Chapter 5 - A Battle Of Wills

Coming to a gentle halt in the middle of the table the lilac beyblade streaked with wavering lines of silver around its base, and fine claw like marks on its attack ring rested on two of its crescent blades. Faintly reflecting the stray rays of light of it silver markings, each of the Bladebreakers could only stare at the blade in question while its owner was obvious to the events around her. However, Kenny always one who was curious about any new blader they came across broke the silence.

"Umm, I don't mean to interrupt Sazuka, but you wouldn't happen to blade would you."

"Huh, I guess you could say that but its been a while since I've actually bladed against anyone. Why you asking anyway?"

Looking around at his team mates Kenny saw that he wasn't the only one eager to know more about their new friends abilities as a blader. Tyson and Max was both beaming at the chance to learn about a fellow blader, while Rei himself although curious was a little shocked at the new discovery.

"This is so cool! So if this your beyblade Sazuka?"

Voicing his excitement Max indicated towards the beyblade in question as Sazuka lifted her head from her searching. Looking in the direction Max was pointing Sazuka gave a relieved smile as she picked up the lilac blade.

"Thank the heavens I thought I'd lost this, I'd never forgive myself if I'd lost it, and yes in answer to question this is my blade."

"Really, you've got one impressive blade here Sazuka, you must have spend hours on it. Can I have a look at it?"

Thinking it over for a minute Sazuka handed the beyblade over to the curious blond smiling at his eagerness to examine her blade. Noticing the other boys curiosity about her blade Sazuka happily told them that they could each have a look at it. Handed from one to the other the blade finally came to rest within the Tiger's hands.

"You've got a good blade Sazuka, you've given a lot in getting a balance between speed and attack. However, what's it's like in practise?"

Noting the hint of a challenge, grey eyes met with amber, seeing that although challenging the look in them was nothing more than friendly.

"Is that a challenge Rei, cause I should warn you just because I haven't bladed in a while it doesn't mean I've forgotten all my tricks."

"Oh really then if you haven't forgotten all of your moves then how about you and me having a friendly match."

"Well lets say this, I hope your as good as they say you are." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^

Wandering around the converted hold bladers of various skill and age were spread around the blade room, while some competed against each other, others watched the activity around them. However, it was the small group of youths situated near the corner of the room where the real action was about to begin.

Having found a few boxes to sit on Tyson and Kenny made themselves comfortable to watch the impending match, while Max beside them leaned back against the nearest box. Wishing both bladers luck they could only watch on as the two Chinese youths stood facing each other ready to do battle. Flipping open his laptop Kenny once again brought his trapped bit beast on line.

"Bout time you remembered me, a girl could think you'd forgotten about her."

"Sorry Dizzi, didn't mean to forget you but things have been a little hectic lately."

"I guess I can forgive you this time. So what's going on? What's all the excitement about?"

About to reply Kenny had to avoid the bit beasts question as the battle was about to begin. Asking them if they were ready Max prepared to count them down as they locked their blades into their launchers.

"You ready Rei? Like I said before Rei it may have been awhile since I've last battled against anyone but I still know my tricks. So I'll warn you now, I don't want you going easy on me."

I've no doubt that you're going to be a challenge Sazuka and I've learnt from past mistakes not to underestimate my opponents."

Getting into position, launchers held out in front of them, the two youths gave each other one last smile of encouragement before turning serious for the battle at hand. Each nodding their readiness to Max, who had left the sides of Tyson and Kenny to act as a referee, the blond blader signalled the two youths to ready themselves.

"You two ready, then 3, 2, 1, let it rip!"

"Go Drigger!"

Flying from their respective launchers the two beyblades went spinning into the dish, a blur of grey and lilac as the blades encircled each other. Diligently watching their opponent the two bladers carefully observed the other, their blades warily spinning the other, watching for any advantage they could. After a few moments of watching both bladers had their blades go in for the attack, sparks flying as the blades connected.

"Wow, this is really turning out to some match. I just hope Rei knows what he's doing."

"Don't go getting your blade in a twist Tyson I'm sure Rei has everything under control, by the way Kenny just what is happening out there?"

"Oh sorry about that Dizzi, at the moment Rei seems to be holding his own against a new blader we've met. Speaking of which, Dizzi look up anything you can find about a Lang Sazuka."

Voicing her compliance, Tyson and Kenny went back to watching the match before them as Dizzi went about her search. Cheering both of the bladers on the three by standee's could only watch as each blade went about every manoeuvre possible, attacking, defending, leading or fleeing, the blades were doing all they could to gain the upper hand. Seemingly matched either blade looked like it would gain the upper hand, until unbelievably the lilac beyblade began wavering on its axes after receiving a blow from its opponent.

"All right Rei! Come on you can do it!"

"I'd hold up with your celebrations Tyson, I've come up with some interesting facts about this Sazuka, and believe me Rei just might have bitten off more than he can chew."

"What do you mean Dizzi? Rei's got this match in the bag."

Meaning to prove his point Tyson looked back to the match in question observing the battles current situation. Wavering dangerously on its self the lilac beyblade was doing its best to flee the pursuing blade. Having to give Sazuka the praise she deserved Tyson couldn't see how she could make a come back. However, Kenny's sudden cry was about to change that opinion.

"No Tyson, Dizzi's right I've just looked over the info Dizzi found and Sazuka was kidding when she said she knew a few tricks."

"What do you mean Chief?"

"From what I can gather until two years ago not only was she Beijing's regional champion for three years straight, but she was also the Chinese champion for two. Until she disappeared from official competition Sazuka was ranked as one of China's top beybladers."

Shocked at Kenny's words Tyson couldn't believe that what he'd been told was true. Watching the match progress Tyson was sure Rei would win, after all if Sazuka was as goof as they said then why would she do such a fatal mistake. Wondering what was going on Tyson took a glance over to where Sazuka stood, her lowered head partly hidden behind her ebony locks. Feeling something was off his suspicions were proven as a slight smile appeared on her face. That's when it hit him, Tyson suddenly realised that Sazuka's seemingly fatal mistake was nothing more than an act, unable to guess what her plans were Tyson knew that Rei had to move off and fast.

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Calmly standing next to the side of the beyblade dish Rei watched as the lilac blade once again narrowly missed Drigger's attack. Confident that Drigger would easily win Rei failed to notice the smile that Sazuka now hid, or the fact that the wavering blade had lessened in its shaking and gradually picking up speed.

""You're a good blader Sazuka, it's too bad that our match has to end like this."

"Maybe, but then again maybe not...."

Lifting her head Rei finally noticed the smile Sazuka had and the flash of silver through her smoky eyes.

"Over confidence is the down fall of any blader, regardless of their skill. Just because your opponent seems to be faltering doesn't mean their beaten however, in some cases that's exactly what they want you to believe. By using my opponents confidence against them it's allowed me to learn a very interesting trick. You see Rei I never was one to go down without a fight."

Caught off guard by her words Rei's calm demeanour quickly left him as looking back to the dish he watched in disbelieve as the blade Drigger was chasing suddenly turned the tables around. Throwing its act to the side the fleeing blade settled firmly on its base, showing no signs of its previous falter, quickly gaining speed the beyblade went about spinning away in a zig zag path before turning sharply to the right and disappearing from sight.

A little unnerved by Sazuka's sudden move Rei knew he couldn't panic, whatever she had planned he had to be ready, he just wished he knew what it was. Looking around the dish Rei was unable to locate the missing blade however, remembering his first ever match with Tyson he knew the blade was there. With Drigger running around the dish Rei's knowledge proved correct as from no where Sazuka's blade attacked. Appearing from behind the lilac blade struck, knowing Drigger off course before retreating, preparing for its next attack.

Hoping to counter any move Sazuka planned Rei had Drigger prepare its defences, though they were to be of little help as Sazuka had her blade attack once again. Moving towards Drigger the lilac blade seemed to going for a head on attack, yet moments before striking the blade suddenly spun to the side and in doing so created a pack of double images. Moving around behind the grey blade the pack moved in for the kill, coming in from the back and sides the surrounding blades attacked one by one, forcing the proud Tiger where they wanted. Watching helplessly from the side Rei couldn't believe he fell for such a trick, Drigger might be holding up but unless he thought of something fast he wasn't going to survive.

"Rei!"

Looking off to the side Rei's eyes widened in wonder as Tyson and Kenny ran up to his side. Wondering what they could want Rei looked from one to the other before asking them what was wrong.

"Listen Rei, Dizzi and I have gone over the data we collected on Sazuka's attack and we've finally came up with an answer. I couldn't understand it at first, but thanks to Dizzi I figured it out. Sazuka based her attack on various animal behaviour."

"What? I don't get it Chief."

"I know, it could be awhile to get it, but think about it and it makes sense. What will any mother, regardless of what it is, deer, lion, anything, do when it feels its children are in danger. They put an act on, pretending to be defenceless to lead the danger away, actual what she did you, it's how she gets her opponents to feel overconfident. Secondly the attack pattern she's using now is based on how a pack of wolves hunt. Surrounding their prey and attacking as a unit."

"Of course, you're a genius Chief, but how do I beat her now."

"Simple really you meet the challenge head on, take out the leader and you take out the pack."

Realising the meaning behind Kenny's words Rei knew what he had to do, giving his friends a reassuring smile the White Tiger prepared to fight back. Spending a few moments observing the battle Rei saw his opening, not wasting time Rei went about evening the score.

"Drigger, Tiger Claw!"

Erupting from its bit piece the familiar form of Drigger stood proudly before all present before giving a thunderous roar and turning to the fight. Realising straight away that Rei meant business Sazuka watched as dodging all the double images the grey blade headed towards the original. Where as others would have feared the encounter Sazuka only smiled even wider as she had her own blade meet the approaching blade.

Meeting in a flash of green each of the Bladebreakers turned their heads, and on looking back were greeted with the sight of Rei's still spinning blade. Searching for the other blade they saw the lilac blade in question resting at its owners feet. Bursting out in applause Tyson, Max and Kenny couldn't hold their excitement for Rei's win. Giving Rei their congratulations the Bladebreakers were overjoyed however, this excitement died down as they noticed the one who should be celebrating just standing there.

"Hey Rei what's up? You won buddy, shouldn't you be happy or something?"

"Hum, what?....Sure I'm happy it's just for a moment there I didn't think there was any way I was going to win, but thanks to you guys I did."

"Hey that's what friends are for Rei, besides you've watched out backs plenty of time before bout time we returned the favour."

With the realisation that he had indeed won Rei gave his three team mates a grin before having Tyson and Max pounce on him once again. Laughing amongst themselves the four Bladebreakers were brought back to the world around them by the presence of a voice near them.

"Rei."

Hearing his name the Chinese youth, as well as the others turned around to see their newest acquaintance standing before them. Each feeling a little guilty about forgetting about the grey eyes Sazuka, the four watched in curiosity as with a slight smile she lifted her hand. Holding her hand out to Rei, Sazuka opened her hand from around the item she held, revealing Rei's beyblade. "Here I think this belongs to you."

Amazed at her sportsmanship the four Bladebreakers looked at the one before them in awe, while at the same time giving her a renewed sense of respect. Extending his hand Rei found himself admiring the ebony haired girl which had already caught his attention even more. Taking the beyblade laid in his hand Rei found it hard to voice his thanks as he looked into silvery orbs before him.

"It was a good match Rei, you really are a good as they say, your Drigger couldn't have chosen a better blader to fight for."

"Thanks, though I'll be honest I don't think I'd have won if it wasn't for my friends advice. You're a really good blader Sazuka and basing your attacks on animal attacks was a great idea."

Giving a laugh at Rei's words Sazuka could only smile at his words.

"Don't sell yourself short Rei, even if your friends hadn't helped you I'm sure you'd have found it in the end. No matter what you say the better blader won, this just shows me I've got a lot of practise to put in before I get anywhere near how I use to be."

Giving a final smile to the four Bladebreakers Sazuka gave a slight smile before turning around to walk down the dishes steps. Watching her leave the dish each of the Breakers felt a need to say something, knowing that to let her walk away now would mean that the chances of meeting Sazuka again on a ship this large were thin. However, it was the more boisterous pair which voiced their teams opinion, jumping down the dishes few steps Tyson and Max ran after their friend.

"Sazuka, wait up!"

"Max, Tyson, what is it?"

Giving a nervous laugh now that they had her attention both boys wondered over what to say, though thankful Max finally came up with the answer.

"Say Sazuka the guys and I were thinking about having a little celebrity dinner, and well we were wondering if you'd like to come."

"That's very nice of you, but I...."

"Come on Sazuka it'll be fun, besides you did say earlier that you weren't travelling with anyone so why not stick with us. I'm sure I'm speaking for all of us when I say that we'd like you to stay."

"You'd....you'd let me travel with you guys?"

Looking questioningly between the two Sazuka quietly pondered over their words, wondering if she should accept their offer or not. However, Rei's voice behind them decided her decision. "Course we would Sazuka, it's like the guys told me it's what friends do for each other, we stick by each other. So what do you say Sazuka, you're already a friend so what do you say about joining our little group."

Watching each of the four boys before her Sazuka gave a laugh at the sight of them awaiting her reply. Calming down Sazuka gave a smile before answering Rei's question.

"Sure, why not you can count me in."