So, yeah, new Bakugan fanfiction. It's been a while since I've been on the site or had any passion (and effort) to write again, but that's back, and hopefully here to stay. If you're coming from my old fanfiction, then this'll definitely be a change in pace and storytelling compared to that one (mostly because I actually fleshed out a whole storyline and plan for this one), and if you're new, then I hope you'll stick around and enjoy!
1: The Battle Begins
"Ability Activate: Shadow Scratch."
The crowd roared in excitement as Pyrus Griffon slammed into the caged wall of the dimly lit warehouse-turned-arena. The Pyrus bakugan shrieked in pain as it incurred even more injuries, with the gashes on its torso–courtesy of the Ventus Ravenoid it was currently engaged in an extremely one-sided battle with–being the most recent.
"Things are getting pretty ugly for Pyrus Griffon, who goes down yet again!" the announcer's voice was barely audible among the thundering cheers as Griffon struggled to get to its feet. "Sebastian needs to act swiftly, or his flame will be extinguished."
Ravenoid: 490 Griffon: 400 (-50) = 350
Sebastian gritted his teeth in frustration as he glanced down at the 10% remaining on his life gauge, apprehension settling over his features. While the announcer's word rang true, it didn't mean that it stung any less. He'd already lost his Fly Beetle and Saurus, and he'd be damned if he lost his Griffon without putting up a fight, even if his odds were unfavorable.
"Come on, Griffon. We're not out of the running just yet" Sebastian said, finding new resolve. His glare was fixed on his opponent as he pulled out an ability card and slotted it into his gauntlet. Hearing its partner's call, Griffon summoned the remainder of its strength and rose to its feet, letting loose a determined roar. "Ability Activate! Wing Burst!"
Flames sheathed Griffon's wings, breathing new life and power into the fire-attributed Bakugan—as well as transferring 50Gs from Ravenoid to Griffon—as it leapt into the air. Pressing onto his advantage, Sebastian readied another ability card.
"Alright, now it's time finish this. Ability Activate, Fire Tornado!" The flames grew in intensity as they weaved around Griffon, forming a whirlpool of fire whose heat could be felt from even the furthest of attendees.
Ravenoid: 490 (-50 -100) = 340 Griffon: 350 (+50 +100) = 500
"Let's make him pay Griffon!" Sebastian exclaimed, followed by a triumphant roar as Griffon charged towards Ravenoid. The crowd gathered to their feet as they watched with bated breath; some in anticipation, others in apprehension, but all with their minds focused on the sums of money they'd wagered for the battle.
"You're right about one thing" the robotic voice of the opponent broke through as a fingerless-gloved hand was revealed from underneath their hefty cloak and was raised towards the battlefield. "It is time finish this. Gate Card open, Positive Delta!"
The trim of the battlefield glowed white, and Sebastian's zeal quickly morphed into shock as the shroud of flames surrounding Griffon dissipated into thin air as it neared its collision course. Ravenoid quickly intercepted the now de-powered Bakugan, weaving around its assault before launching its talons into Griffon into Griffon's side, creating some separation between the two Bakugan.
Ravenoid: 340 (+100) = 440 Griffon: 500 (-100 -200) = 200
"What the hell?!" Sebastian cried out, paralyzed in fear as his most powerful combination was rendered useless. Falling to his knees, he could only watch helplessly as his opponent pulled out another ability card.
"I admire your resolve, but I believe this battle has gone way past its expiration date. Ability Activate: Lotus Fury!" A fiery green aura surrounded Ravenoid's frame, fueling the Ventus Bakugan with power as it charged towards Griffon.
Ravenoid: 440 (+100) = 540 Griffon: 200 (-100) = 100
The Pyrus Bakugan swung a paw at its adversary, but the raven-like Bakugan easily ducked underneath the blow, retaliating with a kick into the chimera's jaw that hurtled it upwards. Not giving its opponent any time to regain its bearing, Ravenoid locked the chimera into a grapple before making its descent towards the ground, their bodies spinning at a rapid pace that it resembled a mini tornado.
"GRIFFON! NO!" Sebastian could only watch in horror as Ravenoid released Griffon at the last moment, sending the Bakugan headfirst into the ground. The chimera whimpered in pain for a moment, before it was bathed in a red glow and returned into its spherical form. Sebastian's grief increased tenfold as his Bakugan fell at the feet of his opponent.
Ravenoid: 540 Griffon: 100 (K.O)
"If you were hoping for an upset, then you must surely be disappointed" the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers. "Sebastian Cole put up a brave fight, but even he—like so many before him—could not best the indomitable might of the titan that lay before him. Let's hear it for the people's champion, Wraith!"
Consumed with sorrow, Sebastian could only stare hopelessly into the cold, golden orbs that peered from beneath his opponent's hood, their cloak billowing in the wind like an ominous shroud.
"MR. GREY!"
The resounding smack of the ruler connecting with the hardwood desk jolted Niko into consciousness. Blinking away the sleep from his eyes, he surveyed his surroundings in confusion, noting the barely concealed chuckles from his classmates before meeting the withering glare of Mrs. Collier, his math teacher. Panic quickly settled in as he realized he'd fallen asleep in class, and not for the first time either.
"Now that you've finally decided to grace us with your presence" Mrs. Collier drawled sarcastically, "Could you give us the answer to the question on the board?"
Promptly turning his gaze to the front of the room, Niko cursed under his breath. The problem looked similar to the ones he'd been assigned for homework, which he'd blown off to hang out with Kira. While he could easily solve the problem given enough time, Mrs. Collier's stern gaze left no room for discussion.
"Any day now, Mr. Grey" Mrs. Collier pressed.
"Uh, the answer… is…" Niko stalled, trying to will his sleep-deprived brain cells into producing a result from thin air, but knowing it was a futile endeavor. God, if you're listening, I could really use a miracle right now, Niko prayed mentally.
Luckily, his miracle came in the form of the ringing of the school bell, signaling the end of the school day. Niko breathed a sigh of relief, slumping into his chair as Mrs. Collier shot him one last look before striding to the front of the room.
"I know all of you are itching to hop out of your seats, but I would like a moment of your time" Mrs. Collier said. "As you are all aware, your finals will begin shortly. I urge you all to sufficiently revise the material we've covered, as well as getting enough rest"—making sure to blatantly direct her gaze at Niko—"in preparation for these. Class is dismissed."
Niko could not have packed his bag fast enough. Hastily packing his books and slinging his bag over his shoulder in record time, he made a push for the exit, hoping to avoid any further scolding. As escape neared closer, he could almost smell the freedom that awaited him.
"Mr. Grey, a word please."
Any sense of relief washed away from him in that moment, replaced by a sense of dread. Ignoring the jeers and taunts from his trailing classmates, Niko blushed in embarrassment before making his way to his teacher's desk, who at the very least had the decency to wait for the stragglers to pass by before reprimanding him.
"I hope you understand that, despite this being the last week of lessons before your finals, it doesn't excuse you from sleeping during my lesson, Nicholas" Mrs. Collier said. "You're one of the top students of your class, and while I'd normally be willing to excuse this infraction, I've been hearing some reports about this being a regular occurrence from the rest of your teachers. I hope you understand that I will have to inform your mother about this incident."
Niko internally winced. His mum definitely wouldn't be happy to hear that.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Collier. It won't happen again" Niko said, mustering the most apologetic tone he could deliver. Judging by the deadpan look on Mrs. Collier's face, it didn't seem like she believed him all that much—probably because he was a repeat offender—but chose not to call him out on it.
"See to it that it doesn't. You're free to go."
Niko briskly made his way out of the classroom and onto the courtyard, overlooking the sea of students flowing out of the school gates, their chatter and laughter filling the air. The late afternoon sun cast a warm golden glow, casting long shadows along the concrete pathways. The cool summer air ruffled through his brown curls, offering a refreshing reprieve from the stifling classroom. In the distance, the city skyline was bathed in shades of amber and gold. Closing his eyes momentarily, Niko inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of blooming flowers. Unconsciously, he reached up to thumb the gold band that was chained around his neck.
The buzz of his phone inside his pocket broke him out of his thoughts and alerted him to a text message, though judging by the timing, he had a clear idea who the recipient was. His heterochromatic eyes easily discerned the spot of pink amongst the crowd. Chuckling to himself, he weaved through the crowd, making his way towards his best friend who, upon spotting him, made a pointed emphasis of tapping her wrist in mock annoyance.
"You're late, hotshot" Kira said. Her appearance was very striking; if her pink hair—which flowed into a multitude of colors as it neared the tips—didn't catch your eye, then her attire definitely did. Dressed in an oversized camo bomber jacket, blank tank-top, ripped denim jeans and black combat boots, her attire screamed the very definition of "rebellious teenager". All of that was topped off with a pair of ringed sunglasses that sat above her angular brown eyes. "At this rate, I'll have to put a tracker on you so that you stop making me worry. I've already got three grey hairs because of all the stress and heartache you've put me through."
"Has anyone ever told you that you're an impossible woman to please?" Niko said, rolling his eyes. "I better inform all of your potential suitors to give you a wide berth before you put them through mental anguish."
"Please, with my devilishly good looks and charming personality, people would be lining up to be mentally tortured by me" Kira sassed, dramatically whipping her hair. "Onto more important things. Word on the grapevine is that a certain someone turned Mrs. Collier's chamber into their bedroom."
"Don't remind me. I'm already dreading the lecture I'll be receiving from my mum later" Niko groaned, and even Kira couldn't suppress a grimace.
"Should I start preparing for your funeral? I'm confident I could write a great eulogy."
"I'll let you know the verdict later tonight, and if you don't hear from me, I give you permission to proceed" Niko said, playing along with Kira's antics, who responded with a mock salute. A small chuckle escaped his lips before he shifted the focus back to her. "Judging by your grapevine comments, I'm guessing a certain someone didn't bother showing up to their classes today."
"School's overrated anyways" Kira said with a shrug. "Besides, someone's got to be the rebel in this friendship, and since I haven't completely corrupted you, I've taken the responsibility of carrying this heavy burden."
"You do realize that we have our finals coming up in a few weeks, right?" Niko said, a hint of worry in his tone. "You've barely shown up the last couple of weeks, and I'm sure your folks are—"
"Can we not start with that today? Please?" Kira cut him off abruptly. "Look, there's a new stake park that just opened up downtown, and this one punk swears he can pull off a McTwist. Naturally, I bet 20 bucks he'd be making out with the floor, so I definitely have to see this through."
"Kira…"
"Well, are you coming with me or not?" Kira didn't bother waiting for his response as she began making her way out.
Niko could only sigh at his best friend's blatant redirection before he followed after her.
Sheltered beneath the shade of an oak tree, Artemis found solace in the vast and beautiful garden of her family's estate. Cobblestone pathways guided its visitors through the botanical splendor. A kaleidoscope of flowers adorned the landscape in an assortment of flower beds, from the fiery orange marigolds to the ruby roses and the lavender lilac hues. The centerpiece was a large marble three-tier fountain with intricate carvings. Crystal-clear water flowed from its jets into a gentle stream below, its journey marked by polished stones and moss-covered banks.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, flowing through her platinum blonde locks as she dipped her brush into her palette. She steeled her gaze towards the landscape before her, translating the peaceful symphony of nature onto her canvas. Lost in the tranquility of nature, she barely noticed the white ball that rolled onto her shoulder, decorated in an array of yellow accents.
"Your art captures the very essence of this haven, my lady" the Bakugan spoke, breaking his charge out of her stupor. "Your brushstrokes express the beautiful and gentle touch of mother nature."
"I'm humbled by your flattery, Orion" Artemis blushed, a smile gracing her lips. "I like to think that every living thing has a story, and that it's the artist's job to convey that beautiful and chaotic story through every stroke."
"I was unaware that your mother had you undertaking poetry lessons" Orion mused, eliciting a laugh from his partner.
"Allow me to indulge in my Shakespearean shenanigans" Artemis said. "I often wonder if the garden knows we're here. Does it feel our presence, or hear our cries? Is the pouring rain Mother Nature's tears, or the rumbling thunder its wrath?"
Orion pondered for a while before speaking. "Perhaps, in the rustle of the leaves and the fragrance of the blooming flowers, Mother Nature acknowledges our appreciation. I would like to believe that it is a silent conversation, an exchange of gratitude between the realm of nature and our own." The Bakugan took a moment to bask in the tranquility of the garden. "I must admit, I do prefer the serenity and seclusion of your humble abode, as opposed to the bustling city life and towering buildings of Neathia."
"I do partially agree, the privacy and tranquility of this garden is much preferred" Artemis smiled, although it didn't seem to reach her eyes. "Do you miss your home?"
"On occasion, my lady. I did not anticipate how challenging the distance from my home world would be, as well as my companions" Orion said, looking off in the distance as if recalling a distant memory. "We'd often dream of gallivanting across different planes or battling alongside the six Legendary Bakugan of Vestroia against the forces of evil."
"Sounds like you had quite the thirst for adventure" Artemis chuckled.
"I was quite the voracious cub in my youth" Orion admitted.
Artemis paused for a moment before she spoke. "Do you regret coming to Earth?"
"Despite my lamentations, my time here has been a pleasure. I've been given the opportunity to serve and protect, as well as participate in glorious battles alongside my kin. For that I will forever be indebted to Master Julian. Serving you and your family has been a joy, and I could not have asked for a better charge to battle alongside with, or a better friend."
"Now you're making me blush." Artemis gushed as she picked up her partner and nuzzled him against her cheek. "Likewise, I could not have asked for a better friend."
The pair, lost to the world as they savored their moment of affection, were unaware of the footsteps that had approached them.
"And here I thought I was your best friend. It's nice to know you've given up my longstanding position so easily" a voice said behind the pair.
Shock, and then elation ran through Artemis's body as she turned to meet the familiar voice. His once wild platinum locks had grown even wilder, now barely being held back into a messy ponytail. Boyish features gave way to a mature visage—with some hints of facial hair on his chin—yet his vibrant blue eyes retained flickers of youthful energy. He'd grown a bit taller—granted, he'd always towered over her, but his now near six-foot frame seemed gargantuan beside her petite physique. Despite the notable differences, there was no mistaking the figure that stood before her.
"Julian!" Artemis exclaimed as she leaped into her brother's welcoming arms, tears of joy streaking down her face. Orion watched fondly as the two siblings reconnected.
Julian eventually broke the embrace, beaming down at his sister. "Seems like you're a little less of a squirt than the last time I saw you" he teased. Artemis blushed lightly in embarrassment, before retaliating with a punch to his shoulder. Julian mock glared at his sister, feigning pain as he exaggeratedly rubbed his wounded arm. "It's bad enough that I'm constantly covered in bruises when I'm gone, I don't need to be assaulted in my own home."
"You deserved that" Artemis grumbled.
Julian snickered, before turning to greet the bakugan on her shoulder. "Greetings, Orion. I hope my sister hasn't given you too much trouble."
"Always a pleasure to see you again, Master Julian" Orion replied. "I am proud to report that my lady has treated me with the utmost respect, and am honored to be of service to her and your family."
"Happy to hear it" Julian smiled. "So, what has our esteemed mother done to earn your ire this time?" Julian gave a knowing look to his sister.
"I have no idea what you're talking about" Artemis averted her gaze, hoping to brush off how easily her brother could read her.
"C'mon Arty, you know you can't hide anything from me" Julian said. "You only ever come this far into the gardens when something's happened between you and mother. It definitely gave the guards a couple of scares whenever you'd disappear."
Artemis chuckled a bit at the joke, her mind quickly flashing to an earlier memory of when she'd retreated to the edges of the estate and returned to the sight of the guards almost turning the entire mansion upside down in their search for her. Though the good mood quickly turned somber as she remembered why she had sought solace in the garden. "Can we shelve this discussion for another time? You've only just returned from Neathia, and I do not want to sour your good mood with my problems this early."
Julian narrowed his gaze a bit, but quickly relented. "Fine, but we are definitely still having this discussion."
Artemis spotted a mischievous glint in his eyes—which was never a good sign, as it usually meant trouble for her—but had little time to react, letting out a yelp as she was suddenly hoisted off the ground and over her brother's shoulder. "JULIAN! Unhand me right now!"
"Now what kind of brother would I be if I just let you take such a long and perilous journey to our illustrious abode? As your loving and caring older brother, your safety is my number one priority" Julian said in mock affection. "Now, let's begin on our merry."
"JULIAN~!" Artemis could do little but pound her fists across her brother's back, though she knew her resistance was futile—as it always is. This only seemed to draw out more laughter from her brother, and Artemis quickly succumbed to her temporary suffering as the siblings made their way onwards.
"Did you see the way he face-planted? Man, I wish I had a video of that" Kira bellowed as she clutched her stomach, unable to hold in her laughter.
"It always surprises me how much pleasure you take from other people's pain" Niko said.
"Admit it, it was funny" Kira said, pointing an accusing finger at Niko, who shrugged in return.
The pair trudged along the downtown streets as the warm hues of the late afternoon slowly giving way to evening blues. Trains screeched along the tracks overhead, and cars sped along the roads in an attempt to beat the late afternoon traffic. Streetlights flickered into life, casting a soft glow around the surrounding area.
"So, what's the play when you get home?" Kira asked.
"Hopefully, my mum's still working her shift at the hospital" Niko mused. "That gives me enough time to access her laptop and delete the school email."
"And if that plan doesn't work?" Kira pressed.
"Eh, I'll think of something" Niko shrugged.
"That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence" Kira deadpanned.
"Come on, when have my quick-thinking skills ever failed me?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
Niko could only huff in response to her jab as the pair reached their destination—a lone bus stop situated just a couple of meters away the apartment complex Niko and his mum lived in. Right on time too, as the rumble of the approaching bus echoed behind them before it slowed to a halt, its doors hissed open.
"Alright, here's where we part ways" Kira said, giving him a playful punch to his shoulder before making her way towards the open bus doors. "Let me know what happens with your mum."
"Will do" Niko offered a two-finger salute, watching the doors slowly draw to a close before the bus pulled away.
Steeling himself with a deep breath, he turned towards the looming apartment building behind him. Its ten-story structure stood tall, its once-modern design now marred with fading paint and weather-worn exteriors, showing the building's age. A few cracked windows hinted at some level of neglect, while rusted railings lined the concrete steps leading to the entrance. His eyes traveled the building before reaching the window of his mum's apartment, a faint glow peeking out from beneath the curtains.
I guess trying to access her laptop is out of the question now, Niko realized with a sinking feeling. He could only hope that she hadn't had time to look through her emails.
Resigning to his fate, he trudged up the stairs and slotted the keyhole into the door and turning the handle into the condo.
The two-bedroom condo was sparse, but it was the place he'd called home for almost a decade now. A lone couch and coffee made up the entirety of the living room flanked by an old rug that, while frayed at the edges, added a touch of comfort to the room. Adjacent to the couch, a small gallery of framed photos adorned the walls, accompanied by a cluster of potted plants that enhanced the otherwise dull space with their greenery.
In one corner of the room, a set of boxes were piled up haphazardly in the corner. Though most were still sealed, the few that were open had some of their contents spilling onto the floor—a jumble of books, and a few trophies that were definitely showing their age.
Niko spotted his mother seated by the kitchen island, her brown eyes peering intently at her laptop screen despite the bags that sat underneath them. Her shoulder-length brown curls were tied in a messy bun, and the purple scrubs she was still wearing signaled another late night for his mum.
The fresh aroma of permeated from behind her, causing his stomach to signal its emptiness in a low rumble, alerting his mum to his presence. Her gaze softened as she turned her eyes towards her son.
"Good evening, Niko" his mum waved.
"Evening, mum" Niko said, returning the wave as he walked over towards her and wrapped his arms around her. His mum hummed in contentment as she leaned into the embrace. "How was work? I'm guessing you have another late shift tonight."
"I don't even want to think about it. I'm covering a co-worker's graveyard shift in the trauma unit, and that's never a pretty job" Mrs. Grey groaned. "How's everything at school?"
"It's hectic right now" Niko replied. "They have neck deep in assignments as we get closer to our finals, but otherwise everything's good."
"Good, you say? Well, I've got a lovely email from one Mrs. Collier—" she said, tilting her laptop towards Niko, "—concerning your recent classroom slumbers that says otherwise."
So much for walking away unscathed, Niko flinched as he turned to meet his mum's steeled gaze. "Care to explain yourself, young man?"
"Well… I, uh" Niko stumbled with his words. He definitely couldn't tell her the real reason, so he had to come up with something believable fast. "I… was having a Smash Bros marathon with Kira."
"For a whole week?"
"… Yes, it got pretty competitive."
"Uh huh." Clearly, his mum didn't look like she completely believed him. "Well, since you have no problem staying up all night and shirking your academic responsibilities, then you'll have no problem being grounded for the next two weeks."
"TWO WEEKS?!" Niko cried out in indignation.
"If you want, I can make it a month" his mother sassed. "You come straight home after every school day, and I want every piece of homework that you receive to be completed by the time I clock off work."
"On second thought, two weeks sound fine" Niko begrudgingly accepted his punishment, knowing full well that resistance would likely result in a harsher sentence. Even if his current punishment already seems harsh enough on its own.
Sensing her son's frustration, Mrs. Grey's eyes softened and rested her hand on his shoulder. "I only want the best for you, Niko. Things have been rough ever since your father passed, and he always dreamed of one day seeing you flourish and making something of yourself."
"I know" Niko pouted.
Mrs. Grey smiled softly before reaching up and cupping his face. "You're looking more like him every day. Except the hair that is—that's all me. But you most definitely have his brain, and I don't want you to squander that."
"Can I go to my room now?" Niko said after a while.
"You can" Mrs. Grey dismissed, before reaching up and ruffling her son's hair. "I want you here in 10 minutes, though. Dinner's ready, and I want to clean up before I head out for my shift."
Niko walked into his room and flung his bag into the corner before slumping onto his bed. He couldn't wallow in self-pity for too long though, as the buzzing in his pocket alerted him to a call. Knowing there'd only be one person calling him this late (or at all, for that matter), Niko didn't think twice before slipping the phone out of his pocket and answering the call.
"Judging by the fact that you've answered, I'm guessing you're still alive" Kira's voice blared though the speakers. "So, what's the verdict?"
"I'm basically under house arrest for the next two weeks, besides heading to school" Niko grumbled. "Plus, all my homework completed by the time she gets back from her hospital shifts."
"Sheesh, your mum is quite the slave driver, huh."
"She only wants the best for me. Ever since you-know-what, the bills have only gotten higher, and she's having to pick up more shifts just to make rent" Niko argued. "Also… I kind of told her that the reason I've been sleeping in class is because we've been having late night Smash Bros marathons" Niko added, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"You just had to throw me under the bus, didn't you?" he could almost hear her-eye roll over the call. The forehead slap was definitely audible, though.
"In my defense, that was the first thing that came to my head" Niko defended.
"You owe me for having to go along with this" Kira said. "Does this mean you won't be heading out tonight?"
"Not for a couple of days, at least" Niko sighed. "I'll have to wait for things to cool down with my mum first. Anyways, I have to head off to dinner. Mum's got a late shift again, so I have to lock up."
"Aye aye, hotshot" Kira signed off before ending the call.
"The hour of my ascension draws ever closer. You have done masterfully, and your patience and dedication will be rewarded greatly" echoed a commanding voice from the depths of the shadows.
A cloak figure knelt before the unseen presence. "I await your further command, master. Your reign shall be restored once more, and all of Vestroia and the realms shall bow before your might."
"For now, we will continue our movements in the shadows and gather our strength" the voice commanded. "How fares our current endeavor?"
"We've faced a number of setbacks and losses, but a few of the specimen show promise" the cloaked figure replied.
"Though not ideal, it is a promising beginning" the voice mused. "Prepare one or two of the specimens for field testing in the coming days. We will need to accurately gauge the current landscape and anticipate any resistance to my ascension, as inevitable as it may be."
"As you command, my lord" the figure bowed once more before retreating into the darkness.
So, a lot of world-building here and character introductions. Not really much brawling, but I wanted to introduce the characters, the worlds they lived in and their interactions with the people closest to them before I dived really deep into the actual storyline. Moreso, make them feel like actual characters, and be invested in them as they go through their journeys. Let me know what you think!