SailorStar9: Wha...? So, there's only one person reading this fic? Anyway, Chapter 42 goes up, this is Chapter 43. To all my non-reviewing readers, I love you all! Will love you more if you review! *hugs all round!*

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

Chapter 43: Phantom Data Attack


In New Vestroia...

"Alright, if that's everyone." Dan noted after the Bakugan were safely returned to New Vestroia. "It's a god thing we triple-checked gonna be a drag if we accidentally left somebody behind."

"I thought we were the ones who were going to get left behind when Spectra took off on us." Marucho added.

"No kidding." Baron agreed. "Lucky for us, Eva's new powers allowed her to open up a Dimension Gate for us."

"The most important thing is that the BT System is history." Drago remarked.

"It's because of your bravery that New Vestroia and the Bakugan race is safe from annihilation." the elder Verias remarked. "Thank you, Princess, Brawlers and Brother Drago."

"No problem, Verias." Dan replied. "Anytime, pal."

"Ready?" he looked at Eva.

"Back to Earth." Eva nodded the group returned to Earth via the portal.


In Marucho's house...

"Hey you guys are back." Julie remarked once Shun jumped out of the portal. "That was fast."

"Welcome back, Dan." Runo greeted the Pyrus Brawler.

"It's good to be home." Dan nodded.

"Oi lovebirds, are you two going to kiss and make up already," Eva joked. "Or am I going to have to 'Water Sprout' you two in the right direction?"

"Er..." both Brawlers jumped apart.

"Want me to 'Wind Blast' them if they don't?" Shun was bemused

"Be my guest." Eva smirked, causing the rest to chuckle.


In the control room...

"So what you're saying is, the Bakugan you've evacuated to Earth are now safely returned to New Vestroia?" Klaus summarized. "That's great news."

"It's a miracle we were able to save them all." Mira added. "I honestly thought Eva, Drago and the others were goners. Luckily, they were able to drag the BT System up in the atmosphere and destroy it."

"Drago absorbed the attribute energies that were powering the system." Dan looked at his partner. "Now, he's evolved again."

"What a way to really stick it into the Vexos." Baron added.

"That time, I was only concerned with New Vestroia and my brothers and sisters." Drago remarked.

"And Wavern had absolutely nothing to do with it." Eva smirked playfully.

"Princess!" Drago protested as everyone else looked at the Dragonoid interestedly. "That was uncalled for."

"Do we know what happened to the Vexos?" Marucho asked.

"As soon as you guys radioed me, I conducted a scan on the Dimension Universe, looking for the Mother Palace." Klaus supplied. "But it seems I was too late. There was no sign of them anywhere."

"So those lousy creeps escaped into another dimension?" Ace cursed. "Unbelievable."

"I guess we won the battle, but not the war." Percival pointed out.

"Just when you think it's over." Julie complained.

"I thought we were done looking over our shoulders." Runo agreed.

"Take it easy, guys." Dan said. "They show their ugly mucks around here, we'll take them down again. Drago can beat anything they throw at us. He's evolved into a Helix Dragonoid. Let's see those mechanical pieces of junk even try something."

"I dare them." Drago agreed.

"I'd better stay here in Vestal to keep an eye out just in case Zenoheld and the Vexos decide to return." Klaus informed.

"That's great idea." Eva noted. "Thanks Klaus."

"Not at all." Klaus replied. "I'm just trying to do my share, you guys. I guess it's..."

"Klaus, your tea." Alice entered the office.

"Thank you, Alice." Klaus smiled, causing the Russian to blush.

"Alice?" the rest of the group blinked at the close intimacy the new couple were in.

"Guess something did happen when we were away." Shun smirked.

"Master Klaus," Sirenoid interrupted. "It's almost time for the Klaus Foundation Executive Branch Board meeting. After that, you have a lunch meeting with Vestal's new government officials and this afternoon, we have the shoot for the new estate commercial."

"Thank you for reminding me, my dear." Klaus replied.

"Guess you're staying in Vestal for a few reasons other than the Vexos, buddy." Dan sweatdropped.

"And since when did Sirenoid become your secretary?" Eva jested.

"That's life in the fast link, Dan my boy." Klaus replied. "I guess until next time."

"Take it easy, Klaus." Dan noted.

"And don't do anything too adult, you two lovebirds." Eva smirked.

Klaus flushed and cut off the connection.

"I guess you guys would want to head back home to Vestal too." Dan looked at the three Vestals. "That's cool."

"Actually Dan." Baron voiced. "I was kind of hoping to stay here on Earth to continue my training. Watching you and Drago brawling has inspired me. I want to get better and be like you. So, how about it?"

"I'd be honored if you'd let me study under you as well, Helix Dragonoid." Nemus added.

"Of course." Drago nodded.

"I was thinking of sticking around too." Ace added. "After defeating the Vexos, I'm totally humped."

"Me too." Percival agreed. "Everything inside of me is telling me to train and become stronger."

"Alright then." Dan noted. "Let's all brush up on our brawling skills that way we'll be ready if the Vexos show up again."

"I agree with you Dan." Marucho added. "I'll go prepare the Bakugan Inter-Space system for battle."

"That's a perfect idea, Marucho." Dan agreed." This is going to be awesome!"

"I can't believe they just got back and already they want to brawl again." Runo remarked.

"You know boys." Julie added. "They've got one-tracked minds."

"How about we get in some training of our own too?" Eva suggested with a smirk.

"How's that supposed to help?" Julie asked.

"With me at 'Eternal' level, I've also unlocked the same level of transformation for us girls. And what better way to rub in their faces when you two reach 'Eternal' sooner than them?" Eva's smirk widened.


In Runo's family cafe...

"I'm home!" Runo declared.

"Runo, you're back!" her father hugged her, crying tears of joy. "Get over here and give your old man a hug."

"Don't you just love family reunions?" Julie shrugged.


In Shun's family dojo...

"Mavelle, don't go off too far." Eva called to her daughter who was admiring the koi fish in the pond.

"Yes mom!" Mavelle replied, a handful of fish food in hand as she fed the koi.

Leaning against the wall, Shun at his adored 'Soul Twin', letting his aura brush against and mingle with hers. Even a few hours was far too long a time to be away from her. He was addicted; addicted to the mortal goddess sitting before him. Her aura was always so warm, so bright, just like her personality. Even the darkest room could light up in her presence. He felt content just gazing at her fondly, memorizing every tiny detail about her as if he would never see them again. The way the afternoon sun caught the sapphire of her blue waist-length hair and added to the rosy hue of her soft skin, making her seem to glow ethereally. The way her smile could make even the most hardened man melt and smile in return, becoming putty in her delicate hands. And how her cerulean eyes glimmered in motherly love even when no smile adorned her lips. And she was his. He laid a warm hand on her cool bare shoulder hesitantly, unsure if he was still worthy to touch her. The move caused her to turn to him, her indescribable eyes meeting the sunset golds of his own. A light giggle tinkered from her throat.

"Hey, dreamer." she quipped.

He blinked. "What?"

She merely smirked playfully. "Caught you red handed in a deep contemplation."

Shun smirked as well, his arm slipping around her shoulders, his other arm reaching over to slide a lily into her hair. "Yes, a very lovely visual contemplation."

Eva giggled shyly. Flattery will get you everywhere, she sent coyly, re-opening their shared mind-link.

He tugged her closer to himself. I know and here's hoping.

"Mommy and daddy are being cute!" Mavelle gushed, the two future parents chuckling at their daughter's proclamation.


In Dan's house...

"Okay kids." Mrs. Kuso sang. "Dig in. I made all your favorites. This is in honor of your return, Daniel. We missed you terribly."

"Don't disappoint your mom, my boy." Mr. Kuso advised. "Make sure you clean your plate, okay son?"

"Don't worry dad." Dan assured. "I will. Thanks mom, you're the best."

Dan's family is so great. Mira mused. I wonder if my dad, my brother and I will ever be a family again.

"Mira, why the long face?" Ace asked. "We won. Just cheer up. Life is good, okay?"

"Ace, er..." Mira started.

"Don't say anything, just eat up and look happy for Dan's mom." Ace cut her off. "And..."

"Did you leave any room for your favorites?" Dan's mother interrupted. "Sweet and sour pork."

"Your cooking is the greatest, Master Dan's mom." Baron beamed. "I can't get enough. I just can't get enough of it."

"Why thank you Baron, sweetie." Dan's mother smiled. "Are you okay, dear?" she asked Mira. "Eat up before it gets cold, okay?"

"Come on Mira, eat up." Dan prodded.

"Humans are strange." Drago voiced.

"Always celebrating with food." Wilda agreed.

"Or consoling themselves." Percival added.

"And then, there is Baron." Nemus pointed out.

"He never stops eating, does he?" Percival added after a moment's of silence, causing the other three to burst out laughing.

"Hello?" Dan took the call.

"Dan." Marucho voiced.

"Marucho." Dan swallowed. "What's up, we're just eating. So, is the Bakugan Inter-Space ready yet there, buddy?"

"That's just it, Dan." Marucho replied. "You guys need to get down here and see this."


Moments later...

"What's happening?" Dan asked when the elevator door slid open, revealing the rest of the group.

"It seems that when they fired it up, the technicians found some phantom data that they've never seen in the Bakugan Inter-Space before." Marucho supplied.

"Marucho, we've isolated the location of the abnormality." one of the technicians reported. "It appears that it is inside the battlefield."

"And it shows that the data signature is consistent with that of a Bakugan." another technician added.

"What exactly does that mean?" Dan asked. "Tell us."

"A Bakugan has found its way inside." Eva realized.

"But how did it do that?" Baron wondered.

"And who do you think it could be?" Shun added.

"The enemy, I bet." Mira reasoned.

"Why sit around here and guessing ?" Dan urged. "When do we go inside and find out for sure?"


In the Bakugan Inter-Space...

"It feels different than the last time we were here." Mira noted.

"Like something's scary is going to jump out and grab us any second." Ace added.

"Stop it guys." Baron begged. "You're freaking me out.

"Shall we go in then?" Marucho asked.

Dan nodded and pushed the battle arena door open, transporting the group to the arena.

"There's nothing here." Dan looked around.

"What the..." Drago gaped when he and Dan turned to see a Haos Aranaut, a Subterra Coredem, a Ventus Hawktor and an Aquos Akwimos.


Outside...

"Aranaut, Coredem, Hawktor and Akwimos, here?" Eva was stunned when she saw four of the five newest Seeds she released from the Cauldron. "But why?"


In the Bakugan Inter-Space...

"Who the heck are these guys?" Dan asked and looked at Drago. "You've got any clue there, Drago?"

"I've no idea." Drago replied. "I've seen them before.

"No way!" Dan exclaimed.

"How can there be Bakugan that even Drago doesn't know about?" Shun wondered.

"Maybe they're mechanical Bakugan that the Vexos have created." Mira reasoned.

"No, they're not mechanical Bakugan." Drago corrected.

"He's right." Ingram agreed. "But they're awfully suspicious looking."

"Scanners indicate they are digital clones, synthesized from the phantom data." Marucho reported.

"What's that?" Mira asked. "Digital clones?"

"Yeah, Mira." Marucho replied. "The Bakugan Inter-Space is a virtual environment, so they must be mere images of what they are in the real world."

"Sir, we think we've isolated the source of the phantom data that created the mysterious digital clones." one of the technicians reported. "It appears as though it came from the rouge transmission that we accidentally intercepted the other day."

"The rouge transmission." Marucho realized. "Of course! That's it."

"Marucho, do you mind translating for us, pal?" Dan pressed.

"Please do." Drago agreed.

"What happened was..." Marucho started. "The signal had an encryption so complex I've never seen anything like it. Because of that, we couldn't trace it. All I can do is analyze the data. But it was such a huge amount, we hadn't finished before we have to depart for the attack mission at the Mother Palace."

"Listen up, you guys better tell us who you are, where you're from..." Dan demanded Akwimos, who then turned back into ball forms with the other three Bakugan.

"This is getting us nowhere." Dan looked at the four new Bakugan.

"They're either shy or just mocking us." Ace snorted. "But either way, they are ticking me off. It's like dealing with spoiled children, know what I mean?"

"There's not much we can do if we can't even communicate with them." Mira noted.

"I know a way they might prefer to communicate." Baron noted. "If they don't want to talk, maybe they'll want to brawl us in a battle. Bakugan-style, of course."

"That idea works for me." Nemus agreed.

"Nice one." Dan agreed and blinked when Akwimos flew over to Baron and Nemus. "Looks like you've got your opponent, Baron."

"This is too awesome." Baron beamed. "Looks like this one is a Haos Bakugan. So me and Nemus, oh yeah! We're going to take him down all right."

"I'm ready when you are, Baron." Nemus added.

"But those Bakugan don't have partner Brawlers to guide them." Shun pointed out. "How's this going to work, you guys?"

"Yeah, how can you possible brawl without a Brawler?" Mira agreed.

"Leave that to me." Marucho smiled.

"What the heck?" Baron exclaimed when a replica of him appeared in front of him.

"Based on your vital statistics, Baron, I've created an opponent avatar of you." Marucho supplied. "Now you can battle against avatar Baron."

"I don't know, this is kind of weird and cool at the same time." Dan noted. "Know what I mean?"

"Yes." Drago nodded.

"Alright, let's get this party started yo." Baron readied to battle.

"Let's get this party started yo." the avatar Baron repeated.

"Crazy." Dan muttered as Marucho sweatdropped.

"No, more like creepy." Baron sweatdropped. "This is weird."

"Check it out." Marucho remarked in the sidelines. "Did you see his eyes? That's weird. I wonder if it's a blob from the phantom data."

"Why do I feel like we're in for a surprise in this battle?" Ace mused.

"Keep your guard up, Baron." Dan warned.

"I got it." Baron replied.

"Gauntlet, Power Strike!" the two Barons chorused.

"Gate Card, set!" the avatar Baron started. "Get ready, Bakugan, roll! Bakugan, stand! Rise Haos Akwimos!"

"A Power Level of 900?" Baron echoed in shock. "This is unbelievable."

"Time to show them what we've got, Baron." Nemus added.

"Okay Nemus." Baron agreed. "Let's bring the pain. Bakugan, roll! Bakugan, stand!"

Without warning, Akwimos hammered Nemus to the ground with a punch.

"What was that?" Mira was stunned.

"I did not see that coming." Dan noted.

"That guy's lightning fast." Drago added.

"Lucky shot." Baron shrugged. "Let's try this again. Ability activate! 'Haos Force'!"

"Ability activate!" the Baron clone countered, causing Akwimos to be encased in light, enabling him to dodge Nemus' attacks easily.

"Stay still, you..." Nemus growled.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Baron gaped when Akwimos jumped in for the kill. "Ability activate! 'Pyramid Shield'! That should block your attack there, buddy."

"Ability activate!" the Baron clone countered, causing Akwimos' spiral kick to smash through Nemus' shield.

"Nemus!" Baron exclaimed when his partner was soundly defeated.

"Baron 'Life Force', 40%." the mechanical voice droned.

"This guy is a killer." Dan remarked. "I've never seen any of his moved before."

"And his Bakugan is unlike anything I've ever seen." Drago agreed.

"I can't believe my clone is kicking my butt!" Baron fumed. "That makes me so stinking mad! Gate Card, set! Bakugan, stand!"

"Back at ya." the Baron clone replied. "Bakugan, roll!"

"You are driving me crazy!" Baron fumed.

"Now you know how I feel." Ace death-panned.

Gate Card, open!" Baron declared when Akwimos charged. "Gaea Morpheus! Gaea Morpheus is a Gate Card that freezes the opponent and bring his Power Level down by 100."

"Now he can't move and he's mine." Nemus added.

"Baron's pretty chill for how badly he's being pounded up out there." Dan noted.

"Maybe they're planning a surprise attack." Shun mused.

"Time to fix things up." Baron commented. "Come Bakugan Trap: Haos Guardian!"

"Ability activate!" Baron's clone countered. Akwimos slammed his fists onto the ground, demolishing the Gate Card.

"He nullified Baron's Gate Card." Mira noted.

"Baron!" Nemus chided.

"I know, I know." Baron replied. "Ability activate! 'Electrocution'! Okay Nemus, my man, time for one of those powerful attacks. Ability activate! 'Sparky Arrow'!"

"Chew on this!" Nemus released his attack.

"Avatar Baron 'Life Force', 60%." the mechanical voice droned.

"How did you like that?" Baron looked at his partner.

"I like that a lot." Nemus replied.

"What was that?" Baron looked up when Akwimos shot into the sky.

"Halftime fireworks show, maybe?" Nemus suggested.

"Gate Card, set!" avatar Baron started. "Let's heat this up! Bakugan, roll!"

"Guess we'd better get out heads back in the game." Baron noted. "Kick it! Bakugan, roll!"

"You're not getting anymore cheap shots on me this time." Nemus told his opponent.

"We've got them, they're on the run now, Nemus." Baron assured.

"Ready, Battle Crusher." the mechanical voice droned.

"That's not a Bakugan Trap." Baron blinked when his clone retrieved the Battle Gear.

"If not, then it must be..." Nemus realized.

"Battle Gear Boost!" the Baron avatar tossed the Battle Gear in the air.

"He just..." Dan gaped.

"Launched a Battle Gear." Drago added. "Sounds like a trap. It's just like the one Helios used."

"But how?" Mira wondered.

"How the heck did he get that thing?" Baron sweatdropped.

"Battle Gear Ability activate!" the Baron clone declared.

"That's amazing." Marucho consulted his gauntlet. "His Power Level just doubled."

"Nemus!" Dan warned. "Run!"

"Nemus!" Baron shouted when Nemus was knocked off his feet when Akwimosattacked. "Ability activate! 'Sparky Arrow'!"

"He's too powerful!" he gaped when Akwimos countered the attack, the resulting shockwave knocking Nemus off his feet. "Nemus can't keep this up. Let's go, Guardian! Ability activate!"

"Ability Card, set." the mechanical voice droned.

"'Tank Bunker'!" Baron called. "Here we go, Nemus. Ability activate! 'Sparky Arrow'!"

"With this brilliant light, I'll purify you from all evil!" Nemus declared.

"He did it!" Dan beamed.

"We did it." Baron corrected when the combined attacks hit Akwimos head-on.

"What the..." Nemus gaped when Akwimos defused the attacks.

"He activated an ability somehow." Shun realized.

"No way!" Baron exclaimed when Nemus and Guardian's attacks were blocked off by Akwimos' Battle Gear.

"Check it out." Ace was shocked. "He nullified Baron's and Nemus' ability."

Akwimos then shot back the gathered energy from its Battle Gear back at Nemus, Guardian and the arena.

"What kind of a Bakugan was that?" Nemus wondered.

"Nemus, no!" Baron gasped when both Nemus and Guardian returned to him.

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

"What just happened?" Dan asked when the arena's image fizzled out.

"I don't understand." Marucho added. "The battlefield just disappeared."

"That was some display of power." Baron admitted.

"If that were a real battle, the same thing might have happened to me." Nemus added.

"Did you catch the equipment he was working with?" Ace asked. "And how did they get the Battle Gear, Mira?"

"Maybe the rouge transmission came from my brother." Mira reasoned.

"The scariest thing of all is that they made no attempt to communicate with us directly." Drago added.

"Who are you guys anyhow?" Dan demanded. "And what exactly do you want with us?"


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