Chapter 9: Friends Forever

Marucho's Ship…

Ryder looked out the window of the ship as it passed through clouds and over the ocean. He had to admit he didn't think about it when he came aboard, but this was the first time he was flying. Never before had Ryder been on a plane or whatever the ship he was on now counted as.

"We're really high," Ryder murmured as Leonidas landed on his shoulder.

"It's actually quite nice." Leonidas pointed out.

"Is this your first time being on an aircraft?" Runo inquired.

"Y-yeah…I never really got to leave New York a lot, and when I did, it was to places that were drivable," Ryder explained.

"I hope you're not uncomfortable Ryder. There are several rooms on the ship without windows if that will make you feel better." Marucho offered.

"No, no, I'm good thanks it's just. Surreal, I guess." Ryder declined.

"We should be arriving at Julie's soon, then we can head towards the mansion," Marucho reported.

"Are we certain Alice is there?" Runo asked.

"We can only hope," Marucho answered.

"Plus, we don't have any other leads." Ryder pointed out.

"If Alice isn't there, then we can always get the answer out of them!" Tigrerra exclaimed.

"Yeah, we'll make them regret messing with us!" Preyas agreed.

"Though that being said, I am feeling a little under the weather, so I'll sit this one out," Preyas muttered.

"No Preyas." Marucho sighed.

"Worth a shot," Preyas murmured.

"Why would you want to skip out on such an opportunity?" Leonidas questioned.

"Because I'm not battle-hungry! Though actually, I could eat." Preyas responded.

"Master Marucho, we are arriving." Marucho's Butler informed.

"Excellent, Julie should be waiting for us." Marucho smiled as he stood up, and he and Runo went to the entrance.

Ryder soon followed as he still felt a little out of place being around the other Battle Brawlers. When he arrived, the Battle Brawlers were finishing up pleasantries while their Bakugan conversed with one another.

"Oh, it's nice to see you again Ryder!" Julie exclaimed as she held out her hand.

"Uh right, it's nice to see you again too." Ryder agreed as he shook her hand.

"So, what's the plan? How are we saving Alice?" Julie inquired, having had been told of the situation by Marucho.

"We're going to be infiltrating the mansion to find Alice and get her out. Since we are short on members, it's best not to engage." Marucho explained.

"Got it! The rescue mission is underway!" Julie exclaimed as she pumped her fist into the air.

"How is she excited?" Ryder wondered as the ship took off.

"You know, I just thought of something," Runo stated.

"What is it?" Marucho inquired.

"What if this is a trap?" Runo suggested.

"I mean, they left the drive just laying on the ground for us. Shouldn't we be concerned?" Runo inquired.

"Uh! You're right. Why didn't I think of that?" Marucho wondered.

"Considering the situation, the fact that this may be a trap was probably not much of a priority," Tigrerra suggested.

"True, but I'm ready to take the chance," Ryder replied.

"It's not like we have any other leads of where Alice is, so I'm not backing down," Ryder added.

"You really care about Alice don't you?" Julie asked

"Well…yeah, she's my friend," Ryder answered.

"But you must really like her since you let her stay at your house." Julie pointed out.

"Well…" Ryder began as Julie got closer.

"Don't tell me…." Julie started.

"You love Alice don't you?!" Julie asked as her eyes seemed to glimmer like stars.

"L-L-Love?" Ryder gasped.

"W-W-Well I…I don't know…." Ryder stuttered as he backed up as Julie got closer.

"It's love isn't it?" Julie inquired as Ryder blushed.

"Wha-what's happening here?!" Ryder questioned as he became embarrassed.

"Down Julie you're making him uncomfortable." Runo insisted as Runo placed a hand on Julie's shoulder.

"Sorry, I'm just a sucker for love stories." Julie apologized.

"It's fine." Ryder sighed.

"But really, we're just friends," Ryder added.

"Yes, well, moving on from that, this building is large, so it is in our best interest to cover as much ground as we can," Marucho suggested.

"Wouldn't it be bad if we get caught alone?" Preyas asked.

"Yes, so we'll be going in groups of two," Marucho responded.

"Runo and I will be a team, and Julie and Ryder will be another," Marucho explained.

"Sounds good to me," Runo replied as she leaned towards Julie.

"Try to go easy on him," Runo whispered as Julie nodded.

"It'll take a bit to get there, so in the meantime, get ready," Marucho stated.


Masquerade's Super Computer Room…

"I believe I'm getting the hang of this," Masquerade smirked as he held Hydranoid in his hand with dark energy emanating around both.

"Yes, I feel the power of Darkus!" Hydranoid agreed.

"With this, we're one step closer to our goal," Masquerade replied as the wall behind him deformed.

"Masquerade!" Hal-G called.

"What is it Hal-G?" Masquerade inquired.

"I came for a status report for Hydranoid's evolution," Hal-G stated.

"It's going fine. We've just found a new power to master." Masquerade replied.

"Good with any luck, the Infinity Core shall reveal itself. But Naga wanted you to know something." Hal-G said.

"And that is?" Masquerade asked.

"When Hydranoid evolves, give him the entirety of the Silent Orb. This will ensure he will become the Ultimate Bakugan so that you can surely obtain the Infinity Core." Hal-G explained.

"He wants Hydranoid to fully assimilate the Silent Orb? Wouldn't that hinder his plans on empowering his army?" Masquerade questioned.

"It matters not. With Bakugan like Vladitor around now, we must ensure our victory no matter the cost." Hal-G answered.

"Is Vladitor that much of a threat?" Masquerade asked.

"He is an ancient Bakugan who wanted to take over Vestroia. So yes. Make sure that he is taken care of." Hal-G insisted.

"Very well," Masquerade replied.

"Now, don't you think it is time to return control to Alice? The Battle Brawlers and Leonidas's partner will come to find her?" Hal-G inquired.

"Not yet I still need to master this power as fast as I can. Besides, it's not like they can find me." Masquerade responded before an alarm went off.

"You were saying?" Hal-G smirked as on the many computer screens in Masquerade's computer room, the image of the Battle Brawlers ship showed as it landed outside.

"Well, looks like I'm on the clock then." Masquerade sighed.

"Just make sure they don't find you out," Hal-G ordered as he disappeared.

"Obviously," Masquerade muttered.


Outside…

"Wow, it is way bigger up close," Ryder noted as he and the three members of the Battle Brawlers stood in front of the mansion.

"It looks a little decrepit." Runo pointed out as the mansion looked abandoned and wasting away.

"Are we sure Masquerade is here?" Julie questioned as they approached the building.

"We'll find out soon enough," Marucho replied as they reached the front door.

Marucho and Ryder opened the double doors as the four entered the mansion. The interior was a stark contrast to the outside as it was much nicer and cleaner in comparison. But the large entrance was entirely empty of life as the only noise was the closing doors and their footsteps.

"So uh…where to first?" Julie inquired.

"Left and right, I suppose," Runo answered as the group split up.

Marucho and Runo run around a corridor opening and looking through every door and room they could find. Thankfully for the pair, this mansion wasn't booby-trapped like Shun's house was. But the mansion was far larger than Shun's house.

This made it harder on both groups as it would take them forever to find anyone at all in the building. Though Marucho and Runo were lucky as Ryder and Julie, who were searching just like them, had two people intercepting them.


Wardington…

Dan slowly opened his eyes as the lights of the room blinded him. The last thing he remembered was dragging himself to Runo's place after losing to a Darkus Brawler. He was in terrible condition as the battle was unlike any other.

His opponent was brutal, not letting up even if Dan was hurt in the battle too. Even with their combined might, he and Drago were defeated by the brawler. The Darkus Bakugan was strong. Too strong like Hydranoid, but they held nothing back.

"What time is this?" Dan wondered aloud as he slowly got up.

"Daniel!" Drago exclaimed as he hopped over to see his partner.

"Drago? How long was I out?" Dan inquired.

"A few days, it's good to see you awake," Drago answered.

"A few days!?" Dan gasped.

"What about that Marduk guy and Vladitor?" Dan questioned as he took notice of Shun on the bed next to him.

"Shun!" Dan cried as he attempted to get up but flinched in pain.

"Don't push yourself Dan. You're still in no condition to move." Drago advised.

"Drago's right Dan. Just rest for now." Skyress agreed.

"But what happened?" Dan asked.

"Vladitor and Marduk happened," Drago stated.

"Shun and I battled him and lost. It wasn't pretty." Skyress explained.

"You guys lost to him too? Wait, what about the others? Don't tell me he's going after all of us?" Dan inquired.

"The others are fine. Well, for now." Drago answered.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Dan questioned as Drago and Skyress caught Dan up on what was happening.

"So Masquerade took Alice!?" Dan asked.

"From what Ryder told Marucho and Runo, yes. They messaged us a while ago that they were going to rescue her." Skyress responded.

"Then I need to help them!" Dan exclaimed as he once again attempted to get out of bed before Skyress jumped up and hit him on the forehead.

"Hey what was that for?" Dan asked.

"You're in no condition to help anyone Dan, so just relax and be patient." Drago insisted.

"But what if something happens?" Dan inquired.

"Then we'll help, but for now, just have faith in them," Drago replied.

"Right," Dan smirked as he laid back down.


Doom Being Hideout…

"Did you hear that?" Billy inquired.

"It sounded like an alarm." Chan Lee answered as she got up from her seat.

"I guess we have intruders." Chan Lee growled as she grabbed her launcher and left the room.

"Wait how will we know where to look?" Billy asked as he grabbed his own launcher and followed.

"We go to where we hear noise." Chan Lee responded.


Ryder and Julie…

"So what's it like in New York?" Julie inquired as she opened another door to break the long silence between the two.

"It's nice. Plenty of places to go and lots of nice people. Well, as long as you don't cross someone." Ryder answered, whispering the last part.

"I've always wanted to go to New York ever since my older sister went," Julie replied.

"When we first met, there wasn't much time to sightsee," Julie added.

"Well, you can come around any time if you want," Ryder said.

"Wow really! You're real sweet Ryder! You and Alice must have a great relationship!" Julie exclaimed.

"Wha-wait! We..we're just friends!" Ryder insisted as he opened a door to a new hallway.

Just as he opened the door, he saw Chan Lee and Billy at the other end of the hallway. The three made awkward eye contact as Ryder slowly closed the door without a word. He then proceeded to take a nearby chair and wedge it under the door handle.

"Did you find anything?" Julie asked as she exited a room.

"Nothing important," Ryder responded as the door was rammed from the opposite side.

"We better go elsewhere," Ryder suggested as he and Julie ran off. No sooner did they run off did Chan Lee kick the door down off its hinges.

"Should have guessed it was the Battle Brawlers." Chan Lee spat as she gave chase with Billy following close behind.

"Shouldn't we just battle them?" Julie inquired.

"It's best to ignore all distractions. Honestly, I just don't want to waste time." Ryder answered. But just as he said it did one of the many doors in front of them break down.

"Oh so you don't want to battle?" Chan Lee questioned as she and Billy walked in front of Ryder and Julie.

"That's too bad because you're not going to have much of a choice in the matter." Chan Lee smirked.

"Aw man so much for that plan." Ryder sighed.

"Billy," Julie murmured as she looked at the boy with sad eyes. Having heard that, Ryder looked at Julie, then at Billy, then back at Julie.

"Uh…do you know each other?" Ryder inquired.

"We're old friends," Julie revealed.

"Ah. I see." Ryder replied as he noticed Billy's glare though he couldn't tell if it was directed at him or Julie.

"So what brings you all here, and more importantly, how did you know to come here?" Chan Lee questioned.

"You wouldn't believe us if we told you," Ryder stated.

"Well, we can't let you go any further sadly, so we're going to stop you here." Chan Lee replied.

"Guess we don't have a choice." Julie sighed as she looked at Billy, who refused to look at her.

"Fine let's do this," Ryder said as he and the others took out their field cards.

"Field Open!" The Four shouted.


Runo and Marucho…

"THIS PLACE IS TOO BIG!" Runo screamed as she became fed up with looking through many empty rooms.

"We'll never find Alice." Runo cried.

"Don't say that we might be close," Marucho replied.

"You don't know that we've barely been through this place and found nothing!" Runo shot back.

"Now come on Runo we can't give up Alice is counting on us." Tigrerra reminded over Runo's shoulder.

"She's right!" Preyas agreed as he floated next to Tigrerra before he turned around. He slowly moved over to a nearby wall and leaned close to it.

"Hey, do you guys hear that?" Preyas inquired as everyone moved over to the wall to listen, hearing mechanical noises coming from behind.

"What is that?" Runo wondered.

"There can't be a room here. There's no door." Runo pointed out as they were between two rooms.

"Perhaps there is some sort of secret room of sorts," Marucho suggested.

"Leave it to bad guys to have secrets rooms am I right?" Preyas joked.

"If there is a secret room, how do we get in?" Tigrerra asked.

"Good question. Honestly, I don't know." Marucho answered as he inspected the wall.

"Let's just try and push it open or remove it like a false wall," Runo suggested.

"But I haven't even…." Marucho began before he was interrupted when Runo began pushing on the wall ignoring him.

"Well, guess there's no arguing with you." Marucho sighed as he joined her.

This went on for several minutes before they tried pulling it off though that was short-lived when they realized there was nowhere to grab hold of it. Eventually, they went back to pushing the door as their Bakugan watched them.

"I'm beginning to think this isn't going to work," Preyas commented.

"I never thought it was going to work," Tigrerra replied as Preyas floated over to Runo and Marucho.

"I just wish we could help." Preyas sighed as he landed on a wall lamp which dropped down like a lever causing him to fall and simultaneously the wall to open.

Runo and Marucho fell into the corridor that was behind the now opened wall before recovering and looking inside. Inside was a large white room with several large computer screens displaying several Bakugan and their stats.

"What is this place?" Runo wondered as she roamed around the room.

"I believe this is some kind of supercomputer. Masquerade must use this to analyze several different kinds of Bakugan." Marucho assumed as he inspected a console.

He brought up several pages about several Bakugan and their respective brawlers. Marucho kept scrolling through the information before he got to the files of the Battle Brawlers. But before he could even access it, the computer went dark and became unresponsive.

"What happened?" Runo questioned.

"I don't know," Marucho stated as he pressed several buttons.

"Well, it seems like this room's a bust." Marucho sighed as he left the console.

"Guess we should…." Runo began before she heard a muffled noise. Turning around, she noticed another door. This one was blocked by a cabinet that she pushed out of the way.

"Wonder what's in here." Runo wondered aloud as the others stood behind her. She slowly opened the door, and the only thing within was a small bed and an unconscious Alice.

"Alice!" Runo exclaimed as she ran to her friend's side.

"Thank goodness." Marucho sighed as he joined her, and Alice began to stir from her sleep.

"Runo? Marucho?" Alice questioned as she woke from her unconsciousness.

"You're okay!" Runo exclaimed as she hugged Alice.

"I'm sorry we made you feel like we weren't friends!" Runo apologized, surprising Alice.

"Oh. Thank you Runo." Alice thanked as she looked at her surroundings.

"But where are we? The last thing I remember, I was with Ryder." Alice inquired.

"This is Masquerade's base of operations. He kidnapped you to force Ryder to battle him." Marucho explained.

"He did? Is Ryder okay?" Alice asked, worried for him.

"Yeah, he's fine. He and Julie are around somewhere also looking for you," Runo responded.

"Speaking of, we should tell them we found you," Marucho replied.

"Good idea. I'll call Julie." Runo agreed.


Meanwhile…

"Gate Card Set!" The Four brawlers shouted as they placed their gate cards.

"Doom Card Set." Chan Lee and Billy added.

"I'll be the one to start!" Billy declared as he loaded a Bakugan.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Griffon Stand!" Billy added as Griffon appeared on his gate card.

"Subterra Griffon G power 485 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Come and battle Ryder so I can get payback!" Billy demanded.

"Didn't know you were that butthurt about it, but if you insist." Ryder began.

"No wait let me." Julie insisted.

"Wha..really?" Ryder asked.

"Yes please," Julie responded as Ryder could see the determination in her eyes.

"Alright, he's all yours," Ryder replied.

"Wait what!?" Billy questioned as Julie loaded a Bakugan into her launcher.

"I'm going to get you back to yourself Billy!" Julie declared.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Tuskor Stand!" Julie yelled as she launched her Bakugan onto Billy's gate card.

"Subterra Tuskor G power 460 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"What's the big idea I'm not here to battle you?" Billy asked.

"Well, that's too bad because I'm not going to be ignored!" Julie replied.

"The sight of you working with Masquerade just isn't right. You love Bakugan, so why are you helping destroy it?" Julie questioned, surprising Billy.

"Note to self never get on her bad side." Ryder thought as he watched Julie and saw her determination.

"I'm not doing anything of the sort!" Billy denied.

"Gate Card Open! Subterra Quake!" Billy declared.

"Subterra Griffon G power increase by 100 Gs. Subterra Griffon G power 585 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Griffon flew towards Tuskor as the two Subterra Bakugan fought each other though Griffon pushed Tuskor further and further back. Tuskor used its massive trunk to push Griffon away, allowing Julie to fight back.

"Ability Card Activate! Subterra Stomp!" Julie countered.

"Subterra Tuskor G power increase by 145 Gs. Subterra Tuskor G power 605 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Tuskor began to stomp on the ground shaking the earth before jumping, surprisingly over Griffon despite its size and stomping its fellow Subterra Bakugan to the ground. It continued to do so until Billy took action.

"Ability Card Activate! Ability Counter!" Billy shot back, negating Julie's ability card.

"Subterra Tuskor G power decrease by 145 Gs. Subterra Tuskor G power 460 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Griffon clawed at Tuskor's belly, causing the fellow Subterra Bakugan to fall back in pain as Griffon got up and bit into its neck. This was the final blow sending Tuskor into the Doom Dimension.

"No Tuskor!" Julie cried as she watched her Bakugan fall through the portal.

"What happened to all that skill you showed in our last brawl?" Billy goaded as he caught Griffon.

"Now that you're done, it's my turn." Chan Lee smirked as she loaded her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus El Condor Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as she launched her Bakugan onto her gate card.

"Pyrus El Condor G power 500 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Right then, let's do this," Ryder murmured as he grabbed hold of a Bakugan.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Centipoid Stand!" Ryder yelled as he launched Centipoid.

"Darkus Centipoid G power 500 Gs." The bakupod annoucned.

"Even grounds for now." Chan Lee smirked.

Centipoid raised its large body to bite at El Condor, who maneuvered out of the way before forming a ball of fire and blasting it in the back of Centipoid's head. This caused the Darkus Bakugan to hit the ground hard.

"Gate Card Open! Wall Lock!" Chan Lee declared preventing Ryder from using ability cards.

"Oh boy," Ryder murmured.

"Now then Ability Card Activate! Fire Judge!" Chan Lee shouted as the card glowed in her hand.

"Pyrus El Condor G power increase by 100 Gs. Pyrus El Condor G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

El Condor burned brightly and blasted a larger ball of fire into Centipoid's back then before burning the Darkus Bakugan. Eventually, Centipoid was defeated as it fell into the portal to the Doom Dimension that opened under it.

"This isn't going to end like our last battle." Chan Lee stated as she caught her Bakugan.

"We'll see about that," Ryder replied.

"Before then." Billy began as he grabbed onto a Bakugan.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Garganoid Stand!" Billy shouted as he launched the Bakugan onto Ryder's gate card.

"Subterra Garganoid G power 520 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"He's doing this to battle me." Ryder determined.

"But I don't think Julie will like that." Ryder thought as he looked towards Julie.

"Gate Card Set!" Julie started as she tossed a new gate card next to Ryder's.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Laserman Stand!" Julie continued as she launched her Bakugan onto her gate card.

"Subterra Laserman G power 545 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Now then, Ability Card Activate!" Julie shouted.

"Landslide!" Julie declared as she tossed the card into the field. Suddenly a large mass of earth fell down and forced Billy's Bakugan onto Julie's gate card.

"What the!?" Billy gasped.

"Now then, Gate Card Open! Subterra Fault!" Julie revealed.

"Subterra Laserman G power increase by 150 Gs. Subterra Lasterman G power 695 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Laserman proceeded to bombard Garganoid with shots from its cannons knocking the Bakugan out of the air. It then began to make its way over to the collapsed Garganoid and stomped on its head, defeating it.

"Why won't you leave me alone?!" Billy questioned as he glared at Julie.

"Because I have to stop you! This isn't who you are Billy! You love Bakugan, so why are you fighting with those who wish to end it?!" Julie asked.

"I-I…." Billy stuttered as he couldn't understand himself.

"This talk is pointless. Let's keep battling!" Chan Lee demanded.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Hynoid Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as she launched Hynoid onto Ryder's gate card.

"Pyrus Hynoid G power 550 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Right then, time to get to it," Ryder murmured.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Juggernoid Stand!" Ryder yelled as he launched his Bakugan onto his gate card.

"Darkus Juggernoid G power 530 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Gate Card Open! Joker's Wild!" Ryder declared, causing him to immediately win the battle.

"You little…" Chan Lee seethed as she picked up her fallen Bakugan.

"I would've lost either way!" Billy realized as he watched Ryder's move.

"Fine then." Billy began as he took out a gate card.

"Gate Card Set!" Billy continued.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Cycloid Stand!" Billy finished as his partner Bakugan appeared on his gate card.

"Let's do this!" Cycloid exclaimed.

"Subterra Cycloid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"It's time Gorem!" Julie exclaimed.

"I'm ready when you are Julie," Gorem replied as Julie loaded him into her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Gorem Stand!" Julie shouted as she launched Gorem onto Billy's gate card.

"Subterra Gorem G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced as Gorem's massive form appeared.

"Guess it's time for a rematch Gorem!" Cycloid smirked.

"Yes let us battle!" Gorem yelled.

"Gate Card Open! Hyper Merge!" Billy declared.

"100 Gs transferred from Subterra Gorem to Subterra Cycloid. Subterra Gorem G power 500 Gs. Subterra Cycloid 700 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Cycloid raised his club and swung at Gorem, who raised his arms to defend himself. The club struck Gorem's arm and pushed him back. He was pushed back so far that Gorem was nearly defeated until Julie interfered.

"Ability Card Activate! Mega Impact!" Julie countered.

"Subterra Gorem G power increase by 200 Gs. Subterra Gorem G power 700 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Gorem grabbed onto Cycloid's club, stopping the attack entirely before delivering a swift blow across his face. This sent Cycloid onto the ground, where Gorem slammed down onto his fellow Subterra Bakugan.

But Cycloid broke free as he caught Gorem's fist and tossed him away. Getting back up onto his feet, Cycloid picked his club back up, and the two Subterra Bakugan began clashing once more. If nothing was done, the battle would be a draw.

"Ability Card Activate! Right Giganti!" Billy shouted.

"Subterra Cycloid G power increase by 200 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 900 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"I don't think so! Ability Card Activate! Subterra Crater!" Julie countered, negating Billy's ability card.

"Subterra Cycloid G power decrease by 200 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 700 Gs." The bakupod announced.

With their G power back to being equal, the two Subterra ended up ending the battle in a draw, both falling at their partner's feet. Julie picked up Gorem and looked at Billy, who didn't meet her gaze.

"I have to reach him somehow." Julie thought.

Ryder saw the girl's turmoil and wanted to help somehow, and slowly he thought of a way. But he would have to wait until it was his turn to make his move. Taking a moment, Chan Lee began her move as she took up a gate card.

"Gate Card Set!" Chan Lee shouted as she threw a gate card just right of Julie's and loaded Fourtress.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Fourtress Stand!" Chan Lee added as she launched her partner onto her gate card.

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

"My turn now," Ryder smirked as he took out a gate card.

"Gate Card Set!" Ryder began as he threw a gate card just left of Julie's.

"It's time Leonidas!" Ryder exclaimed.

"I'm ready when you are partner!" Leonidas replied as Ryder loaded him into his launcher.

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

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

"Let's battle!" Leonidas roared as he appeared.

"Wait a minute, isn't this?" Chan Lee began as she began to recognize Ryder's plan.

"Ability Card Activate! Leap String!" Ryder declared.

Now Leonidas was free to attack any Bakugan on another gate card. Leonidas then flew up into the sky and dove down to attack Fourtress. The two Bakugan clashed as Leonidas kept to the sky and slashed at Fourtress.

"Ability Card Activate! Face of Rage!" Chan Lee countered.

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

With its new power, Fourtress caught Leonidas during his next attack and tossed him onto the ground. Leonidas held off Fourtress as the towering Pyrus Bakugan stood above him and attacked.

"Ability Card Activate! Darkus Twister!" Ryder yelled as he tossed the Ability Card at Leonidas.

"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 250 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 850 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Acting quickly, Leonidas spun around, creating the dark tornado throwing Fourtress off of him. He then dove down and struck Fourtress pushing him back further and further. Eventually, Leonidas took up to the sky once more to finish Fourtress off.

Chan Lee looked at the battle and became suspicious of what Ryder could be planning. She couldn't allow Fourtress to lose, but she felt like something else was going on. Then her eyes locked on the gate card Ryder had set during the start of the battle.

"I see." Chan Lee thought as she pulled out an ability card.

"Ability Card Activate! Pyrus Boom!" Chan Lee shouted.

Just as she activated the ability card, Fourtress exploded in flames engulfing both him and Leonidas. When the flames died down, Leonidas and Fourtress fell at their partner's feet. Chan Lee had forced the battle to end in a draw.

"Not bad," Ryder commented as he picked up Leonidas.

"That little! I almost had that battle!" Leonidas complained.

"Don't worry Leonidas we'll get our chance soon," Ryder assured.

"Finally," Billy murmured as he loaded a Bakugan.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Griffon Stand!" Billy shouted as he launched Griffon onto Ryder's gate card.

"Subterra Griffon G power 485 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Julie began to load her Bakugan, but she paused before she made her move. Unlike before, she wouldn't be able to bring Billy to her turf. Not only that, but he had an ability card to stop her own, and she still wasn't able to use her own ability negating card.

"Should I go on Ryder's Gate Card?" Julie wondered.

"Julie," Ryder called, getting the girl's attention.

"Go for it!" Ryder encouraged shocking the girl as she looked back at Ryder's gate card.

"Did he put it there to help me?" Julie questioned.

"And here I am focusing on battling Billy. I forgot this was a team battle." Julie thought.

"Alright then!" Julie exclaimed.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Laserman Stand!" Julie shouted as she launched her Bakugan onto Ryder's gate card.

"Subterra Laserman G power 545 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Gate Card Open! Team Battle!" Ryder declared as the gate card below Billy and Julie's Bakugan revealed itself.

"Now then, let's make this a real team battle!" Ryder smirked as he loaded a Bakugan.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Juggernoid Stand!" Ryder yelled as he launched Juggernoid onto his gate card.

"Darkus Juggernoid G power 530 Gs. Combined G power of Darkus Juggernoid and Subterra Laserman 1075 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Fine then if I must!" Chan Lee muttered as she loaded her launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus El Condor Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as her El Condor joined the battle.

"Pyrus El Condor G power 500 Gs. Combined G power of Pyrus El Condor and Subterra Griffon 985 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Juggernoid took the first attack as it charged and jumped up to drag down Griffon. As it did this, Laserman charged up to fire upon the falling Griffon, but it was stopped when it was hit in the back by El Condor.

"Ability Card Activate! Fire Judge!" Chan Lee declared as she tossed the card.

"Pyrus El Condor G power increase by 100 Gs. Pyrus El Condor G power 600 Gs. Combined G power 1085 Gs." The bakupod annoucned.

El Condor proceeded to blast Juggernoid, who hid in its shell. Laserman turned around and fired on El Condor, but Griffon, who was now freed, attacked. In retaliation, Laserman flipped its cannons behind it and fired at Griffon.

"Ability Card Activate! Subterra Stomp!" Julie countered.

"Subterra Laserman G power increase by 145 Gs. Subterra Laserman G power 690 Gs. Combined G power 1220 Gs." The bakupod announced.

The moment Julie activated the ability card Lasmerman stomped on the ground with such force that Juggernoid was launched into the sky. Juggernoid took this chance to come out of its shell and tackle El Condor to the ground. Before more could be done, Billy interveined.

"Ability Card Activate! Ability Counter!" Billy yelled, negating the G power given by Julie's ability card.

"Subterra Laserman G power decrease by 145 Gs. Subterra Laserman G power 545 Gs. Combined G power 1075 Gs." The bakupod announced.

With this change, El Condor tossed Juggernoid off of it before being shot by Laserman. But that didn't last long before Griffon pinned Laserman to the ground. Juggernoid rolled off its back and attempted to aid Laserman, but El Condor intercepted it.

"Ability Card Activate! Darkus Wave!" Ryder countered as the card glowed in his hand.

"Darkus Juggernoid G power increase by 50 Gs. Darkus Juggernoid G power 580 Gs. Combined G power 1125 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Now that its power had been increased, Juggernoid did not stop as it rammed into El Condor, pushing it towards Griffon, causing both to slam into one another. The two Bakugan fell to the ground, and Juggernoid and Laserman finished the two off.

"Great. So much for that." Chan Lee muttered as she sent a glare towards Billy, who grunted in response.

"Yes! Thanks Ryder!" Julie thanked as Ryder nodded in response.

"No problem. This is a team battle after all!" Ryder replied.

"Get ready Ryder. This battle isn't over yet." Leonidas reminded.

"Right," Ryder replied as he turned his attention to Chan Lee.

"Gate Card Set!" Chan Lee began as she loaded Fourtress.

"Bakugan Brawl! Pyrus Fourtress Stand!" Chan Lee shouted as she launched Fourtress onto her gate card.

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

"Now then, don't be shy Ryder. Let's battle!" Chan Lee smirked.

"Who said I was shy." Ryder laughed.

"Let's finish this Leo!" Ryder exclaimed.

"Yes let's!" Leonidas replied as Ryder loaded him into his launcher.

"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder yelled as he launched Leonidas onto Chan Lee's gate card.

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

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

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by 100 Gs. Pyrus G power 700 Gs." The bakupod annoucned.

Fourtress attacked Leonidas, who kept to the sky to avoid the Pyrus Bakugan's attack. But it didn't last long as Fourtress managed to grab onto Leonidas's tail and slam him into the ground with a strong swing.

"Hang in there Leonidas!" Ryder called.

"Ability Card Activate!" Ryder shouted.

"Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas finished as he fired the beam out of his mouth, knocking Fourtress back.

"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 200 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Leonidas proceeded to fly back up and wrapped his tail around Fourtress's leg and picked up the Pyrus Bakugan. Fourtress wouldn't let this stand as he scratched at Leonidas's tail, though to no avail.

"I'm not allowing you to beat me yet!" Chan Lee proclaimed.

"Ability Card Activate! Face of Rage!" Chan Lee countered as Fourtress's face turned to show rage.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by 200 Gs. Pyrus Fourtress G power 900 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Fourtress fired a large inferno into Leonidas's back, causing both Bakugan to fall towards the ground. The two hit the ground with a loud thud as dust filled the air. When the dust cleared, both Bakugan were still in the game.

"You still good Leonidas?" Ryder inquired.

"Oh yes! This is just getting fun!" Leonidas exclaimed.

"Why don't I make it even better for you!" Chan Lee stated.

"Ability Card Activate! Pyrus Sword!" Chan Lee declared, allowing Fourtress to draw his swords.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by 150 Gs. Pyrus Fourtress G power 1050 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Fourtress charged at Leonidas, slicing at the Darkus Bakugan with his four swords though Leonidas kept his distance to avoid them. But it wouldn't last long as Fourtress closed in on Leonidas.

"Let's even the odds, shall we? No, actually, let's tip the scale in my favor!" Ryder shouted.

"Double Ability Activate! Darkus Twister and Darkus Repulse!" Ryder countered.

"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 320 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 1120 Gs." The bakupod announced.

Leonidas spun around, blocking Fourtress's swords before shattering them. Now that they were gone, Leonidas kicked Fourtress in the face sending him away. Not missing a beat, Leonidas flew after and assaulted the Pyrus Bakugan over and over.

"No, I can't lose to you again! Some nobody who got lucky!" Chan Lee seethed.

"The only reason you won before was because you had Dan to help you. Now you only have her!" Chan Lee added, pointing at Julie.

"Wow, that's not very nice. Besides, Julie's been holding her own just like me. So how about I show you just how wrong you are!" Ryder replied as Leonidas went in for the finish.

"No!" Chan Lee cried as she watched Leonidas dive down towards Fourtress.

"I won't lose again!" Chan Lee shouted as she and Fourtress began to emanate negative energy uncontrollably. Just as it happened, the negative energy sent Leonidas back.

"Pyrus Fourtress G power increase by unknown numbers." The bakupod announced.

"What is happening?" Ryder questioned.

"This is like what happens with Leonidas, but it feels more chaotic and uncontrollable." Ryder thought.

"This will not stop me!" Leonidas declared as he flew back in.

As he flew back in, the negative energy that was being secreted was slowly absorbed by the Darkus Bakugan. Slowly but surely, the Fourtress's G power stopped increasing and slowly began to decrease back to what it was.

At the same time, the negative energy around Chan Lee was being absorbed as well, as it looked as if she was in pain. But before long, both Chan Lee and Fourtress were drained of negative energy, and the girl collapsed unconscious as Fourtress was beaten.

"That was intense." Ryder sighed as he caught Leonidas.

"Is she okay?" Ryder wondered as Billy looked at the scene in shock.

"I only have one Bakugan left, and while I trust in Cycloid, Chan Lee was higher ranked than I was. What if I can't beat Ryder?" Billy questioned.

"Don't get distracted Billy!" Julie called, grabbing Billy's attention.

"Because your battle is with me!" Julie declared.

"I'm going to snap you out of it and bring you back to normal!" Julie added.

"Back to the Billy who cared deeply about Bakugan and not just winning!" Julie finished.

"We'll see about that!" Billy seethed.

"Let's show them how it's done!" Cycloid exclaimed.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Cycloid Stand!" Billy shouted as he launched Cycloid.

"Subterra Cycloid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced as Cycloid appeared on Julie's gate card.

"It's time we ended this!" Julie said.

"Send me in Julie!" Gorem insisted.

"With pleasure!" Julie replied as she loaded Gorem.

"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Gorem Stand!" Julie yelled as she launched Gorem onto her gate card.

"Subterra Gorem G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Now Gate Card Open! Gorem Crash!" Julie declared, activating Gorem's character card.

"Subterra Gorem G power increase by 400 Gs. Subterra Gorem G power 1000 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Alright, get him Gorem!" Julie exclaimed.

"Right!" Gorem replied as Gorem charged at Cycloid.

"Not so fast! Ability Card Activate! Left Giganti!" Billy countered, negating Julie's gate card.

"Subterra Gorem G power returned to normal parameters." The bakupod announced. As Gorem slammed into Cycloid, the two Subterra Bakugan held one another off.

"Sorry, pal, but that's not good enough!" Cycloid laughed as he held Gorem off.

"I'm not done yet either! Ability Card Activate! Right Giganti!" Billy declared.

"Subterra Cycloid G power increase by 200 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.

"Haha, now let's have some fun!" Cycloid exclaimed as he grabbed onto Gorem's arm and spun around before throwing his fellow Subterra Bakugan away.

"Gorem!" Julie cried as Gorem hit the ground with a loud thud.

"Ability Card Activate! Mega Impact!" Julie shouted as she tossed the ability card onto Gorem.

"Subterra Gorem G power increase by 200 Gs. Subterra Gorem G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced. Gorem quickly recovered and met Cycloud's follow-up attack.

"It won't matter, won't beat me again!" Billy shouted.

"I'll beat you then Ryder!" Billy declared.

"Why does that mean so much to you though?" Julie questioned.

"We've been friends for a long time, and I know that's not the real you!" Julie stated.

"I'm not giving up on a friend!" Julie shouted.

"My friend…" Billy murmured.

"So what did Masquerade do to make you so aggressive?" Julie inquired.

"He…" Billy began before stopping as his memory was hazy.

"I-I can't remember!" Billy realized as he clutched his head.

"Billy, is something wrong?" Julie asked.

"I…I don't…." Billy stuttered as he thought of the past.

He remembered all the times he and Julie played together and later battled against one another. Then he remembered all the battles he has had and the fun it brought. Eventually, he just couldn't understand why he was working with Masquerade anymore.

"Uh..what's going on?" Cycloid wondered as the negative energy in both his and Billy's body left. As the last of the energy left their bodies, both Billy and Cycloid collapsed.

"Billy!" Julie cried as the battlefield turned back into the real world. As it did, Julie and Ryder both ran up and checked on their respective opponents, who began to stir.

"Uh…what happened?" Chan Lee questioned as she got up.

"I feel like a bus hit me," Billy stated.

"Well, collapsing for unknown reasons may have something to do with that," Ryder replied.

"We were battling, weren't we?" Chan Lee asked.

"Yeah, don't you remember?" Ryder questioned.

"They won't for a while." A voice stated, catching the four brawlers' attention as they turned to see Klaus.

"You're Klaus!" Julie pointed out.

"Another of the best brawler's in the world!" Ryder gasped.

"Is he also working with Masquerade?" Ryder asked.

"Yeah!" Julie answered.

"Actually no," Klaus replied, shocking the two.

"What do you mean no?" Julie questioned.

"Yeah Klaus what is going on?" Chan Lee asked.

"I've been freed from his control just as you two were thanks to them," Klaus explained.

"Freed from Masquerade's control?" Ryder questioned.

"It's a little complicated, so allow me to explain. You see, I wanted you and the Battle Brawlers to come here, which is why I left the flash drive with this mansion's location." Klaus began.

"If you did, I knew that if you beat my colleagues here in a battle, they would be free of the negative energy that clouded their minds." Klaus finished.

"That's right, I remember now." Chan Lee said.

"When we first came here, Masquerade transported us to a strange place, and I felt this weird sensation flow over me." Chan Lee explained.

"Yeah, after that, I just felt like crushing the Battle Brawlers." Billy agreed.

"That was the negative energy clouding our minds forcing us to be our worst selves," Klaus revealed.

"Now that it's gone, we're free," Klaus added.

"Wow, I can't believe Masquerade would do that." Julie gasped.

"Wait, if that's the case, then how are you free of Masquerade's control? Weren't you also affected by the negative energy?" Ryder questioned.

"True, I was also affected. But I lost a battle against the brawler known as Marduk and his Bakugan Vladitor." Klaus revealed shocking Ryder.

"Like Leonidas when I was defeated, the negative energy was taken from Sirenoid and I, and it was absorbed by Vladitor," Klaus stated.

"So this Vladitor can do it too." Leonidas murmured.

"Maybe it's because he is also from the Doom Dimension," Ryder suggested.

"But wait, if you're not working with Masquerade, then why were you still acting like it?" Julie inquired.

"Because I couldn't let Masquerade know that I was free. Otherwise, he would have put me under again." Klaus answered.

"Well, that makes sense," Julie replied.

"If that's the case, then do you know where Alice is?" Ryder asked.

"Alice? Why would I know that?" Klaus questioned, confusing Ryder and Julie.

"Because Masquerade took her to make me battle him before disappearing without finishing our battle!" Ryder explained.

"I see," Klaus murmured as he rubbed his chin.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know where she is or even if she is here," Klaus answered as Julie's phone rang.

"Oh, it's Runo," Julie said as she picked up.

"Really?! That's great!" Julie exclaimed.

"What is it?" Ryder asked.

"They found Alice!" Julie answered.

"They did! That's great! Ryder smiled.

"I see you guys got what you came for now. It would be best if you left before the other's return." Klaus advised.

"Good idea, but what will you three do?" Ryder inquired.

"I've got a plan in mind, so don't worry about us," Klaus responded.

"Alright then, good luck!" Ryder wished as he and Julie began to leave.

"Julie wait!" Billy called, getting Julie to stop in her tracks.

"Yes Billy?" Julie asked.

"I wanted to say sorry about before, and I hope you can forgive me. I'm glad to have you as a friend." Billy apologized.

"I also said some horrible things, so please accept my apology too." Chan Lee added.

"It's okay. I'm just really glad that both of you are okay." Julie smiled.

"And I'm glad to have you as a friend too!" Julie exclaimed as she hugged Billy, who blushed before she took off with Ryder.


Outside…

Julie and Ryder exited the mansion to be met with the sight of Runo, Marucho, and Alice waiting for them outside. Before anyone could say anything, Julie ran up and pulled Alice into a hug while shedding some tears of happiness.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Julie exclaimed.

"Thank you Julie." Alice thanked as Ryder walked up behind Julie.

"It's a relief to see you're okay. I was so worried about you when Masquerade kidnapped you." Ryder smiled.

"I'm sorry I made you all worried." Alice apologized.

"There's nothing you have to be sorry about Alice. If anything, we should be apologizing to you." Marucho replied.

"Yeah, so please come back." Runo insisted.

"You guys want me back?" Alice asked as she looked at her fellow Battle Brawlers before looking towards Ryder.

"He did so much for me. But I guess it wasn't permanent." Alice thought.

"Of course." Alice smiled.

"I guess that means we won't be living together anymore." Alice chuckled with a slight blush.

"Yeah, but it was…uh nice," Ryder smirked, also blushing slightly.

"Aw, just looking at you two is so sweet!" Julie exclaimed, shocking both Alice and Ryder.

"W-What's that supposed to mean?" Ryder questioned as he and Alice blushed hard.

"Don't listen to her." Runo sighed.

"That being said, Ryder, it seems you too are now heavily involved in this too," Marucho stated.

"So it will probably be best for you to come with us too," Marucho suggested.

"You want me to come with?" Ryder asked surprised.

"Yeah, after all, you're targeted just like us." Runo pointed out.

"Plus, this way, you and Alice can spend more time together!" Julie exclaimed, causing Ryder and Alice to blush again.

"Knock it off Julie!" Alice begged as her face turned red.

"But where would I stay?" Ryder asked.

"Oh, you can stay at my house. It has plenty of rooms." Marucho suggested.

"Wow. Thanks." Ryder thanked.

"Wait, what about me? Can't I come too?" Julie asked.

"Sure, it's probably best if we stick together from now on. We can't be caught alone by Masquerade or Marduk." Marucho answered as they began to board the ship.

"Let's hope Dan and Shun are recovered now," Runo said as they took off and caught up with one another about what happened.


Elsewhere…

Marduk stood over the unconscious body of another brawler. He spat on the ground before leaving, annoyed as he didn't gain much from that battle. After he beat two of the Battle Brawlers, he hadn't been able to get another alone. Nor any decently ranked brawler.

"At this rate, I'm looking at a stall in my climb," Marduk muttered as he looked at his ranking, seeing it to be twenty-four.

"I can't get into the finals like this," Marduk grunted.

"I believe it's time we go back to greater quarry," Vladitor stated.

"How I only have enough money saved for a trip back home I can't go anywhere else?" Marduk questioned.

"It's simple. We just need to make our prey come to us." Vladitor answered.

"I'm listening," Marduk smirked.


Next Time Ryder along with the Battle Brawlers, arrive in Wardington to check up on Dan and Shun. As they begin to plan on their next move, they are interrupted when news breaks out that several brawlers have gone missing in the area.

Those who can split up in pairs to find the culprit, but it won't be easy for them. Meanwhile, Alice reconciles with the rest of the team but still feels some guilt eating away at her. Can everything really go back to the way it was?

Next Time on Bakugan Doom World: Dark Reunion


Author's Note:

Yes! I finally got this out! That battle was a doozy for me to write, but I managed to get it out, and I'm happy with how it came out. Now I felt like making this tag battle a little different, seeing as Chan Lee and Billy had the same goal, and I thought that would make them less likely to work together as both wanted to battle him alone.

Though one of my favorite things in this chapter was definitely Julie's teasing of Ryder over his relationship with Alice. Her character was always one who had some interest in love, so I just felt it fit, and it was really fun.

Well, that's all I really have to say about this chapter, so I'm going to get to the reviews:

Plasma Dragon 312 – Thanks glad you liked the story, and don't worry, I will definitely have more Alice and Ryder in the future. It is a shame that many of the supporting characters never got enough screen time.

I want to say I will fix that, but I don't know if I could, but you never know.

Noobmaster – No, I will not be using the aureles attribute from Champions of Vestroia. I honestly don't know much about the attribute or the game itself nor the reboot series, nor do I have any intention of implementing stuff from that in this story.

While it may be good, I've never seen the new reboot series. I want to make this story focus on the original series.

SkylanderZilla – Sorry to hear it again. Like I said in our PM conversation, I'll try to fix that problem though most of my original stuff is just G power boosts. Whenever I do make something beyond that, I will try to make it as clear as can be what it does.

Johannvanguard – Glad to hear you liked the battle between Ryder and Masquerade and hope the battle here was just as good. While Julie and Ryder didn't fully work together, you can say I wanted everyone to focus on something personal but still have some teamwork. Since Julie was focused on Billy, it was Ryder that had to bring teamwork into it.

Roken Darkly – Yes, one step closer indeed! Glad to hear you enjoyed both battles!

Martin – I'm just going to assume that was a joke.

HunterHQ – Yeah, it was weird how they never had Masquerade actually interact with Hydranoid much, so I'm hoping to mend that here even just a little. That's a good question on whether he preferred Alice or Masquerade, not even I know. I'm going to be thinking about that for a while.

Yeah, lots of the ability and gate cards I use are original though most are just g power boosts. There are many official cards used in the anime and game, too, as I found a wiki online with a list I can use to reference.

I also can't wait for Leonidas to evolve, too, now that he mellowed out. But that won't be for a while.

That's all I have for today. See you guys next time!