Terms/Abbreviations:

GanGan Galaxy - GGG

Wang Hu Zhang - WHZ

Desert Blaze - DBZ

Excalibur - EU/Excalibur

Beyblade World Championships - BWCS

Chapter 15: The Tales of Greece (Side Chapter)

A day after Wang Hu Zhang left to continue their journey to reenter the world championships. Team GanGan Galaxy were holding a meeting to discuss one of their potential opponents: team Wild Fang.

Have you found anything yet Hikaru? Gingka asked impatiently.

Just give me a minute, Gingka. Let's see, ah ha, I found it. Hikaru touched the file on her tablet and the information regarding the African team was impressive to say the least as everyone but Akuma couldn't believe what the articles were saying.

Unbelievable. Tsubasa muttered.

I'm with you buddy. Masamune added.

It seems like they were founded during the battle royale that was held in Africa to decide the representatives for the BWCS. Hikaru said.

Hey look! They've won every single match since the tournament started. Madoka pointed out.

Tsubasa added to Madoka's comment. Not only that but they haven't had the need to play a third match which means they have a 100% win record.

Yeah, but what about their leader? Gingka ignored all of the impressive stats as he was only focused on one thing.

Here it is… Dashan was right after all. Hikaru stated as everyone except obviously Akuma couldn't believe it was Kyouya.

It is him. Tsubasa repeated.

Looks like Gingka will battle Kyouya in the championship after all. Madoka stated.

Not surprising at all if you ask me. Kyouya left so he could battle Gingka on the biggest stage of them all. Akuma chimed in.

Kyouya… Gingka muttered as he clenched his fists.

Flashback starts

"I think you're confused." Kyouya responded. "The reason I entered this competition was to show my power. I never had ANY interest in joining Team Japan."

"Come again? What are you talking about?! What's the angle-"

"LISTEN TO ME! There's only one person in the world I want to defeat and it's you Gingka! Kyouya revealed his true intentions.

A world championship? Now that's interesting. On that great big stage out there, you'll be defeated by me!" Kyouya vowed as he was about to leave when DJ interrupted.

Flashback ends

Are you OK, Gingka? Madoka asked as they've been trying to reach him but their leader was in deep thoughts.

Earth to Gingka, are you there? Masamune said.

Is he OK? Hikaru wondered.

Gingka, snap out of it. Tsubasa shouted but no matter what they tried, Gingka seemed to be in his own world. This lasted for a few minutes.

Gingka snaps out of his thoughts as he speaks. I need to go guys, can't let Kyouya get ahead of me.

Hey! Wait a minute, Gingka, where are you going?! Urgh seriously what's up with him sometimes, running off on his own?! Madoka vented out her frustration.

Should we go after him? Masamune asked.

Leave him alone for now, he'll come back. Akuma said.

Yeah, I'm not listening to you. Masamune expressed his disagreement but to the unicorn blader's surprise, Tsubasa agreed with the dragon blader.

I agree with Akuma. Kyouya will be a tough opponent and Gingka won't let him win without a fight. Give him some space. He'll come back.

Come on, is it really that big of a deal? Masamune questioned.

You don't get it Masamune, Gingka and Kyouya have deep history with each other. Their battles have always been intense. Madoka scolded.

They're right Masamune, Kyouya is not someone you can mess with. Every battle is like life and death for him. Gingka is one of the few bladers, Kyouya has never beaten and respects. Hikaru added.

OK, OK, OK, I get it, no need to gang up on me, so we'll let him be alone, so what do we do now? Masamune asked his teammates.

Everyone looked at each other for a suggestion but no one said anything.

Tsubasa decided to break the awkward atmosphere. If no one has any ideas, I'm going out for lunch; anyone coming?

Count me in, I've been hungry all morning. Masamune expressed as his stomach growled.

Didn't you just eat? Madoka sighed.

Yeah but more food doesn't hurt, the number one world blader needs to keep up his diet if he's to be the best. Masamune bragged.

Why did I even ask… Madoka whispered to herself.

See ya! Masamune and Tsubasa headed out.

OK. Bye! Hikaru waved as she returned to her work.

I'm going back to my room. Akuma said as he followed suit.

Looks like it's just the two of us, Hikaru. Madoka remarked.

If you're asking me to go sightseeing, then no thanks, I still need to book accommodations for our next destination and review documents from the director. Hikaru revealed.

Sounds to me, you need to relax, don't you ever get burned out by all the paperwork? Madoka asked.

Sometimes but it's important I get it done because I don't trust the director to do it.

Let's-

No. Hikaru interrupted Madoka.

But I didn't even get to say anything. Madoka pouted.

You were going to ask me if I wanted to go sightseeing. Hikaru bluntly guessed.

How did you… Madoka was stumped.

It was written all over your face and it's still a no. Now if you excuse me, I have some documents to review over. Hikaru said as she left.

Great… What am I supposed to do? Madoka sighed.

Tsubasa & Masamune

What's that? Masamune pointed towards a girl who was promoting something.

Hm? I don't know but it looks interesting; wanna check it out? Tsubasa asked his teammate.

Excuse me? What is it you're promoting? Masamune asked the girl.

Glad you asked; every year, this town hosts a local music festival and every year, we offer free tickets to anyone who can solve our beyblade challenge.

Music festival, beyblade? Count me in, that sound right up my alley! Masamune exclaimed. What do you say, Tsubasa? You in? The unicorn blader asked.

Why not? Tsubasa replied.

Great, it's simple, all you have to do is navigate your beyblade through our obstacle course in under 30 seconds and the tickets are yours. One per person, mind you. The girl clarified.

Sounds easy enough. Tsubasa nodded.

Alright then. Who's going up first? I'll start the timer as soon as you launch your beyblade.

Me! Masamune eagerly said as he had already prepared to launch his beyblade.

Someone's excited. Are you ready? The girl asked

You bet I am! Masamune shouted.

OK, 3, 2, 1, LET IT RIP!

Two wins later

Too easy! Masamune bolstered as he waved his ticket.

Wasn't as tough as I thought. Tsubasa said calmly.

She said, the festival starts soon right? Masamune asked.

Yeah, in a couple of hours and it was going to be a long waiting cue. Tsubasa replied.

Then what are we waiting for? Let's go! I don't wanna wait in a line! Masamune expressed as both headed for the venue.

Madoka

At an outdoor cafe, Madoka was on her own, enjoying a slice of cake and coffee while having an amazing view of the beach.

Y'know what? Being alone isn't that bad, not having to listen to beyblade talk all day… Madoka let out a relieved sigh when she heard the sound of beyblades clashing.

Ughh, can't I go one day without beyblading? Madoka sulked.

The bladers in question were practising to get stronger but both took it too far, ending up damaging their beyblades.

Madoka hated seeing beyblades being in bad conditions and luckily for the bladers, Madoka had her toolbox with her and offered to repair the beyblade for free.

Thanks so much Madoka!

No need to thank me, it's just what I do but take better care of your beyblade OK? Madoka asked.

Yeah, we promise! Are you going to the festival? The boy asked.

The festival? Madoka replied, not knowing there is a festival.

Every year, our town holds a music festival. It's awesome, you should go!

Here, Madoka, as thanks for repairing the beyblade. Boy #2 handed a ticket to Madoka.

I can't take it, I can buy my own. Madoka waved off but the boys insisted she took it. Madoka couldn't refuse their passion and ended up accepting the ticket. The boys ran off and Madoka returned to the hotel to dress up for the festival.

Hikaru & Akuma

As Akuma was laying down on his bed, listening to music, someone knocked at the door.

What do you want? Akuma asked bluntly.

Hi Akuma, there's this festival tonight and I was wondering-? Hikaru asked before Akuma finished her sentence.

If I wanna join you? OK. Akuma simply replied.

Great! Hikaru happily said.

A couple of hours later

Thanks for coming with me, Akuma. Hikaru said.

Akuma shrugged his shoulders as they weaved through the massive crowd.

Do you like music, Akuma? Hikaru asked.

Yeah, who doesn't?

Just wondering, I still don't know a lot about you and I kinda didn't expect you to say yes to my invitation. Hikaru explained.

Well, now you do. Akuma indifferently said.

So who do you wanna watch? Hikaru asked as she pulled up the list of artists performing at the different stages.

Akuma eyed the different names, it ranged from newcomers to world famous artists until he noticed a couple of Japanese bands.

What do you think about these guys? Akuma asked.

Hikaru looked where Akuma pointed. Oh, I like them, I thought nobody knew them. I didn't take you as a person who liked indie bands.

I like most types of music. Akuma opened up about himself.

I don't think it will be busy either so we should be able to stand in the front row if we hurry.

Hikaru and Akuma headed for the stage and they arrived early and got the front row seats. As they waited for the band to enter the stage, they failed to notice the rest of the gang arriving at the venue as well, although everyone stood at different rows.

Then a staff member came out on stage and looked nervous.

Hello everyone, this pains me to say but due to unforeseen circumstances, the band has to cancel their performances. The staff member announced much to the disappointment of the crowd.

We're terribly sorry, I know a lot of you came out of your way to see our beloved band; but we got a surprise for y'all. As we have a free slot and no artist could fill in, the organisers had decided for the next hour, this is going to be an open mic. So who wants to come up on stage? The staff member asked.

A few people in the crowd raised their hands and slowly one after another, performed a song, either a cover or an original.

He was pretty good. Hikaru complimented the latest performer on stage.

He was alright. Akuma replied as the same staff member returned to the stage.

OK folks, that was an awesome performance, didn't you think? The staff member asked the crowd who cheered in the response. Now, we have only room for one more artist before the next band comes on stage. WHO WANTS IT?

A couple of people begged to come on stage.

I see people are still eager to perform, that's the sign of a passionate performer… Let's see who we haven't picked.

The staff member looked over the crowd until he noticed someone in the front row, looking uninterested but he had a feeling, the fella could play. What about you there? The staff member asked as he pointed to the guy in the front row.

Akuma turned his head to face the staff member, looking surprised as he didn't want to play. Akuma waved his hands, saying no but the host was stubborn as he used the crowd to encourage Akuma to come up on stage.

HA, I bet he's so nervous, he won't be able to sing. Masamune laughed.

Come on man, give him a chance, he's our teammate. Tsubasa defended Akuma.

Oh come on Tsubasa, I was messing with ya but still I bet he can't play a single instrument. Masamune claimed with a smug face.

You can do this Akuma! Hikaru cheered for her teammate.

Meanwhile in another part of the crowd, Madoka wondered what song Akuma would play.

Akuma, against his will, agreed and walked up onto the stage and sat down on the piano. Akuma started to play the piano, getting a feeling for it before pausing, thinking of which song he would play.

Akuma reflected back on the day and when he thought of Hikaru, a warm feeling stirred up in his heart.

"So that's it huh, emotions are weirds. Let's see… How does the song go again?" Akuma hummed the melody of the song he was about to play and took one deep breath before he started playing.

All my problems they will run away from you and I see

All the angels sit and stare at you

You are everything but not today

I'm so down and out 'cause

something is wrong without you

When you're not around

Just shadows and rain fall

Wait till tomorrow

I'll wait

Just wanna be with you

Only you

Always you

You're so beautiful to

me It's true

Amazed by you

I think I'm falling

[Instrumental]

All my worries they just sleep in late, lying next to you

But I fall to pieces and crumble away

Today nothing works

I'm so down and out

Cause something is wrong without you

When you're not around

Just shadows and rain fall

Wait till tomorrow

Can't wait

Just wanna be with you

Only you

Always you

You're so beautiful to

me It's true

Amazed by you

I think I'm falling

Falling with you

Only you

Always you

You're so beautiful to

me It's true

Amazed by you

I know I'm falling

As Akuma finished, the audience cheered, cried and applauded his performance.

Before the host could commend Akuma's performance, he had already left the stage.

Looks like our mysterious guest has left already… Let's give him one more big applause everybody! The host encouraged as the audience made their appreciation known.

Akuma, that was amazing, why didn't you tell me you could sing and play the piano?! Hikaru complimented.

It was nothing special. Akuma shrugged off the compliment.

What are you talking about?! Don't undersell yourself, you did great out there! Hikaru argued.

Glad you liked it. Akuma responded as he gave Hikaru one of his rare smiles as Hikaru couldn't help but blush.

Akuma! Hikaru and Akuma turned around to see Tsubasa, Masamune and Madoka running towards them.

Where did you learn how to play the piano like that? It was beautiful. Madoka complimented.

I gotta admit, I thought you were going to suck but that was awesome. Masamune expressed.

Thanks, I guess. Akuma wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not.

As they said, you played really well out there. Tsubasa joined in on the compliments.

That song is so underrated, I wish they performed it more often. Hikaru said.

Yeah… As much as I like their mainstream songs, they could really play a lot of their less known songs more often. Akuma added.

I know right?!

Madoka, Masamune and Tsubasa noticed the connection between Hikaru and Akuma as they discussed their love for one of their favourite japanese bands.

I bet they're going to end up together by the end of the tournament. Madoka whispered to the guys.

No doubt about it, I've never seen Akuma be so "expressive" with anyone but her. Masamune remarked.

The question is… who is going to confess first? Tsubasa wondered.

Good question… Masamune began thinking about who would confess first.

Isn't it obvious guys? Hikaru obviously. Madoka said as if it was obvious.

I dunno, Akuma is blunt, I reckon he's confessing first. Tsubasa argued.

Y'know we can hear you right? Hikaru interrupted their conversation.

Yeah, we totally knew that! Madoka sweatdropped as she rubbed the back of her hand.

We're not like that! Hikaru shouted as she blushed.

Then why are you blushing? Madoka smirked.

Wha… I'm not! Hikaru hit back.

Sure you are, ain't that right? Madoka asked Tsubasa and Masamune but before they could reply, Hikaru glared at them, shutting them up.

Let's go, we had enough fun for today, we got a flight to catch tomorrow. Akuma suddenly said as he didn't want to discuss the love claims about him and Hikaru.

I'm with Akuma, we all need to wake up early tomorrow. Hikaru added as she followed suit.

They are totally in love with each other. Tsubasa, Masamune and Madoka said together.

Wait a minute, where's Gingka? Masamune just realised.

Meanwhile

GO PEGASUS! Gingka shouted as he launched Pegasus for the 1000th time as he tried to destroy the big boulder as seen from the hundreds of scratches from previous attempts.

Just you watch Kyouya! Me and Pegasus are going to win so you better be ready because here we come! Gingka talked to himself as Pegasus finally destroyed the big boulder.