Bittersweet Melody
Second Arc: Act Eight
"Ozuma!"
The boy turned to the call of his name. Alongside Mariam, Yusuf, and Dunga, Cat rush to his side. The taller, blue-haired female ran toward him and called to him, all with a look of concern on her face. She was worried? Why? Ozuma twitched, he had failed his team. It was obvious that he felt as if he'd shamed them. He turned away from his team and balled up his hand.
"It's all up to you now." Ozuma spoke without once looking back at his team. "Cat."
She flinched. All up to her? She could feel the weight of the battle resting on her shoulders. But did that mean? She looked across the arena to see the PPB All-starz huddled amongst each other. She would be fighting Max. Her heart sank. No, she couldn't.
"I'll try my hardest." Cat muttered to herself. "Max…"
"3, 2, 1, GO SHOOT!"
Both blades, white and green, hit the Beydish with an eerie echo. The stadium became silent; the only sound was the buzzing of both spinning blades. Could the crowd feel it too? Max tipped his head downward, refusing to look the brunette female in the eye. How could he, after everything they've been through? Fights, victories and everything in between. Now to be standing feet away from her in battle? How did it all end up like this? She understood that.
Cat stood in a similar position, her eyes glued to the floor below her. Max…how could she fight someone as sweet and caring as him? With Rick, she could fight all day, nonstop and without hesitation but with Max…it was different.
Her little white blade spun around the outside of the dish, avoiding contact with Max's green blade. His blade stayed in the center of the dish, refusing to move in any direction. Neither teen could make the first move. Moments then minutes passed without a movement from either side. The audience surrounding the arena began to boo and hiss growing tired of the inactivity.
Cat bit down on her lower lip as the small strands from her bangs covered her face. How could they expect for her to battle someone like Max? She just couldn't. Could it be fear? No, it was something more. Something that ran deeper than just an everyday fear. She began to dig her nails into her palm as she clenched her fists. A strong burning caused her to close her eyes tightly and bend her head lower.
She hiccupped in an effort to suppress her oncoming tears. Her body failed her and the tears began to tumble down her face. She let out small whimpers, trying her best to prevent any more tears from flowing from her eyes. How could she cry at a time like this? How shameful. But she couldn't hold in any more emotion. Tears dripped from her eyes on the ground below her, staining the concrete.
Max jolted forward after hearing her sob. He then lifted his hand to his shirt and gripped at his chest. Was he feeling the same sadness and hurt she was? The inability to fight someone who they cared for so much? He had to be feeling that way; she could feel him feeling that. They were in sync more than anyone else; they shared a common, invisible bond that no one else could understand.
She continued to cry now louder than ever. The whole stadium around to couple carried on with their displeased boos. Couldn't they see that she was in pain? Why couldn't he be strong like Kai? Why couldn't he shout at the crowd, and tell them to be silent? Why couldn't he bring himself to comfort her and keep the tears from flowing?
Cat lifted her head and looked across the stage to Max. "I-I'm sorry." She sobbed, the tears rolling down her soft face. "I didn't want this to happen but…"
"I understand."
Her eyes snapped open. She looked at Max with her eyes and mouth open wide. His head still tipped in a downward position; he spoke to the female in the softest voice she had ever heard from him before. Was he trying to comfort her?
"I care about you so much…" She began to speak again. "I'm sorry."
Max lifted his head finally to face the female in front of him. "Don't be. Do what you need to do."
She sniffled, then she lifted a solo arm into the air. "GO!"
The buzzing of Cat's white Beyblade suddenly became louder than ever. It spun faster and faster until it began to shoot from right to left. It zigzagged back and forth until began an assault on Max's green blade. It slammed against his blade with minimal force. The attacks only but pushed his blade mere centimeters to one side, she was attack with as little force as she could. The crowd's hissing became louder, fueling some audience members to scream obscenities. This battle was going nowhere.
Her failed attempts caused Max to react. As if he could sense her hesitation, he sent his blade forward. The green blade made one strong strike forward, sending Cat's blade flying in the opposite direction. The small flick was nothing either player had much to worry about; it was another attempt at prolonging the battle.
But why? Why was she doing this? Why was every other battle so easy to fight?
Whenever she had been challenged in the past he would agree without hesitation and fight to the end but now with him. She couldn't fight against someone she had known for so long, someone she had grown up with. He was her best friend, her co-pilot. But she had a team, she had to win, she had her dreams.
She had him.
And yet, why couldn't she fight back?
"Fight me!" He shouted.
"I-I…" Cat stumbled with her words as more tears trickled from her eyes.
"Don't give up!" He called out again. "Don't choke again! Not like with Kai!"
The tears stopped. She felt the world around her become silent. What did he just say? Choke? That word…it was a word that in a short time she had grown to loathe. Ozuma and Yumi's voice echoed her in head…
"Are you going to choke like you did with Kai?"
"You don't want to choke again!"
No, she couldn't do that again. She couldn't let her team down for a second time. Not after everything they had done for her. It was something she couldn't repeat. The burning sensation behind in her eyes stopped. The moist tears on her skin began to dry. When did she stop crying? Cat lifted her hand to her cheeks, where were the tears that were pouring from her eyes a moment earlier. She looked to see Max standing before her with a look of determination on his face. How could he be so strong at a time like this? She looked beyond Max to see an eager-looking team waiting behind him. Was this his reason? She managed to smile. She had a team to win for as well…it was time to get to it.
"All right!" She yelled, "I'm ready now! I won't cry anymore!" Cat lifted a single fisted hand to the boy. "And I won't choke. Are you ready, Max?"
Max closed his eyes and smiled. Yes, he was ready; she could sense it in his stance. After a silent second of peace, his beautiful baby blues opened back up. He removed his clenched hand from his chest and moved his arm outward. He was ready to fight now, just as she was. This was it. They were going to fight and it would be a fight that they'd both give their all. They had made a silent pinky promise and nothing could break it.
"Go! Dwarf Spitz!" Cat shouted, as her blade spun with full force at Max's green blade.
The white blade struck his blade. Surprised by the amount of force she was holding back, Max held strong. He called out to his blade, and spun faster. His defensive blade took the hard blows her white blade was dishing out. Feeling a sudden thrill of the game, Max commanded his green blade to strike Dwarf Spitz. His blade began to grind against her blade causing an ear-piercing buzz. She flinched, he'd improved more than she could have ever imagined.
"HYPER ICE SUBMERGE!"
White icicles shot up from the bottom of the Beydish. Max had seen this attack before and anticipated it. He smirked, before commanding his green blade to spin back and forth, skillfully evading each strike.
"VIPER WALL!"
Max's blade flew forward, shattering each icicle in his path. It was then a huge tidal wave emerged from his small defensive blade. It began to circle and swirl around the blade and progressively stretched forward. She watched as her blade was smashed against the wave. Her blade held strong, taking the full force of the attack. It grinned and skidded against the Beydish until it finally gave way. The small white blade bounced against the tidal wave and was knocked from the dish. The small white blade hit the floor and rolled up against her shoe.
"WIN GOES TO PPB ALL-STARZ!"
The crowd roared. Cat bent down and plucked her blade from the floor. She looked at the battered blade and sighed. She had lost. The remaining members of the PPB All-starz jumped up and ran out to congratulate Max on his victory. The sounds of congrats entered her eyes and stayed in fresh in her mind. How would she face her own team now?
Cat turned her back and retreated back to her own team. She looked up to see her team with looks of satisfaction on their faces. What was this? Why were they smiling? Her heart skipped a beat. They weren't angry? It was then two small bodies rushed at her from the open locker room doors. Cat felt two sets of arms wrap around her body. What was this? A hug? Cat looked down in shock to see Rumi and Yumi. They both had happy smiles stuck on their faces as they nuzzled against her shoulders.
"Good job."
Cat watched as her team captain approached her with his hand extended. "But I lost."
"Who cares!" Yumi moved her body away from her to look at her in the eyes. "That was a great match! You really tried your hardest."
"It was well worth it." Mariam closed her eyes and smiled.
Cat felt more tears welt behind her eyes. She closed her eyes and bit down hard on her lip. She had to keep in the tears! She couldn't cry again! The pressure was too much for the young girl and tears began to again stream down her face.
XoXoX
Silence. Not a foot step or whispered echoed through the hotel lobby until Takao left his room. Time for a midnight snack after a hard day of training. Earlier that day he had found himself with a new sense of peace. He had forgotten what it was like to blade just for the sport of the game. Forgotten that after becoming world champion that Beyblading could be fun just as a game but luck was on his side. Kyoujyu and Daichi had shown him that blading could be a game that he could enjoy without any kind of pressure. What a fulfilling day.
But it was now time to treat himself to a sweet snack. Takao tiptoed through the still hallway. The last thing he wanted to do was disturb any sleeping teams. That's all he needed, to be shouted at this early in the day. All he needed to do was find the nearest vending machine.
He turned a sharp corner to and saw just what he was looking for, a vending machine! Ah! Now it was just a matter of choice. Takao placed his hand over his rumbling belly, chocolate was sounding good right about now. He made a quick survey of the area and skipped toward the machine. He reached down deep into his pant's pocket and pulled out a single bill. Hm, he could taste the sweet chocolate now. Just before he could manage to slip the bill into the machine a small creaking sound caught him off guard.
He stiffened, what was that sound? He was sure that if he turned around he would meet a ghost. He gulped loudly, he had to be brave! But his fear kept him from looking. A sudden cold hand tapped his shoulder. This caused Takao to jump up and squeak in fear. He turned to defend himself, only to find Yuki standing behind him. He had to let a huge sigh of relief pass his lips. Thank goodness!
"Kinomiya?"
"AH!" Takao moved his hand to his forehead and wiped away the sweat dripping from his hair. "It's just you, Yuki."
"Kinomiya, what are you doing out so late?" Yuki asked, letting his arm fall to his side. "You should be in bed."
"I uh," He laughed to himself. "Just needed to get something. What are you doing out?"
The photographer glanced down to the floor before speaking in a low, depressed tone. "I needed to get something as well."
"Eh?" He cocked his head to one side. "Are you all right? Your eyes look…a little red." He felt his mouth drop open in shock. "Have you been crying or something?"
"Ah," Yuki blushed for a moment before shielding his face from prying eyes. "Allergies."
Takao paused for a moment. Perhaps he asked a silly question? Ah well. He shrugged it off and began to turn back around to face the vending machine until a thought hit him. Wait a minute! This was Yuki he was talking to! He had the closest connection to Cat. Stop mid-step and looked Yuki with a stern face. This was his time to drill the nerdy guy for information, it wouldn't be hard, and anyway Yuki didn't seem that hard to crack. He placed his hands on his hips and stared the slender boy right in the eye.
"Yuki," He began in his most serious voice. "What's the matter with Cat?" He watched as said male flinched under the pressure of his questioning. "She's been so standoffish to me, why?"
Yuki whimpered under his breath. Removing his hand from his face, he tilted his head downward and cuffed his hands together. His thin-framed glasses fell down the bridge of his nose, revealing his white eyes. Takao tilted his head to the side in question. What was the big deal? Why couldn't anyone tell him what was going on?! He curled his lip at Yuki's reaction and crossed his arms over his chest.
"What's the big secret? Why won't anyone tell me what's going on?!" He snorted.
"It's really none of your business, Kinomiya." Yuki replied in a frail voice. "It's Cat's business. I can't just tell everyone her secrets."
"Oh?" A large grin spread across Takao's face as he leaned in toward the white-haired artist. "So it is a secret!"
"Ah!" He blushed once again and slapped his hands over his open mouth.
"Come on, Yuki!" The champ unfolded his arm from his chest. "Can't you tell me? I bet The Saint Shields know!"
"They do," Yuki's voice became muffled, his hands still over his lips. "But-"
"Look," Takao moved his left hand to his hip. "You might not know this, but Cat and I are old friends. I deserve to know!" A sly grin crept across his face, he was sure he was breaking him.
"I know that!" An unexpected yelp caused Takao to jump back a few inches. "I'm not stupid!"
"Hey, calm down." Takao waved his right hand up and down. "What's your problem?"
Yuki turned his back to him and crossed his arms over his chest. "You wouldn't understand."
He felt his brow twitch. Now what couldn't he understand? How irritating! How dare this geek approach him with such a statement? There was no way that Yuki had more problems than he did. After all, this kid wasn't the one fighting in the world tournament against all of his old friends! All he had to do in his life was snap photographs of famous starlets. How dare he compare his issues with him!
"And what wouldn't I understand?" He snapped.
"You just don't get it!" Yuki's shoulders bobbed up and down as he shook. "She tells you to leave her alone and you just don't get the message!"
"What?" What the heck? "Are you talking about Cat?"
"Who else?!"
He twitched. What was with that? Takao took one step forward and raised his balled fist to Yuki's back. He then began to growl under his breath, what did he think he was talking about?
"Look, she has an issue with me! I don't know what her problem is, that's why I asked you!" He then began to shake his clenched fist. "If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. You and her can stay together, I don't care!"
"We're not together."
His arm went limp. What? Did he just say what he thought he said? He felt his lips part as if he was going to speak but no words could form. Not together? Wait, he had to have heard wrong. This was wrong, wasn't it? The room fell into silence. He couldn't think of a single word to say. Did he ask what? Or why? He wasn't one to know much about romance or relationships but…
"We broke up." Yuki let out a loud sigh. "Actually she broke up with me."
"But…" Takao finally managed to speak. "I thought you two were-"
"No." He watched the back of Yuki's head sway from side to side. "Just a few hours ago." He continued in a low tone. "But I've been feeling it for a while now."
"Why?"
"Because of you."
"Huh?" He backed away from the stranger.
A sudden urge to vomit hit him with full force. The familiar ill-like symptoms were back but why? Takao moved his hand over his mouth. He resisted the urge to gag and sweat began to trickle down his forehead. Why was he feeling sick now? This ill feeling had plagued him for so long at the near mention of Cat but why? He had grown very tired of this feeling. The worst part? He didn't know why it was happening. He waited for Yuki to continue. Why him? Was the ongoing feud with him troubling their relationship? But why would it? So many questions…
"Because she loves you."
He froze. What? Love? Him? Cat? No, this was impossible. He flinched in pain. This was impossible! No, they were just friends! This couldn't be happening. Takao's hand slowly dropped from his mouth and hit his side. No, not Cat. She couldn't, could…she…?
The sick feeling in his stomach continued to twist and turn his gut. They were friends, since they were children so why? Why would she develop feelings for him now? The world around him began to spin and his limbs became numb. What was he feeling? Nervousness? Disgust? Laughter? No, it was an emotion he couldn't put a name to.
His back hit the vending machine behind him. So he had taken steps backward? He hadn't noticed. He could almost hear time ticking around him; seconds passing like hours. He couldn't be sure how long he had stood there in shock. All he could feel was the world turning around him. What was happening?
"No!" Takao began to laugh. "That's not true!"
Yuki whirled around to face him. The young white-haired boy had a look of pure anger on his face. Why was he mad at him? He hadn't done anything! He'd never thought he'd see such anger in someone like Yuki, eyes. Tears began to welt in his eyes and slowly ran down his pale face.
"She ended our relationship because she loves you!" He rubbed his eyes with his shirtsleeve. "And you don't even realize it! Everyone knows, Takao! You can't even appreciate her!" His shouts echoed throughout the large hotel lobby. "I hope you're happy!"
Takao lifted his hand and opened his mouth to speak but no words came forth. He watched as Yuki turned back around and pushed forward. He pushed his delicate body into a sprint and left the scene. He watched Yuki's fading image until it completely vanished from sight.
Moving his head backward, Takao hit the back of his head on the vending machine. He inhaled a deep breath of air before releasing it in a sigh. What was he thinking…what was she thinking? How long had this been going on? How long had she kept his secret? He felt his hand move up to his forehead. No fever. But why did he feel so sick? He grunted to himself, now he had even more on his plate…more than he ever expected.
So much for his late night snack.
XoXoX
POP! BANG!
A cloud of confetti fell from the sky. Streamers in the air incorporated with the scent of food. The Saint Shields sighed, another party? Ozuma was growing used to the fact that Yumi found it necessary to throw a party at the drop of a hat. Anything was worth celebrating to the young female. He could only assume the blue-haired girl carried around party poppers 'just in case'. Dunga and Yusuf found no reason to complain however the party food was something they had grown fond of. Mariam and Rumi on the other had could care less and just enjoyed the time spent together either way.
"Happy 'welcome to the finals'!" Yumi announced with both hands stuck up in the air.
"Yeah, yeah," Dunga moved his hand back and forth. "Let's just get to the cake!"
"All right." She shut her eyes and nodded. "I'll cut the first slice."
Yumi rose from her seat in the circle and approached the kitchen where she fetched a sharp knife. She then walked over to the counter that held the celebration cake. She began to slice into the cake with a huge smile on her face.
Ozuma turned to his partner with a bland look on his face. There was something wrong with her, she wasn't begging for the first slice of cake. He leaned in slightly, trying to catch her attention without words, and stared at her. She was seated, one leg folded over the other and a worried look on her face. He couldn't help but notice the huge red blush consuming her face.
Something was wrong. He could hear the girl's heavy breathing and watched as she began to fiddle with her jacket sleeve. Distracted? Ozuma tilted his head to one side; perhaps it was the break up from last night? Thank goodness for Yusuf's excellent spying skills or else he would know nothing of the situation. He wasn't one to bring up the subject of relationships but could this be bothering her? He resisted the urge to ask, it was too soon. Best wait for Cat to come to the team on her own.
"Who wants the first slice?" Yumi sung from the small hotel room kitchen.
Cat bolted from her seat on the floor. She stood above her teammates and friends and nervously began to speak, "I'll be right back! There's something I have to do!"
The team watched as the young female left the hotel room, slamming the door behind her. Ozuma sighed; perhaps he should have asked her if she was all right? He shook his head, she'd come around.
XoXoX
She ran down the hallway, brushing passed any tourists in the process. She needed fresh air, she needed time to think. Cat pushed her body forward; she had to get to the balcony area to think. A sharp turn left then right and she found herself in front of the doors leading to the hotel balcony. She pressed her hand against the cold wood and pushed the heavy doors open. She felt the cool evening air hit her face and push the hair around her face backward. She stepped out onto the balcony to see a beautiful Egyptian sunset. How far had she come…?
Cat looked left and felt her body nearly give way under her own weight at the sight of Takao standing on the far end of the balcony. A bright red blush spread across her cheeks. What was he doing out here? Before she could shout at the boy, she watched him. Takao was had both hands placed on the balcony rails as he stared out into the setting sun. His hair brushing passed his face in the warm wind. His red jacket flapping away, he looked so determined and lost in his own thoughts.
What could he be thinking now? Cat felt her hands slip down off the doors and on to her sides. The sound caused Takao to flinch and look her way. The two stared at one another. They were alone…all alone. She couldn't get the blush to leave her face, how beautiful he looked. Standing there with the orange sunset behind him. What was she supposed to say? She felt her body, beyond her will, step closer to him; he watched as she neared him, his face as still as ever. He was no longer a boy playing with his Beyblade after school; he was now a young man with his own life goals. She felt her heart slam away in her chest and the butterflies flutter away in her belly. What was she doing?
"Cat?"
He finally spoke. His voice why was it know so wonderfully musical? When did he become a young man? In the years while she was away? She felt her whole body become numb. There was no way this would end well.
"Takao…" She whispered. "There's something you should know." Cat then stopped her pace, a foot or so away from him. "I ended my relationship with Yuki last night."
He paused for a moment before replying. "I know."
"Takao," She spoke again, her brown hair flying in the wind. "I did it because…"
She took the few necessary steps to close the space between herself and Takao. She lifted her hands and placed them on his chest. She moved her head to the side and leaned her ear against Takao's beating heart.
"Because…"
XoXoX
Takao's whole body became stiff. What was going on? He could feel the sick feeling return to his body ten-fold. The gut wrenching pain caused his breathing to pick up and sweat to drip from his chin. Why was he feeling this way? Why did every mention of this girl bring pain to him? Ever since they reunited the previous year…this pain would start at the mere sight of her. But why? Did he…?
"I did it because I love you, Takao."
What? His body become numb once again. The way it had the night before when he spoke with Yuki. A confession? Why now? He could feel his hands shaking beneath him. This girl, why did it have to be Cat Greco? Takao felt his head tilt to look down at the girl. He had spent so many days and nights with this girl as a child. So many nights spent talking, blading, just spending time together. But why now? His childhood friend had fallen in love with him? It seemed so unbelievable.
Tears began to leak from Cat's eyes. "Ever since I left," She began to speak in a shaken tone. "When I left you two years ago, I realized I loved you."
What was he hearing? His head begin to pound in his chest. He felt his cheeks heat up with blush. Why was he feeling this way? So numb, so strange? The world around him began to slow and he could no longer hear the background sounds around him. All he could hear was the small sobbing and whimpering sounds of Cat. It was if they were the only two existing.
"I came back because of you," She said.
Kai's voice came roaring in his head. He had heard those words before.
"You came back for him! You LOVE him!"
Could Kai have been talking about him? So Kai knew as well. Was it really that obvious? How could it have gone so long unnoticed? Takao closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling the scent of Cat's perfume through his nose.
Vanilla.
"Everything I've done since then was an effort to get closer to you; every song I sung was a message for you."
She continued to cry, her tears now staining his shirt. She then moved her hand to her face and began to wipe her face clean. With one hand still placed on his chest, she began to grip his shirt. She clung to him as she sobbed. He refused to move, refused to speak. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, this couldn't be happening. Meanwhile his stomach continued to do summersaults and cause him pain.
"Until," Cat's sobs came to a slow halt. "I saw you and Hiromi." She took in a deep breath and continued to speak just above a whisper. "I came by to see you that day when I saw you two…kissing."
That was right. A flashback of images entered his head. Hiromi…she had kissed him. On that day, she had taken things into her own hands and kissed him. He had forgotten the incident up until now. What would Hiromi think? His hands lift up and gently touch Cat's back.
"After that," The celebrity sniffled. "I made it my mission to date someone that was completely opposite of you, Takao. I wanted someone who didn't remind myself of you but," She paused for a moment before turning her head to look upward. "I couldn't forget you." The two teens locked eyes for that moment. "Afterward, I was so embarrassed of my own feelings I had to avoid you…I couldn't let on that I loved you."
The champ watched as the tears poured from her eyes. Her tears glistened in the setting sun and caused him to smile. Cat parted her soft lips and watched him with glassy eyes. Just when he thought she could cry no more, more tears came forth. Takao's hands slowly removed themselves from her back and landed on her shoulders. The blush on her face deepened as he used a gentle touch to pull her in toward him. He could feel himself lowering down, his face coming closer to hers.
Everything else became obsolete, meaningless. He felt his face coming closer and closer by the second. Cat began to step on her tiptoes and closed her eyes. He could feel her warm breath on his face the closer they became. Takao began to move his head to one side and parted his lips. Just as his eyes began to shut tight, a voice entered his head.
"I care a lot about her. I love her, Takao."
He froze. Max…He pulled his face away from Cat's, reopening his eyes in the process. He saw his oldest friend with her eyes shut and lips ready for kissing. He twitched. What was he doing? Takao tightened his grip on Cat's shoulders before shoving her away. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him with large eyes. She then cocked one of her eyebrows in confusion. What was he doing, he wasn't even sure! Takao then bowed his head, concealing his facial expression.
"I-I'm sorry…" He began to whisper. "I…I can't."
Her mouth dropped open. She then jumped away from him, her hands on her chest. The blush returned to her face as she shielded her cheeks with her arm. She began to stutter something Takao couldn't make out. She began to step away from the boy, her face hidden from sight. She ran toward the balcony door, and tore it open.
"Forget I said anything!" She squealed before leaving the area.
"Wait! I-" Takao's words fell on deaf ears.
What just happened?
Act End.