Chapter 2: Partner or Asset
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder shouted as Leonidas was summoned on his enemy's gate card.
"Let's have some fun!" Leonidas yelled as he was summoned.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"It's true you do have a talking Bakugan!" His opponent gasped.
"Don't think that will allow you to win! Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Juggernoid Stand!" His opponent shouted.
"Subterra Juggernoid G power 450 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Don't think such a weak Bakugan can defeat me!" Leonidas stated as he flew down and lifted up Juggernoid into the air.
"Gate Card Open! Juggernoid Burst!" His opponent yelled.
(AN: Character card with a random name it's how I'll treat character cards)
"Subterra Juggernoid G power increase by 250 Gs. Subterra Juggernoid G power 700 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 250 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 850 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Double Ability Activate! Desert Thunder and Earth Power!" His opponent declared.
"Subterra Juggernoid G power increase by 150 Gs. Subterra Juggernoid G power 950 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"What the?!" Leonidas questioned as Juggernoid became heavier, and both Bakugan began to fall to the ground.
"I'm not going to allow a weakling to defeat me!" Leonidas hissed.
"Ability Activate! Darkus Twister!" Ryder shouted.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 250 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 1100." The bakupod announced.
Leonidas began to spin around in a dark tornado that spun the hanging Juggernoid before it was released and thrown onto the ground. The second the Bakugan hit the ground, it returned to ball form, dropping by Ryder's opponent.
"That was great!" Ryder exclaimed as he caught Leonidas, and the battlefield disappeared.
"That was a good game, let's battle again sometime!" Ryder called as his opponent left.
"Hm, let's hope the next opponent proves more of a challenge," Leonidas said as he floated next to Ryder.
"That wasn't a bad battle," Ryder argued.
"All of those Bakugan were weak. I dominated the battlefield." Leonidas replied.
"Leonidas, I have to ask why do you always complain about the battles we have? You just seem angry all the time?" Ryder inquired.
"I don't know why I just want to defeat every Bakugan I find," Leonidas answered.
"That…just raises more questions." Ryder sighed as he checked his watch.
"Either way, it's getting late. We should get home." Ryder said as he turned to leave.
"Already, but don't you want to battle some more?" Leonidas questioned.
"We've had a lot of battles today, so it's time to go home. Plus, I have school tomorrow, so I want to get to sleep early." Ryder responded as he grabbed onto Leonidas.
It had been three days since Leonidas and Ryder defeated Marduk, and since then, Ryder and Leonidas have been winning every battle they had. But there was something off about Leonidas that Ryder just couldn't bring himself to ask.
Leonidas was a one of a kind Bakugan that no one had any information about. With his apparent amnesia or other condition, he has no idea where he came from before he ended up in the Doom Dimension.
Deep down, he had a theory, but he didn't want it to be true. From what Leonidas had told him and what he could dig up on the net, the Doom Dimension was the Bakugan's equivalent of hell. Could Leonidas have been born in the Doom Dimension?
Ryder didn't want to believe that it could be possible because he enjoyed battling with Leonidas. Though his behavior was a problem, Ryder believed that they could talk it out. Though that being said, he had no idea what he would say to him.
As he walked into his room at home, he placed Leonidas down before lying down on his bed. He stared up at the ceiling, thinking about what his next move with Leonidas will be. Because if Leonidas continues on like this, he didn't know if others would want to battle with him or if he could continue battling with Leonidas.
"Tomorrow, I'll talk with him tomorrow." Ryder decided as he drifted off to sleep.
Elsewhere…
Aaron Mackavee walked home, tossing one of his Haos Bakugan in his hand. He had just won another battle and decided to call it a day. However, just as he got going, he heard a strange noise come from behind him.
"So you are Aaron Mackavee, am I right?" Masquerade inquired as he appeared behind Aaron.
"You're Masquerade!" Aaron gasped.
"That's right, and I have an offer for you," Masquerade replied as he held up a Haos Hynoid Bakugan that glowed with an odd aura.
"This is a very special Bakugan that will be yours if you accept my offer," Masquerade informed.
"I'm listening," Aaron replied, though, apprehensive.
"There is a certain Brawler I wish you to defeat, and I want you to get him to use his Bakugan Leonidas as much as possible." Masquerade explained.
"His name is Ryder Shade. Defeat him with this Bakugan and the Doom Card, and this Bakugan is all yours." Masquerade added as the Bakugan opened up.
"Greetings." Hynoid greeted.
"So, what's your answer?" Masquerade asked.
"If I do this for you, I get to keep this Bakugan?" Aaron questioned.
"That's right," Masquerade answered.
"Fine, I'll do it on one condition! You have to battle me for the number one spot when this is over!" Aaron demanded.
"Very well, but if you lose to Ryder Shade, then your life as a brawler will be over the specifics of what that means will only be revealed if you lose." Masquerade stated.
Next-Day…
Ryder sat in class, writing down whatever notes he needed as the teacher talked in the front of the classroom. He only paid half attention, however, because his mind was on other things that being Leonidas.
His partner was currently in his bag, waiting for a battle, which he craved more than anything else in the world. Though Ryder planned on having a talk with Leonidas about his unexplained anger and origins when they got out of school.
"Hey, Ryder, you there?" One of his classmates called, taking Ryder out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, what's up?" Ryder asked.
"Is it true what people are saying? Do you have a talking Bakugan like the Battle Brawlers?" His classmate inquired.
"Yeah, it's true. His name is Leonidas." Ryder answered.
"Wow, that's amazing. I always wanted a talking Bakugan though I never heard of Leonidas." His classmate gasped.
"You and me both." Ryder thought as the bell rang.
"I am not looking forward to this." Ryder thought.
He stood up and left school, walking down the streets of New York before stopping at a nearby basketball court that was currently unused. Ryder let Leonidas out of his bag, allowing him to fly up right next to Ryder.
"Finally, I thought that school thing of yours would never end," Leonidas complained.
"Do we have a battle to fight?" Leonidas inquired.
"No, Leonidas, we're here to talk," Ryder answered.
"Talk? Talk about what?" Leonidas asked.
"We need to talk about your behavior during battle and about why you were in the Doom Dimension," Ryder stated.
"What's wrong with my behavior?" Leonidas questioned
"Well, to put it simply, it's really off-putting. I don't know if people will want to keep battling with us if it continues, and also, people might get the wrong idea." Ryder explained.
"And if I'm being honest, it even creeps me out from time to time," Ryder added.
"What's so wrong with it? I just want to battle every Bakugan!" Leonidas questioned.
"But why? Why do you want to fight so bad, and why are you so aggressive?" Ryder questioned.
"I…" Leonidas began before turning silent in thought.
"I do not know," Leonidas answered.
"All I know is that I have a driving need to battle other Bakugan!" Leonidas added.
"That does not help much. Look, Leonidas, if you can't keep a good act, I don't know if we can't keep battling together." Ryder stated.
"I see," Leonidas replied before both fell silent.
It was a harsh truth of their situation. Ryder knew he couldn't just ignore it and continue on. They had to work through this issue. It felt like an eternity had passed before Leonidas finally talked.
"If you do not wish to battle with me, then I could always find another person who can allow me to battle," Leonidas said.
"That's it? You'd rather abandon me like a discarded asset before trying to figure things out?" Ryder questioned.
"What about all the battles we had together even if few in number? Or the connection we have, do they mean nothing?" Ryder inquired, but Leonidas stayed silent, unable to answer.
"I…it doesn't," Leonidas answered.
"I see." Ryder murmured as a bright light shone behind him.
"Trouble on the Homefront?" Masquerade asked as he and Aaron appeared behind Ryder and Leonidas.
"You're Masquerade, and…who are you?" Ryder inquired.
"This is Aaron Mackavee, and he is going to be your opponent," Masquerade answered.
"My opponent?" Ryder asked, confused.
"Your Bakugan has intrigued me. I wish to see it in action like when you defeated Marduk." Masquerade explained.
"So how about it? I'm sure you're interested in a challenge." Masquerade inquired.
"Come on, accept, let us fight!" Hynoid demanded as he floated next to Aaron.
"He's acting like Leonidas!" Ryder examined.
"What if I refuse?" Ryder asked.
"Then, I'll make you battle with me, and I'll guarantee all your Bakugan will be sent to the Doom Dimension." Masquerade threatened as Hydranoid opened up next to him.
"Alright, let's battle then!" Ryder accepted.
"Perfect distraction!" Leonidas exclaimed.
"I'm not battling with you. If you only think of me as some asset, then I don't need you either." Ryder replied. In truth, though, he had only said that because he hoped it would make Leonidas reconsider his words.
"let's begin then," Aaron said as he stepped forward.
"I will defeat you and reach even greater heights!" Aaron added as he took out his field card.
"Field Open!" The three shouted as time slowed to a standstill as the battlefield appeared.
"Gate Card Set!" Ryder and Aaron yelled as they threw their gate cards, and as Aaron used a Doom Card.
"I'll go first! Bakugan Brawl! Haos Hynoid Stand!" Aaron shouted as Hynoid stood on top of his gate card.
"Finally, I shall use the powers granted to me by the Silent Orb!" Hynoid laughed in a crazed cackle.
"Haos Hynoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Silent Orb?" Ryder wondered as he looked at Masquerade, who stood behind Aaron.
"Quick use me, you must!" Leonidas demanded.
"No." Ryder declined as he threw his Bakugan.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Griffon Stand!" Ryder shouted as Griffon stood on the same gate card as Hynoid.
"Darkus Griffon G power 420 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"What is this I wish to battle Leonidas!" Hynoid complained.
"No matter, he'll have to use him eventually," Aaron stated.
"Gate Card Open! Haos Arena!" Aaron announced.
"Haos Hynoid G power increase by 150 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Ability Activate! Darkus Reverse!" Ryder shouted.
"Darkus Reverse changes Gate Card G power increase to G power decrease. Haos Hynoid G power 500 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Before you do anything else, I'll have to activate this!" Aaron began stopping Ryder from activating another ability card.
"Ability Activate! Haos Lock! This blocks you from activating any more ability cards this turn!" Aaron declared.
"Now, I'll get to rip this little Bakugan to shreds!" Hynoid laughed as he bit into Griffon's neck.
Soon a tear appeared behind Griffon, and the Bakugan was drawn in as Hynoid defeated it. Already one fight in, and Ryder had lost a Bakugan. Ryder wasn't going to beat himself over it too much but even, so, it didn't make him feel the greatest.
"Okay, let's try that again," Ryder said as he threw another Bakugan.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Laserman Stand!" Ryder shouted.
"Darkus Laserman G power 480 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"A Laserman! Interesting it just so happens that I too have a Laserman," Aaron smirked.
"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Laserman Stand!" Aaron yelled as his Laserman appeared in front of Ryder's.
"Haos Laserman G power 510 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Gate Card Open! Joker's Wild!" Ryder declared.
"I don't think so! Ability Activate! Shadowscratch!" Aaron countered, negating Ryder's gate card.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Aaron smirked as his Laserman blasted apart Ryder's, sending it to the Doom Dimension.
"No!" Ryder cried as he watched another one of his precious Bakugan be sent to the Doom Dimension.
"One more to go, so quit stalling and send out Leonidas! If you don't, then I would be failing the job Masquerade gave me!" Aaron demanded.
Leonidas starred at Ryder intently as he fell to his knees. He could feel it, Ryder's pain through their connection. Ryder was sad for his fallen Bakugan. The Darkus Bakugan could not fathom exactly why it was that Ryder cared so much.
Ever since he awoke in the Doom Dimension, all he ever felt was hate, anger, sadness sure but overshadowed by everything else. Something like care was foreign to Leonidas, a Bakugan who only wanted to battle. But he could just float there and watch.
"Ryder, his Bakugan are too strong. Allow me to fight!" Leonidas insisted.
"Why?" Ryder asked.
"I may not understand your frustrations, but I do feel them through our connection. Before, when I said that I would just find another Brawler to battle with, it wasn't the truth." Leonidas began.
"In truth, I don't think I even could. You are the only human I have ever talked too before. I don't know how others would react to me. If you had a problem with my attitude, then surely others would too." Leonidas continued.
"I don't think I can change how I act, but if you want, I would like to continue battling with you." Leonidas finished.
"So, you wish to continue battling with me?" Ryder inquired.
"Yes, if you are okay with battling with me still," Leonidas answered.
Ryder didn't know what to say. On the one hand, he would be happy to keep battling with Leonidas, but on the other, he still has worries about his behavior. As he got up and looked at Leonidas, Ryder finally made up his mind.
"Okay, let's battle. I think I maybe tried to push this too fast, but eventually, I think we should work on the problem." Ryder replied.
"If you say so as long as I can still battle, I will do what needs to be done," Leonidas said.
"Okay, then let's do this." Ryder smiled as he grabbed onto Leonidas.
"About time," Masquerade smirked as he watched the battle with great interest.
"Gate Card Set!" The two yelled as they threw gate cards.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder added as Leonidas was finally brought to the battle on Ryder's gate card.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's get this started!" Leonidas roared.
"Finally." Aaron sneered as he readied another Bakugan.
"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Siege Stand!" Aaron shouted.
"Haos Siege G power 530 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's see what this Leonidas can do," Aaron said as Hynoid floated next to him.
"Yes, I want to see the power of my opponent." Hynoid laughed.
"Gate Card Open! Darkus Booster!" Ryder declared.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 60 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 660 Gs," The bakupod announced.
"Such a small Bakugan will not stop me!" Leonidas said as he grabbed onto Seige's spear and used it to strike Siege, instantly defeating it and sending it back to ball form at Aaron's feet.
"It is strong," Aaron murmured.
"Yes, I wish to battle him!" Hynoid insisted.
"Not yet, let's test the waters first," Aaron replied.
"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Laserman Stand!" Aaron shouted as his Bakugan landed on his gate card.
"Haos Laserman G power 510 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's do this, Leonidas!" Ryder smiled as he took his partner in his hand.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder added as he threw Leonidas onto Aaron's gate card.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's get this going, Gate Card Open! Transformation!" Aaron declared.
"Haos Laserman G power increase by 90 Gs. Haos Laserman G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
Now that both Bakugan were at equal power, they clashed in the middle of the gate card. They held each other in equilibrium until Laserman fired into Leonidas's eye, causing the Darkus Bakugan to back up.
"My eyes!" Leonidas cried.
"I've got you! Ability Activate!" Ryder said as he held out the ability card.
"Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas roared as he fired his laser.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 200 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.
Leonidas's beam shot straight at Haos Laserman. The opposing Bakugan fired a large beam to stop the attack, but Leonidas's laser pushed through. When his laser reached Laserman, it blew apart its chest defeating it.
"You're down to one Bakugan. Don't mess up, or else you'll suffer the consequences." Masquerade reminded.
"Don't worry, I have a plan. Now that I've seen his Bakugan in action, I'm prepared for the end game." Aaron smirked.
"Ready to have some fun, Hynoid?" Aaron asked.
"Of course! I want to battle Leonidas!" Hynoid cackled as Aaron took hold of him.
"Gate Card Set!" The Two brawlers shouted.
"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Hynoid Stand!" Aaron yelled as he tossed Hynoid onto his gate card.
"Haos Hynoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Are you ready, partner?" Ryder inquired.
"Ready when you are partner!" Leonidas answered as Ryder took him in hand.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder shouted as Leonidas appeared on the same gate card as Hynoid.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"I've been waiting, Leonidas, ever since I gained power from the Silent Orb, I've been wanting to battle you!" Hynoid stated as he and Leonidas stared each other down.
"You've wanted to battle with me? That's surprising. No one else seems to know about my existence. Though that being said, you are the first of our kind that could talk I've encountered." Leonidas replied.
"When I gained this power, I felt it I knew of your existence the moment it entered my body. A Bakugan like no other. I wanted to battle you so badly, and now I shall!" Hynoid laughed.
"Let's get this battle underway, then Gate Card Open! Hynoid Flash!" Aaron declared.
"Haos Hynoid G power increase by 550 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 1200 Gs." The Bakupod announced.
In that instant, Hynoid pounced on Leonidas, pinning the Bakugan to the ground. Unable to get up due to Hynoid's power, Leonidas was at his mercy, but Ryder wasn't finished yet. He wasn't going to lose this battle, and he wasn't going to lose Leonidas.
"I've got you, Leonidas! Ability Activate! Darkus Balance!" Ryder countered.
"Haos Hynoid G power decrease by 300 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 900 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 300 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 900 Gs." The bakupod announced.
Now at equal power, Leonidas managed to push Hynoid off of him as they held onto one another. With a loud roar, Leonidas bit down on Hynoid, who bit him back. Both returned to ball form as they were equal in power, unable to overpower the other.
"How was it, Hynoid?" Aaron inquired.
"Better than I could have hoped," Hynoid responded.
"Good, let's finish this battle then," Aaron smirked.
"That Bakugan is strong, and it makes me excited!" Leonidas stated.
"Glad you like it but let's make sure we don't cut it as close this time," Ryder replied.
"Do you have a Gate Card that would do that?" Leonidas asked.
"Of course." Ryder smiled.
"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Hynoid Stand!" Aaron shouted as Hynoid appeared on Ryder's gate card.
"Haos Hynoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's end this, Leonidas! Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder yelled as Leonidas landed on the gate card.
"This time, I'll finally beat you and send you to your permanent rest in the Doom Dimension, Leonidas!" Hynoid declared.
"Don't be so sure, Hynoid. I don't plan on going back to that hell anytime soon!" Leonidas asserted.
"Hope you said your goodbyes because this battle is over!" Aaron goaded.
"You're right, but the person who wins this battle will surprise you," Ryder replied.
"Gate Card Open! Positive Delta!" Ryder shouted.
"Haos Hynoid G power decrease by 200 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 450 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"What?!" Hynoid questioned as Leonidas pushed him to the ground, easily overpowering him.
"It's not over yet! Ability Activate! Hynoid Claw!" Aaron countered.
"Haos Hynoid G power increase by 150 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced. Now at equal power once more, the two returned to ball form and to their respective brawlers.
"Another draw, this is getting annoying." Aaron hissed as Masquerade and Hydranoid watched, clearly pleased.
"Now, what's the plan?" Leonidas asked.
"The Gate Cards have reset, so it's time to win this battle," Ryder replied.
"Gate Card Set!" The two brawlers shouted as they placed gate cards.
"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Hynoid Stand!" Aaron yelled as Hynoid appeared on his Gate Card.
"Haos Hynoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"That makes things inconvenient." Ryder sighed as he took hold of Leonidas.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder shouted as Leonidas appeared on Aaron's gate card.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"This is it. You won't be leaving this field unless it is to be sent to the Doom Dimension!" Hynoid cackled.
"Funny, I was going to say the same thing to you!" Leonidas declared.
"Gate Card Open! Haos Arena!" Aaron smirked.
"Haos Hynoid G power increase by 150 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"I'm not done yet! Ability Activate Hynoid Claw!" Aaron added.
"Haos Hynoid G power increase by 150 Gs. Haos Hynoid G power 950 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Double Ability Activate! Alpha Blaster plus Darkus Twister!" Ryder countered.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 450 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 1050 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Can't use Haos lock to block a double ability," Ryder smirked as Leonidas flew high in the sky.
"Let's end this!" Leonidas roared as he spun in a dark twister and charged at Hynoid.
The Darkus Bakugan Then proceeded to fire his laser covering his twister in its power. Hynoid attempted to avoid Leonidas, but he was unable to get away. Leonidas struck the opposing Bakugan in the stomach.
The attack sent him flying from the card and back into ball form ending the battle. But before Hynoid was returned into a ball, a small light escaped his body and entered Leonidas.
"What is this?!" Hynoid questioned.
"NO!" Aaron cried as Hynoid disappeared along with the battlefield returning the three brawlers to the real world.
"That is another victory for us, not bad. Partner!" Leonidas complimented.
"Thanks, Leonidas." Ryder smiled before turning his attention to Aaron, who was on his knees next to Masquerade.
"That was a good battle but taking away another brawler's Bakugan isn't okay. So, please don't work with Masquerade anymore." Ryder requested.
"He doesn't have a choice anymore." Masquerade stated.
"Honestly, I was impressed by that battle that Bakugan of yours, Leonidas is an interesting one indeed. Until we meet again." Masquerade added as he disappeared with Aaron in tow.
"How do they do that?" Ryder wondered.
"Doesn't matter," Leonidas replied.
"I kinda feel like it does, but I know you don't know the answer, so whatever." Ryder sighed.
"Well, with that out of the way, we should head home," Ryder said as he turned to leave, taking Leonidas with him.
Center of Vestroia…
"So this Bakugan Leonidas is strong after all?" Naga questioned.
"Yes, according to Masquerade, this Leonidas is quite capable. Not only that, but he seems to be able to absorb the energy we gave to Hynoid from the Silent Orb." Hal-G answered.
"That is disconcerting. How could this Bakugan do such a thing?" Naga replied.
"However, my lord, it seems like it can only happen if he defeats the empowered Bakugan," Hal-G informed.
"True, but I would still like to know why this Leonidas is able to do so at all," Naga said.
"I believe it is because he was born in the Doom Dimension around the same time as the Silent Orb was created. It could be that the negative energy that extruded from the core because of the orb's separation caused his creation in the Doom Dimension." Hal-G theorized.
"Even Hynoid knew of his existence when he gained the power of the Silent Orb, meaning that Leonidas has some kind of connection to the Silent Orb," Hal-G added.
"If that is true, then we may be able to bring him to our side," Naga stated.
"That's easier said than done," Masquerade argued as he appeared next to Hal-G.
"What do you mean, Masquerade?" Naga questioned.
"The Brawler that Leonidas has associated himself with seems to be affecting him. I doubt he would come willingly." Masquerade explained.
"Where is the Brawler you had battle with Leonidas?" Hal-G inquired.
"Sent him to the Doom Dimension like that other Brawler Marduk," Masquerade answered.
"Good. Now, if he is hard to bring us to our side, make sure that he won't be a problem in the future." Naga ordered.
"With pleasure, Hydranoid has taken an interest in Leonidas," Masquerade smirked.
"As for now, the Silent Core has finally regenerated enough energy for the Silent Orb to be able to leave Vestroia. Now we may empower even more Bakugan!" Hal-G informed.
"Excellent," Naga replied.
New York…
Ryder just got out of school, heading to find some people to battle. It had been one day since his and Leonidas's battle with Aaron and Hynoid, and it seemed like the Brawler had disappeared. It concerned him, but he didn't know what he could do.
He wanted something to get his mind off it, so he decided to have a battle, much to Leonidas's delight. Ever since the battle with Hynoid, the two got along a little better with one another now that they understood each other a little more.
Leonidas's attitude was still a problem of sorts, but Ryder didn't mind. He was open to take time with Leonidas because change doesn't happen overnight. Ryder was taken out of his thoughts when he saw a large ship in Central Park.
"What's that doing there?" Ryder wondered.
"Is it a problem?" Leonidas questioned as he floated next to Ryder.
"Not sure," Ryder responded as he walked into the park.
When he got closer, he noticed more people surrounding it as if it was some kind of show. As he finally arrived at the ship, he understood why when he saw the Bakugan Battle Brawlers standing there waving to the kids there.
"What are they doing here?" Ryder questioned as he looked at the six of them astonished.
"Who are they?" Leonidas inquired.
"They are the Bakugan Battle Brawlers, some of the best Brawlers in the world," Ryder answered.
"Truly? Then let's battle them!" Leonidas insisted.
"Don't be ridiculous there's no way we're good enough to battle against them yet," Ryder replied as Dan Kuso got everyone's attention.
"Hey there, everyone, it's nice to see so many fans here, but we are actually looking for someone," Dan announced.
However, most people didn't pay attention as they swarmed the Battle Brawlers like fangirls of a boy band. Dan tried to get them to listen but to no avail. Eventually, Shun got annoyed and got everyone in line as he jumped to somewhere high and got everyone's attention.
"Listen, we are looking for a Brawler named Ryder Shade. Does anyone know who he is and where we can find him?" Shun questioned.
Ryder was stunned at what he had said. They were there looking for him! Why? He didn't understand it. Why would they be looking for him of all people? Eventually, Ryder walked to the front of the crowd and raised his hand.
"I'm Ryder Shade," Ryder announced as he looked at the Battle Brawlers, who looked back though Alice didn't look straight at him.
"Wow, that was easier than expected!" Dan smiled.
"Yes, well, we just got lucky, I suppose," Marucho replied.
"Wow, he just looks so ordinary. I was expecting someone bigger." Julie commented.
"I…well…is that a compliment or an insult?" Ryder questioned, confused by what she meant.
"Don't worry about that," Dan assured as he and the rest of the Brawlers approached Ryder.
"Okay. Not that it isn't awesome to meet some of the best Brawlers in the world, but why are you looking for me?" Ryder inquired.
"Aren't you the one that posted the question on the net about the Doom Dimension?" Shun asked.
"Yeah, that was me though, at the time, I didn't know it was the Doom Dimension," Ryder answered.
"Sweet, you see, we think something has happened in Vestroia, and we would like to ask you some questions." Dan smiled.
"Really? Well, okay, I don't know if I'll be of much help, though." Ryder replied.
"Anything you can tell us about what you saw would be most helpful. Whether it is about the Doom Dimension or the mysterious Bakugan Leonidas, you saw." Drago said as he floated next to Dan.
"Well, if you want to know about Leonidas, you can ask him yourself," Ryder replied as Leonidas floated in between him and the Battle Brawlers.
"What is it that you want to ask?" Leonidas inquired to the shocked Battle Brawlers.
"Wow, he is real!" Runo gasped.
"I think we should continue this conversation somewhere more private," Shun suggested.
"I agree we have too many people watching at the moment." Marucho agreed.
"Yeah, let's go inside." Dan proposed.
"Inside? As in inside that…ship?" Ryder asked.
"Yep, if you two don't mind," Marucho replied.
"O-Okay." Ryder stuttered. Everything was just so sudden, but this seemed important if all of the Battle Brawlers came to see him.
Next Time Ryder and the Battle Brawlers finally get to talking about what Ryder had seen. After revealing his recent battles and encounter with Masquerade, they reach a startling conclusion. To make sure that Leonidas was really on their side Drago challenges the Darkus Bakugan to a battle! Next Time on Bakugan Doom World: Dragon Vs. Dragon.
Author's Note:
Hey guys, I'm back. Looks like I'm going full send on this fic, and I don't mind it at all. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, especially the battle sequence. I hope I did it right though I had to bend the rules in the end with the ability cards being used more than once and more than 3 being used, but I don't think anyone would mind it.
I still haven't fully mapped out the story plus the timeline, so I need to definitely continue rewatching Bakugan so that I get it right. I'm still going to have some big changes from the cannon, obviously, but I am also making changes to the game's story as well clearly.
Just to let you know, Marduk will return, especially since I showed Vladitor witnessing Leonidas's birth in the first chapter. His whole role, along with Marduk, will also be different, and they won't be allies to Masquerade and co.
I know the whole Ryder meeting the Battle Brawlers might feel a bit sudden, but I felt like that is how it would go down. Besides next chapter, I will have them talk more, especially each one of the Battle Brawlers, especially Alice, who was silent for a reason this chapter.
As for the development of Leonidas's and Ryder's relationship, I hope I did well with it. Honestly, I don't think I am that great at that kind of stuff, but I knew it had to happen. It had to happen because, in the game, it is said that Leonidas was very violent and hateful towards other Bakugan.
However, the player character never questioned it and just went along with it. That never made sense to me because it put everyone off save Dan, and it seemed like it should have been a bigger problem than it was.
The whole development of the players and Leonidas's relationship seemed rushed and made no sense. So hopefully, I can make the transition of Leonidas from hating all Bakugan to being better, well better.
Anyway, one question should I put in what my made up ability and gate cards do because I will if you guys need it, so just say the word. Though this chapter wasn't as long as the previous one, I think the battle was a bit better, so I do hope you guys enjoyed it.
