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.

40. When Darkus Falls

Everyone sat around the meeting room with little hints of anxiousness in the air they breathed. After the latest encounter with Lucia and Magnus, the gang present had to quickly regroup, but not without some repercussions issued by Ren.

The doors opened like a hole, allowing two guards to walk in to report to Ren. "So what's the word? Any sign of those intruders?" he asked the patrol officers.

One guard saluted. "Sir, our apologies, but scanners indicate that no personnel are within the borders."

Another guard stepped forward. "Physical patrols are likewise. No enemies within the perimeter."

"I see…" Ren was skeptical to say the least. He wondered if they teleported off of Gundalia, but that couldn't be the case, not while the virus Riaan sent was still spreading. He glanced over his shoulder. "Jase, what do you have so far?"

Jase moved another panel across the holographic monitor, not bothering to look back at Ren. "I'm almost done. Shouldn't be much longer. Just bear a little longer if you will."

"This is getting weird. First Rogue Zero, now these guys show up." Maggie huffed. "Just who are they?"

Shawn put a hand to his chin. "Could've sworn we've seen those guys before."

"Yeah, yeah! I think so." Shuji backlashed. "Gotta be those creeps that almost hijacked our ride back to Earth." His memory of that deathly escape still made his heart race. Those Bakugan they had were like demons in the blanketed sunset. Not a very welcoming view for the weak-minded.

Luke was sitting quietly between Esther and Shawn. He was looking down at his knee caps, trying to keep some semblance of logic around his air. "Hades Pillars…" He mumbled low to himself. It wasn't often he'd talk to himself like this, but since his recent revelations, he's been doing it more often. Another flash of Lucia and Magnus appeared in his mind, stirring his thoughts more. 'Are they working for Riaan, too? I didn't think there'd be stronger abilities like that…'

Esther, who was conserving her energy, noticed the deep look on Luke's face. She leaned off to the side, looking at him worried. "Is everything okay?"

"H-huh?" Stammering, Luke cringed after processing Esther so close. "Esther! Y-yeah, I'm good."

"But those Interacians are still on the loose." Atchibee pointed out. "It won't help knowing that they have also confidential information about this base."

"Yeah, plus they can teleport away." Abis discerned. "Never thought of the possibility, but they may end up being spying on us as we speak, right?"

Maggie shriveled up, hugging her arms with her white gloved hands. "Yuk! Seriously?! Are these guys really just stalkers or perverts!"

"I doubt that it really matters what we're wearing, Maggie." Esther nonchalantly sidenoted.

"Says you! Look at your figure!" She pointed at Esther's more than ample chest.

Getting the clue, Esther looked down at her own chest and quickly furrowed a brow. A part of her didn't see the issue too compliant with the scenario, but the modesty she had of her figure was reaching a fevered pitch. "T-that's what you're so anxious about now-?!" she squealed.

"Oh brother." Shawn facepalmed.

Alice looked at the scene with a meek chuckle of her own. While it wasn't exactly appropriate, she understood what she meant. Looking down at her size, she wasn't as big as Esther – maybe half – but she was still impressive by her own standards. Shaking her head of her insecurities, she looked despondently. 'How did I end up winding with these thoughts?' she mentally groaned. She looked at the group again, seeing Shuji laugh and Shawn meekly chuckling at Maggie explaining the meaning of feminine modesty towards Esther. While Luke was looking wary beside Esther, who was also blushing at Luke's curious behavior. A smile crossed Alice's face again, causing her to chuckle quietly.

"Well I'm glad we're all entertaining ourselves on some form of subject." Jase smirked off to the side.

"Jase!" Luke gasped, sounding surprised. His eyes widened. "Wait, is it finished?"

Jase pushed his glasses up with his index and middle fingers. "Yes, I do apologize for the wait, but I had to be certain." He moved off towards the side, giving them a full diagram of Lucia, Magnus, and their Bakugan Lumitroid and Glotronoid. "This was whom we've encountered. Lucia, and Magnus. This is what I was able to decipher on."

Everyone took a long look at the statistics Jase had made. The graphs and pie charts about power levels and energy signatures were all over the place, yet it was so coordinated that it couldn't be considered flawed. There was also small video projections in smaller screens around them and their Bakugan pictures for a much more visual aid.

"Man, that sure looks a lot." Shawn commented.

"That's all the battle data you got on them?" Maggie questioned.

"It's what we could get anyway." Jase explained. "Now then…" He pressed on Magnus' panel, showing a larger image of all his statistics and Bakugan. "I'll try and make this brief. This man appears to have brawn as well as swift action on his side. He has a rather compulsive with a mildly unpleasant smell around him if you ask me…but I digress." The panel of his Glotronoid battling expanded. "His Bakugan is a Subterra Glotronoid. With it, he is able to launch stealth and strike attacks when his enemy least expects it."

"So he's like a hit and runner type, huh?" Shawn inquired.

Shuji looked at the screen, seeing the Bakugan onscreen. "So that's the real deal, huh? Man, those power levels and abilities…" He hated to admit it, but seeing the numbers made him feel challenged.

Jase moved right along, switching to Lucia's panel. "And here we have Lucia, another member that the Brawlers and I encountered. Lucia, the Haos battler of Hades Pillars. It was given by the Battle Brawlers as a primary source, but after witnessing her abilities I have no doubts. She has the ability of foresight, in other words, see into the future."

"Wait…so then it's true?" Maggie asked. "She really is a psychic?"

"I thought it was just a defect from before, or something with forbidden abilities." Shawn recollected.

Jase cleared his throat. "We don't know the details for certain yet, but for certain, this makes her an excruciating threat. Her powers make her a strong candidate as the tactician between these two and of Riaan's forces. She was clearly able to see how an attack would be used and readied a strategy then. Her Bakugan is Haos Lumitroid." The screen showed her black and magenta-colored Lumitroid.

"So then we have Subterra and Haos." Esther said aloud.

"Are those their abilities you saw, too?" Luke looked at the digital monitors, seeing the various attacks used, including the monstrous light lens Lumitroid created that shot that light beam towards Gundalia's surface. 'What kind of power is that?'

Jase dismissed the screens and continued. "Together they make up a fraction of Hades Pillars. And from what it appears to be, they are also Rogue Zero's superiors at arms."

"Wait, so then they've been pulling the strings behind Rogue Zero?" Jelldon gasped.

"I thought Rogue Zero didn't take orders from anybody other than Riaan himself, at least that's what we figured at first." Verias commented.

"This certainly brings up a question of hierarchy, that's for sure." Esther noted.

"As we may have guessed, their Bakugan are on a completely different level compared to Rogue Zero." Jase continued. "Their abilities and Bakugan are far stronger than their own. And being Gundalian resonation, that makes them perhaps twice as powerful with their forbidden enhancements."

"They're that much stronger?" Luke blinked.

Shuji raised a brow and hummed. He was thinking to himself before something popped up. "Hey, hold up. If they're the bosses, why are they here? Shouldn't Rogue Zero be somewhere instead?"

"I'm not at liberty to make guesses. But whatever the case may have happened, we're now dealing with a new, more formidable foe at hand." Jase looked towards the diagrams, seeing the graphs and charts overflowing from the forbidden abilities used. "We'll need to be far more cautious as of now. With Hades Pillars now out in the field, our chances will be harder to predict."

Luke furrowed his brow. He didn't want to disagree with Jase but the graphs and the screens weren't lying. Everyone was seeing the threat in action, even when Hydranoid showed up it still looked like Lucia and Magnus were holding back. They may have won the round, but the battle seemed to have been nothing but a threat. And recalling what they said last time didn't help either. There was no question now that Riaan was pulling out the big guns on them, only problem was that they didn't know how to properly respond to the battle call. Should they put up their shields? Or should they stand their ground? One thing was for certain, the spots they were in were an active landmine, perhaps quite literally. No wonder everyone was on the edge of their seat.

"Jase…" Breaking the tension, Alice received the attention. "I think we need to rethink our strategy for this."

Jase nodded. "Yes, I suppose that's the best course of action."

"Now hold on a second." Ren intervened, putting a halt in their thinking.

"Ren?" Luke gasped.

The Darkus Gundalian walked in between the gathered group. "I'm sorry to say this, but the preparations are already set. It's a little too late to be calling off an attack like this."

"But our opponent can see the future." Fly Beetle interjected. "You think they know how to counter what we've got going?"

"He has a point. There's a high probability that this could backfire if we go through." Jase deduced, putting a hand to his chin. "Then again, they may have already realized we may have altered our strategy and adapted to the next advance."

"So what you're saying is, basically no matter how we see it, they'll always be one step ahead of us. Great." Shuji groaned.

Ren looked down at the ground. He did understand the logic in their words, he couldn't abide to going against the Gundalian principle that he's been keeping up ever since the Neathian war's end. "I'm sorry. I understand how you guys must be feeling."

His sentiment was catching Luke and everyone by curiosity. Nevertheless, they stayed quiet.

"I understand now what we are up against, and that there may be no best course in the situation, but…" He silently balled a fist. "As a Gundalian, it's not just my pride that's on the line. If I don't at least try to face them sooner or later, then we really are doomed…and I'd sooner end up dead than feel pity that low."

Everyone felt some sense of agreement with Ren's active strategy. Parts of them also want to attack as well, but more so for just pride alone. In fact, pride was the very lest of their concern. But they had to sympathize with what Ren was thinking. Earth and New Vestroia were dying after all, and they came all the way here to do something.

Jase turned away. It was clear he spoke his own verdict. "Very well, you may do as you see it. We were just keeping options open is all."

"I know." Ren answered, facing the other way. "Thank you guys. We'll make the attack tomorrow morning. You're free to accompany us if you'd like."

"We will. Thank you."

Ren nodded and turned towards the rest. "As for the rest of you, I suggest you keep an eye out. You're free to stay here as long as you need to. We'll need all the help we can get when Nurzak comes with the reinforcements." With that note, he left the room, turning around the corner and the hole to close.

The gang was left be again, leaving Shuji to turn and facepalm. "Great, more ally drama."

"It just never ends, does it?" Shawn sheepishly groaned.

Esther turned towards Jase. "We have until morning to make our decision. Are we going to make a verdict?"

"That's not in my place to say." He answered. "We're adaptable thinkers. Why ask me for such an opinion?"

Maggie almost floored at Jase's testimony. "Wow~! Truth much?"

Shuji broke out in another laugh.

"Good grief." Jelldon sighed.

Luke rubbed the back of his head. "I guess we got some more thinking to do after all." He exasperated a heavy sigh. "Man, just when I thought we'd actually catch a break for once."

"Us? A break?" Abis chuckled. "Now there's a paradox."

"Shut up."

---

Beneath the farther depths of Gundalia, underground life was cramped for any Bakugan that dwell here. That said, the light known as the foreign invader's territory was a black castle that was seemingly built upside down with weak magenta lights everywhere. Inside, staff and soldiers that were brought over from Interacia were at work getting their gear set up. Others who have already taken to repercussions were assigning themselves to Bakugan and downloading specific Battlegear schematics that Riaan's DNA modifier had already integrated.

As the Interacian core squad was well under maintenance, someone with a stern stride on her swaying hips made the workers all feel a shiver down their spines. The more mature and older ones remained tactful voluntarily while the younger teen-based workers were wary. Some were seen whispering towards another.

"Hey, she's coming."

"Crap. Not her."

The workers scuttled nervously turned their backs to get to – or at least fake – their jobs as their head boss was passing them. The manager was none other than Galilea, and she was on the floor upholding maintenance and keeping a watchful eye on the staff. She turned and saw a group of younger workers in one spot.

"Excuse me, what're you doing over there?" she called.

The workers, talking about activities or their agendas, found themselves alarmed. "Y-yes?!" one called.

"We're on a rush hour. C'mon, we need you up front." She pointed a thumb off to the side. "Get your Bakugan and Battlegear and report at once!"

One of the taller workers brushed his friends and nodded towards her direction. They marched passed Galilea, hurrying their paces when they felt her glare behind their shoulders. They knew she was tough and mean, but today she was beyond bearable. She was pissed, and she wasn't taking slacking off so lightly.

Galilea looked back at all the recruits for the Interacian force that was to work for Riaan. Seeing the number of people devoted was one thing, but the efficiency was another. "Honestly…" she groaned.

"Aye, how's it looking?" A voice and the sound of clanging armor came up behind Galilea as she looked over her shoulder.

"Zion." She bluntly stated. "What are you doing here?"

"Came by to see what the commotion was." Zion turned to see the multitude of people around. "I didn't think this many would be allegiant."

They both watched the workers while maintaining their own distance apart. They could see the varied amount of work being done; some reasonable, some sloppy. In a simple context, one could just say…mixed. It was a hard-pressed word, but it was the best thing that came to their minds, specifically Galilea. She wasn't that find of things being random, nor out of place for that matter. She wanted – needed – sufficiency. And at the rate things were looking that isn't living up to her vocabulary.

"How much longer until the units are trained?"

"Depending on when they get done organizing, it could be as late as the day after tomorrow."

"Milord is expecting optimal scheduling. Lady Lucia predicted an attack force with specifications."

"Right, and depending on the work force, that may happen."

Zion raised a brow. He could feel the distaste in Galilea's tone as she faced her work force. This made him intrigued as he folded his arms. "It sounds like you're not happy with the numbers you be getting around here." He said to her turned back. "Isn't this what you asked for?"

Galilea continued to watch her work force, an emotionless scowl crossing her face. "It doesn't matter how many numbers there are if they're not willing to put in the work. I asked for sufficiency, not ways to waste finances. If they're not willing to show their worth, then they'd be useless."

"Fair enough." For a brief moment, Xander appeared in his mind. He scowled. "Seems you still miss your little lapdog."

"Killian?" Galilea clarified. "He was a good worker. That's as much as I got in the end."

"That's not what Magnus said." Zion turned with a mischievous smirk, causing Galilea to feel discomforted. "You seemed rather fond of him, hmph."

"You're mistaken." Galilea paused. She tried to think of the right words to say. "It's true Killian was a valued worker, and that efficient effort he gave helped me before…but that's all he could give me in the end. He was just another hire…one who couldn't live up to his task in the end."

There was a shrilled venom in her tone that left the air around her less pleasing. Some workers hurried passed her with supplies and arms to get away.

"I believe this method applies to your weapons, do they not?"

Zion nodded. "Aye, you be right. An axe ain't worth its swing if it'd be so dull." He turned and started walking away. "His majesty has also gathered us for another meeting this evening."

"I know. I'll be there." Galilea watched the Pyrus battle warrior take to his own way, Galilea thought to her own matters. It wasn't easy being the second head of Hades Pillars; it was a miracle how Cyrus could keep Zion and the others in line with just his disposition. But being the youngest, Galilea had her own business reputation to uphold, and she didn't earn a spot amongst Hades Pillars' top executives just from idle chitchat.

She sighed and looked back towards the workers. Amongst them, she could see slack in their production, as though they didn't know how to do it. "Can't they do anything right…?" Beneath her breath, she thought back to the marketing days she had before her recruitment.

"Thanks again for taking this shift, Killian."

"No probs." Killian signed the papers that documented his added hours. He signed his name and inspected the sheet. "Is it that bad today?"

Galilea crossed her legs and sighed. "I'm afraid so. The two new hires quit, so we're short on staff for the next two weeks."

"Already?" Killian sounded surprise. "And new hires?"

"Yes, unfortunately. You've been looking for more hours, right? I can't afford to give you over 40 hours, but this way you'll get some compensation."

"I gotcha. I'll be right on it." Getting ready and stepping out of the office, Killian was halted when his name was called.

"Killian."

He turned around. "Yeah?"

In a once in a blue moon, not many people got a genuine smile from this young woman. But here, Killian bared witness to a smile forming on her beautiful face. "Thank you."

Killian's insides were starting to tremble as he looked at her lips. They had a light shade of hot pink, no doubt from the sugary lipstick she wore today. He returned the smile. "Yeah, no problem."

Looking back at it now, it only made Galilea that much bitter. It's like these people don't care that much about their lives or take commitment seriously. She could even see some younger coworkers still talking as female workers passed by. She wasn't dumb as to guess they thought she was attractive, but she never earned such admiration from others…

With a grieving sigh, she exited the area for her office, the door slamming behind her.

---

Amina let out a long, lavish sigh as she continued her stride down the hall. "Finally. About damn time we get some service around here." She complained to the two workers carrying wagons of her luxuries along, ranging from money, to jewels, to the clothing she never wore. "This nail polish is almost 3 hours old, and I wanna get a fresh coat on before supper. I am not touching anything that looks like melted and molded gold. Seriously, with these nails, those colors would clash."

Ahead, Lucia walked by and saw Amina. The two beautiful women stopped in their tracks and looked at another before Lucia spoke.

"Amina." She acknowledged flatly.

Amina raised her chin. "Lucia. I see you're just as blunt as ever." She earned nothing but a flat look. "That look suits your dress. They're both bland."

Lucia powered through the childish insult with calm. "I see that you're doing well for yourself after the meeting."

Amina tossed her wavy locks confidently. "Just a waste of time. Now if you excuse me, I have a manicure to handle." She started passed Lucia. "If I breathe anymore of the same air as you, I think I just might come down with something."

Lucia closed her eyes, allowing Amina to pass beside her. "At the very least be mindful of what our Lord Riaan asks of you. If you continue obliging, then that's enough for me."

Catching a whiff of her words, Amina stopped in her tracks. "Oh? And what made you Riaan's little messenger…?"

"It's s fact." Lucia countered.

Another ominous silence fell around Amina. "…really? Then perhaps this also a fact…" She looked over her shoulder, meeting Lucia's cold stare with her own. Her moist lips turned to one of darkness. "No one paid you to speak on their behalf. What good is free service if it isn't actually worth it?"

Lucia kept her focus stern. She wasn't going to fall for her taunts so flimsily like always. Amina usually got her way because she could pay someone. She was spoiled, and didn't apply herself. She scolded her many times in the past, but all her attempts fell on deaf ears.

Finally deciding to acquiesce, Lucia took her leave. "Do as you wish. I'm reporting to our grace."

Amina huffed. "As if I asked." She scoffed. "Oh, I know. I'll let you use one of my perfumes. At least you won't smell like expired egg." With her snicker, she moved along with the men hauling her belongings. "Keep up, and no touching my stuff with those filthy hands!"

Lucia went her way and marched towards Riaan's chambers. When she ventured inside, the guards moved and shut the doors behind her. She kneeled before him and the black, purple, and pink Bakugan on his shoulder.

"Milord, I cam come as requested." She greeted.

"Thank you for your coming, Lucia." Riaan replied. "I know we are under heavy scheduling."

"Worry not, milord. It is with my humble duty to beside you at any beckoned time you seek." She softly grinned. "As your light amongst Hades Pillars, what I see shall be what you use for your desire."

Riaan offered a grin back. "Good. Now then, I believe that you have something to tell me?"

Lucia straightened her position, looking into her lord's magenta eye. The mood had began to dense within the chamber as the Haos battler felt Riaan's stare intensify.

"Exactly, just what future did you say that you saw?"

---

Steam was rising out of the pot where broth mixed with dumplings, noodles, and various vegetables were being cooked. It looked rather delicious. The ladle continued stirring as Alice mended the cooking wear.

Off to the side, Maggie's eyes sparkled with gloss in them. "Woooow…that looks so good~." The girl moaned. "It even looks tasty…" For her sake, she had hoped it was.

"Thanks." Alice smiled, looking down at the bubbling broth instead of Maggie. "It's a recipe my grandfather and I usually make."

"Well whatever it is, I'm starving!" Shuji exclaimed.

"Yeah, I can eat a bit too." Shawn smirked.

A plate was set down at a round table. "Now everyone, enough backhanding if you'd please." The sound of Jase's chastising was light as his glasses covered his eyes. "After all, who was it again that had spent quite some hours making preparations before?"

"Jase…" Shawn nervously sweatdropped. He watched the former Colonel clear his throat as to maintain his pride. 'Yeesh, talk about cold.'

"I forgot that humans can be gluttonous." Verias commented.

"Don't say that to me, you just might tempt me to try." Fly Beetle joked.

"Oh! Maybe we could try a taste?" Jelldon inquired. Of course there was no reason to since Bakugan didn't need human food to survive, but it was still worth considering after being around them so long.

"You still smell like jelly, Jelldon." Verias pointed out. "Besides, didn't we pick that up from…eh…"

Fly Beetle looked confused. "What's wrong?"

Little did he know, Jelldon and Verias weren't looking so good. The reason they got into jelly fell into the events of afterwards, specifically Maggie's mother preparing salmon. To this day they still get nightmares.

Jelldon paled and slowly crept into his ball. "O-on second thought…m-maybe next time."

"Hehe…yeah." Verias nervously chuckled.

Fly Beetle tilted his body, a big question mark popping over his head.

"Huh?" Maggie managed to power through her hunger and was setting up silverware. "Hey, has anyone seen Esther or Luke?"

"Haven't seen them in a while." Shuji commented.

Shawn looked towards the ceiling. "Last I checked, Luke was laying in bed, saying he would catch up when dinner was ready."

"Really? That's weird. Is he getting lazy again?" Maggie chimed. "Lazy-butt."

"It's an exception we can make this one time." Jase teased. "Now then, could someone please find the napkins?"

"I got it." Shawn answered.

---

Luke and Abis were sprawled on the bed for who knows how long. They couldn't measure the time, even if they looked outside. Luke blamed himself for not bringing a watch like Jase would've probably had. He probably has a pocket watch for old-fashion sake. He would've chuckled if he cared, but right now his thoughts were occupied by another matter, one more pressing than chronology.

Inside their minds, the visage of Luka filled every pore inside their craniums. The thought of seeing Luka again filled their thoughts with nothing but growing anxiety, and to say sitting on pins and needles would be ironic considering the embrace of their bed was as warm and inviting as white churned sand on a beach. Any pleasant thoughts were dismissed at the thought of Luka's ultimate threat. He knew the next time they meet Luka and Brontes they would have to settle their differences one way or another. And from the way Luka put it, there was but one solution: The hard way. And from his experience, he knew what that meant. He wish he knew an answer towards Luka's nature, let alone his solutions. Luke knew better by now that violence only creates more violence. It wasn't a very fond thought, especially for him.

Subconsciously, he could feel his forearms and biceps tense beneath his pillow. He looked over towards the wall, his refined sword sitting there blankly. Should he really unsheathe it when the time came?

A knock at the door got his attention. "I'm here." He called.

The door slid open, revealing Esther as she walked in, much to Luke's surprise.

"Esther, hey. What's up?"

"It's nothing." She answered. "Just thought I'd check up on you."

"You didn't have to do that." Luke murmured, a low sense of irritation in his voice.

"I know. But I thought it'd be nice to see how you're doing." Her look turned serious. "You've been preoccupied and spacing out a lot. Not to mention you're silence as of late."

Luke grinned. "You really pay too much attention to me, you know that?"

Esther took her spot beside him on the bed. "I promised that I'd watch over you as long as we lived, this is just me owning up to those words…so Luke…" She leaned in, her look turning serious. "Tell me, what's bothering you?"

Luke stared down at the ground, his fixation turning morbid. He knew it was pointless to hide it, so he decided to come out and say it.

"…Luka. I know he's probably here on Gundalia, trying to stop Riaan. And I also know…he thinks we're here too." His fists balled tighter on his lap. "If we go after Riaan again, we're going to have to get through to him then. But…is violence really…the only way?"

Esther was puzzling together Luke's testimony, and so far she got the general picture. She frowned as Luke pressed on.

"I was thinking maybe there could be another way, but I was looking back at it…and maybe violence is the only way Luka might respond to a situation. I'm sure it had to do with his past and being on Interacia and all…but am I looking at this all wrong? Maybe he's trying to do good, but we are too. I just wish that we could find a better way to understand one another."

Esther turned away, seemingly disinterested. "You idiot." She murmured.

Luke perked at her low mutter.

"Did you forget already, what we talked about before coming here? You started thinking for yourself and what's best for you. You moved on from letting others decide a path for you and made one from the mistakes you've made. And if memory serves, you said something important, didn't you?"

"I want to help people Esther, even if it cost me my life. No one should live under a rock helplessly like me and Abis."

Luke and Abis' eyes widened at the recollection. 'Wait…we really did say that, didn't we?'

Esther pressed the matter further. "You spoke of what a person needs. How they shouldn't be left alone, no matter how deserving they are of it. You've changed a lot since Interacia Luke, and you used that experience and saved not just me, but Shawn, your best friend."

Luke sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Now you're just sugarcoating it."

Esther chuckled. "Maybe so…" she looked fondly at him. "But it's the truth, is it not? Luka's been alone his whole life. I'm sure he's struggling to find a better way to communicate like you did."

"I thought I was doing okay at understanding." Luke side noted.

"In a way…you and Luka, you're like the same." The testimony startled Luke. "You're like the opposite sides to the same coin. You both chose the path of justice, yet chose different ways. He chose to try and handle the problem himself; you willingly brought us along despite the burden of death. The fact that you've reached out to people that once pushed you away…" her smile softened as she looked into his eyes. "Is why I believe you can reason with Luka."

"Esther…" Luka was feeling so flustered right now, but to hear Esther talk from the heart was really touching his own. He wasn't sure if he should feel happy or shocked. After a long pause, he snickered. "…yeah, you're right. I really am an idiot, aren't I? Sorry for making you worry, Esther."

Esther nodded. "It's fine…but please…never keep things from me again."

"Alright, alright." Luke faced forward, his glare staring into the Gundalian sir. 'And I think I know now how we can settle this between us, Luka…if it ever comes to it anyway.' He turned towards Esther. "Esther, if that ever does happen, you'll be there, right?"

"Of course."

The door slid open, revealing Maggie as she tipped in. "Hey Luke, time for dinner~!" She stopped in place like a suspended doll when she saw Luke and Esther sitting together on the bed. Seeing them so close left an awkward tone as all three suddenly jerked upright. Maggie's plastered expression was a clear sign she walked in at the wrong time.

"Yes, Maggie?" Esther rushed unexpectedly with her tone.

"W-what is it?" Luke asked.

"Oh…uh…" Maggie tried to stuff her laughs, something that was giving Esther tick marks over her head. "It's nothing." She lied. "W-when you're done…we got desserts." She was containing as much laughter as possible. "Not that you guys need it."

She suddenly took an abrupt leave, the door remaining open to have her laughter and girlish giggles heard down the hall.

"I don't think I like where this is going." Luke nervously inputted.

Esther irritably sighed. "Come on, the others are waiting." She exited the room first, with Luke in tow.

The two made it to the main deck, where dinner was served. They gathered chairs and began the feast that Alice had graciously prepared. Sitting down together, they all talked and shared a few good chuckles, save for the smirking Jase of course. Alice even questioned why Jase was like that and Maggie shrugged it off, saying that's the way he is. Spices were passed, and the hodgepodge was as lively as could be between their conversations and Shuji's weight. Even the Bakugan were all conversing and having some fun as they watched gullets get filled to borderline choking.

Through it all, for once after the whole day, Alice showed a genuinely happy smile.

---

Gathered in a full circle, the six members of Hades Pillars were standing tall for Riaan, who was in the center of the circle. Accented patterns shined brightly beneath his feet as he continued feeding and using Gundalia's core for his own needs. And unlike the tranquil atmosphere far away, there was nothing but stern serious in the darkness of the room.

"Thank you all for attending this meeting." Riaan stated. "Before we begin, does anyone have any questions?"

The room was filled by a silence, indicating Riaan's answer. Cyrus smirked. "Pardon me, milord, but I speak for all of us when we are for now mute."

Amina nonchalantly raised a hand. "Can I? May I be excused for my bubble bath?"

"Real funny, Amina." Galilea groaned.

"What? I'm serious. I attended, didn't I?"

"Now, now, be patient everyone." Riaan intervened. "I understand that recent setbacks have left everyone rather divided. That's why we're presenting this method."

"So what's it gotta be?" Magnus said in a huffed tone.

"I'm glad you asked." With a snap of his fingers, Riaan made a small diagram of the base and the perimeter above. He suddenly vanished, teleporting a short distance out of the circle to allow the projection to be in his spot.

"According to the scanners from Lucia and Magnus, we have this approximate numbers at the base. These here are the Mobile Assault vehicles that they have stationed towards the south. The base is secluded, so to get a fresh shipment by day's end would take considerate time."

"I understand." Riaan said. "And this is from the reconnaissance mission I take it?"

"Precisely. And…" He trailed off as he glanced at Lucia. "It's as what Lucia predicted."

Lucia kept her back turned towards her master as she held a stoic composition in front of her colleagues.

"So that's it. It's part of her premonitions." Galilea surmised.

Amina groaned and did an eyeroll. "Ugh, must we really rely on something so tacky?"

"Lucia's predictions are never wrong. If she sees it, then it will come true. You of all people should be more mindful of that fact." She faced Riaan. "My apologies, your highness."

"It's no worries. Now then, care to explain to everyone how we shall go about for the next phase of our mission, Lucia?"

"Yes, your grace." Lucia stepped forward to stand out from her peers. "Everyone, I have prophesized as of late…" In her vision, she was seeing fires swallowing everything. Smoke was rising as arms were dripped in blood. She saw purple and red relentlessly attack, and what looked like a blue explosion that wiped away darkness. Through it all, she saw a figure coated in darkness that was being drawn towards Riaan as he swiped his cape, turning it all to black. "We will in fact bring power to our side. With the loss of our colleagues' use, we shall use this chance to win over the light's darkness…and as good measure, a show to our new hosts that we would prefer our space."

"My, vexing today, aren't we?" Cyrus mischievously teased. "Seems quite a vision you've had, Lucia."

"The mission will be a diversion." Rian explained. "One group shall divert the attention of the mass of the base, while the other retrieves Alice. Amina." He turned towards her. "I'm assigning you and Galilea the task."

"As you wish." Galilea answered. Amina, however, looked annoyed.

"Really? Milord, why me?" She looked at her peers, seeing their expectant faces. When she looked at Riaan, all he gave her was a glare. She relented. "Fine~, if it'll get me a bath sooner, I'll go play fetch." She looked across her at Lucia. "Watch and learn how a job is really done, maybe you'll learn something."

"…" Lucia offered no vocal reprimands this time. She had no place to say in the matter.

"I'll be sure to not fail you." Galilea told the Interacian supreme.

"I know." Riaan turned towards Zion. "Zion, I humbly ask for you to act as the distraction. Shall that suffice for this mission?"

Zion nodded humbly. "Aye, as you'd please, so shall I, your majesty."

Riaan's smirk blackened like night. "Good…then let us begin. By the time of new dawn, Gundalia will be crumbled."

---

Night had fallen on Gundalia, or so as the time said. It was never easy to tell which time it was since Gundalia was all around dark, but at this point they figured it was best to roll with it. The Trailer was sound asleep in its observatory mode, with the outer doors shut and everyone fast asleep…well, almost everyone. Luke and Shawn were sound asleep in their beds, as were Jase and Shuji. In Esther and Maggie's room, the latter was sleeping on her side, hugging her pillow like it was some kind of creampuff, at least that's what she was moaning in her sleep.

Esther was half-awake as she went in and out of dozing. She tried to sleep but it was out of her hands. She sat up, deciding to make use of her being awake. 'How troublesome…'

She moved out of her bed when she noticed something in the darkness. She looked over, seeing Alice's in-wall bunk empty. 'Alice?' Confused, she looked around, finding that Alice was nowhere in the bedroom. 'Did she go to use the restroom?' She walked out of her bedroom silently, keeping Atchibee silent on her shoulder. She moved along the hall, noticing Luke's room along the way.

Peering inside, she saw through a small slip in the sliding door. Luke and Shawn were fast asleep, though her attention fell on Luke as he slept on his side. He looked so peaceful when he slept, almost like a baby. It was kinda cute. A soft smile crossed her face as she watched Luke sleep for a little while before choosing to continue her directive.

Atchibee turned on her shoulder at the window. "Esther."

Esther turned towards the window, catching a glimpse of what Atchibee meant. There, on the balcony within their sight outside, they could see someone looking out at the scenery beyond the dark canyons.

'Is that…?'

Outside, Alice was admiring the view of the world with a soft grin on her face. She smiled softly at the dark crust with glowing green moss that illuminated the dark world like some cave. She never realized the foreign beauty that some of these planets could have. Vestroia was something, but to have another realm full of monsters and machinery, a new adventure to be awaiting you; this was the feeling that Alice could describe in a few ways. But right now, no words could be spoken as she was lost in her own world.

"I thought that was you." Esther spoke.

Startled by the soft voice behind, Alice turned around to see Esther walk her way. "Oh, Esther."

---

The Gundalian base was quiet as the guards continued their patrol. The Mobile Assault vehicles were still undermanaged as they were all lined up not far from the Trailer. Two guards that were stationed in the same spot were quiet, unwilling or rather too tired to make conversation. They were so out of it that they weren't able to acknowledge their surroundings.

The light sound of metal shimmering faded in and out, in and out. On some occasions, sparks were seen as something heavy was being dragged about. With it being dark, no one could make sense of the looming figure closing in on one guard's back.

A chill ran down the perimeter guard's back. When he looked back, all he saw was red and a bloody axe. "What the-?!"

FWOOSH!

The sound of cutting was followed by a large spray of blood that stained the gray ground. A thud rolled over, and the sound of metal came to a grinding end. The Gundalian slain was stained in the liquids of his own body as the battle axe lifted. The figure revealed to be Zion, who looked stoic down at the fallen prey in his shadows. With a distasteful turn, he looked back with a nod.

"Now."

Galilea and Amina stood behind, activating something on their Bakumeters. A sequence of buttons led to a small 'PING' noise. Around them, an aura enveloped their bodies. The aura faded, making them look normal. Zion reached for his Bakumeter, repeating the process that made the same aura envelop him.

With their cloaked auras on, the three enemies, gave one last look before Zion went one way, and Galilea and Amina went another.

---

Esther stood by Alice's side, looking up at the night, crusty sky. "Can't sleep either, huh?"

"Yeah, guess you can say that." Alice meekly chuckled. "I was just thinking is all."

"About what?"

"Well…" Alice paused, trying to find the direct and most appealing words. "How should I put this? It's just…everything is so different the way I imagined it would be. The experience, the people you work with, everything. I've only been so experienced with Bakugan before, but now things have changed…it's weird, but it's also scary."

Esther chuckled at the wondrous Alice. "As is the way of life I suppose." Alice continued.

"At first when I thought of going against Shun's wishes, I thought I was breaking a bond. A trust that I worked so hard to build ever since becoming Masquerade. It's like turning towards my shadow for an answer when I know I can't hear it." She gently placed a balled fist to her chest, clutching the fabric of her clothing. "But, I understand what they were doing, and you guys went your own way. This thing you guys do, you all seem so happy, even when the world's crumbling around you."

"Is that so?" Esther questioned. "That's be ironic. I wouldn't consider us laughing as the ground caves in beneath us." She looked towards Alice. "But I think I understand what you're saying."

"What I'm saying is…is spirit you guys share, this adventure you have…you're all so different, yet so alike. You're not like Dan and the others, I realize that…but I'm grateful that you're willing to accept someone like me. I thought I was being a hinderance at first. I'm sorry."

A silence fell between them. Alice was on pins and needles for a response from the cold Darkus girl, and after a while she got it.

"…you're right. We're not like the Battle Brawlers. They have their life experiences, and we have ours." She turned towards her, softly grinning. "But someone taught me that even though others may reject you, they will still be there for you. I'm sure they'll understand. You did what you know you wanted to be. You didn't let anyone stop you from the path that you chose. You chose to help people by your own accord…and that's good enough for us."

Alice smiled with the greatest sincerity. "Esther…"

Esther smiled sweetly. Feeling generous, she took a deep breath, allowing all serenity to gall out of her voice.

And there you stand,

So brave and with a guiding hand.

It was there when,

You stood and declared like a valiant man.

Alice's eyes widened as Esther continued her melody. She sounded so beautiful as her angelic tone was washing away her own shock. Instead, solitude and calm washed over.

There you laid in your sleep,

Dreaming of a future so deep.

With one eye open,

You begin to see the lives around reopen.

Inside the base, Ren was talking to Prime Minister Nurzak = about their brigade plan. They seemed very much intent to avoid anymore men and Bakugan fall, more over, Gundalia itself. And no matter what they were staking their lives on it.

It was but a yesterday,

When we were in such dark and woe.

We had but one way,

And that was to never say no.

A warm wind brushed through Esther's air. Despite how cold it was intended, this one was enough to lift spirits.

But then you opened our eyes,

With your talks of new dreams.

We search for the skies,

And there we saw the light of a new dawn.

Everyone continued sleeping soundly. Luke grinned.

The black that was but the past,

It went by so fast.

We race towards the new dawn,

Forever moving to a future so vast.

Esther finished and looked out ahead, witnessing how some of the light green on Gundalia was turning dark green. Riaan's influence was spreading greater as they spoke, but right now they weren't concerned. "We're in this together, just remember that. It took us a while to realize that."

"Esther…" Alice's surprise was calming from her gentle smile. She grinned herself, raptured by what the case was. "It has to do with Luke, doesn't it?"

Esther's shock was evident on her face. "B-beg your pardon?"

"You don't have to hide it, c'mon. I've seen how you all act and talk so freely around one another. It's clear he's made an impact on all of you. You must really admire him if he really went that far for all of you."

Esther turned away and huffed. 'Well, she's not wrong.' She grinned. "Who gave you that idea?"

"Call it a hunch." Alice winked.

Esther chuckled again. If she knew better, it had to be Maggie who spilled the beans. But right now, Esther didn't have the need to chastise. She simply went along and smiled while Alice giggled.

With their thoughts out of their systems, Esther opted to head back inside. "You well?"

Alice nodded. "Yeah-!"

They were both cut off when an earthquake started to palpitate around them. The Trailer and everyone started to rattle. Esther and Alice held onto the railing to keep from falling.

Inside, Abis immediately shot up. "What's happening?!"

Luke snapped up from his sleep, feeling the vibrations stir him relentlessly. "What the…?!"

"An earthquake?" Jase speculated.

Maggie looked over, having rudely awakened from her dreams to find Esther and Alice missing from their bunks. "Esther? Alice?" She hurriedly looked around the room as the vibrations churned. "Guys?! Jelldon!"

"Atchibee? Hydranoid~?" the jellyfish Bakugan called, but to no avail. "Maggie…?"

Inside the complex of Gundalia's base, the massive doors to Ren's quarters slid open. Ren came out with his uniform and felt the palpitations beneath his feet. "What's going on?!"

"Sir, it's another seismic disturbance!" one guard shouted.

"A massive negative energy current is coming up right beneath us!"

Ren's eyes widened. He heard more sirens go off as what heard to be blazes and explosions. On the monitors in the nearby chamber, energy signatures bloomed as visions of fire were scorching across the southern region.

"Sir! Quadrants Z-2 is under heavy fire!" a guard called. "Mobile Assault vehicles are under fire!"

"What?! But how did they get past our defenses?! Were the shields activated when they picked up on the sensors?!"

"No, sir. The sensors didn't pick up on anything at all. The guards from the outer perimeter didn't report in either."

"There's more!" A guard looked at a screen of growing magenta energy all around the southern area. It was like looking through infrared with a massive heat signature. "More enemy Bakugan are surfacing!"

Ren gritted his teeth. He could feel the negative energy rise from all around him, and he didn't know it. 'How did we get blindsided so easily?' Taking action, he swiped his arm. "All units, towards sector Z-2, now!"

…

Outside the complex, Mobile Assault vehicles were under fire, literally. Small embers and crackling electricity was cutting through the circulation and mechanical wiring, causing nerves to react and malfunction. Sparks ignited as the insides of the vehicles were caught on fire through the electrical field.

Behind the wall of flames, bodies laid on the ground, either severely wounded or bathed in their own blood. Standing in front of them, Zion's back was turned as his battle axe was positioned like a soldier keeping an eye on his sentry post. He watched as a long, black serpent with orange curved tentacles and magenta diamonds went all along the body. It gargantuan, gaping mouth was releasing fire with electricity that reduced the machines to nothing, and Zion watched with a stoic, bloodthirsty glare as he watched his enemies' enforcements melt to ruins.

…

Everyone inside the Trailer heard explosions and gunfire in the distance. They looked around, Shawn seeing a cloud of smoke in the distance. "Looks like trouble over there!" he shouted.

"What's going on out there? Another Hades Pillars attack?" Maggie worried.

"They're attacking so late after today." Jelldon noted.

Jase furrowed his brow as he glared at the flames. "I see, so that's their game, is it…?" He watched as more flames erupted. "Worry about the conditions first! We need to get any injured out first!"

"Right!" Luke shouted. "Abis, let's go!"

"I'm right behind ya, Luke!"

Shuji looked down at the sensors on his Bakumeter, picking up the large quantity of negative energy. "Better hurry fast. Looks like we got a wave heading this way."

"Then we better get moving if we know what's good for us." Fly Beetle commented.

They all rushed for the way that led towards the broiling flames and lightning. As they hurried along, Luke's eyes widened.

"Wait, where did Esther go?"

"I thought I saw her and Alice when we were darting out." Shawn stated. "They were guying gunfire away that was heading towards our path."

"We'll catch up when we have the situation afoot, right now we need to stop those flames!" Jase shouted.

Luke was hesitant, but he knew the people's lives took priority. "…okay." He picked up his pace, rushing into the fire with his sword by his side.

---

Luxtor of various attributes had Twin Destructor Battle Gear attached to their backs as they fired relentless rounds at their targets. The ground was erupting with explosions that hurried towards Atchibee and Hydranoid, but the two Darkus Bakugan were more experienced than what one could give them credit for.

"Ready?" Esther asked.

Alice nodded. "Ready."

Together, both girls held up both their arms, shouting out their Darkus attributed abilities.

"Ability activate, Chrysalis Shield!"

"Ability activate, Extreme Chaos Leap Sting!"

Atchibee hollered out like a ghastly banshee, her wings expanding to generate a purple, crystal-like wall that deflected gunfire with ease.

"Hit them now, Hydranoid!" Atchibee shouted.

"With pleasure." With all six metallic tendrils out of his wings, Hydranoid raised over the shield as counterfire. "Now you will be our mercy, Interacian scum!" Another head declared. His purple beams fired in spontaneous directions, exerting greater pressure that cut through the incoming projectiles.

One by one, the harsh lasers slices through the Twin Destructors on the Luxtor. They were all suspended for a moment before they erupted, swallowing the Luxtor with them. Their shrilled cries were burned away with their bodies.

As the smoke was clearing up, the survivors were unable to detect their opponents properly. They hissed quietly as their injured frames tried to find ground, but a scythe impeded their hopes. More Bakugan fell when another slash wave from a monstrous scythe cut them down.

Atchibee arose from the smoke cloud, looking down with a low, venomous hiss at the desolate land.

As the last wave of dust settled, two pairs of boots were heard clanging through the rocks. The two figures stood against Atchibee and Hydranoid, both Bakugan and their partners noticing new faces.

"Who's there?" Esther demanded.

The two mysterious figures stepped forward to give them a better view. They were none other than Galilea and Amina.

"Who's this?" Hydranoid asked. "Pests." Another head sniped.

Amina took a look up at Hydranoid and Atchibee, immediately disgusted by their appearances. "The color scheme ain't bad." She mocked. "But seriously, is this an audition for a horror movie?"

"Pay attention, Amina. We're here for one of them, don't forget that." Galilea reiterated.

Amina tossed her hair back. "I know, I know." She looked towards Esther and Alice. "So the orange-haired one's the one we need to get?"

"Tell us who you are!" Alice shouted from across.

"Allow us to explain." Galilea announced. "I'm sure that our associates have forewarned that anymore intrusion would be unjustified. I'm Galilea Vergo, and here we have Amina Island."

Amina, disinterested, eyerolled. "Remind me why names are important to trash?"

Esther's eyes narrowed. "So then you're also with Hades Pillars."

"Right, exactly." Galilea answered. "Now then, our lord has given you a grand opportunity, Alice Gehabich."

Alice was taken by her full name spelled. "Huh? How do you also know…?"

"Please do not insult our intellect. We have been aware this entire time. Lucia's predictions lead us towards incredulous investigations that brought us to you. You have serious potential." She paused to clear her throat. "Now then, Alice, how would you like to be of service to us? Lord Riaan has extended his needs to you."

Alice's eyes widened in surprise over the gamble. Esther showed no less surprise as well.

"If you comply with us, then the attack will be called off. It's as simple as that. So the choice is yours, being a mindful Battle Brawler, you are aware of what's at stake, do you not?"

Alice's eyes narrowed with uncertainty. She felt cheated with how her opponents had dealt their hand. Galilea and Amina glared them both down.

"Alice." Esther warned.

"I know, don't worry." The superior Darkus girl took a step forward. "And what if I refuse regardless?"

"Then it's simple." Amina's glossy lips turned into a dark smirk, one full of insidious venom as well. "Then we'll discard all of you as the trash you are and leave the scrapes to the poor, simple as that."

Esther's eyebrows furrowed. "You…"

"Alice, we promptly consider that you know the logical choice." Galilea intervened. "If you do not wish anymore bloodshed, then come with us."

Alice took one more look back at Esther to see what she would say. Suffice to say the look in her eyes said it all. This wasn't a situation where they could win, not by merely giving up. They learned from past experience with their other enemies that they aren't so keen on promises, as per a quality of humanity. Maleficence is a very ideological thing to accept, especially when that's the sad reality. But being human, common sense was also of importance. After the experience that was made during her time with Luke's team, to make tough choices and face the grave consequences regardless was the bittersweet reality of the way of life. Heaven knows Alice was a kind girl, and very smart and would do anything for her friends. But her friends are fighting right now, and she knew they'd be damned than let it end the way of surrender. This was going to be a tough pill to swallow, but even though there was an easy way out, the fact that Riaan won't stop didn't alter the course that Alice took.

Finally realizing the reality of the situation, Alice took a couple more steps forward. Beside her, Alpha Hydranoid snarled as he towered beside his partner.

"Sorry…but that's a deal that I can't condone."

Galilea raised a brow. "And why's that?"

"Because even if I did agree, there's no guarantee that this world will be safe. It's already losing color…New Vestroia…the Bakugan…and all those people…" Flashes of the chaotic Bakugan appeared in her mind with the earthquakes that buried a lot of people. Her disposition darkened. "This is for them! Get ready!"

Esther stepped beside her, silently glaring with a readied stance of her own.

Galilea frowned deeper. She seemed more annoyed then before, though it was only indicated by the cold vibe rather than the blunt face she gave. "Very well then, if that's what you decided…" She pulled up a Ventus Bakugan, while Amina held up an Aquos Bakugan. "Then it would appear you will need to be convinced. Amina…"

"Like I would take my gloves for something so filthy…but why not? It'll be amusing to see Riaan praise me instead of that blonde princess."

Hydranoid and Atchibee reverted to ball form. All four battlers had their glares fastened on one another, unwilling, unyielding, and ready to express themselves. Two perilous women against two headstrong women. Of the fours heads to be rolled, there was no telling to whom the bells shall toll. And this bell was neither silver nor miraculous. For this hour, the chime was ominous.

---

The debris kept piling as explosions and chaos ran throughout the campus. The many guards that were trying to get their weapons found themselves blocked off by gunfire by other enemy Bakugan with Twin Destructor and Zukanator attached to their backs to fit their attributes. Already some laid dead, others were running from gunfire. They were outmatched as earth churned over underneath them, sending them all doubling over.

With many Gundalian guards down, they were powerless as armed Bakugan began crawling closer. A Gren with Zukanator aimed for the actual base, readying open-fire.

"Ability activate, Horn Blitzer!"

Just as the energy cannon was about to fire, a glowing, jagged axe-like horn stabbed into the side of the canon, impaling its targeting lock and throwing Gren into a barrel-roll through the air and crashed into several other Bakugan beside it, creating an explosion that none were safe from.

"Gnnngh…" A guard moaned as his vision was blurry. But he could've sworn he saw an oversized hunched beetle. He felt a sudden jerk that snatched him away.

"Hang on, I gotcha!" Shuji the guy to support him over his shoulder.

The guard weakly turned his head. "Who are…?"

"Just shut up man, save your strength." Shuji faced forward. "Yo, Stag Fly Beetle! Let'em have it!"

"You got it, Shuji!" Fly Beetle spread his legs and got on all six appendages. He growled as electrical energy charged into the base of his gargantuan horn that aimed for the Bakugan before him.

"GIGA HORN BUSTER!"

A massive brown-orange beam raced across the ground, shaking the earth beneath with a magnitude that could make buildings shudder. The beam impaled several Twin Destructor and blasted Bakugan they were attached to, resulting in an explosion that created shockwaves throughout the landscape.

"Ability, activate! Wall Flame!" Maggie shouted.

Jelldon manifested a dome of fire with raining bar-like flames that showered down around him. The perimeter blocked off the enemy Bakugan who tried to advance, but they found themselves recoiling from the fire cage.

"We got a perimeter set! Jase, what's happening up there?!" Maggie looked up.

High above, Jase was on Gale Atmos' back. Atmos was sailing over the area, his fan-like feathers keeping him suspended as he overlooked the crossfire happening. He looked far out, seeing the range that the army carried. "We'll need to run interference along the back." He declared. "This army's advance isn't as expansive as was the previous one." He glared out, seeing the end just barely half a mile of carnage. 'Then is all this intentional?'

Nastix, Gren, Scaboid, and Ziperator with Battle Gear open fired up towards the gliding falcon. Barreling beams of various colors spiraled as they all closed in with killer force.

"Ability, activate! Vacuum Turmoil!"

Atmos aimed at the raining beams that flowed like comets in hundreds of arrays. The Bakugan created a typhoon from his propellers that circulated into a funnel. All the attacks that were aimed began spinning into the funnel and distorted into the trajectory. The winds reversed them all, showering the entirety of the army with explosive frames of elemental photons generated from the attack.

Jase and Atmos watched from the skies as the atmosphere beneath roared. As more blasts headed their way, Atmos continued making a funnel, redirecting it in a powerful light spiral back.

They kept coming, and yet as many tried, the cannons fired at Abis Omega as the evolved sea serpent held his ground. He lifted his frills, ready to make his move.

"Ability, activate!" Luke roared. "Filter Cannon!"

"Ability, activate! Jade Surge!"

Abis lurched and flexed his frills. The membranes opened wide as all the projectiles rippled into them, being absorbed. As each projectile rippled and vanished within the frills, the glossy blue energy began transcending into the diamonds on the chest. Abis opened his maw just as Verias stood beside him, both unleashing raw, powerful beams of glossy bright blue and yellow. The enemy Bakugan all shrieked as the eruptions blocked their path.

With the coast erupting from counterfire, Luke helped a guy up behind. "Just hand tight. We'll get you somewhere safe!"

"Luke, there's more people west of here!" Shawn shouted. He had another guy, this one with cracked armor and bleeding.

"…then we gotta hurry. We gotta save as many as we can!" he faced his partner. "Abis, can you keep it up?!"

The aquatic serpent exerted a loud hiss-like roar. "Yeah, we're fine!"

"I'll be backup in case we're cut off." Verias backpedaled, following Shawn and Luke. "Hold them off!"

Abis glared at the enemy Bakugan that were coming for him. Twin Destructor and Zukanator were aimed. One Fangoid was bold enough to lower its head and aim at Abis. A red projectile launched across, where Abis remained still.

"Mirror Shock!"

Abis flexed all his frills and allowed the attack to hit him. The attack's red glossy frame was churning with partial blue and shot back at Fangoid. The beam passed the Bakugan and the machine on its back, vanishing for a split second. A moment passed before the Zukanator erupted, taking down the Fangoid in the process.

Luke sat a guard by a wall along others. "Stay here. We'll cover for you." Luke looked back, seeing just in time as Verias cleaved his battle staff-turned-axe through a Ventus Longfly. The insect floored onto its back while Verias maintained a battle stance, snarling like a wild beast.

"Luke, ready?!" Shawn shouted.

"Ready!" he nodded, ready to embrace the battle. Though in the back of his mind, his worries still lied with a certain someone separated. 'Esther, you better be here somewhere…but for now, just bear with me for just a while longer…' He charged out again with Shawn into the fray of monsters, unsheathing his blade while Shawn readied his lance.

---

Ren ran around the corner, coming to a stop when he bared witness to the horror. To his shock, he was seeing disgust and putrid red. Slowly, his eyes widened as he gleamed at the multitude of bodies laying before him, bathing the gray ground in blotches of red. He couldn't make head or tails of the scenario. "What…just happened…?"

"So are you in charge of these welps?"

Ren immediately brought up his guard when he heard the sound of armor clanging. Looking ahead, he saw Zion stand several meters away. His posture, his grip on the axe hilt, it was a clear show as to who the culprit was. His fists started clutching to the point of shaking.

"You…" he started low. "Are you the one responsible for this?"

Zion had no reason to lie. "Aye, that'd be me."

"And I take it that you're also responsible for the Mobile Assault vehicles under fire…"

Zion cocked a brow. "Aye, again, that would be me." He lowered his axe. "And for the record…your weapons are best left stored where you can access them…" As he spoke, his axe's hilt shortened by the click of a button. It became nothing but the axe itself that he picked up with his gauntlet and inserted into an opening on his forearm, giving him an axe-like battle arm. He rolled his neck, making all his bones crack. "You be so blunting as to let your enemies take that very advantage. You'd be duller than a butter knife."

Shadows covered Ren's eyes as his anger started to boil over. Even so, his tone was as calm as water. "…I see…thanks for the advice. Then let me give you some advice we Gundalians have…"

He held up Linehalt in his hand, giving Zion is most angered glare possible. Ren was so angry that he transformed into his Gundalian form to show his more intimidated side.

"Those who seek trouble, shall kneel before the predator." He lowly roared.

Zion held up a black and red Bakugan in ball form. "Aye, I'll keep that in mind when I cut off your legs."

---

Overlooking the battlefield that was Ren's base, heavy fire was putting all under pressure. From the canyon cliffs, a flash of light glimmered before it faded, revealing Luka. He watched the explosions go underway, and the many Bakugan that were being held back. He watched them all scream while others were pushing.

"Damnit, we're too late!" he snarled. "They got here!"

"Look on the bright side." Brontes prodded. "It looks like we got here just in time for the fun."

Luka narrowed his eyes, choosing to ignore the commentary. In his line of sight, he could see the familiar Bakugan around him, specifically, the evolved Atmos unleashing tornadoes to stir up the flames. He saw the evolved Jelldon unleashing jabs and volleys with his tentacles to those entering the flame cage he made.

'Those Bakugan…' He noticed the gladiator ape swinging his axe. 'Don't tell me, they're…'

His attention went lastly towards the massive beetle, who was using his horn to catapult prey into the air. As he followed the falling bodies, he saw a sea serpent with a massive membrane on it. But he knew it all too well. Rather than lose focus, he shifted towards the fray.

"Brontes, c'mon!" He started jumping down each rock. Heading towards the base's fray.

---

The four ladies were interlocked in a standoff along the rocky earth. The stale air made it hard to keep still, yet no one opted to make any sudden movements. They all knew that the first move was vital, and for a battle like this, accuracy would be up upmost importance.

Galilea: 100% Esther: 100%

Amina: 100% Alice: 100%

Ultimately Galilea made the first move. "Gate Card, set!" With a quick flick, the card rushed and planted itself on the ground. A green shockwave went throughout the area and faded into the ground.

The Hades Pillars executive threw out the green Bakugan with a sharp flick. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Rise, Ventus Buz Hornix!"

The ball form opened upwards and a pair of wings vibrated on it. The sides looked like turbines moving, surprisingly as the red eyes shined. From a green light, the ground felt an intense pressure as gravity deteriorated from the slow rise of what looked like a massive insectoid Bakugan. It had the upper body structure of a hornet with multi-cell red eyes, with equally sharp wings to help it keep afloat. But its abdomen was like a gargantuan hive. It was so big that a golem could rival it. It had hexagonal patterns indented on it, and spikes along the outer rims. The entire color scheme was all black where dark green would be, and the light green was nothing but magenta. What was left along was the wings, the spikes, and the gargantuan stinger on the bottom.

Amina sighed. "Fine, let's just get out of here." She threw in a blue and red Bakugan. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Come forth, Aquos Nastix!"

Another ball form popped open, but more elongated outwards with eyes widening. The blue light arose, and the rise of an amorphous alien-like being arose from the ground. It was a black Bakugan with bright blue blotches on the body turned magenta. The red bulbs on the hunched shoulders remained unchanged as the tentacles were all pointed at their prey. The awkward slime unleashed a hollow gurgle as it was unleashed for battle.

Esther and Alice felt the ground shudder beneath them as the shockwaves of both Bakugan unleashed was creating vibrations. The air's horrid smell only worsened when the negative energy both Bakugan gave came out as literal waves distorting the atmosphere.

"Alice, do you feel that?"

"Yeah, I do. There's a massive negative energy output."

"No doubt about it now. They're Riaan's workers for certain. They're strong."

"Right, we need to be careful. They were powerful enough to overwhelm Shun and Marucho before."

Hydranoid floated right next to her. "But we're not them. Let's show them just who we are."

"Right."

Atchibee floated next to Esther. "Be careful, everyone. Let's get this over with, shall we?"

"Yes, let's." Esther seized her Bakugan.

Together, they took a step back and swiped their arms, almost in complete sync. "Bakugan, brawl!" Together the black balls shot towards the field.

"Darkus Dusk Atchibee, stand!"

"Darkus Alpha Hydranoid, stand!"

Both ball forms opened at the same time, igniting darkness across the battlefield. In a dark purple light, scary-patterned wings expanded and flapped, lifting the moth Bakugan in the air. Beside her, three heads snarled and craned around, expelling a bloodcurdling roar that distorted the air. Atchibee and Hydranoid were ready for battle.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 900

"You'll see why joining Hades Pillars is the better path for your career…" Galilea was first to come across an ability. "Ability, activate! Queen Riot!" Buz Hornix unleashed a shrilled hiss of her own as the Bakugan arose above her prey. Looking down, the hexagonal abdomen fired green energy missiles that rained down onto Atchibee and Hydranoid with deadly accuracy.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 600 (-300) = 300

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 900 (-300) = 600

"Esther, you got the defense for this one?" Alice glanced over, seeing Esther nod.

"Yes, leave it to us. Ability, activate!" She showed an ability. "Chrysalis Shield!" Atchibee manifested another purple, crystal-like wall that shielded her and Hydranoid from the downwards missiles. They exploded upon impact, but the crystal barrier remained standing.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 300 (+300 +300) = 900

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 600 (+300 +300) = 1200

Seeing the shield hold off her Bakugan's offenses, Galilea could see what was intended. "I see, so that's their intentions." She glanced at Amina. "Amina."

Again, the lavish woman smirked. "I know, I know." She held up her own ability. "Ability, activate! Gastro Soak!"

Nastix gurgled as its opened ring mouth faced the shield. The Bakugan expelled an acidic jet from its maw that made contact with the shield. As if like something out of a movie, stem sizzled off the crystal as it was melting.

"Acid." Hydranoid figured.

Everyone held a stern gaze. They knew this wasn't going to be easy.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 900 (-200) = 700

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 1200 (-200) = 1000

Amina huffed arrogantly. "Fitting. I thought trash is often put down somewhere for others to pick up and throw away themselves…but maybe I'll be nice and leave nothing for them to do. Ability activate, Acid Whirl!"

Nastix craned its head around and a spiral of acid shot out of the maw. The acidic ring traveled passed Hydranoid and Atchibee, surrounding them in a daring vortex of slim acid. Once again this ability sapped 200 Gs, bringing Atchibee to 500 while Hydranoid went down to 800.

With a sickening scowl, Amina loomed over them with glee. "Heh."

"Ability, activate." Alice declared. "Death Trident!"

All three maws of Hydranoid opened wide, ready to unleash orbs of dark energy. They open-fired, powering through the acidic bind to smithereens as they continued their path. The attack exploded in Nastix's face, creating a shockwave powerful enough to send the amorphous flying and smashing onto its back.

"What…?" Amina gasped.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 500

Nastix: 700 (-300) = 400 Alpha Hydranoid: 800

With the acid dissipated, Hydranoid and Atchibee were both seen unscathed. "You won't beat us with anything like that." Alice retorted.

Galilea glared angrily at her. "I see…" She pulled out an ability. "Power. Intellect. And the will to execute…" she nodded. "Alright. Then perhaps this shall do. Ability, activate! Sonic Buzzer!" Buzz Hornix vibrated her wings to a louder extent until green static began charging with the vibrations. The hornet ascended and aimed at Hydranoid, firing green bolts of lightning.

Buz Hornix: 800 (+300) = 1100 Dusk Atchibee: 500

Nastix: 400 Alpha Hydranoid: 800 (-300) = 500

The bolts drew closer, but Hydranoid had no intention of stopping.

"Ability, activate! Wormhole!"

The bolts were mere meters ahead before they suddenly changed direction towards the right. Looking over, the green discharge was conducted into what looked like two black vortexes in front of Atchibee's wings. The green energy crackled along the black energy until it vanished with the holes. Atchibee's body glowed with the power of the attack that was absorbed.

Buz Hornix: 1100 (-300) = 800 Dusk Atchibee: 500 (+300) = 800

Nastix: 400 Alpha Hydranoid: 500 (+300) = 800

"It absorbed the ability?" Galilea furrowed her brow.

Without warning, Atchibee took to her instincts and shot at Buz Hornix. Her scythes were shimmering and swung into the face, creating a trail and impact that caused the humungous beast to recoil and hiss. Atchibee swung again, scoring another blow on the hornet. When she went for the third slash, she crossed both scythes and slashed.

"Ability activate, Queen Needle!" Buz Hornix's bottom stinger glowed bright green, increasing her power level to 1200. Just as Atchibee slashed, Buz Hornix parried with the stinger. The scythes and needle were in a deadlock as neither Bakugan was trying to give an inch.

Back with Nastix, the amorphous gurgled as it was already back up to face Hydranoid. "Our turn, Alice." Hydranoid stated.

"Right." Alice nodded. "Ability, activate! Indigo Nightmare!" Hydranoid's power level went up to 1100 as the hydra unleashed three beams of black and purple barreling towards Nastix.

Amina readied another ability. "Ability, activate! Blind Shade!" The bulbous shoulders of Nastix shined like strong luminescent lights. As Hydranoid's attacks closed in, the three dark beams vaporized into thin air.

Buz Hornix: 1200 Dusk Atchibee: 800

Nastix: 400 (+300) = 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 1100 (-300) = 800

Amina smirked. "This is getting boring. Can we move this along?"

"Fine." Galilea swiped her arm. "Gate Card, open! Enemy Down!" The field shined a bright and powerful light. The card was sapping both their power, causing Hydranoid to roar and Atchibee to lose momentum.

Buz Hornix: 1200 Dusk Atchibee: 800 (-300) = 500

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 800 (-300) = 500

Nastix closed in on Hydranoid, growling low as its tentacles slowly reached for his weakened figure. Meanwhile, Atchibee's strength was waning deeply, making her lose the standoff momentum and lean back.

"So then, anything else up your sleeves I presume?" Galilea inquired. She wanted to see more of what Alice could bring. She was a woman of expectation after all, and she had remarkably high ones at that. 'Now we'll see just what made her the Masquerade we've looked into.'

With a calm disposition, Alice showed an ability.

"Double ability activate, Grand Down! Plus, Correlation of Aquos to Darkus!"

All of Hydranoid's eyes glowed bright purple for a split second. As he roared, he felt his dark power seep into the Gate Card while dark energy gradually surrounded Hydranoid. The black energy in the Gate Card casted out all light, bringing their power back.

Buz Hornix: 1200 Dusk Atchibee: 500 (+300) = 800

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 500 (+300 +300) = 1100

"Your Gate Card is nullified." Alice stated. She reached out, her composition completely stern. "Hydranoid, go!"

"With pleasure!" All three tails of the winged hydra raised and swung like spiked maces from the side. With force rivaling a sledgehammer, Nastix was blown away by the tail swings. The Bakugan hissed as it was in midair before reverting to blue. It plopped right in front of Amina, who looked down with shrunken eyes and a disgusted face.

Amina: 20%

"We did it." Alice smiled.

Esther looked over, surprised by that last ability she played. "How did you know that we…?"

Alice looked over, winking. "I looked at some of your battle recordings. I wanted to be up to speed…you guys really do make pages to play off of."

Esther smiled off of Alice's compliment. With the sentimental note bringing back her confidence, Esther looked forward, her disposition turning cold onto her foes.

Amina looked distraught to say the least. Horror filled her face. "Ugh! Who the hell did this?!" she roared. "You lay your filthy tails on my pet! How barbaric of you~!"

"Calm down, Amina. You didn't take them seriously enough, that's what lead to this dilemma." She held up an ability. "But I'll do it. Ability activate, Barbarian Tornado!"

Buz Hornix hissed as she continued the standoff with Atchibee. Suddenly a whirlwind picked up around them and a cyclone spun frantically, trapping Atchibee and Buz Hornix inside. With the howling winds, no one could hear the shrieks of debris and pressurized air trying to tear Atchibee apart.

Buz Hornix: 1200 (+300) = 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 800 (-300) = 500

Alpha Hydranoid: 1100

The typhoon was circulating with great force around the area, creating a noticeable tornado that everyone could see. Alice was covering up to keep herself in the game. 'This power, it's incredible…!' She looked at Galilea through the maelstrom. 'But…we can beat that.'

"Yes, we will." Esther answered, as if knowing what Alice was going to say. She faced the typhoon, her long hair shifting hysterically, yet it didn't bother her. "We've come far, but it matters not…Atchibee!"

"Ready!" Atchibee hollered.

Galilea looked surprised.

"Ability, activate!" Esther's ability shined brightly, like a dark purple beacon. "Dusk Tornado!"

The green tempest raging around the two Bakugan was a towering one. It wasn't going to be falling anytime soon. However, slowly, the green cyclone was turning black. Atchibee's winds from inside were working their way out, turning the Ventus attack into Darkus. Galilea's eyes widened as she couldn't believe how Esther was playing that attack. She watched the maelstrom expand a little, but not enough to overwhelm her.

Buz Hornix: 1500 (-300 -400) = 800 Dusk Atchibee: 500 (+300 +200) = 1000

Alpha Hydranoid: 1100

"How are they…?"

"Now!" Esther exclaimed.

The dark tornado condensed, as if crushing the hornet inside. Buz Hornix shrieked as Atchibee fazed out of the whirlwinds like a ghost and saw the attack overwhelm Buz Hornix. The entire tempest tower tilted over into a long arch, crashing into the ground. The winds faded out, leaving Buz Hornix to recoil and revert to ball form at Galilea's feet.

Galilea: 60%

Atchibee and Hydranoid reverted to ball form, both caught by their partners.

"Great job Esther." Alice complimented.

With a calm face forward, a half-grin appeared on the Darkus woman's face. "I learn from the best." Sadly that's as much as she was going to give, perhaps ever.

Galilea picked up her Bakugan, while Amina used a latex glove and used two fingers to pick up her defeated Bakugan. Amina groaned as disappointment fell upon her. "Bleh, I have so have to get this thing polished."

Galilea eyes her foes, showing genuine annoyance. Specifically, towards Esther. She never realized that counterattack before it was too late. Whoever this girl was, she wasn't just talented, she was very experienced.

"Okay, now I'm just a little mad." Amina huffed.

"Glad you could come around Amina." Galilea said calmly. "Seems we couldn't live up to what we thought. These humans do have genuine experience with these Bakugan." She glanced from the side. I hope that you're starting to see what this means?"

Amina chuckled. "Don't worry…" Her dainty hand crossed her face, a dark smirk crossing her already foul disposition. "In the end, I always get what I want…and they're about to see why."

---

Ren squared off against Zion as the broiling flames surrounded them. Armor clad the Hades Pillar that was elemental proof, but the heat made him look even more ferocious underneath his cold delusions. If anything, he looked like a psycho gone wrong in the face of Ren Crawler.

The Pyrus battler pulled out a Gate Card from behind, swiping it across. "Gate Card, set!" The warrior sent the card out, making it fade in a bright red shockwave. When he was ready, he held up the Bakugan and threw him in. "Bakugan, brawl!" He threw him admittedly hard. "Bakugan, stand! Rip'em! Pyrus Snapzoid!"

The field was ignited in a bright red glow, creating a massive discharge of red bolts that caused Ren to cover. "What the-?!"

Slowly curling up from the ground, the silhouette off an eel/serpent took view, Ren uncovered as his eyes widened and followed the Bakugan skywards. He was speechless as before him, surrounded in embers and static, there was a Pyrus Snapzoid, but the skin was black, and the diamonds were all magenta, save for the orange curly tendrils it had.

The Snapzoid opened its maw, showing its going hollow black void, where a sexond, smaller serpentine with teeth was seen with magenta teeth. The shrilled volume would be enough to make glass crack.

"Is that…a Snapzoid?" Ren marveled at the Bakugan with shock and disbelief. 'I've heard about them mutating Bakugan, but this is…?'

"Ren, focus!" Linehalt exclaimed. "We need to stop this menace in his tracks."

Ren regained his composure and glared. "You're right. Let's show him who's boss." He seized Linehalt in his hard claws. "Get ready, Linehalt. Bakugan, brawl! Linehalt, stand!"

Thrown onto the field, the ball form opened and a dark purple and white vortex surrounded it as it enlarged into its actual form. The fume dissipated, revealing Linehalt s he let out a large howl throughout the atmosphere.

Snapzoid: 700 Linehalt: 900

"A power level like that and it's still giving off this kind of pressure?" Ren warranted.

Zion said nothing. Instead he cracked the other side of his neck bones to make them pop. "Alright, let's see what you Gundalians can do." He pulled out an ability first, his Snapzoid snarling in response. "Ability activate, Taser Fang!" Snapzoid's maw opened wide as the sharp teeth crackled in red electricity. The energy charged into the smaller serpent inside and extended up at Linehalt.

Linehalt used his firearm to block the attack, but the teeth sunk in, sending a fiery voltage that made him grunt.

Snapzoid: 700 (+200) = 900 Linehalt: 900

"Pull up, Linehalt!" Ren ordered. Linehalt did as told and swatted the electrical fangs off. He flapped once, shooting to a higher altitude over Snapzoid.

Zion watched with a bloodily stare as his opponents were readying their plan of attack next.

"Ability, activate! Bolting Vibra!" Linehalt's horns crackled with dark purple lightning before it shot spontaneously down at Snapzoid. Without warning Snapzoid's power dropped down to 400.

Zion applied a counter. "Ability, activate. Thunder Field!" Snapzoid's orange curly tentacles began crackling in their own electricity, this time red. It shot the red lightning in crackling frenzies everywhere, covering a large area that Linehalt's attack diffused into.

"What?!" Ren gasped.

Snapzoid's electrical barrier tingled along Linehalt's lightning. The static traced itself towards the Bakugan, electrocuting in another harsh jolt of pain.

Snapzoid: 400 (+300 +200 +200) = 1100 Linehalt: 900

Linehalt backpedaled back into the air, grunting as lingering red lightning tingled around his body.

"Are you okay, Linehalt?" Ren called out.

"Yeah, I'm fine, worry. Just a scratch." Linehalt insisted. "These guys mean business."

"Disappointing you are." Zion scoffed beneath his cold, icy tone. The settlement didn't go unnoticed by Ren as he looked confused. "You play such an obvious move against a weak blow as that. You be putting cannons to flies; waste."

Ren growled. He knew his adversary was deliberately mocking him, but he had to keep his composure. Drawing out another ability, he readied for the next assault. "Ability, activate! Dark Saber!" Linehalt's palm extended a light purple energy saber that his claws caught. Wielding it like a sword, he descended down and swiped across. A long purple arch followed the saber as Snapzoid lurched from the attack's strength.

Snapzoid: 1100 (-300) = 800 Linehalt: 900

Linehalt brought is arm up, bringing the saber down again. But this time, Snapzoid was prepared and veered back, allowing the attack to miss. Snapzoid was now in Linehalt's space.

"Ability, activate!" Zion shouted. "Verity Fire!"

Snapzoid opened his gargantuan maw once more and expelled a funnel of pressurized fire. The blaze added 400 Gs, putting Snapzoid at 1200. The blaze headed towards Linehalt ow that he was in close range. He couldn't maneuver, so there was only one thing he could do: Attack.

"Fusion Ability, activate!" Ren added. "Twist Bow!" Linehalt went and tossed the saber, using it like a saucer that spun rapidly into the fire. The two attacks met in the middle, where the bow was able to make it into the center, giving Linehalt some time to ascend into the air before the attack gave out. The flames kept going, but Linehalt maneuvered well over them.

Snapzoid: 1200 (-200) = 1000 Linehalt: 900

"We're not as dumb as you think we are." Ren retorted.

"Perhaps." Zion admonished with a pause. "Then again…maybe not."

Ren chose to move towards offense again. He pulled up another ability. "Let's hit'em hard, Linehalt! Ability, activate! Razen Breaker!" Linehalt generated purple lightning again, this time using his hands to conduct them and shoot a powerful concentrated blast at Snapzoid.

Snapzoid: 1000 Linehalt: 900 (+400) = 1300

The bolts came down around Snapzoid, but the Bakugan growled as it countered with its fire. The blaze shit upwards, holding off the electricity for as long as possible.

"Gate Card, open." Zion activated the card by reaching out. "Freeze Enemy."

The field shined brightly beneath the engaged Bakugan. The light was what caused Linehalt to lose the ability to feel his nerves. His wings stiffened, making him unable to move.

Snapzoid: 1000 Linehalt: 1300 (-200) = 1100

Ren gasped.

Linehalt felt his attack petrify as the feeling in his arm was lost. "Wha…no! My…body…" His strength was fading away fast, causing him to plunder towards the ground, where Snapzoid awaited for his trap.

"Now then, to clip it of its wings." Zion showed another ability. "Ability activate, Eel Shockdown!"

Snapzoid hissed harshly as its curly tentacles raced up and snared Linehalt. They arched into the ground, pinning him into the rock as an intense red voltage coursed throughout the body, far harsher than the last strike.

Snapzoid: 1000 Linehalt: 1100 (-400) = 700

Linehalt screamed in agonizing pain. The discharge through his body rendered him completely paralyzed and twitching. His nerves were numbing fast as the lightning from direct contact was like fire that burned into his skin.

"Linehalt!" Ren called. He watched as his Bakugan reverted to ball form, rolling towards his side.

Ren: 40%

Snapzoid reverted to ball form and was caught by Zion, while Ren kneeled and picked up Linehalt. "Are you okay, Linehalt?"

"Yeah, I'm fine…" he paused. "Sorry, Ren."

"Don't be." He looked up again, glaring Zion hard with fierce, sharp, yellow eyes. "We'll save it for them. Now get ready."

"Okay."

"Filling yourselves with sympathy and encouragement, when you should be working on ways to hone those weaknesses of yours. I can see why you all swayed when your Emperor fell out of balance."

Ren's eyes widened, his curiosity piqued. "Wait, how does he know about-?"

"Our lord knows everything. Lady Lucia sees the future, but the lord has dwelled in the past to know the truths. I do not sway from lies as I accept reality. Now…are you participating?"

"Yeah. Gate Card, set!" He threw out a Gate Card, which faded in a purple shockwave across the ground. "Alright, Bakugan, brawl!" He threw Linehalt, to which Zion parried with his own throw.

In a clash of two capsules, flames and darkness dissipated, revealing Linehalt and Snapzoid ready for battle.

---

A Gate Card appeared in Esther's hand as she swiped. "Gate Card, set!" The swipe shot the card out, making it fade in a dark purple across the battlefield. "Bakugan, brawl! Atchibee, stand!"

"Bakugan, brawl!" Alice shot next, Hydranoid popping open beside Atchibee. "Hydranoid, stand!"

Atchibee arose with a screech, while Hydranoid's three heads craned and expelled a large roar throughout the area.

"So you understand what needs to be done, Amina?" Galilea asked her associate beside her.

"Yeah, I get it, okay? Get off my back." Amina pulled up Nastix. "Now, let's get to business."

Together, both women pulled back their rms and shot across. "Bakugan, brawl!"

In green and blue lights, Buz Hornix and Nastix arose to do battle against their Darkus opponents for a second time.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Nastix: 700 Alpha Hydranoid: 900

"We'll weaken their offense first. Once they're off guard, that will leave you room to go for the attack." Esther explained to Alice.

Alice nodded. "Right. Be careful."

"We will." Esther pulled out an ability. "Ability, activate! Scale Down!" Dusk Atchibee screeched again as she flapped her wings. The scales she shed were glistening in purple and were blown into Nastix and Buz Hornix, covering both Bakugan in a tingling purple that faded just as quickly.

"Dust?" Galilea questioned.

Amina held out her hand, trying to see if it could be touched. One of the purple sparkles fell onto her palm, fading into her skin. She didn't feel it, so she scoffed. "So not glitter gloss."

"Don't act precariously, Amina. We need to be careful. Our opponents are very experienced."

"Whatever." She ignored her associate's banter and pulled out an ability. "Ability, activate! Blue Morph!"

Nastic gurgled as his body began to break down. Tuning into a glossy blue slime mass, the amorphous rushed and blitzed around Hydranoid and Atchibee in a large whirlpool of slime. The two were closed within a thin layer of Nastix's morphed form, looking for any openings.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Nastix: 700 (+200) = 900 Alpha Hydranoid: 900

Amina raised a brow. Normally her ability would've added 400 Gs, not half of that. Something was definitely off that even she became painfully aware of.

Galilea followed up with her turn. "Ability, activate! Compound Brace!" Buz Hornix snarled as her twin mandibles crackled with green electricity. Once charged, a weak blast of green lightning meant for Atchibee bypassed the slime wave and waned towards Atchibee, but it fizzled before it could reach her. Her eyes widened upon realization. 'Wait, don't tell me…'

"They're going to catch on! Quickly!" Esther insisted.

"Right!" Alice nodded. "Hydranoid, ability activate! Terminal Barrage!"

Hydranoid's three deadly maws opened wide as energy orbs charged out. Once ready, he opened wider and unleashed not just three, but a countless consecutive projectile wave straight ahead. The field of energy orbs tore through the thin slime of fog and surprised Galilea. Buz Hornix howled as the attack repeatedly slammed into her, bombarding dozens of orbs like rain.

Buz Hornix: 800 (-500) = 300 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Nastix: 900 Alpha Hydranoid: 900 (+500) = 1400

Buz Hornix scowled angrily as she tried to defend, but there was too much. Blow after blow every second, and it was repulsing her every time.

"Surrender!" One head roared. "Or be reduced to oblivion!" Another head demanded.

Not willing to take chances, Galilea pulled up another ability. "Ability, activate! Turbine Wave!" Buz Hornix hollered as her wings vibrated harder. The tremors made were making heat travel to her red eyes that glowed. A translucent green forcefield came up that helped her defend from the barrage, effectively nullifying Hydranoid's ability.

"Esther, now!" Alice shouted.

"Very well. Atchibee."

At her command, Atchibee ascended into the air and spread her wings. "Ready!"

At those words, Esther readied an ability. With momentum peaked, the ability shined brightly. "Ability, activate! Glare Astral!"

Atchibee ascended a little higher, maneuvering beyond Nastix's reach. The blob swerved up to reach after her, expanding like goop with an open mouth. However, Atchibee was high enough to get the time for the rings and patterns on her wings to charge up. Once they were ready, her red eyes blinked bright purple before beams bolted down. The slime held no match as the dark projectiles impaled it, sending it into Buz Hornix, causing both Bakugan to be struck down by the wing beams.

Buz Hornix: 800 (-300) = 500 Dusk Atchibee: 600 (+300) = 900

Nastix: 900 (-300) = 600 Alpha Hydranoid: 900

The beam was powerful enough to make Amina and Galilea cover up. They barely saw their Bakugan get pushed by the rays towards the ground, where their eminent doom lied beneath.

'We have to take them out before they activate their forbidden abilities!' Taking that as priority, Esther reached calmly out. "Now, Gate Card open! Active Ghost!"

The card was shining brightly. Buz Hornix and Nastix went head-first as they plundered. When both made contact, like two atomic bombs, their momentum triggered a shockwave that erupted into explosion.

"Did that do it?" Atchibee inquired low.

A long silence passed as the explosions kept going off, rattling the airspace around them. However, Hydranoid wasn't impressed.

"Not quite."

True to his speculations, the smoke was beginning roll away, showing hints of wet earth. A closer look showed blue goop that shined like a growing virus across the area. The smoke was fading to reveal the Gate Card drowned in dense, glossy slime, coming from Nastix.

Esther's eyes narrowed. "I knew that would be too easy."

A curved smirk crossed Amina's lips. "You like Slime Shutter? Good…because you'll end up just like it after soiling my stuff."

Nastix and Buz Hornix both arose, their bodies seemingly unfazed from any earlier damage that they have taken.

'The Scale Down's effects wore off.' Esther realized. 'They're going to attack!'

"Ability activate, Durandel Cannon!" Buz Hornix's wings hummed again, albeit far more violently. The eyes flashed green as the spikes shined the same bright shade along the abdomen. Once charged up, the beams fired from the spikes into Atchibee and Hydranoid, setting off volatile green eruptions everywhere.

Buz Hornix: 800 (+400) = 1200 Dusk Atchibee: 900 (-400) = 500

Nastix: 600 Alpha Hydranoid: 900 (-400) = 500

Amina chuckled as she found an opportunity of her own. "Ability activate, Morph Cluster!" Nastix expelled bright ectoplasmic energy balls at Hydranoid. They fired like rockets that would explode on impact.

Buz Hornix: 1200 Dusk Atchibee: 500

Nastix: 600 (+300) = 900 Alpha Hydranoid: 500 (-300) = 200

The two defending girls shot looks at one another. When they realized their plans, they nodded, and they pulled out two abilities. "Ability, activate!" both shouted.

"Wormhole!"

"Saw Demolition!"

As Buz Hornix continued her barrage of intense beams onto her prey, Atchibee took action and summoned two dark portals from her wings. Said vortexes shimmered as the green beams all found themselves getting pulled in like gravity, absorbed and fueling Atchibee's power. As for Hydranoid, his massive saw started churning, making grinding noises as purple static eroded around. The saw was strong enough to completely block and turn the plasma bombs to mush when they made impact with the spinning spikes.

Buz Hornix: 1200 (-400) = 800 Dusk Atchibee: 500 (+400 +400) = 1300

Nastix: 900 (-300 -200) = 400 Alpha Hydranoid: 200 (+400 +300 +200) = 1100

"They nullified our abilities again." Galilea huffed. 'They're very serious on drawing us out.'

"Shall we, Alice?" Hydranoid stepped forward, prompting to strike back.

Alice nodded. "Yes, let's go! Ability, activate! Extreme Chaos Leap Sting!" Alpha Hydranoid extended his wings, shooting out the mechanical tendrils that hid beneath with teeth on the ends. The fangs sneered and charged up dark energy until they were shot in pressurized beams that returned fire onto Buz Hornix and Nastic, both Bakugan lurching as the landscape around them was pelted by dark blasts.

Buz Hornix: 800 (-400) = 400 Dusk Atchibee: 1300

Nastix: 400 Alpha Hydranoid: 1100 (+300) = 1400

Galilea grunted, her patience annoyed. Beneath her controlled breathing, she pulled out an ability that looks revolting.

"Ugh, seriously? You wanna use that?" Amina scoffed sassily. "Girl, even you don't step on flies with hot lead."

Galilea turned towards her, her glare less than inviting. "As the second head and executive of Hades Pillars, it's my duty to show those who believe they should stand against us their place. I'm done holding back."

Amina shrugged. "Fine, whatever…if you want your attack to just get nullified or absorbed that is."

Galilea furrowed her brow. She could tell as clear as day Amina wasn't fully on her side. But as an ally, she was implying her opponents and their strategy of taking their power – the essence of Darkus Bakugan. She furrowed her brow. "…and you're saying you have something for that?" Her eyes slowly widened when an idea came to mind. "Wait, are you saying-?! The technicians gave you that already?!"

Amina smirked.

"But last we discussed, it wasn't even tested. Using that could severely damage your Bakugan and everything else around. It's too risky!"

"It's fine." Amina dismissed. "Now…" She daintily lifted her wrist, showing her Bakumeter, which was blue, but the lace was nothing but pearl strings. "Just give me some cover, that's all, and allow the successful to do the rest."

Galilea wasn't appreciating the arrogance she was displaying, but she knew there was something behind her logic. She complied. "Very well. Ability activate, Queen Riot!" Buz Hornix returned fire by shooting green missiles from her hexagonal abdomen. They fired back at the rays Hydranoid was shooting towards them, blocking off a massive amount of them.

Buz Hornix: 400 Dusk Atchibee: 1300 (-300) = 1000

Nastix: 400 Alpha Hydranoid: 1400 (-300) = 1100

"Keep up the pressure Hydranoid!" Alice shouted.

The three-headed behemoth laid waste upon his partner's insistence. Energy fired from either side, with neither Bakugan giving way towards a chance at an opening. Tendrils fired consistently with the green missiles heading his away. It was nothing short of an explosive landmine where neither side could get around. Not even Atchibee could find room to attack.

As eruptions tore up the landscape, Amina was putting in clicks to her Bakumeter. Esther took notice, her eyes squinting through the dirt picked up.

'What is she…?'

Amina gave one more click, and her Bakumeter's screen shined a bright blue. "Ready, Prozar." Materialized energy pieces began to congregate over the Bakumeter, creating a small cylindrical shape that Amina seized.

Esther's eyes widened. She realized what was happening. 'Wait, that's not Battle Gear. That's-!'

Amina threw her arm back. "Battle Gear, boost!"

The object was thrown towards Nastix threw the havoc. Nastix's ball form began to alter , with primarily being the appendages flattening down for the object to place upon its back, creating a cannon-like reactor. A blue light materialized over Nastix's shoulder between the bulbs. Alice, Hydranoid, Atchibee, and Esther all stopped their advances and looked warily as Galilea kept a calm face. On Nastix, a massive blue object materialized. It took up the entire back area, and looked familiar to a Zukanator. However, its nose was much shorter, and along the sides were large barrel cylinders containing radioactive energy that has tubes connecting to Nastix's bulbs. On the top was a large bulbous glass fome, which was empty at the moment.

Nastix expelled an unpleasant gurgle that could put any feral animal to shame.

Buz Hornix: 400 Dusk Atchibee: 1000

Nastix: 400 (+100) = 500 Alpha Hydranoid: 1100

Nastix's disposition looked completely different now that he was equipped with new power. It wasn't a forbidden ability used, no. This was something just as – if not more so – deadly. And Alice and Esther was taking this threat very seriously.

"Is that what I think it is?" Alice worriedly asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid so…" A flashback in Esther's head brought her back to when Jase fought Adam's Olifus. She recalled the hard time Atmos had against the Battle Gear, and that bit her pretty hard. "It's Battle Gear."

"So they were able to create their own Battle Gear now." Atchibee realized.

Amina arrogantly smirked. "And to the rich gets the spoils. Behold, my personal gift from our divine one. Since Nastix was compatible, we chose to outfit him before proceeding to here." She shrugged. "I didn't want to use this, but my lord could give me an increased allowance if I tested it out…so how's it feel to be my baby's chew toy?"

Hydranoid braced for this. He recalled all too well his last experience with technology. Even now, that loss to that mechanical spider struck a nasty humiliation to him.

"Atchibee, be ready." Esther said. To her command the evolved moth readied.

Amina huffed as her Bakumeter created a holographic ability card again, though with different intricate symbols. "Battlegear ability, activate! Prozar Nuclear!"

The glass capsule on the back started to shine with magenta energy. Nastix's bulbs were glowing, and the energy was transferring from the tubes attached into the cannon's chambers. As it was charging up, the humming was making the atmosphere quiver exponentially as rocks started to defy gravity.

Amina pointed forward. "Fire~!"

The cannon blinked bright pink quickly before a plume of radioactive magenta energy expelled outwards. The blast was like a rush of ash from an erupting volcano that covered a large area that none could escape from.

Buz Hornix: 400 Dusk Atchibee: 1000 (-400) = 600

Nastix: 500 (+400) = 900 Alpha Hydranoid: 1100 (-400) = 700

"An atomic shockwave?!" Alice yelled through the winds passing her.

'This is bad, we need to intercept it!' Esther made a blockade attempt. "Atchibee, ability activate, Chrysalis Shield!"

Atchibee descended in a rush to beside Hydranoid, her flap strong enough to repel some wind. "On your guard, everyone!"

Unbeknownst to everyone, Amina darkly smirked again.

Atchibee flapped again, recreating her crystal shield to stop the shockwave. The plume raced into her and Hydranoid, but the wall caused the mass of it all to go over their heads. Atchibee held up, but she saw the walls cracking. She gasped.

"Huh?" Hydranoid hummed.

"There's something I forgot to mention…" Amina hummed. "This ability can't be nullified!"

"Hydranoid, look out!" Alice called out.

"Atchibee!" Esther shouted.

Atchibee and Hydranoid were prepared to take off, but when they looked up they saw the plume was impeding their escape route. The walls to Atchibee's shield cracked more, getting both to look back with widened eyes. The shield eventually shattered, and like a tsunami, they were smashed with a wall of nuclear magenta energy that roared like thunder.

Both Bakugan screamed in pain as the atomic energy consumed them. Any and all audible tones were reduced to silence as the shockwaves raced pass Esther and Alice, with all they saw being white.

In the distance, all one could see would be a large explosion of magenta cloud-like energy that dissipated in the wastelands.

---

"Ability activate, Razen Breaker!" Linehalt conducted purple lightning into his hands again, which he shot at Snapzoid. The attack raced with just as much force as it did last time.

"Ability, activate. Swallow Excel!" Zion countered, with Snapzoid opening its maw as wide as it possibly could without the tongue coming out. Much to the surprise of Linehalt and Ren, the attack was being sucked into the mouth entirely.

He's eating my ability?!"

Zion snapped his fingers. Once the discharge was over, Snapzoid clamped his mouth shut. Nothing happened until a gurgling down was heard. When its mouth widened again, the lightning went back at Linehalt, reflecting the attack back.

"Linehalt, get ready!" Ren shouted. "Ability, activate! Dispel Closer!"

Linehalt was prepared as he reached out, using the palm to conduct the attack. All the lightning was absorbed into the left arm, where the palm clutched tight. He pivoted and flexed his right palm, sending the energy back.

Snapzoid: 700 Linehalt: 900 (+400) = 1300

The lightning returned towards Snapzoid again, but Zion wasn't deterred. "Absorbing your own strength turned against you…interesting." He smirked. "Seems you Gundalians do know how to properly fight." He reached for his back, where on a slot wedged in his shoulder, a shortened polearm was sheathed. He held it up and flicked it on the side, flipping a spear tip in place. His battle lust was showing on his face. "Now this may seem thrilling." He saw the lightning still heading towards Snapzoid. "Ability activate, Vex Crunch!"

Snapzoid's fangs glowed a bright red and the whole inside of the mouth started heating up. A magma pattern showed as the voltage raced down. Rather than swallow the attack like before, the eel crunched into it, creating a smoke cloud in his place.

Snapzoid: 700 (+300) = 1000 Linehalt: 1300 (-300) = 1000

The smoke cleared, showing Snapzoid still standing. The static from Linehalt's attack fizzled away, leaving him the snarl.

"He just won't stay down." Linehalt pained.

"No, maybe not…but maybe this will. Gate Card, open!" Ren called the card, making it glow brighter. "Silent Hanger!"

The Gate Card's strong light was creating a freezing effect that was making Snapzoid scowl. The Bakugan felt air freeze, making it impossible for him to move. Zion's eager grin faded again.

"See that? Sometimes you gotta get one to give one. Now you can't move either." Ren stated. "I've heard about your kind from others. Your aim is to bring all our resources and kind to one whole world. I don't know what kind of idea or whoever came up with that, but I do know this…you've insulted the way we make a living here. We've struggled to survive unlike others. And we used that to become the way we are now. You think you can take that away?"

"On the contrary, It's the other way around." Zion countered.

"Huh?"

"We are not taking from you, when nothing you have was rightfully yours to begin with. This, everything you have ever known…it's all a lie."

Ren's teeth gritted. "A lie…?" He stepped forward. "Don't be ridiculous! We've shed blood! Those lives aren't just fake!"

"And yet fakery is your reality…for shame. I hate to repeat what I have said…but I do not run nor hide from reality. You Neathians, Gundalians…you have to wear disguises to pursuit your human acquaintances. Is that not a lie?" Ren cringed at Zion's expense. "The power your Bakugan has, it's none of my concern. But my master, he created that power to begin with; now it must be returned to him. If he cannot have it willingly, then I shall rectify that lie…by beheading it where it stands." He pulled out anther ability. "Ability, activate! Snap Trap!"

Snapzoid gurgled a roar of his own as he was able to open his maw again, just enough for the snake head to slither out. The end snapped its fangs into the Gate Card, causing it to crack apart. The entire card dispersed like shards, leaving Linehalt staggering back from shock.

Snapzoid: 1000 Linehalt: 1000 (-200) = 800

"The Gate Card-?!" Ren staggered when Zion intercepted him.

"Know your place. Ability activate, Snake Bind!" Snapzoid's serpent-like tongue snaked after Linehalt, coiling around his abdomen where the constriction tightened quickly. He found himself unable to break free as he was being pulled towards Snapzoid, but to no avail.

Snapzoid: 1000 Linehalt: 800 (-300) = 500

Linehalt couldn't break free no matter what he tried. The more he pulled, the more force Snapzoid provided. Before he knew it, he was towered by Snapzoid, who proceeded to coil around him. The tail end slipped around and squeezed into Linehalt's thighs, while the tongue crushed the abdomen. Linehalt screamed in pain as he wasn't able to escape.

"Linehalt!" Ren yelled.

SPLOOSH!

Ren didn't realize it until he processed it. His eyes slowly widened when he felt some kind of pain beneath him.

"Ren-!" Linehalt craned back to see what Ren was waiting fir, but his eyes widened when he realized why he stopped. "REN!"

Ren was staggering to and fro, his balance almost cut off completely. Impaled his left thigh, Zion's polearm/spear was cutting clean through. The Darkus Gundalian kneeled on the injured thigh as blood started seeping out.

As he writhed in pain, he heard a pair of footsteps come closer. He looked up, seeing Zion towering with his battle axe arm up.

"Now…what was that you said before? 'Those who seek trouble, shall kneel before the predator', yes? How ironic."

Ren's eyes were shrunk in horror. His own logic was used against him. On a knee, his Bakugan unable to help, it was truly a terrible situation that backfired solemnly onto him. This wasn't just a physical battle of Bakugan…this was literal war. Mental and physical.

"Welcome to the real life."

"REN, NO~!" Linehalt shouted, helpless to move as he was crushed by the mutated eel.

Zion swung his axe arm, ready to finish Ren off. All Ren could do was watch as his life flash before his eyes before a swift clash of metal and yellow sparked a heated hum. His eyes widened, realizing he wasn't dead yet.

"W-what the…?"

Zion's attack was thwarted by Luka's energy blade. The poise was on time as he gave Zion an angry, cold glare. Zion offered the same no less.

A bright slash resonated from a yellow streak, causing Snapzoid to let go of Linehalt and recoil from the blow. Linehalt laid on the ground as Alto Brontes was in a slash position, axe blades besides him.

"You…what just…?"

"Nuh-uh-uh~!" Brontes chimed. "A magician never reveals his secrets."

Snapzoid went for another attack by launching his serpent tongue at Brontes. However, Brontes swiped his arm, swatting it with his axe arms and causing it to retreat.

"Oh my, quite a sharp tongue you got there~. Mind if I compare to mine?" He held up his Shining Nightmare axe blades. "Don't wanna get dull." He cackled a laugh as he charged for Snapzoid.

As the clash went on, Ren was shocked as Luka and Zion backpedaled from one another. "You." He grunted. "Just…you are you…?"

Luka adjusted his stance, readying a defense. "Don't move, that wound is too deep." He sidestepped from Zion's axe chop, which cleaved the ground beneath. He slid to a stop and darted for Zion's side, his sword ready to slash. The walking armory grunted and his spare arm reached up. A longsword jutted up from the wristguard that he used to parry Luka's advances. Luka regained footing in time and ducked when the axe arm dislodged and swung horizontally. Zion advances with the longsword dagger and axe arm against Luka's energy sword as his only weapon.

Zion parried with the axe arm, keeping them at a standstill long enough for both their faces ti snarl at one another.

"You again."

Luka gritted his teeth, trying to get momentum back. With reflexes, he dodged the dagger aimed for the stomach, pivoted around and swung his blade into Zion's shoulder, which was blocked by the armor he wore. But it was enough to make him slide back a few meters.

Luka adjusted his stance. "Listen, I don't know if you're aware, but if you are…these guys play for keeps. Don't ever let your guard down around them. Can you still aim?"

Ren winced, feeling more pain than ever aside from his swaying consciousness. "Yeah, I think so…Linehalt."

On a knee, Linehalt looked up. "I'm okay Ren."

"C'mon…we gotta pull out the…big guns…" Trying to fight through the pain, Ren held up his left hand. Electricity crackled where materialized purple energy created a small boombox-shaped gear that he snatch.

"Battlegear…BOOST!" With what strength he had he threw the Battelgear at Linehalt.

The piece on Linehalt's body moved, the wings shifting on the ball form so that it had room for the Battlgear to mount. The Battlgear's nozzle extended into a massive long cannon, one that Linehalt held onto over his shoulder. His power level went up towards 700.

"Don't take chances! Get him while you can!" Luka warned.

Linehalt closed one eye and saw through the scope. In it, Snapzoid and Alto Brontes were constantly moving around, so it was difficult to aim without hurting the acquaintance assisting them. His grip tightened on the cannon.

Ren's body was shutting down. His impaled thigh was a lot worse by the second, but he didn't have the strength to pull it out. 'We gotta…end this in one shot…' he panted. 'It's all or nothing with this next one. I just hope it works…' "Linehalt…NOW!"

"Right!"

"Battlegear ability, activate! Boomix Lock!"

With everything he had, Linehalt clutched the handles and finally fired a long purple projectile beam that tore across the ground towards the dueling Bakugan. The beam made a bright light that alerted Brontes, making him jump out of the way as Snapzoid was confused.

The Pyrus Bakugan was then swallowed in a large explosion of plasma, causing it to holler in distress through the shockwaves generated. Alto Brontes and Linehalt were both wary as they watched the smoke dissipate.

Zion and Luka, however, were still locked onto one another, they slashed at the same time, creating sparks.

---

The shockwaves of the atomic attack were dissipating, showing glimpse of Galilea and Amina was nothing short of stale. They watched the dust roll over in the distance to reveal their foes sprawled along the ground, no doubt blown away from the shockwaves. Their Bakugan were in ball form and rolled up by their sides. Nastix and Buz Hornix returned to ball form as well.

Esther: 40%

Alice: 60%

"I told you it should've been tested." Galilea chided.

"It was tested." Amina chimed. "Just now."

Galilea sighed. "I can't believe that our lord would give you of all people Battlegear." Ideologically, she knew this was the only option. Her Bakugan wasn't compatible with Battlegear, likewise with the rest of Hades Pillars. "Just make sure not to get our allies mixed up, understand?"

"Whatever."

Esther weakly opened her eyes. She sat up, wincing from the scratched she suffered from that attack. She upright herself thanks to her tolerance with the training she endured. 'Such power…this is Hades Pillars' strength?' Briefly looked around, seeing everything flattened. So stones went unturned, and the ground was solid rock; no dust. It was all blown away. 'They had another secret weapon than just forbidden abilities. This is bad.'

Alice groaned as she was next to stir.

"Alice, are you okay?" Esther asked.

"Yeah, don't worry. I…think that I'm okay." She staggered back up, her disposition faltering by a small margin. "But that last attack…it blew us away."

"Yes, it most certainly did."

"So they have forbidden power and Battlegear. This just got a lot more difficult." Her brow furrowed. 'But still…' Subconsciously, her fists started balling. 'We have to do this. I came here knowing the consequences. Now I'm ready to bear with them. This is my choice!'

"Esther, is everything alright?" Atchibee asked, recovered from her impact from the last fight.

Esther was silenced for a moment as she looked back ahead. "Yes, we're well…but now we're going to have to stay extremely careful. Can you keep going?"

Atchibee nodded. "Put me in once more. I won't fail you."

Esther clutched her partner. She looked colder at her opponents than she ever did in her life.

"Hydranoid…" Alice cupped her ally in her hands. "Do you think you can give it another shot?"

"After what happened, I'll get up as many times it takes to turn them to ash." The hydra growled. "Count me in, Alice."

Amina scoffed as she reached for a Gate Card. She flimsily dropped the card between her nails, fading into the ground. "Shall we get this over with?"

All three contenders pulled back their arms. "Bakugan, brawl!" All their Bakugan arose onto the battlefield for the second time.

Amina smirked as she pulled out another choice. "Battlegear, boost!" She tossed the Battlegear back into battle, attaching itself onto Nastix. The energy materialized into the radioactive cannon with tubes on the bumps.

Buz Hornix: 800 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Nastix: 800 Alpha Hydranoid: 900

"Now…" Galilea lifted her Bakumeter. "Before we move on, let's do it my way."

Amina lifted her own arm as well. "Fine, but like I need it anyway."

The air around them started to change again. The pressure that their Bakugan had given off before had exponentially increased. It felt like the whole world was trying to amplify gravity on their location specifically. Hydranoid and Atchibee growled as their scales crawled with anticipation. A wind began to pick up that sent a bad chill down Esther and Alice's spines.

"Get ready." Esther warned. "Here they come."

As though time was nothing but a figment of imagination, Galilea and Amina's arms lifted like pendulums. Their Bakumeters shined with bright purple cores.

"Ability activate, Judgement-X!"

"Ability activate, Neo Glowcer-X!"

BA-DUMP

The entire earth had a pulse race beneath the two Bakugan as they stood motionless. They snarled as a bright purple core exposed on both their fronts, lacing tendrils around their bodies until they were locked inside hashed chords. The chords faded into the bodies, pausing another shock to run through both their bodies. They sneered as respective dark green and dark blue auras enveloped them.

Buz Hornix glared down Hydranoid, the three-headed hydra snarling in retort. His guard up, he was prepared as the massive insectoid's dark green aura crackled with green electricity momentarily until a hypersonic green tunnel, much like a lock-on, blinded Hydranoid. Buz Hornix held nothing back as the crackling green energy in the aura field worked its way down the tunnel, reaching Hydranoid and producing intense voltage that stunned him in place. The hydra screamed as the numbing electric currents left him wide open as raw dark green, green, and black expelled from the body through the tunnel next like a conducted blast wave.

The red eyes widened and reflected the image of the incoming green light. He was helpless as the beam enveloped him in a large green and black eruption. The shockwaves of the attack sent dark green glints into the atmosphere as the blast wave emulated throughout the area.

"Hydranoid!" Atchibee gasped when she saw the shockwaves close in on her, forcing her to elevate higher to avoid the negative energy shockwaves.

Buz Hornix: 800 (+700) = 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 600

Nastix: 800 Alpha Hydranoid: 900 (-700) = 200

"Such force!" Esther yelled through the shockwaves, but another pulse made her and Alice stepped away/

With their opponents distracted, Nastix's own dark blue aura began crackling with ectoplasmic electricity. The field began to dilate around the skin until the slime finally opened its eyes. With a hollow gurgle, a plasmatic forcefield expelled in all directions, traveling towards Atchibee and the cloud that was Hydranoid. They were both enveloped in the dense plasma attack, creating dense blue waves to make them unseen.

Buz Hornix: 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 600 (-300) = 300

Nastix: 800 (+300 +100 +500) = 1700 Alpha Hydranoid: 200 (-100) = 100

The ectoplasmic shockwaves obscured everything in front of Amina and Galilea, but they were certain that they hit their mark. "There, satisfied?" the Aquos primidone huffed. "You used them, did you get your results?"

"We've already tested the forbidden abilities. It was your Battlegear that was unwarranted." Galilea corrected.

They both looked ahead, seeing the blue waves continue to surge.

"You think we damaged to target too much?"

"Can't say. Either way, our lord will do something about it."

"Either way, we must secure the target. Have Nastix and Buz Hornix…" Galilea was in the middle of her sentence when she was feeling a chill run up her spine. 'Wait…what's this sudden power climb?'

The energy from Nastix's attack was dissipating, slowly overtaken by a violet, white, pink, and black flaming energy wave instead. Galilea and Amina's eyes widened when they looked back, startled by what they were seeing.

There, surrounded in a vile dark energy field, Hydranoid was still standing. Albeit with partial injuries, nothing too major as he shielded Atchibee from the full blunt of the attack. Their target wasn't anywhere near down. In fact, they looked better than ever.

"Impossible…" Galilea gasped.

Alice was seen holding her purple Bakumeter, revealing an ability. "Ability…Merge Shield. Just in time, too."

Buz Hornix: 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 300

Nastix: 1700 Alpha Hydranoid: 100 (+1600) = 1700

Atchibee slowly arose from the ground, finally recovered enough strength. "Hydranoid…my humblest and deepest gratitude to you."

"Don't spoil the thanks." He replied. "Save your breath for when you crush them."

Recalling her teacher's words, Atchibee looked forward in compliance. "With pleasure!"

"Atchibee…shall finish this quickly?" Esther held up three ability cards layered atop the Bakumeter. The cards shined as the moth-like monster howled in agreement.

Galilea got to her guard while Amina's eyes narrowed. Neither was amused by what they thought was going to go down.

"Now! Triple ability, activate! Dusk Tornado-!"

Dusk Atchibee hollered as she ascended above Hydranoid. She flapped her massive wings once, creating a pitch-black cyclone that whirled around the area. The maelstrom caused the two Bakugan to be engulfed by goosebumps while trying to keep from being sucked away by the raging winds.

Buz Hornix: 1500 (-700) = 800 Dusk Atchibee: 300 (+300 +200) = 800

Nastix: 1700 (-900) = 800 Alpha Hydranoid: 1700 (+100 +700) = 2500

Both Hades Pillars girls covered up as the winds pushed them back. The jewelry on Amina rattled so much that it was starting to hurt a little.

"…Silver Twister! And Fusion Ability, Vermilion Raid!" Esther finished on a strong note, as strong and deadly as Atchibee's wild screeches. The moth howled like a midnight monster in a movie to a full moon. She screeched when her wings emitted sparkling silver scales that glistened in the darkness. She flapped them, turning the dark tornado summoned into a wild silver one that tore through the atmosphere. The massive silver cyclone rampaged erroneously throughout the land, kicking up more dirt as Atchibee's eyes glistened with purple and indigo. She expelled a hot breath of negative flames that molded into the cyclone, turning it into a helix of silver and violet flames – a black and white spiral!

The towering spiral was seen afar, raging on a different scale compared to the tornado from before.

Buz Hornix: 800 (-500) = 300 Dusk Atchibee: 800 (+400) = 1200

Nastix: 800 (-500) = 300 Alpha Hydranoid: 2500

Galilea and Amina found themselves unable ti last any longer. They fell onto their backs, with Amina gasping as she fell on her side. The latter looked up, her eyes wide with signs of distraught. She looked at the howling tornado, not minding her Bakugan being burnt and shredded inside. More importantly, her dress had gotten dirty. 'They…my dress…'

"Our turn, Alice!" Hydranoid roared.

"Right! Here we go, Hydranoid!" Alice readied two abilities at once.

'They…they dare…!' Amina was still lost in her fundamentals. Her breathing began to fall out of balance as her anger was showing. This didn't settle with Galilea well.

"Double ability, activate! Hellion Pulse! Plus Fusion Ability, Final Destruction!"

A menacing purple aura ignited around Hydranoid as his three maws generated a powerful sparkling energy. The energy molded from indigo to dark purple, with black inside. "SAY GOODNIGHT!" With a merciless roar, all three heads widened, expelling three dark beams that sent ripples throughout the area. The ground beneath Hydranoid shattered as the intensity created a force that rivaled the speed of sound.

Buz Hornix: 300 (-500) = 0 Dusk Atchibee: 1200

Nastix: 300 (-500) = 0 Alpha Hydranoid: 2500 (+500 +600) = 3600

The intense dark beams barreled through the atmosphere uncontrollably at the burning cyclone. When the three beams made impact, they created a small hemisphere of darkness that distorted in and out. In and out. It dilated with the more Hydranoid expelled, until the blast wave finally kicked in. A dark purple ripple blew in all directions, leading to an intense dark explosion that enveloped the whole airspace.

Everyone grunted as Hydranoid's last attack made a shockwave that repulsed anything away. Every rock, grain of dust, even the energy itself escaped the area as the Darkus energy crackled with static full of negative ions.

Hydranoid craned his head around, exhibiting his dominance in the ring. Atchibee let out a menacing caw of her own.

Alice glared forward, her serious demeanor at a full throttle. As dust swayed her skirt and hair, there was a very familiar sensation about her. The way she stood, the way she was postured…it was like a different person. Even those innocent brown orbs could give a grown Bakugan chills. "Had enough?" Even her tone was deadly. This was Alice for certain, but this was her renewed.

Esther glanced over, seeing how bold she's become. 'So this is the mercy of the former Masquerade…' She couldn't believe she thought of the past again, but knowing what Alice was capable of, she grinned. 'Am I glad she's on our side.'

As the smoke was clearing away, a hand swiped forward. Suddenly the Gate Card shined beneath, surprising them.

"What?!" Hydranoid looked down with Atchibee. Esther and Alice gasped in shock of their own.

"Wait, this can't be!"

"Are they seriously still…!"

As the Gate Card glistened, the dust and darkness was slowly evaporating around the area, reducing it to a flattened state once more. In the middle of the Gate Card, Nastix and Buz Hornix were revealed, both their injuries seemingly erased. Amina chuckled with a cynical smile.

"You…" she started low. "You left a stain on my dress…a dress that's dry clean only…" She lifted her head, and the look she had made Alice and Esther feel a chill run down their spines. In fact, they were shriveling when they were seeing the very wide, maniacal smirk shrouded in darkness. Her eyes were wide and pupils small as they saw them like prey.

She was pissed.

The Gate Card's shine was creating a translucent blue slime across the battlefield. Around Hydranoid and Atchibee, neither could move well as slime was anchoring their lower-halves.

"Amina, calm down." Galilea insisted, but her associate wasn't having it.

"You know…I could be having a bubble bath right now, having my manicure for my nails and get a nice coating with gloss…but you lowlifes…you and your butting…I can't TAKE IT!" she snapped in an outrage. "Gate Card, Ecto Dirge! With this, all your abilities are nullified, and you can't activate anymore!"

"You can't…" Alice was dumbstruck.

"But there's more…" Amina held up an index finger as she leered. "This card also synchronizes with my pet's little toy…"

The blue ectoplasm around Nastic was being absorbed into his body, causing the tubes connected to the shoulder bulbs to brighten blue as the energy was sucked into the machine. The core began to brighten as the canisters on the sides were all starting were all filling with ectoplasm. Her smirk widened.

"Hydranoid. Get out of there!" Alice shouted. Hydranoid tried to comply but he was anchored good by the slime. All he and Atchibee could do was watch as electrons crackled around the Battlegear.

With one last gurgled, Nastix pumped more ectoplasm into the cannon.

"Battlegear ability, activate! Prozar…ATOMIC!"

With that roar, the canister lids on the sides opened, unleashing pressurized radioactive energy across the battlefield. The main cannon expelled a blast of blue electrons that traveled in the middle.

Buz Hornix: 0 (+1500) = 1500 Dusk Atchibee: 1200 (-600) = 600

Nastix: 0 (+1700 +600) = 2300 Alpha Hydranoid: 3600 (-2700) = 900

Hydranoid and Atchibee couldn't react in time as either was able to maneuver well through the slime. The electrons and ectoplasm raced into them, swallowing them and their partners in an atomic wave. Everything around them was reduced to bright blue that seemed to have gone on endlessly.

Alice was screaming as the shockwaves were blowing her away. She couldn't hold on.

Esther: 0%

Alice: 0%

Amina's malicious smirk was uncharacteristic as she watched her adversaries get annihilated before her very eyes. Lord Riaan's wishes may be of importance, but no one messes with her wardrobe and gets away with it.

"Alice!" Hydranoid screamed, unable to hold on for much longer.

Esther grunted in pain as her own body was shutting down. She wouldn't last much longer either. As she was blacking out, a familiar sensation washed over her.

"Esther." Luke's voice ran through her head. She could see his smile and green eyes showing concern about her, much more so than the first time they've met.

'Luke…everyone…'

Her head was reducing to a blank space. She began recounting the arduous adventure that only started not even 3 months ago. She would laugh if she could at how much has changed since. Back then, she was an even battler than most of her team, especially in Luke's case. She was cold, straight to the point; a complete opposite of what she was now. She's made so many friends that became the only thing she has now. She treasured them. She believed in them. And, despite the circumstances, so was Alice.

She knew they were after Alice, and this was a sure-fire way of getting her to Riaan. With her talents and the horrors that Rian can do, there was no telling what they could accomplish. She couldn't let that happen.

Atchibee looked back at Esther one more time, seeing her face of resolute. She knowingly nodded, to which the other reciprocated. They knew what was best for this situation.

With one shove, Esther pushed Alice off her feet. "Esther?!" She was blown away as the impact's light intensified, causing her reach for Esther to fade.

Esther gave no reply as she looked back at Alice, smiling softly.

Atchibee's lower cocoon-half had the dark pointed pincers jut out of place. A long, slim tail with purple rings with pink fillings slithered out from beneath, smacking Hydranoid's necks and causing the massive hydra to falter.

"What the-?!"

"DESTROY THEM!" Amina barked incredulously, her Bakugan complying with a greater volume expelled from Prozar.

"ESTHER! NOOO~!" Alice reached harder if she could, but momentum wasn't on her or Hydranoid's side.

With a soft smile, Esther's figure began to fade in the radioactive energy, enveloping her and Atchibee. "…tell Luke…I'm sorry." Those were the last words she spoke before the energy fully consumed them.

Alice's eyes dilated in horror as she and Hydranoid were blown away. Their screams got further away as the explosion carried them off elsewhere.

…

In the distance, an explosion of blue broiled skywards, making rings of glossy blue that expanded with the climb. The unleashed power caught Ren and Luka's attention, alarming them.

"What's that?!" Ren gasped.

"An explosion…?" Luka inquired.

Watching the eruption himself, Zion looked piqued. A coarse smile crossed his face. "It seems someone's angered Amina."

Luka and Ren looked back; Ren ached at the spear impaled in his leg, struggling to keep consciousness much longer.

"She's never been the easiest to reason with. Odds are the target's already gotten killed or incapacitated at this point…our lord isn't going to be pleased."

'Targets…?' Ren thought. 'Wait…this was all a diversion…that means-!'

The explosion from Boomix settled, revealing Snapzoid. Surprising enough, the Bakugan was still able to battle in spite the wounds inflicted on it.

"Impossible…he's still standing?!" Linehalt outraged.

Alto Brontes took a step back. "Oh, not good."

The mutated Snapzoid sneered as his owner withdrew his weapons. He lifted his Bakumeter, preparing a final attack. "Now then, seems we have no further use for you lot. Time we backfire your little getaway." The holographic card shined, revealing another forbidden ability. The ability shined brightly, creating a bright purple core in front of Snapzoid that produced hashes chords around the body.

"What's going on?" Linehalt began feeling an incredible surge of energy. He saw the core faded into the body, recreating a black and red bloody aura around the eel.

The heat signature began to rise all of a sudden. Not just around Snapzoid, but the ground too. Small debris started to break down from temperatures beginning to rise. Luka looked around as the ground was steaming like an active volcano.

'The earth is melting…' He looked over, seeing Ren panting as his vision was blurry. There was no way he was going to get out in time. He looked ahead, snarling at his enemy. "You bastard!"

Zion's eyelids were half-open, looking bored at best. The dark aura around Snapzoid grew to a bright flare.

"Supernova-X!"

From the vast distance, a flaming pillar of raw, hot fire exploded into the sky. Likewise with the nuclear blue explosion, ripples of broiling flames exuded as a roar shook the Gundalian lands.

---

Maggie and Jelldon stood apart from the enemy Bakugan that were still trying to get through the Wall Flame cage. Suddenly like remote control, they stopped advancing, much to Jelldon's confusion. "Huh?" He watched the Bakugan return to ball form, before they started teleporting away.

The cyclone around Atmos whipped around nearby Bakugan, reducing them to nothing. Even as the winds faded, the enemy forces were reverting to ball form and teleporting away. This didn't settle well with Jase as he looked all around. "This is…?"

The Bakugan vanished before Fly Beetle and Verias as they held down the front lines. Their confusion was just as great as their partners.

"The forces…what are they doing?" Shuji questioned.

"I don't know." Shawn answered. "It looks like they're retreating."

Luke and Abis gasped. They saw the forces retreat and vanish into thin air. Slowly, the gunfire Abis was returning with his panel frills was all reducing drastically to a few, until there was no more. They stared in disbelief until the landscape was almost completely bare.

"What just…?" Luke blinked, comprehending the situation. "They all left, just like that."

Abis picked up on something in the distance. He lifted his head, seeing two explosions in the distance. Their shockwaves roared like thunder that echoed across the Gundalian lands. Everyone's heads turned away from the land to where the eruptions took place.

"What are those?" Luke gasped. He suddenly felt a cold chill that stiffened his footing. It felt like someone punched him in the gut. 'What's this bad feeling I have? Did something-!'

The others gathered around Luke seeing the shockwaves pass over them from two directions. "You guys feel that?!" Maggie chirped.

"Negative energy." Shawn cursed. "A strong one."

"This doesn't look good." Shuji commented.

Jase prodded his glasses. "There were battles over in the other vicinities. And from the looks of it…I'm not well into the odds of survival."

Abis looked down at Luke to see him unable to fend against this gut feeling he has. His fists balled tight as he couldn't shake that something went wrong. "Guys…I have a bad feeling about this." His brow furrowed. "I'm gonna go check it out! C'mon Abis!" Abis lifted Luke onto his head, slithering off towards the direction of the blue explosion.

"Luke, wait!" Maggie reached out.

"Maggie, please stay here." Jase insisted.

"What?"

"There's still many injured within the area. With things as they are now, they take priority. With you and Jelldon's multitude of arms, they'll need to be carried quickly towards safety. Shuji and I will locate Ren's destination. I fond it unlikely he got out unscathed as well."

Shuji nodded. "Sounds like a plan to me. Let's go, Verias!"

"Right!" the ape seized his partner and took off towards Abis. The serpent was quickly caught up by the running ape as they rushed towards the wastelands. They were in a rush like no other, and no one could blame them.

"Fly Beetle, follow us!" Shuji yelled.

"Atmos!"

Both Bakugan took to the air with their wings and followed their partners. They left Maggie to look at Jelldon, knowing they have to do their part as well. "C'mon, let's get these guys some place safe."

"Okay." Jelldon started gingerly grabbing the guys with his many tentacles. He remained mindful of their wounds as he squirmed towards the safest bunker.

---

Fires raged everywhere throughout Gundalian grounds, the constant sounds of burning and crisp objects fell like a tune of the dead. The char that came from metals and alloys sprinkled through the air, casting into the cold night air as clanging metal stepped on a burnt arm. Ignoring the body's charred bones snapping beneath the fried armor, Zion walked on. He had stone-cold fire in his eyes as he pulled out a stained red cloth in his pockets. He reached for his axe part of his arm and wiped the blood away. No wonder the cloth was as red as it was. Ignoring the damage done behind, he walked on.

---

Atmos and Fly Beetle sailed over the smoking grounds, their human partners on their backs as they looked around. Even to their own horror, all that they saw was nothing short of carnage. The ground looked like char, along with mechanical parts and bodies.

"Deploring." Atmos murmured. Even Jase shared the sentiment. But much like a soldier, emotion wasn't a priority.

"This is the result of Hades Pillars."

"They'd go this far to make sure no one interferes…" Fly Beetle trailed off, he was in too much of a bad mood that's already in the air.

"This is just sick." Shuji looked down at the ground, gasping at something walking in the smoke. "Hey, down there."

With his falcon eyes, Atmos picked up on something moving below as well. Albeit a little slow, he could make out the heat signatures of two organisms. "I see two."

Jase braced himself. "Be ready."

Both Bakugan descended and levitated over the charred earth. Still hot, they allowed their battle partners to jump off and land on their feet to get a visual aid. They saw a figure walk towards them. Unsure, they got their guards up and took battle stances.

When the smoke shifted, a pair of familiar boots was seen. Shuji's eyes widened as Jase glared.

"Luka?"

To Shuji's accurate guess, Luka was walking towards them. He was charred and slightly burnt, but otherwise he looked well. The same couldn't be said for Ren, who was carried over his shoulder in an unconscious state. He had burn marks all over his attire, the spear in his thigh all but melted away, save for the other end still piercing the flesh.

"Ren!" Rushing towards their aid, Shuji and Jase met Luka in the middle. They helped in getting Ren in a better position as Shuji held him in his arms. "Hey! Hey man, stay with me! Hey!" He wasn't getting any responses as Ren laid in his hold. "This is bad." He looked down at the leg wound, his eyes widened. "Oh man…"

"Br careful." Jase chided, startling Shuji with his harsher tone than normal. "Don't adjust his body to make the wound cause anymore blood loss."

"Huh? U-uh, right." He adjusted so that he used his muscles to carry Ren by his core and right leg, so no pressure was being applied on the other leg as his forearm supported it. "This looks bad. Do you think…?"

"We don't know for sure." He looked towards Luka. "Are you familiar with the cause?"

Luka scoffed. "You figured it out from those Bakugan you faced, didn't you? There's no doubt about it." He turned around. "Don't worry, your friend's not dead. He passed out when Brontes and I teleported away to avoid the full blunt of his attack. But you better get him treated fast." He started walking away.

"And what are you intending?"

"Zion couldn't have gotten far. I'm going to get a mark on their trail and follow them. They're more than likely regrouping from this attack. Gather up the wounded and put out these fires. I'll make sure they don't get far."

Jase wasn't certain of the motives. He was aware of Luka's intents are meaning for good, but the innovative manner wasn't his taste, or rather, lack of.

"Tell me, do you really think you can handle this alone?"

Luka stopped in his tracks, Jase's words preaching his ears.

"It's fine for you to be the hero, but don't forget, you're just one man. And only one soldier can do so much against an army. We're doing our part, but I'm curious, just how exactly are you tackling this problem ahead of you? From our perspective, it seems nothing's changed, even with your interference. So tell me, what are you accomplishing?"

A moment of silence fell as Luka tried to respond. Jase noticed his reluctance in an immediate answer. "I have my ways. You just don't know them."

"Perhaps not. But…do you know yourself better than we perhaps?"

"Shut up." Luka growled.

"You've helped us in a deceit lead by Maximus. You've aided us on Interacia in a number of ways. And…you've helped Luke." Luka's fists balled tighter. "I'm not going to impose on anything you say at this point, but know you have our gratitude for what you've done for us this far."

Luka was dead silent as he glared at the charred ground, the flames around them fading away with his thoughts. His thoughts went adrift as he thought of the times he saved them back on Interacia, and helped them on numerous occasions. But when he wanted to concede to that point, he thought back to New Vestroia and Luke. Seeing all that hope, and the talk in front of his mirror, it clouded away any hopes of sunshine on his darkened reality.

"…I'm just trying to save as many lives as I can…you're no exception." He pulled out his energy saber, holding it to the side. "I'm nothing more than an avenger trying to fix the injustice that monster has done. If I have to use one blade to carry that burden, then so be it. I won't have anymore lives fall on my watch…not to him."

Jase and Shuji stared at Luka, letting him continue.

"You guys…thanks for what you've done…but this is proof that Riaan's getting serious, even or you. Just stay here, and leave Riaan to me." His glared darkened as he was resolute ahead. "…and if you guys or that dreck try to play the hero, fine…but you'll have to see it over my dead body."

With those words of warning, Luka took off in a headstrong charge. He disregarded Shuji and Jase's stares to his back and tried to focus on his own goals. 'It has to be this way. It's better for everyone.' He quickened his pace towards the canyons. 'For everyone's sake!'

"There he goes." Shuji glared.

Jase wanted to investigate more on the matter, but he knew Ren took priority. "We should get going. He won't last long under these conditions."

"I gotcha."

Both battlers latched onto their Bakugan, with Fly Beetle offering to carry Ren with his hands. With him latched on, they flew back towards the base.

---

To another coast of the ravaged wasteland, the smoke and ash from the earlier explosion was unsettling. Abis and Verias arrived with shock on their faces.

"What happened here?" Verias questioned. "It looked like everything was erased."

"More like it was blown out of this world." Abis interpreted. "I can still feel some energy. Whatever it was, it wasn't long ago."

Luke and Shawn hopped off their Bakugan to get on foot. They started searching on their own to look for any signs.

"Is anyone here?"

"Not sure. If anyone was still standing they couldn't have gotten far unless they teleported."

Luke grunted. He wanted to yell out to any signs of anyone present, but he knew better than to alert a potential enemy. That gut feeling he had before kept broiling inside. He knew it had something to do with Esther, he felt it. If he didn't figure out soon, he was gonna lose it. 'Where is she? Esther!'

A ping sound echoed on Shawn's Bakumeter. He looked down, seeing the radar pick up for him. "A signal?" he gasped. He trace the signal over on their left. "Over there…"

They followed Shawn as he lead the trail. The radar signal was weak, but it was enough for him to tell where it was coming from. He and Luke stayed close so he can peak over and read the scanner.

"It should be around here somewhere…" The signal soon led to be atop, but they found nothing. They looked in all directions, only to spot a thin layer of rubble a couple feet from them.

The rubble groaned and shifted weakly.

"Someone's underneath!" Shawn hurried to get the rocks off. "Quick Luke, give me a hand!"

"Right!" Luke bent down and started clawing rocks and dirt off the spot. The two were able to get through remarkably fast, soon reaching the body. But they were mortified with what they saw.

There, lying with Hydranoid in ball form next to her, the figure was Alice. She was covered in dirt and looked like a twister from the undead came up and whirled her around. Saying she was a mess would be an understatement.

"Alice?!" Luke gasped.

Alice's closed eyes started to twitch at the sudden yell. Very weakly, she started stirring in Shawn's hold. Her brown eyes were blurry, fading in and out of seeing Shawn and Luke. "Shawn…L-Luke…" she whispered.

"Alice, what happened?! Are you okay?!" Luke wanted to slap himself for asking a ridiculous question. Of course she wasn't fine. But he needed to press on.

"You're pretty banged up. Stay still, we'll get you back to the Trailer." Shawn told her.

"Luke…"

Luke's eyes widened. He stared at Alice with worry.

"Esther…Atchibee…she…" Her vision was getting blurry again. "We tried to get away but they…"

"Esther…?" Luke's desperation was getting heavier. He wasn't liking where this was going, not one bit. He swallowed a lump s he was begging to hear more. "What happened…?"

"Luke…" Her started to mist as her guilt piled over. Tears were starting to show on the corners of her eyes. "I'm…so sorry…" The last of her strength faded away, Alice blacked out, falling limp in Shawn's arms.

"H-hey! Alice! Hang in there!" Shawn yelled in dire urgency. He didn't get a response, causing him to look at Luke wary. "Luke…"

Luke stared in morbid shock over the information given. His green eyes were shrunk with devastation over not just Alice hurt, but Esther potentially in grievous peril. The chill that he had before that turned into a full-scale tundra inside his mind.

"Atchibee…" Verias was stunned at the revelation. He looked over at Abis to see what his reaction was. Even his own horror couldn't hold a candle to his own.

Abis looked down in distraught. He was taking it pretty hard, losing one of his closest Bakugan friends as well. His snake-like eyes dilated as his emotions were just as broiled as Luke's. In fact, their eyes were dilating as their teeth gnashed at the same time. It was clear they were suffering from this fault.

"ESTHER~!"

"ATCHIBEE~!"

Their roars echoed throughout the valley, vanishing into the depths of gray stone.

---

The battle's toll had taken to Riaan's army. The Bakugan worn out, and a good fraction destroyed by Luke's group, new numbers had to be tallied. Inside her office, Galilea was typing into a holographic keyboard of the brigade analysis. Almost all of the numbers were red, indicating the population decline. She sighed and sat back in her chair. "To think that we'd lose many for this plan to work…" It wasn't her say in the matter though; they were conducted by Zion, so it was his credibility. Still, she would've appreciated a little more effort from them to keep a few numbers intact.

The thoughts she had today were running exponentially. She recalled the battle and how it was so close if not for Amina's little feud creating destruction. Alice and Esther appeared in her head, making her eyes narrow. 'Those humans…they were experienced enough to counter even our forbidden abilities. They weren't pushovers like those drones.' She thought back to the seminars that she fought battle drones that Cesar created, using battle data from various people on Interacia at the time. Compared to them, this wasn't anything like them. Once again she sighed as she resumed typing. 'It must've been from battling Rogue Zero and Killian constantly. I knew something was wrong.' Before she thought of her faithful ex-worker, a ringing was heard on the screen. "Yes?"

"Lady Galilea, are you present?" It was Zion, and he sounded casual as ever.

"Yes Zion, what's the matter?"

"It's his majesty he'd like to see us in his quarters at once."

"Very well, I'll be right over." She dismissed the call by swiping all the screens to the side. She lifted herself off her seat and typed into her Bakumeter. She teleported from her office into the throne room, where the rest of Hades Pillars was summoned in their respective attribute colors.

"Where have you been?" Magnus teased. "Ain't you usually the one on time?"

Amina whipped a lock, snarking at Lucia. "You see? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Lucia offered no verbal response. She'd rather not feel ashamed of feeling slightly annoyed by Amina's arrogance, but it did better than what she figured. All dislikes aside, she had to show her begrudging respects for getting the job done.

Zion cleared his throat. "Yes, the mission was a success. The base and its commanders have been given a fair warning. But more importantly, we've acquired our prize."

Cyrus chuckled. "And a prize indeed, my friends. However…" He glanced over his shoulder, the darkness showing Riaan walking their way. "Milord has other intentions, you see."

Riaan walked closer towards his colleagues. They all turned and bowed their heads for their divine leader. He stopped and observed them all.

"Milord." Cyrus announced. "Forgive any endeavors crossed…but we of Hades Pillars have done the command."

Riaan nodded. "Yes, I'm fully aware, thanks to that report Galilea sent me." He walked passed his associates, making his way into the center platform. "To you all, well done. Thanks to you, the Gundalian frontlines will be delayed long enough for the rest of its resources to be transferred over. Very well executed."

"Aye, milord." Zion nodded.

"Things just may have gotten a little more interesting it seems." Cyrus chimed.

"I quite agree." Lucia spoke.

"As you all are aware, the primary objective of this operation was to bring in our much-needed recruit. I hope you realize what this entails."

"Forgive me, your grace." Galilea dropped to a knee, bowing before her leader. "We've underestimated this adversary yet again. The blame is mine."

"Kissup." Amina scoffed, filing her long, glossed nails.

Despite repercussions, Riaan smirked. "It's fine, Galilea. Please, do rise."

"But, milord." Slowly, she ascended back upright.

"Our mission was to acquire a Darkus battler capable of replacing our fallen numbers. After the many tests and examinations, we've deduced that it would be Alice…wouldn't that have been a coincidence?" he turned towards Lucia, referring to her. He looked back ahead. "However, neglecting the primary object, we can work with what we have. We have a new subject amongst us."

"Milord…" Zion followed Riaan's gaze off to the side.

Riaan smirked at the wall. He looked at someone who had long hair that flowed like a waterfall down her back, longer than Alice's hair. She had a very voluptuous frame if one looked passed her torn state. She was fixed to the wall via cuffs and chains to suspend her wrists. Beside her in open ball form, her Bakugan was in an electrical bubble, incapacitated and unconscious.

Riaan's grin widened. "Well this most certainly is an interesting development. Wouldn't you agree…Esther."

Esther's crucified state was just the beginning. For the defeated Darkus girl and her partner, it was only the beginning.

---

Finally struck chapter 40! Finally, hope this was worth it! As always, feedback is very much appreciated! Thanks guys XD