Dark, thick clouds swirled in the sky above the empty stadium. While Gingka Hagane was going up against Ryuga, the frightful Blader of the Dark Nebula, an aura of fear filled the area. All who were present felt chills as his dark energy and red eyes emanated power.
Standing on the edge of the battle stage, Ash stood beside Kenta and Madoka, his eyes wide with wonder and concern. This was not a regular battle; it was a clash of titans that would shake the Beyblade world to its very foundations.
"It's incredible I'm actually watching this." Ash breathed.
Madoka's eyes were on the stage. "That's Ryuga, L-Drago user. Bey's illegal left-spinning trend."
Kenta went on, "And the only one who ever stood any chance against him is Gingka."
Taut as a pulled bowstring, there was tension in the air.
Ryuga smiled. "Gingka, are you still after friendship and justice? Terrible."
Gingka's expression grew serious. "I'm not going to let up this time. Whatever, I'll stop you and the Dark Nebula!
With its ominous red glow coming from L-Drago, Ryuga raised his launcher. Try it if you dare. But L-Drago triumphs.
"3. 2. 1. LET IT RIP!"
With a deafening crash, the two Beyblades clashed, producing shockwaves throughout the stadium.
"Go, Pegasus! Starblast Attack!" Gingka shouted.
As Galaxy Pegasus rammed into L-Drago, its energy exploded in a blinding flash of blue light. Ryuga, though, did not back off.
"L-Drago! Soaring Destruction, Dragon Emperor!
Having absorbed the attack, L-Drago retaliated with a burst of dark energy, crashing into Pegasus and sending it careening across the stadium.
Ash's heart pounded in his chest. "That power is insane!"
Madoka's fists tightened. "Spin-stealing is L-Drago's special ability. It becomes stronger by devouring the energy of opposing Beyblades."
Kenta's eyes widened. "So Ryuga is just getting stronger because of Gingka's attacks?"
Pegasus was struggling to maintain its spin in the center of the arena. Gingka gritted his teeth and focused. "I've trained for this. I won't give up!
In a bid to overwhelm L-Drago, Pegasus charged forward again and attacked from every angle. Pegasus was fighting back, and for an instant it looked like it could work.
"All right, Pegasus! "Spiral Force!"
As Pegasus slammed into L-Drago, the arena erupted in a spiral of blue energy.
The stadium was filled with a huge explosion.
He could feel the heat emanating from the collision, but Ash protected his eyes from the blast. Everyone held their breath until the smoke cleared.
L-Drago was still moving, barely spinning. But Pegasus had slowed sharply.
Ryuga growled, "You're persistent… but futile. L-Drago! Emperor Meteor!"
L-Drago launched itself into the air and fell like a comet, its red aura burning. The blow caught Pegasus full-on, blasting it into the ground with a sonic crash.
Pegasus staggered and stopped.
The voice of the referee echoed, almost drowned out by the subsequent silence: "Winner: Ryuga."
Gingka dropped to his knees, heaving and dripping with sweat. With a mixture of admiration and frustration, he looked at his defeated Pegasus.
Ryuga turned away. "Gingka, you've become stronger. But in the face of true power, strength is irrelevant. I'll always be stronger than you. None of you will.
His laughter echoed ominously around the arena as he vanished into the shadows.
Ash ran over to catch up to Gingka. "Gingka! Are you okay?"
Gingka nodded slowly. "I'm fine. All Pegasus needs is some rest."
Next to him, Madoka knelt, already scanning for damage on Pegasus. "That was a brutal collision. the energy levels were off the charts."
Ash tightened his fists after looking down at Pegasus. "Ryuga isn't an ordinary Blader. He is outstanding. and I'd like to get there."
Gingka smiled faintly at him. "Ash, you have heart. The first step is that. But it will take more than heart to beat someone like Ryuga. Discipline, experience, and the will to overcome seemingly impossible hurdles are required."
Ash nodded firmly. "I'll train harder after that. One day, I'll be a Blader who can battle Ryuga."
Gingka set a hand on Ash's shoulder. "And I'll help you get there."
The clouds parted above, and the sun burst through with golden beams onto the battered stadium. The storm had passed, but the war was only just starting.
Ash gazed out towards the horizon, Storm Greninja firmly in his grasp. The fight against Ryuga had ignited a flame within him. One that would not be doused until he stood atop—powerful enough to guard his friends and vanquish even the most sinister enemies.