The sun was very much bright – the two suns to be more precise. The combined heat, added to the humidity in the wasteland of barren rock and rock formations was enough to mistake it for a desert in Earth. Any right-minded individual would've known better than to hold themselves dear to the shade of the forest, but sadly, the forest was far from everyone's mind.

Four figured trekked through the wasteland, with one being above the rest. A closer examination revealed a slouching Luke, who groaned just as tiredly as the rest of his companions behind him.

"Are we…anywhere yet…?" Shuji panted, his breath completely out as he was falling behind.

"Where…are we going…exactly?" Maggie wheezed.

"How…should I know? I'm just as stumped as you are."

Maggie continued on, although when she looked forward, she turned towards Esther, who remained ahead of them by a few good paces. From the way she looked, she wasn't at all affected by the heat or lack of shelter. She was as composed as possible, and that was rather scary to the 10-year-old.

"Hey, Esther…?"

"Hm? Yes, Maggie?" The older woman looked back towards her.

"Are you feeling alright? You haven't really said anything since we started walking."

She looked back ahead, staying focused on the trail that they followed. "It's better to save what strength you have for when it's really necessary. You never know if danger is close by." She wasn't wrong, but that didn't make her sound any less sociable. Although this only amazed Maggie further.

"Hey! What are you guys doing back there?!" Luke called from up ahead. "C'mon! Hurry it!"

"Hey, give us a break, would ya?!" Shuji yelled from far back. "How are you so far ahead of us even?!"

Luke raised a brow like it was obvious. "Well I wanna get out of here and back home, right? So why not pick it up then?"

"Easy for you to say! Do you even know where you're going?!" Maggie argued.

"Well sure I do." Luke pointed towards the suns in the sky. "The sun usually rises in the east, right? Well then that means we've been going northwest the whole time. We're bound to run into something eventually, right? Now let's keep moving!" With no time to spare, Luke pivoted and turned back towards the wasteland. It was still a very long road, but he had no intention of stopping.

His comrades, mainly Maggie and Shuji, were about ready to pass out.

"I don't know about you guys, but this guy's pushing his luck with my patience." Shuji said.

"Man, he sure is a character." Maggie sarcastically pointed out.

"Perhaps a little." Esther said. "But I'm sure he'll realize his own limits eventually."

"Don't count your Bakugan before they're thrown." Maggie warned. With begrudging efforts, she and Shuji slacked behind, again panting like dogs while Esther kept the midsection. They followed Luke, staying as close as possible while doing their best to not overheat.

Another hour later, the sun was beginning to wave away. It was more west, facing the group as they were trying to stay focused. They were sweating bullets, but they kept going until they came to a rather large rock formation with shade on the side. When the group passed by, they were thwarted by Maggie slumping in the shade.

"Ah~! My legs are killing me." She groaned.

Shuji slumped down beside the rock, his body cooled by the shade. "I don't think I can walk another step." He said.

Luke looked back, seeing the small group unable to move. "Huh? Hey, what are you guys doing?"

Maggie breathed in and out, sweating mad. "We've been walking for hours. I'm tired."

Shuji shot Luke a look. "Yeah, don't count me from moving from this spot anytime soon."

Esther stayed still, staying composed even in a rather tired condition. "Yes, well it is hot. I admit that I could use a respite."

"But we gotta keep moving!" Luke urged. "Come on, there's no time for rest! There's bound to be something for us somewhere up ahead, we just need to keep going!"

"Before we even get 'there', we'll be dried raisins." Shuji argued. "Wherever 'there' is."

Maggie clutched her own belly. "Mmm, raisins. That sounds pretty good right now."

"Seriously?! No snack time, guys!" Luke shouted. "Don't we have a limited amount of our rations anyway?"

"Luke, our rations will expire in this heat if they're not used. Saving it won't do any good if it's this drastic." Esther insisted. "Please, think about it. Do you really insist on going in this condition?"

Luke was very much intent on going ahead. He was sweating beads like crazy just like them, and even though his own stomach was aching, he wanted to at least find somewhere with safety first. If he wanted to get technical, sure, they were sheltered, but the truth was that he never traveled. Ever. Cramped in the manner all his life really made him realize his energy he had contained. However, he didn't want to cause stroke or harm to the team.

Though it was against better judgement, Luke sat down on a rock, slouching forward. "Fine. But quick." He huffed.

Shuji and Maggie both in relief. Finally, they could breathe again. With their feet finally no longer holding up their weight, they felt much lighter. They rested themselves, as did Esther as she, too, sat in the shade.

Abis Omega popped open beside Luke's shoulder, seeing his friends. "Man, have you got it bad."

"What bad? You think I'm sick or something?" Luke questioned.

Unamused by his absent mind, Abis looked ahead. "No, but how are you so energetic? I'd be dried fish if I were you."

Luke groaned as he looked away. "I'm fine. I just want to get going as soon as possible."

"Well don't keel over before we find trouble." Abis insinuated.

"Hey, I said we're fine! I can protect us, because I have a sword and you, right?" He replied. "And why are you so close to me again?!"

Shuji opened his grocery bag, the rustling hollowed out by the winds. "Man, I'm starving. I wonder what I have left?"

Reaching into the sac that was stowed away, Maggie pulled out a handful of the sweet star-like fruit. "Man, I'm starving!" She took a big bite, instantly creating a white mess over her face.

Jelldon popped open beside her, the Pyrus Bakugan looking up at his partner. "Don't eat too fast." He noted.

"I won't." She assured, eating another one. "If I did, I'd be like Shuji."

"Huh?! Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Shuji angrily retorted.

Esther smirked. "It's funny. To think we've only been beside the other since this morning."

Atchibee opened beside her shoulder, looking up to her. "Yes, it feels longer than that, doesn't it?"

As the group was settling down, Luke was more or less restless. He was very much peeved with how time was not on their side, but alas he didn't know where to go. He could've gone alone, but it wouldn't feel right leaving them behind. He has morals, and no man gets left behind. Although he was still new to being a team player, he at least got a grasp of comradery from battling beside Esther. And this much he knew: They all needed to stay together and alive.

After another couple of minutes, Luke stood up, ready to get moving. "Alright, everyone ready?"

Maggie looked at him completely shocked. "What? But that wasn't even five minutes!"

"Hey, cool your jets, alright? We're coming." Shuji countered.

Esther sighed, but she didn't show relenting. "So are you ready then?"

"Well yeah, I've been ready!" Luke said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Come on, let's go find a way…ho…" He began to walk steadily, however, his green eyes started to get all hazy. His body went off like a switch, and he began to fall forward. He fell with a thud, with echoed.

"Luke!" Abis and Esther exclaimed. The latter dashed for him, running for his unconscious form. Maggie and Shuji followed, both startled.

Luke laid on the ground, his face drenched in sweat and not moving. Abis popped open by his side, yelling up to him, but to no avail.

"Luke…? Luke! Lu~ke!"

There was a strange but empty black that was all around. There was absolutely nothing, and without a body, Luke's mind could only picture the one color. 'Where am I…? What is this…?' He got no answer, instead, within the black, there was a sea blue dot. 'Wait, is that a light? But why is it blue?' Right beside the sea blue sphere was a purple dot with black around it, hanging at the 6 o' clock position. 'Another one? What's going on here? And why are they so colorful?' Rather than getting inquiries answered, more of them arose when just diagonal from both, at the 12 and 2 positions, the spots were filled with red and brown. All four colors gave off an energy, one that illuminated them like an aura. It only amazed Luke as he could picture them.

'What are all these…colors…?' He began to see something else within them, recognizing the colors and what they stood for. 'Wait, are these…attributes?'

"Luke~."

Luke turned around and gasped. 'What's that?!'

"Luke, wake up. Wake up." Slowly, enlightening the space behind him, two lights shimmered and expanded, making Luke cover up by using his arm. He gritted his teeth as his eyes were picking up the bright light giving rays of green and yellow, enveloping him along with the wailing voice of someone familiar. Everything turned white, his conscience fading.

"Luke…wake up…"

The familiar voice rang through his head. A pair of eyelids began to open, flickering on and off. A blurry image of a woman was above him. When it cleared, Luke saw Esther looking down at him. "Gnnngh…"

She smiled. "Thank goodness. You're awake."

Luke jerked to sit upright, eyes wide as a wet cloth slipped off his forehead. "What the-?! Where am I?" He turned left and right, seeing that instead of black with elemental colors, he saw rock, sky, and his friends facing him.

Maggie sighed in relief. "Well that was a scare. What'd you do that for? Going and pushing yourself like that!"

Shuji crossed his arms as he stood above them. "Man, you good pal?"

Luke discerned his thoughts as he out a hand into his hair. "Yeah, I think so. What happened?"

"You got heat stroke and passed out." Abis answered.

Luke looked shocked. "I did?"

Esther looked away from him, a little shamed. "We told you rest was important while on a long trip. Now look at yourself."

"Yeah, we had to waste the rest of our water to rehydrate you." Maggie complained. "Now we're in real trouble."

Luke looked down at the ground, dismayed by his overconfidence almost making him suffer. "Sorry. I didn't know."

Shuji tisked in dismay. "Yeah, right. Save your apology for when we find some water, would ya?"

Fly Beetle floated right beside him. "Well I doubt going back will do us any good, but it looks like we haven't got much options."

"Yeah, shame." Abis sighed. "You humans are just so needy."

"No we're not!" Luke denied. "We're just not like you, Bakugan!"

"Well, now that you're awake, do you want to find water now?" Esther asked.

Luke looked towards her, stammering. "Wh-what? I don't know, okay?! I just woke up from this crazy vision I had! You can't have me make a decision like that!"

"A vision?" Esther parroted.

"You mean like a dream?" questioned Maggie.

"I…I don't know, okay?" Luke turned away in shame. He frowned at the open space. Dust breezed past him, though his expression remained unchanged. "But still, it was very weird." He recalled the green and yellow lights that were enveloping him. "I saw colors, almost like the Bakugan attributes. Only the green and yellow lights…they looked to be reaching for the open spots. What's that mean?"

The group turned towards the other, sharing looks of confusion. Clearly they weren't following along, but skepticism was evident.

"Bakugan attributes?" Esther asked.

Maggie shrugged. "Oh well, maybe it was just a dream."

"Hey, I know what I saw."

"Luke." Esther scolded. "Take it easy."

Luke knew he wasn't being much help at this point, not the way he was acting. He knew what he saw, but it was still rather bugging him that no one believed him. That pint aside, Luke was also aware that thanks to him, they lost water. He knew it was best to be careful now, if they wanted to get to their resources quicker.

Esther turned towards the others. "We'll stay here for a little while longer. Then we'll go find water."

"Sounds like a plan." Atchibee said.

Everyone styed in the shade, resuming delights while Luke looked dazed at the ground, with Abis Omega looking up to him with a blank face.

The lab's lights were rather flickery as the Rogue Zero group accounted for was looking down at the lightshow. Black static flared as the shrill cry of what could've been mistaken for a banshee shriveled through the atmosphere. Even its stiffening cries of anguish only left a smirk on Maximus as he and his team watched the entire process.

Finally, the cry of the Bakugan stopped, turning to groans as what looked like the bulging veins receded into the body. Its skin was black, that much was evident, but the oddest thing about its body was that it had a magenta-like aura. The air was pulsing with every breath it took, exhaling heated mist.

Xander's smirk rivaled that of his master. He looked towards him, seeing the hooded man with horns jutting smiling with satisfaction. With all the experimenting that was done today, he deserved a pat on the back. Although, he had other things in mind than physical contact.

"Is that the last one?" Killian questioned.

"Yes. Yes it is." Ariella said.

"Took the process long enough." Hendrix murmured.

Maximus watched as the last Bakugan was absolutely still, completely under control. With all six cards and Bakugan infused, the Bakugan was enveloped in purple and swirled into ball form, dropping to the ground. Once it touched the ground, a small tube opened beneath and dropped it through a chute. The Bakugan went through another hole, which dropped it at the second floor after carried up. It was plopped onto a small metallic plate that dented, like a paint pallet. It was upright, with the other Bakugan in perfect formation. What was most interesting about them was how much of their coating had black now compared to before; though hard to tell with the Darkus Bakugan.

"And you are certain this was the fully tested formula you've developed, Cesar?" Maximus questioned.

Onscreen, Cesar adjusted his glasses as he chuckled. "Dear me, Maximus. Why the intrusion? Why doubting my intellect already? I assured you, the ability cards have been fully developed."

Maximus and everyone else reached for their respective Bakugan. They each grasped them, looking over their new features without trouble.

"With the data I have found, I was able to adjust the formula's properties. The bodies of those inflicted by these forbidden cards didn't sustain so much will afterwards that they eventually withered away. However, thanks to my genius, their bodies are now adapted to the power, or at the very least, able to tolerate the tension."

Xander overlooked his Bakugan with a wide grin. "Excellent work. I can feel the power coursing through my whole arm just from touching it."

Maximus turned towards his friend on the screen, grinning. "Well, well, Cesar. You've outdone yourself this time. To make powerful Bakugan without negative repercussions."

"Ah! You dunces!" Cesar snapped. "Must I make this clear? The forbidden cards we gave only enhances their tolerance and durability of the forbidden card effects, that doesn't mean they'll sustain recoil from them! If you use them, make sure that they're 'warmed up' before use. Understand?"

"As you say." Hendrix said.

"We'll keep that warning in mind. You have nothing to worry about." Killian assured.

"We'll send you your Bakugan as soon as possible, Cesar. Your patience shall be rewarded as well after all." Maximus said. "So, shall you stay in Troposphere?"

Cesar chuckled. "Yes. There are still some more materials I must look at. What shall you do, sir?"

"Well, Thermosphere is looking as well as you've predicted. I say we lay low and…exploit our Bakugan and their new powers." Maximus smirked.

"Very well then." The screen turned black, with Cesar's motives gone as well.

Xander leaned against a nearby wall, arms crossed. "So Troposphere's population is facing positive energy as well, huh? Looks like coming to this planet was worth it."

"The population is once thing, but our goals are still the same." Maximus reminded. "Now then, listen everyone. This is a direct order from Maximus Rogue himself!" He swiped his arm, making his tattered cloak shift wildly. The flare left them silent in the drama he stirred up. "New Vestroia is now our kingdom. Whatever we see fit, we shall take it. It matters not who we see as friend or foe, for those who do not understand us shall suffer the consequences. We will show no mercy! This is the upstart…of Rogue Zero!"

They all smirked. They, too, were ready to show the world what they have to offer. They may be new and not even 24 hours ago ere on a different plane, but now that they were here and did all that stuff, they were ready to stake claims.

Looking down at his new Bakugan, Maximus looked at its features, marveling every inch. "Cesar gave us a warning to give these guys some shape before we can give them amplified forbidden cards. However, I think I would like to make a few field tests, just to test the waters." He turned towards his subordinates. "Hendrix. Ariella. I'm leaving you two to that task. I don't care how and who you battle, so long as you just get those results."

Hendrix crossed his arms, nodding at the ground. "As you wish."

"Consider it done." Ariella chimed.

Maximus looked at the others. "Killian, you're going to do for us a special honor. How do you feel about entering the Thermosphere Battle Tournament?"

The figure shrugged nonchalantly. "Cool."

Xander scooted on over, patting his back. "There we go, about damn time you contribute."

Killian rolled his eyes. "Right, but that's not for a few days. What do we do until then?"

Maximus' smirk was seen widening, his face shrouded in shadows. "Good question. Well…since all the business has been taken care of, let's…indulge. Lay low, until further notice."

With all of Rogue Zero being given directives, Killian went one way to who knows where, and Xander followed Maximus elsewhere. Down a chamber's corridor, Ariella took the lead with an extra sway in her hip, while Hendrix followed sternly behind.

"That was rather passive timing." The Aquos brawler exasperated, sighing. "I was really hoping to indulge by our new pools today. I could really use a bath right now."

"Nevr mind dawdling on the small stuff that stands in your way." Hendrix spoke. "You never let something so petty get away from your might. Remember the priorities."

Ariella turned towards him, smirking. "Guess you're as brick-headed even after your Rafflesian's enhancement."

"His power has been granted, just as I had promised him." He responded. "Do not forget, this is a stray path with no regrets; no return; and no self-doubt in what decisions made. Now, we need to find battle subjects."

The Subterra battler stepped constantly, getting ahead to the end. However, Ariella slowly stopped, her feet frozen in place as she looked to be contemplating. Realizing he was in the lead, Hendrix turned around, looking confusedly at the silenced Ariella.

"…our orders." She muttered, enough for Hendrix to hear. "He said to us, that it doesn't matter who and how, as long as we test and bring results, back, correct?"

The silence Hendrix gave her was a confirmation she wanted. His gaze was stiff as he saw her smirk widening.

"In that case…I think I know the perfect test subjects. And I think you know, too."

Hendrix looked down at the ground, raising and looking at his hand. When he pictured the humiliation stomp by a certain set of battlers, he blurred away to realize his fingers were curling into a fist. He hummed darkly, eyes narrowing.

In the middle of confines completely unknown within the wasteland, all was quiet in what looked like a wall. From where there was an insulted front, there was also the fact that there were still buildings and what looked like a few skyscrapers to boot. The land looked like a kingdom in the country, a place far from others without any means of in or out.

Far beyond the circular, thick boundaries that were its walls, there was a high cliff, in which two pairs of boots stood over the ledge, overlooking the city with the sun shining so brightly that even their bodies were hard to make out. All that could be seen as winds shifted was hair colored blonde, and one having long, brown hair.

"So this is the source of it all." The brown-hair figure said.

"Yeah. It looks like we found one of them at least." The blonde silhouette grinned. "The energy it's packing inside, I can feel it from here."

"It's rather repugnant, wouldn't you say?"

"Depends; are you talking about how the Bakugan lost their forms or how it operates."

The unknow figure chuckled as he adjusted his glasses, making them shimmer white. "Touché."

From one of the entrance ways, they all saw what could've been mistaken for a slide-open gate, where it opened just enough to cover a space of thirty feet. Once opened, the two figures squinted and noticed how the energy they were feeling was growing more…grotesque. It was thickening, even from their point of view.

"You see that?" The brown-haired figure investigated, referring to what was coming out from the gates.

It looked a lot like a crescent moon-shaped hovercraft, only it was covered in orange. In the center was a black cockpit that was all round with deep, brown ridged curving over the cockpit side and back, where what looked like thrusters or vents were seen. There, the strange mechanism began to jut orange energy that made it shoot like a jet that that curved into the skies, which flew right over the two figures' heads.

They both looked back, watching at the thirty-feet-wide craft went flying out to the wasteland.

"What was that all about?" The blonde asked.

"There's only one way to find out." The other asked. "Come. Let's see what little sorcery these guys have in mind…"

The group was still waiting around, looking rather tired. It's been half an hour since Luke's heat stroke, but even then, he didn't feel like moving. However, the group was all rested and ready to get going.

Maggie stood up, looking ready as she smiled. "Alright! Who's ready to hit the road?"

"Yup, I'm sure ready." Shuji grinned, stretching his left arm. "So does anybody have any idea where we go from here or what?"

"We'll have to keep traveling northwest. It's our only direction as of now." Esther said. "If we keep going another 10 kilometers without water, maybe by then it'll be sunset. We'll have to rest then from there."

Maggie gave a saddened pout. "That doesn't sound like much."

"We're out of options. We can't endure this heat very long and we're out of water. If we find more water along the way, we'll be able to rationalize better. Luke, what do you think?" Esther waited for an answer, but she instead got silence. "Luke?" She turned towards him. "Luke, are you there?"

Luke was completely out of it. He stayed in the shade, narrowing his eyes as he crossed his arms. He looked to be…thinking perhaps. It seemed that way, but no one was really sure. He just kept that same puzzled expression as he stared at his shoes, completely lost.

'What is going on here? I still don't get it, and what did all those colors mean?' He thought. 'I still don't get why I was brought to this world and why? Why am I here, and what's with all these people doing around? Crap, I'm gonna start getting a headache if I don't find answers to these que-'

"Hey, Luke."

Luke snapped at the voice of his Bakugan. "Huh?! Oh, just you." He didn't sound so enthused.

"You okay over there? You've been spacious and quiet." Abis figured.

Luke looked away and crossed his arms. "Mind your own business."

"Luke." At his name called, he turned towards Esther. "Are you well enough to continue?"

Luke looked back at his shoes, staring diligently. After careful thinking, he finally made up his mind. Without hesitation, he bolted back to his feet. "Yeah, ready! About time!" He instantly took the lead, again passing his comrades. "Alright, let's get going."

Nobody said anything. Instead, they looked at the other in inquiry. Luke looked confused and pouty for some reason, and it wasn't that it bugged them, but it was still bizarre nonetheless.

"Is he okay?" Maggie wondered.

"Who knows." Esther responded.

With that inquiry in the winds, Luke pressed on his trail. With each step he took, his mind drifted back to home, where he stated to think softly of his estate. It was funny how even after he wanted to get out, it was so homey. Although it was nice and all, he still just wanted to get back to Earth. Still, something didn't sit right in his head, and it was that flash that sent them to New Vestroia.

A glint glistened in the sky, catching everyone's attention.

"Hey, I see something!" Atchibee exclaimed.

Jelldon looked up, surprised. "What is it now?"

Luke looked up, watching as the glint faded. Instead, it expanded, becoming a projectile that was slowly descending. From the looks it had, it appeared like some weird ship. And that's what alarmed Luke the most.

"What's that?!" he gasped.

Esther's eyes narrowed. "Is that…a ship?"

"WHA~?!" Shuji panicked. He pointed up at the descending projectile, his disbelief equally as large as Luke's. "You've gotta be kidding me! Those things actually real?!"

Maggie tilted her head, growing confused. "Is it help?"

Esther kept a steady guard. "Don't think so highly of such odds. Stay on guard, everyone!"

At that notion, Luke drew his sword into his left hand. He held it tight, ready to strike if necessary. The group behind caught up and they all watched as the craft began to slowly descend. As it drew closer towards the ground, the engines diminished as dust and gusts picked up. Luke and the others covered as they were holding their ground. Maggie hid behind the group since she was more than likely to get blown away. Eventually, though, two black skis were seen on the bottom, anchoring the craft.

The craft made a complete stop, and everyone uncovered to watch was the bizarre ridges gets began to fold into one another, like the receding of a bendy straw. The engines faced upright on either side of the cockpit while the crescent orange moon-like wings folded in, covering the windshields. Above the cockpit, a black hole-like entry opened, giving view to whoever was coming out.

"Wow. So cool." Maggie was in awe as the ship's features were just out of this world for her, literally. However, whoever flew it…was not so cool.

The platform arose, and rising on it were two familiar figures; both frowning at them.

"Hmph." The blue-haired woman huffed.

Luke and Esther gasped in shock. "You guys!" Luke snapped.

"We meet again, young man." Hendrix introduced.

Esther stepped forward, looking defensive. "You two." She growled.

Ariella smirked, delighted to see the anger in Esther's eyes. "What's wrong? Not so pleased to see us?" She chimed.

Luke held up his sword, looking unsound as he stared at them wearily. "You…" He recalled them as of last night. Even in the sun waning west, the light illuminated the right sides of the enemies he had to fight and win against. "I remember you guys!"

Hendrix did nothing more than cross his arms looking down at his opponents.

Maggie looked confusedly ahead. "Okay, now I'm confused."

"Are we missing something here, or do they know those guys for some reason?" Jelldon questioned.

Shuji clutched a fist, showing hostility. "Hey, what's the big deal?! You know these guys?!" he shouted.

"…more or less." Esther glared. "We met them as of last night. For some reason, they took some Bakugan."

Maggie looked at them, completely shocked. "They did…what?"

"I see that you've made some new friends along the way." Ariella noted. "As fun as it is to meet and catch up with all of you now, I'm afraid we have business to attend to here."

Esther held onto Atchibee, looking angrily at them. "What do you want?" she snarled.

"It's simple. A rematch." Ariella deadpanned.

Luke raised a brow. "A…what?"

"As entertaining as you were last night, this time we've come to fill an obligation." Hendrix said. He held up a fist, showing his broad and hairy arm. "This time, we have a task, and we have chosen you."

The confusion sunk in, and Luke only raised a higher brow. "Uh, what?"

"What this meathead is saying is that we have some new toys we'd like to test out." Ariella explained, holding up her black and blue Bakugan. "So tell me, you in?"

Luke's fists clutched, teeth gritting as he was completely distorted in his need to get answers. He growled up at them, showing his angst. "Of course!" he yelled.

Esther held up Atchibee. "Whatever you intend with the Bakugan, we'll stop it."

Ariella smirked. "Interesting."

Maggie rushed behind them. "Hey, guys! Let us join, too!"

"No, Maggie. You mustn't." Esther said.

"What? But why?"

"This is a score we need to settle. Hope you understand." Esther stepped up, with Luke stammering before he followed her a few paces forward. The two battlers were set, their Bakugan set beside them. No words were needed.

Both members of Rogue Zero jumped down from their platform. They landed on a knee and arose to their feet, shooting glares that easily overpowered the unsteady gaze of Luke. The four-way glare was clear that they were ready to begin.

Ariella: 100% Esther: 100%

Hendrix: 100% Luke: 100%

Luke's eyes widened in realization. "Hey wait! You never told us who you are!"

Ariella raised a brow. "Oh, well excuse us for not being patient before. You can call me Ariella Island."

"And I am Hendrix Stone." Hendrix responded. "Now, I believe you gave us your names…Luke, and Esther, is that right?"

Luke withdrew his sword, letting it sit in the scabbard as he instead snatched Abis from midair. "Yeah, and if we beat you once, we can do it again!"

"How naïve." Ariella commented. "Just so we're clear, this isn't anything like last time. This is different."

"Different how?" Esther interrogated.

Ariella held up a Gate Card. "Oh, you'll find out. Gate Card, set!" She threw the card, in which it landed and faded into a bright blue across the wasteland.

With two fingers up, she had a black and blue Bakugan wedged in between. Her eyes were fixed on the opponents, ready to beat them down. "Now, time to unleash that true power we've now unsealed in these Bakugan." She brought her arm around. "Bakugan, brawl!"

Everyone watched as the Bakugan was thrown, all of them laying careful eyes as it bounced out.

"Bakugan, stand!" Ariella commanded the Bakugan to pop open, in which a bright blue light enveloped it. For the oddest reason, however, when the Bakugan opened and released, an energy wave surged, and strong winds picked up, shifting everyone's hair and blinding them momentarily.

Maggie screamed as she held onto Shuji, who tried to hold his ground. Both Luke and Esther stood their ground, maintain stability. When the energy waves subsided, Esther looked up, staring with deep shock. "What is that?"

Luke looked up, completely speechless.

The blue light faded, revealing Aquos Clawcer from before. However, something was different, and very wrong. For the most part, nothing in terms of figure was out of the ordinary, but the startling feature was how much more black it had over his body. The entire body above the yellow ridging was black; that included the six legs and mini claw. The big claw, however, was left alone, and the red eyes were dull in color. The Bakugan groaned, almost growling even. Everyone looking from below was in complete shock over what they were seeing.

"Is that a Bakugan?!" Maggie gasped.

"I don't believe it…" Esther grimaced.

Clawcer raised his giant claw, emitting a slightly louder growl compared to before.

"Woah. Just what is that?" Shuji nervously asked.

Ariella saw their surprise, showing a smirk. "Are you surprised?"

Luke stared up at the Bakugan, his shock completely evident. He's seen a lot of Bakugan on television at home, and some completely different from others…but what he was seeing compared to the Clawcer he saw before was completely out of the ordinary. His green eyes shook as a blue aura was around the opposing Bakugan, his fear all too clear. "What…what happened?" he stammered.

"That Clawcer, is it really the same as before?" Abis gasped.

Ariella shot a look at Hendrix. "I believe they're speechless. Shall you add insult to injury?"

Hendrix looked ahead, reaching his arm out to hold onto his Bakugan. Like Ariella, he threw it. "Bakugan, brawl!" The watched the Bakugan rolled out beside Clawcer. "Subterra Rafflesian, stand!"

Like Clawcer, the Bakugan was unleashed. The same as before, everyone was forced to cover up as a gust picked up, a strong one. As it flared, the orange light gave way to Rafflesian, whose yellow roots bored and seeped into the earth. Rising up, the Subterra Bakugan let out a groan of his own, his body also morphed. All the dark brown on his body, even the brown rings on his petals, they were all turned to black. Even the buds turned to a tainted bright green.

"Even that Rafflesian from before!" Atchibee exasperated.

"What have they done to them?" Esther demanded.

Luke shot them a look. "Hey, you! What did you do?!"

Hendrix crossed his arms, frowning. "Save your breath for battle." He grunted.

"What…?" Luke's frustration arose, but Abis rattled in his hand.

"Luke, focus!" he berated.

Realizing he was digressing, Luke shook himself awake and got serious. "Yeah, this is a battle! And we'll win it! No matter what you throw at me!"

Ariella swayed her head around. "Then prove us wrong." She challenged.

His brow furrowing, Luke threw his Bakugan. "Bakugan, brawl!" His Bakugan polled out, ready to take action. "Bakugan, stand! Go, Aquos Abis Omega!"

Abis Omega arose for battle, his slithery body set and crying out.

"Bakugan, brawl!" Esther threw next. "Bakugan, stand! Rise, Darkus Atchibee!"

Darkus Atchibee arose in her physical form, crying out in readiness for battle.

Clawcer: 450 Atchibee: 400

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 350

Esther looked at the power levels, her eyes wide. "Even their power levels are different."

Luke's eyes narrowed. "They won't beat us so easily."

Abis and Atchibee glared at their opponents, snarling to match the power both Bakugan were giving off. However, the pressure was still very much stale. It was clear that whatever happened to Clawcer and Rafflesian, they were much more efficient. Or so it seemed.

"Not only did the forbidden cards enhance their Bakugan ability capacity and unleash new powers, but it looks like we got a small bonus to boot." Ariella said to her partner.

"Maybe so, but keep in mind what we were told." Hendrix reminded her. "If we don't warm them up, their bodies will suffer great deficiency feedback."

"I'm no idiot. I know." She growled.

Esther leaned forward. "Luke, we need to hit them hard, fast."

Luke raised his wrist. "I got this! Ability, Abis Omega, get ready!"

"On it." He sneered.

An ability card hologram appeared, shimmering blue. "Ability, activate! Fin Melee!" At his command, Abis turned his body, letting out a loud cry as he slashed his tail with a blue trail following.

"Ability, activate!" Esther followed. "Lavender Shock!"

Atchibee raised her tail, where a purple blast of electricity was unleashed. The light purple blast of energy struck Clawcer, and at the same time, Abis' fin slashed Rafflesian. Both attacks generated a burst of smoke, which shrouded the atmosphere around the two Bakugan.

"Alright! We got'em!" Luke smiled wide as he fist-pumped. However, as the smoke cleared, the results made him frown. "Huh?"

Abis and Atchibee retreated, both watching as well. "Did we get them?" Abis asked.

The smoke eventually cleared, revealing black silhouettes that faded into Clawcer and Rafflesian. Both Bakugan let out growls at their attackers, making them visibly unsound.

"What?! Not a single scratch?!" Luke stammered. "But how?!"

Clawcer: 450 Atchibee: 400 (+200) = 600

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 350 (+200) = 550

"Like I said, things will be different this time." Ariella reminded. "Hendrix, shall we get started?"

He nodded. "As you say. Ability, activate!" He held up his wrist, an ability of his own appearing. "Mineral Plight!" A bright orange-brown light began to glow beneath Subterra Rafflesian, making him growl and feel power seep into him.

Clawcer: 450 Atchibee: 600

Rafflesian: 450 (+200) = 650 Abis Omega: 550

Rafflesian's two front roots arose from the ground, shooting right for Abis and Atchibee. The roots and vines snapped and lashed, but Atchibee learned this time and ascended, dodging. Abis, however, hissed as he reeled away, dodging his own lash that thudded in his place.

"Hang on, Atchibee!" Esther insisted.

"Pathetic." Ariella grunted. "Ability, activate! Star Lance!" Her Bakugan put his shield-like claw in front, the star in the center unleashing a familiar star-shaped beam at Abis.

Clawcer: 450 Atchibee: 600

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 550 (-200) = 350

Shuji and Maggie looked with growing shocked, both Bakugan players and their Bakugan instantly getting chills. "Look out!" Maggie shouted.

Luke grunted in distaste. "Gotta stop that ability. Ability, activate! Coil Guard!"

Abis hurriedly got into a constricting coil, tightening in a hurry and remaining stiff. His tightened body took the star-shaped beam. Enveloping him. The pain he felt as he grunted was of a stinging sensation. However, he held himself up, his feet chattering.

Clawcer: 450 Atchibee: 600

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 350 (+200 +100) = 650

Once the blast wave vanished, Abis' body was seen slightly sizzling. He uncovered, showing a grunt and annoyance. "That's gonna sting." He sneered.

"Look out!" Luke shouted.

"Huh?" Turning towards Rafflesian, the plant-like creature was unleashing whiplashes at Abis, who in turn used his tail to meet. The two Bakugan battled it out, though Abis was more on defense as Rafflesian blindly attacked with one whip after another.

"They're not playing around." Luke stammered.

Esther's eyes narrowed, she had to get into the battle as well. "Atchibee, let's go! Double ability, activate!" Two ability cards appeared, layering the other. "Vermilion Jet Black, plus Fusion Ability, Chaos Turnover!"

Atchibee flapped her wings constantly, everything around her and Clawcer jetting dark. With darkness shrouding, her eyes brightened, and she unleashed streaky purple lightning at the immobile Bakugan. At the same time, an eerie, black and purple hemisphere developed in front of her. It was launched, and it infused with the attack as it traveled. It combined both lightning blasts to a center of a bright comet that bolted after Clawcer.

Clawcer: 450 (-300) = 150 Atchibee: 600 (+200) = 800

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 650

Ariella showed no hesitation in her next move. "Oh please. Ability, activate! Carapace Shield!"

A translucent blue veil eroded and expanded from Clawcer's body, who groaned as he defended. The purple lightning comet smashed into the shield, completely dissipating into thin air all around.

Clawcer: 150 (+300 +100) = 550 Atchibee: 800 (-200 -100) = 500

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 650

"He blocked it?" Atchibee gasped. "But how?!"

Esther's eyes shot glaring daggers of anger, and Ariella relished in them. "You shouldn't be so surprised. You're not the only ones who picked up on battle habits. Ability, activate! Vice Snipper!"

Clawcer raised his claw, reaching up to Atchibee and snapping the pincers on her tail end. With the tight hold, pressure went through, sending a shocking blue static through Atchibee's body.

Clawcer: 550 (+200) = 750 Atchibee: 500

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 650

Atchibee cried out, and was subsequently thrown back by Clawcer. The Bakugan gently fell on her front, though she still seemed distressed. "Atchibee!" Her battle partner cried out.

"Ability, activate!" Hendrix shouted. "Root Seep!"

Rafflesian ceased his offense and lashing and his two vines remained in position around Abis. The serpent looked around, staring at the stiff vines. "Huh?" Looking left and right, his guard was down until they all jumped for him. His body snared in its tight and prickly embrace. The many thorns pierced his body, making him grunt in pain.

Clawcer: 750 Atchibee: 500

Rafflesian: 650 (+200) = 850 Abis Omega: 650 (-200) = 450

"Abis!" Luke exclaimed.

Hendrix's eyes narrowed. "Futile."

Rafflesian let out a grunt as its hold loosened. Abis fell through, landing with an uneasy thud. The Bakugan hissed weakly as he was about ready to turn back to ball form if it wasn't for Luke's shouting. Beside him, Atchibee was in no less trouble.

"They're down!" Maggie worried.

"C'mon, guys! Get back to it!" Jelldon cheered.

"Man, this looks bad." Shuji grunted.

Ariella showed delight. "I think it's time we wrap this round up. Gate Card, open!" She swiped her arm, forcing the field beneath to glow. "Land Pressure!"

The command card instantly anchored Abis and Atchibee. It was like gravity was weighing them down. No matter how hard that they tried, both Bakugan could only feel a heavy weight suppress them.

"Land Pressure is a command card that intensifies gravity and renders an opponent immobile." The Aquos battler explained. "And you both lose 200 Gs in the process."

Luke's fists clutched. "Crap."

"This isn't over yet." Esther deduced. She turned towards Luke. "Luke, can you nullify the Gate Card before it's too late?"

"H-huh?" Looking shocked, he tried to make sense of it. "Er, yeah! Yeah! We can! Abis Omega, stop the Gate Card!"

Hendrix's eyes narrowed. "What are they doing?"

"Ability, activate!" Luke exclaimed. "Aquos Ripple!"

Abis Omega's diamonds began to glow. "Yes!" He began to emit some rippling blue energy that began to erode all over the Gate Card. The ripples were intangible, but nevertheless completely turned to glowing card to black, meaning it turned off.

"Aquos Ripple?" Ariella repeated.

"An Aquos Ability." Luke explained. "It nullifies your Gate Card!"

Abis and Atchibee arose, both looking ready.

"Ability, activate!" Esther shouted. "Night Wave!" Her Atchibee thus flapped her wings, sending black gusts that breezed past the stiff Clawcer and Rafflesian. Both Bakugan grunted as the black winds surrounded them, leaving them no room.

Clawcer: 750 (-300) = 450 Atchibee: 500

Rafflesian: 850 (-400) = 450 Abis Omega: 450

"Alright!" Maggie cheered. "Night Wave just brought the opponent's Bakugan back to their base levels!"

"Now we're talking!" Shuji exclaimed.

"I'll get Rafflesian. Luke, shut Clawcer down!" Esther shouted.

"You bet!" He shouted.

Together, bot raised a wrist as their abilities showed. "Ability, activate!"

"Dry World!" Abis went first. The serpent raised his head, and his body expelled a mist-like veil. The mist cleared away around Clawcer, leaving the atmosphere dry. He looked unemotional as Abis was above in a globe of vapor water. He charged right for Clawcer, whose Aquos abilities were completely shut down. He cried loudly as he smashed into him, completely knocking Clawcer to the ground, where he thudded and reverted to ball form once more.

"Vermilion Jet Black!" The atmosphere around Atchibee darkened as her wings flapped. The dark energy around Rafflesian left him unfazed, even though all he saw were red eyes. A purple lightning blast attacked him, dead center in one of the eyes. The Bakugan fell over, his body swirling into brown and plopping to ball form.

Clawcer: 450 (-200) = 250 Atchibee: 500

Rafflesian: 450 (-300) = 150 Abis Omega: 450 (+200) = 650

Ariella grunted as her Bakugan stopped just beneath her. "Big deal." She said. Her associate, however, leered at his opponents.

Abis and Atchibee returned to their partners, who looked as ready as ever.

Ariella: 20%

Hendrix: 30%

Shuji pumped both fists. "Oh yeah!"

"Way to go, guys!" Maggie cheered.

Luke beamed with pride. "Like I said. If I beat you once before, I can do it again."

Ariella huffed in retort. "Alright, we'll let them have this round." She turned towards Hendrix. "But this time…"

He nodded. "Time to show them our new powers." He spoke.

"Gate Card, set!" Luke eagerly threw the Gate Card out next, which faded into blue energy that spread across the battlefield. He held Abis tightly. "Bakugan, brawl!"

Abis popped open, becoming himself again. "Abis Omega, stand!" The massive serpent arose, his head rising to give an intimidating stature.

"It's funny to think you believe such a Bakugan can possess that much power." Ariella said. "Just look at your power level. Not very impressive, is it?"

"There's more to Bakugan than just his power level!" Luke declared.

"Yeah, how's about you come a little closer so I show you?" Abis threatened.

Ariella chuckled in delight. "How bold. I'll take that into consideration. Bakugan, brawl!" Her Bakugan went out, popping open the same as before. "Bakugan, stand!"

"Bakugan, brawl!" Hendrix followed.

"Bakugan, brawl!" Esther was last, with Atchibee opening just after Rafflesian was launched. Both Bakugan arose at the calls of their masters, the field set for round 2.

Luke raised a fist, ready to do battle. "We'll show you."

"Yes, as shall we." Hendrix said.

"What?"

The Subterra battler looked at Esther and Luke, giving them a rather surprising glare. "I promised my Bakugan power, and I kept my word. And in return, he has devoted his conscience and soul to Rogue Zero. This is a relationship that gives birth to power, and that power shall be your downfall."

"I don't get it, what are you saying?" Luke irritably asked.

Ariella sighed. "I believe they need a demonstration, Hendrix."

His eyes narrowed, keeping composure set. "Agreed."

Both Rafflesian and Clawcer grunted and snarled. Their bodies were responding to the thoughts and wills of their masters, as though by command. It was then that their bodies gave off another glow of blue and orange, their power growing by the forbidden cards that were still freshly engraved into their bodies. Small gusts were starting to pick up, much to everyone's shock.

"What…is this…?" Esther could feel a small pressure build up around the Bakugan, making them look intimidating.

"Wait a sec…" Luke's eyes widened, deeply shocked by the realization. "Were they just holding back?!"

"Forget about it!" Abis Omega shouted. "C'mon! We gotta shut them down!"

"Er, right! We'll shut off Clawcer! Ability, activate!" Luke raised his wrist, an ability card showing. "Dry World!"

Abis Omega was surrounded by a swirling veil of mist that came from thin air. As the atmosphere and humidity drew itself into him, the mist cloud faded, revealing Abis in a globe of water.

Clawcer: 450 (-200) = 250 Atchibee: 400

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 350 (+200) = 550

"Attack!" Luke ordered. As told, the serpent charged within the globe of water, diving for Clawcer. However, the Bakugan didn't make any movements, as if it had no reason to.

"Hendrix, now." Ariella insisted.

His glare remained steadfast as he set his sights on Abis. "Absolutely. Ability, activate!" His tainted Rafflesian grunted and groaned as he lifted all the closed petals, opening upwards like an umbrella. Revealed to everyone in full view were hundreds, if not dozens, of red holes within blue undersides. "Seed Flare!"

Rafflesian grunted again as from the holes beneath the petals, small but very effective brown rays went everywhere. The omnidirectional flare burst in midair like small fireworks, and everyone looked around, completely shocked at everything igniting all around them. Within their shock, Abis kept charging, but the burst field of "seeds" spread, getting into the water and bursting all around. The water bubble popped, and Abis withdrew to the ground with a surprised thud.

Clawcer: 250 (+200) = 450 Atchibee: 400

Rafflesian: 450 (+200) = 650 Abis Omega: 550 (-200) = 350

As the explosions dialed down, the dust was clearing out, and Luke looked ahead to find that Abis' ability was completely nullified. The serpent was getting up, but completely startled by the revelation. "Abis!"

"Pathetic." Ariella chided. "This is the power that was unlocked when we were gifted those forbidden cards. Surely there's more." She raised her wrist. "Let's find out what else our little pets can do. Ability, activate! Shield Crush Delta!"

Clawcer raised his mighty claw and aimed for Atchibee. The attack started as the two pincers on the claw were glowing a bright blue, a generator-like humming being transmitted. The claws pinched together, and he jutted forward, unleashing a massive crescent-like blue wave.

The attack closed in, but Esther furrowed her brow and readied herself. "Ability, activate! Vermilion Jet Black!"

Atchibee flapped her wings, making everything dark again. Her eyes brightened, and she unleashed a zappy purple lightning blast from them, which raced for the incoming blade. To Esther and everyone's compete shock, the Aquos attack sliced right through, reaching Atchibee. The attack enveloped her in a cloud of smoke, with her yelping in shock.

"Atchibee!" Esther exclaimed.

Clawcer: 450 (-300) = 150 Atchibee: 400 (-300) = 100

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 350

Atchibee faltered, with Abis shaking his head in a daze. "Uhh, that was quite a lightshow…" he slurred. "You okay over there?"

"That one really hurt…" Atchibee grimaced.

"Poor little Bakugan, wimping out so soon?" Ariella taunted.

"Watch it." Abis hissed. He arose with Atchibee, both ready for a comeback.

Watching from afar, Maggie showed great wonder and worry alike. "Are they okay over there?"

"Beats me, but it looks pretty bad." Shuji said.

"So, what will you do now?" Ariella inquired.

Luke's fists clutched. "We can still turn this around. Ability, activate! Fin Melee!" Abis roared and he went after the opponents, his tail ready to swing.

"Ability, activate!" Esther followed, with Atchibee raising her tail from beneath and releasing purple lightning. "Lavender Shock!"

Both attacks raced for Clawcer, getting swift and sharp. However, a wine from Rafflesian came from the side, swatting at Abis' fin and taking the shocking attack. Both Bakugan and blast bounced off; the latter dissipating as Abis hissed as he was repelled.

"How annoying." Hendrix spoke.

"Crap." Luke pulled out an ace, swiping his arm. "Gate Card, open!" The field beneath thus began to glow. "Forcement Enemy!"

Clawcer: 150 Atchibee: 100 (+200 +200) = 500

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 350 (+200 +200) = 750

"Alright! Now they're catching up!" Maggie cheered.

Shuji smirked. "I'd like to see how those guys beat that now."

As Abis and Atchibee had a respective blue and purple envelop them, they both looked like they gained some power, but the opponents didn't look so impressed.

"Shall I snuff them out?" Hendrix volunteered.

Ariella frowned. "Fine, but I get the girl."

With a nod, he raised his wrist. "Ability, activate! Corona Thorns!"

Rafflesian's four yellow wines suddenly began to emit a powerful glow. The vines arose, until they were unleashed in whips that plunged deep into the ground, causing a vibration wave to ravage the land. Abis and Atchibee both shook vividly as the energy seeped beneath. To their greater shock, the Gate Card completely broke to a million pieces.

"What?!" Luke snapped.

"They nullified the Gate Card!" Esther exclaimed.

Clawcer: 150 Atchibee: 500 (-200 -200) = 100

Rafflesian: 650 Abis Omega: 750 (-200 -200) = 350

The shockwaves and energy expelled from the shaking beneath was getting to be too much for both Bakugan. However, the first to cave in was Abis as the shaking caused him to lose balance and fall over. As he did, he glowed blue and swirled back into a ball, which plopped in front of Luke.

"Abis!"

Luke: 40%

"And now, ability, activate!" Ariella shouted. "Aquos Cyclowave!"

From Clawcer's huge claw, a sphere of bright blue, and heavily compressed energy began to swirl within it. The Bakugan's energy poured and blue static was seen charging within its power.

Clawcer: 150 (+400) = 550 Atchibee: 100

Rafflesian: 650

Esther was completely dumbfounded with what she was feeling right now. 'The power within that attack. It's…!' "Atchibee, look out!"

But it was too late, with a very heavy blast of power, the ground beneath shuddered as a blue beam with static shot like a projectile from the claw. Though small and compressed, it struck Atchibee with a blue burst of explosive energy that enveloped the skies.

"Atchibee!" Esther watched in horror as her Bakugan dropped the sky in a purple ball. She stared up, startled by all means by the power that made her heart skip a beat. "How did they use a high-level Aquos ability like that…?"

Esther: 10%

Atchibee landed before Esther, and she bent down to pick up her fallen Bakugan. The same was said about Luke, although he looked more frustrated than before.

Both Clawcer and Rafflesian returned to their masters, with Ariella smirking. "Well, that could've been better." She huffed.

Hendrix looked towards her. "At ease. Remember, their bodies aren't so adapted to high-class Subterra and Aquos abilities. There shall be more opportunities to exploit that power." He held up a Gate Card next. "Now, to rid of these pests. Gate Card, set!" He threw the Gate Card, which faded into the battlefield in a brown ripple.

Altogether, everyone made sure to throw their Bakugan into the fray. "Bakugan, brawl!"

In the order, Rafflesian was announced, as was Clawcer. Following them was Abis, and finally Atchibee. The four combatants were set for the final stage of the act.

"Abis, we'll win this time!" Luke shouted.

Abis, however, hissed out. He was still uneased with the power he was dealing with, especially those last two blows, but he wasn't going down without a fight.

Hendrix held up his wrist, making his move. "Ability, activate! Bud Bomber!"

Rafflesian's very small top growled, and the green buds on the top were all glowing a bright brown. Suddenly, in rapid fire succession, volley upon volleys of brown bullet-like spores went at Abis. And unlike last night, they were moving faster than a machine gunfire. As it traveled, the serpent held his ground as his power level dropped from 350 to 50.

"Abis!" Luke shouted.

Esther raised her wrist. "Ability, activate! Scan Blaze!"

Atchibee descended from above, hovering overhead as her eyes gave off a red-orange light. The same colored rippling heat waves expelling from her eyes expanded out like a searchlight, dissipating the bullets before they could reach Abis. As Abis' power level returned to 350, Atchibee's went from 400 to 600.

"They managed to stop that attack…" Maggie trailed off.

"But the jury is still out." Jelldon worried. "Aw man, I'm sure I'm not out there right now…"

"Pick up the slack out there! Come on!" Shuji yelled impatiently.

Ariella was next to make a move. "Try and defend as much as you please, but it won't work with us. Ability, activate! Shield Crush Delta!" At her vivid command, her Bakugan's claws pinched together, generating a high frequency as it charged.

Clawcer: 450 Atchibee: 600

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 350 (-300) = 50

"Here she comes!" Atchibee warned.

Abis glared at the charging attack. "Luke!"

Luke's teeth gritted. "If we use Dry World, that plant will just block it. I'll have to be quick." This time, as he raised his wrist, two abilities showed. "Double ability, activate! Fin Melee, plus Sea Helix!"

The claw released its compressed blue crescent that went grazing above the ground. It left a small trail that followed it, and Abis stayed completely aware as he brought his tail around, which ultimately began to generate a helix of spiraling blue water. The spiraling water followed the tail, which slammed into the crescent like an axe. Abis yelled as he tried to hold his ground as there was a large blue flash, which blinded everyone. They all covered up as powerful energy waves reverberated throughout the area.

"Abis!" Atchibee used her blades to block the energy, but still had it rough holding on as she was sent soaring up ahead.

The flash dissipated, and the energy stability finally collapsed. Even though Abis was spared, the Bakugan fell backwards, his tail having more than a few scrapes.

Luke stepped up a few steps, looking up to his Bakugan with intense worry. "Abis Omega! Are you okay?! C'mon! Get up!"

The serpent tried as his head was in a daze. "I'm…trying…" Tried as he might, his body still suffered a great deal. He wasn't used to facing high power. Low level Bakugan? Of course. But this power increase made it hard for him to tolerate a second blast. Lord knew if he could handle another one.

Clawcer: 450 (-100) = 350 Atchibee: 600

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 50 (+200 +100) = 350

Atchibee descended, looking at her companion with worry. "Abis Omega, stay strong!" She looked back at her opponents, who only had straight faces at her and the worn-down serpent. "You…!"

Esther clutched her fists, showing her own angst. "So much power in that one attack, an even at equal power levels, too. Just what happened that could've enhanced their ability prowess?"

"You really wanna know?" Ariella chimed.

Everyone looked towards her as she insinuated something. It was clear she got their attention. She resumed.

"We'll let you in on a little something. We didn't take the Bakugan just for fun and games, we had business with them. We had to use the Bakugan in order to fulfill an experiment that could bring out their maximum potential. As you can see, not only did the methods increase their power levels, but as you have also witnessed, they have more potent abilities for even standard attributed Bakugan, which would take an immense amount of battling against other stronger Bakugan to unlock. So you see?" She clutched a fist, showing her potent passion. "With the level gap this high now, you have no point in resisting. There's a slim to zero chance of you beating us now that we have abilities that can do more than harm your Bakugan. If you rather not suffer anymore, now's your chance."

"What's that?" Luke questioned.

"You heard me. I'm offering you this one chance at surrendering. If you do now, then we won't have to use full force. Consider this my only show of mercy."

"Ariella." Hendrix spoke. "Enough."

Pressure was on the group, especially Luke. He's never been in a cornered situation this bad, unless in swordplay. Master Riaan held a sword to his neck many times, meaning he lost. And now, there was a sword pointed to his neck. He didn't know what to do in the events of Bakugan, especially since Abis Omega was inexperienced enough as he is. Despite the few good wins they had, he was still weak. That much didn't change.

"Don't be so naïve."

Luke turned with a gasp at Esther. She didn't look like she gave a damn either way.

"You showing mercy, as much as you showed mercy to the Bakugan that you took and enslaved. You two have gone and done the unthinkable. You took away what dignity another living being had, and you twisted it. What's worse…is that you forced them into something they didn't want."

"Esther…?"

"Yeah!" Maggie added. "Because of you guys, Jelldon can't be big anymore! That's not mercy!"

Esther pressed on. "Whatever power you gave to your Bakugan wasn't natural. If you forcibly unlocked their maximum potential, then who knows how far you've pushed them to losing their minds? Everyone has a choice, but what you have done does not even begin to describe grasping potential. That's not power you fed them, it's lies."

"Lies…?" Ariella's eyes began to widen in anger. "Lies?! You little foolish witch! What do you know about power?! You're all just amateurs who only has luck on their side! What could you understand about power?!"

"Enough to know the rights and wrong." Esther deadpanned. "Right, Luke?"

"Uh, yeah!" He still had no idea what Esther said about power and fakes, but he also knew that it was important, and because of that, he was okay with following along as long as they won.

Ariella's glare darkened. There was a dense amount of anger coming from her eyes, a seeping venom that poured into the atmosphere. "…so be it. I'll show you what true power is all about." She slowly raised her wrist, making everyone's hearts skip beats.

"Hm?" Shuji blinked. "Uh, is anyone else feeling a little weird?"

"I don't know, but something's happening." Fly Beetle said.

"Get ready, Luke!" Esther warned.

Luke heed her warning, staying focused as he watched both Ariella raised her wrist high. From her Bakumeter, a hologram of an ability card appeared, but the card glowed, solidifying into her fingers. She held it between the two, giving off a very bizarre aura. In his green eyes, he could feel something off. 'This…sensation.'

"Now, behold the power we gave to our Bakugan! Ability, activate! Crustacean-X!"

At the call of the card, an off, purple core appeared on Clawcer, on his center. Odd, blue chords began to expel from the four corners, starting to stretch and wrap around his body as he grunted. The blue chords sunk into his body, his dull eyes flashing.

"Huh?" Abis jerked up, feeling an odd aura emanating from Clawcer. When he saw him, he saw that the blue aura was from the blue chords that faded into his body. At that moment, his body gave off a heartbeat, the dullness in the eyes once again returning.

"What's happening?!" Luke exclaimed.

Clawcer raised his claw, giving off a grotesque bellow as the blue aura flared like fire. His body was popping veins, which sprouted over the shell and huge claw. The veins pulsed, much to Shuji's paling expression.

"Wha…what's happening?" Maggie quivered.

"I…think I might need my mommy!" Shuji panicked.

"What are you doing?!" Esther shouted.

Ariella only smirked, chuckling as her Bakugan was giving a rather vivid energy wave off.

Clawcer: 350 (+400) = 750 Atchibee: 600 (-200) = 400

Rafflesian: 450 Abis Omega: 350

"This power…" Atchibee was feeling tingly inside. She was feeling her own energy decompress, as did Abis. They both stayed weary as they saw the blue aura around Clawcer flare, his panting evident.

Ariella turned towards Hendrix, who was next to act. He threw his card that he had already preinstalled. "Ability, activate! Chaos Booster-X!"

The same as before, a purple core appeared in front of Rafflesian as his petals were shut. His body began to convulse as the chords began to wrap and ensnare his body. His energy began to skyrocket, the power he was feeling making his insides feel a pulsing heartbeat. The black and brown Bakugan let out a grotesque moan as veins popped out, thumping vividly. A dark aura was around his body, giving off an equally, if not more gruesome, energy compared to Clawcer.

"Him too?" Abis gasped.

Clawcer: 750 Atchibee: 400

Rafflesian: 450 (+500) = 950 Abis Omega: 350

"Woah! Did their power levels seriously spike?!" Shuji panicked. "Crap, this is bad!"

"Get out of there you guys!" Maggie worried, however, it looked like Luke and Esther weren't listening. "Guys!"

Luke was backing away, his eyes shuddering in fright over what he was seeing. His legs were quivering, his throat running dry; what he was feeling; what he was facing…it was fear. A massive dark crab and plant were glaring daggers, giving off strong energy waves that left him too petrified to make a move to counter.

Esther, however, was more calm. Although in her confusion, she knew she had to act. "I need to drop their power levels down…"

"Gate Card, open!" Hendrix exclaimed. "Silent Land!"

The Gate Card brightened, and like with Land Pressure, both Abis Omega and Atchibee were unable to move. They couldn't even see straight as they were stiff and stuck in place, much to their own disbelief.

The ability card Esther was about to use stopped glowing, leaving her to look down at her wrist and realize the problem.

"Silent Land immobilizes the opponent and prevents them from activating abilities." Hendrix informed, though his tone was more crestfallen. "We apologize in advance if your Bakugan end up suffering. We didn't truly mean to cause trouble. But you've interfered, and even small obstacles must be dealt with."

Esther gritted her teeth in uneasiness. "No…!"

"Wha…" Luke shuddered, seeing his Bakugan barely able to move. "What's…this feeling?"

Ariella narrowed her eyes, smirking at him. "It's called fear. Remember it…as we destroy your weak and inferior pets!" She reached out. "Go!"

The glowing Rafflesian and Clawcer raised their arms and vines, yelling out as they closed in on a paralyzed Abis Omega and Atchibee.

"LOOK OUT!" Maggie and Shuji exclaimed.

Luke's fists clutched as he couldn't bear to watch. Esther furrowed her brow as her opponents closed in without a fight.

"Ability, activate!" The sudden voice was echoing, causing surprise.

"Huh, what the…?" Ariella looked up, seeing something white that was dropping from the sky.

Hendrix's eyes widened as well, but unlike his associate, he couldn't speak. Everyone looked up, all eyes turning towards the white, furry beast that was dropping in from above.

"…Pillar Shaker!" The male voice shouted.

The Bakugan revealed to be a Haos Verias raised his staff as he came crashing down from above. With a cry rivaling that of a holler monkey, the staff's end smashed into the ground, causing a pillar of light to shoot up from his position. The light was bright, causing everyone to go blind and cover up.

"What's going on?!" Abis yelled.

"I don't know!" Atchibee shouted

As they grunted and tried to look away, the Gate Card beneath cracked apart, shattering like glass. The light faded, and even the enemy Clawcer and Rafflesian looked ahead with wonder. It wasn't until a caw from above alarmed the group.

"Ability, activate! Cloud Zero!" Following a mature voice, a caw came from a green projectile that soared so fast over everyone that they didn't have time to see as green mist and clouds were blown everyone.

Everyone covered up as the unknown Bakugan sailed, over Clawcer and Rafflesian, both enveloped in the green clouds. Their cries simmered within, their visions and energy levels starting to dilate.

"What's…going on?" Ariella grunted through the dying whirlwinds. She looked down at her Bakumeter, seeing the results.

Clawcer: 750 (-200 -150) = 400 Atchibee: 400

Rafflesian: 950 (-200 -350) = 400 Abis Omega: 350

Verias: 350

Atmos: 400

"Our power levels!" Ariella gasped, disbelief rising in her cranium. "They…!" She looked up, glaring at the intruders who entered the battle.

Looking up, everyone was fixated on the two Bakugan who entered to fray. To say they were surprised would be putting it lightly as they gazed as Haos Verias, who was an ape-like Bakugan. His entire body was coated in thick, white fur as he stood on his bare feet with white nails. Eccentric yellow rings with coiled loops at their conversion points were apparent on the shins, and narrow arrows that were orange pointed up his thighs, with that same color and striped fashion located to where the ribs would be. He had a massive mane of white fur and crown, with green fur eccentricity the elements and a large purple jewel on top. The face was like that of a baboon, only with fangs pointing up from lower jaws with eyes a solid blue. He had the same yellow rings with loops on the forearms, and with his shoulders adorned in heavy fur and bare-handed, he wielded a long, blue staff with yellow ends.

"Woah…" Maggie awed.

"I'll say. That was an awesome save." Jelldon said.

Luke looked up in awe and confusion at the same time. His eyes gazed up by Verias' shoulder, catching a figure on his shoulders. "I think I see someone up there." He covered his eyes to get the waning sun's rays to wear away, catching a deeper look at the blonde hair the figure had.

"Is that a person?" Esther gasped.

The unknown silhouette jumped from Verias' shoulder, he straightened out and fell straight down, landing on a knee in front of Luke. He got up without haste, his posture and fixation all too resembling for Luke.

His very eyes widened at seeing his old friend. "Shawn!"

"Eh? Wait, hold on a sec!" Shuji exclaimed. "You mean you know that guy?!"

"I sure didn't see that coming." Maggie said, hands behind her head.

Shawn faced forwards as he smirked. "I knew if there was trouble, I'd find you, Luke. You always were a messy one."

Luke definitely knew now. Upon realizing that, his eyes widened further. "Shawn, what are you doing here?! I-I thought…"

"I could ask you the same thing, Luke." He responded. "And I see you've made some new friends, too."

Luke turned towards Esther and the others, his confusion rising. "New friends? Wait, what does that mean-?!" Luke was cut off when a shadow appeared over his head. Caught off guard, he and everyone looked up towards the sky. Illuminated by the sun, the caw came from the massive avian flapping above them.

The light green bird had what was perhaps the biggest wingspan anyone's ever seen. He was a falcon-like Bakugan with each wing having three light yellow blades at the bend points. He had green legs and an equally green pair of feet with white talons. He had a rather narrow head with a slim and short yellow beak with yellow eyes and red lines beneath. On his head was a small forward light green horn with yellow markings running along the back of the neck. On the chest were green feathers in the shape of a V, with two red jewels and yellow zigzags farther up on either side. Down further on his body was a pair of smaller wings, barely skeptical to be considered large light green tufts of feathers with dark green ridging.

"What is that?!" Maggie exclaimed.

High above, on Atmos' back, there was someone else as well. His smirk was evident as he was in visual sight.

"Huh?!" Luke looked down towards Shawn for answers, seeing the friend was smiling casually.

"As you can see…I also met someone along the way."

On cue, that same person landed on a knee, showing great composure. He arose, revealing himself to everyone. He was a tall man that complimented his age. He looked around early 30s if not late 20s. He had dark brown hair that was rather long and went to behind his shoulders in terms of length, with two bangs framing the sides of his mature, smirking expression. He had on glasses, and his expression was calm and composed with brown eyes. He had a black underarmor with high collar white edging beneath a light green, short-sleeved uniform that had had yellow buttons near the top and white edging all the way down. He had on long, dark green gloves with yellow lines on either side that lead to open, cylindrical guards at the ends of the gloves. He adorned a black belt with a green cross on it. The light green uniform/coat stretched down to the knees with white edging, where it met long black boots with edging as yellow as ever on either side and soles.

The figure hummed as he adjusted his glasses, smirking at the entourage.

"Who the hell are you?" Luke questioned.

Despite the rudeness in his tone, the man paid no heed. "I believe at a time such as this, it's proper for a 'thank you' to be said, correct?"

Esther stepped up in place. "Thank you both, for saving us."

The man nodded. "You're welcome." He frowned as he turned back towards the battle ahead. "However, perhaps now we shouldn't be complimenting the other, don't you think?"

Shawn stepped up, ready to take action. "He's right. We gotta focus on finishing this battle, we'll catch up after!"

"Right!" Luke and Esther exclaimed. They turned back towards the battle, ready to end it.

Abis Omega and Verias stood beside the other, while Atchibee and Atmos flapped from above. All four Bakugan glared at the immobile Rafflesian and Clawcer, both Bakugan grunting and groaning as the veins on their bodies were pulsing weakly compared to before.

"How cute. Making new friends already." Ariella sarcastically spoke, showing disgust. "Although I admit you caught us by surprise there, it won't happen again, not after I-!" she was about to throw down the same ability card as before, but a broad arm stretched out beside her, interfering her path.

She looked over angrily towards Hendrix, seeing him shake his head. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"What?" she sniped.

"Look at them." He gestured towards Rafflesian and Clawcer, seeing their breaths being rather labored. "They're still adapting to all that power flux. I'm afraid we'll have to stay standard now. We can't afford to exhaust their potential like this."

Although Ariella wanted to deny it, there was a kernel of wisdom within the meathead's words. She wanted to show them power, but odds were that if the condition was barely tolerable as it was now, then a second use this time would in fact just end the match. Though against better judgement, she relented. "Fine. Let's hurry and deal with those two eavesdroppers before we lose ground. Ability, activate!" she created another ability from her Bakumeter. "Star Lance!"

Clawcer's claw arose, the star in the center firing a beam at the flying Atmos.

The Ventus brawler's frown was serious as he raised his clutched gloved hand. "Ability, activate!" From his green Bakumeter, an ability card appeared, glowing green. "Winding Winds!"

Atmos made a powerful caw as he flapped his massive winds, creating a green whirlwind that blew violently, blowing away the Star Lance to oblivion.

Clawcer: 400 Atchibee: 400

Rafflesian: 400 Abis Omega: 350

Verias: 350

Atmos: 400 (+200) = 600

Ariella looked shocked, her eyes dilating. "This can't be…"

"Ability, activate!" Hendrix wasted no time getting his attack prepped as Rafflesian's thorny vines plunged into the bare earth. "Root Seep!"

The Haos Verias remained on guard as he held his staff, set for combat. The ground beneath began to shake violently, until four holes were created from yellow vines jutting up and surrounding Verias, ready to get slam down on him.

Shawn raised his left glove, where his yellow Bakumeter showed an ability card. "Ability, activate! Siba Feral!"

As the thorns came down on the Haos Bakugan, Verias looked up and raised his staff, which glowed bright yellow on both ends. In a vicious display, Verias twirled the staff overhead and pivoted, blocking the vines with fast and vicious swings. He parried each blow, attacking and defending against the ability.

Shawn looked at Luke and Esther. "Now guys, hurry while there's an opening!"

"Right, got it!" Luke turned towards Esther. "I'll stop Clawcer, you can stop Rafflesian."

"Good idea." She agreed. "Atchibee, let's go! Ability, activate! Vermilion Jet Black!"

"Ability, activate! Dry World!"

Both Bakugan surrounded the atmospheres in their respective attacks. As mist exploded and darkness shrouded the air, both Clawcer and Rafflesian were blinded by the humid misty darkness. They both were unaware as within the darkness, a massive blue globe with Abis Omega inside was set to attack. The Bakugan went blitzing through the air towards Clawcer, while Atchibee unleashed purple lightning at Rafflesian. With the cover, both Bakugan used all their might, yelling madly as their attacks made contact with each foe. A burst of smoke and mist enveloped the area, as the cried of Clawcer and Rafflesian went silent as they fell out of the dissipating clouds as balls, bouncing to stops in front of their masters.

Ariella: 0%

Hendrix: 0%

"Alright!" Maggie cheered.

"Now that's how it's done! Not bad, you amateurs!" Shuji encouraged.

All the Bakugan on Luke's side returned to ball form, swirling into blue, purple, yellow, and green. They all flew back to everyone's hands, all of them frowning at their defeated enemy.

"What you guys did was pretty wrong." Luke said. "Doesn't it leave a bitter taste in your mouths?"

Ariella showed no means of a smirk in Luke's question. "A bitter taste? The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is losing to you again."

Shawn slid upfront, ready. "Well would you rather do 2 out of 3?"

The other man stepped up. "Yes, would you mind indulging us with more of your beliefs?" he smirked.

Seeing that they were outnumbered, Ariella was better off departing. She would have to wait another time or day to stomp them into the dirt again. Ultimately, she gave up and walked back to the ship. "Come on, Hendrix. I had enough for today."

He followed. "As did I. We still got the data recorded, did we?"

"Of course. Now let's hurry back to Thermosphere, or else Maximus is going to have our heads."

Both battlers withdrew from the six people who were still perplexed about them turning away. They paid no heed as they jumped up towards the platform, turning back towards the six battlers. They both got a very good look at each one of them, taking note of the petite 10-year-old, to the man in his 30s. With all the information processed, the Aquos woman huffed.

"Hang on! What are you guys doing?!" Luke shouted.

"Consider yourselves lucky this time." Ariella spoke confidently, and she and Hendrix descended on the platform back to the orb-like black center. The thrusters began to ridge out and expand as before, and the skis beneath arose as the orange crescent wings stretched on either side and ascended off the ground. The gusts and engines roared, leaving everyone to cover up as the craft ascended into the sky. Once high enough, they all looked up and watched it make a straight U-turn over their heads back towards west, disappearing into the distance.

"Wait…!" Luke took a few steps forward, but regrettably they were far gone. He looked at the sky, his fists clenching. "Damnit."

"That was a close call." Shawn spoke. "You know those guys?"

"It's a long story." Esther explained. "And just who might you be?"

Shawn smiled. "Well, I guess you can call me Luke's little partner in crime." He chuckled.

"What was that?!" Luke whined.

"Partner in crime?" Maggie repeated. "You mean you're criminals?"

Shawn sweatdropped. "Uh…no? It's a figurative speech."

"Oh, well that makes sense!" Jelldon chirped.

"Human idioms are so confusing." Atchibee huffed.

Esther turned towards the man who accompanied Shawn earlier. He kept a smirk on his face, which intrigued her. "Forgive my candor before. Is now a good time to start asking questions?"

The man nodded. "Well, considering our options, we should be safe for the time being…sure. But let's just take it all nice and slow, shall we?"

The group found some new shelter not far from their current location. The waning sun finally progressed into what was the start of the sunset. The two suns were positioned beside the other, illuminating the group as they sat on rocks in the shadows of formations. They had taken the time to catch up, and Luke told of his adventures so far.

"I see." The brown-haired man looked down at his knees, processing what he listened to. "So then the distortion we went through wasn't just by coincidence."

"Looks that way." Shawn figured. "But it looks like it could be said the same for how we all met today."

"Coincidence?" Esther parroted.

"Perhaps." The mature man responded. "We were able to find ourselves in less than two days in a similar location."

"Speaking of location, that's what also bugs me." Luke interjected. "Shawn, weren't we right next to each other when we were transported away?"

Shawn put a hand to his chin, thinking aloud. "Yeah, now that you mention it, Luke. Why did we end up getting separated must've been the distortion. But of we were both separated regardless of location, then this can only mean one thing…"

Judging by Luke's eyes, he didn't get it. However, the more he thought, the more the realization dawned. "Wait, you're saying-!"

"Yeah. Odds are that Master Riaan was teleported to New Vestroia as well." He nodded.

Luke snapped back up, looking all happy and excited. He was comparable to a child's excitement on Christmas. "That's great! Now all we have to do is find him, too! And then we can all get back home!"

Shawn meekly chuckled at his friend's child-like demeanor. 'This won't be an easy picnic to stomach. Even if Master Riaan was transported alongside us, heaven knows where he is.' He looked towards Shuji, Esther, and Maggie. "Speaking of all, thank you for taking care of Luke. I understand that he can be a handful."

Esther waved him dismissively. "Oh, it's no trouble, really."

"Heh, you say that, but the guy's been wearing us down pretty quick." Shuji sneered.

"We weren't getting anywhere with him. We even lost all our water because of him." Maggie pointed out.

Luke shot looks at them all. "Well sorry!"

"So you actually knew Luke before all this?" Abis questioned Shawn.

"Of course." He answered. "We've known each other since we were kids…oh, sorry, where are my manners? I forgot to say who I was, didn't I? I'm Shawn Just, and right beside me is Haos Verias." He gestured towards his Bakugan, who popped open beside his shoulder.

"It's good to meet you all." The ape-like Bakugan greeted.

"We're humbled by your bravery today. Thank you for everything that you've done." Esther spoke in high modesty.

The unknown man nodded. "No thanks are necessary anymore. We're all acquainted now." He obliged to the group by getting a hand from behind and bowing forward, continuing to smirk. "Now I believe you asked me who I was before, isn't that right, Luke? Forgive the postponed introductions; my name is Jase Mercury, and I am the Colonel of the B.I.F, UK Division."

Luke, of all the people, was perhaps the most dumbfounded. "B.I.F…?"

"Is that a special organization or something?" Maggie's eyes widened at the prospect. She gasped. "Are you a spy?!"

Jase chuckled. "No, I'm afraid not."

"Aww~!" she whined.

"B.I.F." Esther repeated. "Wait, I think I've heard of that. It's an anacronym, standing for Bakugan Integration Force, right?"

Again, he nodded. "Right."

"So then you're part of some military branch?" Luke gasped, completely shocked by the affiliation Jase had. His family had trained men who were part of his Royal Guard, and they were dead serious about their jobs.

Maggie's eyes sparkled in delight. "Oh wow! That means you're a super smart general guy, right?"

"Colonel, actually." He corrected.

Shuji chuckled confidently. "Well then, guess it's kinds cool to have someone with military experience with us, huh?"

"So then you were caught in the distortion as well, Jase?" Esther questioned.

"Yes. Fortunately I was alone in my quarters writing down some documents, when all of a sudden a hole opened up before my desk. I got up and approached it with caution, only that was to be my mistake. Next thing I knew, I was in this world." He looked around, taking note of the many rock formations and the air. "At first, I speculated a dream, but the smell of the air, and the sky as of last night, and the energy…it was clear that I wasn't home."

"Been there, done that. Believe me." Shuji said.

Jase looked down at his hand, referring to the green sphere that popped open. "Fortunately, with my Bakugan experience back on earth, I was able to tell that the various Bakugan we were seeing are New Vestroia-relative. I believe these ones aren't native to our planet, supposedly."

Atmos turned towards the others, lowering his head in grace. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." He greeted. "My name is Ventus Atmos."

"Greetings, Atmos." Atchibee responded. "Thanks for earlier."

"Please, don't be so modest, Atchibee. I was just there for support." He responded.

Jase smiled. "I was very fortunate to have met Atmos. Thankfully, he was the closest when the energy wave reverted Bakugan to ball form. He led me to the outskirts of the territory the energy resided in, and as we traveled, it was by sheer luck that I met your friend over here, Luke." He turned towards Shawn, who just shrugged.

"Wow, that's pretty impressive." Luke's eyes widened again. "Wait! You mean you know what caused all this?!"

"Well, to be more accurate, it's more of who and what." Jase responded. "From what we saw, it looks to be that those two Bakugan battlers, they could be accountable, if not partially, for these events."

Shuji kept arms crossed as he thought aloud. "Yeah, what's with those guys anyway? Their Bakugan were black, and they weren't even Darkus." He put both hands on his head, showing frustration. "Man, all this thinking's annoying me."

Jase adjusted his glasses once more, refracting light. "Whoever they were, they appeared to have used what were chaos or forbidden cards to unlock their Bakugan's potential. As we have noticed, not only did their Bakugan's power level rise, but the results on their bodies were more…extreme."

"Yeah, they looked like they were in pain." Maggie frowned.

"This wouldn't have happened if we had just acted sooner." Luke looked down in regret, his brow furrowing at his own failure. "I can't believe I let that happen."

"It's not your fault, Luke." Esther assured. "All we can do now is just hope for the best."

Luke said nothing as he was mumbling weakly. The look on Esther's face only softened. Abis also looked up, seeing the bitter taste in Luke's mouth.

"So how did they get these cards anyway if they were that drastic?" Fly Beetle questioned.

"Honestly, we're just as clueless as you." Verias responded.

Shawn nodded. "They must have used some sort of technology to have mutated or altered qualities of an ability card, but if they had to o that, they needed some sort of blueprints to do that, right?"

"So then you're saying these cards were used before?" Jelldon asked.

"That doesn't sound good." Abis said. "I know now from that battle that those cards can only mean bad news. We almost got crushed if it weren't for you guys backing us up."

"The enemy must be very advanced in the technology they developed if they can generate new abilities from old ones." Jase thought aloud. "Those two battlers, it could be that they're not alone in the operation. Perhaps we may have an opportunity to save the Bakugan and stop them from accomplishing their agenda."

"What do you mean?" Luke inquired.

"Remember how we said we saw where the energy came from?" Shawn asked. "Well, just before we gave chase to those two, we found out they were residing within the walls of what looked like a city. From what we know, the one up ahead is labeled as Thermosphere. If we head there, we'll be one step closer to knowing to free Bakugan, as well as potential transportation back home."

Luke's eyes shot open. "Really?"

"Yeah, seems like it to me." Shawn said. "New Vestroia is inhabited by Bakugan alone. They must've crossed space in order to get here. Meaning we can send them back and find a way to salvage our survival."

Esther looked at the sun, watching it set in the far distance. "Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be making it very far today."

"Wait, what?!" Luke stammered. "What about Master Riaan?! What about getting home?!"

"I'm sure Master Riaan is fine, Luke." Shawn assured. "Remember, he has Bakugan with him. And besides, he can take care of himself. We should focus on resting up somewhere for the time being. All this explaining is tenacious on me."

Maggie looked around, looking at her surroundings in worry. "You mean we're gonna sleep here tonight?"

Shuji let out a long sigh. "Well, guess I'll be waking up to knots in my back."

"Actually…" Jase's insinuation perked everyone's ears. They all turned towards him, seeing him smirk. "Along our way here, Shawn and I found something most interesting. It's about five miles out. You all believe you can make it?"

Maggie showed a perky smile. "If it means a place to sleep, then sure!"

"Anything to get out of this dump." Shuji commented.

Esther looked towards Luke. "How are you feeling, Luke?" she thought back to the heat stroke he had before, and how he was running low on water.

Luke looked at her as though she were the one confused. "I'm fine…I think." He didn't like to recall his experience earlier, but he knew he had to take it easy. He didn't want to risk wearing himself out.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, stop worrying. I'll be fine this time, I promise."

Esther frowned. "If you say so."

Seeing how everyone agreed, Jase took the lead. "Good, now everyone, follow us." Jase turned with Shawn as the two trekked on ahead.

Everyone followed behind, taking the pace as moderate as possible. As ironic as it was, Luke was the one lagging behind. He was still being sure not to exhaust himself, but it was something more than that. As they followed along, the way he looked at Shawn and Jase's backs was like discerning math. 'Haos…and Ventus…wait, where have I seen this before?' He thought deeply to how those were familiar, but it wasn't easy. 'Wait! That dream I had! All those attributes! Were they…?' He looked ahead, seeing that everyone, including himself, had a Bakugan with a different attribute. 'Did I really imagine all that?'

"Luke, you okay?" Esther called.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he hurried his pace. "Uh, yeah! Coming!"

And thus, the group went and made some progress far out. It took them until dark to keep to some cliffs, but otherwise, despite the sky turning to night once more and the odd cosmos twinkling above, it wasn't something that bothered them too much. Distracted a little, sure, but otherwise kept pace.

"Are we getting anywhere even?" Maggie slumped forward, ready to pass out. "We've been walking forever~."

"Are you two serious about shelter being here? Because I'm starting to think that there's not." Shuji grunted.

"No, we can assure you. It's just around the corner." Jase insisted.

"You said that thirty minutes ago." Luke deadpanned.

"Did I?" he smirked. "Well, guess we should be there then."

Maggie facepalmed in annoyance. "If I don't find somewhere with water in the next five minutes, I think I'm gonna…"

"Wait." Esther exclaimed.

"What?" Atchibee asked.

The woman pressed on, but her vision narrowed. "I see something up ahead." In her eyes, she saw something rather white.

Luke leaned forward, narrowing his vision to zoom in as well. "Hey, I think I see something, too!"

The group began to close in one something just around the corner, literally what Jase said. They all stayed close as they approached something that was against the side of the cliffs. When they all got in front of it, they looked up with wide eyes, completely speechless.

"What is that?" Maggie awed.

Before them appeared to have been something that looked like an observatory almost. It was primarily white building with fragments of faded red. With its two floors, they all saw that it was rather rusty; dirty especially. The design was something else, but it was just too bizarre to be mistaken for just the observatory gimmick.

Shuji put his hands to his hips, tilting his whole body to look at it from another angle. "Just what kind of hunk of junk is this."

"Well, Shuji. This 'hunk of junk' is what we've found on our way here." Jase explained.

"Really?" Esther looked at Shawna and Jase and back at the design. Her blue eyes looked up in slight awe.

"Looks gross if you ask me." Abis said.

"Maybe, but if those guys try to find us again, maybe we'll have better luck staying here as cover." Esther said.

"It looks like it's been abandoned." Fly Beetle noted. "Who do you think it belongs to?"

"I'm, uh…really more concerned of our health if we step inside." Jelldon nervously admitted.

"Well we're not safe out in the open." Verias pointed out.

Luke narrowed his eyes as he stepped forward. He drew his blade slowly, being sure to stay quiet and slowly wormed his way towards the bottom entrance. Staying ahead of the group, with Shuji and Maggie in the back, they all followed Luke's lead as he held his sword to his side. When he got close enough, he stayed weary of the door.

"Hello?" He reached for the double doors, but to his shock, they slid open on command, making him step back.

"They opened?" Atchibee gasped.

"Everyone, stay on guard." Shawn drew his fencer, advancing carefully beside Luke.

The two friends went first inside. The first thing they noticed was how dark it was. There wasn't much light except for the skies illuminating the windows. The second thing everyone noticed was how dusty it was. It was so unkempt and desolate, but otherwise nothing was out of place.

Jase passed by a sliding door, peering inside of it. From the dim lighting, he saw a set of two beds; one on each side. "It looks like someone lived here."

"Yeah, seems that way." Shawn looked into another room, where he saw another set of beds, same setup as the room that Jase looked into.

Maggie leaned into a small dark room, her brown eyes looking wondrously everywhere. While she was more curious, Jelldon was more…drastic.

"Oh god, please someone find some light." He whimpered inside his shuddering ball form.

"Jelldon, are you okay?" Maggie asked.

"Uh, y-yeah. I'm fine. Just…please find some light soon. I feel like I can't breathe."

Maggie looked confusedly down at her partner, realizing what was going on. She cupped him and held the Pyrus Bakugan close. "Aw~, someone afraid of the dark?"

"N-no I'm not!" he denied. He only grew more embarrassed as Maggie held him close.

"Aw, it's okay. I'm here." She cooed. "It's nothing to be ashamed about. Everyone's afraid of the dark sometimes. Now let's see…is this it?" The little girl reached for something on the way that flicked on. The light went on in the room, revealing what looked like a bathroom, with a toilet, sink, and single person shower installed.

"Hey guys, I found the bathroom!" she called. "But…ew, the curtains are all stale and moldy!"

Luke found another door, one that slid open to a balcony. He walked out, seeing the night sky above. As he looked up, he began to fall silent as he was lost in the world of the stars. The longer he stared at the norm and the many odds planets that encompassed the land, the more mysteries he found that surprised him; mysteries that he got wrapped up in less than a day's time. And now, he was hiking with people by his side.

Abis popped out of ball form, standing on the railing looking up. "What are you looking at up there?" he asked.

"I don't know." Luke answered. "I guess…I'm just not sure."

"Hey guys, come up here!" Shawn shouted.

Brought out of his little imagination, Luke turned and went back inside, with Abis Omega following. Everyone made way up towards the second floor, where they went up a small shaft that opened up to what looked like a control room with panels and a huge amount of windows for complete 180 Degrees of view outside. Even in the control room, it was all pure dust and stale.

"The whole place is completely deserted." Fly Beetle said.

Jase walked on over towards the middle seat, where there was a yellow hood over the modulators and keyboard. He frowned down, inspecting it all.

"Does it still work?" Atmos asked.

"Only one way to find out." The Ventus battler gently pressed a finger on a keyboard, and then another. After a few good buttons being pushed, the lights slowly turned on, giving light to the entire observatory. Unknowingly, Jelldon sighed in relief.

"What's all these seats for?" Maggie looked down at the lower level, seeing another set of five seats sprawled everywhere. The technology was shockingly advanced, and no one really had a grasp on it.

"Forget the seats, just who was here anyway?" Shuji wondered.

"Beats me." Maggie shrugged.

Esther turned towards Jase as he kept meddling with controls. "What are you doing now?"

Jase continued to make panels and screens pop up as he pressed key after key. He kept his studies stern and remained absolutely focused. "This technology and these services, they're relatively similar to what we use back in the B.I.F. It shouldn't take long for me to know the layout and programs this vehicle holds." He kept pressing some more buttons, until finally a green icon with options appeared in front as a translucent screen.

"Holographic keyboards?" Shawn questioned.

"Cool." Luke awed.

Jase smirked as he adjusted his glasses. He meekly chuckled as he raised his finger. "Everyone, brace yourselves. I'm about to change some settings here."

With one more push of a button, the entire observatory arose a few feet, much to everyone's shock. The whole place was giving off a warning siren as it was all feeling like the ground was utterly breaking.

"What's happening?" Maggie almost lost footing.

"Gah~!" Shuji panicked as he held onto the nearest chair, hunching over it.

Outside, the whole trailer was beginning to transform. The vehicle's entire top slowly descended by blue cranes on either side. The whole upper half descended and clicked into the entrance the guys took to get inside. The small windows and antennae atop the observatory folded in, and the fencing on the balconies all over descended. The elongated sides of the lower half slowly maneuvered around the structure to converge behind and click into place. The entire observatory then looked more like an oversized RV if not a tank with six wheels.

Shuji, Maggie, and Luke all rushed towards the edge of the windows, where they noticed the ground level was closer than before. They all looked shocked to say the very least.

"Wait, hold on a second! What the heck happened?!" Shuji panicked. "Weren't we an observatory!"

"I didn't know this thing could move! Amazing!" Maggie chirped.

"This is supposed to be a hybrid machine that we stumbled across." Jase explained. "It's a trailer and an RV at the same time, at least from what I've been able to tell."

Luke's eyes shuddered in pure amazement. "Amazing…"

Abis plopped onto a display table, where all the other Bakugan gathered. He looked around, shocked by it all. "So this is your type of technology you humans develop? It's very strange." He said.

"I think we all feel the same." Fly Beetle said.

Jelldon waddled to turn to the front. "But hey, it's still pretty cool, I guess…"

"With this, we should be able to maneuver a lot faster on our course." Atmos concurred.

Jase nodded. "Exactly. Everyone, get ready. We'll take this nice and slow." He slowly pressed his foot on the gas petal. Making the machine's wheels crank and slowly move. After much turning, the few wheels started to turn about. Eventually, the whole RV was starting to move, driving forward.

The landscape around Luke began to move, and he looked out the window with deep awe. 'Whoa…so this is what it's like traveling?'

Esther grinned ahead. "Now we'll get closer to where Ariella and Hendrix went to."

"Absolutely. Let's find out what we're up against." Atchibee spoke.

"Precisely." Jase stepped on the gas petals, making the vehicle go faster across the land. "Everyone, let's move!"

The trailer pressed on through the wasteland, gravel and dirt churning beneath the wheels as the moldy, rusted machine carried the group from walking to preserving the energy needed to fixing what went wrong.

And here's chapter 3! Once again, I have completely shocked you guys with revelations that would otherwise spell shock all over. Remember as I said before, this story takes place a year after the events of the series finale, and really, I was wondering what happened to Baron's trailer since we haven't seen it since episode 22 of New Vestroia in front of Gama City. So, since we were left in the norm about that, I just improvised, and picked up from where they left off.

And as you also saw, I brought back a modified version of the Chaos Ability X and the Bakugan turning black. I've added some modified bits to the abilities, especially with the abilities at maximum capacity, such as abilities including Aquos Cyclowave that adds 400 Gs. And I know the Chaos Abilities were inferior or rather weak, but that's to be expected. It'll get better I hope. As you have also noticed, now the whole gang is accounted for, with Haos Verias and Ventus Atmos added. How's that for a freaky team of Bakugan for major characters? And as you saw, Shawn and potentially Master Riaan were also transported to New Vestroia.

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I hoped Atchibee and Abis team up again for shorter battles this time was worth something. So review, follow, and thanks for reading another chapter! :)