Chapter 4: Putting An Ego In It's Place.

A.N: I see some people still confused. Latios2 is the author for this story. I am his beta reader and help him out by any means. Now I understand people are wondering why doesn't he just make an account. Well he thought it best to use my account so I said ok. So please give all credit to Latios2 not me I'm just merely a very supportive friend!


"I'm coming too, just so I can watch myself." Runo said grabbing Tigrerra following Alice and Katie out. "H-Hey I was asked first wait for me!" Julie shouted rushing out without Gorem. Both girls held up their field cards. "Gate, Open!" Both girls shouted as Runo and Julie quickly got in the affected circle before time stopped around them as Dan tried to rush in with them but froze in time unable to join them. "That was close, we almost got locked out too." Runo said shivering slightly with Julie while the field around both girls appeared. "This is gonna be too easy!" Katie said as a large grin overcame her face while Alice glared. "Ok Hydranoid, this is our first real Bakugan Battle since you joined me, ready to do this?!" Alice asked as Hydranoid shook in agreement with her. "Ok! Let's do it!" Both girls shouted at each other throwing two Gate Cards down.

"This'll be quick! Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted throwing in a Ventus Bakugan on Alice's Gate Card as it popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Falconeer!" Katie cried out seeing Falconeer fly high into the arena. Alice tensed up feeling the winds generated from Falconeer. "New opponent detected. Ventus Falconeer, 340G" Alice's Bakupod announced after analyzing as her eyes widen. "WHOA Falconeer got a BUFF! This is gonna be too easy!" Katie said grinning. "You don't scare me! Ok I can do this!" Alice said trying to build up confidence as she threw a new Gate Card onto the field . "Bakugan Brawl!" Alice said throwing out a Bakugan onto the Gate Card as it pops. "Bakugan Stand! Terrorclaw!" Alice shouts as her Terrorclaw force itself up. "New opponent detected. Darkus Terrorclaw, 310G." Katie's Bakupod announced analyzing Terror Claw. "...Ok, maybe not So easy as I thought. Oh well I still have a superior monster!" Katie grinned still determined to win.

"Gate Card Open! Darkus Night!" Alice called out as her Gate Card opens creating a seeping black mist cutting the view of both Bakugan off from the brawlers. "H-Huh!? Whoa hold on what!?" Katie said getting stumped as Alice smirked. "Ventus Falconeer power change detected, power decrease 50G. Darkus Terrorclaw power change detected, power increase 50G." Alice's Bakupod announced as Katie glared as Falconeer's G power dropped down to 290G while Terrorclaw's rose up to 360G. "I'm not done! Ability Activate! Jump Over!" Katie shouted waiting for the Ability Card to activate, however it would not. "You should have used it sooner, because now it's too late. Not only does Darkus Night give any Darkus Bakugan a 50G boost and take away the same amount from any non Darkus Bakugan, but it also stops a non Daus Bakugan from using ability Cards!" Alice explained as Runo and Julie cheered her on hearing a loud crunching slice seeing Falconeer get flung out of the gate card as Terrorclaw emerges victorious before both get caught.

"Falconeer eliminated." Katie's Bakupod announced as she glares annoyed before Runo and Julie look on worried. "Hey that was still a nice play though." Julie said smiling as Katie ignored her. "...Ok, I may have overestimated myself there but I won't make the same mistake twice!" Katie said getting determined throwing down a Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted throwing out a Bakugan onto her new Gate Card as it popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Bee Striker!" Katie shouted as Bee Striker flew up above the Gate Card. "New opponent detected. Ventus Bee Stinger, 350G." Alice's Bakupod announced as she watched on. "No problem! Bakugan Brawl!" Alice cried out throwing in a new Bakugan as it popped out on the same Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand! Laserman!" Alice shouted out watching Laserman rise up. "New opponent detected. Darkus Laserman, 370G." Katie's Bakupod announced as she stared shocked. "WHAT!?" Katie shouted out shocked seeing its G power.

"I thought you said you had an undefeated streak against Darkus?" Julie asked seeing Katie tense up. "I know! And it's true, I'm gonna start a comeback here! Gate Card Open! Wind Tunnel!" Katie shout as Alice yelped feeling an intense gust of wind sweep the field before the wind lifted Bee Striker high into the sky. "Ventus Bee Stinger power change detected, power increase 100G." Alice's Bakupod announced after analyzing as she gasped seeing Bee Striker's G power rise to 450G. "HA! With Wind Tunnel active, Bee Striker gains 100G AND can't be attacked by any Bakugan that isn't Ventus!" Katie said triumphantly as Bee Striker started shooted at Laserman slowly overwhelming it. "Not so fast, Double Ability Activate! Leap Sting and Spiced Slayer!" Alice shouted as she held both Ability Cards up while Laserman shot a barrage of beams at Bee Striker. "Huh?!" Katie said staring watching Laserman successfully hit Bee Striker.

"Darkus Laserman power change detected, power increase 100G. Ventus Bee Striker power change detected, power decrease 100G" Alice's Bakupod announced as Laserman's G power rose to 470G while Bee Striker's fell back to 350G. "Are you kidding me!?" Katie cried out as Laserman shot several lasers at Bee Striker hitting it at once defeating it. "That was close Katie, good going!" Runo said trying to cheer her up as Katie let a smile appear on her face. "You really think it was?" Katie asked feeling nervous about getting complimented by such a high ranked brawler as Runo nodded back. Katie shakes her head hearing she hers Shintsui clear his throat.

"I thought you wanted to be my brawler, why haven't you thrown me in yet?" Shintsui asked impatiently. "Because well um… because I was saving the best for last!" Katie said as Shintsui looked at her suspiciously. "Well whatever, throw me in!" Shintsui demanded as she nodded grabbing him. "Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted throwing him out onto as he popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Shintsui!" Katie shouted as he rose up in the form of a humanoid moth spreading his wings. "New Opponent detected, Shintsui, 500G." Alice's Bakupod announced as her eyes widened before Alpha Hydranoid snarled hovering in front of her face. "Throw me into the fight!" All three heads deamned as Alice got serious nodding. "...Ok." Alice said throwing down a new Gate Card.

"Let's go, Bakugan Brawl!" Alice cried out throwing Hydranoid onto the Gate as he popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Alpha Hydranoid!" "Alice shouted as all three heads of Hydranoid let out a vicious roar before rising up. "New opponent detected. Alpha Hydranoid, 550G." Katie's Bakupod announced as she grit her teeth. "Ability Card Active! Chaos Leap Sting!" Alice shouted as her card shone seeing Alpha Hydranoid shoot off powerful balls of energized Darkus energy hitting Shinstui on contact. "Shinstui power change detected, power decrease 200G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power increase 100G." Alice's Bakupod announced after analyzing as Shintsui's base G power dropped to 300G while Hydranoid's rose to 650G. "In addition to the power change, now Hydranoid can attack from anywhere!" Alice called out as Alpha Hydranoid stepped off the respective Gate Card charging for Shinstui.

"Ability Card activate! Moth Powder!" Katie shouted as Shinstui flaps his wings hard letting out pollen spores from his wings falling on Alpha Hydranoid as he groaned feeling weakened. "Shinstui power change detected, power increase 300G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power decrease 100G" as both Bakugan reverted to their base G power before Shinstui's rose further to 580G. "Moth Powder will always reset each Bakugans G power and furthermore add 80 extra G!" Katie explained as Shinstui dived at Alpha Hydranoid impacting him as his heads roared in pain. "Hydranoid! No way am I letting this go! Ability Activate! Lash and Bash Supreme!" Alice shouted holding up the ability card as Alpha Hydranoid rushed down Shinstui going wild on him. "Shinstui power change detected, power decrease 280G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power increase 100G" Katie's Bakupod announced after analyzing as both Bakugan got their former G powers given back.

"I think it's about time to end this! Fusion Ability Activate! Final Destruction!" Alice shouted holding the special Ability Card up as an intense black aura coated Alpha Hydranoid as each head roared. "Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power increase 100G." Katie's Bakupod announced as Alpha Hydranoid roared while his G power increased to 750G. "No! Um… uh!..." Katie stammered trying to find an Ability Card to counter Alpha Hydranoid as all three heads spat out a unified beam of pure Darkus Energy overwhelming Shinstui." "Shintsui eliminated." Katie's Bakupod announced as she fell to her knees. "M-M-My streak." Katie barely spat out as Shinstui rolled in front of her while Alice caught Hydranoid.

The arena vanished as time resumed. "Hey don't start without… hey wait did you already battle!?" Dan shouted catching up with them seeing Katie on her knees tearing. "Huh? Hey Katie what's up? You look down." Dan asked worried for her as Alice walked over to her. "Come on, you had me on my toes fighting with Hydranoid. I thought that was an enjoy-" Alice tried to say as Katie cut her off. "You broke my streak!" Katie said bitterly getting up. "I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you that much but it was a fun mat-" Alice tried to speak again as Katie cut her off again. "I don't need your sympathies! That can't restore my streak can it!?" Katie demanded as Alice felt nervous before Runo glares walking up. "HEY! What's your problem scarring my friend like that!?" Runo asked defending Alice. "I was a very skilled brawler when I was in America! Now the Bakugan are back and I lose my first match with them!? This is so bullcrap!" Katie said stomping frustrated.

"Well excuse me! I'm so sorry you didn't win your battle but don't take it out on Alice!" Runo shouted getting in her face. " ...Screw this! I'm out of here!" Katie said bitterly taking Shintsui with her as Julie comforted Alice. "...GOOD RIDDANCE!" Runo yelled sighing turning back to Alice. "Are you ok, Alice?" Runo asked worried for her friend. "I feel awful for making her feel so bad…" Alice said frowning. "Well how about we talk it over with lunch? I think we could all use a good meal right now." Runo said as they all nodded walking back inside unaware of a shadowy figure watching things from afar. "...Looks like there's something I need to do before going back. Ready, Ingram?" It asked as a Ventus Bakugan hovered near him. "Of course, she's got a nasty attitude. I shudder to think of how someone could have that kind of attitude." Ingram said trying to get rid of the thought. "Y-Yeah..." The figure said faltering before leaping as Ingram followed him.

Everyone went back into the cafe as they got confused seeing Runo rush up to her room. "Is Runo gonna be ok?" Alice asked worried. "I'll go check on her just to make sure." Dan said as he quietly walks up to her room knocking. "Hey Runo, it's Dan, can I come in?" Dan asked waiting on her. "Sure, it's unlocked." Runo answered going through her dresser as Dan came in as he saw her pull out a familiar pair of of fingerless gloves. "...It's been three years since I've seen these gloves. I thought I'd never be putting them on again but now here I am." Runo said as she slowly put them on feeling a rush of nostalgia flow through her. "So many battles, flying around the world to save it, fighting such an intense battle to save the world. So many memories." Runo said remembering her adventures to stop Naga.

"Runo, I didn't know you could be so sentimental" Tigrerra said looking up at her. "Well it's like I said three years have passed, and in that time things change." Runo said as she sat on her bed. "It feels weird too, if I'm being honest… growing up changes so much." Runo said as she started trailing off in thought before Dan cleared his throat bringing her back to reality. "Runo, you don't have to do it all alone, I'm here for you just like you're there for me." Dan said smiling to her as she smiled back nodding. "Sorry, I've just been thinking about a lot of things. Ok let's… OH wait hold on." Runo said leading them to the guest room finding Julie's own gloves in her clothes stashes. "Yeah, Julie hung onto these I'm guessing for the same reason I did with mine. If I'm bringing mine back out she's gonna probably want to do the same thing." Runo muttered grabbing them before she started heading down before Dan stopped her.

"By the way Runo I forgot, back in New Vestroia I got something I knew I wouldn't be using so you can have it." Dan said revealing a Haos Bakugan and a Ventus Bakugan he had won in New Vestroia from the Vexos. "Dan... thank you so much." Runo said accepting the Haos Bakugan before pouting. "Shame about that Katie girl, I bet she really would have loved that Ventus one, oh well." Runo said before they finally went back down. "What was that about?" Julie asked as Runo tossed Julie her gloves before she gasped seeing Runo wearing hers again. "Awww YEAH BABY!" Julie shouted putting them on as she gripped them back tightly. "We are BACK!" Julie shouted pumping her fist into the air as Runo laughed. "Easy girl, don't get overworked." Runo said laughing as Julie sat back down embarrassed. "I wanna go out and fight though! Everyone else has gotten a battle by now EXCEPT for me!" Julie demanded restless. "Don't worry Julie, you'll get your chance soon enough." Dan told her reassuring her. "Lunch is ready!" Saki called out carrying several trays over to them putting the trays down. "We made a little of something for everyone. Enjoy." Saki said as she went into the back again. "Let's eat!" All four of them shouted excited before eating.

Much later as twilight came around, Katie threw herself against her bed burying her face into her pillow. "Man you really blew it out there." Shintsui said laughing noticing Katie not even budge. "Hey how about that broken streak huh?" Shintsui tried to taunt to get a rise out of her as she remained motionless. Shintsui stared for several moments in silence, was at a loss of words now, he didn't understand why but he felt he had to cheer her up. He rationalized it was pity for her. "H-Hey um listen I was joking about the whole streak thing, I didn't mean it I'm sure it was a big blow." Shintsui said remorseful as she turned towards him. "That record meant a lot to me and now I can never have it back." Katie finally spoke frowning. "Listen if we stay here things are probably only gonna get worse. Why don't we talk a walk in a more natural area?" Shintsui asked as Katie sighed nodding.

"I guess that's a good point." Katie said somberly grabbing him before leaving again. This time she decided to avoid the rest of Wardington City, walking outside in a forest area. "Doesn't this feel better?" Shinstui asked forcing a laugh as Katie remained silent and he trailed off. Both continued moving through their walk with little noise to break the silence barring the chirping of insects around. "Hey Shinstui can I ask something?" Katie asked finally speaking as he looked at her. "...Am I a bad person?" Katie asked him as he stared blankly at her. "How am I supposed to know? I've only known you less than a day!" Shinstui argued as Katie groaned walking on until she grunted bumping into someone as got up seeing it was Runo.

"Sorry I… HEY what are you doing here?!" Runo asked as her eyes narrowed. "I-I, wait what are YOU doing here!?" Katie asked in retaliation. "I was walking around because Julie gave me a walking schedule for the week. ...I admit it's kind of annoying but it's probably good for my health so I can't argue." Runo said a bit annoyed at having to do it. "Well I was doing what Shintsui suggested which was to take a walk and get my mind off things!" Katie said snapping back. The figure and Ingram quickly caught up with them watching the two girls fighting from the treetops before a branch snapped tripping the figure as he fell to the ground with a thud. "HUH!?" Katie shouted scarred turning around as they saw the person following her as she gasped. "Shun!?" Runo asked as Shun Kazami got up. "Are you ok!?" Ingram asked floating down to him nodding. "Holy… I uh, what are you doing here?!" Katie asked confused recalling no one knew where he was.

"It… keep this between us and NOT EVEN the other Battle Brawlers are to know this, especially Dan, got it Runo?" Shun asked as Runo sighed nodding regrettably. "Fine, but show yourself next time, ok?" Runo asked as he sighed nodding. "Ok, so I was on New Vestroia. However the structure of New Vestroia is starting to collapse, that's why Dan and I ended up back here while Marucho hasn't since he stayed safe, but Dan doesn't know I was ever there yet." Shun told them explaining what happened. "Anyway, I know what happened with the brawl, I saw everything that happened after it went on." Shun followed up with as Katie felt intense guilt getting scared while Runo shot a look at her. "Before you go on I need to ask, you know what you did was wrong right? It's not a good idea to treat the Bakugan like they're just toys." Shun told her as she started realizing how bad she had been acting as she sighed audibly while Runo stared at her solemnly.

"I-I'm so sorry, I just felt so mad it's like I finally got to play again and the first match I battled I lost without a SINGLE victory." Katie said trying to explain herself as Runo gave her a suspicious look. "Perhaps you tried to bite off more than you could chew. Listen I know it must have been exciting going up against a big name brawler like one of my friends but acting tough and not being able to back it up will win no one over to you." Shun said to her as she frowned hanging her head. "Shun, she's worse off now." Ingram said as Shintsui groaned. "OF COURSE she feels worse! Someone she looks up to told her she was being a total bitch, how did you think she was gonna react!?" Shintsui shouted as Ingram recoiled. "Listen it doesn't matter now, I screwed up so bad and I just..." Katie started tearing up as Shun's eyes widened sighing.

"Listen, if it'll help I'll brawl you and teach you where you went wrong. BUT no outbursts, keep your cool and remember this is more than just a game, ok?" Shun told her trying to cheer her up as Katie's eyes widened before she nodded quickly. "And don't act like such a sore loser if you lose ok?" Runo asked her as she sighed again nodding. Both held up their cards as Runo got closer as a large circle surrounded the three before slowing down and freezing time around them opening the battlefield. "Just remember Katie this isn't gonna be an easy battle, in fact it might just be as hard as battling Alice." Runo said trying to support her as Katie nods.

"We will not hold back remember that!" Ingram told them sternly. "Alright I'll do my best to keep it in check and do my best!" Katie said clenching her fists. "Alright Shun, put her to the test!" Runo demanded as he nodded looking at Katie. "Bakugan Brawl!" Shun shouted throwing out a Ventus Bakugan onto his field card before popping out. "Bakugan Stand! Rocter!" Shun called out as the Bakugan flew up before landing. "New Opponent detected. Ventus Roctor, 320G." Katie's Bakupod announced after analyzing. "Hey Katie be careful about this it might seem weak but don't assume it is!" Runo told Katie advising her. "Right, ok Bakugan Brawl!" Katie said throwing out one of her own Bakugan. "Bakugan Stand! Monarus!" Katie shouts as Monarus leaps up floating.

"New opponent detected. Ventus Monarus, 330G" Shun's Bakupod announced after analyzing. "Ok, Gate Card open, Wind Trap!" Shun shouted as Katie's eyes widened seeing Monarus got ensnared by ropes of wind. "Ventus Monarus power change detected, power decrease 50G." Katie's Bakupod announced her eyes widened seeing Monarus ensnared by the winds. "A Ventus Brawlers best friend is strategy, if you can't outpower the opponent, the next best thing is to outwit them!" Runo advised as Katie nodded taking it in. "Strategy huh? Ok I think I got it." Katie said. "Better hurry up then, Wind Trap prevents any G power boosting Ability Cards from working!" Shun stated as Roctor closed in on Monarus. "You're learning, but not enough. Ability Activate! Wing Strike!" Shun called out as his ability card activated before Roctor screeched flying toward her as Katie glared. "But… Grr… I don't think… I CAN think a way out of this…" Katie admitted watching on.

"Ventus Roctor power change detected, power increase 60G" Katie's Bakupod announced after analyzing as Roctor's G power rose to 370G as it shoots off a barrage of feathers taking out Monarus as both Bakugan left the field. "I..." Katie said contemplating the lose as Runo and Shun watched her cautiously. " ...I don't feel that bad about that one." Katie said as Runo's eyes widened surprised. " Let us keep going!" Ingram spoke up as Shun nodded throwing a new Gate Card down. "Bakugan Brawl!" Shun shouted throwing Roctor onto his new Gate Card "Bakugan Stand! Roctor!" Shun shouted as Roctor reappeared. "Alright this time I'm gonna make sure I don't lose! Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted throwing in her new Bakugan as it popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Falconeer!" Katie said as Falconeer rose up. "Alright Gate Card Open! Gal-" Shun began saying as Katie cut him off.

"Not this time! Ability Card Activate! Jump Over!" Katie shouted as the card shone before Falconeer leapt off the Gate Card onto Katie's Gate Card."A wise move, you're learning." Shun commented as Katie smiled slightly trying not to let it go to her head. "But enough standing still! Bakugan Brawl!" Shun shouted throwing out a new Bakugan as it popped out. "Bakugan Stand! El Condor!" Shun shouted as spun around rising up. "New Opponent detected. Ventus El Condor, 380G" Katie's Bakupod announce as her eyes widened. "This is not gonna be easy but let's do it!" Katie said thrusting her hand out smirking. "However, you can't get off with only doing that! Bakugan Brawl!" Shun called out throwing Roctor onto Katie's Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand! Roctor!" Shun shouted as Roctor reappeared. "Now let's try this another way! Gate Card Open! Wind Tunnel!" Katie shouted as she opens the Gate Card as Falconeer cries out strengthened.

"Ventus Falconeer power change detected, power increase 100G." Shun's Bakupod announced after analysis before Falconeer's base G power rose up to 440G as it struck Roctor blindingly fast quickly defeating it as both returned from the field. "Awesome trick Katie, you're getting the hang of it." Runo told her as Katie laughed slightly. "Don't celebrate yet, it's not over!" Shun said throwing a Gate Card down before Katie nodded throwing out her own. "Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted throwing Falconeer back into to confront El Condor. "Bakugan Stand! Falconeer!" Katie cried out as Falconeer rose back up. UNfortunately this time I'm ensuring you don't win! Ability Card Activate! Dragoon!" Shun shouted holding out his ability card as El Condor started draining power from Falconeer as Katie smirked. "Thanks Shun, just what I needed! Ability Card Activate! Feather Mirror!" Katie shouted holding up her Ability Card as Falconeer screeched guarding itself with it's feathers as they reverse the flow of the power. "Falconeer power change detected, power increase 380G." Katie's Bakupod announced after analyzing as she smirked seeing Falconeer's G Power skyrocket up to 820G before it dive bombed El Condo quickly eliminating it as both returned from the field.

"Whoa Shun, you're down to one Bakugan, think you can come out on top?" Runo asked as he smirked. "I've been in worse odds before. I'm not losing easily." Shun said reassuring her. "I'm ready to fight to the end for you, Shun!" Ingram said determined to go out and fight. "Alright, Bakugan Brawl!" Shun cried out grabbing then throwing Ingram onto the field as she popped out on Katie's Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand! Ingram!" Shun shouted as Ingram rose up onto the field. "New opponent detected. Ventus Ingram, 400G" Katie's Bakupod announced after analyzing before she tenses up getting nervous. "I need to do this! Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted pumping herself up as Falconeer was thrown back in onto the same Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand! Falconeer!" Katie shouted as Falconeer returned. "Alright let's keep this quick! Gate Card Open! Transformation!" Katie called out as she opened the Gate Card opened a Shinstui groaned. "I feel like my power is being shared!" Shinstui said as Katie watched Falconeer receive some of Shinstui's power. "Falconeer power change detected, power increase 120G." Shun's Bakupod announced after analysis as Katie smirked seeing Falconeer's G power rise to 500G.

"I think I've got this in the bag now!" Katie declared getting cocky again. Shun glared seeing it come out again. "Don't assume anything until it's over! Ability Card Activate! Shadow Split!" Shun shouted out using the Ability Card as Ingram quickly struck striking Falconeer like a shadow. "Ingram power change detected, power increase 200G. Ventus Falconeer power change detected, power decrease 100G" Katie's Bakupod announced after analyzing as her eyes widened seeing Ingram's G power increase too 60G while Falconeer's decreased to 400G. "Ability Activate! Avalon Ascension!" Katie shouted as Falconeer screeched rising high as Ingram starred up. "Falconeer power change detected, power increase 70G." Shun's Bakupod announced after analyzing as Falconeer's G power rose to 470G. "It may not be enough but try taking Falconeer down now! Avalon Ascension prevent any battle with Falconeer to occur!"Katie said determined to win.

"You learned fast, but don't always assume a strategy is flawless." Runo said trying to keep her in check before Katie got confused. "Double Ability Activate! Armored Victory and Armored Mega Dome!" Shun called out as Ingram leaps up high landing on and weighing Falconeer down. "Falconeer power change detected, Falconeer power decrease 70G. Ingram power increase 400G." Katie's Bakupod announced as her jaw dropped seeing Falconeer's G power drop to 400G while Ingram's sky rockets to 1,000G. "ONE THOUSAND G!?" Katie yelled in shock and awe before Ingram struck Falconeer once more defeating it as both Bakugan returned. "Never try to avoid battle unless you're sure you're opponent doesn't have an ability canceling card!" Shun told her sternly as she groaned. "See? You got overconfident and assumed how it'd go." Runo said reinforcing the lesson as Katie twitched before she fought the feelings in her mind off.

"Well now, looks like I have to fight now if you want to stand a chance. Ready to win this?" Shintsui asked determined before Katie nodded throwing down a Gate Card. "Ok, I'm ready to do this! Bakugan Brawl!" Katie shouted determined throwing in Shinstui onto the Gate Card before he popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Shinstui!" Katie shouted as Shinstui flew up. "I will NOT lose a second time today!" Shinstui shouted determined to win. "Alright you've got the will, now let's see if you have the fight in you!" Ingram said as Shinstui narrowed his eyes. "Bakugan Brawl!" Shun shouted throwing Ingram in before popping out. "Bakugan Stand! Ingram!" Shun called out as Ingram reappeared. "Let's end this!" Both Katie and Shun shouted as Runo smiled watching the ensuring battle. "Gate Card Open! Level Down!" Katie shouted as the Gate Card opened sapping energy from Ingram.

"Ingram power change detected, power decrease 100G." Katie's Bakupod announced as Ingram's G power decreased to 300G as Shinstui dashed at Ingram ready to strike. "Double Ability Activate! Soaring Strike Shot and Shadow Echo!" Shun shouted as Ingram struck the wind out of Shinstui and then striking him again making him feel like even his shadow was hit. "Ingram power change detected, power increase 200G. Shinstui power change detected, power decrease 400G." Katie's Bakupod announced as Ingram's G power increased to 500G while Shinstui's G power dropped quickly to 100G. " ...And match. Double Ability Activate! Moth Powder and Wind Slash!" Katie shouted holding both cards up as Shinstui's wings glow brightly letting out an intense pollen storm before he flaps each wing sending out intense slice like gale of winds striking Ingram hard.

"Ingram power change detected, power decrease 300G. Shinstui power change detected, power increase 400G." Shun's Bakupod announced as Shinstui's G power rose back to 500G while Ingram's dropped to 300G before he tore into Ingram winning the battle for Katie as she smirked catching him. "Whoa… Katie that was amazing!" Runo said amazed from the battle. "...Well done." Shun said as the arena faded as time started moving again. "Runo I, I just want to say I feel awful about how I treated Alice before. It was such an overreaction of epic proportions." Katie said apologizing to Runo as she nodded. "I guess I overreacted a bit too, I really only escalated things." Runo said apologizing back. "Anyway thank you Shun fo- huh?" Katie started saying before seeing Shun was nowhere to be seen as Runo groaned.

"Let Shun be, he can be mysterious at times he probably left "now that his work is done" and all that." Runo said annoyed Shun left without a word. "D-Do you think the others would be this kind to me?" Katie asked as Runo sighed. "Listen it's not up to me. It's Alice's call on that." Runo said bluntly to her as she sighed frowning. " But, just take some time on it. Give Alice some space and she'll most likely forgive herself." Runo said as Katie's eyes widened. "Oh I uh, what I meant was… well come by tomorrow. But I'm NOT making any promises, got it?" Runo said getting stern as Katie nodded. "Let's just hope you truly get lucky on this. God forbid she not forgive you and-" Shinstui started saying as Katie cleared her throat cutting him off. "Either way I gotta go home, my family just moved here and we are gonna try Tempura, Miso Soup and Onigiri for dessert." Katie said as Runo laughed loudly.

"Aw don't act like you need to eat japanese food because you're in Japan! Just eat whatever you want you got that?" Runo asked winking as Katie laughed in return as they parted ways. Runo headed back home smiling before walking in. "I'm home!" Runo called out as Julie, Alice and Dan groaned in relief. "How do you three do this on a daily basis?!" Dan complained taking his apron off sitting down exhausted. "Well not all of us have time to just play games any more, ever think of that?" Runo said teasing him as Alice and Julie laughed at his expense as he groaned. "Alright I get it." Dan said leaning back. "Aw come on Dan, you've gotta have some line of work you want to do, right?" Alice asked curiously as Dan shook his head. "Honestly no, I haven't thought about many options for a line of work." Dan said sighing as Runo smiled walking up to him. "Hey, if you need help I'll be here with you through this." Runo said as he smiled up at her. "Thanks Runo, you're a lifesaver!" Dan exclaimed as Runo smirked. "And you know it!" Runo said confidently.

"Oh, Runo my mom wants me home for at least one night now that I'm back, can I go home?" Dan asked as Runo tilted her head. "Why would you need my permission on that? I'm not vindictive about keeping you with me all the time you know of course you can go home." Runo told him baffled why he thought he needed her permission. "Thanks Runo!" Dan said rushing out with Drago. Runo sighed sitting back contemplating the encounter with Shun and Katie. "I hope the side of her that came out when Shun fought her STAYS." Runo quietly thought to herself in silence. Julie tilted her head at her seeing her stare off before clapping jolting her back. "You ok Runo? It looks like something is troubling you." Alice asked worried about her. "Well it's uh… I ran into Katie and battled her myself for your sake, Alice. But I lost." Runo lied taking the bullet for Shun as Julie gasped.

"Oh no! How bad was it?" Julie asked invading Runo's personal space as she shoved her back. "I'm fine! S-She looked like she had a lot on her mind, maybe she realized what she did was wrong." Runo said trying to make her look good. "I-If she's more than willing I'll rema-" Alice stammered to say before she yelped as Julie cut her off. "No way! Sorry Alice but If we're rematching her then I'M battling her! I want to battle SO BADLY now it's not even funny now that everyone BUT Gorem and I have brawled now!" Julie demanded passionately as Gorem laughed. "I'm so happy to be back with you Julie, I can see you're just as passionate about brawling as you were last time we were together!" Gorem spoke up as Julie blushed lightly from the praise. "W-Well yeah why wouldn't I be?!" Julie said as Runo let out a quick laugh. "I guess somethings never change." Runo remarked as she and Alice started laughing with Hydranoid and Tigrerra getting Julie flustered. "HEY come on stop this is embarrassing! Please?!" Julie asked as Alice and Runo just kept laughing on as she groaned slinking in her seat.