Ren Krawler truly believed it to be a sound plan.
He was given an honor to "recruit" famous Battle Brawlers to their side in order to have an additional advantage over Neathia in the war. After gaining their friendship, he tricked them into believing Neathia was the agressor and immediately signaled Minor Twelve Orders to inflitrate Bakugan Interspace as 'Neathia' agents.
They had a minor hiccup in form of Princess Fabia, but that too was taken care of. So far Gundalians' pretending to be Neathias had a few small-scale skirmishs with the Brawlers coming out on top. It was a true display of power and a proof that they needed them on their side to ensure their victory. Digital Data that was sent to them over a year ago and Fabia's appearance indicate that their enemy is also interested in Battle Brawlers. It would be catastrophic if Neathia ends up getting their hands on powerful Battlers, but so far Ren was able to keep things in check.
It is precisely because of that power, Drago's specifically, that he formulated a plan to get the powerful Bakugan on their side. It was simple; Sid and Zenet will battle Dan and himself in a tag brawl. He will throw the battle early on so that Dan would be forced to battle 2v1.
Some may say it is a flimsy plan due to the fact that Drago's power was more than enough to defeat Rubanoid and Phosphos even after he lost his partner Aqumos in the last battle. However, this time around he will purposely lose at the start of the match, leaving him at a bigger disadvantage. Failure is not an option as they must have that power at all costs.
Not that it would be easy.
He heared stories about the Perfect Dragonoid since he was a child guarding Linehalt. Some doubted such creature truly was real and discarded its existence as mere fable, while others accepted it. It was a big universe after all so you could never truly be certain about what's out there.
Ren sees both points, but slightly leans towards stories about Pyrus Bakugan being exaggerated. While Drago is extremely powerful, surely he cannot be compared to legends of the Ultimate Bakugan using all Attributes and reshaping worlds.
Right?
He was broken from his musing by Zenet speaking.
"So these guys are the mighty Battle Brawlers? They look like a bunch of lightweights to me." She turned to her tag partner, Sid. "Tell me again why are you so afraid of these geeks?"
"Hey!" Dan exclaimed, clearly offended at being underestimated.
"Will you please quit running your mouth?" Sid reprimand her.
"I'm with Sid." Contestir spoke from Zenet's shoulder. "Why are we still talking while we could be battling these fools?"
"Remember who is still in charge here, Contestir." Zenet warned as she was insulted her Bakugan even spoke.
Naturally, Dan didn't like that.
"Are you the ones responsible for Battlers disappearing from here?" Ren asked, keeping up with his act.
They were all in a private arena ready to battle it out with no spectators. All members of Interspace were issued a stern warning to stay away from "Neathia" agents due to their recent activity in kidnapping Battlers from the virtual dimension and making them fight in the war. It is a setback for Ren and the rest, but he still needs to keep up his cover until the time is right.
"Heh. I guess we have a genius here." Sid told him.
"Quiet! I'm done listening to you." Dan yelled with genuine malice.
Ren stared at him for a moment. It still amazed the undercover Gundalian how far they would go for him and his homeland. Marucho called them all a family and the Gundalian was included in it.
That thought stirred something within him, but he pushed it back. This was no time for ridicilous doubts.
"Ready, Drago?" Dan asked his partner.
The afromentioned Bakugan popped out on his Brawler's shoulder.
"You bet."
"So this is the infamous Drago?" Zenet looked unimpressed. "Pyrus Bakugan usually aren't my taste, but I guess I can deal."
"Oh yeah?" Dan gave a knowing smirk. "That's not a problem, then. Just wait and see."
Darkus Brawler quirked an eyebrow at that. Dan was the one who always blew up when him or his Bakugan were verbally challenged, evident by two earlier instances. For him to give a cryptic answer like that is a tad uncharacteristic.
Or perhaps he has something in store for them, something Ren doesn't know about. A troublesome possibility.
Either way, he can't leave it up to chance. His resolve to throw the match as soon as possible got firmer.
"Can't wait to see that. Also, since you are trying to kick us out, how about we eventually leave with a party gift?"
"What?" Dan stared at Sid, the blond man offering a challenging grin.
"Meaning we're taking your precious Bakugan."
Human's brown eyes blinked a few times before they adopted a malevolent glint.
"You have got to be kidding me." Earth's number one Brawler had it with everyone trying to take Drago away. It happened once a year ago with Spectra and he doesn't want a repeat of that. Make no mistakes, he is confident in his abilities, but he still doesn't wish to make unecessary risks.
However, things are not the same as they used to be. Dan improved as a Brawler since then. Drago too became much stronger with two new evolutions. He surpassed Perfect Core and gained Attribute Energies. Despite lower G power than when he was the Perfect Dragonoid, he is more powerful now than ever.
His Guardian Bakugan offered his two cents on the subject.
"Dan, this is a chance. If we use Vestal ante rule, we might be able to liberate their Bakugans." Drago reasoned.
"Liberate?" Rubanoid floated up. His tone was discordant. "You are mistaken Salamander. We aren't slaves to our Battlers. We have our free will."
Dan snorted which caused everyone to turn in his general direction. Red clad youth pointed towards Zenet, who tilted her head in interest.
"Hard to believe that when Harley Quinn over there got bitchy just because her partner spoke."
Leader of Battle Brawlers didn't hide his disgust with her.
"Besides you getting kicked out is more than warranted so you don't get to demand anything in return. You're alien invaders that inflitrated Interspace, kidnapped kids from it and forced them to battle in your senseless war. If you wish to take Drago away, stake your own Bakugan as well. Or are you too insecure in your battling abilities despite you tough talk?"
"Fine then." Sid gritted out. He hoped to get a win-win situation, but it seems this human isn't that naive.
Who would've thought?
"Oh, I'll love thrashing you around." Female Gundalian said with an unpleasant laugh.
"By liberating you, we can show you other way. I fought you once Rubanoid." Helix Dragonoid began. "When you live your life consumed by horrors of war, you lose yourself within it. The way of your battling is telling. It's etched with do or die mentality that your upringing brought upon you."
His words, coated in demanding presence and wisdom held onto attention of everyone there. Ren's eyes took a solemn gleam to them.
Salamander pressed on, unrelenting in his convictions.
"Even if you win this war, then what? Will you and the rest of Bakugan and Battlers in Neathia continue fighting, conquering other planets in name of your homeland?"
"This is war to end them all." Rubanoid countered without missing a beat. "There will be no fighting after we conquer Gundalia. Our land will thrive."
Sacred Orb will ensure that. Emperor Barodius and Dharak will gain unlimitless power, so even if they fancy the idea of attacking other planets, their power will be unmatched. Army will be unecessary.
"There are no wars to end them all. Nobody profits from it in the long run." Image of Naga, Vexos, Helios and Zenoheld came to his mind. Destruction spread by their actions is a testament of Dragonoid's words and conviction that shaped him in the recent years.
"There is only tendency to act on one's selfish desire to conquer or selfless will to defend the weak." He turned to his partner, who gave a smile in response. "Let's do this, Dan!"
"Right." Brown haired youth typed on his BakuMeter to set the 500 G rule they had during their battles with the Vexos. "Let's kick their butts, Ren!"
"R-right." He answered, shaken by Drago's previous words. They all went to their respective side of the arena.
"Bakugan Field Open!" AI announced as white glow spread throughout the field.
"Ladies first! Gate Card set!" Haos Battler threw her card. After it spread on the battlefield, her Bakugan followed. "Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand! Come on out Haos Contestir."
Mechanical-esque being rose, its armor consisted of yellow, blue and white colors. It had a helmet that was shaped in a manner resembling a triangle. A pair of red eyes stared at the opposing Brawlers, challenging glint within them.
It was a sentiment that was shared by Battle Brawlers leader.
"Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!" Dan went second and threw in his trusted partner. "Come on, Pyrus Helix Dragonoid!"
Humanoid red dragon stood tall on his legs as large pair of wings similar to Appolonir's extended. His three horns shone in the light of the stadium. Scales of red and yellow adorned his abdomen and in the centre of his chest was his link to essence of New Vestroia - Perfect Core diamond.
Sid threw his partner with immense force and spoke:
"Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!" He popped opened and glew in transparent red. The Bakugan that emerged was a dragon-like, far more than Drago's latest evolution. He had large wings that looked to be made out of rubies and triangular head with green eyes.
"Go, Pyrus Rubanoid."
"Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand! Let's go, Darkus Linehalt!"
With a small dark vortex, Ren's Bakugan transformed and flew into the sky. It looked like a mixture of demon and a knight, latter proven by heavy black armor with occasional green and red. Former was evident by several curly yellow horns coming out his his helmet-like head.
Bakugans from both sides had 900 G's each. However, that was about to change.
"Ability activate! Bleach Out!" A shiny yellow orb appeared on Contestir's hand and it soon began expanding across the entire field at a rapid rate.
"We can't let it reach us." Drago thought, feeling that the attack may be a game changer if it connects.
Fortunately, his partner shared the sentiment.
"Ability activate! Dragon Hummer!" Shining with crimson aura, Drago blitzed forward and cut throught the yellow orb, nullifying the ability. A kick connected to Haos Bakugan's chest and send it on the ground with a grunt of pain.
"Not many would act so brashly." Zenet clicked her tongue. Her statement might've been phrased as an insult, but it was anything but. Bleach Out prevents any abilities opponent may use if it connects. It's admirable that the human reacted to quickly.
"Cry later, Zenet. Ability activate, Mirrage Field!" Sid declared as crimson dome made of ruby surrounded Linehalt. He decided to go for him since Drago evidently had a counter necessary for his ability.
And when Barodious' loyal little pet is out, it would be that much easier to defeat the Dragonoid.
His tag partner decided to help out.
"Ability activate! Shiny Monk!"
Linehalt: 900--500 G's
Darkus Bakugan was hit with a stream of golden energy that was reflected from the dome and he soon reverted to ball form.
Life Gauge: 10%
"Dammit!" Ren cursed, but he was estatic on the inside. All is going according to plan.
"You'll pay for that! Ability activate! Galactic Dragon!" Dan's card glew red and a ball of fire was shot from Drago's mouth towards Contestir.
Drago: 900--1400
"Heh... It would take more than that." Sid activated his own card. Rubanoid gained an extra layer of armor and intercepted the fire attack. "Go Crimson Defense. You ability is negated."
"Just great..." Dan said through gritted teeth as Drago's power reduced to his base.
"Time to end this. Gate card open! Ansamon Judgement." Explosion of bright light erupted that blinded the opposing team.
Zenet let out a laugh at their expressions of concern and confusion.
"This Command Card is a tricky one. The Bakugan with a different Attribute than the owner of this card automatically has their power reduced to 0. Tough break for your Pyrus Bakugan."
Her laugh ceased when their opponent's panicked visage melted into a confident one .
"Who says that Drago is only a Pyrus Bakugan?"
The girl of the battle was taken aback by a smirk the human was giving her and sheer conviction behind his voice.
"What are you saying?" Sid asked, feeling of uneasiness blooming within him. He could tell that this wasn't a bluff. The situation for the human is a grim one, so he wouldn't throw in empty remarks.
"Dude, even if by some miracle your Bakugan can change Attributes, it won't be able to do so in time to counter the activation of my Command... Card?"
She trailed off, eyes bludged as she saw Helix Dragonoid being completely immune to her Gate Card. His power level was still at 900.
"How?" Ren stared in shock before he recalled thoughts he had before the battle.
Could the stories be true after all?
"You did say that Pyrus Bakugan aren't exactly your thing, so you lucked out." Dan shrugged, a grin adorning his features. He took a card that glowed in green, color of Ventus Attribute. "Ability activate! Raging Maelstrom!"
Helix Dragonoid roared as his entire body, wings specifically, got covered in swirling green aura that generated strong winds. The force behind them was so powerful that it pushed back Gundalian's Bakugan that were a considerable distance away.
He lunged forward towards his opponents, the winds sending them flying into the air before they crashed to the ground mercilessly.
Rubanoid: 900--500
Contestir: 900--500
Drago: 900--1300
"To think that he can use other Attributes as well..." Sid was shocked to say the least. He knew that Drago was powerful, but this...
This can be a complete catastrophe.
"Quit daydreaming!" His partner yelled as she typed her commands in the BakuMeter. It was an action Pyrus Brawler decided to indulge in as well.
They need to go all out for this to work.
"Battle Gear Boost!" The Gundalians' declared in unision as their respective Gears equipped to their Bakugan.
Rubanoid's Gear seemed like an extension of himself with several smaller heads emerging from his back.
Contestir's Gear was cone shaped, but it soon opened to reveal its true form that had four deadly point resembling wings.
Rubanoid: 500--600
Contestir: 500--600
"But before that - Ability activate! Red Deeper!" Crimson energy enveloped Drago and it subtracted his power.
Drago: 1300--900
"Battle Gear Ability activate! Destrakon Gear Waveform." Each head from Rubanoid's mechanical upgrade unleashed lasers of various shapes that were aimed at Dragonoid.
Rubanoid: 600--1000
Drago ducked and waved from the attack, but the Gundalian was persistent in his objective.
"Dan!"
"You got it, buddy." The human responded as he got his Battle Gear ready.
"Oh no you don't. Battle Gear ability activate!Spartablaster Sunbeam!" The four wings unleashed a giant flash of light that blinded the Bakugan and his Brawler.
Drago: 900--500
"What!?" Through squinted eyes Dan saw that his Battle Gear disappeared.
"You don't get to use your toy." Zenet laughed. "My ability prevented usage of your Battle Gear."
"Come on..." Ren was impatient already. He just wanted this to be over.
Destrakon Gear wrapped itself around Drago and imobolized him, causing the Dragonoid to scream. It squeezed him hard in order to prevent any movement Salamander could've done. At the same time the light from Spartablaster grew with intent to finally snuff out the resistance.
"Ability activate!" Zenet took out final one with the light becoming even more brighter. "Advance Rapier!"
Contestir: 600--1000 G
Dan's brown eyes focused on BakuMeter, realizing thaz with both of them at 1000 G's, it will be matter of time before Drago is defeated and even worse, taken. The difference in power levels in 500 and that will spell doom for his friend.
"Dan..." Drago called out calmer that the current state of affair would allow him to.
Dan smirked, something that Ren deemed to be really troublesome at this point in time.
"Time to show these chumps how we really roll." Pyrus Brawler took on a card that was decorated in vibrant diamond lining.
The card was turned towards Ren and he could clearly see that the corner of the card that was supposed to represent Attribute of the Bakugan was a colorful orb.
That was odd...
"Ability activate! Perfect Cell!" Dan declared, holding up the card as a Yu-Gi-Oh protagonist. It glew in bright colors and soon Drago's chest diamond followed.
Diamond unleashed bright beams that struck Destrakon Gear that was restraining savior of Vestroia and swallowed the light from Contestir's ability.
Everyone watched in muted shock as the Dragonoid howled, colorful aura enveloping his very being. Diamond glew even brighter to the point that it was hard to look at.
"Perfect Cell is an ability that taps into Perfect Core's power." Dan took this moment to explain the final ability of the Brawl. They're done.
"It reduces power level of every opponent's Bakugan and Battle Gear by 600 and adds 600 to Drago. The best part? No abilities can be activated once Perfect Cell is in play."
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Sid screamed, unable to believe what he heared.
"But that means...!" Zenet's usually chiper voice was filled with dread.
"That's incredibly powerful!" Even Ren couldn't be composed upon witnessing such tremendous energy.
Rubanoid: 1000--0
Contestir: 1000--0
Drago: 500--1100
"It's Drago." Dan shrugged as that was the answer to justify their remarks.
To many people that understand what Drago went through in recent years, it would be enough.
Perfect Core according to Naga was said to be able to have power to rule the universe. During their fights with Vexos, Drago's body was weaker than when he was Perfect Dragonoid. While he could use great chunk of Perfect Core abilities, he couldn't utilize other Attributes and his G power was reduced to his base form resembling the one when he first arrived on Earth.
That too was overcomed when he finally absorbed Attribute Energies of the Six Ancient Warriors which culminated into strongest evolution that became Helix Dragonoid. There is no way some random Bakugan would be even a threat to him.
Not that Drago would flaunt his powers in an arrogant fashion and look down on anyone for their inferior strenght. He is too noble and humble for such crude behaviour. It really speaks volumes of strenght of character that Drago has since even after he acquired so much power, he still retains his demureness
Dan, however, is a completely different story.
"Hahaha!" Number 1 Brawler laughed earnestly, attracting bemused looks from Ren, Sid and Zenet, while Drago only sighed in a frustrated manner.
"He's at it again..." Drago muttered. This was third time this week.
Dan can really go overboard in some battles and play a role of typical anime villain. It was endearing at first, but it got old really fast.
"Feel the wrath of God, you pathetic creatures!" Drago's Perfect Core energy struck both opposing Bakugans and caused them to return to sphere form and come back to Dan's hand.
Per ante rule that they agreed on, once the difference between power levels exceeds 500, the opposing Bakugan is taken.
"Rubanoid..."
"Tch..."
Sid and Zenet couldn't believe what just transpired and the energy that the Dragonoid possesed, especially the last one. The tales were true after all.
"Well that settles it..." Ren thought with no delusions about it. Hard to be confident when enemy you're trying to defeat is a universal, reality warping God.
"We're fucked."
And that's Chapter 2. Drago didn't exactly one-shot them, but he also didn't struggle at all because everyone compared to Drago is fodder.
#Dragosupremacy
Why did I choose this battle? Well, I remember this particular battle grating my nerves when I watched it as a kid all those years ago. Even as a child I knew something was off when Drago after his countless evolutions still gets his ass whooped by some random Bakugan.
Also, it always rubbed me the wrong way that he never utilized different Attributes even if he literally absorbed all six Attributes to evolve into Helix Dragonoid. I gave him a Perfect Core ability as well. It doesn't make sense that he never used them when he was fighting for his life. Why not go all out?
Am I really trying to make sense of power levels from an anime that was created specifically to sell toys? Yes. Do I care? No, not really.
As some guest reviewer pointed out - Drago would always be humble even if he is a God. However, Dan wouldn't be so reserved. I guarantee that he would purposely flex on everyone just because he could.
Original Ability Cards:
Raging Maelstrom (Ventus): Subtract 400 G's from your every opponent and add 400 to your own Bakugan.
Perfect Cell (Perfect Core): Reduces each Bakugan and Battle Gear's power by 600 and gives 600 to Drago as well as preventing the opponents from activating any ability.
Be safe! See ya next time!