From Depths We Rise

by Insane Dominator

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

33. Empyrean - Part II

The cold, frigid air was so solid that one could've sworn they could see their own breath. The temperature was factored by not just the immense altitude they were at, but by the pressure they were under. Air pressure was so intense that it felt like the entire world was literally on Luke's shoulders as he went toe-to-toe with Maximus. The only light source was the neon green emblem far above the ceiling, which was blocked off due to earlier circumstances.

"Did we hear him right?" Brontes hummed.

Helios nodded. "Hmph! I know I heard. Loud and clear."

"Seems we've walked right into this one I'm afraid." Spectra said nonchalantly. Unlike Luka, Spectra was remaining completely collective. Of course when compared to said Haos battler, the redheaded man didn't look so appeased by all this. He gripped his sword tighter, but he knew better than to waste energy on pointless slashing.

Luka gave cold daggers to Luke's back; though Luke was aware of the pressure he was already under, seeing Luka eerily quiet about the circumstances and observing like a hawk didn't help in his case. Nevertheless, he knew he had to persevere.

"You said the only way to get to Riaan is to beat you…right?"

Maximus nodded. "Last I checked."

"Then I guess the same goes for the others too, right?"

"Why, of course. Riaan wanted to make sure that nothing got to him while we're here. His orders."

Luke stared with Abis Omega a little longer, the atmosphere's temperature starting to get to their bodies. It was dark, and those claustrophobic would be shaking from the darkness seemingly spacing but a small battlefield area between them. A lot was at stake, but Luke and Abis Omega were all ready. "Okay then." He grabbed Abis Omega with narrowed eyes. "But this time we're knocking you and your friends down, for good!"

"Oh trust me, my young friend." Maximus reached for Goblinball. "Someone's going down here. And it won't be me."

As Aquos and Darkus attributes were about to throw down, more green energy filtered through the networks up the sides. They surged into the neon light above, illuminating it bright enough to become a dim light fit for battle. Atop that, Riaan stood in the center, staring at the waning sun in the distance. "Seems things are about to get interesting down underneath. Brace yourself, Armagedoid."

---

In an unknown location, a signal was seen through a red Bakumeter. The figure lifted his arms to stare down at his wrist. When he looked at the screen, he noticed the unfamiliar code it was giving him. The figure looked at his Bakumeter with a frown.

A red Bakugan popped open on his shoulder, floating. "Who is that?"

"It's a distress signal." The man pushed the button, creating a holographic projection on his Bakumeter. The signal gave coordinates of their location, and from the looks of things, they were pretty far.

"It looks like it's on Vestal. Should we go help?"

That was the intentions they had in mind. Before he could answer, he took notice of something else. More beeping happened on his Bakumeter, and it revealed another familiar number, one that surprised him no less.

"Is that…?"

Though he seemed unsure by this, the man slowly pressed another button, revealing an icon on the side revealing another communication signal. When it got to him, the screen enlarged, showing an image of a familiar orange-haired girl with blue eyes.

"Mira…?"

Mira smiled, seeing the man's face bringing some shed of light into her eyes. "It's been a while stranger…did you miss us?"

The man was left shocked. First he and Drago have strange feelings of something wrong they've been looking into, now this. If things weren't complicated before, they were now. "Mira…"

"I know what you're going to say." She started. "But first, let's catch up to speed first…Dan."

---

Cesar and Shawn were both staring cold daggers into the other, though Cesar remained more laxed. Shawn remained vaguely calm despite the bizarre appeal of Cesar. The mad scientist chuckled.

"You find something funny about all this?" Shawn inquired.

Cesar calmed his meek chuckling. "Just a bit." He confessed. "You know, I find it quite amusing to ponder, but…it's just so funny to think. That you, and your friends, can just simply climb your way towards our great leader Riaan, and not consider anything else."

Shawn put a hand to his hip. "Don't the wrong idea. We know you're up to something else. You honestly think after all this time against you we wouldn't pick up a few things?"

Cesar's smirk widened. "Heh…then even if you were to somehow defeat me here, what exactly makes you think your friends will do the same?"

"Trust me, you'd be surprised."

Cesar lifted himself a little higher. "Even so, the only way to get to the top is to defeat all six of Rogue Zero. And that means, even your friends will have to suffer the same fate as last time. And with each individual member's power, you'll never break the body link to breach lord Riaan!" he held up a Gate Card. "…but it's fun seeing you try. Gate Card, set!" Cesar threw down the Gate Card, making it fade in a yellow shockwave across the ground. "Now, behold! Haos Freezer! Come forth! Bakugan, brawl!" from his armchair's slot, Freezer went shooting outwards. "Bakugan, stand!"

In a bright yellow array of light, Freezer growled as he moved his tentacles about. He stood once more.

"And now…" he threw up Dynamo. "Bakugan Trap, Dynamo!" In a bright yellow light, Dynamo reappeared besides Freezer. "Combine!" At his command, Freezer and Dynamo did just that. Freezer locked himself into Dynamo, creating their ultimate fusion mode. Together, their eyes flashed bright yellow, signaling the completed formation.

"This is it, Verias." Shawn told him. "Let's not keep Luke waiting any longer…now, let's go! Bakugan, brawl!" he threw Verias into battle. "Verias, stand!"

In a bright yellow light, a staff stabbed the ground, bringing up Verias as he opened his mouth, expelling a shrilling roar.

Dynamo Freezer: 850 Verias: 450

Shawn and Verias remained patient, eying Cesar carefully for his first move.

Cesar saw his opponent's facial expressions, leaving him vaguely annoyed. 'Are they insisting that I make the first move so that they can counter? Do they take me for a fool?' Cesar uproariously scoffed at the idea. It was absurd to think in such a way. Sure, there was some error last round, but he was on Shawn's Gate Card. But…something about last round also made him very annoyed. Just remembering last round, he almost thought for sure something was strange about that. 'Wait…is this a trap itself?' his eyes widened. 'Is he trying to stall so that the others would merely fall by chance?! No matter, I won't stand for his lack of respect! Time to show him my genius!' Cesar pulled out an ability. "Alright, if that's the way you want, you shall rue the day you chose to make fun of progress! Ability, activate! Grapple Bazooka!" Freezer lifted his four front legs once again, where he fired yellow bullets that bolted as fast as machine gun pelts at Verias.

The attacks closed in on Verias, shooting across the ground, but the beast clutched his staff, his eyes reflecting the images of the incoming blast waves. He braced himself.

'Now!' Mentally ready, Shawn let loose. "Ability, activate! Caroline Protector!"

Verias began to twirl his staff, showing his dynamic control as time briefly slowed, bullets zooming mere feet from his face. Time sped back up as he grunted, producing Mach speed twirls that could cut through steel. As fast as lightning, the bullets were all deflected; not a single one getting through Verias.

Freezer produced even more bullets to outgun Verias, but even the field of incoming bullets slowed down as time briefly froze for the ape-like creature. He processed the incoming barrage, and he spun and twirled faster. Yellow explosions erupted on his staff, and yet the shockwaves were being repulse back. Verias twirled to no means of an end, and the residual bullets were being carried by the shockwaves back at Freezer and Dynamo. One bullet got Freezer in the face, causing him to rear back, along with the machine he was on. With him on two legs, Verias gave one more swing, batting a field of yellow back at Freezer. His eyes opened before it was too late. Yellow energy bullets were blown back, completely knocking over the mechanical spider and squid laced on the back.

Dynamo Freezer: 850 (-300 -300) = 250 Verias: 450

Within the shockwaves, Cesar levitated skywards. He ascended over the dust to look down with an inquired eye down at Verias. 'Such speed…'

The dust settled, revealing Dynamo Freezer straining to get up. As he staggered, Verias found the right opportunity.

"Ability activate! Haos Drain!" Verias leaned forward, expelling a bright yellow energy beam that raced from the purple gem on his forehead. The bolting beam closed in, and Freezer just got up when he was engulfed in a bright yellow explosion. The Bakugan's cries were heard loud and clear.

Dynamo Freezer: 250 Verias: 450 (+200) = 650

Despite the advantage in their attack, Shawn remained calm. He knew something was up.

Inside the dust cloud, a meek but very eerie laughter was heard. That cackling that aggravated anyone to no end rung in their minds like bells as a silhouette of what looked like six mechanical legs stammering up.

"That was a good move, I admit." The dust swept away, revealing Cesar. He floated back down behind his Freezer, giving a mocking smirk. "You've certainly improved on not just your speed I see, but also your attack coordination, your stamina, reflexes, and especially your abilities. Why, this is rather a surprise."

"Shouldn't be considering all the times we had to fight you." Shawn pointed out.

"No. You misunderstood." Cesar's face showed a very dry, but also equally blunt expression. "I misspoke…I never said I was surprised by how you picked up on my strategy…I'm surprised because I get to use this." He held up his Bakumeter, revealing a forbidden ability. "You know what this is, don't you?"

Shawn's eyes narrowed, as did Verias. Both looked cautiously ahead.

"I thought so. Now, watch, as I unleash Freezer's true power!" Cesar inserted the ability, showing a widened smile. "Behold my genius! Ability, activate! Octo-X!"

The dust waves still brewing started shifting around something. A heartbeat suddenly pulsed from the raging dust, making the dust actually expand a little. Inside, a bright beacon was seen. The light shined brightly, so bright in fact that dust instantly faded away as a small whirlwind of static expelled from Freezer. The Bakugan hollered angrily as its brain cells were at a rapid discharge over the body. Freezer twitched a few times, but remained stern as plasma was expelling from the eyes. He exerted a maniacal shout, mixed of anguish and power that shook the land.

Dynamo Freezer: 250 (+200 x3) = 1350 Verias: 650

Shawn leered, searing at the static resonating. "So this is the other ability you've got."

"You scared?" Cesar teased. "You should be! This is the power that my genius alone has made! With this ability, my power level returns to Freezer's base, then triples the compounds! See what you're up against?!"

Shawn and Verias remained composed. They both remained wary of what's to happen.

"Now…" Cesar pointed ahead, giving directions for Freezer. "Let them pay for their arrogance! Freezer!"

Freezer let out one last roar, making the landscape shudder beneath. He hollered and expelled a massive shockwave of plasma that eroded outwards like a bomb explosion. The static flared in the air, fuming all the way towards Verias.

Verias looked back, paying little heed to the wall of light. "Shawn…"

Shawn nodded. "I know, Verias…let's take our stand here and now."

Verias nodded back. He looked back ahead, watching the attack close in. He glared daggers at the bright light about to swallow him. As the shockwave enveloped him, everything went white everywhere for Verias and Shawn.

"Show me the light!" a familiar voice called in their heads. The words of Tigrerra got their attention "The light that you are…HAOS!"

"Double ability, activate!" Shawn roared. "Solar Volt, plus Haos Sheria!" The bright light swallowing them both was petrifying for an instance, before slowly, another – far brighter – source of light began to stem from its center. The light erupted, splitting every fragment of light until the battlefield was clear of static. All that was left was Verias coated in a bright light veil.

"W-WHAT?!" Cesar gasped in complete shock. Even Freezer showed levels of surprise.

Verias exerted a shrilling roar, one that shook the battlegrounds beneath them in a violent frenzy.

Dynamo Freezer: 1350 Verias: 650 (+300 +500) = 1450

Shawn smiled. "Now we're back on top."

Cesar began to show signs of panic as his seat scooted back from shock. "Th-their power level…how…how did it just…?"

Shawn swiped his arm, swiping the fencer as well. "Alright Verias, let's go!"

"I'm with you! ALL THE WAY!" Verias leaned forward, taking a sudden lunge that bolted him in a yellow comet that sped across the ground. The dust severed between the legs as he brought his staff back, readying a swing. "HRRAAAAH!" With a violent roar, he bolted his staff into Dynamo Freezer, creating an intense impact that erupted light at point-blank range. Freezer's shrilled cries of anguish bloomed through the walls of the domain as the shockwaves sent him in a tailspin.

As the light faded, it revealed Verias maintaining a swinging stance as Dynamo Freezer was on the ground, sizzling in searing light. The Bakugan's mechanical legs were jittering, barely giving him compromise as his whole body was prickling in electrical impulses. He stammered as Verias adjusted his stance.

"That all you got?" he mocked.

"You…you insolent little…!" Cesar was showing shock, but it was blooming fast into outrage. He angrily glared as his teeth gritted. "Fine then! How about this! Gate Card, open! Phantasm!" The Gate Card beneath glowed, making Verias look down at his feet. He saw his feet get slowly turned to stone. Cesar cackled another hardy sneer. "Now who's mocking who now! Think you can outwit my genius when your greatest limb set is liable?"

Shawn, however, stayed calm. "We'll see. Ability, activate! Pillar Shaker!"

Verias's eyes glowed yellow for a second. He exerted another loud roar to the heavens, making the room tremble once more. He raised his staff overhead, slamming it down in a summons of dense light beams bolting down from above. The pillar enveloped Verias, sending bright shockwaves across the Gate Card that shattered it. The fragments scattered within the pulses, pelting the already hampered Freezer as he wailed in agony.

Dynamo Freezer: 1350 (-200 -200) = 950 Verias: 1450

Cesar covered up as pieces of the Gate Card spurred passed him. He gritted his teeth as he tried to find a way for cover, but unfortunately the shockwaves were far too intense. 'Such power. Even his standard Haos abilities also became more potent.'

The fragments finally subsided, but Shawn and Verias remained stationary. Shawn pointed his fencer, looking ready to strike.

'No. Not yet. I still have another ace up my sleeve.' Cesar reached for his Bakumeter, making another ability show. Inside was a bright purple core that glinted. "Don't tell me that you haven't forgotten about this old trick, have you?! Well now it's time for you to remember the hard way! Ability, activate! Experiment-X!"

Freezer growled low as a bright purple core was forming on his head. He glared at Verias as the Bakugan prepared for the attack. Freezer gave a loud shout as the tendrils of the core extended out towards Verias, snaring his arm. The Bakugan remained calm as Freezer began to expel bright energy, pulsing through it towards Verias. Once the feeling of an intense ache struck all his nerves. Verias arched his head up and gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain the best he could.

Dynamo Freezer: 950 (+500) = 1450 Verias: 1450 (-500) = 950

Cesar chuckled maliciously as his second trump card was working. "And now your power becomes Freezer's." he calmed himself, flicking a lock on the side of his face. "I can't believe I was worried for a moment there."

Verias dropped to a knee, but he was hanging in there. "Don't…don't count us out just yet…."

Cesar raised a brow. "Heh?"

"We still…have one more trick up our sleeve too…" he looked back. "Shawn!"

Shawn nodded. "I'm with you. Let's finish this!" He showed another ability, one that shined brightly as he showed his Bakumeter. "Ability, activate…Bolting Primus!"

Verias felt like his nerves were going numb. The pain transfer was aching through his body like rivers through a canyon. As the pain kept escalating, his eyes flashed bright white. Suddenly, he grabbed the tendrils around his arms, holding onto them tightly.

"What's this…?" Cesar inquired.

As red surged through the tendrils back towards Freezer, Verias' gem was glowing a bright yellow. The Bakugan's low growls were starting to rapidly cool down as his grip tightened. Slowly, the red energy was beginning to change color. It was starting to change yellow, and Freezer's own glow was dimming as it was tracing along the chords back towards Verias as the gem shined brighter.

Cesar's eyes widened. He couldn't believe what was happening. "Freezer…your power…"

"Bolting Primus is a high level Haos ability." Shawn stated. "It allows Verias to absorb my opponent's power." His eyes narrowed. "But that's not just it. It doubles."

"WHAT?!" Cesar looked down at his Bakumeter, his eyes widening with horror at what he was finding to be true.

Dynamo Freezer: 1450 (-1000) = 450 Verias: 950 (+1000) = 1950

'This can't be. This…this hasn't gone as I planned it.' Cesar was so distraught that he almost missed the strong winds picking up around him. When he looked around, he saw the palace room actually quivering from the intense pressure. When he looked ahead, he was met with Verias standing strong, surrounded by a blazing yellow aura. The gem on his head and his eyes were a glowing white. He looked more like an untamed beast than an actual Bakugan. Cesar shivered in his seat, scared out of his mind. "This…you can't just…"

"Okay…" Shawn raised his arm, bringing it down outwards. "Let's bring it on home, Verias! Ready?!" In response, Verias exerted an intense, volatile shout that shrilled the air around him. "Okay then…LET IT RIP!"

Verias opened his maw, where inside all the raw light energy he absorbed and converted to power was channeling. As his maw opened up, he reeled his head back before he stepped forward. With one loud shout, the ground nearly split into pits as a vibrating roar of sheer light in a volume that was twice as large as Verias himself shot at Freezer. Now it was the reverse from earlier.

Out of ideas, Cesar howled in angst with Freezer as the volume of the beam of light swallowed them up. The beam of light was so powerful that it tore open a massive hole in the wall, shooting far out towards the fading bleak horizon. Any aerial Bakugan that weren't careful were almost immediately vaporized.

---

As Ace and the group were flying off, a massive rupture in the distance caught their attention. A roaring beam of light shot out afar, coming from something tall far out.

"What the heck?!" Ace shouted.

"What's going on?" Nemus wondered. "Enemies?"

"I don't know. But it looks like it's coming from that tower." Percival answered.

Baron's eyes widened. "Wait, Empyrean?" he looked out one more time, seeing the light slowly fade in the distance. "This power…is that from Luke?"

"I don't know, but I'm not sitting around to find out." Ace answered. "Let's head that way, guys!"

Vulcan, Nemus, Percival, and Mystic Elico all flew through the atmosphere, closing in on the tower with enemy Bakugan on their trail. All while Keegan leered ahead. He already knew the answer.

---

"NOOOOOO~!" Cesar's antigravity chair outside had lost all power. He and Freezer both screamed as they were blown outside, before they plunged painfully into the dark waters far below.

Shawn and Verias were catching their breaths as dust brewed around them. They stared coldly as Shawn's fencer was still pointed towards the wall. As the dust settled, both partners remained calm as the hole created had a massive energy grid keeping it up. Looking down from the energy grid still holding up the wall, Shawn and Verias watched their foes plunge. They looked to one another, before acknowledging themselves with smiles.

Their battle was finally won.

---

Within the floor above, the quaking of the recent battle down below was almost unnoticeable through the crushing force of Clawcer's massive claw. He brought the claw down again, but Jelldon's gelatinous physique managed to bounce it off, allowing him to swing his tendril crackling with red electricity into Clawcer's side. As he veered away, Tripod Theta prodded his spear from the other side. Jelldon quickly swung another tendril, knocking him away next with little effort.

"HRAH!" Jelldon jabbed Tripod Theta's abdomen, producing numbing electricity through his body. He recoiled, staggering back to a knee.

With the distraction provided, Clawcer appeared behind, holding up his massive claw with open pincers. "Surprise!"

Narrowing his six eyes, Jelldon caught wind of Clawer's advances. He snuck one of his back tentacles beneath a leg, wringing it around and quickly pulled. The lack of momentum caused Clawcer to fall on his back with a thud. With his opponents temporarily immobilized, Jelldon lashed both tentacles, knocking away both Aquos Bakugan.

"That's the way, Jelldon! Just like Diablo taught us!" Maggie shouted.

Ariella observed the battle, silently acknowledging the one-man rampage that Jelldon was putting up. "Well now, this is interesting." She scoffed. "Even with a lower power level, you're still just as annoying as the rest."

"You know there's more to Bakugan battling than just power levels. How about we show you?" Maggie swiped her arm. "Jelldon!"

In an instant, Jelldon slammed his four tentacles into the ground, giving him the strength to jump and evade a pincer attack from Theta's trident and Clawcer's claw. They both looked up at the last second, but were blindsided when two tendrils slammed on the backs of their heads, knocking them both away again.

Ariella was far from elated by this show of progress. She opted to put a stop to this. "Let's see how tough you are when I do this. Double ability, activate! Murky Storm, plus Aquos Cyclowave!" Both Clawcer and Theta recovered from the last blows. Clawcer charged up his claw as condensing blue energy pressurized at the tips. Tripod Theta raised and aimed the trident at Jelldon as the tip glowed bright purple. At the same time, a blue beam shot in a straight line, while a dark purple, liquid funnel rushed out, both attacks closing in on Jelldon.

Jelldon held his ground in silence as he waited patiently for his next counter.

"Okay Jelldon, time for an old classic." Maggie announced. "Ability activate, Morphed Deflect!" As the funnel and beam closed in, Jelldon remained laxed and prepared. Once the attacks made impact, Jelldon's gelatinous mass absorbed the attacks, making them bounce off into different angles. The dark funnel ricocheted at Clawcer, while the blue beam angled to Tripod Theta's feet. The results were two powerful explosions that swallowed both Bakugan as their attacks were deflected into one another.

Clawcer: 550 (+400 -300) = 650 Jelldon: 250

Tripod Theta: 350

Ariella scoffed at the defensive play used against her. "That sneaky little rat."

Tripod Theta nearly fell over from the exhaust of that blast wave. He caught himself using his trident and prodding himself up. As he composed, an odd crackling was heard inside the dust cloud around him. He turned left and right, but couldn't make heads or tails. With him off guard, a silhouette of an amorphous slowly approached from behind.

"Behind you!" Ariella shouted.

"Ability activate, Power Sting!"

Theta turned around to face his attacker, but it was too late when Jelldon shot his electrified tendril into his face. The point-blank shot discharged voltage that petrified the Trap Bakugan into falling over. As he collapsed, he morphed back to his suppressed form, dropping to Ariella's side as her life gauge dropped to 40%. Jelldon's little spur of power made his own, however, replenish back to 450. "Like that." He said.

"One down." Maggie stated before looking at Clawcer. "And one more to go."

Ariella raised a brow. "Not bad. I gotta say, taking out Tripod Theta was supposed to be a bigger challenge. Guess this means that you've stepped up your game then. Very well…" she raised her arm. "Then how's about we step up ours as well! Ability, activate! Crustacean-X!" The ability activated, same as it did always. A bright purple core appeared in front of Clawcer, quickly surrounding his limbs. It wasn't long before they faded, a pulse quickly overcoming his body. A dark blue aura overtook the crab's outline, his red eyes glowing like that of a possessed demon.

The winds began shifting in the salty room, but Maggie remained undeterred. "Here it is, Jelldon."

Jelldon braced himself against the winds. His eyes dilated briefly before they remained shrunk when Clawcer expelled a bloodcurdling roar, his massive mouth part unhinging to reveal his grotesque insides.

Clawcer: 650 (+400) = 1050 Jelldon: 450

"You remember this ability?" Ariella thought back to when she first used this trump card. Back then, it was a nightmare for Luke's group. "You were all shaking in your heels. It's pretty impressive considering where we are, don't you think? But let's face it, try as many times as you'd like. You can train as hard as you'd please, but no amount of power…is enough to usurp the likes of Interacia!" In her cry outwards, Clawcer roared in unison, their equally dominating might ever so challenging. "Now Clawcer…finish this!"

Clawcer started approaching his opponents, his body's pressure making each tread of his claws thunder over the ground. He crept ahead, but Maggie and Jelldon looked back at each other.

The two were drawn to each other when Ariella spoke about then. It wasn't a romantic sense that drove them, no. But this kind of attraction, this support that they shared, even Maggie was perplexed for a moment. They were so lost that their minds traveled back in time.

'Jelldon…' Maggie thought back to when she and Jelldon first met Luke and the others. Back then he was so timid. 'Boy, we sure did come a long ways, huh?' she innocently chuckled to herself as the montage of memories played on. She thought to how through their combined efforts, Jelldon made himself almost completely anew. The sweet Jelldon was there, but both have matured a lot since then. If Jelldon were to think back to what he went through, he'd think it would be a fool's dream. But in this battle, what Ariella spoke, it made them realize how much has changed. 'She's right. That time, we were shaking in our heels.' Maggie continued thinking. 'But…that was back then. A lot has changed. Jelldon has changed. I have changed…people can change.'

In the air, she could see an image of Luke in her mind. The image that once annoyed her at first was one she felt comfortable with…at least for now.

'Luke. Abis.' Jelldon's turn of thinking came to, and he thought of them just like Maggie did. 'We got this strong because of you guys. You guys really have changed, and that made us stronger in turn.' He balled his tentacles. 'Now…' Electricity started crackling, red voltage starting to fire on all angles around him. His very eyes were glowing with sparks igniting around them.

Together, both had fire in their eyes. The true passion of Pyrus burned brightly as could be. 'Now, it's time that we show them what it means to change!'

For some reason, Ariella was starting to feel unnerved when she saw the dangerous looks in both their gazes. 'What's with this pressure?'

"LET'S GO!" Jelldon roared, slamming his back tentacles to lunge forward. For a big weight, his dexterity surprised Ariella again.

"Right! Time to show them we're not little anymore! Ability activate, Gel Max!" Jelldon continued his course towards Clawcer, with the massive crustacean holding up his claw to strike. Jelldon's entire upper half crackled so much electricity that the red coating began fading away. Instead, a clear coat revealed red hot static and plasms beneath the hood. The tentacles were also clear with red plasma pulsing at every nerve. Jelldon roared like thunder as he brought his tentacle forward, meeting Clawcer's massive armored claw. The combined impact expelled shockwaves of red lightning that spread throughout the chamber. Maggie and Ariella covered up as the shockwaves rushed passed them, leaving the hairs on their skins prickling.

Clawcer: 1050 (-300) = 750 Jelldon: 450 (+300) = 750

Through the red howling, Ariella persevered. "Is that all you got?!" she shouted through the volume. "It'll take more than that to break through Clawcer's shell!"

"Oh yeah?! Well just watch us!" Jelldon exclaimed strongly. He threw another fast jab with another clear tentacle, parrying Clawcer's gargantuan claw once again. Again, another thunderous shockwave spread al around. Jelldon jabbed again, and again, and again; eventually he began a hyper speed volley of jabs against Clawcer's claw that he used to defend.

"Gngh!" Maggie grunted as the shockwaves and electricity spread everywhere, creating a tempest. "That's it Jelldon, keep pushing!"

Ariella took on a surprised look when she saw how fast Jelldon was jabbing. 'Such speed. Where did they-?!'

Jelldon punched continuously, barreling blows against Clawcer's defense like a machine gun. "You said your defense is tough, right? Let's see how long it lasts against us!" Blow after blow was launched, his fiery determination stemming from the images of his friends. When he felt like slowing down, he thought back to Maggie, and then to his friends. Red static shot out of his eyes as he picked up the pace. Soon enough, he started to force Clawcer back, and he used his back tendrils to slowly gain ground.

Ariella's eyes widened as her breath hitched.

"If you really think you're a bigger challenge than what Diablo and Angelo were…" Jelldon leaned in. "THEN WE'LL HAVE TO MAKE YOU TREMBLE!" His shots suddenly multiplied, quickly turning to what looked like a hundred punches at once raining against Clawcer's claw.

The impacts' force was getting to be overwhelming, and soon enough, a crack was seen on the massive shell. Soon another, and then another, and another. Until Finally the strain became too much and Jelldon expelled one last good punch of plasma, scoring a direct blow right in Clawcer's face, sending him sliding backwards in angst.

Watching this, Ariella was staggering. "Im…possible…"

"Diablo was tougher than you!" Maggie shouted. "Jelldon!" Jelldon closed the gap again by propelling himself towards Clawcer.

Ariella watched the battle's tides shift into an unfavorable outcome. A red static flared, her eyes narrowed upon a grunt. Her patience wore thin. "Tch." Making haste, she pulled out her Bakumeter. "Alright, you wanna play that game small fry, fine! Clawcer!"

Clawcer groaned as he slowly staggered back up. He caught Jelldon in his gaze and braced himself.

"Ability, activate! Vicer-X!" Ariella summoned another bright purple core, this one making the chords extend towards Clawcer's massive cracked claw. In the crevices, light purple was seen flowing. He grunted as he was trying to fight through the pain, but it was tough, especially with how much slower he is compared to the beginning. With what strength he hd, he prepared to catch Jelldon's next blow.

'Not this time.' Maggie swiveled around, projection another ability. "Ability, activate! Jolt Eraser!"

Jelldon's plasma coating soon faded, replaced by his standard red coating. Red-hot lightning flared in a tentacle he was breaching out with and shot it forward with full force. The blow electrocuted Clawcer once he attempted to grab it, but instead of absorbing the power, the claw instantly got numb, and the chords fried themselves off.

Clawcer: 750 (-200) = 550 Jelldon: 750 (+200) = 950

"What?!" Ariella yelled.

"You forgot that Jolt Eraser nullifies the opponent's ability." Maggie reminded. "Not only that, but it also transfers 200 Gs."

Ariella squinted. 'Damnit.'

"Maggie." Jelldon said. "I think it's time we show them what we're made of."

Maggie nodded. "Yeah, let's do it!"

Ariella gasped. She had to think of something, and fast. She couldn't accept defeat, not like this. "No…Clawcer! Stop those fools at once! Ability, activate! Aquos Cyclowave!" She watched Clawcer struggle, but alas all he could do was weakly raise his injured massive claw as blue faded in and out. Even though his power reached 950, Ariella could still feel pressure. "Damnit."

"Alright Jelldon, time to end this!" Maggie announced. "Ability, activate! Shock Nova!"

Jelldon's body began crackling red lightning at a dangerous level. He lurched as his entire entity was humming vibrantly. The orange spots all over the body began turning to a lava color as the heat generated started drying up the room.

Clawcer and Ariella both saw the heat waves all resonate to one tentacle, and it's there that red plasma was crackling into a hemisphere. All they could do was stare in horror as they brought it home.

"Fusion Ability, activate! Plasmatic Discharge!"

Clawcer: 950 (-400 -300) = 250 Jelldon: 950 (+300) = 1250

Jelldon roared lightning bolts as his tentacle shot forward. An expulsion of searing red waves with numbing electricity crackled inside. The plasmatic gloss over it expanded with it as the shockwave swallowed up a petrified Clawcer. His figment faded inside the blast wave, along with a screaming Ariella as the shockwaves exploded throughout the chamber.

A massive explosion shattered the windows, while Clawcer and Ariella went flying out of the domain, breaking clean through the wall. Like the comrade before her, she screamed as she fell into the murky depths, with her own Bakugan following not too far behind.

The entire room and Jelldon sizzled. Maggie looked completely calm as red static crackled around Jelldon, soon fading as he turned to face her.

There was a pause for both sides, but soon, they gave each other vibrant smiles, signaling their victory.

"Alright, Jelldon! We won!" Maggie skipped over, making a leap up to give Jelldon a hug to his face.

"We did do it!" Jelldon cheered, wrapping a soft coil round Maggie to hold her.

"Yup, and it's all thanks to both of us." Maggie looked at Jelldon once more, her determination still showing. "Alright, ready?"

Jelldon nodded. "Let's go help our friends." He hoisted Maggie on top, where he squirmed over towards the stairway. Behind her, another energy grid materialized, stabilizing the hole of the now-empty room.

---

"Gate Card, set!" a Gate Card went flying between Shuji and Hendrix, coming from the latter. He lifted his Bakugan, showing no mercy inside his steadily gaze. "Bakugan, brawl!" he threw his Bakugan, summoning forth Rafflesian once more in his vineyard wake.

Shuji glared. "Get ready, pal." He threw in his Bakugan next. "Bakugan, brawl!" Like Rafflesian, Fly Beetle arose in a bright brown light. His horn raised and was poised for battle.

Rafflesian: 450 Fly Beetle: 450

Hendrix reached for his pocket, pulling out another creature that he looked at briefly. Giving a cold stare to Shuji, he threw it skywards. "Come! Bakugan Trap! Legionoid!"

In a brown light, Fly Beetle braced himself as Legionoid materialized, his six heads shrilling roars as battle called for them.

Rafflesian: 450 Fly Beetle: 450

Legionoid: 350

"Down to the bottom of the barrel." Fly Beetle stated. "Shuji, we good to go?"

Shuji nodded. "Yeah, don't worry." He huffed. "Alright, let's throw down."

Hendrix's eyes narrowed in disgust. "You truly believe it'll be that easy?" he questioned. "This won't be, not for either of us."

Shuji pulled up his Bakumeter, showing two abilities overlapping. "I didn't expect it to be." He reached out. "Double ability, activate! Sonic Wing, plus Fly Arrow!" Fly Beetle flapped his wings, opening up the wing shields and taking off. In the air, he expelled a massive level of brown crescents, followed by two beams coming from his horns that went for both Bakugan.

Rafflesian: 450 (-200 -100) = 150 Fly Beetle: 450 (+200) = 650

Legionoid: 350 (-200) = 150

The many blast waves drew closer, but Hendrix remained eerily calm about it all. In fact, he looked more determined than ever as he applied two abilities. "Double ability, activate! Draft Poison, plus Chaos Booster-X!"

The one maw of Legionoid slowly opened, aiming for the sky and unleashing a shot of dark green and neon green venom that spouted like a geyser. The attack beamed against the two projectile blast waves, creating a turbulence that threw off many of the crescents coming around. With the cover, Rafflesian began to envelop in a bright purple core, lurching low as he was feeling the chords spout veins again.

The pressure around Rafflesian escalated, his body shuddering as he exerted a mighty roar that shook the ground.

Rafflesian: 150 (+300 +500) = 950 Fly Beetle: 650

Legionoid: 150 (+300) = 450

Hendrix reached out. "Now, show them your will!" At his command, Rafflesian roared out, expelling yet another omnidirectional pulse wave brimming with sheer force. The attack traveled across the ground, heading right for Fly Beetle as he landed.

Fly Beetle said nothing as he knew what to do next.

"Ability, activate! Cast-Iron Carapace!" Fly Beetle's body began solidifying, slowly trekking from the ground up. A metallic coating/filament engulfed his body, filling up all the way just before the shockwave finally reached him. The attack swallowed him up, along with Shuji, but the Subterra battler kneeled and gripped the ground, keeping himself anchored enough to endure the pressure exerting.

Hendrix watched as his attack's pressure ceased emanating. He saw the dust clear, revealing Shuji in one piece, along with the cracked carapace of Fly Beetle. The beetle's armored soon cracked in full, the pressure having broken through, but as a result, he was sound.

Rafflesian: 950 Rafflesian: 650 (+200) = 850

Legionoid: 450

"An impressive defense." Hendrix complimented.

"Thanks." Shuji replied dryly. "Been practicing on defense for a while."

"So I've noticed. Still…" his eyes narrowed, catching up on suspicions. "Tell me…you could've used your Exo-Shield to nullify those abilities, can you not? Exactly, what is it that you expect to gain?"

Shuji knew he had a point. Still, he maintained a confident look. "Hasn't anyone ever told you to save your better cards for later."

Hendrix kept a steady stare on him. "I see…" he looked down at the field. "But let's see you handle this. Gate Card, open!" he reached out, summoning a strong light from down below. "Silent Hanger!"

The card's empowering glow began to build pressure around Fly Beetle. The Bakugan moved his head, but he found himself slower than usual. "Gngh…my…power…" he groaned.

Rafflesian: 950 (+500) = 1450 Fly Beetle: 850 (-500) = 350

Legionoid: 450

Fly Beetle grunted as he was stuck to the card, but Shuji knew better than to lose his cool. He held on as he tried to think. "Hang in there." He muttered.

Hendrix gave Shuji a disapproving look. "I know that the path of righteousness isn't for the feint of heart." He started. "But it's a path that is better left in the hands that is able. Not the ones that are too small to mold for themselves. You brought this onto yourselves." He lifted his Bakumeter, showing one more ability. "Legionoid, withdraw back…Rafflesian shall best this soon." His Bakugan complied, slithering back as Rafflesian growled with raging vines. Once set, Hendrix readied the ability. "Ability, activate! Mirror Force-X!" A bright purple core appeared over Rafflesian's front eye. The chords began extending over the frontal petals, breaching the rings around the other eyes until a constricting belt encased Rafflesian. The rings around the eyes began materializing reflective mirrors, showing images of Legionoid and Fly Beetle. The panels inside began to glow, making his body go silent before the colors changed to a dark aura. The burning sensation filled Rafflesian with an overwhelming force. A magnitude raged beneath his vines as his body pulsated an overwhelming pressure.

Rafflesian: 1450 (+400 +400 +400) =2650 Fly Beetle: 350

Legionoid: 450

'Such power!' Shuji barely hung in there as he and Fly Beetle were pressing themselves as hard as they could against the ground.

Hendrix saw his opponent's struggle, but thought little. "This is it for you."

Shuji and Fly Beetle gave each other gazes. They saw the looks in the other's eyes, telling them now was the time. As the mirrors all began to charge up, Shuji and Fly Beetle began to settle and gazed forward.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

"Okay then…let's rock! Ability, activate!" Shuji raised his arm high, showing a bright orange light. "Horn Mass Shower!"

A bright orange hemisphere began to slowly erode from the tips of the tusks on Fly Beetle's horn, much like Horn Buster, only this time, the flow was very different. It all condensed into a bright sphere, one brimming with pressure that was making the air around Fly Beetle vibrate uncontrollably.

Hendrix's eyes widened a little. The change in pressure left him staggering. 'What is he…?'

Shuji reached out. "Let 'em have it!"

Though restraint, Fly Beetle gave it everything he had and raised his head high. He shot the sphere skywards, sending it hurdling close to the lighted solar ceiling. The sphere soon came down, but gravity began to turn it into a comet of deep pressure heading straight for the center of the Gate Card. The comet made impact, crashing with a massive tremor that could send a chill down anyone's spine. From the explosion, the Gate Card pieces exerted outwards, along with miniature fragments of the attack expelling everywhere towards the foes.

Hendrix's eyes widened in sheer fear and astonishment. When he got a good look, he could've sworn he saw a meteor crash and he was seeing the whole world, via the card, shatter with hundreds of smaller meteors bombarding his Bakugan. Rafflesian's focus completely turned off when he was pelted constantly to no end.

Rafflesian: 2650 (-500 -300) = 1850 Fly Beetle: 350 (+500 +300) = 1150

Legionoid: 450 (-300) = 150

Hendrix covered up through raging pressure, grunting severely as he was trying to hold on, but found it hard to do so. "Gngh! What…is this?!" The bombarding soon settled down, but something else happened. A vacuum began pulling dust from Hendrix's feet. He looked down, seeing the dust trace itself back towards the battlefield. "What is…?" he looked up towards the source, his face showing genuine horror at the sight.

In front of him, there was a massive sandstorm, which was created from the dust spilled. And in the center of the typhoon of dust was a flapping beetle with glowing red eyes. It hollered out so proudly that the atmosphere shuddered.

Backtracking some, Hendrix found himself unsound. He had to make sure he held a lead, no matter what. 'I have to end this. NOW!' He reached out, giving the word. "Do it now!"

Rafflesian complied. With as strong enough might as possible, he let out a strong grunt as the lenses over his eyes shined brightly. From the main lens, a massive beam of raw energy tore across the battlefield, darting right for the funnel. It tore open, revealing Fly Beetle in waiting.

Shuji's face scrunched. "And this is why you save the best for last."

Realizing the mistake, Hendrix gasped.

"Okay! Let's hit it on home! Triple Ability, activate! Kabuto Basher, plus Ballistic Wave, and now…Fusion Ability, Terra Surge!" Fly Beetle's sabers on the ends of his horn glowed and elongated, generating a bright humming as the ground beneath shook. As energy charged, debris from all around started defying gravity as flashes stemmed. Fly Beetle's entire body was shuddering as a brown aura outlined the body, engulfing him in a power level he's never felt before.

Rafflesian: 1850 (-1200 -200 -200) = 250 Fly Beetle: 1150 (+300 +400 +200) = 2050

Legionoid: 150

"NO!" Hendrix shouted. This was the first time raw desperation and terror filled his face for Shuji to see.

Shuji raised his arm slowly, showing a merciless frown. "Don't say that my hands aren't small." He brought his arm down, signaling Fly Beetle to bring down his entire body. The Bakugan complied and brought his front limbs and his ignited horn against the ground. A subatomic earthquake pulsed in all directions. The walls were shattered, the ground nearly tore open, and to make matters all the kore terrifying, Hendrix and his Bakugan had nothing as a shockwave carrying mounds of dust, rock, and raw Subterra energy at them.

Rafflesian unleashed his beam through the lenses, but they were all repulsed almost instantly like flies off a windshield. Rafflesian and Legionoid looked horrified as the tsunami of energy swallowed them with crushing force.

"NOOO~!" Hendrix reached out, but it was too late for his Bakugan, as well as himself. The wave engulfed him in a twisting mess. The man was blown away with his Bakugan as they all crashed against the chamber walls, breaking apart from the omnidirectional earthquake set off. With the debris, Hendrix fell, screaming as he was cast into the dark waters. He splashed hard, followed by the debris from the walls plummeting into the murky depths to follow.

Once the battlefield cleared, the dust settled, allowing view of the chamber almost completely overturned. The entire floor's arches were all gone, and quickly, energy grids took their places to keep the tower up. In its center, there was Shuji atop of Fly Beetle, both standing tall after what they did.

Shuji looked down at Fly Beetle, and the Bakugan looked up. The two shared knowing looks of what they did. Still, they had to, for everyone.

Shuji huffed out exhaustedly. "Well this sure is one hell of a day."

Fly Beetle raised his horn, roaring in drastic triumph. He quelled himself as the orange aura around him settled, yet his spirit was strong. Just like the earth that they treaded on.

---

The earthquake that Shuji had indebtedly set off did more than just make the entire tower shudder. Even though it remained standing, the wave of dust and rock he set off was seen from everywhere, including rom the top. Riaan observed with crossed arms, vaguely smirking with very slight interest.

"Did you feel that as well, Master?" Armagedoid asked.

"Yes, I did indeed Armagedoid." Riaan answered. Even now, that battle energy that was traveling towards him from below was staggering. The power that was exhaled all went up to his feet, where he remained composed, despite the energy he was receiving from Luke's group. "Seems this will be a lot more interesting than what we originally thought."

---

The drafts surrounding Killian and Jase were swirling like a small cyclone, borderline their lines of escape as they were in a heated deadlock; Killian of course felt challenged as Jase retained his soldier-like composition.

"So then, shall we continue?" Jase asked in a chiding tone.

Killian composed himself enough to answer. "Yeah, sure." He answered. 'I'm not going to lose again. Not like this. If I'm gonna do that, I'll need to pull out my ace on him when he least expects it.'

With his plan set, the winds around them both shifted their hair. It was time to begin the next round.

"Gate Card, set!" Jase send in a Gate Card sliding into play. Once the green shockwave eroded outwards, he threw in Atmos again. "Bakugan, brawl!" In no time, a green light enveloped the floor, summoning Atmos into midair over Killian.

With a cool look, Killian threw in Moskeeto. "Bakugan, brawl! Moskeeto, stand!" Similarly, a green light shot upwards, revealing Moskeeto set for battle. "Now, come out, Bakugan Trap! Ventus Triad El Condor!" With a flick of his wrist Killian summoned Triad El Condor from above. The Bakugan floated besides Moskeeto ready for battle.

Moskeeto: 450 Atmos: 450

Triad El Condor: 350

"Now then…" Jase jumped. "Shall we, Atmos?" In a shift sweep, a green wing swept up Jase, immediately putting him on Atmos' back. The former colonel stood calmly as he rode the back of Atmos' neck. The Bakugan ascended into the air, flapping a harsh beat that caused Killian to cover up.

Killian observed as the cold wings brushed against him. 'Is he insane? He's already at a high elevation. Why's he getting on Atmos now?'

'What's important is to stay on task. Lose focus…" The words of Galilea rung in his mind like a bell. He could feel a tinge of uneasiness in his spine. "And it'll reflect poorly on your actions…and your superiors. Don't forget that."

'Galilea.' Killian was almost swept away in his own thoughts of her 'advice' to him. He knew what would happen if he failed at this point. For his sake he had to try. Persevering, he whistled down to Moskeeto, signaling the Bakugan to descend over him.

"He wants to play with fire…then we'll do that as well." Killian stepped on Moskeeto's nose, using it as a springboard to get behind his head. Once behind the head, Killian fastened himself as Moskeeto arose for battle alongside Triad El Condor. "Now where were we?"

Jase and Atmos stared as they awaited his attacks first.

"Double ability, activate! Frequency Shaker, plus Black Hail!" Triad El Condor's tiki shifted over to the black tiki. It shined a dark purple, making storm clouds above that were slowly blocking out the solar-lit room. Dark clouds soon rained down with dark purple bolts onto Atmos, forcing him to evade each one as they slammed hard into the ground. Moskeeto created a strong frequency wave from his humming wings that rippled towards Atmos. The attack struck him, leaving him straining in midair with Jase laced to his back.

Moskeeto: 450 Atmos: 450 (-200) = 250

Triad El Condor: 350 (+200) = 550

"Do it!" Killian commanded. As Moskeeto was humming away, his vibrations held Atmos in place as black deposits continued raining down above.

"Ability activate, Cloud Zero!" Atmos cawed before the attack waves swallowed him up. He flapped once, creating a strong green cloud that surged through the area, shielding him from the pelts and shockwaves.

Moskeeto: 450 Atmos: (+200) = 450

Triad El Condor: 550 (-100) = 450

'He's blinded by his own winds.' Killian realized this as he saw the attack's tempests rage. He found his opportunity. "Go, Triad El Condor! Ability, activate! Mosaic Stone!" Triad El Condor's tiki shined again as it turned counterclockwise again. As it did, the brown tiki shined, materializing brown energy orbs that quickly turned to stone. He sent the attack ahead, blitzing into the winds.

Moskeeto: 450 Atmos: 450 (-200) = 250

Triad El Condor: 450

"We got him…" Killian repeated numerous times in his mind that sentence. The desperation of the situation was beginning to weigh heavily on his shoulders that even his own disposition was cracking up. He needed to make sure this next shot hit the mark.

The stones shot through the winds, creating an opening. When the clouds faded, they revealed thin air. The surprise on Killian's face was staggering. "What?!"

Moskeeto and Triad El Condor looked around confusedly to find Atmos. They felt a strong draft howling above, making them look up and see a green whirlwind surging at an alarming rate towards them.

"Ability, activate! Cyclone Brave!"

Atmos cawed as his body shot down like a missile, the tornado following his dive swirling together Moskeeto and Triad El Condor as they were caught in the drafts. Killian hung onto dear life inside the winds as everything spun out of control.

Moskeeto: 450 Atmos: 250 (+300) = 550

Triad El Condor: 450

The cyclone slowed down, and Killian fell with his Bakugan, while Atmos straightened and arched overhead with Jase. Moskeeto straightened up before landing and hovered below. He and Killian glared up, briefly overcoming the dizziness they felt. "Not bad." He grunted.

Atmos expanded his wings, allowing the drafts to escalate him higher. With the altitude he was almost out of range.

"Use the drafts to your advantage! Ability, activate! Aero Slim!" Moskeeto raised his claws and aimed skywards. Green energy shards were shot up, and picked up speed using the winds, they surged up towards Atmos.

Moskeeto: 450 (+200) = 650 Atmos: 550 (-100) = 450

Triad El Condor: 450

Jase held on as Atmos zipped around the air. Using maneuverability and his wingspan, Atmos flapped and ascended higher, until he hot so high that the Aero Slim's shards fell out of disarray. They spread throughout the atmosphere, diffusing through the whirlwinds. "Impressive. Using the winds to reach me at an elevation." Jase commented. "Now then, Gate Card, open! Wrecker Freeze!" The Gate Card beneath glowed, and both Moskeeto and Triad El Condor looked down with some surprise hinted.

"What the hell?!" Killian looked up to Jase for answers.

"Wrecker Freeze is a command card. Its effects are to prevent the opponent from using any abilities that they've already used in the battle." He prodded his glasses up again. "Which means you can only use the abilities you haven't gotten to yet."

Killian's eyes narrowed. He thought something was wrong here. He mentally cursed himself for going full force like his boss wanted. A part of him wished he hadn't listened, but that couldn't be said now.

"I have no intentions on losing to you as well." Jase swiped his arm, making Atmos caw loudly before he went in a steep dive. He raised a talon and plant it against Triad El Condor's head, knocking him to the ground. "We didn't come back just for personal reasons. I'd be a liar if what I said wasn't a complete farce as well."

"So this is personal." Killian said.

"Perhaps to an extent…" Jase's eyes narrowed. "But I never said a complete farce, did I? This is a battle on many worlds. I think this is far from personal for anyone at this point."

Killian and Moskeeto arose a little higher, matching Atmos' height. "And what's that supposed to mean?" Moskeeto shot again at his adversary, using his needle to puncture him. Atmos flapped and ascended, using the elevation to stamp a talon into Moskeeto's head and make him recoil. The two returned to equal elevation.

"I'm saying that perhaps Riaan's reasons are in fact personal…" Jase explained. "But even personal matters become someone else's mess when they tell such tales. Precisely why even Luke's business became my own."

Killian wasn't sure what to think, let alone say in response to what Jase was saying. For some reason, he felt like he was being pitied on, and that made him mad. He knew well of what he meant on the boundaries of personal with his boss. Personal matters were best left to an individual, yet he and Galilea – more or less himself – took upon breaking those boundaries, so he knew what it meant when things are personal and uncontrollable. Two different things can relate so well to one another. But in this psychological mess inside his head, there was also that sense of duty and desperation that pulled him in.

Annoyed by his own upcoming doubts, Killian decided to end it. "I'm finished with this. Ability, activate! Altitude-X!" The ability card activated, igniting Moskeeto in a bright purple core that extended around his body like before. Only this time, the winds began to change.

Jase and Atmos glared in suspicion before they felt something wrong. Looking around, drafts from all around were rushing pass them. "What's this?" Jase looked on both sides before he caught on. He glimpsed ahead, him and Atmos almost immediately repulsed by a strong shockwave of wind.

They both nearly plundered until Atmos spread his wings to glide through traction. With them on balance, they looked up to find their opponent not there anymore, but instead a raging green hurricane of rushing wings. The cyclone howled so loud that the very sound barrier itself was unheard through the drafts.

High up was Moskeeto, whose body was glowing bight green as he was controlling the winds. He hissed in slight pain, but equal determination as he pulsated winds at an alarming rate.

Moskeeto: 650 (+500) = 1150 Atmos: 450

Triad El Condor: 450

Jase's eyes were wide open. 'This was the ability Maggie informed me about.' He and Atmos braced themselves as Moskeeto controlled the winds into creating a cyclone that raced around Atmos. Before they knew it, a wall of wind engulfed them.

Killian glared down at his opponent's position. "I know you can't hear me!" he shouted through the roaring winds. "But this is for your own good! Moskeeto!"

Moskeeto hissed as he amplified the winds around his adversary, racing into a tempest about to swallow up the duo. As eminent doom closed in, a short-distance memory arose in Jase and Atmos.

It was the night before they had to get back together, not even 24 hours ago. Jase and Atmos were doing some last-minute training in the night sky with Skyress, but unlike the proper battle lessons from before, they were on a different subject.

"My evolution, you ask?"

Jase prodded his glasses back into place. "Yes. Forgive my elusion of the subject from before, but I've been meaning to ask for some time."

Skyress was surprised. She was never asked about attributing to the concept of evolution much, not since the race to defeating Naga came to its end. It still perplexed her how exactly evolution has affected Bakugan anymore, if they ever did evolve anyway. Staying on task, Skyress gave him a suspicious look. "Tell me, why exactly would you bring this up now?"

"It's been something on my mind." Jase admitted. "I…wasn't sure this would be an appropriate time to talk about it."

"What are you talking about? What makes you say that?" Skyress intruded. "You and your friends are on a mission to save your allies, am I right? To do so, you need guidance and ways to learn and grow, just as we have."

"I'm well aware, but that's precisely the point."

Skyress chose to remain silent. Atmos looked to his partner as he continued.

"I'm well aware that your kind has evolved naturally through battle experience and victories. Those are the roots of a Bakugan's evolution. So Atmos and I have been thinking back to ourselves and wondering, how exactly was it that you evolved? What did you feel?"

Skyress raised her head, looking at the night sky above. The longer she stared, the more she reminisced on a teenaged bot with black hair and brown eyes. Bittersweet memories made her smile. "I think after today, we all know the answer to that, don't we?"

A smile crossed Jase's lips. "I figured as much."

"Oberus truly was the most powerful Ventus soldier. She was exceptional, enough to put Shun and I through our paces. Her power of wind was truly undisputed. In order to beat her, I had to convince Shun to let go of the fears of what many had: Being alone." She looked down at them, seeing the equal calculated looks they shared. "You told me before of this experience you had on Earth with you and Atmos bonding, did you not? That very same feeling is what drives us Bakugan to do better. Only the push of our partners and them willing to pick us up when we are down is what will bring you both to evolve. And Jase…I do believe that is what you've achieved."

Jase moved to look up to his partner. "So that's what you and Shun felt before you evolved."

Skyress nodded. "Yes. That meaning you two share, it's the grounds…to a true evolution. That is what will help you in this battle."

Jase lowered his humbled head. "Us soldiers never held friendship that high…but I'm trying."

"Just remember this, in battle, you are never alone. You have others. Don't ever forget that."

Jase grinned as the cyclones closed in around him and Atmos. They couldn't explain why, but they were calm; a lot calmer than usual.

Killian saw their expressions and felt annoyed. "Hurry! Go, Moskeeto!" Moskeeto hissed in compliance, his body glowing brighter as the turbine spun faster. But to their surprise, Atmos wasn't moving much. "What are they up to?"

"Atmos…perhaps it's time we demonstrate what real power we've learned." Jase offered.

Atmos's eyes lampshaded. "I couldn't agree more."

"Very well then…" The two were swallowed in the cyclone, leaving them to fade away inside the shredding cyclone. "Ability, activate! Ventus Comet!"

Killian and Moskeeto looked down as the cyclones enveloped their foes, a tired but also eased expression falling on Killian's face. Just as he thought it was all over, the cyclones suddenly erupted in green blazes. "What the-?!" In the middle of all the maelstroms, the pathway breached with a thunderous boom sound. The pulse wave created a funnel of winds that were trailed by a green blazing arrow that was riding the winds towards them. Moskeeto and Killian were left without words as the gap quickly closed, revealing Atmos and Jase inside the green blaze soaring right for them. "Moskeeto, look out!"

Moskeeto could only stare in petrifying shock as his cyclones and wind he was manipulating were all wiped out. No, not even. The winds were being controlled by Atmos as he was surfing along them in blazing glory.

Moskeeto: 1150 (-500) = 650 Atmos: 450 (+300) = 750

Triad El Condor: 450

Atmos cawed as the blazing bolt shot skywards, shooting a deep, bright explosion that swallowed Moskeeto and Killian. The cyclones were all wiped out in an instance, and instead green waves repulsed everything, including Triad El Condor as he flew up to help. He shot back down, whereas Moskeeto fumbled out of the way.

"Gnnngh!" Killian strained as he clung onto dear life. "But how?! Altitude-X was-!"

"We know about your ability." A voice called from above.

Killian and Moskeeto looked up, both wide-eyed as they stared at the ceiling. They were petrified when they saw drafts surrounding Atmos. As they spiraled around him, they began turning into a green vacuum that went into his body. He was ignited in a green aura.

"Maggie hold us of how your ability works. Perhaps it's true that you are able to take and neutralize all abilities." Jase noted. "But only one flaw: You can't stop another Ventus ability."

Killian's eyes shrunk from shock. His opponent figured him out.

"Jase, shall we?" Atmos insinuated.

Jase humble huffed. "Why, quite so. Let's give them a back doorway." He lifted his arm, showing another ability. "Ability, activate…Valkyrie Green!" A massive tidal pressure of raging winds from the drafts surrounded Atmos, converting into hot green flames that engulfed Atmos. They expanded, so much in fact that they shined a bright green glow that blinded everything, including Moskeeto and Killian. Atmos' body was expelling winds resonating from his shining green body as he looked like a green, burning falcon that shot down like a comet towards them.

Moskeeto: 650 Atmos: 750 (+500) = 1250

Triad El Condor: 450

Killian was too blinded to see. "What's happening?!" He tried peeking out of the corner of his eye when he looked up. His eyes shot wide when all he saw was a green meteor rush at him. He was too slow to act, and his pupils shrunk when he lost his momentum. "…oh crud."

In seconds, the attack swamped the room. Moskeeto, Killian, even Triad El Condor screamed as they were all struck with some violent green impact that blitzed into their bodies. It felt like a raw green, hot hurricane that tore up the room. Green shockwaves ripped apart the room and the arched windows, breaking into a tornado that pulsated into thin air outwards.

The shockwaves blew Moskeeto and Triad El Condor out the broken floor, leaving Killian to hang onto ear life as they plunged down with the debris that Atmos blew around.

As the winds settled down, the room was revealed. Energy grids quickly encompassed the domain, thus finally blocking out the winds that were coming from outside. With the room sealed and empty, Atmos gently descended with Jase. Jase hopped off his back, landing on the ground.

The genius of the team gave one look out, smirking as he prodded his glasses in triumph. "Suppose you can say we aimed for new heights on that one." He teased.

---

The others outside were flying as fast as they could towards Empyrean, doing their best to avoid as many attacks from the tainted Bakugan on their tails. They got closer when they suddenly saw a mass of dust and stone fall from high up.

"Hey, look!" Nemus pointed up.

"What's that?!" Ace saw with his own eyes the intense shockwaves raining down from above. He and the others watched from the distance as tower debris fell as though an actual tower was falling before them. "Woooah…intense."

"Yeah, I've never seen anything like it." Percival acknowledged.

Gus looked up towards the sky, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. 'This battle energy…it's enormous. Is it really coming from who I think it is?'

"Everyone, look up!" Vulcan pointed out. "Something's happening to the sky!"

They all looked up as Vulcan pointed out, only to be hit with a stranger phenomenon. There were no clouds in the sky, but the bleak atmosphere was spiraling out visible winds that dissipated. From the high altitudes, they were seeing bodies fall with Bakugan.

"Someone's falling!" Baron shouted.

Keegan looked to the two falling bodies and Bakugan and compared them to the dark waters beneath. They wouldn't survive the drop. "This won't be pretty." They all watched the few people falling from the tower plunder to their demise. Keegan opted to flinch, but at the last second, three Haos Atmos swooped from out of nowhere, seizing the three bodies as the Bakugan they had were also caught. The enemy falcons skimmed across the water, treading with them gripped in their talons until they were able to fully turn airborne once more. They soared back into the air, leaving Keegan and everyone else shocked. "…or you know, that can happen." He deadpanned.

"The heck? Where did they come from?" Ace asked. Suddenly Percival jerked when something intense exploded behind his back. He nearly fell off but hung on. "Woah! What the-?!"

Everyone looked around, finding themselves atop the edge of the shores. It was there that Bakugan from all over finally found the opportunity to usurp them. Even overhead, Vulcan found other aerial Bakugan still accounted for.

"We're surrounded." Keegan huffed. "Great. We enjoy the scenery, now we're all gonna die."

"Just how many of these things are there?! Seriously!" Ace shouted. "We gotta finish them off, here and now!" he braced himself. "Get ready, Percival! Time to exterminate!"

"Against all these numbers?!" Keegan exasperated. "You must be out of your freaking mind! Look at all them!" he gestured to the hundreds of Bakugan that were closing in on them.

"Well we have to do something!" Ace yelled. "Besides, I don't see you coming up with anything Mr. Complainer!"

"Yeah well, I'm tired! Give me a break!" Keegan almost lost balance when Mystic Elico was hit in the shoulder by another rogue blast.

The Bakugan all began attacking in formations of energy beams or elemental attacks. The various displays put them all in a corner. And corner that left them vulnerable. Blast waves surrounded the allies as Nemus used his Borehole Reflection to knock away as many of the beams as he could. Percival added to the defense using Blind Shield, and Vulcan used Mega Viblow to distort attacks around them.

"Guys, we can't play defense like this forever! We gotta fight back!" Ace shouted, but he got sidetracked when Percival's shield kept buffering, causing consistent budging.

Baron used Nemus' shoulder as a hold as the Bakugan kept moving around and deflecting all the shots. "I don't think we can find an opening from here! We have to get further out to sea!"

Ten Bakugan at once raised their heads from beneath them. Together, they all fired colorful beams that all surged skywards. They trailed at the same time, combining into one attack that became a massive beam that closed in in mere seconds. When they all looked down, it was too late when they were swallowed up.

"NEMUS!" Baron screamed.

Everyone else screamed in pain as their Bakugan were repulsed by the impact. The wave separated their joined corner, leaving them disoriented. They all barely composed to realize that the Bakugan closed the distance further.

"Great." Ace cursed himself for letting this happen. He looked around, finding no way out. But he wasn't going down trying. He gritted his teeth as he and Percival braced for what could be their last.

As they felt surrounded, the Bakugan glared up, but from the air, a distortion eroded into existence, creating a portal. From the portal, sudden green jolts expelled at accelerated speeds, beaming clean through Bakugan surrounding them. In a matter seconds, they were all given space.

Ace and the others gasped in surprise when they realized this. They saw Bakugan drop onto others. The ones who couldn't fly were crushed by sheer pressure when the ground suddenly gave in, erupting into fragments of earth and rock that sunk them to sunder.

"What the heck is…going on…?" Ace suddenly felt an enormous pressure build up within the atmosphere. He looked up through the portal, seeing something sail through towards them. When he saw the figments, his eyes widened in disbelief. "No way…"

Far away in the Empyrean top overlooking everything, Armagedoid raised his head, making Riaan open his eyes. "…it appears…that we're expecting company."

---

Within the heated chamber, the shuddering from below was finally calming down. The energy they were feeling made the heat radiating from the rock they were under made it a few degrees hotter than usual.

Hyper Dragonoid chuckled. "Sounds like the party's getting a little out of control."

"I think so." Xander agreed. "It's too bad. I was expecting at least Killian to show some more backbone this time around."

"If you can feel it, then I don't have to say it." Esther said. "We came here to stop you once and for all."

Xander smirked. "How noble." He scoffed. "But nobility won't help now, will it? You can act all tough you want, but all I see…" he raised a Gate Card. "Is nothing more than persistent know-it-alls. And I hate know-it-alls!" He threw the Gate Card, making it fade in a red shockwave across the sauna-like domain. He seized Hyper Dragonoid and prepared to throw. "Let's finish her off, Hyper Dragonoid! Bakugan, brawl! Hyper Dragonoid, stand!" He threw in Hyper Dragonoid, summoning him in a wide swirl of fire. From the center, a winged creature spun out, slowly rotating to a stop and expanded his wings. Hyper Dragonoid exerted a loud roar as flames diminished beneath him.

"Looks like he's ready for us." Atchibee stated.

"Yes, so it would seem." Esther held Atchibee in her palm, who closed for battle. "Then let us respond in kind." She threw her in. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!" In a dark purple light, a pair of scythes crossed one another, summoning forth Atchibee as she flapped over the flames, glaring down Hyper Dragonoid.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 Atchibee: 450

Hyper Dragonoid laughed at his opponent. "Think you can handle me now that you're all powered up? I don't wanna have to feel pitiful when I cook you and your partner alive."

Atchibee grunted. "Cheap insults only prove your arrogance."

Hyper Dragonoid braced himself. "We'll see about that."

Xander went first, pulling out an ability as fast as he could snark. "Show them the power of Rogue Zero! Ability activate, Ruby Wonder!" Hyper Dragonoid flexed his limbs, summoning red energy shards that spiraled their way towards Atchibee.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 Atchibee: 450 (-300) = 150

The rubies all showered after Atchibee, but she was more than prepared to deal with them. Esther remained calm as she activated the ability. "Ability, activate! Scan Blaze!" Atchibee;s eyes brightened up, radiating orange energy waves that expanded outwards. The rubies all closed in but were dissipated by the defense.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 Atchibee: 150 (+300 +200) = 650

"Your ability pattern is too easy to read." Esther pointed out, though her adversary was far from fazed.

"You make it sound like it's no big deal." He scoffed. "Guess that's to be expected. Think you're so tough to know you can't win?"

"I never said that."

Xander smirked. "Oh? Now you're admitting to being cocky?"

"Your constant chastising only proves how callous you are." Esther's point was the right distraction. In swift timing, Atchibee slashed her scythes across Hyper Dragonoid's chest, sending him crashing into the ground. The impact made the floor shudder and Xander had to cover up from heat waves.

Pulling himself together, Xander swiped his arm and glared. "I'll show you callous! Ability, activate! Blitz Sparta!" From the dust waves, the particles ignited into embers, which sparked into flames. A bolting fiery comet shot out, revealing Hyper Dragonoid howling as he shot at Atchibee from below.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+200) = 700 Atchibee: 650 (-200) = 450

The blazing comet closed in, but Atchibee covered using her scythes. Hyper Dragonoid made a direct strike, repulsing Atchibee into the air with him. The Bakugan howled as he kept pushing, yet Atchibee seemed composed.

"Ability, activate! Darkus Stream!"

Atchibee slashed, breaking the barrage Hyper Dragonoid was seething. "What the-?!" He was suddenly swamped with a purple whirlwind from out of nowhere. He tried to fight it but he was pushed back towards the ground. He crossed his arms and spread his wings to keep airborne the best he could, but the winds held a lot of tension to keep him in place. "Curse you…"

Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (-300) = 400 Atchibee: 450

As if unfazed by the winds, Xander whipped out another ability. "Try harder than that! Ability activate, Interlock Dragon!" Hyper Dragonoid lurched his head back and gathered up heat. Once ready, he expelled a boisterous fireball at shot into the dark winds. When it got deep enough it exploded like fireworks, sending molten flames everywhere that surrounded the winds heading for Atchibee.

Hyper Dragonoid: 400 (+300 +200) = 900 Atchibee: 450

The wave of flames escalated higher, getting closer to Atchibee. Her insectoid red eyes glimmered with the reflection of flames. The attack engulfed her, erupting the air in a grand burst of flames.

Xander smirked. "So how was that for callous?"

Regardless, Esther remained cold and calm. Her expression didn't change one bit, not even when the flames in the sky diminished, revealing Atchibee with a bright purple aura around

"She what?" Xander couldn't believe this trickery. He was sure Hyper Dragonoid's blast of fire would've at least slowed her down. Instead, she looked like it didn't happen. 'Did she use an ability?!'

"Your power of fire amplifies our darkness." Esther commented. "Double ability, activate!" Esther shouted. "Diagonal Relation of Pyrus and Darkus…" Atchibee shrilled a soft hiss as her eyes began to glow bright purple. "Plus Darkus Slave!"

Hyper Dragonoid: 900 (-400) = 500 Atchibee: 450 (+300) = 750

Hyper Dragonoid looked up, seeing the arrays of purple seething in Atchibee's gaze. He felt challenged, beaming up towards her. "Come get some!" He shot skywards, unaware of what was to happen.

Atchibee remained calm as Hyper Dragonoid closed the gap, but once he got within range, she immediately open fired glossy bright purple volleys that rained down against him. Hyper Dragonoid was hit in the face, but he persevered. Then in the shoulder, then the leg, and then the stomach. He kept getting hammered, until he finally lost momentum and went sailing back towards the ground. He screamed in pain as the shot repeatedly fired, until he crashed into the ground, creating a huge crater that shuddered the ground Xander stood on.

'The heck? What's going on?' Xander was shocked when he looked up at Atchibee. From far below, she looked more menacing than ever. 'Did they seriously get this power just from a few days off?' He looked ahead, seeing Hyper Dragonoid emerge from dust. He was kneeling, slowly staggering up once more. "Okay, so that was pretty good." He admitted. "But now we're all warmed up!" He reached into a pocket and tossed it skywards. "Come, Bakugan Trap! Pyrus Metalfencer!" The capsule he threw up shined bright red, transforming into his Metalfencer.

Esther and Atchibee remained composed as they observed the aid Xander brought up. They knew what came next.

"Now…combine! Battle Unit Mode!" Xander commanded. Metalfencer's eyes locked onto Hyper Dragonoid, and the Bakugan allowed himself to link up once more, turning into a dragon with intense firepower once more.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Metalfencer: 400 = 900 Atchibee: 750

"There." Xander sighed. "Now we can get to the good part."

"Would you care enough to explain as though we didn't know?" Esther said, though she felt like she knew the answer to that question.

Xander chuckled. "With pleasure…only rather than words, it's better through action!" he raised his Bakumeter high, signaling another ability. "Ability, activate! Red Valkyrie!"

Hyper Dragonoid raised his arms, charging up the cannons located on the wrists. "This time, I'll make sure you're fried!" he began firing orange lasers at Atchibee. Streaking shots soared up like backwards rain at the moth.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+200) = 700/Metalfencer: 400 (+200) = 600 = 1300 Atchibee: 750

The lasers shot up, yet Atchibee refused to budge as the aura from her previous ability empowered her.

"Ability, activate! Scare Flash!" Esther called out. Atchibee flexed her beautiful wings, making the eyeballs in the centers shine brightly. The pulsating eerie lights shined in all directions, igniting the air in a ghostly light. The lasers were all vaporized when one large strand of light shined down on them. The light continued down on Hyper Dragonoid, causing him to look away and scream at the eerie pressure his body was succumbing to.

Xander's face scrunched in annoyance. "Try again. Gate Card, open!" he reached out, making the card glow. "Pyrus Enforcement!"

The light beams continued radiating down on Hyper Dragonoid, but the red glow beneath him was creating a powerful force that was dispelling the light. The Bakugan looked up, seemingly unfazed.

"So you nullified our ability." Esther realized. Atchibee floated down beside her, getting battle elevation with Hyper Dragonoid.

Xander crossed his arms. "That's right. Now…" he held up his Bakumeter, specifically the forbidden ability inside. "Let's end pleasantries and get to the point. Hyper Dragonoid!"

Hyper Dragonoid flexed his wings. "Give me the power!"

Xander smirked. "Very well then…ability, activate! Fire Blazing-X!" The bright purple core appeared on Hyper Dragonoid, causing him to tense up as chords ran all over his body. He grunted hard, flames starting to ignite around his body. When he was empowered, the core added into his body, and his eyes shined bright yellow as a burning flare ignited his body, rushing heat waves across the chamber.

"KRAAAAAH!" he roared violently.

Esther and Atchibee covered up from the heat they were being exposed to, persevering with no astonishment shown.

Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (+700) = 1400/Metalfencer: 600 = 2000 Atchibee: 750 (-400) = 350

Esther held her disposition in check. 'This ability…'

"You scared yet?" Xander smirked widely. "Well I got news for you. You should be." This is what Xander wanted, to see his enemies get brushed away, like they were nothing. He never liked the authoritative statures of anyone. He's always been a rebel, and always will be. He would not be tied down by anything, not anyone, except for one man. A man whom he came to respect and befriended years ago. "Anyone who thinks less than Rogue Zero, will have to answer to me before Maximus! Now, go!"

Hyper Dragonoid released a heated roar throughout the domain. The heat waves emanating fluxed in and out, repeatedly pulsing shockwaves of fire that traveled towards Esther and Atchibee. As strong as they were, they weren't budging, save for their antennae and hair shifting.

"Esther, now!" Atchibee yelled.

"Right. Let's go." Esther reached out calmly. Showing anything but mercy in her frown. "Ability activate, Night Wave!" Atchibee reared her wings back and brought them forward into the blaze. A dark whirlwind swallowed up everything, stopping the flames from advancing further.

Xander's eyes widened. "Say what?!" He covered up moments before the dark tempest enveloped him. The flames, as well as Hyper Dragonoid, were fanned away by a black mist that took up the battlefield around them.

Hyper Dragonoid: 1400 (-900) = 500/Metalfencer: 600 (-200) = 400 = 900 Atchibee: 350

Xander uncovered himself, but when he opened his eyes, he saw all the fire he's made was replaced by darkness. "Darkness?" he realized something else as he looked around. "Wait, where's Atchibee?"

Hyper Dragonoid barely recovered before he felt the temperature drop. For some reason, the fire he was feeling inside was flickering when he noticed his surroundings were borderline pitch-black. An odd, eerie vibe crept through the air like a ghost, leaving him challenged. "Tch! What's this?! Where's Atchibee?!" he yelled.

In the pitch-black, Esther's figment was barely made out by a dark purple aura. "She's here." She said calmly.

"Where?!" Hyper Dragonoid turned left and right, but he couldn't make heads or tails. Out of frustration, he expelled a fireball skywards. "Come out, wherever you are!" he roared.

The fireball shot higher, until it reached a certain point. It went off like a flare, lighting everything for a few moments. Hyper Dragonoid didn't catch it, but he could've sworn he saw something with vermilion eyes looming just above his eyes as the flare faded. When he looked up, his eyes widened in slight fear of the way scythes shifted in darkness.

"What the hell…?" Xander muttered.

"Ability, activate." Esther calmly showed an ability. "Moth Violence!"

In the cover of darkness, something moved at the speed of sound. Hyper Dragonoid turned in the direction, only to be blindsided by a ferocious cross of two glowing vermilion scythes attached the Atchibee. Two sharp slashed gashed harshly through Hyper Dragonoid and Metalfencer, leaving both shocked as Atchibee appeared behind them.

"The hell is this?!" Xander looked down at his Bakumeter o be sure. What he saw made his eyes widen.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (-300) = 200/Metalfencer: 400 (-300) = 100 = 300 Atchibee: 350 (+300) = 650

Xander was shocked at the gap between their power. "But how?!" He heard slashing again, making him look up at the fight.

Hyper Dragonoid staggered around, gawking as he was being slashed by vermilion trails. He gagged from a slash in the neck, ad then the face, and then the leg, causing him to kneel. When he looked up, Atchibee reappeared with scythes crossed.

"You're mine!" She crossed both blades, cutting clean through Hyper Dragonoid's defenses. He went soaring overhead with Metalfencer, gawking as he reverted to ball form and plopping at Xander's feet, along with Metalfencer. Xander had a look of shock on his face as he looked down at his Bakugan.

Xander: 30%

The darkness cleared up, leaving Atchibee to revert to ball form and return to Esther's hand. She held no change in composure as she readied herself for the next round.

'What the hell was that just now? It's like…they changed.' Xander took one look at Esther, seeing those cold but intense eyes, it was starting to make him feel chills, despite how hot the room was. He hurriedly shook his head before his composure broke. 'That must've been a new ability she used. So it looks like what Cesar said was true. Their power did increase…' A sly smirk crossed his face. 'This will be interesting.'

"Be ready, Atchibee." Esther told her partner. "We know they won't be holding back now."

"Exactly as we intend as well." The moth Bakugan answered. "I'm ready."

"I understand. Let's go." She whipped out a Gate Card. "Gate Card, set!" she whipped the card into play, sending a dark purple shockwave throughout the domain. "Bakugan, brawl!" she threw Atchibee in, making her rise with an eerie screech.

Xander held up Hyper Dragonoid. "Your cheap tricks were amusing before, but now they're just annoying. I'll show you something funny. Bakugan, brawl!" Instead of throwing one Bakugan, Xander threw in Hyper Dragonoid and Metalfencer at the same time. Both stood for battle individually.

"Am I supposed to be laughing?" Esther replied.

Xander's face scrunched up. "I will be after this! Now, combine!" Same as before, Metalfencer docked into Hyper Dragonoid, turning their power to a combined state.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Metalfencer: 400 = 900 Atchibee: 450

Theatrics aside, both contenders flipped open an ability each. "Ability, activate!" they shouted at the same time.

"Mal Fender!"

"Vermilion Jet Black!"

Hyper Dragonoid bent over, aiming his tail to shoot and fire a searing red laser through the air. Atchibee countered by making the air around her blacken, her eyes shining as dark voltage zipped through the air, meeting the attack in the center. The two attacks competed for dominance, both they both collapsed on the other, cancelling the other out.

Xander's face scrunched in annoyance. "You little…"

Esther reached out. Atchibee howled as she flapped her wings, creating a brief draft that buffered Hyper Dragonoid, allowing her to close the gap and slash. Hyper Dragonoid parried using Metalfencer's claw armor, but the slash pierced the surface, causing the arm to crackle static that made Hyper Dragonoid wince. He looked shocked, but he recovered to dodge Atchibee's other scythe.

Xander pulled up another ability. "Ability, activate! Red Valkyrie!" Hyper Dragonoid aimed the one able cannon at Atchibee, firing a deep laser at Atchibee.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+200) = 700/Metalfencer: 400 (+200) = 600 = 1300 Atchibee: 450

Esther calmly parried with her own ability. "Atchibee, ability, activate! Moth Violence!" Atchibee suddenly blackened everything as the red laser beamed for her. The laser seemingly hit something in the shroud, but the beam deflected to thin air, shocking Hyper Dragonoid.

"What?"

The shroud expanded, causing a bigger area to get encompassed. Hyper Dragonoid uncovered, seeing everything as black as could be. Before he knew it, vermilion scythes were slashing in the cover of eerie quiet. The Bakugan roared as constant violent slashing by a cloaked Atchibee.

Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (-300) = 400/Metalfencer: 600 (-300) = 300= 700 Atchibee: 450 (+300) = 750

"Not this again!" Xander grunted.

High speed vermilion blades were like assault weapons in the cover of night. Hyper Dragonoid had nowhere to go or hide as long as there was darkness. He could only cover up and use Metalfencer's metallic plating to shield while Atchibee continued the barrage. When she stopped for a second, he thought she finally gave up, but that was all wrong. He felt something above, making him realize her feint and came down.

Curling over, Hyper Dragonoid used Metalfencer's body to take the intense slash. Vremilion blades pierced metal as static flared uncontrollably. Metalfencer screamed out a mechanical cry as it circuits and body was pierced. The protocols to the body caused it to revert to its shrunken form, returning to Xander's feet, only with the hexagonal form having chips everywhere.

He looked down, surprised by this. "What?"

Xander: 20%

Hyper Dragonoid looked up, seeing the darkness still there. He may not see it, but he knows she's there. "You can't play hide and seek forever. Time to play a different game!"

"Ability, activate! Fire Blazing-X!" Xander activated the ability a second time, encompassing Hyper Dragonoid in the core's tendrils again. As they faded, another heated nova was beginning to ignite the darkness. Hyper Dragonoid let out a seething howl that reverberated pulsing heat through the black abyss. It faded, and with it, Atchibee's cover as she used her scythes to block the blunt of the heat.

Hyper Dragonoid: 400 (+400) = 800 Atchibee: 750 (-400) = 350

Esther and Atchibee hung on, keeping composure again through the heat waves.

"I'll break that composure of yours if it's last thing I do!" Xander proclaimed. "Not you, nor anyone is getting passed me to face Maximus. Now you're finished!" He reached out, causing Hyper Dragonoid to respond and flex his limbs, creating an intense heat wall that was rushing at Atchibee.

The Bakugan did nothing as the wall drew closer.

"Gate Card, open!" Esther announced. "Evil Clear!" The Gate Card revealed itself, dissipating the heat wave that was heading right for Atchibee. The air was fresh again with no scorchers to come.

Xander wasn't having it. He was going to break them and make sure he came out on top. "Ability, activate! Flare Dive!" Hyper Dragonoid expanded his wings and took flight. He ascended high into the air until he was directly above the Gate Card. Once ready, his body ignited in a cloaked blaze and he soared straight down into the Gate Card. He caused an intense impact, making a massive shockwave of flares travel across the card, shattering it and swallowing Atchibee in scorching waves.

Hyper Dragonoid: 800 Atchibee: 350 (-200) = 150

The dust cleared, revealing Hyper Dragonoid on a knee. He looked tired, but he was smirking. "Heh…heh…had enough yet-gah?!" Before he could process it, a black wind with purple volleys in them rushed into Hyper Dragonoid. The Bakugan was picked up in a whirlwind of darkness that pushed him back, screaming in pain. He slammed hard on his back as the double ability of Darkus Stream and Darkus Slave diminished, revealing Atchibee fluttering overhead.

"Those are for the insults." Atchibee scoffed.

Hyper Dragonoid: 800 (-300 -400) = 100 Atchibee: 150

Hyper Dragonoid grunted as he struggled to sit up. As he looked up, he saw the face of his foe. They looked so calm, and yet so determined. If that wasn't disturbing, the fact that throughout the whole battle, he was thwarted at every attempt was leaving him more annoyed by the second. His frustrations grew with Xander as the two were showing impatience on their faces. "Okay…that does it." He grunted. "Xander! This human and her bug are annoying! I'm done playing around, do you hear?!"

Xander grunted. "Yes, my little friend…yes I hear." He smirked. "So then…let's give them one more of your many surprises."

Esther's eyes narrowed.

Xander held up one more ability. "You ready? I've been thinking I wouldn't have to use this like last time. But seeing as how you've pissed me off…I think I can make an exception." His flare showed actual embers in his eyes. Those orbs actually looked like they were on fire inside. "Hope you're ready, because it's about to get intense! Hyper Dragonoid!"

The Pyrus Bakugan flexed his wings one last time. He howled out to signal his partner. "Unleash me!"

"As you wish…ability, activate! Dragonia-X!"

Hyper Dragonoid smirked as a bright purple core faded into view. The chords extended and constricted his body again, once more suppressing power. That very power began to slowly seep through bulging veins through his body. Hyper Dragonoid gawked as he felt an intense pulse race through his body. The very same pulse wave created a shockwave that distorted the air around him, causing Esther and Atchibee to feel paralyzed. "Can you feel that?" he sniped. "You know that feeling all too well. The sensation…of fear." He flexed once more, unleashing a loud, bloodcurdling roar that shuddered the air like it was afraid of him.

Esther and Atchibee held on the best they could. They glared as they could see the distorting air actually taking shape. 'This power…'

A pulsated red-orange aura enveloped his body, flowing like flames that enveloped him.

Hyper Dragonoid: 100 (+1400) = 1500 Atchibee: 150

'Their power levels increased drastically.' Esther realized. 'Just as Shawn said it would.'

"This is the true power of Hyper Dragonoid." Xander pointed out. "Dragonoia-X is perhaps one of his most powerful cards. With it, his power level automatically maxes him to 1500 Gs. And no matter what you do, that power level won't drop." He narrowed his eyes. "So then, anymore ideas you got?"

Esther said nothing. The air pulsed, but she didn't feel it. Rather, she closed her eyes, seemingly accepting what is to happen.

Xander shrugged. "So be it." He reached out ahead of himself. "FINISH THIS!"

"WITH PLEASURE!" Hyper Dragonoid bellowed.

As the battle went on, Esther and Atchibee remained subtly quiet. Esther's eyes were shut, but not because she was accepting defeat, but because of what she was thinking. The winds howled. The temperature was high. And yet, all that she could when her mind went black…was darkness. Pitch-black. A mystery. A void. A perception. It was anything that it could be within black, because that very darkness, it lies within it untamed power.

"Now…" A gravely tone spoke inside her memories. That very tone was from her mentor, Hydranoid. "Show them the true might of Darkus."

Esther's eyes opened, showed a renewed prospect in her thoughts. 'Luke.' An image of Luke entered her thoughts, followed soon by Shawn. Then Atchibee. Then everyone. 'Shawn. Atchibee. Abis Omega. Everyone…we all plunged into darkness at one point. We all lived there, for a time.'

"Okay…just make sure you're careful." Luke's words ignited a spark in her mind. That very tone of a man who was in darkness for so long, but was cleansed and now has changed to help his friends. If someone as broken and socially awkward as him could make a difference, then she could too.

'We've been in darkness for a while…all of us.' Her fists balled together, her vision seeing a raging fiery aura blaze across the field like an earthquake. Strangely enough, they didn't feel it coming. They didn't feel anything. 'But, if we are to wander through darkness…then it won't be by ourselves.'

Xander stretched his arm forward. "Finish it!"

The pulse wave drew closer to Atchibee, but they didn't feel heat. They remained calm as Esther kept her spirits high and unleashed an ability.

"Let's end this! Ability, activate! Scale Spicer!" Atchibee unleashed a loud cry as the attack hit her. It swallowed her, leaving nothing but white.

Xander smirked. "Just like that…" He relished in the victory, but an ominous glow in the shockwave broke his composure. "Huh?"

Hyper Dragonoid leered ahead. "What's that?"

The attack that was supposed to swallow Atchibee did in fact hit something, but instead of Atchibee, it was struck by sparkling purple scales that were in front of her wings as she flapped them. The sparkling wall of thick scales continued to float, stopping the attack from advancing anywhere else.

Xander's eyes widened in shock. "You've gotta be…"

Atchibee unleashed a shrilled into the atmosphere. All the aura that was absorbed into the scales began to shine, making the thousands of flaked scales sparkle intensely. The resonating pressure from that ability made them all look like individual purple suns that Atchibee controlled, scattering around Hyper Dragonoid. He looked cautiously around, seeing the scales slowly spin around him.

"W-what's going on?! What's happening?!" he shouted.

"What did you do?!" Xander looked at Esther for answers.

"Scale Spicer, Atchibee's ultimate ability." Esther explained. "By scattering her scales, she can use her power to absorb the opponent's force and turn it into her own. The opponent's power level drops to its base level, and whatever power level my opponent gained from their last ability, Atchibee gains instead."

Xander gasped as he looked his Bakumeter. "Then that would mean…"

Hyper Dragonoid: 1500 (-1000) = 500 Atchibee: 150 (+1400) = 1550

"No…you've gotta be kidding me!" Xander outraged.

"Believe me, I wouldn't be in the mood for another one of your crude jokes." Esther reached out, giving the signal. "Now! Atchibee!"

Atchibee craned her head up, giving one last shriek that palpitated the air before she flapped her wings. She suppressed the typhoon of scales around Hyper Dragonoid. The Bakugan screamed in violent pain as he felt each individual scale explode into glossy dark bursts around his body. And the worst part, he had no way out.

Getting desperate, Xander hurried for a counter. "You won't beat me, girl! Double ability, activate! Dual Dragon, plus Item Core!"

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+100) = 600/Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+100) = 1200 Atchibee: 1550

Hyper Dragonoid created a clone of himself, a clone that he used as a shield while he turned his back to face the perimeter with his axe. He stabbed with the tip, but upon impact, the explosions repulsed Hyper Dragonoid, making him shout out as the axe in hand shattered to pieces. In his hand, he held a broken poll, with no nothing but walls surrounding them both.

'This is it…for the sake of our species, and our friends…' "…We won't fail!" Esther swiped her arm. "Now!"

Atchibee cried out louder, her body igniting in a bright purple aura. The whirlwinds surged into a maelstrom of sparkling scales that expanded around Hyper Dragonoid and his clone. The Bakugan cried out as the explosions went off like millions of small dynamite blasts; glossy, purple, flashy bursts that sent rays of energy everywhere. Hyper Dragonoid could only howl as everything turned white as he began blacking out from the pressure.

Xander howled out in horror and fear as he was repulsed by the exploding darkness. He went flying off into unknown means, white swallowing everything.

When the light soon faded, and all white in the room was purged into nothing. A calm quiet settled inside the room, the heat that once filled the atmosphere was finally gone. Esther opened her eyes, calmly looking at her fallen opponent as everything around him was destroyed. The arched windows were all torn apart by Atchibee's raw power, leaving energy grids all the way from the base to as far up as the ceiling could go, allowing the bleak sunlight outside to cast down on her and Atchibee's heads.

They looked over, seeing Xander lying on his back, with Hyper Dragonoid in ball form. His eyes were devoid of pupils as his life gauge fell to 0%.

Atchibee reverted to ball form and Esther caught her, turning her back to her fallen foe. Her silky bangs covered the right side of her face as she stared out into space. "It's done."

"Esther!" Esther turned around, seeing Maggie and the others catch up.

"You guys." She gasped, slight shock hinted in her tone.

Maggie rushed up to her. "You alright? We heard a loud explosion and some roaring!"

Esther nodded. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." She softly smiled down at the Pyrus girl. "But I'm glad to see you're okay too."

Maggie bashfully chuckled as she swayed side to side. "Tee-hee, aw, me? Nah, you didn't have to worry. Jelly-welly and I knocked that hag down a size, right pal?" she flashed Jelldon a wink.

"Yup, we sure did." He chimed.

Jase looked over, seeing Xander on the ground. "Seems we arrived in good timing."

"Yeah, yeesh." Shawn nervously sweatdropped. "He sure looked like he had it rough."

"Yeah. I'd hate to be that guy." Shuji commented.

Atchibee looked out, seeing the atmosphere they were in. "It looks like we're nearly at the top."

"Really?" Shuji moved towards the edged of the energy grid, minding the thick energy phonons that comprised each individual bar. 'Geez, these things look like they'll split me open.' He gently moved his head between two bars, looking out to immediately see nothing but blue yonder. His eyes widened in shock. "Man…just…man…." He awed. "Hey, you guys seeing this?"

"Uh, Shuji?" Fly Beetle said.

Shuji looked at him. "Hm?" Fly Beetle bobbed down, making Shuji look down as well. Almost immediately, that awe turned to fear when he saw Empyrean and the reservoir it was located in. From the sheer height and harsh winds, it looked like a pond and he was at the top of the world.

As though manipulated like a ghost, he maintained wide eyes as he slowly turned around. He was stationary for a few seconds before he collapsed from shock.

Maggie shrugged. "What are you gonna do?" she shrugged.

Xander groaned as he started gaining consciousness. He raised his head, though he couldn't make sense of what was going on. "Gnngh…what…what's going on…?"

Jase and Shawn pulled out their weapons, pointing them in Xander's face. "Don't move!" Jase ordered. "You'll only make the problem worse for yourself."

Xander scrunched his face. He swatted their weapons away. "Who made you guys the boss of me?" he mocked. He got a warning swipe from Shawn that barely grazed the hairs on his head. His eyes widened when he felt the winds that could've mowed his orange spikes down.

"You heard what he said. Don't make us do something that we'd regret." Shawn threatened.

Xander furrowed his brow and slumped down. He stared at the sun-like ceiling far up at the top. "Tch, you're one to talk." He grumbled. "You're the ones who came here when it wasn't your business…still." He smirked. "I guess it wasn't a total loss."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Esther demanded. She was cut off when the whole floor started shining bright green. The green traveled up the grid, heading right for the ceiling.

"Does that answer your question." Xander teased.

Shawn's brow furrowed. "The battle energy, where does it go?"

Xander chuckled. "To the top, where else would it go? It's not like Riaan would be anywhere else." He grinned as he closed his eyes. "Go ahead, do as you see fit…it won't matter anyways. Your friend Luke doesn't know who he's dealing with."

Shuji crossed his arms. "Hate to be the one to say this to ya pal, but just look at your pals beneath you. They said the same thing."

"We can worry about that another time. Right now, we have to rendezvous with Luke." Jase turned towards Esther. "Esther, did you see Luke head upstairs?"

The Darkus battler nodded. "I did. He, Luka, and Spectra went up ahead of me."

Jase nodded. "In that case, we should get moving. Odds are that their battle must already be starting. Come, everyone!"

"Right!" Everyone started for the stairs, leaving their defeated opponent behind.

As he watched the group wander up to stop Riaan, Xander was off in his own little world. He meekly chuckled to himself, most likely out of the irony of his own folly. He didn't think it would bite him back this bad. Clearly he was wrong. "What a pain in the ass." He grunted, feeling pain flare in his body. "Gngh…alright buddy…it's all you…" he muttered. "Give those cockroaches hell."

---

On the floor above, the air was dreadfully silent with tension. Luke and Maximus were in an intense glaring competition as they awaited the other's move. As though he had heard Xander's plea, the leader of Rogue Zero meekly smiled.

"Well, isn't this unfortunate." He muttered. "Seems you've let yourself get carried away again Xander. Honestly, you cause even more trouble than I do." He faced Luke, puling out a Gate Card. "So then, are you ready my favorite game Luke?"

Luke nodded. "Let's do it."

Maximus: 100% Luke: 100%

"Alright then, Gate Card set!" The Darkus battler whipped out his card first, creating a dark shockwave across the dim ground. "So then…time to get down to business! Bakugan, brawl!" he threw Goblinball into play. "Goblinball, stand!" In a dark, ghastly light, Goblinball emerged into battle, opening wide to show his ominous eye to the world. He shrieked out loud, making spines churn.

"Here we go, Abis Omega." Luke said. "Let's hope this works…Bakugan, brawl!" he threw the Aquos Bakugan into play. "Bakugan, stand!" In a blue light, Abis Omega arose to engage in battle. He hissed a roar upon entering combat.

Goblinball: 500 Abis Omega: 450

Maximus smirked maliciously. "Well now isn't this such a reunion."

"It won't be much a reunion." Goblinball teased. "More like, a welcome at the doormat."

"Then don't mind slamming the door on us." Abis Omega countered. "We didn't need an invitation to play exterminators."

Luke got started. "Ability, activate! Dry World!" Abis Omega started with his signature ability, raising his head and hissing. He expelled a mass of mist from his body, sending it all in a plume around. Maximus and everyone remained calm as a sphere of water levitated off the ground with Abis Omega inside. He moved the sphere, charging it into his foes.

Goblinball: 500 (-200) = 300 Abis Omega: 450 (+200) = 650

Abis Omega followed through, closing in on his foes. 'I wonder what little tricks they've learned?' Maximus thought. His eyes widened. "Let's find out, shall we? Ability, activate! Darkus Force!" Goblinball opened his mouth a little wider, generating a dark purple and violet hemisphere at he shot at Abis Omega.

Goblinball: 300 (+300) = 600 Abis Omega: 650

Abis Omega and Luke held calm expressions as they charged through. The hemisphere and dark pulse hit each other head on, creating an eruption of water from the sprays of the Dry World popped like a bubble.

Luka's eyes narrowed. "What is he thinking?"

Spectra put a hand to his chin. He and Helios quietly observed.

Goblinball sneered as his attack severed the bubble, thinking he was safe. His hopes were dashed when he saw the many sprays of liquid were materializing. It was mere seconds before he realized they all became blue shards.

"Ability, activate! Diamond Shower!" The blue diamond-like shards shot into Goblinball, leaving him completely open.

Goblinball: 600 (-200) = 400 Abis Omega: 650 (+200) = 850

"Not too shabby." Spectra commented matter-of-factly.

The energy shards continued their course, but Maximus retained calm. "Clever." He squinted. "But not clever enough. Ability activate, Darkus Slave!" Dark projectiles fired from Goblinball, flying inti the storm of Abis Omega's blue shards. The two attacks intertwined, exploding into a field of blue and purple between them.

Goblinball: 400 Abis Omega: 850 (-400) = 450

Maximus smirked. "Nice try."

Goblinball's trained eye looked around through the sparkles, but he didn't see his opponent. It was like he vanished. He was completely blindsided when the sparkles faded, revealing Abis Omega zipping out nowhere. Even Maximus felt surprised.

"What?"

"Alright Abis, you know what to do!" Luke raised his sword in unison with Abis Omega's tail. "Double ability, activate…!" He slashed, and as he did, so did Abis Omega with his tail.

"Fin Melee!" An enhanced blue streak followed Abis Omega as Luke slashed his sword.

Goblinball: 400 Abis Omega: 450 (+200) = 650

Abis Omega slashed right into the eye, causing Goblinball to scream out in pain as he doubled over through the air, bouncing on the ground once before slamming hard. Abis Omega gave an empowering roar from his triumphant feint.

"How very thoughtful." Spectra chimed. "So he used his own attack as bait to find an opening. Clever trick I must say."

Luka said nothing. He narrowed as he carefully observed Luke battling.

Goblinball slowly got up, and before he knew it, Abis Omega already slashed at him with speed unmatched. Once again, he faltered behind. Maximus remained quiet as Goblinball was taking damage, but he was persevering. In fact, with the way it seemed, he seemed elated to see this kind of upturn for his opponent…so he can crush it altogether.

"Well now…seems he's having a little too much fun out there." He looked down at his palm, readying Fortress. "Let's add another playmate. Come, Darkus Fortress!" Maximus raised his arm, summoning his Bakugan Trap to the field.

Fortress planted his feet on the ground, readying his cannons at his potential target.

Goblinball: 400 Abis Omega: 650

Fortress: 400

"Now, let's make sure that you don't play any nasty tricks while we deal with you. Ability, activate! Shadow Snatch!" Goblinball growled as he conjured up energy. He stretched his shadow towards Abis Omega, turning into stitched tendrils shooting from all sides.

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

Fortress: 400

"He's gonna get caught if he doesn't act soon." Brontes chimed in.

Luka grunted. Beneath his vision, one could see great expectations to behold. With the way this battle seemed to be going, he wasn't looking too pleased.

A shadow stretched, but Abis was able to evade. Another one reached for him, but he cut through it with his tail. He turned left and right, finding shadows rising to share him. Using his training, he slipped up at the last second, getting airborne in time to avoid the rush of shadows.

"Not bad." Maximus sneered. "This is getting to be fun…but now time for this! Double ability, activate! Darkus Impact…" Goblinball opened his maw, generating dark energy into a compression blast. "Plus, Proton Mars!" Fortress' cannons all opened. He took aim at the airborne foe. Once both were ready, each fired simultaneous purple beams racing along with a violet and black energy beam for Abis Omega.

Goblinball: 600 (+300) = 900 Abis Omega: 450

Fortress: 400 (+200) = 600

The multitude of beams closed in on Abis Omega, but the serpent seemed prepared for them in midair. "Now, Luke!"

"Right, you got it!" Luke readied an ability just as the shadows shot up for his partner along with Fortress and Goblinball's attacks. "Ability, activate! Osmosis!" Just as the attacks closed in, they were about to make impact before Abis Omega began disappearing in thin air. The many blast waves barreled through the atmosphere onwards towards the walls behind Luke. The walls would've been obliterated if it weren't for the forcefields that Maximus had created.

The projectile blast exploded within the forcefield, creating strong bursts of energy behind Luke. He remained composed as he bunted in defense with his sword just in case.

Goblinball: 900 (-200) = 700 Abis Omega: 450

Fortress: 600 (-200) = 400

Luka calmed some. "Good. He used a defensive ability to stay hidden. That'll help him with sneak attacks."

Maximus squinted as he looked left and right. He could Abis Omega's presence, he just knew it was there. "Oh come on, are we seriously playing this game again?"

"What's the matter? Sick of hide and seek?" Luke asked. "That's okay, that'll be more fun for us."

Maximus sneered at Luke's taunt back. "Well then…only if you insist." He raised his hand, ushering some kind of force. "Gate Card, open! Ring Zero!"

The Gate Card shined, generating a bright light beneath. Between Goblinball and Fortress, Abis Omega flickered into figment. His body was stuck in place, leaving him stuck. "What's happening?" he gawked. "I…can't move!"

"Ring Zero nullifies my opponent's ability." Maximus explained. "And it also gives the opponent a little time to hang around…now then, suppose this is checkmate." He snapped his fingers, ushering Goblinball and Fortress to aim and ready to fire. Their energies charged up to finish the job.

Luke saw what was happening and had to think fast. 'I gotta work fast! This might help…'

Fortress and Goblinball open fired, shooting even more beams at Abis Omega to finish him off. Despite this, he remained calm. "Come!" He exerted a powerful roar, his body igniting in a shuddering blue aura of power.

"What's this?" Maximus gasped. Luka and Spectra also showed slight surprise by this show of power.

"This will slow you down! Ability activate, Abyssal Deluge!" Luke roared. Abis Omega's glowing blue body lurched again as the ground beneath began to shudder. Wake of water began severing through the scents, pumping into geysers that broke through the Gate Cards. The geysers also acted as a shield as they thwarted the incoming attack heading their way. The water Abis created didn't stop. He swung his tail to the side, making the geysers all turn into a whirlpool that he rushed in all directions. Goblinball was able to fly up and evade it, but Fortress wasn't so lucky. The mechanical trap was swamped by a gigantic wave, pushing him against the raging current.

Maximus looked surprised. "You nullified my Gate Card!"

Goblinball: 900 (-200) = 700 Abis Omega: 450 (+300) = 750

Fortress: 600 (-200) = 400

Abis Omega continued controlling the tides of his attack, moving them around into a cyclone around him. The current was giving him perfect figments of Fortress as the trap was helpless against the current. "Down you…GO!" He slashed his tail into the water, creating a shockwave that followed the current towards Fortress. The mechanical trap was in no condition to act as the shockwave swallowed it into an erupting tide.

Maximus remained composed as he watched Fortress return to his standard form, falling at his feet.

Maximus: 30%

"How was that?" Luke asked defensively.

Maximus looked down at his defeated Bakugan, not at all amused, but intrigued definitely. "Most impressive. It appears you've gotten better control of your attacks. That takes some skill right there for a master of Aquos…but, to a master of Darkus, it doesn't matter!" He uproariously pulled out two abilities. "Mind if I take a little page from your play? Correlation of Aquos to Darkus, and Irate Eye!" Goblinball's eye dilated as a bright purple aura enveloped his body. He roared as he felt an incredible surge from within.

Goblinball: 700 (+300) = 1000 Abis Omega: 750 (-200) = 550

Luka's eyes widened. "He's using his attribute to his advantage?"

"That's clever too." Spectra chimed.

Goblinball charged up energy from his iris into a purple beam. He aimed down and fired the laser across the ground towards Abis Omega. The attack ripped open the tides, barreling towards the serpent. Being smart, Abis Omega maneuvered at the last second, and the attack continued, ripping open the current behind. The battlefield was left with a deep trail as Abis Omega hissed in retort, and Goblinball sneered back.

Maximus chuckled. "That's right, just keep playing keep away. You won't be for long…" he held up an ability with a bright purple core inside. "Enough joking around! Time to get down to business!"

"Here he comes." Abis Omega noted.

Luke bunted his sword. "I gotcha! Let's do it!"

"Ability, activate! Phantom-X!" A bright purple core materialized around Goblinball, quickly constricting his body. He grunted as he adapted to the power, his eye beginning to dilate as an ominous dark energy began to erode around his body.

Watching the battle, Spectra was patiently observing behind the shield. "So that's the forbidden cards in action." He told Luka.

Luka nodded. "Right. Unlike the abilities you've created, these abilities are adaptable. They don't harm the Bakugan the more use they are to them. At this point, they're no different from regular abilities to Rogue Zero's Bakugan." He trailed off, embracing the quiet as he saw Luke and Abis Omega staying still. 'How are they going to get out of this one?'

Maximus observed as darkness was charging up around Goblinball. 'If he intends to use Coil Guard, then that'll be my opening. His body will be too in shock to act, so it'll be swift. Otherwise, he'll be forced to use a triple ability combo just to get even. That'll be my chance.' He reached out. "Okay, now!" Goblinball screeched out on command, expelling cold, pressurized darkness that rushed at Luke and Abis Omega.

Goblinball: 1000 Abis Omega: 550 (-500) = 50

The darkness zoomed at Luke and Abis Omega, yet both did nothing. The attack swallowed them up in a massive wave of darkness.

"That idiot! What are they thinking?!" Luka exclaimed.

Even Maximus showed some slight surprise over this act. Didn't expect Luke and Abis Omega to bail. Still, he couldn't hold in a chuckle. "Well, didn't expect that." He admitted. "Did you just fail to make up your mind over there?" His inquiries were matched when he saw the darkness erode away, revealing water. His eyes narrowed when he noticed the massive liquid bubble-like barrier ahead, and behind was Abis Omega, completely unharmed. He was so shocked he nearly got sidetracked.

As the darkness faded away, Luke was seen on the other side of the liquid shield, an ability showing.

"Wave Shield!" they announced in unison.

Maximus' eyes widened in shock. "Another defensive ability?"

Goblinball: 1000 Abis Omega: 50 (+500) = 550

Luka's calm returned to his face, but not without some shock evident. "So that's it…" And besides him, Spectra remained silent.

"So, it seems you've learned a few new tricks in your time away." Maximus said, Abis Omega's aqua barrier coming down. "You've impressed me. I didn't imagine that you'd be able to pull off anything like that."

Luke wasn't swayed by Maximus's praise. He needed to throw him off the best he could. "Ability, activate! Sea Helix!" Abis Omega roared as he flexed his fins, summoning a helix of seawater to surround him.

Goblinball: 1000 (-100) = 900 Abis Omega: 550 (+100) = 650

The helix was directed onto Goblinball, projecting directly into the eye. The helix of seawater seeped hard into the iris, making Goblinball clamp his eye shut in pain and distress. "How's that?" Luke inquired.

Maximus looked eager by the second. He snickered meekly, chuckling practically. As if responding, the water was brushed off, allowing Goblinball to open his eyes again, only this time it was dilating with red. He was pissed.

"Well congratulations, you've made us very angry." Maximus chided. "How's about we give you a little tip as to why you don't! Ability, activate! Darkus Force!" Goblinball lurched over, generating dark power that he fired in a hemisphere at high speed at Abis Omega.

Goblinball: 900 (+300) = 1200 Abis Omega: 650

"Here it comes, Abis." Luke warned. Abis Omega nodded.

The attack closed in, shredding across the ground until it was within range. When it happened, Abis Omega's body ignited in a bright blue aura again, brimming with power as he shrieked. "NOW!"

"Right! Ability activate…Hydro Pulsar!" Abis Omega closed his maw and reeled it back. Inside, glowing blue energy circulated into a single point. He lurched his head down, and when he was ready, he screamed out and opened his maw as largely as possible to release a high-pressurized blue typhoon that shot like a vortex missile through the air. The attack lurched itself before it blitzed into Darkus Impact, breaking it into thin air and continuing its path.

"Say what?!" Maximus yelled, Luka and even Spectra showing some mild surprise behind their quelled gazes.

Goblinball: 1200 (-300) = 900 Abis Omega: 650 (+300) = 950

Goblinball was petrified as the attack headed his way, his eye still stinging from saltwater. The chamber shuddered from the volume of the water as he had nowhere to go and too distracted by his own pain. The cyclone smashed into his body, making him cry out in pain as he was pushed back through the air.

"Goblinball!" Maximus yelled out.

Goblinball gurgled as the attack pushed him so hard that he couldn't fight back. He was pushed into the ground hard by the wake, making a massive shudder in the dark accents beneath. Within the dust, Maximus' stare went cold as he saw Goblinball's ball form roll to his boot.

Maximus: 20%

Maximus was speechless. He only stood stunned as Abis Omega returned to ball form to Luke, who held a serious position on himself.

"Say, that wasn't too shabby." Spectra said. "A saltwater attack in the most sensitive can be an eyesore. This Luke fella sure knows how to use water quite reasonably, don't you think, Helios?"

On his shoulder, Helios scoffed. "Ha! Big deal. We can handle him no problem."

"No arguments there. But…this next match could very well decide it all."

Luka furrowed his brow at Luke. He was giving him a deep inquiring look that spelled something like he wanted to play 20 questions. The way he was talking to Abis Omega too made him feel something different. He felt different. He seemed different…he was different.

And he wasn't the only one who was having these thoughts. Maximus bent down and picked up his Bakugan. He held a frown as he looked back up at Luke, seeing him looking ready to slash him open. 'Something's definitely wrong here. That attack had a lot of force to it.' He recalled Hydro Pulsar in his mind defeating his Goblinball in a blitzing blow. 'That ability had just as much power as high level Bakugan, maybe the same as Goblinball. But…how did he get that way in such a short time? What has he been doing?' Maximus couldn't explain it but at that moment, his patience was beginning to burn thin. For the first time in a while, the leader of Rogue Zero was showing not just displeasure at the hands of Luke and defeat. No, this feeling, it was a bitter core that he came to hold onto ever since their first encounter. When he battled Luke for the first time back in the Thermosphere undergrounds, he only saw some misplaced human weakling. That's all he was. A weakling. Nothing more, nothing less. And if there's one thing Maximus hated, it was the one thing he was, climbing to power. The mere contradictory would be confusing to someone if they didn't experience it, but Maximus has always envied himself because he had one goal: To conquer his demons. To do so, he must become the very thing he feared, a demon. He had to rise from hell itself to get to where he was, and he didn't by being held back by fear of others. He was going to conquer his own fears of the monster he was, so that he'd feel no fear. But Luke, there was something about him, something the way he was acting that made him seethe inside. It was probably due to the fact that Luke once feared him and now he's completely overcome it, something that he has yet to master. Luke conquered the demons of himself before he did, and he did it through him. The wannabe demon wanting power more than anyone else on Rogue Zero was being bested by someone who had claimed power in ways he found inexcusable. The lines of envy and hatred twisted and turned so much inside that they snapped, and that's what made Maximus realize what he had to do.

"Okay, this is it. You ready Abis?" Luke asked his partner.

"Evermore." Abis nodded. He was about to close when a strange purple aura lit up in the distance. "What?"

Luke turned forward, seeing the light for himself. "What…what is that…?" He felt an uneasy tension in his spine as he saw Maximus seething a deathly aura around his body. He didn't look too pleased one bit. "Is he okay?"

"We're about to find out." Abis Omega answered.

Maximus was laboring breaths in and out, maliciously smirking. His eyes were like sclera as he was staring Luke dead in the face like he wanted to melt him. "Is that all?" he mumbled. "If that's the best you got…then that's just pathetic. Pathetic!" he boomed at the last word, raising his head to give Luke a grim glare. He looked like an actual devil.

Luke and Abis Omega said nothing, but they knew something was off about their opponent. They had to keep playing.

"I'm done messing around with the likes of a cockroach like you. If you really think that you had a chance to win, you're an even bigger fool than you were before. Know why?" He swished his cape around. "Simple! Because I fear nothing!"

Luke's expression hardened. "Then I guess we'll have to prove you wrong then, won't we? Gate Card, set!" The card went flying out, spreading across the battlefield.

"You're making a big mistake challenging me just by yourself again." Maximus argued.

"No, Maximus! The biggest mistake I've ever made, was not opening my eyes to the world sooner." He clutched Abis Omega, readying to throw him in. "We've done a lot of things that put our lives on the line, and this is no different. If you really think you're scary just because you have these cards, you're an even bigger fool than I was!"

Maximus growled. "Guess we'll see about that, won't we?"

Together, both threw in their Bakugan. "Bakugan, brawl!" At the same time, both threw in their Bakugan, rising with similar purple and blue auras surrounding the other's body.

Maximus raised his arm, signaling the call of his Bakugan Trap. "Come, Darkus Fortress!" In a flash of purple light, Fortress entered battle. "Now, you'll see just how much you should fear me you thorn in my backside! Now, Goblinball! Fuse!" Goblinball's eye dilated, as Fortress' visor shined. The two Bakugan interlocked, with Goblinball docking in front and inserting his arms into slots opening in the elbows. His arms entered, and the visor on Fortress glowed bright red. Goblinball exerted a loud roar, dark ripples expelling from his body.

Goblinball: 500/Fortress: 400 = 900 Abis Omega: 450

Maximus pulled out an ability, smirking. "Let's turn up the heat a little more. Ability activate, Crossfire!" Goblinball aimed the arm cannons at Abis Omega as the shoulder cannons opened. On every slot, purple beams charged up and fired in ballistic fashion towards Luke and Abis Omega.

Goblinball: 500/Fortress: 400 (+300) = 700 Abis Omega: 450 (-300) = 150

The beams all closed in on Abis Omega, who was ready for what was to happen.

Luke swiped his arm, activating a trap. "Gate Card, open! Chain Link Force!" The Gate Card shined, revealing itself in a bright glow that covered the beams. As though time was reverting backwards, all the beams that were fired at once froze in place, and slowly retraced their steps back to sender. Goblinball and Fortress were struck by contingent beams that erupted all around them.

Goblinball: 500 (-300) = 200/Fortress: 700 (-300 -300) = 100 = 300 Abis Omega: 150 (+300 +300) = 750

The blast waves continued pelting the Darkus Bakugan, leaving them no room to counter. It was only when Maximus pulled out another ability when Goblinball found his chance. "Nice try! Ability, activate! Darkus Impact!" Goblinball's eye shined dark energy, along with the head and arm cannons equipped. With firepower on his side again, Goblinball open fired dark rays at the reflected beams, creating an explosive field between that clouded everyone's vision from one another.

Goblinball: 200 (+300) = 500/Fortress: 100 = 600 Abis Omega: 750

Maximus glared fiercely with determination against Luke and vice versa. Smoke surged between, but they could still tell the other was there. Goblinball waited for the smoke to dissipate, but he saw a blue glint inside that caught his attention.

"What?"

"Ability activate, Aquos Cyclowave!" Luke roared. In a matter of seconds, Abis Omega's maw was unleashing an intense blue beam that ripped through the dust and smoke, barreling a direct hit right into Goblinball's face. The Bakugan shrilled a cry as he was taking more heavy damage than before.

Goblinball: 500/Fortress: 100 = 600 Abis Omega: 750 (+400) = 1150

Goblinball was being pushed by so much force from the attack that he was sliding a few feet back every few seconds. Fortress may have given more firepower but at the cost of maneuverability.

Maximus whipped out two abilities. "Double ability, activate! Darkus Force, plus Proton Mars!" Goblinball grunted as he tried to fend the best he could, aiming the arm cannons at the beam he pulsed purple beams that managed to blockade the attack for a short time.

Goblinball: 500 (+300) = 800 Fortress: 100 (+200) = 300 = 1100 Abis Omega: 1150

The two Bakugan were in yet another stalemate with one another, their beams intertwining with one another in the middle, trying to overpower the other. Luke and Maximus glared at one another in determination, both sides showing signs of wear. Their attacks eventually collapsed on one another, erupting in a rattling explosion that repulsed both players several feet back.

---

The shockwaves created a tremor far below, one that was felt by Shuji as he ran up the stairs. "Huh? You guys feel that?"

Shawn looked up, hearing another roar of thunder. "Yeah, sounds like Luke's battling Maximus." The floor thumped a third time. "And it sure sounds crazy."

"An understatement I don't wanna argue." Verias replied.

Esther continued leading the charge, keeping her thoughts on getting to the top and to her friend. 'Luke, don't give up just yet.'

---

The smoke surged, but Maximus swiped it around himself. "Ability activate, Photon Rain!" The sounds of mechanics working in the dust was heard. Suddenly purple lasers shot into the air from the dust, soaring to a high point until they became glints. Numerous purple lasers shot down onto Abis Omega, pelting him like rain.

Goblinball: 800/Fortress: 300 = 1100 Abis Omega: 1150 (-200) = 950

Maximus watched the rain come down, striking down his opponent. A meek but ominous smile crept on his face as he savored in making Luke fear him once more.

"Hang in there!" Luke shouted. "Ability, activate! Coil Guard!" Abis Omega reverted to hiding in his coils, tensing up the muscles to better protect himself as the lasers kept coming down on him.

Goblinball: 800/Fortress: 300 = 1100 Abis Omega: 950 (+200 +100) = 1250

"Do you intend to hide forever?" Maximus taunted.

Despite being placed on defense, Luke wasn't falling for his taunts. He knew better. As purple kept pelting, he was seemingly aware of what to do next. The blue light underneath the coils was an indicator. Once ready, he reached forward. "Okay, let's end this! Ability activate-!"

One of the folds in Abis Omega's coils slid open, revealing the serpent with his mouth open. The coils undone and reared his head up and out, creating a spinning pressurized cyclone. "HYDRO PULSAR!" He blasted the attack across the ground, ripping it with gushes of water beneath. The beaming liquid powered through the rain, closing in on Goblinball.

Goblinball: 800 (-300) =500/Fortress: 300 = 800 Abis Omega: 1250 (+300) = 1550

The jet soared across the ground, making intense impact that swallowed Goblinball and Fortress alike. The volume was so massive that it was enough to repulse the mechanical suit he was in. Goblinball slid back across the ground, erupting in a blast of mist that left Maximus frowning.

"Bull's eye!" Luke exclaimed.

Abis Omega was enveloped in the blue aura again as he released a triumphant howl to the air. His power was so grand he could've sworn it wasn't this high before.

Maximus looked unimpressed by the display. In fact, the mist around him did little to soothe the ire inside. He just remained eerily silent as Goblinball weakly arose in the suite. An odd tension filled the air, which gradually started to rise in volume. With it, the meek chuckle Maximus had going for himself was beginning to turn loquacious. He laughed uproariously, leaving Luke and Abis Omega weary. "Well Luke, congratulations." He smiled.

"On what?"

Maximus cackled some more. "Why, what else? This is the second time now that you've been in a predicament such as this, so now what do you intend to do? After all, I still have one more trick up my sleeve as well." He held up his Bakumeter, revealing another forbidden ability. "They say history repeats itself…guess they were right."

Luke and Abis Omega glanced to one another, getting an uneasy feel up their spines. They had a feeling of what came next.

"Now it's time to show you the grave mistakes you've made. And this time, there's no more chances for you! Ability activate…Lore-X!" The bright purple core eroded in front of Goblinball, tapping around his body. As it faded, a moment of silence fell before his eye shrunk and sharpened. He began to breathe in and out, each raspy breath drawing in air and exhaling black from the corners of his mouth. A bleak void began to slowly encompass him, much like a shadow in the depths of a blackened Hell. All the mist that was within the air was swept up, converting into raw darkness that intensified the aura around Goblinball. His glowing red eye only served to shine like a demon's own pair of eyes.

Luke tensed up. 'It's that ability again.'

"Yes, that's it Goblinball…breathe it all in." Maximus looked delighted as he said that, and he sounded like it. To anyone it would be a terrible sign, but to him, it was music to his ears. Seeing Goblinball's dark energy spiral and center around the eye, it was a sign of the end.

Luke looked down at his gauge, seeing the power level drastically skyrocket.

Goblinball: 500 (+1600) = 2100/Fortress: 300 = 2400 Abis Omega: 1550

Luke took a step back, weary as the darkness in the room was intensifying. It wasn't just him who felt this energy. Spectra and Luka were inside their forcefield, but even they showed some signs of surprise by this show of ability; Luka especially seemed deterred.

"You remember this ability, my friend?" Maximus chimed through the wailing darkness. "This ability draws in and feeds on the power of your Bakugan, as well as the battle energy created. And now…it's going to come at you in one blow. Like I said, no more do-overs for you!"

Luke recalled the last time this ability had hit him and Abis Omega. It was the very reason they lost to begin with, and they blame themselves because of it. Luke looked towards his partner. "Abis…"

The trained Abis Omega looked back to his partner, giving him the same blank stare he was giving. It was neither hopeless nor hopeful. But rather…in between. They didn't know what to expect, but through his orange eyes, Abis was giving a look that spelled trust. As if he knew what he meant Luke's body calmed down.

'Abis…' He thought back to the times that they shared. It was complicated to say out loud, but as he replayed the events they went through, starting from their first battle together, something inside of him was changing. 'We sure went through a lot together.' He mused. 'I thought people would think that I'm crazy saying this out loud, but…I feel it. I can feel what you're feeling. It's like…like when we fought that fish monster in Interacia, and while we were training. It's…it's weird. But in a good way.' Luke thought to the promise that he and Abis Omega made, to where they even beside Shawn as he was losing his fight against Maximus. All the battles they've shared – those won and many lost – but in the end, with every battle, Luke learned something new, and it was that experience that carried him to the next battle on.

With nothing to be said, Luke's glare hardened. He and Abis Omega gave each other affirmative nods, ready to give it all they got.

"Finally accepting defeat like last time?! Ha! I expected better from you, Luke!" Maximus reached out. "Now it's time to say goodbye! Goblinball!"

Goblinball unleashed a voluminous ripple from his eye as the red iris suddenly expanded. The void-like blast wave expanded in a team that obliterated the ground, making a dark realm that was closing in on Abis Omega. The serpent's eyes narrowed as he and Luke refused to budge.

"GET OUT OF THERE!" Luka hollered. "YOY WON'T SURVIVE THAT!"

"Just watch us." Luke muttered, low enough to not be heard.

The blast wave closed in, everything turning black against Abis Omega's blue aura. Everyone was so in shock they failed to realize his eyes were shining blue.

"Here we go! Ability, activate! Ocean Impact!"

Abis Omega's body had a light blue aura outlining it as vapor and water from the surrounding atmosphere spiraled into one point. The pressure materialized into a spinning mirror of glistening water. As the pulse wave closed in, Abis Omega opened his maw, expelling all the pressure inside the mirror into a spiraling pulse wave that looked like a geyser from the depths of an abyss.

Goblinball: 2100/Fortress: 300 = 2400 Abis Omega: 1550 (+500) = 2050

The darkness and water collided in the center, stopping the other from pushing back. Their strengths were even as shockwaves repulsed all air and elements alike. Luka and Spectra were shocked when a shockwave nearly dented the forcefield they were in but not as much as they were when they looked back, seeing Abis Omega and Goblinball in a deadlock that blew rock away. It felt like either could've been blown away as they withstood their ground, but everyone was hanging on the best they could.

Maximus was covering up from the shockwaves using his cape. "…tch, is that the best you got?!"

Goblinball kept pushing. He expanded the volume a little more, causing the attack to slowly push towards Abis Omega. He persevered.

Luke pulled out one more ability. "Let's do this! Fusion Ability, activate!" he raised his Bakumeter high, making it like a blue beacon in the dark. "Ripple Slayer!"

All the diamonds on Abis Omega's body began shining a bright light beneath, like neon power flowed within that traveled from the tip all the way to the eyes. All the accents on his body radiated a bright blue shine as his eyes suddenly shrunk. His maw widened as pulsing shockwaves of blue ripples traveled through the mirror, echoing outwards like an eruption of echolocation waves that picked up further waves of the attack. The attack began pushing back thanks to the shockwaves. Moreover, it was pushing back farther than what Goblinball was hoping for.

Goblinball: 2100 (-200) = 1900/Fortress: 300 (-200) = 100 = 2000 Abis Omega: 2050 (+300) = 2350

Maximus' eyes widened in astonishment. "Say what?!"

Goblinball was grunting hard as he was gushing out as much darkness as he could, but to his horror it was being repulsed back by wave waves. Rather than darkness, blue was flooding right to his path.

"TO THE END!" Luke roared.

"ALL THE WAY!" Abis Omega shrieked.

The attack pushed with all its might, closing in on Maximus and Goblinball alike. With no power left, Goblinball could only stand in his mechanical armor as the blast of rippling water swallowed him. Maximus had a stupefied look as he watched the attack take in his Bakugan

"I-impossible…" he stuttered as the attack closed in. "NOOOOO!"

His screams went silent when the entire chamber erupted. Tidal pressures from all over spouted into shockwaves that caused Luka and Spectra to cover up. The blast waves swamped the dark chamber, replacing it with sunlight at last as water flooded walls. From down below, everyone looked to the sides as they witnessed tidal waves falling from right over their heads. The rushing torrents left them stupefied, and Esther looked up to the ceiling to get a feeling of what was happening.

On that same floor, feeling something wrong, Xander's pupils shuddered with surprise. "It can't be…"

Once the waves diminished, the entire floor was drenched. Small puddles filled gap that Luke and Abis Omega proudly stood on as they looked at the drenched Maximus lying on his back. He was looking dazed as Goblinball and Fortress were surprisingly still standing. Seconds later, Goblinball's shocked stare turned lifeless as he slowly fell over with his armor backwards, thudding on the ground. Knocked completely unconscious, the Bakugan reverted to ball form, leaving Maximus to process his loss.

Maximus: 0%

"Im…impossible…how…?" he was so out of it that he took one look at Luke and Abis Omega. They looked better than ever, but he was a stuttering mess as his composure was completely shattered.

Luka looked equally as surprised at what he saw. He was brought out of it when he noticed the forcefield around him and Spectra lifted. He looked back at Luke, seeing him withdraw his sword. 'That power level…I've never seen anything like it. That power…was over 5 times what it was'

Abis Omega and Luke looked to each other, with the serpent smiling first, and Luke following suit after. They both looked at their foe, seeing how he was too petrified from that show. "It's over Maximus." He said. "We won."

Maximus gritted his teeth, his eyes dilating but no response. He suffered a one-sided massacre.

"Luke!" the shouts of everyone came from behind. Luke and Abis Omega turned to face their friends.

"Guys! You made it!" he exclaimed. "You all did it then?"

Shawn smirked. "Of course we did."

"Yeah. You didn't think we'd have a chance, Luke?" Maggie teased.

Luke hesitated to answer but he went for it anyway. "N-no. I was only…"

Maggie laughed. "Gotcha!" she chirped. "I was just messing with ya. Geez, lighten up."

Luke's expression soured as he pouted. "Shut up. Says the girl who isn't even a teen yet."

A tick mark grew on Maggie's head. "Hey! That's a low blow Luke!" Shuji snickered at the backfire she deserved. "You big bullies!"

Shawn looked around, seeing the dark puddles that were everywhere. "Well I'll be damned. Luke, you did all this? That's crazy." He saw that even the walls were gone, breaching sunlight into the chamber. "Good grief."

"Talk about over the top, don't you think?" Verias chimed.

Abis Omega looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

Maggie sighed. "Even Abis isn't getting it." She shrugged. "Looking through a mirror I suppose."

Jase looked over, seeing Luka and Spectra gathering. "So I take it you were both unharmed?"

"Yeah, we're just fine." Luka answered.

"Good. And you?"

Spectra grinned. "Quite well as a matter of fact. There was a little complication at first, but your friend over there held up a lot of weight." He turned to see Luke chatting with Abis Omega and Shawn, with Maggie poking some jokes for commentary. "Seems you're all in good hands. I can see why you respect him. He's very powerful."

Jase looked back to Luke, giving his hard-to-tell smirk. "So I've been told."

Luke was talking to his friends when he noticed Esther coming up to him. They broke off to give her space. The two had a short stare down, which soon broke into Luke getting a little awkward. "Esther, I, uh…"

She immediately turned away, frowning. "You idiot. Just how high was your power level to begin with?" she chastised. "We were lucky those forcefields were up or we could've been flooded. You really need to work on checking your surroundings, Luke."

A bead of sweat dropped from Luke's face. "…wait, what?" a tick mark grew on his head. "But I thought the purpose was to break this place and Rogue Zero?"

"All I'm saying is that you weren't careful it seems." She ignored the gritting teeth of Luke from behind. "That said…" she turned around, giving Luke a praiseworthy grin. She looked so genuine with it that it washed away all of Luke's annoyance. "I'm glad that you're alright."

Luke stuttered as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. He pouted a little as he looked away. "Geez, you could've just said that to begin with." He murmured.

Shawn smirked. "What's the matter Luke? This is Esther we're talking about. You should be used to this by now."

"Yeah Luke, take a hint already." Maggie added curtly.

"What're you guys talking about? Can anyone make sense around here?!" Luke shouted.

Shuji and Fly Beetle looked to each other, the former shrugging. "Whatever."

With everyone going on in Luke's confusion, Luka looked to the top of the stairs. He saw that all the forcefields had lifted, giving passage to a small window of light at the top of the ceiling high up. Spectra moved next to him, staring up as well.

"Seems we're left with but one way now." He said.

"Riaan's at the top of those stairs." Luka said. "He has to be stopped, no matter what. I've come too far to just leave it be here…" he started walking to the edge of the stairway. "No matter what, he won't rest until he gets what he wants. That includes lives." He clutched his blade's hilt, trying to restrain himself. "He won't go down without a fight though, "

"We know." Luka turned to see Esther and everyone there. They were ready. "We were aware of that fact long ago. We wouldn't be here if we weren't prepared for that possibility."

Luka turned towards Luke, giving him a serious look to see if he was up for it. In his eyes, he could see that Luke had nothing but fortitude. Though doubtful, Luka opted to take in the help now. "Okay then…" he flashed his eyes open, glaring skywards. "Then let's go."

They all began their trek up the stairway, each person ready and fully prepared for whatever might come their way. When they all finally exited the final light, they were met with a faint blue sky and the howling of the atmosphere. Nothing was seen from afar. The whole blue sky was empty, with nothing but the entire world to look down on.

They all looked forward, with Jelldon pointing ahead. "Look!"

Everyone looked at the person in the middle. The person was giving off a very distinct pressure, with negative energy silently looming from his body. His eyes were shut and frowned as he sensed the many people heading his way. With each step everyone took, the network beneath their feet illuminated, their auras and energy being processed by Riaan himself.

They all came to the edge of the foot-tall plateau he was on. When they stopped, he knew it was time to speak.

"I had a feeling that I would be expecting company, but I didn't expect it so late. I'd prefer it if I was given a notice if possible."

"Our apologies for intruding." Spectra said. "But you seemed to have left your backdoor open. So we thought we'd welcome ourselves in."

"So you say."

Luka stepped forward, immediately pulling out his energy sword. "Show your face." He demanded. "If you're going to talk to someone, at least look at them before you face your back to them."

Riaan humbly nodded. "As you wish." He slowly turned, meeting all his guests with a straight posture and grand aura around him. He half-grinned as he marveled at his company. "My, so this is where all that battle energy was coming from." He marveled. "I was wondering where it was coming from. Seems now that I know the answer."

"Master…" Luke stepped forward, but Shawn held him back.

Riaan looked at his guests and noticed Spectra. Immediately he seemed elated. "So you're the infamous Spectra Phantom, also known as Keith Clay. I must say, it's an honor to meet you in person." He did a mock curtsey to him.

Spectra scoffed. "Don't be so humble now, good sir. The honor is all mine. I didn't know my reputation was that grand. If I had known I'd wear something more reasonable."

'Just like Jase.' The group deadpanned in thought. Jase prodded his glasses on a whim.

"But all pleasantries aside, I don't recall ever hearing you before this whole incident occurred." Spectra started walking ahead. "Tell me, is it true that you are the father of all Bakugan?"

Riaan nodded. "I am. The idea of Bakugan was an idea that I came up with, along with the aid of Code Eve. Together, we created new life…life that she hid from truth."

"The truth you say? And what might that be?"

Riaan turned around to face the waning coast. With the sun setting behind his back, the shimmering light ignited the insignia on his sleek cape. "The truth is never the easiest thing to uncover. It is perhaps the most complex concept there is. Truth. Farce. What exactly do these two things have in common?" he paused to let someone answer, but no one did. "The answer is simple…they're biased." He lifted his head, watching the sky turn to a feint orange as the sun was setting. "The very idea of fabrication truth from lies can also be biased. I could say that I'm trying to bring the whole universe as one, but you'd call that a lie based on my actions. 'Every rose has its thorns' they say. 'You can catch more flies with honey', they said. And how do you do bath? By baiting them with lies. They may seem truthful to you, but the truth ends up hurting you in the end." He turned and walked towards the group. "You see, Spectra, I've been across cosmos and stellar systems for thousands of years with Code Eve. We've wanted to make an entirely new organism that could define our purpose in life. We've seen countless species that I took of better interest to help us in our quest."

"So you and this Eve thing wanted to combine species into one? Through you?" Maggie clarified.

"Very studious of you, girl." Riaan answered.

Spectra crossed his arms. "I see. But if I may ask, how is it that you needed our help, through my work?"

Riaan had a studious smile on his face. "Sir Spectra…you and I both know the answer to that."

"Explain as though I were incompetent."

"If I must." Riaan huffed. "It's because of your past ambition of course. Remember well when you learned of the powers that Bakugan had. When you first learned about them, you wanted to create the ultimate Bakugan for yourself. A cliché fools dream." He gave him an intensified look. "But I took that dream you clung to, and made it part of my own will."

"Luka told me about your past affiliation here on Vestal. I wasn't sure about it until I heard about it myself…guess he was right."

"Like I said, the truth can be biased."

"So is that all you cam back to Vestal for? Just for the other half of Spectra's forbidden card data?" Esther inquired.

"Hmph, so you've learned about that as well. While you are in fact correct, Esther, that's only partly true. You see, Vestal has super advanced technology, which is extramental to Interacia's development. Not just the abilities the Spectra has, but the alloy and schematics are also what Cesar needs to help vitalize some components. I was only able to seize a small fraction needed for the mechanical traps that Maximus and Xander needed for their Bakugan."

"So, you've robbed me of what was supposed to be my originality under your name." Spectra clarified. "And you've taken Professor Clay's works and made better use of them. You Interacians have a funny way of labeling things that don't belong to you."

Rather than tell them more about it, Riaan swiped his arm, summoning projections across their heads. They all noticed the highways and many mechanical buildings with sleek sheets on them currently in construction by what looked like drones.

Luke's eyes widened. "Is that…?"

"These are images that Hades Pillars sent to me just a few short hours ago." Riaan dispelled the images. "This is the result of what Vestal had to offer, and I sincerely do thank you, Spectra and friends. It's through all of you that Bakugan will in fact be brought back to a single unity. One that will unite all across the realm to realize that the forgotten history, is in fact still history."

Luka gritted his teeth. Without warning he charged with his blade.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Shuji yelled out. "Get back here!"

Luka continued his charge, jumping up onto the plateau. "Riaan!" He went to attack, but Riaan pulled out his sword with one hand to parry. The shimmering of the blades rattled the ears of everyone there. "Just how many more…lives do intend…on feeding on until you're satisfied?!" he grunted as he tried to break the stalemate.

Riaan casually swung his blade, pushing Luka back to the others. He caught himself before he lost balance.

"Careful, Luka." Riaan warned. "I may be devoted to my ruthless goal, but even I don't go picking unnecessary fights. This round was won to you the moment I sensed all your empowered energy."

Luka pulled out Brontes anyway. "We didn't come all the way up here to be told that you didn't want to battle." He threw Brontes, summoning him into play.

"I never said that." Riaan threw Armagedoid, summoning the Bakugan behind him in full form with a bloodcurdling roar. "I merely said I didn't find it suiting to have our hands sullied further."

"Careful gentlemen." Spectra threw Infinity Helios in. All three Bakugan emerged overhead, leaving the tower to shudder. "You just might realize your mistakes before Helios and I correct them for you!"

The three-way standoff on top of the tower was intense. Their individual heights and the way they seethed at each other was enough to leave the atmosphere crackling. Miles up from the ground, nobody could see anyone. All that was there…was fading blue yonder. Everyone apart of Luke's group backed off, keeping themselves from getting in between the bitter stare down. Their own powers were also another story.

"Woah…so those are their Bakugan?" Shuji stammered, witnessing Helios and Armagedoid at the same time. Just their features alone was intimidating.

"Armagedoid." Jase repeated. "So that's it."

"I'm detecting a tremendous amount of negative energy from the atmosphere." Atmos replied.

Everyone fell silent. They were on edge from just the looks of the Bakugan alone. The vengeful triad confrontation seemed too close to tell who could come out on top. They were worried to just come out with their lives.

"Remember the last time you intervened Luka?" Riaan reminded. "I don't want to remind you of that very situation."

"Trust me, I know." Luka held his blade again. "But I won't be needing saving again."

"You're mistaking this for a one-sided battle. I strongly advise you to think twice before choosing to bet your winnings."

"So that's Armagedoid." Spectra said, admiring the Bakugan's features. "That's the very creature that you've put together."

'Armagedoid…' Luke went wide-eyed when he remembered what it was that Project Armagedoid was. 'Right! That's Armagedoid! I forgot!' he calmed down, looking at the Bakugan's magenta eyes. There was something about them that made him curious. 'Wait, why's he look like that?'

"So did you fill Armagedoid with lies too?" Luka scoffed. "Does it know what a monster you are already?"

Riaan remained calm despite the insult. "Indeed. I am in fact a monster…" his eyes showed anger. "But what you have failed to see is my morality." On cue, Armagedoid stepped over him, letting out a bellow.

"I know very well of what my Master has done in his past." The Bakugan answered. "My Master has suffered and has made many others suffer. It is his falling grace, but it is what gives him purpose. I have made my purpose to learn through the choices that I have made. And I have chosen to beside him on his quest to bring justice to Code Eve."

"Is that so?" Spectra inquired dryly. "Noble, but pitiful. Helios!"

The cyborg dragon released a growl. "So you're the Bakugan from before. Make no mistake. I've been waiting for a challenge for a while, and it won't be that easy for you to get out of."

"Really now, you really wish to go through with this?" Riaan irritably asked. "I've had enough. There's no need for this. After all, I got what I came for."

Esther's eyes widened. "Wait…is he talking about…?"

"That must be the essence of Vestal itself. Riaan must've succeeded in integrating its life energy into his own." Jase observed.

"Damnit, we ran out of time." Shawn cursed. He was brought to reality when the sounds of explosions erupted from the distance. "What the…?"

Jelldon turned around. "Huh? What's that?"

"What's what?" Maggie turned, immediately gasping upon the sight. Everyone, including Spectra and Luka, looked back as well.

In the distance, they could all see explosions in the sky. Many eruptions of energy exploded either from the ground or from fast-moving Bakugan soaring about. In fashions unimaginable, the Bakugan army was being blown about by winds and dark energy. Blue beams were shot, and yellow bullets of deadly accuracy erased many numbers throughout the compound. The remaining Bakugan were either standing back or were trying to group up, but to no avail.

"The heck is all that?" Shawn questioned. "What's all this energy coming from?"

Shuji narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Are those Bakugan fighting each other?"

"I don't think so." Fly Beetle replied. "It looks like something's mowing them down."

"Is that Keegan and the others?" Verias inquired.

Luke squinted. "…I…I can't tell from here. It's too far away."

Spectra and Luka looked to each other before Riaan's chuckling got his attention. They all turned towards him, seeing him delighted. "Well now, seems that they've finally arrived. I must say, I'm surprised they took so long to notice."

"'Them'?" Esther inquired, but her eyes widened when she looked back. "Wait, you don't mean…?"

Upon further looking out, there were six Bakugan that were running about. Half of them were taking action in the air, while the remainder took out forces on the ground. One was a brown scorpion creature that yelled gibberish as it sent rocks to crush enemy Bakugan. And another Bakugan was using his fingers like pistols to shoot blue beams. Bullets pierced forces, destroying their forces. Another was a quadruped wolf with a ninja suit and shooting from guns on the back legs. A raven with similar ninja armor sailed through the air, with a bulky ninja creature moving as fast as lightning. Nearby, a white creature with massive gauntlets hooks fired energy beams that blasted numbers to thin air.

"Okay, that's more down!" the white Bakugan exclaimed. "There shouldn't be many left!"

The green ninja Bakugan became a green energy beam, defeating Bakugan he passed. "In that case, let's pick up the pace!"

The human on that Bakugan's shoulder had black hair as he looked up to him. "Right! Let's step it up, Jaakor!"

"Copy that!" he jumped back into the action.

A shorter, blonde person with glasses swung his arm. "Let's do it Radizen!" At his command, the Bakugan created a hemisphere of water in his big hands and threw it like a lobbing ball, exploding water pressure in front of Bakugan.

The Haos battler had slicked blonde hair as he was clinging to his partner. "Hit'em hard, Reptak!"

"On it!" The shoulder cannon on the Bakugan filed over the shoulder, where it fired a beam of golden yellow that exploded upon impact with Bakugan.

The display was a sight to behold, and everyone was completely in awe. They all stared in disbelief at how swift and how fierce their attacks were, and at the center of it all, each one only needed like one hit. Maggie didn't have anything to say, and all Shuji and Shawn did was whistle.

Jase frowned. To him it clicked. "The Battle Brawlers have arrived."

Maggie gasped. "Did you just say-!"

"No way…" Shuji gawked.

Luke and Abis Omega stared in awe with everyone, but even they were shocked with what they were witnessing. With everyone completely at a loss for words, they could all just watch as they witnessed the few hundreds still remaining turn into dozens in minutes. They never saw any kind of army get mowed down that fast before.

"What fortunate timing." Spectra noted. He looked back to see Riaan turning around. "And where might you be going?"

"I have no further business here with the likes of you, Spectra Phantom." He declared. "The Battle Brawlers may have come to the aid…but he isn't here."

Spectra frowned. "I take it that was also something you were aiming for?"

"In a way yes…but that's only part of the truth." Riaan reached up, and Armagedoid reverted to ball form to be caught. He turned and looked back at them all. "The one reason I wanted to see you was to give you my regards, and that I have just did. Now that I have my energy, I can return to Interacia and bide myself there for the time being."

Luka gritted his teeth. "Not if I have anything to say about it!" he rushed ahead again, trailing his sword into the ground.

Riaan watched him close the gap, but remained calm all the way. "We will in fact have our battle soon. I can say to that." Luka took a jump, raising his sword high. "But for now, take solace in what you've gained here today. You may have defeated Rogue Zero, but a much bigger battle awaits you all if you persist. Be warned."

"Riaan!" Luka swung his sword down, just as a light was shining brightly. He roared as he came down, but when he was within range to slice his face, the floor shined brighter before an eruption of light swallowed everything.

"What's happening?!" Shuji gasped, but he and everyone was swallowed by the light.

The roaring light beamed skywards. Thundering loud as the water sent tidal waves and vortexes everywhere. Ripples exerted from the atmosphere that spread all across the sky that echoed over everyone's heads. They all looked up, with Gus, Keegan, and the Battle Brawlers seeing roaring beam of light in the distance.

"Geez." Keegan awed. "The hell is that?!"

Gus looked up and down, seeing the pillar of light slowly fade from the water.

---

Luke grunted low as he uncovered from the light. When he did, he blinked several times. "What…happened?" He looked around, shock swallowing him.

When they all uncovered, they found themselves on the basin lines of the massive reservoir the tower once stood on. However, Brontes and Helios were in ball form, and everyone was grouped together and seemingly unharmed.

"We're…back on the shores." Atchibee said.

"Wait, hold up, that can't be right." Shuji complained. "Weren't we just on the top just a second ago?"

"Uh, what tower?" Maggie asked, looking up unnerved.

Everyone looked up to what she meant, their eyes widening in shock. They all saw that the tower was completely gone, instead oceanic waves took its place as the tides fused together.

Luke walked out to the shorelines a little further. He stopped when he was just on the edge, staring out as his hair shifted in the cold, crisp winds. The chills he felt had returned, and the goosebumps felt were getting annoying by the second. As he looked out, he knew from the energy shift that Empyrean was gone, but the relief he felt was short-lived when he realized what happened. His brow furrowed in what he knew was Riaan's plans coming to mind. "Master…"

"Guys! Over here!" a voice called out.

"Hey~! You guys alright?!"

Their shock aside, they all turned around, seeing Ace and his group sailing down to catch up with them.

"It's Ace!" Maggie exclaimed.

"Yeah! And Nemus and Baron, and Gus too! Even Keegan's okay!" Jelldon gasped. "They all made it…"

They all reconvened with one another, with the Bakugan turning to ball form. Once everything settled, they all began to take some closure.

"Master Spectra, is everything okay?" Gus asked, showing some concern.

"Yes Gus, everything just fine." Spectra answered. He looked back out to sea. "But it seems as though our target's took his leave for the time being."

"So I take it that he did in fact get what he wanted then." Gus figured.

Spectra gave no aforementioned response. He stared out to the sky, a sense of uneasiness crawling up his spine. There were some questions answered but many more to be made.

"Are you guys okay? That was some crazy stuff we saw in that tower." Baron asked. He was currently talking to Luke's group about what happened. "There was dust and winds, and we could've sworn we saw lightning!"

"Yeah, what was all that?" Ace asked. "Was that you guys?"

Maggie beamed. "Hehe…well that's a need to know secret." She winked.

"Geez, you guys just seem to know more ways to get under my skin don't ya." Keegan chimed half-heartedly. "At least tell us what happened."

"We'll fill you all in on the details when we can." Jase dismissed. "But for now, it seems that we have some more visitors." He looked up to the street ahead, giving everyone instructions of what he meant. To their surprise they were seeing three figures walk towards them, the same figures being the ones who saved them today.

Seeing their faces, Spectra smirked. "Well, well, seems as though Klaus' signal worked in time. You guys sure took your time." He nonchalantly said to them.

"We're sorry for the delay. The transporter system took a lot of time to configure." The one stepping up to respond was the small blonde, this being the Aquos/Subterra Brawler himself, Marucho. "We had to get contacted by Mira before we had to come here. She had to fill us in on whatever she could in such a short time."

"We were lucky." Shun, the Ventus/Darkus Brawler, noted. "If we had gotten here sooner, there'd be telling how much more devastation would've happened."

"Yeah, I haven't seen an army of Bakugan that gigantic in a long while." Marucho pointed out. "We haven't seen a coordinated group like that since Mag Mel."

Gunz, the Haos Brawler, crossed his arms. "Yeah well, I say we still won though. Those numbers were big but they weren't strong either. Nothing we couldn't handle, right?"

Luke's group was remaining silent. They all had wide eyes as they were looking at the Battle Brawlers before them. Beside them, the Vestal group showed some shock, but also genuine surprise. The four approached them with caution but seemed very open. The way they acted – that very feeling they have – it was something that Luke and the others felt with each other. Only this time around, they can't explain it.

"We got the message. Sorry for being late." Shun told Spectra.

"It's no trouble, really." Spectra responded. "But, you did miss out on a bit, I can tell you that much."

"You can fill us in when we have spare time." Marucho answered. "But I think there might be some rogues still out there."

Spectra nodded. "I quite agree. Oh Gus."

"Yes Master Spectra." Gus said, before throwing Vulcan. Once Vulcan stood, Gus arose with him on his shoulder. They ascended off to the air, leaving everyone behind. "I'll look around and report!" he shouted from high above. "Let's go, Vulcan!"

As Vulcan took off, that left everyone else. The Battle Brawlers looked towards Luke's direction, leaving him and everyone silent. The setting sun glistened behind their backs, illuminating the streets to give the four lined up some kind of province. Though not grand, enough to leave everyone in silence.

Shun stepped forward, giving everyone a serious. "So you're the group Mira told us about." He said before smiling. "I've heard a bit about you. It's a pleasure to meet you." He reached his hand out.

Luke looked down at the hand in curiosity, as though it were a foreign object. He looked back at his friends, seeing their expectant faces. When he and Abis Omega looked to one another, they had a mutual look that they felt would help them. Moving his sword from his left hand to right hand, Luke shook with the proper hand and grinned.

"Nice to meet you too."

The day had finally come an end, with Riaan's forces deterred and Rogue Zero finally beaten down. They may have lost something this time but gained something out of it. But one thing was certain out of all this: Vestal was saved…for now.

---

I'm finally done with the Vestal Arc, hope you guys enjoyed it! I made sure to leave all these battles with some level of intensity, especially with Luke's battle against Maximus. I wanted to make sure everyone's fights were grand, so I had to make their finishing power levels above 1000, and Abis Omega I made this battle one to remember with his power over 2000 Gs. How's that for crazy? And I know many were emotionally shattered to where you need therapy because I trolled Riaan's big fight XD But no worries, he will fight…at some point.

And this is also the part of the story where the Battle Brawlers finally take part of the action. That's right, Marucho, Shun, Gunz, and soon enough Dan will be coming back. Dan will be a little later, but don't lose hope yet, I have another big surprise coming out of left field very soon.

Also, for those dying for Bakugan evolutions, don't worry. I have something in mind coming very soon!

So, with the Vestal Arc officially over, I will be getting started on a special arc that I've been planning: The Alice Arc! Big surprise? Well, you'll be seeing what I mean when next chapter rolls around! Anyways, reviews are appreciated and thanks!