And here is the tenth chapter Folks!! And please leave reviews and suggestions. It motivates me to write chapters faster.
So hope you all like it!!
The Battle began as both Beys slammed into the Stadium.
"Go Pegasus!" Gingka cheered as his Bey hit Zurafa . "All right! Hit him with a string of attacks!"
Pegasus hits its opponent with a barrage of attacks, however to Ash it didn't look like it accomplished much.
"Looking good Gingka!" Yu cheered.
"Keep it up now!" Madoka joined in.
"Heads up Dashian!" Pegasus pushed Zurafa to the edge of the field and charged to it. "You won't escape!"
"Keep pushing it until it is a Stadium Out Gingka!" Yu exclaimed.
Dashan smirked and did a high kick. "Quillan Ascention!" Zurafa escaped Pegasus and went up in the sky. "Now Rock Zarafa! Strong Arm Flash!" Zarafa dived down and hit Pegasus sending it flying.
"What! No way! Not yet!" Gingka shouted.
"Yo Gingka!" Tsubasa exclaimed "Keep your eyes open!"
Ash stared at the Bey battle, his gaze serious.
"Looks like I was right. Dashan is only doing this battle to learn about Pegasus's powers" Ash thought. Dashan had the perfect opportunity to win by Stadium outing Pegasus with the Strong Arm Flash. But he didn't.
"He is drawing out this Battle" Ash thought with a growl. He knows that Dashan as a Martial Artist would have lots of patience to draw out this Battle and bait Gingka, who didn't have the same patience, into revealing his powers.
"Counterattack now Pegasus!" Gingka shouted as Pegasus once again sent a barrage of attacks at Zurafa. "That's all? With attacks like that, you will never defeat Pegasus!"
"Well now." Yu said crossing his arms "The leader of Wang Hu Zhong isn't anything to worry about after all."
"Are you touched in the head, Tendo?" Ash looked at the small boy "Dashan had only shown a bit of his power. Don't count him out yet"
The others looked at him surprised as Tsubasa asked "You think he is holding back?"
"Oh he is alright" Ash nodded "And I have a pretty good idea why"
The others were concerned as they continued watching the ongoing Battle as Zurafa tanked all of Pegasus's attacks.
"Pegasus has been attacking since the beginning of the battle, but Dashan's Bey doesn't look like it's slowed at all." Masamune observed in concern, clenching his fists.
"Looks like the Leader is finally showing his fangs and what he can do" Ash muttered.
"I don't get it!" Tsubasa exclaimed."What's going on here?"
"Does this mean Pegasus's attacks aren't doing any damage at all?" Yu looked shocked and embarrassed at his earlier words of Dashan being weak.
"Rock Zurafa definitely looks like a Defense type Bey, but there's no way it can take so many attacks without getting damaged." Madoka quickly took out her laptop to observe. A cry of shock escaped her lips when she saw the data.
"What's this?" The others looked at her. "The wings on its Spin Track is made of rubber! That's how it's taking in the damage from Pegasus's attacks!"
"So that's what's happening!" Tsubasa eyes widened.
"It's like Ghidorah" Ash muttered "It can take damage because of the rubber around it. But Pegasus can't!"
"Pegasus!" Gingka shouted in worry.
"Rock Zurafa! Strong Arm Barrage!" The attacks continued sending Pegasus flying again.
"Get out of there Gingka!" Madoka shouted as Dashan smirked
"What's the problem Gingka?" Dashan taunted "It's funny. I thought you had a lot more power in you than this."
"And you were right!" Gingka shouted back, his frustration melting the cautiousness of Ash's advice "This battle is just getting started!"
"If that's the case, let's see what you've got. Don't hold back, on my account." Dashan offered.
"Well since you asked, Pegasus!" Zarafa is still giving barrage attacks on Pegasus.
Ash looked at Masamune and tapped his shoulder. The boy turned to look at Ash confused.
"What's up?" The boy asked. Ash just leaned down and whispered on his ears causing his eyes to widen.
"What?!" Masamune looked stunned.
"Yes" Ash nodded, his gaze serious "So be prepared to do that".
"Leave it to me!" Masamune looked determined as he nodded.
Meanwhile the rest of them were still focused on the Battle which continued with both Beys attacking each other.
"Come on!" Dashan taunted again. "You're not gonna disappoint me, are you Gingka?"
"Well then I will show you!!" Gingka shouted as Pegasus began to spun around the stadium, bluish energy erupting from its body.
"Here it comes Kadoya!" Ash whispered to Masamune who slowly took out his Bey and connected it with his launcher.
"I am ready" Masamune whispered back.
"Go go! Special Move!" Gingka shouted as Pegasus spun around while glowing blue. It then shot out from the Stadium and into the air "Star Booster Attack!!"
Pegasus glowed blue like an artificial star during daylight before it began their pummel into the ground like a blazing meteor.
"Yes!" Yu exclaimed pumping his fist in the air.
"Go for it!" Madoka shouted with a smile, reassured of her friend's Victory.
They were so engrossed they didn't even see the smirks on Chiyun and Mei-Mei's face, nor the glint of victory on Dashan's face.
But Ash as well as Masamune saw that.
"Rock Zurafa! Storm Surge!" Dashan shouted as his Bey glowed in yellow fire.
"Now" Ash signaled as Masamune launched his Bey.
"Let it Rip!!" Masamune shouted as Striker blazed towards the colliding Bey.
"What now!" Gingka exclaimed as Dashan frowned in displeasure.
"Go now! Go Striker!" Masamune shouted, pointing at the Stadium "Lighting Sword Flash!"
Striker picked up speed and coated in electricity as it slammed into Pegasus and Zurafa before they could collide, causing a huge explosion and a pillar of light was sent into the sky. The light however quickly died down to reveal the three Beys still spinning.
"What! What do you think you're doing!" Gingka yelled at Masamune, his face etched into a frown.
"Did that idiot forget all my advice?!" Ash thought displeased.
"Chill out." Masamune grinned casually "I just wanted to battle too."
"But it doesn't work that way!" Gingka shouted in displeasure "You can't just barge into a battle!!"
"Well why don't you ask Dashan if he minds or not?" Ash interrupted Gingka as he sent a smirk towards Dashan's direction causing the Chinese Team Leader's eyes to widen in shock.
"So it was him who planned that!" Dashan thought with a frown. He had seen Ash whispering to Masamune but he hadn't paid any mind to it "This guy is dangerous"
"You don't mind, do you Dashan?" Masamune's words broke Dashan out of his thoughts.
"Interesting." Dashan said smiling softly, his eyes glinting with respect as he recalled Zurafa back "You really are an interesting bunch. Now I'm very much looking forward to the first round."
While Dashan was a bit frustrated that his plan failed he also couldn't help but feel the respect he felt towards Ash, who sniffed out his plan.
"Let's go Chiyun" Dashan said as he and his short friend walked away.
"Now that was entertaining" Mei-Mei smiled as he winked at Ash "Do visit again". With that she skipped after her friends, leaving Gan-Gan Galaxy alone.
"Eh what just happened?" Yu scratched his head not understanding what the hell just took place.
A few minutes later, the group found themselves walking down the Mountainous path, with the Sun setting in the distance.
"Are you completely out of your mind!" Masamune shouted.
"Gingka I warned you not to use your strongest move" Ash scolded him gently.
Gingka only looked down in shame.
"I...I am sorry" Gingka closed his eyes in shame "I nearly blew it. I got too excited because I haven't battled for so long."
The others were shocked too at these revelations.
"So we went to do some snooping on the enemy, but we were the ones whose secrets are almost spilled." Tsubasa's eyes were wide, as he cursed himself for missing the detail.
"Still...if Ash hadn't figured it out then..." Madoka trailed off.
"Well good thing it didn't happen" Yu nodded "They still don't know how powerful Star Booster Attack is"
"What's done is done" Ash sighed as he looked at Gingka "Though next time please listen to your friends when they advise you"
"I will Ash" Gingka nodded before he glared at the Temple "I can't believe they would do that!!"
"Well can we blame them" Ash cracked a smile "We tried to do the same. It would be hypocritical of us to question their motives when we were snooping for information ourselves"
"Ash is right" Tsubasa said "Both them and us were trying to find information about each other. But they just duped us better"
"And I just hope you learned your lesson." Masamune said.
"Good job figuring out what was going on" Yu looked at Ash.
"Well if you're gonna be the new #1 guy, you're gonna have to keep your eyes open." Masamune boasted causing Madoka and Yu sweatdropped.
"As far as I know it was Ash who figured it" Yu grumbled at Masamune's boasting.
Aah just shrugged "Oh well. At least we learn something from this as well" He looked at Gingka "Always be wary of someone wanting to see your abilities"
"And we also know some of Zurafa's abilities." Madoka added "And it's powerful"
"That's no big deal!" Gingka clenched his fists "The stronger the opponent is, the more pumped up we get, right?"
"There he goes again" Tsubasa sighed. It looked like Gingka didn't learn anything.
"Wait for the Tournament" Ash advised "You will get plenty of chances to kick asses there"
"Ohhh man! Why can't it start sooner? Bring it on!" Gingka whined "Because we are gonna hit them with everything we've got!"
The others just sweatdropped at Gingka.
After the fiasco they went back to their Hotel for a night of sleep. However for one member of Gan Gan Galaxy, sleep isn't embracing him.
Ash tossed and turned in his sleep, his brows sweating, his mouth parted as he dreamt.
Ash stated at the scene in horror. He was inside his own body, but he couldn't control it.
"Solar Beam Sceptile!" Not-Ash shouted gleefully, his eyes flashing red as the Wood Gecko Pokemon looked at his trainer in concern.
"Sceppp Tile!!" The Gecko protested as he skook his head in negative.
"Did you not hear me?!!" Not-Ash shouted "I am your owner! You will obey me!!!"
"No stop it! He is our friend, our Teammate, not a slave" Ash shouted desperately. But his words seemed to have no effect, as no one heard it.
"Now do it!!" Not-Ash cackled gleefully "Or it would be your trainer who would be paying the price!!"
This convinced Sceptile, as the Gecko clenched his teeth, so hard that he broke his signature twig in his mouth.
Finally with a resigned look the Pokemon gathered the solar energy on its enormous pine like tail, his mouth glowing as brightly with the power of the Sun itself.
"Now let loose your power!!!!" Not-Ash shouted pointing at the group of Pokemon opposing him.
"No!!" Ash cried with horror as Sceptile let loose the Solar Beam with a burst of power. The Beam of superheated energy, crossed the distance with the speed of light and struck its opponent causing an enormous explosion.
Smoke and dust covered the Battlefield and when it receded, it showed the badly injured figures of his Friend's Pokemon scattered around the Battlefield.
"N...no!" Ash fell on his knees as he looked at the scene with horror.
"Hahahaha!!" Not-Ash cackled with glee, his eyes flashing red "This is the true power of a King!!"
Then he suddenly turned to look at Ash, smiling sadistically "See this Ketchum?! This is our True Power!! Our Power!! If you stopped holding back against the weak pathetic opponent, this would be the result!!"
"Go away!!" Ash hissed.
"Hahahaha!!" Not-Ash laughed again "Unfortunately for you and fortunately for me, I can't. You see, I am part of you. So no matter what you do, I can't go anywhere"
Ash took a deep shuddering breath to calm his heart as he glared at his doppelganger.
"So unless you kill yourself...I can't go anywhere" Not-Ash grinned "Though of course it wouldn't be the first time that you will die, will it?"
Not-Ash then laughed as a fume of pure darkness emerged from his body and surrounded Ash, trying to suffocate him.
Ash clawed at his throat as he tried to breathe, a soundless scream tearing from his vocal chords before everything went blank.
Ash woke up breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his face.
"What is happening with me?" Ash thought "What are those dreams? First on the plane, and now here?"
Shaking his head, he got out of the bed knowing sleep wouldn't be coming soon.
He made his way towards the common room when he noticed the lights were still on. Deciding to check it, he found Madoka sitting on the table examining Gingka's Blade.
He made his way towards her quietly and tapped her shoulder, causing her to jump with a yelp.
With a hand clutched on her chest, she spun around, sighing in relief when she found that it was only Ash.
"What's up?" Ash asked quitely.
"Just doing some last check on Pegasus" Madoka said as she took off her goggles to rub her eyes tiredly "It had a pretty intense Battle today"
Ash smiled softly. She really is so considerate and helpful. Too bad not many of the team realise Madoka's contribution.
"Should I make some coffee?" Ash asked wanting to be helpful "It would ease your tiredness"
Her eyes lit up at his offer, even though she tried to deny it.
"No it's all right, I am..." She was cut off by an involuntary yawn which forced itself off her mouth "...Fine" She finished lamely before yawning again.
Ash just chuckled and ruffled her hair muttering "You are very cute" Before he made his way to the Kitchen to brew up some Coffee, leaving a blushing Madoka behind.
After ten minutes, he returned with two cups of coffee, handing one to Madoka who took it gratefully.
"Thanks" She muttered gratefully as Ash took a seat just next to her.
"No big deal you know" Ash said softly "You are doing so much for the Team. It's the least I could do"
Madoka smiled softly as she took a deep breath of her coffee before taking a sip, sighing with relief.
"That hits the spot" Madoka smiled as she took another sip with Ash sipping his own coffee "You don't have to be here you know. It will be late before my work is done"
"Then I would stay here" Ash shrugged "Besides I ain't sleepy"
"Any problem?" She asked with concern "Should I give some Sleeping Pills?"
"Nah" Ash shook his head "Nothing like that. It's just that I have a lot in mind now"
"I suppose" Madoka hummed as she nursed her cup "With the Tournament coming I am surprised Gingka and Masamune could even sleep with all the excitement"
Ash chuckled. Both Gingka and Masamune really reminded him of his past when he was about to compete in his First Tournaments in Indigo and Johto.
However after Hoenn, the excitement dimmed a bit with only the fires of determination living.
"Though Ash" Madoka asked softly causing him to look at her "We really don't know much about you. Even though it has been a few days since we became a Team"
Ash was silent, his hands clenching a bit.
"Sorry...for prying" Madoka apologized, her smile dropping immediately when she saw the expression on Ash's face.
"Nah it's alright. You guys had a right to know" Ash said "We are a Team. And we shouldn't hide from each other."
Especially a Team which is new. Often hiding secrets can cause friction and loss of effectiveness and cohesion in the Team.
"Do not worry Madoka" Ash said placing a hand on her shoulder "I promise you. When the time comes, you will be the first person I will share about myself"
Madoka looked at Ash, her beautiful blue eyes, as blue as a summer's sky, shining with awe at the amount of trust Ash had on her.
Soon a beautiful smile bloomed on her face. A smile which Ash quickly returned.
"Thanks Ash"
"No thank you Madoka" Ash smiled "Thank you for understanding"
A new day started. Along with new rounds of arguments between them. An argument which was thankfully put to rest with the arrival of an Email straight from the WBBA Headquarters.
It was from Hikaru and Director Ryo himself, who introduced himself as someone called the "Immortal Phoenix", whatever that meant.
Whatever the case was, Ryo wilted a bit when his eyes fell on Ash who smirked back.
"Hello Director" Ash sing-songed as he waved at the Camera, a bit mockingly. Even though the screens of Madoka's laptop was tiny, Ash could see the tightening of Ryo's jaw.
The others were confused at the interaction between Ash and The Director, especially Hikaru and Tsubasa who had never seen the man so silent before. However they shrugged it off as the blue haired secretary began to explain the rules of the upcoming Tournament.
"Who cares about the rules. We just have to win them all and keep on winning till we have won it all" Masamune cheered.
"And how will we win if we don't even know the rules, Masamune?" Ash sighed.
"...Good point" Masamune conceded, his face faulting a bit at Ash's words causing the Former Trainer to chuckle a bit.
"The battle will consist of three one-on-one matches, Advance Guard, Second-in-Command, and Commander" Hikaru informed "Who competes and in the order they do it is up to each team. The first team to win two matches, wins the battle." Hikaru said.
So a two out of three series? Interesting.
"In the World Championships if you lose you are out, period. You're done." Ryo looked at them seriously.
"Well then we just have to win it" Ash shrugged like it was no big deal.
"Wang Hu Zhong is strong, but I'm counting on you to not be defeated in the first round! You got it?!" Ryo demanded, looking at them.
"I'm not gonna lose." Gingka shouted determined.
"Me neither." Masamune clenched his fists "Until I become Number 1, I'll win, win and keep winning!"
"How would you win if you can't even participate" Yu sighed as he pointed at himself "We are lame subs, remember". Masamune's face faulted again at that bit of info.
"Don't remind me..." Masamune groaned miserably causing Ash to pat him in the back.
"Don't worry Masamune. You will get your chance, that I promise you" Ash said smiling "When the time's right, I will give you my spot to Battle in any of the future matches"
"Heh thanks man" Masamune smiled weakly, both surprised and grateful that Ash is willing to give him, his spot in the Future.
"Sometimes I feel you are the only one who understands me, Ash" Masamune thought sadly. He really wanted to battle in the championships but he knows as a Substitute he would get less chances to battle.
So Ash offering him, his spot is a really heartfelt gesture.
"Hey what about me?" Yu whined "I wanna compete too"
"You will get your chance too, Yu. Like Ash, I may give my spot to you" Tsubasa was the one who assured his friend, causing the owner of Flame Libra to smile.
Ryo and Hikaru couldn't help but smile at the amount of bond between this new team especially Ryo, who was fearing that the Team wouldn't be able to cooperate with each other.
But now the fear was partially put at some rest.
"I see you all are fired up and ready to rumble" Ryo smiled as he pointed at them "Now go out there and kick some Blade!!" He shouted as Hikaru quickly cut the call before the Director could say anything more embarrassing.
"Kick some blade?" Ash repeated "Is it the Beyblade version of 'Kick some ass'?"
The others sweatdropped at Ash's words with Yu saying "Knowing Ginki's dad, it's mostly likely"
"Obviously, Gingka's dad isn't cut out for a normal every day management job, not at all." Madoka muttered.
"Hate to agree with you all" Gingka sighed at his dad's antics.
Tsubasa meanwhile was in deep thought about the Director's reaction on seeing Ash. There was some kind of unseen tension that he could feel even from the Laptop's Screen.
"Moving on. Now that we know the rules" Masamune said "We must decide which order we would battle"
"But how would we decide that? We don't even know which order Wang Hu Zhong would be battling" Tsubasa countered.
"Well Dashan would surely be the commander since he is their Leader" Masamune pointed out "And he is also their strongest most likely"
"Look we can't just assume that" Tsubasa said annoyed.
"Tsubasa is right. Just because Dashan is the Leader doesn't mean he could be commander" Ash said nodding "It could also be likely that he could be the advance guard"
"What would your strategy be, if you were the leader, Ash?" Madoka asked, intrigued.
"Well..." Ash looked thoughtful "If I was leader I would try to win the match, in two battles instead of dragging it to a third round. I would send my top two Bladers right at the beginning to defeat the opponent"
"Winning the first battle puts pressure on the Team" Gingka nodded in understanding.
"Not only that. Imagine your opponent reserves its strongest Blader for the Final Third Round...but there wouldn't be a third round if your team wins the first two battles against their weaker opponents" Ash explained "Though of course this strategy is not set in stone and could change based on the opponent you are fighting"
The others couldn't help but nod at Ash's assessment, a bit surprised with how tactical Ash is.
"So my advice is simple, we wait" Ash said "Wait until we find out about our Opponent's Battle order. If they send Chiyun Or Mei-Mei as our first opponents, then we should go with Gingka and either Tsubasa Or me. Our aim would be to win the two matches in a row and finish the Battle before Dashan even had a chance to show his fangs in a battle"
"But...but if we win two matches in a row that would mean I won't be able to Battle Dashan!" Gingka exclaimed "But that's not fair! I want a rematch!"
"What you want isn't important Gingka" Ash said strongly "You not listening to my advice almost cost us the back in the Temple"
"It's about the Team Gan-Gan Galaxy as a whole that matters" Ash said looking at them "We can't let our individual goals cost us"
The others were silent as they mulled over Ash's words with Tsubasa nodding slowly "Ash is right" The Silver haired teen said "We still don't know much about Dashan and how powerful his Rock Zurafa is"
"But we do know a ton about Mei-Mei and Chiyun" Madoka added "And while they are strong, I have confidence that we could win"
"Guys! Am I the only one who is forgetting about Wang Hu Zhong's fourth member and that Mei-Mei is a substitute?!" Yu shouted "What if Mei-Mei didn't battle at all?!"
The others looked at Yu, with Gingka saying "Yeah...that is problematic. But not as much as Dashan. He is the Leader after all"
"Yeah but whoever this member is, he/she is strong enough to defeat Mei-Mei" Madoka muttered.
There was silence in the room which was once again broken by Yu, who asked "Though now that you mention it" The small boy looked at his Team "Who is our Team Leader anyway?"
Yu's question caused others to look at each other, as Ash shrugged.
"I thought it was obvious" Ash said causing others to look at him.
"Really?" Gingka raised an eyebrow "Who is it then?"
All of them expected Ash to point at himself, and truth be told they wouldn't have objected. Ash was tactically brilliant and his strategies and advice are solid. After all he was the one who noticed and immediately countered Dashan's trap back in the Temple.
Even Masamune would accept Ash as the Team Leader, because unlike others he doesn't mock or bellitle him. And gives him solid advice. And the days of training under Ash, had improved his and Striker's powers.
But to everyone's surprise Ash didn't point at himself. Instead he merely pointed at Madoka, who was taken aback.
"MADOKA?!" The others shouted in shock.
"Wha...what?!!! Me?!" Madoka yelped in shock "What do you mean?!!!"
"Oh come on" Ash shrugged "Why is it such a shock?"
"But how can Madoka be a leader?" Masamune complained "She is not even a blader"
"Yeah!" The others, except Tsubasa agreed.
"Tell me when your Beys gets damaged and needs repairing, who is it who stays up the whole night to repair it?" Ash asked raising an eyebrow.
"Madoka does..." Gingka said, a bit unsure. He had seen Madoka spending nights awake to repair Beys back in The B-Pit.
"Who is it who spends hours to analyse the opponent's every abilities and powers, even in mid battle?" Ash asked again.
"Madoka" Tsubasa and Yu spoke at the same time.
"Who is it who spends hours thinking of strategy as well as different methods to improve the Team's Beys?" Ash asked as he sat on the Sofa, casually grabbing a juicy Apple from the beautiful Plate that was on the small wooden table.
"Madoka" Masamune was the one who answered it this time.
"So who should be the Leader of the Team?" Ash raised an eyebrow.
"...Madoka" Everyone, except Madoka, said at the same time, their eyes widening in shock at Ash's words.
"Your welcome" Ash said simply before taking a bite of the Apple and winking at Madoka, whose face had turned completely red with embarrassment. But there is also a spark of joy and happiness in her eyes.
"No! No! No!" Madoka shook her head blushing "I am not a blader. I can't be the Leader, it's not possible!"
"Oh you are so cute when you blush" Ash teased her causing her to blush even more "But do tell why it's not possible?"
"It's not possible. The Supporter being the leader has never been done before" Madoka tried to reason.
"Just because it's never been done before doesn't mean it's impossible!" Ash said sagely.
"Ash is right" Gingka nodded "You could do it Madoka. Who cares if it's never been done before"
"Yeah the people who went to the Moon also thought it was impossible because it was never done before" Tsubasa said wisely "But they did that"
"Yeah I have no problem" Yu shrugged as he placed his hands on the back "As long as Mr Buttinsky ain't the Leader, I am cool"
"Hey what do you mean by that?!" Masamune scowled before he sighed "But yeah I have no problem with Madoka being Leader. She is nicer than Gingka atleast"
"Hey!!" Gingka protested.
"You guys..." Madoka couldn't help but smile before she looked at Ash who was smiling encouragingly at her. Her heart sped up as an emotion of immense gratitude spread across her chest.
"Well I am going now" Gingka suddenly as he bolted towards the door "Gotta see what more China has to offer"
"Hey Hey!! Wait!! But what about our training?!" Ash shouted as Masamune too followed Gingka "Masamune not you too!!"
"Sorry Ash. I too wanna see more of China" Masamune offered a grin "We will train from Tomorrow, promise"
"Alright..." Ash sighed as Masamune saluted him mockingly before running off "I had planned an entire training session with those two..."
The others couldn't help but sigh as Madoka smiled "These people would never learn"
"You are right about that" Ash said as he stretched himself, standing up from the chair "Oh well I am gonna go get some sightseeing as well"
"Mind if we join you?" Yu said as Tsubasa stood beside him.
"Sure hop on" Ash shrugged before looking towards Madoka "What about you? Wanna come with us?"
"Nah you guys go ahead" Madoka shook her head "I wanna visit the Beylin Temple again. And if I am really lucky, maybe I can find something about their Fourth Member"
"Well good luck..." Ash smiled before teasing "Leader"
Madoka just blushed.
Masamune was walking down the Street a Box full of roasted pork strips, which he ate as he walked.
"Chinese Food is really the best" Masamune muttered between his chewing. Good thing Madoka wasn't here, otherwise he would have gotten an earful for speaking while eating.
Thinking of Madoka caused him to sigh a little. He really wanted to be the Leader, but...a Substitute as a Leader doesn't have a ring to it.
And for the first time, Masamune wondered if he made a mistake by coming to Japan instead of staying back in the US, with his friends Toby and Zeo, especially Toby.
"No I didn't make any mistake" Masamune said to himself "While I do miss them, I would never have become strong like I am now, if I stayed there"
His abilities as a Blader had grown leaps and bounds since he battled Gingka and proved himself as Number 1 Blader.
...Though thinking himself as Number 1 has been a bit of a stress recently since Ash arrived.
Ash, to say it simply, was powerful. To Masamune, Ash was even more powerful than Gingka.
He had fought against Ash dozens of times but has never come closer to defeat him, even when he was together with Yu. The defeats had left a bitter taste and have deflated some of his confidence.
But he had improved leaps and bounds though. While Ash's training regime was a torture, it was fruitful as it helped him really improve.
"Now where can I show my skills?" Masamune muttered, then his eyes fell on a huge Building with a traditional Chinese theme, the words "Beypark" boldly written in Neon Signs.
"Check this out! A Beypark" He grinned "Looks like I got what I was wishing for!"
He quickly ate the reminding pork strips and tossed the box in a nearby bin, before running inside the building with a wide challenging grin.
The moment he went inside he was immediately hounded by some Bladers who challenged him to a battle, which he of course accepted.
And that is how he got his first win in China.
However all his excitement went to hell immediately.
"Let it Rip!" Someone shouted as a Yellow Bey slammed into Striker.
If this was before, Striker would have been sent flying. But all the training he did under Ash, Striker managed to hold itself and remained in the stadium.
"Hey!" Masamune shouted pissed off that someone sneak attacked him. He quickly stopped the Battle and recalled Striker glaring at the intruder "What do you think you are doing?"
The intruder was a sunglass wearing boy, maybe of Ash's age. He has reddish brown hair and tanned skin and is wearing a teal shirt with yellow crests on the shoulders and his shirt also has buttons on it coupled with dark blue wrist bands. He is also wearing a brown belt with yellow ovals on it and a blue belt on top of that, holding his white pants and black shiny boots, that looks like it had never tasted the road.
The boy merely raised his hand as the yellow Bey returned to his hand. Behind him, the gaggle of girls, swooned...for some reason.
"That was so cool!" One of the girls exclaimed, hands on her cheeks. Her annoying shrill voice almost caused Masamune to puke.
"I know. I know." The guy smiled smugly "Pretty impressive, isn't it? I'm definitely the strongest Blader, huh?"
"Amazing." The girls agreed.
"Strongest blader!!" Masamune scoffed as he glared at the boy "If you want a Battle you should challenge me head on instead of this sneak attack!"
The Boy looked at Masamune and shrugged "Whatever little man" He then motioned the girls "Come on girls. Let's go!"
"Okay." The three girls said walking away with the guy.
"Not so fast buddy!" Masamune shouted making the four stop "You can't just take off like that! You have to battle me for real! And from the front"
"Don't sweat it dude. My girls just want to see me flexing my Beyblading muscle." The Boy waved with the girls nodding happily.
"What do you think I am? Some sort of punching bag for you to flex on?!" Masamune shouted "If you just wanted to flex your muscles you should have gone to a gym"
"Ah you are annoying!" The boy said as he and the girls quickly left the building but Masamune followed them.
He would not be leaving without a challenge.
5 minutes later
What was his luck. The boy he thought was a Chinese Singing Idol was actually a powerful Blader. And not just any blader but the Third Member of Team Wang Hu Zhong. Someone they have been searching for so long.
"You're the Chinese Team's third Blader, right?" Masamune pointed at him.
"Yeah." Was the dry answer.
"Well it's great then" Masamune grinned. He cannot battle in this Tournament Round against the Chinese Team. So might as well battle one of them in an unofficial battle.
Not to mention, the Battle would help him and his Team understand Chao Xin's capabilities before the official battle.
"I am a member of Japan's International Team" Masamune pointed at him and took out Striker, pointing it at his opponent "Lets Battle Chao Xin!!"
"No thanks man." Chao Xin smiled, causing Masamune to sweatdrop "Okay. Time to leave the little dude alone. Let's get something cool to drink."
"Let's go!" The girls cheered and walked away with Chao Xin towards a stand.
"Hey! Where are you going!?" Masamune shouted but Chao Xin of course ignored it.
"Okay everyone. Drinks are on me." Chao Xin got a bottle of drink and turned to Masamune. "Hey bud, don't sweat it. It's just that like winning against you have no meaning, you know?"
"What did you say?!" Masamune shouted and ran to them. "I would be the winner! Me! Me! Me!"
He was interrupted, when Chao Xin then poured the orange soda on Masamune's head.
"Time to cool off dude." The Chinese sniggered.
"You can't do that to me!" Masamune shouted burning with rage and humiliation at what just happened.
Pouring soda on someone...this is...this is unacceptable!
"So doesn't your team have anyone more chilled than you?" Chao Xin asked casually.
"Sorry to break it to you, but there's a guy who hates losing, a real downer, a bratty little kid" Masamune listed of Gingka, Tsubasa and Yu as he used a handkerchief to wipe the soda off his forehead "Oh and of course there is another...
"Another?" Chao Xin interrupted "You are telling me there are five members in your team"
"Yes. We have two substitutes" Masamune of course didn't say that he was also a substitute. Knowing that if he revealed himself as a Sub, then Chao Xin wouldn't battle him.
"That's unfair" Chao Xin sighed "But do tell how's your last member is like"
"He...is" Masamune closed his eyes thinking of best way to describe Ash "He is mysterious. And crazy strong"
"Mysterious huh? Maybe he would be interesting at least" Chao Xin looked interested before sighing "But maybe I should just sit this one out and just hang with my friends. What do you think?"
"Chao Xin. You're not going to battle?" One of the girls asked, confused.
"If the opponents are lame then it will be just too boring, you know?" Chao Xin shrugged "Though I would like to see what this mystery dude is made of if he battles Mei-Mei Or Chiyun"
The comments just boiled Masamune's blood even more as he growled in rage.
"Are you serious?! Just what the World Championships is to you?" Masamune shouted.
"What are you talking about?" Chao Xin flinched back a little.
"Answer me! What is Beyblade to you?" Masamune shouted.
"Uh. Well buddy, you know, I never thought about it before, the outfits are cool and the chicks dig me." Chao Xin said sheepishly.
"What are you saying?! Is that what it is all about for you?" Masamune looked incredulous. How can this pop tart be part of Chinese Team?! Especially a team led by serious and hardworking Dashan Wang?!
"Whoa. He's scary." The girls flinched back.
"Why are you taking it so seriously?!" Chao Xin exclaimed "That's so uncool."
"No it's not!" Masamune yelled. "Beyblade is the clashing of two spirits! It's a true battle!"
"Oh come on!" Chao Xin groaned. But before Masamune could say anything, another familiar voice interrupted.
"CHAO XIN!" The shout caused everyone to jump in surprise and turn to look, coming face to face with the angry Chinese Team Leader.
"Dashan!" Both Masamune and Chao Xin exclaimed. Even the girls quitened down a bit in respect for their Home Team Leader.
"Whether or not you participate is decided by the leader! Me!" Dashan growled causing Chao Xin to flinch at the intense stare "I don't care if you're bored or your head hurts, you're gonna battle with him right now!"
"Wait what?!" Chao Xin exclaimed shocked that his Team Leader is taking the side of an outsider.
"Or are you afraid of looking uncool if you lose to him?" Dashan taunted.
"As if." Chao Xin huffed "I'm not afraid of anything!"
"Then get in there and battle! If you don't then it looks like you're running away from an opponent!" Dashan challenged.
"I'm not running anywhere!"
"So what will you do?" The Leader raised an eyebrow.
"Okay. Fine" Chao Xin grumbled "But if I win against him then you will have to like let me sit out of the World Championships." He sets his condition causing Dashan to nod in confirmation.
"So does this mean you've agreed to battle me?" Masamune asked giddily. Now it's his chance to prove to others that he could be useful too.
"I don't really have much of a choice, don't I?" Chao Xin looked frustated "But this stadium is much too lame for me. The most awesome stage for me is-" Chao Xin pointed to the Great Wall of China. "there!"
And Done!
So Ash again figured out Dashan but Gingka almost fucked up lol!
And what's up with Ash's dreams?!
A cute fluff moment between Ash and Madoka. Because some fluff is always cool!
Lol Ryo is scared shitless of Ash. And Ash goes and antagonize him lol!
Hope you liked Ash proclaiming Madoka as leader as well as his reasonings for it lol!
And finally Masamune meets Chao Xin. And I hope you all like Masamune's character here. I know not many people really like him. But I feel like if there is someone who genuinely advises him and does not criticize him at every turn, then Masamune could curb some of his arrogance. He is still pretty rash here, but much more subdued than in Canon.
I mean we saw it in Canon when Masamune meets the Old Man who trained him. Masamune lets go of his arrogance for that episode. So I feel like with Ash here helping Masamune, he could be less arrogant. As shown here, that Masamune wanted to battle Chao Xin, not only for his personal reasons, but also to know about Chao Xin's abilities so that it helps his team. And he didn't introduce himself as Number 1 because he has seen Ash's powers.
And yeah Masamune does respect Ash. So much so that he wouldn't have minded if Ash had become Leader. Or even Madoka lol! Anyone, except Gingka and Yu, being leader, and Masamune is cool lol!!
I hope you liked the Chapter. And please leave a comment because remember reviews are food for a Writer's Soul.