Zenoheld's Revenge: Annihilation

by ariace613

Sequel to "Alice in New Vestroia". The battle for New Vestroia is over. The Vexos were pushed back. But Zenoheld now threatens everything with his new Vestal Annihilator. It's up to the Resistance, led by Alice, to stop the mad man once and for all.

14. Chapter 14

So glad you're still with me, guys. I left you on a pretty big cliffhanger, but here's the next chapter! I hope you will enjoy!

Warning: This chapter has some pretty dark stuff in it, so it might be best if you leave if that kind of thing isn't for you. In any case, BE WARNED.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bakugan or the characters.

XXX

Chapter 14: Massacre

Keith was in a standoff against Mylene and Lync. He had just won the first round, decreasing each of his opponents' Life Gauges to 80%, and now it was his opponents' turn to start the round.

"That last round was too easy", Helios boasted to Keith. "Why are they still trying? They can't win!"

"Helios", Keith reprimanded. "You are powerful, but you're not invincible. I'd think Gus would have taught you that."

"He got lucky", Helios insisted. "And we did beat him, didn't we?"

"Even so, he almost defeated us", Keith reminded his partner. "Your power is impressive, far beyond any other Bakugan we've encountered, in fact. But that doesn't mean you're unbeatable."

"Fine", Helios conceded, if only to get out of the conversation and continue the fight. "What's the plan?"

"We'll have to wait for Mylene and Lync to make the first move", Keith said. "Mylene isn't stupid. She's well aware of your power now, so taking them down may be more difficult."

"Ok", Helios agreed, making a sarcastic comment afterwards. "I'll be wary while I turn their mechanical Bakugan into molten slag."

Keith facepalmed after hearing that. "What am I going to do with you…?", he muttered.

With Mylene and Lync, meanwhile, the two Vexos were concocting their strategy.

"Helios is far too powerful to attack head-on", Mylene reasoned, rubbing her chin. "Our stationary attacks would be overpowered, leaving is vulnerable, and our defensive maneuvers would prove useless against that Atomic Quasar ability."

"So what's the plan?", Lync questioned. "Just keep moving and hit Helios with guerrilla attacks?"

"Yes, actually", Mylene confirmed with a bit of surprise. "I suppose you aren't a complete buffoon, after all."

"Thanks!", Lync said with a cheeky grin, before realizing what Mylene said. His face fell as he glared at Mylene. "Hold on a second! You're saying you thought before that I was a complete buffoon!?"

"Correct", Mylene answered dryly. "I didn't expect you to infer that, either. Guess you put on a thinking cap today?"

Lync's glare at Mylene hardened at that, before he just looked forward, at Keith. "Just play your card already, witch", he told Mylene without looking at her. "You're just wasting time."

"Whatever, little man. This card'll throw Spectra and Helios in for a loop", Mylene sniped, throwing a Gate Card onto the ground. "Gate Card, set!"

"Bakugan, brawl!", Mylene and Lync called in unison, throwing their Bakugan in at once. "Bakugan, stand!"

"Put them in their place, Macubass!", Mylene ordered, announcing her Bakugan's arrival.

"Knock 'em dead, Aluze!", Lync prompted his Bakugan as it ascended into the air and let out a mechanical screech.

"I suppose our little strategy session is over", Keith said.

"About time!", Helios yelled, his ball closing in Keith's hand. "Throw me in, Keith!"

"Bakugan, brawl!", Keith yelled, throwing Helios in. "Bakugan, stand! Go, Pyrus Supernova Helios!" As announced, the eight winged Dragon rose, glaring down his mechanical opponents.

"You're going down!", Helios roared in promise. "Just like before!"

Supernova Helios: 900

Macubass: 700, Aluze: 700

"Ha. We'll see about that!", Mylene sniped, putting an ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Mouser Barracuda!" Macubass closed and whirled both its claws, and opened them up, revealing that they had changed into machine guns. Macubass started flying rapidly clockwise around Helios, using the machine guns to barrage him with blue lasers.

"My turn, Mylene!", Lync added, putting an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Sling Boomerang!" Aluze began flying a course of circling Helios counter-clockwise fashion, unleashing a barrage of green laser boomerangs at Helios from its shoulder cannons.

"Ah! Stop that!", Helios demanded. "You're only making things worse for yourself!"

Supernova Helios: 900-300-200=400

Macubass: 700, Aluze: 700

"Stay calm, Helios!", Keith yelled, putting an ability into his gauntlet. "Time to show them who they're dealing with! Ability Activate! Eclipse Blazer!" Helios suddenly raced into the air, averting the two barrages before remaining stationary in the air. His tail, aiming at Macubass, launched an orange fireball, but Macubass easily avoided it.

Supernova Helios: 400+300=700

Macubass: 700-300=400, Aluze: 700-300=400

"That's not so tough!", Lync goaded, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Dora Cannon!" Aluze started firing a barrage of green lasers from its rotating cannons on its underbelly and back at Helios, who had no chance of dodging.

"Agh! This is getting annoying!", Helios growled. "Stop that!"

"In your dreams!", Lync fired back.

"It seems they've figured out our attack pattern", Keith observed. "This might be a challenge."

Supernova Helios: 700

Macubass: 400, Aluze: 400+400=800

"Helios, hang on!", Keith exclaimed, putting another ability into his gauntlet! "Ability Activate! Nova Inferno!" Suddenly, Helios's body became coated in flames, deflecting the lasers in random directions.

"Huh? Why isn't he falling?", Lync questioned.

"Nova Inferno is a defensive ability that raises Helios's power level by 500", Keith explained. "It's going to take much more than that to keep Helios down."

Supernova Helios: 700+500=1200

Macubass: 400, Aluze: 800

"If only it was that simple", Mylene smirked, thrusting her hand out. "Gate Card Open! Aquos Battle Audience!" The Gate Card opened, causing several geysers to appear out of nowhere and begin to engulf the field in water. A sudden wave rolled toward Keith, but Helios descended and blocked the wave, though it doused his protective flames.

"Helios!", Keith yelled as the water level rose, reaching his knees, then his waist, before Helios gently grabbed his battler, put Keith on his shoulder, and ascended.

"They've adjusted the battle environment to their advantage", Keith realized. "The worst battlefield for a Pyrus Bakugan would be in the ocean."

"And yet, that's where Macubass thrives", Mylene boasted, showing both she and Lync also on Macubass.

"And air battling is Aluze's specialty", Lync added on. "What can you do now, Spectra, when you have nowhere to run?"

"And the Gate Card isn't even finished yet!", Mylene said with glee as Aluze turned blue and silver, matching Macubass's Aquos Attributing, before both mechanical Bakugan faded in with the background, somehow making their riders disappear as well.

Supernova Helios: 1200-500-500=200

Macubass: 400, Aluze: 800

"Wonderful", Keith sarcastically said. "This is just great."

"Getting cold feet?", Helios belittled his partner. "Let's keep fighting!"

"Yes. You have a point, Helios", Keith agreed, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "Let's go! Double Ability Activate! Atomic Quasar and Fusion Ability Solar Blaze!" Helios opened his mouth and aimed it at the ground, launching a huge fire blast at the water. The waves started to evaporate due to the intense heat of the flames.

"Come out, come out wherever you are!", Helios taunted. "Come get some!"

Supernova Helios: 200+600+400=1200

Macubass: 400-200=200, Aluze: 800-200=600

"You think you're clever?", Mylene mocked, putting another ability into her gauntlet, though Keith couldn't see where. "Try this! Ability Activate! Tsunami Hydrair!" A small splash could be seen in the waves, showing that Macubass had dived, before a massive tsunami wave rose and swallowed Helios, though he got out and ascended further.

"Good luck reaching us now", Helios taunted.

However, Keith's eyes went wide with a realization. "Helios, descend! It's a trap!, he attempted to warn his partner.

"Too late, noobs!", Lync hissed, placing another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Sky Impact!" A massive green laser rained down from above and onto a Helios, forcing him to the floor of the arena. Keith fell off his Bakugan, though he landed on his feet and the water was shallow enough now to allow Keith steady footing.

"Helios, are you ok?", Keith asked.

"Never… better", Helios groaned. He managed to get on his knees, then his feet, and started to rise, before another green laser struck him. The intense power forced Helios into ball form, flying toward Keith. As he fell, Macubass reappeared before reverting as well, soaring into Mylene's hand as she and her partner landed on the rapidly drying ground. A green flash was seen from above before Aluze, as a ball, went into Lync's hand.

Supernova Helios: 1200-400=800

Macubass: 200, Aluze: 600+500=1100

Keith: 40%

"Yeah, that's how we do it!", Lync cheered.

"How?", Helios asked with one word.

"An expert strategy", Keith conceded. "First, they were careful to avoid your devastating power and weakened you with their high speed moves. Then, they forced us out of our element and into a situation where we were at a huge disadvantage. We've underestimated them."

"Rather easy once we figured out Helios", Mylene admitted. "To be honest, I expected a bit more of a challenge. Oh, well."

"The battle is far from over, Mylene", Keith proclaimed. "I won't let you take the Pyrus energy from us! That's a promise!"

"Your scrap metal robots are going to the scrap heap they belong!", Helios threatened.

"Big mouth", Lync jeered. "Care to back it up?"

"Oh, we will", Keith promised.

XXX

Alice was currently in a standoff against Hydron and Shadow. The first round had resulted in Hydron's Life Gauge falling to 60%, and Alice's falling to 80%. This time, it was up to Alice to make the opening move.

Before Alice could play a card, Hydranoid floated up to her shoulder. "Alice, you must let me help Leonidas", he urged. "Please. My sacrifice is miniscule compared to stopping the Annihilator."

"Then you blatantly admit that you expect to die?", Alice interrogated her partner.

"Yes", Hydranoid confirmed. "I believe I might die. But I also believe that I might survive. If I am to die, I want my destruction to mean something. If I am to survive, I'd like to give the Vexos hell. But please, Alice, allow me this."

"No", Leonidas retorted. "Alice, I know Hydranoid wants this, but the stakes are too high. You can't allow this!"

Alice was silent, deep in thought. "...If it comes to using you or losing the Darkus energy, I will use you, Hydranoid", Alice swore. "But that moment hasn't come yet. I won't battle with you until that moment."

"That's all I ask", Hydranoid agreed.

Alice quickly drew a Gate Card, throwing it down onto the ground wordlessly. Afterward, she opened her hand, and Leonidas flew right in. As she threw Leonidas in, she called, "Bakugan, brawl! Leonidas, stand!" The Darkus Attributed dragonic Bakugan took its stance.

"I'm ready when you are, punks!", Leonidas taunted.

"Shadow Prove is always ready!", Shadow yelled, tossing in MAC Spider. "Bakugan, brawl! MAC Spider, stand!" The massive spider-like machine appeared, as well.

"Let's go, Subterra Dryoid!", Hydron exclaimed, throwing Dryoid in afterward. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!" The Subterra Attributed humanoid machine took its stance, as well.

"This seems rather familiar", Hydron belittled. "Why not make this a fair fight? Where's Hydranoid?"

Instead of calling on that Bakugan, Alice threw upward a purple and black cylinder. "Bakugan Trap, Darkus Legionoid!", she called, announcing the six headed serpent as it appeared alongside Leonidas.

(Omega Leonidas: 600, Legionoid: 350)=950

MAC Spider: 700, Dryoid: 700

"A Bakugan Trap? Rather lackluster for my tastes", Hydron belittled. "Did Hydranoid catch a flu, or something?"

"Yeah!", Shadow jeered, adding on. "Why not let him out, so I can put him outta his misery? HEHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Vexos…", Hydranoid growled.

"Don't let them bait you, Hydranoid", Alice cautioned her Bakugan.

"Yes… of course", Hydranoid replied.

"Then let's do some damage, Leonidas and Legionoid!", Alice addressed her battling Bakugan, putting two abilities into her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Omega Eraser and Enhancement Venom!" Leonidas started charging an orb of Darkus energy in his mouth, giving time for Legionoid to make his move. Legionoid blasted Leonidas with purple venom, but instead of hurting him, it seemed to empower him.

"Enhancement Venom is one of Legionoid's attacks", Alice explained. "It raises his power level by 100 and increases the effects of the affected Bakugan's abilities by 100 if used in a combination attack."

"You've gotta be kidding me!", Shadow ranted.

"Open wide!", Leonidas roared, unleashing his energy orb at mechanical Bakugan.

(Omega Leonidas: 600+500+100=1200, Legionoid: 350+100=450)=1650

MAC Spider: 700, Dryoid: 700

"No problem", Hydron decided, putting an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Mar Shield!" Dryoid quickly put its body between MAC Spider and the incoming attack, generating a dome of orange energy. Once the orb hit the done, a huge explosion resulted, but the dome, and Dryoid, were completely intact.

"Seems like… it's my turn! Hahaha!", Shadow exclaimed, placing an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Blaster Needle!" MAC Spider launched several purple glowing needles from its mouth, sailing towards and striking Leonidas and Legionoid.

(Omega Leonidas: 1200-500-100=600, Legionoid: 450-100-300=50)=650

MAC Spider: 700, Dryoid: 700+200=900

"Leonidas, let's keep going!", Alice encouraged, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Fusion Ability Activate! Omega Gambit!" Under the pressure of the needles, Leonidas slammed his claws into the ground, channeling Darkus power into the shockwave. When the shockwave hit the two mechanical Bakugan, Dryoid bore the brunt of the impact, falling down.

"No! Dryoid!", Hydron yelled.

(Omega Leonidas: 600, Legionoid: 50)=650

MAC Spider: 700, Dryoid: 900-400=500

"Oh, you're finished now!", Hydron growled, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Murasame Blade!" Dryoid, still laying on the ground, suddenly backflipped onto his feet and jumped straight toward Leonidas. It grabbed a metal hilt and ignited an orange laser blade, slashing it downwards to strike at the dragonic Bakugan.

(Omega Leonidas: 600, Legionoid: 50)=650

MAC Spider: 700, Dryoid: 500+300=800

"Forgetting someone?", Alice asked, placing another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Corrosion!" Legionoid divided each of his heads between each of his opponents, three heads aimed at each mechanical Bakugan. All the heads launched dark venom, blasting the nearing Dryoid away from Leonidas, and almost making MAC Spider collapse. Yet both quickly recovered and for back up.

(Omega Leonidas: 600, Legionoid: 50)=650

MAC Spider: 700-200=500, Dryoid: 800-200=600

"Good work, Legionoid!", Alice praised.

"Nicely done", Leonidas agreed. "Alice, no time to waste! Let's keep going!"

"Oh no you don't!", Hydron exclaimed, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Fusion Ability Activate! Shoo Dragon Fly!" Dryoid, instead of jumping into the air, began a ground charge toward Leonidas as its blade turned from orange to blue.

"Time for some serious demolition", Shadow stated, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Yeah! Ability Activate! Spider Net!" MAC Spider fired a glowing net, not unlike a spider's web in shape, from its mouth, sailing over Dryoid to entrap Leonidas.

(Omega Leonidas: 600-200-300=100, Legionoid: 50)=150

MAC Spider: 500, Dryoid: 600

"Your Bakugans' demolitions", Alice finished, putting two abilities into her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Shadow World and Enhancement Venom!" Leonidas's body began to emit a dark cloud, quickly expanding to engulf the field. Right before Legionoid was consumed, he was seen firing a stream of dark purple liquids into the fog, boosting its power. The dark fog expanded at an increasing rate, swallowing Dryoid and MAC Spider within moments.

(Omega Leonidas: 100+300+100=500, Legionoid: 50+100=150)=650

MAC Spider: 500-150-50=300, Dryoid: 600-150-50=400

"Oh, no. Whatever shall I do?", Hydron mocked, checking Dryoid's sensors on his gauntlet, which gave him a visual of the battlefield. "Like some fog would be enough to take us down!"

"Oh, it will", Alice promised. "Just not until now: Gate Card Open! Misty Solitude!" The dark fog suddenly thickened, not even allowing any light at all to penetrate it.

"Now what are you doing?", Shadow questioned.

"Wait, something's wrong", Hydron realised, showing his gauntlet to Shadow. Nothing was there. "Dryoid's sensors are offline!"

"Of course they are", Alice reprimanded her opponents. "Misty Solitude isolates the opponent Bakugan from their battlers and blocks their abilities. Your mechanical Bakugan are powerful weapons, but what'll happen when you aren't there to hold their hands?"

"Damnit!", Hydron cursed.

Within the fog, a huge purple flash was seen, then another. Suddenly, the fog dissipated, with

MAC Spider and Dryoid flying toward their battlers in ball form. Leonidas and Legionoid reverted, as well. It was clear that Alice had won that round.

Shadow: 30%

Hydron: 10%

"Seriously?!", Shadow questioned.

"You've underestimated us", Leonidas taunted.

"I must admit… not bad", Hydron commended. "You've exploited our Bakugans' weaknesses rather well. Seems you are a worthy opponent after all, Alice, but your progress ends here."

"Stop this madness", Alice implored her adversaries. "You can't honestly be behind Zenoheld on a planet destroying campaign! Leave him! We'd be willing to give you another chance, like we did with Volt!"

"Vestal would see me, and my father, dead if they had a chance", Hydron said indifferently. "Why should I give a damn about the people that overthrew us?"

"And, if you didn't get the memo, I kinda enjoy destruction", Shadow added. "So, you get the picture? You can't 'appeal to our morality' or shit like that, so can we please get back to the battle?!"

"If you insist", Alice answered.

XXX

Zenoheld had just initiated a battle with the entirety of the Battle Brawlers' current roster, excluding Keith and Alice. Despite the fact that he was outnumbered eight to one, he reserved a confident smirk.

"You gonna battle already?", Ace prompted the ex-king.

"Go ahead and go first", Zenoheld responded. "It won't make a difference."

"Fine then!", Ace yelled back, throwing down his Gate Card. "Gate Card, set!"

As the Gate Card expanded, Ace turned to Shun, the de facto leader of that group. "I'll go first. We shouldn't risk the Ventus energy if we can avoid it."

"Absolutely", Shun agreed. "Go on."

"Percival?", Ace addressed his partner.

"I'm ready", Percival said. "We'll knock Zenoheld down a few pegs."

"Bakugan, brawl!", Ace called, throwing in his Bakugan. "Bakugan, stand! Darkus Knight Percival!" The armoured version of Percival took his stance, hovering slightly over the air.

"It won't last long", Zenoheld predicted, firing his Bakugan from his gauntlet. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Pyrus Farbros!" The mechanical dragon-like Bakugan rose, standing stationary on the ground with its eyes trained on Percival.

Knight Percival: 600

Farbros: 800

"Do you see how outmatched your puny Percival is yet?", Zenoheld taunted Ace.

"Power levels aren't everything, old man", Ace retorted, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "Percival, let's go! Double Ability Activate! Dain Sleif and Fusion Ability Vermilion!" A small dark whirlwind appeared above Percival, dropping a sword to his right hand as it dissipated. The sword had a regular hilt, but the blade, smooth and clean, was made of purple energy.

Knight Percival: 600+300=900

Farbros: 800-200=600

"Percival… GO!", Ace yelled.

"Say goodnight!", Percival roared as he aimed the blade at Farbros, unleashing a blast of purple energy at the mechanical Bakugan.

"How boring", Zenoheld deadpanned as he put an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Fire Spartan!" Farbros buckled its knees, making clear the cannons on them. Those knee cannons unleashed a massive fire blast, successfully overwhelming Percival's attack.

Knight Percival: 900-300=600

Farbros: 600+300=900

"Ace!", Percival prompted as the flames neared, threatening to consume him.

"Don't worry, Percival!", Ace responded, barely getting an ability ready in time. "This'll stop that attack! Ability Activate! Bind Shield!" Out of nowhere, Percival grasped a purple shield and held it in front of him, blocking the worst of the flames.

"That was too close", Percival gasped.

Knight Percival: 600+300=900

Farbros: 900-300=600

"It doesn't matter!", Zenoheld promised, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Twin Horn Pulsar!" The claw-like armaments on Farbros's shoulders rotated from its sides to its front, clearly showing three holes in each claw. Each hole fired a red laser at Percival, making six in total. Even as Percival's shield deflected the lasers, he started to lose ground.

Knight Percival: 900-400=500

Farbros: 600+400=1000

"Percival!", Ace shouted. "Get out of there!"

"I… can't", Percival grunted. "He's… too… strong!"

"Bakugan, brawl!", Mira shouted, throwing her Bakugan in. "Bakugan, stand! Subterra Magma Wilda!" Wilda appeared on the field, raising his right fist in challenge.

Knight Percival: 500, Magma Wilda: 600

Farbros: 1000

"Percival, I'm with you", Wilda declared.

"Good to know", Percival growled, still holding his shield to block the attack. "Now, do something!"

"Ability Activate!", Mira called, having put an ability into her gauntlet. "Atlas Shield!" Wilda suddenly raised both arms, causing a wall of lava to rise between himself and Percival, and Farbros, blocking the rest of the attack.

Knight Percival: 500, Magma Wilda: 600+300=900

Farbros: 1000

Finally secure, Percival lowered the bulky shield and gripped his sword with both hands. "Ace, don't slow down now!", he told his partner.

"I agree. Let's show this amateur the power of Darkus", Ace proposed, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Fusion Ability Activate! Deathly Karbia!" As Percival gripped his sword, the blade changed, becoming much more jagged than before. As Percival swiped the air in an x-fashion, two energy slashes remained, sailing toward Farbros.

Knight Percival: 500+200=700, Magma Wilda: 900

Farbros: 1000-200=800

"How quaint", Zenoheld mocked, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Garland Claw!" Farbros's two claws, still facing forward, suddenly launched toward Wilda and Percival, each clasping around one within seconds. Red electricity poured from the claws and into the targeted Bakugan, causing both to cry out in pain.

Knight Percival: 700, Magma Wilda: 900

Farbros: 800+300=1100

"Wilda!", Mira called out, but her Bakugan didn't seem to hear her.

"We can't give in, Percival! Fight back!", Ace encouraged, but he didn't seem to have much luck, either.

"Bakugan, brawl!", Volt suddenly called, sending out his Bakugan. "Bakugan, stand! Haos Alto Brontes!" The four armed jester appeared, as well.

Knight Percival: 700, Magma Wilda: 900, Alto Brontes: 700

Farbros: 1100

"Need some help, guys?", Brontes asked the other two living Bakugan.

"Volt", Zenoheld snarled, almost animalistic in rage. "Destroying you for your betrayal will be the highlight of my day!"

"You couldn't match me on your best day", Volt replied calmly, putting an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Atmosphere!" Brontes raised all four arms, creating a metallic spheres with yellow halos over each one. All four projectiles went flying, one each destroying the claws, and the other two sailing toward Farbros, hitting it several times.

Knight Percival: 700, Magma Wilda: 900, Alto Brontes: 700+700=1100

Farbros: 1100-400=700

"Good call, Volt", Mira said. "Time to end this." Suddenly, all three Brawlers each put an ability into their gauntlets.

"Ability Activate! Sprite Glow!", Volt yelled. Brontes suddenly created yellow axe blades on each of his arms. Upon swiping his arms, Brontes sent the axe blades flying toward Farbros.

"Ability Activate! Ares Ball!", Mira called. Wilda raised both his arms over his head, slowly forming an orb of orange energy between them. When the orb was fully charged, Wilda let it fly toward Farbros.

"Ability Activate! Geor Gunner!", Ace called. Both of the dragon-like heads on Percival's shoulders rotated forward, charging purple energy along with Percival's main head. All three heads let the power lose simultaneously in one huge blast.

Knight Percival: 700+500=1200, Magma Wilda: 900+400=1300, Alto Brontes: 1100

Farbros: 700-300=400

"Bah! Whatever!", Zenoheld roared, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! FARBAS XM!" Farbros's entire body started to glow red energy, building up power. Once the attacks all hit, a huge explosion resulted, followed by a dust cloud.

"We got him!", Ace celebrated.

"No. It's not that easy", Volt realized.

"How could've Farbros survived all that?!", Mira demanded.

"Zenoheld activated FARBAS XM, an ability that recovers all damage Farbros received… and restores all power taken away from its power level", Volt answered.

As the dust receded, true to Volt's word, Farbros was still there, and all damage done was undone. Even the destroyed claws were there.

Knight Percival: 1200, Magma Wilda: 1300, Alto Brontes: 1100

Farbros: 400+200+300+200+400+300=1800

"All that… and nothing happened?!", Percival demanded in frustration.

"It'll take more than your puny attacks to defeat me!", Zenoheld promised.

"Then let's… keep… fighting!", Mira yelled.

XXX

Professor Clay was currently examining the unknown data strand that had suddenly appeared on his monitor. He looked rather frustrated at his progress, or lack thereof.

"This encryption… far beyond anything I've ever seen… what could this data be hiding?", he muttered. Suddenly he took notice to a strange, high pitched music. "And WHAT THE HELL IS THAT DAMN MUSIC?!"

"Professor", one of Clay's assistants approached the scientists. "Zenoheld wanted us to monitor the power from the current battles…"

"Just do it", Clay snapped at the assistant. "My focus is needed on this." He gestured at the data, which the assistant had no idea what to make of it.

"Yes, sir", the assistant responded, leaving his boss to his work.

"Now… where were we?", Clay muttered incredulously, continuing to work on decrypting the data. "This… is absolutely… incredible", he awed.

XXX

To initiate the third round, Keith speedily threw down a Gate Card onto the ground. "Bakugan, brawl!", he yelled, sending his Bakugan in. "Bakugan, stand! Pyrus Supernova Helios!" For one more time, Helios rose to true form on the battlefield.

"Ready, Mylene?", Lync asked his teammate.

"I'm always ready", Mylene sniped.

"Bakugan, brawl!", both Vexos yelled, throwing in their Bakugan. "Bakugan, stand!" Both Macubass and Aluze appeared on the field once again to challenge Helios.

Supernova Helios: 900

Macubass: 700, Aluze: 700

"Time to play, Aluze!", Lync joked, putting an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Mega Bind!" Aluze opened its mouth, firing a green laser at Helios, who didn't seem particularly worried.

Mylene had also put an ability into her gauntlet. "Go, Macubass! Ability Activate! Moby Cannon!", she commanded. Macubass spun its two claws closed, opening them up to reveal twin cannons. Macubass, using these cannons, fired two blue lasers at Helios.

Supernova Helios: 900

Macubass: 700+400=1100, Aluze: 700+300=1000

"Seems they've raised their power levels, Helios", Keith noticed, putting an ability into his gauntlet. "Shall we counter? Ability Activate! Solar Contender!" Still on the floor, Helios slammed his claws into the ground, creating a massive shockwave of orange and red flames. The fires easily countered the laser based attacks upon collision.

Supernova Helios: 900+400=1300

Macubass: 1100-400=700, Aluze: 1000-300=700

"But of course you'd have a perfect counter", Lync snarled.

"Move it, Macubass!", Mylene ordered. Macubass and Aluze quickly got out of the range of the flames, getting ready for a counterattack.

"Sky battles are Aluze's specialty, idiot", Lync snickered, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Sky Impact!" Aluze quickly ascended far higher than Macubass at that point.

"We'll keep them busy", Mylene decided, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! ABSIDS!" Macubass finally unleashed its deadly attack drones, them all barraging Helios with blue lasers from every direction. A green laser could be seen from above, zeroing in on Helios.

"Keith… any time now!", Helios prodded his partner.

Supernova Helios: 1300-400=900

Macubass: 700+400=1100, Aluze: 700+500=1200

"Helios, it'll be fine", Keith promised his partner, placing another ability into his gauntlet. "Just let this power flow through you! Ability Activate! Mauser Nova Blast!" Helios suddenly extended flames from everywhere: his mouth, wings, chest plate and even tail. One fire stream collided with the laser, canceling it out, and the rest consumed and destroyed the ABSIDS drones.

"No!", Mylene called, but it was far too late.

Supernova Helios: 900+600=1500

Macubass: 1100-600=500, Aluze: 1200-600=600

"We're not getting anywhere!", Lync realized.

"Then let's try a different trick", Mylene reasoned, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Blue Morbis!" From cannons on its wrists, Macubass let loose a stream of water, which began swamping the field like before.

"More water?", Helios questioned. "Really?"

"But of course", Mylene answered. "What's the best way to put out a few annoying flames? Drench them in water."

Supernova Helios: 1500-300=1200

Macubass: 500, Aluze: 600

"Unfortunately for you, I've planned for this situation", Keith said with a smirk, swiping his right hand to the side. "Gate Card Open! Dry Delta!"

"Dry what?!", Mylene asked in alarm. The Gate Card suddenly opened, causing all the water to rapidly evaporate. Just as suddenly, Macubass collapsed, completely unresponsive.

"What'd you do, Spectra?!", Mylene roared.

"Dry Delta is a Command Card that prevents any Aquos Bakugan to activate any abilities", Keith answered. "Helios, take to the skies! Macubass won't be a problem anymore!"

"I'm going to enjoy this!", Helios said as he raced upward. Another green laser rained down, but Helios had no trouble anticipating and avoiding it. It instead hit Macubass, causing a green explosion. But Macubass was still on the field.

"Lync, tell Aluze to stop that!", Mylene ordered.

"No need to be so serious", Lync said. "Aluze has the best chance in the air.

"Lync…", Mylene snarled.

"Fine", Lync caved, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Aluze, descend! Ability Activate! Dora Cannon!" True to Lync's command, Aluze descended to Helios's current level, firing a barrage of lasers from the rotating cannons on its underbelly and back.

Supernova Helios: 1200

Macubass: 500, Aluze: 600+400=1000

"Huh?! It's not enough!", Lync panicked.

"Is the end of the road for you!", Keith promised, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Atomic Quasar!" Helios slowly opened his mouth, unfazed by Aluze's barrage. He let out a predatory roar as he unleashed a blast of white flames at Aluze. The blaze consumed the Bakugan, hiding it from view. When the flames dissipated, there was nothing left. The mechanical Bakugan had truly turned to slag.

Supernova Helios: 1200+600=1800

Macubass: 500, Aluze: 1000

Lync: 0%

"Aluze…", Lync muttered.

"Macubass, get up! Now!", Mylene ordered. "We cannot… we WILL NOT LOSE!" Try as it might, though, the Gate Card's potency left Macubass useless.

"Let's end this!", Helios roared as he descended toward the mechanical Bakugan.

"Very well, Helios", Keith responded, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Fusion Ability Activate! Solar Blaze!" Helios released another blast of fire, this time much larger than the earlier one. The flames consumed the immobilized Macubass, leaving nothing left to see as the flames died down. Like Aluze, nothing was left of Macubass.

Supernova Helios: 1800+400=2200

Macubass: 500-400=100

Mylene: 0%

"No… way", Mylene muttered in shock. "You couldn't have…"

"Unfortunately for you, I did", Keith replied, catching Helios as gross newly reverted ball form flew toward his hand. "Now, as much as I enjoyed that battle… goodbye." He furiously pressed several buttons on his gauntlet, causing him to be teleported away from there, effectively escaping the Vexos.

XXX

Alice, Shadow and Hydron had all finished their preparations for the next round, and it was Hydron's turn to play a card. And play it, he did.

"Gate Card, set!", Hydron exclaimed, throwing a Gate Card onto the ground.

"Bakugan, brawl!", the three battlers yelled. "Bakugan, stand!"

As Dryoid, MAC Spider and Leonidas all rose in flashes of light, Alice tossed upward another contender. "Bakugan Trap, Legionoid, come forth!", she added. The six headed serpent appeared, as well.

Omega Leonidas: 600, Legionoid: 350

Dryoid: 700, MAC Spider: 700

"So you brought out that damn Trap again", Shadow taunted. "Who cares?"

Hydron, however, wasting no time in loading his ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Murasame Blade!", he called. As Hydron announced the ability, Dryoid grabbed a familiar metal hilt and ignited an orange laser blade, racing toward Leonidas.

Omega Leonidas: 600, Legionoid: 350

Dryoid: 700+300=1000, MAC Spider: 700

"Alright… go!", Alice yelled, putting two abilities into her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Corrosion and Omega Impact!" Legionoid divided each of his heads to train on each mechanical Bakugan, firing a dense purple venom at MAC Spider and Dryoid. Dryoid's charge was effectively stopped by the venom. Afterwards, Leonidas's claws suddenly became coated in purple energy. Leonidas charged at Dryoid, getting his claws ready to slash at Dryoid, who barely blocked the attack with its blade.

Omega Leonidas: 600+300=900, Legionoid: 350

Dryoid: 1000-200-100=700, MAC Spider: 700-200=500

"Well, that's annoying", Hydron relied.

"My turn!", Shadow announced, placing another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Tarantula Needle!" MAC Spider launched several needles from its joints into the air, as they slowly sailed down towards Leonidas and Legionoid.

"Not gonna work!", Alice countered, putting another two abilities into her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Enhancement Venom and Chaos Corruption!" Legionoid stalled on firing venom on MAC Spider and Dryoid, and began firing a different venom on Leonidas, enhancing his power. Leonidas, while ngering powered up by the venom, was beginning to be cloaked in a dark aura as he braced for the impact of the needles. When the needles got him, he easily endured them.

Omega Leonidas: 900+400+100=1400, Legionoid: 350+100=450

Dryoid: 700, MAC Spider: 500

"Unfortunately for you, your ability was just nullified", Alice informed Shadow.

"And unfortunately for you, that was a distraction! Hahaha!", Shadow retorted, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Blaster Needle!" MAC Spider speedily fired a cluster of needles from his mouth. Leonidas braced for the attack, but he wasn't hit. Legionoid was, hissing until the needles got him and the subsequent explosion.

Omega Leonidas: 1400, Legionoid: 450-300=150

Dryoid: 700, MAC Spider: 500

When the explosion's smoke cleared, there was no sign of Legionoid. Alice looked around her, but Legionoid's ball form wasn't there, either. Legionoid was just… gone.

Alice: 10%

"You…", was all Alice could manage. Her face was that of shock, slowly deteriorating into rage.

"Nice work, Shadow", Hydron congratulated. "Now that her Trap is finished, it'll be easy to take the Darkus energy!"

"It's time to knock you six feet below, Alice!", Shadow promised the ginger, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Spider Cannon!" MAC Spider's body opened up to reveal three cannons, which all charged up and released a massive purple laser. The laser struck Leonidas, but he managed to withstand it.

Omega Leonidas: 1400-400=1000

Dryoid: 700, MAC Spider: 500+400=900

"Alice! Time to counter!", Leonidas roared, but Alice didn't respond. Her mind was still in shock. "Alice, wake up!"

"Legionoid… they just…", Alice muttered.

"Then don't make his sacrifice be in vain", Hydranoid told Alice, rising to meet her at eye level. "They did just do that. Legionoid is gone. But Leo's still there, so this isn't the time to space out! Fight back!"

Alice nodded, regaining her senses. "Yeah. You're right, Hydranoid."

"How touching. But it's too late!", Hydron said, putting another two abilities into his gauntlet. "It's time to take the Darkus energy! Double Ability Activate! Sword Smasher and Fusion Ability Dual Caliber!" Dryoid grabbed its metal hilt with both hands, separating it into two halves. Each hilt had ignited an orange laser blade on it. Dryoid then reattached the two hilts and spun the laser staff, each end turning purple.

Omega Leonidas: 1000-500=500

Dryoid: 700+600=1300, MAC Spider: 900

"You're in for a world of hurt now!", Alice promised, rage practically dripping from her voice as she put three abilities into her gauntlet. "Tear them apart, Omega Leonidas! Triple Ability Activate! Omega Eraser, Draco Oblivion and Fusion Ability Omega Gambit!" Leonidas's body began to glow with power as his mouth prepared a massive amount of Darkus power.

"This… is for… LEGIONOID!", Leonidas roared as he let the power loose, unleashing a massive Darkus blast at the two mechanical Bakugan.

Omega Leonidas: 500+500+400=1400

Dryoid: 1300-400=900, MAC Spider: 900-400=500

"A triple ability?", Hydron asked, surprised. Then, however, the surprise ceased, and Hydron let out a chuckle. "I didn't think you were that desperate. You've just demonstrated that you're running out of options. But we've got more!" He put another ability into his gauntlet, completely confident. "Ability Activate! Mar Shield!" Dryoid moved in front of MAC Spider, creating a dome of orange energy. When the dome met the energy blast, the dome withstood it.

Omega Leonidas: 1400-500-400=500

Dryoid: 900+400+200=1500, MAC Spider: 500+400=900

"They nullified my abilities!", Leonidas realized.

"Yeah! And that means… you're finished!", Shadow assured the opponent, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Spider Net!" MAC Spider fired a glowing net that resembled a massive web from its mouth at Leonidas. The Darkus Bakugan was entangled by the net, and this time, he was trapped beneath it.

Omega Leonidas: 500-300=200

Dryoid: 1500, MAC Spider: 900

"No!", Alice exclaimed. Right then, Hydranoid floated up to her.

"Alice, the time is now!", Hydranoid yelled.

Alice nodded her head in wordless agreement. She grabbed Hydranoid and threw him in, calling, "Bakugan, brawl! Hydranoid, stand!"

"Too late!", Hydron exclaimed, thrusting out his hand. "Gate Card Open! Field Lock!" As the Gate Card glowed white, Hydranoid's ball form was repelled by the Gate Card, and Hydranoid flew back into Alice's hand.

"They locked the field!", Alice realized in horror. She quickly loaded an ability into her gauntlet. "Leonidas, we've got to nullify that Gate Card! Ability Activate! Grand Down!" Leonidas began to glow with purple energy, getting ready to channel energy into the Gate Card to nullify it.

"Yeah, no", Shadow deadpanned, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Wild Close!" MAC Spider fired another net, this time not glowing, at Leonidas. As he was still trapped by the Spider Net, Leonidas was unable to dodge. As the other net entangled Leonidas, further restricting his movements, the energy dissipated.

"You nullified my ability, too?!", Alice questioned in shock.

"You waited too long to play Hydranoid", Hydron snickered. "I thought one of two possibilities: the first was that something had happened to Hydranoid, and he was no longer in your possession. The second was that he would be in some kind of danger of he were to battle. So, I snuck in a Field Lock card just in case."

"Now, give up the Darkus energy!", Shadow yelled, relishing this moment.

Purple energy started to seep out of Leonidas's body, but it suddenly stopped.

"What?!", Shadow exclaimed.

"No… I won't let this happen", Leonidas groaned. "I won't let you take the Darkus energy from me!"

"How very noble of you", Hydron mocked. "You do realize that we'll beat you down as much as we have to, right? We are taking your energy."

"Do your fucking worst", Leonidas growled, ripping the nets off him. Although he seemed ready to collapse, and was obviously far too battered to use another ability, it was clear that he wouldn't give in.

"If you insist", Hydron said, pointing forward. "Dryoid! Destroy Darkus Omega Leonidas and claim the Darkus energy!"

Dryoid responded to Hydron's call, racing forward with its laser staff, spinning its weapon fast enough to make it a blur. Dryoid made once successful slash at Leonidas, then another, and another. Each time particles of energy leaked out of Leonidas, but Leonidas shut it off just as quickly.

"Leonidas, stop!", Alice ordered her Bakugan. "They'll destroy you to get the Darkus energy, and what would have changed? Nothing!"

"I won't surrender the energy", Leonidas swore as he was struck again. "I WON'T BACK DOWN EVER AGAIN!"

"This… is just pathetic", Shadow complained, shaking his head and putting another ability into his gauntlet. "I think I'll put ya outta your misery! Ability Activate! Mega Terror Impact!" MAC Spider leaped the distance between itself and Leonidas, landing right over the evolved Darkus Bakugan. As MAC Spider planted its legs, electricity poured down, electrifying Leonidas to beyond pain. MAC Spider's underbelly charged up and fired a massive purple laser onto Leonidas, who was consumed fully.

Omega Leonidas: 200-300=0

Dryoid: 1500, MAC Spider: 900+100=1000

"LEONIDAS, NO!", Alice screamed.

"AVENGE ME!" Leonidas yelled as he disappeared in a purple explosion. A massive purple energy went up, through MAC Spider and into the ceiling. The Darkus energy was gone, but so was Leonidas.

Alice: 0%

"Hahahahahaha! Did ya enjoy that battle, Alice?", Shadow jeered. "HAHAHA HAHAHA HAHA HAHA!"

"Shadow…", Alice muttered loathfully.

"Go ahead and leave now", Hydron said, a smug grin on his face. "We're done with you. We won't stop you from running away."

"You'll pay for this… monsters", Alice promised, holding her teleporter card to her chest level. Another moment, she was gone.

XXX

Wilda, Percival and Brontes were all fighting Farbros, who had just recovered all damage by Zenoheld using FARBAS XM. The living Bakugan were panting slightly, but Farbros seemed good as new.

Knight Percival: 1200, Magma Wilda: 1300, Alto Brontes: 1100

Farbros: 1800

"Are you ready to be destroyed, Brawlers!?", Zenoheld taunted his opponents, placing another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Twin Horn Phaser!" Between the two claws on Farbros's shoulders, Farbros generated an orb of red energy, which then shot a continuous blast of red energy at the opponents on the field. The lasers scored direct hits on all three and continued relentlessly, wearing down the three Bakugan.

Knight Percival: 1200-400=800, Magma Wilda: 1300-400=900, Alto Brontes: 1100-400=700

Farbros: 1800+400=2200

"Percival, no!", Ace yelled.

"BRONTES!", Volt exclaimed.

"It's my turn now!", Marucho exclaimed, throwing two Bakugan into the field at once. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Aquos Preyas and Aquos Minx Elfin!" Both of the amphibious Bakugan rose in support of their allies.

Knight Percival: 800, Magma Wilda: 900, Alto Brontes: 700, Preyas: 500, Minx Elfin: 600

Farbros: 2200

"What difference would that make?", Zenoheld taunted. "My interest is reserved for the Ventus energy! Shun Kazami, my son called you one who leads in the front. Why, then, do you cower behind your lackeys?!"

"Shun, don't listen to him!", Marucho told Shun, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "We can take Zenoheld without risking the Ventus energy! Double Ability Activate! Aquos Guardian and Ripple Trap!" Preyas charged forward, coated in a blue aura, before running in the middle of the laser blast, successfully deflecting it by using nothing more than that aura. Elfin, afterward, created a blue shockwave that rolled over Farbros, not doing any damage, but Farbros seemed unable to move afterward.

Knight Percival: 800+400=1200, Magma Wilda: 900+400=1300, Alto Brontes: 700+400=1100, Preyas: 500+200=700, Minx Elfin: 600

Farbros: 2200-400=1800

"You nullified my ability, pest?", Zenoheld questioned.

"And I've blocked your abilities, too!", Marucho added. "Guys, we should finish this. Ripple Trap won't hold forever."

"Good call", Mira admitted, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Gallows Punch!" Wilda's feet began to expel volcanic smoke, until Wilda rocketed toward Farbros with a raised fist, knocking Farbros down in a single punch before pulling back.

Which was enough for Ace, as he put another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Terminal Thunder!", he yelled. Percival's body began to charge up purple lightning, flashing all around him until Percival pointed his right pointer finger at Farbros, channeling all the lightning at Farbros. As Farbros was still affected by Ripple Trap, the lightning scored a direct hit.

"Insolent swine!", Zenoheld roared. "Your Bakugan will be destroyed!"

"Not if we destroy Farbros first", Volt replied, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Wizard Proxy!" Brontes started to wave his four hands, working up a strange aurora around them. Elfin started to glows in an empowering yellow aura as Farbros's power was depleting.

Knight Percival: 1200+400=1600, Magma Wilda: 1300, Alto Brontes: 1100, Preyas: 700, Minx Elfin: 600+300=900

Farbros: 1800-300-300-300=900

"Your finished, Zenoheld!", Volt exclaimed.

"Not even close. It seems that your ability has timed out", Zenoheld retorted, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Now, you're finished. Ability Activate! Hellion Breath!" Farbros's mouth suddenly dispensed a powerful gust of wind, knocking all the living Bakugan to the floor, useless.

Knight Percival: 1600-800=800, Magma Wilda: 1300-650=650, Alto Brontes: 1100-550=550, Preyas: 700-350=350, Minx Elfin: 900-450=450

Farbros: 900+800+650+550+350+450=3700

"How'd he do that?", Mira questioned.

"Gallium Breath takes half of your points away, and adds it to Farbros's own power level", Zenoheld said. "And you can't even activate abilities anymore!"

"May need some help", Mira told the Brawlers that haven't engaged in battle yet.

"I'll take this!", Runo decided, throwing in Tigrerra. "Bakugan, brawl! Tigrerra, stand!" The bipedal saber-tooth-tiger-like Bakugan made her appearance.

"I'm ready to fight! Raahhhhh!", Tigrerra roared.

Runo quickly put an ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Hyper Velocity Fang!", she called. Tigrerra extended her claws and fought through the wind, successfully landing a slash on Farbros. The wind completely supported after that, allowing the affected Bakugan to quickly recover.

Knight Percival: 800+800=1600, Magma Wilda: 650+650=1300, Alto Brontes: 550+550=1100, Preyas: 350+350=700, Minx Elfin: 450+450=900, Blade Tigrerra: 500

Farbros: 3700-2800-300=600

"You… lousy punks!", Zenoheld roared.

"Don't stop, Tigrerra!", Runo encouraged, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Saber Glowcer!" Tigrerra extended the blades on her shoulders, each firing a yellow arc of energy that stuck Farbros with a grinding screech.

Knight Percival: 1600, Magma Wilda: 1300, Alto Brontes: 1100, Preyas: 700, Minx Elfin: 900, Tigrerra: 500+400=900

Farbros: 600-400=200

"I've had quite enough of this!", Zenoheld stated, placing another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! FARBAS XM!" Farbros let out a mechanical roar as its body glowed red, once again restoring all damage gone to it.

Knight Percival: 1600, Magma Wilda: 1300, Alto Brontes: 1100, Preyas: 700, Minx Elfin: 900, Tigrerra: 900

Farbros: 200+300+300+300+300+400=1800

"He did it again?", Ace questioned.

"You are history, Brawlers!", Zenoheld promised, putting another ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Super Cell!" Farbros's mouth fired a massive red laser that started to continuously barrage its opponents, who were all shooting in pain until it subsided.

Knight Percival: 1600-500=1100, Magma Wilda: 1300-500=800, Alto Brontes: 1100-500=600, Preyas: 700-500=200, Minx Elfin: 900-500=400, Tigrerra: 900-500=400

Farbros: 1800+500=2300

"And now… to finish you off", Zenoheld said, furiously pressing several buttons on his gauntlet. "FARBROS, ASSAIL FORMATION!"

XXX

Keith had just arrived on his Vestal Destroyer control room. After he had defeated Mylene and Lync, he had the Destroyer lock on his biometrics, like before, to transport himself away. He made his way to the communications room to register a bright flash behind him. Keith turned around to see Alice and relaxed.

"Sorry. I thought you were an intruder", he told Alice.

"I understand. It's been a bad day for us", Alice replied emotionlessly.

"Are you ok?", Keith asked her.

Alice shook her head. "No, I'm not", she answered. "Hydron and Shadow challenged us to battle. Unfortunately, they won."

"They have the Darkus energy?!", Keith asked.

"More than that", Alice replied, her eyes tearing up. "Leo wouldn't let them take it. They… destroyed him!"

"Alice… I'm sorry", Keith said.

"Enough", Alice said with a wave of her hand. "The Annihilator is still a threat. I can't grieve now. What happened to you?"

"Like you, I was ambushed by the Vexos. Mylene and Lync, to be precise", Keith explained, but Helios interrupted him.

"I was able to turn their mechanical Bakugan into molten slag! It was so satisfying!", he fantasized.

"At least there's some good here", Alice said. "But where are the others?"

"That's what I was trying to figure out", Keith said, reaching the monitor. Immediately, a huge ran filed the screen, showing a strange DNA double-helix purple in color. "What the?!", Keith snapped, annoyed.

"Seems like some kind of data", Alice observed, momentarily lost in wonder before she shook her head, snapping herself out of the trance. "We can worry about decrypting it later. For now, we should focus on finding the others."

"Yes, of course", Keith agreed, moving the screen aside. He then got to work, eventually showing eight transponder signals in the monitor, quite close together. "They're right in front of us?", Keith said, uncertain.

"Wait…", Alice told Keith, a worried expression on her face. "If I battled Shadow and Hydron… and you battled Mylene and Lync… that means they're up against Zenoheld!"

"Come on!", Keith rushed, leading Alice out of the communications room, and toward the front of the ship.

"We're coming", Alice muttered as she raced the route out of the Destroyer. "Just hang on, Shun."

XXX

A glint was seen in the sky, slowly nearing the open battlefield. Farbros waited a moment before taking off to meet the object, revealed to be a massive battle unit. Giant legs snapped onto Farbros, as well as increased armor. Farbros's claws, which were at the shoulders before, moved to take the place of its hands. Four massive cannons snapped forward of the behemoth.

The massive mechanical Bakugan landed onto the ground and dropped a hatch, allowing Zenoheld entry into it. Inside the fighting machine, Zenoheld sat on a throne next to a monitor and a holo keyboard. "Assail Farbros: complete!", Zenoheld proclaimed.

Knight Percival: 1100, Magma Wilda: 800, Alto Brontes: 600, Preyas: 200, Minx Elfin: 400, Tigrerra: 400

Assail Farbros: 6500

"I didn't think his power level would go so high up!", Shun gasped in awe and terror.

"Hey, I've got a plan to bring down his power level", Ace told his allies. "But, for it to work the best… we need all hands on deck."

"Fine", Shun agreed. "Everyone, let's go!"

"Bakugan, brawl!", Shun, Julie and Baron called out, sending in their Bakugan. "Bakugan, stand!"

"Let's go, Gorem!"

"Haos Saint Nemus!"

"Ventus Storm Skyress and Ventus Master Ingram!"

As the four Bakugan announced took their stances, the Brawlers didn't waste a second as everyone who was in possession of a Bakugan Trap caked on them. "Go, Bakugan Traps!", they all called. Falcon Fly, Baliton, Hexstar, Tripod Epsilon, Pythantus, Piercian and Hylash all appeared, meaning it was an army versing a one-monster-army.

(Knight Percival: 1100, Falcon Fly: 350)=1450, (Magma Wilda: 800, Baliton: 350)=1150

(Alto Brontes: 600, Hexstar: 400)=1000, (Tigrerra: 400, Pythantus: 400)=800

Preyas: 200, (Minx Elfin: 400, Tripod Epsilon: 350)=750

Hammer Gorem: 500, (Saint Nemus: 600, Piercian: 350)=950

Skyress: 500, (Ingram: 600, Hylash: 350)=950

Assail Farbros: 6500

"Numbers mean nothing to me!", Zenoheld proclaimed. All that mattered to him was taking the Ventus energy, and Ingram had finally entered battle.

"They will after this", Ace smugly replied, swiping his hand in front of him. "Gate Card Open! Element Merge!" The Gate Card opened, causing energy to leak out of Assail Farbros and into every one of its opponents.

(Knight Percival: 1100+200=1300, Falcon Fly: 350+200=550)=1850, (Magma Wilda: 800+200=1000, Baliton: 350+200=550)=1550

(Alto Brontes: 600+200=800, Hexstar: 400+200=600)=1600, (Tigrerra: 400+200=600, Pythantus: 400+200=600)=1200

Preyas: 200+200=400, (Minx Elfin: 400+200=600, Tripod Epsilon: 350+200=550)=1150

Hammer Gorem: 500+200=700, (Saint Nemus: 600+200=800, Piercian: 350+200=550)=1350

Skyress: 500+200=700, (Ingram: 600+200=800, Hylash: 350+200=550)=1350

Assail Farbros: 6500-3400=3100

"Element Merge drains 200 points from your Bakugan to every Bakugan on my side!", Ace said smugly. "How does it feel, losing so much power?"

"Irrelevant!", Zenoheld declared.

"Then maybe we should add insult to injury!", Shun suggested, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Lightning Talon and Twin Fangs - Phantom Comet Storm!" Skyress positioned her tail feathers, aiming them directly at Assail Farbros as she blasted a green laser between her feathers. Meanwhile, Ingram got on top of and stood on Hylash, who then started flying at high speeds and fired several green orbs at Assail Farbros.

"I'm right behind you, Shun!", Marucho added, putting three abilities into his gauntlet. "Triple Ability Activate! Desert Marine, Blue Squall and Ding Dong Ditch!" Tripod Epsilon's leaf-staff frog began glowing orange, powering up himself, Preyas and Elfin, as the latter two also became coated in blue auras and charged Assail Farbros.

"We're in, too!", Mira called, putting two abilities into her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Apollo Head and Hyper Earth Ball!" Baliton fired several of his spikes to impale Assail Farbros, and Wilda raised his arms, generating a massive orb of orange energy between his palms. When Wilda sent the ball toward Assail Farbros, it was crackling with energy.

"Let's go, Percival!", Ace yelled, putting two abilities into his gauntlet! "Double Ability Activate! Fly Enemy and Geor Gunner!" Falcon Fly started to shoot energy pellets while flying toward Assail Farbros, while both of the dragon-like heads on Percival's shoulders rotated forward, charging purple energy along with Percival's main head. All three heads let the power lose simultaneously in one huge blast.

"Let's do it, Nemus!", Baron encouraged, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Tank Bunker and Sparkly Arrow!" Piercian positioned his shields in front of him, conferring them into mirror like surfaces. Nemus then charged an orb of yellow energy on his staff's end and threw it at Piercian, who reflected and enhanced the attack at Assail Farbros using his mirror shields.

"Tigrerra, go!", Runo shouted, putting another two abilities into her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Metal Fang and Python Impact!" Tigrerra suddenly extended all of her blades and charged Assail Farbros with surprising speed. Pythantus began to go into a coil, before launching at Assail Farbros like a spring, his body coated in a yellow aura.

"You too, Gorem!", Julie added, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Grand Impact!" Gorem took his jackhammer from his back, spun around in a three-sixty, and let the jackhammer go, flying toward Assail Farbros.

"And finally…", Volt concluded, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Shining Nightmare and Orion Head!" Brontes created two light disks and took hold of them. Brontes threw them both like frisbees at Assail Farbros. Hexstar, then, shot three of its own spikes at Assail Farbros, crackling with yellow lightning.

"Whatever!", Zenoheld roared, sliding an ability in place. "Ability Activate! Shiny Oricalcum!" Farbros suddenly emitted powerful red shockwaves that rolled over the small army of living Bakugan and their attacks. The long-range energy blasts fired by Skyress, Ingram and Hylash, Wilda, Baliton, Nemus and Piercian, Gorem, Percival, Falcon Fly, Brontes and Hexstar all exploded. Preyas, Elfin, Tigrerra, Pythantus, Ingram and Hylash were all forced away as they neared the monstrosity. Every Bakugan was hit by the shockwaves and forced to the ground.

"He nullified all our abilities at once?!", Shun gasped.

"This doesn't look so good!", Julie exclaimed.

The shockwaves continued, only growing stronger in power. Eventually, Bakugan began to cave to the relentless power. The first casualties were Tripod Epsilon, Falcon Fly, Baliton and Piercian, who exploded in colors of their Attributes. They didn't revert, they were destroyed.

"We're losing our numbers!", Volt realized.

The next Bakugan to cave were Hylash, Pythantus, and finally Hexstar, who were destroyed in similar fashion to the other Traps.

"No!", Shun exclaimed.

Finally, the shockwaves, subsided, leaving every Bakugan still on the field to collapse in exhaustion.

"That… was a doozy", Preyas groaned.

Knight Percival: 1300, Magma Wilda: 1000, Alto Brontes: 800, Tigrerra: 600, Preyas: 400, Minx Elfin: 600, Hammer Gorem: 700, Saint Nemus: 800, Skyress: 700, Ingram: 800

Assail Farbros: 3100

The present Brawlers were in shock as they processed what Zenoheld had just accomplished. "All our Bakugan Traps…", Marucho muttered.

"I told you I'd destroy your Bakugan!", Zenoheld gloated, sliding another ability in place. "Ability Activate! Shadow Crowley!" Assail Farbros aimed its four cannons directly at the battered Bakugan. The cannons began to build up red energy, then unleashing four simultaneous red lasers.

Knight Percival: 1300-400=900, Magma Wilda: 1000-400=600, Alto Brontes: 800-400=400, Tigrerra: 600-400=200, Preyas: 400-400=0, Minx Elfin: 600-400=200, Hammer Gorem: 700-400=300, Saint Nemus: 800-400=400, Skyress: 700-400=300, Ingram: 800-400=400

Assail Farbros: 3100

"Wilda, come on!", Mira encouraged, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Atlas Shield!" Wilda managed to rise and raise his arms, causing a wall of lava to rise in order to block the incoming attack.

"We can help with that!", Julie exclaimed, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Titanic Magma!" Gorem managed to rise, as well, and punched the ground beneath him, causing the lava wall to grow larger and stronger, even expanding toward Assail Farbros. The lava cooled before it could reach the mechanical monstrosity, however.

Knight Percival: 900+400=1300, Magma Wilda: 600+400+300=1300, Alto Brontes: 400+400=800, Tigrerra: 200+400=600, Preyas: 0+400=400, Minx Elfin: 200+400=600, Hammer Gorem: 300+400+300=1000, Saint Nemus: 400+400=800, Skyress: 300+400=700, Ingram: 400+400=800

Assail Farbros: 3100-300=2800

"Elfin, Preyas, Attribute change!", Marucho exclaimed.

"You got it, buddy!", Preyas exclaimed, glowing multicolor, before settling in a purple coloring. "Attribute change: Darkus!"

"Sure, why not?", Elfin exclaimed, creating a ring of multicolored light with her wand. "A quick costume change won't be a problem. All I need to do is step through this circle of light and become…", as she stepped through the light ring, her body turned dark purple and she gained a mask and cape. "...Darkus Minx Elfin!"

"What is that supposed to do?", Zenoheld momentarily questioned.

"It'll let us do this!", Marucho responded, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Super Moon Bow and Dark Predator!"

"Time for a Darkus takedown! I'm gonna double my pleasure by doubling your pain!", Elfin called, crossing her arms and making a v-shape on each hand. The unfolded fingers each fired a purple beam of energy at Assail Farbros, which barely seemed fazed.

"You, sir, are going down!", Preyas taunted whole rushing at Assail Farbros, covered in a dark aura.

Knight Percival: 1300, Magma Wilda: 1000, Alto Brontes: 800, Tigrerra: 600, Preyas: 400, Minx Elfin: 600+300=900, Hammer Gorem: 700, Saint Nemus: 800, Skyress: 700, Ingram: 800

Assail Farbros: 2800-300-300=2200

Shun's eyes widened as he realized what would happen. "Marucho, pull back!", he tried warning his teammate. "They're overextended!"

"What?!", Marucho questioned, turning sharply toward Shun.

"Enough of this!", Zenoheld roared, sliding another ability in place. "Ability Activate! Garland Claw!" Both of the massive claws shot forward without any warning, grabbing hold of both Preyas and Elfin within seconds. Red electricity poured from the claws and into the two targets, making them cry out in heartbreaking pain.

Knight Percival: 1300, Magma Wilda: 1000, Alto Brontes: 800, Tigrerra: 600, Preyas: 400, Minx Elfin: 900, Hammer Gorem: 700, Saint Nemus: 800, Skyress: 700, Ingram: 800

Assail Farbros: 2200+300=2500

"Elfin! Preyas!", Marucho yelled.

"I… don't think… we're gonna… get outta this… Marucho!", Preyas yelled, constantly having to stop from the pain.

"Don't talk like that!", Marucho shouted. "You're gonna be fine, guys!" He knew as he said that, though, that they wouldn't. It was too late. His two closest battle partners and best friends were about to be destroyed right in front of his eyes.

"Just promise… promise not to forget us, Marucho!", Elfin called, before she and Preyas were engulfed in blue explosions. They were defeated, but they hadn't turned to ball form. Like the Traps, Zenoheld had destroyed them.

"I… promise", Marucho swore, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I'll never forget you guys."

"NEMUS!", Baron shouted in sudden anger, enraged by Zenoheld's recent crimes. "LET'S FINISH ZENOHELD OFF!"

"I'm with you, Baron!", Nemus agreed.

Baron quickly loaded an ability into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Sparkly Arrow!", he furiously shouted.

"Your evil ways will stop here!", Nemus proclaimed as the end of his staff charged up an orb of yellow energy. "CHEW ON THIS!", he yelled, sending the orb directly at Assail Farbros.

Knight Percival: 1300, Magma Wilda: 1000, Alto Brontes: 800, Tigrerra: 600, Hammer Gorem: 700, Saint Nemus: 800+400=1200, Skyress: 700, Ingram: 800

Assail Farbros: 2500-400=2100

"Bah!", Zenoheld retorted as he slided another ability in place. "Ability Activate! FARBAS XM!" As the yellow energy orb struck Assail Farbros, it's body began to glow red, undoing every scratch and damage done while raising its power level considerably.

Knight Percival: 1300, Magma Wilda: 1000, Alto Brontes: 800, Tigrerra: 600, Hammer Gorem: 700, Saint Nemus: 1200, Skyress: 700, Ingram: 800

Assail Farbros: 2100+3400+300+300+300+400=6800

"He restored his power level again!", Mira realized in frustration. "He even recovered from the Gate Card effect! How are we supposed to beat that thing?!"

"You assume that you can beat me", Zenoheld said, an insane grin on his face. "I can't be beaten, especially not by the likes of you!"

"We'll see about that!", Mira retorted, putting another ability into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate! Hyper Earth Ball!" Wilda raised his arms, generating a massive orb of orange energy between his palms. When the orb had gained enough power to be literally crackling with energy, Wilda released it and sent it flying toward Assail Farbros.

"Whatever!", Zenoheld yelled, sliding another ability in place. "Ability Activate! Meteor Driver!" Assail Farbros adjusted its cannons, firing an even larger series of lasers than earlier. As the energy orb meet the lasers, the point effects canceled out but the lasers were quickly forcing Wilda's attack back.

Shun realized the danger rather quickly. "Get out of there, you guys!", he warned the Bakugan. Skyress and Ingram quickly flew upward to avoid the incoming attack, but none of the others responded in time.

Suddenly, Wilda's every orb exploded, allowing the lasers to plow into Wilda, creating a huge explosion. From the force of the explosion alone, Tigrerra, Gorem, Nemus, Percival and Brontes all reverted, dropping to their Brawler's feet. Bearing the full brunt of the attack, though, Wilda wasn't so lucky. When the explosion dissipated, there was nothing left of Magma Wilda.

"Percival?", Ace asked his Bakugan.

"I'll live", Percival groaned. "Same can't be said of Wilda, though."

"Yeah…", Ace agreed.

"Brontes talk to me!", Volt pleaded his Bakugan.

"That… wasn't very fun", Brontes admitted.

"Nemus, are you ok?!", Baron asked his Bakugan.

"Yes", Nemus said weakly. "I was lucky to survive that encounter."

"My little, precious Gorem!", Julie exclaimed.

"Julie, I'm fine", Gorem groaned.

"Apologies, malady", Tigrerra told Runo. "Our comrades have perished, and it's my fault."

"Stop it!", Runo instructed. "You did your best, Tigrerra. I couldn't have asked for more."

"Wilda… I'm sorry", Mira muttered, getting on her knees in despair. Losing the Subterra energy wasn't anything compared to this.

"And now, it's just you and me, Kazami!", Zenoheld boasted.

Skyress: 700, Ingram: 800

Assail Farbros: 6800

"Yeah. Just me and you", Shun agreed, putting two abilities into his gauntlet. "BUT YOU. WILL NOT. GET. THE VENTUS ENERGY! Double Ability Activate! Twin Fangs - Great Divine Wing and Green Wave!" Skyress and Ingram stated flying very close to each other, until they met. Skyress grabbed onto Ingram's waist as the two glowed with power, then were engulfed in green flames.

"It's down to the both of us, Skyress", Ingram stated.

"Then we must fight together if we are to have a chance", Skyress proclaimed. The two soared down toward Assail Farbros, scoring a direct got upon collision and retreating, but Farbros seemed undamaged.

(Skyress: 700+300+200=1200, Ingram: 800+300+200=1300)=2500

Assail Farbros: 6800-600=6200

"How boring", Zenoheld deadpanned, sliding another ability in place. "Ability Activate! Shadow Crowley!" Assail Farbros adjusted its cannons to aim at the two Ventus Bakugan, firing a series of red lasers at them.

"We're not finished yet!", Shun proclaimed, putting another two abilities into his gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Armored Intense Mode and Whirlwind Lightning Storm!" Ingram wrapped his body up using his wing scarves, deflecting the blast Farbros fired at him and Skyress. Skyress, meanwhile, returned fire by flapping her wings, causing a barrage of green projectiles to shoot at Assail Farbros.

(Skyress: 1200+200=1400, Ingram: 1300+200=1500)=2900

Assail Farbros: 6800-200=6600

"You'll pay for that!", Zenoheld promised.

"Don't stop! Don't stop until Zenoheld is begging for the mercy he doesn't deserve!", Shun goaded, putting another two abilities into his gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate! Wind Power Extreme and Gust of Wind Blow - Destruction Meteor Storm!" Ingram and Skyress started descending once again, with Ingram's wings lengthening and becoming as sharp as blades, and with Skyress cloaking them both in green flames. The two Bakugan hot Assail Farbros and separated, each attacking different blind spots.

(Skyress: 1400+300=1700, Ingram: 1500+300=1800)=3500

Assail Farbros: 6600-300-300=6000

Once Ingram and Skyress stopped their attack, they flew upwards, attempting to get out of Assail Farbros's reliable range.

"You are history!", Ingram declared.

"Your campaign ends here!", Skyress screeched.

"It's the other way around! You are history!", Zenoheld said, sliding another ability in place. "Ability Activate! Meteor Driver!" Assail Farbros adjusted its cannons, aiming directly at the two Ventus Bakugan. Red energy charged up and fired, massive enough that avoiding it wasn't an option.

"Ingram, move!", Skyress yelled, slamming into the ninja Bakugan.

"Skyress?!", Ingram yelled in surprise as the lasers scored a direct hit on Skyress, causing a massive explosion that forced Ingram to the ground.

(Skyress: 1700-500=1200, Ingram: 1800)=3000

Assail Farbros: 6000+500=6500

"No. No. SKYRESS!", Shun yelled in disbelief and horror. Like many of the others, Skyress was gone. But that was only the beginning, as green particles started flowing out of Ingram, preceding a beam of green energy that went straight into the visible Annihilator.

"The… Ventus energy…", Ingram groaned. "No…"

Just then, Alice and Keith raced out of the Vestal Destroyer, only to find they were too late. They saw Zenoheld exiting his Assail Farbros, Farbros revert to its ball form and leaving behind the Assail System, and finally the Assail System fly upwards, leaving the area.

"I've succeeded", Zenoheld gloated. A holo screen appeared, showing six containers in a hexagon formation, the colors in the order of the Attribute hexagon. All of them, except for the red container, were flashing bright light.

"So they got the Darkus energy, too", Shun said.

"They did", Alice confirmed. "But we do still have Pyrus."

"Unfortunately for you, Professor Clay and Hydron suspected that would be the case", Zenoheld said. "That's why I had Clay and his assistants absorb the power of today's battles. Given the intensity…"

As Zenoheld's voice trailed off, the red container lighted up in multicolored energy.

"Fuck", Keith said. "The Annihilator… is at full power. We've lost."

Zenoheld began to laugh like a madman. "Indeed you have!", he gloated. "Now, I'll let you in on a secret: the six Attribute energies are enough to power the Annihilator's primary weapon… for one shot."

"And why should we believe that?", Alice questioned.

"To be completely honest, he is telling the truth", Hydron answered as he entered the area, walking behind his father. "So, can you guess which planet we'll choose to rid from the universe? The planet that has forsaken its ruling class, or the home of the ones who caused all of this in the first place?"

"You have 24 hours to make your guess", Zenoheld stated. "It won't make a difference in any case, but it'll be amusing to watch you try and fail, Battle Brawlers. Hahahahahaha!"

"We should go", Keith said, gesturing to the Destroyer behind him. "We have to pull back."

The others agreed, racing off to the Vestal Destroyer. Within minutes, the Destroyer had taken off, opening a portal back to Vestal.

"Look at the mighty Brawlers running with their tails between their legs, father!", Hydron said.

"Enjoy that sight, Hydron", Zenoheld said. "Soon enough, they'll be wiped out of existence."

XXX

Before you say anything, yes, that was dark. I did warn you. In a war against a genocidal maniac, there will be casualties.

Anyways, that's the chapter! The really, really long chapter! I hope you enjoyed! If you did, be sure to follow or favorite the story. If you have anything to say, feel free to leave a review or PM me. Until next time, my friends, goodbye!