Bakugan Battle Brawlers: Invasion Core

by Switch - On - 97

Two years after Dan and the brawlers saved Bakugan City from Mechtavius Destroyer a lot has changed. New battlers have appeared on the scene and will discover what it is like to brawl. Watch as the Neo Brawlers will team up, and fight with and against the newest generation of battlers, and a against a race of aliens that seek to invade Earth and all other Dimensions.

59. Falling World

The Bakugan Battle Brawlers in:
Falling World

The alarms were blaring outside of Eden City and Raptorexx was sprinting on the very shallow water. "Faster, Raptorexx! We just need to get far enough from the city so Yurina's forces will stop chasing us!" As Raptorexx sprinted a large figure leaped up and over them to land in front of the pair. "Huh?" The figure made a large splash and it made water rain down all over them. The figures revealed themselves to be Marvellion and Liz, the Alursian was standing on the shoulder of her partner. "Ah… I remember you!" Leiya exclaimed.

"And you're the snake who made fun of me when we battled the other day!" Liz spat. "And now our new Leader wants to put all you high-class Fabregans in cages… too bad she missed one."

"Oh, not without trying," Leiya said. "That fox wanted to have me and my colleague hunted down, I have to escape from Valhalla City… my parents were apprehended like criminals, I may never return home or see them again."

Liz didn't appear to show any sympathy. "Well boohoo for you! Alursia is unlivable thanks to your king… and if you're going to cry about your parents… mine were taken away from me. Used as test subjects for your sick experiments! So if I'm being frank, I don't give a damn about what happens to you or your family!" she raised her arm and her tear-drop Reversion Symbol could be seen.

Leiya remained on top of Raptorexx. "Dwelling on the past isn't my goal right now. The Royal Fabregan Guard is tainted, the High Council, corrupted. So I'm going to find a tribe in the wilds to live with."

Liz glared at her. "As if I'll let you get that far!"

"You can't be serious… you want to fight? Like right now? Look I don't have time for your little revenge trip! I've got to find safety out there before the storm hits."

"Safety… oh please. You weren't going to be safe the moment I laid eyes on you! Now I'm just going to hurt you!"

The red lightning danced in the sky around them. "Liz… perhaps this isn't the best time," Marvellion said. "Look at the sky! I've never seen a storm like this before."

Liz shook her head. "Look I'm not afraid of a little rain. My species can survive underwater remember?" More thunder roared around them and one hot streak of hot lightning struck the road to their side.

"Yeah… that's not water… and the clouds are getting darker, but a drop of rain hasn't even fallen. And the air isn't even humid like it should be, it feels like a dust storm if anything."

"I agree with your Bakugan, this storm seems different…" Leiya noted.

"I didn't come to speak about the weather. I'm going to put you down right here!"

Leiya equipped her gauntlet. "You're leaving me with no choice…"

"Just shut up and fight!" Liz exclaimed.

Marvellion looked down at the water she stood in. "Oh, Liz…"

Liz held up her arm and her tear-drop symbol shone blue while Leiya held up her gauntlet and it shone bright purple. Liz pointed forward. "C'mon Marvellion!"

Raptorexx: 850 / Marvellion: 750

Leiya thought about her situation. "This girl won't let me go without a fight…" she tapped Raptorexx. "Prepare for battle, Raptorexx!" his eyes shone as Leiya leaped to the ground and she placed a card into her gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Nebula Shift!" a nebulous orb was floating above his head and he started sprinting to Marvellion. His power level rose by 450 and Marvellion's dropped by the same amount.

Raptorexx: 850(+450)= 1300 / Marvellion: 750(-450)= 300

Liz watched Raptorexx speeding to them, she had a card in her hand. "You're gonna pay you Fabregan trash! Ability Activate, Vengeance Scale!" Marvellion held her ground as a blue outline covered her body. She braced herself as she took the energy headbutt and she flew back and rolled on the ground as thunder roared behind them.

Marvellion slowly got up and she held her arm in pain. "Ow… that hurt Liz…" the energy was still pulsing off her.

"Don't worry about it, we can still do this!" Marvellion shook her head and stretched her arms forward. The pulsing outlines turned white and they turned to energy scales that surrounded her body.

Leiya wasn't sure what was going on and watched Marvellion fire the scales to Raptorexx. She was shocked as she watched the power level exchange between the two Bakugan.

Raptorexx: 1300(-450x2)= 400 / Marvellion: 300(+450x2)= 1200

The scales were speeding to Raptorexx and they ripped through him, making electric sparks through his armor. He dropped down to a knee and screeched in pain.

She growled. "This is crazy! There is no point to this!" Leiya held her gauntlet up. "What did I ever do to you?!"

"You've said hurtful things to me, and your entire race has ruined my life! I'm not going to stop until I defeat all of you and topple your entire empire! And I'll help High Leader Yukiko achieve her goals."

Leiya shook her head. "I can't even begin to tell you how I am not going to let that happen. That fox is sinister!" she added two abilities to her gauntlet. "Double Ability Activate, Stalker Shift-" Raptorexx shot forward off his legs and he disappeared into thin air. As he did, his power level rose by 200 to put him at 600Gs. Marvellion was rapidly turning from side to side, trying to find him.

"Um... Liz!?"

Liz looked around too and she couldn't see Raptorexx at all. "Stop hiding already and show your Bakugan!"

"Fine… if you insist, plus Galactic Discharge!" high above Marvellion, Raptorexx appeared in a flash of lightning and was falling down towards her. He had purple electricity surrounding his legs and he clawed through Marvellion as he slashed through her, when his talons slammed into the ground, they released a hemispheric pulse that spread out wide. Marvellion was caught and was sent to the ground hard.

Raptorexx: 600 / Marvellion: 1200(-600)= 600

"Marvellion!" Liz exclaimed. She could see that Marvellion was paralyzed by the purple electricity and she was struggling to move.

Leiya turned around to face away from Liz. "I have no time to fight you, take your Bakugan and get yourself to safety."

"HEY! This fight isn't over!" Liz exclaimed, but as she held a card, she noticed it didn't activate.

"Galactic Discharge is an ability that paralyzes the opponent and keeps them down for the count for a bit. I need to find a tribe in the wilds to seek shelter, you head to the city and heed their warnings."

"And why should I listen to you!?" Liz snapped. "No… I won't stop, not until I put down every single one of you! Every. Last. One! You people turned my parents into monsters, gave them a fate worse than death! I will avenge them!"

They both could see in the distance that a sandstorm in the form of a giant sand cloud was coming in their direction. There was red thunder raging inside it. "That's a sandstorm, if we get caught in that, we might not survive!"

"I can survive just fine! Whether you survive or not, it not a concern of mine!" she had a blue Bakugan trap in the shape of a crystal rhombus. "Let's go, Bakugan Trap! Dragpuff!" she tossed her Bakugan Trap up into the air. It opened up and it opened into a small dragon head with four wings and it had a serpentine body. When she opened up in the air, her serpentine body was pale blue with scales on her back she had four small dragon wings that were flapping constantly as she hovered in the air. She had black beady eyes with purple accents.

"REEEE!" the little dragon cried.

Raptorexx: 600 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 600(+300)= 900

She had a card out in her hand. "Ability Activate, Healing Bubbles!" the dragon opened her maw and she shot out a flurry of bubbles that were surrounding the downed Marvellion.

"Huh…" she could see that there were bubbles surrounding her body and after that, she stood up. "YES! I feel great, thanks Puff-Puff!" the dragon flipped in the air in jubilation. Their combined power rose up by 300 putting her at 1200Gs.

Leiya slotted two more cards into her gauntlet. "Seriously, we don't have time for this!"

"Then, by all means, try to run away. I'll take you down regardless."

"I'm sorry about what my people did to you and your family, but raging like a savage isn't going to bring them back!"

Liz clenched her fist. "Oh no! You are not going to lecture me, Miss Ivory Tower! We've suffered for so long, lost our entire planet because of your bloody King. Unfortunately, many Alursians have taken to just accept the way things are. But not me, that's why I'm out here to take down every Fabregan I see. Starting with you!"

"So be it…" Leiya said to herself. "Double Ability Activate, Cyclo Kick plus Fusion Ability - Deep Space Devastation!"

Raptorexx roared as pink energy was surrounding him and he was sprinting across the shallow water, zig-zagging himself as he got closer to Marvellion and Dragpuff.

Raptorexx: 600(+400)= 1000 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 1200(-550)= 650

Raptorexx got closer and leaped up slightly before screeching angrily at Marvellion.

Liz held up a card. "Oh no, you don't Ability Activate, Serpent Screen!" Marvellion threw her hands in front of her and made a thin, sky blue barrier in front of her, and Raptorexx kicked off of that barrier which rippled, making Marvellion flinch. Her power was brought up by 500, making her new power level 1150.

Liz raised another card. "Make it rain, Dragpuff! Ability Activate, Aquatic Arena!" Dragpuff shot a blue pulse from her mouth that shot into the sky, and when it got high enough, it exploded, releasing a tremendous pulse in the air that made it rain around the area. "Ha! This is an ability that powers up all Aquos Bakugan on the field by 200."

Raptorexx: 1000 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 1150(+200x2)= 1550

Leiya saw the rain and she immediately thought back to the moment where Darius and Spinark had completely destroyed her and Maximus in their battle with him. She remembered vividly how much more ferocious Spinark was when it rained, and she was in a situation where rain was a factor against Aquos Bakugan.

"No! Not again! And not here!" She started typing on her gauntlet, allowing a flat-diamond-shaped, black, silver, and purple object to be built from a purple light the gauntlet produced.

'Ready: Apocalypse!' she snatched the gear from her gauntlet.

"Wait, what do you have there!?" Liz asked.

"Something that can assist me in ending this quickly! Battle Gear Boost!" she tossed the battle gear forward and both Liz and Marvellion gasped. The gear fused with his ball form and what appeared looked to be a second set of raptor wings appeared. They took on a bony appearance despite their mechanical construction. There were bright red, mirrors that took up most of the shape on the wings. The new wings looked to move in perfect sync with his original wings.

His power instantly increased by 100, putting him at 1100Gs.

"Now, try and block this! Ability Activate, Static Dart!" Raptorexx's wings became electrified and he flung his real wings forward, sending electric darts to both Marvellion and Dragpuff.

Raptorexx: 1100(+400)= 1500 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 1550(-600)= 950

The darts were speeding to their targets. Liz quickly pulled out a card to try and counter. "Quick Marvellion, Ability Activate, Watera's Charm!" Marvellion raised both her hands and created a large blue orb of glowing water. It was growing and when the static darts were closing in, she tossed her orb of water at the electric energy darts and as soon as the attacks made contact, there was an explosion of electrified bubbles all over the field.

Raptorexx: 1500(-300)= 1200 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 950(+300)= 1250

Liz held two ability cards in front of her. "We're ending this, Double Ability Activate, Mizu Slicer, plus Fusion Ability - Sky Ascent!"

Marvellion shot herself into the sky and she had a bright green aura surrounding her as she rose up into the sky. She looked down to Raptorexx and she had water leaving her arms and they sharpened into crescent-like blades. She shot down from the sky to Raptorexx.

Raptorexx: 1200(-600 -300)= 300 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 1250(+400)= 1650

"END THIS MARVELLION!" Liz exclaimed as Marvellion was screaming as she soared down to Raptorexx.

Leiya had two cards and threw them into her gauntlet. "I hope Raptorexx can take this!" "Raptorexx, get up there! Double Ability Activate, Dark Matter Wing Slash plus Krypton Killer!" His wings were surrounded by dark energy with white stars in them. He shot up into the sky to meet with Marvellion. His purple accents were turning green and he was aiming to headbutt her.

Raptorexx: 300(+300 +750)= 1350 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 1650(-300)= 1350

Marvellion cross-cut through Raptorexx while the Darkus Bakugan head-butted her and slashed her with his wings afterward.

After their collision, there was a tremendous energy blast wave that nearly blew Liz and Leiya off of their feet. Both Bakugan crashed to the ground, both of them were limp as they could barely move.

Leiya though had quickly placed a card in her gauntlet. "Final push! Battle Gear Ability Activate, Apocalypse Zero!" he slowly got up and the battle gear on his wings was charging with bright red electricity.

Liz gasped and looked at Marvellion. "C'mon you guys! Get up!"

Marvellion was still on her stomach and Dragpuff had hovered in front of Marvellion protectively.

Leiya pointed her arm at the two Bakugan. "FIRE!" The battle gear discharged and fired a pair of dark purple energy beams with a red beam inside of them. The beams crossed and the energy completely engulfed Marvellion and Dragpuff.

"AHHHHHH!" Marvellion and Liz screamed as the light from the beams engulfed them.

Raptorexx: 1350(+500)= 1850 / Marvellion|Dragpuff: 1350

Both Marvellion and Dragpuff were engulfed in blue energies before they shrunk to their smaller forms. Liz's life gauge fell down to 50%. Liz was silent as Raptorexx was helping Leiya onto him.

"That's it! I gave you your battle, now get out of here!"

Liz was clenching her fists and there were tears flowing from her closed eyes. She turned away from everyone. "I lost? No… I...I…"

Her Fabregan opponent saw her shivering body and noticed tears falling down into the shallow water. She could see her partner, Marvellion rolling onto Liz's shoulder. "Liz… it's ok. Let's just get to safety before-" they all heard two claps of thunder crashing onto the ground around them.

As the storm around them was getting worse, they could see two dust devils forming close to them. Leiya's eyes grew wide and she looked at Liz who was looking around with a panicked expression. "Raptorexx! Forward!" he screeched and he slid in front of Liz and Leiya leaped down and landed next to the Alursian. Raptorexx sat and wrapped his wings around the pair of them, protecting them from the raging sands.

However, the storm around them was only going to get worse, as the giant wave of sand engulfed them completely.

---

Meanwhile, within Utopia City, the citizens could see the storm quickly approaching them. There were news broadcasts that made everyone aware of the storm that looked to be occurring worldwide. Along the ocean, there were raging waves, and ships were trying to stay above water.

Within the hospital room, Phoenix was gingerly putting on his clothes as he viewed the news reports while standing up. "Well crap… guess the world really is ending," he muttered.

"P-Phoenix?" he saw Xaramesi looking at him from her bed. "You're back on your feet?"

"Well Everything still hurts, but I'd rather not sit in a hospital bed forever. Plus-" he eyed the storm that was slowly approaching the city. "If you haven't heard, there is a storm all over Fabrega, everyone is urged to evacuate into a city. Unfortunately for this place, Utopia City doesn't have the technology to keep people safe from the elements. The city can't be domed off. So yeah… unless we can stage a mass evacuation… and find a close city… then we're all screwed."

"No… Phoenix, we need to do something!"

Phoenix folded his arms. "Like what? Do you have any idea the number of people we need to move to save everyone? It's impossible, then we've got to consider the people in the wilds too." he let out a sigh when he saw Xaramesi pouting and looking depressed. He took out his gauntlet and he scrolled through his contact list. "If there is one person who can help us…" he tossed the gauntlet to Xaramesi and she caught it. "Talk to Aurea, her contact information is there, if she's willing to listen to us then we have a chance."

"Aurea… she did give back Zavanna's Bakugan. Maybe she can help us out." she pressed the call button and after it dialed for a few moments, there appeared to have someone answer on the other line.

"You have sixty seconds to explain who you are and why you are calling, and I swear to Aeson if this-"

"It's Xaramesi!"

Aurea was quiet for a moment before she spoke. "I suppose you're calling because you've seen the sky too…"

"Phoenix says the world is ending… is that true?"

"Yes… and judging by you calling me, I can assume that Zavanna and her allies have failed to restore the planet considering what is happening at the moment."

"No… they just left to restore Draconoid's power."

Aurea sighed. "Then I suppose all isn't lost. Maybe the planet won't destabilize, but still. The planet's surface won't be safe if this is allowed to continue. I have an emergency evacuation that is already in progress. The large cities are domed off and are ready to launch into orbit when the Earthquakes happen. Ideally, they will launch into orbit and migrate to a new location. Preferably one we have already conquered, like Gundalia or even Neathia. Gundalia has a lot more empty space but…"

"Right… so what about us?" Xaramesi asked.

"At the moment, one of the three arcs is scheduled to pick up the citizens of Utopia City. The arcs will join the cities in orbit. What you can do right now, is round up as many people as you can and get them to Utopia City. From there, the arc will pick everyone up and they will be safe. Is there anyone you know who can get the people together?"

Xaramesi perked up. "Bones… he can help us with this for sure. Don't worry, Aurea! We're on the case!"

"Sure… round up as many people as you can, the arcs aren't making round trips. There isn't time for that. If anyone isn't on it, then they are on their own."

"Got it." the gauntlet hung up and Xaramesi handed it back to Phoenix. "So… I guess we have a plan."

Phoenix leaned on the wall. "It isn't going to work. It's impossible to save everyone, some people are going to get left behind. There is no changing that."

"That doesn't mean we should do nothing!" Xaramesi exclaimed as she sat up in her bed. She held her stomach in pain as it was still recovering.

"Xaramesi! No strenuous movements!" Boreanta reminded.

"R-right…"

They both saw Sakuya walking out of bed towards the hospital door. "And where are you going?" Phoenix asked, eyeing the wolf Alursian.

Sakuya looked nervous before she looked like she was in thought. Soon her eye shape became sharper and frowned as she eyed the two. "Sakuya was going to warn Bones about everything, she planned to get him to meet with you two."

"Why are you referring to yourself in the third person? As you some weirdo or something?"

She folded her arms. "Haha, very funny. I can put you back in the hospital bed if you like."

He looked to Xaramesi and then back to Sakuya. "You know, considering everything Xaramesi said about you. You're a lot more abrasive than I thought."

"That's not Sakuya…" Xaramesi muttered. "She's Reiko… Sakuya's alternate personality." she sadly said.

"Yeah… and Sakuya wants me to help you two," Reiko said and she eyed Xaramesi. "And don't worry. Sakuya made me promise not to touch you and her priorities come first."

"Sakuya…" she eyed Reiko as she sat up slowly this time. "Look, Reiko, I'm sorry… It's because of me that… this happened to you."

"Let's not beat around the bush. Without you, I probably don't exist. We clearly have bigger issues to work out. Like the damn world ending! So we'll find Bones, tell him about the situation and see what he says."

Phoenix nodded. "Then let's find the guy, the sooner the better. Aurea will be sending support soon and we should be ready."

Xaramesi got out of bed and eyed Reiko nervously. "Your constant staring is making Sakuya nervous… knock it off."

"U-um… sorry, I just can't help it. I… think I'm still in love with her…"

"Just be quiet… and listen to me. Ever since I became a thing, Sakuya tries to avoid any stressful situations, like the one she's in right now. Heck, she can't even battle, that's all me. I'm not sure how to get her out of her shell. But maybe you can… If you really care about her, then you'll help her out through this. Get her through the pain you caused… the pain I caused. If you can't help Sakuya through that, then you should just make yourself scarce and give her time."

"B-but I don't want to be a nuisance to her."

Reiko rolled her eyes before folding her arms. "Yeah, great job so far. The only reason I can't give her the wheel now, is because she'll shove it right back to me. She has no idea what to even say to you, she doesn't know whether she should hate you or immediately take you back. She's tried to repress these feelings for years, now that's you've come back. She can't handle it."

Xaramesi leaned on the wall. "So… what should I do?"

"That's up to you. If you want to help her, then I won't stop you… but if you're going to half-ass it. Then you're better off leaving! But hey… I'm just a part of Sakuya willed into existence by past trauma, so what do I know?" she walked past Xaramesi and she followed after her while letting Phoenix lead them.

---

Within the wilds close to Unison City, a battle tank was raging through the drylands to a certain village that Valerie asked them to evacuate. Inside it was Paul, the bulldog Alursian and he was driving the tank. Vesta was in the passenger seat and holding a map of the area. Within the back of the tank sat, Andreas, Isolde, and Tammy.

"Soooo… why didn't we bring Rogue with us?" Tammy asked.

Andreas looked away. "Jaya territory has mostly Fabregan tribes… there aren't many Alursians in this sector of the planet, so bringing a Rhino Alursian to a Fabregan village isn't very smart. You know how our people are."

"I do, unfortunately…" she said with a sigh. However, she perked herself right back and pointed to Isolde and Andreas "But you two are great, though."

Andreas let out a sigh when he looked out of the front window. "Sure… unfortunately, I know where we're heading to. I've been to this village before."

"Whoa… really man?" Isolde asked.

He eyed Isolde curiously. "Huh? I guess I never told you, I suppose we'll learn together. But this Jaya tribe is… well lets say I've met them before."

"Are they nice?" Vesta asked from the front.

Andreas sat back. "I dunno, it's been a while since I've been here." He could see two watchtowers that sat in between a steel gate, with a metal fence. "Stop here." Paul slowed the tank to a stop and Andreas walked over to the front. "Mind staying in the tank? We may need a quick escape to get the heck out of here in case things go wrong."

"You got it, boss! I'll turn this baby around, then we can get out of dodge when you're ready." the bulldog replied.

…

They got out of the tank and walked over to the steel gate, they could hear thunder roaring in the background which made Tammy flatten her ears. The skies were greying around them. Andreas led Vesta, Isolde, and Tammy forward.

As they walked forward, they saw an arrow hit the ground in front of them, making them stop in their tracks. "Don't take another step!" a woman said, she had long dark hair and wore a blue top that only covered her chest and had a single shoulder strap. She had a tight-fitting blue skirt with a short loincloth on the front and back. She had brown eyes with blue eye-rings, she was on top of the west tower and was aiming an arrow at them as she held a bow. "State your purpose!"

Andreas looked up at her with an annoyed expression. "Seriously Sapphire? We have to do this again?"

She pulled back on her bowstring and turned her aim at Andreas. "You know I can put you down right now!"

"Just tell your father I'm here. I'm here on important business, and if you took a look at the sky lately, you know we don't have a lot of time!" the woman clicked her tongue, loosened her pull and she climbed down the ladder on the other side. A few moments later, the large steel gate opened upward, and as soon as the door opened. They could see a large village with huts and some of them had smoke rising from their furnaces.

Andreas looked at his allies. "Well, we got through the first part, stick close and don't say anything! The sooner we get out of here the better."

Isolde looked around. "This place, ain't too far from some family I've got in the wilds around here. Wait, isn't this the village that-"

"Andreas!" he saw a very muscular adult with elven ears, he had short, blackish-grey hair. He was light-skinned and was standing at nearly seven feet tall. His eyes were red and he had blue eye-rings. He was dressed in what looked like torn pants and he was shirtless. There were several scars on his chest. He had a red-feathered necklace on his neck. He had guards with spears and face paint on them. Tammy, Isolde, and Vesta were immediately intimidated by his presence. His eyes fashioned a glare but he immediately picked up Andreas and hugged him. "Haha, how goes it, my boy!?"

The others were shocked as their eyes turned white. Andreas chuckled while he tried to bear the spine-crushing hug. "Hehe, could be better. But listen, sir. There is something important we need to discuss! It's about the freak weather you've been seeing."

"Haha, oh that can wait, my boy. Thanks to you, all Kishus are welcome here. Our tribe unification has been going well, the knowledge that we have gained is groundbreaking!" he was put down and noticed that the man looked at his allies. "Oh, who are they? You brought… an Alursian… and what looks like a human."

"I can explain that later, they are just escorting me here."

"Oh, well any friend of Andreas' is a friend of ours. My name is Shinn Jaya Silver! Chief Shinn to you guys, haha!" he turned around and was heading to the biggest hut in the village. As they left, the young woman, Sapphire was glaring at him.

"Watch yourself, Floure! One mistake, and I'll put an arrow through your chest!" she threatened.

Andreas glared back as she walked behind the village chief. He sighed as Isolde walked up to him. "Bro… what kind of people are ya messing with?"

He sighed. "Honestly, I hoped I would never have to come back here. I feel as if Kishu is just testing me at this point."

Tammy walked up to his side. "Andreas… what's going on? How do you know these people?"

After ignoring Tammy's question, he walked towards the hut in the distance. "The less you know, the better. Now come on, we don't have much time!"

---

As the sun was setting over Neathia, Yurina and Shun were slowly going through the palace while they were nervously being watched by many Castle Knights. Yurina held her sword and confidently looked forward. "Take it all in, Shun. They are scared of us, they know they can't win. It's almost sad honestly. Oh well." Their walk took them through the palace and they got to the doors of the throne room.

The doors opened and inside they saw Fabia sitting there alone in her castle knight uniform. "Queen Fabia, nice to finally meet you." she didn't return Yurina's cheery greeting. "Sheesh, no need for the cold shoulder."

"You've come here to invade my home, I don't see why I should be civil to someone like you!" she gave a glance at Shun but quickly eyed her enemy. She stood up from her throne. "Everything is on the line here! If I can't beat you, Neathia falls." then Aranaut stood up on Fabia's shoulder.

"You will pay for everything that you have done here today!"

"Technically I haven't done everything yet," Yurina said. "Except maybe take down a few Haos Bakugan. Which on that note, you really gotta work on attribute variety."

Shun stepped forward. "Just stand down, you can't win. It's two on one."

"I disagree!" a deep voice said. Coming in from another entrance to the throne room was Spectra, the eye on his mask was glowing. His Bakugan, Infinity Helios stood on Spectra's shoulder. "I am going to have fun crushing your bones to dust!" the Bakugan said.

Kyubis eyes him. "That's big talk, I look forward to seeing how poorly you back that up!"

Spectra placed his gauntlet on his arm. "This is our last stand, and taking you down will be a tremendous dent to the Fabregan threat."

Yurina smirked. "Hah, you don't even know the half of it! You're speaking to the new High Leader of Fabrega! I took down the old King just the other day, just like I'll take you down today!"

"Enough talk!" Helios exclaimed. "I've been waiting for a strong challenger, lets see how high you measure up, fox!"

Kyubis growled as Shun equipped his gauntlet, Yurina's fox's symbol shone. "Ideally it would be one on one, but this works too. Come at me!" Yurina exclaimed.

…

Linus glared at Daro as he tightly gripped Rubanoid. "Bakugan Brawl! Rubanoid Stand!" Rubanoid stood on the battlefield and he angrily roared as he swiped the air.

Omni Cybertross: 1050 / Rubanoid: 900

Rubanoid was staring right through Cybertross, Linus pulled out a card to restart his battle with Daro. "Ability Activate, Corundum Tusk!" Rubanoid's hands were glowing bright red and he was firing rapid-fire beams at Cybertross and they were raining all over his body but he didn't flinch.

Omni Cybertross: 1050 / Rubanoid: 900(+300)= 1200

Daro let out a smug chuckle. "You want another turn? Cause you're not really leaving a scratch on my Cybertross."

Linus angrily glared at him, he then pulled out another card. "Ability Activate, Jewel Deeper!" A red orb formed in his maw and he was fired a long beam to Cybertross.

Daro lazily put a card in his gauntlet as the beam was closing in. Rubanoid's power level increased to 1600. The beam crashed into Cybertross's stomach and he slid back on his feet. "You've got to do better than that! Do you know what I think? I think you're trying to stall me!" Linus' eyes grew a bit. "You can't possibly take me on alone, so you're trying to buy yourself time." he chuckled to himself. "Let me tell you something Neathian mouse. It pains me to say it, but I'm not leading the attack force. No, the true leader of Fabrega is leading the charge herself, and she has a power that will dwarf anything you Neathians can come up with. It's likely she's encountering your Queen as we speak." Linus stepped back, he feared the outcome that Fabia would have to involve herself in the battle. "Ah… you've finally realized how vain your struggle is. You should have just run away with the girl. You only brought this on yourself!" he threw up his gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Spinning Sunder!" Cybertross's thrusters ignited and he boosted towards Rubanoid.

Omni Cybertross: 1050(+500) = 1550 / Rubanoid: 1600(-500)= 1100

Linus was holding a card. "Get close to him Rubanoid!"

"Right!" he shot himself to Cybertross, and as both of them were charging to each other, Linus put his plan into action. "Ability Activate, Crimson Defence!" He had a bright red sheen surrounding his body and he shoulder charged into Cybertross, flooring the Darkus Bakugan.

"Huh?" Daro muttered as he was surprised by the ability that managed to nullify Spinning Sunder.

Omni Cybertross: 1550(-500)= 1050 / Rubanoid: 1100(+500)= 1600

Linus was ready to pounce and he held his card up. "Ability Activate, Scarlet Plate!" bright ruby red hexagons formed a circle in front of him, there were red electric pulses that created a bright red energy orb and it launched at Cybertross.

Omni Cybertross: 1050(-300)= 750 / Rubanoid: 1600(+300)= 1900

There was a tremendous explosion and Cybertross was inside a crater and his metal skin was starting to char. Yet he didn't go down yet. "I've got him! I just need to do this quickly!" He raised another ability. "Ability Activate, Mirage Field!" there was a ruby hemisphere that surrounded them, closing the space around them and once they were encased in the dome, Cybertross felt weak. "Mirage Field weakens the opposing Bakugan, and prevents the activation of new abilities!"

Daro mockingly chuckled. "Heh, smart…"

Rubanoid was getting ready to use another ability. "Linus! Here's our chance!"

"Yes! It's over! Ability Activate, Red Deeper!" Ruby hexagons formed in front of his open maw and it was charging red and white energy. He discharged it from his maw and it was growing as it shot through the ruby mirrors, it grew stronger and stronger.

As it got closer, Daro was typing on his gauntlet. "Cybertross, re-route your thruster energy to your energy armor."

"Command acknowledged." Cybertross fully stood up, crossed his wrists and the red beam completely engulfed them and the entire battlefield was cloaked in a white flash.

Cybertross's power level was brought down by 400 and his power level was sitting at 350Gs.

As the bright light cleared Cybertross was covered in purple electric pulses. "Unbelievable, you're still standing!?" he then clenched his battle gear. "This has to end it! Battle Gear Boost!" he tossed up his Destrakon Gear and it fused itself with Rubanoid's ball form. As they fused, his ruby wing disappeared and he angrily roared. His power level increased by 100, putting him at 2000.

Daro then let out a sigh. "All right, that's enough." he threw his hand forward. "Gate Card Open, Evil Clear!" the command card shone brightly and the ruby dome was disappearing into particles. Linus was shocked as he watched Cybertross's power level was increasing and Rubanoid's power level was decreasing by a huge amount.

Omni Cybertross: 1550 / Rubanoid: 500

"W-what just happened?" Linus asked.

"Evil Clear just nullified all of your abilities, so all the power you threw at me, was ultimately meaningless. And you've got no way to make up that gap, do you?" Linus remained silent as his entire body was shaking. "Aw, what's the matter Neathian pup? Got nothing to say?" he placed a card in his gauntlet. "Oh well, I've got to fulfill my part of the plan, so goodbye! Ability Activate, Dark Expungement!" Cybertross opened his maw and there was a tremendous blast of dark energy that was grinding across the dirt and Rubanoid was caught up in it.

Omni Cybertross: 1550(+600)= 2150 / Rubanoid: 500

"NOOOO!" Rubanoid yelled.

"RUBANOID!" The energy from the blast had blasted Linus back and he slid hard on his back.

Rubanoid was engulfed in bright red energy and he shrunk to his ball form and he slowly fell into Daro's hand. "So a Magma Wilda and a Rubanoid. Eh, I honestly could have done worse." he looked down at Linus who was struggling to get up. "Stay down, Castle Knight!" he looked up at his partner. "Cybertross let's get back inside Scorblade and stick to the plan."

The mechanical Bakugan complied and they moved back to their Mobile Assault Vehicle while Linus had to lie down on the ground and take in his crushing defeat.

…

Meanwhile, Marucho and Darius were still in their squabble as Gus was preparing to fight them off.

"Hmm… so which one of us is going to take him on?" Darius asked. "Making it 2 on 1 seems pretty unfair."

Gus growled and Marucho walked forward. "Yurina would want you to take it easy, so let me take it from here!"

Elfin hovered beside Marucho. "Awesome let's make sure we finish this, Marucho!" Marucho was suddenly brought back to seeing Gus and he stood next to Spectra but he was wearing a red jacket and the mask covering his face was red as well.

As soon as he saw that, something glistened in his head, he got the same feeling when he saw Masquerade. "Whoa… that feeling is back…"

Both Darius and Elfin grew concerned as Marucho's body was shivering. "Hey, you alright little guy?"

"You don't look so hot." Elfin asked.

He shook it off. "No, I'm all right. I just felt slightly off is all." he held a gate card in between his fingers. "Gate Card set!" he tossed the card onto the field making a blue sheen spread across the ground.

"Let me at 'im!" Elfin exclaimed and she closed herself and allowed Marucho to catch her.

"Give it your best shot Elfin! Bakugan Brawl! Elfin Stand!" she stood on the field before twirling and pink rose petals surrounded her.

"Sun, wind, and rain combine! Minx Elfin blow you away!"

"I won't fail you again!" Vulcan said as Gus caught him.

"I don't plan on losing again! They aren't even their main attack force. We need to win so we can help Master Spectra! Bakugan Brawl, Rex Vulcan stand!"

Vulcan slowly rose from the ground and let out a loud yell.

Minx Elfin: 700 / Rex Vulcan: 800

Gus placed a card into his gauntlet. "If you're going to do this alone, then I'm going to make short work of you before moving on to your friend! Ability Activate, Hammer Knuckle!" Vulcan aimed his right fist forward and his gauntlet arm launched at the Aquos Bakugan like a missile. 300 was transferred between Elfin and Vulcan, putting Vulcan at 1100 and Elfin down to 400.

Elfin laughed as the arm got closer to her. "Haha, we've dealt with that before! Take it away, Marucho!"

Marucho raised his gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Leap Frog!" Elfin sprinted to the arm and a bright blue aura surrounded her. She leaped and planted her hands and feet on the arm and she leaped up high into the air. Elfin's power was raised by 400 bringing her to 800Gs. She kicked Vulcan in the face and she front flipped a few times before sliding back on her feet.

Gus prepared for another attack as Vulcan's gauntlet returned to his arm. "Ability Activate, Heatblast Cannon!" His fists backed into his gauntlets and the insides of his gauntlets were charging up and he shot a tremendous blast of fire at her.

"Whoa…!" Elfin cried.

Minx Elfin: 800(-600)= 200 / Rex Vulcan: 1100(+600)= 1700

"Hold on, Elfin!" he quickly placed a card into his gauntlet. "Ability Activate, Ripple Trap!" Elfin stretched her hands forward and was spreading blue energy ripples that cut through the flames. Once the abilities were nullified, Elfin was back to 800 and Vulcan was down to 1100. "Keep it going Elfin! Ability Activate, Ding Dong Ditch!"

"Comin' at 'cha!" Elfin exclaimed as she ran through Vulcan with a quick strike, she turned around and elbowed him a second time, and kicked him a third time. Vulcan backed away but stopped himself from losing his balance.

Minx Elfin: 800 / Rex Vulcan: 1100(-500)= 600

Vulcan chuckled as he fully stood tall. "Is that all you got?"

Elfin was waving her right hand in pain. "Jeez, you've got tough skin. Like what are you made of, metal!?"

Darius had a drop of sweat fall down his face. "I mean... it's kind of obvious..."

"No one asked you!" Elfin comically yelled with steam puffing out her ears.

Gus had a card in between his fingers, but this one looked very different from his others. Marucho's head was starting to hurt as soon as he saw it. "Why does that card look familiar…?"

"We're done holding back, Vulcan! Get ready!"

"Yes, my master!"

"Ability Activate, Reversion X!" A brown glow escaped the core of the Forbidden Card and there could be veins growing on Vulcan's brown arms, legs and he was screaming in what sounded like agony. The body under his armor looked to be bulking up slightly. He tightened his fists as the power was spreading through him. The pained screaming turned to slight chuckling.

"Ha! I can feel the Reversion Power flowing through me!"

"AAAH!" Marucho screamed. "Reversion X!? The data said that only Spectra Phantom was capable of that!"

Darius glared at the large Subterra Bakugan. "Well looks like that data is pretty outdated right now!"

The red visor that kept Vulcan's eyes from being seen started to crack before they shattered completely. They revealed his bright yellow reptilian eyes and he gave an angered glare at Elfin.

"Um… Marucho, do we have a plan?" Elfin asked while shaking slightly.

Minx Elfin: 800 / Rex Vulcan: 600(+200)= 800

"We've got to end this before it starts!" Marucho exclaimed. "Ability Activate, Shooting Fury!" Her heart chest plate shone bright blue as she was preparing to strike Vulcan as a raging blue and white aquatic aura surrounded her.

Minx Elfin: 800(+300)= 1100 / Rex Vulcan: 800(-300)= 500

"You're finished!" Elfin roared.

"Not on my watch!" Gus exclaimed. "Ability Activate, Mega Viblow!" his gauntlet rings started spinning and once they did, a translucent barrier formed in front of Vulcan, and Elfin's fast melee strikes were crashing against it, doing no damage to Vulcan.

"You've got to be kidding me?" Marucho cried.

Minx Elfin: 1100(-300)= 800 / Rex Vulcan: 500(+300)= 800

Elfin was punched hard in the face and she flew back to Marucho. "Now Vulcan, Ability Activate, Hyper Impact!" Vulcan launched both his gauntlet fists right at Elfin who was still trying to recover from her last hit.

"Oh crap, I can't dodge that!" Elfin fearfully exclaimed.

Minx Elfin: 800(-500)= 300 / Rex Vulcan: 800(+500)= 1300

"I already lost Preyas once before, I'm not losing Elfin!" Marucho defiantly yelled. "Ability Activate, Mega Blue Shield!" Elfin had blue bubbles that formed in front of her and fused to create a blue barrier in front of herself, quickly transferring 400 between herself and Vulcan.

Minx Elfin: 300(+400)= 700 / Rex Vulcan: 1300(-400)= 900

The fists crashed right into the shield, popping it instantly. Luckily for Elfin, the gauntlets were deflected back after they rippled her shield.

"This isn't good! I'm running out of ways to counter him. I only have one shot left, and I need to make it count. As far as I know, he's got one defensive ability left… that being Hyper Aegis." he thought back to when Hyper Aegis was used to suction all the water that Spinark produced in their last battle. "If I can lure him into using it, then I can finish him off with my real attack… but for this to work, we need some help!" He revealed a three-sided pyramid Bakugan trap in his hand. "Odd… I can't even remember the last time I used him?" deciding to shake off the thought he tightened his fingers around the Bakugan trap.

"Don't worry Elfin, help is on the way! Come Bakugan Trap, Tripod Epsilon!" he tossed the prism up and it opened up to reveal a frog-like Bakugan inside it. Once Tripod Epsilon appeared on the field, he was revealed to be a standing frog with greenish-yellow eyes. He was blue and white with several brown accents all over his skin. He had a tiny yellow horn on the top of his head. Around his neck was a necklace that had three large pendant-like tablets in the shape of upside-down triangles. There was a leaf with a long stem which he held like a staff and on top of that leaf was a tiny, yellow snail with a pale blue shell.

Minx Elfin|Tripod Epsilon: 700(+350)= 1050 / Rex Vulcan: 900

Vulcan recognized that Bakugan, but it was one he hadn't seen personally. "I see, so that's the Bakugan Trap in one of the Vexos' reports, but I hadn't seen it in person."

Marucho tilted his head slightly. "Vexos?" he shook his head and re-focused himself. "Stop trying to put me off! Gate Card Open, Aquos Reactor!" Once the card opened, spouts of water were shooting up into the air, giving a 200G power boost to both Elfin and Epsilon.

Minx Elfin|Tripod Epsilon: 1050(+200x2)= 1450 / Rex Vulcan: 900

"Now that you're all powered up, change into Ventus!"

Elfin took out her magic wand and drew a circle around herself. "Youuu got it~, time for a wardrobe change!" she was in her Ventus form and her small wings stretched out as she shot up into the sky.

"Double Ability Activate, Wing Harrier-" her wings were shining bright green and they extended. "Plus Glow Snail!" Epsilon's necklace changed and it landed on the yellow tablet with the smiling frog. The snail on top of the leaf shone bright yellow and a bright yellow light surrounded Elfin as she fell down towards Vulcan. "Glow Snail increases the power of an ability by 100Gs, which is on top of Elfin's 400G power increase."

Minx Elfin|Tripod Epsilon: 1450(+400 +100)= 1950 / Rex Vulcan: 900

"Hey Vulcan, the sky is falling, and it's coming down on ya!" she exclaimed.

Gus placed a card into his gauntlet. "Vulcan, swat that fly! Ability Activate, Hyper Aegis!" his rings spun again and as Elfin was about to fly through him, but he punched her in the face and she crashed hard into the ground, toppling a few trees as she crashed through the forest.

"ELFIN!" Marucho cried as he saw all the power he built up in that attack disappear.

Minx Elfin|Tripod Epsilon: 1950(-400 -100)(-500)= 950 / Rex Vulcan: 900(+500)= 1400

Elfin was dazed for a moment and she shook herself and stood up. "OW… it felt like I just got hit by a mountain!"

"Elfin… are you ok!?"

"Yeah, I'm fine… but this Viking is pissing me off Marucho! I can't find a soft spot anywhere!"

"Don't worry, it's all going according to plan." he chuckled as his glasses glinted. "You're up Tripod Epsilon! Ability Activate, Cool Snail!" the necklace spun again, but back to its normal front tablet and the snail shone bright blue. This created a blue outline that surrounded Vulcan and he struggled to move.

"I-I can't move!?"

"That's because Cool Snail prevents the opponent from activating any abilities!" Marucho briefly explained. And just to make sure you stay down... Ability Activate Canyon Snail!" the necklace changed again, but this time to its orange Subterra tablet. The snail was glowing orange and Epsilon's eyes were glowing orange and they shone a bright spotlight onto Vulcan who was losing power. He lost 200, putting him down to 1200Gs from 1400.

"You ready Elfin?"

"I was born, ready! Let's slay this beast already!" Elfin leaped into the air, still in her Ventus form. She had her magic wand in her hand. "Let's try this again, but first, how about I give you a taste of some Darkus energy!" As she changed her attribute again, her color scheme changed to purple and dark purple as she grew a dark purple skirt with a cape of the same design going down her back that was a lighter shade. There were whips that came out from the frog ears where one pair of her green wings were. Her hair turned pale indigo and it had tentacles whips flowing down the sides of her face. And she had a dark masquerade mask covering her eyes.

"So it's Darkus this time?" Gus muttered and he looked at Vulcan who was still struggling to move.

"This is it Elfin, our last attack! Ability Activate! Super Moon Bow!" Elfin remained high in the air and an image of a crescent moon within a purple sky appeared behind her.

"I'm gonna enjoy this, now disappear you steampunk menace!" she crossed her wrists and made a peace sign with her fingers, her two pointing fingers shone brightly before they each fired a thin purple beam that was speeding down to the still Vulcan.

Minx Elfin|Tripod Epsilon: 950(+350)= 1300 / Rex Vulcan: 1200(-350)= 850

Gus glared at his partner. "Vulcan, enough holding back! Show them your true power!" he pulled out what looked like the same, red Forbidden Card he used earlier. "Reversion Ability Activate, Hyper Viblow!" his gauntlet rings were spinning extremely fast and the ground around Vulcan was starting to come apart and float around him. He threw his hands in front of him and gravity behind him was lowering. Super Moon Bow simply bounced away from the magnetic shield he generated in front of himself. The four cutting beams shot into the sky.

"OH COME ON!" Elfin cried as she landed back on the ground.

"I had a feeling you might try something… so I held back my Reversion Ability cards until the very end. Considering you're an intelligent brawler, I figured you'd try to lure me into using my Defensive abilities, but you had no idea what Reversion Ability cards I had. So I decided to save those until I had absolutely no choice."

"B-but…"

"And on top of nullifying your abilities, Hyper Viblow adds 500 to Rex Vulcan."

Minx Elfin|Tripod Epsilon: 1300 / Rex Vulcan: 850(+500)= 1350

Marucho put another card into his gauntlet. "Oh, that is it! Ability Activate, Desert Marine!" Suddenly swirls of sand appeared underneath Elfin and Epsilon. After Epsilon's ability was activated they both went for broke and charged at Vulcan as their combined power level increased by 200, putting them at 1500Gs.

Vulcan placed another Reversion Ability card into his gauntlet. "Hopefully this will knock some sense into that head of yours. Reversion Ability Activate! Colossus Knuckle!"

Vulcan aimed his right knuckle like a rocket, instead, it had a blue thruster as opposed to orange. It shot forward at such high speed that it was able to take out Epsilon in just over a second. Elfin was shocked and saw the frog rolling to a tree. Their combined power level dropped by 550 while Vulcan's increased by the same amount. Putting the two Aquos Bakugan at 950 from 1500 while Vulcan's was increased to 1900 from 1350.

Once the first fist hit Epsilon, it turned while shooting back up to the sky and it socked Elfin in the face, sending her flying to a tree, completely crushing as she rolled on her stomach.

"S-sorry Marucho…" Elfin muttered as both she and Tripod Epsilon shone bright blue and they retreated to their ball forms and landed at Marucho's feet. His life gauge fell down to a measly 5%.

"Holy crap," Darius said. "Did not expect that."

Vulcan shrunk down to his ball form and Gus caught him, but he didn't celebrate his victory too much as they all heard what sounded like an explosion at the Royal Palace.

"Whoa boy! That must by Yurina and Shun." Darius said.

"Then that must mean…" Marucho was cut off as they saw Gus throwing out Vulcan, though he was turned away from them.

"You two have wasted enough of my time! I must assist Master Spectra and put an end to this madness!" Vulcan started sprinting through the Neathian jungles, running down any trees and foliage in his way.

Darius tossed out Spinark and the Spinosaur roared. "Well, I'm not getting left behind! You're still good to battle right?" Marucho nodded in response despite his low life gauge. "And you Elfin?"

"Ugh… I'll need a couple of minutes, but after that, I'll be good to go!"

"Right, then we're not slacking off either!" Darius got himself and Marucho onto Spinark's head. "Still shouldn't use Reversion… but I'll be damned if I just sit here and let that guy with the fancy hair get away. Why should Yurina have all the fun?"

As Spinark ran through the jungle, Marucho continued to think back to his battle, and he could see flashes of him battling alongside Dan and Mira against Spectra and his Helios. And even one image of Elfin and Preyas battling together on a separate event. "Something just doesn't fit around here! And I'm going to find out what!"

---

Andreas, Tammy, Isolde, and Vesta were all on their knees inside the Chief's large tent. Andreas had just finished explaining the situation to him. "Hmm. This is quite a situation. As you know, Andreas. Our Jaya tribe isn't a great fan of the technological advances that our race relies on. However, we can't ignore this situation."

"Listen, sir. I know someone in Unison City, she had powerful influence and she personally sent me to assist in evacuating the entire tribe to the city for their own safety. I can't be sure that you will survive if you remain out here in the wilds."

The Chief hummed to himself, before he could respond Sapphire's moved in front of him. "A moment, Chief. I have a question. Andreas, you've come here to warn us about this disaster, which is fine and all if not inconvenient. But you not even once mentioned my sister, you know, the very reason we've united with a sect of the Kishu tribe."

The Chief chuckled. "I've been meaning to ask that, but your conversation about the disaster distracted me. Where is Zavanna, huh?" he questioned with a smile.

"Oof…" Tammy cringed and she scratched the back of his head.

The Chief's smile soon disappeared after hearing the Cat-Alursian's reaction. "Andreas… did something happen to my daughter?"

Andreas got up from his knees and gave Shinn a serious look. "Zavanna is alive, as far as I know."

The chief was tightly gripping the seat of his wooden throne. "'As far as you know'? This is my youngest daughter you are talking about. And I swear if something happened to her-"

"Nothing that I know of… she… broke up with me. She called off the engagement."

Every one of the Jaya and Kishu tribesmen gasped in shock, Shinn grew very annoyed while Sapphire looked furious. "You…! So you mean to tell me, my daughter broke off the engagement that could benefit our tribes? Why on Fabrega would she do such a thing!?"

Andreas maintained his glare, refusing to show any fear. "To be with someone else, a human." there were gasps in the room from the other dignitaries.

An arrow was heard being pulled and Andreas watched as Sapphire was aiming an arrow right at him. "You vowed to protect my sister, and you let her elope with a damn human!?"

"Hey!" Vesta exclaimed, feeling insulted.

"Pipe down and know your place, child!" she sneered at Vesta. Her attention returned to Andreas. "And as for you, I should put you down right here for failing to protect my sister!"

Shinn stood up. "I should send out a search party to retrieve my daughter right now and have you exiled from our borders. Now take your group of miscreants and leave!"

Andreas hung his head though he didn't know that Tammy stood up behind him. "Ok, that's not fair!" she exclaimed.

Sapphire glared at the cat-Alursian. "Excuse you?"

"Why are you treating Andreas so poorly? He's already heartbroken, so why make it worse!?"

Andreas turned to Tammy with a terrified expression. "Tammy… what in Kishu's name are you-?!"

"She broke up with him. He should be off the hook, he didn't want the marriage to be called off. And there is something else you should know, he loved her, right up until right now, probably. Sure he may have had trouble showing it, but still, his feelings were real. She just didn't feel the same way. Can you fault him for that?"

"Tammy, stop it!"

"Shut up, I'm not going to stop!" she yelled replying to Andreas. "Andreas is an incredible person, he's helped us escape from prison, survive out in the wilds, and taught us how to survive. Heck if it wasn't for him we wouldn't be here to warn you right now." Andreas face-palmed. "I'd say it's your daughter's loss if she doesn't like him! He's been nothing but helpful to us. And I will not let you speak about him like that!?"

The chief shook his head. "Well boy, I see you have yourself a little, catty, cheerleader. So is this the one you seek to replace my daughter with? A loud-mouthed felinewho doesn't know her place? And did I hear that you helped them escape prison?"

Andreas equipped his gauntlet, seemingly preparing for a confrontation. "With all due respect, Chief Shinn. I think you're overstepping yourself. You can say what you want about me, a lot of people have, actually. But Tammy, my friends… they have very little to do with my past, and I'd very much appreciate it if you didn't drag their names through the mud." His arm was shaking as he realized he was about to activate his gauntlet blade out of impulsive anger. "Now… against my better judgment, I am going to plead that you people evacuate your village because Fabrega is falling apart and I don't know if it can be stopped! Or should we continue to discuss your daughter's weird taste in guys?"

Sapphire pulled harder and was shaking in rage and was about to let go of her arrow, but her father shook her head at her.

"Then where is my daughter, boy?"

"With the human… and he has a Reversion form so I can at least assure you that she is in good hands. Oh and one more thing…" he said. "Her name is Tammy, not 'loud-mouthed feline'. Got it? Cause if you have trouble remembering that, then we are going to have a problem!"

Shinn glared angrily at the four. "Leave us, I shall discuss this matter with my delegates. Wait outside!"

…

Andreas, Vesta, Isolde, and Tammy were sitting outside of the large hut. The whole ground except for their leader was nervous. Andreas simply leaned on a totem pole close to the hut.

"Oh, man… I had no idea your relationship with Zavanna was actually important." Isolde said.

Andreas shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah well, to be honest, neither of us saw it that way. Zavanna agreed to it because it would be beneficial to her tribe, and I had a stupid crush on her so it would benefit me as well, and my parents pushed the marriage angle to unite our tribes." he slowly sat down and his back leaned on the totem. "Of course things didn't work out, Zavanna found the human. And now, here we are." he eyed Tammy. "You standing up to the jerk didn't help."

"Sorry… I-I just couldn't let him speak to you like that! Not after you've been through so much…"

"He has an entire village to take care of, and the guy's wife died a long time ago. Of course, he's going to be on edge about his youngest daughter. You think he has time to care about my issues?" he got up, walked to Tammy, and put his hand on her shoulder. "In future… pick your battles more carefully. He already knows about the storm, he has no reason to keep us alive. He could have taken me out then and there if he wanted to. I think Sapphire would have if her father wasn't in the room, that crazy girl has an itchy trigger finger. If there is one bullet I dodged, it's that I don't have her as a step-sister."

"B-but Andreas…"

"I appreciate the trouble you went through, but I don't want you putting your life on the line to protect me... or my bruised ego… I can take care of myself. I won't be reckless and endanger myself because for better or worse, I've got people counting on me."

Tammy nodded. "Okay… sorry Andreas."

He turned to the others. "Don't worry about it, we're still standing. For now." he could see the storm closing in. "I swear the bastard better not make us wait."

They could see the doors opening, behind them was the chief, Sapphire, and one of his guards. "Andreas, under normal circumstances, I would have you chased off my territory by now or allowed Sapphire to shoot you. But this isn't the time for solving those kinds of disputes. If this storm is as bad as you say it is, then the preservation of my tribe comes first. We will work on evacuating our tribe immediately, just don't get in our way. And when this is over, you will bring my daughter back to me."

Andreas shook his head. "Nope, I've got better things to do than chase my past, you want to give that girl a talking to, be my guest, but don't expect me to do it for you."

"Your actions have already made you an enemy of the Jaya tribe, this would put you in good standing."

"Yeah, don't care." he turned around. "Zavanna wants nothing to do with me, and I've already got too much on my plate and so much to make up for. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to make preparations to leave, if your tribe is coming with, you know where to find me." he led the others to the gates where their tank was waiting.

"The blatant disrespect!?" Sapphire seethed. "Is that what they encourage in the Royal Guard? I swear I shall-"

"Leave it alone. We have more pressing matters than dealing with him at the moment, we need to gather everyone and prepare for the evacuation."

"Yes, father."

---

The doors to Bones' home burst open and he could see Sakuya, Xaramesi, and Phoenix standing at his door.

"Sakuya and… Xaramesi? It has been a long time hasn't it?" Bones said after seeing the girl for the first time in years.

Phoenix made his way inside. "We can do the introductions later. The planet is falling apart, and there is a survival plan in the works."

"Excuse me!?" Shino walked into the room with a pitcher of orange juice. "Why do you think you can barge in here and - oh Sakuya…"

"Not Sakuya," Reiko said as she folded her arms.

"Um… hi…" Xaramesi nervously greeted.

"Hi…" she eyed Bones. "What is going on here?"

The panther chuckled. "All in good time, Shino. But for now, we should hear them out."

She gave a serious nod and took a seat next to him. Phoenix gave them a serious look. "Well, the planet is destabilizing."

"We know… that's is why Cameron and his friends left. They are going to perform a ceremony that will revive Draconoid. We are hoping that will save Fabrega.

Phoenix nodded as he folded his arms. "Sure, but as of right now the planet is going to go and people are going to die! Aurea thinks they won't be able to make it in time. So what's happening is that she has these ships called Arcs that are collecting people all over Fabrega that can't rely on the cities for protection. Once the arcs have collected everyone they will head up into the safety of the planet's orbit because the surface won't be safe to live on anymore."

Bones thought about it. "Hmm, alright. I hear you loud and clear. And so what should I do?"

"Round up as many people as you can and convince them to stay in their homes, once an Arc gets here, they should follow instructions so they will be safe, got it?"

"Yes, I understand." he eyed Phoenix's still-healing injuries. "You look like you've been through a lot."

"That's an understatement if you consider I had to fight Yurina… or Yukiko, whatever she calls herself now."

Bones flinched slightly. "Interesting, and you survived?"

"Yeah, but barely I guess. Plus I didn't see that power she used against the King on display. Perhaps she was saving it for that. But I'd rather we talk about the situation at hand and not about the crazy fox who almost killed me."

"Of course. I'll prepare the citizens for evacuation. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

Xaramesi smiled to herself as she watched Phoenix turning around to leave. "Phoenix? Where are you going?"

"I'm going to wait out the apocalypse," he replied as he stood outside with the two girls.

"W-wait… why don't I come with you?"

He let out an annoyed sigh. "Don't you have things to patch up with your girlfriend?" he replied.

Reiko glared at him. "I'm sorry what!?"

"You two clearly have some stuff to talk about. So don't let me get in your way."

He left the two girls behind as he left to roam the city on his own. Reiko gave a look at Xaramesi. "What's his problem? Did you two ever…?"

"N-not really," Xaramesi replied before letting out a sigh. "But… I may have unintentionally led him on… but-"

"Wow… you sure get around don't you?" Reiko snidely said while folding her arms.

"You don't have to be a jerk about it! Phoenix is still my friend, I need to make sure he's ok."

"So you don't want to lead him on, yet you want to smother him. I think I see your problem."

"Knock it off, will you?"

"Yeah, beat around the bush, that will make everything better. Why don't you tell him the truth? That you want Sakuya and not him."

"It isn't like that! I feel something for him... I think? But my heart is still stuck on Sakuya."

"Ugh!?" Reiko shifted away in disgust. "So you want them both? What the hell?! You do realize Sakuya can hear everything I hear right? I wonder how she would take what she just heard? So what are you, a Poly?"

Xaramesi folded her arms in frustration. "It's useless explaining myself to you, so I'm not even going to bother. I'm going to find Phoenix… because, at this point, he's the only friend I've got left." she turned to leave. "Also… if Sakuya wants to talk, then send her my way, so until then I'd rather not speak to you, Reiko," she said while glaring at her. "I wouldn't want another nasty incident between us."

As she watched Xaramesi head out into the city, Reiko leaned on the walls. "Is that what you're into, Sakuya?"

…

Phoenix meanwhile was on the beach and Metal Almos was in his true form, Phoenix was going over the damage that Yurina and Kyubis did in his battle with her. "I'll need to get to a facility to get him properly fixed. I'm not sure if he can take another battle."

"Whoa…" he turned to see Jax and Cooper on the beach looking at him and his Bakugan. "Phoenix! You're here!?" Jax asked.

Phoenix turned around and noticed the two. "Yeah… though I ain't in the Guard anymore."

"Why?"

"Well Aurea kicked me out, and I fought Yurina in a fit of rage." he joked while scowling. Both of them gasped. "Yeah, glad she didn't use that new power she has on me or I'd be dead by now."

"Dude why would you joke about that?" Cooper asked.

Phoenix shrugged his shoulders. "Eh… it's what it is, we're facing the end of the world right now. The arcs are coming but nothing is guaranteed, so if you got some business to take care of, now is the time. As for me, I don't know... wait and see what happens I guess."

Cooper smiled. "No way, I'm sure the humans and Akane will save everyone! Have a little faith, bro."

"Faith huh?" he shook his head. "You really think your friends can pull it off."

Cooper nodded. "Of course!"

Phoenix walked over to them. "Well someone has to have that faith and someone has to remain realistic. I'm just going to prepare for the worst."

"Hey." Jax stepped in front of Cooper. "How is Leiya?"

"Well last time I checked, she got promoted into the Royal Guard. Though I'm not sure how she'll be doing since the Fox is in charge."

"Right…" he looked down in worry.

"If she's smart, she'll be one of the Arcs that are collecting people all over the planet. Or she'd be in a city, either way, I wouldn't be worried."

He chuckled. "Thanks, Phoenix."

"PHOENIX!" he could see Xaramesi sprinting to their group. Once she quickly approached them, she slid on the sand. "Can we talk!?"

He blushed for a moment and was taken aback slightly. "U-um sure I guess."

Cooper noticed Phoenix's expression and he smirked. "C'mon Jax, I'm sure Bones needs help with something."

"Um… right. Bye Phoenix." he also bowed when he saw Xaramesi. "Hey, Xaramesi, nice seeing you again."

"You too kid," she said with a wink. Their brief meeting ended as both he and Cooper walked to leave the beach.

After they left, Phoenix let out a sigh. "You sure know how to make an entrance. So what's up?"

"I-I wanted to make sure you're doing ok."

"I'm doing ok I guess. Though Fabrega might not..."

Xaramesi sadly looked down. "Don't remind me… but look I… I wanted to apologize."

"For what?"

"For leading you on. I-I didn't mean to and my head is all over the place, I know you probably hate me and-"

Phoenix put his hand up. "Just stop… I didn't even want to develop feelings for you, yet it happened. I don't hate you, I'm just frustrated I guess. You've clearly still got hang-ups with that Sakuya girl and I can't exactly compete. So just forget about it."

"Oh Phoenix…" he turned away to look at the water crashing on the sand.

"It's for the best anyway, I'm pretty sure my family wouldn't like you if I introduced you to them. They are pretty strict." he chuckled.

"We're still friends right?"

Phoenix nodded. "Yeah of course… I actually like you. And you've picked me up when I was down, even if you didn't have to. I guess I grew to like you for the person you are. As for the stupid crush, I kind of gave up a little cause of Sakuya, and you get hit on a lot so I figured I had no chance. But, and I hate to admit this, but I like hanging out with you and despite the end of the world being on the horizon, I'm glad we're together."

He was suddenly lifted off his feet, as Xaramesi wrapped her arms around his midsection. Even with his arms still on his sides. "Thanks so much, Phoenix." she quickly put him down. "S-sorry… I'm doing it again aren't I?"

Phoenix awkwardly rubbed his arm. "You're a very compassionate person, I just have to get used to that." he saw Xaramesi blushing while looking away. "Hey, where ever we end up, Fabrega or anywhere else, we're still gonna travel together right?"

She smiled and pumped her fists in excitement. "Definitely." she looked up at Almos. "Aww, we need to get him fixed up. You ever thought about giving him or her a voice?"

"What like an A.I? No… never gave it a thought but I guess I could create one after all of this. Well if you want to help me fix him up, use your powers of persuasion to find me some parts so I can patch up Almos here."

She playfully saluted. "Comin' right up!" she sprinted off the beach and headed back to the city.

He let out a sigh as he looked up to Almos. "I've got to find more friends…"

While Phoenix and Xaramesi were going about their business, Sakuya watched them from afar while hiding herself. As she hid, Reiko spoke to her through her thoughts. "You can't just hide forever, Sakuya. If you have something you want to say, then say it. Cause if you wait too long, you're going to regret it."

---

There were raging winds that were heard in the distance, a pair of eyes opened and surveyed their surroundings. It was a cave that was barely lit. Those eyes belonged to Liz and as soon as her eyes landed on the cave entrance, a gasp escaped her lips. Outside was an intense sandstorm cutting off her escape.

"How did I get here?" she eyed her skin and grew shocked to see that it was growing pale. "Oh no… the sand is drying me up…"

She heard footsteps behind her and after turning her head, she watched Leiya approaching her. She got a fright and pushed herself against a the rock wall. "GAH! YOU AGAIN!?"

"Hey, hey calm down!" Leiya said. "We need to bunker down in here for now. That sandstorm outside is intense."

"So y-you brought me here?" Leiya nodded. "You saved me?"

"Would you prefer if I just left you to die?" Leiya turned around and Liz could see a fire was already burning, and there was a pot over it. "I'm making food, I have emergency rations. It's not gourmet but it will keep us fed." Liz folded her arms. "No, I didn't poison it! If I wanted you dead, I could have easily let the storm engulf you. So please trust me!"

Liz sighed and she took a seat closer to the fire. "D-do you have water? I'm drying up…" Leiya offered her a bottle of water. Liz snatched it and she took a sip from it and after letting down a gulp she poured the water over her head and let the water spill all over her body. "Sorry…" she apologized as she handed the empty bottle back to Leiya.

"I've got two bottles left and we need to ration it but whatever. As for what we can do, we can wait a couple of hours for the storm to end. If not…" she let out a sigh. "My gauntlet can send an emergency signal that will bring rescue to us. The only problem is that I'm on the run, so I'll likely be arrested due to Yurina's crackdown."

"Hah, you probably deserve it." Liz sneered.

Leiya shook her head. "Ungrateful little…" she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for what my people did to your parents."

"You already said that… and they were injected with that Experiment K crap. They became monsters, didn't even recognize me. They are practically as bad as Rouge Bakugan."

Leiya guiltily looked down. "I don't know what to say…"

"Of course you don't!" Liz snapped. "You live in your ivory tower, ignoring the people suffering below you! And your people broke my family apart! So its no surprise while I hate all of you."

Leiya stared at the fire. "You're right… I lived in a prosperous family, very far from hardship, and my whole life I just wanted to serve for the Royal Guard. I couldn't imagine losing my parents the way you did." she hugged her legs. "Now I'm being chased away from my home, my parents are arrested, and I'm scared…" she clenched her fists. "Hate me if you want… but it is my duty to help the people of Fabrega. That includes you…" Leiya let out a sad sigh. "So if you stick with me, then I'll do my best to keep you alive…" She took the pot off the fire and was mixing the contents with her plastic spork. "We're going to split this, is this adequate?"

…

A couple of minutes later, the fire was still going and after they ate, they closed themselves around it. "How long do you think this storm is going to last?" Liz asked.

Leiya shook his head. "I wish I knew, this is unusual weather. We'll need to wait a couple of hours. If it hasn't lightened up, then we can either call for help, or we brave the storm ourselves and look for bigger cover." she sighed.

Marvellion opened on Liz's shoulder and whispered to her. "Say something nice to her."

"W-what!?"

"She seems lost, and she saved you. You should show a little gratitude." Liz let out a frustrated huff, she then shuffled closer to Leiya.

"Soooo… um…?"

"Can't make small talk, can you?" Leiya asked while giving Liz a dry look.

"What can we even talk about? We're trapped in a cave with a fire to keep us warm. An Alursian who was trying to see the coronation, and a Fabregan on the run from the law. Never thought I'd see the day."

Leiya stared into the fire. "Not all Fabregans are as evil as you think, and I suppose not all Alursians are as barbaric as I thought. Though… that doesn't change much, Yurina will still want my head on a platter."

Liz nervously scratched the back of her head. "Well… I guess I can help there. Maybe Yurina wouldn't want you arrested if you had the endorsement of an Alusrian. I'll just say you saved my life and maybe she'll drop everything."

"Even if that has a chance of working, can I really count on you?"

"Look, I owe you… you saved me and you're keeping us alive right now." she clenched as it was hard for her to say all this. "Fabregan or not… I kind of need you right now..."

Leiya then moved and she lay down on her back. "We should conserve our energy. So rest for a much as you can."

"Right…" she then lay down and looked up at the cave ceiling. She folded her arms and huffed, instantly regretting the situation she put herself in.

---

Within the new city that was established in Gundalia. Kimiko, Baron, and Ace were inside one of the apartments that sat right in the city center. It had a permanent night feel to is considering that day-time didn't exist on Gundalia.

"I'm pretty surprised they let us have this place." Ace said before he eyed Kimiko. "This leader of yours sure is trusting."

Kimiko still felt it was very odd. "The king would never allow Alursians to take jobs like this. He'd always want construction to be automated."

"Well whatever is happening, it's pretty great," Baron added. "And with Nurzak and the others just outside of the city, all we have to do is wait for Spectra."

Kimiko turned on the television and the male newscaster was reporting on the invasion in Neathia. "As of right now, we still haven't heard from our High Leader, Yurina as she and other members of the High Council continue their take over of Neathia. "

"Neathia?" Kimiko repeated while both Vestals behind her gasped.

"That's where Mira and the others are!" Ace exclaimed. "And they walked right into their cross-hairs. We've got to go over there and help them!"

"How?" Baron asked. "We have no way of getting to Neathia."

Kimiko turned around. "Even if we did… I think Spectra would want us to stick to the plan. We're out of the Fabregans hair for now, and if things go wrong we can plan something from here."

Ace clenched his fist. "Mira is going to be dragged into battle, and she hasn't battled in years!" he gave a serious look at Kimiko. "How strong is that Yurina of yours?"

"It all depends on who she brings with her… but Yurina is so strong… she's never lost a battle ever. But I've been out of the loop in Fabrega for a while now so things might be different now."

"But we can't just stay here and do nothing!?"

Kimiko looked down. "I fear that even if we found a way, we'd be too late. All we can do is stick to our part of the plan." Kimiko rubbed her arm. "Honestly, I'm scared of facing them again. You've seen how powerful they are. But if we become reckless now, then we'll really be putting ourselves into a corner."

Baron put a hand on Kimiko's shoulder. "She right Ace, we have to play this smart. There is still so much we don't know yet."

Ace huffed to himself. "Fine."

Percival opened on Ace's shoulder. "Don't worry Ace, if anything happens. We'll figure something out."

"Right…"

---

Within the Neathian throne room, Yurina had a confident look while Shun remained stoic next to her. "So do you guys want to set the field? Or do we just go out and settle this now, cause I'm good with either."

"Shun!" Fabia yelled. "Don't you recognize me, it's me, Fabia!"

"Don't waste your breath," Spectra said. "The Fabregans' mind control is too powerful, believe me, Dan was exactly the same."

"Mind control?" Shun questioned. "What are they talking about?" Yurina next to him playfully shrugged her shoulders.

"Some way somehow, I'll snap you out of it! C'mon Aranaut!"

"As you wish!" Fabia caught him and prepared to throw him in. "Bakugan Brawl, Aranaut Stand!" after his ball form stood he stood high in the throne room and he stood by in his fighting stance.

"Ok, I suppose we're doing it this way then. Bakugan Brawl, Kyubis stand!" Kyubis's ball form opened and as she rose, she snarled angrily at Aranaut.

Shun had Skyress in between his two fingers. "Here we go, Skyress! Bakugan Brawl, Storm Skyress stand!" Coming out from green flames was the large bird and she screeched loudly.

Spectra moved his masked pupil to his partner on his shoulder. "So, what do you think, Helios?"

"Bah, they are nothing to me!" he closed himself and Spectra grabbed him.

"Then show them your fury! Bakugan Brawl! Infinity Helios stand!" he slowly rose up before whipping his tail and roaring angrily.

Yurina smiled. "Now that we are all here, Kyubis! Unleash your destructive energy!" Kyubis growled and he had bright red energy expanding from his body.

Spectra quickly realized what Yurina was doing and looked at Fabia with a sense of urgency. "Get down!" he yelled.

…

Spinark was running through the jungles and they heard what sounded like an explosion from the direction of the capital city. "Whoa!" Darius exclaimed as his partner slid to a stop. "What was that!?"

"It might have come from the city." Marucho guessed. "We need to figure out what happened." They quickly moved to a clearing which led to a downward path. The slope allowed them to see the chrome city. They could only see smoke rising from it. Marucho took off his glasses and he looked through his binoculars. "AHH!"

"What's up?"

"The Royal Palace was destroyed! It's Yurina, she's taking the battle into the city!"

"Whoa, looks like our leader isn't playing around. C'mon, I wanna be part of this action!" They both got back on Spinark. "You hear that buddy? We've got opponents ahead!" the spinosaurus hissed, kicked up dust, and sped on the path taking them to the city.

…

The rubble of the palace was all over and Kyubis forced a huge chunk off herself and Skyress remained in the air above her.

"Again… ARE YOU CRAZY!?" Shun exclaimed.

"Haha! Again, I shouldn't have to answer that~" Yurina sang.

Fabia and Spectra recovered on the other side, and the Neathian could see the Royal Palace reduced to nothing but shiny rubble. "The palace…" she muttered to herself. "Our royal palace, just taken down like that... H-how could she!?"

"Snap out of it!" Spectra said. "This woman is only trying to get in your head. And destroying the palace is her way of doing that."

She looked down and there were tears in her eyes as they hung from her eyelids. "I can't believe I let this happen… At least my sister is safe in the underground bunkers but…" there were Neathians in the city streets panicking as they made their way to the designated safe zones. "I'm going to end this, right here and now!"

Kyubis: 700 / Storm Skyress: 750

Aranaut: 900 / Infinity Helios: 1200

The sun was setting over the horizon and the stars could be seen in the Neathian sky, Fabia pulled out a card and glared at Yurina and Kyubis. "Ability Activate, Mirage Up!" Aranaut's body was surrounded in a fiery aura, and he was speeding to Kyubis. His power level increased by 300, putting him at 1200.

"Careful Fabia… you'll get burned if you get too close to fire." she held up a card with two fingers. She winked and pointed her tongue out of her mouth. "Ability Activate, Burning Demise!"

Aranaut tried to punch Kyubis but she leaped back and leaped on top of the roof of a small building. She blasted a stream of white fire that engulfed the Haos knight and he stepped back after taking damage.

Kyubis: 700(+400)= 1100 / Aranaut: 900(-300)= 600

"Ugh!" Aranaut stepped back in pain as Kyubis struck back. Fabia growled at Yurina but in her anger, she forgot about Shun and Skyress was flying up high over Aranaut.

"Ability Activate, Whirlwind Lightning Sword!" her wings were shining bright green and she shot down green energy feathers down to him. There was a power level transfer of 300 and Aranaut was dropped down to 300 while Skyress rose up to 1050.

"Aranaut!" Fabia exclaimed. Aranaut was trying to cross his arms to prevent the bolts from hitting his vital areas.

Spectra was thinking about his next move. "Skyress is going to be a problem." he placed a card into his gauntlet. "Helios, rain down chaos! Ability Activate, Deep Fire - Block A!" Helios growled and his rear pack fired up indigo energy missiles that shot into the sky. Once they were high in the atmosphere, they rained down onto Skyress.

Storm Skyress: 1050(-500)= 550 / Infinity Helios: 1200(+500)= 1700

"Skyress, watch out!"

"Don't worry, Shun!" Skyress was flying fast through the air and was skilfully avoiding the energy missiles that were raining down all over her. Despite the power level drop, she didn't take any damage.

Yurina held up another card. "Nice moves, Skyress. Now show 'em yours, Kyubis! Ability Activate, Meteor Foxtrot!"

Kyubis leaped up high into the air and fire surrounded her, a ring of eight fireballs materialized around her and she shot those fireballs down to both Helios and Aranaut.

Kyubis: 1100 / Storm Skyress: 550

Aranaut: 600(-500)= 100 / Infinity Helios: 1700(-500)= 1200

Fabia held up a card to quickly prevent Kyubis from doing more damage. "Ability Activate, Light Wave!" Aranaut looked up, extended his arms, and created a diamond-shaped barrier of yellow light which kept himself and Helios safe from the fires that were raining down on them, nullifying the ability and restoring their previous power levels of 600 and 1700.

Kyubis landed back on the ground and Yurina still had a smirk on her face. "Nice quick thinking, Queen."

"Oh be quiet!"

"AHH!" Fabia turned to see Aranaut down on one knee as he had white flames covering him.

"Aranaut! What's happening?!"

"You remember Burning Demise? Well, this leaves lasting damage, that damages the opponent every time they activate one of their abilities." Aranaut's power level had fallen down to 300Gs after the flames covered him.

Spectra then placed a card in his gauntlet. "Well then, Helios and I still have plenty to dish out! Ability Activate, Clamour Quasar!" he opened his maw and he fired a purple energy beam at Kyubis.

Kyubis: 1100 / Infinity Helios: 1700(+400)= 2100

The beam was speeding to Kyubis and Yurina's confident smirk never left her face. "Ability Activate, Explosion Guard!" Kyubis had a fiery aura and the beam crashed into her, creating black smoke. When it cleared, Kyubis was still standing and was growling angrily as her power level was brought up to 1200Gs

"Hmm… I'm not surprised your Kyubis could take that attack." Spectra noted.

"Like it? Explosion Guard makes Kyubis immune to attacks for a short time. Which is probably long enough for Shun and me to put this battle to bed." she eyed Shun. "So... ready?"

Shun silently nodded while he put a card into his gauntlet, Yurina held a card as they attacked in unison. "Ability Activate!"

"Lightning Talon!"

"Howling Blaze!"

Skyress's tail feathers opened up and there was a green orb that was charging up in between them and the green orb was discharging electric bolts.

Kyubis then made three orbs of fire surround her body and was tossing them to Helios. Skyress fired her electrified orb down to Aranaut.

Kyubis: 1200(+250)=1450 / Storm Skyress: 550(+200)= 750

Aranaut: 300(-200)= 100 / Infinity Helios: 2100(-250)= 1850

Fabia held up another card. "Ability Activate, Mirage Fist!" Metal tonfas appeared on his hands and he leaped up to the green orb that was falling down to him. "Punch it right back to her!"

Aranaut then punched the orb with his right tonfa and it was flying back to Skyress at a fast speed. "What was that!?" Shun exclaimed as Skyress's own attack crashed into her, making an explosion in the sky. She had soot on her body and she swooped down close to the ground. Mirage Fist transferred 200 between them after nullifying the ability.

Storm Skyress: 750(-200 -200)= 450 / Aranaut: 100(+200 +200)(-300)= 200

As for Helios, the flames crashed into him and created a wall of flames around him, but he simply walked through the flames and looked unaffected. "That the best you got?!" Helios mocked.

"Hmm… that one is going to be tough." Yurina thought.

After Aranaut landed on the ground the white flames reappeared and he fell to one knee. "That Burning Demise is always going to keep Aranaut down… But that shouldn't take away from his Battle Gear." her yellow diamond-facet display shone and the battle gear started building itself.

'Ready: Battle Crusher'

She grabbed it off her display and tossed it to her partner. "Battle Gear Boost!" she threw it onto the field, and later, it attached itself to Aranaut.

"Hmm… Battle Gear?" Yurina mouthed. "A little earlier than expected. But I'm curious…"

Aranaut's power level increased by 100 and was brought up to 300Gs.

Yurina made her next move. "Alright, go get him Kyubis! Double Ability Activate, Soul Extinction plus Comet Crash!" Kyubis leaped off a building and was high in the air. She had a purple aura surrounding her. Skyress looked to follow her into the sky and Shun put his plan into action.

"Ability Activate, Sky Meteor Flare!" Skyress covered herself in white flames, creating an explosion of light that blinded everyone on the ground.

While Fabia and Spectra were blinded, and Kyubis took her chance and soared right down towards Helios. As she fell, five comets of orange fire fell beside her. Her purple aura expanded and the comets that fell had turned to white ghastly forms of Kyubis and since Helios and Spectra were blinded, they couldn't form a counter.

Kyubis: 1450(+650 +400)= 2500 / Storm Skyress: 450(+450)= 900

Aranaut: 300 / Infinity Helios: 1850(-400 -450)= 1000

Kyubis fell down towards Helios and her ghastly comets crashed into the Darkus Bakugan first and purple flames raged around Kyubis and she headbutted Helios sending him sliding back through several buildings, reducing them to rubble. He slid back into a fourth building which finally stopped his momentum.

"Helios!" Spectra exclaimed.

"We're not finished!" Fabia exclaimed. "C'mon Aranaut! Battle Gear Ability Activate, Battle Crusher Doom!"

Aranaut's battle crusher turret aimed itself at Kyubis and he blasted a bright yellow beam with rings around it and it crashed into Kyubis who stood and took it head-on. As it hit her, the fire aura that surrounded her faded. Aranaut's power rose up by 500, putting him at 800Gs.

"I appreciate that you took out my Explosion Guard, but you still can't get close to my power level."

They saw an electric burst of energy coming from a few city blocks and they watched Helios hovering in the air with his pack boosters keeping him airborne. Spectra smirked. "If you thought that was enough to take down Helios, you're mistaken. Double Ability Activate, Ragnarök Buster plus Mauser Impact!" Helios' chest armor opened and his chest cannon was charging up and it was becoming electrified, a ball of magenta energy formed and it was electrified. It shot out a tremendous beam of energy that looked to consume Kyubis and she screamed as she was flung far across the city thanks to the beam.

Kyubis: 2500(-500 -600)= 1400 / Storm Skyress: 900

Aranaut: 800 / Infinity Helios: 1000(+500)= 1500

"HOLY CRAP!" Yurina exclaimed.

Shun glared at Spectra and Helios. "What power…" Helios hit the ground hard before roaring loudly. "I'll make sure that-" Shun saw that Yurina moved her arm in front of him. He saw her expression was one that looked serious as she had a white glowing aura around her.

"Spectra… I grow tired of this back and forth. I know Helios is capable of Reversion!" she unsheathed her Katana. "I intend to end this, so you better not underestimate me!"

"Why did I have a feeling you were holding something back?" Spectra then placed a card into his gauntlet, and a dark purple beam-saber shot out from his tool. "I assume this is how you wanted it to end?"

"Shun… finish of Fabia," Yurina commanded.

"Skyress!"

"Yes, I shall!" she shot high into the air and green flames were surrounding her. "Destruction Maximum Impact!" the green flames covered her body and she had four white orbs floating around her as she soared downwards.

Storm Skyress: 900(+500)= 1400 / Aranaut: 800(-500)= 300

"ENOUGH!" Fabia exclaimed, she had two cards in between her fingers. "I refuse to let Neathia fall! Double Ability Activate, Jumpy Mirage plus Fist Alley!" A yellow fiery aura surrounded Aranaut as he leaped up toward Skyress. He transferred 300 between them and added 400 to himself.

Storm Skyress: 1400(-300)= 1100 / Aranaut: 300(+300 +400)= 1000

Skyress and Aranaut shot right through each other and there was a brief silence before Aranaut fell to the ground hard while Skyress swooped back up into the sky. After Aranaut fell, he had a bright white fire surrounding him again, taking 300 from his power level, bringing him down to 700Gs.

Yurina walked forward towards the downed Aranaut. "You know what to do." she thought, and through one of the damaged buildings, Kyubis surprised Helios and Spectra. She pounced on the larger Darkus Bakugan, instantly flooring him.

"How did Kyubis get so close?" Spectra questioned.

Since Helios and Spectra were distracted, Yurina walked over to Aranaut's downed body, and Fabia ran over to try and stop what she was planning. Before she could get close a wall of fire appeared in front of the Neathian, making her back away. "You know what the difference between me and you is, Queen Fabia? The difference between our worlds? On Neathia, their leader just sits and gives commands because they are too weak to change the outcome of the battle on their own. Queen Serena's world is facing an invasion by the Gundalians and what does she do? She sends her younger sister into battle, why is that?"

The flames faded away and Fabia clenched her fists. "You don't know what you're talking about!?"

"Oh, I do! Believe me! As the leader of Fabrega, it is my duty to know my enemies. I know all about the Neathian-Gundalian war. Which you could have lost if not for involving people from another world. Heck at least that power-mad Barodius led his troops into battle, your sister as good of a leader she may have been, had no battling skills of her own! And now you're the new leader, I must say that I'm impressed you decided to face me head-on, as a leader should. You've even got more stones than the joke of our former king. However…" she had white flames surrounding her and there were three orbs of white fire slowly orbiting her. As this happened, she transformed into her Reversion Form. "You aren't at my level, you and I were destined to cross paths, but I was always going to come out on top." Her katana absorbed the white flames and she simply sliced through Aranaut who let out a pained scream.

Kyubis: 1400(+450)= 1850 / Aranaut: 700(-450)= 250

The flames were burning through Aranaut's body so much so that he was instantly defeated and he shrunk to his ball form and sped to Yurina's palm. Fabia's life gauge fell to zero percent and she dropped to her knees.

"A-Aranaut..." there were tears falling from her eyes and she refused to look up at Yurina.

"That's one obstacle down. And as for you." she eyed Fabia and tossed Aranaut's ball form to her. The woman was shocked and eyed the Alursian. "This is a warning for you to stay out of my way. I'd rather not take Aranaut from you, but I won't be so generous should I meet you in combat again." she turned to Shun. "Watch over the rest of the city, the last thing I want is any last-minute surprises interrupting my battle with Spectra." Shun gave her a nod and he hopped on board Skyress before taking off into the sky.

As this was happening, Spectra walked beside Fabia. "It's time for you to leave."

"But…"

"Yurina already defeated you! The best thing for you to do is leave and tend to any survivors that haven't escaped the city."

"I understand..." Fabia turned around to leave the scene as Spectra eyed the fox woman who tightly held her Katana.

Kyubis landed beside her and she looked up at Helios who took a step forward. "So you're Neathia's last stand, huh?" she eyed Spectra who still had his gauntlet blade enables. "You know we won't stop and just here you know, we have a foothold on Gundalia, then after that, we'll tackle Earth, then maybe we'll stop by Vestal. This chaotic universe needs to be unified, and I'm the one to do it!"

Spectra chuckled. "Your delusional unification plan sounds like you want to run a dictatorship. Regardless, Helios and I will battle to the last breath if we must!"

"That can be arranged if you like, though I don't like killing if it can be avoided."

"Just know this, even if I can't defeat you. There is someone out there who is your equal! And it will be them who will put an end to this madness!"

Yurina laughed. "W-what… my equal? Don't be absurd! You don't know what I'm capable of, do you? I might have an equal, but he's not gonna be around for a long, long time. I know Dan isn't the one. So who do you think it's going to be?"

"Oh trust me." Spectra started. "I thought I was unmatched and then Dan proved me wrong. And somewhere, that person is out there waiting to defeat you!"

Yurina smirked. "Well I accept all comers, so I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. As for now! We battle!"

She charged at Spectra while holding her sword to her side, he mirrored her action as he ran over to her. And with raging battle cries, their blades finally crossed, restarting their battle.

---

As night fell, there were tremendous rains falling around Unison City and there were many Bakugan that were being checked at the checkpoints around the city's entrance. Those Bakugan belonged to those in the Jaya-Kishu tribe as the tank had successfully led the entire tribe to Unison City.

Within a small diner close to the checkpoint. The psychic woman had sat in a booth with Andreas, Tammy, Isolde, and Rogue. But also sitting with them was Chief Shinn and his daughter Sapphire.

Andreas glared at Valerie. "You seriously invited them here? Why do you like tormenting me?"

"What? All I want is to build bridges and form bonds," she said with a cheery smile while her eyes remained closed.

"Don't get used to our company, this is only for the survival of our tribe," Sapphire said. "This place has terrible air. I already can't wait to leave."

Shinn let out a long sigh. "This is far from ideal, but it is necessary so our tribe can continue to exist. I wish to know where my youngest daughter is, the sooner I can find her the better."

Andreas jabbed his thumb to Valarie. "I'm sure that she can help you with that. She's psychic so I'm sure she can use her magic powers to find out where Zavanna is."

Valarie giggled. "That's not really how it works..."

There was a sudden tremor that slightly shook the diner. "Whoa… that is one intense storm," Rogue commented.

Tammy immediately flattered her ears after the thunder roared. "I hope we got everyone out of there."

"The city hasn't shot up into space yet," Valarie noted. "So hopefully everyone in the wilds has been picked up," Valarie said. "If not…" Valarie put her hands together and bowed her head. "…then may Aeson be with them." she eyed Andreas. "As for our deal, I'll be sure to arrange those trade routes for you. And you'll have access to your tank that is in our hangar, and all other weaponry and resources that your band of runaways will require." Andreas nodded.

Shinn eyed Andreas. "What would you need access to Trade Routes for?"

Andreas shook his head. "I don't think I need to explain my reasoning to you. So are we all paying for individual meals or-?"

Valarie smiled. "Oh no, it is on me. This diner is a favorite of mine, order anything you want off the menu."

Tammy started reading the menu intensely. "Thank you~ I'm going to order all the fish I can get!" she then gently elbowed Andreas. "C'mon Andreas, when's the last time you've had something tasty?"

"I don't know why you're asking me, but I'm still feeling uneasy about all this. Ugh, Yurina and the whole thing with Fabrega nuking itself."

"Wait, back up!" Sapphire rushed. "What is up with Yurina?"

"Don't you guys get the news out in the boonies?" Andreas questioned. "Yurina defeated King Oeruaqax in battle, and she took over leadership of Fabrega. As for the former King, he's in a prison cell for as far as I know. And many of the high-class Fabregans were imprisoned. So yeah that's a thing."

"How dare she!?" Sapphire banged on the table. "Are we really going to sit here and be led by a damn fox!?"

Andreas chuckled. "Ok, I'd like to see you try and stop her. Cause if you haven't heard, she's practically unstoppable! So I plan to avoid her and all this crap after we've gotten through this."

Rogue let out an annoyed groan. "Could we please just enjoy ourselves for once? I'm not sure why you're so hostile?" he remarked as he glanced at Sapphire. "But we're not in a good situation, could we enjoy ourselves for dinner at least?"

Andreas eyed Valarie. "How many people can you pay for?"

"Oh no… money isn't an issue, dear," she replied.

He nodded and folded his arms. "Rogue, go out and invite the entire crew."

"Haha, right away boss!" Rogue got out of the booth and out into the city to invite the rest of the party.

"Crew?" Shinn asked. "How many of you misfits are there?"

"I think I'd rather let you find out… and I'd keep the anti-Alursian comments to a minimum. You may be Chief of the Jaya's but that means nothing out here."

Sapphire shook her head. "To think you've fallen down so far, not that you've had far to fall in all honesty."

"And yet, I nearly became your step-brother. Which would have been a nightmare in of itself."

Sapphire gave him an angry glare while Andreas returned her expression with a bored expression.

"Oh, dear…" Valarie said. "This may not have been a good idea."

---

Elsewhere on Fabrega, the Ancient City of Rune was in the middle of what looked like an intense snowstorm. The sky was dark, and the ground below was white. "Stick close!" Zaria exclaimed while on top of Dragness. "The snow will make it easy to get lost."

"This is crazy!" Maia exclaimed. "This snowstorm appeared out of nowhere! Seriously the hell?!"

In front of her, Cera replied. "This must be the result of Draconoid losing her life force. I can only hope we're not too late." she eyed Blazeon. "Cameron, how is Zavanna?"

He was still tightly holding onto her and his jacket was still around her and he hugged her, still in his Reversion Form. Zavanna was shivering so much as she hugged her body. Her head was leaning on his chest. "S-sorry… I'm trying to k-keep my focus o-on Draconoid… I d-didn't want to be a burden…"

"Stop Zavanna!" Cameron said as he tried to generate more heat through his body. "You're not a burden. We're almost there… just please hold on."

"WE'RE HERE!" they heard ahead of them. Through the falling snow, they could see the ancient city, they could see the large tree that sat in the middle of town and they all flew over it.

"So it's this place again," Alice muttered.

"Which means we need to get to the top of the tower!" Zaria said. "Once we're in, we need to start the ceremony immediately!"

"We should also keep an eye out for enemies. Despite the circumstances, we could be attacked by enemies or Rouge Bakugan at any time." Lunaris advised.

Cameron watched as Zavanna's eyes were slowly closing. "You gotta stay awake, Zavanna!"

"Cameron… in case the worst happens… please let everyone know-"

"You can tell everyone after we're done saving Draconoid! You'll make it through this!"

She smiled and weakly eyed him. "Cameron… thank you. I-I knew I could rely on you…"

Jayden eyed the two. "Think you can carry here into the room?" Cameron only replied with a nod. "Good." he then slightly opened his eyes and gave him a knowing smirk. "Don't let her go, mate. You don't find 'em like her anymore." he winked at him forcing a blush from Cameron.

Cameron shook his head. "Wrong time, wrong place Jayden." He eyed her gentle breathing. "But to answer you, I don't plan to."

"Good man."

As they were getting closer to the tower, the snowstorm was revealed to have spread all over the entire area and there was bright blue lightning flicking all over. And on the ground, around the plains, any object that wasn't tethered to the ground started to float as gravity was starting to weaken. In the background, there were Bakugan sprinting to anywhere they could find cover, and there were many Rouge Bakugan that looked to have either passed out or perished.

It was clear that Fabrega was running out of time.

---

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed the update. Let me know what you thought, and I'll hopefully be back soon with a swift update. Stay safe and I'll see you guys in the next one.