Chapter 5: The Learning Curve
Ryder's Home…
Ryder opened the door to his house, allowing Alice to enter before closing it. No sooner did the current situation finally dawn on him. This was the first time he had a girl in his home and the first time he had invited someone over.
He didn't think about it like that at first because he was more focused on Alice's current situation than the situation of him and her being alone in a house. The silver lining was that Leonidas was still there to break any tension. At least he hoped his partner could do so.
"Your house is very nice." Alice complimented, trying to create small talk. No doubt she too noticed the awkward situation they were in and wanted to lift the atmosphere.
"Oh, thanks. It's not much, but it's all I got when my parents disappeared." Ryder replied before cursing himself for bringing up his parents.
"Uhm…thanks for letting me stay here. I know this is a little weird." Alice thanked.
"It's no problem. I wasn't going to let you just sleep on the streets." Ryder said.
"Well, follow me. I'll show you to the guest room and the bathroom." Ryder stated as he showed Alice around.
When he finished, Alice said she was tired, so he let her rest in the guest room before returning to his own. Ryder sat down at his desk and let Leonidas out of his bag before turning on his computer.
"It's about time I hate being stuffed in there," Leonidas complained.
"Sorry about that, Leonidas. I'll make it up to you later." Ryder apologized as he got on the web.
Ryder wanted to check his ranking, seeing as he recently battled against some of the best brawlers in the world and won. Though that being said, it was in a tag team, but that should still get him out of the thousands. Or at least he hoped.
When he looked, he saw that his ranking had jumped from the thousands to seven hundred twenty-six. This brought a smile to his face because he never had he believed that he would get this high on the rankings in his life.
"Yes! I finally got out of the thousands!" Ryder smiled, keeping his voice low so he won't disturb Alice.
"What are you talking about?" Leonidas asked.
"My ranking as a brawler in the world is finally out of the thousands. I'm closer to becoming as good as the people we battled a week ago." Ryder explained.
"But aren't we already better than them?" Leonidas inquired.
"Not exactly. We barely won that match, and we had help from Dan and Drago, so it's not like it's going to bump me up to their level." Ryder responded.
"I see," Leonidas replied as Ryder got a call on the Bakugan site.
"Someone's calling me? I wonder who it could be?" Ryder wondered as he answered the call.
"Hey, Ryder, how's it going?" Dan asked as the call was answered.
"Dan?! Not that I don't like getting a call, but why are you calling me?" Ryder asked, shocked and confused at why Dan was calling though he had a theory.
"Well, it's kind of a long story, but I was wondering if you've seen Alice anywhere?" Dan inquired.
"I should have known." Ryder thought as he pondered about what to do with this situation.
"Did something happen to her?" Ryder asked, wanting to make sure if he should answer Dan properly.
"Well, don't tell anyone I told you this, but Shun's been talking about the possibility of there being a mole on the Battle Brawlers." Dan began.
"After Julio and Chan Lee showed up to battle us when no one should have known we were here was the nail in the coffin for him, and now everyone's looking at everyone, though…" Dan continued.
"Because Alice's grandfather is Hal-G, she was under the greatest suspicion." Ryder interrupted, having already heard the story but was still on the fence on telling him that Alice was with him.
"Exactly, I mean, she's our friend, but…even I can't say anyone's out of suspicion. I guess that makes me a bad friend." Dan sighed.
"The thing is Alice went missing yesterday, leaving a note that she'll leave us all alone to save us any trouble," Drago stated, taking hold of the conversation.
"The suspicion being on her must have hurt her feelings, and she blames herself for something she's most likely not doing," Drago said.
"While it's a long shot, I wanted to know if you've seen her anywhere because we were still around the area?" Dan asked.
"Should I tell him? I mean, Alice ran off because she was afraid everyone wouldn't trust her?" Ryder wondered.
"I have to at least tell one of them." Ryder decided.
"Yeah, to be honest, she's with me at the moment," Ryder answered.
"Really, why didn't you say so sooner?!" Dan questioned.
"Well, she's scared that everyone doesn't like her anymore and that the suspicion of a mole is tearing the brawlers apart," Ryder explained.
"Is that how she really feels? I guess I can't blame her. There was a big fight but still." Dan sighed.
"I know I may not know you guys that well and have no real stake in this, but I think she and everyone need time to think this through properly," Ryder suggested.
"The last thing you need is to ruin your friendships," Ryder added.
"Yeah, I think you're right. Do you mind looking after Alice for a while?" Dan requested.
"Yeah, I don't mind," Ryder responded. Suddenly a pop-up interrupted their conversation, and soon a live video began playing.
"Greetings, brawlers of the world." Masquerade greeted as the broadcast began.
"Masquerade!" Dan gasped as he and Ryder watched the broadcast.
"My name is Masquerade, the current top brawler in the world, and I am here today to announce a very special event." Masquerade began.
"Starting today, I will be holding a worldwide tournament to decide the best brawler in the world! This tournament will last two months, and everyone everywhere is allowed to take part." Masquerade continued.
"At the end of the two months, the top eleven brawlers will battle it out for the chance to battle me for the position of number one brawler!" Masquerade announced.
"A tournament!" Ryder shouted before putting his hand over his mouth, remembering that Alice was sleeping close by.
"So battle hard and battle long because only one shall be the top brawler in the end, and I don't plan on losing." Masquerade finished as the broadcast ended.
"A worldwide tournament to decide the best brawler!" Dan murmured as, on his end, the door to his room on the airship opened.
"Dan, did you see the announcement?" Marucho asked as he and the rest of the brawlers entered.
"Yeah, Masquerade's up to something, and we need to find out what!" Dan responded.
"How are we going to do that?" Julie questioned.
"We need to make it to the top of the leaderboard and get to the finals of the tournament. That's what we do!" Dan declared.
"I doubt it will be that easy Dan Masquerade isn't going to make this tournament easy for any of us," Shun stated as he looked over Dan's shoulder and saw his computer.
"Are you on a call with someone?" Shun asked as Dan looked over.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot I was talking with Ryder when the tournament announcement came on," Dan answered as everyone looked at Ryder.
"Oh no, this could get bad if they start talking about a mole." Ryder thought.
"Oh, Hi, Ryder!" Julie exclaimed as the others also greeted him, though more normally.
"Why were you guys talking?" Shun questioned as both Ryder and Dan began to sweat from nervousness.
"Uh, we were talking about…" Dan began trying to think of an excuse because he didn't want to include Ryder in this predicament.
"We were talking about battling again sometime until we were interrupted by the broadcast." Ryder lied, covering for Dan.
"Dan does get overly excited about these things. Sorry about him." Runo apologized.
"Hey!" Dan complained.
"We can reprimand Dan later. First, we need to discuss how we're getting into the finals." Shun stated.
"Well, that's not a problem for you, seeing as you are still ranked number six." Runo pointed out.
"True, but the rest of you still need to qualify," Shun replied, causing the rest of the brawlers to deadpan.
"Well, we just need to win as many battles as we can with anyone we can until we qualify!" Dan smirked.
"Yeah, I'm not missing out on a tournament like this!" Julie agreed.
"What about you, Ryder? Are you going for it?" Dan asked as all eyes laid on the Darkus user.
"Well, I'd like to, but I'm afraid I'm too low in the rankings to even qualify in time, and I'm nowhere near as good as you guys in the game," Ryder responded.
"Well, even if you are low, there are two months, so if you battle and win enough, there is still a chance for you to make it in time," Marucho said.
"Yeah, come on, don't give up just because you have a low ranking!" Dan agreed.
"Alright, then." Ryder smiled.
"Either way, I think it's best we battle separate from one another or at least in pairs during this tournament," Shun suggested.
"Why?" Julie questioned.
"That way, it's harder for Masquerade to interfere and for the mole to leak where we are," Shun explained.
"There you go on moles again. We still don't know that there is a mole in the group!" Runo shouted.
"Yeah, and now Alice left because of it!" Julie agreed.
"How else can you explain how Masquerade and his goons are finding us?" Shun questioned as a large argument broke out.
"Oh, why do I have to be here?" Ryder questioned as he thought it would be rude to hang up. But then he noticed Dan slowly but surely inch his way towards the computer.
"Woops, I'm slipping!" Dan lied as he fake fell into the keyboard and hung up on Ryder so that he didn't have to sit through their argument.
"Thank you, Dan." Ryder sighed as he relaxed in his chair.
"A tournament between all the brawlers in the world! We must participate!" Leonidas insisted.
"It does sound fun…but." Ryder began as he thought about the current situation.
"What?" Leonidas asked.
"Well, I'm still low rank, and everyone here knows it, and though they don't know I improved, I'll probably get swarmed with battles from people who see me as easy pickings," Ryder explained.
"But that just means it will be easier for you to find battles." Leonidas pointed out.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Ryder smiled as he heard his doorbell ring.
Ryder got up to see who it was, and when he opened the door, he was met with the sight of five brawlers, each of which challenged him to battle. After some convincing from Leonidas, Ryder battled each and every one of them and won each match.
"See, you've improved drastically! Brawlers like them won't be a problem for you anymore." Leonidas said.
"Yeah, but they won't be the last, and if I do want to make it to the finals, I can't waste my time with them," Ryder replied.
Center of Vestroia…
"So the tournament is underway, I presume?" Naga questioned as Hal-G and Masquerade stood before him.
"Yes, just as planned, brawlers are battling all over the world, and the best of the best will come for the chance to battle me." Masquerade began.
"With every brawler occupied and fighting, it shouldn't take long to find out where the infinity core is, and if it is in the hands of another Bakugan, then it may just end up coming to us." Masquerade continued.
"If all goes well, not only will we have bought enough time to find the Infinity Core, but we shall also evolve Hydranoid as well." Masquerade finished.
"Perfect, and how goes the plans with the Silent Orb?" Naga inquired.
"Everything is going on schedule, Lord Naga. As we speak, more and more Bakugan are being empowered by the Silent Orb. Our army will be ready in time for you to take the Infinity Core." Hal-G reported.
"What of Leonidas?" Naga asked.
"He is still out there, but I can't say he will be a problem," Hal-G responded.
"True Leonidas shouldn't be able to absorb enough of the negative energy from the empowered Bakugan alone." Masquerade agreed.
"And what of the ancient one, Vladitor?" Naga inquired.
"He's a little bit more trouble, for, at the moment, he seems to be on even grounds with Hydranoid." Masquerade began.
"As long as I evolve Hydranoid, he shouldn't be a problem. He won't get his hands on the Silent Orb." Masquerade finished.
"He better not, but to be safe, I want both Leonidas and Vladitor eliminated," Naga ordered.
"Very well, I'll have brawlers engage them both," Masquerade replied.
"Thankfully, I will have constant knowledge of Leonidas and his brawler's whereabouts for the foreseeable future," Masquerade smirked.
"On that note, I shall take my leave," Masquerade stated as he disappeared only to reappear in the guest room of Ryder's home.
He took off the mask from his face returning control to Alice, his clothes disappearing to hers. The moment Alice regained control, she blinked and looked around in confusion. She didn't remember getting back up from the bed nor walking to the end. Before she could question herself any further, her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door.
"Hey, Alice, I wanted to see if you wanted anything to eat?" Ryder asked from the other side of the door.
"Oh yes, I actually haven't eaten in a while," Alice responded as she joined Ryder.
Elsewhere…
"You know we can't. Masquerade told us we are supposed to focus on battling the Battle Brawlers." Chan Lee stated.
She and the rest of Masquerade's spies sat in the living room, planning out what they would do next in the tournament. While Masquerade told them to focus on the Battle Brawlers, some wanted to go after Marduk for attacking Klaus.
"But we can't just let Marduk get away with what he did!" Billy argued.
"Yeah, it makes us look weak!" Komba agreed.
"I want to battle that punk too, but orders are orders! Besides, if he makes it to the finals, that just gives us an opportunity to defeat him." Julio pointed out.
"Besides, he beat Klaus. We're not ready to take him on yet." Chan Lee reminded.
"She's right." Klaus agreed as he entered the room, though slowly as he was still recovering from his injuries.
"None of us are ready for the power of Marduk's partner Vladitor. I talked with Sirenoid, and evidently, Vladitor is an ancient Bakugan who was banished to the Doom Dimension." Klaus began.
"He was cast out of Vestroia by the ancient Bakugan of legend, for he had attempted to take over all of Vestroia. Trust me when I say none of us are strong enough yet to beat him." Klaus finished.
"So what do you suggest, Klaus?" Julio suggested.
"We battle of course," Klaus smirked.
"The more our Bakugan battle, the stronger they get, so the more we win, the stronger we get. Sadly I can't battle at the moment, but the rest of you, it shouldn't be a problem." Klaus explained.
"I get it, so if we go through the tournament, we should get stronger, especially since many will no doubt come after us due to our rankings!" Komba replied.
"Exactly." Klaus smiled.
"Strong brawlers, huh," Billy murmured.
"That one brawler with the Bakugan from the Doom Dimension he may just be what I need to prepare for Vladitor who was trapped in the Doom Dimension." Billy thought.
The Next Day…
Ryder and Alice walked through the streets of New York, giving the ginger-haired girl a tour of the city. During this time, Alice was also caught up to speed on the tournament Masquerade had set up.
While he was at it, Ryder also told Alice about his conversation with Dan knowing that she deserved to know that they were concerned for her. Alice appreciated the knowledge but was still apprehensive about returning to her friends at the moment.
"Though I'm a little confused Ryder don't you want to compete?" Alice asked.
"Well yeah, I do, and I will but let's just say…" Ryder began before the two were suddenly surrounded by brawlers.
"Battle us!" They all demanded, causing Ryder to sweat drop.
"Yay…" Ryder sighed as for the next half hour, he battled and beat each brawler. As the challengers walked away in defeat, Ryder took a quick seat on a nearby bench, of which Alice joined him.
"So is that why you're not looking for battles?" Alice asked.
"Yeah. I have a reputation for not being a good brawler around here, so no doubt people are going to be looking to get an easy win on me." Ryder began.
"While I have gotten better, the news of that fact hasn't gotten far, so even if I do go out to find a better brawler to raise my rank, I'll be met with a lot more opponents on the way, wasting time," Ryder explained.
"Thankfully, most brawlers play in central park, so as long as I stay a little distance from there, it'll be a little harder for people to find me," Ryder added.
"I see. What is your ranking currently?" Alice inquired.
"Seven hundred and twenty-six thanks to the win against Julio and Chan Lee," Ryder answered.
"I see even with the two-month time period, it will be hard to get into the top eleven," Alice commented.
"Yeah, and if I waste my time battling people who are lower ranked than me, then I won't be progressing too fast," Ryder stated.
"Well, I think you should go to the park still and battle," Alice replied.
"Why?" Ryder asked.
"If you go and win enough battles, you'll get the message across to everyone that you're better than you used to be, and soon you'll attract better brawlers," Alice explained.
"I…I never thought about it like that!" Ryder gasped.
"I'd say it's because you're so used to how things went for you before you got better you never thought about such an opportunity," Leonidas suggested.
"I guess your right," Ryder replied.
"So, do you feel ready to battle then?" Alice asked with a little smile.
"Yeah!" Ryder exclaimed.
Hours Later…
"When did you get so good!?" A Brawler questioned as he ran away from Ryder and Alice.
"That makes twenty-five," Ryder smirked.
"I have to say, Ryder, the way you battle is very well thought." Alice pointed out.
"I think you're on your way to being a great brawler," Alice added.
"Thanks, Alice." Ryder thanked.
"By the way, I was wondering. Why don't you battle Alice?" Ryder inquired.
"Well, I don't know, really. I like making strategies for battle and all but I just…never picked up a Bakugan before." Alice answered though it seemed as if she didn't know the reason herself.
"I think we should head back. It's getting late, and not many brawlers are out during this time." Ryder suggested.
"Sounds good." Alice smiled as the two turned to leave.
"Don't leave just yet. We would be disappointed if we came all this way to battle you and not get it." Billy stated, causing Ryder and Alice to stop in place.
"What the! He's the ranked tenth brawler!" Ryder realized.
"He's also one of Masquerade's goons," Alice revealed.
"Great, just when I thought everything was going good." Ryder sighed as he stood there nervously.
"Let me guess you're here to battle?" Ryder asked.
"That's right. When I heard about your battle with Chan and Julio, I knew you would be best to battle against in preparation for someone else." Billy stated.
"Is he calling me a stepping stone?!" Ryder wondered as he looked over his options.
"Ryder, let us battle him!" Leonidas requested.
"Wha-but he's the ranked tenth brawler, and he works for Masquerade, meaning if we lose, you go to the Doom Dimension," Ryder argued.
"Look, I came here for a battle, and one way or another, I'm getting it!" Billy declared as he put on his launcher.
"Yeah, so quit your bellyaching and battle us!" Cycloid demanded.
"This is bad! We barely won during the tag team match, and I was battling with Dan then. If Leonidas and I do this alone against the ranked tenth brawler, we may not win." Ryder thought.
"Ryder," Alice called, getting the boy's attention.
"It doesn't look like you'll be able to avoid a battle if you want. I would like to help you." Alice said.
"Really?" Ryder asked.
"It's the least I can do to repay you for your hospitality." Alice smiled.
"Whatever are you going to battle, or am I going to have to make you?" Billy questioned.
"What do you say, Ryder?" Leonidas asked.
"Guess I have no choice. Let's do this!" Ryder answered as he, Alice, and Billy took out their field cards.
"Field Open!" They all yelled as time slowed to a halt, and the three were transported to the Bakugan Battle Field.
As Ryder was getting ready to throw out his first gate card Alice stopped him and directed him to use a different gate card. At first, he was confused, but Ryder decided to trust Alice as he changed which gate card he was going to use.
"Gate Card Set!" The two brawlers shouted as they placed their gate cards, and Billy activated the Doom Card.
"I'll go first, Bakugan Brawl! Subterra El Condor Stand!" Billy yelled as his El Condor appeared on his gate card.
"Subterra El Condor G power 500 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Use whichever Bakugan you want here," Alice advised as Ryder chose a Bakugan.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Fear Ripper Stand!" Ryder shouted as Fear Ripper appeared on the gate card.
"Darkus Fear Ripper G power 520 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Gate Card Open! Subterra Crater!" Billy declared.
"Subterra El Condor G power increase by 50 Gs. Subterra El Condor G power 550 Gs." The bakupod announced.
El Condor charged towards Fear Ripper, slamming it to the ground. Fear Ripper tried to swipe the Subterra Bakugan away with its large claws to no avail. The Subterra Bakugan pinned Fear Ripper on the ground as Ryder prepared an ability card.
"Ability Card Activate! Shadowscratch!" Ryder countered, negating the gate card.
"Subterra El Condor G power decrease by 50 Gs. Subterra El Condor G power 500 Gs." The bakupod announced.
With its power decreased, Fear Ripper pushed it right off before slashing it across its body. Fear Ripper slashed El Condor before piercing the Bakugan's chest, defeating it. Alice was surprised at how well Ryder followed up on Billy's gate card.
She had been watching him battle all day, and in her opinion, Ryder didn't give himself enough credit. He was able to think of a way of countering the gate card without having her assist him. Maybe something was holding him back?
"Earlier, he looked down because of how many people believed him to be weak. Maybe after being seen as weak for so long, his confidence has taken a blow." Alice thought.
"If he were to get rid of those doubts and worries for good, then maybe…" Alice began to think as the battle continued.
"This kid isn't bad so far. What do you think, Billy?" Cycloid asked.
"He's not bad, but that was only one battle," Billy responded as he grabbed another Bakugan.
"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Gargonoid Stand!" Billy shouted as Gargonoid appeared on Ryder's gate card.
"Subterra Garganoid G power 545 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Use Leonidas here instead of your other Bakugan," Alice advised as Ryder followed.
"Let's do this!" Ryder thought as he grabbed onto Leonidas.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder yelled as Leonidas appeared on the gate card.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's have some fun!" Leonidas smirked.
"Gate Card Open! Wall Lock!" Ryder declared blocking Billy from using any ability cards. Leonidas proceeded to fly up and slice up Garganoid with his dark claws defeating the Bakugan.
"That saves some ability cards for later," Ryder smirked.
"Ha, better than we thought." Cycloid laughed.
"No, it's the Alice girl. She helping him, and she's a battle brawler. I bet he wouldn't be doing half as good if she wasn't here." Billy stated as Ryder caught Leonidas.
"I'll get there eventually." Ryder thought as he slowly picked out another gate card Alice suggested.
"Gate Card Set!" The two brawlers shouted as they placed their gate cards.
"Let's go, Cycloid!" Billy smiled as he loaded his partner.
"I'm always ready for a battle!" Cycloid replied.
"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Cycloid Stand!" Billy shouted as Cycloid appeared on Ryder's gate card.
"Subterra Cycloid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"What's he planning?" Ryder questioned.
"Don't let him throw you off. Stay focused, and you can win!" Alice encouraged as Ryder nodded in response.
"Okay, my turn," Ryder said.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Griffon Stand!" Ryder yelled as Griffon appeared in front of Cycloid.
"Darkus Griffon G power 530 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Ha, what's a puny Bakugan like that going to do against me?" Cycloid questioned. Cycloid raised his club and swung it down at Griffon, who dodged the attack and flew up above Cylcoid to get out of his reach.
"Gate Card Open! Darkus Zone!" Ryder declared as the gate card opened up.
"Darkus Griffon G power increase by 80 Gs. Darkus Griffon G power 610 Gs." The bakupod announced.
With its newfound power, Griffon dived down and slammed into Cycloid's head, knocking the Subterra Bakugan down to the ground. Griffon then flew back up and came back down to slam into Cycloid's stomach.
"Ability Card Activate! Left Giganti!" Billy countered as Cycloid raised his free arm and negated the gate card.
"Darkus Griffon G power decrease by 80 Gs. Darkus Griffon G power 530 Gs." The bakupod announced. Cycloid got back up and slammed his club into Griffon, sending the Bakugan down towards the ground.
"Ability Activate! Darkus Repulse!" Ryder shot back.
"Darkus Griffon G power increase by 70 Gs. Darkus Griffon G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
Griffon picked itself off the ground and ran away from Cycloid's next attack. It then jumped up and countered Cycloid's follow-up, creating a small shockwave that pushed the two Bakugan backward.
"Ability Activate! Right Giganti!" Billy responded.
"Subterra Cycloid G power increase by 200 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's see you match this shrimp!" Cycloid shouted as he swung his club down and defeated Griffon, sending it to the Doom Dimension.
"Griffon…" Ryder whispered, sad to see another Bakugan lost to the Doom Dimension.
"There has to be a strategy to get Ryder out of this. If he could use the last of his Bakugan to double team Cycloid, it should work." Alice thought.
"But what is his gate card?" Alice pondered.
"Ryder, don't use Leonidas for this next battle. I'm afraid Billy's next gate card will be a trap." Alice advised.
"But Fear Ripper isn't strong enough to defeat Cycloid." Ryder pointed out.
"Maybe, but if you use this card after he activates the gate card, that won't matter," Alice replied.
"Oh, I see." Ryder smiled as he turned around to face Billy.
"If you're done, let's continue this battle," Billy muttered.
"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Cycloid Stand!" Billy shouted as he launched Cycloid onto his gate card.
"Subterra Cycloid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Okay. Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Fear Ripper Stand!" Ryder yelled as Fear Ripper appeared before Cycloid.
"Darkus Fear Ripper G power 520 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Gate Card Open! Subterra Cage!" Billy declared as a large stone cage encased the two Bakugan trapping them there.
"With this gate card, you won't be able to throw in another Bakugan. At least not without a launcher." Billy explained.
"Now then, Ability Activate Subterra Lock!" Billy added.
"Now you don't get to use any ability cards," Billy smirked.
"Great, there goes that plan." Ryder sighed.
"Haha, I love cage matches!" Cycloid laughed as he slammed his club into Fear Ripper, sending the Darkus Bakugan into the cage, defeating it, and sending it to the Doom Dimension.
"Damn, why is it that every time I go up against the people with Doom Cards, I lose Bakugan!" Ryder cried.
"Ryder…" Alice said as she placed a hand on his shoulder. It was never easy losing a Bakugan, especially to the Doom Dimension.
"It's okay, you can still win this." Alice encouraged.
"I know it's not easy to lose Bakugan. But I believe that if you have confidence in yourself, you can win." Alice added.
"You believe that if I have confidence, I can win?" Ryder questioned.
"Yes. Honestly, I don't think I need to teach you much when it comes to brawling. Every time I've seen you in battle today, with Dan, against Chan Lee and Julio, and even now, I'm impressed." Alice began.
"You've been able to follow up with my advice easily and then think for yourself. I believe that as long as you believe in yourself, you can win. After all, failure is the best teacher." Alice finished.
"Failure is the best teacher." Ryder thought. It was true that he had lost very many times, and from those mistakes, he had learned a great deal.
"So does that mean no more advice?" Ryder asked.
"Only if you don't want it," Alice responded.
"Okay…I'll do this." Ryder declared as he picked up a gate card.
"Gate Card Set!" The two brawlers shouted as they threw their gate cards.
"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Cycloid Stand!" Billy shouted as he launched Cycloid onto his own gate card.
"Subterra Cycloid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Let's do this. I've been wanting a chance of fighting Leonidas since this battle started." Cycloid smirked.
"You ready, Leonidas?" Ryder asked.
"Born ready partner!" Leonidas answered as Ryder grabbed hold of him.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder yelled as Leonidas appeared.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Time for some fun!" Leonidas exclaimed.
"Gate Card Open! Cycloid Beatdown!" Billy declared.
"Subttera Cycloid G power increase by 400 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 1000 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Oh yeah, I'm feeling the power!" Cycloid exclaimed as he swung at Leonidas, who flew into the air.
"Ability Activate! Shadowscratch!" Ryder countered as he negated Billy's gate card.
"Subterra Cycloid G power revert to normal parameters." The bakupod announced.
"Oh no," Cycloid murmured as Leonidas dove down and swiped at his head.
"Ability Activate! Right Giganti!" Billy shouted.
"Subterra Cycloid G power increase by 200 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"All right, I'm not wasting this chance!" Cycloid roared as he slammed his club into Leonidas, hitting him into the ground.
"I won't go down that easy, Cycloid!" Leonidas stated as he picked himself up.
"This will help you out, Leonidas! Ability Activate!" Ryder shouted.
"Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas roared as he fired a beam from his mouth.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 200 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 800 Gs." The bakupod announced.
Cycloid blocked with his club, but as the two were equal in power, he was unable to fully push the attack away. Eventually, due to the equivalent power, both were cast out in a draw meaning another battle will need to take place.
"How was it, Leonidas?" Ryder asked as Leonidas floated in front of him.
"Fun but victory won't come easy," Leonidas responded.
"Never does, but I've got a plan," Ryder replied.
"Really did Alice not give you one?" Leonidas inquired.
"I think I can manage it. Like she said, I just need to have confidence, and if a Battle Brawler believes in me, then I'm not going to let those expectations down!" Ryder smiled.
"I guess he really is a big fan of us." Alice thought as she smiled, happy to see Ryder believing in himself.
"So, Cycloid, how strong is he?" Billy asked.
"Very strong! This was definitely worth the trip to battle them. We should be able to get much stronger in preparation to Vladitor!" Cycloid exclaimed.
"Vladitor?" Ryder questioned, having never heard that name before.
"Okay, let's end this!" Billy smirked as he loaded Cycloid.
"Bakugan Brawl! Subterra Cycloid Stand!" Billy shouted as Cycloid appeared on Ryder's gate card.
"Subterra Cycloid G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Time to go!" Ryder stated as he grabbed onto Leonidas.
"Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Leonidas Stand!" Ryder yelled as Leonidas appeared.
"Darkus Leonidas G power 600 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Gate Card Open! Final Judgement!" Ryder declared.
"Subterra Cycloid G power decrease to 0 Gs." The bakupod announced.
Leonidas flew up and picked up Cycloid and flew high into the sky as the powerless Subterra Bakugan was unable to do anything. The dragon-like Bakugan released Cycloid causing the cyclops like Bakugan fell to the ground.
"I've got you Cycloid!" Billy called.
"Ability Activate! Left Giganti!" Billy countered as Cycloid slammed his hand onto the gate card, negating it before he landed.
"Subterra Cycloid G power returned to normal parameters." The bakupod announced.
"Alright, then eat this! Ability Activate! Darkus Twister!" Ryder shouted as Leonidas dove down before spinning into a small twister.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 250 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 850 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"Ability Activate! Copycat!" Billy countered, causing Cycloid to spin around in a small twister like Leonidas.
"Subterra Cycloid G power increase by 250 Gs. Subterra Cycloid G power 850 Gs." The bakupod announced.
The two Bakugan collided, neither giving the other an inch as the opposing twisters created a small maelstrom. It seemed like another draw was imminent, but Ryder wasn't done yet as he had one last ability card.
"Ability Card Activate! Darkus Repulse!" Ryder shouted.
"Darkus Leonidas G power increase by 70 Gs. Darkus Leonidas G power 920 Gs." The bakupod announced.
"It's over!" Leonidas declared as his power surged, and he pushed Cycloid to the ground.
"NO!" Cycloid cried as he was defeated, and an orb of light came out of Cycloid and entered Leonidas.
"Cycloid!" Billy called as they returned to the real world.
"I-I won." Ryder gasped.
"You did it!" Alice exclaimed, happy to see Ryder succeed.
"I knew you were able to do it if you believed in yourself." Alice smiled.
"Thanks. But you still helped me out in the start." Ryder replied.
"Guess we're not strong enough for him or Vladitor yet," Billy sighed.
"I…feel…uh different," Cycloid murmured.
"There's that name again. Who is Vladitor?" Ryder asked as he and Alice approached Billy.
"Fine, since you beat me, I'll give you this. There is a brawler named Marduk who has gained a Bakugan named Vladitor, a Bakugan who was banished to the Doom Dimension long ago." Billy explained.
"Marduk! He's okay. He disappeared weeks ago. Where is he?" Ryder questioned as he wanted to know what Masquerade did to him.
"I'm not telling and don't think this is the last you've seen of me!" Billy declared as with a flash of light, both Billy and Cycloid disappeared.
"Seriously, how do they do that?" Ryder wondered as Alice's eyes went blank, and she disappeared.
"What do you think, Alice?" Ryder asked to no answer.
"Alice?" Ryder called as he turned to see that she had disappeared.
"Alice?!" Ryder called again as he was concerned about her sudden disappearance.
Elsewhere…
Billy walked through the halls of the mansion that Masquerade had set them up in as his head began to clear from the haze that had clouded it. Since Leonidas had taken the negative energy away, their minds were free.
"Something wrong, Billy?" Masquerade questioned as he appeared in front of the brawler.
"Masquerade!" Billy gasped as he stopped.
"It looks like you lost and worse yet are thinking for yourself a little too much." Masquerade stated.
"Look, I promise I won't fail again, so don't do anything extreme!" Billy requested.
"Don't worry, I'm just going to remind you who you work for," Masquerade replied as he held the Silent Orb in his palm.
With a flash of light, both Billy and Cycloid were affected by negative energy once more and were back in Masquerade's 'control.' Satisfied with his work, Masquerade returned to Central Park behind a tree and gave Alice control to return to Ryder.
"Alice!" Ryder called as Alice blinked in confusion.
"Oh, I'm over here!" Alice replied as she came out from behind the tree.
"Thank goodness, where did you run off to?" Ryder questioned as he ran up to Alice.
"Sorry, I guess I zoned out a little." Alice apologized.
"Well, while that's…odd, at least you're okay." Ryder sighed as he looked at the sky.
"It's getting late. We should head back." Ryder pointed out.
"Oh right." Alice nodded as she followed Ryder back to his house.
Wardington…
Dan smirked as he finished another battle making it the tenth victory he had that day. Things were going well, and if he kept it up, he had no doubt he would qualify for the finals. Though as he searched for another battle, Dan wished there was more of a challenge around.
"Is something wrong, Dan you look down?" Drago asked as he sat on Dan's shoulder.
"Nothings wrong, Drago. I just wish there was more of a challenge, you know." Dan responded.
"Be careful what you wish for, Dan. If we keep battling brawlers like the ones we already have, then we should make it to the finals." Drago warned.
"That's true, but it still gets boring, you know," Dan replied as a man in a black coat and mask covering half of his face came out.
"If you're looking for a challenge, then I can give it to you," Marduk smirked as he stood before Dan and Drago.
"Who are you? I've never seen you around here before?" Dan questioned.
"Names Marduk, and this is Vladitor." Marduk introduced himself and his partner, who floated next to him.
"Never heard of you," Dan replied as Drago remained silent as he felt that he had heard the name Vladitor before.
"So you want to battle?" Dan asked.
"I thought that would go without saying with current events." Marduk sighed.
"Right, well, if it's a battle you want, then a battle you'll get!" Dan exclaimed as he took out his field card.
"Wait, Dan, we shouldn't rush into battle just yet," Drago stated.
"Why not Drago? He seems better than most of the other brawlers we battled today?" Dan questioned.
"I feel like I've heard the name Vladitor before, and I feel it is dangerous to go against him at this moment," Drago explained.
"Are you sure, Drago?" Dan asked.
"I'll be honest, I am not, but we should tread carefully," Drago advised.
"Then we'll battle safe then," Dan replied.
"I don't know, Dan." Drago sighed.
"Look, are we battling or not because I don't want to keep waiting?" Marduk questioned.
"Come on, Drago, what's the worst that could happen?" Dan asked.
"Fine, then let us battle him." Drago agreed.
"About time," Marduk smirked as he took out his field card.
"Field Open!" The two shouted as time slowed to a stop.
The Plaza Hotel…
"Come on, are we done yet?" Jenny questioned as she and Jewls sat next to one another on a couch in their hotel room.
"No, we still have the show tomorrow in Madison Square." Their manager stated.
"Uhhh, but we want to battle! There's a big tournament going on, and we have barely been able to participate." Jewls complained.
"Look, I don't get much about so-called Bakugan battles, but you need to also be mindful of your careers as pop idols." Their manager replied.
"Now, get some sleep. We have an early day tomorrow." Their manager ordered as he left the room.
"This sucks at this rate we'll never make it to the finals!" Jenny sighed.
"Maybe we can sneak off after the concert and battle. I hear a lot of brawlers go to Central Park." Jewls pointed out.
"Really?" Jenny asked.
"Yeah, and since the city is so big, if we get on a subway, we can lose the manager in no time!" Jewls exclaimed.
"It'll be like that other time, though with less being tricked by the Masquerade!" Jenny smiled as the two plotted their plan.
Next Time, Ryder continues to battle to raise his rank to be eligible for the tournament's finals as Alice accompanies him. However, to his surprise, he is challenged by Jewls and Jenney of JJ Dolls.
Not only that but to keep it from being a two on one, they challenge Alice too! But Alice seems hesitant to even pick up a Bakugan! Meanwhile, news of Dan and Marduk's battle reaches the other brawlers is it good or is it bad?
Next Time on Bakugan Doom World: Idol Battle!
Author's Note:
Another chapter done! I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Though I have to admit there weren't as many teaching moments or advice I could have made Alice give in this chapter as I wanted to.
But with how battles work and how I write them, that was an obstacle in of itself, so I decided to give her the role of giving Ryder some confidence. To explain what that exactly means is that the main things that have been holding Ryder back so far are his fear and lack of confidence.
One of which Leonidas fixed and his issue with confidence as he used to lose all the time was now fixed by Alice. Just wanted to get that out of the way in case anyone was confused on the matter.
Now, as for the tournament, it should be lasting a good amount of time, and I can't say when it will end without spoilers. Now before I end this, I wanted to say that I will now be replying to reviews from previous chapters.
The reason I haven't been doing so is that I'm still relatively new to fanfiction, but I started doing it on my biggest fic, and nothing bad happened. So now I'm going to start doing it here too!
Reviews:
HelioB – Thanks glad you liked it.
Haro654 – I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I'm happy to know that the idea of Ryder and Alice being together is fine with you, and hopefully, others also think so though I'm still on the fence on whether or not I'm actually going to do it.
Chance Green G King – Thanks. I'm happy to see you're enjoying the story.
Martin – Since two people have left an okay, I feel better about doing a Ryder and Alice romance, but again I'm still on the fence. But I'm glad you like the idea.
RokenDarkly – Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you think so highly of my story, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Anyways that's all I have. I hope you guys enjoyed and I'll see you next time!