Shitza: Hi again, sorry this takes a while to update, but you know me. Too many stories up and running. I am so excited when I'll be able to finish some of my older stories for unlike them, this will probably continue for ages. Do you know how long I've been planning this fic, well for about three whole years! Not bad, eh?

Thanks for all wonderful reviews and for everyone who continues reading this. I usually cheer every time I get a new review and grin when I see one more hit. I am happy you all enjoy, so let's get started.

But, first some comment for the chapter. This chapter contains a funny little slide story about a bet between two of the Neo Borg bladers. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Also, this chapter may seem like a deja vu to you, but I kind of liked that episode. Can anyone guess which I mean? You'll see.

Shitza

Chapter 22 Time to get Serious

The sun rose silently over the city. The sounds of the morning traffic echoed on the streets, however today no one was really heading towards their jobs. No, they were hurrying to get to the BB stadium. Today was the last day of the tournament. The last combat between the undefeated Bladebreakers and the legendary Elementals. But in all the tumult two tired bladers sat on a bench, yawning.

They were talking in Russian, and who knew what they said. One had red flaming hair, wearing black boots, jeans and a jacket. The other was much shorter, lilac hair, goggles and an odd sort of World War two clothes. The two continued talking for a while, till they switched back into a more known language.

"So, what do think the outcome will be today?" Tala asked.

The lilac haired coy scratched his ear. "I have no idea, I hope the Bladebreakers can pull this off, but you remember our matches against them. We were grounded bad!"

Tala sighed at Ian's reply. "You are right… but if you think deeper into it Ian, they might have a chance. Think off it, they have beaten everyone! Surely they have lost a match or two, but in the unimportant measures. They fought us, they won! They fought Zeo and his gang, they won! They fought BEGA last time and won! They have a chance!"

"Perhaps and perhaps not, I say! But this time they have barely managed to climb up to the top. Hate to say this, but they will loose the first match, I can bet on that!"

Tala grinned.

"How much?"

"How much what?" Ian asked bewildered.

"How much will you bet, Ian?" he asked.

Ian thought for a moment. "I can give you my aunt's old silver brooch. It should be worth enough to pay for your depths. But what do I get in return?"

Tala's mouth twitched nervously as Ian laughed. The red haired teen looked up in the sky and sighed. He would come up with something later.

"We better get going, or we'll never get and descent seats. The stadium is probably overfilled already!" Tala said and got to his feet. Ian followed him and running, as if five angry hounds were after them they hurried to the stadium.

The Bladebreakers sat silently in the changing room, preparing for the upcoming battle. Max was mixing with Draciel, trying to improve his defensive powers. Ray was attaching a new sharper attackring to his blade, which would slice blades as if he really had a tiger in it. Kai was launching into the wall, literally blowing it up. Kenny sat typing on Dizzy like usual. Tyson and Hilary sat polishing the different parts for Dragoon and Daichi… well…

Daichi hadn't turned up yet… When they all had awoken he was gone, but he had left a note saying he would return in time for the first match. But the Bladebreakers had a feeling they knew where he had left. It was really predictable.

"When is the match set to start?" Hilary asked.

"In half an hour. I just hope Daichi gets back till then." Tyson answered looking towards the door. They all knew their short blader would spend every able second at the hospital, together with his sister, who still hadn't awoken from the exhaustion.

(Hospital)

Daichi quietly set a vase of flowers at the table and sighed. His sister was still out cold, and there was no knowing when she could wake up. She wasn't in a coma, she was asleep and he knew she would probably not wake up for a long time. He knew though he would spend every available second by her side.

The time hurried and ran away. Daichi was surprised to see how long he actually had stayed. Quickly he grabbed his blade and hurried to the stadium. He knew no one would forgive him for being late.

He cast his sister a second glance, before hurrying down the stairs and running towards the stadium. Seeing he would be late if he didn't do anything fast he did, what some would call stupid, what some would call brave and stupid. He jumped up on a bus as it stopped for a second. The bus was heading for his direction. People who saw him pointed, but he ignored their gazes and went on. The bus stopped right outside the stadium, where he jumped down and hurried over.

"Sorry I'm late!" Daichi said as he entered the changing room, only to find it deserted. He growled and ran straight towards the arena, which had been quickly and slovenly rebuilt.

Time was against him, and he would have to hurry. He would rather die then betray them.

Around his neck hung a small sand coloured stone, gleaming in the faint light. It's powers reawakened.

"HELLO BLADERS AND FANS FROM ALL AROUND THE GLOBE. TODAY IS THE DAY EVERYONE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR! TODAY WILL BE A DAY OF SORROW, PAIN AND GLORY! TODAY IS THE FINAL OF THE EILTE TOURNAMENT!"

Jazzman's voice boomed around the stadium as the spectators roared with screams and applause. Among this the remaining teams sat, all whom had competed in this tour; the White Tigers, the Majestics, The Saint Shields, the Vikings, the Black Cats, F Sangre… everyone. All who were cheering for the Bladebreakers.

"AND HERE WE HAVE OUR TEAMS. FIRST OUT ARE THE UNDEFEATED, THE GLORIOURS, THE LEGENDARY, THE ELEMENTALS. WE PRESENT TO YOU LEI DAN, SAKHMEKH, RAYA, RUMOTO AND THEIR TEAMLEADER ANTO SET!"

The spectators, all but the bladers among them, cheered as the Elementals stepped out into the spotlight. Kevin and his cousin were evil enough to throw out some BO's, that until Mariah stopped them.

By the Majestics all except for Robert clenched their fists. Johnny looked as if he could have thrown himself down there and done some really rough things, if Robert didn't tell them to lie off.

"AND ON THE OTHER SIDE WE HAVE THE UNFORGETABLE, THE UNPREDICTABLE, THE CHAMPIONS… THE BLADEBREAKERS! WE PRESENT TO YOU MAX TATE, RAY KON, KAI HIWATARI, DAICHI SUMERAGI AND THEIR WORLD CHAMPION TYSON GRANGER!"

Now everyone cheered, except for some drunk guy at the front row, who simply burped before turning back to sleep. All their friends clapped and started chanting their names. Especially the members, who had their second home at another team chanted. But when it came to the Neo Borg Ian tried, but Kai gave him a death glare that stopped him.

"Wait a minute!" Jazzman said suddenly, still holding the microphone by his mouth so everyone could hear. "Where is Daichi?" he questioned.

Tyson didn't know what to answer, but Ray stopped his stammering. "He's on his way!" he said sounding oddly confident.

As if it was a given signal Daichi stumbled out. The little short member of the team stopped a moment to catch his breath before the words came out…

"I'm… sorry… I'm… l-late… but I… had to… visit… my sister!"

Jazzman nodded. "It looks like our first contestant has decided to show up, so let this first match start! But before we start we have to remind you this is the fifteen-duel match. You remember last session. Now, the judges would also like to add that all cell phones should be kept off and all bit beasts kept away from the dish unless it's your turn to battle!"

There was a lot of sounds as every took out their phones to click them off. The guys knew why… the phones rarely worked once the bit beast was out. The powers illuminating from them overpowered the technology.

Plus, it irritated more then anything to hear different kinds of phone signals.

Daichi stepped up to the dish. The Bladebreakers stared at him, for the launcher in his hand was like nothing they ever had experienced. It looked like a cross between a boomerang and an axe. Daichi however seemed confident.

On the other side of the dish Rumoto showed up. She held her usual old whip and her blade was already attached to it. Daichi attached his as well, at the centre of his launcher.

"BLADERS READY? THREE… TWO… ONE…"

"Let it rip!" both bladers said firing their blades. Rumoto's landed perfectly in the round bowl, her whip splashing up a cascade of sparkles. Daichi tossed his boom… whatever to call it, and waited. The blade landed beside Rumoto's and started a fierce combat, but the launcher continued its journey. It flew around the girl, making her eyes grow wide, before it returned to Daichi's hand.

"Nice shot" she murmured unwillingly.

Daichi smiled in response. Everyone around though stood with their mouths open. The movements had been precise; the axe had zoomed only an inch from her body? Unwillingly they all learnt there could be more to this little guy then they would like to admit. He had already shocked them with his stories… now he shocked them with his actions.

The fight between the blades continued, sending sparks as they went on. No one of them seemed to want to give up, or leave any openings to let the other one attack. Daichi grinned seeing Rumoto's frustration as he blocked her moves.

Behind him his team were on their feet, shouting at him to continue and so far he was doing great. But his energy was slowly fading and he knew he would have to finish this off soon.

Unfortunately he didn't hear Veymo's soft commands to Rumoto. The girl nodded before splashing her whip into the ground, driving everyone's attention. Her blade glowed and the bit beast was released.

"Tenira, Sand Wave!" the girl commanded.

Huge whirling waves of sand erupted drowning him. Daichi was caught off guard and his blade soared out, hitting him right in the chest. The air went out from his lungs in less then a second and he stumbled over.

"AND RUMOTO FROM THE ELEMENTALS WINS THE FIRST MATCH!" Jazzman announced.

People at the stands had no idea what had happened. The Bladebreakers hurried over to Daichi to see what had happened. The red haired blader lay on the ground, eyes closed and no one knew what was happening inside his head.

'Sis? Sis?'

"Daichi, wake up!" Hilary called slapping his face. A red mark appeared on his left cheek and he opened his eyes slowly. He saw the team standing over him, all looking concerned.

"What happened?" he asked stupidly.

"You got beaten by the girl." Max explained. "And your blade shot right at your chest, you blacked out."

Daichi sat up, looking around. Rumoto had returned to her team, where Veymo gave her new instructions. Daichi stared at the man, his eyes cold as a polar iceberg. Veymo looked back at him, responding with the same glare. There seemed to be some kind of duel in these pairs of eyes.

Daichi got back to his feet reloading his launcher. His team went back to their seats behind, all wishing him good luck. Hilary even gave him a quick hug before she left, hurrying to catch up with the others.

Daichi stared at Rumoto as she walked up to the dish, ready for another fight.

Yet again they launched, and yet again another combat started. Due though to the blow at his chest Daichi was breathing heavily, but he managed to get the words out.

"Why are you doing this? You were never a girl to hurt someone else. What are you planning, what is your goal?"

Serpera knocked the other blade back about one foot, but the other blade immediately attacked back.

Rumoto laughed. "Why I am doing it… it is simple. To regain the ten bit beasts so they can fuse into the One. Simple as that, no other reason."

Daichi sighed. "But you know the only way is through marriage and bonds. There is no real other way. The One bit beast has to pass through several chosen bonds before it can make its destiny. And the one to wield it has to pass through generations of chosen warriors. Just because you capture them you won't be able to do anything. They are destined for one thing, and no magic in the whole world can change that destiny."

Rumoto stared at him, her blade retreated for a while and the two blades spun without anyone directing them.

"NO, YOU ARE LYING!" Rumoto screamed at him.

Daichi sighed calmly. "I am not. It is true. After all, you know my title, why would I lie?"

"BECAUSE YOU ARE ONE OF THEM! You think exactly like them, you don't see the truth! There is a way, a much easier way. We need the One bit beast now or this world is doomed. The demons are creeping out from their holes, rampaging this world."

Daichi smiled. "Demons have been on the rampage before you know, there is really no big difference. We have defeated them before, I don't see why you can't summon up the old armies and do so again. Your search is useless for four of the beasts are under my protection. I swear I will not let them to someone like you!"

Rumoto closed her fists angrily.

"If you are on their side then I will stop playing. Tenira, finish him off. Sand Wave!"

"Serpera, reflect it!"

Another huge cloud of sand erupted, heading straight towards Daichi. However, the land snake bit beast appeared, roaring angrily. Serpera reflected half off the attack, by a whack with the tail. Rumoto coughed as sand went down her throat and Daichi winced as the sand hit his aching body.

When the smoke cleared the winner was announced. Rumoto's blade was still spinning, but Serpera had stopped again.

Daichi fell down again. The sand had not only hit him, but also burnt his body from head to foot. He had a lot of scratches and his skin glowed red from the attack. Once more he fell to the ground in exhaustion.

(Daichi's mind)

'Where am I?'

He looked around confused, but everything was so dark. Then memories hit him. The match, the stadium. His friends. What had happened?

'I must get back, but how. I have no control.'

The mists around his mind swirled. Suddenly a shadow moved closer to him. It was just a shadow, but it was something familiar with it.

'Sis?'

The shadow moved closer and touched his cheek softly. The misty hand didn't go through his body as he thought it would, but touched him for real. The hand was cold, but loving as if she hadn't touched his face for years. Daichi could feel the tears stream down his face.

'Sis…'

'Don't give up Daichi. Whatever you do, don't give up Serpera.'

Daichi woke up feeling Hilary shake him awake. Once again he sat up, but this time he looked determined. He clenched his blade tightly before getting up.

Hilary looked angry. After all he was still very hurt and breathing heavily.

"Daichi, you shouldn't battle in your condition. Give forfeit the match before it's too late!" she said.

Daichi shook his head surprising everyone except for Ray, who had been in a likely situation.

"I can't do that Hilary." The boy said. "If I do I will never be able to keep my bit beast, or my pride, or worst, my family reputation. I have to fight this, even if I loose. Understand?"

Hilary backed away from him, confused. The others looked equally lost as the red haired boy got back to his feet, standing unsteady.

"You obviously don't know when it's time to give up." Rumoto commented seeing her foe standing again.

"I don't need your comments thanks. I need you to understand what powers we are dealing with. Veymo is simply toying with you. He already has your blade and bit beast, don't let him steal your heart or you will regret it."

Rumoto laughed. "What do you know off these matters?"

"I know what happened to my mother after she sold her soul to him. You know as well, she used to be OUR priestess after all."

The red haired boy readied for the match. His friends nodded towards him to continue, even if no one had the slightest idea of what was happening. The four remaining bladers of the team touched his shoulder lightly and wished him good luck. Kenny gave him the thumbs up and Hilary gave him a second hug telling him to be careful.

Daichi didn't need that comment. He didn't care what would happen to him anymore. All he wanted was for the girl in front of him to understand.

The two bladers launched. The blades circulated the dish chasing. Daichi was about to tell Serpera to attack first when he felt a piercing pain in his shoulder. Rumoto had whipped him across the shoulder, and even if he didn't bleed he bent down to his knees in pain.

"Much better, you know what they say about Ladies first. Well, you should keep to those manners if you want to survive boy! Tenira, Egyptian Tomb!"

Sand erupted from the blade, drowning the dish. Rumoto's blade jumped up in the air avoiding it while Daichi's Serpera was buried. Daichi called out for his bit beast and miraculously the blade jumped up from three feet beneath the sand. Rumoto gritted her teeth.

"Rumoto, do try to understand what I say to you. After all, we used to play together when we were small kids and you always listened to me. Both my sister and me. We played beyblade when the elders weren't looking practising on our skills together."

Rumoto looked startled as she searched in her memories. Suddenly she smiled, which shocked them all.

"I remember that…" she said. But then her face returned to the cold mask she was wearing. "And I think it's time to finish you off. Tenira!"

The blade circled up sand that threatened to finish the little that was left. Daichi sighed.

"I wish I didn't have to do this. Serpera!" he said holding up the stone he had been wearing around his neck. "With the powers of the Earth I beg you, return to the stone of earth and escape the evil clutches of Darkness."

In a roar of anger the bit beast disappeared. The stone glowed in a faint light before sucking up the bit beast, sealing it inside. Rumoto growled angrily. Behind her Veymo clenched his fists in pure hate. Daichi smiled. His bit beast was safe for now and Veymo would never get her. Only the person who sealed it would be able to release it and the powers of the stone would only do her good.

Tenira knocked the blade from the dish and the battle was over. The Elementals were leading with 3-0. Daichi had known through the whole fight he would not be able to defeat her. He was too tired and had no more advantages. He had hoped his only strategy of winning, doubt, would have been enough. His theories had been wrong, but he had managed to make her question her goals. He knew she would no longer be Veymo's faithful servant no matter how much she tried. She was thinking more, and hopefully soon she would abandon him. Leave.

The red haired beyblader slowly limped back to the others, head down. "I am sorry I couldn't do more!" he said.

Then he cried. He cried like he had never cried before. His last strength faded away in these tears as Hilary gave him a friendly hug. Tyson bent down as well, hand on his shoulder.

On the other side of the dish, Lei Dan looked at Max with a cold stare. Max responded in the same way.

For the next battle would be equally as cruel as this one, maybe even crueller.

Ian sighed, handing Tala the silver brooch. The red haired teen smiled back.

"And I thought you wouldn't keep your promise!" he said grinning. Ian walked away, a rain cloud over his head. The Tala turned to the remaining members.

"What are their chances for winning this?" he asked them.

"If you ask me." Bryan said. "None!"

TBC

To Reviewers:

lashingcries: I am happy you liked it. Hope you liked this chapter as well.

fastblurd: Oh, I am really happy you liked the attack since it took me ages to come up with the exact movements. If you have seen Inuyasha, then it's a likely version of the Backslash Wave.

Pandabudd. Oh, I am happy you enjoy. And I hope you haven't missed there is not only one sequel, but 1- 2- 3… 4 stories to come after this. Then the fifth will probably be for the first one to question. Because I believe I will not have the strength to make the fifth one.

Z Star: Oh, Raya is really nice and you will see a lot more of her later. Also, the rest of the elementals are actually nice… (Obviously not now) Anyway, well almost everyone. Anto is the one to cause most havoc. I am sorry this was a blow under the belt for them but they "might" be able to pull themselves back t their feet. I hope you enjoy school (in the ways it's possible.) Thanks for the reviews.

End Notes:

Next match will be water against water. I may suggest you bring your rain clothes and umbrellas, not to mention some dry towels for you guys are going to get soaked.

Till next time, have a great summer. And eat a lot of ice cream that cheers anyone up!

Shitza