Chapter 8: Winning Determination

Welcome back to the first round of the A Block in the BWCS. Right now the teams are tied with 1 win and 1 loss each. The last battle which will decide the winner is between Dashan and Gingka.

If he has all of his fans crazy cheering behind him, Dashan won't just win, he'll wipe the floor with Gingka! The Chinese DJ did not hide his bias as the crowd cheered for the home team.

Hikaru… Madoka muttered as her friend remained traumatised from Tsubasa's berserk. Meanwhile Tsubasa looked at their blue haired friend, feeling not only bad at himself for losing but causing his friend a panic attack again.

Wow… What's up with that? They're acting like the match is over and they won already. Oh, if only we had won the first two matches in a row, this thing would be over! Masamune complained.

Stop it Masamune! Madoka ordered the unicorn blader to calm down.

Huh? What's the matter? Masamune asked.

Just look. Madoka turned her gaze to Tsubasa. Masamune immediately felt guilty.

I'm sorry everyone. Sorry that I lost. Tsubasa apologised, having to pause in between his sentences as he was exhausted from his battle.

No worries, you did your best. Good job out there. Masamune attempted to cheer up his fellow teammate.

He's right, sure maybe you got a little carried away at the end when you went berserk and all but- Madoka got interrupted as Tsubasa sighed.

Anyway, one loss is nothing to freak out over. Masamune tried to downplay the situation.

Right, after all it doesn't mean the team has lost the series or anything. Madoka agreed.

Suddenly they heard Hikaru hyperventilating faster.

I'm glad that's over. Time to get fired up! Gingka was smiling with positivity as he entered the locker room at the wrong time.

In her mind, Hikaru could only focus on Tsubasa's berserk. She looked at the Eagle blader and her mind played mind tricks, flashing back and forth between how he really looked and his dark form.

Hikaru, tell me what you need. Madoka talked in a calm voice.

Yeah, we're here for you Hikaru, tell me just what to do! Masamune on the other hand talked loudly, scaring the panic struck girl even more.

Guys! Is she ok? Gingka asked but Masamune and Madoka shushed their leader.

Masamune, back off! She needs space, not you making it worse! Madoka yelled, unintentionally making it worse.

ME! You're the one being loud! Masamune argued.

Oh no, Hikaru I di- Madoka flailed her hands as Hikaru screamed.

What do we do Madoka!? Masamune panicked.

Why are you asking ME for?! I'm doing the best I can! Madoka shouted.

BOTH OF YOU QUIET! Akuma demanded as he walked up to Hikaru while the rest shut their mouths.

Hikaru, remember to breathe. Akuma instructed as he slowly approached her. Hikaru couldn't hear his words as everything sounded muffled.

May I? Akuma reached out his hand, asking if it was alright to touch her hand. Hikaru flinched, feeling afraid.

We're here for you Hikaru, there's no danger here. Akuma reassured her. Slowly Hikaru was slowly accepting Akuma's presence.

There's no danger here. Akuma continued to talk while slowly ensuring Hikaru felt safe.

Listen to my breath. Akuma instructed as he took Hikaru's hand and put it on his chest as he breathed in sync with Hikaru before slowly breathing slower. In turn Hikaru began to calm down.

There you go. Akuma said as he hugged her. Hikaru instinctively hugged Akuma as she clinched her hands.

I'm sorry. Hikaru cried.

No need to apologise Hikaru, as Akuma said we're here for you, right guys? Madoka said.

Right. Gingka, Masamune and Tsubasa replied in a calm voice.

Sorry for talking out loud Hikaru, I didn't mean to. Masamune apologised.

Just then it clicked for Hikaru who calmed her down. "Akuma… Why? How do you do it?" Hikaru thought as she let go of him.

Feeling better? Akuma asked to which she nodded.

Woah, how do you know how to do that Akuma? Masamune was genuinely surprised how calm and kind he was just then. But Akuma returned to his indifferent persona as he ignored his question.

Seriously? What's your deal man?! Masamune angrily said.

Guys, we need to head out soon. Madoka reminds everyone. Are you going to be ok Hikaru? The mechanic asked.

Yeah, I think I'll stay here for a while, I'll see you guys once the match is over. Hikaru replied.

Are you sure? I'll stay with you if you want? Madoka suggested. Thanks Madoka but I would rather be alone for the moment, sorry… Hikaru apologetically explained.

No need to apologise, we understand, we'll see you once we win right Gingka? Madoka asked.

That's right, Hikaru, I'll win and we go to the next round together! Gingka vowed.

As they headed out, Hikaru quickly glanced at Akuma.

Meanwhile in the opponent's locker room, Chiyun was doing one-handed push-ups.

You're working out right after your battle? Are you feeling ok Chiyun? Mei-Mei asked.

I battled clumsily; my training has not been sufficient. Chiyun modestly said as he kept doing push-ups.

You won so it's all good right? Take it easy. Chao Xin casually said much to Mei-Mei's dismay.

It's not all good. My opponent really defeated himself. It was not a true victory- Dashan interrupted before Chiyun could finish his sentence.

However, that does not change the fact it was an important win. For us right now anyway. You did a good job by winning Chiyun. Dashan reassured.

What's important is not to get upset with yourself but to make sure you don't repeat the same mistakes again. Dashan continued.

I understand, I Chiyun will never forget what happened today. Chiyun responded as he stopped his workout, feeling motivated by his leader's words.

That's good to hear. Now don't worry about anything else; with the win you earned us, I promise to lead WHZ to the ultimate victory. I will not allow us to be defeated. Beylin temple's reputation is on the line, I will not fail! Dashan vowed to the team.

Now the third and final match is about to begin, look out YO! The Chinese DJ informed the crowd.

You can do it Gingka!

If you lose, I'm gonna bug you about it forever. Madoka and Masamune cheered their leader in their own ways.

I know, I know, I'm gonna win so relax. Gingka asked his teammate to stop feeling stressed. But instead of responding, their attention was towards the beylin students waiting outside of WHZ's locker room.

What are they doing here? Masamune questioned.

Beats me, besides we gotta hurry, the match is about to start. Madoka said.

Just then Dashan along with his team exited their locker room.

Hey! Dashan… Gingka called out.

Know this Gingka. The responsibilities you and I carry are different. I represent 4000 years of beylin temple tradition; I cannot and will not lose. Dashan declared with a hint of arrogance.

Gingka gritted his teeth as he couldn't believe the words coming out of Dashan's mouth.

Welcome to the event you've all been waiting for; the third match of the BWCS. Who will win this match and go on to claim the first round victory! Will it be the battle bladers' champion Gingka? Or will it be the torchbearer of beylin temple's 4000 year old secret, WHZ's strongest blader… Our very own Dashan Wang! The Chinese DJ shouted with explosive energy as the crowd made it clear who they wanted to win.

"The responsibilities we carry are different you say? I'm carrying everyone's hopes as well" Gingka thought as he gritted his teeths in frustration.

Show him why you're the champion!

We're all behind you Gingka! Madoka and Masamune cheered.

I will not lose! Gingka vowed back to his teammates.

Let's find out right now Gingka. Dashan said as he steadied himself to launch his bey.

YEAH! Gingka responded as he did the same.

Now let's get this party started! 3,2,1 LET IT RIP!

As the other combatants, both beys rushed towards each other and clashed in the center, fighting for superiority. It didn't take long for Zurafa to send Pegasus flying back.

Those rubber wings of Zurafa are amazing. They really do absorb after all. Madoka admired her opponent's build.

"Not good. If it goes on like this, it will be a replay of what happened when we fought at beylin temple. An attack from the side won't work, then, I'll try this!" Gingka made up his mind as Pegasus flew high into the sky.

Before Pegasus uses up all of its power. I'll end this thing in one shot! Special Move: Star Booster Attack!

What?! Did I just see that?! Gingka has already brought out a special move? Impossible! The Chinese DJ couldn't believe it as he commented on what was happening live.

Yeah, Gingka got this match for sure. Masamune believed.

If it's a vertical attack , Zurafa won't have any effect. Madoka explained Gingka's strategy.

That's the worst move you can do right now Gingka. Akuma muttered.

I figured you'd do that. Dashan said as he grinned with confidence.

Say what?! Gingka was taken back by his opponent's ability to read ahead.

Rock Zurafa is at full power. It still hasn't taken any damage, that attack won't phase it at all. Hya! Rock Zurafa, Storm Surge! Dashan countered with his own special move.

Rock Zurafa used the storm it created to fly into the air and stop Pegasus' attack in midair.

Wow! Rock Zurafa has stopped Pegasus' special move! The Chinese DJ commented.

So that is Galaxy Pegasus, what amazing power, even more than I expected; no matter at that level it cannot defeat Rock Zurafa! Dashan exclaimed.

Pegasus pushed Zurafa into the stadium floor but Zurafa used the momentum and its rubber spin track to repel back the power against Pegasus, sending it flying high into the sky. Taking the audience by surprise.

Whoa! Rock Zurafa has just repelled Galaxy Pegasus' special move! Just what we'd expect of our strongest blader, Dashan Wang! The Chinese continued to show his bias.

Unbelievable! Gingka shouted.

Of course! Now I see. Madoka realised how Dashan did it as the others looked at her laptop except for Akuma.

Rock Zurafa used its rubber wings as a cushion to withstand the attack. Then it used the recoil from the impact to hit Pegasus back in the other direction. The mechanic explained.

Dashan.

Nicely done. Mei-Mei and Chiyun complimented their leader.

It's my turn to go next. SPECIAL MOVE: CRUSHING BLAST! Dashan called as Zurafa ferociously spitted out fire like a flamethrower against Pegasus.

Covered in flames, Zurafa pushed the white stallion towards the edge of the stadium, almost winning in a stadium out if it weren't for Pegasus' will to win.

Don't quit, hang in there Pegasus! Gingka begged his partner. Pegasus barely managed to escape Zurafa's hold.

This wicked match has our amazing competitors exchanging special moves. Where will this epic battle go from here?! The Chinese DJ questioned.

The audience repeatedly yelled "Wang Hu Zhang", distracting Gingka as he got overwhelmed by the audience's cheers.

I see why you're the battle bladers champion. You're good Gingka. Withstanding Rock Zurafa's attack was not easy. Dashan complimented his opponent.

You too, I would never have thought you'd have counter-attacked so suddenly with your special move. But Pegasus is still full of power; this match won't be won by a single attack! Gingka declared.

In that case, I'll keep at it until all that power is gone. STRONG ARM BARRAGE!

Gotta be careful Gingka! Zurafa is planning to use its rubber wings to attack Pegasus as well. Madoka warned.

Meanwhile in a heated clash, Zurafa remained the stronger out of the two as it used its rubber wings to push back Pegasus.

When Pegasus is attacked by the rubber, it can regain balance but power and stamina are drained. If it keeps taking attacks like this, Pegaus's power will be used up sooner than usual. Madoka further explained as she was losing hope.

What are you doing out there Gingka? If you're in an attack battle, Pegasus is the better bey! Attack, attack and keep on attacking! Masamune instructed.

Tell me something that I don't know. Go now Pegasus! Gingka shrugged off the Striker blader's suggestion.

Come on Gingka, don't let him get you. Hikaru said as she watched the match on TV.

How do you like that?! Gingka asked confidently as Pegasus switched up its attack pattern to doing small arrays of attacks.

Yay, that's more like it. Masamune smiled at Gingka's quick thinking.

Using small attacks minimises the backlash from the rubber as well. Madoka explained with admiration in her tone.

SOLID IRON WALL! Dashan summoned another of beylin temple's "secret techniques"

What? Now you're on the defensive? Gingka flabbergasted.

That's the technique Chiyun used in the battle with me! Tsubasa reminded everyone.

Check it out. It's the secret technique passed down for centuries at the beylin temple. Yeah, y'know what I'm talking about the iron wall defense. The Chinese DJ yelled so loudly his voice cracked a bit.

If this turns into a stamina battle, the attack-type Pegasus is at a disadvantage. Madoka reminded the team in a worrying manner.

And if he goes ahead and attacks, his power will just be drained so where does that leave him? Agh, this sucks! Masamune questioned.

Haha, plus Dashan's Rock Zurafa has rubber wings so the solidness of its defense is even greater than my Lacerta's. Chiyun said.

Until Pegaus' power has been completely used up, that defense will not be broken. Mei-Mei agreed.

Huh, winning by staying in a defensive stance the whole time is a lame way to battle. Chao Xin made his opinion clear.

Oh well this way Dashan's victory has been decided anyway. Chao Xin said.

Bummer. If I attack he'll enter defense mode, if I don't attack he'll come to attack me and if I keep circling the stadium like this, there's no way to win. I just don't want it to end in a sleepout. Pegasus! Gingka said as Pegasus attacked its opponent but got parried again.

It's no use. Dashan mocked.

Pegasus, one more time!

I told you it was no use. Dashan smiled as he was certain he'd won.

Pegasus can attack as fiercely as it wants, it's not doing anything! The Chinese DJ commented with a smile.

Are you still not getting it? We beylin temple bladers have used this Solid Iron Wall to protect our traditions from various outside threats for centuries. This is the legacy of the beylin temple passed down to us. Powers like yours means nothing to us! Dashan explained with commitment.

Huh, you gotta be kidding me! Go now Pegasus! I'm not done! Hold your ground! Gingka ordered but Zurafa refused to budge no matter how hard Pegasus hit it.

Why aren't you listening? The responsibilities we carry are different. This is the reality as you stand alone; there's no way you can break through the 4000 year legacy of beylin temple. Dashan arrogantly said as Gingka was getting more frustrated.

The responsibilities we carre are different. Gingka repeated. "You're trying to tell me that I can't stand up to it with my own power?!" Gingka thought with frustration.

Whoa! Check it out; Pegasus is basically dancing in circles. Is Gingka giving up this battle and going home? The Chinese DJ continued to show favouritism for his home side.

You can win this! I'm not going to let you give up, get it together Gingka. Masamune encouraged and reminded him what's at stake.

"But what should I do? What should I-"

It's all over, looks like there's nothing else Gingka can do now. Chiyun confidently said.

"Beylin temple's 4000 year legacy; that's huge! How can I fight that? Compared to that, what I can do by myself" Gingka was losing hope of ever winning.

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING GINGKA!? Akuma shouted in his wicked persona.

What… Gingka turned around.

This is not the Gingka, I battled in Japan, have you really gotten this weak or have you forgotten all the promises you made?! I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING LESS THAN A VICTORY, DON'T RUIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR ME YOU HEAR?! Akuma angrily screamed as he held out his Bahamut towards Gingka.

"Gingka, you have to take us all with you!" Kenta's words ringed through his mind.

"To the world!

Even though we wanted to go, we couldn't. The spirits of all the bladers in the country!

Listen, remember this well, there's only ONE person in the world I want to defeat, it's YOU Gingka and you alone." Kenta, Benkei and. Kyouya's words echoed in the stallion blader's thoughts, reigniting his bey spirit.

Before you sleep out, let's finish this with an attack, HYA! Strong Arm Barrage! Dashan ordered.

But as Zurafa attacked with its special move, it was Pegasus who pushed back, much to Dashan's shock.

Akuma, Kenta, Kyouya, Benkei, you're all right; I can't lose here, this is not my fight alone. I fight on the behalf of many others. I am carrying a heavy responsibility and it's just as important… Just as important as what you carry yourself. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME DASHAN?! Gingka shouted.

No I don't! Dashan frustrantly replied.

Do you see that! Pegasus is still spinning until my face stops. I will not give up on a battle not EVER! Gingka roared out loud for the whole stadium to hear.

Thinking too much into things will give a headache. It's not like you; go hit him with all you've got.

We're all behind you Gingka.

Do it Gingka! GanGan Galaxy showed they were all behind him no matter what.

Let's do this! Gingka said as if he could feel all of his friends, rivals and fans back in Japan were there with him.

For Masamune, Tsubasa, Madoka, Hikaru and Akuma who have worked so hard to get here. For everyone back home in Japan who is cheering us on! I must not lose here today! Gingka reminded himself as Pegasus slammed Zurafa back.

It's no use! The feelings of your friends are powerless before beylin temple's history, understand? Dashan refused to accept Gingka's principles being stronger.

Beys aren't spun by history, they're spun… by the spirit of the blader, of the spirit that lives in HERE! Gingka put his fist to his chest.

Wait to say that until after you've won against me. Dashan taunted.

Not a problem. I'll show you my bey spirit, just watch! Gingka retorted.

I'll accept your challenge, let's see your bey spirit take this! Rock Zurafa! Dashan screamed as both beys clashed with a high speed attack, creating a burning glow, covering the whole stadium.

Dashan!

Gingka! Both teams cheered for their respective leader.

It's hopeless. Dashan claimed but Gingka refused to back down as he roared with all of his might as Pegasus pushed the burning Zurafa back.

What? It can't be?! Dashan's expression told it all as the Iron Wall Defense got broken.

GO!

Zurafa didn't stand a chance as Pegasus' raw attack power kept pushing it back.

No way! The defense of beylin temple's time-honoured wall has-

Do it now Pegasus! Gingka interrupted his opponent as the blue bey prepared to finish the battle once and for all.

The honor of beylin temple's reputation is at stake, I cannot lose! Dashan vowed.

Hold on!

Don't give in!

Dashan!

Be strong, Dashan! Neither team refused to lose hope.

Both beys were going full at it with all of their powers as both showed their bey spirit on full display before Zurafa knocked Pegasus into the air.

All right. This time I decide it, SPECIAL MOVE: STARBOOSTER ATTACK!

Aha, don't get ahead of yourself, SPECIAL MOVE: CRUSHING BLAST!

Wow! Both bladers are releasing their special moves at once. Who will be left last standing?! The Chinese DJ was both in awe and afraid of the destructive power.

I won't lose! It won't be tolerated! The fate of the beylin temple's 4000 year legacy is in my hands! The qilin leader put all it on the line for his beloved temple.

That makes no difference! The feelings we have for beyblade won't lose to you, the temple or anything else! Gingka claimed.

"Until you face me, don't you dare lose to anyone."

"You can count on it." Gingka replied to Kyouya as if he was there.

Go Pegasus!

The starbooster attack broke one of Zurafa's rubber wings. Oh no, Zurafa! Dashan panicked as Pegaus knocked the qilin out of the stadium.

It's… It's all over, it's been decided. The winner is Team GanGan Galaxy's Gingka! The Chinese DJ announced.

I did it! Gingka celebrated as he put his fist into the air.

Alright! We passed through the first round! Masamune gleamed out of joy.

I lost? I've been… Beylin temple has been defeated? I've smeared mud on beylin's temple's legacy, I'm so ashamed. Dashan belittled himself, feeling like a failure.

Hey! Why are you winding up? Chao Xin nonchalantly asked.

Chao Xin!

Clam up Chao Xin. Mei-Mei and Chiyun scoldered.

Just because you lost Dashan, doesn't mean that a legacy built over 4000 years will disappear y'know? You can just win next time, relax. Chao Xin said.

WHAT?! Dashan responded furiously.

The important thing for you is to not get upset with yourself but to make sure you don't repeat the exact same mistake again. Am I right? Chao Xin taught his fellow teammate an important lesson.

Chao Xin… Dashan muttered.

Dashan, you don't have to carry all the responsibility by yourself. Chiyun said.

Right on Chiyun. Chao Xin agreed. But from now on we can all create a new legacy together so how about that? The tai chi blader suggests much to his team's surprise.

Chao Xin, that's brilliant.

That's the first clever thing you've said. Both beybladers praised.

Are you feeling alright?

Hey!

I feel great! Mei-Mei imitated Chao Xin in a laughing manner.

You're right. Let's create our very own beylin temple legacy. Dashan, not feeling upset any more, agreed to the idea.

Suddenly the crowd started cheering for Team Japan much to the team's surprise. Even the DJ applauded them.

All right! That was the first big step everyone; now let's aim to be the best in the world. Gingka gave his victory speech.

YEAH! Everyone shouted as they all put their fist in the air.

Meanwhile Mei-Mei looked at the champion with respect. Gingka turned around, feeling someone looking at him. When he and Mei-Mei made eye contact, he smiled and waved. Mei-Mei blushed at his smile but quickly shrugged it off, waving back and congratulating the team.

GanGan Galaxy's hotel

It was later that night as the team held a victory party all night to celebrate qualifying to the next round. But as everyone headed to bed, Hikaru pulled Akuma aside to talk with him privately.

Why? Hikaru asked.

Why what? Akuma casually said.

You know what I mean. You act so indifferent, rude and crazy all the time yet every time, I had a panic attack, you always managed to calm me down so quick when no one else could. How and why do you do it? And don't ignore my question! Hikaru demanded.

You guys can think whatever of me, I don't care much but to answer your question, let's just say I don't like people letting their fears get in the way of who they can be. Akuma said in a monotone voice as he turned around and left for his room.

Hikaru soon returned to her room as well, pondering what he meant.

"Did he call me weak? Is he saying I can become a blader again? Agh what did he mean?!" Hikaru wanted to pull out her hair.

As Hikaru stepped into her room, Madoka was sleeping so Hikaru quietly as she could, did her sleep routine and headed to bed.

As Hikaru was sleeping, she was having a nightmare of Tsubasa's match, feeling afraid again but as she thought of Akuma, she felt all fears disappear and unknowingly to her, she smiled with a hint of a blush.