Disclaimer -If you recoginize anything, then I do not own it.
Thank you to KURAYAMi MONOGATARi, kai's kitty, FlamesOfFury, FuMeRaDrAyCaRla & Amaya Kamazoe for reviewing.
A/N - I apologize for the really long wait b/t chapters. I have a bunch of excuses like work, illness & checking out a school that I am considering attending this fall. My life has been a bit hectic but I haven't forgotten any of you. I hope you like it.
Chapter 15 - The Justice Five Has Arrived!
The next few days past in a blur for all those involved. All Brooklyn could remember was watching his friends practice and hearing Boris' speeches about winning at all cost. He spent most of his time in the gym since Hiro was the coach of the BEGA team. Daichi had been practicing with Moses improving his defense while Ming Ming made circuits of the television programs to promote the tournament. Life was pretty good at BEGA but still Brooklyn was a bit uneasy.
The nightmares still haunted his dreams and Hiro was suffering from a bit of sleep deprivation from being woke up in the middle of the night by his screams. Brooklyn had woke up more times than he could count in a cold sweat and still couldn't recall what his dreams were about. All he could remember was the abuse and torture at the hands of a mystery person and he believed it had something to do with Boris. He didn't know why but the chairman made him uneasy. Maybe it had something to do with the look on his face when he would watch his friends practice. Boris had predatory look in his eyes that made him seem more like a demon or devil than anything human.
Finally the day of the tournament arrived and Brooklyn was more nervous than his friends. On that particular day, he couldn't sit still as he waited with them in a locker room. Most of their eyes were glued to the television and watching the sports programs. Brooklyn was having trouble even sitting down. He was bouncing around almost as badly as Mystel.
"Will you please sit down?" Akane ask, politely as she turned her head to him, "Brookie, you are making me more nervous than I should be and I'm not blading today." "The pacing helps," he murmured as his hand went into his pocket and he gripped Zeus tightly. A warmth eminented from the blade and shot through his hand but even the Greek god could not calm his mood. He was wound up too tight. Fortunately, the door opened to admit Hiro, who grabbed him by the shoulders before he spoke with the others.
"Calm down, tenshi," he whispered in his ear as the closeness made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, "you are not even participating in this tournament and you are more restless than your friends." "I can't help it, Hiro," he replied, softly, "I have this unsettling feeling in my stomach that something bad is going to happen and I will be unable to stop it." Hiro smiled at him before pulling Brooklyn into a tight hug that calmed the younger. His heart stopped racing like it was going to explode in his chest as he buried his face into his jacket. He sighed from the comfort that only Hiro could provide. He wished he could stay like this forever but it was not meant to be.
Hiro held him for a few more minutes and stroked his hair before he released him. Brooklyn smiled since he was much more relaxed than he had been moments before. "Okay, it is almost time for the tournament to begin," Hiro stated as the television was turned off and all attention was on him, "I have decided that Rick will blade in the first match. I believe Kai will send Tyson out first. The rest of you need to watch the match closely because they will be using bladesthat you have never faced before."
"Not a problem," Rick shrugged, arrogantly at Hiro, "I've seen Tyson blade and he shouldn't be too much of a problem." "He is the current world champion," Garland added as he looked at Rick, "He is not going to be as easy as you think." "If Tyson is the world champ, then why would they send him out first?" Raul ask as his brow furrowed, "wouldn't they want to save their most powerful blader for last?" "Kai wants an early victory," Hiro informed, "that is why he would choose my brother to blade first. Rick, you are going to have to be careful. Tyson is dangerous."
"Whatever," Rick remarked as his attention returned to his music. He turned up the volume of his IPOD as they heard the bass pounding. Everyone knew of his fondness for rock. Garland wasn't going to allow him to get by with his nonchalant attitude but Hiro shook his head to leave him alone. Rick had to blade the way he always did and getting him angry or upset would not improve the situation.
The door opened to admit an aide as everyone took a deep breathe. It was time. Brooklyn let his friends go first since he was not blading and stayed back with Hiro and Daichi. Hiro had tried to make the little red-head watch from the stands but he had refused to leave his friends so he had been allowed to sit on the bench with them. Brooklyn could hear the roar of the crowd from the corridor as it was time for them to face their destiny.
"Blading fans of all ages, welcome to the BEGA stadium!" DJ Jazzman greeted as the crowd went wild with cheers, "and day one of the highly anticipated Justice League Tournament! Now, let's introduce the teams! Up first is the BEGA bladers! These teens represent the all-new BEGA league!" The fans were screaming their names loudly as cameras flashed. Brooklyn couldn't believe all the hype this challenge had created about beyblading.
"And here they are," DJ continued, "the best that BEGA has to offer. The BEGA team features the mysterious Mystel, the silent but deadly Garland, the enchanting Akane, the tough yet enigmatic Rick and the tag team duo that will win your hearts with their dazzling skills, the twins, Julia and Raul!" The crowd cheered loudly for them as various fans shouted each of their names. He, Hiro and Daichi calmly walked behind them without the fanfare and sat down on the benches that had been provided while the others remained standing and waited for the arrival of their competition. Brooklyn was curious to see who Kai had chosen as members of his team.
"Now, let's bring out their competition," DJ Jazzman stated as butterflies flew around in Brooklyn's stomach, "and they are going to be tough so please give it up for G-Revolutions." There were light cheers at first as their adversaries walked into the arena that went oddly quiet. The only sound you could hear was their footsteps. Brooklyn's eyes were focused on Kai as he ignored the others. Kai caught his gaze with a glare that made Brooklyn turn away in discomfort.
"This is interesting," Hiro whispered, making Brooklyn turn to him, "take a look at their team. I see only five bladers." "Now, let's see who is on your team," DJ announced, "I see Rei, Max, Tyson, Lei and team captain Kai of course. But what are you guys trying to pull here? You are missing one blader. Do you wish to tell us who your sixth blader will be?"
The crowd began to get restless and jeer since there were only five of them when there should have been six. Brooklyn's eyes narrowed as he scanned the bench to see Kenny and Hillary sitting on it but they were obviously not blading. "Our sixth blader could not make it to the stadium today," Kai replied, coldly, "he will be here for his match the day after tomorrow." The crowd continued to taunt and jeer them as Brooklyn heard someone yell from the stands for them to be quiet and show their respect. Brooklyn's eyes turned to the seats where Tyson's grandpa and father were sitting along with the bane of his existance, his grandfather. The bladers from the other teams were sitting around them which oddly enough included the four members of the Majestics along with Mariam and Ozuma.
Brooklyn glared at his grandfather as their eyes locked. Surprisingly enough, he did not turn away but returned the glare full force. When he felt a hand on his shoulder, he finally turned away. Hiro was looking at him with concern as his eyes turned to where he had been looking. He did not seem surprised to see either his grandfather or his own family sitting there.
He was about to say something but Boris stood up and everyone went quiet. "As chairman of BEGA," he stated, "I declare this tournament open. Let us begin." "But boss, you can't be serious," DJ called, "the rules state that the two teams have to have all of their bladers present. The BEGA team has shown their six members but G-Revolutions has not."
"I am quite serious," Boris replied as he looked toward G-Revolutions, "it is quite all right since Kai is a blader of his word. If he says that he has a sixth member, then I will take his word for it. Besides, their mysterious teammate may not be necessary since my BEGA bladers could win three in a row. If that happens, we will be victorious and their mystery blader will not be needed." "That is so awesome!" a boy yelled from the stands, "Boris, you are the greatest! That is why BEGA should be in charge of blading!"
Boris waved and smiled back as Brooklyn's attention turned back to DJ. "The time has come to introduce the starting bladers for today," DJ shouted, "Up first for G-Revolutions is Tyson, who brings to the dish, his ever dangerous Dragoon!" "As I predicted," Hiro smirked as Brooklyn's attention turned back to DJ. Tyson jumped eagerly forward with a huge smile on his face. "And starting off for BEGA is-" DJ continued as everyone's eyes turned to the screen, "Rick!"
"Let's get this over with," Rick sighed as he stepped forward. He did not have his IPOD now but a boom box on his shoulder. He wouldn't blade without his music. He calmly walked forward to the steps. "Good luck," Daichi chirped as the older teen turned around to look at his teammates, "you are going to need it." "Who needs luck when you have power," Rick replied with a smirk, "I'll wipe the dish with him."
"Here we go!" DJ shouted, "It is time for these bladers to prove who has the best team of all. Let's bring out the stadium!" The floor moved in front of the bladers to reveal in Brooklyn's opinion a rather plain dish with several ruins and pillars. "The Hestia Stadium may look fancy but its treacherous," DJ added as Brooklyn sighed. What had DJ been smoking to think that dish was challenging? He had bladed in a lot worse.
"Not impressed by the dish," Hiro said, softly, "I don't blame you. It is plain compared to some of the others that Boris designed for this tournament. It is not even worth any of your efforts." "Take a look at that dish, folks!" DJ continued with awe, "which of our battling bladers has the skill to avoid the pitfalls of this stadium? Will Rick make BEGA proud or will Tyson show us why he is the reigning world champion and give the win to G-Revolutions?"
Brooklyn's eyes turned toward G-Revolutions' bench and saw that Tyson was getting some last minute advice from his teammates. Kenny had his laptop open to analyze the battle data; there was no doubt of that but he suspected that he was scanning the stadium for any devices that would allow him to cheat. Brooklyn thought his brother was foolish if he thought they needed to cheat to win. None of his friends would sink that low. They were talented and skilled bladers that were worthy of competing at this level.
"It is time!" DJ shouted, "let us start the first battle of the Justice League Challenge!" The cheers got louder as the two bladers walked forward to the platform. "Okay, let's meet the competitors!" DJ shouted, "here is Tyson!" Tyson smiled as he walked up to the beydish. He waved to the fans, who mainly booed at him. He frowned but didn't get an opportunity to say anything in his defense since DJ wisely cut him off.
"And now say hello to Tyson's opponent!" DJ continued, "the one and only Rick!" Rick calmly walked forward and up the steps. He put his music box down on the platform and turned up the volume. "Are you ready to do this?" he smirked at Tyson, "I hope you are tougher than you look. I'm not very impressed."
Tyson glared at him as the crowd cheered Rick. It had been so easy to turn the fans against the former BBA bladers and that was exactly what Boris had done. Brooklyn had not liked his methods but he had been wise enough to keep his mouth shut because Boris hated dissention among his ranks. Rick pulled out his launcher and twirled it in a manner reminscient of the way cowboys often did with their guns in those Old West movies. "He is way too cocky," Brooklyn murmured as Hiro overheard him and nodded. It seemed that his friend was about to be taught a lesson by the current world champion.
"Meet the blade that will defeat you," Tyson snapped, losing his temper as he pulled out his new blade, "Dragoon Metal Storm will have the crowd cheering my name instead of yours and BEGA will be one step closer to being put out of business." "You think I'm afraid of that dinky little blade," Rick remarked with a chuckle, "it is about pathetic as you are." "It seems that Tyson hasn't changed as well," Hiro added as he sighed as Brooklyn giggled quietly, "but what did I expect; a miracle?" That remark nearly sent Brooklyn into a fit of laughter but he quickly composed himself. Boris wouldn't approve of seeing him laughing at such a moment but when had Hiro developed a sense of humor? It made Brooklyn realize that there were things about his boyfriend that even he did not know.
Round One - Rick Vs. Tyson
"Are our bladers ready?" DJ ask as the familiar click of blades being put into their launcherswas heard and they got into position, "3, 2, 1 - LET IT RIP" Rick was still smirking when his blade landed in the stadium. Tyson was so determined to get the tournament started off in G-Revolution's favor that he nearly tore his ripcord in half by the power of his launch. Brooklyn could feel the power from Dragoon's launch from where he was sitting. That little blade was more powerful than they had anticipated and it was fast. He had never seen such speed before.
Rick was not in the mood to play as he sent his blade on the attack. Rick dodged the pillars and rocks in the stadium and slammed into Dragoon. "I'm gonna finish you quick," Rick smirked but watched as his blade harmlessly bounced off of Tyson's and was repelled backwards. "What just happened?" Rick ask as his eyes looked at his blade and then turned to his opponent, who chuckled. "You can't attack Tyson head-on, Rick," Garland advised with a stern expression, "that strategy will not work."
"What are you, Garland?" Rick snapped back as another attack of his proved useless, "a backseat blader." "I was just trying to offer you some friendly advice," Garland said with a shrug, "but if you wish to lose, then don't take it." Rick turned his attention to their captain, completely taking his eyes off the dish and the battling blades. "Hey, your battle is with me," Tyson snapped, making Rick turn back, "not him." "It didn't take Tyson long to take control of this match," DJ shouted, "can Rick make a comeback or will G-Revolutions be the first to taste victory in this tournament?"
"NO WAY!" Rick shouted as his attention turned to the stadium. "Let me show you why I am the world champion," Tyson boasted, "Dragoon, Evolution Storm!" The wind around the dish suddenly increased as a roar was heard and the magnificient white and blue dragon appeared. Brooklyn put a hand in front of his face to try and shield his eyes from his wildly blowing hair so he could keep an eye on what was happening in the dish. Dragoon slammed into Rick's blade as the wind picked up the tan blade and nearly threw it from the dish. Bison bounced off a pillar and landed on the rim as Brooklyn heard several gasps then sighs of relief from his friends.
"I thought it was over," Daichi remarked with wide eyes as Rick growled and looked more angry than any had ever seen him. "I won't let you do that to me!" he shouted as the vein over his eye looked about to burst since it was twitching uncontrollably, "Bison will bring you back to Earth." Brooklyn heard the engine gear kick in as Rick's blade began to spin faster. It got stronger as it started to demolish the stone pillars and ruins that littered the dish. Brooklyn had never seen Rick so furious or knew that his blade contained that much power.
"Wow," Brooklyn whispered as he watched Rick systematically destroy the dish. "It seems that Rick is a one man wrecking crew," DJ remarked with awe, "does he have the power to keep it up?" "Unfortunately no," Hiro frowned as Brooklyn turned his attention to his boyfriend, "rage just makes you reckless in the dish. Rick is about to find out the truth about emotions and blading and what makes my younger brother the world champion. You are probably the only one in this group that could match Tyson's power, Brook."
Brooklyn nodded since he agreed with Hiro's assessment of the situation. He had bladed against all of his brother's friends and not one of them had beat him yet. That included Tyson, who it pissed off to no end. Kai always thought it was funny that his baby brother could best the world champion and the memory always brought a small smile to his lips. He wished things could go back to those simpler times but nothing would be the same ever again.
Rick sent Bison on the attack again as a mild shockwave could be felt from the impact. "Hey," Daichi grumbled, "that stings." It got worse as Rick got even more angry. He wasn't going to allow Tyson to win without a serious fight. "Bison, Drop Rock!" Rick yelled as his blade went on the attack. "Dragoon, Evolution Storm!" Tyson countered once again calling out the power of his bit beast.
The blades struck sending an even more powerful shockwave throughout the stadium. Everyone cringed since that one hurt even more than the others. Fortunately, it did not last long as the two blades sawed away at one another in mid-air. It turned into a fierce battle between the elements as the twister that Dragoon created was so strong that it threatened to draw in everything that was near. Even his friends had to move back from the platform since the wind was so intense.
It drew away Rick's power as Tyson launched Dragoon at his counterpart one last time. "Beyblading means everything to me," Tyson shouted over the noise, "I won't allow anyone take it away from me especially someone like Balkov. His reign must end." All Rick could do was stand and watch as their blades struck one more time. The force of the blow sent Bison flying over his head and straight at the BEGA bladers.
"I suggest we duck," Hiro remarked as he pulled both Brooklyn and Daichi down with him as Rick's blade went soaring over where they had been sitting not even a second before. There was a loud crash as the tan blade impacted into the concrete wall below the seats and left a fair size crater in its wake. Brooklyn's eyes widened since most of his friends had ducked as well when Tyson had sent the blade out of the dish. Several of their eyes were wide with wonder and he swore he saw several of them gulp nervously from the outcome of the match. If their blades were that powerful, did any of them have a chance at beating them?
"IT IS OVER!" DJ shouted as Dragoon returned to Tyson's hand, "after a fierce display of skill and power, the first match of the Justice Five has ended! Tyson wins the battle with his skill and power of his mighty Dragoon! That means G-Revolution takes the lead!" Tyson pumped his fist happily into the air but the stadium was oddly quiet. The only cheers offered to the former world champion were those from his family and fellow BBA bladers. Max glomped him as he jumped down from the steps as Brooklyn's eyes turned to where Boris was sitting.
He looked furious at the outcome since that meant there would be at least four matches now instead of three. He had thought that they could sweep the series and win three in a row but at least this way, no one could claim that they were cheating. Rick walked down the steps with his head down. No one knew exactly what to say to him as they all looked uncertain. "Don't say a word," Rick stated as he sat down hard on the bench, "I lost and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I failed all of you and you can not make me feel better."
"You do not fail when you try your best," Brooklyn offered, showing his wisdom as Hiro smiled and looked at his boyfriend proudly, "How can we be ashamed when you put everything you had into that match? You bladed well and there are four more matches in this tournament. I know that we will not lose three in a row." Brooklyn smiled at Rick, who sighed heavily as he looked up. A small smile escaped his lips as well as he punched Brooklyn playfully in the arm.
"Thanks, kid," he remarked as their attention turned to Jazzman, who was still commenting about the match. Hiro retrieved his damaged blade from the wall since they were going back to the locker room for the break between matches. What surprised the BEGA team was Tyson. He walked over to Rick and offered his hand in friendship. "Nice try," he remarked with a sincere smile and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "I will admit that you did have me worried there for a while. I hope we can battle again when there isn't anything at stake."
"I would like that," Rick added as he grinned, "but next time I guarantee that you won't win." "We'll see," Tyson replied, smiling at the others but when he looked at Hiro, he frowned. He went back to his teammates as they left the stadium and went to their locker room. Rick was going to apologize to Boris but Hiro shrugged him off and said he would take care of it. All of the teens seemed glad that he was going instead of any of them.
He disappeared as the twins were sitting and talking about strategy since they would be blading in the next round. Akane looked worried because she was afraid that Julia might get hurt. "Don't worry," Julia comforted as she pulled Akane to her feet and they exchanged a kiss, "Raul and I will be extremely careful. Nothing is going to happen." "I hope not," Akane whispered, wrapping her arms around the taller girl and giving her a hug as she laid her head on her shoulder, "I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."
"Anything we should know about their blades?" Garland ask, "I know that Hiro can pacify Boris once but I don't believe he will accept another loss." "I wouldn't underestimate them," Rick suggested with a shrug, "since they are quite powerful and fast. Don't let them take you by surprise." "You have nothing to worry about, Garland," Julia chuckled, "Raul and I have been blading tag team since we were very young. There is no one on G-Revolutions bench that can beat us."
"You will be facing Rei and Lei in the next round," Hiro remarked as he entered the locker room, "so you have been warned. They have bladed together for about as long as you have so be careful. Boris will not accept another loss." Garland mouthed the words 'I told you so' behind Hiro's back as several of them including Brooklyn shivered. He could just imagine the mood that the chairman was in at the moment and the hell that Hiro had just been through.
R & R
Astera Snape