Of Love and Death.

The Future Chapter 9: Return of the Masked Blader Pt. 4

     So, judging by the look Bel was getting, that hadn't been an invitation for the entire group to go, just Gabe. Probably explained why Den had stayed behind. Jamie seemed content to play the "socially-inept genius" card and sit in the room as well, though. Which wasn't too believable of an excuse, as she was far from socially-inept. Like when she made the entire school jealous of her style on formal day last year. She still had the dress, actually.

      Bel looked around the main office of the Snake Pit. It was about the size of his house's living room, only a bit less open. One wall was taken up by a dark brown bookcase with various bits of blading stuff on it. For instance, there was a listing of all official battles that a member of the Pit had taken place in while at the club. There were also a few trophies and books about how to teach blading, and the like. There was also a black couch with white cushions that took up more of the wall. Currently, that was where Father and Jamie were sitting. Also Strix, with Strix being on Jamie's lap.

     The floor of the room was carpeted with dark red and dark blue patterns, which only added to the whole dimly lit vibe that Bel's dad had created. The room was really shadowy too. To Bel's knowledge, only one lamp, the one on the dark stained wood desk, was on most of the time. On top of some of the shelves behind Dad's desk were piles upon piles of paperwork. Hung up on the walls were various pictures of Bel's family and his parents' friends. The one that was clearly Dad's favorite was an old and yellowing photo of the Bey Club when they were a little bit older than Bel. It was a bit ridiculous seeing Wakiya so mad about being roped into the photo.

     Finally, on the remaining wall, was a display case with various masks. Some were old and worn from bladers who had retired in the last two decades, and opted to turn their masks in. Others were shiny and new, for bladers yet to be given the honor of getting a mask.

     Hopefully one would be Bel's one day.

     "Bel and Jamie can stay," Gabe said in a resigned voice as he took a seat across from Bel's dad's desk. "After all, Bel has battled the Masked Blader, he might have something to say."

     "Oh yeah, that's right!" Dad said, "Wasn't she the one that gave you Strix?" Bel nodded as he took his own seat across from Dad. The chairs were black wood with blue cushions, evidently picked out by the leader of the Snake Pit. They were still quite comfy though, with surprisingly deep cushions for office chairs. Actually, it was surprising that they had pillows at all, now that Bel thought about it. Most office chairs didn't really.

     Next to Bel the second of the two chairs scraped against the floor as Gabe sat down. "You can um," Gabe began, seeming hesitant and nervous. It wasn't just his tone of voice that showed his emotions. Bel could also see them written across his face. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were too wide. "You can fix my mask, right? Because I want to be Crimson-"

     "Of course," Valt cut off his student. Shu smiled at how gentle his husband's voice was. Valt was good at this job, running a bey club. Shu watched as Valt pushed his rolling chair back from his desk with his arms. The leader of the Snake Pit stood up, and held out a hand. Gabe obliged, handing over his crimson colored mask, with all of its feather designs.

     Shu sighed, and averted his eyes down to the floor. Doesn't bring back particularly good memories, does it? Spryzen asked in a somber tone, the ghostly bey appearing, sitting on the armrest of the couch.

      Shu slightly shook his head in agreement. When he'd lost to Lui, well, it hadn't gone so well for him or Spryzen. Well, one could argue it was much worse for him than his partner. Shu shuddered at the memories of his last few weeks as Red Eye. To this day, they still sent a crawling feeling up his spin.