𝙸 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎 (Free De La Hoya x OC)

~Stiff Hands, Brain Dead~

*Battle Day*

"What kind of idiot takes the 100 blader test the day before a big match?" I interrogated the boy on the bench as I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration.

The match between SB Rios and BC Sol had finally begun and was underway! Unfortunately, our hotshot has his hands frozen stiff.

And decides not to tell us until I point out how still his hands were. A young boy like Valt would never have his hands still in this situation.

"Exactly!" Silas agreed with me whilst also glaring down at Valt. "We'll have to ice 'im or something. He might not even be able to go up." He thought aloud. Possibly to scare him.

"No!" Valt pleaded. "I can battle! Promise!" But despite his determination his hands were still impossibly tense. I sighed and began preparing my launcher and bey.

"Better start flexing those fingers then, you're up after me." I began my ascent up to the big, circular stage as the encouraging cheers of my teammates blended in with the crowd.

Bright, bright. Why is it always so bright? I resisted the urge to cover my eyes and instead got a look of the opponent walking up to the stadium as well.

"And here it is, folks! Just one of the many battles that fans have been betting on today is finally beginning! Their unfinished business back at the carnival is finally being settled here! Ally Deelo from BC Sol against Ren Wu Sun from SB Rios!"

I knew that the battle most people were looking forward to was between Valt and Xander, but that didn't stop the screams from reaching critical volume. This time I was sure my ears would break.

We stepped up to the stadium, my grey eyes staring down his darker ones. And although the roars of the crowd were incredibly intrusive, they seemed to fade out as we stared at one another.

"This time, we'll win properly." Athena assured me.

"We have to!" I agreed excitedly.

"Ready? Set!" At the referee's command we both got into our launching position. I stretched my left leg out to my side and bent on my right.

My eyes narrowed in concentration as I glanced back up at Ren Wu. I almost let out a little gasp when I caught his gaze again. The gleam in his eyes, the determination. He looked calm, peaceful even.

He looked so confident that it even made me doubt myself a little.

Of course, I was aware of how strategic my opponent is. How he could map out the whole battle before it had even begun.

And Athena and I thought we came up with a plan strong enough so that he wouldn't be able to counter even if he knew what it was.

But now I think I'm having second thoughts. I noticed my breathing becoming a little uneven.

Fix that. I looked away from the boy and instead shut my eyes tight.

"Be calm, our plan will work perfectly." Athena assured me.

But despite her calming words, the bubbles in my chest continued to twist up my insides. It was as if my stomach was an active volcano.

I doubted the plan.

"We'll execute the plan perfectly." I started. "But that doesn't guarantee it'll work." Before she could say anything else, the countdown began.