To Keep A Promise

Chapter 3

"You get into the biggest fights with the people you care about the most, because those are relationships worth fighting for."-Unknown 

I was sitting with Gabe, Kyo, Shinki, and Katana in their waiting area. I wasn't technically aloud back stage, and I might or might not have snuck back here after the security guard left. It was the day of the first rounds of the team battles. Over the past week I've gotten closer to the team. I'd like to say that my years of meeting new people made it easier to trust them. Katana was definitely my favorite though. Basically every match I've done has been against him, but he still hasn't gotten a single point on me. He always says he'll win next time, and his determination is admirable.

I finally figured out why Lui had joined the team, and it wasn't to fight. He only joined so Rideout would have a fifth member to put up on the board. He didn't bother to show up. Over the past week I've finally started to realize how much my brother has really changed. He's a lot more stuck up than he used to be, and it's pretty annoying. And beyblading has turned into the most important thing in his life. I don't think there's been a minute outside of class that I haven't seen him training. 

I offered to take Lui's place, but Gabe had already submitted the members. Right now we were all waiting for them to call Gabe out as they introduced all the captains. We learned a few days ago that Valt Aoi would be giving the athlete's pledge.

"Are you even listening to me?" Kyo's voice brought me back to reality. "Uh, no. Sorry." I say sheepishly. "What's gotten into Rin? You've been spaced out like this all day." Shinki asks. "I'm fine. Just thinking about everything. It's been kind of a hectic first two weeks back in Japan." I say. "We'll concentrate, we have a match coming up." Gabe says. "I'm not competing." I remind him. "Yeah, but you should be." Kyo grumbles. 

A man with a clipboard walks in. "Gabe Brunai?" He asks. "Yes?" Gabe asks. "Your going up in five." He says. Gabe nods and follows the man out of the room. 

"Anyone else feel like Gabe is being too soft on Lui?" Katana asks once he is gone. It's the first thing he's said all day. 

"Yes." Kyo

"Definitely." Shinki

"Guys!" I shout. Where they really having this conversation infront of me? "Don't give us that. We know you haven't been happy with his behavior either." Katana says. I sigh, he was right. "I know, I'm sorry. It's just that, I knew he would be different after all these years of being away, but I wasn't expecting this." I say. "We understand that, but have you tried talking to him?" Katana asks. "In case you haven't noticed already, he isn't exactly the type to talk about feelings." I tell him. "Even if he did he'd find away to turn them into insults." Kyo says, crossing his arms. "Enough, all of you! It's starting." Shinki says. 

We turned to the screen as the announcer started introducing each captain. I learned that Xander Shakadera was captain of the Sword Flames and Zac was captain of the Superstars. No surprise there. Last they called out The Begoma Academy Bey Club's captain, Valt Aoi, but he wasn't there. "What kind of blader is late to something as big as this?" I ask. "Him." They all say at once, and I made a note to ask them what other times he's been late later.

"Ehem, Valt.." The announcer tries again, but is cut off by Valt running in. "And he's safe!" He shout. The crowd laughs, but I roll my eyes. He suddenly stiffens up and walks like a windup toy towards the other captains. "And these are the sixteen groups in our battles!" The announcer calls. "Ok, with out further a due, the athlete's pledge. Let's do it!" 

I watched as Valt looked around terrified. "Does he do this during his matches?" I ask myself. "Not usually." Kyo answers anyway. I couldn't help but laugh though when I saw the other blader's faces. Most looked shocked, some sympathetic, others annoyed.

"I..I...I...I...Ahhhh! I forgot everything!" Valt shouted into the microphone. I stare at the screen in shock. Shinki burst out laughing and Katana and Kyo both used their hands to cover their smiles, at least they were trying to show some respect. "Shut up Shinki! I can't hear." I tell him. I looked back up to see him looking up from his bey. "Listen up! I swear on my partner! I promise to fight with all my strength! And I know Valtryek will fight for all it's worth too! We worked so far, and made it all this way! Come on, let's show this crowd some crazy good battles!" He shouts. 

"Well that was, um, different." I say. "Yeah, no kidding." Katana says. Gabe walks back in the room after a minute. He sat back down quietly, waiting for the first match to be called. First called was The Begoma Academy Bey Club and the Ice Flames. Valt Aoi lost the first match. I was disappointed, I was expecting a bit more.

The Sword Flames where next, moving on as expected. The room was silent as everyone mentally prepared for the battle. They ended up being called next, right before lunch. I already knew there order. Katana was going to go first, then Gabe, and if they needed to they will send in Kyo. I gave a nod to each of them as they left and then waited for the match to began.

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They ended up winning the match 4-0 with out a problem. No surprise really. When lunched was called we sat a table away from most of the other bladers. Soon after meeting Katana I realized he had a love for those sesame seed rolls, so I always had to sit away from him in fear of one falling onto my plate. "Do you think Lui will ever show up for a match?" Kyo asks Gabe. Gabe stays silent, not really wanting to answer went he knows it will upset the team. "I'll do my best to get him here." I tell them. Shinki scoffs, "Good luck with that." 

<><><>

When I arrived home that evening I made a beeline for Lui's room. I open the door and it made a loud *bang* when it hit the wall. Lui looked up from shining his bey, clearly annoyed. "What?" He asks. "Can you explain to me why you didn't show up today?" I ask. "Whatever team they faced wouldn't be be worth my time." He says, getting back to work. "You joined the team Lui! If you didn't plan on being apart of it then you should have found some one else!" I shout at him. He opened his mouth, and I could tell he was about to shout something back, but was cut off by a knock at the door. "Don't think we're through with this." I say and go of to answer the door.

"What?" I ask as I opened the door, still fuming. "Oh, is this a bad time?" I was Zac. "What do you want Zac?" I ask. "Well I was hoping to see your brother as well, but..." He was cut off by Lui. "What do you need?" He asks. "Oh excellent! I want you two to be the special guest at my party tomorrow." He says, clapping his hands together.

"Huh?"