Hey guys, here's the next chapter. There's not a lot of follow up on what happened last (Shun and Ayden going to the amusement park, running into Volt, Shun gets knocked out, Ayden beats Volt and Shun kisses her...i know...it's a lot lol) but Shun and Ayden will have their "talk" soon enough.
So everyone remember when Gus battled Volt with Alto Brontes and we never find out what happens to Brontes, so I decided to fill that plot hole, because Volt is one of my favorite member of the Vexos, along with Spectra and Gus.
Episode 37: Virtual Insanity
AND OMG GUYS 100 REVIEWS? I never thought I would get that far! Thank you so much all of you for sticking with me through this!
Enjoy!
Ayden's POV
I couldn't stop thinking about last night…Shun "kidnapping" me for a day of fun in the amusement park Dan had taken Baron and Mira to. Yes, I was grateful and I had a wonderful time. The amusement park was amazing and the star shower was just beautiful.
I was even happier when nobody, especially Ace, knew that we were gone. In turns out Baron's little sister Maron had come to visit and he took her to the amusement park as well…good thing we didn't run into them.
But the thing I couldn't get out of my head was what happened after we got back…when Shun…kissed me…
Man, it still felt weird saying that.
But…it was my first kiss. Not saying that I didn't want it to be with Shun, but it was still my first kiss. I was completely thrown off guard when he did it, but…I really liked it.
I don't know why I ran away after it…I guess I was just really surprised.
I've always referred to Shun as my crush…but after what happened last night, were we more than that now?
I really need to talk to Shun about this…maybe a walk will help clear my mind.
Brontes' POV
"Volt…save me…"
I was mumbling in my sleep again. Volt said I had a nasty habit of doing that.
Volt!
I quickly recalled recent events: the battle between Gus and Volt. But instead of fighting with Volt, the way it was meant to be, I was his opponent.
I remember now… Gus did something to me. He said something about how Vulcan and Elico made it through the procedure that forced their evolution, but… I didn't...
That battle…Volt was fighting so hard to save me, to get me to wake up…but I was just laughing, as if I was laughing at how pathetic he is. No, Volt's not pathetic! He's my partner, my friend! He's the most honorable brawler I know!
"This…isn't Vestal…or New Vestroia. Where am I?" I quickly scanned my surroundings to figure out where I was. I saw people, but could tell they were Vestals. For one thing, these people dressed differently, and the architecture was completely different from that of Vestal.
I started hearing other voices in my head, bits and pieces of Gus and Volt's conversation during the battle..
'He screamed your name Volt. And you didn't come save him.'
'…the people you work for have already guaranteed the extermination of Brontes and his race! How can you expect Brontes to just forgive you!'
Volt's voice came next. Every word spoken just made me think what my old friend was doing now? Was he really working for the people determined to exterminate my race?
'Stop it! You're hurting him. BRONTES!'
'I'd give anything to go back and save him. Anything!'
'Forgive me, my friend…'
And finally, the last thing I heard before coming to.
'You've served your purpose but now I'm done with you. Maybe someone on Earth will have some use for you.'
"This must be…Earth. I think that's where half the Resistance is from." I scanned the area once more before moving on. "I need to find Volt."
Before I could even take one step, I felt something grab me and hoist me up into the air. "Hey, what's going on? Let me go!" I tried to wriggle out of whatever held me, but it's grip was too strong.
Whatever was carrying me let me go and I fell into a nest made of twigs in a high up tree. In the nest were a bunch of other shiny things and trinkets. I heard something land in the nest and turned to see a large black bird. He must have wanted to add me to his collection.
"Stay away from me!" I tried to wave my arms to scare him away, but he just came closer. I moved back, still waving my arms around, when all of a sudden, I fell over the edge of the nest.
I quickly rolled into a ball to avoid any injury and bounced off the grass into a nearby bush. I remained hidden until I was sure that the bird was gone.
"Now where am I? Hey, isn't that one of the Resistance members?" I saw a girl with long green hair coming out of a tall, high tech looking building.
Normal POV
"Ayden, you shouldn't wander too far. If you wind up outside the shield's radius, the Vexos will know where you are. I don't think we need a repeat of yesterday." Said Azreal, perched on her shoulder.
"No need to be such a worry wart, Azreal. Marucho said as long as we don't wander outside the wall around his yard, we'll be fine." Replied Ayden. "Besides, it's such a nice day today, I can't let it go to waste."
"Ayden, wait!"
"What is it?"
"I sensed something, like another Bakugan." Azreal jumped off her shoulder and flew over to a bush.
"Did you find anything?" asked Ayden.
"You! What are you doing here?" shouted Azreal.
Ayden jumped back a little, startled by Azreal's angry voice. An unfamiliar Haos Bakugan jumped out of the bushes followed by Azreal.
"What's wrong Azreal?"
"Him! It's Brontes! He's one of the Vexos' Bakugan!"
"I was with the Vexos, but that witch Mylene threw me out like trash!" said Brontes in an upset voice.
"Mylene threw you out?" asked Ayden.
"After you guys beat them in Gamma City, Mylene tossed me and Elico out, saying that we organic Bakugan were useless."
"But you look different. When did you evolve?" asked Ayden.
"Ayden why are you showing compassion for our enemy?" cried Azreal.
"Azreal, if you hadn't noticed, he's not with them now is he?"
"Azreal, I know you don't trust me…" started Brontes.
"If that isn't the understatement of the year." Interrupted Azreal.
"…I have no loyalty to the Vexos any longer. I just want to get back to my partner."
"So you wish to go back to the Vexos then?" accused Azreal.
"No, I just wish to be reunited with Volt. But, if he is certain about working with people who want to exterminate us…then I can't be with him."
"How convenient. If you don't mind we will be going." Said Azreal.
"Wait, Earth has appeared to be far more dangerous for a Bakugan like me than I had thought. C-could I stay with you?"
"Absolutely not!"
"I wasn't talking to you Azreal. I was talking to Ayden." He said turning to her.
"Well…"
"Ayden, please tell me you're not considering this?"
"C'mon Azreal, we can't just leave him! Besides, everyone deserves a second chance."
"I assure you I am a changed Bakugan. Besides, why would I serve the Vexos when they have our extinction planned out?"
Silence followed at the mention of the BT System.
"I will admit that you have a point. But you have one chance, that's it." Said Azreal.
"Awesome! Let's tell the others." Cried Ayden in excitement. She scooped up Azreal and Brontes and set them on her shoulders.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" cried Brontes in excitement.
"Ayden, I don't think we should broadcast this news right away." Said Azreal.
"How come?"
"I agree with Azreal. News that you have accepted a former Vexos Bakugan may not bode well with that overprotective brother of yours. So I will remain hidden when you're with them. Do you have a pocket I could stow away in?" Said Brontes.
"Sure, right here." She opened a small pocket, big enough for a Bakugan, on her skirt as Brontes hoped in, before walking back to the house.
Normal POV
Ace and Dan were in the workout room, on benches lifting weight above their heads.
"Come on feel the burn Dan." Said Drago.
"I felt the burn an hour ago Drago!"
"That's it Ace, you got it." Said Percival.
Ace suddenly stopped. He put the bar back on the support handle and sat up.
Ace turned around to look through the window to the hallway, but saw no one there.
"What's the matter? Why did you stop?" asked Percival.
"I thought I…"
Dan stopped too. "Yeah, did you run out of steam or something?"
"It's just…" Ace looked one more time but still saw no one. "I've got this weird feeling someone was watching us just now."
"You're probably just imagining things. Have some water."
"Yeah, you're probably right. Thanks."
Ayden found Julie, Runo and Mira sitting by a fountain.
"You were spying on them?" asked Runo.
"Spying on who?" asked Ayden, sitting up on the fountain by Mira.
"Julie was spying on Dan and Ace while they were working out." Said Runo.
"I wasn't really spying on them. I was just watching them work out, that's all. Man, it sure is impressive how strong Ace is..."
"Julie, are you crushing on my brother?" asked Ayden.
"I never said that! I'm just saying his muscles are impressive, that's all."
"Aren't you still dating Billy?" asked Runo.
"Who's Billy?" asked Mira.
"Billy is her boyfriend. They got together a couple years ago when we beat Naga and saved Vestroia. Right now, he's traveling the world to learn about different sports." Replied Runo.
"Billy is just an insensitive jerk who hasn't bothered to call me in like forever! Forget him! Besides there aren't a lot of guys like Ace around here."
"It sounds like…" started Runo.
"She doesn't like him! Ok, Runo?" said Mira loudly. She crossed her arms and began blushing a little.
"Now I see what's going on." Said Azreal.
"What do you mean?" asked Ayden.
He turned to Mira. "You have a crush on Ace!"
"What? No, I don't! What would make you say something like that?" Mira began flustering.
"Well, Azreal usually knows what he's talking about when it comes to romance. Apparently he was quite the romantic back on New Vestroia." Ayden looked over at Mira and saw the blush on her face. "You're blushing, oh my gosh you do! You have a crush on my brother!"
"No, I do not!"
"Well deny it all you want, just let me say, Ace has a huge crush on you." Said Azreal.
"He does?"
"M-hm, he hides it quite well from the others. After you, Dan and Baron went to Earth, the Vexos lured him into a trap by faking your voice into saying you were in danger and needed his help. He wanted to save you right away."
"Re-really?"
Just then, Kato entered the room. "Excuse me, but you have a guest, Miss Julie."
Behind Kato entered a teenage boy with long blonde hair. He wore a white shirt with an orange button up shirt on top, dark green jeans and a baseball cap.
"Hey Julie! It's me! Did you miss me?" he cried.
"Oh Billy! I can't believe it's you! I missed you so much!" Julie jumped into Billy's arms.
"So that's Billy…" said Mira.
"Funny how we were just talking about him and here he is." Said Ayden.
"Well so much for being totally over him." Said Runo.
"Man it's great to see you again Billy!" said Dan, shaking Billy's hand.
"Same here dude!"
"This is quite a surprise!" cried Marucho.
"Yeah, how'd you find us?" asked Shun suspiciously.
"I have my sources: I went over to Runo's but you weren't there and her parents told me you were staying at the rich little blonde kid's house, and there's only one person I know who fits that description."
"Guys this is our friend Billy. Billy, these are our friends from Vestal, Baron, Mira, Ace and his sister Ayden."
"Awesome! Nice to meet you all! Any friend of Julie's is a friend of mine! Do you guys love to brawl as much as I do?"
"Wow, and I thought Julie was energetic." Said Mira.
"Is this guy for real?" asked Ace.
"I don't know about you guys, but I like him!" cried Baron.
"He kinda reminds me of Baron." Said Ayden.
"Everyone, this is Subterra Cycloid. Cycloid, meet Percival, Nemus, Wilda and Azreal." Said Drago.
"Nice to meet you all, what's shaking bacon?"
"I'm not sure I'm familiar with that term." Said Percival.
"I believe it's a figure of speech here on Earth." Said Nemus.
"Strange…is it supposed to refer to food?" asked Azreal.
"So Billy, why didn't you call ahead to let us know you were coming?" asked Julie.
"You know me, I like to make a big entrance! Besides, I wanted to surprise you!"
"Yeah, I guess you're right and I'm glad you did."
"So I hear you've been traveling around the world learning about different kinds of sports. I bet you have some awesome stories to tell." Said Dan.
"My stories are nothing compared to what you guys did in New Vestroia and Vestal."
"How did you know about that?" asked Dan.
"More of your sources?" asked Shun.
"Actually, I ran into Klaus a little while back and he gave me one of these." Billy rummaged through his bag and pulled out an orange Gauntlet.
"A Gauntlet? Why would you bring that here?" asked Shun.
"Why not? You never know when it could come in handy."
Shun stared at the Gauntlet in Billy's hands in thought.
"Shun, you ok?" asked Ayden.
"Yeah, something just feels wrong about this. Don't worry about it." He assured her.
"Master Marucho, your technicians wanted me to inform you that your project is complete." The communication screen turned on and Kato appeared on it.
"Excellent, tell them we'll be right there." The screen turned off.
"What secret project is he talking about?" asked Dan.
"Yeah, don't hold out on us Marucho." Said Runo.
"Just follow me guys."
Marucho led them to a large room littered with machinery and a couple men in suits and bowties operating the machines.
"What is this Marucho?" Said Dan.
"It looks like a giant video game" said Ace.
"You're actually not far off Ace. This is the operation room for the online virtual world I created called Bakugan Interspace." Explained Marucho.
"What's Bakugan Interspace?" asked Runo.
"You guys remember when we first started playing Bakugan? At that time we thought they were just toys and cards." Said Marucho.
"Yeah, I remember. Shun and I even made up some of the rules!" exclaimed Dan.
"You really made the rules?" asked Ayden.
"Well Dan and I did together, but yeah…kinda." Replied Shun.
"Well I wanted to bring back the fun elements of the game, but in a virtual form so that no Bakugan would be harmed. So I started this secret project and have been working on it in my spare time. Once it's fully developed, I'll have fully synthetic versions of every Bakugan we've ever encountered. Kids will save up Bakupoints by winning battles which they can use to buy new Bakugan and cards."
"So kids from all over the world can play this virtual game just by logging on with a username and password?" asked Mira.
"Exactly."
"It sounds more like a chat room to me." Said Shun.
"It kinda is, but the other reason I developed this was because I noticed that everyone was feeling quite bored with the lack of battling. This virtual game will allow us to battle each other without risking any loss of attribute energies."
"So why did you bring us here?" asked Baron.
"My research team has been working months to fix all the bugs and we finally found a way to convert people to data and import said data into the virtual world where they can interact with others."
Many "awesome's" and "cool's" were heard.
"Well, that's the theory anyway." Marucho added.
"What do you mean theory?" asked Elfin.
"Do you mean we get to test it out?" asked Julie.
"If you want. I was going to do it myself but since all of you are here and eager to battle…"
"Are you sure it's safe Marucho?" asked Mira.
"My staff ran every safety test so it should be safe. But if any of you are still unsure, I understand. So who would like to come?"
"I'm in!" cried Dan, followed by everyone except Shun.
"Shun aren't you coming?" asked Ayden.
"Not this time Ayden."
"There's no reason to be scared Shun." Said Dan.
"I'm not scared, there's just something I need to do first." He replied.
"Ah, leave him if he doesn't want to come." Said Ace.
"Maybe next time Shun." Said Marucho.
"Prepare for transport Master Marucho." Said one of the scientists.
A rainbow colored light enveloped the transport pad and everyone disappeared. They reappeared in a computer like world with some buildings and message boards.
"Amazing! It actually worked!" cried Marucho.
"You were doubtful?" asked Ayden.
"Where is this?" asked Runo.
"Is this where we battle?" asked Baron.
"No, this is just the main waiting area. The other buildings are mostly rankings, stores and other arenas. This building here is the arena, at least the only one I've created so far. I'm actually working on personalized ones for each of you and your partner Bakugan!"
The doors opened and everyone walked in. When they entered, they saw a regular stadium with stands set all around it.
"Awesome, when do we get started?" asked Ace.
"Yeah I want to get battling right away!" cried Baron.
"Now hold on, if we all battle at the same time, the system could overload and crash! We'll have to draw straws to see battles first." Marucho held out a box with sticks in it and everyone drew a number.
"What? I should've gotten number 1!" cried Dan. "Who got it?"
"I did." Said Ace, proudly holding up his number.
"Ok, so whoever got number 2 will be battling Ace." Said Marucho.
"That would be me!" cried Billy, jumping up and down.
"Hey Billy, do you want to switch numbers with me? Please!" said Julie.
"Hey, what was the point of drawing straws then?" cried Runo.
"Just because you like Ace, doesn't mean you can just skip ahead." Said Mira.
"What? She likes Ace?" asked Billy.
"Oh, just ignore them. They don't know what they're talking about."
"Enough! I don't want to come in between you two lovebirds so I'll take you both on!" cried Ace.
"Ok!" cried Billy.
"You bet!" cried Julie.
"Ok I think the system can tolerate a 3 way battle so you should be fine." Said Marucho.
"All right, bring it on!" cried Billy.
"Number one goes first." Said Billy. "Gate Card set! Cycloid stand!"
"Oh yeah! Are you ready to rumble?" said Cycloid.
"I was born ready! Percival stand!"
"Get ready to cry your eye out Cycloid."
"Stray Thunder!" Purple lightning formed above Percival as he fired it Cycloid.
"Not so fast! Boom Hammer!" Cycloid smashed his hammer into the ground and stopping the lightning.
"What? He nullified my ability!" cried Percival.
"Ok then, try this on for size! Thunder Sword!"
Percival's purple and golden sword appeared before him. He grasped the handle and swung it a Cycloid, who held up him hammer in defense. The two Bakugan continued clashing their weapons.
"Skeet Punch!" Cycloid's right hand became hard rock as he punched Percival. Percival, however, was ready for this attack and held up his sword. Cycloid's fist hit the sword instead and he pulled away, clenching his fist.
"You might have dodged that punch but you won't be so lucky again." He said.
"Aw, did I hurt your delicate fist? Poor baby!" taunted Percival.
"All right, Percival. Let's keep going! Geor Gunner!"
Percival and his two dragonheads fired the purple beam at Cycloid.
"Not so fast! Stealth Swing!"
Cycloid raised his hammer and whacked the Geor Gunner's beam like a baseball.
"Wow! Cycloid hit it out of the park! And the fans go wild!" cried Baron.
"Way to support your teammate there, Baron." Said Dan.
The Geor Gunner turned around and struck Percival in the back.
"How to do you like that? With Stealth Swing, we can reflect your ability right back at you." Said Billy.
'Wow, Billy was never this strong before. I should start giving him more credit…that or he's just jealous…that's kinda hot.' Thought Julie.
"You still happy you drew number 1, Ace?" asked Dan.
"Get it together Ace!" cried Mira.
"Don't worry about it! It's time I got serious. And I think I know just what to do." Ace held up his right hand. "Bakugan Trap! Darkus Rad Fly!"
"When did Ace's Falcon Fly evolve?" asked Mira.
"I didn't even know Bakugan traps could evolve." Said Dan.
"It happened a few months ago. I was with him when it happened, but it was really unclear as to how. It's really called Flash Falcon Fly, but Ace just calls it Rad Fly for short." Said Ayden.
Shun's POV
"So Master Shun, you wanted to check the security footage?" asked Kato, leading me down the hall.
"Yes, something's been bugging me ever since Billy arrived and I would like to check it out."
"As you wish."
All the while, I was thinking about last night…when I kissed Ayden. I had wanted to do it for a while, but each time I tried, we were interrupted. I was kinda sad when she ran off, but I figured she was just nervous about it. Was it her first kiss? That might explain it.
I know I should talk about it with her…you know, figure out what this is supposed to mean, but the entire day she acted like it never happened. That or she was just trying to hide it from everyone else.
Normal POV
"Dual Buster!" Percival jumped onto Rad Fly and charged at Cycloid.
"Dual bust this! Rocky Punch!"
"Yeah, that's it boss!" As Percival came in closer, Cycloid moved to punch him, but Percival brought his sword down onto Cycloid and he was knocked back. "Ow…that hurt."
Cycloid returned to ball form and landed at Billy's feet.
"Oh no, Billy!" cried Julie.
"I'm number one and don't you forget it! Gate card set! Percival stand!"
"Cycloid stand!"
"Yeah, who wants seconds because I'm hungry for more!" cried Cycloid.
"Come on Gorem, ready to lend Billy and Cycloid a hand?"
"I'll follow you anywhere Julie."
"That's what I like to hear! Gorem stand! And Grant Impact!"
Just as Gorem took his place on the battlefield, Julie's ability immediately took effect as he sent a powerful punch to Percival.
"Subterra Hammer Gorem just got the drop on you!"
"Maybe I was wrong about Julie liking Ace." Said Ayden.
"Yeah, she sure is laying it hard on him and showing him no mercy." Said Mira.
"Friends are friends but brawling is brawling." Said Runo.
"Talos Hammer!" Gorem slammed his hammer into the ground, shattering it into rocks. He swung his hammer again and sent the debris flying at Percival.
"Bind Shield!" Percival held up his shield and deflected the debris.
Shun's POV
Kato sat at the computer terminal, playing the security footage of when Billy arrived earlier while I watched it with a close eye. He was just coming into the front yard when I saw something peer out of the corner.
"Wait, rewind that last part. I think I saw something."
"Of course." Replied Kato.
Kato rewound the footage and played it again.
"Stop it right there!" I said quickly.
Kato paused the footage just as the thing peered out again.
"Hey, is that?" asked Ingram.
"Yeah, I knew it!"
Normal POV
"Gate card set!" cried Julie.
Everyone summoned their Bakugan as Ace also brought out his Bakugan trap.
"Let's go Gorem! Gorem Punch!"
"Us too! Rocky Punch!"
Gorem and Cycloid both punched Percival, sending him flying.
"Yeah! That's how it's done!" cried Julie.
"Think again Julie! Shuga Enemy!" Rad Fly flew down and fired pellets at Gorem and Cycloid.
"Gigantic Hammer!" Cycloid swung his giant hammer at Percival.
"Bind Shield!" Percival's shield easily deflected the hammer's impact.
"Well then, try this! Gate card open! Power Pressure! With this Gate Card, any Bakugan with the power level over 400 can't use any abilities, they can't even move." Said Julie as Percival sunk into the Gate Card until he was knee deep.
"Nice one, Julie! Now all that's left is his Bakugan trap, which has a low power level." Said Billy.
"That's all I'll need." Said Ace.
"What?"
"Darkus Fly Arrow!" Rad Fly transformed into a crossbow. Purple lightning struck Percival as he grabbed onto the crossbow, the lightning powering up the arrow's tip.
"Let them have it Percival!"
Rad Fly's attack combined with Percival's power easily knocked out Gorem and Cycloid.
"Aw man…that stinks." Said Julie.
"I can't believe we lost." Groaned Billy.
"Hey, don't feel bad guys. It was a great battle." Said Ace, walking up to Billy. The two boys high fived. "It was a pleasure to battle you Billy."
"Yeah, same here Ace."
Julie embraced Ace. "Oh, Ace you're such a great brawler!"
"Hey, come on now Julie."
Shun suddenly appeared on the screen. "Hey Dan!"
"Hey, Shun. I was just about to take my turn next, you wanna battle me?"
"Sorry but I discovered something important you should see. You all need to get back here right away."
Everyone was immediately pulled out of Bakugan Interspace and found themselves' the lab again.
"So what's the problem Shun?" cried Dan. "Why did you pull us out early?"
"There's something important I need to show all of you." Shun pulled out a photograph and handed it to Dan. "This was taken from a security camera earlier today when Billy arrived."
Dan took a closer look at the photo of two people hiding behind the wall. "Shadow and Mylene! But how did they find us!"
"It was taken this morning when Billy arrived." Said Shun.
"Great, you were followed." Said Ace.
"Oh no! This is all my fault! I'm so sorry, guys!" cried Billy.
"It's ok Billy. You didn't know." Said Julie.
"I think they followed him by locking onto his Gauntlet signal." Said Shun.
"I'm so sorry guys. I really feel terrible." Said Billy.
"He didn't mean it you know." Said Julie.
"It doesn't matter now, what matters is that they're on to us." Said Dan.
"Yeah, and we can't afford to lose another attribute energy." Said Dan.
I hope you all enjoyed that chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. I plan to update by next week so tune in then.
Next chapter: Striking a Deal with Spectra: Now knowing that the Vexos know their location, the Resistance needs a change in strategy: offense. But who do they ask for help?
Review!
