Past Phantoms

by ariace613

Finale of this series. On the surface, everything seems perfect for the Brawlers. They beat Gundalia in the war, defanged its leadership, and Bakugan Interspace is thriving. But the image is marred. Alice Gehabich is still missing, on voluntary exile to rediscover herself. And, even worse, Gus is still at large, masterminding the Brawlers' demise. The age of the Brawlers is ending.

16. Chapter 16

So sorry for the wait. Chapters as long as these take some time to write. But this one's out now, so I hope you enjoy!

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

XXX

Chapter 16: Training Grounds

The New Vestroian night sky was unlike anything the Spectres had ever seen. For one thing, the planet didn't seem to have a moon, and the stars were brighter than the ones on Earth. The sky held multiple purple colorings, along with the black. It was stunning - to those who hadn't seen it before.

Alice had seen it; so many times, in fact, that she had grown accustomed to it. As the others were literally staring off into space, Alice was boiling a stew over a campfire.

"These constellations don't match anything I've ever seen on Earth", Soon awed at the stars. "And their brightness - though I suppose that's from the lack of pollution of this atmosphere."

"Yup, they're pretty", Chris agreed.

"You know, when I started this job, I never expected to see stuff like this", Robin said.

"Yeah", Jack agreed. "I just signed on to fight the Brawlers."

Ben grunted. "Now, we're fighting for the Brawlers. Or we're going to, at least."

"Who knows where life takes us?", Noah questioned.

The group was interrupted by Alice clearing her throat. After they all looked at her, she gave a small grin. "Dinner's ready. Eat up. We had a big day, and you'll need your strength for tomorrow."

"What're we doing tomorrow, Alice?", Chris asked, perking up. The gleam in her eye was brighter than before.

Alice answered calmly. "You'll be applying what you've learned today. Today, I was only using as much force as I needed to beat you. Tomorrow, I won't hold back in our battle. So eat up."

Each of the Spectres took a bowl, pouring themselves some of Alice's stew.

"Thank you, ma'am", Soon said. "You're most gracious."

"Yeah, thanks", Robin issued his own gratitude.

"Let's dig in", Ben called.

The six rookie battlers each took a bite from their stew, almost uniformly sitting up.

Jack had a relaxed grin on his face. "Wow, this is really good. I mean… really good."

Alice smiled back. "I'm glad you like it." And she really did. Doing menial things like cooking, enjoying others' appreciation of her efforts; it brought Alice back to a simpler and more peaceful time. A time where she didn't have to hide away to find peace. A better time.

"So, what are you doing here?", Ben asked bluntly. "You've vanished from Interspace for months, and nobody's heard from you ever since. Are you on some kind of long term training session?"

The Darkus master winced at the question. "Not exactly", she admitted. "It's kind of a long story."

"Well, we've got all night", Noah said. "If it's not too personal, of course."

"Seems kind of personal", Chris replied.

"It is personal", Alice said. "You deserve to know, though." She took a deep breath. "First, in relation to Bakugan, what comes to mind when you hear the name 'Masquerade'?"

"Um, what kind of name is Masquerade?", Jack ridiculed. "Sounds made up."

"I wish he was", Robin said somberly.

"You know what she's talking about?", Ben questioned his Ventus counterpart.

Robin nodded, with a somber expression. "Interspace wasn't my first experience with Bakugan. I played the original game, and I'm sure everyone who did knew that freak's reputation."

"Who was he?", Noah asked.

"A monster", Robin answered. "The original game was more strategy based than this one, but Masquerade tore it apart. Totally undefeated, barely giving any effort in most battles. His Bakugan was rumored to be growing stronger with all its battling, but he disappeared from the face of the earth after Dan Kuso beat him."

"That's everything?", Alice asked. The tone was that of a teacher testing her student's knowledge - which was what was happening. "Do you know what his preferred methods of battle were?"

Robin's gaze narrowed. "Well, there were rumors that claimed any Bakugan that lost to him were never seen from again. Really radical rumors said he was sending them to a kind of Bakugan hell for the sake of some evil Bakugan god."

"Naga", Alice confirmed. "Those rumors are true."

"You fought with the Brawlers", Soon said. "That would explain your certainty on the matter, but I do fail to see the relevance."

"The reason I'm here right now stems from that time. Like I said, it's a long story", Alice clarified. "And you're wrong. I'm not clarifying the rumors as a Battle Brawler. I know it because I was Masquerade."

Robin looked alarmed. "Then, that would make Hydranoid…"

Alice nodded. "The strengthening Bakugan. Yes." She held her hand up as a sign of peace. "I wasn't in full control of myself during that time, but it left a mark on me. A more ruthless and angered streak."

Chris nodded. "Suppressing your emotions is really bad for your health." She spoke from experience.

"You'd know", Alice deadpanned. "In short, I tried to move past those tendencies, but all I was doing was suppressing them. When I relapsed, I relapsed hard." She shook her head. "I needed to relearn who I was and why I was doing all of this. That's why I left."

"So why did you stay away?", Chris asked.

Alice looked away. "I figured out who I was. I'm not a hero."

"That's ridiculous!", Chris retorted. "Didn't you help the Brawlers save a lot of people a lot of times?!"

"I did", Alice agreed. "But the last two big engagements were started against my will. All I really was doing was defending myself and Hydranoid. Saving the universe those times were consequences of someone else forcing my hand."

"So you're saying that you wouldn't have gotten involved, if you had the choice?", Ben verified.

Alice looked truly mystified. "Honestly? I don't know. But I do know that this fight has taken too much from me. I can't fight it anymore."

The debate paused for a notable amount of time as the Spectres processed that. Here was Alice, a battler that was at least respected by everyone present, telling them she was shying away from this conflict. It was confusing, to say the least.

Chris was the most confused of them all. Before, she'd think Alice would jump into battle for the universe. Like a hero of old legends. But outside the battlefield, she just seemed… broken. Literally, a legend laid bare. She didn't know what to say.

"...What?", Jack asked. "You mean you're just hiding here like a coward?"

"If that's how you'd like to think about it", Alice replied.

"You're kidding, right?", Robin said. "We lost everything to this fight. Our homes are gone. Earth is devastated, and the universe is at risk."

"I know", Alice said.

"That happened because the Battle Brawlers weren't strong enough to take Gus down in time. Because you weren't with them", Robin went on. He snarled in rage. "This whole nightmare is happening because you were selfish!"

"I know!", Alice snapped. The others were taken aback by the unusually harsh tone. "I know. This is a battle that will forever escalate. It's taken too much from me. I've tried being selfless, and I've lost almost everything. But if I continue the fight, I will lose everything."

"You are a coward", Ben accused. "You're hiding away and waiting for the threat to reach you. You could at least be trying to do something, like us! We came here so you could teach us to be strong enough. But you're weaker than any of us!"

"That's unfair", Noah said. "She beat us all without much effort at all."

"There's more to strength than battling prowess." Soon's tone was icy. "I understand that you've been through more torment than any of us… perhaps more than I can even comprehend. But how are you supposed to teach us courage when your own is insufficient?"

"I'm not supposed to give you courage", Alice answered the question. "You can only give yourselves lasting courage. I'm supposed to give you the battle ability you need to endure. The rest is up to you."

"So you're not denying any of this?", Chris asked. "I've looked up to you. I idolized you. And you're not even denying that you let Gus win by staying out of it?"

"I didn't know Gus had escaped until it was too late", Alice said. "As far as I knew, he was still imprisoned. But I'm not infallible. I know I can't be praised for my recent choices. I just don't care. Not anymore."

"You're not who I thought you were", Chris said, talking for the first time in a while. Her tone was dulled by Alice's statements. "You were a Battle Brawler. Who are you now?"

With that, the seven continued their meal wordlessly, any notion of conversation killed by the scorching debate just held. Even the stew seemed more bitter than earlier. After the meal, the Spectres laid down to sleep, and Alice departed the group to convene with her Bakugan.

Ben, interestingly, stayed awake the longest among his peers. He was considering the words of the redhead, and comparing them with his own ideology.

Stay out of trouble. Keep your head down. He could've been describing Alice's recent actions, but it was really his own mindset before this debacle. That's what I've been doing for God knows how long. So why was I so mad at her for doing the same thing?

XXX

The second Battle of Neathia's battlefield had expanded its parameters to close in on the planet's capitol city.

Gus's Bakugan army had passed through the area that was protected by the First Shield. That Shield had been destroyed by Gus's personal Bakugan, Infinity Helios. The defending forces were forced to quickly pull back to defend the Second Shield. The opposing Bakugan viciously took advantage of the opportunity, continuing their attack and pushing the defenders all the way to the Second Shield.

The Battle Brawlers, as well as Ren's teammates, were all separated throughout the field. Each one was paired up with one or two teammates to hold the line against the ultimate Bakugan.

"Are we doing anything?", Mason questioned through his communicator. Avior was trying to withstand a Turbine Dragonoid's fire stream with his Offering Armor. The defense outlasted the attack, but just barely. The Turbine Dragonoid was then tackled by Aranaut and taken down.

"We need to keep fighting!", Fabia shouted beside Mason.

"Whatever you say, your Highness", Mason scoffed.

"The Princess is right, Mason", Lena replied through the communication.

Phosphos and Blast Elico were fighting side by side, and their battlers stood together. Blast Elico began to light up a bright blue color, and Phosphos responded in kind. The two Aquos Bakugan roared with power, each one engaging a single opponent.

Lena looked at Marucho, who smirked knowingly. His Baku Pod was displaying the Reflection Jacket ability.

"We've got to hold out!", Marucho called out. "Come on, Elico!"

In the air, Typhoon Ingram, Supernova Helios, Plitheon and Dan's Ziperator were leading the attack in the air to engage the enemy, backed by all the air-capable Bakugan of the Neathian and Gundalian armies. Their enemies in the air comprised of Turbine Dragonoid, Cosmic Ingram and Alpha Percival.

"This battle is as good as ours!", Keith declared. Helios was unleashing the full force of his Atomic Quasar attack against a Cosmic Ingram. The white hot flames overcame the highly powered Ventus Bakugan and took him out.

"Don't get cocky", Shun warned. Typhoon Ingram was combatting an Alpha Percival with his Typhoon Hyper Impact. He was having a difficult time against the swords of the Percival's Alpha Blade. Still, he managed to force the Percival into a yellow beam from a Neathian Bakugan, which blasted it into defeat.

"What a drama of conflict", awed Jesse as Plitheon was outmaneuvering a Cosmic Ingram with his Zone Verde. The Cosmic Ingram summoned a monstrous storm with his Cosmic Cyclone, eventually drawing in Plitheon and causing his pained scream.

In another area of the battlefield, Percival and Linehalt stood nearby each other, with their battlers on their shoulders. They were facing a dozen of Gus's horde fearlessly.

The enemy Bakugan all charged up energy based attacks, targeting both Darkus Bakugan. Ren was ready. "Come on, Linehalt!", he called. "Dispel Closer!"

Linehalt's left hand began to glow a dark purple hue, drawing the energy from the air into it like a gravitational vortex. Linehalt raised the hand against the attacks. A moment later, all the attacks were drawn into Linehalt's vortex, being sucked into Linehalt's form. Linehalt became cloaked with a surge of increasing power.

Ace smirked atop Cyclone Percival. He called two words. "Void Spartan!"

Percival's body began to emit a large force, with an aura of dark energy rising around him. The aura expanded in a large wave, overcoming all of the enemies. The dark energy somehow increased in intensity as it clung to Percival's targets, the energy then going back to him. Percival let out another uproar as the energy fused with his own body.

The two Darkus Bakugan became centers of massive Darkus power, sending shockwaves of energy against Gus's army. They were the only defenders who were actually overpowering Gus's own armies.

Gus was observing it all from his lofty perch with an easygoing smirk. Even the notable resistance he saw the Brawlers put up he regarded as pitiful. His forces matched the enemy in numbers and, by all accounts, exceeded them in strength. It was only a matter of time. He knew it; so did everyone who was trying to contest him.

As he sat back and watched the battle progress, his mind completely forgot any semblance of considering his former tools, the Spectres. They were irrelevant to him, completely oblivious to their efforts to defy him. Oblivious to their training to take him down for good.

XXX

In the early morning of New Vestroia's next day, the Spectres reconvened with Alice on the plains to continue their training. The talk they had the previous night was unmentioned and, by all purposes, forgotten to them all.

Alice pressed a single button on her Baku Pod, sending out a pulse of energy to spread across the field. As the pulse reached all the Bakugan, they reverted to ball form and darted towards their respective battlers.

Among the Spectres, Soon was the most surprised. "I thought that Bakugan couldn't go to ball form on this planet."

"Not naturally", Alice agreed. "I've altered this area temporarily. Like I said, I'll be going all out in this battle."

"Wait… we're all battling you? At once?", Noah questioned. Alice only gave an affirmative nod.

Ben grinned and made a fist. "This will be too easy. We've got the numbers!"

"Numbers didn't help us against Gus and Infinity Helios", Robin advised.

"Let's do this, already", Chris said. "C'mon!"

Alice acted before anyone else, throwing down her Gate Card. It landed on the ground, expanding quickly.

Jack looked over to Alice. "Hey, we didn't say we were ready yet!"

"Gus won't care", Alice replied. "You need to be ready the moment you confront him." In each hand rested a dark purple orb - Darkus Bakugan. Within one moment, she threw each held Bakugan to either side of her. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Go, Darkus Blackout Hydranoid! Go, Darkus Dharak!"

On each side of Alice, her two Bakugan reappeared on the battlefield. One was the five headed Blackout Hydranoid that was utilized the previous day's battles. The other was a four legged and single headed dragon, with sharp wings and a sharper end of his tail: Darkus Dharak.

"I'm tired of Hydranoid getting all the fun", Dharak sneered, glaring at the six adversaries. "Come, Spectres! Show me your power!"

"She really is going all out", Robin said. "Chris, do you know anything about Dharak?"

"Nope", Chris replied. "I've never seen her use any Bakugan besides Hydranoid."

"Let's prove this champion has-been that she's got nothing to teach us!", called a hot headed Ben. "Bakugan…"

"Brawl!", the Spectres said in unison, all throwing in their Bakugan. "Bakugan, stand!"

Six different flashes of light all shone at once. Within moments, the six Bakugan all appeared on the field, meeting the ferocity of their Darkus opponents proportionally.

(Phantom Brontes: 900, Mystic Elico: 900, Cosmic Ingram: 900, Turbine Dragonoid: 900, Alpha Percival: 900, Flare Wilda: 900)=5400

(Blackout Hydranoid: 900, Dharak: 1000)=1900

"Woah. I didn't expect Dharak to have a power level of 1000", Noah said. It wasn't the highest; Infinity Helios held that title. "Does that mean he's slightly stronger than Blackout Hydranoid - and our Bakugan?"

"Double Ability Activate!", Alice exclaimed without a moment's delay. "Gazer Barrage, plus Darkness Waiver!"

Each one of Hydranoid's five heads opened their mouths, and Hydranoid channeled energy through each one to charge the upcoming attack. Orbs of purple energy appeared in each head, charging up by the moment. Hydranoid released all five orbs at once, sending them flying at the adversaries.

Right after firing the first set of orbs, Hydranoid channeled another through his mouths, repeating it just as quickly. He continually repeated the process until what seemed to be hundreds of energy orbs were heading towards the Spectres' Bakugan.

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

(Phantom Brontes: 900-400-300=200, Mystic Elico: 900-400-300=200, Cosmic Ingram: 900-400-300=200, Turbine Dragonoid: 900-400-300=200, Alpha Percival: 900-400-300=200, Flare Wilda: 900-400-300=200)=1200

(Blackout Hydranoid: 900+400=1300, Dharak: 1000+300=1300)=2600

Both barrage attacks quickly began impacting all six opponents, creating massive explosions against them all. The combined power being released was enough to shake the earth beneath them, further destabilizing the Spectres' stances.

"Woah! All out right from the start?!", Noah exclaimed.

"We'll send you all to oblivion!", Hydranoid declared.

"There's no chance of escape for any of you!" Dharak agreed with Hydranoid's sentiments.

"I wouldn't be so arrogant", Soon retorted, her Baku Pod shining brightly. "Ability Activate! Spectral Enhancement!"

Phantom Brontes spread out all eight of his arms, cackling maniacally despite the barrage he was enduring. Each hand began glowing a mystical yellow energy. When he was ready, he sent a shockwave of that energy outwards, which began rolling over the field.

Wherever the energy discharge met a Darkus energy orb, it created a large explosion, but protected the Spectres. Eventually, the shockwave reached Hydranoid and Dharak, instantly shutting down their power.

(Phantom Brontes: 200+400+300+400=1300, Mystic Elico: 200+400+300+400=1300, Cosmic Ingram: 200+400+300+400=1300, Turbine Dragonoid: 200+400+300+400=1300, Alpha Percival: 200+400+300+400=1300, Flare Wilda: 200+400+300+400=1300)=7800

(Blackout Hydranoid: 1300-400=900, Dharak: 1300-300=1000)=1900

"Impressive", Alice admitted.

"Oh, we haven't even started", Chris said, her own Baku Pod revealing an ability. "If you want full on, here it is! Ability Activate! Alpha Blade!"

Alpha Percival began to glow a bright purple light, his power being intensified. The glow began to consolidate into his hands, being expensed outwards. The energy consolidated into two blades, one for each hand. The swords were solid, with purple metal blades, shaped like two scabbards. He swung the two swords experimentally, finding the right balance. Once he was fully prepared, he began his charge at the other two Darkus Bakugan.

Alpha Percival: 1300

(Blackout Hydranoid: 900-500=400, Dharak: 1000-500=500)=900

Percival switched when he neared his two targets, specifically going after Blackout Hydranoid. The hydra took a step back, meeting the sharp offense with his heavily defended chest. Despite the power difference between the two, he forced Percival to a stalemate. "Dharak, now!"

"If you insist", Dharak replied curtly.

"Ability Activate! Evil Blast!"

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

Being so nearby, the beam had a very short distance to cover, maximizing its effectiveness. Alpha Percival was blown away from Hydranoid, sending him reeling on the ground a long ways away.

(Phantom Brontes: 1300, Mystic Elico: 1300, Cosmic Ingram: 1300, Turbine Dragonoid: 1300, Alpha Percival: 1300-500=800, Flare Wilda: 1300)=7300

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400, Dharak: 500+500=1000)=1400

"You got hasty", Alice admonished the other Darkus user. "Don't dismiss your allies to rush into battle. Actions like that make your numbers a greater hindrance than advantage." As she spoke, two more abilities were displayed. "Double Ability Activate! Havoc Trident, plus Fusion Ability Terminal Impact!"

Hydranoid quickly gathered energy into his five mouths, condensing them into bright purple orbs within each set of jaws. When ready, Hydranoid took aim at the opposing side, with one head aiming deliberately at the separated Alpha Percival. Then, he fired all five energy orbs in quick succession. The energy orbs sailed through the air, flying at the speed of sound on its way toward the enemy.

Then, before the first orbs could even make contact, Hydranoid orbs. Within moments, they grew to double the size it had been with Havoc Trident. Releasing all five at once, he once more roared furiously at the enemies.

(Phantom Brontes: 1300-500=800, Mystic Elico: 1300-500=800, Cosmic Ingram: 1300-500=800, Turbine Dragonoid: 1300-500-400=400, Alpha Percival: 800-500=300, Flare Wilda: 1300-500=800)=3900

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400+400=800, Dharak: 1000)=1800

"It's going to take a lot more than that", Chris protested, her counter ready to defend her Bakugan. "Fusion Ability Activate! Dual Turmoil!"

Alpha Percival readied himself for the attacks heading his way, keeping his grip on his swords. Each hand neared each other, bringing the flat hilts of the two swords together. As they met, they snapped together, forming one large, double bladed sword, with each sharp blade opposite the other. After a few seconds of the connection, each blade began to glow bright purple, being enhanced by the fusion ability.

As the totaled two orbs neared him, Alpha Percival slashed with one end for each orb, bisecting each orb as they got in range. But eight more were heading for the others.

Noah was the one to respond to those. "Ability Activate!", he called. "Igneous Shield!"

Flare Wilda reared back both of his fists, facing the ground directly in front of him. After a second, he slammed both fists into the earth, then pulled them back, out of the ground.

The places where Wilda had impacted the ground began to light up bright red. Within a few moments, red hot magma spotted from those spots, rising up high above the combatants. As it kept rising, the magma cooled impossibly quickly, turning into a wall of shiny, black obsidian.

The first set of orbs collided with the wall, exploding immediately and doing little damage. When the second set impacted, their explosions blew apart the obsidian wall, but the Spectres' Bakugan were protected.

(Phantom Brontes: 800+500=1300, Mystic Elico: 800+500=1300, Cosmic Ingram: 800+500+1300, Turbine Dragonoid: 400+500+400=1300, Alpha Percival: 300+600+500=1400, Flare Wilda: 800+500+400=1700)=8300

(Blackout Hydranoid: 800-400=400, Dharak: 1000)=1400

"My turn to bring the hurt", Ben decided.

"Took the words out of my mouth", Jack agreed.

Both Spectres readied two abilities each for usage. "Double Ability Activate!"

"Exodus Dragon, plus Fusion Ability Fire Surge!"

"Aqua Impulse, plus Elemental Surge!"

Turbine Dragonoid opened his mouth, letting out another roar of dominance before beginning his attack. His mouth began to light up a bright orange color, the maw within both heating up and gathering flames. Seemingly all at once, the Bakugan tightened up his body and unleashed the attack, blasting a full inferno of orange flames straight ahead, heading straight for Hydranoid with a vengeance.

After a moment, Turbine Dragonoid shut off the attack. The orange glow within Turbine Dragonoid's mouth returned, intensifying far beyond what it was before.

Turbine Dragonoid's body began to emit a red aura, but it was quickly transferred to his mouth, powering up the attack even further. His eyes blazed red.

Then, he released the attack again. A blast of fire, to exceed anything else achieved earlier that day, was unleashed, spreading out in front of Dragonoid like a storm of flames. There was very little time to react

Meanwhile, Mystic Elico raised his right hand, pointing and out stretching it directly at Dharak. He then began to focus his power into that hand, as moisture gathered there at the same time. The entire arm began to glow blue with the compressed energy, all focused in one arm.

With a roar that was not, in any way, intelligent, Mystic Elico launched his attack. His right hand blasted out an extremely large and high pressure torrent of water at his directed target.

As he released the torrent, Mystic Elico's body began to light up a harsh blue aura, the Aquos symbol on his chest glowing especially brightly. Directing that power into his attack, the water torrents suddenly increased in intensity and power.

(Phantom Brontes: 1300, Mystic Elico: 1300+400+500=2200, Cosmic Ingram: 1300, Turbine Dragonoid: 1300+600+800=2700, Alpha Percival: 1400, Flare Wilda: 1700)=10600

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400, Dharak: 1000-400=600)=1000

"You're too hasty", Alice reprimanded Ben. "Dharak! Double Ability Activate! High Skewed Waiver, plus Thunder Probe!"

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

Even as he was doing that, Dharak's body began glowing in a faint aura of dark purple coloring. Bolts of purple lightning sparked in multiple directions, before Dharak focused the attack onto his own energy orbs. Several bolts of the dark electricity shot ahead, traveling as quick as lightning, and struck the High Skewed Waiver.

The two high powered attacks fused together, maximizing the power and pressure of them both. The combined attack met both the fire blast and the water torrents, holding out against the supercharged attacks and forcing a stalemate.

(Phantom Brontes: 1300-600-400=300, Mystic Elico: 2200-600-400=1200, Cosmic Ingram: 1300-600-400=300, Turbine Dragonoid: 2700-600-400=1700, Alpha Percival: 1400-600-400=400, Flare Wilda: 1700-600-400=700)=4600

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400, Dharak: 600+600+400=1600)=2000

Within moments into the stalemate, Turbine Dragonoid and Mystic Elico's attacks broke apart, leaving their whole side open to Dharak's attacks.

"Great job", Robin said sarcastically. "It's up to me to pick up your slack and save our hides, then." His Baku Pod formed another ability. "Ability Activate! Armored Triumph!"

Cosmic Ingram raised his altitude only slightly, getting himself in the right position for his response. He flapped his six wings powerfully, sending a gust of wind at the incoming barrage. The closest orb was blown apart by the winds, but the rest kept going.

Still, Ingram had enough time to complete his defensive move. His wings folded onto his body and covered every spot on his form in preparation for the impact, even as he charged the barrage alone. Orb after orb struck him, blasting him slightly backwards. The last one knocked him to the ground, but he quickly got back up.

(Phantom Brontes: 300+600+400=1300, Mystic Elico: 1200+600+400=2200, Cosmic Ingram: 300+600+400+500=1800, Turbine Dragonoid: 1700+600+400=2700, Alpha Percival: 400+600+400=1400, Flare Wilda: 700+600+400=1700)=11100

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400, Dharak: 1600-600-400=600)=1000

"Their power levels are so low!", Jack complained. "How are they holding us back? This is ridiculous!"

"Jack, if you can give me some cover, I'll finish this", Soon requested.

Jack gave a confident grin back. "You want some cover? You've got it!" He quickly prepped an ability. "Ability Activate! Aquos Maelstrom!"

Mystic Elico's eyes flashed blue for a single moment, the light facing as energy began to collect all around his body. Moisture collected from the air, or was drawn out of the Aquos Bakugan, beginning to swirl around the Bakugan.

Clouds began to appear overhead, showering rain on the battlefield. The rainwater and lake below only joined Mystic Elico's water swirl, converting it into a full fledged hurricane, and even greater. Lightning crackled overhead, from the storm clouds. The hurricane kept raging, only growing in intensity as the seconds passed.

Hydranoid and Dharak were obviously affected by the storm. They grunted and strained to remain stabilized; that left them vulnerable.

Jack smirked at Soon. "How's that for cover?"

"Exactly what I was hoping for", Soon answered. Her ability was already going. "Spirit Halo!"

Phantom Brontes spread out his arms, channeling energy from his chest into all eight of his hands, and outward. The energy consolidated into eight identical copies of glowing rings, which he took hold of.

Phantom Brontes wielded all eight of the energy rings, swinging them all without having any of them connect. He charged through the maelstrom with little hassle, heading straight for his two enemies.

(Phantom Brontes: 1300+500=1800, Mystic Elico: 2200+900=3100, Cosmic Ingram: 1800, Turbine Dragonoid: 2700, Alpha Percival: 1400, Flare Wilda: 1700)=12500

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400, Dharak: 600)=1000

The Spectres looked on with increasing confidence. That is, until they heard a cackle coming from Dharak.

"Fools", Dharak sneered. "You've sealed your own fates! Hydranoid, it's all yours."

Alice got two more abilities ready to go into effect. "Double Ability Activate! Deathly Enforcement, plus Singularity!"

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

After Hydranoid roared, something changed in the aura surrounding him. Instead of being a simple coating of energy, it began drawing in the air around it, becoming a gravitational force. All of the amassed energy within the Spectres' Bakugan was drawn out of them and collected within Hydranoid.

(Phantom Brontes: 1800-900=900, Mystic Elico: 3100-2200=900, Cosmic Ingram: 1800-900=900, Turbine Dragonoid: 2700-1800=900, Alpha Percival: 1400-500=900, Flare Wilda: 1700-800=900)=5400

(Blackout Hydranoid: 400+500+500+7100=8500, Dharak: 600)=9100

"That's far too much power", Soon muttered. "Hydranoid can't handle that much!"

"What do you think I was training so much for?", Hydranoid growled. "I may not have been able to do this before, but I can now!" Then, he let out a ferocious roar. Dark energy shot out in a shockwave. That shockwave knocked away Brontes with extreme prejudice and blew up the Spirit Halo. Elico's hurricane dissipated, being completely blown away.

Dark purple clouds formed overhead, being fueled purely by Hydranoid's aura. Dark lightning struck down from the clouds all over the field. Winds picked up and howled, and Hydranoid was howling along with them.

The dark storm was wearing on the Spectres and their Bakugan. Ingram was forced to land to avoid getting swept up. Brontes had no choice but to pull back to the others, fully abandoning his offensive charge.

The Spectres looked alarmed at Alice's latest move, but Alice looked through it all with disdain. They won't learn anything unless I force them to take this battle seriously, Alice thought. I lost a lot of respect from them last night. They need to realize that I'm not a pushover. Then, they'll learn.

"I've gotta bring that down", Chris said swiftly. "We'll be decimated otherwise!" Her Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Ability Activate! Dark Diffusion!"

Alpha Percival's body began to exude a thick fog of dark purple energy, which began to spread throughout the area. It obscured him and all five of his allies from outside view at once, even as the storm raged to counteract it.

The fog quickly expanded, consuming and seemingly draining the power from the storm of dark energy. It closed in on the epicenter and source of the energy, Hydranoid, with great speed.

"Your tricks will not work on me twice", Hydranoid growled. "Chaos Omega!"

His body became coated in a dark aura, so thick with pure negative energy that even his form was hard to discern. That darkness soon joined with the rest of the storm, enhancing a single aspect of it.

From then on, as Percival's fog met Hydranoid's storm, it began receding, giving Hydranoid the advantage once again. Hydranoid let out another roar once the fog had fully dissipated, leaving him the dominant Bakugan.

"Nice one, Hydranoid", Alice complimented, her counter ready. "Double Ability Activate!" Alice kept her attack, not giving up anything. "Evil Blast, plus Darkness Glow!"

Dharak opened his mouth, amassing energy within. A moment later, Dharak unleashed a beam of dark purple energy. The beam began tearing up the ground before as it blasted towards the Spectres' Bakugan, leaving a large trail in its wake.

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

The two attacks conjoined into one large dark blast, supercharged with dark lightning and energy, and going right for the enemy.

(Phantom Brontes: 900, Mystic Elico: 900-300=600, Cosmic Ingram: 900-500=400, Turbine Dragonoid: 900, Alpha Percival: 900, Flare Wilda: 900)=4600

(Blackout Hydranoid: 8500, Dharak: 600+500+300=1400)=9900

"Nope. Not doing this", Jack decided. "Gotta change things up. Elico!"

Mystic Elico immediately responded, his body glowing a bright multicolored light. Within moments, the glow faded to show Elico with a green coloring. The Ventus symbol rested on his chest. Yet within that time, Elico was struck by Dharak's attack, sending him through the air and crashing into Ingram.

"Remember what I told you", Alice shouted through the chaos. "You don't always have the time to change Attribute!"

"Ok. I've heard your talk", Jack said. "Time for you to learn a lesson! Robin?"

"I'm on it", Robin promised.

"Time to take these has-beens out!", Jack agreed. Each one's got an ability ready.

"Ability Activate! Star Draft!"

"Ability Activate! Wind Closer!"

Ingram flapped his wings several times, creating a powerful gust of green wings that began whirling around him and his allies. Ingram and Elico started glowing a faint green aura, being strengthened by the ability.

Immediately afterward, Elico slammed both arms into the ground, summoning several gusts of green winds. The winds spread outwards in a shockwave of Elico's Ventus power, assaulting both Hydranoid and Dharak at once.

(Phantom Brontes: 900, Mystic Elico: 600+300+300+500=1700, Cosmic Ingram: 400+500+300=1200, Turbine Dragonoid: 900, Alpha Percival: 900, Flare Wilda: 900)=6500

(Blackout Hydranoid: 8500, Dharak: 1400)=9900

The two wind attacks combined together, forming a wind attacks stronger than either could reach alone. The full wings surged towards Dharak, cutting through Hydranoid's dark storm.

Dharak scoffed at the enemy attack. "Pathetic", he growled. "West Wall Shield!" Dharak quickly expunged a large amount of his energy from his body, forming a thick fog of dark power beside Hydranoid's storm. That dark power solidified around him and created a dark purple dome surrounding him.

(Phantom Brontes: 900, Mystic Elico: 1700-500-300=900, Cosmic Ingram: 1200, Turbine Dragonoid: 900, Alpha Percival: 900, Flare Wilda: 900)=5700

(Blackout Hydranoid: 8500, Dharak: 1400+300=1700)=10200

The winds clashed against Dharak's shield like waves against a rocky cliff. And, just like that metaphorical cliff, Dharak withstood them easily. Once the Ventus winds were gone, Dharak set down his shield, glaring at Mystic Elico all the while. "Is that the best you can do?", he scoffed.

"I like that Bakugan's attitude", Jack admitted.

"Regardless, we must do what we can to close this gap", Soon said. Her Baku Pod shined another ability. "Ability Activate! Osiris Dominion!"

Phantom Brontes's body began to light up a bright yellow aura. The aura began to intensify at a rapidly increasing pace, as Phantom Brontes's aura heightened considerably. The jester began laughing uncontrollably, more instinct than conscience.

The yellow energy consolidated in the air around Brontes, forming battle axes made clearly of yellow energy, both hilt and blade. Eight in total, one for each hand. Phantom Brontes took hold of each axe, positioning them to point at his opponents before charging the two once again.

"I'll give some overhead bombardment", Ben contributed. His next ability was already shining. "Ability Activate! Dragonic Firebomb!"

Turbine Dragonoid became cloaked with a red aura of power, then he let out a ferocious roar of dominance as his ability began. Taking advantage of his height advantage, he flew high above the others.

As his body flew directly over the enemy, it sent out several orbs of condensed orange fire, which rained down onto Hydranoid and Dharak. The firebombs fell straight down, only accelerating via gravity, zeroing onto the targeted Bakugan.

"Hang on. I'll back you up!", Noah added. "Ability Activate! Gaian Hammer!"

Within moments of the ability being named, steam started to pour out of Flare Wilda's body, hiding him in a thick smokescreen.

Then, Wilda began to lift himself out of the steam, his feet producing steam to somehow grant him aerodynamics. His trajectory would allow him to land atop specifically Hydranoid's position. He reared back his right fist, getting ready to strike Hydranoid with as much force as physically possible.

Chris was the last one that round to utilize an ability, and she did so with gusto. "We'll finish both of you here!", she proclaimed. "Ability Activate! Primal Gunner!"

Alpha Percival opened up his mouth wide, slowly gathering energy within his maw. That energy consolidated into an orb of purple and white energy, growing just ahead of Alpha Percival's mouth. The bright glow of the amassed energy shined through the dark storm and flashed threateningly.

With a loud, dragonic roar, Alpha Percival unleashed the energy in a large beam, aiming right at Blackout Hydranoid.

(Phantom Brontes: 900×2=1800, Mystic Elico: 900, Cosmic Ingram: 1200, Turbine Dragonoid: 900+400=1300, Alpha Percival: 900+400=1300, Flare Wilda: 900+300=1200)=7700

(Blackout Hydranoid: 8500-400-300-400=7400, Dharak: 1700-400-400=900)=8300

All four opposing attacks closed in on Hydranoid, who looked back fearlessly. Nobody moved at all as the threat grew closer and closer.

When the attacks were practically on top of Hydranoid, Alice reached out with her hand. "Now! Gate Card Open! Forcement Enemy!"

The Gate Card that had been laid down so much earlier finally activated. The white glow was masked by Hydranoid's storm, but the effect was still notable. Dharak and Hydranoid both gained a considerable amount of power, enhancing the dark auras they were both emitting. Their powers only fueled the storm above them even further.

(Phantom Brontes: 1800, Mystic Elico: 900, Cosmic Ingram: 1200, Turbine Dragonoid: 1300, Alpha Percival: 1300, Flare Wilda: 1200)=7700

(Blackout Hydranoid: 7400+600=8000, Dharak: 900+600=1500)=9500

When Brontes and Wilda collided with Hydranoid, the power insiste was too great. They went to ball form, even as Hydranoid endured Turbine Dragonoid's firebombs and Alpha Percival's energy beam.

Moments later, dark lightning bolts shot down from the sky, striking the other four Bakugan. They all reverted, as well.

Ben: 40%

Robin: 40%

Jack: 40%

Soon: 40%

Chris: 40%

Noah: 40%

Once their enemies were defeated, Dharak and Hydranoid finally went to ball form, returning to Alice's hand. The latter was accompanied with a release of all his energy, sending a bright beam of dark purple, light purple and pink colored energy straight up. The light was blindingly bright and cut a hole through the unnatural clouds.

Once that was over, the artificial storm dissipated, leaving a clear sky behind. The sunlight felt great for everyone after the dark maelstrom from moments beforehand.

The Spectres were left dumbfounded by how the initial round turned out. "How did that happen?", Jack questioned.

"They got lucky", Ben said. "That's it."

"No", Soon replied. "Luck wasn't a factor at all."

Chris looked at her friend. "How so?"

"Despite our power, we didn't really incorporate Alice's advice from yesterday into pur battling style", Soon was forced to admit. "We made the same mistakes as yesterday, and Alice capitalized on the openings that gave her."

"Its not just that", Noah said. "It's not just our weaknesses. It's their strengths. Hydranoid and Dharak had a clear battling dynamic when battling us together."

Robin nodded in understanding. "They started fighting in unison, then traded off with each other to stall and let the battle energy rise. Once Hydranoid absorbed it all, it was mainly up to Dharak to hold off our Bakugan until Hydranoid had processed it. Once that was done, they had the power to just wipe us out."

"So how do we fight that?", Ben asked.

"I'd say we need to actually keep in mind Alice's advice", Soon advised. "If we maximize the effectiveness of our battling we might be able to keep Alice and her Bakugan off their dynamic."

"Sounds good to me", Jack agreed.

Chris was the one amongst the Spectres to throw her Gate Card onto the ground, unconsciously mimicking Alice's earlier throw. Once the card landed on the ground, all the Spectres drew their Bakugan.

"Please. Bear with me, Flare Wilda", Noah muttered to his Bakugan. "We'll beat her this time." Noah almost thought it was his imagination, but Flare Wilda lightly shuddered in his hand.

All the Spectres launched their Bakugan in unison, initiating their side of the training battle once again. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!"

Seconds later, all of the Spectres' Bakugan rose up onto the field, staring down at Alice with a vengeance. The excitement in the air seemed palpable.

"So they're done with their little strategy session", Dharak said. "Last round was fun. Let's go at it again."

"We're not battling to win, Dharak", Alice chided her aggressive Bakugan. "We're teaching them. Hard lessons, yes. But we're not trying to crush them."

"Maybe you and Hydranoid aren't", Dharak grumbled. "Whatever. Let's just fight."

Alice inwardly sighed at Dharak's unneeded zeal. It seemed that his bloodthirst was truly a part of Dharak's nature; not that Alice had much room to judge in that department.

She quickly shook herself out of her thoughts, took her Bakugan in hand and launched them out into the field without a word. Moments later, both Hydranoid and Dharak rose up to challenge the Spectres' Bakugan ferociously.

Phantom Brontes: 900, Mystic Elico: 900, Cosmic Ingram: 900, Turbine Dragonoid: 900, Alpha Percival: 900, Flare Wilda: 900

Blackout Hydranoid: 900, Dharak: 1000

Alice was, once again, the one to activate an ability first. "Go, Hydranoid! Ability Activate! Blackout Trident!"

Hydranoid opened the mouths of each of his heads, the maws within gathering energy. The energy condensed into dark energy orbs, five in number and with people and black swirling within each one. In a single instant, Hydranoid launched all five at once at the opposing team.

Phantom Brontes: 900-500=400, Mystic Elico: 900-500=400, Cosmic Ingram: 900-500=400, Turbine Dragonoid: 900-500=400, Alpha Percival: 900-500=400, Flare Wilda: 900-500=400

Blackout Hydranoid: 900+500=1400, Dharak: 1000

"We're not just going to roll over for you", Jack shot at Alice, his counter ready to deploy. "Ability Activate! Torrent Shield!"

Elico reached out with his two arms, seemingly doing nothing but trying to intercept the incoming energy projectiles. Elico began to force moisture in the air and out of his body, condensing it into a wall of water as a shield surrounding his entire team.

Within moments of its formation, the water barrier was struck violently by Hydranoid's five energy orbs. Each one exploded with monstrous power, but Elico's strained defense was enough to withstand the attacks.

Mystic Elico: 400+500+400=1300

Blackout Hydranoid: 1400-500=900

"Not too shabby", Robin complimented his teammate.

"Yeah. Great job, Elico!", Jack shouted.

"You celebrate too quickly!", Dharak roared.

Alice echoed her Bakugan's sentiment by loading two more abilities. "Double Ability Activate! Thunder Probe, plus-"

"Darkness Glow!" Dharak finished the proclamation. Dharak's body began to glow, a pulsating aura surrounding him. Though insignificant compared to Hydranoid's earlier display of power, the aura began to charge a massive blast of dark lightning.

At the same time, Dharak's two purple head horns crackled dark purple lightning between them, charging up an electric attack. Between both electric based attacks, sparks of lightning jutted out uncontrollably, making substantial dust clouds when they hit the ground.

Eyeing the watery barrier protecting the Spectres' Bakugan, Dharak released the combined lightning bolt he had charged up. The lightning struck the barrier, surging through the water to reach what was being shielded.

"What?!", cried a confused Jack.

"Of course", Soon remarked. "Water conducts electricity. Alice called those attacks deliberately to bypass our defense."

Phantom Brontes: 900-400=500, Mystic Elico: 1300-400-300=600, Cosmic Ingram: 900-400=500, Turbine Dragonoid: 900-400=500, Alpha Percival: 900-400=500, Flare Wilda: 900-400=500

Blackout Hydranoid: 900, Dharak: 1000+400+300=1700

Without the Torrent Shield to hold it back, Dharak's lightning surged through each and every one of the Spectres' Bakugan. Once Elico was struck, he lost control of his defense, and the water barrier destabilized, splashing uselessly onto the ground.

"You've got to hold on, Wilda", Noah called. "This fight isn't over by a long shot!"

"And we're hoping to keep fighting until we beat these guys!", Ben added. His Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Ability Activate! Strike Inferno!"

Turbine Dragonoid screeched loudly, beginning to focus his power onto his wings. The metallic coating began to heat up, and the red lining on them started expending red energy, all around the Dragonoid. Yet it only seemed to be charging up for a truly devastating attack.

The dragon opened his mouth wide, allowing orange flames to rage within his maw. Within seconds, he blasted a column of flames ahead, and his wings blasted twin bolts of red lightning. All of which was targeting Dharak.

Phantom Brontes: 500, Mystic Elico: 600, Cosmic Ingram: 500, Turbine Dragonoid: 500+500=1000, Alpha Percival: 500, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 900-500=400, Dharak: 1700-500=1200

Turbine Dragonoid's attacks clashed powerfully against Dharak's own attack, with a miniature lightning storm spreading in the middle. In the end, the two attacks cancelled each other out, with no clear winner.

"Lets bring these guys to their knees!", Chris said, reaching out with her hand. "Gate Card Open! Element Merge!"

Once the Gate Card responded to Chris's command, Hydranoid and Dharak's energy became visible as an energy cloak around them. But that energy was collectively draining, as their power snaked them to fuel their enemies.

Phantom Brontes: 500+200=700, Mystic Elico: 600+200=800, Cosmic Ingram: 500+200=700, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000+200=1200, Alpha Percival: 500+200=700, Flare Wilda: 500+200=700

Blackout Hydranoid: 400-200-200=0, Dharak: 1200-200-200-200-200=400

"Hydranoid's got nothing left!", Chris noted. "And Dharak's barely any better."

"I'll take him down!", Noah volunteered, his next ability already displaying itself. "Ability Activate! Steel Trap!"

Wilda raised one heavily bulked leg, emboldened by the effects of the Element Merge card, then forcing the leg back down with a heavy impact on the ground. The blow shook the floor beneath the combatants.

Exactly where Wilda stomped, the dirt and earth converted into metal. That effect raced across the field on a beeline for Dharak's position. Within moments, the effect reached Dharak's legs, covering the biology with the strange metallic sheen.

Phantom Brontes: 700, Mystic Elico: 800, Cosmic Ingram: 700, Turbine Dragonoid: 1200, Alpha Percival: 700, Flare Wilda: 700

Blackout Hydranoid: 0, Dharak: 400-400=0

"That'll keep Dharak from using any abilities, too",

"Don't take anything for granted", Alice reprimanded. "Ability Activate! Chaos Omega!"

Hydranoid's body became coated in a dark aura, so thick with pure negative energy that even his form was hard to discern. That energy boosted his power directly, spreading out through the ground to Dharak. The dark aura overcame the neutral on Dharak's legs, freeing the Gundalian Bakugan.

"That's better", Dharak muttered.

Then, the darkness reached out to the center of the Gate Card, forming cracks within it. A moment later, the Gate Card dimmed, and the energy drain effect it had was immediately reversed and undone.

Phantom Brontes: 700-200=500, Mystic Elico: 800-200=600, Cosmic Ingram: 700-200=500, Turbine Dragonoid: 1200-200=1000, Alpha Percival: 700-200=500, Flare Wilda: 700-200=500

Blackout Hydranoid: 0+900+400=1300, Dharak: 0+400+800=1200

"Don't put too much stock into the Gate Card", Alice advised.

"Advice received", Soon coolly remarked. Her Baku Pod shined with another ability. "Ability Activate! Enmity Scythe!"

With a loud cackle to accompany him, Phantom Brontes spread out his eight hands, whilst channeling his yellow energy through each one and to the surrounding area.

Yellow energy began to condense all around Phantom Brontes, making two long scythes with yellow hilts and gleaming white blades. Phantom Brontes eagerly took hold of the melee weapons with his top set of hands, ready to continue his attack.

Phantom Brontes then threw both scythes, aiming at both opponents and having them spin rapidly. Each blade slashed their respective target once before beginning a boomerang maneuver back to Phantom Brontes. But they transformed into before they could reach their thrower. That energy incorporated itself into Brontes, giving the jester a yellow aura of power.

Phantom Brontes: 500+300+300=1100

Blackout Hydranoid: 1300-300=1000, Dharak: 1200-300=900

"That hurt… a bit", Dharak muttered.

"We'll pay you back a hundredfold!", Hydranoid declared.

"Not if we finish you first!", Chris exclaimed.

Robin and Chris both reassured their attacks, which showed up on their Baku Pods.

"Ability Activate! Sky Force - Extreme!"

"Ability Activate! Alpha Blade!"

Cosmic Ingram became cloaked in a green aura of Ventus power. He soared upward at an even greater velocity than he was just before, vision of the green aura blurring with the heightening altitude and acceleration. When Cosmic Ingram reached a high enough altitude, he stopped for a single moment.

Then, Cosmic Ingram began to descend at a rapid pace towards the opposition. His cloak began to light up at an even greater intensity. Barrages of throwing stars made of that same kind of green energy shot down onto Blackout Hydranoid, all while Cosmic Ingram was flying back down to strike at him.

Meanwhile, Alpha Percival began to glow a bright purple light, his power being intensified. The glow began to consolidate into his hands, being expensed outwards. The energy consolidated into two blades, one for each hand. The swords were solid, with purple metal blades, shaped like two scabbards. He swung the two swords experimentally, finding the right balance.

Once he was balanced, Percival charged ahead with both blades, heading for Dharak's position.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 600, Cosmic Ingram: 500+600=1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 500, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 1000-500=500, Dharak: 900-500=400

"All too easy", Dharak sneered. "Now, Alice!"

Alice nodded, her ability shining brightly. "West Wall Shield!"

Dharak stepped forward to attract the targeting of both opponents, gloating them down fearlessly. Then, he quickly expunged a large amount of his energy, forming a dark purple dome all around him.

Percival was the first to reach Dharak, slashing at the dome with his swords. The dome repelled the blades like tiber, the momentum bouncing back to Alpha Percival. As he was flung backwards, Ingram connected with the dome. Ingram lasted a couple more seconds before he was also repelled.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 600, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 500-300=200, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 500+500=1000, Dharak: 400+500+300=1200

"Come on! Keep trying!", Chris encouraged, using another ability to bolster her Bakugan. "Fusion Ability Activate! Dual Turmoil!"

Alpha Percival stood back up, getting himself in a battle ready stance and slowly approaching his enemies. Each hand neared each other, bringing the flat hilts of the two swords together. As they met, they snapped together, forming one large, double bladed sword, with each sharp blade opposite the other. After a few seconds of the connection, each blade began to glow bright purple, being enhanced by the fusion ability.

Alpha Percival: 200+600=800

Blackout Hydranoid: 1000, Dharak: 1200

Percival spun his double sword around over his head with masterful skill, beating and slashing at Dharak's still standing shield. The blade sliced into the dark energy… only to get wedged and stuck within it. Percival couldn't pull it out.

"Well done." Dharak's voice was dripping with mocking sarcasm. "Very well done."

"Dharak may be protected, but Hydranoid's still vulnerable", Jack pointed out. His Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Ability Activate! Aqua Impulse!"

Mystic Elico raised his right hand, pointing and out stretching it directly at Blackout Hydranoid. He then began to focus his power into that hand, as moisture gathered there at the same time. The entire arm began to glow blue with the compressed energy, all focused in one arm.

With a roar that was not, in any way, intelligent, Mystic Elico launched his attack. His right hand blasted out an extremely large and high pressure torrent of water at his directed target.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 600+400=1000, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 1000-400=600, Dharak: 1200

"I am never vulnerable", Hydranoid growled. "Remind them who we are, Alice."

Alice nodded, already preparing her counterattack. They're keeping their power levels low to minimize Singularity's effectiveness, Alice thought. But I have other options.

"Double Ability Activate! Deathly Enforcement, plus Merge Shield!"

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

Then, after Hydranoid roared, something changed in the aura surrounding him. Each mouth opened up wide and inhaled, as if he were drawing strength from the very air itself. Dark energy appeared around the Spectres' Bakugan, only to be drawn into and through Hydranoid's mouths. The hydra's aura enhanced tenfold.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 1000, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 600+300+500+3100=4500, Dharak: 1200

All the Spectres could do was watch as Elico's water torrents proved woefully ineffective against the freshly reinforced Hydranoid.

"Should've seen that coming", Jack muttered with dread.

"She literally got us with the exact same trick twice", Robin said. "We're making the same mistakes as before! We need to actually act differently!"

'A direct power attack is way too predictable. If it's not nullified on the spot, it'll be caught and countered. You need to be more spontaneous if you are going to stand a chance.'

Alice's words echoed through Robin's head as he got his ability ready. "Ability Activate… Gale Echo."

Hydranoid's power was still raging as Robin announced the ability. The aura was so thick, it actually blinded Hydranoid and Dharak. Providing a perfect smokescreen for Ingram.

Ingram's body sank down into the ground, seemingly dissolving into his own shadow. Within a few moments, even the shadow became invisible to sight.

Hydranoid remained oblivious, reveling in the power, but Alice seemed concerned. "They should've countered by now", Alice said worriedly.

No later than that, Ingram's form shot out from underneath Hydranoid, slamming into him with high speeds and velocity. Hydranoid whirled around to counter, but Ingram had already sank back to the ground.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 1000, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 4500-500=4000, Dharak: 1200-500=700

"A stealth attack while we were momentarily blinded… clever", Alice admitted.

"Where did you go?", Dharak murmured. As if in answer, Ingram energy from Dharak's shadow, pushing Dharak off the ground.

Dharak stabilized himself midair, glaring at Ingram. "Is that all you've got!?"

"No", Soon replied. Alice's advice to her was echoing back as she picked her choice of ability.

'Your style works for most Haos Bakugan. But a battler needs to learn to adapt their style to the strengths of their own Bakugan.'

"Ability Activate! Ghost World!"

Brontes began by spreading out each arm, elongating them as far as possible. Mystical yellow energy gathered all around Brontes as he charged up his attack. Then, Brontes sent out his mystical power, engulfing Dharak in his entirety. Dharak's aerial momentum was stopped, and he was sent back to the ground.

Phantom Brontes: 1100+400=1500, Mystic Elico: 1000, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 4000, Dharak: 700-400=300

Dharak looked around wildly. He couldn't see anything. Not the battle. Not Hydranoid. It was just darkness.

"What happened?", he demanded.

"Weakling Bakugan. I shouldn't have ever bothered with you."

Dharak's eyes widened. He knew that voice. "Barodius?"

The Gundalian's shape was indeed in Dharak's sight. In front of it was the demonic shape of Linehalt.

"At least you were useful in procuring your successor", 'Barodius' jeered. "Now, Linehalt. Destroy Dharak for his weakness!"

In the outside works, Alice looked at Dharak with confusion. She tried to activate an ability with him; it failed. And Dharak just started arbitrarily muttering.

"Must be the effects of that ability", Alice reasoned, using an ability with Hydranoid instead. "Ability Activate! Chaos Omega!"

Hydranoid's body became even further coated in a dark aura, so thick with pure negative energy that even his form was hard to discern. When that energy pulsed, the yellow aura engulfing Dharak fully dissipated. Dharak looked around, once again aware of himself.

"I admit. I didn't see that coming", Dharak growled. "But now, I'm mad!"

Phantom Brontes: 1500-400=1100, Mystic Elico: 1000, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 500

Blackout Hydranoid: 4000, Dharak: 300+400=700

"Evil Blast!", Dharak roared, initiating his attack all on his own. Then, Dharak opened his mouth, amassing energy within. A moment later, Dharak unleashed a beam of dark purple energy. The beam began tearing up the ground before as it blasted towards the Spectres' Bakugan, leaving a large trail in its wake.

Noah moved, undaunted by the attack. "I know what to do!", he exclaimed. Alice said my defense is good, but offense needs some work. I've got just the thing. "Double Ability Activate! Igneous Shield, plus Gaian Hammer!"

Flare Wilda reared back both of his fists, facing the ground directly in front of him. After a second, he slammed both fists into the earth, then pulled them back, out of the ground.

The places where Wilda had impacted the ground began to light up bright red. Within a few moments, red hot magma spotted from those spots, rising up high above the combatants. As it kept rising, the magma cooled impossibly quickly, turning into a wall of shiny, black obsidian. The dark blast connected with the obsidian, but Wilda's defenses managed to hold out.

Then, steam started to pour out of Wilda's body, hiding him in a smokescreen from behind the wall. Wilda readied himself to move. Then, Wilda began to lift himself out of the steam, his feet producing steam to somehow grant him aerodynamics. He flew high in the air, descending towards Hydranoid while gaining momentum behind his fist.

Wilda landed right in front of Hydranoid, slammingfist into the hydra with incredible speed and power. His punch actually sent Hydranoid reeling, and gave Wilda enough time to take off again and return to a safe distance.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 1000, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 500+400+300=1200

Blackout Hydranoid: 4000-300=3700, Dharak: 700

"He's turned his defensive move into an offensive one while still using Wilda's bulk", Alice noted with a small grin. "They're improving."

Seeing that Hydranoid was momentarily down, Jack reached out with his hand. "Elico, now! Attribute change!"

'When a Bakugan changes its Attribute, there's a brief time where it can't attack or defend. When your opponent is about to attack you, you don't have time to change your arsenal.'

"But I do have time now", Jack muttered gleefully as Elico's attribute shifted. The multicolored light quickly faded to reveal Elico's Haos form.

"I'm not scared of cosmetics change!", Dharak declared. "Darkness Glow!" His two purple head horns crackled dark purple lightning between them, charging up an electric attack. Dharak soon launched the lightning toward Elico, intent on bringing down the Attribute changing Bakugan.

"Come and get it, buddy!", Jack countered. "Ability Activate! Light Pulse!"

Mystic Elico quickly began to increase his powers to a great degree. That energy was quickly channeled into the Haos symbol on Mystic Elico's chest, which began shining like a star at point blank range.

And then, the Haos symbol released the energy in a straight beam directly at Dharak and his lightning strike.

Mystic Elico: 1000-300+600=1300

Dharak: 700+300=1000

The Haos beam connected with the Darkus lightning centerfield, providing a brief stalemate. Then, the lightning dispersed, leaving Dharak vulnerable. The bright energy impacted Dharak's cutest, sending him back painfully. Moments later, Dharak reverted to ball form, beaten.

Alice: 40%

Alice retrieved her Bakugan, staring intently at the castle still underway. A smile worked itself onto her face. She said nothing.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 1300, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800, Flare Wilda: 1200

Blackout Hydranoid: 3700

'You seem to have a lot of pent up anger. You aren't focusing it, though. You just randomly lash out.'

Alice's advice rang through Chris. "Ok. Now, Alpha Percival!", she called with another ability. "Ability Activate! Thunder Oblivion!"

Alpha Percival started to gather his focus, heightening his powers. After a moment, he became cloaked in an aura of purple colored energy. The aura began to crackle like lightning, a couple stray bolts surging in all directions.

With an enraged roar, Alpha Percival unleashed a huge bolt of purple lightning straight ahead, directly at Hydranoid.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 1300, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000, Alpha Percival: 800+500=1300, Flare Wilda: 1200

Blackout Hydranoid: 3700-500=3200

The lightning bolt shot through Hydranoid's aura, striking him in the chest. Hydranoid growled, actually being forced a step backward. His five sets of eyes were filled with pained rage.

"I've got you now!", Ben called with his attack. "Double Ability Activate! Exodus Dragon, plus Fusion Ability Fire Surge!"

Once more, Turbine Dragonoid opened his mouth, letting out another roar of dominance before beginning his attack. His mouth began to light up a bright orange color, the maw within both heating up and gathering flames.

Seemingly all at once, the Bakugan tightened up his body and unleashed the fiery attack, blasting a full inferno of orange flames straight ahead, heading straight for Hydranoid.

Turbine Dragonoid momentarily stopped his flame attack, allowing it to develop. The orange glow within his mouth returned, intensifying far beyond what it was before.

Turbine Dragonoid's body began to emit a red aura, but it was quickly transferred to his mouth, owing up the attack even further. His eyes blazed red.

Then, he released the attack again. A blast of fire, to exceed anything else achieved earlier that day, was unleashed, spreading out in front of Dragonoid like a storm of flames. There was very little time to react.

Phantom Brontes: 1100, Mystic Elico: 1300, Cosmic Ingram: 1100, Turbine Dragonoid: 1000+600+800=2400, Alpha Percival: 1300, Flare Wilda: 1200

Blackout Hydranoid: 3200

"Still too impulsive", Alice reprimanded. "I'll use that." Her Baku Pod shined with another ability. "Double Ability Activate! Chaos Armageddon, plus Fusion Ability-"

"Epsilon Devastation!", Hydranoid finished. Each of Hydranoid's five heads opened their mouths, beginning to channel an almost excessive level of energy into each one. The energy began appearing within each maw as a condensed blast of black energy. Growling with the fresh power influx, Hydranoid blasted his energy into the fire blast threatening him.

Then, the fusion ability took effect. Hydranoid's black energy blast nearly doubled in size, with three blast traveling through his stream of energy.

Phantom Brontes: 1100-600=500, Mystic Elico: 1300-600=700, Cosmic Ingram: 1100-600=500, Turbine Dragonoid: 2400-600=1800, Alpha Percival: 1300-600=700, Flare Wilda: 1200-600=600

Blackout Hydranoid: 3200+600+800=4600

Fire met with dark energy centerfield, but were nowhere near equal in power. Hydranoid's attack almost immediately moved to overwhelm Dragonoid's own flames, pushing further and further to the Spectre's side of the field.

"She's taking control again", Chris muttered.

"As long as Hydranoid's power level is so far ahead from our own, we won't have many options", Soon muttered.

Noah's eyes lit up. "I have an idea", he declared. "Soon, you and I. A coordinated attack. You knock him down; I'll keep him down."

Soon nodded. "Good idea. Let's go."

Both of them loaded a single ability each.

"Ability Activate! Spectral Enhancement!"

"Ability Activate! Quake Barrier!"

Phantom Brontes spread out all eight of his arms, cackling maniacally despite the barrage he was enduring. Each hand began glowing a mystical yellow energy. When he was ready, he sent a shockwave of that energy outwards, which began rolling over the field.

At the same time, Flare Wilda began to glow a bright orange, with his power building in a seemingly defensive aura around him, raising his power level slightly. But the true purpose of the ability only began afterward. Wilda's aura began to spread out of his body, spreading out in another shockwave.

The two shockwaves joined together, making an attack of even larger power. The shockwaves collected with Hydranoid's attack, overcoming it with ear. Turbine Dragonoid's fire was spent, but the shockwaves kept going until Hydranoid was struck. Not only was the hydra's attack nullified, but all his power suddenly dissipated.

Phantom Brontes: 500+600+400=1500, Mystic Elico: 700+600+400=1700, Cosmic Ingram: 500+600+400=1500, Turbine Dragonoid: 1800+600+400=2800, Alpha Percival: 700+600+400=1700, Flare Wilda: 600+600+400+400=2000

Blackout Hydranoid: 4600-600-800-2300=900

"Crisis averted", Noah said.

"Let's finish this!", Jack proclaimed, his Baku Pod forming another ability. "Ability Activate! Haos Zenith!"

Mystic Elico's eyes started to shine a bright yellow light as the ability began. His body began to glow yellow, as his power built. The small scratches that Mystic Elico had suffered during the match quickly healed with an influx of Haos energy.

Mystic Elico: 1700+400+300+300=2700

Blackout Hydranoid: 900

The light Mystic Elico was giving off was so bright, it actually immobilized Hydranoid in his weakened state. But still, he hung on.

"Soon, I can give you some extra momentum", Robin volunteered. His Baku Pod flashed another ability. "Ability Activate! Celestial Whirlwind!"

Cosmic Ingram suddenly ascended even higher into the air than the other combatants. He spread out his six wings as wide as possible, allowing them to glow green as energy was focused into them.

And then, all in one instant, the green aura's power was focused into a space directly in front of Cosmic Ingram, which began to glow bright with Cosmic Ingram's Ventus power. The concentrated energy allowed Cosmic Ingram to unleash a large blast of winds, equitable to those of a category four hurricane, onto the opposing side.

"Yes, well done", Soon commended, before using her own ability. "Spirit Halo!"

Phantom Brontes spread out his arms, channeling energy from his chest into all eight of his hands, and outward. The energy consolidated into eight identical copies of glowing rings, which he took hold of. Phantom Brontes wielded all eight of the energy rings, swinging them all without having any of them connect. Then, he took off.

Phantom Brontes: 1500+500=2000, Mystic Elico: 2700, Cosmic Ingram: 1500+500=2000, Turbine Dragonoid: 2800, Alpha Percival: 1700, Flare Wilda: 2000

Blackout Hydranoid: 900-500=400

The powerful winds from Ingram's attack were actually increasing the momentum of Brontes's charge. Not to mention it made Brontes so quick, Hydranoid could barely keep track.

"You're using wings to further speed up your fastest Bakugan", Alice said. "Well done. You've cornered us. But…" her eyes narrowed, "a cornered animal is the most dangerous. And there's one more trick I have up my sleeve."

"Oh, crap!", Chris gasped. "We're screwed!"

"Double Ability Activate!", Alice exclaimed. "Deathly Enforcement, plus Singularity!"

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

Then, after Hydranoid roared, something changed in the aura surrounding him. Instead of being a simple coating of energy, it began drawing in the air around it, becoming a gravitational force, drawing in all of the opponents' extra power.

Brontes was forced on a collision course as his energy rings disappeared, joining Hydranoid's aura. The others were forced to stumble from their sudden loss of power.

Phantom Brontes: 2000-1100=900, Mystic Elico: 2700-1800=900, Cosmic Ingram: 2000-1100=900, Turbine Dragonoid: 2800-1900=900, Alpha Percival: 1700-800=900, Flare Wilda: 2000-1100=900

Blackout Hydranoid: 400+500+500+7800=9200

"That's even higher than before!", Soon exclaimed.

Hydranoid outcried loudly against his enemies, slamming away Brontes as he approached. Then, he let out another brutal roar. "Is that the best you can do?"

His dark power was shooting up, directing up another dark thunderstorm. This one was even more intense than the one last round. Dark lightning rained down constantly, sending huge sparks of Darkus electricity into the air.

"We're finished", Noah said. "We've given it everything we've got."

Ben growled lowly, until a thought came to him: 'Ben, in battle, there's a time to attack and a time to defend.' Like the others, he fully registered Alice's words. He immediately set up an ability.

"Now, Hydranoid!", Alice called. "Attack!"

"You're mine!", Hydranoid declared proudly, releasing even more energy. The dark clouds grew even thicker, and the lightning strikes became even more potent. A rush of dark winds pulsed from Hydranoid and spread out to the Spectres' Bakugan.

One by one, the Spectres' Bakugan were blown away by the display of force and were forced to ball form. Brontes went first, then Ingram, Elico, and Percival. Wilda, with his defense, lasted longer, but even he fell within a few seconds.

Soon: 0%

Robin: 0%

Jack: 0%

Chris: 0%

Noah: 0%

"It's over", Alice said with finality. "From this round, you've all shown great improvement from where you started. But one of you refused to listen the first time, and it degraded your chances of victory. The only one who I need to repeat my advice to is-"

She was interrupted when she discerned a sound. Even through the powerful storm, it was unmistakable - the roar of fire.

"It's not over", Hydranoid regarded the gloom.

Out of nowhere, a massive twister of fire appeared to defy the darkness. The flames changed from orange to white near instantaneously, increasing in intensity, power, heat and brightness proportionally. The fire seemed to draw in some energy from the dark clouds.

The tornado, after a couple moments, imploded in on itself, all the flames traveling to the base of the eye. The figure within absorbed it all through the mouth and skin, glaring down Hydranoid all the while.

Turbine Dragonoid: 900+8300=9200

Blackout Hydranoid: 9200

Alice's eyes widened with a gasp. "What?"

Ben's eyes gleamed with pride and triumph. His Baku Pod was shining with an ability. "Ability Activate! Blazing Twister!"

Turbine Dragonoid was cloaked in a red aura as intense as Hydranoid's dark aura, somehow rivaling him in might. He reared his head up and blasted out a column of flames, straight into the clouds. The fire passed through the clouds, making the entire dark storm break apart, made relatively harmless.

"Still think I need another lesson?", Ben taunted Alice.

"I was presumptuous", Alice admitted. "I'm impressed, Ben. Know that. So let's see how far you can go!"

Hydranoid forced his wings, using them to hover over the ground. Turbine Dragonoid did the same. In unison, they charged at each other in midair, colliding centerfield. They landed onto the ground, and began a brutal melee.

Dragonoid slammed his metal encased wings into Hydranoid. Hydranoid groaned, before his four side heads lashed out at the Dragonoid's wings and arms. The wings were tough enough to repel the bites, but the arms were caught.

Turbine Dragonoid screeched in pain, glaring at Hydranoid. He began trying to pull back to get Hydranoid off him.

Ben grinned. Savage fighting was one thing he completely understood. "Use your tail!", he directed. "Slam it into him!"

Turbine Dragonoid's eyes narrowed in understanding, before doing as his battler directed. He whipped his tail around, snagging it into Hydranoid's leftmost head, forcing Hydranoid to relinquish his hold on Hydranoid. Turbine Dragonoid flew high into the air to get a better vantage point.

"Don't think I'll let you get away!", Hydranoid roared. All five heads prepared to fire a large amount of dark energy straight at his enemy.

"Go get him!", Ben yelled, his adrenaline rising. Turbine Dragonoid charged up a blast of orange flames within his own mouth afterwards.

One after another, Hydranoid and Dragonoid released their attacks against each other. The two blasts connected, creating an energy buildup in the middle. A large explosion wiped out both attacks, keeping both sides equal.

Turbine Dragonoid descended, landing at a fair distance from Hydranoid. The two Bakugan stared each other down, breathing heavily. Their bodies continued pulsing with their sustained power, and had several marks in many places.

"They're at the ends of their limits", Alice realized. "Neither of our Bakugan can take much more of this."

"I'll hold", Hydranoid promised. "Long enough to finish this battle!"

"We're not giving up, either!", Ben yelled. "Right, Dragonoid! We're going to be the last ones standing!"

Turbine Dragonoid craned his neck over to Ben, staring at him directly in the eye. "Yes…", a not especially high pitched, but definitely male, voice came out of the Pyrus Bakugan.

Ben's eyes widened. "You're… talking?"

"We… will be… the last ones standing." Turbine Dragonoid's voice grew more confident by the second.

Ben's awe turned back into intensity. "You got that right, buddy!"

"Amazing", Soon said. "The intelligence of our Bakugan really are evolving. Beyond what Gus intended. Ben's Bakugan has gained the ability to speak. But how?"

Alice was taken back to a moment years ago: a time she had tutored a young boy named Christopher to beat a bully in a Bakugan match. Christopher had been just as surprised when his Aquos Juggernoid started talking to him.

She got out of her thoughts, preparing another ability. "Hydranoid, stay focused! Ability Activate! Blackout Trident!"

Hydranoid opened the mouths of each of his heads, the maws within gathering energy. The energy condensed into dark energy orbs, five in number and with people and black swirling within each one. In a single instant, Hydranoid launched all five at once at the opposing Bakugan.

Turbine Dragonoid: 9200-500=8700

Blackout Hydranoid: 9200+500=9700

"I do not fear you… Hydranoid", Dragonoid growled. "Ben and I… will defeat you!"

"Got that right!", Ben agreed as he readied his next ability. "Ability Activate-!"

"HELLFIRE!", Turbine Dragonoid and Ben called out in unison. Turbine Dragonoid reared up his head and let out another roar, the sound echoing throughout the area, being the loudest and most furious so far. Turbine Dragonoid's body then began to glow red, a harsh aura blazing around him. Right before Hydranoid's attack reached him, the aura erupted into furious flames.

The five orbs all connected with Turbine Dragonoid at once, igniting a series of dark purple explosions. The smoke clouds were almost immediately blown away by Turbine Dragonoid's fire.

Alyce looked on with interest. "He took that?"

Turbine Dragonoid's eyes blazed red. The fire, as well, began heating up and intensifying. "I will not… be beaten… again!" By then, the fire became white hot, and was growing, feeding on its maker's surging energy.

The little vegetation in the area not already destroyed started getting scorched by just being near the Dragonoid. The very ground beneath him glowed red hot, sinking into a pit of melted earth.

"Go! Roast that lizard!", Ben called.

"You're mine!", Dragonoid proclaimed mightily. He craned his head up and roared loudly. His fiery aura exploded outwards in an atomic level shockwave, rolling out in all directions.

"Not today!", Hydranoid countered, all of his heads firing a steady stream of dark energy, straight into the fiery shockwave. Escape was impossible; the only option was to attack.

The dark energy connected with the shockwave, holding it back for a moment, but the fire pulsed once more and pushed back Hydranoid's last-ditch effort. The burning shockwave eventually overcame Hydranoid, making his form and making all five heads roar in pain.

Moments later, the fire dimmed down, and Turbine dragonoid collapsed onto his knees. He was breathing hard and exhausted, but he still managed to get back up.

Hydranoid, on the other hand, had been fully knocked to the ground. His body was scorched and steaming. His middle head stirred, relentless.

"Not… yet", he groaned.

Alice calmly walked over to Hydranoid, placing her hand on that head. "Hydranoid. It's ok", she said. "We've lost this round."

Hydranoid then loosened up and collapsed, his body finally glowing and going to ball form. He dropped near Alice, who readily picked him up.

Turbine Dragonoid: 9300

Blackout Hydranoid: 9100

Alice: 0%

Once Hydranoid had dropped, a colossal amount of red and purple energy expended itself from the field, rocking what seemed to be the entire planet in an energy shockwave. As soon as it started, though, it ended.

The other Bakugan all reappeared from ball form, showing up on the field. They all looked exhausted.

"That… was one hell of a battle", Ben regarded, almost out of breath himself.

Jack and Chris raced up to Ben, the others not far behind them. They seemed particularly excited.

"Dude, you actually won!", Jack called.

"That was the coolest battle I've ever seen!", Chris cheered.

"Probably couldn't have done it alone", Ben replied. "Alice was at the end of her rope by then. Call it a team effort. And Turbine Dragonoid did the heavy lifting."

Said Bakugan nodded his head at being acknowledged. He then collapsed from his overexertion.

"I'll rest now", he said softly.

Ben blinked, before chuckling. "Sure, buddy. You've earned that."

Alice walked up to the trainers, as Dharak and Hydranoid looked at each other. "You lost?", Dharak said.

"I lasted longer than you", Hydranoid replied.

"You all did exceptionally well", Alice praised the Spectres. "Higher stakes did exactly what I hoped it would. It brought out your best, and you all rose to the occasion."

"You think we're strong enough to beat Gus?", Noah questioned.

"I don't know", Alice admitted sheepishly. "I know nothing of how powerful Gus is right now. But I do know that you're much more powerful than you were when I first met you."

"So more training tomorrow?", asked the inquisitive Noah.

"That is no longer an option", an ethereal voice called out. From within the ground, a large pulsing energy washed over the Bakugan, giving them a fresh energy influx.

The transparent form of the Perfect Dragonoid appeared from beneath the ground, staring outwardly at everyone there.

Turbine Dragonoid, as soon as he could rise, regarded Drago with curiosity. "Who… are you? What are you?"

"I'm the Bakugan you were cloned from", Drago patiently answered. "A genetic brother, of sorts. You can call me Drago."

"Drago…" Turbine Dragonoid mulled the name over.

"You mean the Drago?", Robin asked. "The Bakugan who finally beat Masquerade?"

"You're well informed", Drago commended. "Yes. But this isn't a social call. I'm here to warn you of great danger."

"Tell me, Drago", Alice asked. "What's wrong?"

Drago looked down at Alice. His expression held much weariness. "The battle you've just completed generated much more energy than anything you've done previously. When your battle paused and finished, the remaining energy was enough to send out a trans-dimensional shockwave."

Alice quickly became heavily alarmed. "Oh, no", she said worriedly. "No, no, no…"

"What does that mean?", Noah asked. "A trans-dimensional shockwave?"

"It means that enough energy had been amassed that when it dispersed, it broke the barrier between the dimensions", Alice answered, trying hard to keep fear from her voice. "Last time it happened, it alerted the warring Neathia and Gundalia to Hydranoid's existence and drew Earth and New Vestroia into their conflict. But this time…"

"It'll tell Gus where we are", Soon guessed. "At the very least, where you are."

Alice nodded. "He won't ignore it. He'll be coming. And soon."

XXX

Gus was continuing to enjoy the carnage he was causing on the surface of Neathia, watching the amassed defenders trying desperately, and failing, at holding back his forces. With the First Shield already broken, an important milestone had been crossed in his conquest of all that remained free from his. As he watched, his forces finally reached the Second Shield and began pummeling it with everything they had.

His moment was interrupted when, out of nowhere, a rush of wind ran over the landscape. Gus was blown several feet away, and even the combatants were slowed.

"What the hell was that?", Gus wondered aloud. He immediately fired up his Baku Pod, which had recorded a trans-dimensional shockwave right when the disturbance happened. The source: New Vestroia.

"There's only one other battler who can and would release that much energy", Gus reasoned. "You've finally shown yourself, Gehabich."

Gus pressed a button on his Baku Pod, opening a portal in front of him. Walking through it without hesitation, he murmured, "Your days of hiding are over, Battle Brawler. I've got you, Alice."

XXX

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

Alice Gehabich: The Battle Brawlers aren't returning to New Vestroia again in this series. Wavern showing up anywhere else would be nonsensical. So no.

Until next time, goodbye!