Chapter 6: Origins
Upon seeing Lincoln and Pikachu heading towards her, Misty asks "So how did it go?", prompting Lincoln to remove Poliwag's Pokeball from his belt in order to show it to her. "So you managed to catch that Poliwag, huh? Nicely done, squirt!"
"Thanks." Lincoln replied, before he turned to Mako, who was waiting patiently for his return, before he reached into his card pack on his belt and pulled out his field card.. "Ready when you are, Mako."
Mako grinned and nodded as he pulled out his own field card. 'Finally, an adversary worth the merit,' Mako thought in excitement as he then stood in front of Lincoln at least 20 feet away , with the others watching from Lincoln's side, Misty still confused as to what was happening. 'Let's see how well he battles against the ocean,'
"Man, this is gonna be epic!" Dan said, excited to see a battle with one of the Top 10 Brawlers in the world in action.
They both raised up their field cards and said in unison…
"Bakugan Field Open!"
When they said that, both their field cards started glowing with Mako's glowing blue and Lincoln's glowing purple with the circle of Bakugan elements appearing under them all. Misty and Pikachu gasped in shock, as they saw the world around them started to come to a halt, seeing Pidgey's stopping in midair.
As for their surroundings, the world around them started to completely change. They were suddenly standing what was probably multiple football fields apart on a big white field while the sky and area around them changed to a scene that showed the colors of the six elements swirling together, with Mako being further away from them.
"What is this place?!" Misty exclaimed, not understanding the situation.
"This is a Bakugan Battlefield. Whenever we open the field, time slows down around us, and we enter a different dimension. Just like what you saw here." Marucho explained to her.
Lincoln just sighed, seeing that this was going to take forever to explain. "Look, instead of explaining, just watch, okay?" he said. While Misty was still hesitant, she nodded seeing that the rookie trainer knew what he was doing. Lincoln then turned to Mako. "Alright Mako, bring it!"
"GATE CARD SET!" they both yelled as they threw them onto the battlefield, just like all 1 vs. 1 battles start. Both cards glowed brightly, one being purple, the other blue, growing bigger to fill the battlefield.
"Alright, time to get this started!" Mako yelled as he pulled out another gate card. "Gate Card set!" Mako then threw the card right next to her original gate card where it expanded. The ocean Brawler pulled out a Aquos Bakugan from the Bakugan holder on his belt. "Bakugan Brawl!" Mako then threw the Bakugan at the new gate card. The Bakugan rolled before landing on the center of the card. "Bakugan Stand!" The ball then opened up into the form of a turtle and glowed as the true power of the Bakugan was unleashed. Lincoln watched as a massive blue turtle-like Bakugan creature emerged and looked down at Lincoln.
"What is that?!" Misty cried out, never seeing anything like what just appeared in her life.
"Here, let me show you." Marucho told the red-haired girl as he activated his Bakupod. He then put the device in front of Misty and Pikachu as it showed a simplified version of the battlefield as well as pictures of Lincoln and Mako. "See, the rules are that each player has three Bakugan they can use. The goal is to defeat all your opponent's Bakugan by raising your own Bakugan to a higher G power. And of course, there's ability cards and gate cards to change up the battle and give yourself an edge."
"They won't attack us, will they?" Pikachu asked in concern.
"Nope. The Bakugan don't attack the players." Lincoln said, making the Pokemon sigh in relief and relax a little bit. ""Alright Baku-pod, what's the data?"
Lincoln then activated his own Baku-pod causing it to open up and show what Marucho's Baku-pod was showing as it spoke in a synthesized female voice. "Welcome Lincoln. Opponents Aquos Juggernoid, power level 270 G's. No other data available."
'Alright, I can work with this.' Lincoln thought as he quickly began to strategize in his head. 'Alright, he's probably gonna rely on pure power to do this. His gate card will probably boost his power level by at least 100 G's. Alright, I know what to do!'
"Alright Mako, get ready to face what a Darkus brawler can do!" Lincoln yelled to the Aquos user as he pulled out a card. "Gate Card set!" Lincoln then threw his gate card right next to Mako's, making it expand and for four gate cards to be out on the field. The white-haired boy then reached for the Bakugan carrier on his belt and took out one of his Darkus Bakugan. "Alright! Bakugan Brawl!" Lincoln then threw the Bakugan at the same card as the Juggernoid. "Darkus Fear-Ripper stand!"
The Bakugan Lincoln threw then landed on the center of the card and opened up. The Bakugan flew as it was released from its ball form. Fear-Ripper was a humanoid-like Bakugan with giant hands and giant claws to go with it. And being Darkus he was primarily black with purple highlights and a few other colors around his body and yellow eyes.
"Darkus Fear-Ripper enters the battle at 280 G's." The Baku-Pod recorded as a picture of Fear-Ripper appeared under Lincoln's picture.
'Now for phase one of my plan' Mako thought as he called out. "Gate Card Open! Triple Battle!" The Gate Card glowed as it revealed itself to be a command card, with a barrier appearing between the two opposing Bakugan.
"What happened?" Misty asked.
"The triple battle card makes it so the battle is on hold until three bakugan are on the card." Marucho explained.
"Bakugan Brawl!" Mako exclaimed, throwing another Bakugan onto the field, this time onto his other card. It opened up in the form of a crab. "Bakugan Stand!" The Bakugan glowed and turned into its true form, which was crab-like Bakugan, with two large, strong and sharp pincers used to squeeze its enemies.
"Aquos Terraclaw enters battle at 290 G's." The Baku-Pod recorded.
This got Dan confused as to why he set two of his Bakugan on different cards. "Hey, what's he up to? Has he lost it? Why did he put his Bakugan on the field so early in the battle?" he asked curiously.
"Whatever it is Dan, I doubt it's anything good." said Runo as she felt more worried about this strategy.
"He has two Aquos Bakugan lined up, now choose your next card carefully, Lincoln." Leonidas advised him to be careful with his next choice.
Lincoln grabbed his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed it out to the card with Mako's Terraclaw. "Bakugan Stand!" The Bakugan glowed as it stood and was released from its ball form. Now standing, or rather flying, above the gate card was a humanoid-butterfly-like creature that was colored black and purple like all Darkus Bakugan.
"Darkus Monarus enters battle at 330 G's." The Baku-Pod explained as it showed Monarus entering the battle as well as its picture.
"Gate Card Open! Third Judgment!" Mako exclaimed, as once again, a barrier between Mako's and Lincoln's Bakugan was formed. "Just like Triple Battle, The battle will only continue when there are three Bakugan in play, though the difference is only one gets to survive!
"I don't get it. Why stall another battle?" Misty asked.
"Because from what I see right now, it's a trap!" Lincoln exclaimed.
Mako smirked, before throwing down his third Gate Card. "Now you're mine! Go! Aquos Siege!" he yelled out as he threw out his Bakugan, it landed on the Gate Card he just threw down, revealing itself to be a knight type Bakugan. As a light of blue light shined from it, a pillar of water rose up from it, and Aquos Siege emerged from it and landed on the ground. It is a knight in shining armor. His silk cape is used both for flying and protection. He is equipped with a lance with different blade tips depending on its attribute.
Dan looked to his Bakupod to check its information. "Aquos Siege identified, power level 350 G's, a powerful opponent." said Dan's Bakupod.
Misty panicked from hearing it. "That can't be good." she said worriedly as Mako held out an ability card.
"Here's the Ability Card! Activate!" he yelled out as Siege's eyes glowed. It twirled its lance and controlled a Tsunami Wave. Lincoln's Bakugan, along with Mako's two other Bakugan, were soon hit by the Tsunami and were swept away before glowing and reverted back to ball form and landed at their owner's feet.
Everyone was shocked by what he did. "No way... they were... all washed away..." said Pikachu feeling the impact of what happened.
"It was a Chain Reaction attack!" said Lincoln.
"You should consider yourself lucky Lincoln, when my Aquos Siege attacked in my other battles, nothing was left in its wake," Mako commented idly with an almost thoughtful look on his face, "I suppose it was feeling generous, leaving you with one Bakugan left" A dark, distant memory seemed to come forth to Mako's mind, his tone turning soft and distant, almost hurt and pained, "All men give pause to the true might of the ocean, even the greatest of fishermen."
Lincoln's eyes widened, understanding what Mako was saying, while the others were unsure. "You mean your father." Lincoln said.
Mako nodded, his fists clenching at the memory. "My father was a great fisherman. He taught me my love of the sea. But... one day, the sea... took him. I loved going out on the boat with my father. It was just the two of us and the big, beautiful, ocean. We never suspected that the sea would turn on us. It was a bright day when it happened. My father suspected a storm had been brewing and didn't want to take any chances. He told me that it was better not to challenge the mighty sea. And he was right. The calm ocean turned into a wallowing maelstrom! It rocked our boat all over the place. My father strapped me to the main mast to keep me from falling over, but it was pointless. A tidal wave capsized our boat. When the storm died out, our little boat had been washed ashore. My father was right, I had been safe, but he... because he had stopped to tie me down, he had no time to secure himself!"
"Poor guy," Misty muttered.
"I've all but given up hope, but then I noticed that our lifeboat was missing. I know my father is alive.That is why I became a Pokemon trainer, Lincoln, so I can raise enough money to buy a ship, and sail the seven seas until I find him!" Mako exclaimed in determination.
"I understand Mako, believe me," Lincoln told him with a genuinely sympathetic and understanding tone of voice, "Doing everything you can for your family is something I can relate to all too well...but I can't let you win this battle."
Mako smiled understandingly in silent reply and nodded in turn.
"Ready to end this, partner?" Lincoln asked, holding up his final Bakugan.
"I was born ready!"
"Huh?" Misty said in confusion, wondering where that voice came from.
"Then let's do this!" Lincoln then grabbed Leonidas and reared his hand back far. "Bakugan Brawl!" Lincoln then threw Leonidas towards the gate card Siege was on. "Leonidas Stand!"
Leonidas then stood up on the card as he glowed brightly and was released from his ball form. Letting out a roar that pushed Mako back and caused him to stand his ground while Lincoln's hair was blown back, they watched as Leonidas's true form was revealed to them. "Oh my Arceus!" Pikachu said in a frightened tone as he looked up at the immensely intimidating form of Leonidas.
"Darkus Leonidas enters battle at 400 G's." The Baku-Pod said.
"400 G's!? That's not possible!" Mako yelled in immense shock. "I've never seen a Bakugan with that high a power level!"
"Were you expecting anything else but true Bakugan strength?!" Leonidas yelled.
'It can talk?!' Misty thought.
Mako sweated nervously as he looked over Leonidas's power level and then at the Bakugan himself for a moment before regaining his composure. "A high base power alone isn't gonna guarantee a win, Lincoln!" Mako yelled before sticking his hand out. "Gate Card Open!"
Mako's gate card then started glowing brightly as Siege gained a bright blue aura around him. The Aquos Bakugan then locked eyes at Leonidas as it started charging. "Gate card increases Sieges power level by 200 G's." The Baku-Pod explained as it showed Siege going up to 550 G's.
"Heh, impressive, but not good enough." Leonidas commented.
"Let's show him Leonidas!" Lincoln yelled as he pulled out an ability card. "Ability Card Activate!" Lincoln yelled out as he raised an ability card high above his head. "Alpha Blaster!"
Leonidas then opened his mouth wide as a blue orb formed inside. "WITNESS MY TRUE POWER!" Leonidas roared as his power massively increased.
"Leonidas' power increase by 200 G's." The Baku-pod said as it showed Leonidas going up to 600 G's.
"NO WAY!" Mako yelled as he watched Leonidas's attack fully charged.
Leonidas let out a powerful roar as a massive blue laser shot out of his mouth. Siege froze as the laser completely engulfed him. Siege returned to ball form and landed right next to Mako, while Leonidas returned to ball form and went back to Lincoln.
"Game, set, and match. Lincoln." said the Bakupod.
"Looks like I win." said Lincoln as the Battlefield disappeared, resuming where time stopped.
Mako almost fell to his knees from both shock and despair, shock from the suddenness of the roundabout move and despair from the loss itself, but caught himself.
"To own a Bakugan that powerful," Mako stated before grinning broadly, "What a grand duel, I salute you my friend!" He gave a cheerful, mock salute, bearing no ill will, which made everyone smile.
"This victory certainty wasn't an easy one Mako," Lincoln complemented back as they walked up to each other.
"Indeed." A voice said, as everyone saw Leonidas on Lincoln's shoulder. "You're an impressive brawler yourself, well deserving of your rank. I look forward to a rematch somethime"
"It'll be a match to look forward to," Mako chuckled. The moment was ruined by a loud rumbling sound, which was coming from Mako's stomach, making him laugh, his boisterous and gleeful attitude returning, "It appears that battle made me hungry!" He suddenly turned and ran to the river, shouting in exhilaration and excitement, "Time for Mako to fish again!" Mako dived with a final yell, "Farewell!" Everyone rushed to the edge to see him swimming off to catch more fish.
"Nice job back, squirt!" Misty said, finally gaining the confidence after what just happened.
"Yeah, that was a pretty intense battle." Dan smirked.
Suddenly, everyone heard beeping from Lincoln's Bakupod, "I... got a message." he said as he checked what the message was, and shocker... it was Masquerade.
"Hello Brawlers... Masquerade here with a little invitation for you." he said in the message. "Meet me in front of the Viridian City Pokemon Center at 6:00pm, and don't be late if you know what's good for you.." Masquerade said.
The message ended as Misty asked. "Can someone fill me in here? Who was that?"
"Someone who needs to be stopped," Lincoln said, looking up with determination in his eyes.
Meanwhile, at the Loud House, around 2:30 AM…
Lisa was trying to get to sleep, as she laid in bed. Key word being "try". She hadn't been able to fall asleep since her conversation with her mother regarding Lincoln. Her mind was too busy trying to figure out a way for Lucy to apologize to Lincoln. So far, she hasn't been able to think of a proper way. She was hoping that at least Lucy could help brainstorm an idea on the proper course of action. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the beeping of the Videophone going off, "A call? At this hour?" she questioned as she quickly rushed over to answer, as not to disturb Lily. She picked up the receiver and pressed the answer button. As she did, Professor Oak appeared on the screen.
"Oh, I'm sorry little one, did I disturb your sleep?" Professor Oak asked.
"Uh… no. I was awake anyway. You must be Professor Oak," Lisa stated.
"Indeed I am. And I take it, you're one of Lincoln's sisters?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yes, I am his second youngest sister, Lisa Loud. Might I inquire as to the nature of this call?" Lisa asked.
"Of course, but are your parents around?" Professor Oak asked.
"Unfortunately, they are still asleep, and won't be for another few hours," Lisa replied.
"Ah, that's right! We're calling from two different time zones!" Professor Oak exclaimed, smacking himself in the forehead.
"Well, I can be sure to relay your message to them when they're up and around. Speaking of which," Lisa commented.
"Ah, right! I was calling to inform your parents that I've completed the first report on Lincoln's progress, and I thought they and the rest of your family would like to hear about it. That, and I wanted to give my two-bits about a certain event that Lincoln told me about," Professor Oak explained, his tone sounding serious at the end, making Lisa feel a cold streak run down her spine.
"Uh… w-well, as I said, I'll inform the rest of my family about your progress report and bring them in to hear about it in a few hours," Lisa stated.
"Good. I can tell you're a very knowledgeable young lady, Lisa, and what I want to say about your family's actions won't concern you a bit," Professor Oak replied, hanging up. Lisa felt her heart drop into her stomach.
"Oh boy, no doubt he's ever going to let any of us hear the end of it," Lisa groaned miserably, as she went back to bed, and tried once more to fall asleep.
Pokemon Center (5:59 P.M.)
The Brawlers arrived at the Pokemon Center hoping to encounter Masquerade. While Lincoln prepared for the upcoming battle, they explained everything they knew about Masquerade to Misty and Pikachu, who were in shock that a person like that exists. Lincoln looked at his Baku-Pod as he saw the clock just turn 6.
"Glad you showed up." A voice said. Everyone started hearing footsteps as they looked at the roof and saw a shadow slowly appearing on the ground, showing that someone was coming.
After a few seconds of anxiously waiting, a person stepped up. Everyone was silent as this person had his side turned to everyone, but then they watched him face towards everyone and give them a clear view of his appearance.
He had silver hair with red streaks tied into a spiky ponytail. Black clothes covered almost every part of his body with two white strips on each leg of his pants. He had a chain necklace and a crimson belt wrapped around his waist with similar smaller versions of the belt wrapped around his shoes and three of them wrapped around his right arm. He wore black fingerless gloves with two white stripes at the wrist part and had a long black coat with a frayed tail that was crimson on the inside. Finally, on the left side of his face, he had a white mask with two red marks covering his left eye with his visible white eye being red. He also appeared to be 15-years-old.
The mysterious boy took a few moments to look at everyone present in the area before he jumped down and made a perfect landing with his eye locked on nobody, but Lincoln.
"Wait a minute, you're not Masquerade." Dan pointed out.
He didn't react to the Pyrus Brawler as he kept his eyes locked on Lincoln, causing the white head to slowly grow tense. "Are you Lincoln Loud?" He finally spoke up again.
"Uh…yeah…" Lincoln slowly said as Misty started to glare at the teen.
The 15-year-old smirked at the news and started speaking again. "Good. Masquerade told me about you." He said to Lincoln, causing the Brawlers to narrow their eyes at the 15-year-old.
"So, another goon of Masquerade huh?" Lincoln asked as he took a step forward. The boy's smirk faded as he reached behind him and brought out two items. In his left hand was a Darkus shooter and in his right hand was the Doom Card. "Hmph, should have known-"
SMASH!
Everyone watched rather stunned as the mysterious boy dropped the shooter to the ground and crushed it with his foot. He then held forward the Doom Card and proceeded to crush it in his fist and when he opened his hand back up, it showed the card was reduced to a useless purple powder that blew away in the wind.
"My name is Marduk." He introduced himself as everyone gave him a surprised look from destroying both the shooter and the Doom Card. "I may be working with Masquerade, but don't think for a second that I'm just some lowly goon. Honestly, I don't care about anything that fool says. The Doom Cards only aid him and his Bakugan. If he wants them used, then he can stop being lazy and do the dirty work himself." Marduk said which only confused everyone more. "However, he did tell me about you. And I'll say we are certainly interested in both you…and your partner."
"Leonidas?" Lincoln asked as said Bakugan growls viciously at Maruk.
"Wait, we?" Runo asked.
"Yes. We." Marduk said as a Darkus Bakugan, which almost resembled a Robotallion, opened up and floated in front of him.
"I am Vladitor... The lord of all Bakugan! The Doom Dimension awaits all those who defy me!" Vladitor declared darkly, causing Lincoln to narrow his eyes.
"So he has a Guardian Bakugan as well..." Lincoln breathed out as Marucho checked the power that the Darkus Bakugan had inside him.
"Whoa... I can't believe his Power Level! Check it out!" Marucho exclaimed as he revealed Vladitor's Power Level, which was revealed to be…
"550 G's?!" Lincoln shouted at the top of his lungs as a look of pure disbelief came to his face. Soon the other Brawlers looked at their Baku-pods and gained a similar reaction. "THAT KIND OF BASE POWER LEVEL IS IMPOSSIBLE!"
"No normal Bakugan should have that kind of power!" Drago yelled as he looked up at Vladitor. "What kind of Bakugan is that?!"
"So what's it going to be, big shot? Scared?" Marduk taunted, only for Misty to growl and step up to side with her friend.
"Like he would be scared of you!" Misty snapped. "Lincoln! Put this guy in his place!"
Lincoln, having regained his composure, nodded, as he then pulled out his field card.
"My army still needs a general, Leonidas. You're different from the others. I can feel it... Darkness sleeps inside of you!" Vladitor explained as he inspected the Darkus dragon Bakugan. "Join me, and together we will beat all Bakugan!"
"All Bakugan!? T-This guy is really serious, isn't he?" Preyas gasped, as Leonidas scoffed at the offer.
"Vladitor... I'm in a generous mood. I don't know who you are. But things will get ugly if you don't get out of my sight! NOW!" Leonidas snarled, causing Vladitor to laugh in amusement before he spoke.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! Most amusing... I think I'll make an example of you... By crushing you! Here and now!" Vladitor declared.
"Dream on! There's no way I'd ever let someone like you beat me and Leonidas!" Lincoln retorted. "Ready Leonidas?"
"Always!" Leonidas growled.
"Field open!" Lincoln and Marduk exclaimed.
The Attribute Hexagram surrounded everyone as just before as the Bakugan Battlefield then opened.
"Gate Card, set!"
The two Gate Cards expanded to large sizes to let the Bakugan fight on the cards as Lincoln began the battle by making the first move.
"Here goes nothing... Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Stinglash, stand!" Lincoln called out as a scorpion with two massive pincers that can seem to cut through almost anything and a titanium exoskeleton that gave it extremely good protection, appeared on Lincoln's Gate Card, roaring at appearing on the battlefield.
Smirking, Marduk takes out a Bakugan for himself to use and send out. "Big deal... Bakugan, brawl! Darkus Laserman, stand!" Marduk yelled as a machine-like Bakugan appeared to battle on Marduk's Gate Card. Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, Lincoln was about to make the next move until Marduk took out an Ability Card. "Don't think that's all that I'm about to do! Ability Card, activate! Leap Sting!" Marduk called out as Laserman suddenly turned to where Stinglash was standing.
"Uh oh... That doesn't look good!" Dan exclaimed as Laserman began to shoot at Stinglash with its lasers and gun power! The multiple shots left the scorpion Bakugan cornered as it screeched in pain from the hits it was getting.
"My Leap Sting ability allows any Darkus Attributed Bakugan to attack any other Bakugan, whether they're on the same or different Gate Card! Your pathetic Bakugan is toast, kid!" Marduk exclaimed as Stinglash returned to ball form.
"Ah... NO! STINGLASH!" Lincoln yelled as he watched his first Darkus Bakugan land by his feet.
At the opponent's defeat, Laserman returned to Marduk's hand, who just smirked triumphantly. Lincoln on the other hand, had his eyes widened still in shock before he closed them, clenching his fists at the same time.
"Lincoln..." Pikachu breathed out, concerned for his trainer before Lincoln continued the battle with a dark tone.
"Gate Card... SET!" Lincoln exclaimed as he threw his next Gate Card next to Marduk's first before he sent out another Bakugan.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Saurus, stand!" Lincoln exclaimed as a Darkus dinosaur-like Bakugan appeared to face Marduk, who just narrowed his eyes with an unimpressed tone.
"That's the best thing you can do? No matter. Gate Card, set!" Marduk called out as he threw his second Gate Card on the left of his first.
"Bakugan brawl! Robotallian, stand!" Marduk exclaimed as Misty and Pikachu both perked up at hearing the familiar Bakugan's name, though this one was the same color as Lincoln's and Marduk's Bakugan.
Lincoln twitched his eyes before he turned to where Leonidas was floating at. "It's your turn now, Leonidas... Are you ready?" Lincoln asked, his voice acting angry, but hesitant at the same time.
"I'm ready, Lincoln. What about you?" Leonidas asked, catching the Darkus Brawler by surprise.
"What...?" Lincoln asked, causing the Darkus Bakugan to continue with his question.
"Are YOU ready to take the risks and send me out? Because if you aren't, then we're going to have a problem." Leonidas recalled, causing Lincoln to frown before he gave a sharp nod, saying that he was ready to go.
"I'm... aware of the risks and ready. This is one battle we can't lose!" Lincoln declared, earning a small chuckle from the Darkus Bakugan.
"That's what I like to hear!" Leonidas exclaimed as he curled himself up into his ball form before he let the Darkus Brawler send him out to face the Robotallian.
"Let's turn up the heat, Leonidas! Bakugan, stand!" Lincoln exclaimed as the Darkus dragon Bakugan roared at being sent out to face Reaper, who readied his scythe to counter back if he needed to. "Okay, Leonidas! Get him!" Lincoln exclaimed, until Marduk countered.
"Not so fast, Mr. Hotshot! Gate Card, open! Third Judgment!" Marduk declared, making the Command Card reveal itself!
"Did he just say Third Judgment!?" Marucho exclaimed as Leonidas found himself unable to move! The dragon Bakugan roared as he growled angrily for not being able to move a muscle.
"What is this!? Why can't I move!?" Leonidas demanded angrily.
"Bakugan, Brawl! Laserman, stand!" Marduk exclaimed.
The robot-like Bakugan appeared alongside Robotallian, combining their Power Level to a whole level above Leonidas.
"Aw, snap! That makes two against one!" Dan exclaimed.
"Even Leonidas won't stand a chance if he's outnumbered like this!" Pikachu exclaimed as Lincoln gritted his teeth before he checked his Baku-Pod to see how much power his opponent had together.
"Laserman enters the battle. Combined Power Level increases up to 690G's. Leonidas remains at 400 G's." The Baku-Pod buzzed, causing the two Darkus Bakugan to launch their attack onto Leonidas.
A punch from the Robotallian's fist made Leonidas roar in pain before Laserman shot lasers and fire power to inflict even more pain to the Guardian Bakugan. The Darkus Brawler widened his eyes in horror before he tried to counter with an Ability Card.
"Ability Card, activate! Reverse Blow!" Lincoln exclaimed as he threw an Ability Card to force Leonidas back into his hand. Marduk blinked in surprise at the withdrawal of his opponent.
"Say what!?" Marduk exclaimed as Leonidas was safely returned to the Darkus Brawler's hand.
"Leonidas... Are you okay?" Lincoln asked, causing Leonidas to open up and look up at his human partner.
"Yes... I'm fine. But why did you...?" Leonidas asked, until Marduk scoffed at the stunt Lincoln had pulled just now.
"You little punk... You think you can just run and get away with it, huh? Well, you're wrong! Laserman, end this now!" Marduk demanded, catching the three Brawlers and their Guardian Bakugan by surprise.
"Say what!? But Leonidas is out of the battle!" Misty exclaimed as Marduk smirked.
"Don't you know? Only one Bakugan gets to survive on the Third Judgment card! And there's only one Bakugan left with the higher Power Level! Do it, Laserman!" Marduk exclaimed, allowing Laserman to waste no more time before he slashed at Robotallian. The robot-like Bakugan was sent flying and landed by Marduk, ending in Laserman's victory before he returned to Marduk's hand. "Hmph... One less Bakugan to worry about." Marduk smirked, causing Lincoln to widen his eyes at the lack of care Marduk had for his Bakugan.
"How can you... say that?" Lincoln asked as he clenched his fists.
Marduk only gave an evil smirk before he taunted his opponent.
"Well, what are you going to do? Glare at me to death? You might as well surrender now if you want your other Bakugan spared from the pain and misery of defeat!" Marduk taunted, causing Dan to grit his teeth.
"That's completely messed up! Stop trying to get into his head!" Dan snapped.
"Gate Card, set!" Lincoln exclaimed as he threw his final Gate Card next to his second Gate Card on the left before he held Leonidas up. "No more retreats, I hope. Are you ready for Round 2?" Lincoln asked, causing the Guardian Bakugan to respond with a grunt.
"Of course. Let's go!" Leonidas exclaimed before he turned into his ball form to allow himself to be thrown into the game once again.
"Bakugan, brawl! Leonidas, stand!" Lincoln exclaimed as his Guardian Bakugan flew into the air, ready to battle once more.
"Hmph... So you're stepping up. Bakugan, Brawl! Laserman, stand!" Marduk exclaimed as he sent Laserman to where Saurus was. Lincoln widened his eyes before he tried to fight back with his second Bakugan.
"He's going for Saurus next! Gate Card, open! Character!" Lincoln exclaimed as the Character Card doubled Saurus' Power Level.
"Saurus' Power Level doubles to 580 G's." The Baku-Pod buzzed, before Marduk smirked in response.
"How pathetic... Ability Card, activate! Grand Down!" Marduk called as the Ability Card negated the Character card, reducing Saurus' Power Level to its original state.
"Saurus' Power Level reduces to 290 G's. Laserman remains at 370 G's." The Baku-Pod informed, much to Lincoln's horror as Laserman shot Saurus back into ball form.
Laserman returned to Marduk's hand, the Darkus Brawler sneered at the trembling body of his opponent.
"It seems someone is scared just because of some weak Bakugan being defeated. But don't worry, kid. Once this battle is over, they won't be alone, because your Guardian Bakugan will join them soon!" Marduk assured before he turned to Vladitor. "Vladitor... It's your turn now!" Marduk exclaimed as his Guardian Bakugan was surrounded with a dark aura.
"Yes... And I will be putting Leonidas in his place, just as I did with the other Bakugan!" Vladitor assured before he curled up in his ball form, allowing the Darkus Brawler to launch Vladitor out to where Leonidas stood.
"Prepare yourself for a tough battle! Bakugan, brawl! Vladitor, stand!" Marduk yelled as the dark soldier Bakugan rose, before facing Leonidas, who growled back in response at seeing his opponent's true form. Standing on Marduk's gate card was a colossal Bakugan that seemed like it was made of darkness and dread itself. Its whole body was covered in heavy armor of purple, black, and dark purple with gold highlights around the chest and a red gem in the very center of his chest plate. He had a purple cape with red highlights and red horns on his head and spiky red hair that went down a little past his neck.
"Vladitor..." Leonidas breathed out while Vladitor just sneered.
"Battle!" Lincoln and Marduk gave the orders for the battle to begin, as both Leonidas and Vladitor clashed together. The two aimed their attacks, both missing until they held onto each other, hand to hand as they struggled to overpower one another!
"This power... Just what kind of a Bakugan are you!? You say that I'm different, but what about you!?" Leonidas snapped as Vladitor laughed.
"I'm different, because I reign over the weak Bakugan that dared to oppose me! You're nothing different from them once I take you down, Leonidas!" Vladitor assured confidently, with Leonidas twitching his eyes in anger.
"Don't take me as a weakling, Vladitor! You'll regret calling me the same as the other Bakugan you've defeated!" Leonidas roared, as Lincoln opened his Gate Card to raise the power of the battle right now.
"Gate Card, open!" Lincoln exclaimed as the Darkus Reactor Gate Card opened up, boosting both of Leonidas and Vladitor's power as they had the same Attributes together.
"New battle begins. Vladitor's Power Level increases to 650 G's. Leonidas' Power Level increases to 500 G's." The Baku-Pod buzzed.
"No good! That's still not enough power to even overwhelm Vladitor!" Dan exclaimed as the battle continued on, with Vladitor and Leonidas striking at each other savagely, in hopes of taking the other down.
Marduk smirked before he pulled out his final Ability Card that he could use.
"As much as I would like to keep this battle going, it has to end soon... Soon as now! Ability Card, activate! Dark Sphere Impact!" Marduk called out as Vladitor's Ability Card was played, boosting the Darkus Bakugan's power even further!
"Vladitor's Power Level up 200 G's, resulting in 850 G's." The Baku-Pod buzzed.
"850 G's...!? No! Ability Card, activate! Alpha Blaster!" Lincoln exclaimed as he activated an Ability Card to counter Vladitor's incoming attack. The two special powers were activated, allowing both Bakugan to strike at one another.
"Leonidas's Power increase by 200 G's, resulting in 700 G's"
The two powers collided, with both sides struggling to overpower one another.
"It's no good! Leonidas' Power Level is still 150 G's lower! It can't match up to Vladitor's power!" Marucho exclaimed as Dan called out to his friend.
"Lincoln! Do something!" Dan exclaimed, causing the Darkus Brawler to widen his eyes at the realization of what Vladitor had that Leonidas didn't. And his fear started to get real as the Dark Sphere Impact ability was slowly starting to overpower the Alpha Blaster.
"ARGH!" Leonidas grunted as he tried to put more power into the Alpha Blaster energy coming from his body. But with his power being lower than Vladitor's, it was proving to be quite futile.
"Leonidas... No...!" Lincoln breathed out as he gritted his teeth with his face darkening.
"This is the end of line for you, Leonidas! Disappear!" Vladitor yelled as he put more energy into the Dark Sphere Impact, making it push the Alpha Blaster energy back even further than before! It would only be a matter of seconds before Leonidas was defeated.
"Come on, Leonidas! Keep pushing back! Don't give in!" Lincoln yelled, as Leonidas tried to do so.
"Ugh... This... isn't... the end!" Leonidas grunted angrily as he continued to keep pushing back, despite his opponent's power being more stronger than he was.
"Leonidas!" Lincoln called out as the pushing continued on, despite how futile it was. Eventually, the Dark Sphere Impact's power overwhelmed the dragon, causing him to be engulfed by the power.
Everyone watches in shock as Leonidas was sent flying into the air! But just when it looked like he was about to return to ball form, it happened...
"Argh... Ngh... Ugh... Huff... Huff..." Leonidas began breathing in and out, something stirring inside him as both Marduk and Vladitor watched in surprise.
"What happened!? That should've taken it down!" Marduk snapped while Vladitor just observed.
"Leonidas...?" Lincoln breathed out as he watched some sort of energy surround his Guardian Bakugan's body, as Dan widened his eyes in realization of what he and the others could be seeing right now.
"This is... Hey, Drago... Isn't this...!?" Dan started to ask, until Drago realized it as well.
"GRAAHHH! ULTIMATE BOOST!" Leonidas roared as the Baku-Pod showed how much power Leonidas was gaining right now before it went static! Vladitor struggled to stay at its feet before the overwhelming power took everyone by surprise.
Everyone covered their eyes before they felt themselves being pushed back by the power that Leonidas had delivered to the entire battlefield.
With the battlefield being forced to close, Lincoln struggled to stand back up before he noticed Leonidas on the ground in his ball form. Picking him up, the Darkus Brawler kept his Guardian Bakugan in his hands.
"L-Leonidas...?" Lincoln breathed out before his friends ran over to him as soon as they recovered from the shockwave, too.
"Dude..." Dan breathed out in awe as Marucho adjusted his glasses before he frowned in concern.
"Hmph... To think this battle would end in a draw." Marduk scoffed as they turned to see their enemy looking rather annoyed for the battle not ending in his taste very well. "Don't let it get to your head though, kid... Me and Vladitor were just warming up!" Marduk assured, catching the three by surprise.
"Warming up!? Wait, so you weren't fighting Lincoln seriously when you two battled!?" Dan exclaimed, causing Marduk to sneer in response. At the sneer, the Pyrus Brawler gritted his teeth before he found himself being held back by Runo and Marucho.
"Dan, no!" Runo shouted.
"It's what he wants!" Marucho protested, much to the Pyrus Brawler's dismay before he submitted to his friend's words.
As Lincoln glares while standing back up, Vladitor chuckles to himself before he speaks to Leonidas once again, who weakly opens out of his ball form.
"Now that I've battled with you, Leonidas... I know what makes you different! You're from the Doom Dimension!" Vladitor grunted out loud.
The last words shocked everyone very hard, along with Drago, Tigrerra and Preyas.
"W-What did you say...? Leonidas...? From the Doom Dimension?" Lincoln breathed out in disbelief, before he looked down at his Guardian Bakugan, who tenses at the truth being spilled out to his human partner and his friends.
"That's impossible!" Drago yelled.
"I sensed the connection immediately and I should know... I was trapped there for eons!" Vladitor continued on, with Lincoln shaking his head in disbelief.
"Leonidas...?" Lincoln asked, causing Leonidas to look down a little, possibly due to shame before Vladitor continued with his offer to the dragon Bakugan.
"We are the same, Leonidas... Born of darkness! Join me, and we will destroy all Bakugan!" Vladitor demanded, only to get cut off from Lincoln, who snapped at his new enemies for attempting to goad Leonidas into joining.
"Are you crazy!? Leo's not like you!" Lincoln snapped, startling everyone as they watched to see their friend defend his Guardian Bakugan from the enemies while Vladitor just scoffed.
"Think it over, Leonidas. In your heart, you know the truth... Find me when you can admit it!" Vladitor called before Marduk smirked. He took out a Bakugan Card, before the card shined. It blinded the group before the light faded away.
By the time everyone got their sights back, their new masked enemy was already out of their sight. As soon as they were gone, Misty looked to see Lincoln still holding the Darkus Bakugan in his hands. "Hey, don't let him get to you." Misty stated, trying to cheer him up.
"Yeah, I'm sure you can kick his butt next time!" Pikachu exclaimed.
Lincoln ignored both comments, still looking at his Bakugan "Leonidas... He's lying, right?" Lincoln asked. But the answer he received from his Guardian Bakugan was the opposite of what he wanted to hear.
"It's true... I was born from the hate and despair of the Bakugan locked deep in the Doom Dimension." Leonidas admitted, shocking Lincoln. "All I wanted to do was to take my anger out on other Bakugan. But I've changed since I met you..." Leonidas continued, catching Lincoln by surprise as he lost his shocked expression, which turned into a startled expression.
"Me...?" Lincoln repeated.
Flashback
Royal Woods Park
"AAAAAH! What am I gonna do?!" Lincoln yelled as he walked to the fountain that was at the center of the park. "I…I don't wanna lose my Bakugan."
Lincoln then took out all the Bakugan he had and looked at them in his open palm. Lincoln let out a sigh as he held his head low. "I need to step up my game. Fast." Lincoln told himself. As he said this, the memories of Drago talking to him came into his mind. "Maybe if I had a Bakugan like that…I could do it. Just…something. Anything."
Lincoln was silent for a moment and simply listened to the water of the fountain flow…when the sky started to glow. Lincoln winced as he looked up as the sky grew brighter. Looking forward, he noticed a couple that was walking through the park suddenly slowed down, as if time around them was slowing down. Standing up, Lincoln looked around and saw that it was happening everywhere. Time was slowing to a halt for everything but him. "What's…what's going on?!" Lincoln yelled as he rapidly looked around at everything slowly coming to a stop.
As he covered his eyes to prevent himself from being blinded, it began to die down with purple sparkles of light showering down a little slowly, as time began to resume. "Haven't I been through enough for one day?" he asked before he felt something tap onto his left foot.
Looking down, Lincoln blinked to see an unknown Darkus Bakugan right at his left foot, "A Bakugan?" Lincoln quietly questioned before lowering down and picking it up, before inspecting the new Bakugan with his curious eyes. "Wow! I've never seen this one before!"
The Bakugan opened up and showed itself to resemble a dragon, and with its yellow eyes looked up at Lincoln's green ones as it asked, "Where…where am I?" The Bakugan asked in a deep and tough sounding voice. "What is this place?"
"U-Um…well…" Lincoln struggled to say as he was trying his best not to freak out over a talking Bakugan suddenly appearing out of nowhere. Gulping, Lincoln took a deep breath before speaking. "You're...you're i-in the park in Royal Woods Michigan."
"Royal Woods…Michigan?" The Bakugan questioned as it looked around the area again. "So…I'm not in Vestroia then."
'Vestroia? What's that?' Lincoln wondered in his mind as he had never heard of this Vestroia place before. Although…something told him he would have to remember that name for later. As if it was important. Shaking his head, Lincoln decided to ask a question that just entered his mind. "So, do you mind telling me your name? I'm Lincoln, Lincoln Loud."
"Lincoln Loud huh?" The Bakugan repeated as it looked over Lincoln. "So…you must be a human. Well, my name is Leonidas."
"Leonidas huh?" Lincoln said with a smile "So, Leonidas…you're strong right?" Lincoln asked with a small smirk on his face. It seems the universe might have answered his earlier wish.
"Hmph." Leonidas huffed as he looked up at Lincoln. It seemed his eyes glowed after Lincoln asked that question. "Why does that concern you human?"
"Well, you just look pretty strong is all." Lincoln complimented as he looked over Leonidas's form. "I've seen a lot of tough Bakugan before, but I can tell you're something else."
"Well, at least even a human can see that." Leonidas…complimented? Lincoln back as he repeated his earlier question. "But I'll ask again, why does that concern you?"
"Well, it just so happens that Bakugan battles are very popular around here." Lincoln informed the Darkus Bakugan with a grin. "And I just so happened to be looking for a Bakugan to help me out. You know, battle and defeat some really tough and strong opponents."
"…I'm listening." Leonidas said after a moment of silence. After hearing what Lincoln said the Darkus Bakugan's interest was piqued.
"I was wondering if maybe you and I could team up." Lincoln asked with an enthusiastic smirk. He then pumped up a fist as he started to hype up his offer. "This creep named Masquerade suddenly showed up and reached the top of the leaderboard. That means he's the best battler in the world! And me and my friends need to take him down since he's been wrecking the game! Not only that, but we're bound to face a lot of other tough people and Bakugan on the way."
"Hmmm, I see." Leonidas hummed as he turned to his left. The Darkus Bakugan went into deep thought. "I sense my true power will be unleashed in these Bakugan Battles. And the chance to show my strength to these opponents gets by blood racing."
"Yeah! That's the spirit!" Lincoln cheered as he pumped up a fist. "If we team up, I'll bet we'll be able to beat anyone who faces us! Hands down!"
"…Yes. I like the sound of that." Leonidas followed up his words with a deep chuckle that showed he was already getting pumped up for a future fight. "I wish to face these opponents in battle and unleash my full power!"
"So, does that mean it's a deal?" Lincoln asked with an enthusiastic smile. The white head then opened his hand up and put his open palm in front of the Bakugan. "Partners?"
"…" Leonidas was silent for a moment as he looked at the human's palm. Lincoln frowned a bit as a bead of sweat came from his forehead. Did he say something wrong? It honestly seemed like Leonidas was on board with the idea. What if-
"Deal." Lincoln was snapped out of his thoughts as he looked at Leonidas with a surprised look.
"Woah seriously?!" Lincoln yelled as his face quickly gave a big and bright smile.
"Yes, if I partner with you, I'll be able to participate in these battles." Leonidas said. "So, my answer is yes. Partner."
"Yes! Alright!" Lincoln cheered with a pumped-up fist and a wide smile that could rival his sister Luan's grin after she pulled a prank. He then brought Leonidas up to his face and gave the Bakugan a grin. "I promise you won't regret this Leonidas!"
"Hmph, time will tell, human." Leonidas said in response as Lincoln moved his hand to his shoulder so Leonidas could sit upon it.
"Just…call me Lincoln." The Loud boy said with a sweat drop and a sheepish smile. Lincoln then started to make his way out of the park. "It's great to meet you... partner."
End Flashback
"Thanks to you, I've learned the importance of friendship... and trust..." Leonidas explained as he turned to him, making Lincoln blink before a small smile rose up on his face. Bringing Leonidas close to his chest, the Darkus Bakugan could only look up at his human partner before the Darkus Brawler spoke.
"We learn from each other... Friends always do. Whatever happens, you'll always be my partner..." Lincoln assured, as he seemed to have forgotten the bitter feelings he had felt towards Leonidas just a few moments ago.
Whatever dark feelings he had for the Darkus Bakugan, it was completely washed away by the new positive feelings bubbling inside of him.
"I..." Leonidas struggled to say before he stopped himself.
He couldn't bring himself to say anymore, thanks to Lincoln saying the words that he wanted to hear in truth...
No one didn't say anything else, as they knew that despite what's been said and done... The bond between Lincoln and Leonidas didn't drop down, but it only grew as the truth was revealed.
Author's Note:
For those who are wondering, the brawlers never met Marduk or Vladitor until now. Also, Mako will reappear in a future chapter. Next one will be the first progress report.
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