Terms/Abbreviations:

GanGan Galaxy - GGG

Wang Hu Zhang - WHZ

Desert Blaze - DBZ

Excalibur - EU/Excalibur

Beyblade World Championships - BWCS

Chapter 12: The Endurance Battle

In the first match of the BWCS A Block round two! Team GGG claimed victory and vaulted into the lead! So what happens next we ask? How will our Lovushka respond to this? We'll have to watch the next match to find out now won't we?! The Russian DJ recapped and hyped up the audience as they waited for the break to be over.

The WBBA sent us an urgent email! Hikaru hastily blurted out as she checked the content. Masamune has finally contacted them. Hikaru revealed.

That's great! Gingka was glad his teammate was alive and on his way.

Oh it's so cold! Masamune sneezed as he was talking to the WBBA over the phone.

He says he found a train going to the stadium so he'll be back here soon. Hikaru continued.

How soon? Tsubasa asked.

I don't know.

Meanwhile in the Russian locker room, Nowaguma was sitting down and gritting his teeths over his loss.

Don't get so bummed out Nowaguma, snap out of it.

It's not the end of the world just because you lost. Lera and Aleksey tried to encourage their shy teammate before Anton interrupted.

Worthless!

Huh? They responded as Anton entered the room.

That was our guaranteed win and you blew it! Do you want to lose?! Anton angrily shouted.

I… I'm sorry. Nowaguma apologised.

Sorry is not going to cut it! My plan was perfect and now it's ruined! Anton continued while Lera and Aleksey growled over their manager's heartless attitude.

Now then I wonder who'll be battling on the opponent's side next? Anton said as he calmed down and looked at his phone, listening in on GGG's conversation.

Now everyone have you gone to the bathroom and did you wash your hands?! Good because the second match is about to start! DJ announced.

Well, it's just about go time. Gingka remarked.

Masamune's not the type of guy to give up and so are we. Tsubasa stated.

You got this Akuma! Madoka cheered as Akuma wasn't going to reply but a quick glance at Hikaru and remembering Sandra's words.

Thanks… I'll do my best. Akuma felt weird saying it.

Yeah! Madoka gave a thumbs up.

We're with you all the way. Gingka stated while Hikaru and Tsubasa smiled and nodded.

Akuma replied in his usual monotone voice. Right…

Looks like it's my turn. I'll show him. Aleksey clinched his fist.

Are you sure about this? Lera was worried knowing how powerful their opponent is.

I know what I said but I won't let anyone slander our dream. I'm the one who rigged the stadium for Akuma specifically so it must be me… I'm nowhere near proud of what I've done here at all but it's the only way to save our dream. Aleksey explained why as he looked down to the floor, feeling ashamed of his actions.

You understand the situation well. Anton chuckled at Aleksey's desperation.

You'll have to take care of controlling the stadium. Aleksey said to the team manager.

Of course, it'll be my great pleasure. Anton grinned.

Come on, come on hurry up! Masamune wished the train could go faster when it suddenly stopped. Now what? Why did we stop? Masamune exited the train and rushed to the front.

I can't believe it. Conductor #1 sighed.

What's going on? Masamune asked.

Look there! The track has been blocked by an avalanche. Conductor #2 pointed out.

Snow is a mischievous monkey. Conductor #1 remarked as he tried to lighten the mood.

No way! I've come too far to be stopped by a stupid avalanche! Now, LET IT RIP! Striker cleared the obstacle with one strike. OK dudes, let's move this buggy.

Uh right…

I'm coming everyone, count on it! Masamune vowed as the train got moving again.

Boom! It's time for the second match everyone! From our team Lovushka is the team leader Aleksey! The crowd let him know they were behind him all the way.

He's an astronaut who is known to be one smart space cookie. He's a real genius. Let's see if he's solved the equation for victory. DJ exclaimed.

A genius in cheating that is. Hikaru spitted.

You can do it Akuma!

Do it for Masamune!

His teammates made sure to make him feel a part of the team.

Alright, let's meet the representative from Japan. GanGan Galaxy's ace, Akuma!

Let's get it over with. Akuma sighed as he walked towards the stadium as the crowd started booing him.

They sure don't like us. Madoka bantered as she felt the pressure.

What do you think they'll do this time? Tsubasa asked.

No idea but whatever it is, it won't be good but Akuma is a tough blader, he won't let us down. Gingka strongly believed in his teammate.

Something wrong Madoka? Hikaru noticed Madoka was thinking of something.

Well, I know it sounds weird but I'm kinda hoping whatever they throw at him, it will force Akuma to show more of Bahamut's power. Madoka admitted.

The rest of the team blinked, trying to process their mechanics words.

Look, I know Akuma is strong and despite his personality… I really want to know how much he's holding back. I know he said he was only using 20% of his power but I can't believe someone is holding back so much power.

It's true, we don't know much about Akuma yet but I'm sure he has a good reason for it, he'll show it when he feels like it. Till then all we can do is believe in him. Gingka said.

Exactly. Tsubasa agreed with their leader.

Madoka, I know you know what he did to me wasn't right but I think he's slowly opening up to us and we have to respect his privacy. Hikaru said.

Yeah… I'm sorry guys, it was wrong of me for thinking like that. Madoka apologised.

I think you should apologise to him and not us, Madoka… Actually I think it's a good thing, we don't know about his true power. Hikaru realised.

What do you mean Hikaru? Gingka wasn't following.

Think about it, Lovushka may have stolen our data but Akuma wasn't with us when they tricked us and because we don't know his true power-

They don't know either and so they can't figure out a proper way to cheat! Tsubasa finished Hikaru's explanation.

Alright we got this! Gingka got fired up by the revelation.

But the question is, what do they have planned? Tsubasa wondered.

Now get ready to see the stadium for the second match!

Anton who controlled the stadium from under the stadium. OK kitties, check this out. Anton grinned as he pressed the buttons on the control panel, revealing the stadium.

It looks normal to me, you guys. Gingka and Madoka remarked.

Let's see what they got in store for us. Hikaru reminded her teammates to be alert.

Listen up Akuma. We won't tolerate any slander on our dream and today you'll see the result of our hard work. Aleksey stated while Akuma didn't show any reaction.

Are you scared?! Regretting your words already because we won't lose today! Lera shouted.

Let me introduce you to my beyblade, space edition Wolf! Aleksey showed off his beyblade.

Space edition what?!

Zuma zula varuku. Aleksey said in Russian.

Akuma looked bored while the rest of GGG looked confused.

Simply it means Star Wolf. Aleksey grinned.

Everyone! Are you ready to go?

3,2,1, LET IT RIP!

Meanwhile, Masamune's train had just arrived.

Here I come everyone! Masamune rushed to the stadium. But which way? Masamune suddenly realised he had no idea where it was.

Both beys were clashing head on in the centre.

Wolf is a balance type with both offensive and defensive skills. Tsubasa said.

Uh what does space edition mean? Gingka wondered.

Aleksey did say he was using beyblade in his space research but how I don't know? Madoka put her hand on her chin, trying to figure out the reason behind the name.

Hmm… Hikaru looked at Akuma, noticing something was different about him today.

I've calculated the level of attack and the inertial energy as well… And it matches my calculations exactly. Aleksey grinned while Akuma just raised his eyebrow.

Bahamut tried to attack but as it was about to attack, suddenly Bahamut moved away from Wolf.

That won't work!

What's going on Akuma? Gingka shouted.

Akuma didn't respond as Bahamut attacked like usual but none of the attacks were connecting.

Go now, go now Wolf! Aleksey shouted as Wolf pushed Bahamut into the sky but Bahamut quickly managed to recover.

Wolf's fierce attack hits the unguarded Bahamut ! Is Akuma having an off day? DJ asked the crowd.

You can do it, Akuma! Gingka encouraged her teammate.

Is something wrong Hikaru? Madoka noticed Hikaru was quiet.

Yeah… Akuma's different today.

Well yeah, he did say bladers were disappointing which I disagree with. Gingka reminded her.

I know that Akuma always changes to his wicked persona as soon as the battle starts and he usually throw's Bahamut for opponents he looks down on. But he didn't do it this time, Madoka, what's Bahamut stats like?

Let's see… That's strange, they're lower than usual. Madoka double checked her data but it was correct.

"I see what you're doing." Akuma thought as he let Bahamut attack spontaneously.

Let the bells ring, I'm back! Don't hug me all at once… Wait huh oops wrong place. Masamune quickly left the storage room as he still hadn't found the entrance.

Has the dragon lost its wings?! This has turned into a one-sided battle. Will he go down to the wolf without even bothering to fight back? DJ commented.

Bahamut, attack from above. Akuma simply said.

Bahamut flew into the sky and attacked from above but the same thing happened again. Gingka and the team gasped, wondering how it was possible.

What's happening here?! Gingka begged for an answer.

This is happening, it's MY turn! Aleksey responded.

Now for my special move: SPUTNIK!

No way?!

So this is how they're cheating.

Hey! What's going on? Every member of GGG but Tsubasa expressed their thoughts out loud, wondering how Wolf was elevating in the air.

It's flying! Space Wolf is actually flying through the air! It's like a wolf with WINGS. Even DJ was shocked, seeing a bey floating in the air.

The fact is it's not flying at all, it's just floating in the air. Tsubasa corrected DJ's statement.

But how is it doing it? Madoka really wanted some answers.

This is the power of the Space Edition Wolf! Aleksey confidently stated.

Science huh? Akuma blurted out without a care in the world.

How did you know?! Aleksey got stumped by Akuma's solving skills.

Science? Gingka was lost.

According to the assembled data you've defeated most of your opponents using raw attack power. Aleksey continued.

Can you just get to the point. Akuma sighed, feeling bored.

However, the data also shows that because you use so much attack power, everything else, especially Bahamut's stamina is compensated. Aleksey stated.

Akuma yawned.

Without being able to hit your opponents, Bahamut is simply an ineffective attack type bey. Which means it's no threat at all to my Space Wolf. Aleksey had no doubt it was his battle to lose..

Whatever you say. Akuma indifferently said as Bahamut tried to attack Wolf in the air.

Now Wolf! Move horizontally. Wolf moved to the side as Bahamut landed back in the stadium.

If an attack type like yours acts recklessly it will waste valuable energy. Aleksey mocked.

Akuma ignored Aleksey's taunts and Bahamut stopped attacking and moved to the centre of the stadium and stayed there.

I see, you came to the same conclusion so why don't you give up already? Aleksey mocked Akuma.

Greetings my friends! It's… Ugh this is getting tiring, no wait! That's a stadium isn't it? Then where is everybody? Masamune looked around the room and spotted Anton, controlling the stadium.

Those GGG kids don't have a clue about what's really going on up there. Anton smuggly says to himself.

What are you doing? Masamune asks as he unintentionally jumpscares Anton.

Masamune Kadoya… What are you doing here? Anton angrily asked back.

Yeah, yeah, I got lost you see. Masamune ashamedly admitted as he put his hand behind the head.

You've come to find out the secret behind this stadium isn't that the truth! Anton angrily assumed.

What are you babbling about?

What is going folks!? Bahamut has simply stopped while Wolf is watching from the air DJ couldn't understand what both bladers were thinking.

What's going on out there? Gingka screamed.

What is he up to? Tsubasa tried to figure out Akuma's strategy.

The only logical explanation would be… Aha! It's by releasing wave interference.

Wave interference? Tsubasa asked for an explanation.

Yes! But I see no signs that any wave interference is being released by Wolf so what could it be? Madoka was stumped as her analysis returned null.

You see?! Everything we worked for is paying off. We will win the world championships. Aleksey was confident it was only a matter of time before victory.

Could it be? Madoka quickly measured using her measuring tool and confirmed her theory.

I was right!

What is it? Gingka immediately wanted to know the answer.

Wave interference is being released! Aleksey! Just what is with this stadium?!

What?! Wait, what do you mean?

Don't play innocent with me. There is strong wave energy coming from within the stadium and you know it!

Say what?! Gingka couldn't believe the words that were coming out of the team mechanic's mouth.

You bastard! Hikaru growled.

Aleksey is truly a genius; he was able to create this stadium using technology originally meant for space development. Anton revealed.

Space development?

There are parabolic antennas outside, don't you remember seeing them?

Oh you mean those really big dish thingies out there but what do they have to do with anything? Masamune wasn't following the conversation.

We are using those "big dish thingies" to release wave energy. Anton simply said.

Wave energy? So what's that? Masamune asked again as he scratched his chin.

The wave energy released from the stadium disrupts Bahamut's attack pattern then Wolf is able to use it in what is known as a repellent FORCE and by doing so it makes Wolf appear to be able to float in the air

That stinks! You mean it gives you an advantage but places us at a disadvantage?!

That is correct. Anton confirmed.

Fat chance, I'm not gonna let you cheat pal. Get away from there!

I will not allow you to interfere with my plans. Anton refused to back down as both were prepared to battle.

Stop this now! Now Aleksey! Madoka demanded her scientist friend to stop cheating.

I can't fool you, can I, Madoka? Things are just as you have guessed them to be. Aleksey admitted.

Then fix it!

I must do the right thing. Aleksey said as Lera interrupted.

So what if there's wave energy coming from the stadium, what difference does it make anyway?!

Lera! Aleksey hated that he was getting interrupted.

This is simply a stadium that gives off wave energy; the conditions are EXACTLY the same for Aleksey. Lera sang.

The conditions are not the same… Lera. Aleksey reminded her.

I know that! I'll handle this so just be quiet Aleksey!

What?!

We aren't doing a single thing that's against the rules so just grow up! Lera yelled at the Japanese representatives.

What?! So says you lady. Madoka pouted.

Hey you! Little boy, just lose already. Everyone is waiting for MY battle in the third match which I'm gonna clean up. Lera claimed as the crowd agreed with her statement.

Isn't there a way for Akuma to disrupt wave interference Madoka? Gingka asked.

Madoka analysed the data and came up with a solution. If the wave interference comes from the stadium itself then… AKUMA! Destroy the stadium! Madoka commanded but Akuma didn't listen.

Look everyone! Bahamut is slowing down, is this it?! DJ asked the crowd.

Looks like victory is ours, just as we predicted. Aleksey smirked.

Akuma took a deep breath before he started talking. Y'know, I thought you were weak but turns out, you're stupid too. Akuma mocked.

Look who's talking, your bey is about to stop spinning, there's no way for you to win. Aleksey hit back.

You said, you did your research on my Bahamut? HAHAHAH! Akuma switched to his wicked persona.

Suddenly everyone in the arena felt a cold gust wind breezing through the air.

Why is it getting colder? Gingka was shaking his teeth as Tsubasa handed him a jacket. Thanks buddy.

Guys look! Hikaru noticed the wind was surrounding Bahamut.

Ahh! Look here guys! Madoka showed Bahamut's rotation speed and stamina were increasing at a rapid pace. He's using the wind!

The wind!? They repeated.

Yeah, somehow Bahamut is controlling the wind and it's creating a vortex around itself, making Bahamut regain its speed.

That almost sounds like- Hikaru said before Madoka interrupted.

You're right Hikaru, it's like when Storm Pegasus used Rock Leon's tornados when they battled on that day.

I see! Nice job Akuma! Gingka cheered.

Even if you regained your stamina, it's no use! AHH! Aleksey was taken back as Bahamut changed colours.

If you REALLY knew about me, then you should have known I like to play with my prey. Akuma grinned.

That's impossible! Unless, no… You knew all this time!? Aleksey gasped out of fear.

You finally figured it out. Yes, I purposely let Bahamut waste its attack for this moment. Let me introduce you to a new trick we've been practising. ICE BAHAMUT!

The cold wind created an ice armour on Bahamut as Wolf lost its balance as the gusts of cold wind disrupted the wave interference.

The waves are becoming unsteady! Aleksey started to panic as his Wolf was slowly falling back to the stadium floor.

I get it!

What?

That's amazing! Bahamut's power is so strong, it's using the wind to create streams of wind that controls the wave interference in his favour! Wolf can't remain stable. Madoka explained.

Aleksey!

You can do it Aleksey! Both of his teammates cheered.

What's wrong with Wolf? If this goes on it'll defeat itself in a stadium out! DJ revealed.

Emergency landing Wolf, do it now!

Do you now understand the difference between us? You and your team HAD NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, LET ALONE ME! HERE'S YOUR PUNISHMENT, CRUSHING ICE! Akuma roared a special move.

The cold wind surrounded Wolf as it began to freeze in a block of ice before Bahamut attacked it from six different directions, creating a trail of ice chains.

WOLF! NOOO! Aleksey screamed as Bahamut finished the match.

Game over Aleksey hahahah! Akuma did his signature laugh as Bahamut smashed the frozen Wolf and crushed it to a million pieces.

Meanwhile Anton and Masamune summoned their own special moves. Anton couldn't take the force and got pushed back, landing on the control panel and getting electricuted, causing the underside of the stadium to explode.

Oh yeah baby!

Akuma… Hikaru muttured as she realised for the first time since they met, she wasn't shaking in fear because of his wicked persona.

The winner is Akuma! After giving it their all our Lovushka has been defeated. DJ announced as Aleksey was devastated by his defeat.

Aleksey… Lera, like his teammates, knew what it meant.

Hey! Thanks for waiting, everyone, please listen to me! The Russian team was using some sort of sneaky device on the stadium but I caught them, I have destroyed it all by my lonesome. Masamune bolstered.

Hey it's already over! Gingka shouted.

Huh?

Gingka and Akuma got us two wins in a row. Tsubasa stated.

WHAT?!

Sorry Masamune. Madoka apologised on the behalf of the team.

Man, why do I have to miss all of the fun?! Masamune bemoaned.

Where did you learn that move Akuma? Gingka wanted to know.

The train… Akuma gave a vague answer much to Gingka's disappointment.

Anyway, with this we passed the second round and move on to the third yeah baby!

Gingka… Madoka asked her teammate to tone it down as she looked at the Russian team.

Oh…

It's all my fault. We lost because I made mistakes in my calculations. Aleksey sadly said.

Oh well uh uh.

Nowaguma is saying that you didn't do anything wrong Aleksey, nothing! Because we tried with all of our might to win. Lera tried to cheer her leader up.

But now our dream has come to an end as well. Aleksey reminded them as everyone in the team accepted the truth.

OK now listen up everyone I've just received news. It's from our space training centre. "It says now that you've lost, hurry up and come back here, we've gotten a sponsor for the space edition wolf system." DJ announced.

Everyone in the stadium applauded at the great news.

We are still astronauts! Aleksey cried with happy tears.

Some time later, team Japan were saying goodbye to the Russian team.

We were so focused on achieving our dreams that we did many unfair things to you all… We are truly sorry. Aleksey apologised to the whole team.

That's okay, you were forced into it by Anton, weren't you? Gingka asked and Aleksey nodded with a yes.

Aleksey, I'm glad you guys kept your dreams alive. I'm happy for you. Madoka complimented.

Well that is very kind of you to say… Aleksey replied with a sad expression, still not forgiving himself for their actions.

Anton has been fired for the terrible way he acted. Lera revealed.

I wish-

He's wishing you all the very best of luck. Lera explained what Nowaguma tried to say.

OK, thank you!

What a guy!

The best of luck to all of you. Gingka, Tsubasa and Madoka wished their former rivals turned friends all the best.

How nice, thank you. Aleksey simply accepted the compliments with a smile.

Well then-

Take care. Both sides said as the train was about to leave.

Hey! Wait for me!

Hurry up Masamune!

I will leave you behind!

Can we leave him here?

You don't want to get lost again, do you? His Japanese team joked as Masamune rushed down the stairs with a bag of food.

NOOOO!