Chapter 10: Behind Enemy Lines

(Intro)


Battle Force 10 were driving through a Puzzle Box Battle Zone towards the Battle Key. "I got the Battle Key, guys!" Agura called as she spotted the key. But suddenly, the entire zone started shifting around. Stanford scraped the Reverb off one of the shifting walls. "You okay, Stanford?" Agura asked in concern. "I'm fine. The Reverb can handle scrapes. But I think that one was a bruise." Stanford said. Suddenly, as the Tangler leapt off a shifting piece, Agura picked up an alert on her scanner. "What?!" She exclaimed in shock. Just then, Krocomodo and Hatch dropped down on top of Agura and Stanford, and started chasing them.

Sever drove up behind Zoom and tried to chomp onto the Chopper. "I will crush your Chopper and grind it into scrap metal!" Sever exclaimed. "Sorry, Sever, but I'm not your chum!" Zoom exclaimed. He turned right as the Buster drove up and bashed into the surprised Shark Vandal. Talia and Ivan found themselves being chased by Griz and Raptor. "Ugh! These 2 are harder to shake off than Junky's rusty smell!" Ivan exclaimed. "While I don't appreciate that tone about my little Junky, you're right." Talia said. "Then it's a good thing we're here to help, guys. Hold your noses!" Rayona said through the com-link. Just then, the Steaming Wok drove up in front of the Vandals and released a powerful gas at them. The Vandals got one whiff of it and started screaming. "ARGH! MY EYES!" Griz cried, rubbing his eyes. "OH, MY EYES!" Raptor cried. They drove out of control and crashed into each other. "Rayona, what was that stuff?" Ivan asked. "Sulfur Dioxide. Nasty stuff." Rayona said. "You don't say." Talia said.

Meanwhile, as Vert and Olivia were driving through the shifting puzzle box, Kalus appeared above them and started throwing his spears at them. As the Wheelers dodge the spears, they drove along the puzzle box as it shifted a trail towards Kalus, much to his surprise. Vert and Olivia activated their vehicles' weapons and bashed into Kalus, heavily damaging the Fangore. "Vandals, retreat!" Kalus exclaimed. "That's right, Kalus. Put your tail between your legs and run." Vert taunted. "Yeah. Back to your planet with you, you bad ol' puddy tat." Olivia taunted. Kalus glared at them as he drove off. Sever and Raptor followed their leader. But Krocomodo stopped Hatch and Griz in their tracks. "What are you doing, Krocomodo?!" Griz exclaimed. "Kalus gave the order to retreat!" Hatch exclaimed. "And I am giving you both the order to stay!" Krocomodo exclaimed.

Battle Force 10 regrouped and headed towards the Battle Key. "This party's over, gang. Now let's get that key." Agura said. "I like the sound of that." Stanford said. "Oh, come on, Agura. When Olivia and I feel like busting some bad guys-" Vert tried to say. But suddenly, the puzzle box shifted right under the Wheelers, and lifted them away from the team. They drove off the end, heading right towards the portal to the Vandal home world. "Vert! Olivia!" Agura exclaimed in worry. As Kalus, Sever and Raptor went through the portal, Vert and Olivia followed through before it closed. "NO!" Agura cried.


On the Vandal home world, a horn blared as the portal opened. Kalus, Sever and Raptor drove through before Vert and Olivia landed before the portal closed. The Wheeler siblings and their slugs looked around the new world. "Are we where I think we are?" Olivia asked. "Well, this looks like the Vandal home world." Vert said. He sniffed the air and cringed in disgust. "Smells like the Vandal home world." As he and Olivia exited their vehicles, they stepped into something…very squishy and gross. "Yep. Definitely the Vandal home world." Vert said. "Ugh! I'm gonna have to scrub these boots 5 times a day to get them clean!" Olivia exclaimed in disgust.

"Where are Krocomodo, Hatch and Griz?!" Kalus exclaimed from nearby. Vert and Olivia hid behind a tree and watched as Kalus, Sever and Raptor repaired the Fangore. "They disobeyed a direct order! When I get my claws on those 3!" Kalus exclaimed. "Why do I get the feeling this is Krocomodo's doing?" Raptor said. Just then, Sever picked up Vert and Olivia's scent. "Uh, Captain?" He said, pointing over to the tree. Kalus and Raptor looked at the tree and saw the Wheelers. "The sub-creatures!" Raptor exclaimed. "Uh-oh. Time to boogie." Vert said. "Agreed." Olivia said. As Vert and Olivia raced back to their vehicles, the 3 Vandals grinned sinisterly, hopped back in their rides and drove after them. "Sever, Raptor, cut them off." Kalus ordered. As Sever and Raptor peeled off from the chase, Kalus fired a couple of arrows from his crossbow at the Saber and the Jetray. "Hey, watch it! I just had the Jetray waxed!" Olivia exclaimed. As the Wheeler siblings continued driving, they saw a dead fallen tree ahead. They smiled as they came up with a plan, driving under the tree. "Head's up, Kalus!" Vert called. "Low branch!" Olivia called. Kalus saw the tree and leapt over it as the Fangore bashed through it. As the chase continued, Kalus noticed something approaching Vert and Olivia. "Yes." He said sinisterly. Vert and Olivia looked around and saw Sever and Raptor coming towards them on both sides. Sever caught the Saber in his Water Slaughter's mouth. Raptor snatched the Jetray with his claws. "Bring these pathetic creatures to the stronghold." Kalus ordered. Unknown to them, someone was watching them from the foliage.

Meanwhile, back in the Battle Zone, Battle Force 10 had no idea what to do without Vert and Olivia. "Great! We have no Battle Key, no Vert or Olivia! Who's gonna tell us what to do?" Spinner asked with worry. "They must've slipstreamed behind the Vandals." Sherman said. "But that means that they're stuck in the Vandal home world." Talia said with worry. "Well, with Vert and Olivia gone, I think Agura and Stanford should take their place for now." Horace said. "Well, what do we do?" Spinner asked.

Meanwhile, Krocomodo, Hatch and Griz were preparing their rides for a counterattack. "Kalus will have your hide, as well as Griz's and my exoskeleton." Hatch said with worry. "Yeah, you're really crossing the line this time, Leatherhead." Griz said. "Quiet, sniveling vermin!" Krocomodo exclaimed. Hatch clung to Griz, cringing with fear. "This is my chance to secure the Battle Key. And I will succeed Kalus as Vandal Warlord." Krocomodo said. "And you will need an advisor." Hatch guessed. "And a bodyguard." Griz added. "Exactly." Krocomodo said. The 3 chuckled sinisterly.

Meanwhile, back on the Vandal home world, Kalus, Sever and Raptor brought Vert and Olivia to the Vandal Stronghold. There, they were greeted by the chants of their fellow Vandals. There were felines, reptiles, sharks, bears and insects. Kalus was approached by a red-furred tigress and a white rattlesnake. "Welcome back, my mate." The tigress greeted. "Tigress, my beloved mate. I swear you look more lushing every time I return from battle." Kalus said. Tigress purred seductively. Vert and Olivia felt sick at the scene. "Captain Kalus, your horde awaits." The rattlesnake, named Rattlia, said, gesturing to the horde still chanting Kalus' name. Kalus approached the center. "Silence!" He exclaimed. The horde went silent. "My fellow warriors, I bring you 2 captives from a world beyond. From a world that will soon fall to the onslaught of our unstoppable army!" Kalus exclaimed. The horde cheered. "Ah, listen to those cheers, my mate." Tigress said. "The last time the horde cheered this loud was when I challenged Iguanarox for the talon of Vandal." Kalus said. "Yes. It was quite the scene, Captain." Raptor said. "You humiliated him in front of the horde." Sever said. "And he had no choice, but to defend his honor." Kalus said. "He fought well. He was strong." Sever said. "But not strong enough. Which is why I am the Vandal Warlord now." Kalus said. "You mean all we have to do to become Vandal Warlord is kick your furry butt in front of this ugly crowd?" Vert asked insultingly.

Kalus walked around to Vert and Olivia's backs. "Beg for mercy, sub-creatures." He said, shoving them to their knees. In retaliation, Vert grabbed a nearby rock and slammed it on Kalus' toes, making him yelp in pain. "Open-toed armor. Not a good idea, my friend." Vert said. "Good one, Vert." Olivia snickered. The horde started chuckling at this. "They are making a fool of you before the horde." Sever said. "How dare you mistreat my mate like this!" Tigress exclaimed, grabbing the Wheeler siblings by the throat. "I will have your heads for trophies!" "Pipe down, kitty-cat!" Olivia exclaimed. She kicked Tigress in the nose, making her let go of her and Vert. The horde started laughing even louder. "Shavax!" They started chanting. Kalus walked over to the Fangore and picked up an axe. He walked up to Vert and Olivia as they struggled with their bonds. He raised his axe and chopped the rope, setting them free. "On your feet." Sever said. "We don't get it." Vert said. "Explain yourselves." Olivia said. "Shavax is a Vandal ritual. We call it the Great Hunt. You insulted Kalus and his mate before the horde. Now they must defend their honor by hunting you 2 down in our very jungle." Rattlia explained. "You 2 have a head-start of 200 heartbeats. You better run." Sever said. Vert and Olivia ran for their vehicles and each hopped into them. "Running's for suckers." Vert said. "Yeah. We prefer the good old-fashioned street chase." Olivia said. "Shavax! Shavax! Shavax!" They both chanted. "Catch us if you can, Kalus." Vert said before they both drove away. Kalus growled.

Meanwhile, back in the Puzzle Box Zone, Agura looked through her binocs and spotted the Battle Key. "I got a 20 on the Battle Key." She said. "And I got a 20 on Krocomodo, Hatch and Griz." Spinner said, spotting the 3 Vandals heading towards the key. "Looks like they're gonna get to the key first." Sherman said. "Oh man. We've been in charge for 5 minutes and it's already gone pear-shaped." Stanford said with worry. "It'll be okay, Stanford. Zoom, Horace, kick it into high-gear and cut them off. We'll be right behind you." Agura said. "We're on it." Zoom said, revving up his Chopper. "Those beasts won't know what hit them." Horace said. But before they could take off, the puzzle box shifted again right from under the team, moving them even farther away from the Battle Key. "Great! Now we're even farther away!" Spinner exclaimed. "It's like this entire Battle Zone is jinxing us!" Talia exclaimed. "What do we do now, Agura?" Stanford asked. Agura didn't answer, not having any idea what to do.

Meanwhile, back on the Vandal home world, Kalus and Tigress were getting ready to begin the Great Hunt. "Let the hunt begin!" Kalus announced, blowing into his horn. The horde cheered as the mates prepared to take off. "Kalus, since there are 2 of them, I want the female for myself. You can have the male." Tigress said. "I wouldn't have it any other way." Kalus said. The mates drove out of the stronghold as the unknown creature watched them leave with a determined glare.

"BF10, come in!" Vert called through the com-link. No answer. "Sage, TRINA, can you hear us?" Olivia asked. No answer. "Looks like our transmissions can't get through. Let's just hope they can get the key and open the Stormshock for us." Vert said. "We will hunt you down and string you up like a Vandalian Slime Hog." Kalus said through their com-link. "Don't fire up the barbeque just yet, Whiskers." Vert said. "Yeah. We're not your average prey." Olivia said. "Everything in this jungle is dangerous. From the deadly Vandalian Puffer Plants that can paralyze you, to the Giant Spiders." Kalus explained. "My mate is right. If we don't get you, something will." Tigress said. "Our team will find the Battle Key and pull us out of this smelly jungle." Vert assured. Kalus and Tigress just laughed. "With no leaders…" Kalus started. But then, Vert and Olivia severed the communication. "Oh man." Vert groaned. "I couldn't take that cat anymore." Olivia said. "…your team will crumble." Kalus said. But then he noticed that there was static on his com-link. "Hello?" "I think they just hung up on us." Tigress said. Kalus growled at that.

As Vert and Olivia continued driving, they noticed a bridge coming up. "Uh-oh." Vert said as they stepped on the brakes. They saw that the bridge was rigidity, loose, and the planks were slowly falling apart by the second. "Whoa, Vert. This never ends up good in the movies." Olivia said. "Well then, it's a good thing that this isn't a movie." Vert said, driving out onto the bridge first. "Oh, I have a bad feeling about this." Olivia said before following her brother. As they drove across the bridge, Kalus and Tigress arrived. "Catch you and your mate on the other side, Kalus!" Vert taunted. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure, sub-creature!" Kalus exclaimed. He fired 2 arrows from his crossbow at the other side, breaking the ropes holding the bridge up. Vert and Olivia screamed as they fell into the ravine below.


Olivia quickly activated her jets and took off in midair. "Whoa! Liv, I'm not liking the view!" Vert exclaimed as he continued to fall. "Hang on, Vert! I got you!" Olivia exclaimed. She rolled down her window, drew her blaster and slung Lorelei, creating an ice slide with Deepfreeze. The Saber landed on the slide and safely slid down to the ground. The Jetray landed next to it. "You okay, Vert?" Olivia asked. "Yeah, thanks to you and Lorelei, sis." Vert said. Lorelei squeaked with gratitude as she hopped onto the Saber. "Okay, Kalus. It's on now. Nobody tries to hurt my brother and gets away with it." Olivia said venomously.

Meanwhile, Kalus and Tigress were on their way towards the Wheeler siblings' location. "You were fools to think you could survive in my own jungle. I am almost disappointed this hunt is over so soon." Kalus said. "Disappointed? You?" Tigress asked in confusion. "These 2 and their team were much more determined whenever we meet in the Battle Zones." Kalus explained as they approached the Saber and the Jetray. Vert's boots were sticking out from under the Saber. As were Olivia's boots from under the Jetray. Kalus and Tigress got out of their rides and walked up to each pair of boots. But as they grabbed them, they were suddenly electrocuted. The boots were connected to electrified clamps. The 2 mates collapsed from the shock before Vert and Olivia walked up. "Sorry, you 2. These boots were made for shocking." Vert said as he and Olivia retrieved their boots. "I must…left…my…lake…" Kalus tried to say, too dazed from the shock. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Olivia asked jokingly. "Where…are…ma…?" Tigress tried to ask, dazed from her shock too. Vert looked at Kalus' crossbow and took it. "Always wanted one of these." He said. "And look at this neat claw necklace. I don't think you'll miss this." Olivia said, noticing a claw necklace around Tigress' neck before taking it. The Wheelers got back into their rides and took off with Kalus glaring after them.

Meanwhile, back in the Battle Zone, the team was still trying to think of their next plan. "If we had an actual leader around, we would've retrieved the key, saved Vert and Olivia, and eating pizza by now." Horace said. Agura looked through her binocs and spotted Krocomodo, Hatch and Griz. "If you're such a hotshot, how about helping Stanford blast some long-range artillery instead of your mouth?" She ordered. "Very well. Since I like blasting rather than talking." Horace said. He and Stanford readied their blasters and started firing at the Vandals. "INCOMING!" Krocomodo exclaimed. The 3 Vandals drove to avoid being blasted, but ended up falling down a hole. Agura looked through her binocs to search for the Vandals. Just then, they reemerged from a different section of the puzzle box and saw that the Battle Key was just ahead. "The Battle Key!" Krocomodo exclaimed with glee as he snagged the key and drove off. "No, the key!" Stanford exclaimed with worry. "Man, can a girl get a break in this Battle Zone?!" Agura exclaimed. "Well, too bad you 2 aren't real leaders like Vert and Olivia." Horace said rudely. Stanford glared at him angrily. Suddenly, the Defender was pushed off the platform by an unseen force. Horace screamed as he fell. Luckily, the puzzle box shifted again, bringing him back to the others. "Alright, who did that?! Who pushed me off the platform?!" He exclaimed angrily. The team muttered to themselves in confusion.

Meanwhile, back on the Vandal home world, Kalus and Tigress continued chasing after Vert and Olivia. "A cleaver trap, but we will not be so easily fooled again." Kalus said through the com-link. "I don't know about that. Scientists say that a cat's brain is the size of a walnut." Vert said. Kalus and Tigress growled at that. "But look at the bright side. You cats always seem to land on your feet afterwards." Olivia said. Suddenly, the Wheeler siblings drove into a vine and triggered a trap. "Whoa!" Vert exclaimed as a log came down and slammed the Saber and the Jetray into a tree. Kalus and Tigress chuckled over the com-link. "It sounds like you both have fallen into one of my mate's many traps." Tigress said. "There is no escape for you, humans. We can smell your fear." Kalus said.

Vert, Olivia and their slugs exited their vehicles, but tumbled to the ground in pain from the impact. Just then, a plant in front of them started moving. "Vert, is this what I think it is?" Olivia asked. "Yeah. Vandalian Puffer Plant." Vert said. "What did Kalus say those do again?" Olivia asked. Another plant moved beside her. "Paralysis." Vert said. He and the slugs managed to roll to the side, but Olivia was still in pain. Suddenly, someone grabbed Olivia and pulled her away from the plants as they spewed their pollen. Vert and the slugs rushed over to Olivia as the stranger set her down. "Liv, are you okay?" He asked in worry. "Yeah. I'm alright, Vert." Olivia said. They looked over to the stranger who saved her. He was a Vandal Iguana. Beside him was what appeared to be an armored black dog with a dark orange muzzle, a spikey tail and goat horns. Vert and Olivia got to their feet and prepared to defend themselves. "Who are you?" Olivia asked. "You working with Kalus?" Vert asked. "I do not. I am Iguanarox, former leader of the Vandal horde." Iguanarox greeted. "You? Kalus spoke of you, about how he challenged you." Vert said. "Yes. But we mustn't speak here. Kalus and Tigress will be here soon. Follow us." Iguanarox said as he and his dog started walking away. Vert and Olivia hesitated for a minute. "And why should we trust you? You're a Vandal." Olivia said. "I saved your life, young Ophiuchus. Is that not enough to make you trust me?" Iguanarox asked. Vert and Olivia looked at each other. Iguanarox did save Olivia's life. So, they decided to follow him and his dog.

Meanwhile, back in the Battle Zone, Spinner tracked the Vandals' position. "They're heading for the Vandal portal!" He exclaimed. "Vert and Olivia would never have let it get this far." Agura said with doubt. "Yeah. We let Vert, Olivia, Sage, TRINA and Earth down." Stanford said. "Don't beat yourselves up. This would be tough even for Vert and Olivia. This grid is completely unpredictable." Sherman said. Suddenly, Agura had a thought when he said that. She opened a diagram of the puzzle box. "Hey, maybe it's not as unpredictable as we think. Sherman, analyze the grid. Maybe there's a pattern. Zoom, time for some aerial recon." She said. "I'm on it." Zoom said. The Buster activated its ramps and Zoom drove up into the air, activating the Chopper's Glider Mode. "Initiating topographical analysis." Sherman said. He analyzed the box's grid until he found the right pattern. "Got it! It's a fractal pattern. Which means there's 98% chance will put the Vandals right about…there!" He said. "Which means we can cut them off before they hit the Stormshock!" Talia realized. "But there's still the 2% chance that it won't work. Are you sure about this, Agura?" Stanford asked. "It'll work, Stanford. Trust me. Battle Force 10, prepare for ambush." Agura said.

Meanwhile, back on the Vandal home world, Vert and Olivia followed Iguanarox and his dog, named Houndoom, through the jungle. Kalus and Tigress continued their hunt, listening to Vert and Olivia panting through their radios. "Without your vehicles, you don't stand a chance!" Kalus exclaimed. "Yes. Not even the weakest of creatures has never survived the hunt!" Tigress exclaimed. "Well, we seem to be doing okay so far!" Vert exclaimed. "Your insolence will be silenced! Do you have any idea how many traps my mate has set in this jungle?" Tigress asked. "We're not afraid of your little traps. We can spot them a mile away." Olivia said. Just then, Iguanarox raised his arms and stopped the Wheeler siblings in their tracks. "Careful. This is a pit trap in front of us." He said. He slapped the ground with his tail and unveiled the trap. "How'd you know that was here?" Vert asked. "I've watched Kalus set up his traps for years. I know where he set each one. It's how I was able to save Houndoom here." Iguanarox explained. "Hound." Houndoom grumbled, nudging Olivia's leg. Olivia knelt down and petted the creature's head. She and Vert began to wonder more about Iguanarox. "Kalus and Tigress will be coming soon. We need to keep moving." Iguanarox said. Vert and Olivia nodded.

"The end is near, sub-creatures." Kalus said as he and Tigress drove towards the pit. "Okay, Kalus. You and Tigress win." Vert said through the com-link. "Ha! You hear that, my love?" Tigress asked. "Yes. Giving in like a wounded Scrump Deer. Pathetic!" Kalus exclaimed. "Just make it quick, furball. Don't be cruel." Olivia said as Kalus and Tigress stopped in front of the pit. "Cruelty is all we know." Kalus said. But as they looked down into the pit, they saw that it was empty. "WHAT?!" Kalus roared. "How did they get past this?!" Tigress exclaimed. The Wheelers, Iguanarox and Houndoom heard their roars from a distance. "Okay. Now they sound angry." Vert said. "Now what?" Olivia asked. "The stronghold. It's just through this way. Hurry." Iguanarox said as they continued to run through the jungle.

Meanwhile, back in the Puzzle Box Zone, Agura located the 3 Vandals heading towards their portal through her binocs. "Sherman, let's hope your theory's right." She said. "Let's cross our fingers on this one." Stanford said. "Are you ready to enjoy the fruits of power, you 2?" Krocomodo asked. "Yes! I cannot wait to toss Kalus and his beloved Tigress into the slave pits!" Hatch exclaimed. "Yes. And any Vandal who would dare try to stand against our might!" Griz exclaimed. Sherman watched them approach their portal as he counted down the shifting of the puzzle box. "Grid shift in 3, 2, 1! Hang on!" He exclaimed. The boxes and platforms started shifting. "Let's get that key and rescue Vert and Olivia." Agura said. The platform shifted, putting the team directly above the Vandals. "Perfect!" She exclaimed. "The talon of Vandal is MINE!" Krocomodo exclaimed. Just then, Agura leapt the Tangler on top of Hatch. "All that world conquest stuff is gonna have to wait, boys." She said. "What?!" Griz exclaimed in shock before Talia drove up with the Pom-Pom Pouncer and swatting him with her spiked pom-poms. "I'll take that." Zoom said, snatching the key from Krocomodo. "Oh, and say hello to the Buster." As Krocomodo was nearing the portal, the Buster turned a corner and slammed into him, sending him flying. "Wow. It…actually worked. You are a genius, Agura." Stanford said. "Thanks. Everyone to the portal. Let's get Vert and Olivia out of there." Agura said. The team traveled through the portal to the Vandal home world.


Meanwhile, Vert, Olivia, Iguanarox and Houndoom continued running through the jungle. Kalus and Tigress continued hunting them. They roared in anger when they couldn't find them. Vert, Olivia, Iguanarox and Houndoom stopped for a rest. "Note to selves: Next time we secure a Battle Zone, forget the cat quips and just get out of there." Vert said. "Noted. If there is a next time. And if we get out of this in one piece." Olivia said. They heard Kalus and Tigress roar in the distance. "We can feel your strength, your spirits, flagging!" Kalus exclaimed. "It won't be long now. We will have your heads as our latest trophies!" Tigress exclaimed. They both roared into the air. "Man, they just don't quit." Olivia said. "Of course not. Vandals are trained never to quit until the hunt is complete. We need to move." Iguanarox said. The 4 continued on into the jungle.

Meanwhile, upon arriving on the Vandal home world, Battle Force 10 located the Saber and the Jetray. Sherman removed the log, freeing the 2 vehicles. "The good news is the Saber and Jetray can be towed." Spinner said. "The bad news is no sign of Vert or Olivia." Agura said. A creature howled in the distance. "Did you guys hear that?" Talia asked. "Yeah. Those Vandals aren't the only thing Vert and Olivia need to look out for." Zoom said. "How could anything live in a place like this?" Stanford asked. Sherman analyzed the foliage of the planet. "It's similar to early Earth, the Pleistocene era. Notice the atmosphere." He explained. "That must be why I'm feeling so lightheaded." Horace said, feeling woozy. Suddenly, Zoom gasped. "What?" Horace asked. "Dude, don't move." Zoom said. "Why?" Horace asked in worry. "Just a little mosquito." Spinner whispered. Horace turned his head and revealed a big mosquito on the right side of his face! Zoom kicked the mosquito off. The mosquito flew off as Horace chased it for a bit. "You better not have taken too much blood, bug!" He exclaimed. "Agura!" Zoom called, pointing to some tracks. "Heads up. We got tracks. Vert and Olivia are close. Very close. Let's go, team. We don't have much time." Agura said. The team hurried back to their vehicles and drove off.

Meanwhile, as Vert, Olivia, Iguanarox and Houndoom continued to run, Kalus and Tigress were almost on top of them. Vert was running on a limp now. His leg was reacting to the delayed pain from the log trap. Kalus and Tigress were almost within reach of him. "Come on, Vert!" Olivia exclaimed with worry. As Kalus prepared to slice him with his claws, Vert leapt into the shrubs. Olivia and Iguanarox helped him up. "Shavax!" The hordes chanted. Sever, Raptor and Rattlia shoved their way through. "Suddenly, that pit isn't looking so bad." Vert said. Suddenly, a hush fell over the horde as they lay eyes on Iguanarox. "Iguanarox has returned! And he helps our enemy!" Sever exclaimed. "Traitor!" Raptor exclaimed. "You shame our horde by working with these sub-creatures!" Rattlia exclaimed. The horde started chanting what Raptor said. But Iguanarox ignored the chants, knowing that he made his decision.

Kalus and Tigress emerged from the shrubs, preparing to spear Vert and Olivia. But then, Iguanarox pushed the Wheelers aside, causing the spears to dig into the ground and snap in half. "Thanks. Again." Olivia said. "Don't mention it." Iguanarox said. Kalus and Tigress each grabbed a spear, hopped out of their vehicles and walked towards the group. "Iguanarox! You dare to return after all this time?! And you dare help these pitiful sub-creatures?!" Kalus exclaimed in anger. "You may be the leader of the Vandals, Kalus, but I'm still a leader with honor to protect my new allies than my own life." Iguanarox said. "Then defend yourself and your allies if you will, traitor." Tigress growled. Just then, as the Vandal mates prepared to fight, Vert and Olivia leapt in between them and Iguanarox, and drew their blasters. Vert slung Marshal at Kalus, while Olivia slung Crab at Tigress. The 2 Vandals were too shocked to move as the 2 slugs bashed into them, knocking them out. The Vandal horde gasped at this. "You okay, Iguanarox?" Olivia asked. "Yes. You saved my life." Iguanarox said. "Then we're even." Vert said.

"The sub-creatures have beaten Captain Kalus! Attack them!" Sever exclaimed as he, Raptor and Rattlia leapt down to the ground and led the horde into the fray. "You 2 still able to fight?" Iguanarox said as he and Houndoom prepared to fight. "To be honest, Iguanarox, I'm too exhausted to keep fighting." Vert said. "Me too." Olivia said. Just then, Battle Force 10 emerged from the foliage and attacked the hordes. "Vert, Olivia, you guys okay?" Agura asked. "Yeah, we're all fine." Vert said. "Uh, you do realize that there's a giant iguana standing near you guys, right?" Spinner asked with a nervous tone. "It's okay, Spinner. He's with us." Olivia said. "I am Iguanarox. It's an honor." Iguanarox greeted with a bow. "He saved our lives in the jungle. And we saved his before you got here." Vert said. "Well, if he saved you guys, then I guess he's okay in my book." Agura said. "Any friend of yours is a friend of mine." Talia said. "Zoom, look out!" Olivia cried. Zoom turned around to see Rattlia slither up to him, hissing in his face. He screamed as his phobia kicked in and fired an aura sphere, blasting her away. "Okay, let's get out of here!" Vert exclaimed. "You riding with us?" Rayona asked. "Nope. I might be exhausted to fight, but not too exhausted to fly." Vert said, sprouting his Crimson Wings. Iguanarox and Houndoom were in awe to see those wings. "I'll fly Olivia out. Iguanarox, you ride with Stanford. Houndoom, go with Sherman and Spinner." Vert said as he picked up Olivia bridal style and took off in the air. Spinner let Houndoom into the Buster and Iguanarox latched onto the Reverb's roof as Battle Force 10 took off and followed Vert and Olivia. "Do not let them escape!" Sever exclaimed. The horde chased after them as Kalus and Tigress began to recover, but fell unconscious again.

As the team escaped, several feline Vandals chased them and started throwing their spears at them. "Look out! Sharp flying pointy sticks!" Spinner exclaimed. The Vandals threw more spears at them. "Hey! I've already been stabbed once today, thank you very much!" Horace exclaimed, rubbing his mosquito bite. The team passed through the portal before it closed.

Meanwhile, back in the Battle Zone, Krocomodo, Hatch and Griz were not happy. "Captain Kalus will have my hide for this! And yours, Griz, and your exoskeleton!" Krocomodo exclaimed. "That's what I was trying to tell you! This is all your fault!" Hatch exclaimed. "Yeah! This is another fine mess you've gotten us into, Krocomodo!" Griz exclaimed. As the portal to the Vandal home world reopened, Battle Force 10 came through, much to their shock. The Buster bashed through them as the team headed for home.

Later, when the team arrived back on Earth, they were fixing up the Saber and the Jetray while Sage and TRINA spoke with Iguanarox in private. Horace was trying to treat his mosquito bite. Houndoom was playing with Germy, Serpentina and Junky. "Thanks, Sherm. We owe you an extra-large Zeke's organic whole-wheat pizza for this job." Vert said. Sherman gave a grateful salute. "Actually, we owe all of you. It's not every day a couple of siblings get rescued from a deadly alien planet." Olivia said. "Anytime." Spinner said. "You're welcome." Zoom said. "Anything for our friends." Ivan said. "It's what we do." Talia said. "No problem." Rayona said. Stanford chuckled with embarrassment. "No more showboating?" Agura asked. "We promise. And nice job, Agura and Stanford. We knew we could count on you 2 to rally the troops." Vert said. "Yeah, you guys did a great job." Olivia said. The others gathered around and praised Agura and Stanford.

Just then, Sage, TRINA and Iguanarox walked over to them. Iguanarox's armor was all fixed and improved with Sentient Tech. "While I was a bit hesitant at first about Iguanarox, when he told me about how he saved you and Olivia, Vert, I have decided that he will be joining the team as it's new co-leader." Sage announced. "We already assembled his vehicle for him." TRINA said as she typed a few keys. A platform with a new vehicle appeared between the Pom-Pom Pouncer and the Defender. It resembled a Custom '42 Jeep CJ-2A model, year of 2009. "Say hello to my new ride, the Spine Crawler." Iguanarox said. "Welcome to Battle Force 10, Iguanarox." Vert said, holding out his hand. "We're lucky to have you." Olivia said, holding out her hand too. "No. It is I who is lucky to have new friends." Iguanarox said, shaking their hands. "UGH! Are we seriously out of anti-itch cream?!" Horace exclaimed as he walked up to the group. They cringed at how big the mosquito bite had gotten. "Do you think anyone will notice?" Horace asked. The others looked at each other. "Nah. You're golden." Spinner lied. Horace groaned at that. "Don't worry. Vandalian Mosquito bites will heal themselves in about…5 weeks." Iguanarox said. "5 WEEKS?! ARGH!" Horace exclaimed as he turned to leave. "It's actually 2 weeks. I just wanted to mess with him." Iguanarox whispered.

Later, the team, minus Iguanarox, was eating at Zeke's. Horace had a patch on his face to hide the mosquito bite. Just then, Vert and Olivia noticed the news from Copper Canyon come on. "Hey, Grace. Can you turn that up?" Vert asked. Grace turned up the volume on the TV as the news played. "And in Copper Canyon, the local superheroes, Max Steel and the Mana Quints, once again save the day. One of the local criminal gangs known as the Dark Black attempted to rob the Copper Canyon Bank. But luckily, Max Steel and the Mana Quints were there to save the day. And in later news, a fire broke out at Copper Canyon High School. Everyone was almost evacuated. Here's a remarkable clip that shows 2 of the students being rescued by 2 other brave students, Wandella Ferrus and Alejandro Villar." The newsman reported. The clip showed the rescue and others coming to their aid. Vert and Olivia's eyes widened at the faces they never thought they'd ever see again. "Vert, that's Maxwell McGrath and the Ferrus Quintuplets!" Olivia exclaimed. "I know! I know!" Vert exclaimed. "What? You know them?" Agura asked. "Yeah. They were some of our childhood friends." Vert said. "We haven't seen or heard from them in 10 years." Olivia said. Just then, the Wheelers caught sight of something peeking out from Max's backpack. It looked like a robot eye. "What's that in Max's backpack?" Olivia asked. "I don't know. I never seen anything like it before." Vert said. There were a lot of mysteries that were going on in Copper Canyon. And Vert and Olivia wanted to find out one day.

Wow! Wasn't that amazing?! Vert and Olivia get trapped on the Vandal home world and end up being hunted by Kalus and his mate, Tigress. But as Battle Force 10 make plans to rescue them, Vert and Olivia meet up with Kalus' predecessor, Iguanarox, who joins the team with his pet, Houndoom. And also, after seeing more news about events going on in Copper Canyon, Vert and Olivia grow more curious about what their childhood friends are hiding out there. What new challenges await Battle Force 10? Will there be others who will join the team? Leave a review if you'd like.

Special thanks to FoxyKhai0209 for Tigress and Rattlia. And for Iguanarox joining the team.