Valt's POV:
I ran out of the WBBA building, suddenly realising that I was late; AGAIN! I really need to stop doing this. I continued to run towards the park but stopped when I caught a glimpse of a blue flame. I scanned the place, and then soon noticed Lui walking somewhere. I wonder where he's going. What if he's going to a secret training place? That would be awesome! If it's anything like he's training room then I bet it looks epic! I would love to see that. Maybe I should follow him. But he's super scary when he's mad, and if he knows that I was following him then he will be super mad. And his training is super intense, and I don't know whether I could keep up with him. Plus, he could hurt me or break my bey and no one would be there to help me or know other than us, and then he'd probably threaten me so I keep my mouth shut. He started walking out of sight, and I grinned. I'm going to follow him anyway; I don't care what happens. I began running after him, and when I caught up, I started trailing behind him, careful not to let him see me. He doesn't need to know that I'm here, otherwise, he'd kill me. Literally, kill me. Well, it's not my fault that my curiosity got the better of me. We walked for about ten minutes before Lui stopped at a house. Is this where he lives? I don't know why, but I have always imagined something completely different. What? I'm not so sure. Just not a normal house, I guess. I was a couple of houses down when he went to open the door, but a man beat him to it. Who is this dude? So it seems that this trip may turn out to be more interesting than I had expected.
"How did it go?" The man asked, narrowing his eyes at Lui. It seemed to be more of a demand than a question, and I shuddered when he said it. He's scary. I wonder if he's a Shirosagi. He kinda looks like Lui. They both have shark teeth and blue flame hair and a bad attitude and he's a Shirosagi, I see it now.
"I won, sir," Lui replied, any sense of pride, confidence or arrogance gone from his voice, his hubristic personality had now dissipated. What the heck? He knows how to dial down and not be such a buttwad to everyone he meets? Neat trick. How'd that dude do it? I tilted my head to the side when I realised what he'd called the man. Sir? Hmm…
"How much did you crush him?" The man asked, his intense gaze on Lui not shifting, the tense atmosphere rocketing sky high. I watched as Lui squirmed under the pressure, not wanting to answer the question. This is why he was so mad. He wanted to crush me with his own raw strength, not just based on a fluke, not just because of his pride, but because of his father. That makes sense. I guess that means I should have said yes. I should have accepted his challenge for another battle. Shoot. I screwed this one up. Lui looked less content to be there with each passing second. I wonder if that's actually his father. Heck, it might not even be a Shirosagi. But he more than likely is.
"He almost beat me, sir," Lui murmured, and the man's eyes filled up with rage. He picked Lui up by his collar and pushed him against the wall. Lui grunted in pain but bit his tongue for the time being.
"You let a wannabe blader - a nobody - almost beat you? How could you do such a thing? How are you capable of stooping down to their level? You're a Shirosagi, for crying out loud. You are an insult to the Beyblade community! This is worse than letting that other nobody score a couple of points off of you! That red-eyed kid that thinks he's someone!" The man yelled, and I took a deep breath. That's definitely his father. Only a Shirosagi can be this insulting to me and my friends. I don't think I should tell Shu about this because he'll get mad at Lui, and then Lui will get mad at me, and I don't need that. I want to help, but I don't want Lui to know that I was following him. Plus, that man looks scary, and I don't want to know what he'll do to me if I step in. This feels weird. I'm usually already in there arguing with the person who was hurting the person because I acted on an impulse to help whoever was in need, but this time doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe I just don't have that connection with Lui. Or may it's because I agree with a few things the father said. I don't know. Either way, I continued to watch.
"Sir, you're hurting me." Lui choked out
"I don't care. You're a worthless piece of trash who deserves so much more than this. Punishments aren't pretty for nobodies" His father growled, and Lui's eyes widened in fear. This isn't going to end well, and I will not let him hurt Lui just because I grew stronger. It's not right.
"Hey! Put him down!" I shouted, and they looked in my direction, sending shivers down my spine
"Aoi, what the hell are you doing here?" Lui shouted back, his fear turning into anger. Dang, he's mad. I'm kinda glad that he's father's holding him, otherwise, he would have ripped me to shreds.
"What does it look like?" I replied, my gaze shifting between him and his father. Who should I be more afraid of right now? I don't know, and I don't like it, but either way, I'm prepared to run if I need to.
Lui shot me a glare, his anger slowly rising and bubbling over as he tried to keep his cool in front of his father. He failed miserably, but I appreciate the effort, I guess. I don't think he was trying for me though. "Now's not the time to be a bloody hero, you idiot."
"Well, too bad," I told him, nervously turning my attention back to his father, who seemed more intrigued than mad at me, which was a relief. I might not die at the hands of a Shirosagi today. Hooray! That's an achievement, right? Surviving the anger of two Shirosagi. I'mma take it as a win for now.
The man let go of Lui, who briefly had a sense of relief flood over him, but he soon turned his attention back to me, and anger seemed to take over him. Lui was not happy I was here. Not that I blame him, and I fully expected it. I wasn't prepared for it - I have nothing to protect myself if he decides to come and kill me - but I expected it, and that's enough. I just know that I need to be prepared to run at any given time, and as fast as I can, because I know neither of them will show me any mercy. Lui's father stared at me, displaying a mixture of emotions. "Aoi? I recognise that name. What's your first name?"
I grinned, glad that he recognised me. "Valt Aoi's my name, and Beyblade's my game! It's nice to meet you, sir!"
"He's the one you almost lost to?" He turned to Lui, who just simply nodded in agreement. No remark, no attitude, no nothing. What's up with that? He's like a completely different person. It's weird and… scary. "So you're the Pipsqueak who almost beat a Shirosagi? You look like nothing special to me."
"He's something special, alright," Lui mumbled underneath his breath, which earned him a glare from his father.
"What was that?" His father snapped, his anger starting to bubble. This isn't good. If he gets too mad then this might become violent, and I don't need that.
"Nothing, sir." Lui's eyes darted to the floor as he squirmed under his father's hard stare. He was in such an uncomfortable position, and he seemed to be afraid of making any mistakes. Is that why he's so obsessed with strength and winning? Because he doesn't want to displease his father? That's so sad…
Lui's father walked back into the house, stopping in the doorway, and then staring at his son, who refused to meet his gaze and kept his eyes trained on the ground. "Don't come back until you've crushed him and his pathetic friend. I don't care where you stay, or what you do, as long as it's far away from me. You got that?"
"Yes, sir," Lui replied, a sense of sadness engulfing him, and overtaking his very presence. He's paying an unfair price for my growth in strength. This isn't right, but what can I do other than offer him a place to stay? I guess I could call social services, but would they listen to the report of a kid? Or accept a monster? I don't know… He's a Shirosagi, and who wants to accept a Shirosagi? That's when I realised something… everyone probably thinks like that. Is that why… he's so obsessed with winning and crushing everyone? Because otherwise he has nowhere else to stay? That's not right.
"Good - I'm glad you can get at least one thing right." His father slammed the door shut, and then Lui started walking away, seemingly unfazed by the whole situation. The sense of sadness I felt radiating off him just mere moments ago now gone. I'm not the only one who lies about life… I'm not the only one who hides who I truly am… Lui may not be heartless by choice. But… how can he be alright with all of this? He just got treated like dirt by his father!
~ This is normal for the young blader ~
- Valtryek… -
~ We can't help him, young one ~
- Why not? -
~ How do we stop something that has been happening for an entire lifetime? ~
- I don't know, but we can still try! -
~ Valt - ~
"Lui!" I called, and he turned to face me, an irritated look on his face. Or maybe that's just his normal face…
"What? Are you still trying to be a hero?" He cocked an eyebrow, sarcasm practically dripping from his voice. "I think you've done enough damage as it is, Aoi. Don't you think so too?"
"I want to help you!" I told him
"I don't need help, and especially not yours!" He spat, and you can hear his anger violently rising. Shoot… I didn't mean to make him mad. I just want to help him while he's in this rough spot.
"Yes, you do!"
"No, I don't."
~ Valt, let him be. He doesn't want your help. ~
"I lost my family when I was only four years old, by no fault of my own," I said, thinking about how I was going to word this without giving too much information away in my head.
"What?" He asked, staring at me, confused.
~ Valt, don't do it. ~
"My brother and I were put into care when he was six, and I was four. A year later, I got adopted, and my brother found his fame. I wasn't able to speak to him until we found each other again about three months ago." I looked at him with a sad smile, trying not to cry at the memories that came rushing back when I briefly explained my story. "You're the only person who knows this."
"And why the hell would I care?" He growled, "If you want to confide in someone then do it in that white-haired freak you call a friend."
He started walking away, and I felt the sting of defeat. I looked at the floor, suddenly wishing that I had just listened to my bey instead of embarrassing myself, whispering "I'm sorry for trying."
"Don't be. I'm sorry for being such an ass." Lui said, and I looked up to see him just standing there as if he was weighing out his current options.
"Why'd you tell me?" He asked, looking at me
"What?" I gave him a blank stare
"Why'd you tell me that? Cause it sure as hell ain't because you thought I was gonna comfort you. So why?" He tilted his head to the side, his eyes skimming over me.
"Um... I don't know… I guess I trust you." I said
He stared at me "Liar."
"I am not a liar!" I protested
"Uh-huh. And I ain't satan in disguise." He replied
"Wait, really?" I gave him a confused look. My life is a lie.
"I give up on you. You're so dumb, I can't deal with it." Lui said, walking off. I walked after him, and then managed to catch up to him. We walked in step, and Lui let out a huff of irritation. "You're annoying, and you're a big softie."
I pouted "I am not!"
"Sure you're not. Are you planning on following me for long?" He asked, not bothering to look in my direction.
"Yep! Is that a problem?" I gave him a curious look
"Yes, but it's not like my complaining is going to make you leave, so I might as well take you somewhere if you're not going anywhere." He told me
"Where are we going?" I asked, now a mixture of confused, disappointed and excited. I wanted him to open up to me, not to take me somewhere.
"I just wanna show you somewhere. It'll be a bonus if I could get rid of you while I'm at it, but I doubt that's going to happen anytime soon." He mumbled, and I smiled slightly to myself.
"Why?" I watched him, trying to see his expression change, but not once did it falter, nor did he look in my direction.
"Because you shared something important to me, so I'm going to do the same thing." He replied, finally glancing at me. I smiled slightly and continued watching him. Maybe he is a nice guy after all. Or at least, semi-decent. "What are you staring at?"
"Nothing." I looked forward again. I wonder if it's because of his father that he acts the way he does. All he's seen is a jerk, so he became a jerk, even though that's not who he wants to be. Or maybe I'm just overthinking this whole situation. It's at times like this I wish I was as smart as Shu, and then life would be so much easier. But the tragic thing is, I'm not as smart as Shu, and I've got to work with what I have.
- Hey, Valtryek? -
~ Yes, young Aoi? ~
- Do you think that you could maybe get some information off of Luinor for me about this whole situation, and, you know, whether it's actually worth trying to stop it? Or will it just end in a dead-end? -
~ I could complete the task, although it would be done with great difficulty. Why don't you just ask him yourself? ~
- Are you flipping crazy, Valtryek? Why, in the name of Beybread, would I ask him that myself? What are you thinking? -
~ He's not going to bite your head off, is he? ~
- Are you sure about that? -
~ Absolutely positive. Aren't you? ~
- No, I'm not sure in the slightest Are we even talking about the same person at this stage, cause I don't think that we are? -
~ I believe so. Lui Shirosagi, correct? ~
- That's correct. The guy who is standing next to me, who hates me, this world, and everything that's living within it. The baby shark with severe anger issues and a massive attitude and ego to match, that could probably conquer the entire flipping world with a single glance, correct? -
~ That's… correct… I guess I can now see where you're coming from, now that you've put all of the facts out on the table. He is a rather intimidating character, isn't he? ~
- Well, that's an understatement. He's the scariest guy I have ever met, and I know a lot of people, yet somehow he still manages to take top spot for that. But either way, I just want some background on the guy. Is that too much to ask? -
~ Yes, it is far too much to ask. This is too great a task that even I cannot complete, young Aoi. I am sorry. ~
- It's fine - a bit disappointing, to say the least, but I can understand why. It's Lui, of all people, and I don't expect anyone to know anything about him. He's a mystery to the world, and I think he should stay that way for the time being. -
~ Wise choice, young Aoi. ~
"What's eating you up?" Lui asked, interrupting mine and Valtryek's conversation, and breaking my train of thought.
I looked at him, surprised he would even bother asking. "What?"
"I've never seen you think, let alone this much for this long. What's wrong with you that you have to think this much? It doesn't suit you whatsoever, and I honestly don't know what to think of it. I'm about to call an ambulance for you." He met my gaze like he's questioning everything he knows about me. Dude, I feel you right now. I honestly have no idea, either, and I flipping hate it. It's annoying not knowing what the heck's going on. Trust me, I know.
I chuckled "Why do you care?"
"I am slightly concerned at the thought of you thinking." He quickly thought about what he said, double-checking that it made sense.
I grinned "You're concerned about me thinking! I'm taking that as a win, even if it's at my expense, and nothing you say or do can make me change my mind, no matter how hard you try!"
"Everyone's concerned when you're thinking," Lui mumbled, and I pouted. That ain't fair!
"And I thought you were going to be a nice person to me," I said, which made Lui snort in response. Okay, it seems like that plan is going downhill already. I sighed. I just want him to open up to him. I want him to know that I'm here, and I care.
~ If he ever starts being nice to you then that might just be an act so that he can get closer to you and crush you easier. ~
- Nah, Lui's not like that. -
~ How do you know? ~
- Because he believes in his own raw strength and abilities. He knows that he can crush anyone he pleases, which means he would never do something like that. And even if Lui had to steep that low to win a match, I doubt he will. It might damage his pride a bit, but he knows that he can bounce back and strike twice as hard. Lui Shirosagi may be the biggest jerk this world has ever seen, but he has a heart, even if he doesn't show it. He's just learned to protect it well, that's all. This world has broken him down more times than he can count, and he's given up. He wasn't born without a heart. And he knows when what's being done is crossing the line, even if he may never admit it in public. Many people mistake him for a psychopath, and I won't disagree with them, because a lot of the time he is, but his reason for doing it all was his father. Violence was all - is all - he knows, and that's not his fault. -
~ But what about his father? ~
I glanced at Lui, who currently seemed surprisingly content with life. - His father just set him free, by the looks of things. The burden of his father's expectations was weighing him down, and now his restraints have finally let him go. He's no longer stuck under his father's control and influence, and I personally think that's a win for us all. -
~ You're a wise one, young Aoi. I didn't know you had it in you. I'm impressed by what you know. ~
- I have to hide a lot behind my smile, and you'll be surprised at what. Which is why, I guess, I understand him so much. And this is why I want to help him. Because I feel like I can relate to his story. It's sad, really, that someone had to go through so much to get to this stage, and how easily Lui takes it. It's not right. He shouldn't be forced to hurt like this. -
~ I always knew that you were different, but not once did I think it would be in this sense. This kind of difference never even crossed my mind. ~
- What do you mean? -
~ You're the only person who has bear witness to the young Shirosagi's pain and suffering and then has been courageous enough to take up the challenge of helping the dragon blader at one of his darkest hours. Everyone else has just turned a blind eye to the boy's suffering, no one thinking that he's gone through enough and deserves a break from such horrendous acts of violence that his father subjects him to. ~
- I guess I can understand that. No one ever knows what his reaction is going to be, making him even harder to approach, let alone help. But… I've walked through the darkness of the Earth long enough to find a sliver of light anywhere. That light is hope. And I can sense it inside of Lui. He hopes that he can be a better father and a better lover. I'm here to help him continue hoping. -
~ He's just a broken kid who needs a proper home and someone to love him for who he is, no matter how much of a monster he becomes. ~
- We're all just broken people, trying to find our place in the world. But that's how the light gets in. -
~ I'm proud of you, young Aoi. ~
"Kid, you're scaring me. You haven't spoken in a whole five minutes, and you're still thinking, both of them concerning matters in themselves. I mean, I'm not complaining, the silence is kinda nice, but it's creeping me out." Lui said, once again breaking my train of thought.
"Are you worried about me?" I teased
"Am I worried that you might burst a blood vessel and die before I get the chance to crush you? Yeah, I am." There was sarcasm practically dripping from his voice as he spoke, and he wore his signature smirk when he looked at me, only teasing me further. This is unfair. He has years of practise and experience from this kind of stuff. I don't. I'm at a disadvantage.
"So you do care!" I exclaimed
He snorted "Keep on dreaming."
"I will don't worry." I grinned as he let out a sigh of disbelief. He isn't prepared for me in the slightest, is he? But then again, who is ever prepared for me?
"You're amusing, kid. Annoying, but amusing." He gave me a small smile. A genuine smile.
"I'm gonna take that as a compliment!" I told him, and he shrugged in response.
"You do you." He mumbled, and I nodded in agreement. I trailed behind Lui as he led me into the forest that surrounded Beigoma. I looked around uneasily as we got deeper into the forest. Where the heck are we going? And why does it have to involve a forest? It's so creepy. I don't like it here. I glanced at Lui, who looked as cool as a cucumber and walked with absolute confidence in himself. How does he do it? This place is scaring me half to death. I hope we get there soon, cause I don't trust him to protect me if we get attacked. "Valt?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you trust me?"
"Depends, why?"
"You look nervous. If bad ever ends up turning to worst, do you trust me to protect you?"
"What do you mean if bad turns to worst? Are we already in a bad situation?" I gasped. "Did we get lost? Are you dying? Am I dying? What's going on? Lui, save me!"
"I'm stuck with you, that's what the bad situation is, you idiot." He snapped, sending me a glare.
"Ohhhh…." I said, everything suddenly clicks into place. "That makes more sense than one of us dying. Oh, then yeah, I trust you."
He cocked an eyebrow "Really?"
"No, but I didn't wanna hurt your feelings." I chuckled nervously
He rolled his eyes "You're hopeless. And to think that I was considering this to be an alright trip."
"I was thinking the exact same thing! That's incredible! Who woulda known? I guess great minds do think alike!" I exclaimed, and Lui let out a sigh of irritation. He's already fed up with me, and we haven't even been together for that long. I bet he regrets this already.
"You don't have a great mind, Aoi. Quite the opposite, actually. All you have is just tremendous luck and some natural blading skills." He told me with a shrug as if my skill set wasn't something special.
"I have a great mind! And you forgot about my amazing ability to turn the tide in an instant, which is why no one can leave me on the ropes, just in case I miraculously beat them!" I whined at his inconsiderate behaviour towards my feelings. "Because I am Valt Aoi, the world's only and greatest wonder boy!"
"Shut up. You are really bloody annoying." He said
I grinned "I know I am. You're welcome."
Lui shook his head in disbelief, not used to my constant yapping and this and that and everything. "You are really something, kid, aren't ya?"
"Something great?" I checked
"No," He said
"Yes, I am!" I exclaimed, reassuring myself
"Keep telling yourself that, kid." He told me
"I will so don't you worry about that one bit! If no one else will tell me how amazing I am, then I have no choice but to tell myself!" I grinned, and Lui stared at me as I spoke. Even when I stopped, he continued to stare at me. Is there something on my face or what? Was he trying to figure me out? Good luck with that. I tilted my head to the side in confusion and met his gaze, trying to figure out why he was staring at me without asking him, but to no avail. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, don't worry about, Aoi." He replied, looking forward again. I suddenly started getting weird vibes from him and watched as his confidence started to falter. What's up with him today? Not only has he tolerated me, but his confidence is starting to dissipate. Do you think he's sick? Nononono. He can't be sick. I need him to protect me from the monsters and the pirates. Wait a minute… will sickness affect how he fights, or not? I wonder… "We're here, Aoi. Get your head out of the damn clouds."
We walked into this clearing that's entrance was surrounded by trees, so it was difficult to make out what was positioned ahead. As we walked through the mass of trees that surrounded the clearing, the sun momentarily blinded me, but it was totally worth it. I had put my arm up in front of my eyes to block them from the harsh sunlight, and when I removed my arm, there was a beautiful waterfall directly in front of me, and at the bottom, there was a lake that covered about half the clearing. Surrounding the pool of water was a load of blue flowers that have seemed to be kept in pristine condition. And then, as I looked around the clearing, I saw a load of white flowers that were dotted around, and they were so pretty. Those and the blue flowers were a nice colour scheme, and they reminded me of Lui, which is a nice touch to it all. When I think of Lui, I do not think of a blissful paradise that he's managed to upkeep. I imagined an abandoned house that looked worse after he entered it.
"This is so amazing! I can't believe you have such a beautiful place, and you didn't tell me?!" I exclaimed, jumping up and down in excitement.
"I wonder why I didn't tell you." He sarcastically murmured under his breath, and ignored him, soon noticing a VERY important detail that I didn't notice before. How I missed it, I have no idea, but somehow I did.
"You have a bey stadium here?! THAT'S SO INCREDIBLE!" I exclaimed, my excitement now rocketing sky high. This couldn't get much better. I looked at him and grinned, holding up Valtryek. "You wanna battle with us?"
Lui smirked, "Sure, Luinor and I have been just itching to destroy you once and for all."
"You can keep on dreaming, buddy. I just know that Valtryek and I are going to win against you this time, 100%." I replied
"You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" Lui walked to one end of the stadium, still smirking at me and I walked to the other end of the stadium, a confident grin on my face. We both got into our launching positions and started the countdown.
3
2
1
"Let it rip!" We both launched our beys into the stadium, and all I could imagine was Hanami commentating the entire match. My mind took me back to the tournament that just ended, and I smiled to myself. Ah, the memories of this morning. May have lost, but I will relish that moment. It's a moment that will go down in the history books, I just know it. People will still be talking about it long after I've passed away. And then there's this battle. It isn't about revenge from a previous battle. It isn't about getting payback for a friend. It isn't even about who's the stronger blader. Or at least, not completely. It's about having fun, and possibly even about getting to know each other. Right now, it doesn't matter who wins or who loses. All that matters is having fun.
"The first to score a point wins?" Luinor's aura flared up
"That's fine with me." As did Valtryek's aura as both of the beys collided in the centre of the stadium.