AN: Wahaha! Next chappy ^^ Hope you like it.. tho you guys will probably kill me for the end.. *cackles*
So this fic is winding down.. about…6 chapters I think.. that's my guestimate ^^ R+R
Oh! And read my other fic: 'Never Sleep, Never Die' =)
Kai was distracted. So distracted in fact that Tala told him, in no uncertain terms, that Michael was taking his place in their first match. As vice-captain, he said, it was his duty to take over when the captain's head wasn't in it. Which was precisely what was going on. Not that Kai cared, he wasn't even listening to the red head. Nor did he pay much attention during his team's easy victory, or for the rest of their matches that weekend for that matter. His mind was on one thing and one thing only.
Liika Tomoda.
His pride and his heart still smarted over her hasty, hate filled words. She didn't really mean it did she? She couldn't really hate him could she? Sure, they both said nasty words, did things just to spite each other, called each other their arch enemy, but when it came right down to it, did they actually hate each other?
No.
Kai knew that even when things were the worst between them that they had never truly and utterly hated one another. But now…now he wasn't so sure. At least on her part.
His newfound feelings towards the blue haired girl weren't helping the situation either. He couldn't think clearly when the subject was her. His mind would go fuzzy, his body would heat up and he had the urgent desire to do nothing more than… Ok stop that train of thought. It would get him nowhere.
Damn her! It was all her fault anyway. Stupid, arrogant, bitchy, bossy, feisty, aggressive, beautiful, exciting, intoxicating, not to mention utterly adorable…especially when mad… GAH! He groaned out loud. He couldn't even think bad things about her! Freaken hell, she was turning him into a mushy, lovey dovey, pathetic weakling. God damn heart, damn you all to hell. He thought bitterly, flopping back onto his bed. It wasn't even as if he wanted to fall for the bossy witch. It just happened! One day she was his rival, his enemy, his worst nightmare, the next she was stomping his heart into the ground.
Ok, so maybe he was being a bit dramatic.
The point was he didn't want to love her anymore than he wanted to go to the dentist. How was he going to explain this to anyone? His mother would be thrilled no doubt…damn meddling woman. He still hadn't forgiven her over the Halloween affair. His father would be furious and sneer in disgust, but then, what the hell did he care what the old man had to say about it? He was a bastard anyway. Kai had the feeling Tala already knew, if the looks the red head had been shooting him all weekend were any indication. Bloody Tala anyway, why the hell didn't he warn him of the witches bewitching spell huh? It was his fault too! The door to the room he shared with the said blamed boy suddenly slammed shut and Kai was pulled out of his brooding by the all to familiar voice of his best friend.
"Ok oh esteemed captain, it's time to get your heard out of the clouds. So she said she hated you, it's not the end of the world. Moving on to important things, you'll be grieved to hear that the object of your thoughts beat us for first place in the tournament so we had to forfeit the home advantage and give them our roster before the match." Tala said loudly, striding over to Kai's bed in large strides and kicking the other teen's ankles, which were hanging off the bed. "I went with the roster we created before the tournament, you'll be blading in the number one slot, more than likely against her. You better not loose because you're going easy on her. She'll hate you even more then."
Kai was on his feet in seconds, a scowl on his face. He grasped Tala by the front of his uniform shirt and growled. "Don't tell me how to blade Valkov. The fact that you even thought that I would throw a match just cause I was blading her is appalling, disgusting and insulting. Whatever you think you know means jack shit. You know nothing!" He snapped, pushing the red head away.
Tala merely regarded him with a raised eyebrow. It was apparent his friend wasn't dealing with Iki's outburst very well. Locking oneself in a hotel room and zoning during matches was one thing, but when he merely mentioned her he got all snappy and pissy. Nope, Kai wasn't handling this well at all, and Tala figured it had something to do with certain feelings that had just become apparent to the blue haired boy. Ahh, it amazed him how well he knew Kai sometimes. "She'll get over it eventually." He spoke, amusement lacing his tone. "Besides, it's painfully clear how she feels about you."
"Yes, she hates me."
Tala snorted, turning on his heel. "And if you believe that, then you don't deserve her. Now come on, the big match is in fifteen."
Kai snarled, his emotions even more confused. Damn Tala! And damn witch!
Liika had been pissy all weekend, not that anyone blamed her, in fact quite the opposite. Enrique and Mariah had blatantly snubbed Robert, devoting their time to trying to cheer Liika up. Max, Emily, Riley and Jade, while they didn't snub him, they weren't exactly thrilled with his timing. They also did their best to cheer the depressed and angry girl up. And Bryan…well let's just say he was having a field day, not to say that he wasn't pissed off. He was. Beyond measure.
Robert wasn't doing very well himself. Not only was he nursing a broken heart, but also a bruised cheek and black eye. Bryan apparently made good on his promises, and Robert felt the wrath. He couldn't blame the burly boy any, he only felt pity for him. Bryan didn't realize that his precious Liika's heart already belonged to someone else.
However, just because she was pissed, didn't mean she gave up her captain's position. She performed the role with ruthless accuracy and Bakuten B's success showed for it. They soared to the top of the ranking board, even beating their hometown rival Bakuten A. They would have the home advantage and would have access to the other team's roster before hand.
"So… Johnny and Ian, Oliver and Michael, then Rei, Tala and Kai? Hm, interesting choice of line up." Emily commented, looking over the roster sheet for the final round. "Oliver and Michael haven't been seen in the tournament together, I find it interesting that Kai would play them in a slot he knows we'll play the Golden Pair. As for Johnny and Ian, they blade well together surprisingly. Both their bit beasts are lizard types and they get along well. Their strong, and not to be under estimated. What do you think Liika?"
Liika tapped her foot absently, her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes narrowed. She had revenge on her mind.
"Yo Iki! Earth to Iki! Come in IKI!" Enrique shouted, waving his hand in front of Liika's eyes.
"Bah!" Liika replied, swatting his hand out of her face. "I'm thinking already!" What should she do? This was an important match, and she needed to beat Hiwatari, but she also needed to humiliate Robert. After all, that's what he had done to her. The whole fucking tournament was buzzing about how the mighty Bakuten B captain –the only girl captain- got dumped after the big upset against Abbey, who, had ended up finishing third, a place that would still send them to the Nationals. (The BBA changed the rules and allowed each state to enter up to three teams into the National tournament.) It was irritating to say the least.
Hiwatari.
The name had haunted her since she delivered the stinging slap three days before. She felt marginally guilty about saying and doing what she did, but only marginally. It was his fault and she did hate him. Or at least she thought she did. Wait. She did! Stupid mind, time to put you somewhere else! Thinking too much can get you in trouble.
"Well, this is what we are going to do. Oliver and Michael, they're really good friends, so, chances are they are a hella good Doubles team. If I know Hiwatari –and I do- he's been training a doubles pair in secret just to combat our Golden Pair. Well too bad for him. Mari and Lee, you're blading Doubles Two against MacGregor and Mitchell."
This was met with shocked silence. Liika was demoting the Golden Pair? Why not let them blade against a team that had the capability to be rivals? "But Liika-" Mariah started, but stopped when Liika held up her hand.
"No Mari, I'm going for the guaranteed win. Emily, Max, Lee and Mariah can beat the MacGregor-Mitchell pair can they not?"
Max and Emily threw each other looks. Maybe Liika had something here. Emily shrugged. "Well from what I've seen of them they're good. They use a lure and strike tactic and Johnny's sheer power, combined with Ian's speed and agility makes them strong."
"However," Max cut in, placing a hand on Emily's shoulder. "Mariah's speed and agility easily matches, if not beats Ian's and Lee isn't lacking in the power department. Plus, he has the size and speed advantage as well."
"Soo…?"
"Yes, they can beat them." Emily and Max chorused together, grinning at each other.
"Good." Liika nodded, bringing herself to her feet. "Now, as for the rest of the match ups I've got it all planned." Her lips tilted into a smirk. "Some of you my not like this, but it's the way it goes. I'm saddened by the loss of Bryan to our second slot. I was counting on him, but alas, it's the way things go." She sent a sympathetic look to the large teen who grumbled in response. "I'm obviously in Singles One, I've been waiting for the day when I could crush that jack ass at his own game…" She continued, pacing around the dressing room. The rest of the team merely shook their heads, smiles encroaching on their faces. Robert scowled, the mention of Hiwatari made him angry. "As for the rest of the slots here it goes: Spencer has earned his place in Singles Two, while Jade will finally blade Singles Three."
Jade jumped up, pumping her fist slightly in excitement. No more odd doubles match ups for her! The rest of the team looked highly perplexed. Shouldn't Robert be in Singles Two and Spencer in Singles Three? Tala was an extremely good blader, and Robert also in his own right. Why would she not put him against the other vice captain?
Oh wait.
Break up.
Right.
That explained that. Apparently Liika was bitterer than she let on.
"Wait a minute…" Enrique interrupted, glaring at Liika. "If Bryan's out that means no one sits… and if Spencer and Jade are in the singles slots that means…"
"You and I are the final doubles pair."
Enrique whirled on Robert who was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on Liika. She tossed her head, glaring right back at him. "That's right."
"You're making a mistake." Robert stated calmly, his gaze not straying from his ex-girlfriend.
She snarled, clenching her fists. "I don't think I am. I need a doubles pair and both you and Eny are good bladers. I'm sure you'll work things out, after all, we saw what happened to the Jade-Enrique pair. However," Liika turned to Enrique, an apologetic pout on her face. "I am sorry about this Eny, I promise in the Nationals, I'll let you blade Singles k?"
Enrique sighed, shoving his hands over his chest petulantly and pouting. "It's always me that gets screwed! Stuck in doubles this whole tournament. I'm holding you to your word Iki!" He muttered, kicking the ground.
"You are making a mistake, Liika."
Liika stomped her foot and spun on the tall purple haired teen. "Well nobody asked you now did they?" She grated out, eyes full of anger and hurt. Why the hell did he have to question everything she did? Sure she had stuck him in doubles to be spiteful, but it wasn't as if they didn't need a doubles pair!
Robert sighed, straightening from his leaning position. "As your vice-captain it is my duty to point out mistakes and this is clearly one. Spite and revenge have no place with on a Beyblade team Liika." He spoke clearly and elegantly, his crimson eyes never moving from their spot on her. "Putting me in doubles is stupid and you know it."
"If you are trying to piss me off further Jagen you are succeeding. You have bladed singles all tournament and you will take your turn in doubles. I am the captain, not you, so just fucking deal with it!" She yelled back, her eyes shooting turquoise daggers at him as they filled with tears. "Fuck! I don't need this!" was her final scream before she stormed out of the locker room tears running down her face.
"God damn brilliant Robert, just awesome!" Enrique scoffed, glaring at the vice captain. "Upset her of right before the most important match of the tournament. Brilliant!" Then he too stormed out, a glowering Mariah hot on his heels.
Judy sighed, shaking her head and muttering something about adolescent hormones. She had already given Robert the lecture on appropriate times to break up with one's girlfriend. "Come guys, we have a match to attend."
She left and was followed by quiet Max, Emily, Jade and Riley, leaving Bryan, Robert and Lee in the room alone. Lee could feel the tension in the air between the two purple haired teens, if he didn't do anything something was going to happen. However, just as he began to speak up Bryan interrupted.
"If she looses it's your fault." He stated, stomping out of the room.
Robert cursed, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Why did life have to be so complicated? Why couldn't any of them see that their break up was as much her fault as it was his! "Why can't they see that this is as painful for me as it is for her? That I don't say these things just to be mean? Bloody hell Lee…I still love her…why can't they see that?!" He demanded, turning hurt eyes to his best friend.
Lee looked back sympathetically, reaching up and patting the taller boy on the back. "I know. There are several reasons they don't see. Bryan is blinded, you know that so don't pay any attention to him. Enrique and Mariah are only worried for Liika, and they are closer to her than to you so it's only natural. Also, they don't see because you don't let them see. You're mask is impeccable Robert."
"Years of practice. Come on, standing here brooding about it isn't going to help."
Absolute silence rained over the stadium. In the dish a medium sized white blade rested gently on its side, its adversary still spinning only feet away. It was over. A winner had been declared.
Liika was on her knees, her head bent, her bangs hanging over her eyes masking the silent tears that crawled down her cheeks. One hand clenched the material of her track pants tightly while the other hung lifelessly at her side.
Kai stood opposite from her, his head also bent so that his bangs obscured his eyes. One hand lifted limply and called back his blade, catching it as it ricocheted out of the dish. He had always pictured this moment in his mind, since the very first time he met her when she punched him in the face, only in his mind and dreams it had been sweeter, and much more gratifying. Now he only felt empty. The sight of her on her knees, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks broke his heart. It wasn't beating her that made him feel empty…it was knowing he did so in front of thousands of people when she wasn't blading to her full potential. It angered him that she wouldn't give her best to him, and he knew the minute she stepped into the stadium, leading her team that she was not well. Her eyes were already bloodshot and puffy from crying and it made him wonder what had happened in the dressing room. Of course as soon as the rounds were posted he knew instantly what had happened.
Jagen-Sattiay pair? Bingo.
Jagen had more than likely taken offense to being placed in doubles and said something about it. Probably something not very nice. It made Kai's blood boil knowing the other boy had made his witch cry, and even worse that he couldn't do anything about it. He was smugly satisfied to note that Robert was sporting a nice black shiner and a bruised jaw. At least Wakeman's obsession was good for something.
Yet, none of this helped him in his current situation. Part of him wanted to make some snide comment like he had at the beginning of the match and walk away, but the tiny voice in his heart, the tiny flame of love that burned for her wouldn't allow it. He could be cruel to save face, but only when she was mean right back. He couldn't hurt her even worse. So instead, he watched her with slightly sad auburn eyes.
Liika was frozen in shock. Numb was the only word to describe it. Vaguely she realized the fact that her round and in fact the entire match was over, but she just couldn't grasp it. She could feel the hot tears streak down her cheeks but did nothing to remove them. She lost. Lost to Hiwatari. Lost in the States. To Hiwatari. Lost to her arch nemesis.
Lost to herself. She had let Robert's criticism, and Kai's words get to her and it cost her the match. Why, oh why didn't she listen to Bryan and clear her mind, ignoring everything and everyone around her. Now she was going to have to face Hiwatari and his taunts for the rest of her life!
She never acknowledged the fact that he hadn't said one thing to her since her blade stopped spinning.
"AND THAT'S IT FOLKS, LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR THE NEW COLORADO STATE CHAMPIONS BAKUTEN DISTRICT HIGHSCHOOL'S A TEAM!"
The crowd roared to life, screaming. Liika sunk lower, towards the ground. She failed. She let her team and her friends down. How could she face them now?
It had been left up to her. Lee and Mariah had, as planned, beat the two sophomores, while Robert and Enrique had been utterly crushed by Michael and Oliver. It seemed Kai had been training his own Golden Pair. Jade beat Rei in a long hard fought battle and Tala defeated Spencer two sets to one. Which left it all up to her, and she failed.
F.A.I.L.E.D.
She continued to wallow in her self-pity, ignoring the celebrating team in front of her, and the worried team behind her. It was only when a hand thrust itself into her face that she was brought out of her reverie and back into the real world.
Slowly she looked up and was met with placid red-brown eyes, her tears renewed, and her head fell back down to her chest. Kai sighed softly, retracting his hand. Silently, he dropped to one knee, a hand coming up and catching her chin between his forefinger and thumb. Slowly, he pulled her face up so that her watery turquoise eyes met his auburn ones again, a stern, yet almost gentle look reflecting in their cherry wood depths. His lips tilted into a half-smirk and he spoke, in a soft, caressing tone.
"When we meet at Nationals, I expect you to be blading at your best, and not half assed as you were today." And with that he let go, stood and strode away to join his team, leaving a confused Liika behind.
Her eyes drifted close, stopping the river of water coursing down her cheeks. Damn him. He saw through her act. Why couldn't she ever hide anything from him?? More tears welled. And goddamn it, why was her heart beating so bloody fast from his touch??