A/N: Alright guys Chapter 5 we get to meet some new friends and learn about some of our old ones so enjoy and don't forget to leave those reviews ^^

Kayla

"What's going on?!"

"The system is going highly unstable! The prototype is not responding to any of our commands, its about to go into battle mode!"

"Evacuate and then lock down the arena I'll try shutting down the system manually!"

"Kayla..."

"It's not shutting down, it's about to break out into the city!"

"Kayla!"

It was then that I had awoke with quite with quite a jolt gasping as I sat straight up from my seat. "The guards told us we can take off our blindfolds now," Kian said warmly as he took off my blindfold. It's not like there was much to see however, the inside of our rail car was all blacked out. However, the inside was much like that of a luxury vehicle as the seats were nice and the space open for most of the candidates to walk around in.

"I still don't understand all this secrecy in transporting us to Council Island. I mean its not like a bunch of teens have a magical sense of direction from looking outside." I said as I pulled out my tablet glancing through the information I was given.

"Reviewing the assignment you were given from Spectra earlier?"

"Yeah for the most part."

"Well hello Kayla. We haven't had as much opportunity to talk as much we should fix some time." Mira Clay said to me as we shook hands. Mira Clay was Master Spectra's younger sister. A Subterra battler who at one point rebelled against the barbaric ways our race held Bakugan as prisoners against their own will. At one point her and Master Spectra fought on opposite with Master Spectra craving to have Helios as the ultimate Bakugan. However, fighting alongside the Brawlers helped to change his opinion and now both work as hard as they can to make settling on New Vestroia as harmoniously as possible.

"In any case onto the business at hand," she said and waved her hand across the table bringing up holo-images of different video clips and pictures that were taken. "Numerous reports from our own guard have been coming up with these white Bakugan. Each of them were one of the same as they possessed robotic parts and were of no attribute." Pictures of the Bakugan in question appeared in the middle as some of these looked like they were just stabbed with numerous amounts of metal parts in an effort to make them function. "These Bakugan are feral and very deadly but what's more concerning is that it seems they have some organization. Each attack has been specifically tailored towards attacking the Council themselves and if any of our cities are in the way well…"

Mira brought up footage of the guards stationed at each of the as they were each ravaged by these white Bakugan. "That is why you are being sent to the partner trials. Not only can you be able to have free reign of the island but you can learn-"

"Wait," I interrupted my brain still trying to process my cover. "Did you just say partner trials Mira? Ever since the incident I've never touched a Bakugan. I'm still having nightmares every time I try to watch a battle. I don't think I should…" It was then that Master Spectra stepped in and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Kayla, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of changing your identity if I didn't think you were meant for something better. You've only been working for me for a few years and already you've done some pretty impressive things to help improve life here on New Vestroia. I believe and trust in you Kayla to handle this." Master Spectra said to me but still I could already feel the events haunting me. However, I couldn't just let his belief in me slip especially considering I had be absolved of any faults before working for him. With the problems I caused in the past I would've ended up with serious prison time or worse if I hadn't taken his deal in the first place.

Mira continued and then brought up some readings on the table. "Now these Bakugan let off an energy signature wherever they go. Both me and the science division analyzed this energy and have made a device to check for it. All you have to do is find where this energy is coming from and press the button. This will alert our operatives as to where these Bakugan are coming from but just make sure you aren't seen. We will take care of the rest do you understand?"

I nodded in understanding though I still did have my reservations. "Kayla you may have made your mistakes in the past but this is a good opportunity to try and rid yourself of your demons. Just be careful we still don't know what these things are capable of."

"And now here I am trying to blend in and befriend a Bakugan which I have now developed an innate fear Kian," I said burying my face into my hands. "I'm honestly terrified of the idea but what am I supposed to do, Master Spectra trusts me so much to handle this assignment and yet I can't bring myself to battle again much less befriend a living Bakugan."

Kian shook his head looking somewhat disappointed in me as I stared into his brown eyes. "Kayla look I've been your friend since childhood. I know you before you tried to change your identity and back then you had passion behind the projects you made. Nowadays though, it seems that passion you had has cooled and you're happier being behind the scenes rather than taking the lead on anything ever since the incident."

"Kian…"

It was then that Kian got up from his seat. "I have to go to the alumni car Kayla just think on it for a little. Your passion is still there but its walled off by a mistake that you still haven't forgiven." He said before leaving me alone with my own thoughts.

I never knew Kian to be quite that serious with me. He's usually a lot more light hearted and encouraging. He knew how to play off a joke and say just the right thing that would but for him to say some those things without any sort of humor was different.

"Hey was that Kian Arwell that just left this car," a voice said to interrupt my own thoughts as a girl in a dark green and orange striped shirt and navy pants took a seat right next to me.

"Uh…yes"

"Wow you're friends with the Alpha City champion! What's his style like? Does he have a girlfriend? How did Percival become his partner-" I then placed my hand over her mouth and gestured for her to be quiet. "Sorry," the red headed girl said before taking a breath. "That was a bit too much information to ask for wasn't it?"

"Yeah it would be nice to allow the person you're asking your name," I said sarcastically but smiled. As much as annoying as she can be, Kian was right maybe trying to make friends would be the best thing. "My name is Kayla Catagon. The attribute I chose to find a partner in is Aquos. Now you introduce yourself and what attribute you chose."

"Fine fine, call me Ashley Langford or Ash for short. I wanted to go after Subterra myself both because I always found the attribute of Bakugan to be the thinking person's attribute. Also I had an older brother and sister who both went for Pyrus. I wanted to breakaway from that because I wanted to stand on my own accord."

"You didn't want to go Pyrus?"

Ashley then looked over to the group of Pyrus candidates that were all talking to each other. "Not really, Pyrus candidates have the penchant to be arrogant to the point where they actually believe that Pyrus is superior to all the other attributes. Everyone wants a reason to be as great as Dan Kuso or have a Bakugan as powerful as Drago. To that end the poor saps don't even know that those who choose Pyrus are lumped into the one attribute that has the highest rejection rating out of the other five." It was then that one of the boys from the crowd broke off and took an interest in us.

The boy in question was pretty large for his size and looked to be about sixteen. He wore his black jacket that had a patch with the Pyrus symbol and underneath was a red shirt. This along with the fact that his pants were torn and his own red hair was a spiky mess indicated his personality as that of a brash one. "Don't I recognize you? Ah I remember you're Spectra's little pencil pusher aren't you," he said snidely to me.

"Come off it Ryder she has just as much of chance as finding a partner Bakugan as the rest of us," Ashley said getting out of her seat.

"Right…she just got to bypass the whole application process by being a lapdog." That right there was the comment that got me a little angry as I looked directly at him.

"Look, I don't know what you think of me or what I do as Master Spectra's assistant but I can assure you I have skills. Even though I've only been out of the game for about three years I've been battling with Bakugan long before he came to me to be his assistant." I replied angrily but he only chuckled.

"Then why have you chosen one of the easiest attributes? Surely you must've known that Aquos has the easiest Bakugan to make friends with since they are so chill." To that I didn't have smart response to say. Aquos was the attribute I battled with long before the incident happened it would only make sense for me to pick up where I last started. "I knew it you're only going off what Spectra tells you huh? Well we'll see if you leave the island with partner in the end…" With that Ryder left laughing it up with his buddies and I immediately bolted for the dining car.

"Kayla don't mind him," Ashley said as she followed me. "I've spent a number of classes with him and believe me there isn't a lot going on up in his head. Hell, he thinks with his strength first before even considering what may happen next."

I shook my head still the images of the incident filling up awful memories. Why in the world did I sign on for this I was the worst person to try and blend in! Even worse I was revealed to be Master Spectra's assistant before we had even hit land! He should've chosen someone else who wasn't fearful of Bakugan because I'm clearly the wrong choice!

"Come on Kayla, I don't care how you managed to get here! You have an honor not many Vestals will get to have for the rest of their lives. I know from my brother and sister that the Bakugan are friendly creatures no matter what the attribute is you'll find a partner one that's probably stronger than what Ryder will get." Ashley said as I got food without speaking a word to her. Maybe Kian was right, a new friend is what I need especially considering she doesn't know who I am all that much. "Look you seem nice enough Kayla if you want someone to hang out with I'm all for it."

"You sure about this I'm damaged goods as is," I replied as I sighed. "Alright Ashley I'll take you up on that offer for the time being we are friends. It was then that the intercom clicked to life.

All candidates please make your way back to your seats and put on your blindfolds. We will be at Council Island in less than five minutes.

The next few minutes went by pretty quickly. The guards escorted us out of the train with hands on each of our shoulders. I couldn't tell where we were or even if there was a station that we were let out on so the next couple of minutes were done in complete darkness. After finally being told to sit down we were allowed to take off our blindfolds. The very sunlight blinded me for a moment but once my eyes adjusted the view of the island was breathtaking. Bakugan were either soaring in the air or swimming through the seas as free as they were.

However the focus was still the draw of what was going on towards the center of the ceremony as a Ventus Bakugan hovered right above then landed on a large perch just behind the stage. I saw Mira make her way to the podium as the music that was once playing had now turned off and everyone went dead silent. "Welcome candidates, my name is Mira Clay and I am the liaison between the Bakugan that are on the council and leaders of the Vestals! The six hundred of you who are here on Council Island represent some of Vestal's best and will take part in a celebrated tradition between our race and the Bakugan who we share this world with! Welcome to the partner trials!" After Mira's speech cheering can be heard from everyone who were very excited for the trials to begin.

"Behind me are the six Bakugan who preside over this council they have had major input as to these trials should be conducted and have also had a greater hand in bringing in Bakugan who want to be partnered with you. I will now turn over this keynote to Pyrus-Ventus head Storm Skyress who will explain the finer details of the trials to come." It was then that the cameras refocused onto Skyress who had let off a blast of energy into the air which created a spectacular light show for all of us.

"Thank you Mira," Skyress boomed her voice echoing throughout the island. "I am Ventus Storm Skyress, Ventus and acting Pyrus head for Council. Before we continue on I'll let the other heads introduce themselves." She then gestured for each of the Bakugan to go ahead and make their introduction.

The first was two Bakugan from the Aquos region of the island. "Not all partner finding has to all seriousness with us! It's time for all you Aquos candidates to stand proud for your attribute! I am Aquos Minx Elfin…," the female looking Aquos Bakugan said taking arms next to a male looking one with what looked to be a mask or helmet.. I'm Aquos Minx Elfin and together with my co-leader…."

"...and I am Aquos Preyas and together we are the heads of the Aquos attribute!" However, it came as to no surprise when there was no reaction from the audience when they finished their little charade. Preyas unlocked arms from Elfin as they undid their pose. "In any case we are here to observe and to give advice to all of Aquos candidates. Anytime you need a Bakugan to talk we'll be here!"

Awkward clapping came up as a Haos Bakugan came up next. Her armored body and shining fangs was already an indication of her fierce exterior. "First off congratulations to the candidates who chose Haos in the first place. I'm Haos Blade Tigerra and I will warn you right now, I am one of the tougher heads on this island. Many candidates who have come under me for a partner have failed to leave with their partners but that is because I have expectations that can and will bring out the best and worst qualities in both you and your partner."

After Tigerra's speech she bowed and fell back letting the Subterra head step forward whose heavy footfalls could be felt from the stage. "I am Magma Wilda. Once upon a time I was actually Mira's partner so I know the value of the bond you will share with your Bakugan. With me you will have the very strength of the land itself as your guide through this process." It was then that the last Bakugan of the council made his way to the front. To my surprise, I saw Percival! I always expected him to be somewhat like Kian and take the more laid back approach to life but this was an honest surprise.

Apparently I wasn't the only one who was surprised though as many of the Darkus candidates cheered on with much fervor. The very thought that the Bakugan who won the Alpha City championship would be mentoring and observing them was enough to send them in frenzy. "Alright, alright everyone settle down. It's very apparent that many of you know who I am but for those of you who don't I am Darkus Knight Percival partner to Alpha City champion Kian Arwell. While many of you are star-struck and probably have a number of questions I can weed out who's just a fan and who here actually wants to try to create a bond." With that note Percival left taking his spot with the rest of the council as Skyress spread her wings again.

"Thank you all of you. Together with myself we make up the Bakugan of the council. As having been through many great fights we have all had partners that we have not only fought side by side with but also forged friendships that would last for lifetimes. Over the course of the next two months we will be observing how you interact with your partner both in and out of the battlefield. EVERYONE, will be involved in a Bakugan battle as the weeks progress while you are here. If you will look to your left there will be various boards posted with win and loss records across the island." Skyress said gesturing to the board with various pictures of the candidates.

"Your score is based on three factors. Your performance in the battles will make a large portion of your score but in addition our observations and the observations of the alumni who have so generously volunteered to watch over all of you. If your score reaches the prescribed danger area, then one of us will first talk to you and your partner. We don't want you to leave without a partner but for some of you it may unfortunately not work out. With that said I think I have spoken enough and I will hand back the stage to Mira on behalf of me and the council we wish you the best of luck!"

Finally, Mira took the stage one more time. "Thank you Skyress and all of the council. Now in previous years we used to have you line up by attribute and meet your Bakugan. This technique has been deemed too sterile so for this year once you arrive at your respective camps your Baku-meters will have the picture of your Bakugan. You will be responsible for meeting your Bakugan for the first time but this is a good experience for both of you. Finally, before all of you leave we've had you fill out survey asking whether or not you know how to battle. Those results have been compiled and the alumni will be holding exhibitions matches involving some of you after everyone has found their partner. "

"I wish all of you luck now a partner is one of the things I personally treasure a lot and I hope you will as well…"

The Aquos portion of island was both beautiful and strange at the same time. The whole portion is essentially one glacier! There was only ice everywhere and none of was melting away! However, navigation was a giant issue as walking became quite a pain until we finally made it to our campsite. Each of the tents were assembled in a line and once I found mine it was…modest. There wasn't any electronics for one thing but at the very least there was a cot to sleep on and the footlocker that we were allowed to bring our stuff. However my attention was to the box and the note that was on it.

An old brawler can perform better with new tools

S

Inside the box was two things. The first, a new Baku-meter which was helpful given I didn't necessarily have the tools to fix my old one back at the Mother Palace. The second though was a case attached to a belt. Inside that case was a deck of cards which had a number of command and Aquos reactor cards. "Master Spectra is still taking care of me even while I'm on island out in the middle of nowhere," I said to myself as I strapped the belt to me and then pulled out a new set of clothes. I didn't bring a full wardrobe but at the very least I had light blue t-shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and a thin navy vest to wear.

Once I had changed I made my way out of the tent and back to the central beach I took a look at the picture of my Bakugan who I was supposed to make friends with. "Well this should be fun. It seems like the Bakugan aren't restricted to their attribute section of the island." Ashley said bringing up a picture of her partner. "You would think that trying to finding a massive bear with armor plating would be an easy thing but when all of the island is inhabited with creatures that are two stories tall well…no dice."

I chuckled then brought up the picture of my Bakugan I was supposed to find. "Oooh a humanoid dragoness huh? She's seems very pretty."

"Yeah but like you I don't have much of an idea where to look either. I was thinking of starting here first then going to each section of the island in hopes of finding her until I find some sort of clue." We both kept conversing for a while as we walked along the beach until we saw an oddly shaped block of ice. "Hmm…never thought I would see ice here except for back in the Aquos section." I said again and then another oddly shaped block of ice drifted past us.

"Might be a clue," Ashley said and then looked up seeing more ice drift past us. "Maybe even better as a lead let's go!" We hurried following the trail of ice through some trees up until the ice had stopped and I saw my Bakugan using her powers to craft those strangely shaped ice blocks with her abilities. However I wasn't so eager to go and try to make the first contact with her.

"I don't know about this Ash. Maybe this was a bad idea for me to-," then Ash pushed me out from our hiding place and directly out into the open. I turned back and she gave me a thumbs up as if I would be just fine and then disappeared leaving me behind with the Aquos Bakugan in front of me. She was a stunning humanoid dragoness. Her body covered in blue scales with a cream colored underbelly and had two horns protruding from her head. There were also six gems on her as well. Green and brown gems on the backs of her claws, white and blue gems near her kneecaps, a purple gem on her forehead, and finally one large red gem on her chest.

As much as I wanted to keep admiring her, my mission came first and that meant keeping up appearances. I took a breath for a second, it's for the good of the mission Kayla I thought to myself as I walked up to her. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be Aquos Siren Calina are you?" I asked reading the name off my Baku-meter. The Aquos Bakugan turned around and then looked down at me. Every bone in my body said to run back to the forest and pray that I get partnered up with someone else. HoweveR my mind wouldn't let me run as I stayed frozen in fear. She shushed me for a moment then raised her claw concentrating on the water as it rose.

Flames then came out of her claw forming a ring around the ball of water as she formed more ring until she had dissipated it and returned the ball to ocean once more. "Alright now that that's done," she said as she glowed blue and her form shrank down into that of a tiny ball. The ball popped opened and she floated right in front of me. "You must be the Vestal that I'm partnered with I assume."

"I uh…uh…," I stammered staring at her with a blank expression.

"Well what's your name? It has to be more than 'uh uh.'" Calina prodded at me as I finally shook myself out of my stupor.

"Alright fine my name is Kayla," I finally blurted out still trying to get over my shocked expression. "I hope that we can be able to work well together over the time that I am here." It was then that Calina turned back around to the seas. "Are you even paying attention to me?!"

"Oh I am though I don't know how much of an effective partner you can be if you can't even be able to just introduce yourself." Calina replied though rather rudely. "If you want to do well in your little trial here you have to have a bit more confidence than that." At the mention of that however, I was already a bit angry but yet she was also right at the same time.

It was then I saw Kian and Percival off in the distance where the two of them were making their way up the beach. "See Kian, the moment you told me Kayla was assigned to Calina I knew where she would be hiding."

"Well I didn't doubt you on that Percival but the question is how did you know that?" Kian asked and then Percival chuckled.

"I'll tell you later about that," was all that he said then he turned to Calina where the two of them went off to talk.

"So I see you found your partner," Kian said to me but already I was feeling a little bit disappointed. "What's wrong Kayla, is your PTSD acting up again?"

"If only Kian, Calina is a bit off-putting. First impressions are already coming off pretty badly and I don't know if we can work that well together," I replied looking at Calina and Percival talk to each other. "At least though she seems to talk your partner a little bit better than me. Anyways what's going on I thought you had to find a candidate or someone to have an exhibition match?"

Kian chuckled which usually didn't mean a good sign for me. "I did Kayla it's you and Calina"