No one's POV:

The Beyclub (Along with Wakiya and Hoji) have received invitations from the WBBA for the Regional Tournament. There, our friends have met the 1# pop star and member of the Supreme Four Zac The Sunrise, whom will be watching the battles as they're progressing. The next match will occur between Daigo and the Co-leader of the Sword Flames Yugo…

Aya's POV:

Honcho was battling a guy named Haruto Aota who had Navy blue and dark blue hair and indigo eyes. His Bey was similar to Kerbeus but it was an Attack type. Anyhow,  Honcho was doing great since he won the first round with one point to nothing, while the announcer Hanami was commenting on the second round :

Honcho: Roktavor is already in the center! While Kerbeus is still waiting for the chance to strike!

Rantaro: Is that all you got?! Pfft, I'll show you what I can do!

Haruto: I know I can win this! You'll see!

Aya: Go Honcho!

Valt: Yeah you can do it!!!

Kerbeus started attacking Roktavor, but it wasn't effective, in fact, the latter's Bey was wobbling slowly.

Hanami: Kerbeus is in a horrible situation!! He's still slowing down and…he stopped!!!

-" A Bring Out finish for Roktavor! Rantaro wins the match with two points to nothing!"

Rantaro: Haha!  Yes!!

Haruto: Ugh, darn it……

Toko & Nika: Yeah!! He did it! He did it!

Ken then started. King Kerbeus was again in the center, while his opponent's Bey tried to knock him out.

Ken (Keru): KING KERBEUS!  USE THE CHAIN LAUNCH!! NOW!

And so, he won with a Burst Finish.

Rantaro: Nice one buddy!!

Aya: Yeah!  Way to go Ken!

Ken nodded and smiled bashfully. I was happy to know that the Beyclub was doing great in this tournament.
Then it was Hoji's turn, as his Bey (Which I believe is called Horusood) reached the center he shouted:

-" NOW!!  HORUSOOD FIELD!! "

Suddenly, Horusood started using some sort of a tornado to drag its opponent's Beyblade to it,  until it got burst in the process....

Hanami: And a great victory for Hoji and Horusood!  Things are really getting epic by each battle!!

Hoji: Yes! I did well.

I noticed that Hoji's gaze fell upon Wakiya, who returned it while a smirk,  he seemed really happy with Hoji. I never saw this side of him before. In any case, we paid attention to the computer, to see who's gonna be next.

Hanami: Now, for the semi-finals! In Block A it's gonna be Valt Aoi versus Rantaro Kyama! And in Block C, it will be between Wakiya Murasaki and Hoji Konda!! And as you know, Daigo's and Yugo's battle will occur before these two fights between these friends!!"

Rantaro: Woah, I didn't expect that.

Valt: Me neither!

Toko: Did they perhaps do it on purpose?

Shu: I don't really think so, maybe it was a coincidence....

I nodded in agreement while noticing Wakiya's and Hoji's confused looks, bet they didn't expect that huh?...

Later:

As Ken and I were walking in the establishment's halls,  I noticed that Valt and Honcho were talking, or rather nagging while the Aoi twins, distressed, tried to stop them. Man I can't believe that they can become rivals this easily.

Rantaro: I'm gonna win this match!!

Valt: Oh no you don't!

Ken (Keru): Ah crapbaskets!  Here we go again…

Toko & Nika: Please stop fighting!

Rantaro & Valt: We're not!

Valt: Wanna go and train together?

Rantaro: Sure thing! Aya!  Ken! Wanna join?

Aya: Sure, as long as you both stop nagging.

Ken (Besu): Why not?  Let's get going!

Wakiya's POV:

I was walking to the room, looking for Hoji. I found him collecting his stuff and ready to leave, until he spotted me at the doorway so he greeted me with a smile:

Hoji: Hi Wakiya.

Wakiya: Hey, leaving already?

Hoji: Yes, I am.

Wakiya: I didn't expect you to be my opponent for the semi-finals.

Hoji: me neither, that was surprising.

Wakiya: Just because we're friends doesn't mean I'll go easy on you.

Hoji: Don't worry, I know that... I want to tell you something: I won't come to your house for training for now, until our battle's over.

Wakiya: Wait, what? Aren't you exaggerating a little bit?

Hoji: I know it sounds unnecessary.  But please respect my decision. I want to train alone so I can do my best.

And so,  he left the room, leaving me smirking to myself and thinking :

-" Alright then, do as you please buddy."

Daigo's POV:

I was near the empty stadium, thinking about my next match against Yugo. I was trying to perhaps find a strategy to beat him with it. Speaking of the devil,  he came here and said:

Yugo: Hey Daigo…You should probably head off to train…so you won't lose in our fight...

Daigo: ……Keep your advices to yourself.... I know what I'm doing...

Later, at the Bey Park:

I was watching with Ken, Aya and the twins as Valt and Honcho were practising for their battle until I got bored. I wanted to prepare myself after all...

Toko: Co'mon!! Aren't you two done yet?

Nika: Yeah I'm tired, and hungry...

Ken (Keru): It's getting late, shouldn't we stop now?

Valt: Be patient guys!

Rantaro: Yeah!  Just one more battle!

Aya started yawning from boredom, which was kinda adorab- No! Stop it Daigo…snap out of it, it was not the time to think of such things. I decided to clear my head with a match so I got up and said:

Daigo: Honcho, let me have a match…

Rantaro: What?! I'm still not done yet!

Daigo: Outta the way… I won't repeat my words twice....

Rantaro: Ugh fine…No need to be salty...

-"3!!!…2!!!…1!!! LET IT RIP!!!"

As I launched Doomscizor,  I noticed there was something off with Valtryek, and next thing I knew……I lost thanks to a Burst Finish....

Valt: Yeah!!! I won!!

Aya: Nice one Valt!!! You're doing great!!

I was really mad right now,  not just because I lost easily,  but also because Aya was praising Valt in front of me! Wait a sec…I had the same exact feeling when Zac started "flirting" with Aya when we met him…Could it be…Jealousy? But why am I jealous? Why can't I control myself around her? I really need to focus on the next battle instead of this matter…

The next day:

I woke up to the non-stop beeping sound of my electronic alarm clock. As I shut it off, I wore my bandana and checked the time ; it was 5 Am. So I grabbed Doomscizor from the nightstand. I looked at him for a moment and said:

-" I gotta win…But first, I need to improve..."

Some time later:

-"LET IT RIP!!!!"

I was at the park training. I kept launching a bunch of times while thinking :

-("Everyone is progressing well, especially Valt and Aya…I'm the one who is still left behind!")

I launched over and over, …and over again…Eventually, I got exhausted, so I decided to lay down and take a break before going to school...My gaze fell on Doomscizor for a second, which made me wonder: How do I get stronger?…I sighed as I kept thinking about all what happened recently... I mean, the whole team is doing well, Valt is on his way to unlock his hidden power. And Aya has managed to burst Xander's Bey Xcalius, which is still astonishing... As soon as I thought about Aya, I felt my cheeks heating up, and my heart beating faster than usual. For a second, I was kinda scared,this feeling was unusual … but I kept feeling like this ever since Aya came… I was asking myself the meaning behind it, yet I decided to shrug it off. However, every time I see Aya, this sensation comes back, stronger than before, to the point I felt like avoiding it was useless. I was still a bit afraid of this sentiment since I wasn't used to it yet…but it was really… nice to be honest, it made me feel euphoria....

-" Just what is this feeling exactly?...How can somebody calm like me feel this way when they're around someone?…"

Suddenly, the realization hit me: The blushing, the stuttering, the unusual sweating, the heart rate's increasing, and the strange happiness I'm feeling recently. These things only happened when I'm around Aya, which means…Oh God, do I…have a crush on her?! I can't believe an emo like me is head-over-heels in love with a live wire girl like Aya! I mean, she is smart, funny, kind and……cute……Oh Gosh, I'm fantasizing about her again…To be honest, I wanted to tell her at some point,  but I wasn't ready yet 'cause:

1) I'm not that open to someone easily when it comes to feelings except for my little brother Ryota.

2) Her big brother might murder me if he finds out since he's overprotective towards her and doesn't fully trust me yet…

Suddenly, something snapped me out of my state, it was …meowing? I looked at the source's direction and saw a cat with olive coloured eyes, grey and white fur along with a red collar that had a shiny yellow bell. It looked adorable, after all, I am a cat person. But it headed towards me and layed on my stomach...

Daigo: Wait…Get off me please! I'm gonna be late for school..*sigh* I guess I'll have to wait until it leaves…

Few minutes later:

I was running as fast as I can so I can get to school. I can't believe that I'll be late because of a cat. It really sounds embarrassing, as I was sprinting, I heard loud footsteps near me:

Valt: HI DAIGO!!

Daigo: Valt?

Valt: That's odd, you usually aren't this late like me, what happened?

Daigo: It's not important...

I started preceeding the blunette, but he tried catching up.

Valt: Oh is it a race?!  If so, I'm ready!!  I'm gonna get there first buddy!

Daigo: We'll see about that...

And so, I made it first with Valt being behind. We panted from the fatigue and took few deep breaths.

Valt: Hey, Daigo! How about we train later?

Daigo: Sure thing…

Shinoda: Now now, it's not the time to beyblade. Head to your classes immediately…

We both nodded then went inside the building …

After school , at the rooftop:

I was having a match against Valt. Valtryek was really fast, but Doomscizor managed to knock him out of the stadium.

Valt: Woah!

Rantaro: Nice one Daigo!

Ken (Besu): Yeah, you've improved!

Daigo: Speed is not only important during a Bey battle. Timing your moves correctly is fundamental as well…

Aya: I'll be sure to keep that in mind! You're really are doing great Daigo! I can't wait till I see your match! I along with everyone else are gonna support you buddy!  Hehe!

My cheeks were dusted with a red hue while I felt like my heart just skipped a beat. Just seeing Aya with that smile melted my heart instantly. But since I noticed Honcho smirking at me, I shook my head a little to stop acting like this…

Aya: Um, Daigo?  Are you OK? You kept staring at me.

Daigo: O-Oh s-sorry…I…I didn't mean to…I-It's just…never mind, it's not something to worry about…

Aya: Alright, if you say so. But if there's something bugging you, you can tell us! OK?

Daigo: Yeah, sure (If only you knew Aya…)

Later, I went to the hospital to visit Ryota like usual.  But I couldn't find him in his bed, instead, I saw two puppets peeking from the bed : the one on the left a brown dog with yellow spots and the other on the right was a man with a red mask and a suit.

Daigo: Ryota?

Ryota (?????? ?????????? ): Hi there young man!  It is nice to meet you!

Daigo: Heh, come on Ryota.  Come out.

Ryota (?????? ?????????? ): I'm not Ryota. I'm Mister Invincible!  Champion of justice!!

Daigo: Mister Invincible?

Ryota then came out, and replied while smiling innocently.

Ryota: Yup! He's a hero that never gives up! Anyways, how was your day big bro?

Daigo: It was good, you?

Ryota: I'm kinda tired, but it's no big deal since you're here!

Daigo: Heh, nice puppets by the way. Did Ken make them for you?

Ryota: Yeah!  I was interested in ventriloquism, so he made them for me! Anyhow, I can't wait for your battle against Yugo!  I'm rootin' for ya big bro!

I was very happy now, Ryota was one of the few reasons why I am into beyblading after all.

Daigo: Alright then. I'll let you rest. See ya around.

Ryota: Ok big bro!  Good luck!

Daigo :( His optimism is really helpful, it gives me hope)

After that, I went to the park and started training. Yugo is a strong guy after all, since he's capable of predicting people's moves with enough focus, not to mention that his Bey Yugen is really fast and agile. Suddenly, I heard a noise and saw the same cat that I encountered this morning. So I kneeled and said while smiling:

-" Hey buddy, is your owner around here? They might be worried about you right now."

I pet its head, which made it purr adorably, it kinda made me wonder if Aya loves cats…it would be nice if she does.... In any case, after training, I started heading back home, until I saw Valt and his sibling practising on rooting for me...He's a really quirky boy....

At night :

I was sitting in front of my desk, polishing Doomscizor. Then I grabbed my Ipad and thought:

-" Hm…I still got some time, I'll find some useful information about Yugen that might help me……"

But the more I looked, the harder it was to find something helpful.  I sighed in exasperation, I guess the Internet isn't always a very reliable source. Suddenly, a weird cat-like icon appeared out of the blue and said:

-" You want help?  Just tap on me kid, you'll find everything you need…"

It was kinda creepy, but I tapped on it anyways.

Daigo: Unbelievable…All the informations about many Beyblades are here: The strong points, the weaknesses…everything, there's even one for Yugen. This is really useful, but…if I read them, it won't be a integrous match. It'll count as cheating."

I stood up then layed on the floor while doing some pull-ups, so I can forget about that sketchy site. I have to win fair and square after all…

Valt's POV:

The next day:

Today's Daigo's battle against Yugo!  I was really excited because my mom was helping so I can make sandwiches for him when he wins!

Chiharu: Here, you did well son.

Valt: All thanks to you mom! I'm sure everyone will like them, especially Daigo!

Toko: Yeah, they look delicious!

Nika: You're right! Just seeing them makes me hungry!

Daigo's POV:

At the WBBA establishment:

This is it. It was finally the day. I was kinda nervous but I shook it off when I heard the host say:

Hanami: Hello everyone and welcome back to the Beyblade Regional Tournament!  Right now, it's about to go down between the calm and mysterious boy Daigo Kurogami, with his Bey Dark Doomscizor, and the Samurai Yugo Nansui with his Bey Yugen Yegdrion !!"

Xander: Haha! You got this Yugo!

Aya: Co'mon Daigo!  Kick his sorry butt!!

We both headed towards the stadium and prepared ourselves. Whereas, I started sweating and my hands were trembling a bit.

-" 3!!!…2!!!…1!!! LET IT RIP!!!"

We both launched our Beys, but unfortunately, I launched incorrectly, dang it!

Valt: Oh no!  He missed!

Shu: His hands were shaking, this is why his launch failed.

Ken (Keru): He doesn't seem to be in a good mood today.

Aya: Grrrr, come on Daigo!  Hold yourself together!!

Yugen clashed with Doomscizor, and next thing I knew, he was knocked out of the stadium.

-" A Survival Finish for Yugen Yegdrion!  Yugo wins the first round with one point to nothing!"

Hanami: What an unfortunate start for Daigo! Will he trun the tables, or will he meet his loss?!

My hands…they were shaking like leaves and my sweat ran cold …I was really anxious right now, and this is the first time I've felt this doubt in me… A-Am I gonna lose?

Valt's POV:

Daigo wasn't feeling okay at all. I noticed how troubled he looks, so I had an idea!  I quickly took the sandwiches' bag and headed towards him, not caring about what'll happen next!

Valt: Daigo! 

Daigo: Valt? What are you doing?

Valt: I made these for you! They're sandwiches!  Eat them so you can get your energy back!

Aya: Wow, this compadre is just…Wow

Daigo: Valt , I appreciate your gift. But now's not the time.

Valt: Huh?

Daigo: I'll eat them later when I win this battle. OK? I just need you guys to support me!

Valt: Of course we will buddy! You got this!

And so, I headed back to the others. 

Daigo's POV :

I looked at Yugo, who bowed and said:

Yugo: You don't look good, why didn't you eat your sandwiches?

Daigo: I'll do it after I wipe the floor with you....

Valt: Come on Daigo! 

Aya: Stay determined!

I gazed at my friends one last time, especially Aya who gave me a wink and a thumbs-up. So I smiled in return, while blushing faintly. Her presence really boosted my confidence. I looked at Doomscizor for a moment, but something…didn't seem to be right…

Someone, that looked a lot like me…appeared on my Bey. It was like looking in a mirror…But the only differences were the white empty glowing eyes that lacked the black irises, and the purple aura surrounding him…gave scary vibes. My doppelganger gave me a sinister smile, while I remained a bit panicked and asked:

Daigo: W-What's going on here?

Daigo (Demon): Heh, you won't succeed if you continued like this.....

I shook my head to ignore this and put Doomscizor on my launcher. But I spotted my look alike on the giant screen, darn it!  Just who is he exactly?!

Daigo (Demon): Don't ignore me. It's pointless. Listen to me, there's nothing more important than winning, but your friends' encouragement is not enough…

Daigo: W-Who are you? Just what do you want?

Daigo (Demon): Isn't it obvious? I thought you'd already know.... Heheh, I am you, and you are me. We are one and the same......As for your question, I came here to help you…

I turned around and gasped slightly as I saw the other me in the stadium's ground. This is really starting to freak me out.

Daigo (Demon): If you want to win, you just need to use a little trick is all. Easy, right?

Daigo: N-No. I can't do that, I'll be cheating like that.

Daigo (Demon): Com'on, just this once. Nobody has to know. Don't you want to win for your friends, your brother, and…that girl?

Daigo: But Aya hates cheating so much. If she finds out, she'll never forgive me for the rest of her life…No, I won't stoop this low, a true Blader shouldn't do it. I'll win this, fair and square. I just need to focus.

Daigo (Demon): But if you lose, everyone will be dissapointed. Your friends will leave you, you'll be all alone again. Your brother as well, won't idolize you anymore. As for your crush, she'll see you as a weakling and won't like you back. Just do as say, you'll win for sure, and at the same time, no one will ever find out as long as you keep quiet about it…But remember, time is ticking so you better hurry…

I was lost, I felt like I don't have a choice, but a part of me was screaming at me to stop. I guess this is how Aya feels when she struggles internally. I kneeled down to launch while keeping my eyes closed, yet I felt like…I'm not in control…

Daigo (Demon): Now tell me……What do you want exactly?

Daigo: What do I want?…… What do you think I want?!……I WANNA WIN!!!

-" 3!!!…2!!!…1!!!"

But  just as we were about to launch, I used the glass panel on my launcher to reflect the sun's beam on Yugo's eyes, therefore stunting him for a bit and making him incapable of launching correctly...

-"LET IT RIP!!!"

I launched perfectly, while Yugo screwed it up.

Hanami: Unbelievable! Yugen has lost his balance and steadiness!

Valt: Yeah! Daigo might have a chance!

Shu :(Something's off……)

Hanami: Doomscizor is ready to charge!! He's coming from behind at full speed!

Yugo: Yugen! Avoid it!

But it was futile…hehehe, this victory is mine……

*CRASH!!!*

-" A Burst Finish for Dark Doomscizor! Daigo wins the match with two points to one!"

Aya: Yeah!!! That's my homie Daigo!!

Valt: Great job man!!!

I snapped out of my state and looked around…completely confused…I won?

Yugo :(That's impossible! I felt like I got blinded for a second! But how?!)

Later, a the Bey Park:

I was standing near the park's stadium, holding Doomscizor in my hand and gazing at him....Suddenly, flashbacks from today's match appeared inside my mind. I felt like I had a headache for a second, so I gripped my head with my other hand… I can't believe I just cheated! Dear God, if anybody finds out, I'm done for!! Especially Aya! She'll hate me for life and I'll never be able to confess to her or even look at her in the eye! I started feeling regret slowly, it hurt…it really did.

Valt: Hey Daigo!

Daigo: Gah!

I swinged my hand in a defensive way, but when I opened my eyes, I saw Valt along with everyone else in front of me. My gaze fell upon the sandwiches' bag that was dropped on the ground. So I went to pick it up. I gasped  slightly when I saw the cat glaring at me, then hissing dangerously and walked away....
Great, even the cat hates me. I grabbed the bag quickly and headed towards the others.

Aya: Daigo? Are you alright?

Daigo: Y-Yeah I am…Sorry, I was just in my deep thoughts.

Ken (Besu): Oh it's fine buddy…

Valt: Anyways, let's eat!

Rantaro: Heck yeah!  I'm starving!

Shu's POV:

I was at the park watching the Beyclub. I know there's something wrong with Daigo...And I'll do anything to get to the bottom of it…

Daigo's POV:

We sat down. But something told me to bite my tongue instead...This was too much, but I tried my best to hold myself together and not have a breakdown. So I took deep breaths and started eating…not caring for the tears that were streaming down my pale cheeks…