"Nothing is funny…", Shinichi hissed.
"I just can't!!!! As soon as we finished our food and left a murder happened right next to the store!!!", Kaito burst out of laughter.
"At least you got the criminal.", Ran pointed out the good side.
The three kids were walking back from the store in the street. They had chatted for awhile while enjoying their food and as soon as they had left the store, a murder had occurred right next to the store.
Shinichi had grumbled under his breath before going into detective mode and solving the case immediately, causing the criminal to be arrested by the police.
"I'll see you all tomorrow then, Bye!", Ran said as she waved goodbye and went on her way back to her home.
"Bye!", Kaito and Shinichi chorused before they walked back to Shinichi's home.
"So what now?", Kaito asked Shinichi.
"I guess we can check the news about this Subterra Brawler, and see if there are any other Brawlers interesting, particularly Ventus and Darkus.", Shinichi shrugged.
"I don't think I've heard of a good Darkus Brawler… but Ventus, other than Kazami Shun, I've heard of a guy in Osaka and…", Kaito trailed off once he saw Shinichi's face become grim when Shun was mentioned.
"Did I say something wrong?", Kaito asked.
"No… It's just, Shun is a former friend.", Shinichi mumbled.
"Former? What happened?", Kaito asked curiously.
"Don't know… Dan, Shun, Runo, Ran, and I with other kids invented the Bakugan game, and before that we were childhood friends with Sonoko, but we met Runo two years ago, while the five of us knew each other since Kindergarten.", Shinichi explained, "But ever since he reached the number one in Bakugan ranking…".
"He cut his ties with you guys.", Kaito guessed, "What a jerk.".
"That's what I said too when he did that.".
Kudo Mansion,
Kaito was sitting on the bed of his guest bedroom, Elfin placed on the nightstand, while he was busy playing with some cards in his hands.
"I think need to master more different tricks, if I want to be an awesome magician!", Kaito said determinedly.
"You already are an awesome magician!", A female voice said.
"Yeah, I know! But I need to get better if I want to be the best magician in the world.", Kaito answered with a smile.
A few seconds passed before Kaito registered what just happened, he was alone in the room, and Shinichi was in his room, so who was that female voice?
"Who… who said that???", Kaito asked calmly, trying to hide the worry in his tone. He does not believe in ghosts, but he was afraid of being proven wrong in the worst way possible.
"I did!". Kaito's eyes slowly looked down next him as he moved his body, to fully look at Elfin.
The Aquos Bakugan opened as she said, "It's me, Elfin!".
Kaito blinked a few times before he screamed, "GAHHHH!!!".
And Elfin responded in the same manner as she floated away from Kaito, "GAHHHH!!!".
Elfin then tilted herself to the side as she cried, "Don't scare me like that!!!".
"Y-Y-You can talk?!", Kaito stuttered in disbelief as he pointed at the floating Bakugan.
"Yup! I wasn't able to talk since I arrived here on Earth, but something happened gave me back the ability to talk, I and the other Bakugan.", Elfin nodded as she spun around happily.
"The other Bakugan… can talk?", Kaito asked as he looked at the other Bakugan placed on the desk.
"Those? No.", Elfin answered as she looked at the other Aquos Bakugan, "Not every Bakugan born can talk until they increase in power and gain the ability to speak, but they do understand everything, and we Bakugan can communicate telepathically, which is why we can understand them even if they can't talk.".
"W-Woah… Looks like Bakugan aren't just game and toys… You guys are living creatures.", Kaito said in awe.
"Yeah, and we hate when Humans treat us as toys or insult us, but you honestly, I and all the other Aquos Bakugan like you because you take care of us, you're kind, and you're magic tricks are entertaining!", Elfin said, "You're the best magician ever!".
Kaito slowly smiled. He was never praised for his magic tricks ever since his father died by anyone, so for him to be praised by his Bakugan partner, something or now someone, he considered a best friend, made him feel over the moon.
"And you're the best Aquos Bakugan ever, no offense to the others.", Kaito said as he raised the palm of his hand for Elfin to land on.
And she did as she said happily, "None taken, and thank you partner!".
Meanwhile in Shinichi's room,
"Wherever and whenever I go there has to be a crime… What? Japan has no detectives and I must do their jobs?", Shinichi complained tiredly as he sat at his desk, searching with his laptop the Bakugan news.
He heard a male voice grunt sarcastically, "What a noble person you are…".
"I'm doing the right thing.", Shinichi argued before he blinked, realizing that he was alone, and a male voice just spoke up.
His eyes slowly fell upon where the direction of the voice came from, Nillious who was placed next to his laptop.
Nillious opened just as he grunted, "Yeah sure, that's what they all say.".
Shinichi remained silent for a few senses blinking in disbelief before he mumbled, "You… can talk?".
"No, that's stomach talking.", Nillious said sarcastically, "Of course I can! Are you deaf?!".
"You never spoke up before!", Shinichi argued.
"Yeah, something kept us strong Bakugan from speaking but now we can. Guess I now how weak Bakugan live without being able to talk like your other Bakugan.", Nillious explained.
"That means you aren't programmed toys.", Shinichi deduced.
Nillious snorted, "Give the boy a gold medal for his observation.".
Shinichi frowned, "And you're a rude one with no manners at all.".
"Says the boy who always had his nose high around his classmates in Teitan for his detective skills until you were left alone by Mommy and Daddy and everyone in school ignores you but those two girls.", Nillious mocked making Shinichi grit his teeth.
"Knock it off!", He cried as he tried to catch Nillious who floated away easily, causing Shinichi to fall of his chair.
"Why did I fall in the hands of this idiot?", Nillious grumbled.
Shinichi sat up just as Kaito slammed his door open crying, "Kudou! Elfin can talk and-".
"Nillious?!!!", Elfin cried in disbelief from where she sat on Kaito's shoulder.
Nillious looked at Elfin just as he growled, "Well… if it isn't the frog girl…".
"You too huh?", Kaito noted just as Shinichi stood up.
"Yeah, but I got a rude one.", Shinichi complained.
"Oh, rude is a small word for that Bakugan, trust me.", Elfin said in distaste.
"One more word and I'll fry you.", Nillious growled angrily.
"I just hope, if Ran got a talking Bakugan, he'd be much more behaved than you.", Shinichi mumbled.
Ran opened the door of her house to see Kogoro lying with his head on the table, snoring, several bottles of beer around him and empty.
Ran looked at him with disappointment and pity as she went to her room.
Her father's voice stopped her in her tracks as he said, "Raaaan… Will you make me dinner?".
"No, Otousan. We have some leftovers from yesterday you can heat up for yourself.", Ran said calmly, trying to hold her anger.
"You never care for me! Always leaving me for playing with your friends or meeting your mother! Just like your mother and-". Ran entered her room and slammed the door, not wanting to hear anymore of her father's drunk grumbling.
Ran sighed heavily as she placed her Bakugan on her desk before slightly opening the window of her room, blinking to stop the tears she felt filling her eyes from falling.
"No wonder you don't stay for a long time at your home.", A male voice said.
Ran blinked a few times before she wiped her eyes then turned to look at where the direction of the voice came, her Bakugan.
"W-Who said that?", She asked slightly in fear, since she was afraid of ghosts and supernatural because she did not know how to combat them.
Leonidas opened as he said, "I did.".
Ran blinked for a few moments in disbelief before she went and picked up Leonidas as she asked, "Bakugan can talk? I… I thought you guys were just toys.".
"We are living beings, Human.", Leonidas said annoyed.
"Gomen, I didn't mean to annoy you.", Ran apologized, "But it's just… this is so surprising.".
"Whatever… It's better for you to prepare your deck for tomorrow. I'm more than ready to stomp on the other Bakugan.", Leonidas said, his voice was filled with hate and hunger for battle.
Ran slightly narrowed her eyes, feeling suspicious and worried of Leonidas's attitude, but said nothing as she sat at her desk and open her laptop, placing Leonidas next to her laptop.
Kudo Mansion,
As soon as Shinichi opened his laptop, he received a video call from Ran.
As soon as he answered, Ran instantly said, "Leonidas talked.".
"Funny,", Kaito said as he stood behind Shinichi to appear for Ran, "Elfin and Nillious did too.".
"Hi, Ran!", Elfin greeted friendly making Ran smile.
"She sounds very nice.", Ran complimented.
"Oh, you're making me blush!", Elfin exclaimed happily.
"What's with the stupid haircut?", Nillious scoffed at Ran making the kids frown.
"He's rude, though.", Ran said with a frown just as Leonidas appeared in the view.
"And your partner's haircut is top notch?", He scoffed making Kaito snicker while Shinichi frowned even more.
"Who's that?", Elfin said, not recognizing Leonidas.
"He is name is Leonidas.", Ran replied.
"Never heard of him… Then again, I don't know all Bakugan.", Elfin mumbled.
"So, you guys are living creatures from…", Shinichi trailed off in a questioning manner.
"Let me start from the beginning.", Elfin said, "We come from a planet named Vestroia from a parallel universe.".
"Wicked.", Kaito commented in amazement.
"Vestroia was first a single spherical planet that originated in the emptiness of the dimension Vestroia. It is unknown exactly how, but soon after a fragment Earth traveled to Vestroia, a chain reaction on the planet created life. It was a colourful planet that boasted crystal lakes, sunny days, rock formations and green fields.", She explained.
"After several centuries of adaptation, we on Vestroia had obtained vast knowledge of our dimension. One day a burst of positive energy out of nowhere hit the planet, giving the creatures separate attributes: The Strong Pyrus (Fire), The Tough Subterra (Earth), The Wise Haos (Light), The Powerful Darkus (Darkness), The Tricky Aquos (Water), and The Fast Ventus (Wind)", Nillious continued.
"Then we discovered the existence of the Doom Dimension, which is the graveyard for all the Bakugan.".
Ran did not miss how Leonidas slightly moved at the mention of Doom Dimension. While Nillious spoke in a grave tone about the Doom Dimension and Elfin slightly shivered at the mention of the name, Leonidas remained calm, as if the Doom Dimension was not a huge issue.
"The destruction of Vestroia came when a group of Gargonoids-
"Awful Bakugan, by the way.", Nillious grunted interrupting Elfin, making her glaring at him.
Elfin sighed heavily, "As I was saying…
They decided to start war among the Bakugan. The war spread and various Bakugan tried to stop it but were either slaughtered or were taken to be used as practice targets. Eventually a group of Bakugan one of each attribute split the world into six separate worlds based on the attributes of the Bakugan. The Bakugan who saved Vestroia went on to be known as the Legendary Soliders.".
"The Soldiers captured all negative power in the dimension and used their positive energy to help keep the negative energy in check, this was the formation of the Infinity Core and the Silent Core. While their actions saved Vestroia, the Legendary Soldiers used the last of their energy to do so and ended up in the Doom Dimension. They could appear at any time in the dimension of Vestroia.", Nillious finished explained.
"That's really a lot to take in.", Ran said in surprise.
"But that still doesn't explain how you got here or why you change to spheres out of battle.", Shinichi pointed out.
"You are a detective, aren't you?", Nillious asked in a mocking tone, "Figure it out!".
B
"Why did I end up with the rude Bakugan while Ran got a quiet one and you got the fun one?", Shinichi complained.
"Do you think Dan knows about this?", Ran asked, changing the subject.
"He hasn't contacted me in a while… So I'm not sure.", Shinichi shrugged.
"I think I know why…", Kaito said making Shinichi and Ran look at him to see that he had accessed his BakuPod.
"Dan's got a talking Bakugan, and he tried to face Masquerade-".
"Maqu-who now?", Shinichi interrupted with a raised eyebrow just as Ran accessed the Bakugan News and top ten list.
"The new number one Brawler, with Shun being second… It says here that whenever he wins a battle against a Brawler, they end up losing their Bakugan, forever!", Ran read in disbelief.
"The number one jerk you mean…", Kaito commented.
"We better meet up with Dan about this tomorrow.", Shinichi said, "I really have a bad feeling about this Masquerade…".
———
Meanwhile, in Osaka,
Two 12-year olds stood in a park alone, facing each other with a determined look.
"I've heard you're the strongest and best Brawler in Osaka, and second best Ventus Brawler…", Hakuba Saguru said in a monotone before changing his tone into an arrogant and mocking one, "Well… we shall see about that.".
Saguru was wearing brown pants, a long sleeved buttoned up white shirt over it a brown sleeveless buttoned up shirt, and black sneakers. On his left shoulder was resting a Subterra Warrior-like Bakugan.
"He doesn't seem so special.", The Bakugan commented.
"I agree.", Saguru nodded.
"I'll show ya why I'm da strongest here! And I'll make sure dat ya go back cryin' ta yar mother, British Bastard!", Hattori Heiji spat in anger.
He was wearing off white pants with black sneakers, long sleeved green shirt but the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and a baseball cap. On his left shoulder was resting a winged Ventus Bakugan.
"Don't let his words get to you and have your anger blind you, that's what he's trying to do.", The Ventus Bakugan warned.
"Noted.", Heiji nodded.
Both boys pulled out the Field card and flipped it, Heiji's glowing green while Saguru's glowing brown as they cried, "Field Open!".
The boys stood across each other before they pulled out a Gate Card and threw it as they cried, "Gate Card, Set!".
Their Gate Cards landed across each other after growing into an enormous size. Heiji eyed Saguru with a heavy glare while the latter just yawned.
"You can start first.", Saguru said in a monotone, irking Heiji.
"Fine.", Heiji said as he pulled out a Ventus Bakugan and threw it, "Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!".
His Bakugan landed on his card before opening up and in green light, its true form appeared; a humanoid butterfly-like Bakugan.
"Ventus Monarus!", Heiji cried.
Ventus Monarus: 330 Gs
Saguru smirked as he pulled out
a Gate Card and threw it next to his, "Gate Card, Set!".
Heiji raised an eyebrow as Saguru pulled a Bakugan and threw it, landing in front of Monarus.
"Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!", The Bakugan opened and in brown light transformed into its true form; a worm-like creature.
"Subterra Wormquake!".
Ventus Monarus: 330 Gs
Subterra Wormquake: 400 Gs
"Gate Card Open! Ventus Reactor!", Heiji cried with a wide smile.
Ventus Monarus: 330 Gs 200 = 530 Gs
Subterra Wormquake: 400 Gs
"Monarus, get him!", Heiji cried in victory. Monarus let out a cry as she charged down towards Wormquake.
Saguru lightly chuckled as he pulled out an Ability Card, "Ability Card, Activate! Spirit Canyon!".
Wormquake let out a loud battle cry before it evaded Monarus attack then wrapped its body around Monarus, squeezing it and making the Bakugan cry.
"What da…", Heiji said in disbelief before he looked at his BakuPod.
Ventus Monarus: 530 Gs
Subterra Wormquake: 400 150 = 550 Gs
"My ability card has me for every Gate Card present, earn a 50 G-Power boost.", Saguru smirked.
"Ability Card, Activate!", Heiji cried immediately, "Blow Away!".
Monarus managed to free herself before flying behind Wormquake and using her wings to create a wind current, that pushed the Subterra Bakugan out of Heiji's Gate card into Saguru's.
"Dat was close…", Heiji wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Saguru smirked at Heiji before he pulled out a Bakugan and threw it across Monarus, "Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!". A centipede-like Bakugan appeared.
"Subterra Centipoid!".
Ventus Monarus: 530 Gs
Subterra Centipoid: 400 Gs
"Ability Card, Activate! Spiced Assault!", Saguru cried with a victory smirk.
Ventus Monarus: 530 - 100 = 430 Gs
Subterra Centipoid: 400 100 = 500 Gs.
"Monarus!", Heiji cried just as Centipoid charged towards Monarus and pierced its pincers into the Bakugan's chest, making it cry in pain, before Monarus returned back to its sphere form and landed at Heiji's feet.
Centipoid returned back to its sphere form and landed in Saguru's hand, who had an arrogant smirk on his face.
Heiji Hattori: 0
Saguru Hakuba: 1
"It's not over yet…", Heiji said in anger as he threw a Bakugan at Wormquake, "Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!".
"Ventus Ravenoid!", He cried as Ravenoid appeared and let out a battle cry.
Ventus Ravenoid: 390 Gs
Subterra Wormquake: 450 Gs
"Yar Bakugan lost 50 Gs since ya won a Gate Card battle.", Heiji pointed out.
"Oh look, he has a keen eye for details.", Saguru mocked with a little laugh aggravating Heiji.
"Ability Card, Activate! Max Shadow Scratch!", He cried as he pulled out an Ability card before laughing loud, "No Gate Card ability for you now!".
Ventus Ravenoid: 390 Gs
Subterra Wormquake: 450 - 100 = 350 Gs
Saguru's smirk remained as it is as he said, "That is… if it wasn't a Command Card.".
"WHAT?!!", Heiji cried in disbelief, realizing his mistake.
"Gate Card, Open! Element Merge!".
Ventus Ravenoid: 390 - 200 = 190 Gs
Subterra Wormquake: 350 Gs
"Finish him.", Saguru said in English as Wormquake pierced its mouth in Ravenoid's chest before pushing him and slamming him roughly into the ground; the raven-like Bakugan crying in pain, before both Bakugan transformed back to their sphere forms.
Ravenoid landed at Heiji's feet while Wormquake returned to Saguru's hand.
Heiji Hattori: 0
Saguru Hakuba: 2
"H-How…", Heiji said in disbelief.
"I never enter a battle without studying and reviewing all of my opponents tactics and battles. In other words, I know every move you'll make, Hattori Heiji.", Saguru said in a proud arrogant tone as the Bakugan on his shoulder, closed and Saguru caught it before throwing it on the last Gate Card.
"Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!".
A sandstorm-like tornado appeared on the Gate Card as a knight-like Bakugan rose from it and stood up straight.
"Subterra Cyndeous!".
Subterra Cyndeous: 450 Gs
"Heiji…", Heiji's last Bakugan tried to speak up.
"Let's do this!", Heiji interrupted making the Bakugan sigh before it closed and Heiji caught it and threw it at Cyndeous.
"Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!".
A huge green tornado appeared before it slowed down to show a Bakugan that was spinning with its wings covering it before it stood straight and spread its wings proudly.
"Ventus Ingram!"
Ventus Ingram: 450 Gs
Subterra Cyndeous: 450 Gs
Both boys eyed each other heavily for a few minutes.
"Ability Card, Activate! Armored Lance!", Saguru cried as he pulled out his ability card. A huge brown double edged lance appeared in Cyndeous's hands.
Ventus Ingram: 450 Gs
Subterra Cyndeous: 450 200 = 650 Gs
"Let's have a good battle, fellow Bakugan.", Cyndeous said in a noble tone.
"You sound more behaved and humbled than your partner.", Ingram noted.
"He has… his own issues.", Cyndeous trailed off with a shrug before he charged towards Ingram with the lance.
"Ability Card, Activate! Continuous Dance - Phoenix Position!", Heiji cried as he pulled out his ability card.
Ingram glowed green as let out a Phoenix-like battle cry before easily catching the lance with a hand while the other he wrapped it around Cyndeous's neck.
Ventus Ingram: 450 Gs
Subterra Cyndeous: 650 - 300 Gs = 350 Gs
"It was nice facing you, Hattori Heiji… Not.", Saguru's smirk grew even wider before saying, "Gate Card, Open! Active Ghost!".
Ingram returned back to its sphere form, landing at Heiji's feet, who had a look of disbelief on his face. Cyndeous returned back to Saguru's hand before the Bakugan field disappeared and they were back in the real world.
Heiji Hattori: 0
Saguru Hakuba: 3
Heiji fell at his knees as he mumbled, "I… never lost…".
"Oh really? Well, that means Osaka and maybe even Japan has no good Brawlers.", Saguru laughed, "And here I thought brawling here would be more interesting than Britain.".
Saguru walked away and passed the shocked Heiji as he wondered to himself, "I still have to find that Aquos Brawler from Ekoda in order to mark it as done… what was his name? Ah yes, Kuroba Kaito.".
Heiji clenched his fists in anger before slamming them on the ground as he seethed, "This won't happen again…".
Ingram opened up as he floated to face Heiji. "I told you to be careful.", He said.
"I didn' know he was dat strong… I heard about him beatin' every kid he faced since he arrived and thought I was good enough and had a chance…", Heiji said as he slowly stood up, Ingram moving to rest on his shoulder again.
"His victory streak won't continue for that long.", Ingram assured him making the latter raise an eyebrow.
"Just like your anger made you not think clearly, his arrogance will do the same to him.", Ingram explained.
Heiji said nothing for a few moments before he spoke up, "He said he'll look for Kuroba Kaito.. I read dat last time he brawled was in Beika.".
"Beika? Isn't that where that kid you want to face lives?", Ingram recalled.
"Yeah… Kudo Shinichi, best Pyrus Brawler next to Kusou Danma, and a fellow Elementary school detective…", Heiji nodded.