Apr. 21, 2020 2:33 AM
A six part story taking place in 1990, with GT Beyblades as the standard. Rated PG-13 for Violence and Language.
The Story
The Characters (Click to View)
Graham - A young (22) Caucasian male. A tad overweight but still has strong looking features. Has some muscle definition and upright blonde hair. Typically wears an orange button shirt with red pants. Wears glasses.
Roy - A tall and strong young (25) Spanish male. Has thick wavy black hair down to his neck. Usually wears a shirt of some shade of purple along with with black sweatpants.
--
Chapter 2
Jackson - A young and strong (29) Asian male. Has thick, slicked black hair. Tall and slim, a powerful build all around. Typically wears a tight black long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up and darker black pants with a belt.
--
Chapter 3
Rufus - A heavyset old (61) Caucasian male. Overweight but has strong arms and strong features. Is severely balding with white hair. Typically wears a thick t-shirt, durable blue jeans, and work boots.
--
Chapter 6
Howard Juke - A slim middle age Asian man with well trimmed black hair. Is well taken care of and in decent shape. Typically wears a form fitting burgundy suit with matching pants, along with a black tie and black dress shoes.
Roy - A tall and strong young (25) Spanish male. Has thick wavy black hair down to his neck. Usually wears a shirt of some shade of purple along with with black sweatpants.
--
Chapter 2
Jackson - A young and strong (29) Asian male. Has thick, slicked black hair. Tall and slim, a powerful build all around. Typically wears a tight black long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up and darker black pants with a belt.
--
Chapter 3
Rufus - A heavyset old (61) Caucasian male. Overweight but has strong arms and strong features. Is severely balding with white hair. Typically wears a thick t-shirt, durable blue jeans, and work boots.
--
Chapter 6
Howard Juke - A slim middle age Asian man with well trimmed black hair. Is well taken care of and in decent shape. Typically wears a form fitting burgundy suit with matching pants, along with a black tie and black dress shoes.
Chapter 1 (Click to View)
A warm breeze went through the air this early summer day. The sun was high as the clock struck 1pm. Roy and Graham were outside, walking toward the park stadiums.
Graham: I was practicing late last night, I figured out how I'm going to defeat you.
Roy: Oh? You think so?
Graham: Oh yea!... You're done. I've finalized the power of my bey.
(Roy chuckled)
Roy: Alright then, let's see it!
The two of them picked up their pace until they were running, coming upon the communal stadiums. The park wasn't crowded so they ran over to the gazebo and took their place apart from each other. Graham rose his hand up to show his bey. Knockout Odin glistened for an instant when it was revealed. Roy watched, Zwei Spriggan clutched in his left hand. Graham reached underneath and separated Knockout. The pieces; Knockout Odin Metsu, 0 with the Angle frame, and Reboot', fell to pieces in Graham's open palm.
Graham: Take a look at this!
Roy rose his head further to get a good view as Graham reached into his pocket and pulled out a new driver, freshly constructed with a glistening red ring.
Graham: Ultimate Reboot Dash is the name of this bad boy!
Roy: That's a good looking piece, but I don't know if it's enough to handle me.
Graham: Oh.. You'll see..
Graham snapped his bey together in a flash and immediately took his regular launching position. Roy was quick to follow the visual cue and get in his stance. The two of them spoke at the same time.
Roy & Graham: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Both beys were launched hard, Zwei Spriggan and Knockout Odin circling the round stadium. With a smirk crossing Roy's face Zwei Spriggan tipped on Volcanic' to face the center of the arena. Zwei took to the center and once there, halted as Volcanic' tipped the other direction and caused Paradox to touch the floor for just an instant. Zwei Spriggan spun strong in the center. Graham pulled back from the stadium and clenched his fist tight as he watched Knockout Odin continue its spinning on the outside.
Roy: I can see the strength of that driver.. It's moving with much more intensity than your Reboot could ever muster. However! If your driver isn't versatile enough to traverse the stadium in more than one way, you're going to lose!
Graham was tense as he kept watching Knockout Odin continue its spin, slowly moving toward the center with the circling. Three more rotations and the two beys made contact. The second they touched Knockout Odin dashed backward and then accelerated straight toward Zwei Spriggan. Roy's eyes twitched as he watched the new driver. Knockout Odin struck and Zwei Spriggan was pushed half way up the stadium walls before quickly coming back to the center. Knockout Odin made three more aggressive swings, each one accomplishing nothing more than pushing Zwei Spriggan back to the half way point. Knockout Odin was beginning to slow down but Zwei Spriggan's spin was quite stable. The small circular hits continued until Knockout Odin wobbled and then eventually dropped down beside Zwei Spriggan. Both of them reached down and grabbed their beys.
Roy: It's definitely better, but I don't--
Graham: Heh, I told you, I've been practicing, now let's go!
Graham was quick to slide back into his launching stance. Roy chuckled and stretched out for a second and then retook his stance as well. The two of them spoke in unison.
Roy & Graham: 3... 2... 1...
Graham was changing his wrist position, tilting the launcher up and away.
Roy & Graham: Go Shoot!
Both beys shot into the stadium. Roy tipped his head forward and like before, Zwei Spriggan made one rotation and at the end of the rotation launched itself toward the center. Knockout Odin shot in a straight line downward, stretching to the far side of the stadium. Knockout Odin started to advance toward the center as Zwei Spriggan made its descent.
Roy: Spriggan get out of there!
The two clashed in the center no more than 3 seconds into the match. The two beys drove hard against each other. Zwei Spriggan dipped down slightly and clipped the underside of Knockout Odin. When Knockout Odin slid backward it instead took into a full powered swing, immediately circling back toward the center with a small loop. Roy's eyes widened as Zwei Spriggan was struck and spun out to the half way point of the stadium. Graham now had a smirk on his face as Knockout Odin spun circularly outward in haste. Zwei Spriggan used Volcanic' and tipped in the opposite direction of Knockout Odin, yet the chasing ability of the activated Ultimate Reboot' had Knockout Odin smashing up against Zwei Spriggan's backside.
Roy: You've always been good Graham, but this is over!
Zwei Spriggan had swung its layer by rocking across Volcanic'. Zwei Spriggan struck the underside of Knockout Odin at the instant of their collision, scraping Paradox hard into the floor to use it as leverage during the impact. Knockout Odin flew straight up into the air spinning out of control. At the same time, Zwei Spriggan was blasted forward. The dual impact points of both the Metsu weight and the Angle frame were forward facing, Knockout Odin having them perfectly lined up against Zwei Spriggan with that smack. Zwei Spriggan was quick to land outside of the stadium, bouncing once and then skidding two meters across the floor before stopping. Knockout Odin hit the stadium a second later, wobbling heavily but still spinning. Graham rose his hand up as Knockout Odin fell to the floor exhausted.
Graham: Yea!
Roy: Whoa, that was some shot!
Roy walked back and picked Zwei Spriggan off the floor, looking at the Beyblade in his hand.
Roy: We're going to be the best Graham, heh, you know it, we just need to keep on going.
Graham: Haha! Yea!
Roy: But I'll be the one on top! It's 1 / 1, let's go!
The two of them laughed and got into the stance to shoot. At that second, a long leg in black pants had risen up and kicked Graham across his middle. Graham gasped and choked as he fell back onto the floor, both hands wrapped around his stomach.
Roy: Hey! What was that about!
Roy was making his way across the stadium at this point. The man in black stood there, a tall Asian man with styled and slicked back hair. Raising his left hand up he pulled the left side of his pale black shirt upward, revealing the small handgun tucked away in the rim of the pants. Roy froze in place.
Graham: I was practicing late last night, I figured out how I'm going to defeat you.
Roy: Oh? You think so?
Graham: Oh yea!... You're done. I've finalized the power of my bey.
(Roy chuckled)
Roy: Alright then, let's see it!
The two of them picked up their pace until they were running, coming upon the communal stadiums. The park wasn't crowded so they ran over to the gazebo and took their place apart from each other. Graham rose his hand up to show his bey. Knockout Odin glistened for an instant when it was revealed. Roy watched, Zwei Spriggan clutched in his left hand. Graham reached underneath and separated Knockout. The pieces; Knockout Odin Metsu, 0 with the Angle frame, and Reboot', fell to pieces in Graham's open palm.
Graham: Take a look at this!
Roy rose his head further to get a good view as Graham reached into his pocket and pulled out a new driver, freshly constructed with a glistening red ring.
Graham: Ultimate Reboot Dash is the name of this bad boy!
Roy: That's a good looking piece, but I don't know if it's enough to handle me.
Graham: Oh.. You'll see..
Graham snapped his bey together in a flash and immediately took his regular launching position. Roy was quick to follow the visual cue and get in his stance. The two of them spoke at the same time.
Roy & Graham: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Both beys were launched hard, Zwei Spriggan and Knockout Odin circling the round stadium. With a smirk crossing Roy's face Zwei Spriggan tipped on Volcanic' to face the center of the arena. Zwei took to the center and once there, halted as Volcanic' tipped the other direction and caused Paradox to touch the floor for just an instant. Zwei Spriggan spun strong in the center. Graham pulled back from the stadium and clenched his fist tight as he watched Knockout Odin continue its spinning on the outside.
Roy: I can see the strength of that driver.. It's moving with much more intensity than your Reboot could ever muster. However! If your driver isn't versatile enough to traverse the stadium in more than one way, you're going to lose!
Graham was tense as he kept watching Knockout Odin continue its spin, slowly moving toward the center with the circling. Three more rotations and the two beys made contact. The second they touched Knockout Odin dashed backward and then accelerated straight toward Zwei Spriggan. Roy's eyes twitched as he watched the new driver. Knockout Odin struck and Zwei Spriggan was pushed half way up the stadium walls before quickly coming back to the center. Knockout Odin made three more aggressive swings, each one accomplishing nothing more than pushing Zwei Spriggan back to the half way point. Knockout Odin was beginning to slow down but Zwei Spriggan's spin was quite stable. The small circular hits continued until Knockout Odin wobbled and then eventually dropped down beside Zwei Spriggan. Both of them reached down and grabbed their beys.
Roy: It's definitely better, but I don't--
Graham: Heh, I told you, I've been practicing, now let's go!
Graham was quick to slide back into his launching stance. Roy chuckled and stretched out for a second and then retook his stance as well. The two of them spoke in unison.
Roy & Graham: 3... 2... 1...
Graham was changing his wrist position, tilting the launcher up and away.
Roy & Graham: Go Shoot!
Both beys shot into the stadium. Roy tipped his head forward and like before, Zwei Spriggan made one rotation and at the end of the rotation launched itself toward the center. Knockout Odin shot in a straight line downward, stretching to the far side of the stadium. Knockout Odin started to advance toward the center as Zwei Spriggan made its descent.
Roy: Spriggan get out of there!
The two clashed in the center no more than 3 seconds into the match. The two beys drove hard against each other. Zwei Spriggan dipped down slightly and clipped the underside of Knockout Odin. When Knockout Odin slid backward it instead took into a full powered swing, immediately circling back toward the center with a small loop. Roy's eyes widened as Zwei Spriggan was struck and spun out to the half way point of the stadium. Graham now had a smirk on his face as Knockout Odin spun circularly outward in haste. Zwei Spriggan used Volcanic' and tipped in the opposite direction of Knockout Odin, yet the chasing ability of the activated Ultimate Reboot' had Knockout Odin smashing up against Zwei Spriggan's backside.
Roy: You've always been good Graham, but this is over!
Zwei Spriggan had swung its layer by rocking across Volcanic'. Zwei Spriggan struck the underside of Knockout Odin at the instant of their collision, scraping Paradox hard into the floor to use it as leverage during the impact. Knockout Odin flew straight up into the air spinning out of control. At the same time, Zwei Spriggan was blasted forward. The dual impact points of both the Metsu weight and the Angle frame were forward facing, Knockout Odin having them perfectly lined up against Zwei Spriggan with that smack. Zwei Spriggan was quick to land outside of the stadium, bouncing once and then skidding two meters across the floor before stopping. Knockout Odin hit the stadium a second later, wobbling heavily but still spinning. Graham rose his hand up as Knockout Odin fell to the floor exhausted.
Graham: Yea!
Roy: Whoa, that was some shot!
Roy walked back and picked Zwei Spriggan off the floor, looking at the Beyblade in his hand.
Roy: We're going to be the best Graham, heh, you know it, we just need to keep on going.
Graham: Haha! Yea!
Roy: But I'll be the one on top! It's 1 / 1, let's go!
The two of them laughed and got into the stance to shoot. At that second, a long leg in black pants had risen up and kicked Graham across his middle. Graham gasped and choked as he fell back onto the floor, both hands wrapped around his stomach.
Roy: Hey! What was that about!
Roy was making his way across the stadium at this point. The man in black stood there, a tall Asian man with styled and slicked back hair. Raising his left hand up he pulled the left side of his pale black shirt upward, revealing the small handgun tucked away in the rim of the pants. Roy froze in place.
Chapter 2 (Click to View)
The man stepped to Graham and then kicked him once in the side of his ribs, then stomped down on his stomach as he tried to turn. Graham coughed, blood dripping from the side of his mouth.
???: This piece of garbage owes me some money.
Roy: Hey! Come on!
Roy was shaking as he watched Graham tremble on the floor, slightly curled up.
Roy: Who are you.. and what does he owe you? Maybe.. I can help.
The man looked over at Roy before swinging his foot out again to kick Graham in the lower back.
???: Heh.. I'm a bookie for the Super Z Gaming Den. My name is Jackson.
Jackson was reaching into his right side pocket, quick to pull out a metal bar with finger inserts. Reaching down with his left hand, Graham's right shoulder was grabbed and he was rolled over. The second Graham was moved, Jackson's right hand smacked into Graham's jawline, striking him with the metal knuckle. Roy sprinted over.
Jackson jumped up and grabbed at the firearm with his left hand, ripping it out of his pants pocket and raising it to aim straight at Roy. Roy froze and visibly shook.
Jackson: You think this is a game!? I'll kill you if you get in the way!
Roy was sweating heavily. Roy's eyes widened slightly as he saw that, in the left pocket, the end of a launcher handle was slightly exposed. He was so focused on looking at the gun that he never saw the launcher.
Roy: Do.. Do you play Beyblade?
The words struggled to come out but Roy forced them.
Jackson's expression relaxed for a second but then resumed its tension, keeping the gun risen.
Jackson: Yea, I do. What's that matter now?
Roy: What does he owe you?
Jackson: Twenty two hundred dollars, and he hasn't paid up for two months.
Roy: Ok... I don't have that.. But how about a deal? We play a game of Beyblade and if I win, you leave him alone for another month.
Jackson: A month? This motherf--
Roy: Wait! If you win, give us a week and I'll throw in an additional two hundred dollars.
Jackson: ..Hm.. Two hundred dollars for beating you? How do I know you're good for it?
Roy: You don't, but you already know how to find us.. and I don't want this situation getting worse.
Jackson: .......... You know what. Fine. I want to play anyway.
Roy nodded and stepped away slowly, making his way toward the regular starting point for the stadium. Jackson followed, quick to put the gun away. Jackson reached into his pocket and pulled the bey out. The black shine of Prime Apocalypse glistened in his hand. The silver and black trailed down the entire bey, Blitz and Bearing fusing grey, silver, and black to make the whole bey look as one coordinated unit. The golden ring, the Big Bang Armor, wrapped around the upper frame of Apocalyse. Roy was still shaken from the gun pointed at him before, but he couldn't let that distract him now. He saw Bearing, he knew he needed as much stamina as possible in order to overcome Jackson. The two took their positions. Roy got into his stance first. Jackson fumbled with connecting Prime Apocalypse to the launcher but once the connection was in he swiftly took an imposing stance. Jackson looked across the arena. The two silently stared at each other. The wind felt cold, be it from the comparable lack of sunlight in the gazebo or the raw tension in the air, it was a mystery. For almost a minute they stared at each other. Roy let out a deep sigh, at which point Jackson nodded and took point.
Jackson: 3!...
Jackson & Roy: 2... 1... Go Shoot!
The two pulled the string and each one fired with a powerful shot. Prime Apocalypse was swiftly making its first circle and approaching the center with the full power of its spin. Zwei Spriggan was circling the stadium, tilting down just a little on Volcanic' in order to keep Paradox from touching the stadium floor. Roy watched, knowing he couldn't risk the loss of stamina, but knew he had to get to the center quick. Zwei Spriggan rocked back and forth to always aim itself toward the center of the stadium, the quick spinning bey making its way toward the spinning maelstrom that was Apocalypse. One more full rotation and Zwei Spriggan struck hard. Apocalypse shifted backward but the layer tipped so far forward that it hardly slid backward. Not only did Prime Apocalypse maintain the inner of the arena, the spin speed was completely unchanged. Zwei Spriggan tipped forward, meeting the forward facing layer of Apocalypse. They scraped together, the long teeth of the left spinning beyblade unable to access the underside of Apocalypse. Roy was tense as he stared into the stadium. Apocalypse tipped upward, knocking both itself and Zwei Spriggan away. The two lost a good amount of speed but it was clear Apocalypse was spinning stronger. Meeting in the center Jackson jabbed at the air a few times. The two beys were slowing down but neither one wobbled as they clashed. With a bit of an impact the two slid backward from each other. Both of them wobbled, but Zwei Spriggan tipped down and came to a stop. Apocalypse was still making slow rotations as Jackson reached down first to get his bey.
Jackson: That's one. Oh man, what an easy two hundred dollars.
Roy scoffed and grabbed his bey, quickly getting into position. Jackson again fumbled with Prime Apocalypse on the launcher for a good twenty seconds. The second it snapped in his body jerked into place with the expert movement of a trained combatant.
Jackson: Mmm-mm! Two hundred for nothing, for picking up!
Roy: Rr.. Come on. Let's do this.
Jackson was smiling wide as the two stood there.
Roy & Jackson: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
The two launched hard, yet Jackson had tipped his launched forward to shoot Apocalypse more towards the outer rim, toward himself. Zwei Spriggan made the same powerful sweep on the outside, but now Apocalypse was in the way, a slow moving fortress that spun in the direct path of Roy's bey. Zwei Spriggan struck against the backside of Apocalypse. Prime Apocalypse was launched forward, tilting its layer backward to be facing toward the again incoming Zwei Spriggan. The power of Volcanic' gave Zwei Spriggan exceptional clashing and chasing abilities, especially in the early game. The two clashed head to head. Apocalypse rolled its layer counter clockwise, unclicking and detaching the golden ring entirely from its face. Apocalypse immediately tipped away as the Big Bang Armor had flung away, the risen blades of Blitz scraping hard into the spears of Zwei. Zwei Spriggan tipped away, Paradox scraping hard into the stadium floor. Roy clenched both his fists. Zwei Spriggan took into the center of the arena with haste with the Paradox impact. Apocalypse had done the same, launching itself straight at Zwei Spriggan. The tip of Prime Apocalypse' sword glistened as it spun, swinging straight into the gap between the layer of Zwei and the disc Paradox. Roy's eyes went wide as he saw the twist of the layer as it slowly unlocked. When Zwei Spriggan blasted backward Roy let out a heavy sigh of relief, but choked out the air as the Big Bang Armor struck him in the backside. The golden ring had rolled across the midsection of the arena when it detached and then launched off the backside in order to now be striking Zwei Spriggan. The ring was smacked out of the way, flying out of the arena in no time, but Zwei Spriggan was blown backward into the still forward moving Apocalypse. All of the momentum of flying away had been redirected back toward the adversary. Zwei Spriggan and Apocalypse met. The pieces of Zwei Spriggan scattered, the paradox frame separating, along with Volcanic', all flying out of the arena in random directions. The match ended 3/0 with the furious burst. Prime Apocalypse was still spinning strong. Roy was in shock but still began to look for the pieces of his Spriggan. He put Zwei Spriggan together and got back up. When he looked up for he saw Jackson now standing over him. The right hand extended and struck Roy in the right eye, punching him rather hard with the metal knuckle. Roy stumbled backward, holding his eye with both hands.
Jackson: I'll see you in a week..
Jackson walked over toward Graham, who was now sitting up.
Jackson: One week.. Got it!?
Graham: Y-Yes sir!
Jackson: ... Good
Jackson reached down and grabbed Graham, pulling him to his feet. Graham was still breathing heavy with crusted blood around his lips. Jackson stood there looking at him, but then the right hand had come up to strike Graham's left temple. The fist pulled back, then accelerated into Graham's chest, then once more into his stomach. As Jackson dropped Graham he brought his knee up, stabbing it into Graham's gut. Graham cried out and fell to the floor, shaking hard. Jackson looked back over at Roy, who had gotten closer but didn't dare approach fully.
Jackson: One week!
Jackson stood up and walked off further into the park. Roy ran over to Graham and reached down, checking him. Graham was unconscious at this point. It took everything Roy had but he managed to lift Graham up into both of his arms. The pain in his eye was throbbing, how he wanted to clutch it. It took almost twenty minutes but Roy made his way back home holding Graham the whole way.
???: This piece of garbage owes me some money.
Roy: Hey! Come on!
Roy was shaking as he watched Graham tremble on the floor, slightly curled up.
Roy: Who are you.. and what does he owe you? Maybe.. I can help.
The man looked over at Roy before swinging his foot out again to kick Graham in the lower back.
???: Heh.. I'm a bookie for the Super Z Gaming Den. My name is Jackson.
Jackson was reaching into his right side pocket, quick to pull out a metal bar with finger inserts. Reaching down with his left hand, Graham's right shoulder was grabbed and he was rolled over. The second Graham was moved, Jackson's right hand smacked into Graham's jawline, striking him with the metal knuckle. Roy sprinted over.
Jackson jumped up and grabbed at the firearm with his left hand, ripping it out of his pants pocket and raising it to aim straight at Roy. Roy froze and visibly shook.
Jackson: You think this is a game!? I'll kill you if you get in the way!
Roy was sweating heavily. Roy's eyes widened slightly as he saw that, in the left pocket, the end of a launcher handle was slightly exposed. He was so focused on looking at the gun that he never saw the launcher.
Roy: Do.. Do you play Beyblade?
The words struggled to come out but Roy forced them.
Jackson's expression relaxed for a second but then resumed its tension, keeping the gun risen.
Jackson: Yea, I do. What's that matter now?
Roy: What does he owe you?
Jackson: Twenty two hundred dollars, and he hasn't paid up for two months.
Roy: Ok... I don't have that.. But how about a deal? We play a game of Beyblade and if I win, you leave him alone for another month.
Jackson: A month? This motherf--
Roy: Wait! If you win, give us a week and I'll throw in an additional two hundred dollars.
Jackson: ..Hm.. Two hundred dollars for beating you? How do I know you're good for it?
Roy: You don't, but you already know how to find us.. and I don't want this situation getting worse.
Jackson: .......... You know what. Fine. I want to play anyway.
Roy nodded and stepped away slowly, making his way toward the regular starting point for the stadium. Jackson followed, quick to put the gun away. Jackson reached into his pocket and pulled the bey out. The black shine of Prime Apocalypse glistened in his hand. The silver and black trailed down the entire bey, Blitz and Bearing fusing grey, silver, and black to make the whole bey look as one coordinated unit. The golden ring, the Big Bang Armor, wrapped around the upper frame of Apocalyse. Roy was still shaken from the gun pointed at him before, but he couldn't let that distract him now. He saw Bearing, he knew he needed as much stamina as possible in order to overcome Jackson. The two took their positions. Roy got into his stance first. Jackson fumbled with connecting Prime Apocalypse to the launcher but once the connection was in he swiftly took an imposing stance. Jackson looked across the arena. The two silently stared at each other. The wind felt cold, be it from the comparable lack of sunlight in the gazebo or the raw tension in the air, it was a mystery. For almost a minute they stared at each other. Roy let out a deep sigh, at which point Jackson nodded and took point.
Jackson: 3!...
Jackson & Roy: 2... 1... Go Shoot!
The two pulled the string and each one fired with a powerful shot. Prime Apocalypse was swiftly making its first circle and approaching the center with the full power of its spin. Zwei Spriggan was circling the stadium, tilting down just a little on Volcanic' in order to keep Paradox from touching the stadium floor. Roy watched, knowing he couldn't risk the loss of stamina, but knew he had to get to the center quick. Zwei Spriggan rocked back and forth to always aim itself toward the center of the stadium, the quick spinning bey making its way toward the spinning maelstrom that was Apocalypse. One more full rotation and Zwei Spriggan struck hard. Apocalypse shifted backward but the layer tipped so far forward that it hardly slid backward. Not only did Prime Apocalypse maintain the inner of the arena, the spin speed was completely unchanged. Zwei Spriggan tipped forward, meeting the forward facing layer of Apocalypse. They scraped together, the long teeth of the left spinning beyblade unable to access the underside of Apocalypse. Roy was tense as he stared into the stadium. Apocalypse tipped upward, knocking both itself and Zwei Spriggan away. The two lost a good amount of speed but it was clear Apocalypse was spinning stronger. Meeting in the center Jackson jabbed at the air a few times. The two beys were slowing down but neither one wobbled as they clashed. With a bit of an impact the two slid backward from each other. Both of them wobbled, but Zwei Spriggan tipped down and came to a stop. Apocalypse was still making slow rotations as Jackson reached down first to get his bey.
Jackson: That's one. Oh man, what an easy two hundred dollars.
Roy scoffed and grabbed his bey, quickly getting into position. Jackson again fumbled with Prime Apocalypse on the launcher for a good twenty seconds. The second it snapped in his body jerked into place with the expert movement of a trained combatant.
Jackson: Mmm-mm! Two hundred for nothing, for picking up!
Roy: Rr.. Come on. Let's do this.
Jackson was smiling wide as the two stood there.
Roy & Jackson: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
The two launched hard, yet Jackson had tipped his launched forward to shoot Apocalypse more towards the outer rim, toward himself. Zwei Spriggan made the same powerful sweep on the outside, but now Apocalypse was in the way, a slow moving fortress that spun in the direct path of Roy's bey. Zwei Spriggan struck against the backside of Apocalypse. Prime Apocalypse was launched forward, tilting its layer backward to be facing toward the again incoming Zwei Spriggan. The power of Volcanic' gave Zwei Spriggan exceptional clashing and chasing abilities, especially in the early game. The two clashed head to head. Apocalypse rolled its layer counter clockwise, unclicking and detaching the golden ring entirely from its face. Apocalypse immediately tipped away as the Big Bang Armor had flung away, the risen blades of Blitz scraping hard into the spears of Zwei. Zwei Spriggan tipped away, Paradox scraping hard into the stadium floor. Roy clenched both his fists. Zwei Spriggan took into the center of the arena with haste with the Paradox impact. Apocalypse had done the same, launching itself straight at Zwei Spriggan. The tip of Prime Apocalypse' sword glistened as it spun, swinging straight into the gap between the layer of Zwei and the disc Paradox. Roy's eyes went wide as he saw the twist of the layer as it slowly unlocked. When Zwei Spriggan blasted backward Roy let out a heavy sigh of relief, but choked out the air as the Big Bang Armor struck him in the backside. The golden ring had rolled across the midsection of the arena when it detached and then launched off the backside in order to now be striking Zwei Spriggan. The ring was smacked out of the way, flying out of the arena in no time, but Zwei Spriggan was blown backward into the still forward moving Apocalypse. All of the momentum of flying away had been redirected back toward the adversary. Zwei Spriggan and Apocalypse met. The pieces of Zwei Spriggan scattered, the paradox frame separating, along with Volcanic', all flying out of the arena in random directions. The match ended 3/0 with the furious burst. Prime Apocalypse was still spinning strong. Roy was in shock but still began to look for the pieces of his Spriggan. He put Zwei Spriggan together and got back up. When he looked up for he saw Jackson now standing over him. The right hand extended and struck Roy in the right eye, punching him rather hard with the metal knuckle. Roy stumbled backward, holding his eye with both hands.
Jackson: I'll see you in a week..
Jackson walked over toward Graham, who was now sitting up.
Jackson: One week.. Got it!?
Graham: Y-Yes sir!
Jackson: ... Good
Jackson reached down and grabbed Graham, pulling him to his feet. Graham was still breathing heavy with crusted blood around his lips. Jackson stood there looking at him, but then the right hand had come up to strike Graham's left temple. The fist pulled back, then accelerated into Graham's chest, then once more into his stomach. As Jackson dropped Graham he brought his knee up, stabbing it into Graham's gut. Graham cried out and fell to the floor, shaking hard. Jackson looked back over at Roy, who had gotten closer but didn't dare approach fully.
Jackson: One week!
Jackson stood up and walked off further into the park. Roy ran over to Graham and reached down, checking him. Graham was unconscious at this point. It took everything Roy had but he managed to lift Graham up into both of his arms. The pain in his eye was throbbing, how he wanted to clutch it. It took almost twenty minutes but Roy made his way back home holding Graham the whole way.
Chapter 3 (Click to View)
Roy forced the door open violently when he got home, not out of anger, but out of a growing exhaustion and lack of usable arms. He had to kick the door to open it. The old man had come from the deck to the front of the house due to the noise.
???: What's with all the ruckus?
The man froze when he saw Roy holding Graham, but then sprinted over when he could recompose himself.
???: What happened to Graham?!
Roy: Rufus... We got our asses kicked.. We need to get him to a hospital.
Rufus: Graham.. No...
Rufus stepped away and made his way into the kitchen, grabbing the phone off the wall. Roy walked over and laid Graham down on a bench in their hallway. Roy was just standing there in silence with some ability to overhear the conversation.
Rufus: Milton Hospital? My son needs medical assistance.................... Yea......... Yea................. I don't know the insurance, but it's on my file. Look me up.................... Ok....
Roy sighed and walked into the bathroom. He thoroughly washed his face, put a bandage over his eye, then stared into the mirror. He was down two hundred dollars, lost like an amateur, and just found out his half brother was in debt to dangerous people. Sitting backward he took a seat on the side of the tub and looked down at the bathroom floor.
Rufus: Roy? I'm heading out to bring Graham to the hospital. I'll be back tonight.
The voice was dampened but came in clear behind the bathroom door. Roy didn't answer, hearing the front door open and then close about ten seconds after Rufus had made the announcement. He sighed again and reached up, putting his right hand over his bandaged right eye.
Roy: ....... Damn...
An hour had passed and Roy stood up, heading into his room and laying down. He was asleep in no time.
Rufus was sitting in the waiting room. He had all of Graham's clothing and possessions folded on his lap, having given the ok to admit Graham for surgery to correct his skull. With a deep breath Rufus reached up and wiped his forearm across both his eyes. Looking down at the stuff he noticed the separate parts of the beys which were earlier given to him in a baggie now had two drivers. Reaching down, the bag was opened and Ultimate Reboot' was taken out.
Rufus: I can see it.
Rufus used his left pinky to grab the clip of Ultimate Reboot', extending the rubber tip.
Rufus: This evolution of Reboot has the comparable battering force of Volcanic, but he activates it with a burst of strength later into the game. The driver is also so much heavier now. This rubber tip is not just a minor accelerator anymore... it's a full blown cannon!
Rufus clenched the driver in his hand and smiled.
(My boy, he really is growing strong huh? I can't help but worry, but I can see that he knows what he's doing. He really could be the best...)
Standing up, Rufus walked over and spoke with the nurse. Informed that he wouldn't be able to see Graham tonight due to complications, he left, made a stop to purchase a large pizza with everything, and went home.
Roy woke up nearly four hours later. Exhaling, he rubbed his eye and left his room, hearing the music of The Animals, and went out to see Rufus. Upon the eye contact, Rufus was quick to get up.
Rufus: Hey!
Roy: .. Hey.
Rufus: ... Yea.. I know. The two of you will be ok though.
Roy: Yea..
Rufus: I saved you two pieces of pizza....... So come on, tell me what's going on. Something's gotta give.
Roy: I dunno man..
Rufus: Listen, I know you know.
Rufus was walking away, going over to a shelf in the living room.
Rufus: I'll help you with what's going on, but you need to tell me, and you're going to tell me!
Rufus swung himself back around. In his hand was Judgment Diabolos, the black and red annihilator. Rufus made his bey based on his own resolve, a powerhouse with as much weight as possible. This bey is Judgment Diabolos, Wheel, and Octa, black and red from top to bottom.
Rufus: We're going to play a game, and when I win, you're going to tell me what you know!
At this point Roy was smiling.
Roy: Heh, alright. What am I getting if I win this?
Rufus: I won't touch that eye of yours while you're awake!
Roy: Come on, what kind of crappy reward is that? You're just going to hurt me if I lose? And wait.. If I'm asleep, you're just going to touch my bruised eye!?
Rufus: I will until I get the truth out of you!
Rufus laughed and turned, going into the hallway and opening the door to go downstairs. Roy sighed, grabbed his beys, then followed. The stadium was built into the floor, Rufus already standing at the far starting point.
Rufus: Alright! Get your game on..
Roy took a deep breath and got into position. Both of them readied their beys and got into the starting position. With no notification, both announced in harmony.
Rufus & Roy: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Zwei Spriggan and Judgment Diabolos hit the floor and took off into powerful charges. Judgment Diabolos was quick to head to the center, making small circles outside of the absolute center of the arena. Roy's right fist clenched. Zwei Spriggan tipped backward and tapped Paradox into the arena floor. Zwei Spriggan fired forward toward the center, using Volcanic' to aim the face straight at Judgment Diabolos. Diabolos made a wide swing out, breaking out of the circular pattern it was making. Zwei Spriggan adjust itself by tapping the front of Paradox into the floor to stand upright in the center, spinning with an incredible strength. Each of Rufus' hands pulled back at his hips with clenched fists, then accelerated forward with open palms.
Rufus: Diabolos! Rip him to shreds!
Roy: Haaaa!!
Judgment Diabolos turned inward and shot toward the center. The sharp javelin of Zwei Spriggan aiming forward was met with the utmost precision of the rubber blades of Judgment Diabolos hitting into Roy's bey. Zwei Spriggan and Judgment Diabolos were launched up and away. The two of them spun wild, undid themselves in the air, and finally burst together. The pieces fell into the arena, bouncing around before all settling mostly in the center.
Rufus: Well, that's it, a 2/0 burst finish. Tell me what's going on.
Roy: What? That was a draw and you know it. We both burst at the same time.
Rufus: Sorry, but you know the rules. My house, so I'm the judge. You burst a fraction of a second before I did, I saw it. Now tell me what's going on.
Roy: Man...
Roy was smiling. He sighed and looked down for a second, but then rose his head back up.
Roy: Alright.
Roy squat down and gathered all the parts. He assembled both Spriggan and Diabolos, then handed it back to Rufus, who was happy to take it. Roy stepped out and made his way into the living room, leaning himself back against the large side wall. Rufus followed behind and stood half in the hallway, half in the living room.
Roy: Here's what's up...
???: What's with all the ruckus?
The man froze when he saw Roy holding Graham, but then sprinted over when he could recompose himself.
???: What happened to Graham?!
Roy: Rufus... We got our asses kicked.. We need to get him to a hospital.
Rufus: Graham.. No...
Rufus stepped away and made his way into the kitchen, grabbing the phone off the wall. Roy walked over and laid Graham down on a bench in their hallway. Roy was just standing there in silence with some ability to overhear the conversation.
Rufus: Milton Hospital? My son needs medical assistance.................... Yea......... Yea................. I don't know the insurance, but it's on my file. Look me up.................... Ok....
Roy sighed and walked into the bathroom. He thoroughly washed his face, put a bandage over his eye, then stared into the mirror. He was down two hundred dollars, lost like an amateur, and just found out his half brother was in debt to dangerous people. Sitting backward he took a seat on the side of the tub and looked down at the bathroom floor.
Rufus: Roy? I'm heading out to bring Graham to the hospital. I'll be back tonight.
The voice was dampened but came in clear behind the bathroom door. Roy didn't answer, hearing the front door open and then close about ten seconds after Rufus had made the announcement. He sighed again and reached up, putting his right hand over his bandaged right eye.
Roy: ....... Damn...
An hour had passed and Roy stood up, heading into his room and laying down. He was asleep in no time.
Rufus was sitting in the waiting room. He had all of Graham's clothing and possessions folded on his lap, having given the ok to admit Graham for surgery to correct his skull. With a deep breath Rufus reached up and wiped his forearm across both his eyes. Looking down at the stuff he noticed the separate parts of the beys which were earlier given to him in a baggie now had two drivers. Reaching down, the bag was opened and Ultimate Reboot' was taken out.
Rufus: I can see it.
Rufus used his left pinky to grab the clip of Ultimate Reboot', extending the rubber tip.
Rufus: This evolution of Reboot has the comparable battering force of Volcanic, but he activates it with a burst of strength later into the game. The driver is also so much heavier now. This rubber tip is not just a minor accelerator anymore... it's a full blown cannon!
Rufus clenched the driver in his hand and smiled.
(My boy, he really is growing strong huh? I can't help but worry, but I can see that he knows what he's doing. He really could be the best...)
Standing up, Rufus walked over and spoke with the nurse. Informed that he wouldn't be able to see Graham tonight due to complications, he left, made a stop to purchase a large pizza with everything, and went home.
Roy woke up nearly four hours later. Exhaling, he rubbed his eye and left his room, hearing the music of The Animals, and went out to see Rufus. Upon the eye contact, Rufus was quick to get up.
Rufus: Hey!
Roy: .. Hey.
Rufus: ... Yea.. I know. The two of you will be ok though.
Roy: Yea..
Rufus: I saved you two pieces of pizza....... So come on, tell me what's going on. Something's gotta give.
Roy: I dunno man..
Rufus: Listen, I know you know.
Rufus was walking away, going over to a shelf in the living room.
Rufus: I'll help you with what's going on, but you need to tell me, and you're going to tell me!
Rufus swung himself back around. In his hand was Judgment Diabolos, the black and red annihilator. Rufus made his bey based on his own resolve, a powerhouse with as much weight as possible. This bey is Judgment Diabolos, Wheel, and Octa, black and red from top to bottom.
Rufus: We're going to play a game, and when I win, you're going to tell me what you know!
At this point Roy was smiling.
Roy: Heh, alright. What am I getting if I win this?
Rufus: I won't touch that eye of yours while you're awake!
Roy: Come on, what kind of crappy reward is that? You're just going to hurt me if I lose? And wait.. If I'm asleep, you're just going to touch my bruised eye!?
Rufus: I will until I get the truth out of you!
Rufus laughed and turned, going into the hallway and opening the door to go downstairs. Roy sighed, grabbed his beys, then followed. The stadium was built into the floor, Rufus already standing at the far starting point.
Rufus: Alright! Get your game on..
Roy took a deep breath and got into position. Both of them readied their beys and got into the starting position. With no notification, both announced in harmony.
Rufus & Roy: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Zwei Spriggan and Judgment Diabolos hit the floor and took off into powerful charges. Judgment Diabolos was quick to head to the center, making small circles outside of the absolute center of the arena. Roy's right fist clenched. Zwei Spriggan tipped backward and tapped Paradox into the arena floor. Zwei Spriggan fired forward toward the center, using Volcanic' to aim the face straight at Judgment Diabolos. Diabolos made a wide swing out, breaking out of the circular pattern it was making. Zwei Spriggan adjust itself by tapping the front of Paradox into the floor to stand upright in the center, spinning with an incredible strength. Each of Rufus' hands pulled back at his hips with clenched fists, then accelerated forward with open palms.
Rufus: Diabolos! Rip him to shreds!
Roy: Haaaa!!
Judgment Diabolos turned inward and shot toward the center. The sharp javelin of Zwei Spriggan aiming forward was met with the utmost precision of the rubber blades of Judgment Diabolos hitting into Roy's bey. Zwei Spriggan and Judgment Diabolos were launched up and away. The two of them spun wild, undid themselves in the air, and finally burst together. The pieces fell into the arena, bouncing around before all settling mostly in the center.
Rufus: Well, that's it, a 2/0 burst finish. Tell me what's going on.
Roy: What? That was a draw and you know it. We both burst at the same time.
Rufus: Sorry, but you know the rules. My house, so I'm the judge. You burst a fraction of a second before I did, I saw it. Now tell me what's going on.
Roy: Man...
Roy was smiling. He sighed and looked down for a second, but then rose his head back up.
Roy: Alright.
Roy squat down and gathered all the parts. He assembled both Spriggan and Diabolos, then handed it back to Rufus, who was happy to take it. Roy stepped out and made his way into the living room, leaning himself back against the large side wall. Rufus followed behind and stood half in the hallway, half in the living room.
Roy: Here's what's up...
Chapter 4 (Click to View)
Roy had explained everything to his adopted father. With some investigation, the two had found out Graham was using gambling in order to afford the work station and materials needed to start building for competitive Beyblade. The costs exceeded six thousand dollars, discovered from receipts kept in Graham's desk drawer. Gambling had payed off for some time, however this was the streak that put him into a bad position with the gaming den. Three consecutive losses brought him just over two thousand dollars in debt to a violent gang. Both Roy and Rufus were walking home from the hospital after seeing Graham, who was recovering but still in urgent care. Roy stopped, causing Rufus to look back after a bit of distance between them. A little bit off but headed towards Roy was Jackson. Once he was close Jackson spoke first.
Jackson: Well well, got my money? I know you got two days left, but it would be nice to get it now.
Rufus watched and quickly realized this was the Jackson that he was told of in the stories. He started to make his way back towards Roy, keeping off to the side however.
Roy: No, not yet, but I'll definitely have it then...
Jackson: Yea... you really better have it.
Jackson turned to move but was stopped by the large man in front of him.
Jackson: Hey! What do you want?
With no response, Rufus had reached up and slugged Jackson in the nose with his right hand. Jackson stumbled back and yelled out, reaching to his side to grab at his gun. Rufus was in front of him by the time the firearm was pulled out, grabbing onto his arm and twisting it until the gun fell. Rufus kicked the gun hard into some bushes and took a few more swings. Jackson recoiled and backed away as he took the hits.
Jackson: Oh that's it old man!
Jackson put his hands up to fight, fists tight in front of his face. His intensity paused though when he now saw Rufus standing a meter away, right hand extended. In the hand, Judgment Diabolos facing front.
Jackson: That's how you want to settle this? Fine! I'll end you!
Rufus was silent as the two of them went to the nearest stadium. Each man pulled out their launcher. Judgment Diabolos was swiftly attached, while Prime Apocalypse took a few seconds before connecting. The two of them moved into position.
Rufus: 3...
Rufus & Jackson: 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Prime Apocalypse and Judgment Diabolos each touched down and quickly advanced downward with their first circle. They met in an instant, Prime Apocalypse sliding backward nearly half the stadium length. Judgment Diabolos made a small circle and then shot back in toward the center, intentionally overshooting the length to swing at Apocalypse. Diabolos struck and Apocalypse fired off to the side. Jackson slid himself back and became tense as Apocalypse rode the actual rim of the arena, threatening to ring out. Sliding back in he exhaled, although Apocalypse had lost a decent amount of speed. Judgment Diabolos had continued its spin intensity as it retook the center of the ring. Apocalypse tilt forward and advanced quick toward the middle of the arena. Judgment Diabolos and Prime Apocalypse again struck each other, both sliding backward with both losing a good amount of speed. Both beys were starting to wobble but Judgment Diabolos looked a little worse off. Roy was watching off to the side, both fists clenched as he observed the match with unblinking eyes. Apocalypse sat at the center but Judgment Diabolos still made small circles. Rufus tipped his right hand to the right side. At that moment, Judgment Diabolos fell against Apocalypse. Apocalypse touched into the floor prone while Diabolos rolled slow on it for exactly two more spin and then paused.
Jackson: Man that's nonsense! You're not going to win with luck like that again.
Rufus: I'm going to punish you for what you did to my son...
Jackson: Your son? Oh! Of course, he's the one who owes me. I'm gonna beat your carp for before and it's going to be so sweet. Sooo~ sweet..
Rufus was unphased as he gathered his bey, quick to get into his stance. Jackson grunted and grabbed Apocalypse. After a few moments he was ready as well. The two looked at each other now in silence. Roy kept looking between them, fists tight as ever.
Rufus & Jackson: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Prime Apocalypse and Judgment Diabolos again took off, a mad sprint to the center.
Rufus: You're going to pay, I mean it! I'm not gonna tolerate carp from some dirtbag scum like you!
Jackson looked up when Rufus yelled. The two beys approached. Before they met, Judgment Diabolos tipped itself backward. The rubber blade aimed up, a precise strike to the underside of Prime Apocalypse. One rubber blade struck Apocalypse, the other rubber blade jabbed into the floor. The risen blades of Prime Apocalypse' Blitz stabbed into the rubber blade of Judgment Diabolos, twisting against it hard as it sliced through the rubber. Internally, Diabolos' Wheel scraped hard into its Judgments burst stopper. Apocalypse tried with all its might to undo Judgment Diabolos, Rufus reaching up with his left hand to grab at his heart. Judgment Diabolos held together and snapped downward after delivering the strike. In that single moment, Prime Apocalypse was flipped straight over, landing on its face. The match was over in under three seconds. Jackston stared into the arena in shock as Judgment Diabolos wobbled and finally fell over, having given everything to end the match quick.
Jackson looked over toward the other end of arena to look at Rufus, but Rufus was not there. At his left side, Rufus' fist slammed into Jackson's eye. Jackson yelled out as the fist dug hard into him, followed by the right hand jabbing into his rib cage. Jackson brought both hands up in front of his face as a guard move. Rufus stepped tight against him, thrusting his open palm straight up between Jackson's fists and his chest. The open palm struck his jaw, teeth cracking as they were jabbed into themselves. Jackson stumbled backward and Rufus brought both his hands up and to the side. With fingers interlocking he swung both fists together down into the right side of Jackson's head. Jackson dropped to the floor hard, legs twitching. Roy ran over as Rufus fumbled in place and again grabbed at his heart.
Roy: Whoa dude, come on. We'll get you home where you can rest.
Rufus: Yea.. That'll be good.
Rufus was breathing heavy as they walked home, using Roy for support, but it was beginning to ease up by the time they arrived. Roy ran in first and got some water for Rufus. Rufus took it, drinking it as he went to his bed to lay down. Roy retrieved the glass and sat down in the kitchen, sighing heavily. The idea that something bad would come from this wouldn't leave his mind. So much violence surrounded his family and this gang member that it put a sick feeling in the bottom of his stomach. Standing up he got himself a glass of water, then put both cups in the sink. Roy stopped when he saw Judgment Diabolos sitting on the table, Rufus having put it down when he took the glass of water. The left side rubber blade was sliced open with a deep gash. Roy couldn't help but feel the grip of anxiety as he looked at the damage to his father's bey. He paced around nervously for about half an hour before dropping on the living room couch and going to sleep. Two days passed and nothing happened. Three days later, Graham was out of the hospital.
Jackson: Well well, got my money? I know you got two days left, but it would be nice to get it now.
Rufus watched and quickly realized this was the Jackson that he was told of in the stories. He started to make his way back towards Roy, keeping off to the side however.
Roy: No, not yet, but I'll definitely have it then...
Jackson: Yea... you really better have it.
Jackson turned to move but was stopped by the large man in front of him.
Jackson: Hey! What do you want?
With no response, Rufus had reached up and slugged Jackson in the nose with his right hand. Jackson stumbled back and yelled out, reaching to his side to grab at his gun. Rufus was in front of him by the time the firearm was pulled out, grabbing onto his arm and twisting it until the gun fell. Rufus kicked the gun hard into some bushes and took a few more swings. Jackson recoiled and backed away as he took the hits.
Jackson: Oh that's it old man!
Jackson put his hands up to fight, fists tight in front of his face. His intensity paused though when he now saw Rufus standing a meter away, right hand extended. In the hand, Judgment Diabolos facing front.
Jackson: That's how you want to settle this? Fine! I'll end you!
Rufus was silent as the two of them went to the nearest stadium. Each man pulled out their launcher. Judgment Diabolos was swiftly attached, while Prime Apocalypse took a few seconds before connecting. The two of them moved into position.
Rufus: 3...
Rufus & Jackson: 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Prime Apocalypse and Judgment Diabolos each touched down and quickly advanced downward with their first circle. They met in an instant, Prime Apocalypse sliding backward nearly half the stadium length. Judgment Diabolos made a small circle and then shot back in toward the center, intentionally overshooting the length to swing at Apocalypse. Diabolos struck and Apocalypse fired off to the side. Jackson slid himself back and became tense as Apocalypse rode the actual rim of the arena, threatening to ring out. Sliding back in he exhaled, although Apocalypse had lost a decent amount of speed. Judgment Diabolos had continued its spin intensity as it retook the center of the ring. Apocalypse tilt forward and advanced quick toward the middle of the arena. Judgment Diabolos and Prime Apocalypse again struck each other, both sliding backward with both losing a good amount of speed. Both beys were starting to wobble but Judgment Diabolos looked a little worse off. Roy was watching off to the side, both fists clenched as he observed the match with unblinking eyes. Apocalypse sat at the center but Judgment Diabolos still made small circles. Rufus tipped his right hand to the right side. At that moment, Judgment Diabolos fell against Apocalypse. Apocalypse touched into the floor prone while Diabolos rolled slow on it for exactly two more spin and then paused.
Jackson: Man that's nonsense! You're not going to win with luck like that again.
Rufus: I'm going to punish you for what you did to my son...
Jackson: Your son? Oh! Of course, he's the one who owes me. I'm gonna beat your carp for before and it's going to be so sweet. Sooo~ sweet..
Rufus was unphased as he gathered his bey, quick to get into his stance. Jackson grunted and grabbed Apocalypse. After a few moments he was ready as well. The two looked at each other now in silence. Roy kept looking between them, fists tight as ever.
Rufus & Jackson: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Prime Apocalypse and Judgment Diabolos again took off, a mad sprint to the center.
Rufus: You're going to pay, I mean it! I'm not gonna tolerate carp from some dirtbag scum like you!
Jackson looked up when Rufus yelled. The two beys approached. Before they met, Judgment Diabolos tipped itself backward. The rubber blade aimed up, a precise strike to the underside of Prime Apocalypse. One rubber blade struck Apocalypse, the other rubber blade jabbed into the floor. The risen blades of Prime Apocalypse' Blitz stabbed into the rubber blade of Judgment Diabolos, twisting against it hard as it sliced through the rubber. Internally, Diabolos' Wheel scraped hard into its Judgments burst stopper. Apocalypse tried with all its might to undo Judgment Diabolos, Rufus reaching up with his left hand to grab at his heart. Judgment Diabolos held together and snapped downward after delivering the strike. In that single moment, Prime Apocalypse was flipped straight over, landing on its face. The match was over in under three seconds. Jackston stared into the arena in shock as Judgment Diabolos wobbled and finally fell over, having given everything to end the match quick.
Jackson looked over toward the other end of arena to look at Rufus, but Rufus was not there. At his left side, Rufus' fist slammed into Jackson's eye. Jackson yelled out as the fist dug hard into him, followed by the right hand jabbing into his rib cage. Jackson brought both hands up in front of his face as a guard move. Rufus stepped tight against him, thrusting his open palm straight up between Jackson's fists and his chest. The open palm struck his jaw, teeth cracking as they were jabbed into themselves. Jackson stumbled backward and Rufus brought both his hands up and to the side. With fingers interlocking he swung both fists together down into the right side of Jackson's head. Jackson dropped to the floor hard, legs twitching. Roy ran over as Rufus fumbled in place and again grabbed at his heart.
Roy: Whoa dude, come on. We'll get you home where you can rest.
Rufus: Yea.. That'll be good.
Rufus was breathing heavy as they walked home, using Roy for support, but it was beginning to ease up by the time they arrived. Roy ran in first and got some water for Rufus. Rufus took it, drinking it as he went to his bed to lay down. Roy retrieved the glass and sat down in the kitchen, sighing heavily. The idea that something bad would come from this wouldn't leave his mind. So much violence surrounded his family and this gang member that it put a sick feeling in the bottom of his stomach. Standing up he got himself a glass of water, then put both cups in the sink. Roy stopped when he saw Judgment Diabolos sitting on the table, Rufus having put it down when he took the glass of water. The left side rubber blade was sliced open with a deep gash. Roy couldn't help but feel the grip of anxiety as he looked at the damage to his father's bey. He paced around nervously for about half an hour before dropping on the living room couch and going to sleep. Two days passed and nothing happened. Three days later, Graham was out of the hospital.
Chapter 5 (Click to View)
The sun sat high overhead as noon passed. Both Roy and Graham sat outside on the sidewalk near the park, the warmth of the concrete something to enjoy. The breeze was light but just enough to circulate the air as a constant. Graham's midsection and the right portion of his head were still heavily bandaged.
Graham: You know... I'm sorry... I didn't mean for to drag you guys into this.
Roy: Yea, I know, but it's better we know, you know?
Graham: I don't think so. Now we're all in the pits instead of just me.
Roy: Heh.. Yea, but now we can figure a way out of this together. I'd rather suffer with you than let you stew in it alone.
Graham sighed heavily and stood up, tilting his head upward to look toward the sun.
Graham: We shouldn't have to suffer because of me, I got us into this because I wanted to be better. Instead, I came out a fool.
Roy had also gotten up, exhaling heavy from his nostrils once Graham had spoken. Roy's right hand reached up as a fist and punched Graham's left shoulder, not so hard as to leave a mark but hard enough to sting. Graham flinched but didn't say anything.
Roy: Heh, don't worry about it. You know Rufus is relieved that you're ok. He told me he broke into his savings in order to pay off our debts too.
Graham: What!? Damn man, now he's bailing me out. I mean.. Argh.. I don't know how I could pay the gaming den back, but I don't want dad stepping in like that.
Roy: I get ya, but, well what choice do we really have? Sometimes things just.. suck.
The two of them stood silent for thirty seconds, neither one of them looking at each other. It was Roy who perked up.
Roy: Hey, how about we go home for a bit? We missed breakfast so I know a good lunch will make us feel at least a little better.
Graham: Yea, I guess some food will be nice. Did you guys pick up the noodles I wrote down? That alone would be a treat after that hospital food.
Roy: Oh yea! We got that and a good tray of ground beef. I suggested that since I figured we can make some lasagna, like a whole platter and just have at it.
Graham: Nice. Well let's get going!
The tone of their voices had changed slightly, ditching the misery for the moment as the two begun to walk home. Approaching their home they would both stop and look in, the front door wide open with the hallway a mess. The table mail usually reside on was knocked over, mail and newspaper covering the floor. Roy sprinted over to the house while Graham continued walking, although his pace did increase. Graham couldn't bring himself to run yet.
Roy: Rufus!?... Dad!?
Roy yelled into the house as he charged inside. He stepped over the mess in the hallway and went further into the house.
Roy: DAD! HEY, WHERE ARE YOU!?
As Roy ran further into the house the living room had succumb to the same style of mess. The table was flipped completely over and the couch was on its backside. An open magazine and a large pair of sweatpants were sprawled out onto the floor. Graham stepped inside and looked around.
Graham: Do you see him?
Roy: No man, sh*t!
Both Graham and Roy were in panic as they looked around another two minutes. There was a loud screech outside, the sound of partly faulty brakes. Roy ran over to the front of the house while Graham followed a few seconds afterward. Sitting in front of their house was a large black town-car. The driver had already stepped out and walked around to the back passenger side of the vehicle, opening the door. The driver was a large Asian man dressed in a navy blue suit, a muscle definition so strong that the suit almost looked small on him.
???: I understand you're Roy and you're Graham. Get in.
Roy: Who are you, and what-
???: Shutup. I said to get in.
Roy froze for a second, gathering himself with a deep breath. Slowly he made his way toward the car. The man was still holding the door open. Roy was visibly trembling as he looked up at the man. This man was at least 6 foot 8 inches tall, towering over Roy. Graham was making his way over to the car as well.
???: Get. In.
Roy slowly got into the backseat and slid to the far corner. Graham was a little bit slower getting in. Once in the man closed the door and walked around to the front, again taking his seat as the driver. The car jerked slightly and then took off down the road. Graham was staring down at the floor. Roy spoke, although the words were choked out
Roy: I take it we're going to the Super Z Gaming Den?
???: Shutup. You can talk when you're told you can talk.
Roy went silent. It was hard to raise his head, finding himself looking to the floor the same as Graham. The ride went on for about fifteen minutes before the car stopped. The man got out and hastily made his way around the backside of the car to open the door for the two boys.
???: Come on, let's go.
The two boys got out silently. They were in the back parking lot of the gaming den, a view that was not usual for most people at the establishment. The large man stood behind them, clearly urging them to walk toward the back door. The two walked inside. The moment they were inside the two found themselves in the back rooms of the gaming den. The heavy odor of tobacco waft through the air. Neither Roy or Graham had been in this part of the large building before, a place typically reserved for high rollers and personal friends of the owner. The man walked past them, again the implication to follow as his hand made a small wave. Roy and Graham made their way as the large man walked over to a pair of double doors, grabbed onto the left handle, and proceeded to open the door. The two walked inside but the man did not follow, closing the door behind them. The metal clang made Graham jump. In the back of the room a man was in a chair that looked more akin to a throne, a high rising red leather chair with purple trim. To the left, Rufus was in a wooden chair. His right eye was bruised, nose looked broken, and both his legs were tied around the legs of the chair. Both of Rufus' arms were behind the chair, clearly tied up though they couldn't actually see it.
Graham & Roy: Dad!
The man in the red chair stood up, brushed himself off, and slowly started to walk toward the center of the room.
???: Hello boys. My name is Howard Juke, and under my instruction you and your father have been brought here. Now... let's talk.
Graham: You know... I'm sorry... I didn't mean for to drag you guys into this.
Roy: Yea, I know, but it's better we know, you know?
Graham: I don't think so. Now we're all in the pits instead of just me.
Roy: Heh.. Yea, but now we can figure a way out of this together. I'd rather suffer with you than let you stew in it alone.
Graham sighed heavily and stood up, tilting his head upward to look toward the sun.
Graham: We shouldn't have to suffer because of me, I got us into this because I wanted to be better. Instead, I came out a fool.
Roy had also gotten up, exhaling heavy from his nostrils once Graham had spoken. Roy's right hand reached up as a fist and punched Graham's left shoulder, not so hard as to leave a mark but hard enough to sting. Graham flinched but didn't say anything.
Roy: Heh, don't worry about it. You know Rufus is relieved that you're ok. He told me he broke into his savings in order to pay off our debts too.
Graham: What!? Damn man, now he's bailing me out. I mean.. Argh.. I don't know how I could pay the gaming den back, but I don't want dad stepping in like that.
Roy: I get ya, but, well what choice do we really have? Sometimes things just.. suck.
The two of them stood silent for thirty seconds, neither one of them looking at each other. It was Roy who perked up.
Roy: Hey, how about we go home for a bit? We missed breakfast so I know a good lunch will make us feel at least a little better.
Graham: Yea, I guess some food will be nice. Did you guys pick up the noodles I wrote down? That alone would be a treat after that hospital food.
Roy: Oh yea! We got that and a good tray of ground beef. I suggested that since I figured we can make some lasagna, like a whole platter and just have at it.
Graham: Nice. Well let's get going!
The tone of their voices had changed slightly, ditching the misery for the moment as the two begun to walk home. Approaching their home they would both stop and look in, the front door wide open with the hallway a mess. The table mail usually reside on was knocked over, mail and newspaper covering the floor. Roy sprinted over to the house while Graham continued walking, although his pace did increase. Graham couldn't bring himself to run yet.
Roy: Rufus!?... Dad!?
Roy yelled into the house as he charged inside. He stepped over the mess in the hallway and went further into the house.
Roy: DAD! HEY, WHERE ARE YOU!?
As Roy ran further into the house the living room had succumb to the same style of mess. The table was flipped completely over and the couch was on its backside. An open magazine and a large pair of sweatpants were sprawled out onto the floor. Graham stepped inside and looked around.
Graham: Do you see him?
Roy: No man, sh*t!
Both Graham and Roy were in panic as they looked around another two minutes. There was a loud screech outside, the sound of partly faulty brakes. Roy ran over to the front of the house while Graham followed a few seconds afterward. Sitting in front of their house was a large black town-car. The driver had already stepped out and walked around to the back passenger side of the vehicle, opening the door. The driver was a large Asian man dressed in a navy blue suit, a muscle definition so strong that the suit almost looked small on him.
???: I understand you're Roy and you're Graham. Get in.
Roy: Who are you, and what-
???: Shutup. I said to get in.
Roy froze for a second, gathering himself with a deep breath. Slowly he made his way toward the car. The man was still holding the door open. Roy was visibly trembling as he looked up at the man. This man was at least 6 foot 8 inches tall, towering over Roy. Graham was making his way over to the car as well.
???: Get. In.
Roy slowly got into the backseat and slid to the far corner. Graham was a little bit slower getting in. Once in the man closed the door and walked around to the front, again taking his seat as the driver. The car jerked slightly and then took off down the road. Graham was staring down at the floor. Roy spoke, although the words were choked out
Roy: I take it we're going to the Super Z Gaming Den?
???: Shutup. You can talk when you're told you can talk.
Roy went silent. It was hard to raise his head, finding himself looking to the floor the same as Graham. The ride went on for about fifteen minutes before the car stopped. The man got out and hastily made his way around the backside of the car to open the door for the two boys.
???: Come on, let's go.
The two boys got out silently. They were in the back parking lot of the gaming den, a view that was not usual for most people at the establishment. The large man stood behind them, clearly urging them to walk toward the back door. The two walked inside. The moment they were inside the two found themselves in the back rooms of the gaming den. The heavy odor of tobacco waft through the air. Neither Roy or Graham had been in this part of the large building before, a place typically reserved for high rollers and personal friends of the owner. The man walked past them, again the implication to follow as his hand made a small wave. Roy and Graham made their way as the large man walked over to a pair of double doors, grabbed onto the left handle, and proceeded to open the door. The two walked inside but the man did not follow, closing the door behind them. The metal clang made Graham jump. In the back of the room a man was in a chair that looked more akin to a throne, a high rising red leather chair with purple trim. To the left, Rufus was in a wooden chair. His right eye was bruised, nose looked broken, and both his legs were tied around the legs of the chair. Both of Rufus' arms were behind the chair, clearly tied up though they couldn't actually see it.
Graham & Roy: Dad!
The man in the red chair stood up, brushed himself off, and slowly started to walk toward the center of the room.
???: Hello boys. My name is Howard Juke, and under my instruction you and your father have been brought here. Now... let's talk.
Chapter 6 (Click to View)
Howard Juke made his way toward both Roy and Graham, bringing himself to stop in the center of the room.
Howard: We ran into some complications as you can see when we tried to talk to your father about what happened to one of my men. I'd prefer I don't have the same complications with you two.
Graham and Roy stood there tense. Neither one of them said anything at the time.
Howard: Good! Now, believe it or not, your debt has been paid by that man.
For an instant Howard would motion toward Rufus.
Howard: However, because of the insult upon this gaming den upon which he has brought, we decided to change the terms of our original deal.
Roy: You're a carp!
Roy blurt out. Howard laughed and stepped a little closer. Roy froze up as Howard approached him. Howard's left hand reached into his own pants pocket, hand coming up tightly closed over an object.
Howard: We do business here, but sometimes things need to be handled in other ways.
Roy took half a step backward, Graham's head snapping to the side to look at him. Howard's hand opened up. In his hand was a golden Beyblade, the circular form of Lord Fafnir meeting the crystal clear driver, Hybrid. Howard's right hand swung up and struck the underside of his own bey. A mechanical whir rose out of the bey, green light springing to life within the inner of the bey he held.
Howard: We're going to play my favorite game, and the outcome of this battle will decide what happens today. Your father put one of my men into a hospital. Typically, this issue would have been resolved by now, as an insubordination against my own should have ended with your father going to the grave.
Both the boys were somewhat pale, but remained silent as they watched Howard walk to the left wall. Howard's right hand touched a small notch below a painting of the letters "WBBA" signed with the names "Aiga Akaba" and "Valt Aoi". When his hand pushed the notch inward the floor was quick to separate in the center, folding into itself to reveal the large circular stadium he had built into the floor. Though the stadium was clearly no different in dimensions from the regular stadiums everyone played on, this one was made entirely of marble.
Howard: However, your father put up a convincing argument. He says that the two of you are not just good at this sport, you're exceptional.
Howard stepped to the far end of the stadium. In his left hand the still blinking Lord Fafnir was in constant show upon the open palm. His right hand rose, index finger risen to point at the boys.
Howard: One of you will play for his right to live! You have three minutes to decide which one of you will be my opponent, and what Beyblade you will select. Your time starts now!
The two looked at each other for a second.
Roy: Graham, let me take care of this. I doubt you're in good enough-
Graham: Forget it! I'm the whole reason we're here.
Roy: I know.. but you don't-
Graham stepped forward, away from Roy before he could finish speaking, right hand thrusting into his own pocket. With his hand raising up Knockout Odin was facing front.
Graham: I'm going to be your opponent, we've decided!
Roy: ...
Howard laughed for a second but would nod.
Howard: Very good, I'm glad I didn't need to wait.
Howard now walked to the right side of the room with a gesture that beckoned Graham. Graham was hesitant but took the instruction, walking toward Howard. Howard opened the only shelf in the office. Inside were a variety of different colored launchers, quick to reach in and take his own.
Howard: I saw you have your Beyblade, but not a launcher. You're free to select any one you see here. I assure you nothing is damaged or rigged. I wasn't lying when I said this was my favorite game, I play it with integrity.
Graham: .. Yea.. Thanks..
Graham looked at the parts and was quick to assemble a launcher, one that looked like his own only without the engraving of his own name.
Graham: This is it, I'm ready.
Howard: Then take your place.
The two walked over to the arena. Howard took the far end of the stadium while Graham took the side closer to the door. Roy had moved closer as well, standing mostly on the left side to get a clear view into the stadium. He would glance at Rufus, who was still for the most part not moving. His fists were tight as he looked back into the arena. Howard moved himself into position and Graham was quick to follow. The two stared at each other. With a small chuckle Howard would look to Roy.
Howard: How about you do the honors of our countdown? I wouldn't want someone to miss out on a part of the game.
Roy looked up and nodded, then glanced over to Graham. Graham also nodded, holding his launcher ready with Knockout Odin attached. Roy took a step to be a little closer to the stadium.
Roy: Bladers ready? 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Both Howard and Graham took their shot. As Lord Fafnir flew into the air the green blinking became a constant green ring, glowing bright as it flew straight toward the center. A small smile was on Graham's face as he saw Lord Fafnir take toward the center.
Graham: Hah! I could see a stamina type from a mile away! You're in for it now!
Knockout Odin was making one small loop as it approached the inside of the stadium. With the conclusion of a single circle the two beys struck. Knockout Odin cut right through the center of the arena, moving Lord Fafnir out of the way rather quick. Howard's brow furrowed with the impact. Lord Fafnir was beginning to slowly work its way around the middle of the arena, moving as if it were on a track instead of advancing toward the center. Knockout Odin was making small rotations in the center. The smile on Howard's face grew as he saw the attack driver focus on the center of the arena. Knockout Odin would tip slightly toward Lord Fafnir. At the same time the clips opened at the sides of the driver, the rubber stake driving into the arena. Knockout Odin took off with a mad charge, headed straight toward Lord Fafnir. It was over in a single hit, Knockout Odin skidding backward. Lord Fafnir flew forward, flipping upside down and landing on its layer just outside of the arena walls.
Graham: Oh yea!
Howard: I'm impressed. I'm partial to the stamina typing due to the resilience of surviving. What you have there is something else, but if you would, allow me demonstrate the true power of Lord Fafnir!
Graham: You're on!
Roy was smiling but staying silent for the time, watching the two talk. This time it was Graham who was first to assume his position, Howard taking a few steps to pick his bey off of the floor before re-assuming his stance across the stadium. Both of them would nod in unison.
Roy: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Again both of them would fire simultaneously, the beys striking the stadium and taking off. Howard had adjusted his shot, Lord Fafnir riding higher along the stadium walls. Knockout Odin slid toward the center as it had before. It took a few moments as Knockout Odin adjusted itself and started to spiral outward from the center. Lord Fafnir never advanced further downward, a strong spin that rode close to the outer rim of the stadium. It was more than halfway up when the rubber stake drove once more into the stadium floor. Knockout Odin took off, moving itself directly into the path of Lord Fafnir. With his right fist Graham punched at the air.
Graham: Get him Odin!
The two beys collided and were both thrown backward. Neither of the two left the stadium as they each made a wide circle in opposite directions. In only a seconds time the two had struck once more at the top rim of the stadium. As they did the last time, both of them were shot once more into the opposite directions. The faults of the attack driver could be seen as Knockout Odin was clearly losing speed, making its way more toward the center of the arena. Lord Fafnir on the other hand never advanced into the arena, nor did it lose any speed. The green light in the center was a constant, the normal crystal white of the Hybrid driver now appearing as a pale green. Ten seconds later Knockout Odin was in the center of the arena. Another five seconds passed and Knockout Odin fell over out of steam. Graham was visibly concerned as he watched the still furiously spinning Lord Fafnir ride the upper rim of the stadium.
Howard: For every cent you have put into this game, I have put in a thousand dollars. You're witnessing the finest creation of this game, an undefeatable combination.
Graham scoffed. Lord Fafnir rose a little further and struck the lip of the rim. Lord Fafnir flipped out of the ring, Howard's right hand swiping across the air in front of himself to catch his bey.
Howard: If I had to guess, I would say that my Fafnir here had over two hours of remaining spin time.
Graham & Roy: Two hours!?
Graham: What.. How could that even be possible?
Howard: I have access to resources the world over. I'm a player in some of the most important dealings with this game. You boys are in the presence of a man who could redefine what Beyblade is should I choose to. Now, let's get back to the game.
Howard instantly snapped Lord Fafnir back into the launcher. Graham was trembling at this point as he reached down and scooped Odin into his hand. For a second he stared down at his Beyblade before he would reconnect it to the launcher with a hefty exhale.
Graham: Alright...
Howard would nod. Roy was racked with nervousness but cleared his throat.
Roy: Ready? 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Lord Fafnir and Knockout Odin were shot. Graham looked past the arena, not watching the two beys as they entered the arena. Instead he looked at his father, who was now somewhat risen in the chair with better posture, clearly watching the match. Graham's eyes had tears in them, but they narrowed and his attention was quick to shift to the game. His first glance into the arena and he saw Knockout Odin spinning at the middle of the stadium, avoiding the center now. Howard had played the shot the same as last time with Lord Fafnir riding high along the rim. Knockout Odin rose up slowly, making its way toward the outer rim. Lord Fafnir seemed to be picking up speed, spinning faster along the rim of the stadium all while overcome with the green light from the driver. The two were nearing the impact. Graham's hand clenched the launcher tight as he watched. The two beys seemed to freeze in his eyes as he again looked up, glancing toward his father once again. Graham knew he needed to win.
Graham: Odin, this is our only chance!
The two beys met. They remained relatively stationary at the top of the stadium as the two Beyblades were aggressively grinding into each other, neither one wanting to be pushed away. Knockout Odin pushed away, arching out in a small circle. As it made its way out the driver opened up and took off. The full swing had Knockout Odin come back and smack itself as hard as it could into Lord Fafnir. Both beys shot out of the stadium, taking into the air. Howard, Graham, and Roy all watched as the two beys flew over a meter from the stadium. The two beys lowered. The two met in the air, Knockout Odin stamping down into Lord Fafnir. Lord Fafnir was driven into the ground with Knockout Odin landing a few inches away a second later. Graham threw his hands into the air with a cheer as Roy sort of slouched forward with a heavy breath, both of them in extreme relief.
Howard: Well well.. look at that.
Howard walked over to his bey and lifted Lord Fafnir off of the ground.
Howard: I wasn't expecting to lose, but no one wins them all. Please, assist your father. You're all free to leave, with my congratulations.
Roy ran over and started to untie Rufus from the chair. As Rufus stood up Graham ran over as well after gathering Knockout Odin, quickly throwing his arms around his father. Rufus smiled and put both of his arms around his two boys, squeezing them tight.
Rufus: Heh.. You boys are something, that's for sure.
Both Graham and Roy had tears running down their face but were silent, slowly making their way toward the door. Howard ran over and grabbed the left side of the door, pulling the handle and opening it to allow them to leave.
Howard: Again, congratulations.
Only Graham really acknowledged Howard, nodding with a smile. Rufus gently pulled himself away from the two of them as they got out of the room, stretching himself out to stand upright.
Rufus: Alright, let's get back home and put all of this behind us.
Graham: Yea.. Thanks dad.
Roy: Absolutely..
Rufus laughed and again grabbed the two once they were outside, hugging them tight to himself. The three proceeded to walk home, the sun still set high in the sky. It was a beautiful day for a walk.
Howard: We ran into some complications as you can see when we tried to talk to your father about what happened to one of my men. I'd prefer I don't have the same complications with you two.
Graham and Roy stood there tense. Neither one of them said anything at the time.
Howard: Good! Now, believe it or not, your debt has been paid by that man.
For an instant Howard would motion toward Rufus.
Howard: However, because of the insult upon this gaming den upon which he has brought, we decided to change the terms of our original deal.
Roy: You're a carp!
Roy blurt out. Howard laughed and stepped a little closer. Roy froze up as Howard approached him. Howard's left hand reached into his own pants pocket, hand coming up tightly closed over an object.
Howard: We do business here, but sometimes things need to be handled in other ways.
Roy took half a step backward, Graham's head snapping to the side to look at him. Howard's hand opened up. In his hand was a golden Beyblade, the circular form of Lord Fafnir meeting the crystal clear driver, Hybrid. Howard's right hand swung up and struck the underside of his own bey. A mechanical whir rose out of the bey, green light springing to life within the inner of the bey he held.
Howard: We're going to play my favorite game, and the outcome of this battle will decide what happens today. Your father put one of my men into a hospital. Typically, this issue would have been resolved by now, as an insubordination against my own should have ended with your father going to the grave.
Both the boys were somewhat pale, but remained silent as they watched Howard walk to the left wall. Howard's right hand touched a small notch below a painting of the letters "WBBA" signed with the names "Aiga Akaba" and "Valt Aoi". When his hand pushed the notch inward the floor was quick to separate in the center, folding into itself to reveal the large circular stadium he had built into the floor. Though the stadium was clearly no different in dimensions from the regular stadiums everyone played on, this one was made entirely of marble.
Howard: However, your father put up a convincing argument. He says that the two of you are not just good at this sport, you're exceptional.
Howard stepped to the far end of the stadium. In his left hand the still blinking Lord Fafnir was in constant show upon the open palm. His right hand rose, index finger risen to point at the boys.
Howard: One of you will play for his right to live! You have three minutes to decide which one of you will be my opponent, and what Beyblade you will select. Your time starts now!
The two looked at each other for a second.
Roy: Graham, let me take care of this. I doubt you're in good enough-
Graham: Forget it! I'm the whole reason we're here.
Roy: I know.. but you don't-
Graham stepped forward, away from Roy before he could finish speaking, right hand thrusting into his own pocket. With his hand raising up Knockout Odin was facing front.
Graham: I'm going to be your opponent, we've decided!
Roy: ...
Howard laughed for a second but would nod.
Howard: Very good, I'm glad I didn't need to wait.
Howard now walked to the right side of the room with a gesture that beckoned Graham. Graham was hesitant but took the instruction, walking toward Howard. Howard opened the only shelf in the office. Inside were a variety of different colored launchers, quick to reach in and take his own.
Howard: I saw you have your Beyblade, but not a launcher. You're free to select any one you see here. I assure you nothing is damaged or rigged. I wasn't lying when I said this was my favorite game, I play it with integrity.
Graham: .. Yea.. Thanks..
Graham looked at the parts and was quick to assemble a launcher, one that looked like his own only without the engraving of his own name.
Graham: This is it, I'm ready.
Howard: Then take your place.
The two walked over to the arena. Howard took the far end of the stadium while Graham took the side closer to the door. Roy had moved closer as well, standing mostly on the left side to get a clear view into the stadium. He would glance at Rufus, who was still for the most part not moving. His fists were tight as he looked back into the arena. Howard moved himself into position and Graham was quick to follow. The two stared at each other. With a small chuckle Howard would look to Roy.
Howard: How about you do the honors of our countdown? I wouldn't want someone to miss out on a part of the game.
Roy looked up and nodded, then glanced over to Graham. Graham also nodded, holding his launcher ready with Knockout Odin attached. Roy took a step to be a little closer to the stadium.
Roy: Bladers ready? 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Both Howard and Graham took their shot. As Lord Fafnir flew into the air the green blinking became a constant green ring, glowing bright as it flew straight toward the center. A small smile was on Graham's face as he saw Lord Fafnir take toward the center.
Graham: Hah! I could see a stamina type from a mile away! You're in for it now!
Knockout Odin was making one small loop as it approached the inside of the stadium. With the conclusion of a single circle the two beys struck. Knockout Odin cut right through the center of the arena, moving Lord Fafnir out of the way rather quick. Howard's brow furrowed with the impact. Lord Fafnir was beginning to slowly work its way around the middle of the arena, moving as if it were on a track instead of advancing toward the center. Knockout Odin was making small rotations in the center. The smile on Howard's face grew as he saw the attack driver focus on the center of the arena. Knockout Odin would tip slightly toward Lord Fafnir. At the same time the clips opened at the sides of the driver, the rubber stake driving into the arena. Knockout Odin took off with a mad charge, headed straight toward Lord Fafnir. It was over in a single hit, Knockout Odin skidding backward. Lord Fafnir flew forward, flipping upside down and landing on its layer just outside of the arena walls.
Graham: Oh yea!
Howard: I'm impressed. I'm partial to the stamina typing due to the resilience of surviving. What you have there is something else, but if you would, allow me demonstrate the true power of Lord Fafnir!
Graham: You're on!
Roy was smiling but staying silent for the time, watching the two talk. This time it was Graham who was first to assume his position, Howard taking a few steps to pick his bey off of the floor before re-assuming his stance across the stadium. Both of them would nod in unison.
Roy: 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Again both of them would fire simultaneously, the beys striking the stadium and taking off. Howard had adjusted his shot, Lord Fafnir riding higher along the stadium walls. Knockout Odin slid toward the center as it had before. It took a few moments as Knockout Odin adjusted itself and started to spiral outward from the center. Lord Fafnir never advanced further downward, a strong spin that rode close to the outer rim of the stadium. It was more than halfway up when the rubber stake drove once more into the stadium floor. Knockout Odin took off, moving itself directly into the path of Lord Fafnir. With his right fist Graham punched at the air.
Graham: Get him Odin!
The two beys collided and were both thrown backward. Neither of the two left the stadium as they each made a wide circle in opposite directions. In only a seconds time the two had struck once more at the top rim of the stadium. As they did the last time, both of them were shot once more into the opposite directions. The faults of the attack driver could be seen as Knockout Odin was clearly losing speed, making its way more toward the center of the arena. Lord Fafnir on the other hand never advanced into the arena, nor did it lose any speed. The green light in the center was a constant, the normal crystal white of the Hybrid driver now appearing as a pale green. Ten seconds later Knockout Odin was in the center of the arena. Another five seconds passed and Knockout Odin fell over out of steam. Graham was visibly concerned as he watched the still furiously spinning Lord Fafnir ride the upper rim of the stadium.
Howard: For every cent you have put into this game, I have put in a thousand dollars. You're witnessing the finest creation of this game, an undefeatable combination.
Graham scoffed. Lord Fafnir rose a little further and struck the lip of the rim. Lord Fafnir flipped out of the ring, Howard's right hand swiping across the air in front of himself to catch his bey.
Howard: If I had to guess, I would say that my Fafnir here had over two hours of remaining spin time.
Graham & Roy: Two hours!?
Graham: What.. How could that even be possible?
Howard: I have access to resources the world over. I'm a player in some of the most important dealings with this game. You boys are in the presence of a man who could redefine what Beyblade is should I choose to. Now, let's get back to the game.
Howard instantly snapped Lord Fafnir back into the launcher. Graham was trembling at this point as he reached down and scooped Odin into his hand. For a second he stared down at his Beyblade before he would reconnect it to the launcher with a hefty exhale.
Graham: Alright...
Howard would nod. Roy was racked with nervousness but cleared his throat.
Roy: Ready? 3... 2... 1... Go Shoot!
Lord Fafnir and Knockout Odin were shot. Graham looked past the arena, not watching the two beys as they entered the arena. Instead he looked at his father, who was now somewhat risen in the chair with better posture, clearly watching the match. Graham's eyes had tears in them, but they narrowed and his attention was quick to shift to the game. His first glance into the arena and he saw Knockout Odin spinning at the middle of the stadium, avoiding the center now. Howard had played the shot the same as last time with Lord Fafnir riding high along the rim. Knockout Odin rose up slowly, making its way toward the outer rim. Lord Fafnir seemed to be picking up speed, spinning faster along the rim of the stadium all while overcome with the green light from the driver. The two were nearing the impact. Graham's hand clenched the launcher tight as he watched. The two beys seemed to freeze in his eyes as he again looked up, glancing toward his father once again. Graham knew he needed to win.
Graham: Odin, this is our only chance!
The two beys met. They remained relatively stationary at the top of the stadium as the two Beyblades were aggressively grinding into each other, neither one wanting to be pushed away. Knockout Odin pushed away, arching out in a small circle. As it made its way out the driver opened up and took off. The full swing had Knockout Odin come back and smack itself as hard as it could into Lord Fafnir. Both beys shot out of the stadium, taking into the air. Howard, Graham, and Roy all watched as the two beys flew over a meter from the stadium. The two beys lowered. The two met in the air, Knockout Odin stamping down into Lord Fafnir. Lord Fafnir was driven into the ground with Knockout Odin landing a few inches away a second later. Graham threw his hands into the air with a cheer as Roy sort of slouched forward with a heavy breath, both of them in extreme relief.
Howard: Well well.. look at that.
Howard walked over to his bey and lifted Lord Fafnir off of the ground.
Howard: I wasn't expecting to lose, but no one wins them all. Please, assist your father. You're all free to leave, with my congratulations.
Roy ran over and started to untie Rufus from the chair. As Rufus stood up Graham ran over as well after gathering Knockout Odin, quickly throwing his arms around his father. Rufus smiled and put both of his arms around his two boys, squeezing them tight.
Rufus: Heh.. You boys are something, that's for sure.
Both Graham and Roy had tears running down their face but were silent, slowly making their way toward the door. Howard ran over and grabbed the left side of the door, pulling the handle and opening it to allow them to leave.
Howard: Again, congratulations.
Only Graham really acknowledged Howard, nodding with a smile. Rufus gently pulled himself away from the two of them as they got out of the room, stretching himself out to stand upright.
Rufus: Alright, let's get back home and put all of this behind us.
Graham: Yea.. Thanks dad.
Roy: Absolutely..
Rufus laughed and again grabbed the two once they were outside, hugging them tight to himself. The three proceeded to walk home, the sun still set high in the sky. It was a beautiful day for a walk.