Chapter 3: Clash with the new Masked Brawler.
Dan: My whole world changed one day when all these random cards started raining down everywhere. At first they seemed harmless enough, so a bunch of us kids invented this cool new game. That's when we realized those cards weren't so harmless after all: they were packed with incredible powers from another world! My name is Dan, and together with my friends Runo, Marucho, Julie, Tsuyoshi, Mr. Hotshot himself Shun, and Alice, we are...
Everyone: The Bakugan Battle Brawlers!
Dan: Bakugan! One war, two worlds!
(Bakugan: English Opening.)
(What are you gonna do?)
Dan is shown entering the battlefield.
(The odds are stacked against you.)
Tsuyoshi and Dan both enter battle, with Runo and Marucho looking on.
(Back against the wall, gotta give it your all.)
Both toss their Guardian Bakugan, and upon landing on the gate card Drago and Leonidas engage in battle.
(This is the final stand.)
Clips of Drago fighting Reaper and Leonidas fighting a mysterious Darkus Bakugan, along with other clips of Bakugan are shown.
(The power's in your hand!)
Dan and a green haired masked brawler are seen tossing a gate card.
(Two worlds collide, on the inside!)
Naga reaches for the silent core as an explosion happens in Vestroia and cards start raining down on Earth. Meanwhile, Leonidas is shown escaping from the Doom Dimension.
(You've gotta fight for what's right, before it's gone, gone, gone...)
Drago fires a Boosted Dragon and Leonidas an Alpha Blaster, before Dan and Tsuyoshi are seen preparing to fight Shun and Masquerade.
(This is Bakugan!)
Tsuyoshi and Dan catch their Guardian Bakugan and the logo of the series is shown.
Dan felt a bead of sweat run down the side of his face as he assessed the current situation. He was returning home from school, before going to investigate a shout he heard from a nearby alley. Currently at his side, a little kid with short-black hair and black eyes was currently sobbing. Meanwhile, a few meters away from Dan, a teenager with spiky silver hair with three red streaks, tied in a high ponytail, red-eyes, and pointed eyebrows, was smirking at the crying kid. The teenager's clothing consisted of a long black coat with a long tail, black pants and shoes. The left side of his face was concealed by a white mask. He chuckled as he witnessed the kid crying his eyes out "What a pathetic display!"
Dan glared at the silver haired teen "What did you do to him, you freak?!"
"Dan!" Drago called out to his partner, sounding alarmed "Quick! Look at his arm!"
Dan shifted his gaze to the mysterious Brawler's arm and to his shock he found a Bakugan Shooter attached to it. And not just any Bakugan Shooter, but one like the Bakugan Shooters Masquerade and his peons use. He glared at him "You! You're working for Masquerade, aren't you?!"
The mysterious Brawler looked amused "And what if I am?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dan growled, before shifting his attention to the kid next to him. He kneeled and placed a comforting hand on his shoulders "Hey, it's okay…" he whispered to him.
"H-he…" the kid whimpered, glaring at the enigmatic man "He took my Bakugan!" he cried out, before breaking down into tears once more.
Dan scowled, as he helped the kid back up "I got this kid… You should hurry and go home. Your parents will be worried." he said to the child, who sniffed as he nodded, before running away. The Pyrus Brawler took out a gate card "I don't know who you are, but you are going down!"
The mysterious Brawler chuckled evilly "Well, I know who you are, Dan Kuso!" he told him, taking out a gate card of his own "And master Naga will be pleased once I send your precious Dragonoid to the Doom Dimension!"
"Naga!" Drago exclaimed in shock, as Dan's eyes widened "Dan! This man could be way more dangerous than we think!"
Dan glared at his opponent "Yeah… Okay you freak! Who are you?!"
His opponent's visible eye gleamed "Who am I? Oh, just the greatest Brawler in the world! Only Masquerade can challenge me!" he boasted smirking at Dan "When they ask you about the Brawler that embarrassed you, tell them it was Marduk!"
Dan's eyes narrowed "Marduk, eh? Well, you are going down Marduk!"
"Be careful, Dan. I sense a great evil power coming from this human!" Drago warned.
"No need to worry Drago! With our strength combined we'll take him down!"
The two Brawlers flipped their gate cards "Field Open!" the shouted out. Time slowed down around them, as they were transferred to the battlefield.
Battle Start!
Marduk smiled as he took out a Doom Card, which was a black card depicting a picture of a golden skull with red eyes. Dan's eyes widened at the sight of it, which made Marduk's smile turn vicious "I suppose you know how this works. Doom Card! Se-!" as he went to toss the card, Marduk felt his entire body freeze up 'W-What is happening?!'
"I would think twice before doing that…" a voice spoke hauntingly in Marduk's head. The silver haired Brawler blinked his eyes, and realized he was suddenly standing in the middle of a dark area with purple mist flowing everywhere his eyes could see.
Marduk growled "What is the meaning of this, Masquerade?!"
Masquerade proceeded to appear in front of Marduk. The number 1 ranked Brawler had long, spiky, blonde hair and his eyes were covered by purple visor, made from glass. He wore a white, cape-like coat, buttoned by two straps near its chest. He also wore a pair of purple jeans with three belts, and a pair of black boots. "It isn't Dragonoid's time yet. Lord Naga wishes for us to wait."
Marduk glared at him "But why? You know I can have that overgrown lizard sent to the Doom Dimension!"
"Maybe you can. But Lord Naga thinks that Drago can offer more as a sacrifice once he becomes stronger." Masquerade said "So fight him without using the Doom Card. And if we conclude that he becomes too much of a threat to let him get stronger… We strike!" Masquerade said, vanishing from Marduk's sight.
Dan frowned as he saw Marduk staring blankly into an empty space, while still holding on to his Doom Card. "Hey! What's the hold up?!"
Marduk snapped out of his trance, before glaring at Dan and putting his Doom Card away 'Damn you Masquerade… Thinking you can order me around!' "It's your lucky day punk! Looks like lord Naga thinks you are too pathetic for me to waste a Doom Card on you." he taunted, taking a gate card instead.
Dan glared at Marduk "Pathetic!?" he asked in disbelief, before taking out a gate card of his own "I'll show you pathetic!"
"Gate Card! Set!" both brawlers shouted.
Marduk smirked as he loaded up his Shooter "Your time's up, Kuso! Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Fear Ripper, stand!"
A humanoid Bakugan, whose hands possessed massive claws appeared on Marduk's gate card.
Darkus Fear Ripper: 330Gs
Dan looked up from his Baku-Pod, gazing at Fear Ripper "That's a good move…" he admitted, taking out another Gate Card "Gate Card! Set!" he said, tossing the new Gate Card next to his existing one. He then took out a Bakugan from his belt's holder and placed it in his own Shooter "Bakugan Brawl! Serpenoid, stand!"
Marduk looked on unimpressed, as the snake-like Bakugan slowly unfurled itself in front of him, before hissing with all its might.
Pyrus Serpenoid: 300Gs
Marduk sighed "I'm bored… Is this the best you've got?" he asked, picking on his nails disinterested.
Dan growled "Why you…"
"Oh well…" Marduk drawled "I guess I'll have to show you playing around isn't an option! Gate Card, set!" he said tossing a gate card next to the one Fear Ripper was standing on. He then extended his arm to his side, as a new Bakugan, covered in a shadowy mist floated into his hand.
Dan stared at the new mysterious Bakugan "What the?" he muttered under his breath.
"I have a bad feeling about this, Dan." Drago whispered to the Pyrus Brawler.
Marduk smirked as he loaded the mysterious Bakugan inside his Shooter "You are finished! Bakugan Brawl! Vladitor, stand!"
As soon as Marduk's Bakugan opened up on Dan's Gate Card, a pillar of purple light surrounded it. Serpenoid hissed as it reluctantly approached the light, only for it to be grabbed by the neck. The light dispersed, revealing a Bakugan similar to medieval knight, with red eyes and wearing a purple armor with golden highlights. Vladitor tightened his grip around the snake like Bakugan's neck, not giving it a chance to react, before raising his other hand and punching Serpenoid in the face, defeating it instantly.
Dan: 2 Bakugan Left
Marduk: 3 Bakugan Left
Dan looked on, mouth agape, as Serpenoid rolled past him. Drago floated next to him "This power…" the Dragonoid muttered, prompting Dan to look at his Baku-Pod.
Darkus Vladitor: 420Gs
"Woah! A power level of 420Gs!" Dan exclaimed in shock.
"That's right human!" Vladitor's voice boomed "My power is one that your weak Bakugan could only dream of reaching! I grow stronger every time I send a Bakugan to the Doom Dimension!" he told Dan, before turning back into his sphere form and floating at Marduk's side.
"Dan this is way more dangerous than we thought!"
Dan raised an eyebrow at his partner "Huh? What do you mean by that?"
Drago sounded alarmed as he started explaining the situation to the Pyrus Brawler "Vladitor isn't just some strong Bakugan! They say that centuries ago he tried to take over Vestroia, and he was very close to succeeding, before being banished to the Doom Dimension along with his army of Gargonoids!"
"I see you know of my story Dragonoid. It is true, I was trapped for eons in that god forsaken dimension. But now I am back! And I will rule everyone! Human or Bakugan!"
Dan snarled "Not in our watch! Come on Drago!"
"I'm ready Dan!" Drago said, closing up and allowing Dan to place his inside his Shooter.
"Bakugan Brawl! Drago stand!"
Drago landed on Marduk's gate card, taking on his original appearance. Drago possessed a slim body with a long neck and had two spiked wings and a sharp horn at the end of his snout. He roared at Marduk's Fear Ripper as he prepared for battle.
Pyrus Dragonoid (Drago): 340Gs
Marduk smirked as he raised his index and middle finger "Gate Card open!"
The battlefield was covered by darkness, as a purple aura surrounded Fear Ripper.
Darkus Fear Ripper: 330Gs - 530Gs
Fear Ripper roared as it waved its massive claws at Drago, who narrowly managed to avoid them "Dan!" the Pyrus Bakugan called out to his partner.
Dan nodded, taking out an ability card "I got you buddy! Ability Activate! Burning Land! This Ability completely nullifies your Gate Card!"
Drago roared as he fired a flamethrower at the floor, destroying Marduk's Gate Card in the process.
Darkus Fear Ripper: 530Gs - 330Gs
"It's over, Fear Ripper!" he snarled at his opponent, hitting it with his tail defeating him.
Dan: 2 Bakugan Left
Marduk: 2 Bakugan Left
Marduk looked apathetic as Fear Ripper rolled past him. The silver haired Brawler huffed in disappointment "What a useless piece of garbage…" he mumbled.
Dan glared at Marduk, as he caught Drago in his hand "Hey! You shouldn't treat your Bakugan like that!"
Marduk crossed his arms "And why not? The only Bakugan that deserve any sort of attention are the strong ones." he gestured towards Fear Ripper "That garbage over there only brought disappointment." Marduk said, reaching for another Bakugan "Bakugan Brawl! Griffon, stand!"
Darkus Griffon: 300Gs
Dan glared at Marduk's Bakugan as he silently took one of his own "Bakugan Brawl! Robotallion Stand!"
Dan's Pyrus Robotallion took its original form, as it squared up against Marduk's Griffon.
Pyrus Robotallion: 290Gs
Marduk smirked "You might want to get your math straight, kid. Your tin-can is weaker than my Griffon!"
Dan smirked back "Oh I wouldn't worry about my math! Here, let me teach you a thing or two about addition! Ability Activate! Robotallion Enforcement!"
Dan's Robotallion glowed as its power increased.
Pyrus Robotallion: 290Gs - 340Gs
Robotallion charged at Griffon, but Marduk simply thrust his arm forward "Gate Card open! Mine Ghost!"
The command card revealed itself upon Marduk's call. A massive explosion covered the battlefield. When the explosion cleared both Dan's and Marduk's Bakugan had reverted into their ball forms and rolled past their respective owners.
Marduk: 1 Bakugan Left
Dan: 1 Bakugan Left
Dan looked on stunned "He sacrificed his own Bakugan…"
Marduk placed a hand on his hip "Looks like we're both down to one Bakugan. Let's end this! Bakugan Brawl!"
Vladitor landed upon Dan's gate card and took on his true form.
Darkus Vladitor: 420Gs
Dan glanced at Drago "You ready?"
"Put me in Dan! We can do this!" Drago told his partner, closing up and allowing Dan to place him inside his launcher.
Dan nodded "Bakugan Brawl! Drago, stand!"
Pyrus Dragonoid (Drago): 340Gs
"You are going down Vladitor!" Drago said as he flew up.
"You don't stand a chance against me Dragonoid!"
"Gate card! Open!" Dan commanded as Drago's character card revealed itself.
Pyrus Dragonoid (Drago): 340Gs - 680Gs
Marduk smirked "Is that supposed to intimidate me? Ability Activate! Void Balancer! This Ability subtracts half of your G power boost and adds it to Vladitor!"
Darkus Vladitor: 420Gs - 590Gs
Pyrus Dragonoid (Drago): 680Gs - 510Gs
Drago charged at Vladitor, but the ancient Bakugan grabbed the Dragonoid by the neck and started choking him out. Dan's partner started groaning and choking in distress.
Dan's eyes widened "Hang on Drago! Ability Activate! Boosted Dragon!" he exclaimed activating Drago's signature ability.
Pyrus Dragonoid (Drago): 510Gs - 610Gs
Drago growled as he felt his power coming back to him. He kicked Vladitor, who stumbled back, before flying up, and charging a flamethrower and firing it at Vladitor. The medieval knight looking Bakugan was covered up by the flames as Drago slowly descended from the sky.
Dan pumped his fist "Yeah! Way to go Drago!"
Marduk scoffed "What a joke… Ability Activate!"
A pair of glowing red eyes was seen through the fire, as it slowly dispersed around Vladitor. To the shock of Dan and Drago, there wasn't even a scratch on the ancient Bakugan. Vladitor laughed as his power started rising "So tell me? Is that the best you got?!"
Darkus Vladitor: 590Gs - 690Gs
Dan's eyes widened "No… No way!"
Marduk smirked "End this, Vladitor!"
"Dark Sphere Impact!" Vladitor called out, as he charged at Drago before jumping and hitting him with both hands. Drago reeled back as he cried out in pain, before glancing apologetically at Dan as he was transformed into his ball form and rolled past his human partner.
Marduk:1 Bakugan Left (WIN!)
Dan: 0 Bakugan Left (LOSE!)
The two Brawlers were transferred back into the alley where they started the battle. Marduk laughed as Dan fell on his knees "Hahahaha! Now I understand why I shouldn't waste my Doom Card on fodder like you! You were worthless!"
Dan glared at him "You think that was a victory to boast about?! What about the way you treat your Bakugan, huh?!"
Marduk shrugged "So? I'm supposed to win battles by using my Bakugan! So, I use them." he explained.
"But Bakugan aren't toys to be used!" Dan countered.
"I never said they were." Marduk smirked "Do you think this is a game to me? This is war, punk! And I plan on winning this war!" he said extending his arms to his side "Me and Vladitor! We are going to rule all Bakugan!" he exclaimed, laughing manically. He was then covered by a bright flash of light and disappeared from Dan's sight.
The Pyrus Brawler glared at the spot where the masked Brawler was standing, before picking Drago up and holding him in his hands "Are you okay Drago?"
Drago opened "Yeah… I'm okay Dan." he responded.
Dan sighed in relief as he stood up and scanned the area "He is gone…" he muttered under his breath, before immediately dialing something in his Baku-Pod.
"What are you doing there?" Drago asked.
"Posting a warning about Marduk…" Dan replied as he hastily pressed a few more buttons. When his warning was uploaded into the web, he looked at Drago "Come on Drago! Let's go find Marduk!"
"What?!"
"I can't allow him to keep on sending Bakugan to the Doom Dimension!" he told the Dragonoid running off "Come on, we're bound to find him somewhere!"
~Meanwhile – Wardington High Football Pitch~
Tsuyoshi groaned as he completed his stretches. Today's practice was more demanding than usual, in preparation for an upcoming game against a rival school. As he headed towards the showers, he contemplated on the events that had transpired during the past week. Since his Brawl with Runo, him and Leonidas had come to understand each other better. Sure, there was still the occasional bickering, but their relationship had certainly improved. Leonidas (mostly) stopped being as aggressive and he started valuing Leonidas' opinions. He inwardly scoffed at the thought that he and Leonidas had become 'partners', but he figured that was the most appropriate term to describe them.
As for the Battle Brawlers, he met with them once or twice. Even though they were all weary with him and Leonidas at the beginning, Dan and Marucho had warmed up to him, while Runo still kept him at a distance. The… distaste between him and the pigtailed brawler was mutual, however. He could still feel the back of his head being sore after she smacked him with all her might.
"I never touched your fries!" Dan shouted at Runo.
"Quit lying you pig!" Runo shouted back.
Tsuyoshi covered his face with his hand, as Marucho tried to calm them down. The four brawlers were currently seated at a local fast-food joint, and they were currently the center of attention, because of Dan's and Runo's squabble. "Why did I agree to this?" Tsuyoshi moaned under his breath. He could hear Leonidas groan in agreement from his spot in his pocket. He raised his gaze to meet the two bickering brawlers "Are you two numbskulls always flirtin' so aggressively?!"
To Tsuyoshi's relief, both Dan and Runo immediately stopped fighting at his comment. Their faces turned red as Dan coughed into his fist and went back to eating his food, while Runo slowly turned her gaze towards him, trying to mask her embarrassment with anger. Tsuyoshi raised an eyebrow "What?"
*POW*
He shook his head at the memory and left the locker room after taking a shower and changing to his regular outfit. Leonidas hopped on to Tsuyoshi's shoulder and opened "You look tired."
"I am tired." Tsuyoshi replied, "Gaffer has us working like slaves."
"Hmm… So, we won't be battling today, huh?"
"Who said that?" Tsuyoshi asked with a smirk. Leonidas was about to reply but Tsuyoshi heard his Baku-Pod beeping. He raised an eyebrow as he raised his hand to look at the screen of his Pod "It's a message from Dan…" as he read the message his lips started forming a frown "This seems troublesome."
"What is Dragonoid's handler saying?" Leonidas asked Tsuyoshi.
The black-haired teen looked at his Bakugan partner "Looks like there is a Brawler with a very dangerous Bakugan who is sending Bakugan to the Doom Dimension." Tsuyoshi looked back at his Baku-Pod's screen "And it looks like this new Brawler beat Dan."
"Dragonoid was sent to the Doom Dimension?!" Leonidas cried in shock.
Tsuyoshi shook his head "No, it looks like he didn't use a Doom Card against them… Still, who could this new brawler be?" he mused as his Baku-Pod bleeped again "Hm? A message from pigtails?"
Leonidas groaned "What does she want?"
Tsuyoshi frowned "For us to meet at the park…" he sighed "Of course she would suspect me." he deadpanned.
"We have to go, don't we?" Leonidas grumbled.
Tsuyoshi sighed as typed out his reply "No other choice…" he answered Leonidas, before making his way towards the park.
~Wardington Park~
Haruka groaned as she massaged her temple. She had told her mother she would meet up with a friend at her house, but in reality, she just wanted an hour to herself. She wore her casual outfit which consisted of a red shirt and a white skirt, with a pair of black shoes, and had gone for a walk. She couldn't understand her mother sometimes. This new neighborhood is nice and they didn't have to worry about who they could bump on the street. Despite that, Hikari hardly allowed her to go anywhere without her or Tsuyoshi supervising. And to make her annoyance worse, she was currently enduring the whining of a salty Akira.
"There is no way you could have beat me in battle, you must have cheated!" the brown-haired boy accused.
Haruka sighed "Can you just stop being a sore loser and move on, please…"
Akira glared at her "Shaddup! I won't forget this!" he told her running off.
Haruka stared at his retreating form before shaking her head "What a sore loser…"
"People like that are annoying…"
Tsuyoshi's sister gasped, before looking up at a nearby tree where an unfamiliar figure, cloaked by a shadow, smirked down at her "Wh-Who are you?"
The unfamiliar figured gave a menacing grin as he jumped out, revealing himself to be Marduk "No need to be scared… I'm just a guy who enjoys Bakugan." he told her, glancing at the three Haos Bakugan clipped to the belt the blonde-haired girl was wearing "Just like you…"
Haruka took a step back but tried to put on a brave face as she glared at Marduk "S-So?!"
Marduk smiled as he took out a field card "How about a friendly little game? I have a winning streak I'd like to keep up…"
Haruka gulped at the intense pressure she felt from this man's presence. She glanced away from him "I, um, I was going to leave so…" she turned around and attempted to walk away but bumped into another person and landed on her rear. Her eyes widened as she looked up to see Marduk looking down at her with a predatory gaze.
"You misunderstand… I didn't ask you to fight me." he grabbed her by the collar of her shirt and brought her to eye level "I demand that you fight me!" he growled at her, before tossing her to the ground. Haruka whimpered as she fearfully gazed at Marduk, who narrowed his eyes at her "Better not keep me waiting any longer kid…" he warned.
Getting the message, Haruka scrambled to her feet and took out a field card.
Marduk smirked "Very well… Field!"
"Open!"
"And that about covers it!"
Tsuyoshi had met up with Runo and Marucho at the park, only for her to start bombarding him with accusations. He had spent about 5 to 10 minutes explaining to her all the reasons why he couldn't be the one who almost sent all of Dan's Bakugan to the Doom Dimension 'Couldn't that dumbass post a picture or something?'
Runo crossed her arms and kept her gaze trained on him, but Marucho turned to look at her "Come on Runo. Tsuyoshi couldn't have possibly been at two places at the same time." he tried to reason with his friend.
The pigtailed girl sighed "Fine. You are off the hook for now."
"Thank you…" Tsuyoshi sarcastically drawled.
Marucho sighed in relief before frowning "Still though… Who could possibly do this to Dan?"
Runo went to reply but was interrupted by a nearby shriek.
Tsuyoshi's eyes widened. He recognized the scream immediately 'Haruka!' he though, before his eyes narrowed as he pushed past Runo and Marucho and rushed towards the direction of the shriek. Runo and Marucho were taken aback by Tsuyoshi's reaction and shared a look between themselves and followed after the football wonderkid. Upon reaching the source of the shriek, they saw a bruised Haruka on her knees crying and Marduk standing a few feet away from her. Tsuyoshi's eyes widened at the state his sister was in. "Haruka!" he called out to her, rushing to his sister's side.
Haruka sobbed and looked up at her brother "B-big bro!" she cried out clinging onto Tsuyoshi "M-my Bakugan! He took them!"
Tsuyoshi could feel his blood boiling. He shot a venomous glare towards Marduk who simply smirked "Heh. What can I say?"
Tsuyoshi sneered "Your prayers for a start, you bloody wanker!" he said, rushing towards Marduk in an attempt to punch him, but the silver-haired brawer simply vanished, before reappearing on the branch of a nearby tree.
Marduk chuckled "Is that the best you've got?" he taunted.
Tsuyoshi growled at him "Come down and face me like a man, you coward!" he shouted at him.
Runo and Marucho meanwhile tended at Tsuyoshi's sister. Runo wrapped her arms around the girl in attempt to comfort her. As Tsuyoshi's sister kept weeping, the pigtailed girl glared up at Marduk "How could you do this to her you monster?! She is but a little girl!"
"Oh no, she is not 'but a little girl', as you put it. She is a brawler!" Marduk said "And like every brawler, that makes her a perfectly valid opponent for me." he shrugged "Or perfectly valid fodder, whatever floats your boat."
Tsuyoshi growled "Enough of this nonsense! You mess with my family, then you have to deal with me!" he stated, taking out a field card "I'll crush you for what you did!"
Marduk smirked "I like your spirit… It'll be pretty enjoyable to crush it like I crushed your sister's!" he said jumping down from the tree branch.
Tsuyoshi's glare harshened as he grinded his teeth. Leonidas, who was floating next to him, turned his attention to him "Careful Tsuyoshi, he is trying to blind you with your own anger." he warned as he turned towards Marduk "That, and there is something strange about that human."
Marduk narrowed his eyes at Leonidas 'Hm… That Bakugan…'
"Not so fast, Marduk!"
Everyone shifted their gaze towards the new voice. It was none other than Dan, who entered the scene with a determined look etched on his face.
Marucho smiled at the sight of the Pyrus Brawler "Dan!"
"You know this guy?" Runo asked.
Dan nodded, not taking his eyes of Marduk "Damn right I do! That's the guy who beat me and Drago!"
Runo's and Marucho's eyes widened "Him?!" Marucho exclaimed.
Marduk smirked "That's right. And I'm not interested in you at the moment…" he told Dan, before shifting his gaze at Tsuyoshi "You however… You have caught my interest kid! I'll face you, mano a mano!" he announced, as a dark orb floated in front of him "Meet the Bakugan that will lead to your demise, Darkus Vladitor!"
Vladitor opened up "I'm Vladitor, lord of all Bakugan! The Doom Dimension awaits those who defy me!" his voice boomed.
Runo glared at the new Bakugan "What? He sounds like trouble…"
Marucho looked at his Baku-Pod "Woah! Talk about power!" he exclaimed, prompting everyone, but Dan and Haruka, to look at theirs.
Darkus Vladitor: 420Gs
Tsuyoshi looked up from his "He's even stronger than Leonidas…" he uttered.
Vladitor looked at Drago, who was floating next to Dan "Drago, as you call him, was no match for my power! But you, Leonidas…" he said, shifting his attention to his fellow Darkus Bakugan "You are different! I can feel it! The overwhelming darkness, sleeping inside of you!"
Tsuyoshi scowled at Vladitor "Cut the cliché monologues! I don't care how strong you are! Let's teach them a lesson, Leonidas!"
Vladitor ignored Tsuyoshi "I am always in need of a good general for my army, Leonidas! Join me, and we shall rule over all Bakugan!"
Leonidas didn't even ponder upon Vladitor's offer as he replied "Vladitor… Let me offer you some advice. I have no idea who you are, nor do I care! But if you don't get out of my sight right now, things will get really ugly!"
Vladitor laughed at Leonidas' threat "Most amusing! I'll make an example of you… By completely destroying you!"
Tsuyoshi felt a hand being placed on his shoulder. He shifted his gaze to Dan, who regarded him with a serious expression "Tsuyoshi, let me handle this."
Tsuyoshi's eyes narrowed "No chance!" he immediately denied.
Dan frowned "But…"
"But nothing!" the Darkus Brawler interrupted, gesturing his head towards Haruka prompting Dan to look at her "That bastard hurt my sister… And no one messes with my family and goes unpunished!"
Haruka, still clinging onto Runo, sniffled as her watery eyes met Tsuyoshi "Big brother…"
Marduk scowled as he took out his Field Card "Hey! I don't recall buying tickets to a live soap opera! Are you going to fight or not?!"
Tsuyoshi went to reply to Marduk, but once again felt Dan's hand on his shoulder. This time however the Pyrus Brawler gave him a smile and a thumbs up "I understand… Go get him!"
Tsuyoshi stared at him for a moment, before nodding and glaring at Marduk. Dan, Runo and Marucho all took out their Field Cards, and Runo grabbed Haruka's hand, to bring her along to the battlefield.
Haruka clenched her fist in front of her chest 'Big bro… Be safe!'
"Field Open!"
The attribute hexagon appeared around the six teens, transporting them into the battlefield, as timed slowed down in the real world.
Battle Start!
Marduk smirked as he revealed his Doom Card "Doom Card, set!" he shouted, tossing the card to the ground. It glowed purple as it sank in the floor, creating purple ripples of energy.
"Gate Card! Set!
Marduk smirked as he loaded up his launcher "Your funeral starts now, kid! Bakugan Brawl! Fear Ripper, stand!"
Fear Ripper roared as he stood on Marduk's gate card.
"Be careful, Tsuyoshi… This battle just became more dangerous than ever." Leonidas warned.
Darkus Fear Ripper: 330Gs
Tsuyoshi nodded curtly as he picked his own Bakugan "Bakugan Brawl! Centipoid, stand!"
Darkus Centipoid took his original form opposite of Marduk's Fear Ripper and the two Bakugan roared at each other.
Darkus Centipoid: 300Gs
Marduk raised an eyebrow "What is that supposed to be? An attempt at suicide!"
Tsuyoshi took out an ability card "Ability Activate! Auregano Revenge!" he tossed the ability card at Centipoid. Black mist surrounded the centipede looking Bakugan, before they surrounded Fear Ripper, which fell to its knees.
Darkus Centipoid: 300Gs - 400Gs
Darkus Fear Ripper: 330Gs - 230Gs
With the increase in power Centipoid charged at Fear Ripper, ready to take it down.
Marduk huffed "What an amateur…" he muttered shaking his head "Gate Card, Open! Trade-off!"
The command card revealed itself and a bunch of explosions took off around Centipoid. The Bakugan screeched in pain as a dark portal appeared behind it, sucking it in. Fear Ripper returned to Marduk's hand, who let out a small laugh at Tsuyoshi's expression.
Marduk: 3 Bakugan left
Tsuyoshi: 2 Bakugan left
Haruka hid behind Runo "Th-that's what he did to my Bakugan!"
"How did this happen?" Runo breathed.
"It's the command card he used!" Marucho said.
"Shorty over there is right." Marduk confirmed, resting a hand on his hip "Trade-off is a command card that automatically destroys any Bakugan with 400Gs or more." he chuckled "Looks like death was a suitable trade-off for stealing my Fear Ripper's power!"
Leonidas shivered "Centipoid… It's gone for good…"
Tsuyoshi's eyes narrowed in anger. He killed it. He killed a living creature. And he did it with a smile on his face. "You enjoy this…"
Marduk laughed spreading his arms wide "Of course I do! Who doesn't enjoy being the wolf amongst sheep!"
"Anyone who isn't a power-hungry monster!"
Marduk chuckled "Monster? Yeah… Maybe I am a monster. But then again… Is it any better to be 'human'? Is it better to be trampled over by everyone else. To be a public punching bag?" his face turned serious "Well I can tell you from experience, it's not."
A younger Marduk was lying on the floor beaten and bruised as four other teens gathered around him. His short sleeved dark T-shirt and his black pair of jeans were torn and stained with dirt and blood. The tallest of the bunch, a kid with short brown hair leaned down and took the wallet Marduk was holding in his hand, emptying its contents into his hand "Heh, thank you for the lunch loser. I'll be sure to buy some dog food for you."
Marduk raised his head and glared at the older kids "G-Give me my money back!" he screamed reaching out his hand.
One of the kids stomped his hand, breaking it in the process. Marduk cried in pain as the other kids laughed "Now someone's naughty! No dog food for you!"
"Don't worry Mardork! I'm sure some family will adopt you. Perhaps some shoe company owner might need more workers!"
As the bullies laughed, Marduk once again glared at them, his vision blurring from the tears flowing from his eyes "I'LL GET YOU ALL! ONE DAY I'LL GET YOU ALL FOR THIS!" he screamed at them.
Marduk opened his eyes and glared at Tsuyoshi "I'm prepared to do anything to earn more power. And if that makes me a monster, so be it!"
Tsuyoshi kept his gaze trained on Marduk. And to Marduk's ire he scoffed "What a joke…" he crossed his arms "You are a victim of circumstances. So what? That suddenly gives you the right to go around and harming innocent people?"
"Shut up! What would you know?!"
"More than you think… Growing up in a place like London's slums can be a rough teacher let me tell you that…" he said shifting his gaze towards his sister.
Recognition flashed through Marduk's eyes. The poorer areas of London were considered hell on earth. The city has a really high crime rate, and many people who live in the slums either choose to leave or die there.
"But…" Tsuyoshi shifted his gaze back at Marduk "Just because you've lived through hell, doesn't give you the right to act like a devil!" he picked another Bakugan "Enough talking! Bakugan Brawl! Gargonoid, stand!"
Darkus Gargonoid: 320Gs
The gargoyle Bakugan roared at Marduk, challenging the servant of Naga. Marduk ignored the Bakugan and kept his focus at Tsuyoshi "You are right, words are unnecessary. I can already see that you want to stay a victim your whole life! Bakugan Brawl!"
Darkus Fear Ripper: 320Gs
Marduk's Bakugan took a fighting stance and braced itself for battle.
"Tsuyoshi's and Marduk's Bakugan are of equal strength." Drago said.
Runo noticed Marduk pulling out an ability card "Not for long…"
"Ability Activate! Slasher Zero!"
Fear Ripper roared as he got surrounded by a purple aura.
Darkus Fear Ripper: 320Gs - 400Gs
Tsuyoshi scowled as he extended his hand to the side "Gate Card open! Quartet Battle! Now each one of us has to throw in one more Bakugan!"
Preyas started panicking "What is he thinking?! He plans on allowing Marduk to throw down as well?"
Marucho frowned "What is he planning?"
Marduk smirked "Suicide then? Very well! Bakugan Brawl! Darkus Warius, stand!"
The ogre like Bakugan stood next to Fear Ripper, twirling its mace in its hand.
Darkus Warius and Darkus Fear Ripper: 340Gs + 400Gs = 740Gs
Tsuyoshi exhaled deeply, firmly grasping Leonidas in his hand "It's up to you Leo…" he muttered.
"We will win this, human." Leonidas responded confidently.
Tsuyoshi nodded and placed Leonidas on the ground before taking a few steps back and launching Leonidas as if he was attempting a free kick "Bakugan Brawl! Leonidas, stand!"
Upon landing Leonidas took on his original appearance and roared at Marduk.
Darkus Leonidas and Darkus Gargonoid: 380Gs + 320Gs = 700Gs
"They are still not strong enough!" Dan called out.
And true to his word Leonidas and Gargonoid attempted to charge at Warius and Fear Ripper, but Marduk's Bakugan managed to fend off their attacks forcing them to defend.
Marduk placed his hands on his hips and laughed "Well then! You truly are suicidal! Well fine by me, I'll gladly sent your Bakugan to the Doom Dimension!"
Tsuyoshi glared at Marduk "My Bakugan aren't going anywhere as far as I'm concerned!" he took out an ability card "You fell right into my trap! Ability Activate! Darkus Quadruple Chain Attack – Devil's Force Gate Special!"
Everyone's eyes widened "NO!" Marduk screamed as his Bakugan were pushed back by Tsuyoshi's Bakugan who were covered by a dark aura. Gargonoid and Leonidas roared and charged at Marduk's Bakugan. Gargonoid aimed a well-placed kick at Warius' chest, while Leonidas sliced Fear Ripper's torso. Both Bakugan screamed as they rolled back beside Marduk after turning back to their ball forms.
Marduk: 1 Bakugan left
Tsuyoshi: 2 Bakugan left
Tsuyoshi smirked as he caught Leonidas and Gargonoid in his hand "Well done, both of you!" he praised.
Leonidas opened up "Hmph! That human had it coming to him!"
Dan pumped his fist "Alright! Go Tsuyoshi!" he cheered.
Haruka looked on in awe. This was her first time seeing Leonidas. "Wh-When did big bro get a Bakugan like that?" she whispered.
Runo smirked "I see, he wanted to force Marduk into a quadruple battle in order to use the Quadruple Chain Ability!"
Marduk growled "You tricked me!"
Tsuyoshi shrugged "What can I say? Looks like you underestimated me, and that lead to loose ends in your strategy!"
Marduk growled "I'll show you 'loose ends'! Gate Card set!" he tossed his gate card and glanced at Vladitor "Let's show him what happens to those who mock us!"
"I'm ready!" Vladitor replied, before landing on Marduk's hand. Marduk smirked. His covered eye glowed red "I'll teach you a lesson kid! Bakugan BRAWL!"
Tsuyoshi felt a chill crawling down his spine as he watched Vladitor bounce on the floor before landing on the gate card. Upon landing the area started shaking violently. Haruka screamed in fear at the sight of the Bakugan that'd sent hers straight to the Doom Dimension.
Darkus Vladitor: 420Gs
Tsuyoshi gulped "420 Gs…" he muttered.
"What's wrong human? Have you finally realized how outclassed you are?" Vladitor taunted.
Tsuyoshi growled, glancing back at his sister, who was still trembling in fear at the sight of Vladitor, clearly traumatized by the battle against him. He glared defiantly at the opposing Darkus Bakugan, repressing any hints of fear that began to form in his heart "As if! I'm gonna make you pay for what you did to Haruka, and every other Brawler that stood in your path!"
Leonidas hopped into Tsuyoshi's awaiting palm "We're not afraid of you Vladitor! Throw me, Tsuyoshi! Let's teach him a lesson!"
Tsuyoshi clenched his hand and nodded "Right! Bakugan Brawl! Leonidas, stand!"
Darkus Leonidas: 380Gs
Leonidas roared as he took his original form, spreading his wings and taking on a fighting stance as he glared at Vladitor. "You're going down, Vladitor!"
Marduk smirked "Hey, hey, what's the rush? Let's not be so hasty getting to the main event." he whipped his arm to the side "Gate Card open! Switcheroo!"
Leonidas glowed, before being turned back in his ball form! Tsuyoshi's eyes widened "Huh? What's going on?!" he exclaimed, as Leonidas returned to his hand, while at the same time a purple aura wrapped around Gargonoid and flung him onto the battlefield in Leonidas' place.
Darkus Gargonoid: 320Gs
Marucho's eyes widened "Oh no! Switcheroo forces both players to switch their Bakugan for another!"
"But since Marduk doesn't have any other Bakugan..." Runo muttered
"Vladitor is staying where he is!" Marduk finished as Vladitor charged at Gargonoid before Tsuyoshi had a chance to properly react. The medival knight looking Bakugan landed a solid punch at Gargonoid who roared in agony.
Tsuyoshi's eyes widened in horror as he spotted a familiar portal opened behind his Bakugan "Gargonoid, NO!" he shouted, but to no avail. Gargonoid's fate was sealed, as the portal to the Doom Dimension closed after sucking him in. Vladitor laughed as he returned to his ball form, and returned to the hands of a smirking Marduk. Tsuyoshi gritted his teeth, as he clenched his eyes shut and lowered his head. His Bakugan's cries as they got sent to their own version of Hell were replaying in his head, and he hated it.
Marduk: 1 Bakugan left
Tsuyoshi: 1 Bakugan left
"Big bro..." Haruka muttered, worried about her brother's wellbeing.
Runo, who was still being used as a shield by the younger Godrick, frowned at the little girl's tone. Despite not getting along with Tsuyoshi, his sister was nothing but an innocent victim. Runo placed her hand on top of her head and gently pet her hair in an attempt to comfort her. Haruka leaned in the blue haired teen's palm, desperate for any source of relief. "It'll be alright... You just need to believe in your brother." she whispered, before turning her head to join everyone in glaring at Marduk.
Marduk chuckled "Well, looks like we're down to one Bakugan!"
Tsuyoshi slowly lifted his gaze to glare at Marduk "You're gonna pay for that..." he said in a chilling tone. His gaze sharpened "GATE CARD, SET!"
Marduk laughed "Oh I doubt it, but you're welcome to try and make me pay! Let's finish this! Bakugan Brawl!"
As Vladitor once again took his true form, Tsuyoshi shifted his gaze to Leonidas who was once again floating next to him "You ready?" he tersely asked.
"Of course." Leonidas answered, a growl etched into his tone "He won't get away with what he's done."
Tsuyoshi gave a curt nod "Let's do this..." he took Leonidas and placed him on the ground "Bakugan..." he launched his free kick, using Leonidas as a ball "BRAWL!" Leonidas flew towards Vladitor, and hit him in the face before landing on the card and taking his true form.
Vladitor: 420Gs
Leonidas: 380Gs
"Gate Card, open!" Tsuyoshi commanded. The Darkus reactor card opened and turned the battlefield pitch black. Vladitor and Leonidas both glowed as they felt their power rising.
Vladitor: 420Gs - 470Gs
Leonidas: 380Gs - 430Gs
"BRAWL!" Marduk and Tsuyoshi shouted.
Leonidas roared, before flapping his wings and charging at Vladitor. The dark dragon attempted to slash his opponent, but Vladitor blocked his strike using his forearm and went to punch Leonidas with the other hand. Leonidas barely managed to avoid the attack, before flying up and whipping his tail towards Vladitor, who managed to catch it and used it to spin Leonidas around before tossing him in the air.
Marduk took out an Ability Card "Let's end this already, Ability Activate! Evil Spirit!"
Vladitor: 470Gs - 520Gs
Leonidas once again charged at Vladitor, but thanks to the gap between their power rising, managed to seize him midair and land a solid punch knocking Leonidas back.
Dan's eyes widened "Oh man! This isn't good!"
"If this keeps going Leonidas will be sent to the Doom Dimension!" Marucho exclaimed in panic.
Tsuyoshi growled "Alright enough! Let's end this Leonidas! Ability Activate! Alpha Blaster!"
Leonidas roared at the activation of his signature ability. He took flight and started charging up an energy blast.
Leonidas: 430Gs - 530Gs
"This is the end Vladitor!" Leonidas shouted as he fired of his attack.
"Yeah! That's it! They won!" Preyas happily cheered from his place on Marucho's shoulder.
Marduk however seemed unfazed as he took out his final ability card "I don't think so. Ability Activate! Dark Sphere Impact!"
Vladitor: 520Gs - 620Gs
Vladitor blocked Leonidas' attack with the palm of his hand. A purple energy sphere then formed and started pushing back the white energy beam coming from Leonidas' mouth.
"NO!" the Battle Brawlers shouted collectively along with Haruka.
"Leonidas!" Tsuyoshi screamed.
Vladitor laughed "See Leonidas, I told you! The Doom Dimension awaits all who defy me! Now, you shall join the other weaklings that stood in my path before you!"
"No..." Leonidas growled, his mind wandering despite his ongoing struggle to push back Vladitor's attack.
A dark empty space. A vast stone dessert. The feelings of fallen Bakugan. Fear. Loneliness. Sadness. Despair.
Anger.
HATE.
Leonidas roared as a purple aura enveloped him "YOU WILL NOT HAVE YOUR WAY VLADITOR!" he cried out. Suddenly his blast started to push back Vladitor's attack.
Everyone appeared to be shocked by this turn of events. Marduk's visible eye was wide as a saucer "Huh?! What is going on? That overgrown lizard should be on its way to the Doom Dimension already! What did you do?!" he enquired, incredulous at the current situation.
"I..." a bewildered Tsuyoshi went to answer, but he was interrupted by a blinding light coming from his belt's card holder. The brunete reached in and took out an Ability Card that seemingly appeared out of nowhere and was emitting a bright flash. When the light dispersed, Tsuyoshi stared at the card apprehensively, but once he understood its function, he nodded and shifted his gaze towards Marduk "It's over. Fusion Ability, activate! Doom Amplifier!" he shouted, tossing the card at Leonidas' blast, which increased even more in power upon impact.
Runo's jaw practically hit the floor "Where did he pull that out from?!"
But Drago was focused on another thing entirely "Everyone... look!"
All were confused for a second, but they immediately realized what the Dragonoid was referring to. Next to Leonidas, the spirits of Centipoid and Gargonoid floated, glaring at Vladitor before looking at Leonidas, giving him a curt nod and turning into a bunch of purple particles and being absorbed by Tsuyoshi's guardian Bakugan.
Leonidas: 530Gs + 80Gs + 75Gs - 685Gs
Marduk took a step back "What?! What is this power?!"
"Revenge from beyond the grave." Tsuyoshi answered "Doom Amplifier takes a quarter of the power from each Bakugan you sent to the Doom Dimension and adds it to Leonidas!"
"Taste the rage of the Bakugan you doomed! Take it!" Leonidas roared as his attack overtook Vladitor's. The dark knight screamed upon impact with Leonidas' attack before turning back into a ball and rolling past a flabbergasted Marduk.
Marduk: 0 Bakugan left (LOSE!)
Tsuyoshi: 1 Bakugan left (WIN!)
Leonidas roared in triumph, before also retuning in his sphere state and flying back to Tsuyoshi's hand, who caught him and sighed in relief, before smirking "We won..." he muttered under his breath before everyone was transfered back to the real world.
Back at Wardington park, the Brawlers looked on in awe at Tsuyoshi and Leonidas, still trying to comprehend what they just witnessed. Haruka was the first to break out of her stupor, and rushed to congratulate her big brother. Tsuyoshi felt a pair of hands embracing him from behind and a weight being placed on his back "You did big bro, you did it!" Haruka squealed happily.
Tsuyoshi stiffened for a split second, being somewhat uncomfortable with physical contact, but he smiled and turned around to envelop his sister in a one armed hug "I didn't do it on my own..." he replied, looking at Leonidas who was floating next to him, and giving his Bakugan a nod in acknowledgement. Leonidas faced away from Tsuyoshi, but the English Brawler heard Leonidas produce a sound that resembled the middle ground between a huff and a chuckle.
The rest of the gang approached Tsuyoshi and his sister. Dan smiled at his classmate and gave him a thumbs up "Hey, good job man!" he looked at Leonidas "You too Leonidas, that was a sick move you pulled there!"
"Tch..." Leonidas grumbled, looking as uncomfortable as Tsuyoshi due to the sudden attention.
"Yeah, well don't let that fluke of a victory go to your head punk." Marduk interjected, smirking cockily as he placed a hand on his hip "Me and Vladitor were just warming up."
"Besides..." Vladitor added, as the Brawlers and the Godrick siblings turned their gaze to Marduk and his Bakugan "If it wasn't for that trick you pulled, you would have been sent back home, Leonidas!"
"Shut your mouth, before I shut for you once again Vladitor!" Leonidas snarled in response.
"Ah, I see..." Vladitor said amused "These humans and Bakugan are not aware of your origin. Of the reason you are different, compared to other Bakugan. They don't know that you are from the Doom Dimension!" he revealed, shocking everyone but Marduk.
Tsuyoshi looked at Leonidas, his eyes opened wide in shock "Leonidas... From the Doom Dimension?"
"That explains why we never heard of a Bakugan like him..." Drago muttered.
Vladitor huffed in amusement "Hmph, well I could tell from the very beginning. After all, I was trapped there for centuries. Don't you see it Leonidas, we are the same you and I, born of darkness. I ask you once again, join me! You and I, we can rule all Bakugan!"
Tsuyoshi glared harshly at Vladitor and put his hand in front of Leonidas "Enough! Leonidas is nothing like you!" he said hotly. All eyes, minus Vladitor's who kept his gaze trained on Leonidas, were on him "Yeah, he may be aggressive, grouchy, distant and not at all pleasant sometimes, but just because he was 'born of darkness' as you put it, doesn't make him evil!" he tightened his fist and then crossed his arms "Now get out of here! And I better never see your ugly mugs near my sister ever again, or there will be hell to pay!"
"Think about my offer Leonidas." Vladitor said as he retreated towards Marduk's shoulder "Find me, when you make the correct decision." he added before he and Marduk disappeared in a flash of light.
Things got quiet for a moment, before Tsuyoshi glanced at Leonidas "So it's true then?" he whispered.
Leonidas struggled to answer but managed to force the words out "Indeed. I was born from the hate and despair of the Bakugan locked deep in the Doom Dimension." he looked at Tsuyoshi, and the rest of the crew "Ever since I was created, all I wanted was to let out that rage, to take my anger out on the other Bakugan. After all, it was the only emotion I knew..."
Tsuyoshi took all of it in. It made sense, he supposed. It explained why Leonidas was so aggressive, especially early on during the first weeks of their meeting, up until the brawl with Runo. Still Tsuyoshi had another question "So why didn't you accept?"
"Huh?"
"Vladitor's offer." the brunnete clarified "Why didn't you accept it? That way you could let loose against all Bakugan, with no one holding you back."
"It... didn't feel right." Leonidas responded "I just... couldn't bear the thought of sending more Bakugan to the Doom Dimension. It's as if every fiber of my being was fighting against it. Maybe it's because of the way I was created..."
"Nah." Tsuyoshi shook his head "The circumstances of one's birth has nothing to do with their nature." he said.
"Huh?"
"Like I said, you're not evil. You may not be the friendliest fellow out there, but hey neither am I if we're being truthful. And besides, the fact that you didn't join those freaks speaks volumes for me."
"Why do you always defend me, human?" Leonidas asked confused.
Tsuyoshi shrugged "Well... we're partners, are we not?" he asked, awkwardly playing with the hem of his shirt.
Leonidas paused. Was it really that simple? But then again, for some reason Tsuyoshi's answer seemed... reasonable for lack of a better term "Hm... I suppose we are."
"I also trust Leonidas." Drago chimed in, prompting everyone to look at him "What Tsuyoshi said is true. The fact that you were born in the Doom Dimension doesn't make you inherently evil. Your actions today prove that you are far from it."
"Drago..." Leonidas muttered, his former dislike for the Pyrus Bakugan dissipating.
Marucho nodded "Yeah, both you guys are okay in my book!"
"Yup!" Preyas added.
"What they said!" Dan nodded.
Runo didn't say anything, but looked at Haruka who was content next to her older brother, and sighed "You guys are okay, I guess..."
Tsuyoshi looked at the Brawlers "Everyone..." he shifted his gaze to his sister, who smiled up at him and then Leonidas who perched himself on his shoulder. His gaze then turned serious, as he looked at Dan "I want in."
"Huh?" the Pyrus brawler seemed confused.
"Your fight against Masquerade, Marduk and their band of merry freaks. I want in."
The Brawlers seemed taken aback by that "You sure?" Dan asked.
"It's dangerous..." Drago warned.
Tsuyoshi huffed "You think I haven't realized? Still..." he trailed off, looking on in the distance "I feel like this won't be the last I see of those freaks, and besides they went and made it personal." he said gritting his teeth on that last part, tightening his hold on his sister.
Everyone was quiet, but Marucho then spoke up "He is right Dan. Masquerade is very likely to go against strong brawlers to either recruit them or send their Bakugan to the doom dimension."
"Besides, we could use a brawler of the Darkus attribute to our side." Drago added.
Dan thought about it and looked at Tsuyoshi. He smiled and nodded "Yeah, I understand... Though we should probably get you up to speed with what exactly we're up against." Tsuyoshi nodded at Dan's response, and the Pyrus Brawler grinned as he stuck his hand out for a handshake "Alright then, welcome to the Bakugan Battle Brawlers!"
Tsuyoshi looked at Dan's hand for a second before nodding, and giving it a shake. The red-eyed teen laughed and pumped his fist "Alright this calls for a celebratory feast! Who's hungry?!"
"I want pizza!" Haruka chimed in.
Tsuyoshi pet his sister's head "Well, that settles it then. I know a good joint. Follow me." he said, starting to walk off.
"Alright!" Dan cheered.
"Dinner's on me!" Marucho said, not leaving room for debate.
"Marucho, you paid the last time too!" Runo protested.
Tsuyoshi shook his head at the noise. But then again, 'I could get used to this.' he thought looking at the brawler's bantering behind him.
Preview: This is Runo! Me and the guys went to the airport to pick up Alice, who was coming over from Russia. Although Dan just had to get himself lost. But that's the least of our problems. The brothers Takashi and Kosuki challenged us to a fight, under the influence of Masquerade. I just had to pair up with Tsuyoshi... Communication was an issue for us early on, but can we fix that? Find out next time, on Bakugan Battle Brawlers – The Seventh Brawler! See ya!