Chapter 27: Forgiveness

Okay everyone, I'm back with the latest chapter of Tears of Light! Personally, this is one of my favorite episodes, because my favorite Gundalian character is a good guy now. Well, enough talk, it's time for the disclaimer.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's or Bakugan

Enjoy!

"That's some pretty heavy destruction, but at least it made the Gundalians retreat." Said Marucho

"For now maybe, but you can bet it won't be long before they all come back." Said Shun

"Then we better hustle and kick start the Second Shield again! Shouldn't be a problem now that Drago's all supercharged, right?" asked Jake

"I'm afraid I have bad news everyone. That last explosion back there completely destroyed the Second Shield generator base." Said Elright

"We only have the Third Shield left." Said Fabia

"Sorry." Said Ren

"It is what it is guys." Said Dan

"Yeah, not like we could turn back the clock and fix the damage, besides, it wasn't your fault Ren, but right now we need to focus on keeping the Third Shield secure." I said

"Sakura's right. Let's head back to the royal palace and run a full diagnostic report." Said Shun

"You think you could give us a hand with that Ren?" asked Yusei

"Really? You sure?" asked Ren

Dan gave a thumbs up to Ren.

"You're with us. Everything else is water under the bridge dude." Said Dan

"While you guys are doing that, Linehalt can recuperate. After expending such a massive amount of energy, he should take it easy." Said Drago

"It's okay, I'm fine." Said Linehalt

"Okay then, let's do it. Are you ready Fabia?" asked Dan

"I guess so. Okay Elright, prepare to transport us immediately." Said Fabia

"Princess, are you sure?" asked Elright

"Just do it, right now." said Fabia

"Yes ma'am." Said Elright

We were all teleported back, but I noticed there was someone missing, someone named Ren.

"This way, Ren, I'll show you the… huh? Hey, where'd he go?" asked Marucho

"Fabia, you didn't tell them?" I asked

"Tell us what?" asked Matt

"I'd explain myself, but she needs to explain it for you." I said

"But, he's gone." Said Dan

"But he was right here." Said Jake

"Linehalt's gone too." Said Coredom

"But that means that…" started Hawktor

"They were never transported with us! You left them behind on purpose! What gives dude?" asked Dan

"I'm sorry, we couldn't." said Elright

"It was impossible. There was absolutely nothing we could do to change it." Said Fabia

"Why not?" asked Dan

"Yeah! Why not, huh? Answer me right now!" exclaimed Marucho

"Very well then. It's because they're Gundalians." Said Fabia

"The shield has a bio-filter, doesn't it?" asked Shun

"That's right, since it's the final line of defense protecting the royal palace and the rest of the city and equipped to scan the DNA of anyone who transports through it. When war broke out, we programmed it to lock the passage with anyone who has Gundalian DNA." Said Fabia

"Why didn't you tell then in the first place?" asked Marucho

"We couldn't. We didn't want to reveal our security measures in front of the enemy. We do not need him reporting back to his superiors." Said Elright

"But Ren's on our side now. Why don't we just deactivate the shield so that we can let him in, then fire it up again after they're inside?" asked Dan

"No way Dan." Said Fabia

"But why not?" asked Dan

"Because… I still don't trust Ren as far as I can throw him." Said Fabia

"Wait up, come back here!" exclaimed Dan

"Dan, I'll talk to her, as one Haos brawler to another." I said running out of the room

After a while, Fabia stopped running.

"Stop following me Sakura." Said Fabia

"Fabia, I'm your friend, I just wanted to know why you despise Gundalians so much." I said

"Aranaut, could you wait for me in my room?" asked Fabia

"Of course princess." Said Aranaut before flying away

"So?" I asked

"Kazerina. She…she killed my fiancée Jin." Said Fabia

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up a notch! You had a fiancée?" I asked

"Yes. He was Aranaut's partner before I was, and the former leader of the Castle Knights of Neathia. When he was killed, Kazerina took Aranaut back to Gundalia for her experiments. I was almost captured, but I managed to get Aranaut, but in the process, he lost his memories." Said Fabia

"That… that has to be the saddest story I have ever heard." I said

"It is." Said Fabia

"Fabia, I have one more thing to ask." I said

"What is it?" asked Fabia

"What can you tell me about a Gundalian named Gan?" I asked

"Gan was an enemy though his loyalties lied with Kazerina, and he was responsible for the Gundalians getting this far. However, one day, he disappeared, and no one has seen him since." Said Fabia

"I see. Fabia, I saw Jack Vense today." I said

"You saw Jack again? Tell me, is he going to come back?" asked Fabia with her voice filled with hope

"He said something along the lines of atoning for his sins, and here's the strangest thing, he knew my name, yet, I never mentioned it." I said

"That is strange." Said Fabia

"And get this, he thinks that we've met before he saved me from Gill and Kalin, but when I told him that I hadn't met him before he did, he had an expression on his face, making it seem like he couldn't believe what I had just said." I said

"Well, when he got here, he did mention meeting two girls that both had pink hair on New Vestroia." Said Fabia

"What a coincidence, however, I've never been to New Vestroia. The only other possible answer for the second girl would be Dawn, but she's been a Dark Signer for five years. It couldn't have been her or me. So who could they be?" I wondered out loud

"That is a good question." Said Fabia

"And the coincidence between those girls and me is that one of them is named Sakura." I said

"Still, if it wasn't you, then how did he identify you?" asked Fabia

"I don't know. I honestly don't know." I said

But I know someone who might.

"Fabia, take this advice, from one Haos brawler to another. Sometimes there are people who deserve second chances, and Ren might be one of those people. I'm not trying to force my opinion on you, but, just think about it for now, okay?" I asked

"Alright." Said Fabia

Commercial Break: Sakura: Ren, I think you may have the answers I seek

Ren: This time we're on our own Linehalt

I hurried back to my quarters and packed some food for Ren. He was probably hungry out there all alone.

"Sakura, why are you packing all of that food?" asked Leonidas

"Is it for Ren?" asked Lunar

"Who else?" I asked

"I remember someone saying that she couldn't trust a certain someone named Ren as far as she could throw him." Said Leonidas

"That was then and this is now. Back then, Ren had no choice to serve Barodius, but now, he had a choice, and he chose the side of light. Besides, I need to find out more about this 'Gan' person." I said

"It's a little risky." Said Lunar

"Do you honestly think I'm going to walk up to Kazerina's front door and ask?" I asked

"Good point." Said Leonidas

"Besides, Ren's been loyal to Barodius around the same time before Gan disappeared, so he might know something about him." I said

"Well, when you put it that way, Ren's our best bet." Said Lunar

"This should be enough." I said

I snuck out of my room, and carefully snuck around the palace, however, I wasn't the only one sneaking around. I saw Marucho try to exit the palace.

"Marucho?" I asked

"Ah! Oh Sakura, it's you. I was uh, going for a walk, uh yeah, that's it!" exclaimed Marucho

"Then why is there a satchel on your back?" I asked

"Huh? Oh this? It's uh, hiking supplies!" exclaimed Marucho

"Right, you're going to see Ren, aren't you?" I asked

"How did…huh? Are you carrying a backpack too?" asked Marucho

"Yeah, I was getting worried about him, so I packed some food." I said

"But I recall you not trusting Ren as far as you can throw him." Said Marucho

"That was then and this is now. Besides, Ren deserves a second chance. Plus, there's something I have to ask him." I said

"About what?" asked Marucho

"It's…personal." I said

"Oh." said Marucho

"Hey Marucho, what can you tell me about Jack?

"Well, Jack was one of us alongside me, Shun, and Dan. He's been there from the beginning from when the game was first made to the battle against Naga." Said Marucho

"I see." I said

"He was with us when we freed the Bakugan in New Vestroia, but in the end, he left us." Said Marucho

"What happened?" I asked

"After saving the Bakugan, he left with the Vexos for their technology and Mechanical Bakugan. He disguised himself as a person called 'Dark Mask' to hide his identity from us. When the Attribute Energies were put into the BT system, he revealed himself and used a powerful Bakugan against us called Six-Headed Dragonoid." Said Marucho

"Six-Headed Dragonoid, huh? It sounds like the Duel Monster card, Five-Headed Dragon just with another head." I commented

"After a great brawl with Dan and Drago, they defeated Six-Headed Dragonoid, and it released the Attribute Energies, which were then absorbed by Drago, which caused him to evolve. But the Six-Headed Dragonoid caused a dimensional rift, which sucked up Jack and his Bakugan. We never heard or saw him again, but now there are signs that he could be here on Neathia." Said Marucho with his voice filled with hope

"I'll say. He saved me from Gill and Kalin, he left behind his ring, and he helped me brawl Dawn and Kazerina today." I said as I pulled out his ring from my pocket

"That's his grandfather's ring." Said Marucho

"His grandfather's?" I asked

"Yes, his grandfather Nathaniel, or Nate Vense, wore that ring. He gave it to Jack as a present. Whenever we asked Jack about his grandfather, he didn't want to talk about him." Said Marucho

"I see. This must be his most prized possession." I said

I put the ring away.

"Marucho, there's something else." I said

"What is it?" asked Marucho

"It's about Jack. He knew my name, and yet, I never mentioned it." I said

"Well, we did meet two twins with pink hair on New Vestroia with one of their named being Sakura." Said Marucho

"That's a coincidence. Wait, did you say twins?" I asked

"Yes, there were two of them, and they looked alike." Said Marucho

"Do you remember the other girl's name? I'm just curious." I said

"I think it was Dawn." Said Marucho

Dawn? It can't be…

"That's a coincidence. Marucho, can you keep a secret?" I asked

"I can keep a secret." Said Marucho

"One of the Dark Signers we're facing is someone I have a close relation to. My twin sister, Dawn." I said

"What?" exclaimed Marucho

"I'm not joking. The Dark Signer with the Mark of the Monkey is my sister." I said

"Ren! Where is he? How far could he get? Ren, Linehalt!" exclaimed Marucho

"If you're out there, yell or something!" I exclaimed

Something grabbed my leg and Marucho's too, and next thing I knew Ren's hand was over my mouth, and I was face-to-face with a man eating plant!

"Oh snap, that thing is ugly." Said Marucho through Ren's hand

"I'll say. As if the old geezer's taste in Venus Fly Traps was bad enough." I said through Ren's hand

After the mutant plant left, we unpacked our bags.

"We thought you might be hungry, so we packed a bunch of food. There's a little bit of everything in here." Said Marucho

"Marucho, Sakura, why are you two so kind to me, after I betrayed you the way I did? And I seem to recall you not trusting me Sakura." Said Ren

"You're the third person to say that, and I'll say it again. That was then, and this is now. Ren, I believe you deserve a second chance. What kind of person would I be if I didn't give you that chance?" I asked

"And, it's like Dan told you earlier, let's leave all the bad stuff in the past. What's important is that you've come back to our side of the battle." Said Marucho

"Marucho, Sakura…" started Ren

"Drink this." Said Marucho

"I am, unworthy of your forgiveness." Said Ren

"Wow Ren, quit being so hard on yourself." Said Marucho

"Yeah, seriously." I said

"Well, let's have a toast, to new beginning, okay?" asked Marucho

"Not so fast, it's not that easy." Said Fabia

"Fabia…" started Marucho

"Alright, here's the deal Ren. If you're sincere, and forgiveness is what you really want, then you got to earn it, you understand me? You have to battle me for your redemption." Said Fabia

"I see. If that's what it takes, then fine." Said Ren

"If you win, I'll accept you back as a member of the team, but if you lose, then you leave Neathia, and never return. Gate Card, Set! Bakugan, Brawl! Bakugan, Stand!" exclaimed Fabia

"In the name of the Castle Knights, and all the people of Neathia, we will triumph, and banish you for good!" exclaimed Aranaut

"Bakugan, Brawl! Bakugan, Stand! I will lead us to victory Linehalt." Said Ren

Haos Aranaut G-Power 900

Darkus Linehalt G-Power 900

"Dan and the others think you're still worth saving. Well, were they right then, because right now, my heart tells me otherwise." Said Fabia

"Fabia, I completely understand your hatred for me. I didn't think I was worthy of forgiveness myself, but then…Dan showed me, everyone deserves a second chance." Said Ren

"Ability Activate! Vector Fist!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1300

"Okay, Ability Activate! Dark Saber!" exclaimed Ren

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1000

"Come on!" exclaimed Linehalt

"Open wide! Give up yet?" asked Aranaut

"Not even close!" exclaimed Linehalt

"You call that a kick?" asked Aranaut

"Help me Ren. I want to understand what Dan and the others see in you that makes your betrayal worth forgiving, so make me a believer then!" exclaimed Fabia

"Let's take this to the next level." Said Aranaut

"Ability Activate! Fist Alley!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1400

"Ability Activate! Darkness Blizzard!" exclaimed Ren

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1000

"He deactivated my Ability." Said Aranaut

"We fought our way out of the darkness. Ren, let's show Fabia we're worthy amongst her people!" exclaimed Linehalt

"Okay, Ability Activate! Dark Javelin!" exclaimed Ren

Darkus Linehalt G-Power 1300

Haos Aranaut G-Power 600

"Linehalt's kicking the tar out of Aranaut, so why's he wheezing like my grandpa?" asked Jake

"He still hasn't recovered from his last battle." Said Coredom

"You're right. Don't forget that the energy he exerted almost tore the planet in half." Said Shun

"That's gotta take it out of you." Said Hawktor

"Gate Card, open! Haos Saver!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1000

Darkus Linehalt G-Power 900

"What the falafel dude! His trident disappeared!" exclaimed Akwimos

"Yes, that's because she deactivated his ability." Said Marucho

"What are you doing Ren? Why are you slowing down?" asked Linehalt

Ready Boomix

"Battlegear Boost!" exclaimed Ren

Darkus Linehalt G-Power 1100

Ready Battle Crusher

"Battlegear Boost!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1100

"Battlegear Ability Activate! Boomix Lock!" exclaimed Ren

"Battlegear Ability Activate! Battle Crusher Duke!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1350

Ren Life-Force 50 percent

"Gate Card, Set! Bakugan, Brawl! Bakugan, Stand! Go, Pyrus Rubanoid!" exclaimed Ren

Pyrus Rubanoid G-Power 900

"He's a Pyrus!" exclaimed Fabia

"Hey, didn't he belong to that mean looking dude, Sid?" asked Jake

"Right, yeah, I wonder how Ren got a hold on him." Said Dan

"It's a mystery I suppose." Said Akiza

"You said it." Said Matt nodding

"Let's go. Bakugan, Brawl! Bakugan, Stand!" exclaimed Fabia

"I'll take him down, just like Linehalt!" exclaimed Aranaut

Haos Aranaut G-Power 900

"Ability Activate! Corundum Tusk!" exclaimed Ren

Pyrus Rubanoid G-Power 1200

"Ability Activate! Mirage Fist!" exclaimed Fabia

Pyrus Rubanoid G-Power 700

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1100

"You'll have to do better than that!" exclaimed Aranaut

"You mean like this?" asked Rubanoid

"Gate Card, open! Ruby Storm!" exclaimed Ren

Pyrus Rubanoid G-Power 1100

"Wha?" wondered Aranaut

"Finish him Rubanoid!" exclaimed Ren

Ready Destrakon Gear

"Battlegear Boost!" exclaimed Ren

Pyrus Rubanoid G-Power 1200

"Battlegear Ability Activate! Destrakon Gear Vickers!" exclaimed Ren

Pyrus Rubanoid G-Power 1600

Haos Aranaut G-Power 700

"Keep going Rubanoid, don't stop! Understand that, I have no loyalty to Barodius!" exclaimed Ren

Ready Battle Crusher

"Battlegear Boost!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 800

"Battlegear Ability Activate! Battle Crusher Duke!" exclaimed Fabia

Haos Aranaut G-Power 1300

"Let's finish this! Just say the word! This might sting a little." Said Aranaut

"Aw man." Said Dan

"Hey, watch out!" exclaimed Marucho

"Get down Rubanoid!" exclaimed Ren

Ren life-force Zero (A/N: I did the math, but there was no possible way for Fabia to finish the round like that, but it's what I have to deal with.)

"I think we showed them princess." Said Aranaut

"I can't believe it. After all that, I still failed." Said Ren

Is he crying?

"What Fabia, Yusei, have you come to gloat now and have you come to pity me? Don't worry, we'll be on our way." Said Ren

"It's okay." Said Fabia

"We saw another side of you at the end of the battle. I can understand why Sakura's willing to forgive you." Said Yusei

"And I believe you now when you say that you are with us." Said Fabia

"So then…" started Ren

"Welcome to Neathia." Said Fabia

"Thank you Fabia. You as well Yusei." Said Ren

"Alright! Now we're an even stronger team than ever!" exclaimed Dan

"Captain Elright, bring us all home now please." Said Fabia

"Yes, copy that. Ready to commence on your signal princess." Said Elright

"We're ready now." said Fabia

Later…

Ren just came in through the door in a Darkus Castle Knight uniform

"Ren Krawler. By joining us, you are agreeing to fight against your former homeland. Are you prepared to do so?" asked Serena

"Barodius never showed me loyalty like you have. I am fully committed to destroying him." Said Ren

"Very well then, you're now officially a Castle Knight." Said Serena

"It's my great honor." Said Ren

"That's what I'm talking about. We're fighting with even numbers now dude!" exclaimed Dan

"Congratulations Ren Krawler." Said Fabia

"Thank you Fabia." Said Ren

"Awesome! Now we got another Darkus battler on our team!" exclaimed Jake

"Yeah! Totally awesome!" exclaimed Marucho

*Preview*

Sakura: Now that we had Ren back on the team, thing were looking brighter for us. However, before we had a chance to celebrate, Roman and Dawn showed up with the intent of getting me to Gundalia to serve as one of them, a Shadow Drone. I'm not going to lose this brawl, no matter what, you can count on it! Bakugan, Brawl! You wanna miss this!

And that's a wrap! Well, please review, and until I can update again, I'm sakuraphoenix, saying I heart you, signing off for now. Kan dao ni!