Chapter 16: Wildfang vs Chandora

As Gingka and Masamune sleep peacefully in their accommodation in India, Gingka's eyes are twitching rapidly as he's twisting and turning in his sleep while muttering something.

He was in the middle of a dream that seemed more like a nightmare.

Dream sequence begins

"I think you're confused." Kyouya says in a serious manner.

"Huh?" Gingka squeaks.

"The reason I entered this competition was to show you my power; I never had any interest and intentions on joining Team Japan." Kyouya reveals.

"What are you talking about, Kyouya?! What's the angle here?!" Gingka asks, refusing to believe the words coming out from his rival.

"There's only one person in the world that I want to defeat and it's you Gingka, it's you! A world championship? That's interesting…" Kyouya reminds his eternal rival why he is his rival.

"Kyouya…"

"On that great big stage out there, it'll just be you and me. This time Gingka, you'll be defeated by me: Kyouya!" The Leone blader vows before he turns around and leaves the venue.

"Bu… Bu… But wait! Wait a minute KYOUYA! Kyouya…" Gingka tries to reach out for answers but as Kyouya fades into the dark hallway, a roar of Lion could be heard as it was getting louder and louder by the second.

Before Gingka could react, Leone was rushing towards him and was about to bite his head off as Gingka is frozen in place out of fear and screams before everything fades into black.

Dream sequence ends

AAHHHHHHH! Gingka screams as he wakes up from his nightmare. Waking up his teammate in the process.

What is it? Let me at 'em! Huh? Masamune says, being at high alert before quickly realizing the screaming was coming from Gingka and makes a frustrating facial expression.

Gingka blinks for a moment before he says to himself: it was just a dream? And stares at the wall in front of him.

That's all?! When you know perfectly well that I need beauty sleep!? Masamune rants. That must have been one scary dream huh? Seriously, you're such a baby Gingka, HEY! Masamune tries to make fun of the team leader but Gingka completely ignores him and gets up from his bed.

I'm talking here!

I wonder what India has in store for us? Gingka asks himself as he looks at the view from his hotel room.

Later on during the morning, the team had gathered around the sofas on the ground floor after eating breakfast. Masamune was bragging about Gingka's nightmare but no one seemed to laugh at his attempt to lighten the mood.

I don't understand why you're getting nervous before your rival's battle? Madoka jumps into the conversation but Gingka just ignores his teammates as he stares at the surroundings.

His rival huh? Masamune arrogantly wonders what's so special about Kyouya.

So Kyouya is here after all. Tsubasa says much to an intense focused Gingka who grits his teeths at the name.

Well, it's true that Kyouya's battle with Tsubasa was amazing for sure… But if it were me, I'd finish a guy like that with one move, bing bang boom! Masamune exclaims, not expecting the scowling from his teammates.

Madoka berates the unicorn blader. Masamune, you don't understand. There's a lot of history between Kyouya and Gingka that you don't know anything about.

What kind of history? Masamune asks.

Seeing as Kyouya passed on the opportunity to represent Japan just to defeat Gingka, it's not surprising. Hikaru expresses her thoughts.

I bet that right about now it's becoming big news in Japan. Madoka expressed.

Today we have some hot BWCS news for you, so listen up! The second round battle taking place today is the Indian representatives, team Chandora versus the African representatives, team Wildfang. But there's more to this story my friends! Checkout Wildfang's leader, It's none other than the king of the beasts, Kyouya!

As you all remember, Kyouya won a spot as a representative for Japan but he refused the position and is now participating in the world championship as a member of team Wildfang. Intriguing?! We can only wonder what tricks he has up his sleeve for today's battle. The best news is that his much anticipated battle will be broadcasted live in Japan as well! The Japanese Blader DJ announces in his usual upbeat manner.

Team GanGan Galaxy, having watched the announcement from their hotel, couldn't help but wonder how strong Kyouya have gotten since the qualifiers.

The media sure loves to hype up a rivalry don't they? Akuma rhetorically asks.

Meanwhile Masamune was still not impressed. What's so great about this Kyouya guy anyway?

Because he's the real deal, simple as. Madoka answers.

Everyone knows how epic the battles Kyouya has fought have been. Gingka adds, being back to his usual self but Masamune still wasn't convinced.

His battle with Ryuga in the semifinals, I remember it like it was yesterday. Hikaru says, with a slight hint of fear in her voice.

Yeah… Tsubasa agreed, thinking about his own darkness.

If it wasn't the dark power, Kyouya would have probably won and battled Gingka in the finals of Battle Bladers. Madoka claimed.

Suddenly, Madoka's laptop was buzzing as Ryo was calling them.

Hi dad, what's up? Gingka asks.

Just checking up on you all. Ryo replies.

Everything is fine here, director. We were just discussing our potential rival for the third round sir. Hikaru answers.

Good. Because the winner of this second battle will be facing you in the third round. Ryo, the director of WBBA and Gingka's father, reveals.

So they will. Madoka says with a serious expression.

Then if Wildfang wins today's battle then- Tsubasa was about to ask for clarity when Gingka interrupted the conversation.

That means I get to battle with… Kyouya! Gingka made a fist as he couldn't hold in his excitement to settle the score once more with his rival.

And to top it all off, the winner of that third round battle will move to the A Block finals. Ryo reveals but thanks to Hikaru, they were well informed.

Did he just say the A Block finals!? Masamune wondered out loud.

Didn't you listen to our meeting yesterday?! Madoka asks, irritated. But Hikaru decided to explain it once again.

The opponent for the A Block final will be decided by the third round battle between team Excalibur who won their second round battle with overwhelming strength and the team from the consolation round that returns to the championships as the wild card. Hikaru explains, reading out loud the information stored on her tablet.

The battles to decide which team returns as the wild card have already started and they're hard fought. Ryo says with a serious tone in his voice.

Hikaru shows off the contestants, many of which they recognize, Alexi, Gasur and Dashan just to name a few. Hikaru then proceeds to play a message from Dashan.

It's for you and Akuma. Hikaru mentioned.

We: Wang Hu Zhang are going to win the wild card spot; just watch. Are you there? Do you hear me Gingka! Akuma! Dashan openly called out GanGan Galaxy's two best bladers after his win.

Gingka was taken by surprise but at the same time he couldn't wait for their rematch while Akuma yawned at the challenge.

Yeah! Those guys rocks! I wanna battle with WHZ again! Masamune stood up and shouted.

But Excalibur's strength is on another level altogether. Tsubasa reminds his teammates who all paid close attention to his words.

Even IF WHZ wins the consolation round, it remains to be seen whether or not they can get past Excalibur.

You got a point there Tsubasa. Masamune responds but in his thoughts, he was thinking why the silver haired guy had to ruin the excitement.

Whether it's WHZ or Excalibur that we face, they're both really strong opponents. Gingka says as he couldn't care less who he faced, either team is going to be fun.

As long as you guys do your end of the job, it shouldn't be a problem. Akuma bluntly says.

Why you! Are you saying we are going to lose?! Masamune wanted to punch his teammate so badly.

Enough, both of you. Let's focus on today's match between India's team and Africa's team. What do you say, you guys? Hikaru demands as she stops both from making a scene.

Well, looks like the pre-battle press conference is about to start. Tsubasa comments as he grabs the remote and turns on the TV.

Press conference? Gingka wonders why they haven't had one so far.

Press conference: Wildfang vs Chandora

Thank you for your patience, everyone. We will now begin this official BWCS press conference. First off, please welcome our representatives, the amazing team Chandora! The Indian DJ announces as the curtains open to reveal the Indian team.

The journalists don't hesitate to spam pictures as DJ presents each team member.

The steadfast rock! Using the master of precision, Rock Serpent! It's Aniel!

The whirlwind of Chandora, using Storm Serpent, it's Vridick!

And the team leader, the serpent god of fire! It's Salhan!

So that's team Chandora. Tsubasa comments, paying close attention.

They're all using Serpent beys. Gingka points out.

Now then, let's ask the team leader, Salhan, whether he's worried about today's battle. DJ asks.

Salhan laughs at the question. Me, worried? I don't care if it's team Wildfang or anyone else, they'll be just like weak little kittens when they come to face us!

It seems they've remained undefeated so far but so have we so what's the big deal? Vridick added.

Meanwhile, everyone but Akuma, Hikaru and Ryo were taken back by their response and the fact they are also undefeated just like Wildfang.

He's telling the truth. Chandora has also won every battle since the qualifiers with two match wins in a row. They haven't lost once. Hikaru confirms Vridick's statement as she shows their battle record to everyone.

This battle will be intense. Madoka comments on the fact.

Akuma didn't say anything but he disagreed as he knew the outcome.

Of course we'll decide today's battle with two wins in a row as well. Salhan confidently says to the whole wide world as he stands up.

We'll make Wildfang taste defeat for the first time so keep your eyes open everyone. Salhan claims with confidence as the whole press conference applauds the home team.

What a loudmouth! Masamune remarks as everyone else twitches their eyebrows, thinking the same thing.

"Really Masamune?"

It is on! Right away we have a promise of two wins in a row. Let's see how the other undefeated team responds to this declaration of war! Team Wildfang! DJ hyped up the crowd as everyone waited for Wildfang's response.

Instead of Kyouya and the rest of the team, everyone in the press conference was perplexed and shocked by the guy who walked in. A large looking man, dressed like a bull themed wrestler started shouting into the microphone.

HOW ARE Y'ALL DOING?! I'm team Wildfang's newest, bestest member! The super sub member.

Immediately team GGG knew who it was.

It's Benkei! Gingka shouts onto the TV.

Benkei, yup. Madoka repeats in a dry tone.

Hikaru mimics Madoka. That's him alright.

That guy… Tsubasa remarks in the same tone as Madoka and Hikaru while facepalming as he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Hey you guys! Here's the scoop so listen up! You can babble on all day long but this battle will be decided by Wildfang winning two in a row! Kyouya won't be stopped by the likes of you! Understand me?! Benkei states with no hesitation.

It's cute that they sent a delivery boy with this message but I guess that means you won't actually be in the battle… Mr muffled masked man? Salhan mocks but he and the rest of the press conference is taken back by Benkei's loud voice.

SO WHO CARES! It is my great honor to walk along with Kyouya and when he wins to stand with him at the top of the world, yes! That will be enough for me. For me it's all good; that is the way that I, the amazing and anonymous masked Bull feels about it! Benkei shouts into the camera, smiling uncontrollably.

Meanwhile his Japanese friends feel embarrassed.

He'll never be a strong blader. Akuma comments.

Come on, Akuma, Benkei's looking up to him, there's nothing wrong with that. Gingka defends his friend.

My point exactly-

Guys, focus! Madoka screams as everyone continues watching the press conference.

DJ interrupts as he speaks for the whole press conference about what they were thinking. We don't really care who you are so if you could go and get the REAL members of the team, that would be swell and-

Benkei screamed so loud, everybody had to cover their ears. KYOUYA WOULD NEVER PARTICIPATE IN A THREE-RING CIRCUS LIKE THIS! You'll understand once the battle is over. Until then just prepare yourselves for defeat. OVER AND OUT! Benkei finishes off as he drops the microphone to the floor and leaves.

Salhan grits his teeth, thinking how Benkei dared to have the guts to talk back to him. Well, no matter what their excuse is, in the end, they wouldn't come out because they were scared of us, isn't that the case? Leaving a press conference to a clown like that! Wildfang are nothing but a bunch of cowards with a cool name. Nothing more, nothing less.

His teammate, Vridick then adds: even without battling, it's like our victory has already been decided.

That's 4-1-1. Aniel finishes, speaking his first and last words of the press conference.

Press conference ends

Having just watched the press conference, the mood inside team GGG was mixed. Akuma made a rare chuckle, knowing Chandora' overconfident was going to be their downfall and Benkei's stunt while Madoka, Hikaru, Gingka and Tsubasa had to look away from the TV just to feel less embarrassed.

As for Masamune, he was so baffled he couldn't say a word.

Back in Japan, Ryo looked down in shame and hung up.

India bey stadium, some time later

GanGan Galaxy managed to find some good seats on the second floor with a good view of the whole stadium as they alongside the rest of the audience waited for the battles to start.

So Benkei just pops up out of nowhere and into Kyouya's team? Gingka still couldn't believe Kyouya allowed Benkei into the team without seemingly qualifying.

Some countries do allow teams to pick a 4th member without having to battle it out. Hikaru explains.

What matters is that you're OK Gingka. You finally have the chance to see Kyouya again, don't you wanna meet with him? Madoka asks.

The team except Akuma is surprised by their leader's response. There's no need to do that; just like Benkei said, the battle is everything to a blader. It's no biggie at all. I can see how much Kyouya has changed his style from here.

Are you ready, Gingka? Akuma asks out of the blue.

What do you mean? Of course I'm ready! Gingka responds, fooling most people but Akuma sensed he didn't fully believe his own words.

Now. After that ridiculous press conference, let's watch team Wildfang vs Chandora get underway! Give it up for India's representatives, our very own team Chandora! DJ introduces the home team.

As they walk towards their end of the stadium, several fans shout in support of the home team as Salhan waves back.

And next, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Africa's team, Wildfang and let's hope it's for real this time. DJ still hasn't gotten over Benkei's "performance."

But the whole audience gasps as Africa's team is nowhere to be seen as the curtain unfolds. Then everyone could hear footsteps getting louder and louder.

But for Gingka, it was a repeat of his nightmare as Leone rushes towards the entrance and the nerves get to Japan's leader as he screams out of fear.

There he is. Tsubasa coolly points out as Africa's leader walks out alone.

Kyouya stops for a moment and glances in Gingka's direction before the rest of Wildfang enters the stadium.

Kyouya…. Gingka could sense Kyouya's intense bey spirit radiating from all the way where they were sitting.

He was definitely looking at you, Gingka. Hikaru comments.

Madoka then adds. Amazing… Even in this huge crowd, he was able to pick out Gingka right away.

I'm right here… Kyouya pal. Gingka says, audibly shaky in his voice. Nobody but Akuma noticed, due to all the cheering happening.

As expected, the home crowd booed, trying to unsettle the away team.

HA! Boo as much as you want! We'll take all that negative energy and put it right into our beyblades. Benkei smiles, believing the match was already won.

Not when we're done with you. Salhan smirks.

Enough talk! Let's find out which of these teams will continue down the undefeated path in the first match. In this first match someone must finally take a loss. Here are the pairings. DJ announces as he points towards the big TV.

Vridick versus Nile!

Send them sailing down the Nile river, Vridick! Without a paddle if you know what I mean! Some of the fans chanted.

Leave it all out there Vridick! Salhan motivated his comrade.

I will! We're gonna move on to the third round without losing. Mark my words. Vridick responded.

We're counting on ya!

On the other end, Nile simply fistbumped with Kyouya while Benkei did all the cheering.

Show him who's boss, Nile! Make sure they're on the ropes when you hand things over to Kyouya. Benkei says as he brings Nemure into a neck lock.

BENKEI, LET ME GO! Nemure screams as he struggles to escape.

Up in the stands, Madoka was pulling up the data on both teams and expressed her thoughts. It's no surprise that Nile is going up first. That's been their team pattern from the qualifiers on.

Tsubasa adds in his own analyses. Nile always wins the first match and then Kyouya cleans up in the second.

Nile and his Vulkan Horuseus are a formidable duo, and can withstand tons of attacks while defeating his enemies from range. Hikaru adds.

To which Masamune scoffs. Send him out first to see what the other teams got huh? Masamune says as he munches on his bag of chips.

"You still haven't learned a thing." Akuma thinks.

Hikaru, sitting beside him, notices his discontent expression. Not feeling they're strong enough for you Akuma?

Akuma, knowing what Hikaru was referring to, replies. No. Where this team is going, I don't see us winning the championship and it annoys me.

Hey, don't give up on them, all that teamwork training in Greece wasn't for nothing, we can do this, Akuma. Hikaru encourages her teammate.

Let's get this party started!

3,2,1, LET IT RIP!

Vridick did not wait as Storm Serpent attacked from the get go, pushing Horuseus back.

Oh yeah! Stick on it like a sting and send it flying!

Nile smirks at Vridick's remark and instructs his own beyblade to reveal its true power.

Horuseus escapes Storm Serpent's attack and summons its bit beast and fires a barrage of projectiles, sending Serpent into the air.

What just happened? It went flying without even being touched?! Masamune couldn't believe what he just witnessed.

Now what? Vridick was feeling the pressure as his beyblade just managed to stay in but did not have time to think as Nile summoned his special move.

Special move: MYSTIC ZONE!

Horusues sent out a bright yellow light and when it was gone, Vridick's face told the whole story as Storm Serpent had stopped spinning in front of his feet.

UNBELIEVABLE! In a blink of an eye, Vridick's Storm Serpent has been thrown out of the stadium! DJ announces as the whole crowd gasps at the result.

If you told me that Vridick would be beaten so fast, I'd tell you had a screw loose! DJ couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing.

B-b-bull! Well done Nile buddy! Benkei congratulates Nile who has already walked back to his team's booth.

He's all yours. Nile says.

OK. Kyouya simply replies.

It can't… be… Vridick, too stunned to move, falls to his knees as he's still trying to understand how he'd lost.

What happened out there?! Gingka shouts.

I didn't even have time to analyze it. Madoka states, it was that quick.

Really? It was so slow. Akuma sighs.

Oh yeah, explain mister wise guy. Masamune didn't know how much more he could take of Akuma's disrespect.

It's simple, really, Horuseus creates a barrier that expands, pushing any bey that gets in its way. Because of the bright light, the opponent is distracted and lastly, it also acts as a shield, defending against anyone trying to break through it. Akuma explains.

Smart ass. Masamune mutters.

Well… Let's slap ourselves back to reality and begin the second match. Wildfang is sending out their leader Kyouya, just as they said they would at the press conference. They're aiming for TWO WINS in a row! DJ announces as his voice cracks from his own excitement.

Of course we are! Go Kyouya! Benkei cheers on his best friend while Nemure keeps telling the Bull blader to let go as he was losing air.

"What will you do, Kyouya?" Gingka wonders.

It ends here and now! Salhan shouts, wanting to take revenge for Vridick's loss.

His opponent from our team Chandora is the team leader, the one and only Salhan! Our team's winning streak was stopped but we'll now begin again. DJ announces in excitement.

Salhan marched towards the stadium in anger as the home crowd cheered his name, loud and clear.

If he can defeat Kyouya, our team can charge down the unbeaten path once again! DJ did not hide his bias.

Things are sure to get lively. Kyouya smirks.

You better laugh it up while you can, OK Kyouya? I've been preparing for this day for a long time. I have thoroughly analyzed all of your battles. Salhan points out, not showing any fear.

Good for you. Kyouya, unfaced by his opponent, kept smiling.

I'm going to make you disappear right here!

Sounds fun, go ahead and try, why don't you? Kyouya laughs in response.

3,2,1, LET IT RIP!

Leone! Lion Gale Force Wall!

Whoa right away?! Salhan was taken back by Kyouya's aggressive strategy as Serpent barely hung on to the edge.

You're still there? Kyouya mocks his opponent.

I'm not going anywhere until I beat you! Salhan talks back. Go, Flame Serpent!

Flame Serpent started to zigzag around the tornado like a real serpent.

Spin even more, Serpent! Salhan commanded as a trail of fire bursted appeared behind Serpent.

Oh my… Now what's up? The tornado Leone created has begun to waver as if it's in a haze of HEAT! DJ comments, cracking voice once again.

Salhan laughs as Kyouya says nothing.

I GET IT! Flame Serpent's rotation is heating up the ground and thereby creating an updraft in the whole arena itself! Madoka explains to the other GGG members.

Get him! Special move: Burning Barrage!

Serpent rushed towards Leone, covered in a burst of flame, sending Leone flying and stopped the Lion Gale Force Wall.

India's team is better than I thought. Masamune admitted.

How's that! Your wind control techniques won't work here, what did I tell you? Salhan mocks, thinking the tide had turned.

You've told me NOTHING! Kyouya shouts. The opponent you're thinking of is the old Kyouya, not this one. Someone like you is no match for the new me. Only two people can challenge me! Kyouya claims.

Salhan couldn't believe he was not considered a worthy opponent.

Kyouya turns around and looks at Gingka and Akuma directly. Gingka… You two and you two alone! Kyouya calls out the Pegasus and Bahamut bladers as the whole arena pays close attention.

In order to defeat you, I have worked without rest for months to keep on improving my blading skills! What should I do to win against you? What do I need to stop Pegasus? I found it. I found those answers. But I'm disappointed in you, Gingka. Kyouya states as he glares at Gingka.

What… Gingka was at a loss for words.

The only one that's going to beat you is ME! And you dared to lose to that guy. Kyouya scolds Gingka while pointing at Akuma.

Pay attention, you have to get by me FIRST! Salhan interrupts while Serpent attacks Leone from behind but it does nothing.

Go now Leone! Do it! Kyouya instructs.

Team Japan wasn't surprised that Leone attacked like an attack despite being a defense type.

HA! Leone is undefeatable! Kyouya claims.

Tsubasa, impressed and taken back by Kyouya's attitude, thinks to himself.

"I know that feeling, I felt the same drive and desire to win. A refusal to lose and it nearly destroyed me." Tsubasa was reminded of the dark power residing within him.

"If we end up having to battle Wildfang, what then?" Tsubasa didn't dare to think of the outcome between the two teams.

"What's going to be Tsubasa? Destroy or embrace the darkness?" Akuma wonders.

Not done yet!

What now? Masamune wonders.

It jumped! Gingka adds as Leone jumps into the air.

Watch closely now Gingka and witness the lion's new fangs!

What is that?! Salhan couldn't believe what he was seeing.

The tornado is facing downwards! Gingka shouts, amazed and threatened by Kyouya's progress.

In one swoop, Leone bested the serpent who got sent flying onto the roof of the arena.

Holy moly, even Salhan has been defeated. Just as the oddball Bull predicted, Wildfang has continued with two wins in a row! With Kyouya's easy victory, they moved past the second round. DJ announces.

No… No… Salhan was shaking, not because of fear but from the humiliation.

He totally smoked that guy. Masamune was impressed by Kyouya's strength.

He's become this strong in so little time, what has he been doing?! Hikaru blinked, not believing this was the same guy from the qualifiers.

That's my Kyouya… Yeah baby! Benkei cries out of joy while Nemure somehow was still breathing.

But for Kyouya, it was meaningless as he clinched onto Leone. This is only the beginning. Kyouya mutters as the whole audience is silent.

What you've seen here today was nothing at all. HEAR ME GINGKA! I'm holding back Leone's true strength for when I battle you! Kyouya calls out his rival in front of the whole stadium.

I look forward to it! I'll be ready to meet your challenge Kyouya! Gingka responds, not backing down from a challenge but inside he was wondering if he truly was strong enough.

But Kyouya wasn't finished. Akuma! When I'm done with Gingka, you're next!

Boring… Akuma mutters, unfaced by the callout.

There you have it folks! GanGan Galaxy's next opponent has been decided! The sure to be amazing third round battle will be GGG versus Wildfang! The stage for this fateful showdown between rivals will be right here in Japan!

"I will win!"

"I have to win!"

Kyouya and Gingka thought as they glared at each other.