After Nurzak had assisted Barodius with choosing the right attire to wear while travelling to Earth to locate this mysterious brawler, Barodius arrived in the morning of Bayview City. He arrived in an empty alley, much to his distaste, but he did not wish to be spotted by any scrawny human on this planet. His disguise was flawless at this time though. Not only had he changed his appearance to look human, he also ensured that the clothes he would be wearing were suitable. If anyone saw him right now, they would see Barodius was wearing a pair of black jeans with a belt and polished dark grey shoes. His button up shirt was dark purple and a silver watch was perched on his wrist.

While most of his attire was just a simple disguise, the watch on his wrist was a guide to locate where the Doom Dimension guarding was entering this world. He needed it in order to even locate the human partner to this bakugan so he could take them back to Gundalia to face Kazarina. Barodius knew in his mind that this was what must be done. He did not know why this human did not go to New Vestroia, but he didn't really care for the reason. He had a mission, and he would complete it.

Barodius walked out of the alley onto a main street, looking left and right out of curiosity. He has never been to this world before, and he never would have come to Earth if it weren't for bakugan. Earth was of little interest to him. And he was already unimpressed by the lack of technology before him. While he did appreciate that this world had a clear sky with many plants, unlike Gundalia, Barodius had no intention in taking it for granted. This was a temporary arrangement, and he would be on course with obtaining the Sacred Orb, and holding the guardian of the Doom Dimension in his grasp.

He looked at the watched and clicked on the buttons to turn on the sensor, and it immediately began to pick up the signal of the bakugan. Barodius smirked, pleased with this progress. He had yet to figure out how to approach this human, but he did not know who this human was. He didn't know if this human was a child or an adult, and that would certainly impact how he would retrieve the human. Especially if this human was a child and their parents were in the way.

Oh well, war does have casualties sometimes. Even civilian casualties, that does not matter to me at all.

Looking at the watch, Barodius realized he was not far from where the bakugan was. It was at least several blocks from where he was. So he turned left to proceed and follow the direction of the signal. He glanced at the road as he noticed the vehicles driving past him. They had no such vehicles on Gundalia, so the different vehicles he saw was quite interesting. And they were all different shapes, sizes and colours too, and they all seemed to have different purposes. Especially larger vehicles that seemed to have a large containment for different items.

Barodius huffed and rolled his eyes as he was annoyed at himself for getting intrigued by the human vehicles. He knew what his task was and he wasn't about to let himself get distracted. But there was a lot to see. The tall buildings around him casted a shadow over the city, and the shadows would move over the course of the day. Despite it being morning and the air was cool and crisp, Barodius did not believe he would be here for long.

The only thing that would make it more difficult if the bakugan he was seeking would leave Earth to return to the Doom Dimension. It would leave a trail behind, so Barodius could locate the bakugan's partner with no concern, but he did not want to just take the human back. He wanted to kill two birds with one stone. So he would have to figure out something once he knew who the human was if things did not go the way he wanted them to.

With the approaching deadline of engaging with Neathia fast approaching, I need to ensure this has no mistakes. If it does need time to convince this human to come with me to Gundalia, I will be patient enough to allow it. Having both the Sacred Orb and the power of the Doom Dimension in my grasp will ensure that no one can stand against me.

He walked through the city quietly, periodically checking his watch to ensure that the bakugan was still here and to ensure he was going the right direction, and Barodius came across a crossing leading over to a river. There were no buildings right beside there river, just pathways and plants, and it seemed a lot of humans were taking the opportunity to exercise by the river. He huffed as he waited to cross the road, as he had taken notice of how the humans crossed the road, and when he saw the signal to cross, he proceeded to the other side.

He looked to his right as he noticed a train station as a train rolled by on a rail built over the river. He hummed as he turned left. He was growing more anxious the closer he got to the location of the bakugan. His troops were almost fully ready to strike Neathia, and having an edge over them the entire time would work in their favor. He wanted nothing more than to ensure victory from the very start of the fight.

He walked along the path and ignored the birds flying above him, and the people who walked by him. A few people seemed to notice him, but as Barodius's expression was stern as he was completely focused, that seemed to make them nervous about Barodius and actively avoided him. Barodius was fully okay with that. It actually amused him that he frightened humans as he walked by them, and it made him feel superior to them.

He looked to the left again as he saw a group of houses and he glanced at the watch to see that the bakugan was in one of the houses. They were two-story houses with garden space out the front. He did not know yet which house was the right one, but he would figure it out. Barodius smirked as he was so close to his goal. Now he only just had to get there, and he would figure out the rest. It felt so good to have a plan go through.

But that was until he got an alert from the watch to tell him that the bakugan had left the planet. Barodius widened his eyes in shock as this was exactly the scenario that he did not want to him. He growled while clenching his fists in irritation. It might be the case that the bakugan had gone, but he still had to locate the human. He crossed the road and ensured that he would check the watch as he walked by them so he would find the right house.

As he did so, one of the houses seemed to have a well tended garden, due to the many flowers he could see in the beds. He didn't pay attention to that house, until he spotted the front door of the house opening. Barodius checked his watch again, and it seemed that house was where the bakugan had been in. He smirked, because he was in the right spot, but he was also irritated that he had to be patient to obtain the bakugan and human at the same time.

This is so annoying! That bakugan had the nerve to leave this planet when I was about to ask it for help. I will ensure that Kazarina has the joy of taking a closer look at the bakugan once it is in my possession.

Barodius lowered his arm to look up from the watch, but as he did, Barodius was surprised as a young woman almost walked right into his chest. She had been looked down at her phone, and she jumped back just as she was about to walk into him. Both of them had not been paying attention, and she was immediately flustered. But when she looked up and their eyes met, Barodius was taken a back by a pair of deep, green eyes looking back at her with very long, shiny black hair that has recently been styled. He certainly was not expecting that, nor did he expect a feeling within him to stir due to not feeling that in a long time. Especially as he had not expected to meet a human who made his heart flutter suddenly.

The young woman was just as surprised as him as she looked back at his own green eyes, and she seemed just as in shock. "Oh my! I am so terribly sorry! I was way too focused texting a friend to see you." She adjusted the white jacket she was wearing and put her phone into her back as she smiled at him politely. "Forgive me, sir, I need to get going."

Barodius said nothing as the girl walked around him quickly to walk in the direction he had come from. Barodius watched her as the sudden, but very short interaction seems to have caught his eye. Barodius had taken notice what the girl was wearing. The white jacket she was wearing had black buttons down the center, and she was wearing a knee-length black skirt with pantyhose and wedge heel shoes. Barodius was unfamiliar with the stone pendent that was on a gold chain around the girl's neck, but it was a teardrop shape with a light pink colour. And her ears had earrings in them, but again, Barodius was unfamiliar with the gemstones of Earth. But he saw they were white and glittered from the reflection of the sun.

Shaking his head, Barodius looked at his watched and realized the house he was standing in front of right now was the house of the bakugan's partner. And she had just nearly walked right into him. Now she was gone. She seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere, and she was also very flustered upon seeing him. Barodius hummed as he looked at the house she had left and he frowned as he was frustrated that the bakugan was gone. But he now knew where this human was.

At least now I can have a plan of attack. It seems this human is an adult, and I have never seen green eyes that were more vibrant than my own, but maybe this will still be easy. Maybe that bakugan will return when she returns to her home later. I assume she must be heading somewhere to a job. Ugh, this means I have to wait until she returns. Hmmph, so be it.

Barodius did not know how long it would take before this human would return, and he had to remain on the world to know what time she returns to her home. He could go back to Gundalia, but it would be a failure if he did. And that was simply not an option for him. He had to figure out how to pass the time as he did not like being bored. There was no way he could battle here, and he didn't want to draw attention to himself.

So he at least decided to do a little bit of planning while the human was busy. It was something that he could do, and it should like be okay. But Barodius knew that he could only make plans for so long before he would get bored of that. But he did not want to follow the human directly, as it would make her notice him and become nervous. He did not wish that to occur. For the moment, he made sure to remember the house this girl lived in before he turned to walk away while thinking of how to proceed.

Meanwhile…

Saphira was feeling very flustered as she walked around the man she had almost walked into. She had not expected to run into anyone like that at all, but she wasn't looking where she was going, which was why she apologized to the man. But when her eyes met his, she had not expected to meet a man like that. His striking, green eyes looked directly back at her in shock at what she had almost done. But the brief moment had already left an impact on her mind.

After all, she has not ever met someone with such sharpness in their eyes before, and while it was startling, Saphira had found herself blushing upon seeing the man. She had been thankful that she was wearing makeup, or he would have certainly taken notice, which was why she left quickly. And not just because she wanted to catch the train early so she could get herself to her work and get herself for the meeting. And while Saphira did not know who that man was, she guessed he might be new to the neighbourhood.

Saphira took a deep breath to calm herself down, as she didn't need the distraction of something like that on top of her concern. But she could not help but think back to the man. Even though it was a brief meeting, she already could remember the appearance. Aside from his green eyes, he had shoulder-length, purple hair that was well groomed. When she had looked up at him, she had seen the muscles on his arms, and even the abs through the dark, purple, button up shirt he was wearing, which was another thing that had caught her off guard.

While the man had not said a thing to her at all, she didn't want it to hold her back. She may not meet that man again, so it should not bother her. But it has been a while since the last time Saphira found herself blushing from seeing an attractive person. So it definitely caught her off guard, and she could only work on keeping her mind calm so she would have a good day. She took deep breaths as she made her walk down the street to focus.

She did look over her shoulder out of curiosity, and she saw that the man was no longer standing in front of her house. He was gone. Saphira didn't know why she thought he would still be there, but she shrugged and looked ahead with a chuckle. Today already started out good with Desteen's presence, and the information that the bakugan dropped on her this morning, and she didn't need it to turn weird.

I just need to focus on the meeting. I can worry about everything else after. I hope my managers will be happy with the result, as I do not want to let them down. This meeting is crucial for my future.

Saphira heard her phone going off again and she knew it was Runo responding to her text. She didn't have time to look at her phone though as she didn't need to hear more of Runo's complaints about not going to New Vestroia. Saphira knew that the girl wanted to go there to help Dan and her own bakugan, Tigrerra, but Saphira didn't need to hear her complaints each day. She was lucky she was not in Julie's shoes, as the girl was currently staying with Runo and helping at the café.

She did intend on calling Runo after she finished work though. Saphira knew it was rude to just ignore the girl, so she would listen to the girl when she wasn't already busy with other things. While Runo felt it was important to worry about New Vestroia, it wasn't the case for Saphira. Saphira trusted Dan and Drago, so she wasn't worried. Especially as Saphira had decided it was worth putting her focus on her career. She couldn't focus on the bakugan like she used to.

Once she reached the station and got her ticket, Saphira made her way to the platform to wait and sit down. She looked at her phone, and it definitely was full of texts from Runo. But the girl did tell Saphira that she understood that she was busy and would contact her when Saphira would get off work. Saphira was glad that the girl did not seem upset by the fact Saphira had to ignore her, but Saphira was expecting a scolding by the girl when she would call back later.

While she waited for the train, Saphira practiced in her mind on how she would present the meeting as she wanted to try and think of the best way to speak to the builder representatives. It wouldn't be the same until she got to work, but she still took the time to prepare mentally for the day to come. She was definitely going to feel so much better once the meeting was over, so long as it would not end in disaster.

As the day proceeded and Saphira arrived at her job, she spent two hours working on the meeting presentation, while also working on another assignment she had been given, which she used to help ease the stress of preparing for the meeting. And when the meeting finally came, she surprised herself by doing a rather good job at it. Mostly because she focused and was able to keep herself calm throughout the whole meeting. When it was over, the builder representatives were able to accept this new partnership right on the spot. So long as Saphira would oversee the architect designs in the future for them.

This was what Saphira hoped for, but it exceeded her expectations, as there was now a celebration set for the company in the coming weeks. It will be a ball type event, and Saphira was extremely excited. Not only because she was able to make her boss proud, but she felt weight lifting off her shoulders from the stress of this day and she could remain confident that her career was secure for the future.

When her day finally came to an end, Saphira was extremely happy and she was looking forward to telling Desteen all about the meeting and coming work event. She did not know if she would be promoted at all, as she wasn't given a hint of that today. She only knew she would be working closely with the client for the foreseeable future, which could mean a promotion. But Saphira never really aimed for high salary, as she mostly aimed to be comfortable. And she knew she would be since she could buy a house worth more than what she owned now.

She waited until she got off the train at her stop and began making her way along the path to her house before she dialled Runo's number. She didn't expect the girl to pickup, since she would likely be busy, but she would be patient. It took a minute before Runo picked up. "Look who finally decided to pick up their phone. I guess when you get the money, we lesser folk get left behind."

Saphira chuckled as she heard the annoyed tone from the girl. "Come on, Runo. I told you I had a very important meeting yesterday, and I would have assumed you would have let me have a quiet morning today. I am sorry if I upset you by not answering your call, but I really needed to be focused on my job. You know it is important to me."

"I guess you are right. I kind of forgot, since Julie was yapping about something small or whatever, so I needed someone else to talk to." That sounded right to Saphira. "Julie tends to speak too much at night too, so I like it when I talk with you. Though I am curious by the tone of your voice…" Saphira's smirk widened as she was still feeling very giddy. "It must have gone very well. Or are you pretending in case you lost your job?"

"Thankfully, I still have my job. I would be wallowing in my tears if I had failed, but that did not happen at all today." Saphira kept herself from just jumping and dancing, as she didn't want to be seen by other people and think she was a crazy person. "But I did it! And the builder wants me to be the one to work with them directly. That makes them my first direct client, and that is such a huge deal."

"That sounds terrific, Saphira! Well done! Too bad you live in Bayview, because I would certainly get my dad to make a terrific, celebratory meal for you. But maybe you can take a trip over to our corner of the world for a little bit."

"That might be something I will consider…it would have to be next week. The company is going to celebrate this success with a ball type celebration…"

"A ball?!" Runo was shocked to hear that and she scoffed loudly. "Aren't we in the wrong century for that sort of thing? Or is this company you work for as rich as Marucho's parents?"

"I suppose big, gown balls are not really usual. But, technically, high school proms are kind of like that. But no one is getting presented so some royal prince or anything like that. It is just a celebration, which also includes the new client. Which makes this success even more meaningful. And, I'll be honest, the CEO of that company will be there." Saphira was already nervous about meeting this CEO, even though she was successful in obtaining the company as a client. "And I am nervous about that."

Runo giggled. "You are nervous when you just succeeded today?"

"Of course! It is not everyday I meet the CEO of any company. It is like when I was in school and doing that internship." Saphira shuddered as she still couldn't believe she made it through, even now. "I cannot tell you the many times I almost had panic attacks because I was scared of losing that opportunity. And then I ended up getting a job there. I never thought that would happen to me."

"I suppose when you throw down the right card, it opens up and gives you enough power to win."

Saphira chuckled softly and walked down a set of stairs to walk over to the lower, stone wall to enjoy watching the river. She didn't want to go home just yet as walking by the river was calming. "You just had to use brawling as a way to give encouragement."

"I mean, I am not wrong." She definitely was not, even though Saphira was highly amused. Runo paused for a moment before shouting suddenly. "Shut it, Julie! I am still on the phone with Saphira!" Saphira heard Julie's excited tone and Runo sighed. "I hope you don't mind Julie joining in on this phone call."

Saphira shook her head as she stopped at the short wall and leaned against it, looking at the river. "Not at all, Runo." Saphira has not spoken to Julie for a while, so it would be nice to hear from her again. "I know she will want to hear all about my success for today as well. Plus, it has been a while since I've spoken to her, so it would be rude to not talk to her."

Runo sighed loudly. "Yeah, I guess you are right. I suppose I am just thinking about so many things that Julie sometimes gets annoying when she is in my ear all the time. She isn't exactly as unhappy as me about not going to New Vestroia."

"I guess Julie does have other priorities, Runo. She is a little older than you, so it honestly makes sense." Saphira knew Julie had quite a lot of plans for her life, so it made sense that the girl would focus on that. She heard Julie in the background and Runo put her phone on loudspeaker. "Is Julie there now?"

"Yep! Here I am!" Julie responded breathlessly, making Saphira giggled softly. "Sorry, I was so busy getting out some drink orders. But I am here now, and I want to hear all about your day. Runo told me that you had some important meeting to go to, so I hope it went well."

"It went beyond what I expected Julie, and I now have an official client through the company."

"Wow! That is fantastic!" Saphira grimaced a little at the over enthusiastic tone from Julie, as the girl tended to speak in a high-pitched voice a lot. "Does this mean you are going to get a promotion and earn even more money?"

Saphira chuckled a little. "Not sure yet, but it is possible, Julie. I am more glad that the day is over and I can relax. I might even book a massage this weekend, because I think I really need to relax."

"A spa day sounds amazing," Runo agreed cheerfully. "I wish I could do that."

"I am sure you will be able to, Runo. Or someone might gift you a voucher for a spa day treatment on your birthday." Runo gasped as the girl knew that Saphira was likely hinting at gifting her something like that. "You never know. I imagine with all the hard work you do at the café, a spa day would just be wonderful for you as well."

"I think if I got to experience one, I might actually think that I died and went to heaven." Saphira and Julie chuckle at Runo, as they could not disagree. "Hmmph! And maybe a spa day would make me rethink my friendship with Dan. Wouldn't that be something?"

"Aw, come on, Runo. I thought you wouldn't bring that up again," Julie complained, unhappy that Runo even made a mention of their friend. "I know you are still upset about being left behind, and so am I, but we really can't do anything about it, Runo."

"Julie is right. But you can't seem to let this issue go. You should focus on your school while he is gone…"

"Yeah, yeah…I know." Runo's voice was full of disappointment as Saphira and Julie knew she was thinking about Dan. "I guess I am just more worried about Tigrerra, which is why I am angry about it, Saphira. I wish I was not stuck here cleaning dishes and waiting tables, because I feel like I'm letting my best friend down."

"For all we know, Drago was the one who told Dan to leave you behind, Runo," Saphira reassured the girl. Saphira flinched as a butterfly flew in front of her face and fluttered around before landing on the back of her hand, making her smile as she saw it. "And you might even get to go to New Vestroia later. The ancient warriors may summon you for help."

"And what about if they come to you for help, Saphira?" Saphira was surprised by the question Runo asked. "You are one of the strongest brawlers, Saphira. I am sure Desteen is watching what is happening on New Vestroia, and she technically, could be as strong as Drago was."

Saphira had not really thought about that, but she couldn't really go. "I am not really in the position to just leave my job to save another world, Runo. I know that seems selfish, but I will never get an opportunity like this if I screw it up. And I highly doubt I could find a great position if I lose it."

"Saphira's right, Runo. It would be a lot to even ask of Saphira if she was requested to help. But maybe she would allow one of us to battle with Desteen instead. Surely that would okay, wouldn't it, Saphira?" Saphira chuckled a little at Julie's question and the girl was confused, and it showed in the tone of her voice. "Why are you laughing?"

"Sorry, Julie, but Desteen wouldn't allow it. She did pick me to be her partner. Shun would have been her other option if…"

"Excuse me…" Saphira jumped with a loud gasp as she heard a voice that sounded soft with some roughness in the voice itself. Saphira straightened up from the stone and turned to see who spoke to her. She was shocked to see the man she had almost run into earlier, and she felt the sense of butterflies in her stomach as soon as she saw him. "I apologize if I am interrupting something important."

"Who is that?" Julie asked curiously as she and Runo had heard the voice too. "Is that a neighbour?"

"Or did you get a boyfriend and not tell us?"

Saphira stared at the man for a moment before clearing her throat and looking away from him, placing her phone back to her ear. "Let's just say I happen to run into someone earlier. Um…" She turned her head slightly to look back at the man as he stood patiently. "Listen, I might call you back a little later when I get home."

Julie gasped loudly. "What? But I only just start talking!"

"Sorry, Julie, Runo…" Saphira flinched as the butterfly suddenly fluttered away from her hand as the man walked beside her to look at the river. "I promise that I'll call you girls back. I got to go."

"Saphira, wait…"

Saphira ended the call as Runo was trying to protest and she looked at the man curiously, and she was able to look at him properly this time. He was not looking at her as he looked at the river while resting his hands on the top of the wall. Saphira could see he had a strong jawline and his expression was stern, but calm. He clearly had something on his mind, and maybe he wanted to talk to her about what happened that morning. She couldn't help but feel a little bad if that was the case. But Saphira could not help looking at his muscular arms and noticed his broad shoulders, making her feel herself blushing and being grateful she was wearing makeup.

Pull yourself together, Saphira. There's no need to act childish around someone seemingly attractive. He could be a bad person, and I don't need to lower my guard.

Still, there was something about this man that Saphira definitely took note of. She didn't know who he was yet, or why he was here, but she found herself intrigued. Maybe the shock of almost running into him that morning has not worn off, and that was the main reason why she found herself intrigued by this man. She was certain that after today that she might not see or interact with him again. If he lived in this neighbourhood though, he would be around. She looked back at the river so she wouldn't be staring at him and making this seem awkward, even if it was already awkward due to the fact that they were not saying anything to each other just yet.