Dai: Well, this is...

Verity: Giving up?

Dai: What are you talking about? I never give up!

BlackGatomon: They own nothing of interest to anyone.

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Years passed, and despite what Leo had said, Mark managed to keep everything quiet. They just sat and waited until that day happened. Of course, on that day, they were busy with something.

Let it be said that in no timeline would Mark and Shun ever really be good friends. They only worked together when, for example, they had to save Dan from bullies that he had irritated. This went towards Leo's theory that the Pyrus user had no brain.

After awhile, Mark had to agree, and could hardly believe that he'd ever looked up to him.

On that particular day, the bullies Dan had taunted were more persistent than most. Dan, Shun, and Mark had gone through six back alleys, taken about twelve detours, and were still running.

"Dan, next time think before opening your mouth!"

"You say he can think?!"

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After they managed to escape, it was pretty late, in the sense that it was time for them to go home. Well, Mark's parents were off on a business trip, no surprise there, but the other two didn't have that pleasure.

When Mark and Dan arrived on their street, something caught Mark's eye. Several somethings, in fact.

"Bakugan..."

"Mark? What did you just say?"

"Nothing." However, he hurried home and grabbed a bag. When the cards landed, he wanted as many as possible.

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Back in his room, Mark was pleased with his initial haul. By going all over town, and staying out until past midnight, he had managed to get fifty or sixty Subterra Bakugan. Perfect.

He might have collected more Bakugan, but he preferred Subterra. Anything else, he left for others to find.

"Well, Leo, ready to get started?"

"I've been ready for years."

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As soon as the rules for the game were posted, Mark was out and playing. He was really glad for the training that Dan had given him. Without it, he would not have won as many. He was making an effort to keep Leo a secret, and only use him as a last resort. Of course, he was being used within the first week.

Mark needed new strategies. He really did. After all, although he had a whole bunch of Bakugan, he intended to keep as many as possible. Either that or have a little wager with Masquerade. But, then again, what were the odds of that?

Either way, there probably was an easier way to get stronger than pounding on everyone in town, but it worked before. Sure, they had also lost the most important fight of all before, but they tried not to think about it.

However, there were a few it was a pleasure to pound. Mark was reminded of just how bad Dan was before meeting Drago. Then again, the same could be said for him. Either way, it was impossible to resist setting Leo on him.

"Rematch?"

And, of course, he never gave up.

"Dan, this was the fifth time in a row. Admit it, I've won."

"Come on! If it weren't for your one Bakugan, I could beat you every time!"

"Dan, for the third brawl, I used Saurus, Juggernoid, and Centipoid, and still won. Your chances of beating my best are nil."

"I agree with Mark."

"Shun, you never agree with Mark. Why now?"

"Because of how insanely powerful his best is."

Mark shrugged and walked off. He couldn't wait for Dan to get Drago. After all, that would actually be fun. Somewhat dangerous, but fun.

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Mark went to answer the door. He was surprised to see Shun.

"Look, Shun, if you wanted to challenge me, it could have waited until tomorrow."

"It isn't that. It's just a simple question. How did your Bakugan get so powerful?"

"I'm not sure you're ready to know about that kind of stuff. Maybe when you're older."

"You're younger than me."

"Give it up, Mark. You can't win this one." Leo decided to pitch in to the conversation.

"Your Bakugan talks?"

"Yeah, he does. It can get a bit annoying at times, to be honest, but it gives me someone to talk to. At least he isn't as bad as Dan."

"Do not compare me to him."

"Oh, and he has an attitude at times. Believe me, though, he used to be a lot worse."

"How much worse?"

"You don't want to know."

"Mark, are you just going to tell him all of our secrets?"

"I would never dream of that, Leo. I just think we should have him on our side."

"You guys lost me, just tell me why he talks."

"Well, Leo is what I call a Guardian Bakugan, my partner. He can talk, fight, and, well, he just hangs around in my pocket all day."

"How do you get one of these Guardian Bakugan?"

"He just showed up when I was in the park one day." Mark neglected to tell Shun the exact circumstances. After all, some things just didn't need to be told, Leo's origins being one of them.

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Dai: You may be wondering why Shun is the first to learn about Leo. For one thing, he's more observant than, say, Dan. For another, well, I just felt like it.