The battle scenes here, as promised; but here something you should know whether your a new reader of my Baku-Work or not. I'm really rusty, so while I think the battle turned out great both story-wise and with decent action involved, I know I can do much better. Let me know your opinions in the review section, but let's get back to it.
Chapter 0.5: Introduction - Meeting the Species, Part 2
The voice that spoke to Dan wasn't what he expected to hear from a dragon. It was oddly gentle and calming, with a touch of nobility. Not only that, how WAS it talking?! Dragons' can't speak... heck, they didn't even exist! But yet here one was, standing above him. Was he dreaming, did he get knocked out from that light show? When the boy didn't respond to it, the dragon spoke again. "I, apologize for the scare. I'm as confused as you are" it said, sounding male. Upon hearing that this thing was as scared as they were, Dan's friends calmed down a little, but were still terrified. It's not everyday someone finds a dragon lying in a crater, did they? "I see... what happened to you?" Asked Dan, wanting more information.
"... I don't know. One minute, I'm in my own world. The next, a blinding ray of light engulfed everything in its path" said the dragon, a short flashback playing. He was merely minding his own business when this all happened. "My fellow Bakugan tried to outrun or out-fly it, to no avail" he continued, the flashback now showing various other creatures run from the exact same lights that showed up in Dan's world. "Eventually, I was also caught... it felt strange. Like my body was folding in on itself, and shrinking. I thought my organs might burst out of me." In the flashback, the dragon flew as fast his wings could carry him, but he was not as fast as the giant bubble chasing him. "After that, I felt myself fall into some kind of odd liquid, I thought I was drowning. I called for help, but no one answered... this was it, my fate was sealed... until you saved me." The final moments of the flashback show the dragon glowing and shrinking before becoming a red ball surrounded by the same goop from earlier. The next second, Dan's hand reached in and grabbed him.
"I must thank you for your kindness. If it wasn't for you, I don't know what could've happened" said the dragon, finishing his tale. Dan pondered the story... wait? Bakugan? His world? Was this dragon not of Dan's planet or something, like some kind of alien? And what was Bakugan? He's never heard of that term before. "B-Bakugan?" Asked Dan, not sure what else to say. "Yes... we are a gentle race of energy beings that hail from Vestroia, this world is much different from my own. Your magnetic field for starters is slightly uncomfortable, but not inhospitable" the dragon explained. "Magnetic field?... *gasp* Maybe that's why our phones died" Lia deduced. Upon hearing the term, the dragon cocked its head. "Phones?"
The friends looked up at the dragon, it didn't know what a phone was? What horrible world did it come from? They wouldn't say that to his face of course, even with his seemingly gentle nature, that didn't mean he was immune to feeling offended. "Oh, hey! Maybe you can use this to call your friends so they can pick you up, what's your number?" Asked Wynton, thinking maybe this dragon can be like E.T and phone his way home. "Number?... Uh, you mean my age?" Asked the dragon, getting confused. Lia couldn't help but giggle; this dragon was so clueless, it was actually adorable. "Here, try it" she said, handing the dragon her device.
The dragon carefully used 2 of its claws and picked up the phone, looking at it in silence for 3 seconds. "Uh... hello?" He asked the device, still not understanding what the point of this was. Lia couldn't hold back anymore and balled on the floor, laughing. "What's so funny?" Asked the dragon. "You *snort* gotta touch the screen first" Dan said, holding back his own laughter. The dragon stared at the device again, and taped the center of it gently...
*FLASH!*
"ARGH! MY EYE!" Roared the dragon, the phones camera snapping a picture. He held his right eye with his other hand, dropping the phone in the process. Miraculously, it didn't break or crack upon hitting the ground. "Ugh... what was that, some kind of defense mechanism? And why are you all laughing?" Asked the dragon, slightly annoyed. "S-Sorry. We've just... never seen anyone not know how to use a phone" said Dan in-between laughs. "We don't have these darned contraptions in Vestroia, just the wings on our backs or the feet on our legs" groaned the dragon.
"So, you got a name? Mines Dan... Dan Kouzo" Dan introduced himself, recovering from his laugh attack. "I'm Lia Venegas" said Lia. "Wynton Styles the name, comedy's my game" said Wynton. Lightning also said hello... in the dog fashion. The dragon picked up its tail on response. "I suppose this rodent belongs to you?" Asked the dragon. The dog didn't like the analogy and barked at up at the dragon. "... my name is Dragonoid. Tell me, where exactly have I ended up?" The dragon, now known as Dragonoid, asked.
While the kids explained what their world was and they were called humans, Lightning's ears perked up, hearing something. Turning, there was another glob of goop on the ground... was it there the whole time or did it just show up? Regardless, the young bulldog walked over and put his nose near it to smell the foreign object, only for it to blow up in his face. Unlike with Dragonoid; there was a glowing title already beneath the Bakugan trapped within and with a flash, it was summoned; looking even scarier! It was dog-like and had 3 heads, it was also purple colored.
Seeing the flash, the human kids and alien dragon looked in the direction of the light to see the new Bakugan awaken. Lightning barked in terror and fled behind Dan's leg, whimpering. "Chill out, Lightning. It's just another Bakuga-" Dan assumed, but he didn't finish his thought when Dragonoid's foot stepped in front of the group of kids. "Stay... behind me" he said in a serious tone. Dan was a little confused by this. If this new dog-like alien was a Bakugan, which it most likely was, then why did Dragonoid suddenly go on the defensive?
Both the dragon and dog locked eyes with one another, as if sizing each other up. Suddenly, the 3-headed dog howled in anger and rushed at Dragonoid!
The 2 Bakugan smashed into each other, though it was more self-defense on Dragonoid's part. The power in the ram was so great, a rush of wind blew over Dan and his friends. "I-I thought you said you were gentle!" Said Wynton. "We... are... But your... magnetic field... is different from our own" explained Dragonoid, managing to hold off the purple poodle quite easily. He shoved the canine back, making it slide along the dirt. "Other Bakugan like this Howlkor might not take the change so well, and revert to their primal instincts. And by primal... I mean battle" he inquired further. "B-Battle?" Asked Dan and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something else that wasn't there before. In the air was what appeared to be a scoreboard with the numbers. What did they mean? What was "G" supposed to stand for? And why did it only pop up just now?
(AN: I know, I know. Dumb explanation, BUT electromagnetic fields played a role on the Original Series more than once, so just roll it. Also, I'm going to be referring to Bakugan Power Levels with Gs... calling them Bs just sounds wrong and/or dirty.)
Battle Scene
Dragonoid = 600 Gs, Howlkor = 600 Gs
As the dog-like Bakugan recovered, it unleashed a triple energy blast from all 3 of its mouths at once. Dragonoid blocked the blasts with his wings as a makeshift shield... it still kinda hurt though.
Dragonoid = 500 Gs, Howlkor = 600 Gs
Dan: WHOA! (hears a noise and sees the scoreboard had changed. Dragonoid said something about a battle, and Dan has played Pokémon a few times... were those numbers the players' remaining health?) Dragonoid, you ok?
Lia: That looked like it hurt.
Lightning: Ruff!
Dragonoid: (lets his wings down) Don't worry about me, humans. Just stay low, I'll protect you! Twisting Inferno! RRROOOAAAAAAAAARRR! (a large fireball forms in his mouth before launching it straight for Howlkor)
Dragonoid = 500 Gs, Howlkor = 400 Gs
The Howlkor gives off a deep, dog-like roar/groan when the large fireball hit. It slid backwards due to the power behind it. While sliding however, one of its back legs touched a different-colored title, a similar one to the one that it and Dragonoid were awakened with. The title changed into a visible energy of some kind that surrounded the 3-headed dog, it roared in triumph upon this.
Dragonoid = 500 Gs, Howlkor = 650 Gs
(AN: Has anyone also noticed every time a Bakugan gets a boost in the reboot, it's always 250? My version will be more random.)
Now Dan was confused, this odd scoreboard made no sense. He knew Pokémon had healing moves, but that was just fantasy! You can't REALLY heal wounds in under 2 seconds with weather or seeds, so how did a simple title do that? The Howlkor ran into Dragonoid again, but this time he couldn't hold back the oversized dog for some odd reason. Why couldn't he now? He did it easily before.
Dragonoid = 300 Gs, Howlkor = 650 Gs
It suddenly hit Dan right in the face. Dragonoid said something about being an "energy" being... was that scoreboard... the Bakugan's current level of power? It sorta made sense now, that's why he was able to push off the Cerberus earlier, because they had equal power... that's assuming this was what the scoreboard meant, however.
Dragonoid: (is pinned down by Howlkor. He's able to hold the dog nearly snapping in his face off his body, but only just) Not... good... Humans! Find... a BakuCore!
Lia: A Baku-What?
Wynton: Core. Core, core (looks around)... there are no cores here, just a bunch of random titles!
Dan's eyes widen in realization, was Dragonoid talking about those different colored titles? Like the one that summoned him in the first place? He didn't know, but Dan couldn't just sit here and debate, he needed it action and now! Seeing a red title a few feet away, and also directly behind the 2 Baku-Wrestlers, he runs toward it.
Lia: Dan! What are you doing?!
Wynton: Where ya going, bro?!
Lightning: Ruff, ruff!
Dan: (grabs the title. He's surprised that it came out of the ground easily, but didn't have time to question it) Ok, Dragonoid! CATCH! (Tosses the red title, aiming for Dragonoid)
Dragonoid = 500 Gs, Howlkor = 650 Gs
Dragonoid: (with newfound strength; he punches one of Howlkor's heads, knocking 50 Gs off; then pushes the entire Bakugan off of him) Bad doggie. (Jumps in the air, and releases several balls of fire like a meteor shower) Big Blast!
Dragonoid = 500 Gs, Howlkor = 350 Gs
The Howlkor tries, but it isn't fast enough to dodge the barrage of raining fire, and was hit quite a few times by the attack. The Cerberus now struggled to stand, its legs shaking. It had taken heavy amounts of damage, but it wasn't ready to give up just yet. Growling, it extended its claws and leapped at Dragonoid, only for the dragon to fly higher and roll forward to avoid the desperate strike. He did get slightly scratched, so his power went down a bit, only a mere 50 Gs. The dog kept repeating this attack, now it was a game of endurance... would the dragon fall out of the sky, or will the Cerberus lose energy first?
Dan couldn't just stand by, he had to help Dragonoid! Looking for another Baku-Core, he found one, but with a symbol on it this time... an extra effect maybe? He was going to pick it up when...
Dragonoid: NO! Not that one... GAAAAAAAH!
That moment of distraction was all Howlkor needed to pounce upon Dragonoid and pin him down once again!
Dragonoid = 450 Gs, Howlkor = 350 Gs
Dan looked puzzled... that was odd to say the least. If these things gave him power, why would Dragonoid deny it?
Wynton: I got ya. (picks up a green title and prepares to throw it) Here!
Dragonoid: (turns his neck while still fighting off the beast on top of him) Not that one either, its not my correct Attribute! Go for the Pyrus ones! (AN: Not calling them factions either, its just... yuck.)
Lia: Attribute?
Lightning: Ruff?
Dragonoid: Ugh... the red ones! Go for the... (takes an energy blast to the face) GAAAAAAAAAH!
Dragonoid = 300 Gs, Howlkor = 350 Gs
Dan winced, even HE felt the pain from that... wait. What did Dragonoid say? Red ones? Well, this one was red too, it just had an X symbol on it; so what was the big deal? Dan had an idea. It was risky, it was reckless and most certainly, it was dangerous... but Dragonoid needed his help! The giant alien dragon is risking his life to keep Dan, his friends... and even his DOG safe! Picking up the BakuCore, Dan rushed toward to struggling Bakugan.
Lia: DAN! GET BACK HERE!
Wynton: YOUR GONNA GET HURT!
Lightning: RUFF!
Dan just runs, not caring what his friends were saying. Watching Dragonoid get blasted and slashed feet in front of him gave Dan more incentive to go through with what he was doing. Hearing the footsteps, Dragonoid looks in the direction of them and to his shock, here comes one of the humans he was trying to protect!
Dragonoid: What are you doing? (sees what Dan has in his arms) NO, DAN! NO!
Dan: HEY! SCOOBY!
Howlkor: (stops attacking Dragonoid to see the human running towards him) Growl?
Dan: Here's a SNACK! (tosses the BakuCore right at Howlkor)
The BakuCore surrounded Howlkor, and at this point Dan's friends thought he might have missed if he was bringing that core to Dragonoid... but hearing and looking at the scoreboard told a different story...
Dragonoid = 200 Gs, Howlkor = 350 Gs... 225 Gs... 100 Gs
Now weakened, its legs began shaking as if they can no longer hold the dogs weight. Dan mentally gasped, his hunch was correct! That particular BakuCore was some kind of trap, no wonder Dragonoid wanted nothing to do with it. As you'd imagine, the Howlkor was far from pleased and attempted to make a move on the little human who dared weaken it, but Dragonoid shoved the dog off. The Cerberus crashed on the ground... too weakened to move, although it tried to in vain.
Dragonoid: (gets up and opens his wings) Forgive me, fellow Bakugan... Tail Crusher! (flying upwards; he flies downwards doing a forward roll and smashes his strong tail on top of the purple dog with everything he had. The power behind it sent a few shock waves out as well)
Dragonoid = 200 Gs, Howlkor = 0 Gs
End Battle Scene
The children looked in absolute awe, they've never seen anything like this before. It was like watching an action cartoon from the early 2000's, only better... and scarier. The Dragonoid flew away from the wreckage, landing back in front of the humans just in case of another attack. When the dust finally settled, the Howlkor was shown to be barely conscious, with its eyes fighting to stay open. After a few seconds, they finally closed; and with a flash of light, the beast... changed back into a ball? "... strange... it appears when a Bakugan is out of Power in your world, it reverts back into... that" said Dragonoid. He then turned to face the human kids below him. "Dan Kouzo... you could've been seriously hurt! Why the heck would you put your life in danger like that?" Asked Dragonoid, sounding angry... Dan mentally asked himself, for what though? Interrupting his battle or saving his life? "I-I-I was... trying to help you! I-I-I'm sorry!" He quickly apologized, turning his head away and closing his eyes, also not wanting to anger this alien. The last thing Dan wanted to be in was on the receiving end of a Twisting Inferno.
...
...
...
"... I thank you."
Huh? Dan's eyes snapped open and he looked up in surprise, he now saw the same gentle look that Dragonoid gave him when they established neither specie meant harm to the other. "That was a very brave thing you did... I have to respect your courage, human. Despite not knowing a whole lot about me, you did everything in your power to help... as I did" Dragonoid said. Dan was now stunned beyond belief. Now that the adrenaline wore off, he realized he DID in fact save both the dragon and his friends. "Y-Your welcome. Just wanted... to do the right thing" said Dan, still not believing he was being praised by an alien being. "That also goes for the rest of you, you all tried your best to assist me. For that... you have my sincere gratitude" Dragonoid continued, praising the rest of the friends. "Clearly from this battle, I'm not the only Bakugan who has been transported here. So from this day forward... I shall be your Guardian" said Dragonoid.
"Our... Our Guardian?" Dan asked but before he could ask what Dragonoid meant, said dragon glowed and in a similar light as Howlkor's, changed back into the very ball that started it all. At first, they thought the worst but upon recalling the explanation Dragonoid gave about Howlkor turning in a ball mode after defeat, they figured Dragonoid just needed his rest... that battle was intense. Picking Dragonoid's ball up gently, Dan smiled at it. "... this is the coolest Birthday, EVER!"
How was that? Ya rarely see this kind of depth in cartoons anymore! I personally feel THIS is a way Spinmaster and Nelvana SHOULD have started it, but like I said; I have (mostly) no issues with had they handled it. If you liked this story and wanna see more, leave a comment and follow/fav... tell your friends if you like. The more readers and the more I see that people want to see this, the more morale I'll have to continue. Hope you enjoyed the introduction everyone, see ya'll sooner or later! :D