Of Love and Death.

The Future Chapter 14: There's No Such Thing As Coincidence Pt. 3

"Everyday I get a little closer, and everything I'm made of, starts to melt away. I see the signs but I can't quite make the words out..." There was something really amazing about seeing the best singer in the universe perform. Zac was very, very good at what he did. The Roar Tournament had lucked out that he'd agreed to perform at the opening of the semi-finals, it would be a show to remember. "Every chance I get I'm movin' closer, I know I'm not supposed to, but I can't break away," The sun kept singing, all the while keeping up the beat with only his guitar. And Bel wasn't even sure how that was possible. 

The concert was loud. But just barely soft enough that it wouldn't blow out anyone's ears. Which Bel was pretty sure his uncle had planned. Dunna nuna dannan the song went, drumming in his ears. He was a lot closer than most anyone else, which, in all honesty, only made this more awesome.

All four of the remaining teams in the Roar Tournament were sitting on their benches. They were waiting for their cue to join in the opening show. They'd been promised not to have to sing, which was great. Bel was much more in tune with shapeshifting than he was singing. Everyone would probably have to get new ears if he got even close to a microphone.

"The part that hurts the most is me," Zac kept singing, repeating the line again. It was clear the song was approaching its tail end. Honestly, Bel didn't know how to feel about that. On the one hand, it was a great concert. The fact that there was probably not even one song left was saddening. On the other hand, Bel wanted to play his part. The semi-finals were technically tomorrow, but he really couldn't wait for the opening ceremony. 

Then, the last note of the song ran out, leaving Zac standing in the spotlight, holding his hand up in the air. The light twinkled around him, complimenting him in a fantastical way. There was a pause, and then the whole stadium burst out into defining applause, echoing over and over again in Bel's ears.

Everyone on the Snakes's bench looked around, unsure as to what was coming next. It was the bladers, but also Bel's parents sitting here. It was like most other times on the bench, except for two major differences. Shu and Valt weren't up in the box or the stands, even though they'd be going there after the ceremony. Also, Gabe was in his Crimson Eye mask. Even though he didn't normally wear it for non-Snake Pit battles, he was this time.

When Bel had asked why, the team captain had explained that it simply was an occasion to do so. A crimson mask was intimidating, that gave Crimson Eye an edge against the competition. It was kind of like Bel's game, where he acted cocky to make people mad and/or let their guard down. Except minus the acting like a jerk.

With a twirl, Zac drew Bel's gaze back to the center. "Well this has been awesome! But I'm afraid I have to go now. It's sad, but even the sun must set, and the moon too!" Everyone groaned at that. "However, that does not mean the end of the sun or the moon!" And now Zac was spouting some nonsense that wasn't actually nonsense if you knew what he was talking about. "For they will rise again the next day, new and ready to face the trials ahead."

There was a pause, and then Zac looked at each of the bladers in turn. "You all are those suns and moons! Not literally of course- I mean, actually creatures of light and darkness, that's as ridiculous as reincarnation!" Next to Bel, his dad had buried his head in his hands, not looking at his friend. It looked like a certain white-haired blader wasn't far away either from doing the same either. "Anyway, what was I saying?" Zac asked.

Everyone groaned, again. But it was good spiritedly. Like when Shu got annoyed with Richard-most of the time. Or Mr. Midnight.

"Ah, yes! I was explaining how, unfortunately, there can only be one winner of this grand tournament. But that doesn't mean the end of you or your teams. Those who lose and those who win will get to come back and try again another day. Ready and willing to battle with all of your hearts! So gleam like sunshine-or the shade," he quickly added with a glance at Bel, "and Let it Rip!"