Your POV 

We made it through the next round. 

I was up against Norman Tarver, who proved to be a challenge, was managed to be defeated. A wide smile graced my lips as I recalled the memory, walking back to my allocated training area. I had a feeling he was under the mask of a certain golden-eyed masked blader from Snake Pit. These Snake Pit people needed to be put down. And a certain someone needed to come back to me. I pressed my hand up against scanner, before the door slid open. The windows had been left tinted, and I didn't bother to change it from that. 

Collapsing on the blue bench, I reached for my drink bottle. I lifted the tip to my mouth, pouring water into my parched windpipe. I paused for a second, letting the fresh water trickle into my body, feeling the cold air wash over me, calming my sweaty face down. 

Xcalius was still perched in my hand, glowing from the triumph of it's victory. Over these past days our bond has grown stronger, constantly communicating with each other. Though one thing remained a mystery. When was it going to evolve?

I opened my eyes and stared at the bey with the golden sword. I knew it was going to evolve, that's for sure. I could feel it, like an intense build-up to a dramatic moment. But when exactly, I had no idea. Even during my battle with Norman, I felt nothing new. We were extremely close, but not quite there yet. 

The TV flashed with colour and the emblem of the God Blader's cup, signaling the arrival of our match-ups tomorrow. Hanami's usual cheerful face appeared on TV, no idea how dangerous this tournament actually was. None of the audience knew what it was. To them, it was just a show of the greatest bladers facing off to become the winner of a spinning-toy tournament. To the competitors, it was a battle field of war and love. All of us knew that and about the Snake Pit bladers. 

'Let's switch things up and start with Group B, shall we?' beamed Hanami. The applauds and cheers could be heard from the TV, and from the stadium. We have the towering giant Xander Shakadera facing off against our reigning champion, Free De La Hoya! Our second match will pit the white tyrant Lui Shirasagijo against the Kung-Fu king, Renwu Sun! And our last but not least match up, is the movie star Joshua Burns up against the wonder boy, Valt Aoi!'

I nodded subtly, alright with these match-ups. Although it was obvious who was going to be the winner out of these. I crossed my fingers, but I knew that there was no need to. Valt would be just fine and would crush the Zac-wannabe. I should really talk to Zac about my relationship problems, but they were mine, not his. I need to concentrate on myself and solve my own problems. I need to trust my own heart and instincts. 

'And now, Group A!' announced Hanami. 'We have the almighty emperor Kurtz Baratier up against the rising blader, Norman Tarver! Next, we have Boa Alcazaba who also emerged from the shadows, versing the acrobatic Cuza Ackerman!'

Be safe, Cuza, I thought, but then another thought approached me that filled me with all sort of emotions. Anger, dread, love, wistfulness and melancholy. 

'The last match up will be against (y/n) (l/n), attempting to defeat the seemingly unstoppable Shu Ku- I mean Red Eye!'

It was finally time to face my fears. This would test my strength, and prove my worth to Xcalius. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I was going to give it everything I've got. 

I will do so much more than attempt to beat Shu.

----------------------

Breakfast was exploding with noise from BC Sol the next day. Even as I was walking down the stairs, I could hear the laughs, cheers and yells. Rolling my eyes, I picked up my tray, loaded it with sausages and scrambled eggs. I know it wasn't much, but I was desperate to get away from the noise. All I needed was peace and concentration. 

Hoping nobody would notice me, I walked softly out of the door and nearly succeeded until my hand was on the knob and Chris appeared behind me. 

'What are you doing?'

I turned back to the BC Sol owner, who had a small, curious smile on her face. A nervous one was quickly drawn onto my features. 

'Nothing.'

'Then come back and sit with us. Please?' Chris asked. When I shook my head, she sighed. '(y/n). I want you to feel like you're a part of BC Sol. I've always been worried about you. It seems like you're constantly focusing on your beyblade career that you forget how important the loved ones around are.'

My eyes widened as my heart panged, but I kept it hidden. 'T-Thanks Chris, but I...just need some thinking time to sort through my heart. My next opponent is my, uh...'

I couldn't bring myself to say it. Ex-boyfriend. Not aloud. 

'Oh.' Realization hit Chris. Sympathy flooded her face. 'I understand. But please think about my words.'

'I definitely will,' I nodded, opening the door. Closing it behind, a sweet spring scent hit my nose. Was it already spring? Last spring had been so different. I was back in Japan, participating in the National Tournament, making promises and breaking them. I let out a sad exhale before trudging my way to the gardens. 

-------------------------

I picked a hidden spot near a river. A mahogany bench glistened, inviting me to sit down. The cherry blossom tree above me, imported from Japan, let it's pink petals descend down, so that petals adorned my (h/c) hair. I collapsed on the bench, letting the wind sway me for a couple of seconds as I closed my eyes. 

'It seems like you're constantly focusing on your beyblade career that you forget how important the loved ones around are.'

I didn't realize how true that was. Last spring, I was also forced to make a decision that would change his life, as well as mine. And I made the wrong choice. 

A lonely tear of cold, salty water trickled out of my closed right eyelid, staining my cheeks by itself. 

This is all my fault. 

For weeks, all I could think about at night was the decision. But I never realized just how dastardly it was. Both Shu and I was presented with a choice. Beyblade career or love. We both chose our career. Yet it ruined our lives. Shu transformed into a completely different ruthless person fueled by hate and anger, associating himself with an underground training facility. That wasn't like him. He often wanted to get stronger by himself, not depending on others. And I respected that. But if I had chosen love, ditched the BC Sol position, I could've gone to the Raging Bulls with Shu and prevented whatever happened there to change Shu. 

It's all my fault. 

My head flew into my hands as I let the sobs I tried to contain surface. It wracked my ribs, all of the sadness, grief and guilt overwhelming me. But I deserved it. I deserved so much more worse than this. 

'(y/n)?'

'Go away!'

I knew who it was. But I didn't want him around. Not after I broke his heart. I didn't want to rub salt on the wound. All I really wanted was to have the old Shu back, his comforting arms wrapped around me. But he was gone. 

Because of me. 

'(y/n),' the world champion softly spoke, sitting next to me, too close for my comfort. 'I know why you're crying.'

'Do you?' I challenged him, still not turning to face him. My head laid buried in my hands. 

'Yes,' he took a deep breath. 'Chris told me how troubled you're feeling. She just wanted my to check on you. But she was worried that you might try to push me away.'

Well, she was right, I was tempted to say. But what Chris had said earlier had come to my mind. I couldn't refuse anyone and shut everyone out. That's was how I lost Shu. I sighed and sat upright again, my face a mess. Snot and saliva everywhere, red marks staining my face. But frankly, I didn't care. 

'I'll try not to,' I managed a weak smile. Suddenly, Free was staring intensely at me. 

'(y/n),' he repeated my name. 'I know why you're crying. You did not make the wrong decision.'

'No, no, Free. I did,' I sniffled. 

'But look how good you've become at beyblading!' Free gestured to the tournament tower. 'You were even invited to the international individual championship! You lead your team to victory during the team finals! This was the best thing that could ever happen to you!'

'Free, I broke your heart! ' I cried. 'I couldn't stop Shu from becoming an entirely different person. How is that the best thing that could every happen to me? You don't know what it feels like to care for other people. Winning isn't everything. Some things are more important in life. I wish...I wish I had stayed with Shu. Even if it meant giving up my beyblade career.'

A long, lengthy silence stretched over our conversation. His eyes were glued on mine intensely, but I returned the same fierce stare. Finally reluctant understanding shone in his eyes. 

'I hate to say this...but you and Shu are meant for each other,' Free admitted grudgingly. 'You would change your life for him. I-I'm sure he would to.'

Another long silence replaced words. A small smile graced my lips. 

'Thank you, Free,' I whispered. 'For understanding all of this. I-I don't know how you can handle this, but...thank you.'

'You're welcome,' Free nodded, standing up, although his eyes still held sadness, longing for something he couldn't have.  It hurt me greatly as well. All this blood and guilt stained on my hands. The worst punishment ever. 'And, (y/n)...stay strong. If anyone was to beat me and win this tournament...it's you.'

My heart panged as I knew I didn't feel the same way about him. I opened my mouth to say something, but Free paused me. 

'And I need to say thank you to you,' said Free, beginning to walk away. 'This conversation taught me something. The triumph of victory is nothing compared to the feeling of love.'

He walked away slowly, leaving me behind. 

'Free, wait,' my voice hitched. He didn't turn around, but he stopped, letting me know he was listening. I took a deep breath. 'Can we still be friends? And on good terms?'

'When were we ever on bad terms?' asked Free, turning his head around and tilting it slightly to the side. A smug smile was drawn onto his features as he walked away, leaving me standing behind underneath the falling petals of the cherry blossom tree. 

'Hey, all you bladers! You know what time it is...bey o-clock!' Hanami's loud voice could be heard even from all the way in the Japanese gardens, opposite fair. His voice was enough to shake me out of my confused trance. I clenched my jaw and began running towards the tower. 

I had a match to win.

------------------------

Oops, I had intended to write the whole battle. Guess I got a little carried away with Free and the main character's conversation. 

REMEMBER...VOTE...COMMENT...SHARE!!!!

Word Count: 1920