Teaching Alice how to beyblade was… interesting, to say the least. Not just because she refused to shout: "Let it rip!" Every time she launched her beyblade, like Tyson instructed and insisted on or the constant bickering between Tyson and Hilary, which roughly takes up half the time meant to train the blonde – ironically, the quarrels are usually about the best way to train her – and the other half trying to find said blonde, because apparently, she does not take loud noises too well and flees whenever voices are raised.
But the most noteworthy thing was, that other experienced beybladers dropped by once in a while to share their knowledge with the timid beginner.
Some of their advices very helpful and well thought out, like:
"Never beyblade outside a BeyStadium! Everything outside is dangerous terrain, especially for a beginner like you! Old, abandoned buildings could collapse while you are inthem; or in forests, a tree could fall on you and on cliffs or other high places, you could fall of" Max explained earnestly, even lifting up his index finger while explaining. "And most importantly, don't beyblade on ice! Ice breaks and while Kai may be immune to hypothermia, you most likely aren't. Those Russians are really hardcore."
Some other advices were… less helpful, but meant well nonetheless:
"First thing is, wear battle armor – if you happen to have one – while blading."
"What?" Alice asked, her confused face turned to Johnny. "Is beyblading that dangerous?"
"No, but it will get you the girls – or in your case – the boys. Or girls? Whatever floats your boat man, I'm pretty open-minded when it comes to those things." He slightly turned his head to his companion. "Right, Enrique?"
"I told you, I'm not-"
And others were just… plain confusing and had nothing directly to do with the actual sport:
"Next thing is, don't try to fly anywhere while wearing your armor. The commercial airport security takes their job serious and when your beyblade launcher also looks like a medieval weapon, you're screwed. Well, it's partly my fault. What was I thinking, wanting to try a regular flight, like some commoner..."
"Johnny!? What the actual fuck?" a male voice shouted.
All in all, it was a very eventful week for Alice. And a bit overwhelming, when the Chief told her about Attack, Defense, Speed, Rotation Speed and other technical stuff of beyblades. He also explained, that she would start training with a regular, balanced beyblade without Magnacore or Engine Gear and once she's familiar with it, she would be given an advanced and customized beyblade.
After one week of - more or less - intensive training, she finally received a new beyblade. It was white, with streaks of red and gold on top. To her big surprise, it wasn't Kenny who gave her the new spinning top, but Hiro. He said that the BBA provides and sponsors everything their beybladers needed and that he himself requested a special defense-styled beyblade for her.
Alice didn't know what to make of all of this. She just returned to Japan ten days ago and instead of furnishing and decorating her new apartment, she trains for a beyblade tournament – a sport which she never even played before - that begins in one week.
"Alice!"
She turned her head to see the world champion running towards her, a big grin plastered on his face.
"What are you doing? Why are you taking so long? The guys and I want to show you something!"
"Oh, I was just… rethinking some life choices. What it is you want to show me?"
"You'll see! But believe me, it will blow your mind!"
And once again, she was gripped by her tiny wrist and dragged off. When they reached the basic bowl, Ray and Kai stood on opposite sides, their starter raised and ready. Their eyes were on Tyson and her, before the capped teen gave them a nod.
They both looked back at each other with a smile, before shouting:
"LET IT RIP!"
Both beyblades landed with sparks into the dish and immediately started circling each other.
Tyson leaned over to his childhood friend and whispered: "See, even cool and stoic Kai shouts 'Let it rip.'"
"He can pull it off. I just look weird and awkward when I yell something like that" she whispered back.
"You just need to be confident while doing that! Trust me, it is not just for show. Shouting before launching your beyblade will not only boost your spirit, it will also reveal your determination to win and unnerve your opponents. A bit… maybe."
"I don't know if it will work for me… you know how I actually don't care for winning."
Meanwhile, Hiro was leaning on the opposite wall, eyeing them closely. In that one week, Alice didn't nearly get the amount of training he planned for her. Considering the distractions, she still didn't do as well as he thought and hoped she would. It was true, in the past she was capable to master any hobbies or instruments she wanted to. The difference this time was, beyblading wasn't exactly her choice. He knows her well and the thing was, she hardly cares for anything that's not of interest to her and thus, barely does the minimum and it shows in the results. The Granger chuckled. In this regard are Tyson and Alice very much alike.
Well, this time she did more than the minimum, but it was still too little. He hoped that with this performance, her interest for beyblading is piqued. It will also show with certainty if she has what it takes to be a top tier beyblader.
The beybattle between Kai and Ray was reaching its climax, calling out their bit beasts. Even so, Hiro's attention was on Alice. "Now it's time, Alice. Show me, do you have what it takes?"
She didn't look at the classic bowl, where the physical battle takes place. Instead her vermillion eyes were focused above the bey dish. They were widened and full of disbelief, moving hues of red and white being reflected in them. Taking a few steps backwards, she couldn't do anything else than stare.
A smile crept on the young man's face, as he watched the blonde's mouth moving. But even without lipreading abilities, he could make out the word that silently escaped her lips.
"Wow."