The Other Side of the Story
Summary: After the BEGA incident, Reine finds herself unable to cope with the blind side of the world which turning away from all that's been done and will happen with the sport of beyblade. As a new BBA program was set into action, she finds herself, along with her beyblade-hating town, stuck as the proto-type. The BBA program was made to help blader-haters all over the world to cope and even get to love beyblading as a sport. Reine finds herself in the middle of things when the bladers chose her school for their first experiment? What would happen when you throw beybladers at blader-hating mobs? Nothing pretty.
Disclaimer: I don't earn Beyblade. I do own my OC's as well as the plot.
Pairings: I've got some pairing worked out and only a couple are left pending. ;-D
Rating: T for mild swearing
Quick AN: This story is told in multiple point-of-views so the key below should help to determine what's being said. I hope it's not too confusing.
(action)
'thoughts'
"talking"
/talking with bitbeast via mind link/
Chapter 17 – Operation D.T.S.
Reine's POV
We managed to get Durby set up in the Saint Shield's suite after he set the time for a group meeting. He went without protest but I can't say the same about Tala.
"What the hell is up with you! Why am I being moved?" he screamed in frustration. Staring coldly at him, I answered, "Because we don't need you to meddle in our affairs," before stalking off.
"Meddling in your affairs? Tamayo's my girlfriend!"
Eyeing him disgustedly, I answered, "No, she's not."
Kai reached out and placed a hand on Tala's shoulder, silently commanding him to back off. Sending one last angry glare in my direction, Tala stalked down the hall and into his new suite, mumbling incoherent curses under his breath.
"That went well," I sighed, leaning my head against Kai's shoulder.
"Better than I thought," he murmured back, staring after the retreating back of his friend, "He usually doesn't back off without a fight."
"So you would've beaten him to a bloody pulp if he didn't leave?" I teased, my eyes twinkling mischievously as I eyed my boyfriend.
"I could've tried. Tala's no pushover."
Smirking at his response, I gave him a peck on the cheek before saying, "I'm going to see how Tamayo's doing. You should inform everyone else about the meeting."
Grunting in response, he headed towards suite 156. I slipped, discreetly, into our suite before knocking quietly on Tamayo's door.
"Who is it?" came her muffled response. Her voice sounded stuffy as if she hadn't stopped crying. Cringing slightly and preparing for the worst, I answered, "It's Reine."
I heard some shuffling before the door creaked open and Tamayo's green eyes peering at me from a crack. Seeing that I was alone, she opened the door all the way before ushering me inside. Plopping down on the floor beside her, I eyed her before talking softly.
"Are you holding up okay? He's not going to bother you anymore. I made sure he switched suites."
She nodded tiredly before clasping her hands over her knees as she leaned against the side of her bed.
"I don't trust her," she mumbled.
"Trust who?" I asked suspiciously, having a faint idea who she's referring to.
"Celine," she answered, her voice gaining strength as we focused on a different subject. I nodded in agreement. From the short glimpse I had caught of her when I left earlier, she looked…foreboding and evil. I couldn't read her very well. It might've just been my imagination, but I doubt it. From what I could tell, she was smirking as we argued and fought amongst ourselves.
"Me neither," I finally replied, snapping out of my thoughts.
"We should keep an eye on her," Tamayo announced as she stood up and dusted off her pants. I stared at her in surprise as she turned her hard gaze onto me, "I'll watch her."
"I don't know how Tala would like it if you suspected her. They seem close," I said as I stood up too.
"I can handle Tala," she replied, a determined glint in her eyes, "I think he's trusting her more than he should. He should remember he's on a mission and almost anyone can be the enemy."
"Alright, if you say so," I answered uncertainly, not wanting Tamayo to confront Tala more than necessary, but not if she has anything to say about it, "I'll only allow you to do that if you stay near Brooklyn whenever you approach them."
"Fine," she answered as she headed out the door. Turning back, she looked at me over her shoulder.
"You coming?"
Shrugging nonchalantly, I followed her out. Brooklyn was sitting languidly on one of the leather couches in the lounge. As soon as he spotted us he smiled pleasantly.
"Feeling better?" he asked sincerely as Tamayo plunked herself next to him."Much," she sniffed before turning and smirking at him before she started to tease him about being a pushover by agreeing so easily to change suites.
'I'm glad she rebounded back quickly. Even though most of it is a façade, she's doing better than expected.'
/She's strong, little one./
'You're right, Esilé. She's very strong.'
Deciding that Brooklyn should have a break from her incessant teasing, I interrupted.
"Durby's calling a meeting at 8 tonight. We're meeting in the Saint Shield's suite."
They gave me a curt nod before they turned back to their conversation. Sighing in resignation, I headed out and decided it was best to talk to Tala while he's willing to listen.
'I guess he deserves to know what he did wrong. I don't know if he will correct it, but it's better than nothing.'
/Everyone deserves a second chance. He didn't know/ Esilé said, her middle head rearing tiredly as she drifted in and out of sleep. It was the time of day where she has her ritual nap.
'Right. Thanks Esilé.'
She hummed in reply before dropping her head tiredly and drifting off.
Pausing in front of suite 203, I hesitated before knocking softly on the door.
"What?" Tala snarled as he wrenched the door open. I cocked an eyebrow at him.
'Looks like someone's in a pissy mood.'
"I came to talk to you," I answered coldly before brushing past him and entering his new suite.
"I trust you know when the meeting is?"
Tala glared at me before jerking his head towards the right, indicating he did know.
"Spit it out, Tanaka. What do you want?" he spat as he continued to glower at me. Crossing my hands defensively across my chest, I eyed him down.
"I'm here to tell you just exactly what you did wrong."
Scrutinizing me for a few seconds, he finally led the way to the couches in the lounge. Following him slowly, I took a seat across from him, staring intently into his icy blue eyes as I started to explain slowly.
"You might not think what you did was wrong, but due to Tamayo's…circumstances, it holds more meaning."
Holding up a hand, I stopped him from interrupting me.
"She has a…difficult past and she doesn't need anyone to give her a hard time. We believe, as in me, Eris, Toji, and Tamayo, that you guys should take it easy for a bit in the current predicament."
He settled grudgingly and waited for me to continue.
"First, you didn't introduce her to your new friend and ignored Tamayo to take her out to coffee. Secondly, you didn't tell Tamayo where you were going."
"Why the hell does she need to know where the fuck I am? It's none of her business!" he exploded.
"It is her business because she's your girlfriend," I answered coolly, my patience wearing thin, "Who knows if you're cheating on her or not?"
"I would never cheat on her!" he exclaimed.
"But she doesn't know that," I answered softly, eyeing him to see if he's lying, "and neither do I. We don't know you long enough."
He fell silent as he contemplated my words before he asked, sourly, "What's third?"
"You called her fat," I answered deadpanned.
"I didn't call her fat," he argued, looking exasperated.
"No, but you inferred it, along with Toji. The difference is you actually meant it. Toji knows of her…past and she knows he's teasing, unlike you. Just like what I said before, you don't have our complete trust because we don't know you."
"Well, I would know what to do and what not to if you told me about her freaking past!" he said exasperatedly as he ran his hand through his hair.
"That's for Tamayo to tell you when she's ready. No one else should. She will tell you when she's good and ready, and when she finally trusts you," I stated firmly, indicating that it's the end of the conversation, "I don't know what you're going to do and I don't care if you try to right what you did wrong, but if you hurt or pressure her, you will pay."
Sending one last glare in his direction, I let myself out. As soon as the mahogany door was shut securely behind me, I leaned back and breathed deeply.
"I take it that it went well," I heard someone ask as I spotted a familiar person in my peripheral vision.
"Good enough. Now all he needs to do is gain her trust again," I sighed as straightened myself, "What time is it?"
"One-thirty," Kai replied.
"No wonder I'm so hungry," I grumbled as we headed back to our suite, "What do you say about calling room service for pizza?"
"Sounds good," he answered as we stepped inside.
"Hey Reine! Kai! We're just about to call room service for pizza! Do you want some?" Tamayo called as she placed one hand over the mouthpiece of the phone.
"Sound great!" I called back as I sat on one of the loveseats. Kai placed himself next to me before putting an arm around my shoulders. Brooklyn looked amusedly at us as he slouched on one of the couches lazily.
"Where's Eris and Toji?" I asked as I looked around. Brooklyn shrugged before answering, "I think they went out for lunch saying something like 'We don't do room service'."
I sniggered. Tamayo and I played a prank on them a long time ago using room service and they were never the same. A few minutes later Tamayo flounced over.
"Durby and the Saint Shields are joining us for lunch so I ordered 3 large pizzas. I figured it's enough since Tyson isn't coming."
"I guess we get an early heads up from whatever he has to say," I answered nonchalantly, not particularly wanting to stay up late and listen to Durby prat about the Skullz.
We didn't have to wait long before they came knocking on our suite door.
"I got it!" Tamayo shouted as she bolted towards the door.
"She seems okay," Kai murmured in my ear.
"It's an act. She's perfected her mask after many years," I whispered back, snuggling close to his body. He was comfortably warm.
"Durbs!" I heard Tamayo shout excitedly before there was a loud crash and a few moans of pain. Chuckling quietly, I relished the vibrations from Kai's chest as he laughed silently. A few moments later, the group entered the room with Tamayo clinging to Durby's back while he balanced three boxes of pizza. Apparently room service had delivered the pizzas just as they arrived. The Aussie placed the three boxes on the coffee table before collapsing on the couch beside Brooklyn.
"So mates, I guess youse want a heads up on the situation?" he asked as he rubbed his hands delightedly.
"Yup!" Tamayo chirped as she took a slice of pepperoni pizza before biting into the cheesy slice with relish.
"I found some floor plans and security stats when I hacked their database. I can't believe how easy it was to hack. Those wankers are stupider than I thought. If everything goes according to plan, Operation D.T.S. will be easier than taking a lolly from a baby," he stated happily, basking in his success before reaching for a slice of cheese pizza.
"Can you give a copy of your information to Kenny and Emily? They're in charge of our information teams. You can stay with Emily's group while I move Ming-Ming to base instead," I suggested after I swallowed my bite of pizza.
"Sounds like a plan, mate," Durby agreed as he bit into his second slice, "And I believe there are more guards than I thought so we will have to make backup teams 1 and 2 take some."
Nodding to his suggestion, I heard Kai ask, "Will it affect our operating teams?"
"Nah, it shouldn't," Durby said as he brushed off Kai's question, "We are more than prepared even though I think it wouldn't be wise to send a group of four as an operation team."
He sent a disapproving look in the Saint Shield's direction.
"Youse should take at least two of the base team. We don't need many people here."
"We'll be fine," Ozuma said as he stared at us unnervingly, "We are more than enough for an operating team."
Durby sighed and shrugged nonchalantly.
"Fine, it's your deaths."
Ozuma grunted as he turned back to his lunch as Mariam scolded Dunga for pigging out while Joseph laughed in the background.
"So the teams are set and ready to go, no?" Durby asked as he turned back to Kai and me.
"Yup. The observers are ready to head out tomorrow morning. I trust the guard shifts haven't changed?"
"Nope. They still have four four-hour shifts before pulling an all-nighter. I'm not sure how heavily armed they are, but it can be pretty heavy seeing they're near the slums at the edge of the city and there aren't many people to see. So who's taking what shift?"
"Julia is taking early morning from six a.m. to ten a.m. Raul is switching with her from ten a.m. to two p.m. After Raul is Jim taking from two p.m. to six p.m. with Goki taking the final shift from six p.m. to ten p.m.," I recited as I ticked the name off my fingers.
"Sounds good," Durby complimented as he finished his final slice before sitting back and patting his belly, "So can you give me an update on the groups after our changes?"
"Sure Durbs," I said as I wiped the pizza sauce off my face with a piece of napkin.
"Since backup teams 1 and 2 need to take on some of the guards, I'll give them the sides to patrol. Team 1, which are Julia, Raul, Jim, and Goki, are taking the front guards while Team 2, Eris, Toji, Tamayo, and Tyson, take the back guards. Backup 1, which are King, Queen, Claude, and Aaron, take the left side and Backup 2, Zeo, Gordo, Miguel, and Mathilda, take the right. The two 'Brains' are headed by Kenny and Emily. Brain 1, which are Kenny, Hilary, Daichi, Kane, and Salima, are going to be hidden in the building in front of the headquarters giving instructions to Op. Teams 1 and 3. Brain 2, which are Emily, Max, Rick, Crusher, and you, Durby, will be hidden in the building behind the headquarters giving instructions to Op. Teams 2 and 4. Op. Team 1 consists of me, Kai, Brookly, Mystel, Garland, and Johnny. Op. Team 2 consists of Ray, Mariah, Lee, Kevin, Gary, and Oliver. Op. Team 3 consists of Tala, Spencer, Ian, Bryan, Robert, and Enrique. Finally Op. Team 4 consists of the Saint Shields: Ozuma, Mariam, Joseph, and Dunga. Holding the base is Michael, Steve, Eddy, and Ming-Ming."
Nodding, satisfied, Durby stood up and stretched.
"I'm going to head over and try to find Kenny and Emily to give them what I dug up. Where are they again?"
"They're in suites 156 and 225," Tamayo said as she licked her fingers clean of any remaining pizza sauce.
"Thanks Red," Durby called over his shoulder while Tamayo glared at his retreating back.
"Don't call me RED!" she shouted, pouting as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Soon it was eight and everyone was squished uncomfortably in the Saint Shield's suite.
"I trust that everyone knows the procedure?" Durby asked as we finally settled down. Nods were seen throughout the room as well and a couple of 'yeah's were heard.
"Okay, mates. Remember the point of the Operation D.T.S. is to gather as much information as possible on the possible sponsor organization without putting anyone in too much danger. We break in and out in under an hour and hopefully we would've finished everything, that includes getting his nibs arrested. Any questions?"
"Durby," Tala called quietly. Everyone's attention was turned to the Russian redhead. They had all heard about Tamayo's breakup and feeling less than sympathetic towards him.
"Yeah?" Durby asked, unaware of the tension in the room.
"Celine wants to help," Tala stated bluntly, getting straight to the point.
"NO!" Tamayo shouted as she shot up and glared venomously at the Russian, "She doesn't know about any of this. This is our group mission."
"Yes she does. She's a qualified member of the BBA and I trust her with my life," he snarled back, not backing down from her challenge.
"What do you mean 'Yes, she does'? Did you tell her?" I asked darkly, feeling my rage shimmer under the surface.
"She knows all about Operation D.T.S. and as I said before, I told her because I trust her with my life. She wouldn't put our plan in jeopardy," Tala stated defensively, facing my anger dead on, "She's experienced in this field so she'll be heaps more help than most of the people here."
He glared pointedly at a fuming Tamayo. Her emerald eyes glittered with suppressed anger.
"You are a fool," I spat coldly as I heard Esilé his dangerously in the back of my mind, "Did I not tell you that everything has to go by me first before you tell anyone?"
"She was raised in the abbey along with me and the rest of the Blitzkrieg Boys. We know she's trustworthy," he continued stubbornly, "Besides, you wouldn't have listened to my request because you're the wench's friend."
Tamayo's nostrils flared as she eyed him coolly.
"What does her being my friend have anything to do with this? She's one of the leaders of this project and we respect her decisions. She's a great judge of character. The real reason you didn't run your request through with her is because we all know that Celine isn't trustworthy."
"How dare you?" Tala hissed as he advanced on the petite redhead, his icy blue eyes hard in anger, "You don't even know her. The reason I know Tanaka wouldn't accept my request is because you'll influence her decision."
"I don't let personal preferences influence my decisions," I said coldly, "I do what's best for everyone so there won't be any accidents resulting in anything serious. I put the group before myself. I'm surprised that you of all people put your personal preferences before the group and our cause. Besides, doesn't it seem just a bit strange that Celine turns up just as we're about to head out and do the operation, with her matching all the requirements and more. I do not trust her. It seems too suspicious. Maybe with our next operation, we can include her but you couldn't wait. You just put the lot of us in jeopardy. What if she's a spy?"
"She wouldn't spy on us!" Tala snarled, "She's loyal. You wouldn't know because you weren't raised in the abbey. In the harsh conditions we only had ourselves. We relied on our wit and our friendship formed a bond stronger than family. We're family to her and she would never betray us."
"Valcov!" Kai barked warningly, his crimson gaze boring holes into the other Russian's head. Durby coughed uncomfortably.
"Since you already told her, I believe it's best to have her working with one of the groups so at least a couple of us can watch over her actions," he suggested, "She will have more room to do whatever she pleases if we leave her out seeing Tala told her everything."
I thought about this for a while.
'It's true that it's safer if we keep her close, just as the saying 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. I guess Tamayo will want to watch over her if we do,' I mused.
"Fine," I finally bit out as I leaned tiredly into Kai's warm frame, "She's on Team 2 under Tamayo, Eris, Toji, and Tyson's watch."
"What! She should join the Operating Teams because she has the experience!" Tala interrupted angrily.
"No," I replied coolly, "She's sitting back for this one. Her experience will help Team 2 distract the back guards. We have to see where her loyalty lies as well as her skills. Do you guys agree to watch over Celine?"
"Yeah," Tamayo answered as she caught my eye, nodding in silent agreement to our previous pact.
"Well," Durby coughed nervously, "I guess the meeting's adjourned."
Tala stormed out and headed towards the elevator, probably to tell Celine all about the latest predicament. Sighing, I took Kai's hand as he helped me up.
"Do you think it's a good idea to put her on a working team?" he asked quietly.
"Team 2 has the people I would trust with my life. They'll keep an eye on her," I replied as we headed back, "You were at the abbey for a bit, right? What do you think about Tala's points? Are they valid?"
Kai thought for a bit before he answered.
"I was only there for my younger years, but from what I could remember, you always had to rely on yourself first before you rely on anyone else. I think Tala forgot that so he found her extremely trustworthy. I have my doubts, but from what I can see, I think we can trust her."
Sighing softly, I whispered, "I hope you're right."
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't help but review my first encounter with this Celine. Her amethyst eyes held a cold glint, just like Tala and the rest of the Blitzkrieg Boys, but there's also something else in her eyes. Even with my sharpened empathy skills, curtsy of Esilé, I couldn't tell what it was. She doesn't give off the same vibes, that much I could tell. Rolling over, I stared blankly at the ceiling.
'Did I make the right choice? Should I move her to Tala's team where they'll keep a better eye on her? No, I'm right. They'll probably trust her too much and let her off, but Robert's on that team.'
Sighing, I closed my eyes and placed my arm on my forehead.
'I'll just have to trust my instincts. If my instincts are wrong, I'll never forgive myself.'
The next day came and gone without much incident. We met Celine a couple of times, but I couldn't tell much about her from the span of time we spent in each other's company. From what I can tell, she doesn't trust me just as much as I don't trust her.
'What does she have to hide?' I thought as I remembered her latest excuse to get away from my scrutinizing eyes. Tala would snarl at me every time she leaves as if it was my fault that she left, which it partly was. I still don't trust her, and I know Eris, Toji, and Tamayo doesn't either. Everyone else pretty much trust her since the Blitzkrieg Boys does. Even Kai seems to trust her a bit. That night, Julia, Raul, Jim, and Goki reported their findings.
"Every guard has a set of beyblade and launcher. We were unable to identify the model type or what they're stats are due to the lack of confrontation. There are about three guards on each side per shift, but five through the eight hour all-nighter," Julia announced, her green eyes flickering to Celine every once in a while as she continued to stare at the Spanish blader with her unblinking, amethyst eyes. Julia shifted uncomfortably as silence reigned after her report.
"Thanks Julia," I finally said as she sat down with relief. Standing near the front of the group, I looked at everyone seriously.
"Tomorrow, we attack. We shall attack at the change of shifts between ten p.m. and ten-o-five p.m. just as the five new guards emerge. Team 1 and 2 and Backup 1 and 2 will be position as soon as it hits the five. From then, we will have approximately an hour to get in and get out with the necessary information as well as apprehend the sector leader. Operating teams one through four should destroy any and all computer rooms as well as surveillance tapes. Destroy anything that might look beneficial to their organization and keep any records that may seem like a lead to the sponsor."
Everyone nodded before leaving to their suites to sleep off their exhaustion for the upcoming day.
Somewhere Unknown
"They'll be attacking the Skullz base in Bern tomorrow night at 22:05," an anonymous voice echoed in the dark room.
"Excellent. Venom, you know what to do, correct?"
"Yes. I have informed Dirk about their arrival. He's ready for them. I will be ready and waiting. I'm ready to take out B103."
"Good. I expect progress, Venom. Do not disappoint me."
"Of course, sir."
With an inaudible beep, the connection was terminated.
"They won't know what happened to their flawless plan, those ingrates. The traitors will be warned sufficiently, I hope."
The man chuckled darkly.
(AN: I think I'll cut it off here. Give you something to chew over since it's so suspenseful! xD BWAHAHAHAHA!
Ok. I'm not that mean. Since you guys had to wait so long for this update, I guess I can write more.)
Normal POV – Saturday 21:50
"Team 1, are you in position?" Reine's voice crackled over the walkie-talkie.
"Loud and clear," Jim answered.
"Team 2, are you in position?" Reine asked.
"Check!" Tamayo chirped back. Shaking her head at her friend's hyperness, Reine proceeded to check on all the teams.
"Backup 1?"
"We're in position," came Claude's voice.
"Backup 2?"
"Ready to roll," Mathilda said cheerfully.
"Brains 1 and 2?"
"Ready!" Kenny and Emily said simultaneously.
"Operating Team 2?"
"Here," came Mariah's chipper reply.
"Operating Team 3?"
"Hn," Bryan grunted.
"Operating Team 4?"
"We're good," Mariam's voice crackled.
"Base?"
"How do you work this thing? Is it on? Oh. Hello? Hello? Can you hear us?"
"They can hear you Michael!"
Reine stared at her walkie-talkie in amusement as she heard various group members snicker.
"Teams 1 and 2 and Backup 1 and 2, take your positions. It's 10:00 and the guards are switching," Reine whispered as she put her walkie-talkie down and adjusted her earpiece.
"Roger," four voices answered as the groups shifted to a more comfortable position.
"Brain 1, are you safely hidden and guarded?"
"We're set."
"Brain 2, are you safely hidden and guarded?"
"All set, mate," Durby's voice answered.
"Durby, put Emily on. She's going to be leading Op. Teams 2 and 4, not you."
"Right," came his sheepish reply before she heard Emily bickering with him in the background with the ever peaceful Max trying to stop them.
"It's ten-o-five. Move out!" Reine commanded as sounds of scuffling feet were heard over the radio. The rest waited impatiently for the sound of engagement so that Op. Teams 1 through 4 can move in. Team 1 was first to make contact.
"Hey you! What're you doing here?" one of the guards called out as the four bladers flitted in and out of the shadows.
"Punks! We're talking to you!" another guard shouted as he reached for his blade and launcher. Soon all five guards had launched their blades, chasing the bladers as they headed for a nearby alleyway. Before long, there were sounds of clashing beyblades as Team 1 drew them into battle.
"Op. Team 1 is moving in," Reine murmured into her earpiece as her group of six darted out of the shadows and made it inside the building.
"Kenny, can you hack their system and scramble the sequences for the security cameras?" Kai asked as he ran beside Reine.
"I'll try, Kai," Kenny replied as rapid clicking could be heard from their earpieces. The group vaguely heard Backup 1 and 2 make contact. King and Queen could be heard commanding Gabriel and Ariel to attack mixed with some commands from Zeo and Gordo as both groups engaged the guards. Their feet pounded heavily on the tiled floor as their footsteps echoing eerily off the walls. It doesn't help that the hallway was extremely dark and you could barely make out the person in front of you.
"Where is everyone?" Mystel asked as his eyes darted from side to side, "There should be more guards than that."
"They probably thought they didn't need anymore guards seeing they're the all powerful Skullz and no one is insane enough to storm their headquarters, egotistic bastards," Reine answered as she ran effortlessly beside the Scot.
"Turn right," Kenny's voice commanded as they approached an intersection, "There's a computer lab on your left-hand side 3 doors down."
Veering to the right, the group followed Kenny's instructions to only run into a heavily armed group of guards.
"Spoke too soon," Garland muttered as he reached back and pulled out his gold beyblade. The rest followed suite.
"Kenny, we'll take a while before we're able to destroy that lab. There's a bunch of guards here. We're engaging them. Over and out," Reine reported as she grabbed her orange and white blade, careful not to disturb the deep blue blade containing Clytem.
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As soon as Backup 1 and 2 engaged in battle, Op. Team 3 and 4 headed inside. Tala's ice blue eyes flickered from shadow to shadow as Ian ran beside him. Robert and Enrique ran behind the duo while Bryan and Spencer flanked the entire group.
"Op. Team 1 had engaged," Kenny's voice crackled in their earpieces, "There's a computer lab directly on your left at the next turn."
"Roger that," Tala replied monotonously as he was trained to back at the abbey. Skirting around the corner, the group ran into a group of guards, all of which are as heavily armed as the group encountered by Op. Team 1.
"We've engaged," Robert reported as he brought out his purple beyblade, "There's a group of guards in front of this computer lab. Looks like our plan leaked out."
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Reine vaguely heard Robert's comment as his voice crackled through.
"Shit," she cursed as her orange blade dodged another sharpened blade before doubling back and slamming it into the concrete wall where it shattered into harmless plastic pieces. Moving over to her boyfriend, she nudged him discreetly before whispering the news.
"Robert thinks this is a setup. Our plan was leaked."
Kai cursed colorfully as Dranzer destroyed another blade.
"Does anyone else know?" he asked, his eyes glued to the battle.
"I don't think anyone else heard what he said. I barely heard and I would've missed it if I hadn't just destroyed a blade and was taking a breather," Reine answered as her blade engaged another one in a game of cat and mouse.
"Does Kenny know?"
"Of course. Robert was telling him and I just overheard."
"Okay. Contact Emily and tell her to warn Op. Teams 2 and 4 so they can just head for the office."
"I don't think it's a good idea," Reine answered, "Since our plan was indeed leaked, then they'll have a heavy defense. We don't want anyone hurt. I'll just tell Emily to proceed as planned with extra caution. We need the element of surprise. We're outnumbered as it is."
"Fine," Kai answered as Dranzer barely dodged a blade's assault, "I'll cover for you."
Nodding her thanks, Reine hid behind Kai as she concentrated on the earpiece's noise and called to Emily.
"Reine? What is it?" Emily answered after a second's pause. Reine could still disconcert the sounds of the raging battle behind her but she willed herself to forget it.
"We have a suspicion our plan was leaked. Tell Op. Teams 2 and 4 not to engage unless necessary and not to head to the office. Op. Team 1 will, with the help of Op. Team 3. We need the element of surprise so hit them fast and draw back."
"Got you loud and clear, Reine. I'll tell Op. Team 2 and 4 now. Later and out."
With a click, Emily had turned the frequency from Reine's receiver to a bare minimum while she shouted instructions to Op. Teams 2 and 4.
"She's going to warn them," Reine informed Kai as she rejoined the battle, helping Kai push back a particularly vicious blade. Her orange blade zigzagged around a green blade before turning 130 degrees and slamming it at a breakneck speed into the concrete wall.
"We're setting off to the office after we collect data from this computer lab. We're meeting Op. Team 3 before engaging them."
Kai grunted in answer as he pushed back at an offending blade.
"Let's hope the others are having more luck then us."
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Tala was destroying blades left and right. It was just like a simulation back in Biovolt. Spencer, Bryan, and Ian weren't having much problems destroying the blades quickly and efficiently, with the minimum amount of energy, while Enrique and Robert were having a harder time but quickly catching on to their techniques.
"Tala? This is Op. Team 1. We're heading to the office after we finish the guards, collect the information, and destroy the lab. We'll meet up with you at the T-junction before the office."
"Right," Tala grunted as he made eye contact with the rest of his team, making sure they heard. Nodding back at Tala, they quickly demolished the rest of the remaining blades and knocked out the guards before bounding them. Ian, Bryan, and Tala made their way inside the lab while Spencer, Robert, and Enrique stood guard outside. Quickly inserting a CD, Tala waited impatiently as all the files were copied. The minutes crept by slowly as the loading bar on the screen of computer slowly reached 100 percent. Soon the group heard a beep indicating that the process was done. Ejecting the CD and pocketing it, Tala shot his beyblade at the mainframes, tearing through their circuits and wiring like mesh. Ian and Bryan followed suite and before long, the lab was trashed.
"Let's go," he commanded coldly as they headed out. Quickly regrouping, they headed down the hall and followed Kenny's instructions to the T-junction.
--------------------
"Salamulyon! Destroy them!" Johnny commanded as his red blade knocked three blades into the air and flipped them upside-down. With a few, brief commands, the group ended the skirmish. Kai, Garland, and Johnny bound and gagged the guards while Brooklyn, Mystel, and Reine hurried inside the computer lab. Inserting a CD, Reine started to download everything from the mainframes. With the data stored safely in her pocket, the group proceeded to demolish the room.
"Poseidon! Ocean Javelin!" Mystel commanded as his bitbeast emerged from his blade in a rush of water, immediately short-circuiting some of the machinery while Reine and Brooklyn tore into the waterproof ones. Satisfied with their results, the trio hurried out and joined the three other bladers before heading towards the T-junction.
Within minutes, the two teams arrived at their point of destination. Glancing briefly at each other and sending the other curt nods, they waited patiently for Kenny to instruct them farther.
"If you go straight down, you will reach the main offices. From the infrared cameras I hacked, it seems like there's a huge group of guards position there. If you head towards the right after reaching the end of the hall instead of continuing to go straight, you should encounter the least amount."
"Thanks Kenny," Reine said as she eyed Robert and motioning him over, "What do you say about splitting off into smaller groups that can back each other instead of mass chaos?"
"Sounds good," he answered. Voicing her opinions to Kai, they agreed it was for the best.
"We're going to split into groups of four. They'll be three groups and your group members can back you. Pick people you're comfortable working with and trust," Reine instructed.
Kai, Robert, Reine, and Garland formed one group while Mystel, Brooklyn, Johnny, and Enrique formed another leaving the Blitzkrieg boys as the third group.
"Let's go. Remember to stick as close together as you can."
Reine took the lead as she navigated the halls with apparent ease, her connection with Esilé heightening her senses. Before long, the groups encountered the said guards and started to fight their way down the remaining length of the hall. Surprisingly, it was relatively easier than before.
"That's strange," Reine mumbled as she totaled another blade, leaving it to a worthless heap. Without warning, one guard tackled her to the ground and away from her group. Skidding to halt and crashing against the wall, she got slowly to her feet, clutching her throbbing head.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Isn't it the brat? Are you ready to face the promise I made six years ago?"
Freezing, her gaze rose slowly only to lock on a pair of cynical, green eyes.
"Are you ready to die?"
Tamayo's POV – Saturday 22:05
I heard Reine give us the signal to move out. I waited until Celine left before making my way behind her, watching her for any suspicious activity. Tyson was leading the way followed by Eris, Toji, Celine, and finally me. Celine's lime-green hair glittered prettily in the moonlight. I felt a pang of sadness remembering the way Tala had looked at her. Shaking my head to rid myself of these thoughts, I focused on my mission.
'Come on Tamayo! Focus! You don't want to look incompetent, now, do you? What would Tala say?'
Gritting my teeth, I promised that I'll prove him wrong. I'm just as good at this as Celine even though she might have more experience. Suddenly, I heard Tyson shouting loudly.
"Hey you, goons! Yeah you! I'm talking to you! You think you're so good? Want to go against the world champ and see how good you are? Come on!"
That was our cue to head for the back area that Kenny had picked out earlier for our confrontation. I heard Tyson's approaching footsteps followed by more clattering feet.
"Now!" Eris hissed as she darted from shadow to shadow and followed the group towards the empty lot. Suddenly Celine was tackled from the side and fell, with a shriek, into a dark alleyway. Cursing under my breath, I followed her and the goon inside. Without warning, I felt someone smash my head into the wall of the alley, destroying my earpiece and walkie-talkie transmitter.
'Shit! I can't contact anyone now. I guess I'm on my own, well if you don't count Celine. Talk of the bugger, where is she?'
"Didn't mommy teach her little girl that it isn't safe to play in dark alleyways?" the goon leered at me.
'God! He's such a pedophile!'
"No, but she did teach me this!" I answered as I kneed him sharply in the groin. With a painful groan, he was down for the count.
"And that's what happens when you mess with me, punk," I muttered as I headed out of the alley. Suddenly, I heard dark laughter from behind. I felt a shiver crawl involuntarily up my spine.
'What was that?'
Turning around and peering behind me, I saw nothing but shadows. Shrugging it off as my over-active imagination, I turned to head out before a midnight-black blade flew out of the shadows. Following the blade, a cloaked figure appeared, his face hidden by a skull-like mask.
'His mask is just like Destruction's,' I remembered as I recalled the fateful confrontation in August. I backed up slowly until I was pressed against the alley way. Examining him closer, I saw that unlike Destruction, this guy was a lot smaller. He's more lean and agile rather than bulky and muscular like Loréndoz and Destruction.
"I'm putting you out of commission," the cloaked figure said coldly. Suppressing another shiver, I faced him boldly.
'I wonder where Celine is. I thought she was supposed to be experienced at this! Where is help when you need it?'
"Who are you?" I asked boldly as I frantically searched the alleyway for any sign of the amethyst-eyed girl.
"I'm called Venom, B103," he answered, his voice as cold as before. I stared confusedly at him.
"B103?" I asked just as his blade headed for me, intent on causing as much harm as possible.
"Your friends won't be able to help you," he continued coldly, "so don't even think about it."
Ducking quickly, his blade missed me by centimeters.
"I don't need their help to defeat you! I'll just rely on myself, like I usually do! Go Ciatra!"
I launched my gray beyblade onto the cold concrete as his black blade continued to spin in front of me menacingly.
"Go! Rancor! Show her what real power is!"
His blade darted at mine quickly, slamming it against the alley wall before grinding it deeper into the bricks.
"Ciatra! Counter!"
Just as his black blade drew back to go on another round of assault, Ciatra darted out before doubling-back and slamming his blade into the wall, reversing our roles.
"Not bad, little girl, but you're not disciplined. You're showing too much emotion and that'll be your downfall," the cloaked figure patronized as he broke free without breaking a sweat, "Too bad you won't be able to learn from your mistake. Destroy her, Rancor!"
The blade slammed brutally into mine, forcing it against the wall once more.
"Ciatra!" I cried desperately, eyeing my gray blade worriedly.
'I'm not experienced enough to take him down. What am I going to do?'
/Believe in me. I'll guide you/ Ciatra purred reassuringly.
'I've always believe in you.'
I felt more relaxed when I heard Ciatra's voice.
"Come out! Ciatra!" I heard myself call as I felt a sudden burst of power. A beam of white light shot of my blade as Ciatra reared out with a loud roar.
'Guys, you would be blind not to see that light. I hope you guys get here soon because I could really use your help!'
"So you decided on calling out your pathetic bitbeast. Very well, I'll call out mine! Rancor! Arise!"
With a yellow beam, a poison dart frog hopped out his blade. Its neon yellow and green markings glowed faintly in the dark alleyway. Red eyes stared out vacantly as it turned to face us.
"Feral Slash!" I commanded as Ciatra sprang forward with a low growl, her sharp claws flashing in the dim light. The attack grazed Rancor's side, but he didn't appear to be in pain.
"What!"
"Did you really think you could hurt him? Think again! Use Poison Gas!" the Skullz member commanded, his voice dropping to icy undertones.
Author's Note:
Gah! This chapter took so much planning it wasn't even funny. X.x Sorry for the delay and I hope the longness makes up for it. I couldn't really think of a good action scene so I'm going to stop it here and hope that the next chapter will blow your mind! This plot will carry over to the next chapter before you see the aftermath. xD If you're still confused about the teams, they're listed below with who's in who.
Observers:
Julia, Raul, Jim, Goki
Team 1:
Julia, Raul, Jim, Goki
Team 2:
Tamayo, Eris, Toji, Tyson, and now Celine
Backup 1: (This used to be a backup team until Durby announced the new number of guards so plans changed.)
King, Queen, Aaron, Claude
Backup 2: (This used to be a backup team until Durby announced the new number of guards so plans changed.)
Zeo, Gordo, Miguel, Mathilda
Brain 1:
Kenny, Hilary, Daichi, Kane, Salima
Brain 2:
Emily, Durby, Max, Rick, Crusher
Operation Team 1:
Reine, Kai, Brooklyn, Garland, Mystel, Johnny
Operation Team 2:
Ray, Mariah, Lee, Gary, Kevin, Oliver
Operation Team 3:
Tala, Bryan, Spencer, Ian, Robert, Enrique
Operation Team 4:
Ozuma, Mariam, Joseph, Dunga
Base:
Michael, Steve, Eddy, Ming-Ming
If you have any questions, just send me a message. :)
Okay, this chapter was better, I guess. I hope this fills some info you've been asking for and craving. I can't reveal everything, but by the end of the fic, I should have covered everything. The question now is WILL TAMAYO BE TERMINATED!
Ten points to whoever can guess why Venom is called Venom and what his connection to Rancor is. (I don't mean something like "Rancor is his bitbeast". Be creative people!) xD
I'll toss a bone to you eager readers: I'm referring to Venom using 'he' because in most antagonistic terms in which the character's gender isn't identified, it's usually presumed a 'he'. Venom can be of any gender so keep guessing! xD
Ms. Controversy: I hope you had fun in Jersey. :) Thanks for the review! xD Update soon or I shall start a mob and hunt you down!
I'm so happy that I've reached 79 reviews and 1740 hits! Rock on guys!
I would like to thank whyamidoingthis01, DaCow Takao, soldier4Christ, Sweet-Plum, AnimeCrazy88, Crownowa, Ms. Controversy, and last but not least Sakura-Moonlight for the reviews and understanding. I love you guys!
Please R&R!
Rand-chan