The air was heavy. Ash had never felt the tension in the air before. Something was different now that he and his friends stood in the darkness of a tall, old stadium after having just beaten the Dark Nebula scouts by a hair.
Kenta swallowed. "Ash. Are you sure about this? We have no idea who we are dealing with."
Madoka surveyed her surroundings while tweaking her glasses. "This location is risky. I feel it."
Ash smiled. "We're here if it's risky."
At that point, the stadium shook with a low, menacing laugh. Kenta's spine bristled with fear. A figure stepped out of the darkness. The air seemed thicker just because of him.
His sharp red eyes, wild silver locks, and wicked grin made it clear that he feared *nothing*.
Ryuga.
Madoka gasped. "That's him—the Dragon Emperor."
Ryuga's smile grew wider as he tilted his head slightly. "So, you're the new Blader causing a stir?" He said in a deep, assertive, and arrogant tone. "I expected something...… more."
Ash's fists were balled. "Who are you?"
Ryuga chuckled. "The people below me don't care about names. But if you must know. My name is Ryuga. And this—" He held up his hand, showing a Beyblade no Ash had ever laid eyes on. "—is L-Drago."
The name alone sent shivers through the air. As if it were alive, the Beyblade glowed with an eerie, red light.
Madoka's hands shook. "That is a Forbidden Bey."
Kenta took a step back. "A Beyblade that absorbs power?"
Ryuga laughed at their fear, enjoying it. So, you're not wholly in the dark. That's great. His red eyes sparkled with challenge as he turned to Ash. "You. Battle me."
Ash grinned. "You don't have to invite me twice!"
Madoka gripped his arm. "Are you out of your mind, Ash? L-Drago is not an ordinary Beyblade! It drains the energy from other Beys! Storm Greninja might be destroyed if you lose!
Ash looked at her sternly. "Then I just won't lose."
Ryuga smiled. "Gallant words. But let's see if your Bey is a match for them. He raised his launcher."
Ash did the same.
"3….. 2….. 1….. LET IT RIP!"
A burst of energy exploded the moment their Beyblades landed in the stadium. Ash had never witnessed L-Drago perform like this before—it didn't slow down. Instead, L-Drago seemed to soak up the impact and gain strength every time Storm Greninja's attack connected.
"What?" Ash's eyes widened. "That isn't possible!"
Ryuga let out a dismal laugh. "Is it? Don't you already know about the difference in our skill levels?"
No matter how hard Storm Greninja tried to keep it off, L-Drago just grew stronger, faster, and deadlier with every attack.
Kenta's fists tightened. "You can't beat that, Ash!"
Ash wasn't about to give up, though. "I won't ever give up, no matter how powerful you are!"
"Storm Greninja, Aqua Dash!" he shouted, grinding his teeth.
With incredible quickness, Greninja weaved frantically before colliding with L-Drago. The stadium trembled as a tremendous shockwave burst forth from the collision.
Madoka gasped. "Did he do it?"
The stadium was quiet for an instant.
Then Ryuga's smile came back. "Not bad. but not enough."
L-Drago glowed menacingly red. It turned the other way suddenly.
Madoka's eyes grew wide. "Is that a left-spin Beyblade?
L-Drago consumed the remaining momentum of Storm Greninja and launched it into the air across the stadium before Ash could even blink. Greninja's spin dwindled to a halt as it landed on the ground.
Game over.
Ash clamped his jaws tight. "No way."
Ryuga chuckled. "Hmph. Exactly as I expected. You are not strong." He turned around and carried off L-Drago. "The power of a true Beyblade has no match among you Bladers who rely on normal strength."
Ash's fists tightened. Despite losing, he burned with anger within.
Madoka hurried over to him. "Ash! Are you okay?"
Rubbing the dirt off of his jacket, Ash slowly stood. "I'm fine."
He glared at Ryuga's fading figure. "I will battle him again. And I'll win the next time.
Not even glancing back, Ryuga laughed. "I'll be waiting."
Ash did know one thing as he disappeared into the darkness: his Blader life was far from over.