Happy 1-year anniversary to this story! Hooray! And thanks to over 100 reviews guys, I'm very proud to have you all to have made this possible! You guys mean a lot, thanks for the support. Now then, enjoy!

The tainted Bakugan roared in some parts of Vestal, their shockwaves loud enough to split human ears wide open. Nearby structures that were still intact would've been shaking relentlessly to where their support would give out. The cities were literally crawling with these Bakugan, leaving every corner to go without unnoticed.

Watching all those through a holographic panel in an unknown dark area, the sight was truly a magnificent hold for Maximus as his hood covered his head, leaving his devil horn-like crown sticking out. Without much to say, all he did was maliciously smirk as he watched his "show".

Xander walked up from behind. "How are things looking, Maximus?"

The leader put his head down. "It's just as Cesar and Riaan suspected." He smirked, the screen fading before him. "There isn't a place to hide out in the open on Vestal anymore. Our little charge was a success."

Xander smirked maliciously at the good news. Behind him, idling around, Ariella was sitting lethargically, while Hendrix was leaning against the wall. Ariella seemed expectant of the results, yet Hendrix looked to be shrugging it off.

"Now then, all that's left is to vanguard this little tower that Hades Pillars made while they're out on their hunt, and once Riaan's collected everything needed, we'll be set." Maximus noticed the spacious look on Hendrix's face. "Hendrix, all is well I take it?"

Hendrix lifted his head, showing a frown. "I'm fine." He remembered the vague images of the people that were suffering against the Bakugan. He could still remember their screams. "Just…thinking."

Ariella scoffed. "Honestly, you and Killian are as soft as human hearts. Speaking of which…" she looked around, taking note of the absence. "Where is the little Galilea pet anyway?"

Xander shrugged. "Heard he got little sleep last night. He said something about finding a shower to make him feel better. And Cesar's at the bottom where the core is, making sure it goes without disturbance."

"I see. A little repercussion. Riaan must sure feel worried…" Maximus took a few paces outwards, slowly dawdling over towards the black wall. He stared at it coldly for a few moments before he swiped his arm in an arch, dispelling the veil. On the other side, he saw a small expanse of water, and noticed the Bakugan that were so far out that they looked like ants. He could even smell it too, the negative energy flourishing from the forbidden cards worked on them. 'Cesar did say that these cards produce a lot of negative energy. That must explain why these Bakugan are so violent.'

As the subject dawdled on, Maximus began to think to a certain point in time. He was alone, and it was a show of Riaan that he was worthy for power. Even now, he could still recount how being there made him even more fulfilled than anywhere else. And it was because of this place that gave Riaan and Cesar a necessity needed for the forbidden cards to take hold. The memory made his eyes shrink.

"Maximus."

Xander's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "What?"

The abrupt snapping caused him to flinch. "…we were just wondering what we should do."

Maximus gave them a sour frown beneath his hood, his eyes shielded from the world and looked ahead. Even now, he could feel their presence. He swiped his arm, returning the wall to a black veil. "Get to your posts. Return to your designated area for the time being. Hades Pillars will be here shortly."

Xander nodded. "As you say." He chimed as he vanished, teleporting back to the floor he was supposed to be on.

Ariella and Hendrix looked towards the other. Hendrix shrugged, but Ariella scoffed. At the same time, the Subterra and Aquos battlers disappeared from sight, leaving Maximus alone for the time being.

With the company gone, Maximus stared at the empty wall. Not even a reflection showed…and it only made him frown deeper until he scowled. He whisked his cape around, vanishing from the domain as well, leaving a hollow feeling to creep around the empty domain.

A door automatically slid open to the side, allowing Killian to walk into his domain that he was supposed to be watching guard of. True to form with his line of work, he chose to not question and calmly went over to his post, watching from a lone arch opening to get a good sea breeze. The smell of tainted, mossy water wasn't his kind of thing. He took in a big enough breath to see if he could get an oceanic smell…he didn't. He sighed out, grieving.

Moskeeto opened on his shoulder. "Troubled?"

Killian shook his head. "Nah, just trying to take in a fresh breath is all. I'm just not feeling it."

"What do you mean?"

Killian to a panel view of the expanse of water. "I mean, when we were on New Vestroia, in Troposphere, we always had that sea breeze. We were practically standing on an ocean. It was a bit brisk…but it felt nice. Here, it's…"

Moskeeto's horn went up and down. "I understand. Pollution truly is disgusting, is that what you're saying?"

Killian meekly smirked. "Nothing gets passed you." He looked straight down, seeing the dark waves crash against Empyrean's base. The sight and height was enough to make him feel unnerved about moving. "Hard to believe that we're doing this, causing pollution, and killing worlds just for our own…" he sighed again. "Including your own…" He walked towards his post, his steps rather lethargic. "I know, it's way too late for sorry. You might not want that right now…but I'm just doing my job. That's all I can do."

Moskeeto fell silent. To be completely honest, he never thought about it until Killian pointed that factor out. He was basically helping a group of people from another world destroy his own, and amongst those beyond their dimension. At the time, he never really had a choice in the matter, probably because conscience wasn't a concept until his body adjusted to this power he was given. He definitely felt stronger now, but mentally, he was just as confused as Killian. Exactly how was he supposed to take this? Is he supposed to be willing? If so, why not rid his conscience entirely? But then again, having talking to Killian and knowing his own problems made him feel less than disturbed. For now, all he could do was think, but deep down, he wasn't too upset with Killian specifically. He's nice. And he's just fulfilling work. He can't fault him for that. In a way, he was doing the same.

Thoughts aside, a figure teleported from behind. Her voluptuous form had taken note of as she looked at her associate in position. "Killian."

Hearing that voice, Killian calmly looked back, only to stammer upon seeing his boss. "Galilea? You're back?"

She approached him, sighing. "Unfortunately, we weren't successful in finding Spectra. We'll try again in a little bit." Se noticed the bags under Killian's eyes. "…Killian, what's wrong?"

He shook his head dismissively. "Nothing…just having trouble sleeping last night is all. Hard to sleep when you're a light sleeper and noise is everywhere." It was a half-truth, but he figured Galilea wouldn't care much for that.

Humming, Galilea nodded. "I see…well it shouldn't be too longer now. Lord Riaan needs you to guard this place…as do I. I'm counting on you, Killian."

"I know."

She softly smiled at him. She did feel a little bad for him. The bed he was given wasn't teleported with them. She'll have to make up for it somehow. For now, she teleported away, leaving Killian be as he looked at the blue sky outside the arch.

At the top of Empyrean, the blue atmosphere was as clear as day, but the smell reached Riaan's nostrils as the network shimmered in the tower's roof. "The air is getting thin." He acknowledged. "You can feel it as well, can you, Armagedoid?"

The Bakugan popped open on his shoulder. "Yes, I do, Master. The negative energy I feel is stronger by the minute."

"And that means Empyrean's core is working just as Cesar hardwired it should." He looked down at the network beneath him, which dimmed in and out. "My powers are able to function by copying and leeching essence and transfer to my own world, but with Empyrean, the process can extend to rapid acceleration. We should still be weary, though…"

"But what, Master?"

Riaan faced the sea, seeing a small breach with dark Abis Omega momentarily arching out of the water. "Even because of our chances, there's still a small chance of failure. Remember, Armagedoid, we are making enemies of everyone, and that means we may attract the attention of others. And that includes certain others."

Armagedoid didn't seem to get it. "Master…does this mean there are more stronger enemies out there?"

Riaan turned to look at him. "Yes, Armagedoid." He stared out again. "These people I refer to, they are known as the Bakugan Battle Brawlers. They are a group of individuals from a place called Earth, another planet with their species and Bakugan coinciding. Their mightiest have had a reputation of saving the universe, on countless occasions at that…and their leader is perhaps the one that worries me the most."

Armagedoid looked intrigued at Rian. "Who are they?"

"They are known as Dan Kuso, and his partner Bakugan, Pyrus Drago." He explained. "You told me that Code Eve showed you two Dragonoids, did she not? Well, as I have found out…it appears that Drago is the direct descendant of one of those two Dragonoid Bakugan."

"Is this true?" He gasped and looked out. "Then he's directly connected with…"

"With Code Eve, yes." Riaan snickered some. "When you think about it, it's like you're…cousins. Distant relatives, one might put it."

"…distant relatives." Armagedoid was still fairly new to these kinds of terms. He didn't fully comprehend the meaning of these phrases or words yet, mainly because he wasn't programmed to think that way. It was a new experience for him, and knowing he shared traits with a heroic Bakugan was enlightening, but at the same time confusing. To know he had a cousin meant he wasn't alone, but it wasn't that great knowing that he was given a will by Code Eve, his mother who wronged him right from the start. He wasn't sure whether to feel upset or surprised by this fact. Still, it didn't change what he wanted to do. "…I understand. But even so, Code Eve still didn't tell them the truth. It's only fair that we see for ourselves what he thinks."

Riaan looked ahead with resolution. "As do I, Armagedoid. But for, we bide our time. Who knows? Perhaps someone will come before we even meet them? The future truly is a figment of many shapes to behold." And truthfully, he couldn't be anymore right.

The sun beamed down on another location, but the sunlight was so bright that hardly anyone could see. In the blink of an eye, two pairs of feet fell down from the sunlight, to which were parried by a sudden rush of water from below.

Preyas and Amazon's kicks were intercepted timely by Abis Omega as he summoned a geyser below via Abyssal Deluge. The attack threw both off balance, and they splattered into the alcove basin. Abis Omega craned his head with an empowering hiss.

Luke was on the shore, keeping his sword out and swinging only when needed to. There was no real aim to the sword since he wasn't fighting anybody, but it was his one way of showing how he and Abis Omega were in sync. Every time he swung his sword or jut forward, Abis Omega would swing or attack, and every time he started blocking or bunting, a parry or dodge would follow. It wasn't perfect yet, but they didn't aim to be perfect; just to do their best.

Amazon rushed out of the water in a dash. "Not bad, serpy! How's about this!" He stuck his foot out to plant in Abis Omega's head, but the serpent swiftly swerved around the kick, serpentine into a funnel and surprise Amazon. "What the-?!"

In one fell move, Abis Omega spun, his volley of coils snaking around Amazon and pinning him into the water. He slipped off the chameleon, seeing him churn in the water. Then his glare went to the left, where he saw Preyas closing the gap.

"Haiyayayayaya!" Preyas punched with speedily furry, but thanks to the training that they've done, Luke and Abis Omega knew how to block. With Luke's sword in a bunt, Abis Omega flexed his fins and blocked Preyas' volleys.

While they were at it, Amazon coughed as he stirred up again. With Abis Omega on the defense against Preyas, he found his opening. 'His backside is exposed. This'll show'em!' He lunged at Abis Omega from behind.

"Abis! Behind you!" Luke warned.

Glancing behind, Abis Omega caught Luke's warning. He turned away from Preyas at the last second to swing his tail, throwing Amazon off. But that was a mistake as he turned around, only to get served a harsh punch across the face, sliding him across the water.

Preyas cracked his knuckles as Amazon recovered. The former spoke. "You're holding up pretty well. Now, let's see you handle this! Blue Squall!" Preyas created a blue whirlpool of water that he shot at his opponents.

"Tornado Ocean!" Amazon also made a move. He shot a stream of spiraling water from his palms at Abis Omega.

Both attacks closed in, and Luke bunted, while Abis Omega readied a defense.

''Let's give that move a shot!' Luke showed an ability from his Bakumeter. "Now, Abis!"

"I'm reading your mail!" Flexing his fins again, Abis remained stationary as he let out a shrilled screech. Before him, a shield of water began to form, but it was taking a bit of time. The two attacks closed in just as the shield formed. The shield took in the attacks, but retaining caution, Abis remained low and vanished using Osmosis. His liquid shield quickly dissipated leaving him still in the water. But his looking hide and ambush technique was easily caught onto.

"Water Refrain!" Shoving his hands out, blue ripples exerted around where the camouflaged Abis Omega was. "There you are! Okay Amazon, now!"

"Right, sensei!" Amazon's fins flexed as he brought his hands together. Water began shimmering as he conjured pressurized energy into the center, where a hemisphere began to expand. "AM-A-ZOOOON! Aquos Bomber!" He shot a massive, pulsating blast of crystalline water across the basin surface. Its speed was great, and when it hit Abis, it erupted in an explosion of water that shot him out of water.

"Abis!" Luke shouted.

Abis Omega thudded against the muggy seashore. His head thankfully landed in the sand, with his lower-half in the water. He grunted as he was looking faintly dizzy. "I…I'm okay." He winced.

Amazon's eyes widened. "Woah, he's still conscious?! Even after that?!"

Preyas stepped beside him. "Yeah but it looks like we did a number again." He put a hand on his shoulder. "I think we should take 5. We don't wanna overexert ourselves either." He then faced Luke as he was sitting on the sand, panting from the sword practice. "Still, it's amazing how those two got a handle on us. They're doing better than yesterday, that's for sure."

Luke was panting heavily as he was catching his breath. He was dropping sweat bullets from the beaming sun and the soreness of his arms. But he knew he felt more controlled, and concise while at that. "I think…that we're keeping up better…" he labored.

Abis Omega stirred as well. "Gnngh…yeah…I think so, too. That last move took too long, though."

"But a little more practice, and I know we got this." He thought of something else. "And the others…"

Abis Omega looked up at the sky. "Yeah, I hope they're alright too."

"We'll know the day after tomorrow." Luke's fists balled in determination. In his head, he pictured his friends. "Shawn…I hope you're not too worried about me. I'm fine, I just hope you are as well."

A pair of shimmering long claws collided with a staff. Tigrerra and Verias were in the other's faces as they were interlocked in another round of intense training. With Tigrerra's greater muscle mass, she was able to push Verias back, but as he doubled over, he plunged his staff into the ground, anchoring the sendoff and swung around, coming around for a midair kick across Tigrerra's face before he flipped to his feet, posing with the staff.

Nearby, Shawn held the same pose, holding his fencer poised to strike. "We still got some swings of our own, you know!" He jutted forward, and Verias jutted his own staff forward, which Tigrerra crossed her arms and claws to intercept and break away.

Shawn pulled out an ability. At that instance, Verias' eyes glowed. "Haos Sheria!" The simian exerted a shrilling cry as his body was radiated in a powerful light.

"Not too fast!" Tigrerra's claws lengthened once more. "Hyper Velocity Fang!" The Haos Bakugan's sabers all close the gap at massive speeds. She bolted pass Verias, striking a pose as her claws remained out. The light around Verias literally cut to pieces, leaving him to feel a shock run through his body.

"Mistress!" Aerogan cheered.

Verias was about to go down, but he stepped his foot off to the side. His body had cuts along them, but he knew better than to slow down. Looking back over his shoulder for a spilt second, he saw Shawn holding his fencer fixed to slash behind. Following, his staff glowed in the cosmic light of his Prime Mistral.

"Huh-?!" Tigrerra turned around, completely caught off guard by Verias swinging his staff with another Haos attack. This time, the impact got her off her feet. She shot back several meters until her toe claws trailed dirt beneath to a halt.

Verias smirked, as did Shawn. "Think we're not catching on?"

The simian went and jabbed forward again, to which Tigrerra sprinted ahead with claws still extended. She and Verias collided in the center, creating a powerful rumble upon interception. At rapid speeds, each of them parried blows of staff and claws. Sparks ignited between them so much that the air could've been lit in flames. It's only after minutes of parry did they stalemate harshly. Their blockade was enough to make the air continue to tremble in their shock.

"I see that you're picking up your paces." Tigrerra noted as she had her claws crossed so as to bunt against Verias' staff. "Very well then! Aerogan! Now!"

"What?" Shawn looked skywards, catching the glimpse of a yellow star.

Shooting down from above, a yellow asteroid shot like an arrow, fixed on Verias. He looked up, seeing the yellow arrow forming Aerogan.

"Lightning Smasher!"

Verias went wide-eyed and bolted away at the last second, barely missing Aerogan's sonic speed descent. The result was that he depressed the ground in one harsh thud, and a moment of shock overwhelmed the time zone before static crackled. Seconds later, a shockwave of lightning and light exploded in all direction, swallowing Verias as he was in midair still. The Bakugan exerted a shrilled roar through the explosion as he was blown away. The shockwaves were strong enough to even make Shaw lose footing some before he had to use his fencer and plunged it in the earth. It bent towards him, but it kept him from slipping. Verias fumbled over, until he finally got a claw and anchored himself to a halt behind Shawn. But that last blow, followed by the parries he had to exhaust over, left him exhausted and on a knee.

The dust cleared, revealing Aerogan standing in front of Tigrerra. The two Bakugan seemed fine, and it seemed the upper hand belonged to them.

"Seems we're picking up now." Shawn noted shakily. He pried his fencer from the ground, shakily getting up with Verias as they held staff and fencer together.

Aerogan looked ready to go again, but something caught his attention. "Hm? Hey, Mistress, what's that thing he's holding?"

Tigrerra looked at Shawn, acknowledging the fencer he had. "Good question. I believe that is an Earth weapon from what I've noticed."

Shawn blinked, noting their curiosity. "What? This thing?" He held his fencer casually. "This is a fencer. It's kinda what I use for self-defense."

"I see…and who was it that taught you?"

Shawn raised a brow. "Well, it's kinda complicated…" He looked towards Verias, noting his own condition, then back down to his fencer. There was a long silence before he resumed. "How about we take a short break to explain…?"

…

After finding a breather, the group decided to take a small break from the training they've endured. With the small recover session, Shawn explained the small history of him, Luke, and Riaan, their sworn enemy that taught them how to use each weapon respectively. Suffice to say Tigrerra was processing it well.

"I see…and this man is the sworn culprit to condition of our world." Tigrerra looked around, noticing how dry the grassy plains are in the distance. They looked like straw. "He's taking life and using others. This sounds vaguely familiar."

"Yeah, I can guess why." Shawn said. "You had to go through the same thing, right?"

Tigrerra nodded. "I can recall well. Naga truly was an evil Bakugan, but he wasn't without his own resources to use. Still…I've had a similar other experience."

"What do you mean?" he frowned.

"We once had a nemesis, Masquerade if I recall…" The image of that man shrouded in darkness with Alpha Hydranoid was all she saw. "As it turns out, it was he who was our ally, Alice, a friend."

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "I see…so you're asking me how I feel knowing that someone who was a friend became our greatest enemy." He surmised well, making him ponder deeper into the question. "To be honest, I haven't really given it that much thought before…but, now that it's come to this…" he scrunched a little with a morbid expression. "Honestly, it's just something that I just came to accept."

"Is that so?" Tigrerra and Aerogan looked at each other, catching the vibe that's been flooding through the air.

Shawn crossed his arms. "It's not that I don't want to accept it; apart of me still holds some respect of Riaan. After all, he did show me how to defend myself…but that's all. I never really was close to him like Luke was." He put a hand to his chin. "When I think about it, I never asked him anything personal either. He's been an open book…we just didn't bother reading. That's the flaw."

"And you're okay with this?"

Shawn's expression grew serious. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. Besides…" he thought about Luke and the childhood memories they've shared. They often played tag, or hide and seek in the manner. He could even remember a single cupcake Luke stole from the kitchen to get for a birthday. "Luke's the one friend I never questioned. He was open, and, if I'm honest, a little bit of a nutcase…" He recalled how he stuck up for him back on Interacia, a musing smile creeping on his face. "But that idiot is what a real friend is to me. He didn't leave me, and that's someone who you fight with and for."

Tigrerra nodded in understanding. It wasn't that she felt the same way, but hearing how big of a deal it was knowing your teacher was against you the whole time would shake up anyone. But, in a way, she respected the way he thought of friendship. Even if he lost one friend, there was one worthy of concern, and that was enough.

"I'm gonna be by Luke's side always…because that's what real friends are for." Shawn finished.

Verias smiled. He knew he felt the same way. As did everybody else.

A stream of fire expelled from Diablo's maw. It bolted into Jelldon, but a liquid red forcefield absorbed the impact. The flames dissipated, and Jellldon's tendrils crackled with red electricity that he slammed on the ground with. The shockwave of red electricity spread out, but Diablo ascended and evaded the attack, In the air, he glowed a bright red aura before he disappeared. Appearing before Jelldon, he planted a foot to the head, but Jelldon countered by swatting with his tendril. Normally his soft body wouldn't mean much for the impact, but he had to train to defend himself than be someone's punching bag all day.

With the swat numbing Diablo's foot, he backflipped back into the air. "Woah there tough guy! That's some bite you've got!" he commented. "Thought you'd let your guard down after you whipped up that shield of yours."

"Sorry, no can do!" Jelldon denied.

"That's right! We're not even close to going there!" Maggie agreed.

Diablo smirked. "Alright then…" He put his arms out to the side. "Abyss Nightmare!" All around, the atmosphere turned pitch-black, which Diablo created. He had a maniacal smirk as his body faded into the darkness, like a ghost.

Maggie gazed forward. "Stay strong, Jelldon. You can do this…"

Jelldon stood there, stiff as a statue. He was trying really hard not to freak out. 'No, I'm better than this. Remember what Maggie said.' True to form, Maggie's words from last night got to him. It was okay to be scared, so long as he tried, he didn't have to be angry. 'I'm gonna try…even if it means I have to face the darkness itself I'm gonna do this!' With resolution, he held up his tendrils. "C-come on! I'm right here!" he challenged, though his voice cracked some.

In the darkness in front, a pair of teal eyes glowed. "Oh, a nerve big guy?" A devilish figure appeared, revealing Diablo. "Well tough talk out of this!" He began unleashing volleys of bullet-like punches in the face.

Maggie reached out. "Jelldon!"

Jelldon's eyes showed controlled ease. They glinted with figments of flames around the sclera briefly as he could feel himself empowered by Maggie's shout. With dexterity and precision, he began roaring as he began shooting volleys of electrical tendrils as bullet-like speeds as well, and suffice to say that it was an intense match. Fists connected with tendril tips, and each blow was successful with red static igniting the atmosphere. It sounded like gunshots with each punch and tendril launched. Jolts of red exploded when knuckles cracked against hardened gelatinous stingers tipped with pressure in velocity.

As the volleys went on in the darkness, Diablo was looking surprised through the combat. 'This guy's actually picking up speed. Is he really getting better so soon?'

Maggie punched forward with a shout, with Jelldon doing the same. His stinger exploded with red electricity that boomed in Diablo's forearms when he crossed them. The static numbed his arms as he went flying backwards, his ability effect fading with the darkness.

"Yes! We did it, Jelldon!" Maggie cheered.

Diablo caught himself in the air. "Okay, that's it! Tagging out!" He backflipped, becoming Angelo once more.

"Oh, is it my turn?" the Aquos/Haos Bakugan chimed. "Very well then! Allow me to give it a go!" He flapped his angelic wings and reached down. "Water Refrain!" Blue ripples expelled around Jelldon, stopping him from activating possible abilities. "Sorry, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I hope you don't take this personally."

Maggie was shocked at first, but her faced showed seriousness. "Don't count us out just yet!" She pulled out a Gate Card, throwing it between Jelldon and Angelo as it faded into the ground. "Gate Card, open! Chain Link Force!"

The card shined in the earth, glowing and making the ripples around Jelldon vanish. Instead, they surrounded Angelo, much to his surprise.

"W-what's going on here?" he squealed. "I can't activate abilities!"

Maggie flashed a charming wink. "Don't think the game's just about abilities now." She giggled. "Just because we got strong doesn't mean we can't forget the Gate Cards~." She saw that Angelo was stuck in midair, and she knew this was her chance. "Okay, let's go, Jelldon!"

"Ready!" His body started heating up with red electricity manifesting. "Power Sting!" With tentacles seeping in red electricity, he began using his rapid training he's gained from Diablo and jabbed with such great might. That one blow was enough to throw Angelo out of the ring and flip onto a knee.

"O-oh my…my goodness." He gasped. "That was quite the jab. Even I'm at a loss." Despite the shock that went through him, he was fine as he got back up. "But that said, let's here again. It's been thirty minutes now, and warriors need periodic rest."

"Oh what? Already?" Maggie whined. "But we've just started getting a rhythm…" she ultimately sighed. She didn't find any point arguing, especially with Angelo's stern stare. If she wanted to, choice words could've been said. "…fine." She huffed.

"Excellent! Now then…" Angelo swiftly pulled out a large leaf with the small sweet fruits that grew on trees. "Time for your lunch!"

Maggie's eyes twinkled with delight. She could already taste the watery, sweet textures. "OH YES! I'VE BEEN STARVING!" she scuttled over, readying one sweet fruit with a chime in her tone. As she swallowed, she had twinkles around her pudding face. "Ahhh, so…so…" Her face contorted with a sense of sour. She looked like she tried to eat a rotten egg. "…bleh, sour…" she sighed disgusted.

"Maggie, you okay?" Jelldon asked.

Maggie looked at all the fruits again. Upon further inspection, she noticed how a lot of them had wrinkles on them. They looked far from sweet as they had bitter texture. "Something's wrong. The fruit is all screwed up…" her face fell. "It's because this world is dying, isn't it?"

Angelo looked guilty. "I'm afraid so. I'm sorry." He looked around, seeing how the forest was wilted somewhat. "The overwhelming negative energy infecting New Vestroia is doing more than just harm the Bakugan. Our habits are also affected."

Maggie looked at all the fruits that she had left. "And this is all Riaan's fault then…" A few seconds longer, her eyes became blooming flames as a fiery passion returned. "That's it! Now he's really gonna pay for this! You don't mess with a girl and her sweets! You just don't!"

Jelldon innocently raised a tendril. "Uh, I thought it was a woman and her weight?"

"That too!" She sighed again. "Oh well, guess I'll have to deal with this then…" She looked at the fruit in hand again, giving it an inquired look. She scrunched her face and bit into it again. As expected, as she ate it, it tasted like a rotten belle pepper. She swallowed, heaving out a gag. "Hope this is an acquired taste." She labored.

"This is the best we've got I'm afraid." Angelo said. He backflipped, becoming Diablo again.

"Yeah, sorry kiddie. Nothing personal."

Maggie sighed. "It's okay…" she chose to change the subject to hopefully distract her taste buds. "Hey, how are you able to use Pyrus and Haos abilities when you're both Aquos? I never got that."

Diablo chuckled. "Honestly kid, it's just in our evolution." He backflipped, swapping to Angelo.

"Indeed. You see, we are evolutions of Preyas, which can change their attributes at will."

"Attributes at will?" Maggie flashed back to Saint Nemus changing his attribute. "Hey, that's what Nemus did in that one battle! So are you saying that if Bakugan evolve, their attributes can change, too?"

Angelo backflipped, turning to Diablo. "No one knows for certain. After all…Bakugan are still a mystery. It could be like Preyas, or like ourselves. It all depends on how you evolve."

"Evolution…" Maggie and Jelldon looked at each other, a bizarre atmosphere of questions around them. Who's to say even Jelldon could do such a thing?

In the skies, Atmos flapped as he sailed in the thin, dry air. It was cool thanks to the rate he sailed, but if not for that, it'd grow hot. Him and Jase were surveying the area, taking note of the dry land beneath them.

As they sailed over another wasteland, Jase took notice of the area. For some reason, it looked vaguely familiar. Soon enough, it hit him. Seeing wilted tropical trees, and a few Bakugan that looked to be squandering over territory, he silently acknowledged the local area that went out towards the sea. He could see that even pass that, the sand itself looked crispy. And beyond that, he noticed that the sea level was lower than what he thought it was before. He and Atmos both acknowledged this spot; the very same one where they tried out that new mechanism on the Trailer. Back then, those were interesting times…or rather, the beginning of what he meant to have discovered. He never thought fondly to past events, given his records and reputation. But these memories he can't deny weren't of some meaning. Atmos couldn't agree more, though they silently acknowledged this than say much words. This is just one of those times that it's better to feel than say.

Skyress sailed a little above, taking note of their expressions. "It's degrading, isn't it?" she said. "Our once peaceful home is at risk yet again. Look at everything. The air isn't as fresh, and the Bakugan are a mess. This is truly a disaster."

Jase prodded his glasses back to place as he frowned. "My condolences."

"Does everyone feel the negative energy?" Atmos questioned.

"Yes, I feel it as well." Skyress said. "And I believe I haven't felt this much since my trip to the Doom Dimension."

Jase caught note of this. 'The Doom Dimension…' In his mindset, he began recalling the first time Maximus used Phantom-X. 'That would explain a significant level of negative energy discharged when Rogue Zero fights. It's possible they got a fraction of that control with help from that place. But…what I like to know is how they've managed to extract it?'

"I'm not sure who is responsible for this, but, if I had to make a guess, this must do with the enemy you are challenging, am I right?" Skyress continued.

Jase returned to the subject. "Evidently, yes. At least, partially. Everyone seeks to gain something out of this experience, that we can't deny."

Skyress remained quiet for a moment, but then she picked up speed and stopped ahead of Jase and Atmos. They got thwarted as Skyress stood in their way. "If you wish to gain more, think of the reason as to why you are fighting. You have more to gain from others when you are together. Not when you are apart. I'm sure you realize this."

"Yes, we're painfully aware that united we stand." Jase acknowledged. "There's no guarantee that alone a soldier is of high expense…" He thought briefly of the time Luke talked him down. "But…for a soldier such as myself, if finding experience alone first to share with my comrades later, then divide and conquer is the way to win this war!"

"Hmmm…interesting output." Like him, Skyress also thought of Shun, and the test that they took back when they were looking for a way out of the Doom Dimension. 'He truly does remind me of Shun. There's no mistaking that look he has. Very well then…' Her wings spread farther out. "Let's see you find that strength and make it back to your friends! Otherwise, these skies shall be mine!"

Jase smirked. "Quite a generous proposal you have. I'd love to have a negotiation with you…" In his back pocket, he pulled out his weapon that he clicked, making the elongated taser. "But I'd sooner have business tending to Atmos and my own weaknesses! Shall we?"

"Quite so!" Atmos sailed into Skyress, beginning another round in a new location.

The arid air roared high within the mountain range. Amongst the many ridges and peaks, there were tremendous tremors that shuddered the landscape. Gravels turned on one another once. Then twice. Then one more shudder made them bounce.

Shooting backwards, Fly Beetle anchored himself using his back legs. He fell forward, upright and roared. Meanwhile, Hammer Gorem took a step back as well, but that was all.

Shuji panted as he was hanging in there. Every breath he took was full of hot air. "Man…this guy's like a rock…" he labored. "A really annoying rock."

Hammer Gorem reached for his hammer. "You're doing better. But not good enough." He acknowledged. "The earth is your own! Make it as your will!" He slammed his hammer into the ground, creating another loud tremor that rushed through the valley. Rocks from below arose, and he twirled his hammer and swung it, shooting rocks and earth at Fly Beetle.

Shuji smirked. "Oh, we'll stand our ground alright!" In his mind, his mentality drew back to his time as a big brother. He was always taking orders from Nene, and as a child-like demeanor, he really couldn't do much. But, not that he didn't want to think about it, when he thought of Luke and how he told him of what he's done, it sparked a nerve. A confident one. "Hmph! You ready, Fly Beetle?!" he roared.

Fly Beetle raised his horn at the incoming rock volley. "Say the word!"

"Okay! Ability, activate!"

Fly Beetle spread his six legs apart and lowered his head. The tusks on the face and horn all glowed bright orange and static ignited them with a high frequency. "Ballistic Wave!" He raised his horn, coming own with a harsh orange shockwave that went out like a massive wave across the earth.

"And…Fusion Ability! Terra Surge!" Fly Beetle summoned rocks that picked up with the shockwave he generated. It pulsated with the gravel and Subterra energy he unleashed into Gorem's attack. The results were a bright orange light that exploded in front of Gorem. It blinded him for a moment, leaving him to use his humungous hammer as a bunker.

In the bright orange, a silhouette of something swift moved in. With a shout, horns glowed as Fly Beetle zoomed through the shockwave, his Kabuto Basher being used as a battering ram to pierce through the energy. He roared with Shuji on his back as they sailed into Gorem's hammer with all they've got.

Gorem's eyes glowed brightly through the shockwaves. "Copycat!" His bull horns mimicked the Kabuto Basher ability. He charged ahead with all he had, charging with every step shuddering the landscape. He yelled out, with Shuji and Fly Beetle doing the same.

They both collided in the center, creating a massive eruption of rock that could've been seen for miles on end.

With the sun beginning to wane to yet another sunset, another day had come, and has yet to be gone. But in this battle of patience and timing, Riaan held firm root as he continued staring at the sun, now facing the direction of where it was setting. He seemed passively calm alongside Armagedoid, even when Hades Pillars appeared behind them.

"You have returned." The supreme being noted. "I tale it he still eludes you. Am I right?"

Cyrus bowed his head. "Please, forgive our lack of adequacy." He pleaded. "There is no room for excuses, we understand."

Riaan watched the waning sun. He could see it starting to set over the Vestal city lines…or what was left of it anyways. "Time is a very fickle finger. It's neither a virtue or a curse. It all matters on how you use it that it's prosecuted. We'll judge the matter when it's over, but for now, we still have some to spare…" he glanced over his shoulder. "You all may retire for the time being. Tell Cesar to set tower defenses to Phase 2-C. I'd rather not take a surprise attack while our bodies are in need of rest."

"As you wish." Zion obediently bowed.

Amina sighed. "About time. My feet are just aching. I need a nice, long bubble bath."

Hades Pillars departed yet again from another enemy hunt. They all teleported away, leaving Riaan to his own needs. "Yet another day comes to an end." He muttered to himself. "Truly, this is a remorseful sight…but, as degrading as this is, this is something even life and death itself cannot avoid: War."

"But, doesn't war only create more war?" Armagedoid asked.

"In retrospect, yes. You are right. Violence resorts to only more violence." Riaan took a moment to pause. "But in war, you also learn who your real enemies are, and who to trust."

Armagedoid turned towards him. "Is it true? Then wouldn't that mean friends can also become enemies?"

"And vice versa. War is the most effective way of realizing those two sides. We are the enemy in this war. We started this, therefore it is up to us to take down those who dare challenge us. But…" he looked at the skies, seeing the many black Bakugan that have recently gathered, as per the defense protocol Riaan ordered. "The negative energy that fills the air won't make it any easier for them to challenge us. Those who resist this energy are the strong willed that we snuff out, that's as basic as I can get."

Armagedoid looked out again, seeing the Bakugan that were all scowling and fluttering around them obediently. "Master…exactly what is negative energy again?"

Riaan glanced at Armagedoid with the innocent question in mind. "It's an energy that comes from darkness, or perhaps, the energy that many feel as dread." He explained. "There is a positive energy, and there is a negative energy. You need both to ascertain a balance. Too much of one side, and the scale will fall. Such a simple simile means ever so much to the basic concept of life. Take Vestal for example…" He and Armagedoid looked out at Vestal's remains. "This planet is overpopulated. Resources are finite, and soon enough, war breaks out over territory, and soon enough survival of the fittest in a land that couldn't control itself. That itself is negative energy."

"So in a sense, what we are doing is a good thing?"

Riaan shook his head. "I'm afraid not. We're still killing and making enemies. I am not ashamed of my actions, but I can't condone them either. But no matter how much negative energy you're succumbed to, Armagedoid, know this: You are you. You already know what I mean by that, do you?"

Armagedoid nodded. "Yes…that's why I'm doing this. To find out that answer."

Riaan nodded. "Well said."

A familiar bloodcurdling cry echoed through the dying forest. The earth trembled with fear as Hydranoid's three heads craned and expelled three various roars. Any right-minded Bakugan wouldn't be caught dead near him. But there were two brave souls who were taking this challenge, and they refused to give up.

"Atchibee!" Esther's shout atop her moth made her shrill her own cry. Her wings flapped continuously, expelling a black surrounding around her to where it became pitch-black once more. Hydranoid found himself unable to see as he looked around for Atchibee, but she was nowhere. Unknowingly, a pair of red eyes shimmered, and vermilion-colored scythes crossed. In a swift motion, it became a blur that passed into Hydranoid, cutting alongside one of the heads. But unwilling to yield the momentum, the scythes suddenly shifted and slashed gain in pitch-black. Hydranoid again felt a powerful shock run through the sides as the vermilion blades did their job.

As they sailed through the pitch-black, Esther held onto Atchibee. 'There's no room for losing momentum. Hydranoid will figure us out soon. He's not without defenses of his own.'

As if on cue, she saw all three of his heads were opening their maws, creating dark energy spheres.

'Here they come!' Esther and Atchibee thought.

Hydranoid raised all three of his heads and shot the energy spheres into the sky. They climbed so up into the pitch-black space. Once far up, they all abruptly exploded, separating into spheres that rained down from the sky. They bombarded the ground, and Atchibee had to maneuver instead of stand around. With her worm-like body, she swerved around and managing, but a lone sphere was coming down from above.

"Ability, activate! Scan Blaze!" Esther made a counter in preparations for this. Atchibee's already glowing red eyes got brighter as energy waves expelled from them. The incoming sphere faded as it drew too close.

"Got you!" Hydranoid shouted. From his six wings, metallic chords with small heads on them launched at the darkness. They all snaked at Atchibee, tangling her claws, her scythes, and around her neck. The darkness around her faded as she was spotted and caught in Hydranoid's attack.

Esther's eyes narrowed and grunted.

"Now, come over like a good Bakugan." Hydranoid began to pull Atchibee in, just as his saw-like body began to rotate. The image and the saw sounds didn't sound too gratifying for them. Still, in this mess, Atchibee and Esther learned to remain calm.

Esther showed two more abilities. "Scare Flash!" Atchibee's wings shined an ominous luminescent light that shot beams everywhere. The harsh light made Hydranoid close his eyes and lose momentum. "Now…Darkus Slave!" Atchibee expelled volleys of dark energy projectiles from her antennae. They all bombarded Hydranoid at such a close range. This was the opening they sought, and they managed to get the tendrils off them and shoot back for some distance.

Still firing their attack. Hydranoid began to grow annoyed. His eyes opened, and the heads all faced Atchibee in the sky. "Are these puffshots?" he asked. "Or are you trying?" another head questioned. "Let's see what a real shower is all about!" He opened his maws wider, charging up energy.

"Atchibee, on your guard!" Esther exclaimed. "Gate Card, set!" She quickly threw down a Gate Card, one that expelled into the ground below.

"Terminal Barrage!" Al three heads shot the same spheres as he would in Death Trident, but they were in massive volleys, and they were much larger. It was a nonstop brigade that pushed through Atchibee's attack, quickly clawing closer towards the moth.

As the attack drew closer, stray shots were coming in. One barely missed Atchibee, and Hydranoid got her to lower her guard, finally pushing through the attack.

Esther swiped her arm. "Gate Card, open! Warlock!" The card revealed itself, and an invisible wall suddenly stopped Hydranoid's attack. "Your ability was nullified! Atchibee!" On command, Atchibee prepared to sling her scythes again.

Despite the wall protecting them, Hydranoid wasn't fazed. "Do not underestimate us!" he roared. "We will show you what it means to battle! Grand Down!" Below Hydranoid, dark energy ripples expelled from his body, entering the Gate Card. The card slowly faded, and the wall went down. This surprised Atchibee and Esther as the volleys kept firing, forcing them to try and move, but little room was offered within each aerial strike.

The two kept dodging, but they knew they had to get cover. 'We have to elude him!' she created another ability. "Ability, activate!"

Once again, Atchibee hollered as everything turned pitch-black. Her scythes elongated in vermilion energy as the volleys kept firing. Now prepared, the Bakugan slashed her blades into each attack. She and Esther both chose to instead charge head-on, slashing into each harsh attack and close in on Hydranoid. Esther kept her head low so as not to get struck down.

"That's it. Breathe in the power…"

An odd voice was heard in the pitch-black. It made Esther lose focus for a moment. 'What was that?' She looked ahead at the ongoing volley. She and Atchibee were closing in, but the closer they got, the clearer a vague image was.

She could've sworn she saw the shadow of some man on the middle head of Hydranoid, and he had a mask. The image itself had this overwhelming negative feeling that made her own skin crawl.

'Wait, isn't that…?'

Alpha Hydranoid emitted a shrilling roar again and pivoted. His tails swung into Atchibee's side, creating a massive shockwave that dissipated the darkness almost immediately. Esther and Atchibee shot off to the side, landing on her side, and Esther flipped and landed on a steady knee.

Esther slowly arose, her eyes closed in deep thought. "…we're not there yet, it seems." As if confirming, Alpha Hydranoid emitted an empowering roar. "Atchibee, are you alright?"

Using her scythes as leverage, Atchibee started to stir. "Yes…I believe so." She turned towards Hydranoid. "I heard he was one of the most powerful Bakugan in his time. I never imagined it'd be this tough."

"We shouldn't count our blessings. Remember, this is how we'll be able to handle ourselves." On another side, Esther's mind began to flash back to that voice she heard. 'That said…'

"That's it. Breathe in the power…"

'Exactly who was that?' Her eyes narrowed as she tried thinking back to when she first tried Bakugan years ago, before she was found out and forced to pray. She was good, and while she wasn't the best, she recalled another Darkus battler who had the upmost ranking. 'That's it. That's what it must be.'

Hydranoid took notice of Esther's inquiry. "What is it?" he questioned.

Esther stepped forward. "Hydranoid…are you familiar with your battle partner?"

His three heads lowered in guard. "Yes. Alice." He pictured the beautiful young woman, both her and Hydranoid enjoying the peace of the cabin they had. "She's truly the closest friend I've ever had."

"But she and you were affected by negative energy, is that right?" Esther looked at her surroundings, noting how at this time, the lush forest was far from beautiful. Her skin continued to crawl with the air so dry that paper could crumble. "If so, how did you both get out of it? With all that negative energy flooding the world, how did you and Masquerade end up…"

"Because we weren't alone."

Esther and Atchibee looked at Hydranoid with surprise.

"It's no surprise, right? I was merely doing as I was told, someone who served under Naga. I turned my back away from that power because there far greater things than just that alone. It took us a long time to realize…" He recalled the handshake that Masquerade gave Dan before he gave his final farewells before fading away forever. "That there are better ways to win a battle, than just control alone."

"And, is that why you're not affected by all this negative energy around?"

"Not at all." He raised his heads towards the atmosphere. "I've felt far greater on Naga's hold."

"So you were able to break away, and find a better reason to battle…" Esther looked down, but as she imagined Masquerade again, she turned away. "I'm sorry I asked. I'm sure you'd rather not explain your arduous adventures like that."

"…fool." Hydranoid scoffed.

Esther looked back in shock. "W-what?"

"If you really want to find a reason to battle, learn from your mistakes. That's what Alice has done, and I don't regret it."

Esther looked down again as she thought of the reason as to why she fought. When she really considered it, she didn't have much time to think back to it, but better late than never as they say. Her mind flashed to when she thought she didn't have a choice, that she had to succumb to the heavenly father and have him guide her. That was a higher power she didn't know how to fight. That is, until someone showed her when she didn't have a way.

'Luke…you pulled me out from that negative energy. You gave into despair from the mistakes you've made, and you chose to fight it in my stead. You, Shawn, Verias, and Abis Omega…you all freed me from a hold that I couldn't question…and then you showed me the strength it truly takes to fight that power.'

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

Those very words he spoke made her realize something. 'You're right. Nobody's perfect out there. You've shown me that by having a body and a mind, I can think for myself, just like you've learned the hard way. What's important…is to not give up. Even to the bitter end.'

Atchibee's antennae picked up something in the distance. "Huh?"

"What is it, Atchibee?" Esther began to feel something crawl up her spine. She got a bad feeling from this od sensation. 'Wait, is this…negative energy?'

Hydranoid looked into the far distance. His many eyes glanced and stared at the swarms of random Bakugan, ranging from Atchibee, to other aerial Bakugan like Gargonoid, Atmos, and Falconeer were all starting to come around, cawing out to the fray.

"Other Bakugan." Atchibee figured.

"It must be the battle energy we're generating that's attracting them." Esther braced herself. "Atchibee, get ready…" However, someone else took to the centerfield. "Hydranoid?"

Hydranoid faced the many Bakugan that were against him. They all looked to be closing quite moderately. Soon enough, they all surrounded him as he remained still. The winged Bakugan descended slowly to get closer to the positive energy that they saw as food, only they couldn't be anymore unlucky.

All three maws ignited in the same energy that charged the spheres. However, this time, instead, the energy began to turn to a dark purple with glistening pink and white. All three heads remained still as three dense dark purple beams with black outlines and pink/white sparkles shot at the Bakugan around them. Intense dark shockwaves filled the atmosphere in a split second. It was light a dark bomb went off that swallowed up every Bakugan around them. Not one was spared as Gargonoid shrieked before darkness swallowed them, and Falconeer plummeted to unknown. It was a rapid mess that made Esther and Atchibee forcibly cover up from the shockwaves igniting the air.

Several minutes of explosions soon came to a halt. Slowly, Esther uncovered, and she went wide-eyed at what she and her partner saw. There, all around them, the forest was reduced to a deep clearing, with all the Bakugan in sight blown away. They were almost speechless with the display of raw, unadulterated power the Darkus Bakugan had.

'So…this is…' She had a long glance at Hydranoid's back. 'The power of Darkus free of negative energy. Such destruction…' Behind her, she caught note of some more Atmos and Gargonoid hovering above. Apparently those not too far were still lingering. "Atchibee!"

Understanding, Atchibee let loose a shrilled cry as she went to prove herself. Esther jumped onto her back again, zooming at the Bakugan in their way. In Esther's Bakumeter, an ability showed.

"Ability, activate…!"

Atchibee's eyes glowed bright red. Fir the third time now, she made the atmosphere pitch-black around the Bakugan and herself. They were all clueless, unaware as Atchibee and Esther vanished. Before they knew it, vermilion slash marks passed them in a vivid frenzy, speeding up to Atchibee skywards. She faced away as the atmosphere cleared, and the Bakugan dropped like flies.

The two sailed on, like the event didn't happen as they went towards more Bakugan. 'As long as we can still breathe…we will never give up!' Esther glared cold daggers, cold enough to freeze an ocean. "Atchibee!"

Atchibee shrilled a battle cry as she dominated the skies.

Night had soon fallen on Vestal. There were no lights as Darkus Bakugan were looking around; some squabbling over territory. Other Bakugan with heat detection and night vision also were taking some routes in case of some night crawlers coming out. So far, it looked like nothing major that took attention away from Empyrean.

In another domain within the tower borders, a door slid open, revealing Galilea. The vice head of Hades Pillars had just gotten out of her own bath, though she couldn't lie when she felt cheated when Amina used up most of the hot water. Regardless, she took a nice soak, her hair as straight and silky as the richest fibers ever touched. She wore simple black pants that hugged her thick thighs and bum, with a plain dark green shirt. She retired to a makeshift bed, sitting on its edge as she tapped the air.

A holographic screen appeared before her, looking to what seemed to be a message outgoing. "Killian, please come to my quarters if you're still awake. That's all." She swiped her arm, dissipating the hologram. She tossed her hair over her shoulders and stretched her arms overhead.

Moments later, her doors opened, and as expected, Killian was there…with a shirt off and black pajama bottoms on. "Yeah? You call me?" Even his voice sounded a little groggy.

Galilea remained calm. "Just checking on you. You feeling okay?"

Killian rubbed the back of his head. "…yeah. Yeah, I think I'm good."

Galilea smiled. "Good." Stretched her feet out. "Well then, you could massage my feet if that's well enough."

An awkward request sure, but far be it from Killian from stepping out of bounds when he didn't take the first leap. "O-okay…" Straightening himself, he went over and slouched onto her bed. He huffed as he felt the soft, comfortable mattress bounce a couple times. He settled himself in as Galilea assumed her position and he started massaging her feet.

And Galilea instantly felt pleasure. He got his thumbs deep into her foot muscles. Her toes were being cracked as he plucked at them, and she could feel jolts that ticked a bit after the pain sensory numbed some. Lucia looked up to Riaan and Amina had bubble baths and money…but neither had this.

"Killian…"

"Yeah?"

"Listen, about the other night…I'm…sorry for what I had done." She felt a tinge of guilt as she considered his inferiority complex. "I didn't mean to make it think that…"

Killian knew what she meant, but to shorthand it – for both sakes – he cut her off. "N-no, it's okay. Really…" he pulled her toes back, slowly stretching the muscles farther. "You were just looking out for your fellow understudy. Right?"

Galilea moaned as Killian's massage on her toes were soothing her. "Mmmm…Killian."

Killian fell silent. Galilea adjusted to move herself and tossed her hair back over her shoulder. He saw her take a seductive position on her side as she gazed at him.

"I really do appreciate everything you've done for me, you know that?" She saw him take a position on his side next to her, and she gladly invited him. "You've got an amazing work ethic. You never question what you are told, and set a good example."

Killian looked towards the ceiling. "Yeah, guess you're right…not like I had any choice anyway." He muttered low.

"What?"

"Nothing…just thinking is all." Killian laid his head down on a pillow, closing his eyes as he tried to take in the morals of what he was doing. "Honestly, I know what I'm doing is work…but something about still crawls up my spine. I don't like it."

"Maybe…" Galilea reached over, slowly surmounting the stressed Ventus battler. "But no work means nothing gets done. What's important is to stay on task. Lose focus…" She put her hands on his shoulders, her own nails driving into his stiff neck muscles. "And it'll reflect poorly on your actions…and your superiors. Don't forget that."

Killian wasn't sure if he could fully agree with what she was saying. On one hand, he could say she was right about his actions, but that's where his problem lied. He's seen peril before, and honestly, it made him sick. He had no means of desiring to see women, children, and kids with no guidance or parents to crumble away. In all honesty…he hated it. But he had no say. If he did say something, it'd jeopardize everything he worked for.

Trading all the wealth and the bodacious lady…just for what he thought was right. But how could he?

"Now…just take it easy." Galilea cooed. "And allow your stress to ease."

In another part of the domain, while Galilea was 'settling down' Killian's worries, the rest of Rogue Zero was off to their own worlds. Xander was sleeping, and Ariella was trying to find a nail file in the mere rubble outside of Empyrean since Amina was using each one for a single nail. Hendrix was doing push-ups, and Cesar was confined to his quarters for diagnostics.

And Maximus stared straight into a black wall. The longer he stared at the dark wall, the less he could see his shadow. He frowned as no reflections were sought, making his fists ball.

In New Vestroia, all was quiet at last. Everything was finally settling down after the second day of training finally came and went. Preyas and Amazon were well asleep on the tidal pool's edge, but they weren't the only ones resting.

Nearby, Luke stirred in the sand. He used his coat as a makeshift mat so sand didn't get stuck on him. He tossed to one side, and then another, but unfortunately, no matter how much he tried to tire himself out, it only stirred him awake. "Gnngh…damnit." Finally realizing sleep was impossible, he sat up and looked out at the incoming tides. He saw them flush in and out of the tidal pool, though he acknowledged how much darker the water's gotten in the nighttime. "Guess I'm not the only one then…" He looked over, noticing how in the distance that his Abis Omega was staring into the water. "You too, huh?"

Abis Omega heard his partner's voice, getting his attention by surprise. "Huh? Oh, Luke…you too, huh?"

Luke lethargically walked over, meeting his Bakugan beside the thin basin. The dark water reflected the twinkling night sky. And yet, the serenity of the space they had was what drove them both to realize what they had.

"You know, it's kinda funny." Luke admitted. "I remembered when Esther and I first met. I thought night sky here was so weird. It was like a dream. Now…I kinda like it. I didn't really get a feel of it until now. It's not bad." His head looked down into the water. He stared at his reflection as he could see how different he was without his hair and personality from before. "It's too bad this might be gone…"

Abis nodded. "Yeah…but your world is gonna be, too."

"A lot of worlds are." Luke clarified. "I don't even know what Master is thinking anymore. What is he trying to do, bringing all these worlds' resources and copy everything to just one place? It just doesn't make sense…" He balled his fists. "But, that doesn't the past. I can't change the past…" his face grew more determined by the second. "That doesn't mean that I can still try and learn from what I now know. Knowledge is part of the battle…at least that's what I think Jase would say."

Abis' eyelids faltered. "Hmph, we've really became dependent on the others after all. Even after what we're doing."

"Yeah…but it's because of them we have a reason to fight." He pulled out his sword, making a shinning sound through the clear air. "I'm not alone on this mission. I have you, and Shawn, and everybody else. You guys pushed me…even Luke. If it weren't for him, maybe I would be better off dead back on Interacia…but he's opened our eyes thanks to his experience!" He poised at Abis Omega. "Let's make best of what we owe to him, and everyone out there fighting for a life! You with me?!"

Abis' tailfin swayed, showing Fin Melee. "I was gonna ask you that!" He lunged at Luke, swinging his tail, to which Luke returned in kind to meet the harsh swing with his refined sword skills.

As the two refined themselves in the distance, their commotion didn't go without peepers. Preyas and Amazon were watching from afar, seeing the two work hard.

"Man, sensei…" Amazon started. "I think they're dead serious about all this. I know this was serious before…but just looking at them now…I don't know." He watched a little longer, seeing Luke and Abis Omega show and parry each other's slashes at lightning-fast reflexes; as fast as Preyas perhaps. "These guys aren't like Dan and Drago…but I think they're awesome! What about you, sensei? Sensei?"

Preyas watched in silence, recalling his days with the old team. If he knew where Dan and Drago were, he could only wish he saw what the beginning of a new prodigy, one that he helped on that path.

Having also retired for the evening, the nighttime sky fluttered with stars over the forest where Hydranoid sought to take his rest. The Bakugan rested up, but his current students were another issue. Too active, especially after fending off all those Bakugan, Esther and Atchibee found themselves taking a small stroll through the forest in search of open air. It was Esther's idea, since she couldn't sleep either. The thinking and the forest air felt insufferable for some reason. She had to get out.

"Esther, exactly how far are we walking?" Atchibee inquired.

Esther looked ahead sternly. "I'm not sure. Just to where I can get some water is all. Sorry if that's selfish."

Atchibee didn't sway. "It's fine. You must be thirsty." She pointed a scythe ahead. "Up ahead."

Esther looked forward, seeing where Atchibee was pointing to. She saw a small stream connecting to a riverbank, with water flowing through. "Looks to be a spot." She knelt down and cupped her hands into the water. Feeling the cool water in her gloves, it felt rather chilly. Nevertheless, she promptly took a handful and slurred from the hands. The water ran down her dry throat, making her quench settle, yet the taste of the water was no less than that of expired milk. "This water is tainted…" she deduced. "It has to be from Riaan's influence. How morbid…"

Atchibee took notice of her surroundings. She noticed the foliage was wilted from lack of water. The green life had gone crispy. And yet, something about the shape of it all seemed rather overfamiliar.

"What is it, Atchibee?" Esther took notice of her partner's silence. She saw her look around, picking up on the bizarre déjà vu. "Wait, hold on…" She looked back at the water. "This spring…"

Atchibee didn't have to point it out. She could tell she was catching on. They both could see afterimages off to the side, the times of a dark brown-haired girl and red-haired boy found water. Even if they were figments of imagination, seeing them and afterimages of other Bakugan surrounding them seemed too clear.

They saw the images fade away, much to Esther's displeasure just as she was about to reach out. She slowly retreated her hand, her eyes getting cold from that bittersweet memory. She gasped, realizing that there was something familiar about the location. Looking to the left, they saw a bleak trail of dirt with shrubs and leaves. Without question, the two started to follow their memorial instincts, and Esther walked like a possessed creature.

Minutes later, the two found themselves drawing towards a clearing far up ahead. Esther found her heartrate accelerating as she picked up her pace. There was no rush, but the need to confirm was more compelling than her sense of patience. She and Atchibee rushed out of the woods, the opening making Esther stare in surprise.

The cliff. But not just any cliff. This cliff withheld something that Esther had almost forgotten. Walking up dazedly, she kept herself composed as she saw another afterimage of Luke when he first met her. She could even remember hearing his voice. It made her want to speak out if not for the afterimage fading away.

"Esther…is this where you and Luke…?"

Esther's composed figment slowly dawdled over towards the cliff. She found herself climbing, soon reaching the edge to overlook the area. When she looked out, she could clearly see it. "…"

Lush greenery, once seen in the figments of her mind, were revealed to be nothing but bark and dry mountain ranges. The scenery was more than enough evidence to make her realize how much time has passed since then. The expanse from then to now would astound anyone, but being Esther, she took it moderately well. A soft smile crept onto her face.

'Luke…' An image of the old Luke appeared, and then replaced by the new Luke. 'You've truly made n impact on all of us. You've changed our lives, even when we couldn't…you've really changed.' She looked up to the sky, seeing the twinkling stars that governed the atmosphere. It was a night like this when she remembered picturing Luke and Shawn training.

For the sake of that memory, she took in a deep breath, singing out a tranquil melody out towards the valley.

And there you stand,

So brave and with a guiding hand.

It was there when,

You stood and declared like a valiant man.

Shawn was sitting besides a rock, grinning up at the sky. Besides him, Verias sat calmly as he looked skywards as well. Both seemed morally pleased.

There you laid in your sleep,

Dreaming of a future so deep.

With one eye open,

You begin to see the lives around reopen.

Shuji had arms crossed as he laid atop of a sleeping Fly Beetle. He looked over his shoulder skywards, smirking. Jase was sailing with Atmos, with gliding for a cool down as the former turned his head forward.

It was but a yesterday,

When we were in such dark and woe.

We had but one way,

And that was to never say no.

Maggie and Jelldon looked up at the air. Despite the wilted forest, they felt a serenity flourish within.

But then you opened our eyes,

With your talks of new dreams.

We search for the skies,

And there we saw the light of a new dawn.

Luke slashed and parried with Abis Omega's tailfin. Man and Bakugan were at high speeds, unrelenting at what they knew was a fight that was worth trying. A slash from both met in the center, and shockingly enough, they were in a stalemate. The sympathized looks they had told the other to push, no matter what. They shrilled roars as the battle waged on.

The black that was but the past,

It went by so fast.

We race towards the new dawn,

Forever moving to a future so vast.

Esther's final notes made wind pass through her hair. Wilted blossoms carried across the valley that she and Atchibee overlooked. They were going to protect these lands, and what memories they held dear.

The next day – Day 3. This was the final of training. In less than 24 hours now, the others were destined to be back together. They've been given guidance, and with hard work, they've pulled off the unimaginable. They still had some time though, and they weren't going to waste a single second of it all.

Green whirlwinds exploded in the skies with green flames. Skyress cawed as she and Atmos passed one another, but this time neither showed any means of fazing. Atmos' eyes glimmered before he did an acrobatic trick and flung back at Skyress.

Skyress faced Atmos, her tailfeathers aligning to create static. "Lightning Talon!" an intense green energy blast shot from her tailfeathers at Atmos. The attack closed the gap, but Jase was set.

"Ability, activate! Winding Winds!" Atmos expelled green whirlwinds that protected him, and they expanded towards Skyress.

"Nice try! Storm Stinger!" Skyress's wings glowed, prepared to counter.

"Fusion Ability, activate!"Jase added. "Anemoi Grace!" Atmos flapped his wings, sending sparkling green comets that collided with Skyress' energy feathers. Green explosions went off like fireworks for everyone that blinded the whole airspace. And yet, through it, two green figures shot through, making valiant green flames follow in their treks.

Cloaked in these energy flames of extraordinary heat, the two birds became typhoons that collided and spun pass the other again. They intertwined themselves in a rapid helix of green flames that continued climbing skywards. They were locked into a spiral that pulsed upwards.

"Good! That's it! You're getting into the battle!" Skyress exclaimed.

"Atmos! Faster!" Jase knew he could go faster. This encouragement prompted Atmos as he bolted skywards higher, breaking off as a beam of green flames followed behind. Skyress stopped in her tracks and looked towards the atmosphere. She watched them ascend in a green tower towards the high sky. Up high, Jase and Atmos were both barely within eyesight.

The Ventus Bakugan and his partner held on as they dive-bombed. They were a green meteor that glowed bright green. It looked like a meteor that was shooting right at Skyress, and she was too slow to counter this time.

'This is their power now…!' she realized before everything exploded in a green shockwave. A green ripple echoed throughout the atmosphere as a tempest went far out.

From this maelstrom and smoke, the green winds billowed away, and from them, a single bird ascended into the skies again in an arch. It was Atmos. He shrilled a caw as Jase held onto his back, calmly prodding his glasses back to place.

In pitch-black darkness, a devil-like figment faded in and out. Jelldon calmly gazed forward. "You sure look confident big, guy!" Diablo's many silhouettes in the darkness faded, revealing himself behind. "Let's see about this!"

Jelldon's six eyes flashed red and he swiftly used a discharge of electricity. It jolted everywhere, stinging Diablo and causing him to veer away. He was caught surprised when Jelldon's back tentacle reached out and grabbed him. He was yanked towards him, startled.

"Woah-!"

Jelldon didn't give Diablo any room. He roared as he ferociously punched and jabbed his tentacles at max speed. Bullet-like stingers at a compressed electromagnetic projection shot thousands of volts in each singular jab at milliseconds apart. Diablo found himself gagging and wincing with every punch he was hit with, but he couldn't find room to attack. Even in the dark, Jelldon was roaring with power and speeds to spare, until one last punch by Jelldon thrust the devilish Bakugan off to the side, smashing into the deserted forest clearing. The darkness faded, and dust exploded where Diablo had fallen.

"Yeah! That's my Jelldon!" Maggie cheered.

"Don't count yourself lucky yet!" An angelic spritz shot skywards out of the dust cloud. Spreading his wings, Angelo took flight. "Congratulations on that part, but now, as you have beaten Pyrus, let us match with Haos!" He reached down towards the ground, only for his arms to go into a circle skywards to make a perfect O. "Halo Judgement!" He reached down, sending it at Jelldon.

Maggie didn't take any chances, not this time. "Ability, activate! Gel Shield!" Jelldon created a red, liquid forcefield that surrounded him. The angelic attack had hit the shield, looking to be stopping it.

The two seemed to be defending well, until they started seeing the halo slowly burn through the defensive ability. Jelldon remained determined despite this.

"Sorry, but that ability is the light of sheer judgment itself!" Angelo shrieked. "No amount of defense shall keep its light from touching you!"

"Show'em what you're made of, Jelldon!" Maggie punched forward.

Jelldon's entire body began to shimmer with the spots on his body humming. Red outlines filtered through all the edges, illuminating his body in a fiery, strong light. Angelo looked moderately perplexed, but he didn't know what to say. "Hm? What is he…?"

"We won't…LOSE! HRAAAH!" Jelldon's eyes flashed bright red as he gave out a blood-chilling shout out to the atmosphere. His entire upper body expelled some kind of bright red light that expelled outwards. Upon expansion, the halo was burned up within the atmosphere, and the heat was heading towards Angelo as he used his wings to cover up at the last second.

The angel was hit by Jelldon's sudden outburst of red energy. It pulsated promptly, paralyzing the Bakugan from moving with the heat swallowing him. His grunts of pain were the biggest point of a grand opening to take.

"Fusion Ability, Plasmatic Discharge! Go!" Maggie threw in Jelldon's Fusion Ability of great power. Glistening red plasma ignited around Jelldon as it hummed at an intense level that he was more than used to by now.

With one massive shout out once more, the electricity pulsated outwards. Plasma went in all directions as it traveled along the paralyzing hot light Jelldon's body had given of. It crept up to Angelo, of whom was completely immobile and was swallowed in the discharge. The Aquos/Haos Bakugan had been electrocuted to a strong shockwave that exploded in the forest. Broken, wilted trees decimated from the voltage, and Maggie and Jelldon both didn't bother covering up as they kept their confidence controlled. As they saw the dust clear, they saw Angelo on a knee, his body crackling in electricity.

"Phew…" he winced. "Ladies and gentlemen…I think…that it's done." He finished.

Maggie balled her fists, as Jelldon held his tentacles crackling with heated tips. "Yes!" the former chirped. "Look out, guys, because Maggie and Jelldon's gonna shock ya!"

Gorem roared violently at Fly Beetle, who returned the challenging shout in kind. Horn and hammer collided in a shockwave that separated dust particles and made a crater erupt between the two. The tremor was sustained well as Shuji stood his ground, looking confidently forward through the stalemate.

Gorem raised his hammer again, but they were more than ready.

"Ability, activate! Ballistic Wave!"

Hammer Gorem brought down his huge hammer, just at the same time Fly Beetle brought his horn down, which glowed orange. A shockwave of pure orange energy erupted in all directions, and for Gorem, he had to cover up as Fly Beetle was surprisingly a little faster. The Subterra Bakugan grunted as the strong pulse wave drove him one foot back, but he nevertheless didn't fall.

An orange limb plunged into the ground, where a horn drove into Gorem's gut. Before he knew it, Fly Beetle raised his horn high, bringing Gorem back up, but off balance. Meanwhile, the momentum he picked up on made the residual energy in the earlier attack swirl into a hemisphere of raw energy. It surged into a compressed point, and once ready, it glowed brighter.

Shuji punched forward. "Let'em have it!"

Fly Beetle exerted a violent roar into the air. He slammed his horn one more time into Gorem, this time unleashing a monstrous shockwave of raw earth and magnitudes that tore the ground apart into a pillar that could've been seen for miles on end. Within the pillar, Gorem finally lost his balance and couldn't hold on, while Fly Beetle roared.

His roar of which shrilled the atmosphere beyond the mountain ranges.

Aerogan screamed as he shot down like a lightning bolt against Verias again. He plunged so fast it was almost impossible to catch him.

"Verias…" Shawn readied to swing his fencer. "Now!"

"Prime Mistral! Haos Sheria!" In a bright light far below, Verias swung his staff as Aerogan came down. He bunted, blocking the foot that could've knocked his lights out. And yet to Aerogan's surprise, Verias pushed with all his might on the staff, repulsing Aerogan into the air.

With Aerogan backflipping to straighten up, Tigrerra sprung overhead. "Saber Glowcer!" She slashed, all her claws expelling intense yellow crescents at Verias.

Shawn remained calm as he held up his Bakumeter. Without a need to communicate, Verias understood. Still surrounded in the yellow light, Verias began twirling his staff, using Caroline Protector and using his newfound speedily swinging to bat all the saber-like projectiles back at Tigrerra.

Tigrerra covered up as she tried to hold her own. Her blades remained stable as she used Metal Fang. She slashed her way through the returning sabers, clawing her way towards Verias as the simian twirled and swung countless times.

With the opening, Tigrerra slashed again, but nanoseconds didn't go by without Verias swinging. The two collided, and together, them and Aerogan finally landed. All three were once again in a deadlock, but nobody made a move. The air was so stiff as Verias and Shawn were glaring forward with shimmering daggers.

Tigrerra silently nodding. This made them smirk…but that didn't stop them from lunging forward at the silent acknowledgment. Tigrerra returned in kind, resuming the last leg of what's to come.

Maws expelled black and purple beams that shot at Atchibee. The moth Bakugan crossed her scythes to stop the attack. Hydranoid didn't stop as he continued pushing. His Indigo Nightmare was forcing deeply into Atchibee as she held herself in midair.

On the ground, Esther frowned cold daggers as she glared forward. She refused to lose. If she loses her hopes and what she stood for, she wouldn't last much longer.

Hydranoid stopped his attack, shouting out as his maws began charging up glistening dark purple energy with shimmering sparkles in them. They knew what was coming.

"Ability, activate!"

Atchibee exerted a loud, shimmering shriek into the atmosphere. Hydranoid expelled all three beams at Atchibee, who waited for them all to come closer. From her wings, shimmering sparkles expelled from her scales that stopped Hydranoid's attack. The scales flaking off took in it all, and each individual scale, among hundreds of them, all glistened with fragments of vermilion, violet, and white.

"Huh?" Hydranoid glared forward, his suspicions arising.

Atchibee let out a shrilled cry as the scales all shot at Hydranoid. They became a typhoon that surrounded him, a vermilion, glistening tornado that shredded scales that had his power used. Each scale that came close to his body erupted in a small burst of darkness, and he hollered. He stepped to one side, but even more erupted. Pulse wave shredded through the area as Hydranoid found himself surrounded and looked up.

Up high, Atchibee's atmosphere was turning pitch-black as her vermilion long scythes returned. She cawed as she dove down, her darkness enveloping Hydranoid as he roared up to the atmosphere of darkness around the moth.

Esther remained calm through the black whirlwinds generated. Hydranoid's shrilled shockwaves were matched by Atchibee's shrilled echoes. Her frown remained calm all the way through.

The basin was almost completely dry now, yet as the sun beamed down glistening rays, there were two sides. There was Luke and Abis Omega, against Preyas and Amazon. All three sides had a dead serious glare fixed as tension couldn't be any greater. It was so thick that the humidity itself wasn't as heavy.

One side wasn't going to make a move without thinking ahead. As a lone wave crashed against a rocky shore nearby, the dark waters jumped. This was the abrupt start that got them going.

"Ability, activate!" Luke started. "Dry World!" Abis Omega let out a shrilled cry as dark water became blue streams that converged around him. It all surged around him, becoming a hemisphere of water he floated in. 'That'll shut down their Aquos abilities. That only leaves…'

"Shall we?!" Preyas jumped.

"Yes, sensei!" Amazon followed.

'I knew it! Here they come!'

Just as Luke and Abis Omega thought, Preyas and Amazon both had their abdomens and gems shine. "Attribute change!" both yelled. At the same time, all their colors reverted to Subterra, making them said attribute. "Subterra!" they finished.

Preyas stepped forward. "Okay, you know the drill, Amazon!"

"Right, sensei!" Amazon shifted his hands around. "Keep your eyes on the prize! Desert Rocket!" Slowly, Amazon began fading away. He camouflaged himself, whereas Preyas raised his arms side.

"Side Formation! YEEHAW!" he slammed his hands down, erupting in a geyser of dust that pushed him into the ground below. Where the dust faltered, there wasn't even a whole to give evidence.

Luke's eyes narrowed. "Abis…" he saw Abis Omega hiss in confirmation; he nodded back. "Okay then. Ability, activate-!"

The ground beneath Abis Omega suddenly exploded. The shockwaves of the outburst of rock and debris made his water bubble dissipate, allowing Preyas to jump up. "Gotcha!" He lunged up, but Abis Omega was nowhere to be seen. "Huh? What the-?!"

"Osmosis!" Luke finished.

Preyas in midair when he barely caught a whiff of a long whip camouflaged in the atmosphere. It lashed on his side, sending him doubling over to a slide on the ground. Once he straightened out, he sneered as he could see Abis Omega's outline. He placed a hand on the ground and went darting at him. Using his fins, he expanded them to adjust his descent. Abis Omega used those same fins to block Preyas' kick, of which made him backflip, but he bounced back and began a rapid volley of punches against the camouflaged Abis Omega. Invisible lashed of the tail at equal speeds parried Preyas' blows, and he was keeping up explicitly well.

Behind him, Amazon's invisible silhouette was seen, and he was ready for a foot. "Special delivery~!"

Luke temporarily sheathed his sword. That was Abis Omega's signal. Still invisible, he ducked and lowered to the ground, leaving Amazon to hit Preyas. They both fumbled over, while Abis slithered away and arched to give an intimidating stature as both reverted to Aquos.

With them momentarily in shock, Luke took the shot. "Ability, activate! Hydro Pulsar!" Abis Omega let out a shrilled roar as he opened his maw, expelling a spinning cyclone of water that rushed across the landscape at Amazon and Preyas.

Upon gaining himself, Preyas' eyes opened. "Oh boy! Here we go!"

Amazon's witty body got him up first. "Don't worry, sensei! I got this!" He reached out, expelling a spinning vortex of water as well. "Tornado Ocean!" He shot the blast of water right at Abis Omega's vortex. The attacks connected in the center, making two intense cyclones that were battling it out for sheer dominance.

Both sides were intent on overpowering the other, but Abis Omega still had a trick up his sleeve. Luke activated it as he unsheathed his sword again. "Fusion Ability, activate! Blue Mega!" This time, the vortex glistened like crystal clear water as it expanded somewhat. Slowly, the small fraction was what made it slowly push towards Amazon.

The landscape shuddered as the cyclones pushed relentlessly, but Abis refused to surrender as he continued firing. "Aw snap! He's closing in!" Amazon shrieked.

Preyas came down out of the blue to the side. He slammed his hands into the ground again. "Aquos Guardian!" He summoned a wall of water that got between them and the attack. The wall stopped the glistening cyclone, which created a horrendous wake off to the sides.

Luke and Abis Omega's eyes narrowed as they knew what came next if they went all out again. Looking at each other, they could make the do, and Luke threw in a Gate Card. The card expelled outwards, enveloping the basin as the water wall was still up.

"Gate Card, open! Ring Zero!"

The Gate Card opened, making the wall of water suddenly vanish. On top of that, a strange paralysis got over Preyas and Amazon. The latter especially got shaken up. "H-hey! What's the big idea?! I-I'm trapped!"

"Yeah, I can't move either!" Preyas tried moving his arms, but it wasn't working. "Oh crud!"

Abis Omega hissed wearily. He wasn't going to let this opportunity go unscathed. And Luke thought the same thing. Both abilities were shown at the same time as Abis Omega opened his maw, generating bright blue. "Double ability, activate! Aquos Cyclowave, plus Diamond Shower!" At his command, Abis Omega roared out as a massive blue beam shot out of his mouth, creating a tremor as it passed over the earth. Around it, blue energy shards spun to create a stronger diameter. The combined attack created a powerful ram that impacted Amazon and Preyas at the same time. The beam, while it went forward, had its streams connected with the diamonds, making streaming cyclowave shards spray everywhere, exploding like firecrackers of blue across the dried tidal pool.

From the smoke cloud, Preyas and Amazon shot out of the smoke cloud. Master and student managed to break off and slide on their heels to a halt. Once situated, they glared forward, weary of the danger. Something blue streaked across the smoke plain, getting between Preyas and Amazon in a split second. Abis went and snared coils around Preyas, constricting him in a swift move. Preyas found himself immobile as Amazon was off to the side.

"Sensei!" he stepped forward. "Hey, that was a cheap move!" He took a massive jump, flipping until he was above with a hemisphere of water. "Alright, take this! Tidal Spray!" He came down, the blue sphere expanding for a point-blank throw.

Luke bunted his sword as Abis held onto Preyas. "Now, Abis! Ability, activate!"

Abis Omega hissed out to the world. A translucent circular water shield formed right overhead, stopping Amazon's intense spray of harsh, dense water. The eruption sent a shower of liquid down everywhere, creating an elegant rainbow that the sunlight reflected upon.

"Woah, they really got it down…!" Amazon was so impressed that he almost forgot he was in midair when Abis' tail slammed into his side, veering him away.

Still stuck in Abis Omega's coils, Preyas found it a little hard to breathe. "Man…this guy…sure is…tight!" He had to get out, and fast. "Let's try…Aquos Bubble!" He opened his mouth, expelling an inflating bubble that started creating a space around him. Abis Omega found his hold loosening as the bubble around Preyas expanded, so much that it was enough to give anyone room. The bubble popped, and Preyas was seen in midair, swinging his leg around. Luke held his sword in a sideways bunt to graze, and Abis reflected that and moved to the side before Preyas' kick landed.

Both sensei and student returned to their sides, and Abis Omega kept a coil and defensive position, while his body was emitting a powerful blue aura. He roared out, just as water began seeping through the cracks of the supposedly dried tidal pool.

"Sensei! Ready!" Amazon put his hands together.

"You're reading my mind, kid! Time to finish this lesson!" Preyas took a stance as well, gathering water in a whirlpool. Amazon flexed his fins as a dense hemisphere of water began to circulate.

Abis Omega exerted a lot of pressure as his serpentine body was pushing out as much force as he was generating throughout the battle. It was a lot, and yet he was controlling it. In the past, this would've been overwhelming, but thanks to being with Luke's group, he learned to brawl to the fullest. His diamonds all over his body began shinning a bright blue, just as his maw was pulsating another energy spiral.

Luke held his Bakumeter up, showing another ability. "Let's do this! No holding back! Ability, activate!"

Preyas unleashed Blue Squall, and Amazon released his fully charged Aquos Bomber. The two attacks pulsated in unison across the basin as Abis Omega had an intimidating roar ripple from his insides. He created a mirror comprised of water, but not just any water. The same glistening water Amazon's attack had. The maw open fired, releasing all the energy from the mirror in a torrential, spinning pulse blast that tore the ground clean through like an abyss.

The three attacks connected in the center, creating a shockwave of blue that made water around the basin get blown away. And yet farther out, the energy waves made the water spout wave. A whirlpool-like atmosphere surrounded the three as they were battling it out for dominance, and Amazon and Preyas' attack was subduing Abis Omega's ability with every inch.

Despite being wet, Luke didn't give a damn. He stared at Abis Omega's back. 'Abis…' His mind began to replay a montage of the times they've shared. From the first time they've met, to the first battle they've had. To the battles against Rogue Zero, and towards the renewed promise they shared. 'We've sure came really far. I didn't think I'd get this in touch with anyone but Shawn and Master. Then, I met you and Esther, and everyone else. We've suffered, and we're not done yet…' He balled his fists angrily, determination. "And you know what else…I'm not letting things with us end here!" Another ability showed itself. "Time for the trump card!"

Amazon and Preyas kept the pressure pushing, so much as it was very close to reaching Abis Omega. But through it all, the serpent held his head high as he pushed.

Luke activate the ability. "FUSION ABILITY, ACTIVATE!"

The diamonds allover Abis Omega began charging up with bright blue energy. Each one all over the body shimmered, and as he exerted aquatic pressure, his eyes shrunk as he suddenly made ripple-like shockwaves pulsated. The pulsing blue ripples echoed to the front of the serpent's attack, tearing ahead into the attacks that the opponents were dishing out. Drastically, the ripples brushed the attacks away, making the blue aquatic beam race faster at the two. Before they could realize it, it was too late.

A volatile bright blue explosion swallowed everything around Amazon and Preyas. The mist was so deep as Luke and Abis Omega remained vigilant in their standing. Sword and tailfin up, Abis Omega's diamonds continued glowing, as if the power wasn't going away. As the mist soon cleared, they saw two figures standing out in the open. They all looked ahead and saw Amazon and Preyas still standing, but they were barely moving. Scrapes and bruises were covering them. It was clear that last attack did a number on them.

Luke grunted with Abis Omega, both keeping their guards up.

Amazon approached. But before he made it too far, Preyas shoved his hand in front, blocking his path. He looked confused, yet the older Bakugan was remaining stoic as he observed Luke and Abis Omega for a while. He could see they weren't worn out much like they were before. This only confirmed what he needed to know.

A long, anticipated silence fell, and with an accepting nod, Preyas smiled. "…they're ready."

Luke gasped. "Wait…did I just hear that right…? Did he say…?" He and Abis Omega looked at each other, their expressions soon transforming to smiles of acknowledgment. Luke nodded, and to that Abis returned the gesture. Luke then faced Preyas and Amazon, getting to his knees and bowing his head towards them. "Guys! Thank you!" he cried out.

"W-woah there! No need to be so humble man!" Amazon shrieked. Admittedly he didn't mind. He thought it was a little cool as a matter of fact, with getting respect from others. But this time since he was so tight with them, he let it slide.

"You both made it far. For that I say to you congratulations." Preyas announced. "By tomorrow morning, our time with you shall bear fruit."

"Right! Thank you!" Luke raised his head, facing the sky. 'Guys…if you could hear that, then that means we have a chance after all.'

Another day, another vicious amount of life energy and essence Riaan has copied. The routine was the same as the day before, and then some. Hades Pillars was out doing their job, scouting the area in case of Spectra making a comeback, and enhanced Bakugan were roaming about, if not settling to territories distributed.

At the top of his tower, Riaan watched as another day had come and gone. "The negative energy levels have grown steadily." He said. "It's almost time."

"After this planet, what shall be our next course of action from then, Master?" Armagedoid asked.

Riaan put his chin down, thinking. "Well, after we've collected the Battle Gear data and the mechanical Bakugan schematics, I've been thinking about heading back to Interacia. We can only take one step at a time after all. No need to rush things."

"I understand."

"Although…" Riaan remained surprisingly quiet for a short while. "Now that I think about it, we shouldn't be too far away from them. Perhaps we'll have company soon enough." He figured.

Armagedoid looked out. "So enemies might be mounting an attack…I see. Should we be worried?"

Riaan smiled warmly. "It's nothing to worry about. I promise you." He allowed Armagedoid on his shoulder again. "But make no mistake, remember, keep your guard up…it's always the least likely ones that they expect that may take actions so surprising."

A new day. The sun had set for another cycle. The morning sun was beginning to brew over the wasteland's horizon, slowly giving light to the rock formations that were so dry that one touch could make it all crumble away. But beyond these touches, there lied those who were willing to bring themselves to stop this chaos.

A harsh, dry wind picked up dust in the large sun over the sunlight. In the midst of this sunlight, two figures were seen walking by one another. One carried a fencer, and the other held his staff as he walked. Behind them, their guardians for their training followed.

A smirk was seen on another face. A figure had arms crossed as an insectoid Bakugan in the sunlight was hovering over the landscape. Behind them, a massive golem-like guardian slowly followed, each step shuddering the earth beneath.

A harsh cloud of dust eroded elsewhere, yet within it, a lone figure walked through it, her hair shifting through the winds. Behind her, two creatures flapped their intriguing wings, one looking more intimidating than the other, yet all three had eyes that could send a shiver down your spine.

In the skies above, the horizon's glistening radiance reflected off glasses, making them impossible to see the eyes of someone wearing them as he remained steady and controlled on a large avian-like creature whose wingspan was far greater than anything else in the world. Guiding them was another avian, whose yellow eyes glistened radiance.

Another Bakugan with devil wings and a spiked tail made treks behind an amorphous creature. On top of its head, there was a pre-adolescent girl, and she seemed determined.

Following that, there was something else that they saw. In the distance, heading near the sun as well, a red-haired teen walked calmly ahead. Beside him, something slithered overhead with him, with two other amphibians following in their treks to see them to their own way.

The six individual groups all started converging to where they could see the other. They all could see the other's different attributes, and Maggie was a prime example. They all seemed to be feeling a strong force, but nothing was being said. 'It's finally here. The moment has arrived…for all of us.' Luke acknowledged this fact as he slowly unsheathed his sword as he saw them all group up. 'The very spot where we all met; the time when we settled down after Hendrix and Ariella attacked us…' He remembered that day like it was yesterday. Even now, in his mind, that memory made him think back to now. 'Now…it's our turn to move forward pass them, and stop Master. Together!'

All sets of feet and limbs finally stopped. Everyone lowered to the ground with their Bakugan, and all sets of feet were fixed into certain spots. The Guardian Bakugan and their proteges all had the attribute stances, with respective attributes in a perfect circle. Diablo was an exception, his half-Pyrus attribute fitting fine with Maggie and Jelldon.

The first to speak up was Jase as she smirked. "Well now, this is most certainly a sight to behold." He spoke in such a teasing manner. "I trust that everyone's enjoyed their little 'vacation'."

Shawn flashed his own smirk. "Still as humorous as ever, Jase. I see you haven't lost your touch."

"Why, Shawn, whatever do you mean? What's so humorous about the end of the world?"

Shuji's teeth showed as he chuckled. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling pretty good."

"That so?" Shawn chimed. "Good to see you're in spirits, Shuji."

"Heh, you too man."

Maggie smiled, though her cheery smile had a certain fore behind it. "I'm glad that we're all in one piece and all, but we've got a job to do."

"She's right." Esther agreed. "We can catch up at another time. For now, we didn't spend this time apart for nothing." She looked over at someone in the Aquos sign next to her. "Isn't that right, Luke?"

Completely calm, Luke nodded. He missed this. He missed them. He wanted to admit how much everyone meant to him, but he knew the mission came first. But the mission couldn't be done without those he was close to, that's where the truth lied. This is why they trained, so they couldn't fall behind, not while they're all depending on him again. And he expected the same. This was a battle that no one will go down fighting. Holding his sword, Luke poised. He took in a deep breath, closing his eyes. "…listen guys. Before we saying anything else, I just wanna say thanks." He started. "I know what I suggested was selfish, and I'm sorry…" he opened his eyes. "But, we know what's at stake. If we're going to fight again, we're doing it with everything we've gained!"

Jase had arms behind his back. "Worded like a Luke would be." He chimed. "But, Luke, remember, for what we're doing, there's no room for apologies or thanks. That comes after the fight has been decided."

Luke nodded. "I got it."

Preyas looked around, whistling at the old memories. "Phewie! Man, I can't tell how long it's been since I've seen you guys again! Hey, Tig! How've ya been?!" he yelled at Tigrerra.

The Haos Bakugan took notice of Preyas. "Preyas. A long time indeed. I see that you're doing well." She faced Gorem. "And Gorem, quite a pleasant surprise."

"The sentiment is shared." He replied.

"Quite so." Skyress nodded, "It's good to see you all in good health once more. Truly, I cannot express myself anymore than I am at seeing at how despite how our world is crumbling, we still remain intact."

"Woah~ there. No need to set off the waterworks on us." Diablo chuckled. His joking was met with a backflip, altering to Angelo. "It pleases my heart to know that we have all come together once more. I, too, could almost cry of joy."

"But we didn't come here to catch up now, did we?" Hydranoid reminded them.

Gorem nodded. "You are right. There are worlds that are suffering as our own, but this task is not ours. Just as we have been tested, it appears that these six chosen by fate have proven themselves. May their battles carry on our legacy."

Angelo backflipped back to Diablo. Jelldon looked back as he spoke. "Well kids, this is goodbye. Sure was a pleasure seeing you both." He acknowledged. "It was an honor knowing ya." He morphed again, becoming Angelo. "As it is my own. Do be well, for us."

Maggie nodded. "We will, promise."

Amazon approached Abis Omega. "Hey, listen…" he paused. "Even if I am sensei's favorite…I was actually pretty glad to have met you guys. You're unlike any kind of Abis Omega I've ever seen! You're probably the coolest one out there! I can't wait to see you guys again!" He flexed his bicep, smiling. "You guys pushed me and sensei so much, it inspired us!"

Preyas nodded. "He's right." He approached Luke, smiling. "We're not asking for thanks. The only thing we're wishing for is seeing you succeed. That is repayment enough."

Luke nodded in appreciation. His old master never said such kind things to him. And even though Riaan couldn't have given him such a voice of true happiness, it was through Preyas that Luke felt himself and Abis Omega pushed to greater experiences. It was through them that they reflected upon themselves, and accepted their pasts and learned and appreciated them. Luke smiled again, but remembered what Jase said. He kept his word choice brief. "…we won't forget all that you've done for us. I promise…" He stepped around, glaring forward. "We'll find a way."

Esther smiled besides Luke. Shawn crossed his arms and smirked with Verias. Jase prodded his glasses as Atmos straightened his neck. Shuji chuckled, and Maggie stood calmly with Jelldon.

"It's time." Tigrerra looked at Aerogan. "Aerogan."

"Yes, Mistress." The Haos Bakugan stepped up. He walked a few paces ahead, glaring. "Alright, where to?"

They all exchanged looks to one another, and Luke saw them all referred to him. He didn't need a second to process. He already knew the answer. "Vestal."

Aerogan nodded. "Coming right up!" He reached forward towards the center. There, a portal opened in the ground, sinking into the earth like a pit. "This is it, guys. It was fun!"

Esther stepped forward, a frown forming. It was time to remain focused. "Let's go."

"Right!" Everyone exclaimed. Esther was the first to jump into the portal, followed by Shawn, then Shuji. One by one, down the attribute circle, the battlers and their Bakugan followed into the portal Aerogan created. Maggie and Jelldon followed, with Jase and Atmos diving in next. The last to follow was Luke as he sheathed his sword and took ne last look around. Seeing all these Bakugan looking at him, he could feel a weight fall on his shoulders. But it was a weight he'll bear for the rest of his days. He's willing to die for others' worlds than just his own. It was up to him and a simple sea serpent to make whatever impact possible if it means making sure nobody else suffered ever again. With this in mind, he took his last step, diving into the fray with Abis Omega.

Amazon's face fell as he watched them go. "Sensei…will we ever see them again?" In his woes, he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Someday, Amazon." He said. "But for now, we leave them to what must be done." He then took notice of the other Bakugan he fought alongside with in his past. "Huh, you know, we should get together like this more often! Hehe!"

With the tailfin of Abis Omega slipping down the portal, the portal finally closed, leaving the crumbling New Vestroia behind. Luke dove with everyone else down further into the portal, his sights set on returning back to their last checkpoint, with nothing to turn back to. It was off to Vestal, to finally try once more in stopping Riaan and his plans.

And so next chapter, back to Vestal once more! I gotta say, I wasn't sure if this was going to work well, but by the end, I was very pleased with how I've made them return to New Vestroia. And I've managed to keep it under 20K this time. That's also good! And, as a bonus, I gave a very small figment of another component of the forbidden cards and Maximus' history.

But before we get to showing off Luke and the others' newfound strengths, I'm gonna be taking another break from this story. It's been 3 chapters again, so I'm gonna be letting this one settle for a bit. If I don't update again before New Year's, well then I'll say happy holidays! Share your thoughts as always, and thanks for reading! :)