SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 3 out, this is Chapter 4 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny and my OC.

Chapter 4: The Truth About Light and Darkness

After Phoenix's fight against Doji...

"How can this be...?" Ginga was shocked to see the person who was hidden behind Phoenix's mask.

"Ginga." Ryūsei removed the metal part of his destroyed mask. "It's been a long time."

"Father..." Ginga stammered. "Is it... really you?"

"Phoenix is..." Madoka gawked.

"Ginga's dad?" even Kenta was shocked.

"But, didn't Ryūsei-jii-san..." Hyoma blinked.

"I am not one to die so easily." Ryūsei bragged. "I am the Phoenix; I have been reborn again."

"What do you mean 'Phoenix'?" Ginga retorted. "How could you... how could you actually do this to me? What were you possibly thinking? If you were alive, why didn't you come to see me right away?" he sobbed. "Father!" he threw himself into Ryūsei's arms.

"Ginga, I'm so sorry." Ryūsei apologized. "Right now, we'd better hurry up and rescue your friend, Ginga."

"That's right." Kenta remembered. "Yu needs us."

After getting Yu out of the Dark Nebula base...

"All right, time to talk, Dad." Ginga started off after the group settled in his assigned waiting room. "I want you to tell me what's going on. Why have you been hiding the fact that you're alive from me by taking a new name and wearing that mask?"

"I owe you that." Ryūsei admitted. "But in order to explain that, I must start by telling you about Beyblade's history. Long ago, long before the Bey village, a large star fell from the sky on that spot."

"A star?" Yu echoed.

"Technically speaking, a meteorite." Hyoma corrected.

"However, that star was not the only one that fell." Ryūsei continued. "In an unknown, far-off land, inside that star that fell on that land, was hidden an evil, dark power. The people of the day were enchanted by that power and from a fragment of the star, they created an evil top that would become the foundation for L-Drago. The evil top was somehow able to absorb the people's feelings of desire, anger and hatred. Then, it turned those feelings into dark power. And with that mighty power, it was able to control the world of war. And as time passed, the evil Bey was passed from person to person. Throughout the ages, it stored up power and changed shape."

"To become the L-Drago we know today." Ginga finished.

"L-Drago was born from the greed of people and it has become more and more powerful." Ryūsei added. "In order to defeat it, you must face that dark power with the Light of Hope; a pure spirit that loves Beyblade. When they heard of L-Drago's existence, our ancestors also used a fragment of the star to make the top that became the basis of today's Beys. That Bey which carried to light of the people was just barely able to win against L-Drago. Since then, L-Drago has been known as the Forbidden Bey in Koma Village and was sealed away by the Star Goddess of that era. As a result, only the top that was created by our ancestors, spread. And after many more years, the Beyblades that we all have today were created. Peace returned and it was believed that L-Drago would remain locked away in that cave forever. However..."

"Doji was able to sniff out its existence." Kyoya noted.

"One must not become enchanted by the Forbidden Bey." Ryūsei warned. "I stood against the Dark Nebula Organization when they appeared in Koma Village."

"That time, you trusted me with this Beyblade." Ginga looked at Storm Pegasus in his hand. "You gave me Pegasus."

"Somehow, I was miraculously able to survive." Ryūsei related. "In order to escape their notice, I had to stay hidden and focus on recovering from my injuries. It was not long before one of Seina's Inner Circle guardians had gotten wind of her awakening as of this era's Asteria and came for her."

"And while you recovered, Ginga's journey brought him to us." Kenta remarked.

"During his training journey, Ginga faced a major setback and returned to Koma Village." Ryūsei continued. "It was around that time that my wounds had finally healed. It is normal to come across challenges as one continues on their journey. Ginga overcame all the tests he faced and showed me that even though he could be knocked down, he could also get back up. But much of Ginga's success on his journey was because he met up with all of you. By creating a bond with you, his friends, and nurturing that friendship, he was able to grow so much more; even more than I believed was possible. It was then I knew for certain I am no longer the one able to defeat L-Drago. It is all of you; the same way the ancestors of Koma Village once defeated the dark Bey. In order to win against L-Drago's dark power, you must all combine the pure Bey-loving spirits that you possess. The only thing that can save the world of Beyblade from now on is the spirit of young Bladers like you. Once I became certain of that, I chose to hide my true identity behind a mask and watch over you from the shadows; sometimes helping and other times becoming a big obstacle myself, putting my all to support you."

"So, that was another test." Hyoma snorted, used to Ryūsei's temperament.

"But would a good father go as far as this?" Benkei was confused.

"It's because he's a good father." Hyoma related. "He believed that no matter what challenges Ginga would face, he would get back up and he would never quit. Phoenix made himself into a challenge and Ginga defeated him. Since he was able to pass that test, he is the way he is now, stronger than ever before."

"Ginga's strength isn't just thanks to the trials that I put him through." Ryūsei started. "The strength to overcome those trials came from within; from the bonds he created with his friends and the pure feelings for his Bey. These Bladers have supported you well. Don't ever forget the power of friendship."

"What about me?" Kyoya snarled. "You're going to beat Ryuga? It seems you've forgotten that there's a little matter of him having to battle with me first. Bonds of friendship and pure spirit? That sort of thing means nothing to me. However... listen Ginga. Why do you think I trained so hard? What was my journey for? It was to defeat you, Ginga. Don't think you're the only one who has overcome trials and challenges. Ryuga is mine."

"I'll be waiting." Ginga accepted the challenge.

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.