I love those chapters that just seem to come out without you really having to sit and think. Hopefully the rest of the story will be like that wince THIS time I've actually planned almost every detail of this so I don't get writers block. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this!

Thanks to AJ and Katie for reviewing since I couldn't reply to your reviews personally.

Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade

Chapter 2

There were few people Kai Hiwatari would trust to join him in raining on Kingston's parade, quite literally. There were even fewer who he would trust with his life which he knew he would have to do in the events to follow. However, of all the Resistance members gathered in front of him, he could see three of the four or so people watching him expectantly with even, cool eyes. They were Garnet Granger, Ray Kon and Tala Valkov. The final – his cousin Mariah – had been unable to attend as she often didn't. He understood. Her role was more important that all else, in his opinion. She was his eyes inside Kingston's life and she had been able to tell him some information regarding the night's celebrations to come. One had been that it wasn't for Kingston at all as they had been led to believe but for his wife to be, Hilary Tatibana. Another had been that he was planning to marry Hilary in less than three months time once she turned seventeen and if this was to happen everything they'd fought for would be in jeopardy as, much to his surprise and dismay, the girl was the niece of the late King Stanley Dickinson and his only living relative. A final, and one which had caused him to smirk deviously without even him knowing it, was that Mariah and Hilary were planning not to go with Kingston as he had asked but to sneak out and watch on their own accord. He had never met her, but already he had been able to figure out a few things about her character just by her actions to come. First off was that she was not pleased at having to marry Kingston. Second was that she was not going to allow herself to become a door mat for his royal majesty and his ideals more than sent shivers down her spine. Both of these things could prove useful to him for if she did marry Kingston and if she was as strong willed as Mariah had led him to believe then perhaps her influence over her husband could put an end to the tyranny and they could live in peace, or something close to it anyway.

Or, and Kai liked this idea much more, they could kill off Kingston and let Hilary claim her rightful place on the throne. Unfortunately, killing Kingston wasn't going to be as easy as giving him a shot to the head. He had faithful Drones whose training had been so harsh that they had been brainwashed into loving Kingston so much that any sign of danger to their master and they would willingly take it on themselves. Many assassination attacks had been unsuccessful due to this and once that bullet was fired or that sword swung you could write your own death certificate as it would be needed within the hour. Quite clearly, things were not going to be simple and Kai knew a lot of it was going to depend on luck and trusting in strangers, among other people.

He let his attention go back to his troops and noticed that everyone was now gathered and ready for the briefing to start. They were standing in order of rank and rank to them was how close they were to Kai. Favouritism, it was almost but not quite. They were favored because they were the best, not just because they were his friends. There were faces gathered that Kai didn't even know the names of, though they weren't strangers. These people he often classed as his Shadows. Ie, they would work the crowds into a frenzy to help them escape via chaos. Shadows remained at the back of his resistance so that they were never given too much attention. This was a necessity. It was important that Shadows were able to retain an ordinary life so the fewer people that knew of their ties to the Resistance the better. In front of the Shadows but before the Companions were the Arsenals, the members who would be involved with any fighting or activities which were carried out by the resistance directly. Much like the Shadows, they tried to keep their identities hidden so they too could live ordinary lives but it was much harder when it was they who engaged themselves with Kingston's soldiers and not just the crowds.

Finally, at the very front of the Resistance were the Companions. These members were all people Kai or his three generals knew personally before the coup and the most infamous of the Resistance, under Kai and the generals. They were the faces most people knew and also the most wanted in Delmasta. As such, their lives solely revolved around the Resistance and they had to be constantly in hiding so any chances of leading normal lives like those below them were impossible. They were Max, Tyson and Hiro (brothers to each other and cousins to Garnet), Kenny aka the chief, Bryan, Ian and Spencer. There used to be many more but fate had stood in their path and they had either been killed or had dropped out, fleeing to nearby countries were they could ensure their families would be safe. Kai didn't hold bitter feelings over them for this. It was understandable. If he had a family he wasn't sure if he would remain in Delmasta or whether he would flee too.

A shift in the ranks told him they were ready to begin and with great authority and almost reverence, Kai stood. Everything instantly went silent as the leader's words were greatly anticipated. "I'm sure its not news to you that there is to be a parade tonight on Brooklyn Kingston's command. This parade is not in honour of him, but of his engagement to Hilary Tatibana, niece to King Stanley." There were slight murmurs through his followers and he sensed a hint of worry throughout. "I'm sure you all know what this means. Time is running out for us. Short of three months time they will marry and Kingston will have his claim to the throne. Tonight, when the parade comes to an end, Kingston will make a speech about Hilary and his engagement. It is then that we will intervene. Follow my lead and stick to your ranks. I advise that you all arm yourselves because tonight I have a feeling there's going to be a showdown. Until then, you're all dismissed."

"That was short and sweet," Tala commented, watching their miniature army leave with an air of apprehension. The news of Hilary's existence wasn't exactly welcomed but they had all been prepared for that. It was unfortunate that the first time most of them had heard of the royal descendant was in conjunction with the worst news any of them could have received – that she was to be wed to Kingston. To the Resistance this was a critical blow. "So this Hilary girl won't be with Kingston tonight then?" He continued. "I would have thought he would make her."

"Me too," Kai admitted thoughtfully, "but that's a good sign. He doesn't control her."

"Or maybe he does and she doesn't know it." The Companions, who had remained behind as usual, looked to Garnet for an explanation. "Well you all know that Kingston likes to play mind games. He could be playing one with her right now. Like, reverse psychology or something. Maybe even lulling her into a false sense of security. After all, he's probably well aware that there'll be an attack tonight. He's not stupid. He wouldn't want her to be there because is she was hurt in the cross fire his ascension into the throne would be a lot harder."

Tyson sniggered. "Listen to her trying to pretend she's smart. Face it. You were blessed with beauty, not brains, Garnet. I mean, not every can have both like me."

"That's General Garnet Granger to you, Tyson. And if you don't give me the respect I deserve I'll demote you to toilet scrubber." She stuck her nose in the air haughtily. "And anyway you're neither good looking nor intelligent."

"Do you think she knows her initials make up GGG?" Max whispered. "I think that's her bra size."

Garnet screamed in annoyance and looked to Hiro for help. The oldest of them all rolled his eyes. "Is it any wonder we have to hide away all the time. We're fighting a war here and you're all joking around like kids!"

They all looked to Hiro in surprise. Although he was classed as a Companion, he was much more respected than that. Before joining the Resistance, he had been a member of the Kingston Army and had been made a captain in the short time he had been there. It was a feat unheard of before him. On joining the Resistance, Kai had offered to step down as the leader in order to let Hiro take over, knowing that Hiro had much more experience in war fare than he did and it would be more beneficial for everyone. His offer had been declined. It wasn't in Hiro's interest to take on those responsibilities for his talents were in battle, not in military leadership. He was a skilled fighter, a great tactition and disciplinarian but he knew his talents would be wasted in such a role. It was often he saw Kai having to hold himself back in order to keep an eye on his troops and, in truth, Hiro wasn't sure he would be able to do that. Stay true to your target, that was his motto. It was impossible to do so when you had other people to keep an eye out for.

His role in the Resistance was now a Companion and that suited him quite well especially since he had been promoted to head. Also, he was the main trainer of the Resistance and quite often Kai's adviser. Their leader often turned to him for advice on situations and Hiro was only more than willing to pass on his knowledge. He could see Kai was just trying to do his best and, really, that was all they could ever ask for since his best seemed to be more than good enough.

Garnet looked at everyone and then back at Hiro. "Hiro, most of us aren't even eighteen yet. We are kids. Right now, when we can have time to ourselves, we should be allowed to act our ages. Why should we pretend to be what we're not? Tonight we'll be adults but we don't have to be now so I'm not going to be. I don't want to be made to grow up to fast. I've seen what it does to people. Hell, look at..."

"Look at who, Garnet?" Kai asked, his tone steady and even. It was clear by the way her eyes had avoided him just who she was thinking about. "Well?"

"You. I don't want to have a dig at you because you've not done anything wrong, but God, Kai. You're forgetting that you're only eighteen. It wouldn't hurt to act like it. You don't need to be the adult all of the time, you know." She put her hand on his arm gently and spoke quietly so no one else could hear her. "If you don't, no one will think any less of you. It would be good to act younger. You'd be more open and maybe you'd even talk to us more."

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Had you gone through the things I'd gone through you'd understand. But whatever. I don't need to justify the way I am to you or anyone else for that matter. You can frown down on me if you want, but just remember that just because I might not act like I'm five years old doesn't mean that I'm some unfeeling, secluded down and out."

"I'm not saying that at all. You're twisting my words. All I'm saying is that we're worried about you. Lately you've been so caught up in your own thoughts you don't even notice us trying to help. Maybe you should get out a little more, find a girlfriend or something."

This statement made Kai crack a smile. "Get out a bit more, huh? You know as soon as I leave this place I have to watch every move I make so I don't get found by Kingston. And as for a girlfriend, giving the problem I've just told you about it would seem really the only girl I could possibly have a relationship with is you and seeing as how you're currently engaged to Tala, I can't see it working out. Besides, you're not my type."

"Yeah," Garnet agreed. "I know. You don't like dating girl's who are better looking that you are." Kai playfully swiped at her, grinning. "See? That's called being playful. Isn't it fun? Legally, only people under twenty are allowed to do it, but we'll extend it for Hiro's sake."

Hiro huffed loudly and gave Kai a look that told him he wasn't impressed. "Don't be just as bad as they are, Kai. You are a well respected leader. A leader must always show leadership qualities or they'll find that they don't have the same authority they used to. Mark my word's Kai. People can be fickle. They're always looking for something better. When you're out here, you're on display. Don't forget that. They look for you to guide them and they're not going to allow themselves to be guided by a child." He stalked off without another word, leaving the younger members to watch him with mixed emotions.

Frowning, Ray folded his arms. "What's up with him?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Kai asked. "He thinks something's going to go down tonight. I feel it too. It's dangerous, especially since Mariah told me Hilary and she will be in the crowd. We'll need to be careful that she's not caught in the crossfire between us. That will be a devastating blow to everything if she is."

"How will she know who she is?" Kenny asked.

"I told Mariah to stick to her like glue. If you see Mariah, you'll see our future queen."

"Hmm," Tala said murmured. "I hope they both know what they're doing. If either one is caught it could spell trouble. For them and us."

Brooklyn sat on his throne (well, the throne that he was about to own) and drummed his fingers on the arm rest. He was anticipating the evening's festivities with excitement. He was well prepared for an attack from Hiwatari and to know that after tonight he could very well be in his clutches, begging for mercy which he would never get, made him feel happier than he he been even when he'd taken over. Tonight, Hiwatari will have rebelled his last, him and his little hang of miscreants who thought they could ever make a difference. Did they really think a group of ragtag teenagers could overthrow an army of trained soldiers? The idea was laughable to say the least. It had taken an entire army to overthrow the last king and it would take more than that to overthrow him. Perhaps it sounded cocky, but it was true. He had ensured it. The first few years of his reign had made sure that any traitors will think twice about crossing him and once an example is made of Hiwatari the thought would never any minds again.

"Can we interrupt?" A confident voice belonging to one of his most trusted and honored soldiers, General Mystel. He was joined by General Garland. Both men had been beside him throughout the coup, giving him their up most devotion. Brooklyn had never forgotten this and had made sure they were rewarded bountifully for their loyalty. After him, the two of them shared the most power in Delmasca and they took the honor in their stride. "We were told that you wanted to see us so I'm assuming that whatever you were doing before hand isn't too important."

A comment such as that would have resulted in a severe requital which could even have resulted in the death of the culprit. From Mystel, however, it merely made Brooklyn raise an eyebrow and the twitch of a smile caught on his lips. To him, Mystel and Garland were the closest thing he had to friends, if not even family. As such they got a slacker leash than everyone else and could get away with more than any one could. After all, he had gone with them through training for the army and everything they had done in their lives they had done with each other not far behind. Such things almost always led to leniency and favoritism.

Mystel had joined the army quite by accident. In life, he had planned to go to sports college to train to be a professional gymnast/sprinter after showing uncanny ability for being swift yet also skill on apparatus that makes him seem to defy gravity. Unfortunately, gravity wasn't the only thing Mystel liked to defy. Most authority had meant nothing to him and underneath his suave appearance lay a temper which when unleashed could be dangerous. It was this same characteristic that had resulted in a bar room brawl before he went to college that had ended with one man critically ill in hospital. The judge in the court room had offered him two choices: he could go to prison for five years or do a two years training in the army. He had chosen the latter. Fate had then intervened. After finding he had an aptitude for overcoming all the physical demands that faced him in the military he had decided to change his career path and stay put. The results of this decision were reaped almost instantaneously when he formed a close bond with Brooklyn and Garland.

Garland's story was quite different. He came from a line of great military leaders and had joined in the hopes that he too would receive the praise his two older brothers and his sister had. His dreams had come true and then some. Not only had be been able to achieve the high ranks they had but he had surpassed them and now he was their superiors. Or he would be if they had remained in the army. After Brooklyn's take over his family had fled to the borders and that was the last he had heard of them. He had grieved for them, naturally but this had worn off quickly after the realisation hit him: they had betrayed Brooklyn and in turn betrayed him. It wasn't a crime easily forgotten and one day he was sure they would meet again, especially when Brooklyn decided to venture into new things, such as global domination. What would happen when that moment would come he wasn't sure but sure as hell it would be one hell of a confrontation.

"Watch it, Mystel," Brooklyn said, stretching his arms behind him like some predator waking from its sleep. "More comments like that and I'll have you arrested."

"Sure you will," Mystel replied with a grin.

Garland cleared his throat. It was rare that he would join in with Brooklyn and Mystel's jokey banter and quite often it was he who would call it to a stop to move onto more serious matters. "We should get to the point. There's a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it." Brooklyn nodded and gave Mystel a look which told him all joking was over. It was now time to get back to business. "I have the plans for tonight." Brooklyn noticed the rolled up paper held up underneath his friend's armpit. "It's pretty much self explanatory. All you need to do is prepare for the attack and defend yourself. The Drones will be in place anyway so you needn't worry. Mystel and myself will be in place beside you at either side keeping an eye out for any signs of a disturbance-"

"-and for Hiwatari," Mystel inputted.

"I see. So basically what you're telling me is that you have it under control and all I need to do is sit back and look pretty?" Brooklyn asked, a twinge of humor in his voice.

"Well, looking pretty might be quite hard," Mystel replied, grinning.

"What about your bride to be, Hilary?" Garland cut in, putting their hilarities to a quick halt. "I wasn't sure if she would be attending or not so I've not included her into the plans. If she is I can rethink them over and review."

"You needn't bother," Brooklyn's tone held the essence of annoyance which told his friends that he was as happy with this news like he would be if Kai didn't turn up. "The girl thought up countless excuses for not attending, not that I'm surprised. Her feelings for me aren't exactly those which a future husband and wife are supposed to hold."

"But they're mutual, right?" Mystel questioned.

Brooklyn shrugged. "That's not the point. I'm marrying her because I need to. She's marrying me because she doesn't exactly have another choice. Obviously things aren't going to be ideal for either of us. Still, there's something in her eyes and in her voice that I don't like. It's like...I don't know. Resentment?"

"You did kill her family," Garland pointed out.

"I suppose. But there's another thing that I'm not exactly a big fan of: free will. Free will and defiance. I'm going to have to watch her closely. I have a feeling that my blushing bride isn't as conforming as she pretends to be."

"So what did you do?"

He let his aqua eyes slide over to meet Mystel's. "I humored her. Thistime. Next time I promise I won't be as courteous. Unfortunately, Hilary is going to have to be broken in. I have ways to do that. Right now, she thinks she's got her way and maybe even that she's got control but as I'm sure you both know, she's very much wrong. I'll let her play her little make-believe game tonight, but come tomorrow she'll learn the truth."

"And how are you planning to do that?"

"Charm, Mystel. Charm and a little bit of malice. I happen to know that she's became quite fond of her little maid. Fondness can be a terrible thing as she's about to find out." He grinned widely. "But enough of that. There are other matters at hand. It's time to get ready for our public."

Hilary looked at herself in the mirror and found that the frown on her face was a result of her unsatisfaction. It was hard to make up a disguise when you have a limited supply of clothes that look common but surely she could have come up with something better than the one being reflected back at her? She had on a simple pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt but it didn't help her look any less different, only like she was having a relaxing day at home. In short, it was hopeless.

"Mariah!" She whinged, "this is never going to work. I don't look any different at all."

Her maid, who was running a comb through her pink, wavy hair, studied her carefully. "Your clothes are right. I mean, let's face it, it's really only people who have a title in front of their names who don't dress in jeans when they're in public. The only thing is trying to hide your face, or at least some of it. Just because Brooklyn doesn't see you doesn't mean his cronies won't. I'll be right back." She returned after a few minutes with her arms full of various types of hats. "Try them on. I suggest the cap. One: it can cover your hair. Two: it can cast a shadow on your face. Three: it's designer."

Hilary gave Mariah a bemused look. "That's great because I couldn't have worn it otherwise." She picked it up and examined it. Hats had never been her thing, mainly because in third grade she'd worn a baseball cap to school and her best friend at the time had told her she looked like a boy. She put it on, tucking her hair through the gap in the back and admired how much the simple thing had improved her look. "Well? What do you think?"

Mariah giggled. "You sort of look like a boy. Well, a boy with boobs." Hilary picked up a beret and threw it at her and stuck her tongue out. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" Hilary wasn't going to point out that she didn't look like it. "You look great. No one will ever know its you. I mean, unless they're looking for you." A fleeting look of worry crossed her face but vanished quickly, like it was hid under a mask that had been put back on. "No one will be looking for you, right?"

"Unless Brooklyn finds out I'm not here. It's a risk, Mariah. You know that. We could get caught out but so what if we are? What could Brooklyn possible do to us?" Mariah didn't know if she was being naïve or trying to kid herself on. Either way it was foolish. "In any case, this is probably going to be my last chance to get out on my own. After tonight Brooklyn will won't protection with me at all times, probably."

"It's your call. It's not too late to change your mind."

Hilary narrowed her eyes playfully. "What's this? Have you lost your nerve already? Don't tell me that you're too afraid to go a little bit AWOL, you, the brave Mariah! May I remind you it was you who suggested this whole charade and talked meinto it?" The angry look cast her way made Hilary laugh but in all honesty she was slightly scared too. God only knew what would happen to her should she be found out. She was fairly certain she wouldn't be but it was only fairly, lingering on the edge of not really. Any trouble she did get herself into she hoped she would be able to wriggle out of however she hated having to play the worm. "To be fair, I'm a bit scared as well but faint hearts never won fair lady!"

"You're a girl, Hils. You don't want to win the lady, no matter how 'fair' she is."

"You know what I mean. All I'm saying is that in ten years time when I look back on this day, I want to know that there was one – just one – moment in my life where I was brave enough to take a stand, even if its an invisible. After tonight, I can bet all the courage will be bled from me by a drip."

Mariah looked at her Lady with sympathy and knew she had a point. It was now or never. Time was getting on and if they wanted to sneak out then it would have to be sooner rather than later. Then a thought struck her. "What if we get caught up if there's a riot?"

She bit her lip. It was a thought that had crossed her mind in a second and then pushed away again for a later date. Like now. "We make like a banana and split before it gets too out of hand." Hilary took a deep breath. "If we're going to get out at all we'll need to go. Are you in or out?"

"Do you really need to ask me that?"

Hilary grinned widely. "I didn't think so. Let's go!"

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