I hope those that are reading are still enjoying the story so far.
There are some battles in this chapter and again, I am not sure whether the attacks are correct or not, but at then end there is enough action in this chapter.
The last part of this chapter was a little bit of a challenge for me and I deleted the first version because I just could not feel the emotions I tried to describe at the end, but luckily the second time came out just perfect for me. I don 't whether I have already said it before but I am currently busy with chapter 28 and it is taking a bit longer than want it to because there is just so much stuff going on at the moment. I really want to complete this story so that I can continue with the other, but only time will tell when I will be able to complete this story.
As usual, enjoy this brand new chapter! Until next time!
Chapter 17 – Leaving
"Come on you guys, let's go already!"
"Relax Tyson, there is still more than enough time left before we have to go."
"No Ray, there isn't! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to get up at six this morning? Those things don't just happen, you know." The other teens just had to laugh at Tyson. They were all sitting in the living room; soon they have to be off to the stadium. Tyson was anxious and excited at the same time. Kai and Cindy have yet to arrive because Kai is leaving with them and meeting the rest of his team at the stadium. "This is going to be the best battle of my entire life; I am going to show Kai who the real champion is, and that I am the best blader ever."
"If you say so Tyson; what about you Ray, are you also this hyped up to face Tala?" Ray smiled at Max casually.
"I am kind of excited because what I have seen so far of Tala is that he is as tough as they come; this will not be an easy battle but then again, if it was an easy battle, it would not have been worth fighting for, I am actually looking very forward to facing Tala."
"Well, at least your blades will take the punch from those two. I have modified all three your blades and now they have triple the defence, attack and speed, along with the perfect balance."
"Thanks chief, you really are the best."
"I agree, you are the heart of this team; without you we would have been lost." Kenny started blushing as his team mates complimented him.
"Thanks guys, just trying to do my job."
"And we appreciate it a lot chief, in fact, you know what, I am going to dedicate my battle against Kai to you chief, to show you my appreciation."
"Consider my battle against Tala also a dedication to you, chief." Kenny's cheeks were now flushed by his friends' gratitude.
"I don't know what to say, just that I feel honoured; again, thanks you guys."
"No sweat chief. I just want us..." Tyson was interrupted when Cindy called out at the front door.
"We're back!" Ray was the first to leave the living room to go greet his sister and her fiancé. "Morning guys."
"Hey Ray."
"Hn."
"Did you enjoy your night away?"
"It was awesome but we can talk later; are you guys ready for the finals?"
"You bet!" Tyson also joined the group of three, along with Max and Kenny. "What do you say, Kai old buddy? Ready to get your ass handed to you?" Tyson smiled hugely at Kai but the blue haired boy just snorted at Tyson and then went up stairs to put away their luggage. When he returned, he had little Ciara with him and soon enough they all were on their way to the stadium.
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The Blitzkrieg Boys were in their locker room. They will be called to the dish any minute now. Cindy and Ciara were also in the room; Kai did not want to them to leave just yet. Tala still saw the look of sadness in Kai's eyes. He thought that a night away with Cindy will take it away, but instead, the look seems to have intensified. "Hey Kai, you nervous?"
"You are kidding right?" Tala just laughed. "Tyson has been going on and on since we arrived how he is going to beat you."
"Yeah, whatever." Kai turned back to Ciara who was sitting on his lap, more like standing, her little hands cupping her father's face; this brought a soft smile on his face, and if Kai didn't control himself, a tear might also start forming. 'How are you feeling my young master?'
'I am paining Dranzer, to know that today is the last day we are here. My last moments with my loved ones; this is not what I wanted. Do you know how long we still have?'
'I am afraid I do not but before the sun has set today, they would have taken their rightful place.'
'The darkness finally takes it rightful place, how ironic is it not? I am not without evil myself but to give up everything and let the darkness take over, is not something I want to happen, ever.'
'I know young one but this is our path to walk and we must follow it.'
'I know my phoenix, it is just too soon. See you soon, my fire bird.' Kai looked in his mind at how his phoenix called out to him. 'Can The Blitzkrieg Boys and The Bladebreakers please make their way over to the dish area?' "Finally; well, let's get going; Kai?"
"In a minute." Tala, Bryan and Spencer left the room, leaving Kai and his two ladies. "Cindy, promise me you will always look after our daughter and always try to protect her." Cindy was suddenly very confused of what Kai was saying.
"Sure baby, but why? What is going on?"
"Nothing; I love you, and don't you ever forget that, okay?"
"Kai, you are scaring me. Why are you talking like this?"
"No reason, I just don't say it enough. I love you and I will forever love you, Cindy, both you and our daughter." Kai kissed Ciara on her forehead.
"I love you too baby, forever and for always, but we can talk after you have finished, okay?" Kai just nodded and placed a deep kiss on her lips. "Let's go." The three left the locker room and made their way over to the dish area, where Cindy took her place in the stands along with Ciara, next to Solange and the rest of the Hiwatari family.
"Alright folks the time has finally arrived!" The fans all went crazy with excitement. "It won't be long now and we will have the world champions of the beyblading world!" Again there were cheering everywhere. "But first, the BBA has decided to use two separate dish areas for this tournament, which means, there will be no 30 minute break after the first battle. As soon as the first battle has ended, the next two players will make their way over to the next dish, just for you guys! There will be no need to stop the action, what do you guys say about that?!" Even Tyson joined in the celebration of that announcement. "Alright! Let's get this show on the road! Will the first opponents please make their way over to the dish area?!" Both Ray and Tala got up at the same time, but before Tala walked up to the dish, Kai stopped him.
"Tala, I just want to say good luck."
"Thanks Kai." Although a bit shocked, Tala was grateful for Kai wishing him good luck but he still could not ignore the sad look in Kai's eyes, but for now he will just shrug it off and think of it again after they have finished here today.
"Bladers, please take your positions." Ray and Tala got their launchers ready and just then the platforms opened. The theme of the fighting dish is that of an African jungle, complete with thick trees, ground and even a river flowing through it. "Now boys, beware: there are a few booby traps inside of the dish. The trees have ropes that will attack your blade and bring it to a complete stop but don't worry, it will only go for your blade if you uproot the tree, and beware of the ground: there are a few spots that contain quick sand, which mud puddles it is, we do not know, so try to avoid the mud puddles as best as you could, well, other than that, you two will have no problem with it. 'That's what you think; talk about making it impossible to win, but anyway, Driger and I will get through this; we might even use this jungle to our advantage.' 'I am going to enjoy this until the end.' "Bladers ready?" Tala and Ray looked at each other and smiled. "Good. Three..." "Good luck Ray." "Two..." "Same to you Tala." "One...Leeeeeet iiiiiit riiiiiipppp!" And the blades were off.
Despite there being a lot of obstacles in their way, the two teens had no trouble charging right at each other and the first attack was intense, sending shock waves throughout the dish.
"How does it look chief?"
"So far, so good, Tala and Ray are almost evenly matched, with Tala only a slight stronger, but nothing to worry about. As long as Ray can manage to stay away from the puddles of mud and not uproot any of those trees, he will be just fine, although I must say, this has got to be the most challenging dish we have had to face so far."
"You're telling me, this really is about seeing who the best in this sport is."
"And not just in strength, but also in seeing who is the best in tactics; both Tala and Ray can use the dish to their advantage if they know what to look for and how to use it."
"I know I will hit Tala's blade on purpose into a tree so that he uproots it and then get grabbed by it but that would be more like cheating and unfair playing." "I agree Max, that would be a hollow victory."
Hardly a minute into the battle and Ray could already feel his energy being drained, meaning this is one epic battle and he is going to enjoy it. "Go Driger!" Neither of the two has summoned their bit-beasts so far but both blades were already very strong so far.
"Get him Wolborg!" Attacking and repelling, over and over again; that is the constant pattern between these two. Tala would attack Ray and the Chinese would repel him; then Ray would attack Tala and the Russian born red head would repel him back. The attacks of the blades caused quite a commotion in the dish; causing winds to blow right through the jungle, making it look like a wind storm was taking place in the jungle. 'This battle has not even begun, Ray. I haven't even used half of my energy.' Tala was smirking at the dish, watching how Ray is attacking his Wolborg.
"Stay on him Driger!"
"Destroy him Wolborg!" The crowd was on the edge of their seats and there has hardly been any action so far. Bryan and Spencer were sitting casually; Kai was sitting in his usual pose, eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest, but it was not like he was not paying attention to the game, he was listening to the blades grinding against each other. Spending enough time with either boys, Kai have come to learn the distinct sound of each blade. He does not need to watch to know how they are fairing so far. Tyson was standing, too excited to sit down.
Tala got an idea and called back his Wolborg. "Come and get me Ray." Wolborg started swerving through the trees, careful not to uproot any of the trees. Ray pondered with the idea of following Tala all around the jungle but then just gave in and started following Wolborg, keeping a moderate distance behind the blade. Wolborg came to a stop at an open plain of just ground and then all of a sudden, his rotating speed increased, causing a cloud of dust to form all around his blade. Ray could not see his or Tala's blade until he felt a sharp pain in his left side. Wolborg has attacked Driger through the cloud of dust using its hunting skills. Ray's blade was thrown a long distance back, hitting the wall of the dish.
"Alright, that's it! Driger!"
"Now you're talking, Wolborg!" Both young men called their bit-beasts. Ray's bit chip glowed green as his majestic tiger rose, giving the audience a view they will not soon forget. Wolborg followed him shortly, and again the audience was in awe over the majestic wolf. Both beasts were glaring at each other, ready to fight to the bitter end. Driger made the first move, heading for Wolborg head on; the wolf returned the attack, also heading head on towards the tiger and when they collided, there was an intense explosion, coursing through out the whole stadium. Sparks were formed as the two blades grinded against each other, causing intense friction between them.
"Now it is a fight!" Tyson could not contain his excitement, watching how the battle gained momentum.
"Wolborg, retreat!" Wolborg pulled back from the attack against Driger and moved towards the river, Driger following the wolf. "Wolborg, blizzard attack!" Again, Tala's blade's speed increased dramatically which caused the water from the river to be sucked in towards the blade; this resulted in an ice blizzard forming, pulling Driger in, slowing its speed down as the ice crystals started to compact around the blade. Tala looked very smug at this result but Ray was not worried at all.
"Driger, Vulcan power!" Ray's blade's speed increased, and this caused the ice crystals to break free from his blade but the attack was not over; the ice crystals turned into rubber and were repelled back at Wolborg, the rubberised ice crystals sticking to the blade and slowing it down.
"What the...?!" Tala was kind of shocked, yet very impressed, by the attack Ray had just called. 'Impressive attack; I too have some impressive attacks of my own.' "Wolborg, Botalog!" A protective shield formed around Wolborg's fur, protecting it from the still attacking rubberised ice crystals, and also removing those that has already attached themselves to the blade and itself. Seeing that Wolborg has secluded itself in a protective shield, Ray called Driger back, while thinking of its next attack, and after a few moments of pondering, he thought of something.
"Hey Tala, how about you follow me now, seeing as I followed you the first time?" Tala was not sure but Ray does have a point.
"Fine."
Ray smirked and at an incredible speed, shot away from Tala's blade, deep into the jungle. Tala had a difficult time to spot the other blade, he could not even hear it spinning. Both blades were deep in the jungle.
"Driger, thunder slash!" Ray called out the next attack and then all of a sudden the whole dish started to shake. When Tala looked closer at the dish, he saw the ground starting to crack; Driger was causing an earthquake inside of the dish, and unfortunately, the earthquake caused a few trees to be uprooted and seeing as neither blades caused it, both blades were attacked. "Driger, tiger claw!" Ray knew there was a slight chance that something like this might happen and therefore has already made plans on which attack to use. Driger immediately clawed right through the ropes, slicing it before it reached the blade.
Tala was not that fortunate and had to try his best to evade the ropes that were coming after his blade. "Wolborg, Blizzard!" Tala again called the same attack but this time it was to form a platform on the river that he can blade on. "Blizzalog!" Having a platform of ice, the next attack would work perfect. It is the attack where many ice crystals move at a very high speed, cutting and slicing everything in its way. The crystals attacked the ropes and luckily for Tala, the ropes did not withstand the attack, saving his blade but now Tala was pissed at Ray. He knew that the Chinese boy had planned it and now he is out for revenge. "That was some smart move Ray, but now you have angered the wolf! Wolborg, snow meteor!" Ray just barely heard Tala's attack being called when he heard his tiger roar and he felt a sharp pain in his neck and when he looked, Driger was flat on its back, being ripped apart. Fur flying everywhere as Wolborg was shaking its prey violently all over the place.
"Driger no!" It pained Ray very much seeing his tiger being treated like that, like it is some kind of stuffed toy and this infuriated the boy. "Driger, tiger fang attack!" At that moment, Driger's eyes started glowing green and its fangs along with the claws, grew triple its length. With the enhanced fangs and claws, Driger managed to swing one paw at Wolborg's left side, causing the wolf to immediately let go of the tiger, which was a big mistake on his part. The white tiger did not hesitate one second and attacked the wolf, going for its neck, shaking it from side to side violently just as the wolf had done to it earlier. Tala could feel his wolf's pain and was calculating all possibilities of how to free his wolf. 'Think Tala, think dammit!' Tala looked around the area the beasts were currently in but saw nothing that could work to his advantage; calling the protective shield will also not work as Driger is in direct contact with Wolborg.
"Hang in Wolborg, we will get out of this one." Hearing the concern in his master's voice, the wolf somehow found a way to turn to its side and this resulted in Wolborg kicking Driger from him, although a few patches of fur got ripped out in the process but at least nothing major. Both beasts found their balance and got back on their feet and just glared at each other. Ray and Tala started feeling the effect of the battle on themselves, both could feel their beasts' injuries and how it drains their energy to heal themselves quickly in order for them to continue fighting.
"According to my analysis, both Ray and Tala has lost a bit of their stats, defence is lower and also their strength but they can still continue for a good time if they wanted to."
"I don't know whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, from what I can see they are starting to feel the effect."
"Don't worry Max; they are both skilled and strong bladers, nothing will happen to them."
"All I know is that this is an awesome ass kicking match! Go Ray! Go Tala!" Tyson was still jumping up and down. Bryan and Spencer did not show any emotion while Kai just remained in his usual pose. Solange was at the edge of her seat, she really wants her boyfriend to win and who can blame her. The pink haired girl Ray has met the previous week, Mariah, was sitting next to Solange; it seems that Mariah and Ray are getting serious as they have been spending a lot of time together since they met at the club. Cindy was secretly rooting for her brother, although she does feel guilty about it a bit, but it does not mean she does not wish for her fiancé's team to lose, blood is after all thicker than water but she is not going to voice this out loud just yet.
Another strong gust of wind ripped through the dish as the blades and beasts attacked each other, this time sending both bladers a few inches back on their feet but neither of them is planning on quitting just yet. "How about we stop messing around and get down to business."
"My thoughts exactly Ray, shall we?" Both called back their beasts and then just looked at each other, the tension clearly visible between the two opponents. "Wolborg!"
"Driger!" Both tiger and wolf headed for each other full force and the moment of impact caused an incredible explosion, resulting in everyone to cover their eyes from the bright light. The explosion caused most of the trees to be uprooted which means bad news for both Tala and Ray. "Ray, if we want to continue to battle, we have to work together to destroy the ropes." "I agree, let's do it! Driger, tiger claw!" Driger slashed through the ropes with its powerful claws, destroying the ropes flawlessly.
"Wolborg, Blizzalog!" Tala called the attack with the many shredding ice crystals and he too slashed through the ropes flawlessly and soon enough, they were both out of danger from the ropes. So far they both have succeeded in evading the quick sand but the battle is not over yet.
Tala and Ray called back their beasts to prepare for the commencing of the battle. "That was close but thanks Ray."
"No problem; shall we pick up where we left off?"
"Yes, let's; Wolborg!"
"Get him Driger!" Again it was tiger and wolf heading for each other full force but luckily this time the collision did not cause such an intense explosion as the previous one. The beasts stayed on each other, making turns on who takes the lead. First it was Driger on top of Wolborg and soon the roles changed with Wolborg being on top; then again the roles changed once more. It went like this for some time, draining both Tala and Ray's energy but neither wants to give up. Ray was struggling to keep his balance and staggered slightly on his feet; Tala was no better off as he was panting heavily and his hair was sticking to the sides of his head as he was sweating.
The analysis on Kenny's computer also showed that the battle was busy taking its toll on the blades and players. "So far, both blades have sustained damage in various areas but Ray's blade seems to have sustained a bit more damage, however, Tala's vitals seem to be worse than that of Ray's."
"Do you know who will win chief?"
"I really have no idea Max, even if I look at the statistics, I can't be sure. Based on all the factors, it can go either way. I guess we just have to wait it out."
"Come on Ray, you can do it! Show Tala what that pussycat can do!" Tyson kept on cheering for Ray and luckily for him, his team mate has heard him. 'My team mates are all behind me and they have faith in me, enough to believe that I can actually beat Tala. I will not disappoint you guys!' Just then Driger's power levels shot up and a bright green glow was all around Ray and Driger.
"Holy cookie jar! Ray's levels just shot sky high guys! I think Ray is ready to teach Tala a lesson!" "All right! Go Ray!"
Tala, along with everyone else was very surprised about Ray's energy levels that just shot up like that. "I came here to win Tala. I have trained way too hard to just roll over and let you win. Now, are you going to put my training to test or are you going to chicken out?"
"Ha! Me, chicken out?! Never! Let's see how your training pays off Ray! Wolborg, Novae Rogue!" Just like Ray, Tala's power levels also shot up and they were evenly matched.
"Driger, tiger claw!" Again the two beasts headed for each other but this time, they both are 10 times stronger than they were the previous times and it is almost guaranteed that it is going to be an epic collision and it sure was, because the moment the tiger and wolf collided with each other, both Tala and Ray were thrown onto their backs, debris flying everywhere. Another bright light was produced with a near ear shattering explosion, shock waves being sent right through the whole stadium, even the glass panels that were the office of the BBA judges, shook in the commotion.
It took a few minutes before everything settled back to normal. The dish area was slightly visible, showing only the two players so far. Both Tala and Ray were on their knees and hands, panting heavily. So far no one knows who have won the battle and will only know when the dust has settled around the dish, which took another few minutes. The first blade that came into view was that of Ray, but unfortunately for him, his blade has stopped blading. The crowd already started cheering, thinking that Tala has won but soon they were silenced when Tala's blades also came into view, and just like Ray's blade, it too had stop spinning. "Well then, folks, it seems we have a tie!" Despite no winner being declared, the crowd again burst into cheers. Tala couldn't help but smirk and then lifted his head to look at Ray, seeing him also smirking. They slowly got up, not without struggle though and both retrieved their blades.
"I have never had a tie before, Ray, and therefore, I must congratulate you on one hell of a battle. You are going to go far kid." Ray just laughed and then shook Tala's hand.
"Thanks Tala, coming from you it means a lot to me. And a tie is better than a loss; a rematch in the future?"
"You bet your ass we will have a re-match, we do have some unfinished business. Catch you later."
"See you." The two young men returned to their teams, awaiting the next battle to start.
"Can the next two opponents please make their way over to the next dish?!" Tyson and Kai made their way over to the other dish and took their places opposite each other. The dish is again the large rectangular shape with each player on a platform and the dish in which Tyson and Kai will be battling is filled with many famous skyscrapers from all over the world, including the Eiffel tower. There is no ground or water like the one Tala and Ray had to battle in. This dish too, has a few booby-traps. "The booby traps are different. There will be a few earthquakes created, which will result in a few buildings being destroyed, and if your blade is in the path of the falling debris, well, too bad for that one, but that is not all; a few of the buildings, I am not going to say which ones, have electrical shields around them and if your blade happens to get caught in the field, it will automatically be thrown from the building, whether it will be shot out of the dish or not, is totally up to the building you have landed on. Some have very powerful electrical fields around them while others are moderate. Now boys, I have been informed, due to the tie, that the winner of this round will determine the world champions, understood?" Both teens nodded their heads. "Excellent, well, if you are ready, I can start the countdown." Tyson and Kai readied their launchers.
"This is it guys, the big one. I don't think my nerves will be able to handle this."
"You'll be fine chief, just relax." The countdown started. "Three...!"
'I am going to smoke you, Kai.'
"Two...!"
'I will secure The Bladebreakers win.'
"One...! Let it rip!" The blades landed simultaneously in the dish, but it was difficult to immediately attack each other as there were many streets they had to follow on before they could get to the other one, however, Tyson and Kai had a good view of the stadium and all the streets, making it much easier to see exactly where they are going.
Kenny was busy analysing the dish to find out which buildings had the electrical fields but was not completely comfortable in letting Tyson know, just like the previous battle between Tala and Ray, it will be a hollow victory if Tyson knows which buildings to avoid. "I agree Kenny, if Tyson knows that information and manage to beat Kai, it will really feel like cheating and even if I want us to win the tournament, doing it this way will not be worth it."
"I agree with Ray. Whatever happens, happens Kenny; it is not one of the easiest dishes but this is after all seeing who is the best, so if Tyson is worth the title, this obstacles will be easy for him."
"Thanks guys, now I feel much better"
Cindy was now the anxious one and sitting on the seat of her edge, supporting her fiancé all the way. She didn't want to alert anyone but she was feeling very restless when Kai got onto the stage, almost like an omen, but a bad one but just decided to blame it on the nerves, what can possibly go wrong in a beybattle? Sure, the players get exhausted and what she also learned from Kai is that whenever a player is very close with their bit-beast, they can actually feel the attacks on their body but there has never ever been a death, not even a near-death. This thought put her mind at ease, not completely though.
Tyson and Kai finally found their way towards each other and spared no time before they attacked each other immediately. The first head on collision sent shockingly powerful waves through the stadium, sending both Kai and Tyson a good distance back on their feet. "Wicked!" Sparks were flying as the blades grinded against each other. Tyson looked like a kid going to a theme park for the first time, all smiles and excited. Kai was in his usual cool and calm demeanour, arms crossed over his chest, but just like his fiancée, he too was feeling very restless, but did not show any sign of showing it as Kai is an expert in masking his emotions. 'I'm tired of this, time to put some action into this battle and test Tyson's skills.' "Dranzer, let's take a tour of the city." Kai's blade backed away from Tyson's blade and then made its way through out various streets, Tyson right behind it.
"Are you chicken Kai?!" Kai faked a yawn.
"Nah, just wanted some more action. Show me what you got Tyson." Kai ducked into a narrow alley way and Tyson could see which one and unfortunately for Kai, he was trapped but did not seem bothered about it.
"I got you now, Kai!"
"Hn. Dranzer, Spiral attack." Tyson's blade was making its way towards Kai's blade at a high speed, much to Kai's advantage for when Tyson saw what was happening in front of him, it was too late. Kai's blade picked up speed and flames started forming around it, along with a powerful wind. Now, Kai has expert hearing, he can hear better than normal humans and this so far helped him as he could clearly hear which buildings had a humming sound around them which indicated the electrical field. There were different humming sounds, the various levels of voltage. The building that was opposite the alley way had an electrical field but according to its humming sound, it was not too powerful. The flames and winds of Kai's blade shot Tyson's blade backwards, right into the building. The moment Tyson's blade hit the building, the electrical field shot his blade back, right into Kai's blade and this time the two-toned blue hair boy attacked Tyson's blade, driving it back into the electrical field, and again, it was repelled back into Kai's blade and again he got attacked. "Hey, what's the big idea Kai?!" Kai just smirked as the assault continued on Tyson's blade. "Show me what you got Tyson."
"Dragoon, evade to the left!" Just as the electrical field repelled Tyson's blade back to Kai's one, it broke free and rammed into the side of the building, causing a little bit of destruction but nothing to worry about. Tyson's blade quickly regained itself and made its way from Kai's blade. Kai followed him, chasing him through the streets. Just then, the first earthquake started to take place and it was no child's play. The building Tyson crashed into was the first to be destroyed, filling the street with debris. The earthquake managed to have an effect on both blades, making them lose momentum and balance. The earthquake lasted only for two minutes and a few buildings were destroyed, filling a few streets with debris, resulting in less space for the blades to move in, although there is still more than enough streets to blade in.
The two blades managed to get into an area where the buildings were not that compact and neither that high, and they both had the same idea: the perfect place to attack each other head on. "Dragoon!"
"Dranzer!" Both bit-beasts were released and the audience was mesmerized by the dragon and the phoenix; Dragoon, blue with its gems on its head and its long claws; Dranzer with her beautiful red feathers, golden mane and green eyes. The beasts glared at each other, ready to go at each other. "Dragoon, storm attack!" Tyson's blade started spinning at an incredible speed, causing a tornado to form around it, sucking up the debris that was scattered some distance away. Dranzer got hit with the debris, angering the fire phoenix. "Dranzer, volcano storm attack!" Dranzer flew up into the air and when she was a respectable distance away from the dish, she turned around and opened her beak. Hot lava came out of her mouth, and Dragoon had to dodge it very fast, distracting it from its attack and the tornado disappeared. Dranzer closed her beak and headed full force for Dragoon; another powerful shock wave went through the stadium, sending Tyson flying backwards. Kai just went down on his knees but quickly regained his composure. What no one noticed is that the shock wave has loosened a few bolts on the Eiffel tower, a metal piece coming loose, being only secured by one bolt. Another wave like that will for surely rip it loose, sending the metal piece flying through the air.
"How does it look so far chief?"
"Excellent; both blades are still in perfect condition and are evenly matched in everything, although..."
"What is it chief?"
"Kai's readings are very different from that of when he battled Brooklyn?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, in that match Kai had an incredible high reading of power and today's readings aren't even close to that of last week, it is almost like he is battling with another blade."
"But that's impossible, he is still using Dranzer, just like he did with all his other battles."
"I know Max and that is what makes it so strange, making me wonder: is he just messing with Tyson by not going full power or does he not want to?"
"I don't think Kai is messing with Tyson, chief. Kai is way too disciplined to be like that. Maybe he thinks Tyson is not at full power and so is also holding back on his power."
"I hope you are right Ray."
Dragoon and Dranzer recovered from their head on collision very quickly and were ready to charge at each other again. Just then another earthquake ripped through the stadium, a stronger one than the previous one. Even Kai and Tyson got affected by it, staggering on their feet. This caused the crowd to cheer even harder. It lasted about two minutes and then it was over; another few buildings were destroyed. Kai then noticed the buildings with the electrical field were not damaged. Dragoon made the first move to attack but Dranzer avoided it. Kai's blade made its way up the one side of the Eiffel tower, moving for the top at an incredible speed. Tyson's blade seemed not to follow. Kai's blade reached the top but instead of slowing down or stopping, it shot high up into the air, a few of the spectators gasping. "Dranzer, blazing gig!" Dranzer was high in the air and then burst into blue flames, making her way right towards Dragoon.
"Dragoon, fantom hurricane!" A huge grey hurricane was formed in the dish, and Dranzer headed right into it, causing the grey hurricane to be filled with blue flames. The strong winds prevented Dranzer from attacking Dragoon head on and the hurricane absorbed all her flames. Dranzer broke through the hurricane, flying up high again. The hurricane died down, leaving the two beasts to glare at each other. Tyson and Kai were still in excellent form, no sign of any one of them being tired or getting tired, although Kai has uncrossed his arms and Tyson looked much more focused.
"I got to say Brad, this is one hectic final of the tournament. The previous battle between Ray and Tala had me chewing my nails." The other commentator, Brad, chuckled at this.
"That is what this is all about AJ. The strongest had made it to the end and they are here for a good reason. Both teams have proved in the past that they have what it takes to be champions and it was not an easy road to get here, but that is what makes it worth it in the end. Kai is the former captain of Tyson and his team, and it must be difficult for Tyson, seeing as Kai knows how his attacks work and also his head, although I do hope Kai puts that all aside and just forgets what he knows."
"I am almost certain Kai is doing that right now; he is after all a fair and honest blader and we all know Kai is a very strong blader but also very good at tactics. He can calculate an attack much quicker than the others which makes him very dangerous. Kai is able to work out a strategy in a matter of seconds, like we have seen earlier when he deliberately let himself get trapped in that alley way, and I suspect that Kai somehow have figured out which buildings have that electrical field. Kai is an excellent example of what blading is really all about; it is not just about strength and speed and defence but also using one's intelligence, thinking fast and thinking of the best way to attack or evade one's opponent. This is going to be a final no one will forget; it is going to be talked about for years to come."
"I couldn't agree more AJ."
"Attack Dragoon!"
"Go for him Dranzer!" The dragon and phoenix headed for each other yet again and another explosion was caused, although not as powerful as the previous one. Dranzer had her claws around Dragoon's body and started flying upwards with him; it looked very similar to the scene of when a fish eagle has caught the fish out of the water. Upon seeing what is about to happen, both Kai and Tyson moved a safe distance away from the inner dish area, far enough to be safe and yet close enough to still be able to see everything that is going on inside. Dranzer made a u-turn while Dragoon struggled to get free from Dranzer's grip to no avail. Dranzer was heading full force for the dish and just when she was a few inches from hitting it, she swerved out, but letting go of Dragoon in the process, sending the dragon into the dish with an incredible impact, shattering half of the dish in the process. Dust was everywhere but surprisingly the dragon bit-beast was fine. It got up and shook it off and then immediately went after the phoenix. Dragoon caught up with Dranzer very quickly and succeeded in grabbing the phoenix by her tail and then started turning her around and around. She flapped her wings, trying to get out of the dragon's grip. Kai saw how his phoenix was having a tough time but he knew they will get out of this very quick. "Dranzer, metal spiral!" This attack resulted in Dranzer's wingspan to lengthen, and then she started to fly around and around and soon her and Dragoon's roles were switched. First the dragon was pulling her around, but now Dranzer was flying in a circle, dragging Dragoon with her, as he was still clutching on to the phoenix's tail.
"Don't let go Dragoon!" Tyson knew if his bit-beast lets go, it will go straight into the audience.
'Dranzer.' '
Yes young one?'
'Flame sabre!' Dranzer understood what Kai meant; with Dragoon still clutching her tail, Dranzer flew up again and just like before she made a u-turn in midair, heading for the dish but this time, she did not wait till only a few inches before the dish, no, she was half way when she shot up suddenly, causing Dragoon to lose its grip on her tail and as he was making his way towards the dish, Dranzer followed, bursting into flames and with her claws pointed towards him, she kicked him into the dish with an incredible force, sending another powerful shock wave throughout the stadium, along with dust and flying debris, and this was the most powerful shock wave so far, unfortunately, it was also all it took for the metal piece of the Eiffel tower to come loose, and it shot through the air at in incredible speed.
Tyson and Kai were still visible as the dust has not reached them. Silence immediately took over the stadium as the crowd looked on in shock of what had just happened in front of them a few seconds before. What should have been an applauding crowd, for the awesome attack that had just taken place, it was instead replaced with a shocked crowd. Tyson and Kai just looked at each other, unable to say a word. Tyson immediately went pale when he realised what had just happened. In front of him stood his friend, former captain and team mate, a piece of metal right through his chest. Kai dropped his launcher and grabbed his chest, hands being covered with blood the moment he placed his hands there, and then slowly went down onto his knees. Tyson was too shocked to move, frozen of what was happening right before his eyes. Dragoon and Dranzer both regained their composure and took their places on the platform. Dranzer stood still and just watched her master, knowing that this is how it must end, and even if she wanted to, she cannot intervene. Kai looked up at Dranzer, just as she looked down at her master, the tears visible in her eyes. 'Dranzer...'
'See you soon my young master.'
Cindy just sat in her chair, unable to move, thinking that she must be caught in a nightmare. She watched as Kai looked at Dranzer and then slowly turned his head towards her, the sadness from the previous night, still visible in his eyes, along with unshed tears, but despite this, he still gave her a warm and soft smile. Still Cindy could not manage to move, her limbs feeling like lead, tied to the concrete with indestructible chains. She could not return his smile, and even if she wanted to, he would not have been able to see it because just then Kai's eyes rolled back in his head and he fell onto his left side, his hands falling limply to the floor, leaving the blood of his chest to flow freely onto the floor around him, soaking his clothes. And just then, feeling like a bolt of lightning went right through her, Cindy shot from her seat, not even realising she handed Ciara to Solange, making her way towards her bleeding fiancé, but before she reached him, Tala ran up the stairs of the dish, making his way in a hurry to Kai's side, falling to his knees as he reached his best friend. "Kai!" Cindy screamed his name as she to started making her way up the stairs of the dish stadium. Tala was checking for a pulse, feeling Kai's neck and then his wrist, but he could not feel anything. Cindy also came falling to her knees, her hands reaching automatically for his chest, not caring that her hands were being covered in the crimson liquid. "Kai, baby, you will be fine, please just hang in there, please." Tears were streaming from her eyes; Tala's eyes also start to glaze over, for many reasons, one of them being that he does not know how to tell Cindy that he is gone. "Kai..." Cindy took his blood covered hand in to one of hers, "Baby, squeeze my hand if you can hear me, please baby, just squeeze it lightly, let me know you are still here, please." The pain and urgency was clear for everyone in her voice, the sound of a young woman in love, begging her lover to come back to life, unable to grasp the idea of a life without him by her side. The scene was heart breaking to watch but then it got worse. Like sensing her father is gone, Ciara started to become very difficult in Solange's hold, starting to cry for her father, constantly crying `tatty`. Solange had to hold on tighter to the little one, just as she was crying for her twin brother. Everyone could hear how the little one was crying for her father.
Tala gently placed a hand on Cindy's right shoulder, while she was caressing Kai's hand against her cheek, her face becoming stained with his blood but it did not bother her. "Kai, my love, please, don't leave me." She was talking in a whisper, only Tala could hear her. And just then they heard footsteps but these were different from those of a human, no, this was something much bigger. Tala looked up and saw Dranzer making her way slowly over to her master. Tala immediately knew that the phoenix wants time alone with Kai. "Cindy, come on, we have to move."
"No! I am not leaving his side." Tala sighed but he has no choice. He stood up and then placed his hands firmly on her upper arms, pulling her up. "Tala, what are ...?!"
"Cindy, just look." Cindy looked and saw Dranzer, the majestic phoenix making her way to Kai. The two looked at each other and then Cindy could see the sadness in her eyes and then she understood. Cindy nodded her head at Dranzer and then allowed Tala to lead her away from Kai and Dranzer for a while. The phoenix looked down at the body of her master, it looked like he was in a peaceful sleep as there was no expression or emotion on his face. His blading uniform, the black tank top and blue baggy jeans, covered in blood, along with his hair and the left side of his face. Dranzer nuzzled his body with her golden beak, a single tear falling from her right eye, landing softly on his body.
'I will see you soon my young one, where we will be free. Rest well, young Kai.'
Dranzer stood up straight, opening her wings, displaying the true beauty of her. She lifted her head up towards the sky and then started singing, a beautiful harmony that only a mystical phoenix can sing. It touched everyone as she started singing to her master, bringing tears to their eyes as they felt her pain being expressed in her song, feeling the pain along with her and the rest of his loved ones, and yet the harmony was not that of a sad one, it had the same effect of that when one listens to classical music for the first time and falls in love with it, experiencing that rush through the body, bringing tears to one's eyes but not tears of sadness, it is tears of happiness, forming a knot in one's throat as you just want to cry of how beautiful the music is, cherishing every note of that song, printing the beauty of it in one's mind, keeping that emotions locked in the heart as it is just too beautiful to let go. Feeling the tingling of the skin; unable to put in words of just how precious it sounds, and just getting lost in the harmony, as it flows through one's mind, body and soul, bringing a sort of peace that is unable to be found anywhere else. The harmony she was singing to her master touched everyone's heart, the sound flowing freely into their hearts and minds.
As Dranzer was singing to Kai, all the other bit-beasts present were talking to their masters, informing them of what exactly was happening. 'Young Tala,'
'Yes Wolborg? What is happening my wolf?'
'She is saying good-bye to him, her master has left this world of ours, never to return again, and she soon will follow him. That is her farewell to both him and this world.'
'Wha...what? No, this...it can't be.'
'I am sorry my young one but it is. They both knew that their time is up and that today will be the day they leave from here, leaving everyone behind. They both felt it some time ago and they both have accepted it, knowing there is nothing either of them can do to stop the inevitable. This is their path that fate has chosen for them my young one.' Tala just stood in shock as he held on to Cindy while they were listening to Dranzer singing. 'He...Kai knew. Kai knew that he is going to die...but...why did he not say anything? That's the sadness...his eyes, he knew and remained silent.' Tala looked over at his best friend's body, silent tears escaping his eyes. His grip tightened on Cindy and she turned around to look at him and her heart broke even more when she saw the state Tala was in. He could not bring it over his heart to tell her what Wolborg has said. The two embraced each other and then it happened; Tala's dam burst and he started sobbing uncontrollably. The two continued holding each other, crying with each other over the loss of Kai, and by now all the other bladers have realised what is going on, tears rolling down their cheeks as they all knew that they have lost a respected and loved person forever.
The two pulled away when they heard Dranzer stop singing and turned to face the fire phoenix. She settled down next to Kai, giving a last heart-breaking call and then placed her beautiful red wings over both her and him, covering them from the outside world. While everyone was looking, she suddenly burst into flames, not flames like that of a fire, these were different flames, bright and beautiful, mystical flames. Tala had to grab onto Cindy as she wanted to run over there, to stop Dranzer from burning him. "Kai! Let me go Tala! Let go! Kai!" She struggled in his grip but he did not let her go, the flames visible in his tear stricken eyes, watching as both bit-beast and master were covered in flames. By this time the paramedics have made their way over to the dish area but were unable to reach Kai because of the flames. "Tala, let me go!"
"Cindy, stop it!" Cindy stopped her struggling upon hearing the pain in Tala's voice. She looked at him, silently demanding an answer. Tala finally turned away from the flames and looked at her, heartache visible in both pairs of eyes. "He is gone Cindy, she was singing to him to say good-bye, there is nothing we can do."
"No...it...no! No!" Just then Cindy went numb, Tala held onto her and slowly let her down onto her knees, kneeling along with her as she repeatedly continued to whisper the word 'no', while shaking her head slowly from side to side, new tears falling from her eyes.
"I...I am so sorry Cindy." Tala embraced her again and just then there was a bright explosion, forcing everyone to close their eyes.
When they all could manage to open their eyes again, everyone looked at the dish. Dranzer was gone but Kai still lay there, in the exact same position but something was very different about him. The blue triangle tattoos that were always present on his face were gone, leaving his face pale, the first time anyone has seen him like this.
Kai was born with the triangles on his face and no one in the family knew where they came from, and despite the triangles fitting him perfectly, they were always puzzled and wondered what the mystery was behind them, seeing as Kai was the only one in the entire family that have received such markings. Now, they were gone.
Cindy let go of Tala and crawled over to Kai's body, staying on her knees, she took Kai's head and placed it on to her lap, cupping his left cheek with her left hand, while her right hand softly stroked his hair. She leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead, and she started sobbing again. "My love, come back to me, please. I can't go on without you, please. I need you, we need you, our daughter needs her father, please baby, don't leave us, don't leave me alone, please. I love you so much; my life is nothing without you, please. We still have so much to do together, come back to us my love, I am begging you. I will never scold you again for anything, I promise." Cindy's voice went into a soft whisper, only for her to hear. "I need you in order to live; I can't live without you Kai. Please don't leave me, I will not make it without you. My love, just come back to us please." Cindy lowered her head so that her forehead can touch Kai's forehead, while her tears fell freely from her eyes, onto his pale face. "I...I didn't even...say good-bye, my love."
So many people in the stadium cried along with Cindy over her loss. Tyson was just on his knees, still in the same spot he was when everything happened. He did not take notice of his team mates calling to him, shaking him lightly to get him to respond. Tyson could not hear any distinct sound; it was all so unclear to him. Everything before him moved in slow motion. He watched on as the one paramedic pulled Cindy away from Kai and as another kneeled beside Kai to check for a pulse. Tyson saw how he shook his head, a clear indication of not finding any pulse and also a clear indication of there being nothing they can do to save him. Besides, even if they could somehow manage to revive Kai, it will be very difficult seeing as the piece of metal went right through into his chest, exactly where his heart is, clearly damaging his vital organ completely.
Solange slowly made her way, along with Ciara, her parents, brother and grandfather, towards the dish, tears falling from their eyes. Ciara was still being difficult, still calling for her father and struggling to get out of Solange's arms, although she was quiet when Dranzer was singing to Kai. Tyson did not even notice his blade was still spinning, despite Dragoon retreating to its bit-chip earlier, as Kai's blade has stopped; the blue blade laying lifelessly, the bit-chip empty of the image of the fire phoenix, for she has left this world, alongside her loyal companion and master.
What should have been a day of celebration, turned into a day of tears and heartache; the beyblading world losing one of the greatest bladers ever in the sport; the bit-beasts losing one of the most precious beasts of them all; a young woman losing her soul mate, as her daughter lost her father; a loving son and sibling, lost forever; friends losing one of their most respected companions to whom many secretly looked up to, some of them like Tyson. The young teen was completely shattered as he looked on as his friend laid there, never being able to annoy him again, or work on his nerves; never to battle him ever again; never to secretly admire and respect his friend for his boldness and never being able to thank the stoic young man for pushing Tyson to be where he is today, making him a better person and blader. 'Good-bye Kai, my friend. Rest well.'
