*A day had passed since Aiga had remade his new Achilles and was to have a rematch with Lane in a few hours. Aiga stood in one of the training rooms as he looked down at his newly evolved bey*

Aiga: Achilles.. we're finally going to have a rematch with that guy, we're not going to get another chance to so we have to make this count.

*Achilles glowed and Achilles simply smiled*

---Meanwhile---

*Athena spoke to Shu and Valt about Aigas new bey*

Shu: I had a feeling he would go out of his way and make a new Achilles.

Athena: I still think he made a terrible mistake battling with a damaged bey but i'm happy he's doing ok now.

Shu: There was really nothing he could've done, there was no time to make repairs.

Athena: He could have forfeited Shu!

Shu: But is that the kind of blader Aiga is though? I didn't think so. Aiga is never going to forfeit no matter what.

Athena: Yeah but.. he didn't need to go through the pain of losing his bey again, i didn't need to see that happen!

Shu: That's not up to you. If Achilles was damaged in your battle with him then his bey getting destroyed by Lane who intentionally broke it is bound to happen.

Athena: S-Shu..!?

Shu: I need you to understand that sometimes things are going to happen whether we like it or not, it's apart of life.

*Athena nodded and Valt finally chimed in*

Valt: Besides, Aiga is doing a lot better since then. He'll be fine, he's tougher than that to fall for Lanes illusions.

*The word "Illusion" flooded Athenas mind and she remembered the weird dream she had the night before and she looked up at Shu*

Athena: That reminds me.. i have to tell you something...

Shu: What is it?

Athena: I had a weird vision last night

Shu: A vision?

Athena: It's hard to describe, i felt like i was going 1,000,000 MPH and i saw myself but it really wasn't myself.

Shu: How so?

Athena: She looked different, she had angel wings and her hair was all long and wavy in a odd type of way. I didn't feel fear or anything, i felt kind of at peace there.

*Shu's eyes widened at the figures description, he had a feeling he knew what she was referring to.*

Shu: Athena, i want to talk with Valt for a second. Can you leave the room for a second?

Athena: Sure..

*Athena leaves the room and Valt looks over towards Shu with a look of concern*

Valt: What are you thinking Shu?

Shu: I'm thinking that with the description of what she saw in her vision, it's safe to say we need to keep an eye on her at all times.

Valt: What's wrong?

Shu: That description.. she saw something.

Valt: What was it?

*Shu looks towards Valt with a distraught look*

Shu: She saw her future, if she saw herself with wings of an Angel then that can't mean anything good..

Valt: Well that should be a good thing right?

Shu: To an extent yes but that means if this future is true and Athena becomes who she described her future self then this could also mean danger. I'm worried that if it comes true then that kind of power will completely overwhelm her from the inside out and she could possibly die from it.

Valt: How? That's never happened before, why should it now?

Shu: You don't understand, Athena and Lane are powerful human beings. Lane is already on the chopping block but if Athena receives that surge of power then she could die from the overwhelming power, she is younger than Lane and her small body won't be able to take it all without at least severe injury and even then, any kind of severe injury will put her in the hospital for a long while. There is only a small chance that Athena comes out of this 100% fine but she'll need to be incredibly lucky for that to happen

Valt: What about Lane?

Shu: Lane was used the Devils mark multiple times so his body has adjusted to it and he's learned to cope with the pain that may occur, even if he dies, it won't be from that... That Flare has been the source of everything bad from the very start, if he dies then it'll be from burning himself out..

Valt: Shu..

Shu: There is a chance all of this could be completely false though so we're going to have to see, Athena, You and I have qualified for the 2nd Stage so maybe we'll see a small display of this new power.

Valt: What if this is all just another big illusion caused by Lane to throw her off her game and scare her, you know good and well he takes pleasure in doing that. This isn't the first time this has happened.

Shu: That's also true but when that happened, Athena saw Adeona being destroyed in that vision and that eventually came true, twice might i add.

Valt: Sometimes visions and dreams can be misinterpreted, I'm willing to bet Lane is behind all this.

Shu: He very well could be and then there's the Snake Pit too...

Valt: You don't think they're in on it too do you?

Shu: Lane is still affiliated with the Snake Pit although he doesn't meet with Ashtem anymore, i wouldn't be surprised if they were.

*Athena who was overhearing the conversation felt her heart sank and she looked down at Adeona with a look of sadness and felt scared for her own safety*

Athena: Adeona.. Do you really think we're in danger?

*Adeona simply glowed and Athena didn't really feel any better as that didn't answer her question. Shu opened the door and he saw the frightened look on her face*

Shu: Looks like she heard..

Athena: Is it true? Am i really going to be fine?

Shu: You're going to alright, if the vision ends up coming true then we can figure out something.

Athena: No we are not! If this vision happens and if this "New Power" hurts me to the point of fatality then what then? There won't be any chance of trying to save my life then because i'll be dead from a power that nobody else can explain!

*Shu ultimately came to a shocking realization*

Shu: Athena.. i think you've used this power before. You've spread the wings of an Angel before!

Athena: WHAT!?! WHEN?!

Shu: It was before you took on Lane and when he destroyed your bey. When i faced you then, i felt a strong sensation like i was truly one with Spriggan at that time and i felt Spriggan lend me his strength.

Athena: Well come to think of it.. it felt like me and Adeona were fully in sync and we were completely one with each other and i felt some sort of strong surge of power rising from within me, you think that might've been it?

Shu: I can pretty much guarantee it.

Athena: Sooo... I'm not gonna die?

Shu: Well we're gonna try and master this new power before you inevitably face off with Lane again. You will not die from it if you master it but i can't guarantee you won't receive injury from it even if you manage to master it.

*Athena looked down at Adeona and it began to glow faintly with a white aura*

Athena: Adeona.. looks like we may not die after all, we're gonna master this new power and we'll use it to take down Lane for good.

---Meanwhile---

*Aiga was getting ready for his match and he looks down at Achilles as it glowed with a golden and red aura*

Aiga: Achilles, it's almost time. Just like before, we're going to go all out!

*Athena comes into the room and Aiga looks up from his bey*

Aiga: Athena? I heard about your vision, are you gonna be ok?

Athena: I'll be fine, i'll actually be mastering this power and getting a foothold on it if i don't want it to possibly kill me.

Aiga: Well you really don't have much time, you can't really use it successfully in the battles from now without proper training. And the 2nd Stage Battle Royale is tomorrow.

Athena: I'm gonna use it.

Aiga: WHAT?! No, you've barely had any time to use it and your body hasn't adjusted to that power yet! What if something happens?!

Athena: Well it's a good thing this ship has a medic on board, and i hear they're the best around. If something were to happen then they'll treat me well and i'll be back to blading in no time.

Aiga: How can you be so careless about this? You getting injured because of this is the last thing we need!

Athena: If i'm going to use it to its fullest might then i need to use it at least once beforehand. Besides, i'm not like Lane where i'll be acting reckless with it.

Aiga: Where did this power even come from anyway? This is incredibly out of the blue!

*Athena slid down her collar and a diamond shaped marking resided at the base of her neck, Aiga was in absolute disbelief at what it was. It was the Nexus Mark that Athena had supposedly gotten rid of at the Snake Pit all that time ago.*

Aiga: Don't tell me that's what i think it is..

Athena: Aiga chill. The Nexus Mark has returned but i can promise you that i won't revert to the darkness again, i'm better than that and you know that as well as i do.

Aiga: Still though, i can't help but be worried about that. You know what happened when you originally had it.

Athena: I remember and i'll continue to learn from those mistakes always because i was truly sorry for the things that i did and i dreamt of nothing more than to make up for it no matter what i had to do.

*Aiga heard his name be called and he sighed*

Athena: Good luck..

Aiga: Before i go, i have to ask.

Athena: What is it?

Aiga: Does anyone else know about this?

*Athena just looks at Aiga and she looks away for a bit*

Athena: Only Shu and Valt.. Nobody else knows... not yet anyway.

*Aiga nods and he heads on up to his match*

---At the Stadium---

*Lane and Aiga step on up to the stadium and Lane simply grins when he notices Aigas new Achilles*

Lane: I've heard about your Triumphant Achilles, let's see what it can do against my Lucifer!

Aiga: I mean that's why i challenged you for a rematch in the first place.

Lane: Is that so? Well then let's see what kind of abilities your Achilles is capable of!

Referee: First Battle!!

*Aiga began to switch Xtend+' into Stamina Mode. Athena watched in the audience and watched with interest*

---

Athena: So he's gonna try and make the first battle a battle of stamina, interesting.. Stamina against Defense so Achilles in this case should have the advantage!

---

Aiga: Lane.. let's see how well Lucifer takes on the full might of Achilles' defenses.

Referee: Ready Set!!

3 2 1 GO SHOOT!!!

*Both beys land in the stadium and Achilles comes charging in for the center and Lucifer comes charging in*

Lane: Stamina Mode huh? Interesting!

Aiga: Now bring it on! Just try and break Achilles defenses!

*Lucifer clashes with Achilles with its full might and pushes in one of its Shields and gets knocked back from the clash*

Lane: Spring Loaded Shields? So that's whats happening!

*Lucifer lands on the outer edges of the stadium and comes rushing back in for another attack*

Aiga: Triumphant Defense!

*Achilles 2 shields glowed and it formed 2 shields around Achilles which also formed a barrier! Lucifer collides with Achilles at full force and gets stopped thanks to the shields*

Lane: Tch.. why you..!!!

*Lucifer enters its Flare and its ring lowers towards the stadium*

Aiga: It's gonna use that move again!

*Lucifer finally pushes Achilles out of the center and claims the center of its own*

Lane: Dark Matter Gravity!!

*Lucifer began to wobble and swivel around in the center like a pendulum which could repel any and all attacks*

Aiga: Achilles!!

*Achilles stops itself at the ridge of the stadium and comes charging back in*

Aiga: Let's go Achilles! Triumphant Slash!!

*Achilles slams into Lucifer and sent it flying, completely nullifying its defenses!*

Lane: W-What the?!

*Lucifer lands on the edge once again and it comes charging back in for the next blow*

Lane: Finish this! Dark Matter Slash!!

Aiga: Once More! Triumphant Slash!!

*Achilles uses its Spring Loaded Swords the send Lucifer flying once again and it lands outside of the stadium! Lane looks in surprise as the first point went to Aiga*

Referee: Triumphant Achilles with an Over Finish, Aiga Akaba earns 1 point!

---

*Athena watches from the crowd in excitement as Aiga took the first point*

Athena: Yes! Looks like Aiga has taken the 1st point... just 1 more to go!

---

*Aiga went down and retrieved his bey and looked back at Lane who was smiling sinisterly*

Lane: Looks like things are finally getting interesting.

*Aiga just stares at him as he watched his Flare glow to life and swirl around him slowly*

Aiga: You can boast all you want but you're not going to destroy us again!

Lane: It's futile to resist, it's your destiny to be destroyed!

Aiga: My destiny you say? Don't play me with that nonsense, i'm only focused on getting payback for the ones you've humiliated.

Lane: The fact you even bother trying in the first place is honestly hilarious.. it doesn't matter how hard i need to push myself, Achilles will break once again!!

Referee: 2nd Battle!

*Both bladers took their positions once again, Aiga still went with Stamina Mode*

Referee: Ready Set!!!

3 2 1 GO SHOOT!!!

*Both beys land in the stadium once again and Lucifer took the center first this time and its defenses were starting to rise*

Aiga: Tch..!

Lane: Dark Matter Guard!!

*A Barrier of energy surrounds Lucifer and Achilles slams into it with full force but couldn't manage to break through it at all!*

Aiga: Achilles! Keep going, no mercy!

*Achilles climbs the slope of the stadium and delivers blow after blow but it couldn't break through Lucifers guard*

Lane: No matter how hard you try, Lucifers defenses won't be broken!

*Achilles was sent flying and it lands outside of the stadium with a clang*

Aiga: Tch...

Referee: Dark Matter Lucifer with an over finish! Lane Valhalla earns 1 point!!

*Aiga looked at Lane who was only getting even more darker by the second*

Aiga: Why you..!

Lane: Only an Over Finish huh? Next it'll be a burst!!

Aiga: I underestimated his defenses once again and that's how he knocked me out.. However, we're not going to make the same mistake again!

---

*Athena looked down towards the stadium with worry, her bey resting in her hand as it faintly glowed*

Athena: Aiga..

---

Referee: 3rd Battle!!!

*Aiga switched Xtend+' into its Attack mode and his eyes began to glow with a red energy*

Aiga: We're going to be the ones who come out on top, believe it!

Referee: Ready Set!!!

3 2 1 GO SHOOT!!!

*the beys land in the stadium one last time and Lucifer took the center immediately*

Lane: Dark Matter Guard!!

Aiga: We won't let you!!

*Achilles collides into it with a full powered blow before it could ready its defenses*

Lane: Tch.. it's so fast!

*Achilles races around the stadium at full speed as it only got even faster now*

Aiga: Go Achilles!!!

*Achilles comes back in and lands another devastating attack*

Lane: It's speed and power have increased now that it's in its Attack Mode.. interesting!

*Lucifer reclaimed the center and Achilles clashes with Lucifer with all its might as bolts of lightning burst from the stadium from the intense clash*

Lane: Don't tell me this is all you've got!!

Aiga: We're not done yet, just watch!!

*Achilles and Lucifer were locked in a fierce head to head clash and Lucifers lock advanced all the way up to the Burst Stoppers*

Lane: So he's aiming for a burst, with Lucifer apart of the Spark-Drive System, Lucifer will never burst in your wildest dreams!

Aiga: Achilles!!!

*Achilles rushes up the slope of the stadium and it heads on up to the 4th Level and uses its Spring Loaded Swords to slam against the wall and absorb the impact*

Aiga: Let's go!

*Achilles bounces off the wall and it dives straight towards the stadium and Lucifer begins to glow even more*

Lane: Lucifer!!

*Achilles lands back in the stadium and it comes charging towards Lucifer at full speed*

Lane: Take This! Dark Matter Slash!!!

Aiga: Tear them up into pieces! Triumphant Buster!!

*Both beys clash with all their might as a fierce explosion erupts from the stadium and both bladers yell out with full determination. Lucifers burst stoppers were reversed and it burst immediately and Lane gasped in horror!*

Lane: W-What the-?!!

Aiga: Alright!!!

Referee: Triumphant Achilles with a burst finish! Aiga Akaba is the winner by a score of 3-1!!!

*Athena watched from the crowd as she watched Aiga celebrate and Lane fall to his knees in defeat, She looked down at Adeona and thought about the Nexus Mark once again as her eyes flashed*

Athena: Adeona... we need to get to work, now.

[TBC]

Next Chapter: Breaking Through! The Battle Royale Of Legends!!

The 2nd Stage Battle Royale had finally begun and the 2nd Stage concludes with an explosive finish!! Later, Athena works hard to draw out her old power from her once abandoned Nexus Mark without reverting back to the darkness.