Silence had overridden the group as they stood, there. Takao stared in disbelief at his friend before a grin broke over his features. "So your big brother's a sadistic bastard too," he said, trying to make light of the situation however Takao realized he should have just shut up when a dreadful golden death glare landed on him.

Holding his hands up in surrender he sat back down as Rei turned towards Max, his eyes landing on him. Stepping towards the small blond he grabbed his shirt collar, pulling him towards him. "When were you going to tell the rest of us this overlooked detail?"

One certainly did not need to ask if the neko-jin was pissed off, the tone of his voice and the steady glare told his team more than enough. Slade tensed slightly, about to pull the enraged feline off of his younger brother but even he wasn't stupid enough to mess with Rei right now. He had seen the neko-jin enraged during the tag team tournament and others, especially his tag team partner, tended to suffer.

"I'm sorry Rei," Max murmured, his head held low. He hadn't known everything that Slade was doing but now he knew something. Slade was verbally abusing two of his teammates, teammates that had been at Max's side since the beginning. They had all suffered together and he had to choose a side.

Rei slowly released his shirt collar before stepping back, the rest of the team not daring to say anything to him. "Can we please not fight," Hiromi said as she stepped in the middle of the group. There was an annoyed growl as Rei turned away and Takao chased after him. He was suddenly remembering that one year they fought against the Psykicks and the amount of fights Rei had started with him.

Either way Takao knew there was something eating away at the neko-jin and Takao would find out what.

When the others had left Max glanced over at his brother, hands clenched into fists. "Why! Why are you doing this Slade?" He looked up at his brother, not believing that the one he looked up to for so long was stabbing his team in the back.

"Max…" Slade began but the boy just shook his head.

"No Slade. I don't know you anymore!" Max stared at the older one, still trying to wrap his mind around this. The brother he knew wouldn't have done something like this. He wouldn't have stabbed his teammates in the back.

"Max," Slade reached out a hand but the small blond smacked it away, eyes filled with tears.

"How… how could you do that to my friends?" Max shook his head as he turned away, running off from his brother. Deep down Slade felt a pain in the human part of him. He had just lost one of the most valuable things to him, his brother's respect.

Sitting outside of the arena wind rustled at his hair. Collapsing to the ground Brooklyn sighed, taking a deep breath. He had lost again but it wasn't like the psychologically damaging loss to Kai or the freedom of the loss against Takao. Instead this one left more questions than anything. Who was the man he had battled and what did he know about him?

It left him questioning his life and his very powers. Had he been experimented on even before his birth? And what was with that vision? He felt like he was a lab rat, like he had felt when he had been a member of the BEGA Bladers. He had been something to manipulate to Borcloff and Hitoshi, but no more. Now he was a member of a team and he had friends who actually cared for him. Garland hadn't turned him away, instead welcoming him into his home and his perfectionist family. He could still remember the looks from Garland's parents and siblings. Instantly they were judging him, wondering what type of athletic title he held.

He hadn't seen them again but he could feel in Garland's mind and hear the arguments over the phone. He had no pedigree, no titles, he was no top athlete in anything. He was an orphan with no background and Garland's family was upset, trying to encourage him to take up with a 'worthwhile prospect'. Once again he had been reduced to a nobody.

He could deal with Garland's family not liking the prospect of him being gay but what Brooklyn hated was the way they looked down upon him because he didn't hold any professional titles. He understood very well why the silver haired martial artist did not live at home.

At the sound of footsteps Brooklyn tilted his head back, Andros standing over him. In an instant the aquamarine eyes flickered down as he pushed himself up. "I failed you."

At that the elder Canadian held up a hand. "What are you talking about? The skill you just showed was beyond any of us. If you did anything you proved to us that we still have a long way to come and AVALANCHE was playing with us." Kneeling down Andros glanced at the newest team member. "Brooklyn, the others don't know I'm making this offer. But would you like to become a permanent member?"

At that he sat up sharply, trying to process what Andros had just asked him. Becoming a permanent member of their team would mean leaving his home and friends behind. Maybe it was for the best. With him out of the picture Garland didn't have to worry about what his family thought of him.

"I know, it's a big decision," Andros said but the ginger haired blader just stared at him.

"I'll do it."

"Now that was an… interesting last couple battles. Now let me introduce the next two teams! The Renegades and the All Stars."

With the introductions the two teams stared at each other, neither saying a word as Judy sat there next to her team. Rick growled as his fist drove into the bench. "Alright," he said as he looked up. "I'm going to rip them apart."

"Be patient Rick," Judy glanced over, seeing her eldest son sitting on the opposite bench. Family or not he would be defeated. She would deal with Slade's team the same way she had dealt several years back with Emily and the Bladebreakers, with cold indifference. However this time losing wasn't a choice. This wasn't a simple title match and it would serve everyone if the All Stars could take them out now.

As Emily watched the others closely Judy adjusted her headset. "Emily and Eddie, you're up first. Emily, make sure to store this data for further use in later battles."

"Understood," Emily said as she stood up, taking off her jacket and picking up her tennis racket. Even though she wouldn't admit it she was worried. She hadn't bladed in competition for quite some time and she wondered if this team had anything on the Bladebreakers. Max had destroyed her when she had faced him in the qualifiers, Rick doing the same to Michael. Either way she would do her best and if she didn't win she only hoped the Bladebreakers could use their data. If they lost she would deliver it to Kyouju right after the round. She only hoped he was already planning something in that brilliant mind of his.

As Eddie stood there he dribbled his basketball. "It's quiet without the crowds," he said warily.

Emily nodded in response. "It is, but that doesn't matter. Soon enough we'll be back home with our fans."

As Alistair and Drake approached from the other side the gears began turning and the bladers were lowered into the ground. Emily grinned as she saw the swamp before them and the damp ground. It looked like a miniature of the Everglades and Emily knew Trygator would be right at home. If they were able to beat them that just meant one less thing for the Bladebreakers to worry about. None of the teams were delusional enough to think that there was really any purpose to this tournament other than the Renegades taking on the Bladebreakers but if they could knock them out of this tournament they could turn this into a real battle and not just another one of those games they had all grown so used to.

Emily only hoped that getting involved in the arena in this game wouldn't end as badly as the last time, remembering when Kai had taken her bitbeast from her. She wanted to win this time but not to the point of losing her bitbeast again.

"3… 2… 1… Go shoot!"

The battle was playing out on the screen in the Bladebreaker training room, the members only paying slight attention to the fight. They had other things on their minds, each of the members more focused with something else.

"Don't you want to watch your brother?" Max glanced up at the question before shaking his head, focusing on Draciel once more as it held up its defense against Aster.

"He's changed. He's not my brother anymore," Max said quietly and Takao pushed himself up at that.

"He's still your brother. Hell, this is the second time Hitoshi is aiming to knock me around. Doesn't mean he's not my brother anymore," at that Max looked over at his friend before sighing slightly. Takao was right but it was easier to think Slade had been brainwashed or something than that this had been his own choice.

"It's okay," Rei pointed out, giving his lover a pointed glare. "Kyouju and Hiromi went to record it and gather whatever data they could." Takao gave a shrug in response as he motioned to Rei before heading out. Rei followed him, glancing at Takao as the world champion shut the door.

"What is up with you lately Rei?" He asked, eyes boring into Rei as he reached for him. Hands clenched slightly as the neko-jin turned resolutely away. "Come on, you can tell me."

"I don't want to be here."

"None of us really want to be part of this tournament. We need to fight the Renegades and it's never fun fighting a psycho."

Golden eyes flickered in a glare. "No, you don't understand! I'm not doing anything here but cheering on the sidelines. I want to be home with Kouji, not dragged away from him," Rei shut his eyes, shaking his head. "I don't want to be apart from him ever. I don't want to be part of these tournaments and I don't want to blade anymore!"

Takao felt like he had just been slapped in the face, staring as he slowly shut his mouth. In the past year Daichi hadn't even told him he was quitting but it was to do something else in the world of beyblading. This wasn't switching teams to prove himself. Rei was quitting. He wouldn't be a member of the Bladebreakers or any other team. He wouldn't beyblade anymore.

"I'll still cheer you on… but I need to retire and focus on other things," the voice was quiet as Takao stared at him.

"What happened to being a beyblader? It used to be your life," Takao shook his head as he pushed Rei back. "How could you do this to the team! What happened to the Rei I knew?"

At that he glanced away. "He had a son and if you don't start taking responsibility for us then maybe it's time I left for good, went back home."

Takao stared at that as he grabbed Rei's shirt, eyes unblinking. "What do you want me to do Rei?"

"Take responsibility! Start being a man and a father!" He tensed his jaw in response as he reached up, hands clenching at Takao's jacket. "How are you going to pay for Kouji? Do you expect me to be the one working? Where is the money coming from? If you don't shape up I'm going home. I'm finding someone that will do what they promise," he pushed Takao back against the wall. "You promised to do whatever it took to take care of me and Kouji. How are you doing that?"

Turning around Rei stalked off, Takao staring blankly as he watched Rei leave. His heart plunged as he leaned back against the wall, sinking to the ground. He didn't even know what he had done to piss the other off so much. Growling slightly he ran after the neko-jin and put a hand on Rei's shoulder. He quickly turned and Takao grabbed his face, not letting him move. Eyes lingered on Rei before Takao pressed him against the wall, hand resting on his cheek and kissing the neko-jin. Hands wrapped around Takao's neck, pulling the other close as he returned the kiss.

A hand fisted in Takao's jacket, pulling him against his body. The world champion couldn't help but smirk as he kissed Rei back, one arm wrapping around him to pull him closer.

"Go Lizardborg!" Drake called out as his beyblade took the beating Emily's Trygator was giving out, the aqua beyblade slamming hard as Eddie's Trypio held up its defensive position, the wide ring not allowing Alistair's Sharkborg to get any closer.

"Take him down Emily!" She nodded as Trygator pressed the attack harder, sparks flying from the contact of the beyblades.

"I'm trying," she snapped at him as her beyblade pressed harder. It was proving to be as hard to get a good solid attack in with his defense level. It wasn't to the point of difficulty that it had been battling Max but his defense was solid.

"Hey cutie," Alistair said with a wink towards Emily as Eddie looked at him like he was crazy. "How about when I beat you, you, me, and dinner."

Emily growled in response, her eyes focusing on her beyblade. "Trygator!" She yelled to her bitbeast and it slammed back, dodging out of the way of Drake's beyblade. The covered male couldn't help but let his eyes stare at Emily as her beyblade slammed against Sharkborg. It slammed against it; chipping off a piece before it was knocked back. The turquoise beyblade was knocked back and Alistair clutched at his middle, having not dodged out of the way of the beyblade Sharkborg sent flying.

Emily gasped as she stared for a minute. She had never hurt anyone before and deep down it hurt to know she could have injured someone.

"Are you okay?" Emily asked and then Alistair just grinned.

"So, you wanna play rough ball… Sharkborg! Attack!" The beyblades slammed against each other as Emily gasped as Trygator was pushed back. A growl escaped as the genius blader tried to convince her beyblade to give more energy into the attack. The beyblade was knocked into the swamp and Eddie gave a silent gasp as both beyblades converged on the large beyblade.

Eddie glanced towards his partner but knew no typical beyblade would be able to escape that swamp. He was as good as finished as his beyblade jumped, slamming hard against Lizardborg. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he panted, his gaze focusing intently as he tried to gain control of this fight.

"Trypio! Scorpio Sting!" His beyblade slammed down before being thrown off, rolling to the side however Lizardborg was slowing as the aqua beyblade leapt from the swamp, the alligator bitbeast having been nearly dead in its natural habitat and like the creature it was based on it attacked without warning.

The first of the Renegade beyblades was thrown out and Alistair held his hands up. "Looks like it's just you and me, doll. So how about that dinner."

"How's this for an answer!" Emily snapped at him, her beyblade slamming hard against Sharkborg in response. She would win this first battle for the All Stars and they would defeat the Renegades.

You can't win. Your coach doesn't even really want you. She chose her son and the newcomer last year. You aren't a part of her ideal team.

"Shut up…" Emily's voice was a whisper to the voice in her mind that taunted her. "Trygator! Take him out!"

The aqua beyblade tried to push back but was quickly losing ground as Emily felt her legs nearly give way. The battle was exhausting and it was taking its toll on her. She was losing control of this battle and quick, body feeling ready to collapse as her eyes locked onto Alistair.

You're worthless to her, worthless to them all. Stick to your computer. It's the only thing you're good at. Leave the battling to the real beybladers. Do you remember how many times she held you back?

Emily clenched her jaw but her mind seemed to be going on its own, remembering how she had felt when she had been destroyed by Max. Judy couldn't have looked more proud than when Max and Rick beat her and Michael. She had to win to prove to Judy that the All Stars were just as strong as they had been. They could beat the Renegades and as her anger grew Emily began to feel weaker.

"Trygator! Alligator's Bite!" The beyblade slammed harder and the bitbeast surged forward, chomping down on the shark. The shark bitbeast was trying to get away before turning around and attacking.

"That was weak! I thought the All Stars had more to offer," Alistair said as he glanced over at Emily, snorting in response. "Aquatic Terror!" The blue beam fired and struck hard. Trygator was flung back and stopped in the mud as Emily was knocked across the arena, unmoving as she hit the ground. A few moments later she shakily lifted herself up, gathering her beyblade into her hand. She had failed.

"Don't worry Emily, I'll get the next one," Michael said as he patted the girl on the shoulder as soon as she joined them on the bench. He wouldn't let her loss be in vain. He was up next and glancing up his muscles tensed, seeing Slade approach their bench.

"What do you want?"

"To wish you luck," then he glanced over at Emily. "You fought a good battle. I wish I could have faced you," he gave a brief smile and Emily stared down at the ground, not wanting anyone to see her cheeks flush. Leaning forward Slade kissed her cheek briefly as the team glowered at him.

"Listen you fucking Casanova," Rick snarled as he got to his feet, standing over Slade. "When we get in it's you and me! My Rock Bison is going to make you wish you'd never seen a beyblade!"

A hand rested on his shoulder, trying to calm Rick down as Judy stood between her team and her elder son. "Maybe you should leave Slade." There was a brief nod in response as he turned away. "And Slade, one more thing."

At that he froze, looking at his mother.

"I will do what I have to in order to win, even if it means defeating you." With that there was a brief nod as he left. Heading back to the bench he glanced over at Ryu.

"You'll be up against Michael Parker. Don't go easy and don't let him win," hands clenched slightly, replaying it in his mind. Had his mother always been this cold and bitter towards others?

There was a brief nod as Ryu climbed into the arena, glancing over at the blond teen. "Let's have a good, honorable game."

"Whatever you say Superboy," Michael's gaze locked on the other as he hefted his baseball in his hand, moving into a pitching position. At the end of the countdown Ryu launched his beyblade a Michael pitched the ball, the ball cracking open and the beyblade dropping at a very fast rate. Trygle slammed down hard, just missing Voltekborg as Ryu moved out of the way. He would have to watch himself with this Michael.

Michael was proving to not be in the mood to mess around. Trygle turned, smashing at full power, sparks flying at the contact as he monopolized the battle. Ryu could see in his eyes that he wasn't about to let up until this battle was over. He dodged most of the strikes but Michael just kept on coming.

For every time Ryu managed to dodge several more were coming, controlling him completely. Getting out of the way wasn't an option, the muck slowing his beyblade down though as he watched he realized Trygle almost seemed to fly over the mud, and then there was the case of the added speed. With so little recent information, given that the last time Michael had battled in competition he had been eliminated quickly, there was little information on how his game had grown in the past years.

"Trygle!" Michael called for his bitbeast and the eagle emerged, talons forward, raking across the other beyblade as the two clashed.

Knocked back Ryu recovered his footing, his gaze locking on Michael for a moment as he took a deep breath before calling to his bitbeast, the insect emerging as Trygle came in for another attack. Voltekborg coming out had saved him this time, dodging out of the way of the attack as Voltekborg followed his movements only to be hit by the wind from Trygle's wings. Taking a breath he focused, realizing that he might be able to win if he dodged the first attack, the next two always weaker, and kept Michael guessing long enough to tire him out. Unfortunately it was a slim chance, Ryu not understanding where all the baseball player's speed and power was coming from.

The next attack was coming and as predicted he was able to stop the first attack but not the next to, his beyblade thrown back as Trygle came for a full assault and Ryu was knocked off his feet. Blinking for a minute he saw his beyblade stop beside him as the All Stars cheered at his defeat.

As Ryu returned to his position Slade stood up, stepping towards the edge of the arena. Staring across the arena he saw his mother's confident expression and the way the team was congratulating Michael. Seeing Emily hug her teammate he felt something deep down but pushed it away just as quickly. He needed to defeat his opponent or risk going into a tie breaker. Staring across the area he saw the huge Rick Anderson stand up and flip Slade off.

Slade was trying very hard to respect his opponent but the huge man seemed to make it nearly impossible. As he climbed down he glanced over at Rick, loading his beyblade onto an arrow as Rick spun his launcher around before snapping his beyblade into it and threaded his ripcord through.

"Listen pretty boy! It's just you and me now! I'm gonna mess up that face of yours!"

Slade focused intently on him without saying a word. He couldn't trust himself not to be rude to him and he knew Max was watching somewhere. He needed to show him that deep down he hadn't changed.

"3… 2… 1… Go shoot!" Both beyblades were launched and Rock Bison instantly went on the attack. Slade was knocked back, having not been ready for such raw power but now he knew what to expect from Rick. He was a powerful beyblader but he didn't have much more than that, just raw power.

His own power seemed to have increased darting around the other beyblade as Rick gave a growl. "Quit playing around!" Rick snapped as his beyblade charged forward. The hit was direct, pushing Xaviax back as Slade had to pick himself up again. He wasn't going to lie and say Rick wasn't good. He was and he had more than enough raw power to back up his mouth but Slade knew he was better. He just needed to wait for an opening. Slade knew he had the skill to pull this off if he just waited Rick out. The question was could his body and beyblade handle waiting this out. The large American blader had gotten better, sharper, since the last tournament.

"Drop Rock!"

Xaviax was hit hard by Rock Bison and Slade shakily pushed himself back up, knowing any more hits like that and that battle would be over. Both beyblades were spinning on a log and the Rock Bison went charging towards Xaviax. Slade's beyblade went skipping across the swamp water, Rick's beyblade slamming hard on the other side, balancing on the ground like a bull ready to charge.

Directing Xaviax the huge hawk emerged, colliding with the bull and both beyblades were thrown backwards. Rick brought up an arm, slamming against the wall and falling to his knees before lifting himself up, a glare landing on Slade. "I was being nice… but now you're going down! Rock Bison, attack!"

Slade dodged out of the way and Xaviax followed, just barely avoiding Rick's attack. He knew he couldn't keep this up much longer as Rock Bison circled back, driving Xaviax against the wall. He clenched a jaw in response, watching closely. Finally he saw the hole he was waiting for and attacked.

"Xaviax! Tornado Arrow!" The avian bitbeast slammed hard in a whirlwind of movement, striking the bull as the beyblade slammed hard from above, knocking the other beyblade of balance. It landed on its top and stopped spinning.

Rick gave a yell at that as he stepped over and retrieved his beyblade.

"Renegades win!"

At that Slade stepped over, picking up his beyblade. Glancing up at Rick he met the hard eyes. "Ryu, hand me Alistair's head!" He called out to his teammate.

The silver haired masked man glanced at Alistair. "Sorry Alistair," He apologized, pulling off the gray-skinned cyborg's head off. He heard him wail, saying he did nothing wrong. To shut him up, he tossed his head into the arena, and was caught by Slade's hand.

Reaching around him he grabbed Rick's ass and pressed Alistair's head in Rick's face, their lips together. Alistair barely got a taste of the spiciness of the large American before he was shoved into the swamp water.

Finally breaking the surface he coughed slightly, sputtering in the filthy water. Slade could see the All Stars staring down in amusement, but Michael's gaze filled with anger and something else… jealousy?

Emily meanwhile just covered her mouth, finding the scenario to be quite entertaining.

"So they won. You doing okay?" Adam glanced back at Max, stepping over to the small blond. They were the only ones in the training room and the blue eyes lifted up.

"I'm fine," he insisted but the elder one stepped over, wrapping his arms around Max. "Why is he doing this to my team? And why did he have to do that?" Max motioned to the screen as Adam shook his head, taking his seat. He knew this had to be hard for Max but was proud at how well the young Bladebreaker was handling it. He only knew about fighting friends and he imagined fighting your own brother to be harder. Deep down he felt pity for both Max and Takao, both needing to fight against their older brothers.

"You aren't fine," glancing down he rested a hand on Max's shoulder, eyes locking on him for a moment. "You're worried about fighting him and you're confused." At that the blue eyes turned away, Max wrapping his arms around his body.

"Why is he doing these things? Why is he coming after both my teams and humiliating Rick like that? Is it because they're my friends?" He shook his head, tears escaping. "Does he hate me?"

Adam reached around, holding the sobbing boy close as he stroked his hair. "I'm sure that's not it, Max." However he stopped as the door opened up, Hiromi and Kyouju coming in.

"Hey Maxie," Kyouju said as he smiled at the young blond. "I was wondering if you could run some drills for me. I wanted to give Draciel a minor update that I think you'll like," he held up a new running core and base, grinning.

The young blond nodded his head and hurried after Kyouju, handing over his beyblade as Kyouju switched it over and handed the beyblade back. Setting down his laptop he started recording, Max launching his beyblade into the dish. It took up a defensive position and Kyouju gave it a little while before launching Einstein into the dish. It bounced, slamming against the green beyblade with each bounce.

"You're getting a lot better," Max said as he glanced up at his friend and Kyouju just shook his head.

"Not really," he shrugged his shoulders, Einstein hitting Draciel hard but was bounced back, the young genius grinning. "It's working perfectly I see. Perhaps better than I anticipated," he smiled as Einstein bounced back towards him and Max smiled back, catching Draciel.

"Thanks Kyouju," he said as he placed a hand on Kyouju's shoulder. "This is just what I need to cheer me up. A tricked out beyblade ready to stand up against anything they throw at us." Hurrying over he pounced on his friend, tackling him to the ground with a large hug.

"No problem Maxie… now can you get off me?"

"Kai, will you just tell me what's wrong?" Jonouchi hurried over, grabbing Kai's arm, wondering why his lover had been in such a mood since they had gotten there. Catching up to him he wrapped his arms around his waist, resting his cheek against the strong back.

Turning around the Russian shoved him back, crimson eyes glowering at him. "It's not solved so easily Katsuya!"

"Just talk to me! I want to know!" Jonouchi stood before there before grabbing Kai's arm, looking at him pleadingly. "I don't like it when you won't talk with me. I love you and I want to help." Stepping forward he nuzzled against Kai's neck. "Just tell me what's wrong…"

"What's this, we having a little trouble in paradise?" There was a husky laugh as both turned and Jonouchi felt his ears flatten.

"Listen up Slade! You got lucky last time and this time Max isn't here to protect you," he knew his friend wouldn't like him attacking his half brother but he deserved it.

"Katsuya, wait!" At that he turned, his eyes falling on Kai for a moment. Now he knew this made no sense whatsoever. Kai hated Slade as much as he did and now he was protecting him but then he realized why Kai had stopped him, seeing a brief glint of metal in his palm. They would handle this like beybladers.

"What's the matter, you can't fight your own battles? Or are the traitors pretending to be good now?" Slade asked but paused as he saw Jonouchi pull his launcher out. A blue ripcord was already pulled loose from the metal band around his wrist and Dranzer was loaded into the launcher. He nodded his head, leading them out of the hallway and onto the beach. He'd accept this battle.

"3… 2… 1… Go shoot!"

Slade found himself knocked back, his body and beyblade worn from the battle against Rick and realizing that this had been a bad choice. His beyblade was wedged between the black and blue ones, being ground against and battered. Both held their ground as if they didn't even feel his attempts to fight back, weaving through each other and taking turns at hard blows against his beyblade as Slade tried to recover his footing. Taking this battle had been the right thing to do but he thought that the fighting would keep them from working together. Instead they almost seemed to mend their arguments by battling him.

"Xaviax, go!" He called out to his beyblade and the bitbeast emerged, trying to fight back against the two beyblades. No matter how big Xaviax was it was no match for two Bladebreakers. He knew he would lose as another beyblade came forward, knocking Dranzer slightly back. "Jin…" he said, gasping at the man with the covered face. Why was Jin saving him?

"You work for me. I can't have you defeated so easily," he said as the green beyblade intersected Dranzer and was pushed back as Kai's crimson eyes bore into him. Slamming hard from one side Jonouchi took the other, knocking the two beyblades against each other, each hit from each other starting to slow them down.

"What's the matter Hitoshi, can't keep up?' Jonouchi snapped back, his eyes on Takao's brother. He had once trusted him, but no more. Crimson met brown and Jonouchi gave a nod as he brought an arm forward, flames circling them and consuming both Kai and Jonouchi.

"Spiral Flame Strike!" The two beyblades began moving around their opponents' beyblades, consuming them in a spiral of flames, closing off and choking them. An explosion was heard and both Metal Driger and Xaviax were thrown out, causing Slade to freeze as Jonouchi and Kai both caught their beyblades.

Slade panted lightly as he looked up at the pair. If they could work together this well during an argument then what was the rest of the team like? Realization crushed him once he realized what he had to do. His brother would hate him for this but if he didn't do this they would be crushed. The Bladebreakers as a team could not be defeated…

But as individuals, just maybe.

Takao grinned to himself as he rolled over, seeing his lover sleeping beside him. Leaning over he pulled the blankets up over Rei's nude body, seeing the strong arms wrapped around the pillows, nestled into them and curled up tightly in a fetal position. Reaching over he stroked the hair the had come loose of the white ribbon and picked up the fabric, placing it on the desk before leaning in to kiss the top of his head.

Getting up Takao quickly dressed before heading out of the room only to see Michael and Rick washed and yelling. "Guys, can you keep it down a little? Rei's taking a nap. He hasn't been sleeping well."

"And why would I care!" Rick snarled and Michael put a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm the large blader. "We lost and did you see what the slime ball pulled?"

Michael gave a slight smile at that, trying to calm his teammate. He had wished they had won too, having wanted to face AVALANCHE but some things just weren't meant to be. Not that Slade's little stunt didn't humiliate Rick, rubbing salt into an open wound. He was mad at their coach's elder son, humiliating his teammate after he beat them. It wasn't noble, it wasn't even nice and more than anything Michael couldn't hide the rage that had been there upon seeing Sade use that head to kiss Rick.

And that was after they had mentally tortured Emily. Deep down Michael wanted to teach them all a lesson they wouldn't soon forget so he turned towards Takao. "You have to beat them Takao. Slaughter them, show them that the BBA isn't to be messed with."

"Uh… yeah… I plan to," he scratched his head in response, staring at Michael for a minute. He didn't plan on losing to the Renegades but right now he was confused. Had something happened while he wasn't paying attention?

"They humiliated us Takao. I want them to feel that same humiliation. You didn't see what they did to Rick and Emily, now I want them to pay!" He punched his other hand, growling slightly. Slade had always been kind to him but what had been done to Emily was inhuman and Rick was outright humiliated. As if it wasn't bad enough that he lost Slade had turned him into a laughing stock. At least the arena wasn't full of fans, but still, there was no telling if this was being broadcast or not.

"I'll take care of that bastard my own way, messing up his pretty boy face!" Rick yelled as he growled, his fist hitting the wall and leaving a dent. "Yeah, it's a real joke until someone gets hurt. Namely him!"

"Come on guys, let's not get violent," he held up his hands as he tried to calm down the two enraged Americans only for Rick to growl, shoving Takao back.

"Violent? Violent! I'll show you violent, Mr. world champ!" Rick snapped as he reached to grab his shirt collar, a look of fear crossing Takao's face. "This fight isn't over. They went over the line and they're going to pay."

Dropped to the ground Takao gave a groan, rubbing his butt, thinking he should have paid attention to the battle. At least then he would've known what had upset the All Stars so badly. "Listen guys, we'll beat them okay?" He said as he stood up. "Slade's not going to get away with this."

Michael nodded in response. "Alright Takao," he said, slapping the world champion on the back. "You beat them."

Slade growled, staring at his beyblade as his team glanced up at him. He needed a new beyblade, deep gouges in the attack ring. His eyes glanced at each of them, taking in the view of his team "What's up mate?" Alistair asked, glancing at his captain as Slade stalked past him. "What's the matter, we won."

"The Bladebreakers… they're going to destroy us," at that each of them glanced up. "Unless we destroy them first. I want you ripping them apart, taking them down. I want them to be torn apart emotionally. I want them the team to be torn apart, to hate each other so badly that the word 'team' isn't in their vocabulary."

"Slade…" Ryu began as he stared at his captain. "Are you sure about this?"

He clenched his jaw in response, gaze locking on Ryu. "I'm positive. As a team they're undefeatable. Separated we can take them down. We need to beat them." Stepping in he sat on the edge of the bed, feeling it eat away at him but the truth was he needed to do this. Glancing over his eyes fell on Alistair. He would find out what his teammate had done to Emily if it was the last thing he did.