"Halt, in the name of his majesty!" A soldier charged ahead with a refined energy blade, going for a piercing blow, but instead the blade was deflected by another, followed by a rapier piercing through the exposed neck.

The soldier went limp as he fell to the ground in front of Shawn and co. They all faced ahead at the swarm of soldiers that were pinning them to the one spot in order to kill them. It was a relentless to be in right now, and had it not been for their past training they'd probably be dead at this point.

Esther twirled her spear overhead and slashed into an oncoming soldier. The swift swipe of the thick metal went clean through the armor, spilling red through a heaping gash as they fell at her feet. "They're coming up from behind. We can't pull back now!"

Crossbows and arrows lined up in front of everyone. Two layers of men on knees and standing took aim for everyone to get ready for.

"Everyone get behind me! Now!" Luke shouted. Everyone did as told and got into a single file line behind him to minimize the crossbow range. Luke held his sword up and glared down the rows of crossbows ahead of him. 'Okay, this better work. Remember what you learned from Preyas…'

"Incoming!" Abis warned.

A soldier from the back pointed at them. "Fire!"

All at once, crossbow arrows were released and shot at staggering speeds. One barely missed Luke's face, but left a notable cut on the cheek. Another crossbow shot overhead, which Jase ducked from. Another cut the pants on Luke's left leg. Luke hastily bunted the mass of the blows with his thick, sword, the turns and angles that he used to deflect and refract the bow made them ricochet off the blade into other soldiers too close for comfort. Some gagged as they were punctured in several areas. One fell over when one went straight through his chest. The cover the others had allowed them to advance behind Luke as he stepped ahead into the fray.

The soldiers recharging their ammunition, this was their chance to get past them. With her smaller frame, Maggie slipped past the fellow soldiers, causing many of their backs to turn away for Esther to slash away. Shawn and Luke advanced with them cutting down foe after foe in a hurry. With swift opening, Jase stabbed soldiers with his homemade taser lance right into their exposed skin and weakened clothing. They were stunned long enough for him to stab again, but deeper to inflict fatal wounds.

"HRAAAH~!" Shuji charged with all his might tackling own several guys at once. He stepped on one guy's face even as he followed through.

"Nice going, Shuji!" Shawn shouted. He charged for the downward foes, who were starting to stand again. With the angles at his rapier's level. Shawn swung vast and hard, cutting into them to put them down for the second time.

They started again with the army behind them getting knocked around. As many came up with swords and blades, Esther swiftly countered and gashed wounds to put them down. Bodies fell as they were attempting to find an opening as the end of the corridor was within sight.

Jelldon popped open on Maggie's shoulder. "Guys, up ahead!"

Everyone noticed something that looked like a small panel hidden behind glass. They all recognized it as some kind of switch to make anything manual, if that was the implication.

"Hurry, everyone!" Jase assured.

A soldier charged ahead with a mace and swung it around. He brought it down onto Shuji. But the young man's inability to stand down made him grab the wrist, holding the weapon back from plunging into his face. "Not so fast…pal." He fiercely headbutted the man, putting him on his back.

Jase made a beeline for the panel, with Luke and Esther providing him cover. He stuck out the twin prongs of his weapon and slashed the hatch open. The glass shattered with the sweep, which also dented in the panel. This caused sirens to go off from all around, beeping red spontaneously.

"Stop them!" A soldier cried out, before a mace was thrown into his stomach, causing him to careen back into his allies.

Shuji turned around and bolted with his pals. Fly Beetle was on his shoulder as they made a break for it. "This is more cramped then I pegged it to be."

"I know. It's like this thing is a size too small compared to before." Shuji retorted. "Maybe it's to compact things so it's closer to one another."

"That, or maybe this Empyrean has less functionalities than the last one." Atchibee figured. "At any rate, hurry! I see a hatch coming down!"

On cue, a metal door was coming down in front. Everyone came together and dove straight for the other side. Once they crossed over, they looked back and saw soldiers getting too close for comfort. They had to think fast!

Luke looked around for anything available to slow them down. That's when he noticed a stray crossbow from one of the deflected shots lying around. He picked it up and aimed high. "Here goes nothing…" He brought one foot forward and threw the metal arrow as hard as he could into the overhead light beyond the closed wall. The light was punctured, causing sparks to fall down and deter the soldiers. It short-circuited and caused the entire wing of the Empyrean to flash on and off, before complete darkness took over.

Metal could be heard clanking and men falling atop each other as the door slammed shut behind Luke. The cries and muffled noises were meters through to the others side. With elbow room, Luke backed away with his group and sighed in relief.

"We need to keep moving." Esther insisted, skipping the praise.

Luke turned with high priority. "You're right. Jase, are you sure they went this way?"

"Yes, I have my reasons…" He pulled up his Bakumeter, tapping in a sequence. On the screen projected, a broadcast was shown with the Brawlers racing through the Empyrean.

Maggie's eyes widened upon realizing the screen. "Wait, isn't that…!"

Jase half-grinned. "Turns out having Julie around is proving more help than we have thought. They've made their way through enough that we can trace their movements through to wherever they end up."

Maggie blinked, before smirking. "Heh, not bad. I always knew your stalker side would come in handy."

Jase closed his eyes and prodded his glasses with a finger. "A fortunate habit, as I'd like to call it." He frowned. "But time of essence, don't get cold feet so soon now."

"He's right. We have to keep moving." Esther insisted. "Jase, which way from here?"

He looked at the monitor yet again. He tapped another set of codes on the Bakumeter to make it show a green screen with a red dot to pinpoint their precise location. Jase looked down the hall, where the video footage took the Brawlers, and soon-to-be themselves. "Straight ahead. Beyond here is a tunnel that should take us further beneath the surface."

"Let's go before reinforcements pries open the security hatch." Maggie enforced.

"I'm down for that. Let's move!" Shawn shouted.

Everyone made a quick dash down the dark hallway, the dim lights barely catching their shadows as they took charge towards getting deeper down under.

The atmosphere within the basin was so thick that one could visibly slice through it. Dan and the Battle Brawlers stood a short distance away from Riaan as they were within the center isle of the still waters of the untouched basin. The natural formations of rock and precipices jutting out all around made it that much more tense. The temperature was mildly cold. And by that, that meant even Shun was getting goosebumps just from being around this guy. All the Brawlers glared daggers at him as he stood in silence along with Armagedoid.

With the tension high, Dan gave Riaan the biggest glare ever. "So then, you're Riaan. Figures I'd remember you."

Riaan humbly frowned. "Indeed. I expect you to remember after our last confrontation on Gundalia, Dan Kuso. It's an honor to be in the presence of the mighty Battle Brawlers, whom have saved the universe on numerous occasions."

The others didn't take the compliment. The way Riaan put it so half-heartedly in tone made it sound like they were played. It was almost sickening.

"So what's your game here, Riaan? What's the big idea gong and starting to harm innoce-!" Dan didn't get to finish when Julie rushed past him and everyone else. The cameraman followed along. "What the-?! Julie!"

Julie raced up towards Riaan, standing a short distance away with the mic held out towards him. "Alright Riaan, it's time for everyone to see what you really are! Why are you invading Earth and using Bakugan for your evil deeds! And moreover, why you're disrupting the peace that humans and Bakugan brought together!"

On Earth, Mira, Runo, and Alice were in the Battle Brawlers HQ, watching Julie onscreen with Riaan for the rounds of questions she gave out. "Julie…" Runo murmured.

Julie was getting impatient. "Well? Aren't you going to say something?"

Riaan humbly grinned. "Yes, I intend to say something. But before I do that, I believe this requires immediate attention. Your broadcast extends only to Earth, am I right? Allow me to fix that." He looked down at his Bakumeter, tapping a single button to initiate a one-way communication. "Attention, to the Empyrean communications team. Activate the dimension wave now, I repeat, activate the dimensional wave broadcast system."

"We are a go up here." A soldier sitting in a chair was surrounded by holographic panels. He and four other soldiers were sitting in chairs with equal signal readings that shared the same wavelengths

"Setting up protocol 01-BETA. Deactivating Interdimensional frequency signal." The second soldier announced. His screen showed the outline of the Empyrean and a wavelength produced. With a flip of a switch, it turned off, making it silent.

The third soldier typed in a series of codes. "Protocol 76-BETA. Initiating signal enhancement wavelengths."

The Empyrean's chrome top above had a small opening. Gradually, what looked like a radio antenna with a bright green crystal ball tethered through weaved metal to encase and protect it arose several meters into the air. It projected a bright glow that sent out a distorted green shockwave across the sky, rippling outwards through the atmosphere.

Luke and everyone made it to the tunnel entrance, where they all gathered to quickly formulate. "Looks like this is the place. Figures." Shawn said. His Bakumeter started beeping, which caught him by surprise. "Hm?"

Maggie's Bakumeter was beeping next. "What's this?"

Shuji raised a brow at his message. "A message?"

"Is it Fabia?" Luke pressed the button, the static on the screen starting to become clear. It showed Riaan on it, as well as Julie with the mic. He gasped in surprise. "Riaan!"

"What's happening?" Esther pondered. "Is this a broadcast from the Brawlers' standpoint?"

Jase furrowed his brow. "Damnit, seems we were too late. Quick, everyone!"

Luke nodded. "Right! No time to waste!" He rushed inside the open hole, with the others following behind.

On New Vestroia, Preyas and Amazon were still hiding out in the caves of the island where Luke and Abis Omega trained with them. It's been a long time since they've been there but they couldn't step outside, the foul air and negative energy would be intoxicating to where it'd make them turn savage, at least from what happened with several Limulus.

Staring down at the dark pool of water in front of them, an odd image started coming into view. Amazon took immediate notice. "Sensei, look!"

Preyas looked down at the rippling water, waiting for the image to come in full view. His red eyes immediately fixed on the visage of Riaan, along with Julie and the Battle Brawlers on it. His attention went serious when he saw a familiar yellow-haired man. "M-Marucho…!"

Tigrerra and Aerogan looked p into the sky, seeing the dull clouds create a vision of what the broadcast was like. "Mistress, look! It's Dan and Drago!" Aerogan shouted.

"Drago…"

Roosting somewhere low, Skyress looked up at Shun's face, and Gorem was fixed on Julie, who was too close for comfort. Elsewhere on New Vestroia hiding out the poisonous destruction, Diablo was staring up at the sky as well, getting a similar reaction when he saw Marucho's face.

On Neathia, every holographic screen popped open, allowing people even within the safety of their crumbling homes to see the broadcasts. Monitors popped open automatically, even when power wasn't supposed to work in some of Vestal's areas where generators and servers were down.

Looking down at the Bakumeter, Ace's eyes widened. "What the-?! Where'd this come from?"

"Is that who I think it is?" Percival piqued.

"It's Julie!" Nemus shouted.

"Not only that, but that…" Baron gasped. "Wait…that's gotta be him! Is that the guy behind all this?!"

Within the sanctuary of his own domain, Klaus was holding onto Sirenoid in her bowl as the large monitor in front of them made them frown.

In the lab, lights were still off as Gus and Spectra saw the huge monitor play automatically. Gus was over by a screen, showing energy waves continuing to ripple about. "Sir, radio waves are being received and infesting our server. This message is automatic to everyone!"

Spectra looked on, his blue eyes fixed on Riaan. "It appears that…he's finally decided to put on a show after all."

"Huh? What's this?" Zenet looked at her Bakumeter, showing the broadcast. "Hey, isn't that the Julie girl I saw on Earth a while back?"

"I think so." Contestir chimed. "What's going on here?"

All across the destroyed Gundalia, anyone who wasn't worrying about finding solid ground found themselves locked on screens showing the broadcast. The planet had already crumbled so much and large holes paved away to darkness breaching.

"Ren, that can't be-!" Linehalt paused, finding himself in disbelief.

"It's Dan, and Marucho! The Brawlers are all there?" Ren was left at a loss for words to say. He didn't know what to make of this.

Nurzak frowned, closing his eyes in relief. "Let's just hope…that the Brawlers are able to bring a stop to this crisis, once and for all. We've done our part. Now…all that's left is to leave it to fate."

In Fabia's throne room, a holographic projection showed the broadcast. Everyone was watching it with shock on their faces, that even Rafe and Paige, who were on patrol, were looking down at their Bakumeters to see the live feed.

"Check it out!" Paige shouted. "It's those guys again!"

"Yeah, and it looks like they've caught up to Riaan." Rafe noted. He stared for a moment, seeing the man onscreen. "So that's him. The fiend behind all this chaos…"

Fabia furrowed her brow as she watched from her throne. Linus and Elright were in the infirmary looking at Linus' Bakumeter that showed the holographic projection of the battle.

Every video screen and tablet on Earth flipped on, despite the power. It was an automatic update that remotely controlled every channel that went across the globe. Every news station and radio turned to the broadcast on Neathia forcefully, to make it so that no one was out of the loop.

Augustine, Claire, and Cale all sat in the living room of their estate mansion. They watched the screening, with worried and serious looks on their faces.

"Huh?" In Akira's home, he was in his house, watching TV when he was seeing the broadcast. "Guys, come look at this!"

Nene came in with their mother. "What is it?" The mom stopped in her tracks when she saw the broadcast on the television. "What's this?"

"I don't know, but Dan and the Brawlers are on, Mom. I think this is really serious."

Nene harrumphed. "Hmph, is that so?" She furrowed her brow. "And who might that guy be then?"

At the prison, everyone there, including Esther's parents, were looking up at the monitors available and watched everything going on. Even in the safety of her own home, Rebecca was also watching something from the television as she held onto the Ziperator Maggie won for her.

In the HQ of the B.I.F, Michelle was in her office watching the scene with a serious and interested look on her face. All the soldiers and cadets were all gathered to one spot where they were watching the broadcast being put out towards them as well.

All across the multiple worlds, people were gazing at the screens to bear witness to the Battle Brawlers and Riaan on the set. Others were spectating with anxiety, while others were huddled together to comment.

"Who's that guy?"

"I don't know, but look! It's Dan!"

"He's back?! Yeah! That means we're saved!"

"It's the Battle Brawlers! They're finally here!"

"Surely they know what's going on!"

"Just leave it to them and their Bakugan, they can handle this, I'm sure of it!"

Dan and everyone's Bakumeters gave off flashing lights, showing automatic activation. They looked down at them in confusion and awe.

"There, I believe that should suffice then." Riaan announced.

"Wait, is that us?" Shun's eyes widened when he saw the camera fixed on Riaan, but the broadcast was live on his Bakumeter. "No way, how did he even hack the system?"

Riaan humbly grinned. "I have my ways, as well as my sources to thank for that. They deserve the credit. Now then, now that we have everyone's attention, I believe a proper introduction is in order." He turned towards the camera, taking a moment's pause as to gather his words.

The tone around everyone started growing dim and crude. The air had started getting cold again in the basin, enough to send a shiver down all their spines. Those looking across the multi-dimensions could feel their blood run cold.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the man-no, the monster himself who has brought amongst you all this, who takes all the responsibility. I am whom is called 'Riaan'. I welcome you all to see for yourselves just what exactly the reasons are behind all this destruction, beyond this melee that I have brought upon you all. It is not just your homes that I have brought this, too. No, far from it. It is not just Earth who is suffering these conditions. New vestroia. Vestals. Gundalia. Neathia. These are all the planets that have been the prime targets of my plan, to make sure every single one of you who have remained alive bare long enough to see the end of your innocence. My goal is one of paramount, yet my sub-goal, is so that none of you can see a future that cannot be easily conceived."

Amongst the many of them who were confused, Dan was one of them. "Are you guys…understanding anything this guy's saying?"

"It's hard to say." Drago interpreted.

Having his patience worn, Dan stepped up. "Hey, creep! What's the deal here? What's this about taking everyone's innocence, huh?!"

Riaan closed his eyes and hummed. "The deal here, you say? Heh…the deal, my acquaintance, is that everyone deserves to know, about the truth behind the Bakugan, and how this domino effect started. For you see, I am the father of all Bakugan. The other half of Code Eve, the mother of Bakugan herself!"

Everyone who was watching was left starstruck. They couldn't believe what they just heard, let alone comprehended. The humans and other species that were aware of Bakugan were able to understand that Bakugan were living creatures with minds of their own, but they never understood where they came from. The Bakugan themselves were fixated with just as much shock as they were at this revelation.

"The father…" Zenet gasped.

"…of all Bakugan?" Michelle raised a brow, thoroughly invested in this matter. "What did Jase uncover…?"

Claire and Augustine were sitting patiently in the manor, their glares fixed on the man whom they fell tricks from. "Riaan…" Claire despaired.

"…" Augustine growled low.

Dan stayed straightforward. "Yeah, we've heard about that. But where's your proof? You know not everyone's going to believe you right away, you know."

"I am the proof." In Riaan's palms, Armagedoid's ball form popped open and hopped onto Riaan's shoulder. "I am Armagedoid. I am a Bakugan, much like many of you whom I have seen with my own eyes. I was created by Master himself, as well as what fragments of the energy Code Eve have. I am the proof you all see."

Drago floated beside Dan. "But Code Eve said only two Bakugan were born at the same time. One of them was one of my ancestors."

Armagedoid paused, recalling what he and Rian went over before. "Then I suppose this makes us distant relatives."

Drago growled. "I thought it was strange when we first met back on Gundalia. That energy you gave off. It felt so familiar, how could I have not seen it before?"

Riaan lowered his head. "We aren't liars, Drago. These are facts that must be taken into consideration. Bear that in mind."

"What's there to consider after everything you've done?" Julie intervened, holding the mic out further. "All these people and Bakugan hurt, and or what? Just so everyone can know who you are?"

His frown hardened. "It was a necessity for me to arrive on each planet accordingly. My powers involve contact with the planet itself. But, to answer your question, Shun Kazami, I ask you, stop and think about it for a second. I told you before that my aim was to ensure everyone knew the truth of what's going on. If I visited every planet humbly and quietly, wouldn't that reek of hypocrisy?" he paused. "Did you honestly expect me to stay silent as all your planets' resources transfer over to Interacia? You would all die as quiet as how I lived for eons. To me, there would be nothing to gain from going that route."

"So you deliberately made people suffer, and destroyed their homes and loved ones, because you felt like it was the best course of action?!"

"Morally, no. My actions can never be hoped for condoning. My methods are destructive, and I know that this is very wrong. But, this is my way. And stop and think about it, the greatest of the masterminds behind history aren't all that silent, are they? They started mute, but they created a chain reaction through violence, didn't they? Naga. Zenoheld. Barodius. Mag Mel. Mechtavius Destroyer. Had it not been for their destruction, you tell me, would you have ever heard of them?"

"Well no, but…" Dan found himself trailing off. To an extent, he was getting a picture of what Riaan was referring towards.

"On all your planets, in your dimensions, every life isn't without violence. It's a tool – a necessity – that enforces one's position of where they stand. In order to survive, you must learn to fend for yourself. Even if it means the cost of another's."

"That's a lie!" Dan retorted.

"Is it? If I drew my blade on right now, what would you do? Would you fight back, or would you run? Know your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the enemies'."

"What is this guy saying?" Radizen grunted. "All this talk of actions and choices? He's speaking as much gibberish as you, Roxtor."

To that response, Roxtor spoke back in gibberish.

"Geez, okay. Sorry I asked!"

"A real warrior only battles his true enemy." Drago insisted. "There's no pride in harming the innocent."

Riaan closed his eyes. "Whoever said I took pride in what I've done?" His glare fixed on Drago. "Nobody is ever truly innocent either. Every single person has done some manner of wrong in their lives, but how many of those take responsibility for correcting them? I am merely pointing out the fact that some factors you cannot change with will alone!"

Dan and Drago snarled. "You creep!"

Julie intervened between them once again. "Okay Riaan, so tell us! Because of all this destruction, what are you really after?"

Riaan turned towards the camera and Julie. "What I'm after, it's not that simple. But, I supposed that it's best that I put it bluntly." He spread his arms out. "You see, my ultimatum is to recreate the origins of Bakugan, the offspring of which Eve and I vowed to work on together. Our original idea was to make one world, in which Bakugan and our lives would begin."

Everyone listening from across the worlds were confused, but they were so intent on listening as well that they couldn't help but try and comprehend what was going on. Some even looked at each other confused.

"But, at some point, Eve realized that our actions and our way of thinking had created a dividing line. That line fully severed us, as well as our dream. She took the Bakugan genomes, with my Ultimate Warrior Gene, and started the creation of Bakugan…without me."

"Unreal…" Gunz awed.

Reptak floated by his head. "We've heard about this before, but coming from the mastermind himself…it just sounds sick."

"'Sick'…hehe, yes, I supposed that's an appropriate term." Riaan mused.

"But why destroy our planets? What's there to gain?!" Marucho lashed out.

"The fact that all five planets have been afflicted and affiliated with Bakugan is a proprietary reason for why I've infected them. You see, the more the planet is infected, the more the resources are transferred. The more resources transferred, the more Interacia gains. And coming from five planets, I intend to bring out the best of all five worlds that the Bakugan inhabit, to make it all one renewal. A new world; a new origin story, from then Bakugan can have a second chance at the cycle of life, along with those who have fallen as well. An interspecies coagulation that all begins…with the end of another."

Dan stomped his foot on the ground, his temper getting the better of him. "That is not a reason why you had to do this! Nobody asked for this, you know?! We all worked hard together, building up all this peace…and you've come and ruined everything!"

Riaan morbidly frowned. "One cannot create…without destroying. That is a fact, not a biased testimony."

"But still, it's so wrong!" He shook his head passionately. "Why…couldn't you just leave us alone? You creep!"

Riaan frowned heavily at Dan's lashing out. He didn't have to say anything too pointless now to see that the Battle Brawlers were bent on stopping him. He was sure one way or another, everyone would be able to see and hear everything that he has to say.

"Master…" Armagedoid trailed off at Riaan's silence.

Riaan gave the Brawlers one more stern look, sympathizing with how they feel. As much as he would want to see what they would do to stop him, he needed to bring out one more point. One that would break them out of their disillusions. "The 'peace' that you've fought for…doesn't exist."

The Brawlers' eyes widened at this. "What are you…getting at now?" Dan spatted.

"Peace throughout the universe? I've been lightyears to many worlds in my lifetime, and I have seen that no matter how many there are, each one is different. And with it, its own troubles. If peace throughout the universe is what you've achieved, then I ask you, why am I here?"

The realization snapped Dan so hard his eyes shrunk. Everyone else had the same stunned looks of revelation and disbelief.

"You've only brought prosperity to five planets, and how did you accomplish that? Didn't you have to do the same thing that I am doing, in order to achieve that specific goal? You had to fight someone, too. And in the end, didn't they end up paying the piper? You talk about peace like everyone should be happy at the end, but did they get the happy endings they wanted?" he squinted hard, sending a chill down all their spines. "As I have said, you're nothing but hypocrites. There's nothing different from between what you've done that I am doing right now. What everyone has to do in order to make their dreams come true. Fight."

He took one more pause, reaffirming his position against everyone as his magenta eyes glowed briefly. "Peace cannot exist without violence. The battle, never ends! Just because you've stopped violence in your time, doesn't guarantee that in the future, or elsewhere on another world, there'll be rebels or others like me. You've overestimated your beliefs, and now it's time for you all to wake up!"

Dan's fist palpitated with veins. His teeth gnashed in anger and frustration boiling inside. Shun, Marucho, and Gunz all looked with rising angst and annoyance at what was being spilled here that was starting to get on their nerves.

"This ends now…" Dan growled. "We won't…accept this! You hear me!"

Julie pumped her fist. "That's right, Dan! You tell him! Humans and Bakugan will prevail through the harmony we've brought together!" She turned towards the camera and the people across the channel. "Right, everybody? Let's show this big baddie that everything he's doing is for the wrong reasons!"

"YEAH!" Across Earth, a lot of people were raising fists and cheering for the Brawlers to end this madness. Many were in their homes onscreen since it was too hazardous to be outside. But around the globe, cheers and positivity was assured.

"Win one for us!"

"Please Dan and Drago, you're the only ones who can save us!"

"The Brawlers can restore everything, right?!"

Ren looked at the available screens with Linehalt on his shoulder. 'Dan. Drago. You both stopped Emperor Barodius and Mag Mel. Maybe you guys can pull off one more miracle.' He looked down at his wounded body, which was still covered in some bandages after that battle with Zion before. He started getting frustrated with himself, but he wasn't going to deny it. 'Just don't make the same mistake I've made, alright guys?'

"Brawlers…" Fabia murmured.

Spectra and Gus watched the screen with anticipation. Helios and Vulcan respectively was silent for the watch as well.

The stable Bakugan hiding out on New Vestroia looked at the visions in the sky or water, looking equally as anticipated as anyone else.

Dan held up a balled fist, the determination in his eyes evident. "We've had it up to here with you and your stupid ideology! We'll show you what it means to battle for peace! And win!"

Riaan seemed elated from the expression on his face. "Then by all means, how do you intend to do so?"

From the trail going towards the basin, Luke and everyone continued their course through the darkness. It was growing cold,

"You guys feel that?" Shawn warned.

"Yes, it seems we're getting on the right track." Jase said. He had his Bakumeter set on audio as they traveled through the chasm. They were hearing everything the Brawlers and Riaan were talking about and suffice to say that lines were crossed all too soon.

Esther furrowed her brow. "We're already too late."

"Damnit, do those idiots know what they're up against?" Shawn grunted.

"We'll see." Shuji forewarned. "But I ain't playing second-fiddle this time."

"Then I say we better move it!" Maggie asserted.

Luke nodded. "You're right. C'mon!" They hurried along down the dark tunnel, deeper into the depths where Riaan and the Brawlers would be having their comeuppance.

The Battle Brawlers opposed Riaan and Armagedoid, the two sides getting on camera as they were being watched by everyone. Julie got in front and turned towards the public's eye. "This is Julie Yamamoto, live from underground Neathia! We have the mighty Battle Brawlers led by Dan Kuso and Drago, as they face off against the menace that's called Riaan, to prove that in the end, nothing will stop us!"

Dan's glove tightened as he pulled on the sleeve. "And once we're done with you, that'll be the end of it pal. As long as we have each other and our Bakugan, you won't ever take us down!"

Riaan frowned, his attitude turning serious. "Then by all means, I invite you to try, oh great Battle Brawlers. Show me how you've achieved your dreams…and if they'll bear fruit as mine are."

Riaan: 100% Dan: 100%

Shun: 100%

Marucho: 100%

Gunz: 100%

"Alright creep, let's go!" Dan insisted.

Riaan huffed in the belittling name Dan kept calling him. He could've corrected him, but in the end, he'd rather not deter the point. "Very well then. But you were warned." He held up a Gate Card. "You will learn first-hand the gap between reality, and your illusions. Gate Card…set!" He shot the card out into the battlefield, making it fade into a dark purple shockwave across the field. "Armagedoid…shall we?"

"Relatives by blood or not, they are our enemies. I can see that now." He responded. "Master…I am ready."

"As am I." Armagedoid's ball form closed and dropped into his open hand. "Very well then! You will see first-hand of what the power of a tangible ambition can do to all! Bakugan…brawl!" He threw Armagedoid into play.

The Brawlers watched with anticipation as the Bakugan rolled out onto the battlefield. An uneasy feeling crept up their spines as they watched it come to a stop.

"…Darkus Armagedoid, stand!"

Armagedoid's ball form popped open, and a Darkus light ignited the entre ground. Dan and everyone didn't get a chance to prepare before a magenta ripple went across the island. It caused an intense magnitude that made the still water ripple outwards. The air around all of them darkened as a magenta and Darkus impulse flared with pulses forcing everyone on their bottoms. Marucho shrieked out as he doubled over due to his lightweight.

"Marucho!" Radizen shouted, before he was blown back by the shockwaves.

Shun was the only one who kneeled in time to keep his feet stable beneath. Gunz and Dan were put on their rears as dark shockwaves twisted and created a figment in front that arose in a dark silhouette. Its prismatic shadow overcast them by a large margin that rendered them speechless.

"Wha…what is…!"

Julie and the camera guy got behind a small stalagmite to avoid the shockwaves. Everyone from across all the worlds bared witness to the wings unfolding, sending a chill down all their spines as another grizzly pulse exerted. The entire basin trembled as pulses ran with negative energy fuming as Armagedoid's feet touched base, and the prismatic headpiece and eight wings unhinged to allow Armagedoid's magenta eyes to glare down at those who opposed him. He curled over, unleashing a violent roar that rocked everything around. Waves churned as stalactites overhead dropped into the water. Everyone down below was completely unprepared…something that Riaan relished in.

The entire chasm shook from the wake of the stand, so much to where Luke and everyone could feel that same dark spike as before. Only this time they looked and seemed more brazen than before.

"This shaking…he's risen again!" Esther retorted.

Shawn looked up, noticing a stalactite loosely hanging over him. At the last second, he stepped back, barely avoiding that sudden fall. The rock shattered to pieces before him. Had it not been a second sooner he would've been impaled in the head.

Shuji looked up for security as well. "Crap, we can't stand around here! We don't hurry, we'll be boxed in!"

Jase turned towards his peers. "Luke, Shuji, lead the way. We need strength and speed in the vents rubble falls before us."

Luke nodded at Jase's wisdom. "Yeah, we can do that." He looked at Shuji. "You ready?"

Shuji nodded. "Yeah, just keep up, would ya?" He and Luke went on in, everybody else keeping eyes and ears open as the earth roared with Armagedoid's echo piercing through the walls.

"He sounds angry…" Maggie murmured.

Jase frowned. "That's to be expected when one feels threatened."

The trembling of the land and earth finally diffused. The Brawlers barely got their feet beneath them as crude chill filled the entire basin. They all stood against Armagedoid, whose tail swayed to one side, making a brisk airstream that chipped off the top of a stalagmite to his right.

Shun's eyes widened at the sight. Flashes of what happened in the Empyrean came to mind and made his face pale. 'His power is greater than I remember!'

Armagedoid: 1500

Dan's eyes widened at the Bakumeter's reading. "What?! A power level from the start?! Where'd he get that kind of power from?!" He looked at Riaan with a growl. "You made a Bakugan this powerful?"

Riaan frowned, unwilling to take light of Dan's comment. Armagedoid growled down at them to prepare.

"Hey, I asked you a question!"

"Let it go, Dan." Gunz glared. "This punk's not gonna listen. He wants a fight, I say we give it to him."

Dan cooled down for a short while. "Yeah you're right. We've gotta send this joker packing now, or else Neathia and Erath are toast." The Brawlers lined up beside up, holding up their Bakugan to brawl. "Okay…let's give everyone a show! Bakugan, brawl!" He threw Drago in, his ball form popping open and jumping into the air. "Baku Sky Raider, jump! Kick it, Pyrus Fusion Dragonoid!" Dragon went swirling in a blazing fire vortex at high speeds, his true draconic form pulling back a fist as he closed in on Armagedoid.

"Bakugan, brawl!" Shun threw in next, striking a kick through his spin. "Baku Sky Raider, jump! Go, Ventus Jaakor!" In a green funnel, Jaakor went beaming through after Armagedoid alongside Drago. Behind him, Skytruss and Orbeum flew in as well. "Go, Darkus Skytruss! Darkus Orbeum!"

"Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand!" Marucho threw in Radizen and Roxtor at the same time. "Let's go, Aquos Radizen! Subterra Roxtor!" Roxtor came out with sharpened claws, whereas Radizen came out in a spiraling water cyclone.

"Aw~ yeah, you're in some serious trouble now! You got nothing on us!"

Gunz flicked Reptak and sent him in with his signature throwing style. "Bakugan…brawl! Baku Sky Raider, jump! Go, Haos Reptak!" Jumping into the skies, Reptak doubled forward with a familiar punching fashion as he dove for Armagedoid along with her peers.

Drago: 1200/Jaakor: 1000/Skytruss: 900/Orbeum: 900/Radizen: 1000/Roxtor: 1000/Reptak: 1000

Armagedoid: 1500

All the jumping Bakugan shot at the same time into Armagedoid with fists forward to deliver a killer unison blow. They closed the gap quickly, but Armagedoid stood his ground and lowered his head and brought his wing over to shield from all the blows. Their attacks struck, but they didn't budge him, much to even their own disbelief. The black dragon snarled before lifting his appendages, recoiling everyone who pounced at him and sent them careening to their knees and sliding back shakily.

"What power…!" Gunz quipped.

Reptak adjusted his footing. "To push us all back like we were flies? This guy literally ain't no pushover."

Dragon got up from his knee and let out a loud roar to declare battle. "Let's go, Armagedoid!"

Armagedoid braced himself as he knew better than to get worked up. It's just what his adversaries wanted. He looked back at Riaan, who looked at him in self-assurance and seriousness. Knowing of where they stood, he looked back at Drago and everyone, unleashing a primal roar. "Bring it to us…Dragonoid and enemies!" His bellow made the air tremble and distort.

"Go get'em guys! We're rooting for ya!" Julie encouraged. "Everyone's watching! Show them what you're made of!"

"Right, you don't have to tell us twice." Dan looked dead ahead. "Drago, let's send these guys packing right to where they came from, and then some!"

"I'm with you, Dan." Drago braced himself.

Their fixed glares made the air grow in tension. Riaan and Armagedoid were already prepared for what's to come. They just needed for someone to start. But whoever was first, it was going to change everything.

"Okay then guys, let's hit this guy hard and quick!" Dan held up his Bakumeter, showing an ability activating. "Ability, activate! Dragon Thrasher!"

"Attack!" Drago opened his maw, unleashing a bright red beam that blazed across the battlefield. His power spiked towards 1700 in a single leap.

"Ability, activate!" Shun followed up, putting his hands together like Jaakor was. "Fierce Demon – Thunder Clap!"

Jaakor's wrist projectiles shined s energy charged within them. "Light's out, evildoers!" He shot intense green beams at Armagedoid, skyrocketing his power towards 1500.

Marucho was next. "Let's get in there, Radizen! Ability, activate! Abyss Blade!" Radizen let out a cry as he swept his arm across, continuously sweeping and lobbing sharp blue pressure currents as his power increased to 1500.

The three attacks bolted into Armagedoid, swallowing him in a powerful explosion that made the earth tremble. A massive cloud of smoke obscured him and Riaan, who didn't make any movements as the Brawlers made the second wave of their onslaught.

"Ability, activate!" Shun added. "Super Explosion Burning!" Skytruss and Orbeum raced into the smoke cloud, the pistols untucking around their legs and released bright purple energy laces that were like wire. The two Bakugan raced and glided in opposite directions, lacing around Armagedoid's legs to keep him from getting anywhere palpable.

"Now it's our turn!" Gunz started his initial attack next. "Ability, activate! Grapple Buster!" The large black guns on Reptak's arm shields extended, making bright yellow sparks that churned until energy fired in a beam. His power arose to 1300.

"Go, Roxtor! Ability, activate! Power Granite!" Roxtor's eyes glowed bright orange as he manipulated the earth beneath. The scorpion unleashed the large pieces of rocks at Armagedoid as well, increasing his power to 1500.

Stones and laserbeams exploded in the smoke. Skytruss and Orbeum let go of the strings as they erupted, making a brighter explosion that made a bigger smoke surge.

Dan smirked as he did his signature nose flick. "Ha! How was that?"

The smoke cloud gave no response. They all waited for some kind of response, but even under the cover, Riaan's visage was unpalpable. He lowered his head, keeping a cool composition as he said nothing.

Slowly, the smoke dissipated, but there was a vague shine coming from its center that caught everyone off guard. They all watched the smoke swirl and clear away, only to reveal fragments of their attacks having been suspended and spiraling into a single point. Drago backed away with surprise.

"No way! You're kidding!" Dan's eyes widened, watching the scene with shock and horror.

Armagedoid's Satanic Suppression was activated, and all the energy was being turned into fuel as he remained untouched. In fact, the earlier attacks didn't seem to have fazed him as much as they should. This left the Brawlers at a loss for words as all their power was absorbed. Armagedoid careened his head back and expelled an empowering roar that shuddered the airspace.

Drago: 1200/Jaakor: 1000/Skytruss: 900/Orbeum: 900/Radizen: 1000/Roxtor: 1000/Reptak: 1000

Armagedoid: 1500 (+3300) = 4800

Armagedoid lowered his head, giving everyone a dark look through his magenta eyes.

"How'd he do that?" Drago awed in confusion.

"He just absorbed all those attacks and made them his own power." Reptak evaluated.

Shun was still at disbelief. "But a power level that high is too dangerous for any Bakugan to handle themselves. Is he insane?"

Armagedoid heard their voices, his composition unturned. "As Master has put it, you are underestimating us. But…" He flexed his wings, his tail swaying skywards. "We shall not make that mistake!"

Riaan readied an ability. "And we shall stay true to our words as well. Now! Ability, activate-!" He reached his arm out towards Armagedoid, who gathered energy into his maw.

"Photon Dragonia!" With nothing holding him back, Armagedoid unleashed a monstrous dark purple, black, and hot pink beam that blazed into everyone. His power spiked towards 5400 in an instant.

"Guys, heads up!" Dan warned, but he didn't realize how violent the attack was. Drago used his forearms to cover as everyone else veered and steered clear o the roaring attack. It blazed into the ceiling afar, creating a series of eruptions that disintegrated stalactites and made the ground tremble from fierce unleashed. The shockwaves from the attack became too much that the other Bakugan would barely maintain balance. Their battling partners had to duck behind rubble from before to avoid being blown away by this force.

Riaan watched as they all tucked away. "Hmph. Petty for a start."

The shockwaves were intense, but Dan was able to catch a glimpse at what was happening. "This guy…is packing some serious firepower!"

"That's an understatement!" Drago agreed.

Marucho intervened with a defense. "Ability, activate! Deep Descent!" Radizen clapped his hands and twirled around and posed. A translucent blue forcefield erupted around him and his teammates with blue energy rings circling around it. The dragonfire blazed into it, making it tremble only so slightly.

Drago: 1200 (+300) = 1500/Jaakor: 1000 (+300) = 1300/Skytruss: 900 (+300) = 1200/Orbeum: 900 (+300) = 1200/Radizen: 1000 (+300) = 1300/Roxtor: 1000 (+300) = 1300/Reptak: 1000 (+300) = 1300

Armagedoid: 5400

The shield was quickly dissipating. In several spots, negative dragonfire was piercing through and streaming just over Radizen. He was grunting hard, but he wasn't putting up a good defense.

Roxtor yelled out gibberish to encourage him, but it only made Radizen mad. "What do you mean try harder?! I am trying hard! Gngh!" Another hole punctured through. "Hurry up! I can't last much longer~!"

"No worries, pal! We're on it!" Dan shouted. "Ability activate, Dragon Overcannon!" Drago opened his mouth wide and expelled a glistening blast of fire, which streamed ahead hastily.

Shun followed up with his own ability. "Ability, activate! Slash Wave Thunder!" Jaakor released green shockwaves from his huge gauntlets that fanned out, alongside Drago's attack.

Drago: 1500/Jaakor: 1300/Skytruss: 1200/Orbeum: 1200/Radizen: 1300/Roxtor: 1300/Reptak: 1300

Armagedoid: 5400 (-500 -400) = 4500

The roaring flames and green shockwaves bypassed Radizen, beaming into Armagedoid's attack to create an explosive wake. Radizen was forced back from being too close, but the smoke and dust sent a dark ripple over everyone's heads. Julie ducked from the shockwaves as the camera caught the collision.

"What devastating power…" Mira awed.

"Dan…" Runo worried.

Alice held a hand to her heart. She looked extremely worried with what she was seeing onscreen. Moreover, what she had this dreaded feeling about. She remembered her battle against Armagedoid, and last she checked, that thing was not even close to warmed up.

Shun's Bakumeter showed two Darkus abilities ready. "Consecutive abilities, activate! Full Moon – Wave Burning!" Skytruss sailed over the smoke's cover, unleashing bright purple feathers like kunai. "Supreme Flame!" Orbeum's hind legs produced pistols that fired bright purple projectile bullets.

The wall of soke between the Brawlers and Riaan was broken as the wave of projectiles beamed towards Armagedoid, further lowering hi power towards 3500. The black dragon remained unmoved by it all.

"Ability activate, Deep Save!" Armagedoid's eyes glowed dark purple and held his ground. The oncoming bullets and smoke cloud visibly faded into dark purple energy that went to thin air.

"Huh?!" Orbeum backpedaled.

"Now way!" Skytruss gawked.

Drago and Jaakor's assault pushed through towards Armagedoid, but his eyes glowed brighter and dispelled the green shockwaves and glistening fire. They faded in dark purple energy, nullifying everythin in one wake.

Drago: 1500/Jaakor: 1300/Skytruss: 1200/Orbeum: 1200/Radizen: 1300/Roxtor: 1300/Reptak: 1300

Armagedoid: 3500 (+500 +400 +500 +500) = 5400

"Are you kidding me?!" Shun's brows furrowed, eyes on the verge of twitching. "No way! He just dispelled it all?"

Marucho gnashed his teeth together. "We need a much more coordinated attack plan. We need to lower his power a lot more!"

"Then we'll hit him harder!" Dan enforced.

Unamused by their plan being out in the open, Riaan frowned. He watched all their Bakugan close in on a full-scale charge towards him, with Drago leading the way. "Let's see what your 'teamwork' is all about, shall we?" His eyes widened. "Armagedoid! Ability, activate…Fading Goliath!"

Armagedoid steadied as he conjured seven hot pink starlight beams around his frame. They shined brightly, bringing alarms up for Drago as he stopped dead in his tracks. "You will know…our pain!" He flexed his multiple wings, sending the beaming starlight after Drago. They coursed spontaneously throughout the atmosphere, passing the other Bakugan, as well as over the Brawlers' heads. Spikes and rocks were obliterated. Explosions went of constantly across the isle that made the ground unstable.

For the umpteenth time, the Brawlers found their footing unbearable. A broad shockwave nearby buffered Dan.

"Dan!" Drago shouted, but realized he was too distracted. He looked back, seeing several star beams blazing right for him.

"Hold on, pal!" Dan shouted, barely on a knee. "Ability activate, Dragon Spur!" Drago's body glowed bright red and evaded the beams in a red stream. He blitzed at high speed around the attack, nullifying its effects on him.

Riaan hummed. "You believe it'll be that simple?"

To prove his point, Armagedoid redirected the starlight across the domain. Drago blitzed everywhere along the roof, evading the attack as best he could. The attack erupted into stalactites and the ceiling to no end, where everyone below realized the impact of the attack wasn't just for Drago, but for them overhead as well. The rocks started coming down on them, much to their horror.

Julie shrieked in horror. "Guys! Look out!"

The Brawlers looked up in shock, but they couldn't find it in them to dodge in time. They braced themselves for the worst before Jaakor and Reptak jumped out of nowhere to shield them from the spikes and stalactites. With their bulky armor they didn't take much damage, but the impact and falling debris was still enough to hold them back.

"You guys…okay down there?" Reptak weakly asked.

"Reptak, good going!" Gunz smiled proudly.

"Hurry, before he attacks again." Jaakor encouraged.

Marucho stepped forward. "Let's get in there, Radizen! Ability activate, Luster Drain!"

Radizen opened his webbed hand, gathering vapor and water from the air to compress it into a single point. "Don't worry guys, I'm gonna send this packing…" He swung his leg up high, before whipping around with the water sphere. "With a wicked curveball! Strike!" The water sphere shot into starlight beams, hitting one to create a large smoke and mist surge between them yet again.

Drago: 1500/Jaakor: 1300/Skytruss: 1200/Orbeum: 1200/Radizen: 1300 (+300) = 1600/Roxtor: 1300/Reptak: 1300

Armagedoid: 5400 (-300) = 5100

With the cloud coverage, Riaan seemed hardly fazed, as was his Bakugan. "Another evasion attack?"

Marucho held up another ability. "And now, ability activate! Under Explosion!" Roxtor yelped out gibberish before he dove into the island's bedrock beneath. He ate his way through the minerals until he was out of sight. With the smoke as cover, nobody could see before an explosion of dirt and rock overturned beneath Armagedoid, submerging him under the rocks. They caused his power to decrease by another 500, dropping him towards 4600.

With the starlight dissipating, Drago finally had the momentum to go on the offensive. "Now, Dan!"

"Yup! Kick it, pal!" Dan showed an ability activating. "Ability, activate! Dragon Tornado!" Drago's body glowed bright red as his maw gathered swirling tire. He unleashed a bright stream of flames with fire spirals around it that barreled into the dust cloud's magenta eyes. They hit home, engulfing something within a huge layer of smoke and flames that shook the land.

Drago: 1500 (+500) = 2000/Jaakor: 1300/Skytruss: 1200/Orebum: 1200/Radizen: 1600/Roxtor: 1300/Reptak: 1300

Armagedoid: 4600 (-500) = 4100

The Brawlers regrouped as the smoke clouded around Riaan and Armagedoid. The former was visible on the other side, but he seemed far from engrossed in the fighting. In fact, one could say that he seemed bored.

"Yeah~! Did you all see that? That is the very definition of teamwork brought to you by the Battle Brawlers and their Bakugan!" Julie cheered to the camera. "That'll definitely show him what for!"

"Haha! Mommy, the Brawlers are so awesome! I wanna be just like them one day!"

"Yeah, wait a go guys! That's showing him!"

"Hurry this, so we can have our home back in order!"

People from across the worlds were rejoicing at that attack played out. They seemed so slap-happy it was almost unreal. The basin fell silent as Drago and the other Bakugan watched the smoke clear, seeing a sleek tail move around.

Drago's eyes widened in disbelief. "…I don't believe it…"

"What?! You serious?!" Dan exasperated.

Armagedoid was revealed to still be standing, in the same spot no less. Even with overturned earth beneath him, he had proper footing like it didn't matter to him. He glared down his opponents, sending a chill down their spines. "Was that your best?" he scowled.

Drago balled his fists, growling angrily. "After all those attacks, how is he…"

Riaan smirked. "Really now, are you that surprised? You've gotten too arrogant." He reached out ahead of them. "Ability, activate! Ambiguity!" Armagedoid released a distorted dark shockwave from his body that exploded outwards, swallowing everything in its wake. The ground overturned and thundered with darkness expelling dust and dirt into the others, which they were completely unprepared for. The blistering wake caused an intense magnitude that enveloped the basin, causing the water to wake and churn uncontrollably.

Drago: 2000 (-500 -750) = 750/Jaakor: 1300 (-650) = 650/Skytruss: 1200 (-600) = 600/Orbeum: 1200 (-600) = 600/Radizen: 1600 (-300 -650) = 650/Roxtor: 1300 (-650) = 650/Reptak: 1300 (-650) = 650

Armagedoid: 4100 (+1800) = 5900

The blast waves rocked everything and everyone. Once again, the Brawlers found themselves on the defensive as their Bakugan were gradually losing ground against Armagedoid's conquering might. The dragon snarled as he produced more shockwaves, dicing the earth and reducing it to dust.

Drago fought through it, trying to hold his own the best he could. "What…power!" His vision was blurred by shadows and negative energy, but Riaan and Armagedoid had similar serious looks in their eyes. "What…what are these guys?!"

"Drago, hang in there!" Dan shouted, before another distorted wave buffered him.

"I suggest you try and put up a defense." Riaan suggested. "Otherwise you won't last much longer…you wanted a fight, didn't you? Well give us one in return."

Dan balled his fists. "Nobody tells me how to brawl! Guys, let's get in there! Ability activate, Dragon NR Gear!" Drago's fists balled as he flexed his wings. Bright red static flared around his body as he unleashed a broad explosion of bright red energy that pulse into the dark shockwaves, but they didn't do much but give the dragonoid a little room to make an attack.

"Let's go, Reptak! Ability activate!" Gunz punched forward. "Mega Harvey Cannon!" The cannon on Reptak's back moved to mount his shoulder. With it on, he fired an intense beam of tallow energy that bolted into the shockwaves.

"Let's see you handle this then!" Shun encouraged, striking a pose and narrowing his eyes, "Ability, activate! Moonlight Shadow Slash!" Jaakor unleashed several bright green shuriken that went spinning towards Armagedoid.

"One more time, Radizen!" Marucho shouted. "Ability, activate! Slash Boomerang!" Radizen grabbed his head fin and whipped forward, sending a crescent of blue energy whipping around after Armagedoid.

Drago: 750 (+500) = 1250/Jaakor: 650 (+400) = 1050/Skytruss: 600/Orbeum: 600/Radizen: 650/Roxtor: 650/Reptak: 650 (+600) = 1250

Armagedoid: 5900 (-500 -600 -400 -200) = 3700

All the attacks gradually drew closer into Armagedoid, overpowering his shockwaves. Riaan seemed far from worried, as was Armagedoid. The bright light that was all the individual attacks grew gradually closer until a bright wall of energy enveloped the area. Shockwaves spontaneously erupted. The shockwaves bloomed again around Armagedoid, hopefully this time doing some serious damage.

Drago and everyone adjusted, having been able to gain some room. "Tell me…that did it…" Radizen pleaded. "Please…?"

Shun's ninja eyes traced through the smoke. He looked on as he still saw a glistening screen overlapping Armagedoid, much like armor. His eyes widened in utter realization. He was rendered speechless.

"What's that?" Dan asked, genuinely confused.

As the smoke cleared, it revealed Riaan as he frowned. Armagedoid remained standing, his body completely untouched as a rainbow translucent shield was surrounding his entire body. His power level was back up to 5900, unhindered by anything that came before.

"What?!" Drago gasped, his maw hanging wide open.

"Inconceivable. Not even a scratch." Jaakor grunted.

"How did he even do that?! That was everything we had right there, and he blocked it?!" Radizen exasperated.

Riaan lowered his head, scoffing. "It seems you haven't seen Armagedoid's Eternity Screen before. Your attacks will not harm him." At this, Armagedoid gave them all a grim leer behind the barrier.

"You serious? That's fighting dirty!" Dan gnashed his teeth.

"Dirty in your perspective. But, in a realistic perspective, it's practical to defend yourself, is it not?"

Dan grunted in frustration. He knew this couldn't go on forever. He had to bait him out somehow. "So what now? You're not going to fight back, stay behind your little shield all day? What happened to fighting for what you believe in, huh?"

Riaan meekly smirked. "It's rather humorous when you put it like that."

"What…?"

"Think about it for a moment, there are many ways a battle can be played out, isn't that right? I believe that you have become so straightforward that one concept is something you've forgotten. Have you ever heard of the terminology: 'Use your enemy's force against themselves'?"

Shun's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Riaan humbly closed his eyes. "Perhaps it's best to show you. After all, words without force bear no meaning. Armagedoid!"

The black dragon's tail thumped against the ground, his head careening around as he was ready to show them all his true power.

"Ability, activate…Necromancer!"

Armagedoid's eyes glowed bright as he glared at the Brawlers' Bakugan. They all were outlined in a flash of dark purple that made them stiff as stone itself. They all tried to move, but they could barely twitch. The feeling of being frozen locked them into place, like a firm hand squeeze that they couldn't escape from.

"Drago, what's wrong pal?!" Dan shouted up for his partner, but Drago struggled to look over his shoulder.

"D-Dan…something's wrong…my body, it's moving on its own…!"

His eyes widened. "Say what?!" He looked up at Jaakor, Radizen, and the others were in the same shape. No matter what they tried, they couldn't bring themselves to move even a muscle. Something locked them in place, something that couldn't be seen so easily.

"Hey pal, you okay?" Gunz insisted on a response, but Reptak was grunting. He glared at Riaan. "hey you, what did you do to my partner, well?!"

Riaan said nothing.

"Hey, we're talking to you!"

"Forget it, Gunz. He won't talk." Shun said. "He may have used some trick, but we've got tricks of our own."

"I hear that, let's show him what we mean. Drago! Ability, activate! Dragon Astral!" Drago opened his maw, which was still able to function well to generate energy. His power spiked towards 1750.

As he was charging, Riaan remained calm. "Armagedoid."

Armagedoid's eyes glowed brighter. Just as Dragon was about to fire, his head suddenly turned and blasted a streaming fire blast at his peers, splitting to several small comets that erupted upon impact. They all screamed as they were surprised and blown so easily by the overpowering attack.

"What the-?!" Dan's eyes widened in disbelief, before he saw some stray firebombs heading his way. At the last second, he ducked as one exploded behind him and the Brawlers.

"Dan! No!" Drago cried out.

Julie put her hands to her head and shrieked in terror. "Oh no! Why did Drago misfire like that? The enemy is Armagedoid, can't he see straight?!"

Drago was trying to move, but it was fruitless on his own terms. He lurched when Armagedoid made him expel more fire from side to side. It trailed over the ground, making Radizen's feet dance the Cha-Cha, and Roxtor to squirm frantically.

"Hang on, Drago! I'll save you!" Jaakor persuaded. "Shun!"

Nodding in understanding, Shun got ready. "Okay. Let's try nullifying that ability! Ability, activate! Flying Dragon – Spinning Storm!"

Jaakor was engulfed in bright green energy that flared around him. His body spritz after Armagedoid with a fist reeled back. "Lights out!" He made a beeline for him, but Armagedoid's eyes brightened onto him as well. His body was frozen in place, before long sending him back into the wake of Drago's ongoing flames.

"You brought this onto yourself!" Armagedoid growled.

"Jaakor! Stop!" Shun shouted, but his insistence fell on deaf ears.

Drago's head was forcibly turned as Jaakor beamed after him, nullifying his ability instead. It lowered Drago's power to 1250, but the green aura wasn't strong enough to protect him. With an uneven posture, he was caught up in Drago's barrage, resulting in an explosion of dust and smoke in midair. The ninja Bakugan went slamming into the ground, grunting as he reverted to ball form and flew back towards Shun.

"JAAKOR!" Shun cried out as his life gauge fell to 60%.

"Sensei, no!" Skytruss screamed in terror.

"You're gonna pay for that, you swine!" Orbeum snarled.

"We're just getting started." Riaan reached out slowly. "Armagedoid…now, show them great power, comes great responsibility."

Armagedoid nodded in understanding. His magenta eyes widened as the glow grew harsh. The remaining Bakugan stiffened more and forcibly turned onto each other. Drago was forced onto Reptak, grappling his nonexistent neck where the latter was doing the same. Skytruss and Orbeum tackled each other harshly, snapping down jaws and pushing talons into the other's ninja gear. Radizen and Roxtor were also shoved into one another, the claws grazing Radizen's legs and vice versa. The melee of their fighting was pushing the other down, throwing the other back and forth, slamming, biting, and relentlessly attacking one another without consent by anyone else other than what Armagedoid wished. They weren't in control of themselves, and that only made things that much harder to bare.

"Guys! What are you doing?!" Gunz shouted. He watched Reptak sock Drago in the snout, making him cringe.

"Gunz! It's not us! I swear!" Reptak defended. "Something's controlling us!"

Shun blinked. "Control?" His eyes widened at a realization. 'Wait a minute. Didn't Armagedoid have the power to control other Bakugan? Now it makes sense!' "Dan, guys, listen! It's Armagedoid! He's controlling them!"

"For real?!" Dan looked back at Armagedoid's eyes glowing brightly. He pieced it together. "You jerk!"

Riaan half-heartedly glimmered at his enemy's retort. "Petty insults won't solve your case now, will it?" To prove his point, Skytruss and Orbeum were forced to collide head-first with each other, sending a shock through their bodies that put them on severe recoil.

"SKYTRUSS! ORBEUM!"

Shun's cries went on deaf ears as the Bakugan were gagging in shock. They reverted to ball form, plopping next to Jaakor while Shun's life gauge fell towards 10%.

Roxtor hissed as he tackled Radizen into the ground, clawing ferociously at his ally. Armagedoid remotely had Radizen tumble around, tussling Roxtor into the earth back and forth. They fiendishly pummeled into each other, likewise with Drago and Reptak. Fists, claws, etc. They weren't stopping, no matter what. With all the gagging they did, it was clear they were in a lot of pain with each blow sustained.

The Brawlers just looked with wide eyes at the sight. Disbelief overtook them as they watched their Bakugan tear each other apart. All they could do was just that, and the scene was no less horrendous as it was mortifying. Teeth gnashing, bodies hitting stalagmites that crumbled. Heck, even some harsh blows into the faces floored each other.

"Oh no!" Julie squealed. "Guys, you have to fight back! Hurry!"

"I…can't!" Drago grunted. Tried as he might, he couldn't get his heel off Reptak's face, pinning him into the ground.

"Hey, c'mon Riaan! Fight us fair!" Dan baited. "You call this a battle?! This isn't how you win!"

Riaan raised a brow. "If that's the case, then how is it that I'm still standing and you're rolling around in dirt?"

"You little…come here!" Dan went to charged, but Drago's tail slammed into the ground, sending a tremor that put Dan onto his back.

"DAN!"

Julie screamed in a frantic panic. "Oh my god!"

Everyone watching had their own varied reactions of shock on their faces. They could only watch as the mighty Battle Brawlers were thrown about and battled each other like animals over a scrap of food that meant life or death. The slash, stomping, fangs and claws didn't do anyone favors either. Kids were looking away as they saw Roxtor bite into Radizen's leg, and Reptak's arm shields smacking Drago so hard across the face. It was borderline madness that no one was willing to see.

"Stop this right now! Right now!"

Armagedoid refused to listen to pleas the Brawlers gave. "We aren't looking for a surrender!" His eyes brightened, making Radizen and Roxtor collide into each other. Webbed fists and a tail past each other, causing both to double over.

Both reverted to ball form, returning to Marucho as his own life gauge fell to 50%. The look on his face as he fell to his knees showed how stupefied he was.

"That's it! Now I'm mad!" Dan screamed.

"And what are you going to do about?" Riaan chimed.

"This! Ability, activate! Dragon Blade!" Drago's armband extended a red saber. His power increased towards 1250 again.

"Our turn, Reptak! Ability, activate! Thunder Volley!" Gunz roared. Reptak curled up into a v=ball as crackling lightning engulfed his body. He grunted as he and Drago went diving after Armagedoid together.

Neither Riaan nor Armagedoid made any effort to move. Instead, he allowed for their adversaries to move instead. They fiercely closed in, slashing and hitting the dragon as hard as they could…only to be impeded by his translucent shield enveloping his frame. The Bakugan suffered severe recoil as they bounced off the barrier.

"It's that shield from before!" Shun realized. Everyone else shared the same shock as he did.

Riaan closed his eyes, humbly scoffing. "If you would, Armagedoid."

"Yes, Master." His eyes brightened further. He had Drago and Reptak suspended in midair, both still active with energy sabers and static around the other's body. "This…is what happens to the fools who don't get the picture!"

Drago's arm stuck out as Reptak's arm shield faced him in return. Both went diving at each other, and, without consent, left everyone in a moral state of shock and horror at the sight. Everyone watching gasped and gagged in horror when they saw Reptak's arm shield's tip striking Drago's Perfect Core diamond. In return, Drago's energy saber pierced into Reptak's abdomen. Both Bakugan's eyes were devoid of life as their Brawlers had horrific expressions that left them on the verge of tears.

No one said anything. Just the motion of them being in suspension for one instant before Armagedoid's eyes brightened. Everything was silent when the jointed creatures smashed head-first inti the ground, making rock and dust fly everywhere.

All shock and horror turned to stupefied as Dan's expression went to full-on disbelief. He watched as Drago and Reptak were revealed head-first into the ground, with Armagedoid over them with his head raised high. They reverted to ball form, their life gauges falling to 50% each. Even with the momentum gone, it was still hard for any of them to believe.

"D-Drago…did he just…" Julie was flabbergasted as she turned towards Riaan and Armagedoid, the latter reverting to his ball form and dropping to Riaan's hand. The look on his face showed dead seriousness, with hinted disappointment.

Snapping out of her shock, Julie shook her head and turned towards the others. "Guys! Tell us you're okay!"

"Y-yeah, hold on!" Dan hurriedly picked up Drago, inspecting his ball form with worry. "Drago? Drago! C'mon buddy, hang in there!"

"Reptak, pal, say something!" Gunz persuaded, but the reaction wasn't spot-on. 'Those guys took hard hits fighting one another. That guy used our own powers against us, and what's worse, even when we fought back, we couldn't touch him. Have we really underestimated this guy this much?'

Marucho picked up Radizen and Roxtor. "You guys took pretty bad hits, are you okay?"

"Gnnngh…yeah, we're okay…" Radizen groaned, before glaring at Roxtor. "But Roxtor, you've really gotta work on getting a nail salon. Those things are sharp! Sheesh!"

His only retort was gibberish spoken back. "I know it wasn't your fault! It was that stupid Armagedoid! I'm not dumb!"

Shun picked up his three Bakugan, giving Riaan his most hate-filled glare. "This isn't over yet! We can still find a way around him somehow you guys."

Riaan seemed humbled as he retained his posture. "You speak so boldly after being shown up. Is your confidence in your abilities that overpowering I wonder? Or is it just a façade to hide your insecurities? I wonder…"

Dan gave him a stink eye. "This isn't over…not by a long shot!" He felt his palm stir with Drago in it. "Drago! You okay?!"

Drago groaned, but was still conscious. "Y-yeah, Dan. Sorry…he caught me off guard." He looked at Armagedoid. "But still…he played me."

"He played us all like fools. Like chumps!" Orbeum growled.

"You said it brother, we won't fall for that cheap shot again!" Skytruss retorted.

Riaan half-grinned. He seemed almost elated again at the thought of something that might irked them. "If this is how the mighty Battle Brawlers do their battling, I'm very disappointed." He earned gasps from Dan, Julie, and everyone else in confusion. "And here Armagedoid and I went through all the trouble to stoop to using simple battle methods for you. It's far less dynamic than what previous battles I've had."

Gunz squinted. "Are you trying to say something, pal? You telling us we're weak?"

"Not at all. Just saying you as contenders can do better than this. I should know. This 'style' of fighting, it's rather stagnant when your own life is at risk of death as well." He slowly pulled out his sword, the long, thick metal shimmering. It caused everyone's hair to stand on end. "If you don't intend on enforcing such a case, perhaps I should show you how one truly should be fighting."

Dan's spare fist had veins pulsing. "What is it gonna take…for you to understand it, pal! You don't have to do this! The Bakugan can people can just live in peace! You couldn't have been satisfied with that?! Hey, answer me!" But Riaan offered nothing. "Hey, listen, I-!"

"Just let it go, Dan." Shun frowned. "He's bent on proving us wrong."

Dan furrowed his brow. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry. This is no time to get worked up. We've gotta push our battling skills to 11 if we're gonna get through this guy's head. You guys with me on this?"

The Brawlers held up their Bakugan in agreement. Once again, everyone across the universe tuning in felt thrie confidence overstimulate themselves. Just seeing them fight back against this overwhelming force alone was staggering enough to leave them speechless.

"Now that's the Dan we know." Ace smirked.

Baron nodded. "Aw yeah, Master Dan and the Brawlers aren't gonna give up, no matter what!"

"You can, do it." Mira pleaded.

"C'mon guys, you got this…don't let us down yet." Runo prayed, her hands clasped up towards the screen.

Alice looked on with a serious nod. 'You guys keep your guard up now. He won't be pulling punches again, not this time at least. Watch yourselves now…'

"Yeah, that's right! You show him you're just getting serious as well!" Julie encouraged. She whipped around to face the screen, smiling eagerly towards the fans and helpless folks. "Alright guys, let's give them all the support we can! So stay tuned and we'll show you an even greater comeback by Dan and everyone here!"

"Master…" Armagedoid spoke, still in his closed ball form. "I apologize for this, but…it seems they are not willing to see their errors this way."

Riaan snorted. "Yes, supposed you're right about that, Armagedoid. Then you know what we have to do."

"Yes. Those who side with Eve…are enemies. And enemies we shall not condone for their faulted vision."

Dan held a card between his hands. "I'll start us off this time! Gate Card, set!" He lashed his arm, sending the card sliding to a stop with a red shockwave gleaming across everyone's feet. "Here we go, guys! Bakugan, brawl!" Drago's ball form was launched onto the ground, before launching into the air. "Baku Sky Raider, jump! Go, Drago!" Drago exploded from the twisting inferno, growling ferociously.

At the same time, Shun and Gunz followed his lead, throwing in their Bakugan as well. "Bakugan, brawl! Baku Sky Raider, jump!" At the same time, Jaakor, Skytruss, Orbeum, and Reptak all launched into the skies and came down to battle once more.

Marucho was last to follow along. "Bakugan, brawl! Bakugan, stand! Go Aquos Radizen! Subterra Roxtor!" Once more, both Bakugan erupted beside one another, ready to go again.

"Alright! Now it's time for payback from before!" Radizen cheered. "C'mon, bring out that big funny-looking lizard and we'll show him what for!"

Riaan scoffed low. He held Armagedoid and threw him in. "Bakugan…brawl! Armagedoid, stand!"

In a hellbent shockwave, the ground nearly turned over again as everyone covered up from Armagedoid rising up a second time. The black dragon's eight prismatic wings stretched out as he careened his head towards the ceiling, emitting a roar that leveled the small stalagmites beneath him. Magenta static crackled through the air, frying ions on the spot.

The magnitude slowly simmered, but the aftereffects left everyone to gradually recoil.

Drago: 1200/Jaakor: 1000/Skytruss: 900/Orbeum: 900/Radizen: 1000/Roxtor: 1000/Reptak: 1000

Armagedoid: 1500

"Everyone set?!" Gunz yelled.

"You bet, just say the word and it's on!" Reptak encouraged.

"The same can go for me as well." Jaakor confirmed.

Radizen beamed readily. "Then move over, because I'm calling final shots on this sucker!"

"We're ready for you this time, Armagedoid. Bring it on!" Drago encouraged, his fists up. That blow to his chest still hurt, as evident when he stepped back briefly when the pain flared. He didn't back down. "You say that we're not knowledgeable, but what does that say about you? What do you know that we don't think is right?!"

Armagedoid bared his headpiece towards them. "Your questions of right and wrong mean little to us, Dragonoid. I know enough right and wrong to know where my heart lies in this fault." He bared a battle stance. "Perhaps it's best that I show you just how opinions differentiate!"

"My sentiments exactly, Armagedoid." Riaan enforced, holding his blade out. "So now, come!"

Shun took the initiative with a glare. "We'll show you just show serious we are! Ability, activate! Moonlight Shadow Breaker!" Jaakor crossed his arms, his gauntlets projecting thin energy sabers. He disappeared, only to reappear above Armagedoid's head, grabbing his attention. His power declined to 1100.

"An attack from above now?"

Riaan looked ahead, noticing the diversion playing out.

"Ability, activate! Super Explosion Burning!" Skytruss and Orbeum glided in from a low point, projecting the same bright purple lassos from their pistols and tangled them around Armagedoid's legs, restraining his movements.

"Take this!" Jaakor went fir an epic cross slice, but Armagedoid's headpiece blocked the brunt of the blow. In fact, it buffered Jaakor some backwards, in which he jumped out of the way in time for Reptak to make a blindsided attack from above, his arm shields charged up.

"Now, Gunz!"

"Okay! Ability, activate! Spar Hook!"

Reptak took aim through his visors for Armagedoid until he git a lock-on screen set up. "Lock on! Engage!" He fired two yellow plasma bombs at the black dragon. With his feet still tangled by the opponent's attack, moving his heels wasn't an option. His power dropped to 900, yet Reptak shot up towards 1200.

Riaan applied a counter. "Ability activate, Deep Save!" Armagedoid's body flashed a strong distorted light. It carried over towards the attacks that had previously inflicted upon him, tearing apart the thread and the plasma bombs. Jaakor's sabers were dispelled even as they all backed away. Their abilities completely stopped cold by Armagedoid alone. "Is that really your best?"

"Not even close buddy!" Radizen mocked.

Marucho instigated an ability to activate. "Ability, activate! Slam League!" Radizen pointed his fingertips like pistols and aimed. He fired bright blue projectiles at Armagedoid as his power increased to 1400.

They continuously bombarded the black dragon, but he remained undeterred through Radizen's relentless firepower. He snarled as his headpiece was being pelted like rainwater to metal. It didn't hurt, but it was getting annoying.

"Ability, activate!" Riaan shouted. "Photon Dragonia!" Armagedoid opened his maw, unleashing a notorious negative dragonfire that seared through the air. His power bolted towards 2100 and tore into Radizen's attack. The ancient bird-humanoid hastily skipped out of the way as the stalagmites behind him were obliterated, sending debris packing into the island's masses still standing.

Dan's eyes gleamed with envy. "Ready, Drago!"

"You bet, partner!" Drago made a beeline past Armagedoid's blaze and zigzagged into the air. With his greater mobility, he beamed upwards to where he got the perfect visual for the Bakugan. "Now we've got you!"

"Ability, activate!" Dan shouted. "Dragon Spur!" Drago's body glowed bright red as he zipped harshly through the atmosphere. He shot past Armagedoid's attack, getting in front of him as his attack stopped. He grabbed his shoulders and held firm. "And now, ability activate! Hyper Drive!" Drago's red glow got even brighter as crackling red static flared. He pulled Armagedoid skywards with him, making everyone look up as a red shooting star was barreling nonstop.

Drago: 1200 (+500) = 1700/Jaakor: 1000/Skytruss: 900/Orbeum: 900/Radizen: 1400/Roxtor: 1000/Reptak: 1000

Armagedoid: 2100 (-600 -500) = 1000

"You're the one…" Drago got to a peak, before going into freefall with Armagedoid. He went beaming down, dragging the Bakugan with him towards the isle's center. "…who's going down!"

He crashed into the ground, creating a large eruption of dust and rock that obscured everything. Everyone looked on with slight surprise, as well as envy at the force of Drago's piledrive into the earth. Julie raised a fist high in cheers. "That's what I'm talking about! Take it to him, guys!"

Everyone else had bright smiles at the impact. They all looked hopeful at least.

Spectra smirked at the screen. "Not too shabby."

"Heh, Drago's as fierce as ever." Helios teased.

"Aw yeah, nice one!" Zenet from Gundalia boasted. "That's definitely gonna leave a mark!"

Rafe pumped a fist. "Yes! That's the way! Keep going!"

Radizen beamed with pride again. "Ha! Chew on that, sucker! That one packed a serious punch I bet!"

"Well done, Drago." Jaakor praised.

"Man…Dan and Drago are awesome." Skytruss admired.

Orbeum's tail wagged about. "You got that right."

Reptak stepped forward. "Guys, look! The smoke is clearing!"

As he had said, everyone watched as the smoke dissipated from the domain. They all looked forward to seeing Armagedoid getting hammered like that, if just for a little while to brighten their moods. But the smoke cleared and everyone's hope turned to shock when they found Drago's head beneath Armagedoid's foot in the depressed earth rubble beneath. The red glow he had was sapped into the core, hence Satanic Suppression.

Riaan, showing the activated ability, had an amused look on his face. "You celebrate too soon!"

Dan's eyes widened in horror. "Drago!"

With a lower power, Drago couldn't fully break free from his hold from Armagedoid. He struggled to move, especially with the Bakugan's brute strength being astonishingly grand. He turned Drago over, pinning his heels against his abdomen. Drago tried using his arms to push up, but the black dragon pushed harder to pin him almost entirely.

"Drago, was it…?" His magenta eyes met Drago's reptilian green eyes. For a moment the two looked at each other, almost lost for a moment. Armagedoid continued. "You came from one of Eve's children, my brothers…brothers that she lied to."

Drago didn't listen. Instead he tried getting up again. "What are you saying!"

Riaan held up an ability. "Ability, activate! Soul Capture!" Armagedoid aggressively reached down with dark purple glowing claws and plunged the into Drago's body. The impact was almost instantaneous as Drago felt his spirit, ne, the Perfect Core diamond, feeling like someone literally plunged a hand into the chest. He screamed out mightily at the pain.

Drago: 1200 (-600) = 600/Jaakor: 1000/Skytruss: 900/Orbeum: 900/Radizen: 1400/Roxtor: 1000/Reptak: 1000

Armagedoid: 2000

"DRAGO!" Dan yelled.

Drago gagged as the hands were deep inside his body. They were cold, very much cold. Yet as frigid as they were, it burned much more. Especially with them around the chest diamond. He could feel his own life gripped before him in Armagedoid.

Having no choice, Dan activated an ability to save him. "Hang on, pal! Ability, activate…!" He tried activating, but nothing happened when the Bakumeter didn't show an ability. "What? My abilities won't work?"

"Afraid not, not when Soul Capture is active at least." Riaan taunted. "Consider it a symbolism of how you've been treated. Your whole life, in the clutches of someone who has all this responsibility on her hands. She misused it, and fed you all to a life of ignorance. Now, as the other half, we need to put the guidance back into order for you!" The last half of his proclamation was louder, hence Armagedoid plunging just a little further to make Drago shriek out in pain and agony.

The two dragons were in a stalemate. It was a notorious ruse, and Drago fell for it. With his strength fading, he got a good look at Armagedoid, who looked at him with a genuine distrust at him. If he could fight back, he would…but he couldn't.

His sharp teeth gnashed and gritted as he tried to say something. "Gnngh…Armagedoid…you…you mustn't…"

Armagedoid's eyes narrowed. "Mustn't what?"

"You…shouldn't be doing this…any of this!" He felt the fingers clutch tighter in his chest, making him convulse and gag. "Is this really what Code Eve would've wanted? She created my ancestors…they created the worlds that we live in now. We worked hard to save them…why, would you destroy something you don't even know?! What did they ever do to you?! GAH!"

Drago's insistent cries went hoarse when Armagedoid gave his soul a harsh squeeze. "Listen, Drago…you don't know anything about me either, yet we're here now, opposing each other because of what we went through. You speak so highly of Mother, well did you ever stop to consider my side of the story, how Father and I were treated?!"

Drago's eyes widened. He just let Armagedoid continue.

"I'll tell you. While you were gifted with Mother's powers that you couldn't control, she abandoned Father in their dream, and then tried to do away with me!" Everyone fell silent in disbelief as the dragon's anger was showing. "Mother didn't know me well enough to know that I was just given life, and she was going to seal that away from me. Maybe she had good intentions, but did I get a choice when I didn't do anything yet? No! So here you are, playing favorites to her because she decided to bless you with her powers that she didn't teach you. Did you understand them yourself?!"

Drago's eyes widened further. He remembered his pre-evolution all too well. It truly as a grueling time, especially with Mag Mel and Razenoid on their tails constantly. The Gate and Key messed them up big time, and it all started because Code Eve underestimated Barodius and Dharak from the start. So many lives were hurt, emotionally and physically too. To him and Dan, it was a very low point.

Riaan watched Armagedoid hold down Drago, but he chose not to intervene nor scold. He could see the pain in his eyes. He knew he needed this one moment to show his wrath.

"I'm a unique Bakugan, but I'm still just like all of you. Just because I was created differently, doesn't mean I should be treated like that. Father and I came to an understanding, and that's because he empathized with Code Eve enough to give something she would've wanted: A conscience. I knew nothing of how life worked, but at least someone was there to tell me what I wanted to know! What did she do with you?"

"Gnnngh…it's…not her fault!" Drago grunted. "Don't you get it, you were manipulated from the beginning! Riaan created you, didn't he?! He-GAAAHHH~!" His head curled back when Armagedoid's fingers clutched tighter

"I am not mindless, do you hear me?! I know exactly what I am doing, and I have made this my purpose, to help Father see another chance for it all to start back at one source!"

"You…you're insane…listen to me!"

"This is my decision, Dragonoid! If you can accept that…" He plunged farther in and grasped his soul like he was crushing insides. "THEN DIIIIE~!"

"GAAAAHHH~!" Drago's eyes rolled to the back of his head at his soul being torn up from inside. His cries were so loud and painful that made everyone cringe.

"DRAGO~!" Dan yelled out in panic.

"I need to stop this, right now!" Shun insisted, pulling up his Bakumeter. "Ability, activate! Sparkly Shadow – Cross Storm!" Jaakor gathered a sphere of green energy between his palms and projected it outwards. It turned into a gale that caught Armagedoid by surprise as he was forced to let go of Drago. His power declined to 1700 while Drago was saved with his power restored to 1200.

"So they nullified the ability." Riaan chimed. "Good, seems they're learning."

Jaakor and Reptak got in front of Drago as he shakily stirred back up. "Are you alright, Drago?" Jaakor asked.

On a knee, Drago managed to look up while still reeling from the shock. His insides felt cold still, but at least he was free. He coughed several times. "Yeah…thanks you guys…" he rasped between coughs.

"That was sure a close one. Any longer and it could've been bad." Reptak warned. "Gunz, let's cover for them!"

"You read my mind!" He held up an ability from his Bakumeter. "Ability, activate! Harvey Cannon!" Reptak's shoulder cannon locked onto Armagedoid before a bright yellow beam fired at him.

"Now it's our turn guys!" Shun said. "Alright, ability activate! Ultimate Kazami Style – Rapid Fury!" Jaakor, Skytruss, and Orbeum glowed their attribute colors in flame-like auras. They suddenly zipped through the air, becoming fast-moving projectiles that barreled after Armagedoid's unmoving frame. The disappeared and reappeared over and over, until they were at jointed points overhead and dove down at the speed of sound.

Drago: 1200/Jaakor: 1000 (+600) = 1600/Skytruss: 900 (+600) = 1500/Orbeum: 900 (+600) = 1500/Radizen: 1400/Roxtor: 1000/Reptak: 1000 (+400) = 1400

Armagedoid: 1700 (-600 -400) = 700

The attacks were closing in fast, but Riaan refused to be budged otherwise. "Hmph, ability activate…Ambiguity!" Armagedoid unleashed another broad dark shockwave from his body that shuddered the earth. Magnitudes erupted and ripples in the water turned to waves that pushed back against the force. The attacks were stopped cold and dissipated. All the Bakugan were blown back, unable to get close.

Drago: 1200 (-600) = 600/Jaakor: 1600 (-600 -500) = 500/Skytruss: 1500 (-600 -450) = 450/Orbeum: 1500 (-600 -450) = 450/Radizen: 1400 (-700) = 700/Roxtor: 1000 (-500) = 500/Reptak: 1400 (-400 -500) = 500

Armagedoid: 700 (+600 +400 +900) = 2600

The shockwaves relentlessly rushed everywhere, shuddering the island and making it almost impossible for anyone to see what was happening. Thankfully their Bakugan shield them so they wouldn't take much damage, but their stamina was gradually depleting.

"We've got to hang on, guys!" Marucho shouted. "Radizen, one more time! Ability activate, Zap Screen!" Radizen clapped his hands and twirled around to a pose. With cover behind the blue shield, everyone could feel less of the shock enveloping them. Though it still easily buffered them around a bit. It nullifies the ability thankfully, but the power was making the shield crack hastily.

"Hang in there, guys!" Shun shouted. "Dan!"

"Yup! I got this!" He swiped his arm across. "Ability, activate!" Drago ascended back into the air, his fighting spirit back as the lower-half of his wings gathered bright red particles. The gem on his core brightened as broad red, black, and yellow energy swirled into his mouth. "Dragon Eternal Force!"

Drago got a lock on Armagedoid and unleashed the attack with all his broad might. It pulsed into him, putting his power at 1800, and Armagedoid dropping towards 100.

Riaan scoffed at the tactic. "You take us for fools so soon?! Double ability, activate! Satanic Suppression…" Armagedoid's gem glowed bright, taking the attack head on and drawing it into the core. All the Perfect Core energy that was used to power up that attack was being sucked in like a vacuum, and what's worse, it was only letting up once Drago exhausted the beam. Armagedoid's power shot up towards 1300, while Drago went back to 1200.

"What?!" Drago gasped. "He absorbed it!"

"…plus, Oracle Cannon!" Armagedoid's eight wings joined in front of his mouth as he charged up a large sum of dark energy. Once charged, the air shuddered before a violent, dark energy blast split the island into pieces beneath as it traveled up towards Drago. Like Drago's ability, 600 Gs was transferred, turning Drago's power to 600 while Armagedoid beamed up towards 1900.

The dark energy blast struck Drago in midair, sending him into the stalactites and erupted from impact. The darkness swallowed the ceiling, causing a large amount of rock to come down everywhere. The earth trembled with the force of roaring thunder and earthquakes tearing everything apart.

"Guys, watch out!" Reptak went to shield again, but Armagedoid had his sights on him. He didn't realize it before it was too late. "What?!"

"Prism Dialect, plus…Photon Dragonia!" Armagedoid unleashed a broad negative dragonfire that sailed across the atmosphere. Rocks were vaporized on the spot, as well as cutting off Reptak from the others. Armagedoid's power went up by 800, putting him at 2700.

"This is getting way too out of hand! Waaah!" Marucho moved in time to avoid a falling rock that would've crushed him.

Everyone tried to hold on as Drago descended towards the earth. The Bakugan did several takes before landing on a knee. His head lowered, still reeling from serious damage to his body. "Gnngh…that one…really hurt."

"C'mon pal, we're still in this game!" Dan shouted. He swiped his arm. "Gate Card, open! Silent Land!" The Gate Card gave off an intense shine that radiated beneath Armagedoid. The Bakugan's feet were stuck as he was unable to get them off the Gate Card. "Sweet! Now he won't have to activate any abilities himself! How's about a taste of your own medicine, huh?"

Riaan didn't give a reply. He allowed Armagedoid's refraction around his body to do it for him. He snarled menacingly as he craned his neck around, his eyes glowing like he was angry. It's like the Gate Card didn't affect him at all.

"Hold on, is he even slowing down?" Gunz fret.

"How is this possible?" Jaakor grimaced.

Riaan humbly scoffed. "Prism Dialect enables Armagedoid to bypass ability and Gate Card effects. Ability, activate!" He showed his Bakumeter, holding another ability. "Dimension Gate!" Armagedoid's wings paneled to cover the shining Gate Card below. The panels gave off a reflective surface, which was reflected back towards Drago and the others, refraining their movements instead.

The Brawlers looked on with shock at what Riaan had done to turn their strengths against them for the umpteenth time. By now, they were running out of options, and time.

"So…what will you do now?"

Dan balled his fists in growing anger. They had to think, and they had to think hard. 'It's no good. We can't activate abilities, and Mira and Runo can't get the Battle Suits here from Earth. And worse, he didn't download any Mobile Assault vehicles for this one. This is bad.' His eyes widened at an idea. 'Wait, there is one thing we still have!'

He turned towards his fellow Brawlers with an encouraging smile. "Time to change strategies. Guys, we need to combine!"

Everyone nodded in understanding. "Got it!"

Armagedoid snarled at them. Riaan held his sword up. "Don't think we'll allow you so easily!" He jutted his sword out, guiding Armagedoid's dragonfire as it soared across the ground at them all.

In a hurry, Drago and Reptak's arms joined together. Since they were so close, this was easily done as rainbow energy. Jaakor remained stationary with a glowing green energy veil around him. Skytruss and Orbeum glowed dark purple as they turned to streaming energy enveloping Jaakor. Radizen and Roxtor went and hugged each other.

"Bakugan, unite!"

"Bakugan, fuse!"

The dragonfire launched was about to hit hard, but was hastily torn apart by the harsh omni-colorful light that permeated everything in the way. Armagedoid remained calm, despite his inward surprise. Julie caught the fusions on camera for everyone to bear witness to.

Around Drago and Reptak, or at least what they once were, was something swift that doubled over spontaneously. He doubled and stomped onto the ground, leaving an imprint of black heels as Reptak's white armor enveloped Drago's body. The shoulder cannon was now on Drago's back as he stood proudly. He and Reptak fused together, creating Aeroblitz.

Thick, paw-like feet stomped into the ground beside him. The ground rumbled as the hefty Jaakor stood proudly, his gauntlets in full glory. Gears were on his legs and wings, which were segmented purple with yellow accents. Likewise with the shin downwards that resembled Orbeum. "Combined ninjas, Herculean power!" He boldly shouted. With Jaakor, Skytruss, and Orbeum as one, Magmafury was up and going to take the battle home.

For Radizen and Roxtor, Radizen's lower half had completely turned into something else. A core-like gem was on his belly where Roxtor acted like his legs. His sharp tail was swaying back and forth as he was ready to do everything in his power to take them down. Betakor had risen.

Aeroblitz: 2000/Magmafury: 4600/Betakor: 2400 = 9000

Armagedoid: 2700

Armagedoid let a small snarl escape his mouth at the shock he showed. He neve saw something like this before. "What?"

Riaan's eyelids closed halfway. "Bakugan Fusion. There's something you don't normally see."

"That's what happens when you're stuck in the past for too long, buddy. You're missing out." Dan prompted. Aeroblitz stood above him, showing no signs of standing still to the Gate Card's effects. "And now that we're back on top, time to show you what happens when the Brawlers combine and put together everything we've got to take you down!"

The challenge was another half-empty threat. Riaan preferred to have the battling do the invoice instead. "Then show us! Ability, activate! Black Ripple!" Armagedoid's body lurched as dark matter orbs scattered and burst in tandem around his body. He snarled heavily as his wings cringed, before unleashing a horizontal dark shockwave similar to water rippling across a surface. The shockwaves leveled the ground almost completely, including the stalagmites beneath.

Aeroblitz: 2000 (-700 -700) = 600/Magmafury: 4600 (-700 -700 -700) = 2500/Betakor: 2400 (-700 -700) = 1000 = 4100

Armagedoid: 2700 (+700) = 3400

The shockwaves drew closer, sparking continuously until they got too close for comfort. "Shun activated a counter just in case. "Alright, here we go! Combined ability, activate!" The gears on Magmafury's body began turning slowly. Darkus and Ventus static started merging. The openings on the wings and legs also started crackling as Jaakor's gauntlets charged up Ventus and Darkus energy alike. "Supreme – Thunder!"

The hybrid Bakugan took aim at the explosive attack heading their way and let loose whatever he could with all their might. The might of the flashing blast wave he released erupted ahead, colliding with the negative ions in the center to create a large-scale explosion between everyone.

Aeroblitz: 600/Magmafury: 2500 (+400 +400 +400) = 3700/Betakor: 1000 = 5300

Armagedoid: 3400

With the cover of the explosion, this gave way for Betakor to beam through. With his immense speed now thanks to Roxtor being the legs, Radizen's red eyes were glued on the prize.

"Combined ability…activate!" Marucho's ability glowed as he spun in place, making a small ring. "Abyss Grander!" The Radizen/Roxtor fusion started spinning at a high velocity as water with a brown aura around it enveloped them. The water tornado shot up high, before arching into Armagedoid.

Aeroblitz: 600/Magmafury: 3700/Betakor: 1000 (+600) = 1600 = 5900

Armagedoid: 3400

The water tornado closed in, and Radizen was going for a heavy spin. "Get ready for some swirly action now! Hraah!"

"Ability, activate!" Riaan instigated. "Shambolic Wing!" Armagedoid didn't take chances with his opponent's combined powers and used his wings as a shield. Betakor spun into the wings in an attempt to do some serious damage, but once he hit the reflective panels instead, he was pushed back hard, reflecting him and his torndo back at everyone.

"How'd he do that?!" Marucho panicked.

"Ability, activate!" Dan shouted. "Fusion Shield!" Aeroblitz generated a large red translucent forcefield that he used to nullify Radizen;s ability. Once the water tornado struck the forcefield, the impact caused a large burst that put Betakor on their knees.

"Are you guys okay?!" Marucho shouted.

"Y-yeah…at least I think so…right?" Radizen asked. Roxtor's half replied with more gibberish as a response.

Dan faced forward with a dead serious glare. "Now, it's our turn Drago! Reptak!"

Aeroblitz set off into the air again. "Ready!"

Dan held up an ability, shimmering a combination of red and yellow. "Combined ability, activate! Flame Harvey Cannon!" The shoulder cannon on Drago's back took careful aim and unleashed a bright red and yellow blast wave that beamed down onto Armagedoid.

Aeroblitz: 600 (+600 +600) = 1800/Magmafury: 3700/Betakor: 1000 = 5500

Armagedoid: 3400

The volleys of flaming light rained down onto Armagedoid, but he remained unimpressed as he prepared himself to counterattack.

"Nice try! Ability, activate! Ambiguity!"

Armagedoid's eyes brightened before he extended a long roar that echoed outwards. The shockwaves of the attack traveled everywhere, shaking apart the land, as well as reverberating intense pulses that broke through Drago and Reptak's combined assault. It caused them and their teammates to feel an immense push. The Brawlers were once again pushed back themselves from these immense shockwaves.

Aeroblitz: 1800 (-600 -600 -300) = 300/Magmafury: 3700 (-1850) = 1850/Betakor: 1000 (-500) = 500 = 2650

Armagedoid: 3400 (+1900) = 5300

The shockwaves shook everything, that included the angle in which everyone could see the immense powers that Armagedoid was unleashing. Julie kept a hold on her hair to keep it from being blown around. "Guys! You…you have to fight back! Hurry up!" She ducked away when debris flew right overhead, scattering to dust.

"Julie!" Dan shouted. He looked back at Armagedoid, his anger brimming. "Okay…that is it…time to put this guy down for good! Guys! No more messing around. Altogether now!"

The Brawlers shakily got up again. "Right!"

Seeing the three Bakugan standing before him, Riaan was far from amused by all this. He found this to be hogwash compared to what he normally would find musing. Now was borderline annoying. "Hmph." He pointed his sword out. "Double ability, activate!"

"Combined ability, activate!" All the Brawlers shouted.

"Fading Goliath, plus Photon Dragonia!" As the shockwaves dispersed, even more crushed the earth as intensified starlight was given an amplification. It surged towards Magmafury, his power rising towards 6800, while Magmafury went down towards 1150.

Shun was first. "Supreme – Jet Shot!" Rainbow static flared around Magmafury as his energy intensified. He gathered everything he could into his gauntlet cannons, where green energy enveloped in a dark aura charged up.

"Terra Blue!" Betakor raised his webbed hands into the air. A small blue light started thickening water vapor in the air, making it swirl into a large mass of water that resembled a water bubble.

"Harvey Cannon – Impact Torrent!" Dan and Gunz shouted in unison. Drago/Reptak unleashed their shoulder cannon again, but charged up a broader beam with far more pressure than intended.

The energy beams from the enemy pulsed towards them. Once it was close enough, Drago gave the word. "ATTACK!"

"GO~!" Dan roared.

Altogether, the Bakugan released their respective attacks. They unleashed large amounts of beams and energy blasts, while Betakor threw the sphere, which magically turned into a pressurized water stream. The three immense attacks combined into one, becoming a raging, spinning cyclone centered around Aeroblitz's attack.

Aeroblitz: 300 (+600 +600) = 1500/Magmafury: 1150 (+600) = 1750/Betakor: 1000 (+500 +500) = 1500 = 5250

Armagedoid: 6800 (-600 -600 -500) = 5100

The attacks mixed in the center, generating a large mixture of elements that began flexing in and out. The waves of energy continued pushing back and forth, until finally, there was a small break in the bright flare, which directed towards Armagedoid and Riaan. Riaan put up his sword to defend himself while Armagedoid used his wings to shield from the energy blast. The results was a large burst of energy that shook the land again.

Aeroblitz, Magmafury, and Betakor all came to a stop and lowered towards the ground. They breathed heavily, trying to get their feet to stay under. Their stamina had been completely drained to where they could barely see straight. This was proving to be a challenge.

"Did we…get him?" Dan hoped.

The smoke cleared, where Riaan was still standing. He lowered his sword and saw the smoke dissipate. He looked down as he watched Armagedoid's ball form roll up to him, coming to a slow stop. His face didn't at all show surprise, but instead calm.

Riaan: 70%

There was a brief silence that followed, but the look on Dan's face brightened as he smiled wide. The looks on his comrades also brightened with hope as they realized they were successful in hampering the almighty dragon.

"Aw, yeah! Just like that!" Dan shouted.

"Yes! So insane, way to go, you guys!" Julie cheered.

The Bakugan reverted to ball form, caught by their respective partners. Everyone across the universe seeing the round and the fallback of Armagedoid made them all feel elated. Cheers could be heard everywhere.

"Alright, let's take him down for good this next time." Dan assured, holding Drago in his fist. "We told you, that no matter what happens, the bind we share won't be our undoing…we'll make sure you get that the hard way."

Armagedoid stirred in Riaan's palm, his disposition glowering. "Master…my apologies. They caught me by surprise."

Riaan kept his eyes shut as he humbly lowered his head. "It's alright, Armagedoid. Still, there is much to learn." He looked back at the Brawlers. "And I trust that you have learned from this as I have."

"Of course, Master."

"I've said that we wouldn't play their game any longer. I meant it…" He held up his Gate Card. "With this, we will unveil our bond as well. That and our rectification are at hand. This time…we will show them how cruel fate can be when you lose your patience."

Armagedoid understood what he meant. Patience. Something that he got a solid idea from when he was first created. He had to be patient, and in turn he learned very much. The Brawlers were showing wear and getting hasty with their attacks. This was the point where they could turn this against the so-called saviors of the universe.

"I hope Dan and the others know what they're doing." Mira hoped.

"Me too." Runo hoped, but a smile crossed her face. "But we can't lose hope yet. Keep it going, you guys! We're rooting for you!"

"Time we finish this battle!" Gunz insisted, cracking his knuckles.

Riaan humbly turned towards him. "'Finish this battle', you said? That's a rather brazen remark after what I just said. Didn't I tell you before, the battle never ends."

"Keep talking pal, we're about to prove you wrong and bring back our peace!" Dan opposed brightly. "So maybe we weren't careful because of you. Now we're sure, and once we're done, we'll go back to a celebration." He swiped his arm ferociously. "So you can keep your smug philosophy about this stuff about violence and no peace! Nobody has to get hurt anymore!"

"…" Riaan and Armagedoid gave them no verbal response. At this point it wasn't worth it anymore. The Gate Card Riaan had was held in his hand.

"I've honestly tried again…so be it. Then you shall perish here, along with your innocence. Gate Card, set!" He shot the card out, making a dark shockwave run through the ground. "Bakugan, brawl! Armagedoid, stand!" Throwing Armagedoid once more, another chill ran through the earth as the black dragon arose, expelling a vicious roar.

"Bakugan, brawl!" The Battle Brawlers unleashed all their Bakugan at once, sending them into the field.

"Jaakor! Skytruss! Orbeum!" Shun shouted.

"Radizen! Roxtor, now!" Marucho insisted.

"Drago, one more time, pal!" Dan insisted.

"Same goes for us, Reptak!" Gunz followed.

The Bakugan repeated the same process as before. They all shined brightly and began fusing with themselves and other to recreate their fusion Bakugan forms. Aeroblitz hovered in the air, letting out a loud cry as Magmaury and Betakor were beneath, ready to go for one more against Armagedoid across.

Aeroblitz: 2200/Magmafury: 2800/Betakor: 2000 = 7000

Armagedoid: 1500

"This ones for all the marbles! Let's hurry and finish this while we still can!" Dan showed a combined ability. "Combined ability, activate! Flame Harvey Cannon!" Drago took aim with Reptak's shoulder cannon before unleashing another monstrous volley of flaming light energy. It blazed straight across the ground, making a trail that lead into Armagedoid as he chose to not move. The roaring beam struck him, creating streams of fiery light that diffused around his headpiece. But he still did not budge.

"Jaakor, let's give them a boost!" Shun shouted. "Combined ability, activate! Supreme – Jet Shot!"

Magmafury balled his gauntlets as rainbow energy crackled around his body. He charged up a large sum of energy before he unleashed a large mass of bright green energy surrounded by a dark aura. "Lights out, Armagedoid!"

"Combined ability, activate!" Marucho chimed, raising his hand up. "Abyss Grander!" Betakor let out a shrilled shriek and swirled around. A blue tornado of water emerged with a brown aura that shot at Armagedoid.

All three attacks went blasting across the surface into Armagedoid once again. They added force to Drago's attack, causing a large explosion that shook the ground for the umpteenth time. The entire basin shuddered at the force. They all stayed a safe distance away to be sure in case anything went wrong, but they knew their combined force had to do something like before.

"Well, did that do it?" The Radizen half of Betakor questioned.

Everyone felt the air grow silent. They needed an answer, and fast. The smoke was clearing quickly, but instead they saw the residual energy that was shot earlier getting drawn in like a vacuum. Their shock turned to dismay as they saw through it, Riaan had an ability showing.

"Ability…Satanic Suppression."

The energy they all released was absorbed into Armagedoid's core. His magenta-star-like chest gem glowed bright as the Darkus energy was empowering him. In an instant, the attributed force he was hammered with fed him strength that pushed his power towards 3700. With that, the others started to see the pattern.

"Is this guy for real?" Gunz snarled. "This is getting really annoying!"

"I know, how are we supposed to beat him if all he does is absorb our attacks?" Reptak's half of Aeroblitz wondered.

"He's gotta have a weak spot, find it!" Shun instigated.

The Bakugan all charged up their attacks again. They prepared for their battle guns and channeled energy to project towards Armagedoid in various streams of liquidation. The camera caught sight of the attacks firing repeatedly, only for the dragon to remain in the same spot as before, unyielding towards movements made by the others.

Aeroblitz zoomed through the air, firing at various angles down on him. "HRAH!"

Armagedoid didn't let up on his glare at him. He snarled at Aeroblitz flying about, but even so, he could keep a lock on him.

Riaan hummed vividly. "Let's slow them down, shall we? Ability, activate! Zone Seal!" Armagedoid's body released a bright purple distortion wave that spread out into the air. As Aeroblitz was coming around, the shockwave past him, causing him to become paralyzed on the spot. He was suspended in the air, but was still conscious no less.

"Drago!"

"Reptak!"

Their partners called for them, but they were responded with Drago grunting as he couldn't even move his jaw. He looked down at Armagedoid, let alone Riaan. "What…did you do…to us…?"

"Do not worry too much if I was you. We've merely sealed the particles around you. Consider it an invisible block of ice if you will."

"Hang on, guys! We'll cover for you!" Shun insisted. "Jaakor! Skytruss! Orbeum! Combined ability, activate! Supreme – Thunder!" The gears on Jaakor's body started turning again. He took aim and started charging energy from all parts of the body until he was fully ready. He fired at will into Armagedoid.

Riaan didn't bother looking. "Ability, activate…" He jutted his sword out, just as Armagedoid spread his vast, satellite-like wings. "Shambolic Wing!"

Armagedoid snarled as the large blast wave was blown into him, before the reflective pink windows on his wings shimmered and reflected light back. The dragon let out a grizzly roar as the attack beamed back at Magmafury, racing across the ground until enveloped him in his own attack at a far more intense rate to make an eruptive blast flatten the earth around him.

Aeroblitz: 2200/Magmafury: 2800 (-800 -800 -800) = 400/Betakor: 2000 = 4600

Armagedoid: 3700

The impact's intensity was so great that it sent Magmafury onto his back. He slammed hard into the ground, sliding to a stop in front of Betakor, who darted past him with a vengeance. "You are gonna pay for that one!"

"Combined ability, activate!" Marucho shouted. "Terra Blue!" Betakor raised his hands high and threw a giant sphere of water into Armagedoid. The attack bolted at an alarming rate, but the dragin seemed ready.

Aeroblitz: 2200/Magmafury: 400/Betakor: 2000 (+500 +500) = 3000 = 4600

Armagedoid: 3700 (-500) = 3200

With one pivot, he swung his tail into the water bubble, piercing it and its pressure with no hesitation. A massive gush exploded, spraying droplets around that refracted off his panel wings. The sight left Betakor's eyes with wide shock and dismay at this simple counter.

"Guys, hang in there!" Dan encouraged. But the comment was one of those 'easier said than done' ordeals. But right now he had to work on finding a solution towards this problem they have, and it doesn't entail losing.

He looked up at Aeroblitz, realizing something. "Hey wait…hold on." He looked towards Gunz. "Gunz, we're still aimed!"

Gunz's eyes widened at the realization. "Oh yeah, we are!" He pulled out his Bakumeter. "Reptak, we're up! Ability activate, Harvey Cannon!"

Aeroblitz wasn't able to move, but the cannon on the shoulder still had aim where Armagedoid stood. Yellow energy charged, until it released a dense yellow beam that blasted into the ground in front of the Bakugan. The explosion erupted, picking up rock and dirt to make cover.

Aeroblitz: 2200 (+400) = 2600/Magmafury: 400/Betakor: 3000 = 6000

Armagedoid: 3200 (-400) = 2800

The explosion was what allowed Betakor and Magmafury to recover. They stood up again, facing smoke and cloud coverage where Armagedoid was to be.

"Now guys, before they attack again!" Gunz insisted.

"We're on it!" Betakor went charging ahead, manifesting another aquatic typhoon. His power level went up to 3600 as he barreled across the ground into Armagedoid.

"Ability activate, Zone Seal!" A dark distortion shockwave rippled through the air, again passing the opposing Bakugan. The water cyclone was about to hit when Betakor's momentum was stopped cold, like time froze around him. The water dissipated, leaving him suspended several meters in front of Armagedoid.

"Um…I'm stuck-GAH~!" Betakor was smacked by Armagedoid's tail, sending him careening through the air muffling a shout until he crashed into the ground near Magmafury.

"Evil Bakugan scum! You're gonna pay dearly for that insult to my family!" Jaakor declared. The gears on his body started turning again as Ventus and Darkus energy charged up around him. "Supreme – Thunder!" He fired another blast wave through the air, where Armagedoid patiently waited for the attack to come.

"Armagedoid!" Riaan shouted. "Fading Goliath!" The black dragon manifested and projected negative starlight from around his body and fired them through the shockwaves heading his way. His power shot up to 3300, while Magmafury downgraded to 1100. The attack pulsated deep, but Shun refused to let up.

Combined ability, activate! Supreme – Jet Shot!" Magmafury's jets fired even more energy, putting his power at 1700 while Armagedoid's dropped towards 2700. Even so, the attack did little to slow down the starlight rushing through his attack and eating him up. And explosive wake took over, slamming Magmafury into the ground.

"Ability, activate! Flame Harvey Cannon!"

From above flaming light energy beamed down in front of Armagedoid again. It exploded volleys of flaming light in front that he snarled at. Aeroblitz above went up towards 3600.

"Again! Keep him distracted!" Drago shouted.

"Consecutive abilities, activate!" Dan and Gunz shouted.

"Flame Harvey Cannon!"

"Dragon Eternal Force!"

The chest core on Drago lit up as his open maw was able to generate enough force to project a strong core-like flame. The shoulder cannon charged up more fire light and the two attacks launched at the same time, blazing down into Armagedoid.

Aeroblitz: 3600 (+500 +500 +600) = 5100/Magmafury: 1700/Betakor: 3600 = 10,400

Armagedoid: 2700 (-600) = 2100

The blazing torrent of the two attacks fired down, raining onto Armagedoid to continuously pelt him. Dust, dirt, and explosions picked up to no end as the Brawlers refused to let up. The attacks didn't let up, not even for a second. Drago and Reptak's efforts were pushing them hard.

They eventually stopped and watched the dust dissipate. They all glared down as a pair of magenta eyes were seen on the other side. Armagedoid snarled and craned his head around, projecting a violent roar that repulsed airwaves.

"Are you serious?! That should have finished him!" Drago argued.

Armagedoid's core brightened. "Will you ever learn to stop underestimating us."

Riaan harrumphed. "If that truly is your best…then let's end this. Ability, activate…Prismatic Pulsar!"

Armagedoid snarled low, his breathing turning rasped as the core on his front began brightening. It shined brighter, and gave off an ominous, burning light as pressure built up. The ground started shaking again, churning the water once more. Aeroblitz was still unable to move, while Magmafury was up and going about still. Betakor was facing away from that earlier tail slam, so he couldn't see a thing. But his side definitely felt a severe vibration. The air flashed repeatedly, startling the Brawlers and those watching. The energy readings began spiking incredulously as the eight wings closed up. Negative light seeped through the edging until the dragon uncurled, unleashing bright, beaming light that swallowed everything in his path. The omnidirectional attack pierced rock, air, water, and it continued its path to the blinded opponents that couldn't do a thing.

Aeroblitz: 5100 (-600 -600) = 3900/Magmafury: 1700 (-600 -600 =600) = 100/Betakor: 3600 (-600 -600) = 2400 = 6400

Armagedoid: 2100 (+600) = 2700

The light seared through everything, swallowing up almost everything, and everyone. Julie and the camera guy hiding did their best to hang in there, but they had no place to hide. Julie shrieked as the piercing rays were closing in enough to nearly permeate her. The Brawlers were no different. They all screamed as the rays were decimating them.

Everything became a broad array of light. Light so strong that it illuminated a pathway for the end of the tunnel far ahead. The piercing light was like a star that the others wandering through got to see. It signaled they were almost there. But the uneven chill they all felt did anything but comfort their relief.

'This light…it can't be…' Luke fret. 'Guys!'

The light permeated nearly everything, but no one could say anything. It was a near fatal blackout as everything was falling silent…

Slowly, a red forcefield enveloped the rays, expanding enough to engulf everyone. The beams dispersed around the enemies, leaving them without anything feeling like they were punctured. The shield revealed Aeroblitz, using Fusion Shield to disperse everything.

Riaan and Armagedoid's glances didn't falter. They expected this.

"We…won't…let everyone down!" Drago grunted, fighting through the piercing light. "Everyone…!"

"Yes, Drago…" Jaakor grunted. "We're ready when you are!"

"Me too!" Radizen grunted. He was back up to speed with his body released from the Zone Seal, much like Aeroblitz.

"Guys, altogether now! Let's show him how we do things fair!" Dan shouted.

"Everyone…one more time!" Shun yelled.

"We can do this! Just little more!" Marucho screamed.

"I'm with you guys! Let's show this creep how it's done!" Gunz declared.

Julie stuck her mic out. "Show them how it's done! Go, guys!"

"Combined ability, activate!"

"Terra Blue!"

"Supreme – Jet Shot!"

"Harvey Cannon – Impact Torrent!"

Aeroblitz and the other Bakugan unleashed everything they had once again. A strong cry repulsed any shockwaves as their attacks were manifesting and unleashed again. The all combined, making another cyclone that permeated through the broad light. The attack gradually pushed through, making way towards Armagedoid until a loud eruption swallowed everything in the wake of it all.

Dan did his signature nose flick. "That's right!"

Riaan looked far from impressed. In fact, his silence was all the more irritating towards them. Aside from that, his grim frown made them all feel anything but good.

They all watched the smoke clear…only for their eyes to widen with shock at what they saw. They saw Armagedoid still standing…but he was surrounded by the translucent shield from before. The dust dissipated to show he wasn't fazed in the slightest. It's like the attack didn't even touch him.

"Are you serious?!" Aeroblitz shouted.

"That shield again!" Shun cursed. "Snap, I forgot about that!"

"How are we gonna get around that?" Marucho fret.

Riaan didn't bother commenting. He showed an ability instead. "Ability, activate! Ambiguity!" Armagedoid released yet another grizzly shockwave from his body. It repulsed everything, leveling everything within the battlefield and the Bakugan. They all were sent hurling back into the ground, slamming harshly while the pulse waves continued on. The Brawlers screamed as they were blown off their feet yet again, this time so hard, they were nearly doubling over and slammed into the ground, leaving them grunted and feeling dizzy.

Aeroblitz: 6300 (-1200 -2550) = 2550/Magmafury: 2300 (-600 -850) = 850/Betakor: 4600 (-1000 -1800) = 1800 = 5200

Armagedoid: 400 (+1100 +3300) = 4800

The shockwaves permeated through the land, but the Brawlers were on the ground, trying their best to get up…but to no avail.

"Guys…stay strong! We'll get past this!" Dan shouted. "Hang on!"

Armagedoid beamed another vibrant roar through the atmosphere as Riaan held his sword tightly. "Let me know what you come up with, while we do this." He swept the blade across the ground. "Gate Card, open! Diffuse!"

The field glowed beneath everyone's feet. Aeroblitz, Betakor, and Magmafury all felt their bodies starting to get overcome with a harsh pull. They could feel their power dividing, much to their confusion. "What's…happening to me…?" Drago grunted. "It…feels like I'm being torn apart-!"

"Guys! What's going on out there?!" Dan shouted, but got no answer. "Guys?!"

As much as they tried fighting it, the Gate Card ultimately made all of them flash broad lights. A rainbow shine casted upon them that brightened the basin for a little bit, before it finally simmered. The Brawlers uncovered, but their shock turned to horror upon seeing what transpired to their Bakugan. They all were separated back to their original forms. With all their power divided, they were on their knees and sore. They could barely stand after being torn apart from their combination.

Drago: 1250/Jaakor: 350/Skytruss: 250/Orbeum: 250/Radizen: 900/Roxtor: 900/Reptak: 1000

Armagedoid: 4800

The Battle Brawlers were at a loss for words, except for Shun. "They separated from their combination!"

"That's right. Diffuse is a Gate Card that severs all combined power levels on the battlefield. Which also means, that your Bakugan all can no longer combine as well, leaving them divided."

For the umpteenth time, they were all at a loss for words. He turned their greatest strengths onto them again. He severed them by force. First manipulated, now they can't even reach him. And now this. It was one technique of torture after the other.

"Radizen, Roxtor! Hang in there guys! We can do this!" Marucho cried out. His encouraging made Radizen stand, but he was very shaky.

"I-I don't feel so good, pal…"

"Just hang on! I've got a plan!"

Armagedoid's eyes brightened. "Not if we deal with you first!"

Riaan smirked as he pointed his sword at them all. "Ability, activate! Necromancer!" Armagedoid's eyes glimmered before the same glow flashed around the Bakugan. Rather than force them onto each other like before, they were all slammed into the ground, hands, legs, and tails sprawled. It was like they were all spread to get executes on the spot, and they couldn't a muscle to refrain these actions.

"Reptak!" Gunz screamed.

"G-Gunz…" He grunted.

Dan gritted his teeth. "You won't get away with this! Not in a million years! Ability…" He froze in place when he realized something. 'Wait…he still has that Eternity Screen, doesn't he? If he has that, then…!'

From the other side, Riaan gave a mused smile. "It seems you're finally catching on. Then you know what this means, don't you? Tell me now…do you still believe in your so-called peace talk to bale you from this predicament?"

"Stop taunting us! Seriously!" Dan shouted, his annoyance at a full peak. "We've had it with you! Nobody deserves this! This isn't what battling is supposed to be like!"

His sword adjusted in his one hand. "And where is your proof of that?"

Nobody was going to take this. They had to stop him, whatever the cost may be. It was going to take a lot more to stop the Brawlers, at least that's what many perceived. But seeing them all anchored like that left the viewers perplexed, if not startled by this uptake on Riaan's end.

"It seems that they could use a hand." Spectra realized, before glancing over. "Gus."

Gus nodded. "Yes, Master Spectra." He went over to machines to try and get the activation for the transport going, but he came to a problem. "Huh? What's this?"

"Is there a problem?"

Gus turned to him with a stunned look. "Sir, our few servers are jammed! There's a signal that's pushing out our way that's blocking any other intermissions from going out!"

Spectra patently turned back towards Riaan and the Brawlers on his screen. "It appears that like us, he's learning as well. This…will be troublesome."

Julie kept low, but she definitely looked distressed. "No! Guys! You…you have to get up! Fight back! Do something! Everyone is depending on you!"

The Bakugan tried their best to move, but the best they could come up with was grunts. It felt suppressing, for a lack of better word. And no matter what they attempted, no matter how hard, not even their fingers could twitch. Snarls, growls of pain, and cries were all that signaled their aching frames. And above all, Armagedoid stood over them, with Riaan proudly behind.

"I was hoping to save this for last…the final battle gun." His Bakumeter showed one last ability. "Don't you believe the mightiest in the universe deserves the mightiest of attacks?"

The Brawlers took a nervous step back. Dan balled his fists. "No! Stop it! Please!"

Riaan closed his eyes, preparing the ability. "Sorry…but this is what happens when you deny those of happy endings. Consider this karma…ability activate…"

The atmosphere gradually lost hue. It was started getting dark around everyone to where they could barely see their own hand. The only light came from Armagedoid, who had a dark purple glow around his body, which had white starlight twinkling. Drago, and the others glanced up, feeling an overwhelming pressure that made their skin crawl. The air vibrated to where it roared like thunder. A violent magnitude made rocks defy gravity beneath Armagedoid, whereas the rest of the ground was feeling great swells of pressure depress matter around everyone.

Nobody said anything. Everyone back home, and across the planets, could only stare in shrilled disbelief. They bared witness to Armagedoid's broad light flashing constantly. Matter burst around him in black light. The magenta core shined the brightest, as did his eyes. His black body could've been seen getting to a pitch-black. So dark in fact that it blinded everyone with it turning light to dark matter. Ions crackled with dark purple static, which when hitting parts of the earth or in the ceiling, it made bright magenta flashes, like explosive stars.

Shun got cold feet as his eyes were salt grains. Marucho and Gunz were completely brought to their knees. Dan was completely out of it, his goosebumps at full peak. Any confident words he would have before went blank, just as his mind did.

Riaan stood proudly with Armagedoid, the Bakugan's body a dark light that illuminated the pitch-black quakes. The water itself had lost all light, but waves were raging violently. They swayed like a storm behind; raging; uncontrollable…monstrous. And worst of all…nothing to stop it.

"Jurat Black Star!"

"NOOOOO~!" Dan's cries went hoarse when Armagedoid flexed his entire being.

With every ounce of power he had, the black dragon's eyes brightened with his core. All the colors around him turned inverse, making it bright for a shirt while before dark light exploded in all directions like a supernova. The flash swallowed everything in its path, annihilating air, water, and eating its way through the earth. The stalactites above were all leveled as the ground was eaten and punctured through various parts. No debris was found through it as it was all reduced to oblivion. The Bakugan in the wake all had horrified, if not stupefied, expressions as the light swallowed them in a split second.

Drago: 1250 (-50 -1150) = 50/Jaakor: 350 (+650 -950) = 50/Skytruss: 250 (+650 =850) = 50/Orbeum: 250 (+650 -850) = 50/Radizen: 900 (+100 -950) = 50/Roxtor: 900 (+100 -950) = 50/Reptak: 1000 (-950) = 50

Armagedoid: 4800 (+6650) = 11,450

Dark light spread miles far within seconds. Julie and everyone watching only saw a dark flashing screen with audio being destroyed by the roars of obliteration. The Brawlers screamed in agony before they fell victim towards this one-sided annihilation.

Further within the tunnel, everyone felt a monstrous level of negative energy that spiked all of a sudden. They all knew its signature had to be Riaan, but what caught them off guard was the uneasy rupture and the depression of light around them. They could barely see what was in front of them.

"What's…happening?!" Jelldon spooked.

"There's a bunch of negativity in the air, that's for sure!" Fly Beetle shouted. He noticed something ahead. "Huh? Guys, up ahead!"

It was coming in fast, like a dark light was heading their way down the tunnel. Luke's eyes widened as he stood in front, shocked beyond comprehension. "What the-?!"

"Everyone, get down now!" Jase yelled.

They all got down low as Luke kneeled with the flat end of his sword acting like a bunker. The dark light seared across their heads, obliterating debris and stalactites that threatened to pierce them from above. Everything was a blinding blur as the earth thumped from a pulse.

"Dan!" Fabia screamed from her throne room, but felt the earth tremble beneath. It knocked her off her throne and left her unbalanced. She stumbled around, feeling the magnitudes unable to end. Outside the closed balcony, she could see the frosted Neathian homeland trembling as fissures were opening up along the streets. Stable homes where people were trying to hide were starting to fracture, with some ultimately collapsing and falling atop of one another. The chaos from down under plunged even short buildings that Castle Knights still active were unable to escape. The streets were littered with many running from their falling homes, as to where some remained inside as oblivion awaited them.

Fabia's conscience was running blank. Her green eyes were wide in horror that she sunk to her knees. Her usual confidence had been completely snapped at the site and feeling of everything crumbling beneath her.

"I don't believe this!" Elright panicked. The palace shuddered as the walls around him were quaking too hard. "What's happening?!"

Linus looked around, horror striking his face. There were no words that he could say to make heads or tails of what everyone was seeing and felt. "Is this…what failure looks like?"

"Neathia! No!" Rafe panicked.

Paige fell to her knees, banging against the ground in plight. "No…no! Nononononono! This isn't right! Why is this happening?!"

It took minutes before the starlight dissipated around everyone. The isle was nearly decimated. It was nothing but a flat plateau with the basin water's blue glow returning, but it was a little darker compared to normal. Any debris that would've fallen would have been reduced to dust. The low ceilings to the basin were going skywards, all the way leading towards an endless abyss in the sky. In fact, the mileage around the basin had drastically increased. The cavern walls were blown apart to make far more room. The cavernous lake had stretched its water levels even to make up for that room until they sloped upwards.

In the center of it all, Julie and the camera guy were on their stomachs as they were seeing the light dissipate. They saw the first people to be standing still. The first silhouette to come to light was Riaan, with the second being Armagedoid. He was still in full form and glared ahead. The camera paneled over, making everyone gasp in despair at the sight.

The Brawlers…were all scattered. They were sprawled, with dirt, scrapes, with even worse positions. It looked like Shun's leg was twisted the wring way, while Marucho was barely conscious. Gunz had a nasty scrape on the side of his face. As for Dan, he was also on his stomach, unable to stand with his body shaken.

All their Bakugan were in their ball forms, with scrapes and charred marks as well. They were down and out for the count.

Dan: 0%

Shun: 0%

Marucho: 0%

Gunz: 0%

Riaan kept his eyes shut, but accepted what happened. "And that…is how you prove a point."

Julie was badly shaken, but even she was completely broken. "G-guys…guys…? Are…are you okay…?" She got no response. "You guys…?"

Looking down at the pool, Preyas was at a loss for words. "Marucho, old buddy…!" He looked away in regret. "Oh no…"

"Sensei…" Amazon drew closer, putting a hand on Preyas' shoulder to comfort him.

"Oh Shun…" Skyress mourned.

Across the universe, everyone's once proud hope had started fading away. All the looks they've had before were completely fallen. They had shock, not to mention horror and disbelief at the view of the Brawlers completely at the mercy of Riaan. They had nowhere to go, and had no place to run.

"Did…did the Brawlers really…?"

"No, it can't be! But I thought they were the best in the universe!"

"Then how did they lose?! What's gonna happen now?!"

"Mommy, I'm scared!"

"That guy's too strong! They're doomed!"

Panic started filling homes as tremors were picking up again. Fissures that had already happened before cracked further open. Any cars out or structures fell in. That went for the people who were dumb enough to be out right now. They all screamed and showed sincere worry at the thought of their one hope shattered.

"No way…" Ren shuddered as his planet shuddered.

Inside the lab, Gus and Spectra morbidly frowned at the circumstances, Ace and Baron outside were unable to speak.

"Dan. Marucho. Shun…Gunz." Mira despaired. "Even with all of them at full power they still…"

Runo kept her hands clasped, but even she had shock. "No…"

"Riaan…he really did it." Alice looked on with the deepest shock between them. Her hand was to her chest as her heart raced. 'Those guys…they didn't make it in time.'

The others within the cavern had finally ran through. The small opening was a huge gap into the wall, which was expanded due to the last ability. They made it out to the open to catch view of anything that was an outlier.

Shawn turned towards the isle. "Look, over there!" He pointed towards the isle in the center of the isle, notably where Riaan and Armagedoid were towering directly over the Battle Brawlers and their crippled states.

"Damnit! We're too late!" Jase cursed.

"It looks bad! We've gotta get over there, fast!" Maggie insisted.

"Not so fast!" Another voice declared.

The group didn't take another step further when they saw six attributed lights glint in front of them. They beamed brightly, turning into Hades Pillars at attention and impeding their path. Their sudden appearance was far from welcome.

"Hades Pillars!" Esther grunted.

Magnus scoffed. "Good eyes. Figured they'd be useful somehow, considering you're blind."

"But how? I thought they were back on the surface?" Luke pondered. His eyes widened at a realization. 'Wait, don't tell me. Did Keegan really…?'

"You've left us in quite bad company that it was deploring." Lucia pointed out.

Zion held up his battle axe, growling angrily. "No stone goes unturned. We will not allow you to trifle with the likes of our lord's work. This is as far as you go."

Amina stepped up. She was clad in a mermaid-style dark teal dress, which hugged her curves rather well. She gave a sexy pose that spelled out her sassiness. "Hmph. Get in line, Zion. These cockroaches owe me for a new dress."

"Lord Cyrus, what do we do from here?" Galilea asked.

Cyrus gave everyone a serious frown. He looked back at Riaan, who seemed to be handling the Brawlers with Armagedoid just cleanly. "It makes no difference. Our lord has already done the hard part. Now all we have to do is just wait."

Everyone gritted their teeth in anger for what happened. They were in a deadlock with each other once again.

Riaan stood over the Brawlers, seeing how divided they were with their strengths depleted, as were their spirits. He heard a groan and looked at Dan, who reached for Drago's ball form.

"Drago…you okay pal?" Dan didn't get a response. "Drago? Drago! Buddy, wake up! Wake up! Please!" Again, no response. His eyes were misting out of growing horror. "Guys…everyone…?" He looked around, seeing his friends down. "No! Shun! Marucho! Gunz! This…this can't…!" He came to a realization as he looked at Riaan. "You…YOU DID THIS!"

Riaan remained completely calm. "Yes, we did."

Dan shakily got up, but his balance was completely off. Once adjusted, he went charging for Riaan. "YOU CREEP! YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS!"

Shun weakly lifted his head to see him off. "Wait Dan, don't do it!"

Dan screamed as he charged full-on towards his foe. He wasn't giving up, no matter what the impulse. He's had enough, and if he was going to save everyone, he had to do whatever it took to do so. Armagedoid stepped forward, but Riaan jutted his left arm out to impede him. Instead, he stepped forward in his place.

"RIAAN~!"

Dan closed in to close that gap. It was his one shot to get and stop him…but that hope faded when Riaan glared and swept his hand across. Dan was in freefall as Riaan jutted his sword out…

GLOOSH!

Everyone's eyes shrunk in horror. Many went gasping and flinched as they saw from near and far at what the camera caught. Dan's charge lead him into Riaan, with dire consequences. His eyes were wide as his lips were partially open. Riaan was over his other shoulder with his eyes straight ahead. His grip tightened around the hilt of his blade, where it stuck out.

Dan was completely helpless. He didn't process it until it was too late. Riaan's blade went clean through his right shoulder. Not enough to amputate, but enough to shred the tendons and muscles.

"DAN! NO~!" Shun screamed.

Luke's eyes widened at the sight. Seeing Dan get stabbed clean through his shoulder made him rethink when Luka took the blow for him. This was the second time now someone took the fall by Riaan's blade. Only this time, it was plain delusion…just like he was.

"Oh no…!" Maggie quipped.

"DAN~!" Julie shrieked, tears in her eyes streaming. Everyone watching from Earth had the same horror painted on their faces. Those close to him were completely stunned and in disbelief. Many stared in shock at the piercing blow to his arm.

Dan slowly fell forward, his arm bleeding out badly. Once the shock came to him, he screamed mightily as he grabbed his shoulder with his good arm. He screamed out his tears and anguish as blood was being lost. So much pain went through him that he found it hard to even think straight. His cries were so loud that everyone could feel his pain.

Riaan looked down at Dan's agony without a shred of remorse. "You brought this onto yourself. You were fortunate I was aiming for your brawling arm so you couldn't throw. Otherwise I would've gone for the heart."

Dan rolled over, curling into a fetal position as he used his sleeve to apply pressure and keep the wound shut. He barely heard what Riaan said. "GAAAH~!"

"Dan!" Shun attempted to stand as well. "You monster!"

Armagedoid slammed his tail onto the ground, forcing Shun to fall over again. Anyone who was brave enough to stand would've only fallen like he did.

"Consider this another invaluable lesson, Dan Kuso. Use your head as much as you do your instincts. I had a sword, what did you think I would do? Stand around like you all were?" He glanced away disappointedly. "Though you do have great deals of power, it's clear that your lack of open-mindedness has led to your falling. You have nobody to blame but yourselves for this."

Dan opened an eye, tears o pain rushing down it. "You…can't…!" He was struck silent when a sword was inches away from his face.

"You couldn't even move Armagedoid from off his own feet, so how do you expect to budge me with your words? I'm through with you all now. I have shown everyone what makes the Brawlers and my convictions that much different. Now then…" He turned around, facing the edge of the isle. "Now that we have one business ultimately resolved, Armagedoid and I have one more to assess. For everyone to see and hear."

Armagedoid turned away from them, walking to his master's side. They looked over the water, staring down at the reflective blue that was back to being calm once more.

"W-what's he doing now?" Julie fearfully asked. She was so wrapped up in what happened that she couldn't process anything.

Looming over the edge of the expansive pool now, Riaan and Armagedoid decided it was no longer time to waste their resources. With the camera still rolling, they all could see what was about to happen.

"What is he…?" Luke tensed up.

Cyrus smirked. "It appears our lord is making his steps louder. Watch…and see what his desires bring."

Riaan and Armagedoid held a long pause, gathering themselves soundly for this occasion. The long moment came and went, and the air started churning around Armagedoid. A shift in air pressure made a single ripple extend across the water.

"Armagedoid…get ready."

The black dragon closed his eyes and concentrated. He cleared his mind, allowing him to retrace his thought process to when he contacted Eve the last time on Interacia. Now here, in a place where her signature was at a stronger point, he could feel his power more condense and flow.

His mind went to a blank shade. 'Mother…' As he searched for her, the cosmos and galaxies zoomed through his mind, just as the basin water was glowing a bright rainbow. The glossy shine casted on through the domain, illuminating the surface far and wide.

"What…what's happening?" Maggie quipped. She looked down at Jelldon, who had a faint glow around his body. "Jelldon, what's wrong?"

"Maggie…it's so strange. I can feel an incredible energy…it's coming from beneath us."

"In the water?" Luke looked down, his eyes wide in shock. 'Wait, this is where Eve rest before she was brought to the surface. Don't tell me, they're trying to…!'

Julie shakily brought up her mic to her mouth. "Uh…uh, l-ladies and gentlemen, Riaan's now doing something extremely crazy! He's making the water all around us shine! Just what is he up to?!"

The moment's cause let up as the water kept up its rainbow shine. Armagedoid continued searching, until he came to the same spot on New Vestroia as before. His eyes widened. "I've found her!" His magenta core brightened, his body lurching as he let out a strong cry.

"KRREEAAAAHHHH!"

His cries sent shockwaves across the water. They spread vividly, slowly pushing out the rainbow shimmers beneath to make a new light, one that had more magenta into it. It was all patterned, with each shockwave beaming like sonar. They faded into the distance, dissipating quickly until they reached the other sides. Hades Pillars watched with envy as the others were in more shock than anything. They all saw the magenta ripples fade near the shores, but nothing happened for a little while. Moments past, and the rainbow shine from around the water started shrinking.

Maggie's eyes widened. "The water's light…!"

All the rainbow light in the water began shrinking towards the center of the isle, gradually reducing the water's lustrous shine in the process. It continued until it became a large, round mirror that sat atop the surface. It was contained by magenta ripples via Armagedoid's influence. The light gradually lifted from the water, turning into a hemisphere.

Riaan eyed the matter with anticipation. He fell silent as he glared at it. 'There's no mistaking it. This is her energy signature alright. Eve is…here.'

The rainbow light gave off a vibrant shine. It blinded everything in an instant, with many veering away. They all grunted, especially the Brawlers since they were already seeing stars. Once the flash faded, a radiant orb with a glossy shine around it was floating above the lake. It had a vibrant sheen on it that made it seem all the more majestic.

Dan immediately felt the light's familiarity. "Wait…that light is…"

"Gnngh…"

"Huh? Drago!" Dan looked over, but he was still unable to move due to his wound. "Drago, you're okay…?"

In ball form, Drago levered to his side like Dan. "Dan…" He picked up on the light behind him. "Wait…is that…?!"

Luke's green eyes were the size of peas that shook in the pupils. "…Code Eve."

Everyone was at a loss for what to say, let alone how to put it in words alone. They all stared at Code Eve's true form, a broad, angelic light that permeated all darkness around them. Ren on Gundalia stared with awe, as did Nurzak with seeing the Sacred Orb's true form.

"The Sacred Orb…"

Fabia watched from the palace, along with Serena herself. The elder sister stared with shock. "The orb…this is its power, I can feel it…!"

Fabia furrowed her brow. "So that's her…Code Eve herself, just like the others said. So this is her true form…"

Jase prodded his glasses up, his eyes narrowed. "It appears that he has summoned her here using Armagedoid's powers."

Lucia smiled sincerely. "At last, our lord's justice will be realized. For his sake, we shall savor this."

Amina eyerolled, clearly showing no care. "Whatever, let me know when it's finished." She pulled out a small pocket mirror and got out an eyeliner. She'd rather worry about herself, but the light was very bright. "Hm…not bad lighting in here."

Cyrus and Zion stared patiently, seeing their lord and leader with his Bakugan as they stared down the large orb of light levitating above the water. The camera and Julie were still catching this, but out of fear they couldn't do anything but hold the mic and the video footage as steady as they could to understand what was happening.

The light flickered, taking in her surroundings. "Hm? Where is this?" Her shock spiked incredulously when she came to some kind of epiphany. "Wait a minute, this place. Is this…Neathia perhaps?"

"Eve."

Hearing the familiar tone, the light blinked. Its hue changed on cue as she faced Riaan. Seeing him sparked an unsettling flash. "Riaan? Is that you?"

Riaan casually smirked back. "You look well yourself, Eve. For just a few eons that passed, your light still shines brightly to this day. That's fortunate."

The light hesitated to speak. "What is this? How were you able to find me?"

He huffed and closed his eyes. "It wasn't my doing that you should be so accusing towards. The sin belongs to yours truly beside me. Ring any bells?"

A leery visage came from Armagedoid. "Mother."

The light flickered in shock. "It's…it's you, young one!"

"I have a name." He reminded bitterly. "It is Darkus Armagedoid. Don't you remember that, Mother?"

"I see. I think I understand now." Eve turned towards Riaan. "So, all of this was your doing, wasn't it? I should've known you'd try so hard for your ambitions. I just didn't realize how far it'd be taken."

Riaan placidly hummed. "Hmph, that's rather hypocritical of you to say, my dear. This is the first time we've seen each other in a long while. The least you can do is act your age than point fingers like an aimless child running from his problems."

"What do you want?" she demanded. "If this involves you forcing my powers to assist in your plans, I believe that you are very much over your head on this one."

He managed to grin meekly. "Hmph, that's rather ironic, considering this is what we agreed on back then. I'm just following through like anyone should be on their promises." He paused. "No, I have no intention on forcing you back into the vow that you turned away from. That was your decision, I must respect that."

Eve wasn't convinced. She knew Riaan well enough that regardless of the reason, he still has one. "Then what is the purpose exactly? Wait…Dan, and Drago?" The light instantly recognized the crippled contenders. "What are you doing here? Riaan…did you do this as well?!"

"Yes. I take responsibility for instigating a fine example of what a battle of conviction is to stand for." He turned back towards Dan. "However, as you can tell, they've applied far less comprehension of defending their ground. Their recklessness falls on their shoulders alone."

"You couldn't have…!"

"If I'm not mistaken, Drago was the Bakugan that you gave your powers too, is that right? The same powers that you've kept that was all because of my half perhaps?"

"You speak such nonsense now. Exactly what did you do to surmount them in a crude, unadulterated manner? Have you no shame after all these years?"

"KRAAAHHH!"

The ground shuddered at the wake of Armagedoid's roar. He forced Eve to stop and turn towards him. "Mother…you gave those two powers. Powers that they couldn't control at first. Even after, my master and I proved that even the mightiest of powers you possess, they, too, are flawed." His tail swayed around. "We all are, but that does not mean that you can run away from them, just like you did with Riaan…or me."

Eve got defensive. "Young one, you don't understand. I was merely trying to solve a scuffle, that is all."

"If your idea of settling a dispute was to just have them fight it out after sitting back through wars, then I'm sure you've fostered the Bakugan race with care." Riaan's voice had gracious sarcastic charm in it. "It would've made sense to have had them settle the matter from the beginning, or perhaps deliberate to them to avoid further destruction, wouldn't you say? But, supposed the past can't be helped. What's done is done."

Everyone there was listening, but a majority of them were confused, for a lack of better words. It was tough to make out what it was, but they knew it was serious.

"Now, Eve. Listen well. You see this…" He turned around, gesturing to the scattered Battle Brawlers looking at them shocked. "…is your children you took under your wing. Your prodigy in fact, the mighty Drago! The descendant of the Dragonoid that was your offspring, one of our sons. You know why they were defeated? Why they were brought to where they are? It's simple…" His brow furrowed. "It's because this all started…with you."

Eve was completely silent.

"Armagedoid is using his powers to bring your physical form here temporarily by using the last remnants of your energy. With that, I doubt it wouldn't be much longer for me to say. So, I'll say this right now. Eve, tell everyone, who you are. And tell them your side of the story."

"Where is he going with this? What's he getting at here?" Shun grunted.

"…" Eve was hesitant to answer.

Riaan closed his eyes. "Eve…listen. I know I'm not a very empathetic being, but that doesn't mean I'm not without my own conscience. I'm saying this now for your own good; that it's best to have your peace while you still have it. Don't you believe everyone has the right to know?" He turned towards the camera man. "I insist, say it."

There was another moment of hesitation, but Eve ultimately relented. "Fine, if you insist." She turned towards the camera. "People and Bakugan everywhere. I, am Code Eve. The mother of all Bakugan."

Across the universe, those watching had shocked looks, especially the Bakugan on Earth and New Vestroia. They have never heard of the mother before. First Riaan as the father, and now this ball of light claiming to be the mother. Everything was getting out of hand.

"Now, Eve, you can be fair to say that the original Bakugan, they were from you, yes?"

"Yes, Riaan. You see, when Dragonoid and Dharaknoid were born, they were the first ever Bakugan to have ever given birth to. Which meant, that at that point, their powers were exponential. Each one held vast amounts of energy, and that in turn made the creation of multiple worlds."

"Is she…really talking about the past again?" Dan groaned. He winced, the pain from his wound keeping him from talking further.

"The worlds that they've created were vastly different. These were the worlds in which the Bakugan species were branched off. Dharaknoid, he sought the creation of two worlds, ones known as Neathia and Gundalia today."

Across Neathia and Gundalia, the survivors were paying strict attention. Lena was one for scrutiny, and even he was barely comprehending this.

"In which Dragonoid's dimension sought six attributed worlds, all divided. But now, it is what is known as New vestroia to this day, the birthplace amongst any Bakugan."

New vestroia inhabitance and Earth showed genuine shock at this revelation.. The Vestals were well familiar with the likes of New Vestroia, because they attempted to colonize there at one point some years back. Back then they didn't know better, but to have planets and dimensions created by superior Bakugan was unimaginable.

"Unreal…" Klaus gasped.

"So, that's where the Bakugan came from? Interesting." Spectra spoke neutrally.

Riaan frowned heavily. "And then…?"

Eve hesitated. "…then, the original Bakugan blended into ill-existence. Each of the three planets created their respective histories, as well as their own legends. That, everyone, is where the story of Bakugan came from."

Once again, another uneasy pause filled the atmosphere. Luke nor anyone could say anything. They knew something was amidst. Not even Hades Pillars was amused by this. Lucia especially eyed Eve like she committed crime.

"Such vulgar injustice."

Riaan relaxed his shoulder some. He had a low snicker, something that was almost rather uncharacteristic of him. He pinched the bridge of his nose to contain himself. "Oh, Eve. Even after all this time, you're still laughable. But…" He looked back up, his magenta eyes glowing brightly. "I don't believe you've told everyone the truth just now…didn't you?"

Armagedoid careened his head into the cavernous ceilings. His cry was so violent that it sent distorted shockwaves around the atmosphere. Everyone who was able had to cover their ears at the cry of anger.

Eve's light flickered in rebuttal. "Riaan, I believe that I did exactly as you asked. I told everyone who I am, and where Bakugan came from. Now please, let's end this."

"I would believe you, Eve. I truly wished that I did…but you know as well as I did that you've forgotten vital information. You left the part out about Interacia, and how the ultimate warrior gene the original Bakugan had was because of the gatherings of organisms that I had to leech off of to mix the best qualities of their DNA in doing so."

Armagedoid stepped forward. "And about Master, how you left him alone to make the dream you've worked hard for your own."

The tension in the air grew uneasy at that point. Eve's lighting was getting hastily bright and dull. It was clear she was trying to port out, but Armagedoid's powers were keeping her contained. Like a dog to a leash.

"What is she doing…?" Drago questioned, genuinely worried of her cowardly behavior.

"…" She paused, trying to find solace, but the restraints Armagedoid had on her was too much. "Please…let's just drop this. This has gone too far!"

"AND WHOSE FAULT WAS THAT?!"

Everyone snapped shut at the loud outburst. The tension completely froze in place around Riaan. His usually noble composure had broken for an instant, his eyes showing a deep, searing agony that could only be brought by the pain of loss.

"Master." Armagedoid muttered.

Riaan turned away, collecting his lost breath. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. He repeated this for several times before he ultimately turned back towards her. "…I'm sorry. I lost myself for that one moment. But this is what passion does when you allow it to overtake you. It derails you from your morality. And even worse, the way you think and act. So, what did you do with the two Bakugan that were my sons? Did you leave them once they were born?"

Eve paused, but she found no way out. "…yes."

"And, you didn't tell them about where they came from? They didn't ask?" His brow furrowed. "Supposedly they had to fend for themselves when creating these worlds. It must've been so frightening, and you left them as such." He narrowed his eyes in disgust. "You leave everything to themselves, because you don't take the responsibility you should have. Not for your word. Not for your spouse…not even for your children. You lied and hid away…from everyone. Including what you really are!"

Eve's light brightened in anger. "I did nothing wrong! I gave birth to the Bakugan and they branched off their own worlds. The world that you sought was divided into three from the start."

"…but three isn't one, isn't it? The Bakugan…were all supposed to be made on one world. Interacia. Where then they could branch off."

"That part was your idea, and yours alone."

Riaan snapped his fingers. A vapor transformed in front of him and Eve, showing two lights that were deep within the reaches of space itself. "I believe this speaks volumes louder than what you have already." He made sure to face the screen, where the viewers on the camera could see.

"We have seen life everywhere, haven't we? I think we can try making our own life. Our own origins. One place, where it can all begin."

"One place…just one place…" Riaan pondered.

She nodded. "Just one place, where OUR origins can be found. And we can call it something important, like…home."

"Home…home…" Riaan faced the light again, moving slowly towards her. "…a beginning for life that we never got…our new life's home."

"So Riaan…do you want to make this home? A place where it can all come together?"

"…okay."

With another snap of his fingers, the vapor projection faded. The Brawlers behind had wide eyes with shock surmounting any emotion they would have in their systems. This was all unreal to them. Did they really believe Eve when she said Bakugan were created from her alone, from those origins? Now everyone was in on it.

"We agreed 'make a home'. A beginning of our new life, and a place where it can all come together. Weren't those your words just now? You've changed your mind so soon within that vow…now guilty must be charged."

If Eve had shoulders they would've tensed. It was a bittersweet memory for her. Riaan and Armagedoid were stepping all over her comfort zone's borders to let everyone in, and as much as she tried there was no keeping them out now.

"Mother." Armagedoid insisted.

"I…can't say it was the right choice to say those words then and there." She tampered around her wording, but it only made things worse.

"Your voice cracked. Just admit it." Riaan huffed, weary of her attitude.

"…"

"Code Eve…" Drago worried, almost like the truth was too hard to bare. "Tell us it isn't true…is…is all this really just because you backed down from him?" He waited for an answer, but that only pressed the accusation towards its conclusion.

Armagedoid's eyes flashed magenta. "Mother never cared for anyone but herself. She tried caring for Father, but that lead to the mess that was the folly of this species they created. And I'm one of those beings. I'm not proud standing here because of what I'm doing is right at all…but I'm better off here than being left empty because of you! You nearly did away with me, when Master gave me the proper truth!"

"It was for everyone's own good. The Bakugan and humans can do along just fine now." She dismissed.

"And I believe that your results speak for themselves. Mag Mel was created when you tried to banish Barodius and Phantom Dharak to the dark side of the dimension. But rather than destroy them, you've chosen to underestimate them and their lust for power. Just as how you've underestimated everything, including how things played out. Look around you." He gestured to the Battle Brawlers once again, then to the large basin. "The very place where you've been hiding from your troubles and decisions is precisely where everyone is viewing an hearing them. The powers Drago had before were not in his control because you weren't there to guide him. And you only stepped in after Mag Mel was destroyed to save them, when you should've done so sooner."

Nobody said anything. This was all so much that Riaan was speaking up front. All these planets were supposed to be one. Maybe not Vestal or Earth, but everything else was meant to be one origin, and Eve severed it from the beginning.

Riaan shook his head. "You disappoint me. Truly." He gave her a stern glare. "For once – this once – I am demanding that you tell everyone I was right. About everything. Including about you."

The tension in the air returned to being what it was before. All eyes were casted onto the perpetrator of this case, and the argument was considerably much more valid to whom the victim was. One could say it was Eve, but after Rian's case and evidence, there was nothing to prove her innocence.

With no option to flee or act with Riaan's powers to counter her own, her bright light dimmed somewhat. "…it's true. I did promise, that the world we'd create…would in fact be the origin of Bakugan. Our children that I stole and fanned far and wide. I wanted to, in order to go further…further than what you were thinking."

"No way…" Dan's pupils were the size of salt grains. Disbelief mounted everything he and everyone heard. The confession was still open for all to hear.

"The Bakugan were never meant to be born on three worlds, but I changed my mind when I thought how in the end, maybe it wouldn't have mattered. But then species like Neathians and Gundalians came along. And soon, Bakugan started stranding off in their own DNA." She turned towards Riaan discerningly. "Very well, I admit Riaan. I did what I thought was best for our children. I hid myself so that they didn't have to ask what questions you would ask. Perhaps that's where you drilled that creation's head with your psychology of origins!" Her accusation on Armagedoid struck a chord in the Bakugan's heart. It almost made him lose concentration. "Despite what was his life, I found it in the better of everyone! Think about it, Riaan, you had to use your powers to replicate life? Now is that really original? Wouldn't the home planet be based off of a lie as well? You speak so much of origins that you don't of the future and how it'll affect others! Yes, perhaps I have misjudged much on my part, much I believe that I have made up for it in the end, that is enough for me. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Shun balled his fists and lowered his head in shame. Gunz nor Marucho could process what just happened. Dan was completely pale, not just from the wound, but from the truthful story just told. Everyone heard it from Code Eve herself. Everyone.

"So…Neathia and Gundalia shouldn't have existed to begin with?" Zenet questioned.

"And we were just products of that fault in the end." Lena interpreted.

"So this Code Eve creature…she had Bakugan fanned out from the start?" Paige pondered.

Paige blinked. "That's insane…"

Fabia looked down at her knees, questioning what was it they were really. What Eve admitted to made her ponder about what they've been protecting. A liar with all this power, for starters. She was completely stupefied, to put it lightly.

Armagedoid snarled, making Eve's light cringe.

A malicious smirk crossed Riaan's face. "What was exactly, what everyone should've heard from the start."

Eve's light flickered repeatedly. "Riaan, I am begging you. Please stop this. This has gone too far."

He gave her a look that spelled pity all over. "I know that, Eve, but unlike you, I am a man of my word. I never knew where I came from. Nobody asked. Nobody cared. How did you think that made me feel? Lonely and empty, doesn't it." He shook his head. "At the very least. At the very least, I just wanted to make my purpose have some measure of meaning…and you took that from me. Now all I am is but an empty shell, who must swim alone into the abyss into the light that breaches the shores of a new beginning. You had your chance to keep that promise Eve…but now it's for naught."

"Riaan, please. I'm sorry, but leave everyone out of this. They shouldn't have been dragged into this in the first place."

Armagedoid's tail thumped as his gaze brightened and condensed onto Eve, "Then you shouldn't have been in the dark alone, Mother."

"You have no part of this!"

"…I do now. That's my purpose that I chose on my own." He snarled pitifully at her. "I am ashamed to call you Mother anymore. What mother leaves her children in the dark?"

"I…I…"

"That's enough, Armagedoid." Riaan instigated. He took a moment's pause to look at the tethers of light twinkling around Eve. He knew they were tears of sorrow and guilt. His face fell. "…that's enough. We're done here. Are you going to save your precious protégés this time? Or are you going to leave them in their own messes without supervision?"

"Code Eve, wait…" Dan groaned, but to no avail.

"Armagedoid…set her free. She's officially obsolete at this point."

Armagedoid nodded. "Yes, Master. I couldn't agree more." He turned as his magenta core brightened for a moment. The bright wake flashed around Eve, dispelling the magenta bind around her frame to free the last of her energy.

Dan attempted to stand, but his right arm wasn't working. "Wait! Don't do this! Hey!"

Eve's light flickered weakly. "…forgive me, everyone. I am so sorry…" Her light thinned out towards the ceiling, beaming away to get away from Riaan and Armagedoid.

"WAIT!" Dan cried out, but it was way too late. They could all only watch as the last of Eve's energy reduced to dark twinkles that fluttered into the basin water. The water's blue hue slowly turned black. They all looked around, feeling the temperature diminish gradually. The normal lighting of the basin had completely turned to a grueling dark. Like life had gradually swept away from it.

It took everyone across the universe to realize what this meant for them. All the hope they've been craving; all the pain they've been through; all the loss and the innocent nature of the game of Bakugan…was all a lie. None of this was supposed to happen. Things played out far too early and it costed the present big time. And the whole icing on the cake was that he used the Battle Brawlers to help make an example of the cruel actions one must take to achieve their goal. This epiphany lead to everyone who wasn't sane to madness. They all gaped their mouths and started screaming for their lives. A lot of people's cries if fear and anguish spread like wildfire. Children cried while parents and adults were shuddering like puppies trying to walk. Fear spread madly, and not a single person could stop this. The best in the universe was wiped out. If they didn't, who would now?

Power was out around a lot of homes, leaving only generators to keep everything going. But even they couldn't hold a candle as temperatures were spiraling spontaneously throughout the world, ne dimensions. It was terrible, and that was only the brink of the end for them.

"…there's no hope now…" A Vestal woman quivered in her shaking home. The roof to her home was coming down onto her as she stared blankly. "…this is what fear really is…"

More buildings started growing unstable while structures were falling apart everywhere. Gundalia's supporters were all swallowed in dust clouds from debris that couldn't stop following. Those in caves like Ren and the others watched it all crumble with nothing short of horror.

"The final performance…is upon us." Jesse grimaced. "It calls for a requiem after a soliloquy, with the audience taking a final look before the curtain falls before the actor's eyes."

Nurzak lowered his head in regret. "Forgive me…everyone. We have failed."

"Oh dear." Claire moved closer to Augustine for comfort. She nuzzled into her chest as she weakly whimpered. Augustine held her tightly in one arm, where in the other he put over Cale's shoulder as a sign of respect for everything. The two watched the screen on as outside, the luscious garden Cale built over the years were showing signs of shriveling up.

A long pause for Riaan and Armagedoid for them to take in the realization of what just happened. They could feel the planet's vibrations around them. The thunder from above was like music to their ears. The mastermind's eyes were shut as he took in a breath of the foul air he created.

"…we've done it, Armagedoid. Everyone…everyone, now knows the cold truth…" He smirked slightly, finding a small humorous chuckle breaking out. It turned into an uproarious laughter that echoed outwards, sending a chill down everyone's spine. "At long last, everyone knows! The great origins of Bakugan has finally tell tales! Their reality was created on false faction!" He calmed down and turned around, turning around to see the stupefied looks of the Battle Brawlers, who remained helpless and sprawled along the ground.

He walked up to Dan, grimly frowning. "So now you see? The one that gave you and your Bakugan a home was a runaway. She never cared about you. She just wanted to use you so her powers can stop me…but look where that got everyone else."

Dan's spirit was completely broken. He wanted to counter with something, but all the bravado and bravery he had was torn away. In front of everyone, he, as well as Drago, were shamed. Beaten. And worse…no words spoken could arouse anyone.

"You see…reality is very cruel. When you lose everything, that's when you start realizing the questions that people ask themselves? 'What am I? What did I do wrong? What can I do now?'. You never stopped to ask yourself those questions, but instead you kept on believing everything would be okay. But let me tell you…beneath the surface, that beautiful paradise that you always desired…it has a whole world beneath its surface, and its crawling with monsters like me."

No response from anyone, just horrified looks of pain.

"You brought this onto yourself. And now Earth and Vestal will also be victims of this sin we're committing." His tone was smoother, and much darker than before. "Despite how I feel, I do have some semblance of honor within me. I will not kick a man when he is down. It's not worthy of the blade. Armagedoid…please."

Armagedoid's maw gathered negative dagonfire. The blaze inside alarmed everyone there. Julie gasped in fright. "WAIT! NO! STOP!"

"GUYS!" Mira screamed at the screen.

Runo was too sad as she wept in her hands. It was too much for her to take in. Dan and everyone was finished.

Alice's fists was clutched so tight was it was nearly white. She mentally cursed herself for allowing herself to stay behind. 'What was I thinking?!' She closed her eyes. 'Guys…!'

Armagedoid growled as the dragonfire compressed further. Marucho knew they couldn't escape. There was nowhere to run even! Gunz gritted his teeth and mentally cursed himself for allowing this to happen. Shin felt like the biggest failure ever for not acting, but it wouldn't have changed anything.

"No…this can't be…how it all ends…" Drago strained, but the battle he had completely kept him down and out. "Not like this…"

"I thank you for showing me how you battle, Battle Brawlers. In exchange, I showed you what a decimated reality you live in. Please, accept this parting gift as the mercy way out." He lowered his sword to direct. "Armagedoid!"

Julie reached out as time slowed down around her. "Noooooo~!"

The black dragon's dragonfire churned, firing onto the Brawlers. No one could say anything as they witnessed their lives flash before their eyes. Everything was going white as Riaan's eyes closed for their hope to rest in peace with their ashes.

"ENO~UGH!"

The dragonfire deflected around largely spread membranes that covered a large area. Waves of broiling negative fire bounced everywhere else, leaving the Brawlers behind unscathed and in utter shock. All their mouths gaped with disbelief.

Riaan's eyes slightly widened by this change of pace. "Hm? What's this?" He sounded genuinely surprised.

Abis shrieked withal his might. His frills flexed farther out to project the dragonfire in spontaneous directions. Much of it surged through the atmosphere back into Armagedoid, creating a large burst of negative energy that clouded everything. The dragon was taken back by the force of his attack, leaving him open when an axe swung into the ground in front of him. A pair of brass knuckles grabbed it as legs swept in front. Armagedoid used his wings to shield himself as the force of the kick made him lean back. The ground trembled beneath him before a large horn jutted upwards, hurdling him over as Fly Beetle arose from below. He went sliding further back.

Riaan's senses picked up on something coming his way. He took action an dblocked Luke's sword, making the sparks surge between them. Shawn came in to strike as a follow-up, making Riaan swing and pivot around to deflect them.

His eyes shifted to a shadow lurking behind him. He looked over his shoulder in time. "Armagedoid!"

The dragon turned skywards in the same direction to find dark scythes coming down to cleave him. Riaan deflected a spear that was intended for his face, as did Armagedoid as he used his wings to shield the scythes. Suddenly, winds gradually picked up, something a green typhoon that enveloped Riaan and Armagedoid alike.

"Hurry, Jelldon! Dan's hurt pretty bad, so be gentle!"

A red tentacle coiled around Marucho, lifting him up. "Huh? Wait a second-!"

More red coils got around Gunz and Shun, picking them up gingerly. Another went for Dan, but the grip was a little softer and more balanced with his wound and all. The Brawlers were dragged back to a safer distance near Julie. The former Brawler rushed towards them with a helpless worry in her eyes.

"You guys, you're okay! Thank goodness!" She smiled sincerely. "I was so worried about you!"

Gunz rubbed his head as the tentacle let go of him. He laid on the ground and groaned from the pain. "Ah man, what just…!" He looked over, but his confusion turned towards surprise at their saviors.

The violent tornado engulfing Armagedoid dispersed when the Bakugan used a distorted shockwave to tear the winds apart. They scrambled about everywhere, scattering while Riaan regained his composure and looked forward with a calm face.

Slowly, the face contorted to a mild grin. "…so, you've come as well?"

The camera kept rolling, so everyone's horror turned to wonder when they watched a falcon sweep overhead, along with a moth-like creature. They hovered over a jellyfish with multiple arms, who was amongst the stag beetle and ape with the battle axe. In front of them, a sea serpent with large frills hissed as his frills shuddered. Six figures converged in front to show their partners at the ready.

Dan's eyes gradually widened from the shock he was terrible at containing. "Huh? It's…you guys!"

"It can't be!" Shun gawked.

Gunz nor Marucho could follow up with anything to show the shock written all over their faces. They gawked at who it was that saved their skin. Only in this case, it was for a second time.

Riaan and Armagedoid stared at the Bakugan and humans who dared get in their way for the umpteenth time now. Their surprise mellowed to a straightforward indecisiveness. Luke, Shawn, Esther, and everyone had their weapons out and ready to take action. They were lucky enough to make it in time, but even more so with everyone else unable to do so.

Riaan humbly scoffed. "So, we meet again it seems. Has once not been enough for all of you?"

Armagedoid lowly growled at them. Specifically towards the evolved Abis Omega from before. "You again."

"This has gone on long enough for a show, don't you think?" Shawn argued. Behind him, Verias clenched his staff tightly.

"Yes, I can agree there." Riaan mused matter-of-factly.

The camera was getting a good look at to whom the credit for saving the Battle Brawlers went. Everyone who was screaming and crying was completely caught off guard by this change of pace.

"Mommy, look! The Brawlers are alive!"

"But…who are those guys?"

"Wait a minute, I think I've heard about them. Weren't they that group that was on the news about the planet's destruction at hand?"

"Yea! Yeah! I remember that! I heard they knew about this before anyone else!"

"But what are they doing? Don't they know what kind of danger they're in?! They're gonna get themselves killed out there!"

"Sensei! It's them!" Amazon pointed at the ripples, seeing Luke and Abis. "It's those guys again! They're there!"

Preyas was as relieved as he was shocked at the sight. No words could come to mind.

"It's them. I can't believe it." Mira gawked.

Runo opened her eyes. Upon seeing the screen and Dan still alive, her tears of grief and sorrow vanished to reveal complete shock. "No way…"

"Alice…it's them." Hydranoid said. "They've made it."

"Luke! And Esther! Everyone!" She looked at the screen with such awe, let alone disarray. But unlike the degenerated Mira and Runo, she looked even more expectant at the screen than before. A smile crept onto her face. 'They did it. They're here.'

On the big screen, the Revolutia estate's three main residence was left gaping in shock. Claire shot up from her seat at the sight pf her son. "My baby!"

"Is that Luke?" Augustine awed, seeing his son present with the rest of his friends. 'They're all there…trying to fight for themselves again.'

With Shuji on the screen, Akira's eyes widened. "WAH?! Big bro Shuji? What's he doing there?!"

"WHAT?! Let me see!" Nene moved her brother aside, seeing Shuji on the screen. This made her eyes widen in disbelief. "Huh?! Hey, wait! So that's where he ran off to?!"

Bertha saw her eldest son with a shocked look. Any mother would've been painted with horror, but here, seeing what trouble her son chose to get into, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions that left her overwhelmed. She slowly slumped back into the couch, staring devastated awe.

Rebecca paled as she saw Maggie in the screen. She could've sworn a heart attack was on the rise. "Maggie?!" She blinked several times before realization kicked in. "My little Maggie…!"

Michelle was in her office watching with the B.I.F associates still watching. They all recognized Jase Mercury, who was amongst their ranks and looking firmly with hands behind his back against the otherworldly threat. The Commandant Marshall's expression turned expectant upon recognizing her old acquaintance.

"Jase…"

Dan groaned as he was still dizzy and unable to stand. "You guys…what are you doing here?"

Maggie beamed away from their faces, showing a serious look. "Why don't you take a guess at what you see? Saving your oafy butts, that's that."

"Sorry if this was a bad time. But we couldn't stand back and see this." Esther noted. "It's as Shawn said, this has gone on long enough."

"Indeed it has, Esther." Atchibee grimaced overhead.

Luke held firm to his ground, holding his sword against Riaan as the latter eyed all of them with envy. "So, you've finally made it. Hmph, and here I thought Hades Pillars was an adequate match for you. It appears this is where I call myself a hypocrite after all. I've underestimated your little tenacity stunt."

"We beat them fair and square." Luke growled. "I'm not sure what you did to put the Brawlers in such a state before, but if you're plan is to completely cripple every last bit of hope, we're still here."

Riaan closed his eyes. "Yes, I can see that clear as day. You still stand, even after the fate that befell your friend. A real tragedy." He paused. "…did you come to avenge him?"

Luke paused for himself. His sword was still stuck out. What Gus told him before rung in his mind. "…no. Luka is still here with us. His legacy is us. He helped us realize what we had to do in order to be where we are today. We owe it to him to think better than just for our sakes like you and Armagedoid right there."

"The same can be said about Brontes." Abis sniped. He thought about the clown's genuine smile as he departed. "Maybe he joked around, but he still fought for everyone. They deserve more respect than we do."

Riaan raised a brow. "How humbling of you to say such things. Even now, you still find yourself inferior towards someone who hid all their life and took the chances to survive." He scoffed. "But I won't criticize the dead. I did admire his tenacity. So then, even after learning the truth, you still insist on saving your worlds?"

Esther stepped to his side. "Riaan, maybe Eve had her reasons. You both had a disagreement and misunderstanding. But, taking it out on others just because they're a part of the opposite faction, it's all prejudice."

Riaan snorted. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. It all depends on how you look at it. Through glasses or blind, what you see can't be undone so easily."

"And yet here you are trying to do just that." Jase pointed out, a crude look as he twirled his weapon in hand. "You have quite the vision."

He chuckled. "Hehehe…'quite the vision', you say…yes, I suppose that's one way of putting it."

Shawn crossed his arms. "So maybe you were wronged by Eve. Don't think that all of this was just her fault. If so, then maybe you're the one who should be ridiculed at. Believe it or not, it doesn't change the act that what happened, happened. All these planets are here now because of the disagreement you two had."

Riaan looked away. "Yes, an unfortunate circumstance. And I admit that I do in fact hold responsibility on not deciphering Eve from the very start."

"Maybe things don't work out, but we have a say in this, too!" Maggie argued. "All those people and Bakugan who suffered because of you guys. We're here because we represent those who can't, or won't see for themselves what it means to fight for your life!"

Rebecca was on her knees at home. Her shocked look left her speechless. "My dear…"

Riaan smiled. "Your youthful vigor is splendid. But do you really think it will change the course of time itself?"

Shuji stepped forward. "No, which is why you're trying to show everyone actions speak louder than words. You wanna make a future by bringing your past up over and over."

Riaan mused lightheartedly. "One cannot move forward without self-retrospection involved. I have no intention on leaving foot on my case, I'm sure that I have made myself clear."

Luke held his sword up. "And that goes double for us as well! Those planets are all alive now, that's what matters! We want them to live, and we'll do whatever it takes to make sure they do so!"

Riaan paused at Luke's resolve. He couldn't help but feel impressed. "Hmph…well said. That's exactly the resolve I want to see in anyone who's bent on their will. Those who don't act on their words have no power."

"You guys…!" Dan grimaced. He wanted to move…but couldn't. He was too sore and weak. "You…you have to run now! Get out of here!"

They didn't listen. They ignored the Brawlers' aching cries.

"Hey! Didn't you hear me?! He's too powerful!"

"You'll get yourselves killed, it's hopeless!" Shun grieved. "Just get out of here!"

"Please…this is too much." Marucho balled a fist. "There's nothing we can do now! We've done everything but it wasn't enough! He's too smart and strong!"

Gunz laid on the ground, growling. "We're finished."

"You guys are toast! You don't stand a chance!" Tears streamed down Dan's pained face. "This is a total suicide! If you don't back down now you'll die right here! Please, we're begging you!"

"Shuji!" Luke yelled.

Footsteps came up behind Dan and a hand grabbed his hair. He was slammed into the ground, knocking him out. Another hand grabbed Shun's, slamming him and knocking him out. Gunz and Marucho followed with concussions at the very least.

Julie gasped in shock.

Shuji silently walked back to Luke's side. He continued looking ahead. "…thank you, Shuji."

His brow furrowed. "Thank me, after we get out of this alive."

"Okay. Deal."

Riaan raised a brow in skepticism. "That was a rather bold move you just pulled. But don't you think you were a little harsh treating your colleagues roughly?"

"It was necessary." Jase chimed. "It was for the best in everyone. Besides, they've already tried making their point. This is between us, now."

Riaan smirked. "Hmph. You insist on standing in the way of our rectification, even after learning there's no hope. You are all truly strong symbols of hope."

Six lights transported in front of Riaan. They all flashed, turning into Hades Pillars. They all stood in a straight line glaring ahead.

"Ah, so you've all come at last."

"Milord, our apologies for not interfering sooner." Lucia bowed. "Please, allow us to correct our mistake."

Zion bared his axe at them. "These fools won't take another step further to you, sire! They will burn where they stand!"

Amina sighed. "I need to pay them back for what they did to my dress back then. That was, like, totally expansive."

Riaan kept his calm grin. "No. Stand down, Hades Pillars. This is my fight now."

Magnus jerked back. "Wait…you serious, boss?"

Lucia's eyes widened in utter shock. "But…milord?"

Cyrus raised his brow. He looked back over his shoulder with a serious frown. "Milord, with all do respect. You don't have the time to waste on these fools. You've shown everyone your true power already. Why waste it on them so soon?"

"Nonsense." He walked past them all towards the front. "These humans have proven themselves over and over with their undefined spirit to keep going. They've made it far. They've gone to such great lengths in order to surpass you, Hades Pillars, my upmost elite and trusted allies. Even at your full power at that. I believe they have earned the right for a rematch. Do not interfere, under any circumstances. This is a direct order."

Hades Pillar fell silent at this. They all stopped in their tracks and frowned heavily, especially Lucia, who worried frantically. Zion, who was always ready for battle, never disobeyed Riaan. Even if he wanted to, he took his duties seriously. He lowered his axe blade, relaxing his shoulders.

Lucia mournfully bowed. "Yes. As you wish, milord."

All of Hades Pillars stepped back behind Riaan. They watched his back as he stepped forward with Armagedoid. Cyrus humbly smiled at the negative energy induced. "This should be a real show."

From the isle's still stable land bridge, someone was hastily running down. Keegan quickly rushed behind, completely out of breath and gasping for air. He breathed in and out hastily. "Good god…I've finally…made it…" He wheezed. "Damnit…"

Shawn looked over his shoulder. "Keegan, you there man?"

Keegan put a hand over his aching chest. "Barely…but yeah…"

"Listen, watch over the Brawlers, okay? Make sure they're okay. We don't want anything happening to them."

"Wait, the hell?! But I just got here dude! The least you could do is give me a minute to catch my breath!" He barked. He calmed down to give himself time to recover. "Ugh, okay, fine. Where are they at?" He looked over, seeing the sprawled Brawlers unconscious beside one another. "Geez, people these days. What's wrong with everybody? I swear, everyone is so needy…" He sighed. "Okay, I got them then."

"We appreciate it." Maggie said.

"Yeah, yeah…"

Armagedoid stared down the six Bakugan that dared to stand in his way. They all gave serious glares and braced themselves against the black dragon's might. The Bakugan released a loud, bloodcurdling roar that shook the caverns and airspace with severe magnitude.

"Even in the face of death, you all dare to challenge me! You still dare to oppose me and the mission that Armagedoid and I have chosen. And in return, you've come very far in order to make your own goals and pave your own ideal future." Riaan paused. "Buti dare ask…will you show the universe what it means to truly fight for one's ideals?!"

"KRROOOOAAHHH!" Armagedoid roared mightily, deafening nearby ears too close for comfort.

"This is it, guys! This time…we won't let him go unscathed!" Luke declared. "For Luka…for Brontes…for everyone who we've come across…we'll fight for them!"

Riaan held his blade up. "Well said…now! Come forth!"

Both sides were set. Hades Pillars stood opposing the unconscious Brawlers while Keegan made sure nothing bad happens to them. With Julie's camera rolling, the reporter was still caught in her shock, so everyone was left across the universe to watch with their own eyes and ears…at what a real battle looked like.

Phew! I've finally updated, though frankly I'm behind schedule again, which blows! But in my defense, I've been working all last week, and this week too coming today. But I have finally gotten this chapter out of the way and made an epic battle of the Brawlers VS Riaan.

Now I know probably a LOT of you are pissed because I didn't use the Mechtogan, Battle Suits, and Mobile Assault Vehicles for the Brawlers, but let me say in my defense, those are complete crap, and I disapprove of the former extremely. It makes no sense, and it has nothing to do with the likes of an actual Bakugan battle, where Bakugan rely on themselves for strengths than just mechanical machines. Maybe Mobile Assault vehicles would've helped, but I didn't see any in the 2nd arc of Mechtanium Surge, did you? Plus, it looks like the Battle Suits have to be deployed for the Brawlers, so that's another thing. Can't use machines that aren't accessible, can you? It just feels they've relied WAY too much on other methods that it derails them from his they use their assets to fend against the opponents these days. They didn't think to use Gate Cards freely like they did in Season 1 from Vestroia onwards towards the finale of said season. I'm sure you all get where I'm going with this, so I'll stop ranting and bottom line this saying that Riaan knocked some old-fashioned sense into their heads. This is Luke and the other's story, not theirs after all.

With that said, we now get to the final chapter of the Neathia arc, and that's Luke and everyone in a rematch to show the entire universe how they should be fighting. The ones before had their chance, but now their 'extreme battling' is where it counts! I'll see what I can do, but this week I'll take off to work on my Fire Emblem/Pokémon crossover!

Thanks again for reading, and I hope the next chapter leaves you guys wanting more! Reviews are extremely appreciated! XD