The nighttime sky was glistening with twinkling stars, each one reminiscent of another life out there. Of the many twinkling stars out there, one shined the brightest, and it ascended in a comet across the horizon.

Little did anybody know, this "star" was an aircraft that sailed at incredulous speeds. It blended in with the sky so well that it looked like an actual star.

Onboard, many were still in shock, with Luke finally uttering the first words spoken within the hour. "J-Jase…"

In the front seat in the cockpit, Jase was manually operating the controls through a handle. He had an intercom over his head as he picked up on Luke's mumbled tone. "I trust that you had a fun time without me around. My apologies for not getting you all sooner."

Shawn chuckled. "Honestly, you're the one who surprised us."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah! We were just going about by helicopters and planes when we came to Wardington. Man, those first-class seats really hit the spot on my back." Maggie cheerfully noted. She couldn't help but snicker at the memory. It was like luxury at its finest. The kind she was never spoiled of.

Esther nodded. "By the way, Colonel, I'm curious…"

"About how I knew when you'd all come together I suppose?"

The others went silent at this. They all looked at each other before Esther looked back. "Why, yes…"

Jase was the one snickering now. "Well, to be completely honest…I never expected you all to have come together in the first place. All honesty, you surprised me."

Maggie held her hand to her mouth and gasped. "My word! Jase? Surprised? I never would've thought those two things could be said in the same sentence!"

"Yeah, the guy's like a blank board." Shuji laughed.

"So then you waited until enough of us were gathered, is what you're saying. Right?" Shawn questioned the Colonel, not wanting to digress from the topic.

"So to say…I hacked your Bakumeters to fix up your precise locations. It's been that way for quite some time. I just found the search to be a hassle if it came to that."

Luke's eyes widened. "Wait, so then that means…"

Maggie again gasped. "You were spying on us?!" A shiver went down the pre-teen's spine. She hugged her body. "I feel so violated."

A large bead of sweat ran down Shawn's face. "Hehe…he…Jase, did you really…?"

Jase smirked as he continued his path. "Why whatever gave you that idea, Shawn? I assure you, I'd rather not sully my hands the way you or Luke possibly could." He teased.

Luke's momentary relief was washed away when he picked up on Jase's innuendo. "W-wait! What's that mean?!" He looked at Esther in question. He saw her having a modest embarrassment across her face as the strap was tight over her abominable bust. It made Luke raise a brow before he realized the implication. "U-Uh…" He sheepishly looked away, luckily before Esther turned towards him in question.

"So then you were spying on us!" Maggie accused.

"I never said such thing." Jase teased. "Although, considering what we've been through, nobody has considered letting us off easy. We had our guards down more than a few times, less you've forgotten."

Shuji crossed his arms. "Trust me, it's hard not to forget."

Getting over her strap-related discomfort, Esther faced the Colonel's leather seat. "Colonel, if it's alright, why did you wait now to come pick us up?"

Jase was silent for a little while before he spoke. "It was not my intention to have kept you see, I was given immediate orders from the Commandant Marshall herself. I was to be placed under watch and surveillance after my abrupt leave of my station. Each day was compiled of different questions." He meekly chuckled. "Why, the looks on their faces were rather priceless…but they had every intention of knowing what happened."

"A probation watch?" Luke surmised. "You mean lock and key? Where?"

He raised his head. "Look forward. We're approaching now."

"Oh! Lemme see, lemme see!" Maggie turned in her seat to peek over the Colonel's chair. Her little head perked over the small hill and stared out to the sky as daybreak was shimmering early rays on a massive compound that made her huge eyes widen. "Ooohhh…" she and Jelldon both awed.

Everyone remained quiet as each one looked through the opening of the cockpit. They all tried to get up, but the belts kept them fastened. But even Shuji was at a loss for words. They all stared wide-eyed as they closed in on a tremendous stretch of land close to an isle along the pacific. It was all a neatly made base with a tremendous stretch of runways for jets to leave and import. Bakugan were flying and maneuvering around everywhere, given instruction on where to load materials and other down below lined up in attention. It looked like military grounds one might put it.

"Wooaah…Jase…" Luke was at a loss for what he had to say. Even Esther was caught off guard.

"Is…is this…?"

Jase nodded. "Try to contain your excitement until the ride is over, children. Welcome, to the B.I.F's main HQ." He slowly maneuvered their jet down to where they could get a land in. As he slowed down, two Ventus Ziperator locked on both sides, guiding the aircraft towards the cleared runway where it arched to a neat painted hexagon where the airship slowly halted. It spread its wheels beneath and lowered the power for several minutes until it finally came to a halt. Upon the aircraft's end, the hatch to the door lowered, enabling Luke and the others to walk out. Almost immediately, they were taken back by the rows of cadets lined up in voluntary salute with their Bakugan partners behind them.

Shuji was taken back, humbled even. "W-whoa…"

Maggie beamed with pride. "Hehehehe! Now this is what I call a welcome wagon!"

"All this this just for us?" Jelldon meekly questioned. "Heh…hehe…I don't know what to say."

Jase began proceeding. "At ease, everyone." The soldiers around him stopped saluting. "Now then, if you could all follow me. There's someone who would like to meet you in person herself."

"There is?" Luke showed genuine shock over this. He looked back at Shawn, who had a raised brow of his own. Choosing to keep his guard, Luke then looked at Abis Omega briefly before resuming their walk.

As they all followed them down the cleared path heading towards the base, Jase had eyes and ears up front. He remained quiet. They all made way down the long stretch to a branch of the building's entrance. As the doors slid shut behind them, they all marveled at the insides of the branch as well. The B.I.F had many people on top-of-the-line computers, with more than enough people to type in various information gathered around the world.

'Geez, now I know what Jase meant when he said to contain ourselves.' Shawn noted. 'This place has it all.' He and the others walked through another door eventually, coming to a metal detector. Maggie, Shuji, Luke, and Esther followed through just fine, but when Shawn went through, the buzzer went off. "Huh?"

"Sorry, sir." The patrol man said to the side. "I am afraid that only authorized personnel are allowed to hold weapons." He slid a cubby box over towards Shawn from over his desk. "Your metal material must be placed here until further notice."

Shawn rubbed the back of his head, sighing. "Man, you guys sure run on a tight regiment."

Jase smirked. "Why how flattering, Shawn."

Shawn groaned and relinquished his fencer to the security. The cubby box was placed in the room and Shawn walked through the metal detector. This time, nothing went off. "Good grief." He sighed in relief.

Jase was next to walk through, however, much like Shawn, the metal detector went off. But rather than stop, he frowned and continued his course. The security guard looked back at Jase to see him off, but otherwise did little of it. The others looked unnerved by this and Luke looked as Jase passed him. "Jase, the metal detector…"

"It's fine." He said. "Shall we proceed?"

They all gave each other awkward glances again, but they didn't have time to worry as Jase lead the way. He and the others took a few turns until they made it to what looked like an elevator. Jase walked in first, and they all followed. The ride down for them was admittedly quiet until they all reached the bottom. There, once the doors slid open, they saw even more soldiers taking routes.

"W-woah…look at all these people…" Luke marveled.

"The B.I.F was able to draft in this many people." Esther figured. "I knew this was a growing military branch…but to have this many…"

Jase snickered. "Well of course. This is where people from across our whole world congregate. Now come, her chamber on on this level unless I am mistaken." He went and lead them to a red door with a golden insignia on it. He stood in front of it and remained calm. "Jase Mercury. Permission to enter."

There was a silence that fell until the other side of the door offered a reply. "Enter."

The door opened, revealing Jase and company on one end. The room's bright lighting shimmered off his glasses as he prodded them. "Commandant Marshall, I have returned, with the company that you've been told of."

Before Jase and company was a woman who was in her late 30's, if not early 40's. She had the standard soldier uniform require, although she had a loose edge commodity around her. Her hair flowed down her back, and her blouse was showing beneath. She also adorned a tight skirt. She had blue eyes with equally long blue hair, which shockingly equally blue gloves. She looked up at Jase and company as they entered. "Hm? Jase, I expected you to be back around this time." She said. "I trust your venture went well?"

Jase nodded. "I sent the report as I was on my way. No complaints."

A smug smirk crossed another person's face. "You sure took your time, Jase Mercury." A not-so-casual tone said.

"Ah, Commander Adam." Jase grinned. "I see you're here as well. Enjoying the promotion I take it?"

In front of Jase and company, the man presented was in a black soldier's uniform. He had the black pants, suite and everything to go along with it. He had dark eyes with short dark hair with sleek bangs going up and over his head. He didn't look too enthused as Jase greeted him so casually. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak so freelance to me, Colonel." He enforced.

Jase straightened up. "I'll keep that in mind. At any rate, these are the ones you've requested. Marshall Michelle."

Michelle took note of the group before her and gave scrutinizing stares. "…I see. So you're the five others that Jase mentioned." She went back to her laptop in front of her and pulled up digital files that showed all their ID. "Luke Drake Revolutia. Esther Conland. Shawn Just. Maggie Deering. And Shuji Ito. I see…" She stood up from her desk and faced them all formally. "Welcome to the B.I.F."

"Uh…thanks, I guess." Luke muttered.

Commander Adam's face scrunched up. "Excuse me. You're supposed to say 'Thank you very much, ma'am.'." he emphasized rudely.

Luke looked shocked. "Woah! O-okay…uh, thank you very much, ma'am." He corrected.

Michelle looked unfazed. "Now then, I suppose you're all wondering why I asked Colonel Jase specifically to bring you here, am I right?" She looked towards Jase, who stood in the back with arms behind his back.

Shuji raised a brow. "Heh? Wait, why did you anyway?" Shuji looked back at Jase for answers.

A fist banged against a desk, startling Shuji. "It's Colonel Jase." He sniped. 'Do these kids not have any manners at all?'

"It's because we want to be sure and confirm what he saw was in fact truth." She stated. "As you know, facts can only go so far. We want to question each and every one of you exactly what you saw. If that's well with you?"

Luke looked at Abis Omega questionably and glanced back at them all. "Uh…I guess. But what's this got to do with-!"

Another fist banged against the same desk. "Sir, I'm afraid you're going to have to ask for permission to question." Adam sniped. "You speak only when you are allowed to speak, is that clear?"

Luke's brow furrowed with the abrasive attitude he was given. Saying he was offended would be a mild stretch. "Yes, sir." He grunted. And even after the Commander wasn't too pleased. But before that got out of hand, Jase stepped in.

"If I may? I think that it would be best if we all simmer down. No need to get a panic going."

"Jase…" Luke muttered.

The Colonel turned towards the Marshall. "Marshall, if it's alright with you, would it be best if we take them to the chambers for the time being?"

Michelle nodded. "Yes, Colonel. But please, we'd like to question Mr. Revolutia first."

"…I understand. Come everyone." Jase turned to guide the people out. They turned and went along, although in Luke's case, he looked back at them and saw the door slide shut. The Aquos battler and his Bakugan were more or less at dismay with the tension in the air now beginning to rise between them and the superiors in the room.

Once the air somewhat settled, Adam gave a glare. "Young man, sit."

Luke walked over, sitting in a regular leather chair as Michelle had her fingers folded. "Now then, I suppose you are wondering why I came to you first, right, Mr. Revolutia?"

"I…guess so…" Adama gave him a glare. "Er, ma'am!" he chirped.

Michelle had a hand up. "It's fine. But now I must ask you…based on the reports that Jase was to write up, we've learned of this new planet and its finite resources. It's called, Interacia, is this true?"

Luke nodded. "Right, ma'am"

"…I see. And is it also true that they also copy certain DNA strands of organisms and mold it into one?"

Luke looked down, struggling for a bit until he remembered. "Yes, ma'am."

"I see…and, does this look familiar?" She turned the laptop screen towards Luke. What he saw made his eyes widen with Abis Omega.

They saw on the screen, an overhead view of everything collapsing. It all went to sunder onscreen with Devil Miasma erupting and the ground sinking. All the people wailing to death below made them both feel shreds of angst inside as they knew what Jase had recorded. It left Luke guilty. It pained him so much that he looked down in shame until the visual ended.

"Mr. Revolutia." Michelle finished. "I'm going to ask you this once…was it true that you are accountable for this incident on that very planet?"

Luke was quiet for a moment, but he knew he couldn't deny it forever, He lowered his head somberly, showing a pained expression as his fists balled. "…it was me." He admitted.

Commander Adam glared harder. "So then you were responsible for accounts of a multitude of deaths on that planet, as well as Bakugan?"

Luke still looked down, nodding. "Yes…it was all my fault."

Adam crossed his arms. "Marshall Michelle, what do you think of all this? We've already questioned the prisoner, so what now?"

Michelle folded her fingers and looked down at her desk. "There's still only so much that Colonel Jase told us…I'm afraid we'll have to question further." She looked at Luke once more. "Young man, I know this may be painful, but can you describe anymore of what you've witnessed?"

"Okay…"

It was a long wait, but everyone outside the room sat in chairs like anyone else would. Maggie kicked her legs up continuously out of boredom until finally the doors to the room slid open, revealing Luke.

Esther immediately stood up. "Luke?"

"Sorry, guys." He apologized. "I didn't mean to take that long…"

Shuji folded his arms. "Hmph. Well, at least I didn't get a headache out of boredom this time." He muttered.

Jase faced the Commander as he looked at him accusingly. The Ventus person remained silent while the Commander faced the group. "Alright. Maggie Deering, can you come in?"

Maggie shot up from her seat. "Okay!" she skipped on over. "Hope you guys got snacks~!" she chimed as she passed Adam. The door shut behind her, leaving Luke with the group again.

Shawn turned towards Luke. "So, Luke, what took so long? Why all the questions?" He noticed the pained faced Luke had as he looked down at his knees. It made him frown. "Luke?"

"They asked about Thermosphere."

There was a distilled silence in the room as everyone stared at Luke. Shuji's brow furrowed as he looked down with Fly Beetle, and Shawn and Esther offered little to say for Luke's pain.

"Turns out Jase even had to spill about everything he saw. They even asked us about these forbidden cards they used." Luke turned towards Jase. "Jase…"

The soldier had arms behind his back as he offered not even a glance.

"Something's wrong in the air around here." Atchibee said.

"Yes, I feel it, too." Esther looked at Jase. "Colonel…is everything alright?"

Jase glanced at them. His gaze was the same as it always was…not easy to read. "It's fine. But the B.I.F runs on strict codes and regulations. It's taking weeks to sort out my findings."

"And…?" Shawn added.

"Well, to be honest, it's left a lot of matters…how should I out this? Complicated."

The others weren't entitled to what to say. They all looked unsounds.

After an hour of questioning everyone back and forth, they were all sitting in the waiting room to inquire about what will happen. Once the doors finally slid open, the Commander walked up with hands behind his back. He looked at them all with an authoritative pressure.

"Commander?" Shawn gasped.

He glared at everyone in a panel. He looked from one end to the other, until he finally shot a glance at Jase next. The two locked eyes for a moment before he looked back into the room, seeing the Marshall typing information into her computer. Until finally, he swiped his arm.

"By orders of the Marshall, we've come to a decision! Luke Drake Revolutia, you and your friends are to be detained within our care until further notice! You and your Bakugan!"

"W-what?!" Luke gasped, but he and his friends suddenly found themselves surrounded by soldiers called to escort them.

"Wait a minute! What the heck are you doing?!" Shawn found himself handcuffed behind as he tried kicking away. "Let go of me!"

Esther gasped as she was abruptly put into handcuffs. She and Shuji were found trapped easily, and with shock on his side, Luke found it impossible to act before cuffed surrounded his wrists.

"Nooo~! Jelldon!" Maggie cried out as Jelldon was taken from her.

"MAGGIE~!" the Pyrus jellyfish wailed as soldiers detained him and the other Bakugan.

"Hey, what are you-?!" Abis went muffled as a soldier clutched him. He was detained with the other Bakugan forced into one small container that a soldier withheld.

"Hey! Stop that!" Luke shouted. "Jase, what the heck is going on here?!" he got no reply. "Jase!"

Jase was rendered silent as the Commander spoke up instead. "No resistance. Sorry about this, but we're going to need you here for a bit to better understand the situation." He smirked smugly at Jase. "Isn't that right, Colonel?" Again, Jase offered nothing to say. "Give the word." He ordered.

"Jase!" Shuji struggled as he was kicking.

Room lighting reflected over his glasses as he frowned. The Colonel had a straight face as he glared ahead with zero remorse shown. "Men…take them away."

Horror filled their eyes. "Jase…" Luke gasped. He suddenly started kicking ferociously as soldiers dragged him and the others off to custody. "JASE!"

Adam hummed as he cocked a brow at Jase. "Hmm, I wonder how hard it was for you to do that?" he didn't care. Jase could see that. He was just glorifying over him because of his new position. Jase offered no response as he had no emotion on his face as the Commander walked away.

Luke was shoved into a cell last. He stumbled back until Shawn caught him. He grunted as the cell doors abruptly shut, with the digital key card configuring the lock.

"You bastards!" Shawn grunted. The soldiers ignored him and walked off.

Recovered, Luke stammered back to the front and gripped the large bars. His teeth gritted as he stared back at the soldiers present and walking away. At the entrance to the room, he could see Jase keeping the doors open as another soldier saluted to him while talking. "Jase…"

After the soldier departed, Jase shot one more look at the cell door and those contained inside. Without a word, he turned and shut the door. He walked off, leaving Luke to visibly slump down to his knees.

"Why…?"

"Luke…" Esther knelt for Luke, comforting him over his pity.

"GNGH!" Shuji rammed his fist into the cell door, making the whole thing shudder in his anger. "That eyeglass wearing cheapskate…the next time I see him, I'm gonna…"

Maggie huddled on the floor, cradling back and forth in a shiver. "I'm too young and pretty for prison life!" she whimpered comically. "There's no telling what they do to cuties like me! Will I…will I grow beard here?!" The image of her older with a beard and moustache was a visual image that mentally broke her. The little girl comically squealed while all white like a ghost before she zipped to the bars, shaking them desperately out of everyone. "Guards! Somebody let me out! I don't want facial hair or tattoos! Mommy~!"

The others stared wide-eyed in confusion over her, but not much could be done about that.

"Maggie…I think you're just exaggerating." Esther nervously said.

"Tch, don't jinx it yet. You might spoil it for all of us."

The added voice caught everyone by surprise. They all stopped their ire and panic and looked around the cell.

"Wait, who said that?" Esther questioned as she looked everywhere.

"Over here, morons." The same voice sniped.

Many went wide-eyed at the voice, but for some like Shuji, the voice made his ears rattle like a cage. "That voice…" he slowly looked at one of the lower bunks, his eyes locked on a figure in the shadows that was staring at them.

The figure glared daggers at them as he locked eyes with Shuji especially. The others had no less shock than Shuji had when they saw the one person they haven't recognized. The only Interacian. Keegan.

"No way…" Shuji gasped.

Keegan's glare hardened. "I see you're doing well, tubby."

Sparks churned as a held axe was being molded and sharpened. Zion had goggles on so as to protect his eyes. Once the blade was sharpened enough, he pulled his foot off the rudder and tapped the very tip of the axe. It was definitely sharp. To test it, he wasted no time in tossing it to the other side of the room, cleaving a practice dummy's head right in two.

The axe continued into the wall, impaling the sleek metal like it was pumpkin. Cyrus entered from an opening just meters away. He remained stoic as he approached Zion.

"Cyrus." Zion nodded.

Cyrus approached him, looking calm. "Zion. I trust everything is in order."

"Of course. Everything is on schedule as Lord Riaan desired. We have nothing to worry about."

Cyrus turned away. He looked over at the many obstructions that were either pierced or otherwise dealt with by Zion's hobby. He could see refined metal cleaving through the toughest dummies. To make matters more interesting, he noticed that the cellular dummies didn't regenerate. "You've been improving on your blacksmithing, have you not?"

Zion spun the renewed blade in his wrist. "Yes. It's my way of passing the time. Now then, did you come to me for a reason?"

Cyrus snickered. "Relax. No need to be so serious. I came to ask of the detaining of Rogue Zero."

Zion sat the blade down on a heatproof table, along where others were aligned base on size. "That Xander…" he growled. "A glutton for punishment he is. That boy is as stubborn as this palace."

"I see…and how exactly are you fairing in punishing him?"

Zion looked back, picking up another blade. He glared harshly. He walked on over towards a dummy, where he placed the blade in one of its hands. On his back, he pulled out another axe, and in one harsh grunt, cleaved the whole top half off…including the arms. The sundered backwards, and it wasn't regenerating.

Cyrus knew the implication. He could see why Xander wears that upper body armor. Like Killian. Though he chose to move on from the matter.

Zion looked back, facing him discerningly. "And what is the leader of Rogue Zero has been punished with?"

Cyrus grinned. "Exactly what he asked for, quite specifically." He could still recall the snarls he got from the other side of the chambers that Maximus was in. He could hear the chains clanging and Maximus snarling like a caged animal he was. "For two days straight. The boy's got a lot of stubbornness as your subordinate."

Zion looked away. "I believe beating the sense in them will entitle them to their place."

"And Xander is fairing how well do you believe?" Cyrus countered. "The key to dominance…is know your own fears." He turned away, his cape swishing. "If you know fear, then it will haunt you, and you will never surpass who you are. As to where if you not know it…"

"…then you are a dead man." Zion finished.

A dark glare glistened in Cyrus' eyes. "And everyone fears death." With that, he walked closer towards the exit. "Milord should be well within a few days. Do as you see fit until then."

Zion nodded. "Understood." He watched Cyrus retreat into darkness again. The armored fighter turned towards his post and he picked up another weapon. He put his foot on the rudder and commenced with sharpening another tool.

In Marshall Michelle's quarters, the doors reopened. Jase presented himself with a frown and arms folded behind his back. He saw Commander Adam present like he didn't give a care. Jase ignored him.

"Colonel Jase, I trust all went well with them?" Michelle asked kindly.

He nodded. "Of course ma'am."

Commander Michelle smirked. "Are you sure? You look like you're about to cry." He feigned shock to add to the insult.

Jase didn't buy into it. "Really? My, that would be unwell, wouldn't it, Commander? How very thoughtful of you."

His teasing disposition turned to a scowl. "Watch who you're talking to."

Michelle cleared her throat, adjusting herself to make herself the attention. "Now then, to why I brought you here. Colonel Jase. Am I to ask why is it that you haven't transferred those files over to Commander Adam? We've discussed this, didn't we?"

Jase prodded his glasses again. "Of course, ma'am. I was going to send the files to you within the hour's time."

Adam and Michelle exchanged looks before looking back at Jase. "About that…" Adam chimed in. "This is about those other cards as well."

Jase's eyes narrowed. "'Other cards' you say?"

Michelle turned her laptop screen again to show images of the forbidden cards Rogue Zero used, and the energy signatures and data charts that were transferred over from Jase's Bakumeter some time ago. Even now, seeing the energy charts at high calibers was staggering.

"We've interrogated the Interacian of what he knew." Michelle said. "But unfortunately it seems he didn't know better. We were also hoping your colleagues were also aware of these forbidden cards these Interacians use, and how they are forged."

"How they are forged, huh?" he shrugged. "Apologies, ma'am, but even that eludes me."

Adam slammed his hands on his desk. "That isn't acceptable, soldier! What kind of excuse is that? If we're going to prepare for any possible invasion, how do you expect to win if you don't know the enemy? Are you sure you're not holding back something…Colonel?" Adam had a suspicious look on his face as he scrutinized Jase. It was an intimidating act many new cadet would feel offended by. But not by him.

Jase turned away. "I assure you, I have nothing to hide. Why, could I be anything more than an open book as I am now?" he chimed.

Commander Adam crossed his arms. "Then transfer them! Our research team's expecting to get to experimentation within next week's schedule!"

"Right away, sir." Jase walked out the door, leaving the Marshall and Commander by themselves once more.

"Commandant Marshall Michelle…you really think Jase has something to hide from us?"

The Marshall folded her fingers together and looked down at her desk. "…no, I can't see Jase lying on his own terms." She informed. "If he held anything of great value, it'd be on our responsibility, as well as his own. The B.I.F needs all the help we can use if what he saw really is coming to fruition."

Down the hall, Jase remained silent with a shadow over his face, glasses shimmering off ceiling lighting.

Luke and the others were in shock to say the least. They stared in disbelief as on the other side of the cell, Keegan was slouched up in his bunk, looking detested and revolted by them.

"Well I'll be damned." Shawn said. "Didn't think you'd be here. I'd thought you'd be somewhere else."

Maggie gasped as she pointed at him. "Hey! I know you! You're the jerk who Shuji beat in the semifinals!"

Keegan glared daggers at her. "Wow~, nothing gets past you, shorty." He said half-heartedly. "And I see tubby's brought his other friends. What, you gonna celebrate over something?"

Shuji's brow furrowed. He growled at his behavioral expense. "Looks like someone slept on the wrong bunk last night." He sniped back.

"Hmph, so what are you guys in for? Robbing a bank? Taxes?" Keegan sniped amusingly. "Or maybe…killing everyone in one freaking city perhaps?" Once again, another brutal blow made Luke lowered his head. Esther looked at him worriedly, and Shawn gave Keegan a warning glare. "Hey, don't look at me like that, I'm just speaking a fact is all. It's not my fault your friend went and did something as stupid as detonate a core. And people call me an asshole. You're a freaking monster!"

Luke's showed visible pain as he looked away. "I know…and I know saying sorry won't bring them back."

Keegan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, not like I'm looking for apologies myself. Not gonna get any of that around here anyways."

"What's that mean?" Maggie questioned.

"Well ever since we came to this stinkin world, it's been nothing but a freaking disaster. First that guy and I are found, and the next thing I know I'm here. Day after day, it's DNA test after DNA test. Question after question. All because that moron went and said everything to that dipshit of a Commander and that hussie!" Keegan fumed into so much anger that he simmered to a grieving sigh. "…and the food here sucks. The list goes on…but I really hate how they wanna know so~ much about something that's none of their business. Don't they know ignorance is bliss?"

Shuji and the others frowned at Keegan's expense. They didn't think too much that it would hamper the Interacian to be treated like a prisoner. But in a sense, Luke and the others knew how he felt. Maybe if they didn't interfere, then perhaps maybe they'd all still be on their daily lives, and maybe things wouldn't be spiraling out of control. But that possibility was not the case. All they could do was pity Keegan and their own dilemma.

They all looked at each other before Shawn nudge Shuji's elbow. "Ow!" He shot a look at him and Shawn nudged towards Keegan. "What?"

"C'mon, you and him know each other best."

"You stupid? He hates me. I kicked his ass."

"Well it's not like he can do anything in here, right? Might as well."

To his chagrin, Shuji pouted and groaned. Shawn did have a point, so he sat on the opposite bunk and slumped over. He glared at Keegan as he glanced from the corner of his eyes. "So…" Shuji cleared his throat. "What kind of questions did they ask you?"

Keegan squinted. "Why do you care? Not like you can do anything about it."

"Just answer or I'll knock it right out of ya." Shuji growled.

Keegan scoffed. "…well, let's see…first they asked about my Bakugan. When they found out it was part of Interacia as well, they immediately took it and confiscated for DNA tests and such. Seriously, touchy on know-it-alls around here? What else? Some things about where I lived, lifestyle, how I brawled, yadayadayada…what I ate, now that was something strange. That Commander wanted to freaking dissect me!"

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "Huh, that's strange. Thought that'd be something Jase would be into."

Maggie chuckled. "Oh I can see it."

"So then, what is it with this Commander?" Esther inquired. "Commander Adam, right?"

Keegan eyerolled. "That asshole? Beats me. I just heard some things while I was in here. Apparently while that Colonel was away for like two weeks, someone had to fill in. And it just so happens they had a certain someone who I just realized is the biggest pushover in the world be the Lieutenant and step in to fill the duties."

"So then he was a Lieutenant before Jase's disappearance…" Esther looked down in suspicion. "That explains a few things."

"Like his ego for one thing." Shuji sniped. "That guy made me wanna punch him!"

"Well I'll be damned, seems I'm not the only one then!" Keegan yelled unceremoniously. "Well hey, if there's a line, just for you tubby, I'll let you cut." He teased.

Shuji scoffed as he cracked his knuckles. "Well right now, I got beef for a certain friend who put us here in the first place."

"Hmph, well some friend he is. Locking you up like caged animals. Welcome to the club."

"Now watch your mouth! Don't say anything like that about Jase!" Maggie snapped. "He…has his reasons I'm sure." She didn't sound so sure, and that's what she realized.

Keegan shrugged. "Suit yourself, but I don't see a point." He lowered his head somberly. "Lost my home, I lost my Bakugan, my fame, everything to you guys…honestly why bother?" He slumped in his bunk, resigning to look up t the top bunk with distaste. "To top it all off, I learned Interacians are just replicated DNA…to think I actually born from monsters. How disgusting…"

"Keegan…" Shawn muttered.

"…he's right." To everyone's surprise, they all turned towards Luke. "I guess we really are to blame for part of this, huh?"

"Luke." Esther gasped.

"I mean, just look at this place. Look at Keegan. We saved his life, and even he doesn't deserve to be here. And here we're learning about these jerks who are just making excuses to defend themselves for something even we're not ready for…how sad."

Shawn folded his arms. "Don't go making us pity you, either. Anymore and I might have to kick ya."

"I'm sorry, guess I'm…just trying to sympathize is all." Luke chuckled. "Guess I'm not that good yet." He stood up and readied himself. "But I can't shirk. We have to still try. I'm gonna find Jase."

"Hmph! Good luck with that." Keegan teased. "There's no way you're getting out of here, not with this level of security."

Luke looked around him. Up above, he saw an air vent. Immediately he had an idea. "Shawn, the old pillow fake out?"

Shawn smirked. "Luke, are you going naughty again?" he teased.

"What's going on?" Esther questioned.

Luke ignored her and faced Shuji. "Shuji, you think I can borrow your shoulder? Maggie and Esther, can you look out?" He smirked. "I'm gonna find Jase, and we're gonna settle this once and for all."

"You can't keep me in here! I know my rights!" Jelldon shrieked inside a small hamster cage with thin metal wiring. He and the other Bakugan were in another part of the facility with other Bakugan handed in from all over, some of which were acting inappropriately and had to be detained. Jelldon slumped down. "…uh, anybody know the rights here?" he asked the other Bakugan.

"Sorry, Jelldon. I'm afraid you're on your own with that one." Atchibee apologized.

"Oh~…" the jellyfish groaned comically. "Maggie…"

Verias looked disgruntled by the behavior they were treated with. "What's going on here? Did we do something wrong?"

Atchibee sighed. "Well, no…the B.I.F does have to enforce moral standards if they want to make a moral example."

"Hmph! Example of scumbags is more like it." Fly Beetle mused.

"That's putting it mildly." Verias spoke. "Still, why did they do all that? It's not like we're that much of a danger…are we?"

Atchibee looked down. "Well, when you think about it, we have confidential information. We know that our worlds are ending. Imagine if we told everyone."

"Yeah, she's got us there." Abis Omega said. "We didn't believe it until we saw it. If I heard it from myself back then, I'd think I would call myself insane to believe that."

In the corner of the cage, a silhouette was seen waddling out. "My friends…"

Jelldon jumped. "WAH! Who's there?!"

A Bakugan waddled out of the shadows, looking at them all with his ball form open and wings ever so large. To everyone's shock, it was an old friend of theirs as well. The Ventus Bakugan raised his head. "At ease, everyone…it's just me."

Abis gasped. "Is that…Atmos?!"

"Huh?" Fly Beetle closed. "Well I'll be, Atmos. Fancy you here!"

"Hello to you too, Fly Beetle. All of you." Atmos greeted. "I see you're all doing well."

"I could say the same." Verias said. "But…hold on, why are you here?"

"Yeah, aren't you with Jase?" Jelldon questioned. But suddenly he realized something. When he thought back to it, he noticed Atmos was not present the whole time. "Wait, were you…?"

Atmos lowered his head. "You would think. Sorry for worrying you. I'm afraid I'm here the same reason as you."

"Are you serious?" Atchibee gasped. "They'd go as far as ensure a commanding officer's Bakugan to secure reason?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Well this is messed up." Fly Beetle noted. "Your partner say anything about this?"

Atmos turned away, he looked away in dismay. "I'm afraid…not." The others looked at him in shock. "To be honest, the one to put me in here…was Jase himself."

"What?" Abis gasped.

"We both agreed this was for the best for the time being." Atmos looked away. "Although, for the past two weeks, I have to admit, it's rather…distant."

"B-but doesn't he come to free you or say hi?" Jelldon nervously asked. "I mean you have to get fresh air, right?"

"Jelldon…aren't you understanding yet? Jase is going by his orders to do as he's told. He was just doing his job to put me here…can I fault him for that?"

"…Atmos…" Jelldon was caught surprised by this. He could see by Atmos' manner that he was calm, but underlying that calm he can sense a lot of unnerved need to soar. Caged birds nee to be set free.

"…my apologies, Jelldon. I didn't mean to sound offended at all." He faced the other Bakugan. "But, when you stop to think about it, are we any different? Bakugan. Humans. We all take orders, don't we? I of all Bakugan know Jase well enough that what he's doing is for the B.I.F. He's a soldier carrying out duty for the world. So I must follow an example, and not go against his trust. Would you go against Maggie?"

"Well…no, but…"

"I understand how you feel." Atmos again turned away. "To be honest, as a Bakugan, I feel I should be obligated to act or do whatever it is I can to find…my instincts call for it." He looked up at the caged ceiling top. "However, I can only go so far without a partner. There's no one to guide me or to lean on."

"Atmos…" Everyone there could feel the unsound tension in the air. In a sense, they knew what Atmos was talking about. He never would've gotten this far without Jase finding him, and he mist certainly wouldn't know how to act without him. It wasn't to say he had his own say in the matter. He just knew how to act to superiors like those above Jase.

"…this is ridiculous." Abis coldly muttered.

"Abis Omega?" Atchibee inquired. "What's wrong?"

"I knew you were sufficient Atmos, but I also pegged you to be a falcon, not a chicken. I'm with Luke on this on. Sorry, Atmos…" he turned away. "But I'm not sitting around to let other assholes tell me how to live when we got so much time left. Besides, there's only one asshole I'm siding with, and I can sure as hell guess what he's doing right now."

Verias nodded at this. "Yeah, and I know Shawn's doing the same…so what do you think?"

Atchibee looked at the bars around them. They were all small wired squares that made it impossible to fit through, at least from the way it looked. Once she made a realization she turned towards Abis. "Abis Omega, do you think you can fit through there in open ball form?"

Abis Omega looked admittedly surprised. "Huh? Well, I can try at least…" he shifted in front of everyone and they turned to see Abis in open ball form. His arched body maneuvered through the square with ease. "Okay, now I just turn along the side…" He turned towards the side as his fin arch grazed the rough wire. It made him grunt. "And, now, I guess I jut try and…" He made his hooked one tail arch get hooked, but otherwise he was grunting and powering through. The bottom half was a tight squeeze, but Verias jumped and shoved the last bit of him out.

"WooaaAAAH!" Abis Omega closed his ball form as he fell, plopping on the ground painfully. "Oof! Ahhh…geez."

The Bakugan huddled around the cage's front, seeing Abis looking up at them. "You good down there?" Fly Beetle called out.

"Yeah, I'm fine! Thanks!" Abis replied. He looked at Atmos specifically. The two locked eyes for a moment before it became apparent that Atmos realized the intentional stare.

Immediately Atmos lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Abis Omega, but what we're doing is-!" He was suddenly rammed from the side by Fly Beetle's horn. Even in ball form, the horns and tusks backed some power that shoved Atmos in an angle narrowly through the wired cage's small squares. He was just stuck narrowly along the left-hand side with his toes flailing.

Jelldon waddled up and lifted a single tendril. "Say hi to Jase and Maggie for me."

"What?! No! Jelldon! Don't you dare-!" But it was too late. Jelldon shoved Atmos out of the cage and fell to the ground with a yelp o his own. Abis Omega shifted away as Atmos plopped on the ground, groaning in distress. "Gnnngh…" Once up, Atmos realized what happened and looked back at Atchibee and the others. "Why you insolent little…"

Abis Omega began to floated away, but he turned around towards Atmos. "Well, you're out now. You want to go find Jase and the others or what?"

Atmos looked disgruntled at this. "Well…suppose since I'm here now, I guess…" he led the way, floating meekly. "But careful. There's guards everywhere. Let's try and talk about this with the others…if we can find them of course."

"Right." Abis followed Atmos pass a corner and began to dawdle on someone. 'Luke…'

Constant shifting ran through shiny silver trim throughout the maze. The ventilation system was surprisingly easy to navigate through thanks to its wide spacing and many reaches. What made it easier for Luke to get through was how silent he was. He crawled through the massive vent with little to no obstruction.

'Looks like those years of sneaking around the manner finally paid off. I doubt they realize that I'm gone by now.' Luke thought. Though he didn't want to jinx himself of his luck. He knew karma wasn't one to favor him. '…snap. I didn't think this through. I can't even tell where I'm going now. Is this even the right way?'

He kept crawling through the space to be sure of himself. If he was fortunate, he could enter an empty room and find a map or something. But he knew he had to be frank about it. He passed room after room, with soldiers or people having miscellaneous activities done that he tried to ignore, until finally he saw an empty room with purple carpeting.

'Okay, I'll make it quick!' He silently removed the ventilation seal that kept him from falling in. He dropped down into a crouch and looked around once more, confirming that he was alone. He got back up and looked over at the desk. 'They should have a map of sorts in digital, right? Crap, I really didn't think this through, did I? Shawn could've done this part no problem…' He wandered out of his thought when he picked up on something on the other side of the glass door. He saw two small figments float close to the ground. "Is that…?"

"This is his office, if I remember correctly." Atmos said.

"And it looks like the door's unlock…" Abis Omega went and floated upwards. He came down with whatever might he could muster up in making the door handle moved down. Thankfully it was enough to make it creek enough for Atmos and Abis Omega to sneak through.

Once they waddled inside, they noticed that instead of what they were looking for, they down something else. And it got them noticed.

"Abis…Atmos…?" Luke gasped.

"Luke." Atmos responded with genuine surprise.

Abis Omega sneered. "See? What did I tell ya? Can't keep us out of trouble."

"What are you guys doing here?" Luke asked in a hushed tone. Atmos and Abis Omega floated up to him to get a better visual.

Eye-level, Atmos turned towards him. "I was about to ask you the same thing. Did you perhaps…?"

Luke looked sheepishly away. "Yeah, maybe. Don't tell anyone though. I'm just trying to find Jase."

"Well I'll be damned. Looks like we had the same thing in mind." Abis Omega figured. "Hey, Atmos, didn't you say this was his office?"

Luke went wide-eyed with a shocked expression. "What?"

"Yes, I do believe this is." The falcon answered. "But it appears he's not back as of yet."

Luke looked around his surroundings, realizing that he found Jase's quarters. "So this is…Jase's room?" When he looked around, he saw just how basic it was in comparison to what he expected. He thought he'd find something like commodities or maybe a few frames here and there. But no. In fact, there wasn't anything but what a minimalist would need. No pictures of anybody. No memorials. Just a whole case of what looked like military records and a few science textbooks, confirming his self-taught knowledge. A bead of sweat ran down his face. 'Gee, Jase really is boring…'

"Suppose we should wait for him then?" Atmos suggested.

Luke furrowed his brow. "…no, there's no time. We all decided we'd find out what's going on." He looked towards his computer. "Sorry Jase." He slipped into his desk and sat on the chair. He noticed that Jase had left his computer unlocked and saw a standard background on his computer. 'Geez, even the background is gray. What's with the lack of style with this guy?'

"Well, able to do anything?" Abis questioned.

Luke clicked around, but his brow furrowed as he came across varied documents and reports Jase wrote up earlier. He continued browsing with a scowl. "…nothing I can see. Just documents and…hold on, I think I found something."

"What is it?"

"Hold on, let me see." Luke moved the mouse to click on a certain folder, which was titled 'Memoir'. Once the file opened, he and the others were immediately introduced to something shocking that made even Luke blink a few times. "Huh? Wait…"

The photo they saw wasn't about them or anybody. In fact, it looked like a small boy with shoulder-length hair with a straight face. He was in a gray uniform as his parents were well kempt and frowned at the camera in the garden-like background.

"What's this?" Luke's eyes narrowed upon looking at the boy in the picture. The longer he looked, the more time realization had to sink in. His eyes widened when he realized who it was. "…Jase."

"You mean this was Jase?" Abis Omega questioned.

"It has to be…I'd recognize that straight face anywhere." Luke uneasily snickered. "But…are all these…his childhood? Why would he keep a folder of it?"

Curious of reason, Luke scrolled over to the next one. He saw Jase the same age in front of a massive building. It looked to be a very dull boarding school in black and white. He clicked over to find that he sat alone at a table, with a textbook to keep him the only company. Then saw a number of awards for academic achievements he had in hand in front of a podium, but didn't smile. Luke could feel the dull and serious tone even when he wasn't in the framing. It almost made him sad. He continued scrolling over to see him earning science awards in a lab coat, and the next slide showed him shaking hands with a man who gave him a medal. Another showed him adorned in a formal military attire, showing he enlisted at 18. Luke clicked on, showing his attire changing quickly over time. A small break when he clicked to another memoir. Luke frowned sullenly at this one.

"Jase…"

The picture he felt sad for was what looked like a house that was lit up and combusted into oblivion. This was taken when he was still in the military. The next slide showed two gravestone side by side with the last name Mercury on both of them. Immediately Luke had an idea of what happened. He shook his head and tried resuming, seeing Jase looking with a straight face as he was seen in a military lab dissecting animals and operating under surgical means on them. He flipped to another, showing him having an office and a greater ranking than before, until finally he stood with the Marshall in front of the B.I.F, with a jealous Adam in the background.

And through it all, not once did Jase showed a smile.

Luke's disappointment arose. "Jase…I'm sorry…"

Abis Omega lowered his head, but he knew better than to shirk off. "…Luke, anything else?"

Realizing there wasn't a need to mull, Luke focused again. "Yeah, let me see…" He clicked on another folder, this time getting green modules and what looked like 3D images of cards with varied Bakugan signatures and faces. Each one demonstrated different signatures of energy; some low, some moderate, but this was what intrigued Luke as he was glued to the screen. "What's this…? He eyed the screen with scrutiny, seeing the familiar faces of Goblinball and New Vestroia Bakugan layered atop. Including their own.

"I trust you're finding what you're looking for."

With a gasp, Luke and the others whipped up. They saw Jase at the entrance, hands behind his back and frowning.

"Jase!" Luke gasped. "Uh, how long were you…"

"Long enough." He walked forward, giving them all an observant stare. "I must say, you surprise me Luke. I didn't think the problem child would go this far for answers." He teased dryly. "And Atmos, you especially startled me."

Atmos lowered his head. "My apologies, Jase. Unfortunately some of us are a little lenient for action." He added emphasis as he shot a glance at Abis, who grunted and sulked his head in shame.

"It's fine, no troubles." Jase said nonchalantly. He shot a look at Luke as he wavered from the computer. Jase looked at the screen and realized he got more than enough to know. He faced Luke and frowned. "I suppose since you came all this way that you're demanding an explanation."

Despite earlier wavering, Luke nodded. "Jase…"

The Ventus battler prodded his glasses once again as he turned away. "It's true that my life wasn't the most lavish nor the brightest. In all honesty, people always seemed to look down on me for negligence of socializing. I…wasn't taught to act as such."

Luke's brow furrowed. He and Abis Omega looked to one another and glanced back as he went on.

"To be frank, I paid no heed. I was enjoying learning for a little while, even if it did cost happiness. However, with nothing to lose either, I figured joining the military could further enhance my knowledge and knowing of how others worked. Such a life-worth experiment on my part I'm afraid."

"I'm sorry, for everything." Luke apologized. "But can you please tell me, what's with all this data? What's going on?"

The lighting beyond the glass door refracted off of Jase's glasses. He frowned as he went and shut the door. This left Luke shocked. The Ventus battler turned around and glared at him. "I suppose there's no point hiding it now…" he saw the determination on Luke's face and knew the answer. He chuckled. "Well, to be honest, the B.I.F is wanting to construct forbidden cards of their own."

Luke's eyes widened. "They…they do…?"

"Regrettably, yes. You see, even while on my journey, it was my job to keep details on anything Bakugan related to a full extent. Nothing was left out."

"So that's why we were brought here…"

"Correct. Also, with the information of Riaan and the forbidden cards as of B.I.F knowledge, the new Commander and Marshall intend on not letting this world go down without a fight. They intend to stop Riaan's plans by any means necessary…even at the cost of power."

Immediately Luke took offense. "But wait…doesn't that mean using cards like on Bakugan you guys have? Don't you know what those cards did to Rogue Zero?!"

"As I am aware…however, in circumflex, I'm afraid this all falls on my shoulders."

"Why's that?" Luke got an unnerved silence by Jase. He said nothing, and it was making him feel unsure of what he wanted to hear. "Jase…?"

It took a while before anything could be spilled. Atmos and Abis Omega were on high alert until the Colonel finally came out and said it.

"You see…it was I who suggested it."

Luke and the others were mortified by this news. Luke stared in stone cold shock at the fault that was Jase. "You…did what?"

Jase prodded his glasses up. The silence he gave was a deep confirmation.

"Wait, so then you…?" Atmos was in shock of his own.

Jase faced the ceiling fan going around in circles over his head. "It was a project that I suggested once I was established into the B.I.F. It was originally designed to help boost a Bakugan's capacity in battle, as well as enhance their abilities. In doing so, it would make them more efficient in battle and their uses. It was an experiment that many surprisingly supported in doing." Abis Omega and Atmos looked to one another shockingly before they looked back at Jase as he went on. "I was put in charge of the project. For the past six months, I was researching many battles and battle energies that the B.I.F Bakugan had and conduct results to further enhance those capacities with cards. Unfortunately it was a slow process. Marshall Michelle was getting testy about it all. It was only three days prior to my leave is when blueprints for a prototype was created. It was actually something that I was intent on being proud of."

"Jase…" Luke didn't know what to say. He was at a loss for words, but he never had anything to say to begin with.

Jase turned back towards Luke. "However…that all changed when I met both you and the others, along with Atmos. I've learned that there are other ways to fight than just forced power. Rather, it can come from the stemming of connections made when people work together – willingly."

"Jase…"

"Looking back at it now, I…terribly regret what I suggested. After the strife we've went through, I knew what pain looked like…what it felt like. The lifelessness I felt from Rogue Zero's actions made me consider what they could possibly feel. But, as a soldier, I am not allowed to recognize these two things. Orders are orders after all. Whether Bakugan, or human, we put ourselves in line to carry out wishes those superior to us say. It's no choice. This is a shame that I must bear now."

Now it made sense. Now Luke got the picture. With the data from Rogue Zero, they could use their own cards and powers against them. As tactful of a move as it was, Luke had to draw the line there. There were morals, he knew-or rather he learned – that power like that comes at consequences. And it looks like Jase understood that as well. Still, it didn't stop Luke from making his say on the matter.

"Jase…just shut up for once."

"Luke…"

"Everyone gets to make a choice. We all do. I think you're just trying to deny that because you were taught to not think on your own. Nobody ever had to say you had to do this and that because they knew best. You have a head, right? Use it."

"Luke, I-"

"So you've made a mistake. I mean, look at me. I'm nothing but mistakes. Just look at what I did with Thermosphere. I still shake in my bed at night regretting all that I've done, and how I turned everyone else away. I really am someone who deserves to be put in a cell and rot."

"Luke…"

"…but then I started making my own path with Abis Omega. A path I made with Shawn, and Esther, for all of us. I made a choice to fight no matter what. Because if I don't, then who will?" He looked down at his hand. It was still shaking. "I know I may be far from forgiving, and really…I'm still scared of what might happen. But I'm not doing this alone. I only get one life. So, if Abis Omega and I are going to pay for it somehow, then we're going to be fighting with who we are now than what we were. Because it's what we're doing with our lives now that will change the future." He looked confidently at Jase with a balled fist. "So you or that Commander can stand in front of me or lock me in a cell, but that's not going to change the fact that our world's gonna die. You know this. Even Atmos knows this."

Jase looked down at his Bakugan to see him looking at him seriously. Even in ball form, those yellow eyes made sure they seared daggers into Jase. It made him look back at Luke.

"He came along this journey because he knew he had a choice. He's not giving up on you because you did. And I'm not giving up on you either." Luke stepped closer. "Jase…you're not just a soldier. You're human. I'm human. And we can live with the consequences…so, are you with me-no, actually, are you with us?" Abis jumped onto his shoulder, signifying what he meant. They stared at him knowingly.

Jase looked at Luke for a moment with glasses covering his eyes. A dark shadow was over his face as he frowned heavily at Luke's rebuttal. With no words, he slowly reached back for something, gripping tightly.

Luke's face fell. "Jase…?"

"…I'm sorry…" he mumbled. He whipped out his small staff that clipped into an extended reach with electrical tips and prodded it forward, making everything flash white.

A shaky hand held a piece of chipped rock as it scratched along the wall to make another mark. It counted to endless hashes as the rock fell out of the hand. It revealed Maggie as she was cradling herself with a crazed look in her eyes. "Heh heh…hehehehe…" she laughed maniacally. "How long's it been…?" she shakily asked. "An hour? A week…hehehehe…" She grazed her face, gasping. "I can feel the facial hair growing already…"

"I think she lost her mind." Shuji observed from the distance. He looked over, noticing Shawn's quizzical stare. "What?"

Shawn shrugged. "Nothing, just imagining what you with facial hair would be like. I can see a chinstrap."

Shuji grew a tick mark. "Not you too!"

"But Luke is taking a long time." Esther said worriedly. She looked down, eyes narrowing at the possibilities that may have fallen onto him. "Luke, did he…?"

"I wouldn't count on it." Shawn immediately rebuffed. "Luke's as slippery as an eel. He'd find a way out somehow. Just ask someone who really knows his style." He winked.

"Shawn…"

A passing guard was hearing commotion inside the cell and peered inside. He made sure six prisoners were there. He saw five lounging in their beds, and it looked like one was underneath the covers. Little did he know this was a makeshift pillow tricks that Shawn used to make it look believable. Fortunately for them he bought it and moved along.

A bead of sweat dropped from Keegan's head. "Damn, they really fell the stupid trick? You guys are dumber than I thought."

From around the corner, they heard a loud scream of pain, followed by a sudden fall of a body. The alarmed group jerked from their spots and went towards the cell doors. There, they peered over the side to get a look at who was there. From around said corner, Luke popped over.

"Luke?!" Shuji gasped.

Shawn grinned. "Told you guys. Luke, you got the keys?"

Luke sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Actually…" Rather than speak about it, he instead stepped off to the side. Moving in front was Jase as he darkly glared over everyone. His sudden arrival made everyone present almost lose it.

"Colonel!" Esther exclaimed.

"You!" Shuji immediately gripped the iron bars, shaking them in rage. "Buddy, you're just a few feet away from a good kick in the-!"

Jase pulled out his trinket he showed to Luke. The whole rod extended with an electrical tip that hummed with volts of electricity. The weapon made Shuji immediately grow quiet while the others watched in expectant horror of what was to be torture.

A long pause came, and Luke looked towards Jase with a furrowed brow. Jase looked at him, and then bac at the digital lock. He twirled his staff, and with one thrust, he snapped the end of his weapon into the lock, making it crackle with electricity briefly before the lock came loose, immediately opening the door like a gate. The others looked at him with shock…though not quite as literal.

"Wha…but I thought…? You and…we were…" Shuji blinked multiple times, finally giving up. "…huh?!"

"Jase. Luke?" Esther looked at them both in question. But instead of verbal answers, a black sphere floated and opened in front of her. "Atchibee!"

Atchibee settled into her hand. "Esther, I trust you were as well as the rest of us?"

"Jelldon~!" Maggie wailed.

"Maggie~!" the spineless jellyfish wailed. The two met in the middle, with Maggie holding Jelldon and nuzzling him affectionately in a rosy background.

"Oh Jelldon. It was horrible! I thought I was becoming hideous!" she whined with a blissful look.

Shuji and Shawn reunited with their Bakugan and looked back at Luke. "Wow Luke, for a moment, you almost made me believe Jase caught you. What happened?"

Luke chuckled. "Well, about that…"

The sound of crackling electricity rung through the enclosed room like wind. Abis Omega and Atmos were at a loss for words as they saw static hum in front of their eyes.

Luke expected to feel an intense pain from the taser-like attack. He thought he had already blacked out, but after moments of realization, he opened his eyes, realizing he was still conscious. When he looked back, he saw that instead of him, something else was hit. "J-Jase!"

Jase had no emotion showing as his staff prodded into the backboard of his laptop's base. The hard drive was pierced through, with electricity numbing the screen into a black board. There was a lingering silence as electricity and bits of smoke arose from the motherboard's crash, but the one who showed the most calm was Jase as he adjusted his glasses one last time.

"Jase…what did you…?"

"I know I regret my own folly…" he said, putting away his weapon of choice. "And I most certainly regret the decisions I have made…but what I regret the most, is how unjustified these current actions are placed."

"Jase, are you saying…?"

Jase turned towards the door. "I would hurry if I were you. It just so happens that security around here runs substantially tight around this hour. If we hurry, we can free the other Bakugan during the shift change." He started out the door. "I am a soldier…but Luke, you are right. I am human as well…let's figure out these mistakes as we go along, shall we?"

Luke had a puzzled look on his face from Jase's turning events. Through it all, that stone face showed nothing more than a frown, but for some reason, Luke just knew Jase chose. He smiled. "…right!"

"I see." Shawn folded his arms and looked at Jase. "Well, Colonel, I'll be damned. I never would've thought Luke would get to you of all people."

Jase smirked. "I believe the damned one here is I. To think that I would stoop to something as this." He snickered. "By the way, Shawn, I believe this is yours." He tossed Shawn his fencer, which the Haos battler grabbed without much effort.

"Thanks."

"Now then, since the 'problem child' managed to find his way out through ventilation, then we can all use that to escape…however..."

"Huh?" Getting a hint, Maggie turned her head to one direction. There, she saw many soldiers staring at them, with the Commandant Marshall and Commander side by side. "The Marshall and Commander!" she gasped.

"Drats." Shuji grunted.

Commander Adam stepped forward. "Colonel, Jase. What is the meaning of this?" he angrily sniped. "I don't recall giving any orders of moving the prisoners to another area now, did I?" his eyes narrowed. "And why weren't those files transferred yet? That was supposed to be done half an hour ago. What's going on?!"

Rather than get offended, Jase snickered. "My goodness, Commander Adam, you seem to be troubled. Is a simple delay of schedule that much of a bother for you to handle?"

"Don't give me any of that sarcastic mouth of yours, Colonel, I gave you a question. Where is that data?"

Marshall Michelle stepped forward. "Colonel Jase, what's going on?"

The Colonel of the B.I.F faced his superiors with a serious frown. "I'm afraid you won't be getting that data from me today. Nor for quite some time…I'm afraid all that data was lost to me."

Adam's eyes widened. "You what with the data?"

Michelle stepped forward. "Colonel, don't tell me this is a joke. Did you truly erase all that data?"

Jase had his arms behind his back, a half-hearted look showing on his face. "…I'm sorry, Commandant Marshall."

The Commander's leer only served to intensify. "Colonel…" he glared an intense leer at his inferior as he swiped his arm. "Get the search engines running! Scrounge whatever files you can at once!"

"I'm afraid that's not possible, Commander and Marshall Don't forget, all top-ranked officials have their own personal servers. None can access but themselves, and mine just happened to have crashed."

"What?!" the Commander growled angrily. His patience was wearing thin. "You…you did that on purpose, didn't you?"

Jase smirked. "Why, whatever gave you such a dismaying idea?"

The Commander pointed at him as he paced forward a few feet. "The Commandant and I gave you explicit orders to follow. All you had to do was transfer those files over and nothing more! What you're doing including this action now is worth more than a write-up."

"Perhaps so, but my own insubordination won't save the world now, will it?" the Colonel rebuffed. "And neither will your superiority complex either."

"Colonel…" Esther muttered.

"The way I see it, the B.I.F was designed so as to make humans and Bakugan cooperate on a military level, not to discriminate them from the standard animals we use as test subjects now, do we? Perhaps it's rather hypocritical of me to say, but if we do things the way Interacians do, wouldn't that us the monsters? After all, what better way to fight a monster, than with another monster. And I most certainly did not entitle my rankings to clinging to others for help and piggybacking along the way. Why frankly, I'm appalled by your cheap actions. You, Commander…are a shallow kissup."

The Commander had silence washing over him. He could only stare while Jase smirked at him. He got him cornered, and not in a good way. Inside he could feel himself fuming.

The Commandant walked up as her Commander struggled to get ground after being called out. "Colonel Jase, stand down at once. This is an order."

"My apologies, Commandant. I'm afraid I cannot abide to that." He retorted. "I'd rather not sully this organizations hands the way mine were. Power such as this is best left in no hands than the wrong hands."

"I see…and you now believe we are the wrong hands?"

"With that data and what fate it could bring, the best course is to not answer that."

A loud smack sound rattled through the atmosphere. Luke, Esther, and everyone present all had shocked looks as they saw Jase with a blank look suddenly getting smacked across the face by the younger Commander. The Commander was seething in annoyance. "Colonel…get off that high horse right now." He sniped.

Ignoring the pain, the Colonel still refused to show any emotion. "And, if I do not?"

"Don't test me, Colonel. I can demote you to a simple cadet and have you scrubbing toilets for six months, right after getting an apology report when this is over."

"Oh really? Well then, perhaps you would have the balls to do it right in front of your Commandant Marshall, wouldn't you?" he turned away, walking back towards his friends. "If not, then you only prove my point. This data is better left alone, away from even the most willing of souls who know better. Try as you'd like, but the fact is our current actions won't solve this calamity."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Commander Adam seethed.

"Well, with either of your permissions, I'd like to handle a few investigations and-"

"Denied." Adam thwarted. Jase turned and faced him in the eyes. "You're not leaving this compound. Not you. Not those delinquents. Not those Bakugan we still need to test. You're going into custody…or else."

Jase raised an amused brow. "My, you gave me a very interesting proposition, Commander. But let me think. Hmm…nope."

"Then you leave me no choice. I'll just have to show you why you were never promoted."

"Why, I never asked for the promotion to begin with, less you recall."

"Can it, cadet!" Commander Adam turned towards Michelle. "Commandant Marshall, what do you suggest?"

The Marshall said nothing. She looked at Jase and the retorted look he seethed at her. In all the years she's known him in the military service, she never saw him this way. In the 12 years that she's known Jase, she never saw him disobey an order, not even for personal reasons. She's never seen an act so bold. If Jase felt this strongly of something, then it must mean deeply to him. She just stared at him solemnly.

"Commandant?" Adam got no answer. Instead he glared ahead and held out a Bakugan. "Fine, we're taking this outside, Colonel. We are having a battle, and I will prove why my assignments are always dealt with efficiently."

"Is that so?" Jase replied, with Atmos popping open on his shoulder. "Well then, if I somehow win, you will be abiding by to what I deem as compensation, sound fair?"

Adam's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"

Jase snickered. "Always with having your way, don't you, Commander? Very well then, but make no mistake, whatever happens falls on both our shoulders, I hope you understand that."

"And I'll take responsibility for your obstruction of the B.I.F." he sniped.

The others looked on, worried looks showing.

Outside, all the runways were cleared as aircrafts were evenly spaced out. Soldiers with their Bakugan were watching from the sidelines as Jase and Adam stood apart. Michelle and the others watched from a special part of the field close to the action.

"Man, I don't think I've seen Jase this serious before." Shawn said.

"That's funny. Last I checked he's nothing but serious." Shuji added before furrowing his brow. "I still can't tell what he's thinking."

"Yeah, he's the opposite of Luke for sure!" Maggie chimed.

Luke growled. "Hey!"

"But this battle is too serious, even for Jase." Esther said. "There's so much at stake here that he and Atmos must know what will happen if they lose…which is why they can't."

"Right."

Beside Shuji, Keegan had arms folded as he looked unamused. "Remind me again why I'm here? It's not like I'm going anywhere." He eyerolled, but seeing a single soldier armed made him turned back forward. "Geez, okay, okay…" he exasperated. "I was bored anyway in there."

On the one side, Adam had arms folded. "This is your last chance, Colonel. Turn yourself in now and we can discuss how to solve this."

"And exactly what would I gain from this? The position aside, this could all be avoided if you were willing to be more open to when people talk to rather than take offense, Commander." The Colonel rebuffed.

The Commander angrily glared. "Fine then. But you'll see why I was top-ranked back in the academy. This won't be long."

"Atmos…are you prepared?" Jase asked the Ventus Bakugan on his shoulder.

The Bakugan nodded. "I'm afraid there is no other option. I shall be."

"Good."

Adam: 100% Jase: 100%

"I'm not someone who anyone can step on anymore, Jase Mercury. I'll make sure you see that."

Jase blinked. "Alright, I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Adam was the first one to pull out a Gate Card. "Gate Card, set!" He shot the card out to the middle, where it faded into a green shockwave along the ground. He brought his arm back and launched with all his might. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Go, Ventus Olifus!"

In a green light, a Bakugan arose to battle. It was a seahorse-like Bakugan who had more qualities of a Chinese dragon. It had a long skull-like face with two fangs pointing upwards. It had wave-like ridges alone its back membrane. The tail was much like Apollonir when it opens to show a yellow membrane to match the yellow underside. It had large armored claws and its red eyes glistened sunlight as it arose with a shrieking wake.

Immediately Maggie paled. "That's a Bakugan?! That looks like something out of a nightmare I had once!"

"Eh, Maggie…" Shawn said uneased. He slowly glanced to the side. Michelle was giving them a look. Immediately they silenced. A bead of sweat ran down his face.

Shuji smirked. "Heh, well let's see if that thing's as tough as he is ugly. Get that thing, Jase! C'mon!"

Jase prodded his glasses up as he observed the Bakugan gently floating above the ground. "Interesting…I was aware from the reports how well he brawls. Atmos…"

"I am ready for battle." Atmos closed to have Jase catch him.

Jase threw him in. "Bakugan, brawl! Ventus Atmos, stand!"

In a familiar green light, Atmos arose to battle, his wings flapping and making him ascend to fight on.

Olifus: 800 Atmos: 400

"A power level of 400?" Adam exasperated. "This should be good. Olifus!" At his command, Olifus ascended into the air more, shrieking to meet Atmos' level. "Let's begin! Ability activate, Flash Scream!" From his eyes, Olifus' red sclera glowed green and extorted green fire that spiraled at Atmos.

Olifus: 800 (+400) = 1200 Atmos: 400

As the flames came in, Jase remained composed as ever. "Well then, perhaps this will suffice." He pulled up his Bakumeter, signifying an ability. "Ability activate, Cloud Zero!" Atmos' body glowed green for the most part as he flapped his wings. He expelled a green, cloud-like wind that kicked up around him, completely simmering away the flames. As the winds dilated down, they showed Atmos was unharmed.

"Will that suffice?" the falcon questioned.

Olifus: 1200 (-800) = 400 Atmos: 400

Adam was taken back. "What the-?!"

Jase grinned. "I wouldn't underestimate the power that New Vestroia has to offer quite yet. Would you?"

Luke's eyes widened. "Woah, Jase…"

"He knocked 800 Gs down in one blow. That's impressive." Verias admired.

Shawn smirked. "That's Jase and Atmos, always knowing when to figure out a way around the box without opening it."

Atmos braced himself. He flapped his wings and took flight above Olifus and gave off another shrilling caw.

"Ability, activate! Green Talon!" Atmos' red beads on his chest feathers began to glow a bright green. Once ready, he fired two lasers down that swallowed up Olifus, making a harsh shriek come the Bakugan.

Olifus: 400 (-200) = 200 Atmos: 400 (+200) = 600

Atmos remained airborne as he glared down at the smoke cloud in the sky. A pair of red eyes glistened in them, followed by a low, bone-chilling snarl. As the smoke dissipated, it revealed Olifus was unharmed. He uncoiled and let out another shriek into the air around him.

"Don't think we're done just yet! We still got more power than that New Vestroia Bakugan!" To demonstrate, he pulled up his Bakumeter. "Ability activate, Spinning Abyss!" Olifus kept his coils as he began rotating in a spiral up at Atmos. His acceleration grew as he closed in. Green static soon turned into a small cyclone that rushed at the bird.

Atmos used his wings to block. The cyclone hit him square on, causing an electrical strange that caused a shockwave strong enough to push him back with a pained caw.

Olifus: 200 (+200) = 400 Atmos: 600 (-200) = 400

Atmos cawed as he flapped his wings. He circled around, but Olifus was weary of his every move. As Atmos came around from the back, Olifus swatted his tail. Atmos did a barrel roll and dodged the attack, getting himself up at an angle to dive a kick that scored a blow against Olifus' head. The serpent let out a cry as he shook Atmos off, budging him away.

'Gundalian and Neathian Bakugan are in fact more powerful.' Jase valuated. 'However, that's not to say their ability and overall physical fighting conditions can be conditioned. Atmos has battled enough to be aware of his surroundings and counter. Such battles need more than ability prowess.'

Adam pulled his Bakumeter up again. "Keep the pressure on! Ability activate, Lore Sancta!" Olifus' eyes glowed bright green again, but now his body emitted a distorted green wave that rippled into the atmosphere. It finished behind Atmos, who looked back in inquiry.

"In front of you!" Jase warned.

Atmos glanced ahead. He was suddenly rammed head on by Olifus out of nowhere. The falcon was pushed back and caught himself. When he looked back, Olifus was gone. "A stealth ability…" As he wondered, Olifus appeared above Atmos, but the bird caught on and moved out of the way before the serpent dropped down. The two glared at each other again.

Olifus: 400 (+400) = 800 Atmos: 400

"You may have an aerial and maneuver advantage, but we have stealth and strength!" Adam swiped his arm. "Gate Card, open! Element Merge!"

The Gate Card opened, revealing a glow that immediately swallowed Atmos. A wavy aura sapped over Atmos' head that arched over onto Olifus, which transferred 200 Gs, leaving Atmos waning as his energy was being drained. The falcon grunted in pain as his strength declined.

"Gnngh…my energy…" he grunted. "It's-!" Olifus suddenly vanished, only to reappear in front and ram Atmos again. The falcon let out a pained caw as he was forced backwards.

"Crap!" Jase grunted. "Jase, you gotta do something!"

Jase remained clam as he frowned. "I'm aware, Luke." He muttered low. "I understand you're trying to change…but please, show patience." He pulled up his Bakumeter, showing an ability at the ready. "Atmos, be ready!"

Shaking his head to get the pain out, Atmos faced the air. "Yes." He said. He watched as Olifus vanished once more.

"Ability, activate! Storm Chase!" Atmos let out another shrilled caw as he suddenly began to rotate. He spiraled downwards the same manner Olifus shot at him earlier. As his wings remained wide, a green cyclone enveloped around him, pushing him in a streamline down closer towards the card. The tornado's exterior pulsated outwards, creating winds that made the reappearing Olifus get stuck in place.

"What?" Adam suddenly covered up when Atmos straightened out over him. Jase remained clam as the falcon shot in a straight line and arched back up, while the shockwaves of his cyclone trailing broke the card the shattered pieces.

As time slowed down, the shard pieces shimmered around Jase as his long hair shifted. Even his frown was chilling.

Olifus: 1000 (-200 -400) = 400 Atmos: 200 (+200) = 400

Opening his eyes again, Adam gasped in shock. "What?! My Gate Card and ability, they're…"

"You may have been promoted due to my absence, but do you know how to battle as a Commander?" Jase inquired as he pulled up his Bakumeter once more. "Ability, activate…"

The whirlwinds surrounding Olifus receded. He grunted as he shook them off, looking around for Atmos. What he didn't realize was a breeze from above. When he looked up, he saw even more winds around Atmos as he dove right for him.

Olifus: 400 Atmos: 400 (+300) = 700

"Cyclone Brave!"

Atmos let out a caw as he shot at Olifus again, rotating with a sleek but powerful wind with green electricity around him. The wind jetted Atmos into Olifus head on, making their heads collide. The shock of the winds made the seahorse dragon grunt, but Atmos pushed enough and shot back in the air by a few feet. While Olifus descended and slithered like a lightweight ribbon that closed in on the ground. Before it made contact with earth, it glowed green, reverting to ball form that plopped at the Commander's feet.

Adam: 40%

"…he caught me by surprise." Adam looked up, staring as Atmos glowed and reverted to ball form, which Jase easily caught with nothing to say. 'He nullified both my attacks at once and then attacked. So that's why he's the Colonel…' his glare grew serious. 'But I'm the Commander here, and I'll be sure he knows that.'

Jase held a Gate Card in hand. "Now then, allow me to start this time." He threw the card out. "Gate Card, set!" The card landed on the ground, making a green glow beneath everyone's feet. "Atmos, be ready."

The avian nodded. "I understand." He closed, allowing Jase to clutch him.

"Bakugan, brawl!" he threw him again. "Bakugan, stand!" In a shimmering green light, Atmos arose to battle once more, letting out a caw.

Jase prodded his glasses for the umpteenth time. 'He should have a counterattack strategy by now. Normally, battlers we've scoped out always switch up strategies.' He looked to notice that Atmos was looking back at him. They looked back ahead. 'However, we'll have to see what Adam does now, in order for us to win this.'

"Go, Jase!" Luke cheered. "You got this!"

"Kick that guy's ass!" Abis Omega shouted.

Jase, however, was looking ahead with full seriousness. It looked like he was tuning them out. From the way he wasn't responding, it was hard to tell if he paid attention or not.

"Your little friends are cheering for you." Adam noted. "Isn't that annoying?"

Jase showed no emotion. "I prefer to not say."

Adam scoffed. "Really? Then we'll make sure they get a cell that's soundproof for you if that's what you want."

This time, Jase grinned. "That would be nice. A little peace and quiet from the many voices that make no sense."

Adam gritted his teeth in annoyance. Out of retort, he threw in his Bakugan next. "Bakugan, brawl! Olifus, stand!" In a green glow, Olifus slithered back up to battle again, bellowing at Atmos.

Olifus: 800 Atmos: 400

"Now then, if we are done with pleasantries, we can get along and settle this perhaps?" Jase compromised.

The Commander scowled. "No talking, just fight! Ability activate, Sprier Blow!" Olifus remained stationary as his fan-like tail swatted, sending a powerful gust shredding through air at Atmos.

Jase showed two abilities. "I'm well with that…double ability, activate! Winding Winds, plus Ventus Airsaw!" Atmos flapped his wings again, creating one fell gust of green whirlwinds that acted as a veil around him. As he flapped, numerous green crescents expelled, cutting through the winds and racing at Olifus.

Olifus: 800 (-200) = 600 Atmos: 400 (+200) = 600

Adam swiped his arm, showing an ability glowing. "Ability, activate! Flash Scream!" Olifus' eyes glowed bright green and expelled spiraling green fire that stopped all the blades coming at him. His power level shot all the way up to 1000 Gs.

The flames dissipated, revealing Atmos hovering above. He looked ready to be given an order, of which Jase delivered. "Ability, activate! Green Talon!" Atmos' red jewels on his chest shimmered green. Once again, he spread his wings and fired. But this time, Olifus maneuvered out of the way. He again moved when Atmos came down to strike with his talons, swopping around to glare at Atmos attacking.

Olifus: 1000 (-200) = 800 Atmos: 600 (+200) = 800

Atmos kicked with his talon, this time sending a blow that made Olifus veer away in annoyance. He roared in Atmos' face out of bitter annoyance. He shot more green fire at a close range, to which Atmos hurriedly veered away from. The avian moved around, arching around as he tried to find an opening.

Jase remained visualized while Adam looked a little calmer. "You got a lot of tricks since you're a Colonel, but I have some tricks of my own as well!"

Not willing to take chances, Jase reached his arm out. "Ability, activate! Typhoon Chase!"

The next time Olifus came to snap at Atmos, a green outline enveloped the falcon. He let out a cry as he flapped his wings, creating a maelstrom that pushed the Bakugan back some more, while increasing him to 900. As the winds pushed Olifus, the Bakugan remained strong in the currents. He exhibited a bellowing roar that created pulse waves that brushed all the winds away from him.

"Unbelievable." Atmos exasperated.

Jase prodded his glasses. "Looks like he's putting up quite a fuss." He reached out towards the battlefield. "Gate Card, open! Land Pressure!"

The Gate Card opened, intensifying the sheer gravity around Olifus. The dragon-like creature suddenly dropped from the air, plopping with a powerful as he anchored deeply into the Gate Card.

Olifus: 800 (-200) = 600 Atmos: 900

Olifus struggled to get up, but Atmos was sure to remain high in the atmosphere away from his reach. "Stay clear, Atmos." He ordered. Atmos nodded and watched carefully. "Adam, as a Commander you understand the position you take, right? So then you are aware that such power comes with such consequences."

"Coming from the Colonel who suggested the idea in the first place." He retorted. "We're all just mere soldiers here in the B.I.F, doing our duty as told. What makes you think that you can do as you see fit if Commandant Marshall or those above you say otherwise? Would you know what to do?"

Jase remained silent. He didn't rebut.

"You think you can save the world with just five kids? Wake up! This is reality! You may have been away from the military, but now you need to remember your place and serve your people! If you don't who will?" He pulled up his sleeve, showing his Bakumeter. "Which is why we need this data, so we can show the other worlds we can protect our own. Now I'll show you what makes me the Commander of the B.I.F."

He typed furiously a few coordinates into the buttons. Once the coordinates were set, a green glow came from the Bakumeter. "Ready, Wave Burner." Materialized energy pieces themselves into a half-hemisphere-shaped bright green and silver mechanism that Adam clutched. Once ready, he threw it.

"Battlegear, boost!"

He threw the weapon at his Bakugan, in which the tail in ball form came down. The Battlegear planted itself on Olifus' back, unfolding and giving off a powerful glow, leaving Jase bitterly stunned. Still not expressing, it didn't stop his lips from making words. "This is…"

Forming on Olifus' back on the ground, it looked like a cross between two silver turbines with sleek upper tops for filtering, like a cross of Gigarth and Twin Destructor. The vents above also had silver blades. And along the sides of the vents were two rings attached to rods with silver orbs on them. Olifus let out a low growl as he raised his head slightly at the Battlegear's attachment.

Olifus: 600 (+100) = 700 Atmos: 900

Everyone in the group gasped at the new weapon that was shot. It was leaving them all utterly speechless. "What…is that?" Luke marveled.

"I don't know." Abis Omega said. "But it's…"

"Unbelievable." Verias finished.

Shawn's brow furrowed. "Something's definitely wrong here…"

Atmos looked down at the Battlegear equipped to Olifus' back. He could feel some sort of spike that was leaving him unnerved. "What sort of abomination is this?" he questioned.

Jase glared forward. "Commander Adam, what is this exactly? The schematics were still being finalized."

Adam smirked. "What, did no one tell you? While you were gone, we were able to put more people into the project, so we got the first original Battlegear prototype accomplished three weeks ahead of schedule."

"I see…and you're the first to try it."

Adam smirked. "This is for that sarcastic mouth I always hated." He lifted his Bakumeter, showcasing an ability. "Battlegear ability, activate! Wave Burner - Draft Buster!" The Battlegear on the anchored Olifus' back had the two circles and rod turn along the sides. In their centers, energy began to charge onto green lights. Once ready, the energy blasts magnified to great levels that it not only shot Olifus up, but it also made pulse waves that destroyed the gate Card to pieces. Jase and Atmos were forced to cover up as the shards scattered around them. The Battlegear jutted Olifus to Atmos' level and the two were at a standoff once more.

Adam pointed forward. "Fire!"

On command, the massive vents attached began to charge up intense green lights from the vacuum it was creating from sucking in wind. The energy finally let loose into a massive green ventilation beam that shot at Atmos.

Olifus: 700 (+200 +400) = 1300 Atmos: 900

The green wave was too great to avoid. Atmos flapped backwards and let out a shrilled caw as the wave enveloped him. The pulsating pressure completely churned through the air and made Atmos wince. With one more caw, he was blown downwards, enveloping himself in green energy and sunk to Jase's feet while he had glasses covering his eyes.

Jase: 20%

Maggie winced. "Ohhh…that's gonna hurt."

"Yeah. Ouch." Shuji added.

"So that's the power of Battlegear." Esther noted quietly. "I only heard vague rumors about their capacity. I never imagined they'd be this lethal."

"Weaponizing Bakugan…I don't know what to say." Atchibee stated.

Jase knelt to pick up Atmos with a calm, but while down, Adam began to disdain him some more. "You could've had the chance to make a Battlegear for yourself, but instead you chose to regard a project that you admonish. What kind of soldier goes back on his word?"

While looking down, some of what Adam said sunk to his head. A brief image of the dull background and schooling days flashed in his mind. He adjusted his glasses to show his brown eyes showing slightly more seriousness. 'No, this is what I chose to do. I must shut everything else out. This is a battle of deep consequence.' "Atmos, you understand what's at stake, do you?"

Atmos nodded. "As you say. I won't fail again."

"Alright."

On the sidelines, Luke was calling out to Jase, but his audible voice wasn't getting through. "Jase! Jase!" he shouted, but grunted. "Damnit…can he hear me from here?"

"I think so." Shawn said. "With all the shouting you've done, maybe he went deaf."

"Shawn…"

"Sorry…but it looks like he's focused. I think he's trying not to be distracted."

Maggie pouted. "It isn't nice ignoring us. We're right here you know."

Esther nodded. "Yes, we are…and I know Jase does, too."

"Gate Card, set!" Adam threw the next card out onto the battlefield, making it glimmer.

In unison, both swiped their arms, sending the Bakugan to battle once more. Both ascended into the atmosphere with caws and roars.

Olifus: 800 Atmos: 400

Adam held up his hand and typed into his watch again. The same glow came from before. "Ready, Wave Burner." He seized the materialized Battlegear and threw it in. "Battlegear, boost!" The Battlegear latched onto Olifus once more, materializing into Wave Burner again. Olifus snarled again as he prepped his power level to 900.

Without hesitation, he unleashed the next attack. "Battlegear ability, activate! Wave Burner – Draft Buster!" Olifus aimed his vents at Atmos once more, charging up green energy inside until ready. He unleashed a shrilled cry as expansive energy waves eroded out, blasting with intense power at Atmos once more.

Olifus: 900 (+400) = 1300 Atmos: 400

As the green energy closed in, Atmos remained vigilant on Jase's orders. Jase pulled up another ability at the ready. "Ability, activate! Cloud Zero!" Atmos flapped his wings, expelling a green, cloud-like wind that enveloped him. The draft he created managed to put a stop to the attack, making both waves dissipate.

Olifus: 1300 (-900) = 400 Atmos: 400

Adam grunted. "That damn ability."

Jase's glare glistened in the refracting light. "Now then, Atmos!" He showed two abilities layered over the other. "Double ability, activate! Avianna Tempest, plus Cyclone Brave!"

Atmos flapped his wings once more, creating a gruff caw as green whirlwinds surrounded him again, roaring like a typhoon that veiled him. His power level went to 600. As he flapped yet again, the glowing green twister had green electricity as he charged the cyclone in a speeding wake at Olifus. And with the tailwind, he was like a whirlwind bullet that coursed at Olifus with power shooting up to 1000 Gs thanks to the former ability effects.

With a shrilled caw, Atmos closed the gap, creating a green flash that pulsated a whirlwind everywhere. It reached the ground, causing everyone to cover up as partial debris scattered everywhere. Maggie had to hold onto Shuji as he wasn't deterred, but they all looked up as the winds were swallowing everything.

"That do it?" Fly Beetle inquired.

Adam narrowed his glare. "Not on my watch. Gate Card, open! Battle Caliber!" The Gate Card revealed itself, making a white glow that pierced through the winds.

Jase looked down at the field, seeing its intricate glowing green symbols. "A Command Card…" He looked up, blinking. Overhead, he and Atmos watched from a distance as the winds were all dissipating around a silhouette. Yet the silhouette had air being sucked in through the ventilation ducts it used. Every accent of the Battlegear was glistening as energy coursed through it, showing no air going anywhere but inside.

Olifus: 400 (+300) = 700 Atmos: 1000

"…a command card to synchronize with the Battlegear." Jase said.

"That's right, and now we can use Battlegear Lv 2 Class abilities." Adam pulled his arm up, showing his Battlegear ability. "Buckle up! Battlegear ability, activate! Wave Burner – Shear!"

With all the air vacuumed into the vents, the silver turbines on the bottom half of the Battlegear began to charge and spin from the vents pushing wind through them. The rotation intensified until green static showed, making green spiraling flames inside. Atmos veered away out of shock.

Olifus: 700 (+500) = 1200 Atmos: 1000 (-500) = 500

With cannons aimed, Adam wasted no time in attacking. "Go!" On command, Olifus let out another roar as the turbines released spiraling green fire streams of intense volumes. They rushed out like wind itself at Atmos, who tried to shoot skywards and around,

Jase watched as Atmos tried to evade the best he could, but the assaulting spirals of hot green energy pulsated like mad as they tried to shoot down the falcon. The soldier frowned as he saw Atmos arise higher, and the two beams closed in. "Atmos, no!"

Atmos looked down, the green spirals reflecting in his yellow eyes before they finally made impact. The entire bird that broiled in searing green energy flames as he was shot out of the sky, descending like a dead bird in fiery fashion. And in the direction he was falling, it was right in front of Jase.

"JASE!" Luke, Shawn, and Shuji shouted.

The Colonel's Bakugan crashed into the ground, creating a loud shudder that made the air around them expand. It was enough to put Jase on his back with a pained thud. Everything around the Colonel was seared in green flames that were dissipating a little quicker than normal fire, but nevertheless, he shakily stirred to look up to look back ahead. He saw Atmos in green flames, which looked like they stung. The Colonel's eyes were fixed with bitter emotion instead of what people could have in place of shock.

"Jase…" Atmos silently muttered his name, flames distancing him and the lost Colonel.

Jase stared on with a furrowed brow. The green flames that refracted in his glasses silently brought him back to another fire. The flames dissipated in his mind as he knelt before his mother and fatherly graves. He placed flowers on them and frowned.

And even now and then, two things remained the same: No apology, no tears.

On the other end of the flames, Commander Adam had arms behind his back. "This is the price weak soldiers pay, Jase Mercury." He venomously scorned. "You've changed…and not for the better."

"…so I may have." Jase muttered, which muffled as green flames sparked around him. He offered nothing but a fallen head and shoulders. "I'm…sorry, everyone."

Many began to worry, and Shuji held Maggie close as she couldn't look. Jelldon and the other Bakugan watched on their own terms, but otherwise it looked bleak.

"No." Esther gasped.

Luke gritted his teeth angrily, taking a step forward. "JASE~! JASE~!"

Jase remained silent as Luke called him name. His mind drowned into the woes of green.

Jase's mind went to another place entirely. It was all white until he found his eyes opened once more. He realized he was upside-down and falling from clouds. His body was heavy, and yet no matter where he turned, it was all blue water below with puffy clouds that he passed. He frowned as he looked down at the ocean water.

He descended and plummeted like a rock, splashing into the water with surprisingly little to no force. He didn't find pain at all. Instead, when he flinched, he found his settings have changed. He looked around, noticing the landscape was now a black void with water that he stood on. He looked down solemnly at the lake, his disposition faltering as he looked at his reflection. A single droplet fell from the black void, splashing on the forehead of the reflection. The water rippled outwards until the distorted the whole face, making him look like himself smirking like he did before the incident. The face then changed to Riaan; the man who patronized him of differences of a soldier and guardian.

"They protected us; they're guardians. They are not soldiers who were told to do so and risked themselves for others simply because of destiny or what others told them otherwise. If the world they created and shaped is what they see fit to protect, and are willing to make the tough choices for better, then that, in my opinion, is a guardian."

'A guardian, you say…?' Jase saw the reflection ripple yet again, revealing the smug face of Commander Adam. It rippled again, showing a disapproving Michelle. His eyes closed again as he mournfully smiled. 'How ironic. A loyal soldier done in by his own logic. How fitting.' Slowly, he began to sink into the lake water beneath, where the many faces he saw and once were rippling and waiting for him to succumb to the darkness. He closed his eyes and accepted his fate. This is a soldier's way of going…and it was cold.

Suddenly he stopped sinking. His eyes shot open when he felt something pull him up. 'What?' He looked at his left arm to see Luke holding it up, smiling. He then felt another weight lift his right arm, revealing Shawn smiling as well. Jase looked morally surprised until it mounted with his whole body pulled out with Esther, Shuji, and Maggie. 'Everyone…'

They all softly smiled at Jase, showing the genuine care and confidence that Luke gave them. He was at a loss for words until they turned him around. He looked up, seeing a familiar sight. In the same positions, Atmos was also being held above water with the Bakugan mirroring their partners. Jase and Atmos looked perplexed, but then both were shoved forward by everyone else. They both looked back one more time, to see smiles and nods; not at them, but to their own partners. Trust.

Jase started to slowly walk along water on his own until he slowly came towards Atmos. He looked up, while the bird stared down at him with a straight face. They looked into each other's eyes. The once shallow eyes Jase had were gone, recalling the friends that he's made that didn't give up on him. Finally knowing what he had to do, he softly smiled.

"Atmos…thank you."

He reached up, holding his palm out for the bird to silently look at. He looked at Jase to see that in his gaze was silent apology and remorse, but genuine care. The bird's eyes closed as he closed in and pressed his beak against the hand. The moment they made contact, the dark void around them turned to a rainbow light, swallowing up everything, leaving Jase and Atmos to open their eyes and accept each other genuinely before they were the last ones to vanish.

In reality, both Jase and Atmos' eyes flashed open, winds shifting between them.

Adam pushed his arm forward. "Anything to say, Colonel."

Of all the responses to receive, the Colonel was back on his feet. He then snickered, in possible delight.

"What's so funny?!"

"You know, I almost forgot, Commander. I realized what I was doing was wrong."

His eyes narrowed. "And you just now figured this out?"

"Let me finish." He continued. "What I meant was dwelling on a pointless past. But please, by all means, allow us to show you…" he swiped his arm through the green flames. "Just how wrong we can be!" As he exclaimed that last part, the green flames that once enveloped Atmos suddenly pulled apart. They were shredded by an opening of wind that showed a shadow of a bird with glowing yellow eyes.

"What?!"

The bird shadow spread its wings, eroding the fire away. Jase pointed forward. "Victory…is NIGH!"

Atmos' eyes flashed green and he flapped on. With all his strength, each flap made green flames erode away and give an opening to see Olifus. He charged in with all his ruffled feathery might, crashing with all the power needed to actually repulse the Bakugan.

"What?! How is he still standing?!" Adam gasped.

Atmos kicked with his sharp talons, slashing at the face once more. The kicks were with much more force this time, and to add insult, one backwing smacked Olifus so hard he was swatted towards the side. The falcon didn't let up as he went to attack again.

Olifus grunted and aimed his Battlegear at his foes. He took careful aim and forced more green fire from the turbines, but Atmos ascended at the last second and got right over Olifus and cawed once more as he came down, denting the Battlegear's top with his claws. Atmos clutched with all his might, ascending into the air while dragging the Battlegear and Olifus a little higher each second. Though heavy, he refused to waver.

Glasses adjusted again, Jase glared ahead. "Atmos!"

The avian let out a shrilled caw as he suddenly somersaulted backwards. He slowly flipped himself and descended with all his might, using gravity to his advantage. The seismic dive rendered enough force to flip once more, yelling loudly as he piledrove Olifus on his back into the battlefield, back-first. The impact was so powerful that it made shock run through Olifus as the Battlegear mounted was dented in again, making green static.

Adam's eyes widened. "What?! No! The Battlegear!"

Jase watched casually while his Bakumeter began to show Atmos' power level rising. As he looked down, he could see the numbers continuing to steadily rise, and with it, the screen glowed, showing a brand new card that was glowing. 'This is…'

Olifus barreled onto his back and tried to stand. Atmos came down with fury and pierced his talons through the metal again. Clawing and attacking at the Battlegear, the avian refused to call quits. Olifus used the back vents to send a blast backwards, but Atmos used a claw and raked the vents, denting them. A part of the blast went straight, but a good majority went down, grazing Olifus' lower half and making the serpent painfully shriek. Atmos prodded his head and dug into the vents, ripping the blades off and getting an opening.

Not wanting to take chances, Adam swiped his arm. 'The Battlegear can't take much more.' "Olifus, shake it off, now!"

Olifus started rising, but Atmos held on furiously. The serpent maneuvered frantically through the air to get Atmos to let got, but the bird's claws and beak kept digging on the back. Swaying in the air, Atmos' red jewels on his chest feathers began to glow like they would for Green Talon, but rings of dark green pulsated from the front continuously, showing amplified power.

Composed again, Jase, showed an ability. He brought his arm up and showed the new attack. "Ability, activate…" The winds around Atmos returned as they pressurized around the two beams charging up. "Shooting Lance!" Atmos fired two concentrated green blasts with dark green patterns in them. The compressed wind from Avianna Tempest kicked in and shot two clean blows that pierced the Battlegear it was attached to. Nothing happened at first as the rays dissipated, but they showed two major holes that punctured the underside of the Battlegear. Atmos finally flapped back into the sky, leaving Olifus suspended as the gear crackled with electricity and suddenly glowed green, fading in time as an intense burst erupted on the serpent's back. The beast unleashed a powerful shriek.

Olifus: 1200 (-600 -400 -100) = 100 Atmos: 550

Adam was dumbfounded as he watched his advantage broke off. His eyes shuddered and shrunk in disbelief. "Impossible. He…took the Battlegear apart with just physical prowess?"

Through the smoke, Olifus grunted in pain. He was so distraught he was blindsided when a talon struck his face, sending him back further.

"Perhaps you should learn the lesson that I have…" Jase prodded his glasses as winds shifted through his hair. "You see, Bakugan is more than just mere numbers. Care to test that?" Alongside him, Atmos shared the same calm look.

"Jase…" Luke sounded relieved.

"Alright! Looks like they're back in the game!" Maggie cheered.

"Yes!" Jelldon jumped on her shoulder with glee.

Atmos and Olifus were at the same altitude, high over everyone's heads as Jase had an amused look. "Now then, Atmos, suppose we kept everyone waiting long enough perhaps?" he asked the falcon.

"Yes indeed, Jase. It's time we end this."

Adam fumed in annoyance. "I'll make this right! As Commander of the B.I.F, I hold this and the morals of human and Bakugan kind high! Ability, activate! Lore Sancta!" Olifus' eyes flashed green and a green ring expelled from his body. He vanished again, this time making Atmos weary once more.

Olifus: 100 (+400) = 500 Atmos: 550

Jase glared up. He noticed a faded silhouette streaming that his glasses reflected. "8 o'clock!" His warning made Atmos ascended, dodging the strike that made Olifus reappear. Atmos grabbed the head with the claws again and he fastened himself as he whirled around, spiraling Olifus outwards while he adjusted again.

Agitated, Adam thrust forward with one more ability. "Time to end this! Ability activate, Flash Scream!" Olifus again fired intense green fire spirals that pulsated at Atmos.

Olifus: 500 (+400) = 900 Atmos: 550

"Jase…I'm ready." Atmos declared.

Jase grinned. "Yes, I know you are…as am I." He showed an ability of his own. "Ability, activate! Shooting Lance!" Atmos screeched into the air again as he gathered green rippling energy into the jewels and fired with all his might. Pulsating green beams with dark green circles combined with a spinning wind, colliding with the green fire in the middle. The vile shockwaves from either attack was making the air tremble as both fought for dominance. Atmos grunted as he refused to give in; that same resolve reflected in Jase's eyes. Slowly, very slowly, their attacks were waning, and increasing. It was tug-o-war that was frustrating Adam.

"You think your New Vestroia Bakugan is really a match for a Gundalian Bakugan?!"

Jase smirked. "Well…we made it this far, haven't we?" Adam growled in annoyance. "Unfortunately, we are not like you. You think we function on routine, but I'm not mindless. And even lifeless soldiers can make a difference…why I happen to know one who lives by that very example."

"Jase." Luke knew who he was referring to.

"There are a lot of things I have said in the past few hours, but I suppose it's pointless now." He put up his Bakumeter. "Fusion ability, activate! Anemoi Grace!"

As Atmos pushed with all his might, glowing green lights shimmered like stars around him. The intense shimmered radiated in near dozens that flashed with power.

Olifus: 900 (-400 -100 -200 -100) = 100 Atmos: 550

Together, Jase directed a single chop forward, while Atmos responded by expanding the blast wave with the stars shot around, spiraling down the attack and pulsating into the green flames, which lost all momentum and swallowed Olifus in a shrieking firework display of green bursts and bright green that caused a massive green explosion mixed with smoke. The air rattled incredulously as the smoke passed Atmos, who was unfazed despite the wounds he was inflicted with. Everyone around looked completely dumbfounded. Even Michelle was at a loss for what to say. Adam sunk to his knees out of disbelief as Olifus fell to the ground in ball form.

Adam: 0%

Adam closed his eyes. "It can't be…I…"

Luke smiled wide. "Yes! Nice going, Jase!"

"That's our boy!" Shuji smirked.

"Damn straight." Shawn nodded.

Atmos circled around and cawed throughout the air. He gently soared into an angle in front of Jase and reverted to ball form. He landed like a gentle cotton ball in Jase's open palm. He looked down, grinning as Atmos popped open and looked up at him. "Atmos…thank you." He glanced at all his friends towards the side. "All of you."

The gathered group were once again sitting in the same room outside, waiting patiently for what conversation happening inside the office would have them lead to. They held hopes high for Jase, that's all they could do.

Inside the Marshall's office, the Commander and Colonel had arms behind their backs while the Marshall looked at her desk somberly. She sighed. "Words cannot express how I feel about both of you right now. Do you have any idea what trouble you both are in right now? Commander and Colonel, you both have caused enough trouble to turn the B.I.F and its cadets into questionable morals. First Jase Mercury, you willingly deleted all that data out of conduct. And you, Commander, have acted out of line. Just where do I begin with you?"

Jase prodded his glasses with a frown. He held nothing to the mouth, while Commander Adam struggled furiously to find levity. "Commandant Marshall, permission to speak?"

She leered at him. "You may, Commander."

"Ma'am, with all do respect, Colonel Jase was the one who acted irrationally. He willingly deleted the data that was essential in our further testing."

"I am not looking for excuses, Commander." She snapped. This made Adam jerk back with shock. "Both of you are at fault for a number of charges."

"But…ma'am…"

The Marshall sighed in grief, her head down with a dark feel in the room. "Commander Adam, return to your quarters at once. We're going to have a serious talk about your position here in the B.I.F later." She looked up, glaring daggers. "That is an order. Do you understand?"

Adam could see it. He was screwed, no matter which direction he returned to. With a pained look, the humiliated Commander looked at Michelle with hesitance shown. "…yes, Commandant Marshall." He slowly turned with cold feet towards the doorway. He didn't even bother looking Jase in the eyes as he exited without any heart left.

The doors shut, leaving the Marshall and Colonel alone. The Marshall turned her wheely chair to face the wall with eyelids half-open. A grim silence fell between her and 30-year-old Colonel of the establishment.

"…Colonel."

"Yes, Commandant Marshall Michelle?"

"We were in the United Kingdom military, same ranks. In all the 12 years that I've known you, I have never known much about you. You dare say little as a matter of fact."

Jase chuckled. "To be frank, there's nothing even to discuss to begin with."

"I see…and you truly believe that what you did was the right decision?"

Jase frowned again. "Commandant, that's a very opaque question, even I cannot answer."

"Colonel."

"Who's to say my actions were the right or wrong? I don't recall saying that what I did was wrong nor right, nor did I say the other. Quite frankly, when I think about it, this all happened because of me, isn't it?" He looked down at Atmos in closed ball form in his clutches. "We were both soldiers with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We honestly had nothing to live for since the bombing now, did we?"

Michelle lowered her head in guilt. "Yes, I remember well…" she turned in her chair back at him. "So you're saying that you have found your reason to live?"

"It's to say I found a more preferable way of approaching this problem we share." He snickered. "What a predicament this is for both of us."

Michelle shared the sentiment. "Yes, Colonel, this most certainly is." A strong silence fell between them for the moment before she spoke again. "So you believe that those kids and you can find better alternatives than what the B.I.F gives then…"

"Commandant Marshall, I wouldn't have to remind you the effort and strife dear Atmos and I put in to stop that Battlegear. Much was waged at that moment…I think you and I know now the risks we take to defy such callous logic. If not, then I can say I pity you. Repair my computer as you will, but if you insist that power not paced correctly with untamed weaponry will stop Earth's destruction, that responsibility is yours. Consider this my official resignation from the B.I.F." He turned away from the Marshall. "And I will be taking the machine and the prisoner I brought here as compensation." He glared over his shoulder. "Is that fair…Michelle?"

The Commandant remained silent through Jase's speech. She took in a deep sigh and breathed out again. "I see, so that's where it stands." She scooted out of her chair and walked around her desk towards Jase. "In that case, Colonel…"

Jase turned around, giving his superior a glare. He remained calm as she stopped in front. A silence passed before she extended her arm out with a grin.

"It's been a pleasure serving with you all these years. You were a good soldier."

Jase finally managed his own smile. He reached out, offering his hands for a firm handshake. "The honor has been all mine…Michelle."

"But know this Colonel…no, Jase. If what you intend harms the people and Bakugan we've sworn to protect in this world, then we will stop you…and actions will be taken."

Jase snickered. "Challenge accepted." He turned around one last time. "This is goodbye." With that, Jase walked out the door, leaving it to shut behind him.

Michelle gave a long sigh. The Commandant Marshall sighed as she looked down at the ground, tilting her cap. A soft smile crept onto her face.

Jase walked out of the room, immediately grabbing everyone else's attention. They all stood up and got close to him.

"Jase!" Luke gasped.

"At ease, Luke. It's not like I was in the hospital."

Shawn gave a serious frown. "So how'd it go?"

Jase looked to the side, prodding his glasses. "I cleared it out with the Commandant Marshall. We are free to leave with no charges."

"Really?" Luke exclaimed.

Maggie fist pumped. "Yes! No facial hair! I can live my whole life being pretty! Thank you so much Jase, you're my favorite!"

Jase chuckled. "No thanks are necessary." He modestly looked away. "If anything I should be apologizing to you all. I understand if you still want to hit me, Shuji. I wouldn't deny now even if I could."

The Subterra battler walked up, giving him a small glare. But ultimately, he chose not to. "Heh, Forget it. It wasn't worth the time." He shrugged.

"Colonel…" Esther started.

"Esther…I don't believe calling me that is suitable now, if that's alright with you."

Esther and the other quickly caught on to what Jase meant. Their faces fell when they knew what went down. Whether discharge or willingly leaving, they couldn't help but feel sorrowful for the former Colonel. Esther looked down in guilty. "I'm sorry." She apologized.

"Your sentiments are unnecessary…but I appreciate them anyway." He grinned. "Now then, I believe we have a few things to get before our departure now, don't we?"

Luke's eyes widened. "That's right, how are we going to get home?"

Jase started walking off. "I believe I have an answer to that. If you all would follow me. I believe you'll like what we've done with our transportation."

The others behind looked to each other once more before opting to follow Jase.

Everything later on returned to normal schedule, or as normal as could get. The people steered clear as the former Colonel walked out of the building with the group in tow. What's more, Keegan followed behind disgruntledly. "Why am I tagging with you guys now? I didn't sign up for this!" he exasperated.

Jase looked back, smirking. "Is that so? Well then, I suppose you wouldn't mind staying here a little longer now, would you?"

A bead of sweat ran down Keegan's face. He nervously looked back at the entrance, seeing many soldiers looking at him. He faced forward with a scowl. "I hate you guys so much…but any place is better than this hellhole. Anywhere but here!"

"There we go. That's the spirit." Shawn teased.

Maggie looked towards Esther. "What are we gonna do with him? Chain him up? Or put him in a doghouse maybe?"

Esther leered back at Keegan. "It's fine for now. Besides…even he knows the position he's in. He can't go anywhere without us."

Shuji put his hands behind his head. "Fine with me as long as he doesn't get in the way."

"Believe me pal, I've got nowhere else to be." Keegan eyerolled. Besides, Esther wasn't wrong. He was well aware of the situation he was in and who was in charge. As much as he hated it, he'd rather not pick a fight with them, especially after seeing Jase's battle. That sheer will and energy Atmos gave off made him question his own set of skills. For now, it was best to remain quiet.

"So, Jase, exactly where is this transportation anyway?" Atchibee inquired.

Jase stopped a few meters afterwards, with everyone following. "Why, you're looking at it."

Luke and the others looked up. Those familiar with it had eyes widen at the scene. Some hearts skipped beats as they stared at it longingly. Luke took a step back, shocked. "Is that…?"

Before everyone was a fully automated structure that was built like a tank. It had many large wheels that were designed for all terrains to travel on. Rather than white, it was neat silver paintjob, and any dark spots were instead replaced with orange, and red trimmings were replaced by flame-like yellow on it. But otherwise, much of it look largely the way everyone remembered it.

Jase smiled. "Everyone, I would like to introduce you…to the Trailer 2.0." he started. "But please, call it 'The Trailer', if that's more suitable to you."

Shuji stepped forward. "No way…"

"So it was the Trailer after all." Fly Beetle muttered.

"Amazing." Esther admitted. "I almost didn't recognize it."

Immediately Maggie squealed as she scooted towards the Trailer. Her eyes sparkled wide as she looked around it with glee. "Oh my gosh! The Trailer!" She immediately hugged and nuzzled the side with hearts around her face. "Oh-hoho~~! How I've missed you! It just wasn't the same without you too, big guy! You're in one piece! Thank god!" She wailed comical tears as she embraced the convertible with all her heart.

"Now I should warn you, the Trailer was critically damaged by that jump we took to Earth." Jase explained. "Fortunately, a majority of it was in tact by the time the B.I.F found my location. We had a little work done in preserving the pieces and making maintenance according to the blueprints we decrypted." He chuckled. "We may have went a little overzealous with the redesigning."

Shawn had hands to his hips as he stood below the structure. "You kidding? It looks great. Not a bad paintjob either."

Esther nodded on the other side. "It may not look like the original design, but you've done a remarkable job."

Shuji snickered. "Yeah, kinda digging the flashy colors. Looks like lava to me."

Jase grinned. "Then allow me to show you the changes we've made inside. I trust that you'll find it more…homey, if you will."

He directed them indoors, where immediately, they saw immediate changes. The flooring was now a shimmering midnight blue tiling, with yellow walls lining up the walls. A refined white covered the ceiling with luminescent lights. The overhead latch to the top also had a new wheel to turn it.

"Woah, this is insane…" Luke looked into what was originally his and Shawn's room they used. The beds were completely replaced, with comfortable bed embedded into the walls, with two twin beds with two pillows each. The ground itself was a new carpeting of midnight blue. Each of the three rooms had this feature, and each one also had an in-wall TV set. "This is like an actual room!" he marveled.

Maggie's eyes sparkled as she looked at another setting. Esther caught up, looking into what was essentially the bathroom with shock. "T-this is…?" She looked all around. The bathroom, shockingly, was a little bigger than what it was the last time. A refined sink with no stains, including new toilet, with it all having bright yellow walls and clean white porcelain tiling leading to a clean bath and shower combo with fresh black shower curtains.

"The bathroom!" Maggie chimed. She sniffed the air heavenly. "And it smells like watermelon~!"

"Each room's long walls are also equipped with beds that fold inwards." Jase noted. "I believe Luke's wall, Shuji's, and Maggie's walls have these, so we should be able to fit three more if necessary."

"Well I'll be damned. Jase you really designed the heck out of this place, huh?" Shawn marveled.

Jase snickered. "I appreciate the applause. Now then, if everyone will follow me to the bridge, I believe we have some work to do." He turned and guided everyone through a pair of sliding doors that they all went through. Once in, they all went wide-eyed yet again by the bridge. They were at a loss for words at the new bulletproof glass that covered the ship's front. The desks were all lamented with fresh shields matching their attribute colors, and a new table with implanted chairs circled the base like the last one did.

Maggie skipped on over towards her seat she normally was in. "Oh wow!" She marveled at the red shield and fresh seat. She hopped onto it, sliding in with a neat hum. "Hmmm, cozy~."

Shawn looked at all the panels that his and everyone's computers had. He saw they all had cameras on them, for inside and outside. As he sat on it, it recognized his face and the screen turned on. "Facial recognition. Not bad."

Jase in his seat, the main driver seat atop. "Now then, I suppose we are all set then, are we?"

"Yes. We are." Esther said with seriousness.

"Well I'm glad that you're all enjoying this, but which bunk am I taking?" Keegan interrupted.

Typing into the driver seat, Jase answered. "Relax. You will be sharing with Shuji and I. That should be more than adequate for you."

Keegan didn't like this, but he chose to comply. He looked towards Shuji, who looked back in his new dark blue leather seat with a smirk. He knew he was going to be kept an eye on. He sulked as he went back through the doors.

"So how are we going to get out of here?" Shawn inquired. "We can either go on land or the water…" he glanced at Jase. "Unless you did something else."

Jase mockingly snickered as he prodded his glasses up again. "I assure you, I made sure those two modes we worked on retained. However, I believe I may have a better alternative." He swiped his arm, making holographic sequences type themselves in. "Everyone, hold tight, commencing a new setting change!"

Like before, he pressed a new button, making the Trailer shudder again. Everyone braced themselves as they were holding themselves up.

As the Trailer rumbled, Keegan was banging on the large wall of Shuji and Jase's room they shared. "Man, how the heck does this thing open?" He gave it one more bang, and the Trailer jerked up gain. It caused the wall hatch to come down, hitting Keegan and flooring him. "OOF!" He laid on the floor as the mattress was on top by a platform. He laid there, groaning. "Ugh…I HATE YOU ALL~!"

Outside, the Trailer shuddered immensely. It hummed violently as the vents began exhausting winds that made the Trailer prepare. Oddly enough, much like when it goes to sea-travel mode, the Trailer's wheel turbines altered and spun. However, the tires also spun, and this time only the middle tires tucked inwards, while the front and back wheels exhausted engine roars. Shockingly enough, the fins that the Trailer also had on either side began to react. Jase pulled another lever, making them expand slowly to make jet wings. Slowly, very slowly, the whole thing began to go skywards.

"W-whoa!" Maggie gasped. "Are we…flying?!"

Jase smirked.

"Okay, just what the heck kind of adjustments did you make, huh?!" Shuji exasperated. "What's next, massage chairs?!"

"Second button on your right."

Shuji blinked once, then twice. He peered over his seat to find that there were two buttons indeed. Though questionable, he pushed a button, making his whole seat vibrate. The shock made him sulk. "Okay…sometimes this guy scares me." He growled.

"Now then, to our destination?"

Luke looked at everyone. They all saw him and nodded, even Shuji as his chair vibrated. Knowing where to go, he smiled. "I guess we go to my house."

Jase nodded. "Very well then." He typed in coordinates, making a satellite screen shrink to a grid-scale to lock onto Luke's house. Once set, Jase fastened his hold on the wheel and pushed. "Very well. Everyone, let's move!"

The thrusters on the revamped Trailer started. The whole thing started taking up towards the sky, heading off like a jet would. It soared off over the trees, ascending into the air and away from the B.I.F compounds.

As the Trailer became distant in the sky, the Commandant Marshall looked out her window to see Jase off. She tipped her cap and snickered. She turned towards her desk and resumed her work.

In an old park, kids were playing carelessly. Kids were moving around, kicking a ball to one another. "Heads up!" One kid kicked the ball with all his might, sending it spinning past his friend and off into the distance.

Unknowingly, the ball closed in on a kid with spiked up orange hair. His attention drew towards the ball at the last second and ended up hit in the face by the rubber material. He staggered back while the ball bounced along the ground.

The kids that were there all looked shocked at first. The three other kids snickered, and other pointed and laughed. The one who kicked the ball shuffled away with a small chuckled. Little did they know, Xander had a dark glare as his knuckles cracked. He snarled menacingly as he slowly approached the kids.

"Oooh! Sorry buddy." The kid facetiously mocked. "Shouldn't have been there I guess! Hahaha-!" the poor kid didn't even have a second let as the rubber ball went flying back into his face. The force was so sudden that it broke his nose almost instantly, as well as knock ed out some of his baby teeth.

The others looked in shock and paled. They looked back, but when they saw Xander, the rubber ball was thrown away, his own fists showing. "Aright, who else laughed at me?" The other kids had no words to say. They all had tears in their eyes and immediately took off in another direction, scattering like cockroaches. "Weaklings." He scoffed before walking away.

This was Xander, just a small punk kid, nothing new. He was decent enough. Black shirt with red cargo pants. But his attitude was something else entirely. He had a gruff demeanor, so much that adults were too in shock to even approach the kid. His complex was demanding to where it completely turned people off. He left people alone, but when they bug him, they either end up like the kid he threw the ball at…or worse.

All alone, neglected by parents who were at home drinking up and doing as he saw fit, he just wandered about through the town. He wasn't even afraid to cross allies that were dark at night. This was a kid of no moral constitution.

Walking through a park as Interacia's ceiling was closed off, there was no telling of rain. Luminescent crystals lit up the whole atmosphere, and by no means was this anything new to Xander as he walked aimlessly. "This is boring. Guess I should find a place to sleep for now…" he looked over. He saw something in what looked like a treehouse, but made of very thin fibers that sat at the base of a tree. "Huh? A treehouse?" Curious, he walked closer towards it. He noticed it had thin ropes with handles on them to make a thin ladder. "I wonder where this leads to? Better hope it's shelter." Weary, the kid climbed the ladder, finding himself in the dusk-embrewed treehouse.

The treehouse, much to his wonders, was actually sending a shiver down his spine. When he looked around, he was seen with modest shock as he saw how the dim lighting outside was casting shadows everywhere.

"Okay, this is getting creepy…" He walked further inwards, but heard a small hiss. "What's that?"

He looked down. His eyes widened when he saw a large creature slowly crawl out of the shadows and towards him. When he looked at it, it was like a Sydney Funnel Web Spider. Its curved venomous fangs fickle as it eyes Xander, who even he who never saw a spider six-inches long, make eye contact.

Once ready, the spider slowly approached Xander as he was paralyzed in shock. He clutched his fists and remained stoic, but even he knew not to mess with a spider like that.

Before the spider got too close, however, some kind of force crushed it completely. Xander flinched when he heard the sounds of exoskeletons cracked, the guts of the spider splattered and crackling like fireworks. The punk kid watched as the foot went off it. He saw the legs still twitching. When he looked up, he saw who it was that killed it with no hesitation.

In the very thin and dim lighting available, Xander squinted as he stared at a silhouette his size, meaning he was still a young kid, too. He had on cargo shorts, with a black sweater with a hood over his face so it was hard to see what he looked like.

"Who are you?"

The kid turned away, back into the corner. "Pesky bug." He muttered. He sat on the ground cross-legged. He sat calmly in front of a full-body mirror – the only commodity the dark treehouse had.

"Oooo…kay?" Xander approached the kid, making sure to steer clear of the spider guts that stained the treehouse. Once free from it, he stood behind the kid. "Look kid, I was here first, so you can get-!"

"Shhh!" The kid hushed. "Quiet…I'm watching."

Xander's brow furrowed. "What?" he looked at the mirror. "That's not a TV. That's a mirror!"

"Shh! I'm. Watching…"

Xander looked questionable at the kid and the mirror. Out of curiosity of the kid's awfully creepy aura, he sat down and tried to understand what he meant. He stared at the mirror, with poor lighting behind him. He stared quietly…for a minute. "What are we-?"

"Shh! Just…look out…" the kid venomously hummed.

Deeply curious, Xander looked back with a dull sense of patience. He glared at the screen with vaguely growing annoyance, but…strangely, the whole thing began to change. The longer he stared, the more he could his own face.

It was quiet for a long time…until he slowly saw a freaky image of a pale beast with sharp teeth glare with a hiss through the mirror in a flash.

"GAH!" Backing onto his butt, his heart raced. For the first time, he felt fear on a spiritual level. "What was…" he looked at the kid in question. "What was that?"

Slowly turning around, the hooded kid glanced at a higher angle. His dark eyes with the aura he gave off made Xander feel threatened as he stared with a cynical smile. In a hushed tone, he answered.

"The very monster we all are…"

Shackles clanged in the dark room. Xander winced as his upper body was bare, showing bruises and cuts as he hung his head down. Sweat poured down his face, an exhausted breath relieved every few seconds. Even so, the punk smirked. "Zion." He scoffed, "Why, that bastard's got a lot of beef, wouldn't you say, Max?"

Beside him, in the darkness, Maximus had his hood up as he seethed terrifying daggers at the mirror he glared at. Much like Xander, Cyrus chained him up and had him staring at his own reflection. For two days, with one day rest in between, Cyrus chained the little maniac to the floor and had the lights off. For the most part, Maximus was utterly silent as his pupils dilated.

In his reflection, all he saw instead of himself was a gravely beast with beady sharp eyes that wanted him dead. Its own dull eyes seethed into his black heart, and that alone was a bone-chilling image. It growled ferally as the lighting constantly dimmed. But rather than feel fear, Maximus felt something else.

Challenged.

Xander saw how focused his friend was and looked down, smirking. He knew Maximus was intent on still conquering the demons that was himself. Just seeing the way he looked into the mirror for hours was a sure sign. Which is why he never saw him near one for a while. "Still crazy as ever. I don't know how you can take looking at yourself in that light."

Slowly, Maximus managed a meek smirk. "Heh…it's a gift."

Xander looked p at the mirror in front of him as well. He stared at it with chains binding his wrists to the ground. He looked intently, the lights dimming constantly until he could see his own shadow of a beast glaring, whispering like a ghost. He winced away, his shackles shimmering. Even so, he smirked. "Heh…to think even after all these years, even you aren't afraid of your inner self."

"…be the monster that you see." Maximus muttered. "Be it…and use its power to win, and let nothing stand in your way."

Xander snickered again. He closed his eyes and remained by his side. "I can imagine Cesar's almost done with his little tests for the new forbidden cards." His smirk widened. "Things will be…most interesting."

"I know…" Maximus stared coldly at his own reflection, him and his shadow glaring challenging daggers at one another until Maximus finally chuckled low, soon breaking into a loud, cynical laughter. His laughter roared through the chamber, echoing through the high and dull ceiling lights.

Far away from the deranged laughter of Rogue Zero, Armagedoid overlooked Interacia from the balcony that Riaan watched him from when he first flew across the city. He stared out, his magenta eyes showing nothing but, well…magenta. But beneath that, one could say curiosity.

So much has happened over the past two weeks Armagedoid had to take in. It was amazing how he hadn't got a headache…whatever that was. He honestly didn't know what the concept of pain was, but now that he was a little more mature from the knowledge he took in, he knew what pain looked like. That stood for Riaan. The very embodiment of pain. Lonely, cold pain.

'…I learned so much since being born.' He looked down at his claws. 'I am a Darkus Bakugan. There are six attributes. All Bakugan resonated from Father…and Mother.' Mother. The very word confounded him. He never met Code Eve yet, so he didn't know what to say or feel about her. But from the flashbacks Riaan projected, it looked like she went her own path; her own choice. 'My own choices…' Armagedoid slowly clutched his clawed hand tight. 'Father gave me a conscience…because he chose to do so. I can make my own decisions now. But…what do I do? I…I know the world around me is crumbling…' He looked out in the distance. He could see another massive piece of the crust far above fall in the distance with low roars. The sight was more and more painful with every time he witnessed it. 'This world…is Father himself. His world is changing, because its structure alters with his powers. Powers he's used to give me a life of my own…' He looked up at the vast open sky. He could see the sunlight coming down onto his black body and reflecting light waves off his panel-like wings. The light was surprisingly warm. 'Father mentioned more worlds, did he? I wonder what they're like?'

Suddenly his eyes began to shimmer rainbow lights. He gasped. "What…?"

In a white flash, Armagedoid found himself blinded by an unknown force. He grunted, and soon he uncovered himself. When he did, he looked around, noticing that his surroundings were much different. "What is this? What happened?" He saw blue skies with white clouds. The atmosphere was so strong, and beneath him, he saw Bakugan in the woods, and they looked like they were scrounging. "More Bakugan…?" he gasped. "Wait…is this…another world?"

Catching onto his hint, another flash blinded him. When he uncovered, he saw that he was in a surrounding that looked very futuristic. He saw that it looked metro with floating cars and houses, and so many people and populations everywhere that it looked crowded. "Where is this? Another planet…of Bakugan?" The settings changed again, this time showing a surrounding very similar to Interacia, with gray rocks and green lighting like he was in a cave. Looking around, he couldn't believe his eyes. "These planets…I feel something…" The settings changed yet again. He turned and saw that crystal blue skies filled the atmosphere, and a setting with crystals everywhere with brimming energy as well. "Another planet…and they all feel…strangely familiar."

Once more, the settings changed, this time transporting him into what looked like a void. He uncovered once more, and just like the other locations he saw, he was feeling an intense energy wherever he turned. It tingled him. "Now where am I…?" he asked, slightly irritably. A radiant light twinkled out of nowhere, making him veer away. "Gnnngh! What's going on?!" he shrieked.

"Are you the energy that I have sensed?" a radiant voice said through the radiant glow.

Armagedoid used his wings to reflect light. "Who are you!?" he shouted. Suddenly a realization dawned upon him. 'Wait, this voice. I know that voice…'

The radiant glow in the dimension twinkled a bright flash, making Armagedoid uncover as he adjusted to the light. He looked up, seeing the light in the shape of an orb.

"Greetings to you. I…am Code Eve." It announced.

The light in Armagedoid's eyes dilated from shock. If he had pupils, they would've been shrunk by now. "…Mother?"

I know it's been a while guys, and it's almost been a month, but here is an update before Fall starts! I got my 3 chapters done as I said I would in The Contender's Ascent, so now pacing is going back to normal.

So now we finally have seen everyone's backstories, and finally managed to get the old band back together! Hope you guys were enthused or piqued by all their different lives! And before you ask, yes, Olifus is an official Bakugan. I checked.

So now all of their power levels are at 400-450 Gs, with new abilities learned just like Rogue Zero. It's with this I would like to hereby announce the end of the Homecoming Arc! Now, with all of them assembled, we can begin my new arc – The Vestal Arc! You guys can guess where this will go, obviously.

But with all that out of the way, we can now see what Code Eve thinks of Armagedoid and her side of the story. Armagedoid is going to have to make his choice soon, so who will he side with? Find out soon, and hope you guys liked Jase and the Trailer's return!