From Depths We Rise

by Insane Dominator

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

66. The Isle of Crumbling Pillars

The Trailer was packed to the brim, but even then, there was enough to get around and about. A majority of the people that were hitchhiking were contained within where the lower deck's few chairs and tables resided. After the brutal scourge of Solaris they had to endure, it was nice to be off their feet and unwind and relax.

"Man, I'm so beat." Dan groaned. He sat with the current Battle Brawlers at a round table, with their Bakugan staying on it. "Can't believe we were able to survive all that."

"I know what you mean." Marucho sighed, leaning his head back in relief. "I'm amazed that we were able to get out in one piece after all that fire we took on."

"Not all of us, Marucho." Shun reminded. He looked out at the fellow allies, such as Baron and Zenet as they had dirt on their bodies. Nurzak was sitting up against a wall along with Linus and Mason. Gus had the restraints around his arm still so it would heal, but even he looked exhausted.

Overlooking everyone, the Brawlers frowned. There were far too many close calls today that there was no point in denying it.

"I hate to say it, but if it wasn't for Maggie coming when she did, we probably would have been much worse. And if it wasn't for Spectra coming with that anti-forbidden effect, we would have been buried under at this point. We were cornered and yet we were still able to make it out, but a few of us got mortally hurt in the process. This battle is taking a toll on all of us."

"Yeah, you've got a point…" Marucho grimaced, looking down as he remembered nearly getting themselves killed on a number of occasions. "These guys really wanna be after us."

"That's war for ya." Gunz grunted.

"Hey now, what's with all the doom and gloom over here?" A voice chimed from close by.

The Brawlers turned in their seats at the familiar chime. Walking up side-by-side, Julie had a bright smile as ever, and Mira looked composed and absolute. They stopped in front of them.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Dan asked.

"You're all looking pretty worn down. We know you all had it rough, but you should try and look on the bright side of things for a change." Mira insisted.

Julie struck a pose. "Yeah! Mira's right! Ever since that battle with Riaan, you guys have been really quiet that it's like you're on mute or something. Shake a leg, or show everyone that you're still kicking, alright?"

"Julie, easy. They're tired." Mira swayed.

Dan lowered his chin, meekly snickering. "Sorry guys, really." He turned around, putting his elbows on the table. "Just a lot to think about is all…those guys…they really know what they're doing, huh? We were totally unprepared against Riaan, and what he said…I can't help but think he might be right all along."

"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."

"Riaan sure is a monster." Dan frowned. "And he caught us by surprise. We've always believed there really was peace until he came along." He looked down further. "I wonder…what we should really do?"

"'The battle never ends', he said." Drago parroted. "After some thought and looking back at what we've been through, it makes you stop and think that he might be right. Who knows what lies beyond this challenge?"

"Do you think that we can really get through this?" Marucho worried, clasping his fingers tight. "I know we came here to at least try, but…what if we don't?"

Shun frowned heavily, glaring ahead. "…who knows? But we can't focus on that right now." He raised his head. "We need to focus on now, and what we can do. We won't stop fighting until this is over, Marucho."

Mira nodded, grinning humbly. "There's a spark in attitude we all need."

"Alright, now…!" Julie sat in a nearby seat, borderline slumping into it. "Ugh! It feels like all the fatigue just hit me at once! It feels like forever since I've ate anything!"

"I think the others are getting food and water for us." Marucho pointed out. "Should be here soon."

---

Rafe, Paige, and Linus were outside Jase and Shuji's room, in which the door was shut so that no one could be allowed in. The allies were worried sick about them, especially those who were inside.

"Queen Fabia…" Rafe muttered.

…

On the opposite side of the door, cold towels were covering Fabia's wound. They were red and bloodied, and even more sat along the side. However, next to her, Elright was covered in bandages from top to bottom like a mummy.

"…there." Maggie stood up, overlooking the bandaged Elright. "That's every drop of ointment we were able to apply on him. How's Fabia?"

Opposite of her, Shawn stood back up. "Well, I didn't see a bullet lodged in her. It must have went straight through. I closed the wound, too."

"Guess we were lucky. If Luke never got himself hurt on Gundalia, we wouldn't have known how to handle injuries as bad as these, huh?" Maggie chimed.

"Yeah. Live and learn as they say." Shawn looked back at Maggie, his brow raised. "By the way, Maggie. You've been awfully focused."

"Hm? Yeah, I have. That something wrong?" she blinked.

Shawn looked back at Fabia, who was still unconscious thanks to the painkillers Shawn gave her earlier. He lowered his head. "It's nothing."

Fabia grunted, stirring about in her drowsiness. She had a hard time getting up and around, and now she was starting to wake back up, but by bit. Similarly, Elright was beginning to stir as well.

"They're starting to wake up." Jelldon realized. "Should we go tell the others?"

Maggie nodded. "Yeah, might as well tell them to good news while we're still able, right?" She looked at Shawn, who looked back at her and nodded in agreement. They both moved towards the doorway, where it finally slid open, alarming the anxious allies.

Instantly, Rafe snapped. "The Queen! Is she alright?!"

"Tell us is Elright's okay, too!" Linus insisted.

"Take it easy, they'll be just fine." Shawn explained calmly. "They're starting to coming around again shortly, but they're gonna need some space. The painkillers we used are starting to wear off, so they might be hurting for a little bit."

Linus bowed in the upmost respects to them. "Thank you so much! We can't tell you how grateful we are for everything you've done!"

"We are forever in your debt guys." Rafe bowed. "Let's hurry!" He, along with Paige and Linus ventured into the room in a hurry. Shawn and Maggie made way for them to file on in.

Maggie turned to Shawn with a grin and hands to her hips. "We're gonna have to wash those towels we've spent blotching them up. Let's hope Luke and Abis get back with all that water."

"And Shuji and Esther with their parts as well." Shawn reminded. "Everyone's bound to be starving after coming here."

"Come to think of it, did any of them come prepared with food or anything like that?"

"It didn't look like it. They must have figured it'd be a one-day trip instead of some voyage." He rubbed the back of his head. "Man, I almost feel sorry for them."

"Pitying your friends sounds pretty petty…but I guess you aren't wrong." Verias mused. "Sadly, we Bakugan don't need food or water to survive like you all do."

"I'm sure that jelly counts as something! Right?" Jelldon chimed.

"…" Everyone stopped and paused at the comment. They weren't sure what to say about that sort of ideal.

"…sure, guess that can be an exception." Shawn shrugged. "Anyways, let's give these guys some space. The others might need tending to anyway."

"I'll see if we have anymore bandages around." Maggie said. "The others must have scrapes. We don't treat them, they'll run the risk of an infection."

Shawn turned his head. "Yeah, that's something that would get under your skin, literally."

Maggie beamed with a cheerful grin. "Call me Nurse Maggie, here to save the day!" She got serious. "Now, let's hurry." She started walking, with Shawn following alongside her.

---

Jase was on the main server of the Trailer on the lower deck, working with Spectra to synchronize the data of Riaan's energy. Chords attached to their Bakumeters to enable the synchronization process to run on a stable link.

Finally, after all the lights went green and the download green finally flashed bright blue, the link was set up.

Spectra managed a smirk "Well now, that wasn't very long."

The elevator doors slid open behind them, allowing Shawn and Maggie to proceed through. Jase turned around to see his friends rendezvous with him. "How are Fabia and Elright? Were you able to stabilize them?" he asked neutrally.

Maggie nodded. "Yeah, Your Highness and Captain were looking pretty rough. But, we were able to get them to stay with us." She smirked. "And what's with the questions, Jase? Don't tell us that you were concerned?"

Jase prodded his glasses with two fingers. "I never said I was concerned. It would just be a hassle if we had to suffer anymore drawbacks on a time crunch. Besides, it'll be painful enough getting the smell of blood out by nightfall."

Maggie beamed. "Aw, you don't have to play coy with us, Jase. We know you care~."

Jase cleared his throat, choosing to refrain from Maggie's statement.

"So, Jase." Shawn started. "Where are Luke and the others? They're not back yet?"

"Luke and Abis are currently outside. Rather than waste precious time finding a suitable water source, using Abis Omega's own water was the most valid substitute. They're filling the tanks. Meanwhile, Esther and Shuji should be-"

The elevator doors pried open again, revealing Shuji and Esther walking in with huge sacs over their shoulders; two in Shuji's case with his muscle.

"We're sorry for the wait. We apologize for all the trouble caused." Esther said.

Jase turned towards them. "Speaking of the devils, I presume you were able to find enough to supplement us for a while?"

Shuji sat his bags down first, and then Esther. Shuji spoke up in her place. "Yeah, don't fret just yet. We've found some fruit trees that had some apples on it. A little further towards the coast where Fly Beetle and I searched had bananas growing."

Jase had a hand to his chin. "Fruit trees from Earth, eh? That's a new one on me."

"First the sweet fruits on New Vestroia, now this?" Maggie worried.

"Guess it shows just how effective Riaan's replication can get." Shawn stated. "Not even sure we should eat this stuff."

"With the soil deposits being from New Vestroia, I doubt they lack any iconic nutrients. And besides, the food we have now won't be enough to sustain them through tomorrow."

"Yeah, I gotcha. Guess that settles it then."

The doors opened a third time, making everyone turn around to find Luke exiting from the elevator calmly. He walked up to them all so casually. "Okay, the water's all filtered. Abis and I were able to make us enough water to last us at least through tonight." He explained.

"Very good. We appreciate it, Luke." Jase commended.

Esther balled a fist to her chest. "Luke…how are you and Abis Omega feeling? Are you okay?"

Luke turned towards her, quickly considering her feelings. "Yeah, we're fine. Abis was a little fatigued, but he's just fine."

Shawn crossed his arms and frowned. "After battling your way through Maximus in the Doom Dimension, and holding against Cyrus, with both having power levels unlike any other. Like hell we believe that you guys are 'okay'."

Luke flinched. "We're sorry. It's not like it was planned or anything."

"In any event, what happened, happened." Jase concluded. "For your sake as well as own heartrates, you should probably shower and wash up first. Just be quick about it."

"You sure? I kinda wanted to have everyone else have their showers first."

"Everyone else is starving and thirsty. We'll dig in and save you some." Shawn advised humbly, before shrugged. "Just don't go taking your sweet time and all."

"Thanks for the encouragement." Luke deadpanned, but he didn't want to put up a fight. He was too exhausted for any of that. He turned around and started for the elevator and closed behind him.

"…he's definitely pushing hard." Maggie said.

"Yes, he most certainly is." Esther said. "Ever since our last trip to Interacia, Luke's always been pushing his limitations. Not just for his sake, but for ours as well. We wouldn't have been able to push as we did if not for him and Abis Omega for doing just that."

Maggie turned towards Esther with a smirk. Esther responded with a raised brow. "What is it?"

"Don't play coy with me. You were just preaching to the choir there."

Esther grew slightly flustered. "I-"

"Now, now, it's not nice to pick on the weary." Jase chimed in a bitterly sarcastic muse. "Besides, I'm sure the young lady is famished and tired."

"Ri~ght. Anyways, let's distribute and eat." Shuji dismissed. "I'm starving."

Maggie turned to him with a raised brow. "Of course someone like you would say it like that." She teased.

"Huh? What's that's supposed to-!" Shuji caught onto what she was getting at, but rather than play into it, he grunted and raised his head. "…well I am, so what? Don't tell me you're not."

Maggie beamed back with her own pride. "Trust me, I'm gonna get my fill so I can grow bigger than Esther over here."

Esther grew uneasy, but kept her modesty in check. "Don't drag me into this." She sighed.

---

The hot water beat against Luke's head as he allowed his body to rest. He knew he couldn't stay in for very long, but he couldn't help it. After battling like he did, a long, steaming soak felt just right to him. It's been a while since he felt this relieved. He and everyone have been running themselves so ragged as of late that it was becoming dizzying at this point. After waking up in Troposphere, taking the mid-morning to travel to Solaris, only to battle two of the most advanced enemies they've ever known back-to-back. Anyone would be craving for a laxative at this point.

But alas, all good things had to come to an end. He turned off the water and shifted the nozzle slightly downwards for the next guy in line. He stepped out of the tub and reached for the nearest towel. He began drying himself off and eventually found himself free to get dressed.

Once he put on a dress copy of pants and buckled it, he took a moment to stop and look at himself in the mirror. He stared rather intensively at that. He could see how vastly different he felt since their last shower. Granted they were in fresh oceanwater yesterday, but this felt just right.

'A lot has really happened since we last came here, huh? We've seen so many places and people since then, and now look at me. It feels just yesterday that we were on this planet.' He stopped to think about the past experience. But rather than talk smack of his older-self, he smiled. 'We've really come a long way, just like Esther said…'

"No. That isn't wrong in the slightest. After everything, this is what you decided, isn't that right? You've said it yourself. This is where it started for you and Abis. You going off by yourselves just for our sake, that's one of the first self-choices you've made. Don't forget that."

'Esther said it so clearly. This is where we started it all…' His face grew resolute. 'And this is also, where we'll end it, too.'

Realizing he may be taking up too much time, he flinched. "Gngh! Right, gotta finish changing…"

It took him a minute to finish changing and finally settle on his look. The door slid open to the restroom and he stepped out. Almost immediately, Alice was right there.

"AH!" Alice flinched and immediately stepped back.

"GAH! Alice?!" Luke stepped back in surprise.

Alice put a hand to her chest, trying to settle her sudden heart attack. "Oh, Luke! I'm so sorry, I didn't realize someone would be in here!" She hesitated. "Uh…sorry."

"Uh, don't be." He awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "I didn't see where I was going…" He managed to compose himself first. "So…anyways, did everybody else eat?"

She nodded. "Yeah, they did." Her smile widened. "Those fruits were really yummy. And there's plenty left for even tomorrow."

"That's good. Guess nobody has to worry about going hungry." He was about to speak again, when suddenly a loud gurgle came from his stomach. He looked down annoyed. "Damnit…!"

Alice couldn't help but chuckle. "Speaking of going hungry, looks like you could use a filling yourself. You better go eat, otherwise you'll wither before tomorrow."

"Yeah, I definitely wouldn't want that, would I? Alright, I'll go." He started walking away, but before he got too far, he stopped in his tracks. "Oh yeah, Alice."

"Hm? Yes, Luke?"

He turned around to look at her. "Thank you, for coming to help when you did. If it wasn't for you and Hydranoid stepping in when you did, I'm sure it would've been a lot worse than it did."

"…" Alice thought of something to say, but something else came to mind. "Luke, to tell you the truth…I don't think us helping you out wouldn't have mattered back there."

Luke fell quiet.

"It's true. Remember back when we ventured on Gundalia? I was trying to be the best help that I could be to you guys. And even after Esther was taken, you guys didn't blame or hinder me in anyway. You've all grown so much since then, especially now. You kept pushing, and because of that, you were able to achieve a power level that would have decimated any other Bakugan." Her hand clutched her chest tight. "Honestly Luke, you scare me to no end…" She smiled. "But…I'm so proud of you. I can see why Luka really came to respect you the way he did." Her gaze softened. "And I swear, we'll fight just as hard for him as everyone else. That's my promise."

"Alice…" Luke was genuinely touched. He looked at her and smiled. "Thanks. Even if that's the case, I'm not going to turn my friends down. I told you we need ll the help that we can get, right? I mean it. And you guys say I give myself little credit, look at you. I'm sure that you're proud of yourself right now, right?"

Alice's smile widened. "You're right. I do feel accomplished. So I'll keep living with that sense of pride. Thanks to you and everyone else accepting me."

"That's what friends are for, right?" Suddenly, Luke's stomach gurgled again. He grew embarrassed and turned away. "Urgh…I'll catch up with you. I gotta eat something." He walked off, finally leaving Alice alone to watch him off.

Watching Luke's back, the Darkus Brawler kept a smile on her face. 'You guys definitely keep things interesting for me, I can definitely say that. Now…' She faced the bathroom and walked in. 'Time to ready ourselves, too.'

---

By the time dusk came around, the atmosphere was layered in darkness, with very little sunlight in the far forest plateaus in the far horizon. The beautiful land formations were just as beautiful at night as they were in broad daylight.

With everyone having been able to eat and ger their fluids, they were all – more or less – gathered in the lower deck, where they would be discussing plans. Luke's group was gathered around the holographic table projector with others around the table.

"Now then, let's go over what happened today." Jase tapped his green Bakumeter, causing the projection to respond. A layout of Solaris was shown in virtual grid format. "As I'm sure you were all aware, our venture from Troposphere to Solaris led to all of being here. The forces had outposts a few miles from where we currently are located."

Ren nodded. "Yeah, and it was thanks to you all showing up when you did that we were able to make it out okay."

"…but the front of Solaris ended up being the bait we took." He reminded. "It's possible that Riaan was preemptive about our congregation on the capital city. Whether it was by that or Lucia is far from relevant at this point." The projection shifted, showing a zoom-in feature of the lab's quarters through a glowing red spot. "Thankfully due to some interference, the lab was secured, and we were able to distribute a vaccination for the DNA replication for Bakugan."

The grid expanded, instead showing a 3D layer of the world with numerous dots being Interacian Bakugan. As a green shockwave went from Solaris' point, it gradually went over all the dots, eradicating them.

"Thanks to the efforts of our friends in the Vestal group, we were able to apply it at an amplified level. It was still theory, but it worked nonetheless." Jase explained.

Shawn crossed his arms. "That's good for us, we don't have to worry about enemy forces at their best for the time being."

"Yes, that's true…but we must also not forget that there might still be soldiers with technology from all our worlds. Just because we've disposed of their Bakugan, doesn't mean there isn't the likelihood that they'll drop a bomb over us at any given moment."

"As degrading of a thought as that sounds, he might just be right." Mira explained. "Those soldiers all have firearms. That's how Fabia and Elright sustained such serious wounds…and how we all had to watch our backs."

"And after what we did in Solaris, I bet that security is going to be increased to the maximum. It's going to be the B.I.F all over again." Shuji grimaced. "No, even worse."

"With Hades Pillars also defeated, it'll be martial law in Solaris." Esther stated. "The very few soldiers will most likely take central command until the end results, if nothing else."

"Which means that going back to Solaris won't be possible without teleportation." Luke realized. "Were you guys ale to seal off the lab from them? It'd be a hassle if they set up the grid again and lock everyone inside."

Spectra crossed his arms. "Relax. It's all taken cared of. I've placed some bugs within the system so that only non-Interacians can find access. Even if they bust those reinforced doors down, there'll still be a barrier on the other end. They won't eb able to do anything."

"That's good. I'd hate to leave Solaris like this."

Esther gave Luke a soft look. "Luke…"

Luke turned towards her. "I know. We still have to leave regardless, that couldn't be avoided." He turned towards the system. "It's like Jase said, Riaan saw us coming and used the capital as bait. We need to cover the distance he was able to put between us as fast as we can."

Dan ram his fist into his palm. "Then I saw we go fullspeed and teach this guy a lesson he'll never forget!"

"I agree." Drago declared.

Shawn turned towards them. "That's a good idea…but I think you're forgetting something."

"Huh?"

Shawn continued. "We haven't been able to explore the terrain as much as we did before. It's completely different than what it once was. Troposphere and Solaris were present, but who knows what lies along the eastern coastline. It'd be stupid at this point if we don't take topography into consideration."

"Precisely. Add in our fatigue from the venture today, and we won't make it very far." Jase followed.

Dan frowned. He knew that they were in the right. "Okay…yeah, I hear ya."

Jesse closed his playbook and smiled. "A change of settings for our next act. Now this will most definitely be a change of pace for our audience at hand."

Ace turned to Jesse with a raised brow. "Easy, Mr. Overdramatic. It's too late for any of this." He turned towards Jase. "So were you able to get a scan of the terrain then?"

Jase turned to him. "For the most part." He pressed a button, activating the Bakumeter's signal of the pictures that were taken and the pinpoints that everyone was at. The map changed to get a fill of green, brown, blue, and tan for the multiple terrains. "For the most part, land formations from other planets take up the terrain, but there's a lot of forest life that envelop the majority of the land mass of Interacia. We'll have to travel east to get the most space crossed."

"Got it. So then we'll have to travel by land as much as possible?" Luke prompted.

"Right. Flying exhausts more of our fuel, and we've already used up enough with the flight from Troposphere."

"So where's the next dropoff point?" Nurzak asked.

The 3D grid zoomed in on a bluff that took up a reasonable chunk of the land. "According to Interacian landmarks, we should head to Outback Isle. It's the coastal point that separates Riaan and his Empyrean from us by a reach of ocean waters."

Ren nodded. "Understood."

Maggie stretched her arms up high. "Now, I think that's quite enough lecturing for one day. I say we get some well-deserved rest. We're gonna have to cover some ground tomorrow, so we'll have to start off fresh."

"Perhaps we should get a little bit of that in. We're still too close to Solaris." Esther proclaimed.

"I'm all for that." Shuji said. "Like you said, they might find us and break in if they get hasty. Everyone's a little rough right now. The sooner we leave, the better for all of us."

"My sentiments exactly." Jase turned the modulator off and started for the upper deck. Luke and the others got the idea and began for their selective seats to begin. "We're about to transform the Trailer's functions. I suggest that you all brace yourselves."

"We should get some rest while we still can." Lena advised.

"Yeah, I'm beat. Phew!" Zenet sighed.

Shun looked at Dan. "Hey Dan, we better get to sleep, too if these guys are going to be driving us out further."

"I hear ya." Dan started walking away towards the nearest sheets and blankets, but not before looking up at Luke and his gang already readying the appropriate sequences. He turned and walked away.

The Trailer gradually transformed into its Tank Mode and had all of its wheels churning in the terrain. The large vehicle gradually began treading earth beneath as everyone else did their best to rest through the smooth ride.

---

Even in the dead pf night, as angelic and majestic that the Empyrean Alpha looked, it still didn't derail anyone from having its eerie side. The exterior was white to reflect the clouds, but the accents and runes spread throughout the structure itself still shined. It was a camouflaged tower with alien runes shining. If one could describe it, it looked extremely terrifying.

Inside a pitch-black room, there was a dark haze that swelled around a single point. Cloaked in this darkness, there was something here that could make one's skin crawl.

"Cyrus Black." A deep voice ran through the darkened atmosphere. A projection gradually showed itself before revealing itself to be Riaan. Almost immediately, a very strong swell of black energy enveloped the room that he couldn't ignore.

Looking left and right, he tried looking around for Cyrus, but he blended in so well with this foul mass. 'This is strange. The hue's much darker than what it normally is. And there's a foul odor coming from it as well.' He narrowed his projected eyes. He fell silent at his suspicions.

"…Cyrus. Come out. I request your presence."

"Of course…your eminence." A pair of shining eyes appeared within this hue. It was bone-chilling alone to look at. However, Riaan looked ahead like it was no big deal. It was extremely faint, but his silhouette stood with the cape flaring. He looked deathly serious to where it was truly horrifying to look at.

Riaan paused heavily before addressing the issue. "Cyrus, I've come to you in regards to the next phase."

"Is that so…?" He trailed off, his glare still bright.

"Yes. Lucia has been able to see where they are going. You will meet up with Hades Pillars tomorrow morning to discuss their precision and interception. I understand that you all have had a very harsh time in Solaris. I don't expect you to be ready immediately. But please, be well."

Cyrus' eyes twinkled in the deep haze. "I shall do…my best, for you."

Riaan could clearly see it, something went very wrong with Cyrus right there. He gazed at his subordinate with a serious glare, one that told him that he wasn't playing around. He looked down to where Cyrus had the bandages around his arm. He got a good idea of what might have happened.

"It appears that you have underestimated your enemies, Cyrus."

Cyrus scoffed, shielding his arm beneath his cape. "Fret not, it's nothing more than a scratch."

"Yes, so it would seem." He turned around, closing his eyes. "And I understand that sentiment wholeheartedly. Our enemies, they truly are magnificent, aren't they?"

"Yes, I suppose that's…one way of putting it." Cyrus paused. "But, Milord…if I may? I hate to be the one to tell you this…but I have my own opinion of them."

Riaan didn't falter. "Your own opinion, you say? By all means, allow me to hear."

"I'd rather not, Milord. It would rather contra-dict!" He paused when hos eyes leered brightly, his body stammering. He clutched his arm where the bandages were covering the gash. His breathing, no matter how one would look at it, was beginning to get heavy.

Unable to ease himself, Riaan turned back around with a furrowed brow. "It seems that your body and mind are starting wear away."

"I…am well enough, Milord…" Cyrus spat.

"My apologies if I don't condone such a testimony. You'll have to report to the artificial chamber so we can sow that wound." He paused. "But for your sake, please, tell me what's wrong."

Cyrus hesitated. He was a man of sheer pride and respected Riaan to no end. However, unable to contain his negative spat, his body started shaking some.

"…those…those misfits! They have the…the gull to stand in the face of fear! They…they believe…so foolishly that they can tame fear…instead of killing it…kill…to be the only fear! The one…that can suppress all…to keep them drowning, and feeding…" Gradually, the bandages started tearing, seeping out the misty dark purple mass again. Cyrus didn't stop. "I…cannot allow those disgusting…Earthling…to prove this matter wrong…gngh! Must…make them suffer…until they perish! Perish~!"

Riaan stared calmly at him. Despite the very small fume of air and rage coming from his most reliable source, he isn't without some measure of conciliation. He understood what was happening and how Cyrus felt. He's was afraid of being alone as well, but was willing to be open to it, had if Armagedoid had chosen another path. But the truth was that nobody likes being truly alone. There were many attributes that personified fear, but this one was unlike any other. He could see the vast negative energy gradually overwhelming Cyrus to where he was impaired.

Very calmly, Riaan turned around. "Cyrus, listen to me…remember what I have taught you. Keep your center of balance. It's fine for you to feel so strongly this way, but also remember. Control."

"Con…trol…"

Riaan looked downwards. "Yes. Regrettably, I'm afraid that this goes against what I empathize with. It's truly a misfortune, but rather than understanding, Cyrus, your case is still far so different. You can comprehend, but with that body and mind you have, we are still two different entities. And because of that, we must approach our matters differently. I understand your situation, but I will not control you. However, your willingness of control does have a drawback. It requires a level of containment. Remember your containment…please."

Cyrus paused to catch his breath. He craved control, but his master's words edged themselves into his broken psyche, allowing him to grasp it. Gradually, the mist around his arm simmered away. His breathing returned to normal.

"…I'm truly sorry to have troubled you this late, Milord." He bowed. "Allow me to express my gratitude."

Riaan lowered his head. "It's fine. Your gratitude may be in the form of following my instructions. Please, follow me to the artificial chamber. We'll get you sowed up. Zion just reported back to me about his eye injury."

"Understood. I'll report there immediately, if you so desire." With that, Cyrus teleported out of his quarters, leaving the room in a darkened state, which gradually got lighter.

Riaan lowered his head, sighing to himself. Even with one arm, his own artificial blood ran deeply through his veins. 'For the safety of everyone, it's for your own good. If you so desire control and containment…then I shall grant you what you desire.' He teleported away next. 'For now, bear with me and the Pillars. For even I fear of what shall become of you.'

---

The mid-morning sun beamed down from a steep angle onto the land known as Interacia. Along the prestige forest landscape, where ripe, large trees towered with flourishing fauna that resembled New Vestroia. There were beautiful, lush flowers that bloomed, and pollen puffs that scattered into the winds, carrying the dainty plants' seeds off to the next location to fertilize within the land. Hidden amongst the fauna, however, Neathian chrome glistened, amplifying sunlight onto the certain spots.

As the Trailer passed by a creek with flowing blue water with crystalline minerals, the scenery was too great to pass up. "Oh wow~, it's so beautiful!" Julie chimed. She turned towards the cameraman, who was rolling. "Hey! You getting this for stock footage?!" He responded with a nervous nod.

"I hate to say it, but this place doesn't look half-bad." Ace said, watching the creek water expand into an eddy. Small islands with lush, green woodlands could be seen.

"It's like New Vestroia's atmosphere, but at the same time it's like Earth's landscape. It's a strange feeling." Percival admired.

"If this is what Earth is like, then maybe we should have visited a little more when we had the chance." Mason joked.

Lena's glasses glared from the mid-morning rays refracting off of them. "The air most certainly feels refreshing…as deploring of a statement that it is." She admitted. 'Even on Gundalia, we've never had a scenery nor atmosphere such as this. Not since the era of Dark Bakugan if I recall correctly.'

The Trailer rolled along the creek, while Jase drove it with an icon beeping on his screen. He tapped it, showing a miniature holographic map of the direction of the flowing water. "If we follow this current from its mountain source, the path should lead us to the ocean. That's usually where mountain and groundwater resorts to."

"So we should follow it until it takes us to the sea, right?" Maggie interpreted.

"The western coast that we traveled had long beaches along its north, and the south where we traveled that smooth alcoves as cover. There's no telling what kind of terrain this area we're going to will have." Esther explained.

"And that's precisely why we're making a map along the way." Shawn said. "If the land terraforms again on our watch, we'll know what kinds of changes happened and keep track."

"When we were on Interacia the last time, it was just a big marshland on the top, right?" Shuji pointed out. "It was all rock and water underground, so it's almost completely different than what it was."

"It certainly wasn't easy, I remember that much." Fly Beetle pointed out.

"Yeah, I remember the Trailer being stuck and how you and Verias had to pry it out of the ground." Maggie chimed. "Now I bet you can do it single-handedly. You guys sure grow fast…man, I'm so jealous. What's it gotta take for all that milk to work its stuff?"

In her musing huff, the others raised a brow, while Esther looked up, sighing warily.

"It feels like we're expeditioners for some reason." Luke chimed. "We're traveling an unmarked world that not everyone's been to. It's kind of strange. It's nerve-racking, but it's also exciting."

"As long as we don't get buried alive like last time." Abis noted. "But I'm really excited too, for some reason."

"This is what they call the spirit of adventure." Atchibee explained. "We've had tons of long-scale adventures before. How nostalgic, I admit."

"Yeah…" Shawn's grin fell slowly. "But we know the stakes now. We're not here to pick out vacation spots after all."

Jase prodded his glasses. "If I had known we were talking about vacations, I would have brought my camera…but Shawn's absolutely right." He focused on the direction of the river and the topography. "Up ahead, the forest is going to break off. We'll be entering grasslands in a moment."

The Trailer kept moving in the same direction, going exactly with where Jase said it would lead them. The trees gradually broke away from each other, allowing everyone views of lush, huge, hilly terrain. They were almost like valleys with how grand they were. Chrome and rock were scattered about fairly, with far-ranged cliffs from the north having moss with rainbow flower beds that had petals scattering within the winds. The petals whisked over the moving Trailer, being carried across the eddy.

The large, jagged mountain range within the northern lands left everyone watching in amazement. They all watched the scene pass by with such eloquent beauty.

"Woah…" Paige admired. "I've never seen anything like this before."

"This is what the world is coming to." Ren said. "Shedding its old crust for a one of beauty and life…a life that it stole from others." As lavish and extreme as it was, he couldn't fully embrace the idea of this world having anything beautiful to work with.

"This world certainly has its luster…but the sentiment can be shared." Nurzak stated.

"So those are mountains? Woah…" Zenet admired. She knew well that Neathia had mountains, and a landscape that was hilly, especially along the wastelands, but nothing like this.

"A scene that captivates our costars as much as it does the audience. Truly such a beauty that is so very hard to overlook." Jesse facetiously noted.

"I guess it's nice, but are we really getting anywhere? It feels like forever since we've been on the road!" Plitheon chastised.

"Calm down, Plitheon. Jase said this direction will lead us to the coast. I'm sure we'll be there in due time." Drago said.

"Yeah, we better." Dan said, his gaze fixed on dead ahead. "..because if we're too late, it'd all be for nothing."

---

The rolling scenery kept going, and everyone was getting themselves situated just fine on the Trailer. Mason found himself in a rather nonchalant conversation with Ace, with Linus having a half-decent conversation with Jesse and Baron. The three in particular have gotten rather accustomed after the Solaris incident. The ride, regardless of it being hilly, was ironically smooth sailing. It was a strange feeling; one of comfort but at the same time uneasy. One could say they were quenching their anxiety with whatever social adept they had left.

As Gus was sitting on a table with a small juicebox, a set of footsteps came up from behind. "How are you feeling, Gus?"

Recognizing the voice, Gus snapped back to find Spectra looming over him. "Master Spectra." He took a moment to process his question. "Hm…yes, I can still feel my arm just fine. I should be able to be up to speed by tomorrow."

"Good. I'll be counting on you. This fight is one we absolutely cannot afford to lose." Spectra looked ahead at the ongoing landscape. "We'll have our work cut out for us this time around. There'll be no third chances after this."

Gus frowned heavily as he glared forward. He knew from his injury that this was no time to feel relaxed. "Yes, of course…" he smirked. "In fact, I'm looking forward to meeting Riaan and his pillars again. After what happened with their plans, I wager they'll most likely come at us full force."

"Hoorah…" Keegan half-heartedly chimed from the side.

Spectra smirked. "You certainly sound excited, Keegan. But please, do contain yourself."

He eyerolled away from. "Yeah, I'm so excited that it's taking everything that I have to keep myself from exploding with adrenaline." He sighed. "Whatever, how much further do you think it is to Outback Isle?"

Jase kept an eye on the screen that was beside him, the grid showing their distance from the isle's reaches. "We should be there within a few more hours. Please do bear patience in the meantime."

"We better." Gunz chided. "We don't have a lot of time."

"If I remember correctly, estimates showed that it would have been one week left before complete assimilation." Jaakor pointed out. "It has been four days since then."

"That's right, and with the energy he processed from Solaris, he might have amplified the pace of his powers." Mira said. "We can't take any chances, not this time."

---

The Trailer kept going, rolling across the hill landscape that carried along the riverbank. The river water ran deep enough that any Bakugan could swim through its depths. It was so clear that they could see right through the crystalline water all the way to the soft bedrock meters below the surface.

As Maggie was sitting in her seat, reading the monitors and temperatures around the atmosphere, a set of footsteps came up from behind. "Hm?" She turned around, recognizing to whom they belonged to. "Huh? Fabia?"

"Fabia?" Shawn and the others turned around, seeing the Neathian Queen up and about.

She softly smiled. "Hey, guys."

"My queen!" Rafe headed up the stairs from the lower deck to kneel before his highness/ "Your Highness, my sincerest apologies! I'm grateful to see you up and moving again!"

"I'm sorry I worried you all." Fabia grimaced. "But Aranaut and I are alright. We just needed a little rest is all."

"A little? You and Elright were out like lights." Maggie pointed out. "Should you seriously be moving in that condition? I doubt that wound's fully healed."

"Yeah, it took all the bandages we had to close it." Jelldon said.

"I know." Fabia frowned. "But I needed to get up. It just doesn't feel right if I stayed down for very long."

"Restless as a child. Very well, but please refrain from any unnecessary movements. Your condition won't fully heal otherwise." Jase advised.

Fabia humbly nodded. "Understood. Thank you all." She bowed her head humbly. "I can't tell you how indebted I am to you all. You've so much for us. I-!"

"Hey, just stop, alright?" Maggie cut her off abruptly. "You heard Jase, you need to refrain from any movement. Your Highness needs to get her rest for when we run into Hades Pillars or the Empyrean again."

"But…"

"No buts, young lady. Doctor's orders. Just relax for now."

Fabia humbly smiled in defeat. "…I guess if you of all people say so, Maggie. I guess I don't have a choice." She turned around and clutched where her wound was. "Sorry for burdening you like this. But Maggie…"

Maggie went silent. She saw Fabia glance over, smiling sincerely at her. Her eyes widened at the sight.

"…thank you, for taking care of me. I'm in your guys' care."

Rafe rushed to her side. "My Queen! Allow me to escort you back to your bedrest at once!"

"Yes, myself as well!" Linus added.

"Thank you both." She loosened herself up some to allow Rafe to hold her up on her left side, while Linus supported her right. They kept her up while she limped towards the nearby elevator doors. They slid open, enabling them through the other side.

Maggie went dead silent as she watched the queen and her followers take off. She was so lost in what was just said that she almost lost track of what was going on. She kept staring out, her mind racing with an unprecedented thought.

"Are you alright, Maggie?" Jelldon asked.

Maggie snapped back to attention. "H-huh? Oh, sorry about that." She beamed brightly. "Yup! Bright as rain! Actually…I feel better than ever."

Shuji was hearing her out with a raised brow when suddenly, his monitor was beeping and showing pulsing wavelengths. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned in their seats.

"What's wrong? What's it reading, Shuji?" Shawn asked.

The Subterra battler looked at his screen, furrowing his brow. "This ain't good. We're getting shifts in the plates beneath us! It's another terraform coming!"

Gradually, the entire Trailer started shaking. A magnitude started throbbing from the earth below, making everyone who was sitting down and relaxing stand up on such short notice.

"What's that?!" Dan shouted. "An earthquake?!"

"Dan, look!" Drago floated ahead.

"Huh?!"

The Battle Brawlers and everyone else turned forward to see a strange phenomenon as the earth kept vibrating. On Shuji's screen, it showed strong breaks in the plates several meters ahead of them. It helped them read what was going to happen.

The Trailer kept going in the direction of the quake. A fissure gradually eroded through the ground, causing a great crack to run across their path. The crack gradually expanded, making hills and the eddy that ran off to their side separate. The land gradually shifted to push the two sides away, making the distance coming between them gradually increase to where it was all impossible to go by jumping. The eddy diverged into a gigantic waterfall that flowed down into the abysmal darkness, where Gundalian moss shined bright green with severed Neathian chrome that was partially coated in the substance.

The earthquake didn't stop there. It kept going until it drew itself onwards through the grasslands and hills. The severed hills molded to create cliffs with chrome sticking out of them. As the waterfall's wake was gradually being pushed further, water was shown flowing deep within the abyss, showing signs of the crusted land below severing.

"A…fissure?!" Gunz gasped.

"The land is still not fully molded yet! It's still shifting its tectonic plates little by little!" Esther declared, her eyes narrowed. "It must be Riaan. He must know we're coming this way."

"What do we do then? Go around?" Skytruss asked.

"No." Shun opposed. "It'll take too long. We'll be cut off from reaching the isles!"

Jase prodded his glasses, making light refract off them. "Very well then." He started pressing keys on the holographic board in front of him. He activated the flight function, causing the entire Trailer to shudder once more.

Gradually, the Trailer's functions assimilated with the levers being pushed and pulled at the same time. They all gradually made the Trailer's Flight Mode initiate. As it picked up speed, the jets on the back vents began roaring, creating a large push that thrusted the locomotive transportation gradually get off the molding land and into the air. Everyone who was onboard held onto something close by as the entire vehicle shifted about.

"W-woah! Hold on! Is this thing actually flying?!" Zenet exclaimed.

"That's right, I forgot these guys did some serious hardwiring with this thing." Ace pointed out.

"Man, this is gonna be awesome!" Baron chimed.

The Trailer gradually ascended off the firm, grassy fields and rich, fertile earth. It sailed off into the atmosphere, roaring its engines throughout the sky like a jet as it sailed over the large ravine formed out of nowhere. The illustrious twin waterfalls on either side of the dark bedrock sprayed water atop the mossy chrome, causing some clumps of it to fall off the earth and into the river ravine. The sight from above, along with the Trailer ascending above to get a good view, was something else.

"Woah~, now this is an even better view than the last one!" Julie chimed. She turned around to face the cameraman. "This is Julie here, live on Interacia! As you can see here, a massive fissure just opened up out of seemingly nowhere, but now we're over it, and look at this view!"

"I believe that's Gundalian moss, mixed with the chrome deposits that are within Neathia's earth." Nurzak explained. The two elements have mixed together to help create a crystalized rainbow composition." He looked down at the colorful chrome minerals flowing down the river far below. "And the way they are colored, they must be mixed with mineral deposits from Earth, yes?"

"I've heard of jewels and ores being made by heat and constant pressure from underground. Never would I have guessed something like this to come of it." Marucho noted.

Radizen floated up to the window and looked down at the deep ravine created. "Wow, never seen something like this before." Beside him, Roxtor spoke gibberish, making him face him. "What's that? All those Mechtogan flying over us didn't count! That's totally different! No way was that beautiful!"

"So many mineral deposits…I can't believe it all." Mira awed. "And they're all combined into one here…"

"It certainly is a sight, yes." Spectra admitted. "A land that's constantly changing, molding its mass to create a new home. Suitable for a new beginning for Bakugan life."

The Trailer kept moving in its arch so everyone could view the ravine's majestic creation. But they were in a time crunch, and Luke's group knew that as beautiful as it was, they couldn't dawdle forever.

"Jase." Shawn said. "We better keep moving."

Jase prodded his glasses with two fingers. "You are absolutely right."

The Trailer kept sailing over the ravine, embarking its way over the landscape towards the fields and hills that are on the other side. The vehicle kept its course eastward, taking everyone over its lustrous lands while the camera kept rolling for all to bear witness.

---

Within the Empyrean Alpha's domain, there was a humble silence that progressed throughout its reaches. The chamber in which Hades Pillars convened was the same one as yesterday. They were gathered within their respective attributed pillars around the magenta platform that projected an image of what Julie's camera was showing.

"Milord's world…is coming closer to its fruition." Lucia awed.

Amina tossed a lock over her shoulder. "Hmph, well, I do admit, it's certainly much better than what shabby, crusty rock we've been under this whole time, that's saying something."

Zion said nothing. He offered neither condolences nor a testimony as he glared with his right eye only. His left eyes now had a black eyepatch that shielded his damaged eye.

Magnus took a moment from admiring the view to look over at Zion. "Yo, how's the eye doing man?"

"…" Zion glanced over at Magnus, giving an irritated grumble as a response.

"You were right, Lucia. It appears that they're making way in the general direction." Galilea responded to the psychic's prior statement. "If they keep on this path, it will take them to Outback Isle within the hour's time."

Lucia nodded. "Yes. However…" Another holographic screen appeared above, getting everyone's attention to the large stormcloud formation forming over a large oceanic body of water. "As you can see, there's a pacific squall moving in west. They'll have no choice but to seek refuge for their own safety."

"Knowing them and how they treat each other, they wouldn't take such a risk to cross the seas in such a state." Galilea prompted, her eyes narrowing. "But even so…"

"Yes, I am aware, Galilea. We mustn't allow any chances to pass up. With how all of their Bakugan have recently evolved, there's no telling what they could do if they fared the wake. We must do everything within our power to delay them as much as possible."

Zion's one-eye glare was seething at the bird's eye-view the Trailer has. He could see the many faces that were onboard, which he had to slaughter. No way was he going to allow them passage, not when he can still wield a weapon. "Those bloodied fools…!" He slammed his battle axe on his podium. "Not if we have anything to say about it."

Amina sighed. "Are you serious~?" She leered at the screen, her disposition changing. "Hmph, okay. Fine. Besides…I need to make some dirty little, ugly bitch know her place." The screen showed Esther, in documented filing format, along with a picture of her Bakugan, Darkus Eclipse Atchibee. The sheer sight alone was enough to make her want to puke her eyes out of their sockets.

"Looks like it's up to us after all. Ain't got any men out there. Real shame." Magnus huffed.

"It wouldn't have mattered at this point." Galilea defended. "All Interacian Bakugan have been destroyed due to the positive energy emitted from Solaris splicing the DNA completely. As of now, we are all that stands between Lord Riaan…and them."

Zion turned his attention across from him. "Sire."

All of Hades Pillars turned their attention towards the eerie chill coming from their leader. Cyrus was completely still as his brightened, sinister eyes were fixed on their foes closing in on the rocky terrain coming up on their screens. The hills were rolling over to crags and cliffs, indicating them getting closer to their destination. His mind still eluded back to when Luke fought against him, and didn't back down, no matter what happened. The disgust he felt back then was bubbling up once more.

The air around everyone thickened, enough to make even Amina's skin crawl. For once, she actually cared because of how serious she was taking this now. The pillars saw Cyrus' face and could tell what he was thinking.

"If it's within our power, we of Hades Pillars will quash whomever our lord deems fit." He snarled. "Be ready at once…we'll make them drown in our lord's might of darkness…one way, or another."

---

Outback Isle, a coastal range of bedrock that overlooked the southeastern Interacian waters. Low cliffs kept everything relatively close to sea level, with large rocks bordering the waves from crashing against the shores. The coastline had no sand. Instead, it had luscious landscape westward that that mountainous terrain with huge rock formations with forests and luscious land fauna; some rocks were even full-on chrome stockpiled to large mountains. They looked like New Vestroia land masses actually, but with Neathian and Earth elements mixed into them.

Along the fresh rocky shorelines, waves kept rising up and crashing into the rock, causing drizzle to pour down as the Trailer was in Tank Mode, mowing its way along the ridges.

"Unreal…" Dan marveled.

"Yeah. Killer." Gunz blinked, seeing the deep blue water on one side, and lush mountain formations on the other.

"Any seismic readings, Shuji?" Shawn asked.

Shuji looked down at his screen, seeing not only a thermal camera to detect temperature, but also a radar that didn't react to anything. "Nope. We're in the clear in this area."

"That's a relief." Maggie sighed. "Man, getting the ground torn up beneath us everywhere we go is getting tiring."

"Yes…it most certainly can be." Esther commented. "After all this time, it's surprising how we're not used to such a thing."

"Yeah, you'd think after feeling the ground beneath us all this time, we'd end up becoming part Subterra Bakugan like Fly Beetle." Maggie cheesily commented.

"Thanks…I guess." Fly Beetle pointed out. He wasn't one to question things like his partner did. He just took it in his laxed stride.

Maggie winked. "Lucky you are~."

"How long do you think this range stretches for, you think?" Luke questioned. "I'd imagine pretty far if we're traveling this far in."

Atmos looked down from Jase's shoulder at the topography chart on the screen before him. "According to this chart, the craggy landscape goes up to the equator of Interacia, before it appears to go into more lush landscape."

"Wow, Atmos. I didn't think you could read maps that well." Verias admitted.

"I suppose that's to be expected. This technology is fairly easy to understand, if one chooses to look at it from that perspective." Atchibee noted. "You humans and other species certainly keep up in the loop."

Luke looked out the windows of the Trailer, admiring the oceanic view. It was gorgeous in its own way. The deep blue skies, along with the sun teeming down on them. With the provisions they were able to find along the way, the sweet, fruity taste was stuck in his mouth. That, or looking at the clear, blue water somehow drew him into some kind of trance.

"Luke?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Luke turned towards Esther. "H-huh? Sorry, were you saying something?"

Esther shook her head. "No…you seem awfully drawn towards the ocean for some reason." She smiled. "You must like the water, don't you?"

"Well, that's understandable." Jase chimed in. "Being an Aquos attribute, one must be accustomed to their own affinity. Besides, uke's had plenty of experiences in the water to be rather tethered to it."

"Hey…" Luke groaned.

Jase's smile widened. "It's an accurate observation, is it not?"

Luke and Abis looked at each other, unable to counter Jase's whimsical testimony. And he most certainly wasn't wrong. Now that they had time to realize it, everything that's happened with them and personal experiences, it had a lot to do with water. Their experience across New Vestroia's oceans, their time on Interacia going off alone and facing that Megarus, Preyas and Amazon's training, the depths of Vestal's waters reaching the Empyrean, Code Eve's waters on Neathia, and their western coast adventure. Summing all that up and it's no wonder why what they're saying is true.

Besides, Luke wasn't going to fully deny it. To an extent, they were right. Being Aquos and seeing his own reflection helped see himself in so many ways that made him that much stronger. 'Yeah…they're right. Abis and I…we're like water. We go with the flow, but when a storm comes, we rise up to fight back…like a tsunami!'

Shuji snickered. "Heh, to each their own I suppose. Anyways, we've gotta find a good point to leave from, that'll minimized the time it'll take to cross this sea, right?"

"Exactly. Which is why there's a point that's right below an alcove that we can park the Trailer before we discuss the next part of our venture." Jase informed.

Mason crossed his arms, snickering. "I gotta say, you guys sure know your stuff, don't you?"

"It's all a matter of experience. Not everyone thinks by the same logic, but if you take in your surroundings a little more, you find there's more than meets the eye."

"I'm still impressed." Shun admitted. "You guys were able to get out of here when the planet was still in the midst of terraforming. And the Trailer at the time was still modeled after the Resistance left it on New Vestroia, right?"

Esther nodded. "Yes, though not in one piece unfortunately."

Ace smirked. "Well I'm sure you guys have a lot of stories to tell us, but let's save that for after we finish this battle."

"Easy, Ace." Baron chided in a serious tone. "Remember who we're dealing with here."

"He's right. Remember, Riaan's a lot smarter than any of us. He knows what we think and how we might act." Ren said.

Dan's expression grew serious as he understood where Ren was coming from. He looked ahead, knowing that he was right. 'We can't let our guard down like that again. This time…we'll be ready!'

BOOM!

Suddenly, a large rupture shook up the Trailer and everyone else again. The alarms started going off as the sounds of explosions boomed outside, bringing several people down to their knees in fell motions.

"Gah!" Zenet fell to her side harshly. "Geez! W-what was that?!"

"Another earthquake?" Lena said, her voice being as stern as possible.

Gus stepped up. "No…look!"

Everyone's confusion adjusted just as the Trailer violently shook again. This time the eruptions were felt from one side than beneath. They saw a flume of explosions, followed by rock and earth spraying everywhere. Pellets of deposits sprinkled the reinforced windows.

BOOM!

Another explosion sounded off, giving a tremor that pushed rock and earth up like a plume on the Trailer's other side. Everyone's gazes turned confused as eruptions were heard everywhere.

"Shuji!" Shawn exclaimed. "I thought you detected no seismic readings!"

"I didn't!" he backlashed, just as another explosion went off, causing the entire Trailer to tremble. "This isn't an earthquake! The monitors read no plate shiftings!"

"Really?!" Luke gasped. "Then that means…"

Jase prodded his glasses, his brown eyes showing dead seriousness. "Landmines."

BOOM!

"What?! Landmines, are you sure?!" Dan exclaimed.

"Why are their landmines out here of all places?" Drago wondered.

Esther's glare hardened. She looked forward with a serious, deadest glare. "There is one possibility…"

The Trailer kept mowing onwards, its sturdy hull enduring the explosions from down below. Eruptions blasted rock everywhere, making the smooth isle's terrain grow unsound. With every time the Trailer moved its wheels, the vibrations activated the sensitive traps.

"This isn't good! The Trailer won't hold if it's blown from under so many times!" Alice worried. "Can you guys shift it to Flight Mode?"

"Yeah, we better hurry!" Luke insisted.

"Look out! Ahead!" Jase warned.

Explosions up from ahead. The wake of the rock and earth pelted the glass yet again. Though no cracks formed, it caused a brief blindspot to show. Jase immediately stepped on the brakes to prevent the Trailer from moving forward, but most of the wheels were already tipped into the ditch that was created from the explosions. The entire vehicle creaked as it tilted forward, causing everyone inside to feel their entire world to – quite literally – turn over.

"Everyone, hang onto something!" Shuji shouted.

The Trailer's hull made a dense nosedive right into the dense pit, making it so that all that they saw was dense, black rock and chrome pressed up against the window glass. Everything went black for a moment for everyone when they all either slid forward or hit another person.

The next thing that happened, Luke's eyes fluttered open. Immediately he felt a splitting headache and a screen pressed against his forehead. He felt his way around the monitor and pushed himself up. "Oooof…my head…"

"Gngh…what just happened…?" Abis grunted. "Everything just capsized all of a sudden, and…! Is everyone alright?!"

Coming around, Esther grunted. "Yes…we're fine. Everyone else?"

"Yeah…I think I can manage." Shawn stated.

"Crystal over here, too." Shuji responded.

"We were lucky it seems. Had it not been for stopping, the hull would have been badly damaged. We might have been in a worse position than we already are." Jase stated.

"Okay…now I see why mom told me to wear a seatbelt at all times." Maggie groaned.

On the lower deck, everyone was coming around, stirring as the awkward angle the Trailer was in made it impossible to feel centered. "Man, what a rush…" Dan groaned, trying to stand back up. "…hey, everyone okay?!"

"I-I'm good…" Marucho grunted weakly.

Shun stood back up, seeing everyone else get up around them. "Looks like everyone's in one piece still. That's good. That was some dive we took."

Keegan was wedged between Jesse and Paige, the latter's elbow right in his face. "Sh-sheriouswy?!" He mumbled.

"Oooowie…man, talk about smarts!" Julie complained. She looked up at Jase and the others, the angle scaring her due to them being so steep. "Hey! You guys alright?!"

"We're fine." Esther said. "Everyone hold on, we'll drop down some emergency rope we have and we'll pull you all up!"

"Thanks, guys!" Dan shouted.

---

It was far from easy with the misshapen angle the Trailer was in. The entire thing was pinned down and embedded with its entire front tilted into the hole. With that, it was an extremely steep climb up the Trailer for everyone on the lower deck. It took them a while to get themselves out, but using the manhole cover atop as well as the side doors, Luke's group was able to safely evacuate everyone and get them onto the ground.

With everyone gathered outside the Trailer, they all overlooked the ditch that the upper half was stuck in. Suffice to say a lot of them were left at a loss.

"Well this is tragic." Mira grimaced. "The Trailer can't get out on its own. This is bad."

"So what's this mean then, we're going by foot there?" Mason questioned sarcastically.

Avior floated up to his face. "Maybe it would do you some good to get some exercise before jumping at him." He teased.

"Hey, pipe it, won't you?"

"Aaahh~! Now what do we do! We can't get it out like that!" Julie complained. She turned towards Luke and the others. "Hey, this is your vehicle, right? Doesn't it have some kind of a drill function to dig its way out or something?!"

Jase straightened his back. "Yes, perhaps that would be nice now, wouldn't it?"

"He means 'no'. Sorry." Maggie interpreted.

Spectra frowned. "Well now, perhaps we should do something about this then."

Paige turned and gave him a glare. "Well, look who's finally catching up! What did you think we were thinking?!"

"Paige, just calm down, alright? We need to stay calm." Rafe calmed her. He turned towards the bent Trailer. "Still, this could be a problem. We don't dig it out soon, there's no telling that will happen if we're out in the open for too long."

Nurzak stepped forward. "Then I suggest we follow the example made by us from our friends, and cooperate as fast as possible to do so." He proposed.

"Agreed…" Ren was in full support, until he heard what sounded like a gun cocking with lead. He swiftly turned around. "Guys, take cover!"

Gunfire rapidly raged across the terrain, beaming at everyone with rapid bullets.. Responding, all those who couldn't use weapons got down immediately, whereas Nurzak, Jase, Shawn, Esther, and Luke got out their weapons and parried the barrage of bullets. They were deflected off to the sides, parried relentlessly and skillfully to protect their comrades.

"Gah! What's going on?! Bullets?!" Dan shouted.

"Whos' firing at us now?!" Gunz grunted.

The bullets kept going, the sound of lead casing dropping onto the ground nearby. It only took several seconds and for everyone to keep up that it finally receded. The sounds of a gun cocking again was heard.

"That…will be far enough for you all." A voice declared.

Luke and everyone's ears chilled with the insidious tone the voice carried. Luke recognized it. 'That voice…!'

The gang gradually returned to their feet as six figures appeared out of thin air. They all bared witness as Hades Pillars appeared, aligned in perfect formation and standing in their way.

"Hades Pillars." Shawn grunted.

"Of course they would try something like this. No wonder this felt off all of a sudden." Maggie grimaced.

Zion, still holding his machine gun, glared ahead as the end smoked. To everyone, his left eyepatch covered his eye. "Hmph, seems I still need to adjust to this bloody angle."

"Hmph, talk about a sight for sore eyes." Amina chastised. "Just don't mistake us for them now that half your face is all gone."

"You guys!" Dan roared, taking a stand. "Should've known those landmines were there! You guys planted them, didn't you?!"

Cyrus smirked. "How perceptive of you. Zion."

Without a moment's hesitation, Zion threw a dagger at light speed directly at Dan. The leader of the Battle Brawlers was taken back before Shun intervened, deflecting the dagger with a kunai. The two weapons dropped to the ground, the latter knocked out of Shun's hand defending his friend.

With a scoff, Zion prepared to reload his gun with a fresh case of bullets. Galilea intervened. "This is as far as you all go. You will not be allowed into the domain of the Empyrean."

"His gracious one will never allow you the luxury. And as such, neither will we." Lucia pointed out, glaring at them. "For his sake as well as our own, you will all be brought to a swift justice."

"You wanna talk about justice?! What a pile of garbage coming from you!" Paige berated.

"What she said." Gunz taunted.

Cyrus leered heavily. "Then perhaps you would like to try and one-up your words, if you do so live by them."

Dan leered heavily. "You wanna go, tough guy? We told you nothing will stand in our way, not even you-!" Suddenly, he was cut off when Luke, Shawn, and those specifically his friends intervened and cut in front, bracing themselves in front of them all. "Huh?! You guys!"

Luke's group glared down Hades Pillars, the latter members looking more than distasteful at them. This couldn't have been any better for them.

"My…how appropriately presumed." Cyrus sneered. "Luke, I believe you and your cohorts were the most troubling up to this point. Our lord, as well as ourselves, find you all to be the most troubling of your little entourage. Shall we say we settle this matter?"

"You took the words right out of our mouths." Luke glared back, holding his sword up. "You guys, stand back, alright? We'll handle these guys while you get the Trailer unstuck."

Dan nodded in understanding. "We got it! C'mon guys!" He turned around with the others, scuttling back towards the Trailer.

As they were running back, Marucho was doing his best to keep up. "Dan, are you really sure about this? Those guys are insanely strong."

"Yeah, I know." Dan's tone was so matter-of-factly that it took everyone by surprise. For a moment, he thought about their battle against Amina. "…but so are those guys. If anyone can clear the path for 8s, it's them."

Shun nodded in agreement. "Right."

Julie was in front of the cameraman, being out of range, but also keeping the Trailer and Luke's group in the same frame. "This is Julie here, live from Interacia! Here, I'm with you all on the latest update! Currently, the Trailer has crashed, and everyone's working together behind Dan while Luke and his friends go up against Riaan's most elite guard, Hades Pillars! You can feel the adrenaline pouring in from the ocean as these two elites go head-to-head!"

Luke's group and Hades Pillars glared at each other as waves crashed into the shores beside them. Sprays of water sprinkled over them, making them all. No one made a moment, just an empty airspace between them all.

"I believe this is the part where I say the line is drawn here." Cyrus glared. "But then again, I suppose that it was crossed a long time ago. Now…show us…your fears!"

"We'll show you something, but it won't be our fears!" Shuji snarled. "It's gonna be pain!"

Cyrus: 100% Luke: 100%

Zion: 100% Esther: 100%

Galilea: 100% Maggie: 100%

Lucia: 100% Shuji: 100%

Magnus: 100% Shawn: 100

Amina: 100% Jase: 100%

Another wave crashed along the shores beside them, creating another loud roar as a light drizzle broke between them.

"I'd applaud for how well you've been playing your cards up to this point. But, as much as I was entertained…I'm no longer bemused." Cyrus declared, holding up his Bakumeter. "I'd say it's been a pleasure…but that's be too good for you now, wouldn't it?"

"Same goes for you." Shawn boasted, readying his fencer and Bakugan. "Enough talk, don't you think?"

"Fool…you just took the words right out of my mouth." Magnus scoffed.

At the same time, Hades Pillars brought their arms back, with Luke and his allies mimicking the same motion.

"Bakugan…brawl!" All 12 contenders roared. All their Bakugan were thrown out at the same time. "Bakugan, stand!"

All 12 spheres went sailing into each other, colliding on the spot. A bright flash, followed by an explosion of static ruptured the air around them. An explosion of spiraling colors shot skywards, blinding everyone who looked at them. The Battle Brawlers and allies used forearms and shielded themselves from the eruptive wake.

Respective glows transformed into streams, bringing the 12 Bakugan to their true forms. Stingers and wings erupted from respective sides, with bulking legs rivaled by scorpion legs. Two serpentine bodies, crackling of static and swirling water respectively. Huge wings rivaled dark spread ones, and armored heels hit the ground the same time clawed ones did.

Hades Pillars' Bakugan all erupted with bloodcurdling shrieks that distorted the air. At the same time, however, Hercules Fly Beetle, Daedalus Abis Omega, Sage Verias, Astral Jelldon, Eclipse Atchibee, and Apex Atmos' cries were far louder, and disrupted the earth and air alike.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 900/Sage Verias: 900/Apex Atmos: 900 = 5400

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 700/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 700 = 4400

"I see, so you all have indeed evolved." Cyrus sneered. "The it's presumably safe to say this will be most interesting to see what your new powers behold as a unit, right?"

Hercules Fly Beetle spread his armored, jagged legs. "You talk too much, has anyone told you that?"

Cyrus frowned, feeling a seriousness in the atmosphere grow. "Very well then…let's brawl!"

Immediately, Magnus took to making the sucker punch effort. "Yo, take this! Ability, activate! Nail Predator!" Glotronoid closed in at blinding speeds towards Hercules Fly Beetle, his claws raking with orange streams as his power increased to 1000, while Fly Beetle's decreased towards 600.

"Ability, activate! Queen Needle!" Buz Hornix applied an assist by making her huge stinger shine bright green. Her power increased towards 1200 as she dove down onto Fly Beetle.

'We have to take out their most prominent defenses first.' Galilea relayed to her own thoughts as the Bakugan closed in. 'Striking hard and fast to throw them off will open up their defensive abilities first. We'll snuff those out, then use the openings to take them down!'

Fly Beetle stood his ground promptly. "Looks like you guys…" Time slowed down as the claws and stinger were meters away. Fly Beetle glared harder. "Are getting a little too hasty!"

"Ability, activate!" Shuji roared. "Gaia Armadura!" The stinger and claws were brought back up to speed as the collided with Fly Beetle's bulking physique making a sheer wake through the atmosphere. Hiwever, they were stopped cold as the energy on their body parts faded upon contact. A shimmer went across Fly Beetle's body as he stood like a statue, blocking them off entirely.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 600 (+300 +500) = 1400/Sage Verias: 900/Apex Atmos: 900 = 5900

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 700/Buz Hornix: 1200 (-400) = 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 1000 (-300) = 700/Nastix: 700 = 4400

Glotronoid and Buz Hornix were attempting to get away, but two hands grabbed Buz Hornix, and two more seized Glotronoid. Fly Beetle snarled. "Nice try…" He threw them both over his shoulder without a second thought. "But try harder next time!"

"Ability, activate! Volt Inferno!" Maggie shouted.

"Ability, activate! Lore Halo!" Shawn shouted.

Jelldon pulled back his tendrils as they seared in blistering fiery plasma, while Verias' staff created a ring-like halo. Buz Hornix and Glotronoid were flung into them respectively, where they seared streams and a bright halo into the two Bakugan they defeated before.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900 (+600) = 1500/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1400/Sage Verias: 900 (+500) = 1400/Apex Atmos: 900 = 7000

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 700/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 700 = 4400

The impact of both attacks sent both Bakugan flailing through the atmosphere, crashing into the ground and making a large rupture of dust in front of their peers.

"Ability activate, Taser Fang!"

Out of the blue, through the dust cloud. Snapzoid's snake-like tongue made a surprise lunge that Abis, who veered his head out of the way and snapped his own jaws down on the tongue, holding it, as well as making Snapzoid hiss in pain. Even as Snapzoid's power increased to 900, Snapzoid's intense glare rivaled that of Zion.

"Burn up…in lead!" Zion raised his machine gun, beginning his rapid-fire assault to gun the battlers down.

"Get set!" Luke shouted.

The bullets kept coming, but no one made any missteps. Jase used the taser lance, and everyone used their weapons to hold true. Parries went off like rapid fire in its own wright. Shuji and Maggie were definite to stay out of the way as Zion didn't give them an edge.

"Jase!" Luke shouted.

Jase nodded. "Understood."

Atmos acrobatically maneuvered through the air, before coming around to create a strong current between them and Zion's bullets. A strong shockwave ran through the area, blocking Zion off from his bullets.

Abis' eyes zeroed in on Atmos. With his monstrously long body, he slithered into the skies, dragging Snapzoid with him like a dangling ragdoll. The leviathan serpent wasted no expenses as he whirled in midair, letting his jaws loosen to hurdle Snapzoid into Atmos' flight path.

Jase narrowed his eyes. "Ability activate, Storm Bullet!"

It happened so fast. Snapzoid was completely helpless when a glowing green bullet beelined in the form of a bird that shot clean through him. A green explosion erupted through the sky, while Atmos broke aerial records and sharp angled into the sky, his caws running wild.

The green smoke cloud, however, dropped Snapzoid straight down under. He smashed brutally, laying in front of its peers.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900 (+600) = 1500/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1400/Sage Verias: 1400/Apex Atmos: 900 (+500) = 1400 = 7500

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 900 (-500) = 400/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 700 = 4100

The rumbling from the fall made Hades Pillars readjust their footing. They saw Abis high in the sky, snarling down alongside Atchibee and Atmos. They overlooked their enemies' positions, and vice versa.

"Very well then…" Lucia readied her attack. "Ability, activate! Luminous Arrow!" Lumitroid's iris kept a stern eye on Atmos as he blitzed through the air at lightning speed. He charged up the eye, which made a yellow gathering emerge.

Lucia reached upwards. "There! 11 o'clock!" Lumitroid fired on command, blasting Atmos with a bright yellow energy arrow that drew into the direction of his flight path.

Even as it drew in, Atmos' eyes glimmered with the yellow shine, showing signs he was zeroed in.

"Ability activate, Aerial Stream!" Jase shouted.

As the yellow arrow drew closer, Atmos suddenly broke into a blur, making an air current that followed his path. The arrow consequently redirected into the air flow and followed Atmos as he swerved through the skies above.

"He's redirecting the attack using air pressure currents, created from its own speed?" Lucia questioned. She had to pipe down and focus, in which she closed her eyes to concentrated, while Atmos was going for his mark. Her eyes widened in realization. "He's going for Snapzoid!"

Snapzoid hissed as it attempted getting up, but Atmos pulled up and spread his wings, breaking away from his current that went on and sent the high-speed light arrow into Snapzoid.

"Not if I have something to say about it!" Magnus shouted. "Ability, activate! Sterilize Shield!" Glotronoid, back up and moving a little, managed to jump in front to create a translucent brown shield that took the arrow's wake, making a bright flash that faded gradually, leaving a smoldering steam wave off the fading shield.

"Looks like they can still move." Shuji grunted. Fly Beetle stepped forward, growling in agreement.

Magnus used another ability at the ready. "Ability, activate! Durance Wave!" Glotronoid balled a fist and plunged it into the ground, creating a shockwave that pushed orange-brown energy across the terrain into the other Bakugan.

"Ability, activate! Earth Shield!" Shuji shouted. Fly beetle raised a claw and punched the ground, causing a tremor that exploded into a large-scale earth border to rise up in front of everyone. The huge, thick wall barricaded everyone from the shockwave that traveled into it, exploding into it. When the dust settled, the wall was still up and unmatched.

"They nullified the ability." Galilea observed.

Zion held up his machine gun, but lowered it back down. "Tch, bloody insects. I can't get a clear shot at them."

"Using another ability like that to defend themselves and give them visible vantage…" Lucia narrowed her eyes. "They're steadily improving."

Cyrus looked up towards the sky, seeing the sun that gleamed rather brightly. "You all might want to look up."

True to his warning, they all looked up and saw the sun turning blue for some reason. However, the brighter it got, the more spread out it seemed, until it dispersed into several dozen bright blue projectile beams streaming from its source.

The light closed in on them, making their field of vision enveloped in blue. 'A skywards blindside attack?!' Galilea gasped.

"Ability, activate!" Luke roared. "Depth Fire!" Abis roared in the same tone from high above, every diamond along the abdominal area unleashing streaming torpedoes of deep blue energy whistling down onto Hades Pillars.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900 (+400) = 1300/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 1500/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1400/Sage Verias: 1400/Gale Atmos: 1400 = 7900

Raptorix: 800 (-400) = 400/Snapzoid: 400 (-400) = 0/Buz Hornix: 800 (-400) = 400/Lumitroid: 700 (-400) = 300/Nastix: 700 (-400) = 300 = 2000

The attack kept whistling its way down onto them, the streaming, deep blue projectile becoming way too close for comfort until Cyrus was able to make the call. "Ability activate, Vernier Macro!"

The blue torpedoes drew closer, whistling as they seemingly touched the ground. A moment passed until an eruption of blue exploded across the terrain, then swirled around and was sliced in several areas before dispersing into thin air. The ground sizzled around Raptorix, who growled ferally up at Abis. Abis returned the intimidation in kind.

Cyrus reaffirmed his glare. "Is that all you're worth? I sense no fear…and that's making me upset. Let's fix that, shall we? Ability, activate…Dusk Plight!" Raptorix's body faded, becoming ghastly with a purple outline of its body before beelining for the huge earth wall.

"Guys, he's coming from straight ahead!" Abis warned.

"Understood." Atchibee nodded.

Esther reciprocated the gesture with her purple Bakumeter put up to indicate an ability. "Ability activate, Solaris Moondance!"

At the exact same time Raptorix's ghastly frame rushed through the thick earth wall towards Atchibee, the moth had already beat him to the priority with her wings spread and scattering a cloud of dazzling scales covering herself and her friends. The cloud not only forced Raptorix to a stop, but the residue stuck to him, making him fully visible.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900 (+500) = 1400/Eclipse Atchibee: 400 (+500 +500) = 1400/Astral Jelldon: 1500 (+500) = 2000/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1400 (+500) = 1900/Sage Verias: 1400 (+500) = 1900/Apex Atmos: 1400 (+500) = 1900 = 10,500

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 400/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 700 = 4100

"A defensive ability that increases all their power by that much?" Galilea fret.

Esther narrowed her eyes. "…now."

With Raptorix momentarily stuck in place, he was completely blindsided by red, sickly scythes that he couldn't fully block. Atchibee's blades were barely intercepted by crossing his claws, but the force was so great that it sent him skywards…into Jelldon. The amorphous Jellyfish looked more than prepared as he glared down Raptorix frame.

"Double ability, activate!" Maggie signaled. "Volt Inferno, plus Fusion Ability, Element Booster!"

A plasmatic nova enveloped Jelldon as red plasmatic static crackled within his six main tendrils. When Raptorix was close enough, he took head and concentrated on a single point. With all his might, he gave three tendrils from one side a violent whiplash, smacking into Raptorix and bolting him over the still-stable earth wall, blasting into Hades Pillars other Bakugan and engulfing them all in a large explosion of red static pulses.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1400/Eclipse Atchibee: 1400/Astral Jelldon: 2000 (+600 +300) = 2900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1900/Sage Verias: 1900/Apex Atmos: 1900 = 11,400

Raptorix: 800 (-300) = 500/Snapzoid: 400 (-300) = 100/Buz Hornix: 800 (-300) = 500/Lumitroid: 700 (-300) = 400/Glotronoid: 700 (-300) = 400/Nastix: 700 (-300) = 400 = 2300

The red flare was so bright, but it didn't stop Hades Pillars entirely. Despite the sheer force, some weren't going to stand by and let this happen.

"Tch, you're so annoying!" Amina scowled. "Ability activate, Blind Shade!"

Within the red static terrain, two blue, bulbous eruptions of light exploded. The static gradually dissipated, allowing the visage of Nastix to reveal itself gurgling aggressively towards the enemies.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1400/Eclipse Atchibee: 1400/Astral Jelldon: 2900 (-600 -300) = 2000/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1900/Sage Verias: 1900/Apex Atmos: 1900 = 10,500

Raptorix: 500 (+300) = 800/Snapzoid: 100 (+300) = 400/Buz Hornix: 500 (+300) = 800/Lumitroid: 400 (+300) = 700/Glotronoid: 400 (+300) = 700/Nastix: 400 (+300 +300) = 1000 = 4700

Amina tossed a lock over her shoulder with a tired huff. "There, happy?"

"Yes. Now…" Zion lifted his axe blade and directed it forward. "Counterattack at once! Ability, activate! Double Fang Buster!" Snapzoid complied with his gaping maw opening wide to unleash an intense red beam that surrounded the tongue, which fired a deeper red beam barreling for the wall.

"Ability, activate! Durandel Cannon!" Galilea followed. Buz Hornix hovered overhead, unleashing intense green, concentrated beams of laser-like energy from all the endpoints of the spikes around the abdomen.

The beaming red and green attack spread out thinly throughout the area, getting that much closer towards the enemy and erupting through Fly Beetle's earth wall. The wall was gradually being eaten away until it fully crumbled, creating an onslaught on red and green explosions.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1400 (-400) = 1000/Eclipse Atchibee: 1400 (-400) = 1000/Astral Jelldon: 2000 (-400) = 1600/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1900 (-400 -400) = 1100/Sage Verias: 1900 (-400) = 1500/Apex Atmos: 1900 (-400) = 1500 = 7700

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 400 (+400) = 800/Buz Hornix: 800 (+400) = 1200/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 1000 = 5500

The onslaught didn't let up. It couldn't. Not after all the pain that they have caused them, the humiliation they had to put up with everyone; one could say they were getting desperate. The explosions and nonstop brigade of attacks was that proof.

"Don't let up! Fire until they are all decimated!" Zion roared, cocking his reloaded gun. "DIE!" He unleashed a rapid volley of lead through the explosions. "GRAAAAAAAHHHH!"

---

The land shuddered drastically beneath everyone as they all made way to the Trailer. Even as they were all there, the sounds of crumbling and decimation still went on. They all turned around, staring in disbelief at the bombastic sight of explosions in front of them.

"Woah…! They're not holding back over there!" Dan exclaimed.

True to what he was saying, everyone was a huge cloud of dust with the sounds of gun bullets and explosions of green and red energy. This made it impossible to see clearly what's in front of them.

"I can barely see anything! How are the viewers supposed to see if we can't see, huh?!" Julie quipped.

"That's not our problem right now. We have to worry about getting the Trailer unstuck from the ground." Alice stated. "Listen, we need muscle Bakugan to push while Hydranoid pulls. Can we count of you guys to lend a helping hand?"

Nurzak stepped forward. "Sabator and I will be of great assistance. We'll dig as deep as we can in order to unhinge our transportation."

"And Wilda and I will help, too." Mira offered. "Wilda?"

Wilda's ball form opened up. "I'm ready, Mira!"

"Hurry! We don't have much time!" Gus shouted.

Everyone nodded in understanding. "Right!"

As they all made the plans and declaration, Dan looked back at the bombastic barrage happening far ahead of them. 'Hang in there, guys.'

---

The explosions and gunfire kept going, leading to the cloud of dust and deposits being nothing but a barrier of its own that shielded everyone from view. It was now impossible to see if they landed their mark or not. Zion and the Bakugan eventually let up to see what happened.

With Fly Beetle's earth barricade completely leveled, nothing stood between Hades Pillars and the others. It took several minutes for the cloud to completely dissipate, revealing the results of their endeavors.

Their hopeful satisfaction was replaced with rage when the dust whisked away, revealing a translucent barrier of heavenly light enveloping everyone. Verias stood in front, showing the barrier that he used to completely stop their attacks.

"Not even a scratch?" Amina exasperated.

"Blasted shields." Zion scowled.

Shawn held his Bakumeter up, revealing the activated ability. "Ability, Icarus!" He stated. "Just in time."

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1000 (+400 +400) = 1800/Eclipse Atchibee: 1000 (+400 +400) = 1800/Astral Jelldon: 1600 (+400 +400) = 2400/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1100 (+400 +400 +400) = 2300/Sage Verias: 1500 (+400 +400) = 2300/Apex Atmos: 1500 (+400 +400) = 2300 = 12,900

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 800 (-400) = 400/Buz Hornix: 1200 (-400) = 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 1000 = 4400

"This is getting out of hand. Using our standard abilities will no longer hold up any good effects." Galilea prompted.

"Yeah, I think that's pretty obvious at this point." Magnus pointed out.

Cyrus maliciously smirked. "…then perhaps we should give them what they desire then, shall we?"

Zion and Galilea turned towards each other and gave rivaled glares. They mutually agreed with bolstered sneers before turning towards their enemies. "Ability, activate-!"

"Spartan-X!"

"Judgment-X!"

Dark purple cores extended chords across Snapzoid and Buz Hornix. Both Bakugan snarled as their respective elements supercharged around their bodies. Snapzoid hollered as flaming armor engulfed his body, whereas Buz Hornix hissed and fired a dark green funneling mass with a super-concentrated energy beam in its center.

Esther countered in kind. "Ability activate, Black Hole!"

Atchibee's eyes gleamed brightly before spreading her wings before her peers. She drew in the attack, drawing in all the fire and green energy blasts that were coming their way. Snapzoid and Buz Hornix were unable to keep it together as their forbidden power was sapped by the gravity of the darkness Atchibee produced. Unlike her enemies, her power levels went up towards 3400.

"Ability activate, Leech Glare!" Lucia shouted. Lumitroid's eye brightened, creating a powerful flare that stung everyone there. The light illuminated the atmosphere, making all the Bakugan cover up.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1800 (-200) = 1600/Eclipse Atchibee: 3400 (-200) = 3200/Astral Jelldon: 2400 (-200) = 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 2300 (-200) = 2100/Sage Verias: 2300 (-200) = 2100/Apex Atmos: 2300 (-200) = 2100 = 13,300

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 400/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 700 (+1200) = 1900/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 1000 = 5600

The blistering light was getting to be a distraction. With his falcon eyes, Atmos saw something sharp incoming towards Abis specifically. "Abis! On your guard!"

A grizzly projectile in the form of Raptorix spinning sporadically drew closer. Cyrus snarled in hostility. "Ability activate…Accel Tornado!" Raptorix's frame drilled through the air, closing in on his opponent.

Luke knew what to do because of this. "Ability activate, Stealth Dweller!"

As Raptorix closed in, the Bakugan's body was gradually slicing through the atmosphere, but alas when it reached Abis, he suddenly disappeared before the attack could make its mark. Raptorix's power escalated towards 1200, but Abis' power didn't drop due to his ability.

"Camouflage!" Galilea shouted. "Where did he go…?"

Raptorix's momentum gradually let up, leading him into a gradual stop in midair in front of Verias, who swung straight into his face with his staff and blew him back.

"Lucia!" Zion sneered.

Lucia nodded. "Very well then. Ability, activate! Solar-X!"

A dark core appeared on Lumitroid's eye, immediately causing another disruption within the atmosphere. The Bakugan was unable to hold back as a searing, magenta light engulfed the atmosphere, exploding with radiation that seared into the skins of the other Bakugan before her. They all were immobilized, unable to move as the searing wake of the ability steamed on their skins, gradually taking their power.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1600/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200 (-2700) = 500/Astral Jelldon: 2200 (-1700) = 500/Hercules Fly Beetle: 2100 (-1600) = 500/Sage Verias: 2100 (-1600) = 500/Apex Atmos: 2100 (-1600) = 500 = 4100

Raptorix: 1200/Snapzoid: 400/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 1900/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 1000 = 6000

The light stopped them all cold, giving Hades Pillars the confidence that they all needed. "They're immobilized! Hurry! Attack at once!"

'Wait a minute…!' Lucia realized something. 'Solar-X targets all opponent Bakugan. And yet Daedalus Abis Omega's power level didn't drop…is he immune to abilities? Oh no!'

"Ability, activate-!" Luke roared.

As Lumitroid was still focusing on the ability it was using, Hades Pillars' Bakugan was completely blindsided when they felt some weird tension between them. Liquid water formulated in a manner too late to counter from behind. Lumitroid was engulfed in the attack, whirling it within the cyclone of water.

"Hydrair Tornado!"

The aquatic cyclone completely erased the magenta light, freeing Abis' friends. Lumitroid hissed in agony as it was dragged up the tornado, spiraling towards the end, where Abis revealed himself and came down with a voracious tail slam of the cyclone at the end of his tail. The wave smashed into the rest of Hades Pillars' Bakugan, crushing them within the splash wake.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1600/Eclipse Atchibee: 500 (+2700) = 3200/Astral Jelldon: 500 (+1700) = 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 500 (+1600) = 2100/Sage Verias: 500 (+1600) = 2100/Apex Atmos: 500 (+1600) = 2100 = 13,300

Raptorix: 1200/Snapzoid: 400/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 1900 (-500) = 1400/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 1000 = 5500

Within the tidal wakes of the attacks like a literal wave crashing, Luke turned towards Jase. "Jase, can you give me a hand with this next one?"

Jase prodded his glasses. "Very well then."

Atmos ascended higher into the sky. Behind him, Abis followed towards the same elevation. They kept climbing, until the two Bakugan overlooked their opponents, who looked – quite literally – washed up.

"Ability, activate! Hurriblade!"

Luke followed up instantly. "Ability, activate! Terror Torpedo!"

Abis let out a shrilled bellow that distorted the air. His body enraged in sheer blue energy as he straightened out and zipped in a steep angle into the enemy Bakugan. Atmos spun in place, projecting a slicing tornado that followed Abis' attack projection. It followed his blue arrow-like energy frame, until it became so intense that it was a slicing blue hurricane that beamed down at an alarming velocity.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1600 (+500) = 2100/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200/Astral Jelldon: 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 2100/Sage Verias: 2100/Apex Atmos: 2100 (+600) = 2700 = 14,400

Raptorix: 1200 (-500) = 700/Snapzoid: 400/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 1400/Glotronoid: 700/Nastix: 1000 = 5000

Cyrus instigated an immediate counter. "You shall not draw anywhere near! Ability activate, Diablo-X!"

A dark pulse suddenly expelled skywards, projecting Raptorix's power escalating to an enormous degree. His power climbed towards 2200 as his sheer negative energy wave beamed directly into Abis and Atmos' combined blue whirlwind meteor.

The two attacks drew closer towards one another, almost a little too close for comfort. Cyrus didn't back down. "Drown in my darkness!"

Neither Anis nor Luke had any indication of fear in their minds. They fell down, the former readying an ability follow-up. "We will…wash that all away! Fusion Ability, activate! Poseidon Surge!"

At the last second, Abis' swirling frame generated a dense, deep blue glistening water cyclone that added to the shredding pressure of Atmos' slicing gale tailwind. The reinforced pressure gradually tore water blades and an overwhelming speed drive that ate clean through the pitch-black and struck all the Bakugan, who were unable to provide any means of a counter against such a fast force. The wake was so brutal that shockwaves past Hades Pillars as they all tried their damnest to hold their own ground, but even Zion, who was still deterred from yesterday, was having a hard time.

'He nullified all that power with a Fusion Ability…and at such split-second timing at that!'

The land erupted spontaneously, but it wouldn't calm down. The eruption gradually settled as Abis swerved out of the cloud and back into the air. He emitted an empowering roar as hos power went up towards 2600.

As the dust settled, Hades Pillars' Bakugan were all sprawled along the ground. They looked fairly worn out, unable to get up by themselves.

"Don't give them time to rest!" Jelldon shouted.

"We're aware. Atchibee!" Esther shouted. The moth complied and fluttered overhead, overlooking the enemies that weren't able to get up. "Ability, activate! Black Solstice!"

Atchibee spread out her wings and gradually sprinkled down powder. At the same time, an eerie light emitted from her accents that refracted the light. The Bakugan below were all feeling their power drained, which went up in a thinner stream of dark purple light. The more Atchibee dropped her scales, the more light was gradually returning to her from the six bodies.

"Hey, she's taking all of our power!" Magnus shouted. "Not happening!"

"Agreed." Lucia held up an ability. "Ability, activate-!" She went to activate an ability, but it was fruitless in effort when it didn't activate. 'My Flash Fade won't work? Can we not activate abilities?' She gasped when she looked back, seeing how fast all their power was being transferred. They had to think fast. "Lord Cyrus, everyone, we must prevail at all costs!"

"Yeah, I hear that." Magnus said. "Guess we don't have a choice, do we?"

Zion glared. "No…we do not."

All of Hades Pillars tapped their Bakumeters, instigating the unleash of al their devices.

"Ready, Hellix."

"Ready, Torracrawler."

"Ready, Cyberg."

"Ready, Acceleton."

"Ready, Vilance."

"Ready, Phastrix."

They all aimed their devices with the energy tracks that their Bakumeters produced and aimed for their Bakugan. "Mobile Assault Vehicle, launch!" They all fired their devices, shooting across the skies onto their failing Bakugan. They all connected, immediately engulfing them in erroneous light masses that took much larger forms. All the vehicles manifested, making the Torracrawler and Hellix loom over the other four vehicles.

Amina scoffed. "We aren't going through this again." She held up an ability. "Ability activate, Quash Photon!"

The bubbling pool Nastix sat in began to erupt in even more bubbles. The electrons within the substance channeled its way up towards the telecoils and the bulbous ends, the latter shining immeasurably. Suddenly, it all shined brightly, unleashing an omnidirectional blast wave of electronic plasma that crackled across the atmosphere and neutralized Atchibee's light. The efforts buffered her back into the air, using her scythes to block the shockwaves, until Hercules Fly beetle appeared in front.

"Fly Beetle!" Atchibee gasped.

"Shuji!" he roared.

Shuji held up two abilities. "Double ability, activate! Armored Ultima!"

His entire body gradually became harder in midair, making his huge frame, even his wing shields, intensified. He flew in place without having to move his forearms. The shockwaves met with him, shielding Atchibee from the wake of the attack.

"Plus Gaia Armadura!"

Hercules Fly Beetle's eyes brightened. He expelled a vicious roar as his iron-cast body had a brightened sheen against it. The shockwaves of the roar gradually increased in width as it flowed through the shockwaves, cancelling them out. His power level increased towards 3200, matching Atchibee.

'He neutralized Quash Photon with a prominent defensive ability.' Lucia observed.

"Hurry! Stop her!" Esther yelled.

"Got it." Shuji said. "Ability, activate! Rupture Shield!" Hercules Fly Beetle suddenly dropped down and plunged one of his fists into the ground, sending a small tremor heading Nastix's way. The attack diffused beneath, suddenly erupting into a dome of crust and earth that sprouted over the Bakugan, trapping it and its Mobile Assault Vehicle inside.

Amina gasped. "What the-?!"

"Good luck activating abilities now." Shuji scoffed.

Inside the barrier, Nastix and the Phastrix were completely covered in darkness. Unable to get anywhere, the ions gradually began to charge up. A shockwave of plasma erupted, hitting the walls. However, an even greater explosion of rock buffered into the system, taking its power down to 1100.

"Well, this is problematic." Cyrus bluntly said.

"We have to destroy that shield at once." Galilea insisted. "We need to keep their abilities in check this time. Ability, activate! Turbine Wave!"

Buz Hornix emitted a green distorted buzz wave from her body, which was further amplified by the Cyberg. It fluxed its way into the crust of the rupture shield, but dispersed when a hard texture with a shining filament encased it.

Galilea took a step back in shock. "It didn't work?" She thought back to the last ability Shuji used. 'No…I've miscalculated. It must have been that last ability he used to prevent nullification.'

"Are you serious?!" Amina exasperated. "This is outrageous!" She turned towards Lucia. "Hey, do something already, will you?! Stop being so damn useless!"

Lucia scoffed aggressively. "I'm afraid that it's too late to help you. But we'll cover for you." She held up an ability. "Ability activate, Lens-X!" A dark core appeared on Lumitroid's eye, contorting the space to create a pulse that made the temperature rise in the air around it. Gradually, light particles from the surround particles and ions created a huge lens that magnified in front of Lumitroid and the Acceleton, increasing its power to 2100.

"Yo, our turn now!" Magnus held up an ability. "Ability activate, Rim Sonic!" The Vilance opened its huge three prongs and unleashed a concentrated energy beam that ripped across the sky. The attack arched into Jelldon, who floated in the air without any sense of worry.

Maggie held up an ability. "Ability activate, Plasmorphis!"

As the intense magenta beam bolted into Jelldon, the alien jellyfish's body gradually became translucent and crackling with plasma. The beam went clean through him, bolting into the atmosphere above them instead as the attack gradually dispersed. Only Glotronoid's power increased towards 1300.

Zion snarled and readied an ability of his own. "Ability activate, Verity Fire!" Snapzoid's mechanized opening slid open, unleashing a torrential stream of fire as his power climbed towards 1000.

Esther readied an ability of her own. "Ability, activate! Violet Pulsar!" Atchibee hissed as her two scythes separated, becoming large, moon-shaped crescents that connected at the joints. They all congregated to a single point, where they began charging up a singular beam of energy that supercharged into raw darkness. She aimed for Hades Pillars' Bakugan unleashed a beam that blitzed through the skies, tearing right through the fire and after their Bakugan.

Galilea hastily got her ability all set up. "Ability, activate! Psyonic Bide!"

The beam closed in at an alarming rate, But Buz Hornix moved in front to take the attack with Cyberg ready. The front completely reflected the image of the oncoming dark blast. Once it struck the device, it suddenly did a U-turn back towards Atchibee.

Verias reached up as Abis was arching above. The giant serpent roared out as his tails were grabbed by the ape, and he tailed along and was whiplashed between the wake of the attack and Atchibee.

"Ability, activate!" Shawn shouted. "Sagacity Gem!"

All the gems on Verias' body shined brightly as he reached his staff out towards the oncoming beam. The blast wave that was Atchibee's attack was graciously absorbed, sucked almost thoroughly into the wake. He drew in all that power on his own, protecting his allies from the attack's pulsation.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2600/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200/Astral Jelldon: 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 2100 (+600 +500) = 3200/Apex Atmos: 2700 = 17,100

Raptorix: 900/Snapzoid: 1000/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 2100/Glotronoid: 1300/Nastix: 1100 = 7400

Lucia narrowed her eyes at Verias stuck in midair. 'Just as I thought.' She readied an ability. "Ability activate, Gear Saber!" The Acceleton unleashed hexagonal beaming projectiles in rapid-fire succession through the lens, making it beam at enormous rates. His power level increased towards 3900.

Cyrus' eyelids halfheartedly glowed. "Perhaps I…should partake as well! Ability activate, Bedlam End!" Raptorix screeched out as the giant mechanical arms of the Hellix gradually arose with dark matter whistling. It fumed skywards, until it disappeared. Moments later, it blinked before bolting down towards the sky at them.

The two attacks came from two directions, both going for long and wide ranges that they wouldn't be able to properly defend against. However, the Bakugan all looked fairly confident and ready.

"Abis!" Luke shouted. "Go! Ability, activate! Crash Coil!"

With his extremely long body, Abis was able to cover the range of the downwards dark matter and the perilous beams aiming towards them. The serpent waited until the attacks were timed just right before he started spinning upside-down, making his coils into a swirling motion that sucked and manipulated the attacks heading their way. The yellow beams mixed with the swirling darkness, projected skywards and erupting like a thunderstorm.

Hades Pillars found themselves in the face of a spiraling whirlwind that they had trouble defending against. The earth trembled as even the waves crashing against the coastline had to recede from. A tornado of energy was swaying to and fro, with no sense of slowing down as the momentum gradually tilted down onto Hades Pillars' Bakugan.

"Atmos!" Jase shouted. "Ability activate, Skyliner!"

Atmos' eyes shimmered brightly. The evolved apex falcon let out a cry as he shot skywards, making his tail expel a tornado stream to help propel him into the skies above, away from everyone below. He got far out of range in a split second, getting to near cloud-based levels. He spread his wings out, glaring down as his power level increased by 500 Gs, putting him at 3200.

Luke raised his blade high, then gradually brought it down. "NOW!"

With a violent roar, Abis let loose a violent, unkempt screech that reverberated through the atmosphere. The entire tornado fell down, arching its way onto the enemy Bakugan with all its might.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2600 (+3000) = 5600/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200/Astral Jelldon: 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 3200/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 20,600

Raptorix: 900 (-500) = 400/Snapzoid: 1000 (-500) = 500/Buz Hornix: 1000 (-500) = 500/Lumitroid: 3900 (-1800 -1800 -500) = 0/Glotronoid: 1300 (-500) = 800/Nastix: 1100 (-500) = 600 = 2800

The massive wake of the tornado coming was like a whirlpool that wasn't in Hades Pillars' control. Galilea looked on with shrunken eyes brimming with absolute shock. 'If I use Psyonic Bide, it'll just reflect back at them, and they'll just absorb all that power to make themselves stronger! Is this for real?!'

Galilea's frets of worry were overshadowed by Amina's scoff. "I've been waiting for this…" She reached down, making a proud and merciless smile. "Now! Gate Card, open! Bio Blackout!"

The Gate Card shined beneath all the Bakugan on the battlefield. The tornado was that was hammering 0nto Hades Pillars; Bakugan was about to make impact before it suddenly faded to thin air. It all dispelled, leaving a clean slate between them all.

Abis was taken back by the opponent's surprise twist. "She nullified the ability…"

Suddenly, Jelldon felt his Plasmorphis body flicker in and out until he finally became solid once more. He looked down and realized the Gate Card's glow had a deep, dark blue gloss similar to ectoplasm on it. It eroded on the bottom-halves of everyone present. The only ones who weren't seemingly affected by this numbing liquid were Fly Beetle, whose carapace was still hard as steel and left him immune, and Atmos, who was high up in the sky.

Amina cackled lowly. "Were you expecting my Ecto Dirge? Well, I would have loved to use that, if I wasn't saving this beautiful gem of a card. Not only does it nullifies all my opponent's abilities and prevents them from activating any abilities…"

Fly Beetle's Rupture Shield gradually crumbled away, making the Phastrix mobile once more. The Bakugan atop gurgled as the ectoplasmic pool he sat in was glowing bright blue. The ectoplasm across the ground was bubbling just as madly.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 5600 (-3000 -500) = 2100/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200 (-500) = 2700/Astral Jelldon: 2200 (-500) = 1700/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 3200 (-500) = 2700/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 15,600

Raptorix: 400 (+500) = 900/Snapzoid: 500 (+500) = 1000/Buz Hornix: 500 (+500) = 1000/Lumitroid: 0 (+2100) = 2100/Glotronoid: 800 (+500) = 1300/Nastix: 600 (+500 +3000) = 4100 = 10,400

"…it also subtracts 500 Gs from each opponent and adds it to my dear Nastix." She added. "And this comes with an even better twist." She sniped. "I can now use Battlegear Level 3 Class abilities."

"Level 3?" Shawn grimaced. "Is that even possible?"

"Such a card is extremely rare and hard to come by." Jase deduced. "But, it's not impossible."

Amina began cackling yet again, her laughter even more cynical than it was last time. "Now you get it? You're going to pay for messing with all my precious belongings! Pay for the humiliation! You. All. Will. Pay!" She held up her Bakumeter, readying her weapon of choice.

"Ready, Prozar."

The Bakumeter gradually formulated the mechanical aid that Amina desired and snatched it up. "Battlegear, boost!" She threw the device onto her beloved Nastix, making a dense blue light that gradually morphed into Prozar. The Battlegear aimed at the enemies, while Nastix's power level increased to 4200.

Luke spread his heels. "Here she comes!"

Jase and Shuji turned towards each other. With his brutal strength alone, Fly Beetle could possibly break the Gate Card like it was made of glass, however, Jase's usually hard-to-read look was something Shuji understood. He had a plan.

"Fly Beetle." Shuji's tone was definite. Fly Beetle understood and moved in front of his peers, his Armored Ultima still active. He stands before his peers to protect them.

Amina scoffed a laughter. "That won't help you! This is the end for you filthy rats! Battlegear ability, activate-"

The Gate Card's huge marsh of ectoplasmic gunk began bubbling so much that it crackled with magenta static. The static traveled its way up towards the Prozar, where all the electricity ferociously crackled into the chambers. The chamber canisters were glowing bright magenta as a sign of a superheated signature rising up. The main cannon crackled with a searing magenta while another brighter magenta aura exploded around Nastix. The ground trembled and brightened as all the mass was becoming increasingly too much to handle.

Luke and everyone held their ground as they prepared for the worst.

---

The crackling ectoplasmic field was hard to miss. The discharge of magenta was clearly caught on camera, something that Julie refused to look over. "Woah! Guys! Are you seeing this!" Her glare hardened. "It looks like the enemy is about to unleash yet another devastating attack! What are these guys possibly going to do to stop them?!"

"Hang in there, guys!" Dan shouted, before looking back at everyone else. "Mira! Alice! Nurzak! How's it coming?!"

Back at the Trailer's vantage point, Hydranoid was pulling by using his metallic chords laced around the Trailer. As he pulled, Magma Wilda and Sabator were side-by-side, pushing with all their might to slowly unhinge the Trailer from the ground.

"Just a little more and we should have it out." Mira said. "C'mon Wilda, push!"

"Sabator, put your back into it!" Nurzak shouted.

"Gnnnnngh!" Sabator snarled as steam bolstered from his snout. "Move…you…mangy…!"

"So heavy…" Wilda grunted.

"C'mon now! Just a little bit more!" Hydranoid shouted. He stepped back further, gradually causing the Trailer to move its wheels back onto the land. Sabator and Wilda pushed with all their might, causing it to nudge and push back into the open.

"That's it! Just a little more!" Mira cheered. She looked ahead, seeing the crackling lightshow across the ground. 'You guys, keep hanging in there. Please!'

---

The air crackled until it became too much. Magenta lightning seared into the Phastrix and the telecoils before a charge was heard. The Prozar flickered several times until the canisters and chambers were all powered up to the maximum degree. Amina couldn't wait any longer.

"Prozar…ELECTRON DESTRUCTION!"

The Bakugan couldn't hold back any longer. Nastix gurgled with all its might and lowered its frame to allow a clear shot. A vertical pulse exploded across the terrain from the chambers and cannon, like water rippling from its surface. A grand field of ion discharges erupted in all directions, frying the ectoplasm beneath and traveling its way towards the enemies. The three cannons fired hyper-condensed atomized ectoplasm shrouded in sheer lightning. The three beams traveled across the field, combining into one in the middle and seared a clear path through the electrified gunk towards everyone.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2100/Eclipse Atchibee: 2700/Astral Jelldon: 1700/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 2700/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 15,600

Raptorix: 900/Snapzoid: 1000/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 2100/Glotronoid: 1300/Nastix: 4200 (x2) = 8400 = 14,600

Amina's face grew even more twisted. "DISAPPEAR!"

"Not if we have any say in it! Fly Beetle!" Shuji shouted.

Fortifying himself, Fly Beetle stood his ground and stared down the ion beam heading right for him. The impact was so condensed and so forceful, but Fly Beetle stood and took it like a champion. The beam made impact, and immediately diverged into multiple smaller beams that went around him. They all seared into various directions around everyone behind as well. Large-scale explosions were happening along the mountain ranges, and earth and rock atomized to nothing. Thankfully, none of the allies behind were hit, thanks to Fly Beetle's impervious defenses.

The attack kept pouring, but Fly Beetle kept his sturdy body intact. "Gnnnngh!" He grunted. "Is that all you've got?!"

Zion gnashed his teeth in anger. "Blast it! His defenses are even stronger than before!" He pulled out his machine gun and aimed for the humans. "But…he won't be able to move while protecting his comrades…DIE!"

"And this ability can't be nullified either! So give up!" Amina scoffed.

Jase prodded his glasses, refracting light once more. "Yes, I suppose that would be one option to go by…" He paused. "Then again…"

Lucia narrowed her eyes. "We've made a misstep."

Zion furrowed his brow. "Wait a bloody minute…" He realized something was off. When he was about trigger his hot lead, he realized a miscount of opponents. He looked up, realizing a slim tornado following a Bakugan that jettisoned over their heads. "Up there!"

Magnus looked up. "Oh snap! How the hell that happen?!"

"It must have been that Skyliner ability Jase Mercury used before." Lucia explained, her brow furrowing. "I see…so he's also immune to the Gate Card's effects."

"Thank you for being the bait, Fly Beetle." Jase chimed. "Now, it's our turn. Ability, activate! Bottom Draft!"

Atmos flew through the skies above, his cries breaking the sound barrier. He did a somersault and spread his wings and raised them high. Suddenly, an upwards draft swirled from below. The ions and the ectoplasm that was produced by the Gate Card was sucked up into the swirling maelstrom, while an inwards draft that making all of Hades Pillars' Bakugan feel light as all their power was being drawn away from them.

"What's this?!" Amina panicked. "My Gate Card, and all my power!"

The Gate Card gradually cracked from the whirlwind pressure and powered down. It turned off, before becoming chipped and snapped into shards that turned to dust. The ectoplasm was no different as it diffused with all the enemy's power.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2100 (+500) = 2600/Eclipse Atchibee: 2700 (+500) = 3200/Astral Jelldon: 1700 (+500) = 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 2700 (+500) = 3200/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 17,600

Raptorix: 900 (+100) = 1000/Snapzoid: 1000 (-100) = 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 2100 (-1200) = 900/Glotronoid: 1300 (-400) = 900/Nastix: 8400 (-7400) = 1000 = 5700

"He not only nullified the Gate Card…" Galilea realized, eyes widening. "They've brought our power levels to base levels?!"

"They used Fly Beetle's defenses to compensate for a distraction. Fairly played." Cyrus admired. "Zion?"

"With pleasure." He held up an ability. "Ability activate, Siphon Lock!" The Torracrawler gradually raised its eight sickly claws as heat generated into the tips. It turned into bright plasma and hummed violently, before it progressed into the eight tendrils unhinging and plunging the tips into the ground. The red, plasmatic shockwaves traveled through the leveled ground, severing clean through the drafts.

"Jelldon!" Jelldon floated in front of Fly Beetle to counter. "Ability, activate! Solar Flare!"

Jelldon eyes the oncoming plasmatic wake and prepared himself for the assault. He growled angrily before he erupted into a pressurized fire pillar that erupted into the ground. An omnidirectional shockwave of broad, cindering fire erupted from him and raced through the shockwaves, burning them away and rapidly rushing into the enemy. All of their Bakugan were, once again, struck with an immense power that made their vehicle skins nearly burn off.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2600/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200/Astral Jelldon: 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 3200/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 17,600

Raptorix: 1000 (-500) = 500/Snapzoid: 900 (-500) = 400/Buz Hornix: 1000 (-500) = 500/Lumitroid: 900 (-500) = 400/Glotronoid: 900 (-500) = 400/Nastix: 1000 (-500) = 500 = 2700

The plumes of Jelldon's searing flames raced into Hades Pillars, causing them to cover up, but some couldn't take the heat. Amina and Galilea were nearly thrown back, and Lucia had to jump away due to preemptive measures. Cyrus, Magnus, and Zion were trying to hold themselves esteemed to the enemy's firepower.

"Damn man!" Magnus shouted. "The hell! They got that kind of ammunition!"

"Silence, Magnus! We are far from through!" Zion snarled. He turned towards Cyrus. "Sire…"

Cyrus glared ahead in silence. He could see-no! He could feel it, the challenge that has been clawing at his back since yesterday. He glared into the flames, knowing that on the other side were people who refused to accept fear. Fear that was to suppress them. Fear that would kill them. No! This was incomprehensible, and they will learn the hard way!

"This fire…" He held up an ability. "Will drown in darkness…"

Lucia suddenly realized something. 'The fire's pressure. It's…dwindling around us…' She felt a chill from her side and saw Cyrus' ghastly aura thumping in pulsating hue. "Lord Cyrus…"

Unwilling to cope with this, Cyrus glared ahead. "We will show them power…and they will die failing. Ability, activate…" His eyes gleamed brightly. "Alpha-X!"

BA-DUMP!

As the fires kept raging, the air pressure suddenly dropped. The fire seemed to be going out on its own as a pitch-black, ghastly aura loomed throughout the terrain. Before long, the entire cove suddenly was shrouded in this gruesome energy mass.

The atmosphere flashed with rounds of bolstering lightning blasts from out of nowhere. Pressure swelled up again, just like in Solaris. Jelldon's fuse went out when a distorted dark shockwave eroded across the battlefield, overtaking them and their battlers. Everyone's skins crawled as this pressure thickened to a shivering temperature. They all stood their ground regardless as they watched the sights of their opponent's strength rise.

"Now…rise. Rise!"

Several more flashes erupted above, created by Raptorix's swelling strength. "KRRREEEAAAAHHH!" The Hellix he rode on gradually arose into the skies. Though ironically, the ground gradually split beneath, making fissures of magenta and pitch-black spread beneath everyone's feet.

They spread everywhere. Through the mountainous crags afar, to breaching the fields and rivers. The entire wake of the continental domain that was the world itself had slight cracks beneath it as Raptorix was unable to hold its unchecked power. Magenta veins were covering the body as they were the armor and large-scale area that went deep through the surface.

"KROOOooooOOOH…!" Raptorix was starting to shiver and convulse above everyone. His power spontaneously arose, leaving rocks to defy gravity and disintegrate.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2600/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200/Astral Jelldon: 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200/Sage Verias: 3200/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 17,600

Raptorix: 500 (+17,600) = 18,100/Snapzoid: 400/Buz Hornix: 500/Lumitroid: 400/Glotronoid: 400/Nastix: 500 = 20,300

As the air violently roared with power, everyone below was doing their best to contain themselves, but it was becoming too much.

"A power level that high? Does he have a deathwish?!" Shawn grunted, trying to keep his balance.

"With it being a Gundalian species of Bakugan, its genetics won't be able to tolerate this pressure for very long." Jase observed. "He must be desperate."

"This power…that's no doubt the same as when we were in Solaris." Esther relayed. She remembered vividly what this meant. She remembered the details clearly throughout the city. Even the air was too chilling for words. "If he's willing to go this far…he'll erupt and kill us all with that might!"

"Then we've gotta bring that guy down now!" Shuji shouted.

Cyrus' eyes widened and the pupils shrank. "Destroy them at once…all of you."

Amina, though visibly unsound, smirked at the gesture. "With absolute pleasure. Ability, activate! Neo Glowcer-X!"

"Ability, activate!" Lucia shouted. "Gear Saber!"

"Ability, activate! Supernova-X!" Zion shouted.

"Ability, activate! Prominence-X!" Magnus shouted.

"Ability, activate! Cell Force-X!" Galilea cried out.

Four purple cores with extending tendrils reached out and snared around the Bakugan. Acceleton charged up through the lens and readied a wide-range attack. The atmosphere began to swirl above, blackening from all the pressure that was being released by Hades Pillars' Bakugan. The air git superheated and released cinders and hit flames as the Torracrawler's construction frame began shuddering. A familiar hexagonal frequency mass gathered, along with glowing accents alongside Glotronoid, who clutched the controls so tight that the metal in them bent. Nastic gurgled a plasmatic force as a pulsing pressure became too much to take on.

"KRRREEAAAAAHHH~!" All their Bakugan were unable to contain all this unbridled mass. The forbidden power became so much pressure that the ground around them depressed to where they were several feet into the ground. The pressure was enough to make the entire sea beside them all recede away. Everyone watched in a mix of awe and horror at what they were seeing.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2600 (-1300) = 1300/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200 (-1600) = 1600/Astral Jelldon: 2200 (-1100) = 1100/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200 (-1600) = 1600/Sage Verias: 3200 (-1600) = 1600/Apex Atmos: 3200 (-1600) = 1600 = 8800

Raptorix: 18,100/Snapzoid: 400 (+16,500) = 16,900/Buz Hornix: 500 (+300 +800 +500) = 2100/Lumitroid: 400 (+1800) = 2200/Glotronoid: 400 (+1200) = 1600 /Nastix: 500 (+8800 +500) = 9800 = 50,700

The power level was unbelievable. No one could move, let alone breathe. What they wer feeling and what they were seeing was the pinnacle of what Hades Pillars is willing to go for in order to destroy them. The entire alcove crackled and trembled. The isles themselves were unable to keep up at this combined pressure. The sweater was churning sporadically, and no one could keep up.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! OVER 50,000?!" Dan screamed.

"That's…that's impossible!" Marucho panicked.

"I'm afraid so, Marucho." Spectra frowned. "It seems these pillars aren't going down without a fight after all." He said so casually, while a plume of darkness spouted right at his side. "These pillars…they have this much power…truly worthy foes indeed…"

"Guys…" Alice worried.

The air flashed as a mixture of elements was starting to get out of hand. Hades Pillars' Bakugan all had veins around their bodies as they convulsed with unfathomable force. The spiraling clouds above refused to give wake as Luke and everyone clutched their fists and glared ahead, unyielding.

"We're gonna bring all their power down, right?" Maggie asked, surprisingly calm.

Shawn stepped up behind her. "Yeah, that's the idea."

"We have to worry about that Phastrix, however." Jase said. "We need to cut off all their power at once."

"There is a way…" Luke said. "Abis…we can do that."

Shuji looked concerningly at him. "You sure man?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah." He glared ahead seriously. "Making sure they don't activate anymore abilities is what we should focus on."

Jase prodded his glasses. "Agreed."

Luke took a deep breath in to calm himself, then breathed back out. It felt really strange, but for some reason, he wasn't at all bothered by any of this. Even in the face of death, he still kept a brave face, despite how Julie and everyone else behind looked in sheer, unadulterated fear. He couldn't look back now. They all had a job to do.

He fortified whatever conscience he had, and reminded himself why they were doing this. For a moment, he thought about that kid he saved, and Luka, and Rogue Zero…all the helpless who were there before, he now has to live for. All those lives…that weight on his shoulders. This was not guilt, this was embracing. He glared ahead, with no reluctance whatsoever.

"Here we go…" He showed two abilities hardwired. "Double ability, activate! Dry Dirge, plus Emperor Abyss!"

The air went silent as Abis was above his partner. He craned his head around and unleashed a distorted roar throughout the skies. "Let's…" His eyes glowed bright blue, as did all the accents on his body. "…drown them! KKRRRRAAAAAHHHH!"

His outburst shrilled indefinitely. Another rupture happened as a distant sound was heard. It sounded like…water? That didn't seem right. The land was already shaking and breaking apart, where was this coming from?

"Do…you guys feel that?" Zenet asked. "It's like I hear rushing water…"

Contestir turned towards the shores. "Zenet! Look!"

She turned to the side, her face immediately paling. "W-woah! What the-?!"

Lena looked up at the sky, her eyes shrinking. "Unbelievable…"

The Vestals, Neathians, and Earthlings alike all stared up in dumbfounded shock. Keegan looked on as well, visibly shaking his head. "Good god…"

The air violently roared as Luke and Abis had serious glares fixed on them, the later having the ability to control water. As such, the entire sealine, much to everyone's sheer horror…was surrounding Abis high in the sky. An enormous, swirling sea was right above Abis as the water from the ocean was drying up. Dense water cyclones carried water from below and into the gigantic water mass, clouding over the entire terrain itself. The entire dark sky was blocked out by it becoming nothing but blue seawater that was in Abis' control.

Zion looked up, completely befuddled by this phenomenon. "…what in bloody hell?"

Abis shrilled out as he opened his maw, expelling a violent gush of water that went across the fissures and the terrain. Hades Pillars' Bakugan were still trying to charge up but found themselves drenched in the dense water jet that doused them.

They all watched as something mysterious happened. The water stuck to their bodies, gradually altering all their attributes at once. Their respective coloring was changing, becoming blue instead. The inferno building up was no longer fire, instead, it diffused into steaming vapor.

Zion's eyes widened. "What?! My flames!"

"He changed all our attributes at once." Galilea realized.

Luke reached his blade out. "And because of Emperor Abyss, all enemy Aquos Bakugan can't activate anymore abilities!" He slashed. "NOW!"

Abis bellowed out as the sea he manipulated rippled in numerous spots alone. Sheer water pillars shot down onto Hades Pillars' Bakugan. All their energy was delayed further when the eruption of water hammered at them. Hades Pillars in turn backed away as the waves of the attack gradually engulfed their Bakugan. They could only stay back as the jettisons of millions of gallons of seawater kept the Bakugan down and washed in the attack's massive wake.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 1300 (+3000) = 4300/Eclipse Atchibee: 1600/Astral Jelldon: 1100/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1600/Sage Verias: 1600/Apex Atmos: 1600 = 11,800

Raptorix: 18,100 (-500) = 17,600/Snapzoid: 16,900 (-16,000) = 900/Buz Hornix: 2100 (-500) = 1600/Lumitroid: 2200 (-500) = 1700/Glotronoid: 1600 (-500) = 1100/Nastix: 9800 (-500) = 9400 = 32,300

With the supernova no longer being prominent danger, Snapzoid's power completely shut down as he was swept away in the monstrous tides, along with his fellow Bakugan. He was completely compressed under the water to where pressure was contorting with their equipment.

Cyrus was using his forearms to cover up, but he looked visibly alarmed. 'He's using water pressure to crush our Mobile Assaults?!'

The water generously crushed the electronics, the pressure being like under the sea hundreds of meters below the surface. It became so much that the Acceleton had lost its luster, and the Phastrix crippled. Until finally, the Mobile Assault Vehicles had suddenly contorted and imploded. The shock became too much and left the Bakugan crushed further as they were cramped within scrap metal. They all lost 200 Gs, along with Prozar, making it impossible to use it to begin with, thus making their total 31,000.

Lucia grimaced with a forearm shielding her face. "They're dismantling us…with pressure from their attack! Tch!"

"BLOODY ROACHES!" Zion bellowed, but the raging sprays of water were muting him big time.

"NOW!" Abis roared.

Shawn nodded in understanding, before holding up his Bakumeter. "Let's go. Ability, activate! Haos Savior!" Verias lifted his staff high, before slamming it onto the ground. A Haos light emerged from the staff and surrounded Verias, as well as the rest of his fellow Bakugan.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 4300 (x2) = 8400/Eclipse Atchibee: 1600 (x2) = 3200/Astral Jelldon: 1100 (x2) = 2200/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1600 (x2) = 3200/Sage Verias: 1600 (x2) = 3200/Apex Atmos: 1600 (x2) = 3200 = 23,400

Raptorix: 17,400/Snapzoid: 700/Buz Hornix: 1400/Lumitroid: 1500/Glotronoid: 900/Nastix: 9200 = 31,000

"Go!" Verias roared.

Atchibee, Jelldon, Fly Beetle, and Atmos got the signal. "RIGHT!"

"Ability, activate!" Esther, Maggie, Shuji, and Jase respectively shouted.

"Penumbra Geist!" Atchibee's four spread out wings made strong flaps, before she zipped in for her attack. Her wings' scales went ghastly translucent as all the accents on her body emitted an eerie shine. The blades had the same quality shine as the grim moth attacked.

"Thunderstorm!" Jelldon opened his frilled underside, exposing a number of tentacles that had bulbous ends exposed and fired thousands of red lightning bolts at lightspeeds into the enemy.

"Tectonic Edge!" Fly Beetle clutched a fist tight, raised it high, and then plunged it deep within the quaking ground. His might caused a seismic tremor that caused large, jagged rocks to spike their way across the ground towards the enemy.

"Sonic Rain!" Atmos made a beeline high from the sky and disappeared. He became a glint before he ziplined at Mach speeds in a steep dive down onto the enemy Bakugan.

Lucia's eyes widened. "No…they're too fast!"

As Jelldon's thousand lightning bolts speed in, the lightning caught up to Atchibee and Atmos, the latter meeting up at their elevation. The red, plasmatic lightning engulfed his wings, as well as Atchibee's scythes, making them far more glossier as they traveled across the tides, making them tear in half. They bolted at monstrous speeds that no one could meet. Even so, beneath the torn tides, Fly Beetle's linear stones prodded from deep below, following both Bakugan with a destructive wake. Atmos broke the lightspeed records, breaking off and becoming a red-green glossy thunderbolt that passed the Bakugan. He continued his way, leaving the shockwaves of his breakneck speeds to tear an opening through Abis' abysmal flood for the lightning and wind pressure to crush the enemy Bakugan. With them completely caught surprised, Atchibee's ghastly frame caused the entire scenery to go dark, leaving her to fade away for a brief moment. Moments later she appeared as a ghastly silhouette, her blades crossed like a phantom.

"GO~!" Esther cried out

Atchibee danced and twirled with a banshee-like wail. Her ghostly blades danced along with her as they passed the enemy Aquos Bakugan. Time gradually slowed down as her blades ceased their illustrious dance and the Bakugan were in a standstill. Moments later, their bodies had slash marks before an eruption of stone pierced them all, generating an explosion of minerals and violet energy that mixed within the water.

Raptorix, along with the other Bakugan, were unable to do anything as they were crushed by water pillars that had electricity conducted within that stunned them even more. The pain was so much that nobody could fathom what hurt worse.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 8400/Eclipse Atchibee: 3200 (+500) = 3700/Astral Jelldon: 2200 (+500) = 2700/Hercules Fly Beetle: 3200 (+500) = 3700/Sage Verias: 3200/Apex Atmos: 3200 = 24,900

Raptorix: 17,400 (-500 -500 -500 -500) = 15,400/Snapzoid: 700 (-500 -500 -500) = 0/Buz Hornix: 1400 (-500 -500 -500) = 0/Lumitroid: 1500 (-500 -500 -500) = 0/Glotronoid: 900 (-500 -500 -500) = 0/Nastix: 9200 (-500 -500 -500) = 7700 = 23,100

Elements bolted in all directions. Hades Pillars was blown onto their backs and sides as the force of the combined efforts stood too mightily against their Bakugan. The energy in the earth and ground gradually faded as water overtook it instead. The fissures created were filled with the sweater by Abis as his attack calmed down. The Bakugan backed off as they all watched Hades Pillars' best efforts were wasting away to reverted ball forms.

All their Bakugan rolled across the ground, returning to their masters' sides as they were either on their knees and or barely standing from that massive wake.

Cyrus: 40%

Zion: 40%

Galilea: 40%

Lucia: 40%

Magnus: 40%

Amina: 40%

The atmosphere's ferocity was gradually shimmering back to normal. All the ocean water that blasted the Bakugan before returned to the sea by simply dropping. The wake of the waves gradually simmered away, gradually making the entire sea rock back and forth.

Luke's and everyone's Bakugan all overlooked their partners as they all reverted to ball form and returned to their hands.

The wake of their round had gradually simmered down. Dan and the other members of the allied forces uncovered as the chills they've felt before reduced drastically.

"Woah…that was…incredible." Mason breathlessly gasped. He remembered vividly the last time he and his cohorts attempted to battle just Zion and Cyrus alone. That was so long ago. And even then, it was just two of them. 'If we were against all six at that time, we'd be incinerated to atoms! Boy, I'm glad I'm not those guys.'

"No way…" Shun gasped, but he gradually calmed down knowing who it was that did this. 'These guys…they really are strong.'

"They were able to hold off that much power, while increasing their own…" Lena shivered. "Their attacks even destroyed their Mobile Assault Vehicles."

Fabia was still barely getting around, but she was still conscious through the whole thing. "Such power…they've even went beyond their limits on Neathia."

"See? This is precisely why I learned to not mess with these guys." Keegan boasted. "Like any of you guys have room to talk."

Julie flinched at what she witnessed. "Oh…my…god! THAT WAS SO INSANE!" She yelled. "You see that, ladies and gentlemen? The same group of Bakugan experts that were able to push back Riaan before, have completely overwhelmed their opponents without much of any trouble! What a seriously crazy bunch these guys are!"

"Keep going…" Dan mumbled.

Hades Pillars spitefully picked up their Bakugan, though Amina was more focused on how drenched her dress was. She looked down at it with absolute disgust. "Gngh! GRRAAAH! ARE OU SERIOUS?! EVERY SINGLE TIME, WHY DOES MY BEAUTIFUL DRESSES HAVE TO GET MESSED UP BY YOU?!"

Lucia ignored her bolstered rant. "Their ability execution has improved as well. Even if I saw it coming, it was too swift…" She grew a vindictive glare. "But I refuse to allow the fate that has chosen me to be questioned by the likes of these fools."

"Agreed." Zion didn't waste time getting out his machine gun rifle and took aim. "But now die!"

He started firing bullets in a rapid succession. Once again, they all anticipated this and those with weapons moved in front to deflect them all.

"They're getting ruthless by the minute." Esther grunted, deflecting bullets with her sharp spear. "We have to end them, fast!"

"Yeah…!" Maggie ducked behind Jase as he deflected a bullet. "Quick, pull out a Gate Card!"

"I've got one!" Luke shouted. He shifted behind Jase, Shawn, and Esther as they were taking care of the bullets running through the domain. This allowed him the opportunity to pull out a Gate Card. "Gate Card, set!" He threw the card passed his friends int the middle of the destroyed battlefield. "Alright, let's go!"

"You've read my mind." Shuji held up Fly Beetle.

Altogether, Luke and everyone held up their Bakugan once more. "Bakugan, brawl!" The six hemispheres shined as they were thrown out into battle. An eruption of elemental energy surfaced as the Bakugan arose with shrilled screeches.

With them in the way, Zion pulled back his machine gun back and snarled. "Move, you impudent shields."

Esther pulled out an ability on the spot. "Ability, activate! Velvet Chain!" Atchibee's eyes glowed brightly as her body expelled a series of connected red diamonds that fanned out in either direction. They floated in midair and created a huge, circular territory to border their battle area before the red diamonds connected like a chain ring and faded into the battlefield.

"We're ready for you." Esther calmly declared.

Cyrus smirked evilly. "Then so be it…go, now!"

"Bakugan, brawl!" Hades Pillars threw in their Bakugan once more, making them stand for the next battle.

Immediately after, they all tapped into their Bakumeters, their Mobile Assault Vehicles were formulating and made energy tracks that ran to their Bakugan. "Mobile Assault Vehicles, launch!" At the same time, all their vehicles were thrown out, popping open and encasing their Bakugan.

Amina tapped her Bakumeter once more, adding yet another sequence for Prozar. "Battlegear, boost!" She threw the Battlegear onto her Bakugan, making the Prozar form on Nastix immediately and aim for the enemy.

All of Hades Pillars' Bakugan let out cries that rivaled Luke and everyone's Bakugan, causing the air to shake.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 900/Sage Verias: 900/Apex Atmos: 900 = 5400

Raptorix: 1000/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 900/Nastix: 1000 = 5700

Immediately wanting to take a stand, Zion instigated an attack. "Ability activate, Siphon Lock!" The eight huge claws of the Torracrawler infused in burning plasma before they all dug into the ground, smashing the earth as a shockwave of plasmatic fire exploded out towards the others.

Maggie and Jelldon took the initiative. "Ability, activate! Cosmos Body!" Jelldon moved in front of his peers and his body became translucent with red star-like particles in it. He outstretched his arms, taking on the attack while shielding his comrades from the full wake of the attack.

With Jelldon shielding everyone, Atmos took the initiative and soared skywards. He overlooked his peers, ready to do his task.

"Ability, activate!" Jase shouted. "Anemoi Wings!" Atmos' body twirled in place as he gathered a large, glossy mass that generated into a whirlwind. The glossy green cyclone gradually engulfed his allies and himself, and gradually spun outwards and engulfed the opposing enemy Bakugan

When the tornado gradually diffused, Atmos' dark green wings had an emerald shine on them. A very thin Ventus aura enveloped his outline, as did everyone else on the battlefield. The Bakugan below him glared with empowered daggers full of understandable ire.

Amina scoffed. "Hmph, big deal. Ability, activate!" She held up her ability. "Quash Photon!" The Phastrix gradually bubbled as it began charging up its ions to counter the ability.

Suddenly, the Velvet Chain revealed itself again and flashed brightly. The ominous red aura flashed brightly, and the impulse that the Phastrix was creating diffused on the spot.

Amina's eyes widened. "Gngh…! You've got to be kidding me!"

"Quash Photon was disabled?" Galilea worried. She watched as the Velvet Chain gradually faded into the surroundings again. She glared ahead annoyed. "Don't tell me…that they've disabled our defensive abilities. This is going to be extremely complicated if we can't attack after a defense."

"Well then, we better take down these rats before they too far ahead of themselves." Magnus scoffed. He made the next offensive. "Ability, activate! Rim Sonic!" Glotronoid operated the Vilance, causing the three prongs to open wide before unleashing a dense, magenta beam that went barreling after Verias. The Bakugan's power reduced to 700, while the Vilance went up to 1100.

"Atmos, let's cover them, shall we?" Jase chimed. "Ability activate, Apex Speed!"

Atmos' zoomed in from a steep angle, with all his gemstones on the chest shimmering brightly. He let out a caw before opening his maw. "Feel our wrath!" He shot out a bolstering dark green, emerald tornado from his maw that raced down and stopped the attack cold. The tornado swept through the Vilance's attack, engulfing the Vilance and Glotronoid in a horrifying wake of striking whirlwinds that tore across the area.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 900/Sage Verias: 700 (+200) = 900/Apex Atmos: 900 (+600) = 1500 = 6000

Raptorix: 1000/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 1100 (-200 -600) = 300/Nastix: 1000 = 5100

The whirlwind blast engulfing Glotronoid had drafts that sent debris passing hades Pillars. They could all barely hold onto the ground the way they were now.

"Their abilities are even stronger than before!" Galilea grunted.

"Then…we shall claim that power, shall we?" Cyrus challenged. "Ability, activate! Bedlam End!" With the Ventus aura still around his body, Raptorix lifted the Hellix's huge, mechanized arms and gathered a hemisphere of dark matter that compressed into a black hemisphere. He fired it skywards, drifting high above everyone before rippling dark energy that shot down into a condensed beam straight onto everyone.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 900 (-300) = 600/Eclipse Atchibee: 900 (-300) = 600/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 900 (-300) = 600/Sage Verias: 900 (-300) = 600/Apex Atmos: 1500 (-300) = 1200 = 4500

Raptorix: 1000 (+1800) = 2800/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 300/Nastix: 1000 = 6900

The pulsating blast came closer down onto them, making Cyrus glare feel a lot more enlightened than before. "Know your place!"

Luke narrowed his eyes. "Not gonna happen! Ability, activate! Pressure Shield!"

Abis looked up at the oncoming attack and snarled. He drifted skywards to cover his friends and the jewels on his body shined brightly. He created a large, translucent energy dome of deep, undersea water that protected them. The dark matter blast made impact with the shield, however, it was unable to penetrate clean through.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 600 (+2200) = 2800/Eclipse Atchibee: 600/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 600/Sage Verias: 600/Apex Atmos: 1200 = 6700

Raptorix: 2800/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 300/Nastix: 1000 = 6900

The air erupted with hollow shockwaves brewing over everyone's heads. They all looked up as they shielded themselves from the wake of the onslaught, but were being sure to keep themselves stable on the ground.

"You're persistently annoying, do you know that?" Cyrus scowled through the roaring waves.

Esther shot cold glares at him. "That's a rather hypocritical statement coming from someone like you.. Atchibee!"

Underneath Abis, the graceful mouth spread her wings in preparation. "Yes, Esther, Let's shut him down for good!"

"Well said…" She held up an ability. "Ability, activate! Darkus Indignation!"

Atchibee's forehead eye gleamed bright purple, before expelling a loud, shriveling screech that fanned outwards. The glow from her forehead eye extended to the Darkus pattern on her backside and the tips of her wings, and her body flashed bright purple. The gradual beam of darkness was eradicated within an instant, dispelling its wake to leave nothing there to hammer at Abis' shield.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 2800 (+300) = 3100/Eclipse Atchibee: 600 (+300) = 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 600 (+300) = 900/Sage Verias: 600 (+300) = 900/Apex Atmos: 1200 (+300) = 1500 = 8200

Raptorix: 2800 (-1800) = 1000/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 300/Nastix: 1000 = 5100

Lucia grimaced as their slim lead was passed up once again. "A nullification ability."

Atchibee let out one more shriek of intimidation. All the patterns on her body shined body in contrast to her dark coloration. "Your Darkus power, is truly sickening. We'll show you the true terror of Darkus!"

Cyrus scornfully sneered. "Hmph, so you say? I believe that we've had this talk before. However, as patient as I was before…I'm in a rather lackluster mood right now." His face darkened. "True Darkus power? How deplorable. You have no claims or the rights to the darkness that I am."

"Hmph! Maybe you should let me handle this one. She and I have a score to settle." Amina held up her ability. "Alright you little nuisance, take this! Battlegear ability, activate! Prozar Nuclear!"

The chambers to the Prozar gradually intensified. The bulbous shoulders ejected more tubes of ectoplasm into the canisters and charged up the energy needed for the attack. Once it was all done, the Prozar fired an atomic blast that spread out towards the other Bakugan.

"Here it comes!" Maggie warned.

"Got it!" Shuji shouted. "Ability, activate! Precipice Slate!"

Fly Beetle stood in front of his peers and balled his fists tight. He loosened them so he could clutch the earth at the last second and twisted his wrists. The land trembled beneath before a yard of slanted, angled, flat precipices jutted out before them.

The atomic shockwaves eroded into the stones, causing them all to erupt into a violent shudder. However, the shockwaves were angled and projected back into Nastix and Hades Pillars' Bakugan. The enemies were completely blindsided by the brutal atomic shockwave.

"They reflected our attack back at us!" Magnus roared.

"NO! This is far from over!" Galilea held up an ability. "Ability activate, Psyonic Bide!"

"No, it won't work!" Lucia reminded. "The Velvet Chain prevents defensive ability activation!"

Galilea gasped in her impulsive move. True to what Lucia said, the Velvet Chain shined brightly, preventing Psyonic Bide's effects to activate. They were helpless as their Bakugan were engulfed by the blast wave, but the wake of it pushed further out towards the fighters as well. It was enough to push all of them onto their sides and bottoms, making a strong enough thud for each one.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 3100/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 900 (+200) = 1100/Sage Verias: 900/Apex Atmos: 1500 = 8400

Raptorix: 1000 (-200) = 800/Snapzoid: 900 (-200) = 700/Buz Hornix: 1000 (-200) = 800/Lumitroid: 900 (-200) = 700/Glotronoid: 300 (-200) = 100/Nastix: 1000 (-200) = 800 = 3900

The pulsation blast made debris fly past the pillars as they tried to hold on, but the radioactive wake of Prozar was still strong enough to buffer their endeavors at making a counterattack properly. However, cleaving his axe into the ground, Zion was able to take a stand and snarled angrily.

"Ability, activate! Spartan-X!" he shouted.

A dark core appeared in front of Snapzoid, diffusing chords throughout the body that made the air temperature gradually escalate. AN inferno armor enveloped the Torracrawler and blasted the eight claws cloaked in fire at them all. Snapzoid's power arose towards 1600.

Shawn held up his counter. "Sorry, but not this time! Ability, activate! Sagacity Gem!"

Verias' golden armor glowed brightly, cloaking him in an empowering armament that he used to block the attack heading his way. The eight claws seared across the atmosphere into the ape, erupting him in a broad blaze. The eruption gradually diffused into a flaming light that he manipulated and drew into his frame, which remained untouched, despite the attack that he took.

Zion's frustration grew. "Mortal scum."

Daedalus Abis Omega: 3100/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1100/Sage Verias: 900 (+900 +700) = 2500/Apex Atmos: 1500 = 10,000

Raptorix: 800/Snapzoid: 1600 (-900) = 700/Buz Hornix: 800/Lumitroid: 700/Glotronoid: 100/Nastix: 800 = 3900

Once all the energy was manifested, Verias' bodily armor shined with firepower to spare. He held them up, along with his staff.

"Okay, now I'm just annoyed." Magnus growled. "Ability, activate! Hazard Earth-X!" The core appeared on Glotronoid as he took in the ability's energy. He grunted as he took on the earth's force. All the accents on his boy shined brightly, creating a powerful wake beneath the Vilance. The machine itself had accents brightening with Glotronoid's power rising, while magenta fissures twisted beneath everyone.

"Ability, activate!" Galilea shouted. "Cell Force-X!" At the exact same time, a core appeared on Buz Hornix, where a frequency charged up. The air blinked before a beam of concentrated magenta energy across the fissures towards the enemies.

Maggie eyes gleamed intensely. "They're starting to slip." She held up an ability. "Ability activate, Flash Atom!"

Jelldon's multiple gel sacs and eyes shined brightly, expelling a flare that atomized everything that came their way. The two forbidden abilities were completely reduced to thin air, leaving thin fissures and a hot, searing air between hades Pillars and the Bakugan.

"She nullified our abilities!" Galilea grunted.

Lucia narrowed her eyes. "We can't use nullification abilities, and any abilities we used here on will be weakened…" She couldn't accept this. They had to keep trying. "Ability, activate! Lens-X!" Lumitroid gained a purple core across the eye that gradually gained power. Light massed into a huge lens, increasing its power level to 1000.

Cyrus stepped forward, wanting to make his moment more prominent. "I grow weary of this, and your persistence. You…shall know fear!" He reached out towards his Bakugan, activating the next ability. "Ability, activate! Alpha-X!" A purple core appeared on Raptorix, gradually inducing strength and chords across the body onto the Bakugan itself.

Esther glared. "We won't allow that. Not from you."

On cue, Atchibee's wings and forehead eye shined brightly. She screeched out, causing a dark aura to cover the core before it cloaked in a Darkus aura before fading away. Cyrus looked modestly surprised to say the very least. "What's this?"

"She didn't even have to activate an ability to nullify it…" Galilea grunted.

"I didn't have to." Esther explained. "As long as Darkus Indignation is active, all opponent Darkus Bakugan's Darkus abilities are nullified."

Cyrus' face grew even more twisted with a rising anger. However, his tone was eerily calm. "…well played."

Lucia glanced over, her visible composure barely holding on. 'If Lord Cyrus can't use his most prominent abilities to take the enemy's abilities, then we're in trouble. We have to ensure that he can use abilities again.' Lucia glared ahead. "Very well then, ability, activate! Gear Saber!"

Lumitroid immediately began a barrage of rapid-fire magenta light beams that seared across the atmosphere, heading into the opponents. However, they looked far from deterred by any means, even as its power arose to 2600.

Jase held up an ability. "Ability, activate! Aerial Stream!"

Atmos suddenly took off into the sky, making a powerful air current that followed him into the sky. The projectile beams barreled into the air current and followed Atmos along the draft. He glided in a long arch, zipping into zigzags before arching into the sky, them barreling in a steep dive towards Hades Pillars' Bakugan. His Mach 3 speed was unrivaled as none of them could make a counter in time. The magenta light projectiles carried themselves into the Bakugan pelting them with an onslaught of attacks that caused an explosive wake that quaked the landscape. Once again, Hades Pillars found themselves covering up as they were unable to make a proper counterattack on the mark.

With the dust and rattling earth as cover, Shuji stood in front of Esther. "Esther, we'll hold off Raptorix for you!"

"You absolute about this?" She asked.

"Yeah, Fly Beetle can hold him off. When we use our move, you stop them cold."

Esther nodded at Shuji's plan. "Very well then."

Zion glared daggers and prepared to throw a knife, but the dust and barrage threw him off. 'I can't get a clear shot!' The dust swirled about, in which some got into his one eye, making him shut it and backpedal. "Gngh! My eye!"

'An opening!" Shuji held up an ability. "Ability, activate! Rupture Shield!" Fly Beetle let out a roar and he pressed his claws into the ground once more. The force of the rupture traveled beneath towards Raptorix and the Hellix, gradually building up a rock dome around him. It didn't take long for it to fully encompass the Bakugan in full.

"There! Now it's your turn!" Shuji shouted.

Esther nodded in understanding. "Ability, activate! Gleam Disruptor!"

Atchibee let out a loud shriek before her forehead eye shined brightly again. It projected a distorted purple shockwave that traveled across the terrain, fading into the battlefield once again.

"Another defensive ability?" Lucia mumbled. She furrowed her brow, getting a very bad feeling. "If so, then-!"

"It matters not what you do!" Amina cried out. "No matter what, someone as trashy as you can't tell me what to do! No one can!" In her rage, she held up an ability. "Ability, activate! Alien-X!" A bright core appeared on Nastix, causing an ectosplamic surge of energy to overwhelm him.

"Ability, activate! Prominence-X!" Magnus shouted. A core appeared on Glotronoid, causing the Bakugan to feel another swell of power as the accents on the Vilance and the Bakugan as the power arose.

Immediately, Esther knew what this meant. "Gleam Disruptor won't work on those two abilities."

Both Bakugan expelled a frenzy of shockwaves of ectoplasm and dense energy that merged into a focal point. It expanded out towards the enemies, leveling the ground at high speed.

"Ability, activate!" Luke shouted. He brought up his sword and pointed at the attack heading their way. "Flood Quasar!"

Abis let out a voracious roar as his head careened back then forward. He fired a dense, blue beam that went for a collision into the opponent Bakugan. The blue beam had so much velocity behind it that the combined shockwave had a hole blown right through it. His attack expanded, engulfing the enemy Bakugan in a powerful blast wave that they couldn't escape from.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 3100 (+700) = 3800/Eclipse Atchibee: 900/Astral Jelldon: 900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1100/Sage Verias: 2500/Apex Atmos: 1500 = 10,700

Raptorix: 800 (+200) = 1000/Snapzoid: 700 (+200) = 900/Buz Hornix: 800 (+200) = 1000/Lumitroid: 2600 (-1500) = 900/Glotronoid: 1700 (-800) = 900/Nastix: 10,000 (-9000) = 1000 = 5700

With Abis' attack as primary cover, the bright flare was all Jelldon needed. He focused in on Snapzoid and the Torracrawler afoot and snarled.

"Ability, activate! Cell Matter!"

As Snapzoid was gathering its bearing as the Torracrawler took significant damage, the Bakugan's defensive systems detected an incoming object from nearby. Straight, a bulbous tip of a rainbow tendril touched him in the blink of an eye.

Zion's shock grew wider at how fast that moved. Maggie on the other hand looked more expectant.

As Jelldon's tip left Snapzoid, the Bakugan's attribute began changing from that rainbow touch. The Bakugan and the Torracrawler gained Aquos colors, thus making him Aquos. "Now, you're Aquos. In other words your Spartan-X and Supernova-X won't do anything."

"BLAST IT!" Zion seethed.

Galilea grunted. She could not allow this to continue. "Ability, activate! Queen Riot!" Buz Hornix seethed as it projected green energy missiles from her abdomen. They barreled through the air, bombarding the enemies.

However, Atchibee's forehead eye shined brightly. When the missiles got close enough, it became a purple shade that seemingly empowered everyone. They took it all, instead of taking damage. Their respective attributed aura flared as their strength multiplied instead.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 3800 (+100) = 3900/Eclipse Atchibee: 900 (+100) = 1000/Astral Jelldon: 900 (+100) = 1000/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1100 (+100) = 1200/Sage Verias: 2500 (+100) = 2600/Apex Atmos: 1500 (+100) = 1600 = 11,300

Raptorix: 1000/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 900/Nastix: 1000 = 5700

Galilea looked startled. "My ability…it gave them power?!"

"It was that Gleam Disruptor, you stupid she-dog!" Zion snapped. "You're only giving them more power!"

Luke glared ahead. 'Now's the time!' He reached down to the field. "Gate Card, open! Super Transformation!"

The Gate Card shined brightly below, making a low that caused their Bakugan to have even brighter shines to their bodies.

"Super Transformation, you say?" Cyrus raised a brow. "That increases all of your Bakugan's power levels to equal that of the opponents'…even if combined." His eyes brightened as his hue blackened. "I see…"

All their power levels suddenly caused a shockwave to erupt. The air trembled as rainbow lightning crackled around them all as they took in the power level impulses. They could feel it all, coursing through every inch of their bodies. All their eyes shined brightly with the air shaking.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 3900 (+1800) = 5700/Eclipse Atchibee: 1000 (+4700) = 5700/Astral Jelldon: 1000 (+4700) = 5700/Hercules Fly Beetle: 1200 (+4500) = 5700/Sage Verias: 2600 (+3100) = 5700/Apex Atmos: 1600 (+4100) = 5700 = 34,200

Raptorix: 1000/Snapzoid: 900/Buz Hornix: 1000/Lumitroid: 900/Glotronoid: 900/Nastix: 1000 = 5700

"Their power levels spiked big time!" Shun shouted from the back. Even beneath him, the land was quaking quite violently.

"Gaaah!" Marucho tried holding onto the Trailer's side. "I think I'm gonna be sick!"

The land and earth stirred between all of them. They glared daggers at Hades Pillars, who did their best to stay calm, even though the pressure was on them now. They were growing visibly frustrated as they were running out of options.

"Hurry, we have to nullify the Gate Card!" Galilea shouted.

"We can't use defensive abilities!" Lucia shouted.

"I don't care! Just do something before they-!"

"Verias, now!"

Shawn's shout alarmed Hades Pillars as the ape glared at them. "Right!"

Shawn held up his Bakumeter. "Ability, activate! Incarceration!"

Verias' eyes gleamed before he twirled his staff and plunged the diamond tip into the ground. On a knee, he grunted as the ground sprouted six golden chains that stretched out around the opponent Bakugan. The chains held them all in place, immobilizing them and their vehicles.

"Sorry, but we're shutting you down for good." Verias explained.

Magnus stepped back, completely overtaken with horror. "Not good…"

Lucia clutched her fists, while Amina and Galilea stood still in dumbfounded disbelief. Zion's eyes showed hatred-engulfed rage, as did Cyrus, whose leer was so spiteful that his body was engulfed in a ghastly aura that he couldn't contain.

"No giving way for you!" Fly Beetle roared.

"Now, you're gonna pay for what you did! To us, to our friends, and to our worlds!" Jelldon declared.

Apex flew past them all. "And pay they shall, Jelldon. Let us end this!"

"Abis?" Atchibee asked. "Are you ready?"

Abis nodded. "Evermore, Atchibee." He glared forward. "Guys…" He stood with his fellow Bakugan, readying their final attacks. "Let's end this!"

Cyrus' glare twisted to so much dark rage. But no matter how intimidating he was, there wasn't anything he could do. "YOU FOUL ABOMINATIONS!"

Luke pointed his sword ahead. "Now!"

"Ability, activate! Pyrus, Aquos, Haos Triple Node!"

"Ability, activate! Ventus, Subterra, Darkus Triple Node!"

All six Bakugan channeled their respective attributed elements into their systems. They all roared the energy surged into a greater level of lightning that enveloped their bodies. All the accents and jewels on their bodies shined brightly.

Altogether, everyone readied their attacks. "Ability, activate-!"

"Land Crusher!" Fly Beetle raised his horn into the atmosphere, before plunging it into the ground. The land shuddered as fissures opened up and dust erupted its way towards Hades Pillars.

"Sagacious Arrow!" Verias' glowing staff shined brightly. He brought it back as it was engulfed in light before throwing it, making a long trail of light that followed the arrow-like staff.

"Whirl Barrage!" Atmos unleashed a shrilled cry as his four glistening wings expelled four green tornadoes with an emerald coating. They all surged and snaked through the atmosphere towards the opponents.

"Element Storm!" Jelldon's body exploded with ions and plasmatic lightning. With a violent, agonizing cry, he let loose everything he had as the cyclone of exploding particles and plasma leveled everything as it traveled ahead.

"Violet Pulsar!" Atchibee separated her scythes and generated a dark energy beam with a shimmering vermilion gloss on it. The beam raced down, roaring with a voluminous might.

"Hydrias Impact!" All the diamonds on Abis' body shined brightly as he reared his head back, readying a brutal and mighty blast of highly pressurized, deep blue energy. Once he was all charged out, he held nothing back when the maw closed, and then opened up. The land and air alike cleared away when the blast wave exploded outwards, engulfing everything within its path.

Daedalus Abis Omega: 5700 (+800 +800) = 7300/Eclipse Atchibee: 5700 (+800 +800) = 7300/Astral Jelldon: 5700 (+800 +8400) = 14,900/Hercules Fly Beetle: 5700 (+800) = 6500/Sage Verias: 5700 (+800 +600) = 7100/Apex Atmos: 5700 (+800 +600) = 7100 = 50,200

Raptorix: 1000 (-700 -600 -600 -800 -800) = 0/Snapzoid: 900 (-700 -600 -600) = 0/Buz Hornix: 1000 (-700 -600 -600) = 0/Lumitroid: 900 (-700 -600 -600) = 0/Glotronoid: 900 (-700 -600 -600) = 0/Nastix: 1000 (-700 -600 -600) = 0 = 0

The six elemental boosted attack roared across the landscape, making a strong typhoon of energy that surged and level the earth in an instant. The six attacks gradually infused into one, becoming a rainbow cyclone of pressurized energy in a highly compacted laserbeam that raced over the fissures of Fly Beetle's attack. It went at Mach speed into Hades Pillars' Bakugan, who all could only watch with their pupils shrinking as a rainbow like and an earthquake headed right for them.

Hades Pillars stood completely still; mouths gaped wide open as their screams went hoarse through the bright rainbow wave that they faded into.

In several flickers of light, everything went full-on white before the entire coastline was engulfed in an implosion. Earth leveled out and depressed several feet outwards and fanned into the direction passed Hades Pillars. The darkness that was within the distance, even the tropical storm, was blown away as the clouds were ripped apart by a rippling pillar of elemental energy that shot across the atmosphere. Everyone behind was too dumbfounded and were blown off their feet by this enormous wake of power. They were either blown on their bottoms or backs as ferocious whirlwinds of rainbow energy streamed passed them.

The immense pressure of the still bolting attack completely stunned Hades Pillars' bakugan. They were unable to do anything as all they saw was a rainbow force that was far too much for them to handle. Their Mobile Assault Vehicles dismantled, decaying away in the wake of the attack. Gradually, their skins all cracked with magenta veins as sparkles were streaming out of them next.

"GGRRRAAAAAH~!" Jelldon, Abis, and everyone screamed with all their might as they pushed harder with all their might. The range of their respective attacks suddenly amplified and expanded their range. The atmosphere violently howled as a magnitude far more lethal than an earthquake spread cross the coastline and the sea. Waves left the shores and spread out through the ocean.

All of Hades Pillars' Bakugan screamed with all the rage and force they could muster, but it was still too much for them to handle. Every once of energy they'd all put up was atomized. They disappeared into the blast wave that consumed everything in its path.

It took nearly a whole minute for the roaring attack to simmer down. The sound barrier of the attack traveled over a very wide range, taking up the entire southeastern hemisphere. The isles were leveled out to no end, and everyone came around, dazed and startled at what they witnessed.

In front of a dissipating dust cloud, attributed auras engulfed Abis and the other Bakugan. They snarled and stood readily as the wave dissipated, revealing the crags and ridges ahead flattened. Hades Pillars was found sprawled across the ground, each one dirtied and having messed up hair or scabs. They were extremely lucky that the blast wave was primarily pass them.

"Gnnnngh…!" Luci was the first to get up, looking to find a sight most shocking.

Gradually, Amina arose as well, then Magnus, then Galilea, along with Zion and Cyrus. They all saw with shock and horror in their eyes their Bakugan – or at least what's left of them – being coated in elemental energy.

"Grr…Grrrrrr….!" Raptorix's growls went hollow, as did his body.

At the same time, all of Hades Pillars' Bakugan dissipated into sparkles on the spot. They faded into the atmosphere, leaving no traces of themselves behind. Everyone stood patiently as the sparkles dazzled over a stupefied Hades Pillars, who couldn't believe it all.

Cyrus: 0%

Zion: 0%

Galilea: 0%

Lucia: 0%

Magnus: 0%

Amina: 0%

A long silence pressed against everyone, realizing what has happened. Hades Pillars was defeated – brutally.

"Well…that's that." Shawn spoke calmly.

Galilea's eyes shrunk in disbelief, her frame shuddering out of shock. "It…it just can't be…our Bakugan…"

"Yo, this for real?!" Magnus stepped forward. "Yo, Glotronoid! Quit playing! Where's you be at?!"

Amina was left completely speechless. She glared ahead, a dark shadow cascaded over her eyes as she shuddered in place like she just crawled out of a freezing river. She hiccupped when she noticed one of her beautiful, wavy locks out of place. She shakily moved her hands to her head and felt her kempt, conditioned hair feeling uneven and out of place. "Ah…ah! AH!" She moved her hands to her shoulders, feeling the straps chewed away with the tattered remains of her clothing. "AAAAHHHH! MY PET! MY BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES! AAAHHH!" She got down to her knees, completely despairing in the grief of her looks and her beloved pet.

"Milord…please, forgive me…" Lucia grimaced. "I was…too weak."

Zion cleaved his shattered battle axe into the ground. He seethed with rage at his weapon's greatest blunder yet. "GRAAAH!"

"…" Cyrus was bruised as well, but his form kept intact. But from the looks of it, his eyes were bright and hollow, but the battlers and Bakugan who glared back didn't show any means of fear in their eyes. They were all unparallel, much to his immeasurable displeasure.

"…woah." Ace muttered.

"Those guys…really did it." Wilda admired. "Those guys' Bakugan…they're toast!"

Julie turned towards the camera, looking eager. "Tell me we got all that!" The cameraman nodded, making her squeal. "Yes!" She turned towards the front. "This Julie here, and you guys just witnessed it! Hades Pillars, Riaan's most elite force ever known, has been completely defeated! They did it! Luke and his friends successfully put Riaan's top-tier fighters out of commission in a curbstomp victory! Way to go, guys!"

Abis careened his head around and then up, releasing a distorted roar along with the rest if his fellow Bakugan. The earth shook yet again.

Lucia stepped back, her worries overcoming her judgment. "This is bad. Very bad." She turned towards the others. "Lord Zion, Lord Cyrus, we must retreat at once!"

"I'm in full agreement." Galilea insisted.

Zion snarled like a wild animal, his rage building up. He went to reach for his machine gun, but he looked down and realized that it was blown off during the explosion. His long-range last-ditch was completely gone. He shuddered angrily with bloody rage in his one eye.

Cyrus frowned with just as much unadulterated rage. "…Hades Pillars. Retreat."

"Yeah, forget this! I'm out!" Magnus shouted, readying a teleport.

"Not while you're still standing!" Shuji shouted. "Hold it right there!"

Jelldon responded by unleashing six tentacles from his underside that shot at lightning speed. They beamed down, colliding with a bright flash of red, plasmatic lightning that discharged. When the flare faded, it showed six small craters that crackled with static. When Jelldon lifted them, all six spots were empty.

"I wasn't fast enough." He grunted.

"Looks like they got away from us." Maggie frowned.

"Yes, supposed that's true." Esther commented. "But, it looks like they won't be much of a threat for now, not after what we did."

Luke gazed ahead, seeing the entire landscape being completely deformed from the attack. All the craggy rocks that were standing in their way was completely leveled all in a straight path through the sea. Even clouds above were completely gone. "I wouldn't think anything would survive an attack like that…"

"I wouldn't imagine that either." Shawn agreed. "But, it might be a different story with Riaan. You know how much weight he can carry around without falling over."

Shuji frowned. "We better save all that talk for later. The path is clear now, and after that battle all of the landmines must have been destroyed. Should be a smooth trip ahead, at least for a little while."

Jase straightened his back. "I agree. Their Bakugan are no more, and with there being no amplified copies being on Interacia, the chances of an encounter will be extremely slim…but those are still chances."

Maggie beamed. "Well when you put it that way, Jase, we better hightail while we still have time." She turned around, looking at everyone behind. "Hey, is everyone okay back there?!"

Dan waved back at her. "Yeah, we're just fine! Thanks! You guys were killer out there!"

"Yeah, and 'killer' would be an understatement." Mason chuckled.

"Can we just get on with this, please?" Avior groaned. "We can't sit around forever and watch the clouds roll over our heads."

"He's right. We must keep our path of pursuit." Aranaut insisted. "Now that the Trailer is unstuck, we should make moving while we still can."

"Indeed. The plot must still go on." Jesse chimed.

Luke started for the Trailer. "Then let's go." Everyone was in full agreement with him. The Bakugan all reverted to ball form and returned to their respective partners as they hurried back towards the Trailer.

---

After what felt like an eternity of continual driving, the Trailer that housed the company aboard found itself parked along a bluff that overlooked an alcove that was shaped in a moon. The isle was still fairly leveled, but enough slopes gave it momentum up and down. Jase made sure to park the Trailer not too close to the cliff in case of a sudden terraform like before.

Jase was currently typing into the digital mechanisms, running diagnostics and ensuring that after that rough going, the Trailer was still in one piece.

"So, how is it?" Shawn asked.

Jase kept typing away, until a holographic projection showed a 3D grid layout of the Trailer. It showed it with a few spots, especially the front, where it had some red glowing parts on it.

"For the most part, the Trailer hasn't sustained any long-lasting damage. Fortunately for us, the hull took all those landmines, so there wasn't any internal damage to any of its systems. However, the impact to the front during that ditch dive dented in the ventilation ducts for the exhaust in the front."

"Will that be bad for flying?" Luke wondered.

"It should be fine, but if we go full-speed, the heat from the exhaust will cause the system to slow down. Nothing short of a little elbow grease that shouldn't fix it."

Maggie sighed in relief. "That's a relief. Well, that's our Trailer for ya! It's s tough as we are!"

Shuji crossed his arms, smirking. "Yeah, that's an understatement. This thing's kicking harder than it ever did before."

Esther turned towards Shawn. "Can we count on you and Jase to secure those repairs?"

Shawn turned to her with hands to his hips. "Yeah, that should be no problem. Let me find my toolbox and we'll get started. If we're thorough it should take us a couple hours."

"We're counting on you guys." Dan said, before turning towards the others. "Well guys?"

"It's not like we have much choice, do we?" Mira rhetorically noted. "We're still pretty banged up from Solaris still, and we still need to pinpoint the exact location of where the Empyrean is located within the ocean. But once we do, we should be ready."

Ren stepped forward as well. "It's going to be getting pretty late soon as well by the time repairs are done. We should take the time to go over everything we know."

Spectra smirked. "I agree. We can certainly say that after the recent skirmish we've seen, we won't have to worry about Hades Pillars for at least a little while, won't we?"

"But they still might have fled back to the Empyrean to regroup like we are." Nemus pointed out. "We have no way of knowing what they'll do to further stall us."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. We don't wanna be blindsided again without a few surprises of our own." Ace insisted. The others started talking, taking their conversation to the lower decks to talk more of what they knew.

With them gone, Maggie sighed heavily. "Man, never a dull moment." She looked annoyed. "And it's really noisy in here with all these people cramping up the place."

"I mean, it's not so bad." Jelldon chimed. "We know everyone here, they're all nice people."

"Well…most of them." Maggie sidelined.

From the lower deck, Keegan's nose wrinkled before he sneezed into his elbow. He blinked several times before he got annoyed. "The hell? I ain't got a cold…"

"This is all we'll have to settle with for now. Our endeavors are still far from over." Atchibee stated.

"I'm in agreement." Atmos said. "We will have to do our best to prepare for the worst."

"And even so, I ain't going out without trying." Fly Beetle noted.

"Same here." Verias followed. "We'll need to pour everything we've got into the time that we have left. Right, Abis?"

The other Bakugan turned towards the serpent's ball form, who nodded back at him. "Heh…spoken like a true friend would. Yeah. That pretty much sums it all up."

As Jase and Shawn went to work, Esther, Maggie, and Shuji went to their quarters to get a little patience and rest. Meanwhile, Luke stared out at the huge, blue ocean, where the tropical storm that was there before was gone, and instead the sun beamed down on them. 'Tomorrow's it. The final battle…even if we're not ready, we have to be anyway, that's one of the few things I do know. But…what about are? Will we all be ready for that?'

He looked back at everyone who was down on the lower deck. 'I wonder what everyone else is thinking?'

---

The Empyrean's domain was quiet. Very much so. Hades Pillars took the time to gather whatever bearings were possible and reconvened with each other in the main chamber. Five of the six pillars were filled, the one vacant being Amina.

Even then, the atmosphere within the room was so thick that Zion could slash a knife through it. Everyone was on edge with through dejection after that recent failure. No, not even. That wasn't a blunder at all. That was a one-sided massacre. The talents they they've spent years ascertaining to get to where they were, was trounced by young adults, who haven't even been in this mess 3 months prior. If that wasn't messed up, the fact that they were completely off track led to their greatest weapons' destruction was something else. The Interacian and forbidden infusion was sure to have made their Bakugan the strongest of their kind. That was a fact. And it was proven. But now, they had nothing. Their greatest assets they've achieved was all wasted. Their home in Solaris was no more, seized from them; they had no Bakugan, and no honor left after running away like that. Even Lucia, who was normally so composed, had her head down in the deepest regrets of her life. Galilea was tapping her heel to the ground, much to Zion's growing ire. Everyone was so on edge about it all that not even Magnus could chill them out. It was truly a struggle for them now.

Finally, after so much time waiting, Amina teleported to her respective spots, having a clean getup and her hair reconditioned with her usual, long locks smoothed once again.

"You took your time again, Amina." Lucia hissed, her voice barely holding composure. "You're late as ever."

Amina raised her head and scoffed. "Hmph. Please, after that, I needed a good soak. My skin was absolutely filthy from breathing the same air as those heathens." Her brow furrowed. "And…from all of you."

Lucia sighed heavily. "Your pity is far from appreciated, Amina. I wish I could say more…but I'm not in the mood."

Magnus folded his arms, looking down crestfallen. "Yo, this sucks. D'em roaches conned us out of our best beasts. They smoked us."

"Not only that, but our Bakugan were so overwhelmed that they were completely vaporized." Galilea explained. "If we were able to act swifter, perhaps we could have disengaged the battle and still have them. It's a tragedy."

"…" Cyrus stayed completely quiet.

"We got careless. Once again, we've heavily underestimated our enemy's advances onto us. We were supposed to be the strongest that our Lord Riaan picked, but now look…" Galilea's frustration grew. "Just. What. Happened?! Why didn't we win?! Somebody please just tell me where it all went wrong?!"

Magnus glared at her. "Sister, you better take a chill pill. We ain't putting up with your shit right now."

"Absolutely unacceptable! I did not work my way out of the lowbrow areas for nothing! And you're standing there, telling me to take a chill pill, when I wouldn't have to if you all just tried a little harder! Maybe if you weren't acting like a child all the time, Amina, you would cooperate a little more! And maybe if you stop trying to be so casual all the time, Magnus, there'd be a better chance! But no! Why the hell and I stuck with such a miserable bunch who can't even get it right after their mista-!"

SHWIP!

It happened so fast that no one could see it coming, not even Lucia. The air went voluntarily stale as a streak went across Galilea's back, which faded to make her feel brief…it was strange, she never felt so light on her shoulders, where her brown hair fell to.

Very shakily, she reached for her back, only to feel strands of her hair in her hand. Gasping at the realization, her eyes widened when she felt a flaming fury right beside her that cut her hair to above the shoulders. She only saw a dagger facing her.

"Z-Zion…"

Without any words, Zion snatched Galilea y the throat and clutched tight. Her esophagus went tight to cut off her air supply. Her eyes bulged out as she looked at the one-eyed menace that was striking literal fear into her heart. His gauntlet dagger was pointed inches from her left eye, looming like some monster ready for the kill.

"You…have no wright to speak. Your mouth and pompous boasts are of no use to us." The blade slowly drew closer. "Remember well what our lord said about you. We of Hades Pillars have all had our fair share of struggles and worth, even when you weren't around. Here you are, talking about how we failed, when you are no different. You clearly have not learned from your mistake of not knowing your own place. We are not children here. This is not a business…it would seem you cannot tell the difference between that and where you are. Allow me to correct your reality for you."

Galilea's face went blue from the lack of oxygen. Tears ran down her face as her life was flashing before her eyes.

"Zion. Desist."

Zion went completely frozen at the cold, shrewd words spoken. Every shocked Interacian in the room slowly turned towards Cyrus, who stood ever so casually.

"I understand your plight, but I believe you have induced enough fear into her. If not…then I shall if she doesn't behave. For now, let her breathe…just for a while more." He turned towards Galilea. "But for now, if she insists that we are to be told of our mistakes like children, then she shall be talked to like one, until she is seen fit…do you understand, Galilea?"

Galilea's eyes rolled to the back of her head as she was losing precious breath. Zion gave Cyrus a glare, but he ultimately let her go, dropping her onto her back. The woman rolled to her side, coughing hysterically with tears staining her pedestal. She knew her lesson.

As Galilea was whimpering and wheezing, Cyrus continued his monologue. "Although as inappropriate as it was, I believe there was some manner of merit to what's been said. We've been underestimated by the Brawlers who are no longer a worthy threat towards us. But in that contrast, we have underestimated our new acquaintances all too well. I also find this unacceptable." Her glared upwards. "But, all is not loss to us yet."

Lucia glanced over towards him. "I foretell that you have a plan involved, is that right?"

"Yes. You see, after Milord's fall on Neathia, I came to a realization. 'It seems we need more power to subdue our foes', was what I came to the epiphany of. Our mechanics were fair, but now that has expired, we have room to implement."

"So what you got?" Magnus questioned.

Cyrus smirked. Galilea's breathing came to normal as she shakily returned to her feet. The atmosphere grew far more gruesome.

"…I believe, that the only way now, will be in our hands now."

Lucia narrowed her eyes. "Is that so?"

"Yo, I an't gonna ask, but last I checked, all the Bakugan we've had on Interacia are pretty much done." Magnus pointed out. "And I'm sure they've used that wave to prevent anymore from being processed."

"Yes, I confirm what you have said, Magnus." He frowned. "That's why…" He held out his palm beside him, holding up a dark hemisphere, which shined a bright, core-like energy within it. The atmosphere the ball alone gave off was eerily ominous.

Amina blatantly stared at it. "…okay, I'll bite. What is that tacky thing?"

Cyrus held up the sphere for everyone to see. "This, is the key to our next big step. Zion and I were able to ascertain this when we were battling Spectra and the Vestals back in Troposphere."

"Hmph! They got away."

"Yes, it would appear so." Cyrus agreed. Even in the face of this, he didn't feel any form of backlash. "But, they put up a more effective fight than we've anticipated. I actually felt relieved to know that."

Zion didn't seem to care. "So you say…"

"At any rate, it matters not. We have our results we've acquired." Cyrus reached down towards the ground. He hovered his hand over one spot as his energy channeled into the singular point. Once summoned, magenta energy in the form of networks surged to a single point. From miles around, the thing waves flashed and dimmed until a hemisphere of magenta gradually faded out of the ground. It had an incredulous dark mass around it that looked identical to what he used on Gundalia.

"With this energy, our lord will be quite pleased. Spectra Phantom and his cohorts certainly have our upmost regards."

"The battle energy used from the battle then has been condensed into this capsule here. I believe that the same method was used on Gundalia when Milord kindly asked me to bring him back a sample of our power so as to help control Esther better. Using this energy, we can magnify and expunge the weaker genomes within the DNA structure. In doing so, we can make stronger pets than before."

Lucia blinked in earnest surprise. "Creating our own Bakugan?"

"Yes. We'll use the Artificial Chamber that our lord is using to create our little 'aids' for when they come to the Empyrean. Using this, we can create Bakugan that have power that will exceed the ones that we've had before."

Amina smirked. "Hmm, so you're saying that I can get a beautiful pet of my own?"

"Customized Bakugan, huh?" Magnus questioned. "Now we're talking."

Amina chuckled even louder. "Finally, a Bakugan that can dignify my beauty! I want it to be sparkly, and put everyone else to shame! Those little rats will learn to kneel before me! Hahahaha!" She turned mockingly towards Galilea. "Hey, you understanding what he's saying don't you? He's saying you cn get another Bakugan, but you better be good~."

"…" Galilea looked forward; every aspect of superiority gouged out of her eyes.

Zion leered at Cyrus. "When shall we proceed, Lord Cyrus?"

Cyrus' smirk widened. "As our lord said before, he is depending on us to help build the future with him. So why not bring the future to the present?" His smirk turned maliciously dark. "Time is of the essence, and our time…is now."

The dark storm that loomed over the ocean may have have dispelled, but little did Luke and everyone else know, a even darker storm was emerging.

---

Well, talk about a roller coaster. Almost 2 weeks for this update. Man, when I was on a roll before, it completely fell upon me, oh well! Still managed to get it done though! Decided to have this chapter be a little more along the laxed route, with viewing scenery instead of combat orientated like the last several chapters. But I still managed to make somewhat of a 'last stand' with Hades Pillars and their Bakugan. But as you could tell, Luke and his friends really came a long ways, as did this story!

We'll see what happens next chapter and how everyone is going to be preparing for the final journey! I'll be as quick as I possibly can! XD