Chapter 1: Next Generation Problems
In the newly formed world of Gaia, it had been exactly fourteen years since the two worlds of Vestroia and Earth merged together into one cohesive unit. And since then, a lot has changed.
First was dealing with the human governments searching for an explanation as to what happened, to which the Brawlers and every other Bakugan player shared what they knew. The world leaders weren't very pleased with the fact that they had a new and larger species sharing a world with them, especially when said move was made by teenagers, but when the list of benefits were shown to outweigh the cons by the largest margin possible, they swallowed their pride and accepted it.
However, this did little to diminish the petty politics of the situation that still endured to this day…
Second was drafting up new laws to help ensure equal rights for Bakugan. Not everyone was thrilled about equal rights for what the opposition of the move perceived as "mindless monsters," but those arguments were swiftly shut down by the Bakugan proving their intelligence. The laws that were proposed were examined thoroughly to ensure that there were no loopholes that would hurt the creatures they were meant to protect, and once the examination was complete, they were passed.
There were some nations that refused to allow the laws to be in effect in their borders, but they changed their minds relatively quickly.
Having giant dragons and what-not putting pressure on your government will do that to you.
Third of all was making Bakugan battles into a public sport where it was an option to fight in the arenas all around the world or not.
Not every Bakugan was willing to fight and just wanted to live a mundane life with whomever they chose as their partner–or just in the wild–and they were fine with that. Brawling wasn't for everyone.
The sport itself was basically like another soccer or rugby, pretty much every country played it
Though probably by far the most significant change was the discovery that Attribute energy was a viable alternative energy source, next to nuclear energy.
This revolutionized most technology almost overnight.
After four years of research following the merging of the two worlds, things like hover cars were commonplace to see flying through the skies like a utopia. Along with hoverboards, scooters, electromagnetic suspension bikes, AVs etc. Straight out of Back to the Future, Big Hero 6 or Cyberpunk 2077.
Granted, ground based vehicles still existed for the sake of things like sport, but this was progress at its finest.
But what was really shocking were the appearances of the Gaia Born Bakugan and Bakugan-Human hybrids–no, we're not kidding.
The Gaia Born Bakugan differed greatly from their Vestroia born cousins in numerous ways. When they're thrown out into a battlefield, they pick up a bakucore from the ground as a bonus for the fight they're in. All core effects varied in effect and G power, keeping everyone on their toes.
These cores could also be used on other Bakugan for added battle implementation. Like decreasing an opponent's G Power, for example. Like the pick-ups in older battle types–which were still present.
Bakugan-Human hybrids, meanwhile, were children with human and Bakugan parents–typically humanoid types in the case of the latter–and tended to have special powers and features based on the attribute or attributes of their Bakugan parent.
The first instance of these hybrids was the daughter of Shirogane Hiroshima and Rabeeder, Haos-Subterra Savannah Hiroshima, who inherited both attributes of her mother.
Unofficially, she was the first three way hybrid of human, Bakugan and Kaiju/Titan, but that last one was classified for her safety.
Fast and efficient space travel was also made possible as well. There were ships that came right out of Mass Effect, Halo and a few other franchises. And to add to that, what really accelerated was the world's military.
But that's a story for another day…
-Monarch Outpost Omega-316. Republic of New Japan, Gaia.-
In the Republic of New Japan, what Japan became after the Second Renaissance, Shirogane Hiroshima and his best friend Thomas Oliver were currently checking their data sheets for the fourth time that week. As the Titans had been showing moderate activity as of late.
"What's causing them to start showing moderate brain activity?" Shiro wondered. He had aged a bit, now having a short green beard on his face. Almost like a five o'clock shadow.
"Well, if I had to guess..." Tommy said as he looked outside the window at the parasite chrysalis that loomed over the ruins of an old reactor near the outpost… and saw it flash orange five times before the building shook, causing the two to fall over. "It probably has something to do with that." He added, hosting himself up with the help of his desk.
"Add to the fact the radiation levels have been going down over the years, and this thing is losing any reason to stay put." His fellow hybrid grunted as he got back to his feet.
"But there's one thing that just doesn't make sense." Tommy noted as he thumbed through a list of Titans. "All the Kaiju ate here, even Junior. But there are four of them missing." He continued.
"Gigan, Space Godzilla, Biollante and Destroyah. Not much of a surprise in Destroyah's case; we'll probably need an Oxygen Destroyer to be used to catalyze her return." Shiro mused. "Gigan and Space Godzilla are probably still in space, and we don't know exactly where they are yet." He added.
"And we both know how Biollante came to be, so recreating that process could be difficult." Tommy inputted. "Especially in regards to whose DNA we need for that." He added.
"Actually…" The green haired man said as he gestured for his friend to follow. He then led him to a part of the base that was quartered off, and had cold storage.
Going to a containment cell, Shiro put on gloves and slowly pulled out a canister that had been in pressurized cold containment. It was labeled "Regenerator G-1".
And inside, was a sample of Godzilla's skin!
"You… You actually figured out a way?" Tommy gasped as he looked at the sample.
"Yeah, and I think I know who we could give a second chance in the process." The Kaiju hybrid nodded as he put the sample back and showed him another DNA sample, one of a woman who tragically lost her life in the reactor accident caused by the parasite all those years ago: Mrs. Sandra Brody.
"I knew Miss Brody." Tommy nodded. "She was a nice lady, saved a lot of people that day, closing the door when she did." He added.
"Yeah. She died saving lives, and now we'll give her the chance to continue doing so." Shiro nodded.
"I dunno, Shiro. Seems kinda like we're playing God." His friend admitted uneasily. Shiro sighed as those words were uttered.
"Don't think I haven't noticed, and make no mistake, this wasn't my idea. Someone else concocted this cockamamey scheme." The green haired hybrid told him.
"Who?" His scarred companion questioned.
"That would be me, my darling." A voice said as a rose pod sprouted from the floor, and Gaia strutted out. Dressed in a tulip shaped green skirt that had a slit for her legs, and a white blouse and red over shirt she had tied off in a makeshift bra. She still had her sun-kissed caramel skin, green eyes and voluminous red hair.
"Why would you? Doesn't Mrs. Brody deserve to rest peacefully?" Tommy questioned his wife.
"Oh believe me, she does indeed deserve it, but I had a chat with her in the afterlife and offered her the chance for a second wind in life. She–burdened by her lingering regrets–took the offer wholeheartedly." Gaia explained. "I did warn her of the new body she would be a part of, however, so she knew what to expect." She added.
"I still think it's asinine. Especially since she'll be contending with Kaijugan Biollante for control." Shiro stated, looking at the blood sample.
"Tut tut tut, oh Shiro, have a little faith." Gaia told him. "Now, let's begin, shall we?" She said, creating a single seed in her hand and then taking a drop of Miss Brody's blood and a sample of Godzilla's skin.
Molding the three ingredients together, what resulted was a scaly black seed about the size of a pumpkin seed.
Placing it in a pot of soil, Gaia then watered the plant and started walking towards her flower pod.
"Now, I'll be taking our little Biollante here to where her Titan outpost should be built. I'll send you the coordinates then." She told them, before turning away and looking over her shoulder. "Oh, and Tommy, dearest." She continued. "Magnus's match is about to start, you better hurry." She added before taking her leave.
"Oh shit!" Tommy yelped before he scrambled for the nearest TV and turned it to his son's match, Shiro chuckling as he did.
That was another thing. When Tommy was ready, he decided he wanted to have children with Gaia, and the result was a son and a daughter that were truly magnificent. The primordial mother was seriously horny during her pregnancy, though. Hell, throughout the later stages of her pregnancy, she still had sex with him, including when she was eight months pregnant!
She did assure him that their children were more than strong enough to handle it during that period of their growth. It certainly kept them from getting sexually frustrated.
As the two sat in their offices/observation room, Shiro turned on the TV.
(Elsewhere)
-Wardington Bakugan Battle Stadium-
In the battle Stadium of Wardington, two teenagers faced each other on either side, a Gauntlet strapped to their arms.
One was a young man who looked to be about sixteen, with light brown skin similar to Julie or Julio, and had a build that was similar to Dan's when he was younger. If a bit more muscular.
His hair was green, with a patch of red on the left side, which stood up. His eyes were a purple color, like Shiro's. The boy's face also seemed almost draconic in a way, with a smirk that seemed almost permanently affixed to his face, and long fang-like canines.
Lastly, he had slightly longer fingernails as well, which were painted a glossy green, and on his neck and ears were clamp piercings and a silver dog tag necklace with a koi fish on the front and a dragon on the back, the Kanji for courage on the bottom corner and his name going up the left side.
His attire consisted of a black sleeveless shirt, equally black pants and black boots with a white jacket wrapped around his neck. He had a golden crown on his head and his gauntlet was plated in royal gold. He also had a gold arm band on his left arm. It seemed to be in the shape of a dragon.
This was Ryuga Hiroshima, Shiro and Zina's son and what's known as an Alpha level hybrid. That being a hybrid with three quarters Kaiju DNA instead of half.
Across from him was his opponent for the day, a young woman who seemed to be a Haos brawler, based on her gauntlet color.
She had sky blue hair, brown eyes and caucasian skin. She stood at a height of 5'6" and had a stern look on her face. Her body was a killer hourglass figure with a DD-cup bust.
Her attire consisted of a somewhat gothic look. She had a black sweater–which made her breasts look very pronounced–a black and blue plaid skirt, black stockings and black shoes–specifically loafers.
She is Mikoto Kuso, Dan and Runo's daughter who took after her mother's Haos preference. Which was ironic, given her personality.
"No hard feelings when I win, right Mikoto?" Ryuga questioned with his typical smirk, gauntlet powered up.
"You say that as if you're going to win." Mikoto said in a monotonous voice as her own gauntlet powered up.
"Gauntlet, power strike!" The two yelled as the battlefield took shape in a wave of Bakucores.
"Gate Card, set!" Mikoto called as she went first, as she was a year younger than Ryuga. "Naganoid, you're up." The girl told her partner.
"Why must you be so gloomy about everything?" The Haos-Pyrus Dragonoid complained.
"Because just about everything is both boring yet entertaining." Mikoto replied flatly, causing her partner to sigh before he went into ball form. "Bakugan Brawl!" She called as he hit a Bakucore and came alive as the crowds cheered.
Naganoid hadn't really changed appearance wise since hitting puberty, he just had a growth spurt and now had larger attributes physically speaking.
"Haos-Pyrus Naganoid enters battle at 900 Bs. Bakucore: Upper Hand active. ×2 B-Power bonus active on all abilities." The Gauntlets buzzed.
In Bakugan form, he looked like Ultimate Dragonoid, but had no horn and looked much more like Waivern.
"Ready to go, Leonidas?" Ryuga asked his partner, who floated by his head. He had a bronze colored body with orange and gold accents.
"You know it. Let's go!" He exclaimed as he went into ball form for his partner to grab him.
"Bakugan Brawl!" Ryuga exclaimed as he threw his Bakugan. "Alright Leonidas, you know what to do!" He added as the beast appeared.
"Aurelius Leonidas enters battle at 1000 Bs. Bakucore Active: Block Shield. Resistance to decrease abilities active." The gauntlet said.
Leonidas took on the appearance of a bipedal dragon with armor on his shoulders and knees, having spikes on the latter for some nasty knee-based attacks. His wings looked like they had the strength to help him break the sound barrier if desired, and his claws looked like they could shred through titanium as if it were nothing but hot butter. He also had two horns pointing backwards on his head with a third pointing forward.
His eyes also glowed blood red.
"Ability activate." Mikoto intoned, never breaking her monotonous tone as her gauntlet glowed. "Elegant Requiem!" She added.
"B-Power increase by 200 ×2 Bs. Current power level 1300 Bs." The machines buzzed as Naganoid's tail orbs glowed and he whipped it at Leonidas, sending several energy orbs at him.
"Oh no you don't! Ability activate!" Ryuga exclaimed as his gauntlet glowed.
"Alpha Burst!" Leonidas roared as his chest and backplate glowed before a pulse of bronze energy met the attack and negated it.
"B power returned to previous levels. Upper Hand bakucore has been removed." The machines said.
Looking around, Mikoto tried to see if she could find a Bakucore to play and try to get back on track, and saw just the one a few paces to her right.
Problem was, Ryuga was already making a mad dash for it.
"Oh no you don't!" She hissed before sprinting for the core. Her proximity advantage did not fail her and she was able to grab the core before her friend could. "Naganoid, heads up!" She called, sending the core his way.
Naganoid quickly turned his head and chomped down on the hexagon shaped disc and his power increased by several B-Power.
"Naganoid B-power increases to 1200 Bs." Their gauntlets buzzed.
"Ah shit. Double Ability Activate!" Ryuga exclaimed.
"Bronze Age Blitz!" Leonidas roared as he rushed at the Dragonoid and unleashed a barrage of claw swipes before striking him with his bronze tipped tail. "And Alpha Blaster!" He added as he flew into the air, his neck sparking with lightning as he fired a beam at Naganoid, hitting him dead on.
Naganoid roared as he was sent back to Mikoto in his ball form and the match was called.
"Hm. Just like your father, always coming in clutch." Mikoto mused with a small smile as she picked up Naganoid.
"Honestly, if I didn't still have those cards, that lost bakucore would have screwed me sideways." The Alpha level hybrid admitted with a slight eye roll.
"I think so." The girl nodded before she turned to leave. "Care to join me at the concession stands?" She offered, looking back at him over her shoulder.
"Sure. I could go for some water right now." Ryuga nodded was the two went to get some refreshments.
(Elsewhere)
Meanwhile, at said concession stands, two boys were busy talking while a few girls were sitting at a table and enjoying smoothies while the two talked.
The first was a tall young Japanese man that stood about the same height as Julio Sentara (6'3") when he was younger. He had a very defined, heavy muscular build and relatively tan skin. As well small brown-red eyes and shoulder-length brown hair that was tied into a top-knot bun.
One of his most notable features is the large scar running down the left side of his face, which he got while training with Ryuga.
His attire consisted of a black button up leather jacket, a purple underwear shirt, a pair of black Jujitsu pants, and Chinese flat slippers.
This was Jett Kuso, Mikoto's twin brother and also one of Ryuga's best friends. He was currently talking to another one of their friends: Magnus Oliver.
Magnus was a bit shorter than Jett (6'1"). He had caucasian skin, black hair that was styled similar to how Marucho's used to look, but had a single strand sticking up. He also had red eyes.
His attire consisted of a black coat with white stripes on the sleeves, a matching colored shirt, black pants and white sneakers. He also wore a mask on the left side of his face, not because of a scar, but mainly to channel that teenage edginess he has at his current age. His left hand had a glove on it for better interfacing with his gauntlet.
"Now I'm only going to ask you this once, Maggy." Jett said, his arms folded. "What kind of woman is your type?" He questioned. "Keep in mind, that if I don't like your answer–I might just beat you to death here and now." He added, cracking his knuckles. He wasn't joking.
"Honestly?" The boy mused as he mulled his reply over. "I'd have to say I'd go for women with a nice pair of wide hips and a decent sized chest. Even older women, if I know them well." He added.
Jett listened to his reply and rolled his eyes before smacking the demi-primordial in the back of the head.
"Of course you'd go after older women, you've never so much as looked at a girl our age seriously." He tisked.
"You can blame my dad for that one." Magnus retorted. "It must be genetic." He added as he watched a single cougar with blonde hair and a pair of G-cups walk by.
It wasn't that hard to spot, either. His dad had gone for his mom regardless of the cosmos size age gap, and their relationship still functioned amazingly.
"Fair enough." Jett shrugged, seeing his friend's point.
"Do you boys always talk about other girls because you like to? Or do you just like ignoring the fact that you have several young bombshells sitting right here?" A voice questioned, getting their attention.
The speaker was a girl with caramel-mocha colored skin, blond hair–which were in pigtails–and violet eyes. She had an hourglass figure and a pair of CC-cup breasts as well as a plumb shaped ass.
She was wearing red gym shorts, a black tank top and trainers.
This was Georgia Gilbert, Julie and Billy's daughter. She was about the same age as the majority of the Next Gen Brawlers: 14, almost 15. The only exception to this being Ryuga who's 16, Elisabeth Kazami who is 17–making her the oldest. And Ryuko, who was 13, making her the youngest.
"Sorry, Georgia. Not my fault that this guy over here has the most glaringly obvious preference in women." Jett told her, jutting a thumb at the opera mask wearing teen beside him.
"Says the man who asks the most personal question imaginable and then proceeds to threaten to beat them to death if you don't like their answer." Magnus retorted with an emo huff.
"Come on you two, don't fight." Elisabeth or Elsie told them.
Elsie Kazami was a young woman with a tall athletic build. She had small golden eyes and long black hair normally which was tied into a short ponytail. She had fringes of hair over her forehead with smaller strands framing her cheeks and sported a pair glasses.
Attire wise she wore the same kind of 'uniform' Jett wore. Black skirt with a white button shirt and a black jacket, with thick, long tan socks and black shoes with her uniform.
"Yeah, it's kinda depressing and annoying watching you guys fight." Ana added.
Anastasia, or Ana Kazami, looked nearly identical to her older sister but with her hair cut shorter. But the difference was that she had brown eyes and mid-length ginger colored hair. She stood at around 5'7" an inch shorter than her sister.
She also wore the same kind of uniform as the others, which was the uniform of the Wardington Brawlers academy, but hers had the sleeves cut off.
"Yes, it's rather inconvenient." Another girl commented.
She had borderline perfect porcelain skin, blue eyes and long black hair that reached the middle of her back. She also had a figure appropriate for a girl her age and stood at a height of 5'8". She wore the academy presidential uniform and had two Bakugan sitting on her shoulders.
This was Satsuki, Marucho and Akemi's firstborn daughter.
Next to her was her younger sister Ryuko. She was the youngest of the group at the age of 14. She was much more scrappy looking than her sister and had by far the least developed figure out of all the girls. Her blue eyes had a perpetual punky look and her black hair had a single red streak going down her bangs and she wore a first year uniform.
She also had a Bakugan with her, a Pyrus nine tailed fox Bakugan.
"Come on, let's change the subject." A girl suggested. She looked to be half American and Japanese with brown haired styled in a traditional Chinese braid with purple eyes and nails that were painted with a clear coating.
Like everyone else, she was wearing the same uniform. This was Mei Lian Brown.
As the group continued to bicker, they were joined by Ryuga and Mikoto who tried to break up the argument, whilst the Bakugan congregated on the table.
"How'd the match go, Leonidas?" Kurama, Ryuko's partner, questioned.
Pyrus Gaia Born Bakugan usually called hot places their home. Tropics, deserts, and volcanoes being the most common, the Sun is also a viable birthplace. (Pyrus-Haos/Subterra hybrids often popped up in these environments)
"Pretty good. Naganoid almost had me." The dragon Bakugan replied.
"And I would've had you if Ryuga hadn't clutched it at the last second." Said Bakugan interjected.
"Trust me, I'm as surprised as you that we had a double Ability saved up." The Dragonoid nodded.
"I guess being an Aurelius Bakugan isn't so great after all." Vladitor, one of Magnus's partners, noted.
"Vladitor…" Nillious sighed.
Darkus Gaia Born Bakugan were usually ones born from and lived in dark places, such as dark caves, caverns, swamps, the depths of the ocean (often leading to either Darkus-Aquos or Darkus-Subterra hybrids) or the vastness of space.
Vladitor here was born in a black hole… A fucking black hole.
Let that sink in.
While Aurelius Bakugan were usually born of Gaia's core itself, coming up from holes in the Earth Monarch watched called "Wells of the Core," which were kept safe by the Protectors of the Core. This was an elite task force of Bakugan brawling ninjas, led by Shun Kazami.
These kinds of Bakugan are by far the rarest and have the potential to use all attributes. And they also tend to have naturally higher power levels than normal Bakugan, making them much stronger.
"Now now, let's not start fighting like they are." One of Satsuki's Bakugan interjected calmly.
This was Pegatrix, a Gaia Born Haos Bakugan. She was a Pegasus Bakugan who–like all of her attribute–was born from either the sun itself or a place bathed in light.
"Yes, no need to start throwing fists." Satsuki's other Bakugan partner added just as calmly. Her name is Sairus, a Gaia Born Haos Dragonoid.
"I believe the correct term is "Throwing hands", Sairus." Trox, one of Georgia's Bakugan corrected.
Trox was the spitting image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex if it was painted green camouflage.
This was the appearance most Gaia Born Subterra Bakugan took. Save for ones born in the ocean or deserts. Those looked more like sand color. This was because Subterra took on a more nature based affinity post unification. Meaning that Gaia Subterra could use plant moves now.
So they were typically born in Rainforests, forests, swamps, prairies, canyons, etc. With a couple hybrid variations here and there.
"I think we get the picture, Trox." Chimed in Tryhno, Georgia's second Bakugan. He looked like a camo version of a Triceratops.
"How about we change the subject, then?" Trunkanius, a Gaia Subterra Mammoth, suggested.
"Does anyone have anything worth talking about right now?" Naganoid asked, looking around.
"How about the fact that Magnus just flattened his opponent in his match?" Cydoneus, Mei Lian's Bakugan, offered.
Cydoneus looked like a combination of Gorem and Cycloid. With the imposing body, armor and shields of the former and muscular build of the latter. His arm shields were also bladed.
He was a Gaia Born Ventus Attributed Bakugan. His particular faction were generally born either in the sky directly, or during very turbulent weather conditions. Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Typhoons, Tropical storms, Tropical Depressions, Rainstorms, Hurricanes, these Bakugan had literally popped out of a storm and survived.
This usually gave them a much darker appearance, being gray or white with splotches of blue to represent the storms they call home.
"If that can even be called a match, in all honesty." Kurama chuckled, recalling that particular fight… Which didn't look like much of one, really.
"Fights take different forms, Kurama." Ana's partner, Hydorus, stated. He was a lion Bakugan. Specifically a Gaia Born Aquos one.
These Bakugan typically called any source of water their home. Or the north and south poles.
"Easy for you to say." Howlcore, a Gaia Born Darkus Bakugan reminiscent of the hellhound Cerberus, barked.
"Well I'm just glad that I get to take it easy." Draconoid sighed. He still retained his appearance from before, just slightly larger.
"Come on, bro. You can't expect to do that all the time, do you?" Naganoid sighed.
"I never said I did. But all the brawling gets tiring after a while." His brother replied.
Back with the humans of the group, the fight was over, but they were still talking. Specifically after Mikoto and Ryuga got some food. That being the boy's favorite 1lb double gut buster BakuBurger with cheese, pickles, mustard, mayo, ketchup, extra onion rings and extra bacon. With a side of chili fries and a milkshake.
Mikoto, meanwhile, got herself a simple order of Yakisoba with extra pickled ginger. Complete with bubble milk tea.
"I know you're three fourths Titan, but seeing you eat that much is still ridiculous." The girl remarked as she took a sip of her tea.
"Yeah, I mean, how do you fit it all? Do you have a hollow leg?" Ryuko questioned.
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't." Ryuga shrugged as he ate a chili fry.
"I can definitely relate, I eat three snacks in between each meal to fuel the muscles I get from working out. Bam!" Georgia grinned, puffing out her bouncy chest proudly.
"Showoff!" Ryuko barked, shaking her fist at the blonde.
"Hey, why're you guys still in your uniforms? School just ended." Ryuga noted, taking another chomp out of his burger.
"We just forgot to get out of our uniforms is all." Satsuki replied with a shrug.
Bakugan Brawlers Academy or BBA for short is a school that teaches kids about Bakugan and how to use them in battle on top of the typical academic fair.
Additionally it also trained the kids how to use their Bakugan in combat outside of brawling. This was done in the event of another Bakugan Civil War, Titan mass awakening, or alien invasion.
This may seem like it was a military strategy, but in truth, it wasn't. It was just a hope for the best and preparation for the worst approach.
The school had branches all over the world that functioned in tandem with how that country handled schools. For example, Japan's version had a 3-Year system while America had a 12-year system.
"Well either way, I guess we should start drawing up some hangout plans." Georgia mused as she tried to come up with something. "Anybody up for heading to the arcade?" She offered.
This got a cacophony of shrugs from the others before Magnus decided to bring something up.
"Hey, Elsie, Ana. You heard anything new from your dad and the Defenders?" He asked.
"Other than the discovery of the Geogan and Bakugan Traps a couple years ago? Not much." Ana shrugged.
Bakugan traps were special support class Bakugan who offered different support abilities that could turn the tide of battle or merge with Bakugan to create more powerful battle modes.
Geogan, meanwhile, were the Gaia Born version. All of them having the appearance of gems and like traps, were all in odd non sphere shapes.
"Our grandmother has been doing much better, though." Elsie added. That was another thing; their hospitalized grandmother had recently taken a turn for the better as far as her health went. If it stayed that way, then they'd be able to see her at home given enough time.
Or worse.
"Good to hear." Jett nodded with a smile.
This caused everyone to go into silence again as Ryuga and Mikoto continued eating, before the former sighed as he savored the flavor of his burger.
"Seriously, Mikoto, how does your mom do it? Her restaurant chain has more stores globally than McDonald's and has way better burgers." He stated with a groan of carnivorous pleasure. "Like a hometown joint but on a franchise scale."
"I think she's just inherently amazing at what she does." Mikoto shrugged. "I'm not complaining though, since it makes her happy." She added.
"Fair enough on both accounts." The hybrid shrugged in reply.
The restaurant in question used to belong to Mikoto's grandparents. However, when it passed down to Runo, she expanded it into a restaurant business that became the official restaurant of the Bakugan Brawlers league.
Fitting such a position, the woman rebranded the restaurant as "Brawler's Buffet" with a matching image of a Bakugan sphere in the center of a plate as the logo.
"I'm definitely not complaining." Jett added as he ate a hotdog after getting hungry himself.
As the kids continued to sit around the food court, the teenager behind the counter turned on the news, and it showed none other than Dan Kuso giving a speech to the Republic of New Japan on plans for a celebration on the 14th anniversary of Earth and Vestroia becoming Gaia.
"Huh. That doesn't surprise me, really." Mikoto said with a light chuckle. The celebrations always had this odd way of bringing a smile to her face, and she didn't know why. Not that she complained since every year she always had a blast.
"Not to sound ungrateful, but doesn't it kinda suck that our parents' jobs take up so much of their time?" Ryuko questioned, drinking her soda. "Or is that just a me thing?"
Their dad, Marucho, was the chairman of his father's company and the Bakugan Brawlers League, so his job kept him very busy.
"It does, but let's not forget that we wouldn't have these lives if it wasn't for them." Ryuga interjected.
As an employee at Monarch, Shiro was busy assessing if the Kaijugan had reincarnated into their Titan bodies, a job that Tommy also shared. It was still hard to say, due to the low brain activity the sleeping giants had, but somebody had to keep an eye on them. All they could do was hope that they wouldn't start rampaging.
"Well my dad works with Runo's mom at her main restaurant and helps manage the chain, so I see a lot of him." Georgia shrugged.
"That's cool and all, but how about we go find something else to do?" Jett suggested as he got up, throwing away his trash.
"I heard some new gate cards arrived at the Baku-store recently." Mikoto offered.
"Ooh, gotta check those out." Ryuga grinned.
"Yeah, those could be helpful." Ryuko smiled.
"Ya know, our mom could also use some help unloading those…" Ana noted, knowing that Alice still ran the Bakugan Store.
"Let's go then!" Georgia grinned before the group made a beeline for the store.
(Elsewhere)
Meanwhile at one of the entrances to Gaia's core–more specifically the entrance located directly above Atlantic Tectonic Plate–Shun Kazami and his partner Skyress were currently training some of the new recruits to the Defenders of the Core.
One of which being a Vestroia born Avian ninja Bakugan, Ventus Ingraham.
"RAH!" Ingraham shouted as she attempted to land a hit on a Darkus Fangzor, only to miss as she swung on it like a pole and kicked its back, sending it crashing to the ground.
The cobra-like Gaia Born Bakugan reared up and flared out its hood, flashing its neon green fangs in an intimidating display, before it started swaying back and forth, like one would when it heard flute music.
The trainee wasn't fooled by the distraction tactic, but as deception was often a ninja's greatest weapon, she played along and pretended to be lulled into a trance.
Letting its guard down, the serpent attempted to lunge at the avian humanoid Bakugan to try and catch her in its coils–only for her to suddenly dodge and grab it behind the head–slamming it to the ground with a thud.
"Well done, Ingraham." Skyress said as she landed near the two with Shun, both creatures righting themselves and bowing respectfully to their superior.
"Indeed. You faked being lulled into a trance to get Fangzor to let his guard down before striking. Excellent strategy." Shun added.
Shun hadn't really changed much, he just happened to get a little taller and now had a black goatee on his chin which he kept hidden under the mouth wrap of the black and green shozoku and other shinobi garb that the Defenders wore.
His build also became more mature as well. Something that Alice quite liked.
"Thank you, Sensei." The bird woman nodded, bowing.
"Fangzor, it is important to recognize when you're being led along. If you fall for a deceptive tactic in a live battle, then it will cost you greatly." Skyress told the cobra-like Bakugan.
"Of course, ma'am." Fangzor replied firmly.
As the two Bakugan stepped away after being dismissed, Skyress transformed back into her ball form and landed on Shun's shoulder.
"Ah. It is nice to have simple and short days. Isn't it, Shun?" The Phoenix asked her brawler, but got only silence. "Shun?" She asked.
"Huh? Oh sorry, Skyress." Shun nodded as he turned to her with a smile as he pulled down his mask. "Yeah, it is pretty nice." He added.
"Are you alright, Shun?" His Bakugan asked him.
"I'm fine. I just have this strange feeling that something big is on the horizon." The Ventus Brawler replied.
"A feeling a good many warriors feel during times of peace." Skyress nodded. "Have you talked to Dan recently? How has he been doing?" She asked.
"I have, and he's been doing good." Shun replied with a nod. "I still can't believe that he's a politician now…" He added idly.
"He's certainly matured from the hot-headed boy he was many years ago." Skyress mused before she turned to see Dan answering his phone, only to pull it away as someone on the other end started yelling at him. "But some things just never change." She added with a chuckle.
Shun nodded with a smile of his own before looking at the sky again. 'He still misses Drago, though. Guess he still hasn't gotten over it…' He thought. "I should probably see how mom and gramps are doing."
"Yes. I'm so happy your mother has been on the mend these past few years." Skyress nodded. "After all, without her, we wouldn't have met." She added.
"Yeah." Shun chuckled as he started walking.
(Meanwhile)
Marucho let out a sigh as he walked into his house after another day of work. Being in his position as Bakugan chairman really made you feel stressed out after all the paperwork, but he still made sure to make time for his wife and kids.
In the fourteen years since shit went down with Naga, the man had hit a serious growth spurt. Being about 6'3 now instead of 4'3 and was much more built as well, about as much as Julio was back in the day–if only a bit leaner.
As he walked into the building, Akemi came from the indoor gym via the elevator, dressed in her gym clothes which consisted of a blue sleeve shirt, black shorts and shoes. She also had a towel draped over her shoulders and a water bottle in hand.
Upon seeing her husband, she smiled and walked up to him before giving him a hug.
"Nice to see you back." She told him with a smile.
"Yes, it's been a long day." The blonde sighed as he stretched a bit.
"You said it Marucho." Preyas nodded.
"Peace is nice and all but it sure is boring." Diablo yawned.
"But definitely appreciated." Angelo amended, getting a chuckle from the two spouses.
The two then started walking through the halls and passed the skyscraper's aquarium and saw a familiar looking Aquos-Ventus hybrid swimming around in it. Tayghen looked at the couple before her human half smiled and waved at them. Marucho smiled and waved back at her as he and Akemi continued on.
"You know, if you're feeling a little under the weather…" The ravenette said as she hugged her husband, her now C-Cup breasts pressing into his side. "I may know a way to help you feel better." She added with a purr.
"After a shower, Akemi. No offense, but you stink." The blonde chuckled, causing her to smell herself before her face scrunched up.
"Okay, fine." She conceded before making a beeline for the shower. She then poked her head out from the corner. "Would you like to join me?" She offered.
"... Sure. I need to loosen up." Marucho shrugged before he started following his health junkie wife.
(Elsewhere)
Meanwhile, in a different city not far from Wardington, more specifically the newer city of Taiko, Billy Gilbert was currently carrying home a special surprise for his own wife: Julie Makimoto.
"She's gonna love this." He said to himself with a grin as he kept walking.
"Oughta be, boss. You made it, and you know how much she loves your cooking." Cycloid pointed out from his Brawler's shoulder.
"Oh I know Cycloid, which reminds me." He added, handing the Bakugan a sort of capsule. "Open that up next time you're not in ball form. I think you'll like what's inside."
"Aw shucks, boss, ya didn't have to…" The cyclops chuckled with a bashful tone.
Billy hadn't really changed much, outside of work he still wore the same getup he wore as a kid, baseball cap and all. But now he looked much more mature and groomed. Having a five o'clock shadow and having his hair short instead of long.
After a bit, he arrived at his and Julie's house, that being a simple two story one with a garden out back. Upon walking in, he headed for the kitchen and set his cooking down before he made his presence known.
"Honey, I'm home!" He called out into the house. He immediately heard footsteps before his wife zipped into the kitchen and landed in his arms.
"Billy!" Julie giggled as she landed in her husband's arms–causing him to nearly lose his footing. "Oh I'm so glad you're home!" She added, hugging him tightly, her breasts pressing against him.
Julie hadn't changed much either personality wise, except perhaps a serious growth in maturity boost. However, physically, she definitely matured a lot.
Specifically she now looked a lot like her sister Daisy, but she had her sister beat in terms of asset size. Being about a cup larger than her at a GG-Cup and having hips and an ass that are much larger and peach shaped. With thighs and legs to match. While also having the same plump gobby lips she had as a kid.
Attire wise she changed her clothes to match her new job as a reporter and journalist. She now wore a bleached rainbow half-shirt with red shorts, white beach shoes and a red scrunchie and a gold heart hair clip, unlike the gold scrunchie and pink hair clip she wore in younger days.
In essence, she was the textbook definition of a Black MILF.
In terms of her job, she was like a bubblier version of Lois Lane. And was also a supporter of "True Feminism". Something she passed onto her daughter.
"Nice to see you, too." He chuckled as he pecked her on the lips. "I brought some of my cooking home." He added, gesturing to the package.
"Oh Billy!" The woman gasped as she rushed to open the box up. Inside was a plate of gourmet Takoyaki, with a side of savory Mitarashi Dango, and lastly–for dessert–a special white chocolate Purin with a miso caramel sauce. "And you made my favorite pudding?! Oh thank you–wait." She said giddily before stopping.
"What?" The blonde questioned as Gorem opened up on the counter.
"Are you trying to butter me up for something, mister?" The woman prodded as she stepped closer to her husband. In the sixteen years they'd been married, she knew what to expect when her husband was just being nice, and when he wanted something.
"I dunno, Julie, seems like he's just trying to be nice." Gorem disputed as Cycloid slid beside him. He and the cycloptic Bakugan were typically the mediators of these disputes.
"Yeah, so what makes you think he's buttering you up?" Cycloid questioned.
"Sixteen going on seventeen years of marriage, that's what." Julie retorted, hands on her hips.
Billy sighed at this. "Can't a man do something nice for his wife?" He questioned.
"I never said you couldn't." She told him, hugging him again and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I just had a feeling since you have a catalog in your back pocket." She added as she sat down to have her dinner.
This made the man spin around and realize that she'd seen the catalog that he had tucked in his jeans.
"Reporter instinct, how does she do that?" He wondered as he sat down with her and picked up his own leftover meal: a bowl of homemade katsudon. "Alright, you got me. Take a look at this." He told her, setting the catalog on the counter, revealing that it was for Baby's R Us and it stated that everything needed for renovating old nurseries was on sale.
"Ooh, this looks nifty!" The reporter remarked as she looked at what was available. "Wait, does this mean what I think it means?" She asked in surprise, looking at her husband.
"Yeah, Julie, it does." Billy nodded as he took her hand, his thumb rubbing her ring and wedding band as her own rubbed his ring. "Whaddya say, babe? Wanna have another baby?" He asked with a smile.
"... You know what? Let's give Georgia a sibling." Julie replied with a grin as she started taking her lover to their bedroom.
Just another day for these two.
(Meanwhile)
Meanwhile, right in the middle of Wardington, stood the larger and newly renovated version of Runo's house/very first Brawler's Buffet restaurant.
And right now, Mrs. Kuso was currently trying to relieve her stress after the ballistic phone call she had with her husband–by doing yoga with her mother in law, Barbara Kuso.
"Calm, deep breaths, Runo. Don't mind the stress you feel, and simply let it go." The woman instructed as the two of them held a pose–specifically a cross-legged shoulder stand.
"You know–despite doing this for nearly seventeen years–with you after Dan and I got engaged." The blunette grunted as she tried to keep her balance. "It still isn't any easier!" She added, hands trembling on her hips.
Runo had also matured quite a bit in recent years. Now having a much more matured and voluptuous figure that became even more womanly after she became a mother, she was now really sexy.
With a DD-cup bust and a plumb shaped ass to match her wider hips and slightly thicker thighs, she was definitely not the petite young woman everyone remembered.
And her beautiful green eyes were also much more angled, giving her a fierce look–similar to Chan-Lee.
She also now wore her hair down and had an outfit that consisted of a yellow shirt and white dress with pink designs. It was a much more grown up version of what she used to wear.
Now, however, she was dressed in a pair of white skin tight Yoga pants, pink ankle socks and a yellow shirt.
"Be careful, Runo. We wouldn't want you to hit your head." Tigrerra chimed in, watching on the coffee table between a pair of water bottles.
"I know, Tigrerra." The blunette replied as she regained her balance… And almost immediately lost it again as the door to the house opened and closed, causing her to fall down in a heap. "... Ow…" She uttered with a groan.
"Runo! I'm home!" Dan called.
"You made me fall down while I was doing yoga, you dork!" Runo barked as she leapt to her feet and started swatting her hands at his head, forcing him to defend himself from his wife's angry swats. Barbara watched this and chuckled at the display.
'Ah, I miss those days with my husband…' She thought reminiscently.
"Aw! Hey, Runo! Cut it out!" The man groaned as he tried to get his wife to stop.
Dan, like the other guys, didn't really change much in the looks department. He just got more grown looking and was now more built than before, and he now had shorter hair and actually wore his sunglasses on his head.
Attire wise he wore a red button up shirt under a brown corduroy jacket, with brown colored jeans and burgundy shoes. He was typically very casual in business and life.
Lastly, he had a white gold wedding ring on his finger, which he only took off to sleep. A sign that he was never going to cheat on his wife, ever.
He had one magnificent woman in his life, and he was content with her.
"What took you so long, I was expecting you home two hours ago." Runo snapped as she stopped smacking him around.
"I got held up after that media address I made, sorry." The man sighed. "And… I went to see the memorial in the park again with Joe. Ya know, for old times sake." He added with an even heavier sigh.
This made Runo's face significantly soften as she quickly became concerned. Seeing that it was probably best to leave the two be, Barbara kissed her son on the cheek and took her leave and let the two take the couch.
The memorial Dan spoke of was a statue of all the Bakugan and their Brawlers who saved Earth. Drago and Waivern being at the center. He often went there when he felt depressed or started missing Drago again, same with Joe. Seeing it helped make them feel better.
"Oh, honey…" Runo whispered as she hugged her husband to her bosom, allowing him to listen to the soothing sound of her heartbeat.
If she was being honest, she missed Drago and Waivern, too. All these years of not hearing their voices felt… Almost empty.
Tigrerra got on their shoulders. "I miss them too, Dan, we all do." She said. "But I'm certain they wouldn't want us sulking around in their absence." She added.
Dan was silent for a minute or two as Runo continued to hold him. Before sighing and sitting up. "You're right, I know you're right, Tigrerra. It's just–so hard. Next to Shun, Drago… he was my best friend." He heaved shakily, trying not to cry in front of his wife.
"Shh. It's okay to miss him, Dan. Just don't let it overtake you." Runo told him softly, kissing his forehead. The two sat in silence for a while as Tigrerra let them be, before Runo finally let her husband go after he calmed down. "Tell you what. I know something that will definitely help cheer you up." She said with a sly grin.
"What are you planning…?" He asked before he yelped as he was suddenly being dragged to their bedroom.
"Well, if I remember correctly–you did say that you wanted us to have three kids, right?" The Haos brawler purred as she pulled him into their bedroom.
"Yeah. I did." Dan nodded as he was pushed into the room.
"Well, why don't we start making one right now?" The woman cooed, taking off her shirt and flinging it aside, letting her beautiful apricot colored globes bounce free.
Dan could only chuckle with a grin as he started taking his own clothes off, right as Runo kicked the door closed.
They were going to be busy for a while.
(Elsewhere)
Meanwhile back at Monarch Outpost Omega-316, Shiro and Tommy were finally ready to start heading home.
"So hang on. You're telling me several of your daughters are in bed with Greek gods and monsters?" Tommy questioned as the two packed up their equipment.
"Yeah. Ruby and Sapphire have managed to catch the attention of Poseidon and Apollo. Anastasia is in bed with Zeus, and Tiana… She's currently living on a farm in Greece with her lover, a son of the Minoan Minotaur." The Hybrid responded.
"Uh, should I be concerned?" His fellow hybrid asked with a blink.
"I wondered that too, given how Minotaurs usually are, but this one's actually quite intelligent enough to be sentient. He's treating her well." Shiro replied.
"Tiana does have a more primal aspect to her because of her Titan genes…" Tommy mused.
It wasn't an exaggeration, either. In Human-Titan hybrids following Shiro and Tommy's time, there was a chance of them being three fourths Titan, and that would have a chance at influencing how they behave in addition to a whole list of other things.
In Tiana's case, she was more primal and sought out a mate to satisfy that side of her, which was what drove her to hook up with a Minotaur.
"So does Ryuga, but he's influenced differently." Shiro pointed out.
"That is beyond trippy. And I've got kids who're connected to the Earth." Tommy admitted as the two started heading out–before the chrysalis started pulsing again–causing the building to quake around them.
"I really don't like how frequent that's getting." The green haired man remarked warily.
"Same here." The red and white haired man nodded in agreement.
(Later)
Shiro sighed as he finally made it back to Croft manor, and when he opened the door, he saw his maids hard at work. Save for a few who were currently pregnant. He also saw his wives and concubines all either resting or working on things for their own careers.
"Ladies, I'm home!" He called. Rabeeder and Aoko were the ones to greet him via glomping him at the same time.
"Welcome back, honey." The Haos-Subterra hybrid purred. She was wearing a white sundress that accentuated her figure very well. She hadn't changed at all, really, in terms of physical appearance.
"Welcome home, Master." Aoko sighed as she too hugged her husband.
"Did anything turn up at work today?" Kita questioned.
"That chrysalis is acting up more frequently as of late. I'm worried that whatever's inside may be getting ready to hatch." Shiro replied.
"I hope it's not an aggressive one. Otherwise there's going to be a ton of collateral." Lara commented as she walked up to them. Her figure had filled out a bit, and still did her work with expertise only she knew.
"Well if what Sirezawa said is correct, this thing will probably be nothing but hostile." Shiro sighed as he sat down on the couch. "Though on a lighter note, Gaia apparently just started making us a new version of Biollante." He added.
"Really? Whose DNA is being used for her creation?" Aoko asked curiously. Physically, she hadn't changed in… Well, anything, really. She was still the same when she first appeared next to Shiro, but given that she's an eon old, that isn't a big surprise.
"A woman who died in the reactor accident over a decade ago. Amanda Brody." The man replied, causing Mina to gasp.
"Why would Monarch even consider that?!" She almost shouted in disbelief.
"Because Gaia had a talk with her in the afterlife. Amanda still had some lingering regrets of her own, and accepted the offer to become part of Biollante willingly." Shiro explained. "Believe me, both Tommy and I really didn't want to go through with it, either." He added.
"Something tells me her husband is going to blow a gasket if he finds out." Kita sighed, her breasts jiggling from said action.
"That's the general consensus." Her son/husband nodded with his own sigh.
Shiro sighed as he sat back in his chair, and felt the welcoming embrace of the ample bosom of one of his concubines surrounding his side. That concubine being the J-Cup chested beauty, Tsunade Senju.
Funny story about how she's on Gaia. You see, during the merging of Earth and Vestroia, there was a lot of chaotic energy in play that caused some dimensional portals to open up, and she happened to be in close proximity to a portal in her old world and was sucked in before arriving on Gaia.
Well over a decade later, and she was now one of Shiro's many, many concubines. With at least one child birthed from her already and one currently on the way.
Oh, and she had an issue regarding her sealing off her life force that was resolved with some Titan energy being absorbed by her, so she had nothing to worry about.
"You seem tired, Shiro. Perhaps you'd like it if your harem of wives and concubines made you feel better?" The blonde GILF suggested.
"Yeah. I'm sure we can help make you feel better." Rumi grinned as she sauntered up to her master, her bunny tail wagging.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Shiro nodded as his girls came to him.
(Elsewhere)
Tommy sighed as he entered his castle, ready to just take a nice shower and then take a nap. Work at Monarch, while rewarding, was also quite taxing.
If he wasn't immortal, he was sure he'd have gray hairs right now… Oh wait, he already had naturally white hair, so that was a redundant thought.
As he dried himself off upon exiting the shower, he quickly got dressed in his sleepwear and got into his bed to take a nap.
However, as he started to get comfortable, he soon noticed that he wasn't alone. Pulling the covers up slightly, he saw a small little girl–probably only six or seven at least–sleeping beside him.
She had porcelain skin, black hair that seemed almost purple and made her look like a princess almost, and under her closed eyelids were a pair of Persian red colored oblong orbs. Her clothes consisted of a pink long sleeved shirt with white stripes on the wrists and a lavender colored skirt.
This was Emily Oliver, Tommy's youngest daughter and Magnus's little sister.
The man couldn't help but smile as he patted his daughter's head while she subconsciously hugged herself to him in her sleep–like a teddy bear.
It was at this moment that Gaia entered the room, and upon seeing Emily clinging to Tommy in her sleep, she smiled as she approached.
"She really is a daddy's girl, isn't she?" She mused as she got herself ready for bed.
"That she is." Tommy nodded as his wife joined them, the two hugging their daughter between them as she slept–safe and sound.
(Elsewhere)
Meanwhile, at the Bakugan Store, the kids were finishing up with helping Alice unload her new shipment of gate cards, ability cards and portable Bakucores.
Yes, Alice Gehabic was now owner of the store she used to work at. And she was a teacher at the Bakugan Brawlers Academy.
"Okay, that's all of the new supplies. Thank you all for the help." The gingerette smiled, her own children practically beaming at their mother's kindness.
"Hard to believe that this Alice and the dominatrix teacher "Mrs. Gehabic" are the same person." Ryuga whispered, getting a nod from Magnus.
"I know the feeling." He whispered back. Luckily, their whispers went unheard.
"Now, don't you all have some other work to do?" Alice questioned in her motherly voice.
"Some of us don't." Jett shrugged.
"Can't think of anything, I mean, it's summer vacation." Ryuko added with a shrug. This got nods all around from basically everyone in the group.
"Oh. In that case…" She trailed off before smiling brightly. "I think I can afford to give all of you at least one item from the store for free as payment for your help." She told them, causing the young brawlers to either smile or cheer.
"Thanks!" They all smiled as they started browsing the newly restocked shelves of the store.
Dragon Emperor0: Here you are, guys. The first chapter of Kaijugan's sequel: Gaia Rising. As you can see, we're going to be take these first few chapters to establish the new status quo, character dynamics, and the rules of the three Bakugan battle types this story will have: Bakugan Melee, Bakucore Melee, and Card Melee. It will help things be more fleshed out before the plot gets started.
ThermalsniperN7: Yeah, and this took us two days to make due to all that and the exposition needed to recap what's happened over the years following the merging of the worlds and a slew of other things. Deciding what we wanted the Next Gen Brawlers to look like was one such thing along with showing how the original Brawlers' lives are going.
Dragon Emperor0: it was long, but it's worth it to start things off right. Because a Timeskip that doesn't have an adjustment period after changing so many things often causes people to become disoriented and disengaged. According to Red from Overly Sarcastic Productions. So bear with us, then we'll start off everything with Godzilla 2014.
ThermalsniperN7: The Next Gen Brawlers are in for a very eventful summer vacation, I think. Anyway, see you next time and welcome to Gaia Rising!