(Dec. 21, 2020  6:26 PM)Eclipse Force Wrote: I've always liked the Zenith disc specifically for its name.

(Dec. 24, 2020  10:34 PM)Sahaj Buttar Wrote: This looks cool

(Dec. 25, 2020  12:38 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote: Just a question, why choose Lui as the mentor of Zane? I know this is your fan fic and you can do whatever you want, but I just wanted to know why him of all iconic characters?

(Dec. 25, 2020  12:38 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote: Just a question, why choose Lui as the mentor of Zane? I know this is your fan fic and you can do whatever you want, but I just wanted to know why him of all iconic characters?

(Dec. 25, 2020  12:20 PM)PinkRose Wrote: Hm, maybe I should give this a shot.
Waiting for chapter 1.

(Dec. 26, 2020  6:34 AM)Admiral W Wrote:

Chapter 1: 

Beginnings! Chart the Course!

Spoiler (Click to View)

Jamie bounced from foot to foot as he and Valt stood in the waiting area. "I've been waiting with bated breath for this."

Valt smiled wide. "Should be fun."

"I'd say knock 'em down, but I don't think I need to."

"These are some amazing bladers. Who knows how it will go."

Static buzzed from the overhead speaker. "All bladers prepare to enter the stadium."

"I'm up." Valt moved towards the doors.

"I know it'll be epic."

Valt gave him a thumbs up and walked on, the doors opening, then closing behind them. Jamie ran down the hallway toward the entrance to the stadium seats.

"Don't want to miss a minute."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"Welcome one and all to the Grand Arena. We have a treat for you today. Three powerhouse bladers will be duking it out in a battle of wills. Who's going to come out on top?"

One of the lifts rose to the battle stage. A lone figure strode off it and made way for the stadium.

"Our first Legend has taken the stage. The 2nd ranked blader in the world, the Crimson Emperor, Shu Kurenai."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Before long, the second lift rose to the stage. The blader walked from it to the stadium.

"Our second competitor has arrived. The 3rd ranked blader in the world, the Strong and Unrivaled, Aiger Akabane."

Once more, the crowd hummed with applause.

The third lift rose.

"Our last blader needs no introduction. I give you the World Champion himself, the Legend of Legends, Valt Aoi."

Valt walked to the stadium.

Even from where Jamie sat in the stands, Valt's wide grin was clear and bright. Jamie couldn't control the pitter-patter of his feet.

This is going to be incredible.

All three bladers pulled out their launchers.

Aiger attached Achilles to his launcher. "You two ready to get blown away."

"Aren't we confident," Shu said as he attached Titan Spyzen.

"I'm coming at you both full force. Let's have a blast."

"Ready," all three took their launch positions, "and set! 3!2!1! Let it rip."

"Valiant Valtryek, Titan Spryzen, and Infinite Achilles roar into the stadium."

Titan Spryzen and Infinite Achilles sped towards the center.

"Titan Whip." The white protrusions on the Titan ring glowed gold.

"Infinite Whip." The Infinite sword glinted red.

Both beys clashed in the stadium center. Ruby and gold sparks flew out.

Valiant Valtryek gilded near the stadium lip. It slammed into the edge; the Valiant Ring glowed gold.

"Valiant Winged Launch."

Valtryek barrelled down the stadium slope. It collided with Achilles and Spryzen. Both beys flew backward, hit the edge, and bounced back into battle.

Valtryek sped along the stadium rim. Achilles came up behind it.

Aiger clenched his fists. "I'm taking you out."

Red light swirled around Aiger, and his hair tie broke as his hair enlarged.

"Achilles, Infinite Buster." The Infinite Ring morphed into four blades of flame.

Valt smirked. "We got this partner."

Blue light spooled around Valt. "Valtryek!"

Valiant Valtryek glowed bright blue.

"Valiant Flash."

Valtryek blitzed out of range of Infinite Buster. It circled the rim of the stadium and came up behind Achilles. They collided. Achilles flew out of the stadium, and before it hit the arena floor, it burst. Aiger stood with mouth agape.

"And Infinite Achilles is out. Aiger didn't have enough wind in his sails to hang in there. The schoolyard besties are left."

Valtryek and Spryzen clashed again and again throughout the stadium. Sparks flew, and the sound of colliding beys erupted with each strike.

Spryzen halted near the stadium edge.

"Counter break."

It zoomed down the slope.

"Valiant Whip." Valtryek's blades glowed blue.

Spryzen and Valtryek clashed. Both beys flew backward and landed near the stadium rim.

"End this with Titan Whip."

Spryzen charged after Valtryek, a trail of sparks behind it.

"You got this partner. Valiant Sword."

A column of light erupted on impact. Jamie's eyes stung. He covered them. Before long, the light faded, and he dropped his sleeve. Valtryek and Spryzen spun slowly in the stadium. Jamie whipped his clammy hands on his pants. Just as both beys were coming to a stop, Spryzen burst. Valtryek stopped spinning a moment later.

"There you have it! The battle royale winner is the Legend of Legends, your World Champion, Valt Aoi."

Jamie starred as Valt waved to the crowd.

Valt..is incredible.

Jamie gripped Sentinel Acies in his hand. He traced his fingers across the serrated edges on the Sentinel Ring's sides and then the curving dual swords at the top and bottom. Its silver and blue finish glinted under the overhead lights. Jamie's eyes fell once more on the stadium.

He gripped Acies tighter.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie stood across from Tyler in the BC Sol training gym. The sound of their beys clashing in the stadium was white noise. Tyler's words a dull ring in his ear as images of the battle royale played through his head. A loud clunk sounded, and Acies hurtled towards him. Jamie flinched and caught it before it grazed his face.

"Get your head out of the clouds."

Jamie attached Acies to his surge launcher. "Did you see the battle royale?

"Of course. Is that even a question?" Tyler asked as he attached his bey.

"Well, excuse me, wise guy."

Tyler smirked and launched his bey once more.

Jamie launched. "Valt was incredible."

"It's Valt we're talking about."

The clink of their beys colliding filled the space. Before long, both beys stopped. Jamie didn't pick up Acies. Tyler grasped both beys, walked over to Jamie, and waved Acies in front of Jamie.

"Helllooo. Anyone home?"

Jamie's eyes widened. "Oh, thanks."

"What's up with you today? Something fell on that noggin of yours?"

"So my head can end up as empty as yours? I don't think so."

They both chuckled and stepped away from the stadium. They slid down the gym wall, sitting flush against it.

"Really though, what's going on? You've been in a daze ever since we got back from America."

"I appreciate you worrying about me."

“Wouldn’t be called friendship otherwise.”

They fist bumped.
“So what’s knocking around your mind?”

"Watching that battle today, all I could think about is what it would be like to battle Valt face to face. I want to stand on the same stage as him. Not as a partner. Or a teammate, but as a true opponent. I've been thinking about it forever."

"I know, I've been hearing about it forever."

Jamie punched Tyler's shoulder lightly. Tyler grinned.

Jamie smirked and grabbed Acies. "I don't mean some random battle at El Astro. I want to..."

"Want to what?"

A shadow crawled across them. Silas stood before them.

"You too, hustle over to the meeting room. Didn't you hear the announcement? I swear a couple of newbs join up and think they own the place."

Jamie rose. "I've been training here for a whole year. I'm hardly a newb."

"Whatever. Get moving."

Silas strode toward the gym exit. Jamie and Tyler did the same.

 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie and Tyler squeezed into the nearest seats in the meeting hall. Kris sat at the desk before the chairs. Raul at her side. Every eye lay glued to the TV. Hanami popped up on the screen.

"Listen up, all you bey fans, don't I have a doozie for you. It's my pleasure to announce the International Rank-Up. A tournament between some of the fiercest bladers around. The winner of the Rank-Up will get the chance to challenge any member of the Big Five to a showdown."

Jamie's heart began to race.

"To battle it out in the Rank Up, bladers must first pass the preliminary round and a surprise middle stage. A chance like this doesn't come around often. Get rolling bladers."

The meeting room hummed with chatter.

“Those of you who wish to enter should carefully consider your steps,” Kris said.

“This isn’t for the faint hearted whippersnappers.”

“Meeting adjourned.”

One by one everyone filed out of the room until only Jamie and Kris were left.

Kris rose and sat next to Jamie. “I knew it as soon as we got on the plane.”

“I never-”

“You didn’t have to. Make BC Sol proud. Reach him.”

“I will.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie stood before the gate to BC Sol with his suitcase in hand. He stared at Acies. A spark of blue glinted off it.

“I hope so, partner.”

“Kris told me you were leaving.”

Jamie whipped around. Valt stood behind him.

“Yeah. It's been an honor to battle alongside you. To train directly under you. But what I want more than anything, is to have a true battle against you. I want to work my way up to standing on the same stage as you.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Valt’s face broke into a wide grin.

“Where do you think you're going?”

Valt and Jamie turned to the source of the voice. Tyler raced toward them.

“You're not the only one trying to level up.” Tyler stopped cold in front of Jamie. He hooked his arm around Jamie’s neck. “Can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Jamie locked eyes with Valt. Jamie nodded. Valt did the same and waved them goodbye as they headed toward the gate.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Hanami’s announcement played in the dark room. The three figures standing in the room’s center nodded. They left one by one.

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:09 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  6:34 AM)Admiral W Wrote:

Chapter 1: 

Beginnings! Chart the Course!

Spoiler (Click to View)

Jamie bounced from foot to foot as he and Valt stood in the waiting area. "I've been waiting with bated breath for this."

Valt smiled wide. "Should be fun."

"I'd say knock 'em down, but I don't think I need to."

"These are some amazing bladers. Who knows how it will go."

Static buzzed from the overhead speaker. "All bladers prepare to enter the stadium."

"I'm up." Valt moved towards the doors.

"I know it'll be epic."

Valt gave him a thumbs up and walked on, the doors opening, then closing behind them. Jamie ran down the hallway toward the entrance to the stadium seats.

"Don't want to miss a minute."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"Welcome one and all to the Grand Arena. We have a treat for you today. Three powerhouse bladers will be duking it out in a battle of wills. Who's going to come out on top?"

One of the lifts rose to the battle stage. A lone figure strode off it and made way for the stadium.

"Our first Legend has taken the stage. The 2nd ranked blader in the world, the Crimson Emperor, Shu Kurenai."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Before long, the second lift rose to the stage. The blader walked from it to the stadium.

"Our second competitor has arrived. The 3rd ranked blader in the world, the Strong and Unrivaled, Aiger Akabane."

Once more, the crowd hummed with applause.

The third lift rose.

"Our last blader needs no introduction. I give you the World Champion himself, the Legend of Legends, Valt Aoi."

Valt walked to the stadium.

Even from where Jamie sat in the stands, Valt's wide grin was clear and bright. Jamie couldn't control the pitter-patter of his feet.

This is going to be incredible.

All three bladers pulled out their launchers.

Aiger attached Achilles to his launcher. "You two ready to get blown away."

"Aren't we confident," Shu said as he attached Titan Spyzen.

"I'm coming at you both full force. Let's have a blast."

"Ready," all three took their launch positions, "and set! 3!2!1! Let it rip."

"Valiant Valtryek, Titan Spryzen, and Infinite Achilles roar into the stadium."

Titan Spryzen and Infinite Achilles sped towards the center.

"Titan Whip." The white protrusions on the Titan ring glowed gold.

"Infinite Whip." The Infinite sword glinted red.

Both beys clashed in the stadium center. Ruby and gold sparks flew out.

Valiant Valtryek gilded near the stadium lip. It slammed into the edge; the Valiant Ring glowed gold.

"Valiant Winged Launch."

Valtryek barrelled down the stadium slope. It collided with Achilles and Spryzen. Both beys flew backward, hit the edge, and bounced back into battle.

Valtryek sped along the stadium rim. Achilles came up behind it.

Aiger clenched his fists. "I'm taking you out."

Red light swirled around Aiger, and his hair tie broke as his hair enlarged.

"Achilles, Infinite Buster." The Infinite Ring morphed into four blades of flame.

Valt smirked. "We got this partner."

Blue light spooled around Valt. "Valtryek!"

Valiant Valtryek glowed bright blue.

"Valiant Flash."

Valtryek blitzed out of range of Infinite Buster. It circled the rim of the stadium and came up behind Achilles. They collided. Achilles flew out of the stadium, and before it hit the arena floor, it burst. Aiger stood with mouth agape.

"And Infinite Achilles is out. Aiger didn't have enough wind in his sails to hang in there. The schoolyard besties are left."

Valtryek and Spryzen clashed again and again throughout the stadium. Sparks flew, and the sound of colliding beys erupted with each strike.

Spryzen halted near the stadium edge.

"Counter break."

It zoomed down the slope.

"Valiant Whip." Valtryek's blades glowed blue.

Spryzen and Valtryek clashed. Both beys flew backward and landed near the stadium rim.

"End this with Titan Whip."

Spryzen charged after Valtryek, a trail of sparks behind it.

"You got this partner. Valiant Sword."

A column of light erupted on impact. Jamie's eyes stung. He covered them. Before long, the light faded, and he dropped his sleeve. Valtryek and Spryzen spun slowly in the stadium. Jamie whipped his clammy hands on his pants. Just as both beys were coming to a stop, Spryzen burst. Valtryek stopped spinning a moment later.

"There you have it! The battle royale winner is the Legend of Legends, your World Champion, Valt Aoi."

Jamie starred as Valt waved to the crowd.

Valt..is incredible.

Jamie gripped Sentinel Acies in his hand. He traced his fingers across the serrated edges on the Sentinel Ring's sides and then the curving dual swords at the top and bottom. Its silver and blue finish glinted under the overhead lights. Jamie's eyes fell once more on the stadium.

He gripped Acies tighter.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie stood across from Tyler in the BC Sol training gym. The sound of their beys clashing in the stadium was white noise. Tyler's words a dull ring in his ear as images of the battle royale played through his head. A loud clunk sounded, and Acies hurtled towards him. Jamie flinched and caught it before it grazed his face.

"Get your head out of the clouds."

Jamie attached Acies to his surge launcher. "Did you see the battle royale?

"Of course. Is that even a question?" Tyler asked as he attached his bey.

"Well, excuse me, wise guy."

Tyler smirked and launched his bey once more.

Jamie launched. "Valt was incredible."

"It's Valt we're talking about."

The clink of their beys colliding filled the space. Before long, both beys stopped. Jamie didn't pick up Acies. Tyler grasped both beys, walked over to Jamie, and waved Acies in front of Jamie.

"Helllooo. Anyone home?"

Jamie's eyes widened. "Oh, thanks."

"What's up with you today? Something fell on that noggin of yours?"

"So my head can end up as empty as yours? I don't think so."

They both chuckled and stepped away from the stadium. They slid down the gym wall, sitting flush against it.

"Really though, what's going on? You've been in a daze ever since we got back from America."

"I appreciate you worrying about me."

“Wouldn’t be called friendship otherwise.”

They fist bumped.
“So what’s knocking around your mind?”

"Watching that battle today, all I could think about is what it would be like to battle Valt face to face. I want to stand on the same stage as him. Not as a partner. Or a teammate, but as a true opponent. I've been thinking about it forever."

"I know, I've been hearing about it forever."

Jamie punched Tyler's shoulder lightly. Tyler grinned.

Jamie smirked and grabbed Acies. "I don't mean some random battle at El Astro. I want to..."

"Want to what?"

A shadow crawled across them. Silas stood before them.

"You too, hustle over to the meeting room. Didn't you hear the announcement? I swear a couple of newbs join up and think they own the place."

Jamie rose. "I've been training here for a whole year. I'm hardly a newb."

"Whatever. Get moving."

Silas strode toward the gym exit. Jamie and Tyler did the same.

 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie and Tyler squeezed into the nearest seats in the meeting hall. Kris sat at the desk before the chairs. Raul at her side. Every eye lay glued to the TV. Hanami popped up on the screen.

"Listen up, all you bey fans, don't I have a doozie for you. It's my pleasure to announce the International Rank-Up. A tournament between some of the fiercest bladers around. The winner of the Rank-Up will get the chance to challenge any member of the Big Five to a showdown."

Jamie's heart began to race.

"To battle it out in the Rank Up, bladers must first pass the preliminary round and a surprise middle stage. A chance like this doesn't come around often. Get rolling bladers."

The meeting room hummed with chatter.

“Those of you who wish to enter should carefully consider your steps,” Kris said.

“This isn’t for the faint hearted whippersnappers.”

“Meeting adjourned.”

One by one everyone filed out of the room until only Jamie and Kris were left.

Kris rose and sat next to Jamie. “I knew it as soon as we got on the plane.”

“I never-”

“You didn’t have to. Make BC Sol proud. Reach him.”

“I will.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie stood before the gate to BC Sol with his suitcase in hand. He stared at Acies. A spark of blue glinted off it.

“I hope so, partner.”

“Kris told me you were leaving.”

Jamie whipped around. Valt stood behind him.

“Yeah. It's been an honor to battle alongside you. To train directly under you. But what I want more than anything, is to have a true battle against you. I want to work my way up to standing on the same stage as you.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Valt’s face broke into a wide grin.

“Where do you think you're going?”

Valt and Jamie turned to the source of the voice. Tyler raced toward them.

“You're not the only one trying to level up.” Tyler stopped cold in front of Jamie. He hooked his arm around Jamie’s neck. “Can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Jamie locked eyes with Valt. Jamie nodded. Valt did the same and waved them goodbye as they headed toward the gate.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Hanami’s announcement played in the dark room. The three figures standing in the room’s center nodded. They left one by one.

Putting my personal disliking of Achilles losing so early, it was solid. Here’s one thing to improve on, have less dialogue (which is really hard to do seeing as it’s a Beyblade fanfic). The good things are the dialogue and grammar as well as the battles.

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:19 AM)Admiral W Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:09 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote: Putting my personal disliking of Achilles losing so early, it was solid. Here’s one thing to improve on, have less dialogue (which is really hard to do seeing as it’s a Beyblade fanfic). The good things are the dialogue and grammar as well as the battles.

Any particular reason on the point about less dialogue?

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:34 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:19 AM)Admiral W Wrote: Any particular reason on the point about less dialogue?

Stories usually have a good balance between dialogue and actions. The problem with too much dialogue is that the actions become less. It’s okay since it’s a Beyblade fanfic and Beyblade is primarily a show/comic in which actions can be drawn (and it’s hard to turn actions into words)

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:47 AM)Admiral W Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:34 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote: Stories usually have a good balance between dialogue and actions. The problem with too much dialogue is that the actions become less. It’s okay since it’s a Beyblade fanfic and Beyblade is primarily a show/comic in which actions can be drawn (and it’s hard to turn actions into words)

Do you have a specific example of the lack of balance?

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:49 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:47 AM)Admiral W Wrote: Do you have a specific example of the lack of balance?

For example, in my very first fan fic I had too much dialogue which lead to a lack of interest.

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:52 AM)Admiral W Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:49 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote: For example, in my very first fan fic I had too much dialogue which lead to a lack of interest.

I'm taking about specifically with my story. You mentioned a lack of balance in what I wrote. Is there a specific place where you noticed that, and if so, what made it unbalanced?

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:58 AM)6Jupiter5 Wrote:

(Dec. 26, 2020  7:52 AM)Admiral W Wrote: I'm taking about specifically with my story. You mentioned a lack of balance in what I wrote. Is there a specific place where you noticed that, and if so, what made it unbalanced?

I may have been exaggerating a tad too much, but after the battle there is a tad too much dialogue. What this did was take a little bit out of the exposition more specifically things like who are these characters.

(Dec. 26, 2020  9:53 AM)PinkRose Wrote: Hm, it looks neat. I personally liked the part with Jamie and Tyler the best, since it gives us a bit of insight on our main dudes. The ending with the mysterious three, however, was honestly an overused way of ending a chapter..which I'm not a big fan of. But somehow, despite the use of dub names (which I also don't like, but this is your story so you do you), I actually managed to enjoy this for the most part. Good luck with the next chapters!

(Dec. 26, 2020  8:09 PM)Challen Wrote: Hmm I personally like this fanfic although I was a bit confused with the new beys thinking does this take place in sparking and do we still use superking beys  and I was a bit confused on the shapes and stuff oc the beys this also kinda reminds me of a fan made animation of season 6

(Dec. 26, 2020  6:34 AM)Admiral W Wrote:

Chapter 1: 

Beginnings! Chart the Course!

Spoiler (Click to View)

Jamie bounced from foot to foot as he and Valt stood in the waiting area. "I've been waiting with bated breath for this."

Valt smiled wide. "Should be fun."

"I'd say knock 'em down, but I don't think I need to."

"These are some amazing bladers. Who knows how it will go."

Static buzzed from the overhead speaker. "All bladers prepare to enter the stadium."

"I'm up." Valt moved towards the doors.

"I know it'll be epic."

Valt gave him a thumbs up and walked on, the doors opening, then closing behind them. Jamie ran down the hallway toward the entrance to the stadium seats.

"Don't want to miss a minute."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"Welcome one and all to the Grand Arena. We have a treat for you today. Three powerhouse bladers will be duking it out in a battle of wills. Who's going to come out on top?"

One of the lifts rose to the battle stage. A lone figure strode off it and made way for the stadium.

"Our first Legend has taken the stage. The 2nd ranked blader in the world, the Crimson Emperor, Shu Kurenai."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Before long, the second lift rose to the stage. The blader walked from it to the stadium.

"Our second competitor has arrived. The 3rd ranked blader in the world, the Strong and Unrivaled, Aiger Akabane."

Once more, the crowd hummed with applause.

The third lift rose.

"Our last blader needs no introduction. I give you the World Champion himself, the Legend of Legends, Valt Aoi."

Valt walked to the stadium.

Even from where Jamie sat in the stands, Valt's wide grin was clear and bright. Jamie couldn't control the pitter-patter of his feet.

This is going to be incredible.

All three bladers pulled out their launchers.

Aiger attached Achilles to his launcher. "You two ready to get blown away."

"Aren't we confident," Shu said as he attached Titan Spyzen.

"I'm coming at you both full force. Let's have a blast."

"Ready," all three took their launch positions, "and set! 3!2!1! Let it rip."

"Valiant Valtryek, Titan Spryzen, and Infinite Achilles roar into the stadium."

Titan Spryzen and Infinite Achilles sped towards the center.

"Titan Whip." The white protrusions on the Titan ring glowed gold.

"Infinite Whip." The Infinite sword glinted red.

Both beys clashed in the stadium center. Ruby and gold sparks flew out.

Valiant Valtryek gilded near the stadium lip. It slammed into the edge; the Valiant Ring glowed gold.

"Valiant Winged Launch."

Valtryek barrelled down the stadium slope. It collided with Achilles and Spryzen. Both beys flew backward, hit the edge, and bounced back into battle.

Valtryek sped along the stadium rim. Achilles came up behind it.

Aiger clenched his fists. "I'm taking you out."

Red light swirled around Aiger, and his hair tie broke as his hair enlarged.

"Achilles, Infinite Buster." The Infinite Ring morphed into four blades of flame.

Valt smirked. "We got this partner."

Blue light spooled around Valt. "Valtryek!"

Valiant Valtryek glowed bright blue.

"Valiant Flash."

Valtryek blitzed out of range of Infinite Buster. It circled the rim of the stadium and came up behind Achilles. They collided. Achilles flew out of the stadium, and before it hit the arena floor, it burst. Aiger stood with mouth agape.

"And Infinite Achilles is out. Aiger didn't have enough wind in his sails to hang in there. The schoolyard besties are left."

Valtryek and Spryzen clashed again and again throughout the stadium. Sparks flew, and the sound of colliding beys erupted with each strike.

Spryzen halted near the stadium edge.

"Counter break."

It zoomed down the slope.

"Valiant Whip." Valtryek's blades glowed blue.

Spryzen and Valtryek clashed. Both beys flew backward and landed near the stadium rim.

"End this with Titan Whip."

Spryzen charged after Valtryek, a trail of sparks behind it.

"You got this partner. Valiant Sword."

A column of light erupted on impact. Jamie's eyes stung. He covered them. Before long, the light faded, and he dropped his sleeve. Valtryek and Spryzen spun slowly in the stadium. Jamie whipped his clammy hands on his pants. Just as both beys were coming to a stop, Spryzen burst. Valtryek stopped spinning a moment later.

"There you have it! The battle royale winner is the Legend of Legends, your World Champion, Valt Aoi."

Jamie starred as Valt waved to the crowd.

Valt..is incredible.

Jamie gripped Sentinel Acies in his hand. He traced his fingers across the serrated edges on the Sentinel Ring's sides and then the curving dual swords at the top and bottom. Its silver and blue finish glinted under the overhead lights. Jamie's eyes fell once more on the stadium.

He gripped Acies tighter.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jamie stood across from Tyler in the BC Sol training gym. The sound of their beys clashing in the stadium was white noise. Tyler's words a dull ring in his ear as images of the battle royale played through his head. A loud clunk sounded, and Acies hurtled towards him. Jamie flinched and caught it before it grazed his face.

"Get your head out of the clouds."

Jamie attached Acies to his surge launcher. "Did you see the battle royale?

"Of course. Is that even a question?" Tyler asked as he attached his bey.

"Well, excuse me, wise guy."

Tyler smirked and launched his bey once more.

Jamie launched. "Valt was incredible."

"It's Valt we're talking about."

The clink of their beys colliding filled the space. Before long, both beys stopped. Jamie didn't pick up Acies. Tyler grasped both beys, walked over to Jamie, and waved Acies in front of Jamie.

"Helllooo. Anyone home?"

Jamie's eyes widened. "Oh, thanks."

"What's up with you today? Something fell on that noggin of yours?"

"So my head can end up as empty as yours? I don't think so."

They both chuckled and stepped away from the stadium. They slid down the gym wall, sitting flush against it.

"Really though, what's going on? You've been in a daze ever since we got back from America."

"I appreciate you worrying about me."

“Wouldn’t be called friendship otherwise.”

They fist bumped.

“So what’s knocking around your mind?”

"Watching that battle today, all I could think about is what it would be like to battle Valt face to face. I want to stand on the same stage as him. Not as a partner. Or a teammate, but as a true opponent. I've been thinking about it forever."

"I know, I've been hearing about it forever."

Jamie punched Tyler's shoulder lightly. Tyler grinned.

Jamie smirked and grabbed Acies. "I don't mean some random battle at El Astro. I want to..."

"Want to what?"

A shadow crawled across them. Silas stood before them.

"You too, hustle over to the meeting room. Didn't you hear the announcement? I swear a couple of newbs join up and think they own the place."

Jamie rose. "I've been training here for a whole year. I'm hardly a newb."

"Whatever. Get moving."

Silas strode toward the gym exit. Jamie and Tyler did the same.

 

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Jamie and Tyler squeezed into the nearest seats in the meeting hall. Kris sat at the desk before the chairs. Raul at her side. Every eye lay glued to the TV. Hanami popped up on the screen.

"Listen up, all you bey fans, don't I have a doozie for you. It's my pleasure to announce the International Rank-Up. A tournament between some of the fiercest bladers around. The winner of the Rank-Up will get the chance to challenge any member of the Big Five to a showdown."

Jamie's heart began to race.

"To battle it out in the Rank-Up, bladers must first pass the preliminary round and a surprise middle stage. A chance like this doesn't come around often. Get rolling bladers."

The meeting room hummed with chatter.

“Those of you who wish to enter should carefully consider your steps,” Kris said.

“This isn’t for the faint hearted whippersnappers.”

“Meeting adjourned.”

One by one everyone filed out of the room until only Jamie and Kris were left.

Kris rose and sat next to Jamie. “I knew it as soon as we got on the plane.”

“I never-”

“You didn’t have to. Make BC Sol proud. Reach him.”

“I will.”

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Jamie stood before the gate to BC Sol with his suitcase in hand. He stared at Acies. A spark of blue glinted off it.

“I hope so, partner.”

“Kris told me you're leaving.”

Jamie whipped around. Valt stood behind him.

“Yeah. It's been an honor to battle alongside you. To train directly under you. But what I want more than anything, is to have a true battle against you. I want to work my way up to standing on the same stage as you.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Valt’s face broke into a wide grin.

“Where do you think you're going?”

Valt and Jamie turned to the source of the voice. Tyler raced toward them.

“You're not the only one trying to level up.” Tyler stopped cold in front of Jamie. He hooked his arm around Jamie’s neck. “Can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Jamie locked eyes with Valt. Jamie nodded. Valt did the same and waved them goodbye as they headed toward the gate.

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Hanami’s announcement played in the dark room. The three figures standing in the room’s center nodded. They left one by one.