The Bakugan Battle Brawlers in:
Sacrifice Made
Inside a wooden kitchen of a small wooden house, a 6-year-old mouse Alursian was trying to reach up for what looked like candy, which was on a top shelf. He reached up as he was on a chair and still couldn't reach.
He could see a gentle hand reach out to the candy and he could a gentle hand taking it. Zavanna looked down at the confused boy. "Sorry sweetie, your parents said not to allow you to have sweets so early in the morning." he then pouted and squeaked sadly while his round ears shuffled slightly. Zavanna found it hard to resist and she dug into the candy jar and pulled out two gummies. "Please don't tell your parents."
The boy nodded and he ate the sweets, Zavanna smiled sweetly while tilting her head.
…
After the parents returned, she gazed up at the morning sun. "Morning." she could see Shino - Bones' assistant meeting up with her. "Please follow me." Zavanna then followed Shino through the narrow streets of one of the residential sections of Utopia City. "You know you shouldn't have to take these duties," she stated.
Zavanna shook her head. "No, people are struggling, if I can lend a helping hand, then I will." His parents needed to work extra hours, and I saw their babysitting request in the city center."
Shino looked forward and at her notepad. "You sure are generous… for a Fabregan."
"Fabregans and Alursians may be vastly different. But that doesn't mean we should hate each other. Besides… wouldn't the world be dull if we were all the same?"
Shino sighed as her round Mongooses ear drooped. "Alursians on their own are very diverse anyway, Fabregans on the other hand-"
"Are not all the same…" Zavanna said interrupting her. "We may not have as diverse of a gene-pool, but that doesn't mean we are all the same… But I do understand where you're coming from, many Fabregans are like how they are because they were raised to think that way. Even I was… but on Earth, I realized we didn't have to be vindictive. We didn't have to look down at every race that wasn't our own. I just hope that one-day others can at least see what I've seen and make the choice for themselves."
Shino scoffed at her. "You're just an outlier, the hatred between our races runs deep, a few people thinking differently isn't going to change that."
Zavanna looked down, saddened by Shino's pessimistic words. "At least I'm trying… What have you done beside hate, Shino?" when she remained silent Zavanna walked in front of her. "That is what I thought. I choose to remain hopeful for the future!"
Shino watched as Zavanna walked forward. "Naive girl…"
That morning, a train was moving swiftly through the Countryside that existed beyond Vestige City. Xaramesi and Phoenix sat in the train and Fabregan-Alursian was sound asleep, almost snoring even.
'Seriously… where is this girl taking us?' Phoenix thought. He watched the train passing through. 'Weird… I've never travelled through the wilds on a train before…' Phoenix then flinched when Xaramesi rested her head on his shoulder. 'Oh great!' And she even tried to shuffle closer to him. 'Has this girl lost it!?' he was sweating to himself and blood was rushing to his cheeks. 'Okay, just calm down. The girl is obviously having a dream or something.'
"Sorry…" the girl sadly muttered to herself. Phoenix was already into the wall of the train, his eyes darting out the window and back to the girl leaning on him. She even hooked his arm and shuffled as close as she could to him.
'I'm going to get clawed after this, aren't I? She must think I'm someone else in that dream she's having.' he then saw a smile grow on her face.
"Thank… you… sooooo warm~" she muttered in her sleep.
'How long before this train ride, ends!?' Phoenix thought feeling uncomfortable, 'This was a bad idea…' He then noticed that someone was giving an uncomfortable stare to him, possibly because of how close he was to Xaramesi. The man worked on the train and he noticed the tail that swished back and fourth making him realizing that she was part Alursian.
He gave Phoenix a leer to which the former Royal Guard member glared back. "Don't you have something better to do that to judge people?" the man left the duo, before Phoenix glanced back to the sleeping Xaramesi. 'I guess this is how people look at you huh… How I looked at you? I should apologize to you when I get the chance.'
Elsewhere in the Badlands, a facility could be seen. Andreas was hiding behind a large boulder with the Bat Alursian, Dwayne beside him, he was looking at the facility with binoculars that he stole from the prison. They could see some mechanical Bakugan guarding the facility with flying guard drones surrounding the facility. "That's some intense security detail," Andreas said. He looked at Dwayne. "But there is no dimension controller, so we can use our Bakugan at will." he looked at Dwayne. "Can you let out screeches that can short electrical equipment? Like cameras and drones?" Dwayne shook his head. "Can those wings get you to fly?" Dwayne stood up and leaped up high and used his wings to glide down back to the ground. "So you can only glide, ok. Breaking into this facility will be tough. There is already so much that can go wrong."
Dwayne looked to be thinking as well. He then stuffed Andreas' head down and he pointed to the sky. They could both see a large drone flying to the facility. They both watched as the drone got closer. The drone was scanned by some sensors before it was allowed into the facility through a large air-lock like door that opened. "Going that way would be the best way in, avoiding the scanners would be tough but doable. We just need to get on one of those drones."
Dwayne pointed to Andreas' Bakugan, Gleamroller who stood with the rest of the group back at the camp site. "Not a good idea, as soon as the alarms go off, we'll be up to our necks in dealing battlers from the Royal Guard. And if someone from the High Council is bored, then we'll be fighting them. And considering how strong they are now, I do not like our chances." Dwayne nodded. He noticed the cameras. "If we can get to the control center, we can take out their entire security system so we can just waltz in through the front door." he looked the winds that blew around the wastelands. Dry dusty sands were being blown everywhere. "It is a bit windy out here." he looked at the Bakugan which they had in their possession. They had a small army of Bakugan already in Sirenoid, Vesta's Solaria, and Lola's Cheetra plus the other Bakugan they managed to acquire from the prison.
"We'll go over the plan with the others, c'mon." Dwayne quickly got onto his feet and they both left the area to regroup with the rest of the group who were waiting for them to come back.
…
They reunited with the rest of the escaped convicts to discuss their plan. "So we can't just charge in, why?" Lola asked.
"We do that, then they will send someone… probably from the High Council to investigate, and they are no pushovers. So it could get real ugly real fast." Andreas looked at all of them with a serious demeanor. "We have two ways of doing this. But here is the primary plan." they all listened to what his plan was. "We go in silently, locate and destroy whatever data they have on their Catalysts. That way, they won't have the means to create these things to artificially improve their Bakugan. To do this, we'd need to find the Central Command Center within the building. There will be some scientists in there no doubt, we take them out - non-lethally." he eyed Lola who only folder her arms. "Once the data has been destroyed, we quickly get out of there. Those scientists wont even know its gone until its too late."
"And the second option?" A racoon -looking Alursian asked.
"This would be the 'stupid option'. We split into two teams. One team causes as much trouble as possible, buying time while the other sneaks in and uses the distraction to destroy the data as quickly as possible. The flaw with this plan, its easier to get inside, but it will be harder to leave. And this will only get us on the High Council's radar. This plan will bring unnecessary attention to ourselves."
"But isn't that the whole reason why were here?" Vesta asked. "To get back at the Fabregans?"
"Think about it this way, we're escaped prisoners. Right now, in the eyes of the law, we're fugitives. I'm not sure you understand how serious that is. If we are caught and or beaten in battle. We'll be thrown right back into a prison one that will be much harder to escape from, or worse."
Vesta shamefully eyed the ground. "Oh…"
"We'll follow your lead on this," Rogue said with a chuckle.
"Wait!" a meek, cat-Alursian raised her hand. "W-what about the Rouge Bakugan…? M-maybe we could use them as a distraction somehow…"
Andreas looked around and the area they were in was full of Rouge Bakugan, though they were largely ignored since they weren't seen as trespassing into their deeper territory. "A Rouge Bakugan attacking the facility isn't uncommon, but they have mechanical Bakugan to deal with it."
Lola's newly acquired Bakugan, Cheetra had looked down at the group. "Surely there must be a way to cripple those mechanical monstrosities."
Andreas looked over to Isolde. "Well, any ideas?" Isolde was typing on his gauntlet.
"Well I'd suppose a magnetic pulse could do the trick… but none of our Bakugan can accomplish that. But…" he said. "There is something we can use, inside every building there is a universal shutdown switch that shutdown all Mechanical Bakugan within a wide radius. Wide enough to cover the entire facility. This is to prevent any damage being done from any Mechanical Bakugan that have been hacked."
"So we activate this shut down switch, they won't be able to defend from any Rouge Bakugan." Andreas figured. "And that will also go a long way to destroying this facility. But would they even be able to help us?"
"I mean they are Bakugan that have been tested on thanks to the experiments and have been deemed failures, and they have no thoughts other than pure destruction. The Fabregans have done this for a long time that the population of Rouge Bakugan never died down."
"How awful…" Cheetra said. "This facility must be destroyed, at all costs."
Andreas looked before conceding. "Ok… if the situation allows it, we'll look for the emergency shut down switch inside the facility, once we find it. Then the rest of you can lead some Rouge Bakugan to destroy the vulnerable facility. Then after the Rouge Bakugan are done, they won't think of the data being destroyed. If we do this perfectly, we can do what we came here for and efficiently cover our tracks."
"First thing's first," Rogue said. "How can we get the Rogue Bakugan to attack the facility when the time is right?"
Isolde had a plan for it that as he continued to type on his gauntlet. "I have an idea." Isolde raised his gauntlet and eyed Cheetra. "Hey, can you hear this?" he then made a high pitched squeal sound from his gauntlet which made the terra cheetah scream in pain.
"OW! What is your problem!?" she roared.
"A defense mechanism for reigning in out-of-control Bakugan. But it has never been tested on Rouge Bakugan. If we find the correct frequency. We might just be able to tick them off and lead them to the facility."
Andreas folded his arms. "Fine, then first thing is first. We'll see if we can round-up some Rouge Bakugan. If that plan of yours works, Isolde. We're going to need to test it first."
"As for the plan, we'll execute it tonight."
Rogue chuckled. "Heh, then it's a plan. You hear that guys? Stay sharp, we're going to find some Rouge Bakugan."
"Hah, this will be some story if we get out of this alive." one of the other inmates said as he dispersed with the others.
Andreas was left by himself and he felt the winds pass through him. "So this is what it must feel like to be a rebel? I don't know how I should feel about it yet." He noticed the same meek Cat girl from before looking at him. "Hmm? Something wrong?"
"U-um… I-I just… Is this plan really going to work?"
"You have no way of whether how well a plan will work until you go through it."
"But… you got us out of that prison."
"It wasn't easy…" he thought back to seeing a reconditioned Aiden in the prison. "There were variables I wasn't prepared for. All I can do is prepare as best I can and expect the worst."
"Can I ask? Why are you doing this…? Helping us? You're Fabregan after all…"
"Yeah, you're right… but when you've pissed off the Fabregan elite, then it doesn't matter what side of the fence you're on. You're an obstacle that needs to be eradicated. They don't like loose ends. Which is why I plan to make as much loose ends for them to deal with as possible."
"T-that's so brave!" the girl said with an impressed gasp.
Andreas shook his head. "It's foolish," he said as he turned around, not to face her. "Fighting against the best of the Fabregans is suicide. Notice how we don't talk about your home planet anymore? Yeah, that's how ruthless my people can be. That's why from the beginning, I wanted to do this alone. No one else has to suffer… accept me."
She showed concern as her ears drooped. "Are you… OK?"
"Between me and you. Maybe it's better if you don't know what's going on in my head right now." he started to leave to join the others. "You better stick close to the others, being alone out here isn't safe."
"I-I'm Tammy by the way!"
Andreas didn't know what to make of the girl, so he gave a nod. "Uh-huh, well you better keep up Tammy."
"R-right!"
She followed after him as they joined the others to locate any Rouge Bakugan that would be useful in their cause.
Aurea meanwhile was sat in her office, she looked at the large monitor on the other end of the room. She looked like she was preparing for a meeting. Her young secretary had called her. "Yes?"
"Um, ma'am. The King has his scheduled call with you." the young male on the other end of the line said.
"Yes, put him through." The line cut, Aurea stood in the center of her office as the King's face came onto the monitor. "My Lord…" she bowed down to him.
"Aurea…" he started with an angered grumble. "I am not pleased with the current state of affairs. Your asset, that ugh… Xaramesi left? Explain yourself!"
"Forgive me, Xaramesi learned the truth… and we couldn't recondition her in time."
"Spare me your excuses! I showed you and that animal a lot of leeway in the past. I can commend you for your accolades. But the past is the past, and this mistake could cost us. Now, Fabrega isn't going to remain for much longer, what is the plan you had?"
"Of course." Aurea bowed, she pressed a remote and a hologram of a gargantuan warship appeared in front of her. "This project I've been keeping in secret for a long time. While the towers can help us in getting people to our target planets, It isn't an efficient way of transporting our citizens. So we constructed - 'The Ark'. A warship specifically purposed for transporting out citizens across planets and dimensions. With it, we can transport a large number of people to any destination we choose."
The king scratched his chin. "Mmm… and tell me Aurea… how many people can such a spacecraft move?"
"We've built the arc for the purpose of moving people, no weapons and no defensive systems. At maximum capacity, the ship can move 100 000 people." the king hummed again. "We are already about to complete three Arks at the moment. However due to total population on Fabrega, it will take a long time to construct-"
"You don't have to worry about the number of people." He stood up. "If we only transport Fabregans, then that number becomes a lot less worrisome."
Aurea gasped slightly. "My Lord, with all due respect. Our total population is split between 63 to 37 percent. That 37% of Alursians… that is… still a lot of people…"
"So… we leave them here! I'd rather not have filthy animals crawling around my new home."
"Even if we accommodate for only Fabregans. We still have to move a lot of people."
"Yes… that is correct I am afraid… I suppose then we'll have to do it by class then. The royal and higher class shall be the first to leave. Then the middle and working class will be next. If there is still time, I guess we can pick up the lower class as well as the undesirables. The Alursians stay of course."
Aurea took all this information in. "Permission to speak freely?"
"Denied!" the response made Aurea look up at the monitor sharply. "The future of our people is depending on this project, so if I were you I'd get it done fast!" the screen shut off and Aurea let out a large sigh. She walked back over to her desk and fell into her chair. She picked up the office phone to connect directly to the labs.
"Yes? Miss Aurea?"
"The Ark… what is the status on it?"
"The Ark is near completion ma'am. We are starting to put the second one together." the young female engineer on the other end said.
"Good, make sure it is in tip-top shape. Our Lord expects flawless quality."
"Yes! I'll be sure of that!"
"Right bye." After Aurea hung up, she then made another call, this time it was going to be on her monitor on her desk. She could see Maximus on her display.
"Aurea." he greeted.
"Maximus," she replied in a monotonous voice. "Gundalia's status? Is the tower ready?"
"Yes it is. The city is being constructed as we speak."
"Good, because the Lord has approved a plan for the invasion. Its called the Ark, it is designed to move thousands of people across worlds and dimensions. Gundalia will be the first location we head to, so we need a city to be ready by then."
Maximus folded his arms. "Don't worry. The tower will complete the city soon. Once completed, it will be an impenetrable fortress. Gundalia seems to have a lot of empty space, so a lot more construction will be required here."
"I understand, keep up the good work." The monitor shut off and Aurea thought about the plan. "The quicker we get this invasion done, the quicker we can save as many people as possible."
She decided to make one final call for the day, it was revealed she was trying to get a hold of Yurina. "Yo, Aurea! Are you done sulking?"
"No time for that, we need to ramp up our efforts. We already have started operations on Gundalia. Neathia has a few cities we can start our evacuation plans with."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'll tell you on the way. We need to take Neathia."
Yurina nodded. "Count me in, I've been meaning to go back there since we lost the first time!"
"Then take Darius as well, I'm sure he's getting bored. I just wish Maximus would hand over Ren to us… but we have to work with what we have. Then again… this should work…"
"What are you thinking?"
"Synthetic Reversion… the Reversion Catalyst. If I remember in the report the last time your group went there, Enki used a Vestal Forbidden Card to gain access to a Reversion Form. Which was what kept us from taking Neathia. I am thinking we use it on Dan and Drago. If the Vestals can gain Reversion at will with a Forbidden Card, then our final prototype for the Reversion Catalyst should work."
Yurina then shrugged her shoulders. "Lemme guess, there is a problem…"
"More like we only have one perfect prototype, I suppose if we have to use it on anyone."
"So you're not coming with?"
"No, I need to stay and oversee the evacuation project. Plus, Maximus is on Gundalia, Heros is doing a mission of his own, he still didn't tell me what it was. That just leave Me, you and Darius, and one of us has to stay, and I'd rather not let it be Darius. The girls would… distract him too much."
"Good call! And don't worry about Heros, I sent him on that mission. And I'll keep Darius in line once I take him with, anything else I may need to know?"
"Just that we have to succeed this time!" she said with a serious tone.
"Oh don't worry. It won't be long before Neathia is under our control." the call ended, making Aurea lean back into her seat.
"Keep it together! You still have a lot of work to do… and not a lot of time."
Yurina meanwhile was in her room and she was playing around with what looked like chess pieces. She could see Queen Rena entering her room. "Yurina, how goes things?" she asked with a bow.
"Have you heard this game the Earthlings play? It's called 'chess'. It's all about strategy, and is surprisingly complicated. And the pieces even more intriguing." she picked up one of the white pieces, it was a pawn. "You have the pawns, they move forward, never looking back." she put it down gestured to the rest of the pieces. "Each of the pieces move differently." she pointed to one that looked like a horse. "The Knight for example, can only move in an L shape, and the Bishop can only move diagonally across the field, the Rook can move anywhere in the field in a straight line." she then gestured to another piece. "And my personal favourite: The Queen."
"Why is she your favorite?"
She giggled as she picked up the piece. "Because the Queen can move anywhere on the field in any direction. Making her the most powerful piece and the most useful." she gestured to the piece next to it. "Which brings me to the most important piece… but also the weakest. The King. He just sits and his job is to be protected by the other pieces. If the King is in danger, all the pieces' priority is to protect their King." she then moved all the pieces around and made some black pieces surround the white King. "If the King is surrounded and has nowhere to go, the game is lost. They call this 'Checkmate'." she looked to Rena. "Should the King really be that important if he is that weak?"
Rena smiled. "This is more than about the game, I see." she watched Yurina gently set the piece down. "I know all about the King's Arc. I can fit that into my plan." she could hear she was getting a call from the labs. "Yes…?"
"We just wanted to inform you that Metal Almos has been fully repaired and was handed over to Xaramesi."
The expression behind her mask was unreadable, but there was an aura of frustration that suddenly filled the air. After taking a deep breath, she spoke to him. "Thank you for letting me know." she immediately hung up and got on her feet.
"Xaramesi quit right… so why would she take Almos?"
"That's what I am going to find out. But I'll find a way to bring Xaramesi back to our side."
"Is that possible?" Yurina took off her mask and her eyes showed a serious expression.
"Yes… she'll hear me out if she talks to the real me."
Xaramesi and Phoenix got off the train and were going through the station. Xaramesi was stretched her arms into the air. "Aaaaah! That was a refreshing nap!"
"So where are we?" Phoenix asked, still trying to recover from the awkward train ride. "I had no idea the trains go this far."
"This is Galetta Town." she introduced.
"Galetta Town?" Phoenix questioned. "You took us out into the boonies? How are we going to stop Fabrega's impending demise from out here?"
"Oh no, we're still going to save the world. This is a little side trip," she said ending her sentence with a smile.
Phoenix glanced at Boreanta. "Well, you're her partner, any idea what her head is cooking up?"
"I'd rather let her show you."
A sigh escaped his lips. "I hate being left in the dark."
After leaving the train station, Phoenix could see what was a small town, the people there looked dressed in less futuristic clothing that would be found in the bigger cities. They mostly wore clothes that wouldn't be out of place in a farming town.
"So, where to?" Phoenix asked.
"Follow meee~!"
He followed his skipping ally through the town, and he could see people trading building supplies and life-stock. There was also what looked like a floating truck that was being filled with lots of food to deliver to stores in the big city.
As they moved through the town, they had gotten to a dirt path that was taking them to the outer layer of the town. "It's not much… I know." Xaramesi said. "But places like this are also important. You see, most of Fabrega's food source comes from small towns like this."
"Really?"
"Well the food you see in the stores has to come from somewhere?" she gestured her hand to the area around them which were plots of farmland that either had life-stock, crops and even tractors collecting the crops. "The people here are extremely hard workers, but they also love what they do. It's back-breaking labor, but someone's gotta do it."
"But you never mentioned farming when you told me about… your past and everything."
After walking a distance, they came across a house that had a small plot of land. "We're here?" Xaramesi knocked on the door. "Helloooo!"
A few seconds passed and a dark-skinned man answered the door. "Xaramesi?" he questioned as his yellow eyes grew.
"Papi!" she exclaimed as she leaped into his arms and he hugged her.
"Oh, its so nice to see you, dear," he said before his eyes landed on Phoenix who awkwardly stood at the doorstep. "Who is your friend?"
"He's Phoenix, we were on an assignment together."
The older man extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Phoenix."
"Um… likewise."
Another pair of footsteps approached the front door and they could all see a Leopard Alursian standing there to meet them, she had bright blue eyes. "Mama!" she leaped into woman nearly throwing her off her feet.
"W-whoa… easy there sweetie. I'm not a spring chicken anymore."
Phoenix took a moment to process and after looking at the two older figures, before taking a look at Xaramesi who had a sweet smile on her lips. "Hold on a minute, you two are…"
"Yep, yep! They are my parents!" she revealed.
"Welcome home, sweetie." her mother said.
…
Both Phoenix and Xaramesi were inside the dining room of the small home, a slice of pie was put in front of both of them. Xaramesi picked up her fork. "Thank you, Mom!"
"Um… I shouldn't…" Phoenix said while shaking his head.
"Please do, I insist." Xaramesi's mother requested.
"You gotta try it!" Xaramesi said with food in her mouth. "Mama makes the best Apple Pie."
"Dear, what did we say about table manners?" her father said with an awkward smile on his face.
Xaramesi giggled while keeping her mouth closed. Phoenix then took a bite and he was surprised by how flavorful it was. The Apple pie wasn't overly sweet, but it was sweet enough, and there was the hint of cinnamon that added to the flavor, and the powdered sugar on top of the crust was the metaphorical icing on the cake.
"This is good," he said.
Xaramesi smiled when Phoenix started eating the pie, eager to get more of the delicious confection treat into his mouth.
"So, you never mentioned him before." her mother mentioned. "How long have you two worked together."
"Haha, oh you know. It wasn't that long ago." she then jabbed her thumb at Phoenix. "He was a pain to work with at first, believe me," she said to which Phoenix shamefully darted his eyes away from everyone. "But then… he opened up a little. Then we somehow became friends."
"I'm glad. Every time you come here, you've always made a new friend."
"So these are her parents?" he thought to himself. "Ugh… now I feel even worse for misjudging her! Yet she decides to do all this for me." Phoenix turned away from everyone to stare at the window outside.
"Phoenix, are you OK?" Xaramesi asked, showing genuine concern.
He turned and tried to put on an obviously fake smile. "Don't worry about me. I'm doing fine."
"Ok… if you say so."
Xaramesi's dad got out of his seat. "How would you like to help out in the fields?"
"Haha, do we ever!" Xaramesi exclaimed.
"Do we really have to?" Phoenix asked with a defeated tone, already knowing he was not going to get out of it.
"C'mon lazy bones!" Xaramesi grabbed his hand and dragged him up to his feet. "We gotta put some muscle on those arms!"
"Ugh…"
Akira and Cera had arrived at the entrance to Utopia City, both Radion and Lunaris at their sides. "Looks like we're here," Akira said. They both noticed the oddly calm atmosphere around the city. There was an odd sense of community that they never would have thought to see on their first trip to a Fabregan City.
They could see the futuristic city but also saw people on the ground, just helping each other out. They were even waving at each other with wide and hopeful smiles. "I imagined a city on Fabrega to be… different," Cera noted.
"Far from the bigoted utopia we thought it was. Are they all like this?" Akira questioned.
"Hey!" they both got the attention of a white-furred, rabbit girl Alursian who pointed at them. "I remember you!" she exclaimed.
"Do you?" Cera asked. "Because I don't recall seeing you before."
The rabbit girl had sprinted over to them. "Forgive me! But I was with the Alursian troupe you guys left. I can take you to where Bones staying."
"Thanks, that would be a big help. We need to find Zavanna and quick!"
"Just leave it to me!" she said proudly, placing her pawed hand on her chest. Fighting the urge to hop through the streets, she just walked in front of the two girls.
Cera though has one more question. "Hey, what is your name by the way? That is a detail you seemed to have skipped over."
The girls ears shot straight up. "Whoops! Sorry, I got caught up in the moment. I'm Mimi! Mimi Lopp! And one day, everyone will know my name!"
"For what exactly?" Akira asked slightly tilting her head.
"I do not know!" she yelled in the same enthusiastic voice. "Now come on! Follow me!" Cera shrugged her shoulders while Akira only shook her head and motioned for them to follow her.
…
Elsewhere in the city, Zavanna was just about to walk out of the local bakery and she waved to an adult Racoon Alursian who was a little on the plump side. "I don't know how much I can thank you, miss."
"It was no trouble at all." Zavanna insisted.
"Can I ask you a question, miss?"
"Sure?"
"I've heard about you. A kind Fabregan girl going out of her way to help the city. Are you sure you aren't just doing this, just because you feel responsible for how your people treat us?"
Zavanna remained silent. "I can't say that I don't feel responsible. Unfortunately, the majority of Fabregans, at least from most of the towns I've been to exhibit the same sort of elitism. There was a time where I wasn't too different from them." She guiltily held her left arm and was feeling cold all of a sudden. The tips of her dark hair was slowly turning white and it stopped mid-way through. "But… I guess I was shown a different way. I'm so sorry."
The older woman smiled. "You don't need to apologize, you've done nothing wrong, and you've been nothing but helpful to us."
"So you trust me?"
"This place… Utopia City, it is built on trust. And you haven't given us any reason to mistrust you." she placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are a very good person, don't lose that. In the end, all you can do is be true to yourself."
"Yes… thanks so much…" she said thanking her.
Once she walked out of the store and stepped back in shock. "Whoa… Akira!?"
In front of her was Akira, folding her arms with an odd smile on her face. "Hey, how are ya?"
"Um… I am fine for the most part, but are you ok?" she asked.
"Yeah, course I am! Just a little laggy from the trip over here. C'mon I brought the others with me. Something big came up and we've got to tell you!"
"Sure… but are you sure you're all right. You seem… different."
Akira got slightly frustrated. "Look, you coming or not? The others are waiting!"
"Right… I'm right behind you." Once Akira walked forward, Scorchiree had opened on her shoulder. "Scorchiree… that pit in my stomach is back."
"Are you doing ok?"
"Yes… its just… I can't shake the feeling that something is very wrong." she then walked inside the bakery.
"Oh, you're back already?"
"I need you to do me a huge favor. And… I need you to do it now if you could." the woman had taken off her apron. "What is it dear?"
…
Zavanna had followed Akira through the city, and by this time she noticed more oddities. One was that Akira was oddly more social. She knew Akira wasn't one for small talk, but the conversations they did have, Akira was always serious. But she seemed more relaxed. The next odd thing, she was going to ask.
"Akira… where is Radion?"
"Heh, Radion?"
"Your partner? She almost never leaves your side."
"Radion… wasn't feeling well."
"And… where exactly are we going? We past Bones' place a few blocks ago."
"We're going to meet outside the city, just to make sure we are less conspicuous."
"But… we should include him in our plans."
"Look!" she turned around. "We're kind of running out of time, here. So we can't afford to stall right now."
Zavanna gave her a suspicious glance. "Fine, but answer me this? Why come this far by yourself, not even with Radion? It is dangerous to just travel on your own in a city that you have zero knowledge of. You're normally much more cautious than that." Akira was then sweating nervously and she clenched her fist.
"C'mon, how long have we known each other?"
"You tell me, Akira? How long do we know each other?" when she was silent, Zavanna nodded to her Scorchiree who was on her shoulder. "Right! Who are you and what have you done with my friend!?" she exclaimed.
"You can't be serious right? I am your friend! It's me, Akira!"
"No you're not! Or at least you aren't acting like her! I'm not going anywhere with you!" she she turned around, she saw a figure landing in front of her making her step back in fear. "No…" she whispered as she saw Daro with his gauntlet in his hand. The gauntlet beam blade was sticking out.
"Looks like you're about to meet your end, traitor. Forget what Heros said. You and me are going to settle this."
Heros was watching from a tower with an unhappy expression on his face, though he chose to keep his distance.
"No!" Zavanna yelled as she was backing up. "You don't understand, my friends and I can save Fabrega. Once we revive Draconoid, she'll-"
"Does it look like I care?" he asked with a smirk. "This is my chance to finally get rid of you! I'm not going to let this chance slip by."
"You'd really put your home planet in danger just to settle some problem you think you have with me!?"
Daro raised his gauntlet. "Enough talking! Either we brawl and we settle this, or I can save us all the trouble, and leave your carcass on the ground right here!"
"You want to fight so bad! Fine, be we do it outside the city!"
Daro chuckled. "As it you're in a position to make demands! I can just bring out my perfect creation and make him level this entire city. My gut says you don't want that, do you?" Zavanna gulped and took a step back. "Haha, there it is. The fear I've been waiting to see from your face! We will battle one on one, no interference from anyone." he glanced at Zenet. "That means you too, Gundalian!" Zavanna watched 'Akira' transform into a person she hadn't seen before.
Zenet shrugged her shoulders. "Either way, we got her beat. If she gets away, its all on you."
The pair of them raised their gauntlets. "Zavanna, this could be a trap. Don't do anything hasty!"
"I know…" she told Scorchiree.
Once both their gauntlets were equipped they both activated their power cards which shone their respective attributes. Daro had a gate card in his hand and he tossed it onto the street. Many residents started to be drawn in, as they knew a battle was about to take place. The card disappeared into the ground and made a dark purple sheen that spread outward.
Daro tightly held his creation in his hand and tossed it out. "Bakugan Brawl! Omni Cybertross stand!" the improved Cybertross stood tall and he then looked down at Zavanna and his eyes shone bright red.
"You don't scare me!" Zavanna exclaimed in defiance.
"Then prove it, flesh puppet!" Cybertross said in his mechanical, monotone voice.
"Bakugan Brawl!" she threw in her partner with all her might and watched his ball form open up on the battlefield. "Scorchiree stand!" he appeared from a ball of lava and he let out a loud screech that echoed through the city.
Omni Cybertross: 1050 / Scorchiree: 750
Zavanna eyed the citizens who stood by, watching their battle. "Everyone, please run! You don't want to be around when we start battling! Find a safe place to hide!"
"Tch! If you're not going to focus on your opponent, then I'll make you! Ability Activate, Dark Expungement!" An orb of dark energy was charging in his mouth and was aiming it at Scorchiree.
"Nah, ah, ah. Target the pathetic people who are standing here like mindless sheep!" The watching crowd were frozen with shock, and it took Zavanna a split second for this to register.
She watched his power level increase by 600, putting him at 1650 as the orb was growing in his maw. "SCORCHIREE!" Zavanna quickly placed an ability into her gauntlet. "Hearth Dash! Stop him now!" Scorchiree had a red outline surrounding him as he sped forward towards Cybretross, he grabbed his jaw upper and lower jaws with both hands and he made the mechanical beast fire his attack up and into the sky where it made a tremendous explosion which covered the entire city in purple light for a short moment.
Scorchiree backed away for a moment as his power was raised to 850 after increasing by 100Gs thanks to Hearth Dash. Zavanna looked at the town's people. "ALL OF YOU! RUN!" she exclaimed. The citizens retreated in a panic and this made Daro laugh to himself.
"This is funny to you!? People's lives are in danger? Don't you care at all!?"
"Why should someone of my stature care for those below me? The strong survive by dominating the weak! It seems you have forgotten that, Zavanna. Don't worry though! I will be happy to re-teach you that lesson."
Zavanna placed a card into her gauntlet. "You're a monster! Ability Activate, Red Glow!" Scorchiree had an aura of red, fiery energy surround him and the air around all of them became superheated.
"Whoa… its getting hot here all of a sudden," Zenet said as she was fanning herself, since the hot air was already making her sweat.
Omni Cybertross: 1650 / Scorchiree: 850 (+400)= 1250
"Are you done?" Daro asked. "I hoped crushing you would be more satisfying, but this is just sad."
"What's sad is seeing the despicable person you have become!" Zavanna exclaimed as Scorchiree was charging to Cybertross. "Ability Activate, Searing Salamander!" As Scorchiree was getting closer, his arm blades extended and orange flames surrounded them as he ran forward to slash Cybertross. The mechanical beast lost 200Gs while Scorchiree gained an additional 400Gs
Omni Cybertross: 1650(-200)= 1450 / Scorchiree: 1250(+400)= 1650
"Hmpf!" Daro raised his gauntlet while his eyes were closed. "Ability Activate, Trojan Tackle!" Cybertross had arcs of purple electricity surrounding him, the arcs generated a purple aura around him. A section on his back opened up revealing rear thrusters which he used to push himself forward towards the charging Scorchiree. This attack would add 350Gs to Cybertross while taking 450 away from Scorchiree.
Omni Cybertross: 1450(+350)= 1800 / Scorchiree: 1650(-450)= 1200
Cybertross had thrown his arm across Scorchiree faster than the lizard could land any slashes, the bipedal lizard had left his feet after Cybertross' arm had made contact with his chest. He flipped, backwards in the air before landing flat on his stomach.
"Scorchiree!" Zavanna yelled in fear.
"Heh, you really are useless aren't you!" Zavanna gasped at what Daro said to her. "Without your so-called friends to back you up, you really are just a huge weakling." Cybertross stepped on Scrochiree's back and he hissed in pain.
"NO! Stop!"
"Why should I? Who's going to make me? You? You are nothing but a coward. You think you can handle things by yourself, but you can't! I mean just look at you? You didn't beat me by yourself, and I had a Gundalian on my side! The second time, you and that other human managed to escape because Andreas decided to be a hero! Well he's rotting in prison for his efforts. Don't you get it? Now you have nowhere to run, and I will make sure you get what's been coming to you. A painful and excruciating demise!"
"You're a mad-man! What made you this way?"
"Why should the opinion of a weakling worry me?" he placed another card into his gauntlet. "This is boring, I'll just end this quickly and take my prize! Ability Activate, Spinning Sunder!" Cybertross lifted up Scorchiree by his neck and he shot himself up high into the sky as he reached the maximum height he would reach, he pushed his weight downward.
"Scorchiree! Free yourself!" Zavanna screamed.
"I CAN'T!" he exclaimed as the metal vice-grip was locked around his neck. They both crashed into the ground, making a giant crater in area.
Scorchiree had lost 800Gs which put him down to from 1200 to 400Gs. The lizard could barely move as he was still trying to recover from the pain that was just inflicted onto him. "Now hopefully, you stay down like the useless Bakugan you are!"
Zavanna clenched her fist. "I can't give up!" she exclaimed. "Especially when I'm not alone!" she had two Bakugan Traps in her hand. "Flameingo, Pearora! I need you!" she tossed them both up into the air where their trap forms opened up. Once they were glowing their attribute colors, they then appeared in the crater, standing defensively in front of Scorchiree who was still trying to get up.
Omni Cybertross: 1800 / Scorchiree: 400 + (Pearora: 350 + Flameingo: 300) = 1050
Daro laughed. "This is your way of evening the playing field. By bringing in two Bakugan Traps. I don't think I need to remind you of what happened to the last Bakugan Trap you used in a battle against me."
Zavanna flashed back to when she saw Gekko dying in the battle, she couldn't get the image of him disappearing from her out of her head. "How could I forget?" she asked with a slight shiver. "But… Gekko would want me to move on from what happened!"
"How could you know that? Bakugan Traps are just enhancements to regular Bakugan. They don't talk at all. They have no thoughts or feelings of their own! And these two will meet the same fate!"
She could see that Scorchiree still needed more time. "Enough of this! Ability Activate, Shooting Blitz!" Flameingo flew up, opened his beak and looked down at Cybertross. "Go for his eyes!" Flameingo shot a flurry of rapid-fire fireballs down at Cybertross's mechanical eyes. They exploded off his face, though he didn't look effected in the slightest. This did however bring their combined power level up by 300Gs putting them at 1350Gs.
"Your turn Pearora!" Zavanna exclaimed. "Ability Activate! Velocity Strike!" Pearora had disappeared from everyone's view and once the flames stopped raining down onto Cybertross, he took numerous kicks to the face from Pearora's talons. While his head and face was reeling, his body wasn't moving as the kicks didn't have enough power to move him that much. But there was a power transfer between the two teams.
Omni Cybertross: 1800(-200)= 1600 / Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 1350(+200)= 1550
Daro raised an ability card. "This is getting tiresome! Ability Activate, Ventus Attack Mode!" Cybertross was changing attributes, and along with becoming green and silver in colour, he gained green circular wings on his back. The turbines allowed him to hover his massive frame above the ground. The change had added 150Gs to him, putting him at 1750. Zavanna was watching carefully as Cybertross was high into the air. "Cybertross, lets put that advanced targeting system to good use. "Ability Activate, Ballistic Barrage!" missile ports on his body, near the shoulders had opened up. Green energy rockets had fired from them and they were falling to the three opposing Bakugan.
Omni Cybertross: 1750(+450)= 2200 / Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 1550(-450)= 1100
"Flameingo, are you ready?!" the trap nodded and extended his wings and looked up as the energy rockets were falling down towards the three. "Ability Activate, Aero Fire!" Flameingo leaped up to the attack and his legs ignited and he spun like a top and flew into the path of the energy rockets. They all exploded on impact and he took the brunt of the damage. Daro hummed to himself in annoyance. He watched as their power level was brought up by 200Gs, putting them at 1300.
"You are starting to really annoy me! Just die already! Ability Activate, Static Dance!" while Cybertross was hanging in the air, his limbs were surrounded by green electric bolts and he flew down to the group, ready to strike all of them. This ability was so powerful as it managed to take away 900Gs from their combined power level, putting them at 400Gs.
"ZAVANNA!" she saw Scorchiree running right towards Cybertross. "I am ready!"
She raised her gauntlet. "Then do your best! Double Ability Activate, Lava Jab plus Flash Spark!" his fists were covered in a red aura with white outlines, heatwaves were leaking off them, then a second later, bright red electric bolts surrounded his fists as he moved right in for the attack and so did Cybertross. Lava Jab took away 400Gs while Flash Spark transferred 200Gs between them.
Omni Cybertross: 2200(-200 -400)= 1600 / Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 400(+200)= 600
"Hah, you can't stop me. Look at your power level, as soon at they clash your Scorchiree is as good as done!" but what surprised him was that Flameingo flew on Scorchiree's right and Pearora was sprinting on his left. "W-what is going on!?" he exclaimed.
"Don't you see, Daro. They are working together!" Zavanna exclaimed. "That's the difference between you and I. While you always go on your own, me and Scorchiree will always have allies by our side, to support me, to push me further than I thought possible. She imagine both Cameron and Akira standing by her sides in spirit while imagining Pearora as Radion and Flameingo as Blazeon.
The two teams collided and while Cybertross was unleashing his attack, he was also getting pelted by Scorchiree's electric Lava Jabs, Flameingo's fiery legs, and Pearora's swift kicks. Despite having the numbers advantage, they were still being beaten back. The three were thrown into an empty building which imploded into the ground.
Daro smirked but his expression turned sour when he saw the three of them standing tall while covered in rubble. "You're really making this harder for yourself." he extended his hand. "Gate Card Open! Solid-State Upgrade!" the command card opened and Cybertross was surrounded in white electric bolts as it sounded like his systems were being overclocked, his systems were whirring much louder and he roared. "Hahaha! How do you like that? Solid-State Upgrade is a command card which instantly doubles the power of any mechanical Bakugan. True to his word, Cybertross's power had instantly doubled, putting him at an extremely high power level.
Omni Cybertross: 1600(+1600)= 3200 / Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 600
"Now… would you like to come quietly?" Daro asked. "The higher-ups would rather have you alive, but you're free to let me end your pathetic existence if you choose.
Zavanna had a card in her gauntlet. "Are you done writing me off? Because I'd only be letting myself and my friends down if I gave up now! Ability Activate! Ninja Exploder!" The core of the card shone green and Pearora flew up high and she extended her arms, and made bright green energy kunai rain down onto the field. The sharp blades were creating cracks in the command card and soon the cracks spread so far that the card had shattered. Nullifying the gate card. Not only did Cybertross' power return to the last power level, but 300Gs was added to Pearora's team.
Omni Cybertross: 3200(-1600)= 1600 / Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 600(+300)= 900
"Are you guys doing, ok?" Zavanna asked.
Flameingo replied with a nod, Pearora had winked back at her and Scorchiree looked back at her. "You're doing well. We just have to keep at this a little while longer!"
Daro's fists were clenched in anger. "There is nothing worse than a loser that refuses to quit! You've officially pissed me off!" he threw another ability card into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Pyrus Weapons Mode!" Cybertross then shifted to his Pyrus attribute, becoming a red and silver. Cybertross had floating mini-guns over his shoulder, and there were additional gun barrels all over his body. His power was increased by only 50Gs, putting him at 1650Gs.
A card was in his gauntlet as he was hoping to finish the battle with this one ability. "I will make sure that this take you down for good. Cybertross, target the girl!" his targeting crosshair had aimed at Zavanna and she was terrified by what was about to happen. Because of this, Scorchiree, Flameingo and Pearora protectively stood in front of her."You're ALL DEAD! Ability Activate-"
"Petrifying Gaze!" dark blue beams had hit Cybertross and he was surrounded by a dark blue orb.
"WHAT!?" he saw that his power level dropped down by 200Gs, putting him at 1450Gs. "Who dares-"
"Tempest Shard!" green energy blades rained down on Cybertross from the sky. His power level was further reduced by 300Gs, lowering him to 1150Gs.
"No… it couldn't be…" Zavanna whispered to herself.
She saw Radion landing beside Scorchiree, Pearora and Flameingo. "Oh but it is!" Radion said. "How have ya been?"
Lunaris had hovered on Zavanna's right side. "Are any of you hurt?" she asked.
Scorchiree shook his head. "We're mostly alright, thanks."
"But if you two are here…" she saw Cera being helped down by Lunaris.
"Yes… we got here in time, thank God. A kind Alursian woman told Bones about suspicious activity and when we met with Bones, we were pointed your way." she said. "There is something important we need to tell you."
Akira leaped off Radion. "But it can wait after we win this battle." she glanced at Zavanna nervously. "I'm… glad you're ok."
Zavanna smiled. "You two are the best. Thank you!"
Omni Cybertross: 1150
Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 900 / Lunaris: 750 / Radion: 700
"AGAIN!" Daro exclaimed. "! You can never defeat me by yourself you weak little roach! You will pay for this!"
"And here we thought Fabregans were supposed to be perfect and elegant." Lunaris jabbed. "Yet you looked the most unhinged out of all of them!"
"SHUT UP! I will put the three of you in a grave! Along with the rest of this damn city!"
Akira stepped forward. "Come and get us, you rabid dog!" she exclaimed. "Ability Activate! Tempest Weave!" Radion flew up, her wings extended and she generated a green energy sphere in between her hands that exploded into a green blast of energy. 200Gs was transferred between them, putting Radion at 900 while Cybertross was brought down to 950.
"Your attack means nothing! Ability Activate, Sentry Regeneration!" the floating mini-guns primed themselves and they fired rapid fire powerful beams into the sky at Radion. The red energy bolts cut right through Radion's Tempest Weave and it was heading straight for her. Radion comically screamed as her eyes turned white A sheer 700Gs was transferred between them.
Omni Cybertross: 950(+700)= 1650 / Radion: 900(-700)= 200
Cera was quick to respond as Lunaris flew in front of her. "Ability Activate, Solar Wall!" a curtain of light appeared in front of the both of them and the beams were being deflected by the curtain. 600Gs was added to Lunaris, putting her at 1350Gs. "Akira, don't attack head on without a plan, we've never fought against this monstrosity." Akira gave her friend a nod. "I'll give you a pick-me-up. Attribute Change!" Lunaris had quickly changed into her Haos attribute and bright yellow energy butterflies flew off her body after the change. Ability Activate! Healing Gaze!" The eyes in Lunaris' wings shone green and she surrounded herself and Radion in a green soothing aura. Their power each went up by 400Gs.
Omni Cybertross: 1650
Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 900 / Lunaris: 1350(+400)= 1750 / Radion: 200(+400)= 600
Suddenly Zavanna heard a voice in her head. "Zavanna, keep fighting!" She nodded after thinking she heard the voice of Draconoid. "Double Ability Activate, Erupting Blast plus Fusion Ability Luminous Scales!" Scales started to chip off Scorchiree's body and they started to surround his face as he opened his maw. He then fired a beam of lava from his mouth with sharp scales surrounding it. 300 was transferred between them while 500 was added on top of that.
Omni Cybertross: 1650(-300)= 1350
Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 900(+300 +500)= 1700 / Lunaris: 1750 / Radion: 600
Cybertross was pushed back by the double ability and he slid back on his feet, but he didn't have time to rest as he could see both Radion and Lunaris flying down towards him.
"Hit him with everything you've got Radion, Double Ability Activate, Nimbus Wings plus Zephyr Dance!" her wings were covered in rainbow fire and she flew ahead of Lunaris while her gemstone was shining blue.
"Us too Lunaris, we won't be allow to slack off. Ability Activate, Lightwing Arrow!" Lunaris generated a bright yellow plasma bow and she pulled on the string making a plasma arrow appear. She fired it and it went through Cybertross and he roared in pain. His power fell by 250Gs putting him down to 1100. and Lunaris was brought up to 2000
"Aw did that hurt?" Radion quipped as he got closer. "That's not the end of it, cause here comes the PAIN!" she flew right through Cybertross with her flaming wings. But that wasn't the end of it as she was pummeling Cybertross all over his body as she was moving way to quick for Cybertross to effectively keep track of her. 400 was added to Radion from Zephyr Dance, plus another 400 while 200 was stolen from Cybertross due to Nimbus Wings.
Omni Cybertross: 1100(-200)= 900
Scorchiree - Pearora - Flameingo: 1700 / Lunaris: 2000 / Radion: 600(+400 +400)= 1400
She threw a hard kick to his mid-section and he fell onto his back. Electric sparks surrounded him as the Bakugan retreated to his ball form as a dark aura surrounded him. He sped back to the ground that surrounded Daro. And his life gauge fell down to 50%.
"NO!" Daro punched the ground. "You cheats! You can never beat me one on one! None of you! That's why you must team up on me! EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Don't you cowards have pride!?"
"We don't battle for pride or supremacy," Cera said. "Maybe if you weren't so insufferable, you'd have allies of your own to help you."
Akira then darted her eyes to an alley. "Guys, over there!" they all saw Heros and Lena emerge from the alley.
"It would appear the Human has a point, Daro." he placed a gauntlet on his arm. "Since we couldn't do this quietly, we shall have to battle unfortunately. It is very important that the king have the last proxy to exist! That would be you, Zavanna! We will not leave without you."
Their Bakugan all returned to them and they caught them.
Zavanna stepped back in fear of Heros' threat but Akira had extended her hand in front of her. "If you want to get to Zavanna, you'll have to get through me first!"
"We are her friends, you aren't taking her anywhere. Not if we have anything to say about it."
Heros and Lena walked to Daro's side. "Then we will settle this the old fashioned way. How unfortunate." Heros said. He looked to Zenet. "Zenet, return to the ship and update the rest of the council on our status."
"Right away!" Zenet fled to the safety of Heros' warship. The six battlers eyed themselves. As they prepared for yet another dual.
Zavanna pulled out a gate card, she could feel both Akira and Cera touching her shoulders. "Don't forget, we will be right behind you," Cera said.
"We win and lose as a team, never forget that. You're not alone in this." Akira added.
Zavanna smiled and nodded. "Thank you, both of you." her hair suddenly turned pure white again. "Thanks to you, I know we can defeat these three, together!" she reeled her arm as the gate card was in between her fingers. "Gate Card Set!" she tossed it in and it disappeared into the ground leaving behind a red sheen. "Bakugan Brawl! Scorchiree Stand!"
Scorchiree rose up and hissed at his opponents that stood across from him. "Time to focus, Lunaris!"
"I am ready!"
"Bakugan Brawl! Lunaris Stand!" Lunaris hovered over the field as dark butterflies temporarily surrounded her.
"Our turn!" Radion exclaimed as she was caught by Akira after she closed herself.
"Bakugan Brawl! Radion Stand!" Radion flew up after a tornado brought her into the field.
"Now, which one of you want to get these hands?" Radion asked with a confident smirk.
"You cocky little…" Daro calmed himself, he then pointed at Zavanna. "Don't get it twisted, my focus is you! I don't care how many of your pathetic friends stand in my way!" he tightly grabbed Cybertross. "Bakugan Brawl! Omni Cybertross stand!"
Cybertross entered the field with an electric pulse surrounding him. Lena adjusted her glasses so they would reflect the light. "So, let us see if these humans are a powerful as everyone says! Bakugan Brawl! Phosphos Stand!" the Aquos Bakugan stood on the field and his three heads hissed.
Heros stuck his wooden staff in the ground. "I fear this city will not survive this confrontation, but the leaders' wishes come first! Bakugan Brawl! Mortar Stand!" Mortar appeared from a wide crevice that had appeared suddenly. He stood tall and his presence had spooked Zavanna, Cera and Akira.
"We've never seen that one before," Cera noted.
"Stay sharp, we can do this if we focus!" Akira said, earning a nod from the two girls.
Omni Cybertross: 1050 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 900
Scorchiree: 750 / Lunaris: 750 / Radion: 700
Phoenix had finished digging up a deep hole in the field's of Xaramesi's family home and he was sweating all over. He had just finished digging up seven other holes so they could bury new crop. "This is too much." he could see Xaramesi dropping a potato into the hole. She gave Phoenix a smile as he buried it. "Do you seriously enjoy this?"
Xaramesi nodded. "Yeah, it feels rewarding to work this hard." she looked around. "This is what I'm trying to save. I joined the High Council to do just that." she gave Phoenix a serious look. "I know you're still struggling to understand, but I'm glad you've come this far with me. Maybe one day, you can appreciate the little things in this world like I can."
Phoenix remembered that he still needed to give Xaramesi that long overdue apology that he said he would give her. He still didn't think he was deserving of her, and her family's kindness."Look, Xaramesi I-" they heard a blast of wind in the sky, then constant wind was blowing on them. They both looked up at the sky to see what looked like a warship.
"T-that's Yurina's warship…" Xaramesi whispered to herself, recognizing the red, pattern. Her parents walked towards the pair. "Mom, Dad, get inside! I'll join you later."
They both gave her a serious nod and got back into the small house, her mother looked back in fear but quickly got inside. The bottom of the warship opened and Yurina had leaped out, riding on the back of Kyubis. Her paws landed on the ground, being careful not to light the crops surrounding her on fire. Yurina leaped off her partner, still with her mask on.
Phoenix was glaring angrily at her, he looked furious but at the same time, he was terrified. Xaramesi moved her hand in front of him, to keep him from doing anything foolish. She even shook her head. "Xaramesi. I didn't expect you to be hanging out with… ugh him. He's effectively useless."
"Hello to you too, Yurina." Xaramesi dryly greeted.
"How did you find us!?" Phoenix asked.
"Almos had a tracker, I'm surprised you didn't expect that."
Xaramesi stepped in front of him in a protective manner. "What do you want, Yurina?" she asked with a serious tone.
"I am here to ask you to reconsider." she pleaded with an honest tone. "Come back to the High Council, we need you." she watched Xaramesi shake her head. "I understand where you're coming from You were hurt by Aurea. But you can't change the past. At the end of the day, you'll never be fully accepted because of your Alursian roots."
"How could you possibly understand?" she could see Yurina raising her hand to her face, and took off her mask, revealing her gold foxy eyes. Her fox ears replaced her real ears, then she had three fox tails coming out from her back side. Both Xaramesi and Phoenix were utterly shocked.
"What. The…" Phoenix muttered.
Yurina didn't have her usual giggle and only had what looked like a sad expression. "You are Alursian...? This whole time!?" Xaramesi breathed.
Yurina nodded. "It is an incredibly long story, but this is why I need you. In order to change the world for the better, I need open minded people, people like you. You are the best thing that happened to the High Council."
"H-how did this happen?!" Phoenix asked. "Does the King know about this?"
"That is none of your concern." she re-fixed her gaze onto Xaramesi. "Please, Xaramesi. Together we can change the world! That's what you wanted right? You have so much potential, please don't let it go to waste."
Xaramesi gave a serious look to her. "But… you've kept this huge secret from us. I'm not so sure if I can trust you. What else could be you be hiding? Why don't you help us!? Help us save Fabrega!"
Yurina shook her head. "This planet is as good as dead. This is an opportunity to start again, start off a new society. Where no one is discriminated for how they look, where they come from. Those that think differently, or those with outdated ideas… then can die." both Xaramesi and Phoenix's eyes shrunk instantly. "Help me, and you two will be more than welcome in my new world!" Xaramesi could be seen clenching her fists. "Those Fabregans that hurt you, even this one!" she pointed at Phoenix. "We can have a world where they don't exist anymore. What do you say?"
Xaramesi had her eyes looking down to the ground. "That isn't right…" she replied. "You can't just force everyone to share your way of thinking!" she exclaimed. "Yes, hate is toxic, discrimination is vile… but at the end of the day, they should at least have the freedom to believe what they want, even if it is despicable! At least they have the freedom to choose their path, they can also have the freedom to change." she gestured to Phoenix. "Under your rules, Phoenix wouldn't have been given a second chance. I can see a genuine change in him. I want people to understand me, then they can make their choice about me. If they hate me, so be it, if they look at me differently than before, then I've done my job. Not all Fabregans are closed-minded, you know this! Even Aurea… as heartless as she is… something is there."
Yurina's pleading face turned to one of annoyance. "You have no idea how cruel the high class Fabregans can be. The best way is to start again! Build a new society from scratch!"
"Sorry, I'm not ready to give up on society, and I'm not ready to give up on my home! I will fight to protect it… even if that means fighting you!"
Yurina put her hand on Kyubis and she used her other hand to put her mask back on her face. "Since you like 'choice' so much. I'll let you do as you please. But I warn you, do not get in my way! I will show no mercy to those who impede my goals, whether they are Fabregan, Alursian, Human, or anyone!" she leaped onto Kyubis. "Phoenix, you have no idea how lucky you are. I've never liked you, and I would have put you down had I had the chance." he gasped in fear. "But Xaramesi's case saved you. Both of you, do the right thing and stay out of my way!"
Kyubis leaped up into the sky and back into the warship. As soon as the hatch closed, the warship then flew through the air, going back into the city. Xaramesi collapsed to her knees, she looked extremely exhausted. "Xaramesi!" he exclaimed getting close to her, he knelt beside her and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Whoa… feels like I was hit with something heavy. Yurina this whole time… she was a fox?"
"I know…" he said as he knelt beside her. "I-I don't even know what to say?"
"Phoenix, I'm going to fight to save our world. Even if I have to fight Yurina and the High Council. You don't need to involve yourself if you don't want to. Hide in the wilds, find your family, its ok! I-" she watched Phoenix standing up. "Phoenix?"
"If there is one thing I know for sure, you can't do anything substantial by yourself. No one can! Especially not what you're trying to do." he extended his hand to her. "The Royal Guard chewed me up and spit me out, so I have my own reasons for fighting against them. You've always tried to change the world for the better, maybe…" his cheeks turned red from embarrassment. "Maybe its time you stopped doing it alone."
His hand was grabbed and she could see Xaramesi giving him a warm smile that was different from her usual cheery one. "Thanks… thanks so much for not giving up on me." he lifted her up to her feet.
"You didn't give up on me… even when you should have."
"Everyone deserves a second chance…"
Phoenix gave her a serious look. "I have an idea… and you're not going to like it. If there is anyone who can help us with the Draconoid thing… and getting rid of Almos' tracker…" Xaramesi looked annoyed as she immediately knew who Phoenix was talking about. "I know you're angry at her for what she did… but its like you said: 'Everyone deserves a second chance.'"
Xaramesi nodded and giggled to herself. "Hehe, me and my big mouth."
Back at Utopia City, the six Bakugan were standing tall while people were trying to evacuate the area. Daro raised his gauntlet as the battle continued. "This will be the last time you cowards will stand on your own feet! Ability Activate, Dark Expungement!" Cybertross opened his mouth and he fired a tremendous dark energy right at the group. Cybertross's power increased from 1050 to 1650.
Both Akira and Cera looked at each other. The Ventus battler looked forward as they both had cards in their fingers. "I'll weaken his attack-"
"-Then I'll take him down."
"Then lets start Radion! Ability Activate, Tempest Weave!" Radion flew in front of the group. She generated a green energy orb.
"Time to slay the beast!" she shot the green orb which then clashed with Cybertross' blast and Radion was struggling to hold it back. "Lunaris, any time now!"
Omni Cybertross: 1650(-200)= 1450 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 900
Scorchiree: 750 / Lunaris: 750 / Radion: 700(+200)= 900
"Your pathetic power means nothing!" Daro exclaimed.
"Now Cera!" Akira exclaimed
"Show them your elegance, Lunaris! Fusion Ability Activate, Paralysis Counter!" Lunaris hovered in the air and a see-through clock was behind her. She generated a plasma bow, pulled the bow-string and an arrow appeared. She fired the arrow right at Cybertross and it was impaled into his shoulder. He growled as a mystic number '4' appeared on his shoulder. 250Gs was transferred between them.
Omni Cybertross: 1450(-250)= 1200 / Lunaris: 750(+250)= 1000
"I'd laugh at your feeble attempts, but you've already infuriated me." Heros hummed when he saw the number glowing on Cybertross' shoulder.
"Perhaps you should exercise caution," he warned.
"Caution is something that Cybertross doesn't need to be concerned with. All you need to do is not get in my way!"
Heros looked down. "The only one getting in your way… is you."
"That doesn't even make sense!"
Heros lifted his gauntlet. "Never mind, then." he eyed his Bakugan. "Mortar, time to separate them! Ability Activate, Scorn Slate!" Mortar stepped hard on the ground, making steam erupt from where he stood. The ground below everyone was heating up, making both Radion and Lunaris hover in the air to escape it.
"Whoa… what's going on!?" Radion exclaimed as pillars of lava shot out of the ground and high into the air.
"Evade them, Lunaris!"
"Watch out Radion!"
Omni Cybertross: 1200 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 900(+500)= 1400
Scorchiree: 750 / Lunaris: 1000 / Radion: 900
Both flyers were avoiding the lava pillars that seemed to follow them all over the battlefield, though there was only one who wasn't effected. "Scorchiree isn't afraid of lava!" Zavanna said. "And I'll show you. Double Ability Activate, Flash Spark, plus Lava Jab!" Scorchiree had electric bolts surrounding his fists while a red aura covered them, making heatwaves radiate off them. Scorchiree ran right through one of the lava pillars that appeared in front of him on his path to Mortar. His transferred 200 between himself and Mortar while Lava Jab took 400 away from the land-mass.
Mortar: 1400(-200 -400)= 800 / Scorchiree: 750(+200)= 950
"Get in front of him, Phosphos!" Lena commanded, the three-headed Bakugan stepped in front of Mortar. "You might not be afraid of lava, but what about water?" she raised her gauntlet which had an ability card inside it. "Ability Activate, Spit Poison!" the central head had fired a cyan energy beam to Scorchiree which engulfed him and made him fall over. Spit Poison took away 300Gs from Scorchiree which put him down to 650.
"Thank you for your assistance, Lena." Heros thanked. "Now that they are all separated, it is time to focus on the girl. Keep them busy, leave Zavanna to me."
Cera eyed Akira. "If they separate us, then I'm not sure if we have a good chance."
"Radion's fast, I'll just have to improvise something!" Akira replied. "Can you deal with him!" she said looking at Daro. "I have a feeling you'll do a good job of getting under his skin."
Cera smirked. "Why me? I'm not all bad you know. But fine, I'll rattle his cage." she smirked as she took out a card. "Lunaris, we have our target! Ability Activate, Darkening Arrow!" Lunaris pulled back on her bow and a plasma arrow appeared again. She fired it at Cybertross.
Omni Cybertross: 1200(-250)= 950 / Lunaris: 1000(+250)= 1250
"If I must get through you, in order to get even with Zavanna. So be it!" he raised his gauntlet. "I will rip the wings off that butterfly! Merciless Slash!" he ran towards Lunaris while his hands were spinning like drills. His boosters ignited, increasing his speed. He took Lunaris' arrow as it went through him, but he didn't look that effected which shocked Lunaris. The power transferred between the two was 500Gs.
Omni Cybertross: 950(+500)= 1450 / Lunaris: 1250(-500)= 750
Cera smirked when she saw the number on his shoulder counted down from a 4 down to a 3. "You sure don't mess around, do you?" she held up a card as she looked at Daro and a giggle escaped her lips.
"What's so damn funny!?"
"Heh, wouldn't you like to know. But if you can't see it now, then I'd rather not ruin the surprise!"
"You know what won't be a surprise, me chopping your pathetic butterfly into tiny little pieces."
Cera held her card up. "Ability Activate, Solar Wall!" as Lunaris hovered above the ground, she extended her arms and Cybertross clashed with the curtain and his drill hands couldn't find their way through. Contact sparks were raging as Cybertross continued to push through. Lunaris' power increased by 600, putting her at 1350. She could barely hold it back as the curtain was cracking. "Hang in there, Lunaris!" the curtain shattered, but before Cybertross could strike her, Lunaris has flown herself back.
"You can't run forever!" Daro exclaimed.
"I never run from a battle!" Cera said. "Not everything is black and white, you know. But you seem to a knack for judging people. So let me turn it around, I think you're a complete lunatic!"
"Excuse me?"
"Because in your head, you can't possibly comprehend the idea of Zavanna defeating you in battle not once, but twice!" she noticed an eye twitch from Daro. "And the idea that an organic Bakugan can get the better of your perfect creation is something that frustrates you. And so what do you do? You threaten to kill us. Isn't that quite a leap just to cover for your own imperfections?"
"You watch your tone, you brat!"
"Face it, you might have created the 'Perfect Bakugan' but it is ultimately held back by an imperfect Battler."
"Perfect is a gross over-exaggeration," Lunaris said. "That monstrosity shouldn't even be called a Bakugan."
Cera giggled. "Oh be nice, Lunaris."
"ENOUGH!" he exclaimed as he angrily forced a card into his gauntlet. "No one talks to me like that, especially not some brat who doesn't even belong here! Ability Activate! Trojan Tackle!" arcs of purple electricity surrounded him and they morphed into a powerful purple aura. His thrusters ignited and he charged towards Lunaris. The 3 on his shoulder counted down to a 2. 350 was added to Cybertross, 450 was taken from Lunaris.
Omni Cybertross: 1450(+350)= 1800 / Lunaris: 1350(-450)= 900
Lunaris glared at the charging mechanical Bakugan. "Stay strong Lunaris, we just need keep him occupied!" but she was run over and just barely managed to stay on her feet. She growled as Cybertross came to a stop ahead of her.
"Your stall tactics won't work forever!" Daro angrily exclaimed. "Double Ability Activate! Ventus Attack Mode -" Cybretross changed his attribute and the circular wings had appeared and he floated up high in the air. "Plus Ballistic Barrage!" the missile ports opened up and he discharged all of them, firing green energy rockets down to Lunaris."
The double ability had added 150Gs due to the attribute change, plus the 450 from Ballistic Barrage. As the rockets fell, Cera saw that Lunaris lost 450Gs.
Omni Cybertross: 1800(+150 +450)= 2400 / Lunaris: 900(-450)= 450
"Help her, Radion!" Akira exclaimed. "Ability Activate, Angel Accelerator!" Radion had a green aura covered her as she grabbed Lunaris' hand.
"Lets go for a ride!" Radion was dragging Lunaris through the air as Cybertross' targeting system was allowing the energy missile to follow the pair.
Omni Cybertross: 2400(-100)= 2300 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 800
Scorchiree: 650 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 900(+100)= 1000
Radion was speeding through the air trying to move faster than Cybertross's targeting system. Radion did a good job of seeing herself away from the projectiles, but they didn't know how long she could keep it up. Zavanna had an idea. "Akira get Radion to fly past Scorchiree!" not asking questions of what her next move would be, she nodded and looked up at Radion.
"I heard ya!" she flew down to the ground and she and Lunaris flew right past Scorchiree.
"Scorchiree, Ability Activate, Erupting Blast!" Scorchiree quickly opened his maw and fired a beam of lava which managed to collide with the energy missiles, causing them to detonate, stopping their progression.
Omni Cybertross: 2300(-300)= 2000 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 800
Scorchiree: 650(+300)= 950 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 1000
Daro smirked. "It takes all three of you to not take damage from Cybertross. I know your little tactics, now its time to annihilate you!" the 2 on Cybertross' shoulder counted down to 0 and it quickly released a painful purple electrical pulse all over him.
"W-what in blazes!?" Daro could see Cybertross roaring in what felt like pain. "What in Aeson's name did you do!?"
Cera smirked. "You remember Paralysis Counter, right? Well when it is active, that number you failed to take note of, counts down every time you activate an ability, and when it reaches zero. All that power you gained is gone!" Daro angrily looked at his gauntlet and watched at Cybertross' power decreased.
Omni Cybertross: 2000(-500 -350 -150 -450)= 550 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 800
Scorchiree: 950 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 1000
"Like I said: 'Imperfect Battler'." Cera teased which ticked off Daro.
"Now is our chance!" Zavanna exclaimed to Scorchiree. "Ability Activate, Searing Salamander!" Scorchiree growled and sprinted forward to the weakened Cybertross. His wrist blades were covered in orange flames as he approached the mechanical Bakugan. His power was raised by 400 while Cybertross's power dropped by 200.
Omni Cybertross: 550(-200)= 350 / Scorchiree: 950(+400)= 1350
"Go back to the mechanical scrapyard where you belong!" Scorchiree angrily exclaimed.
Lena quickly had a card in her gauntlet. "Sorry, but as irritating as he is. He's still more useful in this battle! Ability Activate, Stealth Claw!" Phosphos got in front of Scorchiree and his claws extended while they were covered in an icy blue aura. 300Gs was instantly transferred which Scorchiree at 1050Gs while Phosphos ascended to 1200Gs. As an added benefit, he faded away into the background, leaving Scorchiree very vulnerable to an invisible attack.
"Where did he-" he let out a loud yelp as he was being slashed all over by the invisible Phosphos. "AH!"
"Scorchiree!" Zavanna exclaimed in fear. "I can't see him!"
Radion let her feet land on the ground and she closed her eyes. "Radion… can you feel him?" Akira asked. Radion nodded and she launched forward towards Scorchiree. "Then I'll leave it to you! Ability Activate, Zephyr Dance!" her gemstone shone bright blue and her power level increased to 1400Gs.
Omni Cybertross: 350 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: 800
Scorchiree: 1050 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 1000(+400)= 1400
"Try all you want, no one can strike Phosphos when he-" she was surprised when she saw Radion land a flying kick to thin-air. The invisible figure staggered back and Radion was pummeling Phosphos with numerous strikes with her fists and feet. "You're going down!" she struck the middle head with a kick and the Bakugan was dazed as he tried to get his bearings back. "T-that impossible!" Lena exclaimed.
"Not if you know what to look for!" Akira said. "I've trained Radion in the essentials of battle, and that is not just relying on her eyes."
Radion smiled. "Akira's tricks are awesome, I could totally feel where you were!"
"Radion and I are more than partners!" she exclaimed. "We rely on each other's abilities to come out on top!"
Heros smiled to himself. "Hmm, well done. I was skeptical at first." he got the attention of Akira and Cera. "But now it makes sense that you human children would have ascended to the heights that you did." He started to pace with his walking staff. "Yes… you have definitely reached the heights of Reversion! The bonds you share go far deeper than the typical partnership."
"I don't understand? Why are you complimenting us?"
"When you've lived as long as I have, it is refreshing to see something different for once," he admitted. "It makes me glad I've stayed in the High Council for this long. Because now I get to test my skills against the youth." he put a card into his gauntlet. "Make no mistake, I didn't come here to lose. My objective is as clear as day and that is to make sure that we leave with the proxy! Ability Activate, Faction Assessment!" the ground underneath every Bakugan on the field was illuminating with their attribute colors. "For each different attribute on the field, Mortar's power increases by 200," he said in a brief explanation.
Omni Cybertross: 350 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: 800(+200x5)= 1800
Scorchiree: 1050 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 1400
Radion flew up. "It'll take more than a power-up to scare us, show 'em Akira!"
Akira held a card as Radion flew close to Mortar. "Ability Activate, Needle Fury!" Radion had purple needles appear in between her fingers and she tossed them to Mortar. They impaled themselves into his legs and arms. The large land-mass Bakugan felt weakened and saw his power level instantly halve.
Omni Cybertross: 350 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: (1800/2)= 900
Scorchiree: 1050 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 1400
"Enough of this!" Lena exclaimed. "Ability Activate, Gorgon Viper!" Phosphos's ball form transformed as it appeared that more heads opened up. Phosphos had four additional head appearing to stretch from the back of his body. The four heads fired aqua blue beams to Radion. Which brought her power level down by 500Gs, putting her down to 900.
"Ability Activate! Angelic Enforcement!" As the beams closed in, Radion had made a bright green energy sphere cover her entire body. The beams from Phosphos were being blocked and she was only just being pushed back. 300Gs was added to Radion's power level.
Phosphos: 1200 / Radion: 900(+300)= 1200
"We're tied?" Lena asked.
Daro put two cards into his gauntlet. "I am getting so sick of this! Double Ability Activate, Aquos Exoproof mode, plus Liquid Cooling!" Cybertross shifted to his Aquos attribute, where there was an aquatic sheen covered his body. Not only that, but Liquid Cooling had allowed cold water to pass through his systems to cool them down, essentially healing him from the inside.
Omni Cybertross: 350(+200 +400)= 950 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: 900
Scorchiree: 1050 / Lunaris: 450 / Radion: 1200
Cera started to look concerned. "This isn't good, they are running us dry of our abilities."
"So we should try and finish this then? Reversion?"
Cera eyed Heros suspiciously. "Out of those three, I fear the old man the worst." he had a confident smile on his face when he noticed them looking in his direction. "If we aren't careful, this could end very badly."
"Any ideas?" Zavanna asked.
"We need to take one of them out fast! Bring the odds into our favor. We need to go for the old man. Once he is taken out we'll work from there!"
Daro raised a gauntlet. "Old man, Gundalian, now is your change for a big blow," he said as he put a card in his gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Steam Cloak!" After activating the Aquos ability, an explosive burst of steam was seen exploding out from Cybertross's ports and the steam had quickly covered the entire field, blinding all Bakugan. 250Gs had dropped from the Neo Brawlers' Bakugan.
Omni Cybertross: 950 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: 900
Scorchiree: 1050(-250)= 800 / Lunaris: 450(-250)= 200 / Radion: 1200(-250)= 950
Cera lifted up a card. "Lunaris is in trouble!" though as she raised her card, the ability failed to activate.
"As long as the steam is up, you will be prevented from activating any abilities." Daro briefly mentioned.
Akira knew this would be bad news. "Radion keep focused!" through the steam she saw Phosphos jumping her.
"GAH!"
Lena already placed her card in her gauntlet. "Too late, Ability Activate, Tri Viper!" Phosphos arched back his three heads and fired blue poison beams from his three heads. Radion was hit and she was floored pretty quickly.
"OW!" Radion exclaimed while a purplish-blue aura covered her body.
"Once you are hit by Tri-Viper, it prevents the activation of all of your abilities!" Akira bit her lip as she also saw Radion's power level drop down by 300, putting her at 650Gs.
Mortar took a heavy step as the steam still covered the field. "You shall not get in our way, any longer! Ability Activate, Meltdown Cannon!" Mortar opened his large, wide mouth and he fired an all-consuming beam of magma through the stem cloud.
The magma beam was sped through Scorchiree and he roared as the lava was seemingly even too hot for the Pyrus Bakugan.
Omni Cybertross: 950 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: 900(+500)= 1400
Scorchiree: 800(-500)= 300 / Lunaris: 200 / Radion: 650
"Oh no, poor Scorchiree."
'If regular abilities can't stop the steam…' Cera clicked to herself in frustration. "I changed my mind, cover me!" she raised a Reversion ability card. "Let's turn back the clock, Lunaris! Reversion Ability Activate, Moon Reversal."
Lunaris shot up into the sky and her wings extended. A pulse shot out from her and the entire area had turned negative in contrast. Soon, time had rewound right back to before the steam cloud was activated.
Along with this, all the Bakugan were brought to their base levels.
Omni Cybertross: 1050 / Phosphos: 900 / Mortar: 900
Scorchiree: 750 / Lunaris: 750 / Radion: 700
Heros took a deep breath. "So that is what her Reversion Ability does," he said, seemingly unaffected by the effects of Moon Reversal.
Daro had two cards in his gauntlet. "I've got something for your little Reversion! Double Ability Activate, Haos Sabotage Mode plus Reversion Nullum!" Cybertross armor turned silver and yellow and there were glowing, yellow circuit lines on his armor. Soon after he let out a roar that sent clear shockwaves all over the field. Soon Lunaris had let out a pained scream as she held her head.
Cera looked up in concern. "Lunaris, what's - AAAH!" Cera held her head as she looked to be feeling the same pain as her partner.
"Cera!?" Akira and Zavanna exclaimed.
But they were shocked to see that their power-levels weren't at their base levels anymore.
Omni Cybertross: 950 / Phosphos: 1200 / Mortar: 1400
Scorchiree: 300 / Lunaris: 200 / Radion: 650
"Reversion Nullum has the ability to nullify your pathetic Reversion Abilities!"
Lunaris was covered in bright yellow arcs of electricity. "Cera… forgive me!" she was covered in a blast of dark purple light as she retreated to her ball form and rolled alongside Cera. Lowering her life gauge down to 25%.
"You were saying about me being the imperfect battler?" he asked as the steam cloud had returned.
Cera only glared angrily at him. "You will have to go on without me for this round! Don't lose to them!"
Akira nodded while Zavanna had a serious look, but her bravado was slowly leaving her as it was dawning on her as to how difficult this battle was becoming.
Within the badlands, Andreas, Lola, Rogue, Isolde, and Dwayne were behind a large boulder. Vesta and Tammy were behind another one. They all could see wild Bakugan with glowing red accents and dark auras pulsing off of them.
"Those are the results of Bakugan that have been tested with Experiment K, and other Catalysts. They have rejected the processes and have become feral and attack anything dey see." Isolde said.
"So there is no reasoning with them?" Andreas asked. Isolde shook his head. "Then we enrage them, get them to stampede into the facility. Can that high pitched soundwave effect them?"
"I don't know, one of us will need to get close and test it."
"Give me the gauntlet," Andreas said.
"Man, you really do have a death with don't you?" Lola sarcastically asked. "Constantly throwing yourself into danger like that."
Tammy ran over to their side. "B-but it's dangerous!" she exclaimed.
"What we are trying to do is dangerous. I did warn you back at the prison." he placed the gauntlet on his wrist.
Rogue looked ahead. "In case this does work and they chase you, at least take Cheetra. That way she can help you outrun them." After Rogue turned to Lola, she then looked up at her partner who sat a distance from them. Andreas looked to have heavily considered Lola's suggestion.
Andreas sat up and Rogue got up with him. "Heh, you know I'm not letting you do this alone."
"Tch, do what you want. C'mon, were burning daylight." he felt Tammy grabbing his shoulder.
"Please, be careful. Everyone looks up to you, you know. If anything happens to you, no one would know where to turn next."
A sigh exited his lips. "I'll try not to die."
After they left the group, they were heading to the waiting Cheetra. Rogue gently jabbed his ribs. "Looks like you've got an admirer, huh?"
Andreas shook his head. "I'm not looking for an 'admirer', right now. Besides, I'm not sure I can think about that stuff until we somehow get out of this alive."
"Give it a think, you appear to have left a good impression on her."
"I thought about it… the answer is no."
"You are too cold," he said while shaking his head.
Andreas looked up at Cheetra. "I need to try something, we need to get closer to the Rouge Bakugan, don't worry. We're not going to fight them."
She let her neck down and allowed Andreas and Rouge to climb onto her. "We better not, those Bakugan look very sick." she walked closer to the Rouge Bakugan which were just aimlessly roaming. They looked to be ignoring them for the time being.
Andreas held up Isolde's gauntlet. "This better do something," he activated the sonic screech, and soon after, Cheetra roared in pain as her ears had registered a very high pitched scream. But to the Rouge Bakugan, this was sheer torture. Because their senses were enhanced due to their experimentation, they turned to Cheetra while they all growled/roared at her. The high-pitched soundwaves stopped and Andreas and Rouge watched them close in towards them as if they were hunting prey.
"Looks like we got their attention!" Rouge said in fear.
"Then let's see how mad they are?" Andreas added while Cheetra's muscles tensed up as she prepared to run as far as she could. A large Scorpion Bakugan with one large mechanical claw had leaped towards them.
"GO! GO! GO!" Andreas exclaimed. Cheetra finally complied and she sprinted, leaving dust behind her. To her chagrin, they began chasing her.
"Do you have a plan for this!?" Cheetra asked.
Andreas looked serious as he looked back. "They are mad for sure… and I've got a plan already. He tossed his Sentinel Gleamroller behind him as well as his Assault Gear.
When he landed behind them and saw the incoming Rouge Bakugan, he attacked, using his bulky arms, sending the scorpion Bakugan flying back. The other Rouge Bakugan watched as Gleamroller aimed his arms forward and the laser turrets were charging up with yellow energy orbs. Three Rouge Bakugan had moved back cautiously, and their numbers weren't high enough for them to attempt to risk pouncing Gleamroller.
With this, they slowly moved back further and further before turning around to fully retreat. Gleamroller deactivated his laser turret and Cheetra walked beside him. "Well, are we done here?" Cheetra asked.
"Yeah, we are," Andreas answered. "And I think I've got another idea. I think we're almost ready to execute this plan."
"Are you sure?" Rouge asked.
"Well, are we really ever sure about anything? But this result went better than expected." he eyed the facility that stood in the distance. "Come on, let's head back to the others."
Bones and Shino were trying to lead as many people to the beach as possible. The people couldn't stay in the city with how much damage was being done, there were even crying children as their homes were being destroyed and there was nothing they could do.
The old panther could only helplessly watch as the Bakugan towered high over the city. Fighting to survive, but laying waste to the city in the process. 'This is my fault…'
The battle continued as Lena started typing on her gauntlet. "Time for me to strike a blow." she pressed the final button.
'Ready: Terrorcrest' The battle gear had built itself over bright blue light. She snatched it from the light and prepared to throw it in.
"Your demise starts now! Battle Gear Boost!" she tossed it in and the gear had fallen onto the back of Phosphos' ball form. It opened and there were large claws that covered his hands as well as a large pack on his back.
The steam started to clear and when the battlefield could be fully seen, the three could see Phosphos equipped with Terracrest glaring at them.
Omni Cybertross: 950 / Phosphos: 1200(+100)= 1300/ Mortar: 1400
Scorchiree: 300 / Radion: 650
"No!" Zavanna exclaimed as her Reversion Ability card was in her gauntlet. "You won't get the chance! Reversion Ability Activate, Agrestal Aura!" Scorchiree covered himself in a pure white outline and sparkles were flying off of him. The sparkles looked like they were being absorbed by Terrorcrest. It performed a great power transfer between Phosphos and Scorchiree, taking 600 from Phosphos while adding 500 to Scorchiree.
Phosphos: 1300(-600)= 700 / Scorchiree: 300(+500)= 800
Lena looked at her gauntlet, with a confused tone. "What is happening?"
"Agrestal Aura shuts down all battle gear and their abilities, meaning you've equipped your Terrorcrest for nothing!" Zavanna exclaimed.
Behind Scorchiree, Radion was still effected by the Tri-Viper as she couldn't stand tall, nor use any abilities.
Heros raised his gauntlet. "This battle has run its course, at least know the fact that you three have gone this far while challenging us, should be commendable."
"Don't patronize us!" Zavanna exclaimed. "We've come too far just to lose here, This isn't just for pride or for following orders, but this it to save my home!" she raised her gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Red Glow!" Scorchiree had a red aura surrounding him as the aura around them became superheated, making only Phosphos step back.
But they noticed Mortar stepping forward. "No heat will ever be strong enough to trouble Mortar. Ability Activate, Core Pulse!" his core was heating up and it exploded outward to fire an intense blast of magma at the two remaining Bakugan, namely Radion.
Omni Cybertross: 950 / Phosphos: 700/ Mortar: 1400
Scorchiree: 800 / Radion: 650(-600)= 50
"Um, Akira!" Radion exclaimed.
Akira held up her Reversion Ability. "Reversion Ability Activate, Tempest Edge!" Radion's wings extended and even became longer. "Your Tri-Viper won't stop this! GO RADION!" she sped forward towards the attack Mortar threw at her. Radion adjusted her position that her left-wing was the first to take the attack. Because they were covered in a green crystalline surface, the magma was absorbed by Radion's wings as she got closer to Mortar.
"Hmm!?" Heros grunted in shock, as he genuinely didn't expect the attack to come back at him in that form. The ability transferred 400 between them, and it also took away 600 from Mortar.
Mortar: 1400(-400 -600)= 400 / Radion: 50(+400)= 450
Radion had slashed right through Mortar who looked injured at there was a large gash across his midsection.
Zavanna had two abilities in her gauntlet. "We're not done yet! Double Ability Activate. Desert Camo, plus Luminous Scales!" Because of Desert Camo, he camouflaged into the background making it hard for anyone to get see him. "Plus Fusion Ability - Luminous Scales!" There were invisible projectiles that were being thrown at Cybertross. Desert Camo added a necessary 300Gs plus an additional 500 thanks to the fusion ability.
Omni Cybertross: 950 / Phosphos: 700/ Mortar: 400
Scorchiree: 800(+300 +500)= 1600 / Radion: 450
Daro smirked. "I will never lose to you again! Ability Activate Subterra Defense Mode!" Cybertross shifted to a silver and orange color. His power increased by 250Gs to put him up to 1200. As the invisible scales pelted his body, he didn't seem to be taking much damage from it. "Subterra Defense Mode not only changes his attribute to Subterra but also halves damage taken from attacks."
"How many tricks does that thing have!?" Akira asked with an annoyed tone.
"Time to finish this! Cybertross, Retaliation Drive!" Cybertross had curled himself before he released an explosive, orange shockwave that was blowing buildings off their supports, smaller buildings were being blown to bits. Zavanna was sent flying back by the sheer force of the attack but she was grabbed by Akira.
Though Akira's pupils shrunk as Radion was screaming while floating in the air. She fell to the ground hard and was twitching her limbs. "I-It looks like it's over… Please… keep going without me…!"
"No, what are you saying!?" Akira exclaimed as she ran forward, she didn't want to believe what was happening. She knew she needed to stay with Radion, no matter what.
Omni Cybertross: 1200(+800)= 2000 / Phosphos: 700/ Mortar: 400
Scorchiree: 1600(-400)= 1200 / Radion: 450(-400)= 50
There were green sparkles leaking off Radion as Akira was reaching her arm out to her. "Be strong… Akira…" Radion shrunk to her ball form but instead of going back to her rightful owner. He went right into the waiting palm of Daro who gave her a sick grin as he tightly held Akira's partner.
"That's one for us…" Daro simply said while Zavanna and Cera were completely shocked, Akira's expression was unreadable, her bangs covered her eyes as she looked to the ground after dropping to her knees.
"This… isn't happening…" Zavanna said as she stepped back.
"Now do you see how powerless you truly are?" Daro said while laughing. "Now you're all alone..."
"give her back…" they saw Akira still on her knees as she muttered those words, her breathing was getting heavy and a tear drop fell to the ground.
"Oh I'm sorry, what was that?" he smugly asked.
"GIVE HER BACK!" Akira, without even thinking leaped off her feet and ran to physically attack Daro. If he wasn't going to give her back, she was going to take her back. But she felt a burning pain in her midsection, and she was greeted with the sight of Daro slashing his gauntlet blade past her midsection. Akira for a split second could see her own blood as red droplets flying in the air and her face of shock registered the twisted grin that Daro had.
There was a thud before Cera and Zavanna instinctively rushed over to her. "AKIRA!"
The cut wasn't that deep, but it sure did cut through the skin easily, the pain was indescribable and she was losing consciousness while tightly gritting her teeth.
"NO!" Cera slid down and held Akira's hand. "Don't pass out on me yet! Please…" she cried. "I can't lose you! I CAN'T!"
Daro smirked. "Well looks like you better get your friend some medical attention, stat." he eyed Radion's closed form. "Not a Bad Bakugan, I wonder how she will fare when we put mechanical parts onto her."
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Cera roared while still tightly holding Akira's hand, tears were being ejected from her eyes.
"Daro…" Heros walked up to him, but the young Fabregan put his hand up. "Now your friend is going to hurt in the morning… but as for this Bakugan. Heh, I'd consider giving her back… for a fair trade." Cera couldn't even try to tell him to shut his mouth as she was focused on watching Akira's breathing. "I'll give your Radion, back. In exchange for Zavanna," he said making both Cera and Zavanna's eyes grow wide.
"DON'T DO IT!" Radion exclaimed. "You can't, we're so close to finishing the ceremony. There has to be another way!"
"Quiet you!" Daro said. "That's not up to you."
Zavanna's hands were clenched and she walked in front of Akira and Cera. Her eyes hidden, her mouth quivered before she spoke. "If...If I agree to come along with you… I want your word that you will give Radion back to Akira."
"Heh, you're not making the-"
"Not your word!" Zavanna hotly said as her eyes were firmly planted on Heros.
Heros stuck his stick on the ground, making an audible wooden clang. "Agreed. Daro, return her Bakugan."
"Tch!" he tossed Radion back to Cera and Akira, still miffed that he wasn't able to finalize the deal without a few more stinging remarks.
There were laser cuffs put on Zavanna as she was being taken by the shoulder to Cybertross who had changed to his Ventus attribute. "Cera…please tell everyone… I'm so sorry," she said with a tear falling down her face as her attempt to look brave in the situation was broken was roughly pushed by Daro.
"Next time we meet, we play for keeps!" he said after they all board Cybertross. He hovered into the air and flew off into the distance, probably to where their warship was waiting. Mortar and Phosphos retreated to their ball forms and into the hands of their partners. As Zavanna was being taken, she only kept her eyes on the floor, unable to even face her friends who in her mind, she had failed. She watched her partner, Scorchiree turn to his ball form and roll to Akira and Cera.
"Cera…" the Darkus battler looked down to see Akira weakly looking up at her. "I'm sorry… I did this-" Akira closed her eyes and entered the realm of sleep which was bad considering her injuries. Cera had no idea what to do, her indifferent attitude was breaking and was showing real emotion. She and Akira had become close friends and seeing her risk her life like that, injure herself like that… she couldn't handle it. She hugged her friend as they both lay down on the ground, Cera sobbed into her chest, unable to hold her tears back any longer.
Her crying attracted the attention of the residents of Utopia City, who in just under two hours, many of them were homeless as many buildings were destroyed by the battle that took place.
A teary-eyed Cera looked at the approaching group, warm tears still continued to run from her eyes. Bones and Shino were on the scene and as soon as Bones saw what happening he growled in anger to himself.
"Get a doctor! NOW!"
