Chapter 10 The Qualifiers Part 1
Flashback Sequence
[Dream Sequence]
Disclaimer: I dont own anything.
Sea Side Dome, Bey City, Japan
It was early in the morning around six am, the sun was barley up and it was Saturday, no work and yet in the streets of Bey city leading up to the famous Sea Side dome, the traffic was standing still. Competitors, spectators, BBA officials, DJ Jazzman and some fanatic parents were among those stuck in the slow moving line of vehicles and somewhere in the middle of this traffic mess was one, not so pleased beyblade world champion, his best friend, his big brother, his team coach and his annoying little stalker who was now his partner.
"What is taking so god damn long" Tyson mumbled to himself, peering out the window on his side trying the get a better look at the traffic. He could see the stadium just up ahead, normally it would have taken them five minutes to get there from their current location, but now it might as well take an eternity.
"Relax Tyson, we will be there soon" Hiro reassured his little brother. Tyson was not usually like this, only when something like the qualifiers or the world championships itself came around did he get antsy and restless, being annoying on car rides was usually Daichi thing but the kid was sound asleep next to Kenny who sat in-between the two champions going over their data and improvements.
"I know, it's just… I want get there now" Tyson groaned and leaned back in the car seat, trying to think of something else to make time pass. Time did pass and so did the traffic jam eventually. Within the next 35 minutes they had reached the stadium parking lot and was currently unloading everything they would need for the matches ahead.
Tyson, Daichi and Kenny, being the defending champions and last year's representatives where placed in different blocks of the tournament, so if all three won their block they would once again represent Japan as the BBA Revolution in the Championships. After a routine check-in, some autograph signing courtesy both Tyson and Daichi much to Hilary's dismay, they all sat down in their locker room for some final preparations, the matches would start within the hour.
"Are you guys ready for this" Hiro's stern voice told Tyson that right now, he had no big brother only a coach. Before either could answer, Hiro continued his pep talk "This is the qualifiers and if you three don't win your respective block, the BBA Revolution will not be representing our nation in the World champion ships so I hope you understand the importance of what you do here today"
"I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are going to give it our all today and then take on the world together as the best team there is" Tyson exclaimed, radiating with confidence and said confidence seemed to have spread to Daichi and Kenny who could do nothing but agree.
"Well no worries there huh?" Hilary said and looked up at Hiro who looked his brother with immense pride.
"WHO ARE WE!?" Tyson exclaimed loudly has he held Dragoon in front of him "THE BBA REVOLUTION!"
"The matches will start in 15 minutes, all competitors in block A please make you way to the arena" at the announcement, Kenny stood up and placing his laptop beside him on the bench he walked towards the door and before he exited he looked back "see you in the stands" Tyson gave him thumps up and the genius was off to once again make his mark on the Beyblading world.
The arena was huge, stadiums set up throughout the entire building. The arena floor along with the stands were packed full. Competitors, fans, parents, talent scouts and BBA officials made up the crowd, this year it's going to be big. Two minutes after the block A announcement, Kenny emerged onto the arena floor joining the other Block A competitors in their designated waiting area. Looking up at the stands he could see that his team had found their seats, they were ready and so was he.
The first matches of the qualifying rounds started off with the ever energetic Jazzman appearing of above the arena on a mechanical ramp with a microphone giving the entire tournament the special something that only he could give.
"Welcome Beyblade fans! This is it, this is where it's all decided who goes to the world championships and who goes home. Today's event will feature competitors from four respective blocks battling it out. The winners of each block moves on to the semi-finals were its decided which four who will represent us on the world stage" Jazzman finished his usual pre-game rant with a mighty cheer from the crowed starting off the games with a bang.
Kenny took his position by the designated dish when his turn came up and readied himself mentally going over his chosen strategy several times in his head. His first opponent, a kid about two years younger appeared on the other side, he looked rather shaken and unsure.
Taking out his redesigned beyblade and connecting it to his launcher he looked up at the judge waiting for the countdown. This time he had chosen to remove the spring load from this blade and taking away its ability to jump but giving him much better control, a strategy fitting for how serious he now was about the sport, This time when they took the championship title, he would stand with his team not as just a beyblade mechanic but also as a blader. Both competitors readied themselves staring down each other, as the countdown began.
3…
2…
1…
LET IT RIP!
The match started off with an explosive collision in the middle sending both blades to the edge of the dish where they started circling each other in opposite directions both looking for an opening
Kenny had decided on a strategy consisting of dodging and striking when his opponent missed, which proved quite useful against his less experienced competition. Kenny was circling the outer rim of the dish in the opposite direction of the other beyblade when it broke of and crossed this dish going in for an attack, in the last second Kenny stopped his blade completely making his opponent miss and launch himself upwards allowing Kenny to anticipate where he would land and strike when he did, sending his opponents blade out of the dish, the judge called it and Kenny had his first win of the day.
Sydney, Australia
The Australian qualifying tournament was well underway, several of the first matches already finished with the herd thinning out, Fifteen year old Alexander having already won the block A matches easily and ensured himself a position in the semi-finals was taking a well-earned break in his teams private locker-room courtesy of their new sponsor, his beyblade currently in the hands of the teams only female and resident mechanic, routine checkups afterwards was important.
"You did well out their bro" Ryan complemented his younger teammate "fast and clean victories with no one sent to the emergency room, I'm glad you are taking this low profile thing seriously"
"Yeah, it's kind of important not to kill your competition when you are trying to enter the world championships, besides that Biovolt dude would have been pissed off if we were disqualified" he joked and earned a laugh from the other two present in the room.
"Who is up next" Mila asked out loud never looking up from her from her work.
"I am" Ryan said and checked his watch "which is in about 45 minutes, so I'm going to go and get a something to eat, you guys want to come?"
"Yeah I could eat" Alexander and stood up.
"Go on I will catch up, I'm almost done" Mila called out and the brothers left, with those two gone, silence settled in the locker-room. It lasted for until she was done 10 minutes later. Placing her teammate's white and blue beyblade in his bag, she made for the exit, only to meet their captain in the door "where are you off to in such a hurry" he closed the door and folded his arms.
"I was just going get something to eat with the others" she shrugged.
"Alright but make sure Ryan is not late for his first match. I will have no sloppiness on my team"
"I will" she called out already making her way down the hall.
Ethan closed the door after his teammate and sat down on a table located in the far end of the locker-room. He placed a laptop in front of him and powered it up. Now that they were competing for real, their new sponsor had issued a way for them to keep in touch. He booted up a video chat program and started a call.
"The block A matches are over and Alexander have secured his position in the semi-finals with no one injured" Ethan reported in and was met by a satisfied but malicious grin from Voltaire.
"Excellent, you and your team are proving to be quite the asset indeed" Voltaire complemented.
"Like there was any doubt" Ethan waved off the Voltaire's complement. "You know as well as I do that there is no worthy competition for me or any of my team members at this event"
"I am aware of that boy, but even the greatest must sometimes prove themselves"
"Isn't that the truth" he muttered "anyway I have to go and remember we are partners, you don't order me or my team around, we both have something the other needs, you help us we help you, it's that simple" Ending the call he stood up and left the locker-room to join Alexander and Mila in the stands. The block B matches would start soon.
Ryan was already in the block B waiting area when the announcements sounded over the speakers. He was doing some last minute tweaks to his blade using what he knew when the rest of the players started piling in. Most of them looked like nervous wrecks trying to calm their calm themselves, the only expectation was one guy who was bosting loudly about his skills and how he was going to swipe the semifinal position in no time flat, he had a several younger players standing around him obviously fooled by his inflated ego.
Ryan let out an irritated sigh "there is always someone"
The matches started soon after with eight players taking their positions around four stadiums waiting for the countdown for their respective judge. Ryan stared down his first opponent off the day and couldn't be happier. Who knew he would get this chance in his very first match?
Guy on the other side of the dish, the guy who was going to "swipe the semifinal position in no time flat" looked as arrogant as ever "Hey rookie" the guy called out "you are obviously new to this game so will go easy on you not to hurt your feelings alright?"
"Did you hear that?" Alexander said in shock.
"Ryan is going to kill him" Mila sighed.
"He won't, he knows what is at stake" Ethan reassured "however he might introduce the guy to his bit beast which is enough and it won't get him disqualified.
The judge by Ryan's stadium raised his hand ready to start the countdown, both players readied their blades and launchers.
3…
2…
1…
LET IT RIP!
Ryan launched his red and black beyblade with incredible force and spin rotation, hitting the middle of the dish and denting the metal. His opponent stared down at the impact spot with a mixture of shock and anger, this was not something he had seen before.
Taking a defensive position near the middle Ryan calmly waited for his opponent to make a move. His opponents green and light blue beyblade had been circling the dish up until that point broke of and dove in for the kill, hitting the red one with as much force as he could muster on but ended up being launched back again into the side of the dish were his blade almost stopped spinning.
"What the…" the guy was at a loss for words when his attack had no effect whatsoever, it was like he had struck a brick wall.
"Solid effort" Ryan laughed and gestured to his beyblade "but know I will introduce you to someone very special" at those words his beyblade started spinning around in a small circle creating a black mist around it, the guy launched one more attack at the growing black void in the middle of the dish with same result, barley able to keep on spinning that time.
"What the hell is this man" the guy cried out trying to conceal his desperation.
"This is what a true beyblader looks like rookie" he answered, then the black void shot upwards swirling around like a tornado "now the match ends" Ryan calm statement was followed by and inhuman roar coming from the swirling black mass and focus of the entire stadium was now on their match.
"Here we go" Ethan whispered as he recognized his teammate's signature move.
"GO MALPHAS" Ryan called out and the black mass dispersed revealing the horror within. His opponent looked up as a massive winged demon like bit beasts was revealed, looming over him. Its skin was black and charred with cracks all over, a strong orange glow escaped through them, its eyes were of the same color but glowed more brightly. Two long horns on its head and with hooves for feet gave it a terrifying appearance, it looked like something out of a nightmare…
He had no chance to move out of the way or defend himself as Ryan went in for the kill. The red and black trimmed beyblade shot out from the middle of the dish like a bullet leaving a trail of fire behind. It slammed into the green one obliterating it, pieces were launched everywhere and the judge called the match. His opponent fell to his knees as the scorched remains of his beyblade covered the floor all around him, he was finished…
"I have to say, regardless how many time I see Ryan's bit beast, it still freaks me out" Alexander stated and watched his brother walk back to the waiting area along with the other winners ready for round two.
Two hours later the block B matches were over and as expected Ryan came out the winner without any need to release his diabolical bit beast again. He met up with Alexander and Ethan in their locker-room. Mila had gone to get warmed up for her block C matches.
"You put on quite the show out there" Ethan said has he entered followed by Alexander.
"I just felt like cutting lose a little bit, nothing wrong with that, I mean… he is still alive"
"That he is" Ethan agreed "then again, this will draw some extra attention to us"
"It makes no difference as long as we don't break the rules" Ryan waved off his captains concern, yes he could have won the match without showing off but then again, where is the fun in that? Sometimes you just need to let loose.
Ethan rolled his eyes but decided not to argue with him, Ryan had won his matches and that was all he could ask for. The three of them gathered once more in the stands an hour later when the matches started up again.
China Tower Stadium, China's mountain region
The Qualifying tournament held in the chine tower stadium was nearing its end, only the semifinals, the finals and which bladers who would represent the nation remained. The four semifinal spots had all been claimed by the famous White Tiger team which did not come as a surprise to anyone. They had been the national champions for many years now.
"The Semi-finals will start in one hour, all finalists make sure you are in the arena by then"
With the first part of the tournament over and their positions secured the White Tiger team had settled in their locker-room, anxious to get started. The final four matches would feature the finalists of the tournament going up against each other to determine the winner and crown the national champion, however all of them would go to the world championship as one team. The first match of the semi-finals would feature Ray and Mariah of the White Tiger team battling it out for a spot in the finals and who would face the winner between Gary and Lee who had their match right after.
In the White Tigers locker-room it was dead silent, everyone was in deep concentration, everyone besides Kevin that is, he had been eliminated in the final match of block B against Mariah and was not scheduled to compete in the semi-finals, but he was still a part of the team and would be joining them in the world championships just like last year. Even though he had no more matches today he still kept quiet out of respect for his team and because Lee had told him to shut up a few minutes earlier. He now sat by himself on a chair by the door.
The others were scattered throughout the room, doing whatever they usually did before competing. Ray, the captain of the White Tigers was meditating against a wall in back of the room and Gary was making sure he wouldn't be competing on an empty stomach, Mariah and Lee occupied the benches and were deep in taught and mental preparation.
So far it had been a good year for The White Tiger X team, individually they were better than ever, Ray's intense training schedule made sure of that. As a team they had never been closer, some more than others... When Ray came back from the Justice 5 tournament and rejoined The White Tigers, feelings that he had kept away since as long as he could remember came rushing back, why? Maybe because he had just been through one of the most mentally and emotionally exhausting tournaments of his life, maybe it was seeing one of his best friends almost killing himself in order to claim victory over a bitter rival or maybe it was the knowledge that the sport he had dedicated his entire life too was at brink of becoming something he could not be a part off, leaving him whiteout purpose…
Whatever the reason, he could no longer be her captain without letting her know how he felt, so he did and she returned them without hesitation and with Lee's blessing they started a relationship and in the months from his return to the start of this year's competitions life had been great for both of them, they finally let their lifelong friendship grow into something more and they both knew that this was real.
The silence was broken as the announcement they had been waiting sounded trough the intercom system, snapping everyone out of whatever they were doing, the semi-finals were about to start. Packing up their gear they headed out. The four smaller dishes used for the block matches had been replaced for one large and sturdier one fit for more serious battles. The White Tiger team emerged onto the arena floor and was met by a nearly deafening cheer from the crowd. The team got an official welcome and then they separated, Ray and Mariah had their match first and took their respective positions by the dish while Gary and Lee went with Kevin to the stands.
The silence was deafening and the tension was thick as the two stared each other down from across the dish, even if they had tried their best to keep their relationship private, word had gotten out which made this quite the match, one fans of both would not soon forget.
"Now Ray don't you go easy on me just because I'm your girlfriend, like I said long ago, make me work for it" she broke the silence with a snarky comment making him laugh before taking out her blade and launcher, connecting them and signaling to the judge that she was ready.
"Wouldn't dream of it" he smiled and winked at her. Slipping into his stance he nodded to the judge who raised his hand starting the countdown.
3…
2…
1…
LET IT RIP!
Meeting in the middle and barley avoiding a full frontal collision, Ray and Mariah matched each other's moves perfectly, their Beyblades spinning around the dish in a flurry of silver and pink with grace and control only years of practice gave. Neither giving an inch as their dance continued, putting on an amazing show for the fans which was evident in the overwhelming cheers.
"Someone has taken practice seriously I see" Ray quipped.
"Well when you have such a handsome instructor, it's hard not to" She flashed him a flirtatious smile.
"Can't argue with that" he chuckled and then his amused expression was replaced with a look of determination and without a word he broke off from their dance and started circling the rim of the dish, accelerating with each turn until his beyblade looked like a circle of emerald light. Sensing that "playtime" was over Mariah got into the best position for defense as she recognized Ray's move as his usual set up for the Gatling Claw attack and if she wanted to remain in the game when he unleashed it she needed to be ready.
Her eyes narrowed when the time came and then a second later Ray called out his attack "GO DRIGER GATLING CLAW ATTACK!" His beyblade already going at an impressive phase accelerated to the point where it disappeared, going so fast it left after images of itself. Having seen this move so many times Mariah knew what to look for and when she saw it and she called out her own bit beast "NOW GALUX PREPERE FOR IMPACT!" the pink beyblade started to glow brightly, releasing the power of the mountain cat just in time to catch Ray's beyblade as it impacted against hers.
Mariah knew that she could not hold Driger's advance for long and she didn't need to either, executing her plan in one swift motion, Ray struck her with his Gatling Claw attack and she moved her blade out of the way just enough so that Driger would ricochet of Galux. Her plan was success when Ray bounced of her hitting he edge of the dish and was sent flying, her move had disrupted his balance and his own speed worked against him, he could not stop in time.
"Hold on Driger" Ray called out, luckily he had been sent upwards when he hit the dish, so he could still recover. Regaining control midair, Ray locked eyes with Mariah.
"Nice try, but this is not over yet" He backed his statement by sending Driger spiraling downwards like a meteor gaining speed with each second. Just has he was about to hit the dish he called out his most powerful attack "GO DRIGER! THUNDER SLASH!"
Mariah moved Galux out of the way taking a defensive position once more and braced herself for impact. Driger hit the dish with terrible force tearing it apart sending pieces flying everywhere picking up a cloud of dust which blocked out the view of the dish and the players.
The crowd was going wild at this action, once again the White Tigers had delivered for their fans. The crowd quieted down as the smoke started to clear reveling that dish was totaled however both bladers where still standing looking out of breath but satisfied. In the dish both blades where still spinning but barley, Ray, Mariah, the crowd, the judge and the rest of White Tigers held the breaths as the Beyblades started slowing down and eventually Galux fell and then Driger followed only seconds later, it was over.
"And that's it! Give it up for Ray of the White Tigers our first finalist of the day" The judge's call marked the end of the match. His announcement was followed by crowd erupting in cheers once more, this was going to be a match to remember. Mariah smiled as Ray came up to her, holding both their Beyblades "That was some match, for a second there I taught I was done for… you have really improved"
"You are just saying that to get on my good side" She quipped and took back her Beyblade inspecting it "now I need to repair this again" she pouted and feigned irritation.
Ray chuckled and held out Driger for her to see "we both do"
"Well then let's fix them together" she winked at him and held out her hand which he gladly took, they left the arena together.
The first match of the semi-finals was over and now it was up to Gary and Lee to decide who would face Ray in the finals. Five minutes after the first one was over their match started, both parties made their way down to the dish which now had been replaced with one just like it. Taking their respective positions across from each other, the second match was about to start.
Sea side Dome, Bey City, Japan
The Japanese qualifiers was nearing its end with Tyson and Daichi of the BBA Revolution locked in a fierce battle for the title of national champion, it was already established that the two of them along with Kenny who reached the semi-finals but lost to Daichi would once again represent Japan, this final match was just to establish the best in the country.
The entire stadium along with Hilary, Kenny and Hiro was at the edge of their seats, Tyson in a final attempt to take his younger teammate down had unleashed his devastating Evolution Storm which packed as much force as a real hurricane, and Daichi was desperately trying to hang on, trying to keep Tysons attack from blowing Strata away like leaf.
Up near the top of the arena, Jazzman was hanging on to the railing, trying is best to keep up the commentary, he truly was the best and most dedicated in the business.
"TYSONS HAS JUST UNLEASHED DRAGOONS POWER IN THIS FINAL ATTEMPT TO BRING YOUNG DAICHI DOWN! WILL IT WORK OR WILL DAICHI OUTLAST HIM!?" He was shouting over the powerful winds generated by Tysons attack while hanging on for dear life.
The youngest member of the BBA Revolution was shielding his arms standing firmly in place, he was tired, sore and falling flat on his face and taking a nap sounded really good at this point, but he couldn't lose not now. Driven by sheer determination Daichi started walking forwards against the winds towards the tornado in the center of the dish, his Beyblade started to move with him defying Dragoons power.
Tyson narrowed his eyes has he saw Daichi moving against the wind trying once more to get a foothold in the match, he would not have it.
DRAGOON NOW! GIVE HIM EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT!
Hearing his master call the blue Dragoon known for its ability to push itself to unimaginable levels an ability it shared with its master, roared with sheer fury, unleashing what power it had left nearly doubling the force of the winds.
Strata Dragoon was pushed back to the edge of the dish. At the brink of defeat Daichi unleashed his attack in a desperate attempt to make something happen. He would not go down without giving it everything he got.
"NOW STRATA DRAGOON! GREAT CUTTER!" Making cutting motion with his launcher, he unleashed the attack creating a beam of light that struck the tornado just has the winds overtook him and sent him flying away from the dish, his attack disrupted Dragoons attack making it disperse outwards like a shockwave that rattled the entire stadium.
With the tornado gone, Jazzman got up finally able to stand upright. It had been a close match especially at the end but there was no doubt who had won. In the dish was one white and blue beyblade still spinning almost completely out of energy. The other had been launched from the dish and had landed near its owner who was now taking a well-earned nap on the stadium floor.
"And there you have it folks, Tyson takes the match and will lead the BBA Revolution to glory in the world champion ships" Jazzman called out and the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Once again Daichi delivers a real challenge for me, I can't wait to blade by his side in the champion ships" Tyson smiled at the site of this comatose teammate. Daichi woke up some time later and the team met with Mr. Dickenson in his office at his request.
"Excellent match boys, it really had me on the edge of my seat, Daichi you showed off an incredible amount off determination by hanging on for so long" the BBA chairman complemented the two stars of the BBA.
"Thank you Mr. Dickenson, I promise that we will take the trophy this year as well" Tyson radiated confidence much to the older man's amusement.
Daichi was about to comment on Tysons boast when Hiro interrupted him with a serious question "Yes It was an incredible match, no doubt but that is not the reason we were all called here is it?"
Mr. Dickenson's smile disappeared as he let out a heavy sigh, without a word he turned his laptop around for everyone to see, it showed clips from various qualifying tournaments that were broadcasted all over the world showing matches and results, including the end result of qualifiers in Germany where the Majestics where announced as the representing team, other familiar faces came up as well including F-Dynasty and Barthes Battalion in Madrid and London.
"As you all know, these tournaments are filmed and beamed all over the planet, so that we here at the BBA can keep an eye on everything and during your match I caught the footage of a certain tournament that ended about two hours ago, it was most disturbing. He clicked on a clip showing off unfamiliar bladers, no one they recognized.
"Where is this from Mr. Dickenson?" Tyson said while studying the clip.
"Sydney Australia, the one place where no BBA pro team qualified"
And then the clip showed the final match between two youths that looked somewhat familiar, one had red hair and was quite tall, the other was raven haired and shorter. The match looked rather intense, it ended with the black haired youth coming out as the winner and then two more joined them on the arena floor, a blond female and white haired kid. They were announced as the representatives and when the camera caught all four in one frame, they all realized who they were looking at. For Hiro it was like seeing a ghost. He hung his head low and cursed silently. Hillary's hands flew up to her mouth has she remembered the meeting they had at Kai's mansion.
"It's them isn't it?" Kenny said and swallowed hard "the group Ozuma warned us about" Mr. Dickenson nodded and sat back in his chair.
"They are called The Infernal Fury and they dominated the tournament making quick work of the competition" Mr. Dickenson explained. Tyson stared at the screen growing angrier with every second that went by. The group they were supposed to keep an eye out for had now made their way into the championships and it was only a matter of time before they met.
And there we go! This is by far the longest chapter I have written for this story, there hasn't been much beyblade action in the earlier chapters but now that we are getting more into the competitions and the training they are going to have to do, there will be a lot more of it. The first bit beast of my OC team revealed in this chapter, the name "Malphas" is actually a "real" demon name from Christian Demonology. I taught it would be fitting…
I am doing some major updating to earlier chapters like fixing spelling errors, adding stuff, changing stuff and other stuff, just letting you know… Anyway! Please review and will see you next time!