(Y/N) wasn't the best blader in the world. She didn't devote all her time to beyblade. She certainly didn't take the sport too seriously. For her it was just a way to blow off some steam. The same way she blew off steam by fighting too. By punching a bag of flour until it exploded, covering her in white dust.

After a particularly rough day at school, she had gone up to the roof and started practicing. She was a good blader, but she didn't battle others much. So she figured she was only decent. After about an hour she heard footsteps. That meant the beyclub was going to take their turn to practice. She packed her things and put her bey in her holder. She pushed her launcher into her bag and snapped it close.

"Hey, guys." She waved and Valt enthusiastically waved back. "Where are you going, (Y/N)?" he asked. She looked at the members. Wakiya was missing. So was Shu. As was Ken. It wasn't a surprise but she still felt a pang of hurt. It really was the start of a new era.

"Just gonna go home and rest. It has been a rough day today." She ruffled his hair, pulling his headband a little towards the front. "See ya." She said as she patted Rantaro's arm before leaving.

Rantaro smiled a little. "Everything sure is changing." Daina sighed.

It really is, (Y/N) thought a little sadly. Oh well.

•—•—•—•—•—•—•

"Is that... Free?" I nudged Daina. His eyes were scanning the crowd and landed on Free de la Hoya. "The most powerful blader in the world." He murmured. "Hm..."

"Oh-h! I'd love to meet him!" I turned, grinning, to Daina. Grabbing his arm I tried to plead. "Come on, let's go!" Daina rolled his eyes. "He's going to battle, dummy. We can't exactly break rules just to meet him."

I sighed defeatedly. Like always, he was right. I slumped in my seat with my chin in my hands. I started enviously at Valt pressing his forehead against Rantaro. Arguing about who was going to battle no doubt.

Wait.

"Daina. Is that Valt?"

"What?" His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "I'm playing against Valt?"

"Hey, I could play against him too." I elbowed him.

"Sorry, I just didn't expect—"

"Valt to play. Yeah, I get it." I ran a hand through my hair. "Well. We'll see how it goes." I secretly hoped I could go against him.

No such luck, though.

"Go, Daina!" I cheered. "(Y/N) is here too?!" Valt yelled. "Oops." I tilted my head to the side.

Daina sighed. "Valt, don't think I'm the same blader you fought against before. I'm here to win." He gave him a fierce look and Valt hesitated, taking a step back.

"Hey! No way! I'm gonna take this battle!" Valt pulled out Valkyrie.

Daina pulled out Deathscyther. "Get ready." Daina said kneeling and getting ready to pull the string.

•—•—•—•—•—•—•

"It's okay, Daina. You tried your best." I patted his shoulder. "Now it's my turn." I grinned, showing teeth. I pulled out my bey. Stepping into the platform I looked at the stadium. No flaws, no cracks. I'm ready.

Then I faltered. My bey slipped past my fingers. I caught it in time. "F-Free?" My mouth dropped open. "I'm battling against Free!" I turned excitedly to Daina. He let a breath out, exasperated with my excitement.

"Are you going to spend the whole time staring at your boyfriend? Or are we actually going to battle? Not that it will be much of one." Free said in his monotone voice.

"Hey! He's not my boyfriend!" I said my face flushing. "What do you mean it won't be a battle? Do you not want to?"

Free laughed. "I'm saying that this will be an easy win." He held out Frafnir. Tilting his wrist a little, he bent down.

I tried to ignore his comment.

The battle had begun.