The Battle Brawlers waited patiently outside the Queen's private quarters. They were well aware of the time that was being used to help get the people out of the bunkers by the Castle Knights who didn't go into battle, but their own sense of patience was at a low point.

"Where are they? You think they're alright out there?" Dan questioned.

"Maybe we should go look for them." Marucho advised.

"I don't think that is a very wise idea." Jaakor advised. "The queen insisted that we'd stay within the city walls for the time being. That is, until we are able to explain ourselves to her over the circumstances."

"Jaakor's right. We can't endanger ourselves recklessly." Shun protested, his arms folded. "And besides, those other guys out there look like they're more familiar with handling the cleanup than what most people we've seen." His thoughts traveled back to seeing the power unleashed by Zion and Snapzoid. It was still leaving some goosebumps that he tried to steer clear of. 'Why is this getting nerve-racking?'

Radizen turned towards people coming their way. "Look, I think it's them!"

"Yes, I see them too." Drago agreed.

The Battle Brawlers turned their attention towards the set of footsteps heading their way. They all saw Luke's group with their Bakugan on their shoulders. They seemed rather well, but other than a few scratches and physical exhaust, they seemed as well as they were.

"Hey, we were just worrying about ya." Dan commented. "For a second, we thought we'd have to come find ya."

Jase studiously stood ground as he used his index finger to adjust his glasses. "A fair warning. We're not as lack of orientation as we may seem, but it's not like we're too familiar either. A map next time in advance would help."

"Sorry." Marucho sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

Gunz was on the opposite wall of Shun, arms crossed as well. "So you guys finished clearing up the mess out there or what?"

Esther stoically frowned at Gunz' comment, but she'd rather not reprimand him on his trivial perspective. "We've managed to secure as many of the Neathian soldiers as we could. Right now, the ones that are still alive are being treated. But the damage they've sustained will be long-standing. I doubt they'll be ready for another fight."

Dan growled at this. His fist balled and ran into his open palm. "Man! That's just plain wrong! Those guys didn't deserve any of this!" His teeth gritted together out of frustration as his gaze fell. "This isn't right…"

"Hmph, welcome to our world." Shuji shrugged.

"Believe me, it gets worse from here." Shawn invoked, stepping up. "But why're you guys out here? I thought you had to meet with the queen to have a talk about what's going on?"

Drago floated onto Dan's shoulder. "We did. Fabia insists that she hears your side of the story as well. She's waiting for you inside."

Maggie whimsically swayed her hips to the side. "Don't suppose we'll be getting royal treatment for our hard work, right?"

"Maggie…" Esther muttered.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." She moved over and gently shoved Luke and Luka. "C'mon you two, lead the way inside. You've dragged us this far in."

"Okay, you don't have to be so pushy…" Luke murmured. He turned around, facing the large doors that opened upwards. It strangely reminded him of Thermosphere, but he was strong enough to power through that bad memory. "Okay, we're ready."

The Battle Brawlers nodded and stood alongside Luke's group. They all waited as the two guards with large staves stepped off to the side. The shimmering chrome doors slid up one segment at a time, until their faces were brightened by the full view of the Queen's throne room. It was a rather spacious domain that had clear white everywhere, leading up to a long staircase where the queen's throne stood beneath an ovular glass door view of the desecrated Neathian city down below.

There, sitting on the throne, was someone who couldn't have been older than Luke himself. Fabia Queen was in her human form and had green eyes fixed with a sincerity in them. Despite the mayhem that went down a few hours ago, she seemed to have gained a mildly good composure.

"So that's her. That's the queen of Neathia." Luke murmured. He sounded more surprised than anything, especially with how young she was like he was. But he knew better than to keep that under control.

Jase raised his head. "Your highness." He politely bowed. "Thank you for allowing us to be here."

Esther bowed next. "Yes, we're sorry for any trouble we may have caused beforehand." She was proceeded with Shawn, Luke, Maggie, and Shuji all bowing their heads in respects. They needed a reasonable impression.

Fabia overlooked all of them, a meek smile crossing her face. "Thank you for coming, all of you." She started. "It's a pleasure to have all of you here in a time of crisis. I'm very pleased to meet you."

Everyone raised their heads to look up at Fabia. She seemed calm and formal to them.

"You guys, I want you to meet our old friend." Dan introduced, grinning as he referred to Fabia. "This is Fabia. She's an old friend of ours. Don't worry about a thing, you can trust her."

"Much obliged." Luka replied half-heartedly, yet coldly. He turned and looked at Fabia dead in the eye above him. "Is it fair to say that you are indeed the Queen of Neathia?"

Fabia nodded. "That's right. Dan and the other Battle Brawlers told me quite a bit about what's happening. They told me that you guys went through a great struggle to stop this menace that calls himself Riaan from destroying our world."

Luka furrowed his brow. "You can say that."

Fabia's lustrous grin turned to a serious frown. "I really wish I could get to know you guys a little bit more…but time is of the essence. You have information regarding what's going on, right? Tell us, what's your side of the story?"

"I believe that you'll find the tale more vast than you've imagined." Jase explained. He turned towards Shawn. "Shawn, would you be so kind as to explain it to her?"

Shawn shot all his friends an irritated look. "Wait! Why do I always have to be the one to…" Running through the motions, he sighed in defeat. "Ugh…fine. Why do I even bother complaining anymore about this?" He walked closer towards Fabia. "Okay, your highness, here's what's been going on…"


It took a short while for Shawn to explain everything that happened, but once it sunk in, Fabia was an expected expression of surprise on her face. But her composure seemed to still be intact. "Okay, so let me understand this right." She uttered. "You're saying that there's a man called Riaan, and he is the father of all Bakugan. And because of Code Eve leaving him, he's made it his goal to brings all Bakugan life including those they've been in contact with to a restart on one world?"

"That's the very basic of what's been described…but yes." Jase concurred.

Fabia furrowed her brow, getting the dots linked together. What she saw earlier and felt made a lot more sense now that she was explained the situation. "I see, so then that's why I recognized those Mobile Assault Vehicles and Bakugan…I thought something was strange when this all happened out of the blue."

"Luckily we've managed to make it in time before things got worse." Shun spoke. "But unfortunately, we weren't able to stop their weapon or Riaan fast enough. Now Neathia's progression towards crumbling is going to catch up with the other planets."

"How long will that take?" Marucho turned towards Jase, who had light refracting off his glasses.

"We've arrived on Gundalia a few hours before the forces arrived. After which, the period was roughly 4 days. It's been precisely one week since then. In the time of acceleration with the Empyrean and his powers growing…I fear we may not even have half that time."

Just as he finished, the landscape started shaking. Another tremor was pulsing through the city and its landscape. Everyone spread their legs or otherwise remained calm inside the throne room, but outside they could see the ragged fissures working their way through the lush forests, which had already started losing their colors with dying wildlife.

Once the tremors started easing, the sounds of buildings outside were heard shifting. Fabia stood up from her throne in a hurry and looked out to find that the earthquakes alone have left many smoke stacks in her city. Debris laid everywhere.

"Fabia…" Dan murmured in pity.

Shun turned towards the others. "Did you guys relay this to Paige and Rafe?"

"We did." Atmos replied. "We spoke to them as we were dropping off the injured around them."

"And…?"

Jelldon lowered his upper-half. "They…didn't take it very well."

Castle Knights were all up against walls along the halls of the Royal Palace. The infirmary was very much overloaded with people that were carefully brought in by the others and there weren't as many supplies to go around. The Castle Knights were all bloodied, some having concussions at the very least, but otherwise it was far worse than what many could imagine. Some were laying with white sheets on their bodies, indicating they've died. Roughly a good majority of them were like this. Others writhed and many more were waiting to be treated now that they've survived hell.

In the infirmary, Captain Elright was laying in bed with bandages all over him. Linus, being in better condition, watched over with Rubanoid as they grieved for what happened. The anguished cries and sobs of next door was clear through the sheets separating Elright's side from Rafe and Paige. The Haos battler had his head down as his fists were in bandages and hunched over in sadness. But Paige was in fetal position under her sheets. She heard about what happened on Gundalia, and from the way it sounded, she was gonna be like this for a while.

"The damage dealt was catastrophic. I doubt that anyone will be in fighting shape by the time Hades Pillars decides to attack again." Verias imposed.

Atchibee opened on Esther's shoulder. "The best option at the moment is to gather what we have. That way we can work on defending and attacking if the time comes."

Reptak floated in front of them. "You make it sound so easy. Well let me tell you, that isn't the case."

"We know that." Verias said. "But it's not like charging head-first will make anything better for the rest of us."

"For once, I have to agree with what they're saying." Drago announced, standing on Dan's shoulder. "We're dealing with an enemy force that's as gifted as Code Eve herself. Acting out of impulse is the last thing this team needs if we're going to find a solution."

Luke stepped in between everyone. "Guys, please. Let's just take a step back. We're all worked up here."

"He's right." Fabia worked her way down the set of stairs to meet everyone. Her heels echoed with the sound of glass with each step taken until she approached Luke's side. "You all just arrived here in the middle of a melee. You're all probably confused as to what to do next. We'll work something out until we get things situated. Dan, are you guys cool with staying around for a while?"

Dan gave a thumbs up to her. "Sure thing."

"Glad to hear." Fabia turned towards Luke's group. "As for you guys, what are you gonna be doing? Will you require arrangements as well?"

Maggie beamed with a rather polite smile. "Don't worry about it, your highness. We're pretty good with the Trailer as it is."

"If you require us in any way, communications will be open. We have an internal server set up if you can't reach us by foot." Jase proposed. "If you need us, we won't be too far."

Fabia nodded in understanding. "Thank you all."


Luke's group decided to head back towards the Trailer. With Castle Knights handling the wounded, the others were advised to conserve their strength for when it counts. Though it did mean well Luke wanted to help some more, it was only by Shawn's insistence that they've done what they could in getting their lives out of that mess.

Everyone was in the Trailer as it was in Observatory Mode. They were all at the lower deck in chairs and sitting around. Drinks were provided while some of their rations were shared.

As Luke was dining on a small sub that was restocked in the fridge, he looked over at Esther's plate, which was a salad. "Hey, Esther." He made sure his tone was soft. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Esther lifted her fork, nonchalantly blinking at Luke's vague question. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you just recovered too after Riaan and Hades Pillars…you know, took you. Should you be moving around and eating so little like that?"

Esther turned her head away coldly. "I could be asking you that very same question. If I recall, my condition wasn't nearly as severe as yours was. And you chose to swing your sword at the risk of opening wounds not even a day after waking up."

"Damn, talk about cold." Shawn whistled.

Shuji scoffed. "More like a burn if you ask me."

Luke scrunched his brow in annoyance. "…I thought we were all past this. C'mon, do I have to be made fun of every time I worry about someone?"

Jase nonchalantly turned towards them. "You're just easy to mess with these days. Shuji's no different." Shuji was in the middle of eating a sandwich of his own when he gave Jase a death stare. "Our sentiments exactly."

"Geez…"

Maggie scooted over, patting Luke on the back. "Don't feel so bad. It's nothing personal." She leaned into Luke for a whisper. "Besides, the colder someone is, the more they care about you." She playfully winked.

Luke's expression turned towards the others. They seemed to be placated as Jase prodded his glasses and Shawn nonchalantly leaned back in his seat as Shuji guzzled down his share. 'Somehow I find that hard to believe…'

"Don't fill his head with such baseless nonsense, Maggie." Esther chastised. "It's absurd."

Maggie shrugged indifferently. "Whatever you say." She glanced away. "I can see why you're Darkus for a reason…" She shifted her glance towards someone else. "Speaking of cold…"

Luka was at another table, eating what looked like simple soup. The broth looked thick as per how Esther had cooked it. He was careful to blow on it before sipping on it with an indifferent expression.

Everyone looked towards each other to see what they would want to do, let alone process it. A majority of them looked over at Luke to pass on some kind of message. He looked at Luka, then back at them. Getting the point made, especially by Esther's insistent smile, he volunteered to get up and moved his spot where Luka was. He sat in an adjacent seat, which grabbed Luka's attention.

"This spot taken?" Luke rhetorically replied.

Luka looked up at Luke, leering skeptically. But thankfully he relented. "Hmph."

Taking it as a no, Luke sat his stuff down beside him. He tucked into the chair's cushions and sat his sandwich down patiently. "You know, there's enough room over with the rest of us."

"These chairs were built into the Trailer. You wouldn't be able to move them unless you undid the boltwork in them." Luka lethargically retorted.

Luke frowned. "You know what I mean…" He paused to have a bite of his sandwich.

An odd, very awkward silence fell between them as they ate their respective meals. The sounds of slurping and munching was all anyone heard for what seemed like the shortest while.

Finally, Brontes broke the silence. "What's with all the tension? Any stiffer and even I might get cramped."

Luke swallowed his share before he decided to break the ice a little. "So, Luka?"

"If you're going to ask me to sit with you guys, I'm perfectly fine where I am."

"That's not it. It's just…" He paused, trying to collect the right words to say. "How exactly did you meet Brontes? I'm a little curious."

Luka raised a brow. The question was most certainly out of left field for him. "What makes you ask a question like that?"

"Well I mean, we all met our partners on New Vestroia." Luke looked at Abis on his shoulder. "Actually, the same time and place I met Abis, was right by that river with Atchibee. We've all been through a lot of worlds, I'm just wondering how you and Brontes were able to stomach it when you both started."

Luka scrunched his brow. "Hmph, you're asking a personal question you know."

"I know."

He looked down at his soup, where Brontes was staring at him from the edge. He was looking through the broth at his own reflection; for a moment he barely recognized himself with his haircut back on Gundalia from fighting Luke. Back then, things were personal there. Lines were already crossed, so there really isn't anything hide now that he thought about it.

"…hmph." He scoffed. "It was the morning after I set out on New Vestroia to stop the launch of his two cores." In his head, he could still remember the sunshine when he held Brontes in his palm. "I was half a day behind, so I didn't get there until I was able to use an experimental gateway device Cesar had been working on. Coincidentally that's when I met Brontes."

Luke did the math and raised his brows slightly. "You mean you were on New Vestroia that same time as we were?"

"Supposedly. When I found Brontes, he was in a mental state of shock. Something happened in his past regarding Forbidden Abilities that left him in limbo for a while until I snapped him out of it. Since then, we've been working together." He shot him a deathly frown. "No matter how much of a pain it's been."

Brontes impishly chuckled. "Oh Luka, you tease. You care."

"So you've spent years hiding out on Interacia gathering intel and resources on Riaan, and then you've found your partner shortly after." Abis summarized.

Luka huffed. "More or less. Looks like you guys started paying attention after that."

Luke lowered his head in regret. "We're sorry. We didn't know it was that rough for you…we're pretty mindless like you said."

Luka sharply turned his head away, agitated by what his cohort said. "Are you still putting yourself down, even after all that's happened?" He exasperatedly sighed. "Well, doesn't matter. Who am I to talk? Here I thought you were nothing more than useless trash."

Luke hung his head. "It's amazing what a short amount of time does to someone."

"We're on a deadline. When time draws closer, you dread for when that time really ends. From what I've seen, you humans cram what you can if you procrastinate. Consider this a reflection then."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

Another vague silence fell over them, this one being a little more of comfort than awkwardness. The two redheads were passively enjoying their meals for a while until Luka spoke.

"Dreck…Luke." He corrected. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Those yahoos over there…how did you earn back their trusts. They seem more reliant to you than anyone else I've ever seen it's almost like they're completely different people."

Luke looked down at his sandwich. It was all gone. All that remained were just a few breadcrumbs littered on plastic wrapping paper. "Believe it or not, it started because of you. If you hadn't shown me what a terrible person I was back then, I wouldn't have been able to see the better of myself." He thought back to when he cut his own hair. "After that, I said goodbye to whom I was. But since then, I learned a lot of things about myself and my friends that I didn't know I could relate."

Luka looked down at his soup, seeing nothing but low broth levels now. "And what might those be?"

"That I had it way too easy. That my old self is never really gone, that I can be thankful because of him, I'm me today. Esther, Shawn, Maggie…even Jase and Shuji, they all had to move on at some point. We've all suffered together. It wouldn't be fair to do something like this alone…even if you might die in the end. At least you wouldn't be alone."

He sat in silence and looked over his shoulder. He watched them all savor their meals as Jelldon was sitting on a spoon's ladle as Fly Beetle came down on the one end. Jelldon was catapulted into the air and fell into an open jar of strawberry jelly, unintentionally hitting Verias, who was already inside the case and buried him deep into the jelly. Shuji and Maggie busted out laughing, whereas Shawn groaned. Esther and Jase silently ate their salads as Atchibee and Atmos went to pull them out.

Whatever he was feeling, be it annoyance or curiosity, Luka looked down to see he still had some contents in the bowl still to go around. Huffing, he stood up with Brontes and walked over

"Jelldon, now you're gonna smell like strawberry all day." Maggie looked up, noticing Luka walk towards the one open seat between Jase and Esther. "Hey, there's the partypooper." Maggie teased. "About time, we were worried you'd freeze to death over there."

Luka silently sat down with everyone else. He saw the estrange looks everyone had and felt rather uneased. "What are you all looking at?"

"Nothing too noticeable. Don't worry about it." Jase chimed.

"Right…" Luka didn't buy it. "Brontes?"

"Olley Olley Oxen Free~!" The clown curled into a ball and Fly Beetle slammed down on the spoon, sending him flying into the strawberry jelly with a splatter. The gooey substance stained him as Atchibee and Atmos lifted him out of the jar, fluttering their wings. "Oooh, now that's what I call a sweet retreat." He joked.

Luka facepalmed. "Geez…"

Shuji and Maggie laughed again; Shawn chuckling some at the act. Looking around, Luka was feeling a snort come up as a soft grin spread.

Luke watched the scene with Abis, the two looking at each other and softly smiling.


Inside the Royal Palace, Dan and the others were taking their time as they were gathered around a singular small lobby, where their conjoined rooms resided. They all took the time to settle in and assess the situation, where it was more than a shock at first. Shun especially was at a loss for what to say.

"What's wrong, Shun? You've been awfully quiet." Orbeum butted in. "Is something troubling you?"

Shun opened his eyes after taking in everything. "Nothing, I was just thinking." Inside his head, he thought about the battle they barely made out of. He was up against machine guns and rifles for one thing, but the Bakugan owned by all these Interacians were another matter entirely. It left him extremely unsettled how calculative they intercepted their attacks. "It's like our enemy knows what's inside our heads. We thought it was like our previous fights like with Mag Mel or maybe against Wiseman, but this is taking it a whole other step further."

"Yeah, not to mention their super-tough Hades Pillars. Seriously, for just meager Bakugan, they're like completely unnatural." Radizen rebuffed.

Roxtor spoke gibberish towards him.

"Yes, Roxtor. I know it's because of this Riaan fellow. You don't have to play Captain Obvious. I'm just saying those guys play dirty."

"Not dirty. Smart." Shun corrected. "Think about it. Their soldiers used Gate Cards to nullify and increase their power. What's more, they were all so heavily coordinated and had Battlegear on top of Mobile Assault Vehicles. And they all looked highly selective for a species. Whoever planned this army out knows how to conduct an attack "

Drago popped open next. "Yes, you do have a point Shun. Also…there's the matter of what we've just bared witness to. I don't want to have to remind everyone about that power level we've felt."

"Yeah, I know what you mean, Drago." Dan frowned. His attention was towards his knees as he sat hunched over. "Seriously, for a second there. I thought we'd all fry. That kind of firepower is too much for one Bakugan."

"Unless that one Bakugan is genetically modified." Shun added.

Marucho frowned. He was looking over a holographic panel that his Bakumeter showed. It had the recording of Brontes slicing clean through the Torracrawler with Abis' Filter Cannon boost to the slash. "I can't believe those guys got their power levels over 3000. That should be really dangerous for one Bakugan alone." He looked at graphs off to the side, revealing icons and statistics of Frill Abis Omega and Alto Brontes. "With these stats, they shouldn't have handled that level of power."

"Something tells me we'll be needing to talk with those guys." Drago advised.

Reptak floated next to him. "I'm with you. I still have to thank Jelldon for saving our bacon."

Gunz smirked. "Heh, guess I should thank the squirt as well."

The doors opened to their quarters, revealing Julie and her cameraman, whom was barely dragging his feet. "Hey guys~! How y'all doing?" she cheerfully exclaimed.

"So how is it, did you get footage?" Dan asked.

Julie walked up, pointing a thumb to herself. "You betcha. Everyone back at home saw it all. Mira and Runo said they were able to relay the whole thing. Now everyone's fully aware of what's going on!"

Dan smiled. "That's good." He rammed a fist into his palm. "We'll need everyone's support if we're gonna take down this creep and Armagedoid!"

Shun smiled in agreement, but that smile turned to another frown. He watched as Dan was having a pep talk with Julie as he was being questioned of what he'll be doing next for everyone to see. 'Dan's right. We need a lot of spirit if we're going to make it through this. Everyone back at home needs as much confidence in us as we possibly can get.' He thought again to the grizzly battlefield and Zion's destruction. 'But, we'll need more than just spirit if we're going to save our own skins.'


As everyone was eating soundly on the Trailer, there was a loud ring that was getting their attention. It was coming from the large intercom table close by.

"Who's that?" Maggie asked.

"Looks like we're getting contacted." Shawn replied. He moved towards the lower panel and started typing into the physical keyboard. His eyes laid atop as he punched it all in coordinated fashion. Once it was all done, the holographic screen above brightened, showing whom was contacting them.

"Your highness?"

Fabia was on the screen. She had a serious look as she stood beside Aranaut. "Good evening guys. I trust that you all are feeling much better." She announced through the monitor. "There's a matter that just came to mind. I would appreciate it if you all and the Battle Brawlers would meet me back in the Royal Palace as quickly as possible."

Jase casually walked up. "A rather sudden request, wouldn't you say?"

"Did something happen?" Verias questioned.

"Maybe she's giving us a heads up on Hades Pillars attacking." Jelldon noted.

"Our radar systems would pick up on any disturbances. Besides, with the vast negative energy they produce, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say we're well-rounded for the time being." Atmos replied.

"I suggest we all wait and see what the Queen has to say." Atchibee turned towards her. "Go ahead, your highness."

Fabia continued. "You guys mentioned something about Code Eve and how she is connected to all this. We might have something in favor of that. We have much to show you." With that, Fabia turned off the signal, allowing the green holographic energy to recede.

Esther stood up promptly. "Let's go."

Luke nodded. "Right."

As everyone was setting up to head out, Luka gazed straight ahead. 'Code Eve…'


Luke and the Battle Brawlers quickly converged to the Queen's throne room once more. Once they were all in line and accounted for, Queen Fabia came down the stairway yet again with Aranaut floating beside her in ball form.

"I apologize for the abrupt message I gave you guys." She apologized again. "I understand if you were taking this time to rest up."

"It's no trouble, your majesty." Jase prodded.

"So what was the rush about? Did something big come up?" Maggie inquired.

A set of footsteps was heard off to the side, grabbing Fabia's attention. "Right on time."

The large group turned their attention towards the incoming steps. They saw who look was surrounded by half a dozen Castle Knights. They all stood at attention before one half turned right, while the other went left. They diverged to make way for an older woman who had short, dark blue hair and turquoise eyes. Her skin was a pinkish-white, befitting Neathians. She adorned ceremonial and regal robes with a priest-like hat on top.

'Damn, talk about a royal fashion statement.' Shawn thought to himself.

Aranaut floated in front of Fabia, bowing courteously towards the attendant. "Lady Serena, we welcome you back."

The woman, known as Serena, smiled comfortably at the Bakugan. "Greeting, Aranaut." She turned towards the Battle Brawlers. "And to you, Battle Brawlers and fellow friends, with the highest regards, we welcome you to Neathia."

Fabia turned towards everyone else. "Everyone, this is my sister. Meet Serena, the current ambassador of Neathia and Gundalia."

"Hey there, been some time." Dan nonchalantly greeted.

"Yeah, you seem great." Marucho chimed in.

Serena gave them a noted nod. "Dan. Everyone, it's good to see the same in you as before."

"You seem awfully calm in spite of what's happening?" Shun noted.

Serena nodded, but she had a troubled frown upon her lips. "It's in times like these that we need to have the upmost faith in what's possible. Our forces were dramatically reduced. It leaves much to be desired, but we ask you once again for your aid, Battle Brawlers." She looked at Luke's group. "And to you."

Dan nodded, raising a balled fist. "Sure, you can count on us. Riaan and his goons are gonna be sent packing!"

Luke and his friends looked at each other. Their faces showed they were on the same page, but they knew better than to full-on agree when tis was a bloody war.

"Miss Serena, ma'am, what may I ask is the purpose here?" Esther advised. "There was a mention about a 'Code Eve' amongst them."

Getting back on topic, Serena dutifully nodded. "Yes, you make a good point." She turned with her knights in tow. "Come, there is somewhere I need to show you."

They all held firm for a moment before walking off with Serena. Luke in particular slowed down to a near-halt when this strange feeling in his gut shot up to his head. 'Wait…what's that feeling just now?' He swiftly picked up his pace to not get left behind.


They all walked through what could be best described as a back alley into the Neathian Palace. After Fabia dispatched them, Serena guided them through a chamber that went to a rather long way out the palace and into Neathian ground. It wasn't before long that everyone stood back -to-face with what looked like a giant crystal mountain with a jagged entrance to it.

Looking up at the place, Dan's eyes widened. Marucho caught on quick. "What's the matter, Dan?"

"Look up, you'll see."

Marucho and everyone else looked up. They noticed something relatively familiar about this place. The cavernous entrance was notably a lot larger than what it was supposed to be. There were indents in the crystals where it looked like something was hanging before it took off.

"Hold on…wait! Is this what I think it is?!"

Marucho's revelation caught on quick to Serena. "So you remember then. I'm sure Fabia relayed this to you the last time. Now then, shall we proceed?"

As the Battle Brawlers ventures inside, Luke's group was tailing relatively far behind. They sounded like they knew, but they were far from the loop. "Geez, you think these guys would give us a little hint of what's happening around here." Maggie pouted.

"Yeah, just where are we exactly?" Shawn pondered. "Seems rather special if it takes someone royal to get to know its whereabouts."

"Guess we better start moving if we wanna get to the bottom of this." Shuji started. He started to proceed but he noticed Luke was looking up at the cavernous entrance with a curious look. "Hey, what's with the face?"

"…"

"Hey, yo? You hear me?" Shuji waved a hand in front of Luke's face. That did the trick as Luke blinked several times before snapping back to reality.

"H-huh? Oh, sorry Shuji. You say something?"

Shuji caught onto Luke's rushed tone. He was skeptical of why he was spacing out, but he knew it would've held the others up. He rubbed the back of his head and groaned. "Nothing, just making sure you were with us. You looked like you've seen a ghost."

"Oh, right?" Luke raised a brow. "Sorry, it's just…" He looked up at the cavernous entrance again, but in his mind, he was getting eerie reminders of a dark cave. "You ever get déjà vu?"

Shuji raised his brow next. He looked at Luke's direction and looked at the cavern entrance. However, unlike his cohort, he didn't feel a thing. But he was empathetic. "Yeah, I guess so…wait, you think you know this place?"

"I know I wasn't here physically. I'm not that stupid."

"Well I've heard stupider." Shuji shook his head, before putting hands to his hips. "Well, just try and keep up. Guess we'll find out soon."

"Right…" Luke trailed off for the umpteenth time. As he filed along with his friends, he couldn't take his mind off the roof of the cavern. He felt an odd, ghastly chill run up his spine that nearly spooked him. Abis popped onto his shoulder and, suffice to say, he looked rather opaque as well. 'I guess Abis feels it, too.'

The two stared at each other what felt like an uncertain amount, but they knew the objective. They followed behind. Luka and Brontes looked back at them to be sure, but the looks on their faces spelled something was up.

Serena and her guards guided them through the passage. As they walked through, they couldn't help but notice the chrome crystals around them. They were all tainted and crude. As they walked on, some even fell off their supports due to the rocks becoming less stable.

One dark chrome in particular fell too close to Maggie's comfort. Jelldon looked up with a heaping gasp.

"What?" Maggie looked up, but she was caught off guard by a random falling chrome deposit. She covered away, but Shawn rushed in and pushed her out of the way. They tumbled as the chrome piece scattered like glass at everyone's feet.

"Are you all alright?!" Esther exclaimed.

"Ow…" Maggie winced, but aside from that, she looked up, seeing Shawn was the one who saved her. "Shawn, you saved me."

"Yeah, don't mention it." He looked up at the ceiling. He could see dozens, if not thousands, of these chrome crystals that were secure before starting to loosen a little. "Looks like all those earthquakes before started weathering them down a little."

"It'll be too dangerous to continue unless we keep looking up." Atmos advised.

Jase turned towards the former queen in question. "Miss Serena. I don't suppose there's another route that can take us to where you are leading us perhaps?"

Serena looked back, frowning. "I understand your concern. However, this is the only meanings to reaching the shrine. Up ahead it'll clear up. Please, follow me."

The queen pressed on, the others had to follow close by. Dan and Shun looked back to see those who had weapons were ready to draw them out of needed. It was clear they were the more cautious types.

"Tales…lie in stone…"

A very faint voice echoed through the chamber, but it seemed Luke was able to pick up on it. His feet kept moving, but his face returned to being shocked. 'Wait…did I just hear that same voice again? I could've sworn I…' The chill down his spine continued to climb. His eyes widened upon stopping at the edge of an all too familiar spring. 'Wait, this is…!'

Despite the dark, dampened crystal walls with decaying chrome, the spring water was crystal clear. The water that was supposed to be dark and dense at this time was what amazed everyone, because it was still pure.

Serena turned to look back at all them. "Now then, I trust you all are ready to proceed."

Dan nodded. "Yup." He and the others started for the spring. When they did, everyone in Luke's group looked in surprise when they saw all their feet beginning to walk on water. Even Gunz was a little shocked at first.

"Woah, hey! Hold on a sec! What the heck is this?" Shawn gasped. "Is the water…that shallow?"

Dan chuckled. "You'd think. Actually, it's because we're pure of heart." He beamed so proudly that the others found it very uncomfortable.

Maggie, of course, found the chance to muse herself. "Pure showoffs are more like it." She huffed.

"So the spring has a special power to sense those of pure hearts and allow an easier way through." Jase calculated. "This would definitely work for those who aren't very find of swimming."

"Correct." Serena chimed. "Now come."

The Battle Brawlers continued walking, as if going on while the others were to ponder what to do. "Uh, are we sure about this?" Maggie chimed putting hands to her hips. "Don't get me wrong, the last thing I want is to get left behind, but over a 50/50 chance of this stuff?"

Shawn crossed his arms. "Yeah, not that it couldn't hurt to try. What have we got to lose?"

"Our lives." Fly Beetle blunted.

"Well isn't that helpful." Verias mused.

Esther wasn't sure about this factor either. She turned towards Luke to see what he was thinking.

Luka, on the other hand, was surprisingly quiet. He was staring at the water with a perplexed look. The crystal-clear water was making him think back ti the strange dream he had just the other day. Even now, when he looked into the water, he was finding himself with flashes and a growing, throbbing feeling.

"In tales that lie in stone…shall spark…dawn…"

Luke furrowed his brow. He wasn't liking this one bit. Something about all this was making his head spin.

"Luke?" Esther's question made her sound more vocally concerned. "Are you feeling alright?"

Luke silently stood up. He looked back at everyone. "Hey, guys. Let's just ride on Abis. I'm sure he can carry all of us."

Shawn raised a brow. "What's the matter? Afraid you aren't pure of heart?"

Luke sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "It's nothing personal. Better safe than sorry."

Jase could read the hesitation in Luke's voice. It was written all over his face. Of course he couldn't blame Luke for the way he was thinking. He felt the same way, too. He was a reasonably cold person. He'd admit out loud too if it was warranted. But given what everyone is, he thought best to keep them all in line with the situation at hand.

"I agree. But let's be swift. We don't want to drag the Battle Brawlers behind as we are already."

"Got it." Luke looked down at Abis. "Ready, Abis?"

"Yeah, let's do this." The serpent Bakugan rolled up and Luke threw him out. In a blue light, the sea serpent hissed as he arose in a long, streaking serpentine out the water. His bodily scales shimmered with pure water crystals that looked rather cool. He lowered his head, allowing Luke on top. Meanwhile, everyone else hopped onto his neck and lower body. "Everyone hang on."

Everyone did as told and clutched onto his body tight. The serpent extended his frills to make his upper-half more buoyant for them. As he drifted far behind, he was gradually closing in on the ones in front.

"Huh? Why are they just riding a Bakugan? Aren't they pure of heart or something?" Dan wondered.

"Hard to say, Dan. Not everyone is definite on themselves as we are." Shun protested. "But, you do have to admire their caution. They must have some personal trust going on."

The gang followed behind, with Luke and Abis behind very quiet. Very vague whispers were heard around them, so much that he could've sworn they were actually there. Traveling through the spring, a relapse popped in their minds. They could see the other taking the same path as they did through the cavernous water.

'This is…'

Now that they had a better look, the ark walls and stalagmites sticking out were giving them déjà vu. They were all in very similar positions, as was the light refracting off the walls up ahead. They shot glances at each other. They knew something about before had to be some kind of warning. It had to be.

Up ahead, there was a rainbow shine that emanated the atmosphere. Serena was with her men as they waited for the Battle Brawlers and friends. "Now then, do you recall what Fabia said about Code Eve?"

Dan nodded. "Sure did."

"Six worlds…that intertwine…" The voice that Luke and Abis heard was astonishingly notable. It sounded soft with an echo. But it left their heads to throb. They did their best to power through.

"Luka…" Brontes mumbled. Luka heard him alright. He stared forward with a serious face.

"Please, come in." Serena stepped to the side, allowing them all to go through. They all passed through into a large chamber, with crystals full of crystal chrome everywhere. Everything looked so pure and thick. But in the center of it all, there was a huge spiral staircase that lead the a petal-like pedestal that was empty.

The room was eerily quiet, yet t had this strange magical energy around it.

"Do you feel that?" Maggie whispered.

"Yeah, I do." Jelldon murmured. "It's like I'm all tingly. Like when I'm bathing in that squishy stuff…wait, that came out weird."

Esther turned towards Atchibee. "Do you feel that as well?"

"Yes, quite so." The moth Bakugan could feel herself throb just a tiny bit, her heart racing some. It wasn't by a lot, but enough to make her feel like she had gotten out of a tough battle. "There's a strange energy in this room."

Luke felt it through his gloves. Abis' scales were starting to get goosebumps. He looked down in curiosity and shock when he saw Abis showing the equally same expression. That same feeling of déjà vu was quick to take over. Both of their heart rates climbed a little.

Atmos jumped onto Jase's shoulder. "It's a very strange feeling. It's like this energy is surrounding us. The more we breathe of it, the more active my body is feeling."

"I feel it, too." Fly Beetle grunted. "It's like I feel like I can flip a mountain upside-down."

Shawn furrowed his brow. "What do you think it is?" He asked Verias, but the Bakugan was equally as skeptical.

"This chamber that you've all walked through, is what once housed the Sacred Orb, the most safeguarded treasure in all o Neathia." Serena explained. "For generations, Neathia has been the chosen home for this power, which enabled the energy to flow through our lands with lustrous life. However, that light had faded, after Barodius' downfall."

Drago floated in the air, popping out. "Yes, I remember that. That Sacred Orb he was after, it was none other than Code Eve herself."

Shuji scrunched his face. "Wait, you serious?"

Luke's eyes widened in shock. Another ghastly whiff entered his head again, making him throb in agony some.

"A soul of cindering red shall be quelled by scales of deep blue…"

"So this 'Sacred Orb' was on Neathia. But it was actually Code Eve the entire time?" Shawn furrowed his brow, putting a hand to his chin. "That's hard to imagine. I thought Code Eve was aloof somewhere. After all, Riaan built his own planet."

"We don't know the details ourselves unfortunately." Serena explained. "However, small remnants of her energy is still preserved within a small area it seems. We believe that it's what will keep this one area safe for everyone as a last resort."

"I see now." Jase scrutinized.

Esther looked at him. "What is it, Jase?"

"Riaan's energy falls on taking matter and infecting the original with negative energy. However, Code Eve, or rather 'The Sacred Orb' as they call it, has a large amount of positive energy within it. With an influence like that, it would explain why the water was pure from the spring onwards."

Shuji frowned. "So this thing spent years hiding here from Riaan. And she chose to move when things started getting scary?" His brow scrunched. "And he just now decided to attack Neathia? I may be slow, but even I know that doesn't add up."

"For once, I can agree." Jase noted. "Riaan has always been a rather shady feature to figure out alone. He started out on New Vestroia and Earth, but has moved to planets that gained gradual power. All just to be where Eve was. If I had to guess, he's most likely going to have something involving her here."

"You think he's gonna try and draw her back here?" Maggie hypothesized.

"That's a strong possibility."

Dan scoffed. "Well, we won't let that happen." He turned towards his team. "Alright guys, we gotta take down Riaan before he gets that chance, you with me?!"

"Yeah!" everyone in his group cheered.

Luka watched them all get psyched to take down Riaan and his forces. He would've called them naïve, if not stupid was a more appropriate term. But he was better at concerning himself with those around him. He felt a shift in front when he saw Luke curled over, his hand on his head. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Luke weakly opened and eye and looked back. "Huh…? Sorry, I think I got a headache agai-GAH!"

BA-DUMP!

Luke's entire body lurched. He clutched his head tight as a foreign, throbbing pain spiked tremendously. It was like a migraine was eating his brain cells alive.

"Luke? Luke?!" Esther leaned over, grabbing his shoulder in her worry. "Hey, what is it? Can you hear us?"

"What's the matter with you?" Atchibee worried/

Luka saw Luke's state, but he was just as vague about it as everyone else. However, with his psychological powers with Brontes, he was getting an idea. 'Wait, is someone contacting him?'

'What's wrong with me? I haven't felt this worn out or weird since…since…wait, New Vestroia…and those visions.' He thought to that weird dream he had with the strange voice on Interacia after arriving there. 'And that one time on Interacia. Someone…is trying to-!' Unable to handle it any longer, the strain of this weird, ghastly voice and force was enough cause him to black out. He fell over, rolling into the water with a loud splash. He started submerging head-first, much to everyone's horror.

"LUKE!" Shawn roared.

Abis hissed. He used his tail to snake down after his drowning partner as he plunged deeper into the water.


Luke sunk beneath the crystal water, the density of it being surprisingly light. As he descended, it was getting notably much darker, like traveling to the bottom of the ocean. His entire body was completely still as his throbbing headache was gone, only to be replaced by a sense of gravity dragging him down.

'I…can't move.' Luke strained as he was trying to get his body to move, but an unknown force was propelling him deeper towards the darker depths. His eyes were open wide, but the underwater pressure was getting to him. The headache he had was being suppressed with the cold water. His body felt amazingly cool, but that wasn't his problem.

As he sunk to darkness, everything was starting to turn weightless around him. When he opened his eyes again, the sense of gravity was gone. He was in freefall as all that surrounded him was black. It hardly felt like water anymore. He looked around, not even feeling the slow drag…but it was still rather cold.

'Where…am I?' He noticed an odd light ahead of him. It shined weakly, like a firefly in the night. He saw the light flicker with a whisper, and it was calling towards him. 'What's that voice? I know it from somewhere…' The darkness around him was depleting rapidly. When he looked up, the ceiling of what looked like dark water hung over his head. He felt gravity pull him up and through. He looked down, finding himself standing atop rainbow water that surrounded an isle that that a massive chamber-like roof around it. When he looked around, he noticed the walls were a rocky blue, refracting the light of the blue water below. He consciously figured this had to be somewhere, and that's when a rainbow light from before was there, floating in the middle of the isle. "You're…"

The light said nothing. Instead, its radiance casted onto Luke, making him nearly blind and blink.

"In tales that lie in stone, there lies a tale that follows its entities. Those entities that dare to take the path of righteousness out of all odds shall cometh of six worlds. Six worlds that intertwine into what shall spark the dawn of a revolution. Numbers though small, their hearts follow in valor behind a man and the rising dragon. The two souls that have been blinded by darkness once shall forever make a stand, and bring forth a world in which all shall be undone. The reset by these brave souls shall start with the visit of one world, where those souls shall meet and forever be destined to change all that has been written. From then on, the man of darkness shall see the light and carry his brethren to the end of diversity. A soul of cindering red shall be quelled by scales of deep blue, edging into the bond between man and Bakugan for eternity."

Luke listened to the prophecy, his mind racing a long time. This was a lot to take in, but he knew from heart that this had to be important. 'Who is this light? And what is she talking about with all this?...wait, is it me? And Abis?'

The light started shining brighter, casting a bright gleam across the water. Luke braced himself as it drew closer.

"Luke…Luke~!"

A white gleam casted over him, turning all his surroundings white. 'That light…it couldn't be-!'


"Luke!"

The familiar shout was loud enough to cause Luke's eyes to flash open. When his vision came to, his heart was still racing, despite being unconscious for some time. All his friends surrounded him and looked down with worry.

"Gnnngh…guys?" Luke sat upright. When he looked around, he noticed they were all at the shrine's entrance. Abis was right by his side, sitting patiently on the ground. "Abis…you okay?"

Esther knelt to his side, sincerely worried. "Luke, are you hurt? How are you feeling?"

Luke furrowed his brow, rubbing his head. He noticed that his throbbing headache from before was all gone, like it magically went away. He scrunched his brow and looked back at everyone. "I feel fine now…I think. What happened?"

"You had another one of your fainting spells again, that's what." Shuji exaggerated.

"Geez, just how many times do you plan on passing out on us already, huh?" Maggie glared. "Seriously, if it wasn't for Abis, you could've drowned. It was taking everything Shawn had to hold Esther back, too."

Luke glanced over at Shawn, who rubbed the back of his head. He suddenly punched Luke in the shoulder, making him yelp. "You're such a hopeless bastard." He grunted.

"S-Sorry." Luke looked down with regret. His face contorted to a serious inquiry. He couldn't top himself from thinking about that light he saw. 'I know that wasn't a dream. I'm pretty sure what I felt was real. It's like…that on New Vestroia. The thing I saw in my sleep. It had to be something.'

Luka folded his arms, giving Luke a scrutinizing stare. He, as well as Brontes, stayed relatively quiet through this whole thing. They weren't as observant as they were action, but they could tell what was wrong.

Silently, he walked up towards Luke, towering over him. "What is it?"

"What you saw in your sleep…it had to have been Code Eve."

Everyone's eyes widened at Luka's insight. Not just them, but the Battle Brawlers and Serena were all taken back by this revelation in prodded his glasses up with another finger.

"Wait, hold the phone. You're saying that Code Eve's the reason Luke blacked out?" Dan questioned. "How's that make any sense?"

"Yes, I find that rather hard to believe." Serena raised a brow. "It's true that the Sacred Orb has connections to those closest to it. You aren't saying that Luke is connected in some way to it?" she turned harshly towards him. "What does this entail to you? What did the Sacred Orb even say?"

Luke backpedaled. "I…"

Esther came in between their argument. "Guys, stop it. Luke just woke up from something. Don't force something onto him when he's not ready."

"She's absolutely right." Jase prodded. "Still, to have someone in contact to Luke such as a proxy to Riaan's former lover does spark theories." He turned towards Luka and Brontes. "By any chance, how did you become aware of this?"

Luka crossed his arms. "Brontes has magic abilities. You've seen them before."

"I see. So a literal mind reader. How vexing you are."

Luke looked down at his feet with a straight face. He was taking in everything that was being told. It made sense that it could've been Code Eve. The voice was very familiar to before. Maybe he was, then again, maybe not. He knew he had to keep his options open for debate.

Once he gathered his bearings, he looked at Abis. "Abis, you felt it, too, didn't you?"

The serpent's head bobbed up and down. "Yeah, I did. But I don't know why I wasn't knocked out as you were. Where's this coming from?"

"It's been said that there is a Switch Code in Code Eve's system." Serena pointed out.

"A Switch Code?" Maggie interjected.

"Yes. It is said that each Bakugan and its partner have something between them that upholds the basis of their standing power. In the case of Dan and Drago, both of them have Switch Codes. I'm sure that you humans say it as something as 'friendship', if I'm not mistaken?" she paused. "But in any case, if the Bakugan is attached to its partner and vice versa, then their code is exceptionally in synch."

"Abis is impressionable much like Luke." Atchibee noted. She and Esther turned towards them to see their reactions.

Luke and Abis stared at each other blankly. It was hard-pressed if what was being told was the truth or of it really mattered. They've already been through enough crap to have already killed them at the same time. It didn't peg until just now how much the two had so much in common at this point; brought into a battle that wasn't even theirs, but chose to fight it out anyway. Their revelation into this matter was so deep that their eyes were practically glued to each other.

The topic getting offhand, Jaakor was able to bring everyone centerfield. "I believe now is time we all make our next steps."

"Yes, sensei. Brilliant choice." Skytruss advised.

Gunz turned towards Shawn for consolidation. "hey, is it okay if we crash in your RV for a short while. There's stuff we've gotta check in first."

Shawn didn't have any objections. "If you say so."


Everyone made their way back to the Trailer, where they all were hanging around chairs or otherwise stood or leaned on walls, much like Shawn and Shuji were. Shun was on the nearby table with legs crossed and eyes shut as he meditated. The rest of the Battle Brawlers hung around, idly trying to assess their assets.

"What did you guys wanna talk about?" Shawn asked nonchalantly. Even he wasn't that dumb to figure they didn't come out of the blue to ask about seeing them to talk.

Radizen popped open. "Well pal, if you must know, we just so happen to find this whole situation incredibly gullible to believe."

"Gullible?" Jelldon parroted. "Uh, sorry…what?"

"Must I repeat myself to someone other than Roxtor? Sheesh! Well, since it seems rather blunt to say, we're just completely taken back how you've all been able to handle these guys and how coincidental this all's been. I mean, that power level you guys fought, sheesh! Even I know that's too much!"

"I think you're beating around the bush, Radizen." Reptak retorted.

"Ugh! Fine, then someone else lay it out for them then?"

Marucho tapped into his Bakumeter, the buttons becoming synchronized until a tiny blue screen showed itself. He showed everyone the image of Zion with the Torracrawler with Snapzoid's power level at the staggering 4600. "This is the entire battle analysis that we've come up with. From what we've gathered, only one of their highest peers was present during that one attack. And he was enough to completely harm the Neathian Castle Knights."

"I think you mean slaughtered." Shuji corrected, his tone indicating seriousness.

"Yes, and that brings us to what we've seen about you guys as well. You guys have been pushing yourselves and your Bakugan beyond your limits. I think it's starting to show through your actions. Shawn." Shawn was given a scrutinized look. "Why'd you do it? Do you realize that you've harmed soldiers that had families?"

Shawn looked at him like it was a stupid question. "Of course we knew that."

"But the Bakugan are the biggest threats. You didn't have to go and wipe out their battlers like that. It's just wrong…"

"Marucho." Drago trailed off.

A shift in spectacles didn't go unnoticed by anyone as Jase grasped their attention. "I apologize in advance, but are you not familiar with the situation you are in?" he walked a few paces until he stood by everybody else's sides. "Don't get the wrong idea, we understand where you're coming. I, too, once believed that Bakugan are a part of human conflict. Let alone settlements to everything these days." He looked up. "However, the reality is far crueler than you could've ever imagined. It's not like rock, paper, scissors and the score is settled like that. No, that's the point Riaan is trying to make."

"Then what's all this about having these dangerous weapons for people and Bakugan? If he's trying to kill everyone, he could've done so at this point." Shun rebuffed.

"Yes. He would." Jase took a moment to pause. "Like we said, Riaan is an aloof, but we once pointed out that doesn't go picking pointless scuffles. He's probably aware of the damage he is causing allowing everyone to mourn or give their condolences. After all, leeching an entire planet alone is enough."

"But the Bakugan are living, aren't they? Why is he willing to destroy everything that's created?" Dan questioned.

Luka scoffed. "Hmph, you guys are so clueless it's pathetic. And here I thought you seeing the battlezone alone would've knocked some sense into your heads."

Everyone turned towards the Haos vigilante. "Luka, please." Esther chided.

Luka snorted. "Yeah, I know. I'll try and make it simple and soft." He walked up towards them, bypassing Luke and Jase. He gave each Brawler a crude look. "Look, we told you that we came here of our own accord. We're doing our own thing and you have some reprimanding nerve, when you think you're so high and mighty. Or should I remind you of the guns pointed at your faces by Riaan's men?"

Dan and everyone practically flinched. Even Shun was somewhat deterred by this little revelation.

"Don't fool yourselves. You're only shifting the blame on us and think we're doing wrong. To win this fight, you can't play it safe, as we've learned the hard way. If you wanna win, you've gotta push yourself…even at the chance that you might die."

Dan furrowed his brow, trying to find a counter. "Look, nobody innocent has to die from this?"

Luka's brows heightened. "Apparently Riaan and Zion disagree."

"So you're willing to risk your lives and your Bakugan like this?" Gunz wondered.

"Well it's not like we could've used something to toughen us up." Fly Beetle chimed.

Shun turned away, his eyes showing disinterest. "Well it's clear that we have opposing opinions of how this battle should be won. And it's clear that you're not going to follow the advice we've given you. You're far too in already."

"The same is reciprocated." Esther noted. "You may be the Battle Brawlers, but we have to respect each other's differences. There's no one way this situation can play out."

"Even if your Bakugan has a power level nearly 5000?" Marucho worried, though it seemed more direct towards Luke. "We've heard of what happened while you were unconscious back on Gundalia…"

"W-What?! Are you serious?!" Marucho's voice was extremely loud, but it was out of shock than just disbelief. He and the Battle Brawlers were being informed of what was going on, and what steps they've taken. "You're saying that an Abis Omega reached a power level of nearly 5000?"

Esther calmly frowned. "To be more accurate, it was originally Atchibee's power. Had it been too long, and it would've been dangerous."

Atchibee was currently surrounded by her fellow Bakugan. Hydranoid and Verias especially were being sure to support her if needed while the others were gathered around the small table, watching their partners converse.

"And you said Riaan's Bakugan, Armagedoid, had reached a power level nearly twice that?" Shun confirmed.

"Yeah, by the end at least until Dan and Drago came from out of nowhere and stopped everything." Shawn stated.

"I've never heard of such a power from a Bakugan alone." Drago grunted. His voice was hinting uncertainty, if not meager remorse for the revelation everyone went through. "It could absorbs all your attacks and make it his own power?"

"Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Riaan sure made a tough one this time around. Just when we thought the Luxtor back home was tough."

Shuji stepped up. "Hate to break your memory lane, but we've got a problem here."

"Yeah. Luke is still unconscious. Who knows how long that will be." Maggie frowned.

Esther looked down at the ground, her frown getting heavier. She couldn't help but feel remorse for what lead to this point, especially Luke and Luka battling her in her state she was in. If Riaan hadn't enhanced her body the way he did to aid her reflexes, maybe Luke wouldn't have passed out like that, nor be on the verge of death.

A comforting hand laced itself on Esther's shoulder. "Esther, don't blame yourself." She softly smiled. "I'm sure he wouldn't either."

Despite the lack of good spirit on her, Esther knew Alice was trying to help her. She meekly smiled. "Thank you, Alice."

"And even Shuji's Fly Beetle had power over 2000?" Dan awed. "That's insane!"

Shuji beamed at the comment. "Heh, surprised. Thought I would stay at the bottom, but look where karma turned around." He suddenly shifted to seriousness. "But listen, don't sound so surprised. Those Hades Pillars you've seen are kicking power levels and abilities that are seriously pushing us."

"It certainly shows." Reptak stated. "How are you guys faring like this? Aren't you all from New Vestroia? Not to be rude or anything, but I thought you'd all be long since overtaken by the negative energy flowing around."

Maggie frowned. "Hey, just because we might be as strong as you initially, don't count us out on our skills. I'll have you know, Jelldon is a LOT tougher than he looks. He's a softie on the outside, but he has it where it counts."

Jelldon playfully blushed. "Teehee, oh, stop Maggie…" he giggled.

"But to handle all this negative power for an extensive period of time, on top of an overbearing power level, makes you wonder if this is all worth it." Drago noted formally. He looked at the elevator door, knowing that Luke was being overseen outside by Luka, who was still hanging around outside. "I'm starting to worry if this keeps going…"

"Yeah, me too." Dan agreed. "But still, there's gotta be a way to take him down without risking these measures. We just need to find it is all, but how…?"

"We know what levels you had to take to beat these guys, and you almost got killed in the process. Don't you think you should be more worried about your own safety and health in the long run?"

Marucho's words sunk into Luke's cranium right into the brain. But as much as Luke wanted to agree, he knew, from the bottom of his heart, that this was something he knew was right. "…no." he firmly disagreed. "We didn't tell you how to fight your way, so don't tell me how to fight my own. We're not like you guys. We may not have as much experience with battling your way…" He thought about what he and Esther spoke about on Vestal. "But there's nothing wrong with how we do things, too."

"By killing enemy soldiers?" Shun raised a brow. "You do realize that's-!"

"That it's necessary." Abis Omega prodded. "Besides, they attack first, it'd be on self-defense."

"If you're trying to tell us that we shouldn't face Armagedoid and you guys do so in our stead, that's dumber than what that knucklehead dreck did." Luka snorted. "You're clearly underestimating your opponent."

"And you seem to be forgetting whom we are." Shun rebuffed. "We've fought off cretins like Naga, Zenoheld, and Mag Mel, not to Mention Mechtavius Destroyer himself. All it takes is a little faith from your friends."

"And yet you've made it so clear that we are unfaithful. Seems rather hypocritical." Jase exaggerated. "Especially since you've killed all those mentioned."

There was an uneasy tension between the two groups designated. The Battle Brawlers allowed or them to come along, but when they really stop to think about it, it was their idea to go their to begin with getting in the Trailer. And without their help, the firearms would've killed them probably. But regardless of facts, what doesn't change is how they viewed how the battle should be won. The Brawlers see it as only between Bakugan, but Luke's group has proven that they have to make sacrifices if it means making a future for everyone else.

Drago came in between everyone. "I think we might need to step away from each other before this gets out of hand."

"Yeah, you're right." Dan turned with his team and started for the exit. "Sorry for troubling you guys."

"Likewise." Esther politely replied, her voice having a cold sting in its undertone.

Everyone watched as the Battle Brawlers made their exit soundly and swiftly. They went down the elevator towards the entrance, leaving the Trailer in silence and for everyone to lament over their positions. Though, from the way they looked at it, they were well-aware.

Outside the Trailer, the Battle Brawlers exited the first floor, where Julie was tapping her foot and waiting patiently for them to come out. "There you guys are. Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting out here? I was just about to come find you guys. What did you all talk about?"

The Battle Brawlers got closer to her. She had the mic over towards her friends; it was clear she wanted the people of Earth to get a scoop on what's going on.

"We, uh…" Dan paused, thinking of something to say. "We just had a conversation of how to handle taking down Riaan. It's bound to happen eventually."

Julie chimed brightly. "Ye~s! That creep I so going down! Now that the Battle Brawlers are on the case, that creep Riaan won't know what hit him!"

"We'll have to find a way to get to him while looking out for the rest of his forces. Those Hades Pillars especially will be a big problem by itself." Shun replied. "We'll need to do a reconnaissance to get a layout of where to attack. If we can find an opening in their defenses, then getting to Riaan should be much easier."

"Good idea." Dan agreed.

Shun nodded in understanding. "I'll stake them out and see where this goes. You all just wait for my signal." Like a ninja, Shun and his Bakugan vanished, leaping out of the blue to thin air.

Marucho looked towards Dan and the others. "We'll need to come up with a battle strategy to counter whatever we have for each of the Hades Pillars as well."

"Sounds good to me, Marucho." Drago agreed.

Further ahead of them, Shun was dashing through the Neathian wilderness. He was well aware of the dying world's rapid acceleration, but as he jumped from tree to tree, there were already dead leaves and lush wildlife that was barely moving. He even noticed the fauna that was supposed to be deadly and eat people was already wilted some. 'We can't waste time like this. We need to strike fast otherwise it'll be too late. To save Neathia, we have to take matters into our own hands. We'll go right to the source, then, pluck it when the time is right.'


Day had soon turned to dusk. With the amount of time that passed, the ground beneath was a lot more dry compared to before. It was also evident that there was a lot of scattered chrome around the planet. By now, the forest life was practically dry. Just looking out the Trailer's balcony was enough for a show that Neathia's shining speck of a planet was looking more like a wasteland that had no water for centuries.

Even in the dense, dry air, Luke was breathing normally. He had gotten used to it after being on Gundalia for so long that this felt like nothing. The temperature was down a few degrees, but there weren't any goosebumps his mind was diverged on other matters as Abis was on the balcony with him.

The door slid open behind, revealing Esther. She and Atchibee walked out towards their sides. Without looking back, Luke and Abis had a pretty good idea of who it was.

"Are you still worked up over what they said?" the Darkus girl softly inquired.

Still looking out at the dusk in the distance, Luke seemed awfully calm compared to what was known before. He lowered his gaze some before answering. "No. I'm okay." He shook his head. "You told me before that it was all based on perspective, isn't that right?"

Esther softly smiled, surprised at his recollection. "I didn't realize you hung onto what I said on Vestal."

"I keep telling others that I'm trying, aren't I?"

Another vague silence fell between them. A dry, crispy air swept through the air and caused Luke's face to chill. It was getting colder.

"We need all the help we can get. It's up to them to see how they view it." Esther noted. "We all learn at our own paces. That road we all take to where we go is never an easy one to follow."

Luke meekly grinned. "Yeah, bumped here and there every now and again."

Esther turned to him with a soft smile. "But it still goes on. We're not like the Battle Brawlers. We're following our own paths, but this is where our two roads must come together and join."

Luke raised a brow. "I get the impression that they think this is a race."

"It may be, with how little time we have left. But we should be willing to brace each other. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be able to come to terms with them eventually. We're doing our part well, don't ever doubt that."

"I'm not." He turned towards her. "Do you?"

Esther looked down with a small sense of shame growing onto her. She remembered back to when she was taken down and held captive to be modified for Riaan's gain. The sense of her insecurity was what caused her to turn over briefly. But, that was pushed to the back of her mind when she thought about how Luke reinforced her and dragged her back to her senses. She doubted herself, but others didn't.

With a solid, serious expression, she looked out towards the dusk-fallen sky. "Maybe at one point, but you've pulled me out. Luke. Abis. Thank you. We mean it."

Luke looked away, meekly grinning. "Yeah, sure." He glanced back at her. "We should probably get some shut eye."

Esther nodded. "You're right. There's still tomorrow. We'll need as much strength as we can get." She turned around, with Luke following her. "Goodnight, Luke." she muttered softly.

"Yeah, same here…" He trailed off as he went towards his room.


It had gotten late. Very late in fact. The sun had gone down ages ago and everyone else was in bed. Shuji was lightly snoring and sprawled in his bed, while Jase was facing up and sleeping soundly like it didn't even exist. Esther was on her side facing away from the window, while Maggie was facing the window and cuddling her pillow.

However, there was still one more room. Shawn had a knee bent and arms used to support his pillow, and Luka was sleeping soundly. But compared to them, Luke was still facing the ceiling, eyes weakly open. He tried for hours to get some shut eye, but the best that he could do muster was closing his eyes for half an hour and see if dreamland would reach him. It didn't.

His mind was racing at an alarming rate. He could only think about the reality of it all. In less than two weeks, he's confronted a number of Bakugan in one day. He and Abis also recently evolved, and that was just a short while back, too. Since then, they've been driven up the bars to facing armed men like Zion, and now an entire army fit to defend themselves. It wasn't like this on Interacia, nor Vestal for that matter. And to boost all that, he went toe-to-toe with Riaan and Armagedoid, the most powerful Bakugan, and somehow managed to live through that.

Unable to get his mind to settle down, he looked around, finding Shawn sound asleep. He got up and lightly got dressed. As he made way for the door, he took one look at Luka, who was using the wall bed. He made sure the coast was clear as he walked out the door in silence.

As he slept, Luka meekly opened his eyes. He and Brontes rolled some and heard the doors close. He looked over, finding Luke's bed empty. He faced the door again, having a sense of whom it was.

Along the Neathian wastelands just outside the city border, there were a lot of crusty cliffs. Some of which had started crumbing away and revealing destroyed chrome deposits. It's along one of these stable cliffs where four Bakugan were present for the time being in ball form. One was Haos, another being Ventus, Subterra, and Aquos.

The Aquos Bakugan jumped as he felt another light shudder. "Woah! Okay dudes, this is just getting out of hand now!"

"That's the understatement of the century." The Subterra Bakugan stated. "The earth beneath us is incredible unstable."

"Can somebody refresh me on why the queen wanted us out here so late?" the Ventus Bakugan asked. "Did she tell you, Aranaut?"

Aranaut turned around, facing his allies. "We're lookouts in case the enemy launches another surprise attack. It's likely they'll do it again. So we need to increase our security measures."

"That makes sense. I heard that some wild Bakugan can also be affected by this freaky energy and go A-Wall on themselves." The Aquos Bakugan said. "Well luckily for us the Bakugan are on our side, right?" He turned towards his ally Bakugan, turning right and left for their approval. He got an awkward silence in response. He looked down, getting the message.

"The three shields we've had before Barodius wiped them all out can't be fixed. They're all beyond repair at this point." The Ventus Bakugan said. "Maybe it'll do us good to fan out."

"Good idea." Aranaut said.

The four Bakugan pulled themselves away from each other and floated off in separate directions. They fanned out to large areas. Aranaut remained where he was posted, looking out at the Empyrean's peak that was the size of a grain far, far away from them. Even in dusk, the chrome top was irresistible.

With the Ventus and Subterra Bakugan heading their own way, the Aquos Bakugan was left to float in his own direction. "Man, this is a real mess around here. I was hoping to find little Marooch and see if we could catch up, but with all this madness, I don't even know where to start." He heard the sound of shifting behind a rock. "Hm? What's that?"

He peered over, seeing two figures that were sitting on a flat rock not far from a massive observatory vehicle.

Luke and Abis Omega were sitting on the flat rock that served to sit high and well enough for a stool. Both were relatively quiet for a while. They were so lost in what's been going on that it was taking a while for them to process all of it. They didn't even feel tired at all. Not that it mattered right now.

"Can't sleep either, Abis?" Luke's question had a hollow tone in it.

Opening his ball form, Abis stared blankly out at the horizon. "You can't either? Let me guess, this is becoming a lot to stomach again."

Luke looked towards the sky, unable to see any twinkling stars. The atmosphere had become so thick that the high atmosphere above was but a bleak haze. "I mean, look at how far we've come. Do you really think it has to do with this fate and this Code Eve everyone is talking about? I wanna believe that possibility, but thinking back to it, anything could've gone at this point."

Abis looked down, fixated on the dry dirt inches from his face. "I can't disagree. For all we know, You could've left me on New vestroia at some point and that'd be just that. You don't regret it, do you?"

Luke shook his head. "I don't see a reason anymore why I should. I'm grateful to have learned from my mistakes, and I'm never doubting our friendship we have going, Abis. I'm really glad to have you beside me through all this."

"Me too."

Luke frowned. "Still…" He thought back to that vague light and voice he heard. "I can't help but shake the feeling that Code Eve is trying to tell us something…I saw visions often when I was passed out a lot. They showed me of stuff that was going to happen. It didn't click until I had all this time to think about them…maybe Code Eve is trying to warn me about the future to come."

Abis turned towards him. "Maybe she is trying to warn us." He glanced away. "Or, maybe…"

"I know…" Luke's fists balled at another possibility. "That she's trying to manipulate our future." He sunk his head. "I don't exactly know the whole reason why Riaan and Code Eve are at odds, but I think it has to do with control. Jase is a good thinker, I'm sure he asks himself these kinds of questions. That's probably how he always thinks at least two steps ahead of everyone else…"

There was another pause between the two.

"Luke."

"Yeah?"

"We've been through a lot. Too much one could say. But I wouldn't change anything. You can't change the past, not us at least. But…" he faced him. "That doesn't mean that the future has to be decided for us by another. So what if this Eve is trying to control our future? We've fought for our right to decide for ourselves. I say it doesn't matter. What we do next is up to us."

Luke looked at his partner with some awe. After a minute, that awe turned to a soft smile. "You're right." He stood up. "C'mon, let's head back. Guess a little fresh air is what we needed."

Abis agreed. He jumped onto Luke's shoulder and smiled at each other.

"Dude's really, you guys be so solid like rocks!" a voice called out.

They perked up in shock. The voice caught them off guard, making Luke grab for his sword. "Who's there?!"

A little blue Bakugan floated above, waving his arms about. "Hey, woah now, easy! What's with the sudden 180? Not here to become skewered or anything!"

Abis lurched in surprise. "Huh? A…Bakugan?"

Luke raised a brow. "Where did he come from?" He looked around, checking for any surroundings possible. He didn't see anything in the shadows. 'Is this guy a part of Neathia like Fabia's Bakugan?'

The Aquos Bakugan floated down in front. He met them eye-to-eye. When Luke and Abis felt it, they didn't sense any negative energy on this Bakugan. It seemed to be on good terms for now. Better to keep it that way.

Taking the proactive line, Luke started off appropriately. "Uh, hey. How's it going?"

The Bakugan's ball form jumbled around. "Nah man, it's all good. Just scoping around checking for any of those Interacian crawlies here and here. So far so good!"

"That's good, I guess." Abis noted, before picking up on something. "So then, does this make you a Neathian Bakugan?"

"Sure am. What's up, peeps, name's Aquos Akwimos, at your service." The Bakugan, revealed to be Akwimos, announced. "And who might you guys be? Wait, hold up…you're that group that we've heard about! The guys that came with Dan and Little Marooch while we were holding down the walls, right?"

"Yeah, that's us…" Luke blinked. "Wait, you knew Marucho and Dan?"

"Sure do. They'd be the peanut butter in my jelly a while back. Lil' Marooch and I were as cool as the rule, dude!"

Abis had a look of confusion. "Cool is the…rule?"

"Yeah, yeah, you got it. Cool is the rule!" Akwimos twirled around. "Flows right off the tongue like a waterfall, dig?"

"Uh…right…" Abis was apprehensive to reply to what he was being told. If anything he was downright confused with how to take the laid-back attitude. It was even more so than Fly Beetle's laxed nature. 'Was this guy really Marucho's partner?'

Akwimos floated over their heads, looking out towards the large structure that was the Trailer. "Woah, so that's what you came to here in. Not bad if I say so myself." He turned towards them again. "That your little stay, but…why you out here? Little sentry?"

Luke blinked. He took a moment to try and think of what to say. By all means it wasn't his business, but he had to keep in mind Akwimos' feelings as well. "Just…needed some time space to think a little is all. But we're all good now."

Akwimos nodded in understanding. "It's all good…" he turned and started to float away. "I gotta get back. Sure the others are probably spotting out elsewhere. Catch ya around!"

"Yeah, same here…" Luke trailed off as he watched Akwimos float off. As an opportunity was coming and going, Luke and Abis Omega were dead silent. They had a brief thought about the Torracrawler and the Battlegear everyone on Gundalia all had. An idea sprung and he acted on instinct. "Hey, Akwimos."

Hearing Luke's change from tones, he turned around. "Yeah? What's up?"

"Listen, I know this is sudden…but tell me, what was it like? Can I ask what it was when you battled the Gundalians and this Barodius?"

"Where's this coming from?"

"We just wanted a different perspective is all." Abis replied passively. "We're just curious."

Akwimos didn't see any reason not to. "Sure, okay." He sat himself down on the rock pedestal and sat across from Luke and Abis Omega. "So, where'd you want me to start?"

"The beginning's alright."

"Cool. So, let's see. Well…" Akwimos paused, getting what he could out into the open. "Way back then, the Gundalians came out of nowhere. It was a freaky surprise that none of us were prepared for. All of a sudden, we had to fight back, but we hadn't the power alone to stop these guys. Their Bakugan were seriously tough, and I mean seriously. That's when we collaborated with Queen Serena and Princess Fabia to find help. And we've managed to find some in the form of the Battle Brawlers."

'So Serena was the Queen before Fabia.' Luke was processing what he was hearing. Now it made sense how Dan and the others came to know about this place. He allowed Akwimos to continue.

"So you were thrust into battle unwarranted, too." Abis deduced.

"You guessed it, my fishy friend. When we finally got Marooch and the team around, things got a heck of a lot crazier. But we've put up a much better fight with them around. They were tough as nails, sure, but we've managed to hold off for a while."

"Then, what happened…?" Luke murmured.

"Well, I tell ya. At one point, Coredom and his partner Jake were taken and hypnotized by that freaky Kazarina witch. She messed with their heads and caused a whole lotta trouble for us." The news rung a bell in Luke and Abis' minds. They had flashes back to when Esther and Atchibee were out of their reach and fought against them; thought as to say it wasn't hypnosis. The uncanny resemblance in all this made them feel less special. In spite of this putting them down, that didn't stop them from hearing out Akwimos. "We realized that when that happened, we had to fight back, and take the battle to them to get them back to their senses. I tell ya, their planet was freakier than nightmares stuffed underneath some kid's bed. But that didn't stop us. When we got back, it was about time for Neathia's little last hope to take on Barodius. And he was straight up evil. Luckily, Dan and Drago did it."

"Was it just them?" Abis inquired.

"As far I know, yeah. By the time we found out, the war was pretty much over. That's when we all parted ways. I was hoping to find my little dude out here, but I came into contact with you, crazy right?" He noticed the contemplative looks on Luke and Abis' faces. They seemed uncertain about something. "…oh. I get it. You guys must find it hard to believe. I hear ya."

Luke shook his head. "It's not that. It's just…we just went through the same thing. I just wondered is all to see how you guys handled it differently than we did is all."

"Hey, no problem man. Not everyone is the same as we are different. You just gotta go with what you flow with. Cool is the rule, dude."

That managed to break a small grin on Luke's lips. "Yeah, I think I understand now…thanks." He grinned. "Say, Akwimos, you think you can spare us some pointers? We need all the experience we can get if we're gonna handle Hades Pillars and their weapons."

Akwimos swiveled in front. "Oh, I get your point, my red-haired dude. Yeah, if it's artillery fire you wanna handle, what better way than from a Bakugan who can dish it out? Alright, let's go!"

Watching from a high point from a cliff, Luka was looking down with Brontes. The two seemed to be in grasped attention with what was happening and observed quietly.


With it being dark out and the wastelands being secluded by cliffs and valley slopes, the air was crisp and cold, but Luke and Abis were facing Akwimos as he floated in midair, eying them skeptically.

"Alright dudes, whenever you're ready!" the Aquos Bakugan shouted.

"We're ready! Luke!"

Luke nodded and grabbed Abis' ball form. "Alright, here we go! Bakugan, brawl!" He threw Abis into the dirty ground, popping out in a broad, deep blue light. "Frill Abis Omega, stand!" The serpent arose, expelling a hiss as his frills flexed with light tremors from them.

Akwimos looked up, eying his opponent. "Okay then!" He closed his ball form and seemingly threw himself into battle. He popped open on the ground, enveloped in a brighter shade of blue. A swirling blue helix of water shot up, popping out a spinning, humanoid blue merman-like Bakugan. He had black goggles with red lenses around them. He had a large fin atop his head and had webbed hands and feet. He had two thin knuckle guards which housed two large claws for slashing when not using his hands. He stood ready, fists pumped. "Cool is the rule, dude!"

Luke and Abis readied themselves. They eyes Akwimos and waited to see what he would do.

"Alright, dudes, you ready for some heavy Aquos power? Well I'll have you know, no one can beat me in the water!" he boasted.

Abis flexed his frills. "We'll see about that!"

'Let him take the initiative. See if he makes a move. That's a good start.' Luke silently observed. He thought back to the very basics Shawn and him covered back on New Vestroia. It made him think of the training he did with Preyas and Amazon. 'Be fast. Don't use your full force, use your wits and trick him.'

"Alright dudes, let's see what you got!" Akwimos started off with lifting his belt's tubes along the sides. "Spiral Pressure!" He took aim and fired intense water blasts that gushed towards Abis.

Luke decided to play it safe using his tactics. 'Use your enemy's force against them.' "Ability, activate! Mirror Shock!" Abis' frills spread wide as he was doused with the pressurized blasts of water. Instead of being blown away, he projected the water in greater volume back at Akwimos, who took the attack by surprise.

"Woah! Okay now! Didn't that coming!" He raised his hands and extended them out towards the incoming water blast. "Ocean Booster!" A wall of water shot up between him and the water jet. The mighty gush of waves upwards barricaded the jet propelled back at him. A strong tidal wave flourished in all directions, pushing out everywhere and causing an immense drizzle that saturated the dry earth below.

The wave subsided, revealing nothing on the opposite side. Not even Luke was present, which stunned Akwimos. As he looked left and right, he felt the ground beneath him becoming drenched, and not from the drizzle. It was more condensed. At the last second, a gush of water spouted from the ground. Time slowed down as Abis shot out, fangs bared with Luke riding his forehead with the blade ready to swing.

Akwimos had to act fast. "Not so fast now!" His arm swiped, activating Shadow Pincer. He raised his arm and used the red sabers on the claws to stop Abis' fangs. He bit into them, leaving them at a stalemate.

Both serpent and merman were at a hold with each other. Both weren't willing to let go nor hold up. Akwimos, surprisingly, felt his ground starting to loosen. Abis was surprisingly durable.

"Gnnngh, for a legless fish, you've got some guts." He hug his heels to push. "But it won't help ya now!"

"Now, Luke!"

Abis. Warning stunned Akwimos. When he looked up, he saw that Luke was coming down with his metallic blade and slashed with all his might. He was caught completely by surprise, so much that he didn't react when Abis' tail swung around, having snaked behind and tripped Akwimos' legs. The merman fell backwards, time slowing down as both Luke and Abis were closing in too fast.

Out of conscience, the merman Bakugan covered up using his spare arm, leaving Abis to sink his teeth into it. The fangs were razor sharp, while Luke slashed into his skin. No blood was drawn, but it was clear Akwimos felt that pain.

"Pull him down!" Luke ordered.

Abis hissed and snaked his entire body around Akwimos. With him pinned by the sharp fangs and the blade by the battler, his limbs were getting constricted. His torso, shoulders, and eventually neck were all snared by coils that were near insufferable. Akwimos held back the urge to gag as his opponent completely immobilized him. From the looks on their faces, they were truly pushing, and they weren't allowing Akwimos an edge.

'Keep him down. React fast to his next move…' Luke had to be faster. Stronger. The only way he could was through learning the hard way. He knew from Preyas and Amazon that he had to react fast to situations. Now was the time to do just that.

Still pinned down, Akwimos was unable to use his hands properly. He gritted his teeth as he projected his next attack. "Alright pal…" he coughed. "You…have me down…but let's see how you like this!" Water started swirling beneath. Torrents started raging around Abis as he glanced everywhere at split second paces. The tidal waves surrounded him and Akwimos, his Depth World ability activating. A large volume of dense, blue water swallowed up the atmosphere, bringing Abis and Akwimos off the ground and gushing upwards. Luke took in a deep breath before getting brought into the water. He and Abis were repulsed frantically by the opponent as Akwimos separated himself and glared off against Abis.

"Alright, let's see how you like a little water. Nobody beats me in the water! How's about I show you!" Akwimos beamed right for Abis.

The serpent snarled as he was in his element, but he was surprised at how fast Akwimos was closing the gap. He swiveled away from a punch, but he was caught surprised by how impulsively fast a kick from the side came. Reflecting on his training with Preyas and Amazon, he flexed his rills in front and blocked the rapid barrage of punches out for his face. They stung with every blow, but much to Amazon's amazement, Abis was defensing and evading elusively.

Akwimos decided to change tactics and swam over Abis to get him into a headlock. He wrapped an arm around the neck, holding onto the serpent for dear life. "See how…get out of this one, sucker!"

Abis grunted. He had to take into consideration Luke's oxygen. He didn't have an air bubble like on Interacia nor on Vestal. He flexed his head frills, snapping in Akwimos' face with enough force to deter him. He snaked his tail around and tossed the merman by the leg through the water to get some distance. With free space, Abis shot for straight up, snaking as fast as possible until he was able to get Luke to the surface.

With a gasp, Luke took in a large dose of air. Catching himself, he looked down through the water to find Akwimos heading their way. "Abis!"

"It's our turn now!" the serpent declared.

Together, both timed it just right. "SEA RULER!"

Just as Akwimos was closing in for the killer punch, he felt a strong current rush everywhere. He felt the water pressure change as it worked around him and get around Abis instead. "Whoa, hold up. Something's wrong here-WAH~!" He felt himself getting pulled and dragged through the water uncontrollably. Tried as he might, he wasn't able to handle the tides and forcibly retreated. Swimming away from the currents, he jettisoned clean out of the raging waters just as an explosion of mist took up the air. He landed on the ground and looked back up. His expression showed genuine surprise at the mist clearing, revealing dry humidity and a massive hemisphere of water surrounding Abis Omega.

The sea serpent hissed inside the water sphere. Inside on his forehead, Luke was holding his breath, but he pointed forward with his sword.

"Here we go!" Abis summoned pressurized helixes to surround the water sphere, much like rings to Saturn. They twisted and distorted as he charged up and shot at Akwimos full speed.

Akwimos grunted. He had to think fast. He attempted to nullify the ability…but he found himself unable to. He gasped at the realization moments before the pressurized jet with the serpent inside hissed maniacally before smashing into him, projecting immeasurable waves that splashed in all directions. Blue water swamped the drylands, drenching the ground and smashing rocks that were too low.

The drizzle subsided, but Abis and Luke were shown outside the water bubble that had erupted into mist. The misty cloud around them was subsiding, but neither knew to hold onto false hope. They had to be sure.

Something in front of Abis moved. It was large, and it looked like claws. They were connected to something that supported them. "That was way too close there, brother…"

Abis narrowed his eyes at what he saw. 'I knew it.' Likewise with Luke, he grunted.

The mist cleared, revealing Akwimos still in one piece, but he was a little worn down by the sudden assault. He had massive hand-like protrusions to resemble claws with yellow nails. Attached to them were a pair of turbines that connected to an engine with openings to unleash barrage attacks.

Luke and Abis were a little speechless, but not because of the Battlegear launch.

"Smile, suckers!" Akwimos had them within range as the turbines started spinning. They shined a bright blue inside that indicated an attack ready to be launched. "Gigarth Pointer!" He unleashed two large, funnel-like beams of condensed blue energy from the Battlegear that blew directly into Abis and Luke. The two were too close to act and were swallowed in a blue explosion. Luke managed to defend with bunting his sword, but the shockwaves sent him to the ground, while Abis screamed in agony before faceplanting into the dirt, sliding back to a grinding halt.

The turbines ceased, allowing Akwimos to see his opponents barely able to stand. Luke rolled over, panting. That fall he took was enough to make him see double vision. He coughed. "So that…was Battlegear."

Akwimos lowered his large claws. 'Did I overdo it?'

Luke struggled to stand. "Abis…are you able to go on?"

Abis Omega lurched. The serpent hissed as he barely stood. "Yeah…I'm okay, Luke."

"Hmph, you didn't take that seriously enough." A voice announced.

Luke perked up at the voice. 'That voice. Is it really…?' He barely had time to register it.

In the blink of an eye, a razor-sharp energy blade came down onto him, just as axe blades came down on Abis. Instinctively both bunted, in Abis' case used Mirror Shock to rebuff the axe blades from Alto Brontes as Luka and him veered away.

"Woah, where'd this come from?!" Akwimos shirked back.

"Luka?" Luke readjusted his position. "I thought you were…?"

"What did you call that just now? Tell me that it was just a warm up." Luka mocked. He gave Luke a dead serious glare as he held his sword high. "I could've sworn you reacted better to Riaan and Armagedoid on Gundalia than this. Don't think this will be any easier just because it isn't a Mobile Assault Vehicle or a Forbidden Ability user."

Alto Brontes mockingly cackled. "It'd be a crying shame if we caught you fooling arou~nd!"

"Brontes…" Abis murmured.

Luka started walking past Luke, the latter watching him take the initiative. "Maybe you need someone to hold your hand after all…" He stood in front, eying Akwimos. "I'm not gonna do that, so watch how it's done!"

Akwimos saw what he meant. Without hesitation, the engines on the Gigarth started spinning again. When they were ready, they fired beaming blue funnels that aimed for Brontes.

"Brontes!" Luka jutted out his arm, activating an ability. "Magic Dice!"

Brontes raised his arms and conjured a magical die that spun rapidly in the air. The die landed on a "6", conjuring a reflective mirror that had the bright beam head its way. Like with Abis' ability, it reflected its way back at Akwimos, much to his shock.

"Oh no, not again~!" Akwimos shrieked once his attack had found its way back, hammering him with spiraling pressure that exploded into oblivion. The impact left a large trench of smoke to billow up.

Luka glanced over his shoulder at Luke, his eyes spelling a threat. "So…you get it now?"

Luke was at a loss for words. He closed his eyes, before opening them wide and holding his sword up. "Okay, I'm ready."

A fierce grin tugged at the corner of Luka's lips. Without warning, he pivoted, swinging at Luke. Using his blade to parry and glide the attack off, he brought his blade up to make Luka recoil. Luke went on the offense, a fierce piercing attack that he easily evaded and went to slash horizontally. Luke ducked from that, and went to slash back.

As their partners were training themselves, Brontes turned towards Abis. "So, Abis!, care if I give you pointers?"

The serpent sneered back. "Only if I give you some."

"Oh what a generous offer…" Bright halo loops formed on his arms. "I'll consider that when I'm through skinning you."

Akwimos stood back up, his foot planted firmly. "Yo, don't forget about me!" The turbines on his Gigarth intensified again, aiming for Brontes and Abis. "Let's just see how versatile you both yet against heavy water power!"

"Bring it on!" All four shouted.

Akwimos changed up his Battlegear once more, sending ballistic projectiles at Brontes and Abis as both Bakugan readied their warfare counters, while Luke and Luka kept themselves double occupied with clashing blades.


Explosions were seen from the distance, rapidly erupting light, mist and sparks that were hard to miss. Along the cliffside, everyone was looking down an observing with interest.

"Geez, guys can't catch a break can they?" Maggie whimsically chimed.

"You'd think they'd know better than to rest by now." Verias implied. "Are they going to go through the night like this?"

Shawn crossed his arms, smiling sincerely. "That stupid bastard…"

"Aw the youth, so lively that you stand to face curfew. Truly bliss." Jase chimed sarcastically.

Shuji sneered at him. "What's the matter old man, don't make us put you in a retirement home so soon."

Jase prodded his glasses, smirking in retort. "If that happens, I can trust you and Shawn will take great care of my every needs that an old man such as myself requires."

Esther looked down with Atchibee on her shoulder. They observed silently, but seeing Luke and Luka work so hard to handle themselves and the three-way versatility and firepower was genuinely invigorating. Beams were fired, but Brontes summoned metallic atmospheres that blocked the turbine beams. Meanwhile, a raging tidal wave flourished across the battlefield, swamping the round and causing Brontes to jump while the waves washed out the beam and spheres.

"So, this is where Akwimos has been."

Everyone heard the sound and turned around. Behind them stood three Bakugan, along with three people. Aranaut was amongst them, but the other two was a large, armored golem warrior with a mask, and the other was a humanoid hawk with large feathered wings. Below them were Rafe, Paige, and surprisingly Linus as they faced them.

"Where'd they come from?" Jelldon asked.

"Are they with Neathia perhaps?" Fly Beetle questioned.

To answer him, the large Subterra Bakugan, Coredom, walked up and overlooked them. "So, you're the people we've heard so much about. Nice to meet you."

"Sorry, but this couldn't wait any longer." Rafe announced with a hand raised. "But I had to see you all in person. Paige, you have something to say?"

Beside him, Paige walked up. Like Rafe, she had a bandaged body as well, but she could move around still. She walked up beside him and gave them a serious glare. "Yeah, I do." She closed her eyes, her lids wincing before she bowed to them. Likewise, Rafe kneeled, which left them all uncomfortable.

"Woah now, where's this coming from? We're not royalty." Shawn dismissed.

"To all of you…" Rafe started. "I can't nearly thank you enough for the extent of your efforts have been. You've saved our lives, and you've managed to thwart the enemy who bested us. Please, allow us to extend our gratitude."

"We would be honored if we helped you in this fight. For Gundalia, and Neathia. Please, let us help you." Paige declared dutifully.

"Same here. Rubanoid and I would be honored to gain experience if you are looking for it as well." Linus kneeled and offered.

Rubanoid was open in ball form, bowing his head meekly. "Like he said."

Maggie looked back to her peers, raising a brow. "So…what do we do about this?"

Shawn tucked his arms further, lowering his head. "Well, we don't have much of a choice. Odds are Riaan could be finishing up right now. So I say Verias and I can rare it go."

Jase smirked. "As expected."

Paige immediately stood up, her fists balled and an eager look on her face. "That's what I wanna see! I may be down, but Gundalia's gotta get its revenge somehow! I swear, Boulderon and I are gonna toughen you up for everyone, ya hear?!" Her tone was more threatening than it was of suggestion, enough to make Shawn flinch.

"Uh, sure…"

Coredem eyed Shuji, his eyes locked onto Fly Beetle. "Hey, little guy, you looking for a workout?"

"Let's see where this goes." He glanced at Shuji. "What do you say?"

Shuji maliciously smirked. "Heh, you know me, Fly Beetle." He rammed a fist into his palm. "Less talk, more brawling."

Coredem balled his fists, the armored gauntlets tightening. "Now you're talking!"

Jase turned towards Hawktor, meeting his eyes. "I suppose this means we'll be learning from our own ways for the time being."

Esther eyed Aranaut, Atchibee on her shoulder doing the same. "Yes, time is of the essence. We mustn't hold back. Anything and everything counts." She looked towards Rafe. "Please, will you allow us to learn from your potential as well?"

Rafe smiled determined at her. "I'll try not to disappoint. Wulfurio and I will do our best to aid you in any way possible."

Linus walked up, kneeling before Maggie. "Please, allow us Castle Knights to help you. T=You and the Brawlers are our only hopes now. Let us aid you, Mistress Maggie."

Maggie bashfully blushed, pink in her cheeks. "Teehee, aw, how sweet." She whimsically chimed. "How can I possibly say no to you?" She backed away, her demeanor changing to a serious one. "Okay then, you're on!"

"Ooooh, just wait! We're gonna give those guys what for!" Jelldon vigorously threatened, raising his tendril limbs. "Let's get down to it!"

Maggie chirped a smile. "That's the can-do attitude I wanna see, Jelldon! Let's get to it!"

Aranaut watched everyone get down to business. As they all were readying to do whatever they could to learn as fast as possible, he looked back towards the Neathian capital, specifically, Fabia's castle.


Watching from afar, the Empyrean power had a number of elaborate networks on it that lead to the chrome top. They shined weakly, like dull beacons that fluctuated every now and again. Remaining hidden, Shun, Jaakor, Skytruss, and Orbeum all appeared out of thin air and glared down the massive structure a ways away from them.

"There it is. The enemy's stronghold." Shun grimaced. He eyed it with serious intention. Just looking at it was enough to give him a chill down his spine.

"You guys feel that?" Skytruss quipped.

"I do brother. A whole lot of negative energy is spewing like a volcano." Orbeum's head lowered. "The air is just sick that I can't breathe."

"I know." Shun pulled up something he ha stowed away around his neck, a dark green mask. He placed it over his mouth and nose, blocking out the toxins in the air. The smell though, he was sure that wouldn't work. "This planet is collapsing quicker than we'd anticipated. We need to figure out a way to get them off before this whole planet is crumbling."

"We're right behind you there, Shun." Skytruss nodded.

"They have a well-armed army inside. We'll need to make a beeline right for the top without any detection." Jaakor elaborated. "But, odds are they might have sensory even in the air."

Shun squinted, sharpening his vision fixed on the chrome tower's top. Once again, he watched it glow bright networks. This time he actually saw the ground crack nearby when it did. He stepped away for good measure. 'This isn't going to be easy. Once we have an opening. We have to take it. It's the only way we can stop Riaan and end this whole mess.'


"Cool is the rule, dude!" Akwimos' Gigarth's shoulder barrels were starting to shine. He was kicking it up a notch as he aimed for Brontes and Abis alike. Once he was charged, he stood his ground and fired pressurized blue beams in dozens of rays that rained down onto them.

"Ability, activate!" Luka shouted. "Deadly Mimicry!"

Brontes cackled as he lifted his arms into the air, the yellow core on his chest brightening as a projection of the seminar was relayed through it. He flashed constantly until the projection showed Akwimos using his Spiral Pressure attack.

"Dreck!"

Luke nodded in understanding. "I hear ya!" He saw the ability coming for him, but waited until the last second and unleashed the attack. "Double Ability, activate! Frill Rippler!" Abis flexed his frills as he snaked in front of Brontes. The attack bombardede him, but they bounced off the rills and expanded into broad shockwaves that echoed back towards Akwimos. "Plus Fusion Ability, Refractor Booster!" The shockwaves expanded further, pushing the attacking rays at a greater volume and velocity that tore across the battlefield.

Brontes smiled wide as the projection screen turned into a Haos light that swirled in front into a mirror. He projected a golden blast of pressurized water at an enormous volume that tore through the shockwaves. The Frill Rippler's effects help it gain a tailwind and blend in with expanding attack range.

Akwimos was at a complete loss for what to do. Unable to act promptly, the merman's eyes widened before he was swallowed in an eruption blast of golden water, blue energy, dirt, and spontaneous pain. His Battlegear blew apart to pieces, while the merman crashed into the side of a dirt mound. The pain he felt was beyond extreme that he could barely stand.

Abis and Brontes hissed, both enveloped in attributed auras that meant their excessive power increases. Luke and Luka had their swords crossed as they glared down Akwimos as he could barely stand.

"Gnnngh…man…you guys…sure don't mess around." He grunted. "But…I have an ace of my own."

Luka and Luka glared daggers. They watched as Akwimos weakly stood up, his body glowing bright blue. They noticed mist around his body was crystalizing and freezing up.

"You may know how to draw odds in your favor, but are you fast enough to stop this! Elemental Blue!"

The mist enveloped the area, closing in around Luka and Luke. They both backed away, whereas the mist closed in on their Bakugan.

'Don't take chances…' Luke had to be heavily certain about this. He glared daggers, in which Abis responded by nodding back. He flexed his frills, facing the incoming mist cloud that froze up everything. "Ability, activate! Filter Cannon!"

Abis closed his eyes, opening them side. The serpent let out a vicious howl that distorted the air around him. The frills had a bright gleam on them that covered the scales. The mist was seemingly drawn into him, as well as ice crystals that transferred their energy to blue, misty waves. Like a vacuum, the attack was being sucked into the frills.

"Say whu…?" Akwimos saw his attack being drawn into Abis. The ability meant to save him was being absorbed and turned into energy for his enemy. 'These guys ain't showing mercy…I guess that's something that makes us different after all.'

'If we're gonna beat Riaan…we can't give an edge! We have to work together!' Luke reached out, and Abis yelled with all his might, beaming an intense, glossy blue ray that sailed across the ground…


An immense explosion erupted in the distance, but Rubanoid was too busy backpedaling. "C'mon, is that all you got? I've felt fire hotter than that!"

Jelldon grunted at Rubanoid's taunt. He lifted his arms, generating another plasma fireball. "Bolting Sun!" He threw the fireball with all his might, shooting it across the field.

Linus reached out. "Rubanoid! Mirage Field!" Rubanoid's ruby-accented wings spread out, surrounding them in a large area of ruby's that reflected the fireball's gleam everywhere. It distorted and dissipated to thin air, leaving Jelldon trapped in the mirage of rubies.

"Jelldon!" Maggie yelled.

"It's no use! You're blocked from activating abilities inside Mirage Field." Linus noted. "If you had Battlegear, I advise you use that. If not…" He reached out, with Rubanoid opening his maw to unleash a bright red, scorching beam at Jelldon.

Grunting, Maggie pulled out a Gate Card and whipped it onto the battlefield. "Then maybe this will change your tunes! Gate Card, open! Chain Link Force!" The Gate Card shined brightly, causing the mirage of rubies to engulf Rubanoid instead of Jelldon. Maggie had a serious look as she and Jelldon backpedaled. "Now who needs Battlegear?"

Linus was caught surprised by the tactic. 'A Gate Card in the middle of a battle? I've never heard of such a technique.'

"Linus!" Rubanoid looked back for reassurance.

Catching himself off guard, Linus refocused. "You want Battlegear training, here it is!" He tapped into the red diamond on his wrist, summoning red energy that materialized into a weapon that he grabbed. "Battlegear Boost!" He threw the weapon at Rubanoid, whose wings glowed brightly and started vanishing. In place of them, there were a total of seven snake-like heads that resembled his own attached to red chords. Those chords connected to a large harness with yellow spikes all over it, which housed these monstrosities.

Maggie and Jelldon's eyes widened at the sight of the Battlegear.

Rubanoid chuckled. "Come now. You wanna see what I can really do? Well here it is!"

"Battlegear ability, activate!" Linus shouted. "Destrakon Gear Brinel!" The seven heads to the massive Battlegear aimed for Jelldon. Once they were all picked and targeted, they screeched out before unleashing bright beams that beamed his way.

"Ability, activate! Soft Conductor!" Jelldon's main gem shined brightly. He held his ground as he drew in the attack, absorbing and nullifying it the best he could.

"Not bad…but let's see you handle more!" Rubanoid added to the barrage. The seven heads hissed as the beams intensified into Jelldon. Their impact had become so much that Jelldon wasn't able to hold his ground. He started sliding back, yelping as he was losing foothold.

Maggie gasped in horror. 'He can't absorb all that firepower without recoil!' She scooted back when the Destrakon Gear's impact was too much and finally pushed Jelldon onto his back. The impact left him a groggy mess.

"Pathetic! That was only a warm up!" Rubanoid sneered.

Jelldon barely stood. His body was gelatinous, but he took it rather well. "Ugh…Maggie…"

Shaking her head, ridding herself of the daze, Maggie balled her fists. "We're not through yet…not by a longshot."

Linus smirk. "I see."

"Come get some then!" Rubanoid fired more beams at Jelldon and Maggie, both getting back up to fight.


The ground trembled beneath Fly Beetle from Coredem's heel. Just one step alone with his fists balled tight was enough to make Bakugan beneath him tremble. "Now! Bring your best to the table!" he challenged.

"Come on!" Shuji declared.

Fly Beetle dug in his heels and went charging ahead. His wing shields opened and he glided across the ground, charging horn first into Coredem's armored chest. The impact was surprisingly tough enough to push him back a few paces, but the giant gripped Fly Beetle's horn to lock him firmly in place. Both Subterra Bakugan were in it for a battle of stamina.

"C'mon, just wait it out." Shuji grunted.

Coredem sneered. "Hmph!" With one shove of his hand, he was enough to sent Fly Beetle careening through the air until he was given room. "Phantom Blow!" Reeling his fist back, he fired a bright orange energy beam from his fist that zoomed right for Fly Beetle.

Shuji held up an ability of his own, sneering back. "Heh, let's show him! Giga Horn Buster!" Fly Beetle lowered his head, his horn charging up a sheer mass of energy. Once it was all charged, he concentrated it and unleashed an intense beam that barreled into the oncoming blast wave.

An immense explosion erupted through the area, but Coredem was unfazed. He glared at the smoke as he knew what would happen. An eruption was heard on the other side, indicating his attack had landed a hit. The smoke and dust evaporated and simmered, revealing Coredem's answer.

Fly Beetle was encased in a protective layer of his thorax and shell. His Thorax Defense ability had come into play at the right now.

"Not bad." Coredem commended.

Shuji narrowed his eyes. 'That was a close call.' He nervously smirked off his confidence. "You know, you've got some tough punches. But we've got a tough hide! Go, Fly Beetle!"

"With pleasure!" Fly Beetle shot forward horn-first into Coredom.

The giant remained form as the insectoid came into contact with him. His toughened body was like getting pushed back by a steel bulldozer. But like always, he withstood his ground. Grunting, Coredom reached down and grabbed Fly Beetle's shoulders.

"Let's see...how you handle this! Armor Exia!" The lines on Coredem's body started shining bright orange, all the way up to the round, blue core in the center of his body. "Let's see how you take it when your defense becomes my power now!"

The metallic glow around Fly Beetle's body started to erode from his frame into Coredem's body. The insect could feel himself getting less firm while his foe's power was growing. This move stunned himself and Shuji alike to unbelievable levels.

"Oh crud…"

Balling a fist, Coredem reared said fist and drove it into a harsh uppercut. Fly Beetle's entire body ached from that one blow, enough to make him gag and feel his world split into two. He hissed loudly before smashing onto his back, whereas Shuji was repulsed onto his butt.

"Gngh! Man, that's smarts…" Shuji's wince was interrupted by a looming shadow. He looked up, but he was all but in a good mood after seeing what was in front of them.

Atop of Coredem was a set of battle-related melee. On his shoulder were two thin beam cannons that were aimed for Fly Beetle, whereas on one side was a spiked wrecking ball, where on the other was a metallic anchor to whirl around foes. What seemed awfully different otherwise was his facial armor had joined together.

"Is that…Battlegear?" Shuji quipped.

Fly Beetle attempted to stand, but the thin laser cannons were aimed for his face.

"Let's see just how well you stand your ground after this!" Coredem charged up the cannons, which reflected in Fly Beetle's multi-cellular eyes as the light impact drew closer…


A whirlwind picked up around Atmos, one strong enough to make Hawktor cover up. However, the ninja hawk was surprisingly holding out just fine.

"Heh, I see you guys are bringing up some goods to the table." He grunted.

"So we have." Atmos noted. "But there's more where that came from!" He spiraled in midair, flapping his wings.

Hawktor sneered. "Not if I have anything to say about it!" He balled a fist and made a superhero pose. He fought against the winds and started spinning wildly. "Bolting Fang – Combat Slug Shot!" The tailwinds that Atmos generated before were incorporated into his tornado that surrounded his body.

The attack closed in, yet Atmos has yet to make a move. "Aurai Shield!" He generated a green whirlwind shield in front, one that had a huge draft surrounding it that blocked Hawktor's attack completely. The whirlwinds around Hawktor receded and he repulsed from the backdrafts.

"Woah!" he barely caught himself. "Wow, that wasn't half-bad. I felt a little wind knocked right out of me."

"Defending against attacks is a second nature tactic when under threat." Jase casually noted. "It's a known basic tactic."

"Oh really? Well then, let's see how basic we get with this! Let's see you nullify these moves!" Hawktor was whipped in another fierce whirlwind. This one had a gleaming green glow around it as he seared his way through the atmosphere at Atmos. "Sky Fang – Cyclone Soar!" He sailed in a Mach spritz, fast enough to elude Atmos and the whirlwinds brewing around. Jase and Atmos deterred through the air as Hawktor's movements spliced the winds around to nothing. The Tailwind Atmos had dissipated and had residue tailing the green comet that sailed higher overhead.

Jase looked up on Atmos' neck, adjusting his glasses. "I see…"

The green cyclone above his head swirled to a stop, revealing Hawktor with his body completely intact. However, there was a difference in his wings. Much like Rubanoid, they were replaced with other wings that resembled jet wings, with barrel guns in them. The hawk let out a shout of triumph as he activated his Battlegear triumphantly.

"For a ninja, he seems rather upfront about his approaches." Atmos noted.

Hawktor took aim for below and the barre guns on his Swayther locked onto Atmos as the falcon flapped. "Target locked. Now…let's see you face heavy damage! Swayther Geku!" Green projectile cannons fired down onto Atmos, raining like shards that were moving at bullet-like speeds across the ground towards him.

Atmos twirled out of range of the initial crossfire, arching around the assault and getting beneath Hawktor. He aimed down, but the falcon had caught on quick. They met in midair, talons slshing, but Hawktor unleashed a spray of green feathers that eluded Atmos' attack. He felt a disturbance behind and found barrel guns aimed for his and Jase's back.

"Sorry pal, but you'll have to be faster than that if you wanna get through me."


Bouleron swung his spike-like mace around, whirling it with so much force that Verias' bunt with his axe wasn't nearly enough. Try as he might, the strong-armed ape was unable to bear ground and followed through doubling through the air, He slammed his sharp axe inti the ground to cease his momentum.

Shawn slid back as well, grazing the ground in front with his fencer. He looked up, seeing Boulderon without a scratch. "Damn. Talk about tough. Those guys pack a bigger wallop than they do a punch."

Verias regrouped alongside Shawn. "It's because of that weapon they have."

Paige raised an angered fist. "C'mon, is that all you got?! How the heck are you gonna beat the, like that?! You wanna gain power, right?!"

"Hey, it's not about just power, you know. There's a need for versatility as well." Shawn rebuffed. 'I forgot she's a Gundalian. They got a lot with power and less retreating tactics.'

Boulderon whirled his torso around and slung the spiked wrecking ball around. Verias jumped at the last second to avoid the devastating attack. He landed on the wrecking ball just as it was shot back to Boulderon. The golem was caught stunned when Verias was within his range.

"Huh?!"

"Peekaboo!"

"Now, Verias!" Shawn reached his rapier back as Verias pulled his blade back as it shined brightly. Both screamed loud as the sharp objects swung forward at once. "Bolt Cutter!" Verias howled as the glowing bright blade bypassed the wrecking ball and Boulderon. He posed behind as his blade was drawn out to the side. A thin glint was seen on Boulderon's side before he kneeled.

Paige's eyes widened in disbelief. "So fast."

Shawn frowned. He had a feeling this wasn't over just yet.

Verias looked over his shoulder, but all he saw were conjoined body parts that shot at him. He barely had time to lift his axe to block the assault that shoved him backwards across the ground, slamming hard into a rock.

Boulderon's body parts were all apart by orange electromagnetic static that brought him back together. He looked down at Verias, who had a rough time getting back up. "That was sure witty, pal. But that blow wasn't anything more than a whiff."

Shawn held an uneased grin as he faced Paige. "Should've figured you guys wouldn't go down easy."

"What'd you expect? I'm a Gundalian, I say no surrender and no retreat!"

"I couldn't agree more!" Boulderon whirled his Slingpike back around. The weapon raced at Verias, who bunted with his axe again. The force was so immense that he trailed back a foot or two from it.

Paige sneered daggers at Shawn. "That's more like it. Show them what muscles you and that overgrown banana eater have and strike harder!"

"We can accommodate that." Shawn raised his fencer, the thin metal laced to swipe through skin. 'We're up against monsters with weapons capable of eradicating cities. We'll have to be even sharper, and sling right through their metal!'

Verias let out a primal roar as he shot across the ground towards Boulderon, his axe blade drawn back with compressing light energy.


"Now, Wolfurio!"

The Haos spartan raised his javelin high, aiming for Atchibee above. "As a fellow Castle Knight and member of the Battle Brawlers, I shall not waiver!" He jutted the end skywards, sending a streaming bolt at the moth.

Atchibee howled sinisterly as she created a Wormhole. The attack was absorbed into her body, enveloping her in a bright purple aura that signaled her power increase.

"Most impressive." Wolfurio leaped after her. "But not enough!" He jabbed at Atchibee, nearly piercing her if it wasn't for her twin scythes blocking him.

"We may have fallen to darkness once because of our insecurity." She writhed.

"But we've since learned to handle with ourselves just fine. There's no shame in doubting where you stand." Esther added. She swiped her arm, unleashing an ability.

"Silver Twister!"

A wild twister surrounded Wolfurio and Atchibee, whirling in a cyclone of silver scales that buffered Wolfurio drastically. The Castle Knight Bakugan felt his body being blown skywards as Atchibee fluttered her wings and sailed through the tornado's top after Wolfurio. Esther remained atop of Atchibee as she closed the gap. 'Riaan was right…'

"Can you really push on for just their sake? For his sake…when you don't even have the power in yourself to do so. You gave yourself up knowing your place…but I can help you. Help you gain the power that you so need to faith in yourself."

"What kind of a friend would I be if I left someone I've known for so long like this? It's never okay to leave someone in trouble, even after they deserve it. That's part of what it means to be a true friend to someone."

Riaan and Luke's arguments were engraved deep within her mind. Esther pitied herself unfathomably. In her heart, she new both sides weren't in the wrong. The pain she had felt and inflicted upon her friends was because of her lack of faith. 'Riaan…you are very wise. You were right when you said that you didn't lie, that you'd make me see the truth. Now I have seen where my faith can lie. It's through Atchibee and my actions that we can see to it, that there can be another faith than the one you offer to everyone.' She tucked herself in and held her spear out as Atchibee closed in on Wolfurio. 'Your darkness…we shall shed it away!'

"Now, Wolfurio! Ability activate, Metal Lords!"

The armor around Wolfurio's body shifted, allowing the show of his joints and appendages. They had a bright red network that enhanced his speed and power, sending him after Atchibee and Esther. "Come get some!"

Atchibee brought a brazen scythe back as Wolfurio jutted forward. Esther yelled out with all her might as her Bakumeter showed the Vermilion Raid, which flared negative infernos around the scythes and tornado that followed.

The night howled, with Abis hissing alongside Brontes. Fly Beetle stuck a limb into the earth as he attempted standing on his own. Verias battered against Boulderon, whereas Atmos above was fighting winds by Hawktor that blocked his own, harrowing gunfire at him. Jelldon was switching attributes against Rubanoid, and Atchibee's scythe grazed the blackened sky.


A new dawn had come, and the Neathian skies were as bright as ever. However, the atmosphere was a little duller than what many had expected. It was hard to breathe without going outside. An issue was administered for everyone to remain indoors at all times.

Fabia walked out to her balcony, looking out at the Neathian skies and her beloved city. She noticed Aranaut was already up.

"My Queen, morning salutations to you." He humbly bowed to her.

Fabia walked up with a passive smile. "Good morning, Aranaut." She looked out at the horizon, the glow of Empyrean leaving her to frown. "Looks like it's a new day. I hope the others slept well."

Aranaut turned towards the balcony, looking farther out. "My Queen…"

"Yes Aranaut? What is it?"

He paused. "…I believe, that these guys whom have come to us…they may very well be the ones to stop this menace…"

As the sun shined through the valleys, a mountain of rubble subsided, eroding away to reveal a large insectoid shadow facing Coredem. It looked battered and worn out, but his carapace was shining brightly.

Coredem unleashed the wrecking ball and the anchor chains at the same time. However, with one mighty push, the figure bulleted his way clean through, shattering the weapons to pieces, reeling his glowing horn back to ram Coredem's gut hard.

High above, Hawktor circled around a green shadow that remained motionless in the sun's position. He fired straight at the falcon-like figment with his Battlegear projectiles. They seemingly closed in, however, green energy wings whirled and lengthened, slashing and spiraling into the projectiles and Hawktor. They carried exploding green stars that Hawktor was caught surprised from, even when he was going to summon another whirlwind to nullify, it powered right through, sending him backwards.

Rubanoid faced a gelatinous shadow, seeing many long, thick tendrils that had multiple colors from the sun refracting off them. The tendrils closed in, slamming more numbers than what the Destrakon Gear had and walloped Rubanoid across the face, sending him back a few feet.

Boulderon stood against a white shadow with shimmering battle armor on. The sun made it hard to see, but the golden blade had a strong light around its end that transcended into the head gem. The ape-like figure released a roar as his enemy released Slingpike at him, only for it to cleave clean in two under the pressure of a bright shockwave cleaving the ground in two.

Wolfurio backpedaled as he was facing a deviously black whirlwind. The especially grim shadow was illuminated with thick purple accents and an indigo helix that made its red eyes even more sinister. The sickles especially had an ominous glow to them that left him challenged.

As Akwimos stood up, he looked at the two shadows in front of the sun. There were two people, both holding swords tightly. Above were two Bakugan, one humanoid and one serpentine. Their bodies had significantly strong blue and yellow auras around them that brightened and added humidity to the dry air.

"You really think so, Aranaut?"

"Who knows. It's just an observation. I have as much faith in Dan and the other that they'll pull through."

Fabia looked towards the skies, a cold, chilling wind brushing her hair back. She seemed awfully quiet as she thought about what he said. "…we'll see, won't we?"


The morning dawn casted shadows beyond rocks. This was the only cover Shun had as he glared at the Empyrean fortress. He glared daggers at it, especially the top. From there, his eyes narrowed at the sight of a figure that was giving him chills even from the distance.

Looking down from his Empyrean open window, chrome littered his domain. Riaan observed Neathia far beyond its reaches out towards the capital. He glared daggers at it, ones so intense that one could almost say they were almost life-threatening. 'Code Eve…I trust that you're already aware. You cannot hide from me anymore.' He looked down at his palm, where Armagedoid was in ball form. He clutched it firmly. 'Finally, this is where we can expose the truth that you all deserve to know.'


Alright, phew! I'm just a little behind schedule, but I assure you, it's all good. Managed to get this up before Saturday, so it counts. I was planning on having the Neathian Bakugan return at some point, but I wanted to do so in a manner much like New Vestroia with the Season 1 Bakugan. I've had them take the tutoring route than the active position (save Hydranoid) to help them handle battle weapons and Mobile Assault Vehicle firepower. So much like what happened in chapter 10, the long montage in the Vestal Arc, here's the next montage of training!

Let me know what you thought about this chapter! Reviews are very much appreciated! Hope you guys are enjoying the story! XD