In a dark, decrepit tunnel where there were small crystals lying around, a massive foot stepped forward, followed by an outcry of a Subterra Verias. The airwaves the Bakugan expelled rattled the chasm, as expected. With it roaring, it was open to a yellow twirling staff that gave an uppercut to the face so hard that a burst of smoke erupted. The Bakugan slowly fell backwards, thudding hard before glowing bright brown before swirling to a ball.

Shawn stepped forward, a smile on his face. "Looks like that's it for now."

Verias nodded. "Yeah. I'm not feeling any negative energy around here."

"Then I guess we can call it off now. Nice job, Verias." Shawn complimented his Haos Bakugan before he glowed bright yellow and went back to ball form in Shawn's grip.

"Amazing…" Behind the Haos battler, Luke and Esther were following along. The two were given support as Shawn volunteered to hold off the Bakugan that came their way, and it was a good thing too considering that Abis Omega and Atchibee were in bad shape from their intense fights. "Shawn's really hanging in there, isn't he?"

Esther nodded. "Yes. It's really something."

Shawn looked back from ahead. "Hey, what are you waiting for? Easter?" he teased. "The exit's another mile up."

"Uh, r-right! Sorry!" Luke hurried along; Esther followed behind. Two quickly caught up with their friend, who seemed casual about the circumstances.

They continued their path onwards, but Shawn didn't feel like keeping a silence going. "So then, you both were shaken up pretty bad after Rogue Zero's attack, huh?"

"Yes, unfortunately." Esther answered. "In all honesty, it would have been Atchibee and I who were at mercy if not Luke and Abis Omega's actions."

"Really? Well that's a lucky break." Shawn looked back at Luke. "And Luke…I'm surprised to hear that you left the Trailer on your own."

Luke hung his head low with a frown. "I'm sorry…it's just…" He glanced away, trailing off in bitter remorse for his actions before.

"I get it."

Luke gasped in shock.

"If I were you, I'd probably feel the same way. I know we've been pretty hard on you, Luke…me included…"

"Shawn…"

"…but judging from what I've heard enough of, it sounds like you finally get it."

Luke's face didn't deter from the depression he seemingly had going. "If only I had sense knocked into me sooner…" he sighed. "But, that's not how it works. I just need to make do with what I can for now." He shot Shawn a serious look. "Shawn, did you really mean to come back just for me?"

Shawn caught his mood and raised a brow as he walked on. "What? You're making it sound like I'm following out of pity. No, not that." He stopped in place, getting the others to stop behind him as well. He turned around, giving Luke a serious expression. "I came back because you're my friend. In honesty, any right-minded person would've left you for dead with what you've done, Luke…but it's also because I know your conscience deep down was going to wake you up if I didn't." He grinned as he had hands to his hips. "You're a nutcase…but we know loyalty when we feel it, right?"

Luke was at a loss for words at his life-long friend's words. A small but sincere smile crept on Luke's face as he lowered his head. Esther looked over in question. When he finally made up his mind, Luke looked towards Shawn. "…heh, I was always easy for you to read, huh Shawn?" His smile softened. "Shawn, I mean it when I say it…thank you, for everything you've done for me. You're a true friend."

Shawn showed shock. "Woah, where is this coming from?" he nervously asked. "You of all people saying thanks? Man, what did I miss?"

Esther softly smiled. "Quite enough."

Luke nervously chuckled. "Sorry, I still need to work on that I guess…"

Atchibee popped open and floated beside Esther. "Do you hear that?"

Esther turned around, wondering what Atchibee meant.

"Yeah, I do." Shawn answered.

Luke wanted to question what they meant, but instead, with better judgement, he knew to keep quiet and patient. He fell silent as he zeroed in on the sound of gravel churning. It was a shock when it reached his ears, but when he looked back, he saw a pair of headlights to go with it.

"Does everyone see that?!" Abis Omega gasped, referring to the lights heading their way.

Esther took a step back. "It's hard to tell. Could be an enemy!"

"I'm not feeling negative energy." Atchibee complied. "I think it's serious, Esther, it just might very well be…"

Luke slowly gasped in shock. He and everyone else turned their heads up and lowered their guards as a massive tank-like structure slowly stopped in front of them. They heard the brakes creaking to a stop, in which the lights shined down on them, almost blinding them. The top of the hatch popped open, and the first thing to be seen was Maggie popping out. "You guys! We knew it was you!"

"Maggie?!" Esther gasped.

The Pyrus girl waved at them. "Hi~!" As she giggled, another figure arose to stand on the Trailer's top.

"Man, about time you stopped moving!" Shuji exasperated. "You dragged us all the way out here for crying out loud!"

"Shuji…well I'll be." Shawn marveled.

"You caught me by surprised, Esther…" the next voice made Luke's eyes widen. Slowly climbing out next was another familiar face, hands behind his back. "You certainly made it tracking you quite a catchy little game for us."

"Jase!" Luke exclaimed.

The Ventus battler adjusted his glasses. "Oh good, it looks like we've managed to find the lot of you. Are you all in one piece I take it?"

"Yeah, you can say that." Shawn joked. "Man, Colonel, you sure have a ways with timing."

"What are you doing here?" Esther questioned. "I thought you all went topside?"

"I'm afraid that itself is a long story…" Jase trailed off. "But if you must know, I installed markers for your Bakumeters, that way it'll be easier for us to find you in this shabby maze for of speak."

Shawn smirked. "Somehow I'm not surprised."

Shuji's eyes narrowed as he spotted something. "Heh…?" Amongst the group, he spotted Luke of all people. "Wait a minute, is that who I think it is?!"

Fly Beetle popped open. "Well this is a first. We never thought they would be here."

"Oh, so they're okay then!" Jelldon exclaimed, quite surprised in a happy tone. His partner, however, did not share that same tone.

"You!" Maggie snapped.

"Shuji, Maggie, Jase." Luke meekly said. "…hey…"

Jase's expression never wavered. "Luke…" he said dryly. "So you are here too then…good."

Luke's brow furrowed. It was expected, but he still had to hold some kind of ground. "Is it a problem?"

"Not particularly…for the moment that is."

"Easy for you to say!" Shuji roared, pointed an accusing finger at Luke. "You jerk, why are you here?!"

"Yeah! Who do you think you are?!" Maggie snapped,

Luke's face fell deeper as he looked at them. He felt morally dejected by their harsh greetings, but it was as expected. Fortunately for them that Shawn stepped up when he did. "Okay guys let's not point fingers right now. There's a lot of explanations here, and I don't think we have a lot of time on our hands."

"Shawn has a point." Esther argued. "More Bakugan could come from either direction. We'll need cover somewhere."

Jase lowered his head, turning away. "I suppose it can't be helped…alright then, everyone inside. We'll discuss this now."

Everyone looked at each other with scrutiny and confirmation. While Shuji and Maggie had looks of disagreement, Luke and the others had nods. They all begrudgingly got inside, where the explanations were being held.

"I see…so that's what happened then." Jase surmised everything he heard from both parties at the time. He turned towards Esther. "So then Xander and Ariella were taken care of?"

Esther nodded. "They were, at least for now."

"Understood." He turned towards Luke. "As for you, I trust that you finally understand now?"

Luke looked away in shame, a deep frown on his face. "Y-yeah…" he muttered.

Shuji scoffed. "Pfft! After what you did, I'd find that hard to believe."

"I-I know…"

Maggie eyerolled. "Wow~, not only did the spoiled brat cut his hair and change his ego, but now knows he's unbelievable? What a day this is. Just one miracle after another around here." The deep rhetorical tone she had clearly identified her dislike about Luke. Luke sighed in defeat.

"I do hope that you have realized everything you've done has been take into consideration." Jase said.

"Well, it's still a lot to process…but I'm trying this time around." Luke argued.

"For all our sakes, I hope so."

"Okay, okay, everyone take it easy. I know things seem a bit on edge." Shawn got between them all, though held a nervous smile. "But look, we've all been through a lot these past few days. We're tired, cranky, and we've got a lot of mixed emotions right now…but we know now what Riaan is after, that's what's important."

Jase put his hand to his chin. "Well, while I'd rather not derive from Luke's justification, we re facing a tough matter right now. Yes, I suppose Riaan's goal is rather problematic at least."

Maggie's face fell. "I'm really worried. Are we all really all going to die?"

Esther's eyes closed, but her intense vibe said other plans. "We don't know, at least not yet. We can only hope that our heavenly father has other plans for us this time around."

'Heavenly father?' Luke thought. 'Wait, isn't that…?'

Shuji quickly pointed out his thoughts. "Well I don't know about you…but getting off here and on home is much better for my head. This stuff's killing me, with all these backstories and weird clouds and all that. Man…"

"Yeah, being at home sounds a lot better than stuck here." Maggie whined. "Among other things…" she shot a look at Luke, indicating what she meant. Luke lowered his head.

Jase stood up. "I agree. The sooner we find a way back to our world, the sooner we can make a course from there." He adjusted his glasses again, making them refract light. "Now I'll only say this once. If we get back…there will be no telling what will transpire. If anything, it's hard to say we may even get back to Earth at all."

"Jase!" Luke gasped.

Maggie folded her arms. "Hmph! Well anywhere is better than here, or this guy even."

"Maggie…" He looked towards Shuji, only to see him glare with folded arms as well. "Shuji…"

Jase gave one more sigh outwards. "If you wish to prove you've changed, that is our personal judgement. But if we get home soon, remember this Luke, your actions won't be overlooked. Not ever, especially as witnesses. I could turn you in to the B.I.F at anytime since I have the authority…but we'll see. We still have to find a way after all."

"Well…" Luke wanted to come up with an argument, but the truth was he didn't have anything to back himself up. Esther gave him a sympathetic look, and Shawn offered nothing but his own sigh of remorse. If anything serves, it was an insult to everything they've done. However, when looking back at it, they barely survived. Their opponents were stronger than them as well, and to make matters disturbing, this was a threat to all worlds holding Bakugan. A bit much maybe, but Luke promised to help and lay his life down; die trying if he and Abis Omega must do that. Luke solemnly nodded. "I understand."

Maggie huffed. "Good riddance. We should lock you up in your room right now!"

"Enough, Maggie!" Esther snapped. "And Shuji, don't even think about it."

The Subterra battler grumbled angrily. "Gnnngh…fine. But you know I still say he shouldn't be here."

"So, if we are done guilt tripping…Shawn." Jase faced the mentioned. "What was it that you said about 'finding something interesting'?"

The Haos battler's eyes widened. "Oh, right! Almost forgot!" He looked ahead, where he pointed forward towards the path. "You see, when I was coming back down, I was looking around when those Bakugan showed up. While I managed to find a tunnel like this, it was surprisingly close to something that caught my eye."

"What is it?"

"It was this weird two pillars that stood at the top of a hill. It gave off some kind of weird energy towards it that made Bakugan go around it."

"A structure atop of a hill you say?" Esther questioned.

"Sounds like something worth checking out at least." Jase argued. "Odds are heading back to Troposphere is impossible considering Luka's actions beforehand. We'll just have to make the climb. So then…everyone to your stations."

Everyone went off to their designated seats, where they all sat in wait as Jase made way to his own. As they waited, Esther and Shawn began to speak quietly.

"Man, even I know that was a little harsh on Luke."

"Yes, maybe a bit." Esther said. "But he is looking like he knows better."

"This has gotta be the toughest on him out of all of us. Thermosphere, Riaan's betrayal, and now…"

"Shawn. Are you alright?"

Esther question was met with a brief silence. "…yeah. Don't worry. I'm more worried about Luke." He looked over at Luke, seeing as while he is frowning, he remained passive in his seat than impatient as always. "I just hope he doesn't let everyone get him down…"

"It'll be fine." Esther assured, smiling hopefully. "He's got you, right?"

Shawn smiled back. "Yeah, and he's most certainly got you."

Esther sheepishly looked away with a blush. "…I suppose." She admitted.

The Trailer's wheels turned once more, churning in the bedrock below and scaled skywards.

In an unknown field, all that was seen was a shift in a massive black cape. The winds howled as a figure in a massive tattered cape stared at the waning sun, his hood unmoved. It was like his wind was affected, yet his body was like a ghost.

"Do you feel that?" a menacing tone came from the Bakugan on his shoulder.

"I do." He answered. A malicious smirk came across his face. "They're getting closer. You remember what's at stake…do you?"

"I do, master."

From beneath the hood, hollow, dark eyes had a grim appeal. It was like living death waiting for a new victim.

The Trailer churned gravel beneath its wake as it scaled skywards. It kept going on, getting away from the murky depths of Interacia. As the contraption went on, parts of the underground tunnel they traveled in shuddered.

"W-whoaa~!" Shuji felt the vibrations from his seat. "Hey, what's with all this rumbling about?!"

"The chasm must be turning unstable." Atmos exclaimed.

"Everyone, relax." Jase insisted as he rode on like nothing was happening. "We're almost at the exit."

Abis Omega looked out the front window with the rest of the Bakugan, excluding Atmos, who was beside Jade. Ahead, they could all see from within the depths, some light was shedding from above.

"Looks like the exit's just up ahead." Abis noted.

"I see it. Looks legit." Fly Beetle remarked.

Jelldon shuddered a little, an angelic tune playing as he stared up at daylight. "I…I see a light. It's so…beautiful…are we…going to heaven?"

All the Bakugan present sweat-dropped. 'Oh geez.' They thought.

Luke braced themselves as the light got closer, or rather they got closer to it. Esther and Shawn readied, and despite the uneasy ride, Maggie and Shuji were able to contain their stomachs for a little while as Jase leaned forward and increased speed.

"DON'T GO TOWARDS THE LIGHT! I'M NOT READY YET!" Jelldon wailed so loud as the light blinded everything.

"Jelldon, not helping!" Atchibee snapped.

"Sorry."

Moments later, topside, the sunlight was still evident, even as what looked like planets were showing up high in space. A loud humming vibrated a hole in the ground, where an eruption came forth of the Trailer shooting like a jackrabbit out of a hole. It even went as far as airborne. Fortunately for everyone, despite the shaky landing, and the mild heart attacks Shuji and Maggie suffered, the wheels churned well as the massive vehicle went along its merry way.

"I'll never get used to that!" Maggie snapped.

"Quit complaining, would ya?! It's making me nauseous!" Shuji paled, outing three fingers to his mouth to prevent expectoration.

"Man Jase, you really know how to shake things up as always." Shawn nonchalantly commented.

"Your comments are most assuredly noted." He answered. "So Jaune, do you know which direction from here this structure is?"

Shawn looked out the window, trying to recall the route he had to take. "About three miles south from here. Straight ahead!"

Jase floored the engines of their transportation. The wheels turned gradually in the soft earth, but fortunately the spots weren't plummeting. They were thankfully stable…for now. They did not want anything like before, and that alone was a miracle.

In the other room as the Trailer maintained course, with room to finally move, Luke got out of his seat and looked at their little inmate, checking on him. Even now, after everything he did for redemption, the Aquos battler had little to offer for Keegan as his body laid in shock.

Joining him eventually was Esther, peering inside with her own sad face. "Still not waking up, huh?"

Luke lowered his head. "This is my fault…"

"Luke…"

His gloved hands began to ball tight, shuddering. "I wasn't thinking before when I made all those decisions. Those weren't even…no, they were decisions I made. Just poor ones I guess." He sighed sadly in remorse. "And this is the price paid, huh?"

Esther lowered her own head. "Sometimes the people around you are affected by the choices made by others, more than themselves. This is just one example."

"…and the choices I make are going to take longer because of those around me."

Esther grinned. "Yes. That's something called consideration."

A weak grin got on Luke's face eventually. As Abis popped open on his shoulder, the two looked at each other, then back at Keegan. They considered one another ever since they made their vow, and then against those incredulous opponents. If they could do that, then maybe they can consider more than them alone.

"One step at a time, you two. Don't rush something that isn't in your control."

Luke nodded. "Okay." Just as he finished that one word, he felt the engines short out, getting him to turn towards the hall.

"Sounds like we've stopped." Esther said.

"That's gotta be that place Shawn mentioned." Luke looked towards her. "Ready?"

Esther nodded towards him. Together, they started for the main hall, but not before Luke looked back into the room one last time at Keegan. Seeing he was out, he turned and walked behind Esther.

When the two made it to the main chamber, they walked up with the others towards the windowsill. There, they all awed at the sight. Even Maggie was at a loss for words. "Wooaahh…"

"Yeah, woah…" Shuji was speechless.

"You see what we were talking about?" Verias questioned. "This is the structure Shawn and I passed. You guys feel that from here?"

"Yeah, I do." Fly Beetle nodded. "It's making me feel funny…er that is."

"This energy is oddly repulsive." Atchibee said. "It's like it's trying to push us away for some reason."

"Yeah, I feel that way too." Abis admitted.

"And it's all coming from that up there." Atmos raised his head, referring to the structure that lied ahead.

All eyes were on the structure as there was a massive hill with a steady climb up. At the near top, there were two huge stones naturally carved to look like a gate of some sort. One south and one north, that way the sun arose on one end and set the other. The heights of both was so high that looking at the top was like looking at the top of the world.

"Is…anyone else freaked out by this?" Maggie nervously asked.

Esther stepped back. "Yes. It's alarming."

Luke looked down at his skin, noticing the hairs of his body were standing on end. They were even pointing away from the source. 'Even my own hair is sticking on end. This structure…does it have something to do with repulsion?'

Jase furrowed his brow as he looked deeper. When he chose to do so, he turned and walked off. "Jase, where are you going?" Shawn asked.

"I'm going outside of course. No use investigating when I can't even be in person for it." He reasoned.

He did have a point. Without arguing, everyone followed him out. The hatch popped open again, allowing them to get out of the vehicle and onto the ground. A cool, but very thin breeze traveled across the planes and hillside. They all walked up, nearing the hills base to see how much more dominant the structure was in person.

"Okay, now I'm getting chills about this place." Shuji grunted as he turned towards Shawn. "Alright, spill it, what the heck did you find here?"

"Honestly, I don't know. But it feels kinda strange. It's like it's telling me to just…go away. You feel that?"

Maggie's brow furrowed. "Yeah, my chest hurts. It's like some sort of cramp inside the closer I get."

"Yeah, my insides are getting shaky." Fly Beetle stated.

Jase put a hand to his chin as he thought aloud. "How interesting…normally, something like this occurs between magnets when too close to one another. A magnetic field has opposite and equally as positive ions about. I assume that whatever this structure is…it must have a field designed specifically for repulsion."

"But how is that possible?" Esther questioned. She then saw a small static wave erode from one rock. The others gasped upon seeing it, then another.

Luke stepped forward in question. "Electricity?"

Suddenly, a loud clap echoed through the air, getting everyone to turn away from the enigmatic sight. "Well done. Just brilliantly well done." A smirk was seen. "You guys really know how to put on a show, don't know?"

They all turned their heads towards the sound, where sunlight was glistening quite brightly. They shielded their eyes as a figure walked out of the sunlight and stood meters apart from them. From the figure's silhouette, he appeared to have some kind of tattered cloak. And strangely enough as well, the pressure he was giving off felt vaguely familiar.

'This voice…' Recognizing the sound and silhouette, Luke snapped. "You're…"

The sunlight lowered a little bit, finally giving view to a smirking cloaked figure who chuckled amusingly. "Why hello, Luke." He greeted.

Everyone grew shocked. "Maximus!" Esther snapped.

"Oh great! Not him!" Maggie whined.

Shuji's fists balled. "Great, just what we needed." He sarcastically sniped.

Jase and Shawn got on their guards. They glared forward as the Darkus battler folded his arms.

"You all seem so surprised? Why should you? After all, it was expected considering you managed to get through Rogue Zero on your own, right?"

"How did you find us?" Verias ordered.

"Pushy, aren't we?" he mused. "Well, it's quite simple really. Why, our lord Riaan knew you might find your way here." Upon the mention of his name, Luke's ears twitched. "He knew that at some point, perhaps you would find your way here to Shi'imon Hill. Can't believe he was actually right without Lucia's predictions. Crafty."

"Wha~?" Shuji exasperated.

"So Riaan thought we were going to be here?" Maggie gasped.

"Uh, okay…anybody got any bright ideas?" Jelldon inquired.

Jase looked up at the massive structure, recalling its odd energy it's giving off. "This structure, you called it 'Shi'imon Hill', did you not?"

Maximus smirked. "Now tell me, would I lie to you, my friends?" He added the extra emphasis just to irritate Jase, in which it worked to little success. He glanced up at the huge stones. "Bet your skin's pretty tingly by now, huh? That's the result of this rock up here. I guess you can call it a…wonder."

"What does that mean?" Maggie questioned.

"An excellent question." Maximus faced the side. "Now tell me, wouldn't it be great if you could go home, in nice comfortable beds and nice hot showers? Well…" his grin turned wily. "Turns out, Cesar and Riaan aren't the only ones who can crack a few dimension gates."

The majority of the group looked shocked yet again. "Wait, what are you saying, Maximus?" Esther demanded.

He faced her with a smile. "Why, dear Esther, I thought that note would be enough of a clue. Maybe you've been underground so long that your brain cells must've degenerated. I'll spell it out for you. Shi'imon Hill is a natural gateway."

Everyone gasped yet again in shock.

"Wait, what?!" Shuji gasped in shock. "H-hold up! Slow down! You're saying that those two rocks can…"

Jase connected the dots. "That would explain this electrical pressure we are sensing then. It's a magnetic field."

"Shi'imon Hill was supposed to be an overworld project for Cesar to work on." Maximus explained. "It was designed to transport the rogue and negative Bakugan from our planet to another. However, within the final stages, the ground grew unstable, and the electrical pressure made a negative wave that made it almost impossible for Bakugan to get near it. The closer you get, the stronger the push."

Shuji stomped forward. "Is that supposed to be impressive? It isn't anywhere near as impressive as us pal, especially after we kicked your team's butt!" he clutched his fist tighter in a show of brawn.

Maximus, however, was unfazed. "That depends, how does being a solar powered transporter sound?"

Shuji's guard dropped again as he blinked. "Solar…powered?"

"That's right. Since magnetic fields went up, ions began to discharge with radiation occurring. Don't think of it as something you can always use. There is a catch now that Cesar closed it down." He paused, allowing everyone to grow weary. "You see, it can only work when it's aligned directly with the sun."

Bolts flared between the rocks, getting everyone to look up at the structure again. They saw bolts clashing, creating small distortions that quickly faded. It accelerated as the sun was in between and just over the other hill.

"And what do you know, that time just so happens to be now." Maximus chimed.

"You mean…it's open?!" Luke caught onto the implication, his shock rising from ideals rising. "Wait, that means…!"

"We don't have any time!" Esther snapped. "Luke, everyone, this may be the only chance we get! If we hurry, perhaps we can-!"

"There's no guarantee that it'll bring you to Earth." Maximus interjected. He walked around the group, getting to the base of the hill. "It wasn't designed specifically for just selective transport. Odds are it might send you back to New Vestroia, or maybe another planet, hard to say. Would you really rather take that chance?"

Luke's brow furrowed as he stepped forward, catching Maximus' eye. "Any planet that's not here is worth being on for all I care." He answered.

"Luke." Esther said.

Luke swiped his arm across. "So maybe we may not get back to Earth? If that planet has Bakugan as well, then we'll warn them, or rather I will. Abis Omega will even! We all know we can't stay here, not after what we've learned…so please. Move."

Maximus started low with a snicker, which began to grow into a chuckle. "Well, haven't you seen better days, huh Luke? I would've pegged you of all people would be excited for this chance. Would you try to make a dash for it or something?"

"Maybe…but I realized there wouldn't be a point, because you wouldn't let us pass anyway, would you?"

Maximus' smirk never faded. In fact, he looked amused. "Smart, I'll say that." He held up Goblinball's ball form. "Yeah, you're right about one thing. I won't let you pass!" he roared, spreading his limbs eagerly. "So stand up to me if you really want to get out of here! You only have a short window anyway, so why not stay…so I can break you into dust myself!"

Everyone grunted at the proclamation. They had to be ready, no matter what. As Luke prepped, someone stepped beyond him, getting him and Maximus to frown in wonder. The pairs of feet stopped, revealing Shawn.

"You know it ain't too bright picking on the weak." He boasted. "Seems to me that just doesn't seem fair."

"Shawn?" Luke inquired.

Shawn looked over his shoulder back at his friends. "It's okay guys. I know you all had it rough against Rogue Zero. It's written all over your faces. If you and the Bakugan fought after that, he'd be too much."

"Shawn…"

"You guys have done enough. So now…let Verias and I have a shot at this monster!"

Maximus scoffed. "Picking on the weak you say? Ha. Sounds like you're selling you and your friends short there. You really think you have a chance against me and Goblinball?"

"We won't know, but if Luke and the others managed somehow, I don't see how I can't."

"Well said for me." Verias said.

Goblinball floated besides his partner. "Hmph, sounds like a pushover for cover."

"He's right. That's too risky Shawn." Esther argued. "We can still fight, you know that."

Without looking, Shawn replied. "Maybe…but did you look at yourselves?" When he said they, they all saw the wears and tears in their clothing. They looked battered, exhausted, and not to mention famished. The Bakugan also were out of shape, even if they managed to get out of the messes from before. "Verias and I are probably the only ones who still have health to spare. Please guys, if you have to intervene, then that's up to you."

Luke stepped forward in immediate objection. "Wait, Shawn! I get where you're going, but what if you…"

"Luke."

The Aquos battler went wide-eyed at his best friend's back.

"I had faith that you would see yourself anew at some point. When I heard how you took down Xander and Ariella with Abis Omega alone, you can imagine how impressed as a friend I was. So now I think it's your turn to show a little faith in someone else, don't you think?" He looked back, giving him a reassured smile.

"Shawn…" Luke was at a loss for how to approach his best friend. By all means, he would rather fight with him than see him go at it alone. But he had to think about Shawn's own decisions. "Sometimes the people around you are affected by the choices made by others, more than themselves." The conversation he had with Esther rung in his head, making him think of Shawn's side of the story. 'Shawn…you're still looking out for me, even after…'

A short while passed before Luke took a deep breath. He looked back at Shawn, this time a smile creeping on his face. "Yes." He nodded. "Alright Shawn. You can do this…I have faith in you, too."

Shawn's smirk widened as he faced Maximus. "Well then…we won't let you down! Let's go, Maximus!"

Maximus smirked. "This should be entertaining."

Maximus: 100% Shawn: 100%

"I don't have a good feeling about this." Maggie worried.

"As do I." Jade admitted. "But if we dawdle too long, the opening in the portal will expire. We'll have to respect Shawn's stalemate for now…and hope for the best."

Luke remained steadfast with Abis Omega open on his shoulder, which is a first for him because he wasn't usually perched on Luke's shoulder before. Luke had a worried look, but inside, he knew not to doubt his best friend; someone who was more capable than him, as he would admit now.

"Shawn…"

Verias' words made him nod. "I know…let's give them the time they need."

"What's the matter? A shaky start already?" Maximus taunted. "Then allow me, Gate Card set!" He threw the Gate Card outwards, which faded into a dark purple energy wave across the ground. "Bakugan…brawl!" He threw his Goblinball out. "Goblinball, stand!"

Summoned forth in a powerful purple light, a pair of wings spread, and out came Goblinball as his massive mouth opened wide for a distorted roar.

"Here we go…Bakugan, brawl! Haos Verias, stand!" In a yellow light, a white figure jumped to the air. It waited a few seconds before it shot down, making the ground shake as it landed on a knee. With staff up, Verias' eyes glared with a passion at his foe.

Goblinball: 500 Verias: 350

Verias stood and twirled his staff overhead, though Goblinball was unamused. "Heh, what a fool." He mocked.

"My thoughts exactly." Maximus taunted. 'I would've preferred to handle them the way I normally would, playing around with them to see what they have to offer, but Riaan wouldn't be too thrilled if I didn't go all out and stop them here and now. Oh well, guess if I just need to occupy, that's all the reason I need.'

Without hesitation, Shawn made the first move. "Ability activate, Verias Siba!" Verias twirled his staff again, making yellow flames like a wheel that generated before throwing it at Goblinball.

Goblinball: 500 Verias: 350 (+200) = 550

Verias closed in, but Maximus wasn't going to have it. "Ability activate, Irate Eye!" Goblinball's iris glowed bright purple before expelling a dark purple blast that traveled across the ground at the incoming ape, draining his power back to 350. The dark beam enveloped Verias' staff, sending it flying elsewhere while Verias jumped to the side.

"There's no getting away from me!" Goblinball turned his head, making the dark purple laser arch and trace Verias' path. Getting out of shock, Verias rolled along the ground to his feet, jumping off to the side in a slide. The laser still followed, and thus he jumped into the air, avoiding it completely. Overhead, he glared down as he gripped his staff in midair.

"Ability activate…" Goblinball looked up, seeing a somersaulting blur with a yellow staff coming down on him. Verias roared as he staff hit a clean mark on the head, causing a thud to echo as small airwaves revolved about. "Siba Feral!" Shawn echoed.

Goblinball: 500 (-200) = 300 Verias: 350 (+200) = 550

Verias twirled his staff left and right, striking Goblinball from side to side without any room to defend. With each swing, it faltered him a bit, before at last raising his staff overhead and giving one loud rupture through the air, making Goblinball falter backwards.

Maximus scoffed. "Not a bad transition." As he said that, Goblinball got steady again.

Verias held his staff tight, his clutch firm and tight. 'We can't give them room to rest. Their strength is still greater!' He put his staff into his jaws, allowing his arms free motion to trample over the ground ahead. 'Need to hit hard and quick!'

Maximus smirked at the opportunity at hand. "Stay still! Ability activate, Darkus Impact!" Goblinball's wings spread as his mouth widened. The sclera shortened as dark energy generated into a dark hemisphere. Once compressed, the sphere dilated before shooting with high dark pressure at Verias. Verias' eyes widened and was forced to a stop on two feet, putting his staff in hands and bunting to hold the attack. The beam made impact with his staff, but it was so strong that it was easily shoving him backwards across the landscape.

Goblinball: 300 (+300) = 600 Verias: 550

"Gnnngh!" Verias grunted as was trying to hand in there, but he was struggling incredulously. 'Must resist…c'mon…must…resisit…!'

"Verias!" Shawn snapped. "Hang in there!"

Maximus chuckled in amusement. "Your little encouragement is foolhardy at best. Why drag on?"

"I wouldn't expect someone like you to get what we're trying to do. We're not here to follow the rules you played when they only benefit yourself. That's selfishness itself."

"So? You're assuming I'm selfish?"

"I never said about you directly…" He held up his yellow Bakumeter. "Ability activate, Haos Drain!" Verias' gem glowed and he stopped bunkering. He leaned forward into blast wave and shot a bright beam from the gem. His beam may not have been enough to overpower, but enough to bisect the dark blast around him.

Goblinball: 600 Verias: 550 (+200) = 750

Verias roared as he kept leaning forward, holding his unstable ground as the attack kept pushing, until finally Goblinball stopped, allowing a stalemate between them.

"I still don't see how you find your actions so noble, when really it's a big foolhardy mess." Maximus said.

"Those are your words, not mine." Shawn countered. "I never said anything about my actions."

Maximus sneered. "Hah! Big deal. As far as I'm concerned you and your friends are never getting off this planet alive!"

"Don't count us down just yet." Shawn said. To prove his point, Verias spread his legs and lunged ahead. He slammed his staff into Goblinball, whacking him away.

"Oh, I never said that either." Maximus taunted. "Look who's putting words into my mouth now. Ability activate, Shadow Snatch!"

Verias landed on the ground, yet when he tried to move again, something clung to his legs. "Huh…?" Looking down, his eyes caught wind of a black shadow with tendrils clinging to him. It made it almost impossible to move.

Goblinball: 600 (+200) = 800 Verias: 750 (-200) = 550

"Hold still." Goblinball aimed. "This'll only hurt a lot…"

"Ability activate, Darkus Force!" Goblinball opened his maw again, but this time bright purple instead of dark purple eroded to a compressed hemisphere. He fired yet another earthshaking blast that shot at Verias.

Goblinball: 800 (+300) = 1100 Verias: 550

"Crap! This is bad!" Shuji yelled. He and everyone else watched the blast shoot right at Verias, who wasn't able to move still.

"Get out of there!" Maggie worried.

Esther's eyes narrowed. "He can't. He's trapped completely."

Luke wanted to worry as well. Scratch that, he was worrying. Quite badly at that. His fists balled tightly as his teeth gritted. He remembered Shawn about him having not to worry and have faith, and he was really trying, but with something like this weighing him down, he didn't have much of a choice. 'Shawn…' Suddenly another thought ran into his head.

"You're a nutcase…but we know loyalty when we feel it, right?"

Shawn's words from earlier rung his head like a bell. He wasn't wrong. He was deeply loyal to Riaan until the betrayal, and he renewed his loyalty with Abis Omega. If Shawn came back for him and him alone, then he must be sure of himself. His brows furrowed, but out of resolution.

Shawn looked back to see what the others were thinking, and he saw many worried faces. However, amongst them, he was relieved to see Luke withholding doubt. It made a grin show as he turned back ahead. "Verias!"

The Haos Bakugan stopped his struggling and looked back at Shawn. Shawn remained calm and nodded, leaving Verias to stop his struggling and look forward, giving a roar at the incoming attack.

"Yeah, I knew you would be alright. Now let's turn this around!" Shawn declared. "Ability activate, Caroline Protector!" Verias stuck his staff out and started to twirl again, this time not for offense, but defense. The dark beam finally closed in, but it spun into the edges of the wheel being made.

"What's this?" Maximus questioned.

Shawn pointed forward. "Alright, you know what to do!"

"With pleasure!" Using his torso rather than his legs, Verias swing the wheel at Goblinball, sending the energy surrounding the edges of it in a slim beam dead ahead. Goblinball was in shock as his attack was launched back, and shocking enough, he was struck square in the face, enveloping him in a powerful smoke cloud.

Goblinball: 1100 (-300 -300) = 500 Verias: 550

"You bounced back my ability!" Maximus outraged. He watched as Goblinball fell out of the smoke, waning away in angst. "We're not done here." Maximus sniped. "Gate Card, open! Element Merge!" Down below, the Gate Card showed itself. Verias' body was radiating energy waves that went up and arched over onto Goblinball, transferring power that made him wane.

Goblinball: 500 (+200) = 700 Verias: 550 (-200) = 350

Verias could still feel his power drain, but he shakily turned his head back towards Shawn. He looked willing, and to that Shawn nodded. "Ability activate, Pillar Shaker!" Verias raised his staff high overhead, giving a loud roar before plunging the end into the Gate Card. A pillar of light was summoned, shaking the ground incredulously. The massive pillar's density made the card crack once, then a few more times, until ultimately it broke apart. The pieces and light scattered past Goblinball, causing him to cover up and hiss.

Goblinball: 700 (-200 -200) = 300 Verias: 350 (+200) = 550

The light was so blinding to Goblinball's eye that he was to close his mouth to shield himself. Within the light, some black dot began to expand, until it crashed in the beast's forehead. The impact was from a staff, and the shock made Goblinball falter back and roar. He morphed into ball form, dropping besides Maximus, who by no means seemed fazed.

Maximus: 50%

Most of everyone cheered, especially those who doubted him. Amongst them, Luke seemed the most relieved. Shawn remained focused as Verias went back to ball form and caught in his hand.

"Not bad." Maximus said. "A nice easy warmup. So now you ready to get serious?"

Shawn didn't fell for the taunt as he frowned. "I could ask you the same thing. Gate Card, set!" He threw a Gate Card out next, in which it faded into a yellow shockwave across the ground. "Bakugan, brawl!" He threw Verias again, who arose with a loud roar.

Maximus chuckled. 'All we need is to make them stand there a little longer and that'll be that. Won't be long now until Riaan and the others come around. Until then, guess we'll be taking credit.' He threw Goblinball in. "Bakugan, brawl! Goblinball, stand!" In a dark light, Goblinball arose again, roaring out at their foe.

Goblinball: 500 Shawn: 350

"You're wasting your own breaths!" Maximus retorted. "Ability, activate! Shadow Snatch!" Goblinball remained motionless as the shadow beneath him darkened. It stretched towards Verias, eroding off the ground into tendrils to constrict him.

Shawn showed another ability. "Double ability, activate! Heaven Solace, plus Haos Drain!" Verias remained motionless as well as an enigmatic bright light casted down around him, twinkling sparkles that made the shadows burn away.

Maximus grunted in annoyance. "Good play."

As Verias' power level went up to 550, the gem on his forehead shined brightly within the angelic light. The sparkles around him flared as a bright beam was fired through the light wall, but Goblinball was smart enough to follow instincts. Using his wings to flap, the gust he created throw off the beam, making it arch around and blow up in the fields behind Maximus. Even as light erupted behind, it served to darken Maximus and his creepy smile.

"They're strong." Verias marveled.

"Took you this long?" Maximus scoffed. "Even if you somehow manage d to surpass me, there's still no way you're getting out of here."

"Yeah, we'll see about that." Shawn looked back at everyone. "Everyone to the Trailer, now!"

Jase nodded. "Alright. We're counting on you." He turned away. "Let's go."

"Right!" Everyone followed.

Maximus faced the group heading out. "Nice try, but like I said, you're not getting away!" He threw something skywards. "Come, Bakugan Trap! Darkus Fortress!" In a bright purple light, Darkus Fortress slowly eroded down beside Goblinball, guns and cannons aimed at Verias.

Goblinball: 500 Verias: 550

Fortress: 400

"Ability activate, Photon Rain!" Fortress' rectangular shoulders propped open, angling upwards along with the cannons for arms. Once ready, many bright purple beams shot skywards, rising so high they were gone. Moments later, a glint could be seen, and afterwards dozens of purple lasers fell like rain heading right for the group making their break.

Shawn noticed the trajectory and snapped back around. "Guys! Above you!"

Luke stopped in his tracks. "What?!" He heard the sound of whistling from above, getting his attention. "Wait…what's that?!" The dozens of spears came down above their heads, alarming them all in deep shock.

Maggie gasped. "W-wait! What's happening?!"

"Everyone take cover, now!" Jase hurried over in between the others, where Maggie hurriedly squeezed his torso. Shuji fell on his bottom from shock; Esther and Luke both looked shocked skywards before a spear of purple closed, in, making everything bright.

FWOOSH!

They all waited for impact, but the strangest thing was that it never came. Instead, a shadow loomed over them, couple by the sound of thudding to what seemed like a fan. In question, they all looked up, but showed nothing but shock.

A staff twirled so fast as Verias tried to hold his own. His staff was like a propeller that blocked as many falling lasers as possible. It was tough and harsh for him, but he hovered over protectively.

"Verias?" Jase gasped.

"You guys alright?!" Shawn shouted ahead. "Get going! We can't hold them off forever!"

Jase was questionable at first, but he chose to disregard them for the nod he gave back. "Alright, let's hurry!" They all rushed as fast as possible yet again, with Verias trying his best to apply cover. They all followed Jase to the Trailer, getting up the ladder to reach the top.

Meanwhile, Verias wasn't holding up so well as his power level dropped to 350. He grunted as a few shots bypassed his staff and burst in the ground beneath him.

Maximus couldn't hold in his chuckle. "Too easy."

Verias grunted over and over, unable to hold himself together. One laser finally struck his shoulder, making him gawk and lose momentum for more to shower down and pelt like endless streams of hail. His screams echoed as dust raged in his spot.

"Verias!" Shawn exclaimed. He faced back towards Maximus with disgust. "Hasn't anybody to focus on the main enemy?"

"True, but isn't it also a fact that diversions are the easiest way to throw off an enemy? You know what they say, all's fair in love and war."

"Maximus, why are you doing this? Don't you know what'll happen if you somehow succeed?" Shawn inquired as Verias shakily got up behind him. "We both know that Riaan is up to something. You even stole Bakugan from New Vestroia to fulfill your desires, but you aren't making them clear for us to understand."

Maximus frowned. "Whoever said I was easy to read anyway?"

"Maybe not, but I can tell one thing."

"And what's that?"

"It's that this is all somehow just for you. You go out this whole way, and you're not even concerned that Riaan or your team might turn on you?"

Maximus sneered. "Hmmm…you know, I have to admit something. You do bring up a valid point. Why am I doing this? Could it be that I have nothing better to do? Is that a good enough reason? Or…" his face beneath his bangs grew increasingly darker. "Is it because I am destined to be a winner as such?"

"What?" Shawn angrily inquired. "What are you saying?"

"You see, that's the thing. Why bother having to figure others out when the most important thing is to know your own state of mind? You talk as though selflessness is an asset, when in reality it derives you from yourself. And if you can't focus on your own being, you're not at full capability for battle." He clutched his fists hard, making the fabric clutch with it. "And that's exactly what I saw just now. Your heroic deeds just make me sick, and that's why I'm doing this now. I'm going to shame what a worthless zero that's trying to be the big hero!"

"He's gone mad…" Verias said.

Shawn's brow furrowed. 'Is he really willing to turn our strengths into our weakness…?'

"Now, enough games! It's time we end this! Ability, activate! Proton Mars!" Fortress aimed all its cannons and aimed with gusto. Once ready, several slots opened, and more cannons had purple energy gathering up, with its power growing to 600. It fired many purple beams at Verias, who readied for a counter.

"Now, Shawn!"

"Right, ability activate! Correlation of Darkus to Haos!" Verias suddenly began to feel a powerful bright aura envelop his body, gaining him great strength. He twirled his staff, stopping all the beams flawlessly.

Goblinball: 500 Verias: 350 (+300) = 650

Fortress: 600

The purple beams kept firing, but Verias twirled his staff to no end as he raced at Fortress. He roared violently as he made one big leap, spinning in midair to stop another laser, then flipped to come down onto the walking tank.

Unknowingly, a smirk grew on Maximus' face. "Now this'll be fun. Goblinball!" At his command, Goblinball moved in front of the robot. "Ability activate, Light Blinder!"

As Verias came down, Goblinball's eye dilated before expelling a deep, searing purple light that made Verias roar. The glow around his body almost immediately faded as his power level went back to 350. "This light…it's…GAAH!" With him distracted, a purple laser shot by Fortress, exploding in his face and sending him slamming into the ground.

"Verias. No!" Shawn covered up again, this time as the purple light eroded from Goblinball, making it hard to see.

Verias began to arise again, but he looked forward and found himself blinded. He put his bare hand forward to block, but the palm felt like it was burning. "Gnnaah! My…body…!"

"You like that? Light Blinder is a little trick that is especially potent to Haos Bakugan." Maximus sneered. "It not only does it nullify the opponent's ability, but any and all Haos Bakugan can't activate their abilities."

Shawn's eyes widened. "You mean…" he grunted in mental frustration. "We got hoodwinked from the start!"

"That's right. Now go!" Fortress aimed its guns at the down Verias. With Verias petrified by the ghost-like light, he wasn't able to see or feel anything. He was open for a purple blast to close in. When he finally registered it, he groggily turned ahead, with Shawn gasping as impact created a powerful smoke cloud. The rupture forced Shawn to cover up, but he was sent flying as well.

"Shawn!" Luke gasped.

Shawn thudded hard in the soft soil, groaning in pain. Verias went to ball form and plopped to his side, rolling to an end.

Shawn: 50%

Maximus' Bakugan returned to his hand, his smirk as evil as ever. "Too easy."

"Shawn!" Luke rushed to help him, but was held back by a tight trip. "Huh?! Esther?!"

"Luke, don't do it. You'll get yourself hurt." She warned.

Luke's brow furrowed at her. "I know that, but I…"

Jase looked up towards Shi'imon Hill, seeing its electrical field was making a large swirling mess with static along the sides. It crackled to no end. He looked back down, adjusting his glasses. "There isn't anymore time to wait. I'm afraid we can't hold reservations any longer."

"Jase!" Luke snapped.

"I'm sorry, but if the sun sets, we won't get home. We may not last the night with how things are right now. We can't let Shawn's efforts be in vain, it's time to go, Luke."

Luke knew Jase was right. This was their possibly only chance at getting home if not anywhere off his hellhole. But when he looked at Shawn, seeing him groan on the ground was like seeing a dog get pushed around by its terrible owner. It's like that, and then leaving it to die. And that was something Luke promised he would never let happen again. "…then go without me then." Luke bitterly sniped. "...it's not like you guys want me around anyway…"

"Luke…" Esther mournfully worried. She watched in shock as Luke jumped off the Trailer, rushing towards Shawn. "Luke-!"

Luke didn't listen, he charged on ahead, leaving the vehicle behind once again.

Jase sighed. "Some things never change I suppose." He turned away. "Esther, we're going!"

"R-right…" She looked back down, her worries showing as she watched Luke abandon their one shot home for his best friend. She didn't know what to feel, but deep down, something inside felt like she was doing the wrong. Even so, she chose not to fight it. With regret, she closed her eyes and went down the hatch, shutting it overhead.

Shawn grimaced as he tried to stand once more, all while Maximus was looking so nonchalant. He wasn't smirking, but the look on his face made it hard to tell he was not having some joy out of this. "Well would you look at that. Seems your cohorts are scampering off without you."

Shawn finally sat up. "That's kinda the idea."

"Hmph, how noble. You're gonna make me cry."

"Well It's good to know that you're not completely heartless." Shawn was brought out of his retorts when he felt a hand reach down and grip his shoulder.

"Shawn!"

Turning around, Shawn looked up to see Luke. "Luke?"

"Well, well. Just the man I really wanted to see." Maximus noted, watching from afar.

Luke reached down and offered a hand to get Shawn up. The Haos battler continued looking startled as he finally arose to his feet. He turned towards him in shock. "Luke…I thought you went with the others?"

Luke shook his head. "No. This just doesn't feel right."

"What does?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Shawn!" Luke snapped. "You know better than myself!"

"Luke…"

Luke took in a deep breath, letting it out in a long sigh. "This…what you're doing…it's making me feel worse than what I already am. It's enough to know I resigned to what I did…but seeing you give yourself up like I did, it's…it's just not right, not when you didn't do anything wrong like I did!"

Shawn was surprised at Luke's insight. In a way, Luke's points were valid to where it left even himself surprised. He wanted to say more, but Luke continued.

"I'm not sure that you were aware, but I was connected to Luka at the time when he explained about Riaan. I heard it myself, you wouldn't go anywhere without me being there. Now I know I'm stupid, and I could be wrong…but wouldn't this be going back on that?" His brow furrowed as he looked directly into Shawn's eyes. "When I'm seeing you fight, it feels wrong, to me that is. But if I went back now, what then? I can't just wander about aimlessly like I always have. Esther said she would watch over me, but if she can't for some reason, who will? And who will I have that I can trust my life to?"

"Luke, really…"

Luke hung his head low. "I'm sorry I ran off, and I'm sorry that I haven't been the friend that I'm trying to be right now…" Once more, he faced him with resolution. "But I'm here now, Shawn. And no matter what anybody says, no matter how much they're going to hate me for what I did, Abis Omega and I both know we can't die, because there's much at stake now. Our worlds…and you, my best friend. My only friend." A warm smile crossed Luke's face. "You're family Shawn, and I won't go anywhere or with anyone who isn't someone who's willing, trustworthy…and a much better person than what I am."

"Luke…" A grin pressed on his face.

"So Shawn…I trust you. And I always will for pieces that fall from my mistakes. And I'll stand here and watch, and see this through to the end with you…so matter what happens, I'll be there to see you, because we can't win without trust in each other."

Upon Luke's closing, Abis Omega popped open on his shoulder. The two looked at each other and nodded, bringing them to Shawn and Verias. The two looked at each other then, and finally, a soft, warm smile crossed Shawn's lips. This time, it was Shawn who put a hand on Luke's shoulder, returning the smile he gave.

"You really are changing, aren't you?" he said. "I'm really proud of you, Luke. Remember that."

"I will."

"Alright then…let's see this through to the end, and try to survive here on. We'll manage somehow, right?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, we will."

On the Trailer, a video projection of them was being watched by everyone else. Maggie was sniffling like crazy while on the verge of tears. Shuji was wiping his face as fountains of tears spouted from the sight, as was Jelldon. Atchibee looked towards Esther, who had a proud smile on her face. It was hard to tell what Jase was feeling considering he had a blank face, but he looked down and adjusted his glasses, before activating the engine once more.

Shawn snickered. "I guess I felt a little guilty with how I didn't scold you sooner. Guess the blame isn't either of ours then." He looked towards Verias. "Verias, I trust you too. Thanks for being by my side…now are you ready?"

The simian Bakugan looked towards Shawn with a nod. "I trust you, too. I trust you guys as well. Thank you. We won't let you down."

"Sorry to break this touching scene, but are we done here?" Their moment was ruined with Maximus scorning from afar. "You know, you two really touched my heart just now, so how's about I show some gratitude? How's this, Gate Card set!" He threw the Gate Card out into the field, making a dark shockwave run through the land. "Enough talking! Bakugan, brawl! Goblinball, stand!" As the glow enveloped the Bakugan, he raised his arm. "And also, come! Darkus Fortress!"

In consecutive fashion, two purple lights arose beside one another. Goblinball growled, while the cannons on Fortress presented themselves.

"Now, combine, Goblinball!"

Goblinball's eyes glinted. "Yes, master." He maneuvered himself in front of Fortress, whose visor glistened. The abdominal cannon closed to allow Goblinball a way to back into said region, where his arms reached out. Fortress's arms maneuvered inwards, allowing open slots on the cannon arms to show. Goblinball inserted. Fortress' visor then glowed red, meaning the fusion was a success. Goblinball let out a loud roar as he moved the mechanical arms around, his power level at 900 Gs.

The wheels of the Trailer started moving again. "We're going!" Jase ordered. With in the other room fastening Keegan beneath the bunk's sheets, she returned to her station and they all proceeded. The climb up the hill started then on, with Luke and Shawn watching.

"There they go…" Luke sighed, knowing there was no turning back now. He looked at Shawn and smiled. "Alright, I'm here."

"Got it. But if he pulls out that Light Blinder ability, I'll be counting on you." He watched Luke nod and turned towards Verias. "Alright Verias, are you ready?"

"I am. I'll be counting on you as well."

"As will I. Now…" He grabbed him in midair. "Let's do just. Shawn Just! Bakugan…brawl!" He threw Verias out, who came out with a loud, primal roar of combat, arched forward like an angry ape.

Goblinball/Fortress: 900 Verias: 350

"Go, Verias!" Shawn pointed the way to battle, and Verias used his staff as a poll as he charged right in for battle with all his might. He was moving so fast that he was like a blitz.

"Double ability, activate!" Maximus countered. "Darkus Force, plus Proton Mars!" Goblinball aimed the arm cannons and opened the shoulder cannons once more. The arm cannons charged energy for a dark blast, while the head and shoulder cannons unleashed bright purple blast wave. Their combined power climbed up to 1400.

Verias kept charging into the incoming rays. "Not on our watch!"

"Ability, activate! Caroline Protector!" Shawn shouted. The ape-like Bakugan kept charging until he started shifting and sliding, twirling his staff to deflect and twirl about the beams coming at him. It strained him, but the reward outweighed the risks. With a loud, enforcing grunt, Verias let out one final roar of valiance before he pivoted and swung his staff, sending the combined dark and bright purple energy in a condensed beam at Goblinball directly, enveloping him in a powerful explosion of dust and smoke.

Goblinball/Fortress: 1400 (-300 -300 -200 -200) = 400 Verias: 350

Goblinball's mechanical suit moved back out of the smoke cloud to get better visual. Within the smoke, however, a staff and a loud howl echoed, and the staff swung with great might into Goblinball's face again, forcing him to recoil the whole mechanism a few meters back again. "Graaah!" he yelled.

"Stand up and fight back!" Maximus roared. "Ability, activate! Proton Mars!" Goblinball readjusted and aimed the cannons down again. As his power level bumped up to 600, Verias braced for impact.

"Verias!" Abis warned.

"I'll be okay!" he shouted back.

Goblinball open fired purple lasers with gusto, but at the last second, Verias jumped and evaded the blast wave, which made a bright purple glow beneath the ape when he got above. There, he raised his staff, bracing for a grand swing.

"Ability activate, Verias Siba!" Shawn shouted. Verias' staff lit up in a bright yellow energy and he slammed down on the head cannon of Fortress. The slam was so hard that the head turned down with static running along its long length.

"What?" Goblinball was shocked when the head cannon of Fortress burst out a purple eruption, close to the head actually. The ground erupted in a burst of purple that threw the mechanical beast onto its back, thudding loud with shockwaves running about. Maximus covered up at the shockwaves also tried to carry him off, but receded.

Goblinball/Fortress: 600 Verias: 350 (+200) = 550

The spot where the eruption happened was so strong that a small opening to the underground world revealed itself. It was a roughly small space, but Verias landed on the other side with a leer at his adversaries. "You've terrorized enough of us as it is, now it's time to send you back to where you belong…down under!"

Inside the Trailer, Maggie was hanging onto her seat as much as possible. "Hurry, Colonel! The sun's setting!" she warned.

"I know!" he exclaimed back. "We'll be up there soon, I'm sure!" He drove the Trailer faster up the massive hill, though the ground's softness was far too much for the weight.

Once Goblinball got back up, he readied his cannons again and charged up. "Grrr! Double ability, activate! Darkus Force, plus Darkus Impact!" This time, from the many cannons, dark purple beams charged up around the arms, and Goblinball charged up his own mouth with a sphere of darkness. Once compressed, the attacks were all launched, rattling the already broken earth beneath as the sphere lead the path for the many beams to twist and follow in an uneven fashion.

Goblinball/Fortress: 600 (+300 +300) = 1200 Verias: 550

Shawn inserted another ability. "Here we go! Fusion Ability, activate! Lucifer Bow!" Verias twirled his staff quickly as yellow energy made the wheel. Once it thickened, he got the staff out and used its end to prod into the wheel's bottom and took aim. Once ready, he reached into the wheel and energy strings made an arrow. Letting out a loud, violent roar, airwaves rippled as the strings were let go, shooting in a streamlined beam into the combined attacks. They both met in the center, creating a powerful blast wave that swirled dark and light together. It compressed into a ball of energy, and then expelled into a bright shockwave, knocking away both Bakugan and their partners.

"Shawn!" Luke shouted as he saw his best friend fall onto his back.

Maximus slammed onto his own back, but quickly recovered onto his elbows to glare at the fainting light. He reached out in anger. "That does it! I've had it! Ability, activate…"

Goblinball arose once more with Fortress, but the shoulders and the arms extended their cannons. Compressed spheres charging up hummed loud, alarming Shawn and Verias. "What now?!" Shawn exclaimed.

"Crossfire!"

Goblinball/Fortress: 600 (+300) = 900 Verias: 550 (-300) = 250

Fortress' cannons let loose. In no consequential manner, the cannons unleashed purple beams in segmented, but still sporadic fashion. They exploded everywhere around Verias, with some erupting closely to Luke and Shawn.

Stray shots were fired elsewhere. Some went as far as the fields far out, exploding in bright bursts. Others were close to the hill. One in particular closed in on the Trailer, and its trajectory wasn't changing.

Luke gasped. "Guys, look out!"

But it was too late. The stray purple laser shot at the ground ahead of the Trailer's path, erupting in a bright purple blow. The others inside were shaken up incredulously, and the massive vehicle was slowly being turned over, creaking loudly as it nearly stood on its backside as a balance.

Maximus sneered menacingly. "Nice shot."

Verias gasped. "No! The others-GAH!" Verias covered up to avoid another hazardous blast that swallowed up the nearby area.

With everyone occupied, the Trailer, along with everyone else, screamed as the whole thing began to topple over, much to Luke's horror. "NOOO~!"

A white ball was thrown, and in a yellow light, four hands reached out ahead, enveloping the falling vehicle in a rainbow outline before fading in a bright light. The next instance, it appeared right-side up at the bottom of the hill, surprising everyone.

"What just…?" Luke looked startled, as was Shawn.

"It was saved? How?!" Abis exclaimed.

Maximus was also surprised. "What in the world…?" He looked over, seeing the answer in honest shock. "Huh…you~!" he sniped.

Shawn and Luke looked over, seeing an old face frown by their side. Luka stood with Alto Brontes towering above, ready, aiming, and is willing to unleash. "Luka?!" Luke exclaimed.

"Is everyone alright?" He looked around, seeing that everyone was in one piece. "And the others inside?"

Inside the Trailer, Maggie had eyes shut and hand covering her head. She shook like a mad dog, but when she realized she wasn't falling, she popped her eyes open and looked around. "Huh?" She and the others looked at each other confusedly. "Wait, but I thought we were…"

Esther looked up at the monitor, seeing what happened. She gasped in shock when she saw Luka's back onscreen. "Everyone, take a look! Isn't that…?"

Shuji gasped next. "Huh?!"

"That's…" Fly Beetle paused. "Luka!"

"But how did he get here so quick?" Atmos inquired.

Jase narrowed his eyes. "It must be from the battle energy. It isn't that hard to feel, even from a distance…but still…"

"I trust that you're holding up." Luka said as he walked past Luke and Shawn. "The energy around here was so massive that it was hard not to miss it." He shot a glance at Luke, and the Aquos battler glared at him with an uncertain gaze. Luka turned ahead without care. "I see you're still alive." He said dryly.

Luke and Abis Omega remained silent. They both held their tongues from the intimidation the other Haos battler gave.

Verias uncovered himself and looked over his shoulder. "Huh? Luka? Alto Brontes? You both made it!" He suddenly gasped, realizing he was distracted. Another purple blast exploded close to his feet, kicking up dust and dirt that sent Verias onto his side.

"Verias!" Shawn exclaimed.

Maximus smirked. "Oh, would you look at that? You had your guard down." He noted. "Well since both of you are here, might as well kill two birds with one stone. Ability activate, Light Blinder!" Goblinball expelled a dark, eerie light that eroded from his clear. It reached out towards Verias, who was still trying to stand. His fur was steaming as the light shined on him, making him scream in pain.

Shawn grunted in annoyance. "You…!"

Maximus sneered. "So what now?"

Luka interjected with an ability card. "Ability, activate! Shining Nightmare!" Alto Brontes jumped high into the air, where his mighty legs folded as he twisted down with the axes onto Goblinball and Fortress alike. A streak of yellow followed as the downward slash occurred.

Maximus grunted at the noteworthy distraction. "Ignorant pest! Ability, activate! Shadow Crunch!" Goblinball's seething light was forced to shut off as the canines around his mouth glowed bright purple. When Brontes came down, the mouth clamped shut on the axes, shattering them like glass. A shockwave emitted from the point of impact, stretching across the battlefield and Gate Card.

With himself so close and on a n knee, Brontes looked up to see guns pointing at him. "Hasn't anybody told you that pointing is rude?" he mocked.

"So is a fool intervening in a battle." Goblinball taunted.

"Shadow Crunch prevents you from opening your Gate Card, so no use trying to hope for a second miracle." Maximus taunted. "Ability activate, Darkus Slave!"

All the cannons let loose volleys of bright purple bullets that Brontes was forced o jump back to dodge. He landed in front of the hole, where he was forced to jump again and flip about trying to find room while Goblinball kept firing.

Goblinball/Fortress: 600 Verias: 250/Alto Brontes: 600 (-400) = 200

"Hurry, attack while Brontes has him distracted!" Luka ordered Shawn.

Shawn ignored the rudeness exhibited and nodded. "Alright…Verias!"

The Haos Bakugan shakily got back up, hearing his call. "I'm…here Shawn!"

"Good. Then let's go! Double ability, activate! Verias Siba, plus Siba Feral!" Verias began another charge, with the twirling staff creating another spinning blitz that he whirled around. He lunged dead ahead while Goblinball was firing, getting a blow to the arm in.

"GRAH!" The mechanical suit he was in staggered backwards. "What? Oof!" Goblinball was struck again by the assault, which kept bashing him left, and then right. Verias wasn't letting up as he used all his might against the superior Bakugan.

Goblinball/Fortress: 600 (-200) = 400 Verias: 250 (+200 +200) = 650/Alto Brontes: 200

With one more harsh swing, Verias unleashed all his might to send the mechanical suit once again into the earth. The land shook once more as Maximus was forced to cover up.

"Ability, activate! Shining Nightmare!" Luka exclaimed. Brontes went down since the attack stopped firing, and this time with nothing holding him back, the shimmering axes shined yet again, unleashing streaks that exploded upon impact. Within the smoke cloud, Brontes jumped back, standing right besides Verias.

"Did we get him?" Luke questioned.

A moment of silence fell, one that was only filled by the roaring smoke fading. When it faded, a silhouette was seen inside with a red visor and glowing dark iris beneath. They all gasped as the smoke and dust dissipated by the roar of Goblinball.

"ENOUGH!" Maximus outraged. "I've had all I can take! Now it's time to shut you all down! Starting with you!" He referred to Luka as he pulled out an ability. "Ability activate, Light Blinder!" Goblinball opened his mouth wider again, this time aiming the light at Brontes. The dark light radiated as the Bakugan was forced to cover up, yelping in pain.

Luka narrowed his eyes. "Damn you…!"

"This has gone on long enough! Time to set with the sun! Ability activate…Phantom-X!" A bright purple core appeared in front of Goblinball, which glimmered once before it expelled purple chords from the center. They quickly gathered and constricted the whole body, making Goblinball ground as his irises dilated.

"It's the forbidden card." Shawn grunted. Beside him, Luke and Luka braced in worry as Verias held his staff in resistance.

Once ready, Maximus pointed forward. "And so…go forth, Goblinball! End this!"

"GRRAAAHH!" Goblinball unleashed a powerful, shrilling shriek as dark shockwaves eroded off the ground. Bits of the damp earth picked up pieces that went at Verias and Brontes; the latter unable to defend from the Light Blinder from before. The attack eroded intense, dark, violet, and menacing magenta energy from his whole body in all directions. The shrilling energy made his body look darker as the energy swallowed up Verias and Brontes, forcing both to scream as the dark energy was like a cold wave that tried to freeze them over.

Goblinball/Fortress: 400 Verias: 650 (-500) = 150/Alto Brontes: 600 (-500) = 100

"Oh no!" Luke exclaimed.

"This feeling…" Abis Omega muttered. "The air, it's getting colder by the second…"

Verias and Alto Brontes grunted as they could feel the dark force trying to paralyze them. It was unnerving to where it was enjoyable for Maximus to watch. He chuckled maliciously as he saw their anguish, and he was savoring it through the quaking airspace. Even in the darkness, he was nothing but a silhouette himself with devil horns.

"Verias!" Shawn exclaimed.

Verias could feel his power drain as he stopped moving. He laid on the ground, practically out of capable strength. He laid there motionless and without reason, and as he did, a small thought came to his mind. 'Shawn…' For the briefest of moments, he was beginning to think back to how he met Shawn. It wasn't anything unnatural, but at the same time convenient. He was one of the fortunate Bakugan at the time when he saw Jase and Shawn meet for the first time. There wasn't any grassland where he and Atmos were; and even then they didn't know each other at all. They were curious and happened to meet the two, and immediately they answered questions. 'We've made it this far…' He recollected the time he and Abis trained together that night, with their masters also reestablishing themselves. 'Been through a lot of tough battles…and even now…' His fists started to ball tight as he thought of the hardships he and Shawn had to go through, and how loyal of a friend he was. 'I…no-we, won't lose! Not like this!' It felt like defying gravity, but every nerve in his body told him to get up. It was harder than getting out of bed. It was like saying yes and no at the same time, but like the day to come, eventually one had to get up. Strained as he was, Verias began to trudge through the darkness, growling low as he closed in on the void's dark center. "We won't…lose to decrepit sous like you! Not like this!" he roared. "DO YOU HEAR US?!" He let out another shrilling roar of fortitude. He charged into the dark waves with all his might, his staff held like a bat to the side as he charged with all his might.

Maximus' amusement was far from evident. "Is he nuts?"

"What's your Bakugan doing?!" Luka exclaimed.

Shawn looked on with shock as he watched Verias take leaps into the darkness, going with fortitude. He roared with empowering might, which made a small and confident grin show. "Doing what Luke made an example of. Giving it our all!"

"Shawn…" Luke muttered.

As Verias roared on through the shrieking darkness, he brought his staff back. "Time we end this here! We've got a purpose to uphold, and those who stand before us…will understand our resolve!" He roared onwards again, howling like an ape as the staff's dark end began to glow a sparkling light aura. It was lighting up on its own, creating a trail of yellow sparkles that followed.

"What's this?!" Maximus exclaimed. "Wait, no, it can't be…!"

Shawn noticed that his Bakumeter began to glow, and when he looked down, he saw something surprising. The power level was slowly cranking up as 150 went to 151…153…156…158…160…and it kept climbing. "Verias…" As the Bakumeter was reading the steady climb, an ability card showed itself, surprising him again. "An ability?" He looked ahead, seeing Verias running forward with nothing to hold back against Goblinball. With understanding, he furrowed his brow and focused. "Then let's end this! Go, Verias!"

Verias let loose a loud roar that shook the air around him, the light around his staff shining bright like a star.

"No, stay away!" Maximus roared. "You don't even…!"

"Ability activate…Prime Mistral!" Verias roared loudly as he charged full on into the dark silhouette. He closed in with everything he had and more.

"Goblinball, move now! That's an order!" Maximus exclaimed. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, but at the same time, he couldn't take any chances. But Goblinball wasn't going anywhere, not while the mechanism around him was still too heavy to maneuver. He could only grit his teeth as Verias came in with everything he had.

Goblinball was unable to respond. He was fighting Verias with everything he had, but to his surprise and horror, the light he was seeing closed in on his body, and he had a horrified look as the warmth of the light counteracted the shrilling cold. It was burning, and Verias came in with a loud battle cry that could shake the earth as the staff swung into his face directly, making a vibrant shockwave of rippling light and sparkles scatter in all directions.

Goblinball/Fortress: 400 (-200) = 200 Verias: 200 (+300) = 500/Alto Brontes: 100

The air roared like a jet engine as Goblinball's eye shrunk from the pure light he was hammered with. The Darkus Bakugan let out a loud, maniacal howl of anguish as the light enveloped him, making his and Fortress' figures become silhouettes that faded into the enclosing light. All the darkness in the area and surrounding Alto Brontes faded, and he sat up as everyone had a shocked expression on their faces as the twinkling light was like a star.

When the light faded, Goblinball and Fortress were in ball forms in front of Maximus.

Maximus: 0%

Verias spread his feet apart, raising his staff high as he unleashed a battle cry that went through the whole area, shivering spines if possible.

"Woah…" Maggie muttered.

"Yeah. Whoa…" Shuji muttered.

Esther watched with the same stupefied look on her face. 'Those looks on their faces. They look like…' She thought of when Luke and Abis saved her, them rising up from depths again after handling those two abilities. A smile crept onto her face. 'Luke…'

"Shawn!" Luke smiled wide. "You…"

Shawn looked back at his best friend, grinning as well. "I think you mean we, Luke." He looked back towards Verias, seeing as how he was looking at Shawn approvingly. He looked down at his Bakumeter again, seeing the results of the victory.

Verias: 400

"And Verias also powered up too." Abis remarked. "Well this sure as hell been a day."

Verias went back to ball form, grabbed by Shawn. Alto Brontes, however, got back up without changing back. Luka looked at Shawn, giving him a blank look, one that Shawn also returned.

"Luka…thank you for the save." He said.

The other Haos battler looked back ahead. "Don't mention it. We just needed an opening. One of us had to take it that is. If it weren't us who took that ability, it'd be you. Either way, doesn't change what would happen."

Shawn smirked. "Alright, don't jinx it."

Maximus got to a knee as he looked down at his defeated Bakugan. He looked distraught, as he wasn't putting his hood up. His sharp dark eyes were dilating as he was still processing his defeat.

"Maximus." A voice overhead called.

Maximus' head jerked upon shock. Luke and everyone within earshot could hear. "That voice…" he gasped.

"Hmph! I knew you couldn't live up to the task." A snobbish feminine voice said. "Worthless."

"Undoubtedly. Not even I needed to foresee such circumstances." Another feminine voice said.

"Typical. What a shame, truly." A masculine voice pitied.

All eyes went towards the setting sun. Behind Maximus as he looked forward in shock, seven figures appeared and had their backs illuminated by the bright radiance of the setting sun; one of the figures being a certain mastermind who had arms folded with a frown.

Luka's eyes narrowed in disgust. "You…!"

Luke gasped as his eyes fixated on a certain someone amongst the crowd. The person who he locked eyes with had a cold stare that was less than welcoming. "M-Master…" he stuttered. "M-M…Master Riaan…?"

Riaan looked at Luke, but offered nothing to speak of, not even for a moment.

Shawn stepped forward. "You."

Watching from the Trailer, Maggie leaned over her chair as everyone else had surprise. "You're kidding! You mean he's here?!"

Jelldon shivered in his ball form. "Uh…"

Jase glared in disgust. "I see…so it's come to this then…"

Shuji gritted his teeth in frustration. The others were unsure o what was to come, but Esther looked ahead with uncertainty of her own as she confirmed who it was. "Riaan."

Maximus looked over his shoulder as Riaan stood with the six superiors gathered. "You've got some timing there." He meekly remarked. "I was wondering whether you were-"

"Silence, Maximus." Cyrus barked. "You've failed. Do not think so humbly to where you can say what you want."

Maximus growled angrily like a mad dog.

"Now…kneel."

Maximus looked back in shock. "Are you serious?!"

"NOW!"

Maximus almost jerked from the shock Cyrus was making him feel. Out of pity and slight shame, the Darkus battler begrudgingly followed orders and knelt before Hades Pillars. As winds picked up a little, his hood flipped back on his head on its own. It was like a spirit was straining his dignity, what's left of it that is.

Hades Pillars followed Riaan as he led them pass the shamed Maximus. As they passed, Zion spoke up. "If you raise your head from there, there'll be less of you think badly of." He spited without looking. He stopped with the others as they glared at Shawn, Luka, and Luke from the opposite side of the hole. Riaan looked at the group with upholding modesty.

"Well now, it would seem that the weight of responsibility is but too high for those who cannot bear its weight on their shoulders. A sign that one's will was too weak to fulfill such a deed." He said. "Maximus, do take in part how your efforts were of honest efforts, but the fact that you could not succeed in the end results in us stepping in to deal with the mess that you have made. There are no words needed here on for you, until after dealing with this accordingly."

Maximus gritted his teeth as he bowed towards the hills, the sun's raise no longer on his face and at his forehead.

"Now then, to what do I owe myself and Hades Pillars the pleasure of meeting here?" He looked towards Luke and the others, seeing as how they were in one piece and glaring daggers.

Luke stepped forward. "Master Riaan…" He lowered his head, showing shame. "Why…?"

Riaan swiped his arm for dramatic effect. "Someone like you who knows nothing of how the world works isn't meaning to be solved for someone like you. Someone who was resigned from seeing things so clearly because of his lavish lifestyle."

"Master…" Luke could feel the bitterness in his words. This was Riaan alright, the real Riaan. It wasn't easy to accept, but he knew that this wasn't the man he wanted to find.

Shawn stepped up with a hand to his hip. "That's a pretty lowly thing to say about your own student."

Riaan looked towards him. "Shawn. Heh, you always were a more prominent student than Luke. Unlike him, you had capabilities of understanding and evolving."

"Oh yeah? Well so did Luke, yet you didn't address him as such like you are to me. I don't do favorites, pal."

"Mind your own tongue, fool!" Lucia sniped. "The great Riaan does not appreciate being addressed as such."

Riaan raised a hand of calm. "Now Lucia, at ease." She backed off with a graceful bow, and he turned back towards Shawn. "You all surprise me. I was beginning to wonder if you wouldn't make it this far in the day. But I'm admittedly surprised. You six have indeed surprised me, ever since we've met on New Vestroia. To think that one foolish mistake Cesar has made went this far into trouble."

"Don't blame Cesar for this you scum!" Luka sneered. "This all started because of you."

He looked towards Luka. "Though it may be the case, that dimensional distortion was not on my account. For Luke, Shawn, and a few others to be swept up in my transportation at such times is sheer coincidence."

Luke stepped forward. "But that doesn't change what happened now, did it? We got here and now we know who you really are!" he accused. "You lied! Lied to me! Lied to all of us! How could be so…unchivalrous?"

Riaan closed his eyes. "To be honest, it wasn't my intention to bring you into this mess, Luke. I was hoping that I could at the very least see you back on Earth."

"For what? To give me lessons like I always asked for?" he questioned harshly. "That may have been the case, Master, but you lied about wanting to preserve our family!"

"It's not lying if I never spoken about it to begin with." He countered. "And by no means was I intentionally deceiving you. I was merely doing my job, and that was to make sure you were occupied in your stay, just like a good boy. And now you are saying that you are not content with that anymore?"

Luke lowered his head in shame. "Honestly, I wish I was…" His fists began to ball tight. "I really wish that I could believe everything right now that you said, that maybe you wanted to come home with us…" He looked back up, an intense look in his eyes. "But you know what, you never said 'home' clearly. I thought it was Earth, but really it was your own planet, Interacia. Tell me, is it true you intend to drain the life from all our words and combine them with this one? Don't deceive me this time!"

There was an intense silence that fell amongst them. As the portal kept fluctuating at the top of the hill from the sunlight growing weaker, Riaan and his group behind were giving cold stares. A hollow wind blew as the atmosphere around them flowed like a river as the planetary sky high above was bright.

Finally, Riaan broke the silence. "Seems I have once again been surprised by you, Luke. To first pick up a Bakugan, and now my ambitions; both are a grave sin I wish you were never introduced to."

Luka stepped forward. "Spare us your leisure. That's why you sent all those Bakugan at us, wasn't it? Even your own Luxtor."

"Regrettably so, but even now, I cannot afford to let this be for nothing." He raised a clutched fist. "I highly doubt any of you would understand the pain that I had to go through, when I was abandoned by her. The one who made ideals with me, and we chose this course together! And she took it all away from me…this is all retribution that's for the greater good of all Bakugan."

"…so then it's true." Luke scorned. "You…"

Cyrus stepped in. "Milord, shall we?"

Riaan glared forward. "See to it. These fools have wasted valued time and space. I will return to Project Armagedoid." He turned and walked backwards, standing right next to Maximus. "Fix this, that is an order."

"Master Riaan!" Luke snapped.

He looked over his shoulder. "I'm sorry it's come to this, Luke. But this is for the good of all. I congratulate you for making it this far, especially for someone like you…but your road and everyone else's ends here. Goodbye." With that, Riaan teleported away, taking Maximus with him.

"Master, wait-!" Luke reached out, but a powerful light expelled shockwaves that roared through the atmosphere. Luke and everyone covered up from the abrupt shockwave. It forced so much wind that a pulsing beat rippled like water.

Seeing the shockwave head their way, Jase crouched. "Everybody get down now!"

They all did as told and crouched down behind their seats. The shockwaves reached the Trailer, shattering every bit of glass on it. It spread over everyone's heads as they braced, and thankfully they went soundly out of it. When they looked over as the shockwave subsided, however, six primitive shadows loomed in the view. Maggie was the first to peer, her shock so clear.

"What is it?" Shuji looked over, petrified the moment he saw and felt it.

Esther looked over, eyes glued to something that left her startled. On her shoulder, Atchibee gasped. "Wait, what is this…?"

"Far from good." Atmos grunted.

Luke slowly uncovered himself as shadows loomed over him as well. Abis looked up, gasping in shock. "Luke!"

"What?" He looked up, his eyes widening at the site afar. He, as well as Shawn and Verias, all had shock as they felt a strong, dark energy as six towering figures snarled in the sunset.

With it being so bright still from the sun's hue fading behind their backs, the six figures were hard to make out. But from what was seen, one was lizard-like, with another being serpentine with loopy tendrils. Another was amorphous and hunched over, with right beside being a massive scorpion. Lastly, the two hovering above looked like a bird-like creature and a massive insectoid with a humongous lower body. All of them had a menacing snarl, and below them, their battlers stood beside one another like the victory was already their own.

"This has gone on long enough for you." Cyrus said. "Your existence…is futile!"

All the Bakugan let loose another shrilled shriek, emitting another rippling shockwave across the atmosphere. Luke and the others covered up as they anchored down and managed to hold on, but a terrified look worked its way on Luke's face. "No…way…" he muttered.

Maggie shivered inside the Trailer. "D-does anyone feel that…?"

"I-I-I-I…uhhh~…" Jelldon's ball form balled as he shakily closed up beside his partner. "M-mommy!" he whined.

Shuji's teeth gritted harder than before. "This power…it's so…"

"Repulsive." Fly Beetle grunted. "Just what are they?"

"Our demise if we don't act fast." Jase noted. 'But what I wonder is if we have room? I can only surmise that answer.'

Luke began to step back, shaken bad by the level of power. "This energy…" he thought back to his battle when he fought Megarus underwater. "It's…greater than that time!" Before he could make anymore comments or actions, he was cut off when an arm reached out in front of him.

"You guys, don't just stand there! Get to your ship if you want to live!"

Shawn looked over to see the culprit. "What? Luka?"

"Are you seriously thinking of-!" Verias was cut off as well.

"There isn't any time! These guys are dead serious trouble if you stay here!" Luke roared. "If you're feeling it, you know you won't stand a chance! These guys are far more powerful than Rogue Zero. Facing them is suicide!"

Luke gasped in shock as he stepped forward. "Wait, but what about you?!" Suddenly in front, Alto Brontes blocked him off.

"Awww, how precious, worrying about misfits like us." Brontes chimed.

Luka pulled out his sword, which glistened like a light saber. "We'll be fine! Trust me, we've been evading these guys for years! It's not like this'll be any different!"

Cyrus grunted amusingly. "Amusing." He stepped forward. "But orders are orders. Your presence along with everyone else has been nothing but a bother to our lord. Your boasting is just that. Now then…begone!" Above, the sharp-edged avian creature let out a menacing caw, its shoulder, like wings expanding for an attack.

Luka continued convincing. "Listen, you've only got about 2 minutes before that sun sets completely. If that goes, the portal is closed. Get there, now!"

"But, what…?" Luke's worry was erased when Shawn lowered his head.

"Luke…" he paused, giving him a look. "You know we have to."

"He's right." Verias insisted. "We can't talk, we have to go, now!"

Abis looked towards his partner, seeing the strain on his face. As much as it pained him as well, he knew it was best to keep quiet and recall what Luka wanted. He wanted to make sure as many survived as possible…even at the cost of himself. It was tough, but when he looked at Luke then, he saw the nod. "…okay then." He turned away. "Let's go…"

"Right."

They both started taking off, but before they got too far, Luke looked over his shoulder. 'Sorry, Luka.' As he and Shawn took off, suddenly a pair of feet came down, blocking them from their path.

"You're not going anywhere." Cyrus said.

A golden streak in a slash erupted, knocking the bird away to reveal Alto Brontes making room for them. "And we say otherwise, buddy." He scoffed. "HAHAHA!"

"Get going!" Luka shouted. "Now, Brontes!" Brontes jumped right over him, landing in front.

Zion reached out ahead of him. "Stop them!" On command, the serpentine creature behind him let out a low growl. From its looping tendrils on the side of its body, red static charged and shot around the Trailer. It burst along the ground, creating a powerful rupture that shook everyone inside.

"Gwaaah! Man! This is very bad!" Shuji exclaimed.

"You think?!" Maggie exclaimed.

"Well excu~se me!"

Esther tried to steady herself. "We need to go! The ground is gonna give in! Jase!"

"Already on it!" Already at his seat, the entire structure beginning to turn its wheels. "Everyone hang on!"

The Trailer began to move once again uphill, while everything behind was bursting from the discharging energy. Bits of the ground gave in and crumbled away, leaving a bare spot where the Trailer would've sunk if not for it moving uphill.

"Our ride!" Luke exclaimed.

Luka snapped his fingers, giving the order. Alto Brontes' eyes glowed bright, and Luke and Shawn teleported from their spots. The next instance, they were on all fours, holding onto the topside of the Trailer's railing.

"Huh? What the…?"

"That was sure quick!"

The Trailer kept climbing, and Luka watched for a moment before facing Hades Pillars. "Alright, let's go! Ability activate, Atmosphere!" Alto Brontes generated silver gyros with yellow saws that he sent at the enemy ahead of him.

Lucia stepped in front. "For the vanity of our grace Riaan. Ability activate, Flash Fade." The massive scorpion behind her aimed its one gigantic eye at the many spheres. A massive yellow light shined brightly, expelling an intense radiance that swallowed the gyros. They all faded, and the light enveloping Alto Brontes and Luka made them cover up.

"Now then…" Galilea turned her attention towards the ascending Trailer up the hill. "Queen Riot!"

The huge insectoid creature in the sky unleashed a shrilling cry as its hexagonal bottom unleashed barrages of green energy blasts at the moving vehicle. As the mechanism went on, its sides and parts of the hill were bombarded. Mounds of dirt exploded with green burst that nearly threw the vehicle off course. Everyone inside was hanging on for dear life, though topside, Luke and Shawn were ducking while hanging on the best they could.

"Not good at all!" Abis screamed.

Finally, Luke slipped on his hold and started falling backwards, creaming aimlessly.

"LUKE!" Shawn broke free of his hold and dove for Luke. As Luke got away, he reached out. Before he got too far out, he reached out, and Luke reached back as well.

"SHAWN!" He reached, managing to grab hold. With Shawn anchored on the railing on the far end, he held on while Luke was trailing behind, using his other hand to grip the edge of the Trailer.

The insectoid kept attacking, sending barrage after barrage, until finally, a glowing loop of light went at it like a saucer, hitting its side. It glared back, along with Galilea.

"That's enough! Your opponent is us!" Luka reminded. "Ability activate, Wizard Proxy!" Brontes moved his four arms in front and began to move them around. A yellow borealis began to erode between him and the massive insect, regaining power and straining the insect's senses.

Amina raised a dainty hand off to the side. "Rid of this mess already so I can enjoy a bubble bath. Ability activate, Acid Whirl!" The huge amorphous creature behind her groaned as its circular mouth faced the rising Trailer. Though far, it wasn't too far. A funnel of clear liquid launched from the mouth up towards the Trailer's path. It struck the ground beside it, corroding its plant life and making the earth indent. The small strays of the liquid sprayed against the wheel, corroding its roughness.

The whole vehicle began to swerve out of control. Its wheels with the front one starting to steam was beginning to make it hard for frontal traction. "Damnit! We're hit again!"

"Keep it steady, Colonel, we're almost there!" Esther exclaimed. She then heard the sound of a gaping monster outside. She looked out, gasping. "On our left!"

Lunging at them, the lizard-like creature still enveloped in sunlight had its claws bared. They shimmered with bright orange before one claw slashed, maiming the paint and wrecking four very large shred marks along the side. Once again, the Trailer was thrown off a little as the steering was being wobbly.

Luka watched with an angered gaze as he saw them losing control, eyes narrowing in annoyance. "Damnit…"

Cyrus swiped his arm. "End this! Ability, activate!" His avian-like reptilian beast got in front of the Trailer's path, leaving it ready as it raised its dark purple claws. "Vengeful Ripper!"

The Bakugan raised its head for a loud, menacing wail as airwaves shuddered. The Trailer closed in, unable to be stopped by any means.

"SOMEBODY HOLD ME!" Maggie and Jelldon screamed fearfully.

In a blur, Alto Brontes grabbed the Bakugan and shoved him out of the way. Time slowed down as he fell down the hill, taking the Bakugan with him. And everyone could only watch in shock as they faltered to the other side.

"Brontes!" Abis shrieked.

Alto Brontes kept falling, but he still smiled like a clown. He laughed like one too, while the other creature unhinged and shot straight out and afar. It turned around and stared at the Trailer as it closed in on the distorting portal. It as well as the other Bakugan all aimed and readied their next attacks.

Cyrus moved his arm, giving the order. "Do it!"

The Bakugan either unleashed green barrages, a gaping fire stream, a light-like arrow, an orange beam from a forehead, an acidic blast, or dark purple crescents that shot through the air, closing in on the target.

The portal waned viciously. As sunlight was fading from the focal point, it started to flicker haphazardly. Only a few seconds it seemed.

"JASE!" Luke screamed atop.

Jase's eyes narrowed as he motioned all power to the engines. "One shot! Here we…GO!"

Just as the front wheel finally gave out, steam came out of the engine as it was put into overdrive. It was borderline overheating as all the power was being used to jet the whole structure. It swayed side to side, but Jase wasn't going to give in so easily. He, as well as everyone else, held their breaths as they were at the flickering portal.

Time slowed down incredulously as the Trailer was mere meters from the faint energy. The sun only had a few spots on it left before it faded over the hill. All the attacks closed in around it, and Luke and Shawn were looking over their shoulders as they had nowhere to run.

Then…it happened.

One final burst made the Trailer drive its front as the last of the portal's energy was closing. The whole thing made contact as all the attacks converged, creating a powerful explosion of energy that sent shockwaves and mountains of dust and dirt everywhere. Luka and Brontes watched from below, as did Hades Pillars, as the energy and results cleared out.

As the sun was set, the dust finally simmered, revealing the entirety of the hill to be without a top. It was a green, grassy mound with a concave top of dirt. The portal, as well as the others, were gone in question.

"Did we get them?" Zion inquired.

Alto Brontes regrouped with Luka as the Haos battler looked at the dirt mound. He frowned, but he didn't seem at all like the results mattered. He didn't have to think too hard to know of what happened.

He sighed heavily, facing Hades Pillars and their Bakugan.

Cyrus glared at Luka next. "You've just made a very terrible mistake."

"Maybe so…" Luka held up his sword. "But they were our best shot."

"You fool! You realize you're stuck here as well!" Magnus roared. "You asking for a death wish?!" Behind him, his reptilian Bakugan's body's patterns glowed bright orange.

Luka's leer intensified. "I've already thrown my life away a long time ago. Why start now? Come!" He roared as he charged with Alto Brontes, who readied another Shining Nightmare as they charged for all their Bakugan. 'It's all down to you guys. Better not screw this up.'

As Luka and Brontes battled on for their lives, explosions erupted, whole a lone piece of scrap metal laid in the dirt mound of Interacia.

Here is the conclusion of the Interacia Arc. I wanted it to go out with a bang, and that I felt like it did. Not only did we see Shawn VS Maximus, but also his bond with Luke. So now with Verias also at 400 Gs, things are going to be picking up for the others.

Anyways, next chapter will be the Homecoming Arc. A lot of material will be happening between Earth and Interacia, as well as Project Armagedoid. With all this in mind, check out my Deviantart if you want, because there, you'll see what I made in terms of design for a few Bakugan coming up.

Reviews are appreciated, and thanks for sticking through the 2nd arc and Luke's overturn!