Of Love and Death.

The Future Chapter 16: A Champion is Crowned Pt. 4

Crimson Eye growled under his breath. The battle seemed to have taken a time-out without being called, which was well deserved. What made him mad was Belfyre being shattered. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about it now. All he could do was walk up to the stadium where Quadra and the ref waited.

There really wasn't much the Snakes's captain could say, could he? Nothing to be said. Harsh words would help no one, no matter how good they would taste. "Will you be continuing?" The referee asked. But something touched Crimson Eye's heart. The official's normally emotionless and formal voice had slightly softened. They knew what had happened hurt both teams. And they were being kind. Small things matter.

Looking across at the other captain, Crimson Eye waited. He already knew his answer. But hers was a wild card. Don't cut your team out of this, he found himself silently begging. Quadra had made a mistake, yes. But it didn't need to disqualify everyone. Besides, he didn't want to win that way.

With strong words, Crimson Eye stared his opponent in the eye. A challenge. "The Snakes will keep battling," he said calmly. There was no way he was keeping Den, Bashara, Bel, and yes himself from the chance at winning. And there was no way Bel would ever forgive him if he called it quits. Perhaps that was what everyone said. But it was the truth. In many ways, the shapeshifter was the heart of the team. Almost more of a captain then Crimson Eye.

Now it was all on Quadra, however. She was quiet. Thinking. Eyes darting from him, to the ref, to the side. Almost looking back at her team. Where Swing's eyes were wide, but Virginia and Pax were calm. Crimson Eye got the feeling those two had seen battles before. The metaphorical kind. Not so much the bey kind.

But Quadra hadn't. She was just a girl who loved to blade. And one who had just done something wrong. And wasn't quite sure how to make up for it. With a sigh, Crimson Eye faced his opponent. "Keep battling," he said calmly, folding his arms. "You have done well to make it this far. So don't throw it all away." He saw the impact his words had. The way that Quadra didn't quite straighten up, but still perked up. The light came back into her eyes. That shimmer and spark that all blader's had.

So then she nodded. Quadra nodded. "We're going to keep battling," she told the ref quietly. Crimson Eye couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. This was the right choice, he was sure of that much. Neither side would be satisfied if the Bulls just called it quits here.

"Alright then," Crimson Eye declared. He turned around, staring down at his two teammates. They both stood firm and strong. Their eyes were shining, quite literally. How much had they both done for this tournament? Den seemed to have completely conquered her personality flaws. And unlocked one of the largest Hyperfluxes since Dante Koryu. Not to mention her bond with Dragon There was probably a connection there. But it didn't matter. She had done well.

Then there was Bashara. He hadn't seen a battle yet. But he'd been a crucial part of the team nonetheless. Helping with strategy and cheering from the sidelines. Plus, he'd prepared if he ever did have to battle. Crimson Eye had seen the other blader in the tech room the other day. Good thing too.

With a smile, the Snake's captain waved the young blader up. "We'll be sending in our sub, Bashara," he announced. There were a few shocked gasps from the crowd. Perhaps it was a bit unconventional to send in his reserves on such a pivotal battle. After all, the score was 2-2. Whoever won this next match would crown the winning team. It would be all in, one or two launches. Whoever won, won.

Which was what Crimson Eye was counting on.

Bashara's eyes widened as he heard his name called out. "W-wait, me?" He half shouted, pointing at his face. Why, what? Nuh-uh. After all, Den felt like she'd unlocked superpowers in her battle. And Crimson Eye was the captain for a reason. They were both unbelievably strong. And maybe he was being too humble, but he couldn't even beat Bel! Much less the strongest remaining Bull!