> Beyblade: Metal Masters - New Harmony
>  by Mkchief34
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue, Part One  - The World of Beyblade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the midmorning sun shone over Ponyville, the clouds lazily drifted past, stirred by the occasional breeze. It was quite an idyllic scene, as if taken directly from a postcard and given life of its own. 

As the citizens of Ponyville went about their daily tasks and business, at the newly formed Castle of Friendship, one of these ponies remained inside, hard at work.

Twilight Sparkle, the newly crowned Princess of Friendship, was quite enveloped in her current task, cataloguing all the new features, facets, and inventory of her new home. The destruction of the Golden Oaks Library still lay fresh in her mind, and many of her possessions had been lost in the attack by Lord Tirek and ensuing fire, many of them were still dearly missed.

Twilight turned the page in her notebook and continued to write, mentally reminding herself to relax and not to dwell on the past, that advice being given to her by Princess Luna. She had told Twilight in the dreamscape, during a rather vivid nightmare of the fire, that this was something she would have to endure and triumph over through her own strength. Dreams of this magnitude were beyond her aid, and she would learn to pass ahead of them in time.

But for now, it was time to continue working, for there was still much to do.

That was Twilight's plan, until the moment when Spike, her assistant, hopped up onto the desk and poked her in the face with a scroll, quite forcefully. She flinched, and then fell out of her chair in a heap.

"Good grief, Spike!" Twilight yelped, glaring fiercely at the dragon. "What was that for?"

"I needed to get your attention." Spike replied, shrugging. "I just got a letter from Celestia."

"Where is it?" Twilight asked, looking around, then realizing what she had said, slammed her face into her desk with a groan while Spike began to laugh. After a few moments, she joined in.

"Gosh, that was so stupid of me." she sighed, taking the scroll and thanking Spike. As she unfurled it and began to read, her eyebrows raised up with every line she read.

Dearest Twilight,

Though I understand this will be abrupt, I am coming to Ponyville to speak with you and the rest of the Element Bearers, though this primarily concerns Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. An old friend of mine and his assistant have come to Equestria, and they will be with me when we arrive in Ponyville.

They have come from their world to extend an invitation to you and the Elements. To what event that invitation refers to will be his honor to reveal. And though they may seem strange in appearance, my friend is close with me for good reason.

Come to the train station with the Element Bearers as soon as you can. I will arrive within the hour with my guests and Prince Shining Armor, who has volunteered to come with us as well.

Best Wishes, 
Princess Celestia.

Twilight resealed the scroll, and as she nodded to Spike, they proceeded out of the Castle and into Ponyville to fetch the Element Bearers.

====

To Twilight and Spike's luck and sheer disbelief, they found the other Element Bearers,as they were already at the Train Station waiting for them. Apparently Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense had, as she put it, had alerted her to an incoming "super-mega-ultra-doozy supreme". As a result, she had zipped around Ponyville at breakneck speed and gathered the Elements up like a sheepdog herding its flock, and brought them to the Train Station. Twilight was greeted by the winded Elements Bearers looking like they had just been hit by a tornado, and Pinkie Pie bouncing merrily.

"How did you know to meet us here in the first place?" Spike asked, hopping down from his perch on Twilight's shoulders. 

"Plot convenience!" Pinkie replied happily, causing the others to groan or face-hoof at her usual level of unintelligibleness. "Besides, now that we're all here, we can wait together! Waiting together is the best kind of waiting! Not that there are many other kinds, though."

"Okay...forget I even asked." Spike replied, giving a sigh of annoyance. "Why do I even bother asking if the answer's tougher to understand than the question?"

As the girls laughed and Spike rolled his eyes, a train pulled into the station and came to a stop with a puff of steam from the main engine. As the Elements formed a line in front of the doors, Prince Shining Armor and Princess Celestia disembarked. As Twilight happily greeted her brother with a hug, she asked if he knew what was going on.

"I do, but I'm not gonna spoil it." he replied with a smirk. "Princess Celestia was clear on that, she wanted her old friend to do the big reveal."

"So, what is going on?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What big reveal? And who's this friend we're talking about?"

"That would be me!" said a male voice, excited and eager. As the doors opened and two figures disembarked, the Elements dropped their jaws. Two bipedal beings, one older male and one younger female, came forward. The male was about forty, with flaming red hair and a stubble beard. He wore a brown and red suit and pants, along with a blue tie, and the text "WBBA" was written on his left breast pocket.

The girl was considerably younger, about fifteen or sixteen, with spiky, long blue hair. Her lilac eyes contrasted with her pale blue suit jacket and dress with various highlights, and she carried a silver briefcase with her, also inscribed with "WBBA".

"Twilight, Element Bearers, this is Ryo Hagane, the director of the World Beyblade Battles Association, or the WBBA for short, and his assistant Hikaru Hasama." Celestia said proudly. "They are humans from the world of Earth."

"Human?" Twilight gasped, causing the Elements to look at her with curiosity. "Humans are a myth! Nearly every great scholar or archeologist in Equestria has said so!"

"They're quite wrong." Ryo smiled back. "We've just never been beyond our World to make it otherwise, at least until now."

"Now, let's head to Twilight's new Castle for the reveal." Celestia said. "Come along."

As the still partially-confused Elements followed Celestia, Ryo, and Hikaru, Twilight could only feel that something big was going to happen. She just didn't know how big it could be.

====

As they arrived at Twilight's Castle and took their seats inside a living room, Celestia cleared her throat once everyone was settled.

"Ryo?" she asked. "Would you care to begin?"

"Not at all." Ryo replied. "Element Bearers, Princess, from the WBBA and United Nations, we'd like to invite you to join the Beyblade World Championships as members of Equestria's representative team."

The Elements went slack-jawed as they processed Ryo's words. Eventually, Twilight spoke up with a mystified tone.

"What exactly are we getting into here?" she asked. "What even is a Beyblade?" 

"I'll be glad to tell you." Ryo smiled, as Hikaru handed him her briefcase and they set it on the table. "But first...let me tell you of the history of Beyblade...and the two stars that fell from the sky, thousands of years ago..."
> Prologue, Part Two - A Trio of Arrivals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"That sounds...so...awesome…" was all Rainbow Dash could stammer once Ryo had finished telling them of the history of Beyblade and the recent Battle Bladers Tournament. Twilight had furiously been scribbling down notes on everything she could. The other Elements were simply dumbstruck.

"And with the conclusion of the Battle Bladers Tournament, we've officially begun Qualification Tournaments for the World Championships." Ryo said proudly. "Bladers across the world will compete to join Representative Teams for their nation or collective continent. With Equestria joining as well, you'll need to decide who among you wants to go."

"Quite right." Celestia added. "Shining Armor has already volunteered to go as the team's first member, so there are two primary member slots remaining, and one sub slot. There will also be a slot for a Bey mechanic or support member."

"Okay!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "Who's in?"

"Well, as much as I'd like to...I've got plans here in Ponyville, plus the Cakes need my help babysitting." Pinkie said sheepishly. 

"And I have a log of orders that need completed as soon as possible." Rarity added. "And I simply can't leave Sweetie Belle behind on her own, she's too young for such a responsibility."

"Well, that leaves me, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy." Twilight smiled. "So, who's going to be the sub or support member?"

"I think I could be the support member." Fluttershy suggested. "I don't think I'm cut out for a sport like this. I could at least help by fixing the Beys after each battle."

"And I'll be the sub member, I suppose." Applejack continued. "With harvest a long ways off, there's not much to do around the farm right now."

"So I can be a primary member with Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked eagerly. After receiving a nod from Ryo and Hikaru, she took to the air and cheered.

"Alright, calm down, Rainbow Dash." Celestia said. "You must realize that you haven't even begun to use a Bey in battle, let alone how to master one."

"Which is why we brought these for you, fresh from testing." Hikaru nodded as she opened the briefcase. Inside was a quartet of modified Bey launchers, equipped for hooves, and four Beys each lying in a foam casing. Celestia levitated them out of the briefcase and set them down so the Elements could look at them clearly, while Ryo gave them each a Launcher.

The first Bey was colored purple, white, and pink, with the motif of an Alicorn facing the left engraved on the Face Bolt. The design of the Bey reminded Twilight of an ancient sorcerer's staff or the cover for a spellbook in the case of the Energy ring that surrounded the Face Bolt. 

"Twilight, this Bey is Arcane Alicorn 145AS." Celestia said, giving the Bey to her protege and student. "It is a Balance-type that possesses well-rounded abilities. Though it's true strength is currently sealed, I know you will master it."

The next Bey went to Shining Armor. It was colored ice-blue, white, and gray, and inlaid with Blue crystals inside the Fusion Wheel. The Face-Bolt portrayed a Crystal Guard's helmet surrounded by shattered diamonds. His hoof trembled slightly as he took it, as he found it was heavier than he expected it to be.

"Shining Armor, this Bey is Crystal Colossus AD145D." Celestia continued. "Primarily a Defense-Type Bey, it also makes use of centrifugal force to increase its stamina in battle. Its weight also increases its stability to prevent it from being knocked off-balance."

Rainbow Dash was then given her Bey. It was also colored pale blue like Colossus, but instead of gray and white, it was brown and pale red. This Bey was equipped with three talons on the Fusion Wheel. The Face Bolt portrayed a Falcon with spread wings clutching the word "RAPTOR"

"Rainbow Dash, this Bey is Sonic Raptor D125R2F." Celestia chuckled amusedly at Rainbow, who was shaking from excitement while holding it. "It is the fastest Attack-Type Bey ever created, and possesses high striking power."

Applejack tipped her hat as she was given the last Bey. Its Face Bolt portrayed a figure holding up a globe, inscribed with the word "ATLAS". The Spin Track  was equipped with a set of rubber wings, and the Energy Ring was shaped like a ball and chain.

"Applejack, this Bey is Burn Atlas RW145EWD, a powerful Stamina-type." Celestia smiled. "It is made to outlast any opponent, much like the mythological giant who held up the world that this Bey is named for."

As the newly-chosen Bladers admired their new partners, Celestia cleared her throat and their attention turned to her.

"Now that you have your partners, it is time to begin the journey to Earth and begin your training." she said. "I have taken the liberty of preparing the necessary items and clothing for you when you arrive."

"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Why do we need clothes?"

"Humans wear clothes at all hours. Despite your societal norms and perception of them, it would be wise to bring them along and have them ready." Ryo replied. "Just a precaution against unpopular opinions, if you get my meaning."

Rainbow nodded, seeing the reasoning in his statement. As Fluttershy was handed a toolbox full of spare parts for all four Beys and the necessary tools and materials to repair them by Hikaru, Celestia smiled once all five were ready. 

"Are you all set?" she asked. 

"We are." Twilight replied, her friends and now teammates nodding. 

"Then off you go." Celestia nodded as a white light enveloped them, Ryo, and Hikaru. "I wish you the best of luck, Team New Harmony."

====

At Tokyo International Airport, at the same time, a plane from the United States landed and its passengers began to disembark. One of them was an eager-looking boy of about fifteen, with sharp brown eyes, coupled with white and black hair, and a lock of red that brushed his forehead. He wore a green and pale teal sweatshirt with fingerless gloves, and brown pants with a black zig-zag design. His green shoes matched the jacket, and attached to his waist was a launcher holster and a Bey holder, and he carried a white duffle bag with his personal belongings that rocked with his movement at his waist.

"I'm finally here!" he cheered, throwing his fist into the air. "I'm back, do you hear me! I can't believe they crowned the Battle Bladers Champion without me! What a joke!"

"Just you wait, Gingka! I'll show you who the real Number One Blader is, and that's me! Masamune Kadoya!"

As he was about to tear off towards the city, a voice called out to him.

"So, you've heard of my son, Gingka?" 

Masamune turned to see a man wearing a red suit and a girl in a blue dress approach him.

"You're Gingka's dad?" Masamune asked. "Nice to meet you. I'm Masamune Kadoya."

"Ryo Hagane, director of the WBBA. My assistant, Hikaru." Ryo replied. "If you're looking for my son, he's unfortunately not here, and isn't competing right now."'

"Really?" Masamune frowned. "That stinks."

"But I can take you to him." Ryo replied. "If you'll do me a favor, Masamune."

Masamune perked an eyebrow in curiosity as he crossed his arms.

"What kind of favor are we talking about here?"

====

As Ryo, Hikaru, and now Masamune headed towards a waiting WBBA-marked SUV, a set of five others watched from afar. 

The first was about seventeen, and a few inches taller than Masamune. He had messy, curled dark blue hair and auburn eyes, and wore jeans with a white shirt, and a jacket tied around his waist. He wore a braided bracelet on his right wrist.

The second, the sister of the first, had the same hair and eyes, but she was only fourteen. She wore a simple gray sundress with a brown jacket, and aqua shoes. A laptop lay under her arm, and she also wore a denim satchel.

The third had dark reddish-brown hair and grey eyes, and wore silver cargo pants with a yellow shirt and hiking shoes. His shirt had the image of a dinosaur footprint splashed across the front at an angle.

The fourth was an older girl, about sixteen, with brown hair and green eyes that matched her skirt and white blouse, with a gray scarf, and like the first, she had a jacket tied around her waist. She had a caring smile on her face.

The last one was a little taller than the first, with pale blonde hair and gray eyes, and he sported a braid on the back of his head. He wore a cargo jacket with jeans, and a white undershirt below that. He had a solid white bandanna tied to his left forearm.

As they watched the three of them leave in the WBBA SUV, the fourth turned to the leader of the group with a nod.

"Looks like we made it to the proper place and time. Just like we'd hoped." she smiled. "Jason? What do we do now?"

Jason turned to his friends and sister, and simply shrugged. 

"We go about our days." he smiled. "We came back after seven and a half years, team. We've got plenty of time to relax and enjoy ourselves a bit, before we get to our mission. We'll keep a low profile for now, and get something to eat before we start gathering information."

"Right!" 

As the five of them headed off into the downtown area, another group of five people in a nearby burger restaurant looked over towards the park. One of them raised his eyebrow at seeing them leave in a hurry.

"Those five had somewhere to be, and fast." smirked Zyro Kurogane. "Think they came back in time, just like we did?"

"I can't say." replied Shinobu Hiryuin, who took a casual sip of his glass of cola. "It's possible that they did, but it's not our concern right now."

"Agreed." nodded Sakyo Kurayami, who looked over at their mechanic, Maru, who pulled out her laptop and booted it up.

"Well, the device that brought us here was one of a kind, but that's not to say it could be built in another timeline like ours." she noted. 

"Plus," siad Kira Hayama, who now wore a simpler shirt, jacket, and pants with his eyepatch, instead of his old bodysuit. "There are records at DNA and the remains of Hades, Inc of research into alternate timelines, where major historical events had different outcomes. It's possible they came from one of those, with a mission similar to ours."

"Well, I think we should at least keep an eye on them." Zyro replied, his teammates nodding in acknowledgement. "You never know, they might be able to help us out."

"Good point." Shinobu replied. "We should finish up and get moving. We've got a mission to finish."

"You got it!"

As the five of them continued to eat, the sun flashed overhead amidst the few clouds in the sky.
> Prologue, Part Three - Masamune's Promise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the WBBA SUV came to a stop, and Masamune, Ryo, and Hikaru disembarked, Masamune looked over at their destination, then at Ryo with a look of confusion.They had stopped in front of a warehouse near the city harbor district.

"So...this new team you want me to help...they're in here?" Masamune asked, quite confused. "Why wouldn't they practice at a Bey Gym if they're just starting out?"

"You'll see why once we get inside." Ryo replied. "The WBBA wants to keep all things related to them quiet for the moment."

"I suppose that makes sense." Masamune shrugged. "Anyway, let's go!"

As Ryo scanned an ID badge and unlocked the door, Masamune's heart sped up from excitement at hearing the clashing of metal from Beys in the midst of battle. As he turned the corner with Ryo and Hikaru behind him, he jumped at seeing a Bey fly past his face at breakneck speed and smash through the wall with ease.

"Woah! That was great!" said the Blader who had launched it, a girl of about sixteen with shocking rainbow-colored hair who wore jeans, a track jacket and shirt, and sneakers. "Oh, sorry I almost hit you!"

"It's fine!" Masamune replied, taking a laid-back pose. "I'm Masamune Kadoya."

"Rainbow Dash." the girl replied, shaking hands with him. "That's Twilight and her brother Shining Armor, Fluttershy, and Applejack."

The aforementioned Equestrians waved, with Masamune returning the gesture.

"So, these are the Bladers you want me to help train?" Masamune asked Ryo as he and Hikaru came in.

"Yes. They're the Representative Team for the realm of Equestria, Team New Harmony." Ryo replied, turning to Masamune. "They've just begun their training for the World Championships, and seeing as you seem like quite the Blader, Masamune...until you can battle my son, would you mind helping them learn to battle?"

"Sure! Let's get started!" Masamune replied, taking out his Bey, Ray Striker, and his Launcher. "I'll show them the power of a Number-One Blader! Who wants to go first?"

"You're on!" Rainbow replied, as she readied Sonic Raptor from her position at the arena, while Masamune prepared Ray Striker with a smirk. 

"You know what to say when we start a Bey Battle?" Masamune asked. 

"Yep!" Rainbow replied. "You ready, Masamune?"

"Always!"

As the two Bladers took ready stances, they began to count down, preparing to launch. 

"3!"

"2!"

"1!" 

"Let it rip!" they both cried as they launched their Beys and began their battle. As Twilight, Shining, Applejack, and Fluttershy came over to stand with Ryo and Hikaru to watch, Twilight watched closely as Ray Striker easily maneuvered around Raptor's speed, as it attempted to land an attack several times before finally succeeding. 

Sparks could be seen, clear as day, as the two Beys ground against each other, with Raptor's Sonic Fusion Wheel and its Talons clutched onto Striker's Ray Fusion Wheel, increasing the damage to Striker.

The sound of the two Beys attacking each other and their Fusion Wheels colliding reminded Twilight of swords clashing, every sharp blow a note in a spirited symphony of blades. It was clear only a few moments in that Masamune was an exceptional Blader. It seemed that he and his Bey were seamlessly anticipating what Rainbow would do as Striker rolled and weaved around Raptor's volley of blows like a seamless rolling wave.

"Striker may not be as fast as Raptor, but it's certainly more agile and controlled." she mused before she turned to her friends. "Why is that?"

"I believe it's the CS Performance Tip that Ray Striker has." Fluttershy chimed in, looking at her newly acquired laptop and Bey scanner's holographic readout of the Bey in question. "It's a sharp spike coated in rubber that provides exceptional speed, control and attack power."

"Interesting." Masamune smirked as Raptor executed a barrage attack, landing several rapid yet strong hits that sent Striker reeling. "Your Bey might be just as fast and tough as Striker!"

"Might be?" Rainbow replied incredulously. "Why's that?"

"This!" Masamune replied proudly as Striker drew back from Raptor, startling Rainbow. "You haven't mastered your Bey yet! Striker, it's time for our Special Move!"

"Special Move?" Twilight said, surprised, her teammates also showing curiosity and astonishment. "What's he doing, Mr. Ryo?"

"You'll see." Ryo replied. "Watch closely, you don't want to miss this."

"Go now, Striker!" Masamune called out. "Lightning Sword Flash!"

Then, to the sheer shock and surprise of the Equestrians, the almost holographic image of a pale green unicorn with a spiraling horn appeared above Striker, a manifestation of the Bey's Spirit Beast. Then, bolts of purple energy coalesced around the horn as it charged, focusing its power into a single precise point, one aimed directly at Sonic Raptor.

Rainbow Dash barely had time to gasp or exclaim in shock when Striker's Special Move connected, and sent Raptor flying out of the stadium and into the wall of the storehouse, cracking the concrete and brick masonry with an audible explosion and blast of air mixed with dust and debris. 

"What...was...that…?" Rainbow Dash gaped openly as Striker spun back into Masamune's hand, coming to a stop in his grip.

"That was my Lightning Sword Flash!" Masamune boasted. "Ray Striker's Special Move!"

As Rainbow turned around and retrieved Raptor from its indentation in the wall of the storehouse, Ryo gave a reassuring nod to the Equestrian at seeing her now glum expression, Rainbow realizing her first ever match was a loss.

"It's okay, it's just a training match. You'll get better, that's for sure." Masamune said as he came over, one hand on the back of his head in embarrassment. "Sorry that I went so all-out. I haven't battled in a while, so I kinda got carried away."

"It's fine." Rainbow replied, handing Raptor to Fluttershy for repairs before she smiled brightly. "That was really fun, Masamune! Next time will be different, though."

"I look forward to it." he nodded as they shook hands again. At that moment, Ryo looked at his phone and smiled, before asking for everyone's attention.

"I just got word from Madoka that Gingka has found his new Bey, and is heading back here." Ryo said. "Let's go meet them at the train station, shall we?"

"Right!" Masamune and the others cheered, Masamune cheering a little louder than usual. As they headed out into the sunshine and entered the waiting SUV, the clouds began to clear overhead while the wind blew a gust through the trees. 
> Prologue, Part Four - Gingka Hagane
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the assembled Bladers of Team New Harmony, Masamune, Hikaru, and Ryo waited at the entrance to the train station, Twilight looked over at Masamune, who was shaking with excitement.

"Calm down, Masamune." she said. "What's got you so amped up?"

"A battle with Gingka, that's what!" Masamune replied, smirking proudly. "I still can't believe I missed the Battle Bladers Tournament! I'll beat Gingka for sure, just you wait and see!"

"Well, best of luck to you." Twilight replied. "I've heard about that Tournament, though. How'd you miss it?"

"I was training in the US." Masamune's expression showed one of fond memory. "And taking care of a really good friend of mine. His name's Toby, and he's stuck in a wheelchair for now due to some strange disease. My pal Zeo and I were taking care of him and training as well, when I decided to return to Japan."

"I see." Twilight replied. "Your friend Zeo, what's he like?"

"Zeo's a great Blader and a super good friend." Masamune grinned. "I talked with him over the flight back here. He and Toby are doing just fine."

"I'm glad to hear it." Twilight smiled. "There's the train!"


As the monorail train pulled into the station, a group of three disembarked, the leader of which had to be Gingka Hagane. He was a little older than Masamune, with flaming, spiked red hair and golden eyes. His nose was covered by a horizontal bandage, and blue, black, and red clothing. His white scarf trailed down to his waist. 

The next two were Kenta Yumiya and Madoka Amano, and as they approached, Gingka came forward to face his dad.

"Welcome back, Gingka." Ryo smiled. "Did you succeed?"

"Yep!" Gingka replied, holding out a Bey that radiated power and speed. "I found my new Galaxy Pegasus!"

As the Bladers crowded around, Masamune smiled as he came forward. Gingka turned to face his new, persistent challenger, and raised an eyebrow.

"So, you're Gingka?" Masamune smiled. "I'm Masamune Kadoya, you ready for a battle against my Ray Striker?"

"Heh, Ray Striker, huh?" Gingka replied. "Alright, I'll take you on!"

"Let's go, then!"

As the two Bladers rushed off to find a BeyStadium, leaving only dust behind, the others raised their eyebrows, gave a laugh or a sigh in the case of those who knew Gingka, and followed. They didn't notice a boy with a long blue ponytail and wearing purple robes watch from afar.

"So that's Gingka…" mused Chi-yun Li. "The Battle Bladers victor...he doesn't seem like much after all...still...I'd better watch this battle, see what he's made of."

As Chi-yun followed after them, a distance away, a Blader with the appearance of a lion was walking through the city, hands in his pockets, waiting for a Battle to erupt. Kyoya Tatagami gave a small, rare smirk as he turned to an empty BeyStadium. It had been about a week or so since he was released from the Hospital after his battle with the now-disappeared Ryuga, and he and Rock Leone were getting impatient, to get back into the swing of things.

As he started to turn away, his ears perked up at the sound of a Bey Battle from close by. As he walked over, following the sound, he raised an eyebrow at the match before him.

Three Bladers and a small girl, likely a mechanic from her accoutrements and repair bag, were watching another Blader take on a familiar face to Kyoya.

Yu Tendo and Flame Libra were locked in a tight battle against a Blader Kyoya didn't recognize. He was older than Gingka by about a year, with black hair featuring an orange splash in front. His dark blue eyes contrasted with his leather jacket and flame-reminiscent attire. 

Somehow, this Blader reminded Kyoya of Gingka in a lot of ways. His energy, his Bey Spirit, they were quite similar.

As Kyoya settled against a bank of grass to watch, Yu called out one of his Special Moves, Sonic Buster. As Libra began emitting high-frequency supersonic waves, the other Blader merely smirked.

"Go now, Samurai Ifrit!" he called, and his Bey charged towards Libra. "Special Move, Burning Uppercut!"

Kyoya raised an eyebrow as the opposing Bey, Samurai Ifrit, charged towards Libra, cloaked in an intense flame. 

"Whatcha planning, a self-destruct?" Yu said merrily. "Not gonna work against Libra!"

"We'll see about that!" the Blader replied. "Push through, Ifrit!"

As Ifrit hooked to the side, Libra's supersonic waves impacted. To Yu's surprise, Ifrit pushed through the attack and landed an uppercut blow on its opponent. As Libra was sent flying and then came to a stop on the ground, Yu gasped and then shrugged.

"Not bad." the Blader replied as Ifrit returned to him. "You're Yu Tendo, right?"

"Yeah!" Yu replied. "That was a super fun match! What's your name?"

"Zyro. Zyro Kurogane. It's nice to meet you, Yu."

As the two Bladers shook hands, Kyoya stood up and walked over, surprising the group of Bladers.

"That was an impressive attack." Kyoya nodded. "Reminded me of someone I know."

"Gingka Hagane?" Zyro asked. "I know him."

"Heh." Kyoya scoffed. "Next time we meet, I'll battle you, Zyro. Sounds good?"

"Yeah. You're Kyoya Tatagami, right?" Zyro asked. 

Kyoya nodded and waved as he moved to leave. As the five Bladers and Yu watched him go, Zyro turned to Yu, who came over and pointed to Ifrit.

"So, what kind of Bey is that?" he asked. "I've never seen one like it before."

"You probably haven't." Zyro replied. "Our Beys are unique, almost one of a kind. Anyway, we should be going. We've got some things to attend to."

"Well, see you around." Yu replied. "And next time we battle, I will win!"

''I'm looking forward to it!" 

As Yu and Zyro's group parted ways, the sound of another Bey Battle could be heard from close by. 

====

"Go, Galaxy Pegasus!"

"Hit 'em hard, Striker!" 


It had been three minutes since Gingka and Masamune's battle began, and so far, it was dead even in terms of skill and power. Ryo and the others had arrived as the battle began, and Madoka and Fluttershy were busy analyzing the match and both Beys.

"Who do you think will win?" Shining Armor asked Ryo, who smiled.

"I can't say." he replied. "But I do know that both Bladers are strong, and won't give in until the very end." 
> Prologue, Part Five - Number One!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As both Ray Striker and Galaxy Pegasus clashed against each other, Gingka and Masamune stood strong and fast, calling out to their respective Beys in support. As Ryo and his group approached, Twilight and the rest of the Equestrians watched closely, Rainbow Dash in particular. Her first match against Masamune had ended in a sudden defeat, and she felt eager to return the favor the next time they battled.

"Hey, Rainbow?"

She turned to Twilight, who looked at her curiously.

"You okay? You just spaced out there."

"I'm fine." Rainbow replied as she took out Sonic Raptor and held it in her palm, watching the Bey flash with the sunlight. "Just thinking about my first battle."

"You'll face Masamune again sometime, I'm sure of it." Twilight smiled. "You;ve got to train hard for that, okay?"

"Okay!" Rainbow cheered quietly as she returned to watching the battle. As Striker side-stepped past one of Pegasus's charging attacks, Gingka's eyebrow furrowed in frustration. Since the battle began, Masamune had been dodging most of Galaxy Pegasus's moves, and only attacking in short bursts. It was clear to him that he was waiting for something to occur on Gingka's end, and whatever it was…

Gingka wouldn't let it happen, not at all.

"Go now, Pegasus!" he called, and Pegasus began another wild charge towards Striker. 

"Heh, trying that move again? Not gonna work!" Masamune boasted.

"Don't count me out just yet!" Gingka retorted. As Striker prepared to sidestep once more, Pegasus sharply changed course, impacting hard against Striker. Masamune growled, realizing Gingka had wanted him to dodge so he could change Pegasus's course and attack Striker accurately.

"Striker! Let's go, pull back!" Masamune called, and Striker moved  to the edge of the Stadium. 

"Take 'em down, Pegasus! Time for our Special Move!" Gingka cried. As Pegasus launched itself into the air, Masamune responded by calling out his own Special Move.

"Pegasus Starbooster Attack!"

"Lightning Sword Flash!" 

As Striker focused its power into one point, Gingka's bey coated itself in blue energy as the image of the Pegasus Face Bolt appeared. As it hurtled down with meteoric force, Striker charged forward as its horn coalesced with purple bolts of lightning.

The two Beys then collided, their Bladers crying out in support. As the blasts of energy connected, a massive explosion resounded through the park, along with fierce gusts of wind mixed with dust. As the debris cleared, everyone present gasped.

Both Striker and Pegasus had stopped spinning in the center of the stadium, a clear Sleep-Out for both Beys. As both Bladers gasped and slid down to retrieve their partners, Masamune awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.

"You think we got a little carried away?" he chuckled. Gingka looked around at the surroundings and gave off a laugh as well. Their battle had blown the leaves off of trees, sent rocks everywhere, and generally damaged the once neat and idyllic park in about every way possible.

"Maybe we did." Gingka laughed, and Masamune laughed as well. "That was intense!"

"Well, glad I lived up to your expectations!" Masamune smiled, shaking Gingka's hand. "This doesn't mean that I'm still not the strongest Number One Blader! I will beat you one day, Gingka!"

"I'm looking forward to it!" Gingka nodded.

"I think we should call it a day." Ryo sighed, though he couldn't hide his proud smile he gave to his son. "Let's retire for now and let both Beys get some proper rest. Can you manage that, Madoka?"

"Sure thing!" Madoka replied, giving a nod. "Let's all head to the Bey Pit for now, and I'll get to Striker and Pegasus's repairs right away!"


"Right!" the group chorused. As they headed back into Downtown Tokyo, Chi-yun watched them leave with a small frown.

"Gingka is quite strong, but I think he can be beaten." he mused. "Come on, Lacerta. Let's head back to the Embassy. We've got some training to do."

The Bey in his hand, Thermal Lacerta WA130HF, flashed in the light, as if agreeing with him. As she leaped away, Twilight turned around to glance at Chi-yun's previous position. Seeing nothing, she hurried to catch up with the group.

====

Once the group made it to Madoka's combined home and workshop, it took a surprising amount of time to find seats for everyone. Eventually, Madoka settled Team New Harmony upstairs as she saw to repairing Pegasus and Striker, while Gingka, Masamune, Ryo, Hikaru, and Kenta remained downstairs.

"So...what now?" Masamune groaned, scrunching his brow in annoyance. "I didn't come all this way just to sit around and talk."

"Patience, Masamune." Ryo replied. "Once Pegasus and Striker's repairs are complete, we'll see more battling on your part. For now, just relax."

"If you say so." Masamune replied with a slight air of disappointment as he sat down and crossed his arm impatiently.

Then, Gingka noticed a sheet of paper had been slipped under the door, bearing a seal of a golden tiger bearing a five-pointed star. He bent down to pick it up, and upon seeing what was written, gave a "hmm…" of thought.

"What is it?" Kenta asked. Gingka handed the jade-haired boy the paper, and as the others crowded around, Ryo smiled in the background.

"Tomorrow at ten o'clock, come to the Chinese Embassy at the Grand Restaurant Plaza, and wait for our arrival. We will proceed from there."

"Chi-Yun Li of Team Wang Hu Zhong."

"That's interesting." Masamune frowned. "What's Team Wang Hu Zhong? And this doesn't exactly sound like an invitation to a lunch date, if you get my meaning."

"You're right." Gingka nodded. "Whoever this Chi-Yun might be, he or she must've known we were here. Why is that?"

"Well, I guess we'll find out tomorrow." Kenta said. At that moment, the doors opened, and a bulky boy wearing red and black with a beanie, carrying a massive burger in his hands, strode in.

"What's going on tomorrow?" asked Benkei Hanawa.

"I think Gingka's been challenged to a battle at the Chinese Embassy at the Grand Restaurant Plaza." Kenta said. "It's kinda strange."

"I've been there." Benkei shrugged happily. "It's a section of the city full of so many great Chinese restaurants. I guess that's how the name came to be."

"Well, whatever happens we'll be there." said Madoka as she came downstairs, handing Masamune and Gingka their fully repaired Beys. "Anyway, look at the time guys. We should get to bed."

The others looked out to see that the sun was going down, and the colors of the sky were turning from blue to a pale orange. As Masamune followed Gingka and Madoka upstairs 
to the guest room, Ryo and Hikaru brought Team New Harmony to a parked SUV for the drive back to the WBBA HQ, while Kenta and Benkei headed to their respective homes.

However, as they all departed from the Bey Pit, Jason and his team of Bladers watched from across the street. 

"So...what now, Jason?" asked Dan Resumo, the boy wearing the dinosaur-footprint shirt. 

"Let's head back to the hotel, I guess." Jason replied. "Not like there's going to be any more action on their part tonight."

"Agreed." said Shura Atakori, who loosened the bandanna on his arm slightly. "I'm beat from all that walking we did."

"Not that it hurts to stay in shape, Shura." Rei Mirahami, the older girl of the group, shoved him playfully in the arm. Then, a yawn alerted them to the last member of the group "You okay, Caitlin?" 

"Yeah, I'm just sleepy." said Caitlin Price, the younger girl. "Are we gonna go?"

"Yep. Let's move everyone." Jason nodded. As the five of them walked down the street towards the waterfront hotel they were staying at, Jason wiped the sweat from his brow and pulled out his Bey, Strider Zinogre UW145WB. Bearing the image of the mythological thunder-bearer wreathed in energy on the Stone Face, the power of lightning was sealed within the Bey. He could feel power radiating from within it.

Jason rubbed the small Lodestone which comprised the Stone Face, and gave a smile, as this was a way of reassuring himself for whatever would come next.

"Once the World Championships begin, we'll get right to work." he thought quietly, placing his Bey back in its pouch. "And we'll save our future while we're at it…but..."

"Seven and a half years may have passed...but time isn't on our side. When the Star Fragment inevitably falls and creates the ten Legendary Bladers...we'll be there to face it with them."
> Chapter 1 - The Embassy Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, we're just supposed to sit and wait around here?" Masamune moped, looking at the sealed gates of the Chinese Embassy with a raised eyebrow of frustration. "I thought this Chi-Yun guy or gal would be here to let us in by now."

"I thought so too." Madoka shrugged, as she worked on laptop. "Guess we'll just keep waiting until they show up."

Gingka, who sat on a bench nearby with his father, nodded in agreement. Ryo nudged Gingka in the side, and his son looked up at him.

"I knew you could find the Legendary Bey. You make me so proud, Gingka." Ryo smiled. 

"Thanks a million, dad." Gingka smiled, though he soon looked down at Galaxy Pegasus, which he held in his right hand, with a frown. Gingka could feel the power radiating off of it, but there was a certain...tinge to the feeling. It was best described as...unbridled. The power within was doing its best to escape from its confines and run wild.

Which was not a good sign at all. Gingka had only launched Galaxy Pegasus twice, and only once in battle against Masamune, and each time, he had struggled to harness the wild Pegasus.

"But…it's so weird..."

"What is it, Gingka?" Ryo sounded surprised at his son's downcast tone.

"I don't think I've fully gained control of it yet." Gingka sighed. "Back at Koma Village, I tried a few test launches, and Galaxy Pegasus totally ran wild. It seemed like it calmed down a bit when I battled Masamune yesterday. But I can feel the power inside Pegasus...and…I think you can figure the rest out."

"...I see." Ryo nodded. "Well, it is a Legendary Bey, after all. It certainly seems correct to assume that after all that time it was turned to stone, it built up its power and is now seeking to release it as quickly as it can."

The best I can say right now, is to be patient with it and yourself. Just as you mastered Storm Pegasus during the days leading into Battle Bladers, you'll get Galaxy Pegasus under control in due time."

Gingka nodded happily, and he seemed much more like his normal, upbeat set. As he stood up to stretch, there was a rumbling sound, and the gates of the Embassy opened, revealing the inside of the Embassy grounds.

Once again, Masamune rushed in, and was disappointed.

"Come on!" he said, exasperated. "There's not even a stadium around here, and there's no food either!"

"Yeah, just what's going on?" Gingka added as he walked up. Kenta, Benkei, Madoka, and Ryo came forward, and as Benkei was about to speak, he was interrupted.

"The promise of food was not my intention in bringing you all here. However, I apologize if I misled you in any way."

The group turned to the steps leading into the Embassy residence, and a small boy stepped out, wearing purple chinese robes with a lizard-like seal on his chest. His blue hair was done in a braid that trailed down his back. To his right was a girl in a pink chinese dress with hair of  a dark shade of green, in the Chinese ox-horn style.

"So...which one of you is Chi-Yun?" Gingka asked.

"That would be me." the boy replied, stepping forward. "I am Chi-Yun Li of Wang Hu Zhong. This is Mei-Mei, also of Wang Hu Zhong. I tasked her with sending our message to you, and it appears you were successful."

"And if you're wondering about lunch for those who were interested…" Mei-Mei added. "There's a cafeteria inside the Embassy. Go on inside and help yourself. It's your first door on the right."

Benkei was already gone, a trail of dust leading inside in his wake. Ryo followed, and nodded in thanks to Chi-Yun and Mei-Mei as he passed. 

"So, what exactly is Wang Hu Zhong?" Madoka asked.

"We shall tell you later." Chi-Yun replied. Gingka and Masamune were about to head inside and had just nearly reached the doors when Chi-Yun cleared his throat, stopping them in their tracks.

"You aren't going anywhere, Gingka. Not until after we battle." he said in a commanding tone that made Gingka a look and feel more than a little flustered. Madoka flinched, realizing it was a challenge after all. "I have heard you are the Battle Bladers victor, and the strongest Blader in Japan."

Gingka stepped back to his previous position as Chi-Yun and Mei-Mei moved off to the side.

"I wish to put that claim and your skills to the test." he continued, placing some emphasis on the word "claim". 

At that moment, a large gong above the entrance came free from the ropes that held it up, and landed upside down in front of Gingka, sending out a pounding note. Gingka, who had fallen to the floor in surprise, got back up and saw that the gong's underside was shaped quite like a BeyStadium.

"So...whenever you are ready." Chi-Yun said, only she stopped at seeing Masamune come forward, and draw his Launcher.

"Mind if I join in?" he smirked. "I tied with Gingka yesterday! Besides, I'm the world's strongest, Number One Blader! If Gingka can do anything, I can do better?"


Mei-Mei turned to Chi-Yun, who was silently considering Masamune's own statement.

"Hmm…" he murmured. "If you insist. The battle shall be two against two, however...if one Blader on either side loses, their teammate loses with them. Is that acceptable?"

"Fine by me!" Gingka smirked. "You got a Bey, right Chi-Yun?"

"Indeed I do." Chi-Yun brandished his Bey. "Possessing the power of the Lizard Constellation, my Bey, Thermal Lacerta!"

The purple face bolt flashed in the air. 

"That's the first time I've seen that Bey!" Madoka turned to Gingka. "It looks strong, too, so don't take this match lightly!"

"We'll be fine!" Masamune waved his hand dismissively.

"Don't worry, Madoka!" Gingka added. "We've got this!"

Madoka didn't seem convinced at that, but she nodded.

 As both sides readied their Launchers, Ryo, Kenta, and Benkei turned their chairs towards the windows in order to watch the match. As they were seated on an elevated balcony only slightly above the courtyard, the three of them had a good view of the battle and were within speaking distance of Madoka, Gingka, and Masamune.

"3...2...1…Let it Rip!" the four cried out as they launched their Beys. Galaxy Pegasus and Ray Striker landed across from Thermal Lacerta and Mei-Mei's Bey, an Attack-type Aquario 105F. As Pegasus and Striker raced across the surface of the gong towards their opponents' Beys, helped by the rubber of Pegasus's R2F and Striker's CS Performance Tips, Chi-Yun turned to Mei-Mei

"Now, Mei-Mei! Heaven and Earth formation!" Chi-Yun called out. Lacerta and Aquario, who had been keeping their distance until this time, dove towards the center. Lacerta anchored itself in a central spot, while Aquario took a circular path around that spot. It was like the movement of the sky or the planets in space around the Earth.

Madoka opened up her laptop and began to analyze the two opposing Beys. Aquario, akin to her first observations, was an Attack-type, using a Flat Performance Tip and a 105 Spin Track. Lacerta, however, was a Balance-Tye, using a Hole Flat Performance Tip, with a Wing Attack 130 Spin Track. 

Madoka saw that the wings on the Spin Track, which were somewhat shaped like the fins on a jet plane, raised Lacerta's attack power, while the HF Tip and Thermal Fusion wheel provided increases to both its movement speed and Stamina. 

It was likely not a match for both Striker and Pegasus in terms of attack strength, but it did have advantages of its own. Madoka knew that the two boys had to be careful, and she warned them accordingly.

"Thanks a bunch!" Masamune replied. "You get that, Gingka?"

Gingka nodded, then turned his attention back to the battle.

"What are they up to?" he mused, then sharply turned and spoke quietly to Masamune. "You go for Aquario, I'll take Lacerta. Attack on my signal."

"Okay, you got a plan?" Masamune replied.

"Just follow my lead." Gingka said. A few moments later, they both called out to their Beys.

 "Go now!"

Pegasus hurtled forward towards Lacerta, with Striker not far behind. The attack was executed perfectly, and their targets were perfectly positioned. This attack should have worked under most circumstances that one would encounter while battling.

Except for one particular factor, that Gingka had been thinking of earlier.

Pegasus's face bolt flashed, and it blasted off in a different direction towards the edge of the stadium. At the last possible second, it began to circle around the rim of the gong with ever increasing speed, beginning to run wild.

And in doing so, Pegasus had left Striker on its own, and when Striker attempted to attack Aquario, Lacerta easily intercepted it and repelled it using its Spin Track to sideswipe. Striker was sent reeling backwards, and soon began to be pulled in by the air current generated by Pegasus.

"Pegasus!" Gingka called out with urgency. "Stop it! Get a hold of yourself!"

"Striker, move! Dodge it now!" Masamune called. Striker, heeding its Blader's command, used its CS Performance Tip to pivot sharply and stop itself just short of Pegasus's circling rampage. Had it been done one moment too late, Striker would have been sent flying by Pegasus into  a Stadium Out, and the match would have been over.

"What's going on out there?" Kenta asked Ryo upon seeing this. "Is something wrong with Pegasus?"

"Yes and no, Kenta." Ryo replied. "Pegasus can't control the power it contains on its own, and Gingka also can't control Pegasus. All the energy that Pegasus contains needs to be released somehow, whether the Blader wants it to or not."

"This isn't good for both of them." Benkei agreed. "If Pegasus keeps that up, it'll run out of Stamina in no time flat. That, or it'll knock out Striker and then they'll lose either way!"

Chi-Yun raised his eyebrow before smiling widely, realizing himself that Gingka's Bey was running wild and its Blader currently had no control over it. Making a mental note to use that to his side's advantage, Chi-Yun called out another command to his partner.

"Mei-Mei! Twin Comet Formation!" 

"Ready!" Mei-Mei replied. Aquario and Lacerta broke apart and headed for the center of the stadium, where they began to circle around the central point, in a one-by-two position, with Lacerta next to Aquario.

"Pegasus! Go now!" Gingka called, and this time, Pegasus banked sharply to the left and blasted towards the center and the opposing Beys, apparently heeding Gingka's commands again.

"Striker, stay close behind!" Masamune called. Gingka turned to his partner in surprise. It seemed Masamune was up to something or was cooking up a plan of some kind. As Pegasus neared the two opposing Beys, Mei-Mei and Chi-Yun cried out.

"HAH! Attack now!"

The two Beys swiftly dodged Galaxy Pegasus's first attack as they passed around, and then they came back together to attack Pegasus together from behind. 

As Gingka growled in frustration at realizing that he had been outmaneuvered, Masamune whispered to him to get his attention.

"Gingka, I think I got a plan." he said. "It may seem crazy, but I think that it'll wear down Pegasus to the point where you can get a hold of it."


"Well, what is it?" Gingka replied, as he was willing to do anything at this point to turn the match around and get control of his Bey.

"Then have Pegasus attack Striker with everything you have." Masamune said.

"What do you mean?" Gingka was quite confused for a second or two, then, he put the pieces together and nodded.

Madoka, who heard their conversation, was about to chastise the two boys for not working together, but Gingka's response stopped her flurry of words in her throat.

"Good thinking." he smirked to his partner, then he called out fiercely, his spirit renewed. "Pegasus!" 

As Pegasus hurtled towards Striker, Chi-Yun and Mei-Mei turned to each other, shocked. Were they planning a self-destruct? A combo attack? Or something else entirely? Whatever it was, Chi-Yun was slightly annoyed  to admit he didn't know what was going on.

As Striker and Pegasus collided, Pegasus hit Striker fiercely as sparks flashed between them. However, Striker was only attacking lightly as to not lower its own stamina and to not damage Pegasus as much as it would have been.
Chi-Yun furrowed his brow and called to Mei-Mei for them both to attack. As Lacerta and Aquario charged, Masamune and Gingka knew this was their chance.

"Charge, Ray Striker!" 

"Go, Galaxy Pegasus!" 

As the two Beys stopped attacking each other and went straight to meet their opponents, Gingka smiled at seeing Pegasus finally responding to his intentions. The feeling of wild energy that was present earlier was gone, or it diminished so much that it wasn't a factor anymore.

Now, it was time to finish this, Gingka thought with a smile.

The four Beys collided with their full power, and that sent out an explosion that hid the aftermath from view in a plume of dust. As the obstruction cleared, both sets of Bladers gasped.

Striker, Pegasus, and Lacerta had endured the attack, but all three were on the brink of a Sleep out. Aquario, on the other hand...was not so lucky. Mei-Mei gasped as her Bey, which had been launched into the air, came down in front of her.

"With Aquario's stadium out, Gingka's team wins!" Ryo called out. As the three surviving Beys returned to their Bladers, Chi-Yun turned to his partner.

"I expect you to train harder, Mei-Mei. Learn from this." he said. Mei-Mei hastily agreed and headed inside, while Chi-Yun came forward to face Gingka and Masamune.

"I won't say well fought, but I will say well won." Chi-Yun said. "I expect our teams to meet in the Beyblade World Championships. I look forward to that day."

"Wait, World Championships?" Gingka asked, thoroughly surprised.

"I get it." Masamune added. "Wang Hu Zhong is your team name, right?"

"Yes, it is." Chi-Yun replied. "Shall we discuss the finer points over a meal?"

As the three of them and Madoka headed inside, a figure sat on a nearby wall, with a bald eagle resting on a railing next to him. 

Having overheard the sound of the battle and his friend Gingka's voice from some distance away, Tsubasa Otori had headed to the balcony of a nearby shop to watch. And what he had overheard made him quite curious. As he watched the group head inside and out of earshot, he turned and gave a smile.

"Beyblade World Championships, huh?" he smiled to himself, after purchasing a small book of poems from the shopkeeper to read later. "That's very interesting…"
 
As he strode into the sunlight, carrying his Bey, Earth Eagle 145WD, he turned to head back to the center of town. 
> Chapter 2 - The Qualifiers Begin!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

WBBA HQ, Three Days after the Embassy Battle
Metal Bey City, Japan
====

“Well, Director…” Hikaru said as she looked up from her work-desk towards Ryo. “I believe everything is set for the Japanese Qualifiers to begin. All of the WBBA stadiums across Japan have confirmed they are ready.”

“Good!” Ryo smiled, watching the city below from the window behind his desk. “And what about the C-Block preparations? Any progress?”

“Yes, Director. Thailand’s Team Iron Elements, and Mexico’s Team Conquistador have agreed to shift into the C-Block as opponents for Team New Harmony. I’ve also received the battle orders and member rosters for both teams.” Hikaru added. “There is one standout issue, however.”

“Oh?” Ryo asked, curious as to what it could be.

“There is a member of Team Iron Elements that…concerns me personally.” Hikaru said, sending an image of the Blader in question to Ryo’s desktop computer. The Director of the WBBA frowned at the portrait displayed on the screen.

“Reiji Mizuchi…” Ryo huffed in slight displeasure and anger.  A former Dark Nebula Organization Blader, Reiji disappeared after the events of the Battle Bladers Tournament. Even several months later, it was still unknown how he even managed to earn the 50,000 Bey Points needed to qualify. Even more fear-inducing was how he battled with no mercy in order to induce fear and terror in his opponents.

Though his rampage was halted by Gingka, Ryo still felt a twinge of anger at remembering Reiji’s use of a Dark Move, and how both Rock Aries ED145B and Flame Sagittario C145S were nearly destroyed in their respective battles, and how pieces of both Beys had been scattered around the Stadium by Reiji’s Bey, Poison Serpent SW145SD.

“So…how did he join Team Iron Elements, Hikaru?” Ryo finally asked.

“According to WBBA and Thailand’s government records, he left Japan two days after his elimination from Battle Bladers. He arrived in Thailand shortly after, and was recruited to their national team by their team teader, Takeru Ichika.'' Hikaru reported. “The other two regular members of Team Iron Elements, Chaow Marx and Dana Hyrdo, have also vouched for Reiji’s places on Team Iron Elements.”

“And their Beys?”

“Takeru uses Bakushin Susanow 90WF, an Attack-type. Chaow uses a Rock Capricorn ED145JB, a Defense-type, and Dana uses an Earth Delphinus GB145BS, a Stamina-type. Poison Serpent SW145SD is a Balance-type, Team Iron Elements possesses a strong Blader using each type of Bey.” Hikaru said. 

“I see.” Ryo said, turning back to the window. “And they are facing Team New Harmony in the C-Block first round?”

“Yes, Director.”

“Alright.” Ryo nodded, seeing the sun begin to set. “I think it’s time we call it a night, Hikaru. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“We certainly do, Director.” Hikaru said as she picked up her briefcase and powered off her computer. “Have you come to a decision about Gingka, though?”

“I have.” Ryo replied. “As Gingka won Battle Bladers, he has automatically earned a regular spot on Team Japan. As for the two remaining regular positions and the sub position…those members will be selected via the qualifying tournaments at Ten AM tomorrow. The top four will battle for the regular positions, and those who are defeated will battle for the sub position.”

“Very well.” Hikaru nodded. “Goodnight, Director.”

“Goodnight, Hikaru.”

====
The Bey Pit
Downtown District
====

As Madoka turned the sign on the door from “Open” to “Closed”, she looked up at the stairs that led to the guest room. Currently, Masamune and Gingka were asleep, both having spent the day training against each other and the Equestrian Team. 

“It was a good thing they did”, she thought, rolling her eyes in a self-humored manner. “Otherwise they wouldn’t be ready for the Qualifiers tomorrow.”

Before she closed the door, she looked up at the stars with a smile. Many of the Beys used around the world took their images in the form of the Constellations, such as Pegasus, Leone, L-Drago, and many other Beys.

Madoka shuddered slightly at thinking of Ryuga and his Bey. Neither had been seen or heard from since Battle Bladers, and seeing that Madoka was present for many of Ryuga’s battles…she privately hoped that Ryuga wouldn’t be or cause any more trouble going forward.

She closed the door, turned off the lights, and headed to bed, pushing the thought of the Dragon Emperor, Ryuga, out of her head. 

====
The next morning, Metal Bey City 
WBBA Stadium #6
====

To say that the excitement in the air was tangible was an understatement. A horde of Bladers in all shapes and sizes, carrying Beys of all kinds, had packed into the stadium and the grandstands to battle for a spot as one of Japan’s representatives, or to watch the battles unfold.

The Blader DJ had laid out the official rules about thirty minutes ago, and as the contestants filled out entry forms en masse, a group of Bladers watched from the sidelines. The members of Team New Harmony and Madoka sat on a grassy section of the grounds, watching the crowd.

“This place is packed.” Fluttershy said as she looked over her laptop. “I wonder how many Blades are here right now.”

“Good question.” Twilight said, as she spun Arcane Alicorn in her hand. “I was trying to count everyone, but I lost track a while ago.”

‘Well, that’s a first.” Shining Armor joked, earning him a playful elbow to the side from his sister. “Hey, where’s Gingka and Masamune? I thought they were staying with you, Madoka.”

“They headed out early to practice along the beach, I think.” Madoka replied. “I wonder how some of the other Bladers we know are doing?”

“Who are they?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, here, let me show you.”

The Equestrians looked to see a roster of Japan’s top Bladers appear on the screen of Madoka’s laptop. At the top position was Gingka, followed by Bladers, whom the Equestrians hadn’t met yet.

“He looks fierce.” Fluttershy said, pointing at a Blader with wild green hair and a sharp face. “Almost like a wild beast.”

“Seeing as that’s Kyoya, Gingka’s main rival, it makes sense.” Madoka said. “He was number three in Battle Bladers, and was actually the first to enter the Tournament as a whole. His Bey is Rock Leone 145WB, a Defense-type. He specializes in using wind control techniques to create tornado walls of various kinds.”

“That’s actually pretty cool.” Rainbow Dash said, reminded mentally of her flying skills back in Equestria. “Who else is competing?”

“You’ve met Kenta and Benkei already…oh, and Tsubasa is competing as well!” Madoka nodded. “Tsubasa battles with a finely honed technique and expert precision. His Bey is Earth Eagle 145WD, a Balance Type. He’s another Battle Bladers competitor as well. I think he came in fifth.” 

“Who’s that one?” Twilight asked, looking at an image that was greyed out, the silhouette of a Blader barely visible. “There’s no picture available.”

“That would be…Ryuga.” Madoka sighed. “He was the Dark Nebula Organization’s top Blader. He used the forbidden Bey, Lightning L-Drago 100HF, and used the Dark Power to steal the strength of the Beys that he fought. He was, simply put, very dangerous. He lost to Gingka in the finals of Battle Bladers, thank Heaven for that.” 

“Wasn’t the Dark Nebula a criminal organization?” Shining asked. 

“It certainly was. Ryuga didn’t care. He was a very powerful Blader, and he’s actually the reason Hikaru doesn’t battle anymore.” Madoka sighed. “She was his first opponent in the Battle Bladers tournament, and Ryuga defeated her Bey and put her into a coma with a single attack, along with Tsubasa and Kyoya when they also battled him.”

“Oh my gosh, Are they okay?” Fluttershy asked, now quite scared. 

“All three are okay now, but Ryuga or L-Drago haven’t been seen since.” Madoka said, closing her laptop. “The WBBA hasn’t found any trace of him since. I’ve even heard that Hyoma, an old friend of Gingka’s, is looking for him in the mountains around Koma Village.”

“Well, if he comes back…I suppose whoever battles him will have to be ready.” Shining said. At that moment, a bell sounded, signalling for the contestants to make their way to the Beystadiums inside.

“Well, that’s our cue.” Madoka said as they all got up. “Wanna go watch?”

“Sure.” Twilight said. “Let’s go!”

As the group headed towards the entrance that led to the private viewing areas, Twilight took in a breath of anticipation, and gripped Arcane Alicorn a little tighter as they ascended the stairs.
> Chapter 3 - A Battle Between Leaders
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the members of Team New Harmony settled into a viewing booth on the top floor of the Stadium to watch the selection tournament's many participants prepare, they suddenly heard a wailing cry of disbelief, followed by some muffled conversation, coming from the booth next to theirs.

"What was that?" Fluttershy asked. "Did someone get hurt?"

"I think that was Gingka, actually." Twilight said as she poked her head out the door. "Also, I think the only thing that got hurt…was his ego."
 
"How can you tell?" Applejack asked her friend, as she polished Burn Atlas's Fusion Wheel with a cloth. Her question was immediately answered as Gingka sulked into the room, and collapsed on a nearby couch.

"I take it Director Hagane told you that you've already earned a spot on Team Gan-Gan Galaxy as the team leader?" Twilight said. 

"It's so unfair, I wanted to battle too!" Gingka moaned in response, looking down at Galaxy Pegasus, and then outside to the Beyblade DJ, who was going over the tournament rules. "I guess I can't do anything about it, and I am glad that I'm on the team…it's just…"

"You got so worked up, it's hard to come down?" Shining Armor nodded. "Trust me, Gingka, I kinda know the feeling. Twilight, when she was younger, would study so much, it was the only thing she could focus on at times. It got so bad, she would try to study at dinner by hiding her textbooks under the table and would try to read them while she ate."


Gingka laughed at that, and Twilight blushed quite fervently at that embarrassing memory from her childhood, and that sight made everyone else present begin laughing as well.

“That’s so funny.” Rainbow Dash guffawed. “And totally like you, Twilight.”

“Oh, really?” Twilight smirked suddenly. “I remember when Shining wanted to surprise Cadance for their anniversary by cooking dinner for them both. That’s his wife, by the way.” She added when she saw Gingka’s confused expression. “And when he tried to take the garlic bread he spent a good amount of time on preparing, into the oven…he slipped on some bread dough that had fallen on the floor…and then made the house look like a blizzard had happened inside with a stray bag of flour, instead of snow.” 

This time, it was Shining who blushed in embarrassment, and everyone else laughed even more. Eventually, the conversation turned into each person present telling an embarrassing or humorous story, while occasionally checking on the progress of the Tournament below.

And when a blast of a horn sounded through the air, the group stopped to look outside.  The tournament clock had run down, and the DJ was proclaiming the names of the Bladers who had made it to the next round. To no one's surprise, Masamune and Yu came in third and fourth, and next was Tsubasa in second. Twilight did feel a little sad at seeing that neither Benkei or Kenta made it into the next round, but she was soon surprised to hear the name of the Blader who stood on top.

"Kyoya came in first?" Fluttershy spoke up."You must be happy for him, Gingka."

"I am!" Gingka replied as everyone stood up to rejoin Hikaru and Ryo. "And I know that I'll still have plenty of time to train with Galaxy Pegasus before the tournament begins!"

"Speaking of that…" Twilight said. "I think I need to do some training myself. Shall we find an open stadium, Gingka?"

GIngka nodded with an eager smile, accepting Twilight's implied challenge. They both took off towards the stairwell that led outside, leaving the rest of the Equestrian Team behind.

"Huh, I didn't see that one coming." Shining said, mystified at Twilight's challenge. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's see how this goes!"

====

It didn't take long to find a vacant Beystadium outside the arena, and as Twilight and Gingka both readied their respective Beys and took up stances to launch, the Equestrian team stood nearby to watch. 

"3…2…1…Let it rip!" they called out simultaneously, as both Galaxy Pegasus and Arcane Alicorn flew forward to hit the stadium, and the battle began. Gingka soon called for Pegasus to charge forward, and his Bey did so, racing towards Alicorn at an incredible speed.

"Stand fast, Alicorn!" Twilight responded, and as Pegasus impacted against her Bey, Alicorn tilted against Pegasus using its Around Sharp Performance tip, which deflected the incoming stream of attacks.

"Not bad!" Gingka called out with a smile. "You're off to a good start, Twilight!"

"Thanks, Gingka! But save the compliments for after the battle!" Twilight responded, ordering a counter-attack. Alicorn executed a smashing blow against Pegasus, who reeled backwards from the sudden strike.

"Keep going, Pegasus!" Gingka called, and the Bey redirected its course, readying itself for another attack. This time, however, Twilight was ready for it. As Pegasus charged forward, Alicorn nimbly veered to the side, and Pegasus was unable to correct its course in time. It flew into the air, and Gingka called for it to keep flying. Twilight was confused for a moment, but she soon remembered something that she had forgotten
Gingka's preceding Bey, Storm Pegasus 105RF, was powerful in its own right, but had been beaten in the past by Beys that could either manipulate the environment, or were capable of defending against attacks from above. In this case, those Beys were Kyoya's Rock Leone, Tsubasa's Earth Eagle, and strangely enough, his own disguised father's Bey, Burn Fireblaze 130 MS. 

Once they got Into the air, however, Storm Pegasus and now Galaxy Pegasus were second to none in terms of the power of its aerial strikes, and Twilight had allowed it to gain that advantage by not counterattacking properly.

"Do it now, Pegasus!" Gingka called. "Special Move, Pegasus Starbooster Attack!" 

Pegasus soon became cloaked in an aura of azure blue energy, and it hurtled downwards towards Alicorn. Twilight yelled for Alicorn to dodge, but as it moved to do so, Pegasus impacted against it. The two Beys stood firm in that moment, with Alicorn's Performance Tip redirecting the force of the attack, keeping it from being knocked out.

"Just hang on, Alicorn, You can do this! Keep fighting!" Twilight cried out passionately, and in that moment, Alicorn began to glow with a lavender aura of power. As the energy enveloped her Bey, Pegasus was thrown off, and it landed safely back in bounds of the stadium.

Alicorn, now channeling this power outward, released a pillar of purple energy into the air that soon spread throughout the stadium. Before Gingka or Twilight could react, everything went white as the resulting energy blast obscured their vision.

For several minutes, the outcome was in the air. But as the dust cleared, Twilight and Gingka saw that both Pegasus and Alicorn had stopped spinning in the middle of the stadium.

"That's it! The match is a draw!" Fluttershy sounded, and as Twilight and Gingka retrieved their Beys, Twilight realized she had come up with her Bey's first Special Move in that moment, and voiced her amazement.

"That's great to hear!" Gingka nodded. "That really was some awesome power!"

"Thank you, Gingka." Twilight nodded. "So, what happens next?"

"It's getting late by the looks of it." Shining said as Ryo and Hikaru approached. "We should get some shut-eye."

"Agreed." Rainbow said, giving off a yawn. As the six of them rejoined Ryo and Hikaru, who soon led them back to the WBBA building that served as their lodgings, the sun began to set over Metal Bey City. As the sky darkened and the stars came out, the Bladers who had assembled for the Tournament could only wonder what was to come the next day, as they all drifted off to sleep. 
====

At around Ten PM that night, Jason Pryce sat on the balcony of his team's second floor hotel suite, watching the stairs flicker overhead. His Bey, Strider Zinogre, lay nearby, glistening from being recently cleaned by his sister, Caitlin.

Stargazing was one of Jason's favorite activities, and he found it helped to soothe him on nights he couldn't sleep. In the time that he came from, Beyblading was a dying art, as the God of Destruction, Nemesis, had wreaked significant havoc upon the world before being stopped by the Legendary Bladers.

But in that time, those Bladers had been given all the power of evey Bey on Earth to defeat the Black Sun…and they had barely succeeded in saving the world, at the cost of losing one of the Legendary Blader's lives.

Jason knew not how this timeline would be altered, not only from he and his team venturing back the seven and a half years, or how they intended to tell Team Gan-Gan Galaxy eventually of their mission. That wasn't the challenge at this point, he thought. 

What had complicated their mission was the revelation that another team of Bladers, also coming from seven years into the future, had come back as well. Their motives and even their identities were unknown to Jason, and his thoughts dwelled on the possibilities of these Bladers becoming their allies…or their adversaries.

"Strange isn't it, Zinogre?" Jason said, picking up his Bey and gazing at it fondly. "We come back in time to change history, and now that we're here and we have our plan…it's almost as if each day that comes brings us closer to our goal, and our original time."

"But we won't fail. I'm sure of it." he continued. "This time and this world needs our help if they intend to stop Nemesis in time. It'll all begin once the Star Fragment falls, and the first two Legendary Bladers awaken."

"But that's not going to happen until after the World Championships. Until then…we just live and take everything as it goes. We've got plenty of time." he finished, standing up and reentering the suite. "At least, I hope so."

As he collapsed into his bed, he placed Zinogre his nightstand, and was soon asleep himself. The Bey shimmered for a moment, before the room was shrouded in darkness as the night went on.
> Chapter 4 - The Finals Begin, Part One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was now past midnight, and the entirety of Metal bey City was now as quiet as a tomb. Team New Harmony had turned in for the night, after making a quick stop at the Bey Pit to have Arcane Alicorn repaired. Light snores could be heard coming from the couch, where Masamune had crashed, Madoka had fallen asleep at her desk...everything seemed to be in order.

Except the guest room bed that Gingka had often slept in before was now empty, with the covers askew, and the window that led to the fire escape was ajar. 

Gingka, after making his late-night escape, looked back at the Bey Pit, a churning mix of emotions at the forefront in his mind. Ever since he had taken ownership of Galaxy Pegasus, and battled both Masamune, Chi-Yun, and Twilight, it seemed to Gingka that he hadn't yet  fully gained control over his Bey. 

Even though he kept telling himself that it had only been a few days since he rejoined Pegasus, and that time would help him fully master his new Bey's abilities, something in the back of his head kept telling him that something was amiss with either him or his Bey.

That voice woke him up at this hour, and Gingka had decided to walk it off with a moonlit stroll around town. As he took Galaxy Pegasus out of his belt-case, and held it in his hand, he could feel the steady, humming flow of power coming out of it. It was almost as if Pegasus hadn't been able to rest either, echoing Gingka's current feelings.

"Funny how that works." Gingka gave a quiet laugh as he strolled out of the city and towards the harbor district. "You know, Pegasus...no matter what it takes, I will master you, and we'll win the Beyblade World Championships, no sweat."

Gingka then paused, as he looked over towards a tunnel that lay below a set of train tracks. This was the exact spot he had first met Kenta upon his arrival in Metal Bey City, and to a lesser extent, this was also where he first encountered Benkei.

Gingka gave a small smile at the memory of the 100-to-1 Bey battle that he had been subsequently challenged to and won. That victory then led him to meet Kyoya, then Hikaru, Tetsuya...the list went on of the friends and rivals he had met ever since that one fateful evening.

"So many memories…" Gingka said as he turned to leave. "I wonder how things could've been different if I hadn't met Kenta that day…"

"You'd be a far different blader and person, I'd say."

Gingka turned to see Kyoya approach, looking as active as ever, even though it was the middle of the night.

"Congrats on getting first place." Gingka complimented. "Five hundred points…you've really gotten stronger so fast, even after Battle Bladers."

"Thanks, Gingka." Kyoya replied. After that there was a moment of silence, before Kyoya looked over and asked, "Something on your mind?"

"You could say that." Gingka said. "I'm just wondering why I haven't been able to fully control Galaxy Pegasus. I can feel its strength, even now, and…I just wish I could really connect to it now like I did with Storm Pegasus."

Gingka offered Kyoya Galaxy Pegasus, and he looked it over with his wild yet observant eyes. Kyoya too could feel the power inside the Bey in his hand, and he gave a small nod of approval.

"Well, it's certainly a big improvement." Kyoya said, handing Gingka back his Bey. "You wanna know what I think? You're probably going too far ahead and overthinking this whole situation. You just got this Bey, right?"

"Yeah…"

"Then don't try to force that connection." Kyoya said. "You taught me about the Blader Spirit, Gingka, so let me teach you something I've learned. Just give it time, Gingka. Pegasus will come around eventually, you're just too impatient."

"I think you're right about that." Gingka said. "I haven't battled seriously in so long, and...maybe I am being too impatient with Pegasus. I've still got all the time in the world to master it."

"Now that's more like it." Kyoya smirked, slapping Gingka on the shoulder in a reassuring manner. "You should rest up, Gingka. Tomorrow's gonna be a big day."

"You're right…same goes for you, Kyoya!" Gingka called as his rival walked off, but not before he gave a wave of farewell. Gingka then suppressed a yawn, and began his walk back to the Bey Pit. However, he didn't notice an older blader with orange and black hair, and wearing flame-marked attire watch from the treeline.

"Wow." Zyro remarked to himself. "I never thought I'd see Kyoya Tatagami teach Gingka something new about Beyblade. I guess it makes sense, since I'm seven years in the past."

He closed his eyes, and then, he opened them and turned to see another blader about his age approach.

"Do you need something?" Zyro asked. 

"Correct me if I'm wrong…" the other blader asked. "...but is that a Synchrome system Bey you're using?"

"It is…but how'd you know that?" Zyro asked. 

The other Blader simply held up his own Bey, and Zyro raised his eyebrows in surprise. He certainly didn't expect to see another Blader with a Synchrome Bey in this time period. As far as he knew, he, Shinobu, Sakyo, Kira, and Maru were the only ones who had or knew about them.

"So, you're from the future too?" he asked, and the Blader nodded. Zyro shrugged before offering his hand, and the other Blader shook it.

"I'm Zyro Kurogane, and this is my Bey, Samurai Ifrit."

Zyro took out his Bey, and offered a glimpse. The other Blader nodded, before taking out his own Synchrome Bey. Zyro recognized it as a Balance-type Bey, but other than that, the performance tip, spin track, element wheel, warrior wheel, and stone face were new.

"Jason Price." the other blader replied. "This is Strider Zinogre."

"Nice to meet you." Zyro smirked. "So, why'd you end up coming back in time?"

"That's…a long story." Jason replied. "I guess I can explain it as best I can. You guys had the Nemesis Crisis in your time, just like we did? And you came back after seven and a half years?"

"Yeah, and I wasn't alone. Some friends of mine came with me." Zyro said. "Same for you?"

"Yes." Jason nodded, sitting down on the grass. "That's where the similarities may end, though. I presume in your time, Nemesis was soundly defeated by the ten Legendary Bladers?"

Zyro nodded, and Jason sighed before continuing.

"In our timeline…it wasn't as clear-cut. Nemesis managed to take the Legendary Blader down with him, and…the world never really recovered from that loss. The sport of Beyblade as a whole continued…but the destruction wreaked across the globe left a permanent scar. Then, things went downhill even further."

"How so?" Zyro asked.

"All of the remaining legendary Bladers, plus others that had aided them, ended up disappearing, along with their Beys. Then, other famous Bladers began to vanish as well, just…out of the blue. By the time my friends and I managed to figure things out…it was too late. Nemesis, or what was left of it, was revived for a second time, and the world came to an end not too long after that."

"My team managed to jury-rig what was left of a powerful energy source, plus a bunch of prototype technology, into a time machine." Jason said, with a bit of sadness in his voice. "We promised the last Legendary Blader before he…died…that we would stop our future from happening, no matter what."

"It wasn't just my team and I that tried to come back." Jason added. "There were three more of our friends that held off Nemesis's forces while we made our escape. I'm not sure what happened to them."

"Woah, I…I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say." Zyro said, and Jason gave him a nod of appreciation before standing up.

"Thanks for that." Jason replied. "Hey, Zyro? If your team ever needs help with anything…let us know. You've got a cellphone, right?"

"That sounds good to me." Zyro nodded, and the two bladers exchanged their info. "See you around, Jason."

"Likewise, Zyro, and best of luck to you." 

The two bladers headed back to their respective hotels, and as Jason looked at Zyro's name and number in his phone's contact list, he smiled, finally feeling reassured that he could fulfill his team's promise for the first time since they arrived in the past.

"Now that we're not alone," Jason mused as he entered the hotel lobby  and scanned his card to enter the elevator."I think our job just got easier. The more allies we have…the better."

====

The next morning, Madoka knocked on Gingka's bedroom door, trying to rouse him for breakfast…with no success. After a few more minutes of knocking, she rolled her eyes and reached for the door handle.

"Okay, I'm coming in, Gingka, so don't say I didn't warn you!" she called out, opening the door. Her brows flattened at seeing Gingka wasn't even in the room, and judging by the fact that the window was open, he had made a quick escape.

"Oh, come on, Gingka." Madoka huffed, pulling the window down and shut. "I know that the selection tournament finals are today…but you should at least tell me you're leaving before you sneak out like this!"

"Whatcha mean by that?" 

"'GAH!" Madoka leaped around at hearing Gingka's voice, as he was standing in the doorway, wearing his usual clothes. Judging by the flecks of water in his hair, he had just gotten out of the shower.

"Don't surprise me like that, Gingka!" she barked, and Gingka quickly reassured her it wouldn't happen again.

"Anyway, where were you last night?" she asked as they both headed downstairs.

"I was just taking a walk, I couldn't sleep." Gingka replied, causing Madoka to look at him quite suspiciously as they finished descending the stairs, and upon seeing Madoka's expression, he sighed.

"I'm telling you the truth." he soon added. "I wasn't battling or anything like that."

"Prove it.'' She challenged him in an authoritative and skeptical tone. "Show me Pegasus, right now!"

Gingka pulled out Galaxy Pegasus with a scared "eep!", and to Madoka's relief, there were no signs of damage whatsoever as she looked it over.

"Well, I guess I owe you an apology." she said. "Come on, breakfast is getting cold by now."

As they entered the dining room, Gingka sat down while Madoka finished the cooking, and Masamune then got up from the couch, clearly awoken by the smell of fried eggs, bacon, orange juice, and toast.

"Smells great, Madoka!" he complimented. "I didn't know you could cook."

"I've always been cooking for myself, how else do you think I manage on my own?" Madoka responded, as she served herself and her two guests. "My parents may pay the rent, but I do pretty much everything else."

"Well, I'm not saying it's a bad thing." Masamune replied. "Anyway, what time does the finals start? I wanna get seated before anyone else can. You know what they say about the early bird, right?"

"Yeah, except we aren't birds, and this isn't a race, Masamune." Madoka admonished. "We've got plenty of time, so eat up while it's hot, alright?"

"Yeah!" both Masamune and Gingka replied, and they dug in. Madoka just shook her head, knowing all too well how both boys were always in a rush. Once everything was cleaned up, the three of them set out for the stadium where the finals were to commence. They were soon joined by Team New Harmony, Benkei, and Kenta when they arrived, and when they found their seats, were also surprised to see Chi-Yun and Mei-Mei were sitting behind them.

"I'm surprised to see you both here." Masamune raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't you want to be training right now?"

"This is training, just not the type you'd normally think of." Chi-Yun replied. "When you are to face an unknown opponent, learn everything you can about them, and spare no detail in doing so. As long as you prepare accordingly, you can overcome any odds in battle."

"Where'd you hear that?" Shining Armor asked. 

"It's one of the tenets of Beylin Temple, which is the school we primarily train in back home in China." Mei-Mei replied. "Seeing as its teachings have lasted for over 4000 years, it's quality advice."

Twilight was about to inquire more, when the Blader DJ took the field, and introduced the two bladers that now stood on opposite sides of the stadium below.

"This should be really interesting." Kyoya smirked. "I just hope you can keep up, Tsubasa."

"You shouldn't talk like that, Kyoya, you might regret it." Tsubasa responded, as he readied his launcher.

"Try and make me, why don't you!?" Kyoya called, as he took up his own launcher. As the audience watched with bated breath, the Blader DJ began the countdown.

"3…2…1…Let it rip!"
> Chapter 5 - The Finals Begin, Part Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both Beys impacted against each other in only a few seconds after launch, striking dead-center in the stadium. Sparks flew wildly as Rock Leone and Earth Eagle clashed, grinding against each other.

"Send him flying now, Leone!" Kyoya called, swiping his hand through the air. 

"Eagle, keep flying high!" Tsubasa countered, and Eagle did so, skillfully dodging Leone's initial attack. The attendees, who had already been on the edge of their seats before, jumped up with a resounding roar.

"The Stadium's going crazy, as both Leone and Eagle trade attack after attack!" the DJ proclaimed. "What a great start to this match!"

"Hmm…" Chi-Yun mused, drawing the attention of both Madoka and Twilight. "A Wide Defense performance tip, coupled with the Earth Fusion Wheel…Eagle is certainly a Balance-Type to be reckoned with…"

"However, Leone, as a Defense-Type using the Wide Ball Performance Tip, could certainly wear Eagle down over time…" Mei-Mei added quietly. "The opening exchange shows both Tsubasa's skill and technique, and Kyoya's great power. It's uncertain who will win this based on the Beys alone."

"You can analyze A Bey's performance just by looking at it?" Twilight asked, astounded. "That's really impressive, I guess four thousand years of training and teaching has had quite an effect on you, Chi-Yun.'

"To put it lightly, yes." Chi-Yun responded, and he was about to say something else, when a roar from Kyoya drew everyone's attention back to the battle at hand. Eagle had managed to lure Leone to the edge of the stadium using kiting attacks, and was on the verge of sending the opposing Bey into a Stadium-Out.

"Not bad, Tsubasa, but I'm far better! Lion Gale Force Wall!" Kyoya bellowed, and a raging tornado sprung to life, powered by Leone's Wide Ball Performance Tip. Eagle was launched backwards to the stadium edge, striking hard before recovering with ease.

"A tornado wall?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, as everyone shielded themselves from the raging winds. "That's a really cool move!"

"That's just one of Leone's specialties!" Benkei snapped back. "He's got this in the bag!"

"I wouldn't be so sure!" Yu retorted. "I'd bet Tsubasa's got a plan already formed to win this!"

Tsubasa, even through the raging roar of the tornado, smirked at hearing his friend's words. As a matter of fact, Tsubasa did have a plan already in mind.

"Cut through the wind, Eagle!" Tsubasa ordered, and his Bey began to skillfully navigate through the tornado wall. With relative ease, Eagle slipped under the wall and struck hard. The tornado wall dissipated, and Kyoya growled, realizing Tsubasa had played him.

"Not bad at all." Kyoya said begrudgingly. "But don't get ahead of yourself! Leone!"

Leone rushed forward and smashed into Eagle, driving it through the stadium wall, sending concrete splinters and rubble everywhere. Tsubasa called for Eagle to break free, and using its Wide Defense tip, Eagle slid underneath once again and dodged Leone's attacks.

"Nice try, Tsubasa, I'm not letting you get away!" Kyoya snarled. "Lion 100 Fang Fury, do it!"

As another tornado wall formed, the debris from Leone's rampage spun up into the vortex and then outwards like a barrage of bullets.


"Do you think that's possible in Equestria?" Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash, who weakly said "Probably, but it wouldn't be my style…" in response. 

"Their exchange of moves shows both the power of one and the skill of the other." Shining Armor said in disbelief. "There's no telling who'll win this."

"Go, Kyoya!" Benkei called, with Yu summarily responding with a cry of support for Tsubasa.

"Dodge it, Eagle!" Tsubasa called. "Break through that wall!"


"Not gonna happen!" Kyoya roared again. As concrete shards flew through the air, just like some kind of dancer, Eagle dodged again and again as it closed in on Leone. However, Kyoya gave a wide smirk as Eagle approached. Tsubasa's eyes widened, realizing that Leone was luring Eagle in for his next attack, and Tsubasa had fallen for the ruse. The crowd watched with bated breath, their attention solidly focused on the Beys as they charged towards each other,

"This match is decided." Chi-Yun murmured coldly, drawing the attention of both the Equestrians and Gingka's team. Twilight and Team New Harmony looked at her in a quite puzzled manner, as she and Mei_Mei stood up.

"No one's lost yet, Chi-Yun." Shining Armor noted. "Why do you feel the need to leave?"

"Because I've seen all I need to." Chi-Yun responded. "Mei-Mei, with me."

As Mei-Mei hastily bid the Equestrians, Gingka, Masamune, Madoka, Benkei, and Yu goodbye, as she and Chi-Yun headed for the exits, the Equestrians looked back at the stadium, realizing something big was going to happen.

"Eagle, fly now!" Tsubasa ordered, just as Kyoya called "Special move, King Lion Tearing Blast!"

As Eagle managed to move away from Leone's path, three tornado walls formed in sync, with each of them more powerful than the original Lion Gale Force Wall. However, Eagle didn't escape in time, and was swept up by the vortex and sent flying into the air.

"Eagle!" Tsubasa called out in worry. "Get out of there!"

"Try slipping under this attack, Tsubasa!" Kyoya snarled. "It's over now!"

"Not yet!" Tsubasa retorted. "You're forgetting something, Kyoya!"

"Oh, what's that?" Kyoya asked jokingly.

"An Eagle's true place is in the skies!" Tsubasa called. "Now, Eagle, Metal Wing Smash!"

Chi-Yun and Mei-Mei, who were at the exit doors, hastily turned around to watch the final exchange of attacks. As Eagle oriented itself for its own special move, Kyoya could only snarl and call for Leone to get ready. Eagle dove downwards at breakneck speed , its Spirit Beast appearing with talons beared for impact. 

"Leone, King Lion Furious Blast Shot!" Kyoya responded, calling on the Special Move that Leone had used in his match with Ryuga during Battle Bladers. Leone launched itself upwards and met Eagle's attack, stopping it cold. As both Beys returned to the ground, Tsubasa grimaced.

"No, I can't lose this!" he murmured to himself, as his heat gave a singular, powerful beat that drowned out everything else. "This is my chance to soar into the skies of the world!" As power began to well up inside him, Tsubasa was just about to embrace it, feeling a great anger beginning to form inside of him…when a familiar call echoed from the air. Tsubasa looked up to see the eagle he had raised calling to him from above. 

"Wait…No...this isn't me, this isn't who I am or how I battle!" Tsubasa mustered before calling out. "I will win this fair and square! Go now, Eagle!"

The anger inside him slowly receded, and the world came back into balance. Tsubasa breathed before calling out for Eagle to stand fast, and it did so, taking center stage.

"Heh, Leone, send that Bey flying right now!" Kyoya snarled, and Leone began a rampaging charge towards Eagle. Just as Tusbasa called for another Special Move, Counter-Stance, Leone impacted with the force of a battering ram.

"Win this now, Leone!" Kyoya roared with the force of a King. There was an impact, the ensuing explosion, and a cloud of smoke obscured the arena. As the obscuring smoke cleared, Tsubasa's face fell as he saw Eagle had spun to a stop at the edge of the stadium. The victorious Leone launched itself back to Kyoya, who smirked as the crowd roared to life.

"Eagle, sleep out! The winner is Kyoya!' the DJ proclaimed to much applause and cheers from all present. Gingka leapt over the spectator wall to congratulate his rival, much to Twilight's astonishment.

Tsubasa knelt down and retrieved Eagle, but the main question on Tsubasa's mind wasn't that he had lost the battle, but concern over the anger he felt and the sudden surge of power he had barely managed to resist.

As the applause quieted, Kyoya turned to face Gingka, who eagerly offered congratulations and a handshake. Kyoya simply turned on his heel and walked away. Even the DJ seemed surprised as Kyoya left, but not before he called out for all present to hear.

"Gingka, you listen up and you listen well. I'm going to the World Championships, but not with you! The next time we meet, we'll be opponents, not teammates! Tsubasa can have my place on Team Japan. I'll find another way there, and once I do, Gingka, you had better not lose until we meet again, and when that happens, I will defeat you! Do you hear me!?"

Gingka's jaw hit the ground as Kyoya walked away, much to the shock of all present. Even Ryo and Hikaru, who had been watching from a viewing booth above the spectators, were stupefied. Tsubasa slowly walked towards Gingka in concern. Gingka soon composed himself and headed back to his seat, as the DJ spoke once again.

"In a shocking twist, Kyoya has won the battle, but refused the position as the third member of Team Japan! The last regular spot on Team Gan-Gan Galaxy will now go to the winner of a final match between Tsubasa and Yu, the final two contenders!"

The entire stadium was silent at this, even when all the attendees filed out to leave. As the Equestrians followed Gingka, Masamune, and Madoka back to the Bey Pit, there was a general feeling of disbelief in the air.

"Gingka, are you okay?" Twilight asked, and Gingka gave a deep sigh.

"I'm not sure." Gingka replied. "I need some time to myself. I'll see you all tomorrow." 

Before anyone could protest, Gingka ran off and was gone in moments. Masamune looked at Madoka, who simply shrugged.

"Will he be alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"He'll be fine, hopefully." Madoka said. "Come on, let's head back so I can get dinner going."

As the Equestrians bid goodbye to Madoka and Masamune, the sun began to set over Metal Bey City. However, as Gingka ran through the city towards the waterfront, his usual place to find peace and quiet, a Blader with flame-styled hair looked over and moved to follow.
> Chapter 6 - The Warmup
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gingka didn't know how much time had passed as he walked through the streets on his own, heading straight towards the waterfront. Clutching Galaxy Pegasus in his hand, he looked down at his Bey with a sigh of frustration. Kyoya's final words to him after his match against Tsubasa had startled and unnerved him. Despite all that had happened since…Gingka still felt strange on the inside.

Taking a seat on a familiar stretch of grass, he placed Pegasus on the ground next to him. Even now, he could feel unbridled power coming off of the Bey, almost begging to be released in battle.

"What is going on with you, Pegasus?" Gingka whispered. "I've done everything I can to try and bond with you…but…I don't know where I went wrong!" 

"That's because you're thinking about it in the wrong way, Gingka." 

Gingka sat up in a startled manner, and saw an older Blader approach, wearing a blue and yellow leather jacket with a flame print, dark red jeans, and leather gloves. As he sat down, Gingka looked over at him with an expression of intrigue and curiosity.

"What do you mean, in the wrong way?" he asked, unsure what the older Blader was talking about.

"I used to think the exact same way you are now," the Blader nodded. "Then I realized that you can't force a Bey to bond with you. Pegasus is crying, Gingka. It also wants to bond with you. but you're holding it back from battle, and not letting it release all that power. A Bey can teach its Blader, just like a student letting the master learn something new."

Gingka was silent as the other Blader continued to speak. 

"I know you're excited at having your partner back, but you can't expect it to be the same as Storm Pegasus right off the bat. You need to keep learning, and keep trying to understand Pegasus, rather than trying to master it and going nowhere. I know this because you taught me that."

"I did?" Gingka sounded quite surprised. "Have we met before?"

"Not really." his new companion replied. "I have watched all of your battles, and I learned from them. It took quite some time to really bond with Pegasus and draw out the power of bond enough to defeat Ryuga in Battle Bladers.That was you and Pegasus, Gingka, both of you."

Gingka went slack, realizing what the Blader was saying.

"If you trust Pegasus as your partner, then let your Bey trust in you as well." The Blader finished, standing up and dusting some grass off of his jeans. "Remember that, will you?"

"Yeah, count on it!" Gingka said, feeling much like his old self again. "What's your name?"

The Blader smirked before replying, "Zyro Kurogane."

"Well, Zyro, I hope we meet again!" Gingka replied, before he tried to suppress a yawn. "I guess I should head on back and get some rest."

"Yeah, me too." Zyro said. "If you need anything, if you find us, we'll help you out, no sweat."

As the two Bladers went their separate ways, Zyro turned to his left and saw the rest of his team watching from a distance. Judging from their expressions, they weren't happy or upset with him."

"I thought we were trying to keep a low profile until the right time." Shinobu admonished Zyro, who gave an embarrassed shrug in response. "Though…I think that it should be fine since you didn't show him Samurai Ifrit."

"That is true." Sakyo nodded as the five of them headed back to their hotel. "At least there's no other Bladers with Synchrome Beys in this time."

Zyro came to a sudden halt, causing his friends to glance at him in surprise. After a few seconds, it clicked.

"Don't tell me…just don't tell me…" Kira sighed. "That there's more Bladers from the future here at this time?"

"Yeah…long story." Zyro replied. "Look, I'll tell you guys when we get back to the hotel. I only met him a day or so ago. His name's Jason Pryce, and his Bey is called Strider Zinogre."

"Strider Zinogre?" Maru asked, pulling up her laptop and beginning to search through her files. "Huh, there's no record of a Synchrome Bey called that in either the WBBA or DNA's records. it must be a brand new one."

"It was, seeing as I didn't recognize any of the parts it used." Zyro added. "It was a Balance-type, that was perfectly clear to me.'

"Well, hopefully we can catch up with Jason in the future." Kira nodded. "Come on, let's get moving. I reckon it's not long before the sunrise, and we've got a busy day tomorrow."

====

As the members of Team New Harmony roused themselves to the morning sunlight, Shining gave off a yawn, looking over at the other side of his bed with a forlorn expression.

"What's wrong, Shining Armor?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You look like you just lost your best friend."

"It's not that." Shining replied. "I just miss being able to wake up next to my wife. I've taken trips abroad before when I was the Guard Captain, but…this is a little different since we're in a different world entirely."

"Ah…" Applejack nodded. "Well, hopefully we can find some way to talk to our folks back home sometime soon. Not to mention it's almost time for breakfast, and after that, the match between Yu and Tsubasa."

"That's right!" Twilight chimed in. "Let's get moving, then. I'd hate to be late to such an important event."

After the others agreed and quickly got changed into their normal clothes, they approached a private room with a breakfast buffet already set up for them. Thankfully, the WBBA had prepared a vegetarian meal set for them while they were on Earth, knowing that the Equestrians didn't eat meat. It had initially been a supply problem but luckily, the WBBA's connections allowed for a well-liked caterer to come up with the whole ensemble on short notice. 

As the Equestrians quickly dove in, Hikaru poked her head into the room.

"Excuse me, but the C-Block bracket has been finalized." she said, handing Twilight a tablet with a tournament outline on the screen. "First, you'll be going against the team representing southeast Asia. They're called Team Iron Elements, and they're primarily based in Thailand."

"Whatever team advances will go against the representatives from Mexico, team Soledad. After that, the victors will go up as one of the two wild card teams. The A-Block and B-Block will battle, and the losing team in the semifinals will go up against you."

"Sounds good." Twilight replied. "Do you have any information on this Team Iron Elements?"

"Plenty, I'll make sure to send you their team roster once Yu and Tsubasa's battle is decided." Hikaru nodded. "We should all get moving. We've got thirty minutes before the match begins, and it's a twenty minute drive to the stadium."

As the Equestrians nodded and wrapped up their meals, they followed Hikaru out towards the parking garage, where Director Hagane was waiting for them.

"I hope you're excited!" he smirked, taking the wheel. "Chances are whoever wins here might be a future opponent. I'd learn all you can."

"We plan to." Twilight nodded as they car pulled out of the garage and onto the road, heading for the stadium.