So the Blader's name turned out to be Chris, a rather American name. As he said during the battle, he was a Blader for hire, and went around doing whatever job was needed. He had taken interest in me and said I could tag along. I figured if I could help him come to Gingka's side of things, we wouldn't have any problems. But, he only really did things for money, so that was going to be hard to change. But, I stuck with it, not pushing the topic, but not fully dropping it either. He seemed like a nice guy and just had a bit of a hot head. Currently we were sneaking through the woods, trying to find his latest target. I ducked under a low hanging branch and looked around. Chris waved to get my attention and pointed up. I leaped and grabbed another branch, pulling myself into the trees. We both crouched on the branches and waited.
After a few minutes, I heard some people laughing. They got closer, and I saw Chris load up. He waved to stay where I was and took aim. He took a breath and launched. Orion flew through the air and slammed into the ground with a massive explosion. A couple of shouts were heard, followed by some pretty impressive language.
"Hey! It's a Beyblade! Get it!" I heard a couple of Beys smack Orion around, and I was able to peek through the leaves. Four guys were calling commands, but just like in my battle, Orion didn't lose any energy. It flashed once, then again, and again. The flashes got faster, and a blinding light filled the area. All of the guys shouted, then silence. Chris grunted and dropped to the ground, walking over and taking something from one of the guys. I dropped out of the tree as he caught Orion.
"What's that?"
"One of these punks stole this from someone else. I'm going to return it." He stuffed a necklace into his pocket and looked over the four guys. "Tch. They use plastic Fusion Wheels. That's just sad." I nodded.
««{{2 months later}}»»
Chris had heard that there was a tournament with a huge reward at a place called Beyster Island. We both decided to sign up, and I was hoping Gingka would be there. We got to the island and I was looking around, trying to spot anyone I knew. I saw one kid with black hair going stir crazy at having to wait.
"Oh come on! When is this thing gonna start!"
"Tch, that kid's annoying." I agreed with Chris using a simple nod. I thought I spotted Gingka's flaming head, but I lost sight of it before I could check. "What are you doing?" I glanced at Chris.
"Just trying to see if some of my friends are here. After all, one of them is Gingka."
"Oh yeah, the so called strongest Blader. I'll swipe that title out from under his feet." Finally DJ Blader started the tournament, and we all took off. Chris vanished in a blink, and I was only hoping I didn't get in his cross hairs. I jogged into one of the paths, knowing all of the Blader's would wipe themselves out before I would reach them. And it was happening already. Blader's were battling left and right, and I simply moved passed them. One guy tried to launch his Bey at me, which I ducked under and sent Leone after it. An explosion wiped it out, and I kept going. I bobbed and weaved around the other Bladers, and eventually all of the battles were behind me. I looked around, detecting a single Blader off to my left. I held Leone in my hand and sprinted forward as fast as I could. My time with Chris had helped me to grow physically, and I was a lot faster than I was before. The guy tried to take aim, but I was too fast. He broke out of the brush, shouting at me. I leapt high, spinning in the air, and launching. He screamed as an explosion filled the air. I landed, caught Leone, and kept going. I wasn't going to be the second one to the first gate. I sighed as I stopped at the first stadium, taking my time to calm myself. I heard the battles getting closer, then suddenly they stopped. I looked up to see a figure approaching and I gasped when I recognized them.
"No..."
"Well well well, if it isn't the old base shaker. Long time no see. It's been what? A year?"
««{{Flashback}}»»
"Where is it?"
"Where is what?"
"Don't play stupid! You and I both know why I'm here, and I'm not leaving until I get that Beyblade!" He acted like he caught on, and dug into his pocket.
"Oh! You mean this piece of junk?" He held out a green Beyblade, and while I couldn't see too much from this distance, I knew it was pretty bad. Madoka gasped when she saw its condition.
"How could you let a Beyblade get in that shape?! That is awful!" Ikari grinned sickly.
"I've been using it as my "punching bag"." I was gritting my teeth as Madoka looked on in horror. "It's no use otherwise, it's not strong enough, so I sit there and beat it till it stops spinning. And then do it all over again."
««{{Flashback End}}»»
"So, I'm guessing you got a new Beyblade?" I asked, grimacing as Ikari stopped on the other side of the stadium.
"Yeah, and it's so much stronger than I had hoped. Say hello to Cyclone Capricorn 100 HF. It's fast and strong. Way more than your little Puppy."
"Maybe so, but I'm not scared of a simple goat. Say hello to the one you called worthless." I held up Leone and he gawked.
"WHAT?! What is that?!"
"Hades Leone CH120FB. You just weren't patient enough. Now I'm strong enough to wipe you out no problem." He smirked.
"We'll see about that." We loaded up and took aim.
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
"Let It Rip!" Leone took the center while Capricorn dashed around.
"Well, I'll show you it's still useless! Capricorn!" The Bey dashed around, going in for a hit.
"Leone, upper." Leone's Spin Track extended, and Capricorn barreled right past it.
"What?" Capricorn tried to hit it, but Leone danced around it, easily able to dodge the shorter Bey. "Hold still!"
"No thanks." Leone was almost lazily dodging around Capricorn. Its extended Spin Track, combined with its Performance Tip, allowed it to tilt to a smaller angle, leaning right around any attack by zipping a short distance away.
"Capricorn, leap!" Capricorn, while charging Leone, jumped forward, actually making contact. I took a step back as an explosion rocked the arena.
"Alright, now we're talking! Leone, counter it!" Leone shoved Capricorn off and dropped height, dashing around slamming into it, releasing an explosion of its own. Capricorn and Leone went at it, trading hit for hit. After a minute we were both getting tired, and I smirked. "Leone, charge up." Leone settled and raised in height, moving just enough to dodge Capricorn. The energy was getting strong enough to make the wind howl a little. I looked at Ikari. "You've fought well! Against anyone else against you would have lost by now!" Ikari glared at me.
"I'm not done yet!"
"Yeah, you are! The bad part about a pure Attack Type is they have no Stamina. I thought you said that back when we first battled! You've used all of your energy!"
"Don't count me out yet! Capricorn!" The Bey put on a burst of speed, circling the stadium. "Removing any Stamina Type pieces from my Bye increased its Attack power by more than double."
"It's no use! Leone has gathered enough energy!" I held my hands out. "Witness the final move!"
"Not yet! Capricorn Special Move: White Horn Rampage!" Capricorn started glowing in a white light. Its speed doubled.
"Special Move: Royal Flame Hurricane!" Leone forced the wind energy up, sparking it and creating a massive burning tornado. Ikari yelped but recovered and pushed on, his Blader's Spirit glowing hot.
"I won't lose!" Capricorn slammed into the wall of fire, and actually pushed into it a little.
"You already have! Leone!" The tornado grew in strength and Capricorn started losing its hold on its attack.
"Capricorn, fight it!" It doubled in strength, the white light shining against the fire. I felt my Blader's Spirit change, and my eyes flashed. I threw my arms out to the side as purple energy exploded outwards. My voice almost had a demonic tone to it.
"I will not lose to the likes of you!" The fire tornado went from a bright orange color to a deep purple that matched. Ikari shouted in fear and the stadium exploded.
My breathing was deep and heavy as I looked at my hands. Tendrils of energy were floating off my body, and I gasped. Ikari was laying on the ground, Capricorn next to him.
"Tch. I thought I could control it. Hm?" I turned and saw the door opening. I caught Leone, wincing from the heat. I shot a last glance at Ikari. "Sorry kid, it was a good fight though." I took off, the door shutting behind me right as I heard voices entering the area. I ran through the short hallway and came to another stadium. I looked around, seeing it empty.
"So! You're my opponent!" I turned to see a guy with darker blue hair and a long, red coat, stepping out of the shadows and smirking. I immediately noticed a particular energy surrounding him.
"So, you're one of them then." He raised an eyebrow.
"Could you be a little more specific dude?" He shook his head.
"You have a Star Fragment." I said.
"Huh? How do you know about that?" It was my turn to smirk as I tapped the side of my head.
"I know things." He glared and pointed at me.
"Alright dude, I'm going to send you flying! Get ready!" I loaded up, Leone was feeling eager for this one.
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
"Let It Rip!" Leone took the center as the other Bey rushed it.
"Dodge Leone!" It pulled back, moving out of the way. "Chase it!"
"Go Variares!" The Bey sped up, moving out of reach. "Go on, do it!" Variares rushed around the stadium, barreling towards Leone.
"Leone, take center!" Leone dodged Variares and settled in the middle. "Charge up!"
"Don't let 'em Variares!" Variares dashed down, slamming into Leone with a massive explosion.
"Woah!" I covered my face as smoke blew over me. "Okay, let's get serious. Leone!" Leone settled and built up more wind.
"Variares!"
"Leone, upper and dodge!" Leone switched heights and leaned around the attack, staying in place.
"Hold still pal!"
"No chance!" Leone dodged Variares every time it came close, and the Blader was getting frustrated.
"Just stop moving!" His Spirit started glowing as he shouted to the sky, and I gasped when I saw his hair change to a pale pink color and stand up. "I won't be mocked by you! Haaaaa!" Variares jumped off the lip of the stadium, and I thought I saw something in it change. It landed and rushed Leone, going much faster than before. Leone didn't have time to dodge and was knocked away. Variares didn't let up, pushing Leone around the stadium.
"Leone! Release it!" A whip of wind lashed out, smacking Variares back. Leone dashed away to regain some balance.
"Go Variares!" It chased Leone down.
"Leone can't take that much damage, Leone fight back!" It dropped in height and dashed away, earning some distance. The Beys were on opposite sides of the stadium, and were gaining speed. I looked at the other Blader. "This had been a good fight. What do you say about going all out?" He grinned.
"If you're sure about that! I won't hold back if you won't!" Leone's Energy Ring immediately started glowing as it gathered energy for one final assault. Variares started glowing as well. We both charged up, our Spirits glowing hot.
"I almost forgot! What's your name?!" I shouted over the noise.
"Huh? Oh yeah! The name's King!" I scoffed.
"Really?!"
"Uh, yeah! Why does no one believe me?!" I grinned and straightened up for a second, bowing at the torso a little before going back to my stance.
"Oh I believe you! Now, let's finish this!" We both shouted as we gave one last push. "Hades Leone Special Move: Royal Flame Hurricane!"
"Special Move: Variares King of Thunder Sword!" Both Beys rocketed down the sides of the stadium, their powers to the max. They collided, and the biggest explosion went off. I felt something fly past my head and ducked. I felt weak, and knew the outcome of the battle before the smoke could settle. I swiped the smoke away and sighed when I saw Leone laying on the ground next to the wall. I picked it up and checked for damage. It looked fine. I turned and saw King running off, heading through the next door. I sighed, looking down at Leone.
"We tried bud. But we just aren't at that level yet."
««{{¤}}»»
I hopped over the stadium seat wall and ran forward as the other Bladers were gathered around the stadium.
"Join us Chris!" Gingka held up a fist.
"What are you going to pay me?"
"Pay you?" I stepped around the group, ignoring the gasps. I hadn't been seen in over six months, so it was a bit of a shock. "JAMES?! Is that you?!" I ignored Gingka in favor of turning to Chris.
"Chris, this is Gingka, the guy I was telling you about." Chris looked interested. But before he could speak, another voice spoke up.
"I can pay you!" I jumped as a guy dressed in a loose white robe landed near him. I cut into the conversation. This guy was giving me the creeps.
"Hey! Who are you?!" The robed man turned to me, raising his long sleeves up.
"Meow, I should be asking you that same question." I internally shuddered. I may like felines, but at least I have enough pride to not meow.
"Johannes! What are you doing here?!" Gingka called out. The guy bit back.
"None of your business! Now, where were we?" Chris raised up a hand.
"I don't come cheap you know."
"Well I can get you anything you want." Chris' eyes lit up.
"On the level?!"
"Chris! Don't fall for it! You're better than this!" I called out. He brushed me off.
"Sorry James, but I know a deal when I see one." I was exasperated.
"Are you kidding me?! You're smarter than that! This guy obviously has bad intentions! Don't fall for a lie like that!" He glared at me.
"Don't talk to me like I'm some kid!"
'Well, you are...but okay.' I thought with a grimace.
"Use your head Chris!"
"Quiet! Neaw!" I whipped out my launcher and was able to meet Johannes' Bey with Leone. An explosion rang out and I glared at him.
"Leave Chris alone you creep!"
"I'm not going to hurt him. I just need to borrow his strength for a while. Stay out of my way!" He hissed as his Bey slammed into Leone, knocking it away.
"Gah! Leone!" Leone dashed around and slammed into the Bey. "I won't let you take him!" I gasped as an explosion rang out. The smoke cleared to show Chris standing there with his launcher in hand. "Chris! What's the big idea?!"
"I'm going James. Stop trying to fight this, it's just another job." A kid with brown hair and glasses spoke up.
"Please, listen to me! They are very bad men who want to take over the world!"
"So? I don't care!" I nearly ran over and decked him.
"Chris don't 'do this!'" Orion knocked Leone away. Everyone surrounding the stadium launched. A good 15 or so Beys were in the stadium, and the battle was on. I noticed Variares and saw King cheering it on as it plowed through the Beys, the black haired kid from the start of the tournament following closely behind with his own Bey.
"Alright Chris. Your first task is to take care of him!" Johannes pointed at Gingka, who glared with a drop of sweat running down his face. After having witnessed Orion wake up to its true power, Gingka wasn't sure what he was getting himself into. I heard a distant, "Let It Rip!" from behind me, and turned in time to see a Bey flying right at me. I yelped and ducked, avoiding it. It slammed into Orion, but didn't back away. I recognized the Bey.
"L-drago..."
««{{Flashback}}»»
"It's good to have a healthy amount of fear kid. Especially when the Dragon Emperor is standing right in front of you."
««{{Flashback End}}»»
I gasped. Orion and L-drago started glowing, and Chris looked like he was in pain, even dropping to his knees. Johannes' Bey knocked Orion out of L-drago's grasp, only to be blown away by said Bey.
"Stop it Ryuga!" I spun at the familiar voice, and saw Kenta grabbing Ryuga's leg. Ryuga knocked Kenta off of him, and I spun around, only to be blinded by a bright flash of light. I looked to see Chris and the others gone. I clenched my fist.
"Darn your pride Chris!"
"James!" I turned to Gingka and sighed.
"Hey Gingka."
"James is that really you?"
"Long time no see? I guess I missed something." Madoka stomped up to me, her cheeks red in anger. "Ah heh, hey Madoka...how's it-!"
*BAM* I dropped to a crouch, holding my head in pain.
"YOU INSENSITIVE JERK! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU?!" I looked up with one eye, rubbing my now bruised head.
"...Not long enough?" I hazarded a guess.
"Since Ryan told us you took off!" I winced and stood up. I ran my fingers through my hair, some of it falling to cover my eyes.
"Madoka...I couldn't stay."
"You! What? Why not?"
"It was too dangerous. I could have hurt someone. I did hurt someone." Everyone went quiet. Gingka and Madoka had been the only ones to see Ryan's injuries at first. I had no idea how long he was in the hospital for, since I left that first night. King stepped forward.
"Hey, I know you!"
"Yeah, King, I'm friends with Gingka and Madoka." He nodded.
"I figured, there was no way you knew about the Star Fragments without knowing these guys." I sighed, and turned when the brown haired guy with glasses spoke up.
"Wait, you know Mr. Gingka? Why haven't I met you before?"
"I was...away."
"Well, it's good to meet you, my name is Yuki."
"James." I shook his hand.
"So, how did you meet Mr. Gingka?"
"Long story for another time." I turned to the mentioned Blader. "Gingka...how is Ryan?" He lowered his eyes a little.
"It took him a couple months to even leave the hospital. The damage was worse than the doctors thought. He is still not back to 100%." I glared at my fist.
"Tch. I did this."
"No." I looked at Gingka.
"What?"
"You didn't do this. Leone was the one that lost control."
"I should have stopped it!"
"How?"
"I!" I didn't have the answer.
"You couldn't. Don't blame yourself." Madoka jumped into the conversation.
"James. Ryan is okay. And he doesn't blame you." I sighed.
"...Where is he?"
"Home. He didn't leave your house very often. At least not until his back wasn't hurting as much." I nodded.
"I need to see him." Madoka nodded.
"Your parents are still searching for you." I winced. They were going to kill me.
"Let's...get this over with."
««{{¤}}»»
I stopped at the entrance to our apartment building. Gingka and Madoka flanked me. I sighed and we walked in, stepping into an elevator.
"Are you nervous?" Madoka asked. I didn't break my gaze from the wall.
"I haven't seen them in six months, and the way I said goodbye was a sticky note saying 'don't wait up for me'." Madoka blinked.
"Oh." I nodded to myself and stepped out of the elevator. I walked down the hall and stopped at the door to my family's apartment. I raised my fist to knock on the door, but hesitated.
'This is going to hurt. One way or another.'
*Knock knock knock*
"Just a minute!" I heard my mom's voice through the door. I felt Leone's spirit reach out to me. I nudged it back, thankful for the comfort. The door opened and my mom froze when we made eye contact.
"I've got a lot of explaining to do." Her brow lowered and she grabbed me in a hug.
"...You're safe. That's what matters..." I sighed and returned the hug.
"...Thank you."