Terms/Abbreviations:

GanGan Galaxy - GGG

Wang Hu Zhang - WHZ

Desert Blaze - DBZ

Excalibur - EU/Excalibur

Beyblade World Championships - BWCS

Chapter 19: Masamune vs Nile

As the clock turns 7:00 am, the alarm clock beeps. Struggling to find the off button, Masamune eventually manages to turn it off and rises up from his bed.

Opening the curtains, the bright sunny light lights up his room as Masamune looks over Bey City, excited as the day has finally arrived.

Today's the day, I'll show everyone who's the number one blader! Masamune shouts, waking up the neighbors.

Masamune looks at the clock and realizes he needs to hurry up.

Oh shit, gotta get ready! Masamune says as he starts his morning routine.

Starting with a quick workout session consisting of push ups, sit ups and burpees. After the workout Masamune grabbed a bowl of cereal and a glass of juice then brushed his teeths and put on his usual clothes and headed for the venue.

On the way, he passes by the usual hangouts like the BeyPark, the river and his goto restaurants but today he was only focused on the upcoming battle.

"Watch out Nile because I'll be the first one to beat you and the whole world will truly know who's the best." Masamune thinks before Akuma briefly pops up in his thoughts.

"I'll prove you wrong too." Masamune stops briefly and looks up towards the sun. "Just you wait, because after today, I'll be the commander and the ace of GanGan Galaxy!"

Soon he arrived at the arena, entering from the back to avoid getting ambushed by the fans, already standing in line for the event. Masamune was the first one to arrive after Hikaru who'd been at the venue since the early morning.

Soon after, the other members arrived too but unlike Masamune, they looked either serious or worried.

Are you guys still hung up from yesterday? Seriously let it go! Masamune spoke up.

Come on, Masamune, don't you tell me, you're not worried at all?! Madoka questions the unicorn blader's apathetic attitude.

Madoka, there's nothing we can do now. Gingka joins in on the argument.

But Gingka!

The situation is not looking good, I know but we've come this far and we're not about to give up now. We have to trust Masamune and Tsubasa gets the job done and Akuma is coming back to us. Gingka says.

What if one of them loses? What do we do then?! It's not like we have a backup Pegasus or Bahamut lying around and no matter what bey we can make in the little time we have left, they will not stand a chance against Kyouya's Leone or any of Wildfang's beys. Madoka pessimistically expresses.

We have a plan and we stick to it. We can't worry about the what ifs. Tsubasa gives his thoughts on the matter.

Oh right, I almost forgot you'll be fighting against Kyouya, he's going to be SO happy to not battle Gingka, oh god, who am I fooling?! He's going to be fuming! How are we going to explain this?! Madoka continues to vent her stress.

Oh relax, Madoka, if Tsubasa loses, I'll battle in the third round! Masamune confidently says, not knowing the rules.

Masamune, you can't legally battle in the 3rd round. Madoka sweat drops.

This will be so great… Wait what? Masamune thought he misheard.

Once you battle, you can't battle again until everyone else has battled. Madoka reminds her teammate of the rules.

Wait, that means…

Yes, if either one of you lose your match but the battle continues into the third round, it must be either Gingka or Akuma who has to battle and without Pegasus or Bahamut, we have a slim chance of winning. Madoka clarifies.

Why didn't you tell me before! Masamune shouts, starting to panic.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, I DIDN'T TELL YOU BEFORE! YOU SHOULD KNOW THE RULES BY NOW! YOU'RE THE ONE COMPETING, NOT ME! Madoka berates Masamune, having finally snapped.

ENOUGH! Gingka steps in between the two as the mood in the team wasn't great.

The world championship isn't over but if we'll behave like this, our chances of winning might as well be! I get it. I would love nothing more to have Pegasus back and battle against Kyouya… But I'm not complaining, am I? Why? Because we are a team and I trust Masamune and Tsubasa will go through for all of us.

Gingka's right, remember our training, we have come this far and we won't let it end here, we all want the same thing, to become world champions. Tsubasa reminds the team.

Meanwhile Hikaru who had been in front, leading the team to the director's booth, had been quiet all this time, not being in the mood to talk.

We're here, director. Hikaru simply says as the team enters the director's booth.

Ryo was talking to someone on the phone before he hung up to discuss the bad news. Looking serious, the team didn't know whether he was angry at them or not.

I heard what happened yesterday and Hikaru has been filling me in but before I make my decision, I wanna hear your thoughts. Ryo states.

The team recaps yesterday's events.

I see, the thieves are also competing in the tournament and you managed to retrieve Striker and Eagle but Pegasus and Bahamut are still missing, is that correct?

The team nods.

I see. Ryo simply says as he closes his eyes, pondering over what to do.

Dad, we will battle today. Gingka firmly states.

Are you prepared to face the consequences? Ryo asks his son and the team.

The team looks at each other for a moment, knowing it could be well over but believe in each other.

Seeing the look in their eyes, Ryo only needed to know a few more things. Son, are you sure you don't wanna battle Kyouya?

Without Pegasus, it wouldn't feel right and Kyouya knows this too. Tsubasa will take my place. Gingka states, clenching his fists in frustration.

What about the third round? If Akuma doesn't return, if Pegasus and Bahamut are still missing, will you still not allow yourself to battle? Ryo asks.

I… I. Gingka hesitates to answer before Madoka joins in.

Gingka, I know you don't wanna battle without Pegasus but this is the world championships, if it comes down to it, we need you Gingka. Madoka begs.

Gingka wished he had Pegasus right now. Looking at his hand, he wondered what Pegasus would think. Clenching his fists again, Gingka made his decision.

I'm sorry, Pegasus, I'll battle in the third round without Pegasus but if I get Pegasus before the battle with Kyouya- Gingka gets interrupted by his dad.

I understand, Gingka. This is what we'll do, the battle will continue as planned but Tsubasa will battle in the second round against Kyouya but we'll hold back the announcement till the last second in case Pegasus comes back.

Sounds good to me. Tsubasa agreed to the plan.

I have no complaints, as long as I get to battle Nile. Masamune boasts.

Well, I guess I can make a bey in time for the third round but I won't have the time to optimize it for our opponent. Madoka warns.

Why not borrow Kenta or Yu's? Masamune suggests.

Everyone looks at him with a surprised look.

What? Masamune wondered what he did now.

That's… actually a good idea. Madoka admits.

As long as either of the two agrees, there's nothing in the rules that would stop us. Hikaru says.

Now, what about Akuma? I know he disappeared but what exactly happened? Ryo asks.

Everyone looks at Hikaru, who last saw him.

Hikaru sighs before she retells the story of Akuma's disappearance.

Flashback starts

"By the time we arrived at the hospital, Akuma was still unconscious."

"What happened to cause this?" Hikaru asks herself, holding his good hand. "Please come back to us soon; everyone needs you… I need you." Hikaru whispers and withhold that last part from the team.

The nurse enters the room.

"Is he going to be OK?" Hikaru asks.

"Everything will be alright sweetie, your boyfriend will make a swift recovery." The nurse answers.

"I'm not his girlfriend, we're just teammates." Hikaru denies it but she couldn't hide her blushing.

"Oh? I'm sorry for assuming. The way you look at him, I've only seen when you have that special one." The nurse apologies before going over the doctor's initial findings.

"Now, he will make a recovery but once he wakes up, he shouldn't be beyblading under any circumstances for the next couple of days."

"Oh…" Hikaru responds, wishing she had better news.

"You're wondering if he can battle in your upcoming world championship battle? The official answer is no but like with any stubborn patients we've had, we can't stop them from doing what they'll love." The nurse sighs.

"Now if you excuse me, I'll need to do some tests on your teammate." The nurse kindly asked Hikaru to leave the room.

"Oh, sorry." Hikaru apologies.

"It won't be long sweetheart, it will just take a couple of minutes and then you can come back."

"Thank you." Hikaru expresses her thanks as she leaves the room to go to the women's toilets.

"One more thing, you don't happen to know why your teammates have these scars do you?" The nurse asks.

"No, he doesn't like to talk about himself, why?" Hikaru asks, curious and scared of what the nurse shall say.

"Your friend, he's lucky to be alive." The nurse simply says.

"Akuma, what happened to you in the past?" Hikaru wonders.

Hikaru visits the women's toilet, turns on the tap and splashes her face with lukewarm water, cleaning her face.

"Get it together, Hikaru." Hikaru says to herself as she looks at herself in the mirror. Ever since Akuma injured himself, she'd been more worried than expected.

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

The words of the mechanic echo in Hikaru's mind.

"Akuma…" Mentioning his name, she feels her heart skip a beat.

She looks back at their journey together.

"When I first saw you battle, I was so afraid of you. The battle between you and Masamune, I was so scared; the dark power radiating from you, I thought you were consumed by the darkness just like him…"

"And then when we became teammates, I didn't know what to think of you. The crazy persona whenever you battled, destroying beys like it was normal to suddenly become passive and lax."

"China, where do I even begin? When you showed me the lack of care for the team, I wanted to kick you out of the team. Then we argued and I was so sure we wouldn't get along at all… and I dreaded every single day we had to spend together. You still haven't apologized for what you did at the hotel." Hikaru couldn't help but smile, looking back at them arguing.

"From there, we kept growing closer with you always finding a way to calm me down and whenever we had a day off, we somehow always found a moment for ourselves but it wasn't until Greece when I finally got to know you."

"I don't want our journey to end, you may be mysterious, indifferent, blunt but you've changed, watching you open up to the team, not changing into your crazy persona or destroying beyblades." Hikaru reflects.

Holding her hand over her own heart again, she felt a warm and fuzzy feeling that made her giddy.

"I'll guess, I can't deny it anymore… I love you Akuma." Hikaru admits to herself.

On the way back to Akuma's room, Hikaru decided to buy a water bottle from the nearby vending machine and while drinking the water, she felt rehydrated as she felt the stress leave her body.

As she closes in on the room, she notices the door is opened.

"Did the nurse forget to close the door?" Hikaru wonders.

As she walks in, she gasps as the bed is empty and messy.

"No, no, no, no, no!"

Flashback ends

That's when I called the director and Madoka, the hospital cameras showed him leaving the building in a rush but we don't know where he is.

We'll let the police handle that and hope they find him in time for the third round, we'll need everyone to have the best chance at winning this. Ryo says.

What about the thieves that stole our beys, dad? Gingka asks.

Kenta and Yu mentioned how they looked South American, right? Ryo asks for clarification.

The team nods.

So we can assume for now at least, whoever they are, they must be one of the South American teams, participating in the tournament. Hikaru says.

I swear when we find those bastards, they will pay for what they did! Masamune vows as he slams his fists.

Let the WBBA handle the matter, you need to focus on winning the third round against Wildfang, the match will begin soon so I'll suggest you make any last preparations now.

You're not coming, Hikaru? Gingka asks.

No, I'm watching the match with the director today but don't worry, I will be cheering you on as usual. Hikaru answers.

Got it. Gingka replies as the rest of the GGG members head down for the locker room. Madoka glances over to the secretary briefly, having noticed the sadness in her eyes before she follows the guys.

The team prepared any last minute strategy while the arena was quickly getting filled to its capacity as they eagerly awaited to see who was going to advance into the A Block Final.

It's finally time, Hikaru. Ryo said as both looked over the sold out arena, filled with fans cheering for the home team.

Both teams have grown even stronger through the world championship so there's no way of guessing who is going to win this thing. Ryo continues before he quickly notices his secretary's lack of enthusiasm as she stares out the window, deep in thought.

Earth to Hikaru? Ryo calls out.

Huh, wha? Sorry what did you say, director? Hikaru snaps out of her thoughts as she asks her boss.

Something wrong, Hikaru? Ryo asks back.

Sorry sir, I'm just tired. Hikaru lied.

Ryo could sense something wasn't right but decided to not push her for an answer and dropped it.

Give it your best shot, GanGan Galaxy. Ryo says, feeling proud of what his son and the team have done to get this far.

"Please come back to us soon, Akuma." Hikaru thought as down below both teams entered the stadium floor.

Welcome everyone to the official WBBA Beyblade World Championship. The best in the world plays here, the third round of the A Block. It begins now! The Japanese DJ hypes up the crowd as everyone awaits the two teams.

As if you didn't know, the much anticipated first battle will be between Masamune and Nile! DJ announces as both bladers walk towards the stadium.

Nile and Kyouya give each other the usual fistbump while Gingka and the gang cheers on Masamune.

You're the man out there, Masamune! Gingka cheers on his fellow teammate.

You can do it, Masamune! Kenta and Yu shouts from the stands.

You sure, you OK, Kenchie? Yu asks.

I'm getting there, I just wished I could've stopped them then and there and now the team is in big trouble. Kenta mutters, still blaming himself.

Kenchie…

It's alright, Yu, right now we gotta cheer as loud as we can! Kenta shrugs off his depressed thoughts as both drop the topic and goes back to cheering on their friends.

As Masamune steps onto his side of the stadium, he looks around, taking in the cheers, blushing even.

You gotta love a home game; hearing the fans cheer for me just rocks. Masamune says to himself before getting annoyed by the DJ.

OK, time to find out if this guy can win the opening match and pass the baton to Gingka and Akuma. Everyone here is expecting a lot from Masamune! DJ comments, still not believing Masamune could back up his bravado.

HEY! What do you mean, opening match?! I'm not just some added bonus included with Gingka and Akuma! Masamune quickly loses his cool as he is tired of being compared to the team's aces.

Try to focus, Masamune!

Take a deep breath! Tsubasa and Madoka trying to calm the hotheaded blader down.

Don't hold back on me, OK pal?! If I win too easily, no one will get excited about it! Masamune casually says to his opponent, believing the battle was already won.

Nile sighs.

What's wrong, cat got your tongue? Masamune mocks.

Seriously, why do I have to battle a guy like you? Nile complains.

Don't underestimate me pal! I'll beat you and show everyone, I'm the best in the world! Masamune claims.

I was looking forward to testing my Horuseus against your best blader but I guess I'll have to settle for the leftovers. Nile disses Masamune.

That's it! Now I'll show you what I'm made of, Nile! Masamune hits back.

Sounds to me like they are ready! So let's begin! DJ starts the countdown as Masamune rushes to get Striker ready for launch.

3,2,1, LET IT RIP!

Neither blader wastes time as Horuseus and Striker clash head on in the center of the stadium, creating sparks.

AND they're off! The first contact was a head-on collision, unbelievable! DJ comments.

Go, go Striker! Masamune shouts as Striker charges after Horuseus, pushing the Egyptian falcon god back but Nile looks on without worrying.

Taking the opportunity, Madoka begins scanning and analyzing Nile's bey.

Nile's bey is a Vulcan Horuseus 145D! The energy ring and the fusion wheel are both very unique… Mysterious even!

Smack city! Vulcan Horuseus counterattacks and Striker is pushed further and further back! DJ comments with excitement.

He's gotta pay close attention to that fusion wheel with its large wing motif! The wider area makes the power behind each hit different. Madoka explains and warns Masamune.

I'll keep this up until you get a stadium out. Nile confidently boasts as Horuseus pushes Striker towards the edge of the stadium.

However, Masamune wasn't about to give up that easily. I don't think so! The real battle is just getting started! Go for it now Striker!

Holy turntable! This time Striker delivers a powerful counterattack! Will Horuseus be the one to lose with a stadium out? DJ asking what everyone in the arena thinks.

As Horuseus is about to be pushed over the edge, Nile smiles as his bey casually free itself from Striker's attack.

Horuseus holds its ground at the very edge of the stadium! DJ comments.

Both teams look on, feeling the intensity from the ongoing battle.

Keep it up Masamune!

Take your time, your moment will come!

Nile, buddy! This is yours to win!

He seems to be enjoying himself today. Gingka, Tsubasa, Benkei and Demure cheered on their respective teammates.

Madoka, using the data she gathered so far on Horuseus, explains how it managed to escape to the rest of the team. It escaped the stadium out thanks to its defense performance tip.

How do you like my Striker now?! Masamune boasts.

Nile scoffs at his opponent's question. Ha! It does seem to have "some" power.

Come again! What do you mean, some? Masamune, baffled at Nile's response, yells for an explanation.

It's just that… At that level it cannot win against my Vulcan Horuseus; the king of the sky that can see everything! Also known as the birdman with the head of a falcon from Egyptian myth, HORUS!

Egyptian smyptian! Masamune mockingly rhymes, not giving a shit about the history lesson.

Now you shall feel the power of the great desert! Nile exclaims.

Bring it on, sandman! Come at me any way you like! Masamune accepts Nile's challenge.

Take it easy, Masamune!

Can you not take the bait so fast just once! Gingka and Madoka begs Masamune to rethink his strategy.

Don't bug me! If my opponent makes me use 100% then I'll go even higher and defeat him with 120%. That's how the number one blader fights his battles!

Nile snickers at Masamune's bravado. Ha! You're only number one at shooting your mouth off! Spread your wings, Horuseus!

Suddenly, Horuseus starts firing bullet-like projectiles towards Striker who quickly has to move quickly to dodge the deadly attacks.

Oh?! What are we witnessing here folks?! DJ gasps at Horuseus' special attack.

It's wind! I can't believe it! The wings on its fusion wheel are firing air like a blast from a vulcan cannon! GanGan Galaxy couldn't believe what they were hearing.

It's in its name after all. Nile states.

That's more like it! That's the stuff that'll get everyone talking! But something like that won't affect my Striker! Masamune, on the other hand, looks eager to see what else Nile and Horuseus have in their locker.

Striker, using its performance tip to its fullest, dodges each airstrike gracefully like an ice skater.

How does he do that?!

How's he able to dodge those blasts?! Benkei and Demure, both shocked and in awe of Striker's performance.

Atta boy, Masamune!

Not bad Masamoo-moo! Kenta and Yu cheers from the stands.

That's it! Dodge and charge right through! Gingka encourages.

Demure, being attentive, figures out how Striker is gracefully dodging Horuseus' attacks. Because it has both amazing mobility and great stamina, Striker's CS performance tip is able to perform such a feat.

You're better than I thought! Nile genuinely compliments his opponent.

Naturally! I'm the world's strongest blader after all! Did I forget to mention it earlier?! Masamune brags.

Whatever! Horuseus is not yet using its full strength. Nile reveals.

Say what?! Masamune couldn't believe what he just heard.

The eye of Horus, the king of the sky, remains closed. Nile casually announces.

Stop babbling like a monkey already, will ya!? If that's the king of the sky! Then my Striker is a mythological beast, THE unicorn. I'll send you flying with the king of all horns! Masamune states.

I wouldn't count on it, Horuseus! Nile commands.

Horuseus starts glowing brightly as it sends out a force of power.

The energy ring is sending power outwards to the fusion wheel! Madoka explains.

Is that centrifugal force? Tsubasa asks.

Yes, while Horuseus is a defense type; because of the centrifugal force created by the energy ring, it also possesses tremendous attack power! Madoka continues her explanation.

Vulcan Horuseus possesses the faces of both attack and defense. Just as the king Horus possesses an eye of both sun and the moon! Nile proudly claims.

Masamune wasn't buying any of it. Sorry but my Striker isn't impressed by royalty. Striker, go now!

Nile opens his eyes as he allows Horuseus to use its full power. Glowing brightly, it easily deflects Striker's attack as the unicorn bey gets sent flying amidst the big smoke explosion.

Bouncing ball frogs! Horuseus blew Striker away with sheer power! DJ comments as the TV screens show Masamune's shocked expression.

Its attack has become remarkably stronger than before. Tsubasa remarks.

Stand your ground, Masamune! Gingka tries to keep Masamune's confidence up.

Do you have the power to rise above this, Masamune? Nile asks his opponent. If you're going to call yourself number one, try to hit me back! Nile demands.

You call that nonsense power? That was a draft from an open door! I'll show you real power! Striker! Show him now! Masamune orders.

Striker charges head on, trying to weaken Horuseus but its increased power is too much as the unicorn is sent back flying once again.

That's not all!

One more time!

Again!

Striker repeats the same attack pattern but no matter what, the result ends up the same, discouraging Masamune who can only watch in disbelief.

It's only natural. Before the king of the sky, Horus, there is no way moves like yours would work! Now do you feel ridiculous calling yourself number one? No wonder you are the sub! Nile mockingly makes Masamune eat up his words.

Masamune, panicking, vents out his frustrations as the match turns one-sided as Horuseues begins its counterattack.

I cannot believe Striker is over matched here. Kenta comments as he watches on in disbelief like the rest of the audience.

Looking good Nile, baby! Benkei cheers his teammate on as he once again puts Demure in a headlock.

I've never seen Masamoo-moo act like this. Yu comments as it was becoming hard to watch.

It's a shock to see Striker push so far into a corner. Tsubasa adds.

Hang in there, Masamune! Gingka shouts.

This is not good. Madoka says while panicking about the outcome.

Feeling helpless, Masamune collapses to his knees, punching the floor as he watches Striker getting beaten up.

NO! Striker, come on! What should I do?! What should I do?!

DON"T GIVE UP!

Huh?

What happened to the epic battle you were going to have? Weren't you going to have a more amazing battle than me so you could stand out?

Gingka…

The number one blader doesn't give up! That's not how he rolls! Gingka points his finger to the sky as he reminds Masamune of his own words.

Number one, he's right… Number one! I have to be number one just like I said! Masamune, revitalized by Gingka's words, finds his drive to continue the match.

Masamune takes a deep breath before he shouts for everyone to hear. I'LL SHOW YOU GUYS THE MOST DRAMATIC TURNAROUND EVER!

YEAH! His teammates cheers him on.

GO STRIKER, RUN, LEAP, KICK HIM INTO THE AIR!

It's no use. Nile saw through it all as he knew the battle was over.

YEAH! PUT ALL OF YOUR POWER INTO ONE POINT AND BREAK THROUGH THAT WALL! SPECIAL MOVE: LIGHTNING SWORD FLASH!

YOU GO MASAMUNE! Kenta shouts out loud as he can.

You get some props for forcing me to use my full power; however, that moment of joy will be your last! Special move: Mystic Zone! Nile briefly compliments his opponent before getting all serious.

As both special moves collide, it creates such a force, everyone in the arena has to cover their eyes and stand their ground so as to not get blown away.

Hang on Stri- Was all Masamune could say as Striker's horn broke, deciding the match.

After a quick and loud explosion, Masamune turns around to see his partner on the ground, completely stopped spinning.

It's all over! Striker, stadium out! DJ announces the result as everyone in the arena gasps.

The winner is Nile! The first match is taken by…. TEAM WILDFANG!

I lost? Striker's special move was broken… Who's number one after losing like that, how can I be the strongest blader? I wanted to be the best and now I… Dammit! Masamune beats himself, eating up his own words in front of a sold out arena.

Gingka and the team rush to Masamune's side.

Now you understand? In the world championships, everyone is aiming for the top! Putting all of their heart and soul into it! Those who call themselves number one before it's decided are doomed to fail from the start! Nile makes sure Masamune learns his lesson.

What are we going to do now?! Madoka says as the odds are against them.

The stage has been perfectly set, wouldn't you say so, Kyouya? Benkei asks his leader.

Kyouya doesn't say anything; simply stares intensely at Gingka who stares back in anger and frustration knowing they wouldn't get to battle.

"It's up to you now, Tsubasa." Gingka thought.

Meanwhile earlier in the day

There you are, Bahamut. Akuma says as he caught up to thieves who stole his bey.