Devices that allow for more people to brawl is a good idea, in theory. In practice, it's a huge train wreck. There are people like Aay and his team that would use their Bakugan to take others, and sell them for money. Then there's people like Strata, who uses his tech to use others Bakugan to steal them. It's truly despicable how bad some people can be. Who knows what the worst is out there?
Reality Shift, fight for the Light
Order follows Entropy, Creation after Destruction
Chaos is following, we're the only ones
We've got the power to oppose, to save it all
We stand for what's right, through the plight
Stand against Entropy, and the enemies that be
"Okay. Go get him now, Trox!" Called Wynton. Lightning barked at Artulean, and the two clashed in the middle of the clearing.
"You can do it! Go hard Trox!" Called Matt.
"You've got this Artulean!" Yelled Maggie. The rest of us watched as well, waiting for the results.
"They're evenly matched." I said, looking between the two. "It's just a matter of who wants it more." Shun looked down at where Lia was, taking a look at the guy she had with her.
"Mutual trust and respect is essential between Bakugan and their brawlers." She said. "People who use Bakugan like some kind of prize or servant like the Exit are despicable! We don't think like that, we want to create a safe environment, one that will allow everyone to enjoy Bakugan Battles together." Lia turned around. "See that? We hope that this Bakugan field can be like a home to everyone who battles fairly." She looked back at the guy. "That's how the Awesome Ones see things, Everett. Get it?"
"Interesting." Everett looked back at the battle. "Seeing you and the Exit battle spiked my interest. Bakugan battling is fascinating." He looked back at Lia. "Thanks very much, Lia. You made a lot of things clear. Very clear indeed."
"Stop!" Yelled someone through a megaphone. We all turned to where it came from to see three men dressed in suits. "This land belongs to the bank, and you're all trespassing! You must leave now and are banned from setting foot here again!" The two men next to the guy yelling walked forward, mounting large boards with red Xs on them on the fence, before grabbing the other bits and pieces that were placed around. They finished by setting a massive sign down with another red X in front of the gate.
"What are you doing?!" Questioned Dan, the five of us running up. "This isn't fair at all you guys!"
"Why do you think you are, anyway?!" Asked Shun. The guy held up his megaphone, and I quickly covered my ears.
"To use this land you need to own it!" The others grimaced and covered their ears. "It's simple to understand, even for you children type people!"
"You mean we have to buy the park?" Asked Lia. "But that would take a lot of money!"
"That is correct!"
"And how are we supposed to do that?!" Complained Wynton.
"This is a special place where everyone is free to Bakugan battle!" Added Dan. "You can't take it from us!"
"Dan." Said Lia.
"We'll figure it out!" Shun, Lia, and Wynton nodded in agreement. I stepped forward.
"Now hold on." I said. "This land wasn't owned before now, and was counted as public property. What's changed?"
"This forest is now owned by the bank!" Said the guy again. "Thus, all of this is now bank property!"
"Squatters rights." I countered. "We have added something of value to this clearing. Unless you've gone through the Judicial system to revoke those rights, you can't ban us from stepping foot here!"
"Have you gone through all the laws in Los Volmos?" Questioned the guy. "Until you do and can prove that Squatters Rights are a law, your claim holds no ground! Now scram!" I prepared my next counterpoint when Dan grabbed my arm.
"Atom, just stop, okay? We need to raise some money, otherwise we'll never battle here again!"
"But," I started, looking back at him.
"Atom, this isn't a battle we can win." Said Leo. "The legal system isn't something we can challenge." I sighed.
"Fine. I'll concede this." I looked back at the guy. "But next time something like this comes up, I will have every law in Los Volmos memorized!" We all started leaving, and I looked at the others. "So, what's the plan? It's not like this'll happen in a day."
"We'll figure it out." Said Wynton. "I've already got an idea."
"Wynton, your idea sucks." I said, standing behind a table, next to Dan and Lia.
"We're open for donations!" Said Dan, through a makeshift megaphone. Drago and Artulean were behind us, holding signs, while Hydrous and Gorthion stood nearby as well. A few people walked past us, not paying us any mind.
"Do not push please." Said Lia.
"One at a time!" Said Dan. Lightning barked. Nobody batted an eye, and I sighed.
"This is not going to work."
"It's at least something we can try to do." Said Leo.
Shun and Wynton looked at the website they had set up, hoping for the best, as Wynton continued trying to get the word out. "We're getting hits, but not many." Said Shun.
We met back up at the burger place, a little while before my next shift. "We're not even close!" Said Wynton. "At this rate, it'll take years to raise the cash!"
"Wha?" Asked Dan.
"I told you guys that this wouldn't work." I said. "Unlike in shows and movies, people don't just spontaneously donate because it's there." Someone walked up.
"I think I have an idea." We all turned to see Everett.
"Everett!" Said Lia.
"I think I can solve your cash flow problem in no time at all."
"Money doesn't come from nowhere." I said.
"If you've got some magic money plant for this, please clue us in." Added Wynton.
"I propose we create a Bakugan League." Said Everett.
"What's a Bakugan League?" Asked the others. I shook my head.
"Turning brawling into a sport?" I asked. "And how exactly do you plan on making that work?"
"Well, it's simple." Started Everett. "We charge money to come watch Bakugan Battles, just like they do with Baseball, Basketball, and Hockey games. On that Bakugan field you made for everyone! Of course, the stars of the League will be the Awesome Ones, and I'll be the League Manager. How does that sound to you guys?"
"But the Bank man closed the field." Said Shun.
"I'll take care of dealing with the Bank, cool? We'll charge admission to the battles, and sell the videos online. We're gonna make money. And, if that's still not enough money, we'll make bets on battles and then fix the results. The Bakugan answer to you, right? This plan is foolproof! So, do we have a deal, or what, fellas?" I laughed.
"No plan is foolproof!" I choked out.
"Have you lost it?!" Asked Dan.
"What are you thinking?" Agreed Lia. "You can't use Bakugan to make money like that!"
"I thought you wanted to keep the park." Defended Everett. "I guess I was wrong. My bad. If you've got a better idea, fill me in."
"He's right." We all turned to see China walking up. "Quit grumbling and join the league. What are you people waiting for?"
"Oh look, Riot." Groaned Lia.
"She said she'd help me, and sure enough, here she is." Said Everett.
"Help you what?" Asked Dan.
"I guess you think this is all a big joke!" Added Wynton.
"Bakugan Brawl!" Said China, throwing out Maxotaur and catching all of us off guard. She laughed. "What? Are you all afraid to battle me? Is that it?" Maxotaur brought his fist back, and we all got out of the way as he demolished the table we were near. I looked back at it, then at China.
"Hey! You don't get to damage the place I work at!" Dan turned as well.
"Okay, bring it on!" He yelled. "Bakugan Brawl!" Dan threw Drago out, and he grappled onto Maxotaur. I pulled out a card.
"Gate Card, Set!" I grabbed for Leo, but he moved out of the way. I looked at him. "Huh? Leo?"
"Stop this Riot!" Called Dan. Leo looked over at Everett, and I followed his glance, seeing him recording the battle.
"Smash him Maxotaur!"
"Do it Drago!" Everett lowered his phone, laughing a bit. I looked at the others, and noticed that Lia had seen him recording as well.
"What?" She asked.
"He's recording the battle." I whispered. "But why?"
"He said China would help him." Whispered Leo. "What if this is what he meant?"
"I don't like this."
The next day, we all gathered around the computer, Dan sitting on the floor. "So, this is not good." Said Wynton. "Because of Drago and Maxotaur's rampage yesterday, Bakugan Battling has been officially banned by the town!"
"All I did was put a stop to China Riot." Said Dan.
"The battle's been put online!" Said Shun. "It's all over the internet!"
"That's not good." I said.
"And it's edited to make Dan look like the bad guy!" Finished Shun.
"That's awful!" Said Dan, standing up. "Who did this?!"
"I'll give you one guess." I said.
"Everett." Said Lia.
"Hm?" Asked Dan, Shun, and Wynton.
"I saw him recording the battle yesterday." Said Lia.
"I did too, after Leo pointed it out. It's why I didn't take part."
"Thanks to that video, people have completely stopped donating to all of our fundraising." Said Wynton.
"Everett has planned this entire thing." Said Lia. "The only way we'll be able to Bakugan battle now is if we join his league. He's got us right where he wants us, that creep."
"This just can't be real!" Exclaimed Dan. "There has to be another way." We all thought for a moment.
"Unless we have the money to buy the land, we can't get around it." I muttered. The video kept playing, and Lia got an idea. She gasped, then thought it through.
"Did you think of something, Lia?" Asked Dan. Lia pulled out her phone, and tapped on it a few times. It rang.
"Hi there Everett. It's Lia calling."
"Everett?" Asked Dan.
"The Awesome Ones are ready to join your Bakugan League. Cool?"
"What?!" Asked Shun, Wynton and Dan.
"Have you totally lost your mind, Lia?!" Asked Dan.
"If nothing else, joining the League will give us a chance." I said, drawing the other's attention. "If we join the League, we'll have some access to the field, and we'll be able to make a strategy, unless Lia already has something in mind."
"An exhibition battle?" Asked Lia. "Can we select the opponent?"
We arrived at the arena to see it completely packed with people. Everett ran up to us. "Glad you guys are here!" He said.
"Heck of a remodel." I said, looking around.
"Thanks." He replied. "Seriously though, I'm really pleased you guys finally came to your senses. So, how do you like the park's new look?"
"Impressive." Said Lia. "What a turnout!"
"This place sure looks flashy." Added Dan.
"I did the best that I could." Said Everett. "This exhibition match will also kinda be a presentation for the bank." Everett jestured over to the three men that had kicked us out before, sitting in the audience. Lia turned to him.
"So, did the opponent I suggested for Dan agree to battle today?"
"Oh yes, I booked her right away." Everett pointed at China, who walked up.
"After you asked for me, I was sure you'd be my opponent, Lia." Said China. "Still running scared, huh?"
"I seriously doubt you could beat Dan, but if you do, I'll battle you."
"What!?" Demanded China. "Hmph." She looked away.
"Okay you two, get into your spots." Said Everett. "Dan, you're in that corner. China, you're over there." Everett ran off, getting to his position. I looked at Dan.
"Good luck, Dan. Remember the plan."
"Oh, I do!" Replied Dan. "Just watch, it'll work." The rest of us backed away as Dan and China took their positions.
"We'll be live streaming this battle today!" Said Everett, over the sound system. "Yes, I said Live! Okay folks, let's get it on!" The audience roared. "And now, here are the rules. To be clear, this is a one on one battle. That means that brawlers can only use one Bakugan each. The use of any weapons is strictly prohibited." I shook my head.
"He covered that base. Even if we got involved, I'd be there without much assistance."
"Sh!" Said Lia. "You'll give it away!"
"Now let's have some fun out there!" Continued Everett. "Bakugan Battle!" Dan and China stared each other down.
"Bakugan, Brawl!" They called. Drago landed quickly, transforming moments before Maxotaur. Both Bakugan stared each other down for a moment.
"Go get him right now, Maxotaur!" Yelled China. Maxotaur charged forward, throwing punches at Drago, who barely dodged them before retaliating with a roundhouse kick, knocking Maxotaur down. "What are you doing out there, Maxotaur! Pull it together now!"
"You're doing great today, Drago!" Said Dan. "Riot's getting angry, so just keep it up!"
"Okay Dan!"
"You little brats!" Said China. Dan grabbed a core.
"Twisting Inferno!" He called, throwing the core. Drago fired the attack, which Maxotaur attempted to block with his arms, to no avail. China braced herself from the dust that was kicked up.
"My turn!" She ran over and grabbed a core of her own. "Maxotaur!" She threw it as hard as she could.
"Drago! Tail Crusher!" Drago jumped into the air and spun around to smack Maxotaur with his tail, knocking him down enough to have the core miss him.
"How dare you interfere!" Yelled China.
"She's gonna snap." I stated to the others.
"Maxotaur! Grab that sign and attack Drago!" Maxotaur picked himself back up, before then turning and grabbing the sign. He launched it at Drago, who couldn't dodge it in time and was hit.
"Drago!" Called Dan. The audience began booing.
"Riot just broke the rules!" Yelled Matt.
"Riot cheated!" Called someone else.
"What a dirty trick that was!"
"China Riot loses by disqualification!" Said Everett into his mic. Maxotaur approached him slightly, and he backed up. "Huh?"
"Disqualified?!" Asked China. Maxotaur walked toward Everett. "I don't think so!" Everett screamed and ran away as Maxotaur threw something at him, narrowly avoiding getting hit.
"That was nasty." Stated Matt.
"I thought he was gonna get hit." Added Maggie.
"Let's go Drago!" Yelled Dan. Drago took into the air before looking back down and dive bombing Maxotaur, before flipping over and kicking him hard, defeating him. As the dust settled, Maxotaur rolled to China's feet. The audience roared as China grit her teeth.
"I'm not done yet!" She yelled, preparing another Bakugan. Lia grabbed her arm, surprising her.
"Oh yes you are! You lost the battle!"
"Huh?" China looked at her as the rest of us walked up.
"What was that Everett!" Yelled someone.
"That was dangerous, and you let it happen!"
"How can we trust you to stage these battles?!"
"This league is my chance to make the really big bucks." Muttered Everett. "There's no way I'm going to let it end like this." He looked out at the audience again. "Please listen up, everyone!" He said into his mic. "This was only an exhibition match! There are a few wrinkles to work out, but I'll work with the AO to make sure that the Bakugan League is a big success!"
"The Awesome Ones will not be working with him." Countered Lia. "We stand firmly against Everett's ideas!"
"Wh-wh-what in the world are you talking about, Lia?" Asked Everett. Lia turned to Dan.
"Dan, want to explain it?"
"You bet!" Dan turned to Wynton, who held up a tablet to live stream what Dan was about to say. "Bakugan should never ever be used to make money for people! It's wrong. The very idea is a disgrace to the bond we share with Bakugan! The Awesome Ones would never use Bakugan like that. If you're a real Bakugan Brawler, we need your support! This is more than just a Bakugan Field, this is our home, a home for every single one of us! So, in order to protect this Bakugan Field, to protect our home, will you lend us your strength?"
"Please!" Said the other AO. I smiled.
"We all know the truth of that video that was shown before. It wasn't Dan's wrong doing, it was China's. With your support, we can provide a safe place for everyone to battle, without worrying about harming others or other's property." Nothing happened for a moment, and Everett started laughing.
"That was a cute speech, Danny boy, but I'm afraid the world's not as sweet and simple as you want it to be." All of us, except Wynton, looked at him. Wynton looked at the donation site, and yelped, drawing everyone's attention.
"Donations are pouring into our website like crazy!"
"No kidding!" Said Dan, turning to look. The entire audience was on their phones, watching as well.
"People like our message." Said Lia. "They're supporting us!"
"It doesn't really matter." Said China, grinning evilly. "I'm going to buy this park and do whatever I want with it!" Her servant suddenly ran up, holding a briefcase. He opened it on China's command, revealing several gold bars, and she looked over at the bank people. "Bring me a contract, Mr. Banker. I'll sign it right here and now!"
"No can do, odd little girl!" Said the bank guy, yelling into his megaphone again. China covered her ears. "This land has already been purchased by another party, so hard cheese for you!"
"What?!" Yelled China.
"Huh?" Asked the other AOs.
"This is an interesting development." I said. The bank guy turned to us.
"I have a message from the land's new owner! Care and management of this land and the Bakugan Field will henceforth be entrusted to the Awesome Ones, that is all."
"But, how?" Asked Dan.
"Someone just saved the day!" Replied Lia. "Now this Bakugan Field is officially everyone's home!" Everyone in the audience cheered, along with the other AOs, and I feigned excitement.
"There's no way someone did this out of the good in their heart." I thought. "There's gotta be a catch, somehow." Everett fell to his knees.
"What a nightmare." He muttered. Lightning looked at him as he hung his head.
Elsewhere, someone was watching the response to what had happened. "I'm counting on you, Awesome Ones. You're going to make my dreams come true, and you don't even know it yet." He smiled.
Well, the bank suddenly taking the land was a heck of a surprise, but we managed to stick through it. However, I get the feeling that we're not off the hook yet, because someone bought it for us, and I know that they'll collect on our debt to them eventually. I just don't know how, or when.
