DREN: THAT WOMAN DOES NOT OWN BAKUGAN.

REN'S POV

I had been called back to Gundalia on the order of Emperor Barodius. As important as my mission was, I didn't have time to ignore his orders so when I got the message, Linehalt and I made a one-way trip back to Gundalia.

I knelt before the Emperor's throne as Kazarina and Gill stood by his side. Barodius' chambers always had an eerie feeling to it. Most of the time, if you were summoned to see him alone, it usually wasn't good and sometimes you wouldn't come out. I was certain that wouldn't happen to me, but still, I couldn't help but worry. There was still so much I needed to do.

After all this is over…I need to see her face again, to hear her laugh again…even if it's only for a second.

'Ren,' said Gill.

'Yes, Master Gill,' I responded.

'I'm afraid we're going to need you to explain: how is it that you managed to infiltrate the Brawlers yet somehow fail to bring them over to our side?' Gill addressed me. It was only a matter of time before they would pry.

'Well, sir…' I started, but had no idea how to continue.

'There's talk amongst your teammates that you have come to sympathize with our enemy,' said Kazarina. 'Has spending time with them pretending to be their friend made you change your views on something?'

'What? No!' I protested.

'Yes, I heard a particular rumor that you were spending quite a bit of time with a specific human girl who was not even part of the brawlers,' said Gill.

'I heard that rumor as well. Tell me Ren, were you distracted?' accused Kazarina.

'NO! Who told you those lies?' I couldn't let them find out about Lyra. I'd do anything before I'd let them find out about her. After I told her the truth, I didn't want her to have anything to do with this war. Keeping her out of the way was the best way to keep her safe. And the best way to keep her out of the way was if she hated and wanted nothing to do with me.

'It doesn't matter who gave us this information. You've given me no reason to doubt your word Ren. But if you're playing me for a fool and I find out you betray me, the punishment you suffer will be legendary.' Barodius was known for getting rid of people and I certainly didn't want to be one of those.

'Very well, but that still doesn't address the fact that the brawlers have sided with the Neathians,' said Gill. 'What do you have to say about that Ren?'

'It was an unforeseen circumstance and it was out of my control. Princess Fabia from Neathia showed up and the brawlers sided with her. All I can do is renew my pledge of undying loyalty to Emperor Barodius…and that should fate put me against the brawlers in battle…' I shut my eyes, thinking of my…friends, 'I will not hesitate to destroy them!'

Barodius smirked. 'Very well, you are dismissed.'

I bowed my head one more time before standing up and leaving the throne room. I was making my way back to the teleportation chamber. Bring us back to Gundalia all the way from Earth took a lot of Linehalt's strength and I didn't want to tire him out.

As I was walking through the halls of Gundalia, I couldn't help but find this place dark and bleak. Every part of this place felt like it was draining me of all happiness…not that there was much of that left. Happiness…the only time I really felt happy was when I was on Earth…with my…friends…and Lyra… But it was the surface, above that wretched prison Linehalt and I were confined to, and that was good enough for me.

'Ren, you can tell me the truth,' said Linehalt, floating next to me.

I looked to him out of the corner of my eye. 'Huh? What do you mean?'

'Well, it just seems to me that you really don't want to fight the Brawlers.'

'Do I need to remind you about the darkness we escaped from Linehalt?' I put a little more anger in that question than I intended to, but Linehalt needed reminding.

'No, Ren. You of all people know that after being trapped there for so long that I am very grateful for every second of freedom that I've been granted,' he replied.

'Good, I don't want to hear you bring this up again.'

NORMAL POV

'I can't believe that those Gundalian's took Neo from Linus! Especially since the Element is hidden within him,' cried Fabia as she slammed her fists onto the table.

'Hopefully, they don't realize that they have it otherwise Neathia is doomed,' said Aranaut.

'Fabia, just what is this Element anyway?' asked Dan.

'Perhaps it is the reason Gundalia attacked Neathia?' proposed Drago.

'Well…it's essentially the main life force of Neathia,' replied Fabia.

'What do you mean by 'life force?'' asked Dan.

'The power that comprises the Element is like nothing you've ever seen before. It can turn the most dry and barren land into the most prosperous and fertile farmland. Unfortunately, with great power comes great temptation. There are those who wish to harness it and twist it for their own evil purposes, one prime example being the Gundalians.'

'So if we don't get it get back then Neathia's in deep trouble,' said Rin.

'Not just Neathia. The Gundalians won't stop until they rule…'

'Everyone!' yelled Julie over the intercom. 'It's Linus!' she squealed. Everyone ran over to the infirmary where Linus was resting.

'What's going on?' asked Shun. Linus was sitting up, clearly trying to fight his way out of bed while Marucho, with all his might, was trying to keep him down.

'Linus is freaking out! He says he's gonna go after the Gundalians and get the Element back himself!' cried Akwimos.

'Dude, you gotta take it easy! You've been through a lot!' cried Jake.

'Linus, you need to rest!' cried Fabia.

'I'm sorry Princess, but not even you can stop me…To lose my own partner and the Element in front of my own eyes…I have to get them back! Ah!' Linus suddenly fell forward. Dan caught him by the arm just in time.

'Don't worry, Linus. We'll get them back for you,' said Dan.

Julie looked to the ground and saw a necklace that had fallen when Linus nearly fell. She picked it up and fingered the necklace with a Pyrus symbol. 'What's this?' she asked.

'It's an ID tag, standard issue for all Castle Knights. It also represents the bond between Bakugan and battler,' explained Linus.

'Linus, you can count on us! We'll get Neo back for you,' said Dan. 'Right Drago?'

'Yes! Neo Zip Zam sounds like a brave warrior. I'm anxious to meet him.'

'Dan…Drago…' said Linus.

'Linus, you can trust Dan and Drago, they never go back on their word,' said Fabia.

'Yes…very well,' he nodded.

'Well, now that that's settled, let's head off to Bakugan Interspace with a vengeance!' cried Dan.

Julie lay Linus back into bed to rest while the everyone was transported into Bakugan Interspace. Rin and Dan held onto Shun while they were transporting because Nightwing and Drago couldn't body shift.

'Sweet! We're in! So what do we do now?' asked Akwimos.

'Keep our eyes peeled for a start,' said Shun.

'But would they really leave Neo out in the open?' asked Fabia.

'Maybe they would…we still don't know if the Gundalians know that Neo has the Element,' said Rin.

Dan suddenly burst into a run.

'Dan!' cried Shun.

'Where are you going?' asked Hawktor.

'They must be hiding Neo somewhere. I'm gonna see what I can find!'

'Dan slow down, we need a plan!' cried Marucho.

'There's no time, guys! We have to go!' Dan ran off into the streets of Interspace.

'Dan!' cried Jake.

'Should we follow him?' asked Coredem.

'Of course!' cried Fabia. Everyone ran after Dan and finally managed to catch up to him. All of a sudden, an Interspace warp hole appeared right in front of them. Dan tried to stop, but his sudden stop surprised everyone else and they ended up crashing into him, which pushed everyone into the warp hole.

Marucho and Jake fell right on top of Dan while Fabia and Shun, who pulled Rin with him, managed to avoid the dog pile.

'Ow…that hurt…' groaned Dan. He opened his eyes and looked around.

'We've been teleported to a battle arena…but why?' asked Drago.

'It's called a trap door numbskulls. Did you really think we'd leave that gaping hole you put in our system open?' Everyone turned around and saw Sid Arcale.

'Sid!' cried Dan.

'I'm betting you're here to get your precious Neathian Bakugan back…that or you're here to get the secret this little guy's keeping locked up. That's it, isn't it?' he said, holding up a grey Neo Zip Zam.

'He's got Neo!' cried Fabia.

'Sid! What do you think you're doing?' Everyone looked up to the stands and saw Ren.

'Get lost, Ren! This has nothing to do with you!' retorted Sid.

'Give him back now!' shouted Dan.

'If you want him back so badly, you'll have to win him from me!'

'What?' cried Dan.

'You're surprised? Come on, every villain we run into won't let us do something until we beat them in a battle. This isn't that different,' said Rin.

'She's got a point,' added Shun.

'Ok then, you want a battle? You got it!' declared Dan.

'Good, Gate Card set! Rubanoid stand!'

'What the? Rubanoid?' cried Dan, stepping back in shock. He was expecting to fight Neo so he could win him back, so Sid summoning Rubanoid took him by surprise.

'He sent in Rubanoid,' said Dan.

'What's with the switch?' asked Dan.

'What are you talking about? I never said I was going to battle you with Neo. Besides, Rubanoid and I have a score to settle with you,' said Sid.

'And we can't move forward until we crush you!' cried Rubanoid.

'We're both Pyrus battlers, Dan. So you of all people must understand why we need to fight you,' said Sid.

'We'll have to take out Rubanoid first, buddy. You sure you can handle it?' asked Dan.

'Of course. I won't give up until we get Neo back!' cried Drago.

'Good! Drago stand!'

'Corundum Tusk!' Rubanoid's talons began glowing red as he fired a rain of red bullets at Drago, who took to the air to evade.

'Dragon Hummer!' Drago's body began glowing red also as he easily continued to evade and repel Rubanoid's attacks.

'You really think you can take me down that easily?' taunted Drago.

'Firim Tornado!' Drago, his lower body enveloped in a tornado of fire, charged at Rubanoid and knocked him to the ground.

'Don't get too cocky! Gate Card open! Ruby Storm!' A dome of scarlet rubies suddenly enclosed over the battle arena. 'This is a personal favorite of mine. Not only does Ruby Storm up Rubanoid's attack power, it allows the use of level 2 Battle Gear ability.' Sid pressed buttons on his BakuMeter and summoned Rubanoid's Battle Gear. 'Destrakon Gear Vickers!'

Three of Destrakon Gear's heads detached and flew over to Drago, firing red beams at his chest. Drago cried out in pain while Rubanoid only laughed at his misery.

'No! I won't lose! Can't let Linus down!' cried Drago. 'I made a promise and I intend to keep it!'

'We both do!' added Dan. 'Battle Gear boost! Jetkor Delta!'

'Is that supposed to scare us? Go get him Rubanoid!' cried Sid.

'With pleasure!' added Rubanoid.

Rubanoid and his Destrakon Gear heads fired beams at Drago who shot two powerful blasts in return. Drago's was clearly more powerful as it blew right through the Ruby Storm dome and incinerated Destrakon Gear.

'You'll pay for that, Drago!' cried Rubanoid.

'In your dreams!' Drago flashed Jetkor's green lights on Rubanoid before finishing him off with blast.

'I don't get it…we hit him with a level 2 Battle Gear ability…so how did we lose?' cried Sid.

'Drago is very powerful…I warned you,' said Ren.

'Shut up! I didn't ask you!'

'Since you're taking so long, I think I'll go first this time. Gate Card set. Drago stand!'

'Rubanoid stand! Scarlet Plate plus Red Deeper!' Red rubies flew over from Rubanoid and formed a circle around Drago, keeping him from escaping. The rubies let out an electric shock as Rubanoid fired a blast at Drago. Rubanoid laughed again as Drago stumbled back.

Rubanoid prepared another attack, but Dan reacted. 'Burning Reflector!' Drago formed a shield that reflected Rubanoid attack back at him.

'All right then! Battle Gear boost! Destrakon Gear Brinel!' Rubanoid's snakeheads fired beams at Drago.

'Give it up Drago! It's time for someone new to be number one!' taunted Rubanoid.

'Dan! A little help?'

'You got it, buddy! Hyper Helix Shield!' Drago easily blew off Rubanoid's attack.

'No, no, no! Why isn't my attack working?' cried Rubanoid.

'No, this can't be happening! We have to win so we can return to the Emperor with a victory!' Sid looked in his hand when Neo Zip Zam quickly glowed before unlocking. 'What the?'

'It's unlocked itself!' cried Ren.

'Can you feel it, Ren?' asked Sid, staring at Neo Zip Zam.

'What do you-'

'It's the Element! That's what this little guy is hiding from us by staying locked!'

'We don't need it, Sid. I can win on my own!' cried Rubanoid.

'Using it will guarantee our victory.'

'No, Sid. Don't do it!' Ren held up his arm to stop Sid, but he already threw Neo into battle.

'All right, this is the moment of truth, ready buddy?' asked Dan.

'Yes,' said Dan.

Neo suddenly began glowing brightly as the light expanded and surrounded Drago. Everyone held up their arms to shield their eyes from the bright light.

Drago opened his eyes once he felt the light die down. He looked around and saw that he was surrounded by a black and red world. 'Where am I?'

'We meet at last, Drago.' Drago looked in front of him and saw Neo Zip Zam.

'Neo! What's happening? What is this place?'

'Drago, long ago it has been written that we would one day meet, but I had hoped it would not be like this…'

'What do you mean?'

'For years, it has been my responsibility to safe guard the Element, but it is time for me to pass it on to you.' A glowing orb came out of Neo's chest and floated over to Drago.

'What?' asked a confused Drago.

'The people of Neathia are counting on you, Drago.' Neo began floating back and disappearing. 'My mission is over, Drago. Good luck.'

Drago cried out as the Element pressed into his chest. He felt his body heat up…a sensation that he was very familiar with. The light disappeared and he was back in Interspace facing Rubanoid…but he felt different.

'Wha-what happened?' He looked at his hands and examined his new body.

'Drago…you've evolved again…' Dan looked at his shining ability card. 'Blaze…Dragonoid…'

'Blaze Dragonoid? But how?' cried Sid.

'Neo must have made Drago evolve when he gave him the Element,' said Ren.

'Who cares if he's evolved? I'm not through with him yet!' Rubanoid jumped into the air and charged at Drago.

'Let's win this Drago! Cross Fire!' Drago's wings turned into streams of fire that surrounded Rubanoid, returning him to Sid.

Sid grunted as he picked up Rubanoid. 'No…no way!'

'Yes, Sid. They have the Element back. Way to go!' cried Ren, sarcastically, running off.

'Hey! It's not my fault!' cried Sid, running after him.

'Dude! That was so cool how you just evolved!' cried Jake in pure idolization.

'I must admit, I didn't expect this to happen,' said Fabia.

'But now Drago's bigger and badder than ever!' cried Rin.

'I feel very strange…now that the Element is a part of me…but it feels good at the same time,' said Drago.

'Wait…where's Neo?' cried Dan.

'You've got some nerve, Arcale: showing up after losing the Element to the Brawler!' cried Barodius. Ren and Sid knelt before the Emperor and had the horrid job of informing him that Sid had lost the Element. 'I have no use for fools.'

'But sire!' cried Sid.

Rubanoid suddenly opened up and took physical form. 'Are you serious? You can't just dismiss us like that! Not after we faithfully served you!'

'How dare you speak to the Emperor like that!' cried Gill.

'Our loyalty deserves respect!' cried Rubanoid, walking up to Barodius. Rubanoid suddenly cried out in pain and fell to the ground as Krakix stood over him.

Kazarina let out a laugh. 'I can use this one in my experiments.' She waved her hand and Rubanoid disappeared.

'Rubanoid…no…' Sid shut his and turned away.

'Emperor, give us another chance,' said Ren. Sid looked up. 'Grant us a pardon this time and I promise we will take down the Brawlers! We will redeem ourselves.'

'SILENCE!' Ren jumped back and hung his head at the Emperor.

'Begging for your life Ren? How weak and pathetic you are,' said Sid.

The floor beneath Sid opened and he disappeared into it. Ren looked away as the hole closed.

'So Drago has been infused with the Element. You had best not waste any time capturing Drago and retrieving the Element, Ren. Don't make me regret giving you a second chance.'

'Linus…Linus!'

Linus stirred in his sleep at hearing someone call his name. His eyes fluttered open before he sat up from his bed. It didn't hurt this time when he sat up but that was probably because he had gotten a lot of rest. His eyes widened in shock when he saw his partner Bakugan.

'Neo! You came back!' he cried hopefully. He rushed over to his partner, but stopped when Neo held up his hand. 'What's wrong? You seem different…'

'Yes…I have passed on the Element to a more worthy host. It was the right thing to do for Neathia,' said Neo.

Linus looked down sadly…but gave his partner a smile. 'I understand, Neo…' It was always like Neo to make sacrifices for Neathia. It was part of what made him an excellent Castle Knight. But…saying goodbye to his partner…Linus couldn't help but feel his heart break.

'I just wanted to come here…to say goodbye…I'll never forget you Linus,' said Neo.

'And I'll never forget you, Neo.' Neo began fading away as the light around them got brighter. 'Be well…my friend.'

Linus opened his eyes and found he was back in bed. He sat up, taking in what he had just seen. He turned around and saw the necklace ID tag he wore which instantly brought back the pain of losing Neo. He reached out and grabbed the necklace in his right hand. He held the tag in front of him, staring at the item that was the representation of their partnership…no, their friendship. He closed his fingers around the necklace and put his forehead on it, letting lose the tears he was holding back.

I admit it was sad. I felt like crying but I realised I was peeling onions that time. Well, expect more chapters soon!