AN: Can you believe it?! I'm actually updating this 4 days after the last update! I'm so proud of myself for writing in this over the weekend. Well, I hope this quick update makes you all happy. Ooh, lookie, 11 pages for my lovely reviewers!
Mr. Moogle: Wow, this update must be a miracle! And it would be a miracle if aliasfan owned DDR, but she doesn't. She does not own any of the DDR songs used here too. Alright, on to the competition!
Chapter 14: The State Competition
Shawn's roommates, including The Witch Doctor, Kaeli, and Jake, were already downstairs in the lobby, waiting for Round Two of the State competition to begin. In Round One, the fourteen contestants competed against each other two on two, leaving six winners (two people failed).
In Round Two the six would compete until three were left, the three that would move on to the National competition. They gave them a break between rounds, so Shawn went back upstairs to the bathroom, while everyone else stayed downstairs for a break. The six people who were left were David, Abby, Jake, Shawn, Kaeli, and Bryson.
"Man, did you see that slam dunk I made at the basketball courts?" Jake said. "We sucked the other team dry, didn't we David?"
The Witch Doctor laughed, slapping hands with Jake. "Oh yah, we totally creamed them! Hey, and I bet I'll cream you guys during this competition, too."
Jake smoothed back her hair. "Well, I hope I do!" The group continued to talk, seeing as there were still 10 minutes until Round Two of the state competition began. It took Shawn a while, but he finally came out of the bathroom and down to meet his other roommates.
Kaeli's eyes looked away as she saw Shawn approaching their group. Oh no…what do I say to him? Does he hate me for what I said before? Will I say something that will upset him today?
Jake laughed at a joke The Witch Doctor had made but stopped when he saw Kaeli's nervous expression. He gently rested his hand on her shoulder. "Baby, everything's gonna be okay. Just tell him what you told me this afternoon. You guys are still friends, you just need some time to breathe, that's all."
Kaeli's face perked up with a little more confidence. "You're right. After all, he could be thinking the very same thing about me!"
Shawn finally reached the group, but he stood as far away from Kaeli as possible. What should I tell her? What is she gonna do to me? Shawn didn't get to finish his thoughts as Kaeli grabbed his arm and led him to one of the seating areas. Oh no…now I'm gonna get it from her…
The couch they sat on made the situation only a little more comfortable. Kaeli tried to speak calmly. "Shawn, before you say anything, I want you to listen." Shawn nodded his head in agreement, so she continued on. "I'm so sorry for what happened today. I didn't mean what I said, I was just angry. I guess I expect you to agree with everything I say and do, and I know that's not fair to you." Kaeli paused to see how Shawn was responding to all that.
Shawn was looking down at his feet. She's…apologizing? Wow…this girl must have eaten humble pie! Shawn looked up when Kaeli stopped talking. "Are you letting me talk-"
"No, I still have more to say." Kaeli sighed. She thought back to those days when they'd spend all their time together, training for the DDR competition. I want those times back. I want us to stay friends and have fun like the good old days.
---Those times are gone. You will never see a day like that again.---
What? Kaeli thought. Did I just hear someone say something?
"Kaeli, can I talk now?" Shawn asked, a worried expression on his face as he stared back at the zoned out Kaeli.
"Huh? No, I'm still talking." Kaeli said.
"Attention all DDR contestants! Round Two of the state competition will begin in 5 minutes. Please report to the lobby immediately. I repeat, all DDR contestants report to the lobby immediately." The intercom buzzed.
"Wow…so this is it. This is yet another day we've been waiting for, huh Shawn?" Kaeli said softly.
"Yes…"
"Shawn, I want you to know that I'm not mad at you. You didn't do anything wrong, you were just looking out for me-exactly what a friend should do. I just…" It hurt Kaeli to have to tell Shawn, but she knew it had to be said. "I just think we need to be apart from each other for a little while. I know it'll be hard, but I think it's the best thing for us right now."
Shawn felt like he was going to cry, but he didn't. "Kaeli, I'm glad you're not mad at me. I'm…not mad at you either. If you…want us to be away from each other for a while…then that's what we'll do. Basically you need some time to breathe?"
"Hey, that's exactly what Jake said."
Shawn lowered his head and looked down at the mention of Jake's name.
Kaeli saw it. "Shawn? I…I know that we will always be friends."
---Those times are gone---
"I want you to have this." Kaeli reached down one of her socks and pulled out an item. She grasped it in her hands carefully. "It's sorta like my good luck charm." Shawn opened his hands as she dropped it into his. There lay a crumpled package of Kool-aid, it's sugary contents long dissolved in water and digested.
Shawn smiled and laughed as he lifted up the Strawberry Kool-aid package. "Heh, there you go with your addiction. What are you gonna do now? Pull a package of Doritos outta your pants?"
Kaeli laughed and playfully pushed Shawn. "No, silly! I kept this package for a reason. I drank that Kool-aid the day we found out we got accepted into this competition. I want you to have it. Think of it as a symbol of our friendship."
---You will never see a day like that again.---
A permanent smile was plastered on Shawn's face. We're still…friends… "Kaeli...thank you. I know how much your sugary high means to you." He laughed again then pulled Kaeli into a hug. "Thank you…"
Kaeli tightly hugged him back. You deserve it…
"Attention all DDR contestants, the DDR elite State competition Round Two will now begin! Everyone please make your way to the center as we call the first two competitors!" Rogin announced.
Shawn's eyes grew wide. "The competition! I almost forgot!"
"Me too!" Kaeli was now worried again, but this time it was because of the competition. Since the playing field was smaller, she might have to go up against Shawn or Jake, which wouldn't be good news. "Good luck, Shawn."
"Nah, I don't need the luck. I've got your Kool-aid." Shawn tucked the package into his sock then he and Kaeli started quickly to the center of the lobby. "Kaeli…good luck to you too." They met back up with David and Jake. Jake gave a quick glance to Shawn, then turned around again to hear the announcement.
Joe Rogin began. "Alright, I know everyone's anxious to find out what's going to happen in Round Two, so I won't waste another minute. The rules today apply just as they did in Round One. If you fail, you automatically are disqualified. If both contestants pass, we go by the grade. If the grades are the same, the person with the highest numbered score will move on. We will continue this until there are only 3 contestants left. Those three will then move on to the National Competition."
The other two contestants, Abby and Bryson, were talking to each other, but soon it turned to silence as Rogin began to call the two contestants. "The first two competitors of today are…Abby and Kaeli! Please make your way to the DDR machine!"
"Kaeli! It's you! You're first!" David exclaimed.
Kaeli wasn't too excited. "First? I don't want to go first!"
"At least you weren't up against one of us." Jake said.
"Kaeli…" Shawn called to her. "I believe in you. You'll do just fine."
Kaeli looked into Shawn's eyes, finding comfort in his blue, swirling oceans. "You're right. Thanks." She quickly walked to the front.
Kaeli tried to remember Shawn's words as she stared at her competition, but it was hard to find her confidence when she did. Abby sounded like a sweet little girl, short and nice. Well, not this Abby. This Abby looked tough and mean. She was tall and skinny but had some muscle to her. She looked about 18 years old. She wore thick black gloves that were cut at the fingertips. Her pants were black and ripped at the knees. Her shirt was a red tank top with the words 'Get Bent' on it. Her hair was black and up in a ponytail, but a few loose strands found their way down her face. Let's just say she was nothing less than menacing.
"Uh, hi." Kaeli said, trying to make conversation. "Um…it's nice to finally meet some real competition."
Abby glared down at Kaeli. "Too bad I can't say the same for me."
Kaeli scoffed, but decided not to make a comeback. I want to stay in one piece…
Rogin pressed the roulette button on the machine to pick what Heavy level song they'd have. "You two ladies will be dancing to…Can't Stop Fallin' In Love: Speed Mix! Get on your pads and get ready!"
Speed mix? I've only played the regular version. Now it's gonna be faster and harder?
"I believe in you. You'll do just fine."
Yes, I will. Speed mix? I can take it. I've moved faster when I've been on a sugar high! Kaeli smiled as the machine lit up and the song came up on the screen. All three of her roommates had found their way to the front of the room so they could watch. They cheered her on as the music began. Everyone had their eyes fixed on the two dancers, drowning out everything around them. The lyrics to the song could clearly be heard, though no one was listening to them at the time.
My life meant nothing to me
Then a guy like you came along
Everything's moving so fast
I gotta get my feet on the ground
I'm happy, days are over
Cause I can always be with you
Lying in your arms, babe
Ah they make me feel all so brand new
Can't stop falling in love
Tell me you will be true
Forever baby
I just can't stop dreaming of you
Every day, every way
Kaeli and Abby were both dancing extremely well. Their feet hit the pads with timely precision, their eyes intensely focused on the moving arrows on the screen.
Say you love me baby Say you will always be mineYou'll never break my heart (no)
Shawn glanced at Abby's side of the screen. She was getting a lot of perfects and greats. Then he glanced at Kaeli's side of the screen. She was also getting perfects and greats, but also a few goods here and there. Everyone could tell that it was going to be a close match. Both girls continued to move at rapid tempo until the song ended.
I just can't stop falling in love
Baby you'll be kidding
Making love with you
Is all I wanna do (wanna do)
Can't stop falling in love
Give you heart and soul
Stay with me this time
And we'll be history-you and me
Rogin turned his microphone back on. "Wow, this was quite an exciting dance we had there! It's going to be very close…but let's see how their grades turned out."
Kaeli breathed heavily, sweat dripping down her face. She was so tired that she leaned on the bar for support. She glanced over at Abby, who was standing tall, appearing to not even have broken a sweat.
Rogin continued. "Abby received an 'A'…and Kaeli receieved…an 'A' as well! I guess it all comes down to their score!" It seemed like the whole room held their breath. Everyone was anxious to see the outcome of the first dance.
Shawn closed his eyes tightly, praying that Kaeli beat her. Please…
"Abby's score is 1, 765, 384…and Kaeli's score is…1, 786, 005, which means that Kaeli is our winner!! She's the first contestant who will be moving on to the National competition! Let's give a round of applause to both girls here." Rogin announced. The crowd went wild as they cheered.
Kaeli felt like she was in a dream. She just couldn't believe that she had beaten Abby, let alone got an 'A' dancing to the Speed Mix. A huge smile appeared on her face. She turned around, only to be bombarded with hugs and pats on the back from her friends.
"You did it Kaeli!! You did it!! I knew you could!" Shawn exclaimed, giving Kaeli a hug.
"And I beat her without my Kool-aid too." Kaeli said proudly.
"Congratulations, babe!" Jake said, pulling Kaeli into a kiss. "That's my girl!"
Kaeli giggled, "Yep!"
"Hey!" a voice said. Everyone turned around to see who it was.
"Uh oh…" Kaeli said to herself. "Uh…hi Abby. You did really good-"
"No need to say anything to try to make me feel better. I just wanted to say congrats and good luck in the next round. I should be getting home anyways, my parents will be wondering where I am." Abby didn't wait for a reply as she walked away.
"Um…okay…" Kaeli said. "I'm a little weirded out right now."
"Okay, the next two competitors will be…" Rogin began.
Oh no…please don't let me go against Jake…dear God…no… Shawn cried silently.
"…David and Bryson! Which means, Shawn and Jake will dance against each other in the final match of the State competition!"
"nnnNNNOOOOoooo!!!" Shawn screamed, not realizing that he did so out loud. While everyone stared at him he cleared his throat and looked away. "Heh…"
"What's wrong, shorty? Afraid you're gonna lose to me?" Jake laughed, walking up to Shawn.
Shawn put his game face on. "Of course not."
Jake moved closer to Shawn, lowering his voice but strengthening his tone. "Well, you should be. 'Cause when I get through with you, you won't be able to tell your head from your a-"
Kaeli walked up to the two. "Hey, what's going on?"
Jake stumbled as she interrupted him. "A-Animal crackers in my soup! Monkeys and rabbits loop dee loop!"
"Why are you singing that song?" Kaeli laughed.
"He wasn't. Right before you came here he was threatening me." Shawn said, folding his arms.
Kaeli's eyes grew wide. "Jake, how could you do that?! I know he's your competitor but he's my friend too!"
"It was just some traditional competitor's words. No biggie." Jake said. He walked up to Kaeli, running his fingers through his hair. "So, who do you want to win?"
"W-what? What did you say?" Kaeli couldn't believe Jake would ask her that.
"Who do you want to move on with, me or Shawn?" Jake asked, smiling. "I wonder who you'd pick…"
"So do I…" Shawn said. He was very interested in knowing who came first in her life-her friend or her boyfriend.
Kaeli scoffed. "This is so unfair! I can't believe you're making me choose! You know I can't do that!!"
"David has a 'B', and Bryson has an 'A'…which makes Bryson the second contestant moving on!" Rogin announced.
"Oh my goodness! I feel so bad…all this time we were talking and we didn't even cheer The Witch Doctor on!" Kaeli exclaimed. David slowly walked up to the group with his head down. "I'm so sorry, David!"
"It's okay. It's not your fault. I did my best…but it just wasn't good enough. I'll try again next year." David said, seeming sad but not too upset. Kaeli gave him one last hug before he left.
The intercom continued. "Alright…this is it! The final dance off had arrived! Shawn and Jake, please make your way to the DDR machine."
As the roulette spinned to choose a song, Kaeli couldn't help but wonder who she would want to go through to the next competition with. Jake is my boyfriend. If he's not with me, I'd definitely be sad. But Shawn's my friend, and I wouldn't want to do this without him either…Man, I'm so confused…But…I've known Shawn longer…so I guess I'd want him to go on. But how can I say I don't want Jake with me too? Kaeli sighed. Well, it can't be both of them…
"The song is…Against All Odds! Contestants…get ready!!"
"This is it…are you ready?" Jake asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be!" Shawn said confidently. I've got Kaeli's good luck charm, plus it can't be too hard dancing against this walking, talking cancer stick…
Kaeli clapped her hands together. "Good luck…both of you!!" The arrows appeared, quickly filling up the screen. Jake and Shawn were left making combos left and right.
How can you just walk away from me
When all I can do is watch you leave
'Cause we shared the laughter and the pain
And even shared the tears
You're the only one
Who really knew me at all
The lyrics of Phil Collin's song, turned in to a DDR song, lingered in the air. Shawn was surprised that he could concentrate on both the arrows and the lyrics. The music helped keep him in beat, so he guessed that was why we could hear them. They seemed to remind him a little bit of Kaeli.
So take a look at me now
Well there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against all odds
and that's what I've got to face
I wish I could just make you turn around
Turn around, and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you
So many reasons why
You're the only one
Who really knew me at all
The dancing was intense. Kaeli wanted to look and see who was doing better, but she couldn't bear to look. She just stood there, with her eyes shut tightly, listening to the sound of shoes hitting the arrows on the metal pads. Oh God…what is going to happen?
They continued to dance, both bodies seeming to move in perfect harmony. Kaeli kept her eyes closed, but she wanted to open them when she heard someone misstep. Who was it? Who stumbled? Kaeli could tell that it threw one of them off beat, because she heard a few more mess-ups. I can't look…I just can't…
So take a look at me now,
Well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me
Just the memory of your face
Take a good look at me now
'Cause I feel you standing here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It's the chance I've got to take
The song ended quickly. It seemed to go by in just a matter of moments. Kaeli still kept her eyes closed, the lyrics still lingering in her mind.
So take a look at me now
Kaeli shook her head. I don't want to look…
Rogin looked at the screen. "Alright then! Jake received a 'B'…and Shawn got…"
It's the chance I've got to take
"…a 'C'. Congratulations Jake, you are our third and final winner of the state competition!!"
Kaeli couldn't help it…she opened her eyes, but when they did, tears spilled out. She couldn't keep them in. What are these tears for? They're a mixture of happiness for Jake and sadness for Shawn…"Oh Shawn!" Kaeli wailed, hugging Shawn tightly. "I'm so sorry!"
The expression on Shawn's face was one of pain and anguish. Not only did he lose the competition, he'd be away from Kaeli for as long as she's in the competition, and now she'd also be left alone with Jake. Shawn wanted to cry so badly, but not in front of Kaeli. He had to be strong for her. "Shhh…shhh…it's okay. Listen, I'll be fine, really."
Kaeli sniffled as she lifted her eyes to meet Shawn's. "But…"
"But what? At least you made it through, right? That's all that matters."
Kaeli wiped her tears. She stood back, staring at Shawn.
Take a good look at me now
"Kaeli, remember what you told me before?" Shawn asked. Kaeli shook her head no. "Well, you told me that you thought we needed to be apart from each other for a little while. I guess you're getting what you wanted…"
"No!" Kaeli exclaimed. "I didn't want it like this though! I can't do this without you…"
Shawn pulled Kaeli into another hug. He could feel Jake's eyes burning into his, but he ignored them. "You're strong. I know you can do this. I remember you also said that you knew it'd be hard, but that it would be the best thing for us right now. So, this was meant to happen. You were meant to go on without me." Shawn's thoughts turned back to Jake. I know he's gonna try something on Kaeli. I have to make sure Kaeli will be okay. He'll be alone with her…but…
It's the chance I've got to take
-------
Reviews (8):
Zanisha: That is so cute! Yah, I should put Kaeli and Shawn in my list of pairings too. I hope you are feeling better. Ugh, I couldn't imagine being so miserable! Yah, this is my favorite story too, not that End This Requiem is bad or anything, but I just like DDR elite more.
Raven's Wolf: Look, such a quick update!! Aren't you proud of me? Yah, Shawn's just going through a rough time right now.
Suits92: Yah, that's why I didn't like the last chappie, 'cause it was all about emotion. But I really liked this update because this chappie had a lot of action, so I hope you liked it!
ZimXGir: Everyone loves Shawn and everyone hates Jake. Lol I have yet to find someone who loves evilness. –attempts but fails to pry your hands off of Shawn- XD
Lady Hitokiri: Yay, another update! I'm glad you liked it. You're my editor.
Pencil3: Well, it looks like things didn't get better for Shawn. But they will…just not now…Thanks for the compliments. I'm pretty sure this is soon enough for ya!
Krikitt: Well, it's nice to know I've got another reviewer! Thanks!
Randy (for Ch.1): I hope you get the chance to read more chappies. I'm glad you love it. Doesn't DDR rule?! :)
Well, that's it for now. I don't know when the next update will be. I'm always busy during the week, so I'll probably write the chappies during break (though I still need to write chappies for my other story, so I'll probably switch on and off between updating them).