Chapter 3 – X-twins
It is just past midnight. The night sky of Moscow was partly cloudy and seeing as it is summertime in Russia, there is no snow covering the streets of Moscow. Most people were already in their warm beds, others were either at a bar, or working night shifts or just roaming the streets, not in the mood to be at home for various reasons. Somewhere on the southern outskirts of Moscow a black Ford F650 was approaching an old abandoned warehouse. The truck drove in and two young men climbed out. Without saying a word they walked towards a very large steel container, a safe in other words. It was at least 5 by 5 by 2.5 m in size. The two well-built young men stepped up to the door of the safe where they stopped.
"Are you ready to start again?"
"What do you think? I have been aching to hold my axe again. I can hear it call out to me." The other man sniggered at this comment.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's open the door."
The young man punched in a seven digit code and the door of the safe immediately opened. Surprisingly there was a light in the safe that automatically switched on when the door opened. The two young men walked in. Inside stood two pitch black Suzuki GSX-R 750 bikes in all their glory. They were totally black, black tyres, black rims, everything was black, they also did not have any number plates, and they were standing next to a table. On the table were two axes, they were double sided axes. They both had a unique design; it looked like the blades were in the form of wings, with the base wider and as it moved upwards it became slender. It looked like axes that the Vikings would have used in their battles. The handles were black but the blades were silver. The one had engravings on while the other one was just plain. The two young men walked towards the table and they both picked up a blade. The taller one took the one that had engravings on and the moment he picked up the axe his eyes closed and he just stood there. It almost seemed like he was connecting with his axe. The other young man didn't seem to be bothered with this action, like he was use to it by now. The taller man opened his eyes and had a very sadistic smirk on his face.
"Now this is what I am talking about," he said to the other one, with which the other man replied with a smirk of his own. They then walked towards the bikes where they both slid their hands over the surface of the bikes. They both have their own bike and own axe.
"It really has been too long since we took our toys out for a play."
"I agree. Do you think we should go out and see if our axes can still chop off heads?"
"I can't think of anything else better to do. Let's go." They both got on to their bikes and started it. Both men got a rush through their bodies as they felt the power beneath them flowing into their bodies. The both had put on axe slings onto their backs which were also totally black, along with their clothing and they placed their axes into the slings. Soon the two young men left the safe and the warehouse and were off into the night.
It is seven minutes before three in the morning and the quiet night life in Moscow was disturbed with police and ambulance sirens in various locations in Moscow. It is not uncommon to hear sirens but not this many and mostly at the same time. It was clear something bad has happened all over Moscow. Through the sirens you could hear some people yelling and screaming and they all sounded very terrified. The sirens became more as they headed to new locations where something bad has happened.
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The sun was starting to show its rays through a bedroom window. Two mahogany eyes slowly opened as the person to whom it belonged to, registered where he is. Kai sat up; he looked tired but also refreshed at the same time. He rubbed his eyes and with a yawn he got up and went to his bathroom where he started to shower. When he was finished, he went to wake up the rest of the Bladebreakers and they all got up obediently, even Tyson did. Today was the start of the finals of the world beyblading tournament and they were all excited. They all finished their breakfast and were almost ready to leave for the stadium. Tyson was in the living room in front of the T.V. watching the local news. He was surprised that it was in English. He wanted to see if they were going to say anything about the battles that are going to take place later today. It was seven o' clock and time for the headlines for the morning.
"Our top story this morning is about the countless headless bodies that were discovered in the early hours this morning. A total of 18 bodies have been discovered at various locations throughout the city of Moscow, and sadly they all have been decapitated. Many residents of the city are in panic as they all are suspecting the return of the notorious serial killers, the X-twins, the duo that had Moscow in complete fear and terror more than a year ago. The police have yet to confirm whether it was the work of these two serial killers as they are busy investigating. We will you keep you posted on the development of this story. Onto our next story; the president..."
Tyson switched of the T.V. and at that moment Kai came into the living room. "Come on Tyson or we will...what's wrong?"
Tyson looked a bit pale.
"Come on, now is not the time to get nervous. It will be fine."
Tyson looked up at Kai. "Who are the X-twins?"
"What?" Kai did not understand why Tyson was asking that now at this moment.
"Who are they Kai?"
"They were two serial killers that killed a lot of people of Moscow some time ago. Why?"
"How did they kill the people?"
"They chopped of their heads with an axe. What is going on Tyson?"
"I just watched the news and they think those two killers have returned. They found 18 decapitated bodies."
"That's a shame, really, but come on Tyson or we will be late and you do not want me to increase your training, do you?"
"No but you don't have to be so heartless Kai, people, innocent people were killed in the same city we are now. Doesn't that bother you?"
"No. People get killed every day, it is part of life. We have other stuff to concentrate on now, let the police and loved ones of the victims handle it. Just don't go wandering into the streets at night and you will be safe, now move!"
"I can't believe you are so cold and heartless, geez."
"Whatever, soft people don't get far in life." Tyson and Kai left and met the others that were already waiting in the limousine, waiting to be taken to the stadium.
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"Welcome all you beyblading fanatics, to the official finals of the world beyblading tournament here in Moscow! My co-host, Brad Best and myself, AJ Topper are broadcasting live from the Moscow stadium here in Moscow, where we will get to see the best of the best when it comes to beyblading!"
"That's right AJ, we have had various tournaments all over the world where some of the strongest have competed and have shown that they are here to stay, a team that has definitely showed that they have what it takes to be the champions are the Bladebreakers which have become very popular now a days. However, they are not the only teams, we also have the Blitzkrieg boys which are here from Moscow and they have been dominating Russia for some time now with their unstoppable blading talents. We will soon move onto our first match which will take place between two new teams, The Malice Gang and The Proverbs. Both very interesting names for teams and hopefully we will get to see why they have called themselves the names they did. And I have heard that Mr Dickenson, the chairman of the BBA, has a special announcement to make after today's matches, I cannot wait to see what it will be!"
"Calm down Brad, I am sure it has nothing to do with us."
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The Bladebreakers were sitting in their locker room waiting to be called to the stage which will be right after the round that will take place between The Malice Gang and The Proverbs. Kai was standing with his back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest and eyes closed. Max and Ray were sitting on opposite sides of Kenny seeing if they can find anything on the two teams that will be fighting just to be prepared for the future. They have already studied the team that they will be fighting, Blazing Sands. Tyson was somewhere looking for something to eat, however he came bursting through the door very soon.
"You guys you should see how stressed out the local people are about these two serial killers." By now Tyson has already told Max, Ray and Kenny about the X-twins.
"Tyson!"
"Sorry Kai, I know you said that I should forget about them but I can't. Everyone seems to be in a panic mode because of them and it is kind of stressing me out, I mean, come on, we are in the same city as two serial killers! Doesn't that scare you just a little bit?"
"No, it doesn't, and guess what Tyson, they may even be in the crowd today." Kai smirked a sadistic smile when he saw how Tyson went pale after what he has just said. Ray and the other two boys were not that bothered, it did upset them that innocent people are being murdered but they have other things to concentrate on, like their battle that is soon going to take place. For the remaining time Tyson did not mention anything about the X-twins. Just before they were called up to the stage, there was a knock on their door. Ray opened the door and there stood the captain of the Blitzkrieg boys, Tala. He had bright red hair, gelled up into two horns on either sides of his head, with icy blue eyes and was just a bit shorter than Kai.
"Can I help you?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for Kai."
"Come in." The red head walked in without saying anything else to Ray and his eyes immediately landed on Kai. They just looked at each other and nodded.
"This is Tala, he is the captain of the Blitzkrieg boys, and also my long time friend. And Tala, this is Tyson, Kenny, Max and the one that answered the door is Ray." Tala just nodded his head acknowledging them, the four teenage boys, excluding Kai, felt very intimated by Tala. Kai noticed it and enjoyed himself; he really likes to see someone scare them as they are still so innocent.
"Don't worry you guys, I won't bite you. I just wanted to meet you guys, I have heard quite a lot about you Bladebreakers, so you can really relax." Both Tala and Kai smirked at each other.
"Anyway, catch you later Kai and good luck."
"Hn." Tala just laughed and then left.
"That guy is scary, are all the Russian bladers that scary?" Kai just looked at Tyson and shook his head in disbelief. "How come you never talked about Tala before, Kai? And by the looks of it you two didn't seem very pleased to see each other."
"What do you mean by that, Tyson?"
"I mean, when last have you two seen each other; before you moved away?" Kai just nodded. "I would have figured that if you two are that close and only see each other again after so much time, you would at least have embraced each other in a manly way, even though I know you don't do well with physical contact."
"Who says we haven't seen each other already since I arrived back in Moscow?"
"What?"
"Come on, enough chit chat, we are up next so get a move on, and Tyson, I hope you forget about the X-twins and concentrate on things that really matter."
"Yes master Kai." Tyson was fast to dodge Kai's fist that was aimed towards his head for the stupid comment he has just made.
The Bladebreakers are up against a team that goes by the name Blazing Sands. It is a best two out of three battle, simple and easy. First up to fight is Ray against a guy named Morscha. They walked up to the dish and soon were an in intense battle, where Ray was declared the winner after some time. Next up was Tyson against a girl called Anna, which is also the captain of the Blazing Sands. Just when Tyson stood up Kai stopped him.
"Tyson listen, Anna is very strong, I have battled her before. Be very careful; do not let your guard down."
"No problem Kai, this win is as good as mine; besides I won't let a girl beat me." Tyson seemed very sure of himself and this infuriated Kai.
"Stop being so arrogant and just listen to me!" Tyson ignored Kai and walked away muttering 'whatever' under his breath. Kai had to contain himself at that moment as he just wanted to lunge himself towards Tyson, knocking some sense into the boy, but he knew it will not solve anything. Tyson being beaten by Anna will be more than enough punishment for the arrogant and obnoxious little boy. Tyson came to a standstill opposite Anna who seemed very satisfied with herself about something.
"What are you so happy about?"
"Oh nothing, only that I know I am already the winner of this battle."
"Keep dreaming girl. I am the best blader there is."
"Really? I beg to differ. I have battled one of the best there will ever be and our battle was a draw, I think you know him, Kai."
"Please, Kai is not the best." Anna just laughed. "Let's just begin so that I can kick your ass and move on to face Kai in the final battle."
"Don't get your hopes up, Anna."
"3...2...1...Let it rip!" Both blades landed in the dish at the same time and immediately headed straight for each other, attacking head on with incredible force. It seemed that both blades were equal in strength. Then Anna's blade retreated and moved away from Tyson's and moved until it was dangerously closed to the edge and she just remained at that spot for some time, waiting to see what Tyson's move will be. Tyson saw this as a chance to hit her blade and send it out of the blade. His blade increased speed and headed for Anna's blade; just when he was about to hit her blade, she moved into the dish and collided with Dragoon with an intense force.
"Dragoon!"
"Sunder!" Both players called out their bit-beast and most were surprised to find that Anna also had a phoenix bit-beast just like Kai, except Sunder is a male whereas Dranzer is female. Kai was observing the battle very close and he already knew Anna is going to win and he already know what she was planning on doing to secure her win. He decided that he is not going to help Tyson at all; that is the price he will have to pay for being so arrogant.
Time has already passed and both bladers seem to get tired. Anna decided it was time to end the game and finish Tyson off. She pulled away from Tyson again and headed to the side of the dish again, and Kai knew Anna is going to make her move now and defeat Tyson. It was her plan from the beginning. She wanted to see whether Tyson will be so stupid and think that he can just push her out of the dish, and just as she had hoped: Tyson made his way for her blade again. He was mere millimetres away from hitting her blade out of the dish when she suddenly moved to the side and attacked Tyson's blade from the back, sending it right passed her head. The crowd started cheering as Anna was announced as the winner. Tyson just stood there, shocked that he was defeated, and by a girl he thought he could easily defeat. Anna picked up Tyson's blade and handed it over to him.
"Here is a piece of advice Tyson, being sure about yourself is a good thing, but kissing your own feet is asking for trouble. Just remember that."
"Thanks Anna and I'm really sorry for being so rude to you earlier."
"It's okay; just don't let it happen again." The two bladers smiled at each other and then went back to their teams. TJ announced that each team will have a 30 minute break before the final match which will be between the two captains, Kai and Anna.
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The break was finally over and it is time for the match between Kai and Anna. The two took their places opposite each other on the stage.
"Did you at least miss me, Anna?"
The girl just smirked at Kai. "Hardly, I was too busy training, I didn't have time to think of unimportant things."
Kai smirked back at her. "You are breaking my heart."
"Please don't make your problems mine." No one else could hear the conversation that took place between the two players, all they saw was that the two just had self-satisfying smirks on both of their faces. TJ came up to the stage to make the announcements and after that the countdown started.
"3...2...1...Let it rip!" Both blades landed at the sides of the dish and started circling around it, like they were observing each other. Neither one wanted to make the first move, but Anna, being a very impatient person, decided after some time to make the final attack. Kai did not dodge it as he wanted to feel how much stronger she really got since the two last battled each other. She hit him and he was quite impressed but did not show any sign of it. He attacked her back and she was not impressed but rather shocked at how much stronger he got.
"Let's stop wasting each other's time and start with the real battle Anna."
"Fine by me. Sunder!"
"Dranzer!" Both called out their bit-beast and the two fire birds look magnificent in all their glory. The birds cawed at each other and the sound was like a loud harmonising melody playing in the air that brought a calm feeling into all of the spectators, but what no one knew, except Kai and Anna, that the sound that came from the fire birds were their call of war that is about to take place. The birds did not wait for their masters to command attacks; they attacked each other on their own command. There was an incredible force created when they hit each other head on, both the birds and the blades. The two players knew that no matter what they commanded, their bit-beasts will not obey, no matter how hard they tried. It just so happens that the two birds were once lovers a very long time ago and they have not forgiven each other yet. The temperature in the stadium started to heat up as the fire around the fire birds started to increase. They continued attacking each other with immense force and power. The bit-beasts were so involved in their battle that they did not realise what they were doing to their masters. Anna and Kai started getting tired and slightly weak as the two fire birds continued their battle. Kenny was analysing everything on his laptop and did not really understand what was going on in the battle. He has never witnessed a battle where the bit-beasts did not follow their masters' commandments. He was also analysing both Anna and Kai's health stats and saw that the battle was beginning to draw their energy.
"They have to finish the battle otherwise both will end up in the emergency ward."
"Come on chief, I am sure they both are doing fine."
"What battle are you watching Tyson? Haven't you noticed that both Anna and Kai are merely spectators in the battle? Neither Dranzer nor Sunder is obeying the commandments. They are battling on their own."
"I know! Isn't that just so cool?" Tyson didn't seem to be sharing the concern that Kenny was having. Ray and Max did not comment on the battle; they were too focused on watching their captain battle.
After about 15 minutes, both Kai and Anna were on their knees, panting heavily. However, there was no sign of the birds wanting to stop the battle. The dish was completely destroyed and according to Kenny's analysis, both blades were in rough shape. The battle has to stop for everyone's sake. Kai was on his knees and then finally leaned forward onto both of his hands, completely drained of all energy. Anna was in this similar position mere minutes before. Kai couldn't take it anymore and decided it was time to end this battle before serious damage was done to anyone of them. He searched for Dranzer within his mind to communicate with her. Many bladers had developed this connection with their bit-beast where they are able to communicate with their beast within their minds.
'Dranzer, please. You two have to stop this. Look around you, look at me and look at Anna. Please, I am begging you.' There was no response from the female but Kai knew that she had heard him as there was a sudden pause in the battle. It seems that Anna had also communicated with her bit-beast. Kai and Dranzer looked into each other's eyes and the bit-beast saw in what condition her master was.
'I apologise my young one. I did not realise what our battle was doing to you. I beg forgiveness from you.'
'Don't worry too much about it Dranzer, please just finish it. I know how much this battle means to you but my body cannot handle it anymore, I wish I could so that you can finish this but I am truly sorry about wanting you to stop.' Dranzer just nod her head at her master and turned back to her opponent. He clearly also had a talk with his master and the two birds talked with each other and decided to end this once and for all. The two phoenix birds backed away and then after glaring at each other for a few seconds, they attacked each other one final time. There was an incredible bright light where everyone had to shut their eyes. There was smoke and dust everywhere and after some time it had finally cleared. Everyone was anxious on who won this intense battle. Both blades were still spinning but barely, and then finally Anna's blade stopped. Kai was the winner. Everyone cheered but when the smoke and dust completely cleared around the fighting stadium, the cheering stopped as everyone saw the Anna and Kai both lay unconscious on the floor. Both of their team members immediately ran to their side and the medical crew were also making their way over to the players.
Both teens were lifted onto stretchers and taken to the emergency ward. The next battle will take place in 30 minutes while the stage was being repaired and will be between The Blitzkrieg Boys and Blackroses and it will also be the last battle for the day. In the emergency ward the team members of both teens were not allowed to see either of them until the medical staff had finished observing them.
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The final match was underway when Kai finally opened his eyes for the first time since his battle against Anna. He looked around and was slightly confused as to where he was. He saw Anna in a bed next to him but she was still out. There was a nurse sitting at a table busy writing something. She did not notice that Kai was awake until he coughed and she finally looked up. She immediately smiled when she saw Kai. "Finally. How are you feeling?"
Kai just looked at her and did not say anything, but this did not bother the nurse.
"Ah yes, now I remember, you are the blader that does his talking with his blade." She stood up and walked over to his bed. She started the machine that took his blood pressure and heart rate and saw that it had finally stabilised to a normal and healthy level. She looked at him in a very friendly manner and then spoke: "You are perfectly fine and I see no reason for you to continue staying here. You are welcome to go see the final battle."
Kai said nothing but turned to look at Anna. "Don't worry; your friend will be fine. You both were exhausted after your intense battle, which reminds me, congratulations on your win. Your team proceeds to the next level." Kai looked back at the nurse and spoke to her for the first time, although it was only to say thank you. He then got up, looked at Anna one last time and left the room to go look for his team members. Kai walked into the arena just as Bryan had hit his opponent's blade out of the dish. The Blitzkrieg boys had won and proceeds to the next round. Kai finally spotted his team and they were all ecstatic to see him, much to Kai's annoyance.
After everyone settled down and finished their cheering for The Blitzkrieg Boys, TJ announced that everyone should settle down as Mr Dickenson is about to make his surprise announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you all know the final will take place here in Moscow but what we decided is that we are going to hold the final only in a month's time." There was a lot of commotion among everyone, especially the players. "I know it does not make sense but because the sport has become so popular, and by great demand, we at the BBA has decided that while the professional teams will rest and train for the next four weeks, all amateur bladers that did not qualify for the finals or did not have a chance in the pre-luminaries, will be fighting three times a week in this very stadium." Suddenly there was a loud cheer across the whole stadium. "I am sure there are a lot of people that are very pleased about this announcement. This will start to take place as of next week. For our teams that have moved onto the next round and the remaining teams that still need to battle to proceed to the next round, I have some interesting news for you. All the remaining teams will be flying to London as we have been kindly invited by our British BBA organisers to fight the remaining battles there. You are to leave in two days time and you will have two days to settle in and prepare yourselves for your upcoming battles. After that is done, you will have enough time to train and work on your blades for the finals. That is all, thank you."
The spectators applauded the elder man as he walked off the stage.
"Now that was not something that I had expected at all but it is all so exciting!"
"Of course it will be exciting for you Tyson, it means more blading time for you."
"Ah, you know me too well Ray, but yeah, I am so going to enjoy this. And London, I mean come on, so much to see and to do!"
"Grow up Tyson, we are not going to mess around, it is still part of the competition, not a vacation. If we don't win in London, you don't even have to bother to come back to Moscow for the finals."
"Stop being such a sourpuss Kai, I know it is still part of the competition but it will be fine."
"Yeah, just the same way it was when you were battling Anna. Remind me again how that went exactly?" Tyson crossed his arms and pouted at Kai for reminding him of his loss against a girl he had under-estimated.
"Whatever, I am going home." And with that Kai left the other four teens, which took some time to take up Kai's hint that he meant all of them should leave.
