked from touching the black and beige blade. As the haze cleared a tall, willowy humanoid bit beast, bathed in pale yellow light. He had sharp, slitted eyes and a spiky mass of hair. Great feathered wings hung from his bare back. Tattoos and markings covered his chest and face, creating a rather weak looking creature. It looked frail and completely unthreatening. Bryan laughed. "That's what you call a bit beast? Pathetic. I'll admit, it's only the second humanoid beast I've seen… a bird demon?" His sneer was unmistakable.
Neji continued to smirk, not moving. He said nothing.
Meanwhile, Liika was fidgeting. The Abbey blader's bit beast did look incredibly feebil, but Kai's warning came to her mind. He seemed to actually fear the senior's abilities…was she making a mistake…?
Bryan was getting angry, or rather frustrated, which in turn made him angry. No matter how much strength he put into his attacks there were having no affect on the frail looking bit beast. His eyes narrowed in thought. Could it be that this beast had some sort of screening ability? He knew Liika's Akala –the other humanoid beast he knew of- could perform a light screen attack that would block any projectile attack as well as many other attacks. It was entirely possible that this beast held a similar defense, after all it had the hands to perform it. He ground his teeth. Alright, he was just going to have to go in close for the kill.
However, before he could command his bit beast forward, Neji moved. He let his arms fall to his sides and his eyes narrowed, flashing boredom. "Keahi, Byakugan!"
The bit beast responded immediately. Its hands came up and performed a hand seal and its eyes widened dramatically, staring at Falborg. It stared for a few moments before moving so quickly it was nothing but a blur. It appeared in front of Falborg, reaching towards him and touching five spots on the large falcon's body rapidly before jumping away.
Bryan blinked in confusion. What the hell…? His question was soon answered when his bit beast screeched in agony and plummeted to the dish, crashing in an unceremonious heap beside its blade, soon vanishing all together. His blade came to a halt instantly after that. The large pale haired boy stared in shock at his immobilized blade. What had just happened.
"Heh, this is what happens when over grown amateurs play with the big boys." Neji snarked catching his blade arrogantly.
"What did you do." Bryan growled, jumping into the dish to retrieve his fallen blade. He winced, he could practically feel his bit beasts agony.
Neji smiled a mocking smile. "Merely my job, Neanderthal, merely my job. You're bit beast will be useless for a while. Keahi cut off all the energy ports needed for you're attack as well as did some internal damage. It will heal…eventually." He said, placing his blade back in his launcher. "Shall we prove the point?"
Bryan was more than happy to oblige and loaded his blade in the launcher. "Hn."
Needless to say, Neji was right. Bryan couldn't even get Falborg to rise from the bit, let alone to attack. This left his purple blade practically wide open for attacks and although he tried every manuver in the books there was no way he could ward off the Abbey senior's attack for long. He lost in three straight sets.
Liika felt incredibly guilty. After all, it was her fault. If only she had warned Bryan before the match to be wary of Hyuga's attacks, maybe the mess could have been averted and Falborg would not bee injured. Upon returning to the bench, Emily confiscated Bryan's blade and hooked it up to her laptop. It was quickly decided that the bit beast was out of commission for at least the remainder of the tournament because of internal injuries. This pissed Bryan off and he ended up putting his fist through the small roofed bench's wall. Liika felt even more guilty then.
"I'm sorry Bryan." She said softly, stepping beside the large teen and laying her hand on his arm.
He didn't jerk away as she had thought he would. Instead he raised his head slightly, pulling his fist back through the wall, his eyes moving over her. "I don't need pity." He stated monotonely.
Liika sighed. "I'm not pitying you. I'm apologizing because the whole thing's my fault. I let my own pride get in the way of the team's goals." She replied, looking away in the direction of the dish.
"What are you talking about?" The tall junior looked down at the tiny captain, a frown marring his pale brow.
"Hiwatari…he…warned me of Hyuga's bit beast. Granted, he didn't say exactly what it was the beast did, but he did say not to let it touch your bit beast. Because of my own pride about letting Hiwatari help, you fell victim to Hyuga's trap." Liika explained, avoiding Bryan's eyes. Maybe Mr. Dickenson had been right all those months ago when he replaced her as a captain.
Bryan opened his mouth to reply but was cut off by a voice behind them. "That was a very foolish thing to do. A true sign of an inexperienced captain. I'm disappointed Liika, I didn't think you would be one to lower yourself to petty pride."
Liika whirled around to see Robert leaning against the opposite wall, a frown etched on his lips. His eyes were blank, and instantly Liika knew something was wrong beyond her mistake as a captain. He had never looked at her like that before…
Despite how much his words stung, Liika swallowed and nodded, responding in a tight voice. "You're right Robert. I apologize to the entire team for my error. In the future I will respond better to warnings given by the captain of Bakuten A. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a battle to win." With the curt word, the tiny blue haired girl stalked off towards the dish where her opposition was waiting.
Bryan settled for glaring at Robert, a warning glinting in his eyes. "Remember my warning Jagen." He spat before turning away and slumping down on the bench, allowing his sister to take care of his bleeding hand.
Robert closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, his heart aching. He didn't look down when he felt and heard someone settle into the position beside him. "That was pretty harsh Robert." Lee said quietly so that no one else could hear.
"I know…I…know." His tone of voice nearly broke Lee's heart.
Liika was fighting an up hill battle. When Kai had said Gaara Sanderson was dangerous he wasn't kidding! After defeating her in the first set, she had some how battled back and won the second set and now they were locked in a ferocious battle for the third and tie breaking set.
His bit beast was a freaky looking nine-tailed fox demon that glowed an eerie sand color. It's name was Dai, and he fought viciously with Akala, hissing, clawing and biting at every chance it got. It was untamed and wild, but what was even more disturbing was that its master was the exact opposite. Gaara was deathly still, watching not the dish and the blades, nor the bit beasts, but her. His dead eyes didn't stray from her one moment in the battle and it was extremely unnerving. He was creepy, and Liika inwardly wondered if the boy had any friends at all, and if he did, did he stare at them? She shuddered. She also wondered if it was a psychological game he played with his opponents to catch them off guard.
However, as these thoughts passed through Liika's head she caught his eyes narrowing fractionally, a smirk touching the edge of his lips. A weird feeling built up in Liika's gut. Something was about to happen, but she couldn't tell what. Then, for the first time since their match started Gaara spoke, his voice pleasant and low, if almost monotone. "Desert Coffin." He commanded in the direction of the snarling fox beast.
Instantly the beast glowed brighter, it's eyes blanking out with black light. Before she knew it, a wide beam of black light shot out from the fox's eyes and shot directly through Akala and into Liika who jerked rapidly then slumped to the ground on her knees, clutching her chest, her breathing labored.
"What the hell was that??" Ian exclaimed jumping forward in his seat, glaring at the dish.
Kai was scowling, a familiar rage racing through his veins. It was the same rage he had felt when Akito had insulted his witch. He had an idea what the red haired Abbey student had done and he didn't like it one bit. Just like he didn't like that she was battling the twisted teenager. Why couldn't it have been Jagen? Come to think of it, why wasn't Jagen battling at all? His scowl grew. Why was he even thinking about it?
"That was Gaara's bit beasts 'Desert Coffin'. It links the opposing bit beast and blader so that the blader can feel the bit beast's pain amplified." He answered finally through gritted teeth.
Tala frowned, as did Michael, Oliver, Tyson and Rei. "So you're saying that Ika can now feel any pain that Akala feels?" Oliver asked, looking concerned.
"Yes."
Tala whistled. "Damn, and with the way that fox has been snapping and clawing at Akala? She'll be in so much pain she'll hardly be able to see straight!"
Kai's face hardened. "That was the plan."
Her body was on fire, she could swear it. Searing pain crossed various parts of her body and she reached up to her cheek, searching for the gash that just had to be there. However, she found nothing but smooth skin. Damn it, what had that bastard done? Summoning the strength, she slowly staggered to her feet, holding one of her shoulders. Grinding her teeth she raised her head and glared at the boy across the dish. "Wha-what did you do to me??" She demanded, hissing.
He simply tilted his head, watching her curiously. "Will you give up now?" He asked flatly, staring.
Liika winced, trying desperately to forget the pain that riddled her body. "Never you jack ass. Tell me what you did to me! Now!"
"No. Dai. Go." At the simple command the fox dived at the humanoid wolf-demon, landing a solid swipe down her leg.
Akala howled in pain and simultaneously Liika screamed, falling to the cold metal floor more. Her leg pulsated pain as if a knife had just sliced it open. Her stomach heaved, emptying the contents of her stomach onto the metal platform. She moaned, tears pouring out of her turquoise eyes.
"Oh my god…Iki!" Enrique cried, watching with horrified stormy eyes. "What did he do to her??"
"Emily?" Judy frowned, turning to the orange haired girl.
Emily bit her lip, typing away at her laptop. "It appears his 'Desert Coffin' attack somehow links the blader with their bit beast so that any attack on the beast affects the blader. Because he didn't actually attack Liika the attack is legal." She sighed, worry etching her face.
Bryan growled. "I'm stopping this." He stated standing.
However, before he could get very far a hand landed on his arm, gripping him tightly. "No." Robert stated emotionlessly. "She must do this on her own. She'll never forgive you if you give up for her. She must make the decision herself, and we must respect it. If she chooses to give up then so be it, but if she continues then we must support her. Whether or not we think she's making a mistake." His voice was soft by the end and he allowed Bryan to throw his hand away and stalk back to the bench.
"Give up." Gaara ordered tonelessly. "You are only prolonging your pain."
She was in so much pain her brain couldn't focus, and therefore Akala was defenseless against the onslaught of the fox bit beast. Her mind was hazy. She couldn't believe that an attack like that was actually legal. Not to mention that she didn't know about it! She had done the research on this team. However, it appeared that during the regular season they didn't need to used their heavy artillery, that every other team was of no challenge. Damn, how could she have under estimated the so much? She had even listened to Hiwatari this time…
"Give up!"
The command was followed by another sharp pain in her temple as Akala was sent flying into side of the dish. Liika was starting to think about giving up. At this rate her bit beast was only going to get completely destroyed and she was going to end up in the hospital. Fuck…
"GOD DAMN IT TOMODA GET UP OFF YOUR ASS!"
Liika shot to reality at the screamed profanity. Her head whipped around to see Kai standing at the bottom of the stairs closest to their bench. His auburn eyes were flashing, his lips pulled down in a scowl, his arms crossed over his chest. He was glaring at her. Tala stood a few feet behind him, on a step higher, a hand over his eyes, the rest of the A team around him.
"What?" She replied twitching as a wave of pain crashed over her again.
Kai growled. "You heard me witch! Get up. If you can't beat him then you will never beat me." He sneered. "You never had a chance did you? Deluding yourself like that was pathetic. You should have just woken up and realized that you are not even half the beyblader I am and that's why you lost your position as captain! Because you are weak and pitiful."
Her eyes expanded to saucer size as she stared at him. Was he right? …was she really that weak? Giving up is a sign of weaknes… Wait a second. Since when did she bow to Hiwatari? Never! That's when! Who the hell did he think he was? Telling her she was pathetic and pitiful! That he was so much better! Oh that asshole! Screaming in anger she bolted to her feet, pointing at him and glowering. "Listen here you good for nothing jack ass! No one tells ME that I'm weak and pitiful! Least of all YOU! So go take your high and might attitude and shove it up your ass, you pig headed son of a bitch!" She screeched. She then whirled on her opponent, a vicious glint shimmering in her turquoise gaze. "And as for you, I've had just about enough of this shit!" She growled, the adrenaline from her rage completely numbing the pain. "It's time to end this! I didn't want to use my new attack until the finals where I was going to wail on that bastard over there with it, but desperate times call for desperate measures! Akala!"
The bit beast stirred instantly, stretching out her wings and flexing her claws. Gaara looked minutely surprised. He was confused. The change in the girl was remarkable. He was sure she was close to giving up…then a hurled insult from his former captain and she was on her feet, spitting nails. He looked past the fuming girl and at the former Abbey student.
Gaara blinked. He was grinning. Grinning smugly at that. Gaara's eyes narrowed. Then he knew what he was doing…that bastard.
Gaara had no time to dwell further on it as his attention was drawn back to the dish where his opponent's bit beast had begun to shine, not just glow, but shine. His brow furrowed, what was she up to?
"Akala! It's time!" Liika took a deep breath, glaring fiercely at Gaara. "DIVINE INTERVENTION!"
Akala's shine grew as she spread her arms wide, spheres of light gathering in her palms. Suddenly she brought her clawed hands together, bringing the two spheres together, creating a blast of energy which part shot up towards the stadium ceiling, part wrapped around her body and another part shot to the dish beneath. Then Akala began to spin, her wings tucked close to her body, her hands folded in a prayer pose, her head bent over them. Energy filtered towards the ceiling, then, as suddenly as it shot up, it shot down, striking the desert fox in a rain of energy beams.
The fox disappeared instantly, a wail of denial escaping its mouth before it, and its blade were sent shooting out of the stadium, hitting their master square in the chest and knocking him flat. Akala disappeared after that, returning to her bit, her blade coming to a dead stop. Liika fell to her knees, the pain gone, but her breath still coming in quick gasps, her energy low. God…that was close.
"Waaa! You did it Iki!!!" Enrique exclaimed running, with the rest of the team behind him, onto the platform and throwing his arms around Liika who laughed tiredly and accepted the crushing hug from Enrique, and eventually Mariah and Max.
"Yes I did! But could you guys let up? I'm suffocating here!" Liika laughed, pushing her three friends away.
The three teens leap away, allowing Bryan to scoop her up and set her on her feet. He patted her on the head with a smirk. She stuck out her tongue in reply. Her eyes looked over her cheering team looking for Robert. He was standing further back, arms crossed over his chest and a sad, hurting frown on his face. Immediately Liika knew something was wrong, but it would have to wait till later as right then she had to go shake Abbey's hand.
"I guess girls aren't that bad eh Akito?" Liika said saucily, reaching out her hand to greet the first in line captain.
He scowled, gripping her hand in a firm grip. "You got lucky this time…Liika." The way he said her name made a shiver go up her spine. His eyes were shimmering turquoise gems, hiding mischief not overly well. "We'll beat you next time my dear." Akito grinned charmingly and pecked the top of her hand, completely ignoring Bryan's irritated growl. "Until then, I still think the dish is no place for girls, but one must concede defeat when it is handed too them. I'll admit this, you're little band of Hiwatari-rejects is better than I thought. Almost makes me wonder how good his team is.
Liika rolled her eyes, finally pulling her hand out of his grasp. "Just when I thought you were gaining somewhat of a non-obnoxious personality you open your mouth again." She poked him in the chest. "We're not Hiwatari-rejects, remember that for when we come back next year and kick your ass…again!"
Akito laughed at that, reaching over and tweaking her nose. "I anticipate it. And do be sure to thank Kai, with out his interruption you would have lost and you know it." He stated smugly, a smirk stretching his lips as he went to move on to Enrique who was behind her. Liika completely ignored the Kai comment, mostly because she knew he was partially right. "Oh, and one more thing," He added turning his head. "Do have your Neanderthal checked for rabies or lice… we wouldn't want you to infect anyone else with your cave man's disease."
"Bryan!" Liika snapped, already knowing of the broad shouldered teens intention to kill the opposing captain.
Bryan glowered, his eyebrow twitching. One of these days…Liika wouldn't be looking and he was going to be able to kill the blond asshole Abbey captain. Oh he was going to enjoy it too. Nevertheless he shook every Abbey member's hand, albeit grudgingly.
"Liika, we need to talk." Robert murmured, stepping behind her on their way back to their dressing room. "Now."
Liika blinked, turning her head. The look on Robert's face surprised her…and frightened her at the same time. She had a sudden sense of impending doom.
Kai smirked, watching the whole scene with amusement flashing in his eyes. He knew very well that Akito was right pissed about losing, and to a team led by a girl no less. However, he had to admit that his former best friend was hiding the fact very well; he doubted if the witch had any clue at all. Kai's eyes landed on the tall purple haired vice-captain. Something was up with him… he hadn't looked happy at all when his little girl won her match. Oh well, didn't matter to him.
If only he could shake the nagging feeling that if Jagen hurt the little witch he'd have to break him into a thousand pieces.
Other than that it didn't matter.
"Come on, our match is soon." With the command he turned and led Bakuten A up the stairs towards one of the other arena's dressing rooms.
"…you're not serious."
Robert sighed sadly, running a hand over his eyes. He knew this would be difficult, and that she wouldn't take it well. Hell, he knew it was horrible timing as well, but he just couldn't stand it any longer. Knowing she was in love with someone else broke his heart, and he couldn't live the lie anymore. The lie he had been living with since day one. It was really too bad he fell so hard for her, and that he hadn't figured out what was really going on until four months into the relationship. "I am completely serious."
Liika felt tears gather in her eyes. She never cried, but damn it, this couldn't be happening to her! Not now! Not ever! Robert loved her and she loved him…so why the hell was he all of a sudden breaking up with her?? "But…but…why?? You said you loved me!" God that line was so cliché.
Robert sighed again. Why did she have to make it so difficult? "I do love you Liika." He said, pushing a piece of her bangs off her forehead.
She pulled her head back causing Robert's hand to drop back to his side. "Then why?!" She demanded angrily. "If you love me like you say you do then why are you dumping me huh?"
"Because I refuse to be with someone who is in love with someone else."
The quiet, yet firm statement shocked Liika into silence, tears finally breaking the surface tension around them and spilling down her cheeks. Her mouth opened and closed, the rest of her face scrunched up into a confused expression. "In love with someone else? What the hell are you talking about?! I love you damn it!" She burst out finally, wiping angrily at her eyes with the sleeve of her white tracksuit.
"Maybe part of you does, but I wont be second to anyone Liika." Robert replied, completely serious. "And that is exactly what I am. Second."
Liika stared at him incredulously as he crossed his arms in a protective manner, his face pulled into a solemn frown. She couldn't believe it! He was accusing her of loving someone else! And breaking up with her over it! "Second? Robert Jagen I have never cheated on you! Never!" The bedroom incidents with Kai apparently didn't count.
He looked away, unable to stand her tear-stained face any longer. "I never said you did. One can be in love with someone with out acting on it."
Liika was exasperated, angry and most of all hurt. Her boyfriend of five months –her first boyfriend- was breaking up with her. And in the middle of a fucking tournament! How was she suppose to face him for the rest of the weekend?! "You know you have just perfect timing." She hissed. What she really wanted to do was break down into a sobbing mass of goo, but she couldn't. She couldn't cry in front of him. "So, would you mind informing me as to whom it is that I'm apparently in love with? Cause I sure as hell don't have any idea!" She was practically spitting.
Robert's eyes drifted close, his lips pulling back in a sneer. This Liika would be so much easier to deal with. He could handle her spiteful words, and angry fits, but not her tears. If she were to break down sobbing he didn't know what he would do. "Denial, Liika, will get you no where in life. To everyone else but you it is clear that you have fallen for Hiwatari."
It was as if a sledgehammer plowed her in the stomach. Hiwatari? She was in love with Hiwatari??? What the hell? "Of all the stupid, idiotic, brain dead things to think. In love with Hiwatari?! As if! I despise him and anything associated with his arrogant ass! And here I thought you were going to accuse me of loving Bryan!" Liika shot back, her hands curled into fists. "I can't believe you think I'm in love with that bastard!"
"Don't think, I know." He responded calmly, opening his eyes again to regard her. "Whether or not you want to admit it is not my problem. I know what I see in front of me. I'm sorry that you can't see it too. I want only your happiness, and one day you'll realize that what I'm doing now is for the best." Robert took a deep breath and stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders. Leaning over he pressed a short kiss to her forehead. "Can we at least stay friends?"
Liika was speechless. Completely and utterly speechless. Her world was crashing down around her. After going through one of the hardest and most painful experiences of her life, her boyfriend pulls her aside and says "Oh, I'm sorry! I think you're in love with someone else so I'm dumping you! Have a nice life! Oh and can we stay friends?" Bah! The rage built with in her. Scalding tears once again rushed down her face. Then, with out another word to Robert she turned and stomped away. She had a little appointment with someone.
Kai tapped the chalkboard behind him to gain his teams attention. It was more for effect than anything, that and he didn't really feel like raising his voice as that moment. "Alright girls, listen up. Doubles two: Tomoda and Kon –make it good. Doubles one: Mitchell and MacGregor –you should have no problems at all. Singles three: Dubois – I'm sure you don't need any advice. Singles two: Valkov –no showing off or I'll bench you in the finals, I don't care if you're my best friend. And finally I'm in Singles one. This team isn't really that big of a deal, I faced them last year in the first round. Small potatoes. Now-"
Just then a loud crash and scream sounded from outside their dressing room and all of a sudden the door to their room burst open, revealing an obviously irate Liika Tomoda.
"HIWATARI!" She screeched, stalking into the room like a banshee out of hell.
Kai blinked in surprised, taking in her appearance. She was crying, that much was obvious. Her eyes were rimmed with red and bloodshot, her cheeks flushed and wet. Her hair was in disarray, her white jacket's sleeves scrunched up around her elbows leaving her fisted hands in plain view. His eyes narrowed fractionally. Jagen…
"Yes princess? Is there something in particular I can help you with?" He sneered, his customary mask of hostility slipping over his face before he could stop it. "You do realize I'm preparing my team for battle do you not?"
"Fuck your stupid match." She spat back, coming to a halting stop right in front of him. She ignored the wide eyes that looked at her in shock. Her mind was on one thing and one thing only. "You have ruined my life for the last time you bastard!"
Kai's sneer turned into a slight scowl. What in the fucking hell was she talking about? He hadn't done anything besides save her tiny behind from defeat! Is that what she's raging about? He growled. "Look if this is about earlier during your match-"
He was cut off by a hand lashing out and striking him across the face in a resounding slap, a slap that echoed through the silenced dressing room.
"I hate you Kai. I hate you with every ounce of my soul!" The clear hate and resentment rung true in her voice and with the bitter statement she spun and ran out of the room, sobbing her eyes out.
Kai's head stayed in the same position Liika's slap had sent it. His bangs over shadowed his eyes, making his expression difficult to decipher. He didn't move.
"Jagen broke up with her."
The A team's attention turned from their captain to the doorway once more. Bryan stood, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes hard. He stood straight then, turning his icy eyes towards Kai. "It had something to do with you." Then he was gone, racing after his petit captain.
Kai still didn't move. The pain from her stinging slap was nothing compared to the pain that engulfed his chest. It was as if someone had plunged a dagger into his chest and twisted it.
"I hate you Kai. I hate you with every ounce of my soul!" Her words rang through his head like church bells on Sunday at Abbey. She hated him. Hated. Him. And it hurt. No, it more than hurt. It killed him and his heart. Kai could feel the burning in his eyes increase with every second he stood there. She hated him. Truly, and utterly hated him… God why did it hurt so much?!
"Ahh!" He growled, turning instantaneously and slamming his fist into the chalkboard. Not hard enough to do any actual damage, but hard enough to make his fist smart.
It was in that instant that he realized why it hurt so much. Hurt so bad he wanted to die.
Somewhere in the middle of it all he fell in love with her.
His witch.
Damn.