It was black. Small shrieks were heard, and the sounds faded in and out, like glitched echoes in a video game. As fragmented as they were, the shrilled cries of pain filled the void with one implication: Death.

Cries of many were silenced by rumble, and the cries of young and old screamed for help before sounding like they were crushed. Many could be heard falling to their deaths, and Luke began to look around, seeing Thermosphere breaking down around him. He was wide-eyed, distraught even as he could feel the ground splitting up on the next avenue.

"W-what's happening?!" Luke exclaimed. "H-hey, aren't you that-!" He reached for a resident, but he went right through him. Much to Luke's own horror, he fazed through to the next step, while the body he went through went and reduced to dust. He shuddered as a rush of cold went through his body, it was like he touched dry ice and the shock went all over his body. "Wha…w-wait, did I just…!" His eyes went wide when he picked up on something. "Wait, are you okay…?!" He whipped around, but the resident was he went through wasn't there. It was like he vanished. He was stone cold, shrilled in deep shock. But that was nothing.

When he turned around, he found something even more terrifying, and it's a fear that he ow realized was what made this bitter: Loneliness. Alone. The dead had all vanished, fading into thin air like nothing was there. He found that even the tremors wet silent. This was dead silence, and it was a very terrifying feeling.

"H-hello? Anyone?" he hoped at least one person called out to him, but no one did. "Guys? Anyone…?"

He started hearing some voices again, though they were low. However, as they grew, they were like shrilled cries that wailed. The magnitudes started up again as his pupils dilated from the stuff they said.

"Why did you do this to us?!"

"You haven't changed a bit!"

"Why didn't you save them?!"

"This is all your fault!"

Their berating voices sounded like they really were in pain, the pain of being hurt by someone who held promise that they looked up to. The kind that cried out for vengeance. The cries of those who were wronged and never corrected, no matter how hard Luke tried. Their anguished cries only made him feel worse. This was Luke's pure torture. His life's haunting.

"I-I'm sorry! I really am! I didn't mean to!" He covered his ears, getting to a knee to drown out the wails that wanted him dead. "I'm trying! Really, I am! What do I have to do to please you?! Tell me!" He opened his eyes, hoping to get an answer, but instead, he looked down at a growing shadow. Upon realizing it, he looked up, seeing a piece of debris fall onto him. "AHHH!"

Everything went black upon impact.

Luke's eyes shot wide as he jerked awake. He gasped for air as he felt like he hadn't breathed before. His gaze was fixed on his knees as he sat up on what felt like soft sand. His forehead dripped beads of sweat, if not any other liquid. As he caught up to reality, he began to grow conscious.

"Wha…what just happened…?" he gasped. "Was…was all that just…? Wait, where am I?" He looked around, seeing he was isolated on a sandy shoreline. "Where's this? Is this…another dream?"

"Gnnngh…" a moan grown hoarse was heard from afar. Luke gasped and he turned towards the shore, seeing a familiar sea serpent with his body halfway out the water.

"Abis Omega!" Luke hurriedly rushed over. He fumbled some out of clumsiness a couple times until he finally fell to his knees in the sand in front of his pal. "Abis Omega? Abis! C'mon, wake up! Wake up!"

Abis Omega's eyes winced once, his vision barely clearing as he saw Luke's figure fade in an out. "Gnnngh…Luke…?" he mumbled.

"Yeah, it's me." He assured. "Abis, are you alright?"

"I…think so." He tried to arch up a bit. When he found he could stay up for more than a couple seconds, he looked down at Luke. "You okay, Luke?"

"I…I don't know." He mumbled. "What just happened? And why are we…!" His attention drew to the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline. When he looked out, he could hardly believe the sight of blue yonder intertwining with more blue. He picked up on the feeling. "Is this…an island?"

Abis Omega raised his head, flicking his tongue out to smell it. There was something familiar, yet so weird about it. It felt homely, yet it had a strange smell added towards it. 'This smell…'

"Speaking of which, where's everyone else?" Luke turned left and right again. "Esther? Shawn? Shuji!" unfortunately he got no answer along the cove. "Jase! Maggie!" he tried louder, but to no avail. All he was met with were his echoes returning. "Guys…guys…?" His body began to shake again. "W-where…what happened…? What's going on?!"

"Pssst…sensei, I think they're awake." A feint voice was heard behind a rock, one that Abis Omega picked up on. "What do we do now?"

"Looks like it." Another voice said. "Sure took them long enough. I thought they were dead for a minute."

"Yeah, me too."

Luke stammered up, unsheathing his sword. "Who's there?!" he demanded. Abis Omega readied a battle position.

Two toothy smirks were seen in darkness, followed by two pairs of amphibious footing leaping skywards from the seawater. The waves rocked as the two figments shot over their heads, blocking out the sun briefly. Luke and Abis Omega could barely make them out until the two flipped and landed behind them, revealing themselves on land.

Both figures turned around, leaving Luke in question. "Who're you?!"

The blue chameleon-like Bakugan pointed accusingly at him. "Hey, human! Don't go saying such a tone, not after we saved your butts!"

"Hold your horses, Amazon." The other, more detailed Bakugan imposed. "Let's not get hasty, alright? I'm sure we'll get answers soon." He faced the others. "Hehe, sorry about that. Didn't mean to scare you like that. You were out for some time."

Luke dropped his guard. "You mean, you saved us?"

The latter Bakugan nodded. "Of course. We saw you two washed up along the shore just a little while ago. We thought you were cast away from somewhere so we thought we'd lend ya a hand. No thanks are necessary. Anyways, I'm sure you guys are filled with questions."

Luke felt a bead of sweat drop. "Y-yeah…sorry, but who are you?"

"Oh right." The Bakugan pointed to himself. "The name's Aquos Preyas, in the flesh!"

"Preyas…?" Upon hearing the name, Abis Omega's eyes widened. "Wait, hold on! You're saying one of the Bakugan who saved New Vestroia back when it was separated?!"

Luke gasped. "Wait, what…?"

Amazon smirked. "That's right, that's my sensei alright, a legend as bright as day!" He pointed to himself. "And the name's Amazon! His number one student in the making! Bet you guys are jealous, right?"

"Uh…w-well…"

Preyas intervened. "Don't mind Amazon. He's just a little excited. So, uh…what brings you to New Vestroia?"

"New Vestroia?" Abis gasped in realization. 'I thought it felt familiar! But why's it so…'

"New…Vestroia?" Luke began processing as well. "But I thought we were on Vestal. How did we-!" A painful impulse suddenly went through his head, causing him to grow distraught. He gripped his head, images of Rogue Zero flashing inside his mind and their new cards. They remembered being swallowed by a shockwave, and Riaan showing up. An image of Armagedoid appeared, and he recalled being sucked into a portal. "What…happened…?" he grunted in pain.

"Luke…" Abis Omega strained again, his own body feeling shock again.

"Take it easy!" Preyas insisted. "You both better cool your jets before you exhaust them. Eh, what happened? H-how exactly did you guys end up here anyway?"

Luke looked distraught some as he winced at the ground. "…so that's what happened? Now I get it…" He gritted his teeth tighter. "We…we were…"

Amazon tilted his head. "Hm? Hey, what are you mumbling about? Sensei?" He turned towards Preyas for answers, but the Aquos Bakugan only looked discerningly at them, like he was catching onto suspicion. They both watched as Luke and Abis Omega were recoiling in their own shock.

"Rogue Zero…and Riaan…they really beat us, and we…we didn't stand a chance…" Luke gripped the sand beneath him. The grains themselves felt clumpy rather than soft. "We didn't save anyone…all those people, and we…"

Preyas took notice of the distraught the two had. For some reason, it reminded him of someone he once knew when he came back to New Vestroia with his partner, and even then they looked distraught. This case was no different. "…Amazon, eh, let's find cover for now, okay?"

"Sensei?"

"It's okay, really. I'm sure these guys might need some space and all…but they look pretty banged up. C'mon, let's carry them."

"If you say so." Amazon bent down to get Abis Omega's body over him. He could only get the lower-half while Preyas got the upper-half. "Man, I forgot how long these guys get. You sure about this, Sensei?"

"Well better than leaving them. C'mon."

…

"Okay, that should do it." Preyas backed away with Amazon. Both were on another part of the secluded cove nearby. The water basin they were in connected to the ocean by a small outlet, but the filtering let them see the rock at the bottom, and thankfully as far as they've seen, it's ankle deep hundreds of yards out. "The water isn't deep, but I'm sure fresh air will be of help."

Luke had his upper body clothing off as he stared at the clear water over a small rock besides Abis Omega, who rested in the shallow water. "…thank you." He mumbled.

"Now then, I know you two might need some space and all, but Amazon and I will be nearby, okay? So just shout if you need us." Preyas turned towards Amazon. "You wanna get back to it."

Immediately Amazon looked excited. "Aw yeah! I've been dying to try out more of that stealth combat, Sensei!" he exclaimed. "Sorry boys, nothing personal." He immediately jumped behind the massive rock wall making up their shelter. "No thanks are necessary~!"

Preyas backed away as well, leaving Luke and Abis Omega quiet as they sat on a rock and in the water respectively. The clear water gave them view of not just the soil feet below, but also their reflections. In Luke's case, he could only see the failure he was.

A long silence filled the air, and only Luke himself was able to break it. "…we really goofed up again, didn't we?"

Abis Omega shifted his eyes towards Luke.

"I guess we weren't the only ones trying to get stronger. Looks like Rogue Zero had the same thing in mind." He could still remember the confidence Maximus had throughout their battle; Luke mimicked that for assurance the whole way, but didn't sell. "Man, I can't believe how big of an idiot I was…and now look. Right back at square one…and to make things worse, I don't even know where the others are. I sure hope they're doing better than us."

Abis Omega shifted his gaze towards the sea again. He stared out, looking disheartened somewhat. "…yeah, same here." He glanced back. "Shawn and Esther and the others must be okay, we know it."

"I know…" Luke said. "It's just…a lot to take in…this might take a while for me to get."

Abis Omega turned a bit in the water. "Yeah…me too."

Behind the basin shelter, Preyas and Amazon were hiding. Before Preyas could officially begin with their training, he chose to hear them out for a bit to catch clues, and it looked like he was catching on.

"Sensei, remind me again why we're helping those guys?" Amazon asked.

Preyas remained silent for a moment. "…trust me, Amazon. I think it's important to listen. I think we'll pick up." He faced him. "Ready?"

"I guess…ready!" Amazon began to blend into his surroundings. Following in suit was Preyas to begin the lesson.

In another part of New Vestroia, things were about the same for another group stranded in the middle of nowhere. Finding a nice, smooth rock to lean on, Shawn eased his sore body on. "Gnngh…" he grunted at the stinging his body suffered. "Man, feels like this is gonna be a while. I can barely feel my neck." He turned away. "Thanks for that save, Verias. How're you holding up?"

The Haos Bakugan was in no better shape than Shawn. Like him, he was sore in all the wrong places and sat off to the side, cross-legged as he leaned on his staff. He grunted as his body was worn down.

"Yeah, I get the feeling." Shawn grinned as he sighed. He looked around, seeing nothing but wasteland everywhere. "But it looks like the others aren't around here either. Go figure."

Verias looked down. "Wouldn't be the first time going through a portal, huh?"

"If this is someone's idea of a bad joke, it ain't funny. It's all fun and games until someone can't feel their tailbone. We sure got wrapped up in a mess…at least that's what Luke would say."

In the distance, footsteps could be heard. "Mistress, I came back with some water!"

"Thank you, Aerogan." Another voice said. "Come."

"Yes, Mistress."

They both heard incoming footsteps. When they looked up, two shadows hovered over them, blocking out the sun. Shawn and Verias winced a few times before they finally adjusted. They saw what looked like a white ranger-like Bakugan, carrying some water inside a humungous leaf. Beside him, it looked like a humanoid armored white tiger Bakugan with deep white sabers. They looked down at them rather calmly.

"Oh, it's you guys." Shawn said. "Sorry, almost didn't recognize you for a minute."

The tiger nodded. "It's fine. How are you feeling? Can you move?"

Shawn looked down at his hand. He gripped it a couple times, flexing his joints. "…yeah. For now."

"Good. Now then, pardon the late introductions. I'm pleased to meet you, call me Blade Tigrerra. And this over here is my student, Aerogan."

"What's up?" the young Haos Bakugan greeted.

Shawn waves back. "Hey."

Tigrerra looked back at him. "Now then, exactly what brought you here anyway?"

Shawn looked down, showing deep pondering thoughts. "Well…it's kind of a long story…"

"Maggie…" a voiced chimed. "Maggie…"

"Gnnngh…"

"Maggie!"

A pair of eyes meekly opened, leaving it all bleak and blurry for a few moments as Maggie groaned. "Gnnngh…oh my head…" she whimpered. She opened her eyes, seeing Jelldon hovering over her. "Wait…Jelldon?!"

"MAGGIE!" The jellyfish wrapped a tendril around Maggie, holding her close. "Please tell me you're alright!"

"Hehehe…d-don't worry, I think I'm good." She noticed how tightly Jelldon was clutching her, and she tried squirming. "At least…I will be…when I'm set free!"

"Oh, sorry!" Jelldon released Maggie, setting her down to catch her breath. Seeing her on her feet again was a big load of his…hills. The jellyfish tried to ease up a little. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Maggie dusted her knees off. "Yeah, I feel okay." She turned towards Jelldon. "What I wanna know is…wait, hold on." She paused. "Jelldon, how come you're out of ball form?"

"Huh?" Jelldon just now realized this connection and looked down at his figure. His six eyes invested in every aspect and looked around. Suffice to say even he looked stumped.

"Guess you don't know either, huh…" Maggie looked around at the fauna life around her. She looked left, then right, and in the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a familiar tree. "Hey, hold on. Isn't that the fruit Luke and Esther had on the morning we met?"

Jelldon looked at the tree, his own gaze turning wondrous. "What…?"

"Wait, hang on…Jelldon…" Maggie's eyes shot wide open as she faced him. "Don't tell me we're back on New Vestroia!"

"What?! But how?!" Jelldon shrieked. "If we're here…then where's everyone else?" He looked around as well. "Abis Omega? Atchibee?! Verias?!...Fly Beetle?"

Maggie slumped down to her knees. "This is just great." She sulked. "First we get our butts kicked, now we're back here…man, just what next?" she sighed defeatedly.

"Don't be so glum, chum. I'm sure there's a positive somewhere." Somebody said off to the side.

Maggie and Jelldon blinked. They both looked up, seeing what looked like an odd Bakugan with light blue eyes, and had an angelic complexion. It surprised them to say the least. "Hello, there."

Immediately Maggie backed away. "Woah, where did you come from?!" She scooted back to Jelldon, who squirmed in front to protect her out of caution.

The Bakugan put his hands up. "At ease, my friends. There's no need for you to worry. I come as an assist. I saw you two fall from the sky and thought I'd see if there was something that could be done."

Jelldon blinked. "We fell?" he looked at the sky.

Maggie then blinked. "Oh, so that's what happened?" she looked at the Bakugan. "Uh, thank you very much, uh…"

The Bakugan chuckled. "Oh, sorry, where are my manners?" he bowed back. "Please, call me Aquos Preyas Angelo. Or Angelo for short, I you will."

"Angelo…" Maggie smiled. "That's cool."

"Eh, speak for yourselves!" The grumpy voice came from Angelo, much to Jelldon and Maggie's shock. The sudden outburst came from the flipping of Angelo when he flipped overhead. He suddenly morphed, leaving them shocked as a devil-like Bakugan with red demonic wings and spikes tail showed. The membrane around the neck had also turned to orange than a feathery blue. "You ask me, I think I'm the cool one around here, aye kiddies?"

Maggie blinked once, then twice, and she just looked straight up confused. "Uh…what?!" she shrieked as she scooted backwards. "Who are you?! Where the heck did Angelo go?!"

The devil Bakugan shrugged. "Eh, don't go getting your pigtails in a bunch, girly. That Angelo is a buzzkill. Name's Diablo, pretty nice, huh?"

Jelldon and Maggie were staring with no words to say. They looked more confused than impressed.

Suddenly Angelo flipped back to control. "Oh, I apologize for that. I seem to have left that out. That you saw was Diablo. I hope you're not too disturbed by his attitude."

Diablo switched to control again, laughing. "Yeah, don't mind Angelo. Truth ne told we're a pretty unique bunch."

Angelo switched in. "Could you please phrase that better? It's hard to explain when you're abruptly intervening."

"Not my fault!"

"Yes, I know. But do advise caution."

"Like you're one to talk!"

As the two flipped back and forth in an argument of light and dark, Maggie and Jelldon were both completely stoned in silence. The way they looked made it tell they lost track eons ago, and all they had to show was them facing the other, with Maggie showing a bored expression.

"Something tells me this'll be a while." She hummed.

In a mountainous domain, it was remarkably quiet. Even so high up, one could see the forests that spread for miles on end. They spread so far that one could hardly make out the other mountains across the canopies. Yet these mountains upheld a certain someone.

A dangling leg kicked away a small stone, contributed by Shuji as he looked down with a grim expression. Whether it was by the defeat he suffered or the fact that he ended up far away from the others was up in the air. What was evident was how he and Fly Beetle weren't going to be moving anytime soon.

"This bites." He grimaced. He looked over his shoulder. "Hey! You good over there or what?!"

His shouting was met with a grunt from Fly Beetle, who adjusted his posture to stand, but faltered again. Shuji groaned and sunk his head.

"Great. Just my luck." He opened his eyes slightly and gazed at the ground tiredly. "We end up traveling to all these worlds, just to end up back here. Somebody really has it out for me, huh?"

The ground suddenly started thumping, alarming Shuji. He looked left and right worriedly until he noticed gigantic starting to walk from behind a small alcove along the rocks. The massive golem-like creature took notice of Shuji and Fly Beetle, alarming them.

"Huh? Oh, shoot! Fly Beetle, we gotta bolt, NOW!" Shuji scrambled away. He didn't want to take any chances again.

The golem reached out. "Wait, hold on." His voice was remarkably passive.

Shuji slid to a stop before he could reach Fly Beetle. He looked up with wide eyes. "Wait, hold up…did that guy…just spoke?!" he gasped. "That means he's real, right?

"I sure hope so." Fly Beetle said.

The big guy gazed down like a giant. "Please, do not be alarmed. I come in peace."

Shuji shut his mouth and blinked a couple times. He squinted as he leered at the Bakugan. "Hey, wait a minute." He got a little closer as he raised a brow. "Aren't you that Bakugan that those Brawlers had before? What was it again? Uh…"

"My name is Subterra Hammer Gorem." The Bakugan greeted. "But you can just call me Gorem. Are you the one who I felt change the atmosphere?"

Shuji blinked. "Say what?" He looked at Fly Beetle, but even he looked confused.

"This land is changing. The rocks are crumbling, and the warm breezes atop these lands now shrivel. Look out there." He pointed to forests far out. "The foliage is beginning to fall."

Shuji and Fly Beetle followed his finger and looked out. When they caught view, they could actually see some brown here and there. The soil itself looked a little dried up as well. It was certainly strange.

"Was that there before?" Shuji asked. Suddenly the ground began to shake, creating an imbalance act that almost made Shuji topple over. Thankfully he regained composure and straightened out. "What the-?!"

"An earthquake?" Fly beetle could've guessed that it was a battle, but it felt weird for some reason. Unnatural would be a batter term. He and Shuji looked towards Gorem, catching his point.

"This land…I can feel its cries of pain. Something is wrong."

Amongst the sky lacking clouds, the blue sky had a green gleam in it. A closer examination showed Jase riding Atmos as the two were looking around for their friends. They looked to be hard on a search for them and answers.

"It's just as I feared, this area is also teeming with lackluster." Jase looked down at the wastelands below. Even from their height, they could see the cracks in the earth that run deep. "This can't be from the seismic battle activity. There would have to be a substantial level of energy being released." He put a hand to his chin. "I feel I might know what the problem is."

Atmos focused on the search. "I can't seem to find them from here." Trying to take heights, he flapped again. He soared higher until he finally got to a height. He searched until he suddenly lost his strength, plummeting downwards.

"Atmos!" Jase held on as they fell. 'He shouldn't be going any higher. We haven't recovered from that last battle. We need to land, now.'

From the corner of Jase's eyes, a green glint could be seen. The glint grew bigger, becoming a speeding comet that rushed towards them.

"Watch out!" Jase warned.

Atmos was too weak to act. He didn't have the strength to even lift his wings, even if he wanted to. He suddenly felt lighter as he steadied out, but t wasn't by his doing.

Jase looked up in surprised. "What's this…?"

Carrying them with her talons was another bird-like Bakugan, but this one was much more elegant, and had way more feathers to spare. Her yellow eyes reflected sunlight as she carried Atmos and guided him downwards with much of any words.

They soon descended, leaving the phoenix-like creature to overlook them while Atmos was catching his breath, and Jase was up on his feet, prodding his glasses again.

"Well that was a fortunate save." He noted. "Thank you for the assist. We're grateful for that."

"Don't mention it." The Bakugan said. "And besides, I'm also honestly surprised when I could've seen a human riding a back of another Bakugan. That rare in these parts."

Jase remained clam. "Is that so…? And pray tell, to what does that mean, exactly?"

The Bakugan repositioned herself to overlook the cliffs they used as cover. "It all started a little while ago, after those alien cities suddenly vanished. Our forms were once again restored, and it looked like all was well…but we couldn't be anymore wrong." She looked back at Jase and Atmos. "The Bakugan began to behave abnormally. They're constantly spreading out and getting more territorial by the day. That is from the result of negative energy and from our world starting to turn to sunder."

Jase looked away. "I see. So that means you're aware then."

"I've heard rumors of some humans that were sent here, and how they've come to band together with fellow Bakugan and drove these invaders out. I was suspicious when I saw a human here in New Vestroia, so I thought I'd check it out. Am I right to presume that is you?"

Atmos managed to lift his head weakly. "Jase…"

"I know, Atmos. Seems we can't deny it any further." He looked up towards the avian. "I cannot lie when I say you've found out so admirably well. Tell me, what do they call you?"

The Bakugan gave them a calm look. "Please pardon my late introduction. They call me Storm Skyress. And my young friends, to what do I owe this coincidence to you?"

In the thickness of another forest, another individual was being careful as she and her Bakugan were trying to check their surroundings. Near a stream, Esther looked down at her reflection. She looked gorgeous, but she didn't feel that way.

"How deploring." She mulled over her lack of sufficiency from the prior situation. She heard flapping from behind, catching wind of Atchibee. "Atchibee, how are you feeling?"

Atchibee showed signs of waning. "Better, but still unable to see well. Sorry, Esther."

She shook her head. "No, don't blame yourself." She faced the river again. "It wasn't your fault. We weren't careful. Rogue Zero and Riaan were more prepared. The problem now is how do we find the others." As she looked out, she got lost in her own thoughts. 'I sure hope Luke isn't causing trouble again.'

In the distance, a loud, shrilled roar echoed through the forest. It caused the leaves around to rustle with fear.

"Atchibee…" Esther looked voluntarily ready to fight, but Atchibee wasn't.

The moth Bakugan looked wary as she stared with her compound lenses fixated on the direction of the roar. Even from the distance, she could feel the intense flow of power. Suddenly she moved with Esther. "Look out!"

Along with Esther, they moved in time to avoid a shockwave that ripped through trees and canopies. The dark purple tremors and lights erupted madly, while they could see other Bakugan either blown away or running off. Of various shapes and sizes, the two remained out of sight until the wave of Bakugan was swept off by their own feet or the shockwaves.

"What's all this energy?!" Atchibee exclaimed. In the distance, the earth shuddered from violent roars.

Esther kept herself hidden as well through the energy waves. "I don't know…" the earth shuddered again. "But I think now's not the time to be in battle. Let's go."

With insistence, Atchibee hoisted Esther onto her back, allowing then takeoff through the canopy of the forest. They shot skywards, along with other fleeing Bakugan that were able to fly. Amongst them, Atmos, Falconeer, even a couple of other scarce Atchibee were flying off from pulsating quakes. In the distance, some strange purple beams were shot, and in an instant, a Ventus Atmos was engulfed in an explosion.

Esther gasped at how close that was to them. As she looked out, she saw purple projectile beams race quickly, hitting back that were very unfortunate. 'There's too many. We won't be able to evade in time.' With no other option, she had to take action. "Ability, activate! Scare Flash!"

Atchibee swerved around to face the projectile beams, were wings glowing with bright ominous radiance. The beams glistened as they forced the purple beams and other Bakugan around her away. With enough space, they were supposedly in the clear.

"Okay, let's go!" Esther turned with Atchibee, but another purple glow from behind caught their attention. They seemed to be getting closer. "What's that…?"

Before they had time to register it, the three violet balls of energy overpowered the rays of light Atchibee gave off. They were enveloped in a powerful explosion, one that caused them both to scream as they plummeted back towards the ground. Atchibee fell on her back, whereas Esther landed on bushes. Though comforting in landing, the shock made her snap some twigs and roll beside Atchibee. She laid facing Atchibee as the Bakugan was unable to move.

"At…chibee…" Completely devoid of strength, Esther was unable to do anything as the roaring ceased. Instead, a massive, ominous shadow loomed over her, getting her attention.

Looming over her and Atchibee was a three-headed terror. Fixed with red eyes with the sharpest, most intense sclera she's ever seen, mixed with blood red teeth protruding out. There was a winged Bakugan with three tails and a saw-like stomach. It looked down at her, taking notice of the chaos clearing.

"Who…are you…?" Esther asked, but before she could get an answer, she finally black out.

Hours passed rather slowly as the sky changed to a shimmering sunset once again. The same orange rays illuminated the evening atmosphere just like they did a month ago. Luke and Abis Omega were in the tidal pool as before, though it was hard to tell if either moved an inch. They were both stone cold. In reality, there was a reason why Luke especially was stiff, and it was obvious why.

Images of Thermosphere raced through his head, repeating the screams of those who he's killed in the past on accident. Those same screams could still be heard on instant replay in his mind. He could still be seen shaking as of now, and it wasn't from the water's temperature. He wasn't sure how much time passed, but that didn't matter to him. He only thought about the images that played over and over, haunting him like a ghost. He even thought about the promise he and Abis Omega had made on the Trailer, and how much work thy put into trying now. As straining as it was, they worked through it. They thought they were doing so well, until they were beaten by Ace and Baron. Recalling those final attacks by them and Maximus replayed like a broken record, and just remembering the pain alone made his heartrate skip all over the place. He honestly didn't even know what to think or say anymore.

The only sounds that could be made out were the incoming tides and oceanic waves, and even those didn't stir the two. Man and sea serpent laid respectively on a flat stone and seawater as they were healing their sore bodies.

Coincidentally, Preyas and Amazon had just finished their training and were coming around to check up on them. From the distance, Amazon could see how distilled they were. "Woah, hey, look at that. They're still there!" he pointed at them. "Wait, are they even awake?"

Preyas himself was surprised, but he was more curious than anything else. He stepped forward, remaining silent as he observed from afar.

"Sensei, what are you-" Amazon was cut off when Preyas shushed him.

Teacher and student quietly reserved themselves to watching as Luke and Abis Omega weren't moving. They wanted to know more, but for their sake, it was best not to give themselves away just yet.

There was a long silence as they observed the sun's rays making water darker, but that only made it harder for them to see their reflections. Finally furrowing his brow, Luke clutched his arms tight enough to get something out of him.

"Abis Omega…" he muttered. "Remember that promise we've made together?"

The serpent glanced at Luke, having his attention.

"I meant what I said. I was going to change, at least I thought I was. I know we still got some things to work out, but really, I'm glad to have you as a partner…you know that?"

Abis Omega chuckled meekly. "Yeah, that's saying something." He shot a glance at Luke, catching his sour note. "Though I think we've hit a rough wave here and there."

Luke meekly nodded. "Yeah. I can't believe how far we've come…but I guess all we've done is end up right at the start again, huh?" He held his knees a little tighter to his body. "I thought we were getting better. We've even held our own against that swordfish back on Interacia. We would've died…but we somehow made it out. We've traveled all over the world, here and Earth, even Interacia, and now Vestal…we were going to try and make a change and help those people, but I guess we really couldn't live up to what we promised, huh?" he thought deeper in his sadness. His grim note was picked up from afar by Preyas and Amazon as the two looked at each other. "Abis…just what were we doing?"

Abis Omega wanted to know as well. He was equally as confused to say the least, but he understood where Luke was coming from. "I don't know…heh, guess we're both a little lost." He faced Luke again. "But listen, maybe we weren't the best of friends before, but I wouldn't go back on my word when I agreed to die fighting or trying, and you shouldn't either. So maybe Rogue Zero one-upped us? We're not gonna just sit here forever and not do anything. That's what the old us would do, right?"

Luke thought long and hard about Abis Omega's words. It's true he swore that, and he was still going to try somehow to make amends, but his worries were falling out of practice. The only salvation to this dread was the static coming from Luke's Bakumeter.

"Huh? What's this?" He looked down at the odd signal, which was vaguely glitched. "Are we getting a signal from all the way out here?" He tapped his Bakumeter a few times, trying to get it to work. It was only after the tenth tap with his finger did the screen finally show a picture of Jase. "What the?! Jase?!" he gasped.

"What? Jase?" Abis Omega leaned in the background, trying to see over Luke's shoulder.

"On the screen, Jase was seen grinning. "Luke, is that you?" he inquired. "Well now, I was wondering whose voice that belonged to. Have I called at a bad time, or are you bathing?"

Luke looked down at his attire, seeing his shirts were still in the sand. "Oh ha-ha! Very funny!" he chimed back. "How the heck are you able to get a signal out here?"

Besides Jase's screen, another panel opened, revealing Shawn. "Hey, Luke. Long time no see. You still kicking I see." He chimed with a wave.

"Shawn!" Luke gasped. "You okay?"

"Yeah, we're fine. Looks like the ex-Colonel's networking skills managed to pay off after all." He faced Jase's screen. "Forgot how big of a stalker you are."

Jase calmly prodded his glasses up. "I'd like to consider it a 'fortunate hobby', if you will." He reworded it so that Luke and Shawn nervously sweatdropped. "Speaking of which, the others should be joining in right about now." As if on que, three other panels suddenly opened up. They reveled the faces of Shuji, Maggie, and Esther. They all looked worn out, especially Esther.

"Guys!" Luke stammered. "Esther, are you okay?"

"Luke?" the Darkus girl chimed in, seeing his worried expression. "Yes. We're alright. Atchibee and I just had a brief run-in was all."

She turned the screen to show them all the image. Much to their shock, even Maggie was spooked when they saw Alpha Hydranoid right before her, and he looked ferocious beyond measure.

"GAH!" Maggie recoiled. "W-what the heck?! Esther!"

Luke leaned into the screen. "Esther, are you okay? What the heck is going on over there?!"

"Geez, not so loud, okay buddy?" Shuji warned through his annoyed expression. "Some of us actually have ears you know!"

Esther couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes, we know, Shuji." She faced Luke. "Sorry for worrying you. Turns out Alpha Hydranoid was just defending his territory. We've managed to straighten some things out once we came to."

Maggie gasped. "Wait, hold up! You're saying that you ran into some Bakugan, too?" She turned the screen to give them all a picture of Angelo. "Because this guy said he helped me and Jelldon." Even on the little screen, Angelo bowed towards Maggie's friends.

"Huh? Oh, hey! Look at that!" Over Luke's shoulder, Preyas appeared. Apparently he and Amazon's curiosity got the better of them. "That's my brother you bumped into! I was wondering where he was…"

"Woah, where'd you come from?!" Luke exclaimed.

Amazon rubbed the back of his head. "Hehe, sorry. Couldn't help ourselves." He giggled. "Guess we were just a little curious, that's all." He peered over Luke's head, barely squeezing room with Preyas and Abis Omega to peer at the many faces. "So is this what you humans use to communicate? Man, is it small! How the heck are you able to see without glasses?"

Finally having enough claustrophobia, Preyas pulled himself and Amazon out of the way. "Okay, that's a little too cramped!" he chimed. "Eh, sorry. Continue."

Jase chuckled. "Well then, as we were saying. The I guess it's safe to say we've all ran into some help, is that right?" Moving his screen revealed Storm Skyress.

Shawn nodded. "Yeah, you guessed it." In the background, Tigrerra and Aerogan were seen. "Shuji, how about you?"

Shuji grunted. He showed his screen to reveal Hammer Gorem. "Take a guess."

"Well, looks like we're not alone. We've got company after all." Maggie chimed.

Shuji managed a chuckle. "Got that right. After what we went through, glad this happened."

Jase frowned. "Fortunate as we are, let's not count our blessings too soon, shall we? Remember, we're on a clock, and I'm afraid we are also on a ticking time bomb." Jase's screen altered to give a holographic simulation of New Vestroia, but a lot of spots were having magenta heat signatures in them. "If you all are aware, New Vestroia was infected, just like Earth has. And it seems that very energy is causing paranormal disturbances within the environment."

Esther's brow furrowed. "That would explain the Bakugan getting territorial and agitated. It's the collapse of Vestroia all over again at this rate."

"Yes, I'm afraid so. At this rate, even New Vestroia won't last long."

Shawn put a hand to his chin, pondering. "Yeah, that's true. But it's not like we can get back to Vestal like this."

"Yeah, tell me about it." Maggie eyerolled. "I was so close, and that Killian had to go and pull a fast one on me!"

Shuji looked away from the screen in shame. "How about you don't remind me. I've had enough disappointment for one day, thank you very much."

Esther looked down in guilt. "Rogue Zero…to think they'd surpass our current levels. We've gravely underestimated them this time. This was our own doing."

Hearing all this made Luke's heart ache. His hair covered his eyes as he was trying to come up with something, but nothing came to mind. "…" Just when he could say something, his mind flashed those tantalizing images of Rogue Zero kicking his ass, along with the others. They all didn't stand a chance. And with the way they were as Maggie and the others said, they'd need a miracle like before on Interacia. Unfortunately for them, miracles don't come cheap.

"Well, what do we do? We can't just sit around forever. You guys up now?" Shawn asked everyone.

Maggie nodded. "Yeah, I'm up for a go! Right Jelldon?" Besides Maggie, Jelldon nodded, although he seemed less confident than before.

"I'm okay right now." Esther noted. "I'm sorry I can't be there. Jase, you're able to pinpoint our trajectories, can you?"

The former Colonel prodded his glasses again. "If you are persuading to make an ideal pinpoint, then yes, I can do that. It'll take some time, but once we rendezvous we should have a plan of action by then."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll be up for that." Shawn grinned. "Yo, Luke, you ready pal?" Shawn waited for an answer, but Luke seemed to be spacing out on them. "Luke?...Luke?" Shawn repeated. "C'mon, you there?"

Maggie waved in her screen. "Oh Lu~ke! Wakey-wakey!"

Esther noticed the distraught look on Luke's face. He seemed more melancholic than necessary, and it only made her worry. "Luke. Is everything okay?"

Luke was silent as everyone, even Abis Omega and Preyas and Amazon faced him. Finally, words escaped. "…we can't. Not like this." He muttered.

Maggie leaned into the screen, her ear pulsing suggestively. "Hm? What was that? Did I just hear Luke say no to that?"

Shuji put a pinky to his ear. "Yeah, I thought I heard that right. Maybe his head's knocked up or something."

"I KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING!" Luke suddenly snapped, silencing everyone.

"…Luke…" Shawn said.

Luke hesitated to answer again, but all he did was ball his fists. "…listen, everyone. I know what you're gonna say, and I'm not disagreeing or anything…but…if we go back now, won't Rogue Zero just kick our asses again?"

Maggie looked angrily at him. "What was that? You of all people are scared now, Luke?"

"Hey, just listen!" he snapped, muting Maggie for a moment. "…look, I'm sorry, but I don't wanna admit to this either…" he lowered his head. "I've been thinking about it all day, and we've come a long way. But Rogue Zero and Riaan…they really thought ahead of us. They've even made these freaky new cards to trick us, and we fell right into their hands." He narrowed his eyes in greater guilt. "I hate to say it, but I don't think we can win, not the way we are."

"Luke…" Esther muttered, completely silenced by Luke's melancholy tone.

Jase put his hand to his temple. "Hm, so it seems that I wasn't the only one having that epiphany then." He teased. "And of Luke of all people. How vexing."

"What? Jase, you now?!" Shuji backlashed. "What the heck is wrong with you?!"

"Now, now. Everyone calm down. Let's take a step back for a minute." He advised. "I know you're all eager to get back at them, but I feel that Luke does in fact have a valid point. When we've fought them in the past, the odds were still stacked well against us, but now that they have these cards, those chances are considerably slim. I can't imagine we'd be in any condition the way we are now." And Jase wasn't wrong When Maggie or Shuji moved to say something, all they could do was stop themselves as his words sunk in. It wasn't exactly fair to be put down like that, but they've learned that the truth is a harsh term that they needed to embrace. Luke especially. He learned the definition of truth, and he's not running away from it. When they all stopped to consider this, they could only acknowledge their grimacing levels. "We are in fact stronger than when we started, that much is certain, but we can't ignore our enemies' power as well. Our overall strength isn't up to co."

Shuji hesitated to answer. "…well, maybe." He agreed. "But we're not just gonna sit around, are we? We gotta do something!"

"Yeah! Maybe we can catch them off guard with an ambush! That'd throw me off." Maggie advised. Unfortunately all she got was cold silence, She sulked at the lack of comedy. "…okay, guess you have a point."

"Okay, so what do you advise?" Shawn asked. "Tigrerra told me Aerogan can make us a portal like all these other Neathian and Gundalian Bakugan can."

"That's a sound suggestion, Shawn." Jase marveled. "But we'll have to put our suggestion on hold. Our own strength is the problem. We can't take back Vestal the way we are now…is that what you are suggesting, Luke?"

Luke started standing on the rock he sat on for hours. "Yeah, exactly my thought." Even his voice grew determined.

"Luke." Abis Omega said, his own energy starting to lift some.

"You guys can go…but I know what I'm saying when I say we need to fight fire with fire. If we're gonna take them on again, Abis Omega and I need to train. We need to get stronger, so we can save the people we can…and those we couldn't."

"Luke…" Esther caught onto why Luke was feeling like this. In a way, she knew what he felt. She remembered full well his struggles after the Thermosphere incident. She understood that, and how she was pathetic against Xander and Ariella. She didn't want to be that way again. "…okay, I'm with you."

"Wait, you serious?" Shuji barked.

Shawn smirked. "Well now, look at you Luke. You sure are thinking are ya?"

"Shawn, shut up." Luke deadpanned.

The Haos battler chuckled. "Don't worry. I gotcha. Alright, training it is."

Shuji sighed. "Fine."

Maggie nodded. "There's no way Jelldon and I are gonna lose again…" she suddenly realized something. "But wait, if we're all apart, how are we gonna train?"

Jase grinned. "The answer's behind us."

They all looked over their shoulders, catching whim of what he meant. The Bakugan were all looking at them; not just their own, but the ones that helped save them. They looked strong, and possibly worthwhile. The suggestion was picked up by them all, so they faced their Bakugan to see that they had suggestive looks as well.

Shuji managed a smirk. "Alright, I'm in." Beside him, Fly Beetle also nodded.

Everyone gave nods and grins. They knew it was going to be weird, especially for Shawn since he's by Luke, but just a for a little while, he'll have to worry about him and Verias. If they were going to be there for Luke, they at least had to look out for themselves. And they really can't do that. They needed to do this.

Behind Maggie, Jelldon swallowed a lump. "I…If it'll protect Maggie and help me do that…t-then okay!" he urged.

Jase nodded. "Right, then we'll meet up fully prepared. And Luke, any more suggestions?" All eyes went to Luke again.

Luke faced the fading orange as it looked like the stars were coming up again. They twinkled beautifully with other planets and moon starting to show. Soon enough, his mind was set.

"3 days. That should be enough time, right? Hopefully we'll be able to save some if we're given that time." He faced the Bakumeter. "Sound good?"

"Heh, whatever you say." Shuji huffed, ramming his fist into his palm. "Just make sure I'm saved some for myself, got it?"

Shawn smirked. "Sounds good to me. You sure you're okay being alone that long, Luke?"

"I'm not alone." To prove his point, he looked over, seeing Abis Omega ready right beside him. The others also had their Bakugan fixed, and they looked just as determined.

Shawn grinned in understanding. "Yeah, figures as much."

"Luke, you be careful." Esther told him.

Luke sweatdropped. "Why are you all worrying about me so much? I'm fine." He waved them off. "But don't worry, we'll see you guys, in 3 days. Until then…let's say good luck, guys."

"Right!" With that, the screens began signing out some people. Jase, Maggie, and Shuji all signed out, and Shawn gave Luke a wave that he returned before signing off to do private training. The last seen was Esther, and shocking to Luke, she offered him a genuine smile. That smile soon faded, becoming a serious glare as cold as ice. It was Esther's warning to make sure he does well or suffer the consequences. Once she signed out, it just left Luke with Abis Omega, the two finally having a resolve. 3 days may not seem like much, but they were on a clock. They all needed to buckle down and get to it, and that means no shirking. It was time to get serious.

In unison, everyone stood in place. They all didn't get to it immediately. They were processing what was at stake. With all their eyes closed, they were mentally preparing themselves for what they had to do to get stronger.

All their eyes flashed open, ready to begin.

"Alright Abis Omega, let's go!" Luke encouraged. He unsheathed his sword as Abis Omega lubricated in the water.

"I'm with ya, Luke!" The serpent exerted a loud roar as he extended his fins, ready to begin.

Stepping from behind, Preyas intervened. "So I heard what you're up to." He said.

Luke turned towards him. "Yeah, we are. No more distraction, we're gonna get training." He turned towards the sea. "Thanks for everything guys. We're grateful to you. Abis!"

Preyas intervened again. "Hold it!" he yelled, getting their attention. "Listen…if you all want to get stronger…then it sounds like you need help."

Amazon looked shocked. "Woah, sensei! Are you saying what I think you're saying?!"

Preyas nodded. "That's right." He extended his limbs and looked ready. "Listen, you can only do so much alone. If you want to get stronger, you're gonna need someone to guide you. This may not be a fight we understand, but at the very least, if you're that desperate, we'll give some pointers."

Luke looked shocked. "You'd…do that?"

Preyas nodded. "Of course. I went through the same thing with my old gang as well." He thought back to his time with Marucho, and how the two battled and saved Vestroia. They had to get stringer and evolve. "If you want to get strong, then follow Amazon and I."

Amazon was silent for a moment, but he realized his sensei's plan was a valid one. "Hey, yeah! Now that I think about it, maybe I can use a sparring partner!" He scooted in front. "Pretty please!"

"Amazon has a point. We can all learn. So what do you say?"

Luke looked down in curiosity. In a way, he wasn't wrong. What he and Abis Omega did before wasn't exactly the wrong thing to do. They swam away and fought Bakugan in the waters back on Interacia. That itself was training. They didn't have guidance then. Now, they actually have someone who has experience. It was worth it at least, and Abis Omega confirmed that.

"I don't know what to say." Abis Omega said.

Preyas smirked. "Just consider it a little lesson learned."

Luke stepped forward. "…okay." He put on his shirts again, getting dressed again and ready for battle as he held his sword. "If what you say will help us, then we'll take it." He poised to strike them, despite how small he was. "But don't make us second guess this, got it?"

"Woah, trust issues much?" Preyas teased. "But you got yourself a deal." He faced Amazon. "Amazon, how's about you use those lessons I taught ya?"

Amazon's eyes widened. "For real? Oh boy! I've been dying to try my skills out on somebody!" He flipped overhead, sliding into the shallow basin and facing Luke and Abis Omega, who were poised to strike.

"You ready, Abis Omega?" Luke asked, to which Abis Omega hissed in retort.

"Heh, well let's see how you defer from the other snakes in the sea." Amazon mocked. "Bring it!"

"Okay players!" Preyas reached out. "Battle on!"

Luke jutted his sword forward, and Abis slithered through the water at Amazon. Abis Omega roared as he closed the distance.

"Come get some!" Eager, Amazon dashed right across the water at Abis Omega. The two met in the center, where Amazon punched forward. Abis Omega slipped around to get in from the side, but Amazon suddenly spun around and kicked Abis Omega in the face, sending him back in the water. "Ha! Saw that coming a mile away!"

Abis Omega felt the shock dissipate and he tried shaking his head. "Abis!" Luke warned. Unfortunately the serpent didn't react in time.

"Too slow!" Amazon lifted his foot again and stamped Abis' chin, sending him back into the water. The serpent howled as he landed in the water.

"Abis Omega!" Luke exclaimed.

Preyas was watching from the shores as he watched the fighting happen. He looked neither bored nor obsessed. But rather, intrigued. 'These guys aren't at Amazon's level yet. He's almost as fast as me. I just hope he doesn't get too carried away. He could really knock them out.'

Amazon took a leap into the air, getting above to flip and come down. "Here I come~!" he shouted.

"No you don't!" Luke shouted. "Ability, activate! Osmosis!" Abis Omega began camouflaging himself into the water. Amazon's foot came crashing down, making a huge splash spout. Unfortunately for him it hit nothing.

"Huh, okay, I see. Let's see now…" Thanks to his stealth training, he became more aware of his surroundings. From the corner of his eye, he saw water breaking in an arch right behind. "Aha! Found you!" He did a back kick, hitting the camouflaged sea serpent in the face. The impact made Abis reveal himself, and Amazon pivoted and threw a punch, one so strong that it hit Abis right in the jaw, sending him to the water again. "Is that all you got?! I'm not even sweating!" Amazon mocked.

"Abis Omega, don't give in!" Luke encouraged, pointing his sword at him. "Trip him up some!"

Dizzy still, Abis Omega weakly looked back. Amazon looked full of energy, so he had to catch him off guard. With his long body, he slunk his tail around and whipped him by the knees. Amazon found himself slipping when he felt his ankles get yanked from down under.

"Woah! What the-?!" Abis Omega quickly used his slender body to tangle and coil around his foe. He restrained his legs, arms, and made sure to keep a tight hold as Amazon wasn't able to be freed.

"Yeah, just like that!" Luke exclaimed.

Preyas remained uneasily quiet. He knew the tides were still in Amazon's favor.

Amazon coughed. "Not bad. But you know…" He started to roll, making Abis Omega feel his coils get loosened enough for Amazon to sneak a wrist in and grab Abis Omega's neck. The impact made him gag. "There's advantages to hands, pal!" With all his might, he jutted the serpent up and threw him to the shallow water hard. The impact followed with the rest of his body slinking down like fallen rope that splashed.

Luke looked completely shocked. "Abis…"

Abis strained to get up, but a kick from Amazon immediately sent him backing across the water. The serpent slid and skipped out of the water, thudding hard near Luke and causing even him to fall on his back. Both laid on the ground, the wind completely knocked out of them.

Amazon flexed. "Aw yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" he looked ahead. "Aw c'mon, don't tell me you're down already! Guys?" he got no answer. "Guys? Hello?"

Abis Omega's eyes winced before they slowly opened. He moaned as he shakily got back up, only to fall over completely. "So…fast." He groaned.

Luke strained to get up as well. He had to use even his sword as support. "…man, what the heck was that?" He looked up shocked at Amazon. "Was that all just pure physical skill he beat us with?"

Amazon cockily smirked. "You surprised? Sensei taught me everything I should know. Now I'm as flexible as can be! Think you can keep up?"

"Alright Amazon, take it easy." Preyas insisted. "These guys just recovered. You really wanna beat them down when they're like this?"

"Sensei…n-no. But…"

Luke stabbed his sword into the ground. He used it as a cane to support him while Abis Omega strained. Both labored as they were catching their breaths. "He's right." He muttered, catching both their attentions. "If we're gonna save as many people…we can't hold back." He huffed. "We gotta give it our all, and that means making it so we can react just as fast. I know I'm gonna hate myself for this…but don't hold back! Please!"

Preyas looked surprised. "You sure…?"

Amazon was quiet before smirking. "…heh, I like your spirit. Alright, if that's what you want!" He dashed remarkably fast across the water, so fast that Abis Omega nor Luke could keep up with a kick. "Don't say that I didn't warn ya!"

His kick soared at Abis just as he was ready to duck, but the kick was too fast and everything went black for them both.

"So you're really willing to help us out?" Shawn finished talking to Blade Tigrerra who helped them earlier. They wanted help in getting some pointers since they were veterans themselves, and it just so happens that she was by and heard the communication.

"This may not be my fight…" she paused. "But I can understand where you're coming from. If you really mean what you say, then I shall lend you my strength!" Blade Tigrerra poised to strike. "But I shall warn you, if you choose this path against me, my claws will be the least of your worries."

"We got it." Shawn grinned before furrowing his brow in seriousness. 'Luke, I was surprised when you made that call. But I can understand.' He thought back to when he and Luke beside each other in Interacia, or at least Luke was there for support while Shawn fought. 'If you really are going those lengths, then so will I.' He pulled out his fencer with a serious face. 'Can't believe I'm actually doing this, and for once not just for you…idiot.' He smirked. "Okay, ready Verias?"

The Haos Bakugan twirled his staff around. "Ready!"

Tigrerra nodded. "So be it…then here I come!" In a blitz, she lengthened her claws and immediately closed the gap on herself and Verias. With one slash, she passed the simian, making hashes if bright yellow flourish that made Verias double over in shock.

'Just one blow?!' Shawn thought as he doubled over. He got to his feet and stood, while Verias was on a knee and straining.

Turning around, Tigrerra poised to strike again. "You want more then? HRAH!"

Shawn immediately went for an ability. "Ability, activate! Siba Feral!" Verias twirled his staff around rapidly as Tigrerra closed in. She slashed, and Verias parried. The two went at it head to head, and even though it seemed tough, Verias was keeping up some with deflecting keen blows.

Aerogan was off to the side, watching the fight exude itself. For once, he was watching his sensei get into some fighting that he could admire. "Mistress…"

Verias swung again, but Tigrerra deflected using her claws. The ywo went at it, but it seemed that Tigrerra was still faster than him. Several scratched got through, and Verias was losing ground. Once an opening was made, Tigrerra took it.

"Velocity Fang!"

All her blades lengthened and she became a yellow whirlwind that passed Verias. She posed behind and her claws shrunk back into place. For a moment, nothing happened, until finally yellow gashes seen erupting and Verias let out a howl of pain as he became airborne. He roared as he crashed into the ground, making a magnitude that almost shook Shawn to bits. Fortunately he was able to catch himself, unlike Verias.

"Damnit!" he cursed.

"You still have a long way to go." Tigrerra said. "But if you want to pass this test and believe you can save your friends, then do your worst!"

Verias was struggling to get up, and Shawn was no better as he wiped his lip with his sleeve. 'Damn.'

"I see, so then you require my help in this matter?" Angelo inquired, to which Maggie vigorously nodded.

"Yes, yes! Can you please give us a little help? Just a little would work!" she insisted. "Jelldon and I can get far together, but if we're gonna smoke those Rogue Zero meanies, we need a pick-me-up! Can you please~?"

Jelldon bowed. "Please."

Angelo was admittedly quiet for a while. He seemed to be pondering as he thought back to something inside of his mind. In the confines of what he thought of, his mentality traced back to the times of his allies and their ventures against Naga. Even they needed help against the Six Legendary Warriors when they were tested. In a way, this felt very similar. When it came down to it, Angelo could be seen grinning a little.

"Are you truly believing this is the right choice?" Maggie answered with a nod. "Very well then. If this is the path that you wish to tread, you shall be trained and tested, as we once were."

Maggie eyes brightened. "You will?! Jelldon, did you hear that?!"

The jellyfish Bakugan perked. "Yeah, I sure did!"

Angelo nodded. "Good. Now then, for some ground rules…" he started rubbing his hands together. "For the next 3 days, there'll be no roughhousing. No sneaky tricks, oh, and no cursing. I'd prefer a more 'civilized' approach if that's okay with you."

Maggie sweatdropped. "Uh…okay? But we don't even…"

"Oh, and I forgot to mention." Angelo intervened. "I ger tired easily and require frequent breaks. So for the most part…" Before he could finish, Diablo flipped into control again.

"That means you'll be battling me, kiddies!" he laughed. "Aquos Preyas Diablo, reporting for duty!"

"He changed again?" Jelldon gasped.

"Darn right. Now…" He started walking forward, cracking his knuckles with a devilish grin. "Let's start off with basics pal. Let's see how well you do against me physically…"

Maggie and Jelldon both paled as they sweatdropped. Their guts were screaming to get out of there, but they were too scared to listen. This was going to be a harsh few days for sure.

Shuji was facing the towering Hammer Gorem with Fly Beetle. Both were ready as the giant looked down on them, but Shuji took it as a challenge. "Heh, well it looks like we found our opponent already, Fly Beetle." He chimed.

Fly Beetle crawled up next to him. "Looks sturdy. This'll be fun."

Hammer Gorem started reaching back slowly. "My brawling days might be behind me…" he mumbled as he reached and got the huge two-piece anchor-like hammer connected. He held it tight, ready to do some serious damage. "But I may be of assistance to you. If you truly want to prove that you want to save our world, then I shall see for myself, just as how I was sought by Clayf. Come!"

Shuji jumped onto Fly Beetle. "Heh, don't mind if we do!"

Fly Beetle immediately ascended to do battle. He didn't reach Gorem's height per se, but thanks to his flying capabilities, he could at least be able to see eye level. Starting off immediately, he buzzed his way into Gorem head on, and he made impact. However, he recoiled, unable to scratch Gorem's surface by even a small margin.

'What the-?! He's that tough?!' Shuji took notice of Hammer Gorem swinging his massive mace around. "Look alive!"

"I know!" Fly Beetle used his maneuverability to ascend higher away. He was able to dodge the mace in time to avoid a direct blast. However, what came next completely shocked him.

"Grand Impact!" Hammer Gorem pivot once more, swinging his whole body to throw the mace in a violent spin skywards. The spinning mace closed in at such a remarkable rate that Shuji barely processed it.

"Ability, activate! Subterra Seeker!" Fly Beetle used his wing shields, which glowed like lava at the time to reflect the ability. The mace was suddenly repulsed back and went back to Gorem. Although much to their shock, Gorem caught the mace with both hands.

"Not bad." He complimented. "But now…" He twirled his hammer-like mace again, but this time overhead and drove it into the ground. He made the rocks arise from a sheer force that he swung his hammer into, sending all the stones at Fly Beetle.

"Woah! Watch out!" Shuji exclaimed. "Ability, activate-!"

"Not so fast!" Gorem intercepted by hitting the ground with his mace. The shockwave of rock and dirt made the ground tear open, bursting beneath Fly beetle and Shuji. Both covered up, and suddenly through the dusty shockwaves, rocks and debris smashed into them repeatedly. The stones hurled them downwards, screaming in pain and fright until Fly Beetle smashed on his back first. Shuji flailed in the air until used a ledge to slide down and ended up tumbling to his side beside Fly Beetle.

"Ow…" Shuji groaned. "Man…that sure stunk."

"You have a lot to learn…" Both battler and Fly Beetle turned on their stomachs at the same time, looking up at Hammer Gorem. "To defeat your foes as a Subterra, you must first learn to hold your ground. That is the essence of our kind."

Shuji's brow furrowed. "To hold…our ground?" His eyes widened when he suddenly recalled the talk he and Fly Beetle had back in Thermosphere during their fight against Keegan. 'Wait, that's what he's talking about?'

Fly Beetle managed to get up again. "Gnnngh…I'm good. Gotta stay sturdy. Shuji!"

Shuji shook out his insecurities and balled a fist. "Yeah, I hear ya! Let's knock that stone over! Let's go!" At his call, Fly Beetle started crawling remarkably fast to prod his horn into him.

Hammer Gorem raised his hammer overhead. "Try me." With one fell swing, he slammed down hard, making everything go black.

Skyress spread her wings and looked down at Jase and Atmos. "I've heard it all. So, you wish to step into the shoes that we once filled, is that right?"

Jase and Atmos gazed at their opponent with no fixed emotions; the former especially showed nothing. "So much hunch was correct. I had a feeling that I recognized you from somewhere. You were one of the six Bakugan who saved vestroia, did you not?"

Skyress nodded. "That I am. And if what was spoken is true, that must mean that there are other planets in danger."

Atmos looked up to her. "Are you willing to assist us in our cause?" He was hoping for an appropriate answer, for all their sakes.

Skyress continued flapping her wings and looking down. "If what you are saying is true, then I'm sorry, gentlemen, but I'm afraid that I cannot do as you intend me." Of course Atmos and Jase frowned, but she continued anyway. "Be as it may, this is not my fight. New Vestroia is my home, and I must do everything I can to ensure that it's stable while I'm still here. But that doesn't mean I can entrust a future of other worlds to you. If you truly want to find strength…" She spread her wings farther. "And learn the truths of what you desire…" She flapped once, creating a powerful gust that Jase and Atmos managed to withstand their ground with. "Then I shall test you for that resolve!"

Through the tempest that she created, Jase prodded his glasses up. "An interesting proposition. Your gratitude won't go unnoticed by us."

"We appreciate your candor." Atmos nodded.

Skyress ascended higher. "If you wish to save our worlds, then you must first discover why is it that you fight. Your friend has made his decision, because he has recognized his flaw. So now, how will you follow?"

Atmos ascended to Skyress' level. The falcon and phoenix both looked at each other with yellow eyes piercing intense stares. All while Jase's hair whipped up in the maelstrom. Yet he remained undeterred.

"I am entitled to what I believe is truthful or the right thing." Jase said. "And as such, if this course of action will benefit us, then so be it. Atmos!" In response, Atmos cawed, ready to begin.

Hydranoid unleashed a shrilled roar in all directions, his three heads making the trees and atmosphere around him shake. Esther managed to get herself and Atchibee up again, although the moth was still straining from their last encounter.

"Are you willing to help us?" Esther asked. In truth, she realized who this Bakugan was. She watched news all those years ago and recognized the Bakugan was the one who belonged to the madman who had a rivalry with Dan Kuso, now a good Bakugan that once risked his life to save New Vestroia.

Despite his earlier exhibitions, Alpha Hydranoid glared down. "So, you wish to battle to the fullest?" he asked. "If that is your desire, then I hope you know the consequences." Another one of his heads warned.

Esther nodded. "Yes, I'm aware. Atchibee, are you?"

The moth Bakugan was overhead as she glared at her menacing opponent. She could already tell that his power level was so high that it was unlike anything she felt before. But if she was going to get stronger, then she needed to but her skills up at a new bar. "Yes, I'm fully prepared." She said sternly.

Hydranoid spread his wings and swung his mace-like tails around, shrilling roars that could bring others from miles around to mercy. "Then come!" he challenged. "Meet your doom, rookie!"

Esther knew who she was dealing with. 'We have to retain caution. Hydranoid is a powerful Bakugan. There's no guarantee he'll let us off easy.' An image of Luke and the team appeared in her mind, making her steel her ground. 'But we asked for this. If we're going to change, we need to do so for ourselves, and for our Bakugan. No more time for second guesses.' "Atchibee, get ready!"

Atchibee fluttered at the ready. "Say no more, Esther…I've been ready."

Hydranoid growled. "So be it!" his maws opened wide. "Don't say that we didn't warn you!" Inside, three white-purple balls of energy began charging up. Once ready, they were unleashed and went at Atchibee. The moth Bakugan instinctively ascended to evade the ability, which exploded on the ground. She got above Hydranoid, ready to attack.

"Ability, activate! Lavender Shock!" Atchibee released a purple electric blast down at Hydranoid, making impact and a burst of smoke. Esther knew she had to keep the pressure on, and as fast as possible. "Now, Fusion Ability, Chaos Turnover!" Atchibee followed up by unleashing a glossy purple fireball from her maw. She fired it at Hydranoid down below into the smoke, causing an even bigger eruption to sprout.

They backed off, hoping that they were able to do something.

When the smoke cleared, they both saw the silhouette of Hydranoid, but his eyes glowed. "Is that all…?" The smoke faded, leaving his foes in shock that he didn't have a single scratch on him. "You will never beat me with that!" he exhibited yet another roar, one making shrilled shockwaves that made Esther cover up.

"Gnnngh!" Atchibee used her scythes to cover up from the wings, but they weren't nearly enough to stop the mighty tail swings that Hydranoid swatted her with. The impact sent her pass Esther, smashing clean through a tree and laid on her back.

"Atchibee!" Startled at the sheer force Hydranoid sued, she turned around to see the formidable creature coming out with hardly any scratches. His growling served to send a chill down her spine. 'This is the power of a Bakugan who's evolved twice. If we don't work fast enough…'

"You're out of your league." Hydranoid warned. "If you want to work harder, try again!" His tone was of challenge, like he was savoring it. Whether he was being serious or not wasn't important. What was vital was how he was helping, even if it was rough. But this was what was needed.

Esther balled her fists as she glared back at the hydra. 'If Atchibee and I are going to succeed…then that means we'll have to think two steps ahead.'

Skyress cawed as she and Atmos were flying through the atmosphere of the night sky. Even though they were recovered, Atmos was still trying his best to keep up. He spiraled around to intercept Skyress, but she ended up climbing overhead. Atmos circled around and looked up, seeing her high above. In position, he went into a steep climb to intercept her, but the phoenix was a little more noteworthy. She pivoted and reached her talons out. She clashed with Atmos' own talons, and the two were in a deadlock of sheer force. The air separated between them as they tried to take the other on, but it felt like Skyress had the upper edge, and it was proven when she did a suplex in the sky and hurled him downwards. Atmos cawed as he descended at such a velocity.

Being careful, Jase made sure to keep the timing accurate. "Not yet…now!"

Atmos' eyes widened and he heard Jase. Managing to sprout his wings, he caught himself and glided over the ground. He passed over Jase's head, whipping up a small gust as he glided across. But Skyress was prepared.

"Impressive." She complimented. "Whirlwind Lightning Sword!" She flexed here wings, shooting green-blue energy shards that rained down constantly above Atmos. Using his dexterity and flight, he tried to pick up the pace. However, with how low he was, he wasn't getting a draft that he needed. He ended up being hammered from above, sliding across the ground through the tempest.

Jase had also been whipped up, but he landed on a knee and managed to keep himself in check as the dust cleared. Atmos was seen straining to get up.

Skyress cawed above and gently lowered to the ground. "I don't suppose that's all that you can do."

Jase looked towards Atmos, and the Bakugan managed to crane his head up and nod back. "Then I suppose when can give you some of what we have then." He pointed at the sky. "Atmos!"

Cawing loudly, Atmos spread his wings and took flight. He got above and readied himself. "Ready!"

"Now then, ability, activate! Avianna Tempest!" Jase activated the ability, which summoned a green whirlwind that encompassed his Bakugan. Atmos looked like he was braced for battle again and was fully prepared to do whatever it takes.

Of course Skyress also held her own reserves on the matters. "…"

"And now, Atmos…" Jase's note was finished when a green aura enveloped the beads and dark green ripples flowing into it.

"Shooting Lance!" Kicked up by a massive tempest-like tailwind, Atmos unleashed two intense bright green blast waves that soared and expanded at Skyress. The avian used her wings to cover as the attack spread winds and green energy in all direction, but through it, Skyress was hanging on.

'Such durability.' Jase noted.

The green beam continued firing, but a green fiery blitz beamed right through. The phoenix-like Bakugan shrilled a cry as she completely beamed through the attack, closing in on Atmos. "Impressive indeed!" she called out. "But how far will that get you? I wonder!"

Maggie reached forward. "Okay, Jelldon! Show them what you can do!"

At her call, Jelldon shrilled a cry as his tentacles were glistening in red electricity. He reached out to jab, but Diablo sidestepped like it was nothing. "HA! That all? Too slow!" Jelldon jabbed again, only to repeat. Again, and again, Jelldon kept jabbing away, but Diablo was too fast. "C'mon! That all?! I mistook that for a wet noodle!"

Jelldon tried jabbing and lashing, over and over again, but they ended up just the same as before. Over and over, Diablo was dodging and waiting for Jelldon to slip up. The jellyfish lashed wildly and madly, taking it as seriously as he could. Over and over, he was trying his hardest to get a clean shot, but to no avail. When he finally got one shot in, Diablo caught the tentacle, much to his and Maggie's disbelief.

"Ha! Too predictable!" He yanked hard, reeling Jelldon in against his will. "Now how's about I show ya how to really fight big guy?!" He stamped his foot into Jelldon's front, making him gag and fall on his back.

"Jelldon!" Maggie yelled out.

Jelldon groaned as he strained to get up. "Gnnngh…I…I'm okay…" It was a lie. He had the wind knocked out of him, but he couldn't afford to falter when this was intense training. Once he was up, he was looking at Diablo with uncertainty, and this factor didn't go unnoticed by him.

"Hmph, what's with the face? Are you really a fighter, or a big punching bag?" Diablo spread his arms out. "Abyss Nightmare!" At his usage, the atmosphere began to darken, like it would to a pointless void that he blended into.

Maggie looked around shocked. "Where'd he go?! I can't see him! Jelldon!"

Jelldon, however, was in his own little world. Rather than worry about where his opponent was, he was quivering in fright over the darkness. "Oh no…why the darkness?" he whimpered. He looked around, shuddering like crazy over the circumstances. "Oh god, why?!"

"Jelldon! Look out!" Maggie warned.

Diablo appeared in front. "Afraid of the dark big guy?" he taunted. "Well here, you've earned this!" Diablo began firing rapid successions of high-speed punches into Jelldon. Even with a soft body, the spikes and the impacts weren't being fully absorbed. "This is how you throw a punch!" To finish off the rapid succession, he punched one more time, this one knocking Jelldon's face so hard that he fell over.

The atmosphere cleared up, and Jelldon laid there groaning as Diablo reigned victorious.

"Jelldon!" Maggie rushed over to her partner, showing genuine worry. "Jelldon, are you okay?"

"Heh, that's just pathetic." Diablo mocked. "You're afraid of the dark, huh? How the heck are supposed to get stronger is that simple task is blocking you? What a waste of my time."

Jelldon drooped in sadness. He looked gloomier by the second as Maggie tried to comfort him.

Angelo witched into control then. "Forgive Diablo. We're sorry about that. Here, allow me." He reached out, his hands glowing bright yellow. "Majestic Blue!" The heavenly light radiating from him stated illuminating Jelldon. The Bakugan was getting back up as he was feeling better.

"Jelldon, you're better!" Maggie exclaimed, before she faced Angelo. "…wait, hold on. Wasn't that light just now?"

Angelo giggled. "Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. Diablo and I, we each have something in common. We are both water attributed, but we have powers of Pyrus and Haos attributed Bakugan as well!" He demonstrated this by raining sparkles over his head.

Maggie eyes widened. "Wait, what? But then…how is that fair? It's like facing two Bakugan at the same time!"

Angelo suddenly turned to Diablo. "Look, kid. It's all because of our evolution, alright? Nobody said life was fair. You of all people should know that." He saw Maggie get a little fussy and pointed at Jelldon. "And you, big guy, we're gonna have issues if you keep being a wuss, got it?"

Jelldon nodded. "Y-yes sir…" It was still evident he wasn't happy with himself over his fear of dark. It was going to take some time.

Diablo sighed. "Okay then, let's take a step back. Let's work on those flimsy punches of yours. You wanna win? Then let's whip that big pudding sac of yours to shape!"

Jelldon gravely sighed. 'Someone put me out of my misery.'

Gorem twirled his massive hammer overhead, which he soon slammed into the ground again. Rocks and shrapnel jutted from below, which he swung into and hurled at his incoming foes.

"Not this time!" This time, Shuji was prepared. "Ability, activate! Kabuto Basher!" Fly Beetle hissed loudly as his eyes glinted orange. He sailed into his adversary, his tusks on his horns glowing as he rocketed through the rocks, showing no signs of swaying. "Yeah! Keep it going!" Shuji encouraged.

Gorem, however, had other plans. "Grand Impact!" Making his hammer rise, he prepared to swing when they came close.

'Not yet…' Shuji observed once Hammer Gorem was in range. "Now! Up!"

Hammer Gorem swung from the side, but shocking enough, Fly Beetle abruptly arose, evading Gorem's signature ability. With momentum now in the air, he had a clear shot on his face and took it. Fly beetle shot downwards. "This one's gonna hurt!" He bolted his glowing tusks into Gorem's face, creating a tremor that came from Gorem as he took one step back.

Shuji smirked. "Heh, guess this'll be easier than I thought."

Suddenly Gorem's eyes glowed. "Don't count on it…" Suddenly his own horns started to glow. "Copycat!" His bull horns glowed bright orange and expanded like sabers. When he reeled forward in a headbutt, this one of far greater force that Fly Beetle was not prepared for.

"What the-?!" Shuji's eyes widened as he saw the massive beetle fumble down onto him. In a hurry, he scampered off before the Bakugan could hit him. The shockwaves of his crash caused a draft that made Shuji roll on his side and into a slanted rock jutting out from the ground. The impact hurt like hell; him and Fly Beetle. Both man and Bakugan were unable to get up as they had the wind knocked right out of them…again.

Hammer Gorem put his huge hammer away. "Looks like that's it for now."

Shuji winced as he tried to stand. "Gnngh…don't be crazy…we're not down yet." He tried to prove this by getting to a knee, but he only fell back to his stomach.

Seeing as how enough was enough, Hammer Gorem politely sat down on a stone. "We shall stop here for the time being. It's late."

Shuji and Fly Beetle remained uneasily quiet as both teammates lost again. Shuji gritted his teeth in growing frustration. "Damnit…damnit!" he punched the ground in frustration. "Damn, that wasn't good enough!"

Fly Beetle shifted on the ground lazily. "Uggh, hate to say it, but I ain't feeling so hot, buddy."

Shuji looked over to Fly Beetle with a scowl, but he knew better than to berate the one Bakugan who was cool with him, especially after everything they've been through. He just looked down in defeat and scratched the back of his head annoyingly. Afterwards, he sighed unhappily.

A long silence fell between them all once more. Fly beetle and Shuji were at ease and recuperating, and Hammer Gorem was laying on his side. Both sides were looking to be resting up after their training. Of course that's not to say disappointment clouded Shuji and Fly Beetle's minds. They were really hoping to win and get stronger. That's how it's usually been. But now he wasn't too entirely certain of what circumstances must follow now that they're not in their playground.

"Yo, Shuji." Fly Beetle got the attention of a somber Shuji as he turned towards them. "You okay over there?"

Shuji rested his chin on his palm. "…yeah, I'm good. Just peeved is all."

"I can understand…you've always had such high expectations huh…sorry if I'm not meeting those."

Shuji shot Fly Beetle a look, but saw how dejected even he was getting. For the sake of his friend, he had to try and lighten up the mood. He sighed. "Nah, don't worry about it. It's kinda my fault anyway. I didn't even know what I was thinking back there when I rushed for that Kabuto Basher." He meekly smirked. "Guess I put too much work to one thing that I can't focus on another."

Fly Beetle moved one of his many claws to stretch out the aching joints. "Well it's either one or the other. Nobody said any choice was easy." He stretched another joint. "But…we never had much of a choice, did we?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, when we first met, I kinda followed along because I figured it'd be something interesting. That was a choice…but since then, we've always had one way, and we never even had a chance to look back on it. Our second chance to back out may have been when we went to your world…now we're here again…what do you think that's telling us?"

"Fly Beetle…"

"I mean, I know I'm not that special, but ever since I met you guys and made buddies with Abis Omega and the others, I…kinda grown attached. I don't wanna lose that. You guys are like a little group I've actually wanna spend my days with, no matter how crazy it is. But…" He looked away, very disheartened. "Is it because I'm not special you think? That I only have this much power that I can get? Honestly, I'm not sure…"

Shuji was at a loss for words. He never knew that Fly Beetle felt this way. The two were basically stubborn by the book to where the binding makes their heads hollow with nothing but air…or rather just Shuji. He knew Fly Beetle wasn't as dumb as he was. He was relaxed, and he could actually live up to Shuji's expectations unlike other Bakugan, and himself. When he looked back at it, he never let so successful as a battler and person if not for meeting Fly Beetle and the gang. It gave him…meaning. Like he belonged somewhere. His fists balled as he finally realized this.

"Hey." He started. "Don't tell the others this, but really, you guys are the best friends that I ever had. Maybe the only friends…heh."

"Shuji…?"

"Yeah, I get where you're going with this, Fly Beetle. I had expectations for myself too, until you knocked some sense into me back in Thermosphere. I don't even know where my own strength lies. I guess I'm just clueless after all this time…" he shot a gaze down at his open palm, starting to grin. "But hey, I've made mistakes before, alright? But I don't think I regret having been on this journey."

Fly Beetle was picking up on the positive note his partner was getting to. It was beginning to grow enlightening.

"Yeah, maybe Luke and the others are good, but this isn't about them right now. It's about us. Yeah, maybe we're not special to others because you're not like those other Bakugan that others used. But I it makes you feel better…you're special to me, and I think that's more than enough to satisfy both us."

"Shuji…"

Shuji faced Fly Beetle, smirking. "So who cares? Okay, maybe I was a pushover, but I'm gonna start standing my own ground." He winked. "You better start holding your own too if you know what I mean."

Fly Beetle was getting it. He could actually see it now. Yes, it was true Shuji was a slight pushover, and maybe he wasn't the prime battler, but that was in the beginning. This is now. And from what he's learned, he's gotta hang onto his confidence, and do what he needed to do, not just what others thought of him. It was time to stand his ground and assert himself as his own Bakugan, like a Subterra. Fly Beetle understood this and lifted his legs, exerting a strong shout to the skies.

"Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Shuji roared.

Watching from his resting spot, Gorem could feel a strong similarity along them. In his eyes, the upbringing of confidence again reminded him of a certain silver-haired girl. 'Julie…I believe that these people, they might actually pass this test. Just like we have.' He thought. 'Perhaps there is hope.'

Maggie punched forward once more. "Alright, Jelldon! Show them what you're made of!"

"Hrraaah!" The jellyfish Bakugan was going at another round of training. After being berated by Diablo, he was allowed a short rest to look things over. Now, making sure to be faster, Jelldon was jabbing nonstop in a wild flurry. Of course he was only getting so far.

Diablo was still easily dodging the jabs, despite how much faster they were. "Good! You're getting faster!" he commended. "However…" Jelldon lashed hard again, but the force completely went pass Diablo and he grabbed the jellyfish's tentacle. "You're still too slow, and~!" He flipped Jelldon overhead, driving him hard into the ground with a quaking shake. "You're still too wild there buddy-boy!"

Jelldon bounced on the ground once, sloshing along the ground in pain.

"Jelldon!" Maggie exclaimed.

Jelldon groaned as he attempted to stand once more. Diablo flew behind and overlooked his struggling opponent. "Aw man, I was really hoping for some more power in those flimsy jabs as well. Man, what's it gonna take to get you to show me what you're really made of, huh?!"

The only response he was getting was Jelldon giving a wary glare. He looked unnerved some, as to where Maggie was also showing some worry of her own. This was something Diablo could work with.

"Okay then…" He flew overhead, where he darted for Maggie. "Perhaps this will motivate ya, big guy!"

Maggie was too in shock before she realized that Diablo seized her. "W-whoooaa!" She was hoisted on Diablo's shoulder, much to her own surprise. "Hey, what's going on?!"

Jelldon gasped in shrilled horror. "Maggie…!"

Diablo snickered. "So what's it gonna be? Hit me with your best shot…or should I take the princess hostage for good? Your call."

"Hey, I'm not some prize, you know!" Maggie exclaimed. However, when she noticed something with red static, she turned to see Diablo's provocations have been taking effect. She looked in the distance, seeing Jelldon shuddering like he did back on Earth's stadium. "J-Jelldon…?"

Jelldon's true motivation was beginning to show. "Gnnnngh...Gnnnnngh!" Slowly, with seething dilating eyes, the jellyfish was shuddering as he looked mad at the foul play. Shuddering like he was going to explode, Jelldon's limbs and body crackled in red static. "GRAAAAAH!"

Diablo whistled. "Hoo boy, someone looks mad."

Jelldon charged with all his might. He squirmed forward with tentacles cackling and started to repeatedly jab forward with greater power than before. Diablo put Maggie down and went to attack back. He went and collided in the middle. Diablo covered up as Jelldon started hitting him with volleys of super-fast jabs of fury and electricity, screaming like a banshee.

"That's it, Jelldon! Go get'em!" Maggie urged.

Jelldon roared violently as he jabbed wildly, and with great power behind his fast jabs, he was stopping Diablo from advancing. However, the devil looked to be hanging on within each volatile jab. "I see, so only when you get angry, huh?" he scoffed.

Jelldon's body heat began to ignite as he took in a deep breath. "Pyrus Volting! HRAAAH!" He lurched forward, exerting a powerful torrent of pressurized fire that raced after Diablo.

Diablo saw the attack, and he smirked. "Aquos Guardian!" He raised his arms, summoning a massive wave from the ground that stopped the blast of fire, completely dissipating it. "You'll have to do better than that, tough guy!"

Jelldon maniacally roared as he jutted forward. He jabbed at rapid-fast succession, much faster and stronger due to his blind fury. However, Diablo only served to match fast with his own flurry of rapid volleys. The two went at it so hard that energy waves were being forced out. Intense shockwaves of wind started to break the ground in a gust storm that made it so that hardly anyone could get close to them. Jelldon had an angry look in his eyes as he vigorously punched with fury and power, with excessive speed at that. However, Diablo was still fast as his own flurries were getting in, until finally, when Jelldon's anger was subsiding, Diablo found the opportunity and socked him in the face with an uppercut, sending him packing and falling onto his back.

"JELLDON!" Maggie rushed over to overlook Jelldon. He was groaning and looking beat. It was a miracle that he was still barely conscious. Maggie somberly realized what this meant. "We lost again." She pouted.

Diablo shook his wrist to rid the shock. "Eh, but that was better than last time, kid. But that anger of yours really isn't a good thing." He suddenly flipped, changing to Angelo.

"Diablo does have a point." Angelo used the same ability again, healing up Jelldon with radiant light he emitted to heal his wounds his soft body suffered. "Now Jelldon, I understand completely why you're willing to be angry. I would know full well. However, even in life, you need to keep yourself in check. It's not always healthy to get power from anger alone, no matter how motivational."

Jelldon drooped his eye sockets lower. He looked depressed at his failure to win, even when he tried so hard for Maggie's sake. His temper really empowered him, but the problem lied in that specifically, and he now realized that.

"So…what do we have to do?" Maggie questioned.

"That's for you to decide, Maggie." Angelo said. "It's up to you two to find that balance. For now, I believe you two deserve some rest." He spread his wings and sailed skywards. "We shall resume when you are once ready, got it?"

"O-okay, but wait-!" Maggie's call went unchecked when Angelo already took off. She looked a little sad. "Aw man, this sure stinks." She looked to see Jelldon equally as depressed as her. "Jelldon…"

…

It was nighttime, and the atmosphere was still rather unnatural. The winds were cold, and with a dying forest as cover, Maggie and Jelldon were licking their wounds from an intense training session. Even though the battle experience did make Jelldon feel a little more enlightened some, he was still bummed, and Maggie couldn't say otherwise.

"Hey, cheer up Jelldon. It's no big deal." The innocent pre-adolescent encouraged. "We'll get 'em next time." Jelldon, however, just sulked. "Don't be like that, it's okay, really…we'll work it out somehow."

"I know…" Jelldon sighed dejectedly as he nuzzles himself against some massive shrubs. "I thought I was doing better, but now I'm just…ugh."

Maggie patted Jelldon's side. "Hey, it's alright. Really. There's nothing to be ashamed of." Jelldon only sighed. "So maybe you got a little angry, it happens to the best of us. Just look at Shuji for example."

Miles away, Shuji had a tick mark grow on his head. For some reason, he felt like he was bugged.

"I get upset too sometimes. I get sad, you get sad; we all get sad. I'm sad right now." That got Jelldon's attention as he looked down at her. "You know why I'm sad? It's not because you're trying and failing…it's because you're not the same Jelldon we all came to appreciate and love. The one I love."

Jelldon's eyes shrunk in shock. He could barely get words out of his mouth. "M-Maggie…you…you love me?"

Maggie elbowed the squishy guy's side. "Of course I do, silly. Timid or angry, it doesn't really matter. What's important is that no matter what, don't forget that in the end, you try. If not for me, then for Luke or Shawn. If not them, then the others that we like. If not for them, then for yourself. You really are strong, Jelldon, when you put your mind to it." She faced forward, beaming with pride. "Just remember, it's okay to be scared. But as you try, nothing can weigh you down!"

Jelldon's eyes were misting at her credential. It felt enlightened to where he thought he was gonna cry because of how sweet it was. Inside, he could feel the fires of his passion start to ignite. The soft eyes of a wimp turned to ones of determination as he suddenly turned towards a rock.

Now it was Maggie's turn to be confused. "Jelldon?"

Focusing all his energy, Jelldon cleared himself and stared hard at the rock. He seethed leers into it as he prepared himself. He raised his front two tentacles and seeped red static into them. Once he was ready, he jabbed.

BAM!

The harsh impact was condensed. It left a small indent in the rock. He swung again.

BAM!

This time, the jab made the dent bigger. Jelldon backed off a little, soon only readying his qi and taking a deep breath. Once ready, his eyes flashed open with fire. "HIYA!"

BOOM!

Swatting with his electrified tentacle, he blew off the top half of the rock, making the voltage dissipate as he had a strong face, fighting through the pain of his tentacle.

As rock crumbled around her, Maggie smiled wide. "Yes! There's my jelly-welly!" she cheered.

Watching from a cliff overlooking the area, Angelo was out of sight, but he was hearing and seeing everything. He smiled approvingly, nodding in acceptance.

The tidal pool to the cove was swaying in and out calmly, despite how it started to smell a little more like moss as the hours went on. Luke was practically dizzy, having to use his sword as a cane as Abis Omega was stirring awake once more.

"Well that was better than the last few times." Preyas commended. "They're starting to pick up a little."

Amazon scooted from the side. "Man, these guys are pushovers! I'm just knocking'em around, sensei! How is this even fair?!"

Preyas turned to give him a glare. "Take it easy, Amazon. They're the ones training here. It's not their fault."

"Yeah, sorry…" Amazon started to think back to something. "But these guys aren't even half as skilled as Dan and Drago were, man those guys were awesome…" He saw them beginning to come around after their little rest. "Huh? Seriously? They're getting up again?"

Luke took in a deep breath and sighed out. Behind him, Abis Omega was shaking off the sand on his scales as he readied himself. Both seemed well enough to go into the night.

"Okay, I think that's enough for now!" Preyas ordered. "We'll pick up in the morning once you're ready."

Luke, however, unsheathed his sword. "One more round!" he yelled. "Please!"

Abis Omega lurched forward. He showed signs of wear after being smacked around by Amazon, but Preyas and Amazon could both see the determination in their eyes. After the last few rounds, Amazon himself can't deny that there have been some signs of improvement. For example, this last round lasted an extra minute because Abis got better at reading his attacks. It was a sign of progress. That's what they wanted to see. The way he was also using his own tailfin to parry every now and again was evidence he was stepping up his game if that meant anything. Perhaps they can go far.

"Man, these guys are a glutton for punishment." Amazon muttered, with hints of awe in his voice.

Preyas had an idea. He stepped forward, crossing his arms as he glared at Luke and Abis Omega. "Okay then, if that's what you want, I'll make this a special treat." He instructed. "It's clear that you're starting to pick up a few things from Amazon. Now's about time I step in and take your game to the next level."

Amazon's eyes widened in shock. "Woah! Sensei, you're really gonna fight?!"

Luke glanced at Abis Omega. "What do you think?"

Abis Omega swayed his tail, flexing his fins in the process. "No time for second guesses. It's like you said, he can't afford to slow down."

Luke nodded in understanding at this. "…you're right." he glared at Preyas. "No point stopping where we are. We're not the same! We can't look back to what we were anymore!"

That sentence made Preyas narrow his eyes. 'What they were…'

Luke swung his sword. "One more time, Abis Omega! Let's give'em what for!" At his calling card to arms, Abis Omega exerted a shrilled roar as he slithered back into the tidal pool at Preyas this time.

Preyas wat his arm to keep Amazon away. With him backed off, the Bakugan took a big flip and came down with his two fists. He let out a shrilled cry and came down foot-first.

Together, Luke and Abis Omega's eyes narrowed. 'Not this time!'

"HIYA!" Preyas stomped down, but Abis Omega swerved around the wave in a split second. He got behind and sniped his fangs into Preyas' tail. Immediately a reaction was got out when Preyas yelped. Abis Omega used his muscles and threw Preyas into the air, but the Bakugan flipped and caught himself. Abis Omega slithered through the water as Preyas descended. The Bakugan flipped overhead one more time, landing in a handstand and did an upside-down spin kick. Luke and Abis Omega narrowed their eyes again and ducked, hoping to get to the hands, but Preyas flipped and did a midair kick in Abis Omega's face, stammering him back again.

"Stay strong!" Luke shouted. "Ability, activate!"

Abis Omega lurched forward and hissed. "Fin Melee!" He shot at Preyas, this time swinging his tail around with blue streaks.

"That supposed to scare me?!" Preyas shot forward as well, meeting Abis' tail in consecutive swings and parries. The swings were very controlled and precise, and yet Preyas was rapidly punching like a machine gun. Much to Luke and Abis Omega's surprise, he was far faster than Amazon, but they were able to contain a few punches.

As the parries went on, Luke's fists balled. "We may not be as agile…but we're picking up on speed after those last few rounds. You may be faster…" He swung his sword into the water, the same time Abis Omega attempted a swing in the same position that made Preyas force a parry. "But we're not slouching! Fusion Ability, activate! Blue Mega!" Abis Omega's blue streaks suddenly grew double in size as he swatted again. His attacks, while nimble, were getting faster as Preyas suddenly changed tactics.

"That all?" Preyas taunted. "Try this on! Aquos Bubble!" He opened his mouth, expelling an array of bubbles that went at Abis Omega.

Luke started swinging at thin air while Abis Omega swung his tailfin like a sword as well. They parried and blocked in rapid succession, each bubble popping like a balloon. However, within the foamy fuse, Abis Omega's blue streaks faded. "What the-?!" He realized his ability was nullified, and that Preyas was nowhere to be seen. "Where'd he go?!" He looked around, seeing even the water wasn't shifting. He only picked up small spritz here and there, but suddenly the water behind arose, catching him by surprise. "What the-?!" An invisible force stamped his side, sending him into the water, hard.

"Abis!" Luke exclaimed.

"Aw yeah! Sensei's Blue Stealth!" Amazon exclaimed. "Ain't nobody a match for this!"

The invisible Preyas landed in the water. "The kid's right. Being an Aquos battler means you gotta trick your opponent at times and use their power against them." He raised his fists and hammer-fisted Abis Omega's neck, plummeting him into the water again while he jumped away. "Knowing that, how are you gonna trick me?"

Abis Omega shakily lurched as he tried to stand again. He was starting to see stars again.

'I gotta do something to help Abis, and quick!' Luke snapped. 'If I try Osmosis again, it'll be just like with Amazon. We won't get far.' His mind started dawdling to another unpleasant thought. The shrilled cries and the images of death were in his head. He shook his head to rid those thoughts. 'No, we're not looking back at those days! Abis and I weren't the same! We'll prove it!'

Abis Omega looked at Luke wearily.

"Hang tight! If we can't fight back, let's let him! Ability, activate! Coil Guard!" At this, Abis Omega went into a lot of coils, keeping himself tight and withholding his muscles as Preyas could see their plan. Still, he started to close the gap and hollered out as he shot fists in rapid volleys against Abis Omega's body. Even with the coils to conceal and firm the nerves, each harsh blow against the scales was making him wince. Preyas kept bombarding away, until at last Luke found a chance.

"Now! Double ability, activate! Sea Helix, plus Abyssal Deluge!"

The seawater beneath Abis Omega began to spiral as the helix formed around him. It expanded outwards, forcing Preyas to flip away while invisible. Out of range, he was spared, until he looked down and was struck by an intense geyser of water. The impact was big enough to make seawater ripple outwards as the waves threw Amazon of a little as well.

"W-wooah!" he shouted while keeping balance. "Geez, is there n Abis Omega with this kind of ability?!"

The geyser of water soon dissipated, leaving Preyas in midair; though he looked unfazed as his stealth was gone. Abis Omega quickly closed the gap and they interlocked in another grueling parry that were fins and fists. Even with those earlier attacks, Preyas wasn't slowing down too much; even as far as get a foot in.

"Abis, use the fins to block!" Luke was never a shield kind of guy. He's always been taught the ways of the sword, so he didn't know how to use a shield even if he didn't want to. But while he didn't have the dexterity, Abis Omega did…but still not the speed.

Abis Omega flexed the fins on his side and wanted to cover by folding them over, but Preyas' attack was too fast. He jabbed Abis hard, sending him backwards across the water.

"Abis!" Luke's mind again flashed to the battle that he lost against Luka fruitlessly. His teeth gritted as bitter frustration was rising. He could feel his own grip shaking. "No…no we can't be the same! We can't be! Ability, activate!"

Abis Omega managed to catch himself barely in the ends of a slide. Once set, a massive plumage of mist arose, clouding up Preyas and Amazon's visions. Beneath their feet, they notice that the ankle-deep water suddenly vanished along with the tidal pool. When the mist cleared, Preyas remained calm as he looked up and saw Abis Omega in a sphere of water. He exerted a loud hiss as he went downwards.

"Dry World!" Luke finished. Abis Omega charged down at Preyas. He watched Preyas dodge, and Abis Omega swerved around and attacked again, only to dodge. 'Now that we've shut off his Aquos abilities, we should be in the clear!'

"That wasn't a bad move, kid!" Preyas jumped again, this time skywards. The bubble of water with the serpent remained aerial as Preyas' body began to glow. "But now it's time we show you what it really means to have tricks up your sleeve! Attribute...CHANGE!" His body glowed orange, changing all the color pigments on his body to Subterra. "Feast your eyes on the main event this evening, ladies and gentlemen!" he struck a pose.

"What?!" Abis Omega squealed.

Luke's eyes shrunk with disbelief. "He…changed his attribute? Without an ability? How is that possible?!"

Amazon punched skywards. "Yeah! Go get'em, sensei!"

Preyas shot skywards with a loud shout. He flew right into the bubble, his limbs aligned perfectly. "Diagonal Relation of Subterra and Aquos! Slumping Rocket!" His body glowed light brown and the fist led his upward climb and smashed into the hemisphere, popping it like a balloon with extreme force. Abis Omega himself was hit by an intense uppercut that sent him packing towards Luke.

"NOOO!" Luke saw Abis Omega fall his way, but unable to move, his distraught images started eroding into the front of his mind. His eyes dilated as his body was shaking. He was suddenly blown out of the water as Abis and him crashed onto the sandy shore. Each landed with thuds, and Luke barely held onto the sword any longer.

Preyas landed in the water, which reformed after Dry World popped. The Bakugan was immediately approached by Amazon with admiration. "Woah, sensei! You just knocked him up a whole lot of pegs! You were all like 'BAM'!" He demonstrated this as he uppercut the air. "Man you're so fast!"

Preyas didn't respond. He remained on task as he watched Luke and Abis Omega try and get up again. But what he saw only served to prove what he was thinking.

Luke was punching the ground with his head down. "Damnit! Damnit! Damnit!" he cried. "Why?! I thought…I thought we were doing better! When all it turns out, is that we've just gotten back to square one!" he cut into the sand with his sword out of blind sadness. "Why?!"

Abis Omega came around again. Even he showed bitter sadness as he showed wincing of his own lack of worth.

Amazon blinked. "Uh, sensei…are they uh…" Preyas stuck an arm out to stop him. Both Aquos Bakugan drew quiet as they were exercising what Preyas suggested earlier about listening.

Luke continued his irate. "We couldn't save anyone…we couldn't even save ourselves…how are we supposed to get past this if all I see is someone I hate?!" His eyes started misting as frustrations started showing their true form. "Abis…I really thought the old us was gone…I really did…no, I want them to be gone! They were pathetic! Weak! Worthless even! No, we're not like them…or at least I thought we were for a little while…" On hands and knees, Luke sniffled as his bangs covered his eyes. Abis Omega laid there as well in remorse. They both showed disgust, sadness, and true contempt over not just their lack of progress, but falling back to not thinking straight. "This is just like when we were facing Luka…I don't even know what I'm doing right now…are we even getting stronger by getting physical? Or is it about the power level…? I…I just don't know anymore. That jerk of a Luke is still there, and I can't stand it! God…I HATE MYSELF!"

"Luke…" Abis Omega watched as his partner let out all his worries and anxieties, and he felt just as guilty. He really wasn't sure either. He thought he was changing as well, but the recent actions here and on Vestal proved otherwise.

"Sensei…" Amazon watched them muddle in their own lectures. Just hearing them right now instantly made him a little guilty over beating them up like he did before.

While Amazon held his own worries, Preyas watched as Luke talked about himself and his disgusts. In his mind, he thought back to a realm with an old friend and something similar they had to suffer from. Out of experience, he walked forward to talk to them.

Luke had small strands of tears show as he was sobbing out every aspect that he was speaking about. When he and Abis heard Preyas' feet in the water, they looked up and saw the Bakugan looking down at them. A long silence fell before Preyas spoke to the despairing duo.

"Listen to me. In life, it's always about choosing to accept what you are and aren't." he said softly. "What you choose to be won't ever change who you ever were. It's up to you recognize that."

That information didn't seem to help as Luke and Abis Omega looked down, but Preyas lead on.

"I'm sure you both went through a lot, I can tell just from the way that you two fight. But you know, you remind me of a time I was with my old buddy from Earth, Marucho." This made them perk their heads up at the familiarity of the name. "He said something: Preyas is always Preyas…but that also meant that Marucho was still Marucho."

"I…I don't think I get it…" Luke somberly noted.

Preyas knew it would be better to label in another way. He looked up into the night sky, watching stars twinkle. "We were tested, to see if we were able to save Vestroia when the fate of both worlds was at stake. Marucho's test…is kinda like what you're going through. So, in a way, you're being tested now instead of me. Kinda like what your other friends are doing right now. You're not just taking steps forward, you're also turning around and seeing the path that you've taken from the start. I'm not sure of what you did to make you hate the old you that much, but if that Luke is the one that got you to here, then there's no way you should be angry. Rather, you should be thankful."

Luke and Abis Omega were thinking hard of what Preyas said. They both really weren't the greatest when it came to recognizing their faults, an it was no lie were doing better and listening more ever since the Interacia incident. But that's where it lied. Maybe when Luke said goodbye to 'himself', maybe he wasn't truly gone. He thought it was a handicap, but after hearing Preyas' experience, gears started shifting.

"The past will always be there to haunt you until your ends, but rather than make it a curse, make it an experience; one that only you two can be proud of that brought you two closer than ever."

Abis Omega looked at Luke and vice versa. They could see even their look in the other's eye was softer, much calmer than what they were w=than when they started. Back when they thought about it, those eyes and expressions they gave everyone and the other were both disgusting. It was better dead, but rather than scoff, Luke and Abis Omega began arising.

With bangs covering his eyes, a frown covered Luke's face. Amazon stepped away as Abis Omega began rising as well. They both could be seen with the corners of the other's eyes looking at one another, as if acceptance was brimming.

"…I thought I wasn't capable of listening." Luke said. "But I guess I was wrong…thank you, Preyas."

Preyas nodded. "My pleasure. Now then…" He flipped into the water again, holding a battle stance. "How's about you show me that grateful and accepting Luke and Abis Omega duo to me right now!"

Luke and Abis Omega nodded at each other. "You're on! You ready?!" Abis Omega hissed as he slithered back into the water, renewed with an experience to learn from. He squared against Preyas, the two starting from scratch again.

"Good. Now then-!" Preyas shot forward. "Show me what you're made of!"

"With pleasure!" Abis Omega headbutted Preyas, the two interlocked as they were in one more round. Abis Omega swung his tail, which Preyas jumped and dodged. But this is what Abis Omega wanted and opened his maw, lunging forward and snaring Preyas' leg. He swerved it around and swung him skywards.

In the air, Preyas flipped and regained himself. He used the momentum to come down again, though this time, Luke and Abis Omega were aware and set.

"Not yet…"

"…and…now!" Luke showed two abilities overlapping. "Double ability, activate! Osmosis, plus Diamond Shower!" Abis Omega suddenly camouflaged himself once again, leaving Preyas to narrow his eyes and continue the descent. Strangely enough, his foot planted in the water, kicking up a wave, and yet elsewhere, didn't see other ripples.

"Huh…?" Suddenly, a swarm of energy shards expelled everywhere, causing Preyas to spin relentlessly. It turned out, Abis Omega didn't go anywhere, as he only fixed his body enough to make Preyas land in the middle, and he fell for it. He jumped out again, trying to shake off the strands of that last attack. Abis Omega undid a coil and swung his upper-half like a club, knocking into Preyas' side and making him slide halfway across the water.

Amazon's eyes widened at the sudden turnaround. "Woah! Those guys are packing some punch now!"

Preyas adjusted, and Abis Omega went at him with his tailfin. Preyas shot volleys back, once again at massive speeds that were still too much. But Luke held his sword this time, but still and not swaying like a wild banshee with offense. 'Maybe we were terrible…' He saw Abis parry a fist. 'Maybe we aren't the best…' He barely dodged Preyas' fist. 'Buti think I get it now. The old Luke may be gone, but it's because of him that we're here. So thanks for being a part of who I am. I swear…' He started to bunt with the blade, and shockingly enough, Abis Omega flexed his fins and blocked Preyas' punch that made him slide back in the water, reducing the pulsating damage.

'WE ACCEPT YOU BOTH!' they shouted in their heads. 'THANK YOU!'

Luke pulled his sword away after his first display of defense and reached ahead. "Ability, activate! Aquos Cyclowave!" Abis Omega opened his maw and unleashed a massive pressurized blue beam that shredded across the water. It nearly broke waves apart as it traveled towards Preyas.

Preyas lifted his hands up. "Aquos Guardian!" He summoned a big wall of water, making a strong enough force to stop the blue beam from reaching him.

Abis Omega kept the attack going, keeping the pressure on, but Luke was withholding himself from making brash decisions as Abis kept pushing. "Maybe we aren't the same, but you're right. We're the same guys that messed up all their lives, and we'll be thankful because of that…because that's how we got to here today! LET'S GO, ABIS!" His Bakumeter started showing another ability, this one glistening bright blue automatically.

Abis Omega stopped his attack and his body was enveloped in a bright blue aura. He exerted a shrilled roar as his fins flexed, and a power wave started to churn the water beneath them. This didn't go unnoticed by Amazon nor Preyas.

"Woah, what the heck is that?! I'm getting a weird surge." Amazon awed.

"I don't know." Preyas muttered.

Abis Omega's maw began to show not blue energy, but actual water. It was thick, dense, and packing tons of pressure. Once charged, Luke gave the call. "Ability, activate…!"

"HYDRO PULSAR!" Abis Omega lurched forward, unleashing a shrilled roar as he expelled a pressurized vortex of dense water.

And Luke followed up. "Fusion Ability, Blue Mega!" The beam glistened like clear mercury almost as it expanded even, shredding its way at Preyas. It blasted across the water, and this time it beamed clean through the water wall, tearing an opening for Preyas as he looked shocked.

A shockwave of water exploded at a spontaneous level. Eruptions of blue illuminated the liquid waves that sprayed even Amazon. He looked shocked as he blinked. Luke smirked with determination, and Abis Omega's blue aura radiated around his body. They watched the mist clear, reviewing the results.

"Phewie~! Man, that was a close one!"

Luke's eyes shot wide. "No way…"

Him and Abis Omega looked surprised as they saw the mist and sprays of water simmer down. They revealed the likes of Preyas, and he was still standing, but he had his hands out as a shield of water protected him.

Amazon looked even more astounded. "Woah! Sensei's Wave Shield ability! So cool!"

"Wave Shield?" Luke repeated. 'He nullified our ability…we got hasty again.'

"You're both very brave, and I admire how you're improving." Preyas said. He spread his arms out, suddenly disappearing in Blue Stealth again. "But I think it's time that we ended this!" The invisible Preyas abruptly shot skywards, leaving Luke and Abis Omega dumbfounded and oblivious as all they heard was a swish of air. Preyas stuck his foot out. "Now…Whirl Kick!"

Luke and Abis Omega didn't see it coming. A harsh impact to the head sent a shockwave that sent Abis Omega out of the water and near Luke. The two crashed into the sand, both laying in defeat. They tried to stand, but sadly, with all their strength used up, they finally succumbed to fatigue and blacked out.

Preyas exited the tidal pool with Amazon and overlooked their defeated foes. Preyas stretched his spine as he bent backwards. "Man, that sure felt nice! Haven't had a spar that exciting since my brawling days! I think I might be out of shape."

"Are you kidding me, sensei! That was totally awesome!" Amazon cheered. "You and that guy were all toe-to-toe, but you sure showed them!" He then faced the down duo. "Still…is it okay that I feel a little bad for them?" He realized that he may have been harsh on them, and after hearing Luke's experience and thinking about it, he was starting to regret himself a little.

Preyas watched the two as they laid unconscious as well, although he looked more pondering than anything else. 'That really was a close one. I think I'm starting to get these two now. Perhaps maybe there is a chance for us after all…' He crossed his arms. "You know what, I think this one might do the trick. I'm gonna try and teach them that trick."

Amazon looked shocked. "Woah! Time out there! You mean they get to learn that ability, too!"

Preyas looked over to him. "This isn't our fight, Amazon." He faced them again. "But these guys made sacrifices we didn't…I think they've earned this…after a long rest." He laid on his back, tired as could get.

Amazon relented. "Yeah, same here. But seriously, whoever these guys are, they've got guts."

"They sure do, Amazon. They sure do."

Luke and Abis Omega were unconscious, but they had calm expressions on their sleeping faces.

Shawn sighed. It had been a very long day suffered. He and Verias both were sitting cross-legged on the dry ground. Over the hour, they noticed how it's been getting dryer and crustier. The soil was borderline itchy. Good thing Shawn wears pants, but he had to worry about Verias, though when he thought about it, he chose to disregard for now due to his fur.

"Well that could've gone worse." He said unenthusiastically. "Verias, how're you holding up?"

The simian Bakugan looked down to his partner. "Like I've been cut into by knives repeatedly."

Shawn sighed. "Sorry."

"It's not your fault, it's fine." He looked up at the sky. "We asked for this, I suppose. So I guess we can't complain."

"Yeah, seems rather childish at this point." Now Shawn had his turn looking up at the sky. "Still, to think Tigrerra is that good. So she's one of the Bakugan who saved Vestroia, huh? Makes you wonder just how powerful the others really are as well."

"I can't really say. Perhaps I've seen Skyress in the skies at some point…but beyond that, even I'm still perplexed."

Shawn outa hand to his chin. "We know that one of them has to be Drago, but he's with his partner, and we both know they might not be here. Where could they be you think?"

"We could really use their help right about now…"

Shawn lowered his head. "Yeah…" His mind flashed to Luke, his fists balling. "But we still have a shot. Maybe we don't know where they are, but we still got each other to lean on. That's enough for me at least."

Verias grinned. "You're a very supportive person, Shawn, you know that? I'm sure Luke's lucky to have someone like you in his life. As am I."

Shawn grinned. "Yeah…Luke's really changed, hasn't he? It must've been hard for him…with these worlds at risk, Riaan's betrayal…but I'm thankful he got through all that."

"Because he had you by his side." Verias pointed out. "You held the most faith in him, just like what friends do. When the others abandoned him, you went back voluntarily, I think that says more than enough about the lengths you two will go for another."

Shawn's grin evolved to a smirk as he chuckled. "Are you trying to sugarcoat it now?"

Verias chuckled. "Maybe a little. But you know what I mean."

"Yeah…" Shawn's expression turned deadly serious. "But if we're going to be there for the others, we gotta work for ourselves for now. No point in having faith in others if you don't for yourself." He smiled. "You ready, Verias?"

The simian nodded. "Evermore."

Behind a small alcove not too far, Aerogan was sound asleep, but Tigrerra was sitting against a rock. Her perceptive hearing picked up on Shawn and Verias, casting an inquired look upon her face.

Hours passed, and rest was well-deserved and well-taken. The lessons learned from that day and night carried to the brink of dawn. Over the higher lands, the sun started peering over the mountainous horizon.

Within these illuminated mornings of New Vestroia's collapsing environment, two green bullets passed each other in the blink of an eye. Green fire vaporized, revealing Skyress as she ceremoniously cawed with wings spread. In a green whirlwind fading, Atmos was seen on the opposite end with Jase atop.

"Good, better than before." The evolved Bakugan commended. "But now try…this!"

Jase and Atmos looked skywards as they watched Skyress ascend into the atmosphere. They watched her caw again and spread her wings, firing down upon them her Whirlwind Lightning Sword ability. This time, Atmos flapped his wings to counter.

"Winding Winds!" The Bakugan did what was simple and nullified the ability with green vaporizing winds expelled. The shards dissipated, leaving Atmos with ample room.

Skyress, however, followed up. "Storm Stinger!" She extended her wings and released even more, much sharper, green energy swords. They went at Jase and Atmos, but as they watched the attack pierce through the green winds, Jase and Atmos' glares remained calm.

"Very well then. Ability, activate! Cloud Zero!" Atmos this time released a green cloud-like whirlwind that breezed around him, creating a veil that Skyress wasn't able to see through.

Skyress cawed yet again as she charged ahead. "You're increasing your defenses before things get hairy, are you? Well that's playful!" She dove into the green cloud, her body aligning in green fire. The phoenix began to spin as she went clean through, ripping an opening to reveal nothing was hit. She kept on sailing ahead, making sure to keep a watchful eye out. She saw a wave of brown hair below, and to her shock, Atmos was right below her. They were flying at a straight elevation, and the lower avian began expelling whirlwinds and made a radius big enough to push Skyress skywards. She regained herself and saw the drill-like tornado head right for her. She countered, diving at it with green fire spinning around her as she dove for Atmos. Each avian Bakugan released a shrilled cry as they met in the center.

At that instant, hundreds of miles away, if one was in the sky, they'd see a green twinkle in the distance.

"That's it Jelldon, all the way!" Maggie cheered with a serious look in her eyes. It was the next day, and well nourished with the sweet fruit she was able to get her hands on, she and Jelldon were already hard at work.

Diablo and Jelldon were in a high-speed parry. Diablo was punching rapidly, hitting some spots in Jelldon, but Jelldon was much nimbler now. After the talk he had with Maggie, he had to keep confidence. He was trying to at least. Jelldon was furiously jabbing, but some were still out of control as he was barely keeping up.

Diablo smirked. "Heh, you're doing better, big guy!" He parried to a stalemate, bringing a fist back. "But you still have some kicks to work out!"

"Jelldon!" Maggie roared.

Diablo punched forward as fast as a bullet, and it was going to hit Jelldon until he swatted it away at a fast rate. Diablo blinked, shock surrounding him as Jelldon suddenly landed a high-speed jab in his gut, scooting him back several feet. He shook his head to rid the shock. "Huh…?"

When he looked ahead, he and Maggie were both seeing something shocking, literally.

Jelldon was braced for battle, but his top half looked like his ball form: crystal clear. In the center could be seen a red plasma, like energy. All the spots on his body became clear, and plasma was discharging into the four limbs as red electricity manifested in the tentacle tips.

"Woah mama, looks like things are getting serious." Diablo said.

Maggie nodded in agreement. "Okay, Jelldon…let's go!" At her battle cry, Jelldon began to roar outwards as his limbs jabbed repeatedly like bullets, looking like hundreds of arms punching at once that Diablo dove into to parry.

"Now we're talking!"

Everyone was working as hard as they could, even Shuji and Fly Beetle. Hammer Gorem raised his huge hammer, coming down with a massive quake. A shockwave raced across the ground towards Shuji and Fly Beetle, but they were prepared.

"Oh no you don't!" Shuji swiped his arm. "Show'em!"

Fly Beetle roared as he raised on his back legs. He used Kabuto Basher, sticking the massive glowing tusks into the ground and blocking Gorem's attack with a shockwave of his own. As the waves dissipate, Fly Beetle looked more prepared than ever.

"Impressive." Gorem commended.

Shuji had a dead serious expression. "Okay pal, let's throw down."

To this, Fly Beetle's horn returned to normal, but something else started to shift. Orange static began charging around him, and the tusks and the horn began glowing orange again. Intense, pulsating waves started billowing around him as Gorem observed with curiosity. Although to Shuji, he just smirked.

Hydranoid exerted a shrilled roar as he opened his three maws. Purple and black energy swirled in them before they were unleashed in three beams at Atchibee. Atchibee remained stationary as her eyes emitted red waves, dissipating the blast waves in time.

Esther watched carefully; she and Atchibee were being sure to remain focused this time around.

Hydranoid's massive saw started to spin and he closed the gap, and this time, Atchibee hollered as she raised both scythes and crossed them. The defended against Hydranoid's saw blades, at least to get close. When she held on, Hydranoid's three heads glared down at her as she tried holding her own.

"Atchibee…" Esther reached out. "Go!"

All three heads went to bite down, but before they reached her, the atmosphere blackened, and the maws clamped only on thin air. When Hydranoid looked around, he saw that the atmosphere itself was like a void, with Atchibee nowhere to be seen.

Esther eyes were as serious and cold as ever. 'We won't give in. We have a reason to battle…' She thought to the time Luke saved her and said great things at the church she was at beforehand. She thought back to his smile. 'For the sake of others did for me, we won't let their beings be in vain!'

As if responding, a pair of red eyes glowed in the darkness, along with vermilion-colored scythes illuminating the darkness. All while Hydranoid looked up, barely catching the ominous figure.

Tigrerra slashed her blades repeatedly, putting Verias on edge. He barely found room to attack, but he was defending well.

"You're mine!" Tigrerra shot skywards with her claws ready to cross and strike.

As she came down, Verias looked ready. He and Shawn with his fencer ready to swing held position while the two were beginning to dawdle back to Luke and Abis Omega. They both recalled the times they've shared, and on Interacia when they swore to always be there for them. 'Luke…Abis…' As Tigrerra closed the gap, their grips on the staff and fencer tightened. 'You guys can worry for yourselves for now. In the meantime…'

Tigrerra slashed and passed Verias, getting to a knee. Her claws shrilled a shining gleam to them, but oddly enough, Verias held his own pose, his staff having a cosmic light gleam to its own. After seconds on end, it revealed both got to their knees, and not just Verias. At the same time, they looked back at one another, glaring daggers.

As Tigrerra's claws lengthened again, Verias let out a shrilled roar as he made a shimmering yellow glow envelop his body, like a radiant aura. Together, they charged at one another with Aerogan watching from afar.

Skyress and Atmos shot skywards, ascending to do combat again. This time, as Skyress twirled around and ignited herself in green flames, she raced after Atmos, bolting ahead and passing him. The green flames were like a beam that enveloped him, making him caw in pain.

Still on his back and hanging on, Jase could feel the enigmatic heat from his position. 'It's just our world we should be worried about.' He gripped Atmos tighter, silently urging him. 'It's the fate of all, and not just ourselves.'

Feeling Jase's selfless feelings, Atmos and Jase both were beginning to think back to Luke talking them down back in the B.I.F headquarters. That very memory made them think deeper to their consciences, when they were drowning in loneliness, until the others picked them up out of friendship.

'If we're going to do this…then we'll need all of us to do this…' Jase's glare was dead serious. "ATMOS!"

Atmos shrilled a menacing cry as he willingly allowed himself to be ignited in green flames of his own. He shot skywards, becoming a green flaming bolt that glistened in the sunlight. They were so fast as the fire actually compressed, slimming to fit Atmos as he tucked in his wings and raced at Skyress, who went straight down at them in green flames.

'WE WON'T QUIT!'

At the exact same time, Fly Beetle slammed down, creating an orange shockwave. Jelldon expelled discharges of plasma with every blow against Diablo, creating a powerful electromagnetic field. Atmos and Skyress collided in a fiery green flare that made the clouds swirl around them, spreading out far and wide to give wake to a brighter twinkling green star. Atchibee shrilled an ominous cry as her vermilion scythes slashed in the darkness at Hydranoid. Verias' empowering yellow aura erupted as his staff swung and met Tigrerra's claws. Empowering energy filled New Vestroia, even as everything was collapsing around them.

Luke took in a deep breath, sighing out as he had his shirt off. With his sword in hand, he and Abis Omega faced the glimmering sunrise that shimmered along the darkening waters. They noticed how much less clear it was compared to yesterday, but they were going to make the best of it. Rested and ready, their eyes opened at the same time.

"Okay…ready!" they shouted.

Preyas and Amazon both jumped at the same time, both pouncing with kicks down as Abis Omega slithered into the water to strike back, all while Luke swung his sword, slicing into the sunrise with a bright gleam along the edging.

Their long road has yet to be crossed.

While progress on New Vestroia was going one way, Vestal was heading in a whole other direction. If one got a whole scale, one could see that the structural contour made it more rugged than smooth. That's because everything's been reduced to rubble. Everywhere, Bakugan with black colors and tainted eye colors on them were taking up the streets, seeking out anybody who was left out in the open. And with Aquos Bakugan arching in the water and Ventus and other aerial Bakugan taking the skies, there was no way that was going to happen.

Every now and then, the whole planet would have small shudders to them while magnitudes made alloys decompose. Metals had already collapsed, and plant life had wilted already. But the reason behind this lied at the source far out in the waters.

There, in the great tower of Empyrean, Bakugan took to the skies and overlooked the security. Every time the planet suffered earthquakes, it's because the essence it had was diverging to one source; its top. There, networks aligned along Empyrean's pinnacle to its center, where it all glowed beneath Riaan's feet as he looked out to the open waters, watching the sunrise rather passively as it beamed on his face.

Behind him, Hades Pillars teleported, all on a knee to his majesty.

"You understand that I'm at my work, do you not?" Riaan noted the networks beneath his feet, glowing constantly as he could feel blueprints and cells of structures being copied to his entity.

"Apologies, our eminence." Cyrus apologized. "This will just be a brief second. Go ahead, Zion." He turned his head, gesturing his colleague to do the talking.

Obeying the head of Hades Pillars, Zion bowed his head and closed his eyes. "Milord, we regret to inform you that our search for Spectra still requires more time. I'm afraid that he is more elusive than we give him credit for."

Riaan looked over his shoulder. "So I've been told. That's to be expected of a man of his reputation." He looked out at the sea with Armagedoid still in ball form floating by his side. "I understand. Is there anything else?"

Amina meekly bowed. "Yes, how much longer until we're done here?"

Lucia glanced at her. "Let me guess, suppose it's the lack of commodities." Amina only scoffed, proving her point. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Oh be quiet."

Riaan ignored their banter. "Not too long. Another 3 days and I'll have everything we need. Vestal is a large planet with technology as advanced as can get. We need their vitality for our planet's rebirth. Their cooperation is but the upmost essential overall."

Zion bowed again. "Understood, milord."

Cyrus got up and smiled at his faction. "Now then, everyone, I believe we have overstayed ourselves. Return to stations for lookout!"

"Right!" They all teleported away, instantly leaving the area. However, the only one to not have left was Lucia. She remained still as she faced Riaan.

"Lucia." Riaan called her.

Lucia walked over, stopping mere feet before Riaan. She humbly bowed as she was honored by him specifically. "Milord."

"How's your clairvoyance? Have you been able to see anything regarding the Brawlers or any interference?"

"No, milord. I have yet to have seen anything. If I do, my sight shall be your will that I shall turn to my own." Her eyes opened a little. "Still, if I am permitted to ask, exactly what did you intend by not stopping Spectra there?"

Riaan and Armagedoid thought back to what she said. After Rogue Zero's flawless victory against Luke's group, him and Armagedoid were squaring against Luke and Brontes. As expected, Riaan had them both on the defensive, and they were about to finish them, but a man with a dark coat and blonde hair glared at him. A blue lens met Riaan's while a draconic Bakugan erupted everything in his path, making an opening for the Viking-like Bakugan to grab Brontes and retreat. Cover fore was created, and Armagedoid and Riaan were left there, just staring as the slate – or landscape -was swept clean.

A half-grin crossed his face. "I have my reasons, Lucia, don't you worry." He smiled. "You have nothing to fret about. I know what I am doing."

Lucia bowed her head. "Of course! Forgive my doubts my gracious one!"

Riaan chuckled. "It's fine…Lucia." He got her to look up at him. "I appreciate you and your dedication. Your powers are of the upmost instrumental to our success. I will not take you for granted, rest assured. But please, even if you can see the future, make note, it is never absolute until someone makes it happen."

Lucia felt a tint of red in her cheeks flourish. She did her best to keep her composure. "…understood, sir. And we of Hades Pillars and Rogue Zero shall make the future you seek our will."

"You have my thanks. Don't push yourself."

"I won't. On my life and your great name." She teleported way, resuming her duties in the search for their threats at hand.

Riaan nodded and turned around, facing the sunrise once more with his Bakugan. "You see, Armagedoid, trust is a very powerful asset…but it is as fragile as glass. The built of a trust stems from the motives of others and a common goal. In this case, to you and I, we can trust our own judgments, can we?"

Armagedoid faced the sunrise; even his panel-like wings in ball form refracted sunlight. It felt strangely…warm. "I think I understand now. So as long as we have the other's trust…"

"Then our cooperation will be our greatest asset. There is strength in numbers, Armagedoid. Remember that, but don't ever take trust or those close to you for granted."

"I won't…because I don't want to feel alone."

Riaan's feet glowed as he sapped more of the planet's energy. Every time he did that, the networks took precious life force, but it brought him one second closer to making Code Eve pay for her judgment. She left him. And she misjudged Armagedoid. This was a war they could not afford to lose. He gestured Armagedoid to his shoulder, to whom the Bakugan obliged and settled into his creator's pauldron. Together, they can't truly be alone, but they won't count their blessings either. The fight's still yet to be won after all. "Neither do I, Armagedoid…neither do I."

Well guys, it's almost been officially 1 whole year for this story. That's a good milestone on my watch! I'll see to making it to chapter 30 before then!

I'm not gonna lie. When I first thought about this chapter, I thought about them sent to the Doom Dimension where they would be tested like the others were in Season 1…but I chose to go this route, since those guys aren't in the Doom Dimension, and plus their experience felt like a key I could exploit.

I also heard the news today while at work, R.I.P Stan Lee. You lived a heroic life for us all.

Alright, please fav, follow, and share your thoughts as always guys! Later!