Beyblade Ultima

Chapter 5: Stones, water and a maze, oh my!

Melfina placed her laptop up on the table, "So, are you guys really the best of the best?"

"You beat, we rule!" Tyson managed to say as he stuffed his face full. "Tell her Kenny." Max and Ray laughed, "Don't let our casual ways fool you, we are professionals." Kenny started.

"Yeah, professionals who love to beyblade to the extreme!" Max added. Dizzi whistled, "Extreme eating and goofing off is what they really mean."

"… Okay then. Even though your battle today was a push over, don't expect the rest of the BUC to be easy. You may be professionals but you've got to keep ahead of the competition."

"We know, after all that's the whole point of entering. Hawaii is one cool place, I admit but we're all ready to see the other teams too. Who knows what skills we could pick up?" Ray commented as he crossed his arms.

"Melfina, please what is it like to work for the BBA?" Kenny pleaded.

"It's a job, I have to work hard at making sure everything is organised. It may sound cool but it's tough work looking after thousands of Beybladers. Still, I get to see what makes Beybladers tick and find out more about Beyblading." She glanced around at the Blade Breakers, "Well, you've finished eating. Now can we get onto business?"

Tyson shrugged, "Wait." He shoved and chewed furiously through some bread rolls. "Okay, tell us what's up next."

Melfina turned on her laptop and started typing, "Okay, tomorrow morning the three Challenge Matches start. It will be held at Waikiki Beach."

Max asked, "Waikiki Beach? Where's that?"

"Don't get him started, a Bit Beast can only handle so much!" Dizzi cried to no avail.

"Well Max, currently we are in Honolulu, which is situated on the island Oahu. Oahu has a land area of 594 square miles or 1,538 square kilometers. It is formed of two mountain ranges, the Koolau and the Waianae. The island has no active volcanoes but many extinct craters, notably Diamond Head, Koko Head, and Punchbowl. Honolulu, the capital and largest city, is the state's industrial and tourist hub, with high-rise hotels, shopping centers, and the crowded sands of famed Waikiki Beach. A lot of tourists come here, especially for the sun, surf and the many attractions Hawaii has to offer. I believe the surfing here is quite good, so there is a good chance some of the local Beybladers here are surfers as well."

"Chief, all Max asked for was a location not a travel brochure." Tyson whined.

"I'm sorry but I can't help myself, Hawaii is such an interesting place."

Melfina coughed, "If you guys are quite done, you'll get to see more of Hawaii later. I've organised a trip for you Monday so as I was saying, each match is divided into two heats. You have a choice of action, strategy and endurance depending on which one is best suited for your team."

The team nodded, Melfina continued. "The Challenge Matches all involve an obstacle course," She faced the laptop towards the boys. "Okay, I'll do a run down of each course. This one is the action course, for the length of 250 metres you and the other Beybladers will have to get your beyblade from the start to the end. Standing between you and the finish line is the other blades and several… obstacles if you like. These range from quicksand, fiery pits and robotic beyblades that are programmed to attack you or push you into another obstacle." Several pictures of the course and its obstacles flashed on the screen as she spoke. The boys peered at the screen as a map of the course appeared.

"Should be a synch, what do you guys think?" Tyson asked.

"I guess it would be okay… though it seems like this won't be a pushover." Max replied and shrugged.

Kenny looked as if he was about to disagree when Tyson grabbed into a head hold, "Come on Kenny, you've got to let me play in this course! It's so cool!"

Kenny struggled against Tyson, "Tyson, we haven't even heard about the other courses!" Tyson let his friend go, "Come on I'm sure the others don't mind."

Ray looked a little grim, "I don't think so, and this course looks too dangerous. I won't but Drigger into something that could get him or me seriously hurt." Tyson grimaced, "I know, we wouldn't either for you or any of our Bit Beasts… But please?" He pulled a sad face and attempted to make puppy eyes at everyone. The Blade Breakers glowered, as Tyson turned to each of them pleading. Everyone sighed; Melfina tapped her fingers on the table. Tyson gulped as the girl gave him a look to shut him up, he quickly sat down.

"Now, another good choice is the strategy course runs differently from the action course. You'll start off by passing through a series of checkpoints, at Checkpoint 1, you'll have to make your way across a river by leaping on some pontoons before making your way up a series of stone stairs. To complete Checkpoint 2, you've got to make your way through a maze before beating the remaining opponents to a race down to the finish line."

Ray grinned, "Now that is a little more like it. I could take that on easily." Max clapped him on the shoulder, "You and Drigger would be great at that!"

"I agree, you and Drigger have definitely got the speed and skill to make it through the course."

Melfina raised an eyebrow, "Don't get too cocky. The water in the river is pretty rough, one slip and bye bye beyblade. Or you could get lost in the maze."

Tyson slammed his fist on the table, "Hey, just whom do you think you are trying to scare? Even if you are supposed to be helpful, don't push us around." He lent back in his chair, "Forget it, me and my big mouth."

Melfina grinned and waved a hand casually in the air, "No worries, I forget sometimes that I am working with kids my own age. I'm sorry, but this job is really important to me. I get a little… vicious if all doesn't go according to plan. Let's say we're equal for now." She held out a hand, "Friends?"

Tyson smiled and shook her hand, "Friends. So what's the endurance course like?" Everyone else gave a loud sigh, "At least that's over with." Max said.

"Right, the endurance course is pretty basic, it's the shortest of the courses however it may be a little tough. You've got to make you way up and around sand dunes, rocky terrain and keep going for as long as possible."

Kenny cocked his head and spoke, "How is that going to show endurance?"

"The last Beyblades standing will have proved themselves capable of outlasting everyone else."

The Blade Breakers looked at each other, they where all positive of which Challenge Match they would take up. Kenny was ready to tell them who stats would make them the best choice. Of course each of the Beyblading members were going to make sure they got their chance in the limelight. Melfina gave them time to think as she filled in their registration form for the upcoming second match while answering some questions. The Blade Breakers huddled together ready to share their thoughts.

"It's got to be action all the way, and I'm the man with the Bit Beast for it." Tyson declared.

"No way man, that Challenge Match is mine. Drigger and I are going to burn up that strategy course like wildfire." Ray retorted and gripped Drigger to make his statement stick.

Max shook his head, "Sorry gentlemen but you haven't got a chance against the power of Draciel!" Kenny and Dizzi sighed; Kenny hung his head while Dizzi made a snide comment.

"Anyone would think they were arguing over a slice of pizza… Actually you three would do that, what does a Bit Beast have to do to get a slice of pepperoni?"

"Dizzi! Look guys, I know you all want to have a go at this. But we really can't sacrifice losing this, that's why I think Ray should be the one to take this Challenge Match up."

Tyson blinked and blinked again, "Chief are you serious?"

"Yes, Tyson I am."

"Well then, we better celebrate! Ray, you're going to show them who's the best!"

"Thanks guys, I won't let you down."

Melfina looked up from her work, "Well if you've made your decision I hope you win tomorrow. Now, I don't want to sound like too much of a bad guy but you do have to exchange a player for your match after the Challenge match. Since Ray will be competing tomorrow, I suggest that Kai should battle just to show everyone a little something… different."

Ray shrugged, "I guess that's okay. If it's the rules, we'll have to follow them."

"I'm glad someone is taking a mature look at this." Kenny said with glee, "Well Ray, good luck. Oh my, we better get you ready otherwise you won't be prepared!" He panicked and started breathing heavily.

"Please calm down." Melfina said as she got up, "He'll be fine. Here have a print out of the course and look over it. I guess since that is done, I'll see you guys at Waikiki Beach tomorrow."

"Hey Melfina, you don't have to go. Stay, we're going to go down to the pool and chill out." Max said and grinned.

"Yeah, come on. Don't be a spoil sport, Kenny may not be the only one who needs to relax." Tyson added shooting a grin at his friend.

"Thanks anyway but I have a lot of paper work to do. I'm just lucky that I don't have to organise more than one team. Oh, by the way, after the Challenge Match you might get an Alpha challenge from one of the competing teams. Look forward to it." She packed up her things and started to leave.

"Wait, Melfina!" Kenny suddenly yelled and ran up to her. "Do you know anything about the Beyblader Hitori?"

"Hitori? I'm sorry Kenny but I don't know anything. As far as I can tell, he's a confidential subject for us Junior Reps. Well I'll see you later, have a good day."

The Blade Breakers watched her leave the hotel restaurant, Max waved at her and Ray glanced at Kenny and Tyson.

"So what do you think, can we trust her?"

"She seems nice, even if she's a dragon about Beyblading procedures." Tyson replied and stuck out his tongue. Max laughed, "Nar, Tyson you got it all wrong! She's a BBA robot that acts like a girl!"

"Hey guys, I don't think we should be making fun of Melfina!" Kenny cried out.

"Don't sweat it Chief, we're just joking." Ray added and grinned.

"Come on Kenny, let's go and enjoy the day. I heard that heat makes people go crazy." Dizzi mumbled to Kenny.

"Who are you calling crazy?"

Melfina walked out of the hotel and noticed a familiar figure leaning against a wall, "Decided to come back?" she asked.

"Hardly, I'm just on my way to get those twerps to practice." Kai replied and glared at Melfina. The girl smiled and adjusted her glasses.

"Very well, it's none of my business what you do. Just so you know Ray will be competing tomorrow so you'll get a chance to battle later. Bye now, and don't work too hard Kai. Your team has stood by you for a long time, you should let them have their fun and stand by them." Melfina said as she got onto a bicycle. "Have a good day Kai." She rode off towards an unknown direction.

Kai frowned; it annoyed him greatly if someone tried to pry his or her way into his head. Even if the girl did prove to be right, she should have kept it to herself. Maybe she knows too much, after all the grandson of a conspirator may just prove to be dangerous to the BBA… Humph. He looked at where she had stood I doubt it though. She's just another face in the crowd, better make sure those team mates of mine aren't enjoying themselves too much. Slackers. He went inside and caused a commotion of his own among a group of teenagers lounging in a pool. Melfina hummed to herself as she rode to the BBA Junior Representee office, it was looking to be a pretty good trip. Maybe she would get a promotion and pay off the rent back home in Japan. Don't get your hopes too high, Melfina. Remember money isn't all that great, but then it does put food on the table.

"It's a great day to do some Beyblading! Second day of the Beyblade Ultima Cup brings us to Waikiki Beach!"

"That's right AJ, famous for it's fine surf and even finer sand, Waikiki Beach is one interesting and exciting place to Beyblade. Today Challenge Match 1 is brought to you by "Rip In it", launchers and accessories for the aspiring Beyblader."

"And our second sponsor is Bit Magazine, the world's leading magazine for Beybladers. This month's issue features the BUC and rising Beyblading star Jake "Fire rocket" Malloy. Let's get this day under the way, Mr Valentino!"

The crowd cheered as they turned their eyes from the three courses spread across the beach to the stage that overlook the ocean. A BBA Junior Rep tapped on the center microphone and spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am afraid to inform you that Mr Valentino will not be able attend today's event due to BBA business. He sends his apologies and wishes he could be here. Here's DJ Jazzman to start the competition!"

"All right Beybladers! Let's get ready to blade!" DJ Jazzman pumped his fist in the air as the crowd went wild. "Okay, today's the big day where the teams remaining from yesterday's selection match prove to you, who's worthy to stay in the competition!"

"Yo B-man, doesn't the sound of the crowd just make you want to be out there?"

"Sure does, now let's check out the first Challenge Match! First up is the Strategy Challenge match!"

DJ Jazzman twirled his microphone, "Will competitors of Heat A please take your places at the starting line!"

"The Strategy course aims to demonstrate Beybladers' skill in commanding their beyblade in the trickiest situations."

"Also it shows who's got the know how to tackle a sticky situation or the fastest way out."

"Today's crowd favourites are the Blade Breakers and the Black Skulls."

The Blade Breakers waved to their fans in the crowd, standing in the Heat B group were the Black Skulls. Taller and older, it did seem like they were unlikely competition for the Blade Breakers. All four of the members were tall, a little gangly but well toned. All had wild looking hair, were dressed in black, leather pants, chains, belts and two carried a guitar while another held up drumsticks. Several female spectators squealed with glee as one of them winked at the crowd.

"Even if these teams are crowd pleasers, don't forget some of these spectators are here to see the mysterious Hitori. From what I could see from yesterday's show, I think we are going to see a repeat of it again."

"Heat A is about to start!"

The Beybladers stood proudly in their lanes, each one positive that they were the best. On the cue of DJ Jazzman the Beybladers lifted up their launchers. The spectators held their breath as DJ Jazzman lifted up his hand.

"Are you ready, let's party! 3… 2… 1! Let it rip!" His hand arced through the air signalling the start of the race.

The Beybladers launched and raced along the sides of the field. Beyblades jostled each other as they advanced towards the first Checkpoint. Ray dodged several Beybladers and stopped just near the first Checkpoint, "Drigger!" he called. The Beyblade swerved out of two other blades and landed on the first pontoon.

"It looks like Ray is the first to reach the first stage."

"He'll have to be careful while crossing that water, one false move and splash."

This is too easy. Ray commanded Drigger to begin jumping across the pontoons, "Easy does it, go!"

Drigger leaped into the air and landed smoothly onto the next pontoon. The other competitors were beginning to cross, two unlucky Beybladers banged into each other.

"What a smash, tough luck fellers. You're out!" DJ Jazzman yelled.

Ray noticed out of the corner of his eye that a very large Beyblade was leaping towards his. Quickly he assessed the scene and had Drigger get onto another pontoon. He's timing couldn't have been better as Drigger leapt off, the other Beyblade landed and upset it's balance and fell in. Ray sighed and resumed his game. Drigger was almost at the end of the river when the motions of the fallen Beyblades caused his blade to wobble slightly. Ray grit his teeth, "Careful Drigger!" He heard Kenny yelling for him to jump now and so he did. Drigger landed safely on the other side and speed towards the next section.

Ahead of them lay a series of ramps set up to resemble steps, hoping for no mistakes Ray concentrated hard. As he and Drigger neared the steps, Ray noticed a green Beyblade catching up to them. Glancing across the other side of the track, he could only grin at his opponent.

"Fancy seeing you here, I thought you were all washed up."

Kevin grinned back, "A little of monkey magic, Ray. Monkey Magic." He winked.

The two friends turned back to the steps and raced up, determined to beat the other. A few more Beyblades raced to get closer to the steps. Ray frowned as he realised that this part of the match was not as easy as it seemed. Although simple looking, the stone ramps lead to different directions; upward, downward and back to the start of the stairs. Ray paused to consider the best route, Drigger awaited orders. Suddenly a movement in the corner of his vision caused Ray to start. An overconfident Beyblader was trying to beat Ray while he was busy thinking. Outraged, Ray let him have one sweet Tiger Claw Attack.

"Whoa, looks like things are heating up. Check out as Ray gets rid of his opponent in one clean sweep."

"That's one quick and clean cat."

Ray allowed Drigger to explore a path that no one seemed to be following. It struck him as odd; the stones were a darker shade of grey. Ray's judgement had led him straight into the next stage. Curiosity killed the cat, but the satisfaction of winning is going to give Drigger another life.

"Checkpoint 2!" DJ Jazzman grinned and gave Ray a personal thumbs up.

Kevin and the other competitors made it to the maze they trickled in slowly. What lay ahead of them could have been considered a work of art. A miniature hedge maze, it may not have been as complex however it was still a challenge.

"It's amazing!" Kenny said.

Dizzi groaned, "If you want to see intricate, then just look at my motherboard or my chips. Now that's art!"

"Yeah sure Dizzi, like Kenny is going to let us open you up." Tyson replied.

"That's where the computer Doctors come in." Max chimed in as he put an arm around Tyson's shoulder.

"No, anything but that! Send me to the Museum of Outdated Software, or downgrade my hardware, just don't let them come near me! HELP!" Dizzi cried out.

Kenny came to her rescue, "Don't worry about them Dizzi, I wouldn't let them hurt you. You're the best as they come."

"Aww shucks, I bet you say that to all the computers."

"Get me out of here." Kai said groaning and he looked away at the others. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at Hitori. What sort of trash is this competition bringing in?

Ray and Drigger moved carefully through the hedges taking advice from Kenny and Tyson, he'd had Drigger cut an X in each wall he passed. Come on Drigger, you and I can show them what we're made of.

"Looks like I'm in need of some of that Monkey Magic, Kevin."

"You and me. Crazy Monkey Dance!" Kevin's Beyblade became five separate Beyblades and spilt up along the different paths. Kevin concentrated as Ray looked around at the other competitors. Some were not faring well, one had even gotten stuck at a dead end.

"Hey Ray, I think I've got something."

Ray snapped back to attention, "What is it?"

Kevin pointed to a section of the maze wall, if you and Drigger cut through here then we can make a shortcut out."

"You're asking me to cheat?"

"Not cheat, this is part of strategy. Sometimes you've got to take the quickest way. You're a champion Ray, and you still haven't figured it out? Heh, maybe winning isn't everything."

Ray was a little saddened at Kevin's words, "Okay, I can see your point. We'll work on this together, but don't expect me to let you win."

"Always a traitor, never mind. I'm the tricky type myself." Kevin grinned at Ray and did a peace sign at his friend.

"Check it out, now that's teamwork. Look out shrubs!"

"The Beyblade field can create some interesting alliances, those two are going to cut right through to the end."

The pair cut through the maze as if it was butter, the stragglers of the leftover Beyblades followed slowly. At the end of the maze Ray and Kevin sped down to the finish line. It was a race just between two old friends. Some of the others tried to pick up speed and catch up. One nearly succeeded in overtaking them however a larger Beyblade sent it flying. It chased the two race leaders, Ray yelled out to Kevin. "Now I know how Indiana Jones felt."

They increased their speed and doubled around the larger Beyblade. The two Beyblades were going so fast it was hard to tell if their moves where synchronised or just sheer luck. One of the Beyblades whooshed in front of the bigger one causing it to wobble, it's partner did the same. This continued for a little while till Ray signalled to Kevin. They both nodded and speed off to the finish line.

"Hey!"

The two Beybladers grinned at each other; they knew it was now or never. It was time to settle an old score, later when they would look back at this, they would say it hadn't matter who had won. Ray gritted his teeth, "Come Drigger!"

Drigger picked up speed, the Blade Breakers and their fans cheered. Each one cheered Ray on, Kai shrugged and just watched. His fingers itched for battle. The cameras zoomed in on the action.

"Check these two titans out. It's going to be a close finish."

"You can bet on that! Say I'll give you $5 is Ray wins."

"No way, make it ten and we have a deal!"

It was close, the Beyblades wrestled to get ahead. The motion of the Beyblades sent sand up; Ray and Kevin shielded their eyes while calling out to their Bit Beasts. The sand settled and Drigger pounced to the finish line with his opponent following seconds later. Everyone cheered loudly as DJ Jazzman pointed to the Blade Breakers.

 "The Blade Breakers and the White Tigers have made it to the second round!"

Tyson and Max supported Ray on their shoulders while Kenny congratulated him. Ray looked over to Kevin who was riding on Gary's shoulder.

"Thanks, I couldn't have done it with out you."

Kevin closed one eyes lazily, "Naturally, even if you are a Blade Breaker you are still a White Tiger born. Hey Lee, how about letting me take control next time?"

Lee shook his head, "Hey, you may have won this but that still doesn't mean you're good enough to beat me."

"Hey!"

"That was a fine race, you owe me $10."

"Okay… Say the race isn't finished yet; Heat B of the Strategy Challenge Match is about to start. Let's see who's going to win."

"Let it Rip!"

Hitori glanced at the two teams and pondered. They made it, guess they're not that bad. Still I think the rest of the day is going to hold surprises for everyone. The rest of the competition will be very surprising; something very interesting is going to happen. Hitori caught the eye of Kai, and the two Beybladers sized each other up. Hitori nodded and walked to the marshalling area. Kai frowned.

Author's Notes: Sorry that this is extremely late, however I've been swamped with schoolwork. This chapter was going to be much longer however I'll try to make it up to everyone in the next one. AJ and Brad's lines have gotten mixed up, so I decided to leave it up to the imagination to whom is saying which line. The last part of this chapter was written very quickly, I'm hoping it won't detract from the whole story. The next chapter will be better, I promise. The story should be moving on pretty soon. I did forget what Kevin's Bit Beast is called, I'm very sorry and I promise it won't happen again.