Disclaimer - If you recoginize anything, then I don't own it.

Thank you to FlamesOfFury & Minako Mikoto for reviewing.

(A/N - I apologize beforehand if this chapter is not up to my usual standard. I was going to model this chapter after Takao's final battle w/h Brooklyn but since I have been denied the pleasure of seeing those last 2 episodes, I had to rewatch most of G-Revolution to figure this out. I am still not pleased w/h it but your opinion counts more than mine so tell me what you think.)

Chapter Nine - Showdown Between Titans

It was only a hour to the tie-breaking match. Takao was nervous but it wasn't from his confrontation with Kai, it was from the paper that he currently held in his hand. After hearing how his sister and friends had signed away their freedom to become a member of BEGA, he had concocted a plan. A plan that he hoped would solve all of their problems. He was standing outside Boris' door and took a deep calming breathe before he knocked.

"Enter," Boris called from the inside as he walked into the director's office, "ah Takao, are you ready to win and show the world that BEGA is the best organization for beybladers?" Takao's eyes narrowed from that assumption as Boris looked surprised by his change of attitude. "I have learned a few things since our last meeting," he informed as he walked toward the desk, "and let's just say that I am not happy with your manipulations." "What manipulations?" Boris inquired as the smile on his face faded into a frown. "I'm talking about the contract that the other bladers had to sign when they joined," Takao added, "let's just say that your secret is out. You need me if you want BEGA to stay legitimate and I have a few demands if you wish for me to battle in the match today."

He set the paper in front of the chairman, who looked over it with curiosity. "My first demand is that all contracts be null and void," he stated in an icy voice, "every member of BEGA has a right to chose who they want to blade for. Otherwise, I will just walk out the door and return to my former team. Leaving you in quite a bind if I don't say because I don't think any of the others are capable of battling Kai and winning." Boris' hand clenched into a fist as his eyes narrowed on the former world champion and a growl escaped his throat but Takao ignored him.

Boris' eyes scanned over the document before him and then sighed. He knew when he was backed into a corner. Takao had seen through him and if he wanted to keep his company, he would have to let the teen have more say in the way it was run. He should have known that sending Ming Ming and Moses to take Kai down had been a big mistake. Takao didn't seem to be in a forgiving mood since he had doubted the ability of one of his bladers.

He glanced over the document and most of the demands he could tolerate except for the last one. "That is only in case I lose," Takao added, "which I doubt will happen. At least, I'm not throwing you out onto the cold Siberia tundra like last time." "And what do your teammates think of these demands?" Boris ask. "They don't know about them," Takao informed with a shrug, "I don't tell them everything."

Boris frowned and gritted his teeth as he took a pen and signed the paper. "I will agree to your demands then," Boris stated, throwing the paper at Takao, "but how I can be reassured that you will keep up your end of the bargin?" "I will do the best that I can," Takao replied, "and you should have more faith in me than you do. I beat both Yuriy and Zeo when they were both more powerful and Kai is no different. I will try my best and that is the best that I can offer. You should have more faith in those who blade for you."

Takao smirked as he left the room. He heard something hit the door after he had closed it and sighed with relief. At least that was over with and had went better than he had expected. He folded the paper and put it in a pocket on the interior of his coat. Now, all he had to do was wait for the match that would decide the future of beyblading.

Tie-Breaking Match - Kai vs. Takao

"This is the battle that you have been waiting for!" DJ Jazzman shouted, "the tie-breaker match between G-Revolutions captain and current world champion, Hiwatari Kai versus the best that BEGA has to offer - the former two time world champion and everyone's favorite dragon master, Kinomiya Takao. This battle has been two years in the making and will settle the future of beyblading forever. Who will win this battle - the loyal BBA bladers or the powerhouse that is BEGA? Only fate knows and she is not telling us, folks."

Takao took a deep breathe and looked across the stadium floor. Kai was looking impassive on G-Revolutions bench as though this match meant nothing. Takao wished he was half as confident as Kai seemed. Everything was riding on this one match and he had to win to ensure that Boris went through with his end of the bargin they had made. The paper that he had signed was in his coat pocket and it gave him some reassurance of the future of his favorite sport.

His teammates were standing behind him including Ming Ming and Moses. None of them were happy with their employer at the moment but they were still members of BEGA. They would not show weakness in public; only loyalty. Takao gripped the handle of his launcher even tighter from nerves. This had been the battle that he had been waiting for but why did he feel so uncertain? He had all ready made the decision that no matter who won, he was going to tell the dual-hair of his feelings for him. If he won however, he doubted that Kai would ever speak or have anything to do with him ever again.

If that happened, Takao was fairly certain that the team or their supporters would probably never blade again. Boris would definitely deny them membership into BEGA but he knew that they would rather retire than join with them. Sometimes, Takao regretted the decision he had made in New York but he had made his choice and there was no changing it. The past was impossible to change and his only hope was to change the future. He had to make it right for everyone.

"Good luck, little brother," Akane called as he turned around to face his teammates and friends. She was standing besides of Brooklyn and they were holding hands. From what he had heard the day before, they now considered themselves a couple. He couldn't have been more happier for the two. They looked great together.

"I know that you will win," Brooklyn stated with a wink. "Do your best," Garland advised, "we will not be disappointed if you try your hardest. You are our teammate and friend. We will stick by you until the end and no matter what the outcome of this match is." The silver-haired teen offered his hand as they both grasp and smiled at one another.

"I hope for you the best," Mystel offered, "after seeing Akane battle Kai, I don't think even I could win against him." "Do it dude," Moses added with a smile and hit him on the back that nearly sent him to the floor. "You can do it, Takao," Ming Ming smiled, "we'll be cheering you onto victory." A funny feeling was inside of his chest as he felt what he had missed for months. The love and support of people who actually cared for him.

They might not have been a team when they had met a few months ago but they were now. It was what he had missed when Rei, Max and Kai had ditched him for their own teams. They had said they wanted a chance to blade but Takao knew there was more to it than that. They didn't think he had the skill to repeat a third consequetive year. They had doubted his ability when they should have known that he would never let a teammate down.

He looked directly at his one-time teammate, friend, crush but now adversary. Their eyes locked with one another but Kai did not reveal any emotion. He just glared at Takao, making him swallow nervously. He had to put all of his emotions aside. His sister and teammates were depending on him. He had his own reasons for winning and they were just as important as Kai's.

"Will the two bladers please step forward?" DJ called as Takao took a deep breathe and walked up to the platform before him. Kai did the same thing on the opposite side. "The tension in this stadium is almost unbearable," AJ stated from the booth, "I am glad that I am not in Takao or Kai's shoes. Can you imagine the pressure on both of these young bladers' shoulders?" "Yes, I can," Brad added, "since they both support a different organization and are determined to win. Some are saying that this is the final match that we should have saw at the world championships."

"These two bladers have been rivals since they met at the regionals two years ago," AJ continued, "they were still competitors with each other even though they were on the same team. This is going to be one intense match." 'You don't even know the half of it,' Takao thought as he took Dragoon from his pocket, "I don't like this, Dragoon but we need to win. I need for you to give me everything that you have and more.' The bit chip lit up in response as Takao smiled and placed him in the launcher.

"Now let's see what kind of stadium is worthy of such a battle," DJ shouted as the floor opened up and the beystadium was revealled, "this one is called the Atlantis stadium. It is a rendition of the famous city that sunk beneath the ocean over 2,000 years ago. The streets are narrow and if your blade leaves the fabled island, it will sink into the deep waters of the ocean surrounding it. This is one wicked stadium and will ask for absolute control and mastery over one's blade. Can these two masters handle it? We shall soon see."

Takao looked over the stadium and smiled. It was perfect for this grudge match as he briefly looked up to where Boris was sitting. The director didn't look at all happy but Takao was pleased by the stadium. He glared as Takao shook it off. He wasn't intimidated in the least by Boris and this battle in his opinion didn't concern him. It was totally between he and Kai.

"This is the battle that we have been waiting for!" DJ shouted, "Kai versus Takao for the future of beyblading. Are you boys ready?" Both of them nodded as they held up their launchers. "3, 2, 1 - LET IT RIP!" the three shouted together as both blades were launched into the dish. It was proving to be an intense match from the start as the two blades made a beeline for each other. Takao knew that Kai wasn't holding back or was he.

The blades slammed into one and bounced back, hitting off the sides of the buildings. The slam sent powerful shockwaves throughout the entire stadium, making everyone flinch. Both he and Kai struggled to keep their balance on their respective platforms. It proved to be quite a challenge for him since he wasn't use to such power. G-Revolutions had definitely earned his respect if they were capable of controlling such power that the MS blades held.

"That hurt," he heard Akane complain from the bench or where she was standing near the dish. Kai didn't give him any time to recover as Dranzer bounced off the ground and then slammed into Dragoon. Another intense shockwave threatened to push him off his platform as he heard his teammates voice their concern. "That was incredible!" DJ Jazzman interrupted, "how long can these two keep this up?" "For as long as I have too," Kai growled, "I can't let you win, Takao. Dranzer attack!"

"Dragoon!" Takao shouted as the blades collided and were sawing away at one another. The power from the two repelled each other after a mere moment sending both blades flying toward their owners and the water surrounding the island. Both knew that if their blades ended up in the drink then the game was over. Well, Takao knew that it was possible for him to survive it since he could use one of his wind attacks and create a typhoon or so he hoped. He wasn't certain as Dragoon hit the platform, cracked the concrete but reflected back onto dry land.

Dranzer survived in a similar manner as Takao sighed with relief. There wasn't much fun winning in that manner. He wanted to use his power to show Kai who was stronger. He had a vendetta to settle and he was going to get it. It seemed that Kai had learned a few new moves from his teammates, who were standing close to the dish cheering him on to victory.

"You can do it, Kai!" Hillary cheered, "show them why you are the world champion!" "Go Kai!" shouted Daichi, "you are the greatest!" That made Takao grit his teeth together. "Takao, use the dish to your advantage!" Mystel yelled from behind him. "You are stronger than he is!" Akane added, "you can do it, little brother!"

"Is that the best that you got, Kai?" Takao teased after Dranzer slammed Dragoon again and this time created a crater in the center of the dish, "that didn't even slow Dragoon down." "Not by a long shot," Kai replied, "You've changed and it is not for the better." "I haven't changed, Kai," Takao defended with a glare, "I just joined a new team." "A team backed by Balkov," Kai added with his own snarl, "you are his puppet." "You don't understand, do you?" Takao snapped, making Dragoon dodge Dranzer as she went straight into a building, "you never pay attention to those around you or do you care about their feelings." "What do you mean by that?" Kai questioned as their blades stopped attacking as a stand off was taking place in and out of the dish.

"Why do you think it hurt me so much when you left!" Takao shouted with fury, "do you have any idea, Kai! Do you even care to know why!" Their blades clashed again with such force that it made everyone cring in even more pain. The odd sensation had felt good at first but now it stung or made your fillings hurt. Everyone was beginning to wonder how much they could withstand it since they were closest to the dish.

Boris, who was sitting in his chair watched the battle below him with interest. He hadn't thought that it would be so intense. Takao was fighting like a teen possessed and now he was beginning to understand why he had willingly joined BEGA. It was easy to figure out when you saw the way he looked at Kai. With Rei and Max, he didn't hold the same malice for them leaving but when he looked at Kai, his eyes were filled with betrayal and hurt. He now understood everything.

"You betrayed us to Balkov!" Kai yelled back, "you knew of his past but yet you joined him. That is when you lost all respect in my eyes." "You just don't get it, do you!" Akane shouted from the bench where she and the other BEGA bladers were either sitting or standing, "are you that blind in matters of the heart, Hiwatari?" Kai looked between the two siblings with confusion. Sure, he was a little thick-headed but what were the two hinting at?

He decided to take a closer look into Takao's eyes. They were burning with a fury that he had never seen. They showed betrayal from when everyone had left for their own teams but there was something else when he looked directly at him. Takao's eyes were full of tears when he even glanced at his face. They showed a pain that he had never seen; even when he had left.

He looked back at Takao as Dragoon and Dranzer collided again as wind and fire fought it out in a swirl of red and white. 'Is it possible?' Kai thought with surprise, 'does he feel the same way about me that I feel about him?' Kai had been in denial about his own feelings since the start of the world championship tournament several months ago. He had thought leaving Takao would make the feelings go away. There was no trying to deny that he felt something for the bluenette but he didn't think the feelings had been mutual.

Leaving BBA Revolution had been one of the hardest things he had ever done. Takao had depended on him and he had left without a word to his friend. He had just walked away, leaving it to Hitoshi to break the news to Takao. It had been cowardly yes, there was no denying that and now he was paying the price for it. Takao saw Kai's mouth open a little as though he wanted to say something but couldn't find the exact words.

"Now do you understand, Kai?" Takao ask with sincerity as he blinked back tears, "now do you see why it hurt me so much?" "Takao," Kai said, softly as they just stared at one another. "He understands," Akane shrieked to no one in particular as she did a happy dance that made the other BEGA bladers sweatdrop. "But now the question is," Brooklyn added, ignoring his girlfriend, "what the two do about it and how it affects their battle?" "I wonder what is going through Kai's head," Akane pondered as Garland shrugged.

"I guess we will have to see it play out in the dish," Garland added with a smirk. Their attention turned back to the beydish were the two bladers were staring at one another. "Takao likes Kai," they heard Kenny mumble with shock from G-Revolution's side, "why didn't I ever notice?" "I could have told you that," both Max and Rei said together as laughter followed, "It was obvious to everyone." "Even I knew," Hitoshi added with a slight smile.

"Your feelings for me do not change anything, Takao," Kai informed as his cold mask was firmly back on his face, "we have a dispute to settle and I can't let my personal feelings get involved." "I understand, Kai," Takao replied with a smile, "let's settle this like true bladers. Dragoon, Solar Wind Destroyer!" "Dranzer, Spiral Fireball!" Kai ordered as the blades sped toward one another again and started to glow. Dranzer glowed a reddish-gold while Dragoon began to glow a bluish-silver.

The bit beasts inside then emerged in their elemental forms. Dragoon's roar shook the stadium while Dranzer's loud shriek threatened to burst people's eardrums. They swirled together in a mixture of colour as the blades collided and sawed away at the other. The light was so bright from the dish that it blinded everyone including their teammates, who couldn't see what was happening. It felt like the whole building was being shook to its very foundation as the shockwaves intensified.

The energy coming out of the dish was so intense that it probably could power a small city. "What you are witnessing, folks," DJ yelled over the noise, "is probably the best beybattle in history. What an intense match and it doesn't appear to be stopping anything soon!" "TAKAO!" six voices shouted as they tried to move toward the dish but the force eminenting from it was stopping them. "KAI!" was the yell on the other side as the crowd stood or sat in shock to watch what was happening on the stadium floor.

Fortunately for their teammates, the light faded as both blades repelled the other. Both blades bounced back a few feet from the impact as the two boys were breathing heavily from their previous attack. "I have never seen such a battle before," Moses remarked as they watched Takao sway a bit but stay on his feet, "it is truly a battle between two titans." Kai wasn't faring much better on his platform either. They appeared to be running out of energy and if that was true, the entire battle would be decided by who could stay on their feet the longest.

Kai recovered first sending Dranzer barrelling at what appeared to be a defenseless Dragoon. At the last possible moment, Takao held up his hands and blocked Dranzer but it did not prepare him for the slam. It sent him back a few feet and nearly taking a tumble down the steps of the platform. "Takao!" Akane yelled as he regained his footing, turned back for a brief moment to give her a grin that he was all right. "I'm still spinning!" Takao yelled to Kai. "Not for long!" Kai called as the two sent their blades careening back at one another putting their last reserves of energy into a final attack.

"Dragoon, attack!" Takao yelled. "Finish this, Dranzer!" Kai shouted. Both blades shot forward once again. Takao's glowing a whitish-silver while Kai was glowing with a bluish fire. "Here we go again," Mystel remarked with wide eyes as he dove under the bench, "how can they continue to battle like this?" The blades struck sending out the most incredible and intense wave of energy that no blader in the stadium had ever seen or felt. The bit beasts fought one another in the air above them, trying to bring down the other.

"They are going to bring the roof down upon us," Garland yelled, trying to shield his eyes. Neither Takao or Kai were willing to give up as the blades continued to hammer away. Everyone could only watch as the swirl of fire and wind went higher. The bit beasts' attacks tore through the roof, sending debris down upon everyone. On BEGA's side, Akane, Brooklyn and Garland dove under the benches for protection while Moses shielded Ming Ming.

G-Revolution reacted in a similar matter with only Hitoshi and Yuriy remaining in their respective places. The battle was so intense that everyone could probably see the two god beasts fight in the sky above the city. It was an incredible sight to witness and one that few predicted would happen. When the light finally began to fade, everyone came out of their hiding places to see what had happened to Takao and Kai. A groan alerted BEGA to Takao, who had been completely thrown off the platform. Kai hadn't fared that well either since he was laying on the floor on the opposite side.

"TAKAO!" Akane shouted, running to him, "are you all right?" He groaned as his eyes opened slightly and he got back to his feet, picking up his hat from where it had fell off. She might have gotten him to change his clothes but he refused to give up his lucky hat. Kai was slow getting back on his feet as well with the help of Hiromi. "Is it over?" DJ ask, "yes, it is. Both blades have exited the stadium and have stopped spinning. This match ends in a tie!"

"According to BEGA rules that also applied to the BBA," AJ stated from the booth, "when both blades stop spinning, the match ends in a draw which means we have to start all over again." "Hokey Dinah," Brad added, "can the building withstand another match like that?" "I'm all right, Akane," Takao reassured, "I appreciate your concern but there is something that I have to do." He walked forward and picked up Dragoon, who had substained quite a bit of damage from his last attack. Kai did the same on the other side of the dish.

They both then exchanged a meaningful look with one another and nodded. "I guess you boys need to grab your launchers," DJ shouted, "and prepare to start this match again." "I refuse," Takao stated, his voice clear and carrying throughout the now quiet stadium, "I will not battle Kai again. Our match ended in a draw and I say we leave it at that. Let the adults decide what to do about this dispute on their own without using us as pawns in their game of chess."

"What?" DJ, AJ and Brad shouted together along with Boris since he was furious that they had damaged his building. "I agree with Takao," Kai added as everyone gasp collectively, "I shall not continue with this battle. I consider the dispute between us settled." "YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" Boris yelled from his seat, "Kinomiya, you are to win this for BEGA!" "Sorry, sir," Takao replied with a wave of his hand, "all of you can determine what to do now. It is out of my hands."

Takao walked toward the tunnel and didn't look back at anyone. Boris continued to scream from his seat as Kai followed Takao's lead on the other side of the stadium. His scarf flowing behind him as his teammates just watched. "Brooklyn will battle then!" Boris ordered, "G-Revolutions pick your next blader!" The remaining members of G-Revolution watched as the BEGA bladers conversed among themselves for a brief moment and then looked up at Boris.

"If you want someone to battle, sir," Garland replied, calmly, "then do it yourself. None of us will blade for you. We consider this tournament over!" The six members of the BEGA team followed Takao down the tunnel and ignored Boris' ranting. G-Revolutions marveled at their integrity and then followed Kai, leaving the fans in complete and utter shock over what they had just witnessed. All of their bladers had just abandoned the adults to their own problems. What had they done?

AS

R & R