Bakugan: Rise to Legend

by ariace613

Sequel to "Zenoheld's Revenge: Annihilation". In the aftermath of the Vexos and Zenoheld, the Brawlers have time to find the source of the mysterious data sent to them, only to find another enemy. They've taken down gods, destroyed world enders, but can they survive a Bakugan war? (You must read my earlier works to understand this.

28. Chapter 28

I am back. For one more, final, chapter to the story. I really hope that you enjoy it. This story is at its end, and the climax approaches! Let's get it underway!

Disclaimer: I don't own Bakugan or the characters.

XXX

Chapter 28: Battle of Darkness

In the space surrounding Gundalia, six different warcraft began flying away from the planet. The largest one, which was decorated purple, was in three lead, being followed by five others.

Keith's Vestal Destroyer was right in front of the view. Mira, who was on the bridge, was waging the fleet wide eyed. A channel was open to the fight on the surface.

"The Gundalian fleet is in the air", Mira relayed. "Keith, Gundalia's war fleet is in the air!"

"Didn't Mason and his team get the Twelve Orders?", Keith asked. "Wait, are they going after you?"

Right after Keith asked his question, the flert began to speed away, zipping into space.

"No, they've just jumped in Neathia's direction", Mira responded. "Barodius must be going on without his inner circle."

"Hey, Mira", Marucho's voice cut through the talk. His feed showed that Gundalian Bakugan were overrunning his position, doing damage at a faster rate than his Assail Farbros unit could heal itself. "You have a new unit ready yet? I'm almost overrun!"

Mira circled it. "No. I'm out of materials to build Mechanical Bakugan", she said.

"I see", Ren said, announcing his attention. Truly, the feeds from Keith, Ren and Ace also showed that Gundalia was finally winning the battle. The Mechanical legions lost their momentum. "We're overwhelmed. We've accomplished our mission. Pull us back, Mira."

"Got it", Mira responded, working the controls to transport Ren, his team, and the Brawlers on the planet back onto the bridge, leaving the remaining units of the Mechanical legion to cover the retreat.

Seconds later, the group was summoned to the bridge. Zenet and Sid were surprised momentarily but recovered themselves.

Keith stepped up to talk with his sister. "The Twelve Orders?", he asked.

"Transported to separate cells", Mira confirmed. "Electro magnetic pulse to neutralize their technology. They won't be getting out any time soon."

As Mira said that, five separate holo screens flashed up in the air, each one displaying the imprisoned Twelve Orders. Stoica was shouting bloody murder in his cell, though the connection was mute. Kazarina and Gill granted nearly identical glares of rage, aimed outside their respective cells. Nurzak was sitting on the bed in his cell, eyes closed as he relaxed and accepted his fate. Airzel was the only one to display genuine dignity, staring impassively at the camera.

"Even if they did somehow escape, their threat level has already been drastically reduced", Lena said. "With their Bakugan captured, they're not nearly as threatening as they were."

"Got that right", Mason agreed. "Today was a good day, team."

"The day isn't over yet", Ren cautioned. "We let Barodius get away. He's probably already halfway to Neathia."

"So… what?", Ace asked. "We failed?"

"I'd say it's more give-and-take", Marucho said. "Gundalia's offense won't be as effective as they could've been without the Twelve Orders leading them, but Barodius is still at large." He looked down to the floor. "And now Neathia's defenders are weakened with our leaving. Maybe Shun was right…"

"What do you mean?", Ren asked. "Shun was right about what?"

"When I came up with the idea to forge this alliance, there was some pushback", Keith admitted. "There was a power struggle, and it nearly escalated to a full blown civil war. Shun wasn't convinced that you'd be interested in partnership."

"We can talk about that later", Ace interceded. "We should get going. Neathia needs us. Mira, can you-"

"Already done", Mira interjected, finishing her work on the controls. The Destroyer shuddered, forming a Dimension Gate in front of it.

"You were plotting a course while we were talking?", Keith guessed.

"Yeah", Mira returned. "It'll be a few minutes until we reach Neathia. You might want to get comfortable."

The Vestal Destroyer sailed through space, entering the wormhole, on the way to Neathia's defense in aid. But Gundalia's fleet had a large head start on the Destroyer, and would arrive at their mutual destination first. The final battle of the war was about to begin.

XXX

The view from Neathia's central spire was a stunning one. Surrounding it laid the crystalline city, sparkling in the sunlight like the most precious jewels. Beyond the city, lush forests and plains rested. The multicolored energy Shield only served to further enhance the sights outside the city.

Alice stood at the railing at the top of the spire silently. Winds blew her hair around. The silence was cleansing. It allowed her to think most effectively. And she definitely need to think.

The weather outside the Shield was near pitch perfect. The few clouds outside were light, only serving to further beautify the scene. But Alice was convinced there was a storm coming. Soon, that image would be inflicted by battle.

Alice knew about Keith's undertaking, of course. She had little confidence in his success, though. In the end, the war for Neathia would be settled at the Third Shield. Her and Hydranoid, against Barodius and Dharak. That was the only way it could end.

But it wasn't enough to win. Barodius was still a threat as long as he possessed his Bakugan. Alice had to take Dharak from Barodius. But even if she now had Battle Gear for Hydranoid, she wasn't sure it'd be enough.

And then there was the matter of the toll the war was putting on her psyche. She just came off from destroying Zenoheld and his Vestal Annihilator when she was attacked by Gundalian agents. She had several months to cool down, but the construction of Bakugan Interspace was underlined by the fact she was being hunted. Especially with her certainty at that time of Ren being a mole.

Alice was being put under a lot of stress, right after these war against the Vexos had concluded. The stress was only feeding her darkest side; the side of her that Masquerade spawned from. The side of her that made her lash out at Shadow Prove. The side of her that let her stand by impassively as Zenoheld was blown up inside his own warship. The side that she caved into each time, making it easier to tread that path.

Alice recognized all of this now. Barodius's new threat, with his Colossus system augmenting Dharak, only added to her stress levels. So did the recent division between the Brawlers, with Keith and even Marucho going off on their mission. Alice was being pulled more tightly than a bowstring. Something had to give. It would either be her sanity snapping, or the war coming to an end.

"Alice?", Hydranoid asked.

"I'm ok, Hydranoid", Alice promised her Bakugan. "For now, at least. We need to end this war, as soon as possible."

"For Neathia's sake, or our own?", Hydranoid asked.

"I don't know anymore", Alice replied. "This madness has gone on for too long. It has to stop. Barodius has to be stopped."

"I stand with you, Alice", Hydranoid pledged. "When we face Barodius and Dharak, we'll do it together."

"Thank you, Hydranoid", Alice said. She gave a smile to the Darkus Bakugan.

The fleeting moment of tranquility ended when Alice's Baku Pod formed a holographic screen above it, showing Fabia. The Neathian princess had a face of urgency.

"Alice, we need you on the front lines", Fabia said. "They're back."

Alice's face hardened as she prepared herself. "Understood", she said. "I'll be there." She discontinued the connection, taking Hydranoid in one hand and grabbing her transporter card with the other. Another second, Alice disappeared in a flash of light.

XXX

Alice reappeared just beyond the Third Shield, where Neathia set up a final line of defense. There was no point in setting up war preparations behind the Shield: it wouldn't matter if they got that far.

All around Alice, Castle Knights and their Bakugan stood ready, in preparation for the coming fight. A good one hundred and fifty Castle Knights in all.

Volt, Fabia, Dan and Shun were at a makeshift command center nearby, along with the Castle Knight Captain Elright. Alice walked up to them.

"Princess Fabia, I insist that you retreat behind the Shield", Elright was saying as Alice approached. "We cannot permit you getting hurt. The stakes are too high now."

"You're right", Fabia said. "The stakes are too high. Which is exactly why I need to be here."

"Your highness-!", Elright insisted.

"Enough!", Fabia commanded. "We can't hold anything back. If we lose this line, nowhere on Neathia will be safe."

"I… understand", Elright said, gritting his teeth.

Alice then walked up to the group. "How long do we have?", she asked.

"Alice, good to see you", Shun greeted. "About ten minutes until they're on us, at least at a minimum."

"And… how many forces do we have?", Alice questioned.

"Well, the Castle Knights are a hundred fifty strong", Volt said. "Mira took all the Mechanical Bakugan with her when Keith and his group went on their crusade to Gundalia." He clenched his fist. "And, no offense to Elright, the Knights still can't beat the Gundalian soldiers one on one."

"It's just the facts", Elright admitted.

"And with Keith gone, we've lost our heaviest hitter", Dan said. He then glanced at Hydranoid, whose eyes began glinting even in ball form. "Uh, one of our heaviest hitters."

"That's better", Hydranoid said in a cold voice.

"We can't assume that Keith would leave us hanging", Alice said. "If Barodius is on his way, Keith would follow."

"Maybe", Fabia said, unconvinced. "We can't see him on our radar, but maybe he's cloaking his Destroyer."

"Whatever the case, the fact remains that we'll have to hold without them", Shun stated. "He may be coming. We don't know. So we have to assume there's no help coming."

"With lower numbers who can't win even in fair fights?", Dan questioned.

"We can't think like that!", Shun snapped. "We will win. And we'll keep winning until Gundalia is pushed off this planet!"

The nearby Castle Knights gave a yell of affirmation. They recognized the strength behind Shun's words, and were encouraged by his confidence.

Elright, however, was more skeptical. "Strong words", he said. "I do recognize that without the Brawlers, we'd be overrun several times over. But bravado won't be enough." He looked down. "I'm not sure we have the strength to prevail."

"As long as we have hope, we have a chance", Fabia told the Captain. "We can't lose hope now."

While the humanoids were conversing about their chances, the Bakugan began their own conversation.

"Hydranoid, how are you doing about the Battle Gear?", Ingram asked.

"I don't want to rely on it, but I have a feeling I'll have to before the day is over", Hydranoid admitted.

"You'll get used to it", Aranaut interceded. "I know I have."

"Y'know, you're pretty lucky", Brontes chimed in. "I'm not able to use Battle Gear. If you've got power, you should use it!"

"And that attitude got you brainwashed by Gus", Hydranoid replied.

"Can you not mention him?", Brontes said, suddenly irritated. "You're ruining my good mood."

"We're under siege from an overpowering enemy. We're on the brink of total loss. How are you in a good mood to begin with?", Ziperator asked.

"Well, now it's gone", Brontes whined. "Party poopers. Honestly, you guys are worse than Volt."

"Party… poopers?", Aranaut said, confused.

"It's an Earth expression", Ingram explained.

"And a Vestal expression", Brontes added. "Means people who ruin others' fun. Like you all."

" 'Fun' is different from 'crazy', Brontes", Ingram deadpanned. "You need to learn discipline."

"I second that", Aranaut agreed.

"Volt says the same thing!", Brontes projected. "It's always about honor and discipline with him. He's cool sometimes, but he's such a spoilsport!"

"Well, you do need someone like him to keep you in line", Ingram muttered. "Honestly, I've heard children more mature."

"Then those children were raised wrong!", Brontes replied.

"Enough pratter! ", Hydranoid growled. "If you don't shut up right now, Brontes, I'll pummel you to the ground, ball form or no!"

Brontes recoiled by the harshness Hydranoid displayed. He may have been crazy, but even he had some survival instincts. So he stopped talking.

A few moments later, the alarm blared throughout the lines. The slightly jovial tone went deadly serious in half a second.

"Everyone, here they come!", Shun announced vocally what the alarm already derived.

Each of the present Brawlers' Bakugan went into their battlers' hands, ready the combat. "Bakugan, brawl!", the Brawlers shouted, throwing in their Bakugan. In a single moment, Aranaut, Typhoon Ingram, Alto Brontes, Ziperator and Blackout Hydranoid rose onto the field, joining the Neathian forces against the upcoming threat.

As if it was scripted, the six warships of the Gundalian fleet jumped into view overhead.

"They jumped right on top of us?", Fabia questioned. "They know that gives us the advantage of the initial attack. What's going on?"

"Who cares?", Dan asked. "Who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth?"

"A gift what in the mouth?", Fabia asked.

"Later!", Shun cut in. "Here they come!"

As Shun said, entire battalions of Gundalian soldiers were transported onto earthen pillars, quickly throwing in their Bakugan. Within a minute, hordes of Gundalian Bakugan arose onto the field, outnumbering the Neathian forces.

But Neathia had two things working for them. The first, as Fabia said, was that they had first strike. A barrage of energy blasts from the Castle Knights collided into the Gundalian armies, pushing them back a few steps.

Three digressing thing wasn't as obvious at first, but once the Brawlers engaged, tearing into the Gundalian forces, it became more apparent.

"Where are the Twelve Orders?", Shun demanded. "They should've attacked by now, but they're nowhere to be seen!"

"Maybe Keith's expedition was more successful than we thought", Alice speculated. Meanwhile, Hydranoid was gunning down two dozen Gundalian Bakugan with his Gazer Barrage. Energy orbs collided into all two dozen, defeating them after a few seconds.

Ingram and Aranaut were blazing through enemy lines, using a combination of aero ability and speed to show disarray amongst them. Brontes and Ziperator were back to back, keeping each other safe by working together.

"You think that Keith got the Twelve Orders?", Dan said.

"Then who'd be leading this attack?!", Fabia demanded.

As if in answer, one more figure was transported into the fray. Purple robes, an air of malicious authority, and a slightly crazed grin. Yet there was something harder under the smirk this time. One that an adept could read as genuine anger.

"Well, Emperor Cockroach is still kicking", Dan noted.

Barodius then threw in his Bakugan, calling out: "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Crush them all, Darkus Dharak!"

In a purple flash of light, Dharak rose onto the field. His eyes blazed red as he stared at the battle.

"Let's get this over with", he said. His voice lacked his usual battle lust, becoming very monotone in contrast. His fury replaced with weariness of what was to come.

Alice was unconvinced. She knew what she had to do. "Brawlers, clear a path to Dharak!", she projected outward.

Shun and Fabia responded, their Bakugan giving Hydranoid a straight shot to Dharak. Hydranoid acted on it, rapidly approaching his Gundalian rival. In no time, they and their battlers were near face to face. Alice got off her Bakugan, coasting the way for battle.

"Hello, Alice", Barodius said, his voice containing a dangerous edge. "How is Hydranoid? Dharak did beat him pretty hard."

"We wouldn't be here if we weren't ready for you", Alice countered. "I don't see your Twelve Orders around, either. Trouble?"

"I will hold you personally accountable for their capture", Barodius swore.

He's slipping, Alice notified from his demeanor. "We can let the armies tear each other to shreds," Alice voiced, "but it won't change the ending. You and I both know it's down to the two of us."

"Yes, and we both know how it will end", Barodius growled. "Surrender, and your intense suffering will be ended quickly, along with your life."

"Not a chance", Alice replied.

During the standoff, Shun and Ingram fought to the two Darkus battlers. As Alice made her last remark, Shun reached out a hand, grabbing her arm.

"You don't have to face him alone, Alice", Shun said. "We're a team."

"Shun, I need to do this", Alice said. "Hydranoid, too… we both need this."

"Alice-", Shun began to protest, but was cut off.

"No!", Alice yelled.

Shun retracted his hand, eyes wide in shock. Even after the trauma she'd been through, Alice snapping like that was nearly unheard of.

"Shun, I'm sorry", Alice apologized. "I know this is war. But Hydranoid and I need to settle this score."

"Besides, Ingram would be blown away in the first two minutes", Hydranoid said.

Shun nodded in understanding. "Ok", he finally said. "He's all yours. Fight hard."

"Thanks, Shun", Alice said.

Shun gave another nod, then ran back into the fray alongside Ingram. Once more, it was down to Barodius, Alice, Dharak and Hydranoid.

"So, you have the courage to face me alone", Barodius mocked.

"Alone?", Alice repeated in question. "No. I won't be facing you alone."

"I fight with Alice as a partner", Hydranoid growled. "We will not be taken down again."

"If we're done with this talk already, let's get this going already!", Barodius yelled.

"I agree", Alice replied, throwing down a Gate Card. "Gate Card, set!"

As the Gate Card deployed, the two Darkus Bakugan glared at each other. Dharak regained his fire, finally battling against a powerful opponent.

Blackout Hydranoid: 900

Dharak: 1000

For the briefest moment, nothing happened. The atmosphere turned fatal. Even the battling around them ceased as everyone watched the standoff. It was as if they recognized the real fight was between Dharak and Hydranoid. That this battle would decide the war. While their Bakugan were locked in the standoff, Barodius and Alice glared at each other. Not another word was said. It was Alice's controlled manner against Barodius's crazed glare. In that specific moment, one could hear paint dry.

But, at the same time, the standoff broke. Hydranoid and Dharak each roared brutally, charging directly at each other. They were finally ready to engage in a final battle.

It was exactly at that moment two abilities were prepared: one from each side. "Ability Activate!", Alice and Barodius shouted in unison.

"Darkness Waiver!"

"Hyper Lash Impact!"

Dharak's mouth opened up, the maw glowing a bright purple. Within a moment, Dharak shot a barrage of purple energy orbs at a rapid pace in the direction of Hydranoid.

At the same time, each of Hydranoid's eight wings extended a mini head from an elastic rope. The mini heads opened their mouths, pointing at Dharak's direction, as well as the several energy orbs incoming, and charging purple energy within each. After a second, all eight mini heads unleashed a barrage of energy beams, sending them at the energy orbs.

Blackout Hydranoid: 900-300+400=1000

Dharak: 1000+300-300=1000

The two energy blasts connected with each other, small bursts of Hydranoid's energy contesting against the larger, but less numerous, orbs of Dharak's energy. Each collision sparked a shockwave, which rolled over to affect surrounding Bakugan more than either Dharak or Hydranoid.

Alice and Barodius were buffered by the several shockwaves, but when they died down, each one could see the obvious. Neither Dharak nor Hydranoid were in any way deterred or defeated.

"So, you won't go down easy?", Dharak questioned. He chuckled slightly. "Good. I want to see everything you've got!"

"You couldn't take it", Hydranoid replied. "Alice?"

Alice nodded slightly, her Baku Pod revealing another ability card. "Ability Activate!", Alice yelled. "Havoc Trident!"

Hydranoid quickly gathered energy into his five mouths, condensing them into bright purple orbs within each set of jaws. When ready, Hydranoid took aim at Dharak, and fired all five energy orbs in quick succession. The energy orbs sailed through the air, flying at the speed of sound on its way toward Dharak.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1000

Dharak: 1000-500=500

"Ha! Pathetic", Barodius mocked. His Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Ability Activate! High Skewed Waiver!"

Dharak's mouth prepared a new form of dark energy. Dark purple in color, Dharak shot it forward in the shape of a massive orb. He then shot another orb of identical energy at the opposition, then another, and another. He continually blasted his barrage at Hydranoid's set of orbs.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1000-600=400

Dharak: 500+600=1100

Dharak's orbs collided with Hydranoid's, creating another series of shockwaves. The shockwaves rolled over the field, pushing Hydranoid's efforts back a step, though Dharak was left near unaffected.

This time, the advantage was clear, as Hydranoid's orbs were broken apart by Dharak's, which continued on towards Hydranoid.

"Hang on, Hydranoid!", Alice exclaimed. Her Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Fusion Ability Activate! Terminal Impact!"

Hydranoid roared down at Dharak, the volume unsettling even the nearby spectating Bakugan. He then began channeling even more energy into his mouth, forming another set of energy orbs. Within moments, they grew to double the size it had been with Havoc Trident. Releasing all five at once, he once more roared furiously at Dharak.

"Not this time, Dharak!", Hydranoid roared.

Blackout Hydranoid: 400+400=800

Dharak: 1100-400=700

Dharak's High Skewed Waiver colluded with Hydranoid's latest attack, the collision point being much closer to Hydranoid than Dharak. This time, Dharak's orbs are destroyed by Hydranoid's. Dharak was struck by Hydranoid's power, forcing him into the air.

Dharak utilized his wings, staying comfortably in the air. He began flying around, actively mocking Hydranoid.

"Did you think that would be enough?", Dharak questioned. His tone became more enthusiastic, being pulled into his battle against Hydranoid.

"We counted on it", Hydranoid responded.

"Gate Card Open!", Alice commanded, sweeping her left hand leftward. "Land Pressure!"

The floor beneath began glowing in a rectangular shadow, a white light pulling at Dharak. Within moments, the airborne Dharak was pulled down like a stone at terminal velocity. Dharak crashed against the ground, giving a groan of pain as a new gravity pinned him to the ground.

Blackout Hydranoid: 800

Dharak: 700-200=500

"Damn… you!", Dharak groaned, struggling against the Gate Card's effects. The ground shuddered and shook and he thrashed, trying to rise, but Dharak was pinned down.

Alice stood, impassive to Dharak's exertion. She was about to give the signal for Hydranoid to attack when three ground began shaking again. Alice looked to see Dharak, who was resisting the Gate Card with all his might.

With colossal effort, Dharak rose onto his four legs. With steady breathing, he kept himself up. "Barodius, I can't do this much longer. We've got to finish them, now!"

"Mind your tone, Dharak", Barodius growled lowly, but he still complied. After pushing a few buttons on his Baku Pod, purple particles appeared and assembled a device.

"Ready: AirKor."

"Battle Gear… Boost!", Barodius called, throwing the Battle Gear at Dharak. When the device connected, a bright purple flash resulted.

When the light subsided, Dharak had equipped his Battle Gear. Two wings made from golden diamonds replaced Dharak's natural wings. A metal attachment between the wings rose high. Another golden diamond was on Dharak's chest, connecting the two wings. Green armor was on Dharak's short limbs.

Blackout Hydranoid: 800

Dharak: 700

Still having to resist the Gate Card, Dharak let out a roar, announcing his continued threat wordlessly. Alice and Hydranoid tensed up, realizing the round wasn't over.

"Hydranoid, we need to take Dharak down before they can use their Battle Gear!", Slice cautioned with urgency. Her Baku Pod displayed one more ability. "Ability Activate!"

"Blackout Trident!", Hydranoid roared, completing the naming. Then, he opened the mouths of each of his heads, the maws within gathering energy. The energy condensed into purple and black orbs, five in number. The condensed energy was far more intense than even the Terminal Impact. In a single instant, Hydranoid launched all five at once, aimed at Dharak.

Blackout Hydranoid: 800+500=1300

Dharak: 700-500=200

"Too little. Too late", Barodius jeered, having an ability form from his Baku Pod. "Battle Gear Ability Activate!", he yelled. "AirKor Zayin!"

All of the golden parts of Dharak's Battle Gear glowed bright purple, as if corrupted. An innumerable amount of particles, all black in color, rose around Dharak. Hydranoid's orbs connected with the particles, with Dharak being fully protected. Dharak simply continued to further the ability.

After a few seconds to fully charge the attack, Dharak unleashed his Battle Gear's power, sending the black particles in all directions around him.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1300-600=700

Dharak: 200+600=800

Black particles connected with Hydranoid's form, pummeling him with all of Barodius and Dharak's fury. As Hydranoid was barely holding on, Dharak's Battle Gear began going in every other direction. Surrounding Bakugan, Neathian or Gundalian, were being gunned down and defeated.

Alice watched that development with shock. "You'd take out your own forces?", she demanded of Barodius. "You're insane!"

"I'm done holding back", Barodius growled. "I will grind you into dust, and nothing will stop me!"

As Barodius made his declaration, Hydranoid finally succumbed to the power, his ball form dripping near Alice. Seemingly in response, Dharak stopped his attack and went to ball form, going to the Emperor's hand.

Alice: 80%

Barodius grinned gleefully as he watched Alice kneel to retrieve Hydranoid. "Ready to surrender?", he asked, jeering at Alice. "My offer of a swift end still stands."

"Never in a million years!", Alice shouted back. "I won't surrender!" She raised Hydranoid to rue level. "We're down, Hydranoid. But just barely. Are you ready to turn this around?"

"Absolutely!", Hydranoid replied enthusiastically. "Their days of power end here."

"Your overconfidence will be your downfall!", Barodius announced. "My power is absolute. Nothing you can say or accomplish can change that!"

"Are you sure about that?", another voice called. In the air, an airborne craft appeared. Keith's Vestal Destroyer. A holographic projection appeared of Keith appeared, being projected from the warship.

"Having some trouble, Alice?", Keith joked.

"I can handle this, Keith", Alice assured her ally. "But after this, we're going to talk."

Keith looked hesitant, but nodded. "It's the least I can provide after the stunt I pulled."

"You gravely overestimate your own abilities", Barodius jeered. He then threw in his Bakugan, sending Dharak's ball through the air. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Rise, Dharak!"

Once more, Dharak rose onto the field, awaiting his opponent with renewed vigor.

"Bakugan, brawl!", Alice yelled, throwing in Hydranoid. "Bakugan, stand! Lets go, Hydranoid!"

"I'll admit, you got me before", Hydranoid said, rising onto the field. Spreading out his wings, he continued: "But now, I will not be taken down."

"Just more words", Dharak accused. "Show me."

"With my greatest pleasure."

Blackout Hydranoid: 900

Dharak: 1000

"Dharak, display no remorse! Give them everything you have!", Barodius roared. His Baku Pod flashed two abilities at once. "Double Ability Activate! Evil Blast, plus Darkness Glow!"

Dharak opened his mouth, amassing energy within. A moment later, Dharak unleashed a beam of dark purple energy. The beam began tearing up the ground before centering on Hydranoid, leaving a large trail in its wake.

Right afterward, Dharak, without stopping his current attack, channeled more energy into his twin horns. The two started glowing purple, with bolts of lightning crackling through the air. Yelling an animalistic roar, Dharak fired the lightning into his energy blast.

The two attacks cojoined into one large dark blast, supercharged with dark lightning and energy, and going right for Hydranoid.

"There is no escape for you, Hydranoid!", Dharak proclaimed confidently.

Blackout Hydranoid: 900-500-300=100

Dharak: 1000+500+300=1800

The blast connected with Hydranoid's form before he could react. Dark power pushed at the hydra-like Bakugan, and lightning surged through hits body, bit he stood his ground as best he could. He dug his feet in the first, but he was being pushed back. His stand couldn't last for any longer than a few seconds, at most.

A few seconds, however, was just enough time for Alice to load her response in the battle. "Triple Ability Activate!", she projected. "Deathly Enforcement!"

With the call of the ability, Hydranoid's eyes began to glow bright purple as Hydranoid himself felt a harsh, but welcome, increase of energy. His body began to emit a dark aura, thick enough to hide his form from view. Within the aura, Hydranoid roared in challenge.

Dharak's combined blast kept up against Hydranoid's defensive aura, but Hydranoid suddenly was able to hold up fine.

Blackout Hydranoid: 100+800+500=1400

Dharak: 1800

"You'll have to do more than that", Hydranoid's voice could be heard from the aura. "Alice, keep going!"

Spurred on by Hydranoid's assurance, Alice continued with the triple ability. "Chaos Armageddon, plus Fusion Ability Epsilon Devastation!"

Each of Hydranoid's five heads opened their mouths, beginning to channel an almost excessive level of energy into each one. The energy began appearing within each maw as a condensed blast of black energy. Growling with the fresh power influx, Hydranoid blasted his energy into the blast threatening him. The point of collision moved towards Dharak, until it got in between Hydranoid and Dharak.

Then, the fusion ability took effect. Hydranoid's black energy blast nearly doubled in size, with three blast traveling through his stream of energy. The point of collision moved even closer to Dharak, until everything Dharak had finally proved to be insignificant. The dragon was engulfed by black energy, his body being completely swamped by Hydranoid's power.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1400+600+800=2800

Dharak: 1800-600=1200

"Dharak…", Barodius muttered, for once caught off guard. "To think Hydranoid would be capable of a triple ability. Heh." He began to press buttons on his Baku Pod. Purple particles appeared, assembling three small devices. "But it won't be enough."

"Riptor: activated. Smashtor: activated. Exokor: activated", Barodius's Baku Pod said in a mechanical voice.

Barodius quickly threw forward the devices. "Riptor, Smashtor and Exokor, launch! Lock onto Dharak!"

While still in midair, all three of the "Battle Gear" appeared on the field. Two of them were large claw shaped creatures, standing on large tentacles. Their mouths, relatively small, let out high pitched screeches.

But the third creature was different. Although it as well had a mess of tentacles for legs, the main body was more of a battle station, with a hole large enough for a four legged Bakugan. There was also a large mechanical scorpion tail.

Each of the creatures moved to Dharak's form, placing Dharak in the center of Exokor's interface hole. Riptor and Smashtor each went under Exokor, the tentacles twisting together and disappearing as they united into one massive creature. The last traces of Hydranoid's black energy dissipated at the Colossus system rejuvenated Dharak.

Blackout Hydranoid: 2800

Dharak Colossus: 1800

"There it is. Dharak Colossus", Alice notified. The last time she saw that weapon, Hydranoid had been completely wiped out. This time, though, they were ready.

"Do you remember this?", Barodius taunted. "It's a familiar situation. You with the higher power level. But I'll wipe you out in one attack!" His Baku Pod revealed another ability. "Ability Activate! Thunder Prove!"

Dharak's body began to generate energy, channeling it into the Colossus system. The battle suit enhanced the powers of the already titanic Dharak. The entire battle suit blasted stray lightning bolts in all directions, charring any nearby Bakugan. Other bolts charged against the Third Shield, doing severe damage.

Then, the lightning focused into Exokor's scorpion tail, charging a massive attack. After a moment of that, Dharak Colossus blasted a lightning blast so huge, it made a lightning storm on its own, all of it surging towards Hydranoid.

Blackout Hydranoid: 2800-700=2100

Dharak Colossus: 1800+700=2500

"Hydranoid, stand your ground!", Alice directed. Her Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Ability Activate! Havoc Trident!"

"You will not be my demise!", Hydranoid roared. He quickly gathered energy into his five mouths, condensing them into bright purple orbs within each set of jaws. When ready, Hydranoid took aim at Dharak Colossus, and the lightning he just blasted, and fired all five energy orbs in quick succession.

Blackout Hydranoid: 2100

Dharak Colossus: 2500-500=2000

The first three of the five energy orbs connected with the giant blast of lightning, canceling it out. This provided a clear shot for the other two orbs to connect with the monumentally sized Bakugan, causing twin explosions. The explosions made a haze that covered Dharak's side of the field.

"Did that do it?", Alice muttered in question.

"Not even close!", Dharak roared. As the haze cleared, it was revealed that the entire Colossus system was covered in a dome, glowing with purple energy so intense, it masked the colossal form within.

"How did that pathetic shield defend you?", Hydranoid demanded.

"Ha!", Barodius jeered. "With the Colossus system enhancing West Wall Shield, your attacks are absolutely worthless!"

Blackout Hydranoid: 2100-600=1500

Dharak Colossus: 2000+500+600=3100

"They keep getting ahead…", Alice growled. She was starting to feel a surge of annoyance and anger. She was still strategizing clearly, though. "It's time, Hydranoid!", she projected.

"Yes", Hydranoid agreed. "Do it!"

In response, Alice began to tap buttons on her Baku Pod. The Baku Pod generated purple particles, assembling them into a device.

"Ready: Helmgund", the Baku Pod reported.

Alice took the device in hand, taking a sharp inhale before continuing. Finally, after a moment that seemed to stretch to hours on its own, she threw forward the Battle Gear. "Battle Gear… Boost!" As the device connected with Hydranoid's form, a bright purple flash resulted, blinding everyone watching.

When the light dissipated, Hydranoid's Battle Gear was fully deployed. Over each of Hydranoid's hands formed metallic saws south purple centers, which Hydranoid could spin at will. A cannon formed on the right of his head. The cannon was connected to the small of his back, where his top set of wings met, via an elastic purple extension cord, allowing the cannon as much versatility as his own heads.

Barodius's smirk widened ever so slightly. "So they have Battle Gear now…", he murmured.

"How does it feel?", Alice asked.

Hydranoid examined the new cannon, actually feeling where his body ended and the Battle Gear began. It wasn't uncomfortable. Hydranoid glanced at the saw blades on his hands. His previous two evolutions had such saw blades on their chests. This Battle Gear seemingly gave him back a piece of himself he didn't even realize he missed.

"It feels… good", Hydranoid replied. "Let's put it to use, and crush them into dust!"

Alice found herself agreeing with Hydranoid, which almost worried her. Almost, except she was focusing too much on the battle to explore the feeling.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1600

Dharak Colossus: 3100

"Ha. So you've got a shiny new toy", Dharak said. "It won't mean anything next to real power."

"Bring it", Alice challenged.

"Gladly", Barodius countered. His Baku Pod created another ability. "Ability Activate! High Skewed Waiver!"

At once, the entirety of Dharak Colossus began following a purple hue, their power increasing dramatically. The mouths of Riptor and Smashtor opened up, as did Dharak's mouth. Along with Exokor's scorpion tail, purple energy was charging in each of them.

"Annihilate them!", Barodius ordered. At once, all four pieces of Dharak Colossus fired, sending multiple beams of dark energy straight ahead.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1600-900=700

Dharak Colossus: 3100+900=4000

Alice examined her new choice of attack. Within a moment, she had her response loaded via her Baku Pod. "Battle Gear Ability Activate!", she shouted. "Helmgund Carnage!"

The saw blades on Hydranoid's hands began to whir, being spurred on from the new ability. As the several dark blasts were about to hit Hydranoid, he responded by using the blades to block.

"Ha! You just got that toy and you already want to break it?", Barodius mocked.

"Shut up", Alice called. "Hydranoid!"

As if in response, Hydranoid pushed forward with the saw blades. The dark energy broke apart, the Helmgund proving stronger in this instance.

"What?!", Dharak exclaimed.

"Open wide, Dharak!", Hydranoid raged. The cannon began to light up a combined purple and white energy, which grew largely in a two second time period. When it was ready, Hydranoid shot a beam of energy from the cannon at Dharak.

There was no time to react. Dharak was consumed in a flash of purple light, screaming in pain.

"Dharak! What are you doing?!", Barodius outraged. "You still have the lead!"

"Check again!", Alice corrected.

Barodius looked at his Baku Pod to see what Alice was seeing.

Blackout Hydranoid: 700+300+400=1400

Dharak Colossus: 4000-2400-400=1200

"Both Bakugan were set back to base, then you transferred 400?", Barodius noted. "Impossible!"

"It just happened", Alice said plainly. As she spoke, one side reverted in defeat. The other followed, but victoriously returning to their battler's hand.

Barodius: 60%

Barodius kneeled to retrieve Dharak and the Colossus system. When he did, he rose, looking at Alice differently.

"I see now, Alice", Barodius said. "I know why we constantly seek to battle each other. After all this time, I understand. We are the champions of our own sides, but there's a reason for that, too."

"What are you talking about?", Alice demanded.

"When facing a truly powerful opponent, you'd do anything to achieve victory", Barodius said. "You came here because my agents, on my orders, threatened you. You came to end that threat."

"We came to protect Neathia", Alice argued. She tried to pull it off, but Barodius simply scoffed.

"Yes, and I'm here to make a Gundalian empire", he replied sarcastically. "But that's a front. As is your hero persona. Your friends may truly have that reason, but for you, it is a facade. You hold a dark spirit within you that rivals even my own. I daresay if I haven't made you an enemy, we may have been allies!"

"You don't know what you're talking about!", Alice yelled, fighting hard to contain her anger.

"You came here to survive. You came because, like me, you realize only the strongest can survive. Only the strongest should survive!"

Everything that happened to Alice seemed to boil over within those moments. Being overtaken by a dark, separate persona, and the stress it caused. Fighting against the Vexos for New Vestroia, losing her beloved grandfather in the process. Fighting against Zenoheld, with Leonidas being destroyed by Hydron. And then, spending months under Gundalia's threat, with the knowledge that she was the specified target.

Masquerade had never really left. His dark tendencies remained - and Alice was vulnerable to them, more than most. She gave in fully once before, when battling Shadow Prove and his Hades. But now, she was being pushed even further than then.

"Only the strongest should survive", Barodius repeated. "You understand that. So go on! Let us decide who the strongest is!"

"Enough!", Alice snapped, throwing a last Gate Card onto the field. Taking a breath to keep her mind acute, she picked up Hydranoid. "Hydranoid, no holding back here."

"We'll obliterate them", Hydranoid promised.

"Bakugan, brawl!", Alice yelled, throwing in Hydranoid's ball form. "Bakugan, stand!"

"Bakugan, brawl!", Barodius yelled, engaging Dharak and the Colossus system in one throw. "Bakugan, stand! Darkus Dharak Colossus!"

One after another, Hydranoid and Dharak arrived on the battlefield, Dharak with his Colossus system, Hydranoid with hits own power, and both ready to fight.

Blackout Hydranoid: 900

Dharak Colossus: 1600

"You ready for our last bout, Hydranoid?", Dharak challenged. "You and I both know it ends here."

"You will not overcome me again!", the five headed Bakugan declared.

"Come, Alice", Barodius called. "Embrace your darkness and battle with everything you've got!"

"You don't know me!", Alice insisted, annoyed. Her Baku Pod flashed another two abilities. "Double Ability Activate! Gazer Barrage, plus Hyper Lash Impact!"

Each of Hydranoid's heads opened their mouths, an orb of purple energy being formed in the maw of each mouth Hydranoid possessed. In unison, the five heads released his attack in Dharak's direction. But this time, it wasn't an isolated attack. As soon as the orbs left Hydranoid's mouths, Hydranoid prepared another set, firing it in the same fashion as before. The pattern went on and on, seemingly endlessly.

At the same time, Each of Hydranoid's eight wings extended small metallic mini heads from their tips. Each head was connected to the main body via a metallic rope like neck. As soon as they were out, each mini head began charging purple energy, gathering strength for an attack. When Hydranoid's heads began their barrage, Hydranoid quickly released the energy, shooting it out in another barrage of short beams, colored purple.

All of Hydranoid's energy projectiles flew through the air, practically unchallenged by gravity, air resistance or opposing attacks. Due to the immense size of the Colossus system, nearly every one would connect with Dharak or his battle suit, and evasion was not an option.

Blackout Hydranoid: 900+400+400=1700

Dharak Colossus: 1600-400-300=900

But neither Barodius nor Dharak were ones to evade power. They'd meet it head on. In response, he had his Baku Pod reveal another ability. "Ability Activate! Darkness Glow!", he yelled.

Dharak began to channel more energy into his twin horns. The two started glowing purple, with bolts of lightning crackling through the air. Before he unleashed the lightning, though, the Colossus system contributed, transferring energy into Dharak, who focused it into his lightning blast. That made it all the more intense.

With a guttural roar, belying power, Dharak unleashed his lightning, sending it to intercept all of Hydranoid's barrage. Lightning destroyed energy orbs and beams, going onward to threaten Hydranoid.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1700-600=1100

Dharak Colossus: 900+600=1500

"Keep going, Hydranoid!", Alice encouraged, unfazed by the incoming lightning. Her Baku Pod revealed another ability. "Ability Activate! Blackout Trident!"

Hydranoid opened the mouths of each of his heads, the maws within gathering energy. The energy condensed into purple and black orbs, five in number. The condensed energy was far more intense than even the Terminal Impact. In a single instant, Hydranoid launched all five at once, aimed at Dharak Colossus.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1100+500=1600

Dharak Colossus: 1500-500=1000

The five energy orbs connected eighth three lightning, the point far closer to Hydranoid than Dharak. The lightning consumed two of the five orbs, but was destroyed in the process. The three remaining orbs kept going throughout the air, heading for Dharak.

"Impressive attack, Hydranoid", Dharak growled. "But you cannot overpower me."

"Keep telling yourself that", Hydranoid replied.

"I will not be taken down by anyone!", Barodius stated. "Not even you." His Baku Pod displayed another ability. "Ability Activate! West Wall Shield!"

Once more, Dharak Colossus expended their combined energy, creating a dome of dark purple energy around them. The dome shimmered with excess energy, even as Hydranoid's energy orbs neared. When they got, they caused identically sized explosions on the shield.

After a moment, it was clear that the shield was completely intact even after Hydranoid's power was unleashed on it. When it was taken down, it was by Dharak's own accord, and he was no worse for wear.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1600-500-600=500

Dharak Colossus: 1000+500+600=2100

"So they still want more", Hydranoid muttered. "This is getting annoying."

"You understand now, Alice?", Barodius questioned. "The strongest will survive. I will survive! And you will be ground to oblivion!" His Baku Pod generated another ability. "Ability Activate! High Skewed Waiver!"

At once, the entirety of Dharak Colossus began following a purple hue, their power increasing dramatically. The mouths of Riptor and Smashtor opened up, as did Dharak's mouth. Along with Exokor's scorpion tail, purple energy was charging in each of them. At once, all four pieces of Dharak Colossus fired, sending multiple beams of dark energy straight ahead.

Blackout Hydranoid: 500-900=0

Dharak Colossus: 2100+900=3000

But Alice was ready. She quickly had her Baku Pod reveal another two abilities. "Double Ability Activate! Deathly Enforcement, plus Singularity!"

Hydranoid suddenly became coated in a thick aura of dark energy, which hid his form from view and increased his power tremendously. Only ten purple dots could be made out: Hydranoid's ten eyes, glowing with the power increase. Hydranoid roared in challenge to Dharak.

After Hydranoid roared, something changed in the aura surrounding him. Instead of being a simple coating of energy, it began drawing in the air around it, becoming a gravitational force.

It drew in Dharak Colossus's energy blasts at an even faster rate. However, as the blasts hit, they were simply absorbed into the aura, heightening Hydranoid's power all the more. Then, dark purple energy was denman from Dharak Colossus and joined Hydranoid's power, giving him the upper hand.

Blackout Hydranoid: 0+900+500+1400=2800

Dharak Colossus: 3000-1400=1600

"Ha!", Barodius mocked. "You used that combination in our last battle. You're getting desperate, aren't you?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures", Alice replied. "You're right. Only the best will survive this battle. Only it won't be the one who relies on an excessive battle suit."

"You cannot deny the power it gives us. Perhaps you need another demonstration!", Barodius shouted. His Baku Pod created another two abilities. "Double Ability Activate! Evil Blast, plus Thunder Prove!"

Dharak opened his mouth, amassing energy within. Before unleashing his power, he allowed the Colossus system to channel energy into Dharak, maximizing the power of the ability. A moment later, Dharak unleashed a beam of dark purple energy. The beam began tearing up the ground before centering on Hydranoid, leaving a large trail in its wake.

At the same time, Dharak's body began to generate a different kind of energy, channeling it into the Colossus system. The battle suit enhanced the powers of the already titanic Dharak. The entire battle suit blasted stray lightning bolts in all directions, charring any nearby Bakugan. Other bolts charged against the Third Shield, doing severe damage.

Then, the lightning focused into Exokor's scorpion tail, charging a massive attack. After a moment of that, Dharak Colossus blasted a lightning blast so huge, it made a lightning storm on its own, all of it surging towards Hydranoid.

Blackout Hydranoid: 2800-800-700=1300

Dharak Colossus: 1600+800+700=3100

The two energy attacks blended together, making a huge energy blast. Either one alone would be devastating, but together, they were an impossibly powerful attack.

"Don't worry, Hydranoid!", Alice encouraged, her Baku Pod displaying another two abilities. "We'll keep going until they stay down! Double Ability Activate! Chaos Armageddon, plus Fusion Ability Epsilon Devastation!"

Each of Hydranoid's five heads opened their mouths, beginning to channel an almost excessive level of energy into each one. The energy began appearing within each maw as a condensed blast of swirling black energy. Growling with the fresh power influx, Hydranoid blasted his energy into the blast of energy and lightning currently threatening him. The point of collision moved towards Dharak, until it got in between Hydranoid and Dharak.

Then, the fusion ability took effect. Hydranoid's black energy blast nearly doubled in size, with three blast traveling through his stream of energy. The point of collision moved even closer to Dharak, but the two boats ended up destroying each other in a massive explosion. Neither Bakugan was significantly affected by the explosion, but both were tiring down.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1300+600+800=2700

Dharak Colossus: 3100-600=2500

Alice was breathing heavily. She was running out of ability cards to use against Barodius and Dharak, and they were still going strong. And Alice was going closer and closer to the darkness Barodius had identified within her. If this battle didn't end soon, she would be pushed over that ledge.

"No hesitation, Dharak! Tear them apart!", Barodius yelled. His Baku Pod constructed another ability. "Ability Activate! Exodus Waiver!"

Dharak began to feel another power surge flowing through him, once more being assisted by his Colossus system. His mouth opened, the maw within glowing a combination of black and dark purple. After only a second, Dharak unleashed a large beam of dark energy, aimed right at Hydranoid.

Blackout Hydranoid: 2700-800=1900

Dharak Colossus: 2500+800=3300

There was no time for Hydranoid to evade, so all he could do was take the attack as best he could. He endured it, but when it subsided, the hydra all but collapsed.

"Hydranoid, no!", Alice exclaimed.

"What do you even fight for?", Barodius asked Alice, more taunting her than testing her beliefs. "Neathia? Your pathetic home, Earth? I don't believe it."

"Be quiet!", Alice snapped, desperation clearly flaring in her gaze.

"Or do you fight for yourself - the glory of beating the impossible? The legend of the immovable object that bested the unstoppable force?", Barodius continued. "Yes. That would provide quite the legend, wouldn't it?"

"Shut up!", Alice yelled.

"So why do you battle me?", Barodius questioned once again. "What propels you to stand in my way so valiantly?"

Alice was about to shout out again, but reigned herself in to maintain what little was left of her composure.

"Ah. Or is it simply to escape my threat?", Barodius continued. "You wish to survive. If I win this war, I'll be unstoppable. Aided by the captured Neathian Bakugan, you'd never get another chance to stop me."

Alice looked inward. In truth, Barodius was right. That was her inner process. Looking even further, she didn't even find Barodius's suggestion - of her wanting to beat him for the glory of it - all that unagreeable. That was the main thing that had driven Masquerade - a need to be on top for the glory of it. Naga was a power play for him.

Even in Bakugan Interspace, Alice participated in the tournaments. She knew there was nothing the competing kids could do to beat her in the matches. She actively mocked their efforts by holding back whenever possible. Why? For the glory.

"In any case, it doesn't matter", Barodius said, getting Alice out of her thoughts. "You've been an interesting opponent, Alice. But, your interference ends here." In his hand, he held one more handheld object. Throwing it in, he yelled: "Battle Gear… Boost!"

After a few seconds, Dharak had equipped his Battle Gear once more. Two wings made from golden diamonds replaced Dharak's natural wings. A metal attachment between the wings rose high. Another golden diamond was on Dharak's chest, connecting the two wings. Green armor was on Dharak's short limbs. And all if it was contained in the Colossus system, which began integrating with the Battle Gear.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1900

Dharak Colossus: 3500

"You'll never escape your darkness. It shall take you here and now!", Barodius exclaimed. His Baku Pod formed yet another ability. "Battle Gear Ability Activate! AirKor Zayin!"

All of the golden parts of Dharak's Battle Gear glowed bright purple, as if corrupted. An innumerable amount of particles, all black in color, rose around Dharak. Those particles began glowing even more intensely as the Colossus system aided the attack, making it the most devastating thing in Barodius's arsenal. After a few seconds to fully charge the attack, Dharak unleashed his Battle Gear's power, sending the black particles in all directions around him.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1900-900=1000

Dharak Colossus: 3500+900=4400

Hydranoid couldn't do anything to stop the shockwave of black energy heading right for him. In seconds, only his heads could be made out from the blast wave. These powerful attack rolled over the field, clearing it off any straggling Bakugan who survived the fallout of the earlier rounds.

Even worse, the shockwave neared the Third Shield, pummeling it with everything Dharak Colossus had. The normally multicolored dome began glowing strictly red, showing heavy, if not fatal, damage to it. A moment later, and pieces of it began falling apart.

Alice watched it all happen. She and Hydranoid were about to watch Neathia burn to the ground. And then they would die.

Is this how it ends?, Alice thought to herself. "No", she murmured. "Not like this." She glared at Barodius, so smug and assured of victory. "NOT LIKE THIS!", she roared violently, Barodius hearing her even over the deafening sound of the shockwave. "GATE CARD OPEN! CHAOS OVERDRIVE!"

It was at that moment the tide turned. Dharak kept up his attack, but a wall of dark purple energy rose around Hydranoid. He roared aloud with newfound strength as his power level rose drastically. The energy amassed became powerful and intense enough to crack the earth beneath Hydranoid's feet.

The Third Shield had broken, shattered by Dharak's latest offensive, but it hardly mattered anymore. Dharak was the only Gundalian Bakugan left to press the attack. And Hydranoid was resolute on taking him down.

Blackout Hydranoid: 1000+3400=4400

Dharak Colossus: 4400

"What did you just do?", Barodius wondered.

"It's not obvious?", Alice mock had a new edge to it - a more potent one. Dangerous. Like a cornered animal, Alice resorted to her darkest measures to survive. "Chaos Overdrive raises Hydranoid's power to equal that of his opposition. And that's nowhere near it." In a swift motion, Alice threw her Battle Gear at Hydranoid. "Battle Gear… Boost!"

Within seconds, the Helmgund Battle Gear was fully secured and equipped on Hydranoid. He growled lowly as the saw blades and cannon began glowing purple with a power influx.

Blackout Hydranoid: 4500

Dharak Colossus: 4400

Barodius's eyes widened as he saw the Battle Gear react to the environment. "The Gate Card integrates with that Battle Gear", he guessed. "Your final battle gun."

"We are not through yet", Dharak announced.

"Yes", Barodius agreed. His Baku Pod created yet another ability. "Ability Activate! Darkness Waiver!"

Dharak suddenly glowed a faint aura, channeling energy through his Exokor, which in turn focused it into Riptor and Smashtor. All the pieces then shot the energy outward, through scorpion tail and their mouths, joining it into one compressed beam of blackness, which blasted towards Hydranoid with all the force Dharak Colossus could muster.

Blackout Hydranoid: 4500-600=3900

Dharak Colossus: 4400+600=5000

Yet another colossally powerful blast was heading towards Hydranoid. But Alice didn't seem daunted at all. Far from it. Her eyes were glinting with rage, as well as something more - possibly elation. Her Baku Pod flashed one final ability.

"Battle Gear Ability Activate!", Alice yelled, giving Hydranoid's signal to attack. "Helmgund… APOCALYPSE!"

"This is the end, Barodius!", Hydranoid proclaimed. The saw blades began to spin rapidly, at an even greater pace than before. Before that did anything, the cannon locked onto the incoming blast, charging up purple and black energy in reply.

In the same moment, as Hydranoid's attack had finished charging up, two things happened with the Helmgund simultaneously. The saw blades flew off their places on Hydranoid's hands, slicing through the air towards Dharak. When they were confronted by Dharak's black energy, they cut through the blast like a knife through butter.

At the same time, the cannon shot a huge blast of purple and black coloring, heading straight ahead. With the saw blades having neutralized the threat, Dharak was suddenly in severe danger.

The saw blades kept their velocity in the air, connecting with the Colossus system. After leaving deep gashes in the armor, they restarted back to their positions on Hydranoid.

But then, Hydranoid's energy blast hit home. Dharak was practically consumed in the energy, which depleted everything he had. Dharak screamed in pain, being completely overpowered.

Blackout Hydranoid: 3900+800=4700

Dharak Colossus: 5000-800=4200

"Dharak, do not dare fail me here!", Barodius yelled at his Bakugan. "The Third Shield is destroyed! Victory is ours for the taking! Crush them, and no one will stand in your way!"

Yet all Dharak could give in reply was a painful yell. That he withstood it so long was only due to Barodius's stubbornness. But it was over. As the blast receded, Dharak Colossus was smoking was heavy damage.

"I thought myself… the most powerful… Bakugan…", Dharak groaned. Be began to laugh. "I suppose… I've found… a worthy battler…" Dharak, the Colossus system and AirKor glowed purple, flying towards Alice.

Barodius: 0%

Alice caught the captured Bakugan and devices with one hand, showing a bit of grace. The whole time, she kept her eyes trained on the Gundalian Emperor.

Barodius stood silently, his face showing no emotion. He stayed like that for one… two… three seconds. Then, he turned to face his army. His eyes displayed aggravation. "What are you waiting for?", he demanded. "They're weakened! Destroy them!"

The Gundalian army didn't move an inch. They just stood there, watching Alice. The redhead offered no weakness for them to exploit. She realized if they decided to throw in their Bakugan to attack, there was no way Hydranoid could hold them off. But they didn't move.

"What are you waiting for?", Hydranoid roared. "Are you going to fight me?"

"No, they won't", another person said.

Alice turned to the speaker. "Mason", she noted. "I was wondering when you'd show your face." She looked behind him to see his whole team, even Ren. "Whose side are you on?"

"We're not your enemies anymore", Ren assured her. "Keith brought us to the same side. We came to help you, but I guess you didn't need it."

"As for the army," Mason continued, "for longer than any of them have been alive, Dharak was a symbol of Gundalian power. He was the only thing that saved Gundalia from total destruction in the Dark Wars."

"There was even a rite of passage for Gundalian Emperors concerning Dharak", Lena added, stepping forward. "They had to gain Dharak's trust and partnership to name themselves the face of Gundalia. Now that you've captured him, they don't know what to do against you."

"Barodius is experiencing his fall from grace", Jesse said. "As the new master of Dharak, the Gundalian army will respect you."

"They'll fear me", Alice corrected. "Good." She looked at the Gundalian army. "This war is over. Get off of Neathia!", she ordered.

The army panicked, going back to the ships. Within a minute, they were retreating from Neathia. Barodius was abandoned.

Two Castle Knights approached Barodius, apprehending him. The three humanoid figures disappeared, with Barodius going to Neathia's dungeon.

"The Twelve Orders won't be so easy to quit the war", Shun said, stepping up to join the conversation.

"We already schooled them", Zenet continued. "They're locked up in that ship's dungeon."

"Really?", Shun said.

"Barodius did say something about his Twelve Orders being incapacitated", Alice remembered. "Does that mean… Is it really over?"

"I think so", Shun confirmed. "We did it. You did it."

XXX

The Brawlers, and all of their allies, were meeting in a Neathian war room. Queen Serena was holding court. On different holo screens, Barodius and his Twelve Orders were shown locked in prison cells for containment. Another screen displayed a temporary council of war from Gundalia.

"On behalf of Gundalia, and in lieu of Barodius and his Twelve Orders, we surrender all war efforts against Neathia", one Gundalian on the temporary council conceded. "

"We accept the surrender", Serena replied. "Not to worry. Neathia will try to aid your recovery however we can."

The Gundalian nodded, and the screen blinked out.

"You're being too forgiving", Alice said. "They attacked you. If anything, they should be assisting your recovery."

"This war would never have happened if Gundalia was given aid to survive", Serena insisted.

"They never asked", Alice retorted. "They attacked as a first resort. You owe them nothing."

"Your opinion is noted, Alice", the Queen said. "But it doesn't change my decision."

Alice was about to protest again, but shut her mouth. If you want to give Gundalia power over you, it's not my problem, she thought.

"If you're worried that Gundalia will attack Neathia again, don't", Ren said. "My team will keep them in line. I will keep them in line."

"Yet there remains one more dispute", Keith said. "What shall we do with the Twelve Orders and their Bakugan?"

"I say we imprison them in Gundalia", Sid said. "They're our people."

"They committed war crimes against Neathia", Fabia countered. "They're our prisoners. And I don't trust you'll be able to hold them in Gundalia."

"All valid points", Lena replied. "There are still many of Barodius's sympathizers on Gundalia. It may be safer to hold them on Neathia."

"Yeah, whatever", Zenet said. "You can keep them."

"And I say you keep their Bakugan on Neathia, as well", Jesse said. "Those talents could still gather quite the audience on Gundalia."

The five former rogues placed the captured Twelve Order Bakugan on a table, giving up their right to them.

"We'll keep them contained", Fabia promised.

"Thank you for this." She looked at the Guardians present. Not with hostility, but respect.

"My pleasure, your highness", Mason said with a mock salute.

"Can I trust you'll take charge of Gundalia?", Shun asked Ren warily.

"Maybe not yet", Ren replied. "I'll earn your trust, Shun. Gundalia will not be a threat ever again." He looked down. "Gundalia has been ruled by violence for far too long. It's time for a new chapter in our history. A better one."

"See ya soon, guys", Mason said. "And I hope you can figure Dharak out, Alice. It'll give you a lot of leverage on Gundalia." The Gundalians then left the room, leaving to bring order to their home. That left the humans, Vestals and Neathians to conclude the meeting.

As they left, Shun regarded Keith with something just below hostility. "So. Your plan worked", Shun said to Keith.

Ace and Mira approached to back up Keith. "Yeah, it did", Ace said. "Have anything to say, Shun?"

Shun looked at the three of them. "I guess… I was too paranoid about you losing the war for us." His eyes hardened as he continued. "I still think it was reckless," he softened his gaze as he concluded, "but it did pay off in a big way. I'm sorry for provoking the infighting."

"It's alright, Shun", Mira replied. "Let's agree to leave the water under the bridge, ok?"

"I'll agree to that", Shun stated.

"There's one last debate to settle", Volt said. He took a glance at Alice. "Your latest… addition."

"Volt has a point. What are we going to do about Dharak?", Shun asked.

"Is that even a question?", Dan asked in counter. "Dharak's way too dangerous. I say we lock him up."

"Good thinking, Dan", Shun agreed.

The rest of the Brawlers seemed to agree, but Alice glanced at them all, giving a contrary look.

"No", Alice said.

"What are you talking about?", Marucho wondered.

"Dharak is my Bakugan now", Alice stated. "The same as Hydranoid. I have final say in what happens to him."

"The Brawlers have a consensus on his fate", Keith argued.

"I don't care!", Alice snapped. "I'm not giving Dharak up. I don't think he was in full control. I definitely noticed serious friction between him and Barodius."

"So, what?", Keith said.

"Dharak is too much of a threat", Serena said sternly. "Alice, I request that you give up Dharak peacefully."

Alice looked at the Neathian Queen. "I'll give up the Colossus system", she conceded. "That will drastically lower Dharak's threat level. I won't go a single step further, though."

"...Fine", Serena replied curtly.

Wasting not a single moment, Alice formed Riptor, Smashtor and Exokor from her Baku Pod. Taking hold of them, she placed them on the table to be secured by Neathia. Dharak remained in her grip, as per the agreement.

"Alice, are you doing ok?", Shun asked the Darkus human. He had seen this aggressiveness in her once before: when she battled Shadow and Hades. When she had Hydranoid attack a fleeing Shadow Prove. He was suddenly worried about the toll the war took on Alice.

"I'm fine, Shun", Alice brushed off his concern. "Now, are we done here?"

"I can think of nothing else to discuss", Keith said.

"Very well", Queen Serena said with finally. "I call this meeting to an end. Thank you all for your valiant defense of Neathia."

"You're welcome", Alice replied.

"Don't mention it, your highness", Dan said.

The Brawlers, excluding Fabia, left the room, to go to Neathia's transporter room. They faced each other cordially.

"So… I guess this is it", Marucho said. "Dan, Shun, Alice and I go back to Earth. You guys, Keith, Mira, Volt and Ace, go back to Vestal.

"It's not forever", Mira said. "Let me know if you see any new technology, Ok?"

"Only if you agree to the same", Marucho replied.

Coredem floated up to Mira. "I will stay", here declared. "This is my home. I hope you understand, Mira."

"Yes, I do", Mira said. "Coredem, thank you for battling alongside me."

Coredem seemingly gave a nod, before floating out of the room, back to Neathia's civilization.

Afterward, Dan and Ace shook hands with each other, giving nearly identical grins to the other.

"See you soon, Ace", Dan said.

"You know it, Dan", Ace said back.

Dan looked at his Bakugan, Ziperator. "What about you? You staying here?"

"Hardly", Ziperator replied. "We're partners now, Kuso. I go where you go."

"That… that really means a lot", Dan said. "Thanks."

After this, Volt regarded Shun with a friendly manner. "Until next time, Shun", he said.

"Yeah", Shun said. "Hopefully, we won't be having to fight against a world conquering army then."

"Don't I hope so", Volt muttered.

Finally, Alice and Keith gave a hand shake.

"Perhaps, the next time we meet up, we can finally settle the debate on which of us is truly stronger", Keith joked. "I know Helios would appreciate the chance."

"So would Hydranoid", Alice responded. "And so would I."

As they finished their goodbyes, two portals opened up. One locked onto Alice's estate in Moscow. The other locked onto Keith's complex on Vestal. The Destroyer was already remotely piloted to Vestal, so the eight Brawlers gave friendly nods and separated, everyone going back home.

XXX

And that's it. The final chapter! I really hope you enjoyed. If you did, be sure to follow or favorite the story. If you want to say anything, feel free to leave a review or PM me. Before I go, responses:

Alice Gehabich: I give no comment.

Pyrus: I'm glad you like my story so much. I have to concede your point about Nurzak. I bought fit it in with my story. And I'm kind of paranoid about copying the anime too much.

Until next time, here's the epilogue!

XXX

Two exceptionally powerful Darkus Bakugan, both partners of the same battler, found themselves in a plain of a planet. Rock pillars decorated the distance. Lush forests rose nearby.

Hydranoid looked completely at ease in New Vestroia, but Dharak kept glancing around.

"I… I know this place", Dharak said, recognition in his tone. "I've been here before."

"You've been to New Vestroia before?", Alice asked. She was in Hydranoid's central head. But she was now looking at Dharak with newfound curiosity.

"Vestroia… Yes, that was its name", Dharak reminisced. "It's been a long time. But… Vestroia was destroyed. A trans-dimensional nova caused by the Perfect Core's destruction. Then, I was at Gundalia, stronger than I ever felt before."

"What are you saying, Dharak?", Hydranoid questioned. "You're not making any sense."

"Yes, he is", Alice said. "Dharak must've been originally from Vestroia when the Perfect Core separated the first time. It must have blasted some of the Vestroian Bakugan to Neathia and Gundalia. That's how Bakugan traveled to those two planets."

"Yes. That is what happened", Dharak confirmed. He was only half present, though. His attention was focused on the horizon. "How did Vestroia survive?"

"It was split into six different worlds, one for each Bakugan Attribute", Hydranoid said. "It stayed like that for a long time, until a Bakugan sacrificed his life and freedom to unite the Perfect Core once again."

"Incredible", Dharak breathed.

"How could you have survived for such a long time?", Alice asked. "It's been centuries. Maybe even a millennium."

"It's not impossible", Hydranoid said. "Nova Lion was able to live for that long."

Alice looked through her memories. Yes, Masquerade was once told of Nova Lion. A Bakugan old enough to remember the separation of Vestroia. But he was destroyed by Naga's mutated Bakugan.

"And I was the strongest of the banished Bakugan", Dharak said. "When the Core exploded, it expelled energy into the banished Bakugan. I think I absorbed more than most. It gave me power - and immortality, I think."

"So that's why I haven't seen any evolved Neathian or Gundalian Bakugan", Alice reasoned. "Their collective DNA was mutated by energy intake, compromising their chances of evolution. The same thing happened to Helios."

"Evolution?", Dharak asked. "Is that how you grew so powerful, Hydranoid? You evolved to this level?"

"I did", Hydranoid replied.

"Ok. Enough with this", Alice said. "We came here to train as a team. Let's get to work."

As Hydranoid and Dharak complied, communicating to each other as best they could, Alice looked inwards, to her last conversation with Shun.

"I can't do this anymore, Shun", Alice told him. The two were at an empty corridor in Interspace. Alice was trying so hard, so repeatedly, to act like her old version of herself. But, for better or worse, she had changed. "I need a break from… this."

"Alice, you don't have to do this alone", Shun said, placing a hand on Alice's shoulder.

Alice shook her head, getting out of Shun's contact. "Yes, Shun. I do", Alice said. "I need to go somewhere I can embrace myself without hurting anyone. I need this. Take care, Shun." She turned away, breaking into a run. Shun could've caught up to her, but he understood. After a couple of seconds, she was gone.

XXX

Shun Kazami was locked in a fierce battle in Interspace. Typhoon Ingram was battling a Pyrus Fangoid, and the two were in heavy combat.

The Fangoid's battler, a brunette kid with glasses, a red T-shirt and jeans, was ready to keep battling. He thrust out his hand. "Gate Card Open!", he yelled. "Pyrus Reactor!"

The ground below suddenly erupted in a bright firestorm, engulfing and powering up the digital Fangoid. He roared as his power level jumped from its base 600 to 900.

Ingram flew up into the air, evading any kind of threat from the firestorm below. Up so high, he seemed untouchable to the ground locked Fangoid.

"Try and get a lock on me, now", Ingram taunted.

"It won't be that easy!", the brunette called out. He showed a red Baku Pod, which created an ability. "Ability Activate! Luna Spartan!"

Fangoid let out an animalistic roar, the shields on its shoulders glowing and depositing glowing red halos. With another roar, Fangoid sent the halos darting directly at Ingram, who could barely fly upward in a dodge in enough time.

Yet the evasion only bought Ingram fleeting time. Locking onto Ingram, the halos began to spin their trajectories like boomerangs, zero-ing in on Ingram. Ingram evaded them again, but with every passing moment, the halos got faster and faster. It was only a matter of time before Ingram was overcome by the halos.

Typhoon Ingram: 700-400=300

Fangoid: 900

"Your style is admirable, kid, but it's nothing I haven't seen before", Shun said, pulling out an ability. "Ability Activate! Armored Melee Protector!"

As the ability was called, Ingram stopped hits evasive movements, allowing the halos to near him. Ingram's wings almost immediately went to cover the most vulnerable areas on his body. When the halos struck him, they did almost nothing to him.

Typhoon Ingram: 300+400+400=1100

Fangoid: 900

"Huh?", the kid questioned.

"You are outclassed", Ingram said, beginning a descent downward to confront the Fangoid. The firestorm raged to greet him, but Ingram flew through, unfazed.

Fangoid had no time before Ingram was upon it. One slash from Ingram's armguard was all it took to reduce the Fangoid to ball form.

"No way!", the brunette cried out. There was nothing more he could do to stop his Life Gauge deplete to 0%.

"And it's over!", an announcer's voice protected through the field. "Shun Kazami successfully defends his title as champion of Bakugan Interspace once again! Can anyone stop this ninja's winning streak?!"

Shun became champion once Alice left. He looked all over the Earth for any sign of her. Nothing. He contacted his allies on other planes. No sign of her. She obviously didn't want to be found.

Sensing weakness in the Brawlers, a fresh surge of battlers came to challenge their supremacy in Interspace. Shun would set them straight. Again and again and again. Until they got the message.

Alice, I understand why you left, Shun thought. I know you need to discover who you really are, beyond the Brawlers' pressure. But I hope you figure it out soon.

"Shun Kazami, I challenge you to battle!"

Shun internally sighed at the new challenger. Obviously, it was just another glory seeking punk. As much challenge as the last battle, at best. But Shun would persevere. He'd do anything to safeguard the Brawlers' legacy. Her legacy.

XXX

Keith was on his laboratory on Vestal's moon. In past times, it was the testing grounds of his most dangerous Bakugan experiments. Nowadays, it was the prison for a single person and his Bakugan.

Keith strode through the halls, having long since memorized the way. He halted as he approached as single cell, holding one blue haired individual.

"Hello, Gus", Keith greeted. Gus said nothing. He merely faced the wall opposite him.

"You're still giving me the silent treatment?", Keith asked. "Gus, I just want to talk."

Gus still said nothing. He acted as if he hadn't heard Keith.

Keith sighed. This was nothing new. He was given the silent treatment each time he confronted Gus. It had been a while, as it was the first time since Keith left for Neathia, but clearly nothing had changed.

"If you want to talk, know that I'll listen", Keith said before leaving the way he came.

However, in his aggravation, he failed to notice a single detail. On Gus's side, rested several dishes of automatically given meals. Uneaten.

In a nearby laboratory, Mira was working a console that was monitoring Rex Vulcan's brainwaves. Among the three Bakugan that Gus brainwashed, Vulcan was the only one who hadn't even made any progress to recovery.

"Hey, Vulcan", Mira greeted, not even expecting an answer. "I'm back. Sorry for being absent the past couple weeks."

"He… he left…", Vulcan's voice was heard.

Mira checked the monitor to see an abnormality in Vulcan's brainwaves. "You're finally breaking through. That's great, Vulcan!", she encouraged.

"He left me…", Vulcan groaned.

"Who? Who left you?", Mira asked.

"He left…", Vulcan muttered.

Suddenly, Mira's eyes flashed in worry. "Oh, no. Don't tell me…" She quickly brought up feed for Gus's cell. It showed nothing abnormal. Just Gus standing in his cell.

But then, Mira saw the meals on Gus's side. Ten of them, all uneaten.

With the knowledge that the meals were given at eight hour intervals, Mira rewinded the feed back around 80 hours. She saw nothing out of the ordinary. Gus was just sleeping in his cot.

Mira exhaled a breath of tension. "Vulcan's just having a nervous breakdown", Mira rationalized. "Gus's on a hunger strike. We should do something about that." She was about to close the feed when she noticed something. Rather, the lack of something.

The time had come for the meal to arrive. But it didn't.

Tension crept up on Mira again. She further examined that feed, using some coding skills to come to a conclusion. "No. No. No no no. It's a prerecorded loop."

There was only one person who benefited from this tampering. That person was also the only one who could shake the ever loyal Vulcan to his core. But that person was locked behind bars.

"Unless…", Mira muttered. She contacted Keith. "Keith, I need you to go into Gus's cell."

"What?", Keith asked. "Mira you're not making sense."

"Do it!", Mira exclaimed.

"Ok, ok", Keith said. After a minute, Keith had entered Gus's cell. Gus gave no reaction, just continually standing in place.

"This is suspicious", Keith admitted. He waved a hand to touch Gus, but he didn't. The hand passed through Gus's form.

"Not suspicious, Keith", Mira corrected. "This is really, really bad."

In his position beside Mira, Vulcan groaned, becoming ever more aware. "He left… Gus left me…", he muttered. "Revenge…"

XXX

Until next time, goodbye!