From Depths We Rise

by Insane Dominator

1 year has passed since Dan and the Battle Brawlers saved the universe, and when things were serene, a new group of Bakugan players are sent to New Vestroia when a dimensional interference forces them to meet each other. Caught in the crossfire with aliens seeking resources, Luke, Abis Omega, and new friends must fight using unlikely odds if they're to save all from extinction.

37. To Gundalia

Once the Battle Brawlers returned to Earth with Hydranoid, they reconvened with Gunz and found themselves in the Battle Brawlers HQ. The Trailer was stationed atop the building while everyone was inside the lab, where Mira was facing a holographic seminar and looking at the various diagrams. Everyone was behind as they remained patient for the results.

"Well, how bad is it?" Shun asked calmly.

Still looking up, Mira clicked on a tab to show two diagrams. The left one was Erath, with the right tab being New Vestroia, while both had magenta in them, New Vestroia's core was almost entirely consumed of it. "It's just as I feared. Riaan's infection on New Vestroia is making it almost unbearable to be there. It's starting to decay."

"You serious?" Shuji gasped. "But we were just the other day! Sure things were a little dried up…"

"And I believe you. You explained that you've been to New Vestroia for an extensive period of time. Given your guys' information, as well as what Shun and the others experienced, it seems that negative battle energy contributed to the cause. In other words, natural selection."

"That explains why those Bakugan were able to survive that long." Marucho realized.

"And why they went totally bonkers on us for no reason." Radizen added.

Jase prodded his glasses. "Natural selection in other words means survival of the fittest. In other words, in order for the weak Bakugan to adapt and survive, they had to consume the negative energy or risk mental instability…or rather, those who aren't experienced."

"So in order to do that, they needed to battle." Esther examined. "Which explains part of their behavior when we returned there." She looked towards Alice, who was cupping Hydranoid in her hands. "And Hydranoid was the only one you were able to procure?"

Alice meekly nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so. We just didn't have time…I'm sorry."

"Our home is on the verge of collapse. It's only a matter of time before the repeat of Vestroia is upon us." Hydranoid said. He turned towards Esther. "And you, Esther, Atchibee, it seems that you both are doing well."

Esther nodded. "We are. Thanks."

Dusk Atchibee's new ball form popped open on Esther's shoulder. "Salutations to you as well, Hydranoid."

"Well, I guess something good came out of this." Stag Fly Beetle said.

"More or less, I agree." Atmos stated.

"So, if New Vestroia is turning bad like that, then where does that leave Vestal and Earth?" Jelldon asked. "We wouldn't be too far behind then, right?"

"I hate to say it, but at the rate this is going, it'll be less than a month and a half before we end up like New Vestroia's current polluted state." Mira said.

Suddenly, the entire building began to shudder. Everyone started to lose their hold on the ground and began leaning against support items like chairs and walls.

"No, not again!" Maggie exclaimed. "Another quake?!"

The quake shook throughout the area. Birds that were roosting on houses were forced to fly off. They soared away, leaving the quaking city as the cars began slowing down. Parts of debris that were already broken off from buildings from precious quakes broke and shattered. The people in the city were hurrying for support as some lampposts fell over, damaging cars. The shuddering went on for several minutes until the shockwaves diminished to light vibrations, enough to leave the group inside the HQ free to move once more.

"Huh?" Realizing it was over, Luke looked around. "Guys! Is everyone alright?!"

Esther nodded. "Yes, I believe so."

"Yeah, sheesh Luke, don't look so worried." Shawn remarked. "See? We're fine."

Luke grew flustered as he looked away from Shawn. "Well…I was just looking out for you is all. Sheesh."

"We know." Shawn faced the cracked windows. "But what we should be more worried about is this situation. The building's sturdy, so we were fine…but the people out there are all scrambled."

"That was the second quake today. Who knows how many are left?" Verias asked.

A signal transmitted from Mira's huge screen behind her. Turning around, she faced the monitor and began the seismic readings. She dialed in on the seismograph hologram to show the shockwave levels slowly dissipating, but numbers were staggering incredulously high.

"What's it say?" Marucho asked.

"Nothing good." She explained. "This quake was a 6 on the scale. The main wave was further south from us."

"Aw man…"

Roxtor spoke gibberish again.

"I hear you, Roxtor. We're not getting anywhere if we don't start strategizing, and fast!" Radizen voiced.

"He's right. We need a new plan, and quick." Jaakor voted. "People's lives are in danger. Not just here, but also Vestal. It's likely that they won't be the only ones."

Luke looked down shamefully, thinking briefly of Master Riaan for a split second. He had to accept that what's happening was because of him, and because of that and part of him, he had to step in. Mustering himself, he walked up towards Mira and the others.

"So…guys." He started. "If they finished their business on Vestal and got this Battlegear data…you think they're gonna copy that as well?"

Mira nodded. "That's a very likely case. They maybe want to use that data to mobilize even more strong-armed forces for other invasions like they did with Vestal. If that's the case, then we must snuff them out, and intercept them."

"Easier said than done." Maggie shrugged. "We hardly knew they were gonna be on Vestal when we were there."

The doors suddenly opened behind, catching everyone's attention. When they turned, they saw a young woman with what looked like deep tan skin, with big blue eyes and a decently curvaceous frame. She had silver hair with a side ponytail with a heart at the base.

"Hey, guys!" she hurried in, almost skipping.

"It's Julie!" Marucho exclaimed.

"What is she doing here at this time?" Shun asked.

Julie ran up to them, laboring in breath. Once she caught herself, she was able to look to everyone in the eyes. "Guys, man I am so glad I found you! You won't believe what just happened!"

"You mean that massive shake just now?" Shun deadpanned.

Julie nodded. "Yeah, and now everyone's all in a panic that's been going on for days!" she facepalmed. "Man, I can't catch a break."

"Julie?" Alice walked up to her, looking surprise. "Is that really…you?"

"Huh?" Turning, Julie's gaze widened. "Alice?" she smiled. "Oh wow, Alice! It really is you!" She jumped over and hugged her. "Oh man, I haven't seen you in forever! How've you been?!"

"I'm doing just fine, Julie, thanks." Alice answered, though with a meek smile over her shoulder.

"We haven't seen you in weeks, Julie? We've been trying to contact you for days to see if you're alright." Shun said.

Julie pulled away and looked at everyone. "Yeah, sorry about that. My work's been having me running around all across reporting everywhere about these strange…" she trailed off when she noticed Hydranoid on Alice's shoulder. "Wait, Hydranoid! Alice?! Hold up! Just what the heck is happening?! When did they get here?!" She then registered Luke's group. "And who are they?!"

"It's kind of a long story." Marucho answered, rubbing the back of his head.

Mira and Jase looked to one another. Mira nodded, and Jase chuckled as he looked down. "Very well, suppose it's time to let the cat out of the bag." He faced Shawn. "Shawn, care to tell another tale?"

"Wait, what? Why me again?" he argued. However, seeing the expectant faces of everyone, he gave in and groaned. "Okay, fine…"

---

"You're kidding me!" Julie shrieked. She was just told everything from start to finish about the details from Shawn, though he kept them brief. "So you're saying this strange alien creature with a seriously powerful Bakugan is threatening to collapse all the worlds and rebuild his own?!"

"Well, that's as basic as it can get. But yes." Jase answered.

Julie was stammering. She didn't know how to make heads or tails of this situation. She was completely stiff as her brain was slammed with quite literally groundbreaking news. "This…this is all just insane guys. I didn't know it was this freaky!"

"It's not your fault." Esther explained. "It was our intentions to keep this a low profile for the time being."

Jase again poked his glasses. "At the time the drastic decline of life was only in parts of the world. If word got about this investigation, the public safety would've been jeopardized further. It's be dismissed as a theory."

Julie stood up. "But now you guys have all the evidence! I've got to share this with the news! Everyone has to know!"

"Julie's right, we need to consider the public now. At least then we'll have one less problem as long as we have evacuation and route plans." Marucho said.

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "It's not going to be easy breaking this to the world. You think we'll suffer backlash? You gotta consider actual scientists into this."

"Well if I were those people, I'll take anything that can save my skin." Shuji pointed out.

"That makes two of us!" Maggie chimed.

"The details are still at large, but what's important is that we continue to outsee what Riaan intends. From my speculations, we may not have long at all until he mobilizes a new army with the equipment he's gained." Jase turned towards Luke. "Shuji, you have anything to add?"

"Yeah." He stood up, getting grasped attention from everyone else. "Listen, sorry about saying this kinda roughly, but we've been to New Vestroia…and well."

Julie looked worried. "Well, what?"

Shuji glared. "We've met that Gorem of yours."

Julie's eyes shot wide. "Gorem?! You mean…Hammer Gorem?!" she got closer. "Tell me, is he alright?! Where is he?!"

Shuji leaned back. "Woah, hey! Take it easy! He looked fine when we were there. We don't know what's happening, but he's there is all."

Julie looked down sullenly, a massive weight off her chest. A part of her still wanted to see Gorem even after their retirement. It was sad, but even though he wasn't here right now, hearing that he was okay was enough for her. "That's good…my little Gorem." She murmured.

"Julie…" Alice looked on with silence.

"Guys, shouldn't we be trying to find out where Riaan should be next?" Reptak reminded.

"Yeah, he has a point. We're running in circles right now. If these guys came for the technology and Battlegear data, where will they strike next?" Gunz turned towards Shun. "You guys said something about meeting Interacians there, did you?"

"Right."

"We encountered them when we all regrouped. These guys were working under Riaan or his project, and from we've seen about their battling, they're very skilled."

"I hate to say this, but if it wasn't for Alice stepping in when she did, Jaakor, Skytruss, and Orbeum would've been in deep trouble." Shun added. "And what's worse…" An image of Lucia's silhouette appeared. "Is that they had someone who could see into the future herself."

"Say what?" Julie gasped.

Maggie's eyes widened. "Hold on, you mean like one of those psychic fortunetellers you see sometimes? Like those that can read palms or something?"

Esther nervously smirked. "I…wouldn't say it's that, Maggie." She frowned. "But…is that really possible?"

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "Beats me. Maybe it's some kind of defect from Riaan's DNA infusion."

"It wouldn't be unjustified to say that it could very well be a superhuman evolution." Jase imposed. "Natural selection also brings up various mutations in genomes in order for adaptation over time. It could be that there's another factor paying into this that we don't know about."

"Do you think it has something to do with those forbidden abilities?" Luke asked.

"Possibly, though I wouldn't cast my die with that hand." He faced the Battle Brawlers. "And you said they had forbidden abilities of their own, did you not?"

Shun's brow furrowed. "Yeah." For a brief moment, he thought about those two abilities his adversaries used. To see that kind of power, that timing, and that execution for those Bakugan left him struck. "I wouldn't have believed it for myself unless I've seen it with my own eyes. Those Bakugan they had were powerful. Trust me, they're no laughing matter."

Luke turned towards Shawn. "Do you think they mean those Bakugan that were with those guys on Interacia we saw?" he whispered.

"Yeah, I think that's who they meant." Shawn glared. "That's the case, then they gotta be those guys above Rogue Zero."

"These Bakugan…" Mira swiped her arm on the panel. On it showed images of a Haos Lumitroid and Glotronoid. Beside them, there were images of the Bakugan Lucia and Magnus used, side-by-side. "Tell me, are these the ones you're talking about?"

Luke looked forward., eyes glued to the cyclopean scorpion and armored reptile. "Uh…yeah. Something like that." He answered. "We…didn't exactly get a good look at them the first time we saw them. We were running for our lives…sorry." Luke sulked.

Esther stepped besides him. "If it means anything, we're at least familiar with the scheme that they're depicted in." She answered, referring to the mutated Glotronoid and Lumitroid photos. "Bakugan who are infected with this forbidden energy are usually that dark in coating. And judging by those markings, I can hardly say that's far from just Darkus."

"Then that settles it, these are without a doubt member of Riaan's forces." Mira concluded. "And that means he's keeping tabs on us to make sure we don't get in his way."

Maggie tilted her head.

"What's wrong, Maggie?" Jelldon asked.

"Huh? Oh. It's just…does anyone remember seeing those Bakugan on New Vestroia?"

Abis looked at the screen. "…wait…no." he realized. "Can't say I know them off-hand."

"Neither can I I'm afraid." Atchibee inquired.

"Is that so?" Esther looked towards her partner, then back at the screen. Slowly, she squinted. "Wait…those Bakugan. They're not from New Vestroia."

Luke's eyes widened. "They're not?"

Esther shook her head. "No, far from it. We see these Bakugan often at the stadiums. I believe these are Bakugan from-"

"From Gundalia and Neathia." Jase finished. "My apologies, Esther. I didn't mean to cut you off…however, this matter was what troubled me as well." He faced the board. "When you stop to reflect on it, we haven't exactly seen Bakugan from copied planets other than New Vestroia. Tell me, what does that say?"

His unsubtle note was giving everyone chills.

Maggie gasped. "Wait, are you saying-?!"

Shawn's glare narrowed. "He's already taken Bakugan from Neathia and Gundalia is what you're saying?"

"I never said that claim." Jase imposed. "…but, this does turn up a new theory in Riaan's abilities."

Luke's eyes widened in realization. "Hey, wait a sec. I thought only New Vestroia Bakugan were able to be infected with this stuff." He reminded. "Jase, you explained something about evolution and how these cards can do that, something like that?"

Jase chuckled. "Well, Luke. Seems you've amazed everyone again with your memory." It was such a heavily sarcastic tone, fitting for Jase's character. Luke felt deeply offended with a scrunchy over his head, but Jase continued. "But yes, that was my initial theory. You see, we first believed that these cards were used to force a Bakugan's maximum capabilities to be exploited. It would give them enhanced structural abilities as well. The fact that Bakugan evolve is no different."

"But their power levels were average for Bakugan of their species when we fought them, that's the problem." Marucho said.

"My thoughts exactly. Which leads me to believe that perhaps there's more to Riaan's powers than we've thought."

"Wait…" Shuji stepped up. "So you're saying these guys can now have average power levels but stronger abilities?"

Jase prodded his glasses, making the light refract on them. "It's a possible theory. If they are in fact from Neathian and Gundalian origins, then it's likely he was there before. That's why he went to New Vestroia to experiment with the forbidden cards before awaiting the attack on Vestal. Now with the technology and the Battlegear schematics, he can use possible techniques to amplify those. It's only a matter of time…" the glasses shifted, revealing a half-grin. "…but this is all theory. There's no telling unless we see for ourselves."

'Battlegear…' Luke's head rung with the image of the machine Olifus used against Jase's Atmos back in their battle. 'That stuff…it's strong.'

"So these guys went to Vestal to get Spectra's Battle Gear schematics so they can copy and work off those is what you're saying?" Shawn evaluated. "If that's the case, they can mount an attack on either planet long enough for Riaan to inject his powers and steal even more without worries of being overrun."

"So basically this was all to power up." Shuji surmised.

"Guys, I'm a little worried. Shouldn't we do something if those planets are in danger?" Alice warned.

The air was quiet for a short time as everyone, especially Luke, was thinking hard about the situation. Slowly, Shun opened his eyes.

"…okay then. Then it looks like we have a plan."

Everyone looked to him surprised. "You do?" Julie gasped. "Tell us, we gotta know!"

"If what's being said is true, then Gundalia and Neathia are in danger, that goes for our friends there as well, both Fabia and Ren. We need to ready as soon as possible."

"From the way it's told, it sounds like they're doing it one planet at a time." Skytruss said.

"Yeah, so if we can figure out which planet is next, we might be able to prepare." Orbeum imposed.

"But the problem here is that we don't know which planet that is yet." Mira said. "Plus I'm afraid Dan barely heard my signal…it'll take a while wherever he is."

"Then we'll split up." Shun advised. "I'll head over to Neathia with Jaakor, Neathia, and Skytruss to warn Fabia of the situation. Marucho, you stay here and relay the information with Mira. Julie will spread the word, and when that does, we need people with good hearing to explain."

"Right." Marucho nodded in understanding. He then turned towards Gunz. "Hey, Gunz, what do you say about heading to Gundalia?"

Gunz shrugged. "Yeah, sure. Mind explaining to me what it looks like?"

Marucho blinked. "Oh right." He nervously laughed. "Anyways, we'll explain more when we go over the strategy tonight…"

As the Battle Brawlers were droning on about their strategy, with Julie having a tape recorder out despite being off the clock, the others behind were left out. Alice was looking down at a closed Hydranoid as she thought of what she could do, or rather, how it could be done. In her mind, she flashed back the intense battle she had earlier against Hades Pillars. Feeling that intense rush…it made her feel so alive. She hadn't felt this way in a long while, not since her brawling days. 'I can't believe that I came out of retiring from Bakugan. I've only reunited with Hydranoid, and now…the world's in danger.' She looked at Shun and the others as they were still talking. 'Right, I'm a Battle Brawler, too. I need to help any way that I can!'

Seeing the Brawlers strategize, Abis and Luke turned towards the other. They showed determined looks as they turned around towards their friends. "Okay, what do you guys say to all this?"

Shawn smirked. Shuji rammed both his fists into one another, whereas Maggie innocently winked. Jase and Esther had stoic expressions, though Esther had a slight nod that Luke returned.

Ready to resolve, Luke turned towards the Battle Brawlers just as Alice convened beside him. "Okay, so then where does that leave us?"

Shun faced him with a glare. "You guys…"

He saw the expectant faces on everyone, however, when he had a silence brewing, a not-so-smooth tone slipped out of his mouth.

"You guys, you need to stay behind."

Luke's eyes widened as he gasped. Everyone's determined expression fell to shock.

"Wait…what?" Luke finally processed the information, but he far from took it well.

Shun turned away. "I'm sorry, but it's better this way."

"Shun?" Alice blinked. "What's going on? Is there something wrong here?"

Shun faced her. "Trust me, Alice. Nothing's wrong. This is the right thing to do." He looked back at Marucho. "Marucho, you agree?"

"Well…" Marucho looked hesitant to answer, but when he stopped to think about it, he had to be upfront like Shun was. He straightened his posture. "I'm sorry guys, but Shun's right, this situation's become way too dangerous."

"What? Too dangerous?! Get out of here!" Shuji backlashed.

"Yeah, what's making this 'way too dangerous' for us anyway?" Maggie challenged.

Mira tried interjecting. "Now, everyone, please calm down."

"Calm down? We're trying to help here, and now you're saying you don't even want it anymore?" Luke argued.

"Everyone." Jase spoke in a slightly harsh tone, though not so much to cause a shock. "Come now, let's all hear each other out first. I'm sure the prestigious Brawlers have something else to label this other than an excuse."

Shawn put a hand on Luke's shoulder. "Luke."

Luke lowered his head. His boiling anger was settling as he started to see the offense against the reputation of those superior. "S-Sorry…"

"No, it's fine." Shun said, showing calm in his tone. "But listen, we've finally picked up as much pieces to know that we actually have a fighting chance against these Interacians. We need a strategy that doesn't compromise our field of vision. And that means making sure as many people are away from harm's way as possible."

"Their odds have drastically increased. Those Bakugan we saw on New Vestroia were all tainted, you know what we're talking about."

"Well, we do…but…"

Jase prodded his glasses to reflect light. "Pardon my intrusion, but exactly how is this going to benefit Neathia or Gundalia's sake exactly? Would it be rather sensible to have us go two ways? Something tells me we're not on the same page." he sounded like he knew something was up.

"You guys sure sound like you know better." Shawn deadpanned.

"That's because we have experience." Gunz stated.

"Hey pal, you better watch it." Fly Beetle warned.

Reptak floated in front. "Or what? You saying you can beat us with what you have now?"

Luke gasped at the implication. He looked towards Shun and Marucho, even Alice and Julie seemed off guard by this factor.

"It's not personal." Shun covered. "Listen, I'm not sure what kind of power you guys had to face with those Rogue Zero, but these guys are on a whole other level. We've fought them ourselves. Their power was enough to almost submit us when our guards were at our lowest. It's clear they weren't at full power either."

"Shun, please, don't say things like that." Alice insisted.

"I'm sorry Alice, but you should know where I'm going with this. We need as much strong arms out there if it means stopping Riaan and waiting for Dan's return."

"But Abis and our Bakugan evolved!" Luke argued. "We're a lot stronger than we were!"

"Yeah, but how experienced are you with planets we've been to?" Shun argued. That did the trick as it silenced Luke. "You may know those planets, but we have the experience on fighting on the front lines. We've known war with our own eyes, so we know how to handle an assault than just run like you guys did."

"Shun, please. I think you're being a bit hard." Julie ushered.

"But we had experience, too." Luke argued. "We've trained really hard to help save Vestal and rid of Rogue Zero!"

"And yet you let Riaan get away." Shun countered. "There can't be any room for error. We Battle Brawlers are willing to risk everything to make sure our friends the Bakugan are safe. Are you sure you're strong or experienced enough to handle these guys without us?"

"Well I…" Luke was about to argue, but when he thought about it, the Brawler's Bakugan were at higher power levels than his own, even by leaps and bounds. Realizing this, he started to calm and back off. "…"

"Luke…" Esther murmured softly.

"Luke…" All eyes turned towards Jase. "Perhaps you of all people should accept this, but his point is accurate. Our Bakugan may have evolved, but our base levels are that of their weakest species."

"Jase…"

"We're not saying that you're a drawback, we're just being concerning is all." Marucho pointed out. "If these guys are as powerful as they say, we need the most experienced fighters out there. You got into this by accident, are you really intent on just throwing your lives away so recklessly?"

Luke balled his fists angrily. He was started to get really pissed with the circumstances and what these Brawlers were doing to them. But, despite these inward conflictions, he knew better than to lose his cool like before. He had to take this, or so he thought.

He sharply turned around. "…you don't know a thing about us." He muttered low, enough for only Abis to hear. He started walking off, passing everyone as they silently gazed at his back.

"Luke, wait-!" Shawn reached out, but the door already closed. "…damnit."

"So that's how it is then?" Esther stated blankly.

Shun turned towards Alice. "Alice."

Shaken at first by this event, she snapped back to reality. "Uh, yes, Shun?"

"We need you to stay here and keep an eye on these guys. We know you came back, but the best way we can get things done is if we make sure everyone agrees, okay?"

Alice wanted to rebuff on what he said. Her own fist clutched, and much like Luke, a wave of disappointment washed over her. She was feeling held back like he was, and it made her sad. "O-Okay…"

Shun closed his eyes. "I'm sorry…but please, leave this to the Brawlers. We can handle this threat., but only if we work together and trust our strengths. And our strength is the connections and friends we have on those planets."

Everyone looked down with slight shame in their gazes. To some degree, he knew he was right, but that didn't mean others like Shuji had to physically hide it. Esther was the opposite as she closed her eyes.

Looking at them, Alice fell silent.

---

The throne room to Riaan's domain was quiet. Too quiet. Riaan and Armagedoid were in their rightful positions atop the stairway, with Hades Pillars lined up like a fence at the base of the stairs. Each one respectively in front of the same attribute Rogue Zero shared as they bowed their heads as they kneeled before their divine ruler and superiors.

They left them unattended in regards to Maximus' demands to bring justice to Luke's group. It was a revolt, and no one in this room was proud of themselves as of this moment.

The silence was soon broken when Cyrus spoke. "Maximus Rogue…what have you done?"

Maximus didn't answer. He glared at the ground without a hood to shield his glare.

"Young man, I gave you an order. Do not make me repeat myself."

Maximus stiffened as his nostrils flared. Slowly, he lifted his head and gave them all a sharp look. "Listen, we-!"

"GROOAAAH!" Armagedoid released a shrilled roar, enough to make Maximus halt his words. All of Rogue Zero had to flinch.

"I believe that this matter is left to me." Riaan said, ascertaining attention. He looked down at Maximus' shocked face as the Darkus battler was stunned. He took a deep breath before he spoke. "Maximus Rogue, I pardoned you once because of what happened being apart of my accountability. I was willing to overlook your endeavor's empty hand because it resolved our goals regardless. And yet, this one time, your actions backfired, and thus put the operation in jeopardy. That is a disgrace."

Hendrix lowered his head deeper in regret. Ariella's left brow twitched as her own anger was rising.

"What you have done was out of line. In no way did we give you the order to pursuit on our watch." Galilea stated.

"Do you have any idea on the cause and effect that you loons created?" Zion reprimanded. "You've put the name of Rogue Zero and Hades Pillars in jeopardy…and all before our divine sire. How do you think that makes us look?"

Xander scoffed. "So this is about you-?!" He was silenced when an axe cleaved the ground ahead of him, mere inches from his face. He paled completely.

"I didn't give you permission to speak! You've stepped out of line, all of you!"

Magnus crossed his arms as he looked down at Hendrix. "Hendrix…my man. What's wrong with you? I helped you here like a bro, and this is how you respect me? Where's the love, man?" Hendrix didn't answer, he grunted his growing shame.

Amina raised her head, not bothering to look at Ariella. "Ugh, seriously? What's the point of help if it's not even going to help, seriously?"

Ariella lifted her head from the slumps. She looked up to Amina as her shaken glare was like that of a dog who was craving attention after doing something wrong.

"What's this? You look like you wanna say something." Amina smirked. "Sorry, last I checked, trash or animals don't talk."

Lucia approached Cesar as he was in his chair, which was leaned over. "Cesar, you were designated to resume your work and technician on the improved Empyrean. We are now behind schedule because of your lack of responsibility. The reprogramming of our system will take hours before it's fixed."

Cesar gritted his teeth, his eyes hidden as his glasses refracted light. 'That stupid Jase and his friends! Curse them and all their meddlesome foolishness!'

Killian lifted his head to look at Galilea. There was a hidden plea of mercy behind his neutral expression, one that Galilea saw. She knew he was sorry, but to her, it was another matter. "Killian…we are going to have a talk about this." She scolded him. Killian could only muster silence in his lack of an excuse.

Cyrus stepped in front of Maximus. "Maximus…now. Tell me, just what excuse can you have now to keep yourself from being chained up like a dog?" his eyes narrowed. "Now you may speak."

Mustering what he could, Maximus gazed up towards Cyrus. "Those meddling brats. That's what this was about."

"You mean the ones that were involved because of your mistakes?"

"The ones we needed to get out of the picture…" Hinted venom seethed from Maximus' tongue as his eyes dilated. "That Luke…and his posse…I…we had enough of them. If we could get them out of the picture-!"

"Then all your problems would be solved, now wouldn't they?" Cyrus raised a brow. "Don't forget, you work for us, that means all your personal problems are irrelevant. And now that problem of yours has evolved beyond your control…suppose your fear has gotten the best of you."

Maximus suddenly arose, snarling in his face. "Don't tempt me!"

However, Cyrus narrowed his glare. "Or what?"

Maximus glared Cyrus' challenging tone. From the way he was looking it was like a dare. Maximus loathed being this way, to be demented and looked down on like he was an ant. He wanted to prove his point of fearlessness, but looking around the room, he could see the rest of Rogue Zero with a subtle plea in all their eyes. Looking at Hades Pillars and Riaan, he was caught in an impossible situation. All he could do was glare hate-filled daggers as his nostrils enflamed with heated air of rage.

"Your eminence, what shall we do?" Lucia humbly asked Riaan.

Riaan remained composed despite the earlier tone. "Even with Luke and Shawn's Bakugan evolved, they are not the primary threat. Our main concern lies with the Battle Brawlers. Since Lucia and Magnus were able to give them the demonstration of our abilities, they will most likely proceed with caution, and bring their strongest fighters from across Neathia and Gundalia."

"And how would you like for us to proceed?" Magnus nodded.

"Thanks to you and Lucia, we now know that Alice Gehabich of the Battle Brawlers will also more than likely be a part of the Battle Brawlers. Her skills in the usage and knowledge of Bakugan will make her a greater threat if she follows them to Gundalia or Neathia"

Amina did an eyeroll. "Great, another filthy pet to keep an eye on."

"I've spoken to Magnus and Lucia upon their return." Riaan snapped his fingers, displaying a holographic chart of a crusty planet. "We've decided that our next course of action will be Gundalia. Once we are docked in, Empyrean's enhancement will activate. A disruption wave will cancel out the space travel between Neathia and Gundalia, cutting off their forces. With that and the manual communication lockdown modules we used on Vestal, Gundalia will be on its own until the Battle Brawlers pick up notice until it's too late."

"So we'll be under jurisdiction with the plan with Vestal then, milord?" Galilea inquired.

"Yes." Riaan looked towards Rogue Zero. "Rogue Zero, you will be taking part of the first wave. You will do a reconnaissance, and cover as much ground with the wave of Bakugan to establish a territory. Your recent actions will not be overlooked, but this will see your performance, despite your…setbacks. Do you understand?"

"…yes, sir." Maximus strained sharply. He was still pissed, but he knew his place. He turned his back into the shadows and started walking away along with his team.

"Oh, and Maximus."

Maximus stopped in his tracks. With his hood now gone, his shaggy hair's back could be seen. Along with him, Rogue Zero stopped as well.

"Just remember…why you fight to begin with. What drives you matters. Look back…and make it your strength."

There was some hint of warning in Riaan's words of wisdom. However, Maximus found it unimportant at the moment. He was still pissed from his failures. He would have to sort them out with what time was left, but for now, he had to teleport away with his dejected team.

Once they were gone, Riaan pondered about what he said with a smirk. 'Something that they're doing.' With a meek chuckle, he resumed his duties. "That said, Hades Pillars, since this also happened while we were on our meeting, I shall pardon you all."

"You're far too kind, your grace." Lucia bowed.

"So then, what do you want us to do?" Zion asked.

"Have all personnel aboard and ready Empyrean. Lucia will watch over Cesar to make sure the cross-dimensional data and the armada enhancements are all accounted for." He turned towards Armagedoid. "As for us, we should prepare ourselves." To that, Armagedoid growled in agreement. "Our next stop…Gundalia."

---

After the debriefing and the plan of action, the Battle Brawlers all began their preparations and plan of attack to warn Gundalia and Neathia. Meanwhile, in the Trailer, Luke was in his own room that he shared with Shawn. He laid on his bed and glared at the ceiling for who knows how long, but to him time was as complicated as it was.

He sighed, something that Abis didn't ignored. "Frustrated?"

"How'd you guess?" Luke rhetorically asked.

Abis looked down. "Yeah, me too I guess. I mean, I'm happy that I evolved, but are we seriously that much weaker compared to them?"

"I don't know." Luke turned so he was sitting up on his bunk. "Honestly, I don't think I wanna find out for ourselves. They're our allies, we're not supposed to fight them, I know that…but they make it sound like we're just getting in the way of something that wasn't their fault. You know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I think we can relate." The two shared another momentary silence before he spoke again. "You sure about this?"

"About hanging back on Earth?" Luke clarified. To be frank he didn't know how to answer that. "…honestly, I don't really know. I guess since we've been hopping over other worlds, I…haven't really considered it. I mean Earth is still where I'm from, but you're from New Vestroia. It's kinda ironic, huh?" He looked out the window. He could see the partially cloudy sky above. Despite the hell that was rising in both worlds, they were still fighting with all they had. "Who would've guessed that we'd come this far?"

"Not me." He chuckled.

"I did."

The voice alarmed the two pals. When they turned, Esther was at the doorway and approaching. "Esther!" Luke gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"I know you're taking this more personally than anyone else. It's not hard to tell." Esther heard Luke grunt. "But you're not wrong Luke, it's true that the Brawlers don't know us, but they shared the same experience of life and death like we have. They just feel it's their responsibility; they're just looking out for us."

"I guess…" Luke half-heartedly gazed down at the ground. "It's just, when I try to stop and think about it, I can't exactly say that they're wrong. I mean…they're so strong. So hearing them say how strong these guys are, are they just trying to shield us? Maybe they don't even want us around now that they have the pieces for themselves…"

Esther slowly grinned. "And you saying you doubt that?"

Luke turned towards her with shock.

"Luke, time and time again, I've watched you grown from the day we've met. I've seen you make decisions that one can't be too proud of…and I know Thermosphere is very sensitive you, and I do apologize."

"Don't be…it's my fault to begin with."

"But you've owned up to your own mistakes. You began to think for yourself and help others, even when they didn't want it. You didn't hold us back…you pushed us forward, something the old Luke would never have done. So tell me, Luke, what is it that you think is best for you?"

It wasn't exactly the most easiest question to give to someone like Luke. He realizes his strengths and weaknesses, and while he was aware and learned from his weaknesses to make them into strengths, one of the few weaknesses he still had was his sense of understanding. He was still processing what Esther said to him before, but in technicality he shouldn't dawdle on something so obvious. He didn't want to say anything rash though, he needed to slow down and think beforehand. He did just that, and he thought hard about what he and Abis Omega had been through. After working his way and learning from literally nothing, to being someone who could stand on his own two feet made him realize the choices made on New Vestroia was by his judgement, not another's.

After a long pause, Luke's glare was set straight. "…it's not about what I want. It's about what everyone else needs. They need someone there to help them when they can't pick themselves up…and not leave them to die." He turned towards Esther, looking her dead in the eyes. "I want to help people Esther, even if it cost me my life. No one should live under a rock helplessly like me and Abis."

"Then what's stopping you?" she questioned.

"…no one." He declared. "We've made it this far because of what we did. You said it yourself, didn't you? We had a much different experience than most battlers on Earth. And that's why we're not backing down."

"Lives are at stake, and I'd be sooner damned to hear someone else tell us how to live my life when I choose to do so fighting by Luke's." Abis answered.

Luke nodded. "I've listened to people because I was insecure before…but we've come this far because of our own decisions."

"Yes." Esther nodded. "Decisions that you helped us make." Atchibee reached for Luke's hand. Luke was stunned by the gesture until she put her other hand atop of his that she held. "Luke, I feel the same way. You helped me see to my own decisions, and I chose to see this to the end with you, and everyone else."

"Esther…"

Esther softly smiled. "I'm proud of who you've become, Luke. Now tell me this, are you truly willing to see this through to end?"

It sounded like it was an obvious answer, yet it wasn't. Luke didn't sway as he slowly unsheathed his sharp sword. He looked at his reflection along with Abis' along one slick edge. "I don't have an answer for that, but I do know this: Rogue Zero…Master Riaan…Luka…the Battle Brawlers…they all want us out of the picture. They can try talking us out and looking down on us…but we're gonna keep going forward, right Abis?"

"Yeah. All the way." He answered.

Esther smiled softly. 'That's the Luke I know.'

"Alright, then what are we doing standing around than prove it?" The voice startled the group. Off to the side, they saw Shawn leaning against a wall with a smirk.

"Shawn!" Luke gasped.

Shawn walked from his post towards them. "Come on now, don't tell me those guys ruffled you up that much, Luke." He teased. "And besides, between you and me, I…kinda feel the same way. Like I'd give a damn either way."

Luke softly grinned. "Shawn…"

"Plus, someone has to watch you when Esther's not looking." He winked, earning a glare from Esther herself. "If you're seeing this through despite warnings, who am I to argue? I say we do it."

"Well now, guess we're all in agreement then." Off to the side, the three turned and saw Jase present, along with Shuji and Maggie.

"Huh? Jase! Maggie, and Shuji!" Luke gasped.

Maggie winked. "Like you can do on a two-timing adventure without me and Jelly-Welly, can you?"

"Honestly, I really hate those Brawlers myself." Shuji admitted. "All I ever did was just lose every time when I saw them, and that just made me mad." He looked down at the ground. "…but I wasn't any good back then." He looked up, glaring at Luke. "Look pal, you're still annoying…but I'd sooner listen to you than hear those Brawlers yap me down after the hell we've been through."

"Maggie…Shuji…" Luke slowly turned towards Jase. "Even you, Jase…?"

Jase held a straight grinning face. "Well, to be clear, I did say that the Battle Brawlers made a valid point." He reminded, making everyone frown. "But…I never said that I agreed with them." He smirked sarcastically.

'Is he always playing with us?' Everyone thought in unison.

Jase approached Luke until he was before him with Atmos. "Now Luke, I hope you understand that what you're doing is to your own responsibility. If you do this, you know the Brawlers are going to stand in your way. Are you willing to accept that?"

Luke looked down. "It's not about accepting it." He declared, looking up at Jase. "It's about how I face it. And if it's gonna be that way…then so be it."

Everyone grinned behind him. They all couldn't agree more, not after everything they went through. In all honesty they weren't going to change this matter any other way. They were going, even without Luke. They just needed him to be sure of himself.

Jase turned around with hands behind his back. "Then that settles it. Shall we begin our own preparations?"

"Right. Alright guys, you in this?"

"Count us in!" Jelldon declared, along with the other Bakugan hovering around them.

Luke looked towards Esther one more time, seeing her soft but proud smile. He stared at her for a short while, thankful for her support. 'Esther…you promised you'd watch over me. Thank you.'

Outside the hallways of the Trailer, the hatch was still open, allowing Alice to hear the whole thing. Looking down at the ground, she had a fist clutched and Hydranoid was on her shoulder. What Luke and the others aspired to do left her in a small dilemma, and after hearing – let alone feeling – their own paths, that left her questions to make for herself. For a brief second, she thought again of her days as a Battle Brawler.

"I'll be okay, I have Hydranoid here to help me. And I wanna show you guys that I'm a real member of the Battle Brawlers, too. Okay?"

Her fist subconsciously clutched with her aching, yearning heart. She never thought she'd miss those times and she battled to prove herself and to everyone that she could be depended on. "…"

---

Within Rogue Zero's quarters, their earlier reprimanding left them deeply dented, pride and spirit. Cesar was rummaging keypad sequences, frowning in disgust while Lucia was observing through a holographic panel. Magnus was observing Hendrix as he was punching raw iron with his fists to vent out his frustration. Ariella was cleaning up yet another mess Amina made with chlorine she deliberately spilled, some of which spilled onto Ariella. Xander was on the floor of his room, doing sit-ups while over in the rom close by, Maximus's room was dark. He was seething hate-filled daggers into his mirror, treating it like it was the person he saw in it. All he saw was Luke, and he looked like a devil that sent goosebumps down his spine. His senses were shutting down as he wanted to choke the demon before him, make it fear him, but his constitution was broken, at least some of it was from those last two plunders.

"Luke~!" he snarled.

Inside his quarters, Galilea was leaning against the wall while Killian was on his new, big bed. He was looking down while Galilea collected her words. "Killian…what were you doing?"

Killian wasn't sure how to answer. He wanted to scramble for an excuse, but ultimately gave up.

She gravely sighed. "I never thought I'd be mad at you…but here I am, telling you of something you could've handled gone wrong. I always thought you were the one, Killian. You always set the perfect example back when we worked at that job. Why did you think I hired you here?"

Killian again was speechless. He chose not to say.

"It's because you always knew what to do. You were the fastest worker, and the quickest to pick up on the pace."

Killian mentally chuckled at the last comment. 'In more ways than one.' Though given his situation, he shut up.

"I promoted you from just the start. To me, you were a great example, a good attitude…and you never disappointed. But now for once, I can't believe I had such high hopes for you."

"Galilea…"

"Killian, you worked hard to get what you have now. Don't you ever disappoint me or your Lord Riaan. We expect nothing less than hard workers. This is a difficult job, please don't make me second think my thoughts."

Killian somberly nodded in shame. His eyes were closed as he accepted what she said, though inside he was burning with a sense of annoyance.

With that weight off her chest, her reprimanding ended. "Good. Now then, we'll be leaving in about two hours. And please, watch yourself…do what you were told."

"Okay…"

The door closed behind as Galilea swung around and exited. Once it shut, Killian plopped onto his bed with a hand over his forehead. Moskeeto popped open, but otherwise said nothing. After seeing them do 'certain matters' he knew better at this point to tell what's going on in Killian's mind. This threat looming over his head made him think back to the night they spoke on Vestal. He knew she was warning him, but in his own way, it was a threat. Just like the one Maximus and everyone else has over their heads.

"I need a shower." He huffed before plopping off his exquisite bed towards the bathroom.

---

It was nighttime, the city was littered with people who were looking within debris mounds for any signs of materials they can scrounge for, while police put up safety tape. As they were being pulled out, that left the Brawlers. With Marucho and Mira getting rest, Shun was inside his own personalized domain to meditate under the moonlight.

With all of them resting or distracted, Luke's group was inside the Trailer. Luke was currently looking out the window, ignoring his reflection and seeing the dark night sky.

"Yo, Luke." Shawn called. "You ready?"

Luke paused to register Shawn's words. Once ready, he turned around and nodded. "Got it."

"We're ready." Abis stated.

Shawn guided them to the base of the Trailer, where everyone else was waiting. There, after a quick meal that was made and cleaned by everyone pitching in, it was soon time to overview on their plans.

Jase took centerfield once more. "Now then, I suppose everyone is clear on what we are to do?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, I think I get it."

"So we're going all the way back to Russia to Alice's old man's place, and just ask him to link us to Gundalia?" Maggie clarified.

"Basically."

"Well that's better than nothing." Shuji shrugged. "But do we even know they'll be there?"

"There's no way to tell for certain, but we need another start on where we left off." Esther pointed out. "If Gundalia has the better mass of Battlegear, they'll more than likely attack there next."

"With that information in mind, we can only start there." Atchibee commented.

"Works for me. How about you, Maggie?" Jelldon looked up at Maggie.

"Guess that can work." She shrugged. "Bu~t…how are we gonna get there? Last I checked, we almost lost all our fuel rom here to there. And it's not like saying pretty please will make him help us."

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "Yeah, that's a good point. Plus Mira agreed we should stay behind, so I doubt asking her is an even better idea."

"Well, we can always ask someone else." Abis advised. "Are we able to link to other planets with your guys' Bakumeters or something?"

"Why, certainly." Jase said. "We can connect with Vestal if needed, but the signal would have to bounce off the Battle Brawlers' direct lining."

"Plus Vestal is still in repairs." Shuji reminded. "So in other words, we're screwed."

Everyone hummed as they tried to think. As they were weighing their options, the first option seemed all the more liable, but in doing so would mean leaving the Trailer to fly off, and as Jase pointed out would alarm the ninja that Shun was, matters wouldn't get done their way. They needed a plan, and fast.

Luke looked down with a slight envy in his gaze. 'We need to get through this. We will…somehow.'

"Huh?" Turning, Fly Beetle caught everyone's attention.

"What's up?" Abis asked, but he turned as well.

Everyone in fact turned when they heard the sound of footsteps nearby. They all looked up at the second level, where the controls and seats were. Luke, Shawn, and Jase all reached for their weapons and prepared themselves in the intruder alert.

Slowly, the figure walked into view. Over the balcony, the figure met eyes with everyone, surprising them. It was Alice, and she looked serious.

"Wait, aren't you…Alice?" Luke remembered.

"Yeah, I think she is." Abis said.

"How did she get inside? I thought we closed the doors and hatches." Shawn figured.

Alice walked down one of the two curved stairways that read to the lower level area, where they were. "I'm sorry I'm trespassing. I came here because I wanted to talk to you guys about something." She said.

"Talk to us, you say?" Esther inquired.

"Yes." Alice nodded. "Listen, I overheard you guys before, and I wanted to make something clear. Tell me…are you guys really thinking of going behind our backs for this?"

They all had a serious vibe around them when Alice said those words. She found out. Jase didn't look fazed, but the shock was well written on Maggie. They had to make a move to reason now.

"Now wait a minute-!" Shawn went to talk, but Luke's hand moved in front. "Luke?"

Luke remained silent as he faced down Alice. With Abis on his shoulder, he slowly made way in front of everyone towards Alice. The two met in the middle, where they had a long stare down.

Esther watched with belittling awe. 'Luke.'

"Luke…is this all true?" Alice asked Luke directly.

Without hesitation, Luke answered her. "Yeah, Alice. Sorry, but this is what we want…no, what we have to do. Everyone we've met and a lot more are out there, and they probably don't even realize the ground is gonna break beneath them. We need to help in any way we can."

Jase prodded his glasses. "Though, in Luke's standards, that means not holding back."

"I know you're an old friend of the Brawlers, so I get you might not like it…but if you listened, you know we're not going to be stopped by you guys. We had our own experience, and we don't have time to prove it to you."

"I know." Alice said sharply. "And Shun and the others would never agree to this."

"We want to make sure as many people get saved. And everyone here is willing to put their lives out to do that…but that's the least of our worries, because for us to do this, we need as many people in on this now. So please…just let us go."

There was a subtle silence that filled the air once again. They all watched Luke glare down Alice in a mix of worry and awe, save for Jase with his expression unchanged. There was definitely challenge in his tone, but also sympathy. He knew Alice wasn't a target of his frustration, so he kept the tone to as fixed as he could for her to understand.

Alice's fist was clutched to her chest as she still eyed him. When she sighed, she breathed out and relaxed. "…you're right. Shun and the others would never agree to this." She answered. "They'd tell you otherwise and you'd still do it, right?"

Luke slowly nodded.

"I see, and you've been to as many worlds as well. You suffered a great deal all by yourselves and you still pushed forward without stopping. That's why…" She stepped forward, looking deeper into Luke's gaze. "I've made my decision. I'm coming with you."

Everyone in the room was once again stunned. Esther went slightly wide-eyed while light refracted off Jase's glasses. Nobody was able to make heads or tails of how to answer to her claim, especially with everything that's been taken in.

"Well, this is unexpected." Jase nonchalantly said.

For once, Luke was too lost for words. He scrambled for what to say, but all that came out was. "You…huh?" He even had a question mark over his head to show how clueless he was.

"I know what you're thinking, but I mean it. I want to come with you guys." Alice pleaded.

"Hold on, this doesn't make sense." Abis stated. "Didn't we know you're with Shun and the others? So you are you-"

"It's not like that, I swear." She looked down solemnly. "It's just…I think I kinda get where you guys are coming from. When I was on new Vestroia and found Hydranoid, we had to watch as Shun and Marucho battled. I felt…so let out."

"Alice…" Luke didn't know what to say, but this was a time for him to stay quiet and listen.

"But there was a point when we realized we couldn't just sit back and watch it all happen. It was scary, but…at that moment, when we rushed into battle, to save my friends when they told me it was too dangerous, I kinda realized how much further away I was than them. They've grown, in skill and mind. You were right, they're the Battle Brawlers, so they're trying to handle the problem themselves and protect us. They must have forgotten what it's like to just depend on each other. I really did miss them, as well as Hydranoid…that's why if they're going to risk themselves for us, then it's only fair I do the same."

"But hold on." Esther stopped. "Alice, are you saying you're willing to betray their trust as well?"

Alice shook her head. "Maybe, maybe not…but I want to prove to the others that Hydranoid and I can still fight, too."

"Our homes are at risk. No ones deserves the right to tell us how we can't fight for it." Hydranoid retorted.

"You feel the same way as us then." Atchibee stated.

Alice nodded. "So please…let me help in any way that I can."

Luke backpedaled from the slight surprise that was thrown in his face. He was stunned at first, but for a brief second, instead of Alice, he saw himself and his argument against the others. This case of déjà vu put him into perspective. He looked back at Esther, seeing her smile at him. He started smiling back and faced Abis. He nodded, in which he nodded back. Once their minds were made up, he reached a hand out towards Alice.

"Sure, please bear with us if you can." He said. "We need all the help we can get. Thank you."

Alice nodded and shook his hand. "Thanks."

"Alright! Another girl!" Maggie cheered. "Finally, and not someone who doesn't just have cannonballs."

'Cannonballs?' Luke tilted his head, unaware of the snickering Shuji and Shawn, who cleared his throat. Jase remained unfazed, but the comment left Esther more than a little embarrassed.

"I'm sorry…what?" Alice asked.

"Uh, hey~!" Shawn slid between to change the subject. "So since you wanna help, you know a way to convince your grandfather for us to use his transporter?"

"Yeah, will he listen to us?" Verias wondered.

Alice smiled. "Actually…I think I have a better solution." She slowly pulled out a Gate Card. But not just any card, a card that was used back in the early days of Bakugan, the transportation card that she used as Masquerade. "We can use this."

"Hm?" Jelldon tilted a little. "What's that?"

"It looks like a regular Gate Card to me." Shawn deduced.

"That's because it is. You see, with this, I can transport to anywhere in the world in an instant. It was created along with my grandfather's Dimension Transporter. We should get there in a flash."

"Are you sure?" Esther wondered.

Alice nodded. "Positive. I've used this before. Just trust me on this, okay?" Though hesitant for one second, Luke allowed her to move passed her. He allowed her to move to the center and show the card. "Everyone, put your hands atop of mine."

Everyone did as told, with Jase being first, then Shuji, then Maggie, then Shawn, Luke, and finally Esther. The group tensed up as they were all joined with their Bakugan, ready to teleport.

"Okay then…" The card began to glow a rainbow light. "Let's go!"

The light enveloped not just them, but the whole Trailer. The light show illuminated the top of the tower momentarily. That light then faded, leaving a rooftop's landing pad empty.

Down by his domain, still meditating, Shun's eyes slowly opened. He knew what happened.

---

In his cottage, the dishes were being done by Michael as he just finished supper. He was washing the scum and sauce off with the soft side of the sponge. Suddenly a bright light outside his window caught his attention.

"Huh?" He looked out the window into the darkness, seeing the light fade. "What was that?" He stopped doing the dishes and went outside. When he opened the door, he was surprised when he saw the massive Trailer in one piece, standing right before his porch. "How did this get here?"

The hatch to the top began undoing itself, leaving Michael to remain on guard. As it opened like a lid, the first face he saw was Alice. "Grandfather!"

Michael blinked. "Alice?"

---

Key coordinates were being put into the connections to the Dimension Transporter. Michael was working diligently to make sure it was still running smoothly like it was before. After fixing several bugs, he was managing while the others were tending to themselves.

"So is this going to work like last time?" Luke asked.

"I sure hope so." Shuji scoffed. "I swear all this space travel is making me sweat."

"That's funny because you always sweat." Maggie teased, earning a glare of defiance from Shuji. Surprising enough he was passed the point of yelling.

"Don't worry." Alice assured. "My grandfather made sure this trip will run as smoothly as he can. It'll work, promise."

Esther held her tongue as she looked at Alice again. She could tell she was genuine, but seeing her this serious and devoted with Hydranoid was a shocker, even for her. 'So this is a former Battle Brawler…Alice Gehabich…Hydranoid's partner.' She saw the emotion in her brown eyes, telling her all she wanted to know. She smiled.

"Seems that preparations are set for us." Jase noted. "Is everyone set?"

Everyone looked towards the other once again, nodding with serious expressions evident. This was no time to get excited nor cocky; Shuji and Luke were above that. Lives were on the line, so they have to bring their warface.

Michael started up the machine as the coordinates were jumpstarting themselves. Frequencies and reading were synchronizing as the door to the transporter slowly opened. On the other side, one could see the dimensional tunnel what will lead them to their next destination: Gundalia.

"There it is…" Luke awed.

Michael turned towards the Trailer. "Alright, the trip is all set. You're all sure about this? This is going to be another one-way trip, I hope you realize that."

Esther nodded. "We do."

"Not to be rude, but we're kinda used to this whole 'one-way' thing, Doctor." Maggie said.

Michael nodded. "I understand." He turned towards Alice, sharing a longing gaze with his granddaughter. His face fell slightly at the path that had to be taken. "Alice, is this what you want?"

Alice gave an affirmative nod to her grandfather. "Yes, Grandfather. I'm sure. Everyone else is going to fight here, too. If I don't contribute, then our world's chances will only shorten." She stepped forward, smiling comfortingly. "I'll be fine, I promise."

Michael was a mix of both shock and pride. He was a little discomforted knowing his closest granddaughter was going into another life or death battle with odds stacked against her, but he couldn't bring himself to stop her. That look in her eyes said it all.

He slowly pulled Alice in for an endearing hug. "Okay…just be careful out there."

Alice returned the embrace. "I will, thanks."

Once the two separated, everyone loaded into the Trailer and got the okay from Michael. Once set, Jase hit the gas to the Trailer and the vehicle slowly moved into the transporter. The massive tank-like structure once again barely fit as it passed through the gate. Once it was through, Michael shut it, leaving the fate in the hands of everyone else.

"Good luck to you all…" he hoped as the lab fell silent.

---

Gundalia, a planet that many would hardly consider anything like the others they've been to. The ground was a bleak gray like granite. The land for the most part could hardly be considered anything but inhabitable, save for a multitude of dark spires supporting what looked like the crust with moon-like holes to allow some aspects of light into the underworld. Strangely enough, green cracks ran about along the crust area to give even more alien-like appeal.

The dimensional hole slowly opened, getting bigger until it was the size of a two-story house. Slowly, the Trailer moved on its many wheels and treaded onto Gundalian ground. They've reached their arrival.

"Woah, so this is Gundalia?" Shuji looked at the monitors on his screen, seeing bare gray rock formations everywhere. He whistled in his own shock. "Man…"

"Look at all this, are you guys seeing this?" Fly Beetle questioned. He was currently on the windowsill with the other Bakugan, observing their surroundings.

"This is something new." Verias noted.

"Really? I don't know. I'm getting a case of déjà vu here guys." Jelldon noted.

"Did you go jelly diving again before leaving?" Atchibee inquired.

Jelldon flushed red in his ball form. "N-no!" he squealed. He looked at Abis and Verias. All three had some case of nervousness on them. He gulped. "Well, maybe just a quick dip." He whimpered.

"Hey, don't knock it till you try it." Abis retorted.

"Yeah, it actually feels great." Verias added.

Atchibee sighed. "Honestly, you three…even after evolving, some things just never change."

Atmos looked up and around at the moon-like surface. "This world…I can feel the energy crawling beneath us. There's life here, Bakugan life."

"So then what do we do from here?" Luke asked.

"What we normally do." Jase answered.

"Okay, and that's…?"

A smirk crossed Jase's lips. "What else? Wing it." His little sarcastic, teasing tone was what made Luke floor hard, prompting a laugh from Maggie and a snort from Shuji.

"Yeah I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point." Shawn smirked. "One-ways and running into stuff is like a hobby now, don't you think Esther?"

"More or less." She calmly answered. "It's been a basis of luck for our end…we'll just have to see how far until it's pushed enough."

Alice remained silent as she and Hydranoid observed the group as they seemed so intrigued, but also captivated by the other and their surroundings. She didn't know it that was supposed to be good or bad, but the impression given off felt rather…homey.

She softly smiled until she saw something ahead. "You guys, look!"

"What is it?" Shuji looked down at his screen. On it he could see many read dots forming some kind of straight line horizontally. The 'WARNING' signals were all too clear for them.

"Seems we're closing in on frontlines." Jase answered. "Everyone, on your guard."

About a mile's trek, they soon came across a strong-armed force that was in a straight line like a border. The border was enclosed with what looked like massive drone-like spiders with spikes on them. On them were a variety of Bakugan of attributes, mainly bipedal ones that could manually operate them. And upfront were soldiers posted and looking around.

"Is that…Battlegear?" Maggie inquired, seeing the drone scorpion machines crawling around.

"Man, and I thought this planet couldn't get any freakier." Shuji murmured. "Guess they aren't fond of welcomes much if they have this kind of front doorstep."

"Well I guess it can't hurt to check it out." Fly Beetle suggested.

With their guards up, everyone came to a halt on the Trailer a sit parked itself. The Gundalian forces all noticed the strange silver tank that had stopped, leading them to aim their weapons at them as they exited the Trailer and made their marks.

"Why, hello there gentlemen." Jase calmly greeted. "Perhaps are we in the middle of something?"

Two Gundalian scouted approached them, holding their spears. "State your business!" one demanded.

'Yeesh! Harsh.' Maggie flinched.

Despite the crude tone, Jase fixed his glasses once again. "My apologies, allow us to be introduced. We come here from Earth, I'm sure you're familiar with that world."

The other grunt grunted. "Yeah, we know."

"Yeah, and those earthlings were what made us lose that war to begin with." The Gundalian pointed a spear at Jase's face. "You better have an excuse before we have to take you into custody for trespassing!"

Jase remained unfazed, not showing even the slightest emotion. "I was aware of that tale from my world as well. However, wasn't that all entailed in the past? I'm fairly certain that you can compromise your grudges to heed us for just a moment?"

"And if we don't?" The grunts' answers were in the form of Luke and Shawn. Both stepped up with hands on their own weapons in self-defense. The soldiers' spears directed towards them, where everyone got to a stalemate.

"Luke! Guys!" Alice warned.

"We come here to warn you is all, not to bring harm." Jase said. "If you lower your weapons, we shall, too."

"What's going on here?" All personnel stand down and backed away as a line in the blockade was separated to allow someone through. The group got their hands away from their weapons as someone showed up. This person was very well dressed in Gundalian-themed clothing. He had yellow toe-claws, with gray pants that were blocked by a tunic and cloth combo to had red eye patterns. There was a red diamond at where the belly button would be, with deep red accents at the ribs. He had black sleeves with purple end, with thin yellow lines separating the two layers. The shoulders had thick yellow, bony pauldrons with dragon fangs and more red eyes. The man's face was pale with Gundalian eyes and short spiky white hair that stood up. A yellow bony crown-like plate was over his eyes and nose, making up the forehead.

The leader walked up to Jase, leaving everyone to hold their tongues as their gazes met.

"I apologize for our behavior." He said.

"No, it's fine." Jase dismissed. "We understand your confusion."

"I see, and you want us to hear you out on something important you say?" he put a hand to his hips. "Tell me, what's the meaning of all this?"

"It's a very complicated story. Tell me, are you perhaps familiar with the Battle Brawlers?"

The man's eyes slightly widened upon the mention of his old friends. Friends that he grew fond of and accustomed too. Still, he didn't show it. "…that depends, under what circumstances are they being brought up?"

Alice approached with a plea. "Please, we beg you. All we ask is that you try to listen to us." She said.

The man turned towards Alice. "And who might you be?"

"My name is Alice Gehabich. I'm a fellow Bakugan Battle Brawler, and a friend of Shun and Marucho. We've come here to warn you."

The man's guard lowered. The name's definitely rung bells. 'Wait…she knows Shun…and Marucho?' He thought of the last time they were here. While things seemed rocky, he can't help but worry. Slowly he turned towards his men. "Everyone, stand down. These guys are nonhostile."

All personnel and their Mobile Assault vehicles backed off. They resumed their stations elsewhere. The man turned back towards Alice and the others.

"For both our sakes, this better not be a joke. Allow me to introduce myself first…" The man began glowing, and his body altered very meekly. As the color changed, the hands and face were a dark smooth tone like human skin, with the crown gone to show a forehead. His eyes were a little bigger.

"Woah, did he just change to human?" Maggie gasped.

"I didn't know Gundalians could do that!" Jelldon gasped.

"My name is Ren Crawler. I'm the head of the Gundalian Forces to serve and protect our people and Bakugan." He reached a hand out. "Pleased to meet people who also know of the Brawlers too."

Jase shook hands with Ren. "We're pleased to meet you, Ren."

Luke sighed in relief. "That's a relief. I thought things were gonna go wrong there again…" He was smacked on the shoulder by Shawn. "Ow!"

"Hey, don't jinx us now Luke." Shawn rebuffed. "Besides…something tells me we're not even close to being out of the woods here."

"You're right."

Ren observed them all. "So what's this about that's so important? It must be urgent if you guys came all the way to Gundalia just to see us. You could've just called if you needed."

"We only wish it were that simple." Esther noted. "Our communications aren't as advanced as yours. Plus interdimensional signals may very well get intercepted. We were fortunate to even make it here."

Ren raised a brow. "Sounds like trouble."

"May it be alright if we are granted permission to speak to any available superior, or perhaps a base where you can allow us to debrief the situation?"

Ren nodded. "Yes. We have a base approximately 5 kilometers to the east. Of course I know you guys might mean well…" Ren glanced around, signaling two soldiers behind to prevent them from going anywhere. "But under regulations, you still need to be supervised, just in case something fishy comes up."

"We can abide to that." Jase answered. "So everyone, we all in agreement?"

"Works for me." Shawn replied.

"Heh, guess so." Shuji said. "We better get a move on, time's already messed up."

True to his words, everyone moved themselves to the Trailer and began their slow trek. It was very slow, but nevertheless, it's what gradually dragged them pass the opening of the frontlines. Two personnel and two Bakugan on the spider-like Mobile Assault vehicles followed the Trailer as Ren was on the move.

---

In another massive room with bleak lighting around the dark ceiling, the floor was sparkled in white while Hades Pillars was in front of many panels. Rogue Zero soon teleported to their side, kneeling before their attributed superiors.

"Are you ready?" Cyrus insinuated.

"Yes, we are." Maximus answered, a blunt but serious tone in his reply. "This time, we will make sure this next invasion goes just as last time."

Cyrus' glare narrowed. "I expect no less. We of Hades Pillars will teleport the modified Empyrean. Once that happens, our forces will take Gundalia by surprise and embed ourselves into their rock. Try to recall the white layers if you can. Maximus."

Maximus' taunting was getting annoying. He snarled angrily just enough for the others to hear.

"Now then." Cyrus swiped his arm. "Let us proceed!" With a swipe of his arm, the entire room was engulfed in a bright light.

---

The tank and the robotic suites kept moving along, minding their own business. Everyone was following the protocols just like the Gundalians wanted, specifically Ren. While he floated on a saucer-like machine fitted for him, the Trailer followed at an even pace. Jase made sure to keep the systems on his watch while everyone else settled in on the way there.

"Thanks again for the help, Alice." Shawn thanked the orangette. "We really appreciate it."

Alice shook her head. "It's fine. I'm just glad we all could come to an understanding, that's all." She looked down dejectedly. "I really wish we didn't have to fight."

Luke looked down dejectedly. "Yeah, me too…"

"But sometimes the only means for someone to understand is to enact their points." Jase got everyone's attention. He was still driving, but was listening well. "We all want for this to end as badly as anyone else, but our enemies act in violence, and as you know, violence only creates more violence. A terrible cycle that's part of the balance of life."

"It's a cruel reality." Esther's expression remained quelled on the somber note. "But that's more of a reason to try and set an example of what a meaningful fight is worth."

"Yeah, I hear that." Shawn grinned.

Luke agreed with what she said. Everyone did. While Shuji and Maggie were busy tending to themselves watching out in the events of an attack on their radars, Luke was finding himself seeing the landscape unchanged. As strange as it felt, the crevices and the terrain itself reminded him very vaguely of when he was on Interacia, and that talk he had with Luka. "I take it that you don't know much then. Typical. That explains why you were dumb enough to not heed my warning beforehand." Those were the words that Luka spoke when he and Luke talked one-on-one…way back when. And he was right, Luke realized he knew nothing back then, but things have changed.

'Luka…' Remembering the cold face the Haos avenger had when he declared his threat, Luke wasn't going to play dumb again. 'I may not have known much…but I'm learning because of you. I hope you know that. So the next time we see each other…I'll show you who I am.'

Ren was on his pedestal when a red siren beeped on his meter reader. "Hm? What the-?!"

Suddenly the ground began to shake beneath everyone. They all held onto something as seismic waves trembled beneath them, leaving very insufficient footholds for the men and the Mobile Assault Vehicles.

Up along the frontlines, the readings were just as bad for some of the soldiers. "W-what's going on?!" a soldier cried out.

The ground began to crack apart as fissures of magenta and darkness began heading their way. From within the cracks and hue, silhouettes of various shapes of large creatures howled as they spouted with machine gun-like projections on their backs.

Before the soldiers realized it, many screamed in peril as gunfire blocked everything else out.

Esther turned and gasped. "These seismic readings…no!"

Shawn's glare hardened. He knew all too well what this meant. "…Riaan."

As the Trailer went along, cracks within Gundalian grounds rapidly spread. As if crawling back from the dead, claws and hands of Bakugan were slowly clawing their respective members out. Gren, Scaboid, Luxtor, even dormant Longfly arose with machine gun-like weapons on their backs. From all direction, spouting like daisies, the land of Gundalia was crawling with Bakugan that looked like their own, with attributed colors to match, however, the Battlegear equipped was black, with silver rimming and magenta where white would be.

Deep within the crust, a magenta light was coursing through the ground from a shimmering white palace that tunneled as far low towards Gundalian undergrounds. In its white wake that barreled into darkness, pitch-black was within the building until a dim magenta glow came from the eyes of Armagedoid.

Inside the same dark room, Riaan closed his eyes. "Seems that the procedure has begun."

Armagedoid growled.

"Now…shall we begin…Empyrean Gama!" He raised his arms as he yelled out. His entire room was ignited with magenta accents all around that ignited like fireworks.

Armagedoid extinguished a voluminous roar that echoed throughout the corridor. His shrilled cries made the magenta accents glow far brighter as it spread slowly through the palace.

"Snap! Guys, look down!" Shuji warned. Looking beneath the Trailer, the ground was about to come apart from the fissures that were rising with infectious magenta aura.

"Hang on! Switching our functions!" Jase began punching in coordinates and turning thrusters. Shawn and Shuji were doing the same. "Everyone, activating the turbos! We're gonna get airborne!"

The Trailer began changing its functions as the wheels started to shift down. Once they were below the Trailer, the back hatches started to hum as turbines ignited. The Trailer's side unhinged the wings and began to slowly lift off the ground, just in time as the fissures caught up to them.

Ren looked back with shock. "Break formation, now!"

The Mobile Assault vehicles operated behind Luke's posse couldn't keep up. They were built for power, not speed. As the fissures opened up and closed in, the soldiers that were operating them were forced to jump off to the sides and tumble away. Their Bakugan morphed to ball forms and returned to them while the machines themselves lost footing and slowly slumped into the craters, burying themselves within falling rubble while a multitude of Bakugan shot skywards in its place.

Ren was at a loss for words. 'Bakugan…' He saw the Twin Destructors on all their backs, along with some upholding cannons on their backs. 'Wait…Battlegear? Is this what they were trying to warn us about?'

Many of the Bakugan roared as they all open-fired. The ground shuddered as cannons were fired, shooting across the horizon into rock formations and breaking down the land. Other Bakugan with Twin Destructors on their backs were open-firing down on others and soldiers who were trying to fight back, but they were all gunned down. The uprising was too big of a shock, and Luke's team was on the run, or rather in this case, flight.

Shawn banged his fist against his module. "Snap! They came just when we did!"

"This isn't good! They're gonna gun us down if we don't get this bucket going!" Shuji warned. "Yo, Jase! Just how fast can this thing go?!"

Jase remained calm as he was handling the controls. "We're nearing the sequence for the thrusters. It's still taking some time."

Maggie gasped. "Wait! What about that Ren guy?!"

From the crowd, Alice sprinted towards the hatch. As she made her move, Luke and Esther looked towards each other with the Darkus girl nodding. Nodding back, the two bolted together towards Alice to open the hatch.

"What the-?! Guys!" Shawn shouted, but the message didn't get through.

Atop the flying Trailer, Alice moved her way towards the side to prevent herself from falling off. She slowly made her way and slide onwards towards the back. Hanging on by the railing, she faced the many Bakugan who were open-firing up and around them. Soon Luke and Esther followed behind.

Getting out Hydranoid, Alice faced the challenge with a brave face. "I'm going to give us some cover! We have to hurry, Hydranoid!" she told him.

"Yes, Alice! I am ready!" The Darkus Bakugan closed his ball form, ready.

"We'll handle the ground forces and get Ren!" Esther told Alice. "Luke!"

Luke nodded. "Got it! Let's go!"

"Right!" Alice clutched her fist, bracing herself once more. 'Okay…here goes nothing!' She threw Hydranoid. "Bakugan, brawl! Hydranoid, stand!" In a vast dark purple light, Alpha Hydranoid arose in midair and unleashed a triple threat roar throughout the atmosphere. Alice, Esther, and Luke hopped onto his back as the Darkus Bakugan expanded his wings and glided down towards the fray.

"Let's bring the pain!" Hydranoid declared.

"Right, let's return fire! Ability, activate! Extreme Chaos Leap Sting!" Hydranoid's tendrils shot out from the bottom of his wings to make demonic heads open and expel dark energy blasts in similar laser fashion.

The downwards barrage had greater momentum as gravity shot them clean through shortened projectile blasts. With his superior strength included, Hydranoid's barrage was tearing up the ground beneath some grounded Bakugan. Dark explosions swallowed up everything around Hydranoid as midair and grounded creatures couldn't escape his barrage.

Ren's eyes widened in slight surprise as he saw the sharpshooting blast wave saving him. "No way…!"

With the cover fire and eruptions as cover, Hydranoid drifted low enough to land. Once his red claws hit the gray earth, Esther and Luke hopped off and looked up towards her.

"We'll be fine!" Esther shouted.

"Hurry, get the air fighters out of the way! We'll handle the ones down here!" Luke insisted.

Nodding, Alice took off with Hydranoid. "Alright! Be careful!" she shouted as she flew skywards with Hydranoid again. They sailed higher, and Alice was certain to remain focused. 'Alright, time to put those old skills to the test!'

She and Hydranoid took off, leaving Luke and Esther on the ground to face the snarling, armed forces.

"Esther…"

"I know, Luke…they should be here as well."

They didn't have to clarify what the other felt, they already knew the answer to whom they referred to. As many Bakugan were roaming about like wild animals, the stage was set as from the crowd of monsters, black boots walked up alongside other dark cleats that churned ground beneath.

Two pairs of rough, angry eyes glared at Esther's cold glare, as well as Luke's calm. There, as dust passed them and faded, Maximus Rogue and Xander Hellion were on the frontlines, leading the army entrusted to them.

"Xander." Esther spoke crudely.

"Maximus." Luke growled.

Xander darkly smirked. "You missed us? I think I'm actually touched."

Maximus chuckled. "Ah, my old friend Luke." He chimed in a nonchalant manner. "So nice to see you again. I trust your little day off from me was a splendid one."

Luke held a calm composure as he regarded his attacker's notions. He most certainly felt the spite coming off him, but went right for the point. "We thought you'd be here or Neathia. Looks like we were right."

Maximus smirked. "And I applaud you for your insight. You really know how to stick onto us, don't you…you're like…gum on someone's shoe that doesn't seem to come off. Now isn't that such a painful, disgusting thought?"

Luke glared at the point made. Rather than regard it, he turned towards Esther. "Esther."

"We know." She faced Xander. "We'll handle Xander as quick as possible." She moved off to the side to give herself some space needed for her side of the fight.

"What's this? You calling me out?" Xander sneered.

"You have a problem with that?"

"Not at all." He smirked. "In fact, I was just thinking about you. I wanted to…personally thank you for that revelation you showed me back on Vestal."

"If you intend to oblige…" Esther held out Dusk Atchibee ball form. "Then we'll stop you!"

Xander held up Hyper Dragonoid. "I'm going to enjoy this…seeing you burn will be the highlight of my day."

---

Luke and Maximus were squaring off against each other for the umpteenth time. At this point, both sides knew that this was getting old and repetitive. It was annoying to say the least, for Maximus and Luke alike to be sustaining this much from the other's power. Recently, Maximus' loathe was groundbreaking, and that's saying something when he lost it last time.

"It's time that we end this. Maximus." Abis insisted. "Are you not getting how this is going?"

Maximus didn't look like he was in the mood for talk. "Oh trust me, I know all too well. Goblinball and I are looking to end this, too. So…be good dogs, and lie down."

Luke stepped forward. "Over our dead bodies!"

Maximus' twisted smirk scrunched with sadistic joy. "That can be happily arranged."

Luke's brow furrowed. He and Abis Omega glared down their nemesis with scrunched expressions of their own. 'If we let up now, he might get to the others. Knowing Rogue Zero they must be hunting us down like usual. We have to take them down so we can get to the base!'

Maximus: 100% Luke: 100%

"Ready or not, Luke! Here I come! Gate Card, set!" Shifting a card and swiping, the card slid across the ground to the center and faded to dark purple. Holding up Goblinball, he prepared for the brawl. "Let's go, Goblinball! Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Rise, Darkus Goblinball!"

In a dark cyclone of raw energy, a dark silhouette arose and opened his maw, revealing an eyeball. Goblinball expelled a raw, shrilling roar towards the atmosphere.

"Alright Abis, you ready to go?" Luke questioned, glaring forward.

"Let's go!" Closing his ball form, Abis Omega allowed Luke to clutch him.

"Bakugan, brawl!" Luke threw Abis onto the ground, where he bounced several times until reaching a point. "Bakugan, stand! Let's go, Aquos Frill Abis Omega!"

In a blue light that encompassed the battlefield, a geyser of water spouted from below. Within the raging pressure, one massive fin flexed on one side, dispelling the water. Then another, showing identical accents. Then a massive head fin flexed, showing even more similar accents. Lastly, a massively long tail whipped in front, whipping sprays away. With sharp orange eyes widening, a monstrously long serpentine creature craned his head and opened his maw, glowing many sharp teeth as the air split with his shrilled roar.

Goblinball: 500 Frill Abis Omega: 600

Looking at the power gap, Maximus remained unimpressed. "Ha! Evolved or not, it makes no difference."

"We'll see about that." Luke challenged. Alongside him, Frill Abis Omega readied for battle as he sneered.

"Yes, we shall…" Maximus showed an ability that was ready to be used. "Ability, activate! Darkus Slave!" Starting off strong, Goblinball flapped his wings, expelling glossy purple-white projectiles that flung at Abis as he remained still.

Luke calmly lifted his Bakumeter, showing an ability of his own. "Ability, activate! Mirror Shock!"

Frill Abis Omega remained perfectly still as he flexed the frills all over his upper body. When the projectiles zoomed in, every single one bounced off the blue membranes and back at Goblinball, only there was blue energy mixed with the dark energy to intensify it as it traveled and bombarded Goblinball, causing the Bakugan to scream in agony.

Goblinball: 500 (-400) = 100 Frill Abis Omega: 600 (+300) = 900

Goblinball screamed as he slammed hard into the ground, causing a quake that Maximus had to cover up from. Once the shockwaves passed, Goblinball was stammering while Abis didn't have a single scratch.

"Lucky shot." Maximus snarled. "Double ability, activate! Shadow Snatch, plus Darkus Force!" Goblinball's eyeball dilated as he slammed his hand and claws on the ground. From them, a straight line of dark shadows raced up at Abis and quickly got beneath him.

Abis looked down with caution before tendrils of shadows shot up around him and clamped down like netting. Webbing of shadows tried to cover his long, slim body while Goblinball dilated his eye again and expelled a dark energy blast at the restrained Abis.

Goblinball: 100 (+200 +300) = 600 Frill Abis Omega: 900 (-200) = 700

"Let's see you top that, Luke." Maximus challenged. The blast wave continued its course, closing in on Abis as the shadows continued to hold him down.

Grunting slightly, Luke remained confident as he showed another ability. "Ability, activate! Dive Bomb!" Abis let out a roar as he saw the attack heading his way. His body arched as his frills folded and he dove into the ground. Shockingly, he dove into it like it was water, even making some liquid splashes.

"What?!" Maximus shrieked. "He just disappeared!"

Goblinball looked shocked as his attack went on, missing and dissipating. He looked down at the ground to see where Abis may be coming up. All they saw was a blue blur swim through the ground until was beneath Goblinball. By the time he looked down, a geyser of spouting water erupted like an explosion beneath, sending magnitudes of waves skywards.

Goblinball: 600 (-300) = 300 Frill Abis Omega: 700

The spout gushed into Goblinball's underside, but he was resisting the best he could, yet it was still deterring him. Abis suddenly shot up from the gushing eruption and bashed Goblinball like a shark beneath a boat. The impact sent Goblinball skywards, where he was suspended until Abis' tail swung up and around, slamming hard into Goblinball and embedding him into the ground.

'Such strength. Is this really the power of their new evolutions?' Maximus looked up, seeing the undeterred face of Luke and his serpent ally. Neither had a gaze of ill-confidence nor fear. It was hard to tell what they were saying, but it was anything but what Maximus wanted them to be. "You little…" Angered, he tossed up a black and purple cube. "I call Bakugan Trap, Darkus Fortress!" In a dark purple light, Fortress revealed itself with all the guns locked on. "Now, commence docking!" On command, Fortress allowed itself to open as Goblinball fluttered towards the center, where he inserted his arms and aimed the cannons, with the visor glowing red.

Goblinball: 300/Fortress: 400 = 700 Frill Abis Omega: 700

"Are you getting all excited, Luke?" Maximus taunted.

Luke shot glares of annoyance. "Why would I be excited. We're in a life and death battle and you're just trying to play boogie man? You're not even taking this seriously anymore, are you?"

Somehow what Luke said struck a nerve. With a snarl, Maximus revealed two abilities. "Oh really? Why don't I show you just how serious I'm taking this then? Ability, activate! Crossfire!" Aiming all his cannons, Goblinball grunted and began to open fire on Abis with continual explosive barrages beaming across the ground his way.

Goblinball: 300/Fortress: 400 (+300) = 700 = 1000 Frill Abis Omega: 700 (-300) = 400

As explosions continually went off in the domain, Luke remained still as he had his swords in continual bunts.

"Now, Goblinball! Ability, activate! Lore-X!" In a bright core that enveloped the Darkus Bakugan, the chords slowly integrated into his skin. Veins of darkness could be seen manifesting and darkening his coating as a dark aura was swirling through the cannon barrels and into and around the maw. The eye began glowing red as it looked like a spiraling void was being created.

Goblinball: 300 (+1200) = 1500/Fortress: 700 = 2200 Frill Abis Omega: 400

The dark energy as crackling around Abis as a typhoon of dust kept spiraling out of control. The immense energy field being brought up continued to surge while Maximus was cloaked in darkness, looking at Luke in an intimidating fashion. The madman was starting to chuckle as he could feel the power make him that much stronger.

Even through it, Luke remained completely calm. Rather than acknowledge the goosebumps on his body, it wasn't from the power…it was the cold. Looking ahead with his own gaze of coldness. He and another pair of eyes glinted in the dust.

"Destroy them, now!" Maximus ordered, pointing forward.

"Prepare for my wrath!" Aiming all the arm cannons, Goblinball concentrated all the firepower through the barrels. Ten massive void-like blasts shot across the atmosphere at the typhoon of dust and darkness surrounding their prey.

Calmly, Luke showed an ability. "Ability, activate! Filter Cannon!"

The dark energy blasts shot into the dust, creating a maelstrom that surged around with dark winds. Maximus smirked as his attack had its mark, however, that smirk faded when he saw something blue shimmering.

The three orange jewels on Abis' chest area were humming as they shined a bright blue. The membranes along the frills were absorbing all the firepower from Fortress and Goblinball's attacks, and they were making the frills even more glossy, like shimmering water that rippled when rain drizzles onto it.

"What?!"

"Filter Cannon is an ability unique to Frill Abis Omega." Luke told. "He can use his frills to reflect attacks back, but also absorb harsh impacts and filter it into his own power right back at ya!" To clarify, The fire barrage ceased attacking Abis, revealing his three gems shimmering.

Maximus grunted. He should've known Luke would pull something like this. "Gnnngh…fine, then how about this on for size! Gate Card, open!" The card was going to open, but for some reason, it didn't. "What the-?! My Gate Card won't open!"

"That's the effect of Dive Bomb. It blocks you from opening your Gate Card." Luke reached forward. "Let's go, Abis!"

Abis roared as the glossy membrane began to slowly erode the energy into the body. The power went into the chest of the three gems, which traveled towards the maw with bright glistening force ready to be launched. "Take…THIS!" Lurching forward, his maw unleashed a voluminous blast wave of sheer glossy blue energy that tore up the earth s it traveled at Goblinball and Fortress.

Goblinball: 1500 (-1200) = 300/Fortress: 700 (-300) = 400 = 700 Frill Abis Omega: 400 (+300 +400) = 1100

The monstrous wake of the attack continued its course in a fast-moving beam that dared not slow down. The shockwave of the attack made dust waves explode across the Gundalian grounds as the raw power engulfed Goblinball and Fortress. They both almost immediately went to ball form, returning to Maximus' feet as he slid back from the force and kneeled from the recoil.

Maximus: 20%

"Curse you…!" Maximus snarled.

Abis reverted to ball form, returning to Luke's hand. Without even a remark, Luke remained focused for the next round. However, Maximus was losing his cool.

"You…you won't get away with this, you hear me?!" he shouted. "I will make you learn your place, you meddlesome good-for-nothing! I'll show you why you need fear!"

Luke kept that in mind but chose to continue the battle. Without a word, he threw the Gate Card into battle, making it fade in a blue ripple over the flattened ground.

"Abis, you ready for another round?"

"I'm ready when you are, Luke…let's show him what we're made of."

Luke nodded. "Right, let's go! Bakugan, brawl! Frill Abis Omega, stand!" In another blue light, a cyclone of water dissipated as Frill Abis Omega flexed all his fins.

His boiling angst on the rise, Maximus picked up Goblinball again and leered back at Luke. 'That nuisance. Why is he always-?!' In a short flash, his mind saw Cyrus behind Luke, making his eyes widen.

"And now that problem of yours has evolved beyond your control…suppose your fear has gotten the best of you."

Cyrus' words broke another chord in Maximus' mentality. Snarling like a hungry wild dog, his eyes dilated as he seethed hate-filled leers that could melt holes through iron. "I'm going to destroy you!" he lowly roared. "Bakugan, brawl! Goblinball, stand!" In another powerful dark light, Goblinball arose for battle. "And now, Bakugan Trap, Fortress!" He shot his arm up, shooting and summoning Fortress again. "Now dock!" Once more, the two fused, and Goblinball, aimed the arm cannons once more with gusto;

Goblinball: 500/Fortress: 400 = 900 Frill Abis Omega: 600

"I'm tired of this, Luke!" Maximus roared. "It's time we put you and your pet down for good! Ability, activate! Darkus Impact!" Goblinball aimed the arm cannons and began firing dark energy from the ten cannons that bolted into Abis.

Luke calmly brought up an ability. "Ability, activate! Frill Rippler!" Abis flexed all his fins wide again, allowing the beams to strike him wide membranes. Upon impact, however, the membranes all shined bright blue before repulsing the projectiles beams with ripple-like shockwaves that tunneled around the onwards assault,

"What?!" Goblinball's eye shrunk as his attack returned in sharper beams than before. The various impacts caused serious damage to the Fortress body, beaming holes through some spots, creating static as the blue shockwaves picked them up like a tidal wave and smashed them into the ground.

Goblinball: 500 (-300 -200) = 0/Fortress: 400 = 400 Frill Abis Omega: 600 (+200) = 800

"No! Goblinball!" Maximus roared out. He looked at Luke with growing anger. "Why you…!"

"Maximus, stop." Luke insisted. "You're breaking yourself apart just because you're scared. Is this really worth it to you?"

Maximus showed two abilities. "What do you know about me?!" he accused angrily. "Like you know the struggles to survive in a place so dead to everyone else! Double ability, activate! Crossfire, plus Darkus Force!" In his seething angst, Goblinball began operating Fortress again, though at a much slower rate due to the damage of the previous attack, but the cannons were still operable. Dark energy beams fired out of the barrels as static raged.

Goblinball: 0 (+300) = 300/Fortress: 400 (+300) = 700 = 1000 Frill Abis Omega: 800 (-300) = 500

The barreling green beams headed their way, but Luke and Abis remained calm and braced for it.

"Ability, activate! Storm Drain!" Abis roared skywards as water began to swirl beneath. It traveled across the field in a whirlpool that began spouting raging currents. The cyclone of water had extreme pressure to it as a wall of its mass spun around and expanded out from Abis, dissipating all the beams.

Goblinball: 300 (-300) = 0/Fortress: 700 (-300) = 400 = 400 Frill Abis Omega: 500 (+300) = 800

The whirlpool raged and engulfed Fortress' systems. The mechanical trap was unable to move due to anchorage, allowing the cyclone to briefly swallow it and Goblinball. Strong currents brushed against Goblinball as he tried to endure, but Fortress wasn't so lucky. Water git into the holes created before, causing even more static to surge. The visor on Fortress was blinking, causing Goblinball's vision to be nothing but static.

'Fortress' systems are malfunctioning. It can't use the cannons again.' Maximus mentally cursed himself off for his problems surging.

In his mind, flashes of a small boy hidden in the shadows of another realm-like area could be seen. This demented child had a serious, shuddering look around as he looked up at the unbearable dark sky. When lightning flashed down, this boy's vision turned white.

Maximus' fingers started twitching. 'No…I am fearless. I will be the true devil that no one will look down on! Especially this little…punt…insignificant…!' His angst at a boil, he showed another ability. "Goblinball, we're charged up! Let's show him our power! Ability, activate! Lore-X!"

Within the whirlpool, Abis and Luke could see a dark light emanating from within the depths. The water actually started darkening as the infectious void started turning water molecules into darkness, which seeped into a spiral around Goblinball. The Bakugan snarled as the power from the surrounding atmosphere channeled into him.

Goblinball: 0 (+1000) = 1000/Fortress: 400 = 1400 Frill Abis Omega: 800

While the Darkus energy was surging through the atmosphere, Luke and Abis looked around to find the many of the atoms in the air were channeling into Goblinball's maw. The fangs glowed bright red with the matching slit in the eye.

"This time, no one is stopping me! Not even you!" Maximus taunted.

Luke and Abis shot glances at each other. In that moment, they chose their words and actions carefully.

"Any last words, Luke?!" Maximus raised his arm, his body's attire shifting through the darkness while Goblinball channeled it all, ready to release in one more big blast.

"Yes." He answered softly. "Just five…Gate Card, open! Aquos Hazard!" The Gate Card revealed itself, and soon enough, the command card's light fluctuated as Goblinball and Fortress' bodily color patterns were turning into Aquos. The black became dark blue, while the purple became a softer blue. The glowing yellow eye turned range, and all that darkness around Goblinball dissipated.

Seeing his ability's power dissipate, Maximus' eyes widened. "What the-?! That power! It…"

"It's gone." Luke said. "This Command Card turns all Bakugan on the field except for Subterra into Aquos. You can't channel your Darkus power anymore."

For the umpteenth time, Maximus was at a loss for words. Now it was Luke who was playing with him, and the image of him in the mirror showed itself in a flash, making his eyes shrink.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what happened before to make you like this…but that won't change that what you did was wrong. You were bullying all of us like we were little kids at a playground…this is just sick." He held up his final ability. "Abis, let's finish this!"

"I couldn't agree more." Abis braced himself.

"Ability, activate! Sea Ruler!" Abis glared daggers as his entire body was enveloped in a blue flash. He hissed out before the humidity in the atmosphere started channeling into a mist-like tornado enveloped him. The cyclone went high above, leaving Maximus and Goblinball paralyzed in shock. When the misty cyclone soon dissipated, high in the atmosphere, Abis was within a large sphere of water gathered from the surrounding atmosphere. It was spiraling like a galaxy with pressurized water rings crossing one another, like rings confining Saturn.

Maximus was out of breath. Disbelief surmounted as he saw the evolved version of Dry World in action.

Goblinball: 1000 (-400) = 600/Fortress: 400 = 1000 Frill Abis Omega: 800 (+400) = 1200

"You're right…we do need fear." Luke murmured through the flowing water. "But we don't need it to show others how vulnerable we are, we need it to push ourselves forward!" Luke reached forward. "Abis, let's go!"

Abis roared as he was inside the massive aquatic nebulous in the air. As the water started to spiral and the pressurized rings of water began to spin with it, Abis jettisoned across the airspace in a massive jet f spiraling water. He looked like a shooting comet of hydrodynamic force whose end was shaping a little into a dragon's head. The water actually roared with Abis as he bolted at Goblinball and Fortress.

"No…NO! STAY AWAY!" Maximus outraged, but the cry fell on deaf ears.

The aquatic bolt rampaged clean down onto Goblinball and Fortress. Both Bakugan were immediately picked off their feet and Fortress' mechanical being finally electrocuted so hard that Goblinball screamed as the voltage ran through him. The massive rush enveloped Maximus as he was unable to fight the rushing waves, sending him smashing onto his back while Goblinball reverted to ball form, whereas Fortress' Trap form sizzled with char on it.

Maximus: 0%

Luke and Abis stood tall and proud as they looked down at Maximus, seeing him barely conscious and wet from that last attack. Luke frowned as he thought back to the abusive behaviors Maximus had over them that turned to now.

"This is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth…" he whispered.

---

In another part of the battlefield, completely unaware of what happened, Xander was squaring off against Esther, and both were set. "You sure you think you're up for it?" Xander taunted.

Esther fell silent at his taunts. Either she was serious, or she found Xander unworthy to be spoken to.

Xander shrugged. "Suit yourself. I was hoping for one of those 'last words', but I guess you don't deserve them."

Xander: 100% Esther: 100%

"Gate Card, set!" Xander dropped a Gate Card into the ground, where it slowly eroded out in a bright red shockwave. In between two fingers, Hyper Dragonoid was in ball form. "You ready, Hyper Dragonoid?"

"Trust me, you have no idea." The dragon snarled.

With nothing to lose, Xander threw Hyper Dragonoid. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Rise, Pyrus Hyper Dragonoid!"

In a tornado of spiraling fire, Hyper Dragonoid spun out, flexing his body and screeching madly.

"Very well. Atchibee, let's be ready." Esther threw Atchibee. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Come now, Darkus Dusk Atchibee!"

In a dark purple maelstrom, a vortex spun about for several minutes until it reduced to vermilion sparkles. One scary wing flexed, and then an identical one. Two shimmering silver scythes with purple edging flashed as the sparkles twinkled. Dusk Atchibee let out a ghastly cry, one that made the vermilion dust twinkle brighter.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 Dusk Atchibee: 600

"Let's see what that evolved insect has against a dragon." Xander challenged. "Ability, activate! Pyrus Volting!" Starting off strong and quick, Hyper Dragonoid opened his maw and unleashed a pressurized bolt of flames at Dusk Atchibee.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+300) = 800 Dusk Atchibee: 600

The bolting blast drew closer towards Atchibee, but she was far from impressed. "Esther!"

She nodded. "Yes, I know." She raised her wrist, allowing an ability to shine. "Ability activate, Wormhole!" Dusk Atchibee remained stationary in the air as the two red dots on the inner wing area shined within the black rings. From them, two energy holes of darkness expanded on the wings. The blaze separated into two, where they were absorbed and closed by the wormholes.

"What? She absorbed it?!" Xander exclaimed.

Hyper Dragonoid grunted as he saw Atchibee gain power instead, proven by the Darkus energy surrounding her being.

Hyper Dragonoid: 800 (-300) = 500 Dusk Atchibee: 600 (+300) = 900

"Your power will only feed our own. That is the essence of Darkus." Esther scolded.

Xander's brow furrowed. "We'll see about that. Ability, activate! Blitz Sparta!"

Hyper Dragonoid crouched and surrounded his body in flames. He shot up at Atchibee like a comet of fire. "I'm coming for you!"

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+200) = 700 Dusk Atchibee: 900 (-200) = 700

The comet closed in, but neither side was impressed yet again. Esther showed another ability with serious eyes.

"Ability activate, Chrysalis Shield!" Atchibee fluttered in the air as a solid, purple, crystal-like barrier materialized in front of her, similar to a cocoon shell. Hyper Dragonoid hit the wall head on, but the flames dissipated, leaving him to recoil as shock spilled throughout the body.

Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (-200) = 500 Dusk Atchibee: 700 (+200 +300) = 1200

With the close proximity, Atchibee brought back one of her claws. "I'm the one who's coming for you!" With one slash on ger scythe, a purple trail grazed across Hyper Dragonoid's chest. The intense pain sent the draconic Bakugan to the ground with a thud.

"You've gotta be joking! Not even raw power can break that?!" Xander exasperated.

The dust soon cleared, revealing Hyper Dragonoid getting to a knee, but he was badly shaken up by the backlash of that attack. He gnashed his teeth and glared up, but Atchibee's patterns only challenged him.

Despite the setback, Xander smirked. "Okay, so maybe you've gotten some skills when you evolved. Let's see how you handle…Bakugan Trap, Pyrus Metalfencer!" Metalfencer arose for battle, snarling. "Now, Battle Unit Mode!" Metalfencer's eyes glowed green before it docked onto Hyper Dragonoid. With the mechanical assistance, the Bakugan was able to stand once more in full red bodily armor.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Metalfencer: 400 = 900 Dusk Atchibee: 1200

'So he intends to fight with even more firepower.' Esther nor Atchibee were surprised by this. They already knew that was Xande's style. The Pyrus attribute was being solemn force, and they had to use that.

Xander smirked. "Now let's kick it up! Ability, activate! Red Valkyrie!" Hyper Dragonoid open fired bright orange lasers from the wrist barrels up at Atchibee. The Bakugan crossed her scythes and blocked the incoming barrage.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+200) = 700/Metalfencer: 400 (+200) = 600 = 1300 Dusk Atchibee: 1200

Hyper Dragonoid ascended into the air to Atchibee's height. He continued firing on her, despite how she was easily cutting through the lasers like water.

"Don't stop, Hyper Dragonoid! Keep pushing!" Xander ordered.

Hyper Dragonoid let out a roar as he continued the barrage. It intensified, and even then, Atchibee was taking it all with massive scythes blocking the lasers. Esther was also looking calm.

Deciding to switch things up, Xander swiped his arm. "Gate Card, open! Element Merge!" The Gate Card revealed itself, thus draining power from Dusk Atchibee, A rainbow aura trailed over the moth's aura and over towards Hyper Dragonoid, transferring the power.

Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (+200) = 900/Metalfencer: 600 = 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 1200 (-200) = 1000

"Atchibee…"

Atchibee heard Esther, the Darkus moth making a stiff shriek. "Yes, I know…"

Xander raised a brow. "Know that you're gonna lose? That's rich, even for you." He held up a forbidden card. "Well if you want to lose so bad, let's make it reality! Ability, activate! Fire Blazing-X!" In a bright purple core, tendrils surrounded Hyper Dragonoid as the forbidden card caused a viral heat wave to engulf the Bakugan. He snarled as a plume of towering flames ignited all around.

Hyper Dragonoid: 900 (x2) = 1800/Metalfencer: 600 = 2400 Dusk Atchibee: 1000 (-500) = 500

Within the wall pf towering flames, the visage of Hyper Dragonoid snarling would've sent chills down anyone's spine. However, being accustomed and outgrown this, Esther was again silent while Atchibee endured the booming heat.

"It was a mistake for you to keep meddling in our business…" Xander reached forward. "Now it's time to shut you up for good you girl!"

Hyper Dragonoid screeched as the pressurized flames sharpened. In a heated shockwave, everything within the perimeter was being swallowed by the blaze. It traveled across the ground towards Atchibee, who was still calm like her partner.

"How arrogantly ignorant." Esther murmured. "Ability, activate…Dusk Tornado!" Atchibee let out another cry and she started flapping her wings. Suddenly a dark purple maelstrom whipped up around her, shielding her from the blaze heading her way. All the heat that was supposed to engulf her was stopped by the tornado of dark winds that expanded and swallowed Hyper Dragonoid and Metalfencer.

Hyper Dragonoid: 1800 (-1300) = 500/Metalfencer: 600 (-200) = 400 = 900 Dusk Atchibee: 500 (+500 +200) = 1200

Xander covered up from the harsh maelstrom that was unleashed but he found it difficult to maintain a strong position while holding his ground. "She…nullified my abilities and dropped them back to base?" He looked up at the tornado with shock. "Hyper Dragonoid!"

The Bakugan couldn't heed anything. His body was swirling within the dark winds like a flimsy paper. He screamed loudly before he was reverted to ball form, along with Metalfencer dropping with him. Xander was stunned at how fast they fell.

"No way…"

Xander: 40%

Atchibee returned to Esther as she held a cold, serious expression.

Xander went to pick up his Bakugan as he mulled over that recent loss. 'What was that just now. That power…' He looked up at Esther, seeing her completely composed. It was like that battle didn't have any effect on her. 'She only used one attack and turned all our power into dust. Did they seriously get this much better?'

"I hope you realize the more you struggle to accept, the harder it is for you." Esther noted. "After battling me a few times, you think I would know that position."

Xander growled. "And you think that changes anything?"

"No…" She held out a Gate Card. "And that's why we will rid Gundalia of you as swift as possible. Gate Card, set!" She threw the card out, making it fade into a purple shockwave over the earth. "Bakugan, brawl!" Once more in a dark whirlwind, Atchibee arose with a haunting cry.

'There's no way we're losing to them again. We'll show Hades Pillars that we deserve the respect we need!' He threw both Bakugan in. "Hyper Dragonoid! Metalfencer! Combine, Battle Unit Mode!"

Still in ball forms, Metalfencer opened and latched onto Hyper Dragonoid's back. As the spheres arose, they manifested into them again standing already in Battle Unit Mode.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Metalfencer: 400 = 900 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Hyper Dragonoid spread his armed legs. "This time, you're the one going down in flames!"

"How very boastful of you." Atchibee remarked.

Esther held up an ability. "Ability activate, Scale Down!" Atchibee ascended into the air higher until she was directly above Hyper Dragonoid. Sparkling purple and pink dust scattered down onto the dragon and the mechanical suit, sprinkling all over them.

"What's happening?" Hyper Dragonoid's body felt some kind of tingle. He watched the twinkling dust fade into his body. Unsound, he looked up at Atchibee who was unfazed.

"What's that supposed to do?" Xander questioned. However, Esther didn't answer; it was like she was daring him in silence. He smirked. "Alright then, double ability, activate! Ruby Wonder, plus Mal Fender!"

Hyper Dragonoid shot red energy shard from his body, while the stinger end of Metalfencer shot red energy skywards. Both attacks shot skywards towards Atchibee, and shockingly enough, Atchibee chose to take them. She was engulfed in an explosion that swallowed the skies.

Looking up, Xander smirked. He looked happy that his attack had landed something. "Huh?" However, when the dust cleared, his horror lengthened.

Atchibee was seen without a single scratch on her body. In fact, it looked like those attacks didn't do anything against her.

"But how?!"

Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Metalfencer: 400 (+100) = 500 = 1000 Dusk Atchibee: 600 (-100) = 500

"Scale Down is an ability that's unique to Dusk Atchibee." Esther explained. "She scatters a dust onto our opponents that saps at their power. So it weakens all their ability effects by 200 Gs for a short time."

Xander gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew exactly what this meant, since a few of his abilities fall within the 200 Gs range, he wouldn't be getting anything from this. 'Damnit. She's limiting my option right off-hand. Guess I have no choice!' He pulled up an ability to counter. "Then let's see that pesky dust do against this! Ability, activate! Dragonia-X!"

A bright purple core enveloped Hyper Dragonoid before the tendrils dissipated, resulting in an orange-red draconic aura flaring from his body. The explosive force was making the Bakugan shriek out as his power shot up exponentially.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+1000) = 1500/Metalfencer: 500 = 2000 Dusk Atchibee: 500

Xander acted fast. He reached out and gave the word. "Now, get rid of them!" With his near-desperate shout, the attack shot a dragon-shaped shockwave that raced in all directions. The land erupted as the pulse wave expelled through the earth like red cracks towards Atchibee.

Atchibee did nothing while Esther swiped her arm. "Gate Card, open! Explode!"

The Gate Card revealed itself, making a powerful glow before a massive white eruption blew away everything. The orange shockwave vaporized while the light shut out Hyper Dragonoid.

"Huh?"

"Explode?" Xander repeated. "Doesn't that-!"

"Nullify all my opponent's abilities…as well as bring Dusk Atchibee back to her base level." Esther said.

Hyper Dragonoid: 1500 (-1000) = 500/Metalfencer: 500 (-100) = 400 = 900 Dusk Atchibee: 500 (+100) = 600

Xander looked at the power levels and how his power went back to normal. "She did it again…" He looked up at her, seeing how calm she was despite the pressure. Gritting his teeth, he was growing frustrated. 'No…you can't lose here, not like this! I have to show them…what Rogue Zero…what Maximus…means to me!' "THEY WON'T LOOK DOWN ON US AGAIN!" he spouted in rage. "Double ability, activate! Pyrus Volting, plus Mal Fender!"

Hyper Dragonoid and Metalfencer both shot intense pulsing blazes at Atchibee. However, due to Scale Down, their combined power only added 200 Gs together, making 1100.

"Esther…"

Esther closed her eyes. "I know…" she opened them again, showing another ability. "Let's finish this. Ability, activate! Glare Astral!"

Atchibee remained completely composed as she looked down at the two incoming blazes. She stayed calm as the inner circular patterns on her wings began glowing purple. The red dots and green rings started brightening and humming at an alarming rate.

Once ready, Atchibee launched four intense beams of dark energy from the eye-like patterns, shooting clean through the blazes.

Hyper Dragonoid: 600 (-300) = 300/Metalfencer: 500 (-300) = 200 = 500 Dusk Atchibee: 600 (+300) = 900

The multiple beams closed in on Hyper Dragonoid, as well as Xander. Both adversaries were at a loss for words as all they could see was dark energy turning to white. A massive explosion of Darkus power swallowed Hyper Dragonoid and Metalfencer, causing a massive swell of screeches from the dragon.

The shockwaves reached Xander as well. He screamed as he was thrown onto his back harshly, gagging from pain. His vision went black as he laid on the ground, his Bakugan reverting to their smaller forms and rolling close to his face.

Xander: 0%

"This…this can't be…" Xander was barely conscious as he was trying to recovery from that shock. He looked over, seeing that not too far, Maximus was lying on the ground, soaked like a dog in the rain and lying in a heap of his own. "Maximus…"

Atchibee reverted to ball form, allowing Esther to catch her. She reconvened with Luke as both overlooked their defeated foes.

"Looks like we did it." Abis commented half-heartedly.

"Yeah, we did." Luke said. He wanted to be happy, but seeing them get hurt over their mission and rage was a terrible sight, He wanted to do something to help, but right now, they were the enemy.

"Luke." Esther got his attention. "We should have given the others the space they needed. Alice is pushing back the forces. We should hurry and reach the others while we still can."

Luke nodded. "Got it."

Both battlers threw up their Bakugan, making them revert to their original forms. Together perched on Abis and Atchibee, they slithered and flew into the gorge-like canyon, where their friends were flying off towards. For their sake, they hope they can make it at all.

---

Sorry that it's been like a month since my last update! I had a number of things to get through and over with, plus there's work. But how's this for a start to the Gundalia Arc? I managed to keep it slim but as enjoyable as I could.

So as you may have also seen, Abis Omega and Atchibee are a lot stronger now. I wanted to do more abilities, but I felt this being a preview of their strength compared to Rogue Zero now felt just as rewarding. Also, the little Aquos Hazard idea came from my buddy, ariace613. Thanks again for that little strategy.

I'll try and update another couple chapters before getting back to The Contender's Ascent. So for now, reviews are very appreciated, and thanks for reading! :)