Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade in any way. The only character I own is Marina as she's my OC. Any other references I make are purely coincidental.
Chapter 7: Short and Long
"The semi-finals are set to begin. Starting with: the Bladebreakers and the White Tigers." announced Jazzman and the crowd cheered in response.
In a locker room, Tyson was totally psyched for the match while Kai was sitting away from the others in mental preparation.
"Hey, Kenny. What do you think they will do first?" he asked.
"They've never been a team to put their best blader first which probably means that they will put Mariah in."
"She's going down." and Tyson got more excited.
"I will take Mariah." said Kai suddenly.
"How come?" asked Tyson surprised.
Kai didn't answer so Tyson just nodded and turned away.
In another locker room, the White Tigers were also preparing.
"Which one of you is going first?" asked Kevin to Lee and Mariah.
"I don't care. Mariah?" said Lee.
"If that's your decision then I'll go first. The World Champ won't go first anyway. We know them well enough for that." she said.
In the arena, Jazzman started to announce the upcoming match.
"In our first round, the Bladebreakers are sending in their brilliant captain, Kai!"
"Kai is probably the best in this tournament. He has managed to worry the World Champ enough times." said Brad as Kai's stats were shown.
"Mariah truly needs Galux to be at 100% to even stand a chance, let alone win." said AJ wisely.
"For the White Tigers, Mariah!" announced Jazzman.
"Mariah is one cool pussy-cat of a blader, but don't let that put you off, Galux is one of the fastest cats I've seen." said AJ as Mariah's stats came up.
Both players approached the dish.
"Presenting the Chainsaw Dish!" and Jazzman stood back as the dish rose from the floor.
"This dish looks like a killer. It actually has spinning metal blades going along tracks on the floor. Neither player looks excited about it." said AJ.
"Can you blame them, AJ? One mistake and the blade can be sliced big time." said Brad.
"I don't like my chances now." said Mariah to herself.
Kai wasn't looking bothered, but it was clear that inside, he didn't like this dish either.
"Now that we know our bladers and we know their stadium, let's begin. 3…2…1…let it rip!" and both bladers released their blades.
"Galux, stay in defence."
"Her defence won't last against Kai's Dranzer." said Lee to himself as he watched the match.
"Galux, now! Cat Scratch Attack!" and Mariah's blade started to attack Kai's blade.
In the stands, Tala and Marina were watching the match with interest.
"This should have finished long ago. Since when has Kai toyed with his opponents?" said Tala annoyed.
"I don't care how he does it, as long as he wins." said Marina clutching her blade tightly.
The battle was certainly against Mariah and her blade nearly hit the chainsaw in the dish.
"Dranzer, attack now!" and Kai's blade pushed Mariah's blade towards the chainsaw and the side of her blade was cut off. Her blade spun out of control.
"Try to hang in there, Galux. Fight it." but her blade landed out.
"No. I'm sorry, Galux." she picked up her blade; fortunately her bit piece was still intact.
Kai walked away back to the team bench.
"Well done, Kai. We are one match away from the finals." said Tyson.
"Well, that one is over. Now the rematch between Lee and Tyson." announced Jazzman.
Both players approached the Chainsaw dish.
"Tyson is an impressive champion and with his bit beast Dragoon has won three championships so far." said Brad as Tyson's stats were shown.
"Lee and Galeon better be prepared for this. If they lose, the Bladebreakers move on." said AJ as Lee's stats were shown.
"3…2…1…let it rip." said Jazzman and both blades were released.
Tyson's blade immediately charged towards Lee's, but Lee avoided.
"Turn fast, Dragoon. Reverse slam." Lee avoided again.
"Tyson, stop attacking directly. Use your head." advised Kai.
Tyson pulled back and waited.
"Galeon, Spiral Lightning." and Lee's blade targeted Tyson's and Galeon came out the blade's bit.
"Dragoon, Galaxy Storm." his blade hit Lee's and they were deadlocked.
In the stands, Tala smiled.
"If Tyson can't overpower Lee, then this tournament is ours."
"I can beat Kai, but it won't be easy. Anyway, Tala, don't you dare underestimate Tyson." said Marina.
Tala frowned as he looked at her; he hated being told what to do, especially since he was the captain.
In the match, Tyson started to overpower Lee and started pushing his blade back.
"Go, Tyson!" said Kenny as he cheered his friend on.
"When Tyson uses his head, this always happens." said Kai, almost smiling.
"Tyson, you can do it. Go for it!" said Max cheering.
Eventually, Lee's blade was given a big knock out the dish.
"Yes, we're going to the finals!" said Tyson and he jumped with his fist in the air.
"Well, that was a surprising finale, the Bladebreakers go to the finals and the White Tigers are out. Join us next time for the Blitzkrieg Bladers and F Dynasty." said Jazzman.
Later, at night, in a hotel room, Tala was practicing with Bryan. Spencer, Ian and Marina just watched. Marina wasn't really paying attention.
"This tournament is ours. Tala can beat Tyson and I will finish Kai. I will not let the team down by losing to him." (she pictured Kai in her mind and growled under her breath.) "I hope he enjoyed his match with Brooklyn a year ago because this will be twice as worse if I have anything to say about it."