From Depths We Rise

by Insane Dominator

1 year has passed since Dan and the Battle Brawlers saved the universe, and when things were serene, a new group of Bakugan players are sent to New Vestroia when a dimensional interference forces them to meet each other. Caught in the crossfire with aliens seeking resources, Luke, Abis Omega, and new friends must fight using unlikely odds if they're to save all from extinction.

22. Homemade Shackles

"And you're saying just that." Riaan stood in front of a monitor in his private chamber with neon alignments glimmering beneath him. Energy coursed from his body like it stemmed and ingrained into the ground below. In front was a holographic projection of Cyrus relaying everything about Shi'imon Hill. After a distilled silence, Riaan closed his eyes. "Very well then. Have Hades Pillars gathered back here and reflect. You have 18 hours."

"Of course, milord." Cyrus bowed, the screen turning black and fading.

Riaan let out a small sigh as he collected himself. "So then, I suppose we have little to worry about for the time being. Honestly, even I couldn't be anymore surprised." He discharged himself from the center, the energy accents on the ground fading as he teleported away. In a corridor, he reappeared out of thin air, left but a small walk to a double sliding door. 'That Luka character, whoever he was I'll have to assign someone to look into. Perhaps Lucia or Galilea if they're not too busy…but after these last 24 hours, I'm afraid that request will have to be pigeonholed.' He walked through the doors. 'With Luke and his colleagues disposed, there's only one thing that has to be done.'

However, unlike past times when he went to the observation deck to overlook the project, this time he was at ground level. He walked into the massive chamber of hundreds of people assigned to typing fast readings and stabilizing the massive rainbow energy resonating from a silhouette slowly piecing itself together. They all looked like they were going to pass out from the focus they were giving, but the outcome was more than worth it.

Riaan passed many and stood a good distance away from the shield in front of him. Even now, he could feel negative and positive energy coming together. It was making a lot of chills run down his spine.

"Stabilization at 70%!"

"Particle formulation exceeding by 15%. Reducing infusion time, 7%."

"Structural integrity at 50% currently."

Riaan overheard his men and thought how it was he who made the calculations. It took him years to make these calculations and intelligence briefing, around 300 years if he counted right. He wanted this to be sublime. Not perfect. 'On schedule. Not ahead, and not delayed. Just as it should be.' He looked up at the marvel, his glare watching the fragments of Project Armagedoid beginning to erode together slowly. As he watched, he couldn't help but think back to a certain someone. 'Code Eve…we promised something together, that together we would make something beautiful…but you turned your back. You chose to forsake our dreams and left me behind. But no matter what, I'll stay true to our promise…because that's what loyalty lies. This is for us. This, is for our child. Our world we shall make…even if I must do it myself.'

The star-like core emanated a stronger rainbow light, resonating with Riaan's ambitions strongly.

---

Black was all that could be seen. There was no ringing, and no shrilled cries. It was a blank space. 'Where…where am I?' a voice inquired. 'What is this? What happened…? Wait…no, it can't be. Am I…am I dead?' Within his worries, he saw a small dot of light far up, getting his attention. 'That light…is it time already?' An unknown force began to force gravity onto him. It dragged him upwards, getting him closer towards the light. He chose not to fight as he resigned to whatever may come at him. 'Whatever happens next…this is what I deserve.'

The voice was pulled towards the light, enveloping in a powerful flash.

Luke's body shook as his eyes shot open with a gasp. He found himself in shock as his blurry vision finally receded. He jerked up, realizing that he was sitting up on something soft. "Where am I?" He looked down at his gloveless palm. "Is this heaven? No, hell…! Wait, where's my glove?" He looked down at himself. "Why am I in my pajamas?!"

His pajamas were rather simple. It wasn't nighttime wearing gowns like his parents wore all the time. No, his was simple. A seaweed green, blue-striped pajama bottom with no top, showing his bare body. When he saw his hands, they were without the gloves he always wore.

When he looked up in confusion, his eyes wandered all around the room. He saw the high ceilings, and the massively closed curtains with familiar rugs, with a familiar queen-sized bed with familiar sheets. After several seconds, he realized where he was. "…my room? But I could've sworn that I was…" He gasped again in shock. In a volley of memories, he began to recall things that he didn't thought happen. He saw New Vestroia, his time in the Trailer, all the way up to Interacia, and Riaan's betrayal. All of that was flooding into his head so much he gripped his head in a blistering headache. 'Ggnnngh! My head is aching so bad! What the heck happened?!' After a moment, he began to quell his thoughts. His eyes narrowed as he tried to register everything. 'Wait, if all of that really happened, then how did I end up in bed? I could've sworn we were about to…' His face fell in slight grief. 'No, what am I thinking? I thought that all happened, it seemed so real. Was it all…just a really big dream…?' The grip on his head softened, making him gasp in realization over something. "Wait, my hair!" He felt more of his locks, noticing how much shorter they were. He hurriedly rushed out of bed and closed in on his mirror. He looked inside to find himself standing in blissful shock. 'My hair…it's actually shorter. But I didn't get a haircut recently.' He ran his hand through his hair yet again, his brow furrowing. 'So then, how did-'

"Luke?"

The voice, it made Luke's eyes shoot wide open. Whatever he thought was doubt began to fade when he heard that same, deep voice with a faint accent towards it. 'That voice…' Slowly, he turned around, looking back at the nightstand where the sound resonated from. He stared at something that was closed, and that's what drew him in.

Meters away, he was face-to-face with something that popped open. Looking up, the head looked at Luke, the two sharing shock as neither said anything for a short while.

"It can't be…" Luke gasped. "Is that…?"

"Luke!"

Like a switch turned on, Luke hurried over. "Abis!" He scuttled over to sit on the edge of his bed, looking down as he cupped the Bakugan that went up towards him. "Abis…wait, is that really you?"

"Well yeah it's me. Geez, you need glasses or something?"

Luke sighed in relief. His partner was with him, and he could've sworn it was all a twisted reality. "Wait…then that means…all that stuff with Master Riaan, a-and with those guys…did that really…?"

"Trust me, I wouldn't believe it myself if I was still swimming in a river." Abis Omega answered. "But it looks like it happened."

Luke's brow furrowed in distaste. "…so then that stuff on Interacia, it happened." Choosing not to dawdle any longer, Luke shot a look of realization. "That means everything we saw was real!"

"Yeah! But Luke…" Abis looked around. "Exactly, where are we?"

Luke looked up towards the curtains, seeing glints of sunlight. "I'm not sure…but I think this is my room…back on Earth."

"Wait…your room?!" Abis snapped. "Geez, I heard you were rich, but this big room is just a bedroom?!"

"Yeah, but it's not that special I guess." He never thought he'd miss the place. As surprising as it was, he was actually relieved to be on the bed he was now. It was comfy, much more so than the old rags and sheets they used for the Trailer, bringing him to another thought.

"Well if this is your place, wouldn't that mean we're on Earth or something? Besides, I can't remember much either. We just hit that portal when all those attacks hit, and…"

"Then maybe the others are here, too." Luke figured. "Do you think they're alright?"

"Not sure. I just woke up like you. I don't know how long it's been or what's happening."

Luke down at his knees, trying to find a solution to the problem. 'What should I do? What should we do? The others might still hate me, but are we even on Earth? I can't be sure…but I need to act on my own. I promised them I'd think for myself, didn't I? I have to make choices to help others, no matter what!' He stood up, placing his Bakugan on his shoulder. "Abis, let's try and see what we can find around here."

"Got it."

Before either could make a move, the door to their room opened, revealing to be his mother and father. Almost immediately shock overtook them both as they met eyes with their son. Luke himself had the same shock they had, if not more.

The mother began to shudder in place, her eyes softening as she saw her baby up and about. "L-L…Luke?" she muttered. "A-are you…?"

"Mother…" he answered. "And Fa-!" He was cut off when his mother came in and instantly seized her boy, breaking into a tight and warm hug that he wasn't prepared for.

"My baby. My sweet baby Luke is awake!" she cried softly. "*sniffle*You didn't wake up, a-and I thought…"

"Mother…" Luke said softly.

Augustine stepped in. "Claire, please. Give the boy his space."

After a short while, the protective mother acquiesced and backed off, wiping a tear from her eyes. "Sorry, i-it's just that we thought…"

"I know, dear." Augustine looked towards his son. "Luke…"

"Father…"

A short silence fell before the stern parent finally gave look a soft smile. Like his mother, he closed in for his own embrace, shocking Luke. He hardly ever hugged him. Hardly at all. The sudden touch left him by surprise. "We're glad that you're okay." He said.

Getting over his initial shock, Luke slowly returned the hug, giving his father the much-needed hug as well. Claire closed in and gave a hug to her son as well.

Finally, the Revolutia family was one again.

---

In the meeting area, where the guards were present for the family's sake, the many chairs sat along the table where Luke and the others conversed. Being back in the spot where the whole adventure began felt really weird, especially for Luke. It felt even stranger he still sat in the same seat next to Riaan's, considering what happened earlier.

Claire lifted a cup of tea, which steamed still. "I was so worried about you, Luke. I couldn't believe it when we found out you were gone."

Luke sheepishly rubbed his head. "Y-yeah. Sorry I made you worry."

"I couldn't sleep at night knowing my precious baby was taken elsewhere. I thought something terrible happened to you."

Augustine faced his wife. "Claire, please." He looked towards his son. "This is our son we're talking about. Master Riaan taught him everything about self-defense. I was sure he was fine."

"Oh don't say such dribble! You called out alerts quicker than I could reach the phone!" she berated. "Besides, our precious baby wasn't safe when we found him! You almost punched a hole right through the furniture."

Augustine backed off, clearing his throat as Luka thought back to his days somberly. 'They were really worried about me, huh? I guess I shouldn't be surprised…!' Suddenly he caught onto something. "Wait a sec!"

"What is it, sweetie?" Claire inquired.

"What happened? How did I end up getting here?"

Claire's face fell. "You…don't remember…?" She sighed heavily, more or less out of disappointment. "Well, where do I begin…?"

One week ago, Claire and Augustine were both gathered in the meeting area, or rather the front end of the mansion. They were talking with their guards about the security measures on any updates about Luke that evening. Suddenly, a guard barged through the door.

"You guys, come quick!"

"What is it?" Augustine asked hurriedly.

The guard turned around. "You won't believe me! Something fell out of the sky and onto the courtyard!"

"What?!" Claire shrieked. "What happened?!"

"We were still getting investigators around here. They left and I closed the gates just like you asked. By the time I turned my back, I heard a whistling. I looked up, and then something landed right behind me…' The guard looked down, seemingly shocked.

"What is it?" Augustine inquired.

"…you'll have to see this." The guard ran out the door. "Come on!"

The other guards looked towards each other in confusion before they followed. Claire and Augustine followed suite, heading out towards the courtyard just as dusk was rolling in. They all closed in on the spot where the guard lead them, and that's where they stopped with shock.

"What the heck?!"

"Is that who I think is…?"

"That's…"

"Move now!" Augustine abruptly shoved his colleagues out of the way as he moved to the front. "What's going on…here…?" His face fell as his eyes slowly widened. What he saw completely left him speechless.

"Honey, what is it?!" Claire caught up, immediately gazing at something that made her eyes shrunk. A harsh gasp escaped from her throat as she saw something laying in front of her, and she couldn't believe it. "N-no way…it can't be…" Her knees began to grow weak, nearly dropping like a rock upon seeing the object.

A body, a dirty, tired body laid before them. From what was recognizable about it was Luke, but it also looked anything beyond them. His hair was shorter, like it was manually cut. The arms and legs were dirty and bruised, and the clothing was tattered. Whatever happened, he was in horrendous shape as he laid on the pavement unconscious.

"Is that…Luke?" a guard questioned.

"LUKE!" Claire instantly rushed for the body, immediately holding it to her arms as she cradled it with care. She held it close as she felt her son's weak breathing. Small streams of tears began to run dry from her eyes out of joy. "You're…you're…"

"Claire…" Augustine murmured. He looked towards Luke, seeing him in her arms. He almost dropped to his feet as well if not for the sense of urgency. "Is he alright?"

"We don't know!" a guard answered. "He dropped out of the sky in an odd light and he was like this upon landing."

"But then…what happened…?"

Claire hurriedly picked her son up. He was pretty light surprisingly. "Augustine, help me! Get him inside right now!"

"Uh, right!" The husband got out of his initial shock and helped carried Luke alongside a few other guys. They all rushed inside, where they began tending to him effectively and immediately.

Luke sat there, completely bewildered by what he heard. "Wait…so that's what happened? I fell out of the sky?!"

Claire nodded. "We were so worried when you didn't respond. It took us forever to get your clothes off and wash you down. Even then you didn't respond. We had to get medics in the stabilize you for the first two days."

"Two days…wait, how long was I out for?!" Luke didn't know the number exactly, but he didn't think what he was going to hear was good.

The mother answered. "You were out cold for a whole week."

"A week?!" Luke shot up from his seat. "W-wait! You mean I fell out of the sky – alone – and I was out for a week?!"

Augustine nodded. "I know it's all a surprise, but be sure Luke, it's going to be okay now. You're safe and sound, and that's all that matters."

Luke looked down at the ground, his disposition beginning to shift to a grim point. "A week…" he muttered. 'A whole week, that much time has passed. I wonder what…'

"I'm sure you're hungry, Luke." Claire suggested. "I'll get our staff to make your favorite dishes to welcome you home." She was expecting some kind of reaction from her son after she said that. Normally he's was jumpy and happy, but oddly enough he was staring into blank space. "Luke, hey…"

Slowly, Luke began to shake his head. "N, no. No, no, no, no…" he drifted out of his seat.

"Luke?" Claire asked.

"Luke, what's wrong?" Augustine questioned.

Luke shook his head as realization began to surround him. He knew it was a bad idea. He had to go, and fast. "I gotta…I can't stay here!" He rushed for the door, but a guard suddenly blocked his path. "H-hey! Move it!"

"Luke!" Claire snapped. She and Augustine rushed to their son, getting him to look back at them. "What's going on? Please, just tell us!"

Luke was hesitant to give an answer. He found himself surrounded as his folk were leering at him suspiciously. It was hard to say, but in situations like this, maybe it was better to tell someone, even if it is hard to understand.

"Okay…" he started. "This is going to sound hard to believe, but please, listen to me. Abis."

On his shoulder, Abis popped open, giving himself away to the Revolutia family. "Yo."

The family gasped in shock. "Luke! Is that…?" Claire snapped.

"Just listen to me, okay!" he snapped back. "Look, there's something going on that we know…"

Ans so he explained everything. Everything the best he possibly could, to where he went to New Vestroia, to meeting Esther and the others and stopping Rogue Zero. It was a lot to take in, but what shook everyone up was Riaan's treachery. The looks on their faces were priceless. By the time he finished, it was all coming together until Augustine stepped in.

"Hold on. So let me get this straight, Luke. You're saying that you and a few more people were accidentally teleported to this…New Vestroia…and met bad people who are taking planetary life. And that you were again teleported to another world, where it turns out Riaan is actually that planet's ruler and incarnate itself? And his plan is to destroy all other worlds involving these Bakugan?"

Luke sat in his chair with his head hung down, nodding solemnly. "Yeah. I…guess it's hard to believe, but it really happened. Our worlds are in danger, and I think I need to go and find my friends…if they can be found that is."

"Luke." Abis gave a stare towards his partner, seeing the melancholy look he gave. He can certainly empathize with him.

The parents looked at each other worriedly to process what Luke told them. It unnerved them to say the least. They then looked towards their son, seeing his distraught look. Their faces fell in grief and Augustine approached his son, an empathetic smile forming.

"Luke…" He placed a hand on his son's crestfallen shoulders. "I'm sorry for what you've been through. We'll find out what really happened, I promise."

Luke's eyes widened. "'really happened'…? B-but I was…"

"I-I know, son." He interjected. "But you gotta understand, you were unconscious for a week. I think it was just a bad dream you were having."

"A bad dream?!" Luke raged. "Father, I'm telling the truth! We're really in danger!"

Claire wiped a tear from her eyes. "My baby…what happened that made him this way…?"

"Mother…"

"Look, Luke." Augustine said. "I think we need to be real here. I think that was just a bad dream."

"Be real…be real?! I am real! I'm right here! Abis is right here! What don't you get about-!"

"ENOUGH!" Augustine snapped harshly, making Luke back off. "Luke! We've all been stressed for about 2 weeks now, okay? We're all a little fatigued and worried here, but this isn't like those silly battles on TV in your room. Besides, Riaan is our most trusted employee! He has sworn to never lie amongst his records, and he's been your favorite teacher! Now you're doubting him and loyalty?!"

Luke's green eyes softened. "I know, I didn't wanna believe it either…but I saw it with my own eyes."

"Enough! We'll have investigators deal with this. Luke, whatever happened, we'll do what we can to bring Riaan back, and find out what is really happening here, okay?"

Luke grew morbidly shock. "A-are you saying you trust his opinion over mine?!"

"I'm saying we should hear from both sides of the story. You thought one thing, but what if Riaan thought it was another? He swore not to lie."

"And I'm not lying either! Why would…?" Ultimately Luke began to see through this. His brow slowly furrowed as his gaze went towards the ground. "Of course…you wouldn't know, so you'd side with him, too. Figures." He said humbly.

"What was that?" Claire questioned.

"…nothing." Luke mumbled. "I guess I was being dumb. I'm going back to bed." He sulked forward as he went out the door, which the dark was able to allow this time.

"Luke…" Claire reached for her son, only for Augustine to interject.

"Let him go, Claire. He needs time to air out." He said. "Besides, I'm sure whatever took him way will know they will pay for this…"

The mother somberly nodded. "I wish he would've told us the truth. How did he get that thing on his shoulder anyway?"

"Doesn't matter. Let's wait a few minutes, I'm sure it's taking a while for Luke to understand. He was always spacey beforehand."

"Yeah…but let's get that thing away before something terrible happens to our son again."

"Agreed. Guards, follow us." Augustine and Claire took to their own heels out the door.

---

Luke shut the door and left it unlocked he plopped onto his bed and gazed sadly at his knees. "This isn't good." He sighed. "Of course they wouldn't believe me. Who am I kidding?"

"So, what do we do now?" Abis asked.

"Honestly, I don't even know." He remarked sullenly. "My friends are separated, and it's been a week. Who knows what they're doing right now…" his frown hardened. "Probably not worrying about us."

"Luke…"

"It's fine, Abis. But, I guess I really can't blame my parents though. Up until a few weeks ago, I couldn't believe myself." He shook his head, ridding his guilt. "But that's in the past. We need to do something, and fast."

"Well, I'm open to any suggestions."

The door to his bedroom knocked, getting them to look over. "Son, it's us." It was Augustine's voice they heard. "We just wanna make sure you're alright. We want to just question that Bakugan that snuck into your room and how it got there is all."

Internally, Luke cursed himself. 'Crap, I forgot about their 'No Bakugan Policy'.' He clutched Abis Omega tightly and stood up. 'Gotta find a way out of here, and fast!' His attention was brought behind when his windows also knocked. "Huh?" He looked behind at the closed curtains, seeing them bang back and forth as another light knock rung.

"Who's that now?" Abis questioned.

"Not sure." Furrowing his brow and readying Abis, he steadily closed in on the curtains. They heard it knock again, and Luke slowly reached for the curtains. Internally ready with one big gulp, he thrust the curtains open, ready to bear Abis at the window. But the person on the other side bewildered him completely. He and Abis gasped in shock. "No way…"

Knocking again on the window, the knuckles retreated, revealing an old and very dear friend with a smile like prince charming. The person shot him a wink. "Yo."

"…Shawn?!" Luke snapped harshly, but in the hint of his voice lied great happiness. Without hesitation he pulled the curtains off to the side and gazed at his friend. "What are you doing here?!"

"Mind letting me in first? It's hard to hear through this side." Shawn said, pointing to his ear as a reference.

"O-oh, right." He unlocked his window to allow it to open towards the balcony, allowing Shawn inside.

Now inside and within audible range, Shawn gave a huff. "Well that's a relief. I was beginning to wonder when you'd wake up."

"Shawn!" Instantly, Luke went and seized his best friend, alarming him in a hug.

Taken back by his action, Shawn blinked. "Woah, hey Luke! Easy! You're freaking me out!"

"Sorry." He pulled away, smiling happily. "It's just I'm so glad to see you. But…how did you find me anyway?"

Shawn put a hand to his hip. "What are you talking about? I live around here, silly."

A moment of silence fell before Luke started to realize it. "…oh, right. Hehehe…" he rubble the back of his head nervously, making Shawn sweat-drop.

"Some things never change."

The door knocked harder than before. "Luke, are you there? What's that noise? Is that your Bakugan?"

Shawn looked towards the door. "Sounds like you spoke with your folks then."

"Yeah, and as you can guess, they're not believing me."

"Guess we better split then, right?"

Luke nodded. "You're right." He watched the doorknob turn, his disposition growing serious. 'Sorry mother, father…but this is what we need to do.'

The door went wide open, the Royal Guard converging with Luke's parents barging in. "Luke!"

"Bakugan, brawl!" Both threw their Bakugan outwards, popping open. "Bakugan, stand!" Both Bakugan began to form in front of the parents, forcing them to cover up in shock and protection. The guards all covered up as destroyed bits of the room fell around them. Wood, dry wall, everything scattered as dust raged everywhere. When they looked back up, they saw a massive dust cloud receding, revealing Abis Omega hissing and Verias hissing. On top of the snake's head was Luke, and on Verias' shoulder was Shawn. When they looked down, they saw horrified looks of the household.

"LUKE!" Claire snapped. "What's happened to you?!"

"This is madness! What are you doing?!" Augustine exclaimed. "Get off there right now!"

"Sorry guys, but you wouldn't understand!" Luke retorted. "I'll make up for this somehow! I'm doing what I can!"

"Luke!"

"Let's go, guys!" Abis turned with Verias as they made way through the broken balcony. Luke's parents shouted out for their son to stop, but their call was unanswered as Abis slithered over the fencing while Verias took a big leap over and into the forest. They both vanished out of sight, leaving a destroyed bedroom, balcony, and broken hearts full of confusion.

Claire looked at the sight, her worries rising to no end. "Luke…my baby…what is happening?"

Augustine swiped his arm. "Get the police! We gotta get them!" The guards behind followed their directives, leaving the father to stare out ahead again. 'Luke, what has happened to you?'

---

Out in the forest, Verias and Abis stopped to allow themselves to catch breath. They took deep breaths as Luke was processing what happened back there. "I can't believe I really did that."

"Yeah, that was insane." Shawn said. "But Luke…you okay with this?"

Luke looked over at Shawn before he gazed down at Abis' head. He then looked up, his disposition hardening. "…yeah." He nodded. "Don't worry, I'm fine. More importantly, we need to make another plan, and quick. My mother and father might be-!"

"W-whoaaaa!" A wail from down below got their attention.

"Huh?" Luke and Shawn looked down, mild surprise showing as they saw they were near a small trail, where on the side of the road in a yellow coupe, the window was rolled down and pulled over to find an old man staring wide-eyed up at the sea serpent and ape next to each other.

"Is that…Luke?!" the old man exclaimed.

To Luke, it was a blessing to see the old man again. "Cale!"

---

Making a quick stop, Cale left his car and met with Luke and Shawn in the forest, their Bakugan now in ball forms on their shoulders.

"Luke, well this a shock." Cale remarked. "I thought and Shawn were taken away! And…are those the, uh…Bakugan that I've seen before?" he pointed at Abis on Luke's shoulder. "Where did you get those?"

"It's…a long story." Luke paused, but he quickly composed. "Cale…" Suddenly, like Shawn, he closed in on Cale for a hug, startling the old man. "It's so good to see you again!"

The old man was taken by surprise by Luke's sudden hug. He never got this kind of attention, let alone care, from Luke. Not even on his birthdays. "L-Luke! Is everything alright?! T-this isn't like you!"

Shawn crossed his arms. "That's exactly what I said."

When fulfilled, Luke pulled away, looking shameful. "Cale…I-I'm sorry! It's just that a lots happened, a-and I messed up…It's just a lot going on that I'm still getting used to and trying, but…"

"Luke. Luke." The gentle carpenter put a hand on the heir's shoulder, reassuring him. "It's okay. Really. I don't mind. Now just take a deep breath, and maybe we can settle this, okay?"

"Okay…" Luke breathed deeply through his nose, taking 5 seconds to gather enough breath to pass into lungs an filter out the mouth. Once quelled, he faced Cale again. "Okay, I think I'm alright now."

Cale smiled. "Good." He chuckled. "I'm surprised, you actually took my advice this time. Are you sure you're alright?" he questioned. "More importantly, why are you outside the mansion? I was called to come back while I was getting gardening tools, and then along the way I see you. Is something wrong?"

Luke looked towards Shawn to see what he had to say. The Haos battler gave a nod and Luke looked back at him. "Okay, here's what happened…"

It took a few minutes to explain of him waking up and how he got wrapped up in a berating by his parents. He told of his breakout, and by the time up to now, Cale displayed a small level of surprise.

"What was that now?" he exasperated. "You broke out of your room by force?"

"Wasn't like those yahoos were going to give us a freebee." Abis Omega said. "They weren't so keen in understanding the situation."

"But…you just…"

"Cale, please." Luke said, giving the man an insistent look. But deep within those orbs, one could be deep plea, a humble one at that. Cale stayed silent as Luke spoke. "Please…I'm sorry for everything I did before, for making fun of your hobbies and everything…but I've seen things no one will believe. If you don't believe me, that's fine, but we need to understand what's going on. Please, Cale…"

Cale wanted to say something against what Luke was insisting. He thought he was delirious to get a Bakugan and bust out of his own estate. He always knew he wanted to leave, but not like this. But being a good person, he saw that this Luke needed help, the kind that he didn't need in his case, but wanted. "…okay, well, where do you want me to start?"

"Why do my parents hate Bakugan so much? Why do they think that they are so dangerous that they shouldn't be around our estate?"

Cale gave a grievous sigh. "I suppose stating from there would be an ideal point." He looked at Luke and Shawn and their Bakugan, giving a pause before starting. "You see, for as long as I can remember, this home was founded by an enriched family known as the Revolutia. If you were wondering, Luke, how is it that we got our home as it is now, is because of the number of fortunes that your late grandparents opted to investing."

"My grandparents?" Luke questioned. He remembered passing by several paintings and portraits of people who looked somewhat regal all the time. This was the first time he started to pay attention to them.

"Yes. Your grandfather was my close friend. I worked with him and his engineering facilities that he earned a lot of money from, which gave him the benefit of his own private estate." He smiled fondly of the man. "Of course he was still quite the rebellious character no doubt."

Shawn smirked. "Sounds like Luke in a nutshell." Luke nervously laughed at the similarity.

"Anyways, when it came time, his son – your father – took up the family industry. He had to work hard by the age of 18, and because of his many ties to friends back in his schooling days that became business owners, he congregated and expanded the family engineering business further. So great in fact, that it went too far and some businesses severed from our connection and monopolized their own products."

Luke looked down at the ground curiously. "But, if that's what he does for a job how come he didn't have me learn all this stuff? And what about my mother?"

Cale gave another grievous sigh. "Well, suppose partly of that is because of your lack of care or understanding." Luke remained silent as Cale chuckled. "Your father was full of business that when some of those industries opted to get too great, he knew he had to get it back somehow. So he conceived a relationship with a prime associate of his rival industry, and eventually it worked out. Within a few years, a marriage became abroad, and due to legal factions, the Revolutia got back to the top of engineering in the estate. But that's where the problem lied." His frown grew heavy as he heavily went somber. "Your grandfather eventually fell ill and passed on, about 5 years before you were born. In his legal will, he left 50 million dollars alone to allow distribution to the companies within the family branch…but that's where your father made a big mistake."

"What does that mean?" Luke questioned.

Shawn raised a brow. "Wait…I think I can get where this is going. Did he perhaps…?"

"Yes. He saved it, all for himself. The main branch bloomed completely, while those struggling at the time finally gave in." Cale's face fell in shame. "It was a grieving time. A lot of my late friend's businesses finally closed down. I suppose the reason he didn't pick you to be his successor yet was because you're not of age yet. When the day turns to your birthday this year, then it seems to pass onto you."

Luke shook his head. "But that still doesn't answer my question! Why don't they like Bakugan?!"

"Luke…" Shawn murmured. Abis and Verias looked at each other before looking back at Luke.

"You see, right around the time you were 7, things were going the way your father intended. However, that was also the time when these Bakugan fell out of the sky. This alarmed so many, and eventually when they believed this was a game, the companies on the verge of bankruptcy began to compile ideas of monopolizing Bakugan for merchandise. And you can imagine how your family branch took it." He allowed a pause for Luke and Shawn to show surprise. "Up until the events of this…Naga, I believe it, the main branch was losing profit because of these Bakugan. Your grandfather's years of managing and engineering was just running short of other who were making statues and porcelain cups of Bakugan on them. This fad truly didn't sit well, but instead of letting go, he stuck on, and things were going back the way they were until Bakugan Interspace came around and made that gap again. And now with actual Bakugan living here…our business has become nothing more than mere designing and engineering for designs and repairs." He gave a sigh again as he concluded. "Augustine sure has a ways with stubborning out the worst and not learning morality. He wanted you to be ready is all, and rather face reality than these silly creatures."

Shawn looked over, trying to see what Luke was thinking. "Luke…"

The 17-year-old gazed down towards the ground, his face a blank space as he processed everything he was told. His brow furrowed as he tried to think of the small parts he tried to pick up on, but for the most part, and what he tried to understand now that he's changed and listening, he began to make sense. "So then…he wants me to stay away from Bakugan…because he wanted me to continue this business line. And by next year, he wants me to start learning a lot of numbers and decisions that I am not ready for."

Cale solemnly nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry if this all was selfish. It's a lot that you may not understand…but I just wished your grandfather didn't pass so soon to see what mistakes have happened to make your father do this to you."

There was a long silence that fell within the atmosphere. It was a lot to take in; too much in fact for one human brain alone. First the facts about family history that you never bothered to know or care about before, leading to your father struggling to maintain business the way it should be without giving into fads. In a way he did make sense, but reality was another thing that Luke had trouble accepting.

His reality was something else. His reality was his own little world, a world far from this one. He wanted his own Bakugan, or at least get outside. How was he to know his family didn't want Bakugan in his life for the sole reason of family business? Then again, when he thought about it, it was kinda his fault. He never asked, and this is what turned to be the result.

But now reality was another thing challenged entirely. If not for Bakugan, they wouldn't be alive right now. In fact, Luke wouldn't have matured the way he had if it wasn't for Abis Omega by his side. He felt happiness. He felt kinship…he felt appreciated.

"…Thank you, Cale." Those words shocked Cale and Shawn as Luke gave a small grin. "Thank you for telling me this. At least now I know what has to eb done."

"Luke? What are you saying?" Cale watched him turn around, facing the woods.

"Maybe there wasn't a lot that I understood back then, or maybe I didn't try to understand, and I wouldn't expect anyone to get where I'm going with this…" He turned back with resolution in his eyes. "But what I know now is that I'm not like them. I'm not my Dad, nor my Mom. I may not have trusted my own judgments before because I was afraid of what others thought, and maybe reality is something I never got…but this is reality. They may have another view of it, but I'm not agreeing anymore. Outside these walls, I was able to change, or at least I'm trying to…so thank you, for telling me how I can cope with all this."

"Luke…"

Luke turned away. "Please, if you can really help me, try not to say this to them. It's better this way. Let's go, Shawn!"

Shawn nodded. "Gotcha."

"Luke…" Cale watched Luke and his best friend go off together. Luke, having a friend in a human, and a Bakugan. Despite how he should've appealed, something told him to let go and smile in pride. 'Luke, maybe I don't know yet, but whatever has happened, this you…it's very empathetic. You've really grown up. Just like your grandfather would've wanted. What I would've wanted.'

---

Luke ran through the woods with Shawn, getting farther and farther away from the establishment. "That was some philosophy stunt back there, Luke." Shawn mused.

"Shut up!" he exclaimed. "I'm trying, alright?" He looked away, his face getting a small pout. "Mmm…but…maybe I was a bit much back there."

Abis chuckled. "I'd say. Acting cool really isn't your thing."

"Not helping."

Verias swayed with Shawn's shoulder. "So where to next?"

Shawn leaned forward, picking up speed. "My place. I got some details we can discuss there." He looked back towards Luke. "You wanna see my little place?"

Luke smiled. "Sure! Let's get going!" He followed the Haos battler as they trekked on.

---

It took about another thirty minutes surprisingly for Luke. To him it was staggering to know his best friend had to travel all this way just to get from town beyond the woods. And that was just a walk. With them eventually closing in on town, they were eventually standing in the suburban domain.

Luke looked skywards. "This is?" he sounded unimpressed.

Shawn put his hands to his hips and smiled up. "Yup. Surprise, surprise."

They were within the suburban alright, and amongst the area were duplexes and apartments at low levels. The place where Shawn stood in mock glory in was a small apartment complex, with rooms having balconies to open to and patios. It was decent aside from crabgrass spouting and weeds covering the front of the place, but it was still something to a degree.

"So then…this is an apartment?" Luke questioned curiously.

"Heh, I thought it'd be better looking." Abis stated.

Verias gave out a chuckle. "Well goes to show that expectations are something else."

"True that, Verias. Now then, shall we go inside?" Shawn inserted the key into the door, which was a white door that creaked open. Inside was a small mat to welcome guests like Luke. Luke looked around to find that it had a set of stairs immediately on the right that went up to the 2nd floor. But Shawn went straight, and so Luke followed. He followed him to the 3rd farthest door on the left-hand side, and he inserted yet another key. He opened it, revealing his living quarters.

Shawn turned towards Luke, gesturing inside. "Well…welcome to my humble abode."

Luke and Abis stared in awe, completely shocked.

It looked like an apartment alright. The floors were nice and clean, with counters wiped down and everything well made. It looked all caught up even with Shawn back. There was very little furniture, but there was a desk and a bunch of tools and a toolbox sitting on the counter, most likely his tools needed to work and fix on cars. But no TV, just a few folded chairs, but there was a bed at least. The studio-sized appeal all folded up quite well. Much needed for someone who didn't require much space.

"Shawn…is this your place?" Luke asked again.

The Haos battler shrugged. "Yeah, I know it ain't much, but I'm not on a big budget like you, Luke. Sorry to disappoint." He sounded teasing in his tone, though by the look Luke had he had deep guilt. The redheaded battler shook his own uses away and looked around more considerably.

"O-oh, it's fine. Really!" he nervously laughed. "It's just…maybe I should've gotten you more for a birthday or Christmas gift or something."

Now Shawn was the one laughing. "It's fine. I got through just fine to where I am now. Now are we gonna find our friends like you wanted?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, let's do it."

"Alright then." Shawn worked his way towards the computer sitting on his desk. He sat in his chair and opened it up. It took a few minutes for it to get started, but Luke tried to be patient as possible. When he looked around, he noticed that some parts of the apartment had cracked dry wall on it. Outlets looked like they were aged, and he saw the lighting above being dimmer than intended. As he looked around, he couldn't help but feel upset. He didn't know Shawn was this poor. But he was happy, and I guess that counted for something.

"Got 'em!" Shawn snapped. "Check this out, Luke!"

Luke shifted attention towards the screen; Abis jumping onto the desk to observe with Verias. "What's that?" He looked at the small red dot that directed like a sonar from their location. In England. There was another red dot close by, signifying a bookmark of sorts.

"That's where one of our comrades are." Verias answered.

"It is?!" Luke gasped.

Shawn nodded. "I may not have as much extensive technology as Jase, but…" he glanced over at his Bakumeter, which was connected by a wire attached to the computer's side. "By backtracking the signal we each give off and our Bakumeters accessible to each other, I'm getting a signal about an hour from here. And I think you'll like this one, Luke."

"Who is it?" he asked eagerly.

Shawn chuckled as he scooted out of his seat. "Well, for now, rather than focus on who, we should try and find them regardless. Now come on…it's time I show you how a bus works."

Luke blinked. "A bus?"

Shawn chuckled. 'This is gonna be good.'

---

Silence. That's all there was. In the manner of some prestige domain, there appeared to be ancestral tapestry laid out, with a massive set of doors locked from the inside. No one was getting in, and no one was getting out. Standing in front of the double doors were two individuals, wearing holy gowns and attires like priests would with dress shirts and blouses for the male and female respectively. They looked at each other with no emotions showing.

"It has been 7 days." The male priest said solemnly. "You believe that she is ready?"

"You sound anxious, dearest? Greed is not a sin we can commit to." His wife answered.

The man nodded. "Yes, you are right." He looked back at the door. "It seems that the heavenly father is hearing her prayers as we speak. The question of if they will be answered lies within his watchful eye."

The wife turned away. "To think she turned a blind eye to our watchful beacon. Why would he do this to her?"

"I suppose it was meant to be. Perhaps we didn't see it, but now it's clear that our daughter has made grave sins that will take more than a thousand prayers to transgress." He bowed his head, his wife joining in on his prayer. "Dear lord, please, find it in your heart to guide us to these answers. Let us hear these prayers in hopes of these sins we were unable to be seen comes clear, so that they can be cleansed from us and her."

They were brought out of their prayer when the door opened, instantly making them turn to see a man who was shorter than both of them, but had a purple priest-like hat with deep accents on the front. He had dark eyes with a broad nose and mocking fixation on his lips. His slick brown hair went behind the hat and down to the neck, where a purple and white priest attire fixed him quite nicely. "Brother Jenkins." He greeted.

The man nodded back. "Brother Opal. Has the heavenly lord been watching over her through your guidance?"

Opal bowed his head. "His grace is continuing to here her words of apology and transgression. I do hope he finds it within him to give a sign, otherwise her voice shall not be s it was."

"A wise choice of words." The woman said. "We can't let him be mentioned under his household."

Jenkins put a hand on Opal's shoulder. "I pray for you. May your guidance lead her down the way he can love her again."

Opal nodded and smirked. "Consider this a sin I shall cleanse." He turned back towards the door and closed it. "Mistress, it's time once again!"

"Yes, sir." A soft, familiar voice answered. On the other end, the sound of an organ began to play loudly. All while Jenkins and his mistress bowed their heads in silence, continuing their prayers.

---

"Aw man, I'm so glad I'm off that thing!" Luke wheezed. "I thought I was gonna throw up!"

"Aw c'mon, it wasn't that bad." Shawn teased.

Luke gave him a harsh glare. "'Not bad'? How was I supposed to know you needed change to get on those things?! That was my first time on a bus!" He pointed a finger at Shawn. "And you didn't tell me how cramped it was or how repulsive some of the people can get. Seriously, who brings soup on a bus only for it to spill on the guy next to him? We had to make a stop just to get that fight from getting out of hand!"

Shawn shrugged. "Welcome to the real world." He looked around at the many buildings surrounding them. "Now where's that signal…?"

As Shawn was looking for the signal's signature, Luke eyes darted elsewhere. While the bus was one thing he wasn't used to, he wasn't without his childish awe. That still hung around, but he knew better than to wander aimlessly. 'So this is the big city on Earth.' He turned with Shawn, seeing many places that seemed intriguing. 'That's an ice cream parlor! And that's a clothing store! A-and that's a restaurant?' He took it all in, amazed and tempted to try them all, but knew better. 'Man, I was so left out all these years. I only saw these things in magazines and movies. Who knew they'd look this interesting in person. This isn't anything like…' His face fell as he recalled Thermosphere and Troposphere; the former left him deterred some exponentially. He shook his head and trued to feel better. 'Well, maybe we'll try ice cream sometime, but for now we'll look for our friend.'

On his shoulder. Abis looked towards Shawn. "Anything?"

"Yeah, this way. C'mon." Shawn picked up the pace and had the others follow his tracks west. They walked along the sidewalk, Shawn leading the team as they kept eyes and ears open.

Luke kept observing, giving glances at the many shops and the various people that he saw. 'Huh? You know, now that I think about it, these people and those Interacians don't look too different from us. I wonder why that is?' He thought about it with a confused look. 'Wait, now that I think about it, Luka did say Riaan modeled Interacian attributes off of us or something like that, right? What makes us that special compared to others? We have diseases and criminals. But…I guess we're adaptable. Guess I should try and adapt too.'

Abis looked up towards his partner, seeing him deep in thought. "What is it, Luke?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Just thinking of some things. Let's hurry." He picked up the pace with Shawn, leading them to a long walk that even surprised Luke.

In matter of 15 minutes, the signal beeping from Shawn's Bakumeter was crazy. He stopped in place and looked forward. "Okay, guess this is i…i…eh?!" he staggered back in shock, eyes wide as he saw the building. "Wh…what the…?!"

"Hm?" Luke looked up as well, though more or less confused. "What the heck is this?"

There they stood, in front of a pair of gates with dark metal bars wide open. It led to a path all the way to a massive cathedral, stain-glass windows showing radiance like a flower in the front entrance. It left a bewildered impression, but at the same time, it awed them all to no end.

"It's…beautiful." Luke mumbled.

"And this is where the signal's coming from I reckon?" Abis asked. "Funny, didn't think anyone besides Luke had such luxuries like this."

"Who do you think it is?" Verias questioned.

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "Hard to say. I can't think Maggie would be in some place like this. She always complained bout just her and her mom." He smirked. "And Shuji's another story entirely."

"Hahahaha! Yeah don't think so!" Luke teased. "But really though, we should at least see if anyone's home." He walked ahead, giving way towards the door first. 'If this can be called a home anyway.'

They soon made way to the front, where there, they stood in front between two gargoyle statues. They could feel a strong sense of uneasiness arose from them watching. They were beginning to wonder how people sleep at night in a place like this. Shaking thoughts aside, they reached for the ring that acted as a doorbell and slammed it against the door, making an intimidating thud bellow. They all stepped back, waiting fir a moment to see what would happen. They waited, but nothing happened.

"Is anybody home?" Luke wondered.

Suddenly the door opened, revealing Jenkins. The man gave a look before fully opening the door to present himself. "Greetings." He smiled, nodding with sincerity. "Welcome to the Conland Cathedral, our watchful eye of our heavenly father."

"Watchful eye?" Abis repeated.

"What's that mean?" Verias questioned.

"Not sure, but…" Shawn gasped. "Wait, did you just say 'Conland'?"

"I did." Jenkins answered. "Is that a problem?"

Shawn shook his head. "No, not at all!" He looked back towards Luke. "Luke, you know what this means?"

"Conland…Conland…" He mumbled with the last name flowing through his head until his eyes shot wide open, shock showing. "Wait! You mean she's here?!"

Shawn nodded. "Hope for the best." He faced Jenkins again. "Sorry about that, we were just wondering if you can help us is all."

"Oh? Perhaps I can be of help." Jenkins offered. "Are you here to be condoned for sins?"

"Sorry, not today." Luke said. "Actually, does the name 'Esther' ring any bells? Just wondering."

Jenkin's welcoming mood began to shift. A frown formed on his face as he eyes them both with suspicion. "…what business is it that you have with her?" he questioned back.

Luke stepped forward. "We were just wondering. Is she around here?"

"Dear?" a call came from behind Jenkins' back. Coming up around was his wife as she looked ahead. "What's wrong? Are you boys well? You're looking anxious."

"Everything is fine, Catherine." Jenkins said, still eying Luke and Shawn. "These boys seem to have business with our daughter."

"They do?" She looked at them with wonder, her eyes beginning to dull rather than show shock. "Are they the ones who intervened with Esther's blessings?"

"So she is here!" Luke stammered. "Where is she? Is she alright?!"

The father gave a cold and unemotional look. "…I cannot lie under the eye of our Father, but yes. She is well. However, I'm afraid you cannot see here."

Luke grew shocked. "Wait, what?"

"What's wrong? Bad timing?" Shawn inquired. "I mean, if it's some fasting period or something…"

"It's nothing like that, I can assure you." Jenkins said. "She is currently cleansing her sins with brother Opal for what has become."

"She's what? Cleansing her sins?" Luke inquired. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means she is being judged by the heavenly father himself, and not those who aided in committing sin with her." Catherine said. "I'm sorry, but until she is fully forgiven, she cannot leave here."

Luke's brow furrowed as he approached him. "I'm sorry, but there's something dire we need to do. We came all this way just to find someone who we lost, and we can't exactly go back…" he gave them a pleading look, one of sincerity than challenge. "So please, just for a little bit. That's all we ask."

"Luke." Shawn muttered.

Jenkins and Catherine gave each other peculiar looks of interest. They weren't sure how to play by this, but in a scenario like this, they'd ask the heavenly father for guidance. They weren't sure of what was happening, but from the plea in his eyes, something told them to give him a small chance. Although against better intentions, they opted to comply with this voice, believing this was the Father's will. "…if you are praying for such a miracle, then we will allow it." Jenkins finally said.

Luke's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes, but only for a short term. After that, the Father will judge you and your need of closure." He moved off to the side with Catherine, giving passage to indoors. "This way."

"Thank you." Luke carefully stepped inside, where he was met with great embroidery everywhere. It looked like a place from indoors, and more noticeably a lot of ideals with crosses and religious stuff.

As he and Shawn trekked, they could've sworn they saw some degrees and diplomas in a display case in a hall, along with a leathery kingly chair and porcelain plates lining up on the ground.

"Not bad." Abis said. "Almost puts your place to shame, Luke."

Luke sweatdropped. "Yeah…I-I guess." 'I never knew Esther was this rich.'

Catherine and Jenkins lead them to a set of double doors, which remained shut as a melody played on the other side. Both were on either side as they bowed their heads and folded their fingers, looking to be praying for Luke and Shawn to go in.

Unnerved they were, as they closed in on the door, a familiar voice hit their ears. The organ heard made the synchronized hums even more melodic. "You hear that?" Shawn questioned. "Listen…"

All fell silent as they began to hear a sweet, angelic hum through their ears.

Savior is but my grace.

May you bring me to a happy place.

Please be my guiding light,

And help me through this perilous fight,

With deep sorrow to rest in peace~.

"I know that tune." Abis gasped. He looked towards Luke, seeing what he had to say.

The Aquos battler was at a loss as he was hearing the hums and high-pitches the voice gave off. It only served to make him think back to that time he heard Esther mourn in a song for his fault. Finally having enough, he opened the doors, bearing witness with a gasp as he saw something that made him feel relieved but surprised.

There she was, Esther Conland, in her attire as usual, but she was on her knees above a flight of stairs and clasping hands in a prayer below a deeply detailed statue holding two crosses. It was empty save the man playing the organ while Esther continued to bow her head.

Dear my deepest anguish,

Hear my sincerest wish.

May you find your rest

And may we all find the right wa~~y.

The melody finally finished, and Esther opened her eyes softly. She looked content, or rather that's what she wanted to feel. "Heavenly father, hear my prayer. Forgive me and the transgressions I have done wrong, and may I hope for your blessings. Amen."

"Esther?"

The Darkus girl gasped and went wide-eyed. She got up and turned around, meeting Luke with Shawn behind him as they gazed at her from afar. Her shock brought her to stand and face them. "Luke…? Shawn…?" she gasped. "You…?"

"Esther!" Luke snapped happily. He went up to her, grabbing her hand abruptly and held it with great joy. The action made her wide-eyed and uncomfortable. "I can't believe it's you! I thought we'd never find you!"

Shawn leaned back in mocking surprise. "Woah, somebody looks happy to see you." He teased.

Opal got up from the seat and looked discerningly. "What's this?" He shot a look at Jenkins and Catherine, both stone cold and emotionless. He kept his look as he faced the scene in prompted silence.

"You have no idea how happy you're safe and sound!" Luke exclaimed. "And your house is huge! It's almost as big as my place!"

Esther took her hand away and held it close, a shameful look appearing. "Actually, Luke…i-it's not my house."

"Say what?"

"My house is beyond this estate. My family just owns this cathedral…and now I'm here, meaning I'm learning under his watchful eye." She looked up at the statue, representing the greater man of all.

"You're being tutored right now…?" Luke took a moment to consider, but then his eyes widen from shock. 'Wait, if she's learning now…that means she's older than me!'

"Is something wrong?" Esther questioned. "You look shocked."

Dismissing how he was inferior to Esther in heritage and age, Luke got back to the subject. "Uh, n-nothing. Just thinking how you've been. You're looking well."

Esther nodded. "Thank you." She saw Luke's refreshed attire. "You looked well-rested."

"Y-yeah…" He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, wondering what exactly was to be said. Fortunately for him, Shawn provided levity.

"Yo, Esther. Long time no see." He greeted. "You doing well?"

Esther nodded again. "I am. The heavenly father is watching over me now, so I am well."

"Heavenly father?" Luke looked up at the statue watching over him. "That guy?" He was tapped from the side, getting him to look at Shawn, who shook his head in warning. Immediately he regretted his sayings and bowed. "Uh, s-sorry, my bad!"

Opal gave a mocking sneer. "Hmph! It seems as though these delinquents are in fact part of the sins that Lady Esther committed. What do you think, brother Jenkins?"

Studying Luke and Shawn, Jenkins gave a nod of his own. "It would seem so."

Esther looked down at them, getting to her own point. "I appreciate you guys coming all this way, but what is it you want?" She turned towards the statue. "Is it forgiveness of your sins, Luke?"

Luke looked down shamefully as Esther's words struck him deeply of his memory. "…n-no. Not exactly." He looked up at her. "We came to get you back, Esther." He waited to see what she had to say, but nothing came. "Esther…?"

The Darkus girl raised her head, staring up at the fatherly eyes of the stone. From the side, she knew Opal and her parents were giving unemotional yet expectant looks. With resolution, she ultimately stood tall. "…I'm sorry, Luke. But I can't."

Luke and Shawn were taken back by this sudden revelation; Luke more so. "Wait…what?" he exclaimed. "What do you mean?"

"I've committed far too many sins ever since coming to New Vestroia…since meeting you. The heavenly father has judged me with little respects, and now I must condone my mistakes."

Luke blinked. "W-wait, hold up." He stepped forward. "Sins? Esther, what are you talking about? Nothing was your fault."

"It was." She retorted. "We were picked by Father himself because of deeds we did not pray forgiveness of. We are at fault because we were too blind to see the light back then, and since we were in the dark too long, we have been shunned and may end gravely if not so."

"Wait, are you saying you think this was by chance?" Luke stammered. "Esther, you know better than that! Just hear me out!"

"Yeah, the least you can do is hear us out since we've came all the way here." Shawn said.

"I appreciate your efforts…" she looked over her shoulder, showing her bangs. "But the lord was unkind because of these deeds that I partook in. You should know this too, Luke. Your actions have sealed your fate, one that I cannot save you from. I'm sorry."

"Wait…no, Esther!" Luke exclaimed. He walked up the stairs, only to be intercepted by Opal.

"Sorry, but the lord does not take kindly to sins that force themselves to those transcending their spirits of virtue." He retorted.

"But you don't understand!" Luke yelled. "Esther, you can't turn your back on everything now! What about everything we've been through? What about the Bakugan? What about our planets? What about our promise?! Are you seriously denying it?!"

Esther's teeth gritted in shame as Luke continued.

"You know as well as I do that we can't ignore this! Who's gonna save the world?! What are we doing just standing around here when we should be working together to-"

"LUKE!" Esther snapped, silencing the whole room again. They all looked at her in shock as she kept facing the statue, her head down in shame, but also lack of content. "…my prayers go out to you. Thank you for trying to do everything…but this battle is not in our hands now. It's within our Father's. You'll just have to put your life in his hands…just as I have my own."

Luke's shock arose. "But…but we…"

"I'm so terribly sorry." Opal intervened again. "But if you are not here to ask for the heavenly Father's wisdom or consent, then you are not welcome to face his holiness. I shall escort you out."

"But…Esther!" Luke felt himself being pushed back as Esther didn't turn towards them as he and Shawn were grasped by Opal and nearly dragged out. "Esther! Don't do this! Don't just lose hope and think it's all over?! You gotta fight! Esther! ESTHER~!"

As the door slammed shut, Jenkins and Catherine shot a look at their daughter, who remained silent with a cold expression. "…you need to repent for wrath." Jenkins said. "His holiness does not appreciate that sin."

Though it pained her, Esther chose not to fight. She resigned herself to believe in his holiness. "Of course, Father." She got down on her knees, raising her head towards his chin. 'Heavenly father…I hope that you thought I did the right thing.'

She began to sing again, with no melody.

---

Luke and Shawn were thrown out the door, slamming in their fronts. As they groaned, Opal glared at them. "Until you've learned to appreciate holiness, think twice before you choose words against a fellow disciple. Good day." He slammed the doors shut, leaving them alone.

Luke groaned as he tried to stand. "Uuugh, what just…!" He jerked up to glare at the door. "Now how is that even fair?! Di that just seriously happen?!"

Shawn. "Damn, talk about a religion."

"Is it me, or is Earth the birthplace of assholes?" Abis joked.

"I think we all know the answer to that one." Verias answered.

"Why they…Esther!" Luke tried to get to the door, but Shawn grabbed hold and held him back. "Shawn?"

"Luke, let it go!" he yelled.

"But Esther…"

"Don't. It's not worth it."

Luke wanted to fight against it; every nerve told him too, but he had to change. He had to be better than throw a tantrum like the child he once was. He pulled away and glared at the ground. "…fine." He huffed in defeat. He sighed heavily. "I can't believe it. Esther gave up. After everything we've been through…"

Shawn crossed his arms. "Yeah, this is a problem."

Luke's eyes narrowed. "This bites…" He thought back to Esther's words that rung though his head. "You'll just have to put your life in his hands…just as I have my own." His fists balled tight ingrowing frustration. 'Esther…you know better than that, right? I've already entrusted my life to Shawn and you…something's wrong here. I know it.'

"Huh?" Abis turned in another direction, looking out towards the shrubs.

"What is it?" Verias questioned.

"I don't know. I thought I thought…hold on guys." Abis floated off of Luke's shoulder, getting onto the grass in front of the bushes. Verias joined as well, both glaring into the darkness of the bushes.

There was a small silence befalling the area as Luke and Shawn watched in wonder what their Bakugan were finding. Inside the shadows of the leaves, there were a pair of red eyes glowing.

"Who's there?" Verias demanded.

The leaves of the bushes shuffled, leading to something slowly roll out of it. When it came out, its closed form was a sphere with a caterpillar-like look. Almost instantly it popped open, making the four gasped in surprise.

"No way…" Abis trailed off. "Is that…?"

In front, Darkus Bakugan lifted her head. "It's good to see you all again." She said.

"Atchibee!" Luke gasped.

She looked at Luke. "Hello, Luke. I see you're doing well."

---

While they weren't inside the cathedral, Atchibee lead them to an area where they couldn't be spotted so easily. There they could catch up as bushes secluded them from others.

"Atchibee, what's going on?" Abis asked.

Atchibee faced him. "Abis, and Verias as well. I'm honestly shocked you two came here after everything that's happened."

"Isn't that what friends are for?" Verias said.

Luke looked away disapprovingly. "Some friend Esther was." He mumbled.

"C'mon man, don't be like that." Shawn tried to quell him. He faced Atchibee and turned serious. "Sorry Atchibee. Things got out of hand."

"So I've noticed." She answered. "It's alright, I know your pain. Esther's folks aren't the most open-minded, as far as I've seen."

"What's that mean?" Abis Omega inquired.

"It's not that I haven't been around Esther to notice the past week, but rather, I wasn't able to." She lifted her head towards the sky. "Rather than question everything, how about I explain the best I can in full, then we work from there, sound good?"

Abis lowered his head. "Yeah, sorry."

Atchibee nodded in forgiveness. "Alright, now then. About a week ago, just at the point of reaching the portal, those attacks all converged on us, right? Well, it seems as though that eruption was enough to pull us apart. We all must've been separated and reverted back to Earth thanks to your DNA entering first, but I think there was a catch. We all must've been separated when that explosion hit, thus resulting in our circumstances right now."

Shawn leaned in. "I can get that much, but what's this got to do with Esther?"

"You see, I learned that Esther is also an heir, much like Luke was, yes?" She turned towards Luke, who gave no audible reply. Rather he looked away in shame. It seemed like a touchy subject, so Atchibee moved on. "I learned that Esther turned 18 just 2 months ago, and so that means she's learning under her priests to be in charge of the family church. I always did wonder why she was so most spiritual of us, and that's when I learned that she used to play Bakugan."

Shock overwhelmed everyone present. Luke was especially surprised. "Wait, she played Bakugan before?"

"But I thought she said she never went to this 'Bakugan Interspace' thing you had?" Abis questioned.

"We thought so as well, but that's when I realized that this was back before Naga's demise. You see, I learned that despite the warnings of her church, she opted to be intrigued by these Bakugan. She managed to find a small amount of time per day to try and battle, and when came the raid of Naga, she had no choice but to fight back."

Shawn folded his arms. "I remember that. Man, everything was so crazy." He looked serious. "So then that's when her family banned and straightened her out huh?"

"I'm afraid so." Atchibee continued. "I only knew this because I overheard her folk speaking about this the other night. Apparently they believe we are a sin as well to be going against nature that this heavenly father laid out for us."

"Really? I always thought her cold front was something else." Abis figured. "So then she's religious because of all these beliefs that were forced upon her?"

"From what I've gathered, yes. I believe that the religion she practices revolves around these so-called 7 virtues or something. For example, vanity, I believe is one. And pride for another. It's too much for myself to take in, but after Esther explained to her folks about everything, she had no chance of getting out."

Shawn's eyes narrowed. "So they're punishing her because they believed everything by chance was a sin by God?"

"Essentially. They believe that this 'heavenly father' is one who makes all the decisions and relied on for answers and forgiveness. One mistake is a fault that must be corrected, and they believed Esther came into far too many…including us Bakugan."

"Then is that why you're here?" Abis Omega gasped.

"Yes, Abis. It wasn't my intention to be where I am right now, but Esther is unable or unwilling to give me a blind eye now." She remembered the last time she spoke to Esther, or rather, when she was on a windowsill in her dark room, the only thing lighting it all being candles.

"I'm sorry, Atchibee. But interacting with beings of power is a sin of its own. A power that makes them play God. To have such power for someone who doesn't understand the heavenly father's judgement is an equal sin…I'm sorry, I can't do this anymore."

"Those were the exact words she spoke to me just a few nights ago." Atchibee said. "I tried persisting the cause, but she was too stubborn to realize. But as her partner I have to support her in the end. That much I have to respect-!" A fist rammed the ground, startling Atchibee. "My goodness!"

"…so that's it then. That's what it is?" Luke gnarled through his teeth. His head hung low as his cut bangs covered his eyes. "…no. Esther isn't like that. I know her better than that way of thinking."

"You sure about that Luke?" Shawn questioned. "I mean you never asked about her personal life before."

"I know." He said. "And that's my fault. My sin! I should've been more considerate in paying attention to her…" his eyes softened as he thought fondly of her. "But you know…when I was looking at her, something felt different."

"How so?"

"Like…she wasn't happy. Like she was being hold back. I know it sounds weird, but even if she was cold, and maybe chose to rid of her sins and us…I still think she knows what's right deep down." He abruptly seized Atchibee.

"Luke?!" she shrieked.

He looked down at her. "I'm not gonna let Esther make the same mistakes I made to Abis Omega." He looked towards the Bakugan, who floated up to his side. "Ignoring your friend's consideration shouldn't be a sin. And I'm gonna tell her that."

Shawn smirked. "Atta boy. Don't give up on the lady just yet. There's still hope out there."

Luke grinned. "Thanks, Shawn." Suddenly he gave him a look. "Hey wait a minute, what's that supposed to mean?!"

Shawn raised his hands in innocence. "Nothing. So what are we gonna do? You gonna pull her out somehow? Sneak around like you always do?"

Luke crossed her arms as he looked at the ground, brow furrowed as he glared harshly. Maybe sneaking her out would work, but against her will would only bring a struggle that would get attention. His brows furrowed deeper as he thought harder, and harder, until he finally widened his eyes. "I got it."

---

The doors to the cathedral suddenly slammed open, making a loud echo in which stormed in Luke and Shawn side-by-side. Luke took the stronger stride as he barged in.

"What the-?!" Jenkins and Catherine looked shocked. "You two again? What on earth is-"

"Is Esther still at the altar?" Luke got right to the point.

Catherine's brow furrowed. "…yes, but you can't-" He and Shawn brushed past her. "Hey! You can't just come here like that!"

"Watch me!" Luke stormed pass the next set of doors. "Esther!"

The shout was so harsh that the tunes she was playing stopped. She turned around again, looking at Luke approach her with Shawn behind. "Luke?"

"Huh?" Opal got off his pedestal to get near the commotion again. "You again? What is it now? Are you finally willing to repent under the heavenly father for everything you've done?"

Luke gave him a look. "No." He shot a look back at Esther. "Something more concerning than some stupid religion that she knows and can't deny."

Opal's eyes widened. "What…did you just say?"

Luke approached Esther, but the former Darkus battler looked away from him. "I'm sorry Luke, Shawn, but I can't do this again. I have to-"

"Esther, look at me!" Luke gave a cold tone that rattled her. The way he spoke almost made her shiver. The religious heir shot a glance at Luke while he stood at the bottom of the stairs. His green eyes glared her with a passion, one that froze her entity entirely.

"Look, I don't know much about this religion you're supposed to be practicing, and maybe I have to respect that…but you know as well as I do that isn't something important right now. You know that."

Esther narrowed her eyes, looking away in regret. "Even so…"

"Even so, that doesn't change that you're my friend." Luke butted in, getting her to look at him again. "And last I checked with Shawn, friends stick together, no matter what. Isn't that right?"

"Luke…"

Opal narrowed his eyes, glaring harsh daggers. "Hey you, fraternizing under God's eye isn't-!" He was cut off when a pointed end of a silver fencer startled him. "W-what the-?!"

"Let the man have his words of choice, your highness." Shawn warned. "He's got words I think your little heavenly eye wants to take note of."

The bishop was left at a loss for words. He swallowed a lump as he was forced to stay silent.

Luke continued. "Esther, believe it or not, I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you, Shawn, Abis Omega, or anyone for that matter. I have all of you to thank, even if most of you hate me." He looked away. "Yeah, I know I messed up. I made stupid mistakes that I probably repent for physically…hell, maybe not at all." He looked towards Esther again. "But whoever said to hand those burdens to someone else when you still got two arms and legs, huh? So what? You may be one person, but I am, too. Don't think that because you weren't able to do something before you can't now."

"And how does this imply to you?" Esther countered. "Are you saying that because we survived once that we can keep surviving? Luke, nothing lasts forever, and that's when the heavenly father does his job."

"And what job is that?" Luke countered. "Just hear your miracles? Well I'm right here, Esther, and unlike before and this stupid religion, I'm actually listening to you and your problems!"

"Hey! Don't you dare talk like-!" Opal was silenced as the tip pointed deeper at his throat by Shawn.

"Esther, you saw first-hand what happened. Our worlds are in danger, and here you are, hiding…in denial."

"That…that's not…"

"No, I'm not done!" Luke snapped. "Now listen! I know what it's like to look up to someone, revere them as a god…heh, probably just to make myself feel better." He mused somberly. "But you saw what happened to my 'god'. He left me for dead, after everything I did and what he told me to do…I thought I was nothing."

"Luke…"

"…I didn't have any faith in my own judgement, and that made me kinda like a slave to my lack of security. I only thought that just by leaning towards one person, that they would have all the answers…" His glare grew worrisome. "But what if they're wrong? What if they tell you to die, would you seriously do that?" Esther moved to answer, but Luke butted in. "No. You're a human being, Esther. As am I. We make mistakes, and sometimes we lose hop so much that we can't trust ourselves." He looked towards Shawn, giving him a confident smile. "And that's what friends are for." He looked at her again. "Esther, I'm your friend, and I'm yours. Everybody else we've met is. I may have found my own independence, but that doesn't mean I can't just rely on myself all the time. I'm not my own god."

Abis followed up next. "Look, we get it. You're hung up on family matters, but you're not the only one here with issues. Luke here had to bust out of his own home just for the sake of us all."

Esther gasped in shock. 'He…really did that?'

"I said I'm making my own judgements, and I know what you're going through." He threw Atchibee at Esther. She abruptly caught her by surprise and Atchibee popped open to see her in the face. "So who cares if you worship something, right? But tell me, is that something really worth it? What did they do that you can be grateful for…" his eyes softened greatly. "Esther…" He looked away in shame. "I…I look up to you too, you know that, right?"

Again, shock overwhelmed her. "Luke…"

"You actually knew what you were doing. You…you played Bakugan before, right? Tell me, how did it feel to have that freedom? To fight against something that fate wanted you to believe was destruction? That's what I find envious of you." His brow furrowed. "So, if you're going to listen to some petty little thing called 'fate' in the hands of a stupid statue, just remember that there are others out there who came to realize their mistakes because of not him, but you."

Esther was at a complete loss for what to say. She had no idea what to make of or do. When she looked at Luke and heard what he said, it left her speechless. For a moment, she thought back to the promise they've made, and it made her feel conflicted.

"Now I'm not asking nor telling you…but consider Atchibee and my feelings as well. We need you Esther…and I'll commit a hundred sins that'll take me to hell with those I've killed to prove to god he can be wrong, too."

"That's quite enough!" a harsh shout from behind got all of their attention. They all turned to find Jenkins and Catherine at the doorway, giving disapproving looks. They approached without hesitation.

"Mother…Father…" Esther mumbled.

They approached Luke. "Young man, you've got a lot of nerve to talk like that under the heavenly father's eye." Jenkins said. "To speak like that and mentioning hell, do you have any idea how much the lord detests that?"

"You have any idea how much I detest on your worship bullshit?" Luke snapped.

"What?!"

"I've seen your daughter in action. She doesn't deserve to be punished because she got caught up in an accident that became a purpose."

Catherine glared hard at him. "An accident? Accidents don't exist. Everything happens for a reason. These 'accidents' are a simple matter of powers that we humans must learn to revere as sacred."

Abis popped open on Luke's shoulder. "Uh huh, and what if we wanna fight that power? What's stopping us from believing in Luke or Verias to help me in battles?"

"You Bakugan, you are a mystery that even boggles the heaven's eyes itself." Jenkins responded. "But since a few years, the gods have been kind enough to consider this a blessing, and we worship that blessing, at lest those who respect him do. Why would you fight with something with power that you can't control, boy?"

"Because I don't fear Abis or Bakugan like you guys do." Luke snapped again. "Shawn loves his Bakugan, and I choose to spend my life with Abis because of what we did together, not as master and controller like how you think life works." He stepped forward in defiance. "Esther is a fighter. I've seen it myself. If I'm holding her back from what she wants, I'll stay as far away as possible, but if I'm what helps her, then I'll stay. That's where I stand…and no God is going to tell me otherwise."

"Damn straight." Abis nodded. Right beside them, Shawn regrouped with a proud smile and nod, with Verias having the same reaction as well. True friends look out for each other.

"…then you leave us no choice." Jenkins and Catherine shot glances at Opal, who nodded in understanding and began to move in front of Esther. They looked back to see him ready. "If you do not wish to repent under god's name, and instead mock him, then we shall pray you learn to not fight a power outside of your control. Opal, have you prayed?"

Opal nodded. "Yes, brother Jenkins. The lord has given me his strength to redeem these sins before us."

Luke shifted in readiness, with Shawn by his side. "Looks like we're caught in a pickle now, Luke." Shawn mused. "Guess we haven't got a choice now, do we?"

"No…but this might be our only way of showing Esther what I mean."

Shawn nodded. "Actions speak louder than words. I like that." They both glared in unison at Opal, who had a sneer on his face.

"Ready to give this priest a little taste of our sins, Verias?" Abis questioned.

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Abis Omega." Verias agreed.

"So be it." Opal's eyes narrowed. "But no matter what happens, his grace will be the decider of this."

Opal: 100% Luke: 100%

Shawn: 100%

Opal looked back over his shoulder at Esther. "Lady Esther, refrain from touching the power you don't understand." He faced ahead with a Gate Card. "I shall show you what it means to do so under proper guidance."

Esther blinked, but she relented. She looked down in regret. "…yes, Opal." She said sullenly. She let go and Atchibee floated beside her.

"Now then, Gate Card, set!" Opal flung a Gate Card in the middle of the open area, where a dark purple energy shockwave faded into the massive cathedral. He held up his own Bakugan. "Behold, the power of the heavenly father's judgement. Bakugan, brawl!" The priest threw it out. "Bakugan, stand! Darkus Jetro, arise~!" In a sportive dark purple glow, the Bakugan arose above all else. It looked like a black alien Bakugan with a black head and a long row of sharp red eyes. It had purple antennae on top of the head, with two purple side pieces with big green circle like eyes. In a way, like Jelldon. Rather than a neck, but bent appendages held up the upper body to a black and yellow lower body with purple treads, with four black insectoid legs with purple ovals on the knees. It hissed loudly as it was called out to battle. Opal chuckled. "Now to see what your devil-corrupted power can do."

…

In front of the cathedral, a pair of police cars pulled up, separating as the sirens went off. As many doors opened to reveal cops, from one of the cars showed Claire and Augustine, who came out in a hurry.

"And you're sure they were last seen here?" Claire worried.

"Affirmative ma'am." A police officer answered. "Eye witnesses claimed to see a red-haired boy with a blonde within the area. This was the last place."

Claire looked towards the cathedral, a worried look on her face. "Luke…"

…

Jetro snarled down at Luke and Shawn, making the former talk to his Bakugan. "Abis…you ready?"

"Evermore, Luke. Ready when you are." He closed into ball form for Luke to catch him.

"Ready, Shawn?"

Shawn nodded as he got Verias. "Sure am. You up, Verias?"

"For my friends, definitely!"

"Bakugan…brawl!" Both threw their Bakugan in unison. "Bakugan, stand!" In a blue and yellow light, a long blue sender body coiled and swerved to reveal Abis Omega, letting out an empowering roar with fins stretched out. While a staff twirled in midair before caught and jutting out to strike by Verias, hollering for battle.

Jetro: 600 Abis Omega: 400

Verias: 400

"Let's see how the devil's breed acts first, shall we Jetro?" Opal jested, which Jetro screeched outwards in response.

Shawn took a defensive stance. "Well Luke, got any ideas?"

Luke glared ahead, trying to work with what thoughts were flooding into his mind. 'This area is too closed to go all out in. We might damage too much. Maybe we can try and keep him in one spot. Yeah, that should work.' Nodding, he looked towards Shawn. "Let's size it up first! Maybe we can find something out first and strike then."

Shawn nodded. "Alright then." He faced forward, fixed for battle. "So let's do this!"

At the same time, both pulled up their Bakumeters, bringing forth their abilities first. "Ability, activate!" they shouted in unison.

"Verias Siba!" Verias twirled his staff, summoning a wheel of yellow energy as he charged.

"Fin Melee!" Abis swerved ahead, his tailfin following in a blue streak.

Jetro: 600 Abis Omega: 400 (+200) = 600

Verias: 400 (+200) = 600

Both Bakugan roared as they aimed for the front legs, making Jetro lean forward with a hiss of pain. Together, a staff and tailfin swung in an uppercut, making the chin face the ceiling. As both remained low, they looked collective yet surprised as Jetro's many eyes glared down. It looked to be annoyed. It lifted its front legs, raising almost a s high as the ceiling as it came down for a stomp, one that both Bakugan jumped away from. They landed safely a distance before their partners.

Opal chuckled mockingly. "Is that the best the devil can offer?" He gestured both hands to the sides. "Oh heavenly father, hear my prayer! Give me the strength to hope and redeem these two lost souls! Ability, activate! Hyper Mace!" Jetro's green circular patterns on its appendages began to gather dark energy within each center. When ready, fired were thin dark beams at Abis Omega and Verias.

Jetro: 600 (+300) = 900 Abis Omega: 600

Verias: 600

As the attack closed in, both Bakugan used fins and arms to cover up as the beams erupted around them. Cloisters cracked and parts of the wooden furniture exploded as shockwaves went everywhere. Luke and Shawn uncovered to see through the dust.

"Abis!"

"Verias, you guys alright?"

Within the dissipating dust cloud, slithery form craned his head. "Gnngh…yeah, we're okay." Abis hissed. "Rogue Zero's forbidden cards did worse than this." Beside him, Verias began to redouble his steps as well.

Opal smirked at the scene. "How quaint of you. But may his holiness be his judge alone. Ability activate, Flash Storm!" Jetro's two massive appendages that their eyes shimmer before expelling deep dark blasts that went right for Verias.

"Verias!" Abis fret.

"Look out!" Luke warned.

Shawn held up an ability. "Ability activate, Caroline Protector!" The two intense beams of darkness attacking Verias were met with the ape getting in front and swinging his staff in a wheel, taking and mixing the dark energy into the ends.

Opal's eyes widened. "Hm? What's this?"

"An ability that reflects the attack back." Shawn pointed ahead. "Light'em up, Verias!"

"Let's see how you like a little serving of karma!" Verias swung his staff, pitching the dark light in a compressed comet back at Jetro. The attack squared it in the lower region, expelling a tremor that made the floor crack and screech like Jetro.

Jetro: 900 (-400) = 500 Abis Omega: 600

Verias: 600

Opal's expression soured. "Deflecting the justice of one's doings…that's a sin! Have you no shame?!"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't." Luke coldly rebuffed. "You can leave your sin talk out of this, because it's between us and Esther. Ability activate, Sea Helix!" Abis lurched his body and hissed as a small watery flow expelled from beneath. It ascended into a spiral skywards to protect him as he slammed his tail from the side, smacking Jetro into the ground painfully.

Jetro: 500 (-100) = 400 Abis Omega: 600 (+100) = 700

Verias: 600

The sea serpent adjusted as the water vaporized around him. "We didn't come here to be lectured by people who didn't know better than us back then. Life and death is at stake and all you care about is cleaning up something that isn't your fault. Sounds like deflection, a sin perhaps?"

Esther gasped in modest shock. "Are you…"

"Esther." She looked over to find Atchibee's own plea beside her. "Esther, I understand this is a bad time, but please, reconsider your position!"

"Atchibee…" Esther was conflicted at first, but ultimately she chose to look away. "I'm sorry…but I'm not sure with Father watching over this. It's just…"

"Esther, do not waver from your conviction!" Opal retorted. "Remember your place!"

Immediately Esther backed off. "Yes, sorry. I pray for a pardon."

"Esther, don't bother!" Luke stopped her. "It's not worth the time!"

"Of course it is." Opal interjected. "Praying for everything in thanks gives one a sense of security. Everyone must feel security, no matter where, because the heavenly father does more than just watches us. Watch. Gate Card, open! Positive Delta!" The Gate Card revealed itself, making Abis Omega and Verias lurch as they could feel their power drain drastically. Both dropped then by 200 Gs. "See? You brought this act onto yourselves. Unless you get your knees and ask for forgiveness, you shall not be answered."

As he spoke confidently about his beliefs, Esther kept her eyes dropped in shame. But for the briefest moment, she thought of her and Luke double battling for the first time. So much has happened since then. It almost made her smile…almost.

'I gotta stop this guy.' Luke thought. "Abis, ability activate, Aquos Ripple!" Abis lurched his head up and gave a loud hiss. His body expelled blue ripples across the ground like water, shutting off the Gate Card and returning the power levels back to 700 and 600.

"Nice going, Luke. Now it's my turn to have a crack at this guy." Shawn held up an ability. "Ability…activate! Correlation of Darkus to Haos!" Verias clutched his staff tight as a bright yellow sparkly aura encompassed his being. His power level drastically boosted to 900 Gs. He let out a roar as he bolted for Jetro, swinging his staff broadly and smacking Jetro along the head, causing it to stagger away in slight disorientation.

"How's that?" Verias scoffed.

Jetro realigned, glaring daggers at Verias. "Hmph! Won't be enough to outweigh the sins you're committing! Ability activate, Rampart Sonic!" Jetro's antennae began to glow bright purple, where they vibrated harshly with a powerful hum.

"HRAH!" Verias jumped to swing again, but rather than hit Jetro, he struck an invisible force that vibrated in front. He bounced back, his power level jumping back to 600. "Did he just nullify my ability with sound?"

"Gnngh! We're not getting anywhere like this." Abis retorted. "We need to put this joker on ice and quick."

Jetro used the ability's effects to gain some ground. It staggered back a couple of feet, making the ground tremble some with each step taken. Finally one more tremor did the trick, causing a hand of the statue to crack once, then twice, before it broke off and started to fall.

"Esther!" Luke warned.

Watching, the parents looked with small shock, but did nothing to warn their offspring of judgement.

Looking up, Esther's shadow was enveloped by concrete neatly carved. For a split second, she could feel her life flash right before her eyes…a life of deep religion of solidarity, and loneliness in the cathedral. Grim it was, and here she was, getting ready for Father's judgement.

But it never came. Instead, a blue tail swung from the side, breaking the rock into pieces away. Hearing the sound, Esther's flinch faded as she looked up, seeing Abis hovering over her. "Abis Omega?!"

"You okay, guys?" he questioned.

Esther looked fixated, but she gave a small nod of understanding. "Uh huh…" 'This is the second time now you've saved me…of your own accord.'

Taking advantage of the situation, Opal readied an ability. "Hmph! Ability activate, Heat Spiral!" Jetro turned around towards Abis, aiming its side appendages and expelled purple ripples at him.

Jetro: 400 (+400) = 800 Abis Omega: 700

Verias: 600

"Abis, behind you!" Luke warned. But it was too late. Abis turned with his guard down and the soundwaves struck him head on. The serpent was blasted across the room, crashing the back of his neck into the wall. He grunted as he slumped to the ground in pain. He glowed blue as the wall was left with damaged cracks.

Jetro didn't stop. He faced Verias and unleashed more soundwaves of darkness, which the ape tried to block. But his fur bristled harshly as roaring waves were too thick and made him fall backwards, slamming in front of Shawn and Luke. He glowed yellow and morphed to ball form, both him and Abis landing in front of their partners.

Luke: 80%

Shawn: 60%

Jetro returned to ball form and was caught by a snickering Opal, who soon busted out with a prideful laugh. "You see? The heavens themselves deemed me fit to win this battle. Simply because I worshipped them like anyone should."

Luke picked up Abis, not taking his eyes off of Opal. "Are you serious?" he stood back up. "You won because we just saved Esther's life, and you're not going to consider that a blow low?"

"Luke…" Esther muttered low at his words. She felt honestly shocked.

He turned towards the parents. "And you two, are you seriously going to let that slide? Even you know that ain't right!" He wanted them to answer, but instead they were looking distraught up overhead. Looking up as well, he saw that they were fixed on the broken hand of the statue, which would've killed their beloved daughter. Luke finally saw which one left them more shocked as they bowed their heads in shame and prayer. He looked back upfront, his brow darkening. "Fine. Be that way…not that it matters." He faced ahead, giving a deep look. "You can play dumb, but you'll pay a price like I had to! Just wait and see!"

Shawn put a hand on Luke's shoulder. "Mind if I give this round a spin?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah."

Shawn glared ahead and pulled out a Gate Card. "Okay then. Gate Card, set!" He threw the card, fading into yellow. "Bakugan, brawl!" Once more, a bright yellow light expelled Verias, who twirled his staff forward in readiness.

"Bakugan, brawl! Abis Omega, stand!" Luke threw Abis Omega, who reappeared in his true form with a loud roar.

Opal was last as he smirked. "Bakugan, brawl! Darkus Jetro, stand!" In a dark purple light, Jetro once again arose, looking ready for battle.

Jetro: 600 Abis Omega: 400

Verias: 400

As the battle commenced, the door to the cathedral was opened abruptly. Some officers scattered along the sides as Cale entered the door, his eyes widening at the scene that was unfolding. "My goodness…!" Following behind was Augustine and Claire, who came and showed shock of their own.

"What is this?!" Augustine gasped. Claire was at a loss for words.

Abis Omega and Verias both charged with all their might, their battling spirits unhindered as Abis headbutted while Verias stabbed his staff. Both attacks sent Jetro staggering back, while Luke and Shawn clutched their fists tighter to give commands to attack.

To Cale, he was honestly less upset than what the others appeared. "Luke is…" He looked over, seeing Augustine starting to walk. Immediately he held him back. "Sir Augustine, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like? I'm stopping this!" he retorted. "My son and his friend have gone too far!"

"Please dear, we need to help him." Claire insisted, on the verge pf possible tears.

He nodded. "Don't worry, Claire, I will." He went to move ahead, but the place started to shudder again, causing him to almost lose balance. The battle ahead was causing a lot of energy to shift and startle everyone present.

Shawn reached forward. "Gate Card, open! Element Merge!" The Gate Card opened, forcing a rainbow wavy aura to appear over Jetro, which diverged into two arches overhead that went and surrounded Abis and Verias both, gaining strength much needed.

Jetro: 600 (-400) = 200 Abis Omega: 400 (+200) = 600

Verias: 400 (+200) = 600

Opal gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Taking what's not yours, that is a grave sin itself!"

"So is forcing Esther into something she clearly hates!" Luke retorted. "You really think Bakugan is that bad? The people who use them are the ones who are bad! It's their fault for not knowing better!" He looked up at Abis, who glanced back at him in knowing what he meant, but have since forgiven. "So don't give crap on what's right and wrong since you don't clearly want to listen!"

Opal glared hardly as he held up another ability. "Preposterous. The only ones who refuse to understand are you and your friend. Devils don't talk so leisurely to angels you know. Ability activate, Heat Spiral!"

This time, Jetro was ready and willing. It unleashed the same purple waves from its appendages that went dead ahead. Abis Omega and Verias moved to the side to didge, but Esther and Luke's folks were in the way of the ongoing attack.

Luke looked back, completely bewildered. "Crap-!"

The soundwaves continued to the others. They all were at a loss as they closed in too fast. Luke's folks covered up and huddled, but Esther's parents were having heads down and eyes shut as they were resigning themselves, just as the heavenly father would've wanted them to be. They all waited, but oddly enough, the attack didn't come.

When they opened their eyes, they gasped,

"Is everyone okay?"

Verias stood in front with his Heaven Solace ability, making a wall of light to protect everyone while Abis reconvened beside him. Meanwhile, Luke and Shawn met up with everybody else, checking to see if they were okay.

"Is everyone alright?" Shawn retold Verias' question, this time getting subtle nods from the officers. "Good."

Luke caught up with his folk, shocked to see them here. "Guys, how are…Mom? Dad?! What the…?!"

Claire stepped forward. "Luke, what is going on here?!" he shouted through the dissipating waves. "What are you doing?!"

Luke's brow furrowed. He recalled the last argument earlier. "What I have to do." He said, turning around towards the battle. "To make you see the picture."

Augustine didn't approve. "Luke, cease this at once! Let's talk this out."

"No!" he snapped.

"Luke! I'm telling you! Whatever this is, whatever is happening, I don't want you to-!"

"Give a damn to anybody else here and so help me I'm gonna get Abis to lash in front of you guys, ya hear me?!"

The roar he exhibited sent a wave of shock through Claire and Augustine. Both took a step back at their son's uproarious defiance. They looked back towards his Bakugan, seeing him eye them carefully before glancing at Luke. They followed his gaze towards him.

"…I know everything, about why you guys hate Bakugan. Why you don't want me around them. You guys worry about business so much that you're not adapting to change around us. You're so hung up on the past, just like Esther's folks are warped with this damn god."

"Excuse me?!" Catherine snapped. "You speaking about our loving father is-!"

"GRAAAH!" Abis sneered in front of their faces, causing them to immediately back off with shock. "Would a bastard of a god really just try to kill you? Be quiet. Go ahead, Luke."

"Thanks man." He faced his parents again. "So what if you can't accept Bakugan for who they are? I have, and now I've seen more than just this world. I've seen a lot of stuff outside this mansion I was stuck in because of your stupid mistakes."

"Luke…" Claire mumbled.

"Mom, I'm not finished!" he snapped. "Stop treating me like I'm some child. I don't have any interest in being some makeshift puppet anymore, and I most certainly don't give a damn about this family's legacy if what matters is our lives, got it?" he turned to face the battlefield. "So maybe instead of denying stuff like I did, how's about you do something I tried to do…shut up and watch. Ready guys?"

Augustine was in shock of his son's retort. He wanted to give him a scolding, but those intense eyes and tone he gave them was something else. He wanted to move towards him, but Cale stepped in front, making him glare down at the old man. He shook his head disapprovingly, making Augustine glare at the battle instead, along with Claire and the rest.

"Luke…he saved them." Esther muttered. "Even with them against it…" She looked at Atchibee, who gave Esther her own look. They both did what Luke asked and silenced themselves.

Oddly enough, when that happened, another thought processed in Esther. She remembered when Luke appeared and stood in front of her when all hope was lost back at Wayward Falls. It was making her hand grip tight to her side.

"Hmph! Refusing another's fate when Father chose it? You truly are devils." Opal exasperated.

Stepping up, Luke angrily swiped his arm. "Devil, devil, devil! All you compare anyone who makes a single sin to is a devil! Is that seriously all you care of?! Not the lives you almost killed just now?! The Father I couldn't give a damn about!"

"Ha! Preposterous!" he retorted. "My will is our Father's will. And he willed me to give these lives out for his blessings."

"Well mankind doesn't have to be so helpless you know?" Shawn retorted. "Honestly, you're even worse at this stuff than most people."

"Then how else are miracles formed? Riddle me that. If you truly believe that some miracle will happen that will help you win this fight, you're an even bigger bunch of insolence than I could pray for!"

"Suites fine by me. Better than being fools than those who have no hope." Luke said. For some reason, from the corner of his eyes, he could see Esther turning away like she was debating. He was getting through. "Shawn, let's knock this guy down a few pegs."

"Got it." Shawn presented another ability. "I'll make a distraction, and then you go for the weak point. Think you can spot it?"

"Yeah, worth a shot at least."

"Then let's do it." He faced forward. "Ability activate, Haos Drain!" Verias held his ground as his head leaned forward, firing a bright yellow beam at Jetro. His power level went up to 800.

Opal presented another ability. "Ability activate, Spark Storm!" Jetro's eyes flashed a bright purple light, one full of radiance that dispelled the attack, with the light making Verias cover up as his power was sapped.

Jetro: 200 Abis Omega: 600

Verias: 800 (-200 -200) = 400

Verias groaned as he tried to see through the light. "I…can't see!" He strained heavily, until a shadow appeared in front and held off. Looking ahead, he saw Abis holding off for him. "Abis?!"

With the light humming on him, he strained, but he persevered. "It's…okay Verias!" he glared back ahead. "This clown's got nothing on us, because we're in this!"

Opal sneered. "We'll see about that. Ability activate, Conjure Light!" The circular patterns on Jetro shined yet again, this time expanding a glow that went across the field and made the card fade away, leaving bear destroyed church ground again.

Jetro: 200 (+400) = 600 Abis Omega: 600 (-200) = 400

Verias: 400 (-200) = 200

"You seriously believe you can win?"

Shawn and Luke's own points of annoyance were getting to a brim. They looked at each other, as did their Bakugan. They nodded, and then them. They all looked ahead again, and Verias suddenly took to with a primal shout.

"Time to shut this guy up!" Shawn exclaimed. "Ability activate, Prime Mistral!"

Verias held his staff tight as he let out yet another roar. He looked ferocious as he sped in, the tip soon streaming sparkling yellow light, full of great power. Opal's eyes widened. "What the…?"

"HRAAAH!" Verias closed the gap, his body taking a massive leap as he swung his staff overhead, trailing the dainty flowing energy. "HRAAH!" With a shift but mighty shout, he smashed the stick into Jetro's head, making a yellow roaring shockwave that deafened any ears up close. Jetro sundered into the ground, making a pained screech as he ate pavement.

Jetro: 600 (-200) = 400 Abis Omega: 400

Verias: 200 (+300) = 500

Verias jumped away, his staff's light fading. As he landed, the shock of the attack caught on and Jetro staggered back up, unstable from the abrupt smash to the head. With it staggering around, Abis opened his mouth, eyes narrowing as he readied hi own battle gun packing power. A blue hemisphere gathered in this mouth, making swirling masses arise.

Luke raised his Bakumeter. "Ability activate, Aquos Cyclowave!" Abis Omega lurched his head back and closed his mouths, making shimmering radiance from inside. When he lurched back ahead, his mouth opened wide, making a small blue aura ripple as an intense blue beam streamed across the ground and roared its way into Jetro's head. The attack was so powerful that it made Jetro scream in anguish.

"Jetro!" Opal panicked.

Jetro: 400 Abis Omega: 400 (+400) = 800

Verias: 500

The impact was so powerful that Jetro lost footing and shoved backwards. The beam let up once Jetro slammed into the ground, reverting to ball form and plopping to a surprised Opal's foot.

Opal: 20%

'Amazing.' Esther marveled. 'They actually took down a Bakugan whose power level is above Rogue Zero's…but, I can't be in awe…can I?'

Both Abis and Verias returned to their partners' hands. "So then, where was God in that one?" Shawn inquired. "Wouldn't he have made you win if you depended on him that much?"

Opal tentatively picked up his Bakugan, looking annoyed, but perked a grin. "Hmph, no matter. The heavenly father is merely choosing to punish me for not making the appropriate action." He swayed. "But make no mistake. Everything that has to be done is by his hand. Denying that is…"

"Just stop." Luke said. "There's more important matters than that." He looked over, seeing Esther still in shock from those two attacks. "Esther, you see that?"

"…"

"Those two abilities wouldn't have been made if it wasn't for Shawn and I trusting our Bakugan and fighting together. Now we're trusting you. You don't have to put your trust in something that isn't in front of you. Esther…"

Esther's eyes softened as she looked at Luke tentatively. It look like her faith was beginning to arise again. And by the way Luke and Shawn seemed confident knowing her the way she is now, it made her feel even more worried.

"Esther." Atchibee mumbled.

"Looks to me that we're getting through." Shawn said. "Not bad, Luke. Guess you being philosophical is benefiting after all."

"Don't listen to any drabble these fools say, Esther!" Opal retorted. "Your Mother and Father have taught you better than to doubt the ways god entrusts you with purpose." He looked towards Catherine and Jenkins, who looked down with hands in prayers for the lord to have this battle won. He sneered again, and focused on the battle to be won. "My purpose is to guide everyone to believe in this higher power; to believe in miracles. They shall understand, unlike you."

Luke balled a fist. "Nobody tells me what my purpose is! I can decide that myself!"

"Luke…" Claire heard her son speak so boldly about all of this. She looked towards Augustine, who withheld any withdrawal from the match at hand.

"Hmph! Very well then! Gate Card, set!" Opal threw the card, making another field of purple bloom and fade. "Bakugan, brawl!" One more time, Jetro arose into battle with an alien snarl.

"Shawn." Luke said.

Shawn nodded. "Don't worry, Luke. I'm not going anywhere." He smiled. "Now let's win this for Esther!"

"For her! Bakugan, brawl!" Both he and Shawn threw in their Bakugan; both Abis and Verias arising beside one another.

"This time, we're ending this once and for all!" Abis retorted. "And nothing will keep us separated from our friends!"

Esther's eyes softened some more as she repeated something low. "…friends…"

"Luke…whatever you decide, just know this." She paused, allowing momentum to rise. "Whatever happens, as long as you've learned and taken responsibility s you have…I…I…"

"You're…?"

Esther breathed a heavy sigh. "This isn't easy for me to say, but enough sins have been committed today. Luke…I'm very proud of you."

"Esther…"

That line entered her thought stream against all odds. It was a sin to think of bliss, and especially good things when one should focus on the big picture. But remembering that of what she told someone she admired really made her think. Proud. That word rung in her head a lot, and that was the opposite of what she felt for herself. She was proud of Luke, but really, the same couldn't be said for her.

"Esther." Atchibee got her attention. "What will you do?"

Esther lowered her head, eyes shutting as she began to process what it meant to not forsake friends…just like her parents did for miracles. "Alright then. I'll stand by you, and I promise that I'll be watching you from here on." That last line she said to Luke fully clicked. Her eyes opened again, facing ahead as her fists shook from the tough sacrifice she was about to make.

Once more, they shut. 'I'm terribly sorry…but please, forgive me heavenly father for my mistakes.'

Opal seethed daggers as he went forward with his attack. "Ability activate, Heat Spiral!" Jetro scowled once again as it unleashed another round of dark purple humming soundwaves ahead.

Jetro: 600 (+400) = 1000 Abis Omega: 400

Verias: 400

Luke pulled his blue Bakumeter up, showing two abilities overlapping this time. "Double ability, activate! Dry World, plus Fusion Ability, Blue Mega!"

Abis spread his fins as a sudden cloud of mist erupted around him and Verias. The cloud grew unsettling until a shimmering icy glow resonated within. Bursting through it was a shimmering hemisphere of water with Abis in it, charging at the incoming Darkus attack and fighting it with all he had. He let out a continual roar as he slowly worked his way through, the water absorbing all the soundwaves and palpitating as it reached Jetro, exploding like a bomb upon impact and making the insectoid shriek and stammer back again.

Jetro: 1000 (-200 -100) = 700 Abis Omega: 400 (+200 +200) = 800

Verias: 400

"You impudent…!" Opal growled.

Shawn opted to smirk. "Careful, I'm pretty sure the lord doesn't appreciate your emotion. Ability activate, Simian Howl!" Verias' purple gem on his head started to glow again as he reeled his head back. He took in a deep breath and let loose yellow soundwaves that shook the air. They struck Jetro again, making it shriek in pain and anguish.

Jetro: 700 (-200) = 500 Abis Omega: 800

Verias: 400 (+200) = 600

"Alright!" Luke exclaimed.

Opal gave a meek snort as he presented another ability. "Ability activate, Rampart Sonic!" Jetro's antennae glowed a bright purple as energy ripples in font like a wall, blocking Verias' soundwaves off completely.

"So he's nullified our ability." Shawn tested.

Verias adjusted. "He may have stopped my sound…but let's try our way next!" He charged ahead, prompting the next attack.

Shanw nodded in understanding and raised his Bakumeter. "Right! Ability activate…Siba Feral!"

Verias actually got close enough to where his foot stepped on the rippling shield and jumped skywards. Opal looked up in horror as Verias did a complete somersault and hollered maniacally with his staff overhead. "Wait-!" But Verias didn't listen. He stabbed his staff down into the shield with all his might, hitting the antennae and making the shield dissipate. Verias landed and twirled his staff around, continuing a vicious round of swings and slams that knocked Jetro around like a piñata.

Jetro's power level went down to 500, and Verias' last swing skywards struck its chin, causing it to stumble backwards and falter, the ape's power jumping to 600.

Opal grunted loudly as he found himself on defense. "This can't be…!"

Luke's glare intensified. "We're sorry, but we didn't want to be so rough."

"Even with everything else being a sin, you're not wanting to see your fault." Shawn stated. "That's fine by us if you don't want to understand, but don't drag others if they don't want to."

The priest's outrage continued blooming. He just about had it. "I've had it with you mocking our miracle maker." He snarled, but it formed a smirk on his face. He began to giggle, which blossomed into a wicked and broken laughter. This same laughter left Luke and Shawn on edge. "Preposterous fools! You really think you can defy me and our beloved god? I'll show you what happens when one bites the hand of justice!" He reached out. "Gate Card, open! Transducer!" The Gate Card revealed itself, surrounding Abis and Verias in a rainbow light that starting searing them, which a light underneath Jetro was soothing and energizing.

"Aaaaaah!" Abis and Verias screamed, their bodies, suffering as it felt like their life was being sapped.

"Abis!" Luke exclaimed.

"Crap, a trap!" Shawn tested.

Opal's smirk showed his teeth. "Your cockiness in ruining miss Esther's redemption is unforgiveable. Now pay your price! Jetro, take them!"

Jetro's body was enveloped in a purple outline as its power kept rising 50 Gs with each passing second. As its power went from 500, 550, 600, 650…and so on, Abis and Verias cried out as their power was being sapped. The pain they were feeling rivaled their rapid energy drain, with their power from 800, 750, 700, and for Verias going down equally as steady. With each second, 50 Gs was taken from each and transferred to Jetro to feed its power.

As they were losing power, Esther head lowered in regret. 'I'm sorry, Luke. But this fight isn't ours to win….'

However, Luke kept fighting. "ABIS~!"

Shawn balled his fists. "Verias!"

Both Bakugan gritted their teeth as they heard their partners scream their names in battle angst. They grunted hard as their power kept sapping, but their bodies kept fighting. "Verias, we…can't…lose…!" Abis sneered.

"No, we're not…finished yet!" the ape agreed with his pal.

Mustering the strength, both Bakugan felt their wills intertwine as Luke and Shawn's glares were deeply intense behind them. Both of power levels stopped abruptly at 400, and then a blue and yellow aura enveloped them both as they hollered out for power. Their shrilled cries reverberated through the air, each of their eyes glinting their attribute colors.

As they strived for power from their wills, they both began to show their power levels not dropping. Instead, they fought it, making a climb. 400…401…402…404…408…It kept rising, and everyone had their own shock.

Opal's facial expression showed shock. "Im…possible…"

"How are they…?" Esther trailed off as shock overwhelmed her.

"Are you feeling that surge again?" Atchibee said, getting Esther's attention. "This energy, it's just like that time Luke and Abis fought back at the falls, only it's growing with their wills to fight. They're fighting the odds as we speak!"

Esther's breath hitched as she watched both Bakugan defying odds. Even with Jetro's power level at 1100, the two Bakugan were ahead of her were using every bit of power to defy the card's effects, bypassing limits to endure whatever it took alongside Luke and Shawn. When she looked at Luke again, she saw the resolve in his eyes. No matter what he wasn't letting go of her…and that's what made her eyelids drop in respect.

"What's going on?" Luke questioned.

"Not sure." Shawn said. "…but I think Verias and Abis Omega are fighting back."

Luke nodded in understanding. "Yeah…Abis, all the way!" Abis responded with a shrilled roar, continuing to take his power back.

"Verias, no giving up while we still got two feet to stand on, alright?!" Shawn enforced, and Verias hollered as he did the same.

Opal's teeth gritted angrily. "These little…!"

Atchibee turned towards Esther. "Esther…" The Darkus battler looked ahead, seeing the Luke and Shawn she knew fighting back for their lives. Even with the power of god against them, they were proving their own justice, and couple by the memories of Luke and the others, she could see the others in an image in her mind, smiling at her and welcoming her, now matter how they viewed her. And with his back turned and turning around, Luke extended a hand towards her, saying "Esther, let's do this together.'

The image in her mind went white, her mind returning to reality as she hummed.

"This is it! How dare you mock the gods in front of us! Have you no shame?!" Opal snapped. "This is a farce! I will not have you-!"

"Bakugan, brawl!" A dark sphere bypassed him, getting him to stop as the sphere popped open. "Atchibee, stand!" In a dark purple light, Darkus Atchibee arose between Jetro and the two Bakugan straining to get their energy back. The moth shrilled at the bishop and his Bakugan in defiance.

"What?" Jenkins gasped.

Catherine had a hand over her mouth, left completely without words.

"What the…?" Opal turned around to glare at Esther. Time slowed down as a lock of light brown hair passed him, the smell of defiance – and lavender – rushing away towards the other side of the battlefield.

"Esther!" Luke exclaimed. He watched as Esther reconvened with them, glaring ahead at the battle. "Are you…?"

"I'm sorry I strayed." She said. "Luke. Shawn…I owe you an apology, for doubting you all this time." She glanced over, showing Luke her one eye that wasn't covered by her bangs. "But apologies and thanks, can they wait later?"

Shawn glanced at Luke, who wanted to say something, but knew it was better to focus. He slowly grinned, soon to nod. "Sure." He smiled wide in focus. "Let's prove this guy wrong!"

"Right!" Shawn and Esther shouted together.

Atchibee floated in front of Abis Omega and Verias, covering them. "Our apologies for startling you two. I hope you can forgive us…but now we're ready for battle!" She shrieked loudly as her scythes swung in readiness.

"Lady Esther…what are you doing?!" Opal was in disbelief at what he was seeing.

"What must be done!" Esther snapped. She looked back at her folk, seething defiant looks into their own shocked eyes. "This is what I have to do now." She looked back ahead. "It's my turn to show my worth! I refuse to run from the cause any longer!" As if responding to her resolve, Atchibee slashed her own scythes, clawing at Jetro square in the face. The attack made Jetro shriek.

"How impudent! Cease this at once! The heavenly father is seeing this as a sin!"

"Then so be it! I'd rather be in Hell with those who actually care to be with me than those who watch me like a god themselves!"

"Esther…" Luke was shocked by her speech, but at the same time he was touched.

"Shawn smirked. "Yeah, there's our girl."

Opal's eyes dilated with growing shock. "You…you actually lost faith in our Father…after all these years…"

"No, Opal. You, Mother, and Father chose to lose faith in reality. The world's miracles can happen in other ways. I saw it with my own eyes! If you really believe that making friends are a sin, then it's a sin I can actually be happy with!"

"You've defied our Father! I thought we could fix you with the prayers and purity of our church!" Opal growled heavily. "But I guess the heavenly father has given up on you."

"At least those who cared never gave up on me, now it's my turn to return that favor! Atchibee!" Atchibee ascended at Esther's call. "Ability activate, Vermilion Jet Black!" Atchibee flapped her wings, creating a dark atmosphere that clouded Jetro's vision. The Bakugan was unaware as a pair of red eyes brightened and unleashed bright purple lightning that struck its abdomen, making it howl as its power level dropped to 800.

Opal sneered as he pulled another ability. "To betray the beliefs that keep man alive! Ability activate, Spark Storm!" Jetro's eyes shined a powerful illuminating light, one that began to dissipate the darkness around. Atchibee was forced to cover up as the dark light was searing into her.

"Atchibee!" Esther exclaimed.

Despite how she was feeling her power drop to 200, the Darkus moth crossed her blades to take the blunt of the attack. "We can'…lose! For the sake of our friends!" she grunted. "We can do this!"

Esther nodded. "Ability, activate! Scare Flash!" Responding in kind, Atchibee's wings expanded as she screeched out. The eyes expelled radiating dark light rays everywhere, making the entire domain rattle as the two conflicting forces of dark light battled for dominance. Neither gave in, and Atchibee and Esther yelled out as they refused to lose. Their lights shined brighter, forcing Opal to cover up.

Jetro: 1100 (-300 -200) = 600 Abis Omega: 4-/Verias: 4-/Atchibee: 200 (+200 +200) = 600

Opal tried to uncover, but the light was so bright. "Lord…what are you…!" He saw through the light, hearing a cry from his bakugan as Atchibee swung one of her blades. He gasped in shock.

"This is far enough for you!" Atchibee roared.

"Atchibee!" Esther shouted. The rest fell silent as they watched her rebel.

Atchibee floated in the middle, the light gone but her spirit glowing bright. "I certainly condone with the need of closure. I find it needed in certain times of peril. But you…!" She slashed again, making a streak follow. "Are cowards!" Without relenting, she kept slashing at Jetro, unwilling to give an edge. "To get to your knees and pray when you know your home and the ones you care for are at stake! In what way is that a miracle! I've learned a lot with my time with my peers, and no matter how little of strength you have, if it's not what you have…" She slashed down, making Jetro lurch in pain. "Then let others share it with you! Including your own! HRAH!" She swung her tail around, striking Jetro hard across the face and sundering it towards the ground. Around Atchibee, a dark aura enveloped her body. "I fight for the sake of not my own safety, but for Esther and the others who are willing to make that choice with me! And together, even if we're weak to you, then see us together!" She raised her head high, shrilling another powerful bellow all around.

"Atchibee…" Esther could feel her own Bakugan's resolve. 'You as well.' She looked down at her Bakumeter, seeing something that surprised her. Atchibee's own power level was slowly rising, much to her disbelief.

Jetro struggled to get up after so many slashes and strikes to head. But Opal wasn't caring. "Get up! You're representing the power of our holy lord! To be taking blunders like that is a sin…!" he gasped as something caught his gravely attention.

Everyone else in the room saw it as well. All eyes were on Abis Omega, Verias, and Atchibee as they stood beside one another, their attribute auras enveloping themselves. The results showed their power.

Jetro: 600 Abis Omega: 450/Verias: 450/Atchibee: 650

"But…that's not possible…" Opal despaired, nervous sweat on his face.

"Abis Omega…" Luke looked at his pal in shock, but he was taking it moderately well.

The serpent glanced back. "I can feel it, you can feel it, right?" He glared ahead. "Let's finish this…" As his aura flared, his body tensed up to sustain the power slowly building.

Verias and Atchibee also had their auras shimmer brighter. As all three had power exceeding, their Bakumeters shined with holographic cards. They all looked at them with shock.

"This is…"

Esther didn't say anything. She looked at her ability in awe.

"Abis…" Luke looked up at Abis again, the serpent nodding. He nodded back. "Okay…let's do this! Ability, activate!" He raised the arm up, readying for the attack as Abis roared. "Abyssal Deluge!"

Abis raised his head high and shrieked frighteningly. Beneath him a swirling mass of water began to spread and spin, like a flattened cyclone across the battlefield.

"What the-?!" Opal looked down in shock, water at his feet. "This is impure water! What is happening!"

Jetro was having trouble keeping its balance when the field of water began to vibrate, making waves arouse everywhere. The shuddering of controlled water resonated from Abis Omega, who gave one more roar before a water geyser expelled, bursting through part of the Gate Card reflecting beneath. Another geyser burst in another part, Then another. Each burst only lasted a few seconds, but it built up until the Gate Card shattered. Jetro wasn't lucky as a pillar of water shut up beneath, enveloping it with a shriek.

"NO!" Opal shrieked. "My Gate Card is nullified!"

Abis let out one more shriek as his power level increased from 450 to 750. He backed of as Verias stepped forward. "Shawn!"

Shawn nodded. "Now! Ability, activate! Solar Volt!"

Verias raised his staff high, letting out a cry to the heavens. Much like Heaven Solace would, a radiating light came down around him, but this time around his allies as well. All their bodies flashed yellow as their strengths arose higher.

Jetro: 600 Abis Omega: 750 (+300) = 1050/Verias: 450 (+300) = 750/Atchibee: 650 (+300) = 950

"Inconceivable." Jenkins watched the heavenly light grant power to the Bakugan defying their priest. "What is…the heavenly father doing?"

Seeing the light as a mistake, Catherine put her hands together and prayed. "Dear lord, please, give us strength to know what you are doing?" Unfortunately for her the answer wasn't the kind one.

Opal was stepping back, disbelief on the rise as he saw the three Bakugan were slowly gaining up on his one Bakugan. He thought with the power of religion on his side he could win, but as a nervous sweat sent shivers down his spine, he was looking at the three as though they were devils. "No…stay away…"

Esther had a blank look as she slowly raised her Bakumeter last. Her face was stone cold, but unlike her emotionless ways, she had a fire dee inside. "This fire I feel, is not by god!" The card glowed bright. "It's by the embers of which my friends give to me. This is their will to forego heaven for their sins! And from here on…I will be my own judge of actions." Her eyes hut, allowing tension to rise for her final attack. Once ready they opened again. "This is for the fate of us all. Ability, activate! Darkus Slave!" Atchibee let out a cry as she hovered above, her eyes instead glowing bright purple as volleys of dark discs shot from them. They dared not let up as they zipped across the ground like machine guns and shook the place. They reached Jetro, causing tremendous explosions as they continued bombarding the Bakugan to no end. Stray volleys shot past Opal as he covered up, some embedding in the ground and hitting the wall behind him.

Jetro: 600 (-400) = 200 Abis Omega: 1050/Verias: 750/Atchibee: 950

"NOOO~!" Opal shrieked. Jetro was having no prayer as Atchibee unleashed all her strength to pelt and bombard the insectoid with all her might. After one big volley was launched, they closed in, creating a bright purple explosion enveloping Jetro. The Bakugan shot back, sent flying over Opal and crashed into the statue, destroying it entirely. The Bakugan gagged in pain as it began to fall forward, its ball form swirling into one piece, but instead flew over Opal's head and into Esther's, who caught it with no effort. The priest despaired as his life gauge fell to 0%.

"Alright, that should do it." Shawn smiled.

"Yeah." Luke looked at him approvingly, but he also looked at Esther, who softly smiled in return of his own.

Opal sunk to his knees, grimacing over his loss. "How could this have happened? Heavenly father…why have you done this to me…?"

As he despaired, the broken statue overhead began to crack. The head began to pluck off, slowly falling down towards Opal.

"Hey, look out!" Luke reached out in warning.

Opal looked up as he was the one who was about to be crushed. However, unlike Esther who flinched, his despair outweighed his will. He closed his eyes to accept his fate, but a harsh yank plucked him from certain doom.

"Ow! What the…?!" He looked up, noticing that he was clutched by pincers belonging to the tail end of Atchibee. The Darkus Bakugan looked down, giving no audible reply. His shock served to widened as his eyes. "You…"

Before anything else could be said, the whole cathedral began to quake.

"H-Hey! What's happening?!" Claire shrieked.

"This isn't good! The battle has caused too much structural damage." Cale warned. "The whole place is going down!"

"Then we have to get out of here!" Augustine ordered. "Everyone out the door, now!" Everyone did as told as pieces of the ceiling began to fall apart. The officers all escaped, while a piece of rock crushed chairs nearby. "C'mon!"

Jenkins had his head down, shock overwhelming him. "This can't be…" He balled his fists tight, his delusions getting the best of him. "We prayed for a victory…we prayed for God to prove his loyalty, our loyalty…we…we must ask him…" He opt to pray, but Augustine yanked him away. "What are you doing?!"

"We're leaving!"

"Unhand me you damned fool! Everything is happening because of God's anger! We must-!"

He was stopped when a smack across his face got him to stop. He looked away as a pink mark fell on his cheek as Augustine held him by the collar. "Are leaving. Now."

With no words of response, the distraught man stared coldly as Augustine grabbed him and pulled him out. Claire guided Catherine as Luke, Shawn, Esther, and Atchibee with Opal in her grasp made an exit as the statue crumbled with the cathedral behind them.

All that could be seen when Esther turned around…were falling rocks, burying the place that made her a mental slave for years put to rest.

---

The next few hours were all fairly complicated, so much that nobody could wrap their head around any of the pieces. Authorities tried to get inside scoops on the whole problem, and when it came down, Luke and Shawn were confined to Shawn's shabby apartment for a whole day until the heat does down. Both sat on small wooden seats at Shawn's dinner table. It wasn't the worst but it was something they got used to.

With both trying to bide time and rest up after their surge, they suddenly heard a small knock at the door. "Luke? Shawn? Is anybody home?" a familiar voice called from the other side.

"That voice…" Luke muttered.

"I'll get it." Shawn got up and opened the door. Luke followed behind. The two met up and saw that on the other side, Esther, along with Claire and Augustine, were present.

"Esther! Mom? Dad?" Luke gasped.

Esther hung her head down, looking too embarrassed to look him in the eye. "L-Luke…"

"Well, this is a surprise." Shawn remarked, eying the company. "This is the first time I get so many visitors before." Despite being so leisure, he wasn't about to drop his guard. "So what do you want?"

"Well…" Before Esther could finish, Claire stepped forward.

"Listen, boys. Please, hear us out…"

---

After a prolonged explanation, Shawn put a hand to his chin. "Okay, I think I get it." He turned towards Esther. "So that's how it is then?"

Esther nodded. "Yes. Mother, Father, and Opal are in custody, and charged with malpractice, amongst other proven accusations."

"And…you're okay with that?" Luke awkwardly asked.

She answered with a confident nod. "I am. I handed Jetro over to authorities as well. The cathedral is in ruins, but we weren't charged with anything for it." She smiled. "We were lucky."

A smile appeared on Luke. "How's that for a miracle?"

Esther meekly chuckled at Luke's own choice of words. "Yes, it most certainly is…" A small silence fell with the entire group, one soon turning awkward. With that out of the way, she opted to move along. "Luke…Shawn…"

The two shot her a brow. "Yeah…?"

"I'm…sorry for leaving you both worried like that. I shouldn't have been so apprehensive at first." A shameful look crossed her face. "It's just, there were expectations met with my family…and they…"

"Hey, don't get started on that again, okay?" Shawn cut her off.

"But…I…"

"It's fine. Really." Luke answered. "There's nothing to apologize for. You helped me out so many times before, and…really I was a jerk all those times." He gave a resolute look. "So this is something I owed you. I didn't know better, so, I just hope we can keep to our promise…"

"Luke…" Esther felt morally touched by Luke's words, a small pink blush on her cheeks showing. She began to grow bashful as a soft smile grew on her face. 'He's becoming more mature with the situation than I thought.' "…it's fine. You were the one who brought me back into the light. There's no point in relying on anyone who isn't there for you if they don't mean it."

"B-but I…"

"And that's why I believe every word you both say. Luke…you really are a true friend. Or rather, you're trying…and I can honestly say on behalf of Shawn and I that we're proud of you pulling us back on our feet. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart." She smiled in sincerity. "You're maturing so much it's scaring me."

Shawn chuckled. "Yeah, guess that makes two of us!" he laughed.

Luke sheepishly looked away. "Well, I…I'm trying!" he snapped.

"We know." Esther answered. "And we'll be there to help you. Always."

Shawn calmed down and grinned. "Hey, don't go hogging my shtick now. If you want to flirt with Luke that badly, get a room." He teased.

Esther's cheeks blushed harder in shock. "S-Shawn!"

"What the heck man?!" Luke angrily shouted, much to Shawn's amusement. Seeing as how he was messing with them, Luke cooled down and sighed.

"Luke." Claire's turn to talk had finally come. The mother and father stepped forwards as Esther sidestepped. It was time to face their son, and Abis Omega popped onto his shoulder to give a glare.

"Mom…Dad…" Luke stared back at his parents, giving defiant eyes of warning. Even after everything there was no guarantee he'll go home knowing they'll deny everything.

Augustine gave his son a modest sigh. "Luke…your mother and I, we have been talking about this for a while, and…" He tried to come out and say it, but it seemed to be hurting him. Claire bumped his arm, giving him a look meaning to say 'say it'. Reluctantly, but sincerely, he frowned. "We've been thinking, and we owe you an apology."

"Well I'm not apolo…wait…" Luke's retort back was stammering as he caught onto his parents' words. He blinked in shock. "What? You mean you're apologizing? But…why?"

Augustine faced his son. "We weren't…" Claire shot him a glare. He corrected himself. "…I wasn't thinking properly. There wasn't a lot of what you said that I couldn't believe. It sounded like a twisted dream that my son would have."

Luke's brow furrowed. "Father…"

He looked at Abis Omega. "But…when we saw how you fought for your friend over here, it made us realize how unfair we were being to you. We were only caring about business that…"

"We weren't doing proper with ourselves." Claire continued. "We understand if you still feel ire, but we didn't think Bakugan was a good thing. This change just didn't seem to go away after that."

"So you ought to condemn us." Abis growled. "That's a low blow. I can see where Luke got his stupidity from."

"Abis!" Luke sniped.

"No, he's right." Augustine interjected. "We weren't considering your feelings or what you wanted to do. We thought that not having Bakugan would help us in our industry…" a sad frown formed on his face. "But after seeing what you've done, how you've changed…we realized what we were doing is wrong."

Shawn cocked his head. "Takes more than a few good hits to the head to make someone realize change is inevitable, don't you think?"

Claire nodded solemnly. "Shawn, you were Luke's only closure. We weren't being parents at all if we didn't see the things Luke can do…my baby really has grown up."

"Mom…"

"So Luke…is it true? About Riaan's identity?"

A strong silence fell in the atmosphere. Luke looked towards the others and nodded at him. He faced his family and nodded sadly. "…yeah. It's true. Everything I said, it was all real. That's how I met Esther, and Abis Omega here. Mom. Dad. We really are in danger." His brow furrowed, seeing his parents worried expressions. "…and don't try to stop me. We have to do something, no matter what. This is more than personal now."

"Right!" Esther and Shawn shouted in unison.

The parents looked to be contemplating hard. They looked at their son, seeing how resolute he was. Augustine gave one more sighed. "And you don't want the company?" he asked.

Luke's brow furrowed. "No. I'm sorry."

After a long silence, both parents gave each other another look, and finally Augustine gave his son a serious look. "…okay."

"Okay?" Luke repeated.

Claire nodded. "If that's what our child needs to be happy, then it's for the best. We've made the mistake of not being there before, I'd rather want to keep my baby safe…but you have others that are watching your back better than what we could." She shot a look at Abis Omega. "You, Bakugan."

"What is it?" he retorted.

She bowed her head with Augustine. "Please, look after our boy. He can be impulsive, and he's not a good thinker all the way through. We hope you can cope with that."

A bead of sweat dropped from Abis' face as Luke scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Trust me, I've seen plenty of that. He and I are looking at one another, no doubt. Right…partner?"

Luke smiled and nodded. "Yeah."

Augustine saw this and approved. "Then we'll be supporting you now as well. I'll find someone else who wants my ambition."

Claire smiled. "Now then, I think it's time we all come back to our home, don't you think?"

Esther graciously bowed. "If you'll allow us." She turned towards Luke. "Will that be okay with you?"

Luke nodded. "Sure! I'd like that!" He turned towards Shawn, and at Verias, then Abis, and Esther. They all looked happy, just as friends should be. "Alright then…let's go home!"

---

In the extreme Interacian lab, hidden from all the world, a massive energy surge was borderline blinding behind a wall of rainbow light. Days of hard work was finally paying off as the formation was coming to fruition, and many of the staff were apparent in their studies.

"Stabilization, 100%!"

"Structural integrity, output at 100%"

"Core stabilized at full capacity. Energy output at massive occupancy and over!"

"Barrier force weakening to 55%."

On the observatory above, all of Hades Pillars were present and holding on sunglasses to avoid direct radiation to their eyes from the lightshow. Energy was creating static around the barrier, the strongest of its kind that made a shiver run down their spines. Even Cyrus' eyes were wide beneath the glasses.

"…it's almost complete." He muttered.

Galilea nodded. "Yes. Sir Riaan's project is ready."

Amina rolled her eyes nonchalantly. "Hmph, about time. Standing here for hours with these ridiculous things on isn't good for my complexion."

"You've only stood for 10 minutes." Lucia nonchalantly spoke.

Amina shot her a grizzly eye. "Excuse~ me, Miss Wannabe Fortuneteller?! Who summoned me again to this, when I can just be in a nice bubble bath?"

Lucia closed her eyes and remained calm. "This is for the sake of Lord Riaan. Do refrain from any childish fits you may have."

Amina shuddered. "You…"

"Ladies, that's enough." Zion said, getting both to turn away with a huff. He sighed heavily in annoyance. "Someone just shoot me."

"Aye yo man, careful what you wish for." Magnus joked. Zion mused his own chuckle by the fellow aged Subterra battler.

Cyrus advanced close towards the windowsill, getting a view of Riaan just several meters below, the one thing separating them being a thin rainbow wave that was resonating from the core ahead. He watched Riaan grow excited yet remained passively calm as he watched Project Armagedoid falls to its next phase. Now all he and the others had to do was watch.

Behind the wall of light, the one thing visible was the star-shaped energy core still in the center. Once Riaan saw that every single monitor in the room had full charts and everything stabilized, he knew it was his time. "Then…Project Armagedoid…may it now fall into its own hands." He held up his hand, presenting another ability card, but unlike the others, this one was different. It had a rainbow filament to it, and on the side it didn't have an attribute, rather instead withheld a magenta core in the shape of a star. "With the power of Cesar's forbidden cards, I can now channel my very essence, and give you what you rightfully deserve. Before we begin…" he clutched the card, making it shine a rainbow color everywhere. "I want to say I'm sorry. You may not understand, and no matter which side you choose, you have my sincerest faults and sympathies. But I swear, in the name of Riaan and Code Eve…" he started walking ahead towards the light. "I will support you. That…is loyalty."

He stopped when he was directly in front of the barrier. The glass-like material was vibrating like it was an earthquake. Anything audible would've been broken and deafened. That's why the employees were holding onto headphones to weaken the vibrations. Being just a bodily entity, Riaan had no trouble, and he looked up at the core and watched it radiate a shine. He looked back down, and finally he clutched the card tight. He knew what had to be done. He placed it on the large gray podium in front of the glass, despite how it was beginning to break. The sonar-like light began to process it, and a net of energy traveled like a virus from the bottom of the pod.

The resonating rainbow light suddenly started to shine brighter than before, making a powerful humming that started to growl. The figure inside wasn't seen, but as Riaan's own energy was being processed, threads began to mold the energy together.

"Grrrr…gnnnngh…"

Amina's ears twitched. "Did…anybody ear that?"

"Probably just your own ego talking to ya." Lucia said flatly.

Amina gawked at her with a mouth of an 'O' and flushed cheeks. "Excuse me?!"

Zion's brow furrowed. "No, I heard that too…this energy…this voice…"

Cyrus remained silent as he awed at this massive overload of energy. He wasn't normally one to get goosebumps when frightened, but for someone like him, he was feeling an unnerving emotion: Fear. "This power…has Sir Riaan, actually…"

The room vibrated harshly, parts of the walls cracking up as much more were erupting rainbow cracks. The energy pouring out everywhere was making the alarms go off as the room's red sirens beeped.

"WARNING: ENERGY OVERLOAD. WARNING: ENERGY OVERLOAD. SURGE IMINENT." A voice called from all around. Many employees were scrambling as the light shined even through their monitors and keyboards. It felt like fore as they tried to get out.

As they all panicked and scrambled, Riaan glared up at the rainbow light flowing. The surge inside the glass dome started to compress the light, creating a shrinking core, which levitated over the ground inside. Still, as the rainbow light coursed, the main thing apparent was the star-like core on the front.

"Grrrr...GRRRRR!"

Riaan spread his arms out. "FORGIVE ME~!"

"KREEAAAAAAHHH!"

The rainbow light suddenly turned black and white for a second, hardening as the hue of the room went black. Riaan went wide-eyed as the light roared and expelled into a shockwave of pure white that quickly destroyed the barrier and swallowed up the room. Hades Pillars quickly teleported away as their observatory was swallowed up in the light. The shockwaves ran through everything around the palace that overlooked the city. An unknown shockwave pulsated everywhere, traveling over the land as a rainbow ripple followed below. It quickly enveloped all of Interacia in a rainbow shockwave.

Many across the land were in question of what went beneath their feet, but others were caught off guard as any weak wild Bakugan suddenly were enveloped in rainbow light and hollered one last time before disintegrating into dust. The rocky upper world shuddered again, weakening its surface tension more to have many parts sunder onto bare lands.

…

Traveling across dimensions, this same faint rainbow ripple expelled outwards, carrying with it a weak cry. This cry was picked up oddly by another light hiding, a small hitch coming from it. 'That sound…'

In another part of the universe, the small echo caught a Bakugan's ears as he turned in ball form. "Huh?"

"What is it?" his partner asked. In his ears, this faint but distant cry echoed overhead. It left him unsound. "What…is this voice. Drago…?"

The Bakugan glared ahead with deep wonder. "I don't know, Dan…but I feel something…just went horribly wrong."

…

The distorted flash soon ceased to exist. As it faded, it showed that the entire lab was nothing but vaporized matter. The floor was in one piece, but the equipment was scattered all over. The crew in the ground and observatory levels…weren't so lucky. Not one was seen. Far away behind a trail that shot him away, Riaan used his cape to cover as he groaned. He stirred back up in surprising pain as Hades Pillars teleported into the same room once the dust settled.

"Sir Riaan…!" Lucia reached out to him, but she was caught stiff as something in front caught her attention.

Magnus was without words. "Hot damn…"

Nobody could say anything. What could they say? They all fell silent as Riaan stirred back up, but when he looked ahead, even he was caught by sheer surprise. His mouth was sealed shut as he stood up, facing the massive thing that stood far away.

The flash of light was but a cocoon of rainbow static. It floated over the ground, making no movements as it resonated an extreme force.

"What…is that?" Amina questioned.

Cyrus' eyelids partially closed. From the looks of things, he knew the answer to that. "I think it's obvious what it is…" He glanced at Riaan. "Project Armagedoid's product."

Riaan glared ahead, choosing to say nothing as the static discharging began to simmer. It soon revealed showed a dark silhouette inside, which looked like a cocoon-like prism. The black, jagged thing floated within the dissipating energy like an infant. It had a silver star-like gem on a separate black piece, with silver folded horns it seemed. Amongst this, Riaan's eyes narrowed. "…he's here."

The prism's edging shined purple a second before dissipating. Slowly, the prism began to separate, like an uncurling spider of sorts. The enormous prism outside turned out to be folded-in black panel wings that made up four panels. The second panels were dented in to fit with the headpiece, all the way down the column to the bottom ones, which were the smallest. The inside paneling had dark pink rectangles. As they unfolded, the true body revealed itself. It slowly uncurled, showing it to be a humanoid draconic Bakugan. It had a slender black mask with two sharp protrusions at the back. It had purple underjaw and slender neck with two black lines with teeth-like indents pointing down. At the base of the neck was a pink accent that went around the back of the neck to two sharp ends curving down. At the chest and upper body area, it was a large black curved armor-like exterior with two pink fangs facing the neck ones. In the dead center of the clack round chest, there lied a pink star, shaped core, with a tiny magenta core like a jewel. The midriff was pink that went to the lower body below the pelvis area. The lower body was primarily purple on the underside, with the legs having curved black armor with two silver rhombuses at the knees. The three-clawed feet had one back claw and was all black. The tail had dark undersides as well with curved black in its top that surged all the way to the tail, which ended in a silver star shape. The shoulder armor was black and was oddly shaped like a sun on each one with four spokes. Surprising enough, the purple arms were thing with pink joints, leading to surprisingly large black claws.

They all watched as the next piece to unfold was the headpiece. Attached to the head was a large odd piece shaped like a rhombus. A silver star atop which stayed put, while the lagged silver side folded outwards, making the rhombus look more like a pine tree shape. The solid magenta eyes of the Bakugan opened, showing no iris nor pupil. The creature unfolded and stretched, letting loose a bloodcurdling roar as its feet made hold on the ground.

Galilea was at a loss for words. "It's…it's…"

"Alive." Zion muttered.

The creature lowered its head, its breath expelling from its newly formed lungs. When it looked up, it searched around in confusion. It sniffed the air of wonder, and looked down at its palms, turning them over. When it looked down to its chest, it tilted its head in wonder at the core it had.

Magnus furrowed its brow. "What the hell…?"

The creature looked at its wings, seeing their bizarre shape. "…what…is this…?" He felt something move behind him. He looked at the tail he had as it laid on the ground. "What…is this me…?" He looked down at the form he had again, scanning it in wonder. "What am I…who am I…" He raised his head towards the ceiling. "What is this I breathe…it's coming in and out. What is this place? Where…what…?"

Riaan saw the newly created Bakugan starting worry. Calmly, he frowned as he slowly made the gap shorten.

Zion opted to follow, but Cyrus cut him off. "No, wait." He ordered. "Not just yet." His eyes narrowed. "I wonder myself…"

Riaan advanced a little more until his presence was noticed. The creature heard the sound and saw a single figment much smaller than it come up, while six others remained behind. The figure stopped a very long distance away, remaining safe, but the Bakugan didn't feel the same. He lowered his neck and head, glaring daggers at the one who created him.

Remaining calm and in place, Riaan raised his head, greeting the creature. "Hello, and I welcome you…Darkus Armagedoid."

---

It's been a short while, but I do apologize. This chapter is MUCH longer than I wanted it to be. Almost 10K longer, and everything essential I rather not redo. So this is the end result. I do hope you forgive me with the long chapter and the intro to the Homecoming Arc. So now you know Luke's family, and of Esther's religious background. And in a sense, they're both similar to how they're raised. Also, now Abis Omega, Verias, and Atchibee all have base power levels of 450 Gs. How's that for evolving?

Elsewhere, if you are wondering about Armagedoid and what he looks like, I made a picture of him on my Deviantart. Name in profile, can't miss it. He looks epic, I swear.

So anyways guys, for those who follow my other story, I wanna do 3 consecutive chapters there, so I'm doing 3 consecutive chapters here first, meaning 2 more updates will be coming shortly. It's gonna be long chapters, mainly because I gotta cover Armagedoid and Riaan's history, and the other members of Luke's group, all that stuff.

Anyways, reviews appreciated, and thanks for reading another chapter! :)