Chapter 2: King of the Beasts VS. The Ruler of the Sky

It's beyblade news time. Let's get the skinny on the WBBA global tournament. The BWCS. In the first match of the finals to decide Japan's representatives, Akuma amazed us all as he dominated his opponent Masamune with his destructive power. It was a fantastic display of beyblading skill and bravery, it was explosively hot. He joins Gingka as the second member of Japan's official team, DJ recapping yesterday's epic battle.

Okay! There's only one ticket left. The battle to decide the final regular member is happening. Get ready for it folks, right here, right now! The audience cheered with excitement as they awaited the battle between Kyouya and Tsubasa.

Time to get it on! Kyouya's time, Tsubasa… The guys are all looking forward to an EPIC fight between two great rivals.

This is the first time these two have faced each other one-on-one right? Madoka asked Gingka.

Yes, when Kyouya and Tsubasa meet here; it won't be an easy battle which means it's going to be an amazing battle! Gingka's eyes lit up with excitement as he couldn't wait any longer.

No matter who wins; you're gonna get a great teammate. Right Gingka? Kenta showed as much joy as his red haired friend.

They're both first-rate bladers. They make Masamune look like a total newbie, Gingka not hiding his favoritism to the guy sitting above him, who was snacking on a bag of chips but Masamune didn't respond as he usually does.

Ever since his loss against Akuma, he has been feeling down. He still couldn't believe how easily he lost the match and that he failed Striker as his partner was FAR from being battle ready any time soon.

Earth to Masamune? Yu kept nagging the unicorn blader. Huh, what did I miss? Masamune snapped out from his depressed mood.

Oh y'know how you easily lost, mister number one blader, hahaha Yu joked.

What's all this stuff about number one anyway? When it comes to points in the qualifying round, you lost to Tsubasa, not to mention Kyouya and Akuma, Benkei reminding the Striker blader.

Masamune tried to make a comeback as he made an excuse saying he was "fooling" around with Kenta and if he went to another arena with fewer stronger bladers, he would have easily earned 10 000 points.

As if. If Kyouya makes the team you can rest up. You won't even get the chance to battle but you can just have fun sightseeing. That'll be nice for you, Benkei defending his best friend.

But you still have a chance to make the team remember? Madoka reminded. What are you talking about? Masamune asked. The team needs three regular players and one sub member too. You're in the top 4 in the competition so you still have a chance to make the team as a sub. Y'know what I mean, Madoka smiled.

Sub? Ha! I refuse to be a substitute, Masamune making his feelings clear.

That made Masamune think about who's stronger of the competing players. Hey, at the end of the day, who's stronger; Kyouya or Tsubasa?

Good… Question, Gingka clearly not expecting a good question from his "rival" as he began to reflect on their prior battles. Kyouya faces his opponents with a burning spirit and tremendous power. Tsubasa fights with calm judgment and a well honed technique. It's really hard to say which one is stronger, they're both such great bladers.

Yes, both have such unique styles, Madoka added. The answer is obviously Kyouya! He's the stronger blader by a country mile! Benkei once again displayed his favoritism for the Lion King blader. But Tsubasa is too! Yu defending the Eagle blader. They were going back and forth when suddenly Chiyun of Wang Hu Zhong interrupted.

Huh! Can't you kitties play nice?! The Chinese blader shutting them down. You must be grumpy because you're hungry. Why don't you try these boys, here, Mei-Mei said as she shoved dumplings into Benkei's and Yu's mouths.

That's delicious/Yummy! Both clearly want more. They sell these at a stall in the grand restaurant plaza. If you like them, you should all come by again, Mei-Mei suggested.

Yeah, yeah, you've come to spy on us again haven't you? Masamune clearly is not fond of the Chinese's company.

To truly know your opponent, you must climb in his skin and crawl around for a while, Chiyun responded with a saying Masamune didn't understand.

Learning about the strong bladers in other countries is important. It is the key to victory, Chiyun explained. He means that watching other bladers battle is part of training too, Mei-Mei winked.

Watching other bladers is important but man! I've already done enough watching, I want a chance to battle too, Gingka showing his disappointment.

Then why not battle me? Someone said,

You… Masamune glared at the blader who destroyed his precious partner.

AKUMA!? Everyone else except for Mei-Mei and Chiyun reacted with shock as they didn't expect the second member of Team Japan to be sitting next to them.

Akuma waved with his free hand before he returned to snacking his bag of chips and sat next to the champion.

You wanna battle me?! Hell yeah, bring it on Akuma! Gingka quickly changed mood as he was already thinking about what their battle was going to be like.

Cool.. Let's make it an exhibition match before we leave for the tournament, Akuma suggested but his voice didn't share the same excitement. Isn't your dad the director or something? Wanna tell him?

Of course, let's do it right now. I'm going to battle, I'm going to battle- Gingka sang when Masamune suddenly interrupted their conversation.

HOLD ON A MINUTE! Why does he get to battle you Gingka? Not before I get my revenge and prove to you Akuma, it was just pure luck that you won! Masamune showed his frustration as he yelled at the dragonic blader.

Oh… It's you… Didn't notice you there, Akuma replied not even looking at him and causing some to snicker. Well even if you wanted a rematch, you can't or have your bey magically been repaired? Akuma asked to which Masamune had no reply as he clenched his fists.

Besides, there won't be a battle for the sub member either way. Whoever loses today will become the sub, Akuma said.

Huh? Everyone looked at the dragon blader, not knowing what he meant. Unless Masamume repairs his beyblade in time, why hold a match? The tournament starts in a few days and it's not like the WBBA can afford to wait. Besides, it gives Gingka and I the perfect opportunity to battle. I'm sure the audience would love to see their champion battle before we leave, Akuma explained while finishing his bag of chips and telling Gingka to come with.

Madoka, please tell me, will Striker be ready in time?! Masamune immediately felt pressure as he didn't want to miss out on the BWCS.

I'm sorry, Masamune, the damage Striker received was critical and I need at least a few more days, Madoka telling him exactly the truth.

NO, NO, NO! It can't be. I'm the number one blader in the world! I have to compete, please Madoka, isn't there any tiny bit of a chance Striker can battle tomorrow, Masamune shaking Madoka before she told him to knock it off.

Meanwhile Chiyun looked at Akuma as he and Gingka walked up the stairs to talk with Gingka's father and Hikaru. Chiyun? Mei-Mei asked. We need to be careful with that guy, Chiyun demanded. Mei-Mei knew that look, he would only show it for bladers he knew demanded respect, thus she nodded.

All righty, let's get this party started, shall we? DJ hyping up the crowd. First up we have a veteran blader, THE KING OF BEAST HIMSELF, THE ONE AND ONLY KYOUYA!

And next slashing through the opposition with sharpened talents. THE STEEL EAGLE THAT RULES THE SKY, TSUBASA!

The crowd cheered as both competitors entered the stadium looking intense and focused which the gang noticed.

Meanwhile Gingka and Akuma stepped into the booth. Gingka and Akuma, what are you two doing here? Ryūsei asked. Hikaru on the other hand looked at Akuma with caution.

Dad, we want an exhibition match after Tsubasa and Kyouya finish their battle! Gingka requested. You want what? And why? Hikaru asked. Here we go again… Akuma rolled his eyes as he explained it all over again.

Few minutes later

That's why we want to battle. Akuma and I get to battle and show the world what we're made of, Gingka said.

What do you think, director? Hikaru asked. Hm… I'll- before Ryūsei could finish his sentence, they were interrupted by a shockwave and looked out the window to see Tsubasa and Kyouya going all out.

Eagle counterstance! Tsubasa commanded as the purple beyblade rushed towards the Lion Gale Force Wall with great speed.

Wow, he's using one special move after another! Kenta noticed as Yu started explaining the reason behind the attacks. In order to use the Lion Gale Force Wall, Kyouya has to stop attacking briefly. Tsubasa was waiting for that.

Cut through, Eagle! As Tsubasa imagined the wall of wind being one of the waves they cut through during their training. Leone's vortex broke down as the wind traveled in all directions, making the crowd do their best to not fly off their seats.

But to Tsubasa's shock, Leone stopped Eagle dead in its tracks as both beys clashed, causing sparks. Hehe, you've shown me a pretty good time I gotta say, Kyouya said, showing no sign of losing.

Ugh, I didn't use enough power, Tsubasa cursed himself for not finishing it. But I'm done playing with you now! As Kyouya roared, Leone easily pushed Eagle back, destroying a piece of the stadium as it crashed.

Any blader in front of me will be crushed no matter what! Leone continued to easily repel Eagle's attack and pushed it back, creating several cracks til Tsubasa ordered his bey to dodge. But that didn't stop Leone as it continued to rip through the stadium like cutting through paper with a scissor.

Leaping lamers! Leon attacks like a mad thing but Eagle dodges it. He better fly like the wind though cause Leon's wild rampage is destroying the stadium! DJ commented.

All right, Leone! Here we go, hit him hard, Lion 100 Fang Fury! Kyouya showed his quick thinking as Leone used its wind powers to throw pieces of the stadium concrete at Eagle like bullets.

Typical Kyouya, using every advantage he can get, Gingka commented. Go, go, go Kyouya! Benkei cheered.

As if you could hit me! Fly now, fly through it Eagle! Eagle dodged the incoming attack with grace as it glided through the stadium as if it were an ice skater.

Their exchange of special moves when they're evenly matched, Mei-Mei said. Even huh? I don't know. Tsubasa's way of fighting is too clean, Chiyun disagreed with his team member's analysis.

I don't have time to stand still. I'll win, I will win and soar into the world, go Eagle, Tsubasa not realizing it was a trap. Bad move, Kyouya said as Leone cracked the surface in front of Eagle, sending the hawk beast into its hurricane.

Do it! King Lion Tearing Blast! Kyouya used another one of his special moves as the hurricane intensified, making the audience almost float into the sky.

See that! That is Leone's power. I told you; I don't care about my opponent. I never stop chasing down and crushing the enemy I find before me. That's the pride of the king of the BEAST! Kyouya not mincing on his words.

All right, He's won it! Benkei shouted as he and many in the stands believed the match was over. That's it. Chiyun said not even looking at the match.

Huh, What's it? Mei-Mei said as she looked at her blue-haired teammate with curiosity. If their strength is equal, then in the end it comes down to who has the greater desire to win. As long as he fights cleanly, he has no way to win. Chiyun explained as he began leaving.

You're not watching till the end? The battle has already been decided, Chiyun said, seeing no reason to stay any longer as they gathered enough data.

Come on, Tsubasa. Don't give up now! Gingka shouted from the booth. He's lost, Akuma disagreed.

My Eagle… Tsubasa could only watch on as Eagle was getting tossed around in the hurricane. And just like that I lose. Lose? Lose! Tsubasa got a flashback to his loss against Ryuga in the Battle Bladers.

He could feel his heartbeat pumping faster and faster and losing himself to the darkness. Looose!? No! NO! I will win, win, win, win and… Tsubasa thought as a dark aura surrounded his body.

Tsubasa's Eagle seems to have no answer for Leone's awesome tornadoes. This is unbelievable. IS THIS BATTLE OVER ALREADY?! DJ questioned.

That's right, it's over, finish it Leone, Kyouya demanded his beast to get the battle over with. Count me out? Tsubasa whispered in a dark tone. What?! Kyouya was not expecting Tsubasa's response.

DON'T COUNT ME OUT! Tsubasa war cried out as the dark aura started to grow bigger and thus reflecting Eagle as a purple aura shaped like a sphere surrounded Eagle and exploded; stopping the King Lion Tearing Blast completely.

I WILL NOT LOSE! Tsubasa screamed like he was obsessed while Eagle dived with an unknown force of power.

What was that? Kyouya wondered where Tsubasa got the power from. I'll win, win, win, win Eagle! Tsubasa repeatedly with an unhealthy obsession as Eagle pushed Leone down into the stadium, destroying it even more.

Tsubasa, what's happening to you? This is the first time I've seen him like this, Tsubasa… Gingka, Kenta and Yu said as they were in disbelief over their friend's/rival's fighting style.

But what an awesome spirit he's got. This Tsubasa guy's totally unbelievable, Masamune completely forgot he won't compete for the sub spot and was mesmerized by the battle.

I don't… wanna… hear that right now, Benkei started to consider his best friend could actually lose.

But one person wasn't enjoying the fight as Hikaru started to shake in fear as her PTSD started to kick in. Flashes of L-Drago rushing towards her, it was scary. But neither Ryūsei or Gingka noticed as they were caught up in the battle.

Suddenly she snapped out of it as she felt someone touching her shoulder. To her surprise it was Akuma out of all people and he looked at her with concern. Hikaru blinked a few times as she processed the situation.

I'm okay, thanks, Hikaru ensured as she shrugged off his hand and turned around. Akuma went back to his usual indifferent mood face. Hikaru looked at her left hand, and wondered what just happened. Until now no one managed to calm down her trauma so quickly and the guy who reminded her of Ryuga no less.

No more fooling around. I won't be beaten by the likes of you! Leone! Eagle! Both beys were in a stalemate as neither refused to give the other an edge.

This is amazing! This is more than just a competition of skill and power. It's about which blader really wants it more! DJ amazed by the competitiveness from both bladers.

Oohh… Not good. If this full power battle continues then the beys won't be able to take it. If this goes on both beys are gonna break apart! Madoka said as the data was showing both beys were reaching their limits.

Give it up already, will ya! Kyouya's drive to not lose reflected as Leone started to glow green; making the defense type fly and pushing back Eagle. Suddenly Tsubasa sensed his bey was beginning to crack while at the same time his guardian Eagle cried out in the sky snapping Tsubasa out of his trance.

Kyouya roared as the green glow caused a massive blast, blinding everyone in the arena. As the flash disappeared, both beys were nowhere to be seen. Both bladers looked up to see their beys crashing down, causing a huge blast of smoke As it faded out, Leone was the last one spinning.

Done and done. The winner of this fierce wicked battle is the KING OF THE BEASTS, KYOUYA! DJ announced as the crowd cheered on.

I lost this… again? Tsubasa talked to himself as he looked to his hands wondering what made him lose control over himself.

Now we know Kyouya will be on Team Japan, Madoka said as it just hit Benkei. That's right, HAHAHA! Kyouya buddy. Now that Kyouya is on the Japanese team; that world championship is good as won.

There it is. I'm going to the BWCS with Kyouya! Gingka couldn't hold in his excitement as he immediately rushed down to congratulate his team member.

Kyouya, you did it. Congratulations. With you along we'll clean up at the BWCS, Gingka showered Kyouya with praise.

Hm! Kyouya scoffed.

If we work together I bet we can beat anyone. Right Kyouya? Gingka asked.

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 said as he was about to leave when DJ interrupted.

Hold on a minute folks! I've just received some exciting news directly from our director. The planned battle for the sub member of Team Japan will instead be an exhibition match between the one and only Battle Bladers champion Gingka vs. his new teammate that destroyed the competition, Akuma! This is after Masamune will not have his bey ready in time for the battle.

Masamune felt an arrow shot through his heart as he was reminded of the awful news. Whyyyy?!

The crowd cheered as they couldn't wait for two titans to go head to head for all of Japan to see. Who is going to win, you think? Gingka duh, he's the champion, NO WAY he loses tomorrow, a random person in the crowd asked his friend. I dunno, that Akuma seems really strong.

Hm, that's interesting. DON'T YOU DARE TO LOSE ANYBODY ELSE BEFORE WE BATTLE GINGKA! Kyouya pointed his finger towards his eternal rival.

Gingka decided to forget his rival's decision for the moment. Don't you worry, I'm not losing to anyone, anytime soon.

Meanwhile up in one of the stands, the Chinese Team who didn't have any plans to stay any longer changed their minds as this could be a VERY valuable experience.