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.

26. On the Road Again

"Mother…?" Armagedoid was warped in his own little world, literally. He floated in mindless space as he was face to face with the glistening radiance that signified the other part of his life, the piece that wasn't there before – Code Eve.

The light twinkled. "I see, so this is where I detected the energy." She shifted colors to a more toned change. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of you, young Bakugan?"

Armagedoid was speechless. He didn't know what words he could say. What could he say? A minute ago he was looking at vague images of other worlds, and now here he was, at the mercy of the one who created Bakugan. If he didn't know the meaning of adrenaline, he most certainly did now. 'My heart is racing. My entire system is getting cold…is this what it means to be nervous?' he pondered.

Code Eve noticed this and opted to confirm her beliefs. "You can relax, child. I am not here to hurt you. I am merely using an energy resonance to communicate."

"O-okay!"

Code Eve chuckled. "Now then, I'm quite curious. Who might you be? Do you have a name you are referred to?"

'My name…' Armagedoid eased. 'Yes…I do have a name. A name that I was given by my creator and father.' His confidence rising, he faced Code Eve. "I am Darkus Armagedoid." He proudly announced.

"Armagedoid. I see. Why, a pleasure it is to meet you…" she trailed off as she tried to analyze what it was that was Armagedoid's qualities. It piqued her to no end.

"Sorry, is something wrong?" Armagedoid asked, breaking the silence after so long.

"My apologies. I couldn't help but detect something. You seem rather…different than from what I feel from the other Bakugan. Why, it makes you so wondrous? Are you aware of this energy, young one?"

Armagedoid looked down at his core, which was the magenta star on his chest. He gazed down at its illuminating vibe and saw phonons inside. "…yes, I have been told before."

"This energy I feel…it holds a very strong force inside. Such power…young one, tell me, where were you born, I'm curious?"

"I was born on Interacia." He answered.

"Interacia…how interesting." Code Eve couldn't lie if asked what there was to know or feel about all this. She felt a bizarre force reminiscent of her own dwelling inside Armagedoid, and to make it more awkward, she never heard of Interacia. So many planet names she remembered. She thought she missed one or two, but then again, only so many planets spawned Bakugan. And she would know, she created them. "Do you know where this Interacia is, exactly?"

"Nngh…no?" he whimpered. "In…space?"

Code Eve lightly snickered. "Well, you're not wrong."

"…Mother." Armagedoid approached. "There's so much that I want to ask you." He started. "Are you a Bakugan too? O-or are you some kind of other life form I heard before? Or…?"

"Relax, child. I shall weave your woes. For one question, no. Not necessarily. I…am afraid even I do not uphold such a species. I am just another life form created by the cosmos."

"Okay…" he replied. 'Just like Father said.' "…Mother? Why were Bakugan created? Why was I created you think?"

"Please, allow me to explain, Armagedoid." The background around them transformed, becoming a shimmer light that Armagedoid was surprisingly not blinded from. When he looked down, he saw two shadows in fetal positions that slowly eroded wings. "Now then, I shall begin to tell you as to how you came to pass. In the beginning, I was a life form, and in the ancient eras, there were two dragons that spawned from my life force. One that was fire, and one of darkness." The figures Armagedoid saw began to show detailed dragonoids, one looking like a humanoid dragon in armor, and another that was bigger and had mouths on his shoulders. Both looked powerful that it made Armagedoid speechless. "Dragonoid and Dharaknoid, these two were the first ever Bakugan, your very ancestors."

"My…ancestors."

"Their DNA was comprised of the genetics from the ultimate organism, of whom I have encountered. It was due to this, that their powers grew spontaneous, and thus, the creation of new worlds were made."

Armagedoid's eyes widened. "New worlds?!"

"Correct." She then changed the projections to reveal twinkling magenta stars in another dimension, where one planet was. "The dimension where Dragonoid resided and created, it is now one world, hence known as New Vestroia, the homeland of Bakugan and all primary breeds. As to where secondary breeding resided, the origins lie within Dharaknoid's home worlds, two worlds. Neathia and Gundalia." She changed the picture again, showing two planets; one of Earth-like qualities, while another looked like a crusty brown moon with holes in it. "Those three worlds, thus created their own origins and their own legends, and as such, the original two have blended into ill-existence."

Armagedoid's magenta eyes glared at the many planets. "Their own origins…" His mind flashed back to all the stuff Riaan said about his own origin, and how he was forsaken. Immediately, he rose up. "Mother!"

"Yes?"

"Tell me…do their origins all come from one?"

"I'm afraid all their origins are too spread thin. Why do you ask?"

Armagedoid raised his head. "Because…do they really know of the origins?"

"What is it you are saying?" She tried to read his formidable energy again. The tension she felt from before only served to climb. 'No, he couldn't possibly be. But this energy, it…it feels like…'

"Does anybody know…of Father? Riaan?"

Immediately all the light faded. The images receded, and Code Eve went blank. She finally realized the pieces that fell into place and felt even more unnerving. "…oh dear."

Armagedoid backed off. "What is it, Mother? What's wrong?"

"So then…I was right all along. This energy…it was his doing." Code Eve's light began to dim. "Young one, you…"

"Mother…"

"You…are a product of Riaan's ambition. He did this! What has Riaan done now?"

"Mother!" The dimension began to distort. "Wait, Mother!"

"…I'm sorry, young one." Code Eve gave off one powerful light, one that closed in on Armagedoid.

He reached out towards the light. "NO, MOTHER~!" As the light breached, Armagedoid's eyes flashed wide open. He gasped loudly as he looked around again. He was back on the balcony where he overlooked Interacia. Beads of sweat were on his face as he turned anxiously everywhere. "Mother? Mother?!" He tried looking, but he had no such luck. He couldn't sense her anywhere. "Mother…" He turned in another direction, despondence growing to shock as he saw Riaan behind, looking surprised. "Father."

Surprised, Riaan approached. "Armagedoid, what's wrong? Did you see something?"

The Bakugan looked out towards the sky, waning his shock away as sunlight beamed down on his face. "…Mother."

---

"This is live broadcast, brought to you by the International Weather Meteorologists." An announcer spoke onscreen. "Records continue in showing significant changes in climate and atmosphere. In the countries of the United States, abnormal precipitation floods the Arizona drylands for 72 hours straight. Records continue to break across the Canadian border as humidity levels reach all the way up the Quebec, causing lush forests to drastically loose water. In the recent reports coming in, continual climate changes shown with snowfall within the Egyptian deserts. Animals adept are beginning to show behavioral changes as…"

As the report on the large television screen went on, the pictures taken by photographers were showing disasters and abnormal weather. Once flourishing meadows were buried by snow. Lush forests were being dried up. Carcasses of animals were shown with the predators laying down beside them, dead from infected bacteria. In the Revolutia estate, the gang and Luke's parents were all gathered in the guest bedroom, where Luke and the others watched from couches.

Shawn glared at the screen. "There's even more than before."

"Yes, and I'm afraid that it's only going to continue to grow unless we do something." Esther deduced. "There isn't any predictions on when these weather disasters will strike next."

Maggie shuddered in her seat. "Well if anything, let's hope it's not a big wave. I didn't pack a bathing suit."

Esther sighed somberly. "…I don't think it's like that, Maggie."

"But we can't rule out any possibilities either." Atchibee testified.

"I'm afraid time is of the essence. We have to make our next move as soon as now." Atmos said.

Luke looked down at his balled fists laying on his lap. He looked heavily contemplative. He was admittedly quiet for a while now, which was rather unusual to everyone there. But judging by the look on his face, he was in critical thinking. It was only by Jase continuing to tap in his Bakumeter that he chose to digress. "Jase, what's that?"

"Yeah, what's up?" Shuji inquired.

Stopping from button pushing, Jase's Bakumeter showed a holographic projection of what looked like layers of the Earth on the screen. "I was conducting some studies that were gathered during my time in the B.I.F. With all of these reports, I have begun piecing a graphical chart based on Riaan's influence on our planetary system."

Luke's eyes widened. "You…did all that?"

Jase smirked as he prodded his glasses up. "Would you believe me if I borrowed some files from the B.I.F and configured the energy readings of Interacia?"

Luke felt a bead of sweat run down his face. "Well, I…eh…" With all do respect, he ultimately resigned to sulking. He just didn't know better.

Maggie peered over Jase's shoulder, looking at the screen. "Hm? Hey, Jase, what's with that red stuff in the center?" she pointed at the small magenta dot on the planet's core. It was vaguely small, taking up 1/10 of the whole thing.

"That is what I have been experimenting on for the past two days now." He answered. "Now then…" he pressed another button, making the screen vanish. In another second, it turned towards the TV they were all watching. There, everyone could see the big picture. "I was able to discern Riaan's energy signatures on Interacia and configure them with our geographical structure. As you can see, that 'red stuff', Maggie, is his essence. In other words, his infection on our world."

Luke's brow furrowed as displeasure arose. "It looks bad."

"A bit on the nose, but yes. Now these are the predictions that I have yet to make." Jase pressed a button, making the screen show it suddenly growing. Another button, making it expand further. Again, and again, and again, until finally it was halfway over the core. "That is the result of what will happen in one month's time. About half of our resources will be dried up, and copied onto Interacia. In other words, we have two months, or we all could possibly die."

Maggie gasped.

"Two months? Is that really all we have?" Shawn inquired.

Jase frowned. "It's as accurate as one could get, I assure you. This is what we're limited to now."

"Damnit." Shuji grunted. "We're just sitting ducks right now. Just what are we doing?"

"Easy, pal." Fly Beetle said. "Gotta take this one step at a time. We got a plan?"

Shuji looked down in silence. Apparently not in his case. "…no." he groaned. "But we don't even know where to start."

"Yeah, we're just walking in dark now." Jelldon said before shivering. "And I really don't like the dark."

Luke looked off to the side, grunting. "We can't let Master Riaan get away with this. Even if he…" he shook his head, trying stir himself from digressing. "No! There isn't time to think back on him now. We gotta find a way to stop his powers for good."

"Agreed." Abis Omega agreed. "And maybe…New Vestroia is in the same boat as well."

Verias popped open. "One can only imagine. And with those machines we interfered, New Vestroia might be at greater risk then."

Esther looked down in shame. "This is a problem…"

They all were looking more than worried after learning all these revelations. Shuji looked down, his own face scrunching in annoyance. "Man, this bites. First New Vestroia, then our own turf…these stupid Interacians are making me made I just wanna…" He wanted to punch the glass coffee table in the center, but he knew better. He balled his fists tighter in annoyance. "We need a strategy." He glanced to everybody else. "Jase, you know anybody who can help us?"

Jase prodded his glasses up. "Personally, no. However, I did choose to take a step ahead just in case."

"What's that mean…?" Luke's inquiry was answered when Jase's Bakumeter was ringing. Everyone turned as the screen on the TV returned to normal while Jase looked at his Bakumeter, which had a message encrypted onto it.

Jase looked down at the message he was seeing on his Bakumeter. Atmos peered over. With both looking, Jase showed no facial change, as expected.

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

He looked back up. "My apologies. Forgive me for what I am about to say, but given our current situation, I felt perhaps it would be wise to reach out to experts available."

"'Experts'? Like who?" Maggie asked.

Jase chuckled lightly as his glasses shimmered light. "Some more…common ground individuals who have experience in traveling these particular planets. I believe their reputation upholds well to us all, yes?"

"I'm not following." Luke said.

Esther's eyes widened. "Jase…you don't mean…"

Maggie jumped out of her seat. "No way! You got contact with the Battle Brawlers?!" she squeaked.

Jase nodded. "My goodness, someone's a little jumpy." He tapped his screen, making the screen fade. "But yes. After configuring this data, I chose to copy this and send a file to the Battle Brawlers and their headquarters. I…understand that I owe you another apology for not giving consent beforehand."

Esther's brow furrowed. She paused before replying. "It's fine."

Shawn shrugged. "As long as it does us some benefit, guess we'll see where this goes."

"Yeah, and if not…" Shuji smirked evilly as he cracked his knuckles. "Then we know whose face to punch for the fault here."

"The Battle Brawlers…" Luke trailed off as he thought about them. In his whole life, he's only seen them on television, with images of them and their interviews and what not. They're all top battlers who saved the universe long ago, and that they all had great experience and power to boot. 'Maybe Jase made a good move. I guess there's strength in numbers. Maybe they can help…I hope.'

Jase got up from his seat. "Now then, the reply says that they want to meet us personally and discuss the matter further. The B.I.F wasn't the best course I admit, so how's about we take it to people with field experience, shall we?"

Maggie jumped in joy. "Oh boy! We're gonna go meet the Battle Brawlers! Yipee!" she suddenly gasped. "Wait, should I wear better shoes? But I can't afford them! Awww!" she whined hopelessly. "Luke! Please give me a little cash! I promise I'll pay back!"

"Don't even go there!" Luke snapped. "J-Jase, are we going now?!"

Jase nodded. "Yes. They wish to meet as soon as possible. I'll allow everyone the levity of twenty minutes before the Trailer is ready for departure."

Claire looked towards Augustine with worry. He gave her a knowing look back as he comforted her. They looked forward and Claire approached Luke. "Luke."

Prying Maggie off at last, he looked at her. "Yes, Mom?"

"Are you going so soon?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, we are." He saw her frown, but he smiled. "We'll be fine. Don't worry."

Claire managed a smile. "Right…I hope so." She looked at Abis Omega. "And you, please look after my boy."

Abis Omega snickered. "Sure, I'll try."

Augustine stepped forward. "Listen up, everyone. Before you all leave, we have something to give all of you."

"Gifts?" Shawn questioned.

"Oh! I hope it's jewelry! Oh! Or a pie recipe! Yeah~!" Maggie's mouth watered at the thoughts of pies all to herself. She then giggled. "Ehehehe…sorry."

Augustine and Claire moved off to the sides. Coming out with a cart was Cale with six boxes installed. He pushed the cart to the center, where he took a boxcutter and cut open each individual box. "Now then, I hope you all like what you are given. Luke's father spent good money ordering these for you." He passed each person their own small box, with Luke being the last one. "Go on, try it."

Maggie was the first to try on her gift. For her, it was a fresh pink dress with less frills on it. It had bare shoulders on it, but the sleeves slit open all the way to her white gloves. The dress also slimmed down her body to a slim bottom. Hidden underneath was a red belt over black leggings hugging her legs. To meet the ensemble, the back of the dress and the heels she wore here a Pyrus color, with an actual Pyrus symbol attached to the back. She twirled around to admire her new attire. "This is so pretty! I love it!" she chirped.

Shuji's own attire changed. He now adorned black cargo pants going down halfway to the shins, which was held up by a brown belt. He adorned a light cream extra large shirt, and over that was a sleeveless dark brown coat that matched his new gloves. On the back of the coat was a light brown Subterra sign. He flexed his muscles and smirked. "Yeah, not bad." He smirked.

Jase overlooked his attire. Now no longer allowed to adorn his usual B.I.F uniform after resignation the former Colonel adorned black boots with stocking going all the way up the legs. He still adorned a long-sleeve black shirt that was overlapped by long tight dark green gloves. He adorned a coat very similar to the one he wore before, but now adorns a dark green cloth like Esther on the front. To add flare, he also gets his own cape with edged shoulder pauldrons. And on each pauldron was a small Ventus symbol in bright green. He humbly prodded up his glasses to show his appreciation.

"Say, not a bad look." Shawn admired his own wardrobe change. He adorned a golden dress shirt tht was suppressed by a brown belt, The same yellow sash was there to hold his fencer, but now he adorned tan baggy pants with brown boots. The prime thing different this time was that his brown long gloves had the Haos symbol on the back of each hand. Otherwise, the black layers on the arms were still there. However, he now adorned a zip and button-less jacket. It was mainly tan, with a brown top and on the sleeves. And it wasn't cuffing at the ends either, making it easy to maneuver. "How about you, Esther? What do you think of your getup?"

Esther modestly looked away. "I…it's nice…" She wasn't one of modesty, but she couldn't lie when change was something she was trying to adapt to as well. Her whole attire looked largely the same. However, there were keen differences to it. For example, the tight dark red shirt beneath was replaced by dark purple. The yellow diamonds on the new gloves were replaced instead by purple, while all the gold trimming on her attire was a shimmering purple. While black remained all around, the cloth on the front was a very large purple Darkus symbol attached to it. The purple stockings she wore beneath, they also changed, turning pink while the pants hidden by the side plating she still had were now purple. "It's…different."

Shawn put a hand to his hip. "Hey, not bad."

"Thank you…" she turned towards Luke. "Luke, what about you?"

Luke's own attire was one after changing. When he looked at it, he gave it a conspicuous look. "Hmmm…it feels weird."

"I don't know, kinda like it." Abis Omega said.

"Really?" Luke looked all around his new attire. As of now, Luke Drake Revolutia adorned a whole new set change. He adorned a black t-shirt that was tucked into a slim dark blue belt. The silver belt buckle adorned the Aquos symbol attached to it. His short-sleeved white coat overlapping everything was still cut like his old one, but it was now a shiny dark blue like deep water, outlined by a brighter blue. The baggy pants were also replaced by regular baggy brown pants with two orange diamonds on the knee caps. "You sure this isn't…flashy?"

Maggie winked. "Hehe, I don't know, I kinda think it's hot." She teased.

Jase smiled. "Could be more concealing, but I'm no judge on fashion myself."

"Looking good, Luke." Shawn grinned.

Luke remained silent as he looked down at his attire. He looked towards Esther, who smiled knowingly. Luke nodded back and chose to accept it. "Alright. Mom. Dad. Cale…thank you."

Cale shook his head. "Don't thank me. It was your father who ordered these." He looked towards Augustine, who looked away while Claire comforted him. "Seems he's finally making do with the fads these days. He's making better business decisions."

Luke smiled approvingly. "Dad…"

Over on one of the beds, someone else was stirring awake. Waking up from a nap, Keegan snorted and blinked. "Huh…" He rubbed his eyes with one finger and gave a loud yawn, gathering everyone's attention. "Man, what time is it?" He looked at everybody else. "Hey, the heck did you guys get new getups?"

"Oh, right…I almost forgot about him." Maggie deadpanned. "The freeloader."

Jase turned towards him. "We'll be making departures for our next destination. I advise you ready."

Keegan flipped out of the bed. "And remind me again why I should go anywhere with you guys? This place has it all!" he pointed at Luke. "I know that guy's a freak and all, but his place isn't too shabby. I could hang here a little while longer." He beamed with a smile.

Luke's brow furrowed. "Keegan. I know saying sorry won't make up for everything, but we've only got two months…no, maybe less. You won't enjoy here long if it's not here."

Keegan grunted at Luke's testimony. "Really, that so?" He shrugged. "Oh well…" Suddenly the room got quiet as all stares were fixed on him. Shuji was giving death glares to warn him, and he finally gritted his teeth. "Gnnngh…geez! Alright, fine! God! Just stop staring at me like that!"

"Yes!" Maggie chimed. "About time you show participation, lazy bum!"

"I ain't lazy! You're all just pushy! Every human's pushy here! Uggh!" He started walking. "On second thought, maybe I should go. Another planet away from pushy people. Yeah!"

Esther meekly chuckled. "Well, if that'll motivate you…"

"By the way, Luke, one more thing…" Cale reached for a long, thin box on the bottom-half of the cart. He passed it to Luke. "This was also ordered."

"Really…?" Curious, he opened the box slowly. When he peered inside, he gasped.

Cale smiled. "It's no replacement…but my design should be nice and well built."

Luke slowly lifted what was out of the box for everyone to see. In his hand, he held high a long, sharp, and deep sword that shimmered like a mirror. The blade was very thick, and the scabbard was a dark blue with bright blue hatches in them. "Woooah…" He looked at it longer, seeing his reflection. In it, he saw his own face…the new Luke. The new Luke, foot with a new sword, and a look to boot. He looked towards Abis Omega and the two nodded. He sheathed it, making a loud clang. "…thank you." He said seriously.

Cale nodded. "Do us proud."

"We will." Shawn said as the group began departing. "Ready, Luke?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Minutes later, they took off in the Trailer, leaving the estate behind once more as they rocketed off. Claire waved them off while Augustine held his wife calmly, while Cale watched from the back. As they watched them off, Augustine looked up as he had a serious face. 'Now…it's our turn to prepare for you…Riaan.'

---

Riaan stood beside the distraught Armagedoid. Rationally, he gathered everything the Bakugan spoke of and glared down at the balcony ground. "…so then you saw Code Eve?" he summarized.

"I-it had to be…I felt this weird energy when I was in contact with her."

"Like when you're around me perhaps?" he saw Armagedoid nod. "Armagedoid, I understand if this is personal…but tell me, how was she to you? What did you feel exactly?"

The Bakugan looked at the ground discerningly. He could feel complications arise. For being alive for a meager two and a half weeks, he's learned so much, and so little to say. But he tried to scrounge for what words he could manage. "I…felt weird. But it was also warm…and very energizing. It's like I felt everything inside of me shut down." She stared at the balcony. "At least for a little while."

Riaan picked up on the sour note Armagedoid was treading upon. "What did you do?"

"I don't know. I learned of these other worlds…and I just asked if the origins go back to you. But, they didn't."

Riaan closed his eyes. "I see…so that's what Code Eve did." He sighed. "So then it's true…I really was forgotten."

"Father…"

Riaan remained quiet for quite some time. He didn't say anything further until at last he finally chose to move on and face Armagedoid. "So then she explained the other worlds she created, right? I think it's time I tell you. You remember how I said all life on here except for you was cloned from other worlds?"

"Yes?" Armagedoid started realizing it. "Wait, does this mean…?"

"Yes, that I copied Bakugan DNA and imprinted it into this very planet. Every Bakugan here, as far as you see, they may all be cellular replicas, but make no mistake, each individual species you saw exists elsewhere."

"Amazing…" Armagedoid's face started to falter again.

"Is something wrong? You don't have to tell me if it's not important."

"No. It is just…" Armagedoid strained incredulously to find the right words again. He faced Riaan with a serious look. "It was Mother. When I mentioned you, she got very frightened and tried to warn me about something. You're not that dangerous…are you?" He got no reply. "…Father…?"

Riaan faced away, looking out at the balcony and Interacia as most of the crust had already plundered in many areas. Mountains of debris and aged earth were seen from miles away as he knew elsewhere, other planets were suffering. It only served to make him humble. "Armagedoid…you should listen to your Mother." He said. "What she said is true. I am in fact a very bad influence."

"Father…I…I don't understand. What's going on?!" he started to panic.

"Please, Armagedoid. Allow me to speak before you jump to conclusions. Hear me out." Behind him, Armagedoid immediately calmed. "You recall my special powers, do you not?"

"Yes? You can replicate life through your DNA, right?"

"Yes, and I have spoken to you of evolution and my aging, right? Well, my powers have also evolved. I have gained the power, to almost completely take life. In other words…I can kill a planet."

Once again, Armagedoid's eyes widened in vivid shock. "Y-you can?! You mean…all those planets have Bakugan on them. So do you…?"

"It's a very slow process as of now. They can move to another planet as far as I know, but those planets specifically, those who carry Code Eve's imprints…I made it my obligation to take that. Look around you." He gestured to the world around them. "What you see before you, our ever-changing world – my very life – is continually evolving. Eventually, this planet will be purely changed, and all of the properties of each planet will finally become one. A true congregation."

Armagedoid was looking up at the sky, with the sunlight simmering down into the world's underside. Even now, as they watched, grass began to grow outside the borders of the city. "So you're taking life on purpose? Isn't that…wrong?

"You see, Armagedoid, there is right and wrong. And everyone has their own perspective on what is right and wrong…and what I'm doing…is wrong. Very wrong. No one should be doing what I am doing. Not even you. I am taking life from others, in order to carry out my dream."

"But…if you know it's wrong, then why do you do it anyway?"

"Because I have nothing else to live for. Only when you have nothing is when you realize the emptiness that you yearn to fill, and you'll do anything it takes to fill that gap. That is desperation. The dream that Code Eve and I once shared was abandoned…or rather, she abandoned. It's my only motivation. It's my only reason to live now. That is my sworn loyalty."

Armagedoid realized it now. He stared somberly at Riaan with fixation of pity. His mind wandered into darkness as he elaborated Riaan's mind. He was alone, for all these years. He shared a dream with someone who left him and the ideals they swore to make together. Alone, and forsaken to do nothing. Code Eve went another way and made life herself and spread it thin. But Riaan, he had nothing. All he had…was a broken dream that he clung onto. "…and you're willing to stay to the end, even if it's wrong?" he asked softly.

Riaan nodded. "It is very wrong. There are other and more peaceful ways to handle this…but this is my choice. This is my decision that I swear on carrying out. To make one planet where our origins will never be forgotten, that is a destiny that I have chosen to weave."

"And how do you make it right?"

"…Armagedoid, the only way to get it right, is to get it wrong. It's nothing but trial and error. Life is trial and error. We all make mistakes, and malice in unavoidable in the end. It's a never-ending cycle of right and wrong…I'm sorry. I shouldn't be laying all this out for you. I understand if you think less of me now."

Armagedoid grew flustered. "N-no, Father. It's okay, really…it's just a lot to take in is all…I'll try and think it through if I can." He gave a serious look. "But…can I ask one more thing?"

Riaan looked back at him.

"Not long ago, you gave me life, and I've learned so much since then. I learned there are worlds like this one, and other species too. I asked Mother why I was created, but she didn't give me an answer, and you said before that is up to me. But Father…I want to ask one more time. Why was I created in your eyes?"

Riaan closed his eyes. "In my eyes you say?" He opened them, looking at his Bakugan with a serious but fatherly disposition. "Armagedoid, I stated before I would say why I thought so would come, and now thanks to patience, you shall be rewarded. Armagedoid…" He took a pause, allowing the Bakugan to take a small hitch in wonder. "Why I created you…was for this very moment."

"This very moment…?"

"Yes. To anyone's eyes, one would've made their creation of heartless power, to mold them into a weapon. Perhaps I would've done the same thing. But Eve…I know deep down that she wouldn't want that. I know that when given life, you have your path to follow. It is your own destiny that you must make for yourself, not others."

"My own destiny…"

Riaan looked out at Interacia again. "My wish is to bring all life to one planet, to one origin. To do that, I have to make sacrifices to give them all a common enemy. This unity is what will bring about one for all to share. The path I take, Armagedoid, is one of bloodshed and making enemies. But that is the price I paid. Knowing that, it is your decision to make. You can help me realize my dream, or you can stop me…or maybe find a way to convince me. It's all what you want to do." He flipped his cape and turned away. "But no matter what happens, I won't fault you for what you've chosen. I'll support your decision…because that is a father's role."

"Father…" Armagedoid watched him walk away.

"Take everything you've learned up to now. Reflect on it. And make a decision…but no matter what, follow through to the end. Loyalty to yourself comes before others. So please, take your time. I won't rush you. These decisions will impact you for the rest of your life, and there's no running away from them."

Armagedoid nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Father." Riaan nodded and left Armagedoid alone. The Bakugan turned back towards the balcony and stared uncertainly at the radiant blue sky. He frowned heavily at the expectations he was suddenly weighed with on his oddly-shaped shoulders. "My own decisions…"

He began reflecting on Riaan's words and what he has been doing for the sake of Interacia. It was dedication against morals. Only one question rung in Armagedoid's mind: Which side will we choose?

---

The Trailer flew high over the skies, soaring over everyone's heads like a fighter jet as it made its way over air travel. Even now, its rate of flight was like a jet. It was too impressive for words.

"I still can't believe you've made this thing fly." Luke marveled. "This is awesome!"

Jase snickered. "A little too much credit you're giving me, don't you think?"

Maggie smiled. "Not at all!" she gasped at the screen. "Look, the houses look like ants from up here!"

"See anything on your screen, Shuji?" Shawn asked.

On his monitor, Shuji squinted as he saw partial clouds. But below those, he saw a vague image of a coastal city. "Guys, I think we're almost there…I think."

On a table, tapping his index finger out of boredom, Keegan did an eyeroll. "Oh, so you think you can see a whole city from five thousand feet up. No, why couldn't I see earlier? I mean it's not like we're passing over a beached whale or another carnival if that's what you're thinking."

The heavy sarcasm Keegan insulted Shuji with left a large pulsing tick mark on Shuji's head. "Hey, give me some slack, alright?! It's cloudy! Besides, not like you can see better yourself!"

Keegan shrugged. "Hey, don't look at me. I'm just a freeloader who's just trying to find a home is all, after his old one and his glory literally crumbled to pieces. Geez."

"…sorry man." Shuji half-heartedly turned towards the screen.

"Whatever." Keegan sat in the seat again, facing forward with a mopey face. He was not so motivated as the others, and no one could blame him. As much as scolding him would make them feel better, in some cases, they knew it was better to sympathize with the teenage Interacian. He didn't have a reason to trust them, and they don't exactly trust him either. But they needed the extra help, and if they can find a place for him in the long run where he won't complain, it'll work out. For now, Keegan had to suck it up.

Rather than follow the pity train, Esther looked down at her own screen. She saw the large mass of clouds below starting to erode and show a zoomed in visual of what was on Shuji's screen. "It looks like we're there." She announced. "Bakugan City."

Everyone looked at the monitors before them and peered down in awe. It was a rather large city, and it had a lot of Bakugan admittedly. On the streets, people were seen riding Bakugan, and stadiums were showing mock battles of various Gundalian and Neathian species duking it out and quarreling.

"Talk about déjà vu." Shawn said. "Kinda reminds you of the B.I.F and Thermosphere put together, huh?"

"Mmmm, I guess I kinda see the picture." Maggie said. "So where do we go from here?"

Jase prodded his glasses as he typed massively fast into his search engine. Zoom-ins of a dome-like building with a research tower on it was hovering high over several buildings in a certain avenue. And on the top, there was a landing pad. "Our arrival should be expected within ten minutes. We're going to be covering the top of the Battle Brawlers headquarters."

Luke blinked. "But, don't we need permission to do that sort of stuff?"

"We already got permission, Luke." Esther said. "It was stated when Jase received the message."

"Oh, right…sorry."

Maggie snickered again. "You're still slow on learning, are you?"

"Hey…!"

They soon descended lower towards the city, where their massive automobile convertible soon reached the top of their tower. The closer they got, the more anxious Luke seemed to have gotten. Before landing, he swallowed a large lump.

The Trailer's wings folded, and the convertible returned its settings to tank mode. The whole thing parked and the hatch opened atop to allow everyone to get off. The last off was Keegan as he lazily slumped down the side onto his feet.

"So where are the Battle Brawlers?" Maggie looked around in question, not seeing them anywhere.

A pair of footsteps clanged against the top. "I'm afraid you just missed them." A voice said.

Everyone turned towards the sound. There, they all saw someone who had short orange hair. She had faded blue eyes with pale skin. She had a nice dress on like any professor would, and to finish the ensemble, she had pink lipstick. She approached them all and had a hand to her hip.

"Sorry for the subtle welcome." She apologized. "I would've arranged a better arriving pad if I could."

"It's quite alright." Jase approached her. "Tell me, are you the one who perhaps received my message?"

She nodded. "I am." She gestured to herself. "My name is Mira. A pleasure to meet you."

Luke nodded back. "Yeah, same here."

Mira looked back at Jase. "Now then, what was it about these messages you've sent to me before?"

---

Inside the Battle Brawler HQ, they all were congregated pass the lavish hallways and staircases that lead to various parts of the domain. They were all soon gathered into a massive research lab, where they were gathered around a chrome cylindrical projector with green holographic screens showing the images Jase had on his Bakumeter earlier, along with various other research findings on Interacia.

"I see, so that explains it then." Mira said. "I was wondering why I didn't have data on this before."

"Because it wasn't read by another system not on Interacia." Shawn deduced with crossed arms.

"Exactly. But…this data. It's like nothing I've ever seen before." She moved a panel to the front as it expanded. It was a photo of the planet's core with the magenta virus on it. "This energy is on a totally different molecular level. What's worse, the more I analyze it, the more sophisticated it seems to get."

"Riaan's DNA is made up of other organisms and life throughout the universe." Verias said.

"That's right. I'm sure that one strand of DNA is complicated. The combinations are endless as far as we all know." Atchibee said.

"Riaan." Mira pulled up another screen, showing a picture of the man with magenta eyes. Immediately the readings were all maxed out. "So he's the one behind all this."

"He's got data on almost every geography and climate control pattern." Jase said. "Even now, we aren't aware of the full extent of his powers. However, we are aware that his powers have evolved to completely infect life, and at the same time transfer it to his world."

"Cellular metamorphosis, and a complicated DNA storage and atomic structural changes." She looked at Shuji. "And you said that he's the planet itself?"

Shuji nodded. "Yeah, that's what we were told."

"It was a lot to take in." Maggie said. "He's also got this freaky history with forbidden cards or something."

Mira's eyes narrowed. "Forbidden, you say?"

Luke stepped forward. "Yeah. They took Bakugan from New Vestroia and gave them forbidden cards. They're very weird." He gazed at the ground. "Their power levels were high, and every time they were thrown out, they had some sort of…bad energy vibe."

"What Luke's trying to say is that Riaan's also got forbidden cards that can affect a Bakugan's health." Shawn clarified.

"Yeah, that."

Mira put a hand to her chin. "A new species, with powers to alter life and Bakugan DNA. And now using Bakugan from other planets to power up their defenses. Something about all this is wrong."

"You're telling me. This chair doesn't recline over here!" Keegan snapped from afar. Rather than participate, he opted to sit around and wait for those who care to finish.

"Keegan, if it's too much, you can go back to the Trailer." Esther said, implying her slight demand.

Keegan slumped in his seat. "I would, but knowing how pushy you guys are, it wouldn't matter."

"What do you mean by that exactly?"

"Esther." Luke got her attention. "I think we should just let him go his own pace."

She turned forward. "Okay, but he knows we're being serious here. You as well."

"I know…" Luke looked back at Keegan, who glanced at him before propping up a magazine and distracting himself. Luke faced forward.

"My apologies if this comes off so sudden." Jase said. "But you said the Battle Brawlers are dismissed at the moment, right?"

Mira nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately, Shun and Marucho are off right now. Gunz is currently in the stadiums as we speak…" her face fell. "As for Dan and Drago, I'm afraid we still haven't heard back from them."

"Talk about bad timing." Shawn said.

"Indeed." Jase spoke. "But, if it's all the same, would you be so kind as to keep this on a low profile?" he seemed rather modest as he prodded his glasses up. "It was a nuisance alone keeping this to a minimum in the B.I.F."

"I understand." Mira said. "I'll talk with the guys as soon as they come around. I'm sure they'll want to know more."

"But we don't have time to wait around!" Luke moved to the front. He gave her a serious look. "Look, I'm sorry if we're bothering you, but you got to understand. We can't just sit here and wait to give an explanation. We're running out of time."

"I know…but…"

Jase stepped forward. "With all do respect, Mira, while I hold deep respect for you and your group's achievements, there must be action applied as well." He looked away. "Still, we were hoping that you could provide some levity for us since coming here." He faced her. "But of not, then we understand. We're not exactly the strongest perhaps, but underestimating us would be a rather ambiguous mistake, wouldn't you think?"

Maggie winked. "Got that right. The former Colonel knows how we roll."

Mira pinched the bridge of her nose and smirked. "Well you sure drive a hard bargain." She looked back at them. "I guess I shouldn't complain. When the Resistance was still together, only so much words were said. That said, I guess I can point you to one direction if it'll help."

"Thanks. We appreciate it." Shawn said.

Mira looked back to the computer and began making projections show. Holographic screens showing power levels arose. "It's not much, but I think I might know one man who may know about these cards better than anyone." She expanded a photo, showing what looked like Mira beside a spiky blonde man with eyes matching her own, with a black attire worn and smiling. At the time, he wasn't wearing a mask or cloak. "I know someone who has a history with this material. My brother, Keith."

"Keith, huh?" Shuji repeated.

"Yes. However, there is one more thing…" She swiped the panel, showing the projection changing to reveal Keith again, only his clothing was black and purple, and he adorned a mask with black and purple accents on it. "He goes by another persona at times. I'm not sure which you prefer, but in this form, he goes by Spectra Phantom."

"Spectra…" Luke's eyes slowly widened. He started recalling Luka's visions and past and how he saw Riaan's infiltration to Spectra's labs. 'So he's the reason those forbidden cards exist.'

Shawn's eyes narrowed. "Spectra…" His gaze went towards everyone else. Like him, they shared looks like they were aware as well.

"My brother has a history with these cards and with us." Mira said. "But I'm afraid you're not looking for a history lesson now, are you? If it's that important, I can tell you where he is so he can testify for himself."

"Thank you." Maggie thanked.

Mira nodded and swiped her arm. She pressed in keys and started to show pictures projecting a place that looked like Earth, but oddly enough, it was also cramped with humungous holes in them. Pictures showed floating houses and a futuristic setting with hovering cars and domains lighting up every corner of the planet. "This is Vestal, my home world. We have highly-advanced technology that has evolved over the years, so we also adapted with it."

Shuji raised a brow. "So another world, huh?"

"Looks crowded from the pictures." Maggie pointed out.

"That's because it is." Mira swiped her arm, dispelling the frames. "Vestal has an overpopulation crisis. I'd find it hard to imagine you'd go anywhere without bumping someone else's elbow. That said, I'll at least send you to his general location if possible."

Jase prodded his glasses up. "If you're both siblings, wouldn't it be wise to contact him to be aware of what's going on?"

"Yes, although knowing him he's probably running tests with Gus. But I'll be sure to give him a heads up on what's going on. So then, you all ready?"

"Yes!" they determinedly replied.

---

In her lab, Mira was busy typing in coordinates encryptions back to back. It flew across the screen into paragraphs per second. After a very long line of encryptions was made, an upload screen appeared and quickly showed a sent sign. "Okay, it's sent." She turned towards an intercom. On another screen showed the Trailer with everyone inside. "Okay, I'm loading up the Dimensional Transporter. You guys ready?"

Luke nodded. "Yes. We're ready." He stared ahead with resilience. Beside him, Esther nodded.

"Another road trip. This should be something." Maggie said neutrally.

"Heh, yeah, that's saying something alright." Shuji teased.

"Better keep our guard up. Remember the last time we went to another unknown place?" Fly Beetle reminded.

"As vividly as could get." Atmos said. "That said, shall be brace ourselves?"

Abis Omega nodded. "Yes. Everyone, let's be ready."

Mira continued typing in buttons. "Okay then." As she continued typing, another thought wiggled into her mind. 'I still don't think this is such a good idea. There's too many variables we don't know about. But these guys know more about this than we do. I'm sure Dan and the others will be able to pick up the pieces if they come back.' Another upload screen appeared in front of her. 'Let's just hope for the best.'

On the Trailer, Keegan was kicking back in his seat, staring up at the ceiling. As usual, he seemed less enthusiastic than anyone else. "If you ask me, sounds like you guys are going on a wild goose chase." He got everyone's attention. "Seriously, you really think that finding this guys will solve all our problems?"

Esther gave him her signature emotionless look. "It's better to solve some problems than no problems."

He did an eyeroll. "Whatever. If you guys end up don't getting along, don't expect me to hang around for too long. I don't wanna get caught in another accident by you freaks, capisce?"

"We understand." Jase complied before facing forward. "Now then, the time has come."

Outside, in front of them, a large beep was heard through the intercom. It rung twice, then a third time. And then static charged in one spot before a wormhole began to open itself in front of them. They all watched it expand to where the Trailer could fit inside. All their expressions turned serious…despite one gulp going down Shuji's throat.

"This is the portal I hooked up to Vestal on the other side. You should be ready. I'll be staying behind to continue graphing the data." Mira said over an intercom. "And by the way. If you happen to run into anyone named Ace or Baron…give them my regards."

"Ace and Baron…got it." Shawn confirmed.

"Then let's go." Jase started to move the Trailer, churning its multitude of wheels along the top of the flat roof. It slowly made way into the portal, with everyone showing their own wills and determinations. They were willing to try and make a change that Luke forced upon his own will, and in doing so sparked them to do whatever they could, no matter how little.

They all closed in, the dimensional portal finally swallowing them in a bright light. When the light faded, they were instantly met with another setting, one of similar appeal and life forms they all recognized. Immediately Maggie leaned into her screen with curiosity.

"So this…is Vestal?"

The Trailer finally made it all the way through, and the portal closed right behind them. Before them, there was a setting just like Earth, but cars hovered over the streets. And all around them, they saw so many people. Populace of great length surrounded them as their Trailer peeked from between two buildings.

"It looks like the jump worked." Atchibee said.

"She's right. The scanners are picking up different DNA strands. These aren't normal people." Esther configured.

"Well as normal as it gets for us anyway." Verias pointed out.

Shawn nodded. "Yeah." He clicked on his screen. On it revealed a picture of Spectra on his monitor. "So this is the guy, huh?"

"Yes, Spectra Phantom, if memory serves." Jase answered.

"So then this guy created the blueprints that Riaan took for himself so long ago?" Maggie deduced. "Well, I guess that explains why this didn't happen earlier. That's good for us."

"Yeah, but we should get moving." Jelldon insisted. "Not a moment to waste, right?"

Jase nodded. "You're absolutely right." He moved his fingers to tap coordinates into the radar. On the screen, it revealed a massive map based on the echolocation feature it contained. A 3D hologram was spread out above Keegan, which startled him. "The area in which Mira sent us is close to where Spectra is located. That just leaves us to do the search."

Luke rubbed the back of his head and sulked. "This could've gone a lot easier if we were just sent there directly…"

Esther gave a serious face. "Maybe…but let's not dwell on the past. Luke…"

"I know…let's get to searching."

The Trailer began to make its move once more, turning into the streets of the city to search for their destination. With such a big locomotive, they're bound to get noticed, right?

---

On a very high but skinny sliver of crust that hasn't fallen yet, it was an unstable island of mushy grass That Armagedoid used as his perch as he stared up at the sky. He watched the blue envelop the whole view. Not a cloud in the sky through his eyes. A lot has happened in a span of over half a month that he was vaguely processing. If it were laid out before him at once, he would've panicked, and god knows what he would've done. Fortunately for him, he was given time between some parts, allowed to ask questions and receive more answers for him to understand. He didn't even know where to start now that he was given the full summary of Rian and Code Eve – his parents. However, only one parent stayed behind, but after hearing him to the end, was he really someone to look up to? Riaan made it clear that while he was patient, he admitted what his ambitions were comprised of were wrong. If what he did was wrong, then why do them? He asked this question before, and the answer he got continued boggled him.

"Only when you have nothing is when you realize the emptiness that you yearn to fill, and you'll do anything it takes to fill that gap."

But Armagedoid was nothing from the start. Doesn't that mean he should be desperate? Looking back at it, when he was first born, he was frightened by everything. He didn't even know what he was breathing or what a tail was until Riaan offered levity. In a way, he was easing his desperation before it started. Stopping him from becoming something he shouldn't be. Setting example through malpractice. It was smart, but at the same time disturbing.

He was the bad guy. There are good guys, and there are bad guys, and Riaan admitted he was bad. Not to be trusted, and yet what compelled Armagedoid to feel otherwise. It's only when he processed this that he began to fixate on the bigger picture, and that was Riaan's retribution. He was left with nothing, and Code Eve had it all. She left him behind and the dream he swore to make reality. It was twisted, but in a way, it's the desperation that Riaan held onto. It was his will to live; his destiny. If that were the case, what was his destiny? Riaan gave him free will to decide that himself, now all he had to do was choose what he wanted. 'What do…I want?' He looked down at his big black palm, staring deeply into it. 'Father lost everything…so he had no choice but to take and make for himself…including from Mother. She…she took it all away from him. But…no. There has to be more to this.' He looked determinedly at the sun gazing directly at him, his panel-like wings shimmering brightly from light refraction. 'I have to know more of the truth…from Mother. Father told me the truth. Only after I reflect on everything and answer my questions, I will make my choice.' He slowly closed his eyes once more. 'Maybe if I try and concentrate, I can reach her. Just…try…'

In his mind, it was nothing but a black shade. Galaxy after galaxy; cosmos after cosmos, his energy raced through it all as he used his strength to home in the best he could. In his mind, an image of New Vestroia flashed, making him wince. He tried again, sending after energy signal outwards. He fanned to after planet, but there, he had little of her strength. It was little, but the feint signature meant she was around.

Finally, in the darkness of his mind, there was a light. The light shimmered brightly. "I found her!" Instantly, his star-like core lit a magenta light. Once again, his settings around changed, becoming another dimensional void where he was face to face with Code Eve once more.

The light shimmered above, silent in shock as Armagedoid was glaring up at her.

"Mother…"

"Young one…you have found me." She said. "Well now, this is most certainly a surprise. How?"

"Your energy."

"…I see. So then, Riaan must have created you with parts of my essence."

Armagedoid scooted closer and raised his head. "Mother, I got to know. Why did you leave Father?"

A sliver of radiant light meant another show of shock for Code Eve. "So then he has told you."

Armagedoid nodded. "So then…everything about you leaving him and the promise you've made, it was all true." He looked down in regret. "So he wasn't lying. I knew it."

The light scooted closer towards him. "Young Armagedoid, try to understand. There is so much more that Riaan is that you aren't aware. He is ambitious. He's a straightforward individual who focuses on his goal if necessary."

"But isn't that resolve part of how a dream is realized?" he questioned.

"Be as it may, I can't believe that he would go as far as create you to manifest his own goals. I haven't seen him in eons…to think that this much has happened."

Armagedoid realize they were being sidetracked. He shook his head and got back on topic. "But Mother, that doesn't answer my question. Why did you leave him? Why did you abandon the dream you two shared?"

The light's hue began to alter again. It was a dull shade of rainbow, hinting regret. "…admittedly, it's because I realized that what we desired, is something that I could not keep onto." She saw the shocked look on Armagedoid's face. "As we were exploiting the cosmos, we began to see life bud and evolve in a number of ways. We've seen life flourish, as well as seeing others grow extinct. This perpetual cycle, is what drove me to realize, that if we did in fact resolve to our own origin, there would be no guarantee that life will exist for long."

"But it's still origin, isn't it?"

"Yes, it would be the origin home of what is now Bakugan…but I realized something, that everything is finite. Life is finite, yet infinite all around. In life, being enclosed to one area, it will delude you from everything else. Riaan is someone who doesn't get the big picture."

Once more, Armagedoid tilted his head with the new information he was gathering. It left him so perplexed he was trying to wrap his head around it. "So then…just one planet…is bad?" he didn't quite get it, but maybe Code Eve could explain more.

"If that is the case, then so be it. Armagedoid, to be honest, I've made my own purpose. I chose to create life with him and reproduce the offspring that have created the species known as Bakugan. They have found their homes. That is all that we wanted."

Armagedoid vigorously shook his head. "They made a home, I saw that, but it's still a lie!"

"Young one…"

"…you left Father alone, just because you thought your dream of just one planet where life can begin was too small…?" his voice was beginning to crack up from partial frustration. "Doesn't all life start from somewhere? You and Riaan didn't know where you came from, but you found each other, and chose to create your own origins didn't you? You took the Bakugan…and left him with nothing…"

The light tried to draw closer. "It was his decision to keep going his way. He chose to think of the past than the future we sought."

"Because you left him there!" the Darkus Bakugan snapped, making Code Eve gasp from the sudden shout.

"I…"

"Father knows what he's doing is wrong, he knows better than I do. I didn't even know what good and bad are until he allowed me to see for myself. He laid out everything for me so that I can make my own way, to see right and wrong for myself…and he knows what he's doing is bad…but he was left with nothing. I was nothing…and he gave me an origin that you both never had. Doesn't that make you feel…bad?"

The light's angle shifted downwards. In reality, when looking back at it, Code Eve always did miss Riaan. He was the first life form who shared a resemblance to herself, something who never knew where she came from. However, there was one thing that separated them, and it was their own intuition. Unlike Riaan, Code Eve didn't have any desires to know why she was created. She just went with what was in front of her and went along with it. Riaan was another story. He wanted a purpose. He craved one, otherwise his life would be empty for him.

"Riaan said once you make a path, you follow through with it." Armagedoid's fists balled. "Well what's the point of a promise when you can't keep it?!"

Code Eve knew this wasn't getting anywhere. She had to stop this before it goes too far. "Young one…I'm sorry. You need to leave him. The path he is making for you will only lead to a shallow end."

"Like Father? He is willing to support whatever I choose, if I want to stop him or not…but at least he was willing to give me reason! He gave me conscience! He did it because he knew it's what you wanted. Don't you see? He still cares about you! So why are you so against him?! I don't understand!"

"Enough!" Code Eve's light stung Armagedoid. The Bakugan winced as he felt his body grow stiff from Eve's sudden shout. "Young one, I can't allow your own destiny be in anymore danger. If you can't understand, then perhaps it's best that you are put into the sub-dimension, where you can't be influenced by Riaan."

"Mother…!"

"I'm truly sorry, but if what you say is true, then as a mother, it is my responsibility to see that my child is taught right and wrong, away from bad influences. Please, try to understand." The light she unleashed brightened. It started to close in on Armagedoid, who was paralyzed in fear.

"No…Mother! Mother!" An image of Riaan appeared in his head once more.

"There are other and more peaceful ways to handle this…but this is my choice. This is my decision that I swear on carrying out."

Armagedoid let out a cry as the light was blinding him, but as his thoughts churned, the magenta light his core had radiated a weak light.

"The only way to get it right, is to get it wrong. It's nothing but trial and error. Life is trial and error. We all make mistakes, and malice in unavoidable in the end."

'Father…I don't…no, I won't…" Mustering up his own resilience, Armagedoid's magenta eyes flashed open again. With instincts driving with his thoughts, he grunted as the radiant light he was giving off was pulsing pink rays to counter the light. "No…no…STOOOOP!" he cried out a bloodcurdling shriek as the magenta light swallowed up everything, pushing back Code Eve back.

The enemy light was in shock as rainbow and magenta lights clashed. The pulse created a dark ripple that expelled outwards, a similar aura that shredded across dimensions. The rift rippled across skies everywhere.

In Mira's lab, all the sensors sensing Riaan's energy suddenly spiked to red. The whole lab had alarms going off as she looked at the screens. "What's going on?!"

Elsewhere, another person looked up at the skies. Both him and the red Bakugan stared up at the sky with worry shown. "Drago…"

"Yes. I feel that again, too. Something's wrong, I can feel it."

The atmosphere in the void faded. Armagedoid and Code Eve were squaring off with the star-like core radiating a magenta glow. The Darkus Bakugan snarled angrily as the light was still in shock. "You…"

"I am choosing my own path, and no one is going to decide my purpose for me. I'll decide for myself. Goodbye…Eve!" His eyes and star core shimmered at the last word spoken, another harsh radiance blinding him and Code Eve from one another. The light screamed out Armagedoid's name one last time before it all grew distorted.

When the light fade, Armagedoid found himself on the slim perch once more. Reality sunk in as he realized what he said to his Mother. A small tear fell from the side of his cheek as he gave her the ultimate disrespect any child could give to their parent. He was so mad. So frustrated. He wasn't sure what to feel as of now, but he knew better than to throw a fit. He had to clam down and slow down. And that's exactly what he did.

Once he had calmed down and his breathing finally settled, he realized now the two sides of the story. There was Code Eve, who sought more than one world for origin. And there was Riaan, the forgotten origin who is trying to remind the universe he is still there. And then there was himself. He was born for a reason, and since no one was going to tell him what to do, he was going to make the tough decisions on his own now.

The pillar he was on finally started to crumble. The oddly shaped pillar started crumbling down. Armagedoid effortlessly used his wings and floated while the whole precipice fell to the ground, creating mountains of dust beneath. As he looked out now, he could see that by now, all of the surface world was officially gone. Instead was a land which has yet to have grown grass and mountains. Rivers shimmered in sunlight carrying debris into dark blue depths. Gazing into it was like telling the difference of a spectrum. Riaan sunk while Code Eve surfaced. One moved on, while another was stuck at the bottom, with no help to pull him up. Looking at Interacia one last time and thinking back to the planets Code Eve create, his eyes closed in deep thought. To save those planets…or to destroy them? Which side?

His eyes flashed open, a new resolution inside of them. "I know what I must do."

---

In an open park, with surprisingly enough space, the Trailer was parked along a large fountain as the group stopped their search and rested. Luke seemed the most annoyed. "We've been searching for hours." He grumbled. "You'd think someone would know by now."

"Shawn leaned against the fountain, looking calm about the situation. "Well she didn't say it would be easy. Guess we walked right into this one."

"The population here is much more than anything we've seen on Earth." Esther noted. "Navigating through the streets in our vehicle took time."

"Yeah, but too much time." Maggie side-noted. "We've been here for like three hours and all people have been doing is giving us cold shoulders. We're not that scary. Right?" She looked towards Jelldon, who merely shrugged in response.

Shawn looked to Jase. "Jase, any luck on people giving directions?"

Jase stood straight up like a statue. "These Vestals are rather stubborn when it comes to data. Perhaps that or they genuinely have no intel. She never went too deep on his secrecy."

"Come to think of it, this Spectra guy…he's the guy that Luka saw Riaan spy on, right?" Maggie asked.

Esther nodded. "Yes. He was the catalyst to Riaan's ambitions. He must have been ambitious to go to great lengths for these forms of power…but I can't say much beyond that."

"I guess we'll only know once we meet the guy, huh?" Shuji shrugged.

"Yeah, if you guys meet him. Good luck with that." Keegan scoffed. He was sitting atop a random picnic table nearby with a bag of chips. He chomped on a chip, making loud and obnoxious sounds each time. The others glared at him. "What? Just saying the truth. You guys did say it was a big crowd."

"Hmph. We're not in the mood for you right now, smartass." Shuji retort.

Keegan put his hands up. "Hey now, don't point fingers at me just because you're frustrated. I don't think that's healthy."

"And neither is eating salted snacks." Jase noted.

"Oh shut up." He flipped off the picnic table and headed towards the Trailer. "Look, all I'm saying is don't get your hopes up, okay? You make expectations, and look what happens? You're making a pretty big rush for just a bunch of regular people sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. You ask me, it should've been better to kick back and let pros handle it."

The others grunted silently at Keegan's remark. It's true that they aren't the strongest out there. They aren't the best, but they still had to try. They couldn't be faulted for that. Aside from Jase, they all seemed visibly offended as Keegan walked away.

"Well let me know when we move out again. Say you guys packed more of these-!" He suddenly pumped into a passerby's shoulder. "Hey, watch it! You need glasses or something?!"

Turning around, the guy be pumped into had a black and purple long sleeve top. His dull gray eyes contrasted his light blue spiky hair as he narrowed his eyes to glare back at Keegan. "What was that?" he snarked. "Say that again, I dare ya."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think you were deaf as well as blind. Perhaps I should be a little louder." Keegan cleared his throat. "YOU BUMPED INTO ME! THAT LOUD ENOUGH FOR YA?!" he screamed.

The guy covered his ears and winced at the sudden volume. "Gah! Geez, what's with you?!" he argued. "Besides, last I checked, I was looking what was in front of me rather than run my mouth off. You should be apologizing to me, pal?"

Keegan scoffed. "Well tell you what, you apologize first, then I'll apologize."

"Ain't happening."

"Well then sucks for you! DOESN'T IT?!" he deliberately raised the volume of his voice to grate his ears. It only served the agitate him more, not that Keegan cared.

Finally caught up, someone wearing mainly white with a sleeveless top and gloves came slipping by. He had a red bandana atop his head and dark pink spiky hair with blue eyes. "O-okay guys, let's just chill out for a second, okay?" he urged nervously. "I'm sure we can work something out."

Keegan scoffed again. "Hm, well your pal here knows how to make a subtle approach, unlike certain Vestals."

"Alright, what's that supposed to mean?" At this point, the man had Keegan by the shirt collar. Keegan was playfully smirking as his deliberate attempts at riling up the Vestal worked. "You're just asking for trouble bub!"

Before trouble erupted, Shawn yanked Keegan's collar back and held him tight like a dog on a leash. "Huh? Hey, it was gonna get interesting for a change!"

Esther walked in front, bowing her head to them. "We apologize for our acquaintance." She said. "He's not the most sociable person at the moment."

The guy backed off. "Whatever. That guy was just annoying from the start."

The other guy sheepishly rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled. "Uh, we owe you an apology too. Sorry about Ace here."

Luke's eyes widened. "Ace?" He and Abis Omega exchanged looks.

Ace shrugged. "Whatevs. It's not a big deal. Besides if you really wanted a fight, maybe asking first before pushing your way would be a little more satisfying, don't you think?" he shot a look at Keegan, who was about to say something back if not for Shuji and Shawn giving him glares to shut him up.

Maggie faced Jase. "Jase, didn't Mira say something about someone named Ace?"

"Yes. I remember." The former B.I.F agent then began to walk closer towards them. Coincidentally, at the same time, so did Luke.

"Luke?" Esther reached out, but she held her position.

Luke stood a little closer to Ace and his associate as Jase was beside him. "Uh, sorry for earlier." Luke apologized. "But hey, listen…"

"What now?" Ace asked, thoroughly unamused at this point.

Jase prodded his glasses again. "Perhaps you both could be of some assistance to us." He answered. "Tell us, would you by any chance happen to know a name called Spectra?"

The associate looked surprised, but he looked at Ace to find his disposition changing to suspicion.

"What about him?" he asked accusingly. "What's going on?"

---

Fountain water continued rushing as Jase explained. By the time he finished explaining, the two Vestals were at a loss for words.

"Okay, back up." Ace said. "So you're telling me that the fate of our worlds are at risk, and you're trying to solve it by seeing this guy named Spectra because he's connected somehow, right? That sounds completely bogus. Like heck am I supposed to believe all that."

"Ace, maybe we should hear them out some more, don't you think?" his associate asked.

Ace shot him a look. "C'mon Baron. Don't tell me this doesn't sound the least bit suspicious to you."

"Well no, but…"

"If it's all the same, we were sent here by vouches of someone you might know." Jase insinuated. "Does the name 'Mira' hold any leverage?"

Ace's eyes widened. "Hold up! You mean you guys actually know Mira?!"

"I heard that she moved to Earth with Master Dan and the others. That explains why we haven't seen her in a while huh?" Baron pointed out. "Is she doing okay?"

"Yeah, at least we think so." Luke answered, but got back on topic. "But…if you know her, that means you've gotta trust her judgement, right? We were sent here by her, you've gotta believe us!"

On Baron's shoulder, a Haos Bakugan popped open. "Baron, I think we should consider what he's saying."

"Yeah, guess you're right." He looked towards Ace. "Ace…"

Ace's eyes narrowed on Luke with slight annoyance. "Okay, so maybe you were sent by Mira, but I still don't see why we should trust you of all people. If it were Dan or Shun I can understand, but what's this got to do with you?"

"Because we know this better than anyone." Abis Omega said on Luke's shoulder. "We saw it with our own eyes."

On Ace's shoulder, a Darkus Bakugan spun open. "Okay, so now you're saying we should take your word on that Vestal would be a likely target?" he asked.

"Even if that is the case, I'm still having trouble seeing how we can't handle it ourselves. If we really are under threat of something big, why not prove how serious you are about it?"

"What does that mean?" Maggie asked.

Ace put a hand to his hip. "Tell you what, let's have a little battle. It's been a while since Percival and I let loose." He looked towards Baron. "You in, Baron?"

Baron pumped a fist. "Sure, okay. It's been a while since Nemus and I stretched our legs."

Luke's eyes widened. "What? You're kidding right?" he angrily approached them. "This isn't a joke we're playing! This is real!" he shouted. "You're planet could be in trouble for all we know, and you wanna fight us?! This is serious!"

"So are we." Ace countered. "You saying you too scared to prove yourself?"

"You…!" Luke's fists balled, but before things got out of hand, a hand tapped his shoulder.

"Luke…watch yourself." Jase thwarted him.

"Jase…" realizing his folly to come, Luke furrowed his brow and looked down in shame. "Sorry."

Jase stepped forward. "I suppose that since we're on your territory, we'll play by your little game's rules. However, we expect compensation in return if we manage a win."

"You sure drive a hard bargain." Ace smirked. "I'm game."

Jase's glasses refracted sunlight as he frowned. "Luke…if it's alright, I would like to assist you in this battle." He said. "There are a few things I would like to see for myself."

Luke nodded. "Got it. Thanks, Jase."

They all gained space in the park, where the group watched from the sidelines as Luke and Jase were opposing Ace and Baron from the opposite sides. Baron looked excited, while Ace seemed confident. Luke had an unsound expression showing while Jase displayed his usual hard-to-read expression.

"Good luck, guys!" Maggie cheered. "Win one for us!"

"This'll be a show." Shuji said.

Shawn nodded. "That's saying something…but these guys used to battle alongside Dan and the Battle Brawlers, right?"

"Yes. That means no matter what, they mustn't let their guards down." Esther said. "They'll have to give it everything they've got if they wish t cooperate." Her brow furrowed. "Good luck."

Jase had arms behind him, looking like a statue. "Luke, I trust that you've learned from the last time we were in Troposphere together, right?"

Luke nodded. "I know. Back then, I had no idea what I was doing. You just made the strategies and I just went along with them." He balled his fists. "This time we're fighting them together. You ready?"

"Undoubtedly."

Ace: 100% Luke: 100%

Baron: 100% Jase: 100%

"Ready Baron?" Ace asked.

"Yeah, this'll be awesome!" he exclaimed.

"I'll lead us off!" Luke pulled out a Gate Card. "Gate Card, set!" He flung the card out to the middle, making a blue shockwave ignite across the terrain. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!" In a blue light, coils of blue surfaced and Abis Omega let out a shrilled roar as he flexed his fins. Luke clutched Abis Omega. "We know what's at stake. Ready Abis?"

"Yeah! Let's go!" he roared.

"Very well then. Allow me." He threw Atmos in. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!" Atmos was thrown out, which he popped open and emerged in his true form. He ascended into the air as he cawed out towards the foes.

"Alright, you asked for it! Let's go, Percival!" Ace threw him in. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!" The Bakugan went out, where his entire top-half spinning and creating a purple tornado with sparkles atop. It flourished until it expanded, revealing Knight Percival. "Go, Darkus Knight Percival!"

Percival's evolved figure glared with an intimidating stature at Abis Omega and Atmos. "Hope you're ready to step into darkness." He threatened.

Baron brought his arm back. "And we'll add some light as well! Let's go, Nemus! Bakugan, brawl!"

Out went Nemus next. His ball form popped open and he surfaced in a glowing light. "I am Haos Saint Nemus!" he declared, twirling his staff proudly. "Any and all evil who stand before me, will be snuffed out by my bright light!"

Knight Percival: 600 Abis Omega: 450

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 450

Ace showed an ability first. "Ability, activate! Stray Thunder!" Above, dark swirling clouds manifested and rumbled before shooting down purple bolts into Knight Percival's finger, which conducted to one point. He slowly aimed at the opponents and the bolt shot at them.

Knight Percival: 600 (+300) = 900 Abis Omega: 450

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 450

As the purple bolt drew closer, Luke glared forward. "Jase, you got this?"

Jase prodded his glasses up. "Yes. Ability, activate! Winding Winds!" Atmos had a green aura as he moved in front of the bolt. He flapped his wings, summoning a green whirlwind that diffused the purple electricity and made a burst of wind that expelled all over the place, causing everyone to cover up.

Knight Percival: 900 (-300) = 600 Abis Omega: 450

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 450 (+200) = 650

With Ace and Baron covering up, Luke looked towards Jase, seeing the knowing glance. He looked ahead and swiped his arm. "Now, Abis!" At his call, Abis slunk his long body skywards, actually managing a jump over Percival and Nemus as they looked up in shock. "Ability, activate! Diamond Shower!" Abis Omega roared overhead as he summoned raining blue diamonds down onto Percival and Nemus. Both covered up as the bombardment hammered away at them like rain.

Knight Percival: 600 (-200) = 400 Abis Omega: 450 (+200) = 650

Saint Nemus: 600 (-200) = 400 Atmos: 650

"Percival!" Ace exclaimed.

Baron showed an ability. "Not so fast! Ability, activate! Borehole Reflection!" Moving in front, Nemus' staff began to glow a bright light as he moved it above, He started twirling it repeatedly, stopping the shards as he roared outwards. The shards didn't make it pass him as Percival recovered from behind.

Knight Percival: 400 (+200) = 600 Abis Omega: 650 (-200) = 450

Saint Nemus: 400 (+200) = 600 Atmos: 650

"He nullified his ability." Atmos deduced. But when he looked up, he saw that Abis was roaring down, and Luke wasn't finished.

"We're not done!" he roared bravely. "Ability activate-!"

Abis Omega came down, blue streaks following his tail slash downwards. "Fin Melee!" His power jacked up to 650 again as he swung his tail down and collided with Nemus' staff. The blow made Nemus grunt, but he shoved Abis Omega off and the snake slunk into a slender landing.

"It's gonna take more than that to take us down!" Nemus declared.

Jase held up his Bakumeter, ready to make his move. "Is that so? Ability, activate! Ventus Airsaw!" Atmos flapped his wings, creating a green, crescent-like energy blade that sliced through the air heading towards Percival.

"No big deal." Ace teased. "Ability, activate! Black Out!" The atmosphere around Percival darkened as he slowly vanished from sight. The crescent continued its course, fading out in the distance.

Atmos looked around. "Where did he go?" He looked left and right, but was unaware of the dark silhouette in the form of a shadow looming behind.

"Behind you!" Abis Omega warned.

"Ability, activate! Dain Slief!" Ace shouted. Atmos looked behind at the last second to see Percival summoning a purple sword with golden accents on it, but also with shimmering edging that looked like it could cleave him in two.

Knight Percival: 600 (+300) = 900 Abis Omega: 650

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 650

Jase narrowed his eyes. "Atmos!"

"Abis! Get his attention!" Luke roared. "Ability, activate! Aquos Cyclowave!" Abis craned his mouth and opened the maw wide as blue energy coursed through and into a blue hemisphere. With everything charged, he roared out as a dense blue energy beam ripped across the battlefield towards Percival.

"Huh?!" Catching the attack, Percival shifted his attention and used the sword to cleave the blue energy blast around him. This distraction was what managed to allow Atmos to fly higher, getting to safety above. The attack bisected by the sword's edging and Percival strained to hold ground. "That all?!" he grunted.

Knight Percival: 900 Abis Omega: 650 (+400) = 1050

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 650

Jase glanced towards Luke. "Impressive."

Luke smiled. "Like I said, we got your backs."

Ace wasn't fazed by this tactic. "Okay, so maybe you do pack a punch. But not enough to keep us down." He warned. "Fusion ability, activate! Vermilion!" Percival's eyes widened moments before a purple slash ignited everything. Time slowed down drastically at that one moment as Percival held a slash position, his blade looking like a purple arrow-shaped energy blade that dissipated the blue beam.

"What?!" Abis Omega exclaimed.

"Ha! Nice try."

Knight Percival: 900 Abis Omega: 1050 (-200) = 850

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 650

"Our turn, Baron!" Nemus declared.

"You bet! Let's give them some backup! Ability activate, Elemental Roar!"

Nemus aimed his staff at Abis Omega and a bright beam shot from it at him. The serpent looked over with shock as a bright yellow beam went his way, and from another way, Percival was closing in to cleave him into pieces, all while his power level went back to 650.

"Abis!" Luke exclaimed.

Jase prodded his glasses up. "Suppose it's our turn to repay the favor." He showed an ability as Atmos cawed above. "Ability, activate! Cloud Zero!" Atmos hovered above as he flapped his wings once, exerting as much force needed as a green cloud-like whirlwind suddenly swallowed up everything around Abis Omega. Percival and Nemus' attack faded into it while the two Bakugan lost ground inside.

"What the! Where'd this wind come from?!" Percival grunted inside. Nearby, Nemus was holding his own the best he could, but both couldn't see through it.

Knight Percival: 900 (-450) = 450 Abis Omega: 650 (+400) = 1050

Saint Nemus: 600 (-150) = 450 Atmos: 650

The wind finally dissipated, and Percival and Nemus found themselves unblocking. When they looked back, a blue tail swung around, revealing Abis Omega as he slammed his tail into both of them, sending them on their backs. Atmos descended down right beside him. "Thanks for that." He said.

"No thanks are necessary." He commented.

Ace looked completely shocked. "What the-! They blindsided us!"

"Wow, that was good." Baron praised. "Nemus, good buddy?"

Nemus arose once more. "Yeah…don't worry, just a scratch." He looked over at Percival. "What about you, Percival?"

"That snake's really on my nerves." He sniped. "Now I'm mad!"

Jase glared ahead with readiness in his eyes. "Luke, if you could give me a hand here…"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, no problem. Ability, activate! Abis" Abis provided cover as he went at Percival with his tail swinging around.

Jase prodded his glasses up as he aimed for Nemus. "Ability, activate! Typhoon Chase!" Atmos cawed as he blew a harsh gust of wind that was anchoring Nemus and Percival down. He grunted as he used his staff to hold himself together, and Percival used his arms.

Knight Percival: 450 Abis Omega: 1050

Saint Nemus: 450 Atmos: 650 (+100) = 750

With Abis closing in for the attack, Ace grunted. "Like that'll stop us! Ability activate, Blind Shield!" Percival's other gauntlet manifested a massive purple shield that blocked Abis Omega's tail swing.

"Us too! Ability activate, Pyramid Shield!" Nemus raised his staff high to emit a powerful light that morphed into a glowing pyramid defending him and Percival from the winds. Keeping Abis from getting anywhere inside.

Knight Percival: 450 (+300) = 750 Abis Omega: 1050 (-300) = 750

Saint Nemus: 450 (+200) = 650 Atmos: 750 (-200) = 550

"So they're on defense then." Jase deduced. "I see."

"This is getting too long. Baron?" Ace insisted.

"You got it! Ability, activate! Float Shield!" The shields came down from both as Nemus raised his staff even higher. Above Abis Omega and Atmos, they looked up and saw three glowing pyramids with electricity around them. "There, that'll stop them from activating any abilities for a while." He said. "Now they're easy pickings."

Abis Omega was stiff, but he glanced at Luke. Luke nodded and understood. "Alright, this is it! Gate Card, open! Chain Link Force!" The Gate Card opened, glowing to make the pyramids vanish above them. Instead, they appeared above Nemus and Percival, shocking them.

"What?! They set a trap!" Ace shouted.

"Chain Link Force is a card that bounces the ability back at the opponents!" Luke shouted. "I figured you might try something like that. Ready, Abis?!"

"Ready!" he hissed.

"Ability, activate!" he and Jase shouted in unison.

"Fin Melee!"

"Cyclone Brave!"

Together, Abis went slithering at Percival, while Atmos surrounded himself in whirlwinds and shot at Nemus. The two Bakugan roared out as their immobile opponents were slashed across the face, with the other passed by a whirlwind bullet-like comet.

Knight Percival: 750 Abis Omega: 750 (+200) = 950

Saint Nemus: 650 Atmos: 550 (+300) = 850

Both Nemus and Percival went falling backwards as they morphed to ball form. They plopped at Ace and Baron's feet, both looking shocked as their life gauges fell.

Ace: 60%

Baron: 60%

Along the sidelines, everyone looked jovial at the turn of events that went in their favor. "Man, that was pretty good." Shawn smiled. "Luke and Jase really hit it home right there."

"Yeah! Abis Omega and Atmos really got them." Maggie chirped. "Facing all those Bakugan on Earth really paid off! That was nothing!"

Esther nodded. "Yes…Luke's really gotten stronger, hasn't he?"

Abis Omega and Atmos glowed their respective attribute colors and went back to their partners. Luke smiled, but Jase remained composed.

Ace picked up Percival. "Looks like we let our guard down on that one. You okay, Percival?"

Percival opened in his hand. "Yeah, don't worry, Ace. That was a wakeup call. But it looks like they mean business."

Ace clutched his fist, glaring ahead. "Yeah, looks like we're out of practice…" he stood up. "But now it's time to get serious! Ready Baron?"

Baron stood up with Nemus. "You betcha. Now we're ready!"

"That's what I like to hear. Warmup time's over! Gate Card, set!" Ace threw a Gate Card between them, fading in a purple shockwave. "No mercy, Percival! Bakugan, brawl! Percival, stand!" Once more, a purple cyclone enveloped the air, dissipating to reveal Knight Percival.

"Bakugan, brawl! Nemus, stand!" In a glistening light, Saint Nemus arose to do battle once more.

"Now look, watch yourself." Jase reminded.

Luke tensed up. "I know…this is going to be hard." He balled his fists tighter. "But we need to win this! Bakugan, brawl! Abis Omega, stand!" In a blue light, Abis Omega arose in a number of coils before releasing a shrilling hiss at the adversaries.

"Bakugan, brawl! Atmos, stand!" In a green light, a green blur ascended high almost immediately, revealing Atmos ready for battle.

Knight Percival: 600 Abis Omega: 450

Saint Nemus: 600 Atmos: 450

"This time, I'm getting that bird, and you can take that snake, got it?" Ace told his partner.

Baron nodded. "Got it. Let's go, ability activate! Bakugan Multiplier!" Suddenly, Nemus glowed a bright light before he suddenly copied himself. He multiplied into several others of his kind and immediately surrounded Abis Omega.

"What?! How did he copy himself?!" Abis Omega exclaimed.

"Be careful!" Luke warned.

The Nemus clones continued shifting along the ground. The way all of them moved was making Abis Omega disoriented to where he was getting dizzy. He shook his head while the Nemus clones shrouded about and made way for Percival to break through in midair, surprising Atmos.

"Ability activate, Dain Slief!" Percival's sword appeared in a black whirlwind, gripping it and gliding at his foe.

"This time you're not getting away!"

Knight Percival: 600 (+300) = 900 Abis Omega: 450 (-300) = 150

Saint Nemus: 600 (+300) = 900 Atmos: 450

All the Nemus surrounded Abis Omega and aimed their staffs at him. They readied various balls of light and prepared to finish it. 'I gotta defend!' Luke deduced. "Abis! Double ability, activate! Coil Guard, plus Sea Helix!" Abis Omega let out a shrilling roar before just as Nemus unleashed rays of light at him. He instantly coiled up as a helix of sweater surrounded him. The light rays dissipated upon impact, and Nemus returned to being one.

"What?"

Knight Percival: 900 Abis Omega: 150 (+300 +100 +100) = 650

Saint Nemus: 900 (-300 -100) = 500 Atmos: 450

The sweater helix below shot up, momentarily stopping Percival. He cleaved clean through the water to get to the other side, but Atmos was already gone. "Where did he go?" He felt a shift behind, revealing Atmos. When he turned, Atmos kicked his back, staggering him some until he balanced in midair again.

"Double ability, activate!" Jase roared. "Avianna Tempest, plus Green Talon!" Atmos cawed again as he unleashed another green whirlwind. However, as the winds circulated, the turmoil surrounded his body, enveloping him in a cocoon of green air. The red jewels on the chest glowed green and fired green beams surrounded by the winds. Percival used the blunt edge to block the attack, but it was making him falter some.

Knight Percival: 900 (-200 -100) = 600 Abis Omega: 650

Saint Nemus: 500 Atmos: 450 (+200 +200 +100) = 950

"You're quite the resilient one, aren't you?" Jase smirked.

"Big understatement." Ace smirked back. "We may not have battled in a while, but we're not pushovers."

"I'll keep that in mind." Jase showed another ability. "Ability activate, Diagonal Relation of Ventus and Haos!" The hexagonal circle showed itself, and Atmos glowed a bright green glow as he was enveloped in new power surging around him.

As Percival came around to attack again, Atmos remained positioned as his power rocketed to 1250. Percival swung his sword, but Atmos unleashed a powerful whirlwind, blowing Percival straight into the ground with a thud. Atmos returned to Abis Omega's side as he uncoiled and glared ahead.

Nemus assisted in picking up Percival as the Bakugan got back on his feet. "I think it's time we pick up the pace, Baron!" he shouted.

Baron nodded. "I gotcha, buddy! Time to pull out another trick." He reached out with command. "Nemus! Attribute change!"

Luke's eyes widened. "A what?"

"Yes!" Nemus raised his staff high, while the shield-like object on his leg began to spin. "I call upon the powers of the ancients, and grant me your powers!" The shield kept spinning, until finally it landed on a moon-like surface. It glowed purple, and his whole body began to morph. Within the glow, Nemus' staff adjusted so that he was bracing himself. Abis Omega and Atmos looked in shock as they watched Nemus' yellow turn black, and the white turned to purple. The staff and wings on his back went to silver as spikes shot up. "Behold, Darkus Nemus!" he proudly declared.

"Inconceivable." Atmos gasped. The glow around his body faded. "My power…" His power sunk back to 950 due to the attribute change.

"An attribute change without an ability or Gate Card?!" Maggie gasped.

Jelldon looked outwards with a gasp. "I didn't know we could do that."

"This just got a lot harder for us." Atchibee said.

Ace smirked. "Now we're talking. Gate Card, open! Darkus Reactor!" The Gate Card revealed itself, creating the reactor symbol and environment for Darkus. Rippled of darkness shrouded their feet, and Nemus and Percival had bright purple auras increasing their powers.

Knight Percival: 600 (+200) = 800 Abis Omega: 650

Saint Nemus: 500 (+200) = 700 Atmos: 950

Baron showed another ability. "Ability, activate! Darkus Force!" Nemus aimed his staff as a bright purple energy spear cloaked itself. A swell of darkness entered the staff and he let out a roar as a ball of darkness rushed at Abis Omega and Atmos.

Knight Percival: 800 Abis Omega: 650

Saint Nemus: 700 (+300) = 1000 Atmos: 950

"Oh snap! This is bad!" Shuji gasped.

The dark hemisphere closed in, and Abis and Atmos knew they had to dodge. But Abis chose to look at Luke. "Luke! Let's try that new trick!"

Luke nodded. "Yeah! Let's go!" He lifted his Bakumeter, showing another ability. "Let's give it a shot! Ability, activate! Abyssal Deluge!"

Abis Omega's body glinted on all the diamonds before his body gave off a bright blue glow. He roared loudly as a swirl of water eroded from his body and began swallowing up the surface of the Gate Card. The dark beam continued racing at them, but a sudden geyser of water spouted from below, shattering part of the Gate Card. Nemus and Percival looked surprised as they saw geysers spout from all around them. They broke through the Gate Card, shattering it to pieces while the water washed away the darkness around them. Finally, Abis Omega roared up to the air, summoning two geysers that struck Nemus and Percival below and made them gurgle.

"You kidding me?!" Ace exclaimed.

Knight Percival: 800 (-200) = 600 Abis Omega: 650 (+300) = 950

Saint Nemus: 1000 (-200) = 800 Atmos: 950

The water pillars faded away, and Percival and Nemus staggered out. "He nullified the Gate Card." Percival grunted. "Okay…I'm not mad. I'm angry."

"That makes two of us." Ace retorted.

Maggie looked shocked. "Woah, when did they learn to do that?"

Shawn crossed his arms and grinned. "It's a little trick Luke learned when we were battling Esther's priest." He answered. "Verias and Abis really had to go all out."

Esther had a serious face, despite the bittersweet memory as part of the factor. "Yes…we need this power if we're going to win."

Baron stepped back out of surprise. "Man, that came out of nowhere." He looked towards Ace. "Ace, you think it's time?"

"I'm all ears! Let's try this one." In his hand, he held up a rectangular prism-like Bakugan. "Bakugan Trap…" he tossed it skywards. "Flash Falcon Fly!" The prism soared skywards, in which it flashed a bright purple and manifested the Bakugan Trap. It was a dragonfly-like creature with deeper edging, with red ski-like bottoms. It hissed as it hovered above Percival.

"I'm with ya, Ace! Come Bakugan Trap! Haos Piercian!" Baron shot up a square-like prism, which shined yellow and became a giant white brick golem with shields on the arms.

Knight Percival: 600/Flash Falcon Fly: 400 Abis Omega: 950

Saint Nemus: 800/Piercian: 350 Atmos: 950

"Bakugan Traps?!" Luke gasped.

"So it would appear they carry them as well." Jase deduced. "Interesting…"

"Now let's switch it up again!" Ace shouted. "Ability, activate! Stuka Enemy!" Flash Falcon Fly soared overhead as his eyes shot small purple lasers that raced across the ground at Abis Omega. The Bakugan hurried out of the way as Falcon Fly came swooping around from behind, firing more lasers to throw him off.

Knight Percival: 600/Flash Falcon Fly: 400 (+100) = 500 Abis Omega: 950 (-100) = 850

Saint Nemus: 800/Piercian: 350 Atmos: 950

Jase swiped his arm. "Let's give some cover fire." Above, Atmos flapped his wings to ready himself.

"Not so fast there, buddy!" Baron intervened. "Double ability, activate! Electrocution!" Piercian aimed for Atmos and his disc on his sides shot out at Atmos. When they grew, they stuck on his sides and he felt paralyzed.

"Oh crud!" Shuji exclaimed.

Dark clouds gathered above. "…plus Darkus Sky!" The sky all around looked bleak and dark like the Darkus Realm, purple lightning flared in the sky as Nemus raised his staff high and swung down. A stray black bolt shot straight down onto Atmos, making him caw as he was hit.

Knight Percival: 600/Flash Falcon Fly: 500 Abis Omega: 850

Saint Nemus: 800 (+200) = 1000/Piercian: 350 Atmos: 950 (-200) = 750

Atmos cawed in pain as the shrilled electricity coursed through his body. He glowed his attribute color, morphing the ball form and plopped down to Jase's feet.

Jase: 50%

"Jase!" Luke panicked. "Abis!"

Abis shifted to dodge another volley of purple lasers. "I'm fine, Luke!" He watched Flash Falcon Fly fly right pass him. As the creature came soaring from behind, Abis found the chance and shot up, biting into the leg. He whipped his head up and slammed the dragonfly on his side, making a pained shriek escape it. He snuck in a painful coil around Flash Falcon Fly to make sure it doesn't get away from him. "Sorry, but you're in my way!" He squeezed tighter, forcing the dragonfly to submit.

"Got him." Percival grunted.

"Ability, activate!" Ace shouted. "Geor Gunner!" Percival's maw opened wide to make energy surge inside. The two pauldrons looking like dragon heads moved their horns back and faced Abis Omega as they made energy spheres as well. All at once, the heads unleashed one massive blast of dark pink energy at the serpent.

Knight Percival: 600 (+500) = 1100/Flash Falcon Fly: 500 Abis Omega: 850

Saint Nemus: 1000/Piercian: 350

"Abis!" Luke shouted.

Abis Omega realized the warning and looked ahead. "Huh?!" The attack shot right into him, breaking him away from Flash Falcon Fly and into midair. He gagged as he morphed into a blue light and went to Luke's feet in ball form.

Luke: 50%

"Damn, that must have hurt." Shawn winced.

"Abis Omega let his guard down that one second." Esther noted. "Those Bakugan Traps are an excellent distraction."

Maggie sighed and shrugged. "You'd think they'd be nothing since we've dealt with Rogue Zero before. But these guys really know how to fight."

Luke bent down and picked up Abis Omega. "Abis, are you okay?"

Abis Omega groaned while in ball form. "Uuugh…man, right in the chest…" he winced. "Gngh-I'm fine! We have to win!"

"I know." Luke stood up. "Jase, you and Atmos ready?"

"Yes." He held up a Gate Card. "Perhaps this will provide levity. Gate Card, set!" He flung the card out, creating a green shockwave that went across the ground.

All at once, they threw in their Bakugan again. "Bakugan, brawl!" Together, Percival, Nemus, Atmos, and Abis Omega arose for battle.

"And let's add Falcon Fly!" Ace threw in Flash Falcon Fly, who appeared above and descended low.

"And don't forget Piercian!" Baron threw in Piercian, who stood on the battlefield ready.

Knight Percival: 600/Flash Falcon Fly: 400 Abis Omega: 450

Saint Nemus: 600/Piercian: 350 Atmos: 450

Immediately, Atmos went and cawed loudly. He stamped his talons against Piercian's face, making him stumble backwards until he fell onto his bottom. "Huh, Piercian!" Nemus exclaimed.

Abis Omega swung his tail, immediately veering Flash Falcon Fly away.

"Looks like they're pulling cheap shots now." Ace said. "Alright, try this then! Ability, activate! Dual Buster!" As soon as Flash Flacon Fly swooped away, Percival perched himself on his back and soared at Abis Omega. The Aquos Bakugan went wide-eyed and hurriedly lowered to the ground to avoid them, but the gusts created by their momentum made him and Atmos fly off. Atmos planted himself on the ground, but Abis stirred some since he was the prime target.

Knight Percival: 600 (+200) = 800/Flash Falcon Fly: 400 (+200) = 600 = 1400 Abis Omega: 450

Saint Nemus: 600/Piercian: 350 Atmos: 450

Percival and Flash Falcon Fly soared overhead and surged about. Whirlwinds blew everything around, making Abis Omega grunt as he could barely find levity. He was tossed to the ground again as they flew right overhead. They soared skywards once more, and then the dragonfly and creature went shooting down in a dive at them.

"Luke!" Esther exclaimed.

"Hurry and move!" Atchibee yelled.

Jase looked towards him. "Luke, do you have a plan?"

Nodding, Luke said yes. "Yes. We got this…Abis Omega! Let's go!" he showed three abilities. "Triple ability, activate! Dry World, plus Diamond Shower, and Fusion ability…Blue Mega!"

Abis's eyes widened as he felt a surge of force from Luke. He roared loudly as he straightened up, manifesting a sphere of water around him from the humid air. The water even spun and surged diamonds inside that made it look like a crystal ball shimmering vibrant water inside.

As they closed in, the odd, bright glow startled Percival. "What the-?!"

Without warning, Abis roared inside and expelled torrential shimmering diamonds everywhere as he soared up at Percival and Flash Falcon Fly. They went spiraling everywhere and exploding along the ground. Nemus and Piercian were unfortunate as they were hot as well. They grunted, and Percival and Flash Falcon Fly were pelted endlessly by the barrage. Abis roared as he shot his sphere of water he was in at them both, creating a massive mist cloud. From the mist cloud, rain drops with blue shard expelled everywhere, raining all over the battlefield and the four enemies that tried covering up.

Knight Percival: 800 (-200 -200 -100) = 300/Flash Falcon Fly: 600 (-200 -100) = 300 = 600 Abis Omega: 450 (+200 +200 +200) = 1050

Saint Nemus: 600 (-200 -100) = 300/Piercian: 350 (-200 -100) = 50 Atmos: 450

Blue explosions rumbled the entire park. Everyone watching was dumbfounded as they saw shimmering sprays of endless water continued unleashing its wrath down upon. They all were even more shocked at how calm Luke was about it.

"Woaah…" Ace muttered. "Man…this is nuts."

Baron's brow furrowed as he knew he had to act. "Double ability, activate! Tank Bunker!" Piercian's legs slowly changed. Like a stone fortress, his lower half folded and his shields glowed, morphing into reflective mirrors that radiated sunlight through the smoke being made. "And now…Sparkly Arrow!" Nemus emerged from the smoke cloud with his staff held high, he roared as a glistening ball of light was congregating and he threw it up at Abis Omega, just as Piercian shot two intense beams of light that pulsated as well.

Knight Percival: 300/Flash Falcon Fly: 300 = 600 Abis Omega: 1050 (-400 -200) = 450

Saint Nemus: 300 (+400) = 700/Piercian: 50 (+200) = 250 Atmos: 450

The two attacks continued their way towards Abis as he was still suspended in midair. Atmos came by and extended his talons. "I got you!" In a hurry, he plucked Abis Omega out of the air and moved away as the golden attacks continued towards the sky. They vanished, and split seconds later became a bright flash that sent a ripple everywhere else. Atmos hurriedly maneuvered around, holding Abis Omega the best he could. However, he was blindsided when the smoke below vanished, revealing Percival on Flash Falcon Fly shooting up with a roar.

"Ability, activate! Dain Slief!" Ace shouted. Percival's sword manifested again. "Fusion ability, activate! Deathly Karbia!" As they sailed, the blade changed once again. It came a crooked curved knife-like blade he readied for. He roared as he slashed again, creating a purple X that shot between Atmos and Abis Omega. Atmos diverted away, while Abis landed on coils again.

All the Bakugan floated down and returned to their posts as they were in another standoff once more.

Knight Percival: 300 (+300 +200) = 800/Flash Falcon Fly: 300 = 1100 Abis Omega: 450 (-200) = 250

Saint Nemus: 700/Piercian: 250 Atmos: 450

Abis Omega grunted as he was labored in breath. That last strike would've ended him if it wasn't for Atmos separating. Even Atmos looked weary. And not just them, the opponents looked a little tired as well. "We've gotta…wrap this up." The serpent insisted.

"Yes…I agree." The falcon replied. "Jase!"

Jase nodded. "Understood." He reached out. "Gate Card, open! Forcement Enemy!" The Gate Card revealed itself, making the shadows of all the enemy Bakugan turn green as they went at Abis and Atmos. The two felt an incredible surge of energy as a green and blue aura enveloped them both, gaining them power once more.

Knight Percival: 800/Flash Falcon Fly: 300 = 1100 Abis Omega: 250 (+400) = 650

Saint Nemus: 700/Piercian: 250 Atmos: 450 (+400) = 850

Maggie smiled wide. "Hey, that card adds 100Gs times the number of enemy Bakugan, right?" she asked. "Wow, he must've known they were gonna pull out those guys again. Jase must be too smart for his own good."

"The gift of knowledge. It most certainly is." Esther noted.

Jase looked at Luke. "Luke, can you cover me?"

He nodded. "Yeah, we can. Abis! One more time! Ability, activate! Aquos Cyclowave!" Once more, Abis mustered up energy from the blue aura shimmered his body and roared out. This time, the blue laser shot once more, but unlike before, due to the evolution process and battle energy, it was stronger and ripped across the battlefield at them all. It was almost twice as big as before.

Baron showed another ability. "Ability, activate! Soliton Defender!" Piercian created a massive wall made by his own shields with a blue door-like center that stopped the attack cold. The blue beams sprayed around the wall, separating to small beams that didn't hit them.

Knight Percival: 800/Flash Falcon Fly: 300 = 1100 Abis Omega: 650 (+200) = 850

Saint Nemus: 700/Piercian: 250 Atmos: 850

"Soliton Defender halves your ability effects, so there." Baron looked happy, but his attention went up.

"What is it?" Ace looked up, seeing Atmos hovering right above them. "What the-?! It was a distraction?!"

Atmos cawed once more. "Now!"

Jase prodded his glasses up. "Very well then." He showed two abilities. "Double ability, activate! Shooting Lance, plus Fusion Ability, Anemoi Grace!" Atmos charged up his two red jewels again, making loud humming sounds erupt as green ripples enveloped them. Around his space, green sparkles radiated like comets. As he flapped and cawed, the comets went racing down as two intense beams of green light with convulsing green ripples went at the group straight below.

Knight Percival: 800 (-400 -200) = 200/Flash Falcon Fly: 300 (-200) = 100 = 300 Abis Omega: 850

Saint Nemus: 700 (-200) = 500/Piercian: 250 (-200) = 50 Atmos: 850

The green beaming lights with comets continued descending down, and it looked like they were about to hit. Percival especially looked impressed. "What impressive power…" he admired.

Ace smirked. "Yeah…it is." His teeth then showed. "But let's show them our power!" He raised his arm high to show his last ability. "Ability, activate! Darkus Fly Arrow!"

Flash Falcon Fly let out a cry before he glowed his attribute color. His entire form reshaped into something similar to a gun with his red tail tip at the front. Percival raised his one finger, drawing in purple lightning from the sky that electrocuted into the ground beneath. The power surged as he gripped Flash Falcon Fly, and all the electricity gathered converged and bolted into the stinging tip.

Ace swung his arm forward. "PERCIVAL~!"

Percival raised the gun and held on with both hands. Once aimed, the tip flashed purple before a monstrous, glistening purple beam roared and ripped through the air, just as big-if not bigger – than Abis' attack. The attack dissipated Atmos' attack and comets like they were dust into nothing, continuing towards them both.

"WHAT?!" Luke gasped. Beside him, Jase had eyes wide. Them, and the others all showed shock as their final moved crumbled like tissue paper.

"SAY GOODNIGHT!" Percival shouted.

Knight Percival: 200/Flash Falcon Fly: 100 (+400) = 500 = 700 Abis Omega: 850 (-400) = 450

Saint Nemus: 500/Piercian: 50 Atmos: 850 (-400) = 450

The beam closed in on both Bakugan. Their eyes were side in horror before they screamed upon impact. Both of them shrilled cries of pain that were muffled by an intense smoke and dust explosion that shuddered the landscape. Luke fell onto his backside while Jase dropped to a knee and reached back to pull out and use his weapon to anchor him. Through the dust and smoke, Atmos and Abis Omega's ball forms plopped to the ground to a halt, their forms sizzling with smoke.

Luke: 0%

Jase: 0%

"Oohhh~, that's gotta hurt." Maggie winced.

"Yeah, no kidding. I'd be feeling that forever." Jelldon muttered.

Shuji's eyes were the side of beads as a nervous look was on his face. "They just wiped the floor with them…just like that…"

Fly Beetle popped open on his shoulder. "I hate to say this, but I'm sure glad it wasn't me."

Shawn's brow furrowed. "Man…they went down hard." He looked towards Esther, who looked equally as disappointed.

As soon as their Bakugan stopped seeping smoke, Luke and Jase picked them up. Jase looked humble, but Luke had a depressed expression as clear as day. They were both approached by Ace and Baron as soon as the battle was over. And, to everyone's surprise, Ace reached down to Luke. "You up a good fight, pal." He said.

Though still disappointed, Luke looked up in shock before looking down in shame again, bangs covering his eyes. He accepted his hand. "Thank you." He said half-heartedly.

"You didn't win, but I was sure impressed. Percival and I can't remember the last time we had to pull out all the stops. I don't know how you made those Bakugan strong, but I think you guys just might be up there."

Jase nodded humbly. "Your respects in proper candor are sportsmanship worthy."

Ace nodded. "Thanks…so then Mira really did send you, huh? Must be something big if all these worlds are at risk."

"With all do respect, that includes this world as well." Jase noted. "I don't suppose you know where Spectra is then, do you?"

Baron sheepishly rubbed the top of his head. "Uh…not at the moment pal. Sorry."

"Relax, Baron. We'll think of something." Ace smiled. "In the meantime, why don't you guys come along with us? I think we can suite you up for a little while, at least until what Mira fills us in on."

Maggie gasped in shock. "You'd do that?!"

Shuji had hands to his hips. "Man, just when we thought things were gonna turn ugly. Man, a stroke of luck for once!"

"Don't jinx it too soon." Shawn teased.

Ace shrugged. "Personally, I'm still not buying all this. But this is too fishy to ignore either, so we'll be keeping an eye on you, got it?"

Baron stepped up and smiled. "Yeah, you can come see our place! I just moved in not too long ago, and the place we're at is just awesome!"

"We'll take your word for it." Jase nodded. "Care to lead the way?"

They all went into the Trailer, where Jase soon turned and began his way into the deeper parts of Vestal. As they traveled along, everyone seemed to be having a good time as Baron directed them, but elsewhere, looking out the windows of the side, Luke was watching the rolling landscape, his reflection showing his despondence.

Walking by, Keegan nonchalantly gazed at him. "Man, you really bit off more than you could chew, huh?" he snickered. "Man, to think I thought you were actually good. Man, did I get my hopes up for nothing."

He snickered all the way back to Jase and Shuji's room where he bunked. Meanwhile, his words sunk deep into Luke's cranium, making his fists ball in frustration. Slowly, he turned and went for his room. There, the door slid shut and he had bangs covering his eyes. He started muttering low.

"Damnit…damnit…" his lower lips quivered. "Gnnngh…DAMNIT!" He abruptly punched the ground in agonizing frustration, teeth gritting in violent frustration. The last battle replayed in his mind over and over, and he couldn't help but realized that he lost. "Damnit, I'm not strong enough! If I can't win, then…DAMNIT!" He punched the ground repeatedly, letting out his anguish at the loss he suffered from.

On the other side of the closed door, Esther was leaning against the wall. She was hearing every word and noise with a frown of her own.

---

Meanwhile, on Interacia, the confines to Killian's dorms opened once more. He walked in, tired after a long day of duties that Galilea assigned to him. Fresh out of the shower and in a casual black top with gray pants, he exhaled and grimaced at his aching body.

"I suppose this is where you eat then, right?" Moskeeto asked.

"You know me all too well." Killian remarked, slowly slouching towards his bed. "First I gotta report all this stuff to Galilea and the~!" Before he made it onto his bed, his knee struck something, flipping and faceplanting onto something soft. "Oof!" he muffled.

"You good?" Moskeeto asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. But…!" His eyes widened when he looked down at his bed. He noticed how it was different. "Wait, hold on…was my bed always this big? And are these new sheets?" He looked around confusedly to see if anything else was different. Aside from the queen-sized bed, nothing else seemed out of the ordinary. When he looked towards the doorway, he saw that Galilea was there. "Galilea?" he questioned shockingly.

The superior had hands on the doorway and gave him a smile. "You like it?"

Killian looked back at his bed and started piecing it together. He looked back at her with shock. "How did you…?"

"Let's just say a little birdie told me." She chirped knowingly. Without permission, she swaggered into his room and passed him. "I had this special ordered just earlier today. I heard you were having trouble sleeping, so, I I thought I'd see to it."

Killian looked astonished at her…among other things. For one thing, he noticed that his boss wasn't wearing her usual attire either. Her luscious curves were all there. She wasn't plump, but thick, especially in the thighs and especially on the ripe backside through her leggings. Powering through his thoughts he looked at her shocked. "N-no, really, you didn't have to do this. I can't accept this."

Galilea turned towards him, a hand to her hip. "…really?" she said dryly. "So you don't want a good night's sleep?"

"Well, yeah, but…wait, I mean yes, but I didn't mean-I…" He blinked once, turning to several times before his thoughts came together. He ultimately sighed. "Okay, you're the boss." He slumped onto bed, laying on his back. Instantly a warmth got on his back. "Ohhh yeah." He moaned. "You're a lifesaver. I don't even know how to repay you now…" A sudden thud on his new sheets made him turn. He looked over to see Galilea on her stomach.

"Massage me."

Killian almost went white. "…come again?"

"You heard me. Massage my aching back." She insisted. "Pretty please~?" she looked back to him and smirked. "I'll owe you bigger if you do."

Killian felt a lump go down his throat. If this were a dream, he'd wish he didn't wake up. He wanted to slap himself, but that would be too immature. He knew better. In all technicality, his boss did give him an order…not that it was easy to turn down anyways. He knew Amina would always enslave people to massage her feet and paint her nails for her, but Galilea was another case. Today, she looked more…open. He wasn't sure what, but his carnal desires were aching at him bad. He slowly moved on over, slowly surmounting her plump backside as he cracked his knuckles.

"…okay. Let me know if it's to much…" Calming the best he could in spite of the situation he mentally thanked god for, he pushed his elbow on a pressure point, making Galilea moan in pleasure.

"Mmmm…" she smiled. "…thank you Killian…" she muttered. "…for everything…"

Moans of pleasure filled Killian's room that entire night.

---

In his secluded lab, Cesar was typing fast on a holographic screen. On it was an upload screen containing many Bakugan with black coatings. Meanwhile, the last one was uploaded, and the entire panel flashed green.

"Eureka~! Success!" He shouted to the heavens! I have done it! My pure genius has finally achieved my scheduled hopes!" He pressed a button his armchair, bringing up another holographic monitor to show another room connected to the lab. All the Bakugan inside were floating in strange light blue liquids as their ball forms all had black. The mad scientist snickered in pride as he prodded his glasses up and balled a fist. "Yes. With the perfected forbidden cards, his majesty will finally have an army of most noteworthy potential. And with precisely 98% of Interacia's crust finally fallen…" he fiddled his fingers, showing another screen with images of Rogue Zero's Bakugan, and beneath them were graphed charts with helixes, and beneath those were spinning ability cards. "…I was finally able to succeed in full infusion of these new forbidden abilities." He swiped his arm, dissipating all of the screens before them. "With the potential of our Bakugan now at higher levels, Interacia's glory, will fall on my shoulders!"

His cackling echoed throughout the dark chambers that was his lab, his echoes being his only company to his sleep-deprived mind.

---

Riaan sat in his massive chamber, choosing to remain quiet while time flows on in the chambers around him. From his view of the massive window, the sunset's lighting was directly in his face. Mountains were in the distance that peaked sunlight on Interacia's once underground domain. 'At long last…the light has shone itself onto our kind. But for how long?' Before he could answer his own question, he heard a voice.

"Milord."

Without looking back, Riaan knew who it was. "Yes, Cyrus?"

"Forgive me for your favorable views, but it's about your…Bakugan. He wishes to speak to you."

Riaan looked over his shoulder, showing some surprise. "…is that so?" He saw Cyrus stand once more and take his leave towards his right. He watched Armagedoid take up the rear and approach Riaan until he stood in the center of his massive chamber. "Armagedoid." He greeted.

"Father." He replied.

Riaan looked ahead and seemed unfazed. "Have you come for more questions?"

Armagedoid shook his head. "No, Father. I came to you, because I was thinking about everything I have learned."

"And what did you learn?"

Armagedoid looked down at the ground. "I still know little now, but from what I have seen, your intentions are pure, despite how cruel they are in the end. And yet, you followed what you believed in, what was left for you to act as your will."

"Do you think less of me then?"

Armagedoid raised his head. "No, I have taken in everything up to now, and I've now realized that I can make my own decisions, and choose my way. You said I could help or stop you…or I can run away…but the truth is…I have finally made my decision."

"What decision is that…?" Riaan was genuinely curious of what Armagedoid wanted. He looked over his shoulder to see the Bakugan glaring at him. The sunlight reflected off his panel-like wings and made Riaan squint.

A strong, unsettling silence came between the two as the setting was creeping shadows up near Riaan's feet. While Cyrus watched patiently from the sidelines, ready to strike if needed.

"Father, after much consideration, I have chosen…" He held a strong stature, looking like he was ready to fight. "…to follow you and your path. To make mother and everyone realize that reality and you must be corrected!"

Cyrus looked shocked, and Riaan's eyes widened at this resolve. If honest, he was pleased by this, but in a fatherly perspective, he wasn't sure what to say. "…and are you sure about this?"

"You know that you are doing wrong, but you remained loyal to your ideals. Mother wasn't loyal to what you two wanted. You were all alone these years…until I cam along to fill that gap. I do not believe that leaving you in this time when you have been forsaken once will only bring shame to the one who brought me to life."

"An obligation you say…" Riaan mournfully sighed as he faced the sunset again. "But you know the path that you wish to take with result in deaths of others, right? Are you sure you can handle that responsibility?"

Armagedoid looked down, showing a pained expression. "Honestly…I…I am scared." He admitted. "But you told me that bad things are inevitable. I know there's still so much I have yet to learn, and I can only learn so much on my own…" he faced Riaan once more. "…but you taught me enough to learn how to be rational. That is something I am eternally grateful for."

"You are welcome…but I will ask one more time. Are you absolutely certain that this is what you want? There's no shame in turning the other way. I'll support you."

"I can make my own destiny. And I choose that my destiny is to help my Father and myself take what we have lost and have at the same time – nothing. I want to be someone, and you want to be remembered. This is my will now. My destiny."

A strong silence filled the room that moment. The sunlight finally cascaded over the throne, leaving Riaan and Armagedoid to be left in the shadows. The sun set in mountains, Riaan let out a long, deep sigh before he finally stepped out of his thrown. "So you choose to follow me in order to discover yourself, is it…" he turned to face Armagedoid. "Very well then…if that is what you have chosen, I will support you." He balled his fist tight. "We shall make Code Eve and all Bakugan know where they truly belong!"

"Yes, we shall!" he roared.

"However…" he intervened. "If you choose later that if you find this to be too much, you can always leave. It's your will to control now. There will be pain, and anguish amongst others. Knowing that, you still choose my path of fighting?"

Armagedoid braced himself. "There may be more peaceful ways…but with Mother…with Code Eve…there must be a time when the hard way is to be the greatest lesson."

Riaan humbly nodded. "Very good. I hope for the best in your decision, Armagedoid."

"I will. I promise I won't let you down, Father."

Riaan put a hand up. "Please, Armagedoid…if it's alright with you, I think now that we are getting professional, I think it would be preferable if you call me Master, or Riaan."

"As you wish…Master." Armagedoid remained still as for the first time, his body signified the attribute color and slowly morphed to dark purple. For the very first time, he shrunk to his ball form, where he gently drifted into Riaan's open hand. In his palm, Armagedoid was now in closed ball form, ready to fight a universe most cruel.

Riaan clutched Armagedoid and drew a serious gaze. 'Code Eve…this is the second time now that you have neglected someone who tried caring for you. I take full responsibility and blame for pushing Armagedoid like this…but I've done what I could, and now you pushed him back to me. You've made him fight with me. This my…no.' He raised his fist up, his cape shifting in the oncoming darkness outside. 'This…is our retribution! Code Eve, you shall pay…dearly.'

---

Here is the first chapter of the Vestal Arc! It's at this point now that we are going to be interacting with some more past characters. They're gonna play some more roles in the story now alongside Luke's group, and you've already seen the first few to be! Also, if you have noticed, compared to Troposphere's tournament, Luke and Jase have gotten better at communicating than before. They've really grown, haven't they?

A few other things to take note, aside from Killian getting intimate with Galilea, is that Cesar now has new forbidden abilities, but those will come later. And now Armagedoid has finally made his decision to fight alongside Riaan. Man, he sure knew loyalty, huh?

Also, one more thing before I forget, with their new designs, I'm making another artpiece of them. It's taking a long time because of how detailed I'm making it. I'll let you know when it's done.

Okay~! Happy October, happy days, happy lives, yadayadayada. Reviews are appreciated, and thanks for the favs and follows. Until next time!