Chapter 5: The Stylish Blader

The Hotel, The Day After

Gingka yawned as he entered the lounge, seeing Tsubasa and Madoka.

Morning Gingka! Madoka said. Morning Everyone… So what's the plan for today? Any idea where we could go? Gingka asked.

We didn't come here for sightseeing y'know? Tsubasa reminded his teammates.

Huh? Gingka turned around.

We're here to fight in the BWCS, remember? Tsubasa continued.

Hi guys! Ok so where are we going today? What are we doing? Oh I'm so excited! Masamune expressed joyfully.

You too huh. Tsubasa said in between Masamune's sentences.

Hold up everyone. I have important news. Hikaru said as everyone gathered up around the table. Before we do anything, I need to explain the rules of the BWCS.

Oh yeah. Come to think of it, we still don't know what the rules are? Gingka realised.

Who cares?! We just have to win, take them all down! Masamune confidently said.

The battles will consist of 3 one-on-one matches, advance guard, second in command and commander, who competes and the order they do it in is up to each team. The first team to win two out the three matches wins the round. Hikaru finished.

Cool, best out of three series. Tsubasa cooly said.

Easy like I said we just have to win them all. Masamune said.

Just remember, if you lose, we're out period, we're done. From what I've been informed from the WBBA and what I heard from you guys, WHZ is not a team we should underestimate. Hikaru stated.

I'll win, that's for sure / I won't lose, I'll win, win and keep on winning til I become number one. Gingka/Masamune claimed.

Hey Hikaru, what's that video with Gingka's dad? Madoka noticed the video on Hikaru's tablet.

Oh nothing important. Hikaru said, hiding the fact she didn't want to listen to the director's over exaggerated persona.

WBBA's HQ

Ach choo! Ryūsei sneezed.

Back to GanGan Galaxy

Moving on here, we have to think of a strategy for the upcoming battle. Tsubasa said with authority in his voice.

Easy like I said we just have to win. Win big time and I'll be the commander. Masamune reiterated.

Huh? Everyone responded.

You can't decide that yourself. We have to factor in the opponent's moves for one thing. Tsubasa disagreed.

Tsubasa's right. We have absolutely no idea in what order WHZ will appear. Madoka said.

Probably their leader Dashan will be the commander I bet. That's what I'm guessing. Masamune guessed.

Look, you can't assume anything. Tsubasa warned Masamune.

So who's the leader? Akuma asked.

Eh? Everyone was caught by Akuma's reaction as they hadn't thought about it.

Ok, I'll do it. Masamune offered.

Huh, Masamune?! Everyone except Akuma reacted.

Nice, so the sub is the captain too. Akuma sarcastically yet indifferently said.

What are you saying? I'm not capable of being a leader or do you want the role for yourself? Masamune asked.

I have no interest whatsoever in being the leader. Akuma stated.

As if you cared anyway. Hikaru said with a venomous tone.

Hey hold up. Let's just get back to figuring out our battle order ok? Gingka intervened.

Right. And making me the commander. Masamune insisted.

You do realize if the rest of us win our matches you won't get to battle right? Akuma said.

What?! You're saying it could be over before I even get to battle once?! Masamune panicked.

You'd be absolutely no different than what you already are. Akuma teased.

As much as Masamune wants to be the leader, it has to be one of the active members on the team. Hikaru explained.

What! Being a sub sucks! Masamune ranted.

Guys! I'll need to know the order so I can submit it before the end of the day so please decide asap. Hikaru warned.

The group tried to decide an order but everyone had different opinions. Tsubasa wanted to base it off strengths and weaknesses. Gingka wanted to battle the strongest and Akuma didn't care as long as he got to battle.

Chill out guys! This meeting is over! Madoka commanded. Madoka-

Hikaru just wait give me a moment. Everyone go and cool off! Madoka ordered.

But Madoka! Let's- Gingka said.

DID YOU NOT HEAR ME OR WHAT? THIS MEETING IS OVER, OVER RIGHT NOW! Madoka yelled, scaring Gingka and Masamune.

Gingka and Masamune immediately rushed out of the hotel while Tsubasa looked at Madoka.

What? Madoka asked. The leader, remember? Tsubasa reminded.

Huh?! Are you talking about me, no, no, no. The support member being the leader has never been done before and as Hikaru said, only the active members can be the leader. Anyway I need to clear my head, bye! Madoka said as she headed somewhere.

Where are you going? Hikaru asked. To beylin temple. If we don't know the third blader is, we won't be able to figure out our strategy right? Catch ya later! Madoka said as she left.

Ok… I'mma head out too. See you guys later. Tsubasa waved as he exited the hotel.

Just remember to let me know as soon as possible the team order! Hikaru reminds as she realised she was the only one left as Akuma had mysteriously disappeared. Not that she wanted to hang out with him after what he did yesterday.

Beylin Temple

Mei-Mei showed her students how to properly launch a beyblade as she did the motion, displaying her arm strength.

What should I do? I'm glad I made it here but I don't think they'll tell me what I wanna know so easily. Madoka talked to herself.

Huh? Mei-Mei said as she suspected someone was spying on them. Who's there!

What? AHH!- Madoka quickly stopped herself from alerting the whole temple.

Intruder! All the students shouted.

Mei-Mei used one of her martial arts techniques to send an invisible force lurking Madoka out as she landed on her butt.

Wait a sec… Madoka? Mei-Mei said.

Agh. Hey, how is it going? Madoka greeted while rubbing the back of her head.

Chiyun, looks like we have a party crasher here. Mei-Mei alerted her teammate.

Does that mean I'm an unwanted guest? What do you do with unwanted guests? Madoka asked with a worried tone.

Good question cause there's another one here. Chiyun responded.

Madoka, what are you doing here? Gingka waved.

Gingka!? You first! Madoka insisted.

Well I just wanted to find out about the third blader. Now please introduce me? Gingka begged.

I can't do that. Chiyun simply stated.

Why not? Is he a secret weapon! Gingka claimed.

No, not at all / No, that's not it. Chiyun/Mei-Mei said.

To be honest, he doesn't come here. Chiyung revealed.

Somewhere in China

Those guys… Being a sub sucks! Why can't I be the leader?! Masamune complained to one but himself. Suddenly he noticed the big building in front of him.

Check it out. This is a bey park isn't it? Yeah! Masamune excitedly said as he rushed in. Let me get in here!

Uh okay? You're not from here are you. I'm not going easy on you just because you're a tourist. Blader #1 said.

Fine! I won't go easy on you. Masamune hit back as they both launched their beys. Masamune dominated every single one who challenged him.

Who's my next victim? Masamune asked.

LET IT RIP! ? Shouted as he took Masamune by surprise, knocking his bey out.

What do you think you're doing? Masamune demanded.

Wow! That was so cool. A group of girls praised a guy wearing tinted sunglasses.

I know, I know, pretty impressive isn't it? Definitely the strongest blader huh? Come on girls, let's roll, the person said. OK! They said,

Not so fast buddy. You can't take off just like that. You have to battle me for real! Masamune demanded.

Don't sweat it dude. My girls just wanted to see me flex my beyblading muscles. The unnamed person said while the girls fangirled over him.

So you know later? He waved as they left the bey park.

Wait a second here! Hey! Hey! You can't just run away after butting in and sending my Striker flying. We have to have a REAL battle. Masamune continued to demand.

Wow, you sure are an annoying kid. Hey you have absolutely no idea who I am do you? The person asked.

It's Chao Xin! A group of fans said as they fawned over him.

Whoa, chill; there's enough Chao Xin to go around. Chao Xin said while calming down his fans as they fought for a slice of his time.

So he's a Chinese singing idol or something? Masamune asked.

Don't think so / He's the best blader ever! / He's a member of WHZ. His fans replied.

Huh WHZ? Let's see. Um so that means..! You're the Chinese team's third blader right! Masamune put the pieces together.

Yeah. Everyone responded.

I'm Japan's commander because I'm the number one blader, Masamune Kadoya! Let's battle Chao Xin. Masamune half truth fully said.

No thanks man. Chao Xin denied without any hesitation. It's time to leave the little dude alone and go get something cool to drink. Chao Xin said to his fangirls.

Oh let's go! They agreed.

Hey! Where are you going?! Masamune, frustrated that another one looked down on him.

Drinks around me. Hey bud, don't sweat it. It's just like winning against you has no meaning, you know what I mean? Chao Xin vaguely explained.

What did you just say! I would be the winner, ME! ME! ME! Masamune shouted as Chao Xin spilled his drink all over Masamune's hair.

Time to cool off dude! Chao Xin laughed.

You can't do that to me! Masamune yelled back.

So doesn't your team have anyone on it who's a bit more chill than you? Chao Xin said, clearly tired of Masamune's pestering.

Sorry to break it to you but there's a guy who hates losing, a real downer and a loner who thinks he's better than everybody else. Masamune described his teammates.

Ah, you gotta be kidding me. Then maybe I should just sit this one out and hang out with my "friends" here. What do you think? Chao Xin asked his fangirls.

You're not going to battle?! The fangirls were shocked by his announcement. If the opponents are lame, it would be too boring, you know? Chao Xin explained.

Are you serious right now?! Just what do you think the BWCS are? Masamune questioned his opponents view of beyblade.

What are you talking about? Chao Xin asked as he didn't understand what Masamune meant.

ANSWER ME! What is beyblade to you?! Masamune demanded.

Um well buddy, y'know I've never thought about it before but the outfits are cool and the chicks dig me. Chao Xin answered.

What are you saying? Is that what it's all about for you? Masamune shouted, baffled by his answer.

Whoa, he's scary. The fangirls commented.

Why are you taking it so seriously? That's so uncool. Chao Xin said.

No, it's not! Beyblade is the clashing of two spirits. It's a true battle! Masamune shouted from the tops of his lungs.

I'm not really following you. Yeah that's making my head hurt, make it stop, make it stop! Chao Xin faking his headache.

Oh no! Are you alright Chao Xin?! His fangirls worryingly asked.

Come on! Masamune complained.

CHAO XIN! Dashan called as the two bladers turned around.

Whether or not you participate is decided by the leader, me! I don't care if you're bored or your head hurts. You're going to battle with him now. Or are you afraid of looking uncool if you lose to him? Dashan demanded.

As if! I'm not afraid of anything. Chao Xin defended.

Then get it in there and battle! If you don't then it looks like you're running away from an opponent. Dashan scouldered his teammate.

I'm not running anywhere! Chao Xin yelled.

So what will you do Chao Xin? Dashan asked.

Ok, fine but If I went against him then you really have to like let me sit out the BWCS. Chao Xin demanded.

So does that mean you've agreed to battle me? Masamune cautiously optimistic asked.

I don't have much of a choice do I? But this stadium is much too lame for me. The most awesome stage for me is there! Chao Xin said as he pointed towards the Great Wall of China.

Beylin Temple

What do you mean? You don't know Chao Xin's true strength? Madoka requests more answers.

No one has ever seen Chao Xin fight real hard using everything he's got. Mei-Mei simply stated.

Then how is he able to become a part of the team then? Gingka curiously asked.

Chao Xin… Mei-Mei talked under her breath in a sad tone.

Even though he was clearly not giving his all, he won against Mei-Mei. Chiyun said.

Against Mei-Mei?! Madoka couldn't believe her ears.

You've seen Mei-Mei's amazing powers right? Chiyun said,

But Chao Xin is much much stronger than I am. Mei-Mei sighed. Admitting the truth was hard.

However, he has never battled Dashan or me, Chiyun, ever before. He's never even taken part in our group training. Chiyun revealed.

He's incredibly strong and he has talent but Chiyun does not approve of him; not at all, not at all! Chiyun continued.

Does he use unfair tactics or something?! Gingka asked.

That's not it. Chiyun replied. It's just that Chao Xin is… Mei-Mei paused her sentence.

Chao Xin is?! Madoka and Gingka curiously asked in a dramatic fashion.

Well… Flashy. Chiyun stated.

The Great Wall of China

Speaking of the person, his fangirls cheered him on as they prepared to battle.

I won't let you waste anymore. Let's go Chao Xin! Masamune exclaimed.

Whoa, just chill out dude. My Virgo is gonna send your bey for a ride buddy. Chao Xin retorted while his fangirls cheered loudly in the background.

3,2,1, LET IT RIP!

Both beys clashed head on seemingly equal in power as neither refused to back down.

Go now, go Striker! Masamune commanded.

You don't have to go anywhere Virgo. Chao Xin commanded his bey to not rush.

Move it Striker! Striker tried to close in on his enemy but Virgo dodged the unicorn beast with ease as Striker hit the wall, causing sparks and ripping apart the wall.

Huh, a reckless attack type huh. No worries; I'll take care of it. Chao Xin confidently believed the match was his to win.

Watch me send that stamina type Virgo flying to the other side of the wall. NOW go,go. Masamune hit back as Striker went in for another reckless attack. But then Chao Xin did some kind of martial art as Virgo dodged as they briefly touched each other.

Striker couldn't stop as it hit the wall again while Masamune couldn't believe how Virgo dodged with such grace.

So you know, your bey is going to sleep out. Keep up with those useless attacks little buddy and eventually he'll use up all your power and sleep out. A bit of a drag for you. So uncool. Chao Xin laughed

That's the worst! Chao Xin's fangirls agreed with the flashy blader. Do you guys share one brain cell or something? Masamune questioned their loyalty.

Before that happens, I'll send Virgo flying! Masamune revealed.

Don't bother! Your attacks won't even put a dent on Virgo; trust me. Chao Xin mocked his opponent as he began running across the wall and Masamune followed.

You're not going anywhere! Come on Striker, go! Masamune ordered Striker caught up to Virgo but continued to waste its stamina.

Meanwhile Tsubasa who was further along the walls was analysing Virgo's moment.

It keeps changing its position at the same time as keeping up a perfect defense. The way it's going, it will be difficult to land an attack. That… is if he keeps using the same tricks. Tsubasa thought to himself.

No matter what happens, I WILL HIT YOU! Masamune claimed.

I'm tired of telling you it's useless. Chao Xin already lost interest in the fight.

And I'm tired of listening, go Striker! Striker changed its movement as it used its performance tip to move so fast it looked like it was teleporting and finally started hitting Virgo.

That does certainly change things up but the way Striker puts so much energy into those attacks… Tsubasa talked to himself.

Now we're cooking; how'd you like that hit? Masamune rhetorically asked.

But it didn't do anything. Chao Xin responded, not sensing a threat.

The next one will finish it! But Striker's attacks kept missing its target.

What was that you were saying about finishing it? Chao Xin used Masamune words against him.

I see… Virgo's circular fushion wheel has the ability to fend off attacks, however I don't think that's the only reason it can dodge Striker's attacks. Tsubasa continued his analysis.

Then it clicked. Aha, Virgo's movement is pushing aside Striker's power by using Tai Chi.

Striker, move faster! Hit Virgo with everything you've got. Go, go. Masamune was losing his patience as Striker attacked recklessly.

Fierce Lady Flash! Chao Xin called one of Virgo's special moves as it turned Striker's power against him, sending it flying.

Ugh. So you didn't sleep out. Maybe I'll do a stadium out instead. Chao Xin said as he started to get frustrated.

Striker, you can't let something like that end it! Masamune motivated his partner as Striker managed to stay in.

How about attacking for a change instead of just running away? Masamune mocked the Tai Chi Blader.

Probably because I'd look totally uncool if I got all uptight about it like you bud. Chao Xin responded.

I take it seriously, I will never lose to someone like you. If you won't attack then I'll just keep firing attacks non-stop. You can't really have bey battle when your spirit isn't on fire now can you. Masamune stated.

I am so on fire! Chao Xin sarcastically replied.

No, you're not. Attack me for real. Masamune demanded.

Serious about beyblade? No way. Chao Xin denied his request.

Stop goofing off. Striker, let's go. Masamune shouted as Striker lifted Virgo into the air.

Whoa, my Virgo wasn't able to dodge the attack. Chao Xin was taken back and now the tables had turned around.

This can't be happening!

What's wrong? Why haven't you finished it yet? Dashan demanded an answer.

What?! Chao Xin was baffled that his leader dared to question his strategy.

If it goes on like this, you will lose Chao Xin.

I'm not gonna choke and let that guy steal my thunder. Chao Xin hit back.

Okay, here we go. SPECIAL MOVE: LIGHTNING SWORD FLASH! Masmune decided to end it once and for all.

Here it comes. What'll you do? Dashan asked.

What else will I do? Staying cool as ever. VIRGO, Adamantine Hands! Chao Xin called upon his other special move as Striker hit the dancing bey from the top.

See if you can handle my power at max. Masamune smiled.

No prob dude; there's nothing I can't deal with. Chao Xin cooly said but Masamune's drive to win made Striker push Virgo into the floor, cracking it.

Oh no! Hold your ground Virgo. The clash of special moves caused a big explosion as both awaited the result. Masamune almost fell to his death but luckily he fell into a patch of grass as he climbed back up.

But as he reached the peak, Striker had stopped spinning while Virgo was still spinning but lost some of its balance and speed.

You're still getting on my nerves even when it's over. I won ok. Are y'all warm and happy now? Chao Xin asked the audience.

The tournament is the day after tomorrow. Start training hard! Dashan clearly was not impressed with his teammate's performance.

Say what? But we had a deal! Chao Xin responded.

Chao Xin! You won today only because you got lucky! One fatal misstep, you and Virgo would've been the ones to fall! Dashan told him straight up the truth.

Huh? Are you telling me I would have lost?! Chao Xin shouted.

In an official stadium, things would have been very different for you today; that's something that you even after getting serious for just a minute should know best of all! Dashan reasoned.

Me, serious? Sorry pal but the word serious just isn't in my vocabulary. Chao Xin laughed it off but Dashan glared at him.

Oh fine. I'll compete and I'll be serious but first before anything I have one condition. Chao Xin demanded.

What condition? Dashan, annoyed by his teammate who demanded more.

GanGan Galaxy's Hotel

What gives you guys?! Why are you covered in dust? Gingka asked as both he and Madoka got hit by a gust of dust as Masamune and Tsubasa returned.

WHZ's third blader uses a Virgo and uses tai chi techniques. Tsubasa simply stated.

And how do you know that? Madoka asked.

Masamune battled him and lost. Tsubasa explained as Masamune dropped to the couch.

Huh, you lost?! Gingka was shocked with all the news.

IT'S NO BIG DEAL, I'M GONNA WIPE THE STADIUM FLOOR WITH THEM NEXT TIME IN THE REAL BATTLE; I'LL TEACH THAT FASHION PLATE A LESSON THAT'S A PROMISE, JUST WATCH ME! Masamune ranted.

Of course we still don't know what order, we'll battle them in. Tsubasa said.

Actually, we just received the order in which WHZ will compete. Hikaru stated as she exited the elevator.

Really, already? Madoka said as she and the rest were surprised by the announcement.

The advance guard will be Chao Xin-

What?! Masamune briefly interrupted before Hikaru continued.

Second in command will be Chiyun and the commander will be Dashan. Additionally there's a message from Chao Xin for Masamune and I don't know what it means.

"Hey annoying dude, don't run away. In the real battle I'll calmy brilliantly and awesomely defeat you. I'll have to finish things quickly because I have a date afterwards" Hikaru read.

Ew, who is this guy? Hikaru said, disgusted by the message.

Who's running away? What's he thinking about a date anyway? You guys, I'm gonna be the advanced guard. I'm going to fight Chao Xin, got it?! Masamune claimed his opponent.

Masamune, remember you're a sub, you can't battle him unless Gingka, Tsubasa or… Akuma are unable to battle. Hikaru reminded him as she mentioned Akuma's name with distaste.

WHAT?! I have to battle him! Can't someone pretend to be sick or something so I can battle him? Masamune begged his teammates.

Sorry Masamune, as much as I would love you to get your rematch, I wanna battle. Gingka denied his request. I'm not backing down either. Tsubasa also denies Masamune.

Well then, looks like I will be the one to battle this Chao Xin guy. Akuma stated as everyone just noticed his presence.

Akuma, how long have you been standing there? Gingka questioned.

Enough to know who I'm battling. Akuma replied.

Well then, I want to take on Dashan, I'll show him what Pegasus can do. That is if you don't mind Tsubasa? Gingka asked to which Tsubasa shrugged his shoulders.

Fine with me, Guess I'll take on Chiyun. Tsubasa said.

So advanced guard is Akuma, second in command, Tsubasa and commander is Gingka. Everyone agreed on the lineup? Hikaru asked the group.

Everyone but Masamune agreed. Masamune begged his teammates to let him battle but they all ignored his pleas.

Ok, I'll submit it right away. Hikaru said as she headed for the elevator.

Have fun with the paperwork. Akuma indifferently said. Suddenly everyone in the room flinched as you could feel Hikaru's angry aura as she stared Akuma in the eyes, almost as if she wished he was dead.

What was that about? Are you two ok? What happened between the two of you while we're away at Beylin Temple? Madoka asked Akuma but he shrugged it off saying it wasn't important and left for his room as well.

Later that night

Hikaru couldn't sleep no matter how hard she tried. Instead she grabbed her Aquario from the bedside table.

Aquario… Hikaru whispered while clenching her bey.

Hikaru, are you awake? Madoka asked.

You couldn't sleep either huh. Hikaru replied.

You could say that. Do you ever miss beyblading? Madoka asked.

What made you ask? Hikaru tried to avoid answering.

I dunno, It's just… I know what Ryuga did to you isn't something no one should ever experience but don't you miss being the one battling. Of course you don't have to answer if you don't want to. And you're holding onto Aquario quite hard. Madoka explained.

It's ok Madoka. I… I do sometimes but everytime I try to launch Aquario, I see "him" and my body freezes up and I wish I could just forget it all but no matter how hard I try, I can't. Hikaru explained as she began to tear up.

Hey, it's ok. Nobody is forcing you to return anytime soon and thanks for telling me. Madoka walked over to Hikaru and comforted her friend.

No. I feel so pathetic, I feel so weak, I want to battle again but watching is the closest thing I can do right now. Hikaru belittled herself.

No, you're not. You're strong Hikaru, without you I don't think the guys would have been lost a long time ago. Madoka smiled as she stroked Hikaru's hair.

Yeah, hahaah. Hikaru and Madoka laughed.

Thanks. Hikaru showed her appreciation.

Hey, us girls gotta stick together, can't let the boys have all the fun. Madoka winked. Speaking, are things ok between you and Akuma? Did you two fight or something? Madoka asked.

Well… Hikaru recalled what happened.

One Explanation Later

HE DID WHAT?! Madoka couldn't believe the things that came out of Hikaru's mouth.

Yeah… Hikaru sighed.

That jerk! How dare he do that to you and he knew Mei-Mei was tricking us? Unbelievable! Madoka ranted.

It hurt, it's also one of the reasons I couldn't sleep. Hikaru admitted while signaling to Madoka to keep her voice down as it was in the middle of the night and they were out on the balcony.

Well, it's unacceptable, why didn't you let us know Hikaru? Madoka demanded.

I thought I could handle it on my own and I hate admitting it but he was sorta right, I shouldn't let that loss get to me this much. Hikari answered.

Don't let him get to you and If he does something like that again, you let me know, I'll show him! Madoka vowed.

Thanks Madoka, I feel… I need to sleep. Hikaru yawned. Good night and thanks once again.

Anytime. Madoka said as she also headed for the bed.

My least favourite chapter to write thus far. The dialogue in this episode and trying to come up with the development between Akuma and Hikaru in between the existing dialogue was tiresome to write.