SailorStar9: Figured it's about darn time I updated this fic since I've finally completed my Naruto/Sailor Moon one, so this is Chapter 33.

Disclaimers: I do not own both the animes. However, I do own the pairing, I hope.

Chapter 33: Brontes' Betrayal

In New Vestroia, in the Holy Temple underneath the Seed Cauldron...

"She's good." Skyress noted as father and daughter sparred in the training room.

"And I can definitely guess who trained her in the future." Ingram added, looking at his partner.

"Like father, like daughter." Eva chuckled. "And I think he just got serious." she added when she saw Shun's amulet shining as he went up another level.

"At least he isn't shouting out transformation phases and attacks phases like a certain Aquos Bakugan I know." Diablo noted.

"That's harsh, Diablo." Angelo chided his twin.

"Oh, shut it!" Diablo snapped.

"Storm Cutter!" Twilight Dragon Uranus released his kunai-shaped wind projectiles and the sailor-fuku-suited Mavelle dodged the attack.

"You were saying?" Eva raised a brow at the Pyrus angel.

In the mother palace...

"Why did I let Mylene do that to Brontes?" Volt wondered as he recalled his and Gus' last conversation. "I should have protected him."

"Why so grumpy, Volt?" Hydron asked. "So mad the Spectra cut in front of you to fight the Brawlers?"

"I don't know." Lync mocked. "I think it's something more. It looks like he's going to cry."

"I'll watch your mouth, Lync." Shadow grinned. "Volt, this is the toughest day yet. Keep yapping and you'll be in tears."

"All you, be quiet!" Volt snapped.

"Hey, I was speaking up for you." Shadow protested. "I knew you weren't a crybaby."

Volt growled and walked off.

"What's his problem?" Lync wondered.

I don't care what it takes. Volt swore. I have to get Brontes back from Gus.

On Earth...

Alice had teleported to Marucho's place via her teleport card.

On Vestal...

"Brawlers, I need you in the transmission room." Klaus informed his guests. "Someone's sending a message from Marucho's house."

"But, there isn't anyone at my house right now." Marucho pointed out.

"Maybe it's an intruder." Elfin noted.

Klaus silenced the group as a holographic screen came up.

"Marucho, I'm so sorry about this, but I guess I have no choice." Alice apologized. "Something horrible happened and I need to warn you."

"Calm down, Alice." Klaus soothed. "Tell us what happened."

"Just now, the Vexos attacked Hydranoid and I." Alice reported.

"What?" Dan demanded. "Why would the Vexo attack Earth?"

"This is bad." Drago noted.

"It makes no sense." Ace mused. "Why would Zenoheld send someone there to brawl when we are all here on Vestal with the attribute energies they want."

"Has anyone heard from Shun on New Vestroia yet?" Baron asked.

"Maybe this is another trap." Mira suggested.

"Another?" Dan echoed.

"First New Vestroia, then Earth." Mira reasoned. "Zenoheld is trying to lure us."

"I think you're probably right." Klaus agreed.

"The Vexos will be back, I just know it." Alice cut in. "Runo and Julie could be in danger."

"Stinking Vexos." Dan cursed.

"They've got us running around like a bunch of headless chickens." Ace growled.

"Always one step ahead." Baron hissed.

"That's so wrong to attack Alice when they know she doesn't brawl anymore." Marucho agreed. "Those dweebs need to be taught some manners."

"I agree with you, Marucho." Klaus added. "They're nothing more than swine who need to be crowd back into their head."

"We got to go back to Earth." Dan concluded. "Trap or no trap, we can't leave Runo and Julie hanging like that."

"Yeah." Ace agreed.

We're right behind you." Baron added.

Here we come, Vexos. Dan nodded.

On Spectra's transport ship...

"I've just completed another series of tests and it seems the reprogramming of Brontes is a total success." Gus reported. "He's now another loyal soldier in our army."

"Fantastic." Spectra noted. "My plans to harness the Perfect Core energy are proceeding perfectly."

"Yes, but I should advise you, our scanners picked up a dimension transport cut way between the royal palace and Earth." Gus pointed out.

"Zenoheld must have figured out that we blocked his transport abilities to Vestal and now had chosen Earth as his battlefield." Spectra concluded. "He can't travel to the Brawlers, then my bet is, he'll lure them home into his trap."

"What do we do now?" Gus asked.

"I'll have to pay a surprise visit to the Brawlers and take Drago's Perfect Core energy before they make the jump back to Earth." Spectra replied.

"You'll have to move fast." Gus noted.

"I learnt a lot about the evolved Drago's new powers in our last encounter." Spectra smiled. "This next battle will have a different outcome from Dan Kuso."

On Vestal...

"You're kidding me!" Dan fumed. "You mean there's no way we can transport ourselves back to Earth?"

"Alice said Doctor Micheal's laboratory was mostly destroyed in her battle with Shadow Prove." Mira noted.

"Oh man." Marucho cursed.

"Can't believe it." Dan growled. "What are we going to do now?"

"Calm down, Dan." Drago warned. "For every problem, there is a solution."

"Drago's right." Ace agreed. "There has to be a way we can figure this out."

"What's this?" Klaus entered the dining room. "Why is no one eating their afternoon snack? You're going to need it for strength for all the brawling ahead."

"Sorry Klaus." Baron apologized. "But none of us really has much of an appetite right now."

"How can you expect us to even think about food after what Alice just told us?" Dan retorted.

"You worry too much, Dan." Klaus remarked.

"Master Klaus was concerned." Sirenoid added. "But he didn't want you, his guests, to be concerned. He prepared this meal for you, so you may relax while he made arrangements for your journey home."

"Doctor Micheal isn't the only one with a Dimension Transporter system." Klaus explained, seeing the group's confused looks. "I've got one of my own here in the castle."

"Why didn't you say so?" Dan asked. "We've been sitting here and freaking out the whole time."

"Sorry." Klaus replied.

"I'm impressed." Marucho added. "Even I don't have one of those."

On Spectra's transport ship...

"What are you doing, Gus?" Spectra asked once Gus cut off the connection with Volt.

"I'm sorry, Spectra." Gus replied. "When I last saw Volt, he's sworn he'll get Brontes back at any cost."

"Sounds like he was challenging you to a brawl." Spectra concluded.

"Perhaps he was." Gus agreed. "But my focus is required here."

"Nonsense!" Spectra cut him off. "I insist that you go and fight. What kind of man would you be if you didn't accept Volt's blazing challenge? Besides, perhaps Volt would want Brontes badly enough, then he'll be willing to betray the Vexos."

"Yes, of course, Master Spectra." Gus nodded.

On Vestal...

"Well, it's been lovely having you in my home." Klaus told his departing guests. "But I suppose it's time for you to be on your way back now."

"How about you, Mira?" Dan looked at the Subterra Brawler. "You coming with us?"

"Did you think I'll sit this one out?" Mira grinned.

"Ace, my man?" Dan turned to the Darkus Brawler.

"You bet, Dan." Ace replied. "I've got a score to settle with that Vexos which jumped me outside. Thanks again, Klaus."

"My pleasure, Ace." Klaus answered.

"What about you, Baron?" Dan turned to the Haos Brawler. "You in?"

"Sorry, Master Dan." Baron replied. "I can't come with you. I've got some things at home that I have to take care of. Catch you later."

"Really, you're not coming with us?" Dan asked.

"It's not that I don't want to, but I really can't leave without saying goodbye to my brothers and sisters." Baron replied.

"You're right, Baron." Ace agreed. "You can't break their hearts like that. Do what you need to do and we'll make sure to save a couple of Vexos creeps for you."

"Thanks Ace." Baron replied. "I'm really glad you understand."

"Baron, don't worry man." Dan assured. "We won't leave until you're ready."

"We're a team." Drago added. "That means we stick together."

"Cool!" Baron beamed as everyone else nodded.

"The alarm." Klaus was alerted by the ringing alarms as Spectra transported himself into the castle.

"I don't know what the... etiquette is here on Vestal." he greeted his unwelcome gust moments later. "But from where I come from, it's rude to show up unannounced."

"Don't waste my time." Spectra cut him off. "Where are the Brawlers?"

"I'm not sure who you're speaking of." Klaus added. "But if it's a battle you want, I 'd be happy to accommodate you."

"Are all of you Earthlings so arrogant?" Spectra chuckled.

"I think it's you who is the arrogant one." Klaus shot back. "Coming into my house uninvited and looking to pick a fight."

"I'm losing my patience." Spectra retorted.

"Patience is a virtue." Klaus stood up. "As is royalty. But that's something you know nothing about. Perhaps that is why you'll always be at a disadvantage. The bond the Brawlers share as a group is more powerful than anything. There is much you can learn from that."

"Doubt it." Spectra replied. "When you see them, tell them they can't run forever."

"Oh my goodness." Sirenoid remarked after Spectra vanished. "That was a close one, Master Klaus."

"Yes, it was." Klaus agreed.

On Spectra's transport ship...

"Gus?" Spectra looked for the Subterra Brawler after he returned to the ship. "He's gone!"

Somewhere in New Vestroia...

"I don't understand why you want to fight so badly for Brontes." Gus noted as he and Volt faced off. "Especially after you threw him away."

"I don't expect you to understand, traitor." Volt retorted. "Let's just say Brontes and I have a special bond okay? And nothing will stand in my way of getting him back."

On Vestal...

"Thanks for letting us use your secret tunnel earlier, Klaus." Dan remarked after they accompanied Baron back to his place to bid farewell to his siblings.

"But of course." Klaus waved it aside. "That's the reason I built it."

"If we'd run into Spectra, I might not have been able to say bye to my family." Baron added.

"I sense you have many battles ahead of you, Brawlers." Klaus noted. "Sirenoid and I will keep our fingers crossed that you'll be victorious against the Vexos."

"Please be careful and take care of one another." Sirenoid advised.

"Don't worry, Sirenoid, we will." Dan promised. "Come on guys, let's hit it."

"Yeah!" the group chorused.

In New Vestroia...

"Tell me what you did to Brontes, Gus." Volt demanded.

"Sorry Volt, but your puny little brain couldn't possibly comprehend it." Gus snorted. "Let's just say I helped your precious Brontes evolve into something better."

"You... animal!" Volt growled. "You're going to pay for what you did."

"You know, he screamed for you, Volt." Gus informed. "How do you think he felt when you didn't come save him?"

"You're going to regret what you did to him, Gus." Volt swore.

"Does he remember your name?" Gus smirked.

"Let's go!" Volt snapped.

"Gauntlet, Power Strike!" the two chorused.

"Gate Card, set!" Volt started. "Bakugan, roll! Bakugan, stand! Haos Boriates!"

"You're about to understand, Volt." Gus growled. "What it means to be betrayed. Bakugan, roll! Bakugan, stand! Haos Brontes!"

"Haos Brontes!" Volt gaped at his former partner. "I didn't even recognize him!"

"Pay close attention, Volt." Gus chuckled. "This is what perfection looks like."

"You've turned him into a monster!" Volt growled. Brontes was a Bakugan who had magical abilities. If he's evolved, then that must mean his magic has grown in strength too.

"I don't think I've ever seen you so scared." Gus mocked. "What would King Zenoheld say if he could see you now?"

"This isn't fear, it's anger." Volt corrected. "And you're about to learn the difference." It's possible that I might be able t predict how Brontes will behave in battle. But then again, who knows what Gus has in rewired his brain. I hope I can beat them without hurting Brontes too badly.

"Ability Card set." the mechanical voice droned.

"Ability activate!" Volt started. "Odin Shield! Good luck trying to activate abilities now. What now, Gus?"

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were afraid to fight." Gus smirked. "Come, Bakugan Trap! Subterra Hexados! Ability activate! Eraser! So much for your big, strong Odin Shield, Volt. If you really want Brontes back, you'll going to have to fight him."

"You won't be satisfied until you see me hurt him, do you?" Volt growled.

"If I were you, I won't worry too much about hurting Brontes." Gus's smirk widened. "It's time to show you the full power of the evolved Haos Brontes."

"Ability Card set." the mechanical voice droned.

"Ability activate!" Gus called. "Wizard Proxy!"

"What's happening?" Volt gaped.

"Ability Card set." the mechanical voice droned.

"Ability activate!" Volt countered. "Prometheus Cannon!"

"I don't think you have the guts to blast your dear old best friend." Gus taunted.

"Fire!" Volt hollered, taking out Hexados. "Later, Hexados."

"Gus 'Life Force' 30%." the mechanical voice reported.

"Why did you go and attack Hexados when Brontes was the one who activated the ability?" Gus demanded.

"I figured that Brontes was hiding behind Hexados while making it look like he was the one activating the ability." Volt explained.

"Of course, you used to battle together." Gus noted. "I should have known you'll remember that trick. But out with the old and in with the new. Ability activate! Atmosphere! Go, Brontes! How was that for a counterattack? Think you can keep up? Huh, Volt?" I think I figured out his strategy, Brontes. Btu we need to be patient. I'll take down Gus in the next round, and then you'll be mine again.

"Attack, Boriates!" he hollered.

"Where did he go?" he blinked when Brontes vanished.

"That's a little something I'd like to call Sheath Mode." Gus chuckled. "Too bad your poor Boriates can't keep up. The problem with you Vexos is you become lazy. It's not enough to be the best, you must always be trying to better yourself. You must learnt to evolve. That's what I did to Brontes. I forced him to grow and evolve and now, look at him."

"You're a liar, Gus!" Volt snapped. "You tortured him and made him suffer, only to serve the selfish needs of Spectra. Ability activate! Tempest Arrow!"

"No!" Gus gasped when Brontes' attack sphere were destroyed by the lightning strikes.

"You're right." Volt remarked. "It's not about being the best, it's about knowing you're the best. Do you need a little break, pal? Maybe go curl your hair? Gate Card, open! Battle Release! The command card, Battle Release, halts all battles and forces each of the Bakugan to return to their sides."

"Ability activate!" Gus countered. "Black Gates!"

"What?" Volt was stunned when his command card was nullified.

"How dare you pretend to be fighting for the life of your former Bakugan?" Gus retorted. "When you were the one who served and guaranteed their extinction with the creation the BT System? Perhaps it's time to reconsider loyalties, Volt. If you care so deeply about Brontes, you must have doubts about Zenoheld's plans for the Bakugan. Join us, we could use someone with your abilities. Master Spectra will be pleased to welcome you."

"I am a Vexos." Volt snapped. "Not a filthy traitor like you and that coward, Spectra!"

"Very well." Gus smirked. "I will show no mercy. Let's go, Brontes!"

"This is the end!" his smirk widened as Brontes' scythe slashes hit their target. "Double Ability activate! Shiny Nightmare, plus Sprite Glow!"

"Ability activate!" Volt countered. "Firebolt Axe!"

"You tink you have a chance of defeating us with apathetic weapon like that?" Gus taunted. "No mercy, Brontes!"

"Face it, Volt." he advised once Boriates was defeated. "It's over. There's nothing left for you to win." you may as well give up. The Brontes you once knew is long gone."

"Gate Card, set!" he restarted the battle. "Here we go, Haos Brontes! Bakugan, roll! Bakugan, stand!"

"You may have changed his outer appearance." Volt growled. "Inside, he's Brontes! Come on, Boriates. Bakugan, roll! Bakugan, stand!"

"He threw you away, like garbage, Brontes." Gus reminded. "Let's make him pay. Ability activate! Magic Dice!"

"Boriates!" Volt gaped when Brontes rolled a '4' and lightning struck the mechanical Bakugan. "Your power level! Ability activate! Element Glow!"

Brontes rolled a '6' and reflected the laser beams back at Boriates.

"What happened?" Volt exclaimed. "Consecutive Ability activation?"

"That's right." Gus smirked. "Poor you. A consecutive death attack."

Brontes then rolled a '1' and blasted Boriates with the guns on his shoulders.

"Boriates!" Volt exclaimed. "No!"

"A consecutive mortal attack is fatal for the Bakugan releasing it." he growled.

"No worries." Gus shrugged. "If Brontes gets weak from it, then I'll just make him evolve again."

"Ability activate!" Volt hollered. "Prometheus Cannon!"

"Gate Card, open!" Gus retaliated. "Land Pressure! Say goodbye to your Brontes. Ability activate Trance Rapture Illusion!"

"Brontes!" Volt hollered as the evolved Bakugan pummeled Boriates repeatedly. "Brontes, stop it! Your heart can't take it! I'm sorry, I should have protected you. Please stop, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about his heart." Gus smirked. "It's long gone."

"I failed him, again." Volt growled. "I'll give anything to go back and save him that day."

"Brontes!" he hollered to his former partner.

"Volt 'Life Force', zero." the mechanical voice droned.

"Brontes..." Volt sank to the ground. "Forgive me..."

"Why would you risk your life to save a lowly Bakugan?" Gus asked the unconscious Volt. "I don't understand you, Volt."

On Spectra's transport ship...

"Gus." Spectra noted when the Subterra Brawler returned. "You've returned."

"Yes, Master Spectra." Gus replied.

"What happened with Volt?" Spectra asked.

"Sorry, sir." Gus answered. "He said he had no desire to leave the Vexos and join us, Master Spectra."

"Oh well." Spectra shrugged. "At least you tried."

"You've served your purpose, but now I'm done with you." Gus looked at Brontes' ball and tossed it into the transporter.

In New Vestroia...

"Volt..." Brontes wailed after he landed on the ground. "Save me..."

"They cast you out again, didn't they?" Eva asked, appearing suddenly.

"Princess?" Brontes turned to see the Pillar, before looking away.

"What's wrong?" Eva asked gently.

"I..." Brontes started.

"It's alright." Eva smiled.

"But I'm a traitor!" Brontes protested. "To you!"

"Everyone deserves a second chance." Eva soothed. "Even you, Brontes."

"Now, how about we remove the 'Evolution Ability X' taint?" she smiled and summoned the Cosmic Seed.

"Stardust Redemption!" she released the healing power of the Cosmic Seed and purified the Haos Bakugan of his 'Evolution Ability X' corruption.

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.