Your POV 

"Don't hold back, (y/n)!"

I watched as the bluenette in front of me winded up his arms, eyes burning with excitement. I grinned back with equal passion, getting ready into a new stance. Valt is my best friend. It's because of that fact that I can't lose to him. 

"I wouldn't dream of it!"

Closing my eye, I fixed the position I was in, determined to win this battle and willing to showcase even two new moves. I reached out for Xcalius' aura, the cheers if the fans and Hanami growing fainter and fainter. I couldn't see it, but I could feel the presence of Xcalius and its deep voice. 

It's time, (y/n).

My eyes snapped open just as Valt's did. I knew that Valt felt Valtryek's aura running through his body. I tightened the grip on my launcher. Soon, I will too feel the aura of my bey. 

"3!"

I deepened my kneel, keeping one foot popped and the other flat on the ground. In the back of my mind, I could hear people were whispering about a new move, but I wasn't focused on that. 

"2!"

It fully sunk in to everyone what the move I was about to do was. Recognition flickered in Valt's eyes. 

"!"

I jumped off from both feet, soaring high into the air using my excitement as a shove up. My feet went behind my back, creating  a cradle position in the air. 

"Let it rip!"

Valt and I both pulled the string as hard as we could, strength poured into the tug. The audience collectively gasped in awe and suspense. Xcalius slammed into the gound, then bounced back up, just as high. I landed back safely on two feet, ready for the battle, grinning. "It's time I show off Soaring Boast, don't you reckon?"

"It's awesome," Valt admitted. "I will say that. But Valtryek and I have been working super hard on our launching skills as well!"

He was right. Valt's bey was spinning around the stadium at top speed, bound to hit a counterclockwise Xcalius soon. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you. However..."

I raised my hand as a fist into the air. Instantly, the familiar sensation of Xcalius's aura surrounded me. The magnificent beast appeared behind me, bringing along golden flames. I let out a sigh of relief when I recognized those flames as Xcalius's own. 

Adrenaline began to kick in, giving me energy and pushing me to the edge. I hadn't felt the excitement of a battle in ages. I've missed it awfully. I focused on the target, Valtryek, my eyes burning with passion and determination. 

"Union Launch!"

Xcalius moved at an astonishing speed, the tip leaving behind sparks on the stadium as it moved towards its target. I watched in a mixture of pride, nervousness and fun as the performance tip slowly extended higher while the sword of Xcalius ejected. As soon as the two movements were complete, Xcalius collided with Valtryek. 

Valt had been too shocked to activate his aura, while I had been boasting mine. It was no surprise, really, when the three metal pieces of his bey separated, only flames and lightning connecting them. 

clink

"That's a burst finish for (y/n) (l/n)! The score is two to zero!"

-------------------

"(y/n)!"

The Valtryek blader came bounding into the hallway, a certain albino on his heels. On Valt's face was a huge, genuinely happy grin. I smiled back at him by instinct, but my smile was filled with guilt rather than happiness. I did just take away his title of champion, after all. 

"Hey Shu and Valt," I said this in self-reproach. "Valt. You're happier than I expected."

"Of course I'm happy," he gave me a close-eyed eye smile. "Yeah, I'm third in the world now, but I actually kind of wanted to lose! It's been kinda boring, being the world champion for years now. And both of you are so much stronger than I expected! You both beat me using these fabulous launches! The Union Launch was so smart of you, (y/n), the way you combined Upforce Launch and Final Strike! Not to mention that Soaring Boost of yours! And Shu, Spriggan was so powerful, it gave me chills! The moves were..."

Shu and I both laughed as Valt continued to drone on excitedly about our beys. No matter how much he would mature, Valt's love for the sport will continue. That's something I admire about him. How he stills love beyblade while still seeing it as a something fun. 

I can't say the same, however. 

"And then Spriggan was like voosh, pow, bam!" Valt described the movements through sound, making it incredibly hard for Shu and I to tell what he was trying to say. He sighed, bringing his describing to an end. "Wow. Those battles really drained me. I forgot how much you two push me to be better."

"I forgot how much energy is put into one battle," Shu added on. "I haven't battled like that since the God Blader's Cup."

"Same," I agreed. "It's tiring, but at the same time exhilarating."

The two best friends nodded in agreement. All tired, we simultaneously sat down on the carpeted floor of the New York WBBA stadium's hallways, leaning onto the walls as we rested from the previous hours of beyblade. 

It seems so weird, that just an hour ago I had just been crowned best blader in the world. For the second time in my life. All my efforts from the past years finally allowed me to achieve my one ambition; to become the best blader in the world, just like Gingka Hagane once told me. 

a/n i doubt any of you remember that from the first book lol 

Everything I've been working towards is finished. It feels...weird. Did I feel like this after the God Blader's Cup as well? No, I don't think I did. After all, I was too preoccupied with Shu returning to actually figure out my feelings regarding beyblade. 

Some people would think that now that I've reached the top, my career is finished. There's no more point. I, however, know better than that now. It's hard to get to the top, but even harder to stay there, right? 

Besides, there's always new bladers rising. For example, Aiga. And Phi. I definitely have to watch out for those two. 

"Shu," Valt interrupted the silence, glancing at the albino. Shu raised an eyebrow in response.

"Yeah?"

"Since you took away my title, you owe me," a smirk began playing on Valt's features jokingly. "Come to Spain and cook me some of your spaghetti, please!"

"I can't, Valt," Shu laughed. "I would love to, but I can't. Too much work to be done."

"Pleeasseee?" Valt dragged on, pouting. "Who cares about work?"

Shu ran a hand through his hair tiringly (while he did this I tried not to blush, but ignore that). "It's my duty. Besides, (y/n) beat you too. Ask something from her."

My jaw dropped open. "Did you just throw me under the bus to save yourself? Shu!"

"Sorry," Shu laughed playfully. Valt and I joined Shu in laughing our heads off, even though it doesn't really seem that funny to outsiders. We understand each other. I guess that's why our friendship is so special to me. 

Even when the maintenance of the WBBA looked at us weirdly, we continued to chatter and laugh into the day, almost until night. It was just like old times. Thinking that brought a tender smile to my face.

Just like old times. 

---------------------

chop chop chop

I peered out of BC Sol's helicopter and out to the waters below me. A big, white cruise was floating atop the glittering ocean ocean, several bladers already onboard below deck. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky and the bright sun lighting up Europe. I smiled, grateful for this change of weather compared to the biting Antarctica. 

"We've arrived at the Battleship Cruise," a voice belonging to the pilot crackled over the intercom. I turned my attention to the helicopter again, where I could see the pilot pointing down to the cruise from the cockpit.

Across me, Valt was seated with an excited look adorning his face. Kris was already onboard the cruise. We had landed in Spain yesterday, and since Shu was busy with training with Fubuki, he didn't board with us onto the plane. 

Yesterday, after I had settled in with my dorm with Sasha and everything, there was a big celebration just for me with even more food and people. It really made me feel like a part of BC Sol, even though I had left for so long. 

Though, I secretly prefer the gathering that Shu arranged, but nobody needs to know that. 

"Oh!" Valt jumped up with an idea. He looked around excitedly before pointing to folded up parachutes. "Can we jump out of the plane? With the parachute?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed in excitement, jumping to my feet as well. "Are we allowed to? It'll be so fun!"

"I don't see why not," the pilot said, a hint of amusement in his tone. Valt and I simultaneously lunged for the parachute, and clipped it onto our self in record time. We have done this before, after all. "You kids will be alright and me and the crew left?"

"Yup!" nodded Valt before opening the door. A gentle gush of wind floated into the helicopter. He grinned at me and I returned it. 

"3 2 1!" We chorused as we prepared to jump off. "Let it rip!"

And the two of us jumped off the helicopter into the endless blue, laughs of delight all around. The salty air of the ocean hit my nostrils, reminding me of summer. 

It really was exhilarating, jumping out of the helicopter. Not the same time of nerves that I get when there's a bey battle, as the opponent of the battle is always different and there's so much pressure riding on you. 

But here, just jumping out and free falling, there's no pressure at all. And you're not against someone. It honestly gives you a sense of freedom. I wonder if this is how birds feel. 

"Woohoo!" cheered Valt, thrusting his arms into the air. The wind was whipping our hair like crazy, and made Valt look like Medusa with his rippling blue locks. I tried not to laugh at that. 

As soon as we reached a certain depth, the parachutes blew out, slowing the speed we were at. We gently plummeted in the sky, the adrenaline slowly coming to an end. The cruise was steadily getting closer, and now I could see a crowd of six people in total above deck. 

Most of them looked quite young, to be honest. Did I look that young when I was eleven? 

No, some of them can't be bladers. One looks eight years old, and I'm pretty sure the tournament is for those eleven and older. Phi was no where to be seen as well, so he must be below deck. One of them looked familiar...with blonde hair, large cape and confident manner. 

Honcho? 

Our feet grazed the wooden floor as Valt and I arrived on deck. The group of six glanced at us in curiosity, recognition and...awe? I mean, we did just make a pretty cool entrance. I packed away the parachutes as Valt began greeting them. "Hello, fellow bladers! I'm back on the cruise! And this time, I've got a guest!"

I walked towards the six, putting on a smile. "Hi, I'm (y/n) (l/n)."

"Also known as the best blader in the world!" Valt added. "(y/n) just got that title a few days ago, after she returned back from a two and a half training journey!"

"So you're the real champion," the boy closest to us spoke up. He had spiky maroon hair tied up in a ponytail pinned back by four clips. On his pale skin was an upside down 'A', which matched the 'A' badge on his burgundy and orange jacket, amongst other badges. His jacket covered up a plain white shirt with black suspenders connecting to his shorts. 

Aiga Akabane. 

"Hmm," he squinted at me, as if observing me and seeing if I was worthy of the title. "We need to battle if I'm going to take away your title."

"Dream on," I replied instantly. "I'm keeping it."

"Hm," he grunted, before smirking cockily. "We'll see."

"Yeah, Aiga's really strong!" a girl besides him added in support. She looked the youngest, eight at the most. She had aqua blue eyes and matching short hair. She wore a white cotton beanie with a blue cotton ball on top and a white and blue striped border. Her shirt was a short-sleeved dress shirt, and she wore dark and light-blue pinstriped trousers with dark blue pockets held up with dark blue suspenders, which she pins an 'N' badge onto, similar to Aiga's. 

I think someone needs to be knocked down a peg or two, I thought to myself. And that little sister of his isn't helping him with his ego. 

When she noticed me looking, she gave me a smile and chirped, "Hi! I'm Naru Akabane, and this is my brother, Aiga Akabane! I'm not blading, if you're wondering, I'm just here to support my brother."

"Ah," I said. "I see."

I caught sight of the table clutched tightly in her hand. Toko and Nika 2.0. 

I turned my attention to the nearest person. A short, tan-skinned boy with dark-blue, wild hair, and light teal-blue markings under both lime-green eyes. His attire had an Egyptian theme, with a large gold and silver collar with a cerulean stripe in the middle and blue string tied around the rib cage to the back, a golden arm band on each upper arm, a golden belt with a gold-rimmed blue and white kilt tied around electric-blue pants. "Hey there! I'm Laban Vanot, one of the Turbo 4. I hope we can battle soon."

"Likewise," I grinned. So he was a member of the Turbo 4. Hm, I can't wait to see the blading skills of the famed Turbo 4. Though I doubt this freak could be any good. 

"I'm Tobisuke," a boy with short brown hair and glasses spoke up. He wore a simple white jacket with a green shirt with a picture of fire on it. 

"Gumita," a girl flatly introduced, almost as if she was bored to be here. She wore a pink jumpsuit and her dark hair was let down. "Tobisuke and I aren't blading, like Naru. We're here to support Boss."

"Which is me," a voice boasted arrogantly. The person walked forward, coming closer to me. He had hazel eyes, and a bandage on his left cheek. He wore a long white jacket with flame designs at the end. He had an orange shirt and pants that are half black and half red. His boots were white, and he has a belt with an R-shaped buckle. But his most noticeable feature is his huge blonde hair, which kinda reminded me of a haystack. 

This was the person that I thought was Honcho. This person even had a lollipop in his mouth. But Honcho wouldn't even be allowed to participate in this tournament, considering he isn't part of the new age of beyblade. Upon closer inspection, this person isn't Honcho. But he did share a weird resemblance to him...

"So you're (y/n) (l/n)," he noted. "I saw you during the Bey Club's battle in the Nationals team tournament a few years ago. Ah, you're probably wondering who I am. I'm Honcho's brother, Ranjiro Kiyama, also known as Boss around here."

"No wonder you seemed familiar," I said in realization. "I never knew Honcho had a brother. You two look a lot alike, you know." 

"That ugly thing?" Ranjiro raised an eyebrow. "No way! Just kidding. Or am I?"

I grinned, and Tobisuke and Gumita laughed along with Ranjiro. I noticed how their outfits complimented each other, and how Tobisuke and Gumita looked up to Ranjiro as if he was their leader. Maybe he is. Honcho did mention knowing someone in a gang.

"Guys, we need to get a move on!" Valt quickly spoke. "A new blader is coming aboard today, and there's going to be battles!"

This piece of news caused some chattering between the bladers. Valt motioned for me to follow him, in which I obliged. "(y/n), I'll show you your room."

We began walking towards a lift, hidden in the shadows of the cruise. Valt pressed the down arrow and we entered the lift. "So, what do you think? Of the new generation of bladers?"

I don't like them, was my instant answer in my head. Ever since I met them, a sort of anger has been pulsing through my body. Which was stupid, since I haven't even known them for more then ten minutes. 

Stop being so judgmental, I scolded myself silently. Instead of my immediate answer, I replied to Valt, "They seem okay, but I don't really know them that well."

"I get that," Valt nodded as the lift doors slid back, revealing a long corridor. "Well, I gotta go talk to Kris about the tournament. Your room is fifth to the right."

"Ah, thanks."

With that, we parted ways. As soon as Valt was out of sight, I frowned. What is wrong with me? Why did I label Laban as a freak, Naru as a copy of Toko and Nika and Aiga as somebody with a big ego? Why am I being so...unreasonable and angry? 

No...I know why.

Slapping a hand onto my forehead, I slid down my door into a seated position. All of them remind me of people from years ago, when everything was perfect. Toko, Nika, Aiga, Valt, Honcho...I really can't stand someone being else being in the spotlight.

I can't stand the fact that soon my friends and I will be forgotten. The fact that we'll all be replaced by much powerful people. The fact that there are newcomers on the stage now that will inevitably take my title. The fact that I'll lose my crown again, but this time forever.

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i want y/n to be kinda annoying. like sorta bitchy and selfish. i see y/ns everywhere, and majority of the time, they're perfect, personality-wise. nobody is perfect. even made up characters should have flaws. because books !! lack !! personality !! growth !! i think that's really important, and i really want to see the main character go through that. i don't want to have characters that are flawless and only improve throughout beyblade

p.s sorry for the long wait this took

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Word count: 3096