Hey everyone. I know I have been on a bit of a hiatus with my Twilight story, but I assure you I am still working on it. I am currently working on some of the more emotional parts of that story which is taking a bit longer to write at this stage. The chapters shall be posted when ready.

The start of this story shall take place before the Gundalian Invaders and sometime before the ending of New Vestroia before it ends up in the main story of the Gundalian Invaders. There will be an OC Bakugan in this story as well for my OC. The Bakugan's name is Darkus Desteened, and she is a guardian of the Doom Dimension and is able to possess the doom card. Her role in the Doom Dimension is essentially to keep Bakugan in and to take those ready to go to the dimension. She gains power from each Bakugan she brings into the dimension and in this story, she will have evolved from Desteened to Oracle Desteened, putting her at her third evolution. Her name is shortened to Destiny to make it easier to read.

Anyway, rating will be for lemon scenes down the track, some swearing and violence as well. I hope you enjoy this story.

Gundalia

Barodius stared at the plans laid out in front of him on his desk in his chamber. It has taken many years of such planning and they were almost complete. His warriors have been training intensely as their plans to assault Neathia in the hopes of retrieving first the Element, and then the Sacred Orb in order to gain the power to gain control over all Bakugan so they may do Gundalia's bidding. Barodius himself was not even sure of how far he would go with the control he may have over the Bakugan, but he could only fantasize. But all this planning and training can really wear someone down, even someone as strong as Barodius. The emperor also had his kingdom to run and that took away time that he could be using to plan the assault, but as there were citizens who were not warriors Barodius had to tend to them or the kingdom alone would collapse. Thankfully, the older member of the Twelve Orders has helped him immensely with the governmental side of things as he had done so with his father before him.

But right now, Barodius felt he needed to get away. Even an emperor needs a break. And he also was thinking they may need more warriors to add to their army, and Earth happened to have a lot of unsuspecting Bakugan brawlers ripe for the picking. But Barodius had considered of visiting Earth himself to find a human who would be of greater use than a mind-controlled slave. But at this stage, he couldn't think of what use they might be. Nurzak, his most loyal warrior, has been supportive of the emperor's idea of going to Earth to relax and search for someone to fight with alongside them. His other warriors weren't big on the idea, especially Kazarina as they feel his place was in Gundalia with them, even if they all have been telling Barodius that he should take a break. And then there is his partner, Dharak, who is currently the strongest Bakugan who is also in need of a break. He has been practicing fighting almost every day for the passed several years and his endurance broke a week ago and has been resting ever since. Despite being a proud creature, he admits he was pushing it too much and has made the same suggestion. Barodius could easily travel to Earth without needing a Bakugan to help him as there was a device he can use to get to and from Earth without a hitch.

Leaning back with a groaning sigh, Barodius stared at the ceiling as thoughts ran through his head.

"Master, you really need to just relax and get away," Dharak's voice said softly as the Bakugan moved to his shoulder. "As good as all these plans are, a good break before the fight would do you good. Your warriors are also taking time off, going into a fight with no steam will end badly for us and you know it."

Barodius looked to the Bakugan with his yellow eyes. "You are right Dharak, I suppose I am simply hesitating as I do have a kingdom to run as well," He said slowly. "And I know my people will understand, it's just I do not know what I will do when I get to Earth."

"Even though you want to sus out someone to add to our team, I would find somewhere to relax first if I were you," Dharak suggests. "It's a big planet with billions of people, I doubt you'd find anyone on the first day."

Barodius nods in agreement. "You are right," He said, glancing back to the plans in front of him. "Neathia will be there waiting until I am fully refreshed."

"Indeed, though as Ren has been visiting Earth for sometime now in search of the Battle Brawlers, he has suggested you will need a change of clothes," Dharak said with a chuckle. "Sadly, your emperor clothing will look very out of place master."

Barodius looked down at his cloak and he knew that was true. He was sure no one on Earth wore the same outfits as he did and he hoped that Ren will have suggestions or perhaps clothing that would be suitable to wear when he did go to visit Earth.

"I suppose I should go and see him," Barodius said thoughtfully. "We have been able to generate Earth money, I suppose he may even have clothes for me to use."

The Bakugan chuckled softly. "That is a good idea," He said happily. "Perhaps we should go now. Let's put the plans away for the time being and have yourself a holiday. I am wondering how long it will take for you to feel rested up enough for the fight."

"At least until you feel fully rested Dharak," Barodius said as he stood up from his chair. "I know it will be another six months until you are fully recovered, especially after pulling that tendon."

"Yeah, yeah," The Bakugan said, slightly irritated. "That's definitely a long enough time. I will be curious to see what kind of clothing Ren might have for you, at least you can get some more on Earth as there is an endless variety of stores."

"That I am fully aware of after Ren's last enthusiastic report," Barodius said with a soft chuckle. "It seems humans are too spoiled for choice in my opinion, but I may even enjoy it."

The Bakugan agreed as he followed Barodius out of his chambers to seek Ren's assistance.

Bayview City, Earth

It was midmorning in Bayview and the city was already bustling with people going shopping and heading to work for the day. In a suburb of the city in a two-story home, a young woman was getting ready to head out. This woman had straight, midback length hair and emerald green eyes, and her job for several years has been architect. Saphira Dawn has been drawing since she was a young child, and became an architect for the city while in school after flying through her art class, and the teachers sending her architect assignments to a local building company. They were very impressed and Saphira gained that job and quit school. She quickly became head architect and made a very decent living. With only needing to be at the office a few times a week for only a few hours and her income coming from building commissions, Saphira had a lot of free time to do other things she enjoyed. Such as attending ballet, belly dancing and yoga classes, kung fu classes and volunteering down at the soup kitchen to assist the homeless who were living in Bayview. Saphira was also a retired Battle Brawler. She was only fifteen when the Bakugan came to Earth, and Saphira thoroughly enjoyed the game and was among the first of the players to realise the Bakugan weren't toys, but living creatures. And that earned the right to meet a very special Bakugan. Her name is Desteened, a Darkus Bakugan who's role is to guard the gate of the Doom Dimension. Desteened had come to Earth because Masquerade and Darkus Hydranoid were abusing the power of an ability she had to gain additional power for the Darkus Bakugan. Desteened is actually the only Bakugan who should have the doom card ability, and even before Bakugan ended up on Earth she gained power from when she would bring select Bakugan into the Doom Dimension. When the card is activated on Saphira's end, it is only when Desteened is in battle could Bakugan be sent to the Doom Dimension and not by any other Bakugan. She never abused that kind of power as not all Bakugan deserved the damnation, but it was a job she had and still has to this day. When the Bakugan returned to Vestroia, Desteened actually went back to the Doom Dimension and has remained in contact with Saphira ever since. Saphira called Desteened Destiny as it was easier to name her that, and it did indeed seem like it was destiny that brought them together.

During the fight against Naga, Saphira had teamed up with Dan Kuso and his friends to help them retrieve the Silent Core and protect the Infinity Core, and Destiny was one of the Bakugan who had evolved. The first time was when Saphira had sent Bakugan to the Doom Dimension with Destiny when Masquerade sent brainwashed brawlers after them, and the second time was when they had passed the test the ancient warrior Bakugan had set in place for them. Desteened was now Darkus Oracle Desteened, and Saphira was simply proud of both herself and Desteened for achieving something so grand. Now both had been retired, but Destiny had informed Saphira of what has been happening in New Vestroia. But since Dan, Shun and Marucho had gone to New Vestroia to defeat Zenoheld, both Destiny and Saphira felt they were not needed. Desteened kept Saphira up-to-date with what has been happening however, and that was more than enough for them.

Right now, Saphira was planning on heading out for some shopping. It was the end of summer and Saphira knew her winter wardrobe needed an update so it was certainly time to ensure she had the right clothing. Even though Bayview was by the sea, it indeed snowed during winter and even though it was her favourite time of the year with Christmas, it was also the slowest time of the year in terms of architect as it was not the safest time to be building anything. So, buildings were often worked on during spring, summer and autumn. Saphira decided to wear a pair of blue, skinny jeans with a nude pair of heels and a pink, tank top with silver diamantes across the top. She put on some light amount of makeup on and was ready to leave when her mobile began to ring. She looked at her phone to see it was Runo calling, probably checking to see if there was an update.

"Hello Runo," Saphira said with a sigh. "You just caught me about to leave for some shopping."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Runo responded with a slight amount of sarcasm. "I forget that you are rich and have better things to do."

"It's not like that Runo!" Saphira responded firmly. "There's no need to get snarky about my work."

"Whatever, I was calling to see…" Runo began before being interrupted.

"No Runo, I have no heard anything since last week," Saphira responded in an irritated voice.

"I hope you are joking, because that was not funny," Runo said bluntly.

"Of course not!" Saphira exclaimed. "Look, I know you are worried about Dan. He is a great brawler and you know he and Drago will beat the Vestals. As far as we know, they are still on their way to Alpha City to destroy the first emitter."

"Yeah…I just worry it will all go wrong," Runo said softly. "I am still angry he and Drago ditched Julie and I when he came for help."

Saphira chuckled softly as she picked up her purse and made her way downstairs. "I know, from what Destiny told me Drago didn't want to get you involved," She said softly. "Even though she believes Drago was wrong for not bringing you both along as well."

"At least we are able to keep updated when needed," Runo said with a sigh. "Anyway, what are you shopping for today?"

"It will be autumn soon and I have decided to update my winter wardrobe," Saphira responded happily. "It's looking a little outdated. If you were here, I would invite you along."
"Thanks, but I would be in school because I don't have a nice job like you have," Runo said bluntly. "I still don't even know what I am going to do, I almost think I'll be stuck as a waitress in my parents' diner."

"Hospitality isn't a terrible job Runo, a lot of people make a living off it," Saphira said gently. "But I know it isn't really something you want to do for the rest of your life. I think would actually be good at being a coach."

"A coach? An athletic coach?" Runo asked in surprise.

"Yes, you are outspoken, you can put people back into line and you enjoy football," Saphira encouraged as she reached the bottom floor and grabbed the keys for her car and front door. "With a combination of all three, you'd thrive as a coach for a team of football players."

"I've never really thought of that…I have always been a good leader at school," Runo said thoughtfully. "I think I might look into it. Thanks, Saphira."

"You're very welcome," Saphira said with a smile. "I'm just stepping out of my house now Runo, I can't talk while driving. I'll talk to you later when you want to call to see if there's an update."

"I hope you have a good shopping day, see you later," Runo said before hanging up.

Saphira chuckled as she stepped out the front door and locked it behind her. She walked to her SUV when she noticed her mailbox had letters in it. She sighed and walked over to the front to grab the letters. She turned out and bumped into something causing her to drop her letters.

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry," She said, feeling flustered as she glanced up to see a man in front of her. "I didn't even see you when I came to grab my mail." She kneels down to gather her letters, and he does too to help her.

"That is not a problem," He responds, his voice almost sounded husky and she wondered if that was normal. "I had not seen you either."

Saphira looked up at his yellow eyes, noting his pale purple, shoulder length hair and a black singlet with blue stripes across from the right shoulder that seemed to hug his muscles. She felt her heart skip a beat as he was rather handsome.

They stood up and he held out the letters he gathered to her. "Here you go, sorry again for that," He said gently.

She took them, her fingers brushing his firm, but delicate skin. She felt a shudder up her spine. "Thanks…" She said before composing herself and smiled. "And I too am sorry. I haven't seen you around before, are you new to the neighbourhood?"

"Yes, I just moved here," The man replied, glancing at her house. "You have a nice home here."

"Thank you," Saphira said with a smile. "I'm Saphira." She extends her hand to him and he takes it to shake. She couldn't explain why her body was reacting the way it was as she had never met him before.

"Barodius," He said before removing his hand from hers. "I am a little lost though. This city is a little overwhelming."

"Yes, I agree and I have been here for a few years and I still get lost," Saphira said with a chuckle. "I was just about to head up town, but there is a little cafe not too far from my house. I'll put these in my house and we can walk there and I can show you some of the areas around here."

"That sounds like a good plan to me Saphira," Barodius said with a smile. "I promise not to disappoint you and disappear when you turn your back."

Saphira chuckled softly as she turned away to walk to her car and glanced back with a mischievous smirk. "I hope so, or you'll have a hard time finding someone to be your friend," She said teasingly.

The man simply chuckled and rolled his eyes. Saphira opened the driver's door to place her letters in the glove box. She now noticed her heart was beating rather quickly and her fingers were slightly sweaty. It was unusual for her to lose her composure around a man, even attractive men. But somehow, Barodius was making her feel different and she didn't know why. Nonetheless, he has sparked her interest and she wanted to at least assist him in becoming familiar with the area. She closed her car door and locked it before walking back over to Barodius. She stumbled suddenly due to her heels and he catches her by the arm.

"Oops, sorry," Saphira said with a smile. "High heels can be a little annoying."

Barodius glanced at her heels than back her with a curious look. "Did you want to change your shoes so you're more comfortable?" He asked.

"No, I'll be fine," Saphira said confidently, gently moving away from his grasp. "I picked these shoes specifically for today. Let's head to the café."

Barodius watched Saphira walk in front of him and he followed her with a smile. He himself was curious about her, and also wanted to make up for appearing right behind her. He was glad she didn't notice that, but he knew he had to be careful from now on.