Fubuki Sumiye: The Escape from Dread Tower (Book 2)(Completed)

Ep 24: The Heist!

Aiger and Ranjiro stood across from each other with determination in their eyes.

The first battle both beys attacked each other relentlessly over and over. Neither of them were backing down. Based on the way they were battling both of them were excited to settle the score.

But there was something else at work here, it almost seemed like Aiger was holding back like he didn't want to win.

Ranjiro dragged out the battle earning a point but both bladers were out of breath panting.

"Hey Aiger.."

"What is it.... Captain?"

"I know you're holding back but this next battle I don't want you to hold back I want you to give it everything you've got. It's time to settle the score."

"But what about..."

"Don't worry about what happens to me just go out there and have fun and I'll do the same. We can't control when we fight but we can control how we fight."

Aiger nodded his head smiling at Ranjiro. Aiger ran to the other side of the stadium hugging Ranjiro, he hugged him back. For a minute they stood there in silence.

"But I'm not ready to let you go." Aiger said as Ranjiro pushed him away.

"You know when I first met you I only saw you as another hot headed blader you needed to be taught a lesson. But saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's our time spent together that truly matters."

"Wow that was.. beautiful."

"Aww come on don't get sappy on me now Aiger let's finish this."

Ranjiro held out his launcher and so did Aiger. Launching Achilles took the middle while Rockfovar went on the offensive.

"Rocktovar Typhoon!"

Summoning their bit beasts they crashed into each other attacking.

Then something burst, the fallen pieces of Rocktovar were in the stadium. Ranjiro let out a sigh.

"Win this thing and take down Phi. Save our way of blading and beat Phi and Theodore."

Aiger nodded his head as Ranjiro fell into the shadowy depths of the Dread Tower.

Aiger hung his head walking out.

******

There was a new feeling in the air of despair. Aiger seemed more quiet and distant than before.

And going to dinner with everyone did not help.

After the battle, instead of having going to the cafeteria "Phi" invited everyone to the fancy dining room with a long table. Hyde was stationed at one end while Phi was on the other.

Everyone else was on either side of them but to Fubuki's demise his assigned seat was next to Phi. He wasn't surprised but he was Dreading spending a whole dinner next to Phi.

Phi was mainly quiet keeping to himself while he was eating. Meanwhile everyone else was chatting with their friends.

"Alright Phi, what is that you want?"

"As you know from snooping around on your last...crusade they're are some things you shouldn't have seen. Next to the Billiard room is Theodore's office."

"How'd you know about that?"

"Word travels fast. Anyways I want you to steal Red Eyes mask and gauntlet."

"Why the mask and gauntlet?"

"That's my little secret, now while everyone's distracted by dinner you get me that mask."

While Phi was making a toast Fubuki excused himself and pretended to go to the bathroom.

Walking through the Dread Tower Fubuki semi knew his was around. Fubuki was surprised that Phi wanted him to steal Red Eyes mask and Gauntlet. Why not a top secret file? Or a valued bey? But a mask and gauntlet of all things? There had to be something more to it.

But Fubuki was also surprised that Phi wanted him to steal it. Why not Phi himself?

So many questions but few answers.

Sneaking around Fubuki made it to the office.

Making sure no one else was around he slowly opened the door. To his demise it let out a loud squeak.

Opening the doors Fubuki walked in closing the doors behind him. Letting out a deep breath he looked around the office.

Like the old office in the Snake Pit it held the same things in it like newspapers or old masks. But you could tell Theodore had all his old stuff transferred.

Displayed on the wall was Red Eyes old mask and gauntlet. The way the were displayed sent Fubuki chills. Just as he was about to grab the gauntlet he heard the turning of the door handle. Ducking under the desk Fubuki hid.

Someone walked in slowly. Fubuki put his hands over his mouth. Walking over to the back of the desk the tension rose.

Instead the person walked over the window. Looking out from the desk Fubuki caught a quick glimpse of the figure.

He was tall wearing a cloak and he reminded Fubuki of the same hooded figure that was battling Lui. It drove Fubuki nuts that he couldn't see his face. When the blader turned back around Fubuki leaned back hiding again. The blader walked out of the office closing the door behind him.

Waiting a few minutes Fubuki slowly got back up.

All those hooded bladers were the same but Fubuki wondered why.

Grabbing the gauntlet and mask Fubuki decided to do something stupid. He knew it was a bad idea the minute he did it but he still did it anyways. Putting on the mask, Fubuki looked in the mirror. It was creepy how much he resembled Red Eye.

Just then the mask's eye holes started glowing with power and an aura invaded Fubuki. Ripping off the mask his power diminished and the eye holes stopped glowing.

Holding the mask and gauntlet under his arm he quietly opened the door looking around so far the coast was clear.

Opening the office door Fubuki made sure not to open it too much. Slipping out of the doorway Fubuki ran.

He kept expecting someone to run after him but no one did. Running back to the dining room Fubuki hid the objects behind his back.

Below the table Fubuki handed Phi the mask and gauntlet.

"Pleasure doing business."

Phi got up, walking off leaving Fubuki to relax. Fubuki felt bad for stealing but he couldn't help but wonder:

Why would Phi need the gauntlet and mask?