The sun hung heavy in the sky, casting a relentless glare over the desert as if testing the endurance of every blader who had made the trek to this desolate place. The Tower of Babel loomed in the distance, its shadow stretching across the sands like a dark omen. It was massive, spiraling upwards and surrounded by stone bleachers, giving it the look of an ancient coliseum reborn in the heart of the wasteland. Even from afar, Tsukiya could feel the tension crackling in the air, a mix of anticipation and anxiety from the bladers gathering there.
They had been traveling for weeks to reach this point, the culmination of every battle, every night spent camping under the stars. Yet now, as they neared the tower, Tsukiya's heart wasn't pounding with excitement, but rather with a sense of dread. She knew this was the day everything would come to a head, the moment where Ryuga, Kenta, and countless others would compete for the chance to claim the prize that awaited at the top : an ancient Bey, said to be infused with the power of light, the same star fragment that had created the Legendary Bladers.
The thought of winning that Bey did nothing for her. She wasn't interested in the power of a star fragment ; she was more than content with Flame Artemis. She had no desire to join the ranks of Legendary Bladers. That wasn't her goal, and it wasn't what drove her to battle. But she knew exactly why Ryuga wanted it—he wanted more power, always more, to ensure that no one could ever challenge him. He was here to claim that power for himself, and he would stop at nothing to get it.
Tsukiya's eyes flickered to Ryuga, his tall, imposing figure cutting through the throngs of people like a blade. She couldn't help but notice how Kenta walked beside him, struggling to keep up with Ryuga's longer strides, yet determinedly matching his pace. Kenta was different. He wasn't here for the power, not really. He was here for Ryuga. He just wants to prove himself, she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips. Kenta had a fire inside him, one that burned bright with hope and determination, and if winning the star fragment meant getting Ryuga's acknowledgment, he would give it everything he had.
As they approached the base of the tower, Tsukiya felt her heart skip a beat. The tower was much taller than she had realized, even from a distance. Now, standing this close, it seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, towering over everything around it. Her throat tightened, and she suddenly felt lightheaded. She hadn't planned on climbing it, hadn't thought about how high it would be until now.
She took a step back, her hands clenched tightly at her sides, and called out to the others. "I'm not participating."
Kenta, who had been looking around excitedly, whipped his head around to face her, his brown eyes wide with surprise. "What ? But you've come all this way, Tsukiya chan! Why would you back out now ?"
Tsukiya's gaze faltered, and she quickly looked away. She couldn't bring herself to admit the truth. "I… I just don't want to." Her voice was quieter than she had intended, but she hoped it was enough to make her decision clear.
Kenta opened his mouth to argue, but Ryuga cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "If you don't want to, then don't." He turned to Kenta, his piercing golden eyes locking onto the boy. "But if you're going to waste time here, kid, you'll miss your chance. Move."
Kenta hesitated, glancing between Tsukiya and Ryuga, but the Dragon Emperor's stern expression left no room for debate. "O-okay." Kenta nodded, though his face was a mix of confusion and concern. "I'll… see you both up there."
As the two of them moved forward, Tsukiya could only watch, her feet rooted to the spot. She wanted to shout after them, to tell Kenta to be careful, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she watched as they disappeared into the crowd, Ryuga's white hair gleaming like a beacon against the sea of people.
The arena was buzzing with excitement, bladers from all corners of the world gathered, each one sizing up their competition, some muttering strategies under their breath, others boasting loudly about how they would be the ones to claim the prize. But when Ryuga stepped forward, a hush fell over the crowd. It was as if the air had been sucked out of the place, leaving only an eerie, suffocating silence.
Tsukiya had seen it happen before, but it never ceased to surprise her. The way people recoiled from him, like he was something dangerous, something to be feared. They knew who he was—the Dragon Emperor. They remembered what he had done, the destruction he had wrought when he was under the influence of dark power, and they were terrified of him.
She saw the way people looked at him, eyes wide with fear, whispers passing like wildfire through the crowd. Some bladers stepped back, putting distance between themselves and Ryuga, as if being too close would invite his wrath. Tsukiya's heart twisted painfully. They don't know him, she thought. They only see what they want to see, what they remember from the past.
They didn't know how he had saved her, pulling her back from the brink of death without hesitation. They hadn't seen the brief moments of softness, the flicker of confusion when she thanked him. They didn't know the truth of who Ryuga was, or the pain he carried inside, hidden behind that unbreakable mask of power. And they never would.
Tsukiya's fists clenched, a wave of frustration and sadness washing over her. She didn't know why it bothered her so much, but it did. Maybe because she had seen a glimpse of something more, something deeper, and it felt like the rest of the world was blind to it. Or maybe because she understood, more than she ever had before, just how lonely Ryuga really was.
She moved to the back of the bleachers, finding a spot where she could still see the arena clearly, but was hidden from most of the crowd. Pulling out a pair of binoculars from her travel bag, she settled down, determined to watch the tournament unfold. She had no intention of competing, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to keep an eye on things, especially with Kenta and Ryuga out there.
As she raised the binoculars to her eyes, focusing on the competitors gathering at the center of the arena, she felt a strange sensation, like a prickling at the back of her neck. It was a feeling she couldn't quite place, but it made her uneasy, like someone was watching her. Slowly, she lowered the binoculars, glancing around, but all she could see were other spectators, either eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin or lost in their own conversations.
Must be my imagination, she thought, but the feeling lingered, a nagging sense of unease that refused to fade. She shook her head and returned her focus to the arena. There was no time to worry about anything else. She just had to trust that Kenta and Ryuga would be okay, that they would find their way through this chaotic battle royal.
Even as the tension in the air grew, and the announcer's voice boomed across the desert, declaring the start of the tournament, Tsukiya couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. Something was about to happen, and it would be more than just a battle for the star fragment. It was as if this moment, this tournament, was a crossroads, and whatever path it led them down, there would be no turning back.
The moment the air gun shot off, signaling the start of the tournament, the desert seemed to explode with movement. The sharp sound echoed across the vast expanse, immediately breaking Tsukiya's focus. The DJ's voice boomed over the loudspeakers, fueling the anticipation that had been building for hours.
« GO ! Run for it ! » he yelled, his voice laced with enthusiasm as the crowd roared in response. The bladers sprang into action, sprinting toward the tower with all their might, each one desperate to be the first to reach the top. To Tsukiya, it was like watching a wave crash against the shore—dozens of competitors surging forward in a chaotic, determined rush. Dust kicked up from their feet, creating a hazy cloud that shrouded the base of the tower, making it look even more imposing than before.
But even as her eyes tracked the bladers pushing and shoving to get ahead, she noticed something strange—one person remained still amidst the chaos, unmoving. All the bladers but one, she thought, adjusting her binoculars for a clearer view.
There, standing as solid and unyielding as a statue, was Ryuga. His white coat billowed slightly in the wind, but he didn't move a muscle. He stood in the exact spot he had started, his arms crossed over his chest, his golden eyes narrowed with a calm, calculating gaze.
Tsukiya's brow furrowed in confusion. What is he doing ? she wondered, biting her lip. She had expected him to be the first to charge forward, to seize the lead with that ruthless determination he always had. After all, he had positioned himself at the very front, as if daring anyone to stand in his way. So why wasn't he moving ? What was he waiting for ?
The DJ seemed equally perplexed. « Huh ? » He turned away from the horde of running contestants to glance back at the starting point, his eyes widening with surprise. « Wait, it seems that Ryuga has not moved from the starting point. Just what is the cape-coated one up to ? » he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment and curiosity. The spectators murmured amongst themselves, craning their necks to get a better look at the enigmatic blader who refused to budge.
Tsukiya didn't have an answer. She kept watching, her gaze flicking between Ryuga's impassive form and the tower. She knew him well enough to know that this wasn't hesitation—Ryuga never hesitated. If he wasn't moving, it was because he didn't need to. But still, it puzzled her. What's his plan ? she wondered, her fingers tightening around the binoculars.
The tournament progressed, and soon enough, the bladers were engaged in battles all around the tower's base. It was a frenzy of collisions, sparks, and shouts, each blader trying to eliminate the others to clear their way to the top. Amidst the chaos, Tsukiya spotted a familiar figure—Kenta. His green hair was unmistakable, even in the swirling dust, and she could see the determined look on his face as he engaged another competitor.
It was a one-on-one battle against Tsubasa Otori, a skilled blader Tsukiya recognized immediately. She had seen him battle before, and she knew he was no easy opponent. Kenta, be careful, she thought, her heart pounding as she watched. Tsubasa's Bey, Earth Eagle, was a balance type, and he had a calm, strategic approach that often threw his opponents off balance.
The battle was quick but intense, with both bladers giving it their all. Kenta's Flame Sagittario fought fiercely, but Tsubasa's experience and composure proved too much. With a final, powerful hit, Earth Eagle sent Flame Sagittario spinning out of the ring, ending the match.
"No !" Kenta cried out, his voice echoing with frustration as he ran to pick up his Bey. He clutched it tightly, his warm brown eyes filled with disappointment. "I was so close…"
But as the battle ended, another figure stepped forward, and the atmosphere around the arena shifted once more. The crowd grew silent, almost as if they were holding their breath.
From the top of the tower, Ryuga stood motionless, watching the battles unfold below him. The smoke and dust from his sudden arrival had barely begun to clear, swirling around him like a storm. He had been still for so long, but now, he was on the move, and his presence alone was enough to send a ripple of fear through the spectators.
The quiet, tense moment was broken by a voice—a strong, familiar voice that echoed across the arena, carrying with it a hint of fear. "Ryuga !"
Ryuga's eyes snapped open, and he turned to see who had dared call out to him. His gaze landed on Tsubasa, standing a short distance away, his expression guarded but resolute. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, and Tsukiya could see the emotions flicker across Tsubasa's face. Fear, anxiety, but also a glimmer of respect.
"So, it's you, Tsubasa ?" Ryuga said, his voice dripping with annoyance. "Get lost. I won't hand over the power of the star fragment to anyone !" His words were sharp, final, leaving no room for argument.
Tsubasa clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he stared back at Ryuga. "I wasn't asking," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "I'm taking the star fragment." There was a fire in his eyes, a determination that Tsukiya hadn't seen before. She could tell that he meant it—Tsubasa wasn't backing down, not this time.
The two beys collided with each other, holding nothing back as they sized up their opponents.
Tsubasa's hair flew wild as he shielded his face from the sparks and winds coming off their beys. « What- what incredible power ! What is that thing ? »
The Dragon Emperor's crooked grin only deepened, lighting up at the chance to show off his prized possession. « L Drago Destructor, » he answered, humming slightly.
« L Drago Destructor ? » Tsubasa's gold eyes widened slightly as he learned the name of the newest L Drago.
« In the face of my reborn L Drago, you bey is the same as a little baby mongoose : you're absolutely nothing ! »
The beys started clashing harder, sending more smoke into the air. Tsubasa didn't get it, Ryuga was already one of the strongest bladers, if not the strongest in the entire world, so why did he feel the need to obtain more power ? It just didn't make any sense.
« But why ? You already possess so much power, » Tsubasa's voice faltered towards the end. « Why are you trying to get even more power of the star fragment anyway ?! »
Ryuga clenched his fist at the question, slowly exhaling through his nostrils. He didn't owe anyone anything, certainly not an answer to Tsubasa's questions. He didn't have to tell anyone a thing, and besides, no one would understand his motives anyway. No one besides himself truly understood the danger of having power fall into the wrong hands, falling to someone who had a weak mind and spirit and could become easily overwhelmed with power and want to use it for evil and selfish purposes.
If Ryuga just took all of the star fragments for himself, before someone like Doji or Ziggaraut, he would ensure that this power wouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Ryuga knew that he was the only person on earth that could handle the responsibility of wielding all of the fragments himself, so that's exactly what he was trying to do.
« None of your business. I don't need to tell you anything, » Ryuga spat, narrowing his eyes as he felt his aura ignite all around him. « This star fragment is mine ! L Drago ! »
Under its master's command, the Dragon bey ignited on fire, circling around Eagle and creating a ring of fire. The ring soon became a vortex of flames, causing Tsubasa to turn away slightly from the heat.
« Ah ! Ryuga, Tsubasa ! » Kenta called out, but both bladers weren't listening.
« Fly high Eagle ! » Tsubasa commanded, spreading his wings like the bird itself. In that moment, Tsubasa knew he had to play his best card : Shining Tornado Buster. The only way he was going to stop Ryuga was to use the special move he created in his Darkest moment, something Ryuga knew all too well. « Shining Tornado Buster ! » The great purple eagle spread its wings before diving towards its dragon opponent, a tornado engulfing the bey as its special move was called out. « I'm going to stop you ; do you hear me ? This is the special move created in the depths of Hades ! »
Ryuga couldn't help the all-knowing smirk that slid across his face as he listened to Tsubasa. He could blab all he wanted about 'experiencing the depths of Hades' and 'living with the Dark power', but in reality, this eagle boy had no idea what he was talking about. His experiences didn't even come close to what Ryuga had lived through, and will continue to experience in bits and pieces for the rest of his life. Tsubasa didn't understand, he couldn't.
And no one ever would.
« Nonsense ! » Ryuga replied, smiling wickedly as he tensed his muscles and crouched slightly like a predator did right before it killed its prey. « This so-called 'Hades' you saw, was nothing compared to what I have gone through living in a world of complete utter darkness ! »
While Tsubasa only saw a glimpse of the Dark power, it was nothing to what Ryuga experienced, not by a long shot. While Tsubasa had struggled with a small fragment, barely dipping a toe in the water of Darkness, Ryuga on the other hand had completely bathed in it, saturating every part of himself until he couldn't recognize himself in the mirror or even the sound of his own voice. As much as he tried to forget that part of his past, that part of himself, he knew he never could. That memory, along with all of the others, were seared into his mind like a brand : always present and impossible to remove, and even if you covered it up it would always be there, hidden, until the day you died.
From her position far away, Tsukiya watched Ryuga transform slightly before her eyes : his eyes glowed a slight red, his aura burning bright like the fire, and his smile was as sharp and deadly as ever. From the outside, this was still Ryuga, but for some reason, she felt like he was tapping into some deep, hidden power, a power she probably would never understand. A darker power.
But she tried looking past all of that and searched his eyes again and saw that his golden irises were still there. He was here, Ryuga was still present and in control, but he was dipping into power that she's never seen before. It was breathtaking.
For a moment, she wondered : how far did Ryuga's power actually go ? It seemed limitless, but Tsukiya knew that couldn't be true. Everything had a limit, even if it seemed impossible.
Tsubasa's eyes widened as he watched more flames erupt from L Drago. « Huh ? What now ? »
« The Ultimate Move ! » Ryuga crouched lower, bringing his arms to his side before lifting them above his head and shouting out, « Dragon Emperor Life Destructor ! »
At its master's command, the great red dragon emerged from its bey in a tunnel of fire and glory, completely engulfing the comparably small Eagle, hitting it head on like a freight train and smashing it into the side of the mountain that was miles away with an explosion. The impact shook the entire mountain, causing dirt and debris to shoot everywhere in a cloud of smoke and light.
« Eagle ! » Tsubasa cried, feeling the blow eagle received right in his own chest.
His eyes became glassy for a second and felt a bead of sweat drip down the side of his face as he stared at the wreckage. He felt like a fool at that moment. How could Tsubasa, even for a second, think that he could stand up to, and beat, Ryuga ? No one could ever beat, or even match Ryuga's power, it was clear. Then he remembered his battle with Kenta and what the kid's mission was…if he himself couldn't even slow him down, then how did Kenta ever plan on standing toe to toe with Ryuga by himself ? In that moment, Tsubasa felt sorry for Kenta ; the kid was on a fool's errand and he didn't even realize it.
« Amazing, » Tsubasa gasped in awe after a few seconds. « That's it, the new L Drago's power… » he trailed off, falling to his hands and knees, unknowingly bowing down to the Dragon Emperor and his new power.
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Tsukiya's heart pounded as she watched the final moments unfold through her binoculars. The battle was over, and Ryuga stood victorious at the top of the tower, his figure silhouetted against the sky, dark and imposing. But instead of claiming the prize—the precious Babylonia warrior's Beyblade that had been the reward for winning—something else happened.
CRACK ! The sound of metal shattering pierced through the air. Tsukiya's eyes widened as she saw the dragon emperor ruthlessly crash the reward Bey, smashing it to pieces with a single, merciless strike. The once-beautiful Beyblade crumbled, fragments scattering like glass across the platform. For a moment, everything was silent, the shock of Ryuga's action leaving even the most vocal spectators speechless.
But it wasn't over. Ryuga's eyes gleamed, a cruel smile curling on his lips, and then he lifted his arm. "L-Drago…" he said, his voice low and commanding. " Bring this place down ."
L-Drago responded instantly, as if it were an extension of his very will. The dark Bey spun faster, crackling with raw, chaotic energy. It crashed into the floor of the platform, again and again, tearing through the structure with violent force. Cracks splintered outwards, snaking across the tower like veins, and then the entire structure began to tremble, groaning under the strain.
« No… » Tsukiya breathed, feeling her blood run cold. Her mind raced back to that fateful day, to the mountains, to the earth crumbling beneath her grandmother's feet. The fear and helplessness she had felt back then surged back, sharp and suffocating. But this wasn't the time to be paralyzed by fear. She had to move.
The tower collapsed, crumbling in on itself, the deafening roar echoing across the desert. The dust cloud rose high into the sky, swallowing everything, obscuring the view of what remained. Through her binoculars, Tsukiya caught glimpses of Kenta and Tsubasa, their faces stricken with shock and fear. She could almost hear their panicked breaths as they stumbled through the falling debris, trying to escape.
I have to make sure they're okay, she thought, lowering her binoculars and shoving them into her bag. Without another moment's hesitation, she sprinted toward the collapsing tower, her heart hammering against her ribcage.
As the dust finally began to settle, Ryuga stood on the ground floor, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. The once-towering structure was now nothing more than a heap of rubble, and he had accomplished exactly what he had set out to do. With a swift, fluid motion, he caught L-Drago as it returned to him, sliding it back into the gauntlet on his arm. Without a word, without so much as a backward glance at the destruction he had caused, he turned and strode away, his coat trailing behind him like a shadow.
Tsubasa and Kenta stumbled out from the wreckage, coughing, their faces pale and coated with a thin layer of dust. They watched in disbelief as Ryuga walked away, his steps unhurried, as if he hadn't just destroyed an entire tower and crushed an innocent blader's Bey.
Ryuga didn't even turn around. He kept walking, his eyes set on the path ahead, as though nothing around him mattered.
Tsukiya reached the base of the tower, her lungs burning, but she didn't stop. She needed to find Kenta, to make sure he was safe. Her eyes darted through the dust and debris, scanning the area, until she finally saw two familiar figures stumbling out of the rubble. Relief washed over her, and she rushed forward.
"Kenta-kun !" she called out, her voice strained but urgent. She could see the dust caked in his hair, the streaks of dirt across his cheeks, but most of all, she could see the fear still lingering in his eyes as he looked after Ryuga's retreating form.
"Tsukiya-chan !" Kenta turned to her, trying to catch his breath. "I'm… I'm okay." He tried to smile, but it faltered. "I just… I didn't think he would… do that." He glanced back at the ruins of the tower, his face contorting with confusion and hurt. "Why would he destroy everything ?"
Tsukiya's jaw clenched, and she felt a wave of anger crash over her, raw and burning. Ryuga had no right to do this. It wasn't just about the battle or the tournament anymore—he had taken it too far. Who does he think he is ? she thought, her fists tightening at her sides. Destroying this town's tower, crushing that innocent blader's Bey, and for what ?
For a moment, she considered running after him, demanding answers, but she knew it wouldn't matter. Ryuga wouldn't listen, not to her, not to anyone. He was stubborn, relentless, and believed that his strength justified everything he did. But that didn't make it right.
As Ryuga walked past her, Tsukiya felt her breath catch in her throat. He didn't acknowledge her presence, didn't even spare her a glance. He simply continued on his way, his expression cool and indifferent, as if he hadn't just caused all this destruction. She could feel her hands tremble, but she forced herself to stay calm. Not now. There are more important things to take care of.
She turned back to Kenta, her expression softening as she put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're okay," she said, her voice gentle. "But… that was terrifying. I'm sorry you had to see that."
Kenta nodded, still shaken, but he managed to muster a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Tsukiya-chan." He then glanced over at Tsubasa, who was standing a few paces away, brushing dust off his clothes and looking deep in thought. "Oh, um, I don't think you've met yet… Tsubasa, this is Tsukiya-chan. She's been traveling with us—"
But before he could finish, Tsubasa raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his features.
Tsukiya chuckled softly, a light, almost sad smile crossing her lips. "Yeah, Otori Tsubasa. I recognise you from uring the world tournaments. I just… didn't think I'd ever run into you." She looked at Tsubasa, her gaze steady but kind.
Tsubasa blinked, still trying to process everything. "Small world, huh ?" he said, his voice softening, a hint of amusement creeping in.
Tsukiya glanced back in the direction where Ryuga had disappeared, her expression hardening once more. He needs to understand… power doesn't give him the right to act like this. And I'm not going to let him keep hurting people just because he can.
Lenta started running after Ryuga, Tsukiya just behind.
« Wait, Kenta ! » Tsubasa called, his voice echoing through the quiet, desolate space where the tower had once stood. He stepped forward, reaching out as if he could physically pull his young friend back. « Are you sure you want to follow him ? Ryuga is so dangerous, Kenta. Who knows what would happen to you if you keep traveling with him. »
Kenta stopped in his tracks, turning around to face Tsubasa. For a moment, there was hesitation in his eyes. He understood the concern, the fear in Tsubasa's voice. It was the same concern that Gingka and the others would have, the same fear that anyone who cared about him would feel. But Kenta had made his decision, and he wasn't going to back down now. Not when he had a mission—something bigger than himself that he needed to accomplish.
« I get where you're coming from, Tsubasa, » Kenta said, his voice softer but firm. « Really, I do. I know how dangerous Ryuga is. But that's why I have to do this. » He clenched his fists, his eyes bright and unwavering. « I have to get stronger, and I have to bring that strength back to Gingka. I need to find a way to help him… to help everyone. »
Tsubasa sighed, running a hand through his hair, still uncertain. « Kenta… » he began, but his words trailed off, caught between wanting to protect the younger blader and respecting his determination.
Kenta smiled, the expression warm and full of gratitude. « I know, Tsubasa. But I'm not alone. » He turned to look at Tsukiya, who had been standing quietly beside him. « Tsukiya-chan's here too. »
Tsukiya nodded, her ice-blue eyes calm yet resolute. « I'm not leaving, Tsubasa, » she said, her voice steady. « Kenta's right. We need to see this through, and we need Ryuga's strength to do that. Even if it means following him into dangerous places. » She met Tsubasa's gaze, unflinching. « I won't let anything happen to Kenta. »
Tsubasa's gaze softened as he looked at Tsukiya. He saw the same determination in her eyes that he had seen in Kenta's—an unyielding resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew there was no convincing them to change their minds. « I see, » he said finally, his voice quieter now, tinged with resignation. « Then… you'll be looking out for him ? »
« Always, » Tsukiya said, her lips curving into a small, reassuring smile. « You have my word, Tsubasa. I won't let him do this alone. »
« Kenta… » Tsubasa trailed off with a sigh.
« Thank you, Tsubasa ! » Kenta's smile widened, brighter this time. He took a step back, ready to turn and run, but then he hesitated again. « And… don't tell Gingka and the others about this, okay ? I don't want them to worry. »
Kenta's grin was wide, and he gave Tsubasa a quick nod before turning to Tsukiya. « Ready, Tsukiya-chan ? »
« Always, » she replied, and together, they took off, their footsteps echoing as they ran to catch up with Ryuga.
Tsubasa watched them go, his heart still heavy with worry, but there was also a spark of hope. He could only hope that the strength of their resolve would be enough to see them through the challenges ahead, and that, maybe, they would be the ones to bring back the light that Ryuga had long lost.
As Kenta and Tsukiya disappeared from sight, Tsubasa whispered under his breath, « Good luck, you two. Be safe. »
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"Dragon Emperor !" Tsukiya's voice sliced through the night air, fierce and unyielding. She watched as Ryuga's form halted, the sharp clang of her words arresting his steps. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of rage and frustration boiling over as she saw him pause. It was a small victory—he had stopped, which meant she had his attention, but he still refused to turn and face her.
"Who do you think you are ?" she continued, her voice taut with fury, her eyes ablaze as she stepped closer. "Destroying the tower ? Destroying that guy's Bey ? What was the point of all that ?" She threw her hands up in the air, her movements sharp and animated. "I thought we just talked about how completely wrong that is the other day !"
Ryuga stood still, his back to her, shoulders squared and tense. For a moment, there was nothing but the silence between them, thick and suffocating. Then, with a voice as sharp and deadly as a blade, he said, "Don't."
The single word made Tsukiya's breath catch. The venom in his tone was palpable, like a knife cutting through her resolve, but she wasn't going to back down. "Huh ?" she managed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean 'don't' ? Don't what ?"
"Don't stand there and lecture me like I answer to you." His voice was low, but each word was heavy, dripping with cold authority. Slowly, Ryuga turned around, his golden eyes gleaming like molten gold under the sunlight. They were bright, intense, and unyielding, narrowed in a glare that could have melted steel. "I do what I want, when I want," he said, his voice rising, each word deliberate and powerful. "And I sure as hell don't need your permission to do anything."
Tsukiya met his glare head-on, refusing to flinch. She knew what he was trying to do—intimidate her, scare her off. But she wasn't afraid of him, not like the others. She had seen glimpses of something beneath that hard, unyielding exterior. She had seen the Dragon Emperor's other side, and she wasn't going to let him hide behind his fury this time.
"But that doesn't give you the right to just destroy things that you don't like !" she shot back, her voice rising to match his. "It's ridiculous !"
"Ridiculous ?!" Ryuga's mouth twisted into a snarl, and he turned his face away from her as if her words were too absurd to acknowledge. "This whole trip was ridiculous ! It was a complete waste of time. My time." He spat out the last two words like they were poison, his irritation clear in the hard set of his jaw.
Tsukiya's eyes widened slightly, but then she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, not every tournament is going to be successful. Finding Legendary Bladers is hard work." She shook her head, trying to rein in her own frustration. She was getting sidetracked. That wasn't why she was angry. "But that's not the point, and you know it. The point, Dragon Emperor, is that you can't just demolish buildings or crush other people's Beys because you feel like it. Who gave you the right to do that ?"
Ryuga's eyes flickered with confusion, his brows furrowing. "The right ?" he repeated, his tone sharp, almost mocking.
He genuinely didn't understand what she meant. In his world, he gave himself the right. He was strong, and strength was the only thing that mattered. Strength was what allowed him to do what he wanted, to take what he wanted, to destroy what stood in his way. And if no one could stop him, then why should he care about anyone else's rules ?
"You don't get it, do you ?" Tsukiya said, her voice softer now, but still firm. "You think because you're strong, you can do whatever you want. But there's more to life than just power, Dragon Emperor. Don't you see how people look at you ?"
The question hit Ryuga like a sudden, cold wind, catching him off guard. He blinked, the retort that had been on the tip of his tongue vanishing as he tried to process her words. "Huh ?"
"Don't you see how people look at you ?" Tsukiya repeated, her voice quiet but insistent. The fire in her eyes had dimmed, replaced by something softer, something almost sad. "The fear in their eyes when they see you or hear your name ?"
For a moment, Ryuga's expression faltered. His golden eyes flickered, and he stared at her, trying to gauge where she was going with this. 'Good' he thought to himself, 'That means they respect me. They know I'm strong.'
As if she was reading his mind, Tsukiya shook her head, her midnight-blue hair swaying gently around her. " That's not respect. That's fear. And there's a difference." She took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his. "Whenever people hear your name, Dragon Emperor, they think of the monster from the Battle Bladers finale. Is that the kind of person you want people to remember you as ?"
The word "monster" echoed in Ryuga's mind, and his breath hitched slightly. He closed his eyes, turning his head slightly away from her as if he could block out the sound. But the memories came rushing back, unbidden.
Monster.
That's what they had called him, and that's what he had been. He remembered the searing pain of the dark power as it took hold of him, like molten lava coursing through his veins, burning him from the inside out. He remembered how his own body had twisted and contorted, how the dark power had warped him into something unrecognizable, something monstrous. His hands curled into fists at his sides, the phantom aches spreading through his limbs, as if the dark power still lingered, still tainted his blood.
He remembered his voice, no longer his own but a dark, distorted growl, a demonic sound that had made even him shiver. "Stop… stop it, L-Drago, just stop it," his younger self had pleaded, his voice desperate and fearful. "Don't try to take me in, don't try to control me !"
But it hadn't mattered. The darkness had ignored his pleas, twisting him further, dragging him down into its abyss. And he remembered, with a clarity that made his chest ache, the looks on the faces of Gingka and his friends as they watched him change. He remembered the disbelief, the fear, the way they had looked at him as if he were something terrible, something to be feared, something less than human.
Even the green-haired kid who had followed him so eagerly, had looked at him with that same fear.
Tsukiya's voice broke through his thoughts, soft but steady. "Is that what you want to be remembered for, Dragon Emperor ? As a monster ? Because that's how people see you right now. And if you keep acting like this… that's all you'll ever be to them."
Ryuga's voice, low and gravelly, pierced the silence. "Is that what you see ?"
"Huh ?" Tsukiya blinked, startled by the directness of his question, her brow furrowing slightly as she searched his expression for answers.
« When you look at me, do you see a monster ? » Ryuga pressed, his tone sharpened like a blade, yet there was an undercurrent of vulnerability that intrigued her.
"No," she replied without hesitation, her confidence unwavering as she held his gaze steady. There was something in his eyes—something raw and unsettled—that made her feel an urge to reach out and pull him from the depths of his self-loathing.
A flicker of surprise crossed Ryuga's face, mingling with the shadows of his past. He thought of the chaos that followed him like a dark cloud, of how people whispered about the Dragon Emperor, their eyes filled with trepidation rather than understanding. Yet here was Tsukiya, standing before him, unflinching in her belief. "I've seen the way you fight, the way you push yourself. I've seen you protect us, even when you didn't have to. There's more to you than just power, Dragon Emperor." Her voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of her sincerity.
The warmth of her words began to thaw the ice around his heart, something he thought was impenetrable. "Why do you care ?" Ryuga demanded, frustration lacing his voice as he sought to pull back from the budding connection. "Why should it matter to you how people see me ?"
"Because I know you're not a monster," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, almost like a prayer. Her eyes glimmered with unspoken truths.
He looked away, wrestling with the specters of his past. The memories of that fateful day—the darkness that had consumed him, the screams of those who had feared him, the faces of every blader he hurt twisted in horror—flooded his mind. He had spent years building walls, guarding himself against hurt, yet here she was, seeking to break through.
"Dragon Emperor," Tsukiya said, taking a cautious step closer. Her presence felt warm and grounding. "You're not just a weapon. You're more than that." Her words were firm but laced with compassion, penetrating the armor he wore around his heart. 'Unlike what Doji said'. He thought to himself.
He wanted to argue, to reject her understanding, but he found himself unable to voice his rebuttal. It felt easier to remain detached, but the spark of connection they shared ignited a small flicker of hope within him—one he had thought long extinguished.
He turned slightly, his back to her as he wrestled with his emotions. "Ok then," he finally muttered, beginning to walk away, a sudden heaviness settling in his chest. He had her answer, but the warmth of her conviction lingered.
But Tsukiya wasn't finished. "B-but," she stammered, following him. "You still can't destroy things just because you feel like it !" Her tone was more urgent now, as if she sensed the vulnerability that lay beneath his stoic exterior.
Ryuga paused mid-step, the challenge in her voice pulling at his lips. He glanced back at her, and an amused smirk formed on his face, a wicked glimmer dancing in his molten-gold eyes. He couldn't help it ; he found her persistence amusing. The way she stood her ground despite the size difference, her resolve unwavering.
"We'll see about that," he replied, the crooked grin spreading across his features, a mix of teasing and defiance.
Tsukiya narrowed her eyes, annoyance flaring as she crossed her arms, yet she felt lighter in the moment. The tension dissipated, replaced by a strange camaraderie. "You think this is a joke ?" she said, attempting to keep her tone serious, but the hint of a smile tugged at her lips.
"Great. Just great," she rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth twitched with suppressed laughter. "I'm supposed to get a Dragon who treats his problems like a game to see sense "
As the tension in the air slowly dissipated, a familiar, cheerful voice cut through the silence.
"Hey ! Don't forget about me !" Kenta called out, a hint of playfulness in his tone. He jogged over to them, his bright eyes darting between Ryuga and Tsukiya, as if gauging the atmosphere.
Tsukiya turned to face him, a soft smile breaking through the seriousness that had settled on her face. "Kenta-kun, how could we ever forget about you ?" she said warmly, her voice gentle but sincere.
Kenta beamed, visibly relieved to see her smile. "Well, you two were pretty intense there for a moment," he said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I wasn't sure if I should jump in or just… run for it."
Tsukiya chuckled, the sound light and clear, as if washing away the last traces of tension. "You're too important to us for that, Kenta-kun," she reassured, her tone softening even more. "We'd never forget about you. Right, Dragon Emperor ?"
Ryuga turned slightly, his expression still stoic, "Tch," he muttered, but there was no real bite to it. "get to move," he said.
Tsukiya's eyes softened as she glanced between Ryuga and Kenta, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Moments like these, however fleeting, reminded her of why she pushed so hard, why she refused to give up on the Dragon Emperor.
Ryuga turned his gaze towards the horizon, his expression unreadable. Perhaps, he thought, there was something to be said for having people who refused to let go, who continued to stand by him even when he didn't understand why.
As they began to walk, Kenta kept close to Tsukiya's side, chattering on about the upcoming tournament and the bladers they might encounter. Tsukiya listened, occasionally nodding, but her gaze would flicker towards Ryuga every now and then, as if trying to read the thoughts hidden behind those intense, golden eyes.
And as the three of them moved on together, it was clear that no matter what lay ahead, they wouldn't forget about each other.