Of Love and Death.

The Future Chapter 16: A Champion is Crowned Pt. 3

Bel felt Crimson Eye clap him on the shoulder. "You're up midget," the captain told him. And the pink-haired blader couldn't even be upset. Because there was no room in his mind to be upset. There was only room in his mind to look ahead. To look forward.

Inside of Bel's chest, his heart beat faster and faster. He remembered before, how he'd been able to take down Quadra. And he remembered the look in her eyes. That stint of determination. And annoyance. To her, he was just an obstacle that needed to be dispatched. Taken away and taken care of. Something she had to steamroll over to win.

And that was true. Bel was an obstacle for Quadra. But she was also an obstacle for him. Someone who didn't flinch away. Someone he couldn't even make blink with his antics. Nothing about the Demon Prince, acting like a jerk. Nothing. She was just too good. It was exciting. An opponent who wouldn't be taken down easily.

Looking Crimson Eye in the eye, Bel nodded. "I'll do my best," he declared, saluting with his fist on his heart. That got a small laugh out of everyone else. Although Bel had no idea why. He was just saluting. Not like he was being a goofball. Well, he didn't mind.

A thought occurred to Bel just then. What if Quadra wasn't going out? What if he was all prepared for the wrong opponent? If Pax or Virigina walked out, what was he going to do? He'd be up against totally different beys and blading styles.

Then words came. Words which spoke truth. Words which were reassuring. I wouldn't worry, Bel, Belfyre whispered. The beys words resonated within the blader's head. And he knew Belfyre was right. Quadra was the strongest blader on the Raging Bulls. There was no way she would take the risk and send anyone else out.

So Bel put a smile on his face, turning and walking up to the center of the stadium. And, sure enough, his yellow-clad opponent was there as well. Walking in time with him. Her hair swayed as she walked, giving the impression of waves. While there was the fire in her step. An imposing wind seemed to blow from behind her. And Quadra crackled with lightning.

Bel studied Quadra and Quadra studied Bel. The two young bladers, both anxious to prove themselves. Both anxious to show the world what they were capable of. And both wanted to absolutely destroy the other. Neither had any words for the others. Neither had any interest in pomp and circumstances. It was as though they were the blader and bey, reading each other's thoughts. Nothing had to be said to be known.

And so, Quadra looked up towards the ceiling. "Alright Beyeen, where will you have us battle?" she asked. There was a momentary ding and then, yup, the white hologram-like woman was back. With the same endearing smile, too. Although, Bel was a bit peeved. He should have thought of calling out to the blading AI. That was a cool move. Quadra standing there in her yellow superhero outfit with that cool ponytail.

Chuckling, the annoying little brother kind came from inside Bel's head. You know, Bel, it sounds like you've got a little bit of a cr-

"Hey, Beyeen! I'm really super anxious to battle so if you could please roll the stadium that would be super awesome!" Bel called out, perhaps a bit too loud. And a bit too fast. And a bit too anxiously. Someone was wondering about that somewhere. But, Belfyre had not managed to finish his sentence. So this was a win for the shapeshifter!

Out Beyeen popped, a grin on her robotic face. "Hello again Bel and Quadra!" she cheered. There was an awkward pause where the only noise in the whole stadium was the crowd cheering. Which shouldn't be awkward, this was a blading stadium. There was supposed to be cheering. But something about it just seemed off to Bel. May it was the battle. How it was hanging over his head.

After all, if Bel won here, then that was it. He'd managed to take his team to victory. If Bel lost here, then the pressure was on. There would be only one more match, no matter what. Then the Snakes would be in danger of losing, for real. All the rest of the world felt gone. Lonely. Unimportant. Even his friends and family up in the stands felt hollow. The only real things were right in front of him and right at his side. Quadra and Pandora. And Belfyre. This was a battle.