Chapter Text
Spryzen regarded its owner with a deep sense of concern, observing the pain etched on Shu's features with keen interest. Shu was a fierce and formidable competitor, feared by many in the world of Beyblade, but Spryzen knew that his physical and emotional well-being was critical to their success. If Shu pushed himself too hard, he would not only risk losing the battles that lay ahead but also jeopardize his health in the process.
As they sat together in silence, Spryzen's avatar gaze fixed intently on Shu, the memories of Valt’s and Shu’s long and complicated history flashed before its eyes. They had been through so much together, from their early days as childhood friends, to their battles together as teammates in the Raging Bulls, and their eventual separation when Shu left to join BC Sol after Valt's mysterious disappearance.
Now, with Valt revealed to be the enigmatic Blue Eye, a figure who had shocked the world with his identity, their bond was more important than ever. Shu was determined to save his friend, to help him overcome the darkness that had taken hold of him. But Spryzen knew that Shu's own health must come first if they were to have any hope of achieving their goals.
"You must rest, Shu," Spryzen said firmly, its voice resonating with quiet authority. "Your well-being is more important than any battle. If you push yourself too hard, you will only make things worse for yourself and for us."
Shu's expression was one of stubborn resolve, his fierce determination overriding his physical exhaustion. "I can't give up now," he insisted, his eyes blazing with an intense fire. "We have a duty to win this battle. Valt needs us."
Spryzen sighed inwardly, recognizing the depth of Shu's commitment and the strength of his friendship with Valt. But it also knew that he was in no condition to fight, his body aching and his strength ebbing away with each passing moment.
"Listen to me, Shu," Spryzen said, its voice unwavering. "Resting now will make you stronger for the battles ahead. You cannot help Valt if you are too weak to fight. You must prioritize your own health, for the sake of us both."
For a long moment, Shu looked into Spryzen's eyes, seeing the concern and care reflected there. He knew that his Beyblade was right, that he needed to take a break and regain his strength. It was not just about winning the battles that lay ahead, but about protecting his own bond with Spryzen, a bond that had been tested many times but had never been broken.
Taking a deep breath, Shu nodded slowly, his expression softening. "You're right," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to regain my strength. Thank you for reminding me that my health is important."
As he settled back against the soft grass, his Beyblade still held firmly in his hands, Shu felt a sense of peace wash over him. He could still hear the comforting hum of Spryzen, the sound of its virtual voice reassuring him that they were in this together.
And as he lay there, gazing up at the sky, Shu couldn't help but wonder about Valt and his mysterious transformation into Blue Eye. He wonders how long had Valt been hiding this from him? Why didn’t Valt come to him if he was feeling troubled? They had been together for so long, yet it seems like Shu didn’t know Valt well enough to notice the red flags.
He thought back to a couple months ago, back to the warm and bubbly smile that had always been present on Valt's face. Could he ever have that kind of bond with his own Beyblade? Could he ever achieve the same level of trust and understanding that Valt seemed to share with his own Beyblade?
As Shu pondered these questions, his mind began to drift off, his body finally succumbing to the exhaustion that had been building within him. But he knew he couldn’t sleep on the floor, hesitantly he pulled himself up from the spot that he had adjusting to resting in. He gave one final glance at his beyblade before putting it away in his carrier belt.
Shu's exhaustion was palpable as he trudged down the hallway and into the building, his eyes heavy with weariness. He could feel the weight of the upcoming match bearing down on him, threatening to crush his spirit. It was as if he was carrying the weight of the entire world on his shoulders.
As he walked, he noticed the other bladers passing by, their faces etched with determination and grit. But one blader caught his eye, and his heart skipped a beat. It was Lui.
Shu had always felt a sense of unease and perhaps agitation around Lui. There was something about the younger blader that made Shu's skin crawl, something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Maybe it was the way that Lui always seemed to be watching him, as if waiting for him to make a mistake. Or maybe it was the way that Lui always seemed to know what Shu was thinking, even before he had a chance to voice his thoughts. Or maybe it was the fact that Lui was the reason Shu had a scar on the right side of his face.
But now, as Lui stood with his back pressed against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, Shu could sense something different about him. There was a tension in the air, a palpable sense of unease, as if something was about to snap.
“Kurenai," Lui said, his voice low and menacing. "You better know what you’re doing tomorrow.”
Shu bristled at the tone, but as he looked into Lui's eyes, he could see something else there, something that he hadn't seen before. It was a glimmer of worry, a hint of fear, that twisted at Lui's features. It was as if Lui was afraid of what would happen tomorrow, afraid of the outcome of the match.
Shu could have made a snarky remark, could have told Lui to mind his own business. But instead, he chose to respond with patience and understanding.
“The match is not until the afternoon," Shu said, his voice measured and calm. "I have just finished training and now I need some long-awaited sleep to prepare for tomorrow.”
Lui and Shu held a long stare off, their eyes locked in a silent conversation. It was as if they were communicating telepathically, their thoughts and emotions flowing between them without the need for words.
As Lui turned to leave, Shu caught a glimpse of something in his eyes, a glimmer of understanding and empathy that he had never seen before. It was a small gesture, but it gave Shu a sense of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, they were finally on the same side.
For a moment, Shu stood there in the hallway, watching as Lui disappeared around the corner. He could still feel the tension building inside him, still feel the weight of the upcoming match pressing down on him. But now, he felt something else too. He felt a sense of camaraderie, a sense of connection, or maybe it was a small form of agreement that they’ll forget once the battle is over.