Disclaimer - If you recoginize anything, then I do not own it.
Thank you to Minako Mikoto & kicking-S-ass for reviewing. I would like to thank Minako Mikoto for her guesses; one of which is right. I was going to ask your opinion about the 4th round but decided that I would just write it the way I had planned.
Chapter Six - Against All Odds!
Takao found himself wandering around the stadium after the second round. Boris had announced a slight delay in the third round since it was going to take a little time to clean up the stadium from Brooklyn and Rei's match. He couldn't believe how viciously Rei had fought and had only earned a loss for his effort. That match had been so intense to watch and had changed Brooklyn for the better. The darkness and anger had been lifted from his cocky demeanor and it had took a rival to accomplish what none of his teammates could.
His mood soured the more he walked however. He couldn't understand why everyone believed that Max would lose against Mystel. Just because Max depended on his defensive style of blading did not make him weak. He knew that Mystel was strong but he wasn't invinicible like Brooklyn had been. If he tried to change his style then he would definitely lose.
He wished that the reporters and fans had more faith in the underdog. Max was by far not an amateur and he would soon prove that. Rei had definitely shown his power and skill in his match; now it was up to Max. Takao put his hands in the pockets of his pants as he heard a pair of reporters in front of him talking about the upcoming battle. "Max doesn't stand a chance," the shorter of the two said, "Don't get me wrong, Max's defense is great but Mystel can attack at every angle; even from above. It will be too overpowering."
"Well I guess we have tomorrow's headlines then," his taller companion added, sadly, "BEGA Sweeps Series Against G-Revolutions." Takao growled low in his throat from their comments. "You're wrong!" he snapped, furiously as Max emerged from the bathroom inbetween them. He hadn't counted on his old teammate and friend being there to witness his outburst. "What do you mean?" the shorter reporter ask with interest.
"You have to give G-Revolutions a little more credit," he informed as Max's eyes widened from his comment, "they would not send Max out unless they knew he had a chance to win. Give him a little credit. He's not as weak as you claim or is Mystel as invinicible as you think." "Why would you defend your old team?" the taller reporter ask, "you are Mystel's teammate; a member of BEGA. You should be supporting your team."
"I do support my team," Takao defended, not knowing that Boris was watching the exchange with interest as well, "Mystel is powerful but I'm just saying that it is not wise to underestimate Max. He is a very talented blader and one day he will stand among the elite when it comes to skill. Am I the only person in this building who doesn't doubt his ability and I'm on the opposing side?" The reporters were going to say something else but Boris cleared his throat and they made it a point to leave. Even though he had claimed to have reformed, he was still a very intimidating figure.
"Now that was interesting," Boris remarked as Max looked confused at Takao but only growled at Boris. "What a coincidence to find the two of you in a hallway together," Boris remarked with a smile on his face, "I do hope this is a friendly visit." "I was not talking to him," Max replied, "I was just coming out of the bathroom when we bumped into one another. I can't talk to either of you now." "If you can't talk, then just listen," Boris advised, "you must win your match today."
"You can count on that," Max glared. "We're not going to back off however," Boris continued. "What is your point then?" Max questioned. "It's a simple explanation that even you can understand," Boris continued, "if my BEGA team wins 3 straight games, well, there is no drama in it. People will think that I am cheating in some way even though your old teammate, Takao is on my side."
Max glared at Boris who was chuckling at his expense. "The general consensus is that Mystel will beat you," the chairman informed, "but I am certain that you will prove that silly prediction wrong. Won't you, Maxie? After all, Takao did come to your defense and you don't want to make him look like a fool." Max frowned before he stalked back to the locker room that G-Revolutions occupied. They both watched him leave as Boris turned to him.
"What is your prediction, Takao?" he inquired as they stood in the corridor, "would you be willing to stand by what you just said to the two reporters about Max's ability?" "I don't think anyone should underestimate him, sir," Takao remarked, thoughtfully, "Max is a good blader and Mystel is not without his faults. I think they are more evenly matched than anyone realizes." "I hope that you are right," he mused with another smile, "we need a good third match and the papers will have a field day with your comments tomorrow if he loses. Don't defend one of your old teammates again."
Takao flinched from the icy tone of Boris' voice. "I suggest that you return to the BEGA locker room that houses your current teammates," Boris advised before he walked away. Takao was glad when he was gone and hated that Boris had saw the incident. He wasn't going to let the reporters belittle any blader; regardless of whose side they were on. He decided to obey Boris and head back to their locker room.
When he walked into the room, he found only Garland sitting in a chair. "Where is everyone?" Takao inquired. "Mystel disappeared," Garland informed, "and Akane escorted Brooklyn back to our room. He was exhausted from his match with Rei. I doubt he will stay there. Where have you been?"
"I was just walking around," Takao informed with a shrug, "trying to clear my head. I had an incident with some reporters over Max's chances at beating Mystel. Then both Max and Boris overheard my remarks. After Max disappeared, then I got chastisedby Boris for running my mouth off to the press. They are certain to publish my remarks tomorrow in the paper."
"I thought Akane cured you of that," Garland mused with a smirk, "but seriously, do you really think that Max stands a chance at beating Mystel? Mystel has agility and skill. He can attack at any angle but even I must admit that I see your point. There is an old saying that goes, 'buckle your armor after victory'. It simply means don't let down your guard until even after you win."
"I don't think anyone should underestimate Max," Takao added, "he has been known to rise to the occasion when he is needed. I believe this is one of those times." "Brooklyn is asleep," Akane stated as she walked through the door, "he collasped on his bed and was sleeping peacefully when I left. I doubt he will stay there. He has a certain fondness for taking naps outdoors. We still have some time before the match is set to start. Would either of you like to go with me and get a bite to eat in the cafeteria?"
Garland shook his head no as Takao jumped up. "I could use something," he remarked, "I will gladly accompany you. Shall we?" He held his arm out as she linked hers with his and laughed. Takao noticed that both Rick and Max were in the room when they entered as they took an empty table near theirs.
Takao looked at the menu as a server appeared. "I want something sweet," Akane remarked to no one in particular, "what about you?" "I think some ice cream would be nice," Takao admitted as he thought the same thing. They both ordered an ice cream as Takao's eyes wandered about the room. Max and Rick seemed to be having an argument that probably related to everyone's belief that he would lose to Mystel.
Rick was able to calm him as Takao watched Max drown his noodles in mustard. He must have felt his stares as the two looked over to him. Takao turned away quickly since their ice cream arrived and started to eat the sweet and creamy substance. He didn't eatsweets like he had use too since they took nutrition classes that showed them how to eat healthy. It was rare to see Akane eat something that wasn't green or leafy especially a dessert. Brooklyn would have a fit if he saw the ice cream since he was a vegan and didn't eat any foodthat came from an animal.
"I think we should be heading toward the stadium," Akane remarked after they had finished and had looked at the clock, "the match is set to begin in a few minutes and Mystel will need us there. Besides, I don't want to get chewed out by Boris. He may let Brooklyn get by with such things but the same doesn't hold for the rest of us. It is not fair but it's life." Takao nodded in agreement since that was so true.
The seats were filling with fans as they joined Garland on the bench. He was the only one sitting there. "Where is Mystel?" Akane ask. "He's around somewhere," Garland remarked with a sigh, "he'll show." Takao took the opportunity to look at their opponents.
G-Revolutions looked unhappy and restless. There were no smiles among them especially with Max. He looked more upset than usual. Takao wondered how much dissent the argument had caused between them. They should have more faith in their teammate.
Round Three - Max vs. Mystel
"We are at a pivotal moment in beyblade history, folks!" DJ began, "this landmark Justice 5 Tournament has shown no justice to Kai and his team, G-Revolutions. So far game one saw Daichi lose to the former BBA world champion turned BEGA member, Takao. In game two, Brooklyn narrowly beat Rei. Can G-Revolutions avoid being swept in this best of five series? Or will the BEGA bladers emerge as the new champions of our favorite sport?
Can the underdog G-Revolutions team forge a comeback? The tournament's third match will feature the ever unpredictable Mystel against the calm and determined Max. The pressure is on! If Max loses, it's game over and see ya wouldn't want to be ya. Well, let's get this party started! Here is the dish for the third match - the Sunken Sparta Stadium."
"Where is Mystel?" Garland grumbled as Max stepped forward while AJ and Brad were talking about the stats and the dish. Takao saw Hitoshi say something to the usually perky and bubbly blond as the rest of the team stood as well. He couldn't believe his eyes but Kai was apologizing as were the others. "About time," he muttered as Max walked onto the platform. Mystel picked that exact moment to make his entrance as he jumped down through one of the sky lights on the roof. He landed on his feet right on the platform as Max gasp.
"Well, shall we start?" Mystel said with a smile. "Are we ready?" DJ ask as both launcher and slingshot were loaded, "3, 2, 1 - Let It Rip!" Both of the blades landed in the dish simultaneously and the match was off to a fast start. Takao watched as Max attacked Mystel first and then did the oddest thing. His blade started to circle around Mystel's as though it was waiting for the right opening.
"What is he doing?" Akane ask as a smile broke out across Takao's face. "It appears that he will dodge Mystel's attacks," he informed with a chuckle, "until he sees a window of opportunity and then strike." "That is very clever strategy," Garland admitted, "but I don't believe that it will work." "Come and get me, Mystel!" Max called as the Egyptian sent his blade in pursuit of Draciel. Mystel then went on the attack as Max went back to playing defense.
It looked like he was getting pounded by Poseidon especially when he started to use his legendary 360 degree attack. "Mystel makes me tired by just watching him," Akane remarked after three consequetive twirl and tosses, "I prefer to conserve energy during a beybattle and strike when they least expect it. Mystel is pounding Max's blade. How much more of it can he take?" "It only looks that way, sis," Takao informed with a mysterious smile, "remember that looks can be deceiving."
He went mute on the subject to see if Akane could figure it out on her own. Takao could see that Max was adjusting his timing when the blades impacted to keep the damage down to a minimum. It was a pretty sophiscated technique for one of Max's skill. His old teammates were getting better as the tournament progressed. Takao could see that clearly now
He only wished that he could have battled someone other than Daichi. As he continued to watch the match, there was a chance that Max could actually win it. He was blading better than he had ever seen before. It was like he was possessed as Rei had been. Well, he knew that this match was their last chance at victory. It was either win or be thrown out of beyblading forever.
Their beyblades continued to move around the dish as Mystel and Max both started to look tired. Exhaustion would soon overtake the two of them as their beyblades climbed up a pillar and onto the roof of the temple. It was the calm before the storm as Takao knew this match was about over. "Ocean Javelin!" Mystel ordered, calling out his bit beast. Their eyes were transfixed on the beyblades as Poseidon threw his trident right at Max's blade.
As he thought, Max used the moment it would take for Poseidon to strike to use one of his powerful defensive moves. "Aqua Shield!" he yelled as the wall of water took away Poseidon's power. If the blade had been at full strength when it impacted with Draciel, it would have knocked Max out of the dish but the water had weakened it enough that Max was fighting back and holding his ground. A wave of water almost sent Max tumbling backwards but he held his ground.
"BEGA is not going to get the best of me!" Max shouted, "go Draciel!" The turtle emerged from his blade and fought back. Their blades were locked in a fierce stalemate that had to end eventually. The power of their blades sent water and wind through the air. It was like there was a typhoon inside of the stadium as everyone including the fans got wet. "I just washed my hair," Akane groaned as the wind intensified but Takao's eyes did not leave the dish.
Their blades were demolishing the dish as all of the pillars and temple fell from the elemental forces coming out of their beyblades. A wall of water came spilling out of the dish that covered Max but Mystel jumped out of the way in time. They even got a bit wetfrom where they had been sitting. The wave of water also brought another surprise. "Mystel's blade is out!" Brad Best called. "And so is Max's!" AJ added, "which means a simulatenous exit!"
"The third match of this tournament ends in a draw!" DJ announced as Akane looked surprised. "Coming from behind like that wasn't an easy accomplishment," Garland remarked as Mystel was hanging on one of the support beams, "it was impressive that he could fight back and earn a tie." "It took guts for him to stick to his strategy," Takao mused, "he almost won it." Mystel like he and Brooklyn had before him went to congratulate Max on the match. They shook hands as the crowd began to cheer both of their names. All Takao could do was smile at how well Max had battled.
"I must congratulate you three for your performance today," Boris complimented as the five teens sat in their locker room, "You bladed brilliantly and made the BEGA organization proud. Now, we have a day off tomorrow. Takao, Brooklyn and Mystel are free to do whatever you wish. Akane and Garland, I want the two of you to practice for your upcoming matches. I don't expect anything less but a victory from either of you."
Akane nodded while Garland replied, "you have nothing to worry about, sir." "Well as a reward for your performance, all of you are free for the rest of the day. I expect you back before curfew. Go and have some fun." The five teens looked surprised that Boris was being nice and Akane was going to jump at the chance to go out. They all departed ways except for the two of them, one of which remained seated in his armchair after the others had left.
Garland stayed in the building to practice while Brooklyn left to go to the park. Mystel disappeared as well leaving the two siblings alone. "Is there anything you would like to do?" Akane ask, "I hate spending the evening all by myself. How about we go visit Grandpa Ryu? We haven't seen him since we stopped by to pick up some of your clothes." "There is a problem with your suggestion," Takao sighed, "I bet G-Revolutions is staying at the dojo while they are in town. I know that Daichi is there and-"
"You don't want to risk the chance of running into Kai, right?" Akane teased, "why don't you just go and explain to him why you left? I am sure that he would under-" "I won't do it, Akane!" Takao shouted with rage as he jumped up in his seat, "I can't!" Akane looked shocked since he had never raised his voice to her before. "Don't you think I have thought about it?" he continued to rant, "every day since I left New York I've thought about him. Kai has his pride and the only way to make him understand was with a beybattle that Boris denied me!"
He took a brief moment of pause to catch his breathe and settle in his seat before he continued. "I am a coward," he added with a sad sigh, "that is afraid to face an old friend and teammate because I don't want to hear what he might say about me. He'll never care for me like I do him." "You won't know until you ask," Akane advised, "I keep flirting with Brooklyn hoping that he will eventually notice me and take what I am offering. I get tired of it but I don't stop."
"You two are destined to be together," Takao remarked with another sigh, "Brooklyn said it would one day come to pass and that your coupling was written in the stars." "What?" Akane snapped as her eyes widened, "when did you hear this?" "From the source itself," he admitted with a sheepish smile since he hadn't meant to tell her, "he said something to the effect that you had to be friends before you could be lovers." "I'll be-" Akane started to curse, "I'm going to find bird boy and shove one of his feathered friends where the sun doesn't shine. Why didn't he tell me instead of letting me continue to act like a lovestruck fool?"
Unlike Takao who use to let his temper get the better of him, she took a deep breathe and calmed down after closing her eyes for a brief minute. "Feel better?" Takao inquired, hoping that he had changed the subject and she wouldn't mention Kai again. "Yes, I do," she admitted with a smirk, "well at least I know that my efforts weren't wasted. Personally I thinkwe both have too much anger and sexual tension built up. I think we both need the company of those we love."
"Nani!" Takao ask, choking on his own spit as his eyes nearly popped out of his head from the comment. "Don't tell me that you don't think about it?" she questioned as her arms crossed over her chest with an eyebrow raised in amusement, "you are a teen-age boy. Your hormones should be very active." "When do I have time for those kind of fantasies?" he mused, "I'm always too busy to think about my crush like that." "You don't dream about Kai," she remarked with a smirk plastered across her face, "I usually have those kind of dreams every other night about Brooklyn."
Takao was at a loss for words to reply to such a question. He definitely wasn't going to talk about such a subject with his older sister. He couldn't even discuss this with Hitoshi no less. A blush started from his ears that soon reached his cheeks and other parts of his face. Akane knew that he was embarrassed and decided to drop the subject. Besides it gave her an idea.
"Would you like to go out with me?" Akane suggested, "there is this club nearby that caters only to teens. They don't serve any alcoholic beverages and it might get your mind off of other matters for at least the evening." "What is the name of this place?" Takao inquired. "It's called Club Nightshade," she replied, "and I go there a lot when I have nothing to do. I have a life outside of beyblading unlike some of you."
"Is there a dress code?" he ask, not in the mood to decide on a different outfit. "Wear whatever you like," she shrugged, "I just go like I am dressed now. I don't care if I make an impression or not. I prefer being myself than someone I am not." "Sure why not," Takao replied with a shrug, "I have nothing better to do." "I'll meet you down in the lobby in fifteen minutes," she remarked, "I want to freshen up before I leave." She left as Takao decided to do the same.
He went back to his room and put on a clean set of clothes. He decided to stick with his black theme since it suited his current mood. The only difference in his attire from before was the saying on his t-shirt which read, 'I'm talented, you're not. Just deal with it!' It had been one he had chosen instead of something Akane had suggested. She had said it was too insulting but with his arrogance, it fit perfectly.
He pulled on his boots and added a silver dragon pendant and he was ready. He grabbed his wallet and went down to the lobby where he had to wait for Akane. She appeared several minutes later and he had noticed that she had changed her top. It was still pink but it was tight and showed off her flat stomach better. You could see the piercing clearly now.
They linked arms and left. "Why don't you ask Brooklyn to come along on one of these outings?" he questioned as they walked through the streets and got a few looks because of their celebrity status. "He prefers hanging with those who have wings," she remarked with a laugh, "or creatures that don't talk a lot. A club is not his style. I like to live a little and have fun that doesn't deal with just hanging around in the park. Mystel is similiar but Garland has come with me a few times when I was able to talk him into it. He's so intimidating that none of the other boys will ask me to dance so usually I come alone."
"Makes sense," Takao remarked, "but if you go alone, how do you keep them at bay?" "My martial arts training," she stated, "I did take karate lessons for eleven years with Ojiisan Masoe so I know how to defend myself. No male is going to take advantage of me without receiving pain first. I do have a black belt if you remember." "How well I know," Takao mused with a laugh, "I've seen you spare with Garland so I know that you are good."
"It comes in handy sometimes," she added with a shrug, "we are almost there." The club wasn't on a main street but down a side street. There was a big neon sign in green letters that flashed Club Nightshade. Akane opened the door and walked into a dark entrance hall as he followed.
The entrance hall lead into a dark room with just enough illumination to see the other occupants. There was only a few other teens gathered since it was still early in the afternoon as someone yelled a greeting to Akane, who waved back at the girl. He stuck close to his sister as she bypassed the tables, chairs and dance floor opting instead to go to the bar. "Akane," the bartender greeted, "nice to see you. Didn't think we'd be seeing you with your match coming up?"
"I just needed to get away for a while," she replied, "but I have all day tomorrow to practice. I'll have a cherry coke. Takao, do you want something to drink?" "And who is this?" the bartender ask, "is he your new boyfriend? I thought you had eyes only for that Brooklyn fellow." "This is my younger brother, Takao," she introduced, "Takao, this is Kazuo, the owner and bartender of Club Nightshade."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Takao replied with a short bow, "isn't it kind of dark in here?" "That is the way the customers like it," Kazuo stated as he placed Akane's order in front of her, "and I thought you looked familiar. For the former beyblade champion, all of your drinks are on the house. What will you have?" "A cherry coke with a touch of vanilla will suffice," he replied as another boy greeted Akane. It seemed like she had quite a few friends here and was soon on the floor dancing equally with both sexes. Takao sighed as he sat on his stool to watch and sipped at his drink.
He felt oddly at home in this dark place. No one seemed to notice who he was or mention his fame. It was quite enjoyable as the loud techno music turned to alternative and then to heavy metal and back again. He would have to keep this club in mind when he wanted to have some fun but for now he settled with just sitting on the stool and watching the other patrons. He didn't get his wish since Akane drug him out on the dance floor once for a dance with her. He heard her say something about not letting him sit on a bar stool and mope all night. He danced just to please her before he returned to his seat.
As the evening wore on, the club began to get more crowded and he began to get hit on by both sexes. One boy with green hair particularly seemed eager to dance with him as Takao blew him off at least four times. He was beginning to get irritated with the teen as he looked at his watch. It was nine-thirty and they needed to get back before Boris had a fit. He hated it when any of them broke curfew.
He pushed his way onto the crowded dance floor to find Akane dancing with a blond-haired boy that oddly reminded him of Max. "Takao," she snapped as he pulled her away, "what do you want?" "Look at the time," he stated. She gasp as she saw the clock and made apologies to the boy she had been dancing with. When she said good-bye, half the club answered her.
They hurried out into the night after a quick good-bye to Kazuo and walked back to BEGA headquarters. "I'm glad that you reminded me," she remarked as they walked briskly to the towering skyscraper, "I don't need to hear Boris' lecture about being late again. So did you have fun?" "It was kind of nice," he replied with a shrug. "Next time when someone offers a dance take it," she teased, "I saw you get hit on by at least a dozen people. There is no harm having a crush on one person and still dance with others."
"That boy with green hair would not leave me alone," he added, "I was getting irritated at him at his behavior." "I don't blame you there," Akane stated, "Gou can be a pain and he is a big flirt. He hits on both sexes so I have been in your shoes before. I learned just to ignore him or a kick in a certain area deters him after a while." She smirked as they both burst into laughter at the same moment.
They fortunately arrived five minutes before curfew. They didn't elude Boris' gaze since he was watching from the room over the lobby of the building. He didn't look too happy but there was nothing he could do since they were on time. They parted ways in the hall as they went to their rooms. Takao was not surprised to see that Mystel had not returned to their room yet. He was probably on the roof somewhere.
The next day was different than their previous evening since they were busy preparing for the last two matches. Takao helped Garland train for his upcoming match. Brooklyn who spent most of the day sleeping in a pile of leaves in the park came in after a while to battle against Akane to give Mystel a break. Garland wouldn't even stop for a break as he battled nearly every blader in the building before the day was over. His demand for perfection would allow no less.
Ming Ming was seen loitering about, signing autographs and talking with DJ Jazzman. At least she kept the fans and press away from them so they could practice. Takao was glad that she was being useful but she was still mad about losing in the qualifier. He couldn't believe the singer's arrogance however. He heard Akane snort from some of her remarks about G-Revolution's chances of winning. Even she wasn't so arrogant and certain about her odds of winning against the best that G-Revolutions had to offer.
He saw Boris watching them from the balcony above the training arena and he seemed pleased by their dedication. The chairman was certain that Garland would not have to blade in his match tomorrow. He was sure that Akane would finish the tournament in the fourth round and G-Revolutions would be gone forever. That was the plan at least. If all depended on whether fate and destiny agreed with them.
Takao just hoped that everyone didn't underestimate G-Revolutions like they had done with Max. He believed that it would all depend on who Kai had chosen to be their fifth blader. If he had found a worthy and skilled opponent, then there was a chance that both Garland and Akane would lose. He didn't believe that either of them was a match for Kai since he had been the main factor behind the Blitzkrieg Boyz winning the tournament. If they were overconfident, they would find themselves on the loosing side instead of G-Revolutions and Takao could only imagine Boris' reaction to that.
AS