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.

35. The Reason I Fight

Keegan found himself rather unsettled. He was feeling a lot of things for starters. Annoyance, cramped, and perhaps the one thing he felt for himself since he became involved: Hopelessly pitiful.

The door to the lab opened. Walking inside was Spectra as he was followed by Gus. "Ah, Keegan, glad you've made it." Spectra said. "And here I was thinking you were going to run off on us when we need you."

Keegan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, like I have anywhere else to go."

Spectra grinned. "I know…now then, let's get to the processions, shall we?" Spectra took a seat with Gus directly across from Keegan. In between them was a holographic monitor for Spectra to see Keegan's face. He could start seeing genetic structures and bone marrow, tissue cells, and so on. "So, Keegan, tell me a little about yourself. What was your childhood like?"

"Nothing to say I guess." He responded. "Was an only child for as long as I remembered it. My parents worked a lot of jobs in Thermosphere all their lives before…well, the incident."

Spectra was punching in keys as he was listening. "I see. I'm sorry to hear. If it means anything, I, too, know the pain of losing a parental figure…but that's all part of the past I'm afraid. No sense in dawdling on my mistakes I suppose. So I take it that's when you picked up Bakugan, is that right?"

Keegan shrugged. "Something like that. I don't exactly know myself but I picked up the hobby after a little while. People said I was a natural after winning a few times in a couple alley brawls."

"I see. And where exactly did you come across your Mystic Elico?"

Keegan crossed his arms and reared back in his seat. He rubbed the back of his head as he groaned. "Man, 20 questions later and I'm still not half-asleep. Sheesh." He sighed. "I got him from a 1st prize winning in the 1st ever Thermosphere brawling competition. I'm pretty sure I just had an Aquos Freezer and just Freeze Jail my way to victory. Honestly it was too easy that it made me bored."

Spectra smirked. "You hear that, Gus? Seems that we have a natural born brawler in our presence. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Quite so." Gus nodded. "This is all rather surprising, with Bakugan being a split figment from another planet from where you're from. How is it that you picked up on it so fast you think?"

Keegan looked down at the ground, brows furrowing. Before he would probably answer with natural skills and talent…but after learning what he really was and how Riaan synthesized DNA from other beings into his figment, he wasn't even sure what he was anymore. He had a hand on his forehead as he sighed, albeit quite acquiescently.

"…I don't know." He answered. "To be honest…I don't even know what I am."

Spectra paused as he considered Keegan's position. "A case of identity after realization is an important part of who you are. Believe me, I too know that." He reached for his mask to prove his point. When he pulled it off, Keegan looked up to see Spectra's true face. "Sometimes the real man just hides away from the rest of the world…"

Spectra's real face had the same spiky hair, but his face was very much pale. He had blue eyes of a vestal, similar to Mira. But through it all, Spectra's real face looked the total opposite of his counterpart, and very much open no less.

Keegan showed some genuine surprise. "Woah, that's what you look like?"

Spectra humbly chuckled. "You sound so surprised? Did you expect this to be my actual face?"

Keegan's brow furrowed. "I'd be a liar if I expected half-burned skin. If that happened to me, I'd wear a mask."

Spectra nodded. "So be it. But in light of all this, even the most open closets…" he put the mask on once more, the blue eye returning. "Has skeletons that many would fear." He stood up, typing into the panel in front of him. "Now, onto more pressing business. You Interacians and your Bakugan, you're all comprised of synthesized DNA, meaning your genomes are fixed, is that right?"

Keegan glared. "Yeah, why else? You saying yours isn't?"

Spectra hummed. "Quite the contrary. Why Earthlings and Vestals are actually fixed in genomes upon birth. I was merely curious if you ever felt anything strange whenever Riaan would make alterations to his planet. Normally when an environment changes, a species would gradually evolve to adapt to that environment. That's natural selection." He put a hand to his chin. "Then, does this mean that when he copies and mixes DNA that he can't change it?"

"Master Spectra?" Gus was seeing the look on his face. He seemed to be enlightened by an idea.

Spectra was looking at Keegan, smirking with glee. "I do believe that we may have just found a loophole to our little dilemma here."

"What's that mean?" Keegan worried he may not like the answer.

"If Riaan's forbidden abilities are mixed with Interacian DNA, that means even the abilities his little squad used must be fixed to a certain power, power that a real Bakugan can evolve and adapt from…" he looked towards Mystic Elico. "But I wonder, can the reverse happen, you believe?"

Keegan looked down at Elico before looking towards Spectra. For some reason, he began to feel a sense of opportunity arise, even if it did chill him a bit. "Okay…I'm listening."

"Good." Spectra swiped his arm, summoning colored holographic panels all around them. "Then this will definitely be interesting…"

---

The rest of Vestal was making do with their own business. Communities began pooling together, with many people working together and on their own two feet. People were directing machines that incubated people who were hurt.

"Take this one to the medical unit. He needs help, pronto!" a man told the robot driver, to which it hovered off. With it moving, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed. "That's the 5th one today…and who knows how much more is left out there."

"Yeah, I know what you mean man. We got off lucky if you ask me." A bystander walking by with debris commented.

"Yeah, if it wasn't for the Battle Brawlers showing up, we'd probably be dead." Another chimed.

"Yeah, did you hear? Apparently there's rumors about how they wouldn't be here if not contacted by these six other brawlers."

"Others brawlers? Other than the brawlers themselves? Now I know you were hit too hard back there."

"I'm serious. I've seen it myself. There was this kid with a few other teens and an older man, and apparently they were the ones to destroyed that scary tower. If I knew a battler from that much, then I sure wouldn't mess with them."

"Right, well keep saying that while we still got more cleanup to do."

As everyone was talking to themselves, they were unaware of themselves being watched from a high point. A pair of feet walked away, jumping from the high point down the cliff. The blur with red hair landed, hopping from one mound to another like stepping stones until he landed on a knee. Slowly getting up, Luka frowned as he scoffed, not bothering to look back as he continued his path.

"That makes the last of them in this area. Guess everyone's starting to fend for themselves now." He said. "They should be, after what happened here."

Alto Brontes popped open on his shoulder. "My goodness, you make it sound like it's a requirement, Luka." He teased.

"It's just an observation, Brontes. You would feel the same way if the same thing happened to you." Luka pointed out. "Though unfortunately, that's already came to pass I'm afraid."

"Yes, I'm afraid you are right. Suppose all we can do is soldier on."

As Luka took his next step, the ground began to shake once more. Staggering, he realized what was happening. "It's another shockwave!" He reached for his weapon and got out the energy blade. Once he had it unsheathed he plunged it into the ground to keep himself from falling over. He gritted his teeth as the magnitude rattled every bone in his body. He managed to hang in there until the tremors soon settled, leaving him and Brontes to adjusted and stand once more.

Looking around at their surroundings, they both saw not much has changed, but Luka was no fool. 'That was another earthquake just now. I must be from tectonic plates grinding uncontrollably. This is getting out of hand. We need to get moving as soon as we can.' He turned forward. "The coast is clear, let's move."

He and Brontes were on the move again, but Brontes floated beside him. "You know, Luka, even now, you amaze me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh nothing. It's just that I find it so ironic that you encourage others to take to themselves when you fail to cooperate yourself."

Luka scoffed. "You make it sound like I'm the bad guy not willing to face my own problems."

"Well who's to say? You are rather shady."

Luka huffed.

"Still…that Luke fellow…exactly what is it about him that you hate?"

Luka shifted his glare at him. "What made you change the subject to him? He's got nothing to do with this."

"Oh come now, Luka. You know better than to play coy with me." Brontes' tone was more serious than it was before. Luka could see he was being direct with him. "The boy may be an amateur, sure, but you have to be impressed by his skills at this point. I can see it in your eyes."

Luka paused before rebuffing. "It's not impression. It's judgment. And besides, that Earth trash shouldn't have even left his home to begin with."

"True, but would it be that hard to think back to when he was still a brat."

"He still is. And you'll start being one if you don't get on with the point!"

Brontes continued. "Well, anyways. If you stop to think about it, Luke and Abis Omega, they've truly grown. Why, just think back to when we first met them, right? Why, it was a miracle that they could still survive after what we-!"

Luka drove his sword into the ground again, the shimmering so loud that it cut off Brontes. The Bakugan was unable to finish, leaving Luka ample opportunity to speak for himself.

He raised his head, his glare fixed with seething anger. If he wasn't hostile before he was now. "I know all that already. You don't have to spell it out for me. You can point it out for as many times, Brontes…" his eyes narrowed in slight disgust. "But we'll never fall to that low again. You remember too, don't you."

Brontes' persuasion turned against him as he faced forward. The air around the creepy Bakugan turned stale like a dull act. He caught on too fast for his own liking.

Luka scoffed again as he withdrew his energy saber. He stood in place as he looked out at the shrapnel range ahead of him, a light but cold breeze brushing his hair into the winds. He gave a long, heavy sigh as he tried to catch himself. Once he was able to process what he could, he began speaking.

"It's not just him." He admitted. "It's just…everything. Everything they do. Everything that they're working towards, and for what? To meet with certain destruction later on? I've seen enough people who tried to follow my lead, Brontes, and look where that brought them. I'd rather not sully their names by adding to the body counts that I could've prevented just by being in the position I am now."

"Yes…you've told me this tale. And I do believe that it's the reason you in fact fight alone, right?"

Luka scoffed. "Well I never played well with others to begin with. What happened to them was nothing more than a bittersweet bonus. They knew what they were getting themselves into, and Riaan still had his way with them…he's a cold-blooded manipulator Brontes, and he needs to be stopped…even if I have to do it alone."

"And if those humans chose to help?"

Luka closed his eyes, groaning. "Why must you continue bringing them up?"

"Luka…you know as well as I do that they'll be back. They won't listen to you. We'll see them again…I'm just telling you."

Luka's fists clutched in anger as he knew deep down Brontes was right. He didn't want to believe it, but this feeling in his gut was aching to where he could almost puke from it. An image of Luke in his mind flashed, causing him to scoff louder. He was actually seen laboring in breath, so much that it was like he fought the biggest mental battle ever.

Just thinking about Luke. Something – just something about him reminded him of himself…and he hated that. His looks. His face. His innocence…his passion; everything about Luke from top to bottom he couldn't say out loud, but he wanted to reject all of that. Damn it to the nearest hell possible. To make sure it stays there, so that he wouldn't have a reminder of himself to look at.

He turned towards the sky, his mind zoning out to the not-too-distant past. His brow remained furrowed as he was transfixed on other matters.

It was during Luke and everyone's plans in getting back to Earth. Luke watched Luka walk off through the shadows. No one knew where he went, but wherever he's gone, it was clear it was meant to be his business.

Taking a walk, Luka trudged through debris yards as he was heading to a certain direction. No one knew where or why, but from the stone look on his face, it could've been just a random thinking spot where he could rest after all the fighting.

"Luka?" Brontes called.

"What is it?" he answered, looking around.

"Where exactly are we heading to now?"

"We're going to trace Riaan's energy signatures and hijack a wavelength if needed. We'll use that to determine where he'll strike next and intercept him there."

Brontes understood that part, but something was off about Luka that he didn't decline. "No, I mean…where?"

Brontes' question hung in the air for a few second until Luka finally trudged up a hill of rock and metal. He continued his course, his vision seemingly…off, for lack of better words. Brontes fell silent as he got off his shoulder and followed him over the top, where they overlooked the sites of cracked and partially destroyed avenues running across from them.

Taking in the scenery, Luka closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. He jumped off the mound to slide off the metal. When he reached the bottom, he stood at the base of an avenue. When he adjusted he looked up…and the sense of adventure died upon a sight.

Directly across the avenue, there was a dark red house with no roof. He could see that it was worn down, with windows cracked. Curtains could be seen inside that were all tattered up and shifting. If anything it looked anything but a house. More like an unpleasant haunting.

He stared down the menacing figure of an old relic of the past. Looking at it now, he didn't know why he was here or what definitive meaning there was, but something in his heart told he had to see it. Just one more time, for old times sakes. With the streets deserted, he slowly trekked across the ground to the front doorsteps of the place.

Looking at it now, he could see pitch-black inside. That wasn't a welcome sight. For the first time, he was showing a nerve that even Brontes didn't get to see often: Nervous.

Swallowing a lump, Luka calmly walked up the steps, careful enough to avoid the creaking bridges that almost snapped beneath his weight. Once he got up to the porch, he looked at the windows, seeing they were left open, and glass was shattered. Either it was left this way by the attack or somebody broke into it years ago. It didn't matter anymore. Taking his courage, he walked inside.

He was immediately met with a very fitting site for a relic of his past. Furniture was partially broken, while others were left untouched. The front room was bitterly stale to where the green painted walls made it seem disgusting. He remembered not liking this room at all. His mother would try and hang stuff to look nice, but he never found appeal, neither did his dad. He'd always recall how they'd always get into arguments of painting the front room. He'd reminisce on his father wanting red, while the mother wanted green. When he thought back to it now, he almost missed the paint wars that would go on for hours. Almost.

He moved to the kitchen area. And like the other room it was a mess. There was a giant hole in the ceiling with debris covering the tiles. He looked over to the sink to find mold all over it. He could see how his mother would wash dishes, and that he would tug on her apron to get her attention so that he could dry them. And then the father would go right ahead and put them away. It was perhaps the one place where they could actually work together, like actual families should.

Family. An irking term. He was never too interested in the term since their deaths at a young age, but he held nothing against the threads of fate for them…or father, back then. As of now, fate was a sworn enemy of the avenger's aberrations.

"So this is your home." Brontes said, looking around. "Oof. Need a decorator?" he chuckled.

Luka ignored his callings. "Used to be my home." He said. "Not anymore."

He continued looking around the old homestead, where all his lost childhood dreams were. He worked his way through a hall. Broken paintings and picture frames littered the sides. He stepped on broken glass that lead to the living area.

The living area was nothing but a wreck. The ceiling had multiple holes in them. Wood and other materials were scattered where couches were supposed to be. 'Things really do change after almost 7 years…' He stepped on glass again, getting him to look down at something he mistook as unmeaningful. He was so wrong.

It was a picture frame, one whose glass had broken years ago. Luka bent down slowly to stare with a blank face at the frame. Inside the brown framing, he could see clearly the family portrait of what was his childhood. It was a man, a woman, and a small child. The man was on the left side, his body rather decently built. He had bright red hair that went down his shoulders and slicked back in porcupine spikes. He adorned a black long-sleeved shirt with jeans on the bottom. He had an arm over the woman's waist, with another over the child's shoulder. The smiling woman had silky long violet hair with his green eyes. She had a black beauty mark beneath her right cheek. She had on a strapless bright yellow sundress attire with a hand on the boy's other shoulder as well. The boy itself had long spiky hair that went all over. He had his mother's green eyes with a small black shirt. He seemed neutral despite how happy the portrait was supposed to be.

The longer he stared at the pic, the more transfixed he realized he was getting. "Awww, your family." Brontes chimed.

A weak grin crossed Luka's face. "Yeah."

"Weren't you the adorable troglodyte." He teased.

Luka shared the sentiment. "Yeah, I guess I was." He sat the frame down on a nearby nightstand and worked his way over towards the stairs.

Memories of the past piled up. Memories of board games they would play that he could see happening in the living room, how his father would groan while his mother would clap while Luka would beat him. He'd remember the many times they'd play hide-and-seek, and the game would go on until it was dinnertime, or when the parents are fed up. Such bittersweet memories, but nonetheless it's what he managed to do to keep himself occupied.

He soon made it up towards the upper level, where he would soon reach for a doorknob. He opened it, and inside he walked into a certain room. His room. In it were posters of some bands that he was fond of back then. Off to the side was a small stand where a digital screen flickered on and off for a personal PC. He moved passed all that to his bed. The sheets and blanket were gone, leaving a filthy mattress.

'Just as I left it…' He turned towards something in the corner that got his attention. A dirty mirror. He walked around the ceiling and ground holes that were placed nearby and worked towards the mirror. Standing in front of it, he took a good look at himself.

He didn't realize it before, but he couldn't remember the last time he saw his own reflection. It's been so long since he's looked at something that was related to him. It was ironic. How is it that after all this time after not paying so much attention towards his own self-being that he kept a complexion. He'd have to thank the gods for this one.

He sighed once more, taking in his solace of his former home.

"Why are you here?"

Luka's eyes snapped wide. A distorted question echoed throughout the area, surprising him. He looked around to find nothing there. "Who's there? Show yourself!" he demanded.

"I just want to be alone."

Luka stopped in place and blinked. 'Wait, this voice…' He slowly turned around, facing the enigmatic voice's origins. His eyes widened upon seeing his reflection again…only this time, it was him as a child. More accurately, when he was over 10 – 7 years ago. 'It can't be…'

Younger Luka stared coldly through the mirror, almost like he was possessed. "I like to be alone. Nobody ever bothered me, nobody ever cared…I could do whatever I want, against whoever I want."

Luka knew this couldn't have been real. It was a mind trick. Something inside his head was messing with him. He turned away from the distraught image. "I know." He conversed. "But that was back then. Things are different than they were. Like you would understand."

"What's there to understand? You're me. I know everything about you."

"…not enough to save you from losing your innocence." He sighed. "I may have never known the meaning of responsibility your age, so I wouldn't expect a fragment of my life to know the weight that I carry alone."

"Well if things are so different now, how come you're still wanting to be alone?" his past image mocked.

Luka's brow furrowed. "It's not that I want to…it's just that I have to. Like I said, you wouldn't understand."

"…Then help us understand."

Luka's eyes shot open. The voice had changed to something else. He whipped around, seeing Luke's image instead of his past. "You…"

"Help us understand. We want to help." The image insisted.

Luka shook his head. "No, stop it. I told you to stay on your planet. You don't belong here!"

"You can't tell me how to life my life! You're not Master Riaan!" Luke's image was now different, much to Luka's surprise. This Luke was the one from before, the Luke that he met. "He would know more about responsibility than you."

Luka's teeth began gritting. His eyes narrowed in annoyance. His fingers were twitching as he wanted to run his blade through the imagination on the mirror. He restrained himself and leered at the illusion.

"He's always been there for me, because he always knows what to say. What about you? You really think you're better than him when you can't even stand up to me?"

"You're just like the rest of them, it makes me sick." Luka scowled. "It's another reason why I can't stand you, Earth pest."

"Maybe…" Luka looked back, seeing the Luke being the new one now. "But I know well enough you can't do everything alone. It's time to step into the light, Luka."

"Shut up…"

"Yeah, you'll need everyone again if you wanna take on Master Riaan." Past Luke mocked. "Not that it'll help."

"Shut up…!"

"You know what happens when people look to you." Past Luka appeared. "They won't care. They'll see another punk who pushes people away, because he doesn't need love…just to survive."

"I said SHUT UP!" In a violent slash, his energy sword cleaved through the mirror. The shards spread across the ground, littering the carpet. Luka had his head down as he breathed heavily. He tried catching his breath, no matter how much he did, he felt so worn out from that mental pain.

When he looked up, he saw a few shards together in front of him. When he looked at his reflection, the three broken pieces held fragments of the two Lukes, and past Luka. He walked up to it, glaring down with a violent gleam in his eyes. He held his sword to his side, the yellow blade shimmering over shrapnel.

"I cam here one last time to see if what I had may have been still here…but now I see that I was mistaken. Nothing was here, not even false hopes…just an empty shell." He raised his blade overhead slowly, ready to deal the fatal blow. "You know, it pains me to see what I was…even in the dreck's eyes…that's why things are better left this way."

With one slash, everything went yellow.

Minutes later, Luka found himself walking out of the house. He had a humble and cold disposition around him after that final bidding to his childhood. He stopped for a minute to look back one more time, giving his home one final look before he scoffed.

"Let's go, Brontes. There's nothing left for us here anymore." Luka said, walking off.

As Luka walked off, he was oblivious to the way the house behind was creaking. The walls were finally breaking down, the windows snapping. After years of withstanding conditions, the whole place finally had enough. It was like seeing Luka one more time was what it wanted before it chose to bury itself.

The whole house began collapsing upon himself, with the last thing inside being Luka's family portrait before black crushed it.

A yellow saber pointed to the skies, a deep searing glare coming from the cold eyes of Luka. "If they do try to go and take this responsibility from me…then I'll do what I must."

Brontes chuckled. "How amusing, Luka. You must really hate Luke for that reason."

"You feel it, too. Don't you deny it, Brontes." Luka chided. "We've agreed to avenge what we have sacrificed. That we wouldn't let others who suffered our pain handle the weight we carry. Those Bakugan that Rogue Zero have become victims. And that dreck and his pet snake fell too deep in holes we can't pull them out…so the most logical thing-!" he swiped his blade in the air, sheathing it in a flash. "Is to set an example. This is the promise we've made Brontes, and that's the way we've chosen."

Brontes held nothing in argument. Instead he floated in place, acknowledging what he and Luka sought for.

"Come. It's time we set out." Luka passed Brontes as he grabbed him from midair. "Vestal's its own problem now. We have to keep tracking Riaan." One more image of Luke and Abis Omega appeared in his mind. His eyes closed and reopened, his glare hardened. 'We'll end his influence ourselves…sorry.' Leaping off the debris mound, he took off to the norm to fulfill his destiny.

Whoever it was, whoever's side they were on, anyone who Riaan affected or harmed would be paid dearly…and that was Luka, The Avenger.

---

Over the dying forest of pine needles and branches, the tree coverage was enough to keep a black manta ship sailing over it, with no signs of its targets beneath.

Killian was looking down the window of his side, seeing no visuals. "Looks like they've given us the slip." He said. "This ain't good. They probably know this terrain better than the rest of us."

Hendrix nodded. "Possible. Home field advantage fits many. Especially when they aim to survive."

"Hmph, do you fools really think they can hide from us forever?" Ariella scoffed. "Just because they're not in our eyes doesn't mean they can still run. They're smart enough to know Cesar will snuff them out sooner or later. And when we do…we've got them. Cesar, how's it coming?"

Looking down at a monitor, Cesar was reading the radar as he had it on inferred. "Oh don't worry. They can't hide forever. With the atmospheric conditions, we'll be able to tell where they've gone in no time."

"For your sakes let's hope that's true." Xander warned. 'I wonder if Maximus was successful in bringing down Luke yet? Maybe I should've stayed behind to lend him a hand.'

"Well it shouldn't be much longer. This is a forest, it's bound to end eventually." Ariella pointed out. "Just keep moving, and make sure that radar is at full power."

Cesar prodded his glasses. "Gladly."

The ship continued its course off to the distance. As it passed over trees below, there was a shrub below the base of a dying trunk. The shrub rustled before Shun popped his head out, along with Skytruss, Orbeum, and Jaakor. They watched it sail off until it was out of sight.

"Okay, the coast is clear." Jaakor whispered.

Shun turned in the bushes back towards the shrubs piled around them. "It's okay guys. Looks like they've lost us for the time being. You can come out."

The shrubs all rustled in unison before they started to move away. The first head to pop out was Maggie as she shook her head to get the twigs and leaves out of her hair. "Phew! About time! I thought I was about to turn into a tree."

Shuji was next. "They really gone?"

"Yeah, but who knows how long." Fly Beetle answered.

Everyone else began popping up from bushes, gathering around Shun and the Battle Brawlers.

"Well that was a close one. Good thing they overlooked us." Shawn chimed.

Jase smirked. "Yes, I'm quite relieved. I'd be even more so if they overlooked what jinxing someone means in Earth terms."

His facetious tone made Shawn drop a bead of sweat. "…ah geez. Really?"

Esther turned towards Alice. "Alice, are you okay?"

The orangette nodded. "Yes, Esther. I should be fine, thanks." She turned towards the others. "More importantly who were those guys, and why were they after us?"

Jase humbly frowned. "That would be on our part I'm afraid. You see, Rogue Zero and us, we share a certain…history you can say. I wouldn't exactly call us on the most reasonable at terms right now."

"Yeah, what was your first clue?" Gunz rebuffed.

Atchibee floated with the other Bakugan. "This is no time to throw witty remarks at one another. It's only a matter of time before Rogue Zero circles around and comes to find us."

"She's right. We need to have a plan of action ahead of us. We can't hide forever, surely they'll suspect us to try something to buy time elsewhere." Marucho evaluated.

Alice clutched her hand to her chest. "Oh, I really wish I knew what was going on. I feel so useless right now."

Esther gave a sympathetic look. "Alice, please don't say such things. You've more than helped us right now."

"Esther's absolutely right. It's okay to feel the way you are." Jase pried. "Besides, if not for you or Doctor Michael accepting our distress signal, I'm not sure that we'd be in the kindest of regions right now. But rather than focus on 'what-ifs', my proposition is that we find a natural way to defend ourselves."

Shawn nodded. "Yeah, I hear that."

Verias turned on Shawn's shoulder westwards. "You know, we haven't heard from Luke or Abis in a while. Think they're okay?"

Shawn shot him a look. "What are you talking about? Of course they'll be okay. They've been in tougher spots, haven't they?"

"Yeah, that sure is the truth." Shuji replied. "And speaking of tough spots, we've been in tougher situations, haven't we?"

"Yes, I suppose that's true." Esther said in a deep contemplative manner. "But the situation doesn't change. We need to incapacitate Rogue Zero before they cause any further harm."

Gunz scoffed. Clearly he wasn't appeased by all this. "So these guys are chasing after us all over a petty grudge? I don't know whether to be impressed call them desperate." It was a bit of a low blow to himself when he said it aloud. A part of him wanted to take it back, partially because of the Wiseman incident.

"You never really can tell." Jase rebuffed. "It could be they're under orders to apprehend us after our little crusade…of course the way they're acting I highly doubt the probability."

"Maybe, but we still need a plan." Marucho said. "As we speak, Riaan's negative energy is steadily rising right beneath us. These natural disasters are going to keep spreading until we find a way to diminish them."

Radizen floated beside him. "Then I say we quit playing sitting ducks and call Mira. She'll know the scoop."

Roxtor spoke gibberish.

"What do you mean not right now? Now is the perfect time." Radizen argued. "If we can't get to her, we can at least send her another piece of this crazy puzzle."

"I guess you have a point." Marucho started heeding Radizen's advice and started reaching for his Bakumeter. Once he started pressing a few buttons, he started getting a signal going.

Shawn looked over for his eyes to widen. "Hey no! Wait-!"

But it was too late. Marucho recoiled when the screen popped open, revealing a holographic version of Cesar laughing. His cackling was loud and impulsive, enough to rattle everyone there.

"It's that hotheaded scientist again!" Radizen shrieked. "How'd he get on the screen?"

Cesar continued cackling until he began calming down. "Oh how the mighty have fallen. To think that you, Marucho of the Battle Brawlers, didn't think twice as to go around my genius. Were you really thinking of sending a signal without me having to pick up on it?" he giggled. "Typical human thinking."

"What?" Marucho gasped. "But…how did he hijack my Bakumeter so fast?"

"Well, I was gonna warn ya." Shawn nervously murmured.

"Welcome to the club. The Cesar's Fragile Ego Club." Maggie groaned.

Cesar's icon grew a tick mark and shook a fist. "Silence your tongues little wretches! You have no idea what lengths I have gone to become the mad genius that I am today! Certainly more so than what you Earthlings can achieve, and certainly more so than Vestal at this point." He darkly smirked. "Now, since we got that out of the way, there'll be plenty of time for us to compare in detail, dear Marucho. But that can wait. You know I'm a few miles northwest…so thanks for the little hint. See you all in a few~. HAHAHAHA!" The signal cut off.

"Well that was partially expected." Jase humbly noted.

"I can't believe this. Each Bakumeter is equipped with its own defense mechanisms. How is it that he was able to bypass mine so easily?" Marucho said.

"Would you quit complaining about that? We've got bigger matters to deal with." Shuji pointed out. "We gotta get…" He trailed off when he felt something off. When he looked over, he saw that Alice was leaning against a tree. She looked upset, so she lost something important to her. "Hey. You okay over there?" he called. "You look bummed. Is something bugging you?"

Alice looked away, displeasure showing. "It's nothing." She said low, clutching her arm. "It's just…I don't understand. Why do we have to fight like this? Wouldn't be better if we all just reached a compromise with them?"

"Alice." Shun said.

"I know you guys share a history with these people, but I don't understand why you all can't get along at this point? Wouldn't it be better for everyone if you put down the Bakugan and just talk out your problems?"

There was a short silence following her testimony. It was broken when Jase prodded his glasses. "You speak of a million virtues." he praised. "Virtues that I have come to respect as an individual. But, as much as I would agree, there are times when the only means to solve one's problems is to take it out on another. And I'm certain that you of all people should know that."

It was another vital point that Jase had struck. Alice backed away, recalling her time as Masquerade. Her arm clutched tighter to keep herself in check, her demeanor starting to harden some.

"There's still another matter." Orbeum pointed out. "You guys said you went to New Vestroia, right? You said the Bakugan there were starting to get infected with negative energy as well. That also right?"

Esther nodded. "Yes. I've witnessed it myself. We were fortunate that Hydranoid developed an immunity to the effects when he did."

Alice went wide-eyed at the name. 'Hydranoid?'

"Then that must also mean the negative energy hasn't affected all the Bakugan there yet." Skytruss pointed out.

"Not likely. There may be a few stragglers after all that we can save." Jaakor insisted. "We'll be lucky if we find any at all at this point."

"I say it's worth a shot." Marucho said, stepping up. "Listen, our job as Battle Brawlers is to ensure the safety of the people and Bakugan. If there's even a small number left on New Vestroia, then we need to get them out of there."

Shun humbly crossed his arms. "I agree Marucho. But we can't just leave things as they are here either. If these guys are tracking us, then we need to lure them away as far as-!"

Esther stepped up. "It'll be fine."

"Esther?" Atchibee questioned.

"Remember what Shuji said. We've been in worse spots than we have already. We have no point in hiding." She turned to Marucho. "And besides, this may work in our favor. If they're tracking you through your Bakumeter's signal, then leaving may be the best course. The distraction will give us ample room to formulate against them."

Gunz smirked. "That's some good thinking there. I like that."

"Are you sure about this?" Shun inquired.

Esther's glare intensified. "Yes. And besides, we're just as worried about the Bakugan as you are. You should try and save as many as you can."

Marucho and Shun looked towards one another, the Aquos Brawler nodding in understanding. Shun looked back, seeing the assured looks on all their faces. "Okay then. Jaakor!"

The Bakugan nodded. "Allow me." He turned and faced a nearby tree. He reared back some before jutting forward, summoning crackling electricity from the midair space until it congregated into a dimensional portal. He turned towards everyone. "Everyone ready?"

"Yes, sensei." Skytruss and Orbeum said.

As the Battle Brawlers started heading into the portal, a pair of shoes stepped forward. "Wait!"

Everyone looked back, seeing Alice standing there with a half-serious expression on her face.

"Alice?" Shawn asked.

"What's the matter?" Jelldon asked.

Alice stepped up towards the Battle Brawlers, getting close to them, almost alarmingly. She stood tall, gently lowering her fist to hold herself up proudly. "If it's all the same…I want to come, too."

Marucho blinked. "Alice?"

"I want to see for myself what's happening. If the Bakugan really are affected by the negative energy, then we need to do something to save them." She retorted. "Don't forget, I'm a Battle Brawler myself you know. Maybe I'm not a fighter like you guys still…but I still want to do everything I can to help you guys."

Radizen and Roxtor looked towards each other with slight surprise. They looked back, with the others showing their signs of shock.

"Alice…"

Alice bowed to them. "Guys, please. If there's even a small chance that I can be of help…then I'll take it. Please, I don't know what to think if I know that Hydranoid might be…" She trailed off, unwilling to finish the sour note coming up.

Shun stepped up, looking down at Alice in her time of need. "If you're absolutely certain about this…then we'll be happy to have you on board."

Alice went wide-eyed and perked up. "You mean it?"

Shun smiled. "Of course. We'll be honored to have your aid once more." He turned towards the portal. "But if you're gonna come, then now's the best time."

Alice nodded. "Yes, I understand." She made way towards the portal, following behind.

Reptak floated beside Gunz before they moved. "Hold up, Gunz. Maybe it's best that we kick back here and look after the Doctor, what do you think?"

Gunz' brow furrowed but he didn't bite. "Yeah, guess that's a good point." He turned towards the Brawlers. "You guys heard that? We'll stay behind to give ya a heads up."

"Alright. Make sure nothing happens to Alice's grandfather." Shun said. "We'll be counting on you."

"Right!" He gave them a thumbs up.

With nods, everyone created battle plans and went their separate ways. Marucho and Shun ventured into the portal, with Alice tailing behind. Before she got too far in, she looked back at everyone, giving serious stares towards the five others. "You guys will be okay, right?"

Shawn nodded. "Yeah, don't worry. We can handle ourselves. Just do what you gotta do."

Alice nodded in understanding. "Okay then." She turned away, heading into the portal before it closed behind. This left the five to themselves as Gunz took off.

Maggie looked around wearily. "Well that happened. So what do we do now?" As if on que, the winds began to pick up, forcing Maggie to hang onto her bows. She looked up, seeing Rogue Zero's ship humming right over their heads.

From overhead, looking down at his sensors, Cesar cackled triumphantly. It echoed through the intercom, loud enough to quiver the entire woods.

"I believe that answers your question." Jase said neutrally.

"So where does this leave us exactly?" Fly Beetle inquired. He felt as though he already knew the answer.

Shuji furrowed his brow and cracked his knuckles. "I can think of one way out."

Esther hummed. 'Luke. What would you have done?' She thought for a moment of what Luke would do, flashing back to when he stalled for time against Maximus. Steeling herself, her expression turned cold when she looked towards the sky. "…let's go. There's not much room to stand out ground here."

"Right, then let's head this way." Shawn advised.

"That's the way we came, isn't it?" Shuji asked.

Shawn cringed.

"Seems they're on a little chase again?" Ariella watched through her window. She could see them follow Esther as she lead the lunge through the woods. "Don't they know that they can't hide from us forever?"

"Indeed." Xander smirked. "I think this little game's gone on long enough."

"What are they doing down there?" Hendrix questioned himself.

Ariella turned towards Cesar. "Well, Cesar, what will it be?"

Cesar hummed triumphantly. "Well…we came here to thank them, didn't we? I say we extend our gratitude to them." He broke out in another laughter.

The group soon found themselves traveling to the midst of a clearing. With full view, they turned around, getting out their Bakugan as Rogue Zero's ship was seen hovering towards them.

"Looks like they really can't get enough of us after all." Shawn teased. "I'd be flattered if I wasn't annoyed."

Jase smirked. "That's funny, why I thought for sure you'd be proud of the attention you'll be getting Shawn."

"Now that's just dirty coming from you."

Verias popped open. "Speaking of dirty, here they come." He got everyone to look over at the lowering ship in the distance. Once it touched ground, they all saw panels shoot downwards into dust clouds. The beams diminished, having five figures stand in the dissipating wave.

The dust waves dissipated, and footsteps were seen walking out. In slow motion, the first person seen was Xander with a serious face. As the wave dissipated, it showed Ariella and Cesar on his left, and Hendrix and Killian on his right. All five held silence as the air around them turned serious.

Shuji rammed his fist into his palm. "Look who's deciding to come out and play. We've been wondering when you'd wanna see our faces again."

"Funny, after what we did to you guys, I'm surprised they even have faces." Maggie giggled.

"Uh, maybe it's not the best to make them madder." Jelldon nervously pointed out.

Despite how unnerved she was, Ariella scoffed. "You've a big mouth just as before. I see you haven't changed."

Hendrix stepped forward. He growled at Shuji, who had his fists balled as well. "You." He lowly said.

Shuji picked up Fly Beetle and gave no verbal reply. Even Fly Beetle was set.

"Ah, Jase. So good to be seeing you again, my intelligent acquaintance." Cesar chimed flamboyantly. "I see that you've been treated well since leaving Vestal."

Jase returned the sentiment. "Yes, we most certainly were. Especially with your show of gratitude on our way back towards Earth."

"Oh, Jase." He raised his head, smirking wide. "It's always fun to know that there's always something coming out if that mouth of yours."

"That's funny, because I always found it hilarious when you talk on about your 'brilliance'."

Cesar floored at the implication. He arose with a tick mark. "You ignorant little…!"

"Don't let him get under your skin, Cesar." Xander saved. "You make it too easy for them…Hyper Dragonoid."

The Bakugan popped open on Xander's soldier. "About time. I was about to get itches from waiting too long for this moment. The moment we finally bring these fools down ourselves. Maybe now Hades Pillars will stick their necks down others."

"One can only hope for that miracle. Anyways, let's get down to business. You ready guys?"

Killian stepped forward, cracking his neck. "Let's rock. Moskeeto, ready?"

"Evermore." The Bakugan closed for Killian to grab.

"Atchibee, are you willing to lend me your strength once more?" Esther asked as she stared forward.

"I will always be there to, Esther." She promised. "Now, I believe we have much deserved comeuppance to deliver, shall we?"

Esther nodded. "We shall." She grabbed Atchibee, ready for the thrill of battle.

Shawn held up Verias with a smile. "Okay Verias, looks like we got into another one. You ready to show them what we're made of?"

"Like that's a question." He chimed, closing. "Let's do this."

"This is it, Jelly-welly. You wanna show them the big strong jellyfish you are?"

Jelldon closed instantly. "Let me at them." He growled, red static crackling.

Maggie eagerly nodded. "That's my boy."

"Suppose I'll be needing you once more, Atmos." Jase said. "Shall we partake?"

"Yes, Jase. Always."

Shuji smirked. "Well old buddy, guess we better step it up then. Let's rock."

"You don't have to tell me twice. Ready, pal."

Rogue Zero and the group had a long standoff. A cold, shrilling breeze brushed between them all as their attires shifted, yet their eyes remained locked on one another, daring for the first move to be made.

Cesar: 100% Jase: 100%

Ariella: 100% Maggie: 100%

Xander: 100% Esther: 100%

Hendrix: 100% Shawn: 100%

Killian: 100% Shuji: 100%

Upon first impulse, Xander was the one to pull out a Gate Card. "Okay then, Gate Card set!" He flung out the Gate Card, making it fade in a red shockwave across the ground. "Okay, you want all our wraths, well here it is! Rogue Zero, go!"

"Bakugan…brawl!" All at once, Rogue Zero fired their Bakugan together on the battlefield. "Bakugan, stand-!"

"Go, Pyrus Hyper Dragonoid!" The inferno vortex dissipated, revealing Hyper Dragonoid flexing and exerting a mighty roar.

"Go now, Aquos Clawcer!" Pinching his claw, Clawcer scowled as he arose for battle.

"Rise, Subterra Rafflesian!" Rafflesian lifted himself, exerting a snarl.

"Haos Freezer!" Tentacles shifted, revealing Freezer as he growled.

"Fly high, Ventus Moskeeto!" In a sharp turbulence, Moskeeto arose to take battle.

"This is it, everyone work together!" Esther yelled. "This is all or nothing!"

"Bakugan, brawl!" All at once, they also threw in their Bakugan. "Bakugan, stand!"

"Let's do this, Haos Verias!" A staff twirled, revealing Verias as he positioned to attack.

"Go, Subterra Fly Beetle!" A horn arose, revealing Fly Beetle.

"Do your best, Pyrus Jelldon!" Red electricity crackled as Jelldon shot up for battle.

"Rise, Ventus Atmos!" In a green wind, Atmos flexed his long winds, cawing.

"Come forth, Darkus Atchibee!" In a purple light, Atchibee uncrossed her blades, howling to the world.

All 10 Bakugan on the battlefield snarled and roared at one another. They were ready.

Verias: 450/Fly Beetle: 450/Jelldon: 450/Atmos: 450/Atchibee: 450 = 2250

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 450 = 2300

Killian made a break before everyone else did and readied an ability. 'We have to take the lead early. It's our only shot!' "Ability, activate! Aero Slim!" Moskeeto ascended high above everyone and hissed, expelling green energy shards that rained down on everyone on the opposing enemy side.

Verias: 450 (-100) = 350/Fly Beetle: 450 (-100) = 350/Jelldon: 450 (-100) = 350/Atmos: 450 (-100) = 350/Atchibee: 450 (-100) = 350 = 1750

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Moskeeto: 450 (+200) = 650/Clawcer: 450 = 2500

The energy shard closed in, but no one seemed worried. Esther was the one who pulled out an ability to counter next. "Ability, activate! Scan Blaze!" Atchibee's eyes glowed red, dispelling the energy shards falling from the sky, as well as boost her power level to 650.

Verias: 350 (+100) = 450/Fly Beetle: 350 (+100) = 450/Jelldon: 350 (+100) = 450/Atmos: 350 (+100) = 450/Atchibee: 350 (+100 +200) = 650 = 2450

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Moskeeto: 650 (-200) = 450/Clawcer: 450 = 2300

"Ha, like that petty will defense will be nearly enough to take us down." Xander swiped his arm. "Go! Hyper Dragonoid!"

"With pleasure!" Hyper Dragonoid spread his wings, taking flight into the skies.

"Ability, activate! Ruby Wonder!" Hyper Dragonoid crossed his arms in the air and flexed, summoning red jewels that shot down at Atchibee.

Maggie was next. "I don't think so! Ability, activate! Jolt Eraser!" Jelldon exerted a large discharge around him, exerting a loud cry as red lightning shot skywards, vaporizing the shards and electrocuting Hyper Dragonoid. 200 Gs was transferred, putting Hyper Dragonoid at 300 and Jelldon at 650.

"Thanks you, Maggie." Esther thanked.

Maggie smiled and gave a thumbs up. "Hey, us girls gotta stick up for one another."

"Heh, please. You want girlpower? I'll show you." Ariella showed two abilities. "Double ability, activate! Shield Crush Delta, plus Aquos Cyclowave!" Clawcer's red eyes flashed before the mouthpiece unlocked, revealing the grotesque maw gathering blue energy. The energy charged, firing a blue beam across the ground alongside a blue crescent trail heading for the enemy Bakugan.

Jase prodded his glasses again. "Maggie, I believe this is where you shine once more."

Maggie frowned as she demonstrated another ability. "No problem! Jelldon, ability activate! Morphed Deflect!" Jelldon got in front of everyone again as he allowed the blue attacks to hit him. Instead of cause damage, his gelatinous mass rippled, bouncing both attacks elsewhere across the battlefield. Clawcer and everyone else behind covered up as the blue rays and cutting attack made an explosion to swallow them up.

Verias: 450/Fly Beetle: 450/Jelldon: 650/Atmos: 450/Atchibee: 650 = 2650

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450 (-300) = 150/Hyper Dragonoid: 300/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 450 (+400) = 850 = 2200

"Now that's cover fire." Shawn chimed. "We should get going, now!"

"You read my mind!" Shuji yelled. "Fly Beetle, double ability, activate! Diagonal Relation of Subterra and Aquos, and Fly Arrow!" Fly Beetle hollered as he aimed inside the dust cloud, sensing Clawcer's power. His body ignited in a bright orange aura as he also generated light brown energy in the tusks. They fired clean through, tearing into the dust cloud and into Clawcer.

"What the-?!" Before he realized it, he was swallowed in a powerful beam, making him scream as he fell on his back. His power dropped to 750, while Fly Beetle's arose to 950.

"Wake up!" Ariella snapped.

"Heh, how's that for cover fire?" Shuji scoffed.

Clawcer smashed onto his back. Almost immediately Hyper Dragonoid landed in front. "Great. Now it's my turn to play again." He sneered, with Freezer and Rafflesian agreeing besides him.

Cesar eloquently held a card. "Then perhaps it is our turn to handle the spotlight, Freezer. "Ability, activate! Haos Force!" Freezer unleashed a yellow beam, putting him at 750.

"Rafflesian, ability activate! Ground Force!" Rafflesian's power exerted across the ground, sending fissure waves at his opponents as his power jumped back to 450.

Xander was last as he pulled out an ability. "Ability, activate! Pyrus Volting!" Hyper Dragonoid exerted a pressurized blast of fire from his maw, shooting it across the ground besides the yellow beam and fissure. His power shot up to 600.

Verias: 450/Fly Beetle: 950/Jelldon: 650/Atmos: 450/Atchibee: 650 = 3150

Freezer: 450 (+300) = 750/Rafflesian: 150 (+300) = 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 300 (+300) = 600/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 750 = 3000

Jase frowned as he stepped forward, showing an ability. "Shall I be of assistance this time around?"

"All the more merrier! Let's do this!" Shawn beside Jase in this double ability activation.

"Ability, activate!" Both yelled in unison. "Diagonal Relation of Haos and Ventus!" At the same time, both Bakugan's bodies began to glow, yellow and green mixing to create an empowering surge, driving both their power levels to an equal 750.

Jase prodded his glasses. "Now then, ability, activate! Cyclone Brave!" Atmos cawed as he summoned whirlwinds around him. He bolted across the battlefield like a barricade, his strong cyclone following behind making a wall of wind that stopped all three attacks in their tracks.

Verias: 750/Fly Beetle: 950/Jelldon: 650/Atmos: 750 (+300) = 1050/Atchibee: 650 = 4050

Freezer: 750/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 600/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 750 = 3000

Hendrix grunted.

"This is starting to get annoying. I say we start playing like big kids." Ariella glanced to the side. "Killian, care to prove my point with me?"

Killian shrugged. "With pleasure. Ability, activate! Max Sonic!" Moskeeto unleashed a powerful cry as his humming wings vibrated alarmingly at a fast rate. He cried out as a green funnel of supersonic energy raced towards Jelldon, swallowing him up. This brought Moskeeto to 750, and Jelldon down to 350.

Ariella chuckled. "Now for the clencher! Clawcer, Aquos Cyclowave!" Clawcer shot up once more, expelling a violent blue beam that shot into the funnel, racing across the soundwaves into Jelldon. Ariella chuckled. 'This'll be fun.'

Without much of a turn, Maggie swiped her arm. "Ability, activate! Gel Shield!"

The blue beam shot into something, creating a volatile explosion that echoed throughout the airspace. When the frequency waves diminished, they revealed Jelldon, who was surrounded by a red liquidy shield around his body, showing minimal damage received. "That tickles." He giggled.

Ariella grunted. "He nullified our abilities."

"That's right, and now you'll about to feel the sting! Ability, activate! Pyrus Volting!"

Jelldon took in a deep breath before he launched his own deep pressurized fired across the battlefield, this one hitting Hyper Dragonoid. The impact was so strong that it made him recoil. "GAH!" he grunted. "You're gonna pay for that one!"

Verias: 750/Fly Beetle: 950/Jelldon: 650 (+300) = 950/Atmos: 1050/ Atchibee: 650 = 4350

Freezer: 750/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 600/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 750 = 3000

Cesar grunted as he held up another ability of his own with a smirk. "Looks to me this is a job made for me, so sit tight, kiddies. Ability, activate! Dark World!"

Freezer's eyes glowed as he started to summon a dark distortion around everyone. Dark hues turned to pressure around them as day turned to night. "What's happening?" Fly Beetle questioned as everyone was feeling a weight pull them down. They grunted as they found it hard to move around freely.

Verias: 750 (-200) = 550/Fly Beetle: 950 (-200) = 750/Jelldon: 950 (-100) = 850/Atmos: 1050 (-200) = 850/Atchibee: 650 (-200) = 450 = 3450

Freezer: 750 (+100) = 850/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 600/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 750 = 3100

"Hang in there!" Shuji called out.

"It's pointless!" Cesar flamboyantly announced. "You shall never break the cold prison that you no less deserve, just as we have suffered having to deal with the likes of you, fiends!"

"What is he on about?" Maggie turned towards Esther, but had no answer.

Cesar huffed as he prodded his glasses. "You humans can't begin to understand the atrocities that you've made. We of Rogue Zero strived to make certain that our Lord Riaan's dreams came to pass. But because of your influence, you and your tainted culture did no less harm than what a disease can do! It's disgusting! That's why we intend to make it our personal gal to wipe you off the map for sure this time!"

"Savor whatever breaths you may have, baby Brawlers. Because now we're playing for keeps." Ariella mocked as she pulled up an ability. "Watch and learn. Ability, activate! Crustacean-X!" A bright purple core enveloped Clawcer as he began growling low. A dark blue aura enveloped his body, soon exploding into a shockwave of intense energy ripples that hammered the void everyone was in.

Everyone inside the pulse waves grunted and screamed as pressure built up, leaving them all vulnerable.

Verias: 550 (-100) = 450/Fly Beetle: 750 (-300) = 450/Jelldon: 850 (-400) = 450/Atmos: 850 (-400) = 450/Atchibee: 450 = 2250

Freezer: 850/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 600/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 750 (+400) = 1150 = 3500

The earthquakes rummaged beneath the ground of everyone, causing them all to cover up. "G-guys! Hang on!" Shawn shouted through the turbulence.

"Excellent." Ariella turned towards Hendrix. "Hendrix, I believe this is your time to shine."

"So be it." Hendrix pulled up his own ability, which began to ignite in a powerful bright light. "Ability, activate! Chaos Booster-X!" This time it was Rafflesian who held the bright purple core in his body. He emitted a powerful roar as a dark aura surrounded his body as his own power drastically climbed, reaching towards 950.

"This looks bad." Shawn said low. Beside him, everyone else grunted.

"Now…" He reached his arm out, giving the signal. "Finish this!"

Rafflesian unleashed a shrilled cry as he plunged all his roots into the ground. Shockwaves seethed into the landscape as two fissures traveled across the earth, combining into one that pulsed into the dark hemisphere. The results was a massive rupture that exploded dust and rock that shook the landscape around everyone.

Xander watched the scene, a proud smirk on his face. "Well…that was sure entertaining."

A pair of frowning lips could be seen. "Don't be too sure."

"Huh?!"

Hyper Dragonoid and the other Bakugan looked around. Much to their own surprise, they were struck down again by a powerful dark maelstrom from the dissipating dust. It was so powerful that it actually had air currents coming from its base. As everyone was swallowed in its wake, the dust blew away to reveal Atmos and Atchibee, both flapping their wings in use of Night Wave and Typhoon Chase.

"Are you kidding me?" Killian yelled impatiently.

Inside the winds, Jelldon hollered for battle. "Let's see how they act in a little thunderstorm. Ability, activate!" Maggie called out. "Shockwave!" Jelldon's tentacles all glimmered with electricity before they slammed down on the ground, sending an omnidirectional wave at the enemies ahead.

Making a quick-ditch move, Killian moved to the front. "Ability, activate! Clear Compound!"

Moskeeto shifted to the front to make his lenses shine a bright green. They emitted powerful energy waves that dispelled the crackling electricity. However, Verias appeared in front, startling the insect. 'That was a distraction?!' Killian looked over, seeing Shawn ready with an ability.

"Okay, ability, activate! Prime Mistral!"

Verias exerted a menacing bellow as he swung his glowing cosmic staff around, driving it down on Moskeeto's head. The impact was so fruitful that it grounded the Bakugan almost instantly with thunderous magnitudes.

Verias: 450 (+300) = 750/Fly Beetle: 450/Jelldon: 450/Atmos: 550/Atchibee: 450 = 2650

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Moskeeto: 650 (-200) = 450/Clawcer: 450 = 2300

"That's gotta hurt." Maggie flinched.

Verias looked up from hitting Moskeeto, meeting eyes with Hyper Dragonoid. "But not as much as this!" he barked.

"Ability, activate! Interlock Dragon!" Hyper Dragonoid expelled a powerful fireball from his maw at Verias, closing in at an alarming rate.

"Ability, activate! Exo-Shield!" Shuji shouted. Coming from out of the blue, Fly Beetle moved in front of Verias, his body hardening to create a shield that took the boisterous flames. They dissipated, leaving him unscathed.

"Are you okay?" Fly Beetle asked Verias.

Verias nodded. "Yeah, I am. Thanks for the save buddy."

"Don't mention it. I got your back."

"Sorry, but we can't afford to lose ourselves." Esther said. "We've come this far to bring to all down, and that's exactly what we intend to do."

Maggie nodded. "That's right! You won't beat us again, Rogue Zero! That is a promise!"

Xander smirked. "Big words coming from such a small mouth…let's see how far that tough talk really gets ya, wouldn't you say?" He threw a projectile skywards, being Metalfencer. "Come, Mechanical Bakugan Trap! Pyrus Metalfencer!" The creature arose to battle, hissing at everyone. "Now, Metalfencer! Battle Unit Mode!"

Metalfencer's eyes all flashed before it started docking into Hyper Dragonoid. The Bakugan fused, creating a massive mechanical suit for Hyper Dragonoid as they combined, making a power level of 900.

Xander began uproariously laughing. "Guess it's your lucky day, squirt. You and Jelldon are the ones about to feel the sting of my power. Let's end this now!"

Jelldon looked back towards Maggie, you confidently nodded at him. In return, he nodded. 'He's right, it is time we end this…for good!'

"Ability, activate! Red Valkyrie!"

Hyper Dragonoid unleashed a loud cry as he aimed the guns at Jelldon, his power shooting up to 1300. "You really wanna play big hero, ya big softie? We can do that! HRAH!" He fired orange lasers, shooting relentlessly at the fellow Pyrus Bakugan.

"Let's go! MAGGIE!"

"Yeah!" Maggie readied her own ability to counter. "Ability, activate! Gel Max!"

Jelldon's entire upper half, including the tentacles, were all turning transparent to show red hot plasma inside. He used his back tentacles to push forward, jutting into the lasers. He punched viciously into the first beam, then the second, until he started unleashing endless volleys of high-speed jabs against the assault, deflecting each shot elsewhere.

Hyper Dragonoid: 700/Metalfencer: 600 (-300) = 300 = 1000 Jelldon: 450 (+300) = 750

The shots were going everywhere, and everyone was fending for themselves the best they could. Shuji grunted as he shielded himself. "Man…so fast!"

"Yeah!" Shawn flinched when a puff of wind almost grazed him. "This is getting crazy!"

"Heh, you think that'll save you?!" Hyper Dragonoid scoffed, continuing the output.

"I won't be needing saving!" Jelldon bravely declared. His eyes crackled with electricity as he growled low, pushing deeper until he was driving enough super-fast punches to where he was outspeeding the lasers Hyper Dragonoid was dishing out. The Bakugan was backpedaling, while Jelldon advanced. "If you really think that you can handle us right now…then we'll have to go beyond what you're capable of and force you off our planet!" He increased the barrages he was unleashing, overpowering the lasers and getting a numbing jab into Hyper Dragonoid. Another one. And then another one, until finally the last few jabs struck his abdomen, making the Bakugan go in midair with a gag. With him suspended, Jelldon held back no punches as he was punching like a machine gun bullet firing, as fast as Preyas would be into a helpless Hyper Dragonoid wailing from the impacts dealt.

"Yeah, now that's power Jelldon!" Maggie encouraged. "Go!"

Xander's teeth gritted in frustration. "You've gotta be kidding me!" he turned to Killian. "Killian, back me up here!"

"Uh, r-right!" Killian readied an ability as Moskeeto stirred back up. "Stay with me buddy, just a little further. Ability, activate! Infestation-X!" A bright purple core manifested around the Bakugan before he glared. Small green insectoid comets eroded from his body, progressing outwards towards Jelldon.

"Ability, activate! Ventus Comet!"

Atmos cried out as he soared through the air with a flaming green arrow forming from his shape. He dove into the attack, spiraling and igniting the comets on fire as he closed in on Moskeeto. Moskeeto was helpless when he was hit hard, sent spiraling through the air while Atmos arched back into the sky with his power level shooting up to 850.

"Damnit…!" Killian growled.

"HRAH!" Jelldon exerted one final punch, plunging Hyper Dragonoid into the ground and trail in a dust cloud far enough until he bounced out in recoil. Xander mentally cursed in growing frustration.

Hyper Dragonoid got up, but he was coughing bad. "That little jellyfish…! Xander, give it to me!"

Xander smirked. "With pleasure. Good doctor, care to aid me?"

Cesar chuckled. "Why, Xander. I thought you'd never ask. I'm touched." He facetiously said.

Together, both pulled out forbidden abilities. "Ability, activate-!"

"Octo-X!" Yellow plasma began to crackle from the top of Freezer's head. The Bakugan growled as every glass part of his body was expelling tremendous yellow static and plasma surging through every corner.

"Dragonoia-X!" Similarly, Hyper Dragonoid roared as he was enveloped in a draconic aura. His body shuddered violently as a flaming orange aura surrounded him with his inner fury bubbling.

Verias: 750/Fly Beetle: 450/Jelldon: 750/Atmos: 850/Atchibee: 450 = 3250

Freezer: 450 (x3) = 1350/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (+800) = 1500/Metalfencer: 300 = 1800/ Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 450 = 4500

"Now they don't have a chance against us." Ariella smugly chastised. "Now then, shall we?"

"Absolutely-!" Xander reached down towards the battlefield. "Gate Card, open! Land Pressure!" The card opened up beneath, revealing a glow that intensified gravity around the enemy Bakugan, causing them to lose mobility.

"He blindsided us!" Atchibee gasped.

"Gnnngh, hard to…move." Verias grunted.

Verias: 750 (-200) = 550/Fly Beetle: 450 (-200) = 250/Jelldon: 750 (-200) = 550/Atmos: 850 (-200) = 650/Atchibee: 450 (-200) = 250 = 2250

Freezer: 1350/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 1500/Metalfencer: 300 = 1800/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 450 = 4500

"That's showing 'em." Clawcer said.

"Now it is our turn to attack." Rafflesian advised.

Shuji grunted. He looked at everyone as he held up another ability. They all nodded in agreement, allowing him to do it.

"Finish them, now!" Xander ordered. On command, Hyper Dragonoid roared, expelling the aura in the shape of a draconic shockwave that traveled across the ground towards his prey. As the shockwave closed in, he was unaware of Fly Beetle, whose eyes lit.

"Heh…ability, activate!" Shuji shouted. "Horn Mass Shower!"

Fly Beetle's horn began generating a powerful, solid mass that was expanding into a hemisphere of raw gravity and pressure built in a center. He raised his head high, sending the sphere skywards. It went high until it reached a strong enough height until it came crashing down. Just as the shockwave reached them, the brown mass crashed down on the Gate Card, erupting like a meteor crash that shook the entire landscape. Everything was blown away as brown shards flew everywhere, striking all the opposing Bakugan as they cried out in pain.

Verias: 550 (+200) = 750/Fly Beetle: 250 (+200 +300) = 750/Jelldon: 550 (+200) = 750/Atmos: 650 (+200) = 850/Atchibee: 250 (+200) = 450 = 3550

Freezer: 1350 (-300) = 1050/Rafflesian: 450 (-300) = 150/Hyper Dragonoid: 1500/Metalfencer: 300 (-300) = 0 = 1500/Moskeeto: 450 (-300) = 150/Clawcer: 450 (-300) = 150 = 2700

The explosive meteors kept coming down, hampering everyone as they all cried out in anguish. Through all this riot they were enduring, they were all unaware of a bright light through the dust. Behind it, a pair of eyes glowed bright purple.

"Esther, now!" Shawn yelled.

"Right, ability activate! Darkus Slave!" Atchibee screeched out as dark volley projectiles shot through the dusted airspace, attacking Freezer square in the face and immobilizing him. The Bakugan screeched in pain as his plasma body was dissipating, his power simmering further into 650.

"Now is the time!" Jase encouraged. "Atmos!" Overhead, Atmos cawed loudly.

"Verias!" Shawn yelled.

The two Bakugan yelled out as they joined forces. Verias jumped onto Atmos' back, his light footing providing extra relief for the falcon as he circled around, diving at the enemy forces full speed.

"Ability, activate! Valkyrie Green!" Atmos began surrounding himself in green flames.

"Ability, activate! Haos Sheria!" Verias also surrounded himself in a bright light.

In the center, heading at the enemies, a shining green flame arrow soared across the sky, with a power of 4550. With the enemies having dropped to 2300, they were left speechless as the arrow shot at Mach speeds, leaving Rogue Zero in utter shock as they were swallowed in wind and light fused together. They screamed out in violent agony as they and their Bakugan were blown away, even Hyper Dragonoid as he lost his strength.

They all reverted to ball form, leaving Rogue Zero to realize that the major divide in points brought their gauges down bad.

Cesar: 10%

Ariella: 10%

Xander: 10%

Hendrix: 10%

Killian: 10%

Atmos and Verias lowered to the ground, with the group reverting to their ball forms as well.

"Yeah! That's how it's done" Maggie shouted. "Wait a go, guys!"

Esther nodded. "Yes, well done."

Shuji smirked. "That was a blast."

"Yes, it most certainly was." Jase facetiously chimed.

Rogue Zero picked up all their Bakugan, utter shock still on their faces. "I don't get it. How did they overpower us so easily?" Xander growled.

Cesar grunted as he prodded his glasses in shame. "This isn't what I had in mind for our little hunting spree."

Ariella scoffed. "Suck it up you big babies. We're not out of this yet." She held up Clawcer. "I do not intend on losing again, so I suggest you man up, and ready for the next round."

Jase held up a Gate Card. "Then by all means, allow me to start off this round. Gate Card, set!" He threw the Gate Card out, making it fade into a green shockwave across the ground.

"Bakugan, brawl!" They all threw out their Bakugan once more, all of them unleashing roars to the world.

Verias: 450/Fly Beetle: 450/Jelldon: 450/Atmos: 450/Atchibee: 450 = 2250

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 500/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 450 = 2300

Cesar was the first to act upon impulse. "Sorry Jase, but this is too good. Ability, activate! Cool Breath!" Freezer exhausted a long, deep mist from his body. It eroded towards the enemy Bakugan in hopes of freezing them over.

"Not so fast there!" Shawn shouted. "Ability, activate! Caroline Protector!" Verias got in front of everyone and raised his staff high. He summoned a wall of light that protected everyone, making the deep freeze affect the ground around them instead of themselves.

"You're up, Shuji!" Shawn encouraged.

Without hesitation, Shuji created an ability using his Bakumeter. "Got it. Ability activate, Ballistic Wave!" He raised his head high, creating a bright orange energy field. He slammed hard on the ground, causing shrapnel fragments of the ice to get picked up in a shockwave of orange that spread towards Rogue Zero. As Fly Beetle's power level bumped up to 850, the shockwave struck the enemies, causing them to deter.

"Ability activate, Shooting Lance!" Jase followed. High above, Atmos flexed his wings as he generated green beams with dark green circles in them that he shot down onto Clawcer, bringing his power down to 50.

Gritting her teeth, Ariella signaled an ability. "Ability, activate! Carapace Shield!" Clawcer raised his claw, creating a transparent blue shield that spliced Atmos' downward attack.

Ariella mockingly laughed. "You really think that display will really bring down Clawcer's shield.

"No…" Jelldon wiggled forward. "But this will!"

Maggie threw in an ability. "Ability, activate! Shock Nova!" Jelldon grunted as all his spots were glowing in a magma-like fusion. His entire body had a transparent glow to it as he unleashed a powerful cry, exerting as much strength possible as an omnidirectional heat wave mixed with lightning spread and struck Clawcer. The heat and lightning fried the shield, as well as made Rogue Zero's Bakugan cover up as they screamed in riling agony.

Verias: 450/Fly Beetle: 850/Jelldon: 450/Atmos: 350/Atchibee: 450 = 2550

Freezer: 450 (-400) = 50/Rafflesian: 450 (-400) = 50/Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (-400) = 100/Moskeeto: 450 (-400) = 50/Clawcer: 550 (-400) =150= 400

Shawn whistled. "Damn. Now that's really intense."

Hendrix grunted as he kept one eye open through the voltage going around. "This kid…she's gotten much stronger…" He remembered the last time he fought her. Even then she had a lot of power, but it was barely enough to keep herself alive. Now it was the opposite. He was on the receiving end of her fury.

Xander gritted his teeth. "You want heat? We'll show you heat! Ability, activate! Interlock Dragon!" Hyper Dragonoid blasted an intense fireball into the center of the voltage and heat waves. When it got deep enough it vanished before exploding into a blast wave of embers that absorbed the attack, making the embers flicker and crackle.

Hyper Dragonoid laughed as his power rose to 700. "Try getting your attacks through that."

"Now it's your turn to feel shaken up." Killian inserted another ability. "Ability, activate! Frequency Shaker!" Moskeeto's eyes glowed as he hummed, summoning a loud frequency and green shockwaves that echoed down onto everyone.

The shockwaves engulfed everyone, rattling their insides. The one who took it worse was Fly Beetle, being Subterra. "Gnngh…! Not…this ability…again!" he grunted.

Verias: 450 (-200) = 250/Fly Beetle: 850 (-300) = 550/Jelldon: 450 (-200) = 250/Atmos: 350 (-200) = 150/Atchibee: 450 (-200) = 250 = 1450

Freezer: 450/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 700/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 550 = 2600

Xander smirked. "Not a bad move, Killian. This will shake things up for them."

As the Bakugan were grunting out in pain, Fly Beetle shakily got to the front. He was taking a toll, but he had to persevere. He strained as he raised his head, ready to make a counter. "Shuji…"

"Hang on there, pal! Ability, activate! Subterra Seeker!"

Fly Beetle's wing shields lifted, allowing the accents on them to become magma colored. As the soundwaves kept bouncing, they reverberated off the wing shields, echoing back towards Rogue Zero as they were all engulfed by intense soundwaves rattling their insides.

Verias: 250 (+200) = 450/Fly Beetle: 550 (+300 +100) = 950/Jelldon: 250 (+200) = 450/Atmos: 150 (+200) = 350/Atchibee: 250 (+200) = 450 = 2650

Freezer: 450 (-200) = 250/Rafflesian: 450 (-300) = 150/Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (-200) = 500/Moskeeto: 450 (-200) = 250/Clawcer: 550 (-200) = 350 = 1500

"Nice save." Verias sighed. "I was getting annoyed with all that buzzing."

Grunting, Hendrix endured the pain and pulled out another ability. "Ability, activate! Seed Flare!" Rafflesian grunted incredulously through the pain, but he persevered as he flipped open his petals. Inside, seed canals opened, firing bright beams ahead that eroded away the soundwaves. This thankfully brought Rafflesian to 650.

Xander huffed. "This isn't working. We need more ground." He turned towards Cesar. "Doctor, keep them busy."

"With pleasure." He threw a Bakugan Trap skywards. "Come, Bakugan Trap! Dynamo!" In a bright flash, Dynamo appeared next to Freezer, giving a mechanical howl. "Now, Freezer! Dynamo! Combine!"

Freezer docked into Dynamo, combining their power level once more. Together, Dynamo Freezer created 850 Gs.

"Here he comes…get ready, Verias!" Shawn looked towards Verias, who nodded in understanding.

Cesar eagerly smiled. "Now…ability, activate! Grapple Bazooka!" Dynamo Freezer aimed for Verias as he unleashed yellow energy projectiles at gunfire pace. His power drastically arose to 1450.

Verias remained stern as he waited for his foe's attack to come closer.

"Ability, activate! Bolting Primus!" Verias used his staff to defend as the projectiles started hitting him. As they did, the gem on his head began glowing brightly, humming as each bullet hitting his fur and staff began to transform into bright energy streams that converged into the gem, making it shine even brighter.

Cesar's eyes widened in disbelief. "No! What?!"

"Guess you forgot about Bolting Primus. It absorbs the opponent's ability at twice the effect." Shawn pointed forward. "Alright Verias…let's light it up!"

As Dynamo Freezer's power diminished back to 850, it was extremely weary as Verias was snarling with light gathering in the maw. His power surged from 450 all the way to 1650. Once he was all charged up, he unleashed a violent roar as a bright yellow beam of tremendous volume shot across the area, erupting Freezer and Rogue Zero in a massive show of light that erupted everywhere.

"Now that's a lightshow for ya." Maggie chimed. "Now, Jelldon! Double ability, activate! Correlation of Subterra to Pyrus, plus Fusion Ability, Plasmatic Discharge!" Jelldon's body was ignited in a bright red aura as clear red plasma charges surged through all his spots and frilly center. When he was ready, he jabbed forward, sending a pulsating blast of plasma that tore open the ground, blasting Rafflesian with great force.

Rafflesian: 650 (-300) = 350 Jelldon: 450 (+300 +300) = 1050

"Bull's eye!" Maggie shouted.

The dust dissipated, revealing Hendrix with a less than appeasing expression on his face. "Not for long…" He showed another ability, this one being a forbidden card.

Killian looked over, his eyes going wide. "Wait! Hendrix! Don't-!"

He inserted the ability anyway. He growled as his own show of annoyance was set. He was going to end this, one way or another. "Ability, activate! Mirror Force-X!"

"Oh no…"

The ability showed on Rafflesian as a bright core patterned along the enclosed petals. They restrained him as the cores over the eyes turned into reflective lenses, showcasing all the other Bakugan on the battlefield. With all the lenses filled, Rafflesian started shuddering. Veins overloaded his body as he was drawing in power from the other Bakugan. Bis body had a dark aura around it as his veins rippled beneath. He cried out in pain as the aura overtook his body, filling him with power.

"What's happening?!" Maggie gasped.

Rafflesian yelled at the top of his lungs. His power was shooting up high, continuing to climb over 3000 and still going.

Jase prodded his glasses as he stared. "The ability's gain for him must be too great. If what we recall is true, then he must gain some Gs for each Bakugan on the battlefield."

"Say what?! But there's too many already!" Maggie realized.

"I know…and that may end up killing him."

"Jase, what do you propose we do?" Esther inquired. "If the Bakugan's power is too high, it might end up…" she trailed off. She didn't want to give any grim implications to what can happen.

"I know, which is precisely why we'll bring it down! Atmos! Ability activate, Cloud Zero!" Atmos soared around until he was over the enemy Bakugan. Once within range, he cawed as he flapped his wings, expelling a green, cloud-like whirlwind that eroded into all of them. The overloading Rafflesian yelled out as he was enveloped in the cool cloud coverage, instantly brushing away the power that was making his body enflamed. He grunted low as he felt himself get drained again.

Verias: 1650/Fly Beetle: 950/Jelldon: 1050/Atmos: 350/Atchibee: 450 = 4450

Dynamo Freezer: 850 (-400) = 450/Rafflesian: 4350 (-3900) = 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 700 (-250) = 450/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 550 (-100) = 450 = 2250

"Nice save, Jase." Esther complimented. "We were able to bring all their power down enough to stable."

Xander looked over, seeing Hendrix panting and catching his breath. "Hmph, what's gotten into you all of a sudden? That was a pretty big risk you just took there." He maliciously smirked. "I actually admire that."

"How can you possibly admire overwhelming power like that?" Esther chastised. "Those are actual living beings."

"You be quiet, I'm free to think and feel to what I see fit." Xander absconded. "If I wanted to, I could do the exact same thing and prove you wrong."

"Then do it." Esther challenged.

Everyone looked to her with deep shock. "Esther?!" Maggie snapped.

Xander began mockingly laughing. "What's the matter? Finally came to your senses and want to feel what real power is like? Very well then, but be prepared, things may very well get hot in here…" Xander inserted two abilities – two forbidden abilities.

"Everyone, brace yourselves!" Esther insisted. Everyone did as told and prepared themselves.

Xander activated the first ability. "Now, ability, activate! Dragonia-X!" A bright purple glint was seen in front of Hyper Dragonoid as he was seen twitching. He craned his head high, groaning weakly as an empowering draconic aura filtered from his body, surging into the surroundings around him. He screeched out violently as his power climbed up to 1500.

"There it is again." Shawn grunted.

"Wait, it looks like it's not done." Verias realized. However, purple chords shot from the side, catching and snaring him in his own shock. "What the-?!"

Turning towards the side, the dust wave dissipated, revealing a cackling Cesar with Dynamo Freezer with laced chords around them. "HAHAHA! Did you really forget about us? That's a fatal mistake!" he pointed ahead, activating Experiment-X. "Take their power away, Freezer!"

Freezer growled as he started the transfer. Red energy filled Verias as he was crying out in pain. He was feeling all his power flash and fade away from him as he was dropping to a knee. Strapped down and struggling, the simian called out constantly as he craned his neck around, until at last their power levels were transferred, leaving Verias at 450, and Dynamo Freezer at 1650.

"Verias! Hang in there!" Shawn encouraged.

"It's too late! NOW!" Xander showed another ability. "Ability, activate! Fire Blazing-X!"

A bright purple core glinted in front of Hyper Dragonoid as he was growling low. When the chords faded, he nearly choked before suspended for a second. Suddenly the draconic aura erupted in a lava-like aura, hollering like an actual dragon as the beast cried out in pain and fury.

The heat waves were traveling around, getting towards everyone. Steams was seen coming off the Bakugan, including the allies. "What's going on?!" Atchibee asked. "Is he overloading himself on purpose?"

She and everyone looked down, shock overcoming them as Hyper Dragonoid was crying out. Beneath him, the ground was no longer earth, but due to his heated aura, it was now a melted pit of magma that was bubbling. It only had things hotter for him as his flame-coated body was turning orange.

Verias: 450 (-250) = 200/Fly Beetle: 950 (-500) = 450/Jelldon: 1050 (-550) = 500/Atmos: 350 (-200) = 150/Atchibee: 450 (-250) = 200= 1500

Dynamo Freezer: 1650/Rafflesian: 450/Hyper Dragonoid: 1500 (+1500) = 3000/Moskeeto: 450/Clawcer: 450 = 6000

"YOU'VE GOTTA BE FREAKING KIDDING ME!" Shuji squealed, looking at his Bakumeter with sheer shock. "How can someone's power rise and stay there that long?!"

"This is bad." Shawn grunted. He could already feel his body feeling like it was catching on fire.

Esther said nothing. She and Atchibee remained careful and still as they faced down Hyper Dragonoid. He looked in pain, but he was smirking.

"Huff…huff…heh, what's the matter? You shocked?" Hyper Dragonoid labored through his steaming figure. "You should be. We were trained to handle these conditions, conditions that make us a nightmare to people like you." Barely straightening up, Hyper Dragonoid looked over his shoulder. "Everyone! Unleash your power!"

Hendrix grunted. Looking ahead, Rafflesian was totally winded. Still, he had to see if he could win. "Please, bear with me, Rafflesian, just a little longer. Ability, activate! Chaos Booster-X!"

Rafflesian once again had the purple core around his body. He growled low as he tried to get back up despite that intense flash. Barely managing, he meekly whipped the ground, his aura sending a fissure gliding across the ground into Fly Beetle, picking up dirt and rock beneath him as he wailed in agony.

Rafflesian: 450 (+500) = 950 Fly Beetle: 450

"Fly Beetle!" Shuji yelled. The Bakugan roared in agony as he fumbled onto his side, groaning in distress.

"Oww…"

Ariella was next. "Ability, activate! Aquos Cyclowave!" Her Clawcer's power shot up to 850 as he opened his maw shield, sending a deep blast wave at Jelldon that struck him hard. Jelldon screamed in pain as he backfired badly on the impact.

Jase pulled up an ability. "Ability, activate! Valkyrie Green!" Atmos arched into the air away from the heat. He became cloaked in green fames of his own as he shot up like a comet, his power shooting as well towards 650.

Killian wasn't going to let him get away. "Bring him down! Ability activate, Altitude-X!" A bright purple core enveloped Moskeeto and vanished into him. He grunted before he was enveloped in a bright green glow, and tempests picked up that shot him at Atmos at an alarming rate, his own power shooting towards 950.

As Atmos was sailing high to get away, he found himself racing with Moskeeto. "What in good's name-?!"

Moskeeto cut him off, getting in front with swirling tempests around him. Atmos found himself off balance long enough for Moskeeto to get a lock on him, before he vibrated his wings to pulse the winds far out. The cyclone swallowed Atmos, keeping him immobilized as he was in a pressurized hold.

"Verias, hang in there!" Shawn insisted. Verias did just that. He grunted as he tried getting up again, using his staff to support himself as he was ready to brace battle. "Okay then…double ability, activate! Haos Sheria, plus Haos Drain!"

Verias' power drastically rose to 900. Taking a sharp breath, he gathered all the bright light around his body into the gem, shooting it in a dense, massive beam that unleashed a tremendous quake as it rushed towards Freezer. The attack swallowed the Bakugan, making a loud rupture.

"Yes! Nice shot!" Shawn looked relieved, but when he saw the smoke clear, he saw that Dynamo Freezer was growling low, looking unmoved. The Bakugan hissed in retort.

Cesar chuckled. "Is that all?"

Shawn gritted his teeth, growling.

Xander sneered as he glared at Esther. "So tell me, Esther, what is it that you were hoping to accomplish when you wanted to face us? Were you thinking we'd be that simple divided? Well…you couldn't be anymore wrong."

Esther and Atchibee didn't answer.

"I admit that you had us surprised the first couple of times we've met, but just as you've learned, so did we. We've always chose to take you on dividing and conquering. So this time, if you insist on you can beat us alone, then perhaps we should be doing the opposite, and take you down when together!" He uproariously laughed as Hyper Dragonoid's body was beginning to conjure a fire vortex around them. "So now you really think you have what it takes to beat us? By now Maximus must be having his way with Luke, so I expect nothing less from the rest of us! This was fun Esther…but now it's time we get what we came for!"

"Are you through?"

Her blunt statement made him raise a brow. "Hm?"

"I asked, are you through?" She looked up, glaring. "If you're really insisting on conquering us from the start, then you should be less boastful of your actions. Atchibee and I are more than ready, because we have people who care for us that we want to win for."

Esther's comment made Shawn's eyes widen. 'She's right. There is someone we're all fighting for right now.' In his mind, Luke was the one looking back at them with assurance. A soft smile crept on his face. 'That idiot.'

'If it wasn't for Jelldon doing his best, then my Mom wouldn't be here today.' Maggie realized, looking fixated. 'If I haven't had this adventure with him or everyone else, I wouldn't have realized how far I could've gone.'

Shuji furrowed his brow. "Hate to say it, but I ain't going down like this either. You guys really wanna break Fly Beetle's shell, well you're gonna have to try a whole lot harder!" As if on que when he spoke, the dust cleared, revealing Fly Beetle standing once more.

"You're all just speaking foolishness." Ariella chastised, swiping an arm. "You have no idea of the pain that we went through!"

"Perhaps not." Jase chastised. "But in a similar way, we too have experienced such weights on our shoulders. But unlike you, we tend to not let such drabble cloud our judgements."

"He's right! You've given us worse battles to be in than this one!" Maggie imposed, her Jelldon swiping his tentacles to brush Clawcer's attack off, much to the sender's surprise. He saw Jelldon advance, electricity crackling as he gave an energetic growl; a growl that he would never give back in the very start.

"This…can't be…" Ariella's eyes were shaking from shock.

"Heh, well believe it!" Shuji roared. "Because we're…not done yet!"

The dust dissipated from Rafflesian's attack, revealing Fly Beetle. He stood proudly, his eyes glowing bright orange briefly.

"Hnnngh. GRAH!" He attacked hard, using his horn to stab Rafflesian. Rafflesian budged backwards in pain. "GNNGH!" He jabbed again.

"Gwoh!" Rafflesian was deterred again.

Fly Beetle kept pushing, gong against all odds. He jabbed and thrust mercilessly as Rafflesian used his vines as a shield. Despite having more power, he was wearing down from Fly Beetle as the latter's assaults were making his body ignite in a bright aura.

"Fly Beetle!" Shuji gasped. He looked down, seeing Fly Beetle's power level starting to escalate. 452…458…463…It kept rising, and Shuji was at a loss. "What is he…?"

"HRAH!" With one last thrust, Fly Beetle's horn pushed back Rafflesian. The Bakugan were evenly spread apart as a dense aura surrounded Fly Beetle. As he stood still, his body was stiffening as the aura was solidifying, turning into a thick filament-like cocoon around his body.

"What's…this power?" Rafflesian gasped. His many eyes were seeing, but he wasn't believing. In place, an orange cocoon engulfed the enemy out of nowhere.

Shuji was in awe of what was happening to his partner. "Fly Beetle…" Suddenly his Bakumeter started glowing. He looked down, seeing the ability card transforming.

Similarly, the cocoon started to crack part. Pieces of it flaked off, until at last the whole thing blew open. The fragments fell to the ground, revealing a figure that took Fly Beetle's place.

This Bakugan was now a bipedal insectoid creature, very much like a beetle. His body was mostly hunched forward, with the bulky thorax being the huge hunch. The Bakugan had a larger head with leaner multi-cell red eyes. His entire body's orange coating had now turned to a bright brown coating. The sides of his head were caved in slight with dark brown with lines meeting at the base of the horn, which was now a long, curbed horn going upwards. The dark brown accents continued behind the horn, going upwards until they reached the main part of the horn, with was now something that looked like an axe with yellow edging with 4 bright orange markings at each corner and an orange diamond at the base. On top of those horns were two smaller jagged yellow horns. Fly beetle's face also had 2 small yellow horns with dark brown end, the smaller pointing away and the back one facing forward. The sides of his head also had yellow horns. He had two brown mandibles beneath massive yellow pincers with dark brown ends fit for crushing. The thorax had orange accents between two yellow spikes. The wings shields were much larger and ridged around the sides, with the dark brown accents being longer and different. Beneath those were four yellow clear wings instead of two, making his physique easier to fly. While the rest of his back was bare beneath the wings, the front had a dark brown chest area with an orange midriff pointing down, with the lower-half meeting an orange upside-down V. At the base were four yellow markings as well. He's evolved shoulder for the first set of arms with orange accents on them. His arms were still stick-like, but he's evolved yellow claws on the ends. The middle set of claws were instead jagged rims of yellow to saw into the earth, whereas the legs that were bent were sturdy but also thin.

Shuji was shocked altogether. Standing on two legs instead of six was a new Bakugan altogether. "What the…? Fly Beetle, what just happened?!"

Fly Beetle turned around, facing his partner and friend. "I'm not sure pal, but…I think that I just evolved."

"Evolved?!"

"Yeah. You can now call me…" He turned, glaring at Rafflesian. "Subterra Stag Fly Beetle."

"Stag Fly Beetle." Shuji pondered about the name for a moment before he smirked. "Right! Now we're talking!" He pulled up the ability, his Bakumeter shining brightly upon activation. "Ability, activate-!"

Brown energy started charging into the horn's diamond center. He dropped to all six legs again as the horn levered to meet Rafflesian as he charged up. Brown energy shined in the orange markings on the horn until fully charge, making brown and orange static around the blade ends.

"Giga Horn Buster!" Fly Beetle roared, unleashing a massive bright brown beam that ripped across the earth, barreling into Rafflesian.

Rafflesian: 950 (-300) = 650 Stag Fly Beetle: 600 (+300) = 900

The horn beam sped through the aura around Rafflesian's body, swallowing him in the blast wave. He cried out in pain as he was completely uprooted from the ground. He leaned back, alarming Hendrix. "Rafflesian, no!"

Rafflesian groaned. With him off balance, Stag Fly Beetle pulled his fist back and drove a hard fist into the front, sending him airborne. Rafflesian morphed into ball form and plopped to Hendrix's side, leaving him shock.

Hendrix: 0%

Fly Beetle adjusted. He looked completely in power as Shuji smirked. "I don't know what just happened…but I'm digging it."

"What the…?" Ariella shifted forward. She was bewildered with Clawcer on the defensive as he stumbled back.

Jelldon advanced, his body cackling in red static. "Maybe you bullied us before-!" he jabbed again, electrocuting Clawcer and making him recoil. "But we won't be tied down by you again!"

Maggie balled a fist. "That's right. You can push us down all you want but it won't stop us! Jelldon!"

Jelldon ceased his assault for the time being and his body stopped moving. Clawcer raised a claw in defense, but nothing happened. Jelldon started thundering as lightning exuded from every corner of his body. He crackled as his glare was as hard as stone. His green eyes dilated as the plasma inside his body was causing him to glow. The brightness was turning blinding until a red pillar of plasma swirled around Jelldon, completely covering him from the world.

Ariella uncovered. She gritted her teeth as she looked ahead wearily. Similarly, Maggie gasped as she saw a wave of plasma faded.

From inside, a plasma wall went down, revealing green eyes. "We won't fall below again…not to you." The plasma and embers faded, revealing an entirely new form of Jelldon altogether. His entire body had also completely transformed. His jelly-like body had somewhat hardened, making him look more alien than before. He head was more curved, with orange dots now filled with gel lining up the sides and forehead. His forehead had a yellow frilly length running from the base all the way towards the back. In the center below, there was a red gel-like gem. His eyes had moved for the most part. The appendages they were attached to became two noodly red eye sockets with lined yellow spots. At the ends were two large green eyes. The other four eyes moved to the main body, making two eyes on each side. His frilly midsection became longer and sharper edged, with orange accenting the centers. His four tentacles became thicker and longer, with sharper ends and having orange spots. On each side he's also evolved two new arms. These arms were a lot slimmer, but had flipper-like ends with orange gel gems in the centers, with orange frills along the edging. Beneath were an abundance of yellow tentacles that he's evolved with, which squirmed and glowed brightly with plasma. "And we'll start…right now." He declared.

Ariella was gaping in shock. She and Maggie were at a loss for what to be said as Jelldon had also undergone a drastic change. "Jelldon…"

Jelldon looked back using his two tentacle eyes. He blinked once before smiling. "Hi, Maggie!"

Maggie waved nervously. "Uh, h-hey there."

"You like my new form? I call it…" He whipped around, flexing all his tentacles as they discharged plasma. "Pyrus Glow Jelldon!"

"Glow Jelldon…" Maggie came to realization and slowly grinned wide. "Wow! So cool! Jelldon, you're so amazing!"

"Hehe…aw shocks, you're gonna make me blush. Anyways, we need to finish this, you ready?"

"Right, let's do this!" Maggie pulled out an ability. "With this, we'll stop them dead in their tracks! Ability, activate! Bolting Sun!"

Glow Jelldon snarled as all the orange parts on his body started glowing brightly, having lava-like glows inside. The two main tentacles came together as the gems shined brightly with that same color. When he was ready, he pulled his arms up and conjured a plasma fireball.

Clawcer: 850 Glow Jelldon: 650 (+500) = 1150

Ariella was stunned by the heat. "What the-?!"

"HRAH!" Jelldon hipped his arms ahead, making the fireball explode into a plasma stream that shot into Clawcer. The Bakugan screamed out in pain as he was swallowed by the electrifying flames. He stood no chance as he morphed to ball form in an instant, plopping to Ariella's feet as she gawked in utter disbelief.

Ariella: 0%

"No…"

"Yes! Nice job, Jelldon! We did it!" Maggie cheered. Along with her, Jelldon also cheered uproariously.

Cesar sneered angrily. "This is far from what I have calculated."

Freezer raised a mechanical claw to strike, only for Verias' staff to rebuff. Cesar gasped when he saw Verias actually pushing back with as much force as possible. He shoved his staff in a but, causing Dynamo Freezer to push off and adjust. He exerted a misted breath, while Verias breathed out, with his breath being hot.

"Well, guess we can't keep Luke waiting much longer, can we?" Shawn pulled out his fencer, looking as serious as could. "You ready, Verias?! Let's finish this!"

Verias nodded. "Yes, I am Shawn. I am always ready!" He lifted his head, unleashing a violent roar as a bolt shot down from the atmosphere. The atmosphere crackled with lightning as Verias' bloodcurdling roar echoed through the atmosphere.

Cesar adjusted his glasses, looking completely overwhelmed. "This can't be…!"

"The power…I can feel it…coursing through every inch of me…" Verias' light shined brighter. His roar shrilled the atmosphere as the gleams shined as brightly as a star.

Shawn looked at the light, completely in shock. "Woah…well I'll be damned…Verias."

The light started to fade away, revealing Verias. He looked completely different than what he did before. He had grown a little taller, and he has gained far more muscle mass than his past form. His structure was more gorilla-like, with a spikier outlook. His mane had grown smaller, but his head of white hair had grown long and down his back. Over his blue-green eyes was a golden crown with a purple glistening gem in the middle. The upper half had orange with two small green jewels inside; they were the bases of two enormous green leaves that were part of the grown. The crown looked around and below the ears, ending in two green jewels. Beneath his eyes were red marking with yellow accented lightning bolts inside them. His whole body sported gladiator-themed armor as a bonus to his muscle mass enhancements. The shoulders had silver pauldrons with massive yellow edging and green center jewels. His pectoral armor was yellow, with animalistic orange accents around two smaller green gems. Around the waist was a bright yellow belt, with a purple gem acting as the buckle. The elbows and knees had gold braces with green gems as shields; the elbows being much smaller. On the forearms and the thighs were brown leather straps that were secured by thinner yellow straps. He had brass knuckles on the fingers for heavy duty punching.

The Bakugan unleashed a violent battle roar, his staff reacting towards it. The staff was slightly thicker for a grip, with thick golden ends with dark purple jewels to finish the ensemble. Each end suddenly jutted out golden blades, with became axe blades with long curved ends.

"I am…Prime Verias!" He boldly declared.

Shawn looked at the sudden transformation with deep surprise. "Verias…" He saw that Verias' abilities had also changed. He looked down at the hologram on his Bakumeter and saw that it was a new ability. "So this is your new power…"

Verias nodded. "Indeed. And with it we shall finish this battle!" Verias opened his maw, expelling a violent roar that shrilled the airspace a second time.

Shawn regained focus and pulled out an ability. "Right, let's end this! Ability, activate! Bolt Cutter!"

Verias charged ahead, roaring out as the axe blade shined a golden light.

Cesar was in a full-scale panic. "GAH! N-no! Wait! I have a backup plan! Don't make me use it!"

But it was too late. As Freezer fired more bolts from his mechanical arms by Dynamo, Prime Verias closed the gap. Seconds later, a golden flash shined before everything sliced. He was seen in midair as he passed and cut clean through all the bullets, continuing his trek with a roar.

Dynamo Freezer: 1650 (-850) = 800 Prime Verias: 1050

Dynamo Freezer was unable to move as fast as Verias. Verias slashed his axe into Freezer, appearing behind the squid attached to the drone spider. He was on a knee for a moment before the axe blades returned inside the end of the staff. As Verias held his pose, static electricity surged around Dynamo Freezer until it finally had yellow gashes explode. Dynamo Freezer shrilled pained cries before he reverted to ball form, with him and Dynamo plopping in front of Cesar.

Cesar: 0%

Cesar was completely at a loss for words. He couldn't do anything. For once, he was completely wordless. He drooped his head in shame, while Shawn gave a serious expression as he sheathed his weapon.

"Sorry…but we've got our way to go as well. And you're not standing in our way." Shawn declared. Above, Verias stabbed the ground with his staff, standing tall with his head and stature higher and more dominant.

Seeing what happened to his teammates, Killian began growing unnerved. 'Oh man, this is bad. This is very bad.' He looked towards Jase, seeing his expression being unchanged behind his sunglasses. Killian grunted, choosing to continue the onslaught. "Moskeeto! Finish this!"

Moskeeto flapped his wings violently. He encased Atmos in a thicker veil of whirlwinds from above. The howling winds surged and became so thick that it was almost impossible to escape.

'Good, he's trapped.' This should make things easier with Altitude-X neutralizing the other attributes as well. Still…' He looked at Jase, seeing him still very much composed. 'Why is his face still irking me. Something's wrong here.'

Jase prodded his glasses. "You seem worried about something. Are you afraid?"

Killian immediately put on a pokerface. "Why would I be? Because my other buddies were stopped? I can still fight you know."

"Yes, I am aware, and I have no doubt in my mind that you can pull off such a task."

"And yet you're trapped."

"Perhaps we are…but-!" The light shimmered over, revealing his eyes. "Atmos and I are still in this battle. We just simply have to take that advice, and apply it." His eyes narrowed. "Isn't that right…Atmos."

Inside the maelstrom, a pair of yellow eyes flashed open. Atmos cawed, flexing his wings as the tornados around him enclosed him.

High above everyone, the drafts began changing direction. Cyclones Moskeeto generated were being vacuumed into one spot, where the winds were layering around Atmos' hemisphere. Moskeeto generated more winds, only for it to be absorbed into a cyclone of green flames starting to erupt from the hemisphere.

"What's that?" Killian awed.

Jase smirked. He didn't have to say it, instead he felt it. He knew what was happening as he looked down at Atmos' power level climbing rapidly.

The whirlwinds high above pressurized into a solid cyclone. The cyclone suddenly expanded, narrowing into a slim shot skywards above Moskeeto's space. He looked up, seeing the tornado's bright head spew something. He saw a pair of thick talons jut out, a set of wings, followed by another set. And inside the tornado, a pair of yellow eyes glowed inside a silhouette.

"You've gotta be kidding. Not him too!" Killian exasperated. "His Atmos, it's…!"

The tornado dissipated, revealing Atmos with a new change of his own. The falcon Bakugan had a completely new outlook as the flames and winds dissipated, revealing his yellow eyes now surrounded by red features that's linked above the beak. The horn on his head no longer pointed forward, instead facing backwards to a silver protrusion between a streaming yellow headpiece. The neckline now had green arrows facing downwards, similarly ones that are also on the back of the wings. All over Atmos' neck and back, there were sharp yellow accents to give him a more tribal vibe. He had yellow plumage along the back of his wings and over the green chest feathers, where there, the two beads had turned into three ovular red gems. Yellow feathers slightly layered dark green feathers before reaching the green legs. At the talons, which were sharper and far more intimidating, two yellow markings were at the base of the thumb talons. He's also evolved tailfeathers. The feathers were a long dark green feather with yellow ovular accents sandwiched between four bright green feathers with yellow tips. Atmos' wings had also evolved. He now had four wings instead of two. The wings were greater and longer, and at the joints were the blades, which unfolded into tri-bladed propellers with yellow tips. As Atmos unleashed a shrilled cry, the propellers on the wings spun, dispelling all the winds. His new power level was an extra 150 Gs added, just like the others, bringing him to 800.

'No way…did he seriously get enough power from my winds to evolve?' Moskeeto stared in shock over Atmos. With his larger wingspan he was even more intimidating than before.

Jase prodded his glasses as the diminutive winds finally reached him. "Well now, seems this as perfect time as any to introduce yourself."

High above, Atmos stopped turning the 4 propellers as they folded again. "Certainly, Jase." Atmos cleared his throat as he flapped once, sending shockwaves that threw Moskeeto for a loop in the high-sky. "I am…Ventus Gale Atmos!" he cawed loudly.

"What? Gale Atmos?" Killian repeated. He looked up, seeing the winds momentarily dissipated around them. 'This might actually be my best chance to get him! I need to take the shot now!' "Now, Moskeeto! Ability, activate! Needle Diffuse!" Moskeeto shot up at Atmos, nose pointed and ready to sting.

Atmos' propellers all unfolded, ready for battle.

"Ability activate, Vacuum Turmoil!" Jase announced. Atmos began spinning all the fans on his body like a plane. The fans all created a funnel of winds that swallowed up Moskeeto as the Bakugan came too close for comfort. The winds spun Moskeeto around, hurling him towards the ground in angst and no control.

Moskeeto: 950 (-300 -100) = 550 Gale Atmos: 800

Moskeeto went spiraling into a tailspin into the ground. Upon impact, he morphed into a green ball towards Killian's feet, leaving him dejected.

Killian: 0%

Killian sighed. "Galilea's gonna kill me for this…"

Jase stepped forward, hands behind his back as the winds blew about. "Well then, I'd wished for you the best for that…" Beside him, Atmos descended, using his propellers into instead glide down rather than flap. "But then that'd be mercy…something you weren't giving us."

Killian groaned. "Damnit karma."

Xander was wide-eyed and speechless. "No…!" He looked at Esther and Atchibee, both completely composed as they glared down their shaken adversary. Their dominating aura of darkness around them made Xander's left eye twitch, making him reach forward and give the word. "Do it now!"

Hyper Dragonoid exerted a shrilling roar, craning his head and forcing the draconic vortex at Atchibee. As the flames closed in, the moth was unfazed.

Esther calmly lifted an ability. "Don't ger desperate in the face of your enemy. Ability, activate! Scale Spicer!" Atchibee's scales started shimmering bright purple and flapped her wings, flaking off the scales. The fire vortex of immeasurable heat ringed around Atchibee, swallowing her.

Xander smirked. "We got her."

Hyper Dragonoid also looked relieved. It wasn't until he saw the flames turn vermilion is when he showed shock. "Huh?"

"What?" Xander gasped.

In front of both, the flaming tornado of fire was turning completely different. It became glossy vermilion scales, with the flames having been absorbed into the thick scales and controlled in the tempest created by Atchibee. She remained stiff and unwavering while Esther remained composed.

Hyper Dragonoid: 3000 (-2500) = 500 Atchibee: 200 (+1500) = 1700

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Xander shouted.

"Now, feel the full weight…of Darkus!" Atchibee slashed both her blades, sending tempest of the many scales at Hyper Dragonoid. The maelstrom surrounded the Bakugan as he found all his power turned on him. He was brushed around, but no matter where he turned, he found himself unable to find an opening.

"Hyper Dragonoid!" Xander reached out, only to be rebuffed by the tempests.

The dark maelstrom surrounded Esther as she remained calm. She embraced the power and the Darkus attribute, and in turn it made her all the more fearless and intimidating. "You will pay dearly for trying to harm everyone here. Your actions will befall your greed." As she spoke, Atchibee began disappearing inside the tornado of scales. All that could be seen were her bright red eyes that shimmered in the shadows.

Hyper Dragonoid could barely see through the storm of vermilion scales, but he could catch a glimpse of Atchibee's figure mending with the shadows. "What?"

Esther swiped her arm. "Atchibee, show them what lengths we can go. You can do it. I know you can."

The cyclone of scales tumultuously fluxed in and out. Atchibee shrieked violently as her figure was still unable to see seen. When a piece of the scales faded, a purple cocoon could be seen in the middle of the vermilion tornado. The massive cocoon remained undisturbed, until it started cracking apart. When at last the cyclone faded, the cocoon had also broken apart.

A pair of massive scythes were the first things seen from the cocoon, then eloquent wings. Then finally, the menacing face of a creature with red eyes that gleamed through darkness.

"Im…possible…" Xander despaired. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Atchibee had an entirely new body as well. Her slim insectoid frame had become slightly bulkier, but at the same time much thicker. Her dark purple face's shape was still largely the same, but she grew spikes on the cheeks, as well as the edges of her underjaw. Her head had also grown a forehead, with a small spike pointing forward. Around her whole neck was nothing but white fur. Her back had grown segmented black armor, with vermilion circles with dark purple fillings, leading all the way down to the midsection, where white fur covered the riff. Her upper body had grown more bulkier to support her newly massive appendages. Her claws had evolved to become thicker, larger, with black armor and vermilion rings with purple fillings as well; 4 claws in total. But what changed drastically were her scythes. The scythes had become far larger, and shaped more like sickles with gleaming purple edging. Below that, she had a black midriff. Her entire lower body had transformed into a cocoon-like base. It was primarily dark purple, with dark pink front and claw-like attachments between each segment all the way to the base, where her tail was retracted inside. The tail end sticking out had spikes, with vermilion ring and black fillings. Her butterfly-like wings had turned more moth-like, with the outer rims being dark pink. The upper wings had small green circles on the edges with purple rings around them. Inside the wings' layers, it had all turned pitch-black. Sickle-like purple streams surrounded purple rings with green fillings and red eyes. Purple dots ere on the other ends, with black holes and red dots beneath. The lower wings had the same massive green eyes, with one purple stream leading down towards a purple hole with dark red arrows, with a purple hole with a red dot at the center. Her power level had increased by 150, bringing her at 1850.

"Unreal…" Xander awed. "Did she really…evolve?"

Esther offered nothing but solace. "Let's go…Darkus Dusk Atchibee!"

Dusk Atchibee raised her head, shrilling a bloodcurdling cry as her massive scythes extended. It only served to intimidate Hyper Dragonoid.

Xander gritted his teeth angrily. He raised a balled fist. "We're not out yet! Come, Bakugan Trap! Pyrus Metalfencer!" He summoned Metalfencer, making him get on Hyper Dragonoid in Battle Unit Mode. Quickly taking action, Hyper Dragonoid faced Dusk Atchibee as she was still surrounded by residual scales.

"I'm coming for you!" He charged ahead.

"Double ability, activate! Red Valkyrie, plus Blitz Sparta!" Hyper Dragonoid aimed backwards as he cloaked in flames. Using red lasers as propulsion, he shot in a comet-like fashion at incredible speeds into Dusk Atchibee.

Hyper Dragonoid: 500 (+200 +200) = 900/Metalfencer: 400 (+200) = 600 = 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 1850

"GO DOWN!" Hyper Dragonoid cried out.

Very calmly, as if cold and unempathetic, Esther gave the word. "Atchibee."

Atchibee gave a shrilled shout as she raised her scythe. Her blade shimmered as Hyper Dragonoid bolted in, waiting for the right moment. When it came time, she slashed as she passed the blitzing Bakugan. Both Bakugan were suspended in the air for a moment and facing away from one another. When time gradually moved forward, Hyper Dragonoid shuddered before he gave in. He morphed to ball form with Metalfencer, both receding to Xander's side as he was left astonished.

Xander: 0%

Xander picked up his Bakugan, showing shock still. "How did she…"

"Xander, I really think we need to get out of here." Killian advised.

Xander shot a look at the shaken Ventus battler. He wanted to stay but something about his insides were screaming for him to get away. He looked towards Ariella and Hendrix, seeing both defeated. He saw Cesar was down, and that left him to look at the enemies. They were all with their newly evolved Bakugan, and the serious gazes they all gave him were giving him a clear message.

Having nothing, Xander grunted and turned away. "Alright then, Cesar, get us back on the ship. We're leaving…for now."

With a huff, Cesar pressed a button on his armrest, instantly teleporting them away.

"Yeah, that's right! You better run!" Shuji declared. Once the air had simmered down, he rubbed the back of his head. "Man, what a pain in the necks they are."

"Yeah, I'm with you there." Shawn turned around, looking up towards Verias with a grin. "But those pain in the necks were actually what helped our Bakugan evolve when you think about it. Take a look."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Maggie chirped. "Just look at Jelldon now. He looks like he can take on an entire army!"

Jelldon chuckled. "I sure feel like it."

Jase smiled as he put two fingers to his temple. "Well, at least something beneficial came out of this that we can use." Atmos cawed in agreement.

The battle won, Esther calmly nodded. "Yes." She turned around, looking at her evolved Atchibee. "How are you feeling, Atchibee?"

Atchibee looked towards her wings, noticing the ominous patterns on them. She looked to her new claws to see they were massively long. "I feel…empowered. It's strange. But at the same time…it's not bad."

Esther sighed. "That's good."

"Guys!" From the forest behind Esther's back, Luke and Abis Omega slithered out, surprising everyone.

"Luke." Esther turned around.

Luke jumped off Abis Omega's head and landed on the ground. He met up with everyone else and looked worried. "Are you guys okay?"

"Woah, woah there big boy. Don't look so worried. We're fine." Maggie waved off.

"You are?" he sighed. "Well, guess that's a relief…" He perked up on another note. "Wait a minute, what about Rogue Zero? Where did they…?"

"For the moment they retreated." Jase said. "It seems we have won this round today."

"Heh, we did more than win. Check it out." Shuji referred to the evolved Fly Beetle and Bakugan above them. He looked so smug that it was unsettling.

Luke looked at the evolutions with awe. "So you guys…evolved, too?" He turned around, seeing Abis once more. "Abis, it looks like everyone's evolved!"

"Yeah, I can see that." He looked at the new evolutions, almost speechless. "I almost didn't recognize them for a second."

Fly Beetle started laughing. "What, and you haven't? We can see that you've changed some there."

"Woah, Abis, is that really you?" Jelldon asked. "You look so intense. Are those fins?"

As the Bakugan were talking, everyone else below smiled at them before facing each other.

"Well I guess we walked away big this time around." Shawn said. "But after this, there's no telling what Rogue Zero might be planning."

Shuji crossed his arms. "Beats me. But maybe they found a way back home for something like that."

"That'd be the most logical assumption, implying if they didn't do short-distance teleportation in order to regroup." Jase said. "Also…there's the matter of the Battle Brawlers and their excursion."

Luke realized this and looked around. "Hey yeah, that's right. Where are they?"

Esther turned towards him. "You missed them. They've decided to head to New Vestroia, in order to save whatever Bakugan weren't affected by the negative energy."

Luke nodded. "Oh, guess that makes sense." He looked down at the ground. His mind flashed back to his training with Preyas and Amazon. 'I sure hope those guys are doing alright. I wonder how they'd react seeing Abis evolve?'

"We should probably head back to the lab. Doctor Michael's probably being checked up on by Gunz at this point." Shawn advised.

"Good idea, plus we can check up on that Dimensional Transporter to make sure it stays shut." Maggie advised.

"Then let's get moving." Esther and everyone began their trek back the way they came, with their newly evolved Bakugan in tow.

And so, with Rogue Zero evaded, Luke's group was able to score big this time around. However, for the Battle Brawlers heading to New Vestroia, a much different battle was to be unfolding…

---

Probably overdue at this point, but here we are with the new evolutions! So at long last, everyone's finally evolved. If you guys are having trouble picturing them, go check out my Bakugan folder on Deviantart, I drew them for a better reference.

I may have overextended the battle some, but in my defense this was my first all-out group battle. This was my first one, but expect maybe a couple more in the future every now and again, and I'll try and be more coordinated with them than this time around. I also needed to fill the beginning with some insight on Luka's character. I didn't do much to touch on him since the Interacia Arc, so I thought bringing about his character background here would add a little less ambiguity.

At any rate, next chapter will be the conclusion of the Alice Arc. We're gonna be shifting gears to see the Battle Brawlers and what they'll be up to with Alice on New Vestroia. I'm gonna shoot for maybe 2 weeks for an update, because I need to wrap up the other arc of my other story. So until then, review/comment what you thought and thanks for reading!