Meanwhile in New Vestroia, Marucho glared as the other three brawlers in the Resistance watched Marucho work hard on a small piece of hardware. "And you're sure this will work?" Wilda asked on as Marucho nodded. "Tampering with the dimensions as it stands could be dangerous enough, so I hate to say it, but unless we can do something to fix things, getting Dan back is gonna be a near impossibility," Marucho said saddened as Elfin hopped around. "Marucho don't worry about it, if you're right and we get this to Dan and those other friends you mentioned, with the event that happened a few days ago should help them get better at brawling, maybe up to our level!" Elfin said trying to encourage Marucho as he smiled weakly. "At the least knowing there will be other brawlers on Earth getting better if they ever find a way over here to help makes me feel a bit more at ease," Mira said patting Marucho's shoulder impressed with him.
"Hey now, It's not done yet, we need to get the blueprints to Earth!" Marucho told them as their base continued riding through the wastelands heading to where Marucho predicted another tear between dimensions would appear. "Let's just hope you're right about this Marucho, if it's not then we just blew a LOT on doing this!" Ace said hesitantly to believe things would go base stopped as everyone got out looking at a canyon Marucho estimated to be the spot and started waiting. After a few minutes, Marucho smiled seeing a portal slowly open up. Mira took the small piece of machinery throwing it at the portal as it vanished almost as fast from sight. "Alright, we've sent it to Earth, hopefully. That's about all we can do without making matters worse." Mira said as she leads the walk back to the base smiling to Marucho. "That should help them out hone their skills further while another way back is trying to be found," Marucho said hopeful it would work.
Dan and Katie watched on in their seats seeing Alice, Julie and Runo get back on their shift waiting on the other customers. "It's a bummer they have to work like they do," Dan said feeling bad about Runo overworking herself before Alice walked over smiling. "Hey now don't worry about it, Runo makes a lot doing this job, how do you think she affords the supplies she uses to bake?" Alice told them as Dan shook his head clear. "Yeah, I should know better that Runo can take care of herself," Dan said slightly mumbling before Alice put down a tray on the table. "Now come on, I got the ok from Mr. and Mrs. Misaki; this is on the house for both of you," Alice said as Katie drooled wiping her mouth. "No thanks Alice, I had a heavy breakfast before coming over," Dan said trying to be polite. "If you don't want it I'll take it then!" Katie said digging in as Alice's and Dan's eyes widened watching her eat.
"...What?" Katie asked swallowing her mouthful of food. "I thought you just ate?" Dan asked confused as Katie kept digging in. "There's always room for seconds!" Katie said between chewing. Alice had sighed under her breath before they heard Runo laughing. "The cake is done!" Runo exclaimed rushing out of sight as Alice and Julie groaned. "There goes tomorrow's break…" Alice grumbled annoyed as Runo started decorating the cake. The others watched Runo coat the cake carefully with her frosting in slow swipes, so she didn't use more than she needed. Eventually, the cake was coated, and Runo started using a glistening green gel putting the sign of Ventus onto the cake before writing something under it. The others crowded around her looking at it. "Welcome, Katie!" Katie read out as she looked at Runo smiling warmly at her. "Go on, try it." Runo eagerly suggested as Katie looked at the cake. Katie sighed quietly as Runo carefully cut out a part of the cake putting it on a plate for her. Shinstui looked on in suspense as she took a bite as her eyes widened. "...T-Too… Too many flavors…" Katie said shivering from a strong overload of flavors. Julie looked confused before she took a piece of her own taking a bite before she shrugged it off. "It's not that many, I can handle it. It tastes pretty good!" Julie said complimenting Runo. "Well thank you, bu-" Runo tried to say as she shouted shocked as everyone heard a loud thud from outside. "What was that!?" Dan asked rushing to the door looking outside. They were confused seeing a large metal tube in a crater in the pavement.
"...Well, what is it?" Julie asked walking towards it. Alice looked it over as her eyes widened seeing an inscription in the bottom metal. " "Get this to my home and show this to Kato, He'll figure out what to do. Marucho" …!? Marucho sent this from New Vestroia!?" Alice said as the group looked up shocked seeing a portal to New Vestroia closing. "NO! ...Damn it!" Drago shouted rocking in rage missing their chance to go back. "Sorry Drago, we should have been quicker," Dan said berating himself as Runo nudged him. "Come on now isn't the time to regret, Marucho sent this over, and we were lucky enough to get it, we need to take advantage of whatever Marucho wanted!" Runo said getting through to Dan and Drago. "Now come on, we need to make sure Marucho's wishes are met!" Alice said as everyone agreed as Katie followed the to Marucho's home.
A while later they all arrived as Dan knocked on the door. They watched on as to opened the door to greet them. "Masters Dan, Drago, Gorem and Hydranoid. Ladies Runo, Julie, Alice, Tigrerra. ...And who are these two?" Kato greeted before eyeing Katie and Shinstui. "These are some new friends of ours. This is Katie and her own Bakugan, Shinstui." Dan explained as Kato nodded bowing to the both of them. "Anyway if we can save some time please, Marucho sent us something from New Vestroia!" Alice said as Kato's eyes widened shocked hearing this. "I see, please allow me to get Mr. and Mrs. Marukura and inform them about this. I believe they have reason to know this." Kato inquired as group nodded. Everyone followed Kato as he approached both Shuuko and Kia informing him what happened. "Please, Kato figure out what happened to our boy!" Shuuko demanded as Kato looked it over before finally finding a button hidden in the tube opening it up as a holograph-like paper fell out along with a small disk. Alice grabbed it tinkering with it before they watched seeing a small screen showing Marucho and Elfin pop out.
"Greetings guys, I'm glad you found this message since this was hard to come up with. We found out a lot of Bakugan ended up on Earth. We're worried for Runo, Julie and Alice so I thought of a way for them to practice." Marucho's hologram had explained as Dan sweat before the girls looked on unamused. "Along with this message I packed in a blueprint for something I've called Bakugan Interspace. It'll take some time, but once it can be set up I believe It can allow Brawls on Earth without the fear of being locked out of a battle, containing battles to a virtual space where a potential audience could watch!" Marucho explained smiling as their eyes widened. "Yeah tell them Marucho! You're such a genius!" Elfin praised hopping as Marucho blushed chuckling nervously. "Um, anyway this will also allow for more serious purposes, like the others to train and further their skills and hopefully catch up to you and I Dan, and it might even be able to allow tournaments to be held using the Bakugan. In the meantime, we'll be fighting the Vexos over here while you're here so don't worry about us!" Marucho continued explaining as Drago groaned.
"Anyway best of luck Kato, Dan, Runo Julie, Alice. And… mom, dad, if you're listening, please don't worry about me. I've gotten stronger on New Vestroia, and I'm in a safe position." Marucho smiled as the hologram faded out before Shuuko and Kia sighed. "Well hey he's safe, that's good right?" Katie asked trying to boost spirits as the others nodded. "Now then, apologize if I may but as with master Marucho's instruction, it may take a while to build workable versions of his vision, especially with distributors in mind. I would say give us about two or three weeks, SOME progress should be complete." Kato noted to them as Shintsui groaned. "...Anyway thank you for getting this to us, we can take relief in Marucho being safe and sound for now." Kia said grateful for the encounter as Dan smiled back. "Hey Marucho is our friend, we care about him too," Dan told them in just as much relief as they honored the wish heading out to leave.
The group headed out respecting Kato's wishes as Katie sighed. "What's up?" Dan asked as Drago looked on at her. "I'm sorry I just want to brawl again, it feels like things are getting serious and I just wanna cut back," Katie said eagerly for a brawl as Shinstui groaned. "Katie we can't ju-" Shinstui spoke before getting cut off. "Let's go then!" Julie said determinedly. "Alright! Besides I owe you a battle anyway so I think it's only fair!" Katie noted as they started to reach for their cards before Alice cleared her throat. "Hold it you two, how about this if you wait then you can be the first two to test it out. How does that sound?" Alice asked enthused about the idea as Julie and Katie nodded before Julie groaned. "But this is the LAST time we push this back, got it?!" Julie demanded as the others back up a bit. "...Duly noted." Alice said nervous of her outbursting again.
The group called it an early night before Dan left with his mom from the cafe. "So? How'd it go, Dan?" Miyoko asked eager to hear what happened. "Well it wasn't exactly easy, but I think I got through to her. We both had a private moment and just let it all out." Dan told her feeling a mixture of exhaustion and relief. "I knew you could do it, Dan!" Miyoko said smiling ruffling his hair much to his dismay. "Trust us it wasn't exactly a cakewalk, though," Drago noted feeling slight annoyance over the ordeal. "Well, the main point is you've helped Runo get past her issue, and you're happy together again right?" Miyoko asked happily her son was finally getting back on track with her as he nodded. Dan sighed in relief running in his home throwing himself on the couch. "I gotta admit I missed being able to just lay back," Dan said happily taking it easy as Miyoko cleared her throat. "Dan, whatever it was you were doing that does not mean you don't forget your manners," Miyoko told him sternly as Dan sat nervously sat up.
"Sorry." Dan quickly apologized as Miyoko just smiled. "Hey now, let's just get you a nice dinner. Your father should be home soon anyway." Miyoko told him as his eyes lit up grinning. "Thanks, mom! You're awesome!" Dan told her as Miyoko laughs smiling. "Just think of it as my way of saying I'm happy you're still alive," Miyoko told him as he nodded understanding before they heard the door. Dan smirked rushing through dinner with his family as he rushed back to his room with Drago. "So… a virtual realm for brawling that can be used for serious and casual brawling." Dan made note of thinking of Bakugan Interspace. "I'm not entirely sold on it to be blunt. I know Marucho is a smart kid but is it possible?" Drago wondered turning to Dan. "Hey Drago comes on, Marucho came up with this so it has to work!" Dan said determined to believe Marucho's will.
"I'm… sorry, Dan. I'm just bitter honestly. I feel powerless to help my home and unable to help your friends." Drago said admitting his issues. "Whoa, I'm sorry Drago I should have known that was how you felt," Dan said apologetically to him. "Were together, and we are NOT gonna take it sitting! If what Julie said is true, we may just be going back in a manner of time. We just gotta wait is all." Dan told Drago to reassure him. "Alright, Dan I'll take your word for it. So I expect this to work!" Drago said unsure of how to address him as Dan yawned. "Well… anyway, I'm exhausted so see ya in the morning!" Dan said getting himself to sleep as Drago sighed hovering over to the window looking out. "But WILL it work?" Drago mumbled staring out at the sky trying to calm himself down.
A week passed by with no direct contact about the progress on Bakugan Interspace. Dan regularly kept in contact with Runo using the main Bakugan site now that it was breathed new life into with the return of the Bakugan. At the end of the week, he went with Julie on her jogging route again. They took a break in the middle of it sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean. "Man this week has been so great to unwind with!" Dan said catching his breath as Julie laughed. "Aw Dan, don't tell me New Vestroia was wearing you down?" Julie teased as Gorem laughed while Dan looked down embarrassed. "Come on now!" Drago said trying to break it up between them as Julie calmed down. "Anyway Drago, we got the news I'm sure you'll be happy to know because Jenny and Jewels wrote us back! The restoration of the portal to New Vestroia is underway, and we'll be able to go hopefully within a month or two!" Julie explained as Drago sighed in relief. "That puts me at ease at least a bit," Drago said thankful for the news.
"Say, Julie, how do you think you'll do in New Vestroia?" Dan asked concerned as Julie smiled. "Well duh! I'm gonna fight with Gorem to put these aliens in their place for trying to enslave the Bakugan!" Julie said confidently in her abilities. "I bet you'll do great there too, we have to anyway," Dan said reflecting on the battles with the Vexos before his eyes widened groaning. "UGH! Crap I should have given it to her then!" Dan said berating himself. "Given "her" what?" Julie asked confused as Dan pulled out a Ventus Bakugan out as Julie's eyes widened. "Where did THAT come from?!" Julie asked curiously why he had a Ventus Bakugan as he explained the first battle he had in New Vestroia. "Wait hold up Dan, in New Vestroia, the rules are COMPLETELY different!?" Julie asked shocked as Dan nodded."Yeah and the biggest rule is that if there's a 500G power difference between the winner and loser, the winner takes the losers Bakugan." Dan explained as Julie shook horrified.
"I… I could lose Gorem…?" Julie asked looking at him frowning. "Julie you can't think like that! When someone in the resistance did against the Vexos that nearly happened!" Dan told her to reinforce her not to think too negatively about like she was. "R-Right, Ok Dan," Julie told him slowly getting ahold of herself. "Julie you're an amazing brawler and an even better friend. I'm lucky to have friends like you." Dan told her boosting Julie's confidence nodding. "Alright come on, let's finish the route for now, though, ok?" Julie asked as she got up. Dan smiled getting up following her through her route as they made it back to the Cafe. Dan waved Julie off before his eyes widened seeing Alice dart out. "D-Dan. I… feel like we haven't gotten a lot of time to hang out outside of group hangouts, Runo was alright with covering my shift so… could I please spend some time with you?" Alice asked him as his eyes widened. "Of course why not?" Dan told her as she smiled walking up to him. "Thank you!" Alice said happily as Hydranoid popped out on her shoulder.
"...Well, this should be pleasant." Drago remarked sarcastically as each of Hydranoid's heads snarled as Alice glared him down settling Hydranoid. "I'm…" Sorry..." "Alice." each one of Hydranoid's heads said apologizing. "...You know Alice maybe it'd be best if we held a 1 on 1 battle just so the two of them can finally have the closure they need." Dan suggested as Alice looked to Hydranoid nodding in agreement. "Alright, I guess it sounds like we've got a brawl!" Alice said excitedly as both brawlers got their cards out. "Field, Open!" Both shouted as time stopped slowly around them as the field appeared for them to brawl in. "Don't hold anything back, I'll be able to tell if you do!" Drago said towards Hydranoid. "I don't count on it, I'll be going in with my all!" each of Hydranoid's heads shouted viciously as Alice looked at him sternly reeling him back. "Alright let's do this, Gate Card Set!" both called out throwing down a Gate Card on each side of the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" Dan shouted throwing Drago out onto Alice's Gate Card as he popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Neo Dragonoid!" Dan shouted as Neo Drago roared emerging onto the field.
"I'm not scared Dan, here I go! Bakugan Brawl!" Alice shouted determined throwing Hydranoid onto the same card as he popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Alpha Hydranoid!" Alice shouted as Alpha Hydranoid rose up onto the field as both Bakugan stared each other down. "...Alright, no holds barred! Let's do this!" Dan demanded as Alice nodded. "Gate Card open! Enemy Merge!" Alice shouted as the card shone taking energy from Drago giving it to Hydranoid. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power decrease 100G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power Increase 100G." Dan's Bakupod announced after analyzing as he glared seeing Drago's 450G power drop to 350G while Alpha Hydranoid's 550G power rose to 650G. "Not bad Alice but this isn't stopping us! Ability Activate! Burning Dragon!" Dan yelled as Neo Drago opened his mouth spitting out a large fireball exploding on contact with Alpha Hydranoid. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power increase 200G." Alice's Bakupod announced as her eyes widened seeing his G power rise up to 550G.
"I'm not letting you win easy Dan! Ability Activate! Indigo Nightmare!" Alice shouted as Alpha Hydranoid roared loudly getting coated in a large dark aura. "Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, Power increase 300G." Dan's Bakupod announced after analyzing as his eyes widened seeing Alpha Hydranoid's G power skyrocket up to 950G. "Grrrr their pushing 1,000G…!" Neo Drago grumbled aggravated. "What's the matter Drago?! Running out of steam!?" Alpha Hydranoid taunted. As Dan shook his head. "We're not gonna lose! Double Ability activate! Fire & Burning Tornado!" Dan yelled loudly as Neo Drago roared creating a gigantic spiraling tornado around himself and Alpha Hydranoid as he felt his power drain. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power increase 300G. Alpha Hydranoid Power Increase detected, Power Decrease 300G." Alice's Bakupod announced as she watched Alpha Hydranoid's G power drop back to 650G while she glared seeing Neo Drago's rise to 850G. "Alright… Ability Activate! Chaos Leap Sting!" Alice shouted as Alpha Hydranoid leered viciously at Neo Drago spitting out dark balls staggering Neo Drago.
"Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power decrease 100G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power increase 200G." Dan's Bakupod announced after analyzing as he saw Neo Drago's power drop down to 750G while Alpha Hydranoid's rose back to 850G. "I gotta admit Alice, this is much harder than I thought it'd be," Dan said complimenting her as she smiled. "Well, really Hydranoid is doing the hard work, I'm just thinking for him," Alice said trying to be modest as he shook his heads. "It's not over yet Alice, stay sharp!" Hydranoid's said in unison as her eyes widened seeing Dan smirk. "He's not wrong! Ability Activate! Burst Shield!" Dan shouted as Neo Drago got engulfed by a shield of flaming energy. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power increase 100G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power decrease 300G." Alice's Bakupod announced as she smiled seeing Alpha Hydranoid's G power was returned to its base 550G while Drago's returned to 750G. "Looks like we win Alice, that was a close battle wasn't it," Dan asked before his smirk faded seeing her smile. "...It WOULD have been close if you hadn't played into my trap! Double Ability Activate! Death Trident and Fusion Ability Activate! Final Destruction!" Alice shouted as Alpha Hydranoid spit out overwhelming powerful blasts of dark energy from his mouths hitting Drago destroying his shield. "Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, Power increase 100G. Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power decrease 300G." Dan's Bakupod announced as his jaw dropped seeing Neo Drago's G power plummet down to his base 450G while Alpha Hydranoid's rose to 650G.
"This… can't be…!" Neo Drago shouted as Alpha Hydranoid approached slowly. "No Drago! Ability Activate! Tornado Barrier!" Dan shouted as a gale force of heated wind blew off the power infused to Hydranoid giving Neo Drago another barrier. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power increase 300G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power decrease 100G." Alice's Bakupod announced after analyzing as Alice watched their G powers revert to the last states they were in. "...Game!" Alice smirked as Dan and Neo Drago looked at her confused. "Huh? But I have the higher G power now, how can you win?" Dan asked confused. "Because that was your last defensive card wasn't it?" Alice asked as Dan's eyes widened realizing she played him like a fiddle. "And I've got one last card to end it! Ability Activate! Destruction Grind!" Alice shouted as Alpha Hydranoid roared leaping at Neo Drago before his stomach started spinning the spikes over it like a chainsaw piercing the barrier pinning Drago and slowly drained his G power to 0. "Neo Dragonoid Power change detected, 0G detected." Dan's Bakupod announced as he saw Neo Drago slowly succumb to Alpha Hydranoid losing the fight before both retreated returning to Dan and Alice before the field vanished.
"This… can't be…!" Neo Drago shouted as Alpha Hydranoid approached slowly. "No Drago! Ability Activate! Tornado Barrier!" Dan shouted as a gale force of heated wind blew off the power infused to Hydranoid giving Neo Drago another barrier. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power increase 300G. Alpha Hydranoid power change detected, power decrease 100G." Alice's Bakupod announced after analyzing as Alice watched their G powers revert to the last states they were in. "...Game!" Alice smirked as Dan and Neo Drago looked at her confused. "Huh? But I have the higher G power now, how can you win?" Dan asked confused. "Because that was your last defensive card wasn't it?" Alice asked as Dan's eyes widened realizing she played him like a fiddle. "And I've got one last card to end it! Ability Activate! Destruction Grind!" Alice shouted as Alpha Hydranoid roared leaping at Neo Drago before his stomach started spinning the spikes over it like a chainsaw piercing the barrier pinning Drago and slowly drained his G power to 0. "Neo Dragonoid Power change detected, 0G detected." Dan's Bakupod announced after analyzing as he saw Neo Drago slowly succumb to Alpha Hydranoid losing the fight before both retreated returning to Dan and Alice before the field vanished.
"We... we lost!?" Dan asked shaken up as Alice walked over to him. "Come on Dan, you fought your hardest didn't you? There's no shame in that." Alice told him as he got nodded. "I suppose you're right. I probably would have won if you didn't outsmart me." Dan said trying to keep his pride intact as Alice laughed. "That… I admit was a very intense battle, Hydranoid. I have to give you credit." Drago told him with no hard feelings. "The same could be said to you Drago, well fought!" each of Hydranoid's heads replied. Alice and Dan had sighed in relief before they walked on. "...This just feels nice. Two friends on a nice day. It feels so soothing." Alice made note of as Dan looked away nervously. "...Hmm? What's up, Dan? ..Oh, wait I get it. You wish it was Runo coming with you don't you?" Alice remarked smirking as Dan's eyes widened looking away. "H-Hey now comes on now Alice, you don't have a boyfriend, do you know what it's like to be in a relationship?" Dan asked getting defensive as Alice and Hydranoid laughed.
"She doesn't need to be with the way it's written on your face," Hydranoid remarked. "It's… well the thing is I feel like I've been with Runo TOO much the last week, does that make sense to you?" Dan asked as Alice nodded. "You just want Runo to have her space and not smother her, I get it," Alice told him understanding his plight. "So how's the studying going anyway, Alice?" Dan asked curiously how her studies were going as she groaned. "It's getting harder as I go along, a while ago CPR was the hardest thing to learn, but now I have to know about ALL the body's systems and how they work. Like you need to know what enzymes can and can't break down in case someone swallowed something that can't be digested, you need to know what muscles work for what part of the muscular system. It's a lot broader than I thought it would be." Alice complained admitting her frustrations. "Whoa it all sounds so complicated, but come on Alice I know you can do it!" Dan told her to encourage her. "Well, I'm trying," Alice said in response unsure if she could.
"You just gotta keep trying, if you give up what will that accomplish?" Dan said trying to get her mind out of the gutters. "...Hey Dan, can I ask you something?" Alice asked him curiously how he would respond. "Well, of course, you can, go on?" Dan asked curiously. "Ok well it… it's hard to ask but… I had a dream about… ...what would you had done if things were different, and You were the one left behind with Marucho, not Runo and Julie?" Alice asked as Dan's eyes widened. "Oh god, I… I'm sorry Alice can I have some time to think it over?" Dan asked as she nodded. "I know it's a hard question so take your time," Alice said trying to ease pressure on him. As she did, they noticed an Aquos Bakugan rolling around. "..Whoa hold on what's going on here!?" Dan asked as they watched it pop out seeing it was Kyudine. "Help, please!" Kyudine had asked in a serious tone before Dan and Alice looked at her. "Ok, Kyudine right? What's wrong?" Dan asked worriedly.
"Dan! It's Caesar he needs help, I was separated from him, and a cloaked figure got him down into an ally!" Kyudine explained panicked as Alice's eyes widened in horror. "We need to find him!" Dan said as he darted off. "Dan!" Alice shouted lifting up Kyudine taking her with her following Dan as he searched the allies for Caesar before they finally found him on the ground bruised up. "Caesar!" Kyudine shouted rolling over to him nudging against him scared for him. Alice got down tending to his wounds as Dan looks up noticing a form shifting as he rushed off after it. "Dan Wait!" Alice shouted grabbing Caesar lifting him on her back running close behind with Kyudine. Dan continued giving chase as he cornered the figure. "Are you the one who assaulted Caesar!?" Dan asked agitated as his eyes widened seeing the cloaked figure step up before taking it's hood off revealing itself to be a woman.
"...You're looking for a battle then to aren't you?" She asked. "Don't ignore me! Did you harm this boy or not!?" Dan asked again as she groaned nodding. "Yeah, he was too weak for his own good. Don't disappoint me!" She said in response holding up a field card as Alice's eyes widened getting close. "Dan, you take her. I need to check up on Caesar's wounds while you brawl, got it?" Alice asked jumping to the point as Dan nodded holding up his own Field Card. "Field, Open!" Both of them shouted at the same time as Alice barely made it into the arena as it formed before time crawled to a halt. "Alice please take good care of him…" Kyudine said worried sick as Alice nodded trying to tend to his wounds.
"What you did was messed up! I'm making sure you pay for that!" Dan said bitterly as she smirked taking out a Bakugan as it pops out. "...Can I be as brutal as possible!?" Dan's eyes widened hearing the Bakugan ask as the woman nodded. "Just what are you trying to pull anyway!?" Drago asked getting mad as the other Bakugan laughed. "You'll get to see on the battlefield!" It said further angering Drago. "Enough! Let's make this quick! You may call me Phoenix because I will burn everything down and return from the ashes!" Phoenix said taunting Dan. "Enough let's do this!" Dan shouted getting mad. "Gate Card Set!" Both yelled setting down two Gate Cards on the field.
"Bakugan Brawl!" Dan shouted throwing out his Bakugan as it popped out on his Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand! Mantris!" Dan shouted as Mantris rose out screeching at Phoenix. "New Opponent detected, Pyrus Mantris, 340G." Phoenix's Bakupod announced after analyzing. "Are you kidding me with this!? This is pathetic!" Phoenix said unhappily before throwing out a Gate Card. "Now let me show you A REAL move. Bakugan Brawl!" Phoenix shouted throwing out the Bakugan they had seen talking before it popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Flaremander!" Dan's eyes widened seeing the flaming lizard rise up onto the field. "...Holy…!" Dan stared stunned seeing it barely speaking up. "New Opponent detected, Flaremander. 450G." Dan's Bakupod announced after analyzing as Drago nearly flew off Dan. "WHAT!?" Drago shouted out shocked at such a strong Bakugan. "Ability Activate! Wildfire!" Phoenix shouted as Dan's eyes widened seeing Flaremander scorch the Gate Card leaving it unusable. "No, my Gate Card!" Dan said glaring feeling overwhelmed. "What's the matter? Wildfire burns your Gate Card making it unusable!" Phoenix shouted out taunting. "Grrr... Double Ability Activate! Flame Machete and Slice Cut!" Dan shouted as Mantris' scythes caught fire slicing several times "Mantris power changes detected, power increase 60G. Flaremander power change detected, power decrease 70G." Phoenix's Bakupod announced as Mantris' 340G rose up to 400G before Flaremander's 450G dropped to 430G.
"Done? Good, Ability Activate! Blaze Scorch!" Phoenix shouted as Dan's eyes widened seeing Flaremander's mouth blaze up before spitting out an intense fireball exploding on Mantris. "Mantris Power change detected, power decrease 150G." Dan's Bakupod announced as his jaw dropped seeing Mantris' 400G decrease to 300G before seeing Flaremander bite hard into Mantris quickly defeating it as both Bakugan left the field. "That was a JOKE!" Phoenix said annoyed how easy Flaremander took out Mantris. "Phoenix please, the round has ended, let's prepare for the next," Flaremander said to her as she groaned nodding setting a new Gate Card down. "Bakugan Brawl!" Phoenix shouted throwing Flaremander back in landing on her new Gate Card before popping out. "Bakugan Stand! Flaremander!" Phoenix shouted as Flaremander returned to the field. "...Dan, please send me in so I can put this thing in his place!" Drago demanded as Dan shook his head. "Sorry not yet Drago, you're my ace in the hole after all," Dan said talking him down as Dragon groaned infuriated as Dan set down his next Gate Card.
"Bakugan Brawl!" Dan shouted throwing out his Sarus as it popped out. "Bakugan Stand! Sarus!" Dan shouted as Sarus rose up ready to fight. "Gate Card Open! Blazing Arena!" Phoenix shouted loudly as a blazing ring of fire surrounded both Saurus and Flaremander. "Flaremander power change detected, power increase 100G." Phoenix's Bakupod announced as Flaremander's 450G rose up to 550G. "Consider it a blessing you're a Pyrus Brawler too, any non-Pyrus Bakugan fighting in Blazing Arena can't use Abilities… so you dodged a bullet!" Phoenix admitted annoyed as Dan smirked. "Good then this won't be too much of a problem! Ability Activate! Saurus Glow!" Dan shouted as Saurus roared bathing in a flaming glow. "Saurus power change detected, power increase 50G." Dan's Bakupod announced as Saurus' 350G rose up to 400G. "Stop holding back! Ability Activate! Spiral Flame!" Phoenix shouted as Flaremander tilted his head up spewing out a spiraling intense flame around them wearing down Saurus. "Flaremander power change detected, power increase 50G. Saurus power change detected, power decrease 100G." Phoenix's Bakupod announced as she grinned seeing Flaremander's 550G rise up to 600G while Saurus' 400G quickly dropped to 250G. "End it!" Phoenix demanded as Flaremander bit down into Saurus quickly defeating it as both left the field.
"...Dan! I need to go in this time!" Drago demanded as Dan glared nodding. "...Ok, point taken Drago let's do it!" Dan said determinedly as he threw out a new Gate Card. "Bakugan… BRAWL!" Dan yelled out throwing Drago out onto the field as Drago popped out on his Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand! Neo Dragonoid!" Dan shouted as he watches Neo Drago roar loudly flying into the air. "...FINALLY! A REAL Bakugan to fight!" Phoenix said grinning widely. "Let's end this now!" Dan spoke up determined to beat at least one of her Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" Phoenix shouted throwing out Flaremander once again popping out. "Bakugan Stand! Flaremander!" Phoenix shouted as Flaremander rose for the last time to confront Neo Drago. "I will NOT allow you to harm anyone again!" Neo Drago said trying to talk down Flaremander. "Let's end this, Ability Activate! Alchemic Flare!" Phoenix shouts as Flaremander screeches lighting up as his body turns blue and gets lit up in blue flames. "Flaremander power increase detected. Power increase 200G." Dan's Bakupod announced as he glared seeing his 450G rise up to 650G.
"Ability Activate! Fire Shield!" Dan had shouted before Neo Drago became cloaked in a flaming shield as Phoenix chuckled. "...You really should think before you act. Alchemic Flame prevents the next ability meant to weaken him to fail!" Phoenix had shouted before Flaremander hissed loudly as his blue flames flared up over Neo Drago deteriorating his shield. "Grrr… Alright, that's enough! Gate Card Open! Devour!" Dan shouted as Phoenix's eyes widen getting caught off caught before Neo Drago roared inhaling as Flaremander shouted feeling Drago take in his flames. "Neo Dragonoid power increase detected, power increase 200G. Flaremander power change detected, power decrease 200G." Phoenix's Bakupod announced as Neo Drago stole the added 200G reversing their totals. "And that's NOT all! Ability Activate! Burning Dragon!" Dan shouted as Neo Drago roared breathing a large fireball colliding with Flaremander making him slide back. "Neo Dragonoid power change detected, power increase 200G." Dan's Bakupod announced as Neo Drago's 650G rose up to 850G before he spewed out further streams of flames burning on contact with Flaremander as he shouted overwhelmed before getting defeated.
"...Damn it all!" Phoenix shouted as the field slowly faded before time started moving again much to Dan's shock. "H-Hey what happened!? I only beat that one Bakugan?!" Dan asked confused as Phoenix glared him down. "...Flaremander is my ONLY Bakugan. That's why. I hate to admit it, but you won." Phoenix admitted much to her disdain. "Well I… grr… Just get out of here!" Dan shouted at her as she rolled her eyes cloaking herself once again leaving. Dan looked over at Alice, Caesar and Kyudine seeing Alice get up. "Alright. I've done all I can for him. The bruises were bad, but he should be alright in the long run. He just needs sleep to gain his strength back." Alice said assessing the situation. "Come on, we'll take him home," Dan said lifting Caesar onto his back. "I'll show you to our home then, follow me," Kyudine said as she went into her ball rolling off as Dan and Alice followed her. Eventually, they came to the house Kyudine wanted them to reach as Dan knocked on the door. "Hello! Is anyone home?!" Dan shouted out trying to get an answer before the door soon opened as a woman stepped out. "Who... CAESAR!?" the woman cried out seeing Caesar knocked out cold. "You must be his mom then, we're sorry we found him assaulted and out cold so we brought him back home," Alice said feeling bad for the woman. "T-Thank you for bringing him home… I appreciate what you did for my son." his other said full of anguish. "We'll get out of your hair if you want us to," Dan said as she nodded trying not to cry.
Alice closed the door sighing as she looked down seeing Kyudine. "...Thank you for scaring her off. You have my gratitude for saving Caesar." Kyudine said as both Alice and Dan nodded. "We couldn't sit on the side and let him suffer like that! What she did was wrong!" Dan said still mad at the woman. "If there's anything else you need then please come find us." Alice pleaded as Kyudine bobbed understanding before curling up rolling under the door. "That poor boy…" Alice said frowning at the thought of why the Phoenix would beat him down so bad. "We've done all we can do Alice, let's go back," Dan said as Alice nodded understanding him before heading back to the Cafe.
Dan walked back with Alice to his house. "Why'd you come over with me Alice?" Dan asked curiously why she came home with him. "Well, I felt you needed someone to stop you from beating yourself up about not stopping it sooner," Alice said trying to make him feel better about himself. "It's alright Alice I'm over it. Besides, I DID win and stop her so I'm taking that a victory," Dan told her as she smiled. "Mind if we still come in then? It's getting kind of late, and I don't know if it's best to go back at this time." Alice said as Dan smiled understanding. Not at all Alice, come on in!" Dan told her as she walked in with him. "Thanks, Dan" Alice said thankful to him. "Don't mention it, what are friends for?" Dan asked more than happy to let her stay over.
