Chapter 21

The Vestal Destroyer

2 Epombria, 1 Xenia

While Keith, Gus, and the others were on-planet, Baron, Ace, and Mira were on the Destroyer keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

However, after a few minutes, Mira decided to pass the time by teaching Baron a puzzle that she picked up on Earth. At first, Baron seemed to get the rules, but before too long…

"A 9 can't go there, Baron; there's already a 9 in that same column."

"That's not supposed to be a 9; that's supposed to be a 6!"

"Then there's still a problem; you already put a 6 elsewhere in this box."

"What, that? That's a 2! Argh, these Earth numbers are so confusing!"

Perhaps she should have made some allowances before trying to teach Baron how to play "Single Digit".

Fortunately for Mira, something caught Ace's attention. "Hey Mira, I think you should come and take a look at this."

On the screen was an unfamiliar ship. Unlike the blocky ships commonly made on Vestal, this one had a more streamlined design that reminded Mira of a "stingray" she'd seen on a nature show on Earth. And the ship seemed like it could quickly cut through any medium it flew through like a stingray cut through water. But unlike a stingray, this ship did not have a tail; if not for the wings, the ship would have been ovoid in shape.

"Let's see who we are dealing with," Mira said. "Hail that vessel."

A beep indicated that a channel had been opened. "Unidentified vessel, this is the HMS Vestal Destroyer, of planet Vestal. Please identify yourself and state your intentions."

"HMS Vestal Destroyer, this is the HGS Siga, flagship of the Duke of Amauros," a familiar voice said over the speakers. The viewscreen came on and showed Duke Prove, who looked more smug than usual. "As for our intentions … I intend to commandeer your vessel. On my authority as the new King of Vestal, I order you to surrender your ship to me."

"Wait, Princess Xenia lost the challenge?" Baron asked, discarding the puzzle.

"I'm afraid that my late cousin lost more than just the challenge, young Baron," Caligo replied with a chuckle.

"You monster!" Mira said. "Like we'll ever surrender to you!"

"My, my, is that treason I hear? Guards, transport aboard the Destroyer and arrest those delinquents!"

The Resistance's attention shifted towards the back of the bridge as four of the Ducal Guard teleported aboard. The four guards approached the bridge, pistols drawn.

The younger Vestals slowly raised their hands as if surrendering.

"Ready…and three!" said Mira.

"Gauntlet, Power Strike!" the Resistance members said in unison.

The guards froze in place as the time distortion effect kicked in. But Mira gasped when she heard slow, deliberate applause over the comms.

"Well played." A waning light coming from Caligo's left wrist showed that he, too, had activated a Gauntlet. "But you can't move the Destroyer while time is stopped, and you still have me to deal with."

"You're a brawler, too?" Baron asked.

"Don't look so surprised," Caligo replied. "Bakugan were created to serve Vestals, after all; it's only natural that someone of my standing would have one of his own. Perhaps if your princess had taken an interest in brawling, rather than dismissing it as 'barbaric,' she wouldn't have been such an easy mark."

Baron couldn't help but chuckle, which Caligo didn't miss.

"What's so funny, child? I just told you that Xenia is dead!"

"It's true that Xenia doesn't like brawling as much as most Vestals," said Baron. "But your plan totally relied on her not having a Gauntlet."

"And…?" Caligo said, though the expression on his face revealed that he suspected the answer.

"Xenia suspected that you might try something while we were all off-planet," Mira said. "So my brother suggested that she wear a Gauntlet in case she needed to slip away."

"So she might still be alive." Caligo frowned. "A pity. But it's nothing that blasting this planetoid into dust can't fix. The core is vulnerable, so I won't need an Alternative. And if I'm not mistaken, this pocket dimension has a little more than eight minutes left before collapsing. Even less than that if I get restless."

"What do you mean, less?" said Mira. "Surely the great Duke Prove isn't afraid of a little brawl?"

"No, but under the present circumstances, the setup will be three against one. Rather than face such poor odds, it's better for me to forfeit and let my guards deal with you." Caligo moved as if to terminate the communication.

"Wait! Your Grace!" Mira exclaimed. "If Ace and Baron forfeit, will you brawl with me one-on-one?"

"What's in it for me? And speak quickly; you only have seven minutes."

"The Destroyer. Beat me in a brawl, and we'll surrender the Destroyer without a fight."

Baron and Ace both balked at the idea. "The Destroyer isn't even yours to give!" said Baron. "This is Spectra's ship, remember?"

"No, this is Xenia's ship. Keith's just its captain. And if Caligo succeeds, it'll be his ship anyway," Mira said.

"Wise words, girl," Caligo said. "But where will the brawl be held?"

"We have sufficient space aboard the Destroyer, Your Grace," said Mira.

"Then we have a deal," said Caligo. "I will transport aboard the Destroyer shortly. But I should warn you in case you're planning on leading me into a trap: those particular guards know how to operate a ship."

After Caligo transported aboard the Destroyer, Mira led him to a battlefield located on one of the ship's lower decks. Ace and Baron followed.

"Impressive facility," Caligo admitted. "I might have to get the Siga outfitted with one. Now, I believe the young men in the room are to excuse themselves?"

Baron glared at the duke. "I forfeit."

Ace grumbled, but afterwards relented. "I forfeit."

A mechanical voice issued from all four Vestals' Gauntlets. "Ace Grit, forfeit. Ace life points: zero.

"Baron Leltoy, forfeit. Baron life points: zero.

"Remaining brawlers: Mira Clay, Caligo Prove."

"Perfect," Caligo said. "Ladies first."

"Why, thank you, Your Grace," Mira said sarcastically. "Gate Card, set!"

"Bakugan, brawl!

"Bakugan, stand! Let's show him what we've got, Wilda!"

As Subterra Magma Wilda reached his full size, he lifted his arms and roared his defiance to the heavens. "Your duplicity ends here, Caligo!"

Subterra Magma Wilda was as rugged as his name suggested. His appearance was as if a Vestaloid had burrowed into a meteorite, burst it open from within, and shaped the resulting pieces into armor. Two sets of horns extended from Wilda's helmet: a red-colored pair rose from the temples, shaped like two columns of fire, and another pair, looking overall like a horseshoe, rose from the cheeks.

"So this is the Bakugan of the leader of the Resistance," Caligo said. "I must admit…it fails to impress. Now behold what a real Bakugan looks like! Bakugan, brawl!" Caligo threw a dark-colored sphere into the field.

"Bakugan, stand!

"Rise, Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor!"

Caligo's Bakugan was a sight to behold. He stood half a head taller than the bulky Wilda. The dark-skinned Bakugan was Vestaloid in shape, with four red horns growing from its head. It wore armor reminiscent of an ancient centurion, and it carried a massive, single-bladed axe that was almost as tall as the Bakugan itself. "I am Battle Ax Vladitor, unmatched among Darkus Bakugan! No one shall stand in my master's way!" it declared in a deep, ominous voice.

-Brawl Begin-

Subterra Magma Wilda: 600G

Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor: 700G

Mira Life Force: 500

Caligo Life Force: 500

"Ability acti—" Mira began, only to be interrupted by Caligo:

"Ability activate: Darkus Driver!"

Vladitor began to hover, then flew towards Wilda, spinning like a drill.

Vladitor G-Power increase to 900G.

"Ladies first, huh?" Mira remarked. "Ability activate: Volcanic Smoke!"

Grey smoke billowed out from craters all over Wilda's body. A loud slam from behind Mira indicated that the smoke did its job.

Vladitor G-Power decrease to 500G. Wilda G-Power increase to 800G.

As the smoke cleared, Vladitor ran back toward the arena, axe raised.

"Ability activate: Darkus Thunder!"

Purple-tinted electric bolts crackled at the head of Vladitor's axe. With a roar, Vladitor lowered the axe and fired the pent-up electricity at Wilda, who was pushed back by the shock.

Wilda G-Power decrease to 600G. Vladitor G-Power increase to 800G.

"Gate card, open!" said Mira. "Power Pressure!"

The ground under the two Bakugan began to glow, and Vladitor began to sink into the ground.

"What kind of trickery is this, Mira?" Caligo demanded.

"No trickery, Your Grace," Mira replied. "Power Pressure is a Gate Card that stops any Bakugan with a power level over 400G from activating any more abilities. In other words, Vladitor is stuck.

"Wilda, ability activate: Ares Ball!"

Wilda raised his hands and concentrated a ball of Subterra energy above his head.

Wilda G-Power increase to 1000G.

With a loud cry, he then tossed the energy ball at the immobilized Vladitor.

"Master!" Vladitor cried as the ball of energy burned him and forced him back to ball form.

Subterra Magma Wilda: 1000G

Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor: 800G

Mira Life Force: 500

Caligo Life Force: 300

"So, this is how Spectra's sister fights," said Caligo. "I admit, I underestimated your Bakugan. But no longer.

"Gate Card, set!

"Bakugan, brawl!

"Stand, Vladitor!"

"Stand, Wilda!" Mira said, throwing her Bakugan onto the field.

Subterra Magma Wilda: 600G

Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor: 700G

Mira Life Force: 500

Caligo Life Force: 300

"Vladitor, ability activate: Night Explorer!"

A dark purple aura appeared around Vladitor. With almost no warning, Vladitor rushed towards Wilda, tackling the Subterra Bakugan to the ground.

Wilda G-Power decrease to 300G.

"Wilda!" Mira cried out.

"I'm all right, Mira," Wilda replied.

"What a relief. Ability activate: Bygrock!"

Wilda sat up and pointed his shoulders at Vladitor. At Mira's command, red-hot magma shot out from the craters on Wilda's pauldrons, driving Vladitor back.

Wilda G-Power increase to 700G.

"You're not getting away this time!" Caligo said. "Ability activate: Thousand Destroyer!"

Vladitor raised his axe, which then glowed with a red-purple aura. With a mighty yell, Vladitor swung his axe to deliver a helm-splitting blow.

Vladitor G-Power increase to 900G.

"Ability activate: Atlas Shield!"

Wilda got to his feet and punched the ground, summoning a wall of magma that hardened just in time to intercept the axe. A massive BOOM shook the arena as axe met rock, but the rock stood firm.

Wilda G-Power increase to 1000G.

"Do you think that a slab of stone can stop me?" Vladitor roared. "Take this!" Vladitor swung his axe again, but though cracks began to appear, the shield itself stood firm.

BOOM. "Yield!" Vladitor demanded.

"Never!" Wilda cried back.

BOOM. "Yield!"

Wilda remained adamant, summoning more magma to fill the cracks.

BOOM. "Yield!"

The Atlas Shield stayed standing, unyielding to the Thousand Destroyer.

BOOM. "Yield!"

"Not … a … chance!" said Wilda, straining with the continued effort. "I will not let Mira down!"

"Never say never, Bakugan," said Caligo. "Gate card, open! Element Merge!"

A silver Gate Card revealed itself underneath the two Bakugan's feet and started to glow.

200G transfer from Wilda to Vladitor. Wilda G-Power 800G. Vladitor G-Power 1100G.

"Take this!" Vladitor cried, swinging his axe one more time.

The Atlas Shield broke under the assault with a loud CRACK!

Subterra Magma Wilda: 800G

Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor: 1100G

Mira Life Force: 200

Caligo Life Force: 300

Caligo chuckled at the sight of Mira visibly panting as she rose to her feet; the force of Vladitor's last attack had knocked her onto her back.

"What's the matter, Mira?" Caligo taunted, fake concern evident in his tone. "Surprised that you lost the lead so easily?"

"Don't patronize me, Caligo," Mira replied.

"Whatever," Caligo scoffed. "Throw down your Gate Card and face your end like a true Vestal."

Mira glared at the duke, but otherwise paid him no further heed. "Gate Card, set.

"Bakugan, brawl! Let's show him your true power, Wilda!"

"Vladitor, let's win us a ship," said Caligo. "Bakugan, brawl!"

As the two Bakugan landed on the Gate Card, Caligo and Mira said, in unison, "Bakugan, stand!"

Subterra Magma Wilda: 600G

Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor: 700G

Mira Life Force: 200

Caligo Life Force: 300

"Ability activate: Thousand Destroyer!" Caligo commanded.

Vladitor G-Power increase to 900G.

Once again, Vladitor's axe glowed menacingly. Vladitor swung the axe down —

"Double ability, activate! Atlas Shield, plus Bygrock!"

Wilda G-Power increase to 900G. Wilda G-Power increase to 1300G.

—only for the axe to bounce off of the Atlas Shield. Furthermore, the barrage of falling magma coming from behind the shield began to singe Vladitor's armor, forcing the Darkus Bakugan to give up any prospect of pressing the attack like before.

"I forbid you from hiding behind that wall, child!" Caligo exclaimed. "Ability activate: Night Explorer!"

Cloaked in Darkus energy once again, Vladitor lowered his shoulder and rammed into the Atlas Shield, knocking it down.

Wilda G-Power decrease to 1000G.

Mira, however, was unfazed. "Ability activate: Land Twister!"

Wilda punched the ground. From where his fist landed, tendrils of tar snaked toward Vladitor, ensnaring the Darkus Bakugan where he stood.

Wilda G-Power increase to 1300G.

"Don't you dare think that you've won, child!" said Caligo. "Ability, activate: Misty Shadow!"

In front of Mira's eyes, Vladitor split into a cloud of bats and escaped from the tar.

Wilda G-Power reverting to 600 G.

After the tar solidified, Vladitor re-formed and returned to the ground, only to find it glowing a moment after:

"Gate card, open: Land Pressure!"

Vladitor visibly struggled to stay upright. As the increased gravity continued to pull down on the Darkus Bakugan, he was forced down on his knees, resorting to using his axe to keep himself from being pulled flat onto the ground.

Vladitor G-Power decrease to 700G.

"Another one of those accursed Pressure cards?!" Caligo spat.

"Of course. And from your reaction, you have no more escapes up your sleeves. Too bad for you.

"Ability, activate: Hyper Earth Ball!"

Wilda raised its hands and concentrated a ball of Subterra energy above his head. Unlike the last attack, however, a brown aura appeared around Vladitor, then wafted towards the ball of energy gathering over Wilda's head.

500G transfer from Vladitor to Wilda. Wilda G-Power 1100G. Vladitor G-Power 400G.

When Wilda finished collecting energy, he threw the ball at the still-struggling Vladitor with a cry of "Take this!"

The attack consumed Vladitor, who had just enough time to let out a pained "NO!" before reverting to ball form and flying to Mira's hand.

Subterra Magma Wilda: 1100G

Darkus Battle Ax Vladitor: 400G

Mira Life Force: 200

Caligo Life Force: 0

-Winner: Mira Clay-

After the Gauntlets announced Mira the winner, Wilda returned to ball form, and the flow of time returned to normal.

"Well, Your Grace, you've lost both the brawl and your Bakugan. Now take your guards back to the Siga."

"And why would I do that?" Caligo said. "You promised to hand over the Destroyer if I won, but did I promise to do anything if I lost?"

Baron and Ace, who had been standing behind Mira, shifted their stances, as if ready to tackle the duke at a moment's notice. All the while, Caligo slowly shuffled towards the door.

"Not to worry, though. I will take my guards with me…" Caligo slowly inched towards the intercom located near the entrance to the room. "…after they ram this sorry excuse for a ship into the core of that planetoid!" He sprinted the rest of the distance and slammed the intercom's button. "Prove to bridge, do you copy?"

"Sorry to disappoint, Mister Prove, but your guards are currently out of commission."

Baron and Ace, who were running towards the duke, stopped at the voice.

Caligo was taken aback. "Xenia?!"

"That would be Queen Xenia to you, cousin," Xenia replied.

"But how? There were four of them!"

"And two of us," said another voice over the intercom.

"Keith!" Mira said jubilantly.

"You of all people should know not to underestimate the element of surprise, Caligo," Keith said. "Your guards were so busy acclimating themselves to the ship that they forgot to monitor the transport pad. There's an Earthling saying that fits here: 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch.'"

"I have even more guards where those came from," Caligo said, inputting a code into his Gauntlet to teleport back to the Siga. "You haven't heard the last of me!"

"Actually, we have," said Keith.

Caligo finished inputting the code, but was shocked to see that nothing was happening. He tried inputting the code again, but still to no avail. "Spectra!" he roared. "Why am I not transporting back? What kind of trickery is this?"

"I've set up a jamming signal over the Destroyer," Keith replied. "You're not going anywhere."

"It's over, Caligo." Xenia said. "You lost."

After Caligo found himself unable to leave, Mira, Ace, and Baron restrained the older Vestal and took his Gauntlet. At the point of Mira's energy blade, the duke was frog-marched to one of the guest quarters, which was locked behind him. A communications channel was opened with the Siga, whose officers surrendered when they saw the detained Caligo.

Afterwards, the remaining Vestals on the planetoid came aboard, and Zenoheld's remains were loaded onto the Vestal Destroyer. Keith, Gus, and the remaining royal guards then went aboard the Siga, while Mira was left on the Destroyer to pilot it to Vestal.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Mira said once the Destroyer entered the wormhole, the Siga following close behind.

Xenia, however, had a concerned look on her face. "Don't congratulate me yet."

"Your Majesty?"

"Unless and until I see my son safe and sound, this isn't over. I won't celebrate my succession only to bury my son the same day."

"I don't think you need to worry, Your Majesty. He should be safe in the palace."

"But if my own guards could turn against me here, then with whom have I left Demophilus?" Xenia sighed. "Just pray that we are not too late."

When the Destroyer arrived within Vestal airspace, the Destroyer received a hail from the planet. Mira opened a channel.

Xenia's eyes filled with tears when she saw who was on screen. His hair was frazzled, and his face was slick with sweat, but on screen—very much alive—was Demophilus. The communications room was relatively intact, but behind him, the far wall past the doorway was pockmarked with scorch marks from laser fire.

"Vestal Destroyer? Thank the Goddess you're safe," Demophilus said. "I was worried that Caligo might have sprung some trap while you were off-planet."

"I could say the same about you," said Xenia. "What happened?"

"Caligo tried to have me killed. Mother, he has—"

"—sympathizers within the Royal Guard. I know," Xenia interrupted. "What happened?"

"I'll tell you all the details when you arrive. But the long and short of it is: Thank Vesta for well-connected friends with good timing."

"And that sounds like my cue." Another person—a human—came into view. He was slightly shorter than Demophilus, with long grayish-blue hair and green eyes. He wore a gray dress shirt with a purple shoulder piece and upright collar. A while cravat completed the ensemble.

The human was Klaus von Hertzon, formerly Earth's foremost Aquos brawler (a position now occupied by Marucho), and currently a rising star in Vestal's financial world. Klaus Industries combined Earthling ingenuity with Vestal technology, with unprecedented results. His newest initiative, the Aqua-Aero Estates—a series of floating islands with affordable residences—became an instant hit on overcrowded Vestal.

"Well, isn't this a sight for sore eyes. Pleased to see you again, Mira," Klaus said.

Ace quickly moved to Mira's side. "Klaus."

"Ace," Klaus acknowledged.

"What are you doing in the palace, Klaus?" Baron asked.

"Lord Demophilus happens to be a good friend of mine," said Klaus. "And I just happened to be in the palace when Caligo's forces made their move."

"Then you have my gratitude, Mr. von Hertzon," said Xenia.

"No thanks needed, Your Highness," Klaus replied. "I was only doing what I can."

"Nonsense," said Xenia. "From what I can gather, Demophilus needed all the friends he could get, and I'm glad that I could count you as one of them. Be sure that this will not be forgotten.

"And one other thing. It's 'Your Majesty' now, not 'Your Highness.'"

Klaus' eyes widened. "Well, congratulations. I am, of course, at your service, Your Majesty."

A/N: If anyone is curious as to what happened with Demophilus and Klaus, a side-story is in the works.

As for this story, however, the next chapter will bring the focus back to Volt and his adventures in Kanto.

In additional news, I have commissioned some artwork of Xenia and Demophilus from Skyrawathi on DeviantArt. Links to the pictures will be on my profile. Artwork of Volt and his Pokémon will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for that as well.