AN: At least it's a long chapter -- again I totally forgot I had this… I wrote these past three chapters back at Christmas, so yeah… anyway, it's slow going, but I'm trying to work on it
(I say that every time I know --)
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The rest of the day saw both Mariah and Liika hold up in their room. None of the other girls asked any questions, as if they intrinsically knew it would come out in time. Robert was informed, if only so that he could be aware of the situation and know how to deal with the rest of the team. It was felt, by all, that it would be better for everyone involved, as well as for other teams in the tournament if the news didn't fully break until after opening ceremonies and Singles Sync.
After taking dinner in their dorm room, they retired early, worn out from drama and stress.
Liika would have liked to sleep in, or at least sleep to a reasonable hour in the morning that would take into account that opening ceremonies were at 11 am local time. However, fate had set its sights against her, and at quarter to six her cell phone rang, disturbing the peaceful silence and jarring more than one of the girls awake.
"What the fuck?" Liika muttered, cringing as her cell phone rang again.
"What time is it?"
"What's going on?"
Liika grumbled as she hopped off the top bunk, fielding the pillow attack from An as she passed and made for her bag. The phone rang a third and fourth time in the meantime, waking up the final occupant of the room – Cagalli – and inciting some angry words and violent threats. "I'm sorry!" Liika cried, finally retrieving the phone. "If it's a wrong number, I swear to God, I'll hunt them down myself. What?!"
"Bitchy little hag aren't you?"
"What the fuck?" Liika repeated, an instant scowling gracing her sleep-deprived face. She knew immediately who it was; only a few people in the world were that obnoxious, and only one of them called her 'little hag'. Bloody asshole. "Egypt, I'm going to break you into a thousand little pieces. How did you fucking get my number?"
The mention of the caller's identity drew the attention of the other girls in the room, and all of them sat up, most of them rubbing their eyes or yawning. All of them scowling.
"I asked for it. Since your team emergency cut into our practice time, the committee has agreed to give us some time before opening ceremonies. Be outside in ten minutes."
Squeezing her eyes shut in effort to ward off the crusties that threatened her vision, Liika inhaled. "What?" She said, apparently unable to comprehend his words.
There was a sigh on the other end of the phone, and she could hear the sneer in his voice. "Are you stupid as well as bitchy? Get outside now. We have practice." And then he hung up.
"What's going on?" Sakura's sleepy voice echoed through the room.
Liika grumbled again, shrugging. "I don't know, Ishtar just called and was bitching about practice or something. I don't know, I'll deal with him when it's not 5:45am. Sorry guys." With that she crawled back up onto her bed and collapsed against her pillow. Within seconds she was asleep again.
Regrettably she didn't stay that way for long. The six girls had just managed to drift back to sleep when their door burst open with a loud bang, causing them all to jerk awake again. Mariah screamed a bit, Cagalli shouted, and An was out of her bed in a shot.
In strode a tall, tanned, blond boy, who paused only long enough to figure out where in the room the blue hair lay, before he made for her, a narrow eyed grin on his face. Liika, who didn't function well in the morning at the best of times, didn't even see him coming, and before she even had time to blink, he had hoisted her off the bed and dropped her unceremoniously on the floor.
Cursing in pain, drowsiness and humiliation, Liika struck out blindly with her feet. Her wayward limbs struck their target and the boy came crashing down on top of her. Not very well though out in hindsight, she groaned inwardly under his weight. "Get off me you bastard!"
"You wanted me down here." Still smirking, he made no attempt to move, seemingly content to have her pinned to the floor under his body weight.
She grunted, pushing at his shoulders, but he wasn't moving. "What the fuck are you doing here anyway?"
Before he could answer he was pulled off of her, one of his arms grabbed by Cagalli, the other by An. Unable to actually lift his weight, they deposited him at Liika's side, then abandoned him to see to their friend. Anzu was there as well, only she focused her attention on the boy, hands on her hips, scowl on her lips. "Marik!" She growled, nudging him with her bare foot. "How did you even get in here?"
Marik smirked at her as he rose to his feet, straightening his Egypt track jacket and running a hand through his incredibly chaotic hair. "Door was open. One of your coaches had just stepped out, I let myself in."
"Why?!"
"What is going on in here?"
This came from the door as Lenore, Judy and Katherine piled into the room, all looking incredulous. Liika had risen as well by then, and had to be physically held back by Mariah and Sakura, as she wanted so badly to lay the smack down on her Singles Sync partner. Liika ignored the three adult women, and Marik only spared them a high browed glance.
It wasn't until he had raked his eyes down her suggestively, that Liika realized that she was wearing nothing but a sports bra and a pair of micro shorts, or that the rest of the girls weren't in better straights. Katherine realized this right away and had enough presence of mind to grab Marik by arm and push him out of the room into the hall. Luckily for all the other sleeping people in the house (some of which had been woken up by the commotion), the six girls weren't the type to start screaming girlishly and ridiculously whenever a boy saw them in their rather baring pajamas.
Marik didn't fight being pushed into the hallway. Instead, he laughed all the way out, genuinely amused by the whole situation. In the hall he was faced with not only the chaperones, but also most of the other girls as well as some of the boys from the floors above and below. He sneered at them and leaned against the wall beside the door, as if to dare them to challenge his presence in their guesthouse.
Robert was the first to do so as he pushed his way through the crowd of teenagers. He looked refreshed and completely unruffled. His hair was combed and his shirt on straight, like he had been up for hours. "Ishtar, what in God's name are you doing here at six in the morning?"
The Egyptian boy tilted his head, running his eyes over the vice-captain of USA 2. "Collecting my partner," he answered flippantly.
"A little early don't you think?" This came from Katherine, who was tapping her foot impatiently.
He shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Next time, do it with less noise," another from the crowd hissed, Riley this time, who, unlike Robert, looked rumpled and grumpy.
Marik sent her a half-sneer, obviously not contrite in the least about waking the whole house up. "Take your twisted panties and go back to bed then so I don't have to see-"
"Stop that sentence in its tracks and get moving Egypt." Liika appeared in the doorway, dressed, her duffle bag thrown over her shoulder. She pushed at him with her whole body, shoving him towards the stairs. "You have a date with an ass kicking."
He laughed again, saluting the milling group as he pushed his way through, acting as a plow for Liika. "Bring it on, little hag."
"Liika, where will you be?"
Liika glanced over her shoulder at the few of her teammates that were in the crowd. "In one of the practice gyms. I imagine I'll be at breakfast in the cafeteria in a couple of hours since we only have two hours left of our practice time. I'll meet you at quarter after eight or so."
"Kakashi knows where you're going?"
It was Marik that answered, even though he was half way down the stairs already. "He knows. Can we go now?"
"Shut your yap and move your feet Egypt."
Robert sighed, sharing a look with Lee at his side. "I knew we should have put someone else in Singles Sync."
xxxxxxxxx
"And here we go! With the end of the opening ceremonies comes the official start of the 2003 World Junior Beyblading Championship tournament! The 38 teams involved have been gearing up for at least two days – having arrived Thursday and Friday from all over the world. Excited, nervous and maybe even anxious, you have to wonder if these teams have slept at all in the last three days!"
"You can say that again. Nothing like the feeling of being present at the biggest bey tournament in the world! I think this tournament may be even bigger than the Senior or Professional worlds. These are the rising young stars of beyblading, the future of the sport. Everyone is here to see them – scouts, universities, professional leaguers, everyone! This tournament can make or break a beyblader's career."
"That's right. Let's talk for a bit about this year's prospects. The heavy favorite is returning champions is the team from Eton Academy – Britain 1. Lead by possibly one of the best bladers in the world – of any age – I think Britain 1 is in a good place to take home gold."
"And of course there are the teams from Canada and Egypt. Although Canada placed just eighth two years ago, and Egypt seventeenth, both have found strong leadership in Athrun Zala and Marik Ishtar. Both captains are phenomenal bladers and both teams will be tough for other teams to over come."
"USA 1, though finishing second at Nationals in May are poised to finish well here. Perhaps not as strong as Britain 1, I would place them in similar position to Canada and Egypt."
"Yet the real story this year is the two underdog teams of USA 2 and Japan 1. Now, Japan finished third and fifth two years ago, which doesn't particularly make them underdogs, but where the real story lies in these two team's captains."
"I'm sure everyone at home, and indeed here in Tokyo, is sick of hearing this story, but it can't be emphasized just how unprecedented this is. Never before has the World tournament hosted a team lead by a female captain, and this year there's two!"
"Personally, I think these are the two teams to watch out for in this tournament. Everyone can talk about Britain 1 sweeping, but the fact is, these two girls have a lot to prove and I think that's going to give them an edge here."
"I couldn't agree more. The time is coming to an end where female bladers can be discounted just because they are girls. Liika Hiwatari and An Tachibana are dangerous and the other teams would do well not to underestimate them. It wouldn't be the first time a good team was beaten out because they underestimated their opponent."
"And I would say that USA is one of those teams that might be underestimated – not just 2 but 1 as well. Two years ago USA finished fifteenth and twenty second. That finish might just work for them this year."
"Pressure, pressure, pressure. On one hand, there isn't really the expectation to do well, but on the other hand since the US did so poorly two years ago, there will be the pressure to place better than they did then."
"I don't think either US team has anything to worry about. The brother and sister captain pair of Kai and Liika Hiwatari look to have their teams well in order, and to have chosen the strongest bladers for all of the different events. And with bladers like Robert Jagen, Gaara Sanderson, Tala Valkov and the pair known as the 'Golden Pair' Mariah Low and Lee Laan, cousins."
"The two teams from Bakuten High School, Colorado. Completely different from the teams from New York and North Carolina that made it two years ago. And that's something I think a lot of people forget when they shouldn't. Because of the selection process involves entire teams being selected, teams can be completely different from tournament to tournament, and I think this is what we're seeing this year."
"I agree. Egypt, Canada, the two US teams, along with Japan 1 are all different kinds of teams and I think you'll see the differences shine through in this tournament. We should also mention the other teams that could bring some upsets here in Tokyo. Germany, for one, has some talent, as does Britain 2, Brazil, Japan 2 and Korea."
"As bad as this sounds, however, I really think this will be a six team tournament. We might see some insurgence in some of the events, but as far as the team competition – the heart of this tournament – I think you'll see those six teams battling it out for the top six spots."
"Haha, we're getting signaled to move on, so here we go. As you all know, the opening event of the World Tournament is the Singles Sync event. For those who don't understand the way this works, the principle is fairly simple and can be applied for all of the Sync events. Singles Sync takes singles bladers from different teams and pairs them with a singles blader from another team. It's a lesson in cooperation – those who cooperate the best win. It's a fun event and fosters support among teams. Over my years of broadcasting I've seen quite a few friendships built in this event that last on up into the professional league."
"Predictions. It's often hard to predict this event, and out of all the events in this tournament, this is the one that's hardest to guess at. It depends on so much. My favorite is the Britain 1/Canada team of Mystel Kehl and Nicol Amarfi. Both are strong bladers in their own right, and Nicol is known for his calm temperament and his ability to adapt to novel situations. It's gold for them."
"Good choice, though I'm going to have to go with the USA 1/Germany pairing of Tala Valkov and Maes Hughes. I was watching them in practice yesterday, and they look like a solid unit. Once again it's a matter of strong singles bladers, where one is suited to adapting to any sort of situation. That's the kind of blader Maes Hughes, like Nicol Amarfi, is. I think it will be these two teams in the final."
"Probably the most interesting pairing, however, is the pairing of the two captains Liika Hiwatari of USA 2 and Marik Ishtar of Egypt. Initially, after the drawing, this was the favorite pair. No one can deny their overwhelming might in the dish as individuals, but sometimes individual strength can actually be a detriment in this event."
"That's something I fear the Hiwatari/Ishtar team is going to suffer here. Rumors were flying yesterday after the Singles Sync practice. Not only was Liika Hiwatari called out early to deal with an undisclosed problem with her team, but in the hour they practiced all they did was fight!"
"It wouldn't be the first time, though from rumors and being there myself, I have to say I don't think I've ever seen less cooperation between a team in this event. I have to wonder if it wouldn't be better for both of them if they just dropped from the event rather than embarrassing themselves further."
xxxxxxx
It was no mystery to her what everyone else thought of their chances to win. It was made abundantly clear during warm ups, as well as by the random press questions and the looks from the other teams. Tala especially had made an effort to come over and gloat that he and the German were favored to win. He also mentioned that he would let her hold his medal when it was all over and they finished last.
She made a note to lay the smack down on him especially.
Not that she was overly worried about Tala. Having facing him before, she was aware of most of his habits, and most definitely was familiar with his style. Knowing a person from birth had certain advantages. Of course, he was also more than familiar with all of her habits and styles. The wild cards would be Egypt and the boy from Germany who looked entirely too friendly and boisterous.
That was provided they got through the matches before they met with Tala and his partner, or even if they met them. There were nineteen pairs in the event, which meant one team got a bi in the first round. They weren't that team. She and Marik had been matched up against the Japan 1/Brazil pairing. Neither of which was familiar to her.
An had wished her luck after the opening ceremonies with a wink. Laughing as she said she would be obligated to cheer for her teammate, but wouldn't be too disappointed if she and Marik managed to pull it together.
Pulling it together, the story of their life. It was the talk of the event, and everyone was talking about it. How the incredibly strong captains were paired but couldn't find it in themselves to cooperate. Too bad they didn't know the truth.
Practice that morning had been extremely enlightening. It wasn't so much that she and Egypt had come to an understanding, because they hadn't, but they now at least -knew how to co-exist.
The fact was that they had many advantages that other teams didn't have. For one, they were both captains. Being so, they were trained at breaking down situations, analyzing them and finding ways to win. Secondly, and probably most importantly, they had complimenting bit beasts. In doubles blading bit beasts with opposite elements often had an advantage. They could do things their partner couldn't.
Ra, Marik's bit beast, was a shadow-type dragon bit beast, with enormous offensive power. Akala, on the other hand, was a mid-style light-element beast with both strong offensive attacks and solid defense. Together, they actually made a pretty good team.
If only they could get over their propensity to bait each other, which, unfortunately, both found extremely fun. However, Liika figured that they could use that to their advantage. Everyone in the event was obviously expecting them to be knocked out in the first round – it was a single elimination event. Their surprise tactic would only work for the first couple of rounds, but they would use it as long as possible.
Incredible as it was, both were capable of insulting the other while blading perfectly normally, and even managing some sort of team work. What they were counting on was their individual strength, as well as her experience in blading with a blader that was heavy offense, as Bryan was.
As it happened, because there was an extra pairing, there would have to be an extra match. Of course, they were in the division that would have to blade the extra match, and if they wanted to win the gold in this event, it meant they had to beat one more team. Apparently luck was against them as much as everyone else was.
"That Brazil chick is pretty hot," Marik commented idly, "You should ask her how she does it."
"Yeah well, that Japan 1 guy is pretty hot, much more than you anyway. Has a better attitude too."
He just laughed. "You don't actually believe that."
"Pfft."
"We're now ready to start the fourth match at dish #2, would the pairs of Takahisa Kajimoto and Maria Sanchez, and Marik Ishtar and Liika Hiwatari please make your way to dish #2."
The two of them took their time traveling over to the second of three dishes that made up the smaller of the two large gyms. Wild cheers surrounded them, many directed at the Japan 1/Brazil pairing, but many also directed at them. Liika caught sight of some of the signs in the audience – some were in Japanese, others were in German, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and of course English. She spotted her team immediately, as they were cheering wildly, and held a "GO LIIKA GO" sign that had obviously been scribbled only moment before. Liika laughed, waving at them and giving them a thumbs up.
"Look there's your team," Liika pointed at the group of Egyptians that were just up in the bleachers from the USA 2 team. She waved at Anzu.
Marik inclined his head at them, but except for that he ignored them, and for the most part they ignored him. Some team support, she thought but then retracted it. Some people ran their teams differently, and some teams were just different. She couldn't imagine all the teams in the tournament being the same as her team. That would just be silly.
Seeing as they were the last of the first round matches, most of the other pairs, as well as most of the spectators had gathered around dish #2 to watch their match. It was a good thing that she had been to States and Nationals before coming to Worlds. The crowds might have scared her at the lower levels.
Even though the match was in the smaller main stadium, the bleachers that circled the floor were packed with spectators. Those who were not close enough to see the dish themselves, watched the match on one of the two large jumbo screens at either side of the stadium. All in all, the smaller stadium sat at least seven thousand. It's larger sister, held 25,000, which spoke to the popularity of the sport of Beyblading. The complex, which had been built especially for the three World tournaments, would end up being the center of the Japanese beyblading world, and the BBA, as well as Japan had spent billions of dollars building it. They would make it all back, however, through press, spectators, merchandise and advertising.
Their names were called again, and there was a loud cheer from the seven thousand plus spectators in the stands, as well as on the floor, especially after the Japan 1/Brazil team was announced. Liika and Marik shared a rolling of eyes as they alighted the dish platform and took out their blades.
"You know what they're saying right?" The boy across the dish from them said, sliding his orange blade into his launcher.
"I'm sure you're going to enlighten us," Liika replied dryly, readying her own sniper launcher.
Takahisa Kajimoto tilted his head with a bit of a smirk. "They are saying you should have dropped out of the event and saved yourself the humiliation."
Liika wasn't even going to reply; after all, it wasn't as if they hadn't heard it already. More than one people/competitor had said it to their face. However, when Marik snorted in a way that sounded suspiciously like a laugh, she couldn't help but crack a smile.
"This coming from a guy who isn't good enough to be a regular and a bimbo in a skirt." Marik even had the audacity to yawn, which only angered their two opponents even more. "I'm shaking in my boots, what about you little hag?"
"Completely terrified," Liika agreed, unfazed by his insult.
Their opponents scowled, extending their blades in challenge. "Let's settle this then."
xxxxx
"So, what are you guys thinking?"
Robert looked up to see most of USA 1 and some of Canada seating themselves in the remaining seats of the reserved section. The question had come from Michael who sat down in the first row beside Max, Emily and Jade. Oliver sat beside him. Kai took a seat two down from Robert, and he was joined by Gaara.
The purple haired vice captain shrugged, leaning forward in his seat and assessing the readying bladers at the dish. "It could go either way. As I'm sure most of us heard this morning, they fight like cats and dogs."
"Would be nice to get a gold in the first event though," Enrique sighed, resting his chin on his knuckles.
Mariah, who sat beside him, gave him a smack on the shoulder and a scolding look. "Oh get over it already, she didn't take you, so what? She needs your support now. I bet if she heard you cheering she'd do even better."
Enrique was conflicted for a moment before he perked up and began to shout, grabbing the hastily made sign as he did so. Several others rolled their eyes, while Ian muttered something about waking the sleeping dragon. Mariah just laughed and joined in his shouting.
"Well, I know for sure she isn't going to win gold in this event," Kai was smirking, stretched out in his seat, watching the dish lazily.
"And why is that?" Sakura replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Because Tala and his odd German partner are. Canada and Britain 1 are going to come second," he sent a nod at Athrun and the Canadians who shook their heads good naturedly. "And then, if they are lucky, they will win the bronze. That's if they don't meet Canada/Britain before the final round."
"Which they won't since Nicol and his partner drew number 19 and Liika and Egypt are 18. They if they win, they won't meet each other until the semi finals, and they'll have to blade one extra match to do it." Athrun commented, half turning in his seat to address Kai and Robert.
Yet it was the almost-silent boy that answered the comment, much to the surprise to everyone in the immediate area. "Liika and Egypt will win." Shino said, pushing up his sunglasses and leaning forward in his seat behind Robert.
"I'm going with Shino on this one," Shikamaru chimed in lazily beside him. "They have you all psyched out, and that's the threat."
Kai snorted, his smirk still in place. "Whatever, Tala won't fall for that. They've bladed against each other their whole lives."
"Shut up, they're starting!"
xxxxxx
Their blades launched with little effort. Liika immediately pulled Akala back into a defensive position, and surprisingly Marik did the same, silently commanding Ra to fall in beside her. Their opponents however, wasted no time in attacking, both calling out their bit beasts and surging forward.
Liika and Marik silently assessed the two bit beasts and then summarily dismissed them. While the Japanese boy's cat-like creature looked like it packed at least a bit of fight, it's partner was nothing to write home about. Liika quickly threw up a screen which deflected the barrage of attacks.
"So," she murmured, leaning towards the tall Egyptian. "Shall we put on a show for them?"
He snickered, leering down at her, eyes glittering. "I like how you think, you might just be worthy of my time." And with that, he sent his blade hurtling into hers.
Liika had to struggle to keep a straight face, and slapped on the angriest mask she had. "You fucking prick, what the hell do you think you're doing?!" She snapped, whirling on Marik, causing Akala to do the same to Ra. "In case you haven't noticed we're on the same team."
"Oops," he returned with a malicious grin, slamming Ra into Akala once more. "Oops again!"
"Oh that's it," she growled, turning to the dish and pointing at her white blade. "Akala! Silver – er Flash!"
Akala responded, rising from the white blade in a flurry of white feathers and blue hair. She sent her mistress a confused look, but moved all the same, dashing at the black and gold blade, claws extended.
Ra rose from his blade, golden and mighty, and roared at the winged dog demon, blocking her attack. Meanwhile, their opponents just watched in abject fascination as the two bit beasts attacked each other instead of them. "Nanda…?" Takahisa muttered, his face screwed up.
"They are even more screwed up than they were yesterday," Maria added in her heavily accented, airy voice. "They should be easily knocked out now."
However, when the two went to attack, the two bit beasts whirled on them and snarled, as if they were angry that they had been interrupted in their battle. Liika and Marik added to this by growling a "Stay out of it!" at the same time. Before the Japanese and Brazilian knew it, their blades were sailing out of the dish and landing at their feet.
"And there you have it! The USA 2-Egypt pair of Hiwatari-Ishtar has won it in one of the strangest battles I've ever seen!
--
"That was embarrassing." Enrique muttered, slumping down in his chair.
"At least they won," Mariah chirped helpfully, though she too was significantly quieter than before.
"Spoke a little too soon?" Kai said, directing it at the two Abbey boys in the last row of US members.
The two boys just shared a look and said nothing, their faces masking their true thoughts.
--
"Haha, they just totally got played," Tala laughed from his position some feet from dish #2.
"What do you mean?" his partner asked, looking as confused as the rest of the stadium was.
Tala shook his head, still chuckling to himself. "Liika has no attack called 'Silver Flash', it's 'Silver Cross'. Not to mention, if you were watching them, they shared this amused look between them just before they started fighting."
"I wasn't really watching them…" Maes Hughes admitted, his face starting to blossom into a grin. "Though now that you mention it, they are snickering to themselves, even as they are fighting."
"I imagine that's their strategy. Hell of a weird strategy though, against bladers better than the two they just faced, it will back fire."
Maes threw his arm around Tala's shoulder and grinned. "It's handy having someone around that knows our biggest threat really well. Ahh! I wonder if they want to see my Gracia! Might distract the Egyptian a bit, she's so pretty after all…"
Tala sighed with a rueful smile. His partner was eccentric, and loud, and almost obnoxious, but he couldn't deny the guy had talent. "Save that for just before we have to blade them. Distract him then."
"Good plan!"
--
The second round went much the same. Marik and Liika bickered, occasionally slamming each other's blade. They didn't go as far as they did in the first round since they had already played that game and they didn't want to push their luck too far. This time they attacked each other only half the time, the other half of the time sending shots at the France-Switzerland pairing.
They dragged it out for longer, so that the crowd got a better show, and by the end of the second round, they had each other's styles pretty much figured out.
Marik wasn't particularly difficult to figure out. He favored attacking above all else, and his motto apparently was "a good defense is a good offense." She didn't particularly mind as she could work with that. There were times, however, when she had to knock his blade just to remind him that she was still there and that he was getting out of hand. Amazingly he responded, and reigned himself in with little more than a nudge at her side.
After the second round there was a half hour break before the semi finals were about to begin. The first two rounds had taken about two and a half hours, leaving the time at about 3 o'clock. Hungry, Liika dragged Marik over to her team where she was rewarded with an energy bar and a scolding.
Marik smirked through the scolding and snatched the last quarter of her energy bar, devouring it before she could get a word in edge wise. As she turned on him, the combined teams of USA 1, 2 and Canada saw the truth behind the pair and began to understand their wins.
The truth was, Liika actually liked the arrogant Egyptian captain. Sure he was arrogant, and pushy, and a touch vulgar and obnoxious, but it wasn't anything she hadn't dealt with her entire life. Her brother and his best friend were not too far from his mark, and she was increasingly finding that guys with their personality type made life that much more interesting.
That and his insults had long since lost their bite. The longer they bladed together, the more Liika realized that he was treating her as he did his own team. He made jabbing comments to get her riled up, which only made her blade better. She also noticed that those he didn't consider worth his time he either completely ignored or made scathing comments that bordered on cruel. His words had never been cruel to her.
Thus they had finally come to an understanding. In accepting her, and treating her as he did his own teammates, Liika felt they had built some form of friendship, and that made her happy. After she came to this realization, everything seemed to fit together.
In the third round they abandoned their 'arguing' tactic all together and focused on building their teamwork. It was difficult for Marik, who obviously was unused to having someone else on his side of the dish. Doubles wasn't his thing. And when she told him that, he had grinned in his smirky-conceited way and replied that it never would be.
She repeated her misgivings about him being in the event.
He retorted that he was just as happy he did.
The third round proved more difficult that the two before it as the two bladers from Denmark and Jamaica were skilled and worked well as a team. However, as they had gotten their act together by then, it was nothing that they couldn't handle, and in their first dazzling display of teamwork, they sent the Denmark blader's blade spinning out of control, thus winning the match.
The 3rd round semi finals win should have sent them into the finals that would have them facing the as predicted extremely strong pair of Tala Valkov and Maes Hughes, but as their block had one extra team they first had to go through the equally as strong, Britain 1/Canada pair.
An caught up to them shortly before their match was set to begin, embracing Liika heartily and giving Marik a salute. "We're rooting for you now!" She said laughing, and adding that Kajimoto would get over it some day.
That left them standing beside dish #2, where they started the event, watching the excited press and the disappointed bladers mill around while everyone waited for the BBA announcer to start the semi-final of the B block.
"What are you thinking?"
"That those have to be two of the sissiest guys I've ever seen."
"Not everyone can be as manly and perfect as you," Liika returned wryly. "Just think of what that would do to your ego if any of them was."
"Your mouth is getting better," he smirked before putting her into a head lock.
They struggled for several minutes, Marik laughing and Liika cursing. They were reprimanded several times by officials and bladers alike, but both ignored it, far too intent on having their fun.
"Ahh, young children. It's so sad when they actually grow up."
Marik let Liika go with an extra hair mussing for good measure. Liika, scowling, turned to Tala and his partner, trying to salvage some sense of dignity by straightening her now-chaotic hair. "Red, what are you doing here?"
Tala's teeth flashed as he reached forward and mussed up the hair Liika had just finished flattening. "Just came over to inform you that we want the honor of defeating the pair that shocked and humiliated the entire event."
"You'll get your chance, just like the rest of the line up of losers," Marik said plainly, flattening Liika's hair with one hand. "And you'll be shocked and humiliated just they were."
"Ah ah ah," Maes chirped, leaning on Tala who accepted it with little motion. "Your little tricks won't work on us. We know your game"
Liika crossed her arms over her chest and quirked an eyebrow. "Then you'll also know not to underestimate us. Tala knows better than anyone the consequences of such a mistake."
Again his teeth flashed, only this time it was accompanied by a flick to the forehead. "All my life little witch. As my esteemed partner just said, we won't be sucked in so easily."
"You're pitiful attempt at trash talk is boring me. Run away now and prepare to take your loss like men." Marik interrupted, steering Liika towards the dish, both hands on her shoulders. "We have two other sissies to destroy."
Before Liika could realize, they were on the platform facing the two boys from Britain and Canada. The blond, Mystel, was smirking, one hand on a hip, while the green haired boy, Nicol, smiled in a friendly way. "Hello," Nicol greeted, lifting his hand in a wave.
"I hope you don't try any of your fake fighting crap, bo-ring." Mystel said in way of salutation, a bored expression on his face.
Snorting, Liika mirrored his pose and centered her eyes on his lidded blue orbs. "Why would we, since everyone already knows about it? It was for our amusement anyway." She shrugged.
When the rowdy shouts from her right started, Liika took a step back so she could look around Marik and see the section of seats which were chanting their names. Egypt had made its way down closer to where the two American teams and Canada were sitting. Much of both of the American teams as well as a few members of the Egyptian team were standing and cheering, shouting encouragement and chanting. Most of Canada too was standing, clapping and trying to out shout the three teams beside them.
Another section of seats on the other side of the stadium was where both British teams were. Jocasta and Alex of Britain 2 alongside most of the Etonian boys bellowed their support for Mystel. Brooklyn grinned at his teammates' efforts while chatting quietly with Jake and Linda. One small pink haired girl sat with about five geeky-looking Rugby boys; two were discussing the finer points of a British book series with her, while the other three were altogether shouting and making rude comments towards the Egyptian-American cheering squad. Someone must have said something too crass because all the nerds suddenly got a brief lecture from their forbidding-looking coach and equally imposing lady manager.
"Is it just me," Ian asked his doubles partner, "or does the Rugby team look like they're made up of fashion models, ballroom dancers, and Harry Potter fan club?"
Several people nearby who overheard started sniggering, and Johnny snorted. "Are you kidding me? That's an act so you start underestimating them. It's what they want you to think. Why do you think they came in second at British nationals, because everyone else decided going against Eton was suicide and backed out?"
"I'm just saying—"
"If we lose against them because you're crazy enough to think that—"
"Break it up, guys!" Kai snapped. Soon everyone was cheering, screaming, vocally throwing themselves behind someone down below.
All in all, it was loud and it echoed over the entire stadium.
--
"You should give them pom poms, it would complete the picture better," Marik snerked, eyes flicking up to the seats while setting up his launcher. "Americans and their damn yelling."
"At least there are people cheering for us," Liike replied extending her arm to launch. "Your cheering section is cheering for your partner."
"Unlike you heathens, we don't feel it necessary to make complete asses of ourselves."
"Alright gentlemen – and lady! Are we ready to start this bey-battle?"
Marik looked down at Liika, his arm and launcher extended. "No mercy little hag," he said with a leer. "If we lose, it will be all your fault."
"But no pressure." Liika laughed.
At the sound of the announcer's call the four teenagers launched their blades and straight away they clashed violently, sending a shower of sparks through the air and a riotous cheer through the crowd. It became apparently early on that, much like Marik and herself, Mystel and Nicol had an offense/defense combination that allowed for quick attacks and fall back support. When all four bit beasts appeared the fight really started.
Mystel's Poseidon, a water-demon, water-type beast was an impressive figure, towering over the dish, purple eyes shining. Nicol's earth-type bit beast, Devona, appeared to be some form of deer or large ungulate. It, like it's partner, was jeweled and large and had a large set of antlers that lowered dangerously before the winged beasts before them.
Liika and Marik at least had the advantage of having flying bit beasts, though that advantage could sometimes be a detriment against earth-types that knew how to use their element. Liika was willing to bet Nicol knew how to use his element.
He used it well. The pair of them was adept at the swing and go combination. Nicol would surge forward with his bit beast, putting Akala and Ra on the defensive, only to have their defenses swept away by Poseidon's water attack, which was them quickly followed by a crushing earth attack from Devona.
Consequently, it wasn't surprising that, in the opening minutes of the match, Marik and Liika got their asses handed to them, able only to scramble to avoid attacks and sweeps. Neither was very happy.
"Fucking annoying strategy," Marik muttered, ducking a sweep of the enormous antlers.
"You have to admit though," Liika muttered back, darting away from a tsunami, "They make a good combination."
"My ass."
Liika rolled her eyes, murmuring "Sanctuary" under her breath. Instantly the dish was split down the middle by a line of white energy that extended up and curved around the two bit beasts. The water and earth type beasts crashed ineffectually against the barrier. "That will buy us some time, but we can't stay like this. It's ridiculous."
He grunted, his teeth clenched and his eyes narrowed in thought. When he didn't say anything Liika continued. "They have incredible defense. I though maybe Mystel would be the reckless offense type like you, but he's been the defense in this match."
Indigo eyes centered at her and distemper flashed over Marik's face. "Are you capable of a high powered attack?"
Puffing up, Liika scowled up at him. "Of course I am, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
This brought a smirk to his lips. "Good, almost thought you were completely useless with all your defense." The words were biting but his tone was teasing.
"Are you going to hide behind your defense shield all day or what?" Mystel called over the dish impatiently.
Beside him Nicol scratched his head. "Mystel's getting impatient since your shield is so good."
"Thanks," Liika replied before turning to Marik. "Do you have a plan or what? Energy draining here."
Eyebrow quirking, Marik leaned down so that he was nose to nose with her. "I'm going to distract them with an illusion. Ra's defenses are good enough to take their attacks for a couple of minutes. In those minutes ready one of your strongest attacks and aim for one of them."
"Because I can't take them both out at once with you distracted elsewhere. Got it, though I reserve the right to adjust the plan as we go."
He flicked her nose as he pulled away, and nodded at her to drop the Sanctuary. At once the barrage started as bit beasts attacked head on. Marik, however, was ready for them, and with a dark expression he held out a hand and said clearly, "Shades!"
Ra's reaction was instantaneous. A black-purple smoke-like substance began to swirl around the dish and all of a sudden there were six Ras and all of them began attacking the two confused bit beasts. Mystel and Nicol attempted a counter attack but every time they tried to counter, their assault passed through the various illusions. Marik's illusions, however, were doing real damage to the two beasts, causing them to fall back.
"Now," Marik hissed.
Liika already had a plan, and she just hoped Marik would get the hint and finish it in completion, otherwise they were screwed. Here was hoping they knew each other well enough. "Silver Cross!"
Akala paused, arranging her hands to form a triangle. From the triangle sprang white ribbons of energy which hurtled towards the large deer-like beast Devona and wrapped around her neck, antlers, legs and torso. Liika steeled herself against the energy drain as well as the feeling of the other bit beast fighting back. "Marik!"
Though startled, Marik understood what she had planned within seconds. Without acknowledging her, Marik cancelled his illusion attack and shouted a new command. "Unholy Song!"
Ra shifted his energy and opened his massive jaws. With a mighty breath, a giant bolt of dark energy and sound sped towards Devona. When it connected, just as the bit beast was tearing free of her bonds, it sent it and it's master flying backward. Devona disappeared, Nicol landed hard on the edge of the platform, his blade beside him.
It took the crowd, and the two pairs to realize that the match was over. When they did thundering applause and whistling echoed through the stadium in a deafening roar. Liika sagged a bit against Marik, who steadied her with a hand on her back. Both recalled their blades.
"Clever," Marik complimented in a way only he could – derogatory and half-insulting.
"You, are a monster." Liika said between heavy breaths. "I hope to God I don't have to meet you as your opponent."
Pulling away from Marik, Liika made her way around the dish, towards the two boys. Mystel was just pulling Nicol up and making sure he wasn't hurt. As she approached, both turned to her. Mystel shook his head, grinning. "That was damn smart," he said, extending his hand towards her.
She shook his hand and then Nicol's. Nicol was smiling at her in a way that told her there were no hard feelings. "I know when to concede defeat. We were outsmarted as well as overpowered. You compliment each other well."
"Thanks," she answered, smiling back.
Neither boy really expected Marik to come over and shake their hands, and he didn't, but he did give them a nod of respect, which meant something coming from him. The four left the platform then, just as the announcer came over the loud speaker. "There you have it! The Singles Sync final will feature the pairing of USA 1 and Germany against the surprise upstart pairing of USA 2 and Egypt! We will now adjourn for an hour and a half for a dinner break before coming back here for the final match!"
"Come on little hag," Marik said, scooping her into a half-headlock. "You can buy me dinner."
"Okay, since we get it for free anyway, but we're eating with my team."
"Che, as long as Bakura sits on my other side so I can have some intelligent conversation."
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