Chapter 4: Tag Team Trouble!

Bakugan Battle Field…

"Gate Card Set!" The four brawlers shouted as they threw their gate cards onto the field.

"Doom Card Set!" Chan Lee and Julio declared as they activated the Doom Card.

Ryder stood nervous as while he has gotten better, going against two of the top five brawlers in the world was something else entirely. But one look at Dan, who just beamed with confidence, eased his nerves a little, remembering he was brawling alongside a Battle Brawler.

"I'll go first." Chan Lee stated as she placed a Bakugan into her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Saurus Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as the Saurus appeared on Ryder's gate card.

"Pyrus Saurus G power 520 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"She put it on my Gate Card. Is she challenging me, or does she have some other kind of plan?" Ryder wondered.

"She's all mine!" Dan smirked as he loaded his launcher, taking Ryder out of his thoughts.

"Wait, hold up!" Ryder warned as Dan ignored him.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Manion Stand!" Dan yelled as Manion stood in front of Chan Lee's Saurus.

"Pyrus Manion G power 530 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Ability Activate! Rapid Fire!" Chan Lee declared as she loaded another Bakugan into her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Stinglash Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as Stinglash appeared next to Saurus.

"Pyrus Stinglash G power 500 Gs. Combined G power of Saurus and Stinglash 1020 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Oh, no, Manion!" Dan cried as the two Pyrus Bakugan ganged up on Dan's Manion and pinned it to the ground.

"Ryder, what's the gate card?" Dan asked.

"Nothing that can save Manion," Ryder responded as Stinglash raised its stinger and pierced Manion's stomach defeating the Bakugan sending it to the Doom Dimension.

"Amateur." Chan Lee smirked as she caught her two Bakugan and Ryder caught his gate card.

"Now it's my turn. Bakugan Brawl! Haos Robotallion Stand!" Julio yelled as his Robotallion appeared on his gate card.

"Haos Robotallion G power 480 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"He wants to battle on his own card, no doubt to keep an advantage." Ryder thought.

"Okay, let's go!" Ryder said as he attempted to load a Bakugan into his launcher but failed.

"Uh, how do I use this?" Ryder questioned, having never used a launcher before.

"You need to pull it back to open it, then load the Bakugan," Dan instructed as Ryder did as he was told.

"Thanks!" Ryder laughed, a little embarrassed.

"Alright, back on track, Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Ravenoid Stand!" Ryder declared as Ravenoid appeared before Robotallion.

"Darkus Ravenoid G power 550 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Ravenoid flew high into the sky before diving back down to slam into Robotallion, pushing the Haos Bakugan back quite a bit. Robotallion grabbed onto Ravenoid and threw it off before firing two beams from its chest.

"Gate Card Open! Triple Battle!" Julio countered.

"You're up, Chan!" Julio smirked.

"With pleasure! Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Fourtress Stand!" Chan Lee replied as her Fourtress took the field.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power 600 Gs. Combined G power of Fourtress and Robotallion 1030 Gs." The bakupod announced.

The two Bakugan then assaulted Ravenoid with Fourtress knocking it out of the sky, and Robotallion finished it off with a beam. Ryder would have used an ability card to prevent his Bakugan from being sent to the Doom Dimension, but the G power difference was too great.

"That's one down for each of you." Julio goaded as he caught his Bakugan.

"Now it's my turn." Chan Lee smirked as she loaded a Bakugan.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Stinglash Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as Stinglash appeared on Dan's gate card.

"Pyrus Stinglash G power 500 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Alright, this time it's my advantage!" Dan declared as he loaded his launcher.

"Wait, Dan, we should think this through before…" Ryder began, but his words fell on deaf ears.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Centipoid Stand!" Dan shouted as his Centipoid appeared in front of Stinglash.

"Pyrus Centipoid G power 495 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"This is just going to end the same as last time, don't you understand?" Chan Lee inquired.

"Not this time Chan!" Dan replied.

"Gate Card Open! Burning Wasteland!" Dan announced.

"Burning Wasteland? What does that do?" Ryder wondered as he checked his bakupod.

"Burning Wasteland prevents the opponent from using ability cards and increases all Pyrus Bakugan by 100 Gs." The bakupod explained.

"Not bad." Ryder smiled.

"Pyrus Centipoid and Pyrus Stinglash G power increase by 100 Gs. Pyrus Centipoid G power 595 Gs and Pyrus Stinglash G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"I'm not done yet! Ability Activate Pyrus Vortex!" Dan declared.

"Pyrus Centipoid G power increase by 70 Gs. Pyrus Centipoid G power 665 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Centipoid proceeded to attack Stinglash with its pincers and lifted it off the gate card. While Stinglash attempted to fight back with its stinger, however, it wasn't strong enough. The Bakugan finished it off as it slammed Stinglash on the ground defeating it.

"How's that?" Dan asked as he caught his Centipoid.

"Not bad, but it's not much." Chan Lee smirked, unfazed that she had lost a Bakugan.

"Let's keep this going! Gate Card Set!" Julio began as he threw a gate card.

"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Griffon Stand!" Julio shouted as a Griffon appeared on his gate card.

"Haos Griffon G power 480 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Before Ryder made his move, he thought about what the best move would be. He could engage Julio, but the last thing he needed was to lose another Bakugan the same way. In that case, he would need to take a different approach.

"Gate Card Set!" Ryder began.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Juggernoid Stand!" Ryder declared as his Juggernoid appeared on his own gate card.

"Darkus Juggernoid G power 470 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"What's wrong, too scared to battle?" Julio questioned.

"No, I'm just playing smart," Ryder replied.

"Ability Card Activate! Leap String!" Ryder shouted as Juggernoid charged at Julio's Griffon.

"Sweet, that's the same move he used against Drago," Dan smirked.

"I'm not done yet. Ability Activate! Darkus Shockwave!" Ryder added.

"Darkus Juggernoid G power increase by 100 Gs. Darkus Juggernoid G power 570 Gs." The bakupod announced.

With its increased power, Juggernoid rammed into Griffon, knocking it to the ground before it could fly away. Juggernoid proceeded to pin it to the ground, repeatedly stomping the Haos Bakugan.

"Don't be so sure of yourself yet, pal! Ability Activate! Lightning Shield!" Julio countered.

"Darkus Juggernoid G power decrease by 100 Gs. Darkus Juggernoid G power 470 Gs." The bakupod announced.

With the tables flipped, Griffon flapped its wings, going airborne and throwing Juggernoid off of it. Now in the air, the Griffon was covered in a sphere of lightning before charging toward Juggernoid and defeated it, sending the Darkus Bakugan to the Doom Dimension.

"No, Juggernoid!" Ryder cried as his Bakugan was sent to the Doom Dimension.

"Smart but not smart enough!" Julio laughed as he caught his Griffon.

"Oh no, Ryder's down to just Leonidas now!" Dan gasped.

"Dan, you need to work with Ryder more. He's not one of the Battle Brawlers who can work with you without much thought." Drago began.

"Ryder is still more of a novice compared to you, Dan. If you both don't work together in this battle, you may both lose." Drago finished.

"You're right, Drago. I guess I'm so used to battling with the rest of the brawlers that I forgot to get to know how Ryder battles. I mean, we only battled once." Dan agreed.

"Ryder!" Dan called as he held up a gate card showing it to Ryder.

"Let's turn this battle around," Dan added, signaling Ryder to follow his lead, receiving a nod in confirmation.

"What's the plan?" Leonidas inquired.

"Just wait and see. If they team up on us, we'll do the same." Ryder responded.

"So let's get ready, Leonidas." Ryder smiled.

"Right!" Leonidas replied.

"Gate Card Set!" Dan began as he threw a gate card next to Ryder's.

"It's time, Drago!" Dan smirked.

"I'm ready to battle!" Drago stated as Dan loaded him into the launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Dragonoid Stand!" Dan shouted as Drago landed on his gate card.

"Pyrus Dragonoid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"RRRAAAAGGGHHH!" Drago roared as he appeared on the gate card.

"So that's Pyrus Dragonoid, huh. He doesn't look all that tuff." Chan Lee sneered as she loaded her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Fourtress Stand!" Chan Lee responded as she launched her Fourtress to battle against Drago.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Now that I'm up close, I can feel it clearly. You have been deeply corrupted by negative energy. This is something that is unlike anything I've ever felt!" Drago stated.

"This must be because of the Silent Orb, no doubt," Drago added as he flew over Fourtress's swords.

"So you guys know about the Silent Orb, do you? Well, that won't help you here." Chan Lee smirked.

"Maybe not but this will! Gate Card Open! Team Battle!" Dan replied.

"Now, neither of us can fight until our partners throw a Bakugan onto the card," Dan explained.

"That's step one." Ryder smiled as he loaded Leonidas into the launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder shouted as he launched Leonidas onto the gate card.

"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Combined G power of Pyrus Dragonoid and Darkus Leonidas at 1200 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"A chance to take out both Leonidas and Drago count me in." Julio laughed as he loaded his launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Tentaclear Stand!" Julio yelled as Tentaclear appeared next to Fourtress.

"Haos Tentaclear G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Combined G power of Pyrus Fourtress and Haos Tentaclear at 1200 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"It's time to get this party started. Ability Activate! Pyrus and Darkus Union!" Dan declared.

"Pyrus and Darkus Diagonal Relation G power increase of 100 Gs each. Combined power of Pyrus Dragonoid and Darkus Leonidas at 1400 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Not today. Ability Activate! Ability Counter!" Julio countered as Tentaclear's eye flashed brightly.

"Diagonal Ability negated G power of Pyrus Dragonoid and Darkus Leonidas back to normal." The bakupod announced.

"Great back to neutral." Ryder cursed.

Once they recovered from the blinding light, Leonidas and Drago flew up into the air and dived back down, clawing at both Tentaclear and Fourtress. However, neither Bakugan could do much against their opponents.

"Nice try. Ability Activate! Face of Rage!" Chan Lee shouted.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by 200 Gs. Pyrus Fourtress G power 800 Gs. Combined G power of Haos Tentaclear and Pyrus Fourtress at 1400 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Fourtess's face turned to its rage side before taking its swords and knocking not just Drago but also Leonidas out of the sky. With both on the ground, Fourtress raised one of its blades and brought it down on Leonidas, who grabbed onto the blade, stopping it.

"I won't be beat yet!" Leonidas roared.

"Ability Activate! Darkus Twister!" Ryder shouted as he threw the ability card at Leonidas.

"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 250 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 850. Combined G power of Pyrus Dragonoid and Darkus Leonidas at 1450 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Leonidas spun in a small dark twister and caught Fourtress off guard as the attack lifted it off the ground, giving Drago the opportunity to fight Tentaclear. The Darkus Bakugan now flew away from Fourtress, letting it fall before slamming into it several times over.

"We're not done yet. Ability Activate Solar Ray!" Julio countered.

"Haos Tentaclear G power increase by 200 Gs. Haos Tentaclear G power 800 Gs. Combined G power of Haos Tentaclear and Pyrus Fourtress at 1600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Tentaclear proceeded to fire off a large beam of light that hit Leonidas, causing the dragon-like Bakugan to fall from the sky, with Fourtress following suit. In retaliation, Drago slammed into Tentaclear, stopping it from continuing its attack on Leonidas.

"Hold on, Drago!" Leonidas called as he joined Drago.

"I'll hold it off. You make the next attack." Leonidas said.

"Right!" Drago replied.

"Alright, it's our turn, Drago! Ability Activate!" Dan shouted as he threw the ability card.

"BOOSTED DRAGON!" Drago roared as he burst into flames.

"Pyrus Dragonoid G power increase by 200 Gs. Pyrus Dragonoid G power 800 Gs. Combined G power of Pyrus Dragonoid and Darkus Leonidas at 1650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Once again, with the power balance tipped, Drago set the surrounding area ablaze. Tentaclear fell to the ground, its body aflame, while Fourtress fell to its knee. Drago then flew straight at Fourtress and slammed it to the ground.

"Not good at this rate we'll lose the battle." Julio gasped.

"Not happening! Ability Activate! Pyrus Sword!" Chan Lee replied.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by 150 Gs. Pyrus Fourtress G power 950 Gs. Combined G power of Haos Tentaclear and Pyrus Fourtress at 1750." The bakupod announced.

Its swords now set ablaze, Fourtress struck Drago causing the dragon to fall onto the ground. However, before it could follow it up, Leonidas came up from behind and tail whipped the Pyrus Bakugan.

"Fourtress is too strong!" Leonidas cried as Fourtress threw him off.

"Then let's do this! Ability Activate!" Ryder shouted as he threw an ability card at Leonidas.

"Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas roared as he fired a beam straight into Fourtress.

"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 200 Gs. Combined G power 1850." The bakupod announced.

"I won't let you! Ability Activate! Gamma Ray!" Julio countered, negating the Alpha Blaster.

"Alpha Blaster negated G power returns to 1650." The bakupod announced.

"Dan!" Ryder called, indicating he was out of moves.

"On it! Double Ability Activate! Fire Storm and Pyrus Vortex!" Dan yelled.

"Pyrus Dragonoid G power increase by 170 Gs. Combined G power at 1820." The bakupod announced.

Covered in flames once more, Drago flew around, striking both Fourtress and Tentaclear. With Leonidas and Drago's combined power, the two dragon, Bakugan, defeated the opposing Bakugan.

"No way!" Julio gasped as Tentaclear landed at his feet.

"This battle is far from over. And unlike them, our Bakugan can return to the battle given the right moves." Chan Lee ensured.

"That was great! It got a little close at the end, though." Ryder smiled as he caught Leonidas.

"Yeah, our teamwork still needs work." Dan pointed out.

"That's true." Ryder agreed.

"Right my turn, Bakugan Brawl! Haos Robotallion Stand!" Julio yelled as he landed the Bakugan on Ryder's gate card.

"Haos Robotallion G power 480 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"My turn," Ryder stated as he loaded up Leonidas.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder shouted.

"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Gate Card Open! Wall Lock!" Ryder yelled. Unable to use ability cards, Robotallion was at Leonidas's mercy as the Darkus Bakugan, who easily defeated.

"One Bakugan left." Julio cursed.

"Don't worry, we'll still win this." Chan Lee assured.

"Gate Card Set!" Chan Lee began.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Saurus Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as Saurus appeared on her gate card.

"Pyrus Saurus G power 520 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"I've got you this time!" Dan began.

"Wait, Dan, don't just run into battle this time!" Ryder warned.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Dan questioned.

"I may not be as good as a brawler as you, but I know something is up. Unlike Julio, Chan Lee wasn't fazed when she lost Bakugan, even her ace." Ryder began.

"So she must have some plan that incorporates this. I don't know much about this, but I do know that there are some cards that can bring Bakugan back into battle." Ryder explained.

"Ryder makes a good point, Dan keep it in mind before you battle her again." Drago agreed.

"Alright, thanks." Dan thanked as he turned back to the field.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Dragonoid Stand!" Dan shouted as Drago appeared in front of Chan's Saurus.

"Pyrus Dragonoid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Gate Card Open! Anastasis!" Chan Lee declared.

"So Ryder was right. You were planning on bringing back your Bakugan!" Dan replied as Chan got back her fallen Bakugan.

"But that doesn't mean I can't take out Saurus!" Dan pointed out as Drago easily.

"Doesn't matter I'm still further away from elimination." Chan Lee stated as Saurus fell at her feet.

"Didn't help me none," Julio muttered as he held up a gate card.

"Gate Card Set!" Julio shouted as he tossed his gate card.

"Bakugan Brawl! Haos Griffon Stand!" Julio added.

"Haos Griffon G power 480 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"There may be a chance that his gate card is another one to bring back his fallen Bakugan, but I can't say that for sure." Ryder thought.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder yelled as Leonidas appeared before Griffon.

"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Let's finish this Haos trash." Leonidas roared.

"I don't think so! I won't be defeated that easily!" Julio declared.

"Gate Card Open! Negative Delta!" Julio yelled.

"Darkus Leonidas G power decrease by 200 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 400 Gs." The bakupod announced.

With Leonidas weakened, Griffon jumped up and bit into Leonidas's shoulder, causing the dragon-like Bakugan to fall to the ground. Leonidas tried to push Griffon off, but due to the decrease in his power, he was unable to.

"Ability Activate! Alpha Blaster!" Ryder countered.

"Don't be too sure. Ability Activate! Ability Counter!" Julio shouted, negating Alpha Blaster.

"Fine then Ability Activate! Darkus Twister!" Ryder replied.

"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 250 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"I'm not letting you beat me! Double Ability Activate! Lightning Shield and Solar Ray!" Julio countered.

"Haos Griffon G power increase by 200 Gs. Haos Griffon G power 680 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power decrease by 100 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 550 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Now even stronger due to the G power increase, Griffon grabbed onto Leonidas's tail with its mouth and swung the Bakugan around. It seemed as if it was all over for Leonidas as Ryder didn't have any more ability cards to turn the battle around.

"Leonidas!" Ryder called to his partner as he was thrown away.

"I WILL NOT BE BEATEN!" Leonidas roared as he glowed in a purple aura. Suddenly Leonidas surged in negative energy, and his G power began to skyrocket.

"Wha…what is this?" Julio questioned as Leonidas soon became stronger than Griffon and defeated it.

"No, this can't be!" Julio cried as Griffon fell at his feet.

"So it can increase its power on a whim, huh?" Chan Lee murmured, having closely observed that battle.

"Thank god." Ryder sighed as he caught Leonidas.

"How are you doing that, Leonidas?" Ryder asked.

"I don't know exactly. This is the second time this has happened to me." Leonidas responded.

"That was most certainly negative energy emanating from you, Leonidas but other than the increase of your power, you don't seem affected at all." Drago pointed out.

"There has to be something causing it." Dan mused.

"Hey, if you're not too busy, I would like to keep this battle going, please." Chan Lee requested, interrupting the conversation.

"Right, there's still one left to go," Ryder said.

"Better." Chan Lee smirked as she held up a gate card.

"Gate Card Set!" Chan Lee shouted as she threw the gate card.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Fourtress Stand!" Chan Lee added as Fourtress appeared on her gate card.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"My turn! Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Centipoid Stand!" Dan yelled as his Centipoid appeared on Chan Lee's gate card.

"Gate Card Open! Pyrus Lock!" Chan Lee declared.

"Pyrus Lock?" Ryder wondered as he looked at the effect.

"Pyrus Lock prevents any G power boost to any Bakugan on the gate card." The bakupod announced.

With Dan unable to boost his Bakugan's strength, Fourtress easily defeated the Pyrus brawler's Bakugan sending it to the Doom Dimension. Now both Dan and Ryder were down to their last Bakugan while Chan Lee still had two.

"My next move will decide the game for me." Ryder thought as he looked at his last gate card.

"The only choice left is to work with Dan so that neither Leonidas nor Drago are sent to the Doom Dimension." Ryder realized.

"Dan!" Ryder called, catching the boy's attention.

"Let's finish this battle!" Ryder smirked as Dan gave him a nod.

"Gate Card Set!" Ryder shouted as he threw the gate card.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder added as Leonidas appeared on the gate card.

"Let's do this!" Leonidas roared.

"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Just because I can't use Fourtress this turn doesn't mean I'll lose." Chan Lee smirked as she loaded her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Stinglash Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as Stinglash appeared before Leonidas.

"Pyrus Stinglash G power 500 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Gate Card Open! Quartet Battle!" Ryder yelled as the gate card opened.

"Dan, now's the time!" Ryder called.

"Right!" Dan smiled as he loaded Drago.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Dragonoid Stand!" Dan shouted as Drago appeared next to Leonidas.

"Pyrus Dragonoid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Ready to win Drago?" Leonidas questioned.

"As I'll ever be," Drago responded.

"Combined G power of Darkus Leonidas and Pyrus Dragonoid at 1200 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Hm. This won't save you!" Chan Lee declared.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Fourtress Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as Fourtress appeared next to Stinglash.

"Combined G power of Pyrus Stinglash and Pyrus Fourtress at 1100 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Now Ability Activate Face of Rage!" Chan Lee yelled.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by 200 Gs. Pyrus Fourtress G power 800 Gs. Combined G power at 1300 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"I'm not done Ability Card Activate! Face of Grief!" Chan Lee added, preventing Dan and Ryder from using normal ability cards.

"Ability Activate! Pyrus and Darkus Union!" Dan and Ryder shouted in unison.

"Combined power of Darkus Leonidas and Pyrus Dragonoid increase by 100 Gs. Combined power at 1300 Gs." The bakupod announced.

The four Bakugan clashed equal in power. Neither side gave an inch until Drago roared and glowed pure red. His body soon encompassed itself in flames, and his G power skyrocketed, knocking both enemy Bakugan to the ground.

"What?! He can do it too?!" Chan Lee gasped as Leonidas grabbed onto Fourtress and wrapped Stinglash with his tail, and defeated both Bakugan.

"I…lost?" Chan Lee questioned as they returned to the real world.

"Is it over?" Julie wondered.

"Looks like it, but the real question is if they won." Runo pointed out.

"Of course, we won. What did you expect!" Dan smirked as he turned to face the rest of the brawlers.

"It was close, though," Ryder revealed as he explained what had happened during the battle.

"Come on, man, you didn't need to tell them that." Dan sighed.

"Sorry about that." Ryder apologized as he handed Marucho back the launcher.

"I'll admit you both took us off guard, but this isn't over by a long shot." Chan Lee declared as she and Julio disappeared.

"Seriously, how are they doing that?" Ryder questioned.

"I have to say I am impressed. While this is in no way an insult to your abilities, the two of you managed to pull off a win without ever working together before." Marucho stated.

"Thanks, but…I do wish I could've kept more of my Bakugan from being sent to the Doom Dimension," Ryder replied.

"Hey man, don't be too hard on yourself. You did really good for an amateur." Dan comforted.

"Thanks…I think." Ryder thanked as he took note of how late it was getting.

"It's getting late, and I have a curfew. I should get home," Ryder said.

"Oh yeah, it is getting late, isn't it." Dan noticed.

"Ryder, if you don't mind. In any future battles you may have could you record Leonidas's data during the battle." Marucho requested.

"Sure, I don't mind though that being said, I'm going to need to get more Bakugan. After this battle, I'm running low." Ryder sighed.

"Well, battling Brawlers who use the Doom Card does that to you," Runo replied.

"Sadly, I'm still not good enough at brawling to prevent myself from losing Bakugan like that," Ryder said.

"Oh, Alice can help you with that! She can give you tips on how to be a better brawler." Julie exclaimed as she pushed Alice forward, surprising the ginger.

"Wait, Julie, what are you doing?" Alice questioned in a low whisper.

"Well, you are the best tactician, and since his parents knew your grandpa. Don't you want to get a little closer to him?" Julie suggested.

"I well, I guess so," Alice replied.

"I can give you tips and help you get better if you'd like, Ryder," Alice stated.

"Really? Well, thanks, I'd appreciate that." Ryder thanked.

"As fun as this conversation is, we have business to get on, so we have to go." Shun interrupted.

"What are you talking about, Shun?" Dan questioned.

"I'll explain once we're inside," Shun responded as he turned and reentered the airship.

"Well, see you later, Ryder. Let's battle again sometime!" Dan waved as he followed Shun.

"Yeah," Ryder replied as the rest of the Brawlers followed though Alice gave him a small wave before she entered the ship.

Checking his watch, Ryder noticed that his curfew was coming close, and not wanting to get in trouble with his caretaker, he ran home. Once returning, Ryder sighed calmly and laid down on his bed, exhausted.

"What a day." Ryder sighed.

"Yes, those battles were very fun. I hope we can battle Drago once more." Leonidas agreed.

"By the way, I noticed that you started calling him Drago since we lost the battle instead of Dragonoid. Is there a specific reason for that?" Ryder asked.

"He defeated me in battle and, therefore, has earned my respect. There isn't much else to it." Leonidas explained.

"Battling means everything to you, doesn't it?" Ryder questioned.

"In a sense," Leonidas responded.

"Why is that not surprising?" Ryder wondered.

"Though that last battle was odd," Leonidas stated.

"Why's that?" Ryder asked.

"Whenever I battled and defeated a Bakugan that was empowered by the Silent Orb, I felt something happen. I can't explain it exactly, but this time it didn't happen." Leonidas explained.

"Well, whatever it is, we'll figure it out," Ryder assured.


Hours Later…

"So both Darkus Leonidas and Pyrus Dragonoid managed to increase their power without ability cards, right?" Masquerade inquired.

"Yes, both are terrifyingly strong, Bakugan," Julio answered.

"I may have been able to win if it wasn't for the fact that they were able to do that." Chan Lee added.

"I see. Interesting." Masquerade replied as he looked out a window at the night sky.

"This Leonidas didn't absorb any of the negative energy given to Fourtress and Tentaclear from the Silent Orb. Maybe he needs an absolute victory." Masquerade theorized.

"Both Leonidas and Drago can help in my quest to evolve Hydranoid into the Ultimate Bakugan." Masquerade thought.

"Masquerade, I have a question." Chan Lee spoke up.

"Yes, what is it?" Masquerade inquired.

"How do you always know where the Battle Brawlers are?" Chan Lee questioned.

"Don't worry about it. Let's just say I have inside information about the Brawlers and soon the brawler who uses Leonidas as well." Masquerade responded.

"By the way, where is Klaus?" Masquerade asked.

"He's out doing some research at the moment. He should be back tomorrow." Julio answered.


With Klaus…

"Aquos Preyas. What an interesting Bakugan." Klaus mused as he looked at Preyas's data on his laptop.

"I will have it," Klaus smirked as he heard footsteps behind him.

"Wanting to take such a pathetic Bakugan for yourself. Why would you taint yourself like that?" A Mysterious Voice questioned. Klaus turned to see Marduk standing there smirking at him.

"Who are you?" Klaus asked.

"My names Marduk Smite and I want to know where Masquerade is." Marduk introduced himself.

"I don't know who you think you are, but what makes you think I'll answer?" Klaus questioned.

"Because if you don't, then I'll brawl you for it," Marduk stated as a Darkus Bakugan floated in front of him.

"So what's it going to be?" Marduk asked as Klaus grabbed his launcher.

"So be it," Marduk replied as he readied his field card.


Hours Earlier…

"What are you saying, Shun?!" Dan questioned, getting up from the couch.

"I'm saying it's highly possible we have a mole telling Masquerade all of our movements! It's the only way we can explain how they knew we were coming here." Shun began.

"Ryder is out of the question because he didn't know we were coming to see him, so that leaves one of us to be the mole." Shun finished.

"But why would one of us leak information to the enemy?!" Runo questioned.

"Yeah, we're all friends here!" Julie agreed.

"That doesn't exempt anyone from suspicion," Shun stated as he took a quick look at Alice, who just managed to notice it.

Alice felt her heart drop because it hurt her to know that she was under suspicion. Though she knew why Shun would suspect her as her father was, in fact, Hal-G, who worked with Masquerade. But She would never in a million years betray her friends.

The Brawlers argued for another hour before going to separate rooms in a fit. Alice went to the room she shared with Julie and Runo, where she looked out at the night sky. She felt that something big was about to happen in the near future.


The Next Day…

Three members of Masquerade's group sat in the living room awaiting orders from Masquerade himself. Suddenly a telltale sound of teleportation was heard, and Klaus slowly walked into the room from the shadows.

"Hey Klaus, finally done with…" Billy began before he noticed the state Klaus was in.

The older boy was bruised and beaten, and just as he entered the room, he collapsed to the floor. Billy, Chan Lee, and Julio all ran to his side to check on their unconscious teammate. As they did, another person entered the room out of the shadows.

"Hey there. Where's Masquerade?" Marduk questioned as Billy and Julio got to their feet.

"It was you who did this to Klaus, wasn't it?!" Billy questioned.

"That's right. Now answer the question." Marduk asserted.

"Not a chance, pal. I'm going to make you pay for this!" Julio replied, readying his launcher.

"Don't bother." A Disembodied voice said as a rainbow-like rectangle appeared in the room and Masquerade came.

"I'll deal with him," Masquerade stated as he and Marduk stared at one another.

"Surprised to see me?" Marduk asked.

"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't. It's not every day someone escapes the Doom Dimension." Masquerade answered, shocking the other brawlers there.

"So you've come here for revenge?" Masquerade inquired.

"That's only half of it. We're also here for the Silent Orb." Marduk stated.

"We?" Masquerade questioned as a Darkus Bakugan floated in front of Marduk and opened up.

"Greetings, human, I am Vladitor." Vladitor introduced himself.

"Vladitor! I've heard of him. He is an ancient Bakugan who was once banished to the Doom Dimension." Hydranoid pointed out.

"Well, I see you found yourself a strong partner for yourself," Masquerade smirked.

"Enough talking. I came here on business, so either give us what we want or battle!" Marduk demanded.

"Very well, but let's make things interesting. Let's each battle with just one Bakugan. Your Vladitor against my Hydranoid." Masquerade suggested.

"Fine by me," Marduk replied as both took out their field cards.

"Field Open!" They said in unison, opening the Battle Field.

"I'll go first. Gate Card Set!" Masquerade stated as he threw his gate card.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Hydranoid Stand!" Masquerade said as Hydranoid appeared on the gate card.

"Darkus Hydranoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Darkus Hydranoid I recognize all too well." Marduk hissed.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Vladitor Stand!" Marduk shouted.

"Darkus Vladitor G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced as Vladitor appeared on the gate card, and his red cape was blown by an unseen wind.

"Interesting I didn't think an old-timer like yourself would be so strong." Hydranoid hissed.

"Time spent surviving in the Doom Dimension makes one strong Hydranoid," Vladitor replied as he slammed his fist into his fellow Darkus Bakugan's face.

"Gate Card Open!" Masquerade yelled, opening the gate card, the two Bakugan were standing on.

"Level Down!" Masquerade declared.

"Darkus Vladitor G power decrease by 100 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power 550 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Hydranoid whipped Vladitor with his tail, causing Vladitor to fall to the ground. The Darkus Bakugan attempted to bite at Vladitor's neck, but the knight-like Bakugan holds back his jaws. With Vladitor struggling to keep Hydranoid back, Marduk got ready to fight back.

"Ability Card Activate! Dark Sphere Impact!" Marduk shouted.

"Darkus Vladitor G power increase by 200 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power 750 Gs," The bakupod announced.

With his newfound power, Vladitor threw Hydranoid off of him before pinning the Bakugan down himself. Vladitor stepped on the Bakugan's head and proceeded to stop on it several times before Masquerade intervened.

"Ability Card Activate! Auragano Revenge!" Masquerade countered.

"Darkus Hydranoid G power increase by 100 Gs. Darkus Hydranoid G power 750 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power decrease by 100 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Once again, Hydranoid had the power advantage and launched Vladitor off of him. This time Hydranoid was playing for keeps as he bit down on Vladitor's head and defeated his fellow Darkus Bakugan.

"So much for that Ancient Bakugan," Masquerade smirked as he caught Hydranoid one step closer to victory.

"Can I stop holding back now?" Marduk asked.

"Yes, I've got a feel on his power now," Vladitor answered.

"Good." Marduk smiled as he held up a gate card.

"Gate Card Set! Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Vladitor Stand!" Marduk shouted as Vladitor appeared on his gate card.

"Darkus Vladitor G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"My turn. Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Hydranoid Stand!" Masquerade yelled as he launched Hydranoid.

"Darkus Hydranoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Ready for round two, old-timer?" Hydranoid questioned.

"More than you could imagine," Vladitor replied.

"Gate Card Open! Vladitor Charge!" Marduk revealed opening Vladitor's character card.

"Darkus Vladitor G power increase by 400 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power 1050 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Vladitor quickly picked up Hydranoid, who was caught off guard by his surge of power. The Knight Bakugan slammed Hydranoid on the ground before planting his fist in the Darkus Bakugan's side, defeating it.

"Not so tuff now," Marduk smirked as he caught Vladitor.

"I see that I underestimated you. But I won't make the same mistake twice." Masquerade stated as he held up a gate card.

"Gate Card Set! Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Hydranoid Stand!" Masquerade added as Hydranoid appeared on his gate card.

"Darkus Hydranoid G power 650 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"You won't be making any more mistakes, but I won't allow you to win another battle!" Marduk declared.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Vladitor Stand!" Marduk shouted as Vladitor appeared before Hydranoid.

"You won't be taking me off guard again, Vladitor!" Hydranoid stated.

"I won't need to in order to defeat you." Vladitor declared as the two clashed.

"Gate Card Open! Darkus Booster!" Masquerade yelled.

"All Darkus Bakugan G power increase by 100 Gs. Darkus Hydranoid G power 750 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power 750 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Double Ability Activate! Darkus Nova and Hydranoid Buster!" Masquerade shouted.

"Darkus Hydranoid G power increase by 450 Gs. Darkus Hydranoid G power 1100 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Not so fast Double Ability Activate! Dark Sphere Impact and Darkus Crusher!" Marduk countered.

"Darkus Vladitor G power increase by 450 Gs. Darkus Vladitor G power 1100 Gs." The bakupod announced.

The two Darkus Bakugan, now at equal power they collided and held each other in place at equilibrium. Neither gave the other an inch as Hydranoid tried whipping Vladitor with his tail, but the Knight caught the attack. In the end, the two Bakugan took one another end in a draw.

"Tsk great." Marduk hissed as he picked up Vladitor.

"Amazing I never thought there would be another Bakugan that could hold its own against my Hydranoid." Masquerade smiled.

"Well, now you have, so let's continue this!" Marduk requested.

"Not yet. In fact, I have an offer that would intrigue you." Masquerade stated.

"I'm sorry?" Marduk questioned.

"I say we stop this battle here and pick this up another time." Masquerade began.

"Not a chance I'm not letting you get away!" Marduk shouted.

"Hold on, let him finish," Vladitor said.

"But Vladitor..." Marduk started before Vladitor interrupted him.

"Just let him talk. If this isn't in our favor, we shall continue our battle." Vladitor interrupted.

"Fine." Marduk sighed.

"I've been planning a little event for a while now for as you know, the more battles Bakugan are in, the stronger they get." Masquerade continued.

"I wish to make my Hydranoid the Ultimate Bakugan, and in order to do that, I need to battle strong Bakugan." Masquerade went on.

"The same must go for you, seeing as you clearly want to strengthen Vladitor with the Silent Orb. So I will host a worldwide tournament!" Masquerade revealed.

"In this, the top eleven brawlers in the world will battle it out for the chance to battle me. So if you can manage to get into one of the spots in two months' time, then beat me." Masquerade continued.

"Then you'll give us the Silent Orb, and we'll be even stronger for it," Marduk murmured.

"So during these two months, every brawler in the world will compete to gain a spot in the finals and then battle you, is that right?" Marduk questioned.

"That's correct," Masquerade answered.

"If we continue now, we'll just be in a stalemate for a while, and there is no guarantee that either of us will win, so why not get stronger before then." Masquerade suggested.

"His logic is sound." Vladitor pointed out.

"But we're already here," Marduk muttered.

"True, but we are not ready. Not yet." Vladitor replied.

"Fine, we'll accept. When will this tournament start?" Marduk asked.

"In one week's time," Masquerade responded as they ended the battle early.

"Who…who won?" Julio asked.

"No one won. We arranged a deal." Masquerade answered.

"What, but what about getting him for what he did to Klaus?!" Billy questioned.

"If you want that, then you'll be able to do it soon, but for now, I shall take him away from here," Masquerade responded as he teleported himself and Marduk away.


One Week Later…

Ryder ran out of school, having finished up his last day of the school year, meaning he was finally on summer break. Once he was out of the school, he slowly made his way towards his home in no rush, for he would have plenty of time to brawl.

But as he walked by Central Park, he noticed something or rather someone from the corner of his eye. He noticed Alice sitting on a bench, looking over at the pond that laid parallel to her. This confused Ryder because she and the rest of the Brawlers left a week prior.

"Alice, what are you doing here?" Ryder inquired as he approached the girl.

"Oh, Ryder! I uh was just getting some rest is all." Alice answered.

"But shouldn't you be with the other Brawlers? I remember seeing your airship fly away?" Ryder asked.

"Well, yes, but we had a little falling out, and I sort of ran off," Alice explained.

"I don't want to be too nosy or rude, but what happened?" Ryder asked as he sat down next to her.

Alice proceeded to explain how Shun theorized that there was a mole in the group, and it tore them down the middle on who it was. However, as she feared because her grandfather was Hal-G, suspicion was mainly on her, and to save her friends trouble, she ran off, leaving only a note.

"But won't they worry about you, Alice? I bet they're all concerned about you right now." Ryder commented.

"Maybe, but…lately, I don't know." Alice sighed.

"I think they'll worry about you. With how much Ryder talks about you guys, it makes more sense that they would be concerned." Leonidas pointed out.

"You really think so, Leonidas?" Alice asked.

"Yes, especially since we met and Ryder couldn't stop talking about…" Leonidas began before Ryder grabbed onto him.

"I think that's enough information. Leo, I think you could use some rest." Ryder nervously laughed, not wanting his partner to reveal anything to the ginger-haired girl.

"Well…thank you." Alice thanked with a little sweatdrop at Ryder's behavior.

"Actually, now that I think about it, how did you get back here if you left?" Ryder questioned as Alice looked stunned.

"I…I don't really remember. I think we were still nearby when I left." Alice responded, looking concerned.

"Well, beyond that, even though I don't know you as well, I don't think you are a mole leaking info to Masquerade." Ryder consoled.

"Thank you." Alice thanked once again with a small smile.

"By the way, do you have a place to stay?" Ryder asked as Alice went wide-eyed.

"I actually didn't think about that when I left. It was such a spur of the moment act." Alice responded.

"Well, in case I have a guest room in my house if you have no place to go. I know it's sudden, but I can't in good conscience just leave you here." Ryder offered.

"Really? Well, I don't have much choice, so I'd really appreciate it." Alice replied as Ryder got up.

"Well, follow me. I'll take you to my home." Ryder smiled as Alice got up and followed him. However, unseen by both of them, Alice's shadow morphed into the form of Masquerade.


Next Time, Masquerade announces his world champion tournament to the world, sparking battles all around the planet. Still seeing Ryder as an easy target, he is challenged to many battles, but he is taken by surprise when one of Masquerade's goons, Billy, comes to challenge him!

Without Dan to aide him, Ryder and Leonidas are at a disadvantage in battling the ranked tenth brawler. But with Alice there to guide him, they aren't alone. However, will that be enough, or will Ryder lose it all? Next Time on Bakugan Doom World: The Learning Curve.


Author's Note:

Hey guys, sorry for the wait, but I managed to get it done just in time for…New Years', I guess, but that sounds less as special as Christmas. Though the end of this terrible year is a cause for celebration, right!

But anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and the big and smaller battles. I didn't want to show everything that Vladitor had, so I made sure to keep the battle short for the moment.

I also made sure to make a special Darkus ability card for him just like I did for Leonidas so that he can be more of a threat. Next chapter, I'm going to be getting more into the specifics of how Masquerade's tournament is going to work.

The tournament was inspired by all the ones in the first video game, but this time it's just one, and it makes sense as to how and why it is happening. I'm going to mostly be basing this off of the Battle City Tournament from the first Yu-Gi-Oh!

The reason why it's the top eleven brawlers and not the top ten, if not obvious, is because Masquerade is number one, so you've got to compensate for it. Also, I always found it weird that Marduk became number one in the game because it implies he beat Masquerade.

That's one of the reasons I made their battle a draw to show that they are equal in power at the moment and are both a threat. If anyone is wondering why Masquerade didn't use a Doom Card in their battle, it's because he wanted to see their power and use them in some way.

Now on the main battle in the chapter, I know that some of the cards Dan and Ryder use isn't the same as in the last chapter, but I had to in order to have them win. Thankfully I managed to keep their Bakugan the same as before.

As for Alice's whole thing at the end of the chapter, I made it so that it both syncs with what happened in this part of the story in Canon and work with my story. Though she never ran away in the story (until she found out she was Masquerade), I needed it to happen to develop her and Ryder's relationship.

Whether or not I'm going to make it romantic is still up in the air for me. We'll see. But for the story I have planned again, I needed her and Ryder to have a long time to get to know one another.

Hopefully, I didn't bore anyone with my long explanation of the chapter (which I do so that I can preventively answer any questions people have), but I hope you guys had a nice Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate.

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you guys next time!