Lost Family

Meeting the International Teams

5:00. It was time. Free had already left, because Christina wanted him to be there with the team, so it was just me. I carefully got an apple and cycled to the stadium, where the tournament would be held. It took me a matter of minutes to get there. When I finally got there, I was greeted by a guard, who sent me to where my brother stood. "Hey Raven. Took your time. Still eating?" I nodded, while taking another bite out of my apple. He chuckled. "We're going on first. They want us to do an opening speech and wave to the audience. The other captains of the teams will be out there as well, so don't worry about that. Excited?" I gave him a shrug. "Why do we have to do it?" I whined lazily. "Because they also want us, because we're the world's top bladers. They want the opening to be grand." He spoke sarcastically. "Mr and Miss De La Hoya, you're on now." We walked out of our room, and into the one with all the other bladers. I could see the Japan team to one side. We walked through quickly. "Raven?" I gave Valt a sly smile. "Just watch the TV kid, and all will be revealed." He nodded and stared intently at the screen. We waited for the host to introduce, before walking onto stage. I threw my apple into the bin, and waited. "Ladies and Gentleman. The moment you've all been waiting for! To kick this years Internationals off, we introduce to you, Free and Raven De La Hoya! The world's number one bladers! Give them a warm welcome folks!" The crowd went wild, and so did Valt. "RAVEN DE LA HOYA!? SHE'S RELATED TO FREE!? AND THE NUMBER ONE BLADER AS WELL!?" He screamed at an unearthly volume. The whole crowd and bladers had to cover their ears, as Valt took a few deep breaths. "AWESOME!" He yelled again. Free and I walked onto the stage and took out our beys. "Ladies and Gentleman. The siblings of power. They took the throne by force, and won't give it up at any cost. Let's listen to their opening speech." The host cried out. Free took the middle, as I just stood next to him. "Welcome to the Internationals competition. We want you to try your best and battle with all your might." Free leisurely started. He let me up to the microphone. "Make sure to battle with your bey fairly, and don't stress. Just be yourself and enjoy this year's tournament." I continued. The crowd cheered and whistled for us. Both Free and I took out our beys. "C'mon and try us. Drain Fafnir and Sleeping Madness will destroy you. We're staying the top, and nothing will get in our way." Free roared dangerously. Both our eyes turned gold and we gave an ultimate roar. The crowd slumped down in fear, before rising up and clapping again. "You heard it folks! Free and Raven De La Hoya are already declaring this years victory! Let's hope the other competitors heard that! Now let's introduce the teams!" He shouted in joy. "First up is one of the world's most prestigious teams! They come from Spain, and their Captain is none other than Free De La Hoya! Please give your cheers to BC Sol!" The team made their way out with Christina leading. "Their team consists of Free De La Hoya, Silas Karsile, Stan Hamburg, Sasha Guten, Kuza Ackerman and..." I tuned out the host and made my way back to the waiting room. There I was greeted by an excited Valt. "You're Free De La Hoya's sister?" I nodded. "One and only kid." I yawned. He jumped. "And you're the number one joint blader?" I nodded again. "You're speech was awesome! I'm totally pumped up! This year I'm going to get to the finals, and win this thing!" There was a distant scoff from behind him. "Tch tch kid. You're never going to win. You're a nobody who's going to get pounded down in an instant. Why don't you just stand aside and let the professionals battle? Huh? I can't believe they even let you in here." The kid roared, annoyed. "Now now Lui. Don't be so hard on Valt. He's done a lot to make his way here. The least we could do is be kind and polite to him." The superstar, Zacharias Kenguro tutted. "Gotta say though, shark boys right." He growled. "You have all the excitement and faith put into your heart kid, but these guys are professionals. They've been doing it for years. You may have started before some of them, but you're not nearly as skilled. The fundamentals aren't all what it's about." Valt's anger deflated and turned into despair and sadness from what I said. "Hey Valt! Stop looking so down-hearted and start training. We'll be out there in a minute. Look happy at least." Valt sniffled and nodded. Just as said, we were called on. "This team consists of The Supreme Four, the worlds joint first blader, and a newbie underdog, with all the hope! Give it up for Japan's team!" Lui and I got up and walked over to the door, followed by the other four. "Here they are! Their Captain Raven De La Hoya, followed by Lui Shirasagi, Shu Kurenai, Xander Shakadera, Zac the Sunrise and Valt Aoi!" The crowd cheered and roared as we entered the stage. We stood next to BC Sol and Christina. "Now for the team with all the looks. America's Raging Bulls! Their manager Theodore Glass, and the one and only Joshua Burns! Give them a welcoming cheer folks!" The crowd did as obliged and cheered madly. The other teams were introduced, but I didn't listen. I let out a sleep yawn and took a step back. I stumbled into someone taller than me. I turned to see Theodore Glass standing there. "Sorry." I whispered. "No problem kid. Just try not to do it again. You ready for the tournament then?" I nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be I guess." I said shrugging. He nodded. "This year, my teams going to win. Just you wait De La Hoya. We'll win this easily." He gave me a sickening smile and walked off. I gave him a quick glare, before turning back to the audience. What I didn't know, was that a certain goldie was giving him a death glare from behind. "Now! Let the tournaments begin!" Hinami shouted loudly. The crowd cheered at the top of their lungs and some of the competitors roared. "Good luck competitors! Let the best team win!" 'That'll be us.' I thought.